Friday, April 29, 2011

Where's the camera when you need it?!?!

As I said in my previous post, we've been a little busy.  Trip to Indy, trip to the river, driving here and there.  Ya know, it adds up.  And while keeping yourself focused on the road or entertaining the driver, you see things out of the corner of your eye and have a split second to capture the moment in your memory.  I wish you had long enough to snap a picture to share too.  Where is the camera when you need it!?!?  I just have to share what I saw.  I so wish I could tell you where I saw these things but I don't have a clue.  It doesn't matter anyway.  I just have to get the description perfect so you can visualize it too.  Picture this!
First.......driving in traffic and surrounded by fast food joints next to a highway.  These places are always busy and sometimes you have to fight to get a parking place.  Well, at this particular Taco Bell, one person in particular wasn't about to let that parking place go - they had marked their territory!  I kid you not - its a shopping cart, loaded to the tip top, covered in a tarp.  Now, please understand I am not trying to make fun of someone who appears to be a homeless and eating at the bell.  But rather the cars waiting for parking and this one is claimed - can't be missed either!  I applaud this person.  Make them wait for your space.
Next.....a curvy 2 lane road surrounded by cattle and chicken houses.  Around here, that's nothing as we are all used to it.   BUT......not for this one cow.  It stood right in front of the fence and gate that had a sign attached to it.  Now, I cannot possibly see what the sign says but the cow is standing there and appears to be reading it.  Could it possibly be instructions to break free from the place?  And it if is, I have no doubt whatsoever that cow will be roaming soon.   Perhaps take up a parking place next to the shopping cart at the bell?  Anything is possible!
Lastly, this one really cracks me up.  I am stuck in traffic, waiting on the light to turn green.  I glance over and see several cars at the auto parts store at this intersection but that isn't what really catches my eye.  It's a car that is for sale.  And not just any car.  It is a car that is very old and has a reputation for not being too dependable either.  The hood is up.  Several people sitting inside.  Just waiting on that sale to happen any moment!  Seriously......sell a car w/ the hood up and parked at an auto parts store.  Something tells me that it might take a while.  Good luck with that one!
So.....I wish had a camera to capture the visual to share but I hope that my explanation worked as well.  Oh the things people do.  Gotta love the entertainment!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Hello Again.........

Well, hello again.  It would seem that my blog has been neglected and I apologize.  It is unintentional, trust me.  We have just been so freakin' busy lately and have put on a lot of miles!
First, we went to Indianapolis, IN to participate in the Walk for the Cure with my Auntie Linda (a/k/a Stinks) who is a survivor.  What an honor to be around so many awesome people!  We had a great time.  The costumes are outrageous.  Grown men in pink formals, viking warrior hats, you name it and someone wore it with pride.  The team names are insanely funny.  Saving 2nd base.  Squeeze a boob, save a life.  Jogging for Jugs.  You can't help but laugh.  But then again, while walking, I had a moment that I just have to share.
We got up at an ungodly hour to get to the walk.  It was so cold and windy out.  I had several layers on and still had a chill that night!  We were about 1/2 way through the walk and I was behind a man who had a sign pinned to his back.  It was a picture of a younger woman.  I couldn't see what it said so I moved in for a closer look.  It said he was walking in honor of his wife, Kathy 1971-2010.  Wow.  That is too young.  I start to tear up and realize that I see more walkers with signs that are almost the same.  I look closer at them too and realize that the man is walking with his 4 children and their signs say in honor of our mom, Kathy 1971-2010.  Now, these children couldn't be more than 4, 6, 8, and maybe 10.  All holding hands with each other and with their father.  I do my best to no loose it.  How horrible is this!  I don't even know this man or his children but they are out there, walking in the cold temperatures to honor their wife/mother.  I feel so emotional watching them walk in silence, heads down.  It is obvious they are still mourning which is completely understandable.  I keep walking but have to say that just what I have seen moves me beyond anything I could ever describe.  I know in the bottom of my heart that this man will raise 4 strong children, they will hold family near and dear to their hearts, but they will pride for their mother.  Maybe one of them will find a cure of a disease that took their mother at such a young age for her and from them.  This woman has made a huge impact on not only her family but strangers, including me.  I immediately said a prayer for them all.  I pat the man on his shoulder and keep walking.  No words can be said and none need to be spoken for it is understood.
Maybe you know someone who has had cancer, is a survivor or who is fighting the battle now.  While this is never easy for anyone, just realize that you are not alone and that complete strangers are fighting for you and with you.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Who am I? Who are you?

Since I started this blog, I have daily thoughts of what my next blog should be about.  Many ideas run wildly in my mind but nothing exciting sticks out at me.  A few comments I heard this past week hit me like a ton of bricks and my next entry is created.  I start my notes and crack myself up on a few but the bottom line is this - how well do you really know yourself?  And how well do your family and friends know you? 

