Isn’t this the Truth!

You may need to stop at the women's restroom . . . be prepared!

When you have to visit a public bathroom, you usually find a line of women, so you smile politely and take your place. Once it's your turn , you check for feet under the stall doors. Every stall is occupied.

Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the stall.

You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter, the wait has been so long you are about to wet your pants! The dispenser for the modern 'seat covers' (invented by someone's Mom, no doubt) is handy, but empty. You would hang your purse on the door hook, if there was one, but there isn't - so you carefully, but quickly drape it around your neck, (Mom would turn over in her grave if you put it on the FLOOR! ), yank down your pants, and assume ' The Stance.'

In this position your aging, toneless thigh muscles begin to shake. You'd love to sit down, but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat or lay toilet paper on it, so you hold 'The Stance.'

To take your mind off your trembling thighs, you reach for what you discover to be the empty toilet paper dispenser. In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying, 'Honey, if you had tried to clean the seat, you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper!' Your thighs shake more.

You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday - the one that's still in your purse. (Oh yeah, the purse around your neck, that now, you have to hold up trying not to strangle yourself at the same time). That would have to do. You crumple it in the puffiest way possible. It's still smaller than your thumbnail .

Someone pushes your door open because the latch doesn't work. The door hits your purse, which is hanging around your neck in front of your chest, and you and your purse topple backward against the tank of the toilet. 'Occupied!' you scream, as you reach for the door, dropping your precious, tiny, crumpled tissue in a puddle on the floor, lose your footing altogether, and slide down directly onto the TOILET SEAT. It is wet of course. You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late. Your bare bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ and life form on the uncovered seat because YOU never laid down toilet paper - not that there was any, even if you had taken time to try. You know that your mother would be utterly appalled if she knew, because, you're certain her bare bottom never touched a public toilet seat because, frankly, dear, 'You ju st don't KNOW what kind of diseases you could get.'

By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, propelling a stream of water like a fire hose against the inside of the bowl that sprays a fine mist of water that covers your butt and runs down your legs and into your shoes. The flush somehow sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the empty toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged in too.

At this point, you give up. You're soaked by the spewing water and the wet toilet seat. You're exhausted. You try to wipe with a gum wrapper you found in your pocket and then slink out inconspicuously to the sinks.

You can't figure out how to operate the faucets with the automatic sensors, so you wipe your hands with spit and a dry paper towel and walk past the line of women still waiting.

You are no longer able to smile politely to them. A kind soul at the very end of the line points out a piece of toilet paper trailing from your shoe. (Where was that when you NEEDED it??) You yank the paper from your shoe, plunk it in the woman's hand and tell her warmly, 'Here, you just might need this.'

As you exit, you spot your hubby, who has long since entered, used, and left the men's restroom. Annoyed, he asks, 'What took you so long, and why is your purse hanging around your neck?'

This is dedicated to women everywhere who deal with a public restrooms (rest??? you've GOT to be kidding!!). It finally explains to the men what really does take us so long. It also answers their other commonly asked questions about why women go to the restroom in pairs. It's so the other gal can hold the door, hang onto your purse and hand you Kleenex under the door!

Quote of the Day:
There is no worse lie than a truth misunderstood by those who hear it.

The world is changing….

Ever try and call your local cable or phone co ? If so this should  scare ya.

Finding that you now live on your computer ?

Worried about your job ?

The world is forever changing, but not all changes are good..

                                                                           Simply_me

Quote of the Day:
When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.

Don't Mess With Texas

THREE MEN MARRIED WIVES FROM DIFFERENT STATES.

THE FIRST MAN MARRIED A WOMAN FROM NEBRASKA.  HE TOLD HER THAT SHE WAS TO DO THE DISHES AND HOUSE CLEANING.  IT TOOK A COUPLE OF DAYS, BUT ON THE THIRD DAY HE CAME HOME TO SEE A CLEAN HOUSE AND DISHES WASHED AND PUT AWAY.

THE SECOND MAN MARRIED A WOMAN FROM KANSAS.  HE GAVE HIS WIFE ORDERS THAT SHE WAS TO DO ALL THE CLEANING, DISHES AND THE COOKING.  THE FIRST DAY HE DIDN'T SEE ANY RESULTS, BUT THE NEXT DAY HE SAW IT WAS BETTER.  BY THE THIRD DAY, HE SAW HIS HOUSE WAS CLEAN, THE DISHES WERE DONE AND THERE WAS A HUGE SUPPER ON THE TABLE.

THE THIRD MAN MARRIED A GAL FROM TEXAS.  HE ORDERED HER TO KEEP THE HOUSE CLEANED, DISHES WASHED, LAWN MOWED, LAUNDRY WASHED, AND HOT MEALS ON THE TABLE FOR EVERY MEAL.

HE SAID THE FIRST DAY HE DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING, THE SECOND DAY HE DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING BUT BY THE THIRD DAY, SOME OF THE SWELLING HAD GONE DOWN AND HE COULD SEE A LITTLE OUT OF HIS LEFT EYE, AND HIS ARM WAS HEALED ENOUGH THAT HE COULD FIX HIMSELF A SANDWICH AND LOAD THE DISHWASHER......

