Truth SUCKS!

I love this saying,

even if it is a TOTAL LIE.

UNLESS

one is sick

OR

being held against her will

it seems she should be doing something.

I live by this.

My Mom lives by this

and her Mother before her.

I come from a line of strong,

busy women.

The truth is...

Monday was a cold, rainy day.

I spent most of the day doing nothing.

I was neither sick

nor

held against my will.

I turned my back on my healthy eating and exercise

plan.  I drank diet Coke

while picking through this bag

of yumminess, leaving only the pretzels behind.

Yes, the truth is sometimes ugly and unhealthy.

Guilt is a terrible thing!

I have done the math and find

I will only need to walk around

the park 62 times to make up

for the progress I have lost today.

If you should need me call my

cell.  I carry it while I walk

and I'll be walking till

Saturday, 10:04 am.

my SPECIAL day

This is a very special day for me.

I am officially a 30 year

thyroid cancer SURVIVOR as of today!

I really do not like to think back to this painful

time in my life yet I feel it is good to remember

and give thanks for how far I've come.

My story is not one of bravery and unwavering

faith in God.  This was the most frightened

I have ever been in my entire life.

I was young.

I/we had 3 small children.

I was busy.

I had plans.

Cancer was most certainly

not on my "to do" list.

I went into surgery for what I thought
was a benign thyroid nodule.  I knew
there was a very small chance that
this thyroid "thing" might
be malignant, but I also knew the
odds were very good that it
was not.
After the surgery I was told

everything had tested fine - no cancer

was found.

Three days later a pathologist came into

my room and quite bluntly told me there

was some "question" about the test

results and it would take a few more

days to be certain, but it was very

likely I did have cancer.

I was so shocked that I could not speak.

My husband was with me.

He held me.

He talked to me.

I had no words.

It was literally several minutes

before I could find my voice to speak.

I'd never had that experience before

and have never had it since.

I suppose it was the shock.

4 days later I had surgery again.

This was considered "preventative surgery".

The prognosis was fantastic,

but I was not.

I fell into a deep, dark, pit of depression.

It was a dark place,

a place I hope I never see again.

It lasted for many months.

I could tell you stories - but not now.

My husband was steadfast and refused

to let me sink alone.  My parents, my sister,

and a few close friends kept me afloat.

They prayed for me.

They loved me.

They helped with the children.

They hung with me when I had no interest
in anything.  When the tears came
often and uncontrollably they remained steadfast.

It was a long, slow, path back to

feeling whole again.

I am blessed in that I required no

chemo or radiation.  I am certainly

no cancer expert and I certainly have

no  great Christian testimony.

Actually, if this was a spiritual test,

I'd honestly say I deserve an "F".

There were times I was angry.

There were times I felt far from God's love.

There were times I questioned the "why"?

I had no great strength and I certainly

could find no happiness or peace

during this stormy season of life.

I have heard people talk about far greater

loss, suffering and pain and how the

peace and promise of God "kept

them" during their trial.

I am not one of them.

If anything I felt like the weakest,

most helpless creature in all

of God's creation.

If I learned anything from this experience

it is simply the fact that by myself

I AM weak and totally dependent

upon God. The good news is God is strong!
He is stronger than anger, doubt, despair,
and pain.  And he places wonderful
people in our lives to be
his "hands-on" love.

Fast Forward to now - I am happy beyond

measure.  My life is better than I could have
ever imagined.  I am healthy.

Our 3 small children are now grown and

we have even added another daughter

to our clan; she is 17.  We have

3 beautiful granddolls and hope

to have even more someday.

* * * * * * * * * * *

I'm not really sure why I decided to share

all of this, after all it is an "old" story.

I think I just wanted you to know

that I have a thankful heart, and perhaps

if there is even one of you, my readers,

who feels weak and ill-prepared

for the situation you are in,

"be encouraged". 

~SWEET TEA

bunkodeb@aol.com

*If you made it through this l-o-n-g

post, thanks for sticking with me.  ;-)

"LOVE" in a box.

I got a box in the mail

And inside was "love"!

My Sister has been taking a quilting class

and she made this for me.

Is there anything prettier than red patterned fabric

with small black and white checks?

If you answered "No" then you are

ABSOLUTELY correct.

BE-A-U-Ti-FUL!

I know how much time she put into this

and it speaks to my heart.

It looks awesome on my kitchen table.

The flowers were a hostess gift

from a sweet friend.

I think the Valentine placemat and the flowers

were meant to be on my table.

I just can't seem to get this cheesey smile

off my face today.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

I hope you've got enough love in your life

to give you a big smile today too,

which I KNOW you do, as there's

love galore in the Bloggy community.

I love those of you who stop by

to read my words and share my life.

You make a difference
in my world.

Thank you!

How to lose 50 lbs by Friday!

