The Belt Buckle Fan Club

School will be out soon. It really doesn't matter much to me since I no longer have a child in school. But, it got me to thinking about Joe. For those of you who do not know, Joe began substitute teaching earlier this year so he's been doing it for a few months now. This has been his first foray into higher education in some time. As intelligent a man as he is, having graduated from Indiana University Law School, you would most likely think he'd go for the older kids. Kids he could stimulate by his witty repartee and facts and knowledge (and useless trivia). If you did think that, you'd be so dead wrong as Mr. Weaver has been subbing for the young ones - PreK up to as high as 6th grade. He has subbed each grade level now primarily being the "teacher" in the classroom, but has also subbed as a "parapro" and even "THE GYM TEACHER"!!! He has been "THE GYM TEACHER" multiple times at a local school which has afforded him the opportunity to have had every child in the entire school on multiple occasions. Because of this, the little "snot-pickers" (his words, not mine and where do you think he came up with that name?) have become his own official Belt Buckle Fan Club. I gave it this name due to the fact that most of the children he has taught only come up to his belt buckle and even with his cleverly disguised suspenders lifting the waist of his pants to their highest level, that's still a short standard for most of the snot-pickers to come up to.

Because of the fact that he has become acquainted with all the children of this school, Mr. Weaver has developed such a following that it is almost virtually impossible to go out into the public sector any longer without him being recognized. In case you did not know, Joe's glasses are "transition lenses" which mean they turn into sunglasses in the glare of the day. By doing so, Mr. Weaver has been given a certain sense of anonymity when appearing in public outside. However, it's when he enters a building and as his sunglasses revert to regular glasses it's then that the frenzy usually begins. Mild mannered Joe becomes the very popular Mr. Weaver who is adored by his fans and introduced to thongs of mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers and friends and anyone who will listen to the adulation's of his frenzied fan. Mr. Weaver smiles and his rosy cheeks become rosier and he laughs a laugh that sounds like a man in Santa in training and glows in the limelight of his notoriety. He shakes the hands of those friends and family members, pats the child on the head and shows a cute little "aw shucks" expression when returning back to me.

When dropping Mr. Weaver off at school, it is also interesting to watch the eyes of the children and you can see the eagerness in their eyes as they see Mr. Weaver emerge from his car seat behind the smoked glass. There is a sense of anticipation in what he may be carrying that blue tote bag he's become famous for. What exciting things might be hidden inside - a reward, a new book, anything out of the ordinary? You can feel their excitement when they lean over to the person next to them and express delight to see him by pointing and smiling. However, there are furrowed brows also exhibited by the children as they wonder this day who will be the lucky recipients of his wit and charm. You can see by the smiles and glee's of laughter that some one's day has just been elevated to a much higher standard. This day will have the potential for being better than they ever imagined. This day can even be better than a Friday!

You can tell that Mr. Weaver puts his all into his responsibilities. He arrives home most days with barely enough strength to put food to mouth. The rosy has disappeared from his cheek like a piece of bubblegum that still looks new, but the flavor was drained several hours earlier. You know he will sleep well tonight. You know the snoring decibels will be louder than usual. He arrives home with tales that would rival the slaying of a dragon, but you know he's willing to return to fight the dragon another day. After all, why would he want to disappoint The Belt Buckle Fan Club in this school or the many others whose halls he has navigated? He tells stories about books he read, questions he answered, games he played, lesson plans that almost were completed.

He too, has learned lessons. He's learned you never offer to help one child hang upside down from the monkey bars unless you want to help hang twenty-something more. He's learned there is no such thing as proper hand washing since soap placed on a child's hand never survives long enough to make suds. He's learned that snot of any color or form can be placed anywhere a child wants to put it. He's learned he is an oddity. He looks like - wow, a grandfather! (And, you don't see many grandfathers in school except when it's time to celebrate Grandparents Day). He's learned he can leave the house fresh as a daisy, but has returned many times with a strange green sheen on his trousers - especially in the colder months. And, unfortunately sometimes he's brought the love of The Belt Buckle Fan Club home with him in the form of a cold or the onset of the flu. But, do you think that keeps him down - not on your life. He's ready for action quicker than you can say "Kleenex and Nyquil".

Why do you think he keeps going back? Is it the money? (Have you checked the subbing pay lately)? I say no. Is it what he thought it would be? I doubt it. I say he does it because it gives him purpose. I say it's because he enjoys what the children bring to his life; their energy, their exuberance of youth, the genuine love of daily discovery. I say it gives him the chance to be grandfather for some who know of no such person, as well as the chance to have surrogate grandchildren since his live far away. I say it gives him a willing audience for his litany of mind-boggling facts and witty sayings. I say it gives him a place where he is the recipient of pure adoration for whatever he says or does. And, isn't that what we all want?

So, some time when you're up town, check out the impromptu meetings of The Belt Buckle Fan Club. It could happen at Wal-Mart, the grocery store or check out the action at CiCi's Pizza. You'll enjoy what you see and it will bring a smile to your face. The Belt Buckle Fan Club arrives en mass and everyone is happy again even if school is not in session.

The Chocolate Ice Cream Song

This is the first song I ever remember my mother singing to me. No matter how old I've grown, I've never tired of her singing this song (don't want her singing too many other songs, but love this one). I think every child, grandchild and most every great-grandchild has had it sung to them. I have a taped recording of her singing it somewhere in my home so that I would always have a copy of her actual voice. But, until I find it, if you click on the title of this blog, it will allow you to listen to someone else singing the song. However, no one will ever be able to sing it the way Grandmother does! And, even though some of the words of the actual song are different, I like her version much better.

"The Chocolate Ice Cream Cone Song"
(words as Mom always sang them)

My mama said if I'd be good, she'd send me to the store.
She said that if I would make the bed and watch the telephone,
That she would send me out to get a chocolate ice cream cone.

And so I did, the things she said and then she made me some gingerbread.
Then I went out, just me alone to get a chocolate ice cream cone.

While coming home I stubbed my toe upon a great big stick.
A little doggie came along and took a great big lick
And so I hit that mean old dog with just a little stick .

Then he bit me where I sit down and then he chased me all over town.
And now I'm lost, can't find my home, all because of that chocolate ice cream cone.

For My Mother, Hazel

Today I've spent most of the day under the influence of drugs as I seem to have developed a head cold in the last 24 hours. And, in between blowing my nose and excessive sneezing I've been doing a lot of pondering on my mother since tomorrow is celebrated as Mother's Day. As a disclaimer to this blog, I would just like to say that though I am in a semi drug-induced existence at this time, everything I write about my mom is true to the best of my current knowledge and belief.

