It's All About Me...Sometimes

A Better Place

2012-01-27T08:26:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to write this for some time now, but just never seemed to have gotten around to doing it somehow. With that said, I would like to tell everyone that my brother-in-law passed away this past summer (July 2011), quite unexpectedly. Well, maybe not all that unexpectedly.

My brother-in-law was morbidly obese and was on a few different medications. He did not take care of himself and, in the years of my knowing him, never even tried to get himself healthy. The notion now-a-days, is that my doctor know best (which is a lie) and the medication he will give me will make me better (which is another lie). Step back from the big picture for a moment and think about this one. If you get healthy who wins and who loses? Well, we all know that answer...don't we? doctors don't make money off healthy or dead people. They need us to be just sick enough to keep coming back to them for regular check ups. I teach food classes at my local health food store and I tell my audience this all the time. You have to be your own food police and take care of yourself. Do the research, wake up and see what our government is allowing to happen to our food supply.

With that said, there is a reason for this post. When my brother-in-law passed away, I know see what ridiculous things people say. Someone actually asked my sister if she was going to commit suicide. I mean really...come on. She has two girls to raise. But the one that stuck a cord with my sister was this one: 'Leo is in a much better place.' Well my sister quite quickly turned to them and said: 'No he is not, his place is with us, not being dead.' Shut that person up real fast.

And think about it. He did not have a long drawn out illness where his death would have been a relief, he was not suffering in any way what-so-ever. So for someone (And usually it is someone who believes in God/Christ) to say he is in a better place, well to me, that is the biggest load of crap someone could ever say. And yet it is said all-the-time without even thinking about it. I truly never said that to anyone, even if they were better off. The family who is mourning does not want to hear that, and yet, even they themselves do not stand up and say anything to contradict what said person has just said. Well, my sister did and I for one, applaud her for it.

I hope anyone that reads this will get a better understanding of just how thoughtless that comment is. And my sister was a believer that there was a God before her husbands passing. She believes no longer. But I will save that for another post.

It's The Humane Thing To Do

2011-05-02T23:37:00.000-04:00

Well another one has gone down. Yes dear friends, one of my friends has had to take her dog to the vets and put her dog down. Why you may ask? Who knows, and who cares? that last reference was not meant to be a callous one. Oh contrare. It was meant as a measuring stick for how we treat our pets and why we don't give ourselves the same thought process.

A few years back our little mutt got extremely ill from some flame retardant she got hold of, unbeknownst to us. With that said, her entire digestive tract was being destroyed. And shortly after her ingesting this chemical we had to put her to sleep. It tore us apart for weeks to come, but we knew in our hearts that she was better off. Why you may ask, well there are a couple of reasons. 1) She no longer had to suffer(for she already had a week of discomfort. 2) She could have had surgery, but the vet could not guarantee her being better after a very expensive surgery.

Why can't we have that same option for our human loved ones? Why do we feel the need to keep them alive if they are living vegetables. Or better yet, why can't our final wishes be observed and take it a step further past a DNR(Do Not Resuscitate) and let us say when our end should come.

This may come off as a backing for suicide, which it isn't, and which I am not 100% against either. Why shouldn't we be allowed to choose when we leave this place called home. We definitely do not have a say in when we arrive, it is the least we can do to give us the choice as to when we depart.

There was a very touching Star Trek episode(The Captain Picard series) called, 'Half a Life'. To this day, it is still one of my most favorite episodes. It is about a race that takes their own lives at the age of 60, leaving life to the young.

Take a look here: Half a Life Clip

I can see both sides to the argument they were having. But in the end, should we all not have the right to end our lives when we still have some dignity left and not be kept around while some attendant is wiping our backside. How cruel is that? I know that when I am no longer a productive member of society, then I no longer want to take up space. I am but just a tiny blip in the big scheme of things. That is not to say I feel my life is not worth anything. Just thee opposite. I know in my heart of hearts I am making a huge difference in the lives of the people I come in contact with. You may also think that is an arrogant, pompous way of thinking of ones self, but I disagree.

I see thee effect I have on people when I tell them about a better way of eating. I love it when my AVON customers get their bags and they get their products. The list goes on. But when I can no longer have an effect on peoples lives, then I am done here and the baton should be passed on. I know how I will be talked about when I am dead and gone, and I am AOK with that. That is not arrogance, that is self-confidence, that is being confident in the fact that you love what you do and are good at that very same thing you love.

You cannot hide true passion about life. The rest is just gravy. But when that ability is no longer available to me, then it is time to turn off the light. I just hope beyond all hope that when my time comes, that there will be a Dr. Kavorkian on my side, helping me to transition to a more peaceful place, or that new laws will be in place for me to take the necessary step to pass on, and maybe even with a few friends with me holding my hands while I pass on.

Death should not be something feared, but embraced. It is just a natural step in the cycle of life. But to tell me I do not have the right to say when that should end, well that is just wrong. It should be my fundamental right for me have that choice. Who are you/they to tell me how run or end my life? It is my life, not yours...or theirs.

10 Ways To Take A Day Off

2010-11-13T18:01:00.002-05:00

I found this in a Natural Awakenings Magazine and fell in love with ti. What gets me, is that the little things that make so much sense, we never seem to implement..why is that? Well maybe we should. Try one or some of these out and see what goes.

1) Avoid technology
2) Contact loved one
3) Nurture your health
4) Get outside
5) Avoid commerce
6) Light candles
7) Drink wine
8) Eat bread
9) Find silence
10) Give back

I am a firm believer in #10 and I will tell you why. So many people have thee attitude of,'Well I never get anything.', and there is a reason why. That is because those people never give. And I am talking about giving because you want to, not because you are made to. For when it comes from the heart, then the getting starts flowing in your direction. Try it, you will see.

In The End

2010-11-06T11:11:00.004-04:00

None of it matters, for it all comes to an end.

There will be no more sunrises, minutes or days. All the things you collected whether it be treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. your wealth, fame, temporal power, will shrivel to irrelevance.

It will not matter what you owned or owed, your grudges, resentments, frustrations, jealousies, will finally disappear. So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, to-do list will expire. the wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.

It won't matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived. It won't matter if you are beautiful or brilliant. Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant. So, what will matter?

How will the values of your days be measured? What will not matter is what you bought, but what you built. Now what you got, but what you gave. What will matter, is not your success, but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, courage, compassion or sacrifice that enriched, empowered, or encouraged others to emulate your example.

What will matter, is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you are gone. What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To say that I find/found this to be profound is a gross understatement. If everyone lived like this, so much of the bad that is lurking in so many places would be gone. But many people live for themselves. The minute you stop doing for you and do for others, your life changes. I know mine has. now, the question is, how far are you willing to go to change your life?

Where's The Fire?

2010-01-19T07:05:00.003-05:00

We will all get old...hopefully. With that said, I wonder why people are not more patient with seniors. Yes, I know some of them can be a bit cranky and others just down right pissed off at the world. I know those people are not happy with their lives and feel the need to bring everyone else into their miserable little world. But those people are not the ones I will be referring to.

I recently took my daughter to work, where more than a few seniors come to shop. I have always been a patient person to those with babies and seniors. For I know that one day, hopefully, I too will be old. And I can only hope that someone will be patient with me.

I am also a firm believer in positive thinking and that you will only get back in life what you give. So for those who say, "It's just our luck." Not true. There are no coincidences. You get what you give. And one of my most favorites is, What Goes Around...Comes Around. Now that may come off as a little vengeful, as my daughter so eagerly pointed out. And that may very well be true. But what most folks don't get is that when something goes wrong, you are thee only one who can rectify that situation. Do not sit and blame everyone and their mother on your little miseries. No one wants to hear your whining and no one, for the most part, gives a rats backside.

With that said, let me get back to the incident that got me to put this post up. I was sitting at a 2-way stop and letting my daughter out of the car to get into work. There was an elderly woman trying to cross in front of me to get to the parking lot to get to her car. Fifteen extra seconds of me letting her pass by was not going to make that big a difference. So I waved her to pass in front of my car.

There was another car facing me at the opposing stop sign. He was visibly in a hurry. Even thought I had arrived at the stop sing first and had the right of way, he was already inching up to move through the stop sign. the elderly woman, who had a noticeable limp was doing the best that she could to get across the walkway. But this man was in a Harry Hurry. And as he inched up closer to her, and passing my vehicle, he begin to swear obscenities to her under his breath. But due to the fact that both his window and mine were rolled down, I got a whiff of what he said .

Where was his fire? Where did he have to be that 15 seconds would have effected his getting there. I mean really. Are people that so wrapped up in their lives that they cannot slow down for just a few seconds? Obviously not in this mans case. I just want people to sit and think how we treat others that are not as able bodies as we are. And I mean that literally. I see seniors all the time that have difficulty getting around or even physically handicapped people and it never ceases to amaze me just how insensitive people can be. I mean do you really thing that a mentally/physically handicapped person woke up and thought of ways to tick off the general population? I think not. And yet I see it more often then I care to admit, that many a folk who want these people moved or removed out of their way. Sad.

I think if Rod Serling could take folks like that (thee impatient ones or intolerable ones) and just set them into a situation they are perpetuating, they may see things a bit differently. If only for an hour, day in the life of someone you have no patience for, just to see how it is like in their world. then maybe we would have a more passive human race.

My Best Nanny Memory

2009-12-24T06:56:00.003-05:00

Edit In: I was supposed to have saved this post and added on, but somehow it got published. Must have hit the wrong button. I am adding the story that made my nanny the best grandmother ever. Read on.

For those who have not had the pleasure of grand-parents (and good ones at that), you do not know what you are missing.

My nanny is my mother's mother. She was in-your-face, up front, blunt, brusque, abrupt, but I loved her. And even as a child, I knew she was someone to be reckoned with. People looked at her with a sort of reverence. If she liked/loved you, then you were good. But cross her...and watch out. Fell the wrath of Emily Grace Strayer.

Nanny and I had to go 'In to town' as those who live din the boonies called it. That meant that you either went to Okeechobee or you went to West Palm Beach. This day was WPB. Nanny had some flats of vegetables to pick up and a plethora of other things to do while there, for you did not go 'in to town' all that often, so you made the best of your time there. And we did.

Well, it was getting on to lunchtime and we were both starving. I was about 10-12ish at the time and just worshiped my Nanny. In my eyes, she could do no wrong. We needed to grab lunch somewhere...anywhere. I, of course, had no money. Heck, I was 10 years old, and even if I did, I would not share it with anyone. No way no how.

Now, for those of you who are old enough, you may remember thee older cars and how the dashboards were metal. That way your parents or grandparents could buy those magnetic trays that stuck onto the dashboards. Everything got thrown in there. Anything form match books, to loose charge and the such. Well, I had looked in my nanny's wallet, as per her instructions, to look for money for lunch. I did as I was asked, but found not one bit of money.

I looked, and looked again and then I relooked again. Still nothing. So I went to digging in the magnetic tray on her dashboard. I was able to scrape up enough change that I remember totalling up to less that $1.00. Now, back in those days, we could have purchased a small soda and small fry and that would have held us over until we got back home. We resigned to the fact we would have to share those food items.

But I took one more stab at looking for money in my nanny's wallet. I pulled out photos and special documents. And behold, I let out a blood curdling scream. My grandmother's reply was, "How much did you find?" She knew I was not in any pain, or had been bitten by some odd insect. She knew I had fond gold in them there hills. It was a $10 bill and we were able to feast on a Whopper, fries and shake at Burger King.

Back then it was a treat to eat at a fast food joint. Now it is common place and just a bunch of crap these companies try to call food. That s another post entirely. But suffice it to say, that is a day that is branded into my memory forever and ever. Thank you Nanny and rest in peace.

It's Just A Wave

2009-11-21T07:40:00.002-05:00

For those of you who may not know or remember, I had major spinal surgery in the summer of 2008. That was a harrowing experience to say the least. Then add a nearly one year long recovery...well you can see how fun that year was.

With that said. Thee only rehabilitation they wanted me to do was walking, yes, walking. For walking strengthens your core and what is your spinal column? Oh yeah, the core to your very being. And if you think you what your back/spinal cord does for you, then have back surgery. You will then realize that your back controls everything you do.

I have been pretty darned steadfast in my keeping up on my walking. I try to get out at lease five days a week and due to the fact that I have a pooch to keep healthy, it is a great symbiont relationship and it is a win win for the both of us.

But there is a group of us exercisers that work out in our own little neck of this neighborhood. That includes walkers (with and without dogs), bikers (and I am not referring to the Harley-Davidson type either) and runners. It seems to be an unwritten credo to just greet one another, whether it be a simple hello, a 'Hi, how are you?', or something to that effect, it usually gets said. But there are cars that pass us by on their way to work as well. With their windows rolled up, air conditioning cranking, there is no way to greet these folks. But alas...there is.

I grew up in a family that camped. We dragged our pull along pop-up camper behind a Volkswagen van and camped in there and we also used a tiny little two-sleeper tent. We loved it. But what I think I loved most about the camping experience was the friendliness of the fellow campers. They always had a kind word, or would offer their help when needed, and if passed when walking or biking, there was always a friendly wave...no words needed.

So I took up this practice in my walking routine. I wave to all vehicles that cross my path. Now I know that a majority of them are shaking their heads that some whacko lady is waving to a complete stranger. But I heard recently, that a stranger is just a friend we haven't met yet. Now I will grant you that I may not invite these people to my Thanksgiving dinner table, but I may just be planting a seed of kindness into their brains. And how knows, I could be cultivating a new breed of people who will soon be known as Waver's.

I Will Be A Squirrel

2009-10-06T13:16:00.004-04:00

I was in the kitchen last night with my daughter and husband as my daughter and I were putting the final touches on dinner before sitting down to eat, when my daughter breaks out into a story from work. For those of you who may not know, she has just gotten a job at a local supermarket as a bag girl. Being a minor she will still have to adhere to the specific hours until she turns sixteen.

She begins the story by saying that a senior man came through the line she was bagging for and he had quite a few bags of peanuts. My daughter being the very observant person and knowledgeable in the kitchen, she asked the gentleman if he was going to go home and make boiled peanuts. He looked to her and said, "No, I am taking these home for the squirrel in my yard."

My daughter, being a vegetarian and animal lover thought that was a sweet thing for him to do. But it did not stop there. He explained to her why he feeds this particular squirrel. You see, his wife died recently and as she was dying, she told her husband that she would come back as a squirrel. So on his first trip out of the house after she died, he was returning home from some errand, and there was a squirrel in his driveway. He knew in his heart that this was his wife letting him know that she was still with him.

Who's to say. No one has proof otherwise. So I say let him think what he wants if it helps him get through the day. If he wants to think she is a potato peeler, it is his prerogative.

I sat there listening to my daughter tell the story and my eyes welled up with teas, knowing that some day either me or my husband will be alone. And that thoughts scares the living crap out of me.

It's not that he or I could not function without one another, for we could. And yes, it would be an adjustment, but I cannot imagine the loneliness. I enjoy sitting with my husbands on the mornings we have together and sit and talk about current events...or not. Talk about the weather or what is a five letter word for fowl that begins with an "R". Those things are better shared with someone. I feel for people who have not found that special someone, for whatever reason. To live out your final years alone. To me that would the worst.

Kids grow up and make their own lives. It's not that you are no longer important, it's just they have made their own lives and have to do the same things you did years before.

I hope that this man is happy knowing that he is keeping his wife fed. Because in thee end, isn't it the thought that counts?

Excuses, Excuses

2009-09-09T07:30:00.004-04:00

How many ways can you think of making an excuse for what you need to do in your life? Here, let me help you out on this one:

1) I'm too busy

2) I'm too old

3) I'm too fat

4) I'm too scared

5) I'm to scared it will take too long

6) It's going to be too difficult

That is just the tip of thee iceberg for many of us who procrastinate on doing things that either we want to do or need to do. I am guilty as the next person. I have been needing to organize my paper piles for weeks, but there they still sit. And yet I seem to find time to watch an hour of recorded TV. So where's my excuse? There isn't any. It is just my own laziness. And I have no problem admitting it. But for more of us then we carry to admit, we seem to find excuses. And 9 times out of 10 they all have a negative angle to them...imagine that.

What we need to do and not all at once, is find out what it is in our lives that we want to tackle first. Is that letter writing we want to get started. Fine, then write a list of who you want to write to and when that letter is gone, cross them off your list. There is nothing more rewarding that to see your to do list grow shorter and shorter.

Maybe it's start your new eating lifestyle. Well then, tackle one aspect of your eating habits that ticks you off and work on that one fault, the others will follow. Most people cannot jump right in with both feet. Find what works for you and take it one step at a time.

You want to add exercise to your daily routine, then do it. Walk to thee end of the block. Laugh if you will but that may be allot for many folks. Once that becomes easy then add more as your body tells you. Listen to yourself and your body, you are your own best advocate.

Thee excuses you see printed up in the beginning of the post were from Wayne Dyers new book and I found an interview in the Natural Awakenings magazine that I get from my local health food store. He tackles so many issues in just this tiny blurb that I am enticed to go to the library and check out the book.

I love anything that will guide me in a direction to better myself. And we all could use improvement, but are we willing to admit it?

Don't Get Involved

2009-09-02T07:00:00.001-04:00

I had an experience years ago before I had children. So that puts it at 20 years plus.

My husband and I had our own business at the time and it was a mobile business...literally. We had a mobile dog grooming business. And we were on the road at the time this incident occurred and in the middle of morning traffic. Granted, we were not on a major highway or freeway, but it was still a crowded street all the same.

We were sitting in traffic, or possibly at a red light, but whatever the case, we were not moving. Then I heard someone, a female yelling for help. I turned in my seat and saw her running, like she was running from something. It turned out to be a someone. She kept yelling for help and no one would assist her. I turned and then saw who she was running from. It was a male figure. Most more than likely her significant other. Whether he had been a friend, lover, relative, he was after her and with a vengeance.

I then asked my husband to let us take her in our work van and get her to the nearest police station, our appointments be damned. But he said no without a moments hesitation. Right then and there my entire outlook toward my husband changed. A part of me died inside. How could he do that? Just swat this woman away who was evidently in need of help. And what if that had been me running from someone or something and he was not there to help me out and the entire world turned a deaf ear? How would he have felt then? He would have been pisssed off at the fact that no one took the time to help his wife when she needed someone the most.

My husband has done a 180 in his life since that time. But it still dwells inside of me and when I look back on it, I get all choked up inside and a knot forms in the pit of my stomach. How can anyone be so callous? And how have we gotten that way? What has changed us so much in the last century or so to make us look away, as if things were not happening under our noses.

Case in point, the case with the kidnapping of Jaycee Dugard. It's not the kidnapping I ma here to talk about, it is those who probably knew something was amiss and did not follow their gut instincts. They chose not to get involved. That say by thinking if they were wrong and called the authorities, then made a mistake, how would that neighbor see them? But usually our gut instincts are correct, they are there for a reason. They are our alarm, our warning system, if you will.

I enjoy helping my fellowman, and possibly to a fault. And every now and then my husband falls back on his old way of thinking and says we need to look our for ourselves first. And I will not deny him that. If I had to do for my children over anyone else, my children will always win. But right after that I do not mind helping others as long as we are not taken advantage of, but that is a different post. I am under the guise that you will only get back what you give. And there are those who think it is all about financial help. That could not be further from the truth. There is much more to giving that just opening your wallet. Open your heart. Open your mind and see what you can do once you let yourself get involved with others. It does the body good.

You Could Hear A Pin Drop

2009-08-14T15:24:00.003-04:00

So, for those of you who may not follow my cooking blog, I have re-entered the workforce after a year of recovery from my back surgery. I recently worked for a demonstration company, but thee amount of hours they were giving me was not what I had been promised. So much for a good ole hand shake. So I stayed with them until something more substantial came along, so I bided my time. Friends kept their ear to the ground in regards to any jobs out there.

A dear friend of mine had heard that the deli meat company Boars Head was hiring. So she got in touch with a friend of hers who was in upper management, but low and behold, eh was not hiring at present. I thanked her and told her just to keep her ear out for anything else.

Fast forward a few weeks and same dear friend called back to say that Mr. Boars Head was now hiring and to give him a call. I did and he said he would have a spot available mid-August and if I could hold on that long that I had a job. Oh yeah, I could wait.

Today was my first day and it was so much fun. I am a person who needs to deal with the public. Why? Because I was born to deal with people. I connect with them. I am the average Joe-ette and they like that connection. I am not some hoity-toity person who they cannot understand.

When my day was finished I had to go back to thee office to be shown how the paperwork is completed. So simple an earthworm could have figured it out. There was a few other employees in the office and we were just shooting the breeze, talking about nothing in particular. One of the ladies asked me if I had tried the new chicken I was demonstrating. I thought about it for a split second then I politely told them, "I don't eat meat, I am a vegetarian." You could hear a pin drop. The look on their faces was definitely a Kodak moment. I was tempted to play that entire moment all over again, just to see the look on their faces, it was grand.

The first thing I was asked was if I had issues working for a company that promotes meat. And I told them, if I did, I would not be working for them. Duh!

I did have a great time and it was good to be working in a wonderful atmosphere once again. So if you see a short lady with short red hair, that would be me.

The Most Unthinkable Act

2009-07-31T19:45:00.003-04:00

I am not thee most forgiving person. I think people should be held accountable for their actions, no matter their age, sex, race or creed. I admit that I think the punishment should fit the crime. But there are somethings that you just can't erase with any penalty. The act I am speaking of is child pornography.

Just the thought of it makes my skin crawl. And here in Florida we seem to be surrounded by them. They are everywhere. In the world of sexual pleasures, I think whatever makes you feel good then do it. But not to children. There is a line that NO ONE should cross.

On thee Oprah show today, that had a task force investigating homes that had been downloading child pornography for a few weeks. The law enforcement agency believed that this was the main man. But it wasn't. It was the son, who was barely 18. And thee acts that could be described on television made my want to throw something at the television.

And what's worse is that the law enforcement has no clue where these children are. Are they children that have been kidnapped (this is my husbands theory) and kept just for this disgusting act? Who knows. Do these children ever escape? And if so are they able to lead normal lives? And were are they? Could they be at your next door neighbors home in the basement being filmed? Again the thought makes me sick.

I saw Judge Judy (TV Show) being interviewed by Larry King a while back. And the one thing that she and I agreed on is that sexual predators/molesters/child porn distributors or watchers or participators are not rehabilitatable(sp?). they are so sick that there is no coming back form where they are.

My thought is take them out back with the dog the way they use to back in the day and put them and the dog out of their misery.

