...What Hurricane Ike Left Behind

I am still unable to see news coverage of this but a very dear friend, Mrs. Jacqueline Vaughn sent me her account of the aftermath and with her permission I have posted her words here. She's a little long winded but this is well worth the read. Thanks Jackie, glad you guys made it out alright!


This is a general report sent out to all our friends, so bear with me if I'm telling you things you already know or about places you either know well or don't care about.

All is well in our household. Minimal damage - at least as far as we can can tell so far. Our main side gate is hanging by one hinge, we had one long limb about 4" in diameter fall and hit the back porch light, but it appears it didn't damage the roof. Another tree in the front yard, a tallow tree, lost its top. Our neighbor across the street cut it up with his chain saw and he and the guy next door piled it at the curb. Good folks, both. Others in our neighborhood fared far worse. Quite a few trees were uprooted and some went into houses. I haven't heard of any injuries in the neighborhood, though.

We lost electricity about 10:30 Friday night. It came back on about 6:30 Tuesday night. Some aren't expected to get power for up to a month. We had a Coleman propane lantern, which we didn't even use. We lit one oil lamp and otherwise used flashlights and opened the curtains during the day. We kept our water pressure, which was good, too. Our home phones went out with the electricity, but we had our cells and were able to charge them in the car after the storm passed. Access was limited and spotty, and text messaging was encouraged.

We brought Talesia to our house Thursday evening but her mom stayed home to look after the animals and protect the house. Her fence, which was held together with bubblegum and paper clips, fell down completely, and she has several very large limbs down. No electricity, of course. Most of the area lost power, well over 2 million households; about one-third of those have been restored. Restoration has been on a priority basis. Over 7000 electric company and tree removal people are in the process of coming to Houston from as far away as Canada and New Jersey. There are volunteer organizations from around the state and neighboring states that are setting up mobile kitchens to feed all the first responders.

My weather station went dead just as the storm started, so I have no idea what winds or how much rain we received. I did note one gust of 50 mph late Friday afternoon just before it went dead. We haven't look to see if the gauges are still on the roof.

I had just received a full three-month supply of my Humatrope, worth about $18,000. It has to be kept cold. Our neighbor across the street has a generator and was nice enough to let us store it in his fridge. Then, with typical generosity, he loaned us the small extra generator he was using to power a small air conditioner and a couple of other things so we could keep our freezer and fridges cold. By alternating power among them, we were able to keep them all cold. All we lost was some ice cream, which we drank as milk shakes.

There were no generators to be had after the storm, other than junk sold by scalpers. We could have bought a small off-brand one for $2100, and I think some people might have actually been desperate enough to do it. If the generator doesn't work, it'll be money long gone down the road.

Monday we drove over to Austin, about 150 miles west of here, to get a generator. There were more people from Houston there looking for generators than Austinites. The nice folks at Lowe's there told us they'd heard of a couple of places that might have some generators and even gave us copies of names, addresses, and phone numbers. The nearest was Costco and we went there. They said they were sold out but they might be getting a truck in and to check back in a couple of hours. We did, and they then told us that if the truck came in, it would be after they closed. The truck might come in the next day, and it may or may not have generators on it. We gave up and went home.

On the way to Austin we saw blatant price gouging at some gas stations, charging as much as $4.14 a gallon for regular, when the typical price had been about $3.39. There were long lines at most of them at least half the way to Austin.

We bought a couple of heavy-gauge extension cords at the Lowe's in Austin, figuring they would be hard to come by here. We filled up with gasoline in Austin and again about halfway home. The Expedition is very happy on the road and we got about 16 mpg. and arrived home with most of a tank of gas.

Tuesday we went to our local Lowe's on the off chance they might have gotten generators. To our amazement, they had just gotten a shipment. We quickly got in line. They dedicated two cashiers to generator sales, so the line moved quickly. The cashier got snotty with us because we wanted to buy two, but her manager told her to sell them to us. We then called a friend across town, where the damage was worse and he'd taken a limb through the roof. We asked if he wanted us to get him a generator since he'd had no luck in finding out. He did, and I got back in line. I had to let two people go ahead so I wouldn't get the nasty clerk, who still shot me baleful looks. We made it clear we weren't buying them to scalp them, and the clerk who was controlling the line helped us. One guy whose family was in line was going and getting armloads of things people would need, such as extension cords and passing them out to those in line who wanted them. When a pallet of gas cans came in, he helped distribute them, and others helped break open the wrappers so everyone could get to them. I missed the 5-gallon ones, but managed to get a six-pack of 2-gallon ones. We gave two to the guy we were getting the generator for, offered two to the guy across the street, and kept two for ourselves. The same guy who was passing out the extension cords was also helping to distribute the oil. I think a lot of us were sorry to see him get his generator and leave because he was so helpful. Lowe's is to be commended because the generators were the same price they were three years ago and $150 less than they were on the Lowe's website. They were of good quality and size, too, 5000 running watts and over 6000 start-up watts.

Our local HEB had a generator for its gas station, and we got into line. It took us about 70 minutes to get through the line. They hadn't inflated the price of gas at all and we paid $3.31/gallon. They had about 4 or 5 really nice employees directing traffic and keeping the lines moving. It was a terrific setup and very well-organized. We filled our tank and all the gas cans and set off across town to deliver the generator. There were trees down everywhere and you could see where they had been cut off and moved off the roads. Billboards were down and lying across buildings and cars.

There was a long, but orderly line there for ice as people waited for the machine to make a few bags. These were removed as soon as they dropped and the wait began again. Many people waited hours for a couple of bags.

All in all, people have remained civilized and helpful of one another, something very different from Katrina.

As we got over to Humble, where the eye had crossed, the damage was greater, with massive trees uprooted and crushing roofs. Usually it was the tree tops that penetrated roofs, but I saw quite a few whole trunks sticking through roofs. The wind damage seemed much worse than the water damage. Much of the power outages are from trees destroying power lines. We delivered the generator and headed home.

The generators are extremely heavy and we've delayed removing them from the car until today. We're going to set them up, make sure they run, and then store them in the garage. They're 5000 steady watts each, which will run the fridges and freezer, plus some small appliances and the computers (one has one's priorities, of course!)

Since we were without electricity, we didn't see the extent of the damage to the coastal cities until last night and today. I'll try to describe what I've seen and how it was before.

