Proof That It takes A Village

Captain Dramatic recently tested for his red belt-white stripe in Tae Kwon Do. This moment has been long awaited for the whole family as for a time, we weren't sure we were going to see this day.

Some time ago, Captain Dramatic was at a stage in his life where bad decisions were running rampant. Captain Dramatic stole something, and by doing so, was so far from observing and living by the tenants of Taw Kwon Do, that his instructor, with me in total agreement, decided it was best that he start over as a white belt. At the time, Captain Dramatic had just made it to achieving his blue belt-black stripe (the belt just before his most recently acquired). He was not pleased with having to start over.

When he learned that he would be starting all over, he stated that he no longer wanted to learn Tae Kwon Do, but I was having none of that. I told him that he had to make it back to his blue belt-black stripe before I would allow him to decide he wasn't going to continue. After all, this was an activity that he loved before being made to start at the beginning, and if I allowed him to quit he would learn nothing.

He complained nightly for weeks, but I didn't let him get away with that either. I reminded him that he had done this to himself by making the wrong choices. I told him that he could make the best of the situation, or the worst of it, but that either way it wasn't going to change, and that he would only be making life harder on himself. He tried to make the situation miserable for a time I am sure, but he eventually stopped complaining when he knew it wasn't getting him anywhere, but reminded of his bad decision and sent to his room.

He has since made a lot of changes and done some growing. Not all his decisions are good ones, but most of them are better ones. Not all of his behavior is exemplary, but he has come leaps and bounds from where he was years ago. I would never give up on him, but now there are fewer challenges for us over all. Don't get me wrong, we still have our moments when I have no idea how I am going to get through to him, and there are still arguments and tests of patience, but we trudge right along. It helps that I have an amazing support network, who has proven time and time again, that it does take a village to raise a child.

To all those on the forefront of the battle to raise this son I gave birth to, thank you. Captain Dramatic may not realize it, but this board breaking ceremony wasn't just for him. It was for all of you, because it shows a measure of success on your part. It shows that dedication to a child, and even sometimes, just being more stubborn than said child, does pay off.

Thank you to my mom, and dad, who remind me how much my son and I have in common, and urged me to try martial arts in an effort to help my son down the right path. Who were always there support me in everything I attempted to do, and still are. Who reinforce lessons I try to teach my son.

Thank you to my husband who is a man who volunteered to help raise a child that has become his in every way but blood. Anyone who volunteers for this three ring circus complete with side show, that I call my life, is very special indeed.

Thank you to Sir who never gives up, who is willing to try everything in his power to help his students, their parents, and his community. He leads by example, and is exceptional at being open-minded, fair, respectful of others, and compassionate. He holds his students accountable for their actions, and helps them reach goals that many may not have known were within their reach.

I thank mom, dad, husband, and sir, for holding me up when it got to be too much, and for holding me back when strangulation was on my mind. Thank you for helping me to reinforce morals, goals, and citizenship. Most importantly, thank you for letting me know that I wasn't alone in the fight, and not the only one who cared for my monster. He will remember all of this, and I know for fact that, because his heart is ultimately good, he will one day thank us for our efforts, care and concern. It may be a while before we see this, but I know it will happen.

I will leave you with this video of Captain Dramatic breaking an inch and a half of pine board. As you watch it, try and think of it as I do, as a thank you to those who have given so much of themselves to help my young man find the right path, and as a symbol of the difficulties he has overcome.



There will be more difficulties on his path to adulthood I am sure, but I truly think he is going to make it. Especially if he remembers what he has learned.

Student Oath:
I shall observe the tenants of Tae Kwon Do.
I shall respect my instructors and seniors.
I shall never misuse Tae Kwon Do.
I shall be a champion of freedom and justice.
I shall build a more peaceful world.

The Tenants of Tae Kwon Do:
Courtesy
Integrity
Perseverance
Self Control
Indomitable Spirit

As a side note, I have had honesty and integrity down pat for a while, but Captain Dramatic's instruction in Tae Kwon Do has taught me something about my indomitable spirit, and about perseverance as well. In some things my self-control still needs some work... ;)

Have you Forgotten?

