Don't you feel bad now?

Now look at that precious face! And to think this bird is cooking in that hot oven of yours getting all juicy and all ready to make a nice Thanksgiving dinner.

or you could do like my good friend Josh Blue up in Boston and they're saving a Turkey's life today by eating Steak. I think he's channeling his inner Texas myself.

All of you have a Grand Thanksgiving Day and be thankful for all you have, all you don't have and be content. If we'd all be more content with the simple things of life, we would be happier and relaxed folks.

GOBBLE GOBBLE GOBBLE!!

The Joie de Vivre is having lagniappe in your Gumbo then going to the Fais Do Do

This morning I'm celebrating my cajun heritage in preparation for some friends coming over to see "Janis". The artist who created Janis is coming as well. I hope everyone loves Janis as much as I do.

I've got Recycled Cajuns playing in the background with the smells of andouille sausage and file in the air.



After we have good food and good company, we're heading out to the Oasis to listen to Seth Walker, one of my favorite musicians whose based here in Austin. He's actually from North Carolina(looks at Ted) and you can see where he gets his blues heart from. I'm hoping the Time Machine is there so I can go pick up my good friends Becks and Bobbers so they can enjoy our last time there.
Becks, ya have your dancing shoes on cos I'll be there to pick you up around 7:30pm tonight!!!

Always a Soldier

** (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The Memorial Wall taken at the Ceremonial and Commemorative Site in Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Exeter, R.I.

A Moment of Thanks to all those who served and are still serving our country to make us safe and free.

We call them Vets but they're always considered soldiers to me. They gave willingly and graciously and with honor. Today I have many thanks to them for giving me the freedom to be able to have the freedom of speech and my own opinions to have this blog.

Thank You Ladies and Gentlemen for serving our Country.

Justice or Fairness?

When you work in the juvenile justice field, you find yourself seeking justice for the victims....but then as you get to know the juveniles, you find yourself seeking fairness in the justice which is hard to come by.

I've come across a story of a young man who made a bad decision in how to make money. Roddy Pippin had not been in trouble ever but he was having a hard time finding a job and fell into an "easy" way to make some money: Cattle-rustling. No, this story isn't set out in the 1800's. It is a modern day story none other place than Texas. Now Roddy is a baby-face kid and was doing Jesse James work. Perhaps he had no intentions of doing it forever...or maybe he just got caught up in the money. Whatever the reason, he continued till he got caught. He got caught and gave up the names of his 8 other accomplices who were all older than him. But guess who got the harsher sentence? Roddy. He was given 4 separate two-year state jail sentences which totaled 8 years. For him to receive a sentence like that and not allow them to run concurrently?? But for him to not at least have a chance at probation?? I think Roddy's mother even offered to pay back restitution over a period of time...but NOOOOOOOOOO...this was North Texas plains where staunch republicans wear 20 gallon hats, carry their guns on their hips, spit tobacco and make polite talk to the women while they gawk them down.

You say...well Roddy will get parole right?? Nope. You see, state jail sentences in Texas are as is...no parole. But there was hope. Well apparently, Roddy applied and finally he got shock probation and they let him out to serve the rest of his time on a monitor at home. Two sweet years later, Roddy has been revoked and sent back to prison due to some technical violation of which has not been made known.

Now you wonder why I'm even talking about this....the issue at hand right now is Roddy has a severe case of diabetes that none of the prisons could medically take care of him when he was in there last time.....so of course, he and his family are concerned that he will not get the care that he's been getting out here in the free world. Well, you say, he shouldn't have violated his terms...but THAT is my question....I've seen parolees/probation be revoked for things that should not send someone back to prison....instead the officer could have attempted to find solutions in the community to help rehabilitate. Because Prison does NOT rehabilitate. And isn't that what we want??? These people to come out NOT wanting to commit crimes??

Now I'm all about justice. But more importantly I've learned that Justice does not include Fairness.

So I haven't gotten off the fence on this issue yet...not sure until I learn "the rest of the story" as Paul Harvey says. But if Roddy was sent on a technical issue....I'm pretty sure which side I'll be on.

