Since it is Halloween night and since I was born and raised in the Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey, I suppose it is high time for me to share my own spooky story.
Many different legends on the Jersey Devil folklore can be found all across the internet. However, here is the version on what the locals tend to believe where NJ's official state demon originated from.
Mr. and Mrs. Leeds were both very religious Quakers. It has been told that after Mrs. Leeds gave birth to her 12th child, she declared that if she had another - it would be the devil. In 1735 she gave birth to her 13th child who was born with some sort of deformity. They decided to quietly hide the child for years and not a soul outside of their home knew about him.
Until late one stormy evening on the child's 13th birthday, Mr. Leeds had answered a knock on the door to find 16 witches asking for the boy. That night Mr. Leeds drowned his son in a local cedar pond, only the boy came back! His deformities evolved to include black wings, hooves, a head like a horse and a long forked tail. Killing all of his siblings, his father and burning the old house down with his living Mother still alive in it.
In 1740 a Catholic priest exorcised the devil for 100 years and it wasn't seen again until 1890. Since then, strange sightings, noises and happening have been reported even as of this past August 18th, 2008!!
As a child growing up in the Pine Barrens I can attest to many summer nights when the forests were not quiet or still. In fact, it wasn't until the early morning hours when the sun started to rise and the birds began chirping when things became peaceful again. From the many crickets twirping in the moonlight to the screeches and screams of many unknown creatures all sure to send shivers down your spine.
However, nothing was so scary as being out alone late on a winter night. When the silence of a snowfall can make your heartbeat sound deafening while your boots crunch the newly fallen snow under your feet. Then suddenly the wind whips an eddy of flurries around you as it delivers the moaning howl of a young man in agony. Quickly to taper off as the wind carries the sound up and off into the pines only to leave you alone in perfect silence again.
It is surely an experience that may only be understood by a true South Jersey'ian but an experience that many can relate to while walking home on a late chilly night anywhere. Many have claimed to see this demon, but not I. No. Even though I promised myself to keep my eyes open whenever it happened again - I always found myself closing my eyes fearfully tight - attempting to wish it away.
And away it always went. For now.
Dear Friends and Fans, If you grew up in central or south Jersey, you grew up with the "Jersey Devil." Here's a little musical Halloween treat. Have fun! -Bruce Springsteen
A special thanks to Bruce Springsteen for the Halloween treat and shout out!
Well folks, tomorrow marks the Anniversary of a fun-filled, adventurous and fascinating seven years of marriage for both my wonderful husband Jon and me.
By no means does this mean the Honeymoon is over, for I am just as much in love with him as I was back then. More so even! To commemorate today here's a fun little meme that both of us have taken a part in.
A Look at my Wife
1. She's sitting in front of the TV; what is on the screen? Discovery Channel
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does she get on her salad? Thousand Island
3. What's the one food she doesn't like? Any kind eaten in front of other people
4. You go out to the bar. What does she order? Mudslide
5. Where did she go to high school? Buena Vista (and they pronounce it "byoona")
6. What size shoe does she wear? Seven
7. If she was to collect anything, what would it be? Rent from dead beat renters
8. What is her favorite type of sandwich? Italian, made true Jersey Style
9. What would she eat every day if she could? WaWa Coffee and Sandwiches
10. What is her favorite cereal? Peanut Butter Cap'n Crunch
11. What would she never wear? Atlanta Braves Gear
12. What is her favorite sports team? Phillies
13. Who will she vote for? Nobody, I hope!
14. Who is her best friend? Me? Mrs. McCoy passed away... We miss her.
15. What is something that you do that she wishes you wouldn't do? Leave my underwear on the floor.
16. How many states has she lived in? Three
17. What is her heritage? Honkee
18. You bake her a cake for her birthday; what kind of cake? Strawberry Shortcake
19. Did she play sports in high school? No.
20. What could she spend hours doing? Crocheting
A Look at my Husband
1. He's sitting in front of the TV; what is on the screen? An X-Box Game
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on her salad? Bleu Cheese
3. What's the one food he doesn't like? He'll eat anything that ain't tied down, except liver.
4. You go out to the bar. What does he order? Either expensive imported beer or a top shelf Margarita!
5. Where did he go to high school? Newfound High School, NH
6. What size shoe does he wear? Eleven and a half.
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Anything that has a motor of any type no matter it's size!
