Who Am I, Really?

Your Career Personality: Brainy, Logical, and Efficient

Your Ideal Careers: Archeologist Astronomer Book editor Business manager Civil engineer Designer Economist Inventor Judge Scientist

The Quick and Dirty Career Test

You Are From Pluto

You are a dark, mysterious soul, full of magic and the secrets of the universe. You can get the scoop on anything, but you keep your own secrets locked in your heart. You love change and you use it to your advantage, whether by choice or chance. You don't like to compromise, to the point of being self-destructive with your stubborness. Live life with love, and your deep powers will open the world to you.

What Planet Are You From?

You Don't Need Extra Attention

You're perfectly happy with who you are, and you don't need attention to feel good about yourself. You prefer to let your actions and accomplishments speak for themselves. Working hard to get people to like you is your idea of a nightmare. You've got a lot going on, and anyone with half a brain will notice that on their own! You come across as: Confident and serious People may wrongly think you're: Stuck up and shy

Are You An Attention Whore?

You Are 77% Creative

You are beyond creative. You are a true artist - even if it's not in the conventional sense of the word. You love creating for its own sake, and you find yourself quite inspired at times.

How Creative Are You?

You Are Fairly Normal

You scored 50% normal on this quiz Like most people you are normal in some ways... But you aren't a completely normal person. You're a little weird too! Why You Are Normal: You'd rather have rats than cockroaches in your home You prefer fiction to non fiction You think glasses can make someone more attractive You rather be screwed over than screw someone else over If you had to, you rather live without music and still have laughter Why You Aren't Normal: You prefer your family to your friends You prefer the moon to the sun You prefer a good nap to a good meal You would rather be a movie star than an astronaut You would rather be tan than pale

What's Normal About You... And What's Not?

You Have Your PhD in Men

You understand men almost better than anyone. You accept that guys are very different, and you read signals well. Work what you know about men, and your relationships will be blissful.

How Well Do You Understand Men?

To Die for...

The day is georgeous- sunny, breeze, and comfortable, although the desktop says it is 80 degrees. It doesn't feel like 80. I really need to be cutting my yard but I've been trying to help Becca clean the new apartment to get it ready to move in by the 30th.

It is my sister's property and her tenant abandoned the unit a couple of months ago. Dave and Becca want to rent it now, although it is a one bedroom and small. Sarah won't sleep in her own bed anyway so it doesn't matter much. It will save them money for a year, if they are careful and save. Right.

We ripped the carpet up in the bedroom. The previous tenant had a cat and a dog and I swear she kept them locked in there when she went to work. It smelled of cat and when we pulled up the carpet, the smell of urine was horrible. The woman was a pig..My sister will have to put new flooring down. The hardwood floor below would require too much work at the moment. She can't afford it. So, we'll have to clean it and find some tile to put on it until later. Anyone have a fast, easy way to clean a floor that has glue and dirt on it? It is a shame because structurally, the floor is good. Refinished it would be a hardwood beauty.

I am not getting things done, you know. I just have no motivation and I think it is because someone always needs something and I'm the sap who says, "I'll help."

I am off the last week of the month and I am hoping I can do NOTHING! Yes, nothing but what I want to do. We will see. Dave and Becca will be moving that week and I will probably have Sarah a lot but that is a small thing. What I really need is to go somewhere. Of course one needs transportation for that and I have none.

I am going now. The sun is calling.

A Rose By Any Other Name

I find these things rather interesting and usually not even close to the mark. This one, however, is weirdly accurate. My friend, Sheila, posted her's on her blog and I found it so interesting I tried my own name.

What you read here is actually true about me, even the negative parts!
Here is the result. I have deliberately not posted my name. The site address is at the bottom of the page.

My Name Means:

There are 16 letters in your name.
Those 16 letters total to 83
There are 5 vowels and 11 consonants in your name.