I haven't forgotten...



I won't forget what happened, and I won't forget where I was. Nor will I forget the innocents lost, nor their families. I won't forget those who died trying to save lives, and I won't forget the bravery, courage, and self-sacrifice exhibited by so many Americans...



I won't forget the unity, and strength that this nations possesses, and showed the world that day, and those that followed. I won't forget my anger of my sadness, and I suggest that those responsible don't forget it either...



Because I have friends and protectors who can do what I can't. Who know the cost and lay it all on the line for their families, their country, and for me...



Every American should stand behind them, and I think that I can speak for all those that I know when I say that we do. We treasure them, and honor them, and promise to give them far more respect, and honor if the ultimate sacrifice should be made on our behalf.



It is because of men and women like them, that we can we, as a nation, have been blessed. I will continue to remember what you have tried to do to us, and the horrors you have brought to so many. I will also remember who I am, what is worth fighting for, and those who have given everything to protect my way of life, my right to be who I am, feel the way I do, and raise my children the same way. God bless and protect our troops. God bless and protect our people, our children, and our nation...

A Heros Welcome

The video speaks for itself. Simply, yet beautiful.

I Fought For You

First and foremost, thank you Sarge Charlie for sharing this with your readers. I absolutely cried my eyes out. Tears aside, this moving video says so much in four short minutes, and in my opinion is really so very important.



My father served in Vietnam, and my grandfather on the pacific islands during World War II. Both were in the Army, and both have always made sure that their children knew the stories, and the hardships, and more importantly the why's behind why they personally served their country, and what they were fighting for.

I, with the help of my father, have taught and told my son the same things. No one likes war, but sometimes they have to be fought, and other times, the politics behind their beginning are a small piece of the puzzle and overshadow what can be won for the people living under tyrannical rule. Politicians, and their reasons aside, our men and women are fighting a fight for the right reasons, because it is their hearts and blood that are poured out for our freedom, and the freedom of others.

Mini Family Reunion

This Saturday a branch of my mother's side of the family got together for a family reunion. It was amazing to see so many arrive, and we had so much fun. Many of those in attendance I had not seen since I was very little, others I had never met before, and there were a few that I still see often (in comparison), but not as often as I would like. It means a lot to me to know that I am a part of such a wonderful family unit. A family that can get together after years apart, and have so much fun. A family that manages to keep in contact over miles and years. I feel stronger knowing that I have all of them in my life.

My husband managed to capture some photos that may help us all remember the good times.



In closing, I have to thank my mother's first cousin and her husband for letting the entire clan invade their home. The food was amazing, the setting was unforgettable, and the hospitality incomparable. Thank you.

The Best of Craig's List

I was wandering the internet tonight and stumbled across The Best of Craig's List. I looked up the listing for my area and was touched by one listing, and rolling in laughter at the others. I had to share.

This is the post that really touched me. The one that reminded me why I live in this little area of the world. This is a p-art of the country where people care and help one another. Where most people harbor no stereotypes or prejudices. It is also a part of the world where people say thank you, and mean it. Please read the below:

Date: 2008-07-07, 10:59PM PDT

Ok, so people often ask, where are the good kind people anymore?

Driving on Mt.Rose Hwy, and serving our communties is where! So I'm coming home to Reno on my motorcycle Saturday Evening after a short ride up to the top and back down cuz it was too smokey up there, somewhere around 8pm I think? Anyways... Near the bottom, I hit some oil, gravel, not sure what... but even as an experienced rider for some 30+ years, made my bike wobble so bad, I eventually lost control after doing everything I could try to do to keep it up. From what I hear, might have even hit a guard rail at some point during the crash, no memory so not sure, all I do know is next thing I'm on the pavement in a ton of pain. Rolling in the road I think...

