Hurricane IKE was NOT nice!

Well, I got through the hurricane OK. It was the worst I have ever seen! I slept most of the day that Friday, so I could stay up that night and weather the storm! And WOW! I never prayed so hard in my life! I had no idea that a cat 2 would carry such a punch! The older kids and their baby went down to my daughter in laws parents house. So the younger kids and their baby stayed here. They slept through the storm.

I remember when Allison came through, it rained for 8 days! The water came up to my garage door. Ike... overnight, came up to the garage door!

Some say that it sounded like a train... I think it sounded more like a NASA Jet! I opened my bedroom window and I opened the bathroom window. Seems like I had heard somewhere that it takes the pressure off. The wind was crazy! I looked out and you could not see ANYTHING! It was a big gray haze! I was worried... I was scared... but I have learned to put those things in GODs hands. I don't think GOD punishes people if they are not hurting people and I only love people, so I knew HE would watch over me and my kids. It was the longest night of my life! And even a couple times, when I tried to lay down, the rain came in and hit me in my face 6 feet away from the window. It was hard to keep things dry at that point with the window open but I needed it open so I could have fresh air. I am not used to hot mugginess. I did the best I could all that night, waiting for the storm to subside. You could hear the damage being done. We lost power at 11:17PM. It was a dark living nightmare.

When the storm blew over, the wind calmed, I was able to fall asleep. But not for long because it was so hot. It was so still. The streets were flooded. The damage very extensive. Many people had left. But I have never left. I am like the captain, going down with the ship if necessary. Thank GOD that never happened... knock on wood. (not that I am superstitious)

Saturday, there were not very many people around. We started eating the things in the fridge. Giving away food to other people who had gas stoves or could cook on the BBQ pit. We only lost the condiments. Saved most everything in the freezer because my daughter in laws parents had a generator and they kept their fridge going, along with a TV and fan. I am one of those people who hate to waste food. So I was very glad that we didn't lose anything special there. I could of sworn that GOD caused that hurricane to make me clean out the fridge! I honestly thought that as soon as I had it all cleaned with hot soapy water and had it all dried and put back together, that the power would come back on. But that didn't happen. In fact, it didn't happen for several days. It was so hot. I left the fridge open after I cleaned it so it wouldn't get stale in there.

We had no power for almost 9 days. At first it was OK because the storm blew in a cool front and so it got cool at night and stayed comfortable during the day. But still, I couldn't do much without the power. We had water, but we were told not to drink it. My friends were so good to me. Many people brought me food and bottled water. I had some canned soups, I wasn't starving. I thought I would lose some weight from not having the kids bringing me all sorts of pizza and burgers like they usually do. I have always shared my food with my kids ever since they were little and now that they are grown, they share with me! So I thought with them staying someplace else, I wouldn't be eating as well... or as worse, depends on the way you look at it. Well, like I said, people came and brought me so much food, I was never hungry. I have tried to make my habit to where I only eat when my stomach growls, because I have been known to be an emotional eater. And of course right before my 'womanly time' I want to eat everything... can be stuffed like a fat tick and still want more. I have been trying very hard to break that habit. I have done pretty well. And I don't think I have cooked but one time since the power went out. Even still to this day. Well, I do have new eating habits now. And I am still not starving!

The days that followed the storm were hard to bear... when it got dark there was nothing to do but lay it down. I found myself sitting in the dark a lot. We drove around the neighborhood some days and saw huge trees, ripped out by their roots, many people had trees in their house or carports, power lines were down, fences blown away, signs blown apart and thrown half a block away... it was awful and I was very grateful that GOD spared my home and fence and family!

