Transforming Perceptions

These past few years have brought a whirlwind of emotions between becoming employed, moving half-way across the country, and finally having the ability to focus on myself, my weight loss, and my faith. This blog is a reflection of all of these items and how they interact with each other.

Thursday, June 30, 2005

Bruised and Battered Soul

My soul was unintentionally bruised and battered today. I understand the reasons, but it still hurts. God will get me through it... He is the only one I can rely on sometimes. I'm just sad and hurt. I'll be happier tomorrow, I promise.


AND, the insurance battle continues. I just received my second reimbursement that was made out to "MICHE MICHELLE". Looks like my insurance company is going to deal with an irate customer tomorrow morning.

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

The Pros and the Cons

I got good news today! The State of Michigan wants to hire me out of my contractual position, but of course, there has to be a few twists. As a contractual, I am right now considered a P11, but the state only sees my previous employment experiences as a P10...so here's the pros and the cons concerning the switchover.

The Pros

1. Better benefits, including eye care.
2. I will be higher up on the waiting list for a parking space downtown.
3. I don't have to pay union dues.
4. It IS a state job.
5. Banked leave. Many people have issues with banked leave because you're working 80 hours every two weeks, but getting paid for 76 hours. Those 4 hours are "banked" and can be used as time off. The way I see it, more time off for traveling!!!!


The Cons

1. I have to pay for benefits. It's not a whole lot, but I don't have to pay for anything right now. (But is this truly a bad thing with the chaos I've been through?)
2. Slightly less pay until I get my first raise (and my boss is going to try and get my first promotion earlier too). After my first raise in the fall, I'd be making about the same.
3. I know many people give unions a hard time, but they are good for something. I will not be in a union.
4. I have to go through a probabionary period again and can't take time off right away (I can take the two days they give me upon hire and the banked leave, but none of my vacation time).

Hmmmm...I'm sure I'm missing some, but it truly is a no brainer. I will definitely take it, and see where it leads me. But first, I have to the pass the drug test! LOL No worries there!

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Our Armed Forces

I completely agree with what Jeff Edwards, a retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, wrote in Military Opinions on March 14, 2005. I am tired of the bad publicity our armed forces get.

Here is an excerpt of what Mr. Edwards had to say:
I'd like to close with an invitation to those journalists, analysts, experts, and politicians who sit up at night dreaming up new ways to criticize our armed forces. The next time you see a man or woman in uniform, stop for ten seconds and reflect upon how much you owe that person, and his or her fellow Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and Airmen. Then say, "Thank you." I'm betting you won't even have to explain the reason. Our Servicemembers are not blind or stupid. They know what they're risking. They know what they're sacrificing. They've weighed their wants, their needs, and their personal safety against the needs of their nation, and made the decision to serve. They know that they deserve our gratitude, even if they rarely receive it.

Two words -- that's all I ask. "Thank you." If that's too hard, if you can't bring yourself to acknowledge the dedication, sincerity and sacrifice of your defenders, then I have a backup plan for you. Put on a uniform and show us how to do it right.
I probably have not said it once in the past week, but thank you for the sacrifices you have made so that our country is kept free. Let's remember that this weekend when we celebrate the 4th of July - the day we became free.

Monday, June 27, 2005

Health Insurance Reimbursement Update

Just a quick update on my health insurance reimbursement check. I call my insurance company today and was talking with a customer representative when I got disconnected not just once, but twice. Finally I got through, explained the letter and she told me that there was a note in the system stating that they processed my claim under the name "Michelle Michelle." So when the postal worker saw that the last name Michelle did not live in my apartment (we're required to have our last names on our mailboxes in order to get our mail), they returned it to the sender. ::I'm shaking my head right now:: Idiots...how could they have not noticed that???

Women on the Frontline

Today's topic is women's rights. Women have fought so hard for equality, I feel like our government is pushing us back to 1920 where the only place for a woman was in the home. Why does our government feel women cannot serve on the frontline because "it's too dangerous"? Is it merely to show us that we need to have a man protect us? Is it to tell us we cannot physically do what men can do?

In a USA Today article, Marine Lt. Col. Sara Phoenix wrote in an e-mail "Gender has no relevance in the Marine Corps today. The ideal of equality is not just about the right to vote or work. This notion that women are somehow not able to perform their jobs in the military in a combat environment flies in the face of everything we say we value in the USA." The way I feel is that if a woman is trained for combat and is as good as any man that she is training with, then why can't she have that position? Discrimination I tell you.

