111 Brad Street

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?Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen?
2007-02-27 22:09:06
All good things must come to an end. I suppose “good” is a matter of opinion, but this “thing” known as 111 Brad Street has had a good run, albeit a short one. However, after a meeting of the contributors (i.e. our family), we’ve decided that it’s time to close this chapter as we face new, exciting and bigger challenges. It was not an easy decision at all. We have all enjoyed developing the blog and sharing pieces of our lives with everyone. We know that we have a faithful following — even if it is a small group of fans — and we sincerely appreciate their support and participation. Anyone who knows me knows that this is one of my creative babies and it’s not easy to part ways. But, we agreed that this is the right thing for our family at this time. Our decision was driven by two factors. First, we can no longer dedicate the time and/or energy we believe is necessary to make this blog interesting and worthwhile going forward. Work...
More About: Men , Good , Goodbye , Farewell , Fare

Putting the ?Fat? back into Fat Tuesday
2007-02-27 22:09:06
In honor of Mardis Gras — “Fat Tuesday ” — we couldn’t resist featuring one of our favorite “fat” songs of all time: Fat by “Weird Al” Yankovic.
More About: Back , Putting

High School
2007-02-27 22:09:06
Next year I will be in high school and I am super excited. I will be going to Edmond Santa Fe. Go Wolves! We received our enrollment packets a couple days ago. I also went to Freshman Orientation. Santa Fe is a HUGE school. We I went to Freshman Orientation I got an Icee. ( They have an Icee machine! That is so cool! Even the kids who are going to Memorial were jealous when I told them.) I also got a donut thing from the French Club. I talked to a girl about debate. Oh and I saw some of the people that go to my school. The principal is so pretty! Her name is Mrs. Simpson. I am getting ready to go to school so I should probably wrap this up. The point is SANTA FE HIGH SCHOOL IS AWESOME!
More About: School , High School , High

Thursday Thirteen No. 8 Why Today Is A Great Day
2007-02-27 22:09:06
It’s been a rough month, as you’ve picked up by now if you’re a regular reader of this blog. I’ve done a lot of crying, a lot of moping, a lot of yelling, and a lot of whining. I’ve tried handling things like a grown-up but at some point you just want to sit down and have a two-year-old-style tantrum to get things out of your system. I tried that last night, and while I do admittedly feel better, focusing on the positive in my life is probably the best thing to do. So today’s Thursday Thirteen is for myself as much as anyone else. To some, this may seem lame, but for me, finding all the positive things I can helps me from sinking into a place of depression. And so, I give you thirteen reasons why today is a great day. I’m alive. I have people in my life that love me dearly and family isn’t only defined by the people who raised you. God is in control. It feels like springtime is upon us (it’s going to be 70 here today). ItR...
More About: Great , Today

Perspective
2007-02-27 22:09:06
Just about the time I start to feel sorry for myself about the way things are going in my life — it’s too busy, there’s too much stress, there’s not enough money, there’s not enough time, there’s too many crazy people in this world that make my life more difficult, etc. etc. — that’s when I stumbled across someone else’s story that puts everything into its proper perspective. Thanks to Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer, I discovered a heart-breaking blog by a young mother facing the ultimate life struggle: Wilhoite Prayer Blog. It certainly put my life struggles into their proper perspective.
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Trainwreck
2007-02-27 22:09:06
Another brilliant commentary in the form of an “Indexed” diagram:
More About: Rain , Train , TRAI , Wreck

Wayback Wednesday: Tell Me Lies
2007-02-27 22:09:06
This week’s Wayback Wednesday is dedicated to all the TV weathermen, especially those around here, in honor of their “accurate” forecasts this winter…
More About: Back , Tell , Lies , Tell Me