My daughter in laws parents let me go down to their house and I was able to charge my phone and was able to make coffee. Then for a couple days she brought me coffee. It is so funny how we learn to appreciate the simple things in life when we don't have them. For the most part, I tried to stay still. Didn't want to heat up in the heat. The 8th day was my birthday. That morning when I woke up, I felt the sweat and heard the generators in the neighborhood still going. I said to myself, "Happy frikkin birthday to me!" wondering how long it was going to last. I think that day was the longest day of them all. I was starting to get depressed, irritated... my friends tried their best to cheer me up. But there was just nothing that would shake the sadness of it all. It was starting to get dark... another day passing by... hot, dark, bleak... then almost 9PM... the power came back on! It came back on, ON MY BIRTHDAY! It was instant happiness for me! I really felt like GOD was shining down on me! It was the best birthday present of all! Not to mention I met the manager of the local Pizza Hut and he gave me a free birthday pizza! My favorite... A thin supreme! I was loving life!

The only downside to this for me was while there was no power, we had the doors open for the air to breeze through and my 2 year old grand son went out the back door and opened the gate... it wasn't even a minute and we were going out the back looking for him and at that moment, a knock rapped on the front door. It was the mad neighbor, bringing him home. It was the first time he had opened the gate. I had no idea he knew how. I immediately put a lock on that gate, solving that problem for a few years anyway, until he learns to climb the fence. A friend asked today, what is the age that a child can legally go out the gate? Well, of course we all know it isn't 2 years old. But he was sure smart enough to figure out how to open it. Well, the mad neighbor called CPS... and on Tuesday they showed up at my door. I had just started to clean. And there was a baking pan all nasty and rusty and stinky, I wanted to throw it away a long time ago, but the kids said we could just cover it with foil and still use it. It was on the bottom of the sink with dishes piled up on top of it. I had just pulled it out from the bottom and was going to throw it in the garbage when the knock came on the door, so I just laid it on top of the pile and went to answer the door. Of course I was surprised but allowed them to come in as I was not expecting a problem... and I was unhappy that they had come right after the hurricane and power loss and saw a very yucky site. I never let the house get that dirty and explained that this isn't the way I am. Of course they didn't believe me. It turned into a very big deal and now as a result, I am having to deal with this stupid issue that isn't even real. They took pictures and said they would give me time to clean up, but I could tell that they thought I always lived like that. I am not racist, but lots of blacks are and I am sure they delighted in bringing a white woman down. I could tell they were hating me. I don't feel that way often and I do have black friends who know me well and I love them dearly, but I could tell that these people were very against me... I think you call it, 'reverse racist'... they hate me cause I am white. I don't know what will come of this, as my son had brought in a gas mask that he and his friends used to smoke pot... and these people insisted it was a crack pipe. I told them it was just weed... but they didn't believe me. I threw it in the garbage, but my son got it out when he got home because if this goes farther, we will be able to prove it was NOT used to smoke crack. I am a child of the 70's, I have smoked on and off for over 30 years... I am not the type to sit around and smoke and do nothing... in fact, I hardly smoke at all these days, but sometimes it is the social thing to do when old friends get together. And as far as being a GOD fan... Genesis chapter 1 verse 29 is clear... AND GOD SAID, BEHOLD, I HAVE GIVEN YOU EVERY HERB BEARING SEED, WHICH IS UPON THE FACE OF ALL THE EARTH... I wont even try to explain this, for it is self explanatory. I really don't think GOD holds this against us just because man does. And long ago there wasn't even a law against this natural seed bearing plant. In fact, many places today have agreed that it is good for you for many reasons. I would love to go to a Smoke Bar... it is so much better than anything else. And I believe that someday, the laws will change and this plant will be viewed as a benefit to man and be free and legal to grow in our gardens. And believe you me... I will be the first one to plant this needful herb.

So whatever happens, I know I have GOD and the support of my friends and family. I find it hard to believe this is actually happening because all these years... things have been just fine... I have never gotten in trouble and I have good kids who work hard and lots of friends who care. I know this by the way they all made sure I was OK during this disaster.

So on we go...

Sarah Palin for VP... YEAH!

