Warm sunshine streaming down
Azure skies with occasional puffy, white clouds
Children’s laughter
Bonfires by night
Insect repellant
The scent of fresh cut grass lingering in the breeze
S’mores
Weeding the garden
Fresh grown sweet corn, beans, and tomatoes
Juicy, sweet watermelon
Volleyball on the beach
The penny candy store
Fetch with the dogs
Flashlight tag
Swinging at the park
Tourists
Green growth, life, and flowers galore
A game of baseball
Barbecue chicken, ribs, steak. . . everything!
Hot rods, cruises, car shows
Sandy beaches and gentle waves
Animals at the zoo
Lots of laughter
Family, friends, and good times
Swimming, floating, sun bathing
Rest and relaxation
Fireworks
Music under the stars
A good book
Going up north to the cabin
Get-togethers
My birthday!
And so it begins... summer, that is. This is Memorial Day weekend coming up - the official start to the summer season. Being the summer baby that I was born to be, it's no surprise that I live for summer weather. That said, this will be my farewell blog for the season. I realize my presence has become more and more scarce online over the past couple months as the spring arrived, but now it's time for a break altogether. I would like to thank each and every one of you for reading, for commenting, for being there. I appreciate you all very much and hope to see you again when the autumn descends upon my great state and I return indoors once again for a long, cold winter. Your friendship and your readership is greatly valued!
Yes, I'll still pop in every now and then to say "hello", but won't be doing much blogging, myself. So, enjoy yourselves this summer! Spend some time with your loved ones and friends! Best wishes for much happiness, peace, and all the GOOD things in life!
HUGS!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The Love Boat...promises something for everyone
My husband is an exciting man. In fact, his nickname amongst the guys at work is “Ed-venture”, because he is fearless and creative. He has a unique ability to turn even the most mundane of tasks into an adventure for his work crew, and oftentimes elicits much laughter in the process (which makes their long work days seem not-so-long at all). He is admired by many, and really is the “life of the party”.
That said, you won’t be surprised to hear that those same characteristics ring true in our private lives at home, too. Though I’m oftentimes up for his wacky antics, occasionally I have to draw the line due to my own fears. “What fears, Kim? You are invincible!” Ha! How I wish that were true. I will let you in on a little secret. . . two secrets, actually:
1. I fear deep water.
2. I am somewhat claustrophobic.
(Ahhhh, now you understand?!)
Well then, it should come as no surprise to you to hear me say that I was slightly ambivalent when my husband arrived home from work yesterday with a “brilliant” idea for our next big vacation together – a 12-day Mediterranean cruise. Trapped aboard a boat. A big boat. With thousands of other people. Like a can of sardines. And a small stateroom. Unable to leave at-will. In the middle of a vast, deep, dark ocean. Full of sharks. Out to sea, like sitting ducks at the mercy of the waves and the weather. For days and days and days. Like the Titanic.
Gulp. Breathe.
I realize that to many, a Mediterranean cruise seems like a beautiful, exciting, romantic , fantasy-type of vacation. Sharing good food and fun and lots of laughter with the one you love. A different port-of-call every morning; Venice, Florence, Rome, Dubrovnik, Santorini, Athens, Barcelona. A dream come true, really. Except for the part about being stuck on a boat with thousands of people. In the midst of deep, dark water. For days on end. That thought alone makes my heart race and my throat go dry.
My husband has tried to convince me that the boat is so huge (a “floating city” is what he called it, I believe) that I won’t feel “trapped” on it. I'm not convinced. He encourages me that I won’t get seasick and end up spending every day in the confines of our cabin puking my guts out - because the boat is a LARGE, heavy ship that cuts through the water producing little motion at all, and will not be tossed about by every wave. Unless there's a hurricane. He reminds me how much I love people in general, and especially meeting new friends in the relaxed environment of a vacation where there is music, dancing, and entertainment. Yes, that's true. He entices me with my own lifelong dreams of traveling to different lands experiencing different foods, cultures. And it all sounds SO WONDERFUL – except for the boat. And the deep, dark water.
So, I figured I’d ask for a little advice from you all in hopes of diminishing some of my anxieties over the prospect of a cruise. Has anybody ever been on one before? If so, would you please be so kind (and honest) as to share your experience with me? Did you like it? What were the pros and cons? Are there any little tidbits of advice you could offer a first-timer to ensure a pleasurable experience? Did you get seasick? Do you feel motion at all?