Stranger #1 -
Then, there was a hand... holding mine, comforting me thru my gloves... Kept hearing a voice that I think was female telling me "everything was gonna be ok" and "help is on the way". Couldn't really open my eyes much, that's why I'm not sure if it was male or female, but it didn't really matter at that point, ya know? I just know 'till the day I die, I will forever remember how comforting it felt to know that "if" I was gonna die then, someone was gonna be holding my hand while it happened and I would not die alone on some road tasting asphalt.

You have no idea what that meant to me, still does, and always will. You probably also have no idea how much gratitude I would like to express to you for the comfort you gave me, a complete stranger, when I really, REALLY needed it. I just remember your hand, rubbing mine and your soft, kind, compassionate words letting me know, someone cared. You didn't just drive by, you took time out of your Holiday weekend to help me - some fat ass biker guy that some here on CL wish we would all crash and die.

Stranger #2
No clue who this was either, but someone called police/ambulance, etc. super quick and there they were, hot on the spot within minutes. (felt like minutes to me anyways, damn quick!), can't thank you enough and damn glad ya had signal...hahaha!

Stranger #3
Again, same as the others, no idea who you were, but I heard someone else say something I think about removing my helmet. In my mind I was thinking please, please don't do that, but I couldn't say it. But you could and did, you spoke up and advised against it. Damn I am glad there are people like you who know better and again, my sincere appreciation and grattitude to you as well.

Strangers #4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc..
To all the police firemen/women, ambulance drivers, person in the back of the ambulance.. to all of you emergency responder type people who showed up who did whatever it was you had been trained to do, and loaded me on some kind of back board or something I think, and then put my big ol' self in the ambulance and got me to Renown so quickly - my most humble thanks and appreciation as well. I know you were "just doing your jobs", but damn you do them well! You will NEVER hear me bitch about your pay raises or what it costs for the absolute QUALITY services you provide our community! I do know of one policeman or hwy patrolmen who I think arranged to have my bike towed and visited me in the ER letting me know it's condition and where it had been towed to, cuz he put his badge number on my insurance paper, as I get better in the next few days I would like to find you and thank you in person since I have a clue on maybe how to find you from the badge #. You also gathered my personal belongings I had on the bike that would have been stolen for sure. (cam corder, etc..) Yes, I know, small things to worry about in that moment, but you made sure I didn't have to, again, thank you for going out of your way for my needs.

To all the Dr.s, Nurses, and whoever else was working in that ER room, my eternal thanks and grattitude as well. Man I was hurting, them ribs are a bitch when smashed, but you folks all again, did what you were trained to do in the finest proffesional manner (even on the embarssing stuff) and I just knew from all your demeanors, I was gonna be ok.

I am sure there are some typos and mis-spellings in this post, forgive me as i am on some pretty strong pills for pain, but i just got to my computer and wanted to get these thank yous out as soon as possible. All of you people just really have no clue what your kindness and compassion meant, and means to me even now.I would like to let you all know, that from your kindess, skills and so on... I'm going to be ok. Could have been a lot worse, but thanks to good people like you, a damn fine helmet and a little luck, both I and the bike are fixable.

If there is any chance of any of you "unknowns" letting me know who you are, I would greatly like to thank you all in person, if that's not your style, I respect that and just know you meant alot to one hurting, scared guy, yeah... I was scared I'll admitt to it no problem!

Last and not forgotten in any way, once I was admitted to the 3rd floor, all the Nurses, CNA's, Orderlies, people waking me up every few hours to check my vitals and stuff, I also sincerely thank you, but since I know how to re-find you all, i will be seeing you again in person to thank you properly, especially Melissa, a nurse or CNA not sure, but one awesome lady I did not have enough time to thank properly today as I left! I really wish I could have stayed and healed longer as today really ended up hurting, but you know why I had to leave. You friggin ROCK!

Sincerely,
Tim H.

Now, for the lighter side of life. I saved them to help lighten the mood and keep the tears at bay. The next three are funny, and have some questionable language at times. I have not edited them in anyway. Read at your own risk.

