Monday, April 30, 2012
Molly on Monday
Things have been kind of slow for me. The Big Guy (BG) has been leaving me alone some while he goes off somewhere without me.. It is kind of boring but I have found a comfy place.. I took over his bed. He doesn't use it so I might as well.
It has been raining and I love rainwater to drink. There is an old chewed up bowl on the back ramp that holds water so I drink that and I also like to drink it up from the boards.. Yum!
I watch him closely.. not a bite passes his lips.
I even watch him from across the room.
And then I move in for the close up.
And then there is the more direct approach.
It worked and I got my pizza crust. Delicious!
Now I want to go outside.
Miss Molly
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sunday Salute VI
From Wikipedia
Desmond Mpilo Tutu (born 7 October 1931) is a South African activist and retired Anglican bishop who rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid. He was the first black South African Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa, and primate of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa (now the Anglican Church of Southern Africa).
Tutu has been active in the defence of human rights and uses his high profile to campaign for the oppressed. He has campaigned to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, poverty, racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. Tutu received theNobel Peace Prize in 1984; the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism in 1986; the Pacem in Terris Award in 1987; the Sydney Peace Prize in 1999; theGandhi Peace Prize in 2005;[1] and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.
A person is a person because he recognizes others as persons.
Children are a wonderful gift. They have an extraordinary capacity to see into the heart of things and to expose sham and humbug for what they are.
Do your little bit of good where you are; its those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
For goodness sake, will they hear, will white people hear what we are trying to say? Please, all we are asking you to do is to recognize that we are humans, too.
I am a leader by default, only because nature does not allow a vacuum.
I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.
If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.
We may be surprised at the people we find in heaven. God has a soft spot for sinners. His standards are quite low.
When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said "Let us pray." We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.
Without forgiveness, there's no future.
You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.
Children are a wonderful gift. They have an extraordinary capacity to see into the heart of things and to expose sham and humbug for what they are.
Do your little bit of good where you are; its those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
For goodness sake, will they hear, will white people hear what we are trying to say? Please, all we are asking you to do is to recognize that we are humans, too.
I am a leader by default, only because nature does not allow a vacuum.
I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.
If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.
We may be surprised at the people we find in heaven. God has a soft spot for sinners. His standards are quite low.
When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said "Let us pray." We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.
Without forgiveness, there's no future.
You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.
My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.
Desmond Tutu
Craig Ferguson had him on for the entire hour. Here is the first part of the interview.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Found For Friday
God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael the archangel found him, resting on the seventh day.
He inquired, "Where have you been?"
God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made."
Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, "What is it?"
"It's a planet," replied God, and I've put life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a place to test Balance."
"Balance?" inquired Michael, "I'm still confused."
God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth. "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern Europe is going to be poor. Over here I've placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all things."
God continued pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."
The Archangel , impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land area and said, "What's that one?"
"That's Iowa, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful rolling hills and Prairies, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills, and the plains."
Then God Said, "This is Iowa, the center of America. The people of Iowa are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, carriers of peace, and producers of good things."
Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, "But what about balance, God? You said there would be balance."
God smiled,
"I will create Washington, D.C. Wait till you see the idiots I put there."
Boss: Sure, come on in. What can I do for you?
Employee: Well sir, as you know, I have been an employee of this prestigious firm for over ten years.
Boss: Yes.
Employee: I won't beat around the bush. Sir, I would like a raise.
Boss: A raise? I would love to give you a raise, but this is just not the right time.
Employee: I understand your position, and I know that the current economic down turn has had a negative impact on sales, but you must also take into consideration my hard work, pro- activeness and loyalty to this company for over a decade. Also, I currently have four other companies after me.
Boss: Taking into account these factors, and considering I don't want to start a brain drain, I'm willing to offer you a ten percent raise and an extra five days of vacation time. How does that sound?
Employee: Great! It's a deal! Thank you, sir!
Boss: Before you go, just out of curiosity, what companies were after you?
Employee: Oh, the Electric Company, Gas Company, Water Company and the Mortgage Company!
They were ready to discuss the last one.
The teacher asked if anyone could tell her what it was.
Susie raised her hand, stood tall, and quoted,
"Thou shall not take the covers off the neighbor's wife.
When little Reggie was inducted into the Army, he was advised to act tough.
"That's the only way to command respect in the Army," his friends said.
So Reggie did his best to carry out the advice. He swaggered all around camp, bragging, blustering and talking out of the corner of his mouth.
"Show me a sergeant and I'll show you a dope," Reggie shouted.
No sooner had he spoken than a brawny, battle-hardened figure appeared.