Then here comes thee icing on the cake. When they get caught, they get representation, because that is our system. Get found guilty and get to sit in an air conditioned room for the rest of their lives. They get medical treatment, three meals a day and some poor schlep called a journalist has the nerve to call them Mister (insert name). Mister is handed out to those who have earned some respect. These folks should be wiped off the face of thee earth.

Call me harsh, call me cruel, but I have not empathy or sympathy for those who do what these people do to our children. Children deserve better, children deserve a voice.

Is My Hair Spikey?

2009-07-29T07:58:00.002-04:00

Out of the mouth of babes. Just when you think you have heard it all, a youngin' comes along and reminds you you ain't heard it all.

My daughter came to me with this story that someone had told her.

There was a young boy who was in his own home and come out of the bathroom. Upon exiting said bathroom, he found an older sibling and asked that sibling very matter-of-factly, "Is my hair spikey?"

Thee older sibling informed the younger brother that in fact his hair was not spikey and that it wouldn't be due to the fact that he had a buzz cut and there was no way he could get his hair to spike. The older sibling then wanted to know why he had asked such a question. Wait for it.

The younger sibling then told thee older one that, "Well, I pushed a little too hard when I was in the bathroom and my hair stood up on end so I thought I had spikey hair."

Oh what our bodies can do to us. And maybe this is only a story a mother can appreciate. And I thought that might be the case, except that every time my daughter tries to tell or hears of it being told, it still cracks her up.

Never Retire

2009-07-26T19:31:00.003-04:00

Take it from a legendary like Stan Lee. N-E-V-E-R RETIRE!

I have always said if my husband ever retires, I will go back to work full time. I swear it I will. And I will tell you why. Because my husband has no hobbies to occupy his spare time. The gym does not count as a hobby. He has no outside interest to keep him busy away from me.

I see it happen all the time. One if not both person in a marriage retire and drive thee other one crazy. Why is that? Well because for the last 30-40 some odd years your life and time has been spent at work, away from said spouse. Then when you have all this time on your hand,s you have no blinking clue what to do with your self. You never took the time to find interest in something other than the TV or computer.

Pick up a local PennySaver style magazine and you will see that there are tons of groups, organizations, clubs to join or how about this...volunteer for. How can you expect to get something, anything if you don't give to your community. I love volunteering. My husband still turns his nose up at it, but I am slowly changing his mind about giving before receiving. You can't keep looking for a handout if you are not willing to first lend a hand.

There are a few adages that fit that as well. What goes around comes around. Give someone the shirt off your back. Charity begins at home. I could scour my book of idioms, but you get my drift. But sitting home and collecting dust is not my idea of going through my Golden Years. I want to keep going until I can't go any longer.

So find something that piques your interest. And surfing the web, or watching all your favorite shows on DVD does not qualify as a hobby. Get off your backsides and be active in the community. It will pay off in the end.

Where's My Magic Pill?

2009-07-25T08:47:00.003-04:00

Maybe it's the generation gap, or the not wanting to believe what is happening, or taking responsibility for your actions, or you have been brainwashed for so many years into believing that the more medication you take the better off you will be. Not true!

Case in point, my father-in-law.

He has eaten his entire life, the Standard Cuban Diet. Which for the most part contains not one iota of vegetables. Unless you consider pale green iceberg lettuce, and super pink tomatoes a salad, as they are slathered in olive oil and doused with salt. My idea of even a salad differs greatly from their idea of a salad. I take it back. They to put some chunks of squash in their beans along side the park fat, so in my opinion that kind of cancels one another out.

They eat tons of fried food, and meat is at every-single-meal. That is not an option. I did purchase a turkey this last Thanksgiving, but I will not this year. We just don't eat it quick enough to make it worth our while.

And a lot of their meat is fried as well. And she uses lard to fry in, unless my son is over then she uses vegetable oil. But here is the kicker. My father-in-law had a few small heart attacks about 20 years ago, but recovered fine. Then just a few years ago, he had a few mini-strokes. But now his cholesterol is off the chart. And I mean dangerously high. So he was put on medication to lower his cholesterol...to no avail. It just keeps on climbing.

So the doctor has either added a new medication or upped what he is on now. But they do not think this will fix the problem. And of course the first course of action the doctor tells him to do is change his diet. "No Way!" My father-in-laws thinking is that he has made it to 7o something, he is not going to change the way he eats now. Well, then you have no right to complain. If you are not willing to go through the changes necessary for anything in your life, whether it be food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, then stop complaining.

Oh, I just went up a pant size (after downing 2 plates of ribs)
My head is pounding (After a night of heavy drinking)
Can you bail me out of jail (After stealing checks from you mother to pay for your dope)
I can't scrounge up the money to pay my light bill (After blowing your paycheck at the race track)

This goes on for each set of circumstances. Now most of those examples are addictions, but those things we can definitely live without. Food is something we need to live, or, as we all know, we will die if we do not eat.

My husband has yo-yo dieted all his life. Trying to find 'that' fix. the one true 'diet' that will make him see the light. Well he finally has seen the light, and you know what it was? He isn't dieting. Yep, not one little bit. He just eats, and eats whatever the heck he wants. He makes absolutely no restrictions on himself in any way, shape of form. What did he discover? Is that you don't have to diet if you eat REAL food. We don't eat drive thru...ever! We rarely if ever eat out, for I don't know what goes into their food. I know what goes into mine. He does not exercise. Heavy amounts of cardio. But it wasn't until recently that it hit him, that he makes no restrictions on himself. And all I did was shake my head and told him I had been telling him that for years. I myself have never dieted. Do I fit the medical charts? Doubt it. In fact, if I go by the charts, I am 20 pounds overweight. I think not. I eat extremely well, get plenty of exercise, good sleep, and drink lots of water. And I can say that I am medication free and hope to be for the rest of my life.

Granted, I know medications are there for a purpose, but they should not be a crutch, an easy out. 'If I take this pill, my problems will all go away.' Nope. Because then pill 'A' gives you a side effect. So you go to your doctor and they give you pill 'B'. But wait a minute, pill 'B' gives you a new side effect. And the treadmill begins. When all you had to do was right yourself. Lose the crap that got you where you are now...dependant on the drug companies. I refuse to get sucked into the garbage they are trying to sell you.

Most doctors should be trying to heal/fix you. But all they are doing is making you more dependant on them with more medication. Why heal you, that would dwindle their business. I want to be more proactive with my health and not end up like my parents and father-in-law who carry around miniature suitcases (that is no lie) of their medications. And both my parents and father-in-law have computer papers filled with all the medications they take for any new doctor. How crazy is that? It's wrong I tell you.

All I am saying is that you can do whatever you want, for the most part, if you want it bad enough. Don't sit by on the sidelines and let life pass you by because of your health. That is the one thing you can control, save accidents and major illnesses (Don't get me started on that either). You can do it. It's not as difficult as you might think. Just ask my husband.

A Side Of Truth

2009-07-22T18:18:00.006-04:00

Do you know where your meat comes from? And do you even care?

I am not trying to convert anyone to vegetarianism. But no one can deny that letting go of at least some meat would do the body good. My daughters best friend tried to go meatless a while back just for one day and she couldn't do it...what does that say about us.

First off, we are led to believe that we 'need' animal protein in order to get stronger. 'NOT'
Secondly, we are told that if we do not consume dairy products that we will develop osteoporosis.'NOT'

It is nothing short of brainwashing to get you to buy their products. You notice I did not call it food. Trust me when I tell you anything that comes in a Styrofoam box and you can get delivered through your car window is not food. It is edible food like substance. And if you don't have thee ingredients on the container in your cupboard, then why are you eating them?

It's big business to sell you 'stuff' that resembles food, or things that you have called food your entire life. But this is not food. Or at least the the food your great grand mother knew as food. What would she say and do if she came back and saw us eating this way. She would kick our backsides all the way to the fresh market and not leave until we purchased fresh fruit and vegetables and if you chose to eat meat, you went to the butcher and got it from him, not the local drive-thru.

Think long and hard if this is the stuff you want floating around and 'staying' in your gut. I know I don't. I care what goes into my body, so should you.

It's My Life

2009-07-21T07:51:00.002-04:00

I am the one in control.
I am the one who says what I can and cannot do. (To a degree)
I am the one says how I feel. (Emotionally and physically)
I am the one who says what medications I take (Refer back to previous statement)

All these things, for the most part are within my power. Now I get the fact that some things are not in my control, like who voices Mickey Mouse. Nah, just kidding. Like when I dislocated my knee and needed morphine to dull the pain. Duh, hello, a necessity. But once I healed the pain meds were gone. A few days at best. I know people who thrive and actually look forward to the dulling sensation brought on by muscle relaxers and the such. To what end. In that moment when you are carried away by the effects of the medication you...my friend are no longer in control. And for those who do not like the feeling of not being in control, why would you look forward to that sensation. Do not get me wrong, I know some things are a necessity, but for how long? Days, weeks, months. Please. Get yourself righted and watch how fast you no longer need those mood enhancers to make you feel better.

I also have the ability to control what goes into my moth and eventually throughout my body. There is a show played on BBC, 'You Are What You Eat.' Truer words were never spoken. And what amazes me, is that when people are confronted in a very in your face kind of mentality, they still do not think that is what they consume. What planet are you on folks. And if you think you are eating food, the think again. There are certain things we should all be doing in respect to our food choices. And here are 12 Food Commandments to live by. Try them all or one at a time. But common sense will tell you this is the way to eat...duh!?

How I feel. There is a adage that Elanor Roosevelt made popular. 'No one makes you feel inferior without your consent.' I am a very confident person, but I would hope I would not allow anyone to break me down. To what end? If what they are saying is untrue then they need to be told. If what they are saying is true and is something that offends me, but is something I want to change in my life, can they be faulted for pointing out thee obvious? I think not.

We all have thee ability to shape, mold, forge my life, and moreso the way I want it, not the way anyone else thinks my life should be. you pay my bills then I have to listen to you, but until that day, sit back, relax and watch me get myself together.

I'm Sorry

2009-07-20T19:01:00.003-04:00

What is it now. Why is it that celebrities feel the need to make public apologies. Anywhere form Michael Vick to Chris Brown, to name a few (And only because they are the headlines today), but trust me, the list goes on.

"I'm ashamed of what I did."

"I regret doing what I did."

"I don't know what I was thinking."

"I wish I had done things differently."

Blah blah blah blah blah. Waa Waaa Waa Waa Waa.

Where was all that wisdom before these guys did their horrific acts of violence. And why do they feel the need to make their apologies public. Do they think it will boost their popularity, bring them back in the good graces of those who know them for what they really are....losers.

My heart does not bleed, break or feel anything for these guys (and I am not just referring to Michael Vick and Chris Brown). they made their beds, now they need to lie in them. And if that means losing an NFL career, the so be it. And if Chris Brown's record sales plummet, then oh well...his bad.

But they deserve a second chance, don't they?...Some may ask. I am not one for second chances, especially when these people are 'supposedly', educated folks (not if you go by how they speak). Did the dogs Vick abused get a second chance? I think not. Did Rhianna get a second chance to duck out of Chris' line of fire? I think not. That is how I feel about second chances.

I just don't think Suzy Homemaker gives a rats backside if Joe Spotlight publicly apologises. He is still going to be an idiot and I will still have to take my son to work, wash dishes, make bread and do all my other things. Or how about this. Every time I flub up here...in my life. I will go on my Youtube account and tell the world I am sorry for not calling the light company, or that I overdrew our account, or that I forgot to make the deposit. You get my meaning. But would anybody listen to my apologises? Nope!

Yes, It's That Bad

2009-07-16T08:07:00.004-04:00

I had an excuse for nearly a year. I was recovering from major spinal surgery. Now that I am ready to get back into the work force, there is not a work force to get back into. I went through unemployment and was entitled to a measly $98 a week. That's not even groceries, but I get it, it is based an what you earned previously. With that said, I went about applying to different laces that fit my personality. Whack and in the public's eye. Sit behind a desk or in a cubicle...just shoot me. But I finally got hired by a demonstration company that is basically the middle man between Company 'A' and Walmart. I just hand out said product for Company 'A'.

But once I got hired I did not receive the hours that were promised me. My manager kept blowing smoke up my skirt but those lowly one day a week hours were not paying the bills. I was never looking for full time, for I love being a home maker. But for right now, I need to help out and get our finances righted. That should take a good 2-3 years. then we will see if I can take it easy and concentrate on my home again. But until that time arrives, the daily grind is my new best friend.

Once I realized that the hours would not be flowing in my direction, my husband said I needed to keep applying to different companies, keeping the job I had until something better came along. So I did just that. I set out filling out more applications to places I would best be suited. But in thee interim I told a dear friend to keep her ear to the ground for any job she may hear about. She informed me that a friend of hers worked for a high profile deli meat company and that he was hiring. She informed me should get in touch with him and see what the deal was. She did and he was not hiring. Not to worry I said, just keep me in mind.

Well about the beginning of July I get a call from my friend and she said the Deli man was now hiring, to give him a call. It was late and I do not like to cut in on peoples time when they are at home, unless it is a necessity. I got in touch with Deli man the next day and I had myself a job, but I would not be officially hired until mid-August. If that was all right with me, I had a job. I could wait, I would just hold on to my piddly little one day a week job until that time.

Well, I had forgotten I had filled out applications in between the time Deli man called and the time I knew I had to get a better paying job. So when I saw there was a call from one of the places I applied to, I kind of got nervous. Hubby said call Deli man to make 100% sure you had a job and explain to him why you were calling. Again assured me I had a job, but the paperwork would not take place until the date we had agreed upon. Whew!

I will be working for a reputable company and getting decent hours. It will not interfere with my homeschooling cooking class, so all is right as rain. But do not be fooled by my optimism, thee economy is still on the downside and looking grimmer all the time. That is why I may not truly want to promote meat (being a vegetarian and all) but it is a job. And until something comes along that is more fitting to my lifestyle, this where my buttocks will be parked.

But here are 9 signs that our economy is not doing as well as we are being led to believe:

One. June's total included 185,000 people who were assumed to be at work, many of whom probably were not. The government could not identify them; it made an assumption about trends. But many of the mythical jobs are in industries that have absolutely no job creation: finance, for example. When the official numbers are adjusted over the next several months, look to some of the 185,000 boosting the unemployment totals.

Two. More companies are asking employees to take unpaid leave. These people don't count on the unemployment roll.

Three. No fewer than 1.4 million people wanted or were available for work in the past 12 months. They were not counted. Why? Because they hadn't searched for work in the four weeks preceding the survey. The assumption is that they had found work or don't want it, but there are other explanations: school attendance, family responsibilities, sheer exhaustion.

Four. The number of workers taking part-time jobs because of the slack economy, a kind of stealth underemployment, has doubled in this recession to about 9 million, or 5.8 percent of the workforce. Add those whose hours have been cut to those who cannot find a full-time job, and the total of unemployed and underemployed rises to 16.5 percent, putting the number of involuntarily idle workers in the range of an overwhelming 25 million.

Five. The inside numbers are just as bad. The average workweek for production and non supervisory private-sector employees, around 80 percent of the workforce, dropped to 33 hours. That's 48 minutes a week less than before the recession began, the lowest level of activity since the government began tracking such data 45 years ago. Full-time workers are being downgraded to part time as businesses slash labor costs to remain above water and factories operate at only 65 percent of capacity. If American workers were still putting in those extra 48 minutes a week now, 3.3 million fewer employees could perform the same aggregate amount of work. With a longer workweek, the unemployment rate would reach 11.7 percent, not the official 9.5 percent (which in turn dramatically exceeds the 8 percent rate projected by the Obama administration).

Six. The average length of official unemployment increased to 24.5 weeks. This is the longest term since the government started to track these data in 1948. The number of long-term unemployed (those out of a job for 27 weeks or more) has now jumped to 4.4 million, an all-time high.

Seven. The average worker saw no wage gains in June, with average compensation running flat at $18.53 an hour.

Eight. The jobs report is even uglier when you consider that the sector producing goods is losing the most jobs--223,000 in the last report alone.

Nine. The prospects for job creation are equally distressing. The likelihood is that when economic activity picks up, employers will first choose to increase hours for existing workers and bring part-time workers to full-time status.

I hope everyone is doing well and not struggling like we are. I am a happy person, and my personal life could not be any better, even with our financial disarray, but I look forward to the day that I am not borrowing, every single month half of my mortgage from my in-laws, just to keep a roof over my head.

The Story of Stuff

2009-07-15T14:23:00.004-04:00

For those of you who have been around a little longer than others, your first thought when you hear the word 'stuff' is George Carlin. And truth be told, you are not too far off base. I got to see George Carlin in concert over 20 years ago when he had cleaned up his act. And I was glad we saw him then. Yes there was swearing, but it was kept to a minimum. And guess what, his 'stuff' was still funny.

Take a look at George Carlin's take on Stuff. There is some mild profanity. So if you still want to take a gander, tell the kiddies to go elsewhere.

Carlin's Stuff

Yes, he makes it seem oh so funny. But there is a down side to stuff. And I for one am ready to rid my life of my 'stuff' that I am not using. I have blogged about Free Cycle before and love it. Do I use it all the time? No. But it is there for me to use if necessary. One of the main objectives to Free cycle is to keep things out of our landfills. And I for one on that bandwagon. I love this new word I am discovering and how it can apply to my life. When I am dead and gone, what will people say about me? To me, at least, it is very important. I want people to say, even if they think I am whack about it, that I did everything I could to help Mother Earth be a bit healthier. Even though those greedy capitalists think I should have a new computer every six months.

I want to make life simpler, not have to sit and look at 'stuff' I have and that doesn't get used. Save for seasonal holiday 'stuff' I want to rid my life of 'stuff' that is sitting here, in my home taking up space. And it's not that I want to get rid of it to bring in new 'stuff', it's just that I don't want it around any longer.

I look at my parent's for example and their 'stuff' has 'stuff'. That can't be good. And I remember a long time ago that someone once told me that if you have not used something in a years time, then you obviously don't need it. And I will give that person that, but there are some exceptions to that rule. Emergency items, like a generator, especially if you live in Hurricane Central, and items that would lend assistance in an emergency. For each region of our country it would be something different. But we all know what our emergency necessities are and I will leave it at that.

The kind of stuff I am referring to is the stuff (and I sat in my TV room as I bring up this point) is the stuff me purchase and then let fall by the wayside, in a manner of speaking. I have a pretty set number of CD's I listen to. Let's use the number 25 as an example. I have a CD carrying case in my vehicle and I rotate those same tried and true CD's. I cannot remember the last time I purchased a new CD and I am all right with that. For why should I by more stuff, just to say I have more stuff? Do you think the person I am conversing with is really, truly impressed that I got the latest CD. DVD , computer, kitchen gadget...? No, they are not. They are most more than likely annoyed at the fact that I feel thee undesirable need to shove it in their face every chance I get, so why bother.

So, in looking at my entertainment set (And reading my borrowed Ishmael book) I knew right then, that I wanted to make it a top priority to rid my home, and moreso, my life of 'stuff', also known as clutter.

To see the dynamics of what stuff is doing to us and our planet, please take a look at this short video. It is about 20 minutes or so, but well worth the watch. I've only had in my bookmarks for about a year. And whilst deleting websites I knew I did not or would not visit, I thought it appropriate to finally take a see what this woman, Annie Leonard had to say about stuff. She makes the viewing worth your while. It is semi-animated, but she does not talk to you like you are a child. And for the most part, these were things I knew about but needed a gentle reminder and a less gentle nudging to get off my backside and make a difference.

I am not looking to change, the world. All right, yes I am, but I can only do so much and I am fine with that. But there is a saying that keeps coming back in many references I speak about lately and it goes like this, "How does and ant eat an elephant?...One bite at a time."

The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard

We Can... But Should We?

2009-07-07T09:46:00.003-04:00

This is also my 100th post. Hooray!

There are times when I shake my head. And I wonder if it is because I am getting older or that the news that is making me shake my head is that outlandish. Maybe a bit of both. I recently read an article that reminded me that our food is not what it appears to be.

Did you know that 60-70% of all corn and cotton has been modified and that 90% of all soybeans have been modified as well. Read the article Here . What are we doing to our food people? And why are we letting it happen? You want to know why. Because most of us are fooled into thinking that what we it is natural. And for the most part it is, but this proves us wrong.

Why do wacko scientists feel the need to push things that far. Just because they can? I find that a rape of the natural world. Just because we have the knowledge, does not mean we should use it. That is how problems begin. Take the H bomb for instance. The man who invented that regretted the minute he did it. So, again I ask, why do we do what we do in the world of science.

And hybrids! Unless you are talking about a car, it should not be done...end of discussion. And what is ti with scientists and fiddling with species. Whether it be animals, plants, DNA or anything else man has manipulated. I found this I get it that they are both from the equine species. So just because I am the same Geno as a chimpanzee does not mean I want our DNA spliced with it, just to see if it can be done.

Where does it end? We already are cloning. I mean we have Dolly the lovely sheep. And couldn't cloning head in the direction of a race or slaves. Sounds far fetched, but think about it. We clone the best of the best to do whatever it is we need done, without a care tho who or what they are, what is that saying about us as humans? Not much in my book.

It's Lonely At The Top

2009-06-26T19:33:00.002-04:00

I wonder how much I would want instant success, wealth, fame, or anything else that fell into that category. We all say it from time to time. 'If only I could win the lotto.' Well I don't know about that anymore. *I would find a financial advisor for sure if it ever did happen*

I look at people in the media who supposedly 'have it all' and look where it gets them. There are few and far between who have handled their fame and done it justice. Just because you are a super-star does not mean you want the lime light. Yes you should do a red carpet now and the, but that doe snot mean I want cameras following me into the local deli to see what kind of mustard I use on my pastrami sandwich.

But there are a few who seem to thrive on it (the spotlight that is) and then when it becomes to much they back away, giving more credence to their being an enigma. Well as my mother use to say, 'Don't dance if you can't pay the fiddler.' And you know what, she is right.

Why even pick a career that is its main objective to put you in the spot light but then turn your back on it. Don't get me wrong I know people are entitled to their privacy and I will be the first to admit that I like mine, here in Average Joe land. My sister is a perfect example. She has people in her home all-the-time. I don't know about you but I like a quite night at home with a movie and a bowl of popcorn.

But these super stars, what are they to do? Soak up the lime light? Live in it and then cringe every time someone decides they want to have their baby, or write letters every single day. I bet the list is extensive as to what these people go through. But when do they draw the line? How many festivities do they attend per year? If any. Only thee Oscars, or should we throw in the Grammy's. And do we have the right, as the people who got them there, to want to see them outside their profession.