I went to a "Jewelry Party" yesterday.

According to the pretty hostess,

we should always wear multiple bracelets

and multiple necklaces.

SHE SAID -

each bracelet and each necklace

will make us look 10lbs thinner.

10 lbs!

Forget my diet.
When my order comes in next week
I'm gonna be 50 lbs lighter!!

"Would she lie?"

Wendy's:The Parable of Teens and the Homeless Man

Princess, who is 17, shared this true
story with me.  Some of her friends
were a part of this.

A few kids in the church youth group
went out to grab a burger at Wendy's.

As they sat eating, their eyes were drawn to

a man who had entered just after them.
Hair mussed, wearing probably all he owned,
he was quite obviously a homeless "street person".
He did not go to the food line to order,
but instead slung his backpack into
a booth, sat down, and simply stared
into space.

The kids watched to see
what he would do next . . .
In a few minutes the man stood
and went into the restroom.

This was their opportunity to practice what
they believed and put their faith into action.

They quickly put their money together
and ordered up a burger, fries, and soft drink

and placed it on the man's table.

There were many people in Wendy's
so they knew they could remain anonymous.

In minutes the man returned to his table.
He looked at the food.
He look around the room.
He seemed angry.
He picked up the food and walked
straight to the garbage can
and threw it away.

Then he sat back down,
opened his backpack,
took out his computer and began to work.
It seems the man was neither homeless
nor unemployed.

The kids exited quietly before
convulsing in laughter.

"Things are not always as they seem".

Pajama Law?

I love Louisiana!

I've lived most of my life elsewhere,

but I claim to be a Louisiana girl.

It's where I call home.

We've got beautiful weather.

We've got laid-back charm.

We've got sweet tea and old fashioned hospitality.

But we've also got old schools

and our share of social problems...

AND a  goofy politician who wants

to spend our tax dollars working on a law to make it illegal

to wear pajama pants in a public place.

It seems to me if it's not indecent, immoral,

or a safety hazard,

people have the right to make themself

look the fool if they so choose.

This is America and we have the right to look

stupid if we want. 

Have we not seen the plus-size woman

wearing a tube top that looks like it's been

sprayed onto her bulgy boobs?

Have we not had our eyes seared

by seeing excess back fat hanging

over said tube top?!

Maybe we need a law for that.

Have we not seen  teeny-boppers with

their butt cheeks hanging out of their

short shorts?

Gonna have to have a law for that too.

Unmanicured toes displayed in old flip-flops

and men wearing dark socks with sandals.

Where is the police when this happens?

Where do we draw the line?

And who is gonna be the fashion police?

And who is gonna pay them?

I want my tax dollars to go for building new schools

and updating the old ones.  I want more police officers

to fight the crime.  I want more services for the

under-privileged.  Heck, I want  tornado sirens

to warn the city when a twister is at hand.

Altogether now, can we say

"PRIORITIZE".

Geesch, I'm wound a little tight today.

Perhaps I need to get back into my jammies

and make a Target run.  Ya think?

BTW, I promise I.do.not.and.have.not.ever.

gone.out.in.public.wearing.my.pajamas.

Can we talk?

I just need to talk.

Paula Deen
the "Butter Queen".

Do you feel duped? 

I do.

Why did she disclose her diabetes only when she stood to profit from it? 
Does she really think we can't see through her flimsy reason of wanting to deal with it privately before sharing the information?  The key word is "deal".  She shared it when she got a "deal" to make a buck.  When one builds an empire for oneself is it ever time to say, "enough".  What a great spokesperson she COULD have been for the cause of diabetes if she had "come out", changed her ways, and helped people find a better way to cook/eat, rather than "outing herself" just to make more $$$$.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Demi Moore

Once again what Mama taught us is right, "Money can't buy happiness".  It can buy new boobs and a new face but it can't fix how we feel about ourself deep within.  Hollywood women enjoy lots of the things money can buy but I find it very sad when love for themself and love from others becomes dependent entirely on looks.  Would my husband love me less if I gained 20 lbs?  Would my photo be splashed all across TV and magazines if I had a "muffin top"?  That must be very hard.  I hope she gets the help and love she needs to get back on track with her life. 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I've been walking in the park...a lot.

Princess loaded my ipod with music and it has sure helped the with the boredom as I make my way around and around and around the park.  It would be easy to scare small children and serious walkers who observe me.  I listen to some old Amy Grant music and talk to God and I must remember  not to talk out loud.  And if I'd get some decent walking clothes that would be a plus too, rather than the old ratty clothes I wear to sweat in.  I do look pretty scary and my behavior isn't helping.  Got to work on it.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Remember yesterdays post about the huge rooster?
Here's a follow-up:

Shreveport, LA(KSLA)- A nine-foot-tall statue of a rooster stands at the corner of Hope and Texas Street.  "I really enjoy it," says one driver.  Seemingly daring you to ask the question "Why is the chicken there? That's a good question." 
The answer is just as good.
"Just for conversation, attract attention here."
The proud owner, Jack Lamb says he didn't really have a good reason, but he did have a goal.
"Often I'll just park over here and I'll watch people, kids will wave at it," says Jack.

