THE BRITISH ARE COMING! THE BRITSH ARE COMING!

THE BRITISH ARE COMING! THE BRITSH ARE COMING!

            Who would have guessed that Queen Elizabeth II wanted or dreamed of being a Bond Girl at 86 years of age?  I have to admit I was never a James Bond fan until Daniel Craig came aboard.  Paint me gold and tickle me British.  I’ll take a sweet lump of Craig in my tea any day, but he wasn’t the one who stole the show at the opening ceremonies at the Olympics.  Sure he looked mighty fine in his tailored suit and blue eyes but it’s my girl the Queen who showed us that you can never be to Royal to laugh at yourself and have a little fun.  For anyone who missed the opening act of the Olympics check out the BBC and watch our girl fly!

 

            Brilliant show I say what a year you Brits have had, Royal wedding, Diamond Jubilee and now the 2012 Olympics.  Wish I could be on the other side of the pond enjoying the fun but I’m like most mortals that have to watch on the telly, but that doesn’t mean I have never dreamed of being an Olympian, let’s face it we all have.  When I was a kid and ran that 50 yard dash in sixth grade I fantasized winning the gold medal even if the handmade accolade to first place was yellow construction paper and not real gold.

            This is a time for the world family to get together and the only difference between us is that we cheer under different flags.  These Olympians can give us hope that sometimes we don’t have to be at war with one another but simply compete for the mere reason that as an athlete you need to swim, jump or run.  You compete against your own personal best and none other.

            Since most of us are not Olympic Athletic God’s and we go on with our lives filled with jobs and nasty bosses, children and dirty diapers, bills and not enough money we can watch in the days to come and imagine we are there.  Toss that memo into the garbage and score two points for the team, leap over the children’s toys and listen to the roaring crowd, run to the mail box before the bill deadline and break the world record.

            I’d like to thank the Queen for showing us how to laugh and the athletes for letting us watch their dreams come true.  Everyone raise your glasses, salute your flags and feel your countries pride because no matter what colors you live under we are all champions.  Don’t forget your dreams and remember we can start at any age. On your mark-get set-GO OUT THERE!

Batman vs. Joker / Character vs. Choice

Batman vs. Joker / Character vs. Choice

            When you think of Batman he is a fictional superhero who is moral, ethical, honest, courage’s and has integrity, these words are used in the English dictionary to describe character. When you look into the lives of a comic book villain like the Joker (who is also fictional) you see that the words used to describe character do not apply.  Character is built upon choices that we make in everyday life. 

            I put these words together (character & choice) because I feel we have lost touch with the importance of their meaning.  To have character some may say you give up your freedom of choice.  We can abuse our choices taking it to a level where we no longer take responsibility for our own actions.  By not taking responsibility we are like a cat on a fence, balancing trying not to fall but unlike the feline we do not have tails to twist our bodies and land softly. When we fall we break and when we break we leave a mess.  Much like the mess that was left at the midnight showing of Batman: The Dark Knight Rises, in Aurora, Colorado.   

            There where choices made that night some had been in the making for months others in a split second.  I want to take this moment and reflect on choice and how we all have this opportunity to build good character.   Some may say the Dark Knight shooter (I choose not to use his name) has a mental illness and has no choice.  I say that’s a coward’s excuse.  I have friends with mental illness and they do not murder.  They take care of themselves and seek professional help. They are brave.  Others say we must change gun laws, I know plenty of people who own guns and they do not murder.  What has happened to accountability? 

            Choices were made months earlier when the shooter allowed himself to go down a dark path.  Maybe the shooter was trying to understand himself by entering the field of neuroscience.  We may never know.  But he did have a choice.  When things become blurred one must seek help.  There is no shame in that.

            In the darken theater when the excitement of the fictional movie turned to a bloody horror of reality, men and woman of good character shined a bright beacon in what is a dark moment in history.  Four men shielded their girlfriends and in doing so lost their own lives.  They made the choice long before that night that helped mold their character for that moment. Who says chivalry is dead their example shows us it is alive and well. 

            There were strangers trying to drag victims to safety only to find out it was too late.  Hugs given and hand holding to people with bloody clothing letting a stranger know you are not alone.  This was a community of people who enjoy the legacy of the fictional heroic figure of Batman.  It took only one person who chose to follow the fictional lead of a comic book villain that has changed us all, but it was the community of Batman lovers that showed us they are the superheroes that there is still good in this world.  I honor them and at this time take a moment for the many heroes in theater number 9 and say thank you, thank you for giving us faith in humanity.  Thank you for showing us that in a couple of minutes of one man’s evil choice there were many people who showed strength and character.

