Tree Debate.

I’ve known many people who choose to do the tree in a certain fashion.

My question to you:

What kind of tree do you use or did you grow up with: real or fake?

Family stories are appreciated.

Heart's Desires.

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

I spoke with a friend recently about an issue that I have been struggling with. When I share this same issue with others, the response is usually some variation on “God gives us the desires of our heart.” I then told this friend about how I struggled with this concept: if God gives us the desires of our hearts, then why don’t I yet have what I want? (It sounds funny typed out, but it was how I felt at the time).

This was her response: “He will give you the desires of your heart, means that He will impart to you; He will ordain the desires of your heart when you delight yourself in Him. I used to think it meant that he’ll give me what I want. Instead, it means that He will put His desires in my heart and they will subsequently become my desires. God is good. God is faithful and God will give you more than you asked or imagined.”

Sometimes, I struggle with whether or not this desire comes from God. Sometimes, I wish I knew and had all the answers.

Has there ever been something in your life that you desired so badly, but felt at odds with God because it didn’t happen in your timing?

Road Rage.

People on the road are aggravating.

They go slow when you are behind them, then speed up when you want to pass them.

They do not use appropriate lane signals.

They drive me nuts!!!!

This morning, I offered to drive as Jim and I were headed to work. Big mistake.

This woman in a red SUV of sorts begins zipping in and out of cars, apparently headed to somewhere very important. I catch a glimpse of her license plate and notice that the initials for firefighters is present. Great. Jim noted that it is usually a fireman's wife who believes she owns the road simply because she has those initials on her plates. Funny, as her husband is saving lives, she is single handedly destroying them. I played a safe "game" with her, blocking her in and out of various lanes of traffic (sorry, I had to admit this). Finally, she zooms ahead and continues to weave in and out of traffic, tailing people and nearly side swiping various cars. I wanted to roll down my window and ask her where she had to get in a hurry. After a few minutes, it appeared that we had lost her. However, we were wrong. We caught up to her...pulling into a McDonald's. Hope you got your McMuffin in time, Speedy Gonzalez. Hope you are happy you endangered the lives of hundreds for your "happy" meal. Eh gash.

Black Friday 2007.

As in a previous post, I gave the history of our experience with Black Friday. This year, we kicked things up a notch.

In the weeks before Black Friday, we browsed the ads online, began to make our choices and added them to a list. Kmart was having a Thanksgiving Day Sale, starting at 7am. On the front page of the ad, they had two big items: a Wii (already have one) and a 32” Olevia Flat Screen LCD Television. If anyone knows Jim and I, we have two televisions, both 20” and they are not exactly the best feature of our place. Every year, we buy one joint gift and decided to try for this television on Thanksgiving Day.

I decided that the Kmart by our house would be the best bet, so we decided to scout the layout of the store the night before. Jim then asked a salesman how they would be distributing the tvs. (The ad had both items VERY LARGE on the first page, so we knew they would be what everyone wanted). The guy told us that at 4am Thanksgiving morning, they would be handing out tickets for the Wii and the TV. We then traveled home to plan our early morning.

I then told Jim that I would brave the cold in the morning at woke up at 2:30 a.m!!!! I gathered my stuff together and bundled up. Jim jumped out of bed because he didn’t want me waiting out there alone. We got to Kmart by 3:15 a.m. and only two people were in line! We waited. Only three other people came after us! At 4 a.m., the manager came out and distributed the tickets. Everyone got what they wanted. We all went back to our cars and planned to see one another at 7 am when we could pick up our goods!

At 6:30 a.m., we grabbed our gear and tickets again (we picked up two for the tv since we didn’t know if family members would want one). Before we pulled up to the store, I asked Jim what time he would have come to stand in line if we didn’t know about the tickets. He said about 6:30 a.m. since it was a Thanksgiving Day sale and it’s Kmart! Boy was he wrong! Thank goodness we got our tickets earlier because at 6:30 a.m., the line was to the end of the store and all of the TV tickets were LONG GONE!

