My MRSA

A few weeks ago I wrote about not being able to bathe while I was in the hospital.  Now, I want to share with you why I was in there and what I learned from the experience, as you can see from the pic, I had a pretty nasty staph infection just above my ankle. The thing is I don't have any idea how I acquired it. My experience was a small pimple formed on my leg on a Friday, by Sunday I had gone to the urgent care medical center due to the pain and increasing size of the pimple.  The doc prescribed antibiotics and sent me on my way.  Well, by Tuesday the spot had not only not improved it was spreading and looking kind of scary, so I went back to doctor thinking I needed a different medication. This is where the Dr. frightened me to near panic levels, he walked in looked at my leg and said , "you need to be in the hospital". He left the room and came back with a fast pass admission (anywhere else that would be a good thing, Six Flags,movies, DMV). I could have used a little more sensitivity,  where's Dr. Welby when you need him? Turns out I had MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Very scary indeed, especially with the cases of flesh eating bacteria that had been featuring prominently in the news this past summer now playing in my mind's eye.

Dr. Haibach , at Spalding, was wonderful. She explained to me that this super-bug is now pretty much everywhere.  We determined due to the location of mine there is a strong likelihood that I got it from shaving my legs. 

After four days of IV antibiotics I was released .  The doctors did say I am now colonized so more lesions are probably in my future. 

So here are tips on preventing your own MRSA infection.  Change razors frequently.  Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize. Bleach is your friend. (weekly bleach baths, in the laundry and on any surface that it won't ruin)Clean your wounds, use hydrogen peroxide and a Neosporin type ointment, then keep them covered. Don't share towels with anyone and wash your pajamas and clothing and towels after each use.  Recognize that any pimple like lesion with a white head is staph but not necessarily the really bad kind..Don't pop them, do seek medical attention if there is any spreading of the redness, pain, or opening/draining of the wound. It's nothing to mess around with folks.  When I went back for my follow up visit, the doctor said I was lucky not to have lost my leg, it's that serious an infection. Take care of you!! 

Filled to the Max

In my Christian walk, God at times feels nearer to me than others.  There have been times when I have not only felt His presence but actually known that He is speaking to my spirit.  In those moments I have cried out to Him to reveal even more of Himself to me because I want to know all of Him.  The same sort of feeling I have when I taste something so delicious that portion control is out of the question.

 I feel that He has answered my plea time and again. At times His Holy Spirit has overtaken me and the joy I felt has been so overwhelming that I then recant my plea and say "Please stop. No more, I can't take anymore".  

I eagerly  await  the day when I shall talk to my God not from far away and not in this mortal body but in His kingdom and there I will be able to experience a completeness of  knowledge that this flesh won't allow.

David says it well in Psalm 63:5 when he says of God, "You satisfy me more than the richest feast." and I might add even more than a second helping of  chocolate cake.

My Week of Horse Baths

Horse what? You may be asking, well let me tell you.  When I was a little girl growing up in rural Alabama  and there was an ice storm, the power would go out. It would go out and stay out for days at a time. Even when there's no power (i.e. no hot water) a body must be washed. My mother would fill one of those old multi-purpose metal dishpans with water, (if you grew up in the south like me you probably shelled some peas or broke some beans in one too).  I vaguely recall she would heat it on top of the wood burning heater we had for a time.

I remember she would set out the pan with it's water and a wash rag, that's country speak for washcloth,  and tell us to wash off.  She called it a "horse bath", that's what it sounded like to my young ears. I could never figure out why a horse would be washed like that. Seems like not enough water for such a large animal.  Okay, so maybe she said "whore's bath" and either I misunderstood because my sweet mama would never say anything vulgar or because I was sheltered and really just had never heard that word before.  Anyway, you didn't submerse any body parts. You start high, then go low, then a quick swipe where the two meet, a "horse bath".  I'm ashamed to tell you how long it took me to figure out what she really said but I was mom myself by that time and a horse bath sounds much nicer. Weirder, but nicer.

Memories come at the oddest of places this particular one came tumbling out this week after a brief and unexpected hospital stay.  The nurses came and went the iv remained attached and there was no time to take a shower without a little help. Because of this I spent four days taking my special baths.  I know I never got to stinking, I  had my Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom, shower gel, lotion and spray and everyone who came in the room commented on how nice it smelled there.  Come to think of it they said the room smelled good, not me. We'll pretend I smelled as fresh as a daisy too.

After four long days and three sleepless nights (sounds like an anti-vacation promo), I was discharged and the very first thing I did was not hug my husband or kids, it was to take a long lovely hot shower.  I have a feeling they are thankful I did first things first.

Unequally Caffeinated

So, I was thinking about coffee today. Well, not coffee so much as how much I like coffee. Piping hot in the morning and iced in the afternoon. Although I can drink it black, I prefer mine a lovely shade of taupe and with a bit of sweetener.  Yum!

Sparta never understood my love/obsession with coffee and through the years as I went through one Mr Coffee maker after another, he would suggest that I simply quit. Simply quit.....as if there were nothing special, nothing different about the contents of the caffeine laden mug I held so tightly each morning.

