Being a child of a single mother (more often than not).  I have half-siblings (older).  We have the same mother, different fathers.  My father raised my siblings as his own.  He was the one they called "Dad" and he wore the badge of paternal honor.
     Unfortunately, my parents divorced when I was young - maybe about 7 years old.  I say 'unfortunately' because I don't feel I got the same bonding as my older siblings.  On the other hand, there were advantages of having a single mother.  Mom wasn't even a high school graduate and with limited skills managed to raise five children.  With limited education and skills, she did what she had to do and worked nights, in local taverns.  My siblings were often responsible for me, limiting their childhood - something I had no control over.
     During those years, Mom also had cancer and was a survivor.  We lost Mom and Dad both at a young age (6 weeks of one another, both 67), but she lived with and survived cancer.  Cancer was not the catalyst of her death.
     Setting the groundwork, my point to all of this is that I am so thankful that Mom taught me to be independent and a survivor.  I learned early on I would be better off if I could do things myself, rather than have to depend on a man - or a contractor.  It's been a money saver and has helped me defeat co-dependency.  Mom was a strong woman ... a woman who got more pleasure from helping others than even doing for herself.  Yes, there were times when I needed help, but don't we all, at times?
     What made me think about this today was when I installed a new shower head.  Yesterday I bought a "used" one at a garage sale.  I've changed them before.  Actually, I even had a brand new one, never opened.  I bought it on sale over a year ago and have been 'saving it' because I had plans to move to a larger place.  I already had my old shower head taken apart and looked closer at the used one I had bought - it was "cracked".  That was a "bite", considering I even asked the woman why they were selling it, grrrr ... thanks, lady!
     Anyway, having it already taken down I decided I may as well install the brand new one (a bit more complicated than the standard).  I swear it took more time to get INTO THE PACKAGE, than it did to put together and install the new one ... no wonder things cost so much ... sheeesh.
     Because of a "crack" in the old shower head, I had a new experience, mastered and installed the new one, and realized ... I'VE BEEN MISSING THIS, ALL THIS TIME, BECAUSE OF A "MAYBE"!  That was the best shower I've had in a long, long time!!! ... and didn't need to ask for help to install it!  Simple pleasures ... I'm a 'tough nut to CRACK'!  *smile*

"Live, love, and learn.  Love yourself, love your children, and leave a legacy with memorable footprints.  Be a friend when someone needs you, even if they don't want you.  Do everything with good intentions and a loving heart, even if it's painful.  My most difficult and important lessons, hurt.  Fill your life's canvas with vibrancy and vigor!"  ~nr lenz

      Life is a "process", just like so many things we have to tackle, while living.  I truly believe that part of life is learning to overcome the adversities we are presented.  I'm thankful I've lived long enough to see the "process" of my life mature and blossom.  I feel life's lessons, along with reflection and introspection, have been and continue to be great tools to help me realize who I was, in youth, and appreciate who I have become (and continue to become), during my process of life.  With a thirst for living, I continue to learn.  Life is a continuation of experiences that  enhance and augment my personal growth.  It's kind of like pimples ... getting older didn't take acne away.  If I eat the wrong foods, I still get pimples, and gain weight.  We were born with free will.  I do feel we gain wisdom as we age, but that acquired wisdom is no guarantee we are exempt from making bad decisions.  I just make smaller ones, and less of them, and less often!  Life goes on.  Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have!  Even if your life is not what you had hoped or thought it would be, hug and embrace it.  If you look around you, chances are there are others with bigger struggles than your own.  Be thankful! 

     I met a very sweet and interesting couple today - the Sazzmans.
     There is a new store in town called "U Can Offer".  Marc Sazzman has had his own battle and challenges with cancer.  He and his wife are so thankful for what others did for them during their times of need, they wanted to find a way to "give back".  They have opened a thrift store, dependent upon donated items.  In turn, they provide services to cancer patients - before, during, and after treatments.  The services they are able to offer range from providing transportation, to yard work, house cleaning and even home cooked meals.
     If you know of someone in need of assistance, or would like to donate items, give them a call at 308-233-7754.  They also offer to pick things up, if you need.
     I wish them well with their new venture, and vision to help other cancer patients.  I applaud them.  Good luck! 

