Hello fellow bloggers, readers and passers-by,
It has been some time, yes in deed. The desire to tell you every minute detail is rather large scale, but the sake of my sanity and your time... Wait, for the sake your sanity and MY time, I'll keep it brief, upbeat and refrain from as many swear words as possible.
College is... Important. College is... Expensive. College is... como se dice, "drama laden, sports infested, high school for a second time?" No, college is not that bad... but it borders the prior description with the exception of the pros! Meeting people, conversing on a somewhat higher level, receiving commendations from professors who recognize your worth and want to continue increasing it with well laid out lessons and questions that create a sense of 'this is really going to make me a better, more well rounded person in the end' feeling. And that is worth all the drama, sports, & high school re-runs completely.
But the title doesn't fit the blog does it? No, I've not taken more hours than I can handle. In fact, I'm on at 15 this semester which makes last years schedule seem lighter (it was only 16, but that added hour made a big difference in eating dinner with the family or stuffing my face at the desk with a fork in one hand and a highlighter in the other: NOTE - Pink highlighters are not tasty)!
So what is new?
Five kids? No, you knew that already.
Husband? No, you knew that, too.
Give up?
Homeschooling!
Yes, my little minion, five children grace our household and four of them are school aged. It goes without saying all four said school aged children are now under the educational advisement of yours truly!
And it is going wonderfully! The kids have their classes in the morning and afternoons, I have my classes on Mondays and Wednesdays on campus. My online classes are done after dinner and I get to SEE MY CHILDREN DAILY! Much unlike last semester when I would return from campus and an hour later, they were in bed... Leaving out for the bus while I was in the shower and the routine continued like that for four months. Oh, and let us not forget the entire two weeks of random automated calls from the local school district my children attend(ed) stating a bomb threat had been received... a note had been found... a student shot himself at home... None of that at the Evans Homeschool, Learning, Loving and Living Center! We cater to our kiddos educational needs and get to have fun, too!
For instance, a portion of my tuition pays for certain amenities on campus, one being the gorgeous library! And what would a library be without a spectacular museum? And who was able to give their children a hands on, first hand look at life from the age of the beginning of man (dino days) all the way through the Vietnam War? Life in the World through an Arkansans eyes! They had an incredible time and the photos were priceless. I feel hard pressed to share them with you, but for the sake of not ruining it, should you ever make it to Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, you should certainly stop by the library on campus and check it out! You won't be disappointed.
Alas, I am SUPER MOM! With my cape of love flying high and my arms outstretched to give those endless hugs, I bid you all good evening -- there is a child that needs my attention and I cannot fathom ignoring them... even for you!
Until tomorrow,
LaVonda
Friday, August 30, 2013
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Arkansas... Where Truth is Stranger than Fiction
Hello fellow bloggers, readers and passers by,
I can't believe it has been nearly a year since my last blog! Suffice it to say, college can dampen your blogging abilities and I feel pressed to inform you that I am putting off studying for a Social Stats Lab final to bring you the latest from the inner recesses of my mind!
But it is a story of tragedy. Of sadness. Of possible conspiracy and of the tangled webs of sex, scandal and the most highest of conspiracy theories... or it could be true. The fact that it is completely amateur is why this post is here, rather than Justice Shall Prevail -- and I make no claims that any of the following theory is true... I simply call it like I see and with the history of Arkansas's Judicial and Legal System, I can't help but post it here in hopes of enlightening, entertaining and bs'ing what could be fact and what could be fiction.
The case starts as one of complete and utter fear. A mom wakes to find her teenage daughter missing. See official Amber Alert here. Her favorite things: shoes, clothes, make-up, cell, all accounted for. It's between 3:30am and 5:30am and she is no where to be seen. The mom's ex [sic] husband pulls up in his truck and, bewildered, asks why she is up so early. The mother informs the man that her daughter (his step-daughter) is missing. She advises him she is going to contact the police and he says, "bull shit, bull shit" and leaves, stating he is going to the police station.
One could conclude at this point the step dad had a hand in her disappearance by the ex [sic] wife's description of his behavior. Case closed, right? Not in Arkansas. Approximately 36 hours later, his body is found, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
I know what you're thinking... Of course he did it. He knew he would go to jail and the coward that he is killed himself to avoid prosecution and prison time! But did he?
The mom goes on camera with a local news station, KAIT Region 8 News, Jonesboro, to tell her story. It does not take a college degree (though I have one) to determine her tone and affect are rather flat. Not that of worn emotion, but rather, one of... hmmm. I can't say confusion, because she doesn't really seem confused. I can't say anger, because she does not show any. And I can't say sadness, despair or even apathy for the loss of her ex-husband or her daughter, because again, her demeanor is just blank... TOO blank.
The teens biological father went on camera with a Tennessee news team about a week later and stated there was an issue of abuse toward the teen by the stepfather and that the girl "was going to tell". Read a related news article about the case here. The only issue I can find with this is, if the bio-father knew there was abuse and that his daughter was going to tell, why did he not file a report, make a call or otherwise be an advocate for his young daughter?