Fast forward fifteen years to a career where coffee meetings had became a bi-weekly norm, and Sparta's reticence to continually draw attention to himself by declining means that we now have a shared appreciation of  Juan Valdez's Colombian brew. These days if he gets up before me that means, he's taken care of starting the pot and I get to enjoy the fruits and aromas of his labor.

When he was a non-drinker, I used to fantasize about long leisurely conversations the two of us could have out on the porch as we sipped our morning coffee,  all the while birds would be singing and a deer or two might frolic through the yard.  Silly yes?  Before becoming a convert, Sparta had absolutely no understanding of the physical and mental benefits of coffee. He could hear me sigh with pleasure upon my first sip. He could take note of my panic when the coffee maker's on light wasn't lighting. He thought he understood my need but he didn't, not really, until my need also became his own.

Lately, I've been seeing many comments disparaging Christianity; some questioning it's validity and  the sanity of those who profess it. Others have made remarks degrading believers as neanderthals with no intelligence and demonizing those who would dare to take a stand for biblical principles. I say to those posting,  as non-believers, you just don't get it and you can't.

 The apostle Paul knew this and he forewarned us in 1 Corinthians 2:14-15 where he says,

14 A person who isn’t spiritual doesn’t accept the teachings of God’s Spirit. He thinks they’re nonsense. He can’t understand them because a person must be spiritual to evaluate them. 15 Spiritual people evaluate everything but are subject to no one’s evaluation.(God's Word Translation)

Just like Sparta didn't understand the deliciousness of coffee, the lost have no concept of the reality of God, there's nothing in them to recognize the truth of His word. I hope to remember that when my blood pressure starts rising in response to their words.  Oh, by the way  two cups of coffee daily has been shown to help combat high blood pressure. Good to know, huh?

Officer, I Can Explain

Last week I dished out close to 300 plates of spaghetti, actually it was probably a few more because several people came back for seconds.  It was the 2nd annual People First of Henry County spaghetti dinner and it was such a blessing to be able to play a small part in the event.  This year participation was better than last and in addition to the food, there was a silent auction and several raffles so even more money was raised for the group to provide activities and events for special needs families in the area.

My mother-in-law organized the dinner. She has worked tirelessly for several months garnering donations and gathering people willing to make a crockpot of spaghetti sauce.  There was a brief fear that the 30 crockpots would not be enough, but in the end there were two pots left over and I got to take one home with me, well almost home.  The crockpot made it but we lost about half the sauce when a deer leaped in front of us on the way home.  You know the old junk in the trunk saying, yeah well, now it's spaghetti sauce coated junk.

Lulu, our dog, knew she was in for a treat as soon as the trunk lid popped open.  Her tail  and tongue both started wagging and I hoped the clean-up would not be the problem I had anticipated.  She was a great help but didn't quite get the job done.   I, in my one of my ever so brilliant ideas, decided to hose the thing out to finish it. Well, I thought it was a brilliant idea until the next day when the delicious aroma of spaghetti sauce had been replaced by an odor like no other I've ever known. ICK! There were quite a few adjectives bandied about in the describing of it: rotten, gross, disgusting, rancid, putrid, nasty, etc., (FYI...trunks have no drainage system). I hope we never get pulled over  and searched while driving the car, the tomato sauce staining might cause some serious problems.  It looks like a scene straight out of CSI in there.

On the plus side it did effectively deter the 16 year old driver from borrowing my car for several days. After a can of Lysol, some special odor neutralizer, carpet refresher, and bathroom cleaner with bleach, the smell is not so bad although there is still some kind of indescribably weird, funky odor that hits you smack in the face when the door is opened.  Okay, so maybe it is still a little bad, hopefully, time will cure that too.

A Ministry Pool

It's been said, "you've got to know your audience".  My husband is a godly man who given the opportunity will do and give anything to evangelize. After many years of pleading for a swimming pool with a laundry list of reasons why we should have one, I finally hit my husband with the one that persuaded him to come to the wet side.  It will be a MINISTRY TOOL!! I told him.  Think of the youth and children's gatherings we could host, I said, and he agreed. That was five years ago. The first three years we held several with the youth group but only a couple with the children's. The last one being a children's group party. One of the guests apparently did not want to leave when it was time and to show his dissatisfaction with the idea proceeded to use one of our bathrooms to display this. Number 2 was his tool and the damage was, while not permanent, disgusting. I have been leery of pool parties since that time two years ago.  Especially ones where there's an element of unknown about the attendees.

With 20 years of parenting under my belt I have also just become tired of dealing with kids en masse, especially poorly behaved whiny ones.  Not a very Christ like attitude, believe me I'm aware and convicted of it. We haven't offered to host anything since "the incident" and up until now haven't been asked....Friday night the kids are supposed to come.  When Sparta told me we'd been asked, I hemmed and hawed and caved to the request (albeit begrudgingly). I know, I know it's a very petty not pretty picture.