            I choose at this time to list those who lost their lives in the Batman Massacre, we must pray for their families and for the survivors and even for the Dark Knight shooter’s family who are victims too.  We all need to heal as a family of mankind.

             

Jessica Ghawi                               Jesse Childress     

         In their memory ask yourself which one am I, villain or superhero? I hope you said the latter.  Go out into the world and make good choices today, build good character … we need more superheroes in a world full of villains.

He's the Man!

 He’s the Man!

I just want to say Happy Birthday to my stepson Joey! He is officially an adult and I have to say he’s off to a good start. He is one of the funniest people around (he does a mean impersonation of Arnold Schwarzenegger). He is also one of the most thoughtful people I know. When I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer and started chemo and losing my hair he came with me to the barber shop and we (hubby too) all got our hair buzzed. I told him he didn’t need to cut it too short, so I had him get a faux mohawk. By the next time I saw him he had buzzed it real short. He always makes me smile and keeps me on my toes. He's been our "Binkie Boy" and my "Actor Man". He has been his Dad's side kick and when I am with them I feel like I'm in the middle of a testosterone tornado. Here are a few pictures I’d like to share of this amazing young man, he’s the man! It has been a privilege to be his stepmother. Happy 18^th!

 Binkie Boy!                                              Those dreamy eyes!             Launching into his future!

 

Future politician?                            Chillin' with Dad                           Cruisin' with Dad

  WE LOVE YOU &
   HAPPY 18TH! 
     DAD AND MAMA JACK

         

Happy Birthday

                                                         HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

  Happy 94th Birthday to Nelson Mandela!  I admire this man for his fight against the apartheid laws of South Africa.  He has shown us you are never to old  and you never stand alone if your fight is pure.  After 27 years in prison he walked out triumphantly to become the father of a nation the President of South Africa at the age of 75. He won a Nobel Peace Prize and with all that he and his family has suffered he does not look at his fellow man embittered or full of hate instead he is a leader in Human Rights and the fight against Aids.  Thank you for your courageous example.

Queen for a Day

 

Queen for a Day

            It was a week before my 30^th birthday when I met Queen Elizabeth and since this year is her diamond jubilee I figured this would be a good time to share this moment in my life. I wasn’t invited to tea or for some kind of political dinner.  I met Her Majesty at a walk about, that’s a meet and great kind of thing when royals meet their subjects. I was with my best friend Gale and we were in Victoria BC.

            The town was going crazy decorating everything British/Canadian.  So we asked a store clerk what was happening.  The woman behind the counter let us know the Queen was coming the following day and Victoria was putting on the Ritz. The clerk also gave us a few tips on how we could see Her Majesty face to face. 

            Early the next morning we both bought bouquets of flowers (tip #1 have flowers she always says hello to people with flowers).  Planted ourselves early that morning (tip #2 go early) in front of camera’s (tip #3 it’s a good photo op so she stops longer).  Gale and I were ready.

            While we waited we met others (a retired couple and a cute American guy).  I don’t remember their names except I do remember one elderly lady named Amy.  She had to take two buses to see her queen.  Amy was fragile and we all felt protective of her as others tried to cut in front (tip #4 do not let anyone go between you and the barrier). 

            We knew Queen Elizabeth had arrived when we heard cheers from the crowd, way down the line.  Finally we saw a sea of hats and knew she was near.  We jockeyed for position as we were not going to miss this opportunity.  I was going over everything in my head that was protocol.  The Canadians that waited with us made sure Gale and I knew the proper way to treat their Queen.  First you cannot grab, reach out or touch her before she reaches for you. You have to wait for her to speak to you before you speak and you must call her Your Majesty and bow. 

            That was tough for a dumb American to remember.  She was approaching fast as flowers flew from her hands to her ladies in waiting.  I noticed that in their excitement the crowd was not doing very well with protocol, they reached, touched and didn’t wait for her to speak first.  I was not going to mess this up.  Suddenly she was before me, our eyes locked.  I waited for her to say something but I think she was surprised that I didn’t lunge or blurt out a rambling speech.  Time seem to stand still as I took a close look at her aged face, she was beautiful.  The lines around her eyes and the pink glow of her cheeks told a story of strength and great perseverance.

            I was standing in front of one of the most influential woman of our time.  She is in history books and the one thing that came to mind was how she has handled her life with such dignity.

            She smiled, I smiled. She then spoke, “Oh, how very nice, thank you.” Her British voice pitched higher at the word “you.”  How many times had this woman said this to a complete stranger?  Yet she made me feel it was the first time and I was the only one with flowers.  I did not lunge toward her, we had an awkward moment.  She reached out her gloved hand and I gave her the flowers and said, “Thank you, your majesty,” she went as fast as she came.

