POLITICAL/ELECTION RANT

The Democratic Convention is here and for the next three days, there will be extensive coverage. Soon, McCain will chose his vice presidential running mate and the Republicans will have their three days of media circus time. And let the mudslinging begin . . .

On election years, the 8 to 10 weeks from now until election day, seems to go on forever. The phone calls, the commercials, the entire news coverage will be on the candidates: local, state and national. I remember paying closer attention to this when I was younger. We all get set in our ways and attitudes, and not much will be different for my vote this time. I am, nor no longer will be, "on the fence".

The younger generation always looks at elections in a more positive way than I do. They look at everything, hear what the candidates are saying, and have more of an open mind. They are still finding their way in this world, and many of them are experiencing things for the first time in their young adult lives.

The main reason, but not the only reason, I chose a candidate is based whether they are Pro Life or Pro Choice. I look at this first because of my life experiences. No one can take these away from me, nor my opinion, and I know many people do not agree with my stand.

However, as much as I believe in the Pro Life stance (for human babies), I also believe in a Pro Life stance when it comes to the ecology of this world. I do not believe in senseless killing of animals, nor do I believe in capital punishment. I do not believe in euthanasia or genocide either.

My beliefs cross over the Democratic and Republican lines. One is Pro Life and one is Pro Choice when it comes to babies. One party cares more about the carbon footprint of humans; one party cares more about the genocide in Darfur. One cares more about helping the senior citizens of this country; one cares more of helping the poor dispose of unwanted pregnancies. It's difficult to keep up with all the world issues, assess which are true and which are biased journalism, then vote accordingly.

There never was, nor ever will be the perfect candidate, for any of us. The day after Election Day, there will probably be a large percentage of the people of this country disappointed, as there always is. After the inauguration in January, we have to watch carefully and speak our minds. We shouldn't do this with the help of some of the biased media, but should think first of our own life, education and morals. No one else should be able to tell us whom to vote for in the election.

God tries to help us understand, but is often misquoted in his words "an eye for an eye". First, if a burglar broke into your home and stole your television set, this saying would simply mean he gives it back and all is well. That can't be right. If you run through a red light and end up hitting a car in cross traffic, would it make sense for your victim to redo it with him hitting your car?

Second, this passage is taken completely out of context. In our hurried life, we read what we want to read. These words are further explanation of the Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Until the world agrees with using the Ten Commandments in daily life, and not ripping them off the walls of state buildings, they can not be hypocritical and use them to support their reason for capital punishment. The same scripture text also tells a man how to take care of their slaves. We are more civilized than this now, some 4,000 years later, aren't we???

I no longer have the patience for hearing the half assed reasons and campaign promises we are all about to endure. Nor do I want to hear comparisons to Abe Lincoln, JFK or Ronald Reagan. Let them be your examples, but do not tell me you are like them. If you were, we would ALL be voting for the same candidate. I don't care what the polls say either. They are as accurate as a weather forecast.

Quit promising me that you are going to change shit in Washington. No one can do that, unless you have the majority support of both the House and the Senate. Good luck with that one. All previous presidents are laughing at that statement, because they couldn't change shit either. The congressmen/women and senators are laughing even louder! You will not be able to lower gas prices, you will not be able to give $1000 tax credit to all families, and you will not be able to give everyone a job. Gas prices are not controlled by the Executive Branch. Family units, in this country, have yet to be defined. Not everyone wants a job - some like doing nothing, quite frankly. You will not be able to stop the war. You will not be able to wipe your ass without approval from the House Speaker.

If you are registered to vote, get out there November 4th , no matter whom your vote goes to, it would be nice to see that the people of this country actually care about their right to vote. If you're not sure what the issues are or need help with registering, visit the "League of Women Voters" web site. They are a nonpartisan group that will help with all of these, including staying informed as election day gets closer. If you are not registered to vote, please keep the pie hole closed.

Wasted Breath and Wasted Time

What if bad luck really existed or a horrible curse would be cast, simply by not forwarding those angel or friendship emails? I imagine I would be totally screwed, as I never forward them, nor do I send them back to the sender when asked. Many things do not make much sense, but still, we use valuable brain waves and cells wondering if maybe there is a small amount of truth to what we are reading or doing.

Dog, Cat or Any Pets: Talking to your pet is silly too. They may be able to tell you are happy or upset by your voice inflections, but I know mine doesn't truly understand my words. My dog just wags her tail because she is getting my attention at the moment.

