Hey, Blogger...yeah you, can you spare a dime or at least drop a comment in the plate. It gets pretty lonely here on the park bench, y'know. Sit down, I'll get a fire blazing in the barrel and we can visit, just like old times. Hey, don't leave before 30 secon....whoa there...yes I can run, those crutches are only for the sympathy votes...come on, sit down, I'm not going to hurt you, just wear out your ear for a minute before you move on...

Ariel


Which DISNEY character are you most like?
brought to you by Quizilla


Oh Ariel,
carefully crawling the depths
head and fins reaching for the sky
with a patient smile
as she notices the sharks
playing in the dark

Hallowe'en

When our children were small, my Husband and I had to decide whether or not our children would participate in Hallowe'en. I had a problem with its origins while my Husband did not. He did not want to make me go against my beliefs, so he agreed that they wouldn't partake in this popular festivity.

Most years,the children would stay at home when they had the class party. Then in the evening it became our tradition to eat out and do something special such as a movie. They look forward to this time still. They don't feel deprived. It has taught them that they don't have to be like everyone else.

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" Colossians 3:23

Excerpt from a Life

These journal entries, which I take out of the chest every Saturday, started in 1974. I had a serious crush on a boy I called Chevy and started losing weight in hopes of gaining his attention.

January 7, 1975
"I didn't go to school yesterday or today. I went to the hospital outpatients. I might have an ulcer in my stomach. I don't know for sure but I do worry about Chevy, losing weight...almost anything.
I weigh 160 lbs now. That's a loss of 25 lbs altogether. I'd say, I'm doing pretty good, wouldn't you?"

Friends of the Friendless Matching Game

Barbara of Trying to Catch Up is the winner of today's friendly matching game! She is the newest member of the band, the flutist.

I like her blog because:

• I really like her sense of humor
  
• she likes books, philosophy and singing
  
• she has a son who blogs
• she has a banner for FFMB, yahoo
• she is an enthusiastic band member
  

Friendly Friday

• 

Hello Friends of the Friendless Marching Band.

Today, we are going to have another "Get Aquainted" game. Below are listed all the band members and across from the names are the instruments. Match the member to their instrument and leave your answers in the comment section. The first to get most of them correct will be featured at the end of this Friendly Friday with "what I like about their blog" and a link to their site.

You don't have to be a band member to play but feel free to sign up for the FFMB if you wish by choosing an instrument.

Carol------------------------baritone
Mompoet-------------------majorette
Mango--------------------- tuba player
Marti----------------------- accordionist
Kenju----------------------- kazooist
Stephen--------------------- pianist
Zeb-------------------------- drummer
K8--------------------------- flutist
Raehan--------------------- another drummer
Pearl------------------------ clarinetist
Barbara--------------------- guitarist
True Jersey Girl------------ Korean drums

The following are links which will help you answer the above questions. Go here, here and finally here.
Remember, I will be checking at the end of the day to see who the lucky blogger is!

At the end of the day-
Hey FFMB, I guess I stumped the lot of you!

So I will tell you what I like about my blog:

• it is like a variety show ie. will the post be silly, poetic, religious, anxious, what?
• the sideblog of reviews and "current reads"
  
• the "Pretty Women" short story and not because of all the hits the name generates
• the weird orange color
• you gotta admit, Carol is a friendly and persevering conductor for the Friends of the Friendless Marching Band.
  

See ya next week and remember, I always need more friendless submissions.
To get the FFMB banner, look here.

Hello, my name is Carol and I'm a Blogaholic...

I just joined Blogaholic Anonymous.

Step 1 We admitted we were powerless over blogging and that our lives had become unmanageable.

Areas of my unmanagability are:
• My to-list has items left uncrossed off and I don't even care!
• Pages of my calendar are blank.
  
• Family and friends complain about how boring the blogtalk is.
• The same family and friends complain that I don't pay enough attention to them because I miss out on crucial parts of the conversation as I am checking my site meter. (Eg. My son is telling me about a bully on the bus and I respond by giving him that "dazed out by the computer" look. I don't even remember the conversation.)
  
