Instant Communication - Good or Bad?

For a long time now, I have wanted to comment on My Space and Facebook.

We have just been through a court case which was probably not decided to the satisfaction of too many people. I am speaking of the mother who created a boyfriend for an acquaintance of her daughter. The girl committed suicide as a result of the "boyfriend" not being truly interested in her.

Kathleen Parker addresses some of the valid concerns today about the "Information Highway" in her column. Ms. Parker is with The Washington Post Writers Group and her column is good reading.

Remember the song about Two Silhouettes On The Shade? That was about as bold as people got back in the 50s and 60s. Yes, we did some things we'd rather forget, but we did not put them up on a screen that could be viewed around the world by people who knew us and those who did not.

If you have never looked at My Space or Facebook, perhaps it is time you did. The only thing worse than people doing stupid or rotten things is people who have no clue what is going on in the world.

The concept of My Space and Facebook as "networking" has potential. I have a Facebook page but you have to request to be able to view it. So, I can let you in, or I can refuse you.

I opened my page about two days after creating it, to see some "potty-mouth" remarks by a younger person. I found I could block that person. So I did. (Understand that on Facebook, you can see remarks made by others to others, not just to you.)

Alternately, I enjoy seeing what my niece in Halifax is doing and can get quickly caught up on what my contemporaries are doing here at home without a half-hour phone conversation. So, it has the potential to be a time-saver.

On My Space, you can have a private or public page. On a private page, you can see the person's photo, and a few comments which could be pleasant or not. So, a person on My Space is not protected from themselves even on a private page.

(Yes, I know there are also blogs where people are presenting themselves less than best also.)

If you really want the entire world - or at least that part of it who will be interested enough in you to open your page - to know just a little more about you that they care to know - these are the places for you. What is the reason so many people no longer want to present themselves in a good light? Why would a person want anyone who has access to a computer to know that they drank too much, did drugs, etc. etc.?

When we turn on the evening news, we can readily see where the under 30s are getting their take on society. It is time politicians became accountable in every way. (The Illinois Governor should have already resigned.)

Athletes (who are being given enormous sums of money for sometimes very average performances) should be role models for young people. Some of these people can barely utter an intelligible sentence. There is no excuse for them constantly ending up in jails for an evening's stay.

We still have the "Big Three" executives in front of us, hoping for taxpayers/government to help them out. These people have gone way beyond the American Dream of a house with a picket fence, a wife, two children and a vehicle in the driveway. The Greatest Generation taught us most of the lessons we need to know to have a happy and prosperous life. Did anybody listen?

Right now - today - we need more than ever to value the lifestyles of the ordinary people who honestly are trying to provide the necessities for their families and hopefully, higher education for their children.

We need to take a look at some "ordinary people" and place them on pedestals for all to see as prototypes for the good life.

Perfect Break For Tonight!

If you are not a football fan or if you would just like to forget the woes of the day, tonight on Turner Classic Movies, you can watch Guys and Dolls. This is a classic musical with some great music and an easy to follow story. Of course, some of us have also seen it on stage. Bet you will be humming along with the songs. It will be a nice break for you as you wrap some of those gifts that are currently cluttering the dining room table.

37 Days to the Crawford Ranch

As you probably know, President George W. Bush visited Iraq this weekend. The photo above shows him ducking one of two size 10 shoes thrown at him.

Not everyone feels George W. has been a good president. It is good for us to pause and realize that not every president had to endure 9-11. I still like to remind people that not only is this man a born-again Christian, he is a reformed alcoholic. This is a man of strong character who has overcome weakness. This is a gentle man who loves his country and has respect for all Americans.

Let us all pray that George W. and Laura make it back to their Crawford, Texas ranch to enjoy life again. (Yes, I know they have purchased a home in Dallas, but I think you'll find them most of the time at the ranch.)

Way to go on the ducking, Mr. President - all the baseball has paid off!

Company Coming In For A Celebration? No Room For Them To Stay?

You know, every year we all have little problems over the holiday season. We juggle schedules to accommodate people coming in for the Holidays.

We try to find just the right gift for every person, some of whom we may not know so well.

Then there is the card writing and the gift wrapping, the decorating outside and in.

Where is everyone going to stay? Ah, yes. Exactly where is everyone going to stay?

