He is Risen!!

Doubt it? Wanna see some evidence? Perhaps you should start here:

http://www.leaderu.com/everystudent/easter/articles/josh2.html

or you might want to take a look at this:

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/2964/resurrection-evidence.html

And then....does it really even matter?

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/2964/resurrection-evidence.html

The Bird Flu Panic

I'm very interested to know where other people stand on this issue. Big L and I are still discussing it. First - a little background on our reaction to other similar situations.

Y2K - I wasn't blogging yet, but I did have several people ask me as a "level-headed person, rational person" (what were they thinking??) what my plans were at the time. Others were buying expensive generators, sending their wives and children to live in RV's away from cities, stockpiling food and water. We did none of these.

9/11 - We never changed our habits and continued flying as we normally would've. Also, we have not responded to the advice to stockpile duct tape, plastic, water and food in our home...even though we live minutes from some of the largest oil refineries in the country.

Hurricane Rita - we watched the predictions of a monster storm, analyzed the charts of where our house would be in such a situation, packed our bags and left. And we also planned ahead for the traffic and mayhem of the evacuation of millions from this huge metropolis, so we took plenty of snacks, water, toilet paper, buckets for the kids to use, and we left in the evening so our kids would sleep for most of the journey. Just in case, we also took our gas burner, a large soup pot, and enough ingredients to make a pot of soup for an entire traffic jam, which fortunately we never had to use.

Now this brings us to the Bird Flu Pandemic Panic. What should we do, if anyting? Well, first we need some information. Will the Bird Flu ever even reach the US? Experts say yes, and by the fall of 2006, based on the current locations of infected birds and normal migration patterns.

But the big question remains, will it mutate to a form that can pass from human to human? And if it does, how easily and quickly will it spread? Well, if you believe the expert Robert G. Webster, who is credited with first recognizing the link between bird flu and human flu, the answer is that we face about 50/50 odds of it mutating into a human to human situation.

The part of "The Flu Hunter"'s article that most disturbed me, however, was this:

If the virus does mutate, it does not necessarily mean it will be as deadly
to people as it is to birds. But experts such as Webster say they must
prepare for the worst. "I personally believe it will happen and make
personal preparations," said Webster, who has stored a three-month supply of
food and water at his home in case of an outbreak.

"Society just can't accept the idea that 50 percent of the population could die. And I think we have to face that possibility," Webster said. "I'm sorry if I'm making people a little frightened, but I feel it's my role."

Most scientists won't put it that bluntly, but many acknowledge that
Webster could be right about the flu becoming transmissible among humans, even
though they believe the 50 percent figure could be too high.

Researcher Dr. Anne Moscona at New York Weill
Cornell Medical Center said that a human form may not mutate this year or next —
or ever — but it would be foolish to ignore the dire consequences if it
did. "If bird flu becomes not bird flu but mutates into a form that can be
transmitted between humans, we could then have a spread like wildfire across the
globe," Moscona said.

It just so happened that when I read this article I was in the process of supervising my children's bath. I looked over at my 4 and 6 year old innocently playing in the tub and thought of their asthma and Webster's bleak 50% of the population.....and I knew this time I would have to take some precautions.

So, Big L and I have devised a plan. We figure if it "really happens" and the bird flu mutates into a human to human disease, it will be quick. We will pull our children out of school and homeschool them until it passes. We have set 3 months as our target for preparedness. So each week, when Big L goes to the grocery store, he purchases 2 large containers of water and some extra non-perishables which we are storing in our garage apartment closet. We are buying things like pasta, powdered milk, canned soup, peanut butter, crackers and breakfast bars. We figure that way we can contain ourselves at home (both of us have the ability to work from home) and wait it out.

Illegal Immigration and Fedral Control of Church Work

Boy, that's an all-consuming title, isn't it? I'm trying to wade through all the mumbo jumbo out there to put together some thoughts of my own on this.

My first reaction....I'm always angered when people protest in the US by waving flags from another county. Hey, if you're so proud of it....LIVE THERE instead of the HERE!

