please read this.

My friend has been dealing with a lot. Her 16 year old autistic child has been bullied mercilessly for years…even more so now that he is out of the closet. He wrote this letter and asked his mom to post it.

Please. Go forth and read it. Know that no matter what you believe is morally right…that nothing justifies the torment this child has been put through.

 I am disgusted that in this FREE COUNTRY we are tormenting people who love differently, who process information differently and who believe differently.

We are tormenting people for being different. For standing up for what they believe to be right, even if it goes against the majority. We are bullying people to change who they are or to keep their mouths closed or to fake their way through life in order to protect themselves.

What bothers me the most? Most of these people call themselves Christian. Well, if God is love…then what the hell kind of message are these “Christians” sending when they beat up on on an a gay, autistic kid?  Or whoever else they decide to bully just because they are different.

Disgusting.

And on a similar subject, please read this letter to Ann Coulter, written by a 30 year old man with Down’s Syndrome. Ann is another bully…and for some reason, she has power to stir up followers. Remember folks, your words and actions have power. Can you live with the results? 

Round 2

Boot(y)camp started back again last night. This time, it’s 14 sessions over 8 weeks. Every Monday and Wednesday night (except Halloween and the Wed. prior to Turkey Day)

I’ll admit I was a little, shall we say, lax on my eating and exercising duties during the week and a half hiatus. I had good intentions, but…well, you know that means I’ll see you in Hell on my newly paved road, right?

Anyway, I was dreading the start back because I had been so sloth-like, however, the class went really well. I was able to do more than I was when we left and I wasn’t short of breath like I thought I would be. So, it’s all good and I felt great after it was over.

However, I peed every damn hour and a half last night. WTF?  /TMI

I have to get a little more stringent about my walking/running schedule. I did well for about a month…I think the problem is, I just don’t want to make it a priority. I have to, though. Mainly because I’ve signed up for the Half Marathon and I’m not gonna go down without a fight.

Okay, I’m off like a prom dress! See you guys tomorrow!

Yeah. It was that good.

Seriously, I had one of the best weekends ever.

Robyn’s little girl turned 13 on Saturday so we decided to surprise her with donuts, balloons and a yard full of decorated pumpkins.

Operation Pumpk’d was a great success!

After our pumpkin shenanigans, we all headed to Chili Fights in the Heights, then back to da Godfodda’s house for some foozball, ribs and beverages.


and lots of smiles.

Yesterday was a John Deere day…probably the last mow of the season. It was a gorgeous day to ride around and I did it with a smile.

Hope y’all had as awesome of a weekend as I did. xoxo

Glitter Pumpkins!!

Look what I’m gonna do tonight!

Y’all have a great weekend. It’s supposed to be beautiful and cool here. I foresee one last date with John Deere. Who knows, maybe can do some burninatin’, too!

will lightning strike twice?

Yesterday I had a writing breakthrough. It was really weird because I’ve tried to make myself write this story that’s been haunting me for more than a year, but the reality is, I haven’t been able to do it. I have barely written anything in almost 2 years (maybe more). I actually thought maybe I was done. Maybe I had accomplished what I was supposed to with BITE ME and LOVE SUCKS, and it was time to focus my creative energy elsewhere.

And then yesterday happened.

Is my writing drought over? I have no idea. But for the first time in a LONG DAMN TIME I am excited about a story…and I am excited about writing.

I’m so glad I haven’t lost that part of my life, after all.

be the spark(le)

Today’s Note from the Universe:

There are only 3 things that can make your dreams come true, Melissa: your thoughts, your words, and your actions.

Be the spark,
    The Universe

Thanks. I kinda needed that reminder.

Not only shall I be the Spark(le) today. But I think I shall also be bold.

Now go forth, and join me in the sparkle.

very smart

I have no car payment…and I haven’t had one in years. You would think this would be fabulous…except I’m paying out the wazoo (official term) for gas.

THIS is what I want to get. No I’m not kidding.  Yes, in these colors…light blue with a red interior and red top. (Carpet matches the drapes, HEY OH!) With the estimated car payment and gas combined would be less than what I’m paying now.

You know my MELF license plate will look awesome on this baby. You also know I’ll look awesome driving this baby around…

Fingers crossed we can work something out. The fact that the closest dealer is in Jackson, MS sucks, but hey, that would give me just one more reason to stop by Oxford and play on my way home, right?

Rocket Mom!

It’s homecoming night for Catholic High, and I’m in full Rocket Mom mode. Well, I will be around 2:00, anyway. I’m not going to the game, but I’m sure Rader will. I volunteered to help set up. The alumni association is providing burgers and dogs and drinks for everyone. Kinda cool, really.

The Arkansas State Fair starts this weekend. I’m sad I won’t be going this year because the boys and I had tons of fun last year sampling all the fried food on a stick. I really could go for a corndog and a fried twinkie. And I do love me some people watching. Wow. It’s even better than people watching at an outdoor concert by the river!

Here’s some fair pics from 2008:

 Connor and Rader. Can’t believe these two kids are now 6ft+ tall.
 Bacon and Chocolate. Gross.
Fried Twinkie. Divine.
Here’s some pics from 2011:

Heh. Too fun. Dammit Janet! I want a corn dog!

swag

For those of you concerned about my son losing his sense of style because he is required to wear a shirt with a collar and a tie…Fear Not.

Rader in the past:

Rader today:

Aw yeah. Swagger. You’re doin’ it right.

best concert ever

First of all, Wow.

Seriously, Pat Benatar? You are amazing.

And Asian Steve Perry Arnel Pineda? You blew me away. (Also, I know you’re Filipino but last night you were Asian Steve Perry and that’s who you will be from now on. You’re welcome.)

I seriously think this was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. And trust me, I’ve been to plenty.

The problem with awesome concerts like that one? Well, I’m not 18 anymore. Now that didn’t stop me from dancing like I was….

or howling singing like I was:

But when my alarm went off this morning, I felt closer to 81 than 18.

We had a great night.

Now somebody bring me my geritol and hoveround. AND GET OFF MY LAWN!