That said, you won’t be surprised to hear that those same characteristics ring true in our private lives at home, too. Though I’m oftentimes up for his wacky antics, occasionally I have to draw the line due to my own fears. “What fears, Kim? You are invincible!” Ha! How I wish that were true. I will let you in on a little secret. . . two secrets, actually:
1. I fear deep water.
2. I am somewhat claustrophobic.
(Ahhhh, now you understand?!)
Well then, it should come as no surprise to you to hear me say that I was slightly ambivalent when my husband arrived home from work yesterday with a “brilliant” idea for our next big vacation together – a 12-day Mediterranean cruise. Trapped aboard a boat. A big boat. With thousands of other people. Like a can of sardines. And a small stateroom. Unable to leave at-will. In the middle of a vast, deep, dark ocean. Full of sharks. Out to sea, like sitting ducks at the mercy of the waves and the weather. For days and days and days. Like the Titanic.
Gulp. Breathe.
I realize that to many, a Mediterranean cruise seems like a beautiful, exciting, romantic , fantasy-type of vacation. Sharing good food and fun and lots of laughter with the one you love. A different port-of-call every morning; Venice, Florence, Rome, Dubrovnik, Santorini, Athens, Barcelona. A dream come true, really. Except for the part about being stuck on a boat with thousands of people. In the midst of deep, dark water. For days on end. That thought alone makes my heart race and my throat go dry.
My husband has tried to convince me that the boat is so huge (a “floating city” is what he called it, I believe) that I won’t feel “trapped” on it. I'm not convinced. He encourages me that I won’t get seasick and end up spending every day in the confines of our cabin puking my guts out - because the boat is a LARGE, heavy ship that cuts through the water producing little motion at all, and will not be tossed about by every wave. Unless there's a hurricane. He reminds me how much I love people in general, and especially meeting new friends in the relaxed environment of a vacation where there is music, dancing, and entertainment. Yes, that's true. He entices me with my own lifelong dreams of traveling to different lands experiencing different foods, cultures. And it all sounds SO WONDERFUL – except for the boat. And the deep, dark water.
So, I figured I’d ask for a little advice from you all in hopes of diminishing some of my anxieties over the prospect of a cruise. Has anybody ever been on one before? If so, would you please be so kind (and honest) as to share your experience with me? Did you like it? What were the pros and cons? Are there any little tidbits of advice you could offer a first-timer to ensure a pleasurable experience? Did you get seasick? Do you feel motion at all?
Thursday, May 15, 2008
HOPE FOR HUMANITY - ACTION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
To guarantee the human rights of children is to invest in the future. Children's rights are the building blocks for a solid human rights culture, the basis for securing human rights for future generations. As human beings, children are entitled to all the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the various covenants that have developed from it. But children also need special protection and care. They must be able to depend on the adult world to take care of them, to defend their rights, and to help them to develop and realize their potential. Governments pay almost universal lip service to this ideal, yet have signally failed to ensure that the rights of children are respected.
Children suffer many of the same human rights abuses as adults, but may also be targeted simply because they are dependent and vulnerable. Many times in many nations, children are tortured and mistreated by state officials; they are arbitrarily or lawfully detained, often in appalling conditions. In some countries, they are subjected to the death penalty. Countless thousands are killed or maimed in armed conflicts. Many more have fled their homes to become refugees. Children forced by poverty or abuse to live on the streets are sometimes detained, attacked, and even killed in the name of social cleansing. Many millions of children work at exploitative or hazardous jobs, or are the victims of child trafficking and forced prostitution. Because children are "easy targets", they are sometimes threatened, beaten, or raped in order to punish family members who are not so accessible.
The spectrum of abuses faced by children in the family and community ranges from ill-treatment in institutions to violence within the family, from child trafficking to child bonded labor. The vulnerability of children to such abuses often depends on other aspects of their identity such as gender, ethnicity, or economic status. This is a powerful reminder of the indivisibility of human rights. The denial of one set of rights leads to the abuse of others. Children denied an education because they are girls or because they are poor and forced to work are condemned to a cycle of marginalization, poverty, and powerlessness that involves further violations of their civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
Stand up for the basic human rights of children – the right to life, the right to be with family and community, the right to health, the right to development of personality, and the right to be nurtured and protected – since the children are too small to stand up for themselves.
Humankind owes the child the best it has to give!
Use your space to make the world a better place! Blogging for Hope!