***EDIT
MAN....now I know how to get traffic here...just post about criminals in Texas.
Ok so facts are slowly coming in and making more sense HOWEVER I still don't agree with what took place. Make sure you who read this and want to comment that I really am NOT focusing on Pippin's medical condition. That's his lawyer's fight not mine.

My ONLY concern here was how I thought the plea bargain he agreed to was not appropriate.
Now so for the record:
Pippin committed possibly 40+ crimes of stealing cattle(I dont actually think there is cattle rustling crime anymore on the Penal Code books) so basically a bunch of state jail Felony's. For those of you who don't understand penal code lingo, here is the State Jail Felony code that most likely applies to Pippin:
(4) a state jail felony if:
(A) the value of the property stolen is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000, or the property is less than 10 head of cattle, horses, or exotic livestock or exotic fowl as defined by Section 142.001, Agriculture Code, or any part thereof under the value of $20,000, or less than 100 head of sheep, swine, or goats or any part thereof under the value of $20,000;

So many of the charges were dismissed, most likely due to insufficient evidence or just part of the plea bargain...which left Pippin agreeing to pleaing guilty to 4 separate counts of Theft State Jail Felony which led him to receiving 4 two-year sentences to be served stacked...one after the other.

After Pippin served one of the two-year sentences, he applied for a received shock probation for one of the sentences apparently due to his medical condition.

While on shock probation, he made a video of which the DA is making allegations that he made it out of his area he was allowed to be. Pippin's lawyers rebuttal says they didn't as they made it on his mother's land which was his area.

His shock probation time ended so now he had to turn himself into the jail so he could be transported back to prison for his other 2 terms. Now his lawyers are pleading his case again for shock probation in December again based on his medical condition.

He was not given the chance at probation or restitution because the ranchers who are the victims of the crimes did not agree to this. And this was a recent letter as well so it keeps being brought up but they still say no. MY POINT is simply WHY NOT? Now if while Pippin has been out on Shock Probation, he wasn't given the opportunity to pay restitution, you can't blame him for not paying it.

And I don't care that he's been going to church all this time. I know criminals and offenders do this ploy.

My only issue is if he did at least one of those two year stints and didn't get into any trouble while out on his 2nd term on Shock Probation...why shouldn't he be given the chance to finish both of the other terms in the free. If I were his probation officer, I'd be giving him tons of assignments and making him be accountable; starting with community service in something that I THOUGHT he needed to be a part of. I'd make him have a job and put aside savings to show me so if at some point, the ranchers were willing to take restitution, they would have it.

Funny thing is, my juvenile probationers used to call me Hard Ass...but they knew I was fair and gave them a shot at doing the right thing after they fucked up.
I'm done with posting about this now and will be posting new today. I just found it funny how new people showed up here and I rarely get a hit on this thing.

God is Great, Beer is Good, (some)People are Crazy

This Ranger friend of mine loves this song and sings it almost unconsciously when he's around...but with the past week of tragedy, it really just fits. But I have to say that amidst when tragedy occurs, those around come to the rescue and do the right thing. My Red Sox groups that I've become friends with are like that. We formed a bond...we have something very passion in common. So when one of our own has trouble and we can do something, we try.

It's what happened when at Ft. Hood this week an enlisted soldier who for reasons still unknown took the lives of other enlisted soldiers and one civilian who worked to help enlisted soldiers. That story was the Headlines in papers and television crews across the nation. But what happened next is REALLY the news.

You have officers risking their lives for others, people making bandages and stretchers out of whatever they could to help those wounded, you have hundreds coming to the hospitals to give blood even if they didn't know any of the victims, you have soldiers going to visit the wounded soldiers in the hospital even if they don't know the soldiers, and before you know it, each community that the fallen came from will rise up and have a benefit in that person's honor...you ask how can I know this?? I'm watching and reading and seeing every single day someone new doing something to help.

so in reality that song is partially correct....it's only some of the people are crazy and cause us pain....the rest of us clean up the mess they made and restore our faith in humanity and God.

Cos it's what we do.

Superman Ain't Got Nuttin on Mighty Mouse

(AP Photo/LM Otero)

Thursday afternoon just north of Austin there were hundreds of those preparing for deployment at the Ft. Hood service center. Families worried about if their loved ones will return from Iraq or Afghanistan. What no one was expecting was to receive 'that phone call' before their loved one left.

