River of Tears

Emotions were running a little high in Ohio as Kelsey made final arrangements to leave for her month-long adventure in China. Then the news reached her that Kearney, where she lives, was being hit by tornados. I shared what news I could, what was coming from the TV station about 50 miles away from the action. She was remaining as calm as she could, there was no bad news, she could deal with that. It was after the storm had moved on and she reached everyone by phone and knew that everyone was safe that the emotional storm erupted. All the worry came spilling out in a torrent of tears. Worry over friends, her things, the town that has become her home.

In that moment I was her mother, in the most real sense of the word. I was the woman she turned to who allowed her to cry without judgement, let the river run.

Don't know how she slept last night. I do know that my heart is heavy. Sometimes rivers spill over their banks.

The 'State' job

More work, because of capability. No additional pay than the person sitting next to you, who is incapable. This is the nature of state jobs. How do you reconcile this dichotomy? Keep doing more, taking on additional responsibilities for no additional compensation? When is enough, enough?

The drive comes from inside. Deep down is where the satisfaction comes from.

Whatever. I just want more money this year, and I don't think it's coming. Sad

Searching for Service

My phone sits on my desk every day. Service is usually no problem in this building. Today it keeps struggling to find a signal. Do you think it's because of the foil Pop-Tart wrapper it's sitting on?

My handsome and brilliant nephew has started a blog. Puts me to shame with his insight into the universe. I'll keep blogging about cell phone service, he will keep blogging about the nature of reality. Read whichever you want, my feelings won't be hurt.

Red Neck Salad

This is supposedly a recipe by everyone's favorite cook, Paula Dean. It's called Georgia Cracker Salad, though I haven't verified that. It's so yummy I don't care where it came from. Discovered it at my friend Christie's house.

Georgia Cracker Salad
1 sleeve saltine crackers crumbled (I used store brand Ritz)
1 large tomato, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1-1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 hard cooked egg, chopped

Stir gently until well mixed, chill and serve.

McDizzle? F'shizzle!

Hastings, Nebraska. Not just the birthplace of Kool-Aid, now the home of the McDizzle. Double Cheeseburger with a chicken patty slipped in the middle. I had a bite, quite tasty. Dare you to try to order one. I've also heard a chicken patty tucked into a Big Mac is pretty special, but I haven't tried that. I would not recommend ordering anything so special during a rush. You're more likely to get cooperation if you're there later at night, when the younger, more adventurous McDonald's employees are on duty. Let me know if you try a McDizzle. Maybe this is a trend that will sweep the nation, something like Kool-Aid.

Question of the day

How many "hits" do you have to have had before you can produce a "Greatest Hits" collection?

New Kids on the Block have a greatest hits CD. Can you name a single one of their "hits?"

Do they count as fruit?

Have you tried the new cherry M&M's? Quite tasty and I'm not a big cherry candy fan.

Someone in my office has suggested that because they are cherry they are a fruit and therefore count as vitamins. Anyone else want to weigh in on that subject?

Stalker?

If you leave the room and he throws himself on the floor crying, is he a stalker?

If he stands outside every room you are in knocking on the door, is he a stalker?

No, he's just a toddler!