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Turkey Club with Bacon
9. What would he eat every day if he could? Anything Italian with Spaghetti Sauce.
10. What is his favorite cereal? He mixes his cereal! Cocoa Pebbles with Corn Chex!
11. What would he never wear? Anything colored pink.
12. What is his favorite sports team? New England Patriots or Boston.
13. Who will he vote for? Nobody. He hates them both.
14. Who is his best friend? Nils and me of course!
15. What is something that you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Smoke cigarettes.
16. How many states has he lived in? Three
17. What is his heritage? English and Scottish
18. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? It's my birthday too, why should I bake the chocolate cake?
Now, now, now. Before you ream me out give a moment to hear me out. It's no secret that we've spent the last few years living in a trailer park. Believe it or not most people on Welfare enjoyed a higher standard of living that we had to endure. Socks had a 9-5 job when he started college, but you see - they weren't too fond over taking second place to a college course schedule. A new job was also next to impossible. Telling your new employer, "Oh by the way, I need Tuesday and Thursday afternoons off for college," doesn't fly too well in this day and age. Night classes are not always feasible for many core curriculums are only offered during the day.
Bottom line was, Socks had to go to college or he'd be stuck and capped forever more. To get ahead of the game he had to go - but there was a very large lack of support. Welfare was a joke. Socks would be told as man of the house to go get a job. If he turned down or was turned down by any job due to his college schedule - they'd deny him benefits.
I worked my bottom off and watched my pay sizzle and evaporate like an afternoon rain on a hot summer pavement just to cover some of the necessities. Socks did manage to work from home on a few contracts. All provided by very supportive businesses whom we appreciate greatly. In June he graduated and boom - we're moving on up just as we planned. With absolutely no thanks to the socialistic offerings of Welfare and the like that seek to keep peeps down with no room to grow.
Now folks, this is what has made me a Republican. I love the freedom to dream and the choice to take on the challenges to go after the dream. I have no qualms with Welfare for those who can't - but for those who won't.
We have friends who have peaked out. Meaning they faced their challenges head on and at some point made the decision to be content with their living standard. Some who have settled for a paid-in-full trailer in the old park we lived at. Others who have settled on water front properties. We haven't settled yet but someday hope to do just that.
Only I fear, that when we do - they'll be others who will cry discrimination. Declare that it's unfair that we have and they do not. That it's terrible to see their paychecks sizzle away week to week. It's impossible to work full time and go to college without sacrifices. Then all of the sudden we can't afford our settled standard of content living because our taxes have increased to cover their needs.
Go ahead Obama and bottoms up on your ISM. Bartender, I'll take a shot of Freedom.
While speaking with a journalist from Sydney Australia, 83 year old comedian Jerry Lewis was asked “What do you think of cricket?” He responded by saying, “Oh cricket is a fag’s game!”
Then he proceeded to flounce about, using effeminate gestures, pretending to hold a bat with a limp wrist while squealing in a high pitched voice then said, “Ah! The ball is coming towards me!”
Well first, before I can even begin to comment on this we need to see what playing the game Cricket is all about.
Golly gee, that game seems pretty gay to me. Playing with bugs by poking them with a stick. Oooookay. But wait! Maybe I'm not getting the whole picture here. Lets ask Dr. Google to show me a video of Australians playing this game called Cricket.
Oooookay. Now we have guys playing this so called game of Cricket in their under pants. I'm almost convinced. Let's give Dr. Google one more try at this just to be sure. Third time's a charm right?
There you have it folks. Proof positive that playing Cricket is indeed gay as all get out. So to all you Homos out there flaming angry at this poor old hairy guy, chill out already will ya! There is no need to throw down the drama on Jerry Lewis for tossing the Pink F-Bomb Down Under.
Okay, I'll admit it - I'm a strange sort of Christian. I defy the stereotype and always felt very uncomfortable trying to pretend to be just like God. It's impossible and it feels downright mean to put on a holier than thou persona - not to mention, it makes me feel fake.
