Sunday, December 30, 2007
A tragedy in the GWOT
As most of the kids in the free world wallow in their gluttony of Christmas receipts of gifts and everything they don't need, a sacrifice of a life only a few can understand.
My heart is broken at the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Her political career has been carved in my life for a long time. A woman who stood against all odds and threats to be the first woman leader in a Muslim Country. Trust me this is no easy feat. Then to be chased away, against her will, mind you, advised that if she leaves her country her life is protected as opposed to remaining.
I cheered when she returned to Pakistan months ago, a move that will benefit the GWOT, the only woman who can aid in the GWOT. One of her qualities, she will not stand for oppression and terrorism. During her reign, she "cleaned" out the corruption, only to fall to false accusations. Sympathies to her son, his youth and his family tree works against him. Please God watch over this young man, whose views and motherly guide will lead him down a thorny path which will liberate a region from the throngs of evil.
Benazir Bhutto, thank you for your grace all these years, a kindness felt by many and feared by more. Watch over your children so they may continue your work.
My heart is broken at the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Her political career has been carved in my life for a long time. A woman who stood against all odds and threats to be the first woman leader in a Muslim Country. Trust me this is no easy feat. Then to be chased away, against her will, mind you, advised that if she leaves her country her life is protected as opposed to remaining.
I cheered when she returned to Pakistan months ago, a move that will benefit the GWOT, the only woman who can aid in the GWOT. One of her qualities, she will not stand for oppression and terrorism. During her reign, she "cleaned" out the corruption, only to fall to false accusations. Sympathies to her son, his youth and his family tree works against him. Please God watch over this young man, whose views and motherly guide will lead him down a thorny path which will liberate a region from the throngs of evil.
Benazir Bhutto, thank you for your grace all these years, a kindness felt by many and feared by more. Watch over your children so they may continue your work.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Christmas else where
2007 creeps to a close.
We are catching our breaths from the long drives from home this Christmas. The long drive was a little under 4 hours long, of course I "shortened the drive time easily" on I-71 (yep 85 miles per hour of adrenaline). In the meantime, we (well I) scaled the gates at Heinz Field, almost got caught in the stadium, bought from street vendors, the girls got their first whiff of a fish market and much more. All in all we picked up some a lot of Steelers merchandise plus some 87 indicative of Sidney Crosby.
Many thanks to those who accommodated for us during our stay in Pennsylvania.
Our gratitude extends to those who put up with the little monkeys that tagged along too.
And now back home, we need a vacation to recover from the vacation. Phew! All the sorting out and putting things away etc.
All three Xmas trees are down and tucked away. We almost have the house back now.
Ahhhh .... on a different subject... the perfect, the only, PATRIOTS led by Papa Bear Belichek.
We are catching our breaths from the long drives from home this Christmas. The long drive was a little under 4 hours long, of course I "shortened the drive time easily" on I-71 (yep 85 miles per hour of adrenaline). In the meantime, we (well I) scaled the gates at Heinz Field, almost got caught in the stadium, bought from street vendors, the girls got their first whiff of a fish market and much more. All in all we picked up some a lot of Steelers merchandise plus some 87 indicative of Sidney Crosby.
Many thanks to those who accommodated for us during our stay in Pennsylvania.
Our gratitude extends to those who put up with the little monkeys that tagged along too.
And now back home, we need a vacation to recover from the vacation. Phew! All the sorting out and putting things away etc.
All three Xmas trees are down and tucked away. We almost have the house back now.
Ahhhh .... on a different subject... the perfect, the only, PATRIOTS led by Papa Bear Belichek.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Merry Christmas
Nothing else can top this:
MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY FRIEND
‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.I had come down the chimney, with presents to giveand to see just who in this home did live.
As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.
With medals and badges, awards of all kind,a sobering thought soon came to my mind.For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.This was the home of a U.S. Marine.
I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.I soon understood, this was more than a man.For I realized the families that I saw that night,owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.
Soon around the Nation, the children would play,And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,because of Marines like this one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.
He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choiceI fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”
With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still.I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,this guardian of honor so willing to fight.But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”One look at my watch and I knew he was right,Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.
©Copyright circa 1991 by James M. Schmidt(As printers in the December 1991 issue of the USMC magazine, Leatherneck)
MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY FRIEND
‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.I had come down the chimney, with presents to giveand to see just who in this home did live.
