In the past whenever I think of Spam the first thing that pops into my head is a very silly sketch done by Monty Python in which everything in the restaurant was served with Spam. “Eggs and Spam, spam and Spam, Spam Eggs and Spam.” But lately all I can think about are the disgusting spam I get on my websites comments field.
Just today I had 28 spam comments for everything from vicodin to foot fetishes. “Click here to see video of girls with hairy legs and stockings” greeted me when I signed on to post a blog today. (That and a few more I won’t repeat nor want to see again) I wish I could make it go away, but like the flyers that clutter our snail mail boxes there isn’t much we can do about it except put it where it belongs in the trash. So I spend 10 minutes a day filtering out the garbage both in my snail mail, my email and blog. I would much rather it be with a side of eggs.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Faith and Fame
When one seeks fame, much like life, one can choose a path of good or evil. Often that choice seems harder for the famous because the devil makes the narrow path full of temptation and materialistic. Even those who prior to fame were a good and faithful person stray when the easy and exciting lifestyle appears before them. It is like money is what they worship instead of God. That the bow at the alter of sin instead of bowing at the alter of Jesus. And not only do they bow, but they flaunt that world for all to see. How many times do we turn on the news only to hear the latest exploits of a celebrity, and not just daily but multiple times in a day.
We hear about sex tapes and lack of under garments, lies and drugs, but never once do we hear about some one going to church or feeding the homeless. Oh sure at the obligatory holidays we get photos of John Q. Famous attending a Christmas mass or giving out turkeys on Thanksgiving day, but how often is it a non-publicity event? Are celebrity's people of faith? Do they do something foundationally good for others when it doesn't serve their own needs? And if they are of faith is it for false Gods in things like Scientology where they worship according to a science fiction novel or is it based on something like the Q 'ran, Bible or Tanakh? Do they just wear red strings and pray for more success if do they pray for forgiveness and help in leading a good and faithful life as Jesus intended?
These are questions that have been circling in my head since I started walking in my path toward God. I ask this because I was someone that unintentionally worshiped these people as many of Americans do. Not in the full blown alter of my favorite rock start or movie star, but to the extent that I wanted to be them and know everything about them. I was more concerned with reading about their exploits then about reading the bible. Is that wrong? That is for you and God to decide, but I am taking the path away from that life.
The reason? The lack of good role models for not only myself, but for my children. I was teaching my children to worship these false idols by my actions. By letting them see me scour over the tabloids and watch ever show on celebrity on television I was showing them what was important to me. In contrast, now I am reading my bible in front of them as well as to them. I am attending church and being kind to others in their presence and in their absence. Doing this inadvertently shows them that these are the things that are good for them.
I have recently discovered a few good famous people in the world. Ones that are leading by example and not making sin glamorous. This is encouraging to see that not all celebrities are shallow and self-centered. One such shining example is Miley Cirus, also known as "Hannah Montana" on the Disney Channel. According to a recent article in the USA Today faith is a big part of Miley's life. She mentions that the only book she has been reading lately is Girl Talk With God, a book about a teen girl's conversations with God. Faith is "the main thing," she says. "That's kind of why I'm like here in Hollywood — to be like a light, a testimony to say God can take someone from Nashville and make me this, but it's his will that made this happen." Finally, someone my daughter can read about that doesn't involve partying and the latest eating disorder.
I hope more stories about people in the spotlight and their faith in God surface. It would be a much need change in the mass medias idea of importance, and the country's way of thinking.
We hear about sex tapes and lack of under garments, lies and drugs, but never once do we hear about some one going to church or feeding the homeless. Oh sure at the obligatory holidays we get photos of John Q. Famous attending a Christmas mass or giving out turkeys on Thanksgiving day, but how often is it a non-publicity event? Are celebrity's people of faith? Do they do something foundationally good for others when it doesn't serve their own needs? And if they are of faith is it for false Gods in things like Scientology where they worship according to a science fiction novel or is it based on something like the Q 'ran, Bible or Tanakh? Do they just wear red strings and pray for more success if do they pray for forgiveness and help in leading a good and faithful life as Jesus intended?
