The Car Was Stuck

It never fails.

As soon as I sit down, someone needs something.

This was the case yesterday. I had just finished with the dishes and laundry and was trying to sneak in a chapter of my book. I grabbed the book. Opened the book. Was about to read the book and....

“AH-U-DA-MAY! AH-U-DA-MAY!”

Ugh.

That was Natalie, shouting for help in Spanish. We don’t speak Spanish but Diego from the television does.

I shut my book and put it away.

“What is it Natalie?”

Her shouting was coming from upstairs.

“AH-U-DA-MAY!”

Natalie rushed downstairs and that’s when I saw it.

A car, stuck in her hair.



“AH-U-DA-MAY!”

Natalie tugged on the car and it didn’t budge.

Great.

What if I had to cut all her hair off? I didn’t want to cut her hair off. I like her hair!

“AH-U-DA-MAY!”

“I know, I know!”



Why did she stick a car on her head? Sometimes I don’t understand her thought process. Like how can she find Yo Gabba Gabba entertaining? What part of her brain thinks, “Hey, the dancing dildo is prime entertainment?”

Even though Natalie was asking for help, she didn’t seem to be afraid.



Eventually I was able to loop the car off. Phew, no haircut.

I sat down and tried to read my book again.

“Hica-hica-hica,” went the cat and five seconds later he proceeded to cough up a hairball.

And so I shut my book. Again.

Memorial Day Salute

The time was 1866 and the United States was recovering from the long and bloody Civil War between the North and the South. Surviving soldiers came home, some with missing limbs, and all with stories to tell. Henry Welles, a drugstore owner in Waterloo, New York, heard the stories and had an idea. He suggested that all the shops in town close for one day to honor the soldiers who were killed in the Civil War and were buried in the Waterloo cemetery. On the morning of May 5, the townspeople placed flowers, wreaths and crosses on the graves of the Northern soldiers in the cemetery. At about the same time, Retired Major General Jonathan A. Logan planned another ceremony, this time for the soldiers who survived the war. He led the veterans through town to the cemetery to decorate their comrades' graves with flags. It was not a happy celebration, but a memorial. The townspeople called it Decoration Day.  Decoration Day, as it was first called, was enacted on May 5th, 1868. On May 30th, flowers were placed on the graves of union and confederate dead at Arlington National Cemetery. May was chosen because it is the time of years when flowers begin to bloom. More than 140 years late, the first flags have been placed on the graves of soldiers at the Alabama National Cemetery. The cemetery, Located in Montevallo, AL, is holding its first Memorial Day observance since burials began last summer. So far, 430 American Veterans are buried at the Cemetery. Cemetery Director, Quincy Whitehead, said there's room for plenty more. "When it's all said and done we will burry over 200 thousand veterans and or eligible family members. We have 479 acres and we're expecting burials for at least the next 50 plus years."  My dad served in WWII and Frank in Vietnam.  Today, I just want to take a moment to be thankful for all the men and women who serve and have lost their lives keeping our country free.  Have a Safe Memorial Day.  Tell a Veteran or Soldier Thanks!  The song I have chosen today is by a group called Cowboy Crush.  My group, Still Magnolias opened for them in Columbus.  Enjoy the song....and it's ok to cry....I did....and do everytime I hear it.

10 Reasons I Want to Go to Heaven

Frank preached about Heaven yesterday and it was a great service.    He gave us ten reasons we should want to go to heaven and I believe you me...I am so there.  After Church we went to the cemetary and met the Baptist Church there and had a sweet Memorial Day Remembrance.
1.  A New Body - 1 Corinthians 15:50-54.  I will be pain free and perfect.  There will be no flaws in me.  How cool is that and who would want to give that up. My Uncle Wilson lost his leg when I was younger....I can just see him now...dancing a jig with two perfectly good limbs and it makes me smile.
2.  A New Home - John 14:1-3.  Wow...a custom built home waiting for me.  I will be having my own personal Extreme Home Makeover.  As I sat there a song came passing through and I hummed it all day.  You may know it ....it goes "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through.  My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.  The angels beckoned me from heavens golden(not sure if that is the right word) and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.  I think the fact that this is NOT my final home is pretty awesome too.
3.  Great Food - Matthew 8:11.  Audio Adrenalin do a song called My Father's House...and they discribe it with "It's a big, big house...with lots and lots of room, it's a big, big table...with lots and lots of food."  I can imagine sitting with the saints gone before and eating....and discussing.  Awesome.
4.  I Will Meet People of the Bible - Matthew 8:11 - I can talk to Paul and Silas, Moses, Noah...and have I got some questions.
5.  Seeing Our Loved Ones - That is what I am looking forward to the most. I Thessalonians 4:13-17
6.  A Perfect World - Revelation 21 - No more strife, no more sorrow....sigh....perfect.
7.  The No-Mores - 1 Corinthians 15:26 - see number six.  "There will be peace in the valley for me..."
8.  The Last Time We Fall - Phil. 2:10 - Believe me...I will be falling on my knees....and that is the only falling I will be doing.
9.  Worship Service Continually - Rev. 5:11-14, 7: 9-12, 19: 1-8 -...Talk about ONE AWESOME PRAISE AND WORSHIP opportunity.  I have been fortunate enough to attend two Billy Graham crusades in my life and let me tell you....that was one of the most awesome events I have ever witnessed (it even beats front row seats to see James Taylor - and that was pretty amazing in itself)...but to have the chance to worship with ALL Christians and it not matte what denomination they are...and the disciples...and Jesus....WHOA!
10. See God - Job 19:26, I John 3:2, John 14:3 - I don't know about you...but I can't wait.  I hope you have a blessed Sunday.  I know I have....and it is not even over. 

Am I Nuts or What?