So my previous post, I didn't put the 'news' that was reported which we later found out untrue probably due to reporters not doing a thorough job...but the shooter is still alive but in a coma, unable to tell us WHY.

So far, 13 have died from this tragedy....rumor is the wounded who number over 30 are still not out of harm's way so we could see possibly the death toll to rise. I'm praying not for that to happen.

I'd like to shift the focus on those who Acted during this terrifying incident. Sgt. Kimberly Munley who was a police officer for Ft. Hood Police Department. Married to a Army guy in North Carolina and with a 3 yr old daughter...she may be from North Carolina but she acted in the stereotypical Gutsy Texan Gal way. A brief description but you really need to read about her cos she's a role model for all young girls and women who aspire to work in the field of criminal justice to let them know that size does not matter. She stands about 5'2" but a former co-worker of hers in North Carolina calls her Mighty Mouse because apparently, Kim was no stranger to running to danger.


Slowly stories of heroic acts are coming to light but an overall synopsis of the scene was people were ripping off their shirts to make bandages and tourniquets, breaking table legs off to create stretchers, covering civilians with their bodies, etc.

I'll be posting on the victims as their stories are being told as well. Such a sad sad tragedy. It's already hard to comprehend why someone goes on these sort of rampages and what drives them...but what's difficult for those in the military to accept right now is one of their own turned on them...innocent people who were just working for their country doing what they loved.
The answer Why...may never be enough

Who's Studying the Studiers?

Sending out Prayers to all those who lost their loved ones today...and Prayers to all those wounded and getting treatment. Rumors flying around. Assumptions are being made. These facts remain: 12 lives (one of which was a civilian police officer) were killed in cold blood by this man and 31 were injured. He acted alone. This man was a Major in the Army and one of our psychiatrists who helped our soldiers in mental health issues. He was born an American. He was not wanting to be deployed.

News reports are saying he's been 'on the radar' for the last six months....due to some internet postings about suicide bombs and threats.

Recently there was a serial killer (registered sex offender) arrested accused of killing about a dozen people as they found bodies in this house. Also, a father and upstanding father in a church killed his family then himself.

I work in the criminal justice field and have been for over 20 years. I try to not be cynical...but it's hard.

EDIT: It had been reported the shooter was dead. But apparently the sick psychiatrist lives and is in stable condition. He was shot 4 times by the same officer...and yet he still lives?

I am not cynical I am not cynical I am not cynical

Don't Wait Till I Die

**picture pulled off of NESN site

Eric Hurley writes an excellent piece on giving Pedro his due...and Petey's quote is as typical as Petey can be

"I'm pretty sure my name will be mentioned,” Martinez said of his legacy before his Game 6 start against the Yankees in the World Series. “I don't know in which way. But maybe after I retire, because normally when you die, people tend to actually give you props about the good things. But that's after you die. So I'm hoping to get it before I die. I don't want to die and hear everybody say, 'Oh, there goes one of the best players ever.' If you're going to give me props, just give them to me right now."

Eric details how Petey has transformed himself from a pitcher to fear due to his fastball to a pitcher who likes to pinpoint where he's throwing. Eric says "His motto has gone from “I dare you to hit this” to “now you see it, now you don’t.” I like this.

I don't care how Petey left Boston. I really don't care about the fiasco when he allegedly 'threw down' Zimmer. And the whole pointing at the head situation is SO over rated and overhyped up.

Cos you know...you GOTTA love Pedro...he's a comedian of sorts. Of course, he was joking about giving him props before he dies and all....but WAS HE?

But one thing for sure, Petey knows us. He KNOWS us Red Sox fans like the back of his hand. How you ask that I know this??? Well the following comments were made when asked about Red Sox fans...in the Peter Abraham's article

"They're special fans and they will always have my respect."

and

"I know they don't like the Yankees to win, not even in Nintendo games."

DAMN SKIPPY (to quote a fellow Sox fan)

It's the Cliff Chase Lee Utley Show

Lee doing a great job...not as good as Game 1 but so far so good....and Utley? 2 Homeruns so far.

