When I left my mother’s home at 15, my only concern and heartache was my fear of my brother, 3 years-old at the time, forgetting me. Alone for so many years, I had desperately wanted a sibling. His arrival was my resurrection. His life gave me hope of not being alone in the world. I diapered, feed, bathed, rocked, sang, and played at every opportunity. Somehow, I knew the key to my being someone of importance to him was in engaging in the nourishing of both his wee body and spirit.

All that work paid off. He didn’t forget me. At eleven, mom flew him to Columbia to spend his spring break with us. While he was there, we celebrated his upcoming birthday with homemade cake and a Cardinals jersey (he was and is a huge baseball fan). Alas, we were too poor to afford tickets to a game, but I thought the memorabilia was the next best thing. He loved it. The next year he came twice. Once again during his spring break, and then later in the summer when R and I moved from college life to the first job. R took him out in his old GMC to a parking lot and let him drive and turn circle after circle. When we made it to southwest Missouri, we went fishing and brought along a picnic lunch. My mother came to retrieve him after a short six days.

Over the next couple of years, I would drive that stretch of I-44 often, seeking to perfect my relationship with my mother and brother. Sometimes I took a child, sometimes I went alone. A child with me meant we listened to books on tape and shared treats and suffered together the misery of drinking too much soda and finding too little bathrooms. It also meant a trip to the bookstore with Gran and Nick, lunch out, and pizza in, movies watched while sprawled on the scratchy jute rug and sleeping late and waking to gigantic canned biscuits coiffed in butter and sweet jam. If traveling alone, my mother, Nick, and I would eat brunch at 501 and dinner at some French or Carribean or otherwise culturally acceptable restaurant. My family is as enamored with foreign culture as myself. It meant me finding an excusable errand on which to drag my brother along so that we might have a few minutes alone.

In the summer of 2001, my mother called and offered to take me along with them to Chicago. I jumped. My last child had been weaned and my body was now free from nutritional obligation. It was to be a four day trip, which R and I found manageable. We stayed in the Park Hyatt Chicago right on Michigan Avenue. Our room faced the lake and had a fantastic view. The hotel has a spa and while adequately preparing myself for a wax with a few glasses of inebriates, I made a confession that my mother found shocking and my brother found enlightening. I knew then that this would be someone to whom I wasn't merely obligated, but whose friendship I would desire and seek. There is a point in time when our siblings become more than shared genetics and a yearly gift swap. They become a human with a heart and experiences and somehow enjoyable and funny and fully forgiveable all at the same time. He is now not just my brother, but my friend.

All this said, it is very hard for me to let go of a friendship. There have been very few times I have found myself in the position of having to leave one, but when it does happen, it is extremely difficult for me to let go. Just this month, one of my close friends betrayed me. I was shocked, angry, and filled with the desire to cause bodily harm. After my initial reaction, I was dispirited and disappointed in the failure of my friend to keep my confidence. I told her that I was through with her, that I could never be her friend again, that I was "done" with her. I don't know that I fully believed it at the time, but it felt really good to say it. I wanted her to know just how exposed I felt and how she had made me feel carelessly dashed upon the the rocks.

The desire for resolution came when I realized that none us can be perfect, that we will fail, that we will possibly betray someone whom we dearly love. I have stood so many times before the throne of grace pleading my case for forgiveness. Who was I to deny this apologetic person what I have been given? Forgiveness doesn't equate restoration in a relationship. Restoration takes work to produce the finished product, and that is in this case, trust.

While there are few friendships I that have failed to maintain, there are some that have ended in a less than desirable way. Those are the ones that grieve me most. Those are the ones that I find myself missing. But in my sorrow, I am prompted to turn over these to God and commit myself to prayer for them in the hopes of being, one day, friends again in His presence.

« Hide the rest of For The Magnanimous Heart

---

Rae, Thanks for sharing so wonderfully about you and your brother. I especially like hearing about Missouri since I used to live on I44 in Ozark and my dad grew up in the Joplin/Seneca area.
Blessings on your sabatical, well maybe, kinda, sorta one. :)

by Ben on December 30, 2004 07:19 PM

---

"What's going on inside me? I despise my own behavior. It only serves to confirm my suspicion that I'm still a man in need of a savior." (DC Talk- In the Light) This is my theme song. Thank you for mercy. It is truly humbling.

by Kelly with a Y on December 30, 2004 08:01 PM

---

Rae--Thank you for this post. You've left me with much to reflect upon and a reminder of how much I have for which to be grateful in the relationships realm.

by Cindy on December 31, 2004 12:50 PM

---

Great post about the brother and friends. I can relate to the completely outwardly relational type of approach to life.

I am sorry to hear of your friend betraying you. Your reaction and then your reaction to your reaction is completely understandable and I will join you in prayer. Especially along the themes of forgiveness and wisdom. I hope that if it is the Lord's will for reconciliation that the Spirit will provide the step by step process in due time.

You rock Rae.

by Randy on December 31, 2004 03:43 PM

---

Ben, I always knew I was an American; I didn't realize that I was a Missourian until we left.

Kelly- We are all in need, friend.

Cindy-you're welcome :) You frequently remind me to be grateful (and laugh, too), as well.

Randy- hard to rock when the chair is worn. Thanks for the prayer :)

by Rae on January 1, 2005 02:27 PM

---

« Hide Comments!

Earlier in the week, we had stopped over in our former town to visit and attend church. It was the first time I would see our former assitant pastor. He found out this past summer that he had a massive brain tumor that was compressing much of the nerves to the right side of his face. After several doctors examined him, it was concluded that surgery was the only, yet still unsure option. When I saw his face- his wonderful kind face drooping and unemotional, I couldn't stop the tears. I hugged him for a long time. I then told him that I was sorry for crying, it was just so difficult to see him like this. He told me that it was humbling to have to ask "Am I drooling?" It made me mouth widen into a grin and the taste of warm salt slipped into my mouth. We concluded our brief visit with a laugh and I committed to praying for him and his family.

Later, as the quiet of the van and the repetitive sound of the road home filled me, I began to think about something from a new perspective. I recalled when Jesus was so tired that he had his disciples row him out into the middle of the lake. I had always understood that as a physical need. This time, I felt that I understood it differently. That perhaps, when he saw the faded father-in-laws, the drooped cheek from a tumor, the gnarled hand of a niece, the arthritic back of a grandmother, that He being omnipotent, was grieved by their physical discomfort and pain. Grieved and saddened to the point of utter exhaustion, he experienced the emotional and spiritual evaporation that is caused by seeing the suffering of someone who is endeared to another. This was the physical affect of sin in the world. When Jesus saw the people, they weren't just people, they were someone particular, like my father-in-law and my former pastor and His heart felt the burden of their physical pain and discomfort and saw how it trampled those they loved, as well.