• I obsessively revisit blogs umpteem times a day.
  
• I keep on Battling the Blogs (on BlogExplosion) although I lose most battles. My blog esteem is dropping yet I can't stop.
• I'd like to write a poem or a meaningful anecdote but my words are stuck in silly mode. Help, I can't be serious anymore!
  
• Yes, I admit that I am powerless over blogging and my life has become unmanageable.
  

We don't have a trampoline in the backyard but...

How Addicted Am I?

12.5 %

My weblog owns 12.5 % of me.
Does your weblog own you?

"This seems kind of low," I thought as I was telling my husband about the newest changes on the
Battle of the Blogs on BlogExplosions. Maybe I should redo it!



And I'm not going to say how much my blog is worth!

Overcoming Anxiety

Physical Tools In my Battle against Anxiety:

I have been doing a Yoga for Absolute Beginner's DVD before breakfast whenever possible. Yoga is a wonderful relaxation tool plus there are supposed to be other physical benefits as well. Although I have done yoga intermittently before, I am still a beginner.

I have been exercising for many years, but not only for the physical benefits: it helps the mind as well. I haven't been exercising since this stronger battle with anxiety began about a month ago. I usually do aerobics with a video, ride my exercise bike or go for a walk.

Then at the end of the day, I've been meditating, which I have done before as well. I usually sit in the cross-legged position 20 minutes while focusing upon the tingling in my hands. This position is uncomfortable and I probably won't be using it all the time. However, I think one of the purposes of meditation is to be able to concentrate so fully that the discomfort doesn't distract. I don't want the uncomfortableness to be a deterrent to the practise though.

I am trying to find a routine that fits all these methods into my day, trying to achieve flexibility with effectiveness.

Proverbs 24:3-4

"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established;
and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."

I have dreamt that my Husband and I have somehow acquired a beautiful mansion, filled with beautiful furniture and art. I am filled with joy and amazement that this house is actually ours.
Upon waking, there is a pang of disappointment until I remember this passage.








Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Excerpt from a Life

Join me every Saturday as I read from my old journals. I currently am remembering a lengthy teenage crush I had on a fellow student who I nicknamed Chevy. In today's account, I am talking to a new friend, Debbie, who had been in grade 9 with my secret love.

November 5, 1974
"In the afternoon, in the school library, Laurie and I asked Debbie if she knew of anybody by the nickname of Chevy. She said no. She sat thinking for awhile and then said Chevowsky. I walked out of the library in embarrassment. I didn't think she'd guess right.
I went back to the library and Laurie said that Debbie had said, "That creep!"
I kept on bugging Debbie not to tell anybody. She said she wouldn't. I asked her if Chevy was nice. She said,"I guess so" but she couldn't remember what he exactly looked like..."

Friendly Friday

Hello Friends of the Friendless Marching Band!
Glad to see that your uniforms pressed and instruments polished.
It sounds as if you have been practising, too.
Keep it up.
The blog world needs people like you to encourage needlessly friendless sites.

As I read these blogs, I am constantly amazed because so many of them are indeed, just undiscovered.
So don't just sit there, go discover...


The featured site of the day is
Writergrll at Come Untogether

I like her blog because:

• of her ingenious fiction (I think it's fiction)
• I couldn't stop reading but still haven't found No 1 (help me out guys)
• frank even startling poetry

Other friendless blogs to visit this week are:
Peter at HoltiesHouse
who is an Australian retired man who writes with character and has lived in many houses.

Stunt Mother at I do all my own stunts
who writes really well about parenting and is a poet too. Check out her "Ode to Our Floor."


Remember to send me the friendless sites you find for next week
or
if you meet the qualifications, nominate yourself!

Check out the new banner for the Friends of the Friendless Marching Band.