So, y'all say a prayer for me to have a positive attitude, for the safety of these kids as they come to swim, and that I can fully forgive the one who redecorated the bathroom last time. The Good Lord knows I've smeared enough poop in my own life and been forgiven.

Why Vote for Mitt Romney

When Barack Obama was elected president, it wasn't with a a vote from me.  It's not the first time my choice didn't win and I'm sure it won't be the last. Did I wish for him to be the dismal failure he has been? No.  I was as filled with hope as the next person. Transparency and a spirit of cooperation were promised and not delivered. The economy stinks and he OWNS it now.   Mitt wasn't my choice in the primary but like mold on cheese, he's growing on me.  Here's what I know about him....not from his own fictional account of life but public record.  Yes, I watch Fox sometimes and I read the New York Times too.
Oh, and I really like his wife Ann.

About Mitt:


His full Name is: Willard Mitt Romney   He was Born: March 12, 1947 and is 65 years old. 
His Father: George W. Romney, former Governor of the State of Michigan 
He was raised in Bloomfield Hills , Michigan 
He is Married to Ann Romney since 1969; they five children. 
Education: B.A. from Brigham Young University , 
J.D. and M.B.A. from Harvard University 
Religion: Mormon - The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints 
Working Background: 
After high school, he spent 30 months in France as a Mormon missionary. 
After going to both Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School simultaneously, he passed the Michigan bar exam, but never worked as an attorney. 
In 1984, he co-founded Bain Capital a private equity investment firm, one of the largest such firms in the United States . 
In 1994, he ran for Senator of Massachusetts and lost to Ted Kennedy. 
He was President and CEO of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. 
In 2002, he was elected Governor of the State of Massachusetts where he eliminated a 1.5 billion  deficit. 
Some Interesting Facts about Romney: 
Bain Capital, starting with one small office supply store in Massachusetts , turned it into Staples; now over 2,000 stores employing 90,000 people. 
Bain Capital also worked to perform the same kinds of business miracles again and again, with companies like Domino's, Sealy, Brookstone, Weather Channel, Burger King, Warner Music Group, Dollarama, Home Depot Supply, and many others. 
He was an unpaid volunteer campaign worker for his dad's gubernatorial campaign 1 year. 
He was an unpaid intern in his dad's governor's office for eight  years. 
He was an unpaid bishop and state president of his church for ten years. 
He was an unpaid President of the Salt Lake Olympic Committee for three years. 
He took no salary and was the unpaid Governor of Massachusetts for four years. 
He gave his entire inheritance from his father to charity. 
Mitt Romney is one of the wealthiest self-made men in our country but has given more back to its citizens in terms of money, service and time than most men. 
And in 2011 Mitt Romney gave over $4 million to charity, almost 19% of his income.... Just for comparison purposes, Obama gave 1% and Joe Biden gave $300 or .0013%. 
Mitt Romney is Trustworthy: 
He will show us his birth certificate 
He will show us his high school and college transcripts. 
He will show us his social security card. 
He will show us his law degree. 
He will show us his draft notice. 
He will show us his  medical records. 
He will show us his income tax records. 
He will show us he has nothing to hide. 
Mitt Romney's background, experience and trustworthiness show him to be a great leader and an excellent citizen for President of the United States . 
You may think that Romney may not be the best representative the Republicans could have selected. At least I know what religion he is, and that he won't desecrate the flag, bow down to foreign powers, or practice fiscal irresponsibility. I know he has the ability to turn this financial debacle that the current regime has gotten us into. We won't like all the things necessary to recover from this debt, but someone with Romney's background can do it. But, on the minus side, He never was a "Community Organizer", never took drugs or smoked pot, never got drunk, did not associate with communists or terrorists, nor did he attend a church whose pastor called for God to damn the  US.



*****The healthcare thing in Massachusetts doesn't really bother me anymore because it's what the people of the state wanted.  As their governor he listened to the will of the people. It was a state's right issue and I say more power to them.*******  ( an afterthought)

"Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da BATMAN!"

Usually the sound of feet shuffling into my bedroom in the middle of the night means, "Mom I just threw up". Last night's shuffling brought the 16 year old with an anxious "there's a bat flying around my room", Why she woke me is confusing. I'm not the go to person for critters, car troubles or cash. Those all fall under dadly duties.  Got a fever, perhaps a difficult stain, need a cupcake,  or a button sewn? I'm your gal. Bats are critters of the most yucky variety, not my thing. Of course I told her "you must wake your dad" ,(who for such a light sleeper is incredibly difficult to wake) he groggily told us he would look into in the morning.

So here's Allison's story. She was awakened by a sound which turned out to be the  bat hitting walls as it circled her room. When she saw the terrifying sight she immediately ducked under the covers and after regaining her composure she dared to peek out, about that same time the bat swooped down  barely missing her head. Back under the covers she went. She waited until she heard it reach the farthest corner from her,  then rolled off the bed, crawled out of the room belly to the floor under the cover of her comforter and shut the door. Absolutely nothing would make her go back in there, except her phone charger. A dead cell phone spells catastrophe to a teen, definitely worth risking life, limb and vampire bat bites to prevent. She opened the door, flipped the light switch and yanked the cord from the wall in one quick move, only pausing long enough to see the bat heading swiftly in her direction. Out she went once again, to sleep on the sofa for the remainder of the night secure in the knowledge she would be able to talk/text.