Objects: Cursing at inanimate objects does not stop them from messing up. It is usually the operator of them anyway. Telling the teakettle "NO!" when it boils over does not keep it from spewing all over the stove top. Yelling at the weather man on the news, no matter how loudly, will not make the rain come. Telling him he doesn't know what the hell he's talking about, is never heard by anyone but me and the dog, and she really just doesn't understand.

Driving: When you're in your car, spouting off at someone who just took your parking spot doesn't work either. Their back is to you, and they don't really care anyway - they got the spot. Begging the traffic light to change, when you're in a hurry, never works - nor does the pleading you do, out loud and to yourself, about the cop on the side of the road who just clocked you at 75 mph. "Please don't get me, please don't get me" doesn't seem to work when you see the flashing lights in your rearview mirror.

Machines: Screaming "NO!" at the top of your lungs does not make the power failure nonexistent, when you are working on a serious presentation on the computer. Talking to slot machines or the roulette wheel does not make you a winner. It's all wasted breath.

People: Ridiculous responses are often heard too. When someone passes away, there is ALWAYS one person in the crowd that will inevitably say, "But I just saw him last Saturday!" My response in my head is always, "Well, he's apparently dead now." Another absurd question is when a reporter on the news, approaches the parent of a dying, sick or dead child and asks, "How do you feel?" What the hell kind of question is that? I, again, will forever scream at that reporter on the television from my living room, though again, it's just the dog that hears me.

Grammar: "Reverse discrimination" is not accurate and makes no sense. Discrimination is discrimination and prejudice is prejudice - no matter what color, race, sex or anything else is involved. "Irregardless" is not a word, so please quit using it. Just use "regardless". It means the same thing you are trying to say, but is correct. Who was the inventor of "permanent press"? Every piece of clothing wrinkles.

So if you love me, don't want to be cursed with bad luck for three years, don't want your hair to fall out, you will forward this to everyone in your address book.

Come To Your Senses

It's amazing what triggers memories in our lives from our five senses. The smell of fresh baked bread takes my right back into Grandma's kitchen, watching her carefully taking loaves off the inside rack in her old Magic Chef oven. The taste of cotton candy will take me to parish and school picnics from years past. To hear "Isn't Life Strange" by The Moody Blues, puts me in the arms a certain boy when I was 15 years old, and will always makes me smile. ; )

They say we lose our memories as we get older, with dementia or Altzheimer's. Apparently, the part of our brain that controls our association with these specific memories (hippocampus), is the first part that atrophies with this disease. I had a great aunt with this disease, and she often rambled on about events that took place in her youth with her siblings, at the old family farm. I often wondered why her rants were so crystal clear to her, but to no one else in the room. Questioning if they were triggered by some type of deja vu or one of her five senses taking over. They may have been real or, maybe they were made up in her feeble imagination. Most would tell her she was crazy, but I played along with her conversations and asked more questions. They were interesting - crazy, but interesting.

The association of the five senses to our memory can be overpowering at times. I've instilled this in my children, unknowingly. If they come into the house and smell oregano and garlic, they want to take food back to their own homes. They are instantly hungry and give me hugs. Music was continually played very loudly in the house, during my single mom years, when my kids were growing up. I also played classical music on the piano. They are both huge fans of a variety of music. The Baby, a huge Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix fan, and The Boy loves almost all classic rock. To soothe them on their blue days, I would get them quiet, usually with hugs, and play Pachabel, as they laid still. They cheered me when I learned a new piece on the piano. Hopefully, most of the associations ignited in my motherhood, will bring smiles and sweet recollections in their years to come.

Unfortunately, it works both ways. The sound of a drill can bring me back to a mad scientist of a dentist when I was eight years old. The taste of blood, the salt of tears, and the smell of a particular cologne, can remind me of the most unpleasant times in my childhood that should never have happened and can never be forgotten.

It may seem unfair to have both types of memories, bound together. It's worth repeating that my personal way to forgiveness, is to remember I would not realize how good the good really was, unless I had had the bad. In my life, the "I Ching" philosophy of Yin and Yang has had added a new reflection of understanding in my life, as well as the title is quite amusing to me. ; )

All of this leads me to the point of this writing. To those who care for me, if I am lucky enough to make it to old age and dementia: Again, PLEASE, leave the iPod alone and the ear buds in. Once in awhile, give me cotton candy, though I'll probably make a real mess of myself. If I ramble, let it ride and listen. Don't tell me I'm crazy. I get enough of that now.

