• If you have today off but have never served a single day in our armed forces, you had better be going around & thanking every service person you know. You also better be doing something nice for service folks in general. Because YOU did NOTHING to deserve today off. Most vets don’t get today off. You working in a government position affords you many luxuries that our vets don’t have. You’d better f*cking earn it.

• No, vacation and sick days don’t count – they are not just a free day off given to you. I’m just over government people being given "Teddy Roosevelt Farted" day off. Or "Millard Fillmore Took a Whiz" day off. Or "Benjamin Franklin Was Never President, But He Is on Our Money" day off. You didn’t earn it.

• Oh, and for God’s sake, no backlash against Muslims for one person’s act…or wait, actually adding up all Muslims’ acts against American citizens – a whole shitload of Muslims’ acts. Yeah.

Yeah, I’m over it.  On top of that, I had to call my frakking insurance company again today because stupid COBRA takes over a week to update their records, which results in CVS calling me, saying that they can’t fill my prescriptions because I don’t have insurance.  So CIGNA says, oh, just have CVS call us directly and we can approve it over the phone. I tell that to CVS and they tell me they are too busy to do that for every customer. 

Whether or not that’s true, You. Never. Tell. A. Customer. That.  Never.  That is soooooo bad.  So I called the manager and she said that from now on, she would make sure that associate was trained properly, as it IS their policy to call the insurance company FIRST.  That’s right, little bitch.  You are in trouble!!!! I also told the manager that I shouldn’t see that tech when I pick up my meds. 

And, I’m just sick of people bitching:

• I hate my life!! Fool, who the f*ck do you think can fix THAT?  YOU!!! Only YOU!!! So stop bitching and do something.  Or, shut the f*ck up!!
• I hate the legal system!!  Well then f*cking rewrite it and prove that your solution is better, fair, and can be applied across the board.  Or, shut the f*ck up!!
• I hate my body! Then get therapy to find out why or change your eating and/or exercise.  Or, shut the f*ck up!!
• I hate my job!!  Then look for a new one, do something to grow your skillset, go back to school.  Or, shut the f*ck up!!
• I want a relationship! Then leave your house, join a group, get a hobby, TALK to people.  Or, shut the f*ck up!!
• I hate our local government!! Then vote, join your local party, go to meetings, run for office.  Or, shut the f*ck up!!
• I hate Lawgirl!! Then stop reading.  Or, shut the f*ck up!!  (That last one was a pre-emptive shut the f*ck up for the hate I’m sure will come out of this post.)

Reposted from last year with a new ending

Today is Veterans Day, my love, and this is my dedication to you.  I am so proud of you for your service to our country.  When you graduated from high school, you and your friends were lined up and ready to enlist.

Your father was unable to serve during World War II, because of a health issue.  Instead, he learned how to build airplane engines.  Thus began your love affair with flying.

You went into the Air Force so that you could fly the planes you loved so much.  You loved taking care of your planes.  You were and are enthralled by the feel of controlling the plane.  You had such a great time.

After a couple of years, Vietnam started and you were sent over. You were all of 20.  You helped drop the Marines and G.I. Joes into their positions and picked up the healthy, the wounded and the dead from their worst nightmares.  You never once turned back – you were always so brave.  Everyday you knew could be your last, but you kept going.  You were so proud to serve your country.

You are the first Vietnam Vet I have ever heard discuss all of the good things that our folks did over there.  You and other soldiers adopted orphanages and brought them gifts and showed them what Christmas was.  I loved the pictures of the kids and your friends.

You never expected to return from Vietnam, but you did.  Unfortunately, there was no hero’s welcome for you.  You were spit on, verbally abused and called a murderer.  I know that you still resent that.

When you came home, you wanted to continue to serve but chose to do so on a local level – you became a police officer.  Over the next 25 years, you worked your way up to detective.  You still fret over one of the cases that involved an 11 year old boy being sexually assaulted and murdered.   You knew who had done it but the man had fled the state and there wasn’t enough evidence to get him back.  It haunts you to this day that the boy’s killer was never punished.

