unloading

I have been carrying a few things around since January that I have to get off my chest. The longer I carry it around, the angrier I get. Since I can't tell these people directly what I need to say, I figure it's better that I do it here, names withheld.
To the ER nurse that "took care" of my husband when I brought him in. Quit. Quit before you kill someone. I told you that his issue was abdominal and yet, you insisted that you do not 1 but 2 EKG's. On top of that, you asked him how he felt. He told you that the pain burned. Your stupid ass then told him that he needed to make sure he took a tums for his heart burn. WTF???? NO ONE ever told you he had heart burn. Your dumb ass was too busy NOT LISTENING to what he said. Yes you dumb cracker, pain can burn. On top of that, HOW DARE YOU ask me how he was doing 2 weeks later.
To the 2 bimbo skanks that "took care" of my husband on the floor. I'd like to punch both of you incompentent bitches in the face. The next time you get a raise, you should buy a personality and some quality care skills. I pray to whomever it is that I need to that you NEVER treat another family the way you treated mine.
To the people that decided that we were not entitled to privacy, go screw yourselves. I hope some day your personal lives are spread all over the 6pm news.

there I feel MUCH better now.

My skeletons

May is mental health awareness month. 1 in 5 Americans has a mental health issue. Having an issue does not mean that one is crazy. These issues are not something that are contagious, However for those that have them, they can be life threatenIng.
A friend recently went to the VA to seek assistance with classic PTSD symptoms. The individual he spoke to told him that because he'd never been in combat, there was no way he could have PTSD. More mental health care being provide obviously the lowest bidder. Any instance in a persons life that is traumatic enough to them can cause PTSD. In my life, I have had 2 major medical emergencies that are the root of my PTSD. I have been told I'm lying about my PTSD (why cause ive never seen combat mr VA man?) I'm making it up etc. I know what I am forced to live with. Yes, PTSD can lie dormant for years and something can trigger it...a sight, a smell, a chain of events. Just like a combat vet can not watch a war movie or deal with the sounds of fireworks, maybe a simple elevator ride, term, phrase or smell is enough to trigger someone elses PTSD. PTSD can come from any traumatic experience. Domestic violence, verbal, emotional or physical abuse...the list goes on and on. 2 people can share the same experience yet only one can walk away with PTSD.
I can honestly say that along with the PTSD I have bouts of depression. I don't have it all the time, but somedays are a total struggle. Ive learned to live with both of these demons, and rarely do I share with anyone that I'm forcing myself to cope, to live another day. Some days I just want to give up and give in. But I find something, some reason that it would not be worth not being here. It gets very difficult for me when that reason lashes out rather than understanding. But then again I don't expect anyone to understand. Somedays I don't even understand why I can be in a great mood, then switch to anger or gloom and doom right before I have a flashback I dont want to have. I'm not even sure why I'm crying uncontrollably as I try to get anyone reading to understand. I wouldn't want anyone to walk a mile in my shoes.
Why am I sharing this information that is probably making me look like a total nut job? Because I could be your mother, sister, brother...if you never figured me out and you've known me for any length of time, how do you know someone you love isn't just like me?

"free healthcare" will kill you

After recent adventures in the healthcare system, it has become painfully clear that free healthcare will kill us. Yes....dead....kill us. Thinking back in something the surgeon said to my husband, I started researching a medication the. VA prescribed to him over a year ago. He took it because he was told he needed it. He was not told that this medication was a "last resort" medication, meaning that other meds had been prescribed for treatment and had failed before this one was to be prescribed. Note, he had NOT been I on ANY meds for "high tryglycerides" prior to this, the VA quack wrote the script out of the blue. Nor were we told side effects to this medication was pancrititis, liver damage, gallstones and gallbladder removal. Yes once again we will fix your tryglycerides, but kill you in the process. I'm sure all of you by now are yelling "fire that quack and get a good Dr!!!!" Not so fast there speedy, you see once you are Assigned to a quack in this "free" healthcare system, it actually takes an act of congress to get another doc and that's ONLY if the quack you're trying to leave does not object. So now what are your choices? The va is a free healthcare system that our veterans are stuck with. Care provided by staff that other hospitals would never employ. I am not refering to the speciality clinic Drs. The majority are fantastic docs trying to take good care of our vets when someone else has already done their damage. Is this what you people really want? To be nothing more than a number and a test subject? You can shove your "free" Heathcare, I'm rather fond of living.