Also, talking about inequalities, last I checked, women in the U.S. make only $0.76 for every dollar a man makes. Are we not as smart? Do we not work as hard? Are we only 3/4ths man???? When is our government going to do something about all of this? Oh...I forgot...we're supposed to be barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen.

Sunday, June 26, 2005

The Heat is On...

…in Michigan. Granted it’s not as hot as Iraq, but our heat index today hit the triple digits! Barely, but it did! :) :) :) Heat index: 100 degrees, Temperature: 93 degrees. Tomorrow the temperature is supposed to reach 95 degrees! Hmmmm…wonder what the heat index will be? Bet it won’t be 125!!! :D

To our men and women overseas, please stay cool and drink lots and lots of fluids!!! HUGS!!!!

Today's Schedule

For whatever reason, I felt like typing out today's schedule...

6:15am - My alarm goes off, but I never get out of bed right away, I hit the snooze at least twice, maybe three times.

6:45am - I finally roll out of a bed, and head to the bathroom to get ready for the gym.

7:00am - I grab a banana to eat since working out drops my sugar levels too low and by the time I get out I feel nauseous and dizzy. I also fill up my 32oz water bottle.

7:15am - Ready to hit the gym, but I can't find my purse in which I need to grab for my license and gym membership card.

7:20am - I finally find them...not where they're supposed to be.

7:25am - I arrive at the gym.

7:30am - I start my 65 minutes on the treadmill listening to the "Save the Last Dance" soundtrack.

8:35am - I get off the treadmill.

8:40am - I leave the gym.

8:45am - I arrive home, and I jump into the shower.

9:15am - I get out of the shower and can't figure out which tank top to wear, so I try on four different ones.

9:30am - I am running out the door with an apple and a pear to go to a meeting at the church.

9:40am - I arrive 10 minutes late to the meeting. ::blush::

11:00am - The meeting ends, I run to the grocery store to pick up some quick items to eat this week. I also pick up bagels and cream cheese for our picnic.

12:00pm - I get home from the grocery store, clean out the fridge of unwanted/expired items, put the clean dishes away, load the dishwasher of the dirty ones, and put the new groceries away.

12:30pm - I throw a pizza in the oven.

1:00pm - Pizza is done, but I'm writing to you in my blog.

1:30pm - Eat pizza.

2:00pm - Leave for church picnic.

2:15pm - Arrive at picnic, hang out, play games, make new friends.

4:00pm - Picnic ends (or is suppposed to).

4:30pm - Arrive back home to package up some stuff for a couple of my soldiers.

8:00pm - Online meeting with OQC.

9:15pm - I hope to be in bed, so that I can be at the gym for 5:30am tomorrow.


That, my friend, has been a typical day for me this past week/week and a half. And yes, I'm the dork everyone loves. :)

Saturday, June 25, 2005

I Know Why God Put Me Here

I know it sounds weird, but I think I know what my purpose in life is. I was thinking about this all week. Why did God put me here? What does He want me to get accomplished for Him? There are two reasons that I have come up with:
1. To encourage and motivate people that under God's Will, anything is possible (trust me, I know this),
2. To work in the field that I am currently working in.
Granted, He may have other intentions, but it feels like this where I am headed.

Other than that, yesterday (besides that letter) and today went great due to a few wonderful people - you know who you are. I will have a smile on my face for at least another two days...at least.

Friday, June 24, 2005

I'm Sorry for the "Inconvenience"

I never intended for this blog to be a ranting and raving blog, but one that is rather entertaining, and just really to document my growth as an individual. BUT, there are a few times that warrant some major complaining.

I have a very common last name, it's on the same level as "Smith" or "Jones." I currently work with somebody who has my name (they work in a different area though), and at SUNY Albany, when I lived on campus, there was another girl who had my name (or did I have hers?), in which I received A LOT of her mail, and I know there is at least one other registered voter in my county that has my name. This, of course, has caused some problems, but does John Smith have as much trouble as I do? (There really is a point to all this.)

Granted, I had allergies back in MA/NY, but Claritin was all I needed to be "cured." When I moved to Michigan, Claritin did not work, and I had a miserable summer. Back on May 2nd, I went to see an allergist finally. I do not have a great insurance plan, and part of seeing some specialists is that I have to pay out of pocket and then I get reimbursed for my expenses, minus my copay. Luckily, the doctor's office fills these papers out for me, and they send them electronically to my insurance. Technically, I should receive a refund within two weeks.