But then I did some research, and I'm disturbed by at least a couple of items in the House's legistlation. First of all, they want to make illegal immigration to the US a felony. Why? Well, for one thing, convicted felons cannot be admitted later as LEGAL immigrants, so one time over here illegally and you're out forever.

More importantly to me, the law actually requires churches to verify the legal status of people before offering them any help or assistance. Now wait just a minute! The church has always been a place of totally a-political immunity. I don't care how or why a person comes to the US, if they show up needy on the door of my church, we're helping them with food or clothing or whatever else we see fit! I cannot abide ANY legislation that seeks to control the actions of the church, who they can help, how they help, etc. What's next, we can only help people in need if we don't mention anything about God?? This is an absolute overstep on the part of the House, and one that I will protest vehemently.

All of this makes me ask "Why can't we ust enforce the laws we already have?" Are new laws really necessary? I totally agree with GWB on this one.

I mean, let's face it, the only reason the GOP can even pretend to support this is under the fear that terrorists will infiltrate the US through our borders with Mexico. If it's truly terrorists we're after here, then why can't we allow those verified as "non-terrorists" to have work passes here for a period of years?

I realize that keeping terrorists out is a HUGE priority, but has anyone stopped to think of the impact this could have on our standard of living and our economy? Do you live in a brick house? Those would become a luxury only the very wealthy could afford. Do you employ a periodic housekeeper? Forget it when they become unionized citizens unless, again, you're extremely wealthy.

I happen to know a family that would've been adversely impacted by these proposed laws. We've been friends with them for over 10 years now, and at first they were here illegally. They have since become legal....something that never could've happened under the new laws. They are some of the most honest, hard-working, wonderful people we know. They simply wanted a better life for their children. Don't we all? I hate to see terrorists once again force us to change the way we live, which is exactly what will happen if this law is passed as it stands.

I'm not the only one back...

The Dixie Chicks are too. And apparently they can hold a grudge like nobody's business! Their new CD will break out with a single called "Not Ready to Make Nice" which references their hatred of Bush and the whole controversy that caused them to go missing for 5 years. What they seem to *still* not get, is that nobody gives a rat's rear-end what they think about politics. That wasn't the problem. No matter what side of the fence you're on though, you should be angered when someone representing America bashes the current president on foreign soil, to non-Americans, when America is in diplomatic negotiations with that country! I was just about ready to let my kids listen to the Chicks again (I still have a bad taste in my mouth), but this first single has totally changed my mind. I suppose this is going to be their mantra for the rest of their career.....may it be as short lived as possible:

Not Ready to Make Nice
Words and music by Emily Robison,
Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines, Dan Wilson

Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting

I’m through with doubt
There’s nothing left for me to figure out
I’ve paid a price
And I’ll keep paying

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and
round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if
I could‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I
should

I know you said
Can’t you just get over it
It turned my whole world around
And I kind of like it

I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin’
It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach
her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect
stranger
And how in the world can the words that I
said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and
round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I
should

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and
round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I
should

Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting

Hey chicks....now that you mention it, I'm still mad as hell too! Thanks for reminding me!

WHERE have I BEEN???

Well, it's been nutty around here. For the most part, I've been absent from the blog because of some medical issues. Nothing too serious. Mainly, the kidney stones that cropped up a year ago starting causing some problems again, and long story short I had to have lithotripsy on both kidneys to get rid of all the stones.

But the great news is, I'm all better and I'M BACK!

Happy Hanukah vs. Merry Christmas

Just wondering....if you're not Jewish, would you be offended by seeing a blue & white sign that said "Happy Hanukah" at your local shopping place? Me either. This week I was at Target when I saw an endcap completely decked out in blue, white & silver with displays of all kinds of Hanukah goods from Menorahs to Dreidels to Hanukah gift wrap. At the top of the display and on each shelf was a banner that read "Happy Hanukah". My first thought was "how cool...I didn't know they sold Menorahs at Target!". But then, as I thought about it, I became extremely offended.