Thinking of this made me review how He felt when someone came to Him and He saw their "sin." He saw it as crippling and weighted. He wanted to extend forgiveness to lift that burden that was suffocating their spirit and stiffling the life out of them. He did so out of compassion. His compassion moves and motivates me. That I might have the true compassion of Jesus is my single prayer/resolution for the New Year. I want to have the eyes of Christ who sees with full understanding, mercy, and the grace to extend to another falliable human being.

This counts as my last post for the year 2004. I will return after New Year's Day, 2005. Blessings of the compassion of Christ, the strength of God to navigate the deep waters you will encounter this year, and the wind of His hope to fill the sails of your life and refresh your soul.

« Hide the rest of Making it Real

---

Great post! It does make me sad to see the elderly and worry about if their family visits or if they have family left to visit and care about them.

Makes me thankful that my parents are in good health.

Happy New Year!

by GrumpyBunny on December 27, 2004 09:20 AM

---

I've been reading for a while now, but my first time commenting.
Every year, while my husband's grandmother was in a nursing home, on Mother's Day he would take a bucket of roses to the home and hand out a rose to each woman there (whether or not they were an mother) He said it made every single one of the women smile. Now, even though his grandmother is gone, he still goes on Mother's Day and hands out roses. Such a little thing, but it means so much to all of them.

by Marsha on December 28, 2004 02:01 AM

---

Hi, Marsha. Thanks for commenting :)

That sounds like a wonderful idea. Thank you for sharing it.

GB- how are you, haven't seen you in awhile...

by Rae on December 28, 2004 03:19 PM

---

First Kris, and now you. . . *sigh*

While I'm disappointed, of course, I am happy for you and your decision--and pray it will be a blessing in your life.

Grace and peace,
TulipGirl

by TulipGirl on December 29, 2004 02:08 AM

---

« Hide Comments!

I confess that we never taught our girls that Santa Claus was real. We did; however, tell them that it was a simple story (our favorite being the recently purchased The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum). Some of my friends and many acquaintances have asked how we managed to provide any of that wonderful magic associated with Christmas. We believe we have provided something far better. We have replaced something they will be required at some point in coming of age to disbelieve with Someone in whom they may always believe.

See, we never liked that "you better not pout, you better not cry" and "he knows if you've been bad or good" stuff. We celebrate a gift given without regard for how good or bad I or anyone else has been. Many Christians point out that the real celebration is in the spring. I beg to differ. As a child, I had no hope for escape from my misery. My body was clothed in Ralph Lauren and foreign cars filled our garage, but my soul was naked and empty. The birth of the Christ gave humanity hope. It is that hope that we point our children to, that we celebrate, and that we mimic in our giving on December 25 each year.

Every Christmas Eve, R and I make up clues for the girls to follow in which to find the baby Jesus who is not yet been laid in the manger of the Nativity set. Once the girls have finally settled down for the night, we place them around the home for them to find in succession- like a treasure hunt. When the Child is found and placed in the stable, they may then proceed to dig through their stockings. I always lay awake listening to the whispers, giggles, and gasps of delight. After some good-natured prodding and pleading for their parents to get up, R and I finally submit and head to the kitchen to make coffee. The morning cup poured, we each find a spot in the living room and read the prophecies of the coming Savior and His birth. We know they are only humoring us, as their eager little hands are just itching to tear at the wrap and find what lies beneath. It is the hope of finding something good and undeserved that draws them to the gift.

« Hide the rest of The Soul Felt It's Worth

---

This is one of the decisions that Rae and I have made together that draws curiosity from almost anyone that finds out that we taught "Satan's Clau" only as a nice story and not truth. I say "finds out" because we believe it is not profitable to offer such information to the casual aquaintance.

Many strangers in stores have asked my kids "What is Santy gonna bring you this year little girl?" Most folks who inquire about it quickly point out how we have cheated our Children of the "Magic and wonder" of Christmas. Some when they have the chance to think about it say "I never thought of it that way". Or "I didn't know you could do that" Exactly. When you do think for a moment it makes perfect sense to share a story and it's origins rather than take advantage of the precious trust that our children have in us. Of course we don't spend energy judging those who don't do as we do. Just understand that we did the trust work up front and if you teach Santa as truth you will be doing it after the fact. In my own life I saw it as a breach in trust with my parents that could have been avoided. And yes, the easter bunny, tooth fairy and any other boogie man stuff is also absent in our family except for careful explanations of the stories and origins. We still have fun with it, but the hiding, truth stretching and it's effects are absent.

by R on December 25, 2004 11:08 AM

---

The truth sometimes has a cost.

When I was in first grade, in 1963, I was in the wicked Mrs. Nelson's class at California Elementary School in Costa Mesa, CA. She once grabbed me by the hair on top my head with both hands and shook me forward and backward maybe ten times. She was mad. I don't remember what I did to set her off, but even at that age, I knew it wasn't that bad what I did.

Anyway, that was Mrs. Nelson. And at Christmastime, Mrs. Nelson was going to walk the whole class over to an assembly in the auditorium to see Santa Claus, and being the smart little, ADHD, 6-year-old, know-it-all that I was, I offered the information I had been taught for all in line to hear. "There's no Santa Claus, really. It's just a pretend story. Christmas is really about Jesus, but some people don't like to tell their children about Jesus."

Don't get me wrong, I was no Bible Thumper. I was just raised with an accurate reference to the origins of the Christmas celebration, all the while enjoying the less religious trimmings as well. We got to sit on Santa's lap at Christmas in the mall and tell him what we wanted--but we knew it was pretend. It was just for fun. We always knew the presents were from Mom and Dad, aunts and uncles.

And that's what I said, "Santa is just for fun. We can pretend he's real, but he really isn't." Some of the kids did not appreciate the information that they would someday come to understand as I did. They argued using the lie their parents felt justified in telling them: 'Santa is too real!"

"No he's not."

Mrs. Nelson told me to be quiet. But I didn't. In fact, I don't think I could. I knew the truth. The kids kept going on "Santa is real, you'll see."

I disobeyed. "Santa is pretend. Really!"

Mrs. Nelson pulled me out of line and sat me on the floor next to her desk at the back of the class. 'You stay right here with your feet and your hands against the wall until I return."