Before work,with the pool net and 20ft pole in hand up, up, up, the stairs Sparta the brave (aka Batman) went but there was no bat to be found.  He told me he will look again this evening.  For now Allison's room remains closed off and entry is forbidden (not really but none of us are going in there).

The First Step

Since the first step towards success in so many problems is in admitting there is a problem, here goes. True confession, I am a shopaholic. I don't seek out designer labels or lavish home decor just the average and ordinary; groceries, clothing and stuff.  I guess if it weren't for the plastic I use it would be okay but I've dug a really big money pit and although  reasons excuses abound, the reality of it is I just like to shop.

I had a conversation with a friend recently where I disclosed the ugly truth of my habit. The talk made me ponder the "whys" of my spending.  I have shopped to fill voids and to some degree for the attention I garner from store clerks as they ring up the purchases. Really sad, huh? Worse still, I have tried to keep said ugly truth from my husband.  It's embarrassing at least and will affect family finances for years at worst.

He found out recently (because I told him) and although very angry initially at the amount of debt and even more so at my lack of self- control, he showed mercy and forgave me.  I must admit the guilt of my debt burden was overwhelming me.  I went to bed thinking about it and woke up thinking about it, not the amount so much as the deception involved.  Feelings of guilt made me sick.  I am thankful that the truth is now out and I have a plan to pay off the debt, one balance at a time.  Prayers for strength of resolve and self-discipline would be appreciated greatly. Also, if you feel inclined to send a few dollars my way to help with the paying down feel free to do so (just kidding, kind of ☺).

So, what have I learned?  Credit can be a dangerous thing. Guilt has great weight. My husband is a man who practices forgiveness and mercy.  I have a long road to zero balances. God still loves me and so does Sparta.

Rotel Salsa

Here's a link to the recipe for one of my family's favorite snacks.  Tortillas and salsa, who doesn't love them?




http://mentoringmoments.org/ro-tel-salsa/

Here's an "I" Word For You

Did you know there is campaign currently underway to stop the use of the word "illegal" in conjunction with the words alien and immigrant?  You can watch the YouTube video, Stop the "I" Word by clicking the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ebs6SCPf_dU

  

 If a person enters the country without going through proper channels, he is here illegally. Calling something what it is, is not hate. It's not racist, it's not a prejudice, it's not intolerant, it's fact.  Good grief.  If any "i" word should be stopped it's "intolerant".  

We've been conditioned to believe tolerance is always a good thing. You don't agree with someones lifestyle, with some choices that are being made, well bully for you. You are intolerant. Guess what? I am tired of being tolerant. I am tired of being politically correct. I am tired of kowtowing to those who would have us believe that to lack acceptance of immoral choices is narrow-minded. The "progressive minded" folks who berate us for believing in Jesus as THE ONLY way to God think we are bigoted. I am tired of being made to feel racist because I disagree with the policies of the first black president. I am tired of being thought of as uncharitable because I think Welfare recipients should pass a drug test or because I would prefer to choose my own worthy causes. Does this sound like an angry rant?  It is.  

 Sometimes intolerance is a good thing. I can walk with a thorn in my foot and tolerate the pain, if I take it out do I become intolerant or wise for realizing that it was possible to change the situation? Tolerating stupidity does no one any good. Tolerating overspending leads to daunting debt (5 trillion anyone). Tolerating vulgarity, profanity and sexualization at every turn of the page or flip of the channel has lessened civility and created a slew of problems. Allowing an opportunity to share the gospel pass due to a fear of seeming "intolerant"  might condemn someone to hell.   I'd much rather seem intolerant than face judgment day and find out I could have made a difference.

Seek the truth and speak the truth(lovingly, of course), whether it seems tolerant or not.

14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed and carried about by all kinds of teachings that change like the wind. We will no longer be influenced by people who use cunning and clever strategies to lead us astray. 15 Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to Christ, who is the head. 16 He makes the whole body fit together and unites it through the support of every joint. As each and every part does its job, he makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:1)

Best Email Forward EVER

It's that time of year again and it always reminds me of my favorite joke. I remember getting it as an email forward at least 14 years ago, and I still relate to it. Gotta go get ready now, appointment today :)

The Washcloth

I was due for an appointment with the gynecologist late in the week.

Early one morning, I received a call from the doctor’s office to tell me that I had been rescheduled for that morning at 9:30 am. I had only just packed everyone off to work and school, and it was already around 8:45 am.

The trip to his office took about thirty-five minutes, so I didn’t have an time to spare. As most women do, I like to take a little extra effort over hygiene when making such visits, but this time I wasn’t going to be able to make the full effort. So, I rushed upstairs, threw off my pajamas, wet the washcloth that was sitting next to the sink, and gave myself a quick wash in that area to make sure I was at least presentable.

