September update

Well, my update for this month. I have lost 2 more pounds and am down to 146 and 22.29 BMI. I originally set the goal of 145 and I am on the threshold of acheiving that goal. I am going to amend my goal to 135 and set it there. That will give me a BMI of just under 22 which is healthy for my height and weight. The great thing this month is that I have gotten into an 8 in 3 different stores which means that I am truly an 8 or all the stores have gone into league with Old Navy a 8 is really a 12 from years ago. Anyone else notice that ON does that? Disturbing! Anyway, I look and feel better than I have in years. Just need to get rid of the C-section belly! I have read that it is impossible but I have learned that with my God all things are possible! I am now running 3 miles in less than 30 minutes and eating healthy food. My kids are exercising with me and loving it. You should see AJay doing Walk at Home by Leslie Sansone with me. It cracks us all up! By my 10th anniversary in December, I will be at goal weight! Thanksgiving, you will not foil me!

The Ending

So Susan and John are in an impossible situation. What are they to do? Well, this story is actually true and ended on Friday with the birth of a baby boy, or at least the pregnancy did. Carolyn Savage was told at the same time, "You are pregnant but with another family's embryo." The Savage family decided immediately to give the baby to his/her DNA parents. They decided that this was the right thing to do. They contacted and met with the family of the baby just to cement things. What an awesome family! What a hard decision! In a world where revenge is the first and best resort, they gave in to love. What a selfless decision! The made the best of a horrible situation. My best to Carolyn and Sean Savage and the Savage babies! May God reward you for the decision that you made and may your heartache lesson a little every day! Congratulations to the DNA family! I hope that you realize what a gift you have both in the baby and in the "surrogate" family. I guess it is sort of a happy ending!

Here is a link to one of the 1000s of stories! http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/25/wrong.embryo.birth/index.html?iref=topnews

What would you do?

If you know how this story ends, please don't spoil it for everyone else.
There is a woman. I'll call her Susan. Susan and her husband(I'll call him John) want a big family. Nine or ten kids would be awesome for them(crazy, if you ask me). They have 2 kids and then are unable to conceive for 9 years. Then, Susan gets pregnant thanks to in vitro fertilization. She begins to have problems during the pregnancy and must go on bed rest. The pregnancy puts her life in danger but due to her love of children she presses on. She gives birth to a healthy baby and the doctors told her that due to her condition and her age, she can only have 1 more baby. They do the in vitro thing again and it takes. The couple is ecstatic!!!! Four children will be great!
John gets a phone call at work that he could have never imagined in his wildest dreams he would receive. The fertility clinic calls to let him know that they accidentally impregnated his wife with another couple's embryo. The shock! The horror! They leave him to tell his wife who is about 8 weeks into another difficult pregnancy. Her last, in fact. What are they going to do?
Here are their choices: they can terminate the pregnancy killing another couple's child. It is Susan's body, of course! They can have the baby and keep him/her and face many legal battles ahead. They can have the child and give him/her to his biological parents. What a dilemma!!
I want you to put yourself in each couple's shoes. What is right? Legally? Morally? Is abortion an option if your are pro-choice? It is not your blob of tissue. Biologically, it is someone else's property. Should you get to keep the baby? Could you give him/her up knowing you cannot get pregnant again?
You fill in the blank with your opinion! My next post will be the true ending to this tragic, yet, true story!