Let's consider the following:
In December 2012, a 12 year old is reported by her mother to be a runaway. Later, the story breaks that she was abducted by a 27 year old, who I dub the ring leader in a sex scandal & child porn case. He has multiple contacts throughout central and northeast Arkansas who maintain contact via text messaging and e-mail. This 12 year old girl is from Lawrence County. The man accused of abducting the girl is arrested. The mother continues to allow the girl to be toyed with by 13 other young men and teen boys, claiming she is 16 and 17 years old. Now, the twist... The mother is later arrested for her involvement in the scandal. This mass of co-conspirators in the operation have their sights on the teen mentioned above.
It's hard to put into text so I'll lay out a timeline... I seriously have to get back to my studies...
December 2012 - 12 year old girl reported runaway by mother
February 2013 - 27 year old arrested in abduction of runaway Theory: The stepfather / mother of missing teen are: struggling for money? involved in the sex, child porn case and fear they will be identified as co-conspirators?
March 2013 - Teen missing Theory: The stepfather / mother were involved in the disappearance for: money? Sex trafficking?
March 2013 - Stepfather dead Theory: The father did NOT know the mother was involved and was: shot by the mother? Shot by a fellow conspirator for fear of being 'outted' to the authorities?
March 2013 - Bio-dad makes claim stepfather abused teen
April 2013 - Sex, child porn scandal case breaks Theory: someone knew about the connection and: gave information to the authorities? Forwarded text photos or evidence?
April 2013 - 14 arrested in Sex, child porn scandal
April 2013 - Mother of 12 year old arrested in connection with sex, child porn scandal Theory: mother was very well aware of what was going on with her daughter and the alleged perpetrators, but continued to use her daughter in an abusive manner for financial gain or other form of exploitation?
April 2013 - Mother and father of one of the alleged (teen) suspects in the sex, child porn scandal is arrested in separate case involving child rape/sexual assault of a family member Theory: More to this than what is being reported?
April 2013 - Family of dead stepfather speak out Theory: Have reason to believe the stepfather was murdered because: he found out the mother was involved with the sex, child porn scandal? Knew the teen was being sold in sex trade?
April 30, 2013 - Teen is still missing Theory: Human Trafficking? People do not just 'vanish' into thin air? No trace of her in the area, yet authorities continue searching?
Remaining questions:
1.) Does the missing teens mother have any known association with the alleged perpetrators of the sex, child porn scandal? Did the stepfather? Did the missing teen know the 12 year old?
2.) Were the financial statements of the stepfather confirmed and equate to the money he spent/had remaining from his income tax returns? Was there a discrepancy?
3.) Was the stepfather at home when the mother went to bed at 10:30pm? Was this typical pattern of the stepfather? Did he display any new behaviors in the last four months that would be described as atypical?
4.) What was the relationship with the teen and the mother? Were there any recent arguments?
In Arkansas, where the tea is sweet, the cornbread is buttered and the mosquitoes are hated family pets, the fact that the truth may be stranger than fiction is only one facet of the life in true Smallville. A community pulls together for the sake of finding a missing teen. Law enforcement struggle to piece the clues together in hopes of saving a child. I pray they find the missing teen. I pray that justice is also found. However, looking under the same rock for new clues is asinine and a waste of time. True investigation starts with questions... I wonder if they thought about that?
Until next time,
LaVonda
I can't believe it has been nearly a year since my last blog! Suffice it to say, college can dampen your blogging abilities and I feel pressed to inform you that I am putting off studying for a Social Stats Lab final to bring you the latest from the inner recesses of my mind!
But it is a story of tragedy. Of sadness. Of possible conspiracy and of the tangled webs of sex, scandal and the most highest of conspiracy theories... or it could be true. The fact that it is completely amateur is why this post is here, rather than Justice Shall Prevail -- and I make no claims that any of the following theory is true... I simply call it like I see and with the history of Arkansas's Judicial and Legal System, I can't help but post it here in hopes of enlightening, entertaining and bs'ing what could be fact and what could be fiction.
The case starts as one of complete and utter fear. A mom wakes to find her teenage daughter missing. See official Amber Alert here. Her favorite things: shoes, clothes, make-up, cell, all accounted for. It's between 3:30am and 5:30am and she is no where to be seen. The mom's ex [sic] husband pulls up in his truck and, bewildered, asks why she is up so early. The mother informs the man that her daughter (his step-daughter) is missing. She advises him she is going to contact the police and he says, "bull shit, bull shit" and leaves, stating he is going to the police station.
One could conclude at this point the step dad had a hand in her disappearance by the ex [sic] wife's description of his behavior. Case closed, right? Not in Arkansas. Approximately 36 hours later, his body is found, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
I know what you're thinking... Of course he did it. He knew he would go to jail and the coward that he is killed himself to avoid prosecution and prison time! But did he?
The mom goes on camera with a local news station, KAIT Region 8 News, Jonesboro, to tell her story. It does not take a college degree (though I have one) to determine her tone and affect are rather flat. Not that of worn emotion, but rather, one of... hmmm. I can't say confusion, because she doesn't really seem confused. I can't say anger, because she does not show any. And I can't say sadness, despair or even apathy for the loss of her ex-husband or her daughter, because again, her demeanor is just blank... TOO blank.
