Big Heroes - Little People

Second grade was a very special year for me. It was in second grade that we really started developing close friendships and telling secrets. It was kind of thrilling to know something about yourself that your parents didn't know.

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Like falling into the swamp on the way to school. That was the day that my second grade teacher Mrs. Bjorklund became my hero. She never told anyone what happened. She could have hauled us to the principal and ratted us out to our parents, but she didn't. I thought she was wonderful, she was one of us.

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It was a warm Friday afternoon in May. Twenty second graders were all fidgeting at their desks, nervously watching the clock. Mrs. Bjorklund always had us singing after 3:00 on Fridays. She wasn't fool enough to try and teach anything to little kids who are anxiously watching the long hand on the clock, sweep past the minutes. Only thirty minutes to go.

We were singing my favorite song from second grade "Carmelita". It went "Oh sing your song Carmelita, please Carmelita, please sing your song for me. It won't take long Carmelita, please Carmelita, please sing your song for me. And the donkey went merrily onward, he walks with a merry clip clop" That was a great song, I loved it especially the clip clop part.

Mrs. Bjorklund was leading us in the song when Mr. Katon stuck his head in the door. He was our principal. He was a very nice man. He stuck his head in to wish us a nice weekend every Friday. He was friendly, had a big smile and I think he was very tall. I think he was tall, I don't know because I was seven years old, everyone seemed tall to me.

He gave us a smile as we were singing and he went to shut the door but it slammed shut. We had the windows open so the air pressure caught him off guard. It was ok though, we didn't miss a beat singing.

As the minutes ticked by we all were nervous and excited. When you grow up on Lake Superior, warm spring days are a huge deal. You can actually run and play and not worry about getting cold. It was perfect weather for hopscotch games or Chinese jump rope. We absolutely loved playing those games as kids. Those were the video games of my youth. You couldn't do it inside or alone.

So it was 3:25, Mrs. Bjorklund gave us the ok to put our books away and straighten out our desks so they would be nice and tidy for Monday . We were all excited. We couldn't wait to be turned free. It was like opening the gate on a ranch when all the cattle run like crazy.

Another great thing about second grade, no homework. Our homework was helping out around the house. Cleaning the chandelier with my big sister, or sweeping. I was too little to vacuum.

Finally, the last ten seconds. I watch the stilted movement of the long hand on the clock as it ticked through the seconds. Then the bell rang. Thank goodness we all stood up and went to the door.

Why wasn't the door opening? I heard someone say the door was stuck. We were all milling around and some of the kids started looking worried. Mrs. Bjorklund came to see what was wrong, she told us to move back so she could open the door.

She turned the knob, nothing happened. Then she pushed on the door., nothing happened. She shook the door, nothing happened.

Kids were getting more and more upset. One little boy, the principal's son was crying. He said he was going to be late for a date with Kerri T. I know were were only seven, but we were very sophisticated. He was going to meet her at the slide and they were going to play on the merry-go-round. Very sophisticated.

Mrs. Bjorklund walked back to the front of the room and sat on her desk. She was thinking of a way to save us. We all sat back downs in our seats, looking up at her. We knew she could think of something, she was an adult. She could save us.

She had a thought. We would all write notes and shove them under the door. Someone would see the notes, pick them up and save us.

So we feverishly wrote notes, begging for help. We were trapped and needed help. We were a little dramatic. I mean, we were on the first floor, tons of windows, and we had running water. Wait, we didn't have a bathroom. Now that is a problem. We were only seven years old, we didn't have much time before someone would have to go.

So we shoved the notes under the door and out into the hall and waited. We waited and waited, but no one came. That started us thinking. Who were we waiting for? The bell had rung 10 minutes ago on a warm Friday afternoon. The busses were gone and it appeared everyone else was gone too.

A couple of more kids were starting to cry and the rest of us were just getting anxious. We had been waiting all week for Friday night and being allowed to stay out a little later because of the warm weather. We had to get home, there was hop scotch to hop and Barbies to play with, bikes to ride. We were all busy that night, we needed out of there. I'm sure no one else realized this, but we really were little adults with big plans. Friday night, playing hopscotch, it was our social calendar and it was time to go.