She dropped the kids off at the Assembly, then came back to the room and sat at her desk doing who-knows-what. Every once in a while she would bark at me to put my hands flat against the wall and "don't bend your legs."

I learned early on that some aspects of the truth make some people very mad. [Presentation notwithstanding] But I never doubted the truth.

I just never trusted Mrs. Nelson.

She was a mean liar.

by David on December 25, 2004 03:38 PM

---

That is reprehensible, David! I would have been down at that school in a New York minute! What a traumatic experience for a six year-old boy.

You are absolutely correct- she was a mean liar and hope that someone somewhere showed some kindness to her.

by Rae on December 25, 2004 09:45 PM

---

« Hide Comments!

If you haven't heard by now, there are some bad people out there on this thing called the Internets. They seem to entertain themselves by causing harm and discomfort to other people. We call these people "Crackers" (not hackers, as one would expect)
You see, a Hacker is anyone who knows how to code, program, and get computers to do operations through commands, scripts, and what-not.
Crackers are Hackers that do this kind of thing maliciously.
They are smart.
They have many advantages.
They are going to always be a problem.

But we, the free people of the World-Wide-Web do not need to hide in fear; no, we have tools at our disposal, and here are two major ones:

• First, Stop using Microsoft Internet Explorer. Its not safe at all. This browser is a component of your operating system. If it is compromised, your computer is compromised. (And 99.99% of all internet computer nastiness is targeted at security flaws in Microsoft Internet Explorer.)
  Instead, install Mozilla FireFox. It is easy to install, and it has import capability which will take all your IE favorites and stuff, and makes the conversion almost seemless.
  Add to the fact that Mozilla has a nifty pop-up blocker, and ignores the lion's share of scripts which IE is prone to stumble over.
  Best of all, Firefox is an application, so if it is compromised, your Operating System is safe. (IE cannot say that.)


• Second, stop using Microsoft Outlook Express. Outlook and Outlook Express are two major targets of the variants of Worms and Trojan Horses. (You know, those attachments that you are not supposed to open... and even more subversive nastiness.)
  A great alternative is Mozilla ThunderBird. Thunderbird can read and send in POP3, SMTP and is also a news and RSS Reader. (Though I just use it for POP3).
  It is immune to those Worms and deviant code that Outlook Express is super-vulnerable too; and its easy and fun to use.
  The adaptive Junk Mail filter is hit or miss, but much better than many other out-of-the-box alternatives.


• Finally, I suggest getting an anti-Spyware software. Spybot or Adaware are two excellent examples. (As Rae notes in her previous adventures, her computer was exploited and pretty much destroied because of Spyware. Its best to have defenses for this in place as soon as possible, and run them often.)
  With FireFox and ThunderBird in place, a lot of Spyware threats are reduced, but not elimnated. This is a good "next line of defense".

Best of all, all these solutions are free. So you have nothing to lose.
Try them out today!

« Hide the rest of 3-and-out

---

« Hide Comments!

It included placing Oklahoma, and Nebraska after that, then Tennessee, all without any neighboring states for a referent. Only Nebraska was off at all, and everything else just clicked right in. Have fun!

« Hide the rest of Homeschooling Aid

---

WOW! This test didn't really cut any slack! My mess up was R.I. had no idea in New England where she went.

I think I'll let my kids play it today. Thanks for the link.

by Amy Jo on December 21, 2004 06:57 AM

---

First time: 88%, Avg Error: 16 miles, Time: 194 Seconds.

I thought that was pretty good.

by King of Fools on December 21, 2004 07:24 AM

---

I might need a 12-step program for this thing :)

by Ben on December 21, 2004 04:01 PM

---

90% (I was very annoyed because it was sooooo specific about the placement), Avg. Error: 12 miles and 444 seconds (while fielding questions and hugs from my children who desperately missed me).

I am going to send my personal cartographer over to do this one...

Off to attempt for time....

by Rae on December 22, 2004 11:48 AM

---

O.K. 96%. Avg. Error: 3 miles and all done in 199 seconds.

That's better.

Thanks for the fun link, Nate.

by Rae on December 22, 2004 11:53 AM

---

Better for time (143 sec) avg. for score (93%) and worse for miles (15).

So, I am officially in second. That is until the Master Cartographer (R) comes in and teaches me a lesson :D

by Rae on December 22, 2004 11:57 AM

---

not the game to play at work, it kept yelling NO! GREAT! YEAH! i need some work to do, you can only google around the internet so long before you lose it!

by NICK on December 22, 2004 02:12 PM

---

Ok, finally got 100%. It helped that California came before Nevada. Time was 152 seconds. This was on my 321st try or something like that.

Alas, now I'm on to other challenges. My past career as a trucking company fleet manager and sales coordinator was very helpful here.

Merry Christmas.

by Ben on December 23, 2004 01:57 PM

---

diabetic insulin diabetic supplies american diabetes association diabetes diet diabetic diet insulin pumps juvenile diabetes symptoms of diabetes diabetes equipment glucose meter syringes lifescan http://www.diabetic-care-supplies.com http://www.diabetic-care-supplies.com/american.diabetes.association.htm http://www.diabetic-care-supplies.com/diabetic.htm http://www.diabetic-care-supplies.com/diabetic-supplies.htm http://www.diabetic-care-supplies.com/diabetes.symptoms.htm http://www.diabetic-care-supplies.com/diabetes_diet.htm http://www.diabetic-care-supplies.com/diabetic_diet.htm http://www.diabetic-care-supplies.com/juvenile_diabetes.htm http://www.diabetic-care-supplies.com/symptoms-of-diabetes.htm http://www.diabetic-care-supplies.com/insulin.htm http://www.diabetic-care-supplies.com/insulin-pumps.htm

by diabetic supplies on September 19, 2005 04:52 PM

---

« Hide Comments!

According to tradition, you put seasonal fruits at the bottom of the home's manger scene. These are grapes, watermelons, pineapples, plums, melons, among others. You eat these as appetizers, refreshments, in juice, or as dessert, and they are a welcome complement to the rich array of dishes particular of this celebration.

A special mention goes to the punch known as clericó. This is a punch made with pieces of the above mentioned fruits (except watermelons, which for a strange reason don't get into the mix), red wine ---yes, you got that right, Sometimes, and for added effect, a little sugar is thrown in. Occassionally, red wine can be replaced by sangría, which is a mixture of red wine and fruit juice, but this is not common.

The fact is that clericó can be delicious but, at the same time, very intoxicating. And the most troublesome part is that it is greaty enjoyed by children. That's why my parents never made it; I got to taste it when we were visiting some family.