Not because I'm offended by the reference to Hanukah, but rather by the lack of reference to my holiday, Christmas. I mean, Hanukah stuff takes up exactly one endcap in the store....not exactly making or breaking the bottom line for Target. Christmas stuff, however, takes up aisles and aisles of the store totally dedicated to the holiday. Target and all other similar retailers completely depend on Christmas sales to make or break their bottom line for the year, however you will not see "Merry Christmas" anywhere in their store, or in their ads. Why not?? If you want my money, want me to buy Christmas trees (Lowe's calls them Holiday Trees...name another holiday where people put a pine tree in their living room!!), Christmas cards, Christmas decorations and Christmas gifts, then wish me a Merry Christmas for Pete's sake!! Don't take my money and then act like my holiday is so evil and offensive you can't even refer to it! I mean, who is being inclusive here and who is being exclusive? I'm thrilled to see a Hanukah display and I'd be just as thrilled to see displays for every religious holiday with all the related goods and trimmings. Just don't exclude mine and make me feel like my religion is somehow too offensive to be mentioned by name.

Incidentally, I hear that Target and Sears are re-thinking their "no Christmas" policy due to a sales problem and will actually refer to Christmas in their upcoming ads. Nothing lack crappy holiday sales to bring out the inclusiveness in corporate America!!

In the Christmas Spirit!!

And yes, I said Christmas....not Holiday Spirit, or Season's Spirit....CHRISTMAS spirit! I'm really enjoying it more this year than I have in the past few, for whatever reason.

One reason is that I'm really enjoying a particular gift I'm giving this year. My Mom and Dad live in a small condo, and she wanted her *one* flower bed redone. This is right up my alley! I just had to recruit a couple of siblings to pitch in on the cost, and I get to plan it, sketch it out, and get my hands dirty! It's been so fun...first seeing what types of flowers she enjoys (roses & lilies), then choosing the varieties so she has lots of colors and something blooming from early spring to late fall. Then sketching it out to see how it will look and where everything will be planted. We've already removed all the old plants, installed a new border, added garden soil, planted the 2 anchor plants - antique roses, and added the soaker hose and of course the garden flag. All we have left is to receive and plant the lilies, cover with mulch, and arrange some lava rocks for downspout coverage. So fun!! The "giving" of the gift is lasting the whole month long, so it's really a blast.

My children are at the prime ages this year, too. Big J woke up this morning and sleepily asked "is Santa coming tonight?" Hilarious! They are SO into everything. Decorating the tree, making ornaments, reading Christmas books....you name it, they're enthused about it! Sure does make everything more exciting. I've even downloaded Christmas ringtones for my phone that they helped me choose!

Happy December 1st, and remember to enjoy the next 24 days because it will all be over way too soon!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

As you celebrate with friends and family, please take time to thank God for your blessings and pray for those who are missing loved ones at the table this year.

Cpt. Jason Snelgrove....we're gonna miss you! Hurry home safely and I promise to fix all your favorites next year! We're really gonna miss ya on Friday. We might be the only Aggies there! BTHOTU!!!

Big L and I are hosting the big hooha this year, and we're expecting around 18 tomorrow. After going over the menu, we're going to have enough food for twice that.....although what am I saying? It's MY family.....we'll eat it all!

Yes, the look of the blog has changed yet again. Mainly because something went haywire with the blogfrocks template I was using, and I'm tired of always having to fix it. So....I guess I'm just gonna stick with the basic old blogger stuff. Incidentally, this is the same template I was using when I launched Texasbug over a year ago.

Have a wonderful holiday!!

Missing Friendswood Girl!