Band Update

New Friends of the Friendless Marching Band Members:

Stephen has joined the band, he will play the baritone.

Erin will be playing the drums.

Pearl will be playing the Korean drums, pictured below.



I look forward to all these new members playing for tomorrow's Friendly Friday!

Overcoming Anxiety

I'm reading Don't Panic:Taking Control of Anxiety Attacks by R. Ried Wilson,Ph.D.
The following are tips that I am learning.

Useful Tips for the Anxious

Tip#1 Make sure that there isn't something actually physically wrong with you. Have you seen a doctor lately? A pain in the chest or trouble breathing can make you anxious. Get reassurance from a professional that your body is well. Knowledge is essential, understand what is going on. Wilson gives a long list of symptoms and possible illnesses. Great for the hypochondriac.

Tip#2 Believe in yourself. An "I can do it" attitude is a part of the healing package.

Tip#3 Learn to trust your body's unconscious ability to take care of you. Experiencing the body at work. Anxiety will only build distrust.

Tip#4 Once the symptoms start appearing, tell yourself that there is no emergency. Remind yourself of the facts eg. what your doctor has said.

Tip #6 Breathe from the diaphragm.

Tip #7 Learn a deep relaxation technique or meditation. I am experimenting with mediation which I have done before but I really didn't understand the significance of. Now I see that the ability to focus intensely on something outside of myself can pull me out of an attack. "Panic instructs you to focus on your body (wrong) and worry about what will happen next (wrong)." Meditation trains your mind.

As I write these, I am reinforcing these ideas to myself. I have a lot of practise to do. I'll let you know how it is going.

Overcoming Anxiety

Don't Panic: Taking Control of (If I had a little red faced icon, it would go here) Anxiety Attacks-
R. Reid Wilson

Eight Attitudes Required (oh, great)

Attitude #1 "I am not ashamed"
So I am going public and declaring myself unstable, anxiously speaking. There, I have disclared it, anonymously to bloggers, but still it is done. Be gone, you dastardly little red faced emoticon, you.

Attitude#2 "What can I learn as a student of panic?
Well, there is always something to be gained by adversity. I would rather not, really, but... if I must, then...sigh, I must. Let the lessons begin,oh Grand Master Panic.

Attitude #3 "I want to face the symptoms to gain skills."
Whoa, this attitude is pushing it! I do not like feeling that I won't be able to breathe or that I am going to faint. I don't like the rush of adrenaline and fear.
Oh, you didn't say that I had to like it!

Attitude #4 "Its okay to be anxious here."
Sure, it is okay to anxious here but what about there? I guess you're talking about the here and now concept.

Attitude #5 "I won't guard myself against anxiety."
You mean, not fight?
Well, I do like the idea of not worrying about what I will happen in the next 30 seconds. Living and only dealing with the present could definitely help. Okay, I'll lay down the shield but only for 30 seconds.

Attitude #6 "This is practise."
This means I can't fail, right?

Attitude #7 "I can tolerate uncertainty."
Yes, yes, but what is #8?

Attitude #8 "It's OK if it doesn't work."
Easy for you to say, you already got your money!

Grand Memories

Reaching for the warmth of your voice
I listen to the pictures you hold dear in your mind
~
laughing with the children
tongues encircling the salt lick
while cows wonder
~
my father, the eldest, fingering precious nails
hammers with carpenter's zeal
until the shed is decorated in steel
~
still older, fearful at the window
he watches the approaching hail that will drive them away
from the farm, his love
~
~

I hear the words, pictures
from your aged albums-
may I see them all by heart, too

Friendly Friday Banner

I have a surprise for all the Friends of the Friendless Marching Band members, past featured friendless sites and all other interested friendly people-a banner to proudly display on your blog! I couldn't wait until Friendly Friday to share it with you.


<a href="http://carolsbookblogs.blogspot.com/2005/08/friendly-fridays.html"><br /><img src="http://www.freewebs.com/xxworld-of-bluexx/FFMB%20copy.jpg" /></a>

Thanks to my middle daughter who is gaining in HTML knowledge every day!

