Movin On Up

• I swore it would never happen to me. After all, I was the daughter of a car dealer and should know better. But circumstances happen and poof there I was doing what nobody should ever do—buy a car under desperate circumstances.
  
  It all started when my neighbor Teri and I were in my 1990 Mazda MPV van on a rainy afternoon thirty miles from home on December 22nd and the car quit in the middle of the road. No warning. We got out and pushed it into a nearby parking lot with the help of a nice guy who stopped by. It was the transmission of course. Unfortunately, Santa did not have an extra $1400 in my stocking for the repair bill, but we went ahead and replaced it anyway.
  
  Four days later our “good” car the 96 Oldsmobile starting acting worse than usual and that transmission went out. My father in law was visiting from Phoenix and he and my husband said the dreaded words: "You must buy a car…NOW!"
  
  At the nearby car lot I looked and looked and finally test drove a 2000 Acura with only 43,000 miles on it. It was the same price as the newer used cars that had a lot more miles on them, so I thought “why not?” Wow. Talk about the luxury life. Leather heated seats and all. I talked them down on price and up on the trade in and signed about three thousand documents in blood. I think I feel okay about this, but I did learn something in the process for next time.
  
  Go home and look up the model’s history on the internet. I found out this car has massive transmission problems and a recall. Not a good thing.
  
  Ask for a warranty period to return the car for any reason if you aren’t happy and have it put in writing. My salesman said I had a 90 day return period, but I have nothing in writing, so I have NOTHING.
  
  Look for details. I have no owners manual and no floor mats. Seems like little things, but if I would have asked for them during negotiation, chances are I would have gotten them.
  
  And now? Well, the lower drivers seat doesn’t heat up, and I found out it could cost as much as $395.00 to fix. Because I didn’t discover it on the night I bought it, I’m again…out of luck. I called the dealership and asked the sales manager if they would consider doing it anyway and he said he’d get back to me today. Except he didn’t. Maybe tomorrow. In the meantime, I’m trying to be positive and just love my new used car and not worry too much. But really, the daughter of a car dealer should know better, right? Buyer beware!!

Looking back

I can't believe it. Kelley and I were almost run over yesterday morning. The bus comes at 7:55 am and somehow I just can't get used to that, and I keep thinking it comes at 8, so we just stood there, coats on and everything in the kitchen, as it rolls by. If we reeeeeeealy hurried we could race to the top of the street and catch it on it's way out of the neighborhood. So we ran. I had on a bright red raincoat, and as we're approaching a driveway, our neighbor backs out and almost hits us. I think he looked back once, but I'm not sure. Thank goodness we jumped out of the way in time, and even caught the bus, but it really scared me. It made me start looking at the way cars are designed and I notice that so many cars have those head rests across the back seats. How many adults are actually hauling around other adults or tall children that need those head rests? Can they be removed? For sure, they have to be blocking people's ability to see behind them, and for what? Back in the olden days when I was a new driver, cars never had those. I'm also frustrated, being a rather short person, at how much the car manufacturers are raising the level of the back window. Have you noticed that? How can anybody see out back there? I think I'll try and do some research on how many accidents there have been from backing into people. This is such a safety issue, and if a tall guy can miss seeing an adult in a bright red raincoat, what about a child's chances of being seen? Another crusade!

Kelley quote after we attended a Christmas concert: "Mom, why do we have to stand up during the 'Holiday-loo-ya" Chorus?

A teabag for wisdom

Thomas had his wisdom teeth out in his junior year of college. Or, I guess I should say, wisdom tooth. Turns out the kid only has one. After his appointment, instead of driving back to the dorm, we insisted he come home to rest so we could take care of him. After a few hours he had used up the entire supply of gauze the dentist gave him, but the incision just wouldn’t stop bleeding. Thomas got up from the couch and brought me the “emergency instructions” paper and pointed to the part that said to put a teabag on the spot. “See Thomas, aren’t you glad your mother is here” I said, bolting to the kitchen. “I bet you and your friends in the dorm are out of tea.” I’m not sure if it was the packed gauze in his mouth, but he didn’t answer. Of course, it didn’t specify whether or not they meant dry-- right out of the box tea bags, or a wet, used tea bag. I was carefully pondering this when Thomas finally snatched it out of my hand and stuck it in his mouth evidently not noticing the long string with the paper tag at the end that said “Lipton.” “Hang on, honey” I helpfully urged, rummaging in the junk drawer to find a scissors, ‘I’ll cut that right off for you.” Not finding anything but old pens, dead batteries and a kazoo, I motioned for my toothless victim to follow me around the house while I looked some more. Thomas obediently tagged along in his drug induced stupor , with the tag swinging under his chin, while I continued to search in vain. Finally I had an idea. I pulled him into the kitchen, opened up the knife drawer and grabbed the only clean utensil in sight… a 12 inch serrated turkey slicer. “Hold still! ” I warned as I sawed back and forth dangerously close to his lips. It was at that moment I realized something profound. Normal people don’t do things like this.