On a different train of thought, most of us have moved our homes. When I lived in Canada, we used to generally close the sale of the old house and the new house on the same day. When I sold real estate, I was generally very busy from January to March with closings at the end of the school year in June. School commenced in September, so the families were settled in long before the children started their new schools. It is pretty common for families to want to be ready for their children to start school. Nothing odd about that.

Well, there's this family moving from Chicago to Washington and I know their girls have to begin school on January 5th, but their new home won't be ready for them till January 20th.

I kind of think that someone did make arrangements for them to come in a couple of days before the 20th of January when they are to attend a celebration of the hubby/father becoming President of the United States.

Now, I have to tell you that for me at this time of the year, the expression "no room at the inn" came to mind. I'm not going to tell you that Barack Obama is quite that important, but, you know, I really think some hotel could make a floor available for the incoming President so the girls could start school at the beginning. I am asking for a floor because we would like some room for the secret service and some staff.

I could suggest that someone who has a big RV or maybe even a tour bus . . . yes, that's it, Aaron Tippin's Tour Bus . . . that would be perfect!

No wonder, our country is in such bad shape! People just have no idea how to adapt to a situation!

I mention Aaron Tippin's Tour Bus because it is nice and large and there is a trailer on the back and Aaron seemed like such a nice guy when we met him this summer in Tennessee at a Cracker Barrel.

If we can't solve the little problems, how are we going to solve the big ones?

Too Bad Youth is Wasted on the Young - Remember That One?

There is an old expression that goes, "Too bad youth is wasted on the young" although I don't recall exactly how long it has been since I heard it.

Our favorite freshman college student is recuperating and should be back up and running soon - almost as good as he was - after a motorcycle accident.

All I know to do is pray for a full recovery and we have been doing that every day.

The thing that scares me about young people - and of course, my own experience with them is limited - is that I was also young once!

Every time I think about young people being on their own and making their own decisions, I get nervous. Why? Well, because I made some pretty stupid decisions when I was in my late teens and early twenties. Didn't you?

The whole thing when you are younger is that it seems that doing something once will not result in any major problem. Well, of course, it can . . . and sometimes it does.

I think, as their parents, grandparents and friends, we have to re-assure them that we indeed do still love them. We need to hug them and be thankful that they are still here on this earth. We need to help them with whatever the consequences are and help them back up and on their feet again.

Surprising though it may seem, bright young people do get it! They do know that this was perhaps not the best thing they could have done. There is an element of embarrassment that a major consequence this time was being hauled off in an ambulance to a hospital and parents being called. I know because this happened to me when I was 21.

If you think of the flip side of young people experimenting and having "good times", you probably know someone who has never had a productive life, never married, never even left their parents' home.

Every young person has to learn - even though it might be the hard way - for himself or herself.

We cannot live their lives for them. We can only be here for them when they come back - a little bit broken physically or mentally. We have to show them how much we do indeed love them and how happy we are they are still alive!

Over the years, more and more things have been invented to make it even harder for young people. They may be dealing with things not yet available when we were young.

One day, we'll awaken to a son, daughter or grandchild who has finally put it all in place. It might us a little while to really put it all together that this person has finally pulled their life together. The clue then is to just pretend they were always that way! That's the part they will really appreciate.

As we enter the holiday season, let us all make sure all our offspring truly know how much we love them and how much we want the very best for them - in spite of themselves!

And . . . to any young people reading this . . . please remember how much we want you gathered 'round with us at Christmas time. We may not be exciting but we are very, very loving!

As a little boy at a Christmas family gathering once said, "God Bless Us Everyone!"

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East Texas Snow: Old Friends, New Friends & Snowboots!

Well, there is comfort in having friends you have known a long time. As I age, I hear them calling me "old friend" a little more often. Is that because I am getting older? Where did the time go? Is it possible Frank Hilliard got older?

Welcome to readers - like Sean McAllister who sent some of his snow down to Texas! That was such a kind gesture, Sean - and Merry Christmas to you also!

Each time we have cold weather, the local weathermen always talk about a Canadian cold front. Hmm . . . Blame it on Canada!

I may well be the only person in East Texas with bone fide snowboots in my closet! Yes, yes, we were preparing to attend our niece's wedding in the Detroit area six years ago in November. As I do not do that area without snowboots, I acquired a pair from a local Payless Shoe Store for under $10. One assumes they were not selling well here . . .