I threw the washcloth in the clothes basket, grabbed some clothes, hopped in the car and raced to my appointment.

I was in the waiting room for only a few minutes when I was called in. Knowing the procedure, as I’m sure you do, I hopped up on the table, looked over at the other side of the room and pretended that I was in Paris or some other place a million miles away.

I was a little surprised when the doctor said, “My, we have made an extra effort this morning, haven’t we?” I didn’t respond but of course the answer was "yes", don't we all?

After the appointment, I heaved a sigh of relief and went home.

The rest of the day was normal: some shopping, cleaning, cooking, etc. After school when my six year old daughter was playing, she called out from the bathroom, “Mommy, where’s my washcloth?” I told her to get another one from the cupboard.

She replied, “No, I need the one that was here by the sink, it had all my glitter and sparkles saved inside it.”

Brain Fog

Do you know how much water is in fog?  In one acre that has been blanketed in fog, there is less than a glass. Think about it, less than one glass of water obscures vision for an entire acre. Sometimes I get a type of brain fog.  It seems to happen when I take my focus off God and start worrying about stuff.  Now the stuff I worry about may have some validity but most of the time, not so much.  Worrying over kids grades, the dirty house (what if someone should come over?), will the cell phones cause cancer, medical test results (worry won't change them)and on and on the list goes. Worry on its own does nothing positive. The "what ifs" of life can be consuming but most of the time they don't really add up to a lot.

I'm not as much of a worrier as I once was but I come from a long line of worriers so I fight an uphill battle. That battle was recently made easier by a Godly man who enlightened me with the fog fact.  He spoke on the futility of worry. Statistics show that 80% of what we worry about never happens. Our worry can prevent us from taking chances, from speaking the truth, from being joyful. Worry steals your time and attention. Worry is not trusting God and His sovereignty. Trust God that whatever happens can be used to fulfill His plan, because He will not be thwarted. Romans 8:28 says "All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose".

The pastor impressed upon us that by worrying we are being disobedient to God.

It was one of his finest and final sermons, at 77 Pastor Ken Haag went home to be with the Lord just last month. He served as our interim pastor but made a permanent impression. I won't ever look at fog the same, either kind.

 Jesus said,"Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying?

 And why worry about clothes? Notice how the flowers grow in the field. They never work or spin yarn for clothes.But I say that not even Solomon in all his majesty was dressed like one of these flowers." Matthew 6:27-29

Post Racial America? Not Good News for the News

I am going to wade into unfamiliar waters here and talk about a tragedy that has captured the nation, the death of Trayvon Martin.  It's all my 19 year old wants to talk about.  We (my family) rushed to judgment and convicted George Zimmerman as a racist murderer before all the facts started coming to light.

 There's a reason our justice system is set up the way it is and there is reason the media should not report with bias or without all the facts.  Remember the rush to judgment in the Centennial Olympic Park bombing back in 1996 when Richard Jewel, a security guard, was tried and convicted by the out of control reporting of main stream media? Later, of course, Mr. Jewell was cleared, turns out he was doing his job well and had the police been able to do their job without the media's minute by minute commentary Mr. Jewell would have been cleared of suspicion without the ruining of his life.

Remember the bold claims that the Phoenix shooting last year were done by an out of control "right-winger".  How'd that turn out for the media? Wrong again weren't they? It was the irrational act of an irrational mentally unstable man, no political motivation, just crazy.

As more and more facts come out regarding the death of Trayvon, there is no doubt this was a real tragedy. You know, George Zimmerman was out patrolling his neighborhood and due to a rash of recent break-ins it seems he was over zealous in his pursuit of Trayvon Martin, the young man who stood 6'3" and was unfamiliar in the neighborhood. Mr. Zimmerman obviously made a bad decision in continuing to follow the young man and a terrible decision in leaving his vehicle.  Bad choices don't make this a matter of hate, they make it a matter of poor judgment. Trayvon made a few bad choices too, not responding to Mr. Zimmerman's question of why he was in the neighborhood was one, assaulting a man with a gun was another.  Tragic. Senseless. Terrible. Yes, all those and so much more. Hate crime? No, I don't believe it was. Recent information shows Zimmerman to be a man whose friendships were diverse and whose mentoring of two black children was unquestionably selfless.

 In Kansas City, Kansas two weeks ago two black teens poured gasoline on a 13 year old white boy while making remarks about his whiteness about his deservedness for this burning of his flesh as he stood on the porch of his own home while they lit him up with a Bic lighter. Hate crime.  Any of you heard that story reported? If not, ask yourself why not?  I believe it is because the story doesn't fit the media's need for stirring up dissension and a sense of injustice in the black community.

The Black Panthers $10,000 bounty for the head of George Zimmerman is a disgusting display and an outright illegal one at that. They demand an eye for an eye, justice for all. Where were they two weeks ago?  Where did they stand at the execution of Troy Davis, who in appeals that went all the way to the Supreme Court was found guilty of the murder of a white police officer in Savannah? Were they applauding the "eye for an eye" in his case or bemoaning the injustice of his capitol punishment?