We are moving the week of Father's Day, June 16th to be exact and so Frank and I got this bright idea that we would have a moving sale this weekend.  Graduation weekend!  Memorial Day weekend!  Was I crazy?  What on earth was I thinking.  We even went so far as to hold the sale for TWO days....fortunately I worked at school yesterday so Frank was on his own.  I am not sure if that was a good or bad thing.  We sold a good bit yesterday....the sale was from 7 to 11.  I left at 7:30 going to work.  The first customer was knocking at 6:30.  Griefus...can people not read ads and signs?  7:00 is NOT 6:30.  This morning I was up at 5:00 and by seven there were three cars sitting in our yard and another 50.00 worth of merchandise being carried to their vehicles.  Moving/Yard Sales are funny creatures.  I went through the things I was packing with a fine tooth comb and the stuff I did not want to move...or could not move...or did not want to store was what went on the sale table. People came....and they started trying to go through my packed boxes...so Frank and I devised a plan where one of us took the front half of the house...and the other the back half.  Someone even asked how much I wanted for my computer....WHAT?  No computer = No blog....not going to happen.  It is funny how some stuff....I let go of with no qualms....other things...I felt a twinge of sellers remorse over.  How crazy is that.  GET RID OF IT!  Maybe there is a little of my mother in me yet....hopefully not the hoarder part.  This morning, I went into my kitchen...and on a little shelf...where four pink wine glasses had once sat....gifts when I graduated from high school nearly 40 years ago...from Vienna....and given to me by my mom's old boss, Yetta Oakes (antique dealer in Palm Beach) anyways...where they sat...was a big gaping hole.  I found my sweet Frank and asked him if he had moved them.  He said with a big successful smile..."Nope!  I sold them yesterday for 1.00 a piece."  I nearly threw up.  Those glasses nearly 40 years ago...were 25.00 a piece.  You all would have been proud of me....I can let it go...I smiled and said...really?  He replied with a fallen face...."Was I not supposed to sell them?"  It took all I could not to say....NO! Doofus!  But I did not.  I enhaled deeply and said...nahhhhh...it was fine that you sold my four glasses valued at over 25.00 each for 1.00 each.  I did get revenge a little later....point made...I sold his firefighter throw for a 1.00.  We are even and I am over it.  They were just glasses...and he is my sweetie.  I will live!  Happy Saturday...hope you all have a safe weekend!

Another Year Bites The Dust

Tonight at 8:00 the 2009-2010 year will just be a memory.  Today and Tuesday we are at school sin students, working.  Well....you can tell I am working...I am blogging....BUT...in my defense...all my grades are posted, my gradebook is run, the stuff in the floor is picked up.  I have taped my computer chords to the desk, or wall...except for this one.  Tonight at 8 p.m. I will help line the students up for the very last time and they will take their places at the center of the Sportsplex field, be given the piece of paper they have worked for.....well some of them.....turn their tassels and it will be over for them.  Some of us will return again in the fall and start the same process with the next group....the seniors of 2010 - 2011.  Every year this saddens me.  I love these kids.  They go out and start their lives at college....or work....or the military....and I face the next group.  One year this will end for me too...and I will graduate to the ranks of the retired.  It gets closer every year.  I used to be really excited about it....now I find myself putting the brakes on....hoping to slow the time down.  I can't imagine my life without them in it. This year has been a tough year for me.  The year began in August and September brought the disappearance of my parents.  I went freaky for a week and never quite got over it.   My first semester group of kids were great and really helped me deal with all the crap that Hospice for my dad, the BOLO on my folks, and my dad's death brought into my life. I was grateful for Christmas break to be honest.  I needed to take a breath and regroup.  I would have an intern second semester so I was looking forward to spending some time writing.  Did not happen!  Intern was precious....but the second semester kids first block tried every nerve I had....and I could not leave her alone with them...they would have eaten her alive.  My special aunt died in March, so once again I found myself in grieving mode.  It is not a mode I like that is for sure.   Second semester I went into survival mode and by the time my intern left at the end of April I knew I would just have to hold on until May.  We were notified by the Conference at the end of April that we would be moving to Rock Mills...which was exciting and sad all rolled into one.  We would be turning the Waverly congregation over to Blue (my Praise and Worship Leader at FUMC), and taking on a new church....complete with a parsonage....fully loaded.  Frank was unemployed....but God has really taken care of us.  We have had plenty to eat, the bills, paid...and even get to have a date every now and then.  Packing has begun...and Frank has done most of it to date.  I know he will be glad when I finally am home to help.  Key word here...HE will be glad.  I am dreading it.  This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend...and I am working a wedding, we are having a moving sale...my world is in turmoil.  The moving sale is this weekend...because next weekend is the big Methodist Conference and we will be in Birmingham Thursday - Saturday.  I am looking forward to this....my plans are....while Frank is at his meeting...I am going to lounge by the motel pool, read, sleep, watch tv, and hit some of my favorite B'ham consignment shops.  Sounds like a plan to me.  The next weekend...we will sell anything that is not gone this week...and then we move on the 16th.  I am so excited!  I just wish I could tweak my nose and be there...and unpacked.  Packing is nasty!  I can't find anything....and so far Frank has had to locate and unpack four boxes for me.  Poor baby!  Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day. 

When Tom Leaves....

Tom came home the other day with a box and a bag full of stuff.

“Did you bring home pie?” I asked hopefully. I had been craving pie.

“No pie. But I did go to the Airman and Family Readiness Center and picked you up a few things. For when I go,” Tom said, setting everything down on the kitchen counter.

My heart squeezed. It does that whenever he mentions leaving. He’ll be in Korea for a year. He leaves in August.





Tom opened the box. “So there’s a bunch of stuff in here, plus two recordable bears so I can leave a message, here’s some DVDs and....are you CRYING?”

Oh. I hadn’t even realized. But as I touched my cheek I realized it was wet.

“I just...” I sniffed. “You’re LEAVING!” It was as if it all hit me right then and there. I mean, I’ve known that Tom would be leaving for many months now. But looking at everything just made it real. Soon Tom would be gone and then only thing we’d have is some recordable bears with his voice.

“It’ll be okay,” Tom said, pulling on his collar. He’s never comfortable when I start to cry. I think a part of him wants to bellow, "There's no crying in Air Force life!"

“What if you don’t come back?” I continued, fiddling with the stationary that was included in the box.

Tom frowned. “Where would I go?”

“Some Korean woman could seduce you with her cooking!”

Tom scratched his arm. “Um. I’ve seen that bizarre foods show, Koreans like to eat bugs and dog. I doubt there will be any seducing going on.”

“What if I die in my sleep?” I continued.

“Have your friend Amanda alert the police if she hasn’t heard from you every five hours,” Tom suggested.

“What is this supposed to be?” I held up a DVD.



“Um. A dinosaur I think?”

I peered closer at it. Oh. Maybe it was a dinosaur. But what kind of name is Mr. Poe?

I lifted up a checklist.



“This creeps me out,” I said, pointing to the one that talked about putting a photo up so it could watch me sleep. “I mean I have pictures of you by my bedside but you know I freak out if I feel someone is watching me sleep.”

This is true. Tom once watched me as I slept because he said I looked adorable. I ended up jumping out of bed screeching, “JESUS what are you DOING?” I just hate the feeling of being watched.