The teens biological father went on camera with a Tennessee news team about a week later and stated there was an issue of abuse toward the teen by the stepfather and that the girl "was going to tell". Read a related news article about the case here. The only issue I can find with this is, if the bio-father knew there was abuse and that his daughter was going to tell, why did he not file a report, make a call or otherwise be an advocate for his young daughter?
Let's consider the following:
- FACT: The stepfather had reportedly received an income tax return and purchased a gun and computer(s).
- Question: Is this typical behavior for him? Had he previously owned a computer?
- FACT: The items were confiscated by authorities for collecting potential evidence in the girls disappearance.
- Question: Have they found anything?
- FACT: Local law enforcement and rescue/search volunteers, to this day, continue to search for the missing girl -- in the local area of the town in which she resided.
- Question: Are there any leads?
- FACT: A recent string of arrests tied to sex, porn, and child rape came about a mere 6 weeks after the teens disappearance -- in the same county and stretching to date, as far south as Searcy, Arkansas and as far north as Rector, Arkansas. Involved in this separate case is the 12 year old (victim) and the 14 alleged perpetrators ranging in age from teen to 27... AND the own girls MOTHER! Fifteen total suspects in this separate case.
- Question: Did either the mother of the missing teen or the stepfather know any of the persons involved in the scandal case?
- FACT: As of this post and to my knowledge, the mother of the missing teen is not a suspect... why not?
- Question: If she was the last person to see the teen alive, doesn't that make her a suspect? Was the relationship typical? Atypical? Was there resentment, anger or animosity held between the two that has yet to surface?
In December 2012, a 12 year old is reported by her mother to be a runaway. Later, the story breaks that she was abducted by a 27 year old, who I dub the ring leader in a sex scandal & child porn case. He has multiple contacts throughout central and northeast Arkansas who maintain contact via text messaging and e-mail. This 12 year old girl is from Lawrence County. The man accused of abducting the girl is arrested. The mother continues to allow the girl to be toyed with by 13 other young men and teen boys, claiming she is 16 and 17 years old. Now, the twist... The mother is later arrested for her involvement in the scandal. This mass of co-conspirators in the operation have their sights on the teen mentioned above.
It's hard to put into text so I'll lay out a timeline... I seriously have to get back to my studies...
December 2012 - 12 year old girl reported runaway by mother
February 2013 - 27 year old arrested in abduction of runaway Theory: The stepfather / mother of missing teen are: struggling for money? involved in the sex, child porn case and fear they will be identified as co-conspirators?
March 2013 - Teen missing Theory: The stepfather / mother were involved in the disappearance for: money? Sex trafficking?
March 2013 - Stepfather dead Theory: The father did NOT know the mother was involved and was: shot by the mother? Shot by a fellow conspirator for fear of being 'outted' to the authorities?
March 2013 - Bio-dad makes claim stepfather abused teen
April 2013 - Sex, child porn scandal case breaks Theory: someone knew about the connection and: gave information to the authorities? Forwarded text photos or evidence?
April 2013 - 14 arrested in Sex, child porn scandal
April 2013 - Mother of 12 year old arrested in connection with sex, child porn scandal Theory: mother was very well aware of what was going on with her daughter and the alleged perpetrators, but continued to use her daughter in an abusive manner for financial gain or other form of exploitation?
April 2013 - Mother and father of one of the alleged (teen) suspects in the sex, child porn scandal is arrested in separate case involving child rape/sexual assault of a family member Theory: More to this than what is being reported?
April 2013 - Family of dead stepfather speak out Theory: Have reason to believe the stepfather was murdered because: he found out the mother was involved with the sex, child porn scandal? Knew the teen was being sold in sex trade?
April 30, 2013 - Teen is still missing Theory: Human Trafficking? People do not just 'vanish' into thin air? No trace of her in the area, yet authorities continue searching?
Remaining questions:
1.) Does the missing teens mother have any known association with the alleged perpetrators of the sex, child porn scandal? Did the stepfather? Did the missing teen know the 12 year old?
2.) Were the financial statements of the stepfather confirmed and equate to the money he spent/had remaining from his income tax returns? Was there a discrepancy?
3.) Was the stepfather at home when the mother went to bed at 10:30pm? Was this typical pattern of the stepfather? Did he display any new behaviors in the last four months that would be described as atypical?
4.) What was the relationship with the teen and the mother? Were there any recent arguments?
In Arkansas, where the tea is sweet, the cornbread is buttered and the mosquitoes are hated family pets, the fact that the truth may be stranger than fiction is only one facet of the life in true Smallville. A community pulls together for the sake of finding a missing teen. Law enforcement struggle to piece the clues together in hopes of saving a child. I pray they find the missing teen. I pray that justice is also found. However, looking under the same rock for new clues is asinine and a waste of time. True investigation starts with questions... I wonder if they thought about that?
Until next time,
LaVonda
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Forget the A.R.K. - Be a L.I.G.H.T!