I choose to be offended.....

Sometimes it seems that we can solve the worlds problems and issues with a pot of coffee and a good, intelligent thought provoking conversation. Recently, we were discussing situations in which we learned something and took that away with us for life. In the 9th grade,
I was seated next to a gentleman with blue hair and piercings in mr jones biology class. Being the early 80's this was something new and I wasn't quite sure how to take this individual. His name was Adam. At first, I was reluctant to have much to do with Adam, As he didn't fit the "norm". As time went on we became good friends and I was able to admit to him some time later that I was actually uncomfortable by his appearance and that was why we didn't talk sooner. Rather than being upset he smiled at me, hugged me and made a statement that has stated with me from that moment on...."to each his own my love". (Adam was in theater as well I'm sure the line came from one of the many plays he was in)
Earlier this week I was involved in another conversation in which I took away another tidbit. I had stared to each his own in which came the reply "I choose to be offended". The point was made that when someone does or says something that we find offensive, it's because we choose to be offended. no one had the power or ability to offend us unless we give them that power. Just wanted to give everyone a little food for thought on this Wednesday.

What happens when you have OCD and PTSD, Oy Vey!

Recently, as some of you may know, there has been some stress in our house. Everything seemed to hit at once, and that is never a good thing. I quickly learned that even in times of emergence, I can still hold things together and I can still maintain a level head. I also learned that when everything is said and done, and the last insensitive idiot has reaked their havock and done their damage, the PTSD is still there. And it comes back with a screaming vengence that only Judas Priest would understand.
This time I actually found that due to the actions and words of others, it seemed like my PTSD was a beast that I was never to tame again and no matter what I did, what I said, I could not put the beast back into it's cage and make it lie dormant like it has for so many years previously. At one point, I was actually accused of trying to be the center of attention, rather than it be recognized that there was actually something wrong with me, because as we know, if there is something wrong with SJ, then maybe the rest of us may have issues as well, and you know, we don't want to have to deal with that.
After waking up in the middle of the night screaming and crying until I couldnt cry anymore, being so exhausted that I couldn't function, I decided that it was time to talk to someone. I had an issue that I could no longer contain, no longer control. The beast that I had kept in it's cage for so long had now escaped, taken a bite out of me like my name was Roy and it couldn't be contained again. I found that I was pulling in, pulling away, and it was easier that way, as I did not want to deal, to cope with what was going on. To make matters worse, I also have OCD, meaning that once a tought pops into my brain, the left brain grabs it and refuses to let it go. It obsessives over it and refuses to let it go, be it good or bad.
I talked to a mental health professional that assured me that I was not crazy and explained what triggered my PTSD. Something so simple as the way we treat someone in a stressful situation can be just like pulling the trigger of a gun. The way I was treated and talked to during all this stress, not by just one, but by mutiple people was just like standing infront of a firing squad. It was clear in looking back, that here I was on the front line, a general if you will, leading my troops into battle, having every thought and scernio cross my mind as to what I was going to do, what was plan b, how and what I was going to do to bring my troops back alive and unscathed, and no one, not a single person was concerned about my mental health and well being. The slew of messages that I received demanding to know what was going on, as if their need to know was the only need to know that mattered. The individuals that felt because they thought they knew someone, over stepped their bounds, made decisions that were not theirs to make, and acted as if the general knew nothing of leading troops into battle and undermined my orders. The excuses that were made for these people as my feelings were dismissed, "they didn't mean it that way" "they only meant well" blah blah blah. Regardless of how well meaning it was meant, if something makes us upset, if something rattles us to our very core, then they are OUR feelings and we are justified in that.
As you can see, I was told I could not keep this to myself and it was something I needed to talk about. I didn't feel that I needed to. I was told I can not recontain the beast and let the nightmares go and begin to heal unless I got all this off my chest. I asked if beating those offending individuals with a shovel would do, as I would find that very satisfying. I was told there would not be enough bail money with the list of offenders I have that need beating.
Please take note, the next time you think you mean well, please think before you open your mouth. The next time you think your actions will be received well, please ask before you act. Some of us carry crosses that we bear that you or anyone else will never know about, may never see. We don't like to see them ourselves. Your actions and words may effect someone just as a firing squad would. Don't.

