Today, Death is Viewed Differently by All

With the death of Terri Schiavo today, one can't help but be affected in some way by the question of death -- whether or not you agreed with Terri's feeding tube finally being pulled on last time almost 2 weeks ago. It was just such a merciless death...one in the end she had to suffer through starvation due to the lack of nutrients being fed into her body, as well as the lack of water. Everyone has known the feeling of hunger and thirst. Can you imagine going through it for days on end??? The least that they could have done is given her half a chance by, at least, giving her water so that her body would have not known that added suffering and pain.

Terri Schiavo will be for-ever engrained in our minds. It is a shame that she had to suffer so. May she rest in peace finally and God be wrapping his everloving arms around her and she be singing with the angels on this and everyday forward. Amen.

BUMPER STICKER - Real Men Like Cats!

Like the "Real Men Like Quiche" quip, seeing this bumper sticker made me chuckle hard.

Many of my male friends are dog people; not cat people. -- A friend's son stays with me and insists that he is a dog person and not a cat person when my daughter brought in a cat into the house. I told him that people CAN be both cat people and dog people, but he insists that they can't be; they have to be one thing or another.

Perhaps, that is in the male world though, because I certainly pull the exception to the rule and I am such a person - a cat and a dog person... I love both... I love animals period.

Oh, well... it certainly was a bumper sticker that brightened my day today.

(CJ Paper) Criminal Justice eJournaling

Professional Journaling: Criminal Justice Bound

Writing is definitely my forte. I found this out long ago in Elementary, Junior High, and High School when I would have a love to research and write papers about any subject set forth in front of me vs. creating a visual project (if given a choice). In High School, it was more evident through the Senior level of English courses wherein we were required to journal throughout our enriched English courses. Through journaling, I discovered that it was a valuable tool to re-discover myself, who I was, and where I was heading. As such, I was pleasantly surprised to see it utilized in this Capstone program which gives a sense of finality, as well as a sense of wrapping up what we have learned thus far in the Criminal Justice programs.
I began the journaling process in a notebook, as I have naturally been acclimated to do in the process, complete with articles cut out, etc. Then the Professor informed me that it had to be done electronically. Drat! I had it going but good through that venue. I pulled the reigns and began rethinking my process (as we often have to do when we begin our brainstorming processes to find a viable solution to any dilemma that we may have to consider).

Next, I started to write it out in the MS Word format, but with my love for writing, I could see that that might create a problem when uploading it for submission to the Professor for grading purposes. By putting on my thinking cap some more, I combined my love for “blogging” (the art of posting creative thoughts on a web site in a journal type format) with the task at hand and created a “blogging” website where I could expand upon my journaling process for the project and still have plenty of room to write. Thus, CJ eJournaling was born!!

Within the journal process, I began with some early thoughts generated at the beginning of the term and created such posts as:

- What is the Professional Development Journal;
- Lawmakers fixing Crime Lab Woes;
- Death Penalty Protests?;
- CJ Briefs 010905;
- Crisis Service Crisis!;
- The Description of the DVSA Shelter;
- More on Shelter Funding;
- NAMI - Capitol Day 2005; AND
- Death Penalty Examined.

Eventually, these posts also included my experiences with the Citizens’ Police Academy I was taking at the Cedar Park Police Department, such as:

- CPCA Orientation Day 020105;
- CPCA Criminal Investigation Overiew; AND
- CPCA Special Response Team 031505.

And, as the course was wrapping up its term, so I was beginning to post some conclusion ideas about the direction(s) I am heading for, such as: - Checkpoint Charlie One; AND, - FINAL REFLECTION 032005.


For more details of each of these, and others not mentioned above, postings, you should definitely go and explore by logging into the CJ eJounraling website in its entirety though.

