THE POWER OF OUR VOICE.... The week or so has gotten by me so quickly that I honestly do not know where time has went other than out the window. I have had no voice the past two days. I can barely get words out and those that do get out are muffled by high pitch and low pitches making me sound like fog horn. How difficult it is to communicate without a voice. How powerful our voices are, especially when used in haste and without thought. Knowing that I can't stretch this voice of mine, I am choosing what to say more carefully as I don't want to waste what I do have left. So, I have realized by putting a curb on what I say, I have been somewhat quiet and gentle these days. Humbling I say, to be left without a voice. (I actually typed "vice" instead of "voice" which leaves me to more thought). I am doing more listening these past couple of days, which is good as listening is not one of my better skills...yes I can admit that. This as much as it is painful, is very good...it's showing me how much more character I would have if I just kept my mouth shut with the voice box on vacation.! Let the words float in my head and never enter the voice box and out my mouth. HAVE A GREAT DAY.

SNAKES.... Any of you that really knows me has probably experienced a snake thing somewhere along the journey with me. I dream about snakes, I run into, over and on top of snakes...probably more than the average person. I am an absolute freak when it comes to snakes. I mean "freak" in the sense that I go ballistic when I run unexpectedly into a snake. I scream, run and totally loose it.

Well...this weekend I was out of town in St. Thomas. On Saturday morning, I headed out the front door to go to the car and get something....my errand running quite smooth. However, a friend of mine went out after (or possibly before)me and along side of the path was a slithering little beast making it's way past the distraction of foot steps. I missed the beastly (apparently not so little) thing - thank goodness! In the afternoon I sat outside on the front step with a few friends as we shared lunch. I watched diligently to make sure the visiting little snake didn't make HIS way along the path near my spot on the step. Note I highlight HIS - afterall a WOMAN snake would figure a way to walk not crawl! (haha....just kidding).

Later during the day after much discussion on this little varmit, I found out that Mr. Snake actually slipped through the cracks in the stairs and was resting right below the area where my little butt was sitting. I was pretty freaked out for a while to realize that while I ate my lunch in complete enjoyment, there sat the horribly, slithering beast... probably chuckling to himself and entertaining temptation to poke his threatening head out at me possibly slither right past my feet - just to put me in spastic mode. However, it appears he probably decided it wasn't worth his energy and of course if news traveled fast enough, he would think about it twice - afterall he wouldn't want to get his ears damaged from high pitched screaming. I hope when he decides to poke his skinny slimy little head out of the steps that he notices the beautiful sunny day, slips out from the stairs to bask in the sun for a quick tan with results of the biggest burn he's ever experienced!

Sorry guys...that's all I could come up with for today! lol.

Eyes.... I was looking into the eyes of a friend tonight, actually two friends. One I knew is walking along a short journey, however this journey has been a little rough. The other friend I didn't know was upset about something. As soon as I came into the room tonight and greeted her, I knew something was weighing her down. I didn't know what it was and didn't impose on her time of thrashing the burden around. There were a few of us spending some quiet time together and each of us spent time just silently reflecting. Do you know how I knew she was struggling with something? Because I know her so well and one look into her eyes told me. Her smiles and chit chat didn't hide her emotions because her eyes looked sad.

I am so blessed that my friend has given me the opportunity to really get to know her. I may not be able to always help her, but I will always try to. I encourage you to spend time listening and watching your close friends. Look into their eyes when you listen and talk to them. Eyes tell it all my friends.

Husbands, know your wives, and when you talk to her, look directly into her eyes with your heart. Wives, men hide much behind their armor of steel, but if you just seek their eyes you will experience more intimacy than you could imagine.

Eyes are like the doorway to our hearts! Open the doors!

Night....

MEDICATION.... An interesting topic I think. So much to discuss, the dangers of, the side effects of, the cost of, generic or ...??? The big question, will it work? I have a skin problem that causes me much grief. I need to watch what I eat, drink and put on my face or I shall have break outs. Yes, at my age! As a teenager, I was blessed with beautiful skin, seldom ever a blemish to cry about. I turned 35 and something happened (I blame Joseph - as it started after he was born!) If I eat too many candies, chocolates, spicy foods and when I am indulging myself in a big dose of stress I have a face from mars, crater face. Well, it's not actually ever been that bad, but there have been moments when I would personally prefer not to go outside so the entire world can see the mess. I have tried medications, creams, changed soap, you name it, I've tried it. I finally decided to give up and just accept it - and best defense, watch what I eat. For the most part it works o.k.