Friendswood, Texas
CHASTITY MONIQUE PETTWAY JACKSON
Missing Since: November 11, 2005 at 05:00
Age: 16
Missing From: home on Bougainvilla Lane
Sex: female
Height: 5ft. 6in.
Weight: 130 Lbs.
Eye Color: black
Hair Color: black
Race: black
Birth Date: December 29, 1988

Distinguishing Marks: Acne on face
Clothing Description: May be wearing a red jacket with "Cotton Bowl" on front and back.
Jewelry: Silver hoop earrings
Chastity, We love you. Please come home. We want to know your safe.--Your Family

Please call the Friendswood Police Department at 281-996-3300 if you have any information about CHASTITY MONIQUE PETTWAY JACKSON- Case number: 051849
Or, call the Laura Recovery Center at 281-482-LRCF(5723) or (toll free) 866-898-5723; FAX: 281-482-5727
Download Flyers
Recovery Effort E-mail: recovery@lrcf.org
PLEASE POST

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today, was a day that, although I didn't know it at the time, would be a day I'll remember forever. November 13, 2004 is the day that Captain Sean Patrick Sims was killed in action in Iraq. It happened on a Saturday morning, and I didn't find out about it until the following Monday.

These are the times when I wish I were a writer instead of an accountant. I would love to capture my memories in a way that make you, the reader, feel even a fraction of the emotion that I feel. Sean and I met in college and dated for a while in what was a pretty serious relationship. After we broke up, we did not stay in touch, but I'd just run into his best friend and his wife at an Aggie football game, so I was contemplating contacting him to catch up. I knew he and his wife Heidi had recently given birth to a son, and I was interested to hear from him as a father. But, that was not to be the case. Instead, in a very weird turn of events, I've now struck up a friendship with his wife, Heidi, whom I've never met in person. When I tell people this, they always give me a strange look and say "you're friends with his wife? That's strange". But really, it's not when you think about it. In her words, we are the two people who probably knew him the best, and we're able to talk about Sean in a way that neither of us can with anyone else, because they didn't know him like we did. Crazier things have happened I guess!

Anyway, Heidi's post today tells the story of how she found out the news that Saturday evening. So...I'll tell mine as well.

On Monday, November 15, I had a business lunch with a very nice girl about my age who works for a payroll service. She and I were discussing client of mine that I had in mind for her service, and she was telling me how she could improve their payroll issues. I really enjoyed it because I like Hilary, plus I always like getting dressed in casual business clothes and going into the city. It reminds me of my former life, only I still get to go home, change into pajamas, and play with my kiddos! Anyway, as we finished I walked her to her car to get some printed materials to give to my clients. We even made plans to get together for some Christmas shopping in the next week or two.

I opened the door to my Expedition and started to climb in. Just as I'd tossed my purse to the other seat, my cell phone started ringing. With my door still opened, I saw that it was my niece Rachel calling from Oklahoma, which was odd in the middle of the day, so I answered quickly. (Rachel's husband Jason is in the Army and they were stationed at Ft. Sill at the time). "Hey Rach!....What's up?" I hear controlled tears in her voice as she says "Something bad. I have some bad news". I think she went on to say she wasn't sure if it was a good time to call me, and that she didn't know how to tell me this, etc. , but my concern for her caused me to interrupt with "it's fine...what is it??". I'm already thinking....something with Jason...a fight...I'll fly up there and make them make up....I'll help her fix it, whatever. She may be my niece, but my maternal instincts extend to her as well, and as a result I want her life to be perfect. So, my first reaction is that somehow it's not and I *must* fix it. She responds "They're saying.......They're saying Sean is dead". My response: "Sean Sims? No, no, no." Then it hits me. "Oh my God. (deep inhalation) Oh my God! (deeper inhalation) Oh my God!!! NO!!! Are you SURE??? How do you know?" She responds "Abby (her younger sister) saw a friend's post about it on texags.com, she wasn't sure it was the right Sean so she called me first, and I checked. It's him, I'm so sorry." This is the point where I begin to cry and sob hysterically. My car door is still open, and I'm at a trendy restaurant in Rice Village, and none of that ever crossed my mind. I cried and cried and cried until I finally registered Rachel's voice asking me if I was going to be OK and how would I get home. OK, reality. I realize I have to get it under control. I assure her I'll be OK, that I won't drive until I've calmed down, and that I'll call her as soon as I get home. Then I hung up and called my husband. The first words out of my mouth must have been assurances that nothing was wrong with me or the kids. He very lovingly let me cry and get it all out until I was calm enough to drive home, which must've been 20 or 30 minutes later, at least. The whole parking lot scene lasted around 45 minutes.