Quote of the Day:
If you really want to do something, you will find a way. If you don't, you will find an excuse.

I own bragging rights !

As most of you know, I am a "Mamaw" and I have to do what "Mamaw's do best. I have to brag. Yeah I know, we all like to think that our grand kids are the best looking and the smartest around. I have proof..

Here is a picture of my oldest grand son that speaks for itself.. 

Foo being inducted into the national junior honor society!

So as you can see I do own bragging rights after all ! He is 13 years old and a really smart kid. I wish I could say he takes after me, but I can't. I would like to be able to say that he takes after his mom alone but I have to include my X son_in_ law. Foo has two very bright parents. I am so proud to call him my grandson ! Love ya Foo ....

MY GRAND KIDS ROCK !!!!!!!

Don't Call Me...

I have to admit it, I don't do well when someone is sick. I mean the throwing up kind of sick... You would think that someone who has worked in a nursing department for 9 years wouldn't have a problem with this.. Wrong!!!

And now for the rest of the story...

The other night was going really well until the phone started ringing. We got a call that a new admit was on the way in. I had to start getting ready to admit this pt. It was after hours and the nursing department had to take care of this late admission. Normally the admission office does this, but they were closed. When a new pt is admitted  they come to the detox unit first. If they don't need to detox they go into what we call the community. While I am getting things ready for the new admission the phone rings again. "You need to come and get  So N So. he is feeling dizzy and weak." "Ok, I'll be there in a min."  I was feeling put out because I had to stop what I am doing, to go get a pt that had been trying to leave all day. He was a community pt and had been here for awhile. He informed us he wasn't ready to stop using drugs. Does , "You can lead a horse to water , but you can't make him drink"  ring a bell? I decided to try and finish one last thing  before running out the door. I knew said pt would be ok, because there were staff members with him till I could get up the hill to pick him up.

The phone rings again.. the third time in about 3 min's . I answer it. "You need to come up here right away, So N So is throwing up all over the place!"  My night just got worse. I jump in the golf cart and headed up the hill. I get there and they are walking So N So out to the golf cart. 5 people are talking to me at once. Several want to know if they can come with us back to the unit and help. These are not staff members but pt's. I tell them one can ride with us, but other then that  I am thinking we need to keep things as calm as we can. I don't want to scare the new admission. Then a staff member was trying to tell me to make sure and drug test  So N So and another person was yelling @ me, "Do you have something you can clean this up with?" I stopped cold, threw up my hands up in the air and told this person "I can only do one thing at a time!"  To which she responded, "I was just asking a question!" I knew the question really was, "When are you cleaning this up?"

I take So N So back to the unit. He was sure he is dying, and refused to take a drug test. Hello, what does this say to you ??? Yes it's sad to say drugs do get into drug rehabs now and then. We can not police everyone that comes in the gate to visit. I grab some supplies to clean up the mess and headed back up the hill. Did I mention I had just eaten supper before this all started ? I walked in and everyone is standing.... hear me.. standing around the area that needs attention, waiting for me to clean it up. Let me tell you... I was having a talk with myself as I walked in. "You can do this. just don't breath for the next 5 min's!"  So N So was not just a little sick, he really planned this out I think. It looked like he had lost a weeks worth of food. I am still talking to myself , "You have to do this and don't embarrass  us." I did mentions I had just eaten right ? Well, I throw some rags on the floor, you know to cover it up so I don't have to see it.  I tell myself to think of it as oatmeal, lots and lots of oatmeal. Did I mention I was just a few feet away from  kitchen ? I bent down and started to wipe up the "Oatmeal." I had a plastic bag in my hand to put the rags in.  Wellllllllllllll me and the bag walked into the kitchen and I threw up in the bag !!!!  I'm not gonna let anyone see this is getting the best of me, so I walk out and pick up where I left off..........  After a few min's I made another trip to the kitchen and you can guess why.

I'm not having the best of nights! I did manage to get the mess cleaned up, the floor mopped and the bag safely tied up and put in the Bio Box. My question is "Why do I always seem to get the clean up duty?"  Don't these people realize that when I was  fixing to have my first child I was worried  about how I was going to change a dirty diaper without running to the bathroom ?????  And now you know my "dirty" little secret. I'll admit it, there are moments that I am such a wimp. This night was one of them, but no one seem to notice.

Note to myself, I will not be eating any"Oatmeal" anytime soon !  Signed : Please don't call me........ 

 

                       Simply _me

This could happen !

Never Leave Your Child Unattended With Your Dog

If you are an owner of a dog that belongs to a 'dangerous breed' category and you also have a small child please take this as a warning.

Don't leave your dog with the child unattended under any circumstances.

Things happen so fast and you may not be around to stop it...

Only a little moment was enough for the following to happen.

You can't say you haven't been warned !

Quote of the Day:
For Sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds; Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds.

The Optimist Creed...

 

By Christian Larson

Promise Yourself.....