"I am a sergeant!" he bellowed.
"I am a dope," whispered Reggie
little concerned, asked if the baby was breast-fed or bottle-fed.
'Breast-fed,' the woman replied.
'Well, strip down to your waist,' the doctor ordered.
She did. He pinched her nipples, pressed, kneaded, and rubbed both breasts for a while in a very professional and detailed examination.
Motioning to her to get dressed, the doctor said, 'No wonder this baby is underweight. You don't have any milk."
'I know,' she said, 'I'm his Grandma, but I'm glad I came.
(True story)
A college student in a philosophy class was taking his first examination.
On the paper there was a single line which simply said: "Is this a question?" - Discuss.
After a short time he wrote: "If that is a question, then this is an answer."
The student received an "A" on the exam.
I planted some bird seed. A bird came up. Now I don't know what to feed it
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I had amnesia once---or twice
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I went to San Francisco. I found someone's heart. Now what?
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Protons have mass? I didn't even know they were Catholic.
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All I ask is a chance to prove that money can't make me happy
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If the world were a logical place, men would be the ones who ride horses sidesaddle.
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What is a "free" gift? Aren't all gifts free?
They told me I was gullible and I believed them.
********************
Teach a child to be polite and courteous in the home and, when he grows up, he'll never be able to merge his car onto the freeway.
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Experience is the thing you have left when everything else is gone.
********************
One nice thing about egotists: they don't talk about other people.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Miss Molly's Adventures
Tuesday night at 12:30 AM I went to the door and was going to let Miss Molly in. No Molly! She was not in the back yard. Time to panic. I went out to check the gate to see if she had gotten out that way. There was a meter reader in the back yard and I always worry that the gate did not get closed properly.
I walked out in front and called her and no Molly. I got on the phone and called the non-emergency police number (which I have programmed into my phone), I told them that my dog was missing. I also called my nephew but he did not hear the phone so I left him two panicky voice-mail messages and got my shoes on so I could drive. I put the bright lights on and started driving around the neighborhood calling MOLLY, MOLLY - I did not care if it was late.. As I drove by where I could see my house I noticed lights of a car in front of the house. I had already seen a police car in the neighborhood.
A very nice policeman was out of the car and was up by the house. Molly was back by the fence and I tried to call her to come to the car. He saw her jump the fence and get back in the yard. I thanked him (I think) and drove into the garage and let her in the back door.
She sat there panting and stretched out on the floor with her tongue hanging out.
We had a discussion.
She did not seem to understand why I was perturbed. But she did come back and she was glad to see me.
So I guess I will just have to be very careful when I let her out. Brandon (My construction guy) came over and looked at the fence and said that she was also digging. He has dogs and he recommends an invisible fence since she is a digger and a jumper. He says they will soon learn that they need to stay away from the little white flags and while some may think it is inhumane it is more humane than having her hit by a car.
Wednesday I had a Home Board meeting in Boone. I decided to try something different. Molly does not like it when I put her in the kitchen all locked up. She does not have accidents in the house and she never chews things up (unlike Miles who is not quite over his puppyness). So I walked out - giving her two treats - and left her loose in the house. I was just a little worried but it turns out I need not have been. When I got back there was no Molly to greet me. So I said "Molly" and she came running out of my bedroom. She had gone back there to wait for me. I think the room is cooler. She had eaten her treats which she had never done when I left her in the kitchen. So I guess I know what to do with her when I go to meetings. She was happy to see me and when I let her out she took care of business. (It had been about 12 hours because she did not go when I let her out in the morning)
Life with Miss Molly continues to be interesting. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
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Wednesday
Selling My Stuff When I Die
The older you are and the longer you have been married, the funnier this is.... 
One lazy Sunday morning the wife and I were quiet and thoughtful, sitting around the breakfast table when I said to her unexpectedly, "When I die, I want you to sell all my stuff, immediately."
"Now why would you want me to do something like that?" she asked.
"I figure a woman as fine as yourself would eventually remarry and I don't want some other asshole using my stuff.."
She looked at me intently and said: "What makes you think I'd marry another asshole?"
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I made a big mistake today. I was asked if I would help with the Pancake day by selling tickets. I said yes before I thought about it because I find it hard to turn down the Brother who asked me.
Then I found out that I have to be there at 7:00 AM on Sunday and be there until 1:00 - plus I will have to buy my own breakfast. I mean where is the reward for getting up early?? And they won't let me bring Molly.