#1:

Date: 2009-08-25, 3:06PM PDT

I was floating down the river on my tube, and Pancakes was right next to me. He is a small, 13 legged centipede who loves taco sauce, hardy partying, and never forgets to take his gummy vitamins. I looked back and he was gone, floating away. . . SCREAMING. No one knew what to do. He is a very good floater, probably because of all the gummi vitamins he takes. He never eats McDonalds when I do either. If you find him could you please e-mail me immediately!?? I miss him so much and I have no one to talk to, and no one to drink beerz with. He was my only friend. He was supposed to be 12 this upcoming Feb. 9th. He is an Aquarius.

Ps. He Has A SMILE as BRIGHT as the SUNNNNNNNNN :-)

<3

#2

Date: 2008-02-12, 12:53PM PST

Dear Roommates,

We live a wonderful life here in our little house in Tahoe. The location is great, the weather is wonderful, our neighbors rock. I realize that of the three of us, I am the only one in a comitted relationship, and I am fine with that. I will be moving out in the next few months, and you will have to find a third roommate. Before this happens, however, I wanted to make a suggestion that will make the new roommate's life a little easier.

Stop picking up hitchhikers, bringing them home, and fucking them all over the house.

Yeah, I know, kind of a petty demand. After all, you can't drive through town without seeing some hot little South American girl with her thumb out. And Tahoe is kind of lacking in the female department, so I see where you're coming from. But really, do you have to bring every girl you pick up home and have loud, house shaking sex with them? I admit you've both got it down to a science: Pick up hot Brazillian chick, show off the 10 words of Portugese you've learned, somehow coerce them into coming over and having sex with you, then drive them home and hope to never pick them up again. I admit, it's a pretty sweet life.

At first it was mildly entertaining to see what walked in the door. But after 3 month of constant porno sounds eminating from all corners of the house, it is starting to get on my nerves. I think what pushed me over the edge was the day I came home and found you two tag teaming some foreign chick in the living room, giving each other high fives over the top of her. I live in fear of bringing any of my friends over without doing some recon first. I should not have to call my house and ask if you're balls deep in some girls ass or if the coast is clear. None of this was disclosed when I signed the lease.

So please, I beg you to reconsider your actions for the sake of whomever replaces me. It's like living in a bad porno.

Sincerely,
Your Roommate

ps. The next time you ask me to borrow a condom because you're out, there will be a $30 charge per rubber. It's the least you can do.

#3

Date: 2007-07-10, 8:41PM PDT


Dear Craig,

I think we need to talk about our relationship. You�ve been a good friend to me in the past � we have shared some fun, some laughs, some deals. But Craig, I need to talk to you about the kind of guys you try to hook me up with.

I understand that finding two compatible souls is hard work. I respect your efforts, I really do. However, I think there is a fundamental flaw in your overall approach, Craig. Lets look at some examples:

In the past, I said I liked guys who are athletic and outgoing; you sent me boys who consider video games a sport and think that meeting new gamers in World of Warcraft is social.

I thought that my placing an ad in the W4M made it obvious that I was interested in single men. Considering that 80% who replied were married, I can only assume I didn�t make it obvious enough. Touch�, Craig. Touch�.

I indicated that I prefer tattoos, piercings and some flexibility in the 9 to 5 zone, and what do I get from you, Craig? I get insurance salesmen, accountants and computer programmers. I hope you are ashamed of yourself.

I said that I have a great sense of humor, am a smart ass and love watching South Park, Family Guy and Mythbusters; you sent me a man thinks Emeril and the cooking channel are what all humor is derived from and another who watches the 700 Club. The 700 Club, Craig!!! With that you met and exceeded my already low expectations.

I also mentioned I prefer guys a few years younger than me (preferably mid to late 20�s); seeing as the mean age of respondents was 45, I was apparently too subtle for you Craig. Either that or you sense in me an Oedipal Complex of which I am not yet aware.