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.
To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and
too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud word, but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you.

 

I think this is a wonderful way to look at life.... Simply_me

Simply "Amzeingg

I find this interesting because I work in a drug rehab....  I have seen first hand what God can do in the lives of people.

There was once a man named John Newton, a hard drinker and a slave trader that found God and changed his life.
He wrote a song that was autobiographic in nature and still remains one of the most popular songs in Christendom to this day. “Amazing Grace” was the title of that song.

The picture on this video is not very good but I think you will find the history behind this song interesting and the song "Amazing"

“Amazing Grace” was the title of that song.

 

Amazing Grace:
The Story of John Newton

by Al Rogers

(This article is reprinted from the July-August 1996 issue of “Away Here in Texas”.)

John Newton 1725-1807

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound...” So begins one of the most beloved hymns of all times, a staple in the hymnals of many denominations, New Britain or “45 on the top” in Sacred Harp. The author of the words was John Newton, the self-proclaimed wretch who once was lost but then was found, saved by amazing grace.

Newton was born in London July 24, 1725, the son of a commander of a merchant ship which sailed the Mediterranean. When John was eleven, he went to sea with his father and made six voyages with him before the elder Newton retired. In 1744 John was impressed into service on a man-of-war, the H. M. S. Harwich. Finding conditions on board intolerable, he deserted but was soon recaptured and publicly flogged and demoted from midshipman to common seaman.

Finally at his own request he was exchanged into service on a slave ship, which took him to the coast of Sierra Leone. He then became the servant of a slave trader and was brutally abused. Early in 1748 he was rescued by a sea captain who had known John's father. John Newton ultimately became captain of his own ship, one which plied the slave trade.

Although he had had some early religious instruction from his mother, who had died when he was a child, he had long since given up any religious convictions. However, on a homeward voyage, while he was attempting to steer the ship through a violent storm, he experienced what he was to refer to later as his “great deliverance.” He recorded in his journal that when all seemed lost and the ship would surely sink, he exclaimed, “Lord, have mercy upon us.” Later in his cabin he reflected on what he had said and began to believe that God had addressed him through the storm and that grace had begun to work for him.

For the rest of his life he observed the anniversary of May 10, 1748 as the day of his conversion, a day of humiliation in which he subjected his will to a higher power. “Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ’tis grace has bro’t me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” He continued in the slave trade for a time after his conversion; however, he saw to it that the slaves under his care were treated humanely.

In 1750 he married Mary Catlett, with whom he had been in love for many years. By 1755, after a serious illness, he had given up seafaring forever. During his days as a sailor he had begun to educate himself, teaching himself Latin, among other subjects. From 1755 to 1760 Newton was surveyor of tides at Liverpool, where he came to know George Whitefield, deacon in the Church of England, evangelistic preacher, and leader of the Calvinistic Methodist Church. Newton became Whitefield’s enthusiastic disciple. During this period Newton also met and came to admire John Wesley, founder of Methodism. Newton’s self-education continued, and he learned Greek and Hebrew.

He decided to become a minister and applied to the Archbishop of York for ordination. The Archbishop refused his request, but Newton persisted in his goal, and he was subsequently ordained by the Bishop of Lincoln and accepted the curacy of Olney, Buckinghamshire. Newton’s church became so crowded during services that it had to be enlarged. He preached not only in Olney but in other parts of the country. In 1767 the poet William Cowper settled at Olney, and he and Newton became friends.

Cowper helped Newton with his religious services and on his tours to other places. They held not only a regular weekly church service but also began a series of weekly prayer meetings, for which their goal was to write a new hymn for each one. They collaborated on several editions of Olney Hymns, which achieved lasting popularity. The first edition, published in 1779, contained 68 pieces by Cowper and 280 by Newton.

Among Newton’s contributions which are still loved and sung today are “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” and ”Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken,” as well as “Amazing Grace.” Composed probably between 1760 and 1770 in Olney, ”Amazing Grace” was possibly one of the hymns written for a weekly service. Through the years other writers have composed additional verses to the hymn which came to be known as “Amazing Grace” (it was not thus entitled in Olney Hymns), and possibly verses from other Newton hymns have been added. However, these are the six stanzas that appeared, with minor spelling variations, in both the first edition in 1779 and the 1808 edition, the one nearest the date of Newton’s death. It appeared under the heading Faith’s Review and Expectation, along with a reference to First Chronicles, chapter 17, verses 16 and 17 

 

The origin of the melody is unknown. Most hymnals attribute it to an early American folk melody. The Bill Moyers special on “Amazing Grace” speculated that it may have originated as the tune of a song the slaves sang.

Newton was not only a prolific hymn writer but also kept extensive journals and wrote many letters. Historians accredit his journals and letters for much of what is known today about the eighteenth century slave trade. In Cardiphonia, or the Utterance of the Heart, a series of devotional letters, he aligned himself with the Evangelical revival, reflecting the sentiments of his friend John Wesley and Methodism.