One of your stories appeared in True Detective.  It was the story of a beautiful new bride who was killed by her new husband not long into their marriage.  You were so adorable in the pictures.  You were so proud of your job.

You never looked at your time in Vietnam as a bad experience.  You loved being “in the shit,” both there, and here at home.  You would love to go back in one more time.  I think you would be so happy to go out in a blaze of glory.  Of course, I am selfish and want you to stay here forever with me. 

You wonder why men and women aren’t so eager to serve today.  You can’t comprehend refusing to serve.  I never understood that until I was with you.

I love you with all of my heart and I so appreciate what you have done for us.  I wish I could go back in time and give you the homecoming you deserved.

To My Veteran and to all of the veterans who have served and are currently serving, my deepest, warmest gratitude.  You have done or are doing something that many, including myself, are not brave enough to do.  You faced the worst and came out the best.  Thank you.

Note to the Unknown Soldier by Five for Fighting

I don’t know you
I never met you
For laughs I’ll call you Sam
You were the son
Of Mrs. Someone
I hope she understands
Sam you were all that you had
Are you happy or sad
I never knew you
But I’m told you’re the best we had
Were you so tall
Did you play Basketball
Was there a sweetheart at home
Did you write her letters
Did it make you better face the great unknown
Sam did you feel alone
You were so far from home
I never knew you
But I know you’re the best man I know
Could you tell it was time
See it coming in the back of your mind
When it was over, was it over
Sam I’m glad you’re on my side
I don’t know you
I never met you
Can I call you Sam
Did you have a son
A daughter with a little one
I might go and thank Sam you’re the best that we have
You make me happy and sad
If you were here, I’d buy the beers
I’d shake your hand and say good man
And though the sun would shine about the same
It’s a better world because you came
Sincerely yours, my kids will know your name

I’m late sharing this with you, but Miley’s brother and his girlfriend were killed in a motorcycle accident Saturday night.  If you can  please send some good thoughts and/or prayers her way, I know she would appreciate it. 

Thanks everyone. 

Operation Gratitude

Tens of thousands of American Service Members are deployed in hostile and remote regions of the world, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, and on ships throughout international waters. The physical conditions they must endure are difficult and they may be separated from loved ones for long periods of time.

Operation Gratitude seeks to lift morale and put smiles on faces by sending care packages addressed to individual Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed overseas. Operation Gratitude care packages contain food, hygiene products, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love and support.
Through Collection Drives, Letter Writing Campaigns and Donations of funds for shipping expenses, Operation Gratitude provides civilians anywhere in America a way to express their respect and appreciation to the men and women of the U.S. Military in an active, hands-on manner.

Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer corporation, funded entirely by private donations. For safety and security, the assembling of all packages occurs at the Army National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, California.

How You Can Help – Individuals and Organizations

At this time, our most urgent need is for personal letters, hand-made scarves, Beanie Babies and financial donations to pay for postage. 
Scroll Down for Details on these Ways to Help:
1. Donate Financially
2. Organize a Fundraiser
3. Collect:
     Halloween Candy
     Beanie Babies/Webkinz
     Girl/Boy Scout Cookies, Nuts, Popcorn
4. Hand-Made Craft Projects:
      Knit/Crochet Scarves
      Sew Bandana Cool-Ties
      Sew Neck Gaters
      Create Greeting Cards
5. Volunteering at Armory
6. Write Letters:
       To Currently Deployed Service Members
To Veterans of Previous Conflicts
7. Fundraise through Recycling

8. Donate Your Vehicle
9. Fundraise by Searching the Internet and by Shopping
10. Spread the Word
View Operation Gratitude Posters Here.
Email OpGrat@gmail.com if you would like digital files to reproduce copies (designed to print out as 22" x 28").  We will mail the files on a CD.

1. Donate financially by mail or online.
Monetary donations to Operation Gratitude go toward the overall shipping expenses required to send the care packages through the U.S. Postal Service. Our cost for each package averages $11. Operation Gratitude sends approximately 100,000 care packages each year, creating a budget over $1.1 Million per year!  