Amnesty International: www.amnesty.org
Women Trafficking & Child Labor Eradication: www.wotclef.org
Children suffer many of the same human rights abuses as adults, but may also be targeted simply because they are dependent and vulnerable. Many times in many nations, children are tortured and mistreated by state officials; they are arbitrarily or lawfully detained, often in appalling conditions. In some countries, they are subjected to the death penalty. Countless thousands are killed or maimed in armed conflicts. Many more have fled their homes to become refugees. Children forced by poverty or abuse to live on the streets are sometimes detained, attacked, and even killed in the name of social cleansing. Many millions of children work at exploitative or hazardous jobs, or are the victims of child trafficking and forced prostitution. Because children are "easy targets", they are sometimes threatened, beaten, or raped in order to punish family members who are not so accessible.
The spectrum of abuses faced by children in the family and community ranges from ill-treatment in institutions to violence within the family, from child trafficking to child bonded labor. The vulnerability of children to such abuses often depends on other aspects of their identity such as gender, ethnicity, or economic status. This is a powerful reminder of the indivisibility of human rights. The denial of one set of rights leads to the abuse of others. Children denied an education because they are girls or because they are poor and forced to work are condemned to a cycle of marginalization, poverty, and powerlessness that involves further violations of their civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
Stand up for the basic human rights of children – the right to life, the right to be with family and community, the right to health, the right to development of personality, and the right to be nurtured and protected – since the children are too small to stand up for themselves.
Humankind owes the child the best it has to give!
Use your space to make the world a better place! Blogging for Hope!
Women Trafficking & Child Labor Eradication: www.wotclef.org
Thursday, May 8, 2008
How Swede It Is!
HEY, HEY HOCKEYTOWN!
I feel the need - the need for Swede!
RED HOT - FIRE ON ICE!
Catch the Red Wave!
WATCH FOR FALLING STARS TONIGHT!
Are You In?
LET'S GO RED WINGS!
Hockey-blog / Photo-blog today - obviously. OOPS! Except for the last pic - that's my hubby. But being the typical testosterone-type male that he is, he needs his ego stroked from time-to-time, and I didn't want to exclude him, so I'm letting him be with the BIG BOYS today (Better, honey? =) who have my attention for the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 3 Game 1 tonight! Ooooo-la-la, especially that Zetterberg! Yikes!
I feel the need - the need for Swede!
RED HOT - FIRE ON ICE!
Catch the Red Wave!
WATCH FOR FALLING STARS TONIGHT!
Are You In?
LET'S GO RED WINGS!
Hockey-blog / Photo-blog today - obviously. OOPS! Except for the last pic - that's my hubby. But being the typical testosterone-type male that he is, he needs his ego stroked from time-to-time, and I didn't want to exclude him, so I'm letting him be with the BIG BOYS today (Better, honey? =) who have my attention for the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 3 Game 1 tonight! Ooooo-la-la, especially that Zetterberg! Yikes!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Feeling Thankful
We have our annual fund raiser coming up at the dojo this Saturday. Every year we have a kick-a-thon in which all the students (approximately 300) training at the dojo donate their time for two hours, throwing as many kicks as possible into the bags. Of the funds we receive from those who sponsor us, 100% is donated back to a local organization called “The Rainbow Connection”. It’s very similar to the Make-a-Wish Foundation in that their primary focus is to fulfill dreams for Michigan children with life threatening or terminal illnesses. Depending on the amount of money collected, sometimes we’re able to grant the wishes of more than one local child; which is a blessing.
Though it’s always wonderful to receive a gift from someone, for those who haven’t yet discovered – there is nothing more fulfilling in life than giving a gift to another, especially if it involves giving from the heart for the benefit of an innocent child who is seriously ill. Being a parent, myself, I cannot fathom how difficult it must be for those parents to endure the agony of watching their own child suffering long term; not to mention the hardships that the children themselves must bear. It’s a good feeling to know that the small token of our time that we volunteer is poured back into the lives of others who are less fortunate, where it helps to brighten their outlook and hopefully makes them smile; if only for awhile.
In light of that, it makes me appreciate even greater how truly fortunate I am to have healthy, happy teenagers / young adults in my life. I feel very blessed and thankful, and will try to remember just how grateful I am for their health, their wholeness, the next time they’re aggravating me immensely – instead of stressing over what (to some) would seem like such petty issues in the broader spectrum of life.
So. . . hug your children today! Tell them how much you love them, and how precious they are in your eyes! Let them know they are special. I know I will.
I love my babies - no matter how big they get!
Though it’s always wonderful to receive a gift from someone, for those who haven’t yet discovered – there is nothing more fulfilling in life than giving a gift to another, especially if it involves giving from the heart for the benefit of an innocent child who is seriously ill. Being a parent, myself, I cannot fathom how difficult it must be for those parents to endure the agony of watching their own child suffering long term; not to mention the hardships that the children themselves must bear. It’s a good feeling to know that the small token of our time that we volunteer is poured back into the lives of others who are less fortunate, where it helps to brighten their outlook and hopefully makes them smile; if only for awhile.
