Thursday, April 27, 2006

Organized Religion and the "Sheltered Life"

(Note: This is a long post, so prepare yourselves. I really like it, though. I especially like the last few paragraphs, where I talk about social groups and Jesus . . .)

Those of you who know me, know that I am a "good girl." I'm probably one of the straightest-looking 24-year-olds on this planet. I look like I stay away from drugs, love my parents, believe in God, and go to church every Sunday. And I do. My appearance is in no way deceiving.

So all my life, I've had people tell me I'm "sheltered." (I think most, if not all, of those people were acquaintances and friends of friends. So what does that tell you?) I bore it because I thought the sentiment was only one of adolescence. "It's just a bunch of my angst-ridden peers trying to figure out who they are," I thought. Well, I was recently surprised when I heard a couple of people make the same kind of comments about me and people like me. And neither one of them are in high school anymore.

The argument, I suppose, goes like this: Your appearance is a reflection of your experience in life. That is, if you look modest and plain, you've had the good life. You haven't been through bad experiences. And because you haven't been through traumatic experiences, you don't know what the "real" world is like -- you're sheltered. The converse, then, must be true: If you look "bad" and rebellious, you've been through some tough times. You've seen life as it "really" is, and you're now open-minded about everything. So everyone who has had a hard life gets piercings, tattoos, does drugs, wears black, etc, etc?

When I put it that way, it sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? But that's basically what people mean when they call me sheltered. I'll put aside the "Well, what's real?" argument for now and ask a few questions. What does it really mean to be sheltered, anyway? How can you be the judge about whether someone is or isn't? Do you have to "experience" things in order to be "real?"

I think I've already answered the second question. Well, that is, people think they can be a judge of others by the way they look. And one can make some pretty accurate assumptions based on appearance sometimes. But in my experience, I've found that the majority of people base their assumptions on whether or not someone is involved in an organized religion. (Let me add that if the organized religion is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the ignorant assumptions increase about tenfold.) Because I am an ardent follower of my faith and corresponding religious organization, acquaintances often think I will be prudish and unaccepting of different ideas. When they find out that I am sometimes very silly and like to learn and discuss lots of new things, they say, "Oh, yeah, you're a mormon. But you're different." As if I'm the exception to all of those "backward idiot fundamentalist Christians?"

The thing about organized religious denominations is that they're made up of groups of people with similar religious beliefs. With those beliefs in certain principles comes condemnation of others. If a group has a collective set of morals, is it not fair and just that they make a set of rules? Can they not disagree with alternative lifestyles? Can they not spend their free time with mostly the friends who have similar interests and beliefs? Of course they can, as does every other group on this planet. That's why we form groups!

But the minute a group does this, the group members are called sheltered. Now that's a tricky word. "Sheltered" denotes "protected." But contemporary usage connotes ignorance and intolerance. So yes, as a girl growing up in a middle-class family, I had all the proper arrangements in life -- food, clothing, and a safe home. But does that make me ignorant and intolerant? I should say not! My parents were formally educated, and they love to learn. They taught me that same principle. My church is a huge advocate for education, especially for the education of women. In fact, I study other religions besides Christianity -- GASP! But I don't follow their doctrines because I don't believe in their gospels 100%.

What I'm saying is that education -- not experience -- is one of the keys to being well-informed and smart. If you believe in Jesus Christ, you believe that he is the only perfect person who has ever lived on this earth. He is the most wise and understanding of anyone, too. How can this be? According to contemporary society, he should be the most ignorant fool of any of us because he didn't drink, smoke, run around with women, or grow up in the slums of Jerusalem. It sounds silly, I know. But my point is that to experience something is not the key to understanding. Listening is. Learning is. Serving is.

So just because I dress in plain clothes, hang out with my straight-laced friends, and grew up in a safe home with loving parents, does not mean I don't know what it's like to feel pain, to be different, or to understand someone else's point of view.

Yeah. So take THAT, all of you people who call me sheltered! :)

Thing I'm thankful for: those of you who actually read to the bottom of this post. It meant a lot to me at the time I wrote it, mostly because someone had just indirectly called me sheltered, and it bothered me -- as it always does. Anyway, thanks for reading. I know that interesting stories with accompanying pictures are more fun to read.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Why I Love Blogging, or Why the World Wide Web is the Shy Person's Playground

You should know by now that I have a tendency to get really nervous in public. I hardly ever speak up in church, at work, or in school (when I was in school, that is). Like I mentioned before, though, I'm getting better. And I DON'T think it's cool for me to view my shyness as an excuse to stay quiet. I work on it everyday! I do!

