Smile for the Joy of Others

Smile for the Joy of Others

Monday, September 21, 2009

Dirty and Sweaty

The other day when I picked the boys up from school, I tried to get some conversation out of them about their day. It's kinda hard with boys. They aren't "detailed" kinda humans.

But this particular day, I asked them what was their favorite activity at school.

CB's reply: "To get dirty and sweaty". Well, he had the evidence to prove it. And this picture just doesn't do it justice. He was sweaty and dirty from head to toes. Not to mention you can tell (in his eyes) how tired and worn out he was from getting "dirty and sweaty".

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Poor, Bob

I got this email the other day. It's 1 of several that I get. Some stating that I've won the lottery, some stating that I have some long-lost relative in Africa that has left me money and in order to receive it I need to send them listed information.

However, I thought this was a little different. I've never received one with this specific request. But I sure hate it for Bob. If he's expecting me to bail him out, he'll be spending the rest of his life in the UK.

Sorry, Bob...you better start making some friends over there and I just couldn't keep this a secret like you requested. In fact, this may help. Maybe someone will recognize who you are and help you...but that someone will not be me.

"How are you doing; How's work on your end? This has had to come in a hurry and it has left me in a devastating state. I am in some terrible situation right now and I'm really going to need your urgent help. I am presently stranded in the UK.!!! Unannounced, I came to London for an international conference but unfortunately for me i got robbed in the Hotel . I booked in and they made away with my Luggage (which included my cash, diaries,credit card & some other valuables). I didn't bring my cellphone here since I did not get to roam it before coming over. I am so confused right now because i don't know what to do or where to go, So all I can do now is pay cash and get out of here quickly. I do not want to make a scene of this which is why I did not call the office or my house,this is embarrassing enough. Please I want you to lend me a sum of $2000, just to clear my Hotel bills and get the next plane home. The Embassy only cleared me of my traveling documents and ticketing since I came in as a tourist and not on official purpose. I shall have your money reimbursed immediately on my return. Looking forward to positive response. Please keep things quiet for now. I NEED YOUR HELP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!"

Thanks,
Bob M.

You know, this situation sounds like one that our politicians find themselves in.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Today

Today was "Grandparent's Day" at the boys' school. Since none of the grandparents could make it, I went to represent. I didn't know about it til the day before. We were gone last week so we were behind on school events. The grandparents were invited to eat do-nuts with their grandchildren and then watched the children perform a few songs in the fellowship hall. (I haven't posted about their school yet, but it is to come).

There were some grandparents sitting behind me that kept commenting on my boys. "They are so cute and well behaved. I think they are "So and So's" grandchildren. I can't believe they are not here to see them. And I don't see their mother either. I guess she went back to work. But they would have told me. I'll just have to call her when we get home and tell her that we saw her grandchildren perform today. I obviously need to catch up with her anyway." I didn't even turn around and tell them any differently. I just sat there and tried to keep from laughing. I would have loved to hear that phone conversation. (word gets around in a small-small town)

Took the boys to get haircuts at "The Butcher Shop". Yes, you read right. I thought JB was kidding or had it confused when he told me that's what was recommended. Not exactly what I would name a place for haircuts, but they boys loved it. Oh, and BB got his haircut by Edward...I didn't ask if his last name was scissorhands. The owner's little dog, Buzz, runs around. It at least kept their minds occupied as their hair was getting "butchered".

Came home and monogrammed a bib. Organized 5 orders to be mailed.

Baked cookies for Ms JoAnn. She's the only employee at the post office I use to mail all my orders. The boys love to go to see her and she loves to see them. She's a grandmother...that explains why.

Went to Office Max to pick up some envelopes for orders to be mailed.

Made it to the post office to mail orders and deliver cookies by 4:00.

Until next time,

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Got Fat?

I found the link below on another blog and thought I would share in on mine. I was hungry til I read some of the facts listed with each food. No wonder we are a nation that is growing "larger".

30 Worst Foods in America (click on the underlined title to see)

Not sure what ads may pop up...I've never visited this site until I saw the link on another blog.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Boiled Water Advisory in G'ville...

..has some citizens' blood boiling.

Last Thursday, JB called me from his office and said "DO NOT USE THE TAP WATER". Well, we don't use it very much anyway because it has a brown tint to it, almost like really weak tea. I know, sounds gross, but other than the color is supposed to be safe to drink. Anyway, he had received an official flier from the MsDept. of Health that G'ville would be under a boiled water advisory the next 6 DAYS! due to traces of e coli being found in the water system.

Just lovely. In response, I didn't bathe nor did I bathe the boys Thursday night or Friday. We were already coming to Madison on Friday as the beginning of our vacation travels. I decided it would be better to stink than infected with e coli before or during our vacation to the beach.

I really hate it for my G'ville friends. I remember being inconvenienced by this type of situation when Katrina hit our area only... it wasn't for e coli. It makes for somewhat primitive times especially when there becomes a shortage of bottled water at the grocery stores. And not to mention, it hurts the local economy when restaurants have to close or limit their menu.

It is my understanding that the reason it is 6 days is b/c:

"The boilerplate release by the MsDH is two day. Unfortunately, we received notice this afternoon (Thursday). We have to draw 50 samples from our regular sample points throughout the city each day for two consecutive days. We cannot do that today and tomorrow. Their lab doesn't run on Saturdays and won't be opened on Monday. So we will have to pull our ... Read Moresamples on Tuesday and Wednesday and will hopefully get cleared from boil water order on late Thursday. "

I personally I think it's wrong to make a city wait this long for clean water. I think it's absurd that they don't open the lab for such a time as this. You are talking about public health safety and sometimes that means working over time and on holidays. I dare say that this wouldn't happen in other cities in MS. If I am wrong, than shame on MS.

Fortunate for us, we will be on vacation at the beach during most of this. I just hope that G'ville doesn't endure for the 6 long days it will be, only to endure it even more if the samples come back contaminated.

Until next time, I'll have my feet in the sand,
HB