Goodbye 2010

As the last few hours of 2010 tick by in this time zone, I have reflected upon the events of the last year. Some good, some bad. I am greatful for all that I have, I am greatful that my children are sucessful and productive people. I am greatful for my family and friends, and my wonderful husband.
Through 9 schedule changes in Cliff's work schedule and every attempt by an evil being, we are still happy and do the best that we can with the limited time we get to spend together.
I have pondered and rather than being angry at those that have tried to make this an impossible year, I actually feel sorry for them. It saddens me that some people can be so unhappy and full of hate, or have no feeling at all, that they have to attempt to make others sad empty shells such as themselves.

I am excited that 2011 will be filled with meaningful projects, such as learning to play my violin and having Cody play his clarnet with me. I am looking forward to working with my awesome cousin Scott in updating the family tree and making a coffee table book with all our history available to future generations. You must see where you have come from before you can continue your journey on the right path. I am hopeful that karma will protect me in my journey and hope that I will not have to pull out my voodoo doll to help it along.
I hope that sometime this year my friends and their partners can be married legally. Life, liberty and the persuit of happiness should not be prohibited by any man.(or woman). I hope Jesse Ventura will run for president. Yeah, I said it. Jesse Ventura. Send a wrestler to the white house, he can't screw it up any worse than it already is. I actually see some good coming out of it.

I will remain optimistic as possible, supportive of my family and friends as possible, assist karma where ever I can, and do what I must to survive this insane roller coaster ride.

Justice is Blind, Society is Deaf, and someone took the last cookie.....

Many remark justice is blind; pity those in her sway, shocked to discover she is also deaf.

DAVID MAMET, Faustus


We all find out shortly after birth that life isn't fair. There are 2 places in our lives where we are considered equal, or so at least they say, and I'm not so sure that even holds truth. One is in the nursery when we are born, the other being the place we are laid to rest when we die. Rather than go into a deep quandry about those two places, I'll let you decide with your own judgement. Fast forward from the nursery to Elementary school. Think back to Jimmy. Yes, we all knew a Jimmy or two in Elementary school. It may even have been a Jane. For now we will just call that person Jimmy for the sake of argument. Jimmy is the teacher's pet. Jimmy does well, gets special privliges. Jimmy can spit in the person's hair that sits infront of him because he's an asshole. You know it, I know it, we all see it. Ah, however, Mrs. Smith that blind, deaf old bat can't see or hear it. Why? Jimmy sucks ass and is her favorite so there is no possible way Jimmy can do any wrong. The more evidence Kate, Billy and the rest of the class present that Jimmy is a total douche is ignored.Jimmy can lie, get caught and come out smelling like a rose. We all want to beat the hell out of Jimmy. And Mrs. Smith.
Now take Billy. Billy is generally a good kid that likes to help out and has a few issues. He may be a little slow. Maybe he doesn't have a great home life or live in the nicest neighborhood. No matter what he does, no matter what happens, when Jimmy gets caught, he blames Billy. Billy because of whatever fault he may have or the situation he was born into that was not his choice, is not believed no matter what evidence he presents, is banned a liar, even though he is telling the truth, and is punished while that lying sack of shit Jimmy moves on with his life, destined to be the CEO of a company somewhere.
Laugh if you will. This happens every day. It may even be happening in your own home right now. If you have more than one child, I'd almost assure you that it is. The moral of the story is, if Jimmy, while caught in the blatant act of lying was on the receiving end of a good old fashioned ass beating, I would almost guarentee he would think twice about lying again. Meanwhile, Billy, who no matter what he does, who receives that good old fashioned ass beating for almost anything is the one that suffers in silence, but yet, will become the pack mule that bears societies burdens. I'm not saying that Billy willl grow up someday to be an axe murder or anything, though possible, however, Billy has an appriciation for people that trust and believe in him later on in life and Jimmy, well, he's still a lying weasel that needs his ass kicked.
Remember, Jimmy can take the last cookie, have crums on his face and lie about and gee, lady justice is blind and deaf to it. Billy can take the last cookie cause he hasn't eaten all day, tell the truth about taking it and still get the ass beating. Yeah, where is the justice in that? There isn't any. Truth, justice and the American way, my ass. I'm going to go find a Jimmy to punch in the face.