What your first name means:

Greek

Female

Of Cynthus (Mount Cynthus on the island of Delos). Famous bearer: Cynthia was one of the names of the mythological moon goddess Artemis, referring to her birth on Mount Cynthus.

Your number is: 11

The characteristics of #11 are: High spiritual plane, intuitive, illumination, idealist, a dreamer.

The expression or destiny for #11:
Your Expression number is 11. The number 11 is the first of the master numbers. It is associated with idealistic concepts and rather spiritual issues. Accordingly, it is a number with potentials that are somewhat more difficult to live up to. You have the capacity to be inspirational, and the ability to lead merely by your own example. An inborn inner strength and awareness can make you an excellent teacher, social worker, philosopher, or advisor. No matter what area of work you pursue, you are very aware and sensitive to the highest sense of your environment. Your intuition is very strong; in fact, many psychic people and those involved in occult studies have the number 11 expression. You possess a good mind with keen analytical ability. Because of this you can probably succeed in most lines of work, however, you will do better and be happier outside of the business world. Oddly enough, even here you generally succeed, owing to your often original and unusual approach. Nonetheless, you are more content working with your ideals, rather than dollars and cents.

The positive aspect of the number 11 expression is an always idealistic attitude. Your thinking is long term, and you are able to grasp the far-reaching effects of actions and plans. You are disappointed by the shortsighted views of many of your contemporaries. You are deeply concerned and supportive of art, music, or of beauty in any form.

The negative attitudes associated with the number 11 expression include a continuous sense of nervous tension; you may be too sensitive and temperamental. You tend to dream a lot and may be more of a dreamer than a doer. Fantasy and reality sometimes become intermingled and you are sometimes very impractical. You tend to want to spread the illumination of your knowledge to others irrespective of their desire or need.

Your Soul Urge number is: 7

A Soul Urge number of 7 means:
With a number 7 Soul Urge you are very fond of reading, and retreating to periods of being alone and away from the disruptions of the outer world. You like to dream and develop you idealistic understandings, to study and analyze, to gain knowledge and wisdom. You may be too laid back and withdrawn to really succeed in the business world, and you will be much more comfortable in circumstances that are tolerant of your reserve, your analytical approach, and your desire to use your mind rather than your physical being.

You are very timid around people that you don't know very well, so much so at times that casual conversation and social situations can be strained. You tend to repress your emotions to the extend that some people have a good bit of difficult understanding you. You tend to be very selective with friends and you don't easily adapt to new environments or to new people very quickly.

The negative traits of the 7 include becoming too much the introvert and isolated from others.

Your Inner Dream number is: 4

An Inner Dream number of 4 means:
You dream of being a very solid citizen that people can depend upon. You strive for organization and predictable order. You want to be recognized as a person with a plan and the discipline to make that plan work like clockwork.

Copyright © 2006 Paul R. Sadowski (http://www.paulsadowski.com)

Adios

I found the following article interesting. Fewer Latino Immigrants Send Money Home. Could it be that pulling in the welcome mat, tougher stance on immigration enforcement, and loud Citizen voices are making an impact? I certainly hope so.

What I suspect, however, is that the problems with our economy IS only just beginning and the illegals, like the citizens are feeling the impact. I didn't mention it before because I had to think about it, but if, in fact, Congress decided to legalize the several million illegals you can watch for the following to happen.

Welfare rolls for food stamps and aid to dependent children will balloon
Medicaid rolls will explode
Government housing rolls will explode.
Violent crime will escalate in response to critical shortages.

There will be more spent on these items than is being spent right now. And it is an unending cycle. Anyone who thinks this is a good idea, well, be prepared for astronomical tax hikes to the middle class. Expect more homeless legal Americans citizens. Those currently on these rolls will be pushed off over time and replaced by the "new illegal citizens".

Please understand me when I say I have no complaint with those who come to this country legally and make the effort to gain their citizenship. I do think we have a policy that is far to liberal because we can no longer support those who live here. But if you legally arrived on our shores, I respect your honesty and wish you the best in attaining your goal of becoming a citizen.

