Dontcha agree?

HOW TO TREAT A WOMAN:
Wine her. Dine her. Call her. Hold her. Surprise her. Compliment her. Smile at her. Listen to her. Laugh with her. Cry with her. Romance her. Encourage her. Believe in her. Pray with her. Pray for her. Cuddle with her. Shop with her. Give her jewelry. Buy her flowers. Hold her hand. Write love letters to her. Go to the ends of the earth and back again for her.

HOW TO TREAT A MAN:
Show up naked. Bring chicken wings. Don't block the TV.

*I can't take credit for this. Once again, an email forward.

Um, yeah, more poop.

I received this as a forward.

I'm breaking it up because it's quite lengthy. If you missed the last POOP post, click here.

We've all been there but don't like to admit it. We've all kicked back in our cubicles and suddenly felt something brewing down below. As much as we try to convince ourselves otherwise, the WORK POOP is inevitable. For those who hate pooping at work, following is the Survival Guide for taking a dump at work.

*TURD BURGLAR* Someone who does not realize that you are in the stall and tries to force the door open. This is one of the most shocking and vulnerable moments that can occur when taking a poop at work. If this occurs, remain in the stall until the Turd Burglar leaves. This way you will avoid all uncomfortable eye contact.

*CAMO-COUGH* A phony cough that alerts all new entrants into the bathroom that you are in a stall. This can be used to cover-up a WATERMELON, or to alert potential Turd Burglars. Very effective when used in conjunction with a SHIRLEY TEMPLE.

*SHIRLEY TEMPLE* A subtle toe-tapping that is used to alert potential Turd Burglars that you are occupying a stall. This will remove all doubt that the stall is occupied. If you hear a SHIRLEY TEMPLE, leave the bathroom immediately so the pooper can poop in peace.

*WATERMELON* A poop that creates a loud splash when hitting the toilet water. This is also an embarrassing incident. If you feel a Watermelon coming on, create a diversion. See CAMO-COUGH.

*HAVANA-OMELET* A case of diarrhea that creates a series of loud splashes in the toilet water. Often accompanied by an Escapee. Try using a CAMO-COUGH with a SHIRLEY TEMPLE.

*AUNT BETTY* A bathroom user who seems to linger around forever...Could spend extended lengths of time in front of the mirror or sitting on the pot. An AUNT BETTY makes it difficult to relax while on the crapper, as you should always wait to poop when the bathroom is empty. This benefits you as well as the other bathroom attendees.

Stay tuned for more . . .

Have you seen this one?

More POOP.

I received this as a forward.

I'm breaking it up because it's quite lengthy. If you missed the last POOP post, click here.

We've all been there but don't like to admit it. We've all kicked back in our cubicles and suddenly felt something brewing down below. As much as we try to convince ourselves otherwise, the WORK POOP is inevitable. For those who hate pooping at work, following is the Survival Guide for taking a dump at work.

*JAILBREAK* When forcing a poop, several farts slip out at a machine gun pace. This is usually a side effect of diarrhea or a hangover. If this should happen, do not panic. Remain in the stall until everyone has left the bathroom to spare everyone the awkwardness of what just occurred.

*COURTESY FLUSH* The act of flushing the toilet the instant the poop hits the water. This reduces the amount of air time the poop has to stink up the bathroom. This can help you avoid being caught doing the WALK OF SHAME.

*WALK OF SHAME* Walking from the stall, to the sink, to the door after you have just stunk up the bathroom. This can be a very uncomfortable moment if someone walks in and busts you. As with farts, it is best to pretend that the smell does not exist. Can be avoided with the use of the COURTESY FLUSH.

*OUT OF THE CLOSET POOPER*
A colleague who poops at work and is Doggone proud of it. You will often see an Out Of The Closet Pooper enter the bathroom with a newspaper or magazine under their arm. Always look around the office for the Out Of The Closet Pooper before entering the bathroom.

*THE POOPING FRIENDS NETWORK (P.F.N)* A group of co-workers who band together to ensure emergency pooping goes off without incident. This group can help you to monitor the whereabouts of Out Of The Closet Poopers, and identify SAFE HAVENS.

*SAFE HAVENS* A seldom used bathroom somewhere in the building where you can least expect visitors. Try floors that are predominantly of the opposite sex. This will reduce the odds of a pooper of your sex entering the bathroom.

Stay tuned for even more!

