So here I was, walking through an Ohio Turnpike Rest Stop, minding my own business, when a nagging beeping drew my attention to an ATM.  I glanced over to see an ATM with a teenage sk8ter-type hanging around it in a suspicious manner.  Now you may think that I was stereotyping the kid, based on his long hair, his loose clothing, or the surly look on his face--but in actuality, it was the skateboard in his hand that gave him away.  He saw me looking at him, and kind of moved away a little bit from the ATM.  I could see that the ATM said "Do you need more time? Yes/No"  I said "Don't rip him off, man" and the teenager muttered something, and then pretended to swipe a card in the reader.  Well, for some reason, I was filled with courage, and I stepped closer, I hit the "NO" button and said more firmly "Don't rip him off" to which the teenager muttered a word that began with an "F" and ended with nothing particularly good, as he left the area.  So then, the police stepped forward and congratulated me, and I received a key to the city....err....the turnpike....  okay, that last part didn't happen, but the first part did....and I like to think that I helped two people that day....somebody saved some money....and I saved that kid from making a mistake that could have hurt his conscience for a long time.... 

So I am taking up a new career....as a crimestopper

if you have a crime that needs to be stopped

call me

and remember my motto

"Don't rip him off man"

peace....

For those of you who were curious....here is my father:

My brother, and Tyler, and Me....with my Father

And here is the "what if" picture.  If he had stayed with our family, he and my mom would have been married for

51 years, and this would have been our family portrait.  Weird, huh?

peace....

So I read today about a video that was on YouTube of a Marine throwing a puppy over a cliff.  Not only did someone do this in the company of witnesses, but they allowed it to be video taped AND someone thought it was worth putting on YouTube, and then people actually watched it until YouTube decided to yank it.  The bright spot is that  apparently one of the Marines is being processed for removal, and another marine is also being punished for their role in the whole thing.  That's something. 

Ugh...there is so much ugliness in the world, why do we have to throw puppies off of cliffs?  We should always be nice to puppies--After all, what did a puppy ever do to you?

peace...

So I think I mentioned that we had a yard sale recently.  It was the first one ever for me to just have on my own.  I have participated in them before with the youth group, but I have never had one of my own.  It was so much work, because I just didn't know how to price stuff, and we had a bunch of stuff that was expensive, but we live in kind of an upscale neighborhood, so I thought we might get some "upscale" clientele, so we figured we would put some of the pricey pieces out there too and see what happened...

Anyway, in general, I find that I am horrible at sales.  Ironic since I am in the sales industry.  People start coming and looking over my stuff and I immediately feel self conscious and apologetic for some reason....  "Does this teapot have a lid"  "No" I said with apology in my voice....  Well, that is why I am selling it for $1.... why SHOULD I be apologizing for it?  If it had a lid, it would be worth $5....or maybe I wouldn't be selling it?  why apologize?  "This purse has a scratch in the leather" "yes, I am sorry"  Well, I used it for 5 years, and now I am selling it...so.....  "There are only 5 glasses here, do you have a 6th?"  "No, sorry"  "Do you have the cord for this?"  "Does this have a box" "Do you have a bag?"  "Does this curtain rod have screws?"  "Can I have ALL of the bags for $10?"  "This says $50, and I know it still has the price tags on it for $150, but will you take $10 for it?" "NO!"  "I can't decide if I like this bowl or if it is tacky"  "Can I have the silver serving pieces but not the bowl?"  "what does this do?"  "why would you want one of these"  "I can't believe you still have one of those"  "does this work?"  "what size are those?" 

Really, all in all, I would rather donate things and take the deduction, than to have to answer for all of the perceived shortcomings of my items....  I am just not cut out for this yard sale business...it was much too stressful for me!  I felt emotionally spent and I constantly felt like I was being judged, and sadly, I did not make enough money to overcome those feelings...  so...no more yard sales in my future...no sirree!

peace...

For your viewing pleasure, belated pictures from my adorable nephew, Tyler's 4th Birthday. 

Have I mentioned how much I adore this kid???????  He says "Aunt Pam" and I melt!

Presents!

Scooby Doo Home Made Ice Cream Cake

Ready, Set......

Blow 'em out!

Can't get much cuter than that!

peace!

Here is something interesting for you gardeners out there....  Have you ever heard of lasagna gardening?  What is it?  Here's your answer: 

Think of lasagna and the layers needed to make it. Now think of a compost pile and the layers of green and brown materials used to make it. Lasagna gardening uses the same principles — but directly in the garden right on top of the soil! This means there's no digging and no rototilling. And the best part is that it really improves the quality of the soil and encourages beneficial microbes, bacteria, fungi, and other life in the soil.

Lasagna gardening starts with a layer of brown corrugated cardboard or newspaper laid right on top of the soil. The additional layers are alternating "brown" and "green" materials. "Green" might consist of grass clippings, kitchen scraps (vegetables and fruits), manure etc. "Brown" includes autumn leaves, shredded newspaper, dried debris etc. These are piled and layered to the height of about two feet and then allowed to decompose and break down. By season's end your "lasagna" will be transformed into a rich, crumbly soil loaded with life.

________________________________________________________________________

I thought that was interesting....

In other news, my father was here this weekend...hmm, what to say about that.  Well let's see, first, this is the first time he has been here in 14 years, and before that, I had not seen him in 30 years, so suffice it to say that we have an interesting relationship.  The weekend was better than I expected, but it definitely confirmed in my mind that people will never live up to your childish hopes and dreams... but they will live down to our adult frustrations. I found myself split in two pieces--the child who had unresolved feelings and wanted her Dad to make up for not being around, and the cynical adult who had no, or low expectations.  Anyway, suffice it to say that one side was left empty and wanting more, and one side was not surprised.  But that's okay....  It was a good visit.

peace....