We stepped in line and asked about the TVs. Someone said, “Oh no honey, you’re not getting one of those!” Little did she know…As the line progressed, an older guy noticed we had an extra ticket. He asked if I would sell it to him for 2 bucks, I raised him three dollars and made a $5 profit on a stupid ticket!!!!!!!! Once we got inside, Jim grabbed the TV (which was in a waiting cart and appeared as though someone was trying to take it). Then he ran to one end of the store with a cart and TV in tow! I grabbed the electronics we needed, then headed to the toys for some games. We hit up the Christmas decorations and grabbed a much needed tree skirt and headed for the checkout. Yay, Success!! I must wonder though – why do people come out on Thanksgiving Day for a huge sale and then complain the entire time that they didn’t get what they wanted? They also question the clerk’s every move as she scans the items in. My theory? If they don’t have what you want, leave! Don’t stay and buy things that you “think” are on sale. Yikes. All of this amazingness happened on THURSDAY! Yay for an additional day of shopping!



Now onto Black Friday. We still had a general list from when we had looked online and planned our day! Typically, we head to a few different stores and this year, we decided to start at Target. This year, Marisa, my sister-in-law, decided to join us – she had never done this before!! Even though we did not need any bigger items, I wanted to make sure we got everything we needed. At 2:15 a.m., we woke up and bundled up to head out. Jim wasn’t feeling well, so Marisa and I went it alone! We ended up getting to Target on 191st and Harlem by 2:30 a.m. and got into line with our chairs and blankets – we were numbers 8 and 9! W00t! Success. Best Buy already had a huge line and their parking lot was FULL! Behind us, there were also some people that had never done this before, so I gave them advice. It was freezing, but Marisa was a real trooper and occasionally, her glasses would fog up! Target was extremely organized and also handed out awesome red Shopper Survival Bags with coffee grounds, granola bars, and animal crackers! Yay for freebies! Jim finally joined us at 5:30 a.m. and we got the people behind us to pretend to yell at him for “cutting.” Jim got very defensive until we all started to laugh!

Once inside, Marisa ran to toys and I ran to DVDs/electronics. We each ended up grabbing a cart since we took time finding each other. We filled two carts to the brim, and then headed to the pharmacy/grocery area to sort our finds! We also hit up the dollar section, decorations and housewares. Jim got our traditional Christmas CD (a jazz collection) and I grabbed some really awesome gifts! Marisa was able to find some toys and miscellaneous items for the kids! I wanted this stand mixer (not a kitchenaid) that was only $25. When I got there, they were out, but another woman said they would be bringing more. We got to talking and realized that if we didn’t find where they brought them out, we would miss them because people would start grabbing them off the cart. The woman then found the right people and had been thoughtful enough to grab me one!! What a nice thing to do and especially on what is usually the rudest day of the year! We headed to the check out and were surprised at our bounty. I finished everyone on my list and before I started I had had a lot of people to finish buying for! Definite success! We ended up with DVDs, grab bag gifts and loads of other things!

We stopped off at the beauty shop to share in our good fortune, then we headed to the mall for a quick stop at the Disney Store and KB Toys. Marisa bought a few things. We then went to Denny’s for an early breakfast/lunch and then back to the Marisa’s house for a quick nap. The day finally ended with a stop at Joann Fabrics where I got a huge frame for cheap and then back to my parents’ house for leftovers, pizza and the Elf with my brother and niece and nephews! I still have not caught up on sleep, but it was all worth it. Marisa already said she’s in for next year!!!!!

Peterson III.

Wonders never cease. After reading this story, I am astounded that people actually perpetrate these crimes on another human being, let alone their own children.

If you don’t know, I work for a family law firm and the work we do has involved bitter divorce and custody disputes. I can’t imagine going from love to loathing in sixty seconds for a man that I vowed to be with through sickness and health (He still manages to annoy me, but I love him all the same).

In what is purported to be an act of revenge on his ex-wife, this father allegedly burned his sons alive. They are both now on life support. How quickly children become the victims in situations designed to attack the other spouse. It is unfortunate.

While I do not have children of my own, I could never fathom taking these actions that this man allegedly took. Welcome to the club, Mr. Peterson III.

Peterson Problems.

In light of the recent developments in Bolingbrook, Illinois, I thought I would address a similar case from a few years ago, also involving a Peterson.

Laci Peterson vanished between December 23 and Christmas Eve morning, 2002. She was eight months pregnant at the time. With no clues to go on, police could make no arrest although they kept Scott Peterson, her husband, under surveillance. He had reportedly been having an affair with another woman who herself went public on January 24, 2003. Scott had also taken out a $250,000 insurance policy on his wife prior to her disappearance. Finally, in April 2003, her body and that of her unborn son were washed up on the shore at Richmond, California and Scott was arrested and charged with murder of his wife and child the day the remains were identified, on April 18, 2003. Scott Peterson was found guilty of murder for both his wife and child and was sentenced to death.