The journaling process was an interesting experience. Through the experience, I reminded myself that my forte is writing and, in anything that I do endeavor myself into, writing should be a criteria of the job. I also reminded that my paralegal experience and my advocacies experiences (child, disabled, mentally challenged, and the elderly) has had a huge impact on making myself who I am today; this is evident, not only in the CJ eJournaling, but in my many other blogging websites, such as: Bluebonnet Blooms, Bluebonnet Missions, Bluebonnet It Ought to be a Law, etc. In the end, I believe that, while the criminal justice degree program is going to play a huge impact on my life as well, my next maneuver, in the big scheme of things education-wise, is to pursue next my Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies with a concentration in mediation. Not only will mediation provide a viable income where I can potentially never become underemployed again, it will provide another avenue where I can finally mingle and better utilize all my background experiences where it will certainly give me the best advantage possible in the field – especially when dealing with any one of my advocacy experiences. In the meantime, I am hoping to also supplement my volunteer experience with aid to the Cedar Park Police Department through assisting the Victims’ Assistance Coordinator there, who, also, happens to be a part of their negotiations team. When I began my criminal justice education, I wasn’t quite sure the direction that I should be heading towards (just knowing that I could never apply as a police officer because of my age is over their 34 years of age restriction); however, now, after the Capstone course, I have had an opportunity to surmise the whole picture after the last 2 years of education I have been involved with and come up with a big picture plan.

Thank you!

Bibliography


Brown, Sgt. Darlene, Cedar Park Citizen’s Academy Manual, established by the Cedar Park Police Department: Cedar Park, Texas (Spring 2005).

Articles found in the Austin American-Statesman:


Articles found in The Daily Texas Online:


Exhibit experience from The Dougherty Arts Center:

Lights, Camera -- Sound???? Well, not even tonight!! :(

I have been battling a sound issue on my computer since it accidently installed SP2 through some MS Window Updates. I have battled and battled.... with hesitating about deinstalling the SP2 and reinstalling it because I have so much to lose on the computer (school work, work for a friend, my own creative writing, etc., etc.) if for some reason the system restore point failed.

Today, I broke down finally and purchased (besides a much needed new keyboard b/c my "l" was long gone on the keyboard amonth other things due to excessive blogging -- well, excessing writing, at any point) a new sound card and speakers; hopething that that would resolve the problem. While the speaks look nice, the sound card is not helping to generate sound.

I am totally bummed by the whole matter and hope that the matter resolves itself soon. I am tired of being in a world with no sound. No sound from my computer. My tv for my bedroom is downstairs in my car; which, it is too heavy for me to carry it up the stairs by myself -- particularily after I had broken two bones in my left hand. I think my daughter has taken my radio that Kevin (my now deceased husband) gave me on my birthday, the same year that he died. :9

Oh, well... Hopefully sound will return to my apartment soon -- if not through anything but my computer, I would be extremely happy!! :)


UPDATE - an electrical engineer friend of mind figured it out. I have music now!! ;)
3/21/05!!! :))

Heart Beat Rushes

Last night I had a strange experience. My heart suddenly beated really fast; it didn't hurt at all, but felt more like thousands of butterflies trying to get out of me all at once. Then I felt a sudden warmth sensation rush through to the top of my head while I temporarily lost my vision. It didn't last long. Just long enough to startle me and scare me all at once.

It was kind of late at night when it happend. And as soon as it ended (as quickly as it had started), I said "Kevin, I am not ready! God, I am not ready!" because the first thing I could think of was that I had a glimpse of a heartattack.

You see. My husband, Kevin, died 11/11/2002 just 2 weeks prior our 1st wedding anniversary from a heart attack. It has been about 2-1/2 years since he has died and I have moved forward with my life. Blogging my life away since June 2004, has really helped me to sort through an array of issues, but the fact that Kevin had died from a heart attack and remember the symptoms that he had prior to the heart attack, I was suddenly doing myself a mental checklist of the symptoms for the next hour or so following the episode to see if I had any of the resembling symptoms -- and, thank goodness, I did not.

I also had a friend of mine who had had epileptic seizures. I was remembering what I remembered of her having those seizures and those symptoms, and (because I had some seizures myself until I was about 3 or 4 years old) I was doing a mental check list against those symptoms -- and, thank goodness, I did not.