Finally, I mentioned that I�m pretty independent, low-key, and relaxed type of girl. I�m busy � I own my own business, house, car, etc. When I�m not working, I like to have a good time, have fun, be spontaneous and enjoy life but am not looking to get married or have kids right now. Apparently you thought I would be a great match for forty-something guys trying to find a mother for their kids or a baby-making machine themselves � or someone to cook and clean for them � or a permanent or temporary sex toy. As I have mentioned before, Craig, I do not come as a sex only package. My vagina is not up for auction

Craig: it has become obvious to me that you believe that extreme opposites attract. I see your game, and I raise you. Craig: please find me a short, bald, uninteresting, middle aged man with no sense of humor and a small penis who loves Classical Music and hanging out at home with his kids and cat.

I hope the first gave you pause and made you think. I hope it made you remember that even the smallest gesture, like holding a person's hand, can mean the world. I hope the last three gave you a giggle, and reminded you that you aren't alone in your struggles to grasp sanity. Or perhaps the helped you remember that maybe things aren't as bad for you as you had previously thought?

Happy Veteran's Day

To all our Veteran's, thank you for your service to our nation. To all their families, thank you for your sacrifice.

Labor Day

Labor Day is Monday, September 7th this year, and is observed on the first Monday of every September. You can read about the origins of Labor Day here. (I found the origins very interesting, so I suggest the quick, short read to all of you.)

Labor day is commonly explained as a day of celebration in honor of the workers of this country. A day for them to rest and relax as a thanks for their hard work. It is recognized as the end of summer, and as the start of the season for the National Football League and college football teams. It is marked with parades, fireworks, bar-b-ques, picnics and trips to the lakes, rivers, and streams for a final frolic in the water. Labor Day weekend is often full of events of all types, and often times the most taxing thing to do on Labor Day is decide which you and your family are going to participate or partake in.

This year feels different to me. This year I spent a great deal of time worrying about if I would still have a job by Labor Day. The Economy has cost a great many people their jobs, and put the working class under a great strain. I think this Labor Day will not be able to celebrate the worker in America as it has in years past, but instead will have to settle on celebrating a time when people were able to find work in America. This year, Labor Day for me, and many others, is a day of remembrance, not celebration.

For the record, I managed to be one of the lucky few who still has work. I made it to Labor Day. Will I make it to Christmas? Hang in there America. I know I am trying to. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to spend some time brushing up on some history, and learning what actions pulled this country up by its boot straps all the other times it faced hardship and adversity.

The Star Bangled Banner

Very moving. For anyone who doesn't know the story of the Star Bangled Banner this is a must watch. I cry every time I hear this song, and the story behind it is why.

The Star Spangled Banner, like you've never heard it


Happy Birthday to The United States of America. To those who fought and died to bring this great nation what it has, for those whose raised their children with this knowledge, and a love for those who sacrificed so much, I give my thanks.

For such a young country, we have a very colorful past full of strong people who believed. Don't forget that.

Rest In Peace

When somebody passes from this plane of existence, it is right to remember them for the good things that they did, and for their great accomplishments.

Although Michael Jackson, had "problems", he also had successes, and I wanted to list some of them as a tribute to his life. He wasn't perfect, as none of us are. We have all made mistakes, some bigger than those others have made. Despite that, he had an impact on more of our lives. For now, I am going to overlook any of his failures or shortcomings, no matter how I feel about any of them, and celebrate what he did right, as I would want someone to do for me when my time comes.

Well, nix my brilliant idea to embed some youtube video. All embeds have been blocked...

You can go to this link though and watch them all: Michael Jackson

There is also this: Life in Pictures

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the "King of Pop". May he find peace in eternal rest.

A Good Cause

As many of you know, my husband and I are active in our local cub scout pack. In fact, I am the current publicity chair. It is my job to find a way to let the community know what our pack has been up to, and to bring the great things the boys are learning and doing in the community, to the attention of community, as well as to help get the scouts the recognition that they yearn for and deserve. Many local newspapers across the country help in this endeavor, as they publish short articles for free. My local paper, seems to, but I have not had much luck getting through to them or getting our events published. Despite this I still wanted my community to know what our scouts were up to.