"Only in Louisiana."  ~SWEET TEA

Thanks for listening.
I feel so much better now.

*News Alert*

Why?

That's what we're  wondering.

This 8 ft. tall rooster

has mysteriously appeared on a vacant lot
in a run-down part of town.
? ? ?

When he crosses the road I'll be sure
to let you know.

Sunshine on a Winter Day

I am gonna be your very favorite Blogger friend
today 'cause you are gonna LUV this!
Pinky swear!

I made this and it was delicious AND pretty.
Confession:  I was too busy eating to snap a photo,
so this is not my photo, but mine looked this good.
Really.  Our guests seemed to love it as much as I did.

        

 Sunshine Cake

4 eggs
1 box Lemon Cake Mix
1 3 oz pkg instant lemon pudding mix
            don't use sugar-free
1  6 oz container lemon yogurt
1 C hot water.
*I used egg beaters, low-fat yogurt
and the juice of one lemon as part
of the hot water.

Preheat oven to 325.
Grease 2 loaf pans.

Using an electric mixer beat all ingredients
till well mixed.  Pour into loaf pans.
Bake 40-50 min. depending on size
of loaf pans.  The top of cake should
be very lightly browned and set in middle.

Blueberry Topping

2 C. blueberries, fresh or frozen
Zest of one orange (don't omit this)
3/4 C. Sugar.
1 C.  Water

Combine blueberries and sugar
in a saucepan.  Stir until sugar is
dissolved.  Add water. Boil until the
juice is of syrup consistency; approx 8 min.
It will thicken more when cooled.
Let cool a few minutes then stir
in zest.

When I served this I used Lemon Ice cream,
but Lemon Sherbert would probably be
equally as good.

Serve this and everyone will think you're

Paula Deen's younger, thinner, sister.
I.am.bad. but so is Paula Deen.



The thrill of the "Find".

Look what I found at Goodwill today!

YIKES!

It looks sort of coffin-esque in this photo.

Yes.  It is a one-armed find;

a bit pitiful and sad.

At first I thought it had lost an arm,

but on closer inspection I could

tell it was born this way.

?

Poor thing, it's obviously had a rough life,

that said, I fell in love with the screened portion

of the door.

And who doesn't need 3 extra

shelves for storage?

It was a steal for $14.99!

OK, maybe not a steal

but I had just come from the dentist

and I still had the glow of nitrous in my head.

I think I'm gonna turn Princess loose on this

and teach her how to refinish it - homeschool
and all that stuff.  It would be a great project for her

and free labor for me.

What am I gonna do with it?

I.Have.No.Idea.

Got any ideas?

No - "throw it out"

is not an acceptable response.

Mardi Gras!

Welcome February!

Welcome Mardi Gras Season!

Before I moved to Louisiana I always associated Mardi Gras

with the stories of bare-chested women

grabbing for beads.

After moving here I found that Mardi Gras

is BIG across the entire state.

It's something fun thrown into the midst

of winter.

The Mardi Gras parades in our area are much tamer

than the ones in New Orleans that get so much

media attention.

And who doesn't like all the glitter and glitz

that goes with the season?!

I love to drive through neighborhoods

and see all the wreaths hanging

on front doors.

There is no such thing

as too much or too gawdy when it comes

to Mardi Gras. 

"More is Better" seems to be

the rule.

Oh yea, and there's always,

"Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez"
Let the good times roll!

"B"

We're soon to kiss January good-bye

which means we're another month

closer to Spring!  We've had a

beautiful January, Thank you Jesus!

Givin' credit where credit is due.

Now, here's my official

"January Accountability" report.

(I posted my goals HERE.)

I will try . . ."

. . .to Read my Bible more .
Right on target reading a chapter
in Proverbs each day.

...to have friends into my home more.
*Nope.  Not done this yet. :-(

...to eat healthier.
Doing much better:
oatmeal for breakfast & Green Smoothie for lunch
Mon-Fri.

...to take my vitamins and calcium
each day.
YES! 
Why haven't I done this for years?!
No-brainer.

...to read a book occasionally,
not just blogs.
I actually read an entire book
from cover to cover,
"Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'Easter".

...to lose some weight
and keep it off this time.
Down 4 lbs.  Not a big number,
but I'll take it.

That's 5 outta 6.
"B", doncha think?
I hope next months report will
be perfect. 
"I think I can.  "I think I can".