When I saw my allergist, he decided to do allergy testing, which cost a pretty penny. Roughly two weeks later (May 13th), I call my insurance company to see where they were in the process, and they said they never received the paperwork. So I called my doctor's office and they resent the information. Two more weeks go by, and I call my insurance again, and they said they sent it on May 26th. On June 14th, I have yet to receive my check, so I called again. By this time, I have already seen the allergist again on June 3rd. On June 14th, the customer service representative told me they could not put a stop payment on the check until three weeks after they sent it, meaning they had until June 16th before a stop payment could be done. Fine. I figured, okay, I will give them one month from the time they sent it to receive the check, otherwise, I will be VERY firm with them because this is getting pretty ridiculous in my eyes. A check should not take four weeks to go from Detroit to Lansing!

So what do I get in the mail today???? Dated on June 20th...sent on June 22nd. Anything in parentheses are my comments.

Dear Ms. XXXXXXX:

Thank you for your inquiry. (Which one?)

We regret that these services were processed under the wrong name. We apologize for the error and have made all of the appropriate adjustments to your records.

We apologize for the error and for any inconvenience it has caused you.

If you have any additional questions, you may call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-xxx-xxxx. We will make ever effort to assist you.

Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXXXXX

Ummm...where's my reimbursement???

And of course, I get home after 5pm, and can't call them until Monday at 8:30am. Sooooo....what are the chance I will receive this check tomorrow? Any bets?

Thursday, June 23, 2005

I'm just tired.......and busy

This is going to be more of a ramble than anything else, sorry to put anybody through it!!! Everything happens all at once.

1. There has been good news, my job has been posted as a state position (woo-hoo!), BUT I have to go through the whole application/interview process again. My application is due tomorrow. My best friend and I have been trying to go to Florida in November for our first real vacation (again...attempt #2). When/if I get my job, I have another probationary period in which I can't take any time off (except for the two days they give me in the beginning), and based on when I start, I'm not going to be able to go on vacation or take time off for Christmas to visit my family. ::sigh:: I haven't seen them in six months. Yet right now as a contractor, I have two weeks on the books.
2. Jury duty...I have it next week.
3. Weddings, July 2nd and July 9th.
4. Military drive that I'm setting up, July 2nd-July 31st.
5. My cat pukes nearly twice a day with hairballs.

Just busy and tired. Just want to hide under the covers for a day. Sorry for not being upbeat today!

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Flashback to 3rd - 5th Grade

In elementary school, we used to have soccer tournaments for each grade. Each class would have a team, and the classrooms would compete against one another to get first prize. Our P.E. teachers chose the teams; therefore I never understood why I was always chosen to be on the team. I hated gym class, I was one of the slowest runners, and I was never really particularly great at any of the sports. I was always chosen nearly last when teams were chosen, unless a friend was choosing the teams. None-the-less, for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, I was chosen to be on my classroom’s soccer team. When I was chosen again in 4th grade, I approached my P.E. instructor and asked, “Ms. XXXX, I know I am not the best player, and I am not the fasted player, why do you choose me to be on the team?” I remember she smiled when I asked this, and she replied, “Because you are a team player.”

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Did you know???

Did you know that coyotes eat only small animals and fruit? That is correct – FRUIT, who would have thought that? Just one small fact I learned at the Phoenix Zoo in May. If I’m ever in coyote land, I’m going to keep fruit on me. This is just in case they decide to change their minds and/or adapt and find me appetizing; I can throw it into the woods and run in the opposite direction.

In other news...more BEAR sightings in North Lansing

Yep, you heard it correctly. North Lansing has seen more bear sightings, but it has not been determined if it is the same Walmart bear or a family of bears that have been wandering around our streets. It seems they have taken a liking to our dump/landfill.

What Mythological Creature are you?

You scored as Angel. Angel: Angels are the guardians of all things, from the smallest ant to the tallest tree. They give inspiration, love, hope, and positive emotion. They live among humans without being seen. They are the good in all things, and if you feel alone, don't fear. They are always watching. Often times they merely stand by, whispering into the ears of those who feel lost. They would love nothing more then to reveal themselves, but in today's society, this would bring havoc and many unneeded questions. Give thanks to all things beautiful, for you are an Angel.