Mrs. Bjorklund was thinking again at her desk. Then she started looking at the windows. That was it!!! We would send someone out the window. We were on the first floor. The windows cranked out, so it had to be someone small to fit through the hole. Who would it be????

We had a volunteer, Timmy Fleck. Timmy came from a big family. All of the kids looked alike. Small frames, skinny, freckles and a shock of red hair. i had this feeling that Timmy might have actually gone out these kinds of windows before. He was that kind of kid, always living on the edge.

In art class one day, we were all wearing our art smocks (our Dad's old shirt turned backwards), our art teacher gave us each a piece of charcoal. We were supposed to draw a picture of a house. So as we were all trying to do this, Timmy put his had up to go to the Boy's room.

He went in there and drew a beard, mustache and eyebrows on himself with the charcoal. Then he came back to class. I don't think I had ever laughed that hard at school before then, or since. It was the single funniest thing a seven year old kid did that I witnessed. He got in trouble.

So when he volunteered to go out the window, none of us were surprised.

He climbed up on the window sills and Mrs. Bjorklund had him start out the window, she grabbed him by the ankles and started pushing him. There was just one problem. He didn't fit.

It seems that Timmy had some sort of growth spurt in second grade. I hadn't really noticed before but he was getting bigger. Despite this, he was still the smallest kid in class.

Mrs. Bjorklund hauled him back in. Two or three more kids were in tears.

We were never going to get out. We would die there. Our parents would band together and search for us. When our poor limp bodies were finally discovered, it would be too late. The whole town would be sad. There would not be a church big enough to hold all of the grieving families.

They would all be so sad and they would sing our favorite song. Yes, they would learn "Carmelita". Maybe they would even get a donkey to pull the wagon for the caskets. Maybe the donkey could even walk with a merry clip clop. It was so sad.

Years from now, children would look up to the example we set. We died at school, learning things and they would remember us for that.

Boy I was dramatic at seven.

Then I heard a knock!! On the door, someone was knocking!! We all cheered!!! It was Mr. Katon, he was there, he would save us. Mrs. Bjorklund ran to the door and told him it was stuck and she couldn't get it open.

Mr. Katon told her to stand away from the door and have all the children go back by the windows. So we all huddled together at the windows. This was so exciting, like an episode from Lassie when the Dad finally follows Lassie to rescue the little kid.

Mr. Katon took off his jacket, and rolled up his sleaves. Shoulder down he ran to the door and hit it with all his might. It opened.

We all cheered and cheered. We were saved!! Mr. Katon saved us. We were all smiling and happy. This was the best day of my life. It was like a super hero had saved us. Saved us from death, saved us from getting in trouble for missing supper, saved to grow up and get married and have kids and tell them the mighty tale of how we looked death in the face and laughed.

Ok I'm still dramatic.

Looking back on that day seems so funny now. It sure wasn't funny when it happened. I still get scared. It's funny, being scared now doesn't feel any different than being scared back then. I'm just afraid of different things now. I'm afraid that AA feels a lot like being locked in a classroom on a Friday after noon. I have so many things to do, I'm in a hurry to get out, I want and need to go see my friends but just like second grade, the door is locked.

Mr.Katon isn't going to come and knock down the door for me this time. I need to do that myself. If little Timmy Fleck can volunteer to go out that window and be held over the ground by his ankles, surely I can go outside and face whatever is there.

Heroes come in all sizes, from the big Mr. Katon to the little Timmy Fleck, they are all heroes in our lives. Our biggest hero is the one inside us all. The little voice that says "I'm still here, you can do anything if you try."

So what are you waiting for? It's Friday afternoon, it's nice out there, go get um!!!

Big Heroes - Little People

FLECK

Epoxy Garage Floor Paint Is a Home Mechanic's Best Friend

For home mechanics that use their garage as a regular work space, epoxy garage floor paint is a great investment to keep their environment safe, clean, and easy to function in. With epoxy floor paint, a simple day's work can translate into years of high-performance flooring, adding value to your property while protecting your concrete surface at the same time.