I don't particularly need to see Farrah or Michael at some Red Carpet so some schlep can tear apart what they wear. they are movie stars...who cares?

I genuinely feel for those who have reached the top only to be brought down, snuffed out to early. Here are just but a few who have Gone Too Soon:

Elvis Presley
Judy Garland
Michael Jackson
River Phoenix
John Ritter
Brandon Lee
Bruce Lee
Heath Ledger
James Dean
John Belushi
Bob Marley
Jimi Hendrix
Kurt Cobain
Janis Joplin
Andy Kaufman
Princess Diana
Freddy Mercury
Freddy Prince
Bernie Mac

The list is endless. And they they leave us is just as diverse. Those who had not finished what there were put here to do. So when you feet hit the floor every morning, be grateful they did.

Blow Me A Kiss

2009-06-17T06:26:00.007-04:00

It must be one of every parents dreams come true to see their child walk across the stage and accept their diploma, but not for some students and parents, especially one school and family in particular in Maine.

When I volunteered in the public school system, I did many a thing. I laminated cut-outs for the teachers, dusted off bags of books with cassette tapes, checked in books back in the library. In fact the library was where I usually ended up at. But on rare occasions I was with some students one on one, again, usually with something to do with reading.

And every year we had an orientation that reminded us of the rules. Do this, don't do that. And the one that always stuck out in my mind (and the one I usually ignored) was the one that said you cannot touch any student. OK, I get what they were pointing to, but you cold not hug them, greet them, you got to do nada, zip, zilch. Those kids faces lit up when they saw you. They would com barrelling down the hallway and nearly try to slam you over, but whoa!, you could not even acknowledge them, what-so-ever.

Another reason I LOVE home schooling. When my kids greet me at any function, I open my arms and look forward to their embrace, for they want it as much as I do.

The power of human touch.

I think it is a fundamental necessity. I am not saying that folks need to be fondling all over themselves, but to deny a basic human instinct? What is that crap? There is nothing more rewarding then for me to give and or receive a big bear hug. I prefer that to kisses.

I know many a society that gives those fake air kisses on the cheek, and I have been giving them to my in-laws for years. Can't stand that. I see them all the time. My mother-in law, finally got it, for I told her and she now does not expect me to kiss her every single time. But throw me a hug, and you are my friend for life.

But on this particular day in Maine as one student was crossing the stage to accept his diploma, he turned to his family and blew them a kiss. Well the principal decided that showing affection to his family was inappropriate and denied him his diploma...right there in front of thee entire class and assembly. What kind of nut job does that? One who has issues, obviously. Is there a Doctor Phil in the house?

Who would deny such a thing? And this is not the first time I have heard of this type of thing. What has society come to? Are we so paranoid that we need to stop human contact? I myself do not want to live in such a world. So the next time you are in need of a hug, please do not hesitate to give one to whomever you feel may need one.

Save Our Landfills

2009-06-02T19:08:00.002-04:00

I am concerned about our Mother...Mother Earth that is. And I am doing everything in my power to see to it that she stays healthy. If she were to come to me on my death bed ask what I did for her, I have a list. So I feel confident that I am doing all I possibly can to keep her at her best.

And one way of doing that is by keeping unwanted items out of the landfills. I have found a way to help us all out. Join Free Cycle. Think of it as an on line sort of garage sale, minus the money exchange. You are there to offer items you no longer want, or are replacing. For instance:

Offer: Working, automatic drip coffee maker with a bit of the protective layer coming off on the warmer
Offer: Women's clothes, size 8-10
or
Wanted: Box of pencils
Wanted: Cloth napkins

You see where I am coming from. What you no longer want is what someone else is in need of. Trust me, I have already gotten rid of 2 five gallon painter style buckets so someone could make their own tomato planters. And my husband just cleaned out his closet for he has lost 25 pounds and needed to lighten the load in his closet. So why not help out a fellow man/woman.

I put these items on the Yahoo Group I belong to for my part of town and they were snatched up within 24 hours. So go check them out and see what they have to offer you. If I may make a suggestion. If you do join a Yahoo Group, sign up for the daily digest for if not you 'will' be bombarded with anywhere from 10-3- Emails per day...no joke. And I am guessing bigger cities it could be way worse.

I love this new found way of exchanging items and helping out where we can. Try them and see what you think.

One For The Road

2009-05-18T19:53:00.003-04:00

I do not like Dr. Phil. I think he is full of himself. But even windbags have something to say every now and then. My husband was at the gym today and Dr. Phil was on. So he read the closed caption while he listened to his music. Today's show was about DUI's. I did not get to see the show, but as my husband began to tell us what he saw on the show, I could see his blood pressure rising. There were three families on there who had lost children to drunk drivers. Then there was a former judge. And then there was your leech, I mean defense attorney for DUI's specifically. And then a Barbie doll who has had 3 offenses.

I can only remember once in my driving career (which is30 years now) that I have gotten in the cart when I should not have. After that night I knew I never wanted to do that again. I could not sit here and complain about folks who drink and rive when I had, in fact, did the very same thing. What was I thinking? I wasn't, for my judgement had been impaired. And what if I had taken someones life. That would not have been my intent. I was just hanging out with a few friends after a long days work in the parking lot. What harm was there in relaxing a little bit. LOTS!

I have grown up since then, and that is not to say I was immature, I just got really wise that night. I imagine I am one in a million. How many others are doing thee exact opposite and keep on drinking, keep on driving and are sliding under the radar...until. By then it is too late. I no longer drive with any alcohol in my system. And if my husband and both decide we want to drink somewhere, which is rare, we flip a coin. I have an occasional drink at home, so I do not feel the need to drink when we go out if he wants to let loose a bit. So the decision is easy for me.

What got me toasted (no pun intended) about this show, was the Barbie Doll who has gotten 3 DUI's and since her daddy has bookoo bucks, has gotten her off on all three charges. What happens when the next time she is drinking and driving, she, or the person she hits, is not so lucky. What then? What about the judges and lawyers who have just been giving her slaps on the wrist and letting her go on her merry way. What do you say to the parent of a dead child, when they look at this persons track record and nothing had been done about it...until. By then it is too late.

The parent of one of the dead teens told the Barbie Doll that her son had been killed, by someone most likely like her. the Barbie Doll said that she thought the .08 limit was and I quote, "Stupid." And the little miss sassy pants went on to tell the grieving mother that maybe it had not been the .09 drunk driver that had been the cause of thee accident. A hush fell over the audience. The mother then stated through clenched teeth I am guessing, that if this had been a different style show and she would have been a different style of mother, they would be going at it right now. Thee audience cheered the mother.

I believe that what goes around, comes around. You get what is due to you. Law of Attraction, if you will. Your next life. Thee after life. Take your pick. But for those who are not serving thee appropriate time for their crime will pay at some point. And even for those who do kill someone with thier vehicle they are not doing time like they should. they are serving minimal time in jail and it is a white collar jail. Let me get this straight. I pick up a gun and kill someone I am labeled a murderer and do hard time for my crime. Easy enough. But, I go have one too many, slam into an innocent person, kill them and I am someone with a social problem who is not labeled a murder. Something is definitely wrong with this picture. Murder is murder no matter the weapon. A car, gun, bat, knife, the list goes on. You can't own a gun after a murder? Then why should you ever get behind a wheel after you kill someone with your vehicle.

Driving is a privilege. You earn it. The privilege should be taken away if you abuse that right.

My uncle was killed by a drunk driver. That driver was himself. Think twice before downing that extra beer, drink or cocktail before slipping behind a wheel thinking you can handle it. No You Can't. Trust me on this one.

But I'm So Ugly

2009-05-18T09:44:00.005-04:00

I recently heard of a conversation that took place and it was quite interesting to me. There is a young lady I know that grows her hair out all the time, just so she can donate it to Locks of Love.
This is a big thing for many, if not most of the teenage girl population I know. But this young girl has gone outside of her comfort zone and donated her hair to those less fortunate.

Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that takes hair that is donated and makes wigs for children that are victims of cancer. Now I know that some people are offended by the word victim. But let me tell you how Merriam-Webster explains victim:

One that is acted on and usually adversely affected by a force or agent: as (1) One that is injured or destroyed or sacrificed under of any various conditions

Even Merriam knows these kids are done wrong. With that said, this young lady knows that she can keep growing her hair over and over again. These children to not have that advantage. And some of them may not even get the chance to enjoy the wig that is being made for them.

I have seen people tear down what locks of love does, saying they take monies and spend them unwisely. Hell, our own government does that, I don't see them moving to another country. For the most part I applaud what this organization does. And, what they cannot use for the wig itself, is sold off to other wig companies and the money is turned back into Locks of Love for other expenditures.

What had been said from an outside party was this, (And I am paraphrasing) "After my mother cut off my hair, I realized she had cut it too short and within a few seconds, I thought how ugly I really was." Hello, you think you are ugly? How about the little girl or boy who has no hair and a good possibility of dying. And you are worried about how much hair gel or spray you are going to need to make yourself beautiful. Puh-leaze. Give me a break.

Nothing is that important that I cannot give it up to help a fellow man, and moreso one who is handling a grave disease. Kudos to the young lady who is growing her hair out for those in need. What a very adult thing to do, and unselfish at that. I know there are going to be people who say, "Well if it works for her that is all fine and dandy, but it may not be my cup of tea." Again that person is correct, but do not sit there and have the gumption to tell me how ugly you are or that you could never do it, when a child's life is hanging in the balance.

To each his own, but I applaud fervently to all those who give up something that is so precious to many a female. But bottom line, it's only hair, for us it will grow back, for those with cancer, it may very well not.

I Swear

2009-05-15T14:19:00.003-04:00

After blogging about my daughters wonderful ability to stand on her won two feet about what she believes in, it got me to thinking. Why do we swear, curse, use foul language. My sister says because we, as adults, have earned that right. I disagree. Like I stated previously, I can stand toe to toe with the best...or worse of sailors. But I came to a decision about swearing.

I am going to swear off swearing for 30 days, just to see if I can do it. I mean I am guessing that most of us can hold on a normal conversation without having to colorize it with that sort of language. Does swearing make us feel more important, get us noticed more, make the joke funnier? Think about it. We will still talk if the swear words are taken away, I am always important, I don't know about you folks, and I can tell a joke and never let a swear word slip through my lips.

I did have 2 slip ups already. The first one was last night at dinner, but I swerved that one off to the side, but my daughter heard it and caught it as well. This morning I was in my garden, barefoot, and on the way back into the house I stepped on a dried up stem from a thorn bush. the language flew. My daughter was right beside me and I told her this was an exception to the rule. That $@!&*) thorn drew blood. We both laughed.

I am about one week into going egg free for one month and now the swearing. Dag-nab-it, I hope to succeed on both fronts. Wish me luck.

She Stood Her Ground

2009-05-12T19:52:00.002-04:00

There is nothing that makes a parent more proud then when all the discussions you have with your children finally pay off. You have to remember, I do not talk 'TO' my children, I talk 'WITH' my children. Big difference. And if you don't know the difference, ask me sometime.

We (my family and myself), went to Miami this past weekend, to see our families...my husbands and mine. And the adults got to hang out while the kids did thier thing as well. Granted, we knew where the kids were and with cell phones galore, everyone was just a text message away.

Saturday afternoon, my son and daughter went with a decent sized group to go see the new Star Trek movie (go see it, even if you are not a Trekkie, and take the kids). Well, there was a good friend of my nieces who we have met on more than one occasion and he was being taken home before they all traipsed to the theatre.

Well Mr. Know-It-All, started throwing down the 'F' bomb and the 'N' bomb (reference to black kids, this kid is also black) and my daughter had finally had enough and asked him to stop with the language. Now mind you none of tee other kids, my son included, asked this kid to back off. And form what my daughter said , he was letting them fly like geese going south in the winter.

Do not get me wrong, I can stand toe to toe with the best sailor, but to what end. Is swearing absolutely necessary? My sister thinks it is deserved. She says she is an adult and has no problem with her language. For those who have never met my sister, I fairly warn them. I go back to a snippet of an interview I once saw with Bill Cosby, and he asked Eddie Murphy if he felt it necessary, to throw around the 'F' bomb? Bill wanted to know if the jokes were only funny with that language in it , or could the act stand on its own? Something to think about.

We hear swearing all the time, but do we really need to say those words? Can we not make our point or have conversation without all the colorful language? For some people I think it is an impossibility. It's like the people who like need to say like and they like would not know how to speak and like carry on a conversation without the word like.

You will always be judged by:

1) The company you keep
2) How you dress
3) And you conduct yourself in conversation.

I am so terribly proud of my daughter for standing her ground in a matter that meant something to her. And I told her all afternoon in the car ride on the way home from our afternoon errands.

Go Nana!

His Logic Is Flawed

2009-05-07T16:21:00.002-04:00

OK, so my son gives me $40 a week to contribute to the household expenses, and trust me, he is getting off easy. He does not drive so his father and I have to cart him everywhere. and he just waits for our schedule to mesh with his. No problems.

So today I picked him up from work, he went to the bank to make a deposit and then I had to go for a drug test as a new employee. I knew it would only take a few minutes and we would be home lickity split. So right on cue he hands me the $40 and as we leave the medical lab, he gently reminds me that I wanted to put gas in the van before we scoot down to Miami in the morning.

I inform him to to go in the gas station and tell them the full $40 on pump #7. He comes out and the van does not take thee entire $40. So, he goes back in to retrieve his/my change. He comes out with a $10 bill and he gets in the car, buckles up and begins to put the $10 away. I say, "Hey, that is my change." Strange look clouds my sons face.

"No ti's not, this is mine, I gave you $40 and the rest is mine."

"Uh, no it's not son, you give me $40 every week and I never give you the change, that is what you pay me no matter what I spend it on. Sometimes it is food, gas, or whatever, but the total $40 is always mine. When I pay for produce and the bill is on $30, do I give you the change?" Thoughts rolling through his brain.

"No."

"Then there is no difference, it's just this time it is for gas and thee other times it is not."

"Whatever you say." Still a total blank look on his face.**

**For those of you who may not know, my son is a high functioning autistic young man. So many things that your average person picks up easily, takes him longer or sometimes not within his grasp...like the $40 issue!

Look Both Ways

2009-04-26T19:32:00.006-04:00

I went to a cemetery with my son for the first time today. It was to go and visit a friend he went to school with who had passed away. This young man was only 19 years old. Way too young to be gone from this Earth.

About mid February I was up late on a Monday night waiting to go and get my son from work. (He is nearly 20 but with his autism, he does not drive so he depends on his father and I to get him back and forth to work). So here it was time for me to go and get him. Now keep in mind it is nearly 11 PM and I try to arrive there just as my son is walking out the doors of his place of business. Well, as soon as I head down one of the main roads to get to him I see police cars. No big deal. A small detour I can handle. But off in the distance I see more police cars. So at this point I know something big is up. Now I am going to have to encounter a major detour.

I know if I keep turning south and east I will eventually get back to my main road. Wrong! They have closed off some side roads due to the bridge and visibility issues. I get it but now I know I am going to be late in picking my son up. And he has a tendency to panic if he does not see me or my husband. Luckily for me and my son I only arrive about 3 minutes late. I explain to him what happened to me and if this should ever happen again, that he is so stay inside the building until one of us arrives. He agreed with no problems.

I learned form my girlfriend that there had been an accident that late afternoon with a kid on a bicycle. Come to found out later that it was a hit and run.

Fast forward a few weeks. Myself and my two children were at the mall and on our way home when we got stuck in mall traffic. The holidays are over so I could not understand this delay...until I look up and see junior police officers stopping traffic in every direction. Of course folks started honking, but there was nowhere to go. Soon enough we figure out why we are sitting. A huge procession of fire trucks and the such come by and it all started with a funeral vehicle. I knew then what was up and once the people in back of us saw it too, they stopped honking.

When we got home that night I wanted to see the news and see what was going to be on the news about this procession. Sure enough there it was first thing on the news. A fireman had died in the line of duty...after the fact. He had contracted some fatal illness and died from complications. First death for the fire department of that county. There is a reason I added this to my post. As soon as that section of the news was done they said there was an update on the hit in run that happened right down the street from me. I was all ears and as soon as I heard the boys name I knew who he was. I screamed for my son to come out and see what was on the news. My son caught the tail end of the clip, so I told him what I had seen.

This boy was one of the few boys that did not bully him in junior high school and Robert remembers those who are/were kind to him. So I tell Robert to get in touch with a girl they both knew but he didn't want to for he had not spoken to her in such a long time and he did not want to her to feel as if he was just calling to find out about this boy. I told him that she would definitely understand. But he still refused to call her.

It had been gnawing at me all these weeks. So I finally put my foot down and told him to call her and find out how this boy was. He did and left a message for the young girl. Two days later my son gets a return call from her and she told him that John had died the day before Easter. I was out taking in clothes off the clothesline with my husband and my son was on the phone. My son is not a phone person and thee only person he likes talking to is my sister and by the tone of his voice it definitely was not my sister. I knew within seconds what was going on and who he was on the phone with. When he hung up he told me John had died. We had missed his funeral by days.

My son found out where he was buried and today we went to visit John. I do not believe in a heaven or hell, for I have no religious beliefs. But I do believe in the fact that people have spirits and what happens to us once we die is anyone's guess. I hope John is in a better place, for how he was taken from this one was tragic and completely unnecessary. Someone out there has to live with themselves and the fact that they took another persons life. I hope that they get what is rightfully due them. I don't want to say I am a vengeful person but I want to be righted and what was done to this young man was wrong on every level.

I cannot imagine ever having to bury either of my children. I don't know how people get up every day and continue to breathe and yet somehow they do. I don't wish death to the person who hit John, but something will happen in this persons life. They may never know why their life is in shambles, why their marriage fell apart, why they lost their job, why they can't seem to fit into the world anymore. It's the Law of Attraction. You will only get what you give and if you give out evil it will come back to you and sometimes ten fold.

Please take the time to look where you are going and try to stay in the speed limit. This was the first time my son had to deal with a death of someone he actually knew. He hasn't said much about it, but I hope he feels he can come to me with any and all questions he may have about what happened to his friend and about death in general. I do not have all thee answers, but I will do my best.

Drive careful..

Dangerous Curves Ahead

2009-04-25T06:47:00.008-04:00

Ahhhh, remember when having curves was what you aspired to look like. Remember when women/girls wanted to look like Marilyn Monroe? Well if you tried doing that today, you would be labeled FAT! You read correctly folks F-A-T. I bet you anything that Marilyn herself is rolling over in her grave.

Don't get me wrong, I know there are girls/women who can eat and eat and eat and never gain an ounce (And I mean eating good food, not living on drive-thru or take out, that is not real food in my book). But there are those who actually strive to be as thin as Twiggy. I bet if you took a poll and asked men who they would prefer to have on their arm for a date and their choices where Marilyn Monroe or Kiera Knightley, wonder who they would choose. There are some who might even choose the stick figures, but I am leaning on the side of not.

And yet the media goes wold when any star even gets close to a normal-sized 8 in the clothing realm. Size 8, that is a whole size smaller than I am and I am pretty darned average. I do not have to shop in the plus size section so life is good.

I applaud what Dove is doing and promoting that real beauty comes in all different shapes and sizes. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. But I also want to applaud so high profile women for taking a stand and not shedding thee extra weight just because society/Hollywood/the media says they should. I am comfortable in my skin and until otherwise I am good to go.

Jennifer Hudson: A woman who was voted off American Idol by The Public and she still managed to land an Oscar. You go girl.

America Ferrera: "Don't eat the flan." If you have not seen Real Women Have Curves, then may I make a suggestion...rent it. For any girl who is having issues with her body, this film should be a mantra. It is not for little kids, for there is a scene involving America's character deciding to have sex for the first time. And even thought nothing is seen or heard, parent discretion is advised. Great film all the same.

Kelly Osbourne: You may not approve of her lifestyle (which I don't), but she recently came out of rehab and told the press that she is OK with her figure, even if they are not. Good for you Kelly.

Sara Ramirez: Grey's Anatomy. That is all I have to say. This woman is of ethnic background. Why is it that most women from Latin Countries have no problem with being voluptuous? If they don't, then why should we? Get a grip folks. Oh yeah, on a curvy woman you would have something to grab onto.

I could sit here and list a few more, thee emphasis being on few. I understand there are those who are naturally thin. Happiness to you ladies. But I am 5'2", 136 pounds and have no intention of trying to let go of a few pounds. I am physically fit (save my recovery from surgery), I exercise semi-regularly, my blood tests let my doctor know that I had the lowest cholesterol she had ever seen in her years of practice. So nani-nani- boo boo to all you who purposely want to be overly thin. Hah!

Columbine Revisited

2009-04-20T06:12:00.004-04:00

I will never forget as I was growing up and I would hear senior citizens talk about where they were the day JFK had been shot, or the day Pearl Harbor was bombed and the likes. I never got it, until...I went through a few things, such as the Challenger explosion, or the Columbia explosion, Hurricane Katrina, and lest we forget 911. Those days will be burned into my brain forever. Now I know how those people I listened to all those years ago could remember such things.

Those are the things that impact your life, for whatever reason. Maybe it was just thee incident itself, or maybe you had a connection to that incident. You might have lived close by at some point in your life, or that had been your favorite place to vacation. Whatever the reason certain incidents impact, for good or bad. And hopefully there is always some good that comes from bad. That in and of itself sounds like an oxymoron, but as I grow older and hopefully wiser, I do hope that there is good in everyone.

What people do not realize it that it is the little things in life that make the biggest difference. They 'Don'T' sweat the small stuff.', but that is exactly what can make the biggest influence sin our lives. But watching a video, or reading a book, or attending a seminar, or watching a documentary, people's lives can and will be changed.

I remember the first time I became a vegetarian. I was watching something on the television about the baby seal hunting that goes on in Canada. I sat there and cried like a baby. How can anyone sit there and bludgeon something so innocent to death. I know the answer, someone with no heart. What did that poor seal ever do to you. But I am getting off track here.

It is 10 years ago today that two boys went on a shooting rampage to make a point. What drives anyone and especially 2 teenagers to commit such a horrifying act. I cannot imagine the fear that ran through the school that day. I know how scared I can get over little things. But knowing my life may soon be over and then to only be anywhere from 15-18. I cannot comprehend that.

