TIME

Well, Thanksgiving 2008 is now a memory and Christmas is only 25 days away. Where does the time go? How much of our lives do we measure in time elements other than the obvious days, months, and years?

We seem to measure time by what is going to be....those things we anticipate. Turning 16 to get a drivier's license, turning 21 to drink, turning 65 to retire, etc. We get pregnant and we count down our lives in one month intervals until 9 months has been reached. We plan that once-in-a-life time vacation and count the days down until departure. As a chil, we impatiently counted down the days till Christmas.

We measure time past in elements of events......those things which have past, but still linger with us. We count the time that has past when we have lost a loved one by their death anniversary date. We remember those days when time seemed to stand still in our memories.....Kennedy's assissination, 9/11, etc. We can remember certain events in detail when we related them to some special memory of our own in the past.

When I was little and was anticipating a birthday or Christmas or summer vacation, etc., my grandmother used to say to me, "Don't be in such a hurry for time to pass...it passes fast enough as it is and as you get older, it passes more quickly with every passing year." I looked at her in total confusion. How could time pass faster at one age than another. A minute is a miniute, an hour is an hour, a day is a day, a month is a month, a year is a year, etc.

Somehow the mystery of her remark has caught up with me. We have all heard that old addage when we retire..."How did I ever find time to do the things I wanted to when I was working?"
I still can't explain the scientific underlying logic in her statement, but I can't deny that is is not true. It doesn't make sense and in reality is not possible by all laws of the universe and nature.

But is is also a reality. Every year time seems to pass even more quickly than the year before. Maybe we are just trying to put as much as we can in a 24 hour period. I don't know. What I do know is this: "How can it be 11/30 when I am still living in May!!!!!"

ANSWER TO LAST TRIVIA: Under whose administration was Thanksgiving declared a national holiday? Abraham Lincoln's
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: Whose slogan from 1950-1953 was "More Bounce to the Ounce"?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: When I was young we used to go "skinny dipping," now I just "chunky dunk."

MY PRIVATE PLACE TO GIVE THANKS

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving evokes many memories for me including a day of pride, one of my "firsts" and making do with what I had. I am sure all of us have such memories.

When I was in the 2nd or 3rd grade, my class put on a Thanksgiving play, to which all parents were invited. We were all told to wear the newest rage, white tennis shoes, as we wouldn't slip or slide on the slippery stage floor. Since my grandmother thought any shoe that didn't have straps and a sturdy heel was not fit to wear, this school's edict was a turning point in my life. I could as last get out of those stuffy and boring shoes and wear what was the fashion.

Since my grandmother worked, I really had no hopes of her coming to the play. When we walked out on the stage and I saw her sitting in the audience, I was delighted and managed to recite my on line with all that was in me. I can still remember it: "N is for the nuts we children all adore, we'll eat them on Thanksgiving Day and then we'll ask for more!" as I proudly held up the N card in Thanksgiving.

About the same age, we were invited to my cousin's grandmother's house for Thanksgiving dinner. This lady was dignified and quite proper, so I was on my best behavior. She even let me break up the lettace for the salad...this was the first time I was given any "adult" responsibility in a kitchen. You can imagine my pride in doing that.

There were so many people around and I wanted to give thanks for all my blessings, but there was no place of solitude to do so, except...........THE BATHROOM. I went into the bathroom, closed the door, lowered the toilet seat (out of reverence, I suppose), sat down and began to list all those people and things I was most thankful for. It may not have been orthodox, but I am sure He heard me.

ANSWER TO LAST TRIVIA QUESTION: Who was the 1st African American performer to win a major Emmy award? Harry Belafonte
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: Under whose administration was Thanksgiving declared a national holiday?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: May your stuffing be tasty, may your turkey be plump, and may your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump.

AFTER 8 YEARS

8 years ago, my soul mate was still alive, fighting cancer. But we both loved celebrating Christmas and continued on with our lives as if the cancer didn't exist. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday as it was for him.

We had a beautiful 7' tree which we decorated with ornaments we had purchased...ornaments that met something special to us. Once decorated, we lit the pine scented candle, turned on a TV station that just showed a fire place glowing and burning, put on Christmas songs, and snuggled on the couch. What a wonderful memory! All was well with the world.

