Sc @ MindSay

Don't believe the hype!  All of these so-called new and independent women who claim 40 is the new 30 are lying!  40 is 40 period speaking of which, they get worse at 40.   I am 43 years old and I am in good shape and not bad on the eyes either, but at night my bones ache, I have restless leg syndrome, I snore loud.

Work is no picnic either.  Everyday I am reminded that I am not 30 by some almost 30 retard who happens to be my superior without a clue constantly badgering me about minutia.  Who are these idiots?????????  I work as an admissions rep as if my morals are not already tainted enough.  I dropped out of church, my finances are in the toilet and my children annoy the hell out of me... No!!!! I am not bitter-just real

So here is my plan.  New job, hopefully something that does not involve ripping off unsuspecting neardowells. Maybe I will find something soon, but for now I am grateful to God for allowing me to weather yet another storm, one of which I am sure I could not have navigated at 30 something.   Lately I have been spending a lot time on the computer which is why I started this blog.  Somewhere out there someone can relate to me and if not it feels good to release all the crap I carry around in my head on a daily basis.

Today, I am just grateful.....I'd rather be 40 than pregnant!

            As I approached the cashier, she said, “I like your shirt.”

Stunned, I humbly thanked her and we started up an enjoyable conversation about the campaign. Amidst the scanner beeps, I discovered that she was a student at Clemson who had returned home for a few days. We both lamented the missed opportunity to see Dr. Paul in his latest trip to the Palmetto State.

            While advising her to join a meetup group, another voice was calling from somewhere. I finally found the source and made eye contact. It was the cashier from the next aisle over trying to get my attention. “That’s a great shirt!” he exclaimed, “Where did you get it?”

            “Cafepress dot com.” I answered. And as I looked around, it seemed that all activity had stopped. Other cashiers and baggers were looking on from their respective aisles. I heard a gentleman say, “He’s the only one for president.” The people in line were turning to see as to why they were presently not being attended. Time stopped for the briefest moment at the checkout lines of Kroger as everyone, it seemed, was staring at the two first names adorning my t-shirt: Ron Paul.

            Patty and I exchanged a look of cheerful amazement as things snapped back into normalcy. When the cashier pleasantly handed me my receipt, I looked around again to see several discussions taking place between workers and shoppers.  No doubt the conversational air had now switched to politics.

            As we buckled up in the car, I turned to Patty and asked, “Did that really just happen?”

            “Yes, it really did.” she replied.

            When people ask me about Aiken, I’m quick to shower them with its wonderful attributes: friendly people, parkways, horses, playgrounds, gardens and shops. Now, better still, it’s a place where freedom is popular.

I left out the author's name, bc I don't wanna start anything.  But halfway through I realized, wtf...that's me!! LOL, Well, needless to say it was a priceless moment!!! OMG, i'm still breathless off of that. It means ALOT to me, that I "sparked" all that!!

Well ... we have returned from our wonderful trip to Charleston/ Columbia SC.  phsbum has successfully completed Army basic training, and has now moved to AIT (Advanced Individual training) also on Ft Jackson.  We had a lovely 4 day visit thanks to the holiday. 

The two pics are our soldier just after the graduation ceremony on Weds 21 November (about 78º), and her older sister on Folly Beach, Monday 19 November!  Beautiful 76º.  We had lovely weather which was nice because the ceremony was outside, but also because we had to commute daily between Charleston and Columbia (about 110 miles one way) because we were staying with my dearest friends in Charleston. 

We had a blessed ... REALLY blessed Thanksgiving with close friends and our new soldier ... Many pics to follow ...!  For now ... I am just thanksful for our time with her.  We will get to have her home with us for Christmas, too ... I can't wait!  :)

~ B

P.S.  I almost forgot to say ... TOMORROW!!!  My older daughter and I leave tomorrow for a visit with phsbum.  She graduates Wednesday from Army Basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC, and we will be able to spend Thanksgiving with her!  We'll be there Mon - Friday!  YIPPEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!   Don't know how much opportunity I'll have to visit here, so ...