The BIG picture = Forevermore

Have you ever sat back and wondered just exactly how large our world is? How about the universe or space and its infinity? The multitude of people and other living organisms on the planet. The internet for example is....what, endless.... You could never in a million lifetimes read or surf the internet in it's entirety since it grows every second of every day. Nor could you ever say hello to every man, woman, child or animal on the entire planet in your lifetime. From NASA, we've launched space shuttles and the like into space, traveling at about 17,500 miles per hour. ( that's pretty darn fast) Well, not even close to the speed of light which is about 186,000 miles per second, but still.... and with all of those miles traveled, we've yet to find another earth or lifeform resembling ours or another solar system so far. (So they say...) The earth is just a tad bit shy of 8 thousand miles wide. Here, let me say that again--8 THOUSAND MILES WIDE!!!When you observe life on such a broad or capacious spectrum,(for lack of better terms) it shows you just how minuscule each of us as individuals really are. We're like very tiny particles or "nano" particles perhaps--which is extremely tiny when you think about it.(1 to the billionth) Amazing isn't it?

I know, so you're probably all saying to yourselves, "What's up with her?"

or

"Has she lost her friggin' mind?????"

Well, to answer your questions........

No, I haven't lost my mind, nor am I experiencing a "bad acid " trip. It's just one of those things in life like the comedian Arsenio Hall used to say: "Things that make you go......HMMMMM."

Actually, I've often thought about this as I'm sure many other people have. If you really want to get right down to it, just picture the earth--being gigantic in size to you and me but when compared to say--the universe, it would be like a grain of sand suspended in a magnatude of endless space. Poof! Nothing.... Itsy-bitsy.... Not even a turd!

And keeping that thought in mind, we as people living on the earth are even smaller. Which means that everything in our lives is yet even smaller. All of our everyday things. Our problems, personal effects...everything. The very things that seemed to be towering over us now need to be viewed by microscope. Imagine that? Weird huh....

So anyway, with all that being said, I'm not listening to any music right now but I've had a song on my mind for about 2 hours now. It just keeps on playing over and over. Maybe it has something to do with this post. Maybe not. It's a song called "Instant Karma" by John Lennon and here are the lyrics......

Instant Karma's gonna get you

Gonna knock you right in the head

You better get yourself together

Pretty soon you're gonna be dead

What in the world you thinking of?

Laughing in the face of love

What on Earth you tryn'a do?

It's up to you

Yeah, you

Instant Karma's gonna get you

Gonna hit you right in the face

You better get yourself together darling

Join the human race

How in the world you gonna see?

Laughing at fools like me

Who on Earth d'you think you are?

A superstar?

Well, right you are

And we all shine on

Like the moon and the stars and the sun

Well, we all shine on

Everyone, c'mon

Instant Karma's gonna get you

Gonna knock you off your feet

Better recognize your brothers

Everyone you meet

Why in the world are we here

Surely not to live in pain and fear

Why on Earth are you there

When your everywhere

Gonna get your share

Well, we all shine on

Like the moon and the stars and the sun

Yeah, we all shine on

C'mon and on and on, on, on

Yeah, yeah

Alright

Well, we all shine on

Like the moon and the stars and the sun

Yeah, we all shine on

On and on and on, on and on

And we all shine on

Like the moon and the stars and sun

Well, we all shine on

Like the moon and the stars and the sun

Yeah, we all shine on

Like the moon and the stars and the sun

Yeah, we all shine on

Like the moon and the stars and the sun

Todays observations......

I didn't realize it but today is a day considered to be a busy shopping day somewhat close to or even more so than that of the day following the Thanksgiving holiday. There were many 6-hour sales at stores and malls near my area. Just goes to show how alert I've been lately. I was tempted to shop around but resisted the temptation. Oddly enough, just a few nights ago, I did some heavy duty shopping for all of my necessary sundries so I missed out on the specials but that's ok. I was just about out of everything so I had no choice. Besides.....most of the sales today were probably on clearance items left over from Christmas and such. The 50% off deals and that.