“Will you leave me a sweet message on the bears?” I wondered.

“I think they’re for the kids. But I’ll make a video for you. Maybe even rated R.” Tom wiggled his eyebrows up and down.

Always the perv, even when I’m in tears.

“Everything will be okay,” Tom promised, pulling me close.

“You promise?” I mumbled into his shoulder.

“Definitely. You only have to worry about a Korean seducing me if she cooks Italian food,” Tom joked.

I smacked his arm lightly.

“No, but seriously, everything will be okay. Now cheer up.”

I sniffled. “Only if we can get some pie.”

Tom grinned. “Okay. Pie it is.”

So when Tom is gone and I feel sad I’ll just get some pie.

Or, you know, go shopping.

Inside Natalie's Closet..

It’s no secret that I love going clothes shopping for my children.

So I decided to take pictures of them in various outfits.

I was going to share photos of Natalie in a Gymboree outfit but I’m still upset with them for not sending me a 40% off coupon. So instead I’ll be sharing pictures of Natalie in a Gap outfit.





Here is Natalie, in all her confused glory. She’s all, “I don’t YIKE this right now.” The tutu is from Gap’s Daisy Fields line, the shirt is one of their Junk Food tees, and I bought the hat from eBay. No way could I make something like that. Oh and in her hand is a piece of trash that she refused to drop.



And here is Natalie ignoring me. She does this thing where she walks away and refuses to look at you. Or move. It’s really fun when she does this in public. Then when I pick her up she goes limp.





I got Natalie to come back over and then she kept her eyes closed for the pictures. The little minx.



I started singing a creepy Yo Gabba Gabba song and her eyes flew open. Then she asked me to be quiet. She’s like a mini Simon Cowell, I tell ya. Maybe she’ll be on the next American Idol panel.



I kept singing and she was all, “You do NOT sing well.” I mean, not in those words but her expression said it all. And the fact that she covered my mouth with her palm.



Since we live on a military base, helicopters and airplanes fly overhead often. Natalie spotted one and was all, “I go on an airplane soon? Yes? I sit?” (One would HOPE that you’d sit. Sometimes I have to struggle with her to get her to sit.)



Pointing out the helicopter. “It’s loud and I don’t yike it.” Oh, and still holding onto the trash.



Natalie’s reaction to the Jesse James interview. She’s all, “What’s WRONG with that guy?”



Yes! A smile. Guess what I did to get the smile?



If you guessed running into the side of the house, you’re right! (And I overheard some woman walking past while she was talking on the phone saying, “This chick just ran into her house. On purpose, I think.”)



Natalie reaction to women loving Edward Cullen. I’ve trained her well. When she sees him she’s all, “Yuck! Too cold!” (Because I told her he had cold disgusting skin.)



For some bizarre reason she decided to pretend to eat a rock.



“Yeah. I’m pretending to eat a rock. Whatcha gonna do about it?” (Take your picture, dear.)



Natalie rocks the tutu better than Sarah Jessica Parker, I just have to say.

I’m jealous of the people who got to see the latest Sex and the City already.



One last smack into the house...

And if you’re wondering why there are rarely any photos of Tommy?

Well.

Mr. Smiley

I know you probably thought from the title that I was going to be posting about someone who smiles a lot, or has the whitest teeth...but...as you have learned with me...that is not always the case.  My daughter Kat and I both love to take unusual pictures and we are both known for seeing humor, and of course songs, in all walks of our lives.  When I first looked at this picture....my mind immediately went into music mode and I heard, "Smile, though your pot is broken."  I know I am a sick puppy.  I can't help it.  I am probably one of the few people on this earth who actually bursts into song when something hits.  I actually love to sing in the rain and would love to live in Musical world.  If a song does not fit....I tweek it a bit so that it fits that moment.  When Kat posted this picture on facebook I laughed out loud....right after I sang.  This picture was a Kodak moment for sure and since today is our last day with students I think secretly....maybe on the inside....this is me...right now.  I saw the face immediately....can you?  I have nicknamed the plant Oscar and don't ask me why.  Frank says it looks like a frog....it has to be the greenery.....Thanks Kat for sharing your photographic genius(you definitely got that from your mom) with me.  Happy Thursday to all!

More Big Hair -- Higher, Higher, Higher

. French Fashion Plates 1777

French Fashion Plates 1777

French Fashion Plates 1777

French Fashion Plates 1777

French Fashion Plates 1777

French Fashion Plates 1777

Click here to see our earlier posting on Big Hair.

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Cooking with Amber (No Really!)

Hi!

Welcome to Cooking with Amber.

Wait. COME BACK!

Look, I know I can be a crummy cook. Yes, I did set off the fire alarm while making pancakes. But there are some things that I do make well. And one of those things is my bacon wrapped chicken.



So first you get some boneless chicken and pound it. Pretend that it’s an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend’s head. Or pretend that it’s the head of that chick you passed while going grocery shopping who was texting while driving—her knees were controlling the wheel. I’m not kidding. HER KNEES! Basically she was saying, “Lalala, texting to find out who Bippy is bopping is more important than human lives, lalalala.”

Ahem.

I went off in a tangent.

Sorry.

And I just realized that I probably should list the ingredients that you need first.

I’m just as unorganized when I’m cooking.

Anyhow, this is what you need:

Boneless chicken breasts
1 lb bag of mozzarella cheese
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder
BACON <-----Yes, needs to be capitalized because bacon rocks

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.



And THEN you can pound your meat.

Okay, that just sounds wrong.



After the meat has been pounded (teehee), you season the chicken. I season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic power.



Then you get some bacon and place it on the bottom of the chicken. I use two slices of bacon because, well, bacon is delicious.



Add the mozzarella cheese and then roll up the chicken.

So it looks like this.



Yum, huh? And easy!

Cook for 45 minutes and believe me, this dish makes your house smell fantastic. It’ll even get the attention of your husband, who has been staring at the computer for two hours. He’ll be all, “Wow, that smells good!” and then you’ll be thinking, “Whew, it lives! Hooray for the power of bacon!”

Enjoy!