Angel
83%
Faerie
83%
Mermaid
67%
WereWolf
58%
Dragon
33%
Demon
0%

What Mythological Creature are you?
created with QuizFarm.com

Monday, June 20, 2005

Lions and Tigers and BEARS

Last year, when I first moved here, I was warned that Michigan had bears in the Upper Peninsula. So when I heard that a bear was spotted at Walmart by the Eastwood Towne Center, I was floored! The Eastwood Towne Center is only two miles from my apartment!!! Boy-oh-boy...and to think I was at THAT Walmart Saturday night. Actually, I have another story concerning my shopping trip to Walmart. :D

It's been awhile since I have been blatantly hit on. I know what you're thinking, a cute woman like myself? It's gotta happen much more often than that! :-) After Saturday night service at church, I stopped at Walmart; I needed cat food, deodorant, jerky, and a few items for a couple of my wonderful heroes serving in Iraq. As I got out of my car, the Walmart guy who was collecting carriages completely, obviously stares at me. No biggie. He slows down working on his task at hand, as I walk past him. He starts up a somewhat flirty conversation - it was to the point where I expected him to leave me his number on my car...seriously! Now don't get me wrong, there is a time in everyone's life in which they work for a Walmart, or a Blockbuster...some sort of retail environment. For me, it was Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Cracker Barrel, and Hewitts Garden Center. They ALL helped finance my education, so I can understand a 20-something year old working at Walmart during the summer. I am always willing to date a guy no matter what he does, he just has to be smart and have goals for his life. Pretty simple, right? I think so. Did I ever mention that I love having a guy who makes me laughs? :o) Anyway, he didn't leave his number, but it sure felt good to know that there are some guys that are attracted to me...even if it is just for my boobs. :) :) :)

Okay...back to animals. I am not a hunter. I don't even listen to my dad talk about hunting and what he has killed, if he got anything. I think it may have been the pictures he showed me the first time he killed a deer; he had taken pictures of the dead deer, and it being gutted and hung. The pictures are still vivid in my head. Don't get me wrong, I eat meat, but I have not eaten anything off of a bone in over a year. I feel like a bloody carnivorous beast when I do. I know, I know, I'm rambling today, but there is a point!

I live at the end of a long apartment complex, right by a busy road. Just under a year ago, I had gotten home from work, and was out on my balcony grilling up some bratwurst. There was a guy playing with his dog in an open yard across Saginaw Street (for those not in this area, this is a VERY busy road, especially at rush hour). As I was grilling, in the corner of my eye, I saw the dog get really close to the road, it was barking loudly, and all of a sudden I hear a car screeching, and a BAM. I see the dog yelp back to the yard, and I thought, "Oh my!!! Somebody just hit that dog!!!" So I ran into my apartment to see if I could catch a license plate in case the car didn't stop (I know, I'm such a good citizen). Lo and behold, a car did not hit the dog, but hit a deer instead. Now this is a shock because there is not a lot of open land in this particular area. About five miles north, yes, but here, no. I freaked and didn't know what to do. I ran to my kitchen briefly, and came back out. The deer was trying to drag itself across this four lane road. By this time I had tear soaked eyes, and tears running down my face. This poor animal was scared to death, injured, and just couldn't get out of the way. It finally retreated a little and got halfway onto the sidewalk. My heart still aches remembering this. To sidetrack a moment, it makes me hate society. Here we are, these powerful humans who ruin nature and the environment, and blame the deer for ruining our car, but in reality we should be mourning for the deer we killed by our massive polluting machines. We push the animals out of their natural habitats and claim this land as ours. Society just does not appreciate nature. I guess it's why I like camping...to get away from this modern world mentality. Anyway, back to the story. By the time I got control of myself, I called the cops, but somebody already did, and they arrived soon after. By this time, the stuff on the grill was ready to be taken off, so as I was on the balcony. The way my balcony is set up, and where the deer was, I couldn't see what was happening, but I did hear two shots. Of course, being the over-emotional wrecking ball that I am, I started sobbing. I convinced myself later that they only used tranquilizers to calm the deer for transportation. Yeah, right...but I'm sticking with that story and don't tell me otherwise!

TB Cont'd

I just had one more brief comment. I'm slightly disappointed with the health care system as well in this story - somebody should have had followed up with the doctor when she didn't show up for her chest x-ray. As an epidemiologist, the last think you want to deal with is an outbreak of TB, it is usually a messy situation. Unfortunately this happened, and I hope they (and the doctor) have learned from experience. I pray that no more cases pop up for them, but at least they know the source.

Sunday, June 19, 2005

The Truth About Tuberculosis

I just read a disturbing article on yahoo, by Lolita C. Baldor from the Associated Press, concerning a Massachusetts doctor. This doctor who was in surgical training at the VA Boston Health Care System was diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB) and saw at least 2,000 patients. I have quite a few opinions on this, since I work in the health field.