There is something to be said about being born on the first wedding anniversary of your parents. You get to kinda grown up along with them and being the firstborn gives you a certain insight into your parents. I think more so on my mother since we are so much alike in personality. I feel very blessed to have had a wonderful relationship with my mother. We have done things together that have have afforded me the opportunity to have a wealth of memories for the rest of my life. There have been the road trips we've taken primarily in the entire southeast region of the U.S., but we've also made it all the way into Canada, flown to Pennsylvania to visit Nancy's family, Washington, D.C. to get Nancy's marriage license, and most recently her flying with Joe and me to visit with Corey, Nikki, Ally and to meet the newest member of the family, Derek.

It was Charles Dicken's who wrote..."It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." That was one way to describe our trip, but I wouldn't want it any other way. It was a privilege and an honor to have Mom along with us knowing that this was most likely her last trip off to anywhere. I know that I'll look back on these pictures with a great sense of appreciation and love.

My mother has often said that she always felt that she lacked talent and ability to contribute anything beyond motherly duties. And, she has expressed on many occasions that she could have been a much better mother. She has felt an inadequacy when it came to imagination and creativity. Oh, how wrong she was and is about that and nothing could be further from the truth. Looking back on my childhood, my mother was always there for me - caring for me and my needs and even many of my wants. I remember I always had a nicely ironed dress to wear to school (back then you wore dresses to school everyday). I don't ever remember being ashamed of what I had to wear. I remember on the days school pictures were being made, that she took special care in making sure I looked just perfect. My hair was combed and fixed and my dress was just so. Because of my mother, I won prizes and awards for things she'd helped me complete. There was the dinosaur peep box which won me a ribbon at the Science Fair, there was the fire prevention essay which won me a cash reward and I was the absolute envy of my class one Valentine's Day when my shoebox was decorated with doilies and cards. One of my fondest toys was a doll she made from an old dried-out corncob when we lived in Virginia. Using scrap materials, she made me a doll with a stuffed head, round buttons for earrings, striped material for a skirt and drew me a smiling face. (The doll was later tossed into the trash a few months later when she was cleaning out for our move to Japan). Mom took painting lessons, she did needlepoint, she did crochet, she could do anything she set her mind to and do it well.

I'm quite certain that when it came to the gift-giving in the family, it was Mom who knew what we really wanted and somehow we got it. Let's see, for me there was the telescope so I could watch the moon; the pink Bakeolite radio that I used to listen to late night mystery theaters under my covers; my first record albums i.e., The Rolling Stones, Gary Lewis and The Playboys; but, my biggest prized possession was my genuine Barbie doll circa 1961 which I still have today as well as many of her clothes. She understood the urgent need for these desired gifts and they were fulfilled. I don't ever remember not getting something I wanted and I remember that we always had what we needed.

My mom was the disciplinarian of the family. She was the one who administered the punishment, but it was always justifiable in my case. I lived my life by my motto which was "have fun now, suffer the consequences later"! And, I did suffer the consequences later, especially when I had conned my sisters and brother into joining me. But, you know I don't remember her ever yelling or screaming at us, but only softness. I remember Mom giving me so many chances to confess to a lie I'd told. She'd say "I won't punish you if you tell me the truth", but I'd never confess and she would unwillingly have to punish me. I remember my Mom praying for me on many, many occasions most notably when I was shocked by lightning inside our home one time. I remember coming home from school and she would have milk and cookies and a willingness to listen to what happened at school that day. She never had to work outside the home and I never recall a messy or dirty home (except in my bedroom which was my responsibility). Meals were always prepared from scratch since there were no microwaves then and she was always a fantastic cook. I remember her comforting me when it came time to throw away the Christmas tree one year and it was breaking my heart. I remember how she let life teach me lessons she'd tried so hard to teach herself. Case in point, the day I was hit by a car driven by two little ladies. Knowing that Mom was going to be really upset, I gathered items which had fallen from my cigar box and hurried home. The ladies followed me home and I knew I was in serious trouble because I'd not looked both ways like she'd taught me to do. Instead of the spanking that I'd expected, she gathered me in her arms and consoled me and reminded me that that was why we looked both ways - a lesson I remembered after that.

I've always admired my mom. Especially when we moved to Japan. As a child of nine at the time, I remember how she came into her own during that time. My mother developed a sense of confidence I had never recognized before and so admire today since I became a mother. She was only 27 years old when my dad received orders from the Air Force to move overseas. Here was a young mother with four children ages 2-9 who had been born in a very rural section of south Georgia, had hardly been anywhere in her life and was now moving her entire life and family on the other side of the world. We moved off base in a little cul-de-sac next to a little town called Fussa. My parents were able to afford to hire a maid since wages were very minimal, who was also like a babysitter, and this gave Mom the opportunity to explore. She had a bicycle and no command of the Japanese language, but that didn't stop her. She would take off on that bicycle into the little town where no one hardly spoke English and go exploring. She managed to make it back it back home with some exciting story of her adventures, but I don't know how. She was never afraid to try anything whether it was food, trying something new, going somewhere, etc.

After five months in Japan, my dad was put in the hospital because of severe back problems and was there for almost a year. During that time, Mom managed everything. She took care of the home, the children, everything that Dad would have handled if he could have done so. I remember lean times, but I don't remember neglect or doing without. I remember her introducing me to my first real experience at organized religion when she took us to church for the first time. I especially remember her love and devotion for my dad when he was in the hospital. The same kind of love and devotion she has even to this day. This is a real love - a real commitment - the kind of love that serves as an example to me and to countless others.

My mom taught me to drive. My mom taught me the love of reading as I can remember her reading to me as far back as my mind can recall. My mom finally let me shave my legs when I was a senior in high school. My mom loves music - whether it's singing or listening. She introduced me to so many types of music growing up. She's world famous in our family for her rendition of "The Chocolate Ice Cream Song". My mom relied upon me so much while Dad was serving in Vietnam and I let her down so many times. But, she never let me down. (Will we ever forget picking up bottles along side the road to earn Dairy Queen money for a treat when going to visit Grandmother and Granddaddy McGhee?) Will I ever forget the night I told her I hated her and even with sadness and hurt in her eyes, she told me it didn't matter that she still loved me and always would? Will I ever forget knowing how much my mother loved me by forgiving me of things I'd done wrong and embarrassed her for? No, and for those things she made me a better person.