I will warn you . . .

The following image might be offensive to some.

You have been warned.

But if you aren't offended, you will laugh.

So either way, you have been warned.

Either disgust or laughter will occur inside of you shortly.

Are you ready?

I hope so.

The Human Caterpillar

POOP.

I received this as a forward.

I'm breaking it up because it's quite lengthy, so expect to see bits and pieces of it over the next few days:

We've all been there but don't like to admit it. We've all kicked back in our cubicles and suddenly felt something brewing down below. As much as we try to convince ourselves otherwise, the WORK POOP is inevitable. For those who hate pooping at work, following is the Survival Guide for taking a dump at work.

*CROP DUSTING* When farting, you walk really fast around the office so the smell is not in your area and everyone else gets a whiff, but doesn't know where it came from. Be careful when you do this. Do not stop until the full fart has been expelled. Walk an extra 30 feet to make sure the smell has left your pants.

*FLY BY* The act of scouting out a bathroom before pooping. Walk in and check for other poopers. If there are others in the bathroom, leave and come back again. Be careful not to become a FREQUENT FLYER. People may become suspicious if they catch you constantly going into the bathroom.

*ESCAPEE* A fart that slips out while taking a pee or forcing a poop in a stall. This is usually accompanied by a sudden wave of embarrassment. If you release an escapee, do not acknowledge it. Pretend it did not happen. If you are a man and are standing next to the farter in the urinal, pretend you did not hear it. No one likes an escapee. It is uncomfortable for all involved. Making a joke or laughing makes both parties feel uneasy.

Stay tuned for more . . .

Another "Tag, You're It."

My friend, Denise, tagged me on fb, but since I don't do much tagging, I'll just play along here on alidotes.

25 random questions about you and your partner:

♥ What are your middle names?
Duran and Kay

♥ How long have you been together?
Married for a year

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating?
We were engaged within six months of meeting each other.

♥ Who asked who out?
We were set up by a mutual friend, although he's not our friend anymore because he is evil.

♥ How old are each of you?
I'm PROUDLY 28; he is 32.

♥ Whose siblings do/did you see the most?
We see my sister almost daily. My husband is a great sport about this.

♥ Do you have any children together?
Henry and one on the way

♥ What about pets?
Jaeger (a dog), and yes, his name is Jaeger like the liquor although we named him Jaeger because it means "hunter" in German. Neither of us like JaegerMeister. 

♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
Money, which is also evil.

♥ Are you from the same home town?
No

♥ Who is the smartest?
Matt is Jeopardy smart. I'm book smart. 

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Mexican (various restaurants)

♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
California

♥ Who has the craziest exes?
Probably me

♥ Who has the worst temper?
Probably him

♥ Who does the cooking?
We both love to cook, especially together. 

♥ Who is more social?
Me

♥ Who is the more stubborn?
Me

♥ Who hogs the bed?
Me

♥ Who wakes up earlier?
Hubs

♥ Where was your first date?
Brazenhead

♥ Who has the bigger family?
We both have only one sibling. He has a larger extended family.

♥ Do you get flowers often?
Thank God, NO!

♥ Who is more jealous?
Me, duh.

♥ How long did it take to get serious?
We were engaged, pregnant and married within one year.

♥ Who eats more?
Me, duh.

You wanna play along? If so, let me know so I can check it out!

Because I'm 12.

I really cannot help myself. I see this on noggin every so often, and each time, I am laughing inside like the first time a 12-year old says "boob."

I could not find an embed code anywhere, so just click on the link to watch. 

It's Mardi Gras! Go Green.

Happy Mardi Gras! 

And because I can't come up with one good transition (and it's my blog, and I can do what I want) - are you going green this Fat Tuesday? 

PLEASE consider this cheap and easy way to be practically green. 

Now throw me something, Mister!

Have I mentioned, I heart Chris Mann?

Here is Chris Mann's Blissdom '09 recap. He is a total doll, as you will see for yourself. And check out my cameo!

Too cute.

Jendi's Blissdom video

My friend, Jendi, put together this brief video capturing her time at Blissdom. I love that just about everyone is on their laptop. And that's really how it was - whether we were in session or simply hanging out, we all had our laptops out and ready for the next great bloggy moment.

See if you can catch alidotes.

I want one of these NOW!

Happy Mardi Gras!