At the very end of the article, it is written:
Tuberculosis is a disease caused by bacteria that usually attacks the lungs and can cause weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats. Health authorities have said the risk of anyone being infected is low.

I am here to tell you the truth about Pulmonary TB. (Yes, there is more than one type.) Pulmonary TB is a communicable disease that is spread person-to-person through aerosol droplets. Granted infections are more likely to occur to people who are exposed regularly (like co-workers), BUT immunocompromised individuals can become infected more easily. So for starters, here is a doctor who is working in a health care environment. She had every opportunity to infect her co-workers. Secondly, she's training in surgery, therefore, these 2,000+ patients very well may have compromised immune systems. The article also forgot to mention that the main way to transmit this is through coughing and sneezing, did she cough or sneeze while examining her patients?

Also in the article,

...the surgical resident contracted TB sometime between June 2003 and June 2004.

After a positive skin test, she was referred to the Boston Public Health TB clinic by Boston Medical Center, but never showed up for her July 2004 appointment for a chest X-ray.

The memo said she first showed symptoms in January (2005), but it is not clear whether she revealed the earlier skin test. Other tests were negative, so she was treated for pneumonia.

The resident then developed a cough and other symptoms in mid-May (2005), and a chest X-ray on June 2 and additional tests revealed infectious TB. No information on how she contracted the disease has been released.

Plain and simple, this pisses me off. The way I see it is that you do what your doctor/employer says when they say to do it, otherwise you should not be allowed to work. I have worked in a hospital before, and when they questioned my TB skin test, I was not allowed to work until they felt they had a true negative. Every year that I worked there, I needed to have another TB skin test. So for her to have a positive and continue to work in her health profession and have patient contact knowing full well that she could have TB, it just pisses me off. This doctor deliberately chose not to get her chest X-ray, as far as I'm concerned, I think her medical license should be suspended and she should not be allowed to work in the health care field after ENDANGERING over 2,000 patients which probably had some kind of illness (immunocompromised) that needed surgery AND all of her co-workers.

ARGH!!!! Okay...I'm going to step off my soapbox and quit ranting for the moment.

Saturday, June 18, 2005

The Gym

In college, I went to the gym a lot, and would walk the circle at campus all the time at night. It was my way of getting my frustrations out since I didn't get along with all the people I lived with. I admit it, I had issues with "sharing" even in college! Don't get me wrong, the problems weren't all because of me, but I will take responsibility for some of them.

I have always been the kind of girl that had a lot of friends. Unfortunately over 60% of these friends were really not true friends. Let's consider the numbers. I was friends with probably about 50 or so people in college, but I only keep in touch with five of them. Most of my friends in college were more acquaintences than anything else because I feared letting them to get to know me. The same type of thing happened with my high school friends; I only keep in touch with four. I guess I learned something along the way because the story has been completely different for my graduate school friends. Granted their lives and mine are busy, but we still managed to at least write occasionally. It's kind of a funny thing...it WAS in graduate school when I found Christ again. Coincidence? I truly don't think so. Along my spiritual journey, I have become more myself than I have ever been before.

Anyway, back to the topic "The Gym." I absolutely love going to the gym, especially in the morning. I feel refreshed and so good afterwards. Why didn't I feel like this when I was a kid? Why did I feel, as a kid, that being physically active was a hassle? Granted I had asthma, but...there are ways around that. If I could go back, I would, but I can't. Therefore I need to forgive myself for my past, learn from my past, and work on obtaining a greater future that I know I can get because Christ has great things planned for me. With Him, I can do anything.

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Been Busy

My life has been very busy these days. Granted, they could be busier, but let me fill you in on what's been happening.

Last week I was busy working on sending boxes to my 4th of July campaign group who are serving our nation overseas; I signed up about two weeks ago to do this campaign with Adoptaplatoon (AAP). It's just my way of saying "thank you" to at least a few of our servicemembers. If anybody from the military is reading this, THANK YOU!!! I appreciate you more than you know! Also through AAP, I received a new adopted brother this week, so I will start spoiling him real soon. AAP is an absolutely wonderful support program for our military, please do check them out!

At work, all this week, I have had a special assignment that seems to be taking longer than it should be. That, in part, though, is probably my fault since I have the tendency to try and be perfect, as you all know by now. I am very detailed orientated.

Tonight we had a small wedding shower for a friend who will be getting married in a couple of weeks. This is the first time I have felt absolute joy for somebody other than myself. I used to always be a "me" person and have what others had. I am sure glad to be out of THAT phase!