To complicate matters I fully admit to having something that I can only define as inaudible Torrettes Syndrome. The discipline that it takes not to act out or speak out regarding the many WTFs that run through my mind is not a strength I can stake claim to. If it weren't for faith, I'd surely let it all out.
Strange as it may seem I do believe that God understands my WTF questions. I believe it was an intended part of the whole free-will addition to our meta-physical make-up. Often somebody does something that make us all wonder what in the world possessed them to do such a thing. God knows the answer and I'm content with knowing that at least He does - even though I do not.
Then there are times like a week ago when our roof blows off at 3:30 am in the morning. The Insurance adjuster defined it on paper this week as an Act of God. Thankfully I have the insurance to cover this damage and also I am Thankful to God himself that I have the assurance to be able to deal with it.
Christians come in many different shapes, sizes and talents. God is so infinitely BIG that it takes a whole lot of us to represent Him and His many traits. I'm content representing His awesome all encompassing grace.
After all, next to the Platypus - I'm most likely next in line for being the highest generator of WTF questions.
It's hard to believe just a few short weeks ago that I was complaining about getting an office job. It's only been a month ago on the 15th when I decided to tackle the job with a different attitude.
Here I am sitting early on a Friday morning ready to seal, sign and deliver yet another week to the 9-5 hustle. Completely, utterly floored and amazed that in this short time I've accumulated two hefty pay raises, a new tape dispenser and my stapler still rests upon my desk.
Almost lost it earlier in the week. Having the office printer a few steps away from my desk seems a bit convenient for those who need a stapler or various office supplies in a pinch. Our Reservationist freaked out Wednesday that her Swingline stapler had gone missing and in hopes to let her borrow my cheap Quill knock-off... I realized that it was missing also!
Only to be found a few feet away sitting on top of the copier. Her's on the other hand, we still have an APB out on. The situation may or may not be a good sign. One that we'll find out for sure either way in the next week or two.
In the meantime, just as I was getting comfortable in my little bit of Office Space, the space directly next to me has become vacant. Why anyone would quit their job in these harsh economic times is beyond me, but they do.
What amazes me the most is that just in the past week the phone has been ringing off the hook with peeps looking for a job and wanting to fill out an application. It wasn't doing this a month ago, yet again many local companies here in Savannah have let employees go by the hundreds recently. There are rumors of many more to come. So basically, it's not a good time to up and quit a job. That's for certain.
Tuesday evening I was told that "I do not know it yet but I'm getting another raise and promotion."
The Bossman is out of town until Monday when we have a big office meeting planned. So I suppose I ought to take today casually. I have a feeling that starting next week there are going to be some challenges before me that are going to make me gripe, feel scared and feel unsure again.
Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew....
I promised my homeys before the move to Georgia that I would never, ever be a turncoat. I will always remain a Philly Phan through thick and thin and in good times and in bad. This extends to all of the Philly teams from the Eagles, Sixers, Flyers and the Phillies.
It's been tough, especially since the first two years when I moved down here when I found out that a handful of players traded up and joined the rival Atlanta Braves. Then along came a Baseball strike which really burned my buttons and I stopped watching any ball games for a few years after that. I've kept score. Read the stats in the sports page and have been watching and waiting for another victory.
This morning I see that we're one more win to the World Series!! I'm hopping with joy! I vow to uproot my closets and yank out all of my Philly memorabilia. From my jersey, jacket, hat - the entire ensemble and I'm gonna wear it! Dare to wear it that is for if ever there was a rival between ball teams - Philadelphia and Atlanta are historic enemies.
YouTube is lacking this morning, for they don't even have the 1993 brawl available, but you betcha I have it on videotape right here!
I'll be watching the next game half off my chair and hopping up and down. Go Phillies! Go Phillies!
What's also funny, a few years back the Philadelphia Eagles made the Super Bowl and were up against Jon's favorite team which finally made the Super Bowl. The New England Patriots. The Eagles got whooped on that game and I lost a pretty interesting bet. This time around, it would be interesting to see Jon's Red Sox go at it with the Phils... and you betcha - I'm gonna have a lot riding on it!.