You can place this banner on your blog template but it is best to first save your original blog template (copy and paste your template onto a word processing program and save on your computer)
Then right click over the above html code and "Select All". When the code is highlighted, copy, then go to your template and paste it into your blog html. Place it under the Powered by Blogger button under the----powered by---> code.
Preview this to see if it is where you want it to be. If it is not, then clear edits and start over again. If you like it, then "Save Template Changes" and republish your blog.
It is easier than it sounds but make sure to save your original html code.

Your Personality Profile

You are nurturing, kind, and lucky. Like mother nature, you want to help everyone. You are good at keeping secrets and tend to be secretive. A seeker of harmony, you are a natural peacemaker. You are good natured and people enjoy your company. You put people at ease and make them feel at home with you.

and

You are elegant, withdrawn, and brilliant. Your mind is a weapon, able to solve any puzzle. You are also great at poking holes in arguments and common beliefs. For you, comfort and calm are very important. You tend to thrive on your own and shrug off most affection. You prefer to protect your emotions and stay strong.

and

You are dreamy, peaceful, and young at heart. Optimistic and caring, you tend to see the best in people. You tend to be always smiling - and making others smile. You are shy and intelligent... and a very hard worker. You're also funny, but many people don't see your funny side. Your subtle dry humor leaves your close friends in stitches.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Psalm 116:15

Yesterday, one of my brothers in Christ left this world. It is a sad time for his physical and spiritual family yet not for the one who left.
Neither is God sorrowful.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His godly ones."

Excerpt from a Life

October 29, 1974
I realize that my Chevy sightings are quite boring but I like him so I want to write down every time I see him. You know?

October 30, 1974
I'm still on diet!

November 1,1974
That Brick and Bella really bug me. I told Bella that I wished he grew up to be a fat, old man. Ha, ha on him!

November 5, 1974
I saw Chevy before science. He was standing with Brick and Bella. Brick started mimicking the way I was walking. Luckily, Chevy wasn't watching. But?

Friendly Friday

Hi FFMB!
There was some concern over the last couple of weeks over whether we should refer to ourselves as Friends of the Friendless Marching Band because of the unpolitically correct term "friendless" but I have decided to continue as is. Remember the spirit of the original founder-the late great Lucy- she would find some way out of every predicament so that is what we aim to do. Right?
Silence, not even the warming up of the accordian or the giggling of the majorette. Where are my band enthusiasts???
(I might have to go in search of these truant band members...hmmm....)

No need to fear, the music will continue... Come, march this way!

This is getting difficult to choose, but this week's friendless site of the week is David Diamond of
DD Sez . I like his blog because:

• of all the categories he made: baseball (Yankees, right?), funny stuff, news & politics, favorite quotes, rants, technology and he still has a need for a miscellaneous section!
• he seems to be kinda...um...silly. You gotta like that.
• he wants to celebrate a Native Oppression Day. Alright, someone finally wants to give us a National holiday!!
• I like his archive set-up.
  

Other great friendless sites, you just gotta visit too are:

Erin of Madisisms has a blog about the cute things her 3 year old daughter says. I wish I had made one of those.

Champs of A Guy's Life who writes about motorcycles, barbecuing and other typical guy things such as being accused of robbing a bank.

Alex of Moon River is a math student who writes about school, relationships, business and other stuff. I love the 36 methods of mathematical proof he found. Leave comments in the "chatterbox".

Please leave comments for these friendless four.
Hey, I need more friendless sites for next week! And more band members, sign up now...

On Account of Being Really Bored

Idea copied from Jennifer who stole it from Dan_ielle.

1) My uncle once: told my sister and I bedtime stories while we plotted to scare him by hiding with our talking Munster doll under his bed.

2) Never in my life: will I pierce my tongue or anything else.

3) When I was five: I hung on the metal gate crying for my sister to take me to school with her.

