Yes, I am clinging to the 'Old Rugged Cross' and I will until I am face to face with Jesus Christ in heaven! A large part of why this great USA was formed, is so that we could worship 'THE ALMIGHTY GOD' as we choose. I have been watching that right diminish, not knowing what to do about it. I still do not know what to do about it. However, It is something that cannot be taken away from me. My body can be killed, but not my soul. Christ was the perfect sacrifice and provided all of us THE CHOICE to pick where we want to spend eternity.
My guns? Well, I have been around them all of my life. Rifles and shot guns used for hunting. I went deer hunting with my daddy. I remember getting on the school bus as a teenager and having the (mostly) boys get on the bus with their rifles in cases and hand them to the bus driver. The bus driver would put them behind the driver's seat. When they got off the bus @ the school they picked up their rifle and carried it into the school. (I do not know if they stored it in their locker or what) but at the end of the day, (3:00 P.M.)they were out the door with the rest of their hunting party for the evening hunt.
I enjoy hunting, my husband enjoys hunting. All 5 of the boys were taught to hunt and learned gun safety. Three of them still enjoy hunting with firearms and bow.
Thanks to Representative C.W. Bill Young of Florida I have become MORE interested in The Constitution and Bill of Rights. (I was at an event a few months ago and he had provided booklets of The Constitution) (I believe that is tax money WELL SPENT!) I am by no means a 'student' of The Constitution but I have become more interested. I have done a little reading.
There is 'THE BILL OF RIGHTS',I am also looking into that. After Obama made his statement about guns and religion and I took exception to that and have been reading a bit about THE SECOND AMENDMENT. Hmmmmm. The framers/founders of our country were concerned about tyranny. I do not know where this statement came from but I certainly know it is true. 'Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.' They, 'the founders of our great country', were concerned that the 'leaders' of this nation would not be able to bully the citizens and have TOO MUCH power over our individual lives. That brings me to a question. Are the politicians that wish to take away our 'right to bear arms', afraid of their 'constituents'? Do these leaders that wish to take away our 'right to bear arms' fear our ability to possibly stop them from complete control? No, I have not freaked out and bought guns and ammunition and built a fortress around my home. Should I?
I for 1 take my right and responsibility to vote very seriously. I have since I was 18 years old. I only wish that the majority of this country's citizens would feel the same. Unfortunately, until that right is taken away, many will not.
I truly am very concerned for the future of our country. Will the citizens of this country truly think of only them self and 'immediate gratification'.
As the late GREAT Ronald Reagan said, "We are always just one generation away from losing our freedom."*
I long to hear ANY politician say something like the late John F Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
Vote as if your vote will decide the election. 'Fast forward' what will happen IF your vote decides the election.
How much do you value your:
Freedom
Privacy
rights
Until Then,
Katie
*not exact quote but I believe an accurate paraphrase.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
My Fatness
Yes, I am overweight OR undertall. No matter how I look at it, I have to look in the mirror and deal with reality. I can no longer eat what I want and stay a reasonable weight. My metabolism has changed, like everyone elses does as we age. (Yes my children, IF you live long enough, you most likely will experience the same thing.) I have seen exceptions to this, or so I thought. Upon closer inquiry or observation I concluded, 'maybe not'.
It truly is mind over matter. Questioning myself, I have concluded that I really do not care, at least enough to do anything about it. I have been checking to make sure that I do not gain any MORE, but I can not seem to make myself care to lose the extra weight. It is an ongoing struggle. I am in constant contact with a 43 year old woman that is UNDER weight. The Dr. tells her she should gain 10 #s, but she refuses. She is highly critical of overweight people. "Why don't they just lose the weight!" Finally one day I said, "They/we don't lose the weight for the same reason that you don't gain the weight, it's a psychological problem, we don't want to for some reason." It is just socially acceptable to have the skinny problem VS the FAT problem.
Now obviously I am not going to be critical of over weight/obese people. Here is my question: WHY OH WHY do people clothe them self in such a manner as to show the world their FATNESS? I have literally fought the gag reflex at the sight of some of it! Women showing their mid section and falling out of their tops and displaying their butt cracks. Do you look in the mirror before you leave home?????? If you do, what are you seeing???