STFU already!!!

Ok maybe it's just me. Can someone answer why us it when an injustice is being done, a crime is being committed, or there is something that is just not right, people will sit around and effin bitch about it, but when it cones time to do something, no one will get involved? To you I say shut the fuck up. If all you want to do is bitch about it and tell the rest of us we can't do anything about it or won't let those of us that want to take action, then shut the fuck up and stop using my good oxygen. You deserve to get screwed. Crying pussy. I bet you want to do the whole kill them with kindness. News flash. No one is calling for a ban in kindness cause it kills. Omg where do you people come from? Unbelievable. I supose you think the police are assholes for enforcing the rules too, huh? Why don't you go have a nice warm glass if shut the fuck up and take your nap. Let the rest of us fix thus fucked up world cause you whining pussies created it.

What makes us tick?

How well do most of you think you know me? I'm guessing pretty well. Very few know me to the extent they think that they do. I'm going to share some things with everyone that even my siblings don't even know about. Why? Very few people actually know what makes me tick. Why I have the mannerisms I have, why I approach things the way that I do. I'll help solve a few of these mysteries, and hopefully get some people to leave me alone lol.

We all have phobias. I actually have quite the extensive list. Mine are as follows:

thalassophobia, agoraphobia, Enochlophobia, Coulrophobia , Claustrophobia, Acrophobia,Cleisiophobia, Neophobia those are just a few of the phobias that I endure on a daily basis. Not sure what they are? Google.

I don't trust people. I find that people, no matter how friendly they may be, will throw you under the bus if it suits them. I have found that your friends from childhood are the most reliable, most trustworthy friends you have. I can count them on one hand. They know my darkest secrets, yet, choose not to share them with the world, or use them for evil. We laugh together, cry together, comfort one another in times of need and never expect anything in return.

I suffer from depression on a daily basis. Bet most of you didn't know that either. I have PTSD, and some days it makes living a "normal" life, if there is such a thing, difficult, however I choose to endure what I am handed everyday without medication, as I feel we are an over medicated society, and I do just fine. As the Beatles once said, "I get by with a little help from my friends". The same ones that hold the secrets to my being. J, R, T, B and D. You know who you are :)

I am an Atheist. In my years as a public servant and with my scientific studies, I have seen things that no one should have to see, and the questions that I have posed of religion, no one has been able to answer. That being said, I am married to a Roman Catholic. It works out fine. We celebrate Christmas, though I do not celebrate it for the same reason christians do. I believe in the spirit of love and giving, but not the religious conotations. I don't knock you for being a christian, don't knock me for being an Atheist. To each his own.

I feel we are all different. Once we learn to embrace those differences, we will be complete as people. I dislike people for who they are, not what they are. It is unfair to judge someone because of race, religion or sexual orientation. Dislike them because they are an asshole, not because they are something else.