How are you doing on your goals?
"It's never too late to begin
to do better."  ~Sweet Tea
It's always more fun
to work toward a goal(s) if you
have some buddies who are doing
the same.  I'd love it if you'd
join me in working toward some
of your own goals.
('course I also love it if you'll cheer me on
and kick me in the rump if I begin
to be a Slacker)

Da' Plane. Da' Plane.

I know absolutely nothing about airplanes

but I certainly won't let that stop me from
telling you all about them...I live very close

to a big Air Force base, the one where

they took President Bush on 9/11.

The major work at this base is the

maintenance of the HUGE B52

Bombers. 

They are monstrous in size,

yet when I see them fly, in my mind

I refer to them as the "Gentle Giants".

Heaven only knows they are not gentle,

but as they slice through the sky they deceivingly

appear so beautifully graceful.

Yesterday, as I took my walk, the planes

were constantly overhead.  If I squinted just right

and looked into the northern sky I could see the

plane as a tiny dot, then in a matter of seconds

it would be overhead circling the city before landing.

Then, another would appear and do exactly as

the one before it had done.

It was a beautiful sight to watch.

Do you see it?

If you look in the middle of the photo,

about a 1/2 inch above the tree tops

you can see it as a tiny dot.

Then soon it was overhead.

One after one they came.

I soon lost count of how many

I saw.  There were many.

Rumor has it they are preparing to deploy.

From time to time we see Air Force One in the skies.

They must come here for maintenance too.

One never knows if it is the "actual" Air Force One,

or one of the "look alikes".

Looking skyward from the ground

Air Force One appears to be snow white in color.

It is beautiful against a clear blue sky.

I most certainly appreciate and thank the

United States Air Force

for providing entertainment

as I strutted my stuff around the park.

I saw all those gorgeous young pilots

givin' me the eye from those planes.

Those sweet young men in these

southern skies surely must love them

some SWEET TEA!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

"Off we go into the wild blue yonder,

Climbing high into the sun;

Here they come zooming to meet our thunder,

At 'em boys, Give 'er the gun!

Down we dive, spouting our flame from under,

Off with one hell of a roar!*

We live in fame or go down in flame.

Nothing can stop the U.S. Air Force!"

May God continue to bless the brave
men and women who serve to protect
and keep us free!

Are you as Smart as a 16 yr Old?

When Rachel Ray interviews her guests she often asks them
the question, "If you could go back in time and
give advice to yourself when you were 16
what advice would you give?"

It's a bit of a complicated question but when
I think of it I quickly think of things
I wish someone would have told me
when I was 16.

1. Have more Fun.  You'll never again be as free of responsibility in your entire life. 
2. Revel in your beauty.  It's a gift of youth, and it will fade.
3. Don't be shy.  Jump right into the middle of things - everyone is learning at this time.
4. Realize that boys are just as nervous and curious about girls as you are about boys.
5. Try new things.  Some great times are found outside one's Comfort Zone.
6. Stand up for yourself.  Sometimes it is necessary.
7. Take notice of your parents and remember them as they are now.  They are in their prime and you will cherish these memories some day.
8. Erase "fear" from your vocabulary.
9. Take time to learn some basic life skills at home, ie do the laundry, simple cooking, etc.
10. Not everyone is meant to be your friend.  Don't waste time trying to make someone who doesn't like you (girls & boys) change their mind. 
11. Be discreet with your heart - some people will not keep your secrets.
12. Drive carefully.
13. Honor God.  You'll  never regret doing this.
14. Look around you and learn from other peoples mistakes.
15. Break a few rules so you will learn the importance of boundaries.

Please feel free to add to my list by way of your comments.  There is so much more that could be added.  I always enjoy your wisdom.  Thanks for sharing!

Boil Over

I eat oatmeal every morning.

Same oatmeal pkt.

Same bowl.

Same amount of water added.

Cooked in the same microwave

for the exact same amount of time.

But today, and today only,

"it boiled over".

Analogies?

Can you relate to this beyond the kitchen?Thoughts?

You can tell me.

This is what I see outside my window.

I'm incognito today
wearing my "Sy-Ky-a-trist" glasses
and wondering,
"How does a rainy day make you feel?"

 

Welcome to the 'hood!

When we get new neighbors
I take them Banana Bread.
So, today I baked one for them . . .

and one for us.
Yes, I gave them the larger,
prettier one.

"Welcome to the Neighborhood!"

I have only moved from one state to another
one time in my life.
After making that move I appreciated
the welcome gifts from other
neighbors sooooo much.
I vowed to be a better neighbor
once I knew how it felt to move
away from everyone and everything
I had ever known.
To quote Oprah and I hate to do that,
"when I knew better, I did better."

Have people been neighborly to you
when you've made moves?
Anything you remember in particular?
Do you greet new neighbors?