Hello fellow bloggers, readers and passers-by,
Been a while, to say the least, but you should always know, I'm out and about, scouring the town, the countryside, the school, the market... just about any particular place I can to find a great subject in which to voice my opinion about - be it a welcome topic, a debate, or just a little rant to pass the time. Today's post comes from the heart. One that I know doubt could do better at, but an act so bright, I had to wear shades.
A.R.K. - act of random kindness -- this goes without saying, but for those slow on the up-take, I'll say it anyway. If the world as a whole would do one random act of kindness, we could be such an awesome world. Granted, I do not know of any other worlds with 'people' of our kind, but nevertheless, how great would that be... But one act doesn't seem to go very far and there are far too many people taking 'advantage' of those acts. So I came up (and I'll tell you how in a minute) L.I.G.H.T... Simply put - "Life Is Generosity, Honesty, and Trust". Let me break it down for you.
Life is... Generosity - Taking a moment to tell someone something, do something for someone, being a generous person without expecting anything in return. Being thoughtful of others situation and showing compassion where it is due.
Life is... Honesty - Couldn't we all use a little bit more of this in our lives.
Life is... Trust - If we knew people were honest, couldn't we trust them more? Wouldn't we want to trust them more? I know my life would be a lot less irritating if I could trust people more.
But, LaVonda... How did you ever come up with this?
I'll tell you.
At a local grocery store the other day, I was in the process of filling my WIC voucher. If you have now or have ever been on the WIC program, you are very much aware of how each store has different brands and how only certain brands/varieties to chose from or that are allowed for purchase. Knowing this, the health department created a pamphlet containing a list of all the approved food items -- and they are suppose to distribute said pamphlet whenever a person is certified for the program. However, they tend to keep them locked up tighter than Fort Knox.
Well, I have 5 children and pretty much a veteran of the program, so I'm familiar with the items allowed, however, while in the grocery store the other day, I seen a young lady, who couldn't have been more than 15 or 16 years old, belly starting to look like she had ingested a small ball -- yep, she was pregnant. She was with who I assume to be her grandmother. They were standing in the cereal aisle, as was I. The look on her face was that of fear to say the least. Not because Tony the Tiger was staring at her, but because she looked lost.
Standing there for a moment, I began to wonder just how hard life had been for me when I was pregnant with my first child at 18. I also recall how nervous I was to even be seen in public for a while because of the looks people would give me. But eventually, I got over it.. I'm thick skinned like that and truth be told, I don't care what people think about me - ye that is without sin... and so on.
Well, as I stood there debating on whether to get hot cereal, cold cereal or go out on a limb and get both, I also began to wonder how I would have felt if someone had been kind to me in my time of fear and despair. Glancing back at her casually, I noticed she was trying to see the WIC labels on the shelves that directed the consumer to the approved items as though she had not ever seen them before. Then it occurred to me, perhaps she has never been in this situation before, or ever received WIC before -- heaven help her if she has been pregnant before. She looked so young.
That is when a light bulb came on. Not an epiphany - but just a big ol' smack of reality -- I'll be a light. Not a religious fanatic who preaches about spreading a light and what not - that only works if you are dealing with someone who is lost. I'm talking about MY LIGHT - LIFE IS...
How could I stand there, holding a pamphlet that lists everything she is looking for while I just shop away, possibly capable of reciting the pamphlet by memory alone. Walking up to her and her grandmother, I said hello. I did not go into the 'you're so young, have you thought of adoption" speech that I had heard religiously for nearly my entire pregnancy in 1998. I simply said, "I've already got my stuff and this pamphlet will help you figure out what you can get. You can have it if you'd like."
The look on this girls face was something electric. She seemed like a huge burden had been lifted just by taking the paper from my hands. She thanked me (repeatedly) and said she was so worried about getting the wrong stuff. I told her it was my pleasure and not to worry if she does get it wrong, the register will let the cashier know and they can fix it.
I may not have been the light that I wanted to be, and I may not have really done anything huge in someone elses eyes, but... I helped someone, I was honest, and trusting and generous... and in MY eyes... that is LIFE!
Until tomorrow,
~L
Been a while, to say the least, but you should always know, I'm out and about, scouring the town, the countryside, the school, the market... just about any particular place I can to find a great subject in which to voice my opinion about - be it a welcome topic, a debate, or just a little rant to pass the time. Today's post comes from the heart. One that I know doubt could do better at, but an act so bright, I had to wear shades.
A.R.K. - act of random kindness -- this goes without saying, but for those slow on the up-take, I'll say it anyway. If the world as a whole would do one random act of kindness, we could be such an awesome world. Granted, I do not know of any other worlds with 'people' of our kind, but nevertheless, how great would that be... But one act doesn't seem to go very far and there are far too many people taking 'advantage' of those acts. So I came up (and I'll tell you how in a minute) L.I.G.H.T... Simply put - "Life Is Generosity, Honesty, and Trust". Let me break it down for you.
Life is... Generosity - Taking a moment to tell someone something, do something for someone, being a generous person without expecting anything in return. Being thoughtful of others situation and showing compassion where it is due.
Life is... Honesty - Couldn't we all use a little bit more of this in our lives.
