Fly to Jesus

Through waterfall tears (which is why I couldn't find a better picture than that one taken at my 50th birthday), I write this blog post. I said my goodbyes today to one of the dearest people in my life, Ken Kinnier. Soon we'll walk together on that road of grief, surrounding each other, lifting Mrs. Kinnier and her family up, celebrating his life. So much pain, so many tears, so many memories.

Before I left his room, I sang part of a song:

And with your final heartbeat,
You’ll kiss the world goodbye,
And go in peace and laugh on glory’s side.
So fly to Jesus.
Fly to Jesus.
Fly to Jesus and live.

Yes, he’s headed home to Jesus soon. No more Huntington’s Disease. A blessed reunion with family and friends who have went before. His finish line is in sight, a well paced race ran with determination and endurance. And there is no doubt in my mind and anyone else who knows Ken Kinnier, that he will hear Jesus say, “Well done!” So, Mr. Kinnier, fly to Jesus and live!

Perfect Does Not = Wonderful

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS QUOTE:

I have spent my whole life, it seems, trying to be perfect. The perfect daughter, perfect mother, perfect friend, perfect wife - not to mention keeping a perfect house. I was raised to always do my best, with the understanding that my best was perfect, therefore anything less meant I hadn’t done a proper job. Of course, no one demanded perfect in my household but me. Still, I have a hard time letting it go. I can’t help it. I think it is my job, somehow, to make the world orderly and clean.

I don’t want to believe in perfect anymore. I think it is a good time to shed the shell of perfection and grow a newer, more flexible one to carry me through the second half of my life.

The Best Present Ever

People say that "the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach." From my experience, it is the best way to any person's heart. The gift of food is awesome! It doesn't cause clutter and one size fits all! It is a gift of service and allows the cook in the house to give a gift to the rest of the family - a good meal!

I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't enjoy having dinner prepared for them by someone else, especially during this busy, busy time of the year! And that's just what we got as a Christmas present from Mike and Marci Martin - homemade spaghetti sauce and noodles. It was delish!! Thank you Martin Family!

In Memoriam

June 23, 1933 - December 1, 1997
My Daddy was kind, compassionate, caring, friendly, helpful, loyal, easy-going, faithful, hard working, funny, handsome, brave, dedicated...and the list could go on and on. One of the things he did best was loving people unconditionally! Yes, he was so many things to so many people, but to me he was just my Daddy, and I was his little girl (even after I was grown).

Time does heal, but the hole left in my heart 14 years ago is just as big today! I miss you, Daddy!

12-Step Program

I admit I am addicted to Junior Mints Peppermint Crunch. I also admit that I just finished my 9th box, and it is not even Thanksgiving. Oh my goodness!!!

Last night I commented that I might need to enter a 12-Step Program, and my husband quickly replied: "Yes, stay 12 steps away from the cupboard!" :0)

The Lunch Ladies

Don't know how many of you have read this before, but I LOVE it!! Wanted to share it with you all. Here's to a good laugh today!

A group of 15-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for lunch. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Dairy Queen next to the Ocean View restaurant because they had only $6.00 among them and Jimmy Johnson, the cute boy in Social Studies, lived on that street.

10 years later, the group of 25-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for lunch. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the beer was cheap, the restaurant offered free snacks, the band was good, there was no cover and there were lots of cute guys.

10 years later, the group of 35-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for lunch. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the cosmos were good, it was right near the gym and, if they went late enough, there wouldn't be too many whiny little kids.

10 years later, the group of 45-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for lunch. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the martinis were big and the waiters had tight pants and nice buns.

10 years later, the group of 55-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for lunch. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the prices were reasonable, the wine list was good, the restaurant had windows that opened (in case of a hot flashes), and fish is good for cholesterol.

10 years later, the group of 65-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for lunch. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the lighting was good and the restaurant had an early bird special.

10 years later, the group of 75-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for lunch. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the food was not too spicy and the restaurant was handicapped-accessible.

10 years later, the group of 85-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for lunch. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because they had never been there before.

Boys Will Be Boys

Boys will be boys...and men will be boys, too!! There must be some advantages to working at a construction company with all men, but I haven't discovered any yet! :0)

Arrived at work on Thursday afternoon after running a lot of errands, and I immediately headed for the kitchen to get a water bottle. But, I saw something better...

When I opened the lid, this is what I saw. Of course, they got the "reaction" they wanted and thought it was sooooooooooo funny!

"Why did they have a dead rattlesnake on ice in an ice chest?" That was my question too. Well DUH - because they were going to take it home and cook it!!