Didn't anyone see that these two were on a road that was going in a very wrong direction? I can see the slightest change in my children. I know when they are the least bit off from the normal. I also feel for the parents of these children they may still be questioning themselves as to why they did not see this coming. I think an answer fro many parents is that they are disconnected from their children. We don't do activities together, we don't eat at a dinner table any longer, the Norman Rockwell of thee American family is nearly unheard of. I see people hike an eyebrow when I say that we sit down every night at the dinner table and eat together. Whether it is all four of us or just two. To me, a family that dines together stays together. And TV trays in front of the television is not the same. Turn off the tube and talk to your children and then listen to them as well, they do have something to say. And inasmuch as you may not want to hear thier point of view. think back when you tried to talk to your parents and they thought your opinion was worth nothing. you may not agree with your child, hell, you don't agree with adults, but you keep them as friends. Listen to your children, it will pay off in thee end.

I leave you with a few videos of the first victim that died that tragic day. Her name is Rachel Joy Scott. She was a young girl who most more than likely had a premonition about her life. As her father says in the video, she was not obsessed with death, she was just at peace with her life. Who at that age can even wrap thier head around something like that? See what I mean? Children can teach us plenty, we just have to listen. For those of you who pray, please do so for all of those affected by this event. I will definitely keep them in my thoughts.

Rachel Joy Scott #1

Rachel Joy Scott #2

Rachel Joy Scott #3

And for those of you who prefer to read, here is a book in her memory. Rachel's Tears

Here's To Late Bloomers

2009-04-14T14:36:00.002-04:00

We all do it, and if you deny it, you are a damned liar. I admit to doing it, so should you. We judge books by their covers. and I am not talking about the readable kind either. I am talking about people in general. You see someone homeless on the street and you think degenerate and uneducated. And yet I know of a man who served his country for 20 years in two different branches of the Armed Forces and ended up being homeless. But there is more. He is now on the road to getting his first novel written. That is not to say he will be gracing the front table at Barnes and Noble, but he is on a road that most people would never have put him on years back.

Case in point, Britain's Got Talent. This woman came out on stage, looking as matron as many of our grandmothers and the audience as well as the three judges had already pegged her as a frump and someone not even worthy of giving a chance to, but she came out, with her little bit of sass and blew these people away. And the female judge (sorry don't know all their names for I do not watch the show) said it in all it's honesty that her along with everyone in thee audience were all a bit cynical. I know when I saw her coming on stage I never thought in a million years her voice would resonate the way that it did. Gave me goose-flesh.

It goes to show you that you don't have to look like the Beyonce's , Christine Aguilera's of the world to have a talent. She proved that by opening her mouth. And if this video clip doe snot move you in some fashion, then you need to be checked to see if you are still alive.

Timing Is Everything

2009-04-12T07:56:00.003-04:00

Get our your alarm clocks, for there is a time to do things that be most beneficial for you. This is not set in stone. For instance, it is best to do a cardio workout best in the AM, but it is still better to do cardio then not do it t all. With that said, here are some tips to keep your health at its best and see when it 'is' best to do these things.

1) To sharpen your brain, pay bills or do a crossword puzzle between 10 and 11 AM or 8 and 9 PM.

2) Take a nap at 2 PM. And all you need is a power nap. You are looking at from 10-20 minutes. If children can do it...so can you.

3) Go on vacation in late February or early March. And take it outdoors.

4) To boost your energy, follow a sleep schedule.

5) Head to bed at least 3 hours after eating dinner.

6) To power up your pills, swallow your multi with a meal.

7) Take birth control or heart pills before bed.

8) Fill your prescription midmonth. Drug stores are busy at the beginning of the month, when Welfare and Social security checks are coming in.

9) To get more from your workouts, do your cardio in the early morning.

10) Learn and practice a skill sport between 4 and 6 PM. Your hand eye coordination is best then and it will help you sleep better at night.

11) Start exercising in January or June. Due to the fact that so many people sign up after New Years, health clubs can wave the sign up fee. And in June clubs offer specials for vacationers, so take advantage of these offerings.

12) Begin your diet in June. There is a seasonality to weight loss. You naturally drop a few pounds due to the fact that once summer arrives you begin to be more active.

13) To protect your pearly whites, floss at night. If you can only floss once a day nighttime should be that time. Your body produces less saliva at night which means that food will sit in your teeth meaning that harmful bacteria is sitting on your teeth.

14) Brush within an hour of downing a sports drink. And unless you are doing extreme sports, you don't need to be drinking these beverages. they were concocted for football players. So if you are not expending that much energy, then leave them be. And a bike ride around the block does not count. Along with soda, juice and other beverages along with sports drink, these beverages are acidic and can erode your teeth. So step away from those drinks. Water...it does the body (and teeth ) good.

15) Have a root canal after 2PM. Numbing medications usually last 8-10 hours. So the meds from the dentist will keep you pain free until you hit the sack.

16) Schedule your big procedures for January or February. Those months are slow for dental procedures.

17) To maximize your medical care, get the first appointment of the day. Doctors won't be distracted by the backlogging of patients. Or try for right after the doctors lunch hour.

18) Plan your mammogram for the week after your menstrual cycle. Your breasts will be less tender then which will make the procedure less painful. (Guys, you are safe in this area)

19) Test your cholesterol twice a year.

20) Arrange your elective surgery for winter or spring. Avoid July, August and September, when teaching hospitals are flooded with med students.

21) Get a Pap test the week before or after ovulation. The cervical opening is widest then., making it easier to sample cells.

22) Have head-to-toe skin exams in December. You're less likely to be tanned, so the higher contrast between your skin and pigmented lesions will make it easier for doctors to spot anything out of thee ordinary.

You Never Know When

2009-04-05T10:30:00.003-04:00

There are many a time I am the one on the giving end of a horn blowing in traffic when someone does an injustice in the driving world. Well low and behold, I am capable of making driving errors myself. Years ago I told my sister I had cut someone off completely by accident due to the fact that she was in my blind spot. That would not hold up in court, but it was the truth. That is when she said, "Don't you feel like flipping yourself off for being so stupid?", and my answer was yes.

Well yesterday I was coming home from grocery shopping and my son was with me. We were sitting at the green arrow to make our left turn to come home. Well the green arrow, turned to a regular green arrow, which meant that I now had to wait for the oncoming traffic before I made my left turn.

Well, my mind began to wander and wonder about the items I had just purchased and why the bill was so expensive for such a select few items. I had put two and two together and realized that they were higher ticket items, but that did not stop me from letting my brain cells roam. I was right behind a vehicle that took the left turn and I assumed it was safe to turn as well. Whoa there lassie, it was not safe.

There was a vehicle coming head on as I was making my turn and they were totally in the right of way. Had we gotten into an accident, it would have been my fault 100%. My son was ready to give that person a verbal lashing. But I quickly came to that persons defense and told my son the truth and said I was not concentrating and if we had collided we/I would have been at fault.

That is when I reiterated to my son just how important it was to keep your head in the driving game and not to wander. I was shaking at the prospect of what could have been and was relieved to know that person had the reflexes to slow down and let an idiot pass, for that is exactly how I felt. My son then asked me straight out what had I been thinking that got me so distracted. And I told him the truth.

So the next time you lay the horn on someone, remember, it may be just someone who has let their mind goes of course just enough to forget where they are and what they are doing. Be kind, for that someone you are blowing the horn at, could be you.

When It's Good To Be A Homeschooler

2009-03-30T06:35:00.005-04:00

There are times, and many of them, that I question why I home school and still keep on homeschooling. Then something comes along and slaps you in the face and brings you back to reality. Like what is about to happen in our little part of the universe.

Come fall, when many of us are looking forward to the new school supply smell, and you know what I am talking about. Crayons, freshly sharpened pencils, glue, construction paper, and the list goes on. Well for three schools in my county there will be no doors opening next year. I know one of them for sure is an elementary close to where I live. And I do not know what the other two schools are. But suffice it to say things are about to get a whole lot tougher. When my children left the public school system, there were anywhere from 30-35 children per classroom. And this big surge came after so many children were kept back due to the F-Cat.

So now what? How many more portables can a school hold on their grounds. Now the school district is saying that classrooms will not be over-crowded, but I find that hard to believe.

There is to be a town meeting on the 31st. So folks can vent their grievances. But to what end? The article in the newspaper said that the counties mind was not made up as of yet as to how they were going to handle this situation. Again, I find that hard to swallow.

What is our children's education worth. How many cut backs do we need to enforce to get them the education they deserve?

Do we cut out sports? How about all of thee arts? Or how about only cutting the sports that do not offer college scholarships? (That was one suggestion made in an Email form form one parent on how to help with the crisis). Where do you draw the line or even start the line. And who will win or lose in this fight over thee almighty dollar. Children will be made to go to the back of the line, in life is what I am referring to.

It starts with taking away a few of the elective classes, such as art, music. Then we climb to the higher grades and then it is the debate team, chorus, the French Club and so on. But to what end, why cut education. Ahhh, that's right, rt and music and sports is not education in thee eyes of some people. Let me be the first to tell you that that is so far off base, I could not even begin to describe it.

Let me take my cooking class for example. these kids are like little sponges. Whether they are learning and remembering things I have taught them or they are getting it from mom or the Food Network, they are learning something. And all I want is for my children somewhere in their future for something I have taught them to actually click and I think that is all any teacher could ask for. It's when they are cooking dinner for thier friends, wife, parents and they are in the kitchen and they are working with a utensil or some gadget and then the lightbulb goes on, and they say, "Hey, I learned that from The Cooking Lady." That is all I ask.

But so many children will not be able to have a chance to say that, for most more than likely home economics will be axed, so kids won't know the difference between a potato peeler and a cheese slicer.

So when someone asks me why I home school I will just whip out this post I just typed up and let them chew on it for a while.

Somewhere

2009-03-19T06:35:00.007-04:00

I do not believe in God
I do not believe in any type of god
I do not believe that there is a higher power up there playing god
I do not believe in any sort of deity

Now that we got that out of the way I will try to explain my reasoning. And it will not only stem from this article, for there are far too many reason why I do not believe there is something up there watching us.

I was taking my daughter to her weekly youth party. And as I was stopped at a traffic light I saw a bumper sticker, and it read:

Pray, God will hear you.

Yeah, but will he listen? I do not think there is a god up here who will let certain things happen. And I am talking mostly about those things that happen to innocent children. What child asks to be abused? Whether it be physically, sexually, verbally, mentally or spiritually? No child that I could think of (or adult for that matter), but yet it happens all the time. And yet I wonder if these little creatures (in God's image) prayed at night to be delivered form the man/woman who is abusing them, what is God doing about it? Does he hear them and tell them in his own special way that he works in mysterious ways and it will all come out in the wash? Well what if the wash is this child ending up in the E.R. with a bashed in skull and dies 3 hours later...what then? Who was listening to that child when she was begging to be taken away from the bad man/woman. God? I think not.

What about all these children who are born to parents with crippling illnesses, or disabilities? Do they deserve a lifetime of nothingness? And lest we not forget the parents who will spend a lifetime of caring for these little creatures. I do not believe there is a god sitting up there playing chess with our lives, and if there is he is a sick twisted god. I cannot think of any people who deserve to be subjected to the experiences that many go through on a daily basis. Case in point, Elizabeth Fritzl. If that name does not ring a bell, let me refresh your memory. She is the woman who was locked in a basement in Austria by her father and also bore 7 of his children. (Six are still surviving, due to the death of one infant)

This man started raping his own daughter at the age of 18 and kept her in a windowless room. Three of her children never saw daylight, and the wife of the father was upstairs all the time. Where was her sense of morality, her sense of doing what was right. I might, and that is a very slim margin there, believe she did not know what was gong on if she had never seen any of the children, but 3 of the 6 children were raised upstairs by the father/grandfather and the grandmother. How do you explain them away?

What creature made in the likeness of God does that to his own flesh and blood. Did God intend for us to be made in his image, then given free will just so we can totally screw up? If so that's a God with a sick sense of humor. Give us free will but tell us what we can and cannot do? That is a fine line.

I think there are a few folks through the ages that deserve to be put to death and if you do not believe in capitol punishment, then you are probably hoping there is a here after where they will pay there dues. I for one am hoping he goes to Hell, if there is indeed one. But for the time being he will go to prison and be fed three decent meals a day, and get all thee amenities that many people do not even receive, but he will not suffer for the pain he inflicted while on this Earth.

And let's look at it from a different angle. What if he repents and begs for forgiveness for his actions, can a god really forgive for what he did over and over and over again? I may, and that is a far stretch, forgive someone who did something in a fit of rage, but to forgive someone who repeated their crimes over and over not giving a care to his victim.

And then there is the victim. How are those people supposed to function in the real world now? I would not want to be that shrink. Do you ask them to retell their life or do you help them tuck it away in a far odd part of the brain that should be kept only for traumatic incidences? Flip a coin. And now these children and probably the daughter think of their lifestyle as normal, for that is all they knew. How do you recover from a life you thought of as normal?

But, if there is a God and a Heaven and a Hell, then there is somewhere for Josef Fritzl to go and that place is Hell.

I Just Don't Get It

2009-03-13T07:41:00.004-04:00

Call me crazy, call me old fashioned, call me a bit over protective. But I hope with all hope that my daughter listens when I talk to her about sex. Yep, you heard right, I am talking about the Big "S" word. Something that was never discussed with me. And that is a distress. For I wish someone would have been as open with me about this very delicate subject as I am with my daughter.

Knowledge is power.

I look at the homes that these kids who become pregnant teens and wonder what is going on in their home. In the case of Bristol Palin, it's as if they are glorifying teenage pregnancy. I could give a few other examples, such as Jamie Spears and I am guessing there are others. But suffice it to say, I am against teenage pregnancy.

We have always talked 'with' our daughter about things concerning life, never to her, and there is a huge difference. I have been in many a home where the parents talk to their children to them as if they are children. And if it is our job to guide them in the direction of adulthood, then by talking with them and not to them, you are solidifying that you now see them as a near equal. Of course I tailor the conversation to their level, but I do not talk down to her. It would benefit no one.

Then there is thee ever popular statement for those who do get pregnant all the same from those of the old school mentality that..."Well he did the right thing." For whom? Let's put things into perspective here. Nine point nine times out of ten the couple in question are rarely if ever in love and it is more a case of being in lust, hence the unwanted pregnancy. For I cannot see the young couple being ecstatic over a pregnancy that was no where in their future. Especially when they are usually planning prom, graduation and a slew of other things, but definitely not a pregnancy, hence the word 'unwanted'.

So, some of the young stallions go off and marry her even though there is not an ounce of love between them, but he is 'doing the right thing'. To what end? To give the child a name? To give him a stable relationship to grow under? I think not. Half of all supposed planned marriages end in divorce. Why? Because so many are not willing to go that extra step in doing what it takes to make it work, and that extra step is sacrifice. People do not want to change, bend, or give up what they had before. Well hello folks, you get married because you want a change. But people say it all the time, "I ain't' changing, let him/her change." Well it takes two to Tango so crap or get off the pot people.

Then they bring in the other equation...a child, and then all hell breaks loose. The child is thrown into day care, so some other shclep can raise their child so they can still both work jobs to keep them in step with the Jones'. When I had to work back in Miami and my little one was still at home, my husband and I maneuvered our schedules so that my mother-in-law would be watching our children a little as possible. He worked two 40 hour jobs, I held down a 40 hour job myself and my husband and I rarely if ever saw one another for about 2 years. Why? Because it was not my mother -in-laws responsibility to raise our children. So we did what...oh yeah, sacrificed. I have seen children dumped at a babysitters home so much that the child sees the sitter as their mother instead of the birth mother. Ya think?

I am also a firm believer of girls not becoming Betty Crocker (Ready to spread frosting). Ever hear of keeping your legs closed? Didn't the parents of these girls tell them that Johnny, Billy, Bobby, Paul and who ever else you can think of will sell you any line he knows you want to hear just to get you to let him in? I have again, told my daughter that sex is a wonderful thing, as long it is with someone you love. It is not one of thee easiest topics for the two of us to discuss, but better from me than form some wise-ass Casanova who will definitely love her and leave her. They, meaning the boys (notice I did not say men) are in it for the sex, women are in it for the love. And yes we are looking for the Harlequin Romance novel style romance. It is rarely out there.

A friend of mine, no more like an acquaintance, nope, actually someone we just tolerate, once told me that there were some movies that depicted premarital/teenage sex in a good light. This person has a son. It is an entirely different ball game when you have a daughter. What good comes of teenage sex? Could someone tell me, for I do not know thee answer. It isn't going to get your daughter accepted, unless you are talking about thee entire football team.

And on the more common chance she does get pregnant, there are movies and shows that are showing as if it is something to be glorified. The new show, My Life as a Pregnant Teenager (hope I got the title correct) shows this girl in an upper middle class family. Come on. How many pregnant teens do any of you know that came from upper middle class? I do not know of any...at all. That is just my point. These girls are being shown as if it is all cutesy tootsy to get pregnant. And that their lives will get right back to normal. WHAT? Who fed them that line of utter crap. That is unless you are dumping junior or juniorette on mom and dads doorstep all the time so you can still go out and party and get this...get some sleep. Yep, you heard right. My sister-in-law left her nearly 2 year old son with her/my mother-in-law (who is kissing 70) just so my 23 year old sister-in-law could get some sleep. Hello, is that not a prerequisite to being a parent, losing sleep. We all did it, but obviously she needs her sleep. And oh yes, she is unemployed. Someone hit me with a stupid stick for I do not get it.

They are willing to sleep around but not deal with the responsibilities that go with their hopping in the sack.

This is why I am an advocate of pro-choice. I do not believe that children should be brought into this world unless they are wanted and into a loving family that wants them here and will do whatever it takes to see to their well being. And there are way too many kids out there having kids just because it is now the cool thing to do. Give me a break. Grow up!

Things To Remember

2009-03-08T08:21:00.004-04:00

I rarely if ever deal with chain Emails. they are, for the most part a waste of time. But I received one recently and scoured over it and read all the way through it , which is uncommon for me. But it wasn't the Email that hooked me so much as the final part of what had been sent.

This Email was from one of the survivors of the recent plane crash in the Hudson River in New York. We all know we should be grateful for what we have, but in all honesty we get slack in our thanks. Recently, (in the last few years) I have been thrown a few curve balls in the way of my health (via an accident), but all the same, my health was called into question.

And every now and then we are jolted into realizing just how precious life is, and that we all have a number. I can only imagine being any number of those who walked off that plane the day of the crash. And here are some of the things one of those people took away with them.

1. Cherish your families as never before and go to great lengths to keep your promises.

2. Be thankful and grateful for everything you have and don't worry about the things you don't have.

3. Keep in shape. You never know when you'll be called upon to save your own life, or help someone else save theirs.

4. When you fly, wear practical clothing. You never know when you'll end up in an emergency or on an icy wing in flip flops and pajamas and of absolutely no use to yourself or anyone else.

I myself had to rethink some things due to these statements (minus the flying part, for I rarely fly and 'always' wear practical clothing).

I try not to make promises, for then you look like a failure. So I usually say I will try, and that lets me off the hook.

Keeping in shape is not a problem. I have always kept a somewhat ideal weight (not those outrageous numbers the American Medical Association tells you you should be) and am glad to say this did not pertain to me. I had seen my mother get heavier as the years rolled on and she has used every excuse in the world except for taking responsibility for her own actions. I did not want to be that person...and I am not. That is not to say that I am fit enough to save someone else's life, but I am a sure sight better off than many out there. I love helping others and if dragging someone to safety is my destiny in life, then I want to be ready. Are you?

She Fawted

2009-03-04T16:44:00.004-05:00

Well this is most likely going to be one of those stories that is funnier if you were there, but here goes.

My daughter has a new interest in her life, and it ain't a new puppy. So thee other day Mr. Interested came over so she could let him watch the first installment of X-Men. this poor lad has yet to see any of them (freak that he is), so Savanah asked if he could come over and hang out to see the first movie. I was home, dad was home (gulp) so all was cool.

The movie was going grandly, I was surfing the web (mom never being unable to see junior) so I would scoot to see the movie then do something in the kitchen. Dad was at his parents, but had come home. So all four of us were sitting in the living room watching the movie.

We bring in our 55 pound pit-bull mix, /she does the usual meet and greet then plops herself down squarely on the carpet in the TV Room. All is well until we hear this very loud Faaaaaarrrrrrtttt!

All four of us cracked up. the dog never missed a beat and she could have cared less who was watching or listening. She did what she had to do and was done with it. Us, on the other hand could not believe what she had done. And just what had she done. A very natural act, to a dog at least, but to us, it is a sign of being ill-mannered. Well then I guess our home is the top of the line when to comes to being ill mannered. At least among our own family that is.

We, meaning the four that live here (5 if you count stinky...I mean Tippy) are all comfortable with our, how would you call it? Our ability to alleviate our bodies of extra hot air. And yet, if the dog does one of thee most natural acts in the world, we all blush and carry on like a house full of hens with a fox running loose.

We actually have dinner table discussions about this topic. If you can't be comfortable with your own family talking about this, who can you be comfortable around. Needless to say it made for an interesting story, and obviously one worth enough to blog about.

Give Me A Break

2009-02-21T19:32:00.004-05:00

I am on a roll. I wrote to The Food Network asking them why they do not have a show that cooks vegetarian dishes. I mean come on, there are those of us out here who do not consume meat. But that is a different post.

But this thing in the news about Michael Phelps has me a bit perturbed. Kellogg's is dropping him because there was a photo of him smoking pot in a bong. Give -me - a - freaking - break. You meant o tell me that there is no one sitting on the Board of Directors at Kellogg's that has not taken some sort of illegal drug. Give me a break.

You mean to tell me none of the big wigs ever snorted a line of coke? Or I will even give them the benefit of the doubt and say that you mean to tell me that no one up in the Kellogg's high and mighty walls has never gotten drunk and done something stupid? Puh-leeeaze.

And now they are dropping Michael Phelps. After all he did for his country during the Summer Olympics of 2008? Give me a break. Trust me when I say that I will be writing Kellogg's and letting them know I will no longer be buying their products (which I don't for the most part anyhow), but I will dig a bit deeper and see how many companies are connected to them or owned by them. And I will make sure those products do nto get into my shopping cart.

I know that my little bit of business will not bring down this monopolizing company, but I want them to know just how I feel. And who knows. Maybe someone who reads this will get sparked to write them, the same as I, or maybe write to some place that has ticked them off and let them know just how they feel about something. The power of the pen.

I never knew how liberating it was to write a company and let them know how you feel about something they are doing or something you would like them to do...who knew. So a letter will soon be forth-coming and on its way to Kellogg. You can bet your bottom dollar I will let you all know what their response is.

One of my dear friends found this for me. It was on Saturday Night Live. It says it how it really is in regards to Michael Phelps. There is a swear word at the end of the little video. So if you are offended by swear words then I suggest you skip the video, but in my humble opinion, it is worth it for the one word.

