On May 1st last year, without a lot of ceremony, Wes decided he wasn't going to take any more. No more excuses for his size or health. He decided to take it all into his own hands. This video is his story...(By the way, it's time for him to update this since it's been about 6 months since this video was made.)

(I found out after posting that due to him using a song owned by WMG you have to click and view on YouTube...please do. It's worth it)

People ask me sometimes if he is sick because he lost so much. I always get what kind of diet is he on or what is he taking to lose weight. Here's the big secret...I don't really cook anything special. He eats what we eat. Dietary here's the deal. He does not drink pop (or soda if you live in certain areas). He stays as far away from HFCS has he can...that's High Fructose Corn Syrup. The rest is moderation. He doesn't deprive himself of anything (including chocolate). He simply balances it out and doesn't pig out on any one thing. 

  

You're supposed to teach and inspire your children but my son has taught and inspired me for the past couple of years. I've learned from  him to respect yourself and your body for its all you have. I've also learned that if you want something bad enough you have to be willing to make the sacrifices.

Wednesday night, I sent him off on his Senior trip...they're going to Cocoa Beach, Florida. For once he won't be the "fat kid" on the beach. He's going to be one of the best looking, fit young men out there. To top it all off, he's still got that big heart of gold and would do anything to make a child giggle and an old lady smile. He's truly amazing. He's inspirational. He's Wesley Andrew.

Today's homophone...

Remember remember the fifth of November

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason why gunpowder, treason

Shall ever be forgot...

This little poem is recited in the film V for Vendetta but you may not know that this poem actually refers to a real event and person. Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up Parliament with barrels of gunpowder to over throw the government on November 5, 1605. You, however, have probably heard this recited in the film V for Vendetta. It's a dystopian view of the events of Guy Fawkes. V for Vendetta was actually a graphic novel before the movie came out in 2005.  I loved the movie and it's one of those that I watch periodically and love. I know the true story but know that this is a work of fiction but still pretty awesome. Not sure why, but I love a film or book that has you rooting for who essentially is the bad guy.  

There was some great acting in this one but the story line could fit in pretty much any society if you dig deep enough. Truthfully though, the reason I like it so much is that it was one of the first graphic novels that I thought translated very well into the movie genre. (Forgive me Batman)

If you ever get a chance , watch but watch it carefully and keep your mind open. It'll move you...even a little. 

Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

veil (nown) a piece of opague or transparent material worn over the face for concealment.

For Example, No one was able to identify the strange woman with the black veil. 

vale  (noun) the world, or mortal or earthly life

For Example, This vale of tears.

vail (verb) To be of use or profit

For Example, She tried and tried to reach him by phone to no avail. 

I'm uninspired today. I'm getting my son ready for his Senior  trip to Florida. It's amazing how long a 17 year old boy can procrastinate.  We've known this trip was coming for 6 months and at this moment  he's just now washing up his clothes. I worry about him being several states away especially since he can't remember where he puts his wallet half the time. However, I do know that this is a great trip for him and his classmates. In a couple of weeks they graduate and go their separate ways. It'll also be a growth experience for this kid who has grown up in the foothills of Kentucky. Oh he's been out of the state but this will be his first independent trip. Frankly, I think his brothers are just as happy he's going away for a while. Ha! Ha! Senior year has been very focused on him and all his many activities; as it should be and as it will be when Little Bit makes this trip four years from now. 

So this is why I am quite uninspired to post today. I've thought about it several times but couldn't think of a thing except what to remind him to pack. So that is it for tonight. I'll leave you with a picture we snapped this weekend. It was one of those great moments with my guys. I love these moments and so glad I have the pictures to remember them by. I know one day they'll be what I have to hold on to. 

Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

When I was started high school, my mom told me "Whatever you do in high school, make sure you learn typing. If you learn to type, you'll always have a job." Now this was back in the day when you learned to type on an actual typewriter with correction tape and all. I took typing as instructed. I remember my typing teacher hating me. She told me I should look into another skill because I would never make it as a secretary. That's what they were called back in the day. Not Administrative Assistants or any of the other many cool titles. They were secretaries. Let me just say that true secretaries could work circles around the modern day Admin Asst. Anywho, I muddled my way through typing and somewhere along the way I actually picked up the skill. I think my teacher had issues with me because like all things my brain processes them slightly different. Basically, I used the wrong fingers. Seriously, who cares if I don't use my middle finger to type a C? I use my index finger and it works for me. I will have to say  my mother was right. The one thing that got me out of part-time retail jobs and waitress gigs, was that I could type. Eventually, I picked up my speed and now on an average day I type anywhere between 60 and 85 wpm. Not that I actually use it at my day job now but it comes in handy when I'm on a roll with a story idea or a poem or just a rant about any number of thing. 

So just as my mother advised, I always tell the younger folk (ok my kids) to learn typing...or rather keyboarding as it is now. The odd thing is though, is that they really don't teach it at my kids school. Weird I know. I mean they learn computer skills as soon as the cut the cord these days but no keyboarding. So I found a way to at least work on it with them at home. There's several programs out there that teach typing. They've all got their pros and cons. Mostly the price tag. But there's also several great websites that have typing games that challenge and teach anyone and everyone to type or improve their typing. 

http://www.freetypinggame.net/

Whatever you decide to get into in life, it never hurts to learn the keyboard. I'm glad I listened to my mother for at least one thing she told me in life. Well, ok, more than one thing but typing or keyboarding or whatever it is you want to call it, is now one of those essential skills that comes in handy for everyone. 

Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

There (adverb) describes a location

For example, You can find your shoes over there.

Their (possessive adjective) belongs to someone or something.

For example, The readers waited anxiously for their next blog post to be read. 

They're ( short form "they are") 

For example, They're not always allowed to run freely around the blogsphere.

(This version is not from the movie. It's Kristen Bourke's audition apparently. I own none of this material. The song is owned by Disney as well as Mary Poppins it self. The talent is owned by these fine actors. I was unable to share Disney's version due to restrictions)

Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

So (adverb) to the extent or degree indicated or suggested.

For example, Don't read so fast. 

Sew (verb) to join or attach by stitches

For example, I'll have to sew the seat of his pants after he ripped the pocket off.

Sow (verb) to scatter seed over land, earth, etc., for growth; to plant.

For example, The old farmer is tossing seeds across the dirt to sow his crops.

Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

rein (noun) a leather strap, fastened to each end of the bit of a bridle to control a horse or other animal.

For example: The farmer tugged forcefully on the reins to bring the giant horse to a halt .

rain (noun) water that is condensed from vapor into the atmosphere and falls to earth in drops.

For example: The rain washed all the pollen from the cars.

reign (verb) to possess or exercise sovereign power or authority.

For example: Doctor Who reigns as the leading expert on Wibbley-Wobbly Timey-Wimey. 

I've written before about the great state I live in, Kentucky. I think I've also mentioned I'm a transplant - city girl gone country. Of course, when some hear country they think of a quaint little place off the beaten path. Today I realized something. I realized what quaint really is and yes, I do live in quaint. Well, actually I live on the Ridge (Pond Ridge to be exact) but it is the epitome of quaint.

Speaking of the little country store, we have one "up the road a piece, down through the holler". They know me there. They know my boys. They know my Momma & my Daddy.  They even know my aunt who passed away 18 years ago. It never fails when I go in that I hear "How's your momma?" When I'm solo or minus a boy or two, Pete, who owns the country grocery (which by the way is there everyday including Sundays when they open at one) always asks "Where's that boy of yours?". They always ask how everyone is and always remember what's been going on. Heck! They still have charge accounts for the locals. Like I said, it's quaint. 