Clericó, then, while delicious, shows clearly that each culture has aspects that are good, and others that must be abandoned or greatly regulated if we are to build a culture of God's Kingdom. Till He comes...

« Hide the rest of Paraguayan Traditions: Punch and fruits

---

If you're not having the clerico, can you send some to me? :)

by andy on December 20, 2004 05:08 PM

---

Maybe, if I prepare it :)

by Eduardo on December 20, 2004 07:55 PM

---

« Hide Comments!

Ladies and gents and roosters and dogs-dressed-like-bunnies of all ages, I give you: Newcastle!

Yes, she is named after the beer.

Why are you looking at me like that?

« Hide the rest of Wholesome Family Entertainment!

---

Newcastle is a cool cat name. I had a cat named "Scully" as in the X-Files, why are you looking at me like that? but she disappeared mysteriously after one year.

by Joyella on December 20, 2004 07:08 PM

---

Lol- that was a good one, Cooly!

Oh, wait...

:)

by Rae on December 21, 2004 05:18 AM

---

A lovely cat, btw, Andy. I am a softy for Calicos.

by Rae on December 21, 2004 05:39 AM

---

Oh, I am glad that amused you, but it is a true story. She really did disappear....:(

by Joyella (aka "cooly") on December 21, 2004 07:55 AM

---

« Hide Comments!

Serenity

Yep that's right. Little pockets of the stuff still exists. And even when Rae gets a little ranty there is an underlying sense of serenity. If you don't watch out it will sneak up on you... tackle you ... and make you feel nothing but peace. I was so out of it I couldn't post a report yesterday.

Sneaky serenity, you are hiding something ::: one eyebrow raises ::: aren't you?!

It has been reported that the Rae will return to compound BlogRae very soon. I might have to flee with all the secrets uncovered so far. SO to recap...

Elvis aka "E." invented the Blogosphere, is a personal coach to Rae AND leads a macrame mind control cult with Rae.
Sasquatch aka "Sassie" is really a girl, loves lavender shampoo and wants to marry Chewbacca.
The Loch Ness Monsters aka "Nessie" is on a vitamin program developed by Rae and intends to stomp on Barney and take over his show. Sassie refers to Chewbacca and Nessie as "hotties."
And finally
If you stay in BlogRae for several days you will be intoxicated with serenity. BE CAREFUL.

Thank you for such a wonderful time. This is Randy Thomas signing off.

« Hide the rest of BlogRae Secrets: The untold story day 5

---

Peace that Passes....thanks for your fun posts, Randy :)

(P.S. Glad you stayed away from door number 4... ;) )

by Rae on December 21, 2004 05:20 AM

---

« Hide Comments!

Yesterday, while I was taking a power nap, I listened to the boys playing PS2 and the little one once again animating his people and vehicles. I thought about how loved these little boys are and how good it is that boys and girls are different. Yes, people are the same in that they need to be loved and to know that people care about them regardless of their gender. But the sound effects echoed through the walls of my home are not exploding things and punches. Boys and girls do differ in their dramatic play, and it's o.k.; it's natural; it's normal.

R and I were talking last week about the whole women's movement. We wondered whether the good gained negated the good that was lost. I really do want for my girls to marry a man who holds the door for them, pulls out their chair, helps them with their coat, who offers to carry something heavy. My heart melts when I see an elderly couple leaving a restaurant and the husband holds out her coat, the door, and gently yet protectively takes her elbow and maneuvers her when he perceives someone as getting too close. Can I put on my own coat? Of course. Can I hold the door? Yes, and I often do. Am I strong? Very. These things don't connote weakness. They show respect and consideration.

K and her husband are raising valiant young men; men worthy of my daughters; men worthy to fight for the country they believe holds the light of democracy. Men who will be respectful and considerate of their wives, cherishing her when the strength of her youth has given way to her aging body, respecting her as the mother of his children, and the one who has loved him and been faithful for so many years.

Thank you, A and K for loving and training your boys, and thus growing them into true men. Thank you for knowing and training their individual talents and gifts (piano, basketball, art, baseball) that as knights their armor will be unique as their swords are strong.

The sound effects are starting again, so I must finish that I may give my attention more fully to Spiderman annihilating his enemies and making a safer world for all the Mary Jane's and Aunt Mae's and Uncle Ben's. And remember, it was the contributions of these people together that shaped Peter Parker into the hero he became.

« Hide the rest of Superheroic World Wide Entertainment

---

Well put Rae. Red flags started to go up all over the place with my husband when we found out we were going to have a daughter. You see, he has bought into all that liberal women's movement crap, and was saying that girls are different than boys because they are conditioned to be different. I am sorry, but some things are built in. Like the way my little girl (one year old) is really into pocketbooks-purses-bags-anything she can put up over her shoulder to carry. My boys did no such thing, and they all have witnessed me do it. Boys do make more noises- and are more physical, God knows we don't teach them that! There have been many good things for women that have come from the liberation movement, however much of the good has been lost. Men have somehow lost their place,and have been confused about what we women want and need from them. There is a reason we were created different-and I am not just talking about body parts. We were intended to compliment each other, to fit in such a way that we allow the other to shine more brightly.

by Joyella on December 19, 2004 08:08 PM

---

One Christmas, R wanted to buy the girls a Tonka (TM) dump truck. It immediately became the mode of transportation for all the Barbies, a stroller for babies, or a shopping cart.

Next up, we requested a sandbox for the girls one year. After we filled it with sand, the immediately retrieved, guess what-that's right, the Barbies from the house (and promptly left them, which is how they formed a Search and Rescue Barbie....)

by Rae on December 21, 2004 05:26 AM

---

That's so classic. Boys like to bend Barbie into a 90 degree angle and pretend she is a gun...

by Joyella on December 21, 2004 07:58 AM

---

WOW!!! Joyella, you don't know the flack Rae received from this post, but I do. I loved your comments. You definitely appreciate boys, as well as girls. Both sexes are unique and wonderful, I am glad there are people who recognize and celebrate that.

You are my new hero, Joyella!

by Kelli with an I on December 23, 2004 03:02 PM

---

I like Coolyella, too, Kelli with an I (and thanks for commenting, friend :D )

by Rae on December 26, 2004 11:35 PM

---

« Hide Comments!

I tried to stick with the whole pink and grey theme that Rae has going on around here. I think the image comes off very well!

