Posted on by ChatterLei

Firsts, Fumbles, and Faith

This blogger’s thoughts hits home for me and gives me hope, as I, too, have a chronic illness. I look forward with great anticipation to the quality people President Trump will pull together for his cabinet while serving his second and final term.

I have some observations on the election. It’s neither celebratory nor mournful, as my preferred candidate was not on the ballot. I know some people are hurting, scared, and sad or feeling especially sensitive. Don’t feel obligated to read. This was simply my own personal exercise in processing my thoughts, which I’m only sharing only […]

Firsts, Fumbles, and Faith
Posted on by ChatterLei

Time is of the Essence

Do you need time?

Yes! In fact, I was late to work this morning because I was not going to miss my opportunity to vote!

I was the fourth person in line to vote at my precinct’s assigned voting location.

It was a very chilly morning! Coats were appropriate attire

It felt so good to mark my ballot to vote for freedom and for someone who will always put America first!

Did you vote??

Posted on by ChatterLei

Divider or Uniter?

I have read recently from a couple of the many blogs that I follow, some of the “divisive” quotes by former President Trump over the years. I could not help but remember there have been “unifying” quotes by him, as well. So, I searched.

Here are 10 political unifying quotes attributed to Donald Trump over the years:

1. “We will not be divided. We will be united.”
   Source: Campaign rally, October 2016.

2. “We are all Americans, and we need to come together.”
   Source: Inaugural address, January 20, 2017.

3. “Our country is going to be a place of unity, hope, and love.”
   Source: Speech at a national prayer service, January 2017.

4. “Together, we will make America great again.”
   Source: Campaign slogan, 2016.

5. “This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.”
   Source: Inaugural address, January 20, 2017—contextual focus on unity against division.

6. “We are one nation and one people.”
   Source: Speech at the Oval Office, 2018.

7. “We can accomplish anything if we work together.”
   Source: Speech on the economy, 2018.

8. “We must stand together to defend our values.”
   Source: Speech to the United Nations, September 2017.

9. “Our nation is resilient, and we will not be broken.”
   Source: Address after a national tragedy, 2017.

10. “In America, we have the chance to create a bright and wonderful future for all.”
   Source: Rally speech, 2018.*

These are a few unifying quotes that he made in 2023:

1. “We must come together as Americans, regardless of our backgrounds.”
   Source: Campaign rally in Iowa, September 2023.

2. “Unity is our strength, and together we will overcome any challenge.”
   Source: Speech in New Hampshire, October 2023.

3. “In this great nation, we have more in common than what divides us.”
   Source: Address at a veterans’ event, August 2023.

4. “We need to heal our country, and that starts with coming together.”
   Source: Campaign speech in South Carolina, July 2023.

5. “Let’s unite for a brighter future for all of us.”
   Source: Rally in Florida, June 2023.*

6. “America thrives when we work together as one people.”
   Source: Speech at a Republican fundraiser, May 2023.

After a dominant victory at the Iowa caucuses 2024:

“I really think this is time now for everybody, our country, to come together,” Trump told exuberant supporters at his watch party in Des Moines, Iowa. “We want to come together, whether it’s a Republican or a Democrat or liberal or conservative. It would be so nice if we could come together and straighten out the world and straighten out the problems and straighten out all of the death and destruction that we’re witnessing.”

  Source: Fox News report by Chris Pandolfo Fox News Published January 16, 2024 9:55am EST

Also, a great report by Larry Cudlow, especially the last paragraph:

https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/larry-kudlow-republican-donor-class-coming-home-trump?origin=serp_auto

There are divisive and unifying quotes by his opponent, as well. You can find whatever you are searching for about either former President Trump or VP Harris.

Choosing which candidate to vote for comes down to what they speak and do that resinates with you according to your family background, upbringing, life experiences, beliefs, etc. Also, it is about what you believe they have already done for or to our country. Plus, it has somewhat to do with what character flaws you are willing to overlook in order to vote for either of them.

The important thing is to make a choice and VOTE on Tuesday!!!

Posted on by ChatterLei

The Funeral

Jackson

My thoughts as the funeral is taking place today:

A snapshot of life….we all in this chapel share this moment in time at the funeral of my coworker’s teenage son. As we listen to the heartfelt tributes and memories, through tears and moments of laughter, together as friends, family, and even complete strangers, it is a bonding moment that will pass when we exit this room. But, for a moment, we are bonded together listening as the family tries to keep this young man’s memory alive.

I believe there is an amazing family reunion on the other side of heaven, just like there is on this side. The veil between heaven and earth seems thin when a family member passes from this life to the next.