Random Dozen Answers of the Exhausted

My friend over at 2nd Cup of Coffee has posted her Random Dozen questions for this week.  My answers are kind of lame.  I am exhausted.  Today is one of two half days I have left in the school year.  It has been a hard year for me and I am glad it is coming to a close.  So with that said here are my sad offerings called Random Dozen questions and answers for this week:
1. Would you rather host party or simply attend a party?  I like both....but I'd rather attend a party so I can get new ideas of themes, layouts, tablescapes. 
2. Tell us about the most memorable party you've been to.  When I was 17 I worked for the American Friends of the Hebrew University as a secretary.  I attended a fundraising party and got to meet Madame Alexander (she makes exquisite dolls).  On my 13th birthday...my mom invited 13 girls for a bowling party.  I got 13 pair of baby doll pajamas.
3. What is one thing you hope for in the after-life?  Hope is not the word I would use...planning for is my choice...and that would be eternal life.
4. What do you enjoy most about sunshine?  The warmth
5. When you attend a bridal/baby shower, do you prefer to bring your own gift or chip in with others to buy a larger gift?  I like to buy my own gift unless I am the hostess.  Then we usually do chip in and buy a more grandeous gift. I love to buy gifts.  I shop for Christmas gifts all year...searching for that perfect gift.
6. Would you rather have a FREE week of having your house cleaned or all of your meals cooked for you and your family?  Oh definitely free week of having my house cleaned.  I love to cook....when I don't have all the other responsibilities.
7. What song describes your mood today? Take it to the Limit by the Eagles.  Today is the beginning day of final exams and I had parents calling me as late as 10:00 last night asking me questions about what their students should study....I wanted to shout...Hey!  Read the class blog...it is all there.
8. What is something you received for your own bridal shower/wedding that you still own or use? (If you are not married, feel free to sub a gift you received a long time ago.) A cookbook where all the guests put in their favorite recipes.
9. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is?  Lemon chiffon when I can find it.  Butter pecan when I can't.
10. When was the last time you felt "tested?"  It is a daily thing with me.  Ever time I see my mom I feel tested.  First period every day is pretty much a test too.  I feel if I can make it through the period...or the visit....then I have passed the test.
11. "[Peaches]are a food that once I start eating I find really hard to stop."
12. "Success" is the best motivation.
Here is hoping that your Wednesday is a good one!

Life is Fragile....Handle with Prayer

Please say a prayer today for the Davidson family.  Jim, the father, was my boss up until this year...and on Sunday their only daughter, Whitney was killed in a single- car accident.  She was only 24 years old.  My heart grieves for the family right now.  Whitney was so full of life.  This has been a rather tragic beginning to a week.  I think I will be glad when it is over.  The dreaded pink slips were handed out at school yesterday....there was a lot of tears, wailing, and gnashing of teeth.  I remember the pink slip days well.  When I first went to work....the state was in proration (nasty word)...and I was pinked every year for the first three years I taught.   I was always hired back....but the pinking itself is very traumatic.  The band director at the Middle School, Crystal Parker, was also in a bad accident on Sunday.  Her car left the road, flipped a few times, and ended upside down....submerged in water.  A nurse and her husband happened to witness the whole thing...and the nurse got into the car and held Crystals head out of the water.  How lucky is that?  Crystal was airlifted to Columbus and has been in critical condition.....today we heard that she was aware.  How great is our God!  I found a great poem I just had to share with you today. Life is fragile....and we need to enjoy every moment.

LIFE IS A GIFT, MAKE THE MOST OF IT.

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is fragile, hold it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it.

- Unknown

Hey, It's Okay Tuesday!

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. They have a section called Hey, It’s Okay and will list a bunch of things to be okay about. I think I’m going to do this every Tuesday now. You're welcome to join in and do something like this on your diary. Doesn't have to be on a Tuesday either.

Hey, It's Okay....



To be a total klutz. (I was a klutz before being a klutz was cool. I still say to this day that I inspired Hollywood to have actors run into glass doors. I totally did this when I was younger. Was not my best hour.)


To be a little bitter that Charlie Sheen is getting 1.9 million dollars an EPISODE for his work on Two and half men. So the lesson is, be a total asswad and get the big bucks?


To wonder why some people don’t wear seatbelts.


To be a little bummed that Ghost Whisperer got cancelled. Hey CBS, I was WATCHING that. (Though rumor has it that ABC might take the show. Come on ABC!)


To enjoy watching Full House even though it’s cheesy. Sometimes you need a little "You Got It Dude," in your life.


To wonder how people can cut out soda from their diets. My first thought when I hear someone has done this is to shout, “WHY? For the love of chocolate WHY?” Kudos to those people though. I could never do it.


To wonder how people can drink blended up wheatgrass. It tastes like…well, GRASS. I don’t care if it’s healthy. No, no, and no.


To hope that Sex and the City 2 will be entertaining. I don’t get most of the fashion in it though. I couldn’t wear half the things that Carrie puts on without looking like a total fool.


To be insulted that Gymboree didn’t bother to send you a 40% off coupon—I mean hello, I shop there all the time, I should be given a coupon for my loyalty. Maybe I’ll start looking elsewhere (hello Gap!)


To have covered your eyes for a lot of the season finale of Grey’s Anatomy. I mean, was that a roller coaster ride or what?


To have been totally confused over the finale of Lost to the point where you had to go online and have a stranger explain it to you. (Thank you to the author of this site.)

Honk If You Love Yard Sales!

I love yard sales.

So I was thrilled to go to the base wide yard sales on Saturday. Basically a bunch of families were going to be selling stuff at once. And I love to shop (cheaply) so I was excited to go out.

Normally I feel sluggish on Saturday mornings. But that day I was alert and ready to go. I guzzled down some Diet Coke for Caffeine Power and checked to make sure I had money in my wallet. I was on the prowl for outdoor toys, more specifically, one of those plastic outdoor houses.

“Remember to sit,” I instructed to Natalie, as I pulled the wagon out. I had nightmares of her leaping from the wagon and running down the street with her hands waving in the air. “Bye!” she’d scream. “Bye bye!” I seriously wouldn’t put it past her. Why didn’t my wagon come with (tight) seat belts?

So we started walking down the street. I expected to see tons of yard sales set up. But there was nothing. Huh? Did the people not get the memo? It was the BASE WIDE YARD SALE! Granted, I wasn’t having a yard sale either but still. In the distance I saw some items scattered in a driveway. Yes! Yes! But as got closer, I saw that the woman was just setting up. Er. Did she not realize that the thing started at 8? Look, I hate waking up early as much as the next person but she was missing out on potential money. I didn’t want to be Creepy Customer and wait at the end of her driveway so I kept moving.

Nothing, nothing, nothing.

WHERE WERE ALL THE YARD SALES?

And why did my legs feel like they were going to break off? Ugh, I really need to exercise more.

“There’s one!” Tommy announced and pointed.