4) High School was: a time for dreams.

5) I will never forget: how difficult it was to accept the truths of Christianity.

6) I once met: my future husband.

7) There's this person I know who: is a welder, poet and musician.

8) Once, at a bar: I danced on a table, in Vienna after too much wine.

9) By noon I am usually: finished my exercising and making lunch.

10) Last night: I went to bed abit earlier because I had to be at work at 7 am.

11) If I only had: more boldness.

12) Next time I go to church/temple: will be on Sunday, Lord willing.

13) Terri Schiavo:put the issue of euthenasia in the minds of many.

14) I like: art, music, books, live theater, movies.

15) When I turn my head left, I see: file cabinet.

16) When I turn my head right, I see: my headset phone.

17) You know I am lying when: when I won't look you in the eye.

18) In grade school: I was overweight and shy.

19) If I was a character written by Shakespeare, I would be: Hamlet.(please not Ophelia!)

20) By this time next year: I will be stronger.

21) A better name for me would be: can't think of a name I would rather be. (Carol is a Song of Joy)

22) I have a hard time understanding: the workflow in the Microbiology lab. I persevered and finally got it but would never work in that department.

23) If I ever go back to school I will: learn something I really want to do just for me.

24) You know I like you if: I talk incessantly and joke around with you. Can't you tell?

25) If I won an award, the first person I would thank would be: God.

26) I hope that: I will grow in everyway but in size.

27) Take my advice: The Bible contains the Words of Life.

28) My ideal breakfast is: pizza.

29) A song I love, but do not have is: I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash.

30) If you visit my hometown, I suggest: you come during the summer months. All the tourists do.

31) Tulips, character flaws, microchips, & track stars: I really want to figure this one out-arrghh.

32) Why won't anyone: tell Mango and I apart?

33) If you spend the night at my house: you will probably have to sleep in the basement on a bumpy hide-a-bed.

34) I would stop my wedding: if I believed he was the wrong man.

35) The world could do without: selfishness.

37) My favorite blonde is: the true ones, like all 3 of Mango's beautiful children.

38) Paper clips are more useful than: a paperweight to keep papers together.

40) And by the way: I am a good friend.

41) The last time I was drunk: that I can't remember but I do remember the first time I chose not to drink. I was taking my boyfriend, (future husband) to meet a friend who was also a former drinking partner. I chose to have a diet coke which put this fellow out but I was pleased that I was able to say "No." I never did drink again and that was probably 1984.

42) My grandmother always: says she loves me. I have got to phone her...

This is so true...

Your 80s Heartthrob Is

Michael J. Fox

Who's Your 80's Heartthrob?

101 Questions Answered

1. Spell ur 1st name backwards: lorac (reminds me of a Dr. Seuss character-Lorax)

2. The story behind ur blog title: A Revision-Not only are my words revised but I am revised as well.

3. Where do u live: in a comfortable condo in Canada

4. 4 words that sum u up: spiritual, loyal, fun, intelligent

Describe your.........,

5. [Wallet]: unorganized

6. [Hairbrush]:pointy

7. [ Jewellrey you wear daily]: wedding ring and watch

8. [Pillowcase]: black

9. [ Shoes]:I need new heels, badly.

10. [Music playing right now]: Trooper's Two For the Show (Canadian group on an oldies radio station)

11. [ What are you wearing right now]: jeans and a centennial t-shirt

12. [Hair]:I have a hair appointment tomorrow!

13. [ In my mouth]:?

14. [ In my head]: Blogging is fun!

15. [ Eating]: Nothing at the moment, but I am getting hungry, now.


16. [ Some of your favourite movies]: The Long, Long Trailer with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, there are too many really...To Kill a Mockingbird. I watch movies from different time periods and always find something that I enjoy like musicals with Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly and silent films such as Buster Keaton in The General. I liked Jim Carrey in Man in the Moon and Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind as well.

17. [ Something you're looking forward to] Supper, I am actually writing this enroute to Thanksgiving supper on Monday.