These are questions that have been circling in my head since I started walking in my path toward God. I ask this because I was someone that unintentionally worshiped these people as many of Americans do. Not in the full blown alter of my favorite rock start or movie star, but to the extent that I wanted to be them and know everything about them. I was more concerned with reading about their exploits then about reading the bible. Is that wrong? That is for you and God to decide, but I am taking the path away from that life.
The reason? The lack of good role models for not only myself, but for my children. I was teaching my children to worship these false idols by my actions. By letting them see me scour over the tabloids and watch ever show on celebrity on television I was showing them what was important to me. In contrast, now I am reading my bible in front of them as well as to them. I am attending church and being kind to others in their presence and in their absence. Doing this inadvertently shows them that these are the things that are good for them.
I have recently discovered a few good famous people in the world. Ones that are leading by example and not making sin glamorous. This is encouraging to see that not all celebrities are shallow and self-centered. One such shining example is Miley Cirus, also known as "Hannah Montana" on the Disney Channel. According to a recent article in the USA Today faith is a big part of Miley's life. She mentions that the only book she has been reading lately is Girl Talk With God, a book about a teen girl's conversations with God. Faith is "the main thing," she says. "That's kind of why I'm like here in Hollywood — to be like a light, a testimony to say God can take someone from Nashville and make me this, but it's his will that made this happen." Finally, someone my daughter can read about that doesn't involve partying and the latest eating disorder.
I hope more stories about people in the spotlight and their faith in God surface. It would be a much need change in the mass medias idea of importance, and the country's way of thinking.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Hamilton, 49, dies after battle with neck cancer
Hamilton, 49, dies after battle with neck cancer By Ryan Smithson, NASCAR.COMJanuary 7, 200710:11 PM EST (03:11 GMT)
Bobby Hamilton, the 2004 Craftsman Truck Series champion and a four-time winner in the Cup Series, died Sunday. He was 49.
Hamilton, a native of Nashville, Tenn., had been battling cancer for nearly a year. He announced in March 2006 that he was undergoing treatment for neck cancer. He immediately turned over his driving duties in the Craftsman Truck Series to his son, Bobby Hamilton Jr.
Liz Allison, a family friend who co-hosted a radio show with Hamilton, said he was at home with his family in Mount Juliet, Tenn., when he died.
Jim Hunter, NASCAR’s vice president for communications, saw first-hand the unlikely procession of Hamilton’s career from Nashville short track champion to multiple winner in NASCAR’s top series.
“He meant an awful lot. He was old school and one of those guys that did it his way,” Hunter said. “He was very popular in the garage area and in the industry because he worked real hard. He didn’t believe anyone was owed anything.”
Hunter said the news hit the sanctioning body especially hard.
“It came as a real shock. We knew [the cancer] was serious, and we knew he was fighting it, but you just never know these things,” Hunter said. “He will be missed. He was a tough, tough guy.”
Truck Series driver Brendan Gaughan recalled a day last fall when Hamilton took him aside and asked him to drive for his team.
“It floored me,” said Gaughan, who eventually decided to turn down the offer. “He asked me to drive for his team, and it was quite an honor. That day will always sit in my head.
“He was a great driver and a great owner. My heart goes out to the BHR organization.”
Hamilton was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in February after a malignant growth was found when swelling from dental surgery did not go down.
He raced in the season’s first three events, with a best finish of 14th at Atlanta Motor Speedway, before turning over the wheel to his son.
“I love what I do; I love this business,” Hamilton said when he disclosed that he had cancer. “NASCAR has been good to me, and I just don’t feel comfortable when I am not around it.”
Hamilton quit driving in the Cup Series after the 2002 season to focus on his thriving Craftsman Truck Series team. He went on to win the Truck Series title in ‘04.
“It is a terrible loss to us,” said Larry McClure, Hamilton’s team owner from 1998-2000. “I will miss him. I always thought of him as my friend.”
McClure said he had talked to Hamilton just a few weeks ago.
“I asked him how he was dong and he said, ‘Pretty good,’ ” McClure said. “Just amazing how it can turn like that.”
