When the movie comes on I cry by the time the druggist hits George’s ear. On a bad year, I cry when the opening credits come on. The movie DOES make me cry every time I see it. Why?

Because no one cared about George’s dreams. He gave his whole life for people who were selfish and ugly to him. They loved him, sure they did. It’s easy to love someone who gives up everything for you.

Why didn’t his younger brother give George a chance? Because he was selfish. Why didn’t Mary help save money so he could go on a trip around the world? Because she was selfish. He would have come back and been satisfied I bet. She didn’t want to try anything new or to support her husband’s dreams. What kind of a wife or friend is that?

It’s not that George’s life was bad, it wasn’t. There are many people who dream of spending a life helping others. Who wish they had a means to help someone get a house, beat poverty or live independently. There is someone who would LOVE George’s life. But it would be fulfilling a dream for that person.

I dislike it because in the end, he is rescued from a mess he didn’t even make, and he learns to be satisfied with his lot in life. He gives up his dreams. He never even asked for that much. Why couldn’t he have had even a little bit of it?

Why is it a good thing that George didn’t get to have any of his dreams come true? He was a good person. He would have helped people no matter what. You will never convince me that it is a good thing that he never was able to pursue his dreams because he helped others.

If I were him, I would have gone nuts too. Good grief, Now I cry just thinking about the movie. I guess it’s gonna be one of THOSE years.

?

I am so pleased to announce that I finally have found my calling in life. I know who I am to be and my purpose. I intend to faithfully fulfill that purpose despite any negativity from others.

I am supposed to be that lady driving aimlessly about, going way to slow, making sudden stops and remaining in ignorant bliss of your rants.

I know this because I have actually BEEN this for several years. I just didn’t realize that it was a good thing; that it taught others patience; that it helped some vent steam.

I know that I’m supposed to drive about aimlessly, or what appears to be aimlessly because I already get lost easily. If I don’t print out a map prior to the journey it might take me twice as long to arrive. If I don’t pay close attention, I could end up in Oklahoma. (I know this because I have done it. *sigh*)

I personally have received many of the infamous “Hawaiian Salutes” and they don’t bother me. I don’t even get mad.

See? It HAS to be my purpose in life. I am very well suited for the position.

When I was in college, we all thought there would be nuclear war in our backyards, so we spent time – up late in the dorms, thinking about and discussing what we thought we needed for our “bomb kits”.

I remember my roomy Johnna and my buddy Brandon Ray and boyfriend Brent (now my terrific husband) discussing what we would need for survival.

“A still” Brandon suggested. “Good for distilling water, making booze for medicine or to sell.”

“A needle and thread!” Johnna suggested. “You can keep clothes in repair, or sew up yourself if you need help medically.”

“Aspirin!”

I think those were good ideas too.  We had lists of what we might need.  On some occasions we even started gathering supplies, although I never saw anyone construct a still. Knowing Brandon, he probably had the directions drawn and an idea how to do it “just in case”.

Those days are gone, thank goodness and we don’t worry about nuclear war as much as we used to. BUT if it happened, I already have in my mind what I would want to take with me. Because we made lists.

In these days of economic uncertainty, I think it might be a good idea to make a list… a job security list, if you will. I think it would be good to write down what you think you can do in case the worst happens and you lose your job. I know it isn’t your career choice, I know it isn’t what you were trained to do, but it is SOMETHING you can do until the crises passes.

My list would include the following:

• Do graphic arts for printers or individuals.
• Sell inexpensive “build your own” websites.
• Mow lawns.
• Clean dog poop out of yards.
• Wash dogs and cats.
• Wait tables (if a job can be found)

• Babysit.

We are from the U.S., we know how to be entrepreneurs. We know what to do. I heard that in places like Iraq, that if a woman is alone with children, she will sit and starve because she doesn’t know what to do.

I think that the folks I know in America would sell rocks rather than sit and starve. Why not try that? You could paint ‘em, make ‘em into souvenirs. SOMETHING. I guess my point here is that you need to keep your mind on what you CAN do, and believe me, there is always something you can do.

Suz

P.S. God Bless you Brandon Ray. I can’t believe you are gone. We were always going to get together. I wanted to know your family and be friends still. I can’t believe you don’t walk the earth anymore.