Luckily, I'd arranged for my kids to be cared for until much later, so I got home to an empty house. I sat down on the couch and immediately started searching the internet (and crying). First I went to texags.com to see this post that so blatantly just layed it out there for anyone to discover. There I discovered one of Sean's buddies from L-2, Mark, who had also found out via the texags post, and was demanding details and confirmation. I was so grateful for that, because that's what I wanted to do too. I posted to see if he remembered me, and he did, and we then started conversing regularly via email as the days unfolded. After I'd read that post, I started searching. Every scrap of info, which was much more that I expected to find, on the internet. Then i remembered that I'd just seen his best friend Dave and his wife Michelle at a football game, and I had their phone number! What a strange thing that I'd run into them the week or so before and I hadn't seen them in 10 or more years until then! I called Michelle and left her a message that I knew and to please call me back, which she did. Turns out, she'd wanted to call me, but in her words she was too scared to actually be the one to tell me. I was so grateful to have her to talk to, because she was the only person I knew who'd actually known Sean when I did, other than my niece, and we had many shared memories to go over. My niece Rachel had been 13 at the time I dated Sean, and would come spend the weekends with me at Texas A&M, hang out with Sean and his buddies with me, and go to the football games. She'd even known Dave & Michelle. That whole experience influenced her to go to Texas A&M, and knowing Sean influenced her to date and eventually marry a Corps boy of her own...Jason. So I was very grateful that it was she who gave me the news. But for the grace of God I would've just happened upon it at texags.com, which would've been much more horrible for me, I think.

<....to be continued....>

Some Very Special Veterans

On this Veteran's Day, I'd like to take a moment to say Thank You to some very special Veterans in my life:

First of all, my Dad


Fireman 1st Class, H.S. Shuman, who served in the Navy on Okinawa in World War II at the age of 17.

Next, my father-in-law


Wayne Kitchel, Army officer serving in Korea

Next, someone very dear to my heart who gave his life for our country on November 13, 2004 (more posts to follow this week)


Captain Sean Sims, US Army served in Iraq and Bosnia. Be sure to check out his wife's blog at Learning to Live

Next, someone whom I've gotten to "know" after receiving a memorial bracelet with his name on it


Master Sgt. Kelly Hornbeck from Fort Worth, TX who gave his life for our country on January 18, 2004 in Iraq

Last, but most definitely not least, my niece's husband who is currently serving a second term in Iraq. Unfortunately, all my photos of Captain Jason Snelgrove, US Army in Iraq, are on the computer that crashed so instead I'll give you a link to his awesome blog, There and Back Again

Have a wonderful Veteran's Day, and say a prayer today for the families of those who gave their lives for your freedom!!

I'm in Limbo....

for a while. My laptop bit the dust! Luckily, I did have a desktop that i could start using, but I'm not going to be my usual blogging self until my new lappy gets here. For one thing, the computer didn't have Mozilla/Firefox on it, so I'm having to try and remember all my user names and passwords! I was so spoiled with it before...

Hopefully by Wednesday my new toy will arrive! Woohoo!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Your Monster Profile

Creepy Lunatic You Feast On: M&Ms You Lurk Around In: The Hearts of Men You Especially Like to Torment: Blondes

What's Your Monster Name?

Why I'm Voting "No" on Texas' Prop 2

First let me start off by saying, yes...I am still a Christian! In fact, that has a lot to do with why I'm voting no on Prop 2 (designating marriage as one man, one woman). I do not have a problem with a law that would simply do what I just stated....confirm that "marriage" is between one man and one woman. However, Prop 2 goes way beyond just that. It does not allow for any kind of legal standing for other people, and I would like to see this. I see no reason why the law cannot allow for 2 adults of the same sex to designate each other as next of kin for hospitalizations, inherited property, etc. This type of thing is not allowed for by prop 2.