Regardless of weight or age, why do women dress intentionally so they think that they are sexually attractive and then become offended when men make sexual remarks or actions toward them. "Isn't that what you were looking for when you dressed like that?"
Parents, are you teaching your children some standards for appropriate attire? I have 5 granddaughters. One of them has parents that simply do not get it. They let her dress anyway she wants, and provide the sexy clothes for her. It breaks my heart. When I said something to my son about it, he scoffed at me and said, "Don't be stuppid, its cute, she's just a little girl." My answer, "At what point do you say, OK, you can't dress like that anymore?" "Plus, the child molesters love lookin at her." His reply: "Mom, you worry about nothing." We'll continue this subject for another day.
Back to my FATNESS. I realize that it is not nice to look at, so I attempt to dress neat, clean, pressed and covered loosely.
My question to the world is: Why do you flaunt your FATNESS? It is ugly. I really do want to understand, or at least hear some sort of explination.
Until Then,
Kate
It truly is mind over matter. Questioning myself, I have concluded that I really do not care, at least enough to do anything about it. I have been checking to make sure that I do not gain any MORE, but I can not seem to make myself care to lose the extra weight. It is an ongoing struggle. I am in constant contact with a 43 year old woman that is UNDER weight. The Dr. tells her she should gain 10 #s, but she refuses. She is highly critical of overweight people. "Why don't they just lose the weight!" Finally one day I said, "They/we don't lose the weight for the same reason that you don't gain the weight, it's a psychological problem, we don't want to for some reason." It is just socially acceptable to have the skinny problem VS the FAT problem.
Now obviously I am not going to be critical of over weight/obese people. Here is my question: WHY OH WHY do people clothe them self in such a manner as to show the world their FATNESS? I have literally fought the gag reflex at the sight of some of it! Women showing their mid section and falling out of their tops and displaying their butt cracks. Do you look in the mirror before you leave home?????? If you do, what are you seeing???
Regardless of weight or age, why do women dress intentionally so they think that they are sexually attractive and then become offended when men make sexual remarks or actions toward them. "Isn't that what you were looking for when you dressed like that?"
Parents, are you teaching your children some standards for appropriate attire? I have 5 granddaughters. One of them has parents that simply do not get it. They let her dress anyway she wants, and provide the sexy clothes for her. It breaks my heart. When I said something to my son about it, he scoffed at me and said, "Don't be stuppid, its cute, she's just a little girl." My answer, "At what point do you say, OK, you can't dress like that anymore?" "Plus, the child molesters love lookin at her." His reply: "Mom, you worry about nothing." We'll continue this subject for another day.
Back to my FATNESS. I realize that it is not nice to look at, so I attempt to dress neat, clean, pressed and covered loosely.
My question to the world is: Why do you flaunt your FATNESS? It is ugly. I really do want to understand, or at least hear some sort of explination.
Until Then,
Kate
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Speech Patterns
We are all aware of the fact that in this United States as we go East to West and North to South, there are different speech patterns. And of course we can go North of the border, "Aye".
I am asked from time to time where I am from. When I say, "Minnesota", the quick response is, "Of course, I can hear the accent!"
When we moved to Florida, one of the things I thought I was going to be relieved of hearing the phrase, "You guys." I strongly dislike that phrase. Just as much as I dislike, "You people." I was unable to run away from, 'you guys' or 'you people.'
Any phrase or word can be over used. Anyone who has spent a lot of time with me or worked with me would probably be able to think about it and recall seeing me wear a rubber-band around my wrist from time to time. It is a simple but effective way to correct bothersome speech patterns. Each time I use the word or phrase that is problematic, I just pull that rubber-band and let it snap my wrist. First of all, I am amazed at how often I say the word or phrase. It takes several days, but I can usually brake the poor or irritating speech pattern.
I have an acquaintance that prides herself in learning new words to make herself sound 'more educated'. Then she way OVER USES them, so it is pretty obvious that she is trying to impress. It is great to consciously continue to learn, but do not over use it. (It is counter productive)
Those of us in sales, and for life in general need to be forever cognisant of our speech patterns.
We all need to listen much more than we speak. We need to ask questions rather than inform others about ourself.
