Bonnie Tegge

I am RICH BEYOND MY WILDEST DREAMS!

When I woke up at 4:30am this morning (I didn't need to-just couldn't sleep!), I was stressing over lack of means for Christmas for my children and grandchild, Alana, as well as other issues. O-o-o-o-oh, I SO wanted to sleep in - at least until 8:00am! This was not a great way to start Thanksgiving! I needed to re-arrange my thought processes and focus on what I do have! Here is my list:

I'm thankful to have three wonderful children, two who are now young adults and on there own. I know there are many out there that want but cannot have children.

I'm thankful for my granddaughter, Alana, who I have the priveledge (and challenge) to raise her full-time - a second chance to correct the mistakes I made the first time around and joy of being able to see her much more often than many other grandparents!

I'm thankful I have a challenging career that I truly enjoy and the opportunity to meet so many different people with different values, views, opinions, talents. What an enriching experience!

I'm thankful for being given a true strength to overcome such things as Encephalo-Meningitis (at 7), cancer (early 30's), almost loosing my home (early 30's), being told there was a great possibility that I could've contracted HIV (was and have been tested-CLEAN!)...falling into poverty level many times (and climbing back out unscathed). I'm lucky! I'm alive, healthy and so much stronger from overcoming these trials. I know more will come throughout the rest of my life (hey, I'm only "29.95 plus shipping and handling" and lots of it in age!) - ALIVE AND KICKING!!

I'm thankful I could share a Thanksgiving meal with family. We've got great charities throughout the nation but still, many families are left unfed!

I'm thankful my 17-year-old Siberian Husky, Nicki, is STILL with me! Who would've guessed that!

I'm thankful I had the opportunity to take my granddaughter, Alana, to DisneyWorld and see family while I was there, that i hadn't seen in 2-12 years!

I'm thankful I found out about ActiveRain! I've met so many knowledgeable and inspiring people, here, and have learned so much!

I was researching some programs tonight and somehow stumbled into this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-galhgKDvNg

What a reinforcement.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving, everyone, and THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU!!

The Navy released a lengthy study today to make its case for homeporting a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in Florida. Arguments for the move cite the Pearl Harbor Attack on December 7, 1941. Sixty-seven years later, they are worried about a repeat incident?

This is an extremely costly move in many ways. First, to get Mayport ready for a nuclear carrier would be costly- an estimated $600 million! This includes the need to dredge the port so they can fit a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in there! Why spend the money now, to make a port fit an aircraft carrier? This is like trying to cram shoes that are too small on one's foot! In this present economy, do taxpayers need, yet, MORE COSTS??

This will also have a HUGE impact on the economy of the Hampton Roads area. The Hampton Roads chamber of Commerce estimates that a move like this would cost the region 11,000 jobs and $650 million if the carrier is relocated. Imagine what it will also due to the local housing market, as well?

Okay, Virginians and others who do not support this move: it's time to speak out! Write letters to the Editor of the Virginian-Pilot and other local newspapers. Makes sure elected officials hear your thoughts on how this would impact the community as well as how much we SUPPORT OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL.

When can you drive at night on the boardwalk in Virginia Beach?

The Holiday Lights at the Beach!

This is a truly incredible display of lights along the oceanfront and boardwalk! As you enter at 2nd street, you will recieve a free CD to play as you drive through the illumination of ships, mermaids, surfing Santas and a canopy of fish bubbling overhead. The light display runs all the way to 33rd street. This is a very inexpensive event - just $10.00 per car (vehicles larger than 15 passengers and motorcoaches are a little more). If you choose not to drive your car, view the lights on a horse-and-carriage!

In addition, they have a combo package available (limited) to enjoy both the Holiday Lights at the Beach AND the Garden of Lights at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Both are absolute treats for both the young and old - a great way to enjoy the Season's Celebrations!

These are just two events out of many, many more and are the faves of my family!

Enjoy!

I remember buying my first house back in the late 80's. We didn't qualify for a conventional loan however, we purchased a home that was under the FHA-235 program. The house payments were based on income allowing more families who otherwise could not purchase a home, to do so. I felt so lucky because it was a major stepping stone to selling and purchasing my "dream home".

This program has disappeared but WOW! Wouldn't it be nice to have it back now?

Because of lenders tightening up qualifications etc. fewer people are qualifying and when they do, I'm finding they qualify for much less!

I think this could possibly stimulate the housing market even more! What do you think?

I'm saddened today by an article I read in the Virginian Pilot, Sunday edition about the pets that are left behind due to the economy. I knew this would be an issue because very few rentals will allow pets and many people are struggling to feed their own families and pay their bills. I'm sure we have all thought about this but the statistics are alarming! The Norfolk Animal Care Center expects to take in as many as 1,000 more dogs and cats this year, above the "normal" 5,300 pets per year.

The article mentions a breeder who turned in thirteen Standard Poodles because she could no longer care for them. Sadly, with the increase in the pets turned in to local SPCA's we are also finding a decrease in donations - again, due to the economy!

Not only are pets being surrendered at local shelters, some are just left behind in the streets, unclaimed. One man found a Pomeranian on the side of the road. This dog had been recently groomed, however, never claimed! Those considered at one time, Companions, "Man's Best Friend" are being left behind!

At least two shelters have become "no-kill" agencies. The ones noted in this article are at the Portsmouth Humane Society and the Norfolk SPCA, here in Virginia. Instead of adding to the overloaded shelters, these agencies are assisting the pet owners and providing pet food "until they get back on their feet". I'm sure there are many others out there (or I should hope!).

I know what I'll be doing: donating pet food and supplies and maybe start a "CARE BOX" for donations of pet foods and supplies for needy pet owners. What can you do in your community? If we all pool our creativity, we may be able to help some of these loyal "friends" and keep them in their families.

I am open to any suggestions!