Life is... Trust - If we knew people were honest, couldn't we trust them more? Wouldn't we want to trust them more? I know my life would be a lot less irritating if I could trust people more.
But, LaVonda... How did you ever come up with this?
I'll tell you.
At a local grocery store the other day, I was in the process of filling my WIC voucher. If you have now or have ever been on the WIC program, you are very much aware of how each store has different brands and how only certain brands/varieties to chose from or that are allowed for purchase. Knowing this, the health department created a pamphlet containing a list of all the approved food items -- and they are suppose to distribute said pamphlet whenever a person is certified for the program. However, they tend to keep them locked up tighter than Fort Knox.
Well, I have 5 children and pretty much a veteran of the program, so I'm familiar with the items allowed, however, while in the grocery store the other day, I seen a young lady, who couldn't have been more than 15 or 16 years old, belly starting to look like she had ingested a small ball -- yep, she was pregnant. She was with who I assume to be her grandmother. They were standing in the cereal aisle, as was I. The look on her face was that of fear to say the least. Not because Tony the Tiger was staring at her, but because she looked lost.
Standing there for a moment, I began to wonder just how hard life had been for me when I was pregnant with my first child at 18. I also recall how nervous I was to even be seen in public for a while because of the looks people would give me. But eventually, I got over it.. I'm thick skinned like that and truth be told, I don't care what people think about me - ye that is without sin... and so on.
Well, as I stood there debating on whether to get hot cereal, cold cereal or go out on a limb and get both, I also began to wonder how I would have felt if someone had been kind to me in my time of fear and despair. Glancing back at her casually, I noticed she was trying to see the WIC labels on the shelves that directed the consumer to the approved items as though she had not ever seen them before. Then it occurred to me, perhaps she has never been in this situation before, or ever received WIC before -- heaven help her if she has been pregnant before. She looked so young.
That is when a light bulb came on. Not an epiphany - but just a big ol' smack of reality -- I'll be a light. Not a religious fanatic who preaches about spreading a light and what not - that only works if you are dealing with someone who is lost. I'm talking about MY LIGHT - LIFE IS...
How could I stand there, holding a pamphlet that lists everything she is looking for while I just shop away, possibly capable of reciting the pamphlet by memory alone. Walking up to her and her grandmother, I said hello. I did not go into the 'you're so young, have you thought of adoption" speech that I had heard religiously for nearly my entire pregnancy in 1998. I simply said, "I've already got my stuff and this pamphlet will help you figure out what you can get. You can have it if you'd like."
The look on this girls face was something electric. She seemed like a huge burden had been lifted just by taking the paper from my hands. She thanked me (repeatedly) and said she was so worried about getting the wrong stuff. I told her it was my pleasure and not to worry if she does get it wrong, the register will let the cashier know and they can fix it.
I may not have been the light that I wanted to be, and I may not have really done anything huge in someone elses eyes, but... I helped someone, I was honest, and trusting and generous... and in MY eyes... that is LIFE!
Until tomorrow,
~L
Sunday, June 24, 2012
The Day the Mole Met His Match
Hello fellow bloggers, readers and passers-by,
Everyone has seen them at one time or another. Those raised lines of soil trailing haphazardly along your lawn. You walk over to them and relentlessly press them down with your foot, only to wake the next morning to see them pulling something akin to Lazarus... They've risen again!
Yes folks, even in the wonderful whole in the wall called Oak Grove, moles do exist. And so does a never-giving up husband named Rodney. You see, he loves his lawn as do I. He tends to it like a woman would her mani/pedi and can't stand for things to miraculously appear, be them God made or otherwise.
A trip to our local Lowe's store for a mole trap several years ago proved completely worthless. It worked better as a lawn ornament. Nevertheless, the ice storm of 2009 seemed to have made the moles disappear. Alas, el nino has ended and the insects/spiders/rodents/mosquitoes are worse than ever! The mole hath returned!
With a more determined frame of mind, hubby and I venture back to Lowes in search of a product that will eradicate these vicious creatures -- it seemed determined to hit our pecan tree -- and we cherish that tree! Perusing the products they have available, one catches his eye: Poison Peanuts! Reading the label, we agree this is the best way to end the little bugger!
The sun had just began to set and he walks, I waddle, to what we've now deemed "ground zero". Following the labels instructions we bait the area - and wait. The next morning, reminding me of a child on Christmas morning, hubby trails outdoors to see if there was any sign of his return - and there was! We knew he took the bait... and just as we were about to celebrate, we glance over our land and see another risen area of soil some 100 ft from us.
Hubby's eyes widen, a sinister smiles stretches across his face as he launches an all out assault on the mole from hades. The following is a true story.
Day 2: "I can't tell if he's taking the bait. There are signs he's been there, but he keeps moving."
Day 3: "He's definately moving. The poison isn't working. I'm going to have to set it out better."
Day 4: "I've baited nearly every trail he's been in. There's rocks all over hiding the bait so I should be able to kill him."
Warning - Graphic!
