Daddy Longlegs

A father watched his five-year-old daughter playing in the garden. He smiled as he reflected on how sweet and innocent his little girl was. Suddenly she just stopped and stared at the ground. He went over to her and noticed she was looking at two spiders mating. Daddy, what are those two spiders doing?" she asked. "They’re mating," her father replied. "That’s a Daddy Longlegs." Her father answered. "So, the other one is Mommy Longlegs?" the little girl asked. "No," her father replied. "Both of them are Daddy Longlegs." The little girl thought for a moment, then took her foot and stomped them flat. "Well, daddy, that might be accepted in California and Massachusetts but we’re not having any of that shit in Wisconsin!!

This message was in an email forward.

Post your own art for free!

This website looks really cool and I'm throwing it out here for everyone. It is for students and anyone, I believe, to post a free unlimited amount of original artwork.

http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/stuart/

Enjoy!

LastManOut

Success

"The key to success is for you to make a habit throughout your life of doing things you fear."

-Vincent Van Gogh

christmas in the shade

my Tree
is above me
tiny little branches
this is what photosynthesis made
tiny little ornaments
artificial light bulbs hanging all over
stars remind us and guide us
love is everywhere
my tree
is still alive
like the spirit
soil must be moist
likes shade
can’t kill it till Christmas
don’t think I can ever toss it
to the curb…what savages
who toss their trees of life
lent sucks then we have no trees
i’d rather be stuck below
my tree…than…
please don’t die
YOU mean so much to me

By, Josh Steger

Just wear it….

I at one time owned a bumper sticker that had a black background and a simple white image on it of an unrolled condom that stated, “Just wear it.” I have always been very impressed with that message because it stated very simply and plainly with out confusion exactly what this item is for. It has come to my surprise that there are those people who do not know that using a condom is controversial from a moral standpoint, or banned by the Catholic Church. In all of their sexual morays, the Catholic Church has forbid its followers to use …condoms. Why? It is believed that sexual promiscuity outside of marriage as well as sex for non-reproductive purposes is gravely sinful. That leaves sex for married people who are either trying or open to getting pregnant. That’s it. No sex for anyone else ever.

The Church’s current position on Condom’s excludes them from use by anyone. This black and white, all encompassing, policy could not possibly take into the many situations in which condom use is completely appropriate from a medical and social standpoint. When should you wear a condom? You should wear one whenever you have any doubt about a partner’s STD status, when you are in no place or situation in which you could care for a child, when you simply don’t want to get pregnant, and any other time that you are not trying to get pregnant. It’s really quite simple. The condom lets you enjoy sex and gives you piece of mind. The condom is not fail safe and relies on its user knowing how to wear it properly. When used effectively it can help prevent pregnancy and STD’s. Plus, the use of a condom keeps your partner from being filled with semen, which some people find unpleasant. Wear a condom. As Martha would say, “It’s a good thing.”

So sex for enjoyment purposes is very controversial for Roman Catholics. That is why the Pope has a problem with what gay people do in bed. We enjoy sex. I also resent the statements by the Catholic Church and its clergy that homosexuals are preoccupied with sex. I am not preoccupied with sex nor are most gay people. I am not a nymphomaniac (Nymphomania is technically defined as excessive sexual desire by a female, from nymphae, the inner lips of the vulva, but to be fair, guys are way more guilty than girls in this area.) The difference between the Pope and I is that I have actually have sex and also have a healthy attitude towards it. When you consider the health effects of simply having sex, one wonders why exactly it is not encouraged more. It is widely known that sex is a natural anti-depressant, adds years to your life, and just plain makes you feel better. It’s crazy to think that people should only use it for reproductive purposes. And if you’re going to play the game, very practically, you need the right equipment. The condom should be the first thing you consider.