He was right! A yard sale. And actual yard sale! With new adrenaline coursing through my veins, I rushed over. I mean, you have to hurry at these things. Because you never know if another customer will grab the one thing you wanted. People can be quite competitive at yard sales. Or maybe it’s just me. I eye my competition up and down silently thinking, “Don’t take what I want, don’t take what I want.”

This yard sale had some books set up. I LOVE cheap books. I immediately started to dig in.

“Mommy?” I had parked the wagon beside me and Natalie was climbing out. Flashes of her running down the street popped into my mind so I had to stop searching the books.

“Natalie, let’s sit. Look, I packed you some Dora snacks,” I pulled a bag from my purse and handed them over.

“I don’t YIKE da Dora snacks. I want to get out and LOOK!” Natalie said, throwing the Dora snacks down.

Ugh.

So I had to paw through the books while watching her. She was really killing my Yard Sale Buzz.

Another woman sidled up beside me to peek at the books and I was all, “ACK competition!” so I hurried through. I pulled out a hardback Olivia book—that cartoon is really annoying but Natalie likes it. Whenever I see it I immediately crave bacon since Olivia is a pig.

My competition found a Nicholas Sparks book. Hey! I wanted that! I wanted—wait, never mind, I already had it.

Then I found the latest Jodi Picoult book and grabbed that. The woman tisked and went, “Oh, great find, I’ll take it if you don’t want it.”

Um. I want it, lady.

I smiled and went, “I’m buying it. Have a fabulous day.”

And the best part was I only paid twenty five cents for it. TWENTY FIVE cents for the latest Jodi Picoult that is still eighteen bucks in stores.

I managed to get Natalie back in the wagon (only had to bribe her with my cell phone plus my Tic Tacs) and found another yard sale. Yay! This one didn’t have much. I just found a few chapter books for Tommy.

Where was all the outdoor stuff?

I walked and walked and walked. The yard sales were few and far between.

Then I found another one. I cupped my hand over my eyes so I could make sure I was really seeing a yard sale. Maybe it was a mirage. After all it was nearly seventy degrees and my poor used to cold weather body was in shock. It was all, wow, it’s really HOT now. I mean, we just had snow a few weeks ago for craps sake. Plus I’m allergic to exercise so I was in pain. Sweat was dripping off my forehead. Yuck.

“Tommy…” I gasped. “Is that another yard sale?”

Tommy stood on his tip toes. “Yup.”

So I grasped the wagon and chugged on. When I got to the yard sale I must’ve looked frightening because the little kid who lived there gasped and asked if I was sick and his father was all, “Can I get you some water?”

I did sound a little scary. I was breathing hard and sort of sounded like a donkey. I kept going, “Eeeeee....awwwwwww.....” that’s just how my breath was coming out. I couldn’t help it.

“I’m....okay,” I told the father. “I just....eeeeeeee....awwww....”

And that’s when I saw it. The plastic outdoor house I had been searching for. Right there in—

“I’ll just load this up now,” another man said, taking my house and loading it into his truck.

What? No! My house! He must’ve JUST bought it.

Then I spotted a play BBQ set and was about to move towards that but my legs were dead and wouldn’t move. They were all, “You’ve abused us today, we’re not budging.” While I was debating doing an Army crawl to it, this woman marched over, stuck her grubby hands on my BBQ set and went, “I’ll take this.”

See? Competitive, I tell ya.

If I had just been in shape I could have gotten the house AND the BBQ set. Hmph.

“Seriously, do you need water?” the father said again. I think he wanted to add, “Please don’t pass out in my yard. I just laid seed down.”

“I’m great, thank you....eeeeee....awwww...” I lied. I wasn’t great though. I was close to climbing into the wagon and asking Tommy if he could pull us home.

“I’m selling candy apples and grape soda. Want some?” the father’s son piped up.

Well. It wasn’t an outdoor plastic house or a play BBQ set. But at that moment a candy apple and a grape soda sounded splendid.

So I forked over some money and happily took my treats.

Maybe I’ll find an outdoor plastic house next year.

I’ll make sure to get myself in shape so then I’ll be in peak performance.

Oh, who am kidding?

Next year I’ll just drive around in my car like the smart people did.

Relationship: It's Complicated

I am on facebook and in the little profile box there is a tag that says relationship.  Sometimes people mark married, married and to whom, single....but then there is the one I think is a bit funny....it's complicated.  Well duh!  All relationships are complicated.  They involve two people with two different personalities, outlooks on life, and temperments.  What a silly comment for relationships.  I got up this morning at 3 and knew exactly what I was going to blog about today....saw it was only three....and laid back down and had one of the worse dreams I have ever had....and when I got up again at five...had a different blogging topic all together.  I have a blogging buddy who is having some problems with an adopted daughter.....and it is breaking my heart for her.  I never formally adopted a child....but.  When ESD (ex-step-daughter....her title by choice) was 4 years old....AND had been without a mother since she was 15 months old.....I married her father.  I was not even 21.  WHAT WAS I THINKING!  Someone who loved me should have sat me down and talked seriously to me....but they didn't....and to be honest....it would not have mattered.  I was in LOVE!  Now here I was...not quite 21...with a 4 year old little girl and a 5 year old little boy and a husband who thought it was ok for them to sleep with us every night.  My honeymoon was over after the first night....when I became....Instant Parent.  Not only was I a mom...but a SAHM to boot.  I was 15 years old than this children in my charge...so we kind of grew up together.  ESS and I bonded immediately....I guess it is true what they say about a boy and his mother.  ESD and I.....ummm....not so much.  Our relationship was a wee bit stormy from the start.  Their dad when he left their mom....lived with his sister and her family.  Sister of dad...had twin boys...no little girl....and so SHE bonded with ESD...not me!  Somewhere along the way...I thought we had a relationship....I never called them step children....they were my children....and then I had a baby.  I never saw any difference in them.  I loved them each one of them and thought they loved me.  When ESS graduated from high school....he wanted to invite  his biological mom....It hurt me....but I told him...of course (deep in the back of my head I did not believe she would come....so this made me look really good).  SHE CAME!  It was the longest weekend ever. The oldest two married....In Karendom I thought life was great....I had three great kids....marriage on the rocks...but I had three great kids....when Kat graduated from high school I left.  Kat was 18...ESS was 28 (and divorced), ESD was 27 (and also divorced.)....yet...my divorce ended my world as I knew it.  ESS...lives in the same town I do....and I hear from him...maybe twice a year.  He calls me mom....and was here when my father and aunt died this year....he loves me....he has a complicated life himself....I still feel loved by him.  I know I am not married to his father any more....but I know I am Mom....ESD....not so much.  She and her second husband own land here...near her father.  She was NOT here when my dad or aunt died.  She called me the day my dad died....and told me how sorry she was she could not be here for PeePaw's funeral....I wanted to tell her to not use that word when talking about my dad.  She knew he was dying for a year...was here in this town....working on her land....twice a month....my father adored her...and she did not have time....but the piece di resistance...was when a friend of mine told me they had met...My Ex-Step Daughter.  I had no clue who they were talking about.  You don't divorce children.....or so I thought....but obviously...she divorced me.  Last weekend...she actually came to Kat's college graduation and was SOOOO excited to see me....YEAH RIGHT.  When she hugged me...I felt the dagger being pushed in a little dipper.  But the crowd around us...would never have known.  I kept a smile on my face...and converstation pleasant.  There is a quote that adoptive parents use that goes...."you did not grow under my heart...you grew in it."  I used to believe that quote. But....relationships are complicated....so maybe not so much anymore.  No matter if they are natural, adopted, step, halves....whatever...kids can tear your heart out and stomp that sucker flat....but in the words of the infamous Scarlett...."tomorrow is another day!"  And as parents...that is what we live for!  Thanks for letting me vent...Happy Monday...I know it will be for me....it is my last one til fall!  Whoooo hoooooooo!