I especially cherish those various Christmas weeks when she and I would be out all night long in the 24-hour stores picking out just the right present for the right person and not coming home until the wee hours of the morning. I loved the all day matinees, the various restaurants and Wednesdays at the Golden Corral so she could have her steak, I loved the late, late nights getting ready for the weekend craft shows or flea markets, I loved her giving Corey his first bath and teaching me how to scrub his head so he would get "cradle crap". I treasure the handmade items she lovingly made for gifts - I've loved our talks about everything and nothing. I loved how she cradled me like a child after Les left me devastated and alone. I loved how she would lay Corey on her chest and how I smiled through my tears when she did the same thing for his own child. I loved her being able to be with Joe and I when we were sealed for time and all eternity. There are so many things I love about my mother. After almost 56 years, how can one compile it all into just a few short paragraphs? I can't, unfortunately.

What can you say about the woman who gave you life? Absolutely everything and at the same time, nothing? How can you put into words what she means to you now and forever and how can you ever imagine what it would be like not to have her around? How great will be my blessing when, and if, hopefully someday my own son loves me as much as I love my own mother.

So Mom, on this Mother's Day though you may not get a flower corsage, taken out to dinner, given a beautiful card or any tangible symbol of my love, I can only say this to you...I love you Mom and am so grateful that you have been my mother all these years. Thank you for loving me.

Remembering Things About Your Dad

I was sitting here mellowing out playing Solitaire and listing to my playlist when a Dan Fogelberg song came on and it brought back memories - good memories about your dad. I realized that there might be things that you don't remember or even know about your father. So, I thought I'd start compiling a list of little known or forgotten things about your dad. So here goes...

• He loved Dan Fogelberg. I still have his favorite album here at the house and I had put some of those songs on my playlist because they bring back such good memories. I remember one time that we had returned to Louisiana from Georgia to pick up some more of his things to take back to our new apartment. When we arrived in Haughton, where he had been living with your Grandmother Nora, we discovered that someone had robbed and stolen several things from the trailer. It was in the wintertime and apparently the thieves had gotten scared off, because when we arrived your dad's favorite stereo equipment, speakers and albums had been left out in the damp. He managed to salvage everything, including the Dan Fogelberg album. There were many a night when the two of us would sit in an almost dark room sitting on the couch in front of the speakers listening to that album. It was always so very magical when this was happening as we'd sit there holding hands or sharing the couch just listening to the beautiful songs. So, listen to some of the songs - listen to the words.
• Speaking of music - his favorite song sung in church was one entitled "Where Is Heaven?". I think Janice Kapp Perry wrote it and the first time he fell in love with it was when little Amy McKeown (Draper now) sang it in sacrament meeting one time. I remember your dad being so overcome by the words that tears were running down his face. That's why I would have given most anything to have had that song sung at his funeral.
• But, lest you think your dad was a softie when it came to music...forget that!!! He loved good ole hard rock and roll, as well as country. The first concert he took me to after we'd met was a ZZ Top concert in Shreveport, Louisiana. I will confess I wasn't too impressed as that was not my type of music, but he would and could jam just like his son does now.

Derek's Blessing Day - April 13, 2008

What a fantastic day all the way around!!! How fulfilling and special it was as a mother, a grandmother and a wife to have been present for the blessing. How wonderful it was to be present to see my son bless his own son and to have my sweet, wonderful husband be present in the circle. I felt as though my heart would burst with pride and love. I did manage to scribble down a few things that Corey said during Derek's blessing such as: Derek was blessed "with strong courage throughout your life", "the strength and ability to make correct choices", "to have present happiness", "to have many friends", "to know when your true eternal mate comes into your life and love for time and all eternity", "able to serve a mission", "to know the joys of a happy life" and "bring blessings for all your family". It was almost more than my tissues could handle, especially while trying to write and listen at the same time.

Afterwards Nikki and her family hosted a scrumptious luncheon at their apartment clubhouse. It was a wonderful time to take pictures and visit with family and friends from both sides of the family.

Grandpa Joe meets Derek

It was very interesting watching Joe in his capacity as a new grandparent to Derek. Though he's a grandfather to four beautiful little girls living in Indiana, he hasn't been around them a great deal of time. So, he's not had a lot of exposure being around small children and it's been both scary and funny watching him with Derek. Thank goodness he's had Nancy's grandchildren breaking him in little by little since joining the family almost four years ago. He used to fall asleep sitting on Mom and Dad's couch and wake up with a baby blanket across him, his hair fixed, etc. And, his calling in the Bishopric as the counselor over the Primary, as well as a substitute teacher for the young children in the school system, has definitely broadened his experience as a grandpa.

Sunday with Corey (and Joe and Ally)

...Then there was the Sunday afternoon drive with Corey at the wheel of our ugly blue rented minivan and Ally, Joe and I along for the scenic ride up into the mountains to see the snow. We left Mom in the hotel room to get a nap after the lunch at the clubhouse.

The scenery was breath-taking and spectacular as usual. We went as far up as we could since many of the roads were still closed because of snow. I never tire of the views out West. Maybe it's because the landscape is so much more different than south Georgia.

My favorite part of the day was standing at the top of a mountain looking down on the Salt Lake valley with my son. We hadn't had the opportunity to really talk face to face in a very, very long time and we did that afternoon. We talked so long, that I at least was totally oblivious that Joe and Ally had gotten back into the van while we talked of many things. We talked of our individual happiness with those we loved and married and how fortunate and blessed we were to have Joe and Nikki. We talked about the pride I had in him as a father and a husband, especially since he'd blessed Derek that morning. We talked about some of the things his father was missing since he was no longer on this earth - how blessed I am to see him grow up, become a husband, become a father. It's was so very nice to have that time with him. I could have stood on that mountain all day saying absolutely nothing between us and had a perfectly wonderful day. Unless you've been the mother to only one child, you will never be able to understand what it's like to be a mother of one. You've never had to divide your love among other children. If something happens to that one child, there is no extra, no spare child. Hence my calling Corey my "heir-with-no-spare". But, now there is a spare...sweet Derek.

Mother's Day is this coming this Sunday. What a lucky mom I am! I love my son with all my heart. How proud I am of who he has become. It wasn't easy for us as mother and child just a few years ago. After Les left it caused Corey and I to re-examine our lives and see where we went from there. I've always said that if it were not for the strength of Corey and our love for each other, I would never have gotten to this point in my life. A mother always wants to be a good example for her children and I feel like I let him down on many occasions. I hated that I felt so vulnerable at times and not a strong person, not counting being his mother. Even from the time he was small, I sometimes would wonder what made me so special to be his mom, that no other woman couldn't have done? I could write a list of all the things I wish I'd done differently - things that could have made him an even better person. How about real family prayer? How about real family meals together? How about daily scripture study? I asked him one time after the divorce if he thought I could or should have done anything differently? You see, I didn't want him going on the "Jerry Springer Show" sometime when he was older and blaming his life on me. He told me that he knew I'd done everything I could possibly have done to have saved the marriage. He told me that I he was proud of me for being a strong person. Boy, did I have him fooled! But, I am grateful that that is how he saw me.