UPDATE 10/16/08: We Won! Go Phillies!! World Series 2008 here we come!!!!
Everyone else has so I suppose it is my turn to share my feelings towards Governor Sarah Palin.
I like her. Do I want her to be our next President in the chance that McCain keels over?
Certainly not!
But I like her. I'd take her as Governor here in Georgia or even Mayor of Savannah. She's got what it takes for such matters. Even on the matters that peeps be beefing over. Come on now, if the Federal Government has slated grants and dividends to the states just for the asking - you have got to take advantage of that and snatch it up. Moneys for health-care, infrastructure or transportation.
Heck, we have a FOOL in place here in Savannah who didn't even bother with the paperwork for a few new shiny eco-friendly public buses. Gas prices soaring as they have been, the tough choice between having your home foreclosed or your car repossessed - leads to a lot of peeps walking around. Public transportation is a need and our fool done lost $1.6 million.
Yeah and I like the whole put the hurting on her brother-in-law who done her sister wrong thing. If one of my brother-in-laws dared to push my sisters around and give them grief, especially if they were state cops - and I was in such a position to return the hurting. The Family has got to stick up for the Family 'ya know.
Would I go Moose-huntin' with her? Probably not. I have this thing over shooting dumb animals. Deer and rabbit, quail and duck - well they're smart. They run away and try to live. Bullwinkle - poses no challenge whatsoever and would walk right up to a hunter if he so feels the need. Kinda ruins the sport of things in the hunting arena. Plus, how good of a shot is Palin? Can she hit the broad side of a moose or would I be in the prime position for some buckshot to the face? Nah. I'll pass on that.
Either way, I do want McCain over Obama - however since both could possibly die in office for any number of reasons - the VP picks are more important in this election than they ever were before. I'm not crazy about Biden but would want him as President over Palin. It's a tough election for I feel damned if I do and damned if I don't but I gotta do something.
Just wished I knew what the Grim Reaper has on his schedule for the next four years.
If there is anything I can't stand in politics it's an old man incumbent who is tired, unchallenged and too comfortable after serving so many years in public office to even answer, reply or pay any attention to those who he is seated to serve.
Jerks like this who raise taxes and then leave their phone off the hook. Cater to every whim of the wealthy and piss all over the little guy. Hiring unqualified friends as favors and placing them in county positions where they make lazy mistakes, slack off and loose the county millions of dollars.
Last Thursday evening our local media held a debate between this jerk and an average fellow who is running against him, John McMasters. No need to watch the entire forum for trust me, Pete Liakakis obviously did not want to be there and all you have to do is look at this jerk and you'll know.
At the start each candidate was given 2 minutes for an opening statement. At about the 3:15 marker in the video John McMasters begins his two minute statement. Awesome! He even had the cajones to put aside what he had previously written and voice his concerns over our country, the economy and the ways these issues can effect our county or rather Main Street Savannah.
Then Pete "The Narcissist" Liakakis kicks off his 2 minute speech at the 5:00 marker. TWO solid minutes bragging about chairing this organization, this board, a member of this and a member of that. Seriously, this lying sack of foolishness seems to belong to so many things there is no freekin' way he has time to receive a salary and work for the people of Chatham County. He was still on a roll bragging about all his affiliations when the moderator had to cut him off at 2 minutes. Thank God!!! Else he may have even mentioned being a member of the Hair Club for Men!!!
I'm sorry, but this fool has got to go!! John McMasters may not be the perfect man for this job but by golly he listens! He wants to work for our county. He cares and he is willing to change if need be. We have to vote this fool Liakakis out of office! The coming times call for it. We may not even have a strong President of this country... the least we deserve is a strong local leader.
VOTE for John McMasters for Chatham County Chairman!
For the record John McMasters does NOT approve this message. I do!!!
Last night as I lay sleeping in my soft bed, I opened the window above my head. The cool autumn breezes blew down to my feets, While Jon and I snuggled between the crisp sheets.
Sometime late in the night the wind started to roar. A splash of cold water set my feet on the floor. Quickly I shut the window and dashed to the pot, Unexpected wet and cold makes a gal pee a lot.
