No Matter if You're Black or White...

Yesterday was a sad day. Farrah lost her battle with cancer, Michael lost his battle with the struggle he called life...and I had an epiphany about my life that makes my throat tight and tears well up (unfortunately, this is not one that I am ready to share).

So, late morning we hear the tragic news that Farrah had passed away. I do hope that she had made piece with the Lord. She had plenty of time to prepare. She led a sun-kissed life, was a beautiful lady, but if she didn't cross those pearly gates...then it was worthless.


I did not watch the special that was on TV recently depicting the pain and struggle that she has gone through. I am one of these people that really do prefer to remember someone in the better days of their lives. I have twice visited friends who were battling the big-C ( both have since lost) and caught vomit either in my hand or a tray...and though I was happy to do that for them, I was not happy that it had to be done in the first place...darn those dreaded cells full of disease! I would much rather wear my rose colored glasses and recall the "good ole days"--so what,...shoot me.


As the world began to grieve for the poster-queen, then came the big shock. Michael Jackson had also passed away. Wha????


There has already been so much said about the musical genius of this man, and just as much said about the troubled life that he led. He didn't have time to prepare for the end...so I truly hope that he was ready.

Years ago I read a book titled "Orion" (based loosely on Elvis) about a rock star who faked his own death to escape the hell that he felt he lived in. This was written even before internet...so that tells you how times have changed and the added pressure a star would have now. Has this been implied anywhere? Naw, not that I know of...but if I were hundreds of millions of dollars in debt...I'm just saying.

Of course I, along with roughly 45 million other people, had the Thriller album--it was high school for me (I do miss the 80's). This was also the time that Michael was actually cute (need I say more?). Oh, stars fade quickly, don't they? One of my most vivid memories was my reaction to his filming of a Pepsi commercial when his hair caught on fire. I was not a diary keeper...but a number of years ago, I found a calendar/journal or something where I had noted that tragic day...and my horror at it all. I could just feel his pain...couldn't you? But now as I watch people weeping and crying over the loss of this icon, I don't feel that pain. I just feel sadness. Sadness for the lonely, reclusive strange man that he felt that he had to become. Sadness for the children and family that he is leaving behind. Sadness for the loss of a soul that was so tortured and pained that he turned to a number of anedotes to ease his suffering. In the end, it only brought the conclusion to his saga that much quicker.

Sorry Farrah that your loss will go virtually unnoticed in the chaotic hub-bub that is Michael Jackson's funeral. Sorry that your name will barely make the ticker across the CNN screen, while his will fill nearly every channel to be flipped to. Sorry that your battle will not be chronicalized as important, and his will be idolized. But somewhere- everywhere there are men and women who died yesterday of similar circumstances as these two people, and they will be missed by their friends and family also. Social and iconic status is stripped away and each and every person appears before the Lord the exact same way...all will be judged the same...but not all will have the same results. I know what group I would rather be like...

God Bless.

Hey batter, batter...swing!

It is hot. Not just a couple of drops of persperation on your upper lip when you get out of the car. No, I mean...sweat running like a river in between two boulders (sly one, aren't I?), throbbing in your temples from the sheer force of heat hitting you when you walk out of the sweet cold air, making you cranky if you have to be out in it longer than walking from car to building (at this moment I am so thankful for my indoor desk job). And it is only June.

The other night was yet another milestone for the Taylors. We have officially ended our long-term relationship with summer sports. About 18 years ago we began this affair with America's favorite pastime, and sadly broke it off just a couple of days ago. When we first signed J up for tee ball at the YMCA we were young parents that were so excited to see our cute little guy out there running to the bases, holding his helmet on with one hand. He continued to play until the summer when he was about 13 or 14, and the politics of "making the team" (also known as- the-dad-is-coach-and-their-kids-and-their-friends-are-the-only-ones-gonna-play-on-this-team) came into play. Although I think his heart was broken (mine was, shouldn't his have been), he decided that he was done with baseball and focused on basketball. Then A started tee ball, and never quite graduated. She became too busy at 2nd base chatting with her little girlfriends or playing with one another's hair to ever love the game. Finally there was H who also began with tee ball and has kept playing until just a few days ago. I state that we are done with summer ball because next year he will be in (gulp, give me a moment) high school and will be playing for the school. They finish soon after school is out...so my summer nights will be opened up to all new possibilities. H is a very good baseball player, and he loves the game. (Since this is my blog, I am allowed to instill the appropriate (or not) amount of pride into what I write about his skills) He mainly plays catcher, but has pitched some (too stressful for me to watch) and used to play a mean first--but catcher is his specialty. The varsity coach at school has already told him he will be the starting catcher for JV next year, and the back-up for varsity. That's cool...pretty neat for a freshman...but not good enough for H. He informed me he is going to work with a local guy (who's team just won state--with him as the catcher) to gather some pointers so that maybe H will be the best catcher in the school and will start for both JV and Varsity. Props to him!!! I am proud that he has a goal to better himself. Keep up the good work kiddo!!!

