September 11th

It's a day of sadness. A day of painful memories. No matter how much you've tracked the Iraq War or how much you really know about September 11th.........it's still a big part of history and generations to come will know about it. September 11th will be in our children's history books (if it's not already).

Do you remember where you on that day in 2001? I do. I was a week away from returning from Maternity Leave. I was watching Oprah and giving Missy a bottle. The program was interupted and what sat in front of me was two planes crashing into the Twin Towers.

My Grandma died because of September 11th. No, she was not in New York. It didn't happen until October 20th of that year. But, she was in perfect health on the day the Twin Towers fell. She made herself sick with worrying. She had nightmares of World War 2 where she lost two brothers. She had nightmares of Vietnam where her son-in-law lost his leg. She was obsessed and left the TV on 24/7. It was so heartbreaking to watch her go crazy over it all. Within in a month, she became dillusional and had a stroke. The doctors have associated it with her obsession over 9/11 and her body couldn't take anymore. My Grandma raised me for a long time, so this was pretty hard to swallow.

I look back and reflect on the last 6 years. My daughter was born in July of 2001. Think about it like this........ this war has been going on virtually her whole life. Now she is in 1st grade, and the war is no closer to being won today than it was back then.

I've got my own views about it all, I won't share most of them because I do not want to upset anyone. But, the Tiger was a Marine and sent to Iraq 3 times. His brother is currently over there for his second tour. I will say it again. We are no closer to winning this war today than when we first stormed in there in 2002.

Today is a day for rememberance. Remember every office worker, every fireman, every policeman, every soldier, every civilian that has been lost since 9/11/01. Also, remember every one of these thousands of people were a big part of someone else's life and how sad they must be.

The 11" plate

I came across this article while I was surfing the Internet; this is my attempt on procrastinating that 500 word paper calling my name. Apparently, this woman that wrote the article hasn't been told of my ability to stack meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn, and biscuits like a pyramid.

Two Blogs in One Day - Not a good thing

I've worked in my company for 9 years (this month). I never thought I could feel the pain of a death of a co-worker. You don't realize how close you grow to someone until they are gone.

A co-worker (whose name I won't release.....I am HR after all) had kidney cancer several years ago. He never told anyone but HR (for paperwork reasons). He went through remission and things were going great. The cancer came back and he passed away a couple of hours ago.

I cry for the loss of him, as well as our company. He's been a statue in this company for over 20 years. How do people just pick up and do their job as if he was never there?

Then I began to reflect on his days alive. He never married. He never had any children. The only person by his side at the time of his death was another co-worker of ours.

He had so much, but he had so little too. Please just pray for this man up in heaven and for those he left behind.

A horrible, horrible day it has become. Times like this I want nothing more to just be at home and tucked away under the covers (like I used to as a child) where nothing can harm me.

Enquiring Minds Wanna Know

So Marissa spent the weekend with the "others" right? She went to Alabama (that's where her other family is from). She came back with a vicious "hey y'all". Every time I talk to her, I feel like I should be sitting on a rocking chair in front of my trailer waiting for someone named Paw to deliver today's mail.

But here's the interesting thing about the trip.............

I pick her up, we hug, we kiss, YES I cried. Whatever, I cry during Hallmark commercials so this was a moment for me.

We get in the car and the FIRST thing she says is, "Sorry I didn't call you that much Mommy but when I missed you, I looked at your picture on the wall and blew kisses."

Me - What do you mean a picture of me on the wall?

Missy - The one of you and my daddy on their wall. I wasn't born yet.

Me - There's a picture of me and your dad at your Great Grandparents house?

Missy - Yep. On the wall. In a frame. You look pretty, but you look young.

Me - So I look old now?

Missy - No, you just don't have the wrinkles by your eyes in that picture.


UM, OK.......first of all, I am not even 30. There are no wrinkles (none that I care to admit thank you very much).

Second of all, Billy and I haven't been together in 4 years (this month). Think Granny it's time to take the picture down? I AM SURE his girlfriend loves seeing a 10 year old picture of me on their wall. Ok, fine I'll admit it. It gave me a little smirk. And a giggle. Definitely a giggle.

Need More Shoes!

Well I DO love giveaways. I think there's a lot to be said for free contests over the internet! Here's another one I signed up for......and you can too.

Anyone out there want some new shoes? Check out Steph's contest for Vincent Shoes. And if you don't win, still go and check them out! They have summer shoes on sale right now for 75% off. Who can beat that?

Wordless Wednesday - Woah Caterpillar!

A caterpillar my brother and I found on a recent camping trip.................ever seen one this big?


For more Wordless Wednesdays, click here

Random Thoughts Day - My Head is Foggy

So, I can't focus on just one thing today. So I must focus on them all I guess, huh?

1. First, my baby girl is on her way home right now. I cannot wait to get off of work and hold her. I love her, I missed her, and damn......I don't want her ever going away again (ok I know this won't happen).
2. I learned this weekend you are never too old to meet new friends and re-connect with old ones. Went to the bloggy meet up on Saturday and it was a blast! For pics go to Crooked Eyebrow. For the details of how the night went, visit Steph.
3. I also learned this weekend that you do not even have to touch to catch a cold. Sitting next to Steph at dinner on Saturday has left me sniffly and coughing.......but honestly I wouldn't trade sitting by her for a minute. She has the cutest faces ever.
4. Another friend of mine is pregnant. That makes 4. And people want to know when I'll reproduce again. I don't have time or the funds, all my money is going to gifts on your kiddies! When you all stop reproducing, I'll start producing again! hahaha
5. I've got a wedding in October. I'm determined to fit in a smaller size dress. I've lost 9 SLOW pounds on Weight Watchers. Eventually my clothes will get big on me right?