Well, the other day an advertising fax came through the office introducing a product called Face Doctor. It sounded to me like a wonder product. Within two days I was standing in front of the pharmacy at 9:00 at night searching for this miracle product. Found it, bought it and couldn't wait to get home to try it. I tried it, for three days. Wow... I have a worse mess than I started with. I am broken out so badly that I can't help but just laugh at myself. $28.00 spent to agitate the problem even more. This does not mean this product isn't good, it's just terrible for me.

The point of this blog is not my sad face, but the fact that we as human beings are always looking for something to fix something. We can be lured so easily by the ads for anything that is presented attractively. Weddings, vacations, retirement, clothing, jewellery all fall into the categories to which advertising and marketing executives dabble their talents in. They are good at their jobs of spinning webs to catch us teeny little creatures. The webs are pretty pink, or metallic black they sparkle and catch our eye, but once our little fingers get close to the web, the crazy glue grabs us and we are lured into the powers of buying...anything and everything to fix what we need fixed.

Just as I was getting ready to finish the blog, I was wondering if the new product I bought to add more calcium to my diet may have thrown my skin off? Calcium that is in the form of french caramel cream soft chews... so beautifully packaged in butterscotch and orange colours! LOL...I think those marketing guru's got me twice this weekend. I should have painted all weekend, or danced.

Signing off again wondering if the marketing web has caught me once again?

Night....

THE DATE - I was looking around my house tonight and certainly not in appreciation. I was looking in disbelief. I can't seem to get motivated to keep this house neat and tidy because quite frankly I can't be bothered. Do you know when single women get motivated to clean their houses? When they have a date coming over to visit. Really, trust me. The phone rings, the handsome guy is going to pick her up for dinner/dessert, whatever... and all of a sudden she is panicked...he can't come to the house as it's a total disaster. The laundry she started on Monday is sitting on the couch, the rubbermaid bin which acts as a tool box is still sitting on the counter waiting to be sorted out and put back downstairs, the soil you bought for the garden a month ago is sitting by the door, the garden tools she used to dig a few weeds two weeks ago sits on the stand in the hallway, the clean dishes are still in the dishwasher and the sink has a pile of dirty dishes in it. How can a lady possibly entertain a date (even for moments) in this mess? What does she do? Cancel the date, or clean quickly, skipping fixing her hair? She quickly throws everything in the spare room upstairs that has been sitting waiting to be painted for 5 months. Manages to do something with her hair, changes her clothes, or attempts to and realizes she hasn't done laundry in a week and the jeans are not clean. Rummages through her closet finally finding something to wear. See, I know what to do, now if someone would just call and ask me for a date, I could get motivated to clean the house! (not?!)

lol... Have a blast today in the sun as I think I'll pass a day in the sun and clean the house, maybe......

Wondering.... I have been wondering how a blogger gets her friends to actually start using the comments section of her blog. She blogs and blogs and blogs, checks her site meter and sees that people read and read and read (often the same people over and over and over)...however they seldom comment. Now come on, my blogging can't be THAT bad can it?

Anyway, tonight while I was searching a name in google for a ministry, up came in the 8th section of 10 each, my name. Yes, my personal name. I was quite surprised actually. When I clicked on it, my blog spot came up. Apparently it was something I wrote about "loosing my petals" from my tulip flower or something that sparked my writing to come up. So, I have decided, who needs comments, I am famous already! Well.. I can believe I am anyway....

Have a cool Friday night, I am off to pick-up Pizza Pizza pizza. My fav. Guess I shall watch movies with the dog. I might even share the pizza with him.

Night my friends.

Humour....What makes YOU laugh? I mean REALLY laugh? Do you laugh much? I think life has many of us so busy that we seldom take the time to engage in activities that give us opportunity to sit, smell the flowers and have so much fun that we can laugh until our guts are tight and sore! I mean REALLY!! I know for me it has been a long time since I had moments of fits of laughter, until about two weeks ago anyway (details to follow). Last night I went to see a Christian speaker from England who not only was a very good speaker (in my opinion), but he was also very funny, with the ability to pull the audience into bouts of laughter. One of the guys at our church who attended, appeared to have such a good time and laughed so hard he couldn't keep his head up. I was laughing, but not like him, it was a joy to watch someone laugh their "heads-off" actually.