Spoiler Alert

Have you ever read a book that is so real and then something happens that is so cataclysmic that your breath is taken away? This happened to me recently with a series of books I had been reading. The series was written by Joel Rosenberg. It starts out with The Last Jihad. Each of the books has some major event that makes the book a page turner from chapter 1. However, in the last book Dead Heat, the United States of America is hit by terrorists in what can only be described as devastating. Five major cities are hit with nuclear bombs that are launched off of freighter ships. These cities are Washington, LA, NY, Langley, and Seattle. The LA bomb takes out the current sitting president and most of his party leadership and the NY & Washington bombs take care of the other one, effectively crippling our government. At this point, I had to put the book down. I had tears in my eyes and a pit in my stomach. I could almost feel the fear and panic that would no doubt ensue after such an event. People trying to find out about loved ones. Injured people lying in the affected areas with no hope for salvation and dying after suffering for a long time. I looked at my husband and said that this author just made my heart stop. That is the key to a good writer. Can he/she affect you and make you think? Rosenberg did that! He has such a way with putting words onto paper that you think that this could actually be real. Not forgetting that this is the same man who wrote about a 9/11 style attack on the US- 6 months before it happened! That book was slated to come out on 9/11/2001and was obviously pushed it back. Several things he has written in his books since then have also come to pass. I don't think that he is a prophet but I do think he analyzes things very well and can see what might come. Thanks, Joel, for keeping me up at night in a way that every horror film has ever tried to do but has failed! I enjoyed that thrill ride! Punch my ticket, I am ready for more!

PSA: WARNING

I want to make this clear. This actually happened to me and I actually spoke to LT. Vesely of the police department here in Hendersonville. No need to scopes this but please listen.
Last week, I went to see a movie at the Epic movie theater on Four Seasons Blvd. On the way, I was singing and dancing to my favorite song. A man in a silver, Dodge Stratus pulled alongside me and started waving. I ignored him because I didn't know him. However, I did look at him so I guess that was all the encouragement he needed. He followed me into the parking lot. During the middle of the day, it is virtually empty there. I sat in my car for about 15 minutes while he circled the row of cars in which I was parked. When he ventured out, I ran to the ticket booth. He sat and watched me buy my ticket. I told the man working the booth and he called the manager. The guy, still in his car, then began to circle. He circled while I was gone to the restroom and while I bought popcorn. I was nervous and frightened.
Last night, I waited on the lieutenant and asked him what should I have done. He said that I should have called the cops to come out there. He, then, asked for a description of the vehicle. When I told him, he began to nod. There have been approximately 7-8 calls about this man in this car with the same physical description in the Epic/Big Lots parking lot. This frightened me even more. The officer then stated that he has a type but didn't elaborate.
Here is my warning.....Please don't take this man lightly!!! I have been taught in self-defense classes that if the hair on the back of your neck stands up or you get that pit in your stomach, DON'T IGNORE IT!!!! He is trolling for something or someone. I don't know what his intentions are. Maybe he is just a looker but my gut says that he is getting the nerve up for something. If he can be attracted to a 35 year old woman in a mini-van, then he can be attracted to anyone! Call the cops immediately! If they get there while he is on property, then they can get him for trespassing. Otherwise, they have to wait until he commits a crime! By then, it'll be too late for some woman! Please be vigilant! Know where you are and who is around you. Be aware if your surroundings!!!!!!!!!