In terms of safety, by choosing light colored epoxy paint, the shiny surface of a finished garage floor will provide up to 300 percent more reflectivity than regular flooring. This means a brighter work area, and the ability to light the area without having to resort to high powered, energy draining industrial lighting. In addition, the fleck that comes in an epoxy floor kit provides a non-skid surface for workers as they move between projects, ensuring that no slips or falls will occur on a wet floor.

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For cleanliness, epoxy garage floor paints are second to none, as their solid, non-porous surface deflects staining and spillage from even the toughest liquids. From oils and paints, to any car-related fluids, most clean-ups will take only the swipe of a cloth to make the surface as good as new. In addition, regarding regular upkeep and maintenance, these epoxy floors are also easy to care for, needing only a regular mopping or sweeping to keep grit and dirt from wearing against the finish.

Lastly, when looking for a high-performance space that will be easy to function in, epoxy garage floor paint outshines its competitors because of its no-fuss application process and exceptional durability. After the floor finish has dried for the recommended amount of time after application, home mechanics can get started right away enjoying their pristine new work environment secure in the knowledge that their garage floor will be able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. They can then continue to work with confidence, focusing on their projects instead of on protecting their floors from unanticipated damage and staining.

Epoxy Garage Floor Paint Is a Home Mechanic's Best Friend

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The LORD Dwelling Within Humble Humanity

For thus says the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
I dwell in the high and holy place,
and also with those who are contrite and humble in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the humble,
and to revive the heart of the contrite.
~Isaiah 57:15 (NRSV).

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We all have low days. These are times when despite our heart to try, everything appears beyond us. We do not lack the morality to live well, just the confidence we normally take for granted has evaporated.

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If we're inclined to accept such a state, not resorting to anger in fighting our way out of it, we have a close friend in the LORD, our God. He will inhabit and heal us.

GOD'S A REVIVER OF BOTH SPIRIT AND HEART

The moment we steer by our anger - a truly normal temptation - and leave that way, but gaze up into the heavens, instead, we take our positions, and into the honour of God we go.

We're found to be inhabited by God when we're honestly contrite, humble of spirit.

That is, when we're comprehensively rejected by the world, and even by those most precious to us, God is then making a home in us by the evidence of his holy Presence.

Practically the LORD does this by reviving us in our low states. He will restore us by the therapy of divine grace - an inexplicable portion of healing. But this healing can only occur when we accede to the divine requirement; that is, contrition of heart and humility of spirit - not fighting one fleck in our own strength.

Tears are characteristically good. Silent prayer too. Anything to let go.

No matter what have we've done, or not done, we feel undone in God's holy Presence. We don't feel crushed, but nurtured. Self-esteem is not the issue. We're simply acknowledging the truth - God is great, and we, though lowly, are being swept up in his ever redeeming care.

ALWAYS PRESENT - ETHEREAL AND REAL TO LIFE

We can be left wondering as to how God inhabits eternity, yet stoops so expertly at our direst need.
Our God belongs in the heavenly realm but also most adroitly in the birth-to-death groans of suffering creation. This can never change; God has promised to be there with us, eternally. Even at the end of life there is God.

We must not panic about our relationships status. We have believed by faith as we draw up close to the Holy One, very particularly in the worst of the daily depressions and anxieties.

We may feel far from God, but we may know we are near.

And as soon as we know we will feel deeply, our hearts sluiced clean; our spirits massaged in fresh God-confident being.

Copyright (c) 2011 S. J. Wickham.

The LORD Dwelling Within Humble Humanity

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Things You Need to Know When Renovating Window Blinds

Renovating window blinds is not hard to do and there are a number of benefits to using window blinds as opposed to curtains or drapes. The renovation will not only give the room a more contemporary look, but also save you time and money. It is a lot easier to keep window blinds clean than curtains; the latter need to be taken down and washed every so often, while blinds simply need to be wiped or vacuumed (depending on what material the blinds are made from). They also do not fade in spots as curtains do.

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If you are interested in renovating your blinds but are unsure of what particular 'look' would be best suited to your living room, then try looking up a few sites online that provide not only decoration tips but actual photos of different types in different rooms. Seeing photos can help to give you a better idea of what particular type would be most suitable for your room.