Funky February
2007-02-27 22:09:06
I used to love February . After all, it is the month of Valentine’s Day and one of the most important days of the year (my birthday, of course). But for the last five to ten years, February has lost its luster. If it’s possible for there to be some sort of spiritual curse over a month, February was the unlucky afflicted one. While I realize that bad things happen all year long, they seem to congregate in the month of February. Year after year, I find that February is when family issues come up that nearly break my heart. It also seems to be the official month of sewer problems at the Neese household. And then there is my birthday. It no longer seems like the spectacular holiday I thought it was when I was younger. As I age, I realize the rest of population simply doesn’t care that, on some particular day, I was born. Traffic doesn’t stop, business goes on and to be honest, I’m not as important as I once thought. Even though I’m being a little silly...
More About: Fun , Funk , Funky

I can?t tell if I?m coming or going
2007-02-27 22:09:06
If you’ve wondered about the light blogging the last week or so — maybe you haven’t really cared, but if you do — it’s been insanely crazy at work and at home. Even working 11 to 12 hours each day doesn’t seem to be making a dent in my ever-growing “to do” pile. It’s great for business, but I’m starting to really get worn out. I’ve got so much going on that my head is spinning and I’m working strictly in survival mode — not much extra thinking or strategic planning going on at the moment. I mean, it’s hard for me to keep track of what day it is! I even looked at Karla when she said it was Tuesday and actually said, “really?” And that’s after posting a video early today in honor of Fat Tuesday. (And if you are wondering how I even have time to post that video — well, I’ll let you in on a secret: I often write posts the night before and schedule them to post at certain tim...
More About: Tell , Ming , Going , Goin

Mr. Bojangles
2007-02-20 04:07:03
Mr. Bojangles was one of the greatest dancers of all time. His real name was Bill Robinson and he was loved by many. He was born in Richmond, Virginia on May 25, 1878 and he died on November 25, 1949. He broke through segregation barriers and showed a new style of dancing to the Harlem Renaissance era. He starred in films such as The Little Colonel, Harlem is Heaven, and The Littlest Rebel. His favorite co-star was Shirley Temple. Here is a tribute to Mr. Bojangles in a clip from The Little Colonel.
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19 Happy Thoughts
2007-02-20 04:07:03
I’ve been fighting a bit of mild sadness for the past week. It’s a myriad of little things trying to get me down, none of which are that important in the grand scheme of things. So today, as I start the week out fresh, rather than being in dread of Mondays, I’m feeling glad to have a new week. To combat the sads, I’m thinking of things that make me happy. Some are important things, some are just downright silly and frivolous. But as my mom says “you can get glad in the same pants you got sad in.” So that’s what I intend to do. And since today is the 19th, I’ll just make that the magic number. Without further ado, I give you 19 things that make me happy. 1. Knowing God loves me no matter what 2. Being married to my very best friend 3. Sarah 4. Long hugs for no reason at all 5. Magazines - especially this one, this one and this one 6. Dove Milk Chocolate 7. Books 8. Ashley 9. Tearooms like this 10. The beach - especially in Cozumel, Mex...
More About: Thoughts , Happy , Thought

For President?s Day: ?Dear, Mr. President?
2007-02-19 16:07:01
In honor of President ’s Day, here’s a song written by Pink for our president.
More About: Side , Resident , S Day

My Dear Mother
2007-02-18 04:06:15
Today is my mom’s birthday. Happy Birthday Mom! I hope she had a great day. My gift to her was a letter in a bottle and a beanie baby rabbit. The bottle was actually a wine bottle that my parents were finished with after a couple glasses of wine. The note had a touching poem that was on paper that I made look old. And the beanie baby was one of my little furry (fake) friend. It was fun making it and I hope she liked it. I didn’t have any money to get her a store bought gift so I just made one. Today was her special day and I hope I made it a little brighter. ~Ashley~
More About: Other , Mother

Britney goes for Sinead O?Conner look
2007-02-17 22:05:01
I think Britney Spears really has lost her head… well, at least the hair on her head.
More About: Look , Goes , Sine