HOMESCHOOL CZAR Codename: RAE File Name: CLASSIFIED S/N: 169-192-168-100 Primary Military Specialty: Education Secondary Military Specialty: Communications Birthplace: Oklahoma Grade: E-4 From the advent of military organization, communication has always been understood as a primary need in the battlefield. With Rae, the G.I. Joe team has combined communication and also scalable knowledge distribution to keep the troops up to speed on enemy developments and strategies. Rae brings her skills of teaching and training her daughters to the job, and that that has proved to me the missing peice the G.I. Joe Team needed. In her spare time, Rae keeps track of family, friends, and politcal issues with the blogosphere.

For everyone else, you can create your own HeroMachne characters with this appliance at UGO

« Hide the rest of G.I. Rae

---

Umm, does that come with different shoes, Jeremy?

by Rae on December 18, 2004 11:55 PM

---

It could.
Are you looking for something in more of a go-go boot?

by Jeremy on December 19, 2004 06:48 AM

---

That's great!

by Randy on December 19, 2004 06:57 AM

---

Pretty low pay grade. E-3 that is a "Non Rate" in military parlance. Army PFC or Marine Lance Corporal. Needs to be E-5 at least that would be a SGT in any service.

by R on December 19, 2004 08:59 AM

---

Heh. It "pays" in so many ways to have a former Marine in your corner.

So, Jeremy, how 'bout that promotion? :)

by Rae on December 19, 2004 09:34 AM

---

Ya got one for me, too? [hint-hint]

by Nathan on December 19, 2004 02:30 PM

---

As the first Marine Regiment puts it "No better friend, no worse enemy"

by R on December 19, 2004 02:38 PM

---

I don't think HeroMachine has enough guns to make one for you Nathan! *smirks*

by Jeremy on December 19, 2004 02:51 PM

---

If it didn't cost $20, Jeremy, I'd see if I could make one of you. G.I. Joe needs a chaplain, right? Particularly one who is an Eagles fan! [grin]

by Nathan on December 21, 2004 06:48 AM

---

(If I spent $20.00 on this thing, it would have been the best $20.00 I ever spent. - I was a beta tester for Version 2)

I already put one together for myself, once upon a time: here.

This is what started it all...

by Jeremy on December 21, 2004 07:06 AM

---

« Hide Comments!

::: camera approaches a gihugeic door with a #2 painted at least 9 feet tall. The camera approaches the door which automatically swings open automatically with a seriously haunting creek. The view inside the door is pitch black and the only thing you can see are the next two or three stair steps heading downward. Handheld camcorder swings around to reveal Randy... :::

This looks scary, but we MUST press on to discover the mysteries behind BlogRae!

::: with steely determination the camera swings back to view the stairs and shakily the descent begins. 10 steps, 20 steps .. 50 steps later we reach the bottom of the stairs and the basement of BlogRae... Randy says... :::

Hello? Anybody here?

::: a match strikes about 10 feet away and a bright candle is lit revealing the face of SASQUATCH with an ear to ear grin revealing ferocious teeth. Randy screams like a little girl and runs the other direction. The SASQUATCH follows muttering something. The camera is bouncing like a Blair Witch Movie with Randy's sobs being recorded...he turns a corner and there like a big thick California Redwood tree but only purple is a dinosaurish leg. Unable to stop his forward momentum Randy crashes into the leg. Camera flies out of hand and as it crashes to the ground there is the brief appearance of some Jurassic park looking creature...all goes black ::::

::: camera comes back on :::

Sassie: "Oh look Nessie I got the thing to turn on. I sure hope this funny human will wake up soon. If I have to call an ambulance it will be difficult to finish our makeovers."
Nessie: "Is he breathing?"
Sassie: "Oh yes, ::: camera swings down to reveal Randy with his hair in little braids sticking up everywhere ::: I noticed a good size goose egg but he should be ok."
Nessie: "Do you think he will mind you doing that to his hair?"
Sassie: "I hope not...it's so cute."

::: as if on cue Randy wakes up :::

Randy: "uh smells like ... smells like Jasmine shampoo...what the...OH MY GOSH!!!"
Nessie: "Shh shh little one it is ok..."
Randy: "OK>>>> you are the Loch Ness Monster and why is Sasquatch cradling me like a baby! ::: whimper ::: don't eat me please?"
Sassie: "Eat you? Eating humans is just a myth of our marketing campaigns back in the 70's. Plus, after Rae's advice we are now known as Sassie and Nessie. And before you ask, yes I am a girl. We heard you interviewed Elvis so feel free to ask us a couple of questions."

::: Randy straightens up and takes the camera. Sassie moves over to Nessie who drops her 3 story neck to allow her ginormous head to be in camera view with Sassie :::

Randy: "Well ok then...Why would two famous monsters be in the basement of BlogRae?"

::: Sassie adjusts the brilliant "so this season" pink bow in her hair and then lifts a compact mirror to get the matching lipstick off her right fang :::

Nessie: "I don't know if you noticed but no one talks about us anymore..."
Sassie: "So humiliating..."
Nessie: "...we needed an image overhaul and came to Rae for an extreme makeover."
Sassie: "Rae is da' bomb."

Randy: "What are some things Rae has recommended?"

Sassie: "Well I had never thought of hair extensions and an extensive hair treatment program. No more stringy lanky! We went for full and luxurious. I so want to be Chewbacca loveable. He's such a hottie. ::: leans in toward the camera ::: HEY CHEWIE baby! Call me!"
Nessie: "I am on a strict vegetarian diet with vitamin supplements, my skin tone has gone from a pale lavendar to a deep rich eggplant."
Sassie: "Nessie is a hottie now too!"
Nessie: "Oh stop it ::: blushing but you can't tell, she's purple :::

Randy: "So how are you going to make it back into the headlines?"

Sassie: "I'm going to marry Chewbacca as soon as he proposes."
Nessie: "I'm going to stomp on Barney and take over his show."

Randy: "Thank you ladies, I wish you success on the revitalizing of your careers and on stomping Barney."

Sassie and Nessie: "Thank you! Rae is da' bomb!"

::: Back to live shot of Randy with the braids still in his hair :::

Well there you have it. Two spawns of satan or huggable monsters? You decide.

More tomorrow on BlogRae Secrets: The Untold Story. Randy Thomas out, back to guest blogging team.

« Hide the rest of BlogRae Secrets: The untold story Day 3

---

Randy, you really need to be writing some fiction- this is so funny and very creative.

Thanks for the fashion accolades (said while smoothing my wide wale chocolate cords, cream cashmere sweater [bought second hand, ya know, but I did get it cleaned], and adjusting my lovely new bracelet).....I do hope to make a difference in the world....

by Rae on December 18, 2004 11:58 PM

---

« Hide Comments!