A great story from one of this young man’s aunts is after Jackson’s passing, when her husband, Jackson’s uncle, asked through the air looking upward, “Jackson, if you are there, make it smell like skunk.” Unbeknownst to the aunt that this request took place several minutes earlier, she walked over to the part of the house where her husband was so she could tell him that there was a strong smell of skunk outside and she was worried there might be a skunk in the back yard. Her husband told her about the request. They embraced and cried together in that moment of reassurance.

It seems Jackson’s two brothers who are speaking today are on the autism spectrum. One is back briefly from his mission in Brazil. Their words are serious, enunciated clearly, and very loving. Jackson’s passing leaves a large hole in their lives.

Jackson’s parents are speaking. They have so much strength.  They talk of angels. Jackson’s heart had no boundaries. He was fun and adventurous. He loved the outdoors and his family. They know they will see him again. Families are forever.

A funeral is an interesting spiritual experience. It fosters connections, strengthens family bonds, increases knowledge and understanding of those who have passed, and stirs our own reflection of life and how we have lived so far. Jackson was a stranger to me but has a spirit I can relate to. I love the outdoors and wish I would have been able to explore and have more adventures camping and hiking like Jackson.

What a beautiful tribute from a family about a young life lived to the fullest.

It is raining now as the family heads to the cemetery, Jackson’s final resting place. The weather seems fitting for the feelings of sadness that accompany a day such as this. I hope his family will take comfort in the memory of seeing so many friends and loved ones who filled the chapel today in loving support.

Posted on by ChatterLei

Happy Halloween!

Welcome!

Only one problem! We can’t get our front door to open. Tonight, Halloween Night, of all nights.

That’s OK. I brought my bucket of candy outside so I can meet the goals and goblins outside. While my husband works furiously to get the door unstuck!

It is a chilly 39 degrees. Hope the kiddos are all bundled up!

Posted on by ChatterLei · 2 Comments

Blessed!

Describe a family member.

Our Colorful Corner of the World

This beautiful Sunday morning, as I look out the back door at this corner of our yard, my thoughts are drawn to the beauty of change, the clouds in the sky, the mostly empty flower pots, and the raised garden box, which contains one last 2-inch long zucchini that I was hoping would beat the first freeze of the year. It did not. We will be pulling that plant out today.

My husband built the raised garden box, so gardening would be more comfortable for us as we age. Every spring he helps me plant vegetables, usually two tomato plants – cherry tomatoes and an early girl or big boy plant, a sweet pepper, a zucchini, a cantaloupe, and a couple of herb plants. I like onions, carrots, radishes, peas, and beans, too. Over the years, we have planted these in the box or the ground if the garden box is too full for all of the veggies and fruits we want to plant.

He is the type to keep the garden and all of the flowers watered, dead-headed, and/or weeded, as necessary, yet gives me the credit for our garden and flowers. Isn’t that sweet of him?!

He is a hard worker – definitely not lazy. He is kind to me, never mean. He has a disability, but does not let that stop him from doing all he can within his limitations. He gets a little discouraged sometimes because he can’t do all that he wants to do, but he rarely shows bitterness or frustration. He just keeps pushing through, sacrificing time and energy for me and our family.

He has MS, has had several back and neck surgeries, has nearly died twice from necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria) once in each leg, has had nine (yes nine!) knee replacements and removals due to MRSA infections (four surgeries in one knee and five in the other), not to mention bladder cancer and congestive heart failure. He has had other surgeries and has other health concerns, but you get the point.

It is amazing to me that he still functions at the level he does. Walking mostly with a walker now, he gets around pretty well. I think anyone else would be in a wheelchair or bed ridden by now.

When I was diagnosed with MS, thirteen years ago, ten years after my husband’s MS diagnosis, I was shocked and scared, but I had a wonderful example to follow. He learned to accept it and not let it stop him. I realized I could accept my diagnosis and learn to live with it, as well.

My favorite thing is when Joe walks out of the bathroom with my hairbrush in his hand, sits on the couch in the living room, and motions for me to sit on the floor in front of him so he can brush my hair while we talk. It is a very loving, kind gesture that I will never tire of and always feel gratitude for, especially after I have had a long day at work.

He shows me and our family unconditional love, kindness, generosity and sacrifice of time and energy, how to roll with the punches, and get back up every time he gets knocked down (or falls down). He loves the Lord and his family. I feel so blessed he is my husband and want to be like him when I grow up! 😉 ❤️

Posted on by ChatterLei · 2 Comments

Gone Too Soon

My newest coworker is happily married. She and her husband both have good jobs. They have three sons. The oldest son has been on a mission in Brazil for their church for over a year. The second oldest son is a senior in high school. The youngest is a junior at the same high school. They are a happy family living the American dream, with a house, two cars, and a dog. Until…

Last night, just before midnight, their American dream became a nightmare….

This morning, when I arrived at work, it was shared with me that my coworker’s son (the senior) was killed in a car accident last night.