Many areas are still under dusk to dawn curfews, but Houston is now midnight until dawn. No one is allowed into certain areas. Galveston tried a 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. "look and leave" for one day and cars backed up for many hours. Those who did make it onto the island so interfered with cleanup work that they had to be sent away. The main road onto the island, a causeway with two separated bridges, is supposed to have been damaged, but I can't confirm that. The second bridge was just completed earlier this year. Barge traffic goes under them and the Port of Galveston is not far way.

Galveston took a direct hit from the storm, which came ashore as a technical category 2 storm. However, winds just slightly aloft were those of a category 4-5 storm and we received damage associated with those categories, which means almost total devastation. Galveston itself is protected in part by a 17' high seawall that faces the Gulf of Mexico and extends about halfway down the island. Galveston is a barrier island and was a major Texas since the 1700s and was a landing place of colonists of several countries before that, as well as being a retreat for the famous pirate, Jean LaFitte. It was virtually obliterated by the storm of 1900, before the seawall was built. At least 6000 people perished at that time. After that, it was decided that a seawall must be built and the city raised above sea level. Entire houses were jacked up and sand was pumped in under them. The mansions which couldn't be raised saw their first floors become basements.

Galveston is a very historic city and this time over 1700 of its more than 7000 historic structures have been damaged or destroyed. Because the water table there is very high, most burials are in mausoleums. This is because the caskets tend to float to the surface. This was a major problem in 1900, when coffins tossed about by raging storm waters did considerable damage. This time, some caskets were washed out as well. The tall ship Elissa suffered minor damage, losing some sails, while the Old Customs House and the Navy ships on Pelican Island seem to have taken some serious hits.

Galveston has a fair-sized yacht basin and most of the boats there were destroyed either by fire or by sinking. Some were carried the length of the island and deposited inland. There was a pile of boats stacked willy-nilly on the interstate. We're not yet sure where they came from, but some were in excess of 40' long.

Many people had beach houses on stilts not far from the water. The wave action first removes the sand from around the piers (stilts) and then the houses collapse. Those whose piers hold up are battered with water which is higher than the stilts and full of debris. They come down and add to the debris which then goes on to destroy other buildings farther in. Very few of those homes are left standing and those which are, are probably unsafe. Uncaring developers built hotels and condos right on the water, not even behind the protection of the seawall. People paid enormous sums for them. I doubt many are left standing and safe. A famous pier and building created in the 1920s and used as a speakeasy in the days of prohibition was destroyed. The Balinese Room was supposedly a supper club, but there was gambling and liquor in the back room. They were usually tipped off about an approaching raid, and in a flash the gaming tables were flipped over to plain wood and covered with table cloths, crystal, and cutlery, and meals were sitting on them. Alcohol and other items that had to be gotten ride of were dropped through trap doors into the water below. Supposedly it's become a respectable place in recent history, but I wouldn't bet on it.

A fair number of fools chose to remain and have paid dearly for their decision. About 1000 are not yet accounted for. On the other side, one elderly woman in a senior citizens' complex had registered in advance for assistance in evacuating. She started calling three days before the storm to make sure she'd be taken care of. Help never came. However, some of the other tenants who stayed there were worried when their shared flashlight blinks weren't returned. One waded to her ground-floor apartment and found her virtually floating on her mattress. He summoned one of the young residents who was staying with a relative and the two were able to get her out and help her to the second floor. Those at the top cheered and encouraged her. She says she wouldn't be alive without all of them.

Across from the northern/eastern tip of Galveston, and reached by a fleet of free ferries, is Bolivar Peninsula, which is very low-lying. The Gulf of Mexico is along one side and the Intracoastal Canal runs along the other side. Galveston Bay forms the far side of the canal. There is a rusting lighthouse there where about 150 people were saved from the same 1900 storm. Other than that, there are a few houses, cattle, bait camps, beer joints, a few canal homes, and restaurants along the road connecting it to the rest of the mainland. About 150 idiots decided to stay there and as conditions got worse, suddenly begged to be evacuated. The Coast Guard managed to send helicopters to get some of them, but conditions deteriorated. Those people wasted resources that were needed for others and that makes me angry. Very little is left on the peninsula except rubble and dead animals. Even the road was eroded.

Like New Orleans, Galveston is virtually a clean slate. I think it will be just about as hard to rebuild.

The tidal and storm surges did NOT extend far inland as computer models predicted, thank goodness.

Across Galveston Bay lies Texas City, with its multiple huge refineries. Texas City is protected by a dike which has gradually been silting in over the past 40 years. I haven't heard how the refineries fared, but with a 16'-20' storm surge in addition to the huge waves, I'm sure there's significant damage. That's another reason for oil and gasoline prices to skyrocket again.

Much of the coast, especially the Bolivar Peninsula, looks much as it must have when the first settlers stepped ashore long ago. The sand has reclaimed the beach, eroded and covered what was a road, and taken over the land on the other side. Much of the debris from all the manmade structures was carried completely across the peninsula and into the bay on the other side, where it continued to the far shore. The cattle that grazed on the scrub are drowned, and most of them were washed away, too. Only a few wobbly structures are left, and they look as if a good breeze will finish them off. The devastation is so complete there's virtually nothing left to cry over.

Up and down the coast from Galveston the little fishing villages were wiped out, with shrimp boats found far inland. One area near NASA and the affluent ClearLake community is called Kemah. It sits on a channel linking Clear Lake with Galveston Bay. A big (and obnoxious) investor bought all of the land and restaurants on one side of the channel and created the Kemah Boardwalk, full of expensive restaurants with mediocre food and even poorer service. He created a midway atmosphere whit a giant blue ferris wheel and other rides, even building a big wooden roller coaster that directly abuts a couple's property and extremely close to their house. He greased enough palms to have their protests overruled, and the roller coaster roared and rattled until at least midnight. He also built a restaurant called The Aquarium, which features a huge tank in the center full of sharks, rays, and other fish. Smaller aquariums are scattered around. There is a every expensive yacht basin there, and several others further up the channel. The other side of the channel had non-Landry's-owned restaurants and fish houses where fresh shrimp could be bought right off the boats. All of it is gone.