About 2 weeks ago Joseph did his usual acting stunt wherein he sang "Hero" to two of my girlfriends in celebration of their 40th birthday's. With about 50 people standing around, he sang, acted the part of the suave rock star singing love songs to these women. I looked around at my friends and watched as even the most serious person was laughing so hard that they had tears!

So why am I writing about laughing tonight? Probably because it's been a tough day, actually a tough couple of weeks and I know that laughing is good medicine. I could use a really good fit of laughter however, there isn't much around me tonight to laugh about, considering I am alone in the house - except the dog - who doesn't make me laugh.

OH, I guess tonight fond memories will have to suffice - almost like taking the generic brand of drugs for an illness - just not the same effect and it takes longer to cure the illness.... hmmm....

MOI

The World.... I don't know if the news is something that may disturb any of you out there, but I can certainly share that there is not a day recently that I log on to the internet and see extremely disturbing news. So disturbing that I really must say I pray for the children of our world. My purpose in writing this is not to depress you, but maybe just to share my very concerned heart for the pain around us. I read things like eleven year old GIRLS killing their school mates, fathers killing their children, politicians sexually abusing young girls, stalker sitting in bushes near schools taking pictures of the children. Those items are just from the past couple of days. Evil deeds are more rampant than ever before. I remember hearing about rape as a young girl and being clearly shocked to hear of such terrible crimes. Either the papers and news stations back then didn't write about those things often, or possibly they just didn't happen as frequently as they do in this day and age. I think the latter is the reality. I do remember when I was about 11 there was a murder in the neighbouring village near my cottage. Our family was sitting waiting to hear the village news in hopes of some survivors of the horrific crime in complete and utter shock. Something back then never heard of, murders of family members, especially innocent children. My heart goes out to the young couples who are beginning to have families, as I wonder what life is ahead for them. Truly I do, the simple fear of allowing your children to walk to school on their own, or of student bullying. As beautiful as this world is, it carries such evil and horrific crimes. I know remember why I did stop reading the newspaper.

I will continue to try to focus mostly on the beautiful things and events around us and focus less on the horrible crimes. Such as looking off to the side of the road when I am sitting in dead stop traffic and ponder in awe, the flowers growing from the cracked cement where no flower should grow, or watching the incredibly talented children growing and flourishing in our midst.

Share with me please some positive beautiful things you encounter this week!

GOLFERS UNITED ! ! Well...they let me join in on the fun this Saturday. I joined a group from our church for a fund raiser golf event in a game called "best ball". It was the best time I have ever experienced in playing golf. One of us had never played golf in his life, the other two (myself and Louise) don't really play. My thanks to Bruce who shepherd us with teaching and amazing patience, despite the fact we threw his game off. What a perfect game of golf, not so much in the score category, but in the friendship department. It was really neat to spend 4 hours with other people that we did not know very well and yet have such a good time that we laughed almost the entire time (possibly at the expense of some of us lesser experienced golfers!). The weather was ordered perfectly, not cold, incredibly sunny with not a cloud in sight, yet not too warm, an absolutely perfect day. I am hooked and Louise & Bruce are hiding! I suggested that we try 6:00 a.m. golf and I have not heard from any of them. I wonder if it was the 6:00 a.m. tee-off time that scared them or my golfing...oh well.....

My point of all this rambling is to encourage each of you out there to just DO IT. Step out of your little burrows of comfort zones and just do something you have always wanted to do, zap that fear of ...whatever...! Next adventure.... horse back riding. Anyone up for the adventure with me?????

Night....!

MY FAITHFUL FRIEND DANI!!
I have been so pre-occupied with so many things that I have not taken the time to blog. I guess part of my slacking is that there isn't much exciting happening these days in my life - other than the usual crazy drivers, people that continually irritate me and life in general. I have however checked my site meter and I am so impressed that my dear friend DANI continually checks daily to see if I have written - oh how I must have disappointed YOU. So, just for you DANI I am going to get the wheels of this nimble brain going and surprise you with some inspiration.

This weekend was a busy one with going to the cottage to partially open it up, visit family and head back home to attend a huge birthday bash for three of my friends who are turning FORTY in the next days and weeks. My incredible son was with me and caused many of the group much laughter. He sang "hero" to the two ladies who were celebrating their birthdays (he did not sing to Jeff!). His facial expressions were so funny and his absolute charm poured out as he sang the love songs to these "OLDER" women...lol... He had the entire group of at least fifty people in fits of laughter. Oh, I saved the funniest kid for the last - because I think God knew I would need a lot of time to appreciate his many talents (not that my other children don't have talent - but this one has been blessed). His sense of humour constantly gives me reason for laughter. So, this little TULIP shall continue to watch him - and pray that my "petals" don't fall off....(another joke from the child!)while I laugh my way through his childhood.

