Good Morning Losers!

...and I mean that in the nicest way!
I am reading Pat Conroy's memoir My Losing Season. This is a great read so far...
So...I have been thinking about losing and being a loser! It isn't fun to lose or at least I hate to lose...
Does anyone enjoy losing?
I have a good friend who didn't win something huge in High School, like cheerleaders or Homecoming Queen...my friend can't even emember what is was!
But she hasn't forgotten her Mother's words...
my friend is sobbing on her bed, her life in ruins and fearing she would never be able to show her face in the the hallways of high school again!
Her Mom comes in and tells her what will become her and later my philosophy on losing!
She tells her that in losing she will have richer character...my friend who was 15 at the time...thought... Great...not only am I a loser but my Mom is crazy!

But...my friend and I always call each other when we have these character building experiences! Over the years we have built up a lot of character!
I bring this up because...I really am enjoying this book and I recommend it!
But... also I know many of you did not support my candidate and while I am not sorry my guy won...I am sorry you are hurt! I think about the times I worked hard for a Presidential candidate to have him lose...it' s hard! I know this is hard for John McCain who I do respect and admire!
Anyway...
In the spirit of Losers everywhere...I am having a contest about losing...write about a time where your losing actually meant something to you! I will let the readers judge and I will donate $50 to your favorite charity...just not a charity that hurts anyone! I mean really.... charitable hurting!
First link back to me and leave a comment saying you want to play and what Charity you hope to win for! I will announce the winner on Thanksgiving day! Please pick a Charity that I can give to online and I will print the receipt and then mail it to you!!

Barack Obama and Joe Biden

**As busy as he is and still he writes to me...**

Ronda --
I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first. We just made history. And I don't want you to forget how we did it. You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change. I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign. We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next. But I want to be very clear about one thing... All of this happened because of you.
Thank you, Barack

My Dear Children...

I am old enough to remember a time in our country when there were separate bathrooms for Blacks...I am so glad that you will never have that memory. You will have this night...for this night our country has elected our first African American President but more than that...a great man who will be a great President!
I am so proud of the three of you...you are people who care and who believe in your country!
Thank you for voting and for your excitement! You have made me so very proud!

May God bless our country and I am so proud to be an American!

Our God is An Awesome God!

There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way."

C.S.Lewis

I pray God's will for our country!

Pack Rat...NO MOre!!!

****My kindest son...made me remove his image.***


My two sons helped me clean out my attic before we moved to the house we are currently "aboding"...we became the cliche Empty Nester's who downsize! Hi, I am Ronda and I am a recovering pack rat and this picture is a reminder to me about how silly I can become if left unmonitored!
I worked for Barnett Bank for nine years and I really did enjoy working for this company...the training was top notch and they had great benefits...those are things like insurance, profits sharing, 401k and bonuses! Most companies, mine included don't offer these things anymore! But, I do digress often...
and usually (...) follows it...!
We got the word that Barnett Bank was being sold like everyone else...speculators on the news! Barnett Bank and Nations Bank had stopped selling their stock leading to the news organizations stating that we or they were being bought. Turns out it was the evil "they" was buying "we" and it was very sad! It is a long process as the Bank doesn't want to lose their customers...so you spend many hours telling your customers everything is fine while you watch your friends and co-workers lose their jobs....slowly, behind closed doors...as the customers might notice missing bodies, if it happened all at once.
The process of dismantling Barnett Bank took about six months...I went out to lunch one day and I came back and they were taking the sign off the building...I guess the pressure was too much...as I stood there like a very small girl and cried and cried ...big snotty tears!!! A kind man came over..carefully because really what kind of normal woman cries when a sign is taken down...and he asked if I wanted the letters! I stopped crying and said "Yes!" like it was a normal thing to do! So for ten years I kept those letters in my attic because I just couldn't find the right place to display them.... finally My Hubby, and two sons persuaded me to just let them go and then the two sons did the kindest thing for their slightly deranged mother...they took this picture!!!
I love you Rob and Ryan...you really are the kindest young men!!

Blessed and Grateful!!!

Big Brother walks his little Sister up to the houses...I don't think there is anything cuter!!!

Friday night ...Trick or Treating...so much fun! We had a Gator Cheerleader and Darth Vader visit...just the best!!!

I am thankful to God to live in this great country! I do not take any of my blessings for granted...I walked with my Hubby on Saturday 6 miles round trip to vote at our local library, a library I might add that is beautifully filled with books, movies, magazines, computers and newspapers. We waited in line for an hour and I was so excited to see this many people caring enough about their country to vote! After, we voted we walked to a small restaurant that is owned by a man who was an executive chef to a restaurant that was in the twin towers...It is now my favorite restaurant! My Hubby and I walked home and then watched our beloved Gators ...okay...I fell asleep but Hubby watched!

We got up and went to church because I have the freedom to worship in my country without fear of persecution...Hubby and I had lunch out with two other couples who are just a joy to be around! Sunday afternoon...we went and listened to Jimmy Buffett who gave of his time for a free concert for our political candidate!

I am proud to be an American and I am Christian...I don't profess to be a Christian...I am one by faith!

November Bloggy Book Club

I decided to pick a romantic novel for this month....

November's Bloggy Book Club Choice is The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

Blog with us on November 30,2008

Halloween Give-away winner...jill jill bo bill!!! Email me with your address!