Jeff Purvis, a fellow Tennessean and a close friend of Hamilton’s, was shocked at the news of Hamilton’s death. A longtime Busch Series regular whose career was curtailed by a 2002 crash, Purvis visited with Ken Schrader on Friday and they had discussed Hamilton’s progress.
“We went to lunch and talked about Bobby,” Purvis said. “[Schrader] had just left Bobby’s shop and came from there to my house.
“[Hamilton] was kind of what racing was supposed to be about. He was a racer’s racer. You could talk to him about chassis. He understood racing and the racecars, the event. He really understood racing itself.”
Though he made his Cup debut in 1989 — a one-race deal at Phoenix on Nov. 5 — Hamilton probably is best known for the unusual way he broke into NASCAR’s top series. He served as a stunt driver for the 1990 movie Days of Thunder, performing so well that he was soon hired to run the Cup Series full-time. He went on become rookie of the year in 1991.
His big break, however, came in 1995 when Hamilton was hired to drive the No. 43 of Petty Enterprises. He resurrected the ailing team with 10 top-10 finishes in 1995, and in ‘96, he won at Phoenix, which helped him finish a career-best ninth in points.
After winning at Rockingham in 1997, Hamilton moved to Morgan-McClure Motorsports for the 1998-2000 seasons. His only win during that time came in ‘98 at Martinsville.
“He was a good driver and a good businessman,” McClure said. “We spent three years with him and it was great. He got us our last win. It was probably the last time the team was competitive, and he kept getting better and better.”
Hamilton wrapped up his Cup career with a two-year stint driving for Andy Petree. Hamilton won at Talladega in 2001 — a thrilling race that went green the entire way — for Petree’s first victory as a car owner, and Petree celebrated by diving across the hood as Hamilton drove into Victory Lane.
“He definitely raced hard,” Gaughan said of Hamilton. “I remember that race when he won at Talladega when everyone was falling out of the seat [from the oppressive heat]. That was a testament to how tough he was.”
Allison, the widow of former NASCAR star Davey Allison, said, “The thing I loved about Bobby Sr. so much is that he treated everybody the same. It didn’t matter if you were one of the drivers he competed against or a fan he’d never laid eyes on before.
“He didn’t have a pretentious bone in his body. I think that’s why people were drawn to him. He was just very real and had a way of relating to everyone.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Bobby Hamilton, the 2004 Craftsman Truck Series champion and a four-time winner in the Cup Series, died Sunday. He was 49.
Hamilton, a native of Nashville, Tenn., had been battling cancer for nearly a year. He announced in March 2006 that he was undergoing treatment for neck cancer. He immediately turned over his driving duties in the Craftsman Truck Series to his son, Bobby Hamilton Jr.
Liz Allison, a family friend who co-hosted a radio show with Hamilton, said he was at home with his family in Mount Juliet, Tenn., when he died.
Jim Hunter, NASCAR’s vice president for communications, saw first-hand the unlikely procession of Hamilton’s career from Nashville short track champion to multiple winner in NASCAR’s top series.
“He meant an awful lot. He was old school and one of those guys that did it his way,” Hunter said. “He was very popular in the garage area and in the industry because he worked real hard. He didn’t believe anyone was owed anything.”
Hunter said the news hit the sanctioning body especially hard.
“It came as a real shock. We knew [the cancer] was serious, and we knew he was fighting it, but you just never know these things,” Hunter said. “He will be missed. He was a tough, tough guy.”
Truck Series driver Brendan Gaughan recalled a day last fall when Hamilton took him aside and asked him to drive for his team.
“It floored me,” said Gaughan, who eventually decided to turn down the offer. “He asked me to drive for his team, and it was quite an honor. That day will always sit in my head.
“He was a great driver and a great owner. My heart goes out to the BHR organization.”
Hamilton was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in February after a malignant growth was found when swelling from dental surgery did not go down.
He raced in the season’s first three events, with a best finish of 14th at Atlanta Motor Speedway, before turning over the wheel to his son.
“I love what I do; I love this business,” Hamilton said when he disclosed that he had cancer. “NASCAR has been good to me, and I just don’t feel comfortable when I am not around it.”
Hamilton quit driving in the Cup Series after the 2002 season to focus on his thriving Craftsman Truck Series team. He went on to win the Truck Series title in ‘04.