This article was sparked by an article I recently read and is feature in a link below. The article addresses the topic that the Vatican has recently commissioned a study on condom use. What the study will find we will probably never know because the Church is refusing to release its contents. Why should we be concerned? Well one of the world’s major religious institutions is going to use a private document to possibly make decisions about how to tell people to have sex and they aren’t even going to open it up for discussion. It’s appalling. So, no matter what the Church spouts off on with regard to a piece of rubber, please just remember for your own good, just wear it.

Yours truly,

LastManOut

More information at:
http://news.yahoo.com/

Running out with their tails between their legs!

The political radar lately has picked up on a number of stories regarding what is now known as “the lame duck congress.” For those not educated in civics, when a political body or person such as president lags in their workload essentially accomplishing nothing, this is called “lame duck.” Let me tell you how lame this congress is. The currently Republican controlled Congress has decided to ditch their massive spending bills that they had planned of passing, assuming they had won, which would have spent trillions of money on every pork barrel pet project you could probably dream of. Now that they lost, they are leaving all of the budget issues for Democrats to pass hoping it will slow down their momentum to affect real change.

The number one reason these Republican “Big Spenders” have decided to stave things off is because they did not want their last legacy to be a spending spree. The problem with this is, all they have done for the last 6 six years that G.W. Bush has been President is send in spending bill, after spending bill, each larger than the next. Truly, if there is anything we have learned from recent history, pork barrel spending has no party preference.

So now we have it, in the face of defeat our strong militaristic GOP leaders have decided that they are not even going to spend other people’s money for the last month of office or so. Republicans apathetical attitude towards the public’s outcry for smart spending, scaling down the Iraq war, and really focusing in on health care has been the truth all along. Now, we have direct evidence of this because their behavior surely supports it.

The truth is they are going to leave a legacy of failure, abuse, and in some cases malfeasance. Who will ever forget Tom Delay & Jack Abramoff and all the other members caught up in the campaign finance scandal or the Mark Foley scandal where he had sexually explicit conversations with a minor? Scandal, Failure, and mismanagement are their legacy.

I think it is inconceivable that we could have elected these people to lead our country in the first place.

LastManOut

View more information at:
http://news.yahoo.com/

Loose ends…

Lately, there has been a lot to talk about, but not an abundance to write about. I have all sorts of news and things that have happened, so here’s the latest.

Today was a mile stone in many ways because I finally finished a scarf that I started knitting four years ago. I know I picked up the yarn sometime while I was dating my ex back in 2002. It’s like I have more closure rather than accomplishment. I’ve finally got a few more loose ends tied up and now there is one more thing that is complete. Not only am I finished with this scarf, but it will always have a lot of personal meaning for me because I almost never make anything for myself. I worked on this scarf through so many different times in my life in the recent past. It really is a lot of memories packed into one thing. This scarf has traveled many, many places already just trying to get made, and it has many more to go yet! Oh, and I forgot to mention, it turned out absolutely fabulous, if I do say so myself.

I’ve not gotten a lot done around the house lately because I haven’t really felt like it. Jerad left me a list of things to do while he is gone the next couple days transforming the world into a Christmas wonderland. With Christmas on the horizon and Thanksgiving knocking on the door there are quite a few things that need to take place in a short amount of time, and of coarse, then it’s all over. It think there is a lot of weight to the fact that Christmas really is about the children. It’s pretty inconceivable that we would pick a day to celebrate Jesus’ birthday and invent a bunch of fictional characters if we didn’t intend to use it to brain wash our kids. I mean it’s one really good reason for them to behave themselves all year long; well at least my mother stretched it out that far, hehe. Anyway, I have quite a few projects going for the holidays. I have hand-made gifts to finish, cookies to bake, the annual holiday party to plan, and much, much more!!! I hope everyone has as crazy of a Christmas as I do, because if you don’t you’re just not having fun!

Speaking of Jerad, He has been so dedicated to his job lately. I’m really impressed with him. He’s working like 12 hour days just to keep up with all the interior/exterior holiday decorating that he is doing. I know that he wants all the lights possible on for the day after thanksgiving, positively not later than Dec 1. So we’ve been spending a lot of time together shopping till I drop. He still keeps going like a battery operated Christmas toy from hell!!! Hehe. Hohoho.