You should be aware that you will join the millions of American citizens who will pay for the expenses of the illegal immigrants.

Mothers' Day

Happy Mother's Day to the all the woman in this most nobel profession. I hope you all have the a day filled with happiness with those who appreciate all your sacrifices.

I'll try and write more later. I have my aunt, uncle and youngest sister visiting this weekend and so I have been busy visiting.

Mirrors

I don't usually post directly to this blog. It is basically a mirror of my Multiply blog and serves as an emergency backup in case of something failing. So sometimes, things I say about people on my list in this blog are actually contacts on that blog.

Multiply has the capacity to allow you to post to a Multiply blog and simultaneously post to Blogger. Multiply also allows cross posting to Wordpress and a few other blogging sites. It is a nice feature.

I have a Yahoo 360 blog but it is being phased out because Yahoo is no longer providing customer service to 360. There are glitches that result in lost posts, readers are unable to access a blog to read it or comment on it, comments are lost or post multiple times. Not sure how many are members of 360 but I know there are a lot fewer.

At any rate, if something is confusing in a post, more than likely, it is something that is on Multiply. There is a link to that site if you want to visit. I have a lot of other things on that site. Videos, photos, stories, essays, and a blog. Drop by and take a look.

Rain and the End of a Day

Rain has once again kept the day dark and gloomy. I have been miserable all day. I can barely talk, I am so hoarse. My cold is not as bad but I can't get the hoarseness to go away. And I am tired. I am going to bed early tonight. I have to get more sleep. It is just that there is so much to do and I don't ever seem to get a moment to relax except when I am online.

I saw that Ms. Clinton won Indiana and Mr. Obama won N. C. Not surprising in either instance. Indiana was a Clinton state when Bill ran. I don't think that with the current crop of candidates that it will be a win for the nation, no mater which one is elected.

We, as a nation, are reaching critical mass economically, morally, and socially. We have opened too many doors, spent too much money on worthless causes, ungrateful countries, and enemies and we've failed to invest in the country and our own people. My opinion is that it is too late. An injured body can bleed only so long before it lapses into a coma. We're there. If it continues to bleed, the body dies. Someone should pick the flowers. Our enemies will rejoice. Our leches will mourn but they'll also starve to death because they can't make it on their own. Our friends abandoned us long ago so they could hedge their bets.

Frankly, I don't think we ever had many friends. A friend with their hand is out is no friend at all. The most common emotion toward America is jealousy and resentment. No nation should be allow to be so successful, so wealthy, so self sufficient. Makes people mad. And we're arrogant about it too. Well, if you have it, you have it and if you don't you hate those who do. We've been generous to the needy and to the jerks.. A lot of people fought and died to insure this nation and secure it for us citizens. And we've blown it in less than 100 years.

Now, wasn't that a very negative message? So, I've not optimistic.

Ok, I think that is dark enough for today.

A Day Off

As you can see from my welcome box, I am listed on the Million Blog List. You should check it out and list your blog. It is a Wiki to see how long it will take to list a milliion blogs. Interesing, if nothing else.

I have spent the entire day working in the yard and cleaning house. I have company coming this weekend for my sister's graduation from college. I had my son's mother-in-law come and clean the house for me while I did other things. My house is sooooo clean. The woman is absolutely amazing with a few cleaning items! Everything smells clean!

Becca cut the lawn and I played with Sarah, did laundry and cleaned the study - my personal sanctuary. I put away my winter clothes and have several things still to do but it will have to be done when I come in from work the rest of this week.

My car is on the fritz so I'm stranded at the moment. Not sure what is happening. I hope to have it fixed tomorrow.

My cold is better but Mike now has it and Sarah is still recovering. I am still hoarse and cough a bit but much better than I was a day or so ago. Nasty bug this one.