Saturday Night Live Video

It "Is" All About You

2009-02-13T11:59:00.005-05:00

OK, so what's wrong with being selfish? Nothing, if it is done in the correct manner. I have always said, "I need to take care of me before I can be a good wife, mother, friend...." And in there is where the truth lies.

There is a huge difference between self indulgence and self kindness. One helps you...the other does not. Let me give you some examples and their differences:

Self Indulgence-
1) Continuing to do what is harmful to you and after you realize it is harmful
2) Loathing yourself
3) Getting lost in fantasies about how great your life is going to be, while you continue the same old self-destructive things
4) Not asking for help when you need it
5) Breaking the commitments you've made to yourself

Self Kindness-
1) Calling a halt to doing what's harmful to you
2) Defending yourself against anyone who attacks you- including yourself
3) Telling the truth
4) Asking for help
5) Believing that there's a good reason for what you're doing, even if you aren't aware of it at the moment

There you have it. In essence, all you have to do is be kind/good to yourself, the rest will fall into place...eventually. Nothing happens overnight. You didn't get there in one day and you won't dig out of it in one day either. So start with little steps. Find one aspect that fits your life and alter it. You have the power and the power to do what? Oh yeah, make choices. It takes effort to do the right thing. Whether it be eating properly, being nicer in traffic, saying a kind word to the wretch at work, more exercising. The possibilities are endless.

You can do whatever you want, it is your life. Make the best of it, you only have one. (Unless you are Shirley and then there will be many more)

You Are What You Write

2009-02-13T07:40:00.005-05:00

Why do you read certain blogs, or even drop by on occasion? Is it the author/ess, the layout, content, grammar, photos? There are many reasons why I read ones blog...or not.

If someone new comments on my blog, I take a gander at their place. Sometimes it grabs me, sometimes not. I will keep up on them for a while, but if I am not drawn in, then I don't keep coming back.

How they put their words together is a big one for me. Now don't think I am a writing snob, for surely I would most more than likely not make it through English I if I had to take it all over again. But to me grammar and how you piece your post together means something to me.

I am not fond of mini-novels or the one liners. Either one of those will turn me off immediately. And if you can't hit a shift bar, trust me when I say that I will never come back to your blog. That is like nails on a chalkboard. And for others it may be ending a sentence with a preposition (which I have been known to do now and then), some prefer no profanity (I am trying really hard to curb my usage, but do not think I was a sailor...I was not).

I take a while to get hooked on a blog. And now that I have been doing this nearly a year, my tastes have changed. A dear friend of mine does not see the point of blogging. To her it is like a public diary/journal. And she is right. So for those who post personal issues, you may have to get creative in how you present your information. You don't want to step on families or friends toes.

But what I seem to now want to stay away from is depressing blogs. Don't get me wrong. I know many folks are in dire straights, our family is one of them. But I don't sign on and blog about it in every post. Do I mention our problems? Certainly, but I hope that I do not dwell on our families struggles. I know people are hurting and in deep trouble. And we should be able to come to our blogs and vent. But when thee underlying theme is the same thing every single time, then to me, at least, your blog loses some credence.

There is always some worse off than you. You may not think so, but unless you are living under and bridge and you have the ability to post (meaning you have access to a computer, even if it is via a friends home or the library) you are better off than some. I know this to be true so I try rarely to whine about our current predicament(s). This too shall pass.

I want to hear good things. Do not misunderstand me. I know we are not living in a fantasy world, OK, maybe some of you are, but for the most part, we are a realistic folk. But why burden your reading public with your woes. Those of us reading get tired of saying, "I'm feel so bad for you, don't worry things will get better." What if they don't? what if said blogger loses her home, job, vehicle. It's happening all over the place.

So before you put your tiny little digits on that keyboard, think about what your adoring public will say at the end of your post.

Bottoms Up

2009-02-03T08:08:00.003-05:00

For those who have never experienced the pleasures of an endoscopy or colonoscopy, let me bring you up to speed. They are not fun. And it is not technically the procedure that is uncomfortable, for you are out for thee entire procedure itself. No, it is the preparation that is worthy of informing the public about.

I truly believe that many of the stomach, colon, bowel, intestinal ailments that get us to this state could be altered by diet alone, but that is for another blog(s).

My husband was given this by one of his friends who has also undergone the procedure. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Thank you Dave Berry.

I called my friend Andy Sable, a gastroenterologist, to make an appointment for a colonoscopy. A few days later, in his office, Andy showed me a color diagram of the colon, a lengthy organ that appears to go all over the place, and one point briefly through Minneapolis. Then Andy explained the colonoscopy procedure to me in a thorough, reassuring and patient manner. I nodded thoughtfully, but I didn't really hear anything he said, because my brain was shrieking, quote, "HE'S GOING TO STICK A TUBE 17,000 FEET UP YOUR BEHIND!'

I left Andy's office with some written instructions and a prescription for a product called 'MoviPrep.' which comes in a box large enough to hold a microwave oven. I will discuss MoviPrep in detail later; but for now, suffice it to say, that we must never allow it to fall into the hands of America's enemies.

I spent the next several days productively sitting around being nervous. Then, on the day before my colonoscopy, I began my Preparation. In accordance with my instructions, I didn't eat any solid food that day; all I had was chicken broth, which is basically water, only with less flavor. Then, in the evening, I took the MoviPrep. You mix two packets of powder together in a one-liter plastic jug, then you fill it with lukewarm water. (For those unfamiliar with the metric system, a liter as about 32 gallons.)

Then you have to drink the whole jug. This takes about an hour, because MoviPrep tastes-and here I am being kind-like a mixture of goat spit and urinal cleaner, with just a hint of lemon.

The instructions for MoviPrep, clearly written by somebody with a great sense of humor, state that after you drink it, 'a loose watery bowl may result.' This kind of like saying that after you jump off your roof, you may experience contact with the ground.

MoviPrep is a nuclear laxative. I don't want to be too graphic here, but: Have you ever seen a space-shuttle launch? This is pretty much the MoviPrep experience, with you as the shuttle. There are times when you wish the commode had a seat belt. You spend several hours pretty much confined to the bathroom, spurting violently. You eliminate everything. And then, when you figure you must be totally empty, you have to drink another liter of MoviPrep, at which point, as far as I can tell, your bowels travel into the future and start eliminating food that you have not even eaten yet.

After an action-packed evening, I finally got to sleep. The next morning my wife drove me to the clinic. I was very nervous. Not only was I worried about the procedure, but I had been experiencing occasional return bouts of MoviPrep spurtage. I was thinking, 'What if I spurt on Andy?' How do you apologize to a friend for something like that? Flowers would not be enough.

At the clinic I had to sign many forms acknowledging that I understood and totally agreed with whatever the heck the forms said. Then they led me to a room full of other colonoscopy people, where I went inside a little curtained space and took off my clothes and put on one of those hospital garments designed by sadist perverts, the kind that, when you put it on, makes you feel even mare naked then when you are actually naked.

Then a nurse named Eddie put a little needle in a vein in my left hand. Ordinarily I would have fainted, but Eddie was very good, and I was already lying down. Eddie also told me that some people put vodka in their MoviPrep. At first I was ticked off that I hadn't thought of this, but then I pondered what would happen if you got yourself too tipsy to make it to the bathroom, so you were staggering around in full Fire Hose Mode. You would have no choice but to burn your house.

When everything was ready, Eddie wheeled me into the procedure room, where Andy was waiting with a nurse and an anesthesiologist. I did not see the 17,00-foot tube, but I knew Andy had it hidden around there somewhere. I was seriously nervous at this point. And had me roll over on my left side, and the anesthesiologist began hooking something up to the needle in my hand. There was music playing in the room, and I realized that the song was 'Dancing Queen' by ABBA. I remarked to Andy that, of all the songs that could be playing during this particular procedure, 'Dancing Queen' had to be the least appropriate.

'You want me to turn it up?
said Andy, from somewhere behind me. 'Ha ha,' I said. And then it was time, the moment I had been dreading for more than a decade. If you are squeamish, prepare yourself, because I am going to tell you, in explicit detail, exactly what it was like.

I have no idea. Really. I slept through it. One moment, ABBA was yelling 'Dancing Queen, feel the beat of the tambourine,' and the next moment, I was back in the other room, waking up in a very mellow mood. Andy was looking down at me and asking me how I felt. I felt excellent. I felt even more excellent when Andy told me that it was all over, and that my colon had passed with flying colors. I have never been prouder of an internal organ.

Colonoscopies are no joke, but these comments during the exam were quite humorous. A physician claimed that the following are actual comments made by his patients (predominately male) while he was performing their colonoscopies.

1. Take it easy doc. You're boldly going where no man has gone before!
2. Find Amelia Earhart yet?
3. Can you hear me now?
4. Are we there yet, Are we there yet. are we there yet?
5. You know, in Arkansas, we're now legally married.
6. Any sign of the trapped miners, Chief?
7. You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out...
8. Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels?
9. If your hand doesn't fit, you must quit.
10. Hey doc, let me know if you find my dignity.
11.You used to be an executive of Enron, didn't you?
12. God, now I know why I am not gay.
And the best one for last:
13. Could you write a note for my wife saying that my head is not up there?

He Is 1/2 White

2009-01-28T09:46:00.004-05:00

I like the man, and I hope he does a better job with this country then his predecessor. For he couldn't possibly do any worse. Or so we will see. What has kind of bothered me of sorts, is the medias near obsession with the black side of his heritage. Oh, and if you have not figured it out yet, I am referring to our current president, Mr. Barack Obama.

Do not get me wrong, he seems to be gifted and talented, but even in a democracy, you are only as good as your houses are to you. Oh that's right. Mr spanky shiny new president could have all the right ideas, great ways to implement them and if our congress/senate/ does not back him, he might as well flush his ideas right down the toilet with the rest of the garbage.

But I got side-tracked. Why don't they ever talk about his white mother? They harp on his African American heritage. Don't misunderstand me, I acknowledge the fact that he is half black, but what about his white side? Let's play devils advocate here for a second. What if he was half black and half Asian, or half Native American, or half anything else for that matter. Do you not think the press would be exploiting his other nationality? You darned right.

But let's look at his past a bit more closely. His father did not come from slaves, so their playing thee oppressed black man is not being bought into, at least not by me. And correct me if I am wrong, but Mr. Obama did have some advantages and did make it through high school, and on to college. Why? Not because he was a black man but because he was someone who had goals. He had a game plan. He was on a mission, and one he obviously completed (With a little help from Oprah, in my opinion), but he made it none the less.

So should his 'African American' side be constantly harped on? Not in my book. I just wonder how he would be treated, viewed if his other side were not white.

5 Steps

2009-01-14T18:43:00.002-05:00

I got this tiny flyer from my Doctor when my husband and I went to her thee other day. Hubby needed to see her and she handed me this little flyer. There were five powerful things on this flyer and things I have already started to implement into my life. Something we have been doing for a long time, others we are still working on. I will list them now and expand my thoughts and opinions on each of them.

1) Less animal products:

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but let me tell you, there is more to just cutting down or out red-meat. People assume that red meat is thee only antagonist out there. Any and all meat is culprits. Everyone flocks to chicken automatically and then fish. But trust me as long as you are consuming animals and their by-products, you are still not eating healthy.

And lest we forget meat derivatives, such as cheeses, butter, and anything related to these items. Fear not, you can still let go of these things and not feel deprived. It is something you can do overnight? Possibly, but I do not recommend it. Baby steps. But there are many who get this far and stop reading now. "Who me? Give up meat? You have got to be out of your mind." May be, but let me give you an example of how easy it is.

My husband, Mr. Macho Cuban, who grew up in a home that had no idea what the word vegetable was, sat down last night at dinner and had a super-filling meal and never touched a lick of meat. So the old adage of, "What do you eat?" Does not apply in my home. Give me a call let's do dinner and then tell me my eating lifestyle is lacking...I think not.

2) More plant products:

Please do not tell me you added a salad to your dinner. Blah blah blah. Yeah yeah yeah, whatever. But let's get down to brass tacks, we are talking heavy duty veggies. Like more than canned green beans on your plate. Throw some Swiss chard out there, put together a fan-flipping-tastic stir-fry and use things you have never seen or used before. Step outside your comfort zone and experiment, you will be surprised what you try once you add more vegetables and cut back on the meat. You will be forced to try new spices and herbs and your palette will come alive and your taste buds will thank you for it.

3) Less refined, processed, artificial foods

Dr. Mehmet Oz is a man on a mission. I already have gone through my cabinets to rid them of things that were processed. Luckily for me there was not a lot to lose. Did I throw it out? No, I ate them and then vowed not to buy those things again. Do I miss them? No, for I know the harm they were doing to me (what little I was consuming) and my family. But again, we took it one step at a time. First it was boxed cereals. We no longer have any in our home. then it was salad dressing. Now they are gone as well. There was little of anything in our cupboards that we had to get rid of, but what little was there is now gone. Everything we do, save for a few items (pasta, some canned tomatoes, and some sauces, but even those I am trying to figure out how to make from scratch) is homemade.

Some may say, "I don't have time." Well make the time. But do it in tiny, small steps. Pick one thing and work on it. Does not matter if it takes you 1 day, 1 week, or 1 month. Only you can determine what is right for you and your home. You can do this.

Remember this. If you can't pronounce what is on the label, then you do not need to be eating it.

4) More whole foods:

Most people automatically think of whole wheat bread. Ahhh, but do not be fooled. All breads are whole whole, because it is part of the wheat kernel, but is it whole grain? That is what you should be looking for. And even if it is whole grain, it is usually stuffed with preservatives to be able to keep it on the shelf. Real whole grain bread is usually kept in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Our homemade bread only lasts about 3 days...if it makes it that long. A loaf usually only makes it 2 days, tops. So we do not need preservatives in this house.

Preservatives are pumped into everything you eat. Why do you think food you purchase in 2009 can stay fresh until 2011??? What the heck is that anyway. Food was not meant to be around that long. It goes against the grain of Mother Nature. I am not saying that all of you need to become grain grinding nerds, but think of where your food comes from and how many stages removed it is from its point of origin.

5) More exercise:

I remember when my husband went to a nutritionist and she asked him for 15 minutes 3 times a week. (A walk around the block) and he flat out told her with all the defiance he could muster, that he could not incorporate that into his schedule. Give me a flipping break. He was being lazy. You want something bad enough, you make the time. If you can sit and watch an episode of Soprano's then you can take a walk to the end of the block or all the way around. Small steps people.

Once you are in a routine, then you will soon crave, if you will, exercise itself. It clears my mind and calms me down. No one to bother you and it is only 15 minutes out of my day. And who knows, you may meet your neighbors. What a concept.

Please read over what I have posted. Look and see what you can do with your life. If it is only one thing then so be it. That is one more thing you are doing today that you were not doing yesterday. And there is always tomorrow!

Good Luck

Let It Go!

2009-01-10T07:39:00.002-05:00

Well tis the new year and many of us (not me) start by trying to follow a new regimen. I say why wait til the first of the year. If you are overweight, and it is July, then get out and walk. If you are looking to rid you house of stuff, then have that garage sale. If paper piles are taking over your home, then sit down, and go through them. Will this transformation happen overnight? Absolutely not. But your mess did not get there overnight so do not expect it to get cleared up overnight. Baby steps. People dive in with both feet and then get discouraged when their plan fails. So don't set yourself up to fail. One thing at a time.

There are plenty of sites that can help you over the hump of organizing. And do not think that just because your get some organization in your life that you will now be popping open your daily planner and checking to see what you are supposed to do next. People are under thee impression that with organization comes the loss of spontaneity. Oh so no. It just means you will be able to better find things, know when you can be invited to dinner somewhere, what time appointments are. And hopefully you will learn to be on time if you are someone who is constantly late, and you know who you are.

One that I use to frequent is Fly Lady . Now here is the deal with this site. You sign up for daily Emails...lots of them. They are reminder for you to follow. Like put your shoes away, make your bed and such forth. You scoff now, but once you get into a routine, you will be surprised how automatic decluttering will become. It's just a reconditioning of the brain. For many of us it is just laziness. You may not want to admit it, but if you step back and see the situation it is a form of laziness. 'I don't have time." Well listen here sister. If you have to plop your backside down for an hour reality show then you have time to do some cleaning/decluttering. And before you know it, things will just be automatic and you won't be giving a second thought to what you are doing.

Learning to De-clutter is something that most people know how to do, they just don't implement their knowledge. It's there, we know it, but we seem to be stuck in a hoarding mood. Let it go. You can't take it with you, and just what the heck are you doing with the 1973 edition of Better Homes and Garden. I mean really. Clip the recipe and recycle the magazine or donate it to the library. Give your junk to someone else. Let them deal with the clutter.

Also, clutter breeds critters. And unless you are planning to be an epidemiologist, then I say let the roaches breed elsewhere, not in your home. And that's just the tip of the iceberg on what junk collecting brings into your home.

Then there is the issue of, "Honey, where is that paper from last week?" Heelloo. Read the darned thing, clip what you need and let it hit the recycle bin. Or better yet, use it for cleaning your mirrors. That is what I do.

And how many people do you know are unorganized and successful in their lives. I doubt the Donal Trumps of the world have to walk over a pile of shores. Granted he probably has someone to do it for him, but you get where I am coming from.

I am planning a garage sale in the next week or so, and what does not get sold goes to Goodwill or some other organization that needs our help. And when all is said and done, I feel so liberated when this stuff is gone. I look at my parents who are pack-rats for sure, teetering on hoarders, and I know how I feel when I visit them. And I truly do not want to get like that , or have my children have to come visit me and spend all their time cleaning. That is not their job. So do yourself a favor and take a good look at the 'Stuff' you do keep and ask yourself honestly is it worth it or are you just keeping it for keeping sake.

To Clip Or Not To Clip

2009-01-09T20:29:00.004-05:00

...that is the question.

Raise your hand if you clip coupons? But ask yourself this, what do coupons let you buy? CRAP. Have you noticed that all coupons are for processed foods? Why can't we have coupons for produce? I could use a little off the nearly $35 dollars a week I spend on produce every single week.

There are some stores, such as Publix gives you BOGO=buy one get one free. But guess what, they are for items I would never eat or buy for that matter. Do not get me wrong, I am not bashing this grocery store. In fact I wish I could afford to shop there, but that is not going to happen in the foreseeable future.

But here is just a list of a few of the things I could buy, but won't.

Atkins Advantage Shake-I don't do anything Atkins. Anyone who says rice and potatoes are evil is not right in the head

Attune Granola Bars-We make our own granola

Aunt Jemima Pancakes-We make our own and can you read all the ingredients on the back of the box and know what their purpose is?

Barber Foods Stuffed Chicken Breast-Ack! Meat pumped full of hormones and antibiotics...no way.

Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks- I thought fruit came from plants, not from inside boxes! Did I miss something?

Campbell's Select Harvest Soups-We make our own soups.

Chatam Village Croutons-Deep Fried, and yet these things are touted as healthy. For sure if it comes from bread it has to be good. Anyone every hear of oven fried?

Del Monte Tomatoes-These I would actually buy. We use so many canned tomatoes, that I need to take stock in some company.

Entenmann's Little Bites-Sugar ladened treat. We make our own sweets, and no one goes into a diabetic coma afterwards either.

General Mills Fiber One Cereal-I know they are trying, but I guarantee, that there is still some sort of processed sugar in that box of supposed goodness.

This is only one page of the BOGO. suffice it to say it would not be worth my while to even purchase these items, since it has been my sole purpose to rid my home of processed foods. Am I good as gold? Not yet, we still have some lingering item to get rid of, but I could not see just throwing out food for the sake of cleaning my cupboards. One step at a time.

I am curious whether or not I should write my grocery store, like people write their congressmen, telling them why don't you have produce with the BOGO, or how about some organic products, and there is the non-dairy milks we could use a little help with. But I do not think my one little letter will make a huge impact, but then again...who knows!

Quit Whining

2009-01-07T12:13:00.000-05:00

My head hurts, there's nothing to pack for lunch, traffic was a terror, the dog had an accident on the new white carpet, I burned the rice for dinner (OK, maybe not in my home), thee Internet was down all day, it rained, I missed the bus, they were out of that item, and this is just the tip of thee iceberg. I could sit here and rattle of oodles of excuses, as lame as they are.

We complain about the simplest thing and don't give a care as to how childish we sound. There is an adage I go by, "There is always someone worse off than you." Truer words were never spoken. But that does not seem to change our whining little attitudes. It's all about us and what we are going through. Guess what, It's Not All About You." There is more to life than incessant complaining. So get over it, and we are tired of hearing about it as well. So move on.

But if you keep whining, you might want to think of this guy and then sit back and wonder if all your whining is worth it.

Get Back Up

I Can Die A Happy Woman

2008-12-18T21:54:00.008-05:00

No, I do not have any terminal disease. I should hopefully be around for quite some time. But something hit me today. I could be taken from this Earth and be happy with my life and for a few reasons.

I have birthed and semi-raised my children. I would like to give them a few more years if possible. I have a happy marriage. I see so many relationships that are nowhere near what ours is...I feel for these people.

But the creme de la creme of my life was seeing Barbra Streisand in October of 2006. It had been my life's dream to see her before I die. And I have. I first saw her in the movie A Star is Born, with Kris Kristofferson. I was hooked. I was about 14 years old at the time, but I knew I was looking at a woman to be reckoned with. She had her stuff together. Little did I know what she had done before I had been introduced to her. She had a following to be rivaled by many, but duplicated by few.

She was the quintessential...everything. She could act, direct, produce, and lest we forget, sing. Long gone are the days of real singers. Names like Judy Garland, Kate Smith, Ethel Merman. The likes of Streisand was a dying breed. No longer were singers belting them out. They were being synthesized and drowned out with special effects in the movie world. Show me a woman who can sing acapella and I will show you a real singer.

When I saw her in the arena I thought I was going to die. Tears came to my eyes as she began going through songs I knew word for word. The goosebumps never left my arms. We had tickets in the nosebleed section, but thanks to modern technology, and via big screen TV's, I was able to get a much better view of her than if I had been seated on the floor section. The price of the tickets were almost equal to my mortgage, but, to me at east, it was totally worth it.

Everyone has an idol they look up to and Streisand is mine. You hear all the rumors that she is the equivalent of a female dog, but if a man were to do what she has done in Hollywood, he would be praised. She has been ridiculed and scorned. And, she has been shunned when it comes to the Oscars. You ever want to see an un-Streaisand movie? Rent Nuts. This is not for the kiddies to see. Very adult themed, but what a performance, and yet, she was overlooked.

