Vocabulary from the East Coast Nieces and Nephews

I have been enjoying time with my nieces and nephews on the east coast. I had to learn some new vocabulary words which are:

Hansizer- for Hand Sanitizer
Kong Few- for Kung Fu
Nastics- for gymnastics
Dagon- for Dragon
Chek- for Shrek
Memo for Nemo (Finding Nemo)
All big trucks are Mac (watch "Cars")
All tow trucks are Mater (watch "Cars")
Chow - is for Lighting McQueen on Cars because he says Ci-Ciao.
A'ter - is for the Gator (john deere) (he wants a ride)

Bah Humbug to Happy Holidays!

Our society has become so-o-o-o sensitive. We never want to hurt people's feelings. At Christmas time, we have started the practice of saying "Happy Holidays" to include everyone and make sure everyone feels good. Although, I think it leaves out those that don't celebrate any holiday at this time of the year, such as atheists. Why are they celebrating Christmas if they don't believe in Jesus Christ? Awkward!

I agree that we should include everyone, but I think it demeans the reason I celebrate this time of year. I made a goal to say "Merry Christmas" to people. I wanted that constant reminder of why I celebrate Christmas. I am celebrating this holiday and want to share my joy of the season with them. They don't have to believe in my holiday, but they can enjoy my spirit and happiness in the holiday I celebrate. Who is going to squash goodness? So far every person, I have wished Merry Christmas to has noticeably changed. They smile bigger and thanked me and wish me Merry Christmas back. Spreading Joy, take your holiday and spread the joy that comes from it whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa. Tis the reason for the season!

Dreams do come true!

When you are little you dream about doing something amazing, like I wanted to be a nurse, teacher, firefighter, police officer, or drawing cartoons for a living. It was something that only really cool people were able to do. Then, one day it happens and for one friend of mine, his dreams came true on Sunday. He was able to be the operator for the podium during church.
We all want to be the one that moves the podium up and down for the speakers and control the volume at church. Apparently, it is not as easy as it looks, especially if the podium continues to move a little after you let it go. When you have a large amount of speakers of varying heights, you have to be ready and quick to get it to the right height at a moment's notice. Then, control the volume for the soft and loud spoken individuals. Where is the best place for the podium to be on a person? Not too high-for only the head to be seen and not too low-for the speaker will have to lean over to talk into the microphone. Don't forget you are sitting down and they are standing up. The most difficult part of it all is finding the right height for yourself because you have to guess what height is going to best for you. The switch is not next to the podium. It is harder than it looks. Needless to say, dreams do come true even with the challenges we face.

A date which will live in infamy

"Dec. 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy."
As a lover of history, especially World War II, this day has been special to me. They are a select few dates in history that changes everything, this is one of them. One day I will be able to go to Pearl Harbor (I am sure I will cry, I do at most memorials.) Those sacred grounds where many people have died, have a special place in my heart.

What is Tara? and Where is It?

One of my favorite movies of all time is "Gone with the Wind" for many reasons-mainly because it is about strong southern women. Scarlett is independent but really just wants to be love and needed and she takes care of everyone around her. She grew up on a plantation called Tara. The plantation is "home" for Scarlett.

Many critics state that Tara ultimately symbolizes Scarlett's spirit or character. Initially, it is a thing of pompous but shallow beauty, then a place of desolation but nevertheless still standing when the neighboring homes are not, and finally as beautiful as ever but bereft of life and happiness. Tara is a place where Scarlett rejuvenates her spirit. Everyone's spirit needs to be replenish and a place where they feel at home.

I have three places that serve that for me.
1st- the Temple (doesn't matter what which one)
2nd-Raleigh, NC -My parent's home and Lassiter Mill