I do still have them . . . and I am not afraid to wear them, so beware! (Of course, there are no mats or proviso for removing them once inside in the foyers of Angelina County! Hmm . . . a way to increase the economy in East Texas - selling boot trays, mats and snowshovels.

Uh, oh, didn't I come here to get away from all that?

Global warming indeed! Bah Humbug!

Snowing in East Texas!

We were at church this evening and when we came out after choir practice, there was snow on the SUV.

It has been snowing in East Texas this evening. That tends to shut things down and there was even a bridge closed here. It was announced that most schools will start two hours later tomorrow morning. (Most children are bused to school and so they will send the buses out two hours later.)

The whole point is that the weather is usually pretty nice here and people tend to wear just a jacket or sweater, not a coat. Nobody has boots. So, when it snows here, it is a big deal and you see people out on their lawns taking photos, rolling some leaves in snow to make at least a snowball if not a small snowman.

Now it has snowed more at other times, but this was still a bit of a surprise. You see, generally we run the house air-conditioning during Christmas week.

So, you folks up north don't need to feel too envious of us today!

Thoughts On Oprah & Any of Us Re-Gaining The Weight

Well, it's all over the internet and it's in the January issue of O, The Oprah Magazine. Oprah has gone back up in weight and currently is tipping the scales at 200 lbs.

How can this be? How did this happen? Doesn't Oprah have consultants, trainers, chefs and all manner of people to help her keep the weight off? Sure, she does.

From experience, I can absolutely relate! There is one BIG problem: FOOD TASTES GOOD! That is the problem right there.

When you are down, it feels good to eat. When there is a celebration, it feels right to eat. Food tastes good.

I lost about 65 pounds about seven years ago with the help of Richard Simmons' website. I was very careful and followed the food guidelines and read Richard's motivation.

I slowly regained about 20 pounds back and so I went back to this website. I am down about eight pounds again, so I have about 12 to go. In the middle, I went down about 10 pounds; then prescription drugs helped negate that. Anyway, I am back on track.

Richard Simmons' website has some nifty tools to track your weight and to journal about what causes you to gain weight. On Monday evenings, Richard hosts a meeting where we congregate to get lots of excellent motivation for the week.

Holiday time is the worst time for trying to keep away from foods rich in calories. Richard has suggested eating something "safe" before attending a party. Of course, chatting with people helps also. Taking a low-calorie dish will also help! At a sit-down dinner, sampling helps. (That is, just take a couple of spoonfuls of each item.)

Some days I just am absolutely able to say "no" to pizza, extra helpings and rich foods in general. As I have said before, my scrapbooking helps to keep me calm and keeping calm is part of what keeps me from overeating. Getting proper sleep every night also helps.

Another thing I try to do is to not have calorie-laden foods in the house. My frig is pretty low in fat and carbs, you see!

There is a factor that I have been thinking a lot about since I put together my book, Bumpy Road To Texas. Some of us tend to define ourselves by events or appearances.

All my life, I had defined myself as a fat person. My parents told me I was fat, and so did lots of schoolmates.

After I lost 65 pounds and could go into any store and buy any style or design I wanted, I still felt I was fat. So, I will conclude that Oprah - inside - still has always felt fat.

How can Oprah lose that weight again? She has lots of money, but money is not the tool that helps you lose weight. Feeling good about ourselves is what helps us lose weight. Feeling confident helps us lose weight. Having supportive (not nagging) people around us helps us lose weight. We are not stupid. We do know what foods to avoid and what ones to eat. When we feel good about ourselves, it is so much easier to eat the right foods. Food is not as important to us.

When we focus on other people and causes, we find it easier to lose weight. By the way, keeping super busy is not necessarily the answer to keeping the weight off because sometimes when we eat in a hurry, we eat the wrong things. (I keep a 100-calorie snack bar handy so I do not let myself get really hungry!)

I sure hope that Oprah is able to lose that weight again, because she is a role model for lots of us!

Relaxing 101: Two Hours To Wind Down Boston Legal Tonight

Boston Legal (ABC, 9:00 p.m. Eastern) will air its final episode (two hours) tonight. I am sure it will not have the impact of the last program of M*A*S*H or Seinfeld, but it will probably be pretty interesting!

