Thanksgiving Week end.

Thanksgiving was yesterday. I don't like holidays, family time for me is no fun and as holidays go this one wasn't too bad - I spent most of it in the basement- hiding from my family. This way Karl could not start trouble. So I go away with as little stress as I could.
Today I spent watching movies with Trish and her family. Fun, really fun. And tomorrow, Trish, her family and I are having our own Thanksgiving with an old friend of hers, whom I have never met. It should be interesting.
What am I thankful for this year? Well, work as odd as it sounds and as hard as it is, I am thankful I *do* have a job. And I love some of the folks I work with. Karen who always tries to be supportive - I am so not used to that. Katie - who talks to me when she talks to so few others, Linda, my cohort for most of the day. Susie Q, who, like me, is her own worst enemy and harshest critic, Gwenn, who can be counted on for the truth, and info, Alison, who drives me and everyone else batty but who always has an open heart and an open hand for all who would take it- too few do. Joel, who always has a ready laugh and quick joke and so many others.
I am also thankful for Donnie Carrol, who doesn't seen to realize how much it means to talk to him, but who makes me think so often about first impressions, snap judgements, second chances and heros. Who turned out to be one of the nicest people I've ever met, even if he doesn't know how to deal with folks who are as shy as I am, The Barras for their music and their friendship and the healing that knowing them has brought.
Bonnie for listening, and understanding and caring- often when I feel no one else does.
Anne - for almost 10 years of friendship and trust
Sharn - for being enough of a friend to always tell me the truth, even when the truth is "you're being an ass'
Lisa for the chance to be a friend to someone who takes the time to understand what I am trying to say, even when or especially when I don't say it in any comprehensive manner. She still tries to get it.
Binny, because she's such fun and she shares her kids adventures with me...I hope we can connect more often.
Kristen and Lou, two of the crew that I know the least and wish I knew better,,,but I can't ever seem to find words to get past my shyness with
And Kes, who has been a friend for years, even when I didn't think so.
And Col, who always has a hand out of me, when I am feeling strong enough and brave enough get my my shyness, get my nose out of a book, and try and talk.
Amanda, because she takes the time to include me - always.
Mac, because she's a treasure who seems to really "get" me.
There are so many more that I am grateful for...I couldn't possibly name you all.
But thanks to all of you who touch my life with your friendship, who brighten it with your talents, and who give me your love.
I hope your lives are as blessed and you make mine.

"we can't stay at home, we want an education."

Acid attack on Afghan schoolgirls

Short story shorter. 6 girls trying to go to school in Kandahar were sprayed with acid. The above quote was attributed to a 16 year old who was one of those attacked.
He determination to get an education is inspiring. The idea that people think that one half of the population does not deserve or warrant an education because of their genitalia is at once amazing, frightening and disgusting. The method used to dissuade the girls was one designed to punish for life...these girls will likely be considered unmarriageable now. Because of the disfigurement involved.
I don't know how to help, how to register my protest, other than raising awareness. I can give you my opinion of this.
It needs to end their government and ours and others need to stop this. These girls need protection, they deserve an education.
In my mind these girls are heroes, their attackers - cowards of the worst sort.

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month

The guns went silent today in 1918, the end of "the big war", the war to end all wars. World War I. 20 million dead, countless wounded, countries, homes and families destroyed, lives ruined. At we didn't learn. After the War to End All Wars, we had WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Granada, The Persian Gulf War, The Afghanistan war, The war in Iraq and those are just the ones I remember off the top of my head, involving the US.
Other Countries have had more. The Sacrifices they made while not made in vain, seem to have been made with the promises unfulfilled.
Too often Veterans are forgotten, their gifts and their sacrifices unnoticed, even on this day. Even by those who should be most grateful.
Today I took two minutes to remember the reason and history of this day and to give private thanks to those who served and who still serve. And those who still lie - in Flanders fields.


In Flanders Fields By LT John McCrae - 1918.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and ...were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders field

New Job

I have a new job - been there about 2 months. I like it - I really like it. I work with the Developmentally Disabled and the participants are wonderful.
They are some of the most welcoming folks I have ever met and I enjoy going to work in the morning - good thing since I am getting up at 5:30am and I am not a Morning person!
But for the most part I like being there.
The problem is the staff. There is more drama with the staff than with the participants. It's ridiculous. Folks I have a clue for you - get over yourselves already. No one cares about your dramas and you ain't better than anyone, no matter what you think.