I was speaking with a business associate the other day and it SEEMED like every other word was 'you know'. It was all I could hear! So I looked at the second hand on my watch and made a mark on a piece of paper each time he said, "you know" IN 60 SECONDS, he said, "you know" 14 times! That is every 4.28 seconds!
GIVE THAT MAN A RUBBER-BAND
Am I willing to ask someone close to me to help me by telling me what corrections I need in my speech patterns?
I had better be, I have a feeling that those close to me will read this and be letting me know.
Until Then
Kate
I am asked from time to time where I am from. When I say, "Minnesota", the quick response is, "Of course, I can hear the accent!"
When we moved to Florida, one of the things I thought I was going to be relieved of hearing the phrase, "You guys." I strongly dislike that phrase. Just as much as I dislike, "You people." I was unable to run away from, 'you guys' or 'you people.'
Any phrase or word can be over used. Anyone who has spent a lot of time with me or worked with me would probably be able to think about it and recall seeing me wear a rubber-band around my wrist from time to time. It is a simple but effective way to correct bothersome speech patterns. Each time I use the word or phrase that is problematic, I just pull that rubber-band and let it snap my wrist. First of all, I am amazed at how often I say the word or phrase. It takes several days, but I can usually brake the poor or irritating speech pattern.
I have an acquaintance that prides herself in learning new words to make herself sound 'more educated'. Then she way OVER USES them, so it is pretty obvious that she is trying to impress. It is great to consciously continue to learn, but do not over use it. (It is counter productive)
Those of us in sales, and for life in general need to be forever cognisant of our speech patterns.
We all need to listen much more than we speak. We need to ask questions rather than inform others about ourself.
I was speaking with a business associate the other day and it SEEMED like every other word was 'you know'. It was all I could hear! So I looked at the second hand on my watch and made a mark on a piece of paper each time he said, "you know" IN 60 SECONDS, he said, "you know" 14 times! That is every 4.28 seconds!
GIVE THAT MAN A RUBBER-BAND
Am I willing to ask someone close to me to help me by telling me what corrections I need in my speech patterns?
I had better be, I have a feeling that those close to me will read this and be letting me know.
Until Then
Kate
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Age Sensitive (revised)
I am not one of those who feel the need to hide my age. Plus, I do not understand what is going through the mind of a person that feels the need to hide their age.
Now, I am embarrassed to admit that I also dyed my hair and changed my style for a few years. I gave into wanting to please my husband. I look back on it now and I really looked stupid. It is true that my hair started to turn gray early. (late 40s) I still wish I had not given in to the pressure.
Why this came to mind again, was because I saw yet another woman 'trying' to look half her age and I thought, "Who does she think she is kidding?" And then...! when one of these woman 'attract' a younger man and they believe they are pulling it off, that is really pretty sad. Don't kid yourself honey, maybe he needs a mommy, or you need to be a mommy. Or does he think you have something he wants? Money, position, a place to live? If both people are aware of 'what the attraction is' then go for it. However, when someone starts out trying to appear to be something they are not; that is not likely.
I am 56 years old and can find no reason to be ashamed of that. After all, the alternative to having birthdays would be.......death?
Maybe someone can explain to me the problem with being 56 or 60 or 65 or.... Someone help me understand !
I am glad that I am not out looking for a job at my age. Why? For some reason companies do not want to hire someone over 50. And as employees hit the 50s, it seems like life is made difficult to 'encourage' those people to resign. Maybe someone can explain that to me too. Let me see... 50 years old, hmmm. Experience..maturity..usually good work ethic..10 to 15 good working years left. Sounds like a good employee to me.
As I was growing up, I NEVER was embarrassed to be with my parents. I do not understand that either. What is that about?
So, if someone would please explain to me what the problem is with having more birthdays is, or why kids do not want to be with their parents, I would really appreciate it.
Until Then,
Kate
Now, I am embarrassed to admit that I also dyed my hair and changed my style for a few years. I gave into wanting to please my husband. I look back on it now and I really looked stupid. It is true that my hair started to turn gray early. (late 40s) I still wish I had not given in to the pressure.