You know,  I can only imagine the pain and sorrow felt by Trayvon's parents. The loss of  such young life and all it's potential is tragic. The chaos and circus like atmosphere now surrounding the death of their son has most certainly been feeding the justifiable anger they must feel. Are we helping or hindering their plight?  Stop vilifying Zimmerman, don't try to vilify Trayvon or hoodies. Let facts and reason prevail.
Surely when the police and courts are able to do their jobs, justice WILL BE served.

Can we hope for a country where race is never at issue again? Sure. Will we get it?  I don't think so, there will always be bigots, prejudice, rushes to judgment and the threat of injustice (perceived or real). And so long as ratings matter more than truth the national media will focus it's attention on those types of stories and we will continue to be swept along by the current they've created.

Sweet Sixteen

Allison has turned 16 and she, eager to taste the sweet freedom that comes from having a driver's license, was ready to get it as soon as she became eligible. Since her dear daddy (to whom this particular chore was assigned) has been out of town for three weeks it fell to me to get her to the test.  Just to set the record straight, I HATE the Department of Drivers Services.  I'd say it's not their fault but, well, it is (that's another story).  I had hoped that because I followed the department's advice and made an appointment for the road test it would be less unpleasant an experience. Didn't work out quite that way. Going through the doors was good for a laugh there was a scrolling "welcome!"sign.  I couldn't help but feel like fly being welcomed to a spider's web.  Another sign stating "we care about our customers" was attached to the wall above the scowling woman we were lucky enough to see after our hour long wait. Can you imagine if she didn't care?

The office was crazy crowded. There were seventeen counters but only five of them were manned and at least sixty people were waiting to be called. I took my Kindle, loaded with good reads, only to have the battery die 10 minutes after arrival. So, people watching became the best way to pass time. Upon scanning the crowd, Allison declared us to be "pretty normal looking". I'm not sure what passes for normal these days but she kept her seat beside me, so I guess I didn't embarrass her too much. The waiting area had hard plastic seats that were not quite solidly backed.  There was an opening about two inches high and twelve inches long located exactly where pants and tops should meet. FYI  people-low rise jeans are not your friend.  We saw more of several folks than they intended. What I saw in that room made me really wish I'd checked the Kindle battery's charge and helped me decide to keep my light jacket on despite the sweating.

Anyway, after being called for our turn at the counter we were sent outside to await a tester.  Another hour of waiting.  We watched person after person return from road testing and by the looks on faces it was obvious these testers were failing most of the young hopefuls.  Allison had a lot of time to get nervous, the dreaded parallel parking loomed large in her mind, even though she had written how-to instructions for it on her forearm. (I have no idea how she thought that was going to work out).  Finally, she was up.  I stepped out of the car and off they went.  While she was gone I saw quite a few tears, a couple of smiles and bore witness to one major screamfest ( Not a good day for Instructor Hernando).  The longer she was out the more nervous I became and just when I started to wonder if she'd wrecked, I heard the squeaky brakes of my ride approaching and saw Allison trying not to grin.

 We added a newly licensed driver to the Cagle bunch. Yep, Allison is on the roads so you'd better watch out.

Kickin' Chicken Cagle Style

Big, big fans of the Zaxby's Kickin' Chicken sandwich here and guess what? I've figured out how to make my own. I assure sure it wasn't very difficult but it is much less expensive this way, plus I can turn up the heat if i want.

Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Chicken breast strips breaded and cooked (buy the prepackaged or make your own I've done both)
Hot sauce
Butter, melted
Texas Toast
Provolone cheese slices
Ranch dressing

This is pretty vague I realize, we make them individually and I make them for us all some nights.
Mix 1/4 cup hot sauce and 1 tablespoon melted butter for each four strips of chicken. I put the sauce in a Zip-Loc bag and shake to coat the chicken.
I butter and toast 2 slices of bread for each sandwich  in a hot skillet, then put the seasoned chicken strips, cheese slice and a drizzle of dressing onto the toast. If you want your cheese melted just nuke it for 15-20 seconds and you're good to go.  Yum~

(S)Leap Day

Got up this morning with good intentions.  Getting the kids to school on time, then to the doctor's office,  going out to work for a couple of hours, then a soccer game this afternoon (as a watcher, not a player), these were all in the plan.

When I got out to the car, I could not get it started. Turned the key, not a sound. Plan B take the van, so I grabbed the key ring and we hopped in only to find the van key missing. Joy. Long story short- after laying on the ground being "loved" by the puppy the key was retrieved from it's handy dandy magnetic case.

The first order of business after school drop-off was to figure out why the car didn't start. Several more failed attempts to fire it up led to the discovery that I'd failed to put it in park last night. I hate when that happens.  Problem solved ,so, on to the doc where their computers were down, waiting was long and blood was drawn.

Now that I have gotten back to house, my leap day plans have become a sleap day plan.  Happy napping!