In light of that, it makes me appreciate even greater how truly fortunate I am to have healthy, happy teenagers / young adults in my life. I feel very blessed and thankful, and will try to remember just how grateful I am for their health, their wholeness, the next time they’re aggravating me immensely – instead of stressing over what (to some) would seem like such petty issues in the broader spectrum of life.
So. . . hug your children today! Tell them how much you love them, and how precious they are in your eyes! Let them know they are special. I know I will.
I love my babies - no matter how big they get!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
My guilty pleasure for the day
My daughter arrived home from college yesterday. The semester is over and she’s back home for four months. When she arrived home with the six (you heard me right – SIX) 30-gallon garbage bags full of dirty laundry (including a few articles of young-men’s clothing that didn’t belong to her – and I’m not asking about) I just sort of sighed and thought. . . where in the world did I go wrong?. . . But then, this morning (OK, more like noon) when she finally woke up and turned on the music, all was WELL AGAIN in my household! (Low, Low, Low, Low, Low, Low, Low, Low!) She is such a joy to have around. I’ve missed her innate ability to brighten up a room just with her presence and smile. She managed to have me smiling and singing right along with her within moments of arising from her sleep. She also informed me that she and I are going dancing and karaoke-ing this evening. Sweet. =)
So anyway, here’s my own “guilty pleasure” for the day (Shhh – don’t tell anyone, K?) =P
(P.S. – Sorry I’m not very sociable with anyone lately. I guess I just haven’t had much to say. Just have a lot going on and a lot on my mind right now. Think of everyone often though).
So anyway, here’s my own “guilty pleasure” for the day (Shhh – don’t tell anyone, K?) =P
(P.S. – Sorry I’m not very sociable with anyone lately. I guess I just haven’t had much to say. Just have a lot going on and a lot on my mind right now. Think of everyone often though).
Thursday, April 24, 2008
If Everyone Cared
Did you ever wake up with a song playing over and over and over again inside your head, like a broken record? That's how I awoke this morning - Chad Kroeger's gravelly voice lulling me into wakefulness with this song... mellow, contemplative, serene. Enjoy.
(Comment on YouTube if you liked her vid.)
From underneath the trees, we watch the sky
Confusing stars for satellites
I never dreamed that you'd be mine
But here we are, we're here tonight
Singing Amen I, I'm alive
Singing Amen I, I'm alive
[CHORUS]
If everyone cared and nobody cried,
If everyone loved and nobody lied,
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride,
We'd see the day, when nobody died
And I'm singing
Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
Amen I, Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along
Singing Amen I, I'm alive
Singing Amen I, I'm alive
[CHORUS (X2)]
And as we lie beneath the stars,
We realize how small we are,
If they could love like you and me,
Imagine what the world could be
[CHORUS (X2)]
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day when nobody died
(Comment on YouTube if you liked her vid.)
From underneath the trees, we watch the sky
Confusing stars for satellites
I never dreamed that you'd be mine
But here we are, we're here tonight
Singing Amen I, I'm alive
Singing Amen I, I'm alive
[CHORUS]
If everyone cared and nobody cried,
If everyone loved and nobody lied,
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride,
We'd see the day, when nobody died
And I'm singing
Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
Amen I, Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along
Singing Amen I, I'm alive
Singing Amen I, I'm alive
[CHORUS (X2)]
And as we lie beneath the stars,
We realize how small we are,
If they could love like you and me,
Imagine what the world could be
[CHORUS (X2)]
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day when nobody died
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Another "Familiar Fragments"
Once again, a scary glimpse into my thought fragments. . .
I was bummed out the other day when I realized after the fact that the Dalai Lama was in Michigan at U- M giving lectures, and I had missed them. I remember when he was here 15 years ago. I sat in on some of his talks. I was very impressed with his peaceful character, his ideals. I wish I could’ve gone back to see him and hear him speak again. I didn’t know he was going to be here until it was too late. Figures.
The wilderness. . . shall blossom abundantly. Isaiah 35:1, 2 (Holy Bible)
I have a headache on the right side of my temple. It’s trying to throb and is bordering migraine. It must be stress-related. Give me drugs, please. I haven’t had a headache since before leaving for vacation. I feel a huge knot of tension in the middle of my upper back, too, right in the center of my scapula, as well as my cervical spine area. New line of work required. Anybody need a crazy blond on staff?