Your donation of any amount will be greatly appreciated. 
Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3) organization; all donations are tax deductible as provided by law.

Please make checks payable and send to:
Operation Gratitude
16444 Refugio Road
Encino, California 91436
To donate online using SimpleGive, please click here or this Donate Button:

Paypal Donations can be made here: PAYPAL.
TRIBUTES: If you would like to make a donation in someone’s honor or memory, please include the name and address of the person you would like notified (in the designated form field if donating online or on a note if sending a check) and we will mail a beautiful tribute letter to them; donors will receive a letter of acknowledgment for tax purposes.
Every $11 donated sends another care package: You may be able to double or even triple your donation!  Many companies have matching gift programs, which means they’ll match your donation, or maybe even double or triple it!  Please check with your Human Resources/Personnel office to learn if your donation is eligible for a matching donation.
2. Organize a Fundraising Event

If you have an idea for a fundraiser to benefit Operation Gratitude, please email OpGrat@gmail.com
3. Organize a Collection Drive
Collection Drives for Operation Gratitude are an active and fun way for your friends, neighbors, members, scouts and/or students to show their support for our troops.
To begin your Collection Drive:
1. Notify your constituency of the dates, times and location of collection
2. Specify what items you will accept (See Wish List).
3. Encourage donations of Beanie Babies, Candy and Scarves
4. Encourage Writing of personal letters
Please email OpGrat@gmail.com for sample flyers for Operation Gratitude Drives.
A. Halloween Candy:
We welcome your excess Halloween Candy for our care packages!
For flyers and more details, email OpGrat@gmail.com
Check out our Halloween Candy Video on YouTube: Halloween Video
Dentists: Please email OpGrat@gmail.com to participate in a Candy Buy-Back program.
B. Beanie Babies/Webkinz:
We received the following letter from a Marine:
"I live with 17 Marines and Sailors in one room. Everyone got a package and everyone loved it especially the cookies and beanie babies. The cookies are excellent and the beanie babies help us out a lot with the local kids. We give them candy and toys and they give us the location for IED’s. Once again, thank you for everything and for all the hard work that you put into the package. LCPL ND"
Your old Beanie Baby and Webkinz collections can save the lives of our heroes!
Please donate them to our cause–they will be priceless.
C. Girl and Boy Scout Troops:
We are delighted to work with you on a "Troops to Troops" program for your cookie, nut and popcorn sales. Encourage your buyers to purchase additional products to donate to Operation Gratitude for our care packages! Please email vantrump@aol.com for more information and sample flyers. 
* See below for Shipping Instructions

4. Craft Projects:
a) Knit/Crochet Scarves (5-7" Wide, 45-50" long)
***Feel free to use your own "recipe" or see sample below.***
For more information on The Scarf Project, please email: sharhoward39@gmail.com For more ideas: http://www.tropicalyarns.com/index.cfm?PID=22&ProdID=294
We need 60,000 scarves for the holiday packages–please help!
b) Bandana Cool-Tie Project (for summer packages):
Here’s a great craft project for school, scout, social and community groups: Follow these links for patterns and directions.
http://seworganized.com/sewsimple/cooltie.html
http://www.watersorb.com/polymer_cool_neck_bands.htm
Follow this link to buy the water-absorbing polymer granules needed for your Cool Ties: http://www.watersorb.com/mainstore.html
Please use tan, brown, desert camouflage or other neutral colored cotton. No American flag fabric please.
c) Neck Gaiters (Gators) Directions (for the winter packages):
Please see: http://www.uberpest.com/gaiter.html
d) Hand-made Greeting Cards:
We welcome hand-made cards with your personal messages on them or blank cards that the troops can use to write to their loved ones (or to you!).
* See below for Shipping Directions
5. Volunteering at the Armory
If you are in the Southern California area and would like to assist in the packaging of the gift boxes, please contact us for details at: OpGratVolunteer@yahoo.com .  Write "Operation Gratitude Volunteer" in the subject line.
Children 12 years and older are welcome in the armory; 12-16 year old volunteers must have a responsible adult with them on the premises at all times.
For more information, click here: Volunteer Schedule
6. Write Letters
Operation Gratitude strives to include several personal letters in every package that we send.  Help ensure that a Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman knows that you are thinking of them by writing cards or letters. 