The thing is, is that I LOVE to talk and get to know people. In person, though, and in large groups of people, I get really anxious. But if I don't have to see your face? FUHGEDABOUDIT! I can pretty much say whatever I want through the written word -- either because I'm bad at speaking publicly or because I am actually good at writing.

I sometimes wish that written communication was the only one I had to have with people. Shoot the breeze? Throw a frisbee around? Initiate a hug? Fuhgedaboudit.

That's why I love the internet, especially blogging. I'm okay at one-on-one conversations; it's the group things that make me nervous. But blogging gives me a chance to say what I want to say without having people watch while I say it.

Fellow bloggers and non-bloggers, how do you feel about it?

Thing I'm thankful for: other people's blogs. They're so much fun to read!

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous



Today I saw the MSN entertainment headline "Gossip: Brangelina vs. Photogs." I clicked on it and started reading for about 3 seconds. Then I was done. I just thought, "Why am I reading this? It doesn't even interest me anymore."


When I was in middle school, my mom subscribed to People Magazine, and I always read it. By the time I was in high school, my mom had stopped subscribing, but I was hooked. I read about pop culture like a fiend. I mostly read InStyle, but I would also scan other fashion and celebrity magazines in the checkout line at the grocery store.

When the World Wide Web actually became world-wide and everybody had internet connection, my habit got worse. I think I only read entertainment news. I wouldn't say I was obsessed, I just LOVE checking out the new fashions and makeup, keeping up with who was together in Hollywood and who had just broken up, and checking to see which movies were coming out soon. I really don't know why I had such a fascination with other, ridiculously rich people. But I did.

And somehow, over the last 2 years, I've slowly kicked the habit. Well, not completely -- I like to keep up with some stuff now and then. But I don't have this insatiable urge to keep track of who's who in the celebrity world. Maybe it has something to do with being super busy my last few semesters in college. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I quit watching R-rated movies last year (and any other rated movie that just looks like it'll be filthy). Maybe it has to do with me not watching much TV anymore. And maybe it just has to do with me getting older and having less room in my life for keeping up with people I don't even know.

Whatever it is, it feels good. It feels good not to know who the cast members of "Desperate Housewives" are. It feels good not to have any comment in the morning when my co-workers discuss "Grey's Anatomy." It feels good not to have wasted 5 hours watching the Academy Awards this year.

I mean, I'm definitely not saying I don't ever waste time anymore, but at least I'm focusing on real people -- people I know or have the possibility of getting to know. It's good. Life is good.

Thing I'm thankful for: mom paying for my lunch today. Niiiice.

Monday, April 24, 2006

Sometimes You Just Need a Little Beastie Boys

My brother Blake and sister Lexia were always the ones in the family who rocked out to the Beastie Boys. I liked them okay, but I definitely didn't know most of the lyrics.

Well, today I got out some of my Beastie Boys CD's and discovered something about myself. That is, I really like to listen to Ill Communication. I know, I know. Cussing? Yeah, but most of the time I don't notice it, and if I do, I usually change the song. I really like the instrumental stuff. Now I'm getting off topic, though, because what I wanted to say was that their music gets me real pumped. It makes me feel tough. So, for example, I like to listen to "Sabotage" when I'm frustrated with someone or something. I like to listen to "Flute Loop" when I'm happy, of course. And I like to listen to "Sabrosa" when I'm going to a social function and need to feel cool . . . :)

Anyway, I listened to the CD today, and I think it helped me have a better day. Thanks, Beastie Boys! (Hey, that reminds me -- I've always wondered if they're name was in any way related to Lord of the Flies . . .)

Update: No, no relation to the novel. "Beastie" is actually used as an acronym that stands for -- are you ready for this? Boys Entering Anarchist States Towards Inner Excellence

Thing I'm thankful for: spending so much time outside today. It was fun!