The story lines run concurrent with today's real world in that the Crane Pool & Schmidt law firm has financial problems and might have to sell. Alan Shore (James Spader) will go to the Supreme Court to argue allowing Denny Crane (William Shatner) to take a non-FDA approved drug to slow his Alzheimer's.

Candice Bergen's (Murphy Brown) character prepares to wed John Larroquette's (Night Court).

It is assumed they will wind down with another glimpse of Alan and Denny on the balcony with their cigars and whiskey even though at one time I thought they might give up the cigars.

As television programming goes, this David Kelley production has been a good one to watch when you had the chance. The actors have won several Emmys but I think the real reason to like it is that we are familiar with most of the actors.

So, tonight, we'll kick back and really watch the entire two hours as they tie off all the loose ends.

It's Going To Be One Of The Best Holidays Ever!

This week will be a busy one with everyone realizing that we only have 17 days left to prepare for the Christmas Holiday.

So, it is a time for making lists. Make a list of who you have to buy for, what you have already purchased and give yourself a choice of two or three items for those left on your list. Make it easy on yourself!

Try to go to the stores at a time when it might not be so busy - lunch time, dinner time or on a day when it is poor weather.

Everyone knows that times have been tough and people are not expecting lavish gifts.

We are wanting to visit with family and have some delicious food together.

Make a list of what you would like to serve. Do not be afraid to ask people to bring one item for a buffet. They'll be happy to do that.

So, make lists, go light on the spending and ask for help.

Get plenty of rest and enjoy yourself! It's going to be one of the best holidays ever!

Pickel Barrel Wisdom, Swiss Chalet Catch-up

Some days, perhaps on a weekend, we do not have so many things we are obliged to do. Wouldn't that be a good time to spend some time with family or to call someone you haven't seen for a while?

Life is so hectic now for just about everybody that we tend to lose contact with families at a distance, and old friends.

As we come up to Christmas, we tend to think about more people that we don't see all time time, particularly as we write Christmas cards.

Even in your own town, there are probably people you just haven't seen for a while. What about calling them up and asking them to meet you for lunch next Thursday?

Life is going to happen anyway, so you need to step out and make it happen a little more special!

A year ago July, we were going to be in Cleveland, Ohio to see Keith's sister, Louise. We had that arranged that for some time.

Then, Judy in Port Hope, Ontario was to have some serious surgery. So, I said to Keith, that it didn't used to take long to drive from Cleveland to Toronto. (It didn't seem to take as long, a few years ago.)

We went to Swiss Chalet with Judy and her family - her granddaughter, Charlotte and grandson, William. William always calls me Martha in Texas. I like to keep up with how he is doing so his Grandmother sends lots of photos of everyone.

Well, then I thought about my friend, Belinda in Toronto. Hmm . . . if I asked her, would she and her husband meet us for lunch as we drove through?

Well, they did. Yes they did. We met at the Pickle Barrel on Leslie Street, not far off the 401 Highway. We had a wonderful time! We took photos and we laughed and we just had a grand time.

That September, Belinda had a stroke and in January of this year, Belinda died. My friend of 48 years was gone! I have such good thoughts about that day at the Pickle Barrel!

And Judy - she's fine, thank you! And we'll see her again come spring.

And Louise, she's doing very well, and waiting for Christmas to see her first great-grandchild again. We saw her again this spring and we scrapbooked some more photos. And we'll do that again come spring.

Take a little more control of how your life goes by picking up the phone and calling someone and making an arrangement to see them if it's possible.

Life happens - that's true - but we can make it happen a little nicer, not just for us but for all those around us.

Have a fine Sunday!

This is the Job for Me!

I see today that the British Medical Journal has completed a study on the effects of smiling. In fact, it made front page of our local paper.

I guess so! Just where do I apply for these studies?

Enjoy your day - in spite of the news - and if you smile a lot, it will come back to you!

Clarifying Chrysler's Status

There are at least two interesting points about Chrysler. It is stated by several sources that Robert Nardelli has been receiving $1.00 a year since becoming C.E.O. last year.

Now, we can assume that Mr. Nardelli (who came from Home Depot) obviously receives some benefits, bonus, expenses, perks - whatever you want to call it.

Chrysler is 80% owned by Cerberus Capital, so one wonders why they are looking for federal funding.

It seems as though perhaps the Big Three are more like the Big Two (Ford and General Motors) + 1.

The drama continues tomorrow.