My Uncle had died from a heart attack when he was 44 years old; Kevin was only 46 when he died from his heart attack. I am 45 and will be 46 years old on 4/13! The thoughts of having a heart attack were awful -- especially, with my daughter graduating this year from her high school. I sure don't want to be remembered as having died the same year she graduated.

All sorts of morbid thoughts surrounded my head. A friend, desiring to become a doctor someday, was online. I mentioned the symptoms to him and he assured me that he didn't think I was having a heart attack, but to go to the doctor's the next day. I assured him I would, but, honestly I never got around to it.

I, instead, talked about it to many of my friends. Some have experienced the exact same thing! Boy, was I relieved to hear that!! They told me that their doctors told them that it might not ever, ever happen again; but, if it did become frequent to see a doctor to monitor it and be sure; however, their doctor continue to gives them a clean bill of health.

Because my finances are very tight right now, I am choosing to believe my friends who have told me the same things over and over -- and never communicating with each other once; never knowing what the other had said. I am hoping and praying that they are right and continuing to move forward with my life.

By April, I am to have my Associates in Criminal Justice Degree from Kaplan University and will continue to attend Kaplan University to pursue a Bachelors in Paralegal Studies with a concentration on mediation. In May, my little girl will be graduating from high school and moving forward with her life into the college world.

My paternal Grandma lived until she was 88; her mother lived until she was 98. My maternal Grandmother lived until she was 89; my Grandfather lived until he was 96. So, you see, longevity tends to run long in my family. At 45 years old, in comparison, I haven't even lived half of my life. Wonder what surprises are in store for me for the other half???? Only time will tell, I guess! :)

It is said, from the Irish, in prayer that:

An Irish Prayer of Blessing

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm on your face,
The rain fall softly on your fields;
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Gaelic Prayer For Saint Patrick's Day

This, too, I wish for you.....

May you have a very blessed day ahead of you and for many years to come!! :)

Lots of Laughter tonight...

Tonight, avoiding the inevitable of my criminal justice studies, I got to talking with a classmate of mine. Actually she has been in several classes together, but never had talked as much as we did tonight. We were sharing "war" stories of our childhood, childhood pranks, etc. By the time it was all said and done I think we had each other laughing so very much.

When I was going to The University of Texas, we did much of the same escapism by going to the campus' Union Underground to have some laughs, etc. Tonight was no exception, excepting the venues have changed. We are now attending Kaplan University and, instead of going to the Union Underground, it has become more virtual with the Yahoo Messenger world, which is fitting because Kaplan University is an online university.

Anyhow, sharing a few laughs tonight was absolutely good for the soul, and very much needed to break the tension as we finish up another term at Kaplan University.

Oh, by the way, when we were also exchanging websites we have been developing, hers was absolutely remarkable and clearly the worth of lots of work she has been doing with it during the past couple of years. Check it out!! Justice Junction

Here's to hoping that laughter will also be crossing your path soon as well. There is almost nothing that feels better than a few good laughs. :)

Re Ltr to Gov Jeb Bush re Terry Shiavo 031405

As you recall, I had sent a letter to Governor Jeb Bush regarding Terry Shiavo's health on February 23, 2005. This is his office's response sent today. Hopefully, he WILL do as he has directed his staff to say.

Thank you for contacting Governor Bush to ask for his help in the case of Terri Schiavo. He has asked me to respond on his behalf.

The Governor shares your concern for this young woman and has pledged to do whatever he can within the laws of Florida to protect her life. The next few weeks will be very difficult ones for Ms. Schiavo, her family and all of those who care about her. The Governor asks that you keep her and her family in your prayers during this difficult time.

Again, thank you for writing Governor Bush about this important issue.

Sincerely,


L. O’Connor
Office of Citizens’ Services

Just thought I would share with you his response. Please continue to be active in expressing your concerns to your legislators and political representatives of this country. :)

My Aching Head & Prayer for Peace 031305

Woke up with an excruciating headache today. Gee I am hoping that it goes away quickly today since I am going to spend 24 hours at a DVSA (Domestice Violence Sexual Assault) shelter today helping those victims out with their needs and keeping an eye out for them in order to make it as safe a place as possible.