It is late and I am dog tired. I hurt all over and am dreading getting up in the morning. I never know how it will affect me! Will I have minimal pain? Will I be in unbearable pain? Will I be bad but get better or will I be good and get worse? Makes my head hurt juist thinking about it.

But my house is so clean!

Praise Break

I went to church last night and it was a wonderful service. Amazing how refreshed you feel after you have bathed in a pool of worship. The visiting missionary was Bro & Sis. Turner ( I can't remember their first names). They are on their way back to Ireland. His message was Take a Praise Break. He said the studies revealed that employees who are given two coffee breaks a day, actually produce more. He said next time, take a praise break!

He also said something profound that I never thought of before. In answer to the question, Why would God want us to worship him? He said that only an inferior being can give worship. God can't worship himself so he created humans. We, our souls, worship God because the soul is aware of his majesty.

In light of that, the Rev. Oprah's new religion makes sense for those seeking to hide their evil deeds by eliminating God. It demotes God and removes his majesty. When a soul is corrupt, it looks for a place to hide from the eye of God. This new fad makes man the deity and removes the need to worship anyone but self. It convinces the human heart (seat of evil) that the all seeing eye is now closed. Sin is gone because there is no one to judge it. And since there is no sin in this religion, absolutely nothing you do is wrong. You can be a child molester and you're just fine? Wonder how she is going to reconcile all the evil in the world? Because if you don't have a judge and there is no law there is NO WRONG DOING. Yeah, that sounds like a place I want to live and have my granddaughter grow up in! NOT. Incidentally, this is not a religion, folks. Religion is based on the concept of a deity. This is based on self-actualization. It is not a religion. It is a club. I gotta wonder what the eternal perks are.

Well, I'm taking my praise break now. Glory and honor and power be to the most high God. No weapon formed against Him shall prosper. Bless the Lord and let His name be known to the far corners of the world. May all who hear His name desire to seek His face.

King David always says it better than me:

Psalms 18
31 For who is God, except the LORD?
And who is a rock, except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places.
46 The LORD lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted.
Psalms 63
3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
Psalms 86
8 Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord;
Nor are there any works like Your works.
9 All nations whom You have made
Shall come and worship before You, O Lord,
And shall glorify Your name.
10 For You are great, and do wondrous things;
You alone are God.

Break's over. Amen

Week End!

It has been a busy week and actually, a fairly good one. The weather had been nice and I've been relatively pain free. Work was very busy and hectic all week and I came home tired most night but there is no rest for the weary. I had company nearly ever evening until nearly 10. Last night was the first night this week I could call my own. I ate supper and read a bit but I still was midnight getting to bed. Just can't seem to break that cycle.

Tonight, I am hoping for a repeat!

Alice emailed me wondering where I was and saying she was suffering withdrawal because I had not posted anything lately. I tell you, I've just been so tired I couldn't think of anything at all. This post is apt to be so boring you'll fall asleep in about 10 words.

It has rained all day here and I suspect that means that the yard work for tomorrow is a no go. I still have a couple of hedges to clear and the grass will need another mowing. But with all this wet, it will be impossible. Typical.

I am going to try and finish a chapter of Mist, Alice. I began working on it this week, actually. I know you have missed it. I seem to have fallen into a slump for several months now and it has been difficult to break out. But I am putting an extra effort into it.

Well, the pizza has arrived and I am going to pop it in the oven. Store bought, not delivery. I'll be back later, I am sure.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off To Work I Go!

The weather turned cold overnight last night and I had to close the windows. Tonight, I've had to close the windows and turn on the heat. The wind is out of the north and quite chilly. It is 53 degrees. I just got home from church, got my bath and while my hair is drying, I am writing this post.

The weekend has come to a close and I am exhausted and having problems with pain. I did too much, I fear. I worked yesterday in my yard, raking the grass and bagging it, and cutting the overgrown hedges down and dragging it to the street to be hauled away.