Have a blessed day each of you my friends!

Cheri

May 14th.... Writer's block.

I have it, had it- whatever! Maybe I have just been too busy to think straight...or maybe I am just lazy these days? Not sure! I think it is writer's block.

I have figured out that I am just a very basic laid back lady who thrives on warm weather, sun, warm breezes, beaches, lakes and sail boats. I don't need anything fancy, just a warm roof over my head and some food in the fridge. Most importantly, I need and want my incredible friends to be a big part of my life. I do not need the fancy furniture, big house, fancy car (although I admit I have a fascination for fast nice cars - however reliable does fit the bill first!)

When this weather beams down, I remember how much I enjoy these days and how limited and quickly they pass by. Being locked up in an office in the summer is really a though thing to do for me...... My dream is to live in warm weather all year round.... walk around in sandals or thongs (feet thongs that is!) shorts and t-shirts. How absolutely cool it has been to have sat at an outdoor patio for dinner and a dacquiri (sp?) TWICE this week....YEA... summer is here!

Love You All....
MOI

Tuesday, May 4, 2004.... AND THE LEAFS LOSE !!..... Well, do they really lose, after all, they did make it to the play offs?! Last night when I saw some of the Leaf players kick into action, my mind wandered questioning if the sparked passion the players displayed came from the thought of the big bucks they could make if they go further into the playoffs (that is what happens isn't it?) or, was it from the sheer thrill of the "we can win" competition?

I, sitting with a gang of friends last night was so caught up in the excitement, I almost elbowed my good friend in the head - not sure she would have been as excited about the game after that. It was a tense third period and you can only imagine the hooting and hollering that went on in this room (let alone in pubs and living rooms all over Toronto). What a rush. What a scene... A bunch of middle aged men and women hooting and hollering, jumping up and down and screetching in an otherwise conservative quiet environment of Bible study! What a let down when that little black puck slid along the ice in what appears to be slow motion right into the warm comfortable net belonging yes, to the Leafs! Game over, let down soaks in. The room becomes silent. And I still didn't figure out if the players displayed such passion from desperation of a fatter bank account or an overwhelming WIN WIN instinct!

Oh well.... off to anticipation of another season - 2005...

I'm Back! (Again)....... Well, I see that TIM misses me, but then he has a somewhat encouraging soul considering he designed this incredible site that I have let sit to get dusty and lonely. My days for three weeks have been all consuming with many distractions all of which don't necessarily bring joy like this site does.

As I finally get undisturbed time to write, I hear the shrill of Joseph's voice begging for use of my computer as he sits with his cute little face in the t.v. watching Malcolm ..... says he needs to do some research for a school project....more likely he has friends to visit on MSN. So much for the quiet time!

I have actually managed to get some reading time with much pondering (what else is new!). I have actually been steered to thinking about someone (who I don't even know personally - don't ask on that one!). Seem to have my thoughts and heart on them.
I started a book today titled "The Best 10 Decisions a Woman can Make".... Anyway, as I have been working through a few issues and also been thinking of a friend who is working through some issues.... I have heard the words ....."we need to DECIDE and CHOOSE to make changes"... Note the two words - DECIDE and CHOOSE. We must remember, "it is never too late to be what we might have been"

I am not quite sure why I am reflecting on these words, but someone somewhere (other than me) needs to hear those words. If it is YOU, let me know.! The words and thoughts have been placed on my heart for a reason!

Have a blessed and amazing day tomorrow.!

Wednesday, April 21, 2004.... ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER.
So it is said! I have been quite busy with the TULIP Ministries Spring 2004 Retreat. It has come and gone - with great success. I see that many of you have faithfully continued to log on..... just waiting in anticipation! Great inspirations to be sitting here for you tomorrow, stay TUNED!

Cheri

Saturday, April 10, 2004
HAPPY EASTER !HI EVERYONE! I apologize - I know you have been logging on this past week to disappointment of no new blogging from me. The tap is not dry, it's just been a hectic life, especially with the TULIP retreat coming up next weekend. I am trying to figure out my power point (to which I have never done before), finish some writing and just getting the house in order. I find myself getting one track thoughts these days, and even bored myself with some the things I started to write about, so I thought it would be good to spare you from the boring details and leave you to wonder what happened to me!!

