Skewed

A death is sad no matter whose name is on the obituary. It shatters families and even affects people on the periphery of the individual’s life.

That being said, I’m not sure what God’s lesson is in the fact that much of the world is distraught over the death of someone who made bad decision after bad decision. I appreciate the disease aspect of addiction, but the utter heartbreak over this Individual’s passing is leaving me speechless and a bit frustrated and even embarrassed.

The amount of time and sorrow being spent makes me wonder how many folks are aware of the Lance Corporal, Brigadier General and Sergeant First Class who have also died in the month of February.

For those who want to become more aware of the heroes making sacrifices for us I challenge you to view those incredible folks here.

Super Couponing

I was searching for a writing prompt while watching the TLC show “Extreme Couponing“. I know, I know. Not terribly productive for writing, but I’m going to use it as a writing prompt.

I understand wanting to get as much as possible for as little as possible. I even stumbled onto a website that has lots of great information (some pertinent to the military and commissary shoppers). Two other sites are here and here.

What I don’t understand are a few things. 1) Why, if you do this on a regular basis, would you NOT take recyclable bags with you?
2) Does any ONE family need 32 bottles of BBQ sauce? I mean, seriously?!
3) How much time is reasonable for a sane person to spend preparing for the shopping trip to the grocery store?

I keep surfing the aforementioned sites and trying to pick people’s brains about how and how often they use coupons. But, I have yet to get enough/the right ones/be patient enough to hold onto coupons until just-the-right-deal comes along. I feel as though any coupon I find is useful and better than not using one. What I’m neglecting to remember are the doubling bits and all that sort of thing that the local stores love to do.

Another question…do I really need a binder for my coupons?! That scares me. But, maybe if I get one I can console myself with an iPad2 purchased with the money saved on iceberg lettuce?! Or drown my sorrows in some Atlantic Salmon and pomegranites??

Do you coupon? How do you go about your prep work? How much do you typically save? How often do you shop? Can you save on perishable items like veggies and fruits?

I look forward to your comments and will keep you posted on what I learn/try/experience further on this subject. Thanks for visiting!

Nine Eleven

I have the luxury of being able to contemplate this day without having to try to remember the face of a loved one which is fading with each passing day. I haven’t lost a loved one in the aftermath of that day on a desert battlefield. I have the luxury of wondering what the best way to commemorate is.

I, like so many of us, have the memory of that day, and where I was on that clear September morning.

Watching those news reports, reading the stories of those lost.  Many of us have done this year after year in the decade since.

This was the first year that I was able to find some comfort in the stories of those people who exemplified heroism and were the picture of an American.  The stores of those who outshine the ugliness and hatred that was trying to win out extinguishes just a bit of the negativity and that is a victory.  The loyalty and love that people feel for our military members is heartwarming.

I most admire those people who can look at a horrendous experience and glean some nugget from it that is hope filled or at least not the ugliest possible view.  As my initial disclaimer announced…I have that luxury.  I’m not saying everyone can do that.  I’m just sharing what I have found in the years since the  day that changed our nation.

Grace under pressure is the phrase that comes to my mind in the time following the events on September 11th and the search for stories of winners since is what I seek out.

What are your thoughts on the media coverage and the ways people have chosen to remember and honor any and all affected by the events of that day?

Opportunities abound to Support Our Troops (and their spouses)

Just came across this site which allows folks to write holiday letters to the troops (guidelines included on the web page)…this could be a terrific project for Cub/Boy/Girl Scouts or Brownies…or any other group.  Yes, it’s only May, but it takes a while to put together items for nearly 23,000 (which is this year’s projected total). 

http://projectrudolph.homestead.com/2007_news.html

More sites are featured on http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/americasupportsyou/help.html by topic. 

Thank you to all the troops and military spouses as today  (May 9, 2008) is Military Spouse Day as proclaimed by President Bush.  http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/05/20080505-8.html