I still have three hedges left and a truck load of cuttings but I did as much as I could. Some of the limbs had grown to a three inches in diameter because I was not able to cut them last year. My oldest son came out to help when my daughter-in-law shamed him into it. Little Sarah helped with bagging the grass and her mommie helped and hauled them to the street too. My yard looks so much better so I can deal with the side effects. My younger son says he will come and haul out the rest tomorrow after work. He worked Saturday so could not be here to help.

I do love working in my yard. I don't have flower beds and such but it is a large yard. Sarah, as small as she is, can play in that great big yard for hours and probably not walk the same area twice. We bought this house because of the big yard, in 1990, when the youngest was 7. We bought a trampoline, a basketball goal, a children's pool, and some sand. They played out there all the time. A few times we considered selling out and leaving but I truly love my home, delipated though it has become, and my yard is so private that I doubt I'd be happier somewhere else.

I do hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I am not feeling great but I it was a lovely weekend and worth the price.

High Alert!

It is the WEEKEND! Now get out there and enjoy it!

I am on my way to Sam's Club to get a couple of rotisserie chickens for supper, pick up Becca and Sarah and sit on the patio and watch her play.

Hope you all have a sunny, dry, cool weekend! I may blog more later but maybe not. . .

545 People - A Political Statement

I got this in my email today. I have no idea if this is, in fact, written by Charlie Reese. I don't know if the statement at the end is true. If Charlie Reese didn't write it, I apologize to the author and ask that you let me know who you are so I can give you the highest credit. This is the best political statement I've ever read!

This is the simplest, most understandable and truest explanation of the woes of the nation and who caused them, as well as how to cure them. This should be sent to every person in the U.S., including the "545".


"545 People"
by Charlie Reese:

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy, The Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president and nine Supreme Court justices - 545 human beings out of the 300 million - are directly, legally, morally and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered but private central bank.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall.

No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits.

The president can only propose a budget.

He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes.

Who is the speaker of the House?

She is the leader of the majority party.

She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want.

If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts - of incompetence and irresponsibility.

I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people.

When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.

If the Marines are in IRAQ, it's because they want them in IRAQ.

If gas is high, it's because they won't drill off Florida or in Alaska.

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems.

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power.

Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like 'the economy,' 'inflation' or 'politics' that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do. Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.

They, and they alone, have the power.

They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses - provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.

We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

FYI: Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.

Glass Houses and Environmental Garbage

Check out this page learn more about what Mr. Gore is doing to help conserve energy and "go green".
Glass Houses

"People who live in glass houses should not throw stones."
Remember what I said about leaders and followers? If he can't follow his own plan, what makes him an expert?

Count the Gumballs - Illegal Immigration

I seem to have started a debate with my Patriots video. It has broadened in to the subject of illegal immigration and the pros and cons of illegal immigrants. Incidentally, there is no PRO. in allowing law breakers to become citizens. We have enough criminals as it is and once you allow one law to be broken, you open the door for others. Never mind the simple fact that the American economy can't support the shear volumn of people we are expected to support. Who do you think is going to pay the bill.

Ginger, more people, means LESS food, regardless of who's farming. You are looking at potential famine in a country already struggling to balance its budget and pay its bills. Add a million or two and their children and you have not seen the economic nightmare.

You are talking about more money spent to house, educate, feed, and give medical treatment to for FREE. I work in a government agency that doesn't have enough funds to assist CITIZENS with housing assistance so they won't have to live in shelters. You're telling me we should add a couple of million more low income families to the mix so they can come in and push honest legal citizens into homeless shelters?

Because that is what will happen. THERE IS NO MONEY TO SUPPORT THEM. Low income is low income and the greater the numbers of low income families, the more money that is required from the taxpayer to support them with food, shelter, education and medical. The middle class is paying for free housing, free medical, free food for low income families and believe me when I say we are being forced to cut people off every year because the Federal government can't provide more money. HUD cuts housing assistance ever single year by 10% at least.