In 1780 Newton left Olney to become rector of St. Mary Woolnoth, St. Mary Woolchurch, in London. There he drew large congregations and influenced many, among them William Wilberforce, who would one day become a leader in the campaign for the abolition of slavery. Newton continued to preach until the last year of life, although he was blind by that time. He died in London December 21, 1807. Infidel and libertine turned minister in the Church of England, he was secure in his faith that amazing grace would lead him home.

A fashion Statement..

I always wondered what to do with the purse's I had grown tired of, now I know.....

I am running right out and getting a pair of these shoes to match

the hat

 

Nothing like walking around for 12 hours on pencils.

I just don't get it..I have watched fashion shows on TV while scratching my head and wondering where do people wear these clothes.

I'm a blue jean kinda gal. I do like dressing up for special occasions. My ideal of dressing up doesn't include items that will have people looking at me like I have lost my mind. Why would I want to advertise that fact?  I try and keep it under wraps. ( family member only are aware of this.) And by the way, were do you find the kind of clothing you see on Fashion runways ? I know Wal _ Mart doesn't have the corner on that market. Heck, I even go to the high $$$ stores sense the kids are grown up and still can't find this "fashion" stuff.  J C Penny's and I are good friends  these days! While I am on this subject, why is it the more you spend the smaller size you can get? Come on we all know that if we buy a size 10 in a high $$$ store, it would be a size 14 in the stores we can afford.

So in closing I say:  go to the resale shop,  buy a couple of small items. Cut the tags out and sew them into you  jeans, top or dresses. The next time you are feeling that water weight thing, put on the "smaller" items and wear a smile the rest of the day.

Just a little fashion help from Simply_me

 

P. S.  If you are looking for a new hat. I have several.. keep in mind they may have lipstick or ink marks in and on them  and any change you find in the hat must be returned to the original  owner!

A pictures that really is worth a thousand words...

I'm going  to make  this short and sweet today.  I think this picture says it all and there is little I can add to it..........

We have to find a cure to insure our daughters , grand daughters and great grand daughters don't have to fight this battle, and that my friends is my thought for today...  a hopeful Simply_me

Quote of the Day:

"Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God."

Surprise !!!

How do I start... some days you get surprised with things that are not so pleasant, and then once in awhile you are blown away with a surprise that you never saw coming. A surprise of the "pleasant" kind.

Today started out like most every day. I'd had a bad headache for several days and was slow getting up today. The phone rings and it's my dd from San Antonio telling me she would be at my house in 5 min's. I'm like '" I've  not even dressed yet !" She was coming down to see baby M and her sister that just had surgery. I jump into some clothes and she walks into the door. She and I sat and visited for a bit while we waited for my son and the baby to show up.

"Mom, you have a birthday coming up in a couple of MOS. I have decided you can pick between two things I want to get you. You can pick between an touch ipod or a flat screen TV. My mouth fell open !' "You're kidding, I can't let you spend that much money."Mom you can either pick the one you want or I will just go buy one or the other. " Now I have to tell you  after picking my mouth up off the floor I had to decide between the two. It took a bit of thought. An ipod would be cool. I could download music, movies and all that. A flat screen TV would be wonderful in my bedroom ... Why do I have to pick ????

Well I did pick one, and I am enjoying it tonight. It's not even my birthday yet, but she wanted to go ahead and get it while she was here.

So what  did I pick??????

Can you guess??????????

huh huh huh...?????????

 

Sweet huh ! I am so blessed to have  such great kids! They are always finding ways to amaze me. Today they were all here with the grand kids enjoying my new TV right along with me. Because I am a Twilight fan the first movie we watch today was "TWILIGHT" which hit the stores at midnight last night.

I still want an ipod, but when I thought about it, I knew that I would use this more and others could enjoy it right along with me.

Note to my SO : When you show up next weekend I might let you watch it if you don't hog the remote!

Some surprises come out of the blue and blow your socks off. This was one of those days. God is very good to me  and I need to keep that in mind when I am having a day with surprises that aren't  so nice.

I hope you are feeling blessed today !  Simply_me

A face lift works wonders...

A few weeks ago I posted about a tacky old table that my sister had given me. At first I was just going to throw it out. Then I started thinking this is really old, but it is solid wood and was an expensive table once upon a time. So I decided to give it a new life. I am going to repost the before pictures and a couple of ones where I was working on it.

Notice it is suppose top have 6 nob's. It's seen better days.

The next two are pictures of me sanding it for the new face lift.

After a lot of sanding and trying to decide what I wanted to do I can now show you the finished product and say that I am please that I didn't throw it away.. Are you ready ?.... TA DA....

The new and improved table.

I decide to go with four nob's instead of six. I used some wood filler to fill in the  holes in the center of the drawer. I painted it a  dark chocolate brown and did a little stencil work on the top.  I am please with my new little table. It was a lot of work, but I really am glad I gave it a face lift instead of a lift to the trash. Now you know what keeps me busy. Next I am going to tackle a very large desk that I spent way to much money for years ago. With luck it will have a new life  as well. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I think I might be up to my knees in sanding and painting once again. I will keep ya posted!