There's A Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Monday kicks off the last week of school. It is not a full week for the kids (they have two full days and two half days)....but Monday through Friday I have to get up at 5 and be at school by 7, make class final exams, grade them, pack away stuff so the janitors can clean my floors over the week....it is a busy week....but after 18 weeks of kids who thought summer vacay started on January 9th....my sentence will be over and I too will be free....just like they are.  I sat here drawing a blank this morning....so I decided to wait until after church to post.  I thought some profound comment would spark what I was going to blog about...and even after leaving the second church...I still came up empty.  I was working on some photos and I found a great photo of when we were in the UK. Mary and I were exploring and  found this great tunnel picture and had to take it.  It really fits how I feel about this week.  When I look at it I am reminded that there truly is a light at the end of the tunnel. So, enjoy my picture....think about lights at the end of your own tunnels....know that God is in control...and enjoy the musical listening from Mac Powell, Third Day, and "Tunnel."  You might want to turn your volume down a bit...it is a loud song!   Have a blessed and wonderful Sunday!  P.S.  Keep your fingers crossed that I survive this week.

It's Gonna Be a Bright Sunshiny Day!

Today was quite a day.  I have been up since 5 and it is a Saturday.  Our church is having a Pentecost Weekend and there were several service projects that were assigned to volunteers.  I chose the Clothes Closet.  Our job was to give away donated clothing.  Sounds easy enough eh?  Well...when we drove up at 7...it was going to be held outside.  OUTSIDE!  I had worn jeans and a 3/4 sleeve tee....by the time we got all the stuff out of the air-conditioned Arbor...I was soaked.  I ran home and changed quickly and put on something a little cooler...since it was going to be a really sunshiny day.  It was so much fun....we gave away clothes at our Yard Free (since it was not really a Yard Sale)...and the people were so fun to watch when we told them...the clothing was free...nada...nothing...take all you want...several tried to make donations....which we told to give to their church....our mission was to give away as much as we could...and we did a good job of it.  Yes, it was sunny and hot...but wow...what a feeling.  Speaking of sunny and hot....I got an award given to me today...by my sweet friend Mary.  It is the Sunshine Award and it is really cute.  Thanks Mary for thinking I deserved this award.  It made my day even better than it was...and it started out really awesome.

Isn't it beautiful? Here's what's next:

1. Post the logo on your blog and/or within the post.

2. Pass it on to 12 other bloggers.

3. Add links to these 12 bloggers within your blog.

4. Let them know they are receiving the award.

5. Share the link of the person from whom you received the award.

 

1.  Tales From Bloggeritaville

2.  Trina's Thoughts

3.  Sweet Limes

4.  Sweet Tea

5. 2nd Cup of Coffee

 6.   A Girl Named Kelly Kelly

 7. A View From the Hill

8. Aurora Suzette

9.  Edie Marie's Attic

10.  Happy Daisy AZ

11.  Jeannie's Happy World

12.  Mid-Atlantic Martha

The Census Bureau Guy

I went around to the back of my car to unload the groceries. I was busy mulling over the fact that I spent $121 on food…I mean, I didn’t get THAT much. My cart wasn’t even full for craps sake. So how in the world could I spend—

“Excuse me?”

A male voice spoke up behind me.

And because I startle easily, I screamed at the top of my lungs and swung the bag with the milk over my head. I was prepared to knock the guy out if he tried to rob me. He could have the bag of vegetables if he was really insistent but he would NOT get the bag containing the Little Debbie snacks.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” I went, the bag waving over my head.

The guy immediately held his arms out. “It’s okay. I’m sorry, it’s okay,” he said quickly. He took a step back lest he get smacked with the milk.

I took a good look at him. He seemed harmless enough. He had on tan pants and an orange vest with the words CENSUS BUREAU down it. He also had a clipboard in his hands.

“I just need you to answer some questions. Did you happen to mail your census paperwork in?” the guy asked. He was still quite a distance away from me. I think he was worried that I’d still strike him in the face.

I set the bag of milk at my feet. Hmmm...census paperwork, census paperwork....I thought back to the countless things I have filled out. Then I remembered filling out the census paperwork. I had been curled up on the couch and Natalie had tried to take it from me.

“If you mess with this, you’ll go to jail,” I had told her.

Only a three year old doesn’t really grasp the concept of jail so she didn’t take me seriously. She ran up the stairs with the paper so I yelled something that I knew she’d get.

“IF I DON’T GET THAT BACK, BROBEE IS GOING BACK TO THE STORE!”

I named one of her favorite characters from her creepy Yo Gabba Gabba show.

She ran downstairs and handed me back my paper.

So yes. I had filled out the paperwork.

But crap. Did I remember to MAIL it?

“I thought I did,” I told the man. What if he pulled out handcuffs and took me to jail? I mean, I didn’t think he could but I didn’t know. It was my first time filling out the paperwork. And I couldn’t go to jail. Not when I hadn't seen the Grey's Anatomy finale.

“Well, we did have reports about some getting lost in the mail. Needless to say we didn’t get yours so I’ll need to ask you some questions,” the man continued.