Top of the 8th Phillies on top 8-2 no outs. men on 2nd and 3rd. If Joe Buck don't shut the hell up....ok now 8-4. No Outs. I'm holding on to a prayer the Phillies will too.

The Ittsy Bittsy Spider climbed up a Yankee Leg

BOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yah I know. I've not been consistent so SUE ME. Here's to everyone a Happy Halloween!

Now get out there and Get some Candy!!!!!!!!!!!!

*pic from anomalias site

Battles have been Lost but the War's not Over

This morning in the great state of Massachusetts, a Mass (see i made a funny) of people are walking, some are walking a few miles and some many. They're walking in hopes to Cure Cancer. There are four stupendous young women who are among the throngs I like to call my friends. They're not just any friends either. They are from various backgrounds; Stacy: computer Extraordinaire and owner of Captain Jack the pirate cat , Cindy: I am certain Teacher of the year somewhere in the future; Hayes: Miss ICanGetAnythingDONE; and last but not least, Amy: sweetheart of a gal who's got the heart of a lion and married to the most filthy mouthed boy I know and love...along with she's walking in honor of her mother-in-law, Billie, and her friend, Jeneen.

We've all had our touch with Cancer. I know my good friend Ted's mother has battled it. My own grandfather and aunt died from it. While those deaths definitely impacted me in ways it would take a lifetime to tell you about, Cancer took a dear young friend of mine years ago and that is who I think of when I think of Cancer: Cindy Church.

Cindy left a young son, Brandon. She fought the good fight against the evil and tried everything she could to win....but it ravaged her body and finally took it over leaving her a shell. It's been over 10 years since her death but not a day goes by that I don't look up at her picture in my office and wonder what her life would have been like. Cindy lived life in it's face....laughing, always smiling, right up to the end. I visited with her a few weeks before her death and while I sat there seeing how this cancer was taking over her body, it did NOT take away her soul. That day....more than ever before, I wanted to live life with vigor. Laugh at Death. Stare it in it's face and Dare it to push me around.

Today, I want you to reach down in your FREAKING pockets and purses and wallets and bank accounts and see what can YOU give!!! I Challenge YOU!!! Because you don't have to give millions...you don't have to give thousands....you don't have to give hundredsd....

You Just Have to GIVE. Will you do that? The JimmyFund is still open for business...clicking on Team Surviving Grady is still taking requests. The group picture above was taken this past May at a gathering of us all...the guy in the far left hand?? Well let's just say, he wanted to be in the picture as well(thanks Brain!)

So there you have it....two different clicks. If you don't want to give in the name of Team SG...give in the name of your loved one who's fighting or lost the battle. Just GIVE TODAY.

There's Snow in Texas

Yesterday we were remembering the tragic event that occurred 8 years ago in NYC. While we never want to forget those who were lost, life does move on. I've been saving this story for the right time and I think today is it.

In the sports world we hear about all the various athletes who are using steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. We hear about those athletes who favor criminal-type behavior that sometimes land them in trouble with the law. We hear about athletes who are married yet are philanderers causing havoc on their family and kids. We hear about those athletes who are just plain obnoxious and think the world revolves around them.

What we don't hear about are the athletes like Justin Snow.
Justin Snow plays for the Indianapolis Colts. He's #48. He's their long snapper and a tight end. Now mind you, I have no clue what those positions are because I am not a football gal. I'm willing to learn...but no one person has intrigued me enough to want to learn. :)

But back to Justin. Justin is from Texas (I know you're shocked!). He is from Abilene and attended Baylor University. He also already has his B.S. and M.S. in Speech Pathology. Now you're probably wondering how in the heck do I know all of this and why do I care? It starts back a few weeks ago while I was on a business trip to my company's other location near Fort Worth.