There is another The Aquarium in downtown Houston right by a busy freeway. It has the same features, and the owner managed to shake hands with enough people to get permits to keep three white tigers there. Their lives must be hell. Unfortunately, that restaurant is still standing as far as I know.

Downtown Houston had a lot of glass windows pop out of the high rise buildings. The winds not far aloft were category 4 or 5, and the windows just couldn't handle them. There is a lot of broken glass all over. Part of downtown sits at the confluence of two major bayous, and when they're full and raging, the juncture is amazing to see, with rampaging waves going every way and water roiling like a major rapid. The city, with its usual wisdom, built a long, winding parkway along Buffalo Bayou, with benches and gazebos and lots of beautiful landscaping. The street people who live there love it. I'm sure it's all been scoured away.

FEMA did better, but still has had a lot of problems they shouldn't have had after the Katrina experience. They brought water, but not food or ice. It finally arrived after Houston's excellent "can-do" mayor, Bill White, and our disaster coordinator, Judge Ed Emmett, got things going. PODs (Points of Distribution) were set up and hours for distribution were announced. People lined up in a very orderly manner, but the trucks with supplies showed up hours later, bringing insufficient supplies with them. There's real bungling of funds, too. Now FEMA has set up ONE site to make claims for aid. Over one thousand people were waiting all day on the hot tarmac of an old air force base. It's only open from 9-7 today, and every day. People are parking a long way away and riding shuttles to the claims area.

One man was scalping ice for $6 a bag. A news crew blocked him in until police arrived and arrested him. There has been some looting, mostly in Galveston and Kemah, and over 100 have been arrested. I'm for shooting them on sight as they did in the 1900 storm.

Flooding problems were exacerbated by a cold front that followed immediately on the heels of the storm, bearing extremely heavy rain that kept pounding the same areas so that what the storm didn't flood, the cold front did. We got very little rain from the hurricane, but quite a bit from the front.

The two businesses that have deeply impressed me with their help to the community are Lowe's and HEB groceries. HEB is a Texas chain based in San Antonio. They're always active in the communities they serve and certainly have been a huge help before and after the storm. Kudos to both.

To see some of the damage to Galveston, check out

http://www.chron.com/

Click on the photo gallery of the Ike's aftermath in Galveston and Devastation on Bolivar Peninsula.

That's it for now. More news as I get time to share.

Now, it's important to me to know how all of you affected are faring. Please email me and let me know. You know I worry about each and every one of you.

Again, we've been incredibly lucky to have stayed safe and sound.

jv

...What to say today.

How about nothing? I'm adding this post (in the midst of hurricane preparations) to mark a moment of silence in remembrance of 9/11.

...'Bout these Hurricane Names

Can anyone tell me who is naming these natural hit men? And further more, why is it that they give the biggest and baddest ones black names? Three years later people are still recovering from Katrina. You would think they'd have learned their lesson! Anytime you give it a ghetto name that 'cane is gonna stand AND deliver.

The latest phenom to hit the Texas coast has been named IKE.

One question...

Did anybody ask Anna Mae Bullock about this one? If he kicked her ass in life just what do you think his spirit will do caught up in the wrath of a hurricane!

Come on now! Someone at the National Hurricane Center has clearly run out of choices for names. How about we get some nice gentle WASPish names from here on out? Or better yet let's start naming these suckers something biblical, like Ishmael, Jahoiacum and such.

But whatever you do, stay out of the ghetto!

...About Something That Caused Me To Pause.

I thought one of my LHCF sisters had lost her last piece of good mind, when she admonished us to begin brushing our teeth with soap! She is a dental student so I at least did her the courtesy of hearing her out. The reason for this foolishness seemed to have a very logical explanation however and I was once again intrigued.

It appears that most all toothpaste is made with glycerin being one of the primary ingredients. (Of course this led me to run to my bathroom to read the ingredients on my all natural toothpaste - and sure enough it was right there.) And from what I understand the glycerin is there for purely cosmetic purposes and in no way affect the cleanliness of your teeth.

Well, this is a bad thing because it takes approximately 30 rinses to remove said glycerin from your teeth and let's face it, nobody is rinsing that long. The glycerin leaves a sticky coating on your teeth that prevents them from reenamalizing (go on and sound it out, I'll wait).

I didn't know the teeth were capable of repairing themselves and it explained the need for good dental insurance. If we're preventing our teeth from repairing themselves on a daily basis then eventually they will start to break down and give out on us (enter shiny new dentures stage left).

As I still have half a tube of this somewhat expensive all natural toothpaste, I have to keep a wary eye on this one.

Somehow the thought of intentionally putting soap in my mouth is a little off-putting.

Stay tuned on this one.

...How The Eastern Women Put it Down.

In my never ending search for beauty that does not compromise my health, I have stumbled upon Ayurveda. The East Indian community uses plants to do all sorts of things and the one that most interests me is their hair care.

If, like me, you've ever wondered if all East Indian women are direct descendants of Rapunzel then you probably also wonder how they grow and maintain those bountiful tresses. I was introduced to Ayurveda at my favorite place on the Internet to hang out and began stalking posts for products and testimonials from African American sisters that had success with these products. This of course led me off on other tangents and my curiosity was so piqued I went out and bought $35 of their products. That may sound like a lot of money to experiment with but that was 2 grocery bags of products. The products are beyond reasonable as my shampoo bars were $1 and some change each. I read on and Indian hair forum that even though Johnson's Baby Shampoo is gentle, it somewhat expensive - go figure. If they only knew how much Western women spend on hair care products.

BTW, If you're too shy to go busting up in an Indian store like you own the place and want to observe some of their conversations on beauty and health, just visit http://www.indusladies.com/forums/ .

So far, I've used a Shikakai shampoo bar and a conditioning shampoo enriched with henna and lemon. I'm in love and can't wait to do a henna and indigo treatment on my hair. My roots have been silky and my hair has been wonderfully cleaned without feeling stripped.

I was so excited about trying the hair care products that I also tumbled over into their skin care products and bought a multivitamin face cream and a facial mask. Why not go all out right?

I'm still doing research and haven't really solidified my regimen but I am definitely looking forward to the ride. So far everything is wonderful.

So look out for that sister that has so much hair she doesn't know what to do with it. That will probably be me.