How any man could take the life of his wife and child, particularly in such a cruel manner, is dumbfounding. The irony in the Laci Peterson case is that Scott Peterson maintained his innocence...yet dyed his hair, contacted his mistress, was on his way to Mexico, and began to make plans for a new life.

In the Drew and Stacy Peterson case, he also maintains his innocence, even though he has a pattern of behavior with THREE OTHER WIVES that suggests otherwise.

One day, Scott Peterson will stand before God to be judged and I wonder what God would say. Scott Peterson destroyed two of God's creations. These men infuriate me. Just some thoughts for this Tuesday.

Giving Thanks.

In honor of Thanksgiving, I thought I would blog about what I am thankful for.

First and foremost, I’m thankful for a God who loves me and wants what’s best for me and my family.

I’m thankful that I have an amazing husband who provides for me and would do anything for me, including shining his cell phone in my face at 5am, so that I work out and am healthy.

I’m thankful for close family and sisters-in-law who have become more like real sisters or even sisters-in-love (very corny).

I’m thankful for extended family that makes us laugh and keep us on our toes.

I’m thankful for the jobs God has provided for myself and Jim.

I’m thankful for friends who keep me accountable and care about my daily life. (You know who you are. In the interest of not leaving anyone out, I have chosen to keep this generic.)

I’m thankful for a new Pastor and his wife for bringing vision and new life to Stone Church.

I’m thankful for my new home.

I’m thankful for nieces and nephews who make me smile and laugh: Kaeli, David, Jonathan, Holly, Elizabeth and also Malachi!

I’m thankful for my health and the health of family and friends.

I’m thankful for each and everything I have even that which I sometimes take for granted.

Give Thanks. What are you thankful for?

One Week...

Until the greatest day of the year. The Black Friday Adventure!!!!

For those of you who don't know or have been living in a hole your entire life, the Friday after Thanksgiving is an amazing day for headaches and bargains for Christmas shopping. Because of that, I thought I'd share with you a little about my history with Black Friday.

A long time ago, when I was a young child, my mom and my cousin, Rhonda, would travel to the stores early in the morning before work (like at six a.m.) to gather Christmas goodies, like wrapping paper and toys. They would frequently plan their excursion as we feasted on Thanksgiving turkey and then abruptly, one year, they stopped! Work schedules conflicted and the time was never to be found...until we picked up where they left off...

In 2003, my cousin, Sera (Rhonda's daughter) and I decided to have the brilliant idea of going to Best Buy to attempt what only our mothers had tried when we were younger. We arrived at Best Buy at 4:30 a.m. to find TWENTY people already in line. It was freezing, we had virtually nothing on (no real mittens, gloves, coats), but we had made it! Luckily, my wonderful father (who not only rises early, but at the time was 6'3" and weighed close to 300 pounds) came to our rescue and shielded us from the cold. He was a great asset because once we got inside, he simply walked and people moved out of his way. We left with one desktop computer, 2 twenty dollar DVD players, and a handful of bargain DVDs. Throughout the remainder of the day, we hit various stores, stopped at my mom's beauty shop, and had breakfast when everyone else was only STARTING to shop.

In 2004, Sera had to work and so Jim became my partner in crime. We were freshly married and I decided that the mall would be the trick this time. We arrived outside the mall at 4:30 a.m. to stand in line for the Disney store (there were a TON of people there, but we found out that they were going to Kaybee toys). We had a juice to share and donut. It wasn't quite as cold, so we actually had to take our sweatshirts off!! We also borrowed my brother's van for all of our loot. We left with two discounted snow globes (I collect them), kids pajamas, toys, and the like. We also hit Kaybee toystore. As in the previous year, we hit various other stores, stopped at the beauty shop and had breakfast when everyone else was only STARTING to shop.

In 2005, the crew was back together and Sera, Jim, and I decided to go to Circuit City for a camera and discount DVDs. This time, we arrived there at 3 a.m. (We had to wake up at 2 a.m. to get ready!) We again borrowed my brother's van and tried to bundle up as much as possible. We even brought blankets to wrap ourselves in. However, none of this bundling helped. Jim went to Dunkin Donuts for coffee, but by the time the store opened, Sera and I were convinced that our feet were frostbitten. We grabbed the camera and discount DVDs and stood in line...FOR TWO FREAKING HOURS! Needless to say, we will never go back to Circuit City again!! As in the previous year, we hit various other stores, stopped at the beauty shop and had breakfast when everyone else was only STARTING to shop.