To each their own, but this woman inspires me and moves me to depths I can never begin to describe. She is versatile and can fill any role demanded of her. Try watching Meet the Fockers. Again, not for the kiddies, but oh so funny. When I am down or just need some calmness in my life, I just pop in one of her CDs and I am good to go. The rest of the world gets washed away and all is good.

So for all of you who have not been introduced to her, all I can say is Hello Gorgeous!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

2008-12-11T10:57:00.002-05:00

By Merriam-Webster's Definition

Reduce: to diminish in size, amount, extent, or number

Reuse: to use again especially in a different way or after reclaiming or repossessing

Recycle: to pass again through a series of changes or treatments

Sounds simple enough, right? Well not so fast. In the big scope of things, we go in a certain order and there is a reason...there is always a reason. But hear me out. Reuse comes before recycle, and here is the reasoning. When you reuse something you will save some, if not all of the energy that went into it's making. For instance. You have a wagon that is on its way out or the children no longer use. Why not turn it into a planter. The wire hangers (I will refrain from my Mommy Dearest moment) can be returned back to the dry cleaners. Empty food cans can become pots for plants. How retro is that?

Some simple stupid ways to reduce. How about checking out a book from the library. Some libraries even have a table with withdrawn books at a fraction of the cost. Flea Markets, Garage Sales are great ways to get books on to your shelf with no extra energy wasted.

How about renting movies from the video store instead of purchasing them. Same goes for music. Buy them used or download.

Old clothes can go to consignment shops or donated to charities. Let someone else enjoy the fabrics you once did.

Plastic bags. Do you really need all those bags? I highly doubt it. I have been bringing my reusable canvas bags with me for a while now. I used them mostly at the grocery store, but I have taken to bringing them to every store I visit. The produce stand, the mall, or better yet, I just tell them I do not need a bag. Do you really need a bag for your CD/DVD? When you are going right to your car? Yeah, I thought so. You will get funny looks, so either you ignore them and keep going or you tell them the truth and by explaining yourself, you may get someone else to have their light bulb go on.

You have a treasure trove of items for crafts siting around your home. How about empty bottles, boxes being used in an art project? Old T-shirts can go for the cleaning box, or a dogs pull toy. Finished up plastic containers can be used to house small items, such as rubber bands, paper clips, buttons, nut and bolts, the list goes on.

And the ever useful Internet. Ever heard of Free Cycle? Then you need to get out more. It is there goal to reduce, reuse and recycle. And it's all for free. Give them a check out. they stared out in 2003 and have now grown to over 3,700 communities.

I hope I have given you some food for thought. I say this always, will you do every single thing I post about? I doubt it, but if you walk away with one piece of inspiration, then I have done my job. So go and do the three R's, and I ain't talking about Reading, Riting and Rethmatic.

Shhhhhhh!

2008-12-10T21:31:00.003-05:00

When was the last time you say in silence. I am not talking quiet time. I am talking dead on silence. If you have to sit and think about it, then trust me, it has been far too long.

Let's go through a typical Saturday afternoon. You are mowing the grass, clearing off the driveway with the leaf blower(whatever happened to a rake and broom?), snipping away some branches from one of your trees with a chain saw. Now, by the end of your day, your nerves are frayed from all that noise, but looky what a purdy lawn you have.

To what end are we willing to jeopardize our hearing?

What many people do not realize is, not only is it the loudness of the sound, it is the length of time that will let you know how it has impacted you and your ears. We all know that one time exposure to extremely loud noises can inflict serious damage, but it is the repeated exposure to sounds in the hazardous range.

Our sound levels are measured in db's(decibels). Here are some familiar sounds and how much they put out in the way of decibels.

40db=quiet room
60db=normal conversation
80db=busy street
100db=chain saw
120db=amplified rock music
140db=gunshot

And once the hair cells of the inner ear are destroyed, there is no getting them back. But there are ways to drown out, if you will, the noise that is out there trying to invade our space. Get yourself a white noise machine. It can block out many a sounds that are unpleasant. There is nature sounds, via a CD. Or even some soothing music. Then there is the stress issue. The more we need to hear over something or be heard over something, that cannot be a good thing. So tune out and tone down the outside world every now and then and take a break from the world that is outside and the noises that come with it.

Drip...Drip...Drip

2008-12-08T15:51:00.002-05:00

It recently dawned on me how much water we waste. And trust me, if you looked hard enough or just paid attention to what you do with your water, you would easily see how much we waste. It hit me just recently that I let the water run when I was washing my hands. And what was that water doing while I was washing my hands? Absolutely nothing. That's my point. It was running down the drain, yeah, being what? Wasted.

That is when I did some minor research into how I could conserve water. And I now do things differently. Do I implement every single suggestion on the water conservation site? I think not. But every little bit helps. Small moves people. If everyone did one implementation think how much water we would save. And we all know we cannot live without water. Dying of thirst does not sound fun in my book.

I will give you some easy things you can do and it won't take any effort. The biggest one we are doing is saving our grey water. Mostly from the water the is running when you are heating up your shower water. We take that water and use it to flush our toilets, water the plants around the house and plants outside. I no longer let the water run when I do the dishes that cannot go into the dishwasher. I make sure that the dishwasher and washing machine are fully loaded before running them. Again, you would be surprised where you can make a difference. Ooo Ooo, My husband now washes the car on the lawn, that way we do not have to water the grass that day. See, who would have guessed.

Water Conservation Tips

And, if you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you will see a link that shows you how much water we do use. It is sinful. Take a gander, and see what small little bit you can contribute to helping our planet and keep as much water on her as possible.

Die With A "T"

2008-12-03T17:21:00.004-05:00

I have never ever dieted in my life. And I hope never to either. I do not understand how people feel the need to diet. Why not just eat right in the first place and all would be right in the world. Do not misunderstand me. I know it can be difficult to pass some things up, but I have never deprived myself in the food world, what-so-ever. If I am in the mood for a slice of cheesecake then I have it, I just do not eat 4-5 slices. I have never portioned my food, I just stop when I am full. I love what I cook because I cook what I love.

I was just telling my daughter that I think, and there is no evidence to support this, that if people ate a balanced diet (And a trip through the drive-thru does not count), then maybe, just maybe they would not crave the things that got them in an unhealthy state.

I watch people I know who are supposedly watching what they eat and trust me when I tell you they have it all wrong. They are putting microwaved, ultra-processed, high-fat, low in nutrition, if not nutritionally void food into their bodies and then wonder why they are in the shape they are in. Is anyone seeing a correlation here? Why do people keep doing what they know is harmful to their bodies?

I am not a smoker, never have been (unless you count the summer in 8th grade when I realized how flipping stupid it was to wantonly smell like an ashtray). And I drink in super-moderation and my children have seen this happen over their lifetime. We enjoy life as best as our pocketbooks will allow and do not regret a thing. I just want people to see what it is they are doing to themselves. Wake up people, get a clue. You only have one life. Why not live it to its fullest. My heart aches for people who have habits they cannot break. I do not understand that type of mentality.

And yet I hear it all the time that they do not have a choice, they do not choose to be in the condition they are in. Well I have an argument for that. I have MS and my son is autistic, "we" did not choose our illnesses. But many people choose to eat a second helping of whatever, have enough booze to get them to the point they barely remember what took place the night before, and many of them drove somewhere, or that they had to have that next fix. All those people chose to do that to themselves. My son and me did not.

Get the help, it is out there. But do not sit there and tell me you choose not to be that way. I never chose to have MS and my son certainly did not choose to be autistic. This is now turning into a rant and I did not want this. I just want people to see and know that they can make a difference, and the changes may not take place overnight. You did not get in the predicament you are in overnight it will not be fixed with a magic wand. It will be hard work, but think of the rewards at thee end of the rainbow, you can make your own pot of gold.

Tis "The" Season

2008-11-29T16:05:00.003-05:00

...to be what? Jolly?

Many of us out there are barely leaving paycheck to paycheck. And if not for my wonderful in-laws, would have be out on the street months ago. Inasmuch as it pains my husband to ask for help with the mortgage, my friend told me to be thankful they are here to at least be able to help us. If not for them we would be on the street or crammed into a 2 bedroom apartment.

But we are getting to roll into the busiest shopping times of the year. And for what? So you can out spend your friend, neighbor? Max out your credit cards? Why? And what is the real meaning of Christmas. For me it is a time to b with family, for I follow no religion, you could technically take Christmas and tell the retailers where to place it. I prefer to be with people, not have a nagging feeling that if I don't get them gift they won't be my friend any longer. That is not how it should go.

And if there is a God/Jesus, would he approve of how his followers are handling this new-found holiday that is supposed to celebrate his birth. IT has become so far removed from the celebration of the birth of Christ that it should scare some Christians, and yet it does not. They too, stand in line when Wally World opens it doors at 5 a.m. to a collection of spending floozies. They purchase a gift that junior will play with for what...2 maybe 3 days, then he will lose interest and let it fall by the wayside.

We have, out of necessity, gone to baked goods for our gifts. I purchase a few baskets from yard sales or Goodwill and fill them with breads and cookies. No one has complained to date...would you turn away homemade bread for a Yankee Candle? I say bring on the homemade gifts.

And why do we have to wait until December 25th to show our friends and family how much we love and or appreciate them. Why not have them over for dinner once a month. Make it a pot luck. Help someone with house cleaning who may not be able to do for themselves. Let someone use your washing machine if theirs is broken. Take someone to work if you are able. the list is endless as to how you can let your friends and family know how much you enjoy having them around. What better way to enjoy someone company then over a good table of food and some wine. Let the conversation flow and before you know it, it is time to kick your company out the door.

I am over all this Christmas buying. I may even boycott Christmas.

Have you ever watched A Charlie Brown Christmas? It's A Wonderful Life? now those are true holiday, good feeling movies. It's not about how much you give, but how you give. If you feel the need to give, give from the heart, not your pocket. Make something. People can cook, knit, paint, write, craft, you name it, it is out there. Find something you are good at and do it. And learn to plan ahead. Start after the holidays. Put a little bit away each time you get a chance, or start buying tidbits at a time. That way you are not running out on Black Friday trampling people to death (literally) for that Tickle Me Elmo. This years hot seller will be in next years garage sale.

Sit back and rethinking what Christmas is to you. Why do you celebrate this misconstrued holiday. I for one will be changing how I approach this holiday. The spirit of Christmas should be all year long, not for 1 day.

Buddy Can You Spare A Dime

2008-11-21T13:11:00.003-05:00

Well I am glad I vented about things I could not find to write about, for now I have one. The Bailout that the U.S. is considering for the automakers of this great nation of ours and the bigger picture...should we?

I am by no means a political analyst and wish to the stars above I was more versed in our governments political structure and its inner workings. That aside, I am not sure I want my money to go and help out a company where its top dogs are by no means hurting.

Are these CEO's taking a calculator to the grocery store so they do not go over their $75 a week budget for a family of 4? I think not. Are they having meatless meals (Not that that is a bad thing, for if you a vegetarian, that is a way of life *plug completely intended)? I think not. Are they letting go of the Hummer that may be sitting in their 4 car garage? I think not. Do they plan their day trips so that all errands are done in one day as not to help the gas gauge stay as far away from the "E" as possible? I think not. And yet they came to Washington on huge company jets with a tin cup in their hands. What is wrong with this picture?

So why are we bailing these people out when you know their spending practices, whether it be for business or personal will not change. Should not their practices reflect as if they were dealing with someone else's money...oh yeah they are, their employees pensions. Step away from the pension funds, nice and slow like.

But how can we expect the government and or these big corporations get their spending under control when we as Americans are a society that is charged to the max. Take a moment and think about your own personal lifestyle and see what you could lose, get rid of, let go or give away and live without. I am guessing lots. But we have spouses, and children who would pitch a fit if we say, let go of cable, cell phones (blackberries, and such forth and do I really want to read my Email on a 2 inch screen?), gas guzzling SUV's, 78 music CD's that only about 17 really get listened to. The list goes on. There is a fine line between what we need and what we want and many people have blurred that line.

We have recently let go of our credit cards and not by choice. But I will tell you this. I will never have a credit card as long as I live. And if you one of the skeptics who thinks you cannot live without a thin piece of plastic, then you have not been introduced to Dave Ramsey. If you have not listened to or heard of him, may I make a suggestion? Do so. He speaks truths you would not believe. And I am unable to implement much of what he says to for we are a single income family right now, struggling to keep our home. But as soon as I am able to get back to work, I will be working on gaining my financial freedom.

But who is to be thee example, the general population or our government. Credit cards is a big business. And if the American public begins to see the light and realizes what a scam they are then what would we do, what would they do, they referring to the credit card giants? I am guessing there are enough unsuspecting folks out there who still feel that living on borrowed cash is just fine and dandy...well I don't. At least not any longer. And I am spreading the word of Dave Ramsey. He does not say you will be out of debt in one or even two paychecks. He also says it will be a difficult road. We did not get in debt over night, we will not get out of debt overnight.

Take the time if you have it. And if not rent his audio books from the library, and if the library does not carry them, then request it. I have listened to his entire book via the audio books and am now listening to The China Study the same way. I am in my car quite a bit, why not utilize that time. Why not educate yourself anyway you possibly can. Take what you like and leave the rest.

For someone who had nothing to say 2 days ago I seemed to have found something to rant about. I hope you all rethink how you/we as a whole handle the money that comes through our hands and what we are doing with it.

Stuck In A Loop

2008-11-20T19:34:00.003-05:00

It has been nearly 2 weeks since I have posted...about anything. I sit here looking at the screen and I get zip, nada, nothing, zilch. You get my meaning. Now, for those of you who know me, I am hardly if ever at a loss for words. But nothing and I mean nothing has inspired me here of late. What is wrong with me. Life is going as well as can be expected. I am getting better every day. I am eating healthy, feeling good in general, so why can't I think of one blessed thing to put to cyber paper?

I skim my regular blogs, hoping something you people post about will jolt me into something, but I still get a big fat zero. I love writing, this is why I stared my blog in the first place. OK, to be totally hones,t it's all Permissions fault. She is the one who twisted my arm into getting this blog going. And here I am, nearly 8 months later. I love writing, and reading what is going on in other peoples lives.

There are times when I begin to get a little bluesy about my life, then I read about a small tragedy some other blogger is going through and then I put away my pity potty. I just want to be inspired again. I want to stop peeling potatoes for the evenings dinner so I can at least get a draft going. But that is not happening. I know of writers block, and I know it is a very real thing. But to me?! You have got to be kidding. And yet here I am trying to figure out what I am passionate about enough to make it blog worthy.

There is the new President Elect. I will wait to see what he does before bashing or praising him. There is thee economy. I will wait to see if I get a job or not to see if I feel the economy is heading up or spiraling out of control. There are the impending government bailouts. Now there is something I just may be able to sink my teeth into. Don't even get me started on those guys. See, here I go. I am getting fired up just typing now. So I think I have struck a vein and now need to go and see what I can dig up on these poor CEO's who are in need of a dime. Buddy, I can't spare one.

Final Medical Update

2008-11-08T07:48:00.002-05:00

I have been given a clean bill of health from my doctor and released to do most things. I am much more mobile than I was 16 weeks ago, Duh! But I still have a long road ahead of me. I do what the doctors tell me to do and I am living proof that if you take care of your body (Save for this accident that got me to surgery) then your body will take care of you.

I have been eating well and taking it a step further and even cutting meat out of my diet. Having my daughter as inspiration helps me to keep going with my vegetarianism. I stopped taking my MS medications as well, for during my first few weeks home, the side effects from thee injection were too much for me and I thought my top priority should be the healing process of my back, I would think about the medication later on.

I am now going back and forth between bike riding (I have a 3 wheeler old lady style bike which is perfect for me and the doctor loves said bike) and walking. I had not been on my big girl tricycle for over four months and it felt good to be back peddling once again. I took it slow and will continue to do so until I am where I need to be to let it loose in the biking world.

The next thing my doctor recommends is Pilates. I know of it, but not 100% sure what it is all about. All I know is that it concentrates on your core, and with your back being your core, then my first from of real exercise, other than walking, will be Pilates. I am going to rent some DVDs from the library to see what this is all about and go from there.

I am off my sleep aid, which is fantastic and I am cutting down my Lyrica and should hopefully be off of that completely in about 1-2 months. I do not like drugs. Do not get me wrong, they serve a purpose, but many people run to drugs...I do not. In this instance, to me, less is better. I took what I had to and hoped I would not ben on anything they gave me for any length of time. I truly believe we are an over-medicated society and people think everything can and should be cured with a popped bill. I think not. Other than major surgeries or injuries, pills can become a crutch. I prefer to stand on my own, unless absolutely necessary.

I am glad this ordeal, for the most part, is behind me, and look forward to the day I no longer have to do things with aids. I look forward to lifting things on my own, without assistance, or asking for help. Judi Dench had this line from the movie Chocolat where she is in need of help from other due to her diabetes, she refuses the help most of the time, and her line that she delivered in true Dench style was, "When I need help I will ask for it." I may not have the quote exactly, but you get the meaning behind it. I asked for help when I needed it, it is not always easy but a necessity in life sometimes. I would live to be someone who never needed to ask for help, but that would be a fantasy world, this is real life.

I am on my way so move aside.

How Was Your Day?

2008-11-02T16:03:00.003-05:00

Well this is a bit out of sequence, but I think it worth the tell. Last Tuesday I had quite a few errands to run and my son was off, and sine one of thee errands revolved around him, he tagged along. When I am out and about with errands, I am on a mission. I have a plan, I get done what I am there to accomplish and get home. I enjoy being in my home. This day we had to get to the bank, library and then grocery shop. I had a plan...or so I thought!

We went to the bank to see where my sons debit card was. We signed in and got called over by a representative lickity split. I explained to the lady we had not received his card. She asked him for his account number and she proceeded to pull up his account. She then proceeded to tell us he was overdrawn. Whoa whoa whoa. All he has done was open the account and deposit rolled coins. How can he be overdrawn? Well there was a great explanation. I had made my sons account overdrawn. Yep...good ole mom.

About a week prior, I had a bank card come in. My husband reminded me to activate it and I did. I had only ran the card 3 times. We try to use cash as much as possible, due to the fact that we have no more credit cards to use. The minute I saw the printout from the bank, my face must have gone white and the expression-a Kodak moment. I knew then that I had activated the card that was mine for my sons account. I told the woman who was helping us exactly what happened. She was gracious enough to wave all fees involved, and all we had to do was replace the monies we had depleted. I thank her, and she told us that my sons card was on its way and so was my card for the old one I had mistakenly cut-up. I had only one person to call and ask them to hold a check for a day, but that would have to wait until I returned from my errands.

Now we have arrived at the library and this is a small parking lot. It holds about 36 cars. But on this day there were cars all over the place, and I am not talking just in the spaces. there were cars in places they should not be. The minute we pulled up I knew exactly what was going on...early voting. I am glad these people are out and about and doing their civic duty. But I, someone trying to get into the library, could not get into a parking space. I had to go over to the middle school parking lot and walk over, what a concept.

I was in there to report a book my son had checked out. It is called a manga, which is a anime styled comic book. This comic book which was readily available for children to check out had some quite explicit sex scenes in them. There was no denying what these scenes were trying to tell you. I filled out the correct paperwork for the staff to review the books and I left. I was still angry that these voters would not cart their backsides in the adjoining middle school parking lot, but I did. The non-emergency police were going to get a call when I got home.

We get to the grocery store and I realize when I get out of the car and can find only 3 of my canvas bags, that thee others were most more than likely back at home. My son then explained that they were in my husbands car. I did not have a huge grocery list, but we all know if they are bulky items your bag capacity goes down. But I had faith in my ability to keep our shopping experience a good one. We bammed (A word my son tells me means to go through quickly) through and were able to use only the 3 bags we had, save for the large items that did not need bags. Am I good or what?

We get home, make the phone call about the check and call the non-emergency police. Life is good. My husband and daughter made fun of me for being proactive about something I felt deeply about. Number one being I did not think those Japanese comic book should be so readily available to children (which it is) and people should park in parking spaces, no where folks can not get in and out of spaces and not worry about making a fender bender happen because someone was too lazy to walk to and from the library.

Thank you have a nice day.

I Ate What?!

2008-10-30T11:44:00.003-04:00

There are many a folks out there who are struggling with their weight. I only know what this is like by watching my husband struggle and my mothers side of the family, who were for the most part, morbidly and super morbidly obese. I was lucky enough as were my siblings to receive my father genes and not have to deal with weight issues.

That is not to say I such down a half gallon of Ben and Jerry's, a bag of chips, three helpings of potato salad and three slices of cheesecake. To me, everything should come in moderation. Do I eat those things I just mentioned above? Yes and no. I no longer buy chips for my home, for I do not trust myself. I could very easily scarf down a bag of BBQ chips, never share a chip and lick the bag clean. So you see why I no longer purchase chips. Ice cream is something I can do without, I can take it or leave it, but usually I leave it. Cheesecake I now make from scratch, so for the most part I know what is going into mine and even though it is tempting to devour half a cheesecake, there are other family members who enjoy the fruits of my cooking labors.

I recently had to keep a food diary and will need to do it again. I have developed an allergy of some kind. I thought I had narrowed it down, but alas the moment I stopped jotting my food down, thee allergy returned, how ironic is that? So I am back to keep a food journal to see if I can pin this allergy down. But in doing so, I have realized what I do and, and truth be told, I do not do that bad.

When my husband was in Weight Watchers classes, his instructor at the time, told his class to write down everything they put in their mouth. So if you were home making spaghetti sauce and you took a taste, then put that same amount aside and add it up. You take one Ritz cracker, then mark it down. By thee end some students days, they were appalled to see just how much they really were eating. So that old adage of, "I don't know how I got this overweight, I don't eat that much.", is a huge farce.

Somehow I came across a link for food journals. Free Calenders from Mommy Links is where I found thee simplest food journal. It is straight forward and no frills. I also went a step further, since I was trying to find out what the heck I am allergic to and would write down all the ingredients in any given recipe. Thus far I am still uncertain as to what is giving me my lovely alligator skin.

I think, and I am by no means an expert, that there are a few things that overweight people battle with. One is denial. I have seen it first hand. I had one woman tell me straight to my face that she did not go back for seconds, whether it be in a home or in a restaurant. I have been with this woman on more than a few occasions and she does indeed go back for seconds. But in her mind, she really does not believe she goes back for seconds. People see what they want to see. If these people were filmed, they may have a different outlook on how they answer questions and may see what everyone else's sees.

I am not saying I am a saint in the food world. I just put down three slices of cheese cake over a three day period, but I am also walking around two blocks a day. I may not be losing weight by walking, but I am able to keep in check the not-so-good items I am eating. It all comes down to balance. Eat the ice cream, but do a few laps around the pool. Have a slice of chocolate cake, but get on that bike and hit the streets. Indulge in an extra helping of meatloaf, but put on the headphones and get to walking.