“It is a terrible loss to us,” said Larry McClure, Hamilton’s team owner from 1998-2000. “I will miss him. I always thought of him as my friend.”
McClure said he had talked to Hamilton just a few weeks ago.
“I asked him how he was dong and he said, ‘Pretty good,’ ” McClure said. “Just amazing how it can turn like that.”
Jeff Purvis, a fellow Tennessean and a close friend of Hamilton’s, was shocked at the news of Hamilton’s death. A longtime Busch Series regular whose career was curtailed by a 2002 crash, Purvis visited with Ken Schrader on Friday and they had discussed Hamilton’s progress.
“We went to lunch and talked about Bobby,” Purvis said. “[Schrader] had just left Bobby’s shop and came from there to my house.
“[Hamilton] was kind of what racing was supposed to be about. He was a racer’s racer. You could talk to him about chassis. He understood racing and the racecars, the event. He really understood racing itself.”
Though he made his Cup debut in 1989 — a one-race deal at Phoenix on Nov. 5 — Hamilton probably is best known for the unusual way he broke into NASCAR’s top series. He served as a stunt driver for the 1990 movie Days of Thunder, performing so well that he was soon hired to run the Cup Series full-time. He went on become rookie of the year in 1991.
His big break, however, came in 1995 when Hamilton was hired to drive the No. 43 of Petty Enterprises. He resurrected the ailing team with 10 top-10 finishes in 1995, and in ‘96, he won at Phoenix, which helped him finish a career-best ninth in points.
After winning at Rockingham in 1997, Hamilton moved to Morgan-McClure Motorsports for the 1998-2000 seasons. His only win during that time came in ‘98 at Martinsville.
“He was a good driver and a good businessman,” McClure said. “We spent three years with him and it was great. He got us our last win. It was probably the last time the team was competitive, and he kept getting better and better.”
Hamilton wrapped up his Cup career with a two-year stint driving for Andy Petree. Hamilton won at Talladega in 2001 — a thrilling race that went green the entire way — for Petree’s first victory as a car owner, and Petree celebrated by diving across the hood as Hamilton drove into Victory Lane.
“He definitely raced hard,” Gaughan said of Hamilton. “I remember that race when he won at Talladega when everyone was falling out of the seat [from the oppressive heat]. That was a testament to how tough he was.”
Allison, the widow of former NASCAR star Davey Allison, said, “The thing I loved about Bobby Sr. so much is that he treated everybody the same. It didn’t matter if you were one of the drivers he competed against or a fan he’d never laid eyes on before.
“He didn’t have a pretentious bone in his body. I think that’s why people were drawn to him. He was just very real and had a way of relating to everyone.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Friday, January 5, 2007
New Story Published- Warmth of Topsail
http://www.topsail-island.info/wordpress/index.php/the-warmth-of-topsail/
This time last year, I was readying my family for a long and much needed weekend at Topsail Island. I was stressed out and burnt out on life. I needed this trip more then anyone. I wasn't disappointed.
Tucking the fleece throw around my legs, I can remember the trip like it was yesterday. When we arrived, it was chillier then we had anticipated. Being that close to the ocean, there is always a breeze flowing from the sea that I hadn't accounted for. It was raining, not hard, but a soft mist that added to the serenity of the weekend.
As I sip on my coffee and inhale its aroma, I am brought back to the smell of the salty air and the sounds of the waves lapping up the shores as I walked down the long stretch of beach that lines Topsail Island. It was warm enough that I explored the beach in my bare feet, but still too cool to walk too close to the waters edge.
Sitting here warming my hands on a hot cup of coffee, I look out the picture window in my living room as the weather man says it 
might snow this weekend. This isn't unusual for January in Ohio, but for me, my heart is 900 miles away where the smell of salty sea air is present.
might snow this weekend. This isn't unusual for January in Ohio, but for me, my heart is 900 miles away where the smell of salty sea air is present.This time last year, I was readying my family for a long and much needed weekend at Topsail Island. I was stressed out and burnt out on life. I needed this trip more then anyone. I wasn't disappointed.
Tucking the fleece throw around my legs, I can remember the trip like it was yesterday. When we arrived, it was chillier then we had anticipated. Being that close to the ocean, there is always a breeze flowing from the sea that I hadn't accounted for. It was raining, not hard, but a soft mist that added to the serenity of the weekend.
The island was quiet except for the seafaring birds and the occasional rhythm of a boat tapping its mooring on the pier behind the hotel. The room was simple. No telephone, no VCR or cable 
TV. But why would you need them when you are there to escape the everyday?
TV. But why would you need them when you are there to escape the everyday?For brief moment, you are transported to a different time and place that, once it gets in your veins, you are never the same. The hand-held video games my children carry around were replaced with a shovel and bucket.
Everything is simpler on Topsail, and that is a good thing.
As I sip on my coffee and inhale its aroma, I am brought back to the smell of the salty air and the sounds of the waves lapping up the shores as I walked down the long stretch of beach that lines Topsail Island. It was warm enough that I explored the beach in my bare feet, but still too cool to walk too close to the waters edge.
Every now and then I would get brave and go look for shells where the white foam of the waves touched the sand. I would let the chilly water encircle my ankles as it filled in the area of my footprints that I had just left on the shore. Once in a while my son would venture to the soft sands as I squealed with delight whenever the water would reach up and grab his feet.
This is what life is all about.
We walked all over the island exploring every road and discussing the beauty and individuality of every house we walked past. We wondered what the story was behind each of their unique names. It was quite and peaceful and it felt as if we had the whole island to ourselves. It wasn't as if anyone was there, it was because we were so enthralled with everything around us.
It was only us walking down those streets in the misty rain.
We ended each day with dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Topsail Island was were I first tasted scallops and wondered why I hadn't tried this melt-in-your-mouth seafood before.
We stuffed ourselves on shrimp and hushpuppies. My son's face, covered in crumbs of batter and a light glow of grease, made my heart glow. You can't bottle that kind of joy watching him eat hushpuppies for the first time. He ate so many I was sure he would explode.
We stuffed ourselves on shrimp and hushpuppies. My son's face, covered in crumbs of batter and a light glow of grease, made my heart glow. You can't bottle that kind of joy watching him eat hushpuppies for the first time. He ate so many I was sure he would explode.
We also did our rounds of the souvenir shops around the island. We couldn't leave without getting something that would help us hold onto this weekend.
Walking the rows of seashell lamps and t-shirts, we each chose something that would help keep the memory of this weekend fresh in our mind. My son picked a magnet with "I'd rather be on Topsail" on it. My husband chose a sweatshirt that he pulls out whenever it gets cold to feel a little warmer on the inside as well as outside. I chose saltwater taffy.
Granted the taffy is long gone, but the sweet memories remain.
All photos by Shannon Anicas.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Resolutions for 2007…
- To live the best life I can: mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, creatively
- To have a more active role in my health through exercise, proper eating, good nutrition and proper rest and relaxation
- To live every moment as if it was my last long before it is since life is too short
- To love with every fiber of my being
- To challenge myself mentally, physically and spiritually
- To laugh often and loudly (the good belly kind)
- To cry as necessary allowing myself to feel what I am feeling no matter how uncomfortable it might make other feel
- To hug lots
- To read something everyday it helps the mind to grow
- To write something every day as it is reading in reverse
- To reconnect with old friends and make new ones
- To put God #1 in my life because with out him nothing is possible
I am sure there are more in my brain but this is what came to me just now. What are your resolutions?
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Becareful what you wish for
I am a living testament to this. In my last post I was whining about not having the energy or time to write blah blah… Well…just before Christmas I had some stomach flu like symptoms and left an hour early on Wednesday before Christmas. I came in for a few hours on Thursday but when the frequency of my trips to the bathroom increased I was sent home. I wasn't any better that night and missed my husband's birthday party. On Friday, I called in still not able to hold down food or even fluids. Working around pregnant women I thought it was best I not get them sick.
I had had a similar bout of these symptoms in late October (and missed 2 ½ days of work) I just assumed that it was me not being used to working in a germ filled environment. So I was sick over Christmas and finally able to hold down food on Christmas night. I went into work Tuesday after Christmas and it was a slow day and my supervisor was out. Went in the next morning and about 2 hours into the day I get called in to the office and told that due to my absences during my probationary period I would not be extended as an employee. That was the last day of my probation. So I was asked to turn in my badge and keys.
I started bawling like a baby. I started hyperventilating, said my good byes, gathered my stuff and left. Before I left I asked if it was something I did or if I was a good worker and she said it wasn't something I did and I was a good worker but policy is policy and they could keep me with that much missed work. So lesson learned even if I have stuff coming out of all openings still go into work.
Ironically I had a doctor's appointment because of the fact I still was sick so I went to it. Turns out I am diabetic, had yet another horrible kidney infection and my kidneys look to be in very early stages of kidney failure. So I did a bunch of blood work, have to check my sugars for the next six weeks as well as keep a diary of food, fluids, sugars, and symptoms so they can find a pattern.
The sucky thing is that with the loss of my job I lost my medical insurance. Isn't that just the luck I need, right? Well, my doctor is willing to work out payment plans on the visits and gave me samples of meds to get me through until something comes along. Thank God my father in law had an accu-check for me to use so I didn't have to buy one. I still haven't gone more then 48 hours with out being sick again. My sugars have been either really high or really low.
To add to it, my mother in law hates me. She can't even stand to be in the same room as me. She thinks I am running her sons life because I got fired again. And she won't listen to any reasons and how the two things while similar on dates are different in context. At first I thought it was just me being overly sensitive but when people around me commented and even my son asked why Grammy is mad, I am reassured it isn't just in my head. But what can you do? To quote a favorite song of mine "Just Breathe:."
That's all I can do. Unlike the last time I got booted, I am not angry and not depressed. Oh sure it sucks, but I have the confidence that I can find work again and be good at it, like I was there. I have to get healthy at the same time. I will find balance. So I am taking this time to write again and get some house cleaning done. I updated my website (actually I picked it Bripe updated it) and my myspace page. I will be on top again I promise….
I had had a similar bout of these symptoms in late October (and missed 2 ½ days of work) I just assumed that it was me not being used to working in a germ filled environment. So I was sick over Christmas and finally able to hold down food on Christmas night. I went into work Tuesday after Christmas and it was a slow day and my supervisor was out. Went in the next morning and about 2 hours into the day I get called in to the office and told that due to my absences during my probationary period I would not be extended as an employee. That was the last day of my probation. So I was asked to turn in my badge and keys.
I started bawling like a baby. I started hyperventilating, said my good byes, gathered my stuff and left. Before I left I asked if it was something I did or if I was a good worker and she said it wasn't something I did and I was a good worker but policy is policy and they could keep me with that much missed work. So lesson learned even if I have stuff coming out of all openings still go into work.
Ironically I had a doctor's appointment because of the fact I still was sick so I went to it. Turns out I am diabetic, had yet another horrible kidney infection and my kidneys look to be in very early stages of kidney failure. So I did a bunch of blood work, have to check my sugars for the next six weeks as well as keep a diary of food, fluids, sugars, and symptoms so they can find a pattern.
The sucky thing is that with the loss of my job I lost my medical insurance. Isn't that just the luck I need, right? Well, my doctor is willing to work out payment plans on the visits and gave me samples of meds to get me through until something comes along. Thank God my father in law had an accu-check for me to use so I didn't have to buy one. I still haven't gone more then 48 hours with out being sick again. My sugars have been either really high or really low.
To add to it, my mother in law hates me. She can't even stand to be in the same room as me. She thinks I am running her sons life because I got fired again. And she won't listen to any reasons and how the two things while similar on dates are different in context. At first I thought it was just me being overly sensitive but when people around me commented and even my son asked why Grammy is mad, I am reassured it isn't just in my head. But what can you do? To quote a favorite song of mine "Just Breathe:."
That's all I can do. Unlike the last time I got booted, I am not angry and not depressed. Oh sure it sucks, but I have the confidence that I can find work again and be good at it, like I was there. I have to get healthy at the same time. I will find balance. So I am taking this time to write again and get some house cleaning done. I updated my website (actually I picked it Bripe updated it) and my myspace page. I will be on top again I promise….
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