"Call Sara"
I kept reminding myself during the Christmas season to call my niece Sara down in Georgia.
"Call Sara"
Get her address to send her a Christmas card and card of condolence after the recent loss of her grandfather.
I didn't get around to calling Sara. I was 'busy' with other things. However, Sara's mother called on Christmas Eve to inform me that Sara was dead.
Sara was only 25 years old. She was the only child of my brother who also died at a young age. Sara lay down with her four-year old daughter and two-year old son to take a nap early afternoon on Christmas Eve. A while later, her children could not wake her up.
Yesterday at church we were reminded of the importance of family. A couple of weeks ago at the same church we heard that 'no one knows the day or the time. . .'
Do you need to make a phone call or send an e-mail? Do it now.
Karbowski Counseling & Consulting
Care and concern for our entire community.
Call 989.892.8130 for more information, or e-mail to karbowski.counsel@att.net.
Karen Karbowski, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Advanced Addictions Counselor (CAAC)
12.28.2009
12.26.2009
Term Limits
Sound political advice from Cleatis & Leroy. . .
Limit all US politicians to two terms:
One in office
One in prison
(Detroit already does this.)
12.23.2009
Bangor Township board meeting Dec. 8th, 2009 follow-up.
Approximately 25 people attended, which is a substantial showing for a board meeting. Others sent written and verbal support because they could not attend on that date, and because they felt they could not attend due to fear of retaliation.
One agenda item of this meeting was to bill people directly for emergency services in Bangor Township. Tax payers already indirectly pay for emergency services through their property taxes. Here are two quotes from the board, regarding direct payment for emergency services, to emphasize why tax payers should be concerned.
1. "We need money."
2. "This ordinance can be changed at any time."
This issue was almost tabled because not all of the board members were clear about charges for medical care. The media was also mis-led by a township spokesperson. The BC Times and WNEM both minimized the issue stating that this was an ordinance that's been in effect for eleven years. The ordinance they're referring to is being REPLACED by a new ordinance. This new ordinance (law) allows Bangor Township to recover costs for police and fire and emergency medical services.
Tax payers, and others concerned about your community, get involved! We are trying to gather representatives from the 14 townships and five cities that comprise Bay County. There's a whole lot of redundancy and a lack of transparency of how your money is being spent.
One agenda item of this meeting was to bill people directly for emergency services in Bangor Township. Tax payers already indirectly pay for emergency services through their property taxes. Here are two quotes from the board, regarding direct payment for emergency services, to emphasize why tax payers should be concerned.
1. "We need money."
2. "This ordinance can be changed at any time."
This issue was almost tabled because not all of the board members were clear about charges for medical care. The media was also mis-led by a township spokesperson. The BC Times and WNEM both minimized the issue stating that this was an ordinance that's been in effect for eleven years. The ordinance they're referring to is being REPLACED by a new ordinance. This new ordinance (law) allows Bangor Township to recover costs for police and fire and emergency medical services.
Tax payers, and others concerned about your community, get involved! We are trying to gather representatives from the 14 townships and five cities that comprise Bay County. There's a whole lot of redundancy and a lack of transparency of how your money is being spent.
12.03.2009
Residents of Bangor Township
Residents of Bangor Township,
Your taxes are going up again, and again, and AGAIN. This time your personal safety is involved. You will now be charged for emergency response activities. You already pay for these services when you pay taxes and now you will be directly billed after any request for emergency medical, police, fire or emergency preparedness services. How long are we going to continue to let this happen? Bangor Township officials do not seem to have your best interests in mind, even though you pay their salaries.
What can you do?
1. Express your opinion by phone, letter, or by attending the monthly meeting this Tuesday, December 8th, at 6pm at The Township Administration Building, 180 State Park Drive. Phone numbers are 684-8041 or 684-8531. You will have at least two opportunities to share your thoughts and feelings:
a. Township officials want to increase the taxes you pay to support their proposed budget.
b. Township officials want you to pay directly (over and above your current taxes) for emergency responses.
2. Even if you just sit quietly at the meeting, your presence will be effective and appreciated. If you attend the meeting, you will have an opportunity to sign in (your name and address) and share your opinion. You may just write 'oppose' on the sign-in sheet if you'd rather not speak up at this time.