...What's Got Me Feelin' So Good (Pt. 5)

Consider this a public service announcement about that prickly, green plant which resembles desert flora that every one's grandmother has growing around the house. I'm speaking of aloe vera. I don't think you can consider yourself full grown until you have your own plant in your own house and now I know why.

As you probably gathered from the last post, I've been working on my skin. Well for vanity's sake I also read somewhere that aloe vera juice if taken internally will will brighten dark spots in your complexion.

I'm pleased to say this is true but I've found a much better use for this drink. As I always do I did some additional reading up on this product before purchasing. It has a tremendous effect on your gastrointestinal tract and stomach related issues.

Recently, I had a mild case of acid reflux that was arrested instantly by this juice. I only take a shot glass full but awesome benefits.

I recommended it to my Mom. She had been on "the purple pill" for a few years now. She was so impressed with how well this worked the very first time, she has begun to wean herself off of this pill for a more natural alternative.

We use a brand that has had the bitters removed and the result is a drink that tastes just like spring water. I also have aloe vera gel in my fridge to use in much the same way my grandmother would use the sap from and aloe vera plant for scrapes and cuts. According to the packaging, the gel is safe to consume. You can take a couple of ounces of the gel straight up or mixed with juice. I've also read both the gel and juice are awesome for hair.

So the next time you wanna play grown but don't want to incur any additional bills pick up anything aloe vera - you'll feel like a sage in no time flat for a fraction of the cost.

...What's Got Me Feelin' So Good (Pt. 4)

Anyone who knows anything about me knows that I, in no uncertain terms, do not suffer from lack of self-esteem. Well, in the last month or so my head has swollen to biblical proportions. My complexion is the best it's ever been thanks to a new skin regimen I've been trying out.

I use the oil cleansing method as laid down on http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/ . I use 2 to 1 olive and castor oils respectively with some vitamin e thrown in the mix and I have an incredible glow now. I mean a you-must-be-expecting-because-you're-glowing glow.

If you have oily skin, don't let that deter you. My t-zone is very oily and the glow this cleansing leaves behind is so gorgeous you'll look like you're lit from within. I've actually tried to wipe the glow off expecting to come away with oil and grease but it's just softness and shine. The law of "likes" repelling "likes" really does work here.

I'm so pleased that this method works I want the dustiest of mud ducks to go to the site and try this method. You'll be looking like patent leather in no time. So scurry on down to the drugstore and pick some of these oils up - you'll be glad you did.

...What's Got Me Feelin' So Good (Pt. 3)

I'm back constant readers but this one will be a quickie. Settle down fellas, not that kind of quickie.

In the interest of the weather changing here in the city I thought I'd throw a little something out to my fellow sinus/allergy sufferers.

I've discovered that adding 1/8 tsp. of SEA salt (not that mess with the girl on the front pouring out salt under an umbrella) to a bottle of water will significantly improve your sinus issues.

Now it is still salt and I've discovered that about every 2-1/2 weeks I've got to lay off of it for 2 days because my feet will start to swell. (Apparently the claim that it helps regulate BP doesn't work for me.)

I love products that do double duty so I checked on this one and found these claims at http://products.mercola.com/himalayan-salt/ :
Containing all of the 84 elements found in your body, the benefits of natural Himalayan Crystal Salt include:
Regulating the water content throughout your body.
Promoting a healthy pH balance in your cells, particularly your brain cells.
Promoting blood sugar health and helping to reduce the signs of aging.
Assisting in the generation of hydroelectric energy in cells in your body.
Absorption of food particles through your intestinal tract.
Supporting respiratory health.
Promoting sinus health.
Prevention of muscle cramps.
Promoting bone strength.
Regulating your sleep -- it naturally promotes sleep.
Supporting your libido.
Promoting vascular health.
In conjunction with water it is actually essential for the regulation of your blood pressure.

So there you have it. If all else fails take an imaginary trip to the beach.

Be well.

...What's Got Me Feelin' So Good (Pt. 2)

In my recent musings I've come across a most interesting phenomenon - that of oil pulling. I was really impressed with all of the testimonies that I read at http://www.earthclinic.com/ .

The premise of oil pulling as laid out on http://www.oilpulling.com/ is that by swishing (or pulling) 1 tbsp of either sesame or sunflower oil between your teeth for 15-30 minutes on an empty stomach you are pulling toxins out of bloodstream via your gums.

This process also does wonders for your dental health. It stops your gums from bleeding, tightens loose teeth, whitens teeth and over time will begin to eliminate morning breath.

I've been "pulling" for about a month now and I have to say I was sold by day 3. I only pull once a day and my oil of choice is sunflower. I have tried sesame, as I read this oil yields the best results, but the taste was a little strong for me.

My gums no longer bleed while brushing and my teeth are noticeably whiter now. I begin oil pulling for the purpose of improving my dental health but there have been some other benefits that are major bonuses.

Guys you may want to skip this paragraph : Prior to oil pulling I had tons of problems surrounding my "ladies days". These problems were further exacerbated by my tuba ligation 15 months ago. In addition to crazy PMS and horrible cramps from my lower back down to my thighs, I also had a very heavy flow and huge clots falling out of me every month. For a week out of every month I was miserable and had even contemplated having a partial hysterectomy. On my 4th day of oil pulling I began my cycle. I had NO cramps and my clots were significantly reduced. About a month into pulling, I had NO PMS, NO CRAMPS, NO CLOTS and my flow was significantly reduced. Needless to say I'm sold.

O.k. guys, the coast is clear. I've read that many other illnesses have been cured with this procedure and some people even use olive oil and coconut oil to pull but I'm merely telling you what I've read as far as those claims go. For me the dental results are enough. Everything else is just gravy.

...What's Got Me Feelin' So Good (Pt. 1)

O.k., have you ever known one of your parents or grandparents to have a cure for EVERYTHING that ails you? With my father it was alcohol and aspirin. My poor brother almost lost his toe to an ingrown toenail because Daddy kept telling him, "Just put a little alcohol on it, it'll be alright".

I just knew I'd never be this country. I thought I was more sophisticated than this.

Turns out, I'm just a hot, country lie!

For me, it's not alcohol and aspirin though - it's virgin coconut oil. You read me right. Or as one of my friend girls calls it - coconut "grease".