In about a week I have jury duty service, the week right before my friends wedding! :) My friend told me that if I'm sequestered, she's going to bust me out of there!!! Hee hee hee. So if you if see headlines stating "Michigan girl busted out of jury duty service to attend wedding," you know who it's about! :o) LOL...it reminds me of the time my best friend and I still went to Florida the day before Hurricane Frances was going to hit. It was going to be our very first REAL vacation. We joked around that there were going to be headlines in the newspaper, "A crazy Michigan girl hugs a palm tree so she doesn't blow away from Hurricane Frances. It is amazing that she can still hold on through all of this rain and wind. Rumors have it that she was determined to get some sun today because she was on vacation." Let's just leave it at that my best friend and I did not have our first real vacation yet. :D We ended up renting a car and driving to Boston.

I am also planning a military collection drive at my church for the month July. I'm still working on the details for this, and July is just around the corner!

So, that is a quick update in what is happening with me. I hope our troops are staying safe, and I'm saying extra prayers for all of you.

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

It's a No Brainer to Me

I support adding a Constitutional amendment that bans desecrating the United States flag 100%.


History of the Flag

The United States Flag is the third oldest of the National Standards of the world; older than the Union Jack of Britain or the Tricolor of France.

The flag was first authorized by Congress June 14, 1777. This date is now observed as Flag Day throughout America.

The flag was first flown from Fort Stanwix, on the site of the present city of Rome, New York, on August 3, 1777. It was first under fire for three days later in the Battle of Oriskany, August 6, 1777.

It was first decreed that there should be a star and a stripe for each state, making thirteen of both; for the states at the time had just been erected from the original thirteen colonies.

The colors of the Flag may be thus explained: The red is for valor, zeal and fervency; the white for hope purity, cleanliness of life, and rectitude of conduct; the blue, the color of heaven, for reverence to God, loyalty, sincerity, justice and truth.

The star (an ancient symbol of India, Persia and Egypt) symbolized dominion and sovereignty, as well as lofty aspirations. The constellation of the stars within the union, one star for each state, is emblematic of our Federal Constitution, which reserves to the States their individual sovereignty except as to rights delegated by them to the Federal Government.

The symbolism of the Flag was thus interpreted by Washington: "We take the stars from Heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity representing Liberty."

In 1791, Vermont, and in 1792, Kentucky were admitted to the Union and the number of stars and stripes was raised to fifteen in correspondence. As other states came into the Union it became evident there would be too many stripes. So in 1818 Congress enacted that the number of stripes be reduced and restricted henceforth to thirteen representing the thirteen original states; while a star should be added for each succeeding state. That law is the law of today.

The name "Old Glory" was given to our National Flag August 10, 1831, by Captain William Driver of the brig Charles Doggett.

The Flag was first carried in battle at the Brandywine, September 11, 1777. It first flew over foreign territory January 28, 1778, at Nassau, Bahama Islands; Fort Nassau having been captured by the American in the course of the war for independence. The first foreign salute to the flag was rendered by the french admiral LaMotte Piquet, off Quiberon Bay, February 13, 1778.

The United States Flag is unique in the deep and noble significance of its message to the entire world, a message of national independence, of individual liberty, of idealism, of patriotism.

It symbolizes national independence and popular sovereignty. It is not the Flag of a reigning family or royal house, but of 205 million free people welded into a Nation, one and inseparable, united not only by community of interest, but by vital unity of sentiment and purpose; a Nation distinguished for the clear individual conception of its citizens alike of their duties and their privileges, their obligations and their rights.

It incarnates for all mankind the spirit of Liberty and the glorious ideal of human Freedom; not the freedom of unrestraint or the liberty of license, but an unique ideal of equal opportunity for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, safeguarded by the stern and lofty principles of duty, of righteousness and of justice, and attainable by obedience to self-imposed laws.

Floating from lofty pinnacle of American Idealism, it is a beacon of enduring hope, like the famous Bartholdi Statue of Liberty enlightening the World to the oppressed of all lands. It floats over a wondrous assemblage of people from every racial stock of the earth whose united hearts constitute an indivisible and invincible force for the defense and succor of the downtrodden.