Why this came to mind again, was because I saw yet another woman 'trying' to look half her age and I thought, "Who does she think she is kidding?" And then...! when one of these woman 'attract' a younger man and they believe they are pulling it off, that is really pretty sad. Don't kid yourself honey, maybe he needs a mommy, or you need to be a mommy. Or does he think you have something he wants? Money, position, a place to live? If both people are aware of 'what the attraction is' then go for it. However, when someone starts out trying to appear to be something they are not; that is not likely.
I am 56 years old and can find no reason to be ashamed of that. After all, the alternative to having birthdays would be.......death?
Maybe someone can explain to me the problem with being 56 or 60 or 65 or.... Someone help me understand !
I am glad that I am not out looking for a job at my age. Why? For some reason companies do not want to hire someone over 50. And as employees hit the 50s, it seems like life is made difficult to 'encourage' those people to resign. Maybe someone can explain that to me too. Let me see... 50 years old, hmmm. Experience..maturity..usually good work ethic..10 to 15 good working years left. Sounds like a good employee to me.
As I was growing up, I NEVER was embarrassed to be with my parents. I do not understand that either. What is that about?
So, if someone would please explain to me what the problem is with having more birthdays is, or why kids do not want to be with their parents, I would really appreciate it.
Until Then,
Kate
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Define Disabled
I live and work among SO many people that are on SSI (Social Security Disability) that I simply can not comprehend the nation wide numbers and dollars dished out every month!
DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND ME, there are people that NEED this assistance. But there are many who are getting it, and do not.
Shortly after I graduated from high school and had a certificate from business school I went to work full time. My supervisor was a middle aged woman in a wheel chair that had the use of a TOTAL of 6 fingers. She could type faster than anyone in the department! She made an excellent salary and was completely self sufficient.
(would that happen now or would she be herded to the disability line?)
IF a person is working in construction, and they are injured and hurt their shoulder, it seems that they automatically go for the permanent disability! Why? How about a different line of work? Does that shoulder injury stop that person from driving a delivery vehicle? A 'gal or guy friday' in an office? Learning a new trade all together? There are real and legitimate ways to work at home.
I personally watch people every day that could certainly work for a living, but instead, draw permanent disability.
Example: He hurt his back at work so he is unable 'work'. He is a large man, partly due to the fact that he works out with weights every day. Isn't there something this man could do to be gainfully employed?
Several years ago when I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and could barely walk and in constant pain, it was suggested to me that I go on 'disability'. We lost the business that we owned because I could no longer do that type of work. I am so greatful that I resisted that temptation and did not fall into that lifestyle. I now do something totally different, but I still make a living.
Wouldn't EVERYONE be better off, if people were financially helped temporarily, re-educated, and back into the work force when ever possible?
Seems logical to me!!
Until Then,
Kate
DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND ME, there are people that NEED this assistance. But there are many who are getting it, and do not.
Shortly after I graduated from high school and had a certificate from business school I went to work full time. My supervisor was a middle aged woman in a wheel chair that had the use of a TOTAL of 6 fingers. She could type faster than anyone in the department! She made an excellent salary and was completely self sufficient.
(would that happen now or would she be herded to the disability line?)
IF a person is working in construction, and they are injured and hurt their shoulder, it seems that they automatically go for the permanent disability! Why? How about a different line of work? Does that shoulder injury stop that person from driving a delivery vehicle? A 'gal or guy friday' in an office? Learning a new trade all together? There are real and legitimate ways to work at home.
I personally watch people every day that could certainly work for a living, but instead, draw permanent disability.
Example: He hurt his back at work so he is unable 'work'. He is a large man, partly due to the fact that he works out with weights every day. Isn't there something this man could do to be gainfully employed?
Several years ago when I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and could barely walk and in constant pain, it was suggested to me that I go on 'disability'. We lost the business that we owned because I could no longer do that type of work. I am so greatful that I resisted that temptation and did not fall into that lifestyle. I now do something totally different, but I still make a living.
Wouldn't EVERYONE be better off, if people were financially helped temporarily, re-educated, and back into the work force when ever possible?
Seems logical to me!!
Until Then,
Kate
Sunday, April 27, 2008
UNDECIDED?