Are Iraqis better off today than they were four years ago?
2007-02-17 04:03:01
This report would suggest not… Iraq is emerging as one of the fastest-growing refugee crises in the world, with an estimated 1.7 million Iraqis displaced from their homes and up to 100,000 fleeing the country to Jordan, Syria and other nations amid intensifying sectarian violence, U.S. officials and experts testified yesterday. … The exodus of Iraqis from their neighborhoods and across international borders has burgeoned since the February bombing of a Shiite shrine in Samarra ignited widespread killings between religious sects, reversing an earlier trend in which 300,000 Iraqis returned to their homeland from 2003 through 2006, [Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Ellen R.] Sauerbrey said. “Due to the upsurge in sectarian violence in 2006, this trend of repatriation has reversed itself, and at present more Iraqis are fleeing their homes to other areas of Iraq and to neighboring countries than are returning,” Sauerbrey said. As...
More About: Today , They , Better , Four

Because time is running out?
2007-02-16 16:02:05
Fark said it best… Four words that will make you throw up in your mouth a little: speed dating for seniors. Well, who can blame them? With seniors living longer and the miracle of the “blue pill“, what else do they have to do with their time during their retirement years? CEDAR FALLS — Speed dating is a national phenomenon that has helped singles connect in a low-pressure environment. Wednesday night at the Cedar Falls Community Center, a group of area residents took part in a speed dating night with a twist — everyone was older than 60. Beth Meyer of the Cedar Falls Recreation Center organized the event as a way for local seniors to connect with other seniors of similar interests. And while speed dating normally pairs members of the opposite sex, Wednesday’s event was an opportunity for seniors to meet one another, regardless of sex. Ohhhh, that’s not gonna play well to the conservative crowd… The format on Wednesday only loosely fol...
More About: Running , Time , Because , Cause

Friday Favorites: Most excited groom. Ever.
2007-02-16 16:02:05
As a final tribute to this year’s Valentine’s holiday, we feature one of our favorite home videos of all time. It’s funny, but it is also very touching — at least to yours truly, the sentimental teddy bear.
More About: Friday , Ever , Most , Room , Frida

I said cut the hair around the ear, not cut off the ear
2007-02-16 10:01:08
This story may make Gideon a little nervous since his coat needs monthly grooming… GIG HARBOR, Wash. — Anni Sheriffius said she was trying to wash off what she thought was dirt on her dog Jasmine?s ear when the ear fell off. Sheriffius rushed her dog to the veterinarian to learn that the dog?s ear had been cut off by a dog groomer and super-glued back on. ?And I saw the ear float away, and it freaked me out,? Sheriffius said. … Pierce County sheriff?s investigators are looking into possible criminal charges against the unlicensed dog groomer. ?Once they tried to hide it and glued the ear back on, that?s not good for the dog. There are all kinds of things that can happen, infection, it’s cruelty to animals,? Det. Ed Troyer said.
More About: Hair , Round , Said

Thursday Thirteen No. 7Things I love about my wife
2007-02-15 15:59:14
In belated honor of Valentine’s Day and in honor of Karla’s upcoming birthday, this week’s edition of Thursday Thirteen looks at Things I Love About My Wife (that I can share publicly). She’s my very best friend. Being with her brings me peace and joy, even when I’m having the worst of days. She’s sweet and tender-hearted. She’s thoughtful and giving. She has a simple elegance without an ounce of pretentiousnes. She has a beautiful smile that instantly brightens my day. She has beautiful eyes that speak volumes without her ever having to say a word. She has routines with little quirks that always bring a smile to my face (and sometimes an inner chuckle — not in making fun but in sincere appreciation of those things that make Karla unique). She enjoys most of the things I enjoy, even learning to appreciate and enjoy my favorite sports — like football, hockey and NASCAR. She tolerates me and graciously puts up with my frequent moo...