"Isn't life strange, a turn of the page, a book without light, unless with love we write." -- John Lodge

CAN WE ALL BE GREEN?CAN WE ALL BE GREEN?

I'm sure some will not agree with this writing. Please remember, we all gather our information in different ways. Our experiences, surroundings and upbringing plays a huge part in what we believe in or not and makes us individuals. Do not look at this as anything other than my opinion, as we are each entitled to our own.

I have been reading a lot of information on the environment. Global warming, the world water crisis (www.whaledreamers.com), recycling, etc. All the issues regarding the environment, at least in the civilized societies all over the world, seem to be directly related. I see some people are learned and know what they are talking about. I don't know if I believe something drastic needs to be done, as it has become such a political debate. There are scientists on both sides of the global warming issue, and I don't know whether to believe "Mr. It's All OK" or "Mr. Chicken Little". I never expect to see the future devastation that is being projected, as I will probably be long gone from this world. I DO believe that we all have a responsibility to take care of God's Earth, and try to leave some part of it in better condition than the way we found it. We've got to come together to stop unacceptable events that kills life on our planet.

I may be repeating myself, but I've witnessed, first hand, the devastation in Haiti. I was so blessed to work with The Sisters of Mercy at an orphanage in Central Haiti (www.sistersofmercy.org). My heart aches, and I get on the verge of tears with just a few days of memories of this country. At this orphanage, all are discarded children, not from society, but their families, for the sole reason, they do not know how to nor have the means to take care of a sick baby. Half of the babies are doomed, most with tuberculosis and other terminal diseases. The other half of the children, that may have a glimmer of hope, are far from healthy. Bellies protruding from constant hunger, with some having to be taught again how to eat, as they have forgotten, because their bodies have adapted to starvation. Once luscious black hair of the natives, is lightened to orange or blond, by drinking water that is basically sewage. Some screaming from pain, all with the same haunting sad eyes of desertion. The few fortunate that survive are educated by the admirable Sisters. Below the floor of the orphanage are the Haitian indigents that the Sisters also take in. Some crazy, with their eyes wandering, some screaming, some lost. All are cared for, and some work for the "asylum" with laundry duties, helping to care for the babies, making beds, gardening or cleaning.

The land is barren, as the Haitians have deforested the entire country by cutting down most every tree. The wood is needed for cooking and after years of horrible reigns of greedy government crap politicians, the Haitians have continued to suffer. She has been hit by hurricanes, with devastating rains that run off the mountains, collecting more mud, as there are no trees or plants, so zero erosion control. The coasts are complete mud and silt, where the ocean's ecosystem is completely gone and no longer can the natives fish off the shore. Since none of them can afford safe homes, food, clean water or medicines, a boat to fish, away from the disaster coast is impossible. Overwhelmed with the sense of "what the hell am I doing here?" and "what difference could my unworthy self possibly make to the Haitians?", I cried for months after returning. (http://www.pih.org/home.html)
In the past year, I came to the conclusion that I could no longer go to Haiti. Though I have been in cancer remission for six years, I was terribly ill when I returned from that fateful trip, and, personally, do not want to risk my abnormal immune system to it again. I can't help at all if I'm sick or dead.

We've got to come together to stop unacceptable events that kills life on our planet. So I finally realized God may have wanted me there to show me that people, so geographically close to the US, are in dire need, and how fortunate he has made my life. I've realized, although it was short, it was something I needed to witness. The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and holding babies, just to make them comfortable until their death, was just something He needed me to experience, maybe for the reason of spreading the word, if anything at all. Maybe it was to change my habits or appreciate the home, healthy children or being loved unconditionally. I was and still am so humbled. (http://bellsouthpwp2.net/a/d/addison_t/home_twinningprogram.htm)

The past year, I have realized that the crisis in Haiti can happen anywhere. No, our generation did not start the Industrial Revolution, but the population afterward have added to the pollution and disregard for Earth. The generations before us did not realize many things, but our generations are more educated. For all of our problems, whatever they are, we must have education first. Realizing that we are doing something incorrectly, then begin again, is absolutely the best place to start. I see the new education to the Haitians in the small community with the small ministry, teaching them the elementary things we take for granted. Clean water, and how and why they need it, brushing their teeth, washing their hands with soap, especially after normal bodily functions - very basic things we were taught when we were little children. HIV and AIDS can be controlled, if diagnosed and medical attention is available. The deforestation has taken a huge toll on the country too, so learning to plant and not take the trees for burning and selling "coal" is essential.