It embodies the essence of patriotism. Its spirit is the spirit of the American nation. Its history is the history of the American people. Emblazoned upon its folds in letters of living light are the names and fame of our heroic dead, the Fathers of the Republic who devoted upon its altars their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. Twice told tales of National honor and glory cluster thickly about it. Ever victorious, it has emerged triumphant from eight great National conflicts. It flew at Saratog, at Yorktown, at Palo Alto, at Gettysburg, at Minala bay, at Chateau-Thierry, at Iwo Jima. It bears witness to the immense expansion of our national boundaries, the development of our natural resources, and the splendid structure of our civilization. It prophesies the triumph of popular government, of civic and religious liberty and of national righteousness throughout the world.

The flag first rose over thirteen states along the Atlantic seaboard, with a population of some three million people. Today it flies over fifty states, extending across the continent, and over great islands of the two oceans; and two hundred and five million owe it allegiance. It has been brought to this proud position by love and sacrifice. Citizens have advanced it and heroes have died for it. It is the sign made visible of the strong spirit that has brought liberty and prosperity to the people of America. It is the flag of all us alike. Let us accord it honor and loyalty.

If somebody chooses to desecrate the American flag, they apparently are not a true American and should be held accountable for their actions.

Sunday, June 12, 2005

The Child in Me

Today, after I put my groceries away, I went puddle jumping. No, not over, IN!!! I couldn't resist, it was just one of those days that reminded me of my youth. Roughly 80 degrees, humid, warm, wearing a cute tank top. We have this gully in our parking lot that turns into a pond when it rains a lot (and it has been raining A LOT). Nice big SPLASH!!! It felt so good to get dirty and not have to worry about anything. I felt like a kid all over again. I need to do this more often; it felt good to have no responsibilities. Maybe next time I'll play on a swing set. Want to join me?

(Oh my...is this the beginning stages of my quarterlife crisis? I thought I already went through it, but maybe I was wrong...humph...)

Saturday, June 11, 2005

Joining the workforce was supposed to be a vacation

I thought joining the workforce would be a vacation to the lifestyle that I was living in college and graduate school. Let me exlain...

I was VERY involved in college at the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth. I was part of student senate, the treasurer/vice president of the campus activities board, worked 20 hours a week (at one point, at 3 different jobs), voluteered/interned at least 4 hours a week, and took 15-18 credits a semester...just to name a few things. Late nights consisted of either studying or partying with the number of friends I had made. I was lucky to get a few hours of sleep a night.

At the State University of New York at Albany, it was pretty much the same kind of story, except I didn't take as much of a leadership role in the school. Instead, I chose to work 30-60 hours a week and help out at church, on top of a 15-18 credit semester. I celebrated another week of survival by hanging out with my friends at some bars/clubs.

When I came to Michigan, I saw it as an opportunity to finally relax. I would have NOTHING to do besides working my 40 hours a week. This has not been the case. By all means, I am not complaining, but I wonder sometimes, by doing all these things, what am I trying to prove? And who am I trying to prove it to? I try to do so many things because I don't like to think about myself; I rather take care of somebody else. It's been hard to realize that I have needs and sometimes I have to focus on those needs. I had a friend tell me one time, "Let me help you." I cannot be afraid to ask for help when it is needed; it's okay to show weakness every now and then. People do not always notice when you need help, unless you ask for it.

As for living with my busy lifestyle? Well...that's a part of who I am. I enjoy being busy, but I also have to remember that I need to take time and care for myself. I don't want to burn out.

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Which Disney Character is your Alter Ego?

My alter ego is Goofy! I am fun and great to be around, and I am always willing to help others. I'm not worried about embarrassing myself, so I am the one who is more willing to try new things.

Goofy

94%

The Beast

63%

Peter Pan

63%

Sleeping Beauty

56%

Ariel

56%

Donald Duck

31%

Snow White

31%

Cinderella

25%

Pinocchio

25%

Cruella De Ville

19%

Which Disney Character is your Alter Ego?
created with QuizFarm.com


Thanks CJ!!! Got the idea from you! :)

Sunday, June 05, 2005

My Journey

Everybody talks about their paths and journeys through life. It's what makes us unique - nobody has the same story, and certain things in life may impact us more than others.

When I moved to Michigan, I saw it as an opportunity to recreate myself. Nobody knew who I was or anything about my past. Everything was going to be new - new apartment, new friends, new job...new life. I thought by coming to Michigan, I was going to find myself, but a piece of "myself" was still in Massachusetts. You are not yourself without your past. Your past experiences help shape your current views, morals, and behaviors. Your future, though, is not dictated by your past. You can overcome any and all flaws if your are open to and aware of them.

Growing up, I was taught by a variety of people of how to keep a grudge. I had kept so many grudges against people, there were times I knew I was not talking to somebody, but I couldn't remember why!!! Through my faith in Christ, I have been able to understand what total forgiveness is and I have been able to not only forgive the wrongs of others onto me, but ask for forgiveness as well.