I’ll leave you with this wise saying I read on the wall at Jimmy John’s today at lunch: Not everyday is perfect. Some days you’re the pigeon. Some days you’re the statue.

Yours Truly,

LastManOut

Post Election Trauma (PET)

I have PET, Post Election Trauma. I suffer from PET because Mexico City’s legislature just voted to recognize gay civil unions. It is not marriage but still, it affords them more benefits than I am entitled to in Wisconsin. The trauma is that on Nov. 7th Wisconsin voted about 60/40 to ban gay marriage and civil unions in their state constitution. What part of "vote no" did people not understand this last election. Let me sum this up. Mexico, which by some evaluations has been deemed a developing country, is now offering civil union’s in its capitol city. Let’s see that happen in Madison, or even Washington for that matter. It’s a sad day when the people that we don’t want to let into our country have better ruling sense than we do. I apologize to my Mexican friends if any of this seems ungracious, I am very happy for you and I know what a struggle it must have been to reach this point. It’s just that now I have PET!!!

Traumatized,

LastManOut

The corresponding news release referred to in this blog can be reached at: http://news.yahoo.com/

Relationship Road Blocks

What do you do when you hit a stumble along your mutual journey? So many things when not dealt with effectively have the ability to become obstacles in the road before you. Is your journey currently in the express lane or are you on a rocky mountain climb to the top of a never ending mountain? So we ask ourselves, how do we get down from the mountain top onto the highway?

People are often at a loss for practical steps to solving common relationship issues relating to commitment, co-habiting, shared property, children, and romance to include affection, love, and sex. While there are other problem areas, these in my experience have been the most common and often most difficult. The majority of relationship problems listed above are solved by effectively evaluating the communication methods that are being employed. Dissatisfaction is almost entirely the result of miscommunication. We come down off the mountain by asking questions to get the directions. Directions have to be communicated clearly by the other party.

We become better communicators to others by first becoming better listeners ourselves. Good listening techniques include allowing the other person to say what they have to say completely without interrupting, having the ability to repeat what was said, and asking related questions to clarify information. When you have completed this it is appropriate to use an empathetic or acknowledgment statement such as, “I see where you are coming from.” Or “I understand how you feel.” Do not follow this statement with “But or However.” ***Remember*** you want to have a conversation, not an argument.

After we have listened to the other person and helped them communicate their feelings, problems, or issues we then expect the same in return. If they do not ask, volunteer how you feel about the problem but without blaming them or minimizing their issue. Transitioning to a resolution is the next step. Make sure you both have said everything that needs to be said. Emphasize your willingness to work this problem out and your willingness to help. Make sure you continue to validate each other with positive statements. Mutually outline steps for action to correct the problem and then make sure you honor what you have agreed upon. If one person completely falls through on the actions agreed upon then you either need to repeat this process until it works out or you might reconsider your reasons for being in a relationship with the other person. Effective communication takes practice and does not happen overnight or all at once; recognizing this is an important first step to improvement.

Getting down off your mountain and back to civilization can be a long process. However, consider that it took quite a hike to get up their in the first place. Realize that your decisions that you have made through this process have been guiding it to where it is up to this point. If you find yourself walking in circles; doing the same thing over and over again, try a different direction. Break the cycle. If you always do what you’ve always done; you’ll always get what you’ve always got. While it is perhaps the hardest thing to do you need to look inside and determine what effect your actions have had on the situation. Have you been completely honest? Do you have a clear idea of what your needs are? Do you expect the other person to “make you happy?” The path to the highway will probably be covered in brush until you clear it off.