I originally started out using this on my hair and I love the shine it gives and it doesn't leave my hair greasy. But the infojunkie in me just wouldn't leave well enough alone and I wanted to know what else I could do with it. I was pleasantly stunned and immediately went to experimenting.

This is a list I found at http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/ :

Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses. Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases. Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections. Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites. Provides a nutritional source of quick energy. Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance. Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose. Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body. Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis. Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes. Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis. Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth. Helps protect against osteoporosis. Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease. Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers. Improves digestion and bowel function. Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids. Reduces inflammation. Supports tissue healing and repair. Supports and aids immune system function. Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers. Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease. Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease. Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay. Functions as a protective antioxidant. Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease. Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do. Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation. Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement). Reduces epileptic seizures. Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections. Dissolves kidney stones. Helps prevent liver disease. Is lower in calories than all other fats. Supports thyroid function. Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate. Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats. Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems. Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection. Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin. Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking. Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots. Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion. Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun. Helps control dandruff. Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do. Has no harmful or discomforting side effects. Is completely non-toxic to humans.

Now, I can't vouch for all of this but to date I have personally used it to clear up diaper rash and eczema on my baby boy, to clear up my own athlete's foot, I use it for lotion, I mix it with essential oils or use alone on my hair and scalp, I used it put a bad flare up of hemorrhoids in check and I've recently started substituting it for butter when I cook.

It can be a little pricey but like Brill Cream - a little dab'll do ya.

I know my SIL can't wait to chime in because she tells everyone who will listen that I am positively obsessed with this stuff.

And you know what?

For once, she's right.

...How Good I Feel Today

I've been doing something remarkable for the last month or so (which is why you haven't heard from me much). I'll try almost anything twice so I've been experimenting on myself as of late. It felt a little weird at first because I found myself doing something that black women, especially those with children and/or husbands, rarely do.

I've been taking care of myself.

There.

I said it.

And the heavens didn't open up nor did the ground to swallow me whole.



For a 34 year old women, I was feeling incredibly run down and just old in generally. When I got out of bed in the morning my knees popped like kindling for a winter bon fire. I could never get enough sleep. And heaven forbid I had to fulfill my marital obligations. Everything and everybody got on my nerves and I was just a bitch to be around.

Well, as luck would have it I came across some interesting health posts at my favorite place to hang out at on the net. They were about health in general and incorporating some Eastern methods of maintenance for your daily well being.

Being as I have no health insurance and had absolutely nothing to lose I started incorporating some of these simple tips into my everyday life and I am astounded to say the least! I haven't felt this way since before my first son was born almost 7 years ago.

For this to be the most progressive country in the world for medicine, why is our mortality rate so high? Well, that's quite simple - there's no profit in a cure. This is the very reason I didn't go to a doctor when I started experiencing all kinds of issues with my health. Nothing really specific and nothing that was really hurting me, I just knew that my body was not functioning the way it was supposed to. I didn't want to be given a pill that would alleviate the symptoms but cause something else in me to break down. A pill that wouldn't take care of the problem, just make it easier to tolerate.

Don't misunderstand me, please. If I'm in a car accident and end up with multiple broken bones, I sure as hell don't want to be left in the woods to the let dew fall on me and the Woodland Nymphs administer to my needs. Doctors have their place and are vitally important to society. I do not, I repeat, I do not hate doctors. I'm all for going to them for a diagnosis. However, I'd rather be offered more natural alternatives that will allow my body to heal itself and work the way it was meant to before being written out a prescription that I'll have to take for the duration of my life.

I've always believed that God put everything we needed right here on this Earth when he created it to keep our bodies running smoothly and efficiently. I just didn't know what these things were, where to purchase them and how to use them. What we consider "modern medicine" is not even a century old so what did people do up to this time to take care of themselves?

My grandmother is 84 years old and gave birth to 9 children in rural East Texas. If someone was constipated, they didn't run to a drug store and get some Ex-Lax. She made senna leaf tea, an all natural herb that got everything back in working order. Growing up I had never heard of such a thing. But why would I? Who stands to profit from this treatment? Have you ever seen a commercial for this tea? How easy is it to find in your local grocery store or Walmart?

Exactly.

In future posts I will be going in depth in each of the "treatments" I've engaged in and letting you in on these "secrets". I'm always on the lookout for something new and I welcome any feedback you may have on the subject. I'll even let you in on stuff I know absolutely nothing about but have come across in my musings.

I hang out at the health food store now the same way I used to hang out at Walmart. I still have lots to learn and lots of unhealthy habits to break but you know what? At least I know now. And according to G.I. Joe knowing is half the battle.

..About Self Love

My all-time favorite quote is, "Show me a man that is not full of himself and I'll show you a hungry man". I believe that I heard it from Ms. Maya Angelou.

That quote pretty much sums up how I feel about myself. Far from starving I am full to bursting and head over heels in love with myself. What others perceive as flaws I see as exclamation marks punctuating my beauty and making me standout out from the merely attractive. I have never suffered from lack of self esteem. Whether a size 10 or 16, I am still all that and a 3 piece dinner.

Now, being a Black woman in America, my hair has become something of an issue for some fairly close to me. Why? Well, I've decided that I no longer want to use chemical processes to straighten my hair. Honestly, I don't know what I want to do with it. I just know that I am sick of tired of having my hair relaxed. I am 34 years young and I feel that I am capable of making a decision about the hair that grows out of my head without commentary from everyone I come in contact with. I've worn my hair chemically relaxed for so long I no longer know what my hair texture is.

My sisters over at the Long Hair Care Forum lovingly refer to the chemical cream used to straighten the hair as "creamy crack". I think this is a fitting nickname because an overwhelming majority of Black women are addicted to this process.

Is is because we're too lazy to get educated about our own unique hair? Or have we bought into the stereotype that everything European is more beautiful and we must adopt their self image in order to be considered attractive? Either way that's just not me. If my hair grows down to my knees or I decide to shave my head bald tomorrow, in the words of Ms. India.Arie "I Am Not My Hair".

I have nothing against relaxed hair as I've worn mine this way for a number of years and it is beautiful. But now I want something different. I want texture and thickness again. Some people's word for what I want is "nappy". Well, if that's how you see it, then yes, I want nappy hair again. I no longer want my hair plastered to my head. I'm not offended by the word "nappy". There was a time when I ran from nappy hair because I had no idea what to do with it or how to care for it. I was also insulted by this word because whenever it was hurled at me, it was derogatory and meant to be hurtful.