3. Reply to this e-mail or call me at 892-8130 to discuss future potential activities or for more information.
4. Please pass this e-mail on to those that you know live in Bangor Township, or that could pass it on to others that live in the township, and invite others to attend the monthly meeting this Tuesday, December 8th, at 6pm.
Thank you for your time and concern about your community.
Karen Karbowski
Your taxes are going up again, and again, and AGAIN. This time your personal safety is involved. You will now be charged for emergency response activities. You already pay for these services when you pay taxes and now you will be directly billed after any request for emergency medical, police, fire or emergency preparedness services. How long are we going to continue to let this happen? Bangor Township officials do not seem to have your best interests in mind, even though you pay their salaries.
What can you do?
1. Express your opinion by phone, letter, or by attending the monthly meeting this Tuesday, December 8th, at 6pm at The Township Administration Building, 180 State Park Drive. Phone numbers are 684-8041 or 684-8531. You will have at least two opportunities to share your thoughts and feelings:
a. Township officials want to increase the taxes you pay to support their proposed budget.
b. Township officials want you to pay directly (over and above your current taxes) for emergency responses.
2. Even if you just sit quietly at the meeting, your presence will be effective and appreciated. If you attend the meeting, you will have an opportunity to sign in (your name and address) and share your opinion. You may just write 'oppose' on the sign-in sheet if you'd rather not speak up at this time.
3. Reply to this e-mail or call me at 892-8130 to discuss future potential activities or for more information.
4. Please pass this e-mail on to those that you know live in Bangor Township, or that could pass it on to others that live in the township, and invite others to attend the monthly meeting this Tuesday, December 8th, at 6pm.
Thank you for your time and concern about your community.
Karen Karbowski
12.02.2009
11.28.2009
What are you waiting for?
What are you waiting for - a football game to start, sales at your favorite store, nothing, a phone call, the second coming of Christ, snow, more time, an unemployment extension, Spring, word from loved ones away from home, a raise, Christmas?
Most of us anticipate Christmas during the month of December.
On Christmas we celebrate the anniversary of Christs' birth, just like the anniversary of your birth is celebrated once a year on your birthday. Advent is the period of time before December 25th during which we anticipate, and prepare for, His birthday.
How many of you anticipate your birthday like Christmas? How many of you anticipate Christmas like your birthday? Whatever you're waiting for, Christ can make it easier.
Karbowski Counseling & Consulting, care and concern for our entire community.
Call 989.892.8130 for more information, or reply to this blog post. It is intended for everyone.
Karen Karbowski, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Advanced Addictions Counselor (CAAC)
11.07.2009
Adults pay taxes too
It's not only our children and grandchildren that have to pay taxes for government programs. More than 45% of our household income goes toward local, state, or federal government programs.
You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence.
You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.
......Abraham Lincoln
Anyway Poem
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered; forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you've got anyway
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you've got anyway
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.
Mother Teresa
11.05.2009
Poor, poor bear
This is a very sad story about a bear. Everybody should heed the warning to not feed wildlife because they become dependent and cannot forage for themselves anymore.
Animals that were formerly self-sufficient are now showing signs of having learned to just sit and wait for the government to step in and provide for their care and sustenance. What a tragedy to see what the government has done to our country's wildlife!
Ha ha deer hunting
Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn't seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls 911. He gasps, "My friend is dead! What can I do?" The operator says, "Calm down. I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead."
There is a silence, then a shot is heard.
Back on the phone, the guy says, "OK, now what?"
Thank you to Dr. Gosall of Manchester, UK. His joke was chosen as the funniest joke in the world by laughlab.co.uk.
There is a silence, then a shot is heard.
Back on the phone, the guy says, "OK, now what?"
Thank you to Dr. Gosall of Manchester, UK. His joke was chosen as the funniest joke in the world by laughlab.co.uk.
The Vetting Zoo
'Vet' means to examine or appraise expertly. While most of us are not experts, we do have opinions and experiences that can be useful to others when attempting to make an informed decision. Use this post as an opportunity to elect effective leaders in our communities of Bangor Township, Bay City, and Bay County. I love my town. I know it can be better.