“Sure,” I agreed. Phew, no jail. I would not survive in jail. I do not look good in orange.

“Here’s my boogie,” Natalie said, coming over and handing me a booger. WHY does she keep doing that? I don’t WANT her boogers.

So basically I just had to answer questions about who all lives in the house. I answered the questions punctuated with demands for Natalie.

“Yes, his name is Tom, he’s 28 and NATALIE DON’T PUT THAT ROLY POLY IN YOUR MOUTH!”

Or,

“No, we don’t own the house, the military does, NATALIE, STOP LIFTING UP YOUR SHIRT AND FLASHING THE CARS. You are NOT A KARDASHIAN SISTER!”

When I was finally finished, the guy thanked me. Then he frowned.

“What’s going on over there?”

I thought Natalie was flashing cars again. But no, he was staring at Tommy’s science experiment.



“Oh,” I said. “My son is trying to devise a potion to get grown adults to stop going crazy over Twilight. Haha.”

The guy just gaped at me as though I had a leprechaun doing a jig on the top of my head.

“To be honest, I’m not sure what he’s doing,” I said, feeling my face grow red. I really need to stop trying to be funny.

Plus, it’s probably not wise to joke with a Census Bureau guy. He could write down on our papers, “Child makes potions, could potentially destroy Earth.”

“Hmm. Well okay, thanks for answering my questions. And oh, I think your daughter is trying to climb up that tree.”

What?

I looked over and Natalie was halfway up the little tree in front of the house.

“AH-U-DAH-MAY!” Natalie screeched, grasping on for dear life. She was saying the Spanish word for help. She learned it from watching Diego. Who says television is bad for kids?

“Thank you,” I said to the man and darted off to help Natalie.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the guy wrote on our papers. “Dysfunctional family,” and underlined it three times.

Oh well.

The Girls

My husband Frank and I live away from both of our daughters.  Amy lives in Ft. Walton Beach, FL...which is about 5 hours from us and Kat lives in Montgomery...which right now is 1.5 hours away.  When we move it will be more like 2.5.  So many times we want to jump in our car and go see them....but work and other responsibilities keep us from doing that....and besides...they have a life seperate from ours.  They are both grown women. It still does not make it any easier.  Especially where Amy is concerned.  Her husband Stephen is in the Air Force and has been in Iraq every year for a stint since they married in 2002.  I know that hurts her...it hurts us.  Frank and I feel her pain every time he is deployed.  Our pain comes from knowing that our young adult daughter is now alone until he returns stateside.  A daddy naturally goes into protective mode.  Both of our daughters are survivors....and "Can do it themselves."  When times like these arise...I long to be with whatever daughter is suffering at the time, but distance separates us. I need to know they are not alone, and that they are not thinking God is being unfair to them at this moment. My desires are not to be granted. Because of our work schedules(I teach and Frank preaches)....going to Amy's is often difficult.  The last time we were there was at Christmas.  It has been 5 months. Since Christmas...we have seen Kat four times...and she lives 1.5 hours away.  We are all busy...and sometimes in the busyness....we miss something.  First, our children - no matter what age - will experience life's tough stuff. Sometimes those circumstances are beyond our control, and there's nothing we can do. But when circumstances allow our input, often our first impulse is to pick our kids up or bail them out. Is that the best response? Of course not....but it is the most human one.  I don't want either of the girls hurting, sad, angry....I want their lives rosy.  That is because I am the mom figure...the emotional one.  Now, I have to let you know that I am not Amy's biological mother....she has a Mom...I am her dad's wife...but from the moment I met her...we connected....and she is my friend....and I love her like a daughter...heck...she favors my daughter even.  Frank, is not Kat's biological dad....she has a Dad...but he treats her just like he does Amy.....and eventhough I know I cannot protect either of them from trouble... I realize that my precious daughters would be better prepared for life if I could have taught them how to effectively deal with, rather than avoid, trouble and hurt...but in truth...I couldn't...because I did not have a manual...and it is something you have to learn for yourself....I have a few scars from my own lessons. Second, the hurtful experiences in our girls lives serve as catalysts for their spiritual growth. My walk with God was not a result of some great sermon I heard...or some wonderful book I read...it is because the troubled times I have felt...helped build character. The same is true for Amy and Kat.  Scars build toughness. Third, we as the parents of these two remarkable girls have to embrace difficult experiences in their lives as catalysts for our own spiritual growth. But to be honest with you...as their mom, I'd rather grow by other means, thank you. I'm okay with my own pain, but please let it be their pain. Unfortunately, life's not like that. And sometimes....to be honest...life sucks. But I have learned  a valuable lesson as a mom...and that is to believe that He would fulfill His promise to be their sufficiency and strength in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and He would work out His perfect plan for their lives (Philippians 2:13). Yeppers, because distance makes it impossible sometimes for us to be with the girls, I pray daily for God to be their comforter and fortress, and to help them rest in His sovereignty over the circumstances (Psalm 62:5-8). Several times I heard His gentle whisper: "I love your girls too....obviously more than you can imagine.So Karen, he says, " Don't worry. Just trust Me. Let Go....and Let God!"  God Bless You all today....and if you have kids...and they are close by...hug them tightly and say some crazy lady with a blog made you do it.

A Kids Free Meal

They were sweet.

Succulent.

Delicious.

And I got to enjoy them without a miniature hand coming at them.

I was at IHOP with my friend Amanda. Kids free. Our meal had arrived. And get this.

I WAS ABLE TO DIG RIGHT IN.

I didn’t have to cut anyone else’s food.

I didn’t have to remind someone that it was time to SIT DOWN and stop staring at the old man.

It was Heaven.

I was trying those new cheesecake pancakes. The strawberry ones. And they were amazing.

“So good,” I said to Amanda with my mouth full. Oops. Better swallow first. I don’t want to scare my friends off with my appalling manners.

I loved how I could eat everything on my plate and not have to share. Because you see, everything I order the kids suddenly want.

After we ate, we headed to the movie theater. We were going to see Letters to Juliet. I got my buttery popcorn—and then proceeded to spill most of it on the counter. I am the biggest klutz, I tell you. I constantly spill things. I think I spill my cups more than my children. Tom is used to it now. Whenever I tip something over he just goes, “I’ll get the paper towels.”

I’m sure the poor teenaged movie worker was irritated with me even though he said it was okay. But what else could he say? “SonofaBITCH lady!”

The movie was entertaining. But here’s my gripes:

Amanda Seyfried’s character says to her guy, “We should want to be together all the time.” (And that's not a spoiler, she says it in the preview..)