The news article said a teenager driving a small car on a highw]ay crossed over the center line, crashing head-on into a pickup truck, killing himself, and the 28-year-old male driver of the truck. Neither driver was wearing a seatbelt.

This young man’s tragic death is worsened by the fact he and his girlfriend were in a fight not long before the accident. The girlfriend is devastated and feels her life has been shattered.

My coworker and her husband, this young man’s parents, are beyond grief-stricken, as you can imagine. No parent should ever have to lose a child. I think of all of this boy’s family, friends, classmates, and neighbors, whose lives have been touched by him. Those who want, but will never get, to see him again, at least in this lifetime. My heart breaks for them, all.

Give your loved ones an extra tight hug tonight. You never know when it just might be their last.

Posted on by ChatterLei · 1 Comment

Me and Olive

My daughter is the one who started naming her cars and encouraged us to name ours. My first named car was a pearly white Infiniti. We named her Pearl. It was a perfect fit. After Pearl there was our Red Chrysler 300 named Ruby. She was my favorite car. What a beauty! I guess it’s ok to have favorite cars since they are inanimate objects with no feelings, right?

So, we traded Ruby for a black GMC truck we just named Jet, and we bought a little Black Kia Niro that we use for delivering Uber Eats and Door Dash. Her name is Olive. She is a hybrid that gets super good gas mileage in town at 44 mpg.

Yesterday, Me and Olive (yes, I know it should be Olive and I) went through the drive-through at Culver’s for a single-scoop Flavor-of-the-Day treat. The total for my order was just over three dollars. I handed my debit card to the bubbly girl at the window. She ran the card, but did not immediately hand it back to me. She got a look of concern on her face and started talking to a coworker.

It wasn’t difficult to guess what happened. She looked my way and apologized. I asked (for confirmation) what had happened. She explained that she accidentally charged my card for an order that was not mine. I asked how much the order was. She said it was just over $17. Gulp!

Behind her, there was a conversation taking place between a young man and an older female coworker. I could hear just enough to catch that he may have been the reason for the mistaken charge on my card.

I turned my attention back to the bubbly but concerned young lady, who was still waiting for a manager to come from the back to help her solve this issue. I said I would just pay for that order. A look of relief washed over her. She asked if I was sure. My thought was, well, either I need to pretend I just purchased a single scoop of ice cream at a county fair price or we wait for who knows how much longer for someone to come to the rescue. I replied that I was sure, asking which car behind me made the purchase I was paying for. (It didn’t really make a difference other than to satisfy my curiosity.) She said it was the car directly behind mine. She then said that was so nice of me! All of her bubbly happiness had returned and was oozing out through that little window. Since i was paying for that order, she was going to give me my ice cream for free!

Just then, the manager appeared from the back. She explained to him our plan, but he put the money back on my card and charged me the $3 for my melted ice cream. The store was not going to lose money on this manager’s watch. Nope!

The people in the car behind me were none the wiser. I am sure their patience was growing thin as they wondered what could be taking so long, not knowing they almost had their meal for free. All because one young man in the chain tapped my order on the screen too soon. 

As Olive and I pulled away, I hoped they were not impatient with the bubbly girl at the window. I also started thinking about how we are all links in chains of events… each link, an important part of the chain….  

Posted on by ChatterLei

So Much Love

Last night, I was making a delivery in a neighborhood I did not recognize. It seemed like several neighborhoods together covering one large area. My directions seemed to be unclear as I was driving. I pulled over to the right next to some houses and a one story small building so I could get a better idea of where I was in comparison to my destination. 

I pulled over next to a car that was parked at the end of an island. We were both perpendicular to this long island, which is located as a divider between two roads. (This was a fancy neighborhood.)

My attention was on the map on my phone when I noticed out of the corner of my eye two people exiting the building. I realized it was a hair salon and the two people walking to the car next to me were my parents!

I had gotten out of my car and walked up toward the building where I was standing in the shade talking with my mom. My dad slowly walked around the drivers side toward the back of their car and lifted the hatch so he could place his walker behind the back seat of their small SUV. He was smiling. I called out to him to be careful. I turned and smiled at my mom and noticed how nice her new haircut was. I looked back at my dad, who seemed so content.

Next thing I know, they are in their vehicle slowly driving away. I waved, still smiling, because it was so nice to see them unexpectedly.

Just then, my alarm went off. It was morning already. I hit snooze, lay back on my pillow and started thinking about my day. What day is it? Oh, yes, it is Tuesday. My husband needs me to wake him before I leave for work today. And, I need to leave a little early from work so that I have time to pick up my mom and take her… to get her hair cut.

Then, the realization washes over me. It was a dream. But, it was SO real. My dad was alive and smiling. But, it was just a dream. The reality is that he is gone. He has been gone since January. My eyes welled up with tears. I could not stop them. So much love was quietly spilling out and running down my cheeks. It happens frequently these days.