There. Hope that answers some of your questions.

Discrimination?

With the introduction with Arizona's new illegal immigration law, some are yelling racisim. Of coarse, those most effected by it are the ones yelling racisim. It bothers me that whenever something illegal is occuring, we shift the focus to something else taking eyes off of the illegal activity that is actually happening. In doing some historical research, thanks to the countless hours of "The War Channel" that plays in my house i have found something that may intrest all of us.

In 1921, the "Emergency Quota Act" was instated by congress. Never heard of it? doesn't suprise me. Let me educate you.

In the United States, the Emergency Quota Act also known as the Emergency immigration Act of 1921, (ch. 8, 42 Stat. 5, also known as the Johnson Quota Act) of May 19, 1921 was an immigration quota that limited the annual number of immigrants who could be admitted from any country to 3%[1] of the number of persons from that country living in the United States in 1910, according to United States Census figures. This totaled about 357,802 immigrants. Of that number just over half was allocated for northern and western Europeans, and the remainder for eastern and southern Europeans, a 75% reduction from prior years. Professionals were allowed in despite their origins. The act was passed without a record vote in the U.S. House of Representatives and by a vote of 78-1 in the U.S. Senate during a time of swelling isolationism following World War I. Historian John Higham wrote in his classic work on American nativism, Strangers in the Land (1963), that although intended as temporary legislation the act "proved in the long run the most important turning-point in American immigration policy" because it imposed numerical limits on European immigration for the first time and established a nationality quota system (Higham, p. 311).

The Emergency Quota Act had been proposed several times before, but never made it through until 1921. The main reason for passing the Act was that the flood of immigrants in recent years had negative wage effects on native-born Americans. This led to increasing support for immigration restrictions. Another factor was the increasing political power of immigration groups.



So, did you catch that? The immigrants that were limited were Europeans, or one specific ethnic group, whites. So, my ancestors were in all acutality discriminated against. Where are Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson with my check? Why aren't they demanding an apology on behalf of my ancestors? Ahhhhhh....I guess it's not discrimination when whitey limites whitey.

Wonder if this will ever make the news...thinking about it, no it won't.

No one is listening....

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"



Immigration seems to be the largest topic as of let, however let me correct my wording as it has nothing to to with immigration as some would like everyone to believe. You see, the issue lies with the old adage, "you hear me but you're not listening." Immigration is not what everyone has an issue with. It's illegal immigration that has placed a burden on the American Society. In order it immigrate her LEGALLY, you are required to be a useful member of society. Immigrants who come here legally sign a contract that they will not place a financial burden on the American taxpayers by collecting any type of public assistance and will maintain a fruitful employment and pay their fair share of taxes. Don't believe me, look it up.

Why is it when we as a society take a stand on something illegal or an issue that is affecting all of us negatively, someone has to start screaming racist and make it a race issue. The issue at hand has nothing to do with race. It has to do with people breaking the law and placing a burden on society. Coming to the United States speaking other than English places a burden on American Citizens. Let me give you the breakdown of issues other than the burden placed by public assistance and unpaid medical bills that the American public absorbs.

Forms and signs must be printed in dual languages thus costing more for the printing, thus the extra cost passed onto the consumer.

Food and product labels are printed in dual languages thus passing the extra cost of printing on to the American Consumer.

Schools are flooded with non English speaking immigrants, thus slowing learning making American children far behind the rest of the world in education, those living in areas that are promenaded by individuals that do not speak English suffering the most.

Business of the Federal, state and local government printing forms in multiple languages at an extended cost that is passed onto the American tax payer.

I could go on and on. When this country was started, immigrants came her from all corners of the earth longing to be free. They all learned to speak English (I know my ancestors did), and displayed the American Flag proudly and called this land their home. In my 40 years of living I have yet to see a German, Russian, Irish, British or any flag from any other country other than one specific country flying in THIS country. If you are proud to live here, then you would fly THIS country's flag, not the one of the country which you abandoned to come here, after all, that's what you did to come here and be free, right...abandon your country?