How do I want my son to remember me? Hmmm, let's see:

• The fun times we had going back and forth to daycare;
• That I attended all of his school functions;
• The unusual mother-made packed school lunches envied by his friends;
• Our special trips and cultural opportunities - Riverdance; Phantom of the Opera; Europe; Simon and Garfunkle; Elton John; the Westin's Heavenly Bed; Buffalo, NY in the summer; two week trip out West through 16 states (remember the hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas with the hole in the wall?); etc.
• Tiger Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and working on our Eagle Scout award and getting it!;
• Riding the dirt roads and interstates with the music blaring and windows down;
• Cake cones;
• That I took him to Seminary every morning when he wasn't driving no matter how cold or dark it was;
• I'm sure I'll add more things later or he may even do so, but most of all, I want my son to know that...
• I always did and always will love him.

Happy Mother's Day to me!

The Day We Were Sealed In The Temple

For Time and All Eternity

April 12th dawned as a beautiful day - perfect to be sealed to your sweetie for time and all eternity. We all arrived at the Mt. Timpanogas Temple about 10:00 with Corey and Nikki, as well as Mom and Ally. What a fantastic feeling to be sealed in the same temple as Corey and Nikki and have them be there with us, as well as Mom. I only wished that Dad could be there as well, but since travel is difficult for him, we knew that wouldn't ever be a reality. But, I knew he was there in spirit.

We were very lucky to have some old friends with us there that day - Stan Clark who lives in Ashton, Idaho, Erin and Doug Carlson, Melissa Nickle and Sam and Kris Bell. Almost all served as missionaries in Tifton - the ones who didn't are the newlyweds, Erin and Doug and Sam and Kris. Doug and Sam (Samatha) were instrumental in Joe joining the Church. Elder Clark and his wife served in Tifton shortly after my divorce and they were very special to Corey and I.

Afterwards most of us went to lunch together and got to spend more time together. It was a perfect day, spent with people that I love the most. It was truly a bit of heaven.

Utah here we come...

I made this widget at MyFlashFetish.com.

Sightseeing with Grandmother - Part 2

Sorry, forgot these pictures and didn't know how to add them onto the other slide show. And, I couldn't figure out how to get Grandmother off her side - almost looks like she's trying to lie down - imagine that! These pictures were all made inside the Visitor's Center.

Sightseeing with Grandmother in Salt Lake City - 4/11/08

On Friday, Corey, Nikki, Derek, Ally, Joe and I took Grandmother sightseeing in downtown Salt Lake City since she'd never been to Utah before. She got to ride in style as Corey pushed her all around the area. We visited the Conference Center where General Conference is broadcast, went to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building where we saw the movie "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration, went and viewed the inside of the Tabernacle where they did the "pin dropping" exhbit to demonstrate the acoustics of the building and we went into the inside of the Visitor's Center and viewed the Christus Statue.

Mother and Child

While in the process of still reviewing pictures taken on our last trip to Utah, I came across this one I took of Nikki and Derek which is one of my favorites. To me this shows true love of a mother for her child. It also brings back memories of how sweet a baby feels while in those rare quiet moments. If you look closely you will notice that Derek has his hand securely planted down along the inside edge of Nikki's blouse. How fortunate I felt to have also been initiated into this practice, as well as his great-grandmother Hazel.

Nothing Went As Planned

Ever had one of those days when nothing went as you planned? Sure you have. I seem to have them most every day. Anyway, my original plans for today as planned last night were to not even leave my driveway. All I was going to have to do today was prepare my Sunday School lesson. At 9:45 a.m., I was backing my car out of the driveway. See where this is going? I had to make a mad dash to our local post office before it closed early on Saturday and mail off my certified, return receipt requested travel voucher before the 24-hour deadline was over. This all according to the airline's instructions from last evening.

I came back home and showered after I decided that it would be a good day to go visit people who we thought needed visiting. When we were finally public presentable, we went to the bank for some "quick" business that lasted 30 minutes. Then it was on to drop off stuff at Nancy's and Mom and Dad's - that wasn't quick either. I had really wanted to visit with Aunt Rachel today and had even taken my camera for some nice picture-taking and you never know what you might see riding down the highway. Got to her house and voila, she was gone. Nix that idea.

Aunt Alice was next on the list for visitation. We drove up in her driveway and she was getting ready to leave and no time to visit. Nix that idea too. What is this?! We showered and used deodorant this morning. I even had on makeup. So our next visitation was taking us to Fitzgerald to visit a friend. We took that scenic back road where no one lives and it makes Ocilla seem like it's a million miles away. But, finally after passing through Ocilla and arriving in Fitzgerald, we discovered the friend wasn't home either. We ran some errands, decided to make one last drive by (sounds like we were gunning for someone, huh) and finally had success. On our way home, we decided to stop by Don and Susie's. They had to be home, right? After all, Don just came home from the hospital and couldn't go far? Yes, a second success!!!

I've decided that being compassionate is not an easy thing. First off, there went my sleeping in on Saturday, getting showered and dressed, driving all over the countryside and no one home. Who came up with this brilliant idea anyway? And, to make up for wonderful, lost sleep this morning I WAS going to go to bed early, but that didn't work out either as evidenced by the time of this posting. But, I'm outta here now...

My One and Only Time for Karaoke

Coming home from work today, a song came on the radio that brought back memories...my one and only time of singing karaoke. I was at a conference in north Georgia with several child care professionals from various agencies.

One night it was decided that we would all go to the hotel bar and do karaoke singing. Somehow, after sipping on my diet Pepsi, and some prodding from my "friends", I got up a weird nerve and decided that I would try it and I did. Scared to death I was, but somehow I managed to get through it. And, received comments afterwards that I had done a great job.

The surprising thing was that out of all the songs to sing, I picked one from the Vietnam War period about mind altering drugs. So for your enjoyment, "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane

One pill makes you larger and one pill makes you small
And the ones that mother gives you don't do anything at all
Go ask Alice when she's ten feet tall.
And if you go chasing rabbits and you know you're going to fall
Tell 'em a hookah smoking caterpillar has given you the call
Recall Alice when she was just small.
When men on the chessboard get up and tell you where to go
And you've just had some kind of mushroom
and your mind is moving slow.
Go ask Alice I think she'll know
When logic and proportion have fallen sloppy dead
And the White Knight is talking backwards
And the Red Queen's "off with her head!"
Remember what the dormouse said "Feed your head, feed your head"

Just the kind of song one would think a nice Mormon mom would sing for karaoke, huh? Hey, I was 17 years old and loved the way the song sounded and didn't understand the words. Click on the blog title and maybe you'll see why I loved it.