While working in my company's other location Granbury, I like to stay in a smaller town, Glen Rose, on the outskirts so I can relax and not run into any employees. The Holiday Inn Express there is awesome and the manager, Joe, treats me like family. Recently a large building was built by a local family who opened up a restaurant, bar and clothing store in it. I've been frequenting the restaurant and the bar quite a bit. One night a few weeks ago, I was in the bar eating and cavorting with the locals when a couple walked in I had never seen before. They sat down and after a while, we all began to talk. Once I divulged my career, of which the gal said she sorta figured it out, and the topic of athletes gone criminal (i.e., Vick) came up, this gal began telling me a story. She said she loved the Colts to which I asked why...I know you don't have to be from an area's sport's team to love them.(i.e. ME) She talked about how when her youngest son was in speech and she was taking him to the Baylor school for speech therapy. She said at the time, Justin Snow was in school and he was her son's teacher. She talked about how her son loved Justin and it was reciprocated by Justin. Apparently these lessons lasted I believe over a couple of years. Anyway, fast forward to this past spring when her son was going to graduate from Speech. They were putting on a huge ceremony for the kids because if any of you have been involved in Speech it IS a big deal. (believe it or not, I had to attend Speech therapy at a young age)

Anyway, this mother calls up the Colts because by this time Justin is playing for the Colts...yes a football player HAS his B.S. and M.S. in Speech Pathology!! She calls and talks to their P.R. staff person and just wants to relay this message. "Please give him my number and tell him why I'm calling. " Next thing you know Justin is calling her and they are making plans for him to come down to attend the ceremony to surprise her son. Justin lives in Texas north of Dallas so the drive was a short 3 or so hour one. (3 hours or less is a short drive to us Texans) I wish I knew this mother and son's name....but I never caught it.

So there they were getting ready for the ceremony when down the hall way comes walking her son....and from the other direction is walking Justin Snow. She said they both halted in their steps as they met....and the hugs that were exchanged were phenomenal. She said she was crying and it was so touching. During the ceremony Justin gave the boy his diploma AND a jersey with #48 and Snow on it. Mom said it was the most touching and beautiful thing she has experienced. Now what football player will take time out of his day to do something for one little kid? Mind you, there were no reporters around documenting this. No photographers trying to grab a story. It was going to be a surprise...no one knew.

So now you understand why that Texas mother roots for the Colts....and although I'm not gonna jump on the wagon for the whole team...I am definitely going to root for Justin Snow.

In Memory Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9

On the afternoon of September 10, 2001, I drove to the airport to purchase myself a plane ticket for a trip I was going to take in November to visit my cousin in Pennsylvania. We had talked about this trip for quite awhile...planned it all in advance. She was going to take me to New York City for the weekend for fine food, broadway and entertainment. I was so excited about this trip...bought the plane ticket and headed back to work. Done deal.

The next morning I was at work in my office when I heard a supervisor in his office yell out for all to come see(he kept a television in his office so we all figured some ridiculous show was on he wanted us to come see). As we walked into his office, we couldn't believe what we were hearing. A plane had crashed into one of the Twin Towers in NY...continuing to watch the news....another crash. It was like watching a movie...no...NO...this isn't really the news, it's a movie right??
As the days and weeks passed, discussion of whether or not I was going to take my trip to NY was in the air. After much discussion with my cousin and her husband, we decided to go. It wasn't going to be for a few months...we'd just change our itinerary. During this time, I was a mentor for a kids' group and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to get them involved in understanding for what happened that day. We organized a day event of food and fun and then we settled into the project for the day: A memorial and cards for a firestation who lost 17 men that day. I researched on line and found the fire station after reading many stories. I had previously cut out the pictures I found off the internet of all of the firemen with their names, pasted and glued them onto a poster, decorated it and had it laminated. As I discussed with the kids about 9-11 and what the men had did to try and save those in the towers, I held up the poster and named the men one by one. I barely could get through naming them as I was tearing up as my voice broke. One of the kids raised his hand and asked "Miss Donna, did you know them?" I replied that I did not. He then asked "Why are you crying then?" I attempted to explain to them how it touched my heart and how tragic it was that so many had died that day and I hoped that we could help the firehouse by showing how much we appreciated the guys. So card making commenced!! I have to say we had a slew of kids and adults and we made dozens and dozens of cards. All thanking the firemen for what they do, saying how sorry we were for their loss and lots of art work as well.

Many of the other adult mentors helped out by giving various items to bring, such as, cajun spices and fresh peppers. I had a huge suitcase with a bag that carried it all.