Now, I embrace it. I know who I am and am quite comfortable with my tight, kinky coils. I often sit at work and feel my roots just to feel them spring back against my hands. I quite literally revel in this "nappy" hair now.

The women that came before me didn't need creamy crack and neither do I. I'm glad it's an option but I am equally glad that braids, bantu knots, twists and pressing combs are also at my disposal. So you do and let me do me. And remember -

I can look like anything I want from one day to the next but I am always

always

always

beautiful

beyond

description.

...Where I've Been

Hello, constant companions. Some of you have been wondering what I've been up to. As you recall when we started this journey I told you I would never talk just to hear myself talk. Don't get me wrong I've had plenty to say but I also believe that words have power.

The power of life and death lies in our tongues and because I was vexed I opted to say nothing rather than say something hurtful. Make no mistake I would have meant every word, however, I've matured enough to have learned that everything doesn't need to be said.

Just like your mama didn't have to say anything to you in church to get her point across, sometimes I'd rather just hold a cold, withering stare. I'll hold that stare until the subject of my disappointment becomes agitated and uncomfortable. Then I'll walk off and leave them to stew in whatever mess it is they have made.

Redundancy is also a pet peeve of mine. I don't like to be told the same thing repeatedly and I will not repeat myself ad nauseum.

For an example, if my husband has watched us struggle repeatedly to make ends meet, is it really necessary for me to call a conference every two weeks to nudge him towards gainful employment? If you're a grown ass man with 3 small children and a wife, at what point after the unemployment benefits run out do you decide to get up off of your ass and become an asset instead of a liability to the household? How long does this darling man expect for me to be loving and supportive before the bitch in me is roused from her slumber? Would I be wrong if I just took off of work early one day for the sole purpose of coming home to plant my foot....

On second thought, I'm not as purged of my venom as I initially thought. I'll need more of a cooling off period.

Oh well, on with the show!

(But do stay tuned for more of what vexes me.)

...What Not to Eat at Work

In this new economy that has even the big spenders being a little more careful with their hard earned money more people are considering ways to stretch their dollars just a little further. One of the simplest and most practical ways to save is to pack a lunch.


Some of the novices at lunch packing literally try the sack lunch. Normally this consists of a sandwich, bag of chips, piece of fruit (or similar healthy snack) and a juice or soda. There's nothing wrong with this lunch and may in fact be quite enjoyable for some. I however, was never much of a cold cut sandwich type. Even if making a sandwich at home, my salami has to be fried before I consider it an acceptable sandwich component.


Since I do quite a bit of cooking I'd much rather bring leftovers. Since there are only 6 women at this branch of the company I work for, it seems a pretty safe bet that the wives and significant others of the men are making an attempt to help their special men have special lunch times. This explains the new break room phenomena.

I've noticed a surge of containers in the break room refrigerator that was once pretty close to a barren wasteland. Not all of the contents are readily identifiable but between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. some, uh, interesting aromas have started filling the halls of my hallowed workspace.


Since I'm only 1 door down the hall from the aforementioned break room, I've contemplated posting a list of rules and regs for what is and is not an acceptable meat or vegetable to bring into a shared lunchroom environment. Just off the top of my head are some guidelines for how best to enjoy your lunch without offending the delicate sensibilities of your co-workers. How's this sample posting for a relaxing lunch for all?

Break Room Rules

1. Any kind of fish, esp. raw tuna, is strictly prohibited!
2. Only you know your tolerance to certain foods. If you have adverse reactions to known foods then please refrain for indulging in said foods during working hours.
3. The only acceptable form of cabbage in the workplace is in cole slaw. Otherwise please do not bring this vegetable onto the premises.
4. Chitterlings are NEVER an acceptable option and the smell is not masked by an entire bottle of hot sauce or Tabasco contrary to popular belief. This is especially true during the holiday season.
5. On the subject of the holiday season, alcohol and foods heavily laced with alcohol are strictly prohibited on the premises. If your religious beliefs call for you to indulge in these dishes then please consider using your vacation time to practice these beliefs in the sanctity of your own home with the ones you love.
6. Unless you will be retiring to a private office with a door, it would be poor etiquette to indulge in any food that specifically calls for sucking and slurping of bones and/or licking of fingers, i.e. pork bones or oxtails.

Due to the various ethnicities of our work environment this list merely serves as a guideline and is in no way intended to be an exhaustive list of what would be offensive and hence banned from the work place. Please use your discretion when packing lunches.

Also, please note that there are not enough microwaves to assign to each member of our team. Once you begin the heating process DO NOT wander off and leave your food unattended. Management will not be held responsible should your food be discarded as waste or tampered with. You return to eat at your own risk.

Please remove any leftover foods from the refrigerator every Friday. Each Friday the refrigerator is cleaned out by the janitorial staff and they have been instructed to discard all food stuffs with the exception of properly stored condiments. This includes Tupperware, GladWare and any other storage systems used to store your meals. Management is not responsible for storage containers left in refrigerator after 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Thank you and bon appetite!

...Why Nightlights Were Invented

I've noticed as my children have developed, they are not initially afraid of the dark. My one-year -old will wander in and out of darkened rooms with no fear whatsoever. I think it's around the age of 3 or so when they begin to have the first stirrings of fear. I have always closely monitored their television viewing and kept them in child friendly environments so I was intrigued by this sudden irrational fear. Or at the time I thought it was irrational.

One night while my boys were preparing for bed I had an epiphany.

I actually heard the words of the prayer that I taught them myself and was horrified. It left me wanting to sleep with the lights on.

Now I lay me down to sleep.

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die before I wake,

I pray the Lord my soul to take.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

(Incidentally, the new skool version of this timeless prayer has been edited to say "Angels watch me through the night until I wake in morning light", so this is much better.) My children have never been sick a day in their lives. What would cause them to "die before (they) wake"? Is someone going to sneak into their rooms and suffocate them with their pillows? What are the possibilities of them choking to death in their sleep on their own saliva?

This got my mind to really going and I discovered that even the nursery rhymes, fairy tales and fables we ourselves learned as children and are passing down to our children are just full of perils.