When I first heard that John McCain had chosen a female running mate, I was so excited! And then when I found out it was Sarah Palin, I cried tears of joy! I am sure this move cinched their win! And of course when she spoke last night, I cried tears of happiness! There is no one else I would rather have as VP! I think with John as president, she will be one of the greatest VP's of all time! As she spoke last night and accepted the nomination and introduced her family, I could tell she was a winner! A great mom, smart, confidant, witty, graceful and beautiful, she is the one who will make this election. John McCain could not have planned a better strategy. I know he has lots of help in this political campaign and I know he has great plans for this nation and I have all confidence that he and Sarah can swing this vote all the way!

Now, I am very patriotic, but not real political. I have voted every presidential election since I was 18. Its the American way! And I am an independent voter as well. I vote for the one I personally like better! And this time, I am very excited about this republican party! Anyone can see that these are honest wonderful people who have the best interest of our nation and people at heart. I Know we will be very happy with her in office along side John McCain!

I don't care that her 17 year old daughter is pregnant. My 17 year old daughter has a 2 year old son who is the joy of my world these days! I never allowed her to sleep with anyone, never encouraged her to either. And the father of her baby has been around since she was 4 and he was 7! Nature does take its course. I was happy to see Bristol and her beau standing there like proud soon to be parents and I think that is wonderful! As life goes on all around us, we cannot control fate! My daughters babies daddy lives with us and helps take care of things. I respect him as a person and I don't hate him for getting my daughter pregnant, its just that kids don't always know what they are doing and when a young boy and girl start to feel the hormones raging it takes all the strength of JOB to ignore them. Maybe teenagers don't make the best parents but we all have to realize that we cant dictate or predict the outcome here, as throughout history people have gotten married as young as 13.

I am so happy that this sort of family is heading for the white house! Wow, 5 children and a great husband and a spectacular career! The title of SuperMom is in order here!

Barrack Obama, don't feel so bad. Its not because your skin is colored... please dont ever think that way, as we have so gotten over that back in the 60's! The thing here is that she is just a super great person, loved by all who know her!

Here is something that someone said about her.

Note: As you will read, the author of this has given permission for it to be passed on so I am posting it in its entirety.

For anyone who wants my opinion on our new Vice President
....

Feel free to agree or disagree, but here is an Alaskan's viewpoint on our new VP candidate (and I believe it is an opinion shared by the vast majority of Alaskan residents).

Sarah Palin is the USA's answer to Margaret Thatcher!

Anyone who thinks she cannot handle the job or deal briskly and efficiently with ANY issue, including foreign governments; well, they haven't met our Sarah . She is not "just a woman", she is not "just a way to get votes" and if anyone expects her to smile, simper and be quietly sweet - they don't know Sarah. She is *more than* qualified for the job and the best possible choice McCain could have made.

As an Alaskan resident as well as a resident of Wasilla, (AK), where Sarah Palin was at one time Mayor, I feel I can speak with confidence. Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska is exactly what she portrayed during her introduction this morning and exactly what our US Government needs. She is ethical to a fault (if there is such a thing), a refreshing change to the status-quo and as smart and determined a PERSON (gender really isn't an issue here as far as I'm concerned) as anyone could ask for at the head of government.

Sarah is no naive "small town mayor" - she just *started out* there. Btw, as Mayor of Wasilla, she brought this "small town" through a lot of GOOD changes and left it at the end of her term having grown to the 4th largest CITY in Alaska - a lot of growth and a stronger economic base than ever before.

She has EXECUTIVE experience *running a government* something NONE of the other candidates can actually boast, even John McCain) as Governor of Alaska and got there by defeating the *incumbent* Republican Governor, who was definitely part of the "old school" and who WAS very much in the pocket of the big oil companies. We in Alaska wanted change - and we got it in the person of Sarah Palin!

Sarah Palin is everything she looks to be and more. Her approval rating as Governor of Alaska has been as high as 95% and is currently leveled out consistently in the upper 80 percentile throughout the state (and in both parties) - the HIGHEST approval rating of ANY sitting Governor.