On the 5th day, I walk into the kitchen as hubby is returning from the back yard. He has this glimmer in his eye, nothing too evil, yet, a very satisfied look appears. I ask, "Did you get him?" He replies, "With the shovel! I seen him moving when I was out there, so I started digging about a foot behind him. I dug up the tunnel real fast and killed him with the shovel!"
And what woman wouldn't be proud of her solider husband, defending their pecan tree against the likes of one sadistic mole?
Hope you enjoyed! We certainly did!
Until Tomorrow,
L
Everyone has seen them at one time or another. Those raised lines of soil trailing haphazardly along your lawn. You walk over to them and relentlessly press them down with your foot, only to wake the next morning to see them pulling something akin to Lazarus... They've risen again!
Yes folks, even in the wonderful whole in the wall called Oak Grove, moles do exist. And so does a never-giving up husband named Rodney. You see, he loves his lawn as do I. He tends to it like a woman would her mani/pedi and can't stand for things to miraculously appear, be them God made or otherwise.
A trip to our local Lowe's store for a mole trap several years ago proved completely worthless. It worked better as a lawn ornament. Nevertheless, the ice storm of 2009 seemed to have made the moles disappear. Alas, el nino has ended and the insects/spiders/rodents/mosquitoes are worse than ever! The mole hath returned!
With a more determined frame of mind, hubby and I venture back to Lowes in search of a product that will eradicate these vicious creatures -- it seemed determined to hit our pecan tree -- and we cherish that tree! Perusing the products they have available, one catches his eye: Poison Peanuts! Reading the label, we agree this is the best way to end the little bugger!
The sun had just began to set and he walks, I waddle, to what we've now deemed "ground zero". Following the labels instructions we bait the area - and wait. The next morning, reminding me of a child on Christmas morning, hubby trails outdoors to see if there was any sign of his return - and there was! We knew he took the bait... and just as we were about to celebrate, we glance over our land and see another risen area of soil some 100 ft from us.
Hubby's eyes widen, a sinister smiles stretches across his face as he launches an all out assault on the mole from hades. The following is a true story.
Day 2: "I can't tell if he's taking the bait. There are signs he's been there, but he keeps moving."
Day 3: "He's definately moving. The poison isn't working. I'm going to have to set it out better."
Day 4: "I've baited nearly every trail he's been in. There's rocks all over hiding the bait so I should be able to kill him."
Warning - Graphic!
On the 5th day, I walk into the kitchen as hubby is returning from the back yard. He has this glimmer in his eye, nothing too evil, yet, a very satisfied look appears. I ask, "Did you get him?" He replies, "With the shovel! I seen him moving when I was out there, so I started digging about a foot behind him. I dug up the tunnel real fast and killed him with the shovel!"
And what woman wouldn't be proud of her solider husband, defending their pecan tree against the likes of one sadistic mole?
Hope you enjoyed! We certainly did!
Until Tomorrow,
L
Sunday, May 6, 2012
It is with Great Pleasure...
Hello fellow bloggers, readers and passers-by,
A short and simple post to let you know how humbled I am. It is with great pleasure that I inform you, yours truly received the TOP 15 Award at Black River Technical College on April 26, 2012. Out of the 2,000+ students enrolled at both campuses, I am one of the top 15!
I was truly honored by this recognition and I can't be more pleased with my level of education that I have received and am currently receiving at this facility. A gratifying feeling knowing someone there recognized me, little ol' me, out of so many, and that I was deemed worthy of such an award.
There are so many that go unnoticed because of being shy, quiet or just generally are wallflowers. My hope is for them to speak up - be heard - be a winner!
And while this sounds like an acceptance speech for an Academy Award, well, so be it! In Arkansas, this is as close to an Academy Award as it's going to get and I'm rolling with it.
I share this award with my best friend, my lover, my strength, and my rock - My husband of nearly 10 years -- Rodney Evans. Since 2008, when I first gave humor to the notion of returning to school, he supported me unlike no other. He stood by me through the initial fear and intimidation that a returning student often goes through, reminding me that I am smart and can do anything I put my mind to. He ran our household single handedly for the first year, as I sat, crying at my desk, praying the Algebra gods would have mercy on my fallible soul as the letters mixed with numbers caused near panic attacks and shortness of breath.
Through the 60 mile commutes four days a week, keeping our vehicle running so I could get my Criminal Justice Degree and then, to re-enroll again to pursue my AA -- tending the house, the lawn, the laundry, the four children and now, the 5th due in just weeks. He is a man of epic proportion, a man of strength, values, morals and respect. A man who cares what his wife does and will do anything to support her in her decisions. Yes, this award doesn't come close to what I owe him for all he has done, but I wouldn't have it without him and that alone is why I share it with him.
I love you Rodney! Thank you for each and every thing, big and little, that you do! You are my superman!
Until tomorrow,
~L
A short and simple post to let you know how humbled I am. It is with great pleasure that I inform you, yours truly received the TOP 15 Award at Black River Technical College on April 26, 2012. Out of the 2,000+ students enrolled at both campuses, I am one of the top 15!
I was truly honored by this recognition and I can't be more pleased with my level of education that I have received and am currently receiving at this facility. A gratifying feeling knowing someone there recognized me, little ol' me, out of so many, and that I was deemed worthy of such an award.