Well . . . Yes Sir . . . I'd Be The First To Go!

Well, I hope you have been able to catch at least a little of today's Bailout Hearing before Congress. Probably the most obvious statement was made by Chrysler CEO, Robert Nardelli, when asked about a merger with GM. He said that it was obvious that he would be the first person losing their job. So, he sort of gets it!

In a way, it is good to see some reality TV. It's a lot like us regular folk trying to balance everything.

Speaking of reality, I should probably mention that it was reported by TMR (The Motor Report) that it was rumoured that Mr. Nardelli was working for $1.00 a year from the onset of taking the Chryser job.

Stay tuned . . .

Reserved Parking - Hybrid Vehicles!

As you know, Toronto is my hometown, so I was pretty happy to find this photo taken in Windfields, North York (Toronto) last year!

The Executives of Ford, Chrysler and General Motors have all driven to Washington from Detroit in hybrid vehicles. That's what I am reading from AFP (Agence France Presse, datelined Washington today). They will appear before Congress tomorrow to renew their request for $34 billion bailout.

It is also stated in this same article that all three chief executives will work for salaries of one dollar a year. GM and Ford are also selling their executive jets.

This is the soap opera to watch tomorrow.

Well . . . Maybe We Can Talk Now!

In case you haven't read the update, it looks like the "Big Three" Automakers may have come to some realistic thinking! 

Ford CEO Alan Mulally has already said he will be driving to Washington for the Thursday and Friday bailout hearings. That was a start. 

Now, GM Chief Rick Wagoner will drive a Chevrolet Malibu hybrid sedan the 520 miles from Detroit to Washington. 

Now, yesterday, Hubby suggested that Mr. Mulally would likely have a chauffeur or as we say in bad economic times, a driver. 

So, I got to thinking about the back seat of a Chevy Malibu Hybrid and I am thinking that the old style of the executive sitting on the right side of the back seat will be history.

I envision Mr. Wagoner in the front passenger seat. 

So times are changing . . . or so we hope.

In the article I read, I saw a few loopholes including no bonuses in 2009. Could you make that this year, gentlemen?

Haven't heard from the Chrysler head yet, but I would hope for a PT Cruiser to be coming across that road . . .

Gentlemen, start your engines . . . the economical car might take a little longer to get to Washington. Of course, I hope the ride is smooth so you can be scribbling on your legal pad as you drive. And I certainly hope for good road conditions - no snow, no ice!

Welcome to the real world, Gentlemen!

By the way, did I tell you about my friend who got into a mid-size sedan last week with her two grown daugthers to drive straight through to Peterborough, Ontario from Lufkin Texas to see their grandfather who has been very sick? Did I tell you they had a blowout in the first day? Did I mention they had plenty of snow on the way back down? Did I tell you that one daughter was just 45 minutes late for her SFA college classes (in Nacogdoches, TX) yesterday morning? 

No, I didn't mention this until these ladies finished their endeavor. Who says people - especially women - are soft these days? Who says people can't do what they feel they have to in a given situation?

Get with the program, gentlemen! Turn on your cell phones, take some snack bars and bottled water and wear casual clothes. Hope you don't have another car following you and I truly hope you don't have a blowout like my friends had.

My friends left Grandpa in stable condition - encouraged by their visit. Can you do the same and leave our money . . . and it is OUR money in stable condition?

Think about us . . . especially we seniors . . . everyday watching our investments dwindle. Think, Gentlemen, THINK!

We await some good news about your Wednesday drives to D.C.  Let us see the Dow go up and our portfolios make some recoveries. 

Come on, boys, Christmas is coming! Oh, and safe journey. Text me if you need to!

An Ah Ha Moment!

When I was a kid . . . yeah, yeah, I know I am always starting off that way . . . but things were not that bad, so perhaps we need to remember those times! Well, as I was saying . . . when I was a kid and my Dad was sales manager for a boxboard company, we were told to always get what we purchased in a box. It should be obvious that you support what brings home your bread and butter!

Well, what do you suppose an auto executive should use to get to Washington? Well, perhaps he should drive rather than take an executive jet?  Yes, Ford CEO, Alan Mulally, has finally had an ah ha moment and will be driving to Washington for the hearings on bailouts later this week!

About time!

Let's hope the Chrysler and GM people also come to their senses! 

It's Time . . .