If you are not up to doing a 10K walk, have no fear. there is a thing none as baby steps. Some folks have difficulty walking to the mailbox. Hard to believe, but then do that 3-4 times a week, then make a trip to the end of your block (which ever end is closer), then when that becomes easy do the entire block. You can do it, you will get there. Have faith in yourself.

Peaks and Valleys

2008-10-29T16:52:00.003-04:00

I have nothing against thin people, if that is their natural body type. But for many a girl/women, I am guessing they are surviving on air. There are times I want to go up and tell them to go eat a Big Mac (I would never, being a die hard advocate against junk food and a new-found vegetarian, but you get where I am coming from).

What ever happened to a real woman, or our perception of what a real woman's body should come close to resembling. I luckily never grew up with body issues, (even though the majority of my mothers family was morbidly obese). I grew up seeing that and knew I never wanted to grow up and go through what they went through and I never have.

But on the flip side, I have seen (never known) girls who are dying to be thin. Seeing them makes me shudder. Do they think it looks good? And thee answer is yes. And why do they think this. Well, just open any fashion magazine and there you will find your answer. Thank you Twiggy, and yet she is no longer thin. HAH! Payback can sometimes be a good thing.

Who told our girls that a size 1 was a good thing and something to strive for? Oh yeah, look at any TV show geared for the teen category. Not! There are a few things going on out there that are hopefully showing our girls that it is very much OK to have curves. Marilyn Monroe thought so and so did every man who drooled after her and every woman who wanted to look like her.

Here is a great show, but I will say it is gearded more for a teen population and I also suggest moms sitting with your daughters to guide them through any questions they may have. Read through Real Women Have Curves and see if it is right for you and your daughter. My daughter has curves and it made her feel so much better to see someone who was real to be OK with their body image. And yes, we do it the flan!

Another company who is doing strides to show the world that not all beauty comes in a size 1 or 3 is Dove. I may not endorse their products, but I do endorse their message 100%. Girls need to know that it is fine and dandy to be a size 8...10...12...and even 14, depending on your height.

I would also like to point out an authoress that has a grip on the fact that larger curvaceous women are not fat, even thought we have been led to believe that this farce is the real deal. I think no. May I introduce Meg Cabot of Size 12 is Not Fat & Size 14 is Not Fat Either. I personally have not read either of these books, so I cannot vouch for their content, but I would so love to get my hands on one if not both of these books.

There are also a few women who are standing up to thee establishment and telling them, "No, I will not drop 30 pounds just to please a few pencil pushers." Some of those women are, Jenifer Hudson, America Ferrera, Jordin Sparks, Sara Ramirez, Raven Symone, Fergie. I just want to say thank you from a mom who is trying to show her daughter that it is AOK to be a voluptuous, curvaceous, filled out figure of a girl/woman. I say Pah to the wannabe Twiggy's of the world and a big round of applause to those who are confident with the skin they are in.

Are We Worthy?

2008-10-24T17:26:00.006-04:00

"You seem to find no tranquility in anything. You struggle against the inevitable. You thrive on conflict. You're selfish, yet you value loyalty. You're rash, quick to judge...slow to change. It's amazing you have survived. Be that as it may, as species we have no common ground. You're too aggressive, too militant."

I heard this recently and wondered if we humans would be ready for outside contact. If someone was doing a fly-by and saw us, here on Mother Earth, what would they think of us. How would we be viewed. With the amount of people we have on this planet and we take a size-able chunk of the population to represent us as humans, and not picking Mr. & Mrs. Perfect to be our representatives, then what are we as humans?

I hear folks all the time say we have come such a long way...from what? People have been at war for over what... a millennium, and they have been called Holy Wars. What? Is that an oxy-moron, a conflict of interest? Who in their right mind calls it a Holy War. Someone is way off base in my book.

We drink too much, eat too much, take mood altering drugs, have rampant sex with whoever, whenever we f eel like it. Do we have any morals as a society? But I think they said the same thing about the Roman Empire as it began to fall.

If there is some other species out there flying around our galaxy, or any other galaxy for that matter, I surely hope they pass us by. For I do not feel we are ready to spread our galactic wings and show the rest of the universe who we truly are. We have got to get ourselves fixed before leaving this hallowed ground.

Do not get me wrong, I do not think our lives need to duplicate a Hallmark Card commercial, I am a realist. But I look around me and I see what is going on around me. I shake my head and show my daughter and say, "See what happens when you make the wrong choices!" I can't wrong people for making the wrong choices when they do not have enough or the incorrect information, but come on. How many of us new it was wrong to purchase that plasma TV that encompasses thee entire wall in the family room, all the while maxing out the credit card. You knew that eating that entire bag of chips would bump you up a dress size. You knew that having four Rum and Cokes would make you ask every man at the bar to go to bed with them. You knew that shooting things into your arm should best be left to certified Doctors, not some guy that also flashes you watches that just fell off the back of a truck...then again, maybe you didn't know.

All I know is that I am not overly proud to call myself a human. I like me and I know I am an decently upstanding citizen, but what about everyone else out there. I am still a glass half full kind of girl and I hold out hope for our species, but my crystal ball says if we keep going on the track that we are we may not make to a time where another species even finds us.

It's Not humans I have trouble with...it's people.

Those words could possibly describe how 'others' view us. Stand back and observe our history as a species, whether you believe in creation or evolution, either way we have not been playing nice in the sand box. We have killed each other for centuries and have gotten quite apt killing more with less. And now we are treating our own home (Mother Earth) like she was some disposable diaper (pun 100% intended).

I hold out hope that we will see the err of our ways, but I am not certain we will. I still hear so many people say, "Why bother, my little bit will not make a difference."

Yes it will and until you see that, change will never take place.

Bringing Order to Chaos

2008-10-21T12:44:00.003-04:00

For those of you who may not know me, I am a Trekkie. I came across Star Trek while visiting my Grandmothers on the weekends. We would all load up on Friday after school and drive an hour and a half and arrive there just in time for dinner. We played until dark while the adults prepared the evening meal. Then as my mother talked with family and or friends late into the night, I would struggle to keep my eyes open while the original Star Trek played at 10:00PM at night. I was hooked. Even as a little girl of 7, I knew this was a show to be reckoned with and boy was it ever.

Fast forward 1996 and Trek added another dimension to their already well woven fabric of story telling. We had been introduced to the Borg, a species that functioned under the hive mind theory, The Collective. They believed that our singularity would be our undoing, and that many voices brought order to chaos.

I am not an extremely, super-organized person. that is not to say I am a pig or a pack rat. My home does not look like a show room, people live here and looks just that way...lived in. I do not wish to be one of those OCD people that sits down, and is always thinking of ways to better organize or that cobweb that might be looming in the guest bedroom that no one ever even sees. But I do like my home to be presentable if guests do pop by unannounced. My kitchen is my weak spot, and here is why. First and foremost, we do not...I repeat, we do not eat out. So all of our three meals are cooked eaten here or taken to work by the two men who live with us (husband and son), so there are always dishes to be washed, rinsed or put away. I try to stay ahead of them, but there are times they get away from me. I have run my dishwasher as often as three times in a 24 hour period. Last Thanksgiving, I ran it 4 time on 'the' day of Thanksgiving.

I am getting my home life back together since recovering from major back surgery this summer. I still cannot get down and clean the way I would like, but this too shall pass. I am looking to loose some of the excess stuff I have accumulated over the years. I do not want to be one of those people who says, "What? Get rid of it, what if we should need it?" Then ten years later, that said item finally made it to a garage sale or thrift shop. It never got used!.

I am always looking for tips, ideas or ways to better organize my life. I keep my purse in the same place, because when I ask my children for something out of my purse, they know exactly where it is. I used to make fun of my grandmothers for doing repetitious acts, but now I understand, it is a form of organization.

So go out there, find a website, book, or an clipped newspaper article about organizing and utilize it. Don't let it stay magnetized to your frig and collect what? Oh yeah, dust.

Safety First

2008-10-20T09:28:00.004-04:00

I was wearing my seatbelt long before it became a law in my state. I am comfortable in knowing that it saves more lives every year than not wearing one. But where do we draw the line. Yes, we buckle in our little bundles of joy, and so much so that moms usually ride in the backseats(raises hand showing she did it when her babies were little) to tend to their young.

I have seen good ole boys strap in Buddy for a ride to who knows where, but thee other day I saw something that made me shake my head. As I was leaving our local produce stand, someone had their side door open on their van and pray tell what do I see. This...this is what I saw:

Yes, you do not need to clean your glasses, or adjust your computer monitor, you are seeing what you think you are seeing...a pumpkin that is strapped in for safety. I respect this person immensely. Being a vegetarian I got a bit further than just making sure my tomatoes are not at the bottom of the bag. I take great pride in my veggies. For we use them for so much more than just food. they get juiced, and it does not stop there. I use the bits and pieces(that many use to compost, but we have not started composting as of yet) and save them until I have enough to make a huge pot of vegetable broth.

So you see how I might feel about this person who took the time to ensure this pumpkins safety. And that person is my daughter Savanah. I had stayed a bit longer at the register when purchasing our produce and was giving the lady the web address to my Cooking Blog so she could find some new recipes. Then I finally make it back to my van and my daughter has her back to the open side door...knowing good ad well she was trying to hide something. Then she broke out in a sheepish grin and I knew it was nothing bad. She stepped aside and there was our little pumpkin, lopsidedness and all.

He...or she will be put to good use. We will cook the pumpkin meat for a pumpkin pie and also toast the seeds. If I could do something with his outershell, believe you me I would. I am so wanting to get my composting started. But recovery from surgery is more important. The Composting will be there when I am healed!

Shaken...not Stirred

2008-10-18T09:06:00.004-04:00

This is not a Bond fan talking to you. That is not to say I have not watched a Bond film or two...or three. And right behind Sean Connery is Pierce Brosnon. What is with this new blonde Bond mess. Give me Connery or give me death. Ooops, wrong speech.

Anyhow, for those of you have not been reading my blog all the long, I had major spinal surgery this past summer. I am recovering very well if I might add. I went into the surgery a very healthy person, save for the reason I was going into surgery for. But I don't smoke...anything and I don't take recreational drugs (plus who could afford them these days), and I drink rarely, if ever. Does booze have an expiration date?

Well suffice it to say I have listened to what the doctors have told me. I am walking a minimum of 5 days a week at least 2 blocks and 3 if my husband is home and then it is hubby, me and the pooch(I still cannot take the chance on pooch bolting, so until back is back to 100%, then pooch only goes out when dad is home). But there is one thing I am missing. And that is my Martini.

I am talking a classic Martini, none of this James Bond crap. How dare he mess with a classic. Vodka Martini, who was he trying to impress? Oh yeah, just about every female this side of Orion's Belt. Forgive me, but there some things best left alone. And a classic Martini is one of them. There is something about thee entire process. Preparing your glass, getting your bar shaker ready, getting the right amount of olives set side for the final touch (and juice of olives if you are into Dirty Martinis).

There is something to be said for the Martini. The glass alone that houses this classic beverage stands alone. Unless you have lived under some rock in the hills of Kentucky, most people know a Martini glass spot on. No other glass in the alcohol community can say that. Oh yes, there are others who are recognizable, such as a beer mug(need I say more), maybe a brandy snifter, but your 'Average Joe' may not know about the brandy thingy glass, flutes(mostly used for champagne), goblets, margarita, shot and the list goes on. But nothing is like a Martini glass.

Since I am restricted from drinking any alcohol, what-so-ever until I am off my medication (And no, I have not cheated), I have not had the pleasure of a Martini (or anything else for that matter) for approximately 4 months. I have survived, but barely I say. So I have adapted...improvised, if you will.

Thee other day I was in the kitchen and took out a jar of olives and popped a few in my mouth and shook my head, chewed on the olives and swallowed. And I proudly announced to my husband and daughter. "I am a Martini." Even though I was shaken, not stirred.

Thank You Oprah

2008-10-15T09:37:00.003-04:00

I am not an Oprah watcher. That is not to say that I will not watch her, that is unless she has a show that interests me, or a guest I am interested in. Well, Tuesday October 14ths show was just such a show. I was getting ready to take a little afternoon siesta when my phone rang. It was a good friend and she said in a hurried breath, "Turn on Oprah, you will want to see this." Now, you have to know that my friend does not watch much frivolous TV, so if she said watch it, then it must be of some interest to me. And right she was.

The episode was about Factory Farming. If you do not know what factory farming is, then may I make a suggestion and do some research and see for yourself. Now, there are those in the industry that will say there is nothing wrong with how we raise our animals for slaughter. I have a tendency to disagree. Isn't that like someone form Phillip Morris(a cigarette company) telling us that it is OK to smoke, or someone from Budweiser(a beer brewery) telling us that consuming alcohol is fine and dandy?

I am a vegetarian and I will not stand on a soapbox and try to convert anyone over. You all know that consuming less meat is a plus, but do you really make that extra effort? How many of you can say that you could plan a dinner with no meat involved and have plenty of dishes. I did not for quite a long time. When I was a vegetarian the first time around I think I lived on macaroni and cheese and that was the boxed version. So it took many quite a long time to fill my recipe book with meatless meals. I got so good at it that I put on a vegan Christmas and trust me when I tell you there was no lack of food on that table.

What Oprah's show was trying to tell you...and she did it in an extremely diplomatic way(probably due to her incident with the beef industry with the Mad Cow thing) was that we as educated Americans, was to make ethical and moral choices about where your meat comes from. Most children have no idea that there is such a thing as a 'Farm'. they think their food comes from the grocery store. And it does, but many children cannot trace their food back to its origin.

I think people need to be in formed about what choices are out there and see what battles you want to choose. I myself am in such a financial way that free range, cage free, and organic are out of my reach...for now. I would give my eye teeth to be able to put better quality food on my family's table. Do not misunderstand me, I am an extremely good and healthy cook. there is no boxed food on our table or in our pantry. I do keep an occasional can of canned beans in the pantry for emergencies. Luckily those are few and far between.

I am not asking people to give up meat. But just know where your dollars are going. Can you afford to go all organic, or all cage free? If you are like most Americans right now...probably not, but how about a dozen eggs that are hormone free this week. And maybe next week your milk is organic(and do you really need to drink all that milk) and the week after that it is a free range chicken. The more we let the factory farmers know we will not put up with the conditions these animals are kept in, our animals will still live in horrid conditions(and Oprah's show did not show the more graphic version of how many, if not most of our animals are treated.

Do the research and make your own call. Is meat, pumped up on hormones, steroids and heaven knows what else, something you want going into your body? Would you put that stuff into your body without the middle man of the meat itself? I think not. But you have to make that call all on your own. And if these animals are willing to have their lives taken for us, then I think they deserve the best treatment possible while they are here.

You are what you eat. All I am asking is to keep that in ,mind when making choices for your dinner table tonight.

Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head

2008-10-09T06:32:00.005-04:00

I have had no blinking clue what to post about. But here lately rain keeps creeping into my life. That is not a complaint in the literal sense. I try to get a walk in every single morning. I am up to 2 city blocks and hope to soon add 3, but there are times Mother Nature has other plans.

Thee other day, hubby was home and he always walks with my along with our pooch. We geared up, walking shoes on, keys and cell phone in pocket and umbrella in hand, just in case. Well, low and behold we open the door and there is somewhat of a downpour going on. Now, if you have been reading my blog for a while, you will know that I had major back surgery in mid-July of this past year. So to say I a, confident to walk on a soaking wet ground would be a big fat lie. I still hold on to counter tops every now and again. It is what it is.

But there is nothing like walking up to a gentle, constant downpour, with some soft thunder in the background, but none to threatening. That is when it happens. the urge to make homemade hot cocoa and break out the coloring book and crayons. And none of those cheap dollar store crayons. NO, you have to got for the gusto and use the creme de la creme of coloring sticks in the crayon world. you have to use Crayola.

Now here is where we all break off into our special boxes of crayon groups. So many of you ladies go for the "64" box, with its built in sharpener. Ooo-da-la-lee. Big whoop-dee-doo. I myself prefer the "48". Why all the choices? I mean how many different colors do you truly need. You want color, got stand in front of paint swatches in Home Depot. And ahhhh, the smell of a freshly opened box of crayons. It still transports me back to days gone by.

I homeschool 2 teenagers and I still get a giddy knot in my stomach when we have to purchase school supplies, and it is so tempting not to throw a coloring book and crayons into our shopping cart. But I know soon enough that urge will overtake me and gawkers be damned. I will race home to find the perfect page to unleash my Van Gogh abilities and keep it to show my grandchildren that grandma was coloring even as an adult.

I saw Pah to oil paintings and things of that nature. Give me a good coloring book and leave me be. I am now off to see if rain is in our forecast.

Update on Vinegar in the Laundry

2008-10-02T11:36:00.005-04:00

Edit In: Someone had asked if my laundry smelled like vinegar. No it does no, and here is why. the vinegar is there to neutralize the odors form your dirty laundry, so all is well. What I do is add a drop or two...no more. Of an essential oil. Someone said that they use lavender. I have used peppermint, cinnamon, whatever I have goes in. And still my laundry does not smell like a candy cane Hope this helps!

I just did all my laundry for the day. And I measured the vinegar that I put in my opening that is made for fabric softener. I use about 3/4 a cup of white vinegar. Do not use anything but white vinegar.

I do use my own homemade laundry detergent and been using it for about 2 years now. Do I get the dingies a bit sooner? Yes, but to help out our Mother Earth, for me it is worth it. Did I mention that I gave up bleach as well? Yep, I most certainly did and don't miss that either.

Any questions you folks have, do not hesitate to ask away.

Be Careful, the Children Will See

2008-10-01T19:57:00.003-04:00

When your child looks up, what do they see? I am not referring to the 6'1' , 210 pound, blonde haired, blue eyed father, or a 5'5, 150 pound, red haired, green eyed mother. What I am talking about is the person that makes up mom or dad. The real you is who I am asking about. What makes you you? Not the face you put on for the PTA, or work, or your knitting club. I mean the one that is left when everyone else is gone for the day.

What do you represent to your child? If your child had to describe you in let's say 3 words, and they were being brutally honest, and would get no ramifications for being that brutally honest, how would they honestly describe you? I know how my daughter would describe me and she nailed me pretty much dead on. Her first descriptive word about my personality was loud. She was not referring to my volume so much as she was charging me with being a bit of a chatter box. And I confess, I have been known to hog a conversation or two. I have, in my own defense, tried, over the years to try and keep my lips sealed tight when I need to. But alas, there are times when I falter and become that tried and true babbler that I would not like to be around if the tables were turned.

That for the most part is a superficial trait. What is it you are showing your children about life and how it should be handled. Are you a good example, or do you need some modifying, or do you need a major overhaul. Are your children glad to be around you or do they cringe when they have friends over, hoping you do not embarrass them.

Yes we were all embarrassed of our parents, it's part of growing up, it's a prerequisite of the teenage years. But nagging in the back of their heads, do they truly feel that all hope is lost for you, or that if you sat through enough episodes of Dr. Phil, that you might eventually get a clue as to how other parents are doing it. Not to say that you are doing it wrong, you just may need a refresher course. And come on, we could all you a little spritzing up, even if it is in the parental realm.

I for one have learned tons from my younger sister. Yep, you heard right. The sister who is working on some issues, but at least she had the you-know-what's to save she needs a new paint job in her personal life.(I love that analogy) So who is it you listen to, or do you turn a deaf ear when someone brings something to our attention. Are you so blinded that you are unwilling to see what others are seeing, but you are not...or will not? Take off the blinders and try to see what your children see and maybe ask them, and then listen to them. You would be surprised what they tell you.

How Simple Was That?

2008-09-26T20:17:00.004-04:00

I have issues...with mean/inconsiderate/rude/crass,(people) you get my meaning. They butt in line at the store not giving a care to anyone else around. They block an intersection in the street making it impossible for traffic to flow in or out of some specified place. And what about letting people in traffic. Would that kill somebody?

Let me set up why I am spewing my thoughts.

I was on my way to fetch( I love that word) my son from work. And traffic coming from both sides of the street were constant. I looked left...traffic. I looked right...traffic. Finally a break came in one direction, and a truck had stopped to enter the street I was exiting. He sat, holding up traffic(which was minimal) so that me and the vehicle behind me could enter the road. I waved to him, that lovely traffic thank you wave. And as I put the pedal to the medal I was giddy like a school girl. And what, over a nice person in traffic. You bet your sweet bippy I was.

And tell me why a grown woman was happy about someone being nice? Does that mean it is a rare incident? I think so and that is a shame. It is deplorable when we look upon an act of kindness as something to get exhilarated by. I explain to my children all the time thee importance of kindness. And you cannot expect kindness to be bestowed to you if you are not giving it out. It is called the Law of Attraction.

I have always been a positive person, and my husband was always the skeptic. I am not saying he was a rude person, but his nice foot was not always forward, where mine was. The world owed him something, but this was all he saw growing up, so I cannot blame his 100%.

I love being kind, and it does not have to entail moving your buddy out of his 3 bedroom 2 bath house. We are not asking for a pint of blood. It is much simpler than that.

Get your neighbors garbage can lid that is blowing down the street. Help the short person grab something from the top shelf at the grocery store(I can relate to this one). Set the coffee pot for your husband who rises at 5AM when you get up only an hour behind him. Take your kids books back to the library...they did take out the garbage without being asked.

To me, kindness begets kindness. You tell two friends and they tell two friends, and so on and so on and so on. Kindness is catchy. It feels god, and it is a win win situation. Everyone involved feels grand. So what do you say. What act of kindness can you do today tomorrow and all the tomorrows after that?

It's Time For a Change

2008-09-25T06:29:00.003-04:00

For those of you who are U.S. reader, that is not an Obama plug. I read a small snippet just this morning, and it fit perfectly into my life right now. Some of you may or may not know that I have recently given up meat...again. Why you may ask, well there are a few reasons, but this time around I feel so differently about my choice. Another good thing about getting older and hopefully wiser.

Here is the post I ran across from a comment of a blogger who comment on a blog that...well you see where that is going. Apple Leaf has this on her blog. First off, before I dive into my post, I want to say how much I enjoy reading others blogs. I try every day to read the latest, but don't always get that oppurtunity, but eventually I manage to take a gander or two at all of my blogs. Now on to the real reason of this post.

Who has the ability to make changes? Presidential candidates? Come on. Let's look at any given presidents track record, and what real changes did they make? Don't even get me started. But it is not the big cheese that I am here to scribble about. It is you and I that I am more interested in. I hear it on more than one occasion, "Why bother. My little bit will not make a difference."