::: camera approaches the door a little shakily, arm extends to open the door and as the bright lights flood the room we see Elvis bent over a keyboard. He looks up wide-eyed and says ... :::

Oh crud ...

ETC: Elvis? Is that you Elvis?
E: Rae just calls me E ... she's like that ...
ETC: WHAT are YOU doing here?
E: I invented the blogosphere and wanted to personally coach Rae.
ETC: I don't believe it.
E: I sure did...what else did I have to do? Face it, every time I sneeze I start a new cultural revolution.
ETC: What kind of coaching does Rae need?
E: Well, I know what it is like to be fabulous in a pretty boring state (TN) if not the whole country when I first started. I mean hello...they didn't even have rock-n-roll until I came along. It is rough being a beautiful trendsetter. I thought she might need a friend and emailed. Since then I moved to this little room in BlogRae. Rae and R. are really great people...in a really boring state. They need me for empathy.
ETC: So what helps Rae through the rough times?
E: Well of course R and her family are numero uno. She likes hanging out with her friends over good conversation and a fine wine. But when all else fails macrame. Macrame may be ugly to some but it is a great thing to do with friends. It's great for releasing negative energy.
ETC: You are telling us and all three people who might read this post that Rae does macrame projects with Elvis? and that you invented the blogosphere?
E: Yes, and please...just call me E
ETC: Thanks Elv... er E.

Well there you have it. Tonight we discovered that it was not those folks at blogger.com that invented the blogosphere... it was Elvis. We also learned that our beloved Rae does therapeutic macrame.

Thanks for tuning in to ETC news. Stay tuned for further updates behind the scenes at BlogRae. Back to the guest blogging team.

« Hide the rest of BlogRae Secrets: The untold story

---

Randy, you are crazy, and I mean that in the nicest way possible. You just make me laugh!

by Kathryn on December 17, 2004 08:53 PM

---

Oh shucks...thanks Kathryn. Glad you are laughing, tomorrow you will meet at least TWO more celebs behind door number 2.

by Randy on December 17, 2004 09:01 PM

---

Who could they be... there are so many possibilities!

I can't wait!

by Kathryn on December 17, 2004 09:15 PM

---

four people

Not to freek you out or anything but I do check in every few days and I like the way you write. I show some of your humor to my better half and she likes it as well.

Thanks,

or should I say "Thank you verry much hmmmm" ........... Elvis has left the state.

by Utah Dad on December 18, 2004 01:39 AM

---

UtahDad, you read Randy or Rae's blog?

by Rae on December 18, 2004 06:02 AM

---

Oh MY goodness! Elvis is still alive?! Far out!

by Ben on December 18, 2004 12:31 PM

---

Did you ask E if he knows why his daughter just sold him out? Tsk, tsk. Poor E.

This is verra entertaining, Randy! :)

by pam on December 18, 2004 04:14 PM

---

« Hide Comments!

*for lack of a better word that would work in a family blog like this

**Yeah, Nathan was allowed the same extremely generous time to try it out like everyone else, but had a minor crisis at home that left him with insuffic...you don't really want to hear this, do you?

« Hide the rest of Doh! (UPDATED)

---

I just want to know if it was another tragic potty training incident?

by zombyboy on December 17, 2004 11:02 AM

---

Potty training, no. I wouldn't call it training when noisome substances reach altitudes of greater than four feet.

by Nathan on December 17, 2004 11:04 AM

---

Ooo. That's not right.

by zombyboy on December 17, 2004 11:08 AM

---

Yeah. It's also not true.

...I'm not above exaggerating or even lying for humorous effect.

My life is generally too boring to be funny. The truth is more that I was absolutely exhausted from working 12 days straight in moving from one office building to another...see? Much less amusing.

by Nathan on December 17, 2004 11:33 AM

---

Nathan, I authorized you on the MuNu site (the one we sign into to MT), so you shouldn't need any special authorization (Robert and Steve of the Llama Butchers were the same). Try that.

by Rae on December 17, 2004 03:40 PM

---

« Hide Comments!

El mar sus millares de olas mece, divino. Oyendo a los mares amantes, mezo a mi niño.	The sea its thousand of waves rocks, divine. Hearing the loving seas, I rock my child.
El viento errabundo en la noche mece los trigos. Oyendo a los vientos amantes, mezo a mi niño.	The wandering wind of the night rock the ears of wheat. Hearing the loving winds, I rock my child.
Dios Padre sus miles de mundos mece sin ruido. Sintiendo su mano en la sombra mezo a mi niño.	God the Father his thousands of worlds rocks without a noise. Feeling His hand in the shadows I rock my child.

This was Eduardo speaking. Kudos and thanks to Rae for the privilege of guest-blogging.

« Hide the rest of Rocking (Meciendo)

---

Thank you for sharing that beautiful poem, Eduardo. It paints a tender picture of our loving and perfect Father.

by Rae on December 17, 2004 03:52 PM

---

I have a question about this poem. We're analyzing this in my Spanish class. Do you by any chance know when this was published?

I hope you can help, thanks!

by Allison on September 23, 2005 11:00 AM

---

Allison, this poem was take from the bok Ternura, published in 1924.

by Eduardo on September 23, 2005 03:04 PM

---

« Hide Comments!

In Uganda, in the midst of what feels like an endless war of the Lord's Resistance Army against the government, the atrocities are almost numbing. (Beware; the picture used to illustrate this story is disturbing and graphic.) The brutality shown by the rebel LRA isn't unique in the history of war, but it is no less disgusting for its familiarity.

Uganda's rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has become synonymous with torture, abductions and killings

"They tied me and laid me down. They told me not to cry. Not to make any noise. Then one man sat on my chest, men held my arms, legs, and one held my neck".

"Another picked up an axe. First he chopped my left hand, then my right. Then he chopped my nose, my ears and my mouth with a knife."

The LRA subsists by stealing food, equipment, and children. The children are turned into rebel soldiers, and, as such, are killed along with the adults when the government mounts their own anti-terrorist operations.

When pre-teen children are being killed, intentionally, as rebels in military raids, something has gone horribly, painfully wrong. In a story about accompanying government troops to the site of a "great victory" against the rebels, a writer for the BBC discovers children and women counted as enemy rebels in an indiscriminate attack. This kind of a victory is nearly as agonizing as the viciousness of the rebels.

It was a scene of terrible carnage. Dozens of bodies lay scattered around the undergrowth where they had fallen.