I love my work that I do there...it is just with an aching head, I am praying for a quiet day there.

Pray for peace in the world today, this Sunday morning and throughout the day. Pray that no other victim of domestic violence is seen today in any hospital. Pray that no other child witnesses or becomes a victim of domestic violence today as well. Pray that people will get along for a day -- I will take just a day at a time, which is easier than praying for a week, month, or a year when it would seem impossible to dream or pray for that many days in advance. Please pray that you won't be a witness to a friend, neighbor, or someone in the community being a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault (this is more common than you may realize. If you haven't already been affected by DVSA in some manner, you will, at least, hear about it from someone soon.)

If you do nothing else today, pray and start a chain of prayers for these victims today. May God wrap his ever loving arms around you today and bring you peace. Amen.

Judgmental or Non-Judgmental - Tis is the Question

Good Judgment vs. Being Judgmental, by Michael Angier

What does it mean to be judgmental? How do we know when we're
being judgmental? How can we express our opinions without
infringing on others' right to their opinions?
Discover the answers below or online at . . .Judgment

Michael Angier's article poses several perspectives to look at.

This is often a topic posed when there are a differences of ages (such as between the younger and older generations) or between genders (male v. female) or the like. One group often accuses the other group of being too judgmental while claiming that they are not.

To really explore these differences of opinions, they must often take a look at themselves and make sure that they are keeping an equally open mind as they are requiring of others to be when it comes to their point of view. Often times, even in marriages, people have to step back and just agree to disagree on a difference of an opinion. It is when they become so hard nosed about their opinions in a manner that it enstills a sense of persuasion and unwavering, biased opinion that they deem that the other group must be wrong in their actions or beliefs.

Probably the best example that everyone can relate to in some means is when someone questions the differences of beliefs in religions. When someone is completely unopened to the idea that there could be more than one way to worship God (or some form of a higher power), they tend to place judgment upon themselves that they are absolutely right and judgment upon others that they must be wrong in holding their beliefs. To be considered non-judgment the biasm has to be replaced with, perhaps completely non-biasm or even a preference of a belief rather than another.

Will the world ever rid themselves of judgmental people? I think not. There is always going to be some degree of judmentalism in any one of us, which is often very healthy; however, the more non-judgmental we can each be, the more open we will all be to new ideas and concepts which will continue to cultivate the new adventures in explorations, new technological advances, and new ways of lives for everyone on this Earth.

2005 National Crime Victims Right's Week

I wasn't aware that there was a week for this; but, I am glad that there is. I was surfing the web (as per usual :) ) and happen upon the Office for Victims of Crime website. Eventually, that lead me to the 2005 NCVR Week Resouce Guide. In this Guide, it not only delineates the guidelines for this year's National Crime Victims Right's Week, it also provides handouts, posters, flyers and other materials needed to assist in putting together a good event, as well as a background and history of the development, including details of Ronald Reagan's initial proclamation of this dedicated week 25 years ago.

Please help me pass this 2005 NCVR Week Resouce Guide to other organizations which may benefit from it as well. :) Thank you.

Mental health a priority with Austin's Fitness Plan!

Austin's Mayoral Fitness Plan

It is so about time that cities consider the mental health aspects when they consider their fitness plan for their futures... This report was just recently published in Jan 2005 and available for reading from the Community Action Network's website, which is focused upon the needs of the citizens in Austin, Texas, and Travis County, Texas.

I wasn't aware that the Community Action Network organization existed, but I am glad that it does. The site doesn't really say anything about when they started; however, it does have a lot of resources listed as well as a lot of ideas and brainstorming on issues with a conglomeration of other organizations -- working towards the same mission.... "To achieve sustainable social, health, educational and economic outcomes through engaging the community in a planning and implementation process that coordinates and optimizes public, private and individual actions and resources."

Kudos to the Community Action Network in making this community a healthier and wiser community!! :)

Another plane crash???

Plane Crashes at Barton Creek Country Club

One has got to be starting to wonder about the validity of the planes travelling because it wasn't all that long ago when another small plane crashed in Lakeway. It seems like there is one other, but I don't remember where; however, it seems that it was also in that same general area.