People that are in this country illegially do not pay taxes, send the majority of their earned monies back to the country in which they came to give family in that country a "better" life. Thus the monies leave the US and do nothing to stimulate the US economy. All the while, collecting on public assistance programs they have never earned as they have not paid any taxes.

We won't even address crime associated with the issue of illegal immigration. I won't mention the police officer that was murdered last week by illegal aliens that will never be brought to justice for his murder and will be able to hide in "their" country.

OK There is your food for thought.

What are these people thinking????

As most of you know I spend a lot of time in Cemeteries. Little do most people know, back in the 20's and 30's, cemeteries were set up not only for the dead, but for the living. They were made to be "parks" of sorts with families venturing out with their picnics to spend the afternoon.
I don't mind the living still doing this, as I find the cemetery to be a peaceful place away from the rat race filled with information. History of those that once lived that tells a story. I saw something today that just totally pissed me off. We have a dog park in town. A place for people to take their dogs to run, play and relieve themselves. A place just for dogs. Today I saw several people take their dogs to the local cemetery to run play and watched one even relieve itself on the headstone of someone that could not protest about it, however one woman (who had just left this grave mind you) saw it and blew a fuse. The obscenities that flew from this woman even made me, with the mouth of a sailor, draw back in sup rise. Do I blame her for her vicious tirade? HELL NO. I'm not blaming the dog, he didn't know any better and I'm sure doesn't give a rats ass about respect for the dead, however it's two legged brain dead owner didn't give a rats ass either. The problem is this was not an isolated incident. I saw two other "responsible" dog owners doing the same thing.
Sad. We wonder what ever happened to common courtesy, respect and politeness. I guess that doesn't exist anymore with all the "what's in it for me?" people walking around. I guess next time I will just punch them in the face.

Last night was a wonderful evening filled with food and laughter. The photo you see above was taken then. As the girls (Jo'Ni and Shay) and I discussed business, we decided a nice glass of vino would hit the spot. We opened a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and got down to business.
The conversation quickly turned to friendship. We talked about friends new and old and I couldn't help but take the pic you see and text it to my "circle of sanity" that was absent from the circle. The texts that followed that I recieved in return were quite comical. Seems we all had the same idea in one way or another, and it appears that even through distance we were all able to enjoy a beverage together and some good conversation.

All I can say is great minds think alike :)

The American Flag and Memorial Day, some history

"And know you know, and knowing is half the battle." GI Joe :)

I’m sure that everyone reading this can remember the story we were told since childhood about the American Flag. You know the one….George Washington asked Betsy Ross to sew the first symbol of our freedom. The story we were told that was a total lie.
While researching this, almost every site with the history of the American Flag list the first flag lovingly hand stitched by a woman named Betsy Ross. How and why were we taught this lie and what is the truth?

The story we are all taught is that George Washington gave Betsy Ross a pencil sketch of what was to be our flag and she sewed the flag by hand. Where did this story come from? It appears that 50 years after the supposed event, Ross’s grandson, William Canby started this story and it was accepted as fact.
The truth? The first flag was actually fashioned by Mary Pickersgill, her thirteen year old daughter Caroline and several other helpers were commissioned to make the first flag as we know it during the War of 1812 to fly above Fort McHenry. This is the flag that inspired “The Star Spangled Banner.” Mrs. Pickersgill and all her helpers used 400 yards of wool bunting to construct this flag, which is still today on display to the Smithsonian. Not only did Mrs. Pickergill and company construct this symbol of our freedom, she also made a flag for George Washington that flew at his headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Now you know the truth.

With the coming of Memorial day, I also thought good of it to give you a brief rundown of the holiday and Flag etiquette to follow.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.
Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country. To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."