We've got to come together to stop unacceptable events that kills life on our planet.
What if we were all responsible for a piece of green space? One small piece could begin in our own homes. A maintained yard with trees is standard in our society, but some don't realize and appreciate the simplicity of photosynthesis, and it is needed for every living thing on Earth. Live in a city apartment? Plant something on the balcony or window. No time for anything, plant aloe or a cactus or bamboo in a planter. All you have to do is ignore it and they all grow. Recycle something - anything! We recycled all of the kids' things they grew out of, and still do. When they have something from their homes, we sell it on ebay. We've turned ugly junk into usable and nice items. As adults, they've learned to do the same, because that's the way they were taught. I drive a very small car that gets 46 MPG. We fill up our gas tanks after 6:00 pm, when less toxic fumes are emitted. We take care of our cars, so they run efficiently. Our dryer broke three months ago, and caught me off guard. I am still drying clothes on the line. It keeps the house cooler and our air conditioning doesn't run as much or as long those two days a week.

Living in the Southern part of the US, and very unlike the Midwest, we have had a drought for the past few years. Water is a prized commodity here, especially now in the middle of summer. We have a garden and as I've watch it grow in the past few years, it's developed its own ecosystem. There are animals, birds and insects we have never had before, calling our garden home. We use recycled water. With a recommendation from friends, we are now recycling water from our air conditioner. We recycle water from a dehumidifier in the basement. We collect rain water. We now recycle aluminum, plastic, glass, and cardboard, at the insistence of our vegan daughter (The Baby). We live on a natural habitat and have planted many additional bushes and trees, most growing from seeds or the tiniest of seedlings. We grow strawberries, blueberries, apples, tomatoes, peppers and lemons and seven different types of herbs. We are now planting potted orange trees, and this fall, peach and cherry trees, and a few more vegetables. The citrus comes in during the winter months. All of this maintenance is on a part time basis, as the plants know exactly what to do. We water and do not use pesticides. We work full time and there is not much time we could spend on our green endeavors. Once in the habit, it is extremely simple and a very small change in routine. In every way, it is even more economical.

We've got to come together to stop unacceptable events that kills life on our planet.
There should be no excuse not to do something - any small contribution to help. If we all voluntarily participated, and took on one more effort, we may even be less needy to the oil industry. Political parties have been divided in the past twenty years. The Democratic Party is not necessarily the "green" party, though some people would like to think so. I do not want politicians, in either party, creating more bureaucratic, bourgeois and bullshit laws to try to control the ecosystem any longer. If we all did something, even on a small level, it would change the world forever. It's every person's personal responsibility, in the free societies in the world, to educate themselves, because the information is readily available to everyone. We could serve the people in third world countries better with further knowledge, if ours is in tact and cemented in our lives. It begins with us - our own education and in our own back yards.

We've got to come together to stop unacceptable events that kills life on our planet.
In my opinion, this also includes all "life" issues, but I'll save that argument as we approach November.

"The earth will continue to regenerate its life sources only as long as we and all the peoples of the world do our part to conserve its natural resources. It is a responsibility which every human being shares. Through voluntary action, each of us can join in building a productive land in harmony with nature." -- President Gerald R. Ford (Believe it or not.)

ANOTHER RANT; ANOTHER DAY

There are only three traits I find difficult to deal with in others: arrogance, lying and greed. All three will set me off or drive me away from people. Of course, there are some minor tweaks or exceptions.

When the arrogance is confused with pride, it is acceptable. I know of a man who feels deeply for the people of Haiti. On all other aspects in his life, he is a humble and wonderful man. However, he is proud of his accomplishments in this plight. I admire his pride, in this case. It keeps him working harder for the people in Haiti, to accomplish more and make future plans. In this case, it should not be confused with arrogance.

When lying is used for the only purpose of NOT hurting someone's feelings, most of the time this fault is forgiven. "No, dear, your ass is nowhere near as big as hers" is a perfect example of this exception. Absolutely, this is a forgiven lie.