I moved here thinking it was a temporary place to rest until moving on to bigger and better (aka more exciting) things. It was too quaint for my taste. Today, it's perfect. Sure. It's the Bible Belt but I've grown to know that's not such a bad thing. This county, and the ones east, south, and west of here, are dry...no, it's not a drought...that means no alcohol sales since I guess the prohibition days. Don't worry...go one county north and you can have your B, double e, double r, u, n (or wine if you prefer). Like I said, it's quaint. 

Now I know what you're thinking. Do we have any modern pleasantries? I said quaint not ancient. We have running water, electricity, internet, and Dish. Heck! We even have WiFi at the local MickeyDs in town and paved roads too. 

I work 30 miles from home in a growing town that's practically a grown up city these days. After a long day in my cinder block office and asphalt everywhere, my 30 to 40 minute drive I get to mental let go of it all so I can relax in my quaint little world. The world where the limestone spring water is sweeter than wine, the air's fresher than any expensive artificial air freshener, and the natural landscape is better than any manicured garden. 

Yes, it's quaint. It's my quaint little heaven complete with a mighty acorn tree looking over the Ponderosa. You can have the concrete jungle if you prefer. I'll keep my quaint world if you don't mind. 

Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

quartz (noun) Common mineral, having many varieties that differ in color, luster, etc...a crystal

For example: The ornate pendant was absolutely glowing when the sunlight hit the stunning quarts center piece. 

quarts (noun) a unit of measure for either liquid or dry material. 

For example: The remaining vinegar mixture filled 4 quarts worth of plastic baggies. 

But I'm not going to just leave you with my whiny ramblings. The following video is of Andrew Bird singing and playing "Oh No". If you've never heard him, you are in for a treat. He's a talented musician, singer, and even whistler. (Hey that really takes talent). This song just makes me feel mellow today. Hope you enjoy and tomorrow I'll bring back the cheer and sunshine. Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

Overdo (used with or without an object) to do in excess, over indulge.

For example: Even though she only works out before spring, Betty tends to overdo her workouts when Thelma comes over. 

Overdue (adjective) to long awaited, needed or expected.

For example: Mark ups for the edits of his new novella were long overdue and might not make it back into for the presses to roll. 

I'm not sure why but this past year or so I've been giddy over ninjas. I even have a tiny ninja in my desk at work. No one else at work sees the humor in my tiny drawer ninja but he puts a smile on my face so it's all good. While we're on the subject of ninjas, I want to share a site for a webcomic by a talented young lady (and geek extraordinaire) by the name of Jenny M. Stead. Here webcomic, Ninja'd is cute story about an artist trying to find her place in the world when some of her characters come together to try to help her. Needless to say mayhem ensues. 

I won't go into the characters themselves in this post but I will go into a little about Jenny M. Stead. She's quite talented and I recently got to meet her at the first ever Lexington Comiccon in Lexington, Kentucky. Her personality matches her characters to a T! She's a bubbly firecracker in a tiny little package with a smile that makes instantly like her. She open's her mouth and starts talking no matter what the subject matter, (one particular conversation went into great detail about who Joss Wedon may kill off in the Avenger's), her entire aura lights up and pulls you into her bubbly little world. It was such a pleasure to talk with her. Jenny not only does this great webcomic (which are also available in print at her online store) but she also does freelance work. You can checkout some of her work at both deviantArt and cargocollective.com/jennymstead. 

Take a second or two to check out some of her work. It's worth the time. Drop her a line and let her know how great she's doing. Who knows! You might just find she could create something amazing for your blog or site. 

Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

Neigh (verb) to utter the cry of a horse; whinny

For example: The colt let out a weak neigh as he searched for his mother in the cool mist of the morning rain. 

Nay (noun) a negative vote or voter.

For example: The people of the small county were ready for change. Not one nay vote was cast to lift the alcohol ban. 