That is when I found a website run by a great gal named Jan. She doesn't run the site to make money. She simply wants to make sure the events happening in our community, and news items for our town, were accessible to those that live here, and possibly even to a wider audience at some point in time. When I had trouble getting my scouts information into our local paper, and getting word of our wonderful scouts out to the community, I turned to her website. She has always been more than willing to assist us in getting the word out. For that I could never express my gratitude enough.

As many of you know websites cost money, and the more traffic you attract to your site, the more it costs. Who would have ever thought bandwidth would cost what it does! People like Jan try to make things easier for organizations that are non-profit, but the upkeep and overhead doesn't pay itself, and neither does the needed bandwidth.

It is our turn to give back. I know that most of you who read this blog aren't from my little community. Perhaps you can help out anyway, and gain a little from it yourself.

You can help by donating $1.00 at her site. By donating $1.00 you will get a link to your blog, social networking site, company web page, etc. Any web page listed for one dollar. If it is a business site, the $1.00 can be written off as an advertising expense. It doesn't stop there though. Not only do you get a little free advertising and a boost in traffic to your page, but you could possibly win $250.00.

Links will be reviewed prior to the posting of the link. Porn will not be allowed, but just about anything else will. Sites with overwhelming profanity probably wouldn't be considered either. Sites that are rated PG, and possibly PG-13 should be fine.

I truly hope you will consider helping out. The cost to you is minimal, and you stand to gain a great deal for a very small cost. Not only that, but good things should happen to good people, and what better way to thank those that give so much of themselves, than to give a little back.

You can visit the site and read for yourself here. When you are done catching up with the news, feel free to take a look at the pages of those who have already signed up here. To sign up your site you can go here.

I hope you can and will help. Please accept my thanks in advance, and comment me with any questions or concerns. I would also love a note from you if you were able to help.

Race For Life

I received an email today from my sister-in-law who lives in the United Kingdom. She is going to be participating in the Race For Life Cancer Walk. She didn't ask that I help, but I want to. She has always been amazingly kind to me, and I couldn't think of a better person to help or a better cause for that matter.

If you have anything you can spare, please consider donating it via her Race For Life website. Keep in mind that she is in the United Kingdom, and the funds will be collected in Pounds from your credit card. This means, that due to the current exchange rate, that if you donate 20.00 Pounds via her website, your credit card will be debited about $29.41.


Click here to donate.

Click here to convert Pounds to Dollars.

The minimum amount that can be donated is 2.00 Pounds. Please let her know in the comments when you donate that her sister in the states sent you. I don't want to freak her out :P

Thank you to all of you for taking the time to read this, and great big hug to all of you who can, and have donated.

This Is Why I Like To Fly Southwest

I have had the benefit of enjoying the company of some of the best flight attendants in my lifetime, but only when I have flown Southwest. Don't get me wrong, I have been on other airlines with wonderfully nice attendants who made my time on the plane much more tolerable than it could have been with out them. Southwest has the most entertaining attendants "per capita" by far, hands down.

I have been on Southwest flights where the attendants sing the safety message that has to be shared with passengers before take off. Funny little ditties full of humor in fact, and to this day I wish I had written the song down. I have been on a Southwest flight full of teenagers who were flying to a youth convention. A five hours flight became much more bearable when the attendants started a few games such as a relay race to pass the pillow from the front of the plane to the back, and see who's aisle got to the back first without getting out of your seat. Or when her partner decided that he would run up and down the aisle leading us all in the wave.

This is on thing I have seen though, although the price of an airline ticket would be well worth it, just to say I had. Watch this video, and tell me how long it would have taken you to think this up, and how many times you would have had to rehearse it to get it right?