As I sat down to tickle something started to pour, Whatever it was - was right behind the next door. As I opened the door and turned on the light, Right there before me was a sight full of fright.
The overhead light went out with a pop, For there was water running through it onto my laptop! I ran and I dashed, the ceiling splish-splashed, Screaming to Jon, "Get out here! Now! Fast!"
A five minute storm, the roof ripped in shreds, Jon and I stood there just shaking our heads. "What's our deductable?" "$250", I said. With a sigh of relief we crawled back to bed.
One of our pet peeves is the almost constant use of cell phones by people while driving, shopping, dining, in line at the store etc. Doesn't any one know how to say 'I'll call you right back' anymore?
Well, it has gone beyond that now, with cell phones being used in even the most relaxing getaway places. Such as the beach. This goes way beyond being inconsiderate.
While on the beach recently, I had to just sit there and listen to this woman for at least an hour while she talked on her mobile phone and pranced back forth in front of me. I couldn't even concentrate on the book I was reading!
October is officially Pet Peeve month. So tell me, what peeves you to no end?
Maybe it is because I'm a girl. Maybe because I grew up without any brothers. Perhaps if I had a son rather than a daughter I would know about such things.
I've done quite well for forty-one years unaware of problematic penis matters. Until last night, during the Presidential debates no less - I was enlightened to the complications of Penis Lint.
Many times I've wondered while cleaning our bathroom how drips of pee-pee managed to make their way to the adjacent walls. There has even been a time or two, when the picture that hangs high above the commode has been victim to such desecration.
Sitting here this morning I am convinced that there is an answer to everything that goes awry. What I once blamed on flying monkeys and Murphy's Law - I can now blame on Penis Lint.
I'm now convinced that all men have the equivalent of a Magic Sticky Hand. No need to get up for the TV Guide or remote control, all they have to do is fling that thing and it will snatch up anything and sling it back to them. No longer will I question where all of my cigarette lighters have gone to or my pack of cigarettes too for that matter.
There is no question that if a guy is lucky enough he could even manage to pick up a girl with that thing. These must have also worked great for non lethal attacks on a younger sibling. A well aimed flick could leave a nice welt on your little brothers face.
But you have to take care of your Sticky Hand because it will pick up dirt, rocks and lint becoming useless very quickly. Causing uncontrolled urine sprayage that messes up bathroom walls or the front of your work pants. Whichever the case may be.
I am now content, for whenever my car keys go missing again - I'll know where to look for them!
Well folks, it was that time of year again. Time to take this old vehicle of mine in for a bit of yearly maintenance. Unfortunately such matters can't be done in just one appointment. I have to go to one Doctor to check the oil. Another to check the battery. Yet another to make sure my tires are property inflated.
For the most part, this seemed to be the usual go around until the Doc noted that I was over 40 years old. There seems to be a series of preventative testing that until today, I didn't know were routine! I thought that only if you were experiencing problems a probing was in order.
I'm really not cool about this, but worse yet - the Doc doesn't seem cool about me not being cool about it! He wrote something down in my chart, snickered and walked out of the room. A few minutes later the nurse comes in with a few prescriptions and referrals to the above mentioned specialists. Leaving me bugged out on what the Doctor has written down in that thing!!
Yesterday I received a comment on my About Me page from some Sarah-Palin-wanna-be who was upset over a comment that I had left over on Dr. Chips blog. Clearly, she took my words way out of context and doesn't know the difference between the Mentally Disabled and Retards. Then she got all up and judgmental on me in regards to my Mothering and Christian skills.
Basically I'm very politically incorrect and thus unfit to be a Mother. My goodness, take away my only child because she happens to have a Mom who has the word "retarded" in her vocabulary. Pay no never mind to the fact that the child is well bred, well fed and well read. I just asked Squirt about this this is how our conversation went down.
"Honey. What is a Retard?" I asked. (shrug) "I don't know." she replied. (eyes light up) "Oh, I know! It's somebody who is stupid."
I told her; "Yes Honey but what if a person can't help but to be stupid or silly. If they were born that way?"
Squirt replied, "Then they need a nurse. Or I know, a Momma! Someone who... to take care of them, watch them and give them lots of love."