In 2006, Jim and I had to make a plan of attack. Sera was once again, working. My brother lived in Crestwood at the time and a brand new Walmart had just opened up. In the previous years, we had NEVER ventured there because of all the nightmare stories we heard, but I knew we had to try it at least ONCE! At 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving evening, Jim and I drove by Walmart to my brother's home to pick up his van. The plan was to sleep there, rise super early and go shopping. We were wrong! I saw people out there and asked Jim to drop me off and he went to pick up the van! Our adventure began at 10:15 p.m. Thanksgiving night. There were roughly 15 people in line ahead of us. I knew if we waited any longer it would only get worse! People almost started fighting, but the police were right there. People even tried to cut in line, but they were stopped by the police again. We left with a new television, portable dvd player, toys, and bargain dvds. It was a good haul, but not an adventure I'd be eager to make again! As in the previous year, we hit various other stores, stopped at the beauty shop and had breakfast when everyone else was only STARTING to shop.

I am excited to see where we will go this year. Our planning has already begun and I'll be sure to blog about it! We also turn on 93.9 for wonderful Christmas inspiration and watch the Elf officially every year on that day! It's an amazing tradition that I'm happy to carry on from my mom so long ago...

Calorie Counter.

I’ll admit it. I’m obsessed. With calories. You may think that sounds insane, but trust me, it’s only the beginning.

A few days ago, I woke up with a strange realization. I probably will NOT lose weight simply from actually moving my body in exercise. I actually probably WILL have to expend energy concerning myself with what I eat. What a new and fantastic concept!

I wish things were easy – that the moment I blink my eyes, the pounds melt off. However, God has not blessed me with my husband’s metabolism.

I’ve started “counting calories” with a friend and boy, does it get complicated! We shared one (1) small bag of chips today. We decided to share to, of course, cut down on calories. After much discussion, we realized we ate MORE calories than we first thought and so we were both equally “depressed.”

I don’t believe it’s bad to be body “conscious,” but I do think the line becomes a bit more blurred when we become body “obsessed.” God has given each of us a temple to Him, a magnificent creation to carry us through this life on earth. As such, we should do our best to care for it, which to this point, I haven’t done my best.

On the other end of the spectrum, I don’t think God called us to “obsess” about how we look or develop a complex over minor differences. Women especially are guilty of this “sin.” We constantly criticize ourselves and others because of how we look.

With anything else, the longest journey begins with a single step. And the pound lost begins with a single calorie. I vow to become more body “conscious” and less body “obsessed.” I vow to lift up other women in their daily walk, to encourage them to embrace the body God gave them, while preserving it.

Has anyone ever counted calories? Do you have any sure fire methods to lose weight?

Family Fitness.

For my birthday, my parents paid for Jim and I to join Cardinal Fitness and also paid for our first month’s dues. The surprising thing is that I actually asked for this gift. We signed up at the end of October to capitalize on a deal regarding the start up fee. Jim, because he is a government employee (officer), did not have to pay anything to begin.

Since the end of October, we have now gone a grand total of ONCE – that would be this morning. We have both been battling illnesses and general tiredness, but we finally managed to make it there this morning by a quarter to six.

I sprinted to the bikes and embarked on a 30 minute journey to sweat and pain. Afterwards, I showered, got dressed for work and proceeded to walk the one mile to my office from the train station. Luckily, I was able to catch up on sleep during my train ride.

I can’t believe some people actually like working out.

For those of you that work out/exercise, any advice on how to make my time tolerable?

Rollercoaster Christianity.

My walk with God resembles a rollercoaster ride. I eagerly wait in line for my turn, my opportunity to experience God’s purpose in my life, to know what it’s like to be on top of the world with nothing but God’s hands to catch me.

Other times, I take my seat at the front and buckle in, ready to handle anything he might throw my way. I choose the first car, in hopes that I don’t miss a thing and can constantly see what’s right in front of me.

Sometimes, I like to take the back seat to gain wisdom from those who are in front. Do I raise my hands? Scream at the top of my lungs? Or simply just let the wind whip my face?