As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.
With medals and badges, awards of all kind,a sobering thought soon came to my mind.For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.This was the home of a U.S. Marine.
I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.I soon understood, this was more than a man.For I realized the families that I saw that night,owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.
Soon around the Nation, the children would play,And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,because of Marines like this one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.
He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choiceI fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”
With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still.I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,this guardian of honor so willing to fight.But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”One look at my watch and I knew he was right,Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.
©Copyright circa 1991 by James M. Schmidt(As printers in the December 1991 issue of the USMC magazine, Leatherneck)
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Oh yeah it is here too!
For all those watching the news elsewhere in awe of the snowfall, trust me, it is here too.
A finely beautiful atmosphere that Singaporeans will never get back home - FREEZING your noses off shovelling feet of snow!!
Oh yeah the majesty of mother nature at her mightiest, scenic calendar worthy sights at the price of cold fingers, toes and achy backs. Nothing is like the first paralyzing blanket of snow here in the Midwest. This is one place you are really glad you paid through your noses for that gas-guzzling high insurance rated over kill on the accessories, otherwise known as the 4 wheel drive SUV.
Also this is the season where you get to play like a kid and get all wet but still don't get too dirty. Snow just brushes off your coats and Mom will always welcome you back into the house with a taste bud incinerator, you wont taste anything for the next 2 hours cup of hot chocolate with 3 times more marshmellows.
Oh yeah, this is the season when singing White Christmas is well, not just a dream.
This is definitely the season when we kick ourselves in the butt for not buying the snow blower in Summer when it was 50% off!
A finely beautiful atmosphere that Singaporeans will never get back home - FREEZING your noses off shovelling feet of snow!!
Oh yeah the majesty of mother nature at her mightiest, scenic calendar worthy sights at the price of cold fingers, toes and achy backs. Nothing is like the first paralyzing blanket of snow here in the Midwest. This is one place you are really glad you paid through your noses for that gas-guzzling high insurance rated over kill on the accessories, otherwise known as the 4 wheel drive SUV.
Also this is the season where you get to play like a kid and get all wet but still don't get too dirty. Snow just brushes off your coats and Mom will always welcome you back into the house with a taste bud incinerator, you wont taste anything for the next 2 hours cup of hot chocolate with 3 times more marshmellows.
Oh yeah, this is the season when singing White Christmas is well, not just a dream.
This is definitely the season when we kick ourselves in the butt for not buying the snow blower in Summer when it was 50% off!
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Sorry about the Steelers
This was a weekend of dread.... Patriots vs Steelers.
1. The game was blacked out on the local cable channels.
2. All the bars are packed to capacity.
3. I usually root for the Steelers, unless my Patriots are on the other side.
As predicted the Patriots brought it home to Papa Bear Belichek.
Ahhhh ..... the sweet smell of New England victory.
1. The game was blacked out on the local cable channels.
2. All the bars are packed to capacity.
3. I usually root for the Steelers, unless my Patriots are on the other side.
As predicted the Patriots brought it home to Papa Bear Belichek.
Ahhhh ..... the sweet smell of New England victory.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Brady - Lucky or Talented?
Who cares?
The Patriots narrowly missed their maker today. Brady is not the only member of the team, but overall the bean town boys brought it home to Daddy Belichek, again.
Oooohhh ... the next match up will tear this house apart....
Patriots and the Steelers.
Bring out the duct tape.
The Patriots narrowly missed their maker today. Brady is not the only member of the team, but overall the bean town boys brought it home to Daddy Belichek, again.
Oooohhh ... the next match up will tear this house apart....
Patriots and the Steelers.
Bring out the duct tape.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
A Tragedy
Loss - something that is lost.
The floods of 2007 brought a lot of losses to families in Findlay Ohio.
Here at the close to the holidays, we question faith when "Loss" appear in the headlines.
A family who have fought it all and gave it all.
A family with a 4 year old who had just fought off cancer and still willing to help others.
Really question where God is and his reason. This is one of those things when I fail the test of faith.
The floods of 2007 brought a lot of losses to families in Findlay Ohio.
Here at the close to the holidays, we question faith when "Loss" appear in the headlines.
A family who have fought it all and gave it all.
A family with a 4 year old who had just fought off cancer and still willing to help others.
Really question where God is and his reason. This is one of those things when I fail the test of faith.
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