Yo G Trivia

I totally get that people are weirded out by Yo Gabba Gabba. In fact, I was just telling my sister yesterday that Yo G is the type of show that kids probably watch while they are high. And by kids, I mean my former college self. 

Thank you, Jesus, for redemption!

That all being said, I find the following bit of information, well, interesting to say the least:

One of the show's creators is Mormon!

Christian Jacobs, a member of the Mormon church, is also a surfer, skateboarder, former child actor, and musician. I'd love to meet him; I bet he is quite interesting. 

Raising my glass to Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodeee, Plex, and, of course, DJ Lance Rock!

The best thing about nick jr.

I'm gettin' a weave.

And I freakin' love this movie.

I really do miss this show.

Date. My. Sis.

Have you checked out Date My Sis lately? I recently posted an update. It's getting interesting!

Because I like to stir the pot.

Someone sent me this. Thought it was neat.

Song Around the World

If you've ever been to the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica or the French Market in New Orleans, then you know that street performers are a huge part of the vibrant and energetic experience. 
This video, Song Around the World, is a lovely and touching mix of performers from across the globe. I especially love the involvement of the street performers from Santa Monica and New Orleans. 

I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.

Tuol Sleng

While in Cambodia, my sister and the team visited Tuol Sleng in Phnom Penh. 

Tuol Sleng is a former high school that was used as a concentration camp by the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979. Today, Tuol Sleng is a genocide museum. 

Out of the estimated 17,000 prisoners, there were only 12 known survivors. Only four are alive today. It just so happens that Morgan and Team Cambodia met one of those survivors. His name is Chum Mey. He was at the museum the same day that Morgan was, and thanks to an interpreter, they were able to hear his story.

While imprisoned, Chum Mey was beaten with bars, his toenails were ripped out with pliers, and he was given electric shocks until he lost consciousness. His life was eventually spared because of his skills in repairing machines.

Both his wife and child were killed at Tuol Sleng. I found this quote on wikipedia:

"First they shot my wife, who was marching in front with the other women. She screamed to me, 'Please run, they are killing me now'. I heard my son crying and then they fired again, killing him. When I sleep, I still see their faces, and every day I still think of them".

Can you even imagine? I cannot. 

My sister said that this encounter was one of the most moving experiences of her life.

Look at the picture of Morgan and Chum Mey. I know what you might be thinking, what's wrong with her? But put yourself in her shoes for a moment. 

You are in a third-world country, walking through a run-down and dingy building that was used to torture and kill innocent people. The torture included pulling out fingernails, searing with hot metal, suffocation with plastic bags, forcing victims to eat feces and drink urine, waterboarding, and rape. Prisoners were held to rules such as: While getting lashes or electrification you must not cry at all; Do nothing, sit still and wait for my orders. If there is no order, keep quiet. When I ask you to do something, you must do it right away without protesting; If you don’t follow all the above rules, you shall get many many lashes of electric wire; If you disobey any point of my regulations you shall get either ten lashes or five shocks of electric discharge. 

Then you meet one of the only four survivors alive today. A gentle spirit who experienced torture beyond belief and witnessed the horrific murder of his wife and tiny baby. 

You hear his story. Though in a different language, his pain is as evident as if it were in your own heart.

How would you respond? How would your heart feel?

Morgan's face tells exactly what she was experiencing. Tears and sobs underneath an attempted smile. 

Thank you, Morgan, for bringing back this incredible story. Thank you for taking the time to listen to him. Thank you, Chum Mey, for pressing on.

Porn and Traffic

In looking at my stats, I've noticed that I am getting a crazy amount of traffic because of three posts from December. They are Porn, More, um, porn, and Okay, last "porn" post. 

At the time, I simply posted these pictures because I thought they were funny (and I still do). But now I'm sort-of grossed out by the traffic. 

Though I think it's quite humorous that sickos travel all the way to this measly site, searching to fulfill some pathetic urge, and they find men cleaning toilets and vacuuming. Ha! Bring it on. 

Shout-out to an amazing mom

This shout-out is to my blog friend, Nicole. She is a young mom of twin boys, and their family couldn't be any cuter.

She presented me with the Honest Scrap award,  and for that I am so grateful. She's a total sweetheart, and it amazes me what she is doing at only 21-years-old. When I think about what I was doing at that age, well, I am simply blessed to be alive. 

Check out Nicole's blog - she makes me smile.

Whatever you are doing, stop and enjoy the next six minutes.