Fish in the toilet
2007-02-15 03:58:01
I don’t think Karla will let me try this… NEW YORK: Home renovators looking to bring life to the smallest room in their home now have the chance - with a toilet that doubles as an aquarium. The Fish ‘n Flush is a clear two-piece toilet tank that replaces a standard toilet tank, with a see-through aquarium wrapping itself around a conventional toilet tank. “We wanted to develop a product that had a dual purpose - to serve as a proper, fully functional toilet and also as a source of entertainment and conversation,” said Devon Niccole, marketing director of California-based designer AquaOne Technologies Inc. which has just started to selling the tank. He said the company, which specializes in water conservation equipment for home appliance, had worked with a marine biologist to design a tank that ensured the fish were not harmed when the toilet was flushed. The aquarium toilet tank, which sells for $US299 ($NZ432), fits most toilets with the 10-litre aqua...
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Wayback Wednesday: Everything I Do
2007-02-14 21:57:02
For this special Valentine’s edition of Wayback Wednesday , there was only one song that I could feature: Bryan Adam’s Ever ything I Do, the love theme from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. That song — our song — gives me goosebumps every time I hear it and instantly transports me back to that most amazing of weeks back in 1991 when Karla and I first started dating. On our second date, we went to see Robin Hood at the Satellite Twin theater in Cowboy Mall in Stillwater, Oklahoma. I can remember it like it was yesterday. The next morning, I went out and bought two cassette copies of that song, giving one to Karla and keeping the other for myself. I must have listened to the song a thousand times in the days, weeks, months and years to follow. Even now as I write this, I’m on the seventh replay of this song. Every time, it gives me a rush of emotion, excitement and — well — “excitement” like nothing else in this world, except of course...
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A Legacy of Secrets
2007-02-14 03:55:03
I’ve been thinking about secrets today. My family history is filled with secrets. Where there is abuse, of any kind, you will almost always find secrets involved as well. I have learned to expose secrets and become an open book. Sadly, the rest of my family hasn’t. Secret keeping isn’t always pre-meditated planning. Sometimes it’s convenient omission of facts when it suits your purpose or when you want to avoid accountability. Ultimately, I find that the nature of secrets in an abusive, enabling family are destructive and hurtful. My dad’s family had secrets about things that happened. They never talked about how when Grandma was thirteen, she was beaten by her father with a hammer because she went to church. They never talked about how he locked her in a cellar for three days until the preacher found her and let her live with his family. They never talked about how her brother killed himself because he thought his dad suffocated their sister. They als...
More About: Secrets , Legacy

It?s a Pugiful World
2007-02-14 03:55:03
Princess and I want to congratulate Sugarbear Flamingstar O’Harada, a fellow pug from Japan, who won Best of Breed and Third Place in the Toy Group at this week’s Westminster Dog Show. She’s so pugiful, isn’t she? The Westminster Dog Show is a big deal in our world. Lots of top stars go there. The show isn’t finished, so maybe Sugarbear will win even more awards before the week is done! My family was watching last night when she won her third place prize. I was so proud. I even saw dogs that look like my cousins; Chihuahuas and Bichon Frisees (a shout out to Chica, Roxie, Belle and Obie!) Congratulations Sugarbear, you make us pugs proud!
More About: World , Gifu

Administration undercuts support for veterans
2007-02-13 15:54:02
Is this what it means to Bush & Co. to “support the troops”? The Bush administration plans to cut funding for veterans’ health care two years from now ? even as badly wounded troops returning from Iraq could overwhelm the system. Bush is using the cuts, critics say, to help fulfill his pledge to balance the budget by 2012. After an increase sought for next year, the Bush budget would turn current trends on their head. Even though the cost of providing medical care to veterans has been growing rapidly ? by more than 10 percent in many years ? White House budget documents assume consecutive cutbacks in 2009 and 2010 and a freeze thereafter. The proposed cuts are unrealistic in light of recent VA budget trends ? its medical care budget has risen every year for two decades and 83 percent in the six years since Bush took office ? sowing suspicion that the White House is simply making them up to make its long-term deficit figures look better. “Either the admini...
More About: Port , Mini , Support , Veteran , Veterans