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If you want a more contemporary or modern style of interior window decor, then you should purchase either faux wood or plastic blinds. These are quite affordable and come in a variety of colors. If you choose faux wood blinds, be sure the color of finish matches any wooden furniture you may have in the room. You can also purchase blinds made from hardwood or bamboo; while they cost more than faux wood or plastic blinds, they are quite classy and elegant looking. Real hardwood blinds are good for renovating window blinds in the living room or bedroom. If you are renovating window blinds in the kitchen or bathroom, then you may want to use either faux wood or plastic blinds, as these will not be ruined by water as real wood blinds are.

Things You Need to Know When Renovating Window Blinds

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Painted Wall Murals For Your Home Or Business by Muralist Artist David James Fleck

Even though murals in all different techniques and sizes, painted on the ceilings of the caves and walls and windows of buildings, have been around since prehistoric times, the painted wall murals are just as popular today as they were ever before.

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They bring an outdoor feeling inside, make dark rooms brighter, waiting rooms at the doctor's offices calming, murals make nurseries cheerful and private bars exciting. Wall murals can turn the most dull wall in the house into an image of breathtaking view or living room into a fairy garden. Any image that the muralist artist can picture in his or her imagination, can be transformed onto a permanent surface indoors or out.

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Muralist David James Fleck has made his living as an advertising artist, cartoonist, illustrator, actor, voice over artist and comedian. But the one endeavor that continues to stand out throughout his career - and he is most famous for - are his painted wall murals.

Dave Fleck's art was chosen to brighten up Kim Basinger's nursery and later featured on Oprah's show. He painted all four walls of little boys' room with dinosaurs, a prominent older client's private bar with riding cowboys, yet another client's living space was turned into a fairy land and one baby's room seems like a blissful oasis in the middle of the sunflower field.

Still other David Fleck's painted wall murals fans chose an African plain or a jungle, fairy tale characters or super heroes, a window view, scenery, airplanes or a sleeping lion.

All of Dave's painted wall murals are customized to the taste and budget of the clients that range from the youngest, not yet born, to the oldest private clients, from businesses and restaurants to resorts and hotels.

Painted Wall Murals For Your Home Or Business by Muralist Artist David James Fleck

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Tropical Climate Building Maintenance

Having a business in a tropical climate can be wonderful. You get the benefit of good weather, great location, and the occasional tourist traffic. What is less wonderful, though, is the amount of maintenance that your building will need. While most know about the effects of torrential rainfall and tropical storms, few stop to think about the special challenges posed by general moisture and humidity. If you have a building in such an area, it may be smart to think about hiring a maintenance company.

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Building maintenance can actually be quite tricky in tropical climates. The dampness in the air can play a great deal of havoc on not only the structure of a building, but also any equipment that is inside. An easy, if not terribly cost efficient, way to figure out how tropical climates affect building maintenance is to leave the shower on in your bathroom overnight. The heat and moisture even over this short time can cause wallpaper to peel, wood to become soaked, and metal to begin the rusting process. If you expand this over the course of years, you can see that building maintenance in high humidity must be a constant effort.

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Technology can often come to the rescue of building owners in such areas, though it does not always come cheaply. Special chemicals can be used to keep away rust and decay, and can even help prevent wood from rotting quickly. There are a number of specialized machines that can help decrease humidity in sensitive areas, and even some that can help to eliminate moisture build up quickly. Most of these products are easily found in the possession of maintenance companies.

When considering your building maintenance problem in high humidity areas, it is important to remember that you will still have to deal with the usual maintenance problems at the same time. It is a good idea to get in contact with some sort of firm, such as Jani-King, that has experience in dealing with moisture related problems on top of the usual maintenance and cleaning issues. A business can save quite a bit in the end by beginning a maintenance contract early in its existence.