I can't help it; I love this song.

My sister liked her mission experience so much that . . .

. . . she's now the Asia's Hope Missions Coordinator for our church. That basically means that she will organize future trips for future missionaries beginning with the application process through the post-trip debriefing.

 

And she'll be going back to Cambodia! I'm not sure when, but part of her new role will be to facilitate much of the missions experience that takes place for the missionaries in Cambodia.

So a week with sixteen beautiful children = my sister is forever changed. When my mom asked her, "would you ever like to do missions work somewhere else," my sister responded, "No, my heart is in Cambodia."

All I have to say is "Go, God!"

And to put it simply, I am way proud of my sister. If you know my sister, you know how non-third-world-country she is. She is easily grossed out by particular foods (I'm not just talking about Bizarre-Foods-with-Andrew-Zimmern kind of foods, but rather stupid things like seafood. All seafood. Even the fried stuff), she works at a spa where she has manicures and facials and salt scrub foot treatments at her disposal, she sleeps on a giant king-size bed dressed with high-thread count sheets and down pillows, and oh, that reminds me, she really likes sleep. 

So the fact that she is so gung-ho about a country that allows its citizens to live on top of a landfill and serves chicken that hasn't been de-feathered, well, that is truly a testament to one very awesome God. 

I love ya, sis.

And this is where I tell you, again, that I heart Don Miller.

And you should too.

Seriously, he rocks. 

Check out this post about his latest project, and definitely watch the video. If you aren't intrigued by it, then you might need to be resuscitated. I'm just sayin'.

Boinga!

This is my ABSOLUTE favorite thing about Noggin. Between shows they sometimes break with "Move with the Music." Boinga, a song from The Backyardigans, is often one of those featured songs. I kid you not, I LOVE this song. My house turns into a serious dance party when Boinga is playing (whether or not my son is awake). 

Enjoy!

Another good one.

from someecards.com

Happy Valentine's Day

Years ago, a friend introduced me to this website, someecards.com. Instead of the traditional and often terribly cheesy electronic greetings, these are simple yet HILARIOUS postcard-like electronic greetings.

Many of them are so funny you will literally have your drink spewing out of your nostrils. 

I will warn you, several of them are R-rated. You have been warned.

Smile.

I wish I knew who deserved credit for this fantastic photo, but I received it in an email forward with a bunch of other animal pics.

This pic simply makes me smile.

25 Randoms

So I've been tagged about 25 times on facebook, and basically I'm to post 25 random things about myself, and then I tag 25 others. Well, I'm not into tagging (isn't that graffiti, because if that's the case, I think tagging is neat minus the whole gang connection).

But I will post 25 things (random, whatever that means) about myself.

1) My son and I have the same birthmark.

2) I have a heart for adoption. I pray that its in the plans for me to adopt one day. Please, God?

3) I have a filthy mouth, and I'm okay with that. I don't think Jesus is though.

4) My husband and I are both introverts. We could spend the entire day together, never once interacting, and we would both tell you that we enjoyed the other's company.

5) I love living in the Midwest. I love the seasons, even Winter, and I love the pace - not too slow, not too fast. And the people are so kind - genuinely kind.

6) I've killed a chicken. I was four. Or was I three?

7) My son chews on dog toys. I let him.

8) Motherhood has made me a tree hugger (minus the pot smoking - I killed enough brain cells in college).

9) I've lived with dogs most of my life. I've slept in the same bed with dogs, shared furniture with dogs, swapped food with dogs. That's who I am, and if you aren't down with that, that's your problem.

10) My father is the smartest and hardest working person I know.

11) I have a relationship with my sister that I have never found in any two other people on this planet.

12) I love my Grandma. I love my Mom. A lot. But I see my Mom turning into my Grandma and me into my Mom. It's scary.

13) I proudly shop Craigslist, eBay, and etsy.

14) I love math.

15) I love the study of language.

16) My husband loves to make me breakfast, and he does so regularly. He melts my heart.

17) My husband taught me to shoot a gun. I loved it.

18) I love making things. Anything.

19) I'm a morning person.

20) I'm boy crazy.

21) I'm obsessed with Paul Simon.

22) I'm constantly struggling with whether or not to buy books. Books are good for the soul but not for trees.

23) The first thing I want to do when I get to Heaven? Smell my Grandpa. I miss his smell. A mix of beer and oily skin. A nostalgic combo.