The second week of the challenge has come to a close. We've made it almost halfway through. YIPPY! I hope everyone is having fun and getting into a rhythm. Today I want to share some of my poetry. I don't consider myself a poet but from time to time something simply sings into my head until I give it life; thus, a poem is born. This I jotted down while administering the ACT testing. Long story short: I rattled of M words thinking of a theme and I kept telling myself "maybe you could do this" or "maybe you could do that". Well, Maybe Today was born. It's rough but I hope you enjoy. I'm sure, knowing me I'll tweak it a million times and still look to improve it. I'm trying to learn to share the poetry so I can learn and grow with it. Enjoy. Please let me know what you think...either comment or send me a message. Positive or negative. Constructive input is always welcomed. (And don't worry, I'm not quitting my day job)

Maybe Today -by Catherine Russell

Maybe today I'll get out of bed

Stretch my bones and scratch my head

Maybe today I'll make my move

Step to the right and find my groove.

Maybe today I'll find my calling

Instead of always tripping and falling.

Maybe today I'll find a cure

For all the evils that might occur.

Maybe today my words will come

And all the walls will be undone.

Maybe today my mind will free

those bits of darkness trapped in me. 

Maybe today my heart will beat

strong enough to move these feet.

Maybe today I'll find the motivation 

to free my soul from captivation.

Maybe today I'll see the sun

And remember the days filled with fun.

Maybe today I'll see my reflection

And gaze upon that creamy complextion.

Maybe today I'll remember it's all a gift

And let my mind escape this rift.

Maybe today I'll release a smile

And let the others ponder for a while

Maybe today I'll feel his love

Wrapping me tightly like a warm silk glove.

Maybe today I'll just sit here alone

and think of things I should've done.

Maybe today I'll simply blend

Watching the trees as they sway in the wind.

Maybe today I'll breath in deep

And all my hidden secrets I shall keep.

Maybe today I'll find a surprise

And guard it well behind these eyes. 

Maybe today I'll open my heart

And begin to play my living part.

Maybe today I'll find my light

Maybe, just maybe I might. 

(sole property of author. May not be reproduced without expressed written consent of author)

Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

Mourning (noun) the conventional manifestation of sorrow or lamentation.

For example: Many bloggers find themselves in a state of mourning after the April blogging challenge is over. 

Morning (noun) the first part or period of the day, extending from dawn or from midnight, to noon. 

For example: When early light creeps into the kitchen from the east, I know that mourning has come to say hello. 

Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

Lase (verb) to give off coherent light, as in a laser.

For Example: The ophthalmologist lased off the bad layer of the cornea. 

Lays (verb) to put or place in a horizontal position or position of rest.

For Example: When she gets tired of blogging she lays her head down on her desktop.

Laze (verb) to idle or lounge lazily

For Example: The dog was to tired to do anything but laze around the front porch.  

Leis. (noun) Hawaiian Island wreath of flowers, leaves, etc for the neck or head.

For Example: They were met at the airport by beautiful women placing leis around their necks. 

I'm going to take today to introduce my Old Kentucky Home.These pictures can't even begin to touch how beautiful Kentucky truly is. I moved here about two decades ago (wow! It sounds so long ago when I see it in print). The first thing I noticed was the rolling hills and that the grass really was blue - well, ok, not really. It's green. In the spring, the bluegrass produces bluish purple buds that when seen from across a large field gives off a blue tint. It's a different kind of blue than the sky but one thing you learn if you stand still in Kentucky for more than 10 seconds, everything in Kentucky is blue...the grass, the skies, the ball team, and everyone bleeds blue...True Blue! 

Some of Kentucky's claims to fame include:

Nappy Roots - My Old Kentucky Home 

Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

knead (verb) to work (dough, clay, etc) into a uniform mixture by pressing, folding, and stretching.

For example: Mom took her bad mood out on the large ball of dough as she kneaded it for an hour. 

kneed (idiom) "bring someone to his/her knees" to force someone into submission or compliance by force.

For example: It only took Jack 5 seconds to give in to Jayne's demands after she kneed him ever so hard. 

And the following, while not spelled with a K, can be confused with the above: 

need (noun) necessity arising from the circumstances of a situation or case

For example: There is no need to worry. Everyone will make it to the end of the challenge.