Grins & Hugs  Simply_me

A done deal

Well I took the leap. I am now a day time worker. My SO said now I can have a normal life.. My question is who gets to decide what normal is ? I thought I was normal. Working nights is "normal" for me. Going to a day shift will be abnormal for awhile. Stop and think,  do you climb into your bed every night and sleep? I don't. This will take some getting use to. I will still be working 12 hours shift, but they will be switched around. Some people said to me, " you will have to deal with all the bosses now". DUH, if you are doing your job that shouldn't be a problem. All in all I think it is a good move for me. Did you know that research says that working nights takes 10% off your life span. Hey I am on borrowed time now and I think I will hang onto that 10 % ! I am still working nights at this point, but will be going to days by next mo. I am actually looking forward to seeing more daylight and less darkness! So with this said I am off to plan how I am going to use the extra 10 % of my life.. Here's hoping you are in a happy place today!

                                                                            Simply_me

Quote of the Day:
Behavior is a mirror in which every one displays his own image.

What's on your mind today ?

It has been a really interesting week to say the least. I have been working in a drug rehab for 9 years. Most of the nine years I have worked the night shift. (6:30 pm till 7 am) That my friend is a long time. I get paid extra to work nights. They call if differential pay. In the nine years the differential pay has never gone up, but the cost of living has. I am up for my yearly raise this mo and it just so happen that one of the girls that works days was leaving.

I got an e-mail from my boss asking me if I would like to take the day shift. Notice I said I got an e-mail. One of the advantages of working nights is that you don't have to deal with "bosses".  I e-mail her back and said thanks but no thanks. It would mean taking a pay cut because of the differential pay. She replied with an "ok, I will offer it to someone else." I stayed over Tuesday morning to meet with my boss to get my yearly evaluation  and a raise if I was lucky. Well my evaluation went well and she told me she was putting in for the max pay raise. Sweet was my thought ! She then hit me with the moving to the day shift again. I explained that it didn't make sense to take a step down the ladder just to be able to work days. She told me to think about it and she would get back to me. Also keep in mind, I work Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday nights. This would mean that I would be working Thursday , Friday and Sat days. Why would I want to work every weekend and for less money ?

When I went back to work last night there was another e-mail from .. you guessed it "the boss" I haven't talk to her this much in the past year! It seems that she went to the "powers that be" and the anti went up. I would be making the same as I was ( before the raise ) because they decided to go ahead and pay me the differential pay. Now here is the kicker, I have to decided is it worth it to me. I'm not talking money now. I will have to put up with a # of bosses now, and I will be working with different people as well. I still will be making less  by taking this shift. If I stay on the night shift , I still have the raise I earned and the differential pay. So you see , I really have to give this some thought. I say they need to put it on paper, because I once agreed to something like this and after I made the change they came back and said "sorry we can't give you more money.... and now you know What's on my mind this morning. Time to give it a rest  and get some sleep. I will toss it around and decide later.  After nine years it might be time for a change, or maybe not....Life was so simple before E-mail !

                                                      Simply_me

Quote of the Day:
Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.

Kiss me.. I'm an "Irish" wanna be

 

St. Patrick's Day is usually associated with wearing green, parades and pub crawls but it has a history dating back almost 2000 years.

--------------------------------------------

What is St. Patrick's Day?

Saint Patrick's Day, St. Paddy's Day or Paddy's Day, is an annual feast day which celebrates Saint Patrick , one of the patron saints of Ireland, and is generally celebrated on March 17.

The day is the national holiday of Ireland. It is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland and a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland.

St. Patrick's Day Irish Foods

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, although he was born in Britain. Many miracles have been attributed to the bishop, including the driving of the snakes from Ireland. His sainthood derives from his conversion of the Irish celtic pagans to Christianity. He used the native shamrock as a symbol of the holy trinity when preaching and brought the Latin alphabet to Ireland. March 17 is the feast day of St. Patrick, of course.
The custom of imbibing alcohol on St. Patrick's Day comes from an old Irish legend. As the story goes, St. Patrick was served a measure of whiskey that was considerably less than full. St. Patrick took this as an opportunity to teach a lesson of generosity to the innkeeper. He told the innkeeper that in his cellar resided a monstrous devil who fed on the dishonesty of the innkeeper. In order to banish the devil, the man must change his ways. When St. Patrick returned to the hostelry some time later, he found the owner generously filling the patrons' glasses to overflowing. He returned to the cellar with the innkeeper and found the devil emaciated from the landlord's generosity, and promptly banished the demon, proclaiming thereafter everyone should have a drop of the "hard stuff" on his feast day.
This custom is known as Pota Phadraig or Patrick's Pot. The custom is known as "drowning the shamrock" because it is customary to float a leaf of the plant in the whiskey before downing the shot.
St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in America in Boston, Massachusetts in 1737, and is now celebrated nationwide as an opportunity to wear green and consume green libations. The celebration in Ireland is more of a religious matter, whereas in the U.S., it is a festive occasion. The wearing o' the green is a symbol of Ireland's lush green farmlands.  