24) When I was 13, I went on a six-week mission's trip traveling across Europe (sleeping in a tent). That experience was life-changing.

25) God has been so good to me - I don't deserve it.

Translating Our Language

(An email forward, directed toward the men in our lives)

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE
(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)
(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say 'you're welcome.' (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome'. That will bring on a 'whatever').
(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying, 'shove it'!
(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to #3.

First Birthday Inspiration

A dear fellow blogger friend (and now real-life friend) tweeted this idea for a cake.
I fell in love with it, and I have decided that it will be the cake that I serve for Henry's first birthday.
In fact, I love it so much that I am going to plan everything according to this idea - I'm thinking "classic" birthday with fun and vibrant colors, traditional games, and in case you were wondering, NO presents! He will only be one and is spoiled as is!

On A Night Like This

Chris Mann makes me swoon.

In case you are wondering, that's me, Chris, and Sandy.

Elevator 13

You MUST check out Sandy's post about the elevator drama that I and 12 other lovely bloggers endured while in Nashville. Sandy has even included video from inside the elevator. 

What a riot!

I've launched a new site!

For those of you who have been following me at Hooper Home and non-maternal instincts, I've moved!

I've joined those two sites, and they are now housed at Blessed Treehouse. 

Please join me there for the usual Hooper family adventures, crazy stories of motherhood, and my new project, a green vlog!

No worries, I will continue to run my mouth here at alidotes; it's just what I do!

Team Cambodia Arrives Home!

Morgan is home from Cambodia!

Thank you, God, for bringing Morgan home healthy and safe. 

If you haven't already, check out Jen's blog for LOTS of pictures and updates from Team Cambodia's trip.

After only being home for 24 hours, Morgan is already wishing that she was back in Cambodia. She doesn't miss the shower/toilet combo or the overwhelming stench of the Russian market, but she misses the life that she grew to love while in Phnom Penh. 

She misses pulling into the orphanage only to be greeted by sixteen smiling children who insist she hold them in her arms, two and three at a time. She misses running around with carefree children who thought it was absolutely hilarious that she ripped two holes in a dingy pair of shorts. She misses sixteen gracious children banging on the van door as it pulls away to return to the guest house. She misses playing four-square, barefoot on the rugged dirt, while listening to a courtyard full of giggles. She misses putting down a child, only to see that he is scrunching up his feet, indicating to her that he doesn't want her to let him go. She misses passing out tiny trinkets to the children, gifts from our church, only to hear the children say, "Thank you, God. Thank you, God." 

Do you blame her? When I asked her if it was worth the 40-hours of travel each way, worth the inconveniences such as giving yourself frequent lice treatments, worth the financial and vocational sacrifices - she didn't even wait for me to finish my sentence. YES! She responded. Yes! Yes! Yes!

It's safe to say that Morgan wants to return to Cambodia. When God will give her that opportunity, I do not know, but when He does, I know that she will accept His call, arms open to those sixteen darling children that she now calls her own.

I survived Blissdom. And I fell in love.

And it wasn't with Chris Mann. Although, he was there. And, yes, he is delicious. (what do I mean he was there? Um, he sat in front of me and gave me a private concert) (I don't care if there were 250 other women in the room. He was singing to me, dammit). 

And I didn't exactly fall in love with the twelve other bloggers with whom I spent 45 minutes while trapped in elevator #2 of the Hotel Preston, but I came darn close. Physically, I've never been so close to so many lovely ladies at one time. We swapped sweat and stories and frustrations and tweets and fears and panic and phobias and more sweat. And now we will forever share an emotional (and somewhat comical) memory, one that we will relive at our 2010 reunion: #elevator 13. For more about this hormonal journey, read Shannan's brief tale of survival at her blog (she shares a couple of telling pictures, as well).

Oh, and speaking of the hotel, you must read Ally-B-Speakin's post about this fabulous art-deco-style hotel, room-serviced beta fish and all.

In all seriousness, I fell in love over and over at Blissdom. There are some amazing bloggers running there mouths in the blogosphere. My favorites are the ones who don't do it for money, rather they do it for the love of writing, for the love of blogging, and for the love of loving themselves enough to be honest and transparent. These women are inspirational, and I hope that I can grow up and be just like them.

Until Monday . . .

This weekend I am attending Blissdom in Nashville, Tennessee. Blissdom is a two-day conference all about blogging.

