A Memorial Day Message

“We must always remember that America is a great nation today not because of what government did for people but because of what people did for themselves and for one another.”  Richard M. Nixon

Hope everyone enjoys their Memorial Day and their families.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Life is Sneaky, So Are Snakes

Last week was not exactly a great week. It all started with a snake in my garden. I HATE snakes. They've got beedy, hypnotic eyes and a forked slithering tongue. And they all look slimey and move faster than a nano-second.

The one good about the snake was, it's a black racer. He or she is perfectly harmless and has been keeping away rats and birds from feasting on my garden vegetables.

But it scared the be-Jesus out of me last Sunday while I was filling my watering can at the spicket. It squirmed out off my hedges and popped it's creepy head out at me. I screamed and ran away, of course.

 The snake, on the other hand, looked to say, "Hey! Where you going? I only wanted to say 'hi'. That's all."

It should've been a sign that my focus on Killer Stilettos would be interrupted by Sweetman trying to pass an 8 mm kidney stone obstructing the kidney. There was a lot of vomiting, blood, and screaming for 24 hours. And can you believe he refused to go to the ER. He only went because his doctor made him.

Friday afternoon he had surgery. Yesterday, he came home. He's got a bag attached to him and a home healthcare nurse.

Anyway, it wasn't a great week to visit blogs or comment or even work on any of my writing projects. The Sweetman was more important. Family always comes before work and projects.

So with that said or written or whatever, enjoy your families and remember those who fought and died in the name of Freedom. Happy Memorial Day!

I'll be working. The corporate world sees holidays as another way to be working. I wrote a post on that 2 or 3 Sundays ago.

I'll be around the blogosphere this week, God willing.

Hugs and chocolate!

Shelly

Progress: It's a Big Party Pooper

I debated on whether or not to write this post. It's sad to know that our opinions or beliefs could get us fired. But I'm of the belief that we're going to see a day in this country where people will be killed for what they believe in. There's a lot of animosity toward certain subjects. You can pick and choose which one. There are plenty to go around.

Today, I'm going to rant about Saturday and Sunday and our holidays. You see, I had to show up for work today(it's Sunday evening as I write this piece), knowing that I would be sitting and staring at the walls and my fellow hairdressers. WHAT A BORING WAY TO SPEND MOTHER'S DAY!!! I almost fell asleep and toppled out of my chair. I did a total of six haircuts in six hours along with everyone else. None of us made any money...well...except maybe the BIG CORPORATION. What is the deal with these organizations where they feel they have to squeeze the last dime out of everyone...? ON A HOLIDAY, mind you! It's bad enough that these CORPORATE SCOUNDRELS are now seizing our right to celebrate Thanksgiving. What next? Christmas? Easter?

Has America become so greedy that time with God, family, and friends aren't important anymore?

I really miss back in the day when the majority of people had the weekends off. People either went to church or synagogue. Practically no one had to go to work on a Sunday except waitresses and doctors and nurses. Gas stations weren't even open back then.

I miss being able to chill out with my friends. I miss those big Sunday dinners at Grandma's house. In fact, I used to daydream of the day that I would have the big dinners at my place. NOT!

I miss the old way of celebrating Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. It certainly wasn't at the mall  or at work. It was spent with family and friends and meditating on what that specific holiday meant to each one of us.

And we wonder why we're stressed. The American Way with all it's progress and CHANGE has made this nation sick if not sick and tired. Hypertension, heart disease, stress-related disease...family problems...YUP! I could go on and on. But I won't.

I hope everyone has a happy week and that you hug your family everyday.

Please feel free to rant about whatever you want in the comment box.

Hugs and chocolate, all!
Shelly