            I have been around many queens in my time, from beauty queens (my sister was Miss Utah) to Drag Queen’s to me being a Homecoming Queen.  Something happens to you when you put on that tiara.  I watched my sister handle herself with such grace as she spoke to every little girl fulfilling their dreams.  Drag Queens walking in a way no man walked but they felt beautiful.  Even my experience in high school molded me.  I was sure it was a joke and thought everyone would laugh or boo when my name was announced.  But they didn’t, I was honored they picked me and tried my best to represent my school.

            So here is a thought, if when you are acting as royalty you watch what you say and do knowing that someone is watching you, much like I watched Queen Elizabeth and took her cues.  She is born of royal blood and maybe we think we are not, but we are (sorry I’m puttin’ in a little religion) if we are created in God’s image and Lord is King then aren’t we all royalty?  So ladies, put on those heals men tighten that tie and don’t forget to put on that imaginary crown.  Chin up and smile and when things are tough do what the British do get that stiff upper lip and go on. Show the world what you are capable of. 

            It doesn’t matter if you’re not a real queen, a drag queen or queen for a day we are all royalty so go out and act dignified…Tea anyone?

                         Queen Elizabeth, me with the camera, Gale and Cute American Guy  

                       This picture appeared on the front page of many Canadian newspapers   



I’m all ready for the Queen

with my flowers and British
and Canadian flags.  Amy
is sitting on the chair with
an umbrella.  There was over
50 years between us but we
had a lot in common.  Amy
had a charming since of
humor and she was so kind.     

           
              My sistah! Miss Utah ‘82

             

Halloween & Hollywood ‘90’s
I wore a shawl but noticed
a hand full of
Drag Queen’s said I
did a wonderful job.
One even wanted
to know who my plastic surgeon was. So I threw off the cover to expose that I was born this way, but this guy beats me out on those amazing legs.

My father escorts me off the field at the Homecoming  
game. I was a nervous Nelly and he was a proud Papa

Going Home?

Going Home?

            I have always been the kind of person that when a chapter in my life is over I cross it off.  Been there done that and on to the next.  Besides they say you can never go home.  So when my 30^th class reunion came around this past week I wasn’t going to go.  I made up every excuse I could, Merrie L. and Holly B., two friends I’ve known since I was 12 years old weren’t going, so why should I?  My husband who graduated a year earlier didn’t want to go, so why should I?  I was throwing a mini tantrum in my brain, no, No, NO! I won’t go! But I did. 

            Years ago I had gone to my 5th year reunion and found out through rumors that I had a child and gave it up for adoption.  Man that’s something I think I would have remembered if it happened but it didn’t.  I thought I had left silly high school drama behind at graduation so I didn’t go to anymore reunions.  I tried to make it for the 10^th year but dropped out.  I liked my privacy and I figured if I kept them guessing what was happening in my life maybe someone would start up the next round of rumors that I had married Tom Cruise and joined Scientology, surprise that didn’t happen either.

            I look at life a little differently since my fight with incurable Ovarian Cancer began in 2010.  No longer do I have time for political correctness, rude neighbors (behind me) or people who have a need to make up stories for whatever reason.  By now I hoped we had grown up, me included.

            Months earlier after my diagnosis I toured Timpview High School with my sister and walked the halls down memory lane.  So it was easy for me to talk myself out of attending the reunion dinner and tour of the school.   

            It wasn’t until the next day when my classmates would have a picnic that the voice in my head slowly began to fade.  Finally about 6PM I told my husband we’re going in 20 minutes.  Though he wasn’t interested he said he would support me no matter what I chose to do (I love that man).

            I drove knowing full well I could turn back.  I had that choice.  Once I got there the first person I saw was Susan L.  Her smile comforted me and let me know all would be okay along with a hug from Shannon B.  It was as though they hadn’t aged a day.  As I began to make the rounds hugging and laughing remembering faces and forgetting names, I was brought back to a conversation I once had with my step daughter, Jamie.  While observing my mother in law and my own mother who were laughing and talking she looked at me wide eyed, “Mama Jack, they’re giggling like two little school girls.”

            I smiled then as I did at the picnic realizing the body gets old but the soul stays young.  Everyone there looked as I remembered them back in ‘82, handsome, beautiful and full of life. 

            I share the picture below because even though we are pushing 50 it looks as though we are looking into the future, much like we did when we graduated back in 1982, but this time instead of college and marriage its grandkids and retirement.  To my classmates you are all wonderful and thank you for the experiences good and bad.  As I stated before, they say you can never go home but I realized I never left. 

                                     Scott L., Richard T., Rob D., Ann C., Steve C. and me