If every person on the planet lived by that philosophy, where would we be? I dire peril(I think that is redundant), but what if no one recycled, or no one, car-pooled, or no one stood up for animal rights, or human rights, or cared to be someone who conserved energy. The list could doubtlessly gone on for quite a long time, but suffice it to say, you get my meaning.

I recycle with a vengeance, and so much so that it scare me sometimes, but I am fine with that. Am I a radical when it comes to recycling? Well, I guess I am. But I have picked that as my passion, silly as it may sound. I have other items on my list of things to do and or change, and I will be posting about them.

But I can honestly say that I am comfortable in my endeavour to change the world, even if it is only one plastic bottle(which we no longer purchase), old newspaper, plastic bag(which I try rarely if ever to bring home), tin can and so on. I knew that I am making a difference. And my heart aches for those who don't get it.

We have become a disposable world. And I am not just referring to recycling. We throw away this and purchase a new that. What's wrong with what you have? Do you really need another CD, blouse, pair of jeans. And if so why not go to the thrift shops. There are some great vintage articles there. Just think about your lifestyle. What works in my home will not work in your home. But you will find your own niche and when you do stumble upon it, it will give you great joy.

Find your passion and feed into it. There are so many avenues for you to stroll down, and in doing so there may be a plethora of other venues for you to pursue. I am starting to ramble now. But everyone can make a difference, no matter how small. Small moves people...small moves.

Soft Alternative

2008-09-22T15:14:00.002-04:00

No...I am not talking about Skin So Soft. But for those who have been followers a decent amount of time, you know my commitment to doing what I can to help out Mother Earth. Most folks do give a rats hiney what they do with their recyclables, or left over food, or food that could be used to make soups, my list goes on. But suffice it to say, I am wee but greener around the gills. And so much so that I have been Hanging Clothes for quite some time. About a month or so before my surgery(July 15, 2008).

And I gave up fabric softener sheets(they have animal products in them, long story) and we now make our own Clothes Detergent but even thought I LOVE clothes hung on the line, they lacked that dryer softness, especially our towels. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled I have the advantage of having a dryer. Women years ago were stranded. It rained for days, you were fresh out of luck. But today I discovered something. I had been putting white vinegar in where you usually put our liquid fabric softener. So everything is copasetic, and then I bring in the towels that are dry and man oh man, they are soft. Don't get me wrong, they are nowhere near the softness of a dryer, but they are darned tootin' close. So Viola, another break through in the Green world. Hah!

Dinnertime

2008-09-21T11:11:00.002-04:00

It dawned on me thee other day; actually it is always on my mind. I went to a Mom’s Night Out last night, which is a potluck meal for us, homeschooling moms to be able to get together and just let it all hang out.

We talk about our children, our past experiences, listen to thee more experienced moms, compare notes on schooling, get ideas from other moms, see what works for them…or not. But it is just a night to be women, not a wife, not a mother, not a facilitator…just a woman.

For those of you who do not homeschool, or know little about it, let me tell you getting out even if it is once a month to be with your peers is a blessing. Our kids go to co-ops, Sunday School, Scouts, 4-H and so forth. But us moms, we are living a life of servitude. That is not to say we are unhappy with our choice, it is what it is, but in order to be a better wife, mother, sister, aunt, daughter…we need to clear our minds and just be us. Then we can come back to be those better people. I know how refreshed I feel after hanging out with my posse.

But the one thing we talked about as our lovely night ended was dinner-time. I was curious as to how many of the women there sat down with their families and ate dinner. No surprise, all of them sat down with their families for dinner. Sometimes there was a sibling missing, or a dad had to work late, but those that were home sat together.

I grew up in a home where my mother had dinner on the table by a certain time. If you were not there, you could always make a bologna sandwich. My mom figured, if she took the time to prepare a meal, you could at least show up to eat it, and truth be told, she was right. Even back then, I knew thee importance of dinnertime. Now granted our home was anything but the Cleaver family, but I still got it.

I have carried on that tradition, but have taken it a step further. We sit and talk, and talk, and talk. Did I mention that we talk? We have sat and been at the dinner table for close to an hour, and that is without dessert. There was a woman there last night.*Waves to C Mc, and her husband is a pilot, and he gets to fly with many a people. But there was this man from France who talked about dinner rituals in his home country, and he said as politely as possible that our dinner practices are pitiful and that we are missing out on so much.

In Europe, for the most part, thee taking on the dining experience like no other. Their dinner time can last for up to two hours. Helllooo, it doesn’t take me that long to prepare my meal…OK sometimes it does, but then again I love food and everything that revolves around it. So for me to sit at a dinner table for that long would be pure ecstasy. We, as Americans, have no clue how to enjoy food. To us, a dinner is a double cheese burger with a side of fries and a large cola, hold thee onions at the nearest drive –thru. And many a time the so called meal is eaten in the vehicle. When did our cars become our dining rooms? Did I miss something?

I am not saying the every family in America has to become this Norman Rockwell painting overnight, but come on, where has our sense of family gone? And I am not so gullible to think that sitting down at dinner will right all we have let go over the years, but it is an easy way to start. We have to eat, that is a given. Then why not do it with your own family. Take time to reconnect and be a real family. And just for you cheater out there, sitting in front of the TV does not count, you have to do it at the dinner table. Talking to one another and not about the latest episode of CSI is the way to do it.

What's Wrong With This Picture?

2008-09-16T09:01:00.004-04:00

...actually, not a darned tootin' thing. As you can see, my husbands vehicle is parked on our front lawn. Yep, he got out there, washed his car(Which relaxes him) and he washed it on our front lawn.

He was not trying to show off his nearly 6 year old car, but we watch enough Green TV programs to know that we all can help thee environment, and by washing your vehicle on your lawn(If you have one), is one way of going Green. Your next best option is to run it through a car wash, for that water is recycled(At some car washes)...who knew.

It's funny. When I first started out to Green-ize(I made that word up) our lives, I thought for sure I would be letting go of many things. But low and behold, I am not. I am just redoing things in a different manner. I am just rethinking on how I can better serve my planet. For I am just borrowing her for a little while. And how do you take care of something that you borrow from a friend or neighbor? If you do not take care of that item, then most more than likely you will not treat our planet with any care either.

We are here for a minuscule amount of time in the big picture. I heard this quote form an upcoming movie and it made complete sense, even though this line was being delivered for a completely different reason.

"If the planet dies, you die. If you die the planet survives."

Truer words were never spoken. So, does filling your recycle bin put you out, does it bother you to curtail your driving and stay home a bit more, does reusing something instead of buying it new make you shudder? Then you are not someone who is interested in being or going green. I love life and I want to improve the quality of mine. I am doing that in many ways, but they are all small moves. But how do you eat an elephant...one bite at a time.

Paper or Plastic?

2008-09-12T12:05:00.003-04:00

Which of these do you choose? I am lucky enough to say I choose neither. Yep, you heard right. Gone are the days our arms/hands are loaded with plastic bags. I loved bagging in paper, but many times the bag boys would get there before me and start bagging and then all was lost. Plus, those poor kids have no clue how to really pack a paper grocery bag. But I learned quickly to tell the cashier that I wanted to bag my own groceries, due to the fact that I could get into 6 bags, what they would do in 8-9 bags. Too much waste as far as I was concerned.

Hence, my new method of thinking. omit the paper and plastic and opt for reusable bags. I have nearly one dozen canvas style bags, in all different shapes and sizes, and from different companies. Low and behold, our plastic bag usage has dropped exponentially. The only plastic bags that come into our home now is from my in-laws who furnish my son with Cuban bread for his subs and thee occasional extra food she has cooked. Fear not dear readers we take these bags and recycle them. My son worlds at the local grocery store ans drops them into the appropriate receptacle. Bada boom-bada bing.

Please take a moment and see the good works this lady has done. Green Bag Lady has gone above the call of duty. Please feel free to donate any and all you can to her cause, even if you need to bags. I always wanted to sew, but never took up the hobby. Same with knitting. Who knows, maybe she can't cook and if I should ever visit, I can cook while she sews, but my luck she is one of those super women who can paint, cook, and everything else I cannot. All kidding aside, take a moment to think what you can do for our planet and rethink how you transport food items. I now use my foil pouched bag. (My daughter is the one who keeps reminding me we have it and to use it) I need to purchase more of those. They are also reusable. So get out there and start buying, slowly but sure if you have to, and get those reusable bags in your possession. Hit the Garage Sales, Thrift Store, and if it is within your means, get something...anything to The Green Bag Lady.

Renewable Energy

2008-09-07T14:18:00.002-04:00

For those of you who have been following my blog, you know I an into anything that will help out dear old Mother Earth. I want to leave this planet to my children and grandchildren, and be happy that I did my own little bit. Do I need to have a March on D.C.? Some may feel the need, but I like the little voice I have and what I am doing in my own little corner of the planet.

Financially, I can only do so much. We are a single income family that sits barely above the poverty line. That is not a true complaint, just a statement of fact. So for me to got out and do a lot of whoopin' and hollerin' is just not going to happen. So I hang my clothes, recycle, turn off the lights, and such forth. But there is a man who has the power, the knowledge, and the financial resources to make a huge difference, if only people would listen.

Please take a moment of your time and see what he has to say. I think he is definitely on the right track, but his methodology will fly in the face of the big oil tycoons. If they can't make kazillions on it, then why bother. It doesn't matter if their grandchildren will be choking on the air they breathe. All that matteers for many is the here and now. But if we as a collective nation do not get our stuff together, there will not be a planet to live on. We won't see it, generations to come will and curse us for not doing more.

T. Boone Pickens Plan

I'm Not Vengeful

2008-08-31T21:21:00.027-04:00

Well, it is just possible that I may be just a smidgen. And if any one of us would truly admit it, we all are a bit glad when someone gets what is due them. I am referring to Michael Vick. Now, you have to understand that I grew up in a home with dogs, all my life. And I had dogs and cats when I became married. But in the end, my preference, for the most part is dogs. Yes, it can be annoying when they greet you, even if you just went to the mailbox. And it can be a bit embarrassing when they smell your private area, when they live with you. I don't say hello to my husband or children 5 to 6 times a day, and yet, my canine feels the undesirable need to put her nose in my groin area. Odd little creatures.

But there are times where I look into those big brown eyes and I could just squish her to pieces. She asks little and gives everything. She lives simply...no Coach hand bags are in her foreseeable future. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk (or run). Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently. Be always grateful for each new day. (I borrowed this from a fellow Blogger, Thoughts Out Loud and it suited this post.)

I got the tail-end of an Animal Planet Special on the Michael Vick Dogs. And let me tell you, I firmly believe that that man did not get what he deserved. So there it is, my vengeful streak. I am a firm believer in the Law of Attraction. You evoke negativity, you will receive it directly back to you. How can anyone take advantage of such innocence? I know that there are abused children and the same goes for them. But, I have heard from experts over the years that people who have that mentality, cannot be retrained, rehabilitated. They have a completely different methodology as to how the order of the world runs. They are superior and everything and everyone else is beneath them and they have total control over them, no matter what that control may be.

Truth be told, I do not have much sympathy for those who choose to do these things to animals or children. It has been shown that serial killers start their careers by torturing, mutilating small animals and then progress to humans. But I am guessing that Michael Vick got enough arousal to stop there. Those poor dogs. I can only imagine what those who died went through before they met their maker. And yes, I believe there is a place for animals in the after life. I just can't believe that they give us so much and then all that is left is a pack of bones to turn to dust. Sorry, I don't buy into the whole, "Animals don't have souls." Gee, I don't know if I have a soul, so how can I condemn these loving creatures to eternal damnation if I can't prove.

If there is some credence to the adage 'What goes around comes around.' Then Michael is living proof those words do fall upon those who break the rules. And man did he step way over the line. First and foremost he lost his NFL contract(Big shocker there). Then his endorsers dropped him like a hot potato. He is serving jail time (Not enough in my opinion) and he had to pay for the sheltering and care of the animals that had resided on his property(For that definitely was not living). He also was ordered to donate monies to other animal shelters. I saw the public apology, but I am not buying into it. The saving grace to all of this is that when he gets out he will have to start all over and none of his old stomping grounds will be welcoming him with open arms.

Even though he has declared bankruptcy, I seriously doubt he will be living on beans and franks. So my concern for him does not run very deep. I know this post is coming off as if I am really mad. I guess I am. And what I am more mad at is that there are hundreds of other rings like this doing thee exact same thing. And who will speak for those animals.

To disprove what people have been ushered to believe, all of the pit bulls rescued from Vick's property, except for two(Who had to be put to sleep for injuries they received during their stay at Vick's), have been rehabilitated and adopted out, and many to homes with children...imagine that. One has even become a comfort dog for cancer patients and for a assisted living homes for senior citizens...who knew.

I just want people to realize that these dogs are not the monsters you have been led to believe they are. Anyone ever come across a chihuahua. Those little creatures are wicked. Can you imagine a 75 pound chihuahua? And there are many a dog bites going on, but thee only ones being reported or making headlines are the ones being delivered by pit bulls. Where's the bite(Pun completely intended) in reporting, 'Child gets 10 stitches by 5 pound chihuahua.', there is no sensationalism in that, so they scour hospitals, or where ever it is they find their information and plug it into the hungry public.

Who wants to see volunteer of the year, when we can see the gory dog bite inflicted by the neighborhood pit bull. We have a pit bull mix, and I will be the first to admit, that I was scared of her for the first few months we had her. And I was even tempted to return her to the pound, but due to the fact that she had been returned once already, I decided against it and kept her. She is now a 55 pound mass of baby.

I do not believe that our children and animals are protected enough or that the people who harm them are punished enough. I know we should turn thee other cheek, but what about that animal or child who did not have anyone there for them, should they have turned thee other cheek while they were being abused? I know thee answer is 'No', they should defend themselves as best possible, but that is not always an option. So again I say, who speaks for those poor children and animals? And when someone or some group does come to the defense of animals, they are seen as fanatics. Why is that? If someone or some group defends a child we are all behind them, but you let PETA say something and they are labeled as radicals. Well, I'd rather been viewed as a radical than as a bystander, who complacently stood by, watching or listening to the news and just nodded my head.

I applaud those who do come to the defense of those who cannot defend themselves, mostly children and animals. Yay to those who stick their necks out and put themselves in the line of fire or in harms way, for it is a risky business stepping on the toes of the 'defendants'...puh-leaze. Again, I apologize for dragging out my soapbox, but if you had seen the Animal Planet Special I saw and knew what had been purposely done to these unsuspecting, innocent animals, well, it would have made your stomach turn. I know it did mine.

In closing, I hope that people think about what they have been spoon-fed about certain animals and to go a step further, think about what you are being fed by 'Thee Authorities'. Don't get me started, you might get a longer post. Thanks for sticking around long enough to read this massive post, for this is a matter dear to my heart...fighting for the underdogs(Pun intended once again).

Medical Update

2008-08-26T08:53:00.003-04:00

Well, I made it down to Miami and back in one piece...in a manner of speaking. Let's put it this way. I won't be doing any long distance traveling in the foreseeable future, that is for sure, in a car that is. But I was able to put a dent in the book I had been reading before surgery. The sofa I sit in, or any sofa for that matter, is so deep, that it is not good for my back just yet. Six weeks out and I am still having difficulty sitting properly...who knew.

We arrive on time, and get right to X-rays. Get this, they are backed up about 45 minutes. Got to love the big city. Now, remember, our appointment with the doctor/surgeon is at 1:00PM. We finish with X-rays about 1:30. So we let the doctors office know we are back. I tell my husband to ask the lady at the window if we have time to grab lunch. Also know that the cafeteria is about 20 steps from their office. In fact they can see the cafeteria from their door. So it would take someone form the doctors office about 15 seconds to come and retrieve us. But she informs my husband to sit and wait, it should be soon.

Now I need to stand, for sitting for long periods of time is still not good on my back, so I stand, walk, sit...whatever it takes to keep my back pain free. Well, we are standing on a rail in the waiting room when the ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner) that is going to see us walks by. I gently grab her hand and ask her if we have time to grab some lunch (It is now 2:oo), and she says, "Go, got get something to eat, there are no rooms ready, and if one comes available, I will send for you." So we darted as best we could over to the eatery(I love that word) and grabbed a soup and sandwich. We came back and it was now nearly 3:00.

I thought we would be on the road by 3:00 and on our way home...NOT! So we sit, stand, walk and wait. Then we finally get called in about 3:30. We get in a room and luckily enough we do not sit and wait in there. What is it about doctors and getting us in the actual exam room and make us wait for another 15-30 minutes. Do they think by getting us out of the waiting room,that we will enjoy our waiting experience more. I mean come on, we have been waiting for nearly an hour, how can that be smoothed over. Sorry, got off on a tangent.

The ARNP comes in and we go over all that has happened to me since the surgery. She determines by my updates, that I need to have the doctor come in and see me. You have to remember, that this doctor is top 5 in the nation (And so gracious, to come to his defense), so when the ARNP cannot dismiss me, something must be afoot. So the doctor comes in with his 3 fledgling doctors to see my progress. I am going to back track here a minute, but it will be soooooo worth it.

When we had been sitting in the waiting room, there was a door leading into the room you enter in order to get you to your exam room. That is where they, meaning all the doctors, can view X-rays, and MRI's. Well, there is this kid, we can see through the little glass that is in the door, and I swear he must be all of 12. And I say to my husband, "Either they are getting younger, or I am getting older." I chose the former. I then inform my husband that this kid better hope he does not come into my exam room, for I am going to tear him to shreds about looking young. My husband starts to shake his head, for he knows I will hold true to my word.

So, we now have 5 people in the exam room, not counting my husband and myself. The first thing I say to this kid, who has a surfer dude hair cut is, (In my best surfer dudette voice) :Dude, where's your board?" Well, not only did he blush, but so did my husband along with thee most renowned surgeon in the nation. It was pure bliss for me. I was having fun at someone elses expense. So I walk for the doctor...on my toes, normally, and on my heals. Then I turn to said surfer dude doctor again and ask him, "You are old enough to shave...right?" I'm in heaven at this point and my husband is wanting to draw up divorce papers. And the surgeon wanted to know if I had been smoking happy cigarettes. I had hit the jackpot, someone thought I was off my rocker.

The entourage left, but the female of the trio interns came back in and answered some questions I had. The trio of interns were: Surfer Dude, Pretty Little Latin Barbie Doll, Asian Kid Shorter Than Me, and I am all of 5'2". I am guessing the Asian kid heaved a sigh of relief when his buddy got ribbed about his youth and someone left him alone about his height. Ain't life grand.

That was the highlight of my day. Now on to the grounding news. The surgeon himself is completely baffled as to why I am experiencing this severe tingling in my legs. And he said it to us, :I ahve no idea why this is happening." I know this makes him human, but when the top surgeon in nearly the world is bamboozled, then that scares you just a wee bit. So we are foo to an MRI in Deerfield Beech at 7:30 this coming Wednesday morning.

My husband and I are trying to go over what our options will be after the MRI comes back, and this is what we have come up with: 1) It's just something that will subside and time will take care of this. 2) We need to put you on some medication to help this 'thing' along. 3) This is something we cannot fix and you will live with this the rest of your life. 4) We can fix you, but we have to go back in.

Hellllloooo. I just went through what could be classified as pure hell, to get myself fixed and now I have this to deal with? Come on. Oh well, at least I am walking upright. I should be grateful. Tell me and my legs, when are walking aimlessly around the house at 3:00 AM to try and make the tingling sensation go away.

Sorry to vent, but I had to get it out. So, all we can do now is hurry up and wait. Send me more good thoughts my way and keep me in your thoughts. I am trying to be positive, but it is not so easy this time around, for I know what is ahead of me if we have to deal with option #4. So keep your eyes peeled and an update is on the horizon.

Let's Go Green

2008-08-24T17:11:00.002-04:00

Well, I have been blog surfing. Is that even a word? Well, it is now. I am still on a quest to be more green, and thus far, we are doing as well as could be expected. Tropical Storm Fay has kept us from using our clothesline(Which has bothered me to no end). I am also still physically held back because I am still unable to BLT(Bend, Lift, Twist), so that limits what I can do here in the house.

I so want to go and turn off every light, and tell the children to not waste water when they are brushing their teeth, but I can only be in one lace at a time. But there is a little site, that I found I long time ago, and they have wonderful tidbits to help us be greener for us and the planet.

Please take a gander at this site, and you can sign up for free reminders as what to do to on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. We all know that you should clean your lint filter, but did you also know that if you wash that same lint filter, you will get more for your money...literally and figuratively.

So go and see Ideal Bite

Is It Just Me?

2008-08-20T15:38:00.004-04:00

...or is there too much sexuality in advertising? Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with sex, but there is a time and a place for it, and I think most of my readers would agree. What has started this tirade was a new M&M's commercial. If you have not seen it then check it out. It is the little Green Lady M&M. And she is doing a photo shoot, for her company, but it is laden with sexuality...trust me on this.

What are we telling our children. I can see it now, out on the school playground. A little 6 year old, licking her lips and pouting for little Johnny and his friends, because she saw it on a candy commercial.

I have seen it with other things as well. Rosetta Stone, great product, and yet, they have a new commercial with a woman in a red satin blouse, with have of her girls showing to the camera. I don't want to buy her bosoms, I want information on Rosetta Stone, just the facts ma'am. Now, I am guessing that the few male readers I do have will read this and go..."So, what's the problem?" Men...pffft. But would they want their daughter to be the one out on the playground showing Johnny and his friends how she has learned to pout her lips and lick all at the same time? I don't think so. Everything is hunky dory until it is your daughter. You can ogle all you want until someone is doing it to your teenage daughter who looks nothing like a teenager, because Mother Nature has blessed her. And whoever came up with the notion that being well endowed was a blessing. I tell you it is not. Who wants dirty old men drooling over you when you walk down the mall. Ick! I just want to take a shower when I see men looking at my daughter. You have to remember. She dresses super modestly and wears just a scant of lip gloss, so you tell me what are they looking at. She is by no means looking for attention like some of these Daisy-Duke wearing shorts girls are doing(hope they waxed).

I feel very strongly that our society and moreso our children are being exposed to way too much, way too early. It is my job to inform her of these things, not an episode of CSI. And yet, that is what is out there for our children to watch, read and ingest. Sex is everywhere. But could someone tell me why? Why is it a necessity in TV, and advertising, two of the largest venues that our children are exposed to. Movies, are a bit different. You have to pay for them, but TV is nearly in every room. Magazines grace practically every home in