The plane trip up there was a long one....just anxious about going to NY. Once we got there, we headed over to the firestation. I began by taking some photographs of which I need to scan and save on my computer but they are put away in a box for now. After taking photos, I kept waiting for an opportunity for a firefighter to come out...finally one did and I approached him explaining who I was and why I was there. I showed him the bag and explained about the spices and peppers inside. He seemed genuinely excited about it saying "They're just about to cook lunch so I'll go run these into them...thanks Ma'am...thanks alot!" He turned and left. My cousin was shocked I didn't want to try to go in and meet them all...but I was not on a mission to meet men that day. I just wanted to show thanks and give respect to those who died. While I took a few more photographs, I realized I had forgotten that the kids all had begged for me to get a picture with a firefighter. It was getting late but just as we were getting ready to leave, another firefighter came out and I made a bee line to him. I approached him explaining I was the one who had just brought in the big blue bag of goodies....to which he got all excited and said "Oh yeah...they were cutting up the peppers and putting them in the shrimp they were about to cook!!" That made me smile big. I explained about the kids and all and they wanted a picture to which he said "heck Yah...come on in...let's get next to the truck and all" I WISH I had these pictures to show ya on today. Perhaps I need to get those down.


I did find these pictures on line and wanted to share....I kept my laminated poster as a reminder. I never wanted to forget how that day and that visit impacted me. Within weeks, I made huge decisions that shifted my world into another paradigm. Life is short and Time should not be wasted. My cousin and I have discussed a visit next year to NY again....to visit the memorial that was created. But I want to return to the firestation to bring my pictures, to show thanks and perhaps to bring them some more haberno peppers. Maybe this trip, I'll pay attention to the cute firemen there ;)

Live happy.

Would the Real Josh Beckett please Win?

I don't want to jinx him any more than I need to. I'm expecting plenty of K's along with a low ERA and a big fat W at the end of the game courtesy of Commander Kick Ass, himself.

That is The Question??

Shakespeare may have thought the question was "To Be or Not To Be?" but right now there's a bunch of Rabid Red Sox fans are wondering "What is the Missing Piece to the Puzzle??" Then there's the Question of "What is going on with Beckett?" And the most recent Question of "What happened to the Byrd who pitched against Halladay?"

there's flurries of Pitch-tipping talk......should we really have kept Kotsay?....what about Petey?....But someone in Boston better fix whatever is broken or There won't be any SoxTober at Fenway.

oh Where oh Where has my JPB Gone? Oh where oh where CAN He BE???

WHO IS THIS?????????????????????????????????????????????

Missing: Josh BecKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKett

*art provided by Chris Speakman and can be found here at his link

HAS ANYONE SEEN THE GUY ABOVE? WOULD YOU PLEASE HAVE HIM REPORT TO THE FENWAY CLUBHOUSE? IMMEDIATELY!!!!!

So lately Beckett hasn't been performing quite like the ACE we know and love. Not that we do not love our boy...but he is just getting banged around like a pinball machine. Boston Globe has article on Beckett after the game

"Asked if he was searching, he sounded like a man who was tired of looking for the answer.

“I don’t know about searching,’’ Beckett said. “I’m tired of stinking. That’s for sure. But I don’t think searching’s the right thing. I’m continuing to do the same things I do every time out and every time in between starts and right now the results [stink].’"

I think we ALL know that the word 'stink' was enclosed cos they really couldn't print what Beckett actually said...heck...I can't even print what JPB said. But we all know that he has to stop STINKING and show some of that AWESOMENESS such as these:


I'm not giving up on Beckett and neither should YOU!

YOUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuK!!

LOVING THIS PICTURE!! Perhaps the Yankees knocked us around abit on Friday with that 20-11 score....but Last NIGHT??? Our newest pitcher from across the sea and latest "TAZ" kept the Yankees scoreless!!! It wasn't until Bard came up that Swisher hit a solo homerun off him...

14-1 End of subject

Nothing Lucky about it. The Sox Rock

Shortly after this the scoreboard blew up with runs for the Red Sox. Coincidence? I think not. After the runs started coming I was bouncing around hugging and high fiving everyone...then my phone blew up with texts saying I was on NESN. SweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeT. I wore my Youk shirt from SG for good luck...Youk couldnt play cos of the suspension...but dangit...he HAD to be there. I'm no longer considered a jinx now.