Survivor Mode

Have you ever noticed that when you are hit with something that is difficult or challenging how you react?  The first thought is to cave in and feel sorry and sad.  Suddenly, the human spirit reroutes like the GPS.  Before you know it you have thoughts of an alternate plan with renewed energy and hope.  That's how life is, and that's what makes people resilient.  Have a great day!

Keith Urban & Gary Clark 2014 Grammy Awards Live - 'Cop Car'

The Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell Recap

My friend and I went to see the movie "Lone Survivor".  As soon as the movie started, I wondered why two women had decided to see a movie about Navy Seals. The movie instilled in me an 

appreciation for an admired group of military men.  Movies about the Navy Seals have made me question why men  would put up with all this crap.  Navy Seals are about endurance, strength, patience and a multitude of other admirable traits.

When I thought my friend was going to bolt from the seat I reminded her that this series of wounds were pretend.  She reminded me that this was a true story.  I remembered how upset she got at "Life of Pi" so I was concerned that I would be left behind.

As the movie ended, I found tears streaming down my face.  I was embarrassed to keep wiping the drops of water that were trickling down my neck.

My friend seemed very disturbed when we left and I asked if she was still hungry.  She perked up and said yes, she was hungry and wanted to eat at a nearby restaurant.  When we got to the restaurant she told the waiter she needed alcohol asap because we had seen a stressful movie.  As if the movie wasn't sad enough the waiter proceeded to tell us that the "lone survivor" lost his dog to some thugs after he had retired.  Unfortunately, this information is true.    Marcus Lutrell who is the author of the book "Lone Survivor"  had a therapy dog that was killed by four men.  I am so sorry this is true, and hope that this American hero is well and living in peace.

Silver Lining Playbook Pat & Tiffan Dance Seen Girl from the North Count...

Something's Gotta Give clip

Countess Luann de Lesseps - Real Housewives of New York

Luann de Lessepps is best known for the Real Housewives of New York.  She is the author of an etiquette book titled "Class with the Countess: How to Live with Elegance and Flair".  She is also known as Countess Luann and received the title from her last marriage until her recent divorce. She is a unique and elegant character on the Bravo series.   She is yet another housewife who has a song called "Money Can't Buy You Class,"  This is the perfect song for Countess Luann.  She flaunted her title at every opportunity she had on the series, but her personality and lifestyle are fascinating.

She lives  in New York City where she sometimes resides in a penthouse that is separate from her permanent residence. She currently  lives with her two children, Victoria and Noel.  On a recent Housewives of New York episode she displayed creative paintings by her daughter, Victoria. 

Occasionally, Luann will engage in  confrontations, but she usually has a sophisticated flair when she interacts with the other cast mates.  When her temper escalates she maintains composure and keeps her voice at a constant pitch so that she never sounds distasteful.

I like Luann's intriguing voice, mannerisms, and her gorgeous jewelry.  I doubt the jewelry is from the local department store, but well chosen from the finest jeweler.  Even if the Countess were penniless, the average person would not know.  Luann gives the impression that everything she has is well deserved.   

Most people would probably agree that they liked Luann, and wanted to know more about her.  You might even choose to have lunch with her.  Much like royalty she knows the appropriate things to say and is quite charming.  Bravo fired four other cast members for season five but kept the Countess for good reason.

Passenger - Let Her Go [Official Video]

Shopping as a Hobby

People often refer to "my shopping" as a hobby. I like deals  that are  classic and affordable.  A good bargain will be an immediate decision. More expensive purchases require some thought, but if it is reasonable and practical then I go for it. 

My latest discovery is the White House Black Market Outlet store.  Last week I found a top that was $50, but  was 40% off.  Yesterday I found a  dress that was $70, and with the sale discount it was $50.  A trip to the traditional store would be at least a $100 purchase for either top or dress.  For a special event, I bought a black top with black polka dots for $100 at North Park Mall.  The arms were sheer and the bottom was elastic creating a puffy effect.  The only downside with the White House Black Market is that it requires that you choose predominantly black/white clothes.  I love black and feel a bit depressed when I am not wearing it. 