We are in the midst of a horrible election year. There are people out there that claim to be UNDECIDED. I really do not believe that. Are these people waiting to see what the candidates say next, or what? What they say NEXT is what they believe YOU want to hear. Nothing about the truth. Are you going to believe that? Really? We are not voting for 'Homecoming King or Queen' you know. This is serious stuff! Granted, our choices are not good, but use some common sense. DO NOT believe a word any of them say at this point in time. Get on your internet and look up how the candidates voted/or not, in their service/or lack thereof, to this country prior to their interest in the office of President of the United States. (that may be difficult in at least 1 case) I would love to hear just one poitician quote the late JFK
"Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country"
We are truely careless with our country. We take this responsibility so lightly. I fear we (The United States of America) are on our way out. How soon? I have no idea. I just feel great concern for my grandchildren.
A couple of months ago I was discussing this subject with our oldest son. He said, "Mom, why do people think that this democracy will last forever?" "We have already outlasted the democracies in history." That is a sobering thought, but a very real concideration.
I so wish that people would THINK! Just THINK!
There is no one running for the office of president that I really want to vote for. However, I WILL VOTE! It will be for the 'better of the lousy choices' or as it has been said, "The lesser of the evils."
I fear that there will never be another election with a candidate that I look forward to voting for.
How about paying attention BETWEEN election years.
Until Then,
Kate
"Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country"
We are truely careless with our country. We take this responsibility so lightly. I fear we (The United States of America) are on our way out. How soon? I have no idea. I just feel great concern for my grandchildren.
A couple of months ago I was discussing this subject with our oldest son. He said, "Mom, why do people think that this democracy will last forever?" "We have already outlasted the democracies in history." That is a sobering thought, but a very real concideration.
I so wish that people would THINK! Just THINK!
There is no one running for the office of president that I really want to vote for. However, I WILL VOTE! It will be for the 'better of the lousy choices' or as it has been said, "The lesser of the evils."
I fear that there will never be another election with a candidate that I look forward to voting for.
How about paying attention BETWEEN election years.
Until Then,
Kate
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Dinner's Ready!!!
Of my 5 sons with their families, I do not know if any of them sit down to a family dinner or breakfast table. One of them does not even have a table and chairs! My heart feels heavy about that. So much is learned about one another over the dinner table.
I remember learning so much about what was going on in the lives of my boys at the dinner table. The laughing, the bantering, the insights into each other, the family bonds formed.
Life lessons are learned at the dinner table. Each person learns that they are NOT the center of the universe. (at least if there are multiple children involved) Special orders are for birthdays only.
To ask a teenager how their day went is like shutting the steal door on a safe. To have conversation around the table is usually like opening the window on a spring day. I remember saying little and listening intently to the laughing and talking. What a person considers to be funny or serious reveals so much about them.
What do we do when we 'date'? Go out to eat. Read the Bible, how much took place around meal time or eating?
Oh yes, and when do we teach those kids manners? Unfortunately it seems that many are not learning at all.
It is not an easy thing to do. With Mom and Dad are both working full time, kids have activities, parents have activities, but it can be done!
The more people involved, the more difficult 'routines' are. Still it is possible for families to have dinner together more than 50% of the time.
This is how we managed to do it. With 7 of us cost was a factor, so we seldom concidered eating out.
Saturday was the big day for me. On Saturday morning it was the traditional 'oven pancake' Everyone loved it. 9AM we were at the table.
After breakfast cleanup, I would begin my cooking marathon. I had 5 large glass baking dishes. I made at least 3 different 'hot dishes' or 'casseroles'. I put them in the freezer.
Monday before I left for work, I would pull one out of the freezer and put it in the oven. I would set the timer for the oven to come on at 3:00P.M. @ 250*. The schedule of who would set the table was already on the calendar. When I or my husband arrived home, there was a vegetable cooked or made ready. By 6:00P.M. the hot-dish was ready, the vegetables prepared. The table set, including condiments done. Put on a loaf of bread, a gallon of milk and 'Dinner is Ready'!
Tuesday, same story different 'dish'.
Wednesday, same story different 'dish'.
Thursday was dubbed 'Sweet Supper' by our 4th son. It was 'left overs' with some added 'stuff' ie bowl of fruit, chips or fish sticks or..... to fill in.