There is also a flip side to all this which is quite different than being on a mountain, or ledge, and that is being stuck in a valley. When you or your partner is seemingly in a state where there is nothing “bad” happening, and yet still not a lot of good happening, you are both stuck in the valley. And instead of climbing off the mountain you have to climb out of the valley to the highland. (Yes, the highway is located on the highland.) The “valley effect” is a common problem for people who have often grown very used to the way things are. They have developed habits that reinforce the same status-quo. Old habits die hard. Again, you have to make a decision about the communication level. Is it enough? Are you talking about important topics? Do you feel like your conversation is always about the same things? The best advice is to try to bring up some new topics of discussion and then employ effective listening and communication techniques.

There are times in which you are going to have to sell the idea in order to get where you need to go. Think of this as setting up a popcorn stand along the path to the highway. You need to attract your customer and make the sale in order to stay in business. This is a great technique/skill to employ when trying to work out logistical issues. I’ll give you “x” if you give me “y.” You have to take the initiative to negotiate your future or you’ll be left behind. Allowing a pattern in which you are not making your own decisions will create a cycle of dependence on the other person. You will either willingly or unwillingly invite in controlling behavior if you do not manage issue. It would be the same as having your popcorn stolen from your stand over and over again because you did not lock it up at night.

There is no such thing as a simple solution to your problem but there are the above techniques to try if you find yourself in these situations. The most important thing to remember when you are trying to reach resolution to a problem is to STAY CALM! You will have your best wits about you and the most opportunity to understand yourself and the other person when you consciously step aside, put yourself together, do your homework, and remain a calm adult. You simply have to believe that you can do it and the answers to your relationships woes will become clear, biding it’s fixable.

Remember to keep the road clear and the popcorn flowing!

LastManOut

Grama once said….

My grandma always has a way of brightening things when I’m down. Here’s a few of them….

“If you fail, just try again.”

“Sometimes I think you take yourself a bit too seriously.”

She is prone to singing, “Gray skies gonna clear up, put on a happy face!”

With the tone of a former cheerleader she said, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

“I think it is good to make changes when you are young.”

When being cut off by a car, “You, Jackass!” Later changed to “Jackrabbit,” when my little cousin repeated it.

Also prone to singing, “You have to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, and latch on the affirmative; don’t mess with mister in between.”

She usually calls me Joshua, accenting the “J.”

She once danced around at a campground in her bra screaming, “I’m a nerd, I’m a nerd, I’m a nerd.”

Grandma does not “fart” she has “frogs in her basement.” Grandpa tends to think it is a fog horn and not frogs.

If you have any wonderful things your Grama has said, please feel free to leave them in the comments.

LastManOut

Internet Dating

Ok, I confess, I’m guilty as charged from dating on the internet. So are a lot of people, some absurd statistic of people use these services. In fact, at one point nearly two years ago before I met my boi, I was even somewhat of an on-line dating junkie. I had profiles on all sorts of sites, and I’m still getting update emails even when I think I cancelled all of them. I think the obsession stemmed from the fact that I really am a people person. I have always had an introspective quality to me, however, it has always been tempered by my personal experience of being surrounded by people. I find life to be entirely more enriching when you open up and make other people a part of it. So what better a service than on-line dating to be surrounded by other people with the ability to get to know them a lot better than you often would in person?

However, there were problems along the way. You end up going a lot of dates with absolute losers. There is a very good explanation for this as well. One of the main reasons is that a chunk of the “seeking” population does not have very good people skills and as such use on-line dating as a mask. There is also the chunk of people, who do not have very honorable intentions, play games, have depression, alcoholism, or are perhaps married or supposedly in a committed relationship, et cetera. One of the most difficult things to gage with on-line dating is what the other person’s true intentions are. You literally have to have a very good lie/missing information barometer in order to get the full picture before you determine whether or not this is a good or even safe person for you to meet in person. Unfortunately, being younger than I am now when I “dated” on-line, I can now clearly see where those errors in judgment were.

Values and etiquette, while perhaps different in some ways for on-line dating, should still be observed whenever seeking for a potential mate. The internet does not make something better just because it is now accessible in a billion different places. The same goes for people. I am not one qualified to criticize how you structure you sexual behavior and what type of relationship or experience you are looking for, however, no matter what your intentions, those should be made clearly so that you give the other person the right to decide if that is what is right for them. Behavior to the contrary is and should be considered sexual harassment.