Comments from the Peanut Gallery

Well folks, sister Nancy informed me tonight that my comment setting had not been activated. So, for all interested commentators, the peanut gallery is now open. Comments, questions, rebuttals, etc. are now available for publication. Remember, sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but words will never harm me. And keep in mind that I'm the one who sends unusual, hand-picked just for you cards when others may not.

The Hummingbird

It was a beautiful morning when I woke up. (Well, as beautiful as it can be when you have to get up at 6:15 a.m.) I'd gotten to sleep with the windows open and the blinds raised and had actually slept all night. (Wearing earplugs helps a lot). Anyway, while dressing for work I looked out the window and there was a hummingbird hovering over one of my wild rose bushes. It was incredible - so small, so unusual, so unexpected. I woke Joe up to tell him and then it disappeared before I had the chance to show him or grab my camera. But, I just knew it was an omen. An omen that this was going to be a fantastic day. After all, how many times does a hummingbird just show up out of the blue?

When I arrived at work I even told Tami, my boss lady, it was going to be a fantastic day because I'd seen the hummingbird. All went well until about 9:00 a.m. and then the day seemed to steadily decline. Not necessarily for me as my day proceeded with the usual questions about insurance, customer service calls from clients, calls about submitted applications, calls from truck drivers, etc. But, for everyone else it seemed as though it soon became a very unwanted day more so than usual. Isn't it wonderful to not be the aim of potential, impending doom and gloom for once?! Isn't it nice being on the outside looking in for once?! It was the kind of day that I even had to go into Tami's office, close the door and suggest that a word of prayer might be needed and she agreed. How thankful I felt to have been the helper this time around; the one who could offer my strength, a listening ear and a big hug. But, isn't even nicer to know that she was there for me in previous days doing exactly the same thing...Offering her shoulders to cry on and her listening ear. It was a further confirmation for me that I am truly at the right place at the right time for the right reasons.

I feel truly blessed at this juncture of my life to be seemingly reaching a little balance in my life - at least between my marriage and my job and that's been a long time coming. Like I said, I'm blessed! However, the next time I see a hummingbird first thing in the morning when dressing for work, I may have to shoot that omen with my BB gun instead of my camera!

For Dad: It's Kermit the Frog

What a special time I had singing this song with Dad this morning and in the past. We've always shared a love of the Muppets and this has always been one of our favorite songs.

However, Dad, you'll do much better if you have the words, so here they are. Just click on the title and the song will begin. Minimize the music and sing along with these words. And, who knows, it might become a favorite of others too.

Written by Paul Williams and used by Kermit the Frog of The Muppets

Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
when wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that
and someone believed it,
and look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing?
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
the lovers, the dreamers and me.
All of us under its spell,
we know that it's probably magic....

Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
the lovers, the dreamers and me.

La, la la, La, la la la, La Laa, la la, La, La la laaaaaaa

Sunday morning reflections

As you may know, every Sunday morning I have to drop Joe off at the chapel by 7:00 a.m. for his bishopric meeting. I then go on to Mom and Dad's house and spend time with them until it's time to go to church. I have become their Sunday morning chauffeur to church. It's a very wonderful and restful time for me. Usually I show up at their house dressed like some reject bag lady wearing some old dress, old thrown on shoes, hair in rollers, etc. I always offer a silent prayer that we're not in some type of accident on the way to the chapel and always make sure there is plenty of gas in the car so that running out of gas is not an option.

Most mornings, I may stretch out on their couch for some more sleep. However, this morning I had the opportunity to spend some time with Dad showing him how to set up his new blog and then we spent some time "spying" on other bloggers and their bloggings. We've come to the conclusion there are some really strange people on the internet. But, every once in awhile we'd run across some very poignant blog written by someone talking about someone special in their life or memories that they remember. Isn't that why we write them...so someone we love can smile or shed a few tears or nod their head when they read something we write? They can say "Wow, I'd forgotten all about that" or "wow, I never knew that before"?

Anyway, after looking at the blogs this morning, it definitely gave me a chance to pause and reflect on my life in the last couple of weeks. There have been so many highs and lows with a very minimal amount of "normalcy". To illustrate this here goes...

The anticipation and excitement of our trip to Utah. The arduous travel getting there...changed flights...stopover in Nashville...l-o-n-g layover in Chicago...late arrival in Salt Lake and finally making it to our motel room at 1:30 a.m. after having to swap rental cars and then driving almost an hour south of Salt Lake...Corey popping into our hotel room that morning and seeing him for the first time since November...later on that morning getting to see my favorite daughter-in-law. Nikki, (remember, my only one) and most exciting and wonderful of all - meeting my new grandson, Derek! What an experience that was. More on that later as that warrants a whole blog by itself. Continuing on...seeing and playing in falling snow...Mongolian Barbecue...taking Mom to Salt Lake City...seeing the Joseph Smith movie again...touring Temple Square...eating at Pei Wei...being sealed in the Mt. Timpanogas temple...Nikki being my escort, Corey being Joe's...quiet time together for Joe and me...seeing old friends - Stan Clark, Melissa Nickle, Doug Carlson (and Erin), Sam Robinson (and Kris)...lunch together at Wings...Derek's blessing on Sunday...luncheon afterwards...excursion in the snowy mountains with Ally, Joe and Corey...Nikki's enchiladas!!!...reading emails and discovering Missy was being brought home from Emory...Cabela's...looking for gifts for people back home...babysitting for Derek for a few hours...dinner with Nikki, Corey and Derek and Mom and Joe...back to the motel to pack every one's suitcases...driving to Corey and Nikki's home for one last kiss for Derek, one last hug from Nikki and one last hug and kiss from Corey...drive to the airport....boarding on time...de-icing the plane because of falling snow...stopover in Denver - 80 degree weather...15 minute changeover in Nashville...running, running, running to catch flight...made it! Crew had saved three seats in front that was perfect! Uneventful flight to Jacksonville...last flight in...barely got to pick up luggage...lucky to have reserved room at hotel or we would have had none...breakfast at Denny's at 1:00 in the morning...slept in until last possible moment and finally arrived back home Wednesday evening. Back to work...saw Missy for the last time...Don put in hospital to have open heart surgery...Johnny put in the hospital with mild stroke...Missy died ...her visitation with Amy, Jerry and Shirley...Missy's funeral...news about Michael Kemp. I've tried to think of how to end this blog, but can't come up with anything witty or earth-shattering so I'll leave that up to you.