Bring on Health Care Reform

I think someone just had a heart attack reading my headline but I am going to say it: we need health care reform! Please, keep reading and you understand why I say what I say. The hot button issue right now in America is health care. Should we have it for free? Should it be given to us by the government? Will there be abortions funded by our tax dollars? What about the 47 million Americans who are uninsured?
Here are my ideas for health care reform:
First, get the lawyers out of my medical office. If there were some sort of tort reform limiting the raping of our doctors and hospitals, that would alleviate the some of the problem. At this point, if I get a hang nail at my doctor's office, then I can get everything they own. It is our modern day lottery system. A get rich quick scheme, if you will. Doctors make mistakes. The last time I checked they were human. If you want someone perfect, you better go to Jesus Christ, Himself, the Great Physician. That involves death and you can't sue Him for that. Stop the unnecessary millions of dollars that are being sucked from the system in medical malpractice fees and premiums.
Second, stop treating illegal aliens for free. They are criminals! They came into this country illegally thus breaking the law and are criminals. They do not deserve the best medical care in the world. They often get better treatment than the men and women who are giving their lives so that they can break our laws. STOP IT!!!! I am a citizen and I don't get it for free nor do I want the government to hand it to me! They must be required to pay up front! This is going to sound harsh but they will quit going to the ER for a runny nose!
Third, allow competition. Capitalism is based on competition. You have several stores that sell the same thing close together like burger joints. The ones who make the highest quality product for the best price get the most business, at first. The one who treats the customer the best will keep the most business. There are more than 2500 insurance companies in this country who want to insure us. Different states regulate who can come in and who can't. Why can't they all compete and the one who gives us the highest quality for the best price and treats us well will keep the customers. The other ones will try to aim for that standard. We, in America, set the bar too low. Once someone reaches that bar, they have no motivation to go any farther than that. This was true when I was teaching high school and it is true in day to day life.
In that same vein, allow catastrophic insurance. I am uninsured. I don't need insurance to go to the doctor for an ear infection. I need insurance for a major life event like a car accident, cancer, or diabetes. Right now, we cannot buy this kind of insurance. We have to have it all. Who says? Some bureaucrat in Washington to Raleigh? I don't want them to dictate what my individual life needs This is out of control government regulation! I also don't want the government to have access to my medical records. What happened to doctor/patient confidentiality? If the government knows, then they can decide that I need this or that or I am not worth saving.
Fourth, quit shoving that 47 millions uninsured Americans statistic down my throat. This number is way over used and under explained. Some people, like myself, choose not to have it. There are homeless people who would rather not as well. These are counted in that number. There are people who are eligible for employer sponsored insurance that choose not to participate. According to the AP, we could be fined up to $3800 if we refuse to sign up for some form of the proposal. $3800? Are you kidding me? So, we are going to destroy our system for approximately 11 million people. 11 million out of 300 million? We sacrifice the whole for the tiny minority? Does this make any sense? Start with the above ideas. Then, try the proposal for yourself, President Obama, Congress, State Governments. Let us know how that works out. Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare seem to be working out so well for us! Please, don't make this a do as I say not as I do thing! You are not my parent and even if you were, that is not good parenting.
Bring on the reform! Get rid of everyone in Washington and start fresh. You can bet if you don't listen to us, we will get rid of you!

Observations from King Apple

These thoughts came to me as I had caramel dripping from my mouth and funnel cake fresh in my tummy. I have the privilege to work in a restaurant right smack dab in the middle of downtown Hendersonville. This weekend was different, though. It was King Apple Festival. First, I want to know who is King Apple and what does his crown look like? Are there "galas" to introduce our young daughters and sons to his prince or princes? What does the royal carriage look like? Did we forget Queen Apple? Anyway, I digress. This establishment saw many things due to the sheer numbers of people that came through our doors(approximately 6000). We had some trials but all in all things went smoothly. I would like to share some of these things with you. Some brought a smile to my face and some made me angry.
Let me start with the way people dress. Oh my word! What are some people thinking? If you are over 25 years old, weigh more than 140 lbs, or a man, you shouldn't wear tank tops, halter tops, strapless numbers, short shorts, or skirts. I am so anti-back fat. No, not fatback( I like fatback) but back fat. You know when you put on your bra and the fat above the bra hangs over the strap? That is gross! People wear these things and it looks like they have boobs on their backs. Not a great look for anyone. If you are of a certain age or are a man, short shorts/skirts are not appropriate. Men, jorts(jean shorts which are so popular with Florida fans) are not a good fashion statement. Also, let's put some sleeves on our shirts. I hate arm pit hair. It creeps me out and seeing yours makes me want to gag. Wife beaters are so out of fashion, though I am not sure they were ever "in." Ladies, wearing a skirt that barely covers your cheeks just says one thing. I can't write the word but I hope that you can imagine what I am thinking. How can we even begin to get anyone to take us seriously when they can see our butt cheeks? Is that what you want people to notice about you? Cheeks and back fat?
Ok, moving on cause I could spend all day on what people wear. Now, this is called an apple festival. A festival by definition is merrymaking and revelry. You are supposed to be happy! You have funnel cakes, apple slushies, and apple ice cream, for Pete's sake. What reason do you have to be so crabby? Several people came into the restaurant and began fussing at our hosts before they even got fully into the door. For stupid reasons! How are they responsible for all the people crammed into our booths and tables. We had this 1 lady who couldn't understand that we were on a wait and we wouldn't put 2-3 people in a booth that sat 6-7. Not that hard to comprehend when you see all the people who got there before you. What does yelling get you? The hottest table in the restaurant! Yell at my hosts again! People were angry about the heat, the amount of ice in their glasses, the amount of noise. Yes, I know it is hot. I am wearing a long sleeve blue oxford and long black pants. I have sweat rolling down my face and other body parts that you can't see. There are 200+ people in the restaurant and the pizza oven is cranking out about 6 pizzas per minute at 600 degrees! The ice maker couldn't keep up with the heat and the demand so we brought in bagged ice. Poor thing just finally quit. Don't yell at the teenagers at the front door!
I saw some sweet children come through laughing and showing off their face painting. Some came through asleep on a parent's shoulder or in the stroller. Many wanted to sing and dance their way through the room. They were festive!
I close with the funniest story of the weekend. I was at the front door talking to the hosts on Sunday and these people came through the door and quickly scooted by us. They were carrying food and drinks. I turned to see what they were doing. They sat down in my empty booth. I walked over to ask them what they were doing. They just blatantly told me that they wanted to get in out of the heat and eat their food. I think my chin struck the table cause one of the men asked, "that awright with you?" No, no it is not "awright" with me. I told them that they can't bring food into a food selling establishment. Would you take beer into a bar? Coffee into Starbucks? I asked them politely to leave. When they did, I just chuckled. That took some guts!
So, King Apple, I am glad you are done. The core of you is good but too much makes me tired and sick! Until next year, keep it crisp and sweet!