Hey everyone, for a great movie idea please go support Bella if it's playing in your town. My daughter's college in San Diego is connected to the wonderful young people who made this life-affirming film. It's changing lives and hearts everyday! Let's show Hollywood we want something decent for a change!

Just when you thought you'd heard it all.....

I can't believe it...the lead story on the news last night was that fake teeth from China were being recalled. I'm serious. So, yank those puppies out of your mouth this instant and get to the return counter before it's too late, that is if sucking on all those Chinese made toys hasn't done you in already!

Why I'm not shopping "pink" this year...

Is there any grocery item, wheelbarrow, lunchbox or set of tires that has not been wrapped in pink this month to remind us to be "aware" of breast cancer? Don't get me wrong...I am very interested in finding a cure, as both my mother and grandmother had the disease. It's just that I don't trust the Susan G. Koman foundation to do it. Last time I checked their website, they are still choosing to not mention the studies that prove a huge risk factor for breast cancer...abortion. Don't believe me? Check out this great website: abortionbreastcancer.com. Maybe if I "run for the cure" they ought to "run for the truth." Millions of women deserve to know.

Do you speak cable?

I'm still smiling over what happened yesterday. I finally picked up the 800 number, waded through 200 voice mail commands telling me my call was being recorded, and ordered cable TV. Nothing fancy though...just the sub-low-nobody watches this stuff--bare bones basic. I had to. My show is on one of the public access channels and I really need to see how much that 8lbs. I gained in Florida shows up. I host a life-affirming (translation: pro-life) show called "Woman 2 Woman" and I have had a great time showcasing really fun topics. In October we did "Down Syndrome Awareness Month" because October...well, IS. What an amazing group of moms and daughters we had as well as a theatre troup! It's so fulfilling to be able to honor our brothers and sisters with different abilities and share the message that every person has dignity and value and let's all be reminded to support and love those parents out there who take up the challenge to say "yes" to life!!! Anyway, back to the cable...so the guy says "Sorry, it won't work, because your remote won't get me to the menu." Huh? Let's just say my technical ability wouldn't even compare to those fighting over swings on the playground, but even I surprised myself. I said "Couldn't you just run it through the VCR?" Silence. But, you know what scares me? I mean, if we techno-impaired women have to do all the thinking for these so-called professionals, where is it going to end? Can you see this in your surgery some day? Doctor: "I'm sorry, you're going to die. I just can't repair that valve." Patient: (on operating table) "Well, okay but couldn't you just run a line through that other organ over there?" Scary.

Speaking of Florida... I don't know why, but my friend Janet (see former blog) really likes me and wanted me to be a delegate for the presidential debate she hosted in Fort Lauderdale in September. This was really cool because not only did I get to get away from the kid and dinner duties for three days, I got to wear high heels and pearls. It just seemed so Presidential. Anyway, I understand thousands of people across America had been praying and fasting for the results of this debate, so that we would have a clear--- make no mistake about it--- person to rally behind for President. In other words, Janet wanted God's choice to be revealed. Pretty heavy stuff I thought, but "why not?" One by one we filed into the Broward Center for the Performing arts and were handed an electronic voting device. None of us really had any particular favorite going in. The door was wide open. But, whoa, baby did that change. When the results were tallied, we all sat there in total shock to see what we'd done. In what can only be described as a LANDSLIDE we had overwhelmingly voted for MIKE HUCKABEE. All the months of prayer and fasting had given us what we had prayed for---an unmistakable clear answer and person to get behind. I wouldn't have believed it if Ihadn't seen it for myself. You can hear all about it if you go to Janet Folger's radio show at F2a.org. I even got interviewed on her October 19th show! It's an experience I will never forget...especially since on Monday night after the debate everyone in the hotel (including the candidates) were awakened at 3am with a fire alarm. I was on the ninth floor and the candidates on the 11th. Somewhere on the stairwell are my glasses that I never did find, and now I'm getting by with dorky ones from the dollar store, but you know what? It was worth it!! I'm not kidding....this guy is amazing. So, don't forget...you heard it here first!!!