We all have a special bond we share with our family members, our friends, but when you hear a comment that doesn't fit you at all, it makes you wonder what others really know about you.  Hence, my list.  So, here are a few things that many may not know about me.  Maybe some things you do.  It doesn't matter because when I was creating the "me" list, I found out a little more about myself than I knew.  I challenge you to do the same.  Come up with a list that best describes you and see if you come to the realization that there are a few hidden things you stumble upon.

Here ya go - THE REAL KATHLEEN

I have to set the timer on the microwave and alarm clock to odd times.  Like you are warming something up and it says 30 seconds.  I have to put in 33 or 29.  Can't do 30.  If I have to set my alarm for 8:00 a.m., I will actually set it for 8:01 or 7:57.  Why do I do this?  I don't know but I have for as long as I can remember.
I think that mayo needs to be on sandwiches, burgers and to dip fries in.  Mustard is only for hot dogs and corn dogs.
I absolutely love driving around and wondering aimlessly down roads I have never been on.  It's amazing to find places so close to home you never knew existed.  But I totally freak out when I am lost trying to find a specific place. 
I would trade living in the city for the slow country life any day.  I appreciate the many offerings that a city has but cannot stand the hustle and bustle of massive amounts of people.  I can't go to a store during busy times because of so many idiots wondering aimlessly and not paying attention to where they push that car.  RUDE!
I love listening to classical music.  It is my favorite.  Don't get me wrong, I do listening to all types of music but I would rather to listen to a piece of history that is calming and soothing to the soul.
My family is my everything.  I will do anything for them and go to the ends of the earth for them.  No material item is important compared to my family.  I will never let anything come between the ones I truly love.
I love junk mail.  What is more fun than sorting through mail that isn't important?  Since I was a child, I would sit with the big JCPenney catalogue and circle things I liked.  I still do it. Maybe not the Penney's catalogue but I love to sit and circle.
I love to read.  Not just anything.  I enjoy a good book that has a happy ending.  A book has to touch me by the 3rd chapter or I will put it down.  And I have NEVER read the back of the book to see what happens.  I love a good story and don't want to spoil it.
I live for watching college football.  I absolutely love it.  I am not a morning person but I will not miss a morning of Game Day.  I watch as many games on Saturday as I can.  Honestly, the best gift I could receive is the college sports package so I don't miss a single game.  And I watch every bowl game there.  I manage to pick at least 75% each season correctly too!
I love cleaning bathrooms.  I have a hard time cleaning the rest of the house but a clean bathroom is essential.  My kitchen too.  My work space must be organized when I am trying to be productive. 
I can only write with certain pencils or pens.  They must be a medium point or .07 and nothing else.  I can only write with a red pen when writing numbers.  I prefer blue ink for anything else.
I am not a girlie girl at all.  I don't do hair or makeup.  I pull my hair back in a pony tail and call it a day.  I had my makeup tattooed on so I don't have to mess with it.  But, having a daughter is a different story.  I will not let her leave the house without being dressed in a complete matching outfit, shoes and a bow.  But seldom do I ever put her in a dress. 
I love zoos and aquariums.  On my bucket list is to visit as many as I can.  I love taking pictures of animals.  There is a kind of peace that zoos and aquariums give me that I can't describe.  I hope to someday be able to go on an African safari to see animals in their natural habitat. 
I cannot watch a scary movie or show.  I will have nightmares for days.  I can't watch vampires, ghosts or mid evil stuff - it just creeps me out.
I love history and religion.  I think that travelling to places that have both is the best thing to experience.  When I was much younger, I went to Italy and thought that it was magical because of the knowledge and history each place held.  I want to see many more places throughout the world like that and feel the story they provide. 
I have few close friends.  Those that are mean the world to me.  Getting to that place takes a lot of trust and comfort.  There aren't many "in" my circle of trust.
I have a huge collection of crosses from all over the world.  They are one of my few prizes possessions.  Small, large, it doesn't matter - what amazes me is how various countries have crosses relating to their culture and how the cross is interpreted.  
I never like chocolate until I was pregnant with Emery.  Now, I can't get enough of it.  I have many, many years to make up for my lack of consumption!  Oh and cheesecake.  'Nough said.  I never realized what I was missing out on.
There are certain words that make me giggle like a school girl.  I won't tell you what they are but they certainly aren't common, everyday words.
I love shrimp, lobster, scallops, crab but do not like fish whatsoever.  But I love to go fishing.  
I love hair dryers.  I have one that you sit under like at a salon.  When I sit under it, it's like my time out, safe place.  It is comfy, warm and I can't hear anything but my thoughts and can concentrate.  
I have never, nor will I ever like soft drinks or carbonated drinks.  I hate the fuzzies and can't handle the blast of sugar.  I only drink water, unsweetened tea and juices.  
Toes scare me.  I have a hard time going to the store and not staring at peoples toes.  There are so many people that are unafraid to show nasty, ugly, scary toes to the world.  I find it hard not to ask them why they feel the need to subject innocent people to such a horrid image.   

I am sure there are many more things but just making this list made me realize that I have a few oddities but am still a human just the same as you.  What will you find out about yourself?

I close with this:  Matthew 5:16

And the timer issue is the oddest of them all. 