Accountable Bay County. It can be as simple as A B C when we recognize each others' talents and work together.
Accountable Bay County. It can be as simple as A B C when we recognize each others' talents and work together.
10.26.2009
Ha ha Little Johnny
A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses. She started her class by saying, 'Everyone who thinks they're stupid, stand up!' After a few seconds, Little Johnny stood up. The teacher said, 'Do you think you're stupid, Little Johnny?' 'No, ma'am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself!'
28 C's: What Time is it?
What time would it be if you didn't know what time it was?
Read that again, slowly, chew on it. What time would it be? Bedtime, party time, hammer time, one time, sometime, summer time, supper time?
Take away seconds, minutes, hours, days, years. When would it be? What time would it be? How do you know that when you got up this morning that you only slept overnight. Maybe you slept for three days. Do you know? How do you know?
Time is invisible and hard to define, yet most of us spend a lot of time wishing for more time and complaining about the lack of time. If only . . . I had more time. That won't happen next time. If I could . . . just one more time.
Time, really, is all that we do have. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 "There is a . . . time for everything." The season of Advent begins soon. It is a time to reflect and put our lives into perspective. It is a time to long for light; the dwindling light of winter days and the light that we celebrate on Christmas day. Make the time, or take the time, to do what you need to do. If you don't have time, then what do you have?
Obviously, I've had too much time to think about time. Even so, I can't define it, or grasp it. Perhaps, together, we can fix the world! Well, OK, maybe just understand our world a little better. Peace.
Read that again, slowly, chew on it. What time would it be? Bedtime, party time, hammer time, one time, sometime, summer time, supper time?
Take away seconds, minutes, hours, days, years. When would it be? What time would it be? How do you know that when you got up this morning that you only slept overnight. Maybe you slept for three days. Do you know? How do you know?
Time is invisible and hard to define, yet most of us spend a lot of time wishing for more time and complaining about the lack of time. If only . . . I had more time. That won't happen next time. If I could . . . just one more time.
Time, really, is all that we do have. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 "There is a . . . time for everything." The season of Advent begins soon. It is a time to reflect and put our lives into perspective. It is a time to long for light; the dwindling light of winter days and the light that we celebrate on Christmas day. Make the time, or take the time, to do what you need to do. If you don't have time, then what do you have?
Obviously, I've had too much time to think about time. Even so, I can't define it, or grasp it. Perhaps, together, we can fix the world! Well, OK, maybe just understand our world a little better. Peace.
Judas Asparagus: The Children's Bible
A child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible. This is amazing and brought tears of laughter to my eyes. I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand what we are teaching???
Through the eyes of a child: The Children's Bible in a Nutshell
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one', but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.
Then God made the world. He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden . . . not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars. Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something. One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check. After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.
God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town. After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me. After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New Testament. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats. Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him. Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. The pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.
Through the eyes of a child: The Children's Bible in a Nutshell
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one', but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.
Then God made the world. He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden . . . not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars. Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something. One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check. After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.
God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town. After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me. After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New Testament. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats. Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him. Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. The pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.
10.24.2009
Meredith & Abbey. Yea God
This is one of the kindest things you may ever see. It is not known who replied, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service.
Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:
Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith
We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.
Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies'. Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love,God
10.23.2009
Am I addicted, abusive, or responsible . . .
. . . regarding my use of alcohol, nicotine, other drugs, food or gambling and sexual practices?
Answer the following questions to help determine if your behaviors may be getting out of control. If you check three or more you might want to obtain further assistance.
___ Others are disappointed in me
___ I have serious financial problems
___ Sometimes it's hard to look in the mirror
___ Attempts to change have failed
___ I have problems at work
___ I feel more stressed
___ I sometimes feel out of control
Answer the following questions to help determine if your behaviors may be getting out of control. If you check three or more you might want to obtain further assistance.
___ Others are disappointed in me
___ I have serious financial problems
___ Sometimes it's hard to look in the mirror
___ Attempts to change have failed
___ I have problems at work
___ I feel more stressed
___ I sometimes feel out of control
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