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My Nose Saves the Day

/in /by

Late yesterday afternoon, I decided to make a dash for the grocery store in light of the weather forecast. They were predicting a potentially nasty ice storm and then rain for the rest of week. Knowing we couldn’t make it the week without groceries, I went.

When I came home, I was unpacking groceries and thinking about dinner. Since I was late and my husband was due home in short order, I decided to broil some ribs I had left over for dinner.

I turned on our rickety and cheap range which we acquired with the house in its lovely cream and black splendor. I put the ribs under the burner and then made a mental note to myself to NOT forget they are cooking!! I then walked back over to the groceries and continued unpacking.

Some ten minutes must have gone by and I had, in fact, forgot about the ribs broiling at a supposed 500 degrees.

Next thing I know, I am coming in from the outdoors after letting out my sweet dog – and the smell hit me. It was strong and very recognizable.

It was natural gas.

I quickly realized the stove must not be working and that gas must have been spewing out of the stove for a good ten to twelve minutes. My kitchen was full of gas. I got that pit-of-a-feeling, yet unlike my normal self, I remained calm and opened all the windows and doors letting in that lovely fresh 20 degree air– and then I took the dogs out and we stood on the patio a few minutes while the house aired out.

I started to doubt that something was wrong and that perhaps I had just over-reacted. About ten minutes later, my husband arrived home and ate cold ribs. Just before his first bite, I told him of my ordeal.

After dinner, he tested the oven himself — and sure enough after about three minutes, it started spewing gas again. The smell made us certain.

Our oven has a serious defect and considering the top range igniter just broke down less than six months ago (and we replaced it) — we are chucking this thing! It’s a piece of crap!!

I was hoping to buy a new range when I redid the kitchen because the new ones I am looking at won’t fit in this kitchen. Plus, now I have to investigate all my options and I don’t want to spend the time. I busy planning for our current remodel!!

Ugh. I needed this like a hole in the head. At least, I didn’t die from the gas or burn up in some explosion! Lordy. I should be thankful but instead I’m rather annoyed!!

What do you do?

/in /by

What do YOU do when you see a friend who is in a difficult situation– who doesn’t see the truth — but you clearly do? Do you tell him or her what you see and risk upsetting them and possibly ruin your friendship? Or, do you just turn your head and keep your nose out of his/her business?

I’d love your thoughts. If you could explain why you do what you do, I’d be honored. I will respond with what I do in the coming week.

Best New Year’s Gift

/in /by

What a great idea, Townsville, Australia had. From my readings (see post below), I found that Townsville, Australia decided to forgo their fireworks display New Year’s Eve and instead donate the money to the victims of the Tsumani.

Imagine if we all did that! Pass on the suggestion…we still have time.

A Truthful Perspective from Outside

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When the world faces a disaster, I don’t depend on our media alone for information. I find they can be slow to get information, often outdated and biased. I am sure all media are like this — so I shop around for my news.

The Sydney Morning Herald in Sydney, Australia provides great news coverage to counter-balance our own. I highly recommend reading this polished newspaper. It’s a major newspaper for the Australian continent. You have to subscribe, but it is free and I have not received any spam mail for doing so.

In this article on the tsunami in their New Year’s Eve edition, I found this statement quite interesting:

After September 11 the President of the United States bullied the rest of the world to stand with him against terrorism. But this week George Bush had to be bullied by the US media and a sharp-tongued United Nations relief co-ordinator to stand with the people of the Indian Ocean nations in their time of grief.

The first US response was a cheque for $US15 million ($A19.2 million), which The New York Times noted was less than half what the Republicans will spend celebrating the Bush presidential inauguration later this month. By Wednesday, Washington was shamed into bumping its donation up to $US35 million but US Senator Patrick Leahy was still seething: “I just about went through the roof when I herd them bragging about $35 million – today we spent $35 million before breakfast in Iraq.

How sad is that?

As an American citizen, I didn’t hear the $15 million number once. I only heard about the $35 million. Why was it kept so hush? Is that why other nations complained about the U.S.? Did you hear about the $15 million?

I love America for many things, don’t get me wrong but I believe for us as a nation to be respected in a world community, we must deal with what others countries think about us — and work to make changes when we are seen to have problems and do have problems.

All nations have problems but those who are going to succeed in the global community will work to address them — and won’t turn their backs in denial.

What are we going to do?

The article goes on to say:

By the end of the week some tourists were back on the beaches of Thailand and our TV screens were filled with guilt-assuaging images of military transport aircraft and crisis management teams arriving from around the world. But it was sobering to think that the total world response this week – $US500 million, according to the UN– was no more than Australians spent on their new plasma TVs in the past 12 months.

Are WE truly giving enough money — being that we are the wealthy nation that we are?

You be the judge…

A Sad Day…to be Thankful

/in /by

Yesterday evening, after watching CNN to learn more about the world’s disaster, it started to sink in. The magnitude of the horror is beyond comprehension, beyond what words could ever describe. I realized that the injured zone could easily stretch across the entire width of the United States. It’s chilling.

The population of my town would have only been a drop in the bucket to the lives lost. I can’t help but feel parazlyed at these thoughts.

I keep thinking about Nate Berkus, a well-known interior designer showcased on previous Oprah shows, and try to envision his recount of what happened to him in Sri Lanka. After being washd out of his oceanside cottage, he and his friend clung to a light pole — only to be separated and washed apart. Nate has been unable to find his friend since and presumes he drowned. Now he must come home without him. Can you imagine that? I can’t.



I am stunned.

Horrified.

Speechless.

I am thankful…. for all I have today yet I feel unsure and uneasy.

Last night, I slept in fits…dreaming about the disaster. I can’t even remember the dreams, but I dreamt of rising water, panic and fear.

Nothing seems important today in comparison. Yet every simple thing seems so valuable. I feel blessed to have my family, my dogs, water, food, clothing and a place to sleep. Today I do not take my basic survival for granted.

I send my warm prayers to all those who had to endure nature’s fury. I am so sorry for all the pain, misery and loss…