Another fun shopping experience is the Coach Outlet store.  I purchased a set of Coach bracelets from the North Park Mall store that were quite pricey.  A matching bracelet at the Coach Outlet store was half the price.  I wear the bracelets  almost daily.  The Coach prices are relatively high at the outlet store, but buyers are given a 30% discount at the door.  One of my co-workers went to the outlet store after seeing my Coach wallet purchase.  I had never realized that there was a men's side at the Coach Outlet as well.  It is worth the  trip if you enjoy Coach products. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

U2 - Ordinary Love (From Mandela OST) Lyric Video

Californication - song is I remember you by Queens of Dogtown

[ZIG ZIGLAR] I really hate my job (great motivational speech) by Zig Ziglar

Zig Ziglar attacks "Stinking Thinking".

Pharrell Williams - Happy (Official Music Video)

John Newman - Love Me Again

Where Do Pets Go When They Die RIP Chippy - Died August 13, 2013

"If there is no heaven for dogs, then I want to go where they go when I die."

 Anonymous

Where do pets go when they die?  This is the question my young son Jeff asked after the pet cat died.  He drew pictures of the cat to cope with his grief.  I think this may be the biggest mistake I made as a parent.  Instead of telling him that the cat would go to heaven, I gave a more direct and biblical answer that I was not sure if the animals went to heaven.  How could I have been so cruel?  It is the equivalent of saying there is no Santa Claus.

My dog Chip died today and I would like to ask my mom where she thought  Chip went when he died.  I am pretty sure she would say she thought he had no business in heaven.  She is not a dog or cat lover.  I think of Chip as a child that I will always love dearly.  He was the most beautiful dog.  My regret is that I was unable to say goodbye to Chip.  I hope he was not looking for me.  I am heartbroken thinking of the way he loved walks and chasing rabbits.  When I put on walking shoes he twirled around in circles and it was difficult to put his leash on.  He was a good dog, and everyone admired his unusual blonde color.  While on his walks people would comment that he was a beautiful dog.  

So if I ask my mom where dogs go when they pass away I would hope she would say they go to heaven.  Surely if animals were put on earth to be our companions there must be a special place they go when death comes.  How could an animal give such pleasure and companionship without a reward?

I recently was informed that service dogs are used for a variety of disorders like anxiety.  When a student claimed that his small Westie was a service dog I thought that was impossible.  Although the Westie was not a service dog I discovered that a variety of breeds and sizes of dogs can be used as service dogs.  I was secretly hoping I could take him home, and was not too concerned that he was breaking the rules.  

So where do these precious companions go?  I hope a compassionate and loving God sends them to heaven.  There is nothing that would make me happier than to see Chip again.  Love to Chip for being a wonderful companion.  My heart is broken for the loss of Chippy.  

 Loved him as much as a human.  He loved to chase rabbits and go for walks.

the beatles - let it be

You Know Christmas is Over When

• There is no Keurig coffee in the carousel. 
• Your trash cans are full, and you missed garbage day because of the holiday. 
• The neighbors have already removed every remnant of Christmas even though you are still enjoying your decorations.
• You get a returned Christmas card after New Year's with the correct address....WTF
• There are some gifts that you have no idea what to do with.  The gift giver suggested that you add things to the gift to make it more enhancing, but you have no idea what the original idea looked like.
• There are a few left over dishes in the refrigerator, and you are tempted to throw the dish out.
• You are waiting for garbage day to throw away the honey baked ham.
• You are over analyzing the fortune teller you met at the New Year Eve's Party that just sounded like a normal guy giving his opinion.  Does wearing a turban with a feather make him authentic, or was he just hired for tip money?
• You would rather eat anything than leftovers.
• There is no good way to store Christmas cards, but you hate to throw them away.
• The gifts you purchased seemed like a good idea until you see the credit card statement.
• You find one of your gifts was given to another family member. 
• You wonder why you didn't go ahead and buy yourself the new iPhone.
• You are glad that you did not pay $300 for a company to decorate the yard with lights.
• You realize the most needed gift you got was an iron.
• You use the $100 bill you got to pay the water bill. 
• You find out there is no "Santa" or Sugar Daddy.  
• You realize Christmas is definitely for kids....
• You return to work and your coworker says, "Now that Christmas is over we can concentrate on keeping our jobs".