An Attitude Of Gratitude

I feel so lucky today. Wanna know why? I was just thinking about the fact that I know some amazing women. Three women have come into my life that can do something I think is pretty incredible. Let me draw you a picture. Well, not really because I flunked art. Anyway, pretend you're in a big crowd...say an auditorium full of people. All of the people in the audience have their eyes on an empty stage... just waiting. Let's say the show or the performer they came to see had to cancel at the last minute. And let's say the place is packed and it's standing room only. What would happen? (My mind goes to strange places sometimes...bear with me here) Okay, now...know anyone that you could tap on the shoulder and say "Hey, would you please get up there and entertain these people?...and they could?" Well, I do! Really. Pam Young, Janet Folger and Leigh Anne Jasheway Bryant are three people that not only could walk on stage at a moments notice and entertain 20,000 people, they would actually be better than what the crowd came to see in the first place. I'm not kidding! In a week of "Take your dictator to school day" and zero talent people forced on us at every channel I really have to honor the true gifts these women have in entertaining, encouraging and informing. Gifts I've been so lucky to be inspired by. I've been in Pam's organization class when women laughed so hard they complained their jaws hurt. I've watched Janet's quick wit crack up hundreds of University students where security guards were ordered before her visit. I've watched Leigh Anne take the mic in front of huge crowds after teaching a comedy or writing class, and calmly ask if there were any questions...never knowing what someone may ask and being able to pop off a hilarious answer...every time!!! So maybe they aren't going to cure cancer, end wars or solve the obesity epidemic. Then again...who knows? I just thank God that I have had the honor of calling these special women my friends. They are an inspiration to all they meet and I'm so honored and grateful to know them. So Pam, Janet and Leigh Anne...thank you. You rock!

Why I Have Hope For America

Last week I entered a contest answering the question, "Why Do I Have Hope For America?" It made me start thinking about what's important and what means the most to me. Here are my thoughts:



Last month I visited my oldest daughter in Branson, Missouri where she was skating in an ice show at Silver Dollar City Theme Park. The theater held about 1200 people and I slipped into the second row to watch the show. The finale number was skated to Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American” a song I was so grateful to hear again. At one point in the number the skaters all formed a line across the front of the ice and turned with their backs to the audience raising their arms to the sky. Immediately, two gigantic American flags unfurled on the set. At that moment…without hesitation…1200 people rose from their seats and cheered. Show after show, day after day it never changed. It is an experience I will never forget. After a few weeks the park management had to install a carpet strip between the ice and the front row for the skaters to stand on because so many members of the audience wanted to hug them and shake their hands to thank them. So they did. The people of Branson are really no different than anywhere else. I believe people everywhere know in their hearts what’s important…what’s real. They just need to be reminded. I'm so glad I was.

The Friendly Skies Just Got A Little Warmer...

It happened at the Denver airport. I had just spent a wonderful week visiting my daughter in Branson, Missouri. My flight was really late leaving the airport in Springfield, which didn't seem to rattle anyone around me which I thought was kind of odd...I mean, it was way past the scheduled boarding time and there was no airline employee in sight, no sign, and no plane. I kind of thought there should be a plane. When I started asking some fellow passengers what they thought was happening, the lady next to me just sighed and said something like "It's Missouri" and looked back down at her magazine. So, needless to say the flight was very late getting into Denver where I had exactly one hour to change planes for the flight home. On the way to Springfield one hour had been more than enough time to spot a deli near gate 65 with a huge piece of cheesecake. I was drooling at the thought of my plastic fork digging in and could hardly wait. Only...lightning was now keeping our cozy jet from touching down and it was getting dangerously close to boarding time for my flight. Finally landing, the flight attendant asked everyone to let us connecting fools off first, and I really didn't mean to step on that man's head on the armrest, but it was the last flight home and I HAD to make it. I sprinted past the glassed in cheesecake, and ran like something out of that outdated OJ commercial where he jumps over suitcases and was panting to the gate, gratefully find it still boarding. Only I HAD to use the restroom first, which I did and then rushed on board...but... where was my black sweater? The one I had on a second ago...the one that was part of my favorite sweater set? I hesitantly asked the question. Could I run out and see if I left it on the chairs? They said "hurry." But no luck. I thanked the nice gate agent, Teresa, who really, honestly looked like she cared. If fact, she even asked me to leave my phone number with her, just in case she found my sweater. So I did. But really, it was gone and I knew it. People don't find lost items in this world anymore. At least that's what I still thought as I heard the mailman deliver something big and bulky into the box on the side of our front door. I didn't recognize the return name and address and quickly tore open the padded envelope to find my beautiful black sweater. Alongside it was just a simple business card that said "Teresa Redman...United Airlines." No fanfare. No glory. Just a simple act of kindness for a weary mom. So thank you United. And thank you Teresa. You've resored my faith in the world and busy airports with lightning storms. Now, if I could just locate some of that cheesecake...!