I Killed a Butterfly

I was zipping along to church this Sunday at 80 mph. At one point, I saw a bright yellow and black butterfly headed my way. I couldn't avoid it, so it splattered all over my windshield -- the part right in front of my eyes. It was more sad than gross. And I thought about how interesting that is. Bugs fly at my windshield all the time, and I don't feel sorry for most of them. But a butterfly is, afterall, a bug. So why did I care?

Butterflies just don't seem like bugs, do they? They represent rebirth and delicacy. They're the kind of pretty little things children's book authors write about. They're symbols of peace and gentleness and spirituality. People pay to see hundreds of butterflies in gardens. What's the deal?

I dunno. There's not much to this post. I just think it's interesting that some animals are revered more than others. And a day later, I'm still thinking of that little butterfly that died on my windshield.

Saturday, April 22, 2006

I'm a Published Author!


Well. I'm not really a published author. Because the book is just a compilation of all the final research papers of my senior seminar class at UWG. It's not like I had a bigshot publisher fund the printing. I paid for my own copy. Still, it kind of gives me a thrill to see my words in print.

Senior seminar is (ideally) the pinnacle of an English major's academic career. The paper you write in that class should be the best you've written. I don't know if mine was, but I like what I wrote about -- Lord of the Flies, one of my favorite books. Here's the title: "Why It's No Go": Sacrificial Victimage in Lord of the Flies.

Pretty cool, huh? I would at least scan and paste an image of the first page of my paper on here, just so you could see what it looked like and what the thesis is. But that would require creasing the spine, and my OCD just won't allow for that. (Nevermind, I just turned the title of my paper into a link, so click on it to read my 16-page paper!)

Thing I'm thankful for: pouring rain followed by a beautiful, sunny -- but not hot -- day. I feel like frolicking . . .

Friday, April 21, 2006

Love that Disney!


I just -- yes, just -- stumbled upon a quote from Walt Disney:

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.

In my case, I would need to quit reading. Anyway, I thought that was a wonderful piece of advice . . .

Thing I'm thankful for: my parents. I miss them on the weekends!

Oy Vey!

A co-worker e-mailed these cartoons to me today. The first one is my favorite -- so clever. I hope these jokes ease your mind about spending money on gas. At least you know other people are going through the same thing!






Thing I'm thankful for: that Brooks and Jacki let me stay with them on the weekends. You're really saving me money, you two!

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Best Act of Self-Absorption

I made a quiz about myself, and you can all take it. Really, I'm not obsessed with myself, I'm just obsessed with psychology. You should all make a quiz, too, and e-mail it to me or paste the URL in the comment box!

(Note 1: You have to enter your name and e-mail address before you take the quiz so I know who answered what, but you won't have to sign up for anything or create an account on the site or anything like that. So don't worry. Just take the quiz.)

(Note 2: This quiz idea did not originate with me, but with my friend Wendi. Thanks, Wendi!)

Sawa's Qwiz

Thing I'm thankful for: nerdy conversations or conversations in which people get really into what they're saying.

I'm Not Bitter, But . . .

. . . It really is an act of God to get guys to grow up. I've always heard women say that, and I always knew what a great thing it is when two people decide to get married. But I've really um, internalized it or something over the last few weeks. It's a miracle for a man and a woman to "be on the same page" at the same time. Actually, the miracle is for a man to get his head on straight -- women are usually just waiting for that to happen because they're about 5 steps ahead anyway.

I'm not saying this out of anger -- it's just fact. Even "good guys" have a hard time making a marriage commitment. My brothers are no exceptions, and I love them a lot. See? No bitterness. :)

So now I'm even more happy about the people I know right now who have decided to get married. Congratulations to you all! (Or congratulations to the guy -- YAY! You did it! You decided to commit to the girl you love for the rest of your life!)

Thing I'm thankful for: the ability to read. I was thinking about that this morning, and I'm really glad my grandma began teaching me at age 4.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Funny Road Signs


This sign was posted on a new blog I found called Signs of the Times. You should browse through this blog; some of the signs are quite amusing!

Thing I'm thankful for: sleep.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Justified

Confession: Whenever I hear "Like I Love You" on the radio, I listen to it. That's right -- it's a Justin Timberlake song. But I laugh and laugh when it's playing because I think of my brother Blake doing his best Timberlake impersonation.