You should always consider that there is going to be a flood of potentially unwanted behavior when you post your information on the internet. There is really nothing you can do about this other than discard it or use whatever reporting means there is. Just a personal comment to all the sick freaks that do this type of stuff, it’s not funny, sexy, or appropriate. You can bet that all of the creeps are going to come out of the closet on-line.

Speaking of coming out of the closet….. The internet can be one of the best places to do that for someone who is addressing their sexual orientation. This is for the major reason that the anonymity that the internet offers can be very freeing for someone who feels quite oppressed. Though, these people should be especially cautious.

The good of dating on line is that it opens up so many possibilities for communication that might not be possible otherwise. By overcoming scheduling, geographic problems, or locating minority populations so many people have really been able to expand their horizons.

On a personal note, my partner and I met on a very saucy website and we both just clicked and are a very happy committed couple. I realize that we are an exception in many ways to the typical on-line dating experience. When my boi emailed me those few times before we met, I really felt like he was being upfront with me. He’s been that way ever since, I expect that will always continue. I met the love of my life on-line. It wasn’t easy, but the good parts of on-line dating can really work for you with some discretion.

Female Friends of Gay Men

A friend of mine and I had a conversation last night about the age old term "Faghag." Well one is probably wondering what exactly is a faghag. So I did some research. According to The Cambrige On-line Dictionary a faghag is, "a woman who likes to spend time with homosexual men." On the surface it seems that a faghag is really not such a bag thing.

Many people both possible faghags and gay men alike take offense to the term and prefer to refer to female friends of gay men as something else. Why is it potentially offensive? Well, in sort of a traditional sense the gay community has recognized in a strict sense that a faghag is more of a woman who very actively seeks out gay men as close companions and is often in love with them romantically. It is not difficult to imagine that a woman of this sort does not command the same respect as a woman who happens to have friends that are gay men and positively affirms their sexual orientation. In most cases female freinds of gay men fall into one of the two interpretations discussed above. The line however is quite fine.

So what is the etiquette with the word faghag? The precise answer is currently unknown. However I can offer this guideline. There are a variety of women who are a "Self Proclaimed Faghag," such as Margaret Cho. Margaret Cho, a comedian, has on video proclaimed herself as a faghag. In this instance it is appropriate to refer to her as a faghag. However, in all other cases discrestion should be used.

Now onto the substitution to the word faghag. I personally do not endorse the use of the word fruitfly to describe these females because it is mostly absurd. Some like to think of it as a more polite way of refering to a faghag, but in my opinion, if it is true, call it for what it is.

So now for alternatives that matter. Since many of my female friends are just that, female friends, I prefer to call them my girlfriends. I think that this is possibly the most healthy way to term the relationship.

Gay men owe their "hags" a lot because truly they have been there through it all for them. So truthfully, there are girlfriends of mine who I do call faghags because that is simply what they are. Hag, Girlfriend, Fruitfly, what-have-you, These will always be the most important women in our lives. And we (the gays) as a community should applaud you for being some of the most loving and accepting people on the planet.

Yours truly,

LastManOut

First Week On The Job

I am now a representative for Medicare Part D. I have finished all my training and Monday was my first day on the floor. I guess it is always a humble reminder that there is really very little that we actually know. The distinction between knowing and believing has been become clear this week. There has been this gradual transition from converting things I believe to be true to confirmed knowledge. I guess, for me, there is always this need to confirm something the first time I use it. Call me overly cautious, however, I feel it gives me the confidence and piece of mind to reassure the other person. I have always appreciated it when people take the time to really explain things to me.

Taking the time to be clear and explain things has become and especially important as I attempt to explain the Medicare Part D policy to people. I've noticed that explaining an insurance plan to people is not entirely different than my former job of explaining accounts as a banker. I find it especially difficult to take all this new information and make concise answers out it. Though, with some pratice it has been getting better.