Sarah has been turning around corruption in the Legislature of Alaska - turning things on their ear for that matter; cutting spending in spite of the increased income the state is currently receiving due to the high oil prices - she has insisted on putting a huge amount of the "windfall" into savings for the future rather than spending, spending, spending - and has insisted from the get-go on what she refers to as "honest, ethical and transparent governing" - no more closed door meetings and dealings - the big oil companies thought she would be a pushover and have learned better to their chagrin.

She understands the "real people" and the economic issues we all face (Alaskans along with the rest of the country) - she was one of "us" not long ago. Rather than passing useless "laws" or throwing money at pet projects, she (most recently) temporarily suspended the state gas tax (on gasoline at the pumps, fuel oil and natural gas for homes, etc.) and has ordered checks issued to ALL residents of Alaska this fall in an attempt to assist with the burden of high fuel costs for the upcoming winter. I could go on and on, but that's enough for now. She isn't doing these things to be popular - she is doing it because her constituents are HURTING financially and she is in a position to help.

She became Governor of Alaska by defeating the Incumbent Republican Governor and doing it *without* the money or the support of the Republican Party, which was amazing in itself - and she won by a landslide. The "powers that be" at that time totally underestimated Sarah and learned better the hard way. Let's hope Obama does the same. Sarah has done exactly what she claimed she was going to do when elected and is just as popular today as the day she was elected - perhaps more so since even the Democrats up here seem to like her - she works well with both sides in the Legislature here.

Sarah "belongs" to us (Alaskans) ... and although we are going to be terribly sorry to see her leave before she finishes the job she started here (two years ago) straightening out OUR State ... we understand she is needed for a bigger purpose and hopefully her Lt. Governor will be able to fill her shoes here and continue the job.

As for worrying about what would happen if McCain were to die or step down or whatever ... here in AK we've only been wondering how long we would be able to KEEP Sarah in Alaska and have seen her as our first woman President of the USA from the start. It's always been a matter of whether she would wait until the end of her TWO terms as Governor (no doubt at ALL that she would be re-elected if she ran for a second term at the end of her current term) ... or end up in Washington sooner. She could do the job TODAY.

Personally, I feel a lot better about McCain now that I know he has someone as savvy, as strong, as ethical and as steady as Sarah at his back. She will be an excellent Vice President ... and my guess is will be our US Republican Presidential candidate in four years - AND by then the country will KNOW her - will love and respect her as we do here - and she'll win by as much of a landslide as she did here in Alaska. I only wonder if McCain has a clue what he is unleashing on the US of A . She is going to be a fresh wind, but also a strong wind.

Is that enough of an endorsement? If not, I'll add this .... Jerry and I have for many years felt the best "vote" was to vote for the lesser of two "evils" and hope they didn't do too much damage. Two years ago during our State Governor's race was the first time EVER that we actually asked for not just a little sign to put in our yard showing our support of our candidate (something we've never felt the desire to do at all before) - we asked for a full 4' x 8' "SARAH PALIN FOR GOVERNOR!" sign and were proud to display it. She hasn't let us or Alaska down. She will do the same for the USA if given the opportunity.

-Deb in Alaska

What Is Wrong with the World Today?

What Is Wrong with the World Today?

Wow, what a real life question! Well, I know this is a very touchy subject because the way the mind frame is in this world. However, I believe the problem arises out of the fact that we are taught.. encouraged even, to be selfish and self centered. We are told that we are number one! When I was a very young girl one of the first things I learned was, "GOD is first, my friends and family are second and I am third." This is a real issue we need to explore! Why is it that so many have become so self absorbed they cannot see beyond their own noses?

I have always chosen to put others a head of myself. I care more for my children than I do about myself. I put myself last as long as there is one child in need! I have never chosen anything or anyone above the children. They are the most important thing in this world for us! They are our future.