There are so many that go unnoticed because of being shy, quiet or just generally are wallflowers. My hope is for them to speak up - be heard - be a winner!
And while this sounds like an acceptance speech for an Academy Award, well, so be it! In Arkansas, this is as close to an Academy Award as it's going to get and I'm rolling with it.
Through the 60 mile commutes four days a week, keeping our vehicle running so I could get my Criminal Justice Degree and then, to re-enroll again to pursue my AA -- tending the house, the lawn, the laundry, the four children and now, the 5th due in just weeks. He is a man of epic proportion, a man of strength, values, morals and respect. A man who cares what his wife does and will do anything to support her in her decisions. Yes, this award doesn't come close to what I owe him for all he has done, but I wouldn't have it without him and that alone is why I share it with him.
I love you Rodney! Thank you for each and every thing, big and little, that you do! You are my superman!
Until tomorrow,
~L
The Realization of Life
Hello fellow bloggers, readers and passers-by,
Many of you are aware of how often a light bulb turns on over your head. You have an idea, a thought or come to understand something so magnificent, you are in complete awe of your minds thinking capabilities... and if you have ever stopped by my blog, you are certain to have read a few of my own epiphanies. Well, today is no different, except that it didn't happen today, but rather, it has been happening for the last few months.
Let's say your are sitting somewhere listening to a conversation between two people. Not eavesdropping, just waiting for the right time to join in on the convo. Lets say those two people are not talking about school work, homework, work work, or anything like that, but rather, something that is common between the two of them. I'll go out on a limb and throw the subject of Zombies out there. OK, this post is about a particular professor I've been privileged to have and a classmate who has brought a smile or two with their commentary (and he's so respectful to his 'lady friend', never being derogatory in any way!).
This particular professor is infatuated, dare I say obsessed with Zombies and the A&E Show, The Walking Dead. Now, in the beginning I thought this was just a one time happening -- a short intercession if you will between class starting and roll being taken. However, the next week, the same thing... followed by the week after that and the week after that. So much so, the smiles on both conversationalists faces seemed to fascinate me. Being a fan of Vampires as opposed to Zombies, I had to find out what all the hubbub was about. Having been caught up on all my homework for one evening (gasp, how the hell did that happen?!?), I sat down in front of my families big screen, turned on the blue ray player, pressed the netflix button and within minutes, I was caught up in a whirlwind of death, tragedy, confusion and, *sigh* I must say it... A disgusting, gut wrenching, close my eyes on some parts tale that seemed to go on forever. Needless to say, I may have been converted that night -- I'll never tell!
Venturing back to class the following day, I inform said professor that I watched the first season with intent and curiosity. I fear I would not lose any sleep should I ever miss another episode, but it would be fascinating to follow up with the second season which just ended, and much to my dismay, neither would talk about it in class, except that it just keeps getting better. I sometimes caught myself wondering, "is this what two women sound like when they are discussing a new pair of shoes or a new handbag?" To see the look on their faces when they described the show and how it made them feel made me truly realize life -- no matter what your poison, everyone has a taste for something - theirs happens to be zombies while mine certainly still remains chocolate!
But it was not just seeing the two of them conversed about a show they shared in common, but the issue was with me as well. I did not have the ability to 'mesh' with their conversations as much as I would have liked to, but alas, a great teacher does not always have something in common to be a good listener or share-er of advice, wisdom, praise or self-worth.
A teacher sometimes listens and gives feedback without drawing more to the story. Sometimes she remains the quiet woman who smiles at you when you've gotten so tongue-tied all you can do is laugh. Sometimes she is the teacher who encourages you to look outside the box -- to weigh all your options, to question EVERYTHING before deciding on anything. Sometimes, just sometimes, she is the teacher who makes all the difference in the world. Out of respect for my teachers and their privacy, I will leave them nameless... but, if you are a witness to my laughing outbursts in class or my ability to seem to get one unwanted contraction in that seemingly perfect essay, then you know who you are -- and you should know that you have both made a huge impact on my life!
I salute you. Thank you for being who you are and for teaching me who I can be!
Until tomorrow,
~L
Many of you are aware of how often a light bulb turns on over your head. You have an idea, a thought or come to understand something so magnificent, you are in complete awe of your minds thinking capabilities... and if you have ever stopped by my blog, you are certain to have read a few of my own epiphanies. Well, today is no different, except that it didn't happen today, but rather, it has been happening for the last few months.
Let's say your are sitting somewhere listening to a conversation between two people. Not eavesdropping, just waiting for the right time to join in on the convo. Lets say those two people are not talking about school work, homework, work work, or anything like that, but rather, something that is common between the two of them. I'll go out on a limb and throw the subject of Zombies out there. OK, this post is about a particular professor I've been privileged to have and a classmate who has brought a smile or two with their commentary (and he's so respectful to his 'lady friend', never being derogatory in any way!).