We had sensitivity training today which clued us in to what it is like for people with disabilities and the trials that many face accomplishing basic tasks. These types of training always mean a lot to me because I forget a lot of the time what it must be like to have to face things like arthritis, vision problems, and hearing loss to name a few. I guess the point of it all is that we just need to listen to people and help them as an individual.

Brokeback Bar

A cowboy walks into a bar and two steps in, he realizes it's a gay bar. But what the heck, he says to himself, "I can really use a drink."

When the gay waiter approaches, he says to the cowboy, "What's the name of your weewee?" The cowboy says, "Look, I'm not into any of that, all I want is a drink." The gay waiter says, "I'm sorry but I can't serve you until you tell me the name of your weewee. Mine for instance is called Nike, for the slogan 'Just Do It,' and that guy down at the end of the bar calls his, Snickers, because it really 'Satisfies.'"

The cowboy looks dumbfounded so the bartender tells him he will give him a second to think it over. So the cowboy asks the man sitting to his left, who is sipping on a beer, "Hey bud, what's the name of yours?"

The man looks back and says with a smile "Timex," and the thirsty cowboy asks, "Why Timex?" The fella proudly replies, "Cause it takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin!"

A little shaken, the cowboy turns to two fellas on his right, who happen to be sharing a fruity Margarita and says, "So, what do you guys call yours?"

The first man turns to him and proudly exclaims, "FORD, because Quality is Job One." Then he adds, "Have you driven a Ford lately?" The guy nex t to him then says, "I call mine CHEVY, 'Like A Rock.'" and gives a wink.

Even more shaken the Cowboy has to think for a moment before he comes up with a name. He exclaims, "The name of my weewee is 'SECRET.' Now give me a beer." The bartender begins to pour the Cowboy a beer, but with a puzzled look asked, "Why Secret?"

The cowboy says, "Because it's STRONG ENOUGH FOR A MAN, BUT MADE FOR A WOMAN."

Nursing Home Joke

An 82 year old woman and a 96 year old man at a nursing home met each other in the dining room one afternoon. They talked all afternoon and soon became very good friends. They continued to talk every afternoon and one day the topic of sex came up in their conversation. The woman commented that she probably can't do much for the man anymore. The man said, yes, that probably doesn't work like it used to, but he said you could still hold it. So, the woman would hold it for him every afternoon. One afternoon the man didn't show up and the woman was very concerned, so she went up to his room to find him. She walked in the room and there was another woman sitting there holding it for him. The woman yelled, "You two-timing asshole, What does she have that I don't." The man replied, "Parkinson's."

Negative Election Ads

I could not help but notice today that it really is the heart of election season because all of the groups representing either the Republicans or Democrats Political Action Committees (PAC's) are running their usual slew of dirt that they dug up on the opposing candidate. In our district, Mark Green is stepping down from the House of Representatives to run for Governor and Steve Kagen-D and John Gard-R are running to fill his seat. While I do not expressly support either of these campains I do have to wonder who the people are who are producing these commcials that focus not on issues or what really matters but on an interpretation of their view of these mens' characters. I think it is a dis-service to our country to endorse or pay any serious attention to the content of these commercials. They seek to confuse, harm, and tell many half truths.

The real problem is the people that donate money to these organizations so that they are able to run these commcials in the first place. You would think that they could find an organization that could really do some good for someone to donate their money to. Have we forgotten all about hunger, poor children, and the sick and disabled? These commercials are also a huge waste of time, which is also an even greater waste money. This air time could at least be spent marketing a product, which would potentially help drive sales. That sales boost certainly couldn't hurt the economy?

Our politicians will probably never live up to anyone's standards because they don't even have the strenth to address these people for who they are head on. And further, neither side has told their people to convince these groups not to run these commercials? These people are out to fulfill thier own purposes and their actions represent nothing that is good and true. Their intentions are mean and spiteful. Let them also meet that end.