18. [ The last thing you ate] Soup, tuna sandwiches and salad.

19. [ Something you are deadly afraid of]: Sometimes, breathing...

20. [ Do you like candles] I do but seldom light one except during a bath if I am feeling stressed.

.: Do You Believe In:.

21. [ A Thing Called Love] Definitely

22. [ Soul mates]: Definitely

23. [ Love at first sight]: No, this is not love but infatuation. True love involves the inner person.

24. [ Forgiveness]: Most definitely


.: Other Stuff:.
25. [ If you could have any animal for a pet]: I am a cat person and but we have one already so I wouldn't mind a Japanese Fighting Fish but I am afraid that the cat would enjoy it more.

26. [ 4 Places you wouldn't mind relocating to]: I thought a lot about this one, even engaging my husband’s opinion, since, hey, he would be going too:
1.Florence, Italy- I would love to be in the midst of Renaissance art.
2. Manhattan, USA-This one is my husband’s idea. He said he would like to be in the middle of an urban center where you took a taxi everywhere. He has been watching alot of Seinfeld lately but this sounds good to me as well.
3.There is a beautiful valley around where I grew up. We both agree that living rurally in this valley would be the place to be. It would be near my home town, my family, the reserve where my Mom grew up and where I have cousins and it is beautiful and peaceful. It would be like going back home.
4. an acreage-south of our growing city there is another valley that is reminiscent of the first one I mentioned.

27. [ What are some of your favourite pig out foods]: potato chips (usually substitue a low fat version called Crispers), licorice,popcorn

28. [ What's something you wish you could understand better] The Bible

29. [ Anyone you miss that you haven't seen in a long time] My parents-they have both passed away.

.: In The Last 24 Hours have You:.
30. [Cried]: No

31. [ Gotten Sick]: Yes, I have not been feeling that great lately.

32. [ Eaten] Yes

33. [ felt stupid] A little bit

34. [ Hugged someone]: Yes

35. [ Wanted to tell someone you love them] No, I don't say it enough.

36. [ Met someone new] No

37. [ talked to someone you have a crush on]: No

38. [ Had a fight with your parents]: I wish

39. [Dreamed about someone you can't be with]:No

40. [ Are you the centre of attention or a wallflower] a wallflower who wants to be the center of attention

41. [ What type of automobile do you drive] Ford Windstar, I wouldn’t recomment it though.

42. [ Would you rather be with friends or on a date]:I like the dates I have with my husband.

43. [ Do you attend Church] Yes

44. [ Do you like being around people] sometimes

45. [ Who of ure friends have you known the longest] Mango, we have been friends for 35 years now.

46. [ Who do you argue the most with] Another more recent friend. We argue all the time and personally, I love it.

47. [ Who do you always get along with]: My husband and I are compatible.

48. [Who has the coolest siblings] Of I know, my husband's 3 brothers.

49. [ Who is the smartest] I would say my husband, if this refers to #48

50. [ Who is your hero]: Jesus Christ

51. Have you ever been searched by the cops? Kinda

52. Do you close your eyes on rollercoasters? I don't go on rollercoasters!

53. When's the last time you've been sleigh riding? 7 years ago, when the kids were younger.

54. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone? My husband.

55. Do you believe in Ghosts? No

56. Do you consider yourself creative? Yeah

57. Do you think O.J. killed his wife? Possibly

58. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie? Jennifer

59. Can you honestly say you know anything about politics? I know a little

60. Do you know how to play poker? yes

61. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight? No

62. Do you kill bugs that are in the house? Yes but occasionally I'll throw them outside.

63. Have you ever cheated on a test? I did. I saw the answers beforehand and I still feel bad about it.

64. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around... do you go through red lights? No

65. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you? It is hard to keep my mouth shut with certain confidants.

66. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees? Is that baseball?