Friday was Pizza! Most of the time home made, untill the kids started playing football. Then durring football season, doctored up frozen pizzas and occationally ordered out.
Saturday, Lunch was simple, (sandwiches, hotdogs, hambergers) Dinner: Chilli, Crock pot dinners or Meat loaf
Sunday: Hot muffins before heading off to church.
Dinner in the oven. Pot roast vegetables, potatoes etc
Supper: Popcorn, fudge, apples. (treats!) Fridays with Pizza and Sunday evenings soda was allowed for beverages. Plus whenever they and dad could sneak them in.
There were summer campfires (in the back yard) bar-b-ques and all different manner of foods during hunting and fishing seasons.
All 5 of the boys learned to cook. 3 of them enjoy it and do it to this day. The other 2 avoid it!!!
We ate together as much as possible. There are a lot of memories.
What brought this subject to my attention again is an article in the February 2008 Readers Digest. 'The New Family Dinner' look it up, @ rd.com
I truely believe it is a very important part of family life.
Is it difficult? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes.
Until Then,
Kate
I remember learning so much about what was going on in the lives of my boys at the dinner table. The laughing, the bantering, the insights into each other, the family bonds formed.
Life lessons are learned at the dinner table. Each person learns that they are NOT the center of the universe. (at least if there are multiple children involved) Special orders are for birthdays only.
To ask a teenager how their day went is like shutting the steal door on a safe. To have conversation around the table is usually like opening the window on a spring day. I remember saying little and listening intently to the laughing and talking. What a person considers to be funny or serious reveals so much about them.
What do we do when we 'date'? Go out to eat. Read the Bible, how much took place around meal time or eating?
Oh yes, and when do we teach those kids manners? Unfortunately it seems that many are not learning at all.
It is not an easy thing to do. With Mom and Dad are both working full time, kids have activities, parents have activities, but it can be done!
The more people involved, the more difficult 'routines' are. Still it is possible for families to have dinner together more than 50% of the time.
This is how we managed to do it. With 7 of us cost was a factor, so we seldom concidered eating out.
Saturday was the big day for me. On Saturday morning it was the traditional 'oven pancake' Everyone loved it. 9AM we were at the table.
After breakfast cleanup, I would begin my cooking marathon. I had 5 large glass baking dishes. I made at least 3 different 'hot dishes' or 'casseroles'. I put them in the freezer.
Monday before I left for work, I would pull one out of the freezer and put it in the oven. I would set the timer for the oven to come on at 3:00P.M. @ 250*. The schedule of who would set the table was already on the calendar. When I or my husband arrived home, there was a vegetable cooked or made ready. By 6:00P.M. the hot-dish was ready, the vegetables prepared. The table set, including condiments done. Put on a loaf of bread, a gallon of milk and 'Dinner is Ready'!
Tuesday, same story different 'dish'.
Wednesday, same story different 'dish'.
Thursday was dubbed 'Sweet Supper' by our 4th son. It was 'left overs' with some added 'stuff' ie bowl of fruit, chips or fish sticks or..... to fill in.
Friday was Pizza! Most of the time home made, untill the kids started playing football. Then durring football season, doctored up frozen pizzas and occationally ordered out.
Saturday, Lunch was simple, (sandwiches, hotdogs, hambergers) Dinner: Chilli, Crock pot dinners or Meat loaf
Sunday: Hot muffins before heading off to church.
Dinner in the oven. Pot roast vegetables, potatoes etc
Supper: Popcorn, fudge, apples. (treats!) Fridays with Pizza and Sunday evenings soda was allowed for beverages. Plus whenever they and dad could sneak them in.
There were summer campfires (in the back yard) bar-b-ques and all different manner of foods during hunting and fishing seasons.
All 5 of the boys learned to cook. 3 of them enjoy it and do it to this day. The other 2 avoid it!!!
We ate together as much as possible. There are a lot of memories.
What brought this subject to my attention again is an article in the February 2008 Readers Digest. 'The New Family Dinner' look it up, @ rd.com
I truely believe it is a very important part of family life.
Is it difficult? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes.
Until Then,
Kate
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