As this relationship has drawn to a close, there are no cameras in our faces broadcasting every move that we make. There is no drama playing out for others to watch our thirst for attention and fame. (If you feel that I am making a comparison to something else...you're probably right) Nope, there is just a normal (relatively), small family who loves to spend time together putting our children first with their activities...and we didn't even have to schedule a session in make-up or editing. At this time, I think I will sadly go get the chairs out of the back of my van...and put them up. They will be readily waiting for us to join them again next spring...

Sit, heel...oh, whatever

If you are savvy enough to check the dates between postings, you will notice that it has been over a month since I last trolled on about my life. I have missed the musings, but have been soooo busy (yeah, likely excuse, huh?). Hopefully I can prioritize and get back into the swing of things. Deep breath, here we go.

Many of you know that I work for a social services agency that, among other things, works with the elderly. A huge push of ours is remaining active in the twilight years in order to maintain good health. The 2nd week of June every year is what is dubbed as Senior Games. Basically, it is about 350-400 silver haired men and women that participate in a number of physical activities throughout the week to garner glory through their accomplishments. And don't let anyone tell you that it is not about winning vs. just playing the game. These folks are serious about their games and they want that medal!!! The end of the week culminates with most of them attending a lunch out at a popular banquet facility here in town. Those that have won medals usually wear them around their neck, and preen proud as peacocks with anywhere from 2-15 Olympic-style medals hanging on their chest. If osteoporosis hadn't already gotten their stance before this day...they sure were stooped over by the end of the lunch!!! I am in charge of all of the registrations, data input and upkeep and disbursement of official results. One lady got really red (not the first year this has happened with said octogenarian) because she thought that she had the most medals out of the females. Was this not the generation that taught us to play fair, have fun and enjoy ourselves, otherwise know as "it's just a game"? Geesh...I really need a vacation after all of this is over...oh, to be saved for another day I suppose.

As Hunter remarked in awe the other day...a whole month of summer break is nearly gone!!! The kiddos have been busy...but not having as much fun as they have been working. HT has been the mini-man of the house with his dad (not mini much longer--I swear he grows an inch a month) and has been learning how to do many projects concerning the update/upkeep of a home. (The For Sale sign was officially placed in the yard last week...let's see if it does any good) He also is involved in a number of fund-raisers for his trip to National Fine Arts (you can't see me, but I am doing the "woop woop" arm movement) Miss Acacia has been juggling her 2 jobs and working an average of about 60 hours a week. I think she actually got to the pool for 45 minutes on Saturday. (see...to me, that is so not even worth shaving my legs for) But she did go see Wicked last night...I am so jealous. I would LOVE to see that show. She thought it was wonderful, of course...wonder if I could get her to go with me? (Tim certainly won't because his standards are fair too superior for a musical...he would rather see the inter-galactic fights of men in funny outfits and pointy ears--yeah, so much better *scoff*)

Acacia has also house and dog sat for 2 different people over the last couple of weeks. The first one was for a friend with a small dog...no problem, she had her friend Sophie stay with her and the dog and house were returned to rightful owner with seamless grace. The second assignment I do believe has left a lasting impression. It was for my son and his wife, who have 2 dogs. One is Duke, a lovable affable "dumb-jock" golden retriever. Then there is Baylee, an aggressive Blue Healer who is the smaller of the two-but the leader of the pack nevertheless. They are what Tim and I call our Grand-doggers...sorry, it's all I got, forgive me. Well anyway...Acacia told me after their (Sophie too-what a good friend) first night there...they were both mad at the dogs. Both dogs are allowed to sleep with Jordan and Cassie...so what could possibly stop them from sleeping with Acacia and Sophie? Acacia recounted the fact to me that she believes that her "niece and nephew" conspire with one another (am I really sending this girl to one of the finer universities in the nation?) Apparently after much "planning" Duke licked Acacia's face around 3:30 in the morning, which caused her to bolt upright in bed (truly not a fine way to be awakened). At that point, Baylee placed herself on Acacia's pillow and refused to move. She just kept rolling back and forth begging for her belly to be rubbed. All of this activity I'm sure did not go unnoticed by Sophie, who most likely has forged a contract with Acacia for no more house sitting jobs. Just a few hours later, when both girls had to be at work before 8 am...Sophie was showering, when Duke stuck his head in the curtain and proceeded to try and drink the water. (Hmmm, I wonder if I will ever see Soph around again?) Then yesterday at church Acacia was very angry when she told me that she came home to find that the dogs had eaten 2 pairs of her undies!!!! Of course, these were 2 of her favorites out of the 135 pairs that she owns (you think I'm kidding don't you--I'm not)!!! I love the responsibility that she is learning this summer...I'm almost ready for her to be able to live on her own (minus pets of course...well, maybe a fish)

I promise I shall update again soon...I'm having too much fun with the family not to share it with someone!!!