1. Hansel and Gretel = Cannibalism
2. Georgie Porgie = Lack of commitment from men
3. Jack and Jill = Dangerous hobbies and serious bodily injury
4. Little Jack Horner = Poor home training and/or poverty (Kid is eating with his hands!)
5. Rapunzel = Kidnap and hostage situation

Even our lullabies are cause for concern. Rock-a-bye Baby (In the Treetop). Who in the hell is putting a baby in the top of a tree waiting on a strong breeze to come and send baby tumbling to certain death? Personally, I never sang this one to my boys but instead sang Aretha Franklin's Say a Little Prayer for You. Don't laugh. Think about the lyrics to that one. What more loving song could sing to your little one?

Instead of grooming our children to be serial killers why not just stick with The Lord's Prayer and some old 100's out of a Baptist Hymnal like In the Garden and It is Well (With my Soul)?

Now that I've really pondered these childhood ditties, I'm off to say my prayers (and plug in a nightlight).

...About the Low Standards of Black Women

Well this is actually news to me. I was recently informed by one of my sisters of the Caucasian persuasion that when it comes to choosing a life mate Black women set their standards entirely too low. According to this sister we put up with any and everything for the sake of having a man that we can call our own. According to her this is why we have so much infidelity and such disrespect in general from our men.

Now, I don't know what sisters she's been hanging out with but this one doesn't play that. I'm happily married to a black man that I have borne 3 children for. Not only does he treat me like the queen that I am but he's raising our sons to give me the same respect that he does and more. Had I allowed myself to be treated any kind of way in the beginning of my 12 year relationship, then I'm sure my life would be very different now.

It's just human nature that people in general, not just men and not just Blacks, will treat you the way you train them to treat you. In the past when I've discussed my husband's habits with previous girlfriends, the conversation didn't last very long because we are actually discussing 2 different people; who he is to me and who he was to her.

As women if we carry ourselves like goddesses, we'll be treated accordingly. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying we should be arrogant or conceited. What I'm saying is take care of you. Be responsible for your own finances, feelings and well being. Don't look for a man to rescue you from yourself. I never needed a man to complete me but I did choose a mate that compliments me. There is a difference.

Men don't use that last paragraph as an excuse to lay up on your behinds and let a woman who clearly has her act together take care of you. She doesn't need to adopt a child, she's needs a man. If you're gonna be a liability, then you're gonna be on the first thing smoking outta there. In other words if you don't "man up" you'll find a pair of 3 inch heels in the back of your neck. A strong woman needs a strong man and if you don't bring it, you'll get your hat and your ass brought to you!

So to all you weak sisters out there that are giving us a bad name, backbones are on sale at Walmart BOGO Free. Get some!

...About my near road rage episode.

Hello all, I've just got to tell you about my ride in to work. I normally leave at 6:15 a.m. but I guess I got the Friday the 13th heebie jeebies because I just could not get it in gear. I stumbled out around 6:38 a.m. and missed my usual calm, if not downright cheery, commuters.

Instead, I was thrown into the mix with a bunch of rude, obnoxious heathens that drive like they retrieved their licenses from a Cracker Jack box and just glued on or better yet drew in a self portrait. I even looked into some of the vehicles to ascertain the demeanors of the motorists and came to the conclusion that most of these people really meant not harm. They were like me, simply late for work. A few must have been on that last tardy warning and could see the pink slip looming before their very eyes. Harried looks akin to panic attacks were plastered to their faces like death masks.

What really got my dander up, however, was when this monster mother of all SUV's attempted to damn near run me off the road because I would not let him in. Now mind you he was just entering the Beltway and I had already given the right of way to the car that proceeded him. Did this driver think the sole purpose of me getting out of bed and being on the roadway at this time of morning was to drive to this entrance ramp and put my car in park so that he and the rest of the morning traffic could have lone custody of the right hand lane????!!!! I prayed the car in front of me would not come to a sudden stop because if it had we would become instant carpoolers. The driver of this behomoth actually sped up as if to let me further know he intended to get in front of me even if he had to take out the wall to do it. Maybe that was the purpose of this person buying such a vehicle. He was accustomed to being a road bully.

Yeah? Well he'd better try it with Ms. Daisy 'cause I was having none of that! I gave him the eye and he gave it right back. We're getting closer and closer to the point of no return with every second. The car in front of me may as well have been pulling me with a hitch because I was hanging on that bumper.

At the very last second I finally heard the screech of tires that let me know I had won the battle!

Lesson for big SUV's drivers?

Everybody ain't scared of ya'll.

...What popped up in my inbox

I'm not a swimmer and am in fact terrified of the water. Or thought I was until I took a trip to Jamaica and discovered water isn't so bad as long as you have a cup or two of courage (a.k.a. Jamaican Rum Punch) before hand. But in the spirit of summer this little ditty that I found in my inbox was too rich not to share with my fellow readers and friends. Here's to summer and happy swimsuit shopping.

I have just been through the annual pilgrimage of torture and humiliation known as buying a bathing suit.

When I was a child in the 1950's, the bathing suits for women with mature figures were designed for a woman with a mature figure - boned, trussed and reinforced, not so much sewn as engineered. They were built to hold back and uplift; and they did a good job.

Today's stretch fabrics are designed for the prepubescent girl with a figure carved from a potato chip. The mature woman has a choice: She can either front up at Wal-Mart's Women's Plus department and try on a floral suit with a skirt, coming away looking like a hippopotamus who escaped from Disney's Fantasia, or she can wander around every run-of-the-mill department store trying to make a sensible choice from what amounts to a designer range of fluorescent rubber bands

What choice did I have? I wandered around, made my sensible choice and entered the chamber of horrors known as the fitting room. The first thing I noticed was the extraordinary tensile strength of the stretch material.

The Lycra used in bathing costumes was developed, I believe, by NASA to launch small rockets from a slingshot, which give the added bonus that if you manage to actually lever yourself into one, you are protected from shark attacks. The reason for this is that any shark taking a swipe at your passing midriff would immediately suffer whiplash.

I fought my way into the bathing suit, but as I twanged the shoulder strap in place, I gasped in horror - my bosom had disappeared! Eventually, I found one bosom cowering under my left armpit. It took a while to find the other. At last, I located it--flattened--beside my seventh rib. The problem is that modern bathing suits have no bra cups. The mature woman is meant to wear her bosom spread across her chest like a speed bump. I realigned my speed bump and lurched toward the mirror to take a full view assessment.