Hey, I have a great idea! How ‘bout you come do dirty laundry for me! Please? I want to go out and play, instead!
Got KC and the Sunshine Band on the brain again. I know, I’m a throwback to the 70’s music era sometimes – roller-skates, disco ball, and the whole funky thing. But what can I say? How ‘bout – “DO A LITTLE DANCE- MAKE A LITTLE LOVE – GET DOWN TONIGHT! – GET DOWN TONIGHT! WHOO!” (Currently shaking my groove thang)! Can ya feel it, I ask?! My youngest daughter is shaking her head at me and saying, “Mother, puh-lease! You’re scaring me!” LOL (But if my older daughter were home from college, she’d be saying, “Yeah mom – shake it, girl - Go momma! Go momma! Go momma!”) Hmm. . . . what’s wrong with this picture?! Funny, how they can all be so individually different from each other.
I feel the need. . . the need for speed! Zoom-zoom-zoom! T-tops are comin’ off today! Warm sun. Fresh air. Need a hat, or I’ll have a tangled mess. Stay off the roads if you’re smart! I stop for nothing!
Today is my son’s birthday. My baby. My youngest child. No longer a baby. Now a teenager going through puberty, himself. Awww. My days filled with the simplest aspects of motherhood are over. I now can only endure the teenage years and young adulthood with my children – which are okay, I suppose. But I want a new baby to snuggle and hold and love and take care of. Too bad my hubby had snip-snipping done. He turns deathly pale when I suggest medical reversal of his vasectomy - then does an about-face and runs away. Hey bubba – where you goin’?! Come back here and gimme some of that!
Remember: Do not mix up the cilia with the celiac. Vast difference, both. Thank you.
I hate it when I’m sitting in a restaurant and somebody continuously has a thick, productive, hacking cough. It makes me lose my appetite. Sounds like they’re hocking up a chunk of lung or something. Yuck! Hungry no more.
It’s my Sunday to lead. I pray that lives will be changed through the ministry that music can bring. Leading Praise and Worship is so much more to me than just another “performance”. When I take the platform, I want to cease to exist as an individual, and only be seen as the vessel that is used to usher the congregation into the very presence of God, the throne of grace. So please don’t look to me – look to Him. Don’t see “me” – but only the one who was called to lead you there. I am merely human – I will fall. He will not.
Did you ever see a blue frog? I have one! Here, in my pond. Look-see, I’ll show you.
Why is it that my health insurance company can never accurately manage my account? Why must I watch every stinking penny? I’m tired of their repeat “errors”. They should be covering certain aspects of my family’s health care in full; yet, have neglected to do so, thereby claiming I’m responsible for specific payment amounts. NO, I’m not! Check my policy guidelines. YOU are supposed to cover that completely! Sheesh. Must I do everybody’s job for them? Get with the program, people!
Those of you who don’t actually “know” me in real life would have a hard time believing I’m a very serious professional who works in the medicolegal field, huh? But you know, it’s just so BORING, and you gotta do what you gotta do to liven things up a bit. If you want to know the absolute truth, only wacky people can endure in the field of medicine – it takes a rather unique sense of humor to be able to find beauty in the cleansed colon or irritable bowels. Just thought you should know. Keep that in mind the next time you go for a surgical procedure, ok? LOL
Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy. Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry. Sunshine on the water looks so lovely. Sunshine almost all the time makes me high.
I’m supposed to be working, but I’m distracted today. ADD mode has kicked in with my return to work – funny, that. I’m having mischievous thoughts, too – don’t ask. You DON’T want to know, trust me. Focus, Kim. Focus. Back. To. Work. Focus. (Come on baby, and rescue me!) My mind is useless today. Devoid of even the remotest of intelligence. Up in the clouds. Far, far away. Sigh.
I love stumbling across blogs that inspire me. Hats-off to the inspirational-ists!
I was bummed out the other day when I realized after the fact that the Dalai Lama was in Michigan at U- M giving lectures, and I had missed them. I remember when he was here 15 years ago. I sat in on some of his talks. I was very impressed with his peaceful character, his ideals. I wish I could’ve gone back to see him and hear him speak again. I didn’t know he was going to be here until it was too late. Figures.
The wilderness. . . shall blossom abundantly. Isaiah 35:1, 2 (Holy Bible)
I have a headache on the right side of my temple. It’s trying to throb and is bordering migraine. It must be stress-related. Give me drugs, please. I haven’t had a headache since before leaving for vacation. I feel a huge knot of tension in the middle of my upper back, too, right in the center of my scapula, as well as my cervical spine area. New line of work required. Anybody need a crazy blond on staff?