Divine Text

I have approximately 2 minutes and 17 seconds to pound out something that resembles a post here. So, just let me say...

I am not a big American Idol watcher (I got interested when people started talking about Danny Gokey--and saying that Hunter looked like him)...but over the last few weeks I knew who I didn't want to win...and GOD IS GOOD!!!

I am so pleased that the underdog-Chi Alpha-boy next door-married to a woman Kris Allen won that I can't see straight (no pun intended...sorta).

To all of those that say America didn't get it right, or bigoted American's aren't ready for someone that is different...let me just say...GOD IS GOOD!!!
Ok, I have overrun my time limit by about 30 seconds. Time to put "No Boundries" on my playlist.

Merry Maids

You may have noticed me on your carton of 2% recently...'cause I have been missing! I have been so swamped that I haven't had time to write about anything. Not to mention, my life just isn't that exciting. (I am not sure how some people do it--and keep others entertained) I am still shredding--but not as much, and I will admit...I miss it. My life has been so chaotic as of late that I simply can not get myself up at 4:30 in the morning to jump around after 5 hours of sleep. I am just exhausted. Why? You ask...well, let me tell you.


We decided to put our house up for sell and have been cleaning everything out in order to make it presentable. On the surface, most things looked presentable...but lurking beneath the surface is the most horrendous of rodents...the packrat. Not something that you want to have around when you are attempting to sell, if you catch my drift.


Here is the breakdown for the hubster and I. I am a spender...I buy items on sale (Target clearance and I have a special bond) in preparation for gifts for birthdays, graduations, holidays, getting-your-haircut-'cause-it's-Tuesday...you know, the special moments. This is all well and good...but then I would go stick them in a certain closet...never to see them again. This equates to a lot of money wasted that was all originally intended for good. I spent hours cleaning that closet out this weekend...and let me tell you...Goodwill will make a killing off of me and my poor spending habits. I took 2 loads to them already (and I bet there is at least one more). My only consolation is that I am helping someone else out. :)


The hubby is a packrat. I.mean.really. He hates to get rid of anything. He also is a list-maker. He makes a list everyday consisting of calls to make, people to see, things to do. This equates to lots of notebooks and scraps of paper. He hesitates to throw any of them away b/c he may not have finished the list. He also is much more sentimental about items. When cleaning out the attic last week, we ran across the box (oh yeah, he saves boxes in case we need to take anything back) for one of our kids baby walkers!! I will fill you in on the fact that the only baby we have around is almost 14 (and I don't think it was the walker for him!). After much arm twisting, hair pulling and begging (we're hands-on communicators)...he threw tons of boxes away-woohoo!! Now he is currently going through papers and burning them or tossing if they don't have personal information on them. Do you think that it is necessary to save a receipt from 1997? I don't either...but it has been a slow and arduous process to convince the Tim-meister. On a positive note, we did find the notebook that he wrote in on our wedding day (1987)...his list said things like; go tan (no preachin'!), take rose to Chris (that's ME), get married(like he would forget?!)While on the subject of our wedding...we came across our toasting glasses. He wanted to keep them, and I didn't. I didn't think that we would get much use out of two filthy glasses that say bride and groo(printing had rubbed off the 'm')...and Acacia firmly stated that she wouldn't use them (she'll be much smarter and use a pair that may actually work in her kitchen). So off they went to GW...my victories have been few--but mighty.

Off I go to tackle another project...while my legs begin to flab up again, my triceps wave hello-hello-hello...and my abs are expanding like one of those compact washclothes that grow when you add water. But that's ok...Jillian will be waiting on my return...and I'm sure she will let me know how very much she missed me...

Day 2--Shred Away!!!

Ok…I took yesterday off from shredding…simply because I needed the recovery period. I recognized this as I was contemplating sliding down the stairs on my bottom in order to get downstairs to the family room. Decided against the sliding thing because of the jarring that it would cause in my head…thus producing a headache…in the only place on my body that wasn’t sore-and I really needed to keep that area sacred. But today I am back with a vengeance…well, vengeance might be a tad bit strong…but whatever.

Many of you will be glad to know that showering with the garden hose has gone well; little chilly that early in the morning…but well nevertheless. (Thank the Lord that we live in 5 acres of woods…and the leaves are back on the trees…otherwise our neighbors would see a whole new side of me.)
By the way…have you ever seen a raccoon giggle and point? Let’s just say…it happens.