So far, the weather here in St. Louis has really been kind. Today it got up to 43 degrees and tomorrow it's gonna go up to 60 so that's something to look forward to! Sun - shiny day and 60 degrees in December....what more could you ask for? I've got a late update to share. Remember my "little house guest?" (the mouse) Well, guess what? He decided to make a final curtain call just a few days before Christmas eve night. He came out of hiding only to fall dead just inside my sunporch which is just off from my kitchen. I was going to throw away some trash and my trashcan is located just inside my sunporch and low and behold, when I looked down, there he was--dead as a doornail--right beside the trashcan on the floor. So, the de-con traps really do work. But that's not all....apparently, he had a couple friends with him because within the 2 days that followed, there were 2 more mice. The second one laid dead in the middle of my kitchen floor and the third was in my computer room. The only really bad thing is that mouse number 3 was still alive--well, somewhat. He was on the verge of death. Of course I panicked and had to have someone come over and get rid of him. Thank goodness for masculine men who have no fear of the little rascals....

I'm hoping that my "little visitors " told their friends to beware of my house with poisonous goodies before they met their fate so they stay away. That was enough excitement for me. Indeed!

I'm watching John Mayer in concert right now as I type and I never realized just how good he really is! He seems to have a heavy rhythmn & blues -inspired technique in his guitar playing which is really saying something considering his age. The young man's got soul. Well, if I don't get a chance to post again soon, I'd like to wish everyone a very Happy, Safe, and Prosperous New Year and may the best of this year be the worst of next year for you all! Take care and God Bless......

Simply having a wonderful Christmas time!

Hi all! I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! Today at 2pm., my last vacation of the year officially began. I've been wrapping gifts the majority of this afternoon and yesterday evening. I am really in the holiday spirit this year, more than ever really. I finally finished decorating the kitchen. My whole house is enveloped with the joyous mood and beautiful feeling of the Christmas holiday. I hope that everyone is enjoying this same good spirit as I am. I also hope that all of you have been good boys & girls and get everything you want from Santa. I suppose you'll find out tomorrow morning..... and now, I think I'm gonna have alittle cup of holiday cheer. HEYYYYYYYYYY, MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!!!!!

Idle chatter

Another day passes as the year draws closer to an end. Just 12 more days to the New Year. While I was at work today, my mind was drifting back in time. I tend to daydream often while working sometimes depending on what I'm doing at the time. If I'm wrapping meat, it's pretty easy to daydream because of the repetition. I can almost do it with my eyes closed and today we had the unexpected pleasure of music to work by so it was a "walk down memory lane" kind of day. Most of the songs were in the holiday spirit and sang by artists such as: Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton,and The Temptations while other songs outside of the holiday mood were sang by Frankie Beverly, Rick James, Prince and many other artists from back in the day. I love hearing music like that because it takes me back to fond memories when I was younger and my parents were still living and times were so much simplier and everything seemed to always work out so easily.

As I was working and listening to the music today I started thinking about the many songs I've heard played on the radio that happen to have my name in it. As I'm typing this post I've also realized that I've never revealed my true name on here. I'm not hiding it though because if you've ever looked on my profile, my yahoo ID is listed and if you look on that particular ID, it will take you to my yahoo 360 page where my name is listed as clear as day. So anyway, as I was saying... I have noticed that there are pretty many songs with my name in some form or another, included in the lyrics. My name is MaryAnne by the way. Here are just a few songs I've come across recently:

• More than a feeling (BOSTON)
• Wind cries Mary (JIMMIE HENDRIX)
• Proud Mary (IKE & TINA TURNER)
• All of my Love (LED ZEPPELIN)
• Mary, Mary Why U Buggin' (RUN DMC)
• MaryAnne, MaryAnne out on the seashore siftin' sand (NO IDEA WHO DID THIS SONG)
• Maryjane (RICK JAMES)

I'm sure there are more songs with my name out there but those are what come to mind right now. I guess that since my name is fairly common it's easy to use in a song. Have you ever heard your name in a song? I enjoy all of those songs too well, with the exception of "MaryAnne by the seashore." The story behind that particular song.....I have an uncle who would always say to me, "MaryAnne, you been out on the seashore siftin' sand?" without fail. Everytime I would see him, that would be the first thing he'd say to me--after saying hello, of course. To this day, he still does that. It's just one of those habits that's hard to break I suppose.

It's past my bedtime and I'm sure you all can tell that I'm pretty well out of it being that I'm posting about names in songs. I just felt like writing to relax and unwind. It helps to clear my head before going to bed. I seem to rest better as a result. MMMMMMMMMMMM the heat just came on and my cozy comforters are calling me....and the clock on the wall says 10:30. Definately snooze time. Toodles!