The first body I saw, the first of these 55 dead rebels, was about four-years-old.

Almost certainly he had been born in captivity - probably, like so many others, the product of a forced marriage between an older rebel and a young abducted girl.

Some 10 metres away, just such a girl lay, dead, stripped to the waist. She may have been the child's mother.

While I sit here writing, having enjoyed my company's Christmas party the night before, I am well fed, clothed, sheltered and warm. I don't feel guilt or shame at being American. I do feel the obligation of the powerful to help the weaker, though. Whether that help is in the form of donations in hopes of helping to feed the hungry or in the form of pressuring our government to do what it can to mediate in conflicts like the one in Uganda, it's the hope that in acting against evil we can help to make the world a better place.

I've worked to make the best of the opportunities that I've been given--and I've been largely successful--but I realize that those opportunities wouldn't exist without the gifts that others had given to me. Without the soldiers who fought and died to protect our freedom, without the founders of this country who created our nation to be prosperous and strong, and without those people who came before me who built the schools and the systems that prepared me to be the person that I am, I wouldn't have had so many chances for success.

Being thankful to those who came before--the nameless and faceless many who made my life measurably better--means more to me than simply saying thank you on occasion. It means finding ways to pass on the gift.

« Hide the rest of Pure Chance by Zombyboy

---

And, even amongst the developed nations, we American's are doubly blessed.

So very true, Z. And thank you for the prompt and eloquent reminder. (And for filling in for me, too).

by Rae on December 16, 2004 08:32 PM

---

Interesting post. A couple of things come to mind

1)Pure chance connotes no design or designer
2)Welcome to exactly 50% of the population with above average inteligence.

by R on December 17, 2004 06:53 AM

---

Hi Zombyboy! So glad to see your post. You are such a good writer.

by Randy on December 17, 2004 08:50 AM

---

You say the nicest things, Randy.

R, let's just say that whether there is a great design or not, I had no part in the planning sessions. From my point of view, it is pure chance inasmuch as I had no part to play in that starting point.

I do happen to believe in God, but I also believe that His designs are a mystery to me.

by zombyboy on December 17, 2004 10:08 AM

---

Zombyboy-I can't believe you didn't bite on the above average deal. I have to go because by pure chance my kids need to go to bed now.

by R on December 17, 2004 08:47 PM

---

« Hide Comments!

So, let's get to the mailbag:

I would like to hear from you about the art of "ranting." Why do people rant? Rant seems to be a buzzword in the blogosphere and some people wear it with pride ... why?

-Randy

That's a very good question, Randy. Did you know that, in England, the word "randy" has a different meaning all its own? I'm not sure Rae would really appreciate you using such language on her blog, so I have to insist that you change your name immediately.

We'll call you "Doug."

So, Doug, why do people rant?

When a left-winger rants, it's generally to charge their argument with so much emotion that no one will notice that it's got holes big enough to push Michael Moore through - and when a right-winger rants, well, pretty much the same reason except that the holes are more suited to a pre-2000 Rush Limbaugh.

When I - more of a libertarian sort - go on a rant, it's because my logic is so thorough and impeccable that I think it needs a little emotional MSG to keep it from seeming too dry. After all, my purpose is to educate, inform, and entertain. I wear many hats. Which, admittedly, makes me look silly when I walk down the street.

Movin' right along:

mr Rant guy,

I was just interested (all bad words aside) your frustrations with the world. I was just curious as to what they are and if they are similar to my own.

- Sally

That's a very good question, Sally. Alas, your name is just a little too close to the title of an Eric Clapton song which might make someone think of "adult activities," leading them to be randy doug. So, a new name for you as well.

How about "Fernando?"

I like it.

So, Fernando, what are my frustrations with the world, you ask? I could give you a rather large list, but then I might do someone or something a disservice and leave them off of it. Can't have that.

Allow me to summarize: stupid people.

Can't stand'em. Too many of'em.

As my grandmother always said* "People so dumb."

There you have it, Doug and Fernando. I hope I've answered your burning questions to your satisfaction. Should you have any others, just leave them in the comments and I'll get to them later today. If you wait until the evening, I'll probably have several beers in me belly and my answers will be even more discombobulated and ridiculous.

What fun!

* And, as always, there is absolutely no evidence that my grandmother actually said that. I use it as a "literary device," which is my right as a writer of thorough and impeccable logic and extreme modesty.

« Hide the rest of Because You Asked

---

Yeah... I have heard that one ... a couple of times. It thrills me SO much when people think its funny or are enlightening me on this bit of trivia.

::: crickets chirping :::

Nice to meet you.

by Randy on December 16, 2004 06:16 PM

---

Andy, I am gone from the blog for less than 24 hours and you have already offended someone? I am sure it does nothing for Randy to be told what his name is in British slang. Come on, play nice and "family friendly." Take off the h_ _ _ _ word for me....don't want to explain that one should one of the lovelies come to read mommies blog tonight.

Now be nice so you won't have to go to the blogger corner.

by Rae on December 16, 2004 08:22 PM

---

Oh, I thought that was very humorous. Randy can take it, he's a big boy.

I was wondering if you were referring to actual Monkey Love or was that a code for some deviant behavior? I don't think Rae will tolerate that kind of play here, if her daughters are reading this, better keep it PG.

by Joyella on December 16, 2004 08:42 PM

---

Thanks Rae and Joyella. Yes Joyella I am a big boy and while "offended" sounds all righteous I was more like ... whatever.

by Randy on December 17, 2004 07:17 AM

---

Apparently the readership here is somewhat different from my own, as I thought it would have been clear that I was just being silly and using the "randy" thing so I could have fun with changing his name. I certainly wasn't trying to offend anyone.

Sorry for the slow response; been a long morning.

by andy on December 17, 2004 01:14 PM

---

Andy, no problem at all, and I think that Joyella saying that she thought it was funny gave me a perspective that my very tired brain was unable to see last night.

Still want that "h" word, ummm, edited, though. You know, weird search engine stuff....

by Rae on December 17, 2004 03:35 PM

---

« Hide Comments!

Why is she so loved? What makes this lady the only fashion beacon in her whole state? Well, we are going to interview some BlogRae behind the scenes players to get the scoop. Tune in to learn the answers to these amazingly clever questions and more!

Before signing off for this report I must note, when I entered BlogRae I went to go hang my coat in the closet. It must be reported that the *only* items in the closet were some fantastic coats and cute snow boots.

Next post .... who is behind door number 1 in BlogRAE!