Friday, March 25, 2011

DMV Reality Show

So, I caved in and went to the DMV today.  It seems like Henry and I have been married for a 1,000 years already and I really need to change my name on my drivers license.  I have told myself that I need to get this done for a long time but as the deadline loomed in the darkness, I keep giving myself a pep talk to hold my head high and go.

Today was the day.  The multiple pep talks must have work.  As I arrive at the DMV, I catch myself counting cars in the parking lot and mentally calculating how long I will have to wait.  Ugg....looks like I need to take a magazine in.  I walk in, look at which line is shorter - the one for drivers license or the line for "quick" tag renewal.  Drivers license wins.  I am waiting in line but keeping listening to the many conversations around me.  Finally, I am the next in line to be helped.  YEAH!  The lady in front of me and her daughter are there for the daughter to get her permit.  I know that I have to listen and pay attention because my dear sweet son will soon be listening to all the rules and regulations for getting a permit too.  I must admit that I am happy to hear that not only does the permit holder have to sign stating they will not use a cell phone while operating vehicle, the parents do too.  And the parents are handed a form that at any time they see that the child is not complying with rules or driving carelessly, they can have the child's permit/license revoked until they are 18.  My how the times have changed. 

As I change lines to get my tag renewed, I finally look at my new license and am not upset by the picture.  Don't get me wrong, it's not one to hang over the fireplace but I'm pleasantly pleased with the overall look I have delivered .  I can't help but be more discouraged by my signature, my sloppy handwriting.  I need to work on that.

Finally, I am next in line for the tag renewal.  I have been in line behind an elderly man, I would say in his 70's or so.  Retired farmer.  But he has been talking to his wife who had her license renewed with me and realize the other lady with him is his mother?  How is possible?   He can't be that old but then again, maybe the mother just looks good?  Anyway, he produces the necessary paperwork to renew tags but says he wants a veterans tag.  He shows his honorable discharge and the lady gets him a tag.  The man is terribly upset that is says Persian Gulf Veteran because he did not fight in that war.  He just wants a generic veteran tag.  The lady rattles off which veterans tag they have and all are specific to certain war periods.  From what I am understanding, the man wasn't involved in a war but he is still a veteran.  Come to find out, the State of Arkansas does not make generic veterans license plates, only specific war time ones.  Interesting. 

As I am leaving, I hold the paper with the sticker attached to that I don't forget to put it on the license plate.  I know this seems foolish but I can walk out the door and not remember to put it on.  I'm too easily distracted.  And it's a good thing that I held onto the paper/sticker because I was distracted.  I am pushing the stroller and Emery towards the car and I see a young couple loading up in their vehicle.  They have a young son, maybe 5 months or so? Both are smiling and laughing but cannot tell about what.  I see the woman sit in the back with the child.  This always amuses me but don't ask why. 

I start to unload the stroller, put Emery in her car seat and watch the couple back out of their parking spot.  Now, I did notice they were in the front row, possibly in a handicap place?  Who am I to judge if they did or didn't.  But as soon as they back out, another sedan pulls right in front of them and blocks them so they cannot leave.  What's this about? 2 men get out of the car and one of the men tells the young man who is driving to put the car in park and get out.  Exciting! Is this because they were in the front row, possibly handicap parking? I see that the men are in plain clothing but have handcuffs and guns.  The car is a plain as well, an older Ford Taurus.  The young man gets out of the car and the 2 men put him in cuffs and load them into their car.  Words are exchanged but are soft enough that I can't hear.  That really sucks cause I am dying to know what's going on.  The woman who was in the back seat gets out of the car and is yelling but I am not sure who she is yelling at.  Her husband/boyfriend, the 2 probable police officers/bounty hunters?  All I can hear her say is that she's doesn't know what to do with her son.  What does that mean?  I don't get it.  Man or no man around, wouldn't you still care for your child?  How would the man being arrested stop this?  I'm baffled at this point but can't help to keep staring and listening.  I glance around and other people around just keep going, attending to their business which is probably what I should do but how can I?  My mind is racing - what did this man do to be arrested at the DMV?  Did the DMV notify police that he was there?  Was he followed and they were waiting for him?  Did he have an outstanding warrant and what was it for?  Are those really police men?  Do they work for a bondsman/bounty hunter?  Where are they taking him?  Is the lady and baby going to bail him out or leave him?  As they begin to leave the parking lot, I watch which way the car with the men turn.  It's towards the county jail which I realize is just a few blocks away.  Hummm......bad man goes down. 

I start my car and realize that all of this happened in less than 3 minutes.  I laugh at myself simply because I cannot help but watch this entire situation go down and in that time, I cannot possibly count how many scenarios I came up with in my head.  I watch way too much TV, ya know the shows, the reality cops.  Like The First 48, Dog the Bounty Hunter, Manhunters, things like that.  What is my fascination with this? 

As I am driving home, I realize that these shows are actual people, average joe blows like you and me who are walking around with us.  They aren't celebrities showing off.  They aren't trying to win the prize.  And that's what I like.  Average people just doing what they have to do.  Like me.

And I forgot to put the sticker on the car.