http://www.ucanoffer.com/ 

     Nothing special on my mind today.  Except ...  I woke up early suffering, from a bit of flatulence.  I figured since I couldn't sleep, I'd stay up, wiggle around for a little relief.  After a bit of lively activity, I decided to see if I could find something clever on line about it - a few quips and quotes, to share.
     I find it funny (I mean haha funny) that burping is an acceptable art form of expelling internal discomfort, yet farting and flatulence is not.  I even found references that some people have managed to tie to the Bible, about both.
     In my search, I learned more about both than I ever expected I would.  I just wanted some fun, and "wise cracks" to share.  Instead I found a wealth of information about my (and your) bodily functions.
     Here's an interesting website about passing gas - flatulence fun and facts - enjoy!  http://health.thefuntimesguide.com/2006/05/passinggasfarts.php
     Ever wonder what to say when you 'pass gas' in public?  Crack out one of these halarious comments!  http://sayfunnythings.com/2010/04/24/funny-things-to-say-passing-gas/
     Whether you're amused or offended by what I might term as 'natural bodily functions", they are both a fact of life.  I find it difficult to believe that we humuns don't ALL 'fart and belch' ... or ... 'pass gas and burp'.  Some of us find it offensive, others realize it's a natural bodily function and find humor in it.

Besides meaning to "belch", a burp is also "a brief, sharp sound".
Aerophagia is excessive burping after a meal.
Burping is medically referred to as eructation.
Passing gas (or farting) is referred to as flatulence.

     Burp or belch?  Cola or soda?  I am sure it depends on where and how you were raised - probably a territorial and personal discipline thing.
     So here's to you ... live, and let live, so to speak!  *smile*    

      I was aghast when I heard Representative Todd Akin's remark about how in instances of what he called “legitimate rape,” women’s bodies somehow blocked an unwanted pregnancy!!  I couldn't believe my ears.
      How can ANYONE back or follow this man now, unless they are as ignorant as he obviously is, about the female body?  Missouri is affectionately known as the "show me" state.  Well, he certainly showed his ignorance.  And continues ... whenever he opens his mouth he seems to dig himself a deeper hole.  
     What mirror is he lookin' in???!!! 

     I have always loved comedy. Being raised with early black and white t.v., much of it was comedy based.  I could make a long list of comedians I loved, and miss. Phyllis Diller was one who ranked at the top. Her raw and edgy style helped pave the road for women in a male-dominated industry. It's so difficult to describe her in a few words.

"Memories are our greatest treasure, once a loved one has passed."  ~nrl

I've been reflecting back on my blog.  It had slipped my mind that I began my website trek and 'Pearly Nuggets' adventure a day before my birthday, last year.  I just glanced at the date, and in 10 days the day of my birth will roll around once again ... wowsa!  How time flies when I'm havin' fun (with this anyway).

How am I doin'?  Can you hear me now?  *smile*  (now this blog, you don't need to comment on, hehe ... not so sure I wanna know!  haha ...

     Because of too many irons in the fire and the busy work season on my job, I haven't been on my You Tube page much lately.  I took time today to upload a few more things.  While there, I looked at a few videos that have been sent to me for viewing ... and just browsed.   
     There is one fella in particular on You Tube who doesn't seem to have anything nice to say ... about anyone, or anything he looks at.  I feel sad for that person.
     I feel sad that he must be so miserable in his own life and takes out his anger on others - many of whom I'm sure he doesn't even know.  I'm also assuming he probably couldn't do nearly as well with things and people that he condemns.  Life in the 21st century is difficult enough without harboring so much anger and being 'hell bent' on trying to make others miserable.
     My advice to people who get comments with such fierce condemnation, with no positive result, is to 'block' them, or delete those remarks.  Who needs it?  Constructive criticism is one thing, but being out and out verbally destructive (just because you can) is quite another.  The person receiving it probably doesn't deserve it and the viewers, like me, who read responses and comments ... why waste my time reading that kind of crap?
      As I always say, opinions are like a**holes; we all have one, but that guy is just 'an ass' ... period ... and that's my opinion! 

The .pdf below is a photo I recently took on a trip out to Arnold NE ... the poem is mine.