?Trashy car? redefined
2007-02-13 15:54:02
This is absolutely amazing… and disgusting… Mountains of trash stuffed inside a woman’s car in Cape Cod, Mass., caused the car to accelerate and crash, according to police. Police in West Yarmouth said there was so much trash in 53-year-old Ann Ann Biglan’s Ford Focus that some of it fell onto the gas and brake pedals, causing her to lose control. While losing control, Biglan drove through a post office parking space, over the curb and across a freeway. She then hit a Ford Explorer and backed over another sidewalk before finally crashing into a flowerpot in a gas station’s parking lot.
More About: Fine , Defined , Trash , Redefine , Rede

A Brainy Website
2007-02-11 21:52:04
I have once again come back to this really cool website called Brain gle (http://www.braingle.com/index.php). It has mind-boggling games, puzzles, riddles and illusions. It has trivia, mentalrobics, many games and a message board. I have set it as my home page, so I can read the daily riddle. There is also a word of the day. Some of the words are very interesting. You should try it. It is sort of like the computer version of educational T.V. I hope you go on this website some time. It is very interesting. Have a blessed day! Till Next Post Ashley
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The Dramatic Rivalry
2007-02-11 03:50:06
Two of my friends, who used to be best friends, are now fighting…I mean really fighting. It is kind of scary. The other day I thought that they were going to rip each other’s eyes right out of their sockets. It was in Muscial Productions and we were in the middle of working on vocals for our last contest song. My teacher said that the altos seemed a little quiet. In response, one of my friends (we’ll call her Lola) blurted out it’s because so-and-so isn’t here. All of the altos and some of the sopranos gave Lola a really dirty look. During the last part of class Lola started belting out loud and showing off. Well at the very end of class when we were putting up our music binders, my other friend (we’ll call her Malinda) confronted her about belting out and said, and I quote (except for the Lola part) ” Lola, you know you’re not the only alto.” Then Lola turned to Malinda and said, “I am the only talented alto.” After ...
More About: Drama , The D , Riva , Amat , Dram

What an Idea!
2007-02-11 03:50:06
This week I had an amazing idea! I think it would be very fun. You would go to the borders of your city and then drive in like a tourist that has never been there. You find an information place and find things that you have never seen or heard of before, or if necessary you can just go to some place that has some importance to your town. Then after a day of exploration you stay in a nearby hotel. When you wake up try to find anymore fun things to do and then go back to the borders of your town/city and drive back in as your usual self (not as a tourist). I really think that would be fun! Report back to me if you try it. Till Next Post, Ashley
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Anything Worth Doing
2007-02-10 15:48:13
Did your parents ever say “anything worth doing is worth doing well”? It seems to be one of those famous parenting phrases many people have heard growing up. Apparently, this includes faking your job as well. Just ask Henry Terry, from Hempstead, New Jersey, for success tips. You see, Henry decided to become a police officer. But Henry decided to do it the easy route. Forget police academy and all that training, he could do it on his own. So he became a fake police officer (the photo at right is NOT Henry Terry).We’ve all heard about those guys from time to time. They are usually vigilante types that couldn’t get into an academy or they are criminals looking for another way to round up easy targets for things like robbery and worse. I’m not sure which category Henry fell into. But at least Henry was trying to do his best, even when it came to a very bad idea. You see, Henry even had his own police station set up, complete with files on his suspects and...
More About: Worth , Thing , Anything , Doing , Wort

Oh What A Busy Morning
2007-02-10 15:48:13
It’s going to be a busy day. Actually it’s going to be a busy weekend. But I’m looking forward to it. There are lots of items on our list today. First we have a rescue mission set for this morning. You see, Brad’s mom came down here a couple of weeks ago to take a Therapy Dog test with her little boy Obie. Unfortunately he did not pass, and she was not treated all that great (I was there, so I know). And don’t you hate it, when you’re already flustered and embarrassed and then you realize that you have forgotten something and you have to go face that person again? Luckily she won’t have to face the tester again, as it’s a 2 hour trip for her to come pick it up. So, I’m going to go pick it up for her since I live right here in the same city as the testing place. Then later today we’ll be making two trips to the airport to pick people up. Brad flies in from his business trip around noonish, and then 3 hours later, we pick up ...
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