So, if I have to be there those of you in the area should come out and make fun of me for allowing myself to get in there.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Lady Molly checking out the back porch. She is not sure about it. Alan was here to mow and she hung back. I had a Doctor's appointment today and left her at home. She was not happy with that. I had given her two treats and she ignored them. She may have just stood there waiting until I got back. She didn't eat them until I returned. Oh, and when I returned she exhibited more excitement than I had ever seen. She jumped up on me, wagged her tail and just went nuts. It was kind of fun but I hope she will not have a problem with my leaving. I have to go places and do things and she needs to be able to stay alone.
And now to an Embarrassing Story.
Not that I really need them. Last month I forgot to put them on when I went to get my hairs cut (all of them) and got along just fine. But that was an aberration I really don't want to do it on purpose. Needless to say I was mystified. I had no idea where they could have gone.Now I have to explain that I have to wear a boot when I don't have my brace on. It looks like this. I had an ankle fusion operation several years ago and I either wear the brace or the boot. As I just sat around in lounge pants and t-shirt on Sunday (and worried about my glasses.)
I had felt them there but really just thought that the boot wasn't adjusted correctly and really I was so distracted that I couldn't find the glasses that I just didn't notice why the boot was so uncomfortable.
So I have to apologize to Lady Molly for even thinking that she might have eaten the glasses or that Cassie would have stolen them. So now I have been to the grocery store, the drug store and oh yes, the Doctor. He was pleased with my progress. Things are stabilized and I don't have to go back for three months. Things are copasetic. Thanks for stopping by. Always remember that you are loved. Hugs, j
Monday, April 23, 2012
Safe Schools Are for Every Student
WWW.IOWASAFESCHOOLS.ORG
Be a Buddy, Not a Bully
By Nate Monson, Executive Director
We are reminded again through tragedy that bullying remains a critical issue impacting our youth, families, schools, and communities.Bullying is something that has become so prevalent in our society that nearly everyone can say that they or someone they know has been a victim of bullying. Bullying can take many forms including name calling, gossip, cyber-bullying, or even physical violence. It can have severe consequences including youth physically harming each other and themselves.
By Nate Monson, Executive Director
We are reminded again through tragedy that bullying remains a critical issue impacting our youth, families, schools, and communities.Bullying is something that has become so prevalent in our society that nearly everyone can say that they or someone they know has been a victim of bullying. Bullying can take many forms including name calling, gossip, cyber-bullying, or even physical violence. It can have severe consequences including youth physically harming each other and themselves.
Bullying rarely starts in its most violent form. It takes time to fester and grow into something worse. Words and phrases like 'fag', 'dyke', and 'that's so gay' are the start of this growth of bullying. I am reminded about a quote in the play The Laramie Project which documents the aftermath of Matthew Shepard's murder in Laramie, Wyoming. In the play the playwrights meet with a priest in town and the priest says "Every time that you are called a fag, or you are called a lez, or a dyke, do you realize that is violence? That is the seed of violence." When we allow students and adults even to say these things - that's the seed of violence. Violence rarely starts in its most vile form - it will grow as it gets fed by more words, cyber-bullying, or beginnings of physical harassment.
We must all work together to eliminate these seeds of violence. This isn't just a school's responsibility. This isn't just a family's responsibility. This is a community responsibility to eliminate the beginnings of bullying behavior. Faith communities, schools, local organizations, and businesses must all work together to ensure our state is a safe and supportive place for all students. We were reminded this past week that we have a long ways to go to be successful, but I believe it's possible.
I heard that one of Kenneth's favorite phrases was Be a Buddy, Not a Bully. We need to embrace this phrase and emulate it if we are to be successful. That means we must take that extra ten minutes out of a day and talk with a youth that seems to be sitting alone. That means we as adults need to exhibit positive behavior if we wish youth to follow suit. The little things make the biggest difference when it comes to bullying. Below you will find several resources and other research-based information on bullying that can help.
A number of vigils in memory of those lost to bullying and a number are happening tomorrow night across Iowa. I encourage you to look below at some that are happening and attend if you are able to.
If you know a student struggling with bullying, please encourage them to talk with their school administrator immediately. If you know a student who needs someone to talk to - The Trevor Project provides 24/7 LGBT youth suicide prevention assistance by calling 866-488-7386.
Together we can eliminate bullying.
Thank you for all your support,
The Latest
Iowa must refine its anti-bullying efforts, Branstad says
“It’s not an easy thing and I know maybe this is a difficult area for school districts but it is critically important that we do everything we can to make sure we have safety and security for all of our students in the state of Iowa.” - Governor Terry Branstad
OUR OPINION: We Must Stop Bullying. It starts here. And it starts now. Sioux City Journal Editorial, April 22, 2012
"We must make it clear in our actions and our words that bullying will not be tolerated. Those of us in public life must be ever mindful of the words we choose, especially in the contentious political debates that have defined our modern times. More importantly, we must not be afraid to act."