Hey, I have a great idea! How ‘bout you come do dirty laundry for me! Please? I want to go out and play, instead!
Got KC and the Sunshine Band on the brain again. I know, I’m a throwback to the 70’s music era sometimes – roller-skates, disco ball, and the whole funky thing. But what can I say? How ‘bout – “DO A LITTLE DANCE- MAKE A LITTLE LOVE – GET DOWN TONIGHT! – GET DOWN TONIGHT! WHOO!” (Currently shaking my groove thang)! Can ya feel it, I ask?! My youngest daughter is shaking her head at me and saying, “Mother, puh-lease! You’re scaring me!” LOL (But if my older daughter were home from college, she’d be saying, “Yeah mom – shake it, girl - Go momma! Go momma! Go momma!”) Hmm. . . . what’s wrong with this picture?! Funny, how they can all be so individually different from each other.
I feel the need. . . the need for speed! Zoom-zoom-zoom! T-tops are comin’ off today! Warm sun. Fresh air. Need a hat, or I’ll have a tangled mess. Stay off the roads if you’re smart! I stop for nothing!
Today is my son’s birthday. My baby. My youngest child. No longer a baby. Now a teenager going through puberty, himself. Awww. My days filled with the simplest aspects of motherhood are over. I now can only endure the teenage years and young adulthood with my children – which are okay, I suppose. But I want a new baby to snuggle and hold and love and take care of. Too bad my hubby had snip-snipping done. He turns deathly pale when I suggest medical reversal of his vasectomy - then does an about-face and runs away. Hey bubba – where you goin’?! Come back here and gimme some of that!
Remember: Do not mix up the cilia with the celiac. Vast difference, both. Thank you.
I hate it when I’m sitting in a restaurant and somebody continuously has a thick, productive, hacking cough. It makes me lose my appetite. Sounds like they’re hocking up a chunk of lung or something. Yuck! Hungry no more.
It’s my Sunday to lead. I pray that lives will be changed through the ministry that music can bring. Leading Praise and Worship is so much more to me than just another “performance”. When I take the platform, I want to cease to exist as an individual, and only be seen as the vessel that is used to usher the congregation into the very presence of God, the throne of grace. So please don’t look to me – look to Him. Don’t see “me” – but only the one who was called to lead you there. I am merely human – I will fall. He will not.
Did you ever see a blue frog? I have one! Here, in my pond. Look-see, I’ll show you.
Why is it that my health insurance company can never accurately manage my account? Why must I watch every stinking penny? I’m tired of their repeat “errors”. They should be covering certain aspects of my family’s health care in full; yet, have neglected to do so, thereby claiming I’m responsible for specific payment amounts. NO, I’m not! Check my policy guidelines. YOU are supposed to cover that completely! Sheesh. Must I do everybody’s job for them? Get with the program, people!
Those of you who don’t actually “know” me in real life would have a hard time believing I’m a very serious professional who works in the medicolegal field, huh? But you know, it’s just so BORING, and you gotta do what you gotta do to liven things up a bit. If you want to know the absolute truth, only wacky people can endure in the field of medicine – it takes a rather unique sense of humor to be able to find beauty in the cleansed colon or irritable bowels. Just thought you should know. Keep that in mind the next time you go for a surgical procedure, ok? LOL
Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy. Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry. Sunshine on the water looks so lovely. Sunshine almost all the time makes me high.
I’m supposed to be working, but I’m distracted today. ADD mode has kicked in with my return to work – funny, that. I’m having mischievous thoughts, too – don’t ask. You DON’T want to know, trust me. Focus, Kim. Focus. Back. To. Work. Focus. (Come on baby, and rescue me!) My mind is useless today. Devoid of even the remotest of intelligence. Up in the clouds. Far, far away. Sigh.
I love stumbling across blogs that inspire me. Hats-off to the inspirational-ists!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Don't Mess With Me, Mo-Fo!
Yesterday evening at dusk (about 8:30 p.m.), as I was walking out of the Port Huron Meijer’s store with my daughter, Kayla, a most unusual thing occurred. We were proceeding through the parking lot toward my car with a couple bags of groceries when we suddenly heard a woman’s scream. It was just one scream, but filled with angst and tears, I could tell. And it was slightly muffled, as if someone were trying to stifle it. My daughter and I glanced at each other then looked around as we approached my vehicle, trying to discern from which direction it had come. We saw nothing. We heard nothing. As we got into my car, I suddenly had the oddest feeling strike me. As a result, I decided at that moment not to leave directly, but to quickly drive up and down a few rows of cars just to take a peek.