The first hill builds in anticipation and at the crest, I feel like my walk can’t get any better. And then I plummet, to a valley, only to find that it’s a long way to the top again and it seems like I’ll never get there again.

I want to cross my arms at times and give God my look of disappointment. A harrumph for all the things He didn’t do that I thought He should have. For leaving me alone, in the valley. For not giving me what I want, when I want it. For not doing it my way. Why do I feel so FRUSTRATED?!?!

In recent days, people have communicated to me that they need help from God to restore their relationship with God. I wonder, if we’re asking God to help us fix it and our supposed problem is in our relationship with Him, perhaps the person that needs the fixing is not Him, but us.

Perhaps, I should look at myself and give a look of disappointment. A harrumph for all the things He asked me to do, but I didn’t. For trying to get out of the valley, on my own, without His help. For taking and expecting what I should, when I don’t deserve it. For doing it my way.

College Bound.

For those of you who may not know, I have had the pleasure of serving as an adjunct Professor this semester, teaching American Government to college students. I should also tell you that while my husband and I both attended college, I would argue that college is not for everyone.

After teaching for one semester, I know this to be true.

My class is a 200-level course and the majority, if not all, of my students, are sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The class is considered “gen ed" and is offered in the evening. At this stage in the game, you would think that most students would know how this whole academia thing goes. Apparently, I was wrong.

It’s not secret that various colleges have seemed to lower standards in an attempt to make the cheap buck. However, in doing so, you have people accepted into college that, in no easy terms, have no place being there. They do not possess even the most basic, cognitive functions and they struggle with fill in the blank questions. They need any and everything spoon fed into their eager and waiting mouths, only to spit back nothing, because they have yet to learn an ounce of information. Frightening.

Furthermore, the course is only offered one day per week, but it counts for three credit hours. When translated, this means that students MUST attend every class time because failing to do so, means they are missing an ENTIRE week of the course. We only meet around fourteen times, so each period is crucial. I also have students routinely sleep and ask if “We can get out early.”

I have already been overly kind because I have canceled class for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, but for most, this doesn’t matter, because that is in the future and they would rather get out of class now. Too bad.

I have students, on quizzes/tests, who insist that our form of government is a monarchy (democratic republic) and the Bill of Rights is made up of twelve amendments (ten). Did you also know that our presidential election is decided by popular vote? (electoral college)

It amazes me that these students have been told that they possess the skills necessary to achieve particular positions. It’s difficult to come from a low-grade college with a low grade point average. The job market won’t like you.

College wasn’t meant to be easy, yet students expect professors to bend over backwards to make things as simple as possible. Guess what, this isn't second grade anymore. This is the big leagues.

I also find it odd that students of this age (over 18), complain and whine like children, but also get frustrated when parents TREAT them like children. Hmm…I wonder why.

At the beginning of the semester, I explained that we would be having group projects and they formed groups with topics. This was explained in the syllabus and I passed out the Rubric. I stressed that while I wasn’t a strong advocate for such projects, I felt that it was an easy way to boost a grade. Fast forward to yesterday, some students begin telling me that I stated that the group projects weren’t happening, that they were being thrown out. A few others jumped on that bandwagon. All of this happened because I reminded them that the week after Thanksgiving, the group projects would “performed.”

Students then proceeded to tell me that I hadn’t reminded them, hadn’t given them class time and that they certainly weren’t going to work on a 30 minute project TWO MONTHS ago, I mean, “We are college students,” as one student informed me.

Really? You’re college students? You could have fooled me. My seven year old niece handles greater responsibility than most of you combined. You didn’t need two whole months to do a project, but now you want more than THREE weeks. Give me a break.

This is college, not kindergarten. I remember the one time my boss just “threw out” that big project that was due. Oh wait, that didn’t happen. My brain collapsed. If you would like to be treated like college students, act like one.

Family Ties.

For anyone that knows me, you must know how connected I am to my family. While I don’t yet have any kids of my own, I love to brag on my brother, David’s, kids: Kaeli, age 7; David, age 6; and Jonathan, age 3. I love them as if they were my own. At a young age, Kaeli tagged me as “Mantha” and I’ve never been the same!

Kaeli is an absolute doll – with her two front teeth missing now and her short blond hair, I remember a time when I was her age – carefree and fun! She slept over on Saturday night to play the Wii and just to spend a little bit of time with Mantha and Jim. I vowed to teach her something new EVERY day. We started on Saturday.