While lying on the floor doing my abs—yes, I have abs…just well hidden, they are shy.
Anyways…while lying on the floor I realized many things. Prepare yourself for the list.

1. I like the ab work. Never thought I would say that…but it gives me a chance to lie down, and does not involve doing a push-up.
2. I need a pedicure.
3. Did you know if you have the ceiling fan going, that you can not see the amount of dust that is built up on the blades? Eureka—time to invite friends over…with the fan on.
4. I need a tan. My legs are scary white. Wrote about this quite a while back…apparently have done very little about it.
5. I realize that Jillian is lazy. She is not even doing the shred. She keeps walking around going back and forth to her little helpers and showing us how to do it like them. I don’t see any sweat on her brow. Matter of fact…I think her abs are airbrushed.
6. I really need a pedicure.
7. While feet up in air to do crunches, realized that laws of gravity naturally make everything head down to the floor where I lie. Reverse this to when I stand up…law of gravity means that natural sag heads to floor…towards my feet. Thus explains the “unperkiness” of Debbie and Diane (the D twins) and the fact that I have chubby ankles. Wow, I love science. Sir Isaac Newton was a brilliant man. This has made my brain tired…because obviously it is puddle somewhere around the bottom of my calves.
8. Ab work has been over for approximately 10 seconds while I look at the spot near my knee where I have missed shaving for oh, I don’t know…days maybe.

Finished. For the day…if I do this thing again tonight, at say…11:45, which will stretch into about 12:15 tomorrow…can I count it as doing it for 2 days? Uh huh…I like math too.

Gotta run. Really that is just a phrase…I will not be running—quite possibly ever.

Oh.My.Word

I did it. I have officially begun my shred. Mind you, I would much prefer to be shredding lettuce, cheese or even bank statements...but no, I have joined the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. Consider me ready to be committed...not to the 30 day process...but to the psych ward.

Back to Ms. Michaels. A number of bloggers have begun to do this...so I thought (mistakenly), why not give it a try? Good thing I only "see" these women over the 'net...as I may have to pull a Bob Sanders and throw someone down if I saw them in person (I say this as if I could actually throw someone down right now). I do believe that I have discovered Saddam Hussein reborn in a sports bra. This woman is not very nice...she has no qualms about forcing an out of shape, overweight, middle-aged, I-work-at-a-desk, chocolate-is-my-happiness woman into a quivering pile of rubbery muscles (term used loosely) and sweaty pits. You know, there is a level 1--for beginners, right? Wrong! Level 1 had me doing numerous ...are you ready for this...push-ups!!! Who does push-ups as a beginner??? Even though I did the girly kind...that is a lot of abuse for the part of my body that normally only holds a 32 oz. soft drink. (used to be 44--down-sizing :))

I began my descent into h-e-double hockey sticks very early this morning (why does my son have to be at school at 7 on the day I decided to start?)...with optimistic enthusiasm. I enjoyed the warm-up...I was tempted to just keep replaying that part...but 20 minutes of just swinging my arms wasn't going to achieve my intended results, was it? Ok, so I liked the warm-up...at first. Then we went into jumping jacks (short term memory is bad...I think I was still in warm up). I was a little disappointed that I was not dressed appropriately for his part. Shorts-check, shirt-check, bra-check check (teehee), diaper--oops...What the heck? Why in the world was it not written on the cover that I would need to wear a Pampers Cruiser? I.have.3 (count 'em). 3.children. I should not do jumping jacks without "back-up".

Not only was I doing jumping jacks, but we soon switched to jump-roping (imaginary) and butt kicks, which is simply jogging like a perky cheerleader. Now, if I could kick my butt with my heels, why would I need to be doing this video? Never mind that…the bigger problem was doing all of these moves that required removing your feet from the padded comfort of the carpet and letting them flail about in the cold confines of thin air (who says there isn’t thin air at 2 inches above floor level). So here I am fearful of waking the family up (4:30 AM), but between my jumping and flailing (yes, I flailed), I was afraid of all of them thinking that Indiana was having another earthquake. Geesh!!!

Long story short…too late, huh? I made it through the entire thing. I did have some choice words for Jillian when we did more push-ups. But I made it nonetheless. I may not have done every push-up or jumping jack (I did 98% of them), but what the heck…I am the beginner, right? One of the best parts was doing the ab work…’cause that meant that I got to lie down on the floor…just a little snooze, ok? I finished…and after a short recovery period beneath the ceiling fan with my bottle of water…I went upstairs to take a shower. No problem. The problem began when I came back down the stairs. By then I was already starting to feel the burn…as in with each step down, I felt as if my legs were buckling a little. Oh no, this is not looking good. Looks as if I will be showering outside tomorrow…with the garden hose.