What is happening to cause these crashes? Lack of sleep? Lack of proper planning? Lack of proper training?

Wing Watch - Headline Accidents gives one an interesting perspective in exactly how many crashes occur. I have always flown in commercial airlines. Although they, too, have crashed, I have always felt safer to be in them versus the smaller planes. Perhaps this is because we know, or at least we pre-suppose that, the pilots are properly trained through their extensive training throughout the years. Seeing Wing Watch makes one wonder just how safe it is to travel via plane these days. :)

Sunday Child Bite

I saw a child hitting and kicking his mother the other day, totally out of control. I couldn't stand it any longer and called the police for backup. I held the child in a restraint method until the police arrived. When the police arrived, they called for a mental health officer for backup.

The mental health officer tried to snap the child out of it, and was able to eventually able do so through taking the child to his vehicle (as if he was going to take the six year old child to the detention center) and talking to him. It took the police officer, the mental health officer, and myself to calm the child down before they the police and mental health officers left the place.

This was all due to the lack of medications which had been lost on bus transportation from one city to another. Unfortunately, because it was Sunday, the access for the found language was still unavailable. The mother had the rest of the day to wait out until the child could even go to the mental health facility to get his temporary amount of medications.

A few hours later the child had another outburst. The Mom and I were able to get him to calm down though and, eventually, the child went to sleep. The next day the child went to the mental health facility to get his temporary dose of meds until the luggage was able to be retrieved. Another person reported that the child is doing better today.

Thank goodness! It is just a shame that the child had to go through all that just because he was unable to gain access to his meds. Oh, well... Alls well that ends well -- right????

Note: Because I had not had a tetnus shot since 1986, I got one on Monday. You are really supposed to get one every 10 years, but people aren't reminded about it until they are bit by an animal, usually. If you haven't had your tetnus shot lately, let this serve also as a reminder for you to get your tetnus today, if you haven't had one in 10 years or more!! :)

Forrest Gump in Heaven

This is something that it was funny enough that I couldn't help but to pass it along in hopes of bringing a chuckle to your day too. :)


Forrest Gump in Heaven

Forrest Gump died and went to heaven. When he got to the Pearly Gates,
Saint Peter told him that new rules were in effect due to the advances
in education on earth.

In order to gain admittance, a prospective Heavenly Soul must answer
three questions:

1. What are two days of the week that begin with "T"?
2. How many seconds are in a year?
3. What is God's first name?

Forrest thought for a few minutes and answered:

1. The two days of the week that begin with "T" are Today and Tomorrow.
2. There are 12 seconds in a year.
3. God has two first names, and they are Andy and Howard.

Saint Peter said, "Ok, I'll buy Today and Tomorrow, even though it's
not the answer I expected. Technically, your answer is correct. But
how did you get 12 seconds in a year and why do you think God's first
name is either Andy or Howard?"

Forrest responded, "Well, January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd, and so on."

"Ok then, I give," said Saint Peter. "But what about God's first name?"

Forrest said, "Well, from the song...Andy walks with me, Andy talks
with me, Andy tells me I am his own...And then from the prayer...Our
Father, who art in Heaven, Howard be thy name..."

Saint Peter let him in without another word.

-Submitted by: Beliefnet member Rutledge

Exploring eBay - Amazing Technology Advances

I was a member on eBay years and years ago, but never really took the full plunge. It is completely amazing on the strides eBay has taken throughout the last few years, of course many of the concepts with a for-profit sense -- i.e. the small fees with upgrading auction listings, as well as the establishment of store fronts such as the one I have created.

Everything is created with remarkable ease in listing the items (just as easy as it has been in creating the many Blog sites that I have been creating within just the past year), etc. I was quite impressed and hope that I, too, may be able to reap some of the rewards that many others have purported to have succeeeded in accomplishing. I will be happy if I have some profits whatsoever that can apply to my Kaplan education process, as well as to my daughter's education process which is undecided but probably at Texas Women's University.

I look forward to hearing your comments about your successes with either eBay or Blogger!