When greed is present, there really is nothing virtuous. I see no good in wanting more than what you have, or being jealous of what someone else owns. In my opinion, Americans are facing an unknown upcoming recession, all due to greed. Buying on credit, beyond your means, is greed, and there is no redeeming quality.

Ahhh, but there is always someone to burst the bubble. Unfortunately, trying to stop my good mood is a hobby of a couple of different people in my life. There are some people in my life who refuse to ask me directly -- how I feel or what I am thinking. They are not the same individuals either. I'm not sure what to do to get the message across to each of them. I'm not sure if they even see what they are doing. Apparently, they think they are more intelligent than me? Better? More in tuned? More knowledgeable of my own feelings or happenings in my own life? I just don't really know, so here I go again, a little pissed off at discourteous people.

Arrogant attitudes is first in line. It's NOT about you! Something said or done may not be about you, nor do I need to defend myself further, because it has nothing to do with you. Do not misinterpret things so easily, nor should you jump to conclusions. It does not favor you, and you should always ask; not assume. You look foolish second guessing, and it is not an attractive trait whatsoever. Talk to me. I am one of the people in this world that gives blunt and honest answers (to a fault, sometimes), but you know this! Some people may have changed their mind, or mended something, or made some different decisions than what you think, and your actions may be based on entirely old information.

The second "sin" of lying is next. "You can't bullshit a bullshitter" is my response. You make me laugh by saying that you never said something, when it has been a self proclaimed statement for years! WTF! Second, do you know how ridiculous you sound when you speak a flat out lie? You lose credence quickly, and tossing this out the window, makes it very difficult for me to listen to anything you have to say in the future.

Now, we have greed. Do you want the spotlight? Steal it; I don't really care. Do you want to take what isn't yours to begin with? Someone's dignity, perhaps? Someone's reputation? Someone's happiness? This is greed and it is not becoming on you or anyone else. However, let me assure you that these items can not be yours with just your greedy mentality of wanting to "steal" them. They are earned and belong only to the person who has earned or created them. More importantly, these traits are within them and cannot be stolen. Your thoughtless efforts simply look idiotic to all who witness your attempts.

I am so weary of defending myself. What I've thought and what I've done in actions are sometimes two completely different things. What I think is my own, and no one else can take it from me, whether it is something you want me to think or not. I may never speak it, so why be so formidable with my thoughts! They are mine only and are no business of anyone. My actions are completely different, in some cases. I do not act on some of my thoughts because, first of all, I would have told you to your face what I have written above. In my cowardly way of communicating with you, I have blogged instead. Second, one of you would have a sock in your mouth and one would have received an atomic wedgie.

Know me or talk to me, and please stop this nonsense. Maybe not to the world, but to me, you look silly and petty.

"There ain't nothing I can do, or nothing I can say, some folks will criticize me.
So I'm gonna do just what I want to anyway, and don't care if you all despise me." -- Porter Grainger -"Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do"

JUST PLAIN OLD GOOD NEWS

I admit, I have been busier than ever and not much time for anyone or anything. Just beginning to get back into the swing of things, when something else comes up or someone needs something. Projects and promises are chasing me and I can't get back to a routine just yet. I thought I'd take a few minutes, though, to update this blog.

We have just returned from Florida, to put some finalities on the wedding plans. All is in place, and tomorrow I will follow up on a few small details. Hopefully, we will all be able to relax a little and simply let it all happen. (Fat chance!)

The Baby was such an extreme help and she's a great travel companion. I asked her to join me, first, for the selfish reason, I knew she would put some things in perspective for me, and her input would be invaluable. Second, she needed the break after taking a full course load this summer. Third, it gave me a chance to reconnect with her. The Baby's artful eye and talent for detail was amazing with every meeting that took place. She understood our vendors and my concerns of wanting to make it J's day, and J's day only. We laughed and talked all the way down and she giggled at my snoring. We laughed when we both realized where she received her whacked sense of humor.

On the way back from dropping her off at her apartment, I stopped in and saw The Boy and the beautiful Lady Jayne. Mike, the new roommate, has moved in and is happy. They all seemed so comfortable together, probably because they've known each other for so many years. Jayne was very tired from the move into her own new place, but still beautiful with her bright eyes and smile.