I imagine that some of you will roll your eyes at this, but I couldn't be more excited. The only downside is that I will miss my sister's homecoming (though hubs, baby, and my parents will be at the airport to greet her!).

Believe it or not, I have established special relationships with many of my fellow bloggers via blogging. Additionally, I work with the conference host, and most of the ladies with whom I work will be in attendance. I talk to these ladies everyday (via skype), and they are all dear friends.

I won't return until Sunday, but I will be sure to post updates on Monday regarding the conference and my sister's trip.

Be thinking of me as I will be missing my family.

Until Monday . . .

Food for thought

(Another email forward)

Marriage changes passion.
Suddenly you're in bed with a relative.

How come we choose from just two people to run for president and over fifty for Miss America?

I signed up for an exercise class and was told to wear loose-fitting clothing. If I HAD any loose-fitting clothing, I wouldn't have signed up in the first place!

When I was young we used to go 'skinny dipping,' now I just 'chunky dunk.'

Wouldn't it be nice if whenever we messed up our life we could simply press 'Ctrl Alt Delete' and start all over?

Brain cells come and brain cells go, but FAT cells live forever.

Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

Please DON'T!

Honey, I love you. And I know that you love me.
But please DO NOT send me one of these for Valentine's Day. I will surely puke all over you if you do.

This one's for you, Michael Phelps.

I miss this girl!

And yes, that's my sister in her Snuggie! And no, she doesn't knit. She's pretending.

Celebrating Tuesday

If you live in the Parker, Colorado area, please consider attending this precious celebration. And even if you don't live in Colorado, consider taking a bike or "wagie ride" anyway (if weather permits). Though I will be at Blissdom, I will be thinking of sweet Tuesday all weekend long. 

Steung Meanchey Dump

Please visit this link (the embed code was not working). Morgan and Team Cambodia visited "the dump" yesterday. I can only imagine how surreal it is to witness people and children living and working on a landfill. 

She said that it was the absolute worst thing she has ever seen in her life (she surprised me last night with a phone call). Families are so desperate that they send their children to dig through trash to find recyclables. It is the lowest of the low in terms of living and working conditions. 

In a month, the landfill will be removed (I'm not sure how you remove a landfill) because it has been bought out. In some ways, this is even worse for these people because they will be without anything at all. Asia's Hope is brainstorming ways that they can help these people.

Bless my sister's heart. Even though she spent much of the day throwing up in her mouth (literally), she is already thinking of ways that she can get back and help these people.

Today she will be working with the team to do lice checks on all of the kids. It is Morgan's hope to give them each a haircut before she leaves!

Thanks again for all of your prayers.

I will be watching this movie today.

My favorite Super Bowl commercial

Oh, and speaking of the Super Bowl - Santonio Holmes basically won the game. As far as I'm concerned, that deserves an O-H!

Morgan update

Can you please say a prayer for Morgan? She is suffering headaches, and it held her back yesterday when the team visited a state-run orphanage. Headaches are not unusual for her, and more than likely, the heat is causing them. 

Other than that, things continue to go well. Thanks for all of your prayers and support.

P.S. More pictures!

The spoiled under-thirty's

(Sent as an email forward; and it's important to mention that I'm one year away from 30, but I figure that's close enough)

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up - walking twenty-five miles to school every morning, uphill...barefoot...BOTH ways!!!

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it!

But now that I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today!

You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia!

I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have The Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalogue!

There was no email! We had to actually write somebody a letter, ---with a pen!

Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there!

There were no MP3s or Napsters! If you wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the damn record store and shoplift it yourself!

Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the DJ would usually talk over the beginning and/or the end and screw it all up!

There were no CD players! We had tape decks in our car. We'd play our favorite tape and 'eject' it and then flip the tape to play the songs on the other side! 

We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called
they got a busy signal, that's it!

And we didn't have fancy Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It
could be your school, your mom, your boss, your Bookie, a collections agent, you just didn't know. You had to pick it up and take your chances! 

We didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids.' Your guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen - forever!

And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!

You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! You were screwed when it came to channel surfing. You had to get off your rear and walk over to the TV to change the channel! 

There was no Cartoon Network, either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little rats!

And we didn't have microwaves, if we wanted to heat something up we had to use the stove - Imagine that!

That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled. You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980 or before!

Regards,
The Over-Thirties