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

See? Cool huh? To all the wonderfully creative and entertaining staff of Southwest airlines I say thank you. Thank you for making the hassles of airport security, baggage claim, and sitting between two obnoxious or smelly people so much more tolerable. I really mean it. Without you, so many of my trips would have gotten off on the wrong foot the minute I arrived at the airport.

Just Plain Cool!

This story is just plain cool. I can't describe it in any other way that does it justice, not that just plain cool, does. This story is heart-warming, it is happy, it is good news, it made me cry with a smile on my face, and it is something I wish for all families that have members deployed over seas. A happy reunion, even if only a brief leave, that leaves all members with something great to remember, and a happy moment to treasure while their loved one is gone.

Here is the story:

DAYTON, Nev. (AP) - Gabriel Hurles' sixth birthday party wasn't
a surprise but his present sure was.

The kindergartner was so engrossed in the cupcakes his mother
brought to his class in Dayton Wednesday that he didn't notice the enormous wrapped box off to the side.

When a classmate finally pointed it out, Gabriel peeled back the wrapping paper to find the surprise of his young life - his father, an Army mechanic back in Nevada on leave from his second tour in Iraq.

23-year-old Casey Hurles says he hadn't seen his son since he left in June. When he learned his leave would coincide with his son's birthday, he hatched the plan to hide out in the 4-foot tall box.

After Hurles sat down and ate a cupcake with the birthday boy, teacher Dawn VanSickle presented him with a banner from the class
that read, "Welcome Home. Thank you for your service."

Stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, Hurles is about seven months into his second tour and expects to finish sometime this summer.

Gabriel says he looks forward to playing with his dad over the next two weeks but understands why he has to leave again. The young
boy said: "He works in the war."

Many thanks to the Hurles family for the sacrifices they endure while Mr. Hurles serves his country. Many thanks to Mr. Hurles for his service to the United States, and the sacrifices he has made in doing so. Many thanks to Dawn VanSickle for having her class honor one of America's brave soldiers. Many thanks to all of you that pray for our soldiers safe return upon the completion of their missions.

Moments like this are why I all pray for our soldiers and their loved ones. They have all given so much of themselves and deserve every minute like this that they can capture.

Thank You!

Many of you have probably seen this. I haven't until tonight as we don't have TV reception where I live, and satellite is not in my budget at this time. Even though I know many of you have seen this, I wanted to post it here in case there was anyone like me out there who just doesn't get to watch much TV. The message that this commercial is trying to give is a very important one.

If you ever have the opportunity, I hope you are all like those depicted in this commercial. If you have a chance, and can get past your tears, say thank you, shake a hand, recognize all the good our men and women have done in any way you can. They deserve it!

A Tribute To September 11th

Today is September 11th. Six years ago today our nation was attacked, and thousands of innocents lost their lives. The following is a tribute to September 11th, but it arrived in my email from a very unlikely place. Jordan in Gdynia, Poland sent this wonderful tribute to me via email, and I had to share it with all of you. Jordan is a reader of this blog, so all, please send him your thanks.

I am publishing Jordan's email to me, word for word. His English is so much better than my Polish! I can't speak a word of Polish!

as every year , in my little town lost somewhere at the end of the world - at seaside of Poland ,people fold flowers and inflame candles to celebrate the memory of innocent victims of the attack on WTC which were killed from the hand of animals.
From the hand of animals which shamed to all other animals

the inscription proclaims : on September 11th,2001 our hearts stopped petrified with horror - on that day we were all New Yorkers.

-on the 1st anniversary of the terrorist attack on WTC - inhabitants of Gdynia.

my town Gdynia

Jordan, on behalf of every American I know, I would like to say thank you to you and all of the others in Gdynia who prayed for the families who lost loved ones in the World Trade on September 11th, 2001. We also send our thanks for standing beside our nation in it's grief. We are grateful, and truly blessed to have all of you as friends.

Wednesday's Hero - Happy Anniversary

One year ago today the Wednesday's Hero Blog roll began. It was a blog roll to celebrate America's heroes, and to spotlight the fine men and women serving this great country. Below is an amazing slide show created by one of our blog roll members, Kathi, that takes us on a walk down memory lane.