If we keep running campains like this, we will not get candidates that are truly qualified to do their jobs. That is the saddest part of it all.

LastManOut.

Wise Bathroom Saying

If you sprinkle when you tinkle, be a sweetie and wipe the seatie.

Resignation/New Job

Today marks a mile stone in my life. I have managed in the last month and a half to find a new job. Today I called my boss in the morning and she was really much more gracious about me giving her my notice over the phone than I had expected.

Why am I changing Jobs?

1) Salary

It is my discovery that for being the next best thing to having an assistant branch manager at our location, that I do not make very much more for doing that. While my salary is supposed to be confidential, I did discuss it with a couple other co-workers as well as a couple other friends of mine at other banks who are in lower positions. The result of my survey is that I make about 50 - 70 cents an hour more than them. This to me is not adequate compensation for everything that I do/am responsible for.

2) Work Environment

I have not always had the most generous employment with the Bank.

3) Career Goals

It really was never in my career goals to be a banker.

4) Other Factors

Jerad wants to open a flower shop in spring and will need my help in the mornings and on weekends. My new job would allow for that.

To make it short........ They can take this job and shove it.

I am very, Very, very excited about my new job because I am taking a position which is actually a downgrade from my current one to make subtantially more money than I do new. I will be getting a pay increase of about $1.43/hr over what I make now.

The only regret I have is that I didn't go and apply with the new company last year. - Lesson Learned.

Miracles Do Happen

The last month has been a journey for the entire family. Jerad's mom Lori was struck with a staph infection mostly due from, what we can tell, a minor surgery that she had in December. About 4 weeks ago as she was returning from vacation she was hospitalized. Since then she has undergone open heart surgery to replace a valve that the bateria ate away, she had her spleen removed, they put in a direct feeding line, and a tracheotomy so she could breathe better.

When I visted Mama this past Tuesday the speech therapist was with her in her room. She had also been transferred to a regular room out of ICU. The doctors had told us that they were not sure if she would ever be able to talk. I was awestruck when Mama was saying "Yes" and "No" and names of family members. She was also putting together sentances. It was a miracle to hear her say anything after all those long weeks in the hospital where we were not even sure if she was going to make it through the weekend. Just two weeks ago she didn't seem to understand anything that was going on around her. And then yesterday, I went up to visit and she and I had a very wonderful afternoon. Yesterday I did Mama's nails up for her for Easter. When I was finished she said, "God Bless You." I've never felt so blessed in my life, not because I helped her, but because Mama simply being able to say that made my heart leap.

Yesterday was Maundy Thursday and after our parishes Passover meal and Mass Fr. Seth came up and visted Mama with us. She had said that she would very much like to pray with him. Last year on Easter was the first time that Mama had met Fr. Seth. During the sprinkling of Holy water a drop of it hit her nose and an immediate healing took place for Mama. Mama Lori had an infection on her face a few years ago and ever since she had severe pain on her nose, which were something like headaches. After the water hit her nose the pain was gone. She was finally able to tell Fr. Seth this story last night. She had written herself a note to call him about it a year ago!!! :) The most wonderful thing about her healing was that she got such a sense of peace at that moment. She had that peace again last night when we prayed. The lord has truly been with Mama through everything.

Whether Mama's healing was actually physical or spiritual last Easter, there is truly a sign of rebirth in our lives. Mama described to me yesterday that this Easter is for her a rebirth this year. Jesus's dying and rising had brought new life to us all. In baptism, Christians experience this powerful symbol as we are submersed in water three times. We are reborn when come out of the water. We are born to a life with Christ for others so that they may know the miracle of Easter too. We are all saved in the resurrection. And as we truly and profoundly aknowlege through Jesus's death and triumph, Our sins are surely forgiven. Halleluia!!

Happy Easter

Cheezy Pick Up Line

"God you're hot! I heard your ankles are having a party. Can I invite your pants down?"