Today was beautiful. The weather was so nice and the sun shined enough that I could see in my living room and bedroom blinds that the dust has embedded itself on each little slat. Oh I love spring cleaning. Now I know where the line "spring cleaning" comes from! It might be into the early summer before I can begin to think of finishing it. I have a kitchen and a bedroom to paint before anything else gets done and I just remembered, I need someone to install my carpet on my stairs....hmmmm.... does it ever end?

Anyway, as Easter Sunday approaches and we have been spending a lot of time with friends, at church and really pondering Jesus, I just want to remind each of us to think about the many blessings we as Canadians have. We have heat, hydro, water, gas, warmth, good food, freedom,friendships, family love and just an incredible beautiful life in this country. Reflect on our luxuries and pray for those who could not even possibly know or remember what these luxuries are !

Easter Blessings to All!!
Love - Cheri

Wednesday, April 7, 2004.... DUSTY JOURNEY WITH FLOWERS !

We never know what one day brings us. We travel the journey from day to day to week by week. The journey sometimes is dry and dusty and other days it's wet, hazy and damp. Lately my days truly have been bright and sunny despite the wet, damp weather. There has been a peace within my heart, despite some uneasy times.

I have been part of a four week study group and a man that does not attend our church had decided to join us. His wife had been unable to attend the study as they are care givers for a handicapped young man. The other night was the end of this particular study and our new friend's wife joined us later in the evening with the young man they care for. I feel such an honour to have met this couple. To share in the love and care they pour out for this young man. What hard work they have volunteered for in order to give this young man quality of life. It is truly awesome to have met such a kind, loving and compassionate couple. I couldn't help wonder if each of us were even slightly more like this couple, what an incredible world we would live in. I just want to express the honour I felt in watching the love they displayed. Despite the dusty journey we travel, we must be reminded that flowers still grow along side of the road and there is someone sitting there with the watering can.

Night...and have an incredible day !

Tuesday, March 30, 2004.... MORE ON THE SUBJECT OF DRIVERS AND THE FIRST ON SPRING WORMS.....
Today I had two things happen that I really wanted to write about. I arrived home later than normal from home church so I am limited on how in depth I can get on these two subjects as I am in need of decent sleep tonight! So... first on about the subject of drivers. Once again, with promises to leave this subject alone for a month or so (if I can manage that), I share what I saw tonight on my way home from work. However as I am shocked over this incident, my passenger fassures me that this sighting I am freaked out over, is quite a frequent event on our roadways.

I am driving along the 403, in keeping pace with traffic when all of a sudden to the right of me a car flashes by me from the side of the road, most certainly not in a designated official lane! He swept by me quickly and cut me off! Okay, here I go again - I am ticked! What has become of drivers in this city, do they left their brains and their courtesy on the kitchen counter when they leave for work in the mornings? I guess the fact that I am driving a van and that it is not going to stop on a dime means absolutely nothing to this character behind the wheel of the car. I am so flabbergasted at this incident, however I manage to get in the next lane to the left and I proceed along. I challenged my passenger to take a look at this "character" that cut me off as we are approaching to his left - traffic slows down and we both look over at him. Guess what? He is reading the newspaper - and driving! His newspaper is fully opened across the steering wheel and he is focused DOWN on the paper reading it, as his vehicle is moving at a moderate speed. Blair deciding that he must be looking for a job or something. My lane opens up and we start proceeding faster and this character continues reading, keeping at his pace, now slowing traffic down. I am truly shaking my head the rest of the way home. Now I have seen everything. This guy needs to be reported, and I would have if I had been able to get his plate # ! Am I looking for the nutso drivers or are they looking for me these days? Now for the better part of my day.........

As I reached home tonight and got out of the van, I stepped out feeling the peace of spring lurking all around me. Yes, so nice to be home when all of a sudden I get a beautiful whiff of spring - the smell of worms working their way out of the ground. They lay on the cold, damp lawn just waiting for the sun to shine down on them. What a glorious smell of spring. Honestly, you know when spring is here when you can smell the dew worms. It has been a long time since I remember the smell of the spring worms - and how reassuring it is to welcome them back. Keep your eyes and senses open for the beautiful signs of spring !

Spring is here my friends and I am now on my way to that comfy bed of mine !