What to Write About
Keep your message upbeat and positive
Be thankful ~~ share a little bit of yourself
Ask questions; however, do not discuss death or killing
Avoid politics completely and religion in excess
It’s all about appreciation and respect
Ask yourself:  “Will this letter bring a smile to someone’s face?”
More Helpful Information 
Sample salutations: Dear Hero, Dear Brave One
Include your own mail or email so recipients can choose to reply
No stamps or envelopes are needed
Hand Written letters or cards are most appreciated.
All letters will  be screened—please do not seal envelopes  
If you do not receive a reply, do not be discouraged. 
Remember:  Our troops are busy!  
Where to Send
Operation Gratitude
16444 Refugio Road
Encino, California 91436

We accept letters all year.
Click here for a Letter Writing Flyer: Letter Flyer
7. Fundraise Through Recycling:
Good for the Environment and Good for the Troops!
a) GRC Wireless Recycling will pay Operation Gratitude up to $30 per cell phone, PDA or laptop, and pre-pay the shipping expenses.  GRC can organize a Recycling Campaign for your community, with promotional materials, to benefit Operation Gratitude.  For more information, click here: Wireless Recycling or email: info@grcrecycling.com or call: 877-744-3601. 
GRC will also recycle Ink-Jet cartridges.

b) Access Recycling will pay Operation Gratitude for every used cell phone, ink-jet cartridge, toner cartridge, laptop computer, IPOD, PDA or video received, and will pre-pay the shipping expenses. For more information, click here: Recycle For our Troops!  If you have questions, please contact: gratitude@accessrecycling.com

8. Donate Your Vehicle:
To Cars for Causes–Proceeds will benefit Operation Gratitude!

9. Fundraise While You Search or Shop:
This is a great way to do your everyday shopping and support our troops at the same time! 
a) Operation Gratitude Store: Purchase Operation Gratitude-logo items; $5 of every item purchase is donated to Operation Gratitude.
   b) Buy and Sell on Ebay: 10-100% of auction proceeds are designated to Operation Gratitude.
   c) Purchase a New Cell Phone and $40-50 will be donated to Operation Gratitude!
d) Operation Gratitude Online Shopping Portal connects you to more than 1000 online merchants that provide specials and discounts to our supporters and that also donate a portion of your online purchases back to Operation Gratitude.  
   e) GoodSearch.com is an internet search engine that will donate a penny per search to Operation Gratitude. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results and help us send more care packages to the troops every time you search!  
10. Spread the Word
Please forward this web site to everyone and anyone you know who might be interested in helping Operation Gratitude.
**Shipping Instructions:
All items and letters can be shipped or delivered between September 8–December 5 and from April 1 to May 5 to:

Operation Gratitude/California Army National Guard
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, California 91406
ATTN: Charlie Othold

~Your only shipping cost is in sending the items to Operation Gratitude.
~Financial donations towards the cost ($11) of shipping to troops will be appreciated
~Please mail checks separately from cartons of items.
~All financial donations will be acknowledged by mail.
~If you would like to receive an acknowledgment for donated items, please include your name and email or mailing address inside the shipment (email acknowledgments will help us save the cost of postage!).
~Acknowledgments will be sent within three months.
~If you want confirmation of delivery on your shipment to us, please use the tracking system provided by your shipper.
***Scarf Recipe-Use sport-weight yarn with the Mistake Rib pattern that is simple, gives a little body to the scarf and will not curl!!!  Using an approximate stockinette gauge of 22 stitches/4 inches cast on however many stitches you want for the width of the scarf as a multiple of 4 and then add five more stitches.  For a 4 inches wide scarf, cast-on 24 + 5.  For a 6 inches wide scarf, cast on 32 +5. For a 8 inches wide scarf, cast on 44 + 5. For every row *k2, p2, repeat from * ending with a k1.  The Mistake Rib stitch pattern does not pull in like a 2×2 rib will but it has a great deal of stretchiness and creates an interesting texture and is reversible. 