Mr. Jefferson Would Be Appalled

At the risk of being flagged as a terrorist by the powers that be(there was a recent memo that said a belief that government is too intrusive is one of the signs to watch for), I am going to say that the government has become far too intrusive.

The recent story of an FDA employee taking the mom-packed lunch of a four year old in North Carolina because it did not meet federal nutritional guidelines is beyond scary.  Even the enforcement of seat belt laws is ,in my opinion, a violation of my freedoms. My lack of a seat belt endangers no one but me. I think Thomas Jefferson would agree as he once said:

"Liberty I would say that, in the whole plenitude of its extent, it is unobstructed action according to our will. But rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add “within the limits of the law,” because law is often but the tyrant’s will, and always so when it violates the right of an individual."

Another issue is the recent report from Reporters Without Borders that America ranks 47th now in freedom of the press. You'd think this would make those who profess to be journalists more inclined to break stories and report on issues that are less likely to be smiled upon by those who put out the propaganda we are fed in our daily news.  MediaMatters.org is a far left "progressive" non-profit. it's stated goal is to counter conservative views.  Tucker Carlson of Fox News says that NBC/MSNBC's primetime news programs are practically scripted by this not for profit organization.  MediaMatters, by the way, is contributing $20 million to influence the media in regards to Obama's reelection campaign.That's disconcerting but not nearly as scary to me as a story on last night's CBS news.  The report was on the solar panel industry in America and it's inability to compete well with China since China's manufacturers are subsidized by the government.  I got the feeling they were pushing for more aide from our government in order to be competitive. That's fine and dandy but they failed to mention Solyndra, you know the solar panel company given $500 million tax dollars by the Obama administration  (a major stakeholder in Solyndra was George Kaiser; a BIG time Obama fundraiser), it filed for bankruptcy and had it's debt restructured in order to see that others (Kaiser) were paid back prior to the government.  Seems to me that their "news" was nothing more than justification for Obama's scandalous approval of something the Bush White House had deemed unworthy. Relevant? I think so.  Look this stuff up, don't take my word for it.

 Here's the link for the Carlson interview http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/oreilly/2012/02/14/tucker-carlson-new-expose-media-matters and go to http://mediamatters.org/ and check out what they're all about.  The CBS story is here http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57378769/chinese-solar-panels-exemplify-trade-problems/ and you can just Google Solyndra, there's plenty of info out there.

Our freedoms and moneys are not only being taken away, we're being indoctrinated to not even to question the whys. So, am I a terrorist for believing that this is not the America our forefathers had in mind? I don't think so- below are several quotes from Thomas Jefferson who must be turning in his grave at  the behemoth this government has become.

Liberty is the great parent of science and of virtue; and a nation will be great in both in proportion as it is free.

He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors.

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.

I have never been able to conceive how any rational being could propose happiness to himself from the exercise of power over others.

To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.

In a government bottomed on the will of all, the...liberty of every individual citizen becomes interesting to all.

I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.

Cream Cheese and Duct Tape

I am proud to be a southern woman. I don't apologize for my drawl, for my love of sweet tea, denim or duct tape.  Duct tape can be used to repair almost anything that has a hole, leaks, or needs to be held together (that would include a tea jug, a pair of jeans and perhaps a big mouth on occasion). I have even repaired a hole in our porch ceiling with duct tape. It was only to be a temporary fix, mind you, but that was five years ago and it still holds. Walk in any Walmart or Home Depot south of the Mason Dixon and you can find a wide array of color choices for your taping needs. Now since I've never shopped for the tape anywhere else, I can't tell you if it holds true in other regions.



In addition to my duct taping skills, as a stay at home mom I have spent a lot of time in the kitchen where I learned to make the sweet tea and other traditional southern favorites such as fried chicken, grits, and biscuits. But here's a little known southern secret for you (well, it's my secret and I'm southern-see the opening line),  "Cream cheese is the duct tape of the kitchen". Those aren't my words, I am quoting my sister but it is such a great line it needed to be shared.

From breakfasts to dinners, from appetizers to desserts, it's blendable properties are amazing. Savory or sweet, yep it works. I try to keep at least six of the 8 ounce blocks on hand at all times and sometimes that's not enough. I love, love, love, that Philadelphia brand has the pre-flavored sauces and spreads but mostly it's just the plain blocks that I use.

To be honest, I don't really know if the cream cheese thing is solely southern or if the love of it crosses boundaries.  I do know it's good stuff.

In any case, Allrecipes is my favorite source of recipes on the web, so here are the links to a few of theirs, plus just a couple of my own recipes using cream cheese. I assure you there are many more, if you do an ingredient search on Allrecipes site, you'll see over 2,000 of them. :)

Appetizers:

Tortilla Pinwheels, http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ranch-ham-roll-ups/detail.aspx
Veggie Pizza   http://allrecipes.com/recipe/veggie-pizza/detail.aspx

Aunt Shelia's Cheese Ball

1 package cream cheese softened
1 bunch green onions chopped
dash of garlic salt
teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 small package Land-o-frost corned beef, cut into very small pieces
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
 1 cup chopped pecans
Cream cheese with mixer add remaining ingredients, except pecans. Mix well. Form into ball shape and roll in pecans to cover.  Chill. Serve with your favorite crackers.