So, those of you who think you have nothing to worry about should know the facts. Number speak for themselves. If you are pro illegal immigration you should be aware of what YOU will lose by allowing the numbers to continue. You are going to pay people, never think for one minute that there is anything way at all you will benefit from this. Sorry, Ginger, you better plant a garden cause you aren't going to be able to afford to feed your own family and you will pay for their college while all those illegals get to go tuition free!

And don't think for one minute they will continue to work for those menial wages, hon. Once they become citizens they will form unions, strike for higher wages, better housing, and better working conditions... the things accorded legal citizens. And the owner will continue to hire illegal immigrants because they can't afford to hire citizens! That is where your logic breaks down. You think it will be solved by legalization but if the farm owners wanted legal citizens they'd hire them. They don't want them for the very reason you state the illegals should be made citizens.

Learn to count, folks. Watch the gumballs.

Test Run

Sunday aftrernoon ended up sunny and warm. Go figure. My weed garden is too high to go out and enjoy it.

Why is it too high, you ask? Because you can't mow in the stinking rain. It rains a week and the weeds grow another 5 inches and then on Sunday, when I am too exhausted to mow and have two church services, it is sunny.

So, soon I shall be surrounded by giant ragweed and other assorted nuisances. I will be overcome with allergies. I truly think when all humanity is extince ( probably soon) that the planet, if it still stands, will simply become a huge nursery fro every ugly plant on the planet.

Personally, I'm a Christian and we believe the earth will be consumed by fire. Hmmm, wonder if I can do a test run in my yard?

The muse has abandoned me and I have to get dressed for service.

Amusing Animations

Every once in awhile, I find something or my dad sends me something that is so amusing I want to share it. The following is one of those things. I couldn't put it in the video section so I've had to blog it. After you watch the first, you will find the second even funnier. Have fun.

Animator vs. Animation


Animator vs. Animation by *alanbecker on deviantART


Animator vs. Animation II


Animator vs. Animation II by *alanbecker on deviantART

Whole Lotta Shaken

I slept through the whole thing. Really, I did. My husband called from his job at 4 a.m. to wake me up and say, "We just had an earthquake."

Ah, the sleep of the just.

I don't get a lot of rest and so, to be awakened from a wonderful sound sleep is quite annoying. I raised my head and looked around. The roof was still on, the wall still standing, and the windows unbroken. In the darkness, as near as I could tell, everything looked ok. I lay back down and went back to sleep until 7 a.m.

I did feel the aftershock around 10 a.m. and it freaked me out far more. I am on the bottom floor of a 10 story Public Housing building that is probably 30 years old or more. It felt as if the building was skating for about 5 seconds. I had this image of the top floor swaying but I can't be sure of that. I only know that in that five seconds I realized the impact those 10 floors would have should the shaking continue. There was no time to react.

So all that earthquake preparedness stuff is just junk. There is no time to get out of a building when the shaking starts. I am two offices away from an exit but that 10 floors will fall a lot faster than I could run, I suspect. And once out that door, I am in a large parking lot where I am sure a large amount of the brick, cement, and metal will end up. I would have to make it to the street to be sure of being safe from a falling building. It would take all of two or three minutes to get there... If I were composed enough to run.

The mid-west got all shook up.

For those wondering, I am sitting in Southern Indiana, in the toe of the boot, right at top of the New Madrid zone. Not the best place on the planet to retire.

There was more than one quake in the United State on Friday. For more factual information on quakes around the globe on the 18th, check out the USGS site: USGS

Up The Garden Path. . . to the Church

Three words, obtained from Writing Fix:
An apple
A church
A beggar

This is where they led me. It isn't finished as you will see. The begger has not made an entrance. This is actually part of something else but I thought I share. For the true writers, take the three words and see what they lead you.