For legal and security reasons, Operation Gratitude^SM is not at liberty to provide or disclose the names and addresses of service members. For additional information or to discuss your involvement in greater detail, please email OpGrat@gmail.com

Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and patriotic support of our troops!

Today is a rough day, as it is not only Late Wife’s birthday, but also their wedding anniversary. 

When The Vet and Late Wife started dating, she found out she had breast cancer.  Immediately, she had to have a mastectomy, chemo, and radiation.  She told The Vet he could leave the relationship, she would understand.  It was the beginning of a relationship and she knew that was a lot to ask him to take on.

He refused to go.  He stayed and took care of her, through that, through another round of cancer, through another mastectomy, through the cancer spreading, till it took her life after 20 years of marriage.    He also took care of her mother while she lived with them, until she died in his arms. 

I know some folks might question how I can love him, when our age difference is so great.  But who he is makes that melt away.  I love him for who he is.  He is truly one in a million.

Well, she is not doing so great.  She is too weak to work anymore.  And the doctors, while they don’t want to take away all of her hope, they are still being honest with her and telling her that she is not going to beat this.

And, adding insult to injury, her father who has battled prostate cancer, now has to go back through his own radiation again. 

Please send any thoughts and/or prayers you can toward this family that you can.

Thanks.

Courtesy of  Tuesday night’s So You Think You Can Dance.  I loved the routine that was d0ne to this.

2 Steps Away by Patti LaBelle

It’s hard to see the fear inside
As I walk away from you
And distance overcomes the miles
As slowly I pull through
And I cannot reach the world today
Cuz I’m suffering from you
And the more I think, the more I cry
As I walk away from you

[Chorus:]
I’m two steps away
From loneliness
I’m awake
From the mess we made
I’m alive
And I’m feeling incomplete

I don’t understand my life
Or the version that chose you
And the warring hearts and winter came
Now there’s nothing left to do
And I cannot reach the world today
Cuz I’m suffering from two
And the more I think, the more we die
As I walk away from you

[Chorus]

[Bridge:]
I’m two steps away
I’m two steps away
I’m two steps away
I’m two steps away

Two steps away
Two steps away
From loneliness
I’m awake
From the mess we made
I’m alive

Two steps away
Two steps away
Two steps away

I am loving this site, Lift Your Sole.

Who We Are

Welcome to my web site — I am excited to be reaching more people than I have ever had the chance to reach before.

My name is Jill and I live in the Atlanta, GA area where I began making my own jewelry several years ago as an artistic outlet – it was both fun and therapeutic for me. I soon began designing fun, one-of-a-kind hand bags and limited apparel for women.

Like most of my customers, I am also a very active person with a great love for the positive energy that comes from a lifestyle of athletics — and, luckily, I have found that lots of other women connect with the inspirational messages and philosophy in many of my designs.

Along with my husband and trusty dog, I enjoy traveling the country — going to the various races where we get to meet interesting people that possess many of our same passions. I have a great time talking to them and seeing them relate to what I am doing with my jewelry and handbags.

Until this web site went live, I did most of my business at the expos for various races around the country – often teaming up with my good friends at One More Mile running apparel. My approach to business is for you to have a great shopping experience with Lift Your Sole — and that includes being easy to reach by email or phone, offering the option to customize your own jewelry or handbag, having fair prices, and a stress-free return policy. Afterall, “what comes around goes around” and I want you to ‘come around’ often!

If you’re looking for something inspiring and unique for yourself, a friend or a loved one, I hope you’ll find lots of choices here. And please remember, that we offer some custom options in many cases. So please look around as much as you like — and hopefully you’ll find something that “lifts your soul.”

trust your journey
- Jill Taryn