That was the last Christmas we celebrated in that manner. The following year, we spent the days preceding Christmas in and out of the hospital. I brought a small tree up to his hospital room and put on the most special ornaments that we had purchased. We had assembled the 7' tree when he was still home, but never had a chance to decorate it. It was not the same. I know in my heart he tried to hang on until after Christmas...his biggest concern was making sure my daughter had purchased all the gifts on his list for me.

He died on December 13th. and so did I....well at least the best part of me. I left the undecorated tree up in the house for weeks. I couldn't bear to touch it. Christmas would never be the same for me. For the next 6 years, I avoided anything that had to do with Christmas. My heart was cold and unreceptive to Christmas.

This year a miracle happened. After 8 years, I am in the Christmas spirit and want to participate! I have purchased a small tree (I got rid of the 7' one years ago), pulled out the ornaments and smiled as I remembered my last happy Christmas. I have purchased the gifts and even have wrapped them. I can't wait to decorate my tree, even if is just me and Sheba who will see it.

Christmas is a time for miracles and for love. God gave me love....unbelieveable love for 3 years with my soulmate. Love exists beyond the realm of time. I still have my soulmate's love and no where is it written that earthly things will last forever. Dennis' body didn't, but his love has, just like God's has. The change in my heart is truly a real Christmas miracle!!!


ANSWER TO LAST TRIVIA QUESTION: Kellogg's Variety Pack cereals came in 10 boxes with 7 choices...what were the 7 choices? Corn Flakes, Pep, Shredded Wheat, Rice Krispies, Corn Soya, Bran Flakes, Krunbles SEE PICTURE ON RIGHT SIDE OF PAGE.
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: Who was the 1st African American performer to win a major Emmy award?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: I can't remember if I'm the good twin or the evil one.

A COMPANY THAT REALLY CARES

About a month ago, I needed to have my furnace replaced. I called Musso Heating Company. They were so helpful.....they brought me a brand new heater to use for the night until they could get out the next day to install the new furnace so I would have heat.

2 days ago, I had to call them in the evening because the thermostat didn't seem to be working properly. It was about 8:30. My intention was to let them know I needed a service call and I was anticipating a wait of a few days at the minimum. No way!!! They sent someone out within the hour. He checked the thermostat and told me to keep an eye on it for a couple of days and if it still didn't work right, to call them back.

Well, I called them yesterday and they were out this afternoon. They replaced the thermostat without a question or hassle and all is well. I was very impressed by their concern that I had heat until they could get there. The office staff told me to call them, regardless of the time, if the heat went off for some reason and they would be out right away.

In this day and age when it seems everyone is out for themselves, this experience was refreshing. It reminded me of the days long long ago when people took pride in their products and workmanship. It is refreshing to know that a company could be concerned for the welfare of a stranger. It is refreshing that old fashion standards still exist.

It is a shame that all businesses can't run this way.....they would probably have more contented and satisfied customers and both their business and the customer would benefit from such workmanship and professionalism.


ANSWER TO LAST TRIVIA QUESTION: On the TV show Topper, what was the martini drinking St. Bernard name? Neal
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: Kellogg's Variety Pack cereals came in 10 boxes with 7 choices...what were the 7 choices?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Going bra-less pulls all the wrinkles out of your face.

THE HUMAN SPIRIT

Sometimes I wonder if the human spirit is made of rubber. No matter what, it always seem to bounce back even in the most discouraging situations. It seems unbreakable...no matter what, it remains constant within us. Oh, circumstances test and try our spirits, but in the end it remains, if not in tact, at least presentable until it can heal.

A friend of mine just experienced a break up after several months involvement with someone. Those 7 months brought smiles, happiness, anticipation, and just that old I-can-hardly-breath reactions for my friend. I heard pain and rejection in his voice when he first told me of the break up. Within 2 days, he sounds almost happy. He understands what will be will be. He is making plans for his future, plans that do not include the other person and plans that are clearly not smothered in self-pity.

To quote part of this friend's blog: "Why are people so afraid of being alone? Because they think they're unworthy that anyone will love them again. I read through my blog entry of Friday and
realized I had given someone authority to say I wasn't good enough. I'm freakin' great! Smart as hell, healthy, a very big heart, debt-free, fiercely independent, great face, decent body and kind to a fault. I'm a total catch. Passionate and a little crazy, yes, but about things that matter." Is this a statement of conceit? No way! It is an evaluation of self worth....a statement that our human spirit has given us to cope with situations. This is the human spirit in a nut shell.