This is Justin Timberlake: This is Blake:

Blake is tall and thin, and he has blond, curly hair. A couple of Christmases ago, he got a goose-down vest from GAP. He put it on over his t-shirt and started singing and dancing just like Justin! It was such a good show! I loved it!

And so when I hear that song, I think of my brother who lives far away.

What associations do you have for people who are close to you?

Thing I'm thankful for: nice people.

HAPPY EASTER!

I hope all of you have a very happy holiday!

Go to Pro Chocolate to read about my favorite Easter candy.

Thing I'm thankful for: spending time with my family on Easter Sundays. I miss the excitement of those egg hunts, though. They just aren't as fun at age 24.

Saturday, April 15, 2006

The Dumbest Movie I've Ever Seen in My Life

How Peter Jackson could go from making one of the best movies ever -- "Lord of the Rings" -- to one of the worst -- no, make that THE worst movie ever is totally beyond me. Yes, that's right; I'm speaking of his "King Kong" remake.

You sawasnow.blogspot readers should know by now how much I love movies. You also probably know that not only do I like the popular movies, but I love the unfamiliar, weird, and inventive movies, too. So there's hardly ever a time when I absolutely can't finish a movie. Also, I've only fallen asleep during maybe 3 movies in the whole of my existence on this earth. Well, I didn't fall asleep during "King Kong," but I definitely dozed off, thought about other things, and politely left the room to talk on my phone for a few minutes. This movie was so bad, I hated it. Yeah, that's right. I said it: hate. This takes my feelings for those "5 Movies You Should Never See" to a whole new level.

What makes "King Kong" so unbearable? The dialogue is completely cheesy and unmeaningful, despite the fact that one of the characters tries to philosophize on the deeper layers of Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness. Jackson tries to fit too much in -- dinosaurs, a gorilla, creepy insects, bats. My friends and I joked about how he was missing aliens, Jaws, etc, etc. He also couldn't make up his mind about what he wanted the movie to be. It seems like he just thought, "Hm. I want to make a movie, and I want it to be an action/adventure, a love story, a drama, a comedy, a science fiction, a fairy tale, and an epic." The epic part implies length, of course, and this movie had plenty of it. It was 3 hours and 7 minutes long! Normally, I'm a huge fan of long movies, but this was terrible!

Alright, alright -- I'll stop now. Just understand how much I hate this movie and that if you see this movie and feel like you've wasted over 3 hours of your life, don't say I didn't warn you . . .

Now, in fairness, I should say one important thing: the cinematography of about the first 15 minutes was good, as was one frame at the very end, when King Kong is on top of the Empire State Building. But all in all, do you really want to see a movie for 15 minutes of good cinematography?

The only thing that makes a bad movie less bad is if you watch it with friends. I felt like I threw away 3 hours of my life, but at least I know some other people did, too. I was telling my friend Liz that that's better than wasting time by yourself . . . If you alone get sucked into a Saturday TV movie, you can feel as crappy as you want. But if you're with friends, the load is lightened a little bit!

Perhaps you won't/don't agree with my assessment of this movie. To give you an idea of the kinds of movies I like, see "My Favorite Movies." Then you can either take my advice and not watch "King Kong," or you can leave it and get mad at yourself for watching it.

Thing I'm thankful for: spending time with friends on the weekend. It's really something I never used to do much of, and I've decided I like it. :)

Friday, April 14, 2006

Twins on Bosendorfers


Last night I listened to the Becky Ramsey and Alice Walker piano duo. They are identical twin sisters from Atlanta, and they have been playing together since they were 5 (They are now probably in their 50's or 60's.). They play on Bosendorfer 290's, which have 9 extra keys -- absolute works of art, those Bosendorfers . . . Their setlist included selections from Bach, Gershwin, and Bizet, and they played this fantastic composition called "The Typewriter" by Leroy Anderson. For that number, one twin played piano while the other played a manual typewriter! It was actually a lovely and lively piece of music! I wish I'd had my camera!

The concert was performed at the University of West Georgia's performing arts center. The first thing I noticed when I walked in -- I was a tad late -- was how many old people were there. I'm talkin' senior citizens, here. Seriously, there were about 100 people, and I was probably 1 of 5 people under the age of 40. That was fine with me, but what I'm amazed at, is that more young people don't really listen to classical compositions these days. I dunno -- maybe it's because it was a Thursday night, but I just wish more people would listen to symphonic music. (And I can forget about opera! I've only met a handful of people my age who enjoy opera . . .)