Pastor Whitmore put his lunch on the desk beside his Bible. Martha packed his lunch every day, in the same kind of brown paper bag and folded the top down the three times. He knew exactly what was in the bag -- a sandwich of whole wheat bread with some kind of meat, a small bag of his favorite chips, and a bright, red apple. She provided a Stanley Thermos with ice, cold tea. Never failed. He was as certain of it as he was of his name. And tonight, when he got home, he would hand her the neatly folded bag and tell her what a wonderful lunch she had given him.

He sat down in the stuffed leather chair behind his desk. As he sat down, he echoed the long, tired sigh that only old chairs can produce. He put his head back and closed his eyes. Anyone looking in would think he was in prayer, with his elbows on the arms of his chair and his hands clasped under his chin. He knew they would because the church secretary, Kate Winsome, had thought just that when she had come into the office unexpectedly last week.

“Oh, Pastor, I didn’t mean to interrupt. I was just putting away the books. Please go on with your devotions and I’ll come back later.” She had turned on her heel and pulled the door shut with a quiet but firm snick.

For a moment he had been amused and thought about telling her he was only resting his eyes. And then the idea came to him. He could rest quietly in his chair and if anyone did pop in, they would never know he wasn’t praying. Of course, he seldom rested anyway and that is why he always needed to take these catnaps. He had not slept well in years. And after this last one, it had only gotten worse.

They had discovered the body of the missing woman yesterday. She had not been given a name. Of course, they would not be able to identify her for some time. But it didn’t matter. He would still not be able to sleep. Oh, he went to bed every night at the same time, just like the experts advised. He didn’t eat a big meal after six o’clock. He got up at the same time every day. His whole life was on a schedule right down to the number of times he went to the bathroom. He put his clothes on every day in exactly the same order. Pants first, then socks, then shirt, then shoes, then his tie and coat. Yes, everything was scheduled, everything but sleep.

He had tried all the sleep aids he had ever heard of, warm milk, over the counter pills designed to cause drowsiness, melatonin, and exercise. Yet, he was always tired. He had begun to crave rest the way an alcoholic craves a drink. It still evaded him, slipping off into the darkness that devoured his soul.

Portentous idnit'? Now, what next? Actually, I already know.

Getting To Know You... uh Me!

Welcome to the 2008 edition of getting to know your Friends. Change all the answers so they apply to you, and then send this to your friends including the person who sent it to you. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends that you might not have known!

1. What time did you get up this morning?
Get up every mornin' at 6:45 a.m. except Sat. & Sun. I don't usually go to bed until after midnight.

2. Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds. I've learned as I get older they really are a girl's best friend.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
This must be British in origin. We don't do cinema... we go to the picture show... well, down south we do. Some go to the movies. The movies... hmmm, can't remember the last one. I don't do a lot of movies or television.

4. What is your favorite TV show?
See #3 but I like really good mysteries and a few sci-fi. And I like (gasp) Medium. Also, CSI, House, Star Gate (all varieties) If they all came on the same channel the same night, I'd watch t.v. once a week.

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?
Whatever I can fix in 15 minutes or my husband has already fixed. Grits, biscuits and gravy, sausage buscuit, cereal. I get up at 6:45 and have to be at work at 8.

6. What is your middle name?
I never tell that. My grandmother and I shared our middle names. She was beautiful but I am not really fond of the name.
7. What food do you dislike?
Not many . Southerners are taught to eat what is set before you and not complain. So, I like pretty much all food... except squash.

8. What is your favorite CD at moment?
Don't know the name but it is a Jackson Mass Choir cd of my son's. I love putting it in the car and cranking up the volumn. Church on wheels! He has another I like that I absolutly covet in a godly way; Alvin Slaughter!

9. What kind of car do you drive?
I drive what runs. At the moment it is a white Chevy Lumina that is about to die. I call it the Imminent Corpse.