What makes us, as humans, bounce back when our spirits are so abused and used that we feel we just can't go on another day? What makes us bounce back up once we are taken down? What makes us force ourselves to keep going when all we want to do is give up? It is the will to survive. It is the spirit down deep inside of us all that pushes us to keep going in spite of the detours in the road. It is the same essence that has spurred man on ever since time began. Somewhere inside of us...way down deep inside us....we know we can go on in spite of ourselves. We just need to evaluate the situation and our own self-worth and take control.

The human spirit in resilent and will bounce back in spite of ourselves and our self-pity and confusion. All we need to do is go with the flow of disappointment and despair, but only for a little bit, then let go and let our inner spirit take control. We are destined, as man, to survive. It is as simple as that. We ARE survivors!!!

ANSWER TO LAST TRIVIA QUESTION: What was the first toy advertised on TV? Mr.Potato Head
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: On the TV show Topper, what was the martini drinking St. Bernard name?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: A house becomes a home when you can write "I love you" on the furniture .

HOLIDAYS: PEACE OR STRESS?

Well, "The Holidays" will soon be upon us. This is the time of the year when families get together and express their love for each other...a time when good will is supposed to abound. But in reality this is the probably the most stressful time of the year.

We all want that lovely Courier & Ives or Normal Rockwell version of the holidays, but they just don't exist like that, unfortunately. Just the fact that we think we must try to make the holidays as ideal and "Christmas Card" picture as possible is probably the most stressful cause of holiday breakdowns.

Holidays mean families......families mean people..........people mean varied personalities and emotions....personalities and emotions often mean strife and arguments. Families feud all year long. Families ignore other family members all year long. Then because it is "The Holidays", all is supposed to be forgiven and forgotten. That seldom happens...a day or 2 days will not change 360 some odd days previous during the year.

We try so hard to make things happen and to make the holidays a good memory that at times we forget about the real meaning of these days and the unpredictability of the human nature. We forget that we can't change people, even those in our families and we can't "order" them to be happy and compatable just for a holiday.

Keep in mind all the people you might want to bring together just so you can eat a meal together or whatever else is done to celebrate the holidays. Is the risk of an uncomfortable gathering worth it all? Probably not.

What to do then? Just limit your expectations a little and let the holidays run their course. Don't try so hard to make things ideal and perfect. Just let things happen as they will. Most of all lower your stress levels so that you can actually enjoy "The Holidays".



ANSWER TO LAST TRIVIA QUESTION: What TV show character always said, Well, I'll be a dirty bird…? George Gobel
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: What was the first toy advertised on TV?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: I’m having an out of money experience

SMILES

A smile is probably one of the most pleasant gestures we use to express emotions. There are all kinds of smiles and all generally produced the same effect....a smile in return.

Here are a few types of smiles:
1. A smile we use as a greeting when we pass someone on the street.
2. A smile that opens the lips to release a full fledged burst of laughter when something becomes hilarious to us.
3. A smile that is intimate between 2 people....watch 2 people in love as they look at each other across the room and silently smile, telling the other one of their love for them.
4. A cock-eyed smile that we use when we get caught doing something and we then try to look innocent
5. A lop-sided smile that is more of a smirk as only one side of the upper lip is raised. This kind of smile is usually sarcastic.
6. A forced smile when we are down and someone says "smile" and we try our best to oblige them.
7. A phony-trying to be spontaneous smile when are posing for a picture.
8. A forced smile accompanied by a toss of the head as we half-heartedly agree with someone
9. A smile that reflects evil like when the villian ties the lovely and helpless woman to the railroad tracks.

But the best smile in the world belongs to a baby. Watch them when they begin to form that smile. You can almost see the smile starting to form at the curves of their mouths as the mind translates the thought into an action. Then the eyes get into the act.....they begin to twinkle. Sometimes the entire body responds to the up-coming smile by wiggling. And then all of a sudden, the smile explodes on that baby's face, radiating, contagious. It is the purest and most innocent and most spontaneous smile in the world. A baby will put so much effort into a smile while appearing to make it look so effortless. There are so many free-bees that God gives us and personally, I think a baby's smile is one of those at the top of the list.


ANSWER TO LAST TRIVIA QUESTION: What is the definition of the slang term, "peepers"? eye glasses
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: What TV show character always said, Well, I'll be a dirty bird…?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: You know you are old if your mind makes contracts your body can't keep.

SUMMER IN NOVEMBER??