The Truth About Wearing Green

St. Patrick's Blue, not green, was the color long-associated with St. Patrick. Green, the color most widely associated with Ireland, with Irish people, and with St. Patrick's Day in modern times, may have gained its prominence through the phrase "the wearing of the green" meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing.

"May the leprechauns be near you,
To spread luck along your way.
May all the Irish angels,Smile upon you on St. Patrick's Day." 

There you have it, the history behind the day. I'm not Irish , but ya can kiss me anyway. I need to feel the love !  Simply_me

Quote of the Day:
Your heart often knows things before your mind does.

The Seed...

* If you plant honesty, you will reap trust

* If you plant goodness, you will reap friends

* If you plant humility, you will reap greatness

* If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment

 
* If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective

* If you plant hard work, you will reap success

* If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation

* If you plant faith, you will reap a harvest

Quote of the Day:
"Flattery is like chewing gum. Enjoy it but don't swallow it."

A Simple Plan

I read this online today and thought I would share it with you. As women we are always working to loose a few lbs. I thought to myself this is simple enough that even a "granny" could try it. I am sure that if I will just get off this chair and follow this plan, I can loose a few of the lbs I am always unhappy about. I actually have to throw in a little honesty here.. I will not be able to give up "soda's.. but I can cut back. I can't do the squats cause these old knees of mine will be screaming at me. As for the push up's who's gonna be around to pick my face up off the floor? Trust me, I will be doing this in private, with the door locked. As for the food part, I know I need to eat healthy. Why do unhealthy foods taste so much better ? On the + side this can work. Doing something is better then doing nothing at all, and wishing that the extra lbs would just disappear... I could post my food and exercise  journal online  so that I could see what I am really doing. At this moment it would be short. It's afternoon here and today my exercise has been laying or sitting. My food intake includes A pepsi, healthy huh...

A Simple Plan to Lose Weight By Gabrielle Reece

A lot of people send comments to me looking for a simple starting point to losing weight. We all know that it has to do with lifestyle (eating, exercise, and attitude). You can go online and read countless articles on how do that.

Rather than making it too difficult, I thought it would be a fun idea to create an easy program with guidelines anyone can follow. So here is a basic program to help you get started. I realize a lot of you know this information already, but for those of you who really desire to find that beginning, let's go!

And don't forget, you need to have a plan. This means writing down your physical activities, and keeping a food journal.

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

- 3 sets of 10-15 squats using your body weight

- 3 sets of 10-15 sit ups on a stability ball

- 3 sets of 10 push ups (go on your knees if you have too)

- 3 sets of side skater lunges, 8 per side

- 3 sets of 10-12 bicep to shoulder press using 2 to 10 pound dumbbells.

Remember only do what feels safe and go as low in each move as you can. Only use the amount of weight and perform the number of reps that reflect your fitness level. It's not a competition.

Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Get out there and walk, bike, swim or any other activity that you can handle for 20-45 minutes. Do your best to safely break a sweat and if you can only go for 15 minutes, so be it. Just get moving. You can always increase your time as the weeks go on.

Sunday
Today is a rest day. Now if Sunday is a better day to train, then rest on another day. Create a schedule that works for you.

Food
I'm not going to tell you what to eat I'm just going to begin by giving you a few pointers.

• Keep a food journal. That means write down everything you eat and drink during your day. Try to not eat a heavy dinner or eat too late.
• Eat only until you are full (for most of us that is about eating half of the food we already consume). If you need to, just get it off your plate right away.
• Don't wait to eat until you're starving. This leads to overeating.
• Always carry a healthy snack to help you get to the next meal: handful of almonds, some fruit, or even a mini sandwich. No snack foods (chips, candy, fast food, fries, cookies, etc.).
• Only drink water and your beloved coffee without all the other ingredients that turn it into a milkshake. This means no juices or sodas of any kind.
• Choose your one night to have alcohol if you must, and it's better to have wine rather than beer or sugary cocktails (mojitos and martinis with sexy names).
• Don't nuke it! Make your food yourself.
• If you are feeling really motivated, then avoid food made of wheat (pasta, bread, and all baked goods of course). Be mindful that sugar and wheat can really impact your body weight.
• On Sunday, eat what you want. ( I am so going to love Sundays) This is not a license to go crazy -- this just means that you can relax, and get that much more fired up for Monday.

The beginning is always the toughest time, but if you are serious about wanting to make a change, this is a really simple way to do that. Lets stop talking about change and begin making it happen today.

Go get 'em and good luck.

Bambi dodged the bullet...

As most of you know by now I am a Texan. We in Texas like to do things big. Big hair, Big boobs, Big trucks, Big guns, Big ego's ! A couple of friends of mine went deer hunting this season, you know the big  bad hunter thing. A "MAN'S PAJAMA PARTY"

They went hunting over a three day weekend and killed these two plus three smaller ones. I can't remember how many shots it took, but it was a lot.

Now you know why our cowboys love to hunt. It was hard work and took about two days to recover once they returned.. Bambi was safe , the hunters "dears" were waiting at home.