Not only that, but I'm sick to death of Christians acting like homosexuality is the greatest sin on the planet and warrants all of our resources, time and effort to stop it. What about adultery? It's sin, but not illegal. Same goes for sex before marriage. Is anyone fighting to put unwed mothers in jail? I don't think so. Even better....why not pass a law that says its illegal to remarry after divorce? After all, that's what the Bible says, right? The problem is that too many Christians break that rule, so they'll never fight to make it a law. That's exactly my point here. The fact of the matter is that most people simply cannot imagine themselves being homosexual, so they think it's the worst thing ever. Anything they can imagine themselves being tempted to do....not so bad, and definitely shouldn't be illegal.

Additionally, I do not believe that the Bible should be the standard for the law of the land. Just because we might possibly have the majority right now does not mean that we should legislate our faith. Heaven forbid the majority ever fall to the Muslims and we find our grandchildren living under Sharia law! It's just not right.

Lastly, I do not believe it's what Jesus would have done. Jesus was all about social justice, and that's what this law is about (or against, in this case). Jesus spent all of his time with those who were outside of the law, and outside of the religious, moral lifestyle of the day. He did not spend His time trying to change their behavior, He spent it trying to change their hearts. If we as Christians are so concerned about homosexual behavior, our time would be much more well spent developing friendships with gays and introducing them to the One who can change their lives. As it stands, I'm sure they only see Christians as antagonists who want to make their lives miserable and who seemingly hate them. I could not blame them for making those assumptions, based on the way "we" love to bash them.

As a human being, I cannot help but care about those who live in a lifestyle that is so shunned and despised by Christians....those called to love all. I sympathize with the fact that they are simply asking for a few laws to make their lives far less legally complicated. The passing of this law has nothing to do with whether or not having homosexual relations is a sin or not. This vote should not be a statement of one's morality or personal choices of lifestyle, as those have no place in the legal system. It is simply a matter of social justice. Until a law is presented that will provide social justice for everyone, it won't be getting my vote.



I need to add a special note of thanks to my brother, Ken, whose phrasing I occasionally borrowed in this post!

The Swanky Conservative has such a great post on Texas' Prop 2 and why you should vote "NO!" on it, that I don't even need to add anything!

Just go read it yourself, and enjoy!

America Loses an Icon

Rosa Parks passed away today at the age of 92. She sums up her amazing life story with this quote:

"I'd like for [readers] to know that I had a very spiritual background and that I believe in church and my faith and that has helped to give me the strength and courage to live as I did."

Mrs. Parks also wrote a book on her life titled Quiet Strength.

America will miss you, Mrs. Parks.

Anne Rice Shrugs off the Occult for Christ

Anne Rice has not only discovered a new faith in Christ and embraced Christianity, she has also written a novel based on the life of Jesus as a 7 year old aware of his Godly connection. What a transformation! Fans of Lestat and her Vampire Chronicles series will be upset, I'm sure, as she's given up writing anything that doesn't "please The Lord".

Her new novel, Christ the Lord, Out of Egypt reflects immense historical research and time spent studying the faith as well. Should be a great read! It's out November 1st, and I've already pre-ordered mine!

The Record-Breaking Continues...

It's official. For the first time since the naming of storms began, the World Meteorological Society (a UN organization)has never run out of names on the pre-determined list. Until now.

Tropical Storm Alpha has formed near Hispanola, in what has now become the most active hurricane season in history.

I'll admit, It's weird. But before everyone starts freaking out....just keep in mind it ain't global warming, so don't even start with that goofy stuff!

Houston, We Have a Series!

History is made as the Houston Astros earn a spot in the World Series for the first time ever. GO 'STROS!!!!

Astros Win Game 6

Revisiting Katrina

Well, we kinda figured that after the big Hurricane Rita evacuation, that most of the Katrina evacuees would not return to this area.

Not so! We just welcomed a displaced family into our garage apartment over the weekend. They are a young couple from Slidell, LA with a 6 year old daughter. They have a very "Louisiana" french last name, and they definitely have the LA accent! Very sweet couple and we're so glad they're here.

I'll keep you posted as to the ins and outs of sharing our space, but for now (day 1) it's going fine.