67. Have you ever Ice Skated? yes and I wear a helmet. I don't risk a brain injury.

68. How often do you remember your dreams? Sometimes

69. When was the last time you laughed so hard you were crying? so long ago I can't remember.

70. Can you name 5 songs by The Beatles? I better be able to, I have a housefull of Beatles fans-Love Me Do, Help, Strawberry Fields, Eleanor Rigby, Let It Be

71. Do you know who Ba-Ba-Booey is? No, is it a friend of Barney's?

72. Do you always wear your seatbelt? Yes

73. What talent do you wish you had? I would like to be a writer.

74. Do you like Sushi? no

75. Have you ever narrowly avoided a fatal accident? no

76. What do you wear to bed? Pyjamas

77. Have you ever been caught stealing? No,I have never stolen anything

78. Do you truly hate anyone? No

79. Rock and Roll or Rap? rock and roll

80. Do you have a relative in prison? No

81. Have you ever sang in front of the mirror like your favorite singer? No although I think I might've tried.

82. Do you know how to play chess? Yes but am a novice.

83. What food do you find disgusting? Octopus and squid

84. Did you ever play, "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours"? No

85. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back? Perhaps but not in a mean way. (Not you, Mango)

86. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew? I think so

87. Have you ever been punched in the face? No

88. When is the last time you threw up from drinking too much? Decades ago

89. Have you ever walked out on a movie at the theater? Yes and it was Shrek but I wasn't feeling well.

90. Did you ever sit through a bad movie, just to see how bad it can get? No. Some types of bad, I can endure, others I walk out.

91. Would you consider yourself obsessed with anything? Yes, you know the b... thing

92. Have you ever met someone famous that you really wanted to meet? No.

93. Have you ever been stood up? I think so.

94. When's the last time you screamed at the top of your lungs? Never

95. Did you ever do something that you didn't want to, just to fit in? Probably, but it was a long time ago.

96. Do you consider yourself "the biggest fan" of something? No, not the biggest.

97. I Want: to be worry-free

98: I Wonder: what people think of me (but am afraid to find out)

99. I Wish: that all my family becomes Christians someday.

100. I Always: worry

101. I Am: Done. Now it is your turn

These questions came from Dan_ielle's site.

Thanksgiving in Canada

Today, I am happy that we are invited to my in-laws for Thanksgiving as we have spent many of them turkeyless.

I have only cooked a turkey a couple of times. My children do not like turkey. They complain that it is too dry, probably an indication of my self imposed inexperience. Then there is the fact that no one likes all the turkey recipes I try out afterwards like Calico Creamed Turkey and Leftover Turkey Salad.

The years that we have no turkey, I crave it really bad and the turkey at Denny's is just not the same. One year, we walked by a place where there was a charity Thanksgiving meal going on and I was really tempted. It is not good to be envious on Thanksgiving Day.

I had my husband's family over once for Thanksgiving and found it so stressful that I am afraid to to do it again. So I am very thankful for the people that actually do all the work of making a feast then invite others and only ask for a salad and pop in return.

(Yes, yes, I'll do the dishes)

To Get the Speed of your Blog Page Analyzed for Free...

Go here.

Matthew 19:3-6

"Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?
And He answered and said, Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning, made them male and female,
and said, For this reason a man shall leave his Father and Mother and be joined to his Wife, and the two shall become one flesh?
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate."

Yesterday a co-worker and I were discussing the many divorces that occur these days. The point was made that often no one is aware that there are serious problems until a separation occurs.

I commented that if the problems weren't kept hidden perhaps others would be able to help.
Upon further thought, I realize that often there is not a lot of support for couples to stay together. If someone admits to having marital difficulties, sympathy and empathy might be expressed but not the importance of staying together. Seventy five years ago, marriage was understood as being permanent, but many don't believe this anymore.