The Event of the Season

~BACKGROUND MUSIC ~

>>>WITH OR WITHOUT YOU<<<

I finally got some free time this evening where I'm still awake and able to get online for a bit. The days have been long and the nights way too short but it's to be expected right now. I mainly wanted to talk about the U2 concert I had the pleasure of attending on Wednesday night.

It would be hard to describe the event in one word but if I were to, I would say : INSPIRATIONAL. The whole night was magical from beginning to end. When I'd purchased the tickets back in March, I was so excited about getting the chance to see them in concert that I'd forgotten who the opening act was. To my surprise it was Kanye West!! Honestly, I wasn't too hip on Kanye back in March, but now I'm really diggin' on him. He put on a good show for about 45 minutes. The show started around 7:30pm. The lead singer of U2, Bono, walked out on the stage donning a cowboy hat ( being that St. Louis Mo. is the 'Gateway to the Midwest') and introduced Kanye West to the audience--a very positive introduction I might add. It was apparent that Bono thinks quite highly of Kanye, what he has to say and what he stands for. It was so nice to see rap/hip-hop and rock share the stage. I must admit that I was alittle disappointed in the negative response from the St. Louis audience. I mean sure, there were plenty of people who were into Kanye Wests' music. The crowd participation was pretty good but he also recieved some boos from the audience as well. I'm assuming that this is a result from his little outburst about George W. Bush. Being that his career is still fresh and new and he is starting to "cross over", I hope that statement he made doesn't hurt him. Only time will tell I suppose. I'm not saying that I disagree with him but sometimes there are other ways to show things that you feel about people without saying a word. Or maybe a better way to say it is that sooner or later, everything comes to the surface. A person can't always hide their true feelings forever......the way in which life is changing all around us paints pictures for all to see......

Anyway, as for U2, their performance was mesmerizing and the light show was spectacular!! They played about 23 songs--give or take a couple. Yes, I was counting but it's hard to keep up with the count when you're clapping your hands and moving around to the beat of the music. They also did not one, not two, but THREE encore performances and during each encore, they played 3 songs! I've never known a band to do that. I thought that was really nice! There were just a few songs that I wasn't familiar with but the majority were well known hits. Unfortunately I left my cellphone in my truck because I didn't know if security would allow it since it is a camera phone and no cameras were allowed. I later found out that absolutely no one adhered to that rule. I'll keep that in mind for future events at the Saavis Center. - *mental note*.....

As I've stated before, time and time again, Music is truly universal and they[U2] use it as a platform extremely well! They get all messages out into the open for public review and optional responses and to quote Bono, " It really does work." I thoroughly respect each band member and the group as a whole. Bono seems to be a very warm and genuinely down to earth person. And that's what it's all about folks..... KEEPIN' IT REAL.

So, if you've never had the chance to see U2 in concert, please do and if you're unfamiliar with them for any reason, give them a listen 'cause if you enjoy good music full of heart and soul and meaning and so much more, you won't be disappointed--trust me. Yea, I know.....I sound like a fiend, fan and fanatic. Well, guilty as charged. **wink wink**

~BACKGROUND MUSIC~

>>>BEAUTIFUL DAY<<<

......and I'll never forget it.

Ms. busy, that be me.....

It's been a busy week here for me. I've made the most of every day so far.... Of course there's never enough hours in the day--you know how that goes, but everything's falling into place so it's all good! Let's see, where to begin.....

