Yesterday’s horrific events have taken a toll on us a nation.  I woke up this morning still just as numb as I was when I went to bed last night.
I can’t even begin to imagine what those families of the loved ones that were murdered are going through.  It’s just awful - there is no other way to put it.  

But.....we all have to remember that this was not God’s will but this was evil...the devil.  We live in a sinful world and bad things are still going to happen but God is always still with us.  He has never left those families who are grieving right this moment....and He has never left any of us.  In times of sorrow and crisis if we will look to Him for comfort...for strength...He will get us through this.  But we we also have to be willing to accept God’s love and help.  He helps us through other people and puts those people and things in our path if we will only recognize it.  

For now during this holiday season more than ever we ALL need to get on our knees and THANK GOD for all the good things that have come our way and will continue to come our way.  In the midst of this chaos if we will look for the positive...and have gratitude toward SOMETHING...we will find we are able to cope better than we ever thought.  Doesn’t mean we forget what has happened but if we put our focus on God and all the good in the world...we then do not allow this evil to rob us of our thoughts.  It’s about changing your own thinking process and your thoughts.  No one can take that away from any of us.  

So look to God for your strength and guidance! Hug your children more.....tell your loved ones you love them more often.....and your friends....and just be kind to one another.  Don’t take people for granted....and appreciate others.  

Live for TODAY.  Stay in TODAY.  This isn’t a dress rehearsal but the main event...TODAY.  You don’t get a do over...so make the best of it!!  

And this is my suggestion and it’s only a suggestion...but don’t sit in front of the telelvision watching all of this news about this horrible tragedy.  Watching it over and over again is NOT going to make you feel better....it’s not going to change anything....and it’s just not healthy.  Spend your gift of TODAY doing something meaningful...and worthwhile.  

I’m Mary...and that’s all I have to say for now.  God Bless you all...and Merry Christmas!

In November of this year it will be 2 years since my gastric bypass surgery.  It has been a remarkable and rewarding journey.  I’ve lost 83 lbs to date and I feel wonderful.  It was definitely the best thing I could have ever done for myself.  

I’ve taken my time and worked on my new way of eating and now it’s time to work on my exercise regime.  I do walk at least 4 days a week but due to time restraints I can’t walk enough in the early mornings to push me further.  I need to push myself so with that said after some arm twisting and heavy persuasion I joined my sister and her running group in running the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC on October 28, 2012.  

Now let me let you in on a little secret.  I’ve never run in ANYTHING in my entire life.  Even when I was small growing up and I didn’t care for running.  I’ve not even run in a 1K...if there is such a thing...LOL.  So this is definitely going to be a major challenge for me.  

Our group consists of older aged woman (not old, but older).  My sister will be 2 months shy of her 62 birthday, one other lady will be 60, one lady has had a hip replacement, and the others are in their late 40’s such as myself.  We have two that are much younger.  All of these women do run/walk daily but I’m the only one that doesn’t run. So if these women can do this so can I...is the attitude I’m taking.  

We officially start our training at the end of this month.  As my son told me, “Mom...you’ve got to get in shape to get in shape.”  What a profound statement...LOL.
We do have a trainer. He has run in over 40 marathons and knows how to prepare for you this endeavor. I’m very excited NOW about this challenge I have taken on and now just to get prepared for it. It won’t be surprising though that this summer I’m calling my running buddies and cussing them out when I’m training in 100 degree southern temperatures.
 

Back to the marathon! Apparently this marathon is huge.  When the registration opened up for it in March the number of individual slots available for individuals sold out in less than 3 hours...which would be about 20,000.  The rest of the slots available are saved for charities.  So I had to join under the Diabetics Action Team to obtain my marathon #.
I have to raise $500 for the Diabetics Association to obtain my number which is okay with me.  

If you would like to donate to the Diabetics Action Team you can so at my personal Marathon team website.  

Raising money for the Diabetic Association! Click on this link and you can donate to a worthy cause!! AT the same time...it helps me obtain my # for the Marine Corp Marathon in October! Thanks in advance for your contribution...which is tax deductible!
[Link Removed]
www.diabetesaction.org

You can also follow my blog on this website on my daily progress.  

Maryclark, Your links have been removed, please consider upgrading to premium membership.

DEBUTS:  FEBRUARY 6TH ON NBC

Such a great idea. Take a glass jar, write 2012 on it. Throughout the year, whenever you do something fun/cool/enjoyable, write it on a slip of paper, date it, and put it in the jar. Anyone in your family can put in whatever they think was great. On New Year’s Eve, dump them out and read them all together. Love it!

Graniteville, SC—

readySC, on behalf of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, announced Tuesday that they will immediately begin taking applications for 25 engineering and 50 engineering technician positions at their Graniteville facility.

readySC is assisting BATO with the recruiting and initial training of their workforce for their new off-road radial facility and expansion of their existing facility.

“Bridgestone Americas is very excited to begin the process of recruiting for this project. We are seeking both entry-level and experienced engineers and engineering service technicians,” said Fran Jones, vice president of Administration Services Division. “Our company continues to be successful as an organization due in large part to our hard-working employees. We look forward to adding to this workforce in South Carolina.”

the company is seeking both electrical and mechanical engineers along with engineering technicians. To find out more about the positions available and begin the application process, please visit www.readySC.org/BATO.

Interested candidates with questions about the application process can email [Link Removed]

****This is on our local news.  So for those of you who are looking for jobs...or have loved ones looking...this might be for you.  It’s a great facility and place to work.  Great benefits and they pay well.  

Graniteville, SC...it’s about 20 minutes from Augusta, GA.  

Maryclark, Your links have been removed, please consider upgrading to premium membership.