Main Dish

Crockpot Italian Chicken

2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
1 package dry Italian dressing mix
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 package cream cheese, softened
Place chicken and soup in crockpot, sprinkle with dressing mix  . Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Shred chicken with fork while still in crock. Take 1/4 to 1/2 cup liquid from cooked chicken mix with cream cheese. Pour mixture over chicken in the crock and heat through 15 to 30 minutes. Serve over cooked egg noodles. Yum.

Dessert

• 
  

Cream Cheese Mints http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cream-cheese-candies/detail.aspx
Peanut Butter Pie http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cream-cheese-candies/detail.aspx
and of course,

 Cream Cheese Frosting

1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
1 stick butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
1 box confectioner's sugar
1/2 to 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Cream butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy, add vanilla and mix well. Then add the sugar a bit at a time until desired consistency is reached. If you want to use pecans fold them in at the end of your mixing.

And for a quick snack take two vanilla wafers and spread with cream cheese and peanut butter, sandwich together, or another possibility is to spread a little of the cheese. on Ritz crackers and top with pepper jelly. YUMMY!

How do you cook with cream cheese?

Show me the money, please

  I am  addicted to Pinterest, I confess.  I am hooked, or maybe pinned, I don't really know.  Boards with recipes, cute clothes, quotes and decorating ideas,  such a great idea. Why didn't I come up with it? Don't you ask yourself that all the time? Every time I find a cool new product or website, I wonder that.

Sometimes, I have a great idea only to discover that someone else had it long before me. A recent example is the laptop cooling station.  When my computer began overheating, I started putting it on a small counter top fan and  it stopped shutting down, so I thought Tracey you are one clever woman. The only problem is that the computer wasn't level and kept falling off.  I told Sparta we should develop a computer sized fan because surely we were not the only ones with such a problem. A little research showed I was correct and a couple of years late.  I am really loving my laptop fan and it only cost $20.

Back in the early 90's, I thought home delivery and pick up of movie rentals was a good idea. Didn't act on it and now there's Netflix. Of course, at the time the rentals were VHS and mailing would have been bulky and not cost effective.  Ahead of my time, perhaps?

Paperclips, liquid paper, post-it notes, pet rocks, silly bands,clips to hold your sunglasses to the visor, "key-finder" key rings and some of those crazy phone apps- all things that are as simple as they were successful.

Oh well, maybe someday my ideas and the universe will be aligned.

Be Still

I talk to God when I am on the go; while driving the kids here and there, while traveling with work, as I walk, and as I go about the business of keeping house, and I felt pretty good about all the multi-tasking, killing the proverbial two birds with one stone ,you know. That is until I realized and recognized how very little of my undivided attention I give to God.

I absolutely hate speaking with someone who is not paying attention. You might know what I’m talking about. Whether it’s attention divided between the television or someone who is planning what to say before your thoughts are even completed, or it could even be the other party doesn’t  have the courtesy to pretend to be interested, it drives me positively batty.

Listening, really listening, takes skill and a willingness to put other things aside momentarily and engage. God’s attention to my concerns (small as they are in the world and large though they are to me) is unquestionable. His word assures us that he hears and knows even those things for which we have no words. If the God of all creation¬ cares that much about me, seems only right that I should cultivate the discipline of listening to him. I certainly owe Him the respect, reverence and even politeness of my full attention and I intend to take time and give it especially seeing how he tells me too, more than once.

Exodus 14:14



The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.


Psalm 37:7


Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.



Psalm 46:10


He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Happy 2012!!

Well, the holiday season is over. School is back in session and the time for a new routine is now. As 2012 begins, I vow to lose the 15 pounds I put back on in 2011.  I will eat breakfasts high in protein, I will find some form of physical activity that I can stick with, I will remove the junk food from my house and I will maintain a (cough, cough)positive attitude and (ahem)sunny disposition .

My past resolutions didn't make it long and so I stopped even pretending to make them. In fact this is the first year I've made a New Year's resolution in this century and I have high hopes. Here's why.  In my Alabama family's version of dirty Santa, I picked up some diet pills and believe me when I say the battle for them was fierce. Also, while at my mom and dad's for the holidays I was introduced to the Just Dance video games and loved them, I may have become addicted with the Michael Jackson Experience being my very favorite one ( because I can actually beat my less rhythmically challenged sisters on "Thriller").  Shh...don't tell them but I think it might have to do with the hours I spent back in the day working on my zombie moves.

Although it wasn't nearly as much fun as competing with my three sisters, I did manage a couple of hours with the Wii this morning.  I popped a pill and haven't been hungry yet and have thus far managed to be nice and smile at all in my path. Since I am currently home alone it's been pretty easy, I guess when I have to be with people it might be put to the test.

Day 1 gets two thumbs up.

Here's hoping that 2012 is a stellar year!!