As I neared the end of the row we had been parked in, I suddenly saw it – a man struggling with a woman, attempting to get her into a mini-van. She had her feet firmly planted on the asphalt pavement and her arms spread wide, holding on for dear life to each side of the sliding door while he was trying to dislodge her grip and shove her inside, covering her mouth with one hand. She was terrified. He was pissed.
Shocked and furious, barely thinking - I stopped my car abruptly and shouted to my daughter, “lay on the car horn, and don’t let up”. I got out and ran toward the man, screaming, “Hey mother fucker, let her go!”, then BOOM! - slammed a wicked front kick right into his face as he turned his head my direction, having been startled by both my screaming approach as well as my car horn blaring.
Well, thank God it was enough!
Enough to draw the attention of other passersby, who decently stopped to see what the ruckus was all about and help out. Enough of a distraction for the poor lady to break free from her struggle. Enough to have put an abrupt end to what was about to become a very violent crime that would likely have changed the life of the victim forever. Enough.
Of course, some of the men in the parking lot subdued the would-be attacker until the police arrived. I believe they even landed a few of their own blows at his face and gut in the process. Good for them. And I did my very best to hug and comfort the poor woman, who was absolutely terrified afterwards.
Ladies, do yourselves a favor. Stay alert. Be prepared. Always. Take a self defense class. Keep in shape. Don’t shop alone. Carry pepper spray or mace...something. Be proactive in not becoming the victim in today’s backwards society. There are bad people in the world. I live in a very GOOD area, and this still happened. I am NOT a big person (5’7”, 118 lbs.) and under certain circumstances I may not have been effective in helping this woman – but I am a martial artist. And for the first time in my life, I was very thankful for the past three years of time and grueling dedication that I’ve put into training, as it allowed me to react instinctively in a dangerous situation without fear. (Although, I was pretty shaken up afterwards, when the adrenaline rush wore off).
But...it proved useful to aid in helping another. It was worth it.
The choices we make today affect the quality of life we have tomorrow. Choose wisely.
As I neared the end of the row we had been parked in, I suddenly saw it – a man struggling with a woman, attempting to get her into a mini-van. She had her feet firmly planted on the asphalt pavement and her arms spread wide, holding on for dear life to each side of the sliding door while he was trying to dislodge her grip and shove her inside, covering her mouth with one hand. She was terrified. He was pissed.
Shocked and furious, barely thinking - I stopped my car abruptly and shouted to my daughter, “lay on the car horn, and don’t let up”. I got out and ran toward the man, screaming, “Hey mother fucker, let her go!”, then BOOM! - slammed a wicked front kick right into his face as he turned his head my direction, having been startled by both my screaming approach as well as my car horn blaring.
Well, thank God it was enough!
Enough to draw the attention of other passersby, who decently stopped to see what the ruckus was all about and help out. Enough of a distraction for the poor lady to break free from her struggle. Enough to have put an abrupt end to what was about to become a very violent crime that would likely have changed the life of the victim forever. Enough.
Of course, some of the men in the parking lot subdued the would-be attacker until the police arrived. I believe they even landed a few of their own blows at his face and gut in the process. Good for them. And I did my very best to hug and comfort the poor woman, who was absolutely terrified afterwards.
Ladies, do yourselves a favor. Stay alert. Be prepared. Always. Take a self defense class. Keep in shape. Don’t shop alone. Carry pepper spray or mace...something. Be proactive in not becoming the victim in today’s backwards society. There are bad people in the world. I live in a very GOOD area, and this still happened. I am NOT a big person (5’7”, 118 lbs.) and under certain circumstances I may not have been effective in helping this woman – but I am a martial artist. And for the first time in my life, I was very thankful for the past three years of time and grueling dedication that I’ve put into training, as it allowed me to react instinctively in a dangerous situation without fear. (Although, I was pretty shaken up afterwards, when the adrenaline rush wore off).
But...it proved useful to aid in helping another. It was worth it.
The choices we make today affect the quality of life we have tomorrow. Choose wisely.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
My Love Affair With Kokomo...
Steamy... Sultry... Sexy... Sweet... KOKOMO! (eat your hearts out!)
SOUPY - be very, very jealous!
(Not the greatest slideshow/vid, but all I could find quick-like. Use sound for full experience!)
