Sorry I haven't written in awhile. No excuse, really, just insanely busy with work.
Some good news to start off your/my Halloween weekend. It looks like Lily will have a Morgan Christmas after all! He's due home from Afghanistan around the 20th of December. Yippee!
Also, I came across a hilarious story about the Vietnamese Health Ministry wanting to ban small-chested women from riding motorbikes! The best line:
"When the media revealed the plan this week, it prompted disbelief and scorn among members of the public, who envisioned the police pulling over female drivers to measure their breasts."
Read the whole story here.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
War hero dies at 86
When I found out Monday morning that Medal of Honor recipient and Columbus resident Col. (Ret.) Robert Nett passed away over the weekend I was initially more upset that I'd have to drop what I was working on and pursue this story.
That is until I started to pursue this story.
What a cool guy Col. Nett was!
He earned the nation's highest military award for valor on Dec. 14, 1944, for heroic actions during hand-to-hand fighting with Japanese soldiers at their heavily fortified stronghold on the west coast of Leyte near Cognon in the Philippines. Furthermore, he's the last of five Medal of Honor recipients who lived in Columbus.
It upsets me that I let my petty preoccupations overshadow my duty as a newspaper person and an American. So, I contacted as many family members and friends I could find and asked them about this hero.
Here's the story.
A side note: Don't ever say someone won the Medal of Honor. According to at least three people I spoke to for this story, two of which are retired colonels, one earns the Medal of Honor. They don't win it.
Check out the language here.
And Nett's full citation here.
xoxoL
Thursday, October 16, 2008
We're angry
It was too much for us to hear Madonna promoting Sen. Barack Obama. I'm sorry but I don't compare Sen. John McCain to Hitler.
xoxoL
xoxoL
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
MADONNA!
OMG my sister, Emily, and I are just hours away from seeing Madonna and I can hardly contain myself.
So far my trip to Boston has been wonderful. Momma G and I had dinner together last night then saw "Nights in Rodanthe"(just OK). We then went back to the house, opened a bottle of wine and watched re-runs of House.
Benny, my bro, looks great and chances are he'll be making an appearance in C-Town for Halloween. Yay!
This morning Momma G and I went for a walk to view the foliage, which right now is spectacular. I'll post some pictures when I get home.
I'll let you know how Madonna is (umm...obviously she'll be amazing) and how annoyed a was at her political ranting (I hear she has a video segment that pairs Hitler with Sen. John McCain and Mother Teresa with Sen. Barack Obama.) Not really interested in hearing her views on that, but at least she'll look hot in the process, right?
Oh and by the way, my mom almost croaked last night when I told her I was still undecided on who I'm going to vote for in the presidential election. Because I've typically voted Republican and my husband's in the Army, does that automatically mean I should or will vote for McCain? Hmm.
Enjoy your Wednesday!
xoxoL
So far my trip to Boston has been wonderful. Momma G and I had dinner together last night then saw "Nights in Rodanthe"(just OK). We then went back to the house, opened a bottle of wine and watched re-runs of House.
Benny, my bro, looks great and chances are he'll be making an appearance in C-Town for Halloween. Yay!
This morning Momma G and I went for a walk to view the foliage, which right now is spectacular. I'll post some pictures when I get home.
I'll let you know how Madonna is (umm...obviously she'll be amazing) and how annoyed a was at her political ranting (I hear she has a video segment that pairs Hitler with Sen. John McCain and Mother Teresa with Sen. Barack Obama.) Not really interested in hearing her views on that, but at least she'll look hot in the process, right?
Oh and by the way, my mom almost croaked last night when I told her I was still undecided on who I'm going to vote for in the presidential election. Because I've typically voted Republican and my husband's in the Army, does that automatically mean I should or will vote for McCain? Hmm.
Enjoy your Wednesday!
xoxoL
Monday, October 13, 2008
Vampires are ruling my life
Those of you who've had a conversation with me either in person or through e-mail over the past month or so know that my new obsession is with the "Twilight" series by Stephenie Myer.
After finishing book one in about 3 days I ripped through "New Moon" and "Eclipse" in record time (for me). "Breaking Dawn" wasn't as fabulous as the first three installments in my opinion, but still I managed to devour it in about a week (I paced myself because I didn't want it to end).
Just when the depression was starting to set in over the fact that the adventures of Edward and Bella were over for me (at least until the release of the movie) I came across a manuscript (on Stephenie Myer's site) called "Midnight Sun." It's basically the beginning of "Twilight" told in Edward's voice. OMG I just love it. The story behind this partial draft is that someone close to Meyer leaked a copy to the Internet. Tisk tisk.
She was pissed.