Simply_me

Quote of the Day:

"The only reason some people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory."

A Simple post from Simply_me

Life is moving really fast these days and I am trying to keep up. I spent the day with my daughter yesterday day. She is doing wonderful and looks great. I am so glad the surgery is over with and she is once again safe at home.

Today I am going to cheat with  my post and do "FRIDAY FILL IN". If I stay online I will be trying to catch up with my life the rest of the weekend . I have too many things I need to finish before heading back to work once again.  Enjoy this wonderful day that you have been given.. Simply_me

 

And...here we go!
1. When I look to the left, I see my dresser that needs to be cleaned off and dusted.

2. My living room is the room that has the best view in my home.
3. Let it work so that I don't have to buy a new one.
4. Nothing is done dirt cheap!
5. Voting is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share.
6. If you have any extra cash feel free to send some my way.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to kicking back and reading the book I started this week, tomorrow my plans include finishing up the little table I am redoing and Sunday, I want to rest because I am working all night!

Quote of the Day:
I’ll note you in my book of memory.

Handbook 2009

---

Health:

1.       Drink plenty of water.

2.       Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3.       Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food    that is manufactured in plants.

4.       Live with the 3 E's -- Energy,  Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

5.       Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer.

6.       Play more games.

7.       Read more books than you did in 2008.

8.       Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

9.       Sleep for 7 hours.

10.    Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11.    Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12.    Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

13.    Don't over do. Keep your limits.

14.    Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15.    Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16.    Dream more while you are awake.

17.    Envy is a waste of time.. You already have all you need.

18.    Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

19.    Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20.    Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21.    No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22.    Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away

         like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23.    Smile and laugh more.

24.    You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:

25.    Call your family often.

26.    Each day give something good to others.

27.    Forgive everyone for everything.

28.    Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.

29.    Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30.    What other people think of you is none of your business.

31.    Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32.    Do the right thing!

33.    Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34.    GOD heals everything.

35.    However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

36.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37.    The best is yet to come..

38.    When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

39.    Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:

40.    Share some love with those that seem unlovable

Yoga Anyone

THERE ARE TWO BASIC TYPES OF YOGA
1. YOGA FROM INDIA

 

 

AND

2. YOGA FROM TEXAS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Sorry this class is full. I will let you know when there is an opening.... Simply_me

Quote of the Day:
Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.

Mother hen...

As some of you might know, my youngest daughter is having some surgery today. Her older sister had this done years ago. After three kids she was finally able to get her husband to agree to it . She is having a breast reduction. Now I am not sure what the hold out on this was other the it's  "a man thing". Why would he not won't her to have it done ? The "girls will look bran new"! Anyway I couldn't be with her today because I had to work all night. You know how us mothers are. I have been waking up looking at the clock every hour waiting to hear something. Finally I called her older sister and got an update. She went in late and is still in surgery. After hearing this my panic level when down a few degrees. With this said I am posting a picture that is sure to make her laugh when she is once again at home. and back to her blogging. P.S. he loves you

 What goes around comes around.

Signed a worry mother hen, Simply_me

Update : after 3 hours of surgery she is in recovery and the Dr said every thing went well. Now this mother hen can stop worrying.. Thank you GOD !

Flying high...

What would you name as a symbol of your childhood ? Keep in mind this is March. Do kite's happen to come to mind? Chicago, may be the windy city, but it has nothing on Austin Texas in March ! I loved getting a kite as a child. It was hours of fun, unless it got caught in a tree or power lined or on top of someone's house.

The city of Austin just had  it's 81st annual Zilker Park Kite Festival . The festival began in 1929 and is now the longest running such event in the United States. The park is packed with "Big" and little kids flying their kites.  Small kites, big Kites.. bigger Kites  and the biggest  kites. This is a combined with family, food and fun for all.

Taking you back in time...Remember your first kite ?

 

There were good things and bad things about flying a kite when I was a kid. You see I had siblings. One older and one younger. So guess who was the one that got to hold on to the kite, and run, and run, and run.with it. When at last the kite was flying high, do you think that I got to actually fly it? Not without a fight! Now the good part was that my dad worked for the electric co. If we got a kite caught in a tree, rooftop or anywhere well above our heads, dad would become our hero once again. Dad not only worked for the electric co, but he had  a boom truck, with a big bucket. Oh the rides he use to give us and all the kids that suddenly became our friends.

So with this said I am now on a mission. I need to find some kites for my grand kids. What a great way to spend an afternoon. Sunshine exercise and fun all rolled into one. The good news is that I wouldn't have to run with the kite anymore. I will hand over the kites to Mom and Dad and with luck I  will get to watch while others do the work !

Quote of the Day:
A thing is not necessarily true because badly uttered, nor false because spoken magnificently.

The birthday girl..

Sissy is 4 today ! It seems that only yesterday she was a little bundle of pink.

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Sissy !

 

Life would not be nearly as sweet without the love and laughter of a child.

The Birthday girl and my one and only grand daughter

Sissy

What was I thinking...

Have you every decided to to take on a project and then wonder what were you thinking ? Well I am among the ones that do just that.