"What if they CAN help it and are just acting stupid?" I asked.
(shrug) "Then they are being retarded!" she answered.
Way to go kid!
Now on to the judging of my Christianity. I could go on, bring up and judge a few incredible things found on Ms. Lindsey's Desperate Glamorous Housewife blog.
I won't. Wanna know why?
Because Christians are Biblically advised not to judge. We are to be Christ-like in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in forgiveness and display by the Spirit an absolute unconditional love.
The Lord has been very patient with me. Thank heavens He has because I tend to laugh at crazy, retarded, politically incorrect stuff such as this:
He also has a way of repeating himself over and over and over again.
That's not change, that's more of the same Joe!
Short end of the stick.
Okay, quit with the cliche's.
Say it ain't so Joe!!
I spoke too soon.
Now to the meat of the matter....
What does a Vice President do!! Enlighten me!!
This must be the longest 90 minutes of Sarah Palin's life.
Uh oh, Joe's about to cry.
Looks like it's the longest 90 minutes of Biden's life too!
Me thinks Joe Biden's been beat up by a girl.
She did pretty well. I thought for sure it would be a train wreck, but I'm pleasantly surprised. They both did well actually. However, I have the hand the prize over to Palin on this one.
The 'ole job has been holding it's own and I've been doing much better after ditching the beast-of-burden attitude. Yet, there are those times.
Yeah, those times. When the phone is constantly ringing and you can catch you a death from cold with the revolving door spinning so fast as customers come and go.
Half of the customers whom I couldn't understand what they were saying and the other half? A Rocky road flavored hodge-podge with many nuts and marshmallows.
I like the marshmallows the best!
Then of course, five minutes until it's time to run away for some fresh air and a short break. Here comes "The Don".
Bossman says, "Marge. Tatnall County. Band. Need number and give me 50."
Huh, who, what? Now I didn't say that, but sure thought it. "The Don" well, he likes to keep things short, simple and uncomplicated. When "The Don" asks you to do something, you just have to do it, no questions asked. I figured out the puzzle eventually and almost gave up my lunch break trying.
I was able to steal at least five minutes. So I ran next-door to home, grabbed a drink and sat down to read my online news at Comcast.net. As I cracked open my laptop, there in front of my eyes was an advertisement to behold. WaWa Coffeetopia.
Now I'm a displaced Jersey Girl living here in the south without a WaWa in over 600 miles. I had a hard morning at work and finally sat down to be tortured by a flashy ad that wasn't even in my market!!
I could smell the coffee, taste the coffee... remember the coffee along with a few other choice food items. I was so livid and in no mood for teasing. So I fired off a comment to the folks over at WaWa to share my distress.
It's really unfair and cruel of you.I'm from NJ, but have lived in Savannah, GA for the past 10 years. Whenever I travel north to visit family and friends - I spy out and run into the first WaWa that I see. Just this afternoon while on my lunch break, I check out my news on Comcast online. There - front and center is Coffeetopia by WaWa.Y'all ain't right. Torturing a poor gal like me who is in a market where no WaWa can be found. No decent coffee, or shorti sub. Not a Tastykake or Bagel with Cream cheese or fresh market salad around. Did you ever taste the milk that they sell down here? I won't even get into the sorry state of Deli's. Thanks for the torture, guys!-Margaret
Well, today I came home after an entire day of "unhealthy, keep emotions in, keep smiling and wishing folks a nice day" kind of day. There on my front porch was a nice sized box. A prize and it was addressed to me!! It was filled with loads of wonderful WaWa Goodies!
Inside was a letter from Julia Jones at WaWa Consumer Relations that read:
Dear Margaret, Thanks for brightening up my day. I hope this little pack of goodies finds you well and tides you over until you can get back to the Philly area. Enjoy!-Julia
Awesome. Just totally awesome!
So everyone, if you're a customer in some way, shape or reason - help out a hard working gal like Ms. Julia and myself. Be kind. Make us laugh and brighten our day. We need it!!
And oh... oh... this Tastykake Eclair and cup of coffee this evening totally rocks. Thanks Julia for making my day sweeter!