The bathing suit fit all right, but, unfortunately, it only fit those bits of me willing to stay inside it. The rest of me oozed out rebelliously from top, bottom, and sides. I looked like a lump of play dough wearing undersized cling wrap.

As I tried to work out where all those extra bits had come from, the prepubescent sales girl popped her head through the curtains.

"Oh! There you are!" she said, admiring the bathing suit. I replied that I wasn't so sure, and asked what else she had to show me.

I tried on a cream crinkled one that made me look like a lump of masking tape, and a floral two-piece which gave the appearance of an over sized napkin in a serviette ring.

I struggled into a pair of leopard skin bathers with ragged frill and came out looking like Tarzan's Jane pregnant with triplets and having a rough day.

I tried on a black number with a midriff and looked like a jellyfish in mourning. I tried on a bright pink pair with such a high cut leg I thought I would have to wax my eyebrows to wear them. Finally, I found a suit that fit--a two piece affair with shorts-style bottom and a loose, blouse-type top. It was cheap, comfortable, and bulge-friendly, so I bought it.

When I got home, I read the label which said: "Material may become transparent in water."

I'm determined to wear it anyway ... I'll just have to learn to do the breaststroke in the sand.

...About My Respect for the Nether Regions

Well. ladies and gentlemen, I hope your day ended on a better note than mine. I'm not exactly feeling my usual chipper self but since misery loves company, we meet again.

Let me say first and foremost that you can't believe everything that you see on T.V. The actors that have been hired by large conglomerates for the purpose of selling hemorrhoid creams and ointments should be taken out and beaten within inches of their lives. They don't begin to convey the urgency of the situation that is hemorrhoids. That slight flinch when they attempt to ease down into chairs during staff meetings at the office are pure fiction. Allow me to enlighten the ignorant and those in the know feel free to let the church say "Amen".

Again for those who don't know, a brief synopsis. Hemorrhoids are defined as a swelling or thrombosis of the veins in the rectum and can be either internal or external. Now the aforementioned affliction can be caused by one or more of the following factors :

1. Heredity (which in my case has been passed down from my maternal grandfather to my mother to me.)
2. Pregnancy (in this case I must have been a Spartan in a previous life. I didn't give birth to bouncing baby boys, I gave birth to men.)
3. Sitting, standing or walking for long periods of time. (I'm a mom, need I say more?)
4. Constipation
5. Diarrhea
6. Repeated lifting of heavy items.

Since we're all on the same page now let me just skip on to the purpose of this post. I'm so sick of actors living in Neverland. I'm going to audition for a spot on a hemorrhoid commercial because clearly the participants currently being cast have NEVER suffered this indignity.

I would look straight into the camera and let America know that when your ass is on fire you need relief fast! This is no time for a meeting with shareholders or some hard bleachers at little Timmy's soccer game. Tell your boss that your butt hole has been turned inside out and some demon from hell is holding a blowtorch to the veins that have been exposed as a result. Tell little Timmy's assistant coach that he's on deck because you have got to go soak your ENTIRE behind in some hot water and Epsom salt. Bypass Walgreen's and head straight for your medicine cabinet for the prescription meds that make Preparation H look like foot lotion. Just leave the tube out and no explanation will be necessary for your spouse. You've been warned. Good luck and God bless.

Now THAT commercial pays the proper respect that is due this solemn occasion. With that being said, my medicine cabinet awaits.

...About People Who Vote for the Wrong Reasons

I have to say how proud I am that in my lifetime an African-American male has a real chance at the White House. Not only is this man educated, articulate and charismatic but he is SEXY AS HELL. Which brings me to the point of this post.

Even though I'm not one of those people, a lot of Black Americans will vote for Senator Obama because he is black. I may be naive but I actually believe the man when he says it's time for a change and he's the man to make that change. I've sat through a couple of his speeches and tried to see through the flowery words to the heart of his message. I've watched CNN more since the democrats started the campaign for a nominee than I have in my whole life. I'm actually attempting to be an informed voter. If you're only voting because he is black, that's o.k. too. This is a historic time in the history of this great nation and that's a better reason than I've heard out there lately.

I've been made aware of the fact that there is a movement of women out there voting for Senator Obama because they find him attractive.

Wait for it.



Wait.



WHAT THE HELL KIND OF NONSENSE IS THAT???!!!

Would you actually vote someone into the most powerful office in the Western Hemisphere solely because you like the man's smile? If he wore the wrong kind of suit on the day you happened to catch a glimpse of him while channel surfing, would that negate your vote? Heaven forbid the man was single and you thought your vote would get you a date. (And incidentally Mrs. Obama has my deepest sympathies for the nonsense she will undoubtedly have to put up with) I think my husband is attractive but that doesn't mean he's fit for the oval office!

This is a classic case of doing all the right things for all the wrong reasons. If some of my enlightened sisters on here happen to come across some of these sisters please give them this blog address so that they know just how ridiculous they sound to the rest of us with good sense.

...How I came to be here

As I lay in bed the other night noodling, I got a call from my sister-in-law (SIL). I casually let her know that I was considering starting a blog. Her enthusiasm for this vague idea was so overwhelming that I was almost catapulted out of bed to start one immediately.

The operative word here ? Almost. I have 4 passions (and a few hobbies) and the first and foremost passion is sleeping. The other 3 are cooking, reading and talking. Now that I'm wide awake, I'm ready to get this party started. I've cooked, eaten and am now ready to run my mouth (or in this case my fingers).

From time to time I'll be running some things by you that I would like to hear from you on. Don't get excited just yet because this isn't one of those times. I'm simply saying hello and just letting you know a little about myself and where I'm coming from.

I'll try and keep most of my posts PG-13 or at the very least NC-17. Every now and then something will run me so hot that I may have to get a little colorful in posting. Even though I'm assuming we're all grown here, I'll keep my rants within reason. (After all, my mama may stumble in here.)

Since I'm not big on people who talk more than me, there are going to be quite a few posts that you won't be able to comment on. Well, at least not to me. But feel free to call up your girls and let them know what I said, discuss with them and then give them my address so they can get in on the fun.

I hope to make more friends than enemies and will try and keep most things light and humorous.

So get in, sit down, hold on and shut up!