Well, for starters, I've been putting up my Christmas decorations inside the house. I'm running alittle late this year. Normally I start decorating the day after Thanksgiving. Last year I didn't put up any decorations because there was a string of robberies that had happened the year before. It was pretty bad. Many people were waking up and finding that all of their outside decorations had been stolen...even the lights. I do have some things for the outside but since I'm so late putting everything up in the house, I think I'll pass again this year. I have my tree up and inside my livingroom windows, I have a fiber optic angel with beautiful illuminating colors and a lighted candelabra next to her in one window and in the other window, I have an animated Santa & Mrs. Claus standing with a lighted post in between them. Santa has a candle in his hand which he waves back and forth and Mrs. Claus has gifts in her arms as she sways to and fro. They stand about 2ft so I raised up my mini blinds and created a backdrop with colorful holly decorated wrapping paper behind them. This way, no one can see into my house and it adds to the decor. I also have some pine cones and alittle white garland for a snowy effect.
In my livingroom, I have so many Christmas bears and wall hangings and I have two art glass windows each decorated with a nutcracker in the center. Just about everywhere you look it's Christmas! I normally put an electric lit candle in every window of the house. So far, I only have candles in a couple rooms. My Christmas tree is in the center room which I use to use as my diningroom but now it's the computer room. I love my tree. It's pre-lit and it rotates......well it used to but as the years went by, it quit working right. It would rotate but the lights would go off when it did so I just don't switch it on anymore. I'd rather see the lights and pretty ornaments and lighted angels. I've also got a little lighted village under the tree with pine cones sprawled about. The nativity scene is in the front center and for an added bonus I have a Santa Claus train on a track layed completely around the tree. I started to take some pictures this morning but my battery in my digital camera needed to be charged.
As you can probably tell, I love Christmas and frankly I seriously have way too many decorations!! My "Christmas closet" still has things in it that I don't think will get put up this year. The only thing I have left to do is my kitchen area and table and then it will be complete!

Some other things I've been doing.......

Well, I've been out and about with all the impatient " holiday shoppers " and believe me when I tell you--People can really be mean when it comes to their gift buying. I just try to stay out of their way and enjoy my little shopping. Thank goodness I got most of my gift buying done. I am extremely late sending out my Christmas cards this year as well. As of today, I have about 30 cards ready to mail. The list just keeps on growing every year and this doesn't include my co-workers. Hopefully I'll get them in the mail by tomorrow.....hopefully.

Of couse I've been doing these little activities in between working. Lucky for me, we haven't been very busy since most people are shopping for Christmas gifts right now but......starting Monday, that will all change. All of the grocery stores will be chaotic with customers buying food for their Christmas dinners. Am I ready for this......NEVER. All I can do is the best I can to help them find what they need and make sure that everything is ready for them to purchase--and I will do that. I'll also be hoping that the next 14 days go by fast because then I'll be on my last vacation of the year! Yep, I'm on vacation the last week of the year! And then the New Year starts.....and I'm into the last few days of the Countdown:

~3 more days!!!!~

This is gonna be sooooooooooooooooo good! I've made sure not to listen to any U2 songs so I'm really ready for the concert! Well, gotta go to work. Be well all.....

Groomer update

Okay, I'm pretty tired right now so forgive me if I have any typos. I'm too lazy for spell check. I just wanted to update you on what happened when I called the manager at the groomer.

I made the phone call yesterday around 3:45pm. The manager was named Nicole and I must say that she was quite apologetic. Before I even started to tell her about what had occured, she started telling the story to me--as if she had already been informed. I'm assuming that the other 2 workers who witnessed the whole ordeal told her all about it. I'm also wondering if the man who was in line in front of me, (with the alaskan malamute) complained as well.

At any rate, Nicole said that there was no need for the employee to have such a nasty attitude and that she would be reprimanded for her actions. I made it clear to Nicole that it was not my intention to suggest that the girl be fired. I just wanted to make sure that the young girl learns how to deal with the public better or in a more professional way.

I did ask why the groomers bathed Rusty if he wouldn't let them groom him. Her answer was that they always bathe the dogs prior to the groom because it makes it easier for the groomer to cut the hair when it's wet. They were able to wash Rusty without incident and clip his toenails and trim his face but that was all he would allow them to do. So, that explains the price I was charged. That seemed fair enough. She also explained to me that when dogs get as old as Rusty that they tend to get much more nervous and when they get real nervous it is very stressful for them. Of course I realize this but I didn't know that he was reacting in this manner while at the groomer. The last thing I want is for Rusty to become ill or pass away from getting too stressed from being groomed. Nicole also suggested something that I was thinking of already.....asking my vet if they could trim him every so often. You see, with him being a poodle and having curly hair, it tends to get very matted and hard to comb. Rusty seems to be comfortable with the vet so hopefully this will be an option. If not, well.....he'll just be looking like a little fur ball. lol It's okay, I still love him.

I'll admit that initially when I made the call to Nicole, I had every intention to never do business with them again. I'm so glad I called and had a positive conversation with the manager. I will continue to bring Tutti in for grooming. I love happy endings.....

.....And the Countdown is at

~11 Days and counting ~