Flag Etiquette

The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are:
The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

Displaying the Flag Outdoors
When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.
When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.
When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.
When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right.
..The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger.
..No other flag ever should be placed above it.
..The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.
When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.
Raising and Lowering the Flag
The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night.
The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.
Displaying the Flag Indoors
When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.
The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.
When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.
When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left.
Parading and Saluting the Flag
When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.
The Salute
To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.
The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.
When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.
The Flag in Mourning
To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.
The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.
When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave.

Spring is here.

A wise person once said to me, "any day above dirt and breathing is a good day." I think it should have been: any day above dirt and breathing that the weather is nice and you don't have to work is a good day. Figures, I have to work and it's a beautiful 71 degrees today. I'm sure for my day off the weather will be 20 degrees cooler, the wind will be blowing and it will be crappy lol. C'est LaVie. With the turning of the weather, BBQ's will be in full swing, people will get out more, people that have no business with a driver's license will be on the road and the lower humans on the food chain will start enjoying activities sure to clog the Emergency room along with the drunks. For those of you unaware, there is something that public servants refer to as "Trauma Season" and it's begun. In the next few months, Police, Fire and Hospital staff everywhere will see an influx of accidents and injuries that are severe enough to dispatch air life and make even the most seasoned veterans of public service cringe. Motor vehicle accidents, dirt bike accidents, bicycle accidents...the list goes on and on. Most times the contributing factor in all this is alcohol. The second most contrubiting factor? Stupidity. Wehn enjoying yourself this spring, please, no not become one of the ones that gets a visit from your local EMS.

Ok had a nice blog and was going to let sleeping dogs lie for the night, however I received a phone call from a friend and couldn't help myself. First of all, let's explore that word....friend. According to websters a friend is: friend   /frɛnd/ Show Spelled[frend] Show IPA
–noun
1.a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.
2.a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter: friends of the Boston Symphony.
3.a person who is on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile: Who goes there? Friend or foe?
4.a member of the same nation, party, etc.
5.(initial capital letter) a member of the Religious Society of Friends; a Quaker.


no where in that definition does it say "someone you trust that will screw you in an instant."

We all have people that like to call us "friends" that will screw you at every turn. One of the reasons I am anti-people is the simple fact that we are simply no better than animals. We wait for the opportunity to "screw your buddy." If it's you or them, believe me it will be you. In my adult life, I can say I have only amassed 7 "true" friends. The others, I have had since childhood and trust with my life. Those are the friends that will take secrets to the grave, take a bullet for you and have no hidden agenda.

We have 2 at work I shall call them the troll and miss "that's not fair". Both constantly call in, cry and whine and to keep themselves out of trouble, will find someone minding their own business and do whatever they can to get them in some sort of trouble to take the heat off themselves. There are lots out there like that, I'm sure you know a few, probably even trust them. They even talk smack about each other to others, yet hang out together and com spire to take others down.

I'm sure the rest of you know people like this, have your own examples, yet are nice to these people, hoping that the good YOU possess will eventually rub off onto them. You can't change evil.

Catching up on FB with my cousin Cyndi today, I got the inspriation for this blog. I would like everyone to participate as I feel this would be an educational experience for all that should decide to partake.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I personally had my heart set on being a music teacher (surprise). I studied hard, learned what I needed to and for some strange reason, went in a different direction. I'm not saying that I regret my decision to go into public service, it has been both fullfilling and educational. I have learned a lot about both myself and people in general (that will be another blog).

your turn :)

Random thoughts

I decided to start a new blog here, as the little box on FB usually is not large enough nor private enough for my sometimes in depth rants. As many of you know, I tend to have a lot of views and oppinions and allow others to express theirs on my writings without fear of criticisim or judgement. To each his own. It's also nice to have a place where we can vent as a group. Later on this evening I willo post the first of many blogs up for group discussion. Thanks to everyone that has and will be joining me here in our private space.