Clutterless World?

I JUST moved another little bookshelf into my room tonight because my bed was looking like a collection point for various projects that I am working upon. AUUUUGGHGGGHHGHGHHH!!! :)

People of clutter normally come from families of clutter. It isn't normally necessarily a hereditary trait; but, rather, one that is learned through time.

For instance, I came from a upper middle class family with four children. Eventually, we had rooms of our own and my bedroom was a library claimed by me in an effort to get away from my sister 2-1/2 years younger than me. I had to have my own space; however, what other teenager girl could actually attest to having a victrola, Lionel Train Model Set (set up on a huge plywood foundation set up on some saw horses, a radio with vacuum tubes left exposed, an encylopedia, and a desk made out of a door placed on two file cabinets???? I would be surprised to find another soul who had a room like mine.

My room was actually placed over the double car garage, so it was certainly huge, which is why people would often say, "Where are we going to put this??? Well, just take it up to Kathy's room for now; we'll worry about it later." As a result, I also had a collection of wires and computer parts until my Dad set up a second tool shed to put all of his electronic "stuff".

Which is why when George Carlin did his comedian sketches I couldn't help but roll with laughter and seem to think that he was talking about me directly.

Well, I can see my bed again. I no longer feel, tonight, that I am sharing my bedspace with all of my project stuff, at the very least, since I have moved some of my cookbook stuff actually into the kitchen, and took the small bookshelf in the dining room and moved it into my bedroom to make it a center for my project stuff! :)

I am taking some of my stuff to the shelter so that I can work on some of my homework stuff for my classes so that I can only return later to move that stuff from my car to my apartment and find another niche for my stuff to remain -- until I will need to take some more stuff with me to the shelter where I work and repeat the whole sordid affair all over again!

What George Carlin never really did say was, if the sordid affair with all of our stuff ever ends; after, all we do take some of our stuff to the grave with us!!! ;)

More later....

K

There is hope still for Shiavo!

Convincing Evidence' of Schiavo's Wishes Challenged

Remember when I posted an email not too long ago that was being passed out by the Catholic Church??? Well, this article is a relief that her husband has not gotten his way with her -- just for now anyhow. Hopefully, that will be something that continues forward.

Terri's attorneys are fighting like the dickens to keep her alive and fishing for straws right now by arguing that Terri had previously expressed her disgust with a friend years ago about the death of Karen Anne Quinlan. So far, it seems to be working -- at least, it is starting to give rise to some attention being reconsidered to the matter. That is the relief that they need for the moment. They will need to find more convincing arguments to substantiate the case matter; but, now that they have the attention, that is half the battle right there.

I for one, look forward to the day that this matter to rest; hopefully, with Terri still alive -- especially, if there is an inkling of hope that she can eventually live without having to be continued to supported by the life support mechanisms. In the meantime, all we can do is hope and pray!!

110 Year Old Woman Dies Just Prior Recognition!

Woman dies on eve of recognition as oldest Texan

Truly amazing that a woman (or a human being for that matter) has lived for that long. Imagine the things that she has seen in those 110 years.

There was a time that I had lunch with a boss at a telephone company and a vendor and the vendor's protege on day before my boss had formally decided to retire. My boss and this vendor were remembering the past nearly 50 years that they had been a part of the telephone industry. They had seen the Ma Bell structure build, diversify, and rebuild, as well as the technological advances that had been made along the way. That was truly amazing as well, as the protege and I sat with our jaws dropped and trying to visualize everything that they were talking about. Talk about a genealogical/historical treasure; I hope that someone has caught up with these guys and gather all sorts of information for future generations to understand.

This woman, likewise, understood that historical perspective and had been a founder of the Conroe Pan American Round Table. Her family was also recorded in history as being a part of the legistlators that signed for the founding of The University of Texas and another who fought in the Battle of San Jacinto. I am sure that this woman will go down in history as, not only one of the oldest Texas women to live, but a significant role model in preserving a little of the Texana History.

I only hope that when I am that old that I will have placed my mark in history in some place just as significant or more.

Amazing. Truly amazing woman!! :)