Night......

Sunday, March 28, 2004... TEENAGERS ! Well...what a weekend. I volunteered to have my friend's two daughters stay with me while they were at a Christian conference in the United States. I was looking forward to the TWO girls (so was Joseph). It was supposed to start Friday night, but was delayed until Saturday as both girls and Joseph decided to stay with Louise who also volunteered for the FOUR other children of this family.

Saturday the group of teenagers went to a youth event - which was at a wave pool in Toronto. I picked up Joseph, Jamie, Sara and Charis after the event but along with them came four other young adults. So, in my little home we were entertaining SEVEN teenagers, a mix of boys and girls. The girls slept in Joseph's room - right next to my room so I could supervise them. The boys slept in the living room - a floor below us! My bedroom door was kept wide open - with the girl's door shut to protect them from the prowling young men from playing their typical pranks. I actually had a blast. I was entertained by chit-chat echoing from the girls room until 3:00 a.m., apparently complete girl talk about boys. I fought to stay awake to ensure the boys retired to bed and stayed out of trouble.

I don't remember much past 3:00 a.m. however, I had the honor of knocking on these ladies door - and cheerfully waking them up at 7:15 am. in order to get them in the shower and to a youth meeting for 8:45 a.m. What a site - all four girls sleeping in ONE queen size bed! Oh too be young. The only thing that managed to get ME out of bed this morning after about 4 hours sleep was the thought of waking up these sleep deprived girls. However, they bounced wide awake - took turns in the shower and within one hour all four girls were giggling and ready for the day. (hmmm.!) The boys on the other hand were somewhat groggy, resisting the wake-up calls. Despite this sleep deprived gang, they were all ready for church and on the road by 9:10 this morning with promises of a visit to Timmy's for Ice Cappuchino - YES.. caffeine - just what they needed !

Do you know how cool it was to spend time with these really neat kids? To listen to their laughter watch the conniving boys conjure up pranks and to travel down memory lane of the pajama parties I once shared many many times as a young teenager? To sit back and participate from the side rings was really neat. They should have taken five years off me - just for the memories, but I actually feel 5 years older, as I was too tired to function this afternoon and needed to sleep for an hour! Oh to be young!

Sara, Charis, Tory, Kelly, Jamie W, Jamie C, Joseph - thanks for the great weekend! Good job we had a van this weekend. Please don't come back for a few months! Just kidding. It was a joy to have ALL of you!!

Cheri

Friday, March 26th.... SPRING IS ON THE WAY ! As I slipped out of the office today to complete some work banking, I was quite surprised at how nice it is out, despite the continued rain drops. How awesome to actually have wiffs of spring "smell".

Before we know it, the TULIPS will be blooming and escaping from the cold ground. We will see beautiful gardens sprouting all around us. I can't wait for the first sounds of lawn mowers and watching the neighbours pulling out their garden hoses, washing down their cars. Activity will start in my neighbourhood - friendly visits on front steps, shared barbecue dinners and clanking of the plastic wine glasses as they take a few moments at night to visit with neighbouring friends they have missed all winter.

YES for SPRING!

Wednesday, March 24.... BLOCK THE ROADWAY... Well Monday's roller coaster ride ended nicely for me - only to allow my friend Kim to take over, sorry Kim ! Today I am faced once again with frustration from society. People who apparently have no regard for other humans along side of them. I know this mentality is all over the city and my experiences with other humans are the apparent norm. However, I have to vent and I have the vehicle to which allows me to do that! YEA!

This morning I pull up to the local grocery store and sit parked in my vehicle as Joseph runs in quickly to pick something up. This driveway is narrow and there are areas for shopping carts etc. There are cars parked behind me in this driveway with no drivers (we shouldn't be leaving our vehicles unattended in this area, in fact I probably shouldn't even be sitting in my car here). This younger woman pulls up beside me in the driveway, parks her car and gets out - she is parked behind the area where the shopping carts are brought to by the clerk in the parking lot collecting them. She not only blocks this stream of carts, she totally blocks vehicles from pulling through the driveway. She is talking on her cell phone, looks over at me, locks her car door and proceeds to enter the store. I can't believe the audacity of this woman. She does not give it a second thought - or look even to notice that she has now totally blocked the driveway. I was totally flabbergasted at her lack of common sense and courtesy for others.

But then I guess that's par for the course in a day in the city. There, I feel much better just venting. Have a marvelous day tommorow - I know I will.