Some accompanying pictures are below. Just click on the link and if you place your cursor at the top left hand side on "original size", the slide show will start. Isn't that wonderful?!

http://www.slide.com/r/Ooo1WG395D9_Hau3763QLZBCRYKp2HkD?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

Saying Goodbye To A Friend

What can I say about Missy Sunday? Lots and lots of things and they're all good. Who is Missy and why would I want to say anything about her? Simply put, Missy is a friend of mine and she's dying. She's 37 years, the mother of three, the wife of a man she's been with for about 18 years and she's dying.

I've known Missy for many, many years. I first met her when I was a family child care provider and I used to come into the Child Care Resource and Referral Office to make copies and laminate things. She was working as an intern for the office at the time and later began working there full-time. Since I was in and out a great deal of time, I got to know her and later when I began working at the R&R myself, we became co-workers as well as friends. We were part of the original group of R&R staff as well as Jerry Walker, Shirley Alexander and Amy Page.

Missy was definitely a southern girl. She spoke with an accent that you could "cut with a knife", she taught at Vacation Bible School every year it seemed, as well as children's Sunday School classes. Every Wednesday afternoon she could be seen throwing something together for VBS that night and always managed to have something ready by the time she left. She loved her family! Her family meant more to her than most things. She used to make me laugh with the stories she told about the antics of her family...Her Dad with a baby alligator and the pet deer, her Momma, Matt's love of fishing, Haley hating to start school and having a stomach ache most every day, Hannah becoming a young lady realizing boys weren't so bad and Jamie being the love of her life.

Missy loved to cook and clean and anytime I'd ever been to her home, you could have probably eaten off the floor. She used to bring her ice cream churn to the office every once in a while and make homemade ice cream and it was fantastic. She could also make fantastic cakes and we got to be her guinea pigs when she tried out new ones. No one ever died from her cooking!

She was soft-spoken, always acted and looked like she was in control of her life, she was kind to everyone, never wanted to hurt any one's feelings and because of that sometimes got her feelings hurt and Missy cared for people in many ways - whether through her thoughts, her words or her actions. Missy eventually left the R&R and so every time I went up and down the interstate near Exit 80, I would swing by her home and pop in if she were home. Lately I had missed her more than saw her.

Unfortunately, life wound up being unkind to her. She became ill with leukemia in 2006 and began having to fight for her life. She managed to beat it for awhile. She went into remission in April of 2007. Then in the last part of February of 2008 the leukemia became active again. She went through a study at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta that had never been tried before for patients who had relapsed or didn't respond well to therapy originally. Only 42 people in the U.S. got to be in that study and only four from Emory. She got to be one of the four!

About that time, Amy sent me an email saying she was coming to south Georgia for a meeting and wondered if all of us could get together for dinner the following Tuesday. So, Jerry, Shirley, Amy and I did so, without Missy since the last we'd heard she was at Emory. I sent her the following note to her hospital website:

SATURDAY, MARCH 08, 2008 07:52 AM, CST

Hi Missy:

I had a wonderful experience last Tuesday that I wish you could have been part of. Jerry, Shirley, Amy and I had dinner together for the first time in forever it seems. Though you were not there in body, you were there with us as we fondly remembered you as we reminisced about "the good ole days" when we worked together and about our lives now. We must have done a l-o-t of reminiscing 'cause we were there for almost three hours!!! Wow, that was almost one hour for each of us and just think, you could have made it another hour! Hurry and get well so we can all get together again.
You are in my prayers everyday, as well as your family. Be strong - I love you.

Carol Weaver carolcweaver@hotmail.com
Omega, GA

I was really surprised and pleased when she sent me the following in response:

From: msunday@windstream.net
To: carolcweaver@hotmail.com
Subject: jealous
Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2008 11:42:27 -0600

I am so glad you all were able to get together, I'm jealous. I wish I could have been the. The only time I am not at home is on Monday's and that is the day I go to Atlanta each week. Stop by and see me sometime. How is Corey and Joe?
Missy

I then sent her my response never knowing that it would be my last email to her: Had I known that, I would have said more about her, how my life was better knowing her, recalling past experiences, etc.

RE: jealous‏
From: Carol Weaver (carolcweaver@hotmail.com)
Sent: Sat 3/08/08 9:10 PM
To: msunday@windstream.net

Well shucky darn...you would have been home on Tuesday, huh? Amy had not known anything about you until I told her the other day and then when we got together Tuesday is when Shirley found out. And, I thought she'd already known about you. And, I had the impression you where up at Emory most of the time. Next time, I'm gonna check and make sure! We all decided though that we had to do this more often - every time Amy is down this way we are planning on getting together. I've visited quite often with Shirley, see Jerry occasionally on Sunday afternoons and speak with Amy quite frequently. It was so funny listening to us the other night between talking about grandchildren, our children, our nephews and nieces, our jobs, other people, etc., there weren't too many lapses in conversation. Jerry dressed up in some of her funky earrings, Shirley looked like she was going to church, Amy's hair has grown out again and she still laughs like she always did and me, well I was me.

We found us a table back in the corner, asked them to turn down the country music a little so we could hear better and pigged out on food and conversation. I loved it! It's amazing and wonderful to me that we could all still love each other and enjoy each others companionship. You were really missed. If I had known you were home, I would have come and got you myself if necessary. Like I said, next time I'll personally check on you!

Corey is wonderful. I can't remember if you've seen pictures of Derek yet? Corey called me today so excited. He had Derek fastened in his car seat sitting in Corey's 4 wheel drive truck and they were heading up for a little "guy time" in the mountains. He said he had plenty of diapers and enough bottles and he was sure he'd find a place to warm one up when needed. He was letting Nikki get a little downtime and he was out with his boy. After so much exposure to daycare kids, he's not afraid or too proud to change a diaper and doesn't mind it at all. We're flying out to finally meet my grandchild next month and I'm so looking forward to that.

Joe is doing fine. He did have two places cut off his back recently and they were cancerous, but the Dr. said he got it all. Two more places were cut out this week and we're hoping for the same result on those. He's started doing substitute teaching and it's just changed his whole outlook on life! It's like his self-worth has been elevated and he feels as though he's really contributing to our life. I'm loving it! and hearing about his exploits during the day with the little "snot-pickers" as he calls them.