The sound track for the movie is also posted on Meyer's site. I don't know how pleased I am about it (ahem, Linkin Park?!) Well, here's the official track listing courtesy of www.stepheniemyer.com:
Muse — Supermassive Black Hole
Paramore — Decode
The Black Ghosts — Full Moon
Linkin Park — Leave Out All The Rest
MuteMath — Spotlight (Twilight Mix)
Perry Farrell — Go All The Way (Into The Twilight)
Collective Soul — Tremble For My Beloved
Paramore — I Caught Myself
Blue Foundation — Eyes On Fire
Rob Pattinson — Never Think
Iron & Wine — Flightless Bird, American Mouth
Carter Burwell — Bella's Lullaby
Maybe it's just because I've been listening non-stop to this group called Band of Horses, but I thought a couple of their tracks would have been perfect for the soundtrack. The music is sexy, sad and ethereal.
Anywho, 2008 is turning out to be a good year for immortals like the Cullens and Bill Compton. What's with the sudden obsession with vampires, though?
Also, I bet you can guess what I'm going to be for Halloween...
xoxoL
Friday, October 10, 2008
A moving message
I received an e-mail today from a friend and former co-worker of mine in response to the recent entry I posted regarding spouses sharing finances. It was just too beautiful not to share with you:
"I smiled when I read your article about sharing finances with your husband. Here's how my wife and I approach it. When we were married March 29, 1975, Pat was a Columbus schoolteacher making about as much as I did at the L-E. We immediately merged bank accounts. Our faith taught us that when we marry, we become one in every sense of the word. What I have belongs to her. What she has also belongs to me. We work together on how we use those resources. We won't always agree. When necessary, we work out a compromise. Just before our first child arrived, Pat chose to retire from teaching, making us a one-income-earning household. You bet -- living on an L-E salary that was far less than what you make now. We had to make tough choices on how to spend our greatly reduced income. Fewer movies, bowling nights, dates for supper; more focus on the needs of our third family member. Life got a bit more serious. But God stretched our dollars and enabled us to get through the tough financial times, with child no. 1, child no. 2 and child no. 3.
Marriage is a partnership. Just as life itself, there are good times; there are tough times; there are times you might wonder 'Why did I get into all of this?' But life is also a very special journey--an adventure every day; full of excitement as we face the unknown tomorrows. But we do it together. When times are good, we laugh and enjoy it together. When tragedy strikes, we pray, cry and hold on together. We grow together in our faith. We grow more mature together. We learn tough lessons together. And now, we grow old together. She becomes more beautiful every day. Her wisdom amazes. But it's from God. Why should I be so surprised?
Things got tough earlier this year when her heart started doing unexpected things. When the cardiologist told her if she didn't replace the mitral valve in her heart that she could expect to spend the rest of her life in a rocking chair, with her breathing becoming more and more difficult, we knew she had no choice. We prayed for God's wisdom and protection. As always, He didn't let us down. He protected her and guided her through the surgery and aftermath in a way that even amazed her physicians. I believe our faith and trust had a lot to do with it. We have since spent several days in a Panama City condo on the beach, five days in the Smoky Mountains in a very nice cabin and taken short out-of-town trips. Now you wouldn't know she had the surgery. She looks great and has a great prognosis for the future.
You will find -- especially after your husband is home for good, that a marriage is the best-possible partnership,when both partners are dedicated to making it work, are determined to build a strong relationship founded on genuine love and devotion, and both are willing to sacrifice to make the partner's life better and more fulfilling.
You will have disagreements as long as you are on this Earth in the flesh. You still have two brains. You probably grew up in different worlds and don't share the same upbringing. Sharing your thoughts and attitudes is crucial. Humans tend to deal better with things when they better understand the whats and whys of a spouse's position. Believe me, you CAN work through almost any difference of opinion. You need sticktoitness.Never, never, never give up on each other.
Grow together; learn together; discover truths together. Remember your commitment. Let your love grow daily. Do special things for your Honey. Let him know he's special and always will be. And life will be good, despite the struggles and tough times. We grow most in tough times.God bless you."
Thank you so much, Harry.
Take care everyone and have a safe, happy weekend.
"I smiled when I read your article about sharing finances with your husband. Here's how my wife and I approach it. When we were married March 29, 1975, Pat was a Columbus schoolteacher making about as much as I did at the L-E. We immediately merged bank accounts. Our faith taught us that when we marry, we become one in every sense of the word. What I have belongs to her. What she has also belongs to me. We work together on how we use those resources. We won't always agree. When necessary, we work out a compromise. Just before our first child arrived, Pat chose to retire from teaching, making us a one-income-earning household. You bet -- living on an L-E salary that was far less than what you make now. We had to make tough choices on how to spend our greatly reduced income. Fewer movies, bowling nights, dates for supper; more focus on the needs of our third family member. Life got a bit more serious. But God stretched our dollars and enabled us to get through the tough financial times, with child no. 1, child no. 2 and child no. 3.
