Thoughts of a Sprite

Sunday, September 11, 2005

Boot drive

Today is a sad day for America. I would ask you to take a moment of silence as you read this to remember that no matter how big your country, or how invincible you think you are(we all get those feelings of it will never happen to me,) You are not. Say a prayer if you pray, or just think about those who were affected that day, who lost family members, and take time to thank those ordinary men and women who make extraordinary heroes in times of crisis, from the dispatcher, to the police officer, to the firefighters and EMT's, to the search and rescue teams with dogs, to the normal civilian just trying to help. Those who came together and donated money, blood, and other necessities. 9/11 was a day to remember for all Americans. A shock wave felt through the heart of this country.

George W. Bush said, "America's Freedom has been tested, and I assure you we will pass the test!" And we did. This country came together, and sent volunteers from all over. I am thankful to live in a place where though diversity is a definition of the citizens and cultures, unity is prominent in time of need. We even had assistance from Canada.

This country came together then, and it is coming together now for hurricane relief. Many police officers, firefighters, emt's, contractors, electricians, and even morticians, from my area have gone to Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi to help with relief efforts. My heart goes out to all of the people affected by this catastrophe as well.

So it has been a good weekend. Friday night we (Ruth, Larry and I) went to Ale house for some grub. It is the second week in a row we went there. I really wanted steamed oysters and they were out last week, so I thought they might have them this week. Turns out they get their oysters from Louisiana so No oysters for me... Laura met us there, and then later her friend Amy. After we all went bowling. I did really good (for me) I bowled a 149, and got a turkey. (that is when you get three strikes in a row) Never happened before. The second game was more my usual score, and Larry kicked my ars with a 160 something... Mean ass... He could have let me revel in my all time high score.

Ruth stayed the night at my house, as we had to get up at the ass crack of dawn to go volunteer with my fire department for a boot drive. (it was not so bad, I just hate mornings!) We got there at 830, and stood in the road with boots collecting money till about 1230. We broke for lunch, and it was the heat of the day, and made our first deposit. We went back out at about 130, and collected more money. In total we collected around $3,500 for Hurricane victims. We have a group that is going to go up there with the money, clothes, food and water that we have collected and deliver it all. We made contact with another volunteer fire department in Mississippi I believe, and it was heart breaking. One of our firefighters got several phone numbers and just started dialing. When he finally got through the answer he got was unbelievable. "Hello, OMG it works, the phone works, there is someone on the other end, hello..." they have not had a phone or anything since it happened. All of these families, and those of the firefighters are there, and have lost everything. So I felt pretty good about the effort we put out. They are also collecting loads at Williston Tire, and Knauff's funeral home, and taking it up themselves. It is amazing the efforts our small town puts out.

After the boot drive, Ruth wanted to pack out, in fire gear, so we did, and took a few pictures.

Today I spent all day doing homework. I did not even get my laundry done. I finally got to sleep in, then once I was up, it was hit the books. I did break for dinner, which was good. I got a 90 on my online quiz, and I tried to take the next one too, but Vista was offline. But I am caught up on everything for my psychology class, but not ahead like I would have liked. I fear I am falling behind in my statistics class. I am hoping to get caught up in there this week.

I got my part time job back while I was at the bowling alley. I will be bartending on Friday nights again. In case you are new to the blog, I hurt my back at the beginning of the summer, and had to take a leave of absence for some therapy. Well, when I was released, I called and left five messages for the manager, and never heard back. I figured they filled the slot, and cut my losses. Turns out he never got any of the messages, and can't wait to get me back. So that will be good, I will have some spending money again :)

I have got to go to bed yall, It is 2320 (1120, for those non military time peeps, I know you're out there!)
G'night...

shes_a_sprite @ 11:17 PM.

1 comments

Dano said...

Love the Pic!

9:58 AM