Between learning about total forgiveness and now knowing that I am not perfect, I feel as if I released all my stress and tension. Think about it...do you not count the number of times somebody has offended you so that you can throw it back in their face if you ever need to? How about throwing all that hidden anger out by forgiving them? You don't always have to tell them that you forgive them because the majority of the time, they do not know they offended you, but forgive them in your heart anyway. You may be missing out on a good friendship because of something that occurred twenty years ago...is it really worth it?

My perceptions change because I am open to the idea of change. At one point, I wasn't because I was supposed be perfect, right? I want to better myself in all areas of my life.

Saturday, June 04, 2005

I'm Not Perfect

It has taken me 25 years to realize that I am not perfect. I had always felt that I needed to be perfect - the perfect daughter, the perfect granddaughter, the perfect niece, the perfect friend, the perfect employee, you get my drift. I had always assumed that is what people expected of me - to be perfect. I had to get straight A's, I had to get that scholarship, I had to do all this stuff to make everyone appreciate me. I was a people-pleaser and this had caused me so much stress in my life. In reality, this was all in my head; people did not expect me to be perfect, I expected myself to be perfect.

I have never been perfect, and I will never be perfect. I actually enjoy saying this: I AM NOT PERFECT. It feels as if I am taking the burden of the world off of my shoulders and handing it off to somebody else. Now that I no longer have these unreasonable expectations of myself, I can finally be...perfectly me.

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

Bad Things Happen in Threes - The Third Thing

On Friday, I was driving on a side road by the Capital City Airport that has a speed limit of 55mph following about five cars each having about two car lengths inbetween. That morning, there was no roadkill in the road, so the last thing I expected to see dead in the road was a skunk! For those who didn't know, skunks are nocturnal, therefore, why was this skunk wandering in the road in the middle of the day? AND, why on earth did somebody hit it?!?! (Yes, I know, sometimes you cannot stop in time, and the skunk was in an area where you can't see until you round the corner.)

Another small fact you need to take into consideration here is that my car is really low to the ground. In college, I used to always scrape the bottom of my car on the speedbumps. I have also gotten an empty gallon milk carton stuck under my car because I thought I could go over it. One of my worst fears is that one day I'll try to go over roadkill, and if it's large, my car will drag it, leaving a trail of bloody mess. No, that did not happen this time! Instead, I swerved and accidentally ran over the very ripe skunk with my right tires. :o) My car smelled for three days.

If that wasn't my third event, then it definitely is this flu/cold that I have gotten!!! Of course I come down sick right when the weather turns nice, it's finally 80 degrees!!!

Prayers Are Answered for Distracted Congregation

LONDON (Reuters) - British telecoms operator BT Group Plc has wired up a church in Wales to allow the congregation to hook onto local high-speed Internet connections when they want a break from the sermon. Britain's largest fixed-line telecoms operator said on Tuesday it had installed a Wi-Fi wireless network access point, known as a hotspot, in Reverend Keith Kimber's St John's Rectory church in the city of Cardiff.

"The church has to move with the times and I wanted to make St John's a sanctuary for everyone, including business people with laptops and mobiles," Kimber said in a statement issued by BT. "I have no problem with people quietly sending an email or surfing the Internet in church, as long as they respect the church."

Wi-Fi -- a medium-range wireless network that is often rolled out in coffee shops and airport lounges -- allows users of laptop computers and other gadgets to access fast Internet connections without having to struggle with wires and mismatched phone plugs.
Prayers are answered for distracted congregation (Tue May 31, 2005 09:31 AM ET)



Reverend Kimber may not mind if somebody is e-mailing a client while at church, but he really should be asking the man or woman that is sitting next to the guy with the computer. Some people type loud, and some laptops are loud with humming noises. I wouldn't want to sit next to somebody who is more distracted with e-mail than listening to the sermon. Will this person actually learn from the sermon? If they are that busy, they might as well have stayed home, turned on the tube and watched a televised sermon while they type away on their computers. Why should they bother the people sitting around them in church when they didn't even have to go? Other people choose to go because they want to go.

To me, a church is a sacred place and it MUST stay that way. Just like work should stay at work, business should not be brought to church. I go to church to celebrate God and to learn from the Bible and from our pastors, church is only about an hour and a half out of the 168 hours in the week, or better yet, it is only takes 0.89% out of your week. Close the laptop, God and your spirituality are more important.