And don't forget your spouse... they are your life. Or if they are not, they should be... and if that is the case, well there's your biggest problem! You are not valuing your partner as well as you should. They should be loved by you just as much as you love yourself! And you make sacrifices for the people you love. If they are having a bad day, you don't try to make it worse... you go out of your way to help them to feel better. And the same should be, that next time YOU feel bad, they will be there for you too. That's the way it works!

And your parents! Wow, you should always show your parents respect. Even if they are not your most favorite people to hang out with, they should also know that you love them too. Because one day they will be gone and you can never make anything up to them if you mess up now. I am not saying you need to forget about yourself, I am saying you need to value the other people in your life if you want them to value you!

When I was a young girl, nothing was more important than my Grandparents! I struggled to not only take care of me, but also I did all I could in my life to make their life better. And that is how it should be. It should be natural for us to want to love and care for those whom we value.

Why do people think that they are so important? How come they even get the idea that its all about them? I know for sure life doesn't revolve around me, for I share this space and place with others who have the same rights that I do. Why does one think they are better because they have more money, or more status or are a different color? You know my most favorite of people are the ones who know that no matter what the position or the circumstance, we are all created equal! I mean isn't that the main idea behind most laws? Most mutinies?

I even believe that is is the main idea in Genesis.

We all come from the same place... from our mothers who are all WOMEN... and most important of all... we all bleed red blood. I had to fight to get this idea recognized by some idiots among us. You see, I LOVE BILLY JACK... he was my hero... and lots of other people felt the same as I did. And do. Well, back in 99' there was only a discussion board at that site and there was a person who called themselves Aryan Meister... and he was really mean to the Native American Indians who came to that site. He was name calling and talking down to them. Well as soon as we got the chat room, I waited for that person to log on. And when they did, my heart started pounding! I was ready! I asked him why he was like that and he said cause he was a BLUE EYED, BLOND! I was shocked as I had not known anyone to be that arrogant before! I proceeded to tell him that his blood was NOT blue! I challenged him to be a man and do a test. I told him if he had the guts to cut himself he could see he has red blood just like the Native Americans and the Blacks and the Mexicans and Asians! We all bleed red blood! The Aryan Meister had met his match! He name called me... and I asked him, was that all he had? A bunch of names? He bumbled... couldn't find anything better to say... so he posted a bunch of jumbled letters. And finally left us in peace. Of course I dont know if it was a male or female. I can not be sure, beings it is online. But I made a good point and felt good about standing up to this igmo who had no clue what life is all about!!! (Igmo is one of my made up words, I created it years ago as a short cut to 'ignorant moron')

What is life all about? PEOPLE! Life is all about the people in our lives whom we love and care for and protect with our life! Those are the people who we work with, live with, eat with and party with.

OK here is something to think about... now usually I ask you to think outside the box... don't think in the first person... but now I want to ask you to think in the first person... think as you do, like your you and I am me... I know this is silly, but sometimes you have to get silly to understand this silly world... so... OK, lets say I make a statement and you hear it... this is my statement... "THERE IS NO ONE AS IMPORTANT AS ME!" Now, what is your first reaction? Well if I was you, which I am me, which is the same as you... I would be thinking... "well, what about me? I am just as important as you." And of course you would be correct in your deduction. For the simple fact is, we are all equal... we ALL matter! We all have our problems... no matter your class or status. WE ALL BLEED RED BLOOD.

So in conclusion... when you see someone who is being selfish... have a line practiced and ready to go... something kind and to the point, like... "Um Sweetie... we are ALL important in the eyes of the people. WE... as in a group... a bunch... a lot. We the people... its a statement. We all belong to this world. Poor people think the rich have it so easy, but in reality the rich have it harder than the poor. Harder because they have to deal with fake phony people. Fact is, when you have money, there are SO MANY PEOPLE who are devising a way to GET your money. They will steal, kill, manipulate or destroy you for it.

It is really sad when some people think they can be corrupt and get away with it. For there is nothing hidden that shall not be revealed.
Think about it... believe it... cause its true.