Marriage is a partnership. Just as life itself, there are good times; there are tough times; there are times you might wonder 'Why did I get into all of this?' But life is also a very special journey--an adventure every day; full of excitement as we face the unknown tomorrows. But we do it together. When times are good, we laugh and enjoy it together. When tragedy strikes, we pray, cry and hold on together. We grow together in our faith. We grow more mature together. We learn tough lessons together. And now, we grow old together. She becomes more beautiful every day. Her wisdom amazes. But it's from God. Why should I be so surprised?
Things got tough earlier this year when her heart started doing unexpected things. When the cardiologist told her if she didn't replace the mitral valve in her heart that she could expect to spend the rest of her life in a rocking chair, with her breathing becoming more and more difficult, we knew she had no choice. We prayed for God's wisdom and protection. As always, He didn't let us down. He protected her and guided her through the surgery and aftermath in a way that even amazed her physicians. I believe our faith and trust had a lot to do with it. We have since spent several days in a Panama City condo on the beach, five days in the Smoky Mountains in a very nice cabin and taken short out-of-town trips. Now you wouldn't know she had the surgery. She looks great and has a great prognosis for the future.
You will find -- especially after your husband is home for good, that a marriage is the best-possible partnership,when both partners are dedicated to making it work, are determined to build a strong relationship founded on genuine love and devotion, and both are willing to sacrifice to make the partner's life better and more fulfilling.
You will have disagreements as long as you are on this Earth in the flesh. You still have two brains. You probably grew up in different worlds and don't share the same upbringing. Sharing your thoughts and attitudes is crucial. Humans tend to deal better with things when they better understand the whats and whys of a spouse's position. Believe me, you CAN work through almost any difference of opinion. You need sticktoitness.Never, never, never give up on each other.
Grow together; learn together; discover truths together. Remember your commitment. Let your love grow daily. Do special things for your Honey. Let him know he's special and always will be. And life will be good, despite the struggles and tough times. We grow most in tough times.God bless you."
Thank you so much, Harry.
Take care everyone and have a safe, happy weekend.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Mom's are the best
My Mom's in town and I'm so happy!
The weather is perfect for a day trip to Callaway Gardens or Pine Mountain.
It's good to have someone who knows you so well enter the life you've built outside of the place you used to call home. What's better is she's proud of me.
Work has been tough lately. Lot's of murders, armed robberies, burglaries. It leaves little time for me to concentrate on stories out of Fort Benning. Well, unless they're crime related.
Have a fantastic Saturday everyone. If you're in the Columbus area pop on by for a visit.
xoxoL
The weather is perfect for a day trip to Callaway Gardens or Pine Mountain.
It's good to have someone who knows you so well enter the life you've built outside of the place you used to call home. What's better is she's proud of me.
Work has been tough lately. Lot's of murders, armed robberies, burglaries. It leaves little time for me to concentrate on stories out of Fort Benning. Well, unless they're crime related.
Have a fantastic Saturday everyone. If you're in the Columbus area pop on by for a visit.
xoxoL
Thursday, October 2, 2008
When the accused becomes the victim
I worked on a story today about a man who was basically acquitted Tuesday of charges filed against him last October alleging he molested his 14-year-old adopted daughter. I say basically acquitted because the case made it to the grand jury and it got a no bill, meaning the jury tossed it out. So, I don't know if that's technically called an acquittal if it never made it to court.
Anyway, today I spoke with the man who was accused of this crime and he seems like a good, honest person. He and his wife, who was also arrested last October and charged with cruelty to children for allegedly failing to report the abuse to authorities, are trying to pick up the broken pieces of their lives. They were and still are devastated by the fact that the daughter they took into their home at the age of 4 1/2 could or would do such a thing.
You know what, though? The father said he still loves her and wants the best for his child. I don't have kids so I can't say how I would react in this situation, but I'm tempted to hate this young girl. What do you think?
She clearly has deep emotional issues she needs to deal with and according to her father she's getting help. Will she ever get better? What's to say she won't do this again once she's back in her home? Would she do it to a boyfriend/friend in the future? I don't know.
All I know is I wish their family the best and I hope they can begin to heal now that this chapter in their lives is closed.
Anyway, today I spoke with the man who was accused of this crime and he seems like a good, honest person. He and his wife, who was also arrested last October and charged with cruelty to children for allegedly failing to report the abuse to authorities, are trying to pick up the broken pieces of their lives. They were and still are devastated by the fact that the daughter they took into their home at the age of 4 1/2 could or would do such a thing.
You know what, though? The father said he still loves her and wants the best for his child. I don't have kids so I can't say how I would react in this situation, but I'm tempted to hate this young girl. What do you think?
She clearly has deep emotional issues she needs to deal with and according to her father she's getting help. Will she ever get better? What's to say she won't do this again once she's back in her home? Would she do it to a boyfriend/friend in the future? I don't know.
All I know is I wish their family the best and I hope they can begin to heal now that this chapter in their lives is closed.
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