10. Favorite sandwich?
See #7 I really love a good sandwich and am partial to ham and cheese. No sandwich is complete without French's Mustard. There is NO other mustard.

11. What characteristic do you despise?
Liars, bar none.

12. Favorite item of clothing?
Actually, probably this pair of sweats I am wearing. I get so cold and it hurts when I get cold. So, I wear them virtually all the time when I am home in the winter.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
Tahiti, my dream vacation. I keep asking God to bless me with a free trip and accomodations. I presume he is having difficulty with the travel arrangements.

14. Favorite brand of clothing?
Something that fits and makes me feel very sleek and together. I dont' care if it is Wal-mart chic or Saks class... as long as it is on sale.

15. Where would you retire to?
See #13. But that isn't exactly true, although nice to think about. I think I still want the cabin in the mountains or the cottage on the deserted beach. I'm trying to decide. Again, I' ve talked to God about it and I think he's having trouble deciding, too.

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday?
I don't have one... wait, my 6th. Uh, that wasn't recent but it is the only memorable one I have. I had a real party and I got a set of "luggage". Three little cases that nested. They were powder blue and had poodles on the top. I also got a gold bracelet from my father, whom I had not seen in over a year. At least, my grandmother said it was from him. I've since lost the bracelet in a move. I remember lots of children there but I have an impression I was "alone". Must be loads of meaning in that.

17. Favorite sport to watch?
Braves Baseball when they are actually playing Braves Baseball! Didn't watch a single game last year.

18. Farthest place you are sending this?
Have no idea. I don't ask where anyone is from. My family are all in the southern U.S. I will post it on the blog so I suspect world wide.

19. Person you expect to send it back first?
I place on expectations on anyone. I don't presume that if they don't respond they aren't friends

20. When is your birthday?
October 28

21. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Didn't you already ask me this? On, no different question. I am a nightowl. I hate getting up in the a.m.

22. What is your shoe size?
Size 8

23. Pets?
None since Sandy died. Don't want to think about another.

24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us?
I'm breathing?

26. How are you today?
Rotten day . Woke with a migraine that turned into a nightmare. Took two Imitrex before I kicked it. Got so bad I thought I was going to vomt.

27. What is your favorite candy?
Peanut Butter Cups

28. What is your favorite flower?
All of them.

29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
Tomorrow - I figure it is always a blessing to see tomorrow.

30. What is your full name?
Now why would I need to give that out? Cynthia is my first name.

31. What are you listening to right NOW?
The clicking of the keyboard. The hum of the computer.

32. What was the last thing you ate?
Potted Meat sandwich. Poor man's pate'. Did you ever read what's in that stuff? Don't or you won't be able to eat it.

33. Do you wish on stars?
No, I just stare for hours at them when I can. I live in the city and stars are rarely seen.

34. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Midnight blue

36. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Becca, the daughter-in-law that God blessed me with. I talk to her about a dozen times a day... she calls me.

37. Favorite soft drink?
Diet 7up or Diet Coke. Homemade lemonade

38. Favorite restaurant?
Anywhere someone else is buying.

39. Hair color?
Brownish-blondish whose blond has turned more and more to gray and left the dirty brown.

40. What was your favorite toy as a child?
books

41. Summer or winter?
Summer on the Gulf in Alabama

42. Hugs or kisses?
Why chose one?

43. Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate

44. Coffee or tea?
iced tea or hazelnut coffee

45. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
If they have time and want to

46. When was the last time you cried?
Seems like all the time but that can't be right

47. What is under your bed?
I think a body. But I don't know if they are coming or going. (dust thou are and to dust thou returnest)

48. What did you do last night?
Slept as much as possible.

49. What are you afraid of?
Not making it to heaven

50. How many years at your current job ?
10

51. Favorite day of the week?
Friday - I get out of Hell for two days!

52. How many towns have you lived in?
We aren' t even going to count those!

53. How many people will you send this too?
No idea

54. How many will respond?
Maybe none.