Excerpt from a Life

October 25, 1974
Mango could have gone to her school dance but she didn't. She came over instead. And man what a ball we had!
No one was at home so we moved the record player to the living room. Then we sang individually to DeFranco records and had impromptu choreography. We critiqued one another. Mango is doing good.
For one of her comments of me, she said that I was really good and should be a choreographer. That made me feel really good.
It was lots of fun plus it is exercise. I think I lost a few pounds from it (at least one)
Then we (cassette)taped our Peace-In Show. Its really good! Honestly.
I had so much fun tonight. I'm glad Mango didn't go to the dance. She's my best friend but I can never tell Laurie that...

Friendly Friday

Hi Friends of the Friendless Marching Band! I hope that you are ever eager to extend your hand of friendship to friendless bloggers.






The featured blog of the week is Stringbeanjean of Haunt Me. I liked this blog because:

• of her experimentation
• I marvel at her random creative thoughts
• her posts are short and good
  
• like one of her commenters remarked, it is like finding a secret garden
• okay, she told me that she doesn't want any friends so approach cautiously. These types of friendless people usually deserve a close and appreciative look regardless.
  

There is only one friendless site this week. Please submit any that you discover.
Remember that the definition of a friendless site is that they have less than 5 comments per post and/or less than 10 visitors a day.

For any disgruntled featured friendless sites, please note that this is intended to be an honor but if for some reason you do not feel it is so, you have the option of renouncing your title. Please submit your renunciation speech as Marlon Brando did for his refusal of an oscar stating...
" I,(fill in your name), very regretfully cannot accept this very generous award. And the reason for this being..."
I will post your very polite comment on this page and remove all links to your site. Your site name and reasons why I chose your site to feature will remain.

Some sites that might offer help for those wanting more blog friends are:
BlogExplosion- a blog community that looks fun and offers many new ways to meet new bloggers. There are games and a forum plus bloggers are able to rate other blogs.
Problogger
-This is more for helping bloggers earn money but it has good tips for increasing readership, as well.
Rothacker Reviews
-This offers blogging/writing tips
Michele offers a Meet 'n Greet on the weekend. It is a fun place for bloggers to socialize.

If anyone knows of other sites that can help combat friendlessness, please submit these as well.

Random Act-A Poem for the Beautiful

A long time ago
there were girls
(mean girls they are called now
and they were)

hiding tacks in their pockets
while feigning smiles for front pages
I trembled and fought
fully for my life then

It was only a childhood battle
but if I could have looked forward
I would have seen
an adult whispering for her victory still

Random Acts of Poetry-Oct 3-9,2005

Feel like getting into poetry, now is the week.
If you are feeling spontaneously inspired, I would really love to get poemed. Leave me one in the comment section.

A Second Random Act- Here I Am

Control
Control
Control the thoughts
Control

Think amusing
analytical
comforting
true
thoughts

Read the Book
Meditate
Pray

Move the body
Look around

Get over there

A Random Act

The music comforts my own frail attempts
at soothing and teasing, making play

I see no eyes
but feel the watchful rhythm

Is it safe?
others doubt the improvisations

but the music means no harm
only hear to make your presence known

Proverbs 9:7-9

"He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself,
And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you,
Reprove a wise man and he will love you.
Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser,
Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning."

Excerpts from a Life

December 9, 1974
In typing, Bob T. usually says or asks me something. I don't like him or anything but-
Guess what? I lost another 5 lbs. That makes a grand total of 170 lbs. Haha. I'm determined so everybody better watch out! Can I do it? You bet!!

December 10, 1974
Saw Chevy while getting books out for science. Also saw him after science. He wore his tannish sweater.
Glen S. started talking to me in typing about horses. It may not really sound like much but I never really talk to boys...

Petey Lives!!

I haven't been at work for a week, so I have been uncertain about Petey's situation.(Petey is our workplace Japanese fighting fish, who was under the weather the last I saw him. Read about him here) How I rejoiced when I saw him swimming around in his old familiar habitat. He ate well, fluttered his fins and even charged at the bright red tipped pen we tease him with. This is a sure sign of his recovery. Yahoo!