I finally got a job and have now been there two weeks. Losing my job with the R&R has been the best thing for me. I'm not traveling long distances now, have super great benefits, work with a wonderful boss lady and also for the general manager when he needs something done. I've lost 6 lbs. in the last two weeks from all the walking and movement - that's an unexpected benefit. So life is great for me. I was getting a little panicky as I wasn't finding anything after months of trying, but the Lord knew what I needed and he came through!

Missy, I know everyone asks you if you need anything or if they can do anything for you. It sounds so cliche, but I am asking you, if you need anything, please let me know. I'm a terrible person who does try to keep in contact, but fall short of it. I have stopped by most every time I've been up or down the interstate, but always seems to miss you. But, I'll keep trying.

Hang in there. It's been my experience that when things seem to be the worse, that something good always happens. and, if it had not been for the bad thing, the good thing would never have happened. Do I make sense? Remember, "there needs to be opposition in all things". Take care. I love you.

Carol
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One of the best experiences I had with Missy and her daughter, Hannah, was when we went to Denver, Colorado with Julia Reifenberger to a national family child care conference (see the picture at the top). It was the first time on a airplane for both Missy and Hannah which made it even more fun for me. We all went out the day before the conference began so we could do some sight-seeing. One of the things we did was go up into Rocky Mountain National Park and got to see mountain goats and the gorgeous scenery. Coming home from the conference we spent the evening in the airport waiting for our midnight flight home. We virtually had the airport to ourselves and took our shoes off and lounged on the seats. We made it to our homes just as the sun was rising.

I got word last week while in Utah that Missy had taken a turn for the worse and was being brought home from the hospital to her mother's home and that Hospice was being brought in. I had received an email that Missy had 2-5 days to live as she had a bacterial infection that the doctors could not stop and it was entering her brain. The night after we arrived home, Joe and I went to see her. The following email tells about my experience as explained to the women at the R&R...

From: Carol Preston
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2008 11:30 AM
To: 'rcamarillo@kac-ccrr.org'
Subject: Missy

Good morning: I wanted you to know that Joe and I went to visit with Missy last night. I had been forewarned about what shape she was in and how she now looked, but nothing really could prepare me. My heart felt like it was breaking and the lump in my throat became so large I felt as though I couldn't swallow when I saw and spoke with her. When we arrived, Jamie was outside and we spoke for awhile and then he went inside to see how Missy was doing. Hannah saw me and came over and hugged me - she seemed to be holding up well considering. He said she'd had a bad day and didn't know whether she was awake and would even know who we were. He came back out and told us to come on in - she wanted to see us. I had brought along a Dairy Queen peanut buster parfait as a favor to Jerry. We knew she would most likely never eat it, but it was the remembrance. Used to every time we went to Atlanta for a meeting or conference, we always stopped at a Dairy Queen for a treat - usually a peanut buster parfait. And, each time we completed the provider newsletter, Jerry would always treat us to a DQ treat. Missy smiled when she saw it and said we'd just have to give it to Jamie. I promised her another one when she felt better.
We didn't stay long. I could tell she was very weak and struggling to speak. We told each other we loved one another and we left. My heart ached for her and Jamie, the kids and her family.

When we got back from our flight the night before last, I had to hurry to my email and see if I still had the last email that Missy and I had exchanged shortly before I left for Utah. I had. And then, I had to look at pictures I had of her. I think that's especially why I was so shocked by her present appearance. The only thing that looked like her was her eyes. I just wanted to hold her and take some of her pain away, but obviously can't. I wanted to kiss her when I left, but didn't for fear of contaminating her somehow.

We had another brief conversation with Jamie. He said he was still waiting to go on an airplane ride with me somewhere - a running joke we've had for years. Renee, it took every thing I had to not break down in front of her and then in front of everyone we passed in the house. We got in the car, drove down the road and then I flooded. I knew it was the last time I'd ever get to see her and that hurt alot! When we got back to Tifton, Joe and I then went to the hospital to check on Johnny. Shirley sent me the email yesterday about her taking him to the hospital. He looked good - considering. Anyway, I spoke with Jerry at their place in Blackshear and Amy yesterday so everyone is up to date unless something else has happened this morning that I am not aware of. If you hear anything, please let me know at this email address.

Thanks. :)
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I've kept thinking through all of this - how great it would have been had Missy and her family been members of the Church. They could have such comfort in the knowledge that they could be an eternal family. They could have had the blessings of the priesthood in their home and lives. I know how grateful I am for the testimony and faith that I have of this.
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It's Monday and I received a phone call at work this morning that Missy passed away in her sleep this morning. I feel a sense of relief, yet I feel a great sense of loss for her family, for me and anyone else who knew her. Her visitation will be held tomorrow and Jerry, Shirley, Amy and I will be going together and be with Missy one last time. We are then planning on going to a Dairy Queen, getting a peanut buster parfait and toasting a dear friend knowing that she would appreciate our token of love.
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As planned, we went to Missy's wake. It seemed everyone in Ashburn and Sycamore had come to pay their respects. How wonderful to have been loved by so many and that they would take the time to show that love. We waited in line for almost an hour and a half before we saw her in the casket. Amy and I just held hands and wept. Since she'd lost all her hair and hated to wear a wig, a ballcap had been placed on her head. It just seemed so surreal to see her lying there. And then it was so hard to speak with Jamie. What can you say? What can you do?
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Tiffany rode with Joe and me to the funeral. When we got to the very crowded church, we sat with Jerry and Amy. I cannot describe the feeling that came over me when they closed her casket. Jerry, Amy and I all reached for each other's hand instantaneously. It was as though the finality of her life hit you. It was a beautiful funeral presided over two of her minister's. It was wonderful to sit and listen to stories about her life and be able to nod agreeing from time to time. So, with all that probably needs to be written, my story of Missy comes to a final end. May our Heavenly Father find a special place for her in heaven - maybe taking care of some of the little ones who are missed by their families.

Derek in the Tabernacle on Temple Square - 4/18/08

Can You Say Jet Lag?!?!

We've made it back from Utah and here it is almost 1:30 in the morning and I should be sleeping - Joe is. Earlier in the day I would have given anything for a hot shower and a nap. So what happened? JET LAG! My body thinks it's only 11:30. Since we've arrived home, I've checked the mail, partially unpacked, sorted dirty clothes into piles, done a load of whites, balanced my checkbook, called the car rental place in Utah to give them a piece of my mind - part two will come when I speak to the manager, fixed a couple of bologna sandwiches, reviewed all my pictures I took on our trip, watched "Men In Trees", changed the light bulbs in the kitchen, figured out what I'm wearing to work in the morning (oops...this morning), printed out some pictures for my "grandma's brag book", etc. Whew, now I think I'm ready for bed. More on the Utah trip later especially about my fantastically wonderful new grandson! P.S. I think my friend Maxine says it best.