This is only the second time I have seen my dad in a dream. The first time did not leave such a feeling of longing for him to still be in my life. To be there to talk to whenever I want to. To see his smile. To feel my own smile and happiness.

There will be an underlying current of sadness as I go about my day today, but also a belief that I know my dad is in a better place. A happy place, which pulls the corners of my mouth upward. It’s ok to smile at the thought of him in a better place, free of pain and challenges.

Yes, it is OK to smile….

Posted on by ChatterLei

Fantasy Football

Points on the Bench

The only good thing is that my team is on a bye this week. This is my lowest score so far. Look at the points I left on my bench this week! Kirk Cousins exploded, earning him 70 points… and there those points sit… on my bench.

Before I picked up Carr, I had Aaron Rogers. I traded Rogers for him because all three of my Quarterbacks at the time (Rogers, Cousins, and Allen) have a bye on week 12. After trading Rogers out, I checked Carr’s “Bye” week… I could not believe it. Yep, you guessed it… week 12! I suppose I will have to deal with that, but I will take care of it when week 12 gets closer.

My thought when Fantasy Football began was that Allen would be my primary quarterback. Though, I really like Kirk Cousins. I followed him last year when he was QB for the Vikings. Since it is a BYE week for me, it would have been a good week to move Cousins to the QB spot. Little did I know it would have been a FANTASTIC week to move him to the active QB position.

Earlier in our marriage, my husband really liked to watch football. I didn’t mind it, but, all the time? Really? Cut to today…

Now, I am the one who does not want to miss any games. We laugh over the fact I am sitting here cheering on my team while my husband sits quietly watching and listening while I cheer or complain about those stupid holding penalties… speaking of holding penalties… You know, these are grown men. PRO football players. They know the rules! WHY? Why are there SO MANY penalties for HOLDING? Can anyone tell me?? WHY??? That creates a little bit of a passionate response from me. How many plays or touchdowns have been brought back because of a “holding” call?

Anyway, how is your team doing this year? Good luck!

Posted on by ChatterLei

Unexpected Drive

Today, I accepted my second Amazon Flex block ever. It was a 4-hour block that paid $95. When my husband and I pulled into the lane as directed in the outdoor Amazon loading dock, I was happy to see only two bins of packages for me to deliver today. I proceeded to scan and load the packages into my car, Olive. (She is little and black, so her name is perfect! And, did I mention she gets 45mpg in town? 37mpg on the highway? Yes!) 

As I started sorting the envelopes into the plastic tote to keep them from getting lost amongst the boxes, I noticed one was addressed to a lady in Inkom and one in Pocatello. Turns out that all of the packages were going to Pocatello or Inkom. What!? I had to drive an hour before I could even start delivering?! That was unexpected. I thought all of the deliveries I would be doing as a flex driver would be local. I wasn’t so sure it was worth the money.

Especially when at one of the last stops, I had a huge scare… my first run-in with not just one, but two huge dogs! Rottweilers? Mastiffs? One of each? I am not sure, but they each had a bark like they could take me down and eat me in one gulp! Maybe two or three.

I had walked warily past the beware of dogs sign, up the steps, and onto the large deck toward the front door. I paused before reaching out to knock, as I could see that the door behind the heavy old-fashioned wooden blue painted screen door was open.

They must have heard my approach. Just then, the first dog flew through the unlatched screen door, throwing it open so hard it slammed against the house. I was surprised, but honed in on his barking mouth. He did not bare his teeth or foam at the mouth as he ran past me, rather than straight at me. In that split second, I figured I would be ok. Until… the second dog came barreling through the screen door at break-neck speed. I prepared for the worst. My entire body tensed, waiting for the bite. My arm? My leg? Would he jump at me to attack? Nope. He ran right past me, barking louder than his buddy.

At the same moment, his owner with a gray scraggly beard appeared at the door. Walking through the door, he gently placed his hand on my shoulder to calm me. (I am sure I looked petrified.)

His wife, not much taller than those big dogs, followed behind him and said, “The dogs won’t bite. They are friendly.”

I exhaled, forced a smile, said thank you, and handed her the bubble-padded envelope. She walked with me back to my car parked in the dirt driveway a fair distance from her front door. Her husband secured the dogs near the house.

I opened my car door and melted into my seat, finally able to breathe normally. I backed us down the driveway and out onto the road. The shaking and teary eyes could not be helped as my body was relieved of the tension and added adrenaline that was released in my “flight or fight” moment.

Those famous last words were playing over and over in my head, “Get a gun.” Meaning a stungun for protection from animals. If only I could remember the one recommended to me before I decided to start delivering with Amazon.

The positives from today were the beautiful fall weather, the view, not becoming lunch for those two dogs, and having my husband with me. Days like today make me feel like I want to travel.

Beautiful Colors