Here it is : November 4, 2008 and you would never have known that if you were just relying on the weather outside. We are 23 days away from Thanksgiving and 51 days from Christmas and the temperature outside is 67 degrees.....a perfect day temperature-wise.

I can hear the sounds of summer outside: children laughing, parents talking and sometimes yelling at their children, and lawn mowers running. I made sure my furnace was shut down as I have had to use it in the past weeks. My doors are wide open and I can feel the crisp freshness of autumn flowing through them.

Buffalo has taken the rap as being the Snow Capitol of the World. It is about time that erroneous title be removed. Sure we have snow and lots of it at times, but it only lasts for a few months. We have wonderous springs, summers, and autumns. At times our weather is better than that of Florida. Where else can you experience such a glorious and uncharactertic day like this other than Buffalo.

We Buffaloians are adaptable to what snow we get. We can muddle through a storm and even a blizzard here and there. We adjust to the colder temperatures. We are glad we do not have to deal with nature's other unpredictable wraths such as hurricanes, tornados, floods, earthquakes, etc. Give me a snowstorm over those any day. Give me a day like this anytime.......67 degrees.......now I am sorry I put my grill up for the winter.....a hamburger grilled outside would taste wonderful.



ANSWER TO LAST TRIVIA QUESTION: What was the theme song for the Roy Rogers TV show? Happy Trails to You
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: What is the defination of the slang term, "peepers"?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Life begins at 50. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out.

MAGIC CHEMICALS

Today the pool was closed because the water was too cloudy and they had to treat it with chemicals. Wouldn't it be nice if, when we get "cloudy", someone would shut us down and treat us with a chemical to make us clear again?

If only someone would just shut us down when we are angry or bitter or vengeful or nasty in every sense of the word. Wouldn't it be wonderful if, by some magic solution, we could be made clear again by someone else? It would, however, make us less answerable and less determined to change our negative ways.

But we do not grow by letting someone else do our dirty work for us. Instead of letting someone wash over us a solution that would clear the anger we fell, we need to confront that anger and find our own solution to turn that negativity into positivity.

Instead of letting someone wash over us a solution that would clear us of our bitterness, we have to look inside ourselves and see where that bitterness is coming from and then forgive the source of the bitterness.

Instead of letting someone wash over us a solution that would clear us of our vengefulness, we have to let go of our self-centerness and look at the other person and put ourselves in their places before we seek to get even.

Instead of letting someone wash over us a soluton that would clear us of nastiness, we have to stop and ask ourselves if the situation warrents us deliberately hurting someone else.

Even though we can't go to the store and buy that magic solution, we do have it within our grasps. We all have the capacity to think and feel and make decisions that will effect us and those around us. So next time you want to become angry or seek vengence or fall prey to bitterness or feel the urge to be nasty, pull out that gallon jug of self control and reasoning and douse yourself with it til you are are clean and clear again.

ANSWER TO LAST TRIVIA QUESTION: Who was better known as "Mr. Television"? Milton Berle
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: What was the theme song for the Roy Rogers TV show?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: I haven't lost my mind---it's backed up on a disk somehwere.

FEET

Today I was sitting on the couch with my feet up. I glanced down and started to wiggle my toes. It was then it hit me....Feet are ugly!! Toes are ugly!!

There are so many parts of the human body that are considered beautiful, depending on your tastes......the eyes, the breasts, the tush, the legs, the hands, etc. But take a good look at your feet and toes.

The feet look like some flatten pancake attached to your legs. The toes just sit there and look useless. They are these silly looking appendatures protruding from the pancake. They remind me of the toy, weebles. They wobble, but they don't fall down. They look like fat stick people without arms or legs.

They have no personality. They have nothing that makes one want to look at them. They have nothing that is actually sex appealing (unless you have a foot fetish). Oh, one can try to make them appealing.....painting the toe nails, wearing toe rings, and even getting a tatoo on your ankle to draw attention to your feet. But in the end they are still ugly.

I know that the reason one wears shoes and socks is to protect the feet and keep them warm, but personally I think the reason is to hide the toes and feet from the vision. So I am going to put on a pair of footies and try to forget about those ugly attachments at the end of my legs.

ANSWER TO LAST RIVIA QUESTION: Who asked, "Why's everybody always pickin' on me?" The Coasters on their song, "Charlie Brown"
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: Who was better known as "Mr. Television"?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Daylight savings time --- why are they saving it and where do they keep it?