1. How many months is a pregnancy?
Kaeli: “I think 8.”
Mantha: “Actually, it’s nine.”
Kaeli: “Oh, that’s right! That’s what my friend Mallory told me.”

2. Can men have babies?

Kaeli: “No, that’s gross!”

3. What are four freedoms and what is the name of where they come from?

Kaeli: “Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of worship, and freedom of the press. I think, um, the Ame…Amend, Amendment thing? The first one?”

David is the spitting image of my brother and as such, he’s taken on that little brother role. Kicking, laughing, tickling and wriggling to get away – there’s never a dull moment! He also plays a mean game of checkers (HE TRIPLE JUMPED ME!) and he recognized when I was drawing a KNIGHT, even though my own brother didn’t.

Jonathan is the baby and I never imagine him getting older. Before he could talk, I remember thinking – “He’ll never talk. Everyone else talks for him.” I also wondered how he would sound. As he’s getting older, it never ceases to amaze me how much he knows. Recently, I celebrated my birthday and I asked what he was getting me.

Jonathan (as he walks up to his daddy): “Mantha, birthday, we go to da store.”
Daddy (my brother): “Tell Mantha to go to grass.”
Jonathan (looking up in wonderment with a scrunched face): “Huh?”

I also realized once again just how interconnected we are at the church! It’s like a twisted game of six degrees of separation! We tried explaining all the connections to Debbie Flattery (the new Pastor’s wife!).

I, formerly Samantha V., now Schultz, have two parents, Randy and Julie Vales. My brother, David Vales, married Marisa Mulick, and they now have three children. Marisa’s mom, Teri Mulick, used to work for the Academy, as did her sister, Jessica. My husband, Jim Schultz, also has a twin brother, Jason Schultz, who sits in the front row with his wife, Jessica, formerly Campins whose parent’s are Joanna and Eduardo – Joanna who formerly worked as a secretary for the church. In addition, Jim’s uncle Brian now attends occasionally, and a distant cousin, John Janks and his family also attend Stone. It causes my mind to become tangled!

I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Ah the joys of family ties…

Daily Aggravation.

Why do I allow myself to be aggravated daily? Have you ever been going along through life and find that one day, you are just easily set off?

I seem to have a moment like that almost every day. Why is that man talking so loudly on his cell phone? Why is this person walking so slowly to the train? Why does that person always look put together and I look like I stepped out of a garbage heap? Why is that person stopping traffic through the use of a cell phone? Why is everyone honking in aggravation!?!? I find that I just want to scream and shake people out of a miserable existence and tell them to STOP AGGRAVATING ME…

I get this way because I allow myself to feel it. I boil inside because I let myself heat up.

Ironically, after I have one of these moments, I look up into the deep blue sky, among the clouds and think how amazing it is that God has put this whole thing together. How in one moment, breath He made life. Why do I let the enemy steal one moment from me –when all I have to do is look up and look forward to find God’s beauty among the ash heap?

I refuse to let daily aggravation run my existence.

Human Kind.

Yesterday was Halloween. A typical night for trick or treating around the neighborhood. Our church was hosting a Family Harvest Fest for all of the children and as a result, the youth group had no where to call home. We decided to try something different: trick or treating…for canned goods. Armed with Crew sweatshirts, a box and some Stone Church cards, we embarked on a nighttime adventure to discover the goodness in human beings.

I beamed proudly from the streets like a jack ‘o’ lantern as the kids went door to door requesting non-perishables not candy from unsuspecting homeowners. People were pleasantly surprised and for the most part, cooperative. Although at one home, an enormous dog jumped out of the house and on to me. I was told by the owner, “Don’t worry, he has a muzzle on!” YIKES!

I couldn’t believe how excited the kids were to collect food for other people. Surprisingly, the night was full of unsuspecting “treats.” At times like this, I start to have faith in the human race – that perhaps we can all be “bigger than ourselves” and contribute to the betterment of all humanity. Of course, this optimism only lasted so long.

Here’s a link to a horrific news story that I heard on the television this morning as I was getting ready for work:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/630810,CST-NWS-momshot01.article

A 30-something woman who was seven months pregnant and was accompanied by her three children, under the age of 7, was killed by gang crossfire after almost making it home after trick or treating. At times like this, I lose faith in the human race. In one moment, a mother and an unborn child ripped from this world. In that same moment, three children lost their innocence. No Halloween disguise can mask the horrendous nature of this crime. Sickening