Later this month, we will travel down to Florida again on business. This time, RT and I will both attend the meeting. I want to spend and extra day and show him a small town I have fallen in love with. I would love to spend more time in this town, possibly a second home. On the gulf, this town is filled to the brim with characters, and I can see RT and I there having fun. If he doesn't feel it, I won't push it.

The business end of the trip is exciting too. Some of the clients we will meet are some that RT has known for years. Others will be colleagues of theirs which will, fortunately, allow us to possibly expand the business a little. I am getting so psyched up. During these meetings, he talks to the people he knows and I talk to the ones we don't know. : ) Never officially on a resume, but schmoozing is an absolute talent! (No, not bullshit or kiss ass stuff - schmoozing is quite different!)

Everything seems to be going in the right direction lately. Paper is backing up a bit, but still being processed and getting half ass completed. The Baby, The Boy and J are happy - today - at this moment, so that makes RT and I happy - today - at this moment. I had an appointment with one of my awesome doctors today. Again, great news, so I'm back on the cloud. One more RAI treatment in January 2009 and, if all is clear, he's giving me a reprieve until January 2011. Woooo Hooooo!

Writing and the book efforts have been temporarily put on the back burner. I want to complete it this year, so I can put finally put the past to rest. It is long overdue and will make me a better person to complete it. Still dragging my heels a little, I ponder daily on what will be thought of me when loved ones read it.

I apologize for no drama in this writing. Good news needs to be appreciated, savored and remembered. It helps when the stormy days roll in, the good will give yin to the yang.

"If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans." -- Woody Allen

FLAWS, FAULTS AND FAILURES

I have them all. The flaws make me human, and as I age, more and more come about. I'm still chasing them with concealer, strategic clothes selections and dodging the occasional camera, that appears out of nowhere, on one of those icky days. My grandmother never worried about appearances too much, but I didn't know her when she was my age. Sure, she'd fix her hair, dress properly and was a pretty woman, in my opinion. Though we probably get to a point when we're older, when we don't chase the flaws any longer, and just say the hell with all of this, or we no longer care what other people think. Though I am near her mentality when it comes to my flawed health issues, conceitedly, I am not yet there on my veneer.

Then, there are my faults. There is not enough makeup concealer in the entire universe to cover up these monsters! They are just there. When we are young, we deny them or pretend they do not exist. If they are pointed out, we think the person is mean or just plain stupid. With our tail between our legs, we hide out, and the first thing out of our mouths is wondering where that comment came from, or thinking this person is mean and should have just kept their comments to themselves. While raising children in my 30s, I realized that I had many faults and I needed to confront them. I had no manual for being a mother, and with horrible baggage from my childhood, it was inevitable I was going to make some mistakes. If I knew my faults well, I could possibly try not to pass them onto another generation. It worked on some, but not others, and I selfishly passed some of my faults onto the kids. However, it makes holidays more exciting when a little dysfunction is ricocheting off the walls.

Finally, there are failures. You learn about these at a very early age. What works and what makes life more difficult is avoided, just from the mere experiences of growing. They change all the time though, and failures can happen on small and large levels. From burning something in the oven or shrinking a favorite sweater in the dryer, to wrecking a car or a failed relationship, and sometimes, much worse. Sometimes, just getting near the end of the cliff, will teach you not to get too close. I've learned, the hard way, that it is more important not to have regrets. No matter what the failure is, there is usually a way to patch it up, mend it, or give it a temporary fix, until a final decision is made or a big gulp of crow is swallowed. Once it's done, it's done.

I have learned, these imperfections of mine, have brought me strength, courage and perseverance in my life. Without the evil, we wouldn't be able to identify the good in our lives. Without darkness, we would never see the light. Without the ugly, we would not be able to recognize beauty. Without death, we would never realize that we must live. Something good must, and always, come from bad things or events. It just depends what angle you see it. No pessimist would ever agree with me, but I will be the optimist that offsets him.

Looking back, I see some of the corrections as crossroads now, where the weakness made me choose who and what I want to be. They've also have given me the necessary armor to wear, to protect my family, my heart and my pride. They have helped me to apologize or correct myself, and to make me more humble. They have shown me I am not perfect, nor do I live in a perfect world. They keep me in check on upcoming decisions and the future person I expect myself to be. Not proudly, but I gladly own all of my flaws, faults and failures.

"I've been waiting so long, to be where I'm going . . ." -- E.C.