Aruba, Jamaica ooo I wanna take you
Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego baby why don't we go
Jamaica
Off The Florida Keys
There's a place called Kokomo
That's where you wanna go to get away from it all
Bodies in the sand
Tropical drink melting in your hand
We'll be falling in love
To the rhythm of a steel drum band
Down in Kokomo
Aruba, Jamaica ooo I wanna take you
To Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego baby why don't we go
Ooo I wanna take you down to Kokomo
We'll get there fast
And then we'll take it slow
That's where we wanna go
Way down to Kokomo
To Martinique, that Montserrat Mystique
We'll put out to sea
And we'll perfect our chemistry
By and by we'll defy a little bit of gravity
Afternoon delight
Cocktails and moonlit nights
That dreamy look in your eye
Give me a tropical contact high
Way down in Kokomo
Aruba, Jamaica ooo I wanna take you
To Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego baby why don't we go
Ooo I wanna take you down to Kokomo
We'll get there fast
And then we'll take it slow
That's where we wanna go
Way down to Kokomo
Port Au Prince I wanna catch a glimpse
Everybody knows
A little place like Kokomo
Now if you wanna go
And get away from it all
Go down to Kokomo
Aruba, Jamaica ooo I wanna take ya to
Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego baby why don't we go
Ooo I wanna take you down to Kokomo
We'll get there fast
And then we'll take it slow
That's where we wanna go
Way down to Kokomo
Ooo I wanna take you down to Kokomo
SOUPY - be very, very jealous!
(Not the greatest slideshow/vid, but all I could find quick-like. Use sound for full experience!)
Aruba, Jamaica ooo I wanna take you
Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego baby why don't we go
Jamaica
Off The Florida Keys
There's a place called Kokomo
That's where you wanna go to get away from it all
Bodies in the sand
Tropical drink melting in your hand
We'll be falling in love
To the rhythm of a steel drum band
Down in Kokomo
Aruba, Jamaica ooo I wanna take you
To Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego baby why don't we go
Ooo I wanna take you down to Kokomo
We'll get there fast
And then we'll take it slow
That's where we wanna go
Way down to Kokomo
To Martinique, that Montserrat Mystique
We'll put out to sea
And we'll perfect our chemistry
By and by we'll defy a little bit of gravity
Afternoon delight
Cocktails and moonlit nights
That dreamy look in your eye
Give me a tropical contact high
Way down in Kokomo
Aruba, Jamaica ooo I wanna take you
To Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego baby why don't we go
Ooo I wanna take you down to Kokomo
We'll get there fast
And then we'll take it slow
That's where we wanna go
Way down to Kokomo
Port Au Prince I wanna catch a glimpse
Everybody knows
A little place like Kokomo
Now if you wanna go
And get away from it all
Go down to Kokomo
Aruba, Jamaica ooo I wanna take ya to
Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego baby why don't we go
Ooo I wanna take you down to Kokomo
We'll get there fast
And then we'll take it slow
That's where we wanna go
Way down to Kokomo
Ooo I wanna take you down to Kokomo
"Leavin', on a jet plane...
... don't know when I'll be back again..."
Does anybody remember that song? I know a few of you do (wink). An oldie, but a goodie!
Anyway- I realize I haven't been the best correspondent of late; shame on me - time just goes by way too fast and before I know it, one day is ending and a new one has begun! (My plate is rather full these days, so-to-speak). But you'll be happy to know that I have NOTHING important to say, anyway, so you haven't missed much! =)
I do have some wonderful news to share though...
That song that I began my post with? Well, it happens to be true. I AM leaving! In fact, later today. And thank God for that -I totally need a vacation! Have been swamped at work lately and have felt like pulling my hair out on more than one occasion, I might add. Of course, I'd never do that because I'd be one ugly lioness bald. (scary thought)
So, until next time - ciao!
Does anybody remember that song? I know a few of you do (wink). An oldie, but a goodie!
Anyway- I realize I haven't been the best correspondent of late; shame on me - time just goes by way too fast and before I know it, one day is ending and a new one has begun! (My plate is rather full these days, so-to-speak). But you'll be happy to know that I have NOTHING important to say, anyway, so you haven't missed much! =)
I do have some wonderful news to share though...
That song that I began my post with? Well, it happens to be true. I AM leaving! In fact, later today. And thank God for that -I totally need a vacation! Have been swamped at work lately and have felt like pulling my hair out on more than one occasion, I might add. Of course, I'd never do that because I'd be one ugly lioness bald. (scary thought)
So, until next time - ciao!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Growing Slowly Wise
Earth's wisest sages this impart:
The tongue's great storehouse is the heart.
- Folk Proverb
The tongue's great storehouse is the heart.
- Folk Proverb
There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few that will capture your heart... pursue those.
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