I don't know what I'm trying to say here, really, except that if you don't listen to this kind of stuff, you should try it. My favorite piece on the piano is Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. (I had no idea it was a duet.) I'm sure it's a lot of people's favorite, but that's because it's SO good! So start there! (You can hear a clip of it on MSN.)

Thing I'm thankful for: other people's performative talents. I may not be able to do them, but I can appreciate them. :)

Word Origins

Since I'm an etymology nerd, I found this MSN Encarta word origins quiz extremely fun. I don't know how many of you would actually take it, so I'm just pasting a few of the answers directly on my blog.
  • The word assassin is drawn from an Arabic word meaning "hashish user," and originally referred to a Syrian religious sect whose members were said to commit murders while under the influence of the drug.
  • The French word cliché refers to a printing plate, and imitates the sound made when a die strikes the metal plate used for printing. Like the word stereotype, cliché reflects both the physical process of printing and also the danger in carelessly reusing phrases and thoughts.
  • Parasite derives from the Greek work parasitos, meaning "one who eats from another's table."
  • Words can hurt. Sarcasm comes from the Greek word sarkazein ("to tear flesh"). Morbidly enough, the related word sarcophagus literally means "flesh-eater."
Thing I'm thankful for: my Oxford English Dictionary of Etymology and The Word Detective.

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

My Thoughts on Aliens

Lindsey posted this on her blog yesterday:

Last night, I woke up VERY scared. I thought I heard our front door slam. I made Blake check on Sadie and walk through the place to make sure no one was there. I had a hard time calming down and ended up staying as still as I could in bed for about 2 hours. Why do I think that by keeping still the burglar isn't going to get me? What, do I think he isn't going to see me? Funny.

"That is funny," I thought. And I have the perfect story to illustrate it.

When I was younger (and even still), I was terrified of aliens. So I would cover my entire body with my blanket. I practically suffocated myself nearly 10 times each night. I would be all hot, too, because I would cover myself up with a heavy blanket in summertime as well as winter.

But the important thing was that aliens WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SEE ME if I was covered up with a blanket! :)

FW: Another Scam


My mom can be described as a Sender of Forwards. Once in a while she forgets she sends them and sends them again. Sometimes it drives me nuts, but sometimes -- when I actually feel guilty about not e-mailing forwards to "at least 10 people" -- I send them to her to do my dirty work because I know she'll pass them along to everyone for me. This has a two-fold purpose:
  1. I don't have to feel embarrassed about sending "another forward."
  2. My e-mail conscience is clear because I have indirectly sent a forward to tons of people.
ANYWAY, the point of this is to say that my mom actually sent a worthwhile forward to me last week. Here it is:

Like you, I hate it when people forward bogus warnings. But this one is important. Please forward to those you care about. If someone comes to your front door saying they are conducting a survey on deer ticks and asks you to take your clothes off and dance around with your arms up, DO NOT DO IT!! IT IS A SCAM. They only want to see you naked.

I wish I'd gotten this yesterday. I feel so stupid now.


Thing I'm thankful for: soggy MacDonald's fries -- yum!

Monday, April 10, 2006

Things I'm Thankful For

Yesterday was a good day. Here are the things I was thankful for:
  • Good friends who listen
  • A supportive family
  • Karla's German chocolate cake
  • Shannon's chicken concoction
  • Apples and peanut butter with Brooks and Jacki
  • A fun and lively conversation with a boy (Every girl needs one of those!)
  • A comment from another guy that I look like Gwyneth Paltrow!
Those were MUCH needed things! Life is good.

Saturday, April 08, 2006

Jumping Rope

This is my new jump rope I got at Target:


It's pretty cute, huh? I like the beaded jump ropes SO much better than the plain rope kind -- the weight of the beads aids in rope movement . . .

ANYWAY, I just wanted to announce to everyone that I'm going to get healthy! My exercise regimen -- for now -- consists of walking 1-2 miles and jumping rope for a few minutes afterward. Let me just say that jumping rope is not easy. When I was in elementary school, I was always in the Top 10 of the Jump Off! Now I get out of breath after about 3 minutes! What is the deal?!? But I'm workin' my way up.