I'm Randy Thomas with ETC news back to the guest blogging team.

« Hide the rest of Behind the scenes in BlogRae

---

Ooooh, could there be a Scandal afoot?

I LOVE Scandals!

by Jeremy on December 16, 2004 10:20 AM

---

Funny pun, Jeremy,

And yes, you are quite right, Randy, only cute coats and snow boats....shhhh, not UG's but close enough and I can still feed my family :D

Now you sound like the right kind of papparazzi ;)

by Rae on December 16, 2004 08:30 PM

---

Randy,

If you need any fashion "dirt" on Rae, ask me. She's taken me, a poor pitiful dresser shopping and $500 later......

Amy

by Amy on December 17, 2004 08:55 AM

---

« Hide Comments!

As I look back, my virtual reality has increased like a creeping morning fog. (That is about as artistic as I'm gonna get)
- First, starting as a young college geek, with his first Community College E-mail account. (We didn't have webpages back then.)
- Then I moved to the desert, and graduated to a Univesity E-mail account (actually I subverted myself into several servers, one VMS, one UNIX, and one of some unknown Mainframe language that was so restricted that I just didn't care about it.)
BUT, there was my first website.
"The Homepage That Your Parents Warned you About" - ah, those were the days, learning HTML by the seat of my pants.

But even worse, I now had a worldwide audience. I could inflict major damage now.

Fortunately, God put on the brakes just a few months later. (but that is another story.)

I moved away from the University to my first apartment, and subscribed to my first dial-up internet service provider. They were also so nice to provide me a website, and The Essential Jeremy R. Gilby Experience was created.

For those of you keeping score at home, that is 2 websites. Double the fun!

Just before graduating, I was employed by a not-so-small-software organization. After a few months, I was staffed in a department that offered small businesses their own domain names. (and I then discovered the joy of being a Personal-Domain-Name-Owner)

Jeremy-Gilby-dot-com was created.

It was collossal.
It was heralded through the ages.
It had cgi
It had perl
It had php
It was a BLOG!
(Okay, so maybe you had to be there.)

But of course, with access to unlimited free domain names, thanks to the job, I had websites coming out of the woodwork (at one count, I had 15 - YES, 15)
I was overboard.
I mean, who needed a domain name of back-the-truck-up.com?
Really...

So that was pruned down.
I'm down to a handful again (less than 5)

But the madness does not stop there.
For you are witnessing it.

This, is a guest blog.
I'm not the owner of this site. Not even close.

I'm a visitor.
With edit rights!

Yes, the sphere is ever increasing.
Where will it stop?

Okay, really. I hope to have some fun here. (Along with the plethora of other guest bloggers while Rae enjoies her precious time with kith and kin.)

Don't worry Rae, we'll keep watch of the fort.

« Hide the rest of Spheres of Influence

---

This threw me really badly when I started reading it, Jeremy. I found my brain imagining you in those shoes and that little black and pink number Rae described in a couple of her other posts, as it (the brain) adjusted to this being you instead of Rae.

Ah, well. What's a few months of forthcoming therapy between friends?

(Enjoyed your post, BTW. Enjoy the editing power.)

by Cindy on December 15, 2004 07:33 PM

---

Don't Panic, everyone...
Read the WHOLE Thing.
Then read the whole previous article.

This is not the outer limits. I do not control the horizontal, nor do I control the vertical.

Please Stand By

Cindy: Now *I* need therapy after that image.

by Jeremy on December 15, 2004 07:53 PM

---

Thanks :)

by Rae on December 15, 2004 10:15 PM

---

« Hide Comments!

Countless times I have been standing in a store piecing something together and some poor soul walks out of a dressing room, looking confused and uncomfortable. Seeing that the "attendant" is getting the latest dish on her co-worker, I rush to aid the abandoned woman . After a quick size-up (literally), I grab several selections off the racks, gently push her back into the hovel and hand over the hangers. Not five minutes later, she emerges, checks her backside in the three-way mirror, and profusely thanks me. Once while in the Harold's at the plaza of Kansas City with Kris, I even quietly suggested a more supportive undergarment to the delight of a woman and her husband, to whom she loudly told my decent proposal while in the company of several patrons. Kris quickly made her purchase and we left. No decorum, that woman.

Last week, I convinced R that I had simply nothing that would do for his company Christmas party. I think he was fully aware of my tiny exaggeration, but he took pleasure in accommodating my desire for a little something new anyway. Besides, after two years of overdressing (it is a corporate party in UT, how was I to know that "semi-formal" ment a good pair of jeans and one's cleanest boots?) I had thought of something, but my city is so lacking in anything decent for anyone over the age of 20, so after an hour of fruitless searching, I descended onto a store that I had once been into and reserved great hopes of it becoming something nicely obliging my clothing tastes. My mother may not have taught me many practical things, such as making a roast or sewing on a button, but she did teach me how to dress: lot's of classic, good accessories, a splash of haute couture and you'll always look fabulous. So, this year, I was rejecting the skirt in favor of pants. As the song "Almost Blue" slipped softly out of the speakers, I walked along feeling all the racks of fabrics. My eyes rested on a pair of bubblegum pink thin-wale corduroys (like these, but with three buttons to the side of the zipper). I took one of only three sizes offered into the bathroom (they were remodeling) and came out to do the three-way check. Perfect. While changing, and pending the fit, I mentally arranged a union of a pink ribbon belt, two inch black heels, a white polyester button down shirt, and a black velveteen jacket similar to this one. When I explained the forth coming masterpiece to the scatterbrained woman standing behind the counter, she tilted her head to one side, sized me up, and then asked if I would like to go to market with her in Los Angeles sometimes. My exact thoughts: Tempting, but....no. Though I cannot deny that it sounds like a great deal of fun, I have never met you before in my life, woman. Besides, from the looks of the store, you are better than you give yourself credit for. My actual words: "Wow- that would be a lot of fun, but ummm, I, need to...hurry home to get ready for my evening out. But thank you, really. "

Sigh....my opportunity had to come in the form of "absolutely not" didn't it?

« Hide the rest of Honk Honk (The sound of my own horn)

---

How fun is that!? Maybe you could have lunch with the lady and help bring some fun fashion to your area?

by Randy on December 12, 2004 03:42 PM

---

Maybe lunch. That might be safe.

I really do enjoy helping people pick out clothing. What Not to Wear beat me to the punch, but I have thought about having a private business where I am a personal shopper. Wouldn't that be great vicarious fun?

Oh.My.

by Rae on December 12, 2004 05:41 PM

---

« Hide Comments!