This particular professor is infatuated, dare I say obsessed with Zombies and the A&E Show, The Walking Dead. Now, in the beginning I thought this was just a one time happening -- a short intercession if you will between class starting and roll being taken. However, the next week, the same thing... followed by the week after that and the week after that. So much so, the smiles on both conversationalists faces seemed to fascinate me. Being a fan of Vampires as opposed to Zombies, I had to find out what all the hubbub was about. Having been caught up on all my homework for one evening (gasp, how the hell did that happen?!?), I sat down in front of my families big screen, turned on the blue ray player, pressed the netflix button and within minutes, I was caught up in a whirlwind of death, tragedy, confusion and, *sigh* I must say it... A disgusting, gut wrenching, close my eyes on some parts tale that seemed to go on forever. Needless to say, I may have been converted that night -- I'll never tell!
Venturing back to class the following day, I inform said professor that I watched the first season with intent and curiosity. I fear I would not lose any sleep should I ever miss another episode, but it would be fascinating to follow up with the second season which just ended, and much to my dismay, neither would talk about it in class, except that it just keeps getting better. I sometimes caught myself wondering, "is this what two women sound like when they are discussing a new pair of shoes or a new handbag?" To see the look on their faces when they described the show and how it made them feel made me truly realize life -- no matter what your poison, everyone has a taste for something - theirs happens to be zombies while mine certainly still remains chocolate!
But it was not just seeing the two of them conversed about a show they shared in common, but the issue was with me as well. I did not have the ability to 'mesh' with their conversations as much as I would have liked to, but alas, a great teacher does not always have something in common to be a good listener or share-er of advice, wisdom, praise or self-worth.
A teacher sometimes listens and gives feedback without drawing more to the story. Sometimes she remains the quiet woman who smiles at you when you've gotten so tongue-tied all you can do is laugh. Sometimes she is the teacher who encourages you to look outside the box -- to weigh all your options, to question EVERYTHING before deciding on anything. Sometimes, just sometimes, she is the teacher who makes all the difference in the world. Out of respect for my teachers and their privacy, I will leave them nameless... but, if you are a witness to my laughing outbursts in class or my ability to seem to get one unwanted contraction in that seemingly perfect essay, then you know who you are -- and you should know that you have both made a huge impact on my life!
I salute you. Thank you for being who you are and for teaching me who I can be!
Until tomorrow,
~L
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Back In The Saddle
Hello fellow bloggers, readers, and passers-by,
It's that time of year again when we say goodbye to the fat-drenching holiday food, the mistletoe and eggnog. We welcome the new year with an open mind and hopefully, an open heart. We set aside those thoughts of contempt to make way for adoration of those who are doing well and though, sinfully, we sometimes turn green with envy to those who have a little more than we (I) do! *gasp* Yes, I want great things, too! But the difference for me: I will not sit around and wish -- I will make it happen.
So, I venture, yet again, to BRTC in hopes of putting some useful knowledge into the 'ol think-tank and maybe even have an "awe" moment by such knowledge! In any event, I refuse to give up. "Why would you give up?" they ask!
Let's regroup. Last semester, Algebra did not completely obliterate my GPA but it did take a hit. A surprise pregnancy near the end of the semester left me wondering, "Is God seriously playing a game with me?"... the answer being a loud NO just as soon as I heard the heartbeat of that miracle now growing in my tummy. And for the Pièce de résistance, not one damn person running for the presidential seat is worth listening to, much less voting for.
But I will not fret, and you, dear friend, shouldn't either. Because where there is a will, there is a way, and whether it is God, Buddha, Allah or any other deity, life will continue. We will saddle up, straighten our hat, (hopefully you have your big girl pants on) and strive to make sense of this thing called life. There is only one ending for us all -- not heaven or hell, but death in general, and I for one wanna be going 90 mph when I slide into my coffin yelling, 'man, what a ride'!
Until tomorrow,
LaVonda
It's that time of year again when we say goodbye to the fat-drenching holiday food, the mistletoe and eggnog. We welcome the new year with an open mind and hopefully, an open heart. We set aside those thoughts of contempt to make way for adoration of those who are doing well and though, sinfully, we sometimes turn green with envy to those who have a little more than we (I) do! *gasp* Yes, I want great things, too! But the difference for me: I will not sit around and wish -- I will make it happen.
So, I venture, yet again, to BRTC in hopes of putting some useful knowledge into the 'ol think-tank and maybe even have an "awe" moment by such knowledge! In any event, I refuse to give up. "Why would you give up?" they ask!
Let's regroup. Last semester, Algebra did not completely obliterate my GPA but it did take a hit. A surprise pregnancy near the end of the semester left me wondering, "Is God seriously playing a game with me?"... the answer being a loud NO just as soon as I heard the heartbeat of that miracle now growing in my tummy. And for the Pièce de résistance, not one damn person running for the presidential seat is worth listening to, much less voting for.
But I will not fret, and you, dear friend, shouldn't either. Because where there is a will, there is a way, and whether it is God, Buddha, Allah or any other deity, life will continue. We will saddle up, straighten our hat, (hopefully you have your big girl pants on) and strive to make sense of this thing called life. There is only one ending for us all -- not heaven or hell, but death in general, and I for one wanna be going 90 mph when I slide into my coffin yelling, 'man, what a ride'!
Until tomorrow,
LaVonda
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