Go West Young Girl!!!

Well, it's the last night before the exodus out west begins with Joe, Mom and me. It's after 11:00 when I should be in bed. Afterall, I still have to work a full day tomorrow before we take off to spend the night in Jacksonville. So, why am I still up??? You look at the picture and maybe that will begin to explain why I'm not counting sheep. The bed is covered with a large suitcase for Joe, a large suitcase for Mom and two smaller ones for me. They're still on the bed since I'm still waiting for needed clothes to dry. (It's the last load, thank goodness)! You try packing suitcases for three people who are leaving 70-80 degree weather and arriving in a place where you found out it was snowing today. I figure between the three of us there are: 24 pairs of underwear, countless sweaters, 2 dresses, 1 suit, 2 ties, a couple of slips, a half dozen shoes, lots of socks, 2 large cans of boiled peanuts, presents for Derek, enough medicine to open up a family pharmacy, hot rollers, Joe's special hairbrush, pants, jeans, blouses, shirts, etc., etc., etc. And, remember no suitcase can weigh over 50 lbs.

The dogs, BJ the Dog and Blaze, were bathed by Joe today and delivered to Granddaddy tonight. He figured it was a fair trade to swap Grandmother for the dogs. The neighbors have been told to be on the lookout for persons who might want to invade our homestead while we're gone, the money taken out of the savings account, the post office is holding our mail, and I've remembered to collect all the airline, hotel and car rental confirmation paperwork.

I'm sure this will be a memorable flight for everyone involved. Hopefully, Mother Nature will cooperate, hopefully flights will run on time so we can make our connections, hopefully luggage won't get lost, hopefully we can manage to flag down one of those beeping stretched out golf carts to move us from one gate or terminal to another, hopefully the bathroom lines won't be too long, etc., etc., etc.

I could go on and on, but thank goodness for everyone that the dryer just buzzed!!! :) That means maybe I can go to bed by midnight and get up in six hours.

1. 1. Cashier at Hardee's in Valdosta while attending Valdosta Technical College. I had all the french fries I ever wanted to eat; hated cleaning the milkshake machine; taking orders for "erenge" sodas (that means "orange"). Left because I moved to New Jersey when Dad came back from Vietnam.


2. 2. Secretary in the printing department at Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Brownsville, New Jersey. I had to get a chest x-ray there every six months to discover if I'd contracted tuberculosis from any of the patients. You got stuck on the elevator with people wearing masks to prevent them from coughing TB germs all over you. This is where I met and worked with my best friend Ericka (Ricki) McPherson who became a member of the Church. She and I were the only females in a sea of young, eligible males since we were living on or beside two military bases. That's a whole story in itself. Left because I moved back to Georgia.


3. International Harvester - secretary at a business that sold farm implements. If I remember correctly, I left because I moved to Jacksonville, Florida.


4. Holiday Inn as a desk clerk. I did this in the evening out of sheer boredom from living in south Georgia. Left because I moved to Atlanta.


5. Kelley Manufacturing Company as a departmental secretary and then promoted as a Junior Buyer. left due to layoff. Moved to Atlanta.


6. Physical Therapist at Tift Regional Hospital. I can't remember how I got this job and how I was turned loose to perform physical therapy on hospital patients! Scary, huh? Can't remember why I left, hmmmmm.


7. Furniture salesperson/secretary. Got my purse stolen one day when a group of young thugs distracted me and the others stole my purse. The purse was recovered many years later where it had apparently been thrown by the side of the road near the country club and discovered by a man who called me to return the purse. I think the business went out of business.


8. A legal secretary for Wells Fargo Pony Express in Atlanta left for another job. A legal secretary for a man who became a district attorney; Left to have baby. A legal secretary for a very powerful and well known attorney in south Georgia. Left because the man intimidated me everyday! Took me 10 months to get the nerve to tell him I was quitting.


9. Worked as a departmental secretary for Honeywell Corporation in Atlanta. Left to move down to south Georgia to start married life away from Atlanta.


10. First real job away from home in Jacksonville was as lease department secretary for Duval Motors - largest Ford dealership in the U.S. Can't remember why I left, but I do know that I got a job working for...


11. Secretary for the City of Jacksonville in their Utility Regulatory Department. Took complaints from unhappy people every day all day long. Left here to move back to Tifton because of broken hearted relationships.


12. Worse job ever...worked at the Diagnostic Veternarian Lab for two weeks only!!! I unpacked strange packages delivered by UPS which would contain dead animals, dead animal body parts, etc. some preserved in formaldahyde, some not. Watched dead cows being dissected, smelled animal body parts toasted over bunsen burners all while wearing white pants, white shirt, white shoes, white lab coat. Great money, but not worth gagging and smelling nasty everyday!!!


13. Technical assistance consultant for child care resource and referral agency covering ten counties in south Georgia. Later became project manager over 25 child care providers in special Air Force project.


14. Secretary for the USDA as a temporary job for several months.


15. Worked for marketing firm until boss kept coming onto me and making promises he wouldn't keep.


16. Trainer/Consultant for Lakeshore Learning Materials. Conducted trainings and workshops all over the U.S.; and


17. Now I'm an assistant to the Human Resources Manager at a Food Commissary warehouse. (We supply all the items that restaurants use from staff t-shirts to the t-bone steaks and everything in between). We have almost 300 employees at our distribution center.


18. more as I think of them.

What A Difference One Week Can Make In Your Life

I started looking at all the family blogs tonight realizing it had been awhile since I'd posted anything. So, I began thinking about what I would write and then it came to me...what a difference one week can make in a persons life.

One week from now I will have been sealed in the Mt. Tippanogas temple for time and all eternity to the love of my life. What a journey that's been and that's a whole different story to write about at a later time. At this point, I can only imagine what the day will have gone like - a mixture of excitement with me most likely shedding tears with mascara running down my cheeks, grateful that someone loves me as much as Joe does, looking around the room and seeing my son and my daughter-in-law, my mother and loving friends sharing this experience with us. And then the next day being able to watch my first grandchild blessed by my son and seeing my husband stand in the prayer circle while I most likely shed more tears with mascara running down my cheeks. Wow, how blessed I will be!

But before any of that happens, there'll be the flight out to Utah with Joe and Mom with the layover in Chicago. I'm sure that will have the makings of another interesting story. At this point, I cannot imagine what it will be like to finally meet my grandchild for the very first time. How will he act towards me? Will he cry when I hold him because he wants someone other than me? What will he smell like? How will he feel when I hold him in my arms? I can hardly wait to get those questions answered. Three days and counting...