Um.

Here’s the thing. I don’t want to be with Tom all the time. I need to my space. I don’t get when couples flip out if they are apart for a few hours.

So I wanted to call out to Amanda (the actress, not my friend Amanda), “Actually, not true. Space is a healthy thing.”

Oh, and the word “love” was said too early. I hate in romantic comedies when the man and the woman suddenly love each other after knowing one another for a few days. Please.

This also happened in The Ugly Truth. I’m supposed to believe that these people hated each other and then boom, they love each other?

I think I’ve grown cynical with age.

All in all it was an enjoyable movie. It made me want to go to Italy. Mainly for the food though. I LOVE Italian food. I wish I had Italian family members who cooked for me all the time.

Of course I’d probably be incredibly fat.

But oh well. At least I’d have all the pasta and canolis I could eat.

Everything I Learned in Life I Learned from the Wizard of Oz

I read the greatest article online today and had to share it….and of course tweak it a bit. The original article was written by Dena Ross is the Entertainment Editor at Beliefnet. It is the life lessons learned from the Wizard of Oz. One of our senior mother’s used some of it on Sunday at the Senior Recognition service and I thought it was so profound that I asked her for a copy of her message and she said, “I just googled it”….so did I. “It's hard to believe, but "The Wizard of Oz," one of the most beloved movies of all time, celebrates its 70th birthday this year. Not only has the classic story of Dorothy and her funny friends entertained generations of moviegoers, it has also taught us some unforgettable lessons about life. Here are 10 life lessons you can learn from "The Wizard of Oz ."

1. Accept Your Friends for who they are: A true friend will help you on your life's journey and get you through all the problems—big and small—that may arise. So accept your friends, quirks and all, and recognize when they need a little help too. Because you never know when you'll need them around to rescue you from some flying monkeys.  I don't know about you, but when I was a child the monkey's gave me nightmares.  I was terrified of those rascally flying creatures.  The Wicked Witch was another hangup I had...her green face was scary.  Come on...admit it...she scared you too.
2. Follow Your Own Yellow Brick Road: Although Glinda the Good Witch directs Dorothy to the yellow brick road, explaining that it will lead her to the one person who can get her back home to Kansas, let's face it: Dorothy probably could have found the road on her own. It was right there in front of her. Discover your own path in life—what you want to be, where you want to go, how you want to live--and be sure to sing and skip throughout the journey.” Life is so much more fun with friends singing and skipping….don’t you think?
3. Don't Hide Your True Self Behind a Screen: “One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when we discover the Wizard is just a man. He has no magical powers. He doesn't even have a booming voice. The lesson? Don't try to be something you're not, because the people who matter in this life will love you no matter what.”
4. There's No Place Like Home (Wherever Home Is): Although it should go without saying, home means more than just your house or apartment. It's wherever the people you love—and who love you—are found. You can have many different "homes," and even if you haven't visited in a while, you can always go back.” You just have to click your heals together and say, “There’s No Place Like Home.”
5. Look Within for Your Power: We all remember the scene where Dorothy misses her balloon flight home, starts to cry, and is subsequently notified by Glinda that with those fancy red shiny slippers , she had the power to return home the whole time; she just needed to discover it for herself. When in doubt, look within for the answer. You're more powerful than you think.
6. Allow Yourself to Dream: It is ok to dream actually. Whether you want a better home, a more exciting job, budding singing career, or an extreme makeover, allow yourself to take a moment from your busy life to look over the rainbow and visualize future possibilities. This could really inspire you to start turning the dream into reality. That quaint little book store with coffees, couches and books looks pretty good after a long day in the classroom….so does a travel agent, Ireland, a house in the hills of Tennessee, a condo at the beach…dreams DO sometimes come true. I had always wanted to sing on the stage of the River Center in Columbus, GA…..and got to. We opened for Cowboy Crush and it was awesome….we had our own dressing room….and food brought just for us. I also wanted to open for someone really famous…and VOILA…last year on my birthday we opened at the Columbus Civic Center for George Jones…yep…the Ole ‘Possum himself. He is a Country Music Hall of Famer and legend…and yep…I opened for him….so dream…and make it big ones.
7. Running Away Is Never the Answer : I am notorious for running. That is what I do best. When I broke up with who I thought was the love of my life…I ran. I came to live in Alabama….to take care of my grandmother…when I had enough in my first marriage (of course it took nearly 25 years to get there)…I ran again. I will stick my head in the sand so quick your head will spin. I am non-confrontational…so when it gets to hot…I get out…..but I have learned in my 56 years that it really is NOT the answer. Even Dorothy had a choice to make when that mean Miss Gultch threatened to take Toto away after he snapped at her. But if Dorothy had not run away, she probably wouldn't have gotten caught up in that tornado mess. Confronting your problems and figuring out a solution (with a little help from your friends or family) will help you feel better about yourself and allow you to sleep at night. You won't even need a poppy field.
8. Don't Give Up Your Principles (or Your Ruby Slippers) : Dorothy knew giving her ruby slippers to the Wicked Witch would only lead to trouble. (The sparks that flew when the Witch tried to take them from her might have been an indication.) So when someone tries to make you do something you know in your heart isn't right, stand firm and stay true to yourself. I bought myself a red slipper pin as a reminder of this. Nobody can MAKE you do anything you don’t want to do.
9. Believe in Good and Good Things Will Happen: Have you ever wondered what would have happened had Dorothy chosen to follow the Wicked Witch instead of Glinda? Well duh…it certainly would not have been anything good.. Dorothy chose to follow the Good Witch and was helped along her journey. Being positive and believing in good will make it easier for good things to happen in your life. You could almost take this a step further and say…Believe in God…and good things will happen.
10. The Solution Might Be Right Under Your Nose : Isn't it usually?  I mean come on....the answer to Dorothy's problem getting home was literally under her nose the entire time--on her feet to be precise. When you've racked your brain for a fix to your own problem (big or small) and still don't have a solution, try stepping away from it for a minute to clear your mind. Tackling your troubles with a clear head may help you find the simple answers that are right in front of you. Personally, I disagree here. The solution is right under your nose…but…when your up against a struggle that is more than you can handle…it is time for some knee action….pray....pray....and pray some more. Thank you Dena Ross for this commentary on life and the Wizard....and if I have learned anything in my many bible studies over the years...I have learned that you have got to Let Go and Let God. God Bless You all today really good….and remember…”There’s no place like home….there’s no place like home….there’s no place like home.”