The Antichrist

I am reading Joel Rosenberg's series of fiction books. I so enjoy the way he brings the Bible and current events together. He has a real gift. One thing that was mentioned almost in passing between 2 characters was that there is an antichrist in each generation. Jesus, Himself, says in Matthew 24:36 and in Mark 13:32 that no one, not even Him, knows the hour of the Second Coming. She makes the connection that Satan is included in that, as well. He can't know because he is not omnipotent nor is he omnipresent. He doesn't know because he is not in God's loop nor is he God's BFF. He has been preparing since Christ ascended 2000 years ago. Rosenberg believes that Satan always has an anti-Christ waiting in the wings ready to be possessed at any moment. I find this whole thing fascinating. Maybe that is the reason we have had some nasty dictators in the past i.e. Nero, Hitler, & Mussolini. To be a party to some of the things that these men did is beyond fathomable. None of us can imagine murdering millions of people but it became a consuming fire in the souls of these men. I am not an expert on Roman dictators so I won't pretend to be. However, I am fairly sure that Scripture is clear on the nationality of the Anti-Christ, he is supposed to be a descendant of the original Roman nation. Wonder who the one is today? Unlike Jesus, he is supposed to be handsome and popular with the masses and extremely charismatic. Jesus was not handsome according to Scripture. People weren't supposed to be attracted to Jesus, physically, but attracted to the message that He came to earth to give. I can't see who it is but when the time comes, the masses will be mesmerized by his "power". I hope the Rapture happens before that. People are so infatuated with the latest star or political figure. Imagine what they will be like when someone like this is supernaturally lifted up! Good news, Barack Obama, you are not the AC!

August update

Ok so this month I lost no weight. I kind of hit a plateau. After spending the month slacking off on exercise and "cheating" on my diet, I am going to buckle down. I have also changed my goal weight from 145 to 140. I am still at a 149lbs so I don't have far to go. My 10th anniversary is in December and I want to be flat stomached and skinny thighed by then. I want my husband to see me as I was when we were married. We are also planning on running a 5k in December so I guess I should start training now. Unlike other months, I am not disappointed that I lost no weight. I am liking how I am looking right now. I am not perfect but I don't jiggle like I used to. Discuss this again next month!