Tropical Climate Building Maintenance

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Metered Fleck Water Softener 2510SXT Review

Use of hard water in your house should not happen. This type of water is not good for doing cleaning household tasks. If you decide to use it for laundry, the water will not lather easily. The minerals in this hard water will easily react with metals like aluminum. When you try to heat water with these kitchen gadgets, you will soon notice an ugly stain. The same water will not do any good to your lavatory floors. This is why you need the Fleck water softener. Its role is to remove the hardness in water. After using this softener, good results will clearly occur.

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Perhaps you have used many other quality products that did not deliver the promised results. Now you have an opportunity to make use of an item that you have not used before. All you have to do is to try it, and see how good it works in your case. The Fleck softeners are different in the way they function, and in their appearance. You should take a chance to research and discover the options you have. The problem is that finding could take all your precious time.

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This is why the metered water softener review will help you. This Amazon product is completely different from some of those metered gadgets you have used already. Its structure and how the softener functions will amaze you. Let us analyze this product further so you can discover its goodness:

An outline of product features

• It features high flow with one point zero-five inches distributor

• Has a by-pass valve that has one-inch connections.

• The product has two feet 3 Ionac C-249 ion exchange resin

• The product comes with an eighteen-inch diameter by thirty-three inch brine tank. The tank features grid and float assembly.

A brief description of this Fleck water softener

This metered softener uses a one-inch Fleck 2510SXT valve. The valve has microprocessor control integration, which is programmable. This control uses highly effective restoration to reduce salt consumption. The resin tank, with a beige color, has poly lining and fiberglass reinforcement. Structural is the brand behind the tank's construction. The entire configuration for the tank is extremely innovative. This two-tank design comes with a distinct poly brine container in almond. The poly brine tank has a float to ensure safety, and it is rust-free to prolong its life. Fiberglass reinforcement tank controls any leakage.

The design of this product is rather complex as many of you will find out. Therefore, the softener is capable of giving the user perfect results. Even so, you should not worry about the usage of the softener. It is easy to use as long as you are person who can follow simple instructions. The other concern that many people have is the safety of the product. The substance for water purification is contained in the tank. This is the ion exchange resin for use in chlorinated and non-chlorinated water. This Fleck water softener goes for slightly over 0 at Amazon site. This is a one-time payment after which your will enjoy many days of fresh water consumption.

Metered Fleck Water Softener 2510SXT Review

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Fleck 5600SE Water Softener

The Fleck 5600SE is a single tank water softener designed to reduce the levels of calcium and magnesium in your water supply. Small amounts of iron, up to 3ppm, may also be removed with this softener.

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The Fleck 5600SE comes in varying capacities ranging from 24,000 grains to 60,000 grains. A grain refers to the amount of calcium carbonate that is dissolved in water, the higher the figure, the greater the concentration of dissolved calcium carbonate. It is this calcium carbonate that slowly comes out of solution that builds up in pipes, and can eventually clog them. Calcium also reduces the cleaning ability of detergents.

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The Fleck 5600SE passes hard water through a resin bed and a brine tank, where the calcium and magnesium (which is in the same chemical family as calcium and reacts in a similar manner) is exchanged with sodium from the salt. Sodium is more soluble in water than either calcium or magnesium, and because of this, the sodium compounds remain in solution and do not precipitate out to form a build-up. If there is a significant amount of iron in the water supply, a different type of resin can also be added to eliminate this at the same time.

This softened water has benefits in the three major areas of a house that use water.

Laundry Room: Less detergent is needed and the interior parts of the washing machine will remain cleaner. Kitchen: Less detergent is needed for washing dishes, and there will be no streaking or spots. Bathroom: Bathtub rings and soap scum will be minimized, and the toilet will also stain less. The hot water heater will last longer, since no build-up will form inside the tank. If the water heater is an electric model, no build-up will occur on the heating elements, making them last longer and also making them more efficient since there will be no insulating build-up on them.

Faucets too will benefit from soft water, since there will be much less corrosion, and there will be no build-up on the washers or sealing mechanisms to cause water leaks.

If a Fleck 5600SE Water Softener is installed in a house that has had hard water for a long time, the softened water may also reduce the build-up within the system over time, potentially warding off any plumbing repairs that may have occurred in the future.

Fleck 5600SE Water Softener

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