Wednesday's Hero has given a number of us the opportunity to bring attention to those who deserve it. It has been an way to openly say we are proud of the efforts and sacrifices made by so many. It has been a way to give something back to those who gave so much more. None of this would have happened with out Chris, who has been behind the Wednesday's Hero blog roll from day one. Chris, thank you for all of your hard work, and for making Wednesday's Hero a success and a reality.

Happy 1st Wednesday's Hero Blog Roll!

Update On Fund Raising For The Family of Chris Cooper

I have more thank you to dole out this morning! After my post yesterday regarding my fund raising efforts for Chris Cooper a few more of you have stepped forward. Many thanks to The Count in Texas, and to Carlos in Kansas! I know this will mean the world to Chris Cooper, Jr. and his family. Keep those donations coming and feel free to spread the word!

Chris Cooper

As many of my regular readers know, I started collecting money with my website to assist a soldier who needed some help. His name was Chris Cooper, and you can read about him here.

I didn't see a lot of interest in helping him in the form of donations, but I did get one. My single and only donation came from Dean in Oklahoma. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to Dean. Thank you my friend.

Within this week (no later than Friday) I will be sending the money donated by Dean, as well as what I planned to give off to Chris Cooper and his family.

Happy Father's Day To My Father

This was the hardest post for me to write, which struck me as odd, considering that anyone who knows me, knows that I never stop bragging about him. My father is an amazing man. A man who served his country in Vietnam and came home to father two daughters. Two daughters that he loves unconditionally.

My father was stern when he needed to be and loving at all times. He was my spider killer and my great defender generally. He has always been there for me, and I know in my heart he will always be there for me.

He taught me to fish, and to shoot. He took us camping and taught us to play baseball in the street. He taught me to ride my bike, and that was no small challenge as I am about as uncoordinated as they come. He killed countless spiders and various other bugs that scared the bejeezus out of me, and taught me many important lessons regarding life. Some of those would be:

"If you don't come home from work tired, you weren't working"
"Half-ass don't cut it"
"In the real world, you are guilty by association"
"If you kill it you have to eat it"
"Be nice to your sister, because one day you will realize that family is all that you got. That and she will get bigger and beat the snot out of you"
"You get what you give"
"Nothing in life comes easy, and if it does, it ain't worth having"
"Keep your guard up"
"No matter how big the man, if you kick him in the knee he is going down"
"Sometimes you have to stand up for yourself, because some days there isn't anyone else around to do it for you."
"If it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger"
"Never start the fight, but be prepared to finish it"
"Home is where your heart is, and now-a-days that is a phone call away"
"You can do anything you set your mind to and don't let anyone tell you different"
"If you fall of the horse get right back on it"
"If it can't be fixed with a hammer it ain't broke"
"Nothing in life can't be fixed with duct tape and bailing wire, or as your mother would say, a band-aid and a hug"
"You don't need to be dating yet, and trust me I know. I was one of those boys once"
"Stick to your guns, but don't be afraid to say I was wrong and I am sorry."
"You live in the greatest country in the world, and if you take care of it, it will take care of you"
"Always fight for what you love"
"Always fight the good fight"
"What goes around comes around, and sometimes you are lucky enough to see it happen."

There are a ton more if I sat here long enough. I have always looked up to my dad. He was my super hero. He still is. If it is broken, dad can fix it. Even when it is your heart. He does it is his own gruff manner, but he fixes it.

He is a man long on love, and short on patience, but one of the most giving you will ever meet. He was a provider of many things in my life, and one of the greatest men in the world. He knew that his girls could be anything and everything they ever wanted, simply because they were his. He had more faith in me than I did, and he pushed me, and still does at times, to remember that, and not to give up. He never accepted less than our best, which sometimes felt unfair, but something I am glad he did.

They don't make them like my daddy anymore, and to be honest, maybe they never did because he has seemed one of a kind to me.

I love you dad, happy father's day.