Today, yes today, we wrapped some Christmas gifts. By doing a little each day, we'll be finished the work part and able to enjoy the holidays! If you haven't been shopping yet, go when it is an off time, if you can. Think about going to the store when it is raining or snowing so there will be less people at the store!

Christmas is about family not about working. So do your wrapping ahead so you can enjoy yourself. Decorating the tree is fun when you do it together. So, that will not really be a job! 

Baking cookies is something you might like to do together also. Many hands make light work and you'll all be able to enjoy this festive season.

Hope you are starting off the season on the right foot with an excellent attitude! It is not the gifting, it's seeing family and friends and being together! Everyone knows there is less money to spend this year, so forget that and be blessed, not stressed!

For Your Best Holiday Season Ever - Take It Easy!

Lots of people purchase holiday gifts well in advance. We try to do that. This weekend, we will be assembling what we have purchased. Did we get something for everyone? Will they like it? 

I suspect that we are not much different from most people this year in that we have tried to find suitable gifts at economical cost. (After all, we do like to be able to eat and pay bills and everything did go up this year.) 

Hubby has always left this up to me and I suspect this is the case in many households. 

I have been hearing a few stories about how folks are treating each other at the stores. 

Of course right now there are massive sales and there were flyers indicating unbelievable low prices on premium items. That was if you were at the store before dawn and if there were any of that store’s quota left by the time you got to the item. Then, of course, you had to line up to pay for your “fantastic buy”. 

Now, that scenario is not for me, but I did hear a few stories from people who did brave the battle. There was rudeness and bumping and some people actually were physically harmed. In a New York Wal-Mart some one was killed. This just might not be what the holiday season should be about! 

We are looking forward to family coming in from South Korea and Los Angeles. We are going to finally meet significant others. 

The thrill of seeing family gathered together is very special. That trumps all gifts. The Christmas Eve buffet at our house after Church service could be a jar of peanut butter, a jar of jelly and a loaf of plain white bread. It won’t be, but I don’t imagine what is on that buffet table will come close to the crushing hugs for the young people we haven’t seen in over a year. 

We will not be the only family overwhelmed by just seeing in person those who have been far away, some serving our country and some building their careers and lives. 

We’ll be thinking about the decorations that were up last time they were home and serving the shrimp with the same cocktail sauce they had the last time. 

You see, all the time we have been missing them, they have been thinking about how it was last time they were here. 

I can do that! I can make it as much like it was last time as possible! 

Of course, Ava will be the big difference! They are going to realize how long since they were home when they see Ava. She is no longer a baby in arms but a little person, running, reaching, touching and smiling. Ava has her own thoughts and ideas and she is busy all the time! 

So, we have a list of food to serve and we will pick up the staple items this week, well in advance. We have the list of what to order to pick up at the last moment. 

We will try to place the decorations as we always do and then we will try to rest to be in optimum health to enjoy this time. 

At church, on Christmas Eve, it has always been a special time for me. Of course, some people will go elsewhere but we are fortunate that many of the families will come home. There will be lots of hugging and greeting and looking to see how everybody looks. Every year, I look at the young people and realize they have their own lives now. For twelve years, I have been watching them grown each year. When I look at their parents, I see how happy they are to have them home. I see their pride! 

We also have grandparents come in and every year they delight in seeing their families and many enjoying a little warmer weather for a while. 

At choir, we are working on special music – a little tougher than usual – to sing at our candlelit service. 

Where does “Black Friday” and Shopping Madness fit into this scenario? It doesn’t . . . not at all. 

Just have those Hershey’s kisses (wrapped in red and green foil) in the dish they remember. Have the decorations like you had them last time, and put out some extra chairs for the new members of the family. 

Make everything like they remember it because that’s what they’ve been thinking about when they booked their flights and planned their trips. Get lots of rest because you’re going to need plenty of energy to give those extra long hugs. Don’t forget the tissue box on a living room table. (Actually, Ava likes to pull the tissues out of the pop-up box now, so it’s not just for happy tears!) 

And, if you are working too long hours and run out of time, just do the sensible thing: order pizzas – two or three different kinds and sit back. 

Get rested up and stay away from the craziness. Your children and grandchildren can get a meal anywhere in the world – even in a mess hall or in the back of a Humvee – but they’re coming home to see you! Make it just like they have been remembering it!