And I think some of you should do it, too . . . and then we can have a Jump Off?

Thing I'm thankful for: Hmmm . . . Oreo's?

Thursday, April 06, 2006

ATL Drivers

I found the following video link on Ashley's LiveJournal. It's a documentary some twentysomethings made about the speed limit on the Perimeter. (That's I-285 to you non-Georgian folk.) Take a looksy -- I guarantee you'll be fascinated by it.

A Meditation on the Speed Limit

Thing I'm thankful for: fully functional brakes.

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Once In Our Lifetime

On Wednesday of this week, at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06.

That won't ever happen again.

Thing I'm thankful for: my job.

Buying a Car: Phase II


Um, yeah. So for me, the second phase was to buy the car. My dad drove me all around Atlanta on Saturday to look for a good deal, and though I wanted a little black (overpriced) 2003 Mazda Protege, he wanted me to get a new Toyota Corolla. If I had gotten a new car, I would have gotten that one for sure. The cheap version is not the cutest car around, but Corollas do have simple and sturdy-looking engines. But how could I afford a new car? Even if it did have 0 miles on it? I couldn't.

While we were driving around, I noticed an ad for a 2003 Mazda Protege that my mom had found online. It looked good. It sounded good. I made a call. And found out it was clear over in Montgomery, Alabama! Oh no! Would my dad be willing to drive there just to look at it? We both decided that I should look at it, and I'd hold off on the Corolla (and that black Protege).

It was too late to go on Saturday, and Sunday was a no-go because the credit union wouldn't open until Monday. But what if they sold the car before I could get down there?!? So I resolved myself to wait and pray that nobody would buy it -- because I think I knew somewhere in my heart that it was the perfect car for me. Well, my mom would have nothing to do with waiting! She knew we needed to drive down on Sunday with some cash in hand for a deposit.

So on Sunday, mommy and I drove to Montgomery to look and buy, but we didn't get the car until yesterday, after I had gotten all the credit union stuff in order. When we got to the seller's house, she told us that she had had 6 more calls about the car that day. She also said that on Sunday night, a couple offered her and her husband the full amount (plus 5 dollars) in cash for the car. But she kindly told them that I had just signed the contract that afternoon! YAY! My mommy knew we needed to get down there. Mommy looks out for me!

My favorite thing about this whole experience was spending time with my parents. I spent all day Saturday with dad and all day Sunday and Monday with mommy. I had fun with both of them. I especially liked the final drive back home on Monday. Mom and I were in separate cars, but she called me about every 15 minutes with comments about anything from "watch out for cops right here" to "Look! Armadillo, armadillo!" That was a whole lotta fun.

Wait -- what is my favorite thing about the car, you ask? The alloy wheels, of course! I'm not a sporty car kind of driver -- I definitely found that out over the last 2 weeks. And I never thought wheels were a big deal. But they do make a car look good.

Anyway, I hope you didn't mind the long post today . . . I wanted this "Buying a Car" series to last a little longer; it might've been interesting for you blog readers. BUT, as it is, I'm glad it wasn't a series -- I don't think I could've handled car-shopping much longer.

Thing I'm thankful for: I'll say it again -- my mom and dad. They're names aren't actually on the car loan, but without everything they have done for me, I wouldn't be able to get a car -- or much of anything else, for that matter. So I didn't really pay for it myself . . . I've had some help for the past 24 years. :)

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Car Talk's "Lame Joke of the Week"

Tom and Ray of NPR's Car Talk give the Lame Joke Of The Week, courtesy of Dave Mowrey:

Tennessee mechanical engineers Bubba and Ray were standing at the base of a flagpole, looking up. A woman walked by and asked what they were doing.

"We're supposed to find the height of the flagpole," said Bubba, "but we don't have a ladder."

The woman took a wrench from her purse, loosened a few bolts, and laid the pole down. Then she took a tape measure from her pocket, took a measurement, announced, "Eighteen feet, six inches," and walked away.

Ray shook his head and laughed. "Ain't that just like a blonde! We ask for the height and she gives us the length!"

Thing I'm thankful for: people who know much, much more than I do and willingly share what they know.

Saturday, April 01, 2006

I'M ENGAGED!

Ha. April Fool's!