Iowa must refine its anti-bullying efforts, Branstad says
“It’s not an easy thing and I know maybe this is a difficult area for school districts but it is critically important that we do everything we can to make sure we have safety and security for all of our students in the state of Iowa.” - Governor Terry Branstad
OUR OPINION: We Must Stop Bullying. It starts here. And it starts now. Sioux City Journal Editorial, April 22, 2012
"We must make it clear in our actions and our words that bullying will not be tolerated. Those of us in public life must be ever mindful of the words we choose, especially in the contentious political debates that have defined our modern times. More importantly, we must not be afraid to act."
White House Endorses Safe Schools Bill and Student Non-Discrimination Act
"The White House today announced that President Obama is endorsing the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA) and Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA), two bills pending in Congress to address bullying and discrimination faced by students across the nation."
"The White House today announced that President Obama is endorsing the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA) and Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA), two bills pending in Congress to address bullying and discrimination faced by students across the nation."
Schools, parents try to keep pace with cyber-bullying tactics
"I felt like I almost had no one that would help me through it or be there for me," recalled Katie, 16, now a junior at Maryvale Preparatory School in Brooklandville. "You just feel alone. I kept telling myself, I'll be out of middle school in no time and I'll get a fresh start."
"I felt like I almost had no one that would help me through it or be there for me," recalled Katie, 16, now a junior at Maryvale Preparatory School in Brooklandville. "You just feel alone. I kept telling myself, I'll be out of middle school in no time and I'll get a fresh start."
Upcoming Events
Anti-Bullying/Community Vigils
· Cedar Rapids Vigil - April 24th, 2012
· Quad-Cities Vigil - April 24th, 2012
· One Loss is Too Many: Des Moines Community Vigil - April 24th, 2012
Iowa Pride Network Spring Soiree- April 26th, 2012
SAVE THE DATE - 8th Annual Iowa Governors Conference on LGBTQ Youth - March 27th, 2013
SAVE THE DATE - Protecting Kids Stopping Bullies Honors Reception - September 12th, 2012 - Honoree: Governor Chet Culver
SAVE THE DATE - Protecting Kids Stopping Bullies Honors Reception - September 12th, 2012 - Honoree: Governor Chet Culver
Anti-Bullying Resources The Trevor Project
If you or someone you know is being bullied and needs someone to talk to call The Trevor Project at 866-488-7386
If you or someone you know is being bullied and needs someone to talk to call The Trevor Project at 866-488-7386
StopBullying.Gov
Federal government's anti-bullying website complete with legal information and anti-bullying tips
Federal government's anti-bullying website complete with legal information and anti-bullying tips
GLSEN
Gay & Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) provides lesson plans, resources, and a Safe Space Kit for schools
Gay & Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) provides lesson plans, resources, and a Safe Space Kit for schools
The mission of Iowa Safe Schools is to: a) improve school climate in order to increase the personal safety, mental health, and student learning of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied (LGBTA) and all other students; b) increase awareness and understanding among current and future educators, school administrators, and key community agents of inequities regarding the safety of LGBTA students and their family member(s) in schools and communities throughout Iowa. Iowa Safe Schools also seeks to empower these key actors with effective, research-based tools and strategies to combat intolerance and safety inequities.
The Power of an Apology
An incredible story of a student who apologized to his teacher - almost 40 years later. Read it here.
Molly on Monday
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| Ada Hayden Lake - Click any picture to Embiggen |
I have been for a ride each day. The Big Guy took me up to pick up Miles at the Groomer and got me a new collar and then on a couple of days he was going to the Doctor and the phone store because his phone was giving him difficulty. He took me along and let me wait in the car. He had the windows part way down so I could get some air and he wasn't in either place for very long.Then a couple of days he took me out to the lake and he ate his lunch and let me walk for a short way on the path by the lake. There were a lot of people there but not so many that it bothered me. It was fun.
On Saturday he got me up early and I went out to Jon's place. Miles lives there and Jon is his human. I enjoyed my sleep over. Jon's bed is almost as comfortable as my royal couch. He studied most of the day but Miles and I played and then we relaxed the rest of the day
The Big Guy was there also and I gave him one of my "looks."
Then it was time to climb back up on my "throne" and settle in for my late afternoon nap. So relaxing. See you later.
Stop back often.. Ta Ta, Miss Molly
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