I have this little piece of furniture and I am not really sure what you would call it. It's  something that my sister gave me. Something she didn't want, and told me I could throw it out if I wanted to. It really is more like an end table then anything else. After years of abuse it's really ugly, but I decided I can "fix that"!

I mean come on... it was worth something once upon a time... and it can be again.. Right ? We throw away things rather then try and redo, remake , or refinish. So I decided that I could make this into something bran new... Something "Pretty". Little did I know how much work it would turn into.

 

 It has one drawer. Notice all the missing nob's? Pretty ugly huh? Well I tackled this last night and it's a wonder I can even type today. I am sanding it by hand. My hands or wondering if I have lost my mind today.

Talk about work.! My problem is this: What do I do after I finish sanding it? Do I stain it or do I paint it? I actually think staining it is the way to go, but this means a lot more sanding. So there you have it. Today I will be up to my ears in dust and wondering what I was thinking. For someone with C.O.D. this is not an easy challenge. I want it done RIGHT and I want it done NOW! I will post pictures later of the finished product. Trust me.. it will be much, much later.. Have a great Day!

In over my head  Simply_Me

Don't laugh this could happen...

My worse fears:

My grandsons teacher ?

Planning a plane trip ? 

Can't make the house payment ?

Speaks for itself

I was having trouble with my computer, so I called the computer guy

over to my house. He clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem. As he was walking away, I called after him,

"So, what was wrong?"

And he replied, "It was an ID Ten T Error."

"What's an ID Ten T Error, in case I need to fix it again?"

He grinned. "Haven't you ever heard of an ID Ten T Error?"

"No," I replied.

"Write it down," he said, "and I think you'll figure it out."

I wrote: I D 1 0 T ... 

Why did I ask, because I am....     Simply_me

 

P. S  Remember to set your clocks forward this weekend.

Spring is  just around the corner.  Yeah!!!!

 

My up and coming CD.. it's going to the dogs..

While jumping from blog to blog today ( which I love doing ) I came across Heather's and now I'm a grown up. She has this  clever little ditty on her sight and I thought it might be fun to pass it on. Ohhh "grow up," ( no pun intended ) you know we all copy things we like, well some of us do !!! (shamefully raising my hand ) There are days we just need a little help in finding something to blog about. Say a day when "nuttin" new is happening worth blogging about.

SO YA WANNA BE A ROCK STAR

Create your own CD cover. Here are the rules:
1. Go to Wikipedia.
2. Hit "random."  (on the sidebar of this page )The first article is the name of your band.
3. Go to Random Quotations, and the last four or five words of the very last quote on the page is the title of your first album.
4. Go to Flickr and click on "the last 7 days" at the bottom of the page. The third picture is your album cover.
5. Use an image editing program and post your album cover. I really like using picnik. You can use the basic program for free, and there are many options to help create the look you want.

Here's mine

This rock star thing is hard work

and I am "dog" tired.

Up and coming Band : Salton Sea

First Album : If we felt like it

My brother retired from a state job. After staying home for awhile  he got bored and went to work at Wal_Mart part time. So I am one up on most of you. I can get him to stock my CD! Did I mention he also has a recording studio.. Now if I could only sing....Life is so unfair!!!  Signed "a wanna be "Simply_me

Quote of the Day:
Confidence and enthusiasm are the greatest sales producers in any kind of economy.

If you don't enter.. you can't win...better odds for me ! lol

To start I have to say this post is not for everyone. There are those that will not understand the obsession with a vampire movie, but this is more then a vampire movie. I wasn't expecting much when I went to see this movie, I but I fell in love with Edward and Bella. The obsession has spread to the four corners of the world. I saw Twilight,  then went back and read the book. I am now reading the follow up book New Moon. I am waiting for the  next movie, and I will see it the day it opens. After seeing the movie and then reading the book, I have to say the movie was right on mark with the book with only a few added scenes. There are those that will huff and puff about it being a vampire movie and say it is  something evil. I say it is a love story that is very entertaining and the bad guys (vampires in this case ) are not always what you believe them to be. Keep in mind it is  entertainment and not reality.

I am going to share with you a contest that Korianne @ Korianne Speaks Ya Book Review  is having. Just click on  link that I have posted, and enter to win great prizes! I should wish you luck, but I wanna win.. Ok being a good sport is better then being a brat.. So good luck !     Twilight DVD Release Contest

 

TWILGHT

TWILIGHT

#1 New York times bestsellers

By Stephanie Meyer

A trailer of  NEW MOON coming soon

I am at this time headed to see a movie... enjoy your day as I am enjoying mine..   Simply_me

Quote of the Day:
An argument is the longest distance between two points of view.

Ya put your right foot in.. ya take your right foot out..

Yew Haw.. a new Texas line dance.. and we have Slumdog Millionaire to thank. ?????????????? Who knew....

Steps that will surly get attention on any dance floor

Or this perhaps ? I think not !

I think that I will practice this in the privacy of my own home and hope there is no video camera hidden. If nothing else, it may prove to be a great workout.

Quote of the Day:
"If you could choose one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor."