I'm not a parent.  I don't live in Connecticut.  I have no association with Newtown.  I didn't lose a family member.  But somehow, I feel so deeply affected by the tragedy that happened Friday morning.

Last night I lay awake as images that have been described on almost every news channel flashed through my mind.  Graphics and visuals that have been described.  Actual images of those reacting to the news.  The memorials and pictures of the school itself.  It's all too much for me to comprehend.

I'm not normally one to be so affected by what I hear on the news.  Sure, I cry at sad things.  I tear up with pride when a heroic story is described.  But for some reason my mind is sitting at Sandy Hook Elementary School no matter what I do.

I wonder how long we will hear about this in the news.  Hear about that one lost soul that destroyed so much so quickly.  Put names with the faces of the innocent victims.  Praise the heroics of those teachers that did what they are so gifted at doing.  Is it wrong to not want to piece together every aspect of that fateful morning?

Is it wrong to want the news and other media sources to not focus on it?  Is it wrong to expect the media to not turn this individual into an everyday household name?  Is it wrong to want this tragedy to stay a tragedy and not a political jumping off point?

For me it's about remembering those who lost their lives doing what they do each and everyday.  They led ordinary lives.  They were mothers, daughters, sisters and friends.  They were children barely old enough to even comprehend the fate they encountered.  It's about keeping the family members and friends left behind in my prayers as they learn how to cope with this change in their life.  The unexpected turn in the wrong direction.

As a nation we also must figure out how to deal with what happened in that small CN town.  Honor those lost, not praise the one at fault and protect ourselves from such evils that unfortunately do exist.

My first step is to shut the TV off.  Not watch every last rehashing.  Hug my husband a little tighter and move on, move forward but not forget...

I'm not a parent.  I don't live in Connecticut.  I have no association with Newtown.  I didn't lose a family member.  But someho...

Feel smart. :)

I FINALLY put two and two together and realized that those e-mails about comments I get in my inbox.. THAT is what you smart cookies respond to when you respond to my comments and I get an actual response in my inbox as well.. ...if that makes any sense at all.  So be expecting actual responses in YOUR inbox from me from here on out!

Well we are in countdown mode in our little world right here in Kansas.  The dog and I are anxiously awaiting the time we will get to spend with Rob soon.  Yesterday the world seemed to take a SERIOUS slow down though.  For the past 6 plus months time has just flown at work, and yesterday I could see each second stretch into 5 or more it seemed.  What is funny about all that is, the clock drags at work, but flies during the night.  Something wrong with THAT picture!

This past weekend was full on relaxation.. for the most part.  Nothing major that we had to rise and shine for.  Except a deep tissue massage on Friday which was to die for, I'd highly suggest you find a good one in your area and spend the extra cash on one.. ((p.s. the lady I got mine from is a national champion body builder.. she puts the fear in you just by looking!  But dang she knows JUST what to do.))  Saturday P and I went to sleep with NO alarm set to wake up for.  Which of course meant my Mom called about 11:30 (early for me!) to say that her and Dad were stopping by.  But Piston enjoyed it, as he always does when his grandparentals stop by.  Sunday was of course spent with some beer, football and.. you guessed it, homework.  Nothing to complain about there.. each Sunday spent doing homework means another week closer to so many things! :)


I also have good news to report, I have made almost a FULL recovery from the AWFUL fall down the stairs.  :)  Last night I did have some random pains in my ankle.  I hope this isn't one of those injuries where it comes back every once in awhile to make life annoying.  Those stink, bad.  But all in all, we be good y'all.

Feel smart. :) I FINALLY put two and two together and realized that those e-mails about comments I get in my inbox.. THAT is what you smar...

So I fell...
Down.
Hard.

Remember Sunday evening when I had to do laundry as a break from schoolwork?  Welllllllll.  I was walking down the stairs with the laundry and the dog (cause he goes everywhere with me.. ) and I missed one step (or two, I'm not really sure) and down I went.  Since I had the laundry basket I just hit my knees.. hard.  And apparently my ankle got caught on one of the steps.  I was literally stunned for like 2 minutes.. then I got up and walked, so I guessed I was okay.  :)

So I fell... Down. Hard. Remember Sunday evening when I had to do laundry as a break from schoolwork?  Welllllllll.  I was walking down ...