Great Story.........

While surfing through FB, bobbing and weaving through the political garbage  and hateful tirades I saw something that really resonated with me..... Thank you Noel for sharing the video.  The video was about a gentleman by the name of Rock Thomas, a motivational speaker I had not ever heard of before.  Not that I could name any motivational speaker, I'm one of those people who abhors the whole "self help" movement (including but not limited to books and groups).  Rock Thomas said, "You can have a great story, or you can live a great story".

What a great quote!!!  It's so much better than the popular bumper sticker of the 1980's that read, "Shit Happens".

I want to live a great story!  It's never too late.  You can start living it today, after all what do you have to lose?  Time is still going to move forward, whether or not you do.  I went to college with an incredible guy, Gene.  He was 70 something, retired, and a full time student.  He was fully vested in college life.  He went to sporting events, dances, and was even a participant in the Student Government Association (which was a student voted electoral position).  Everyone on campus knew him, and he knew everyone. 

Gene wasn't shy about telling people he never had an opportunity to go to college when he was younger.  He served his country, came home and got married, had children, and then worked hard to support his family.  Gene said the only regret he ever had was never going to college.  When he retired he said it was the perfect time for him to go, after all what did he have to lose. 

I'm not sure how many degrees Gene ended up getting, I do know there were several.  When I left, Gene was still going strong...... 

I know that so far I've been working on a great story, I'm excited to see what the next chapter will be.

Chandler and the Christmas Cactus

True story.....  Fact not fiction and it's pretty wonderful. I was at a friends house, Terri S. Hodges-Newton. While she was showing me around, I saw an incredibly large Christmas cactus. (I had never seen one this large in my entire life.... I'm talking super HUGE!!!) 

This Christmas cactus had an amazing amount of beautiful blooms. When I commented on it, Terri S. Hodges-Newton said it blooms twice a year. Once in December and the other in the month her dear sweet son Chandler passed. I exclaimed how awesome that was and jokingly asked her to send Chandler to my house because I've only gotten one or two blooms every couple of years for the past ten or so years (and NEVER at Christmas). She laughed and said okay, she'd do that.

Guess what happened and is continuing to happen. Every morning for the past four days, there's new blooms on my Christmas cactus.

Thank you Chandler!!!!

I seriously don't understand what's going on in our country these days. Here are two examples.....

1) The controversy of the iconic song, "Baby It's Cold Outside". It's a seventy year old classic. But according to the #MeToo movement thinks it's inappropriate and promotes date rape, describing a man pressuring a woman to stay despite her adamantly telling him "no, no, no." If you really want to get pissy, please make sure you throw in that it is PROMOTING cigarette usage!!!

If you do NOT like it, it's actually really simple....... TURN THE STATION!!! Voila ~ Done ~

For the love of God and All That's Holy..... Listen to the lyrics of the original 1944 version:

(I really can't stay) But, baby, it's cold outside
(I've got to go away) But, baby, it's cold outside
(This evening has been) Been hoping that you'd drop in
(So very nice) I'll hold your hands they're just like ice

(My mother will start to worry) Beautiful, what's your hurry
(My father will be pacing the floor) Listen to the fireplace roar
(So really I'd better scurry) Beautiful, please don't hurry
(Well, maybe just half a drink more) Put some records on while I pour

(The neighbors might think) Baby, it's bad out there
(Say what's in this drink) No cabs to be had out there
(I wish I knew how) Your eyes are like starlight now
(To break this spell) I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell

(I ought to say no, no, no, sir) Mind if I move in closer
(At least I'm gonna say that I tried) What's the sense of hurting my pride
(I really can't stay) Baby, don't hold out
[Both] Baby, it's cold outside

(I simply must go) But, baby, it's cold outside
(The answer is no) But, baby, it's cold outside
(The welcome has been) How lucky that you dropped in
(So nice and warm) Look out the window at the storm

(My sister will be suspicious) Gosh your lips look delicious
(My brother will be there at the door) Waves upon a tropical shore
(My maiden aunt's mind is vicious) Gosh your lips are delicious
(But maybe just a cigarette more) Never such a blizzard before

(I got to get home) But, baby, you'd freeze out there
(Say lend me a coat) It's up to your knees out there
(You've really been grand) I thrill when you touch my hand
(But don't you see) How can you do this thing to me

(There's bound to be talk tomorrow) Think of my life long sorrow 

(At least there will be plenty implied) If you caught pneumonia and died 

(I really can't stay) Get over that hold out
[Both] Baby, it's cold outside

and;

2) I just read an article that stated that a Principal in Omaha, Nebraska banned candy canes. Yes, candy canes because their shape of a "J" stood for Jesus. Wow!!!! To think that I made it 54 years, 8 months, and 26 days and NEVER once thought a candy cane looked like a J for Jesus. The article posted on a news station site also stated that Santa Claus, Christmas trees, candy canes, and reindeer were off limits too.

On a positive note, a district spokesperson said that the Principal, bless her heart, had been placed on administrative leave, effective Thursday because her decisions does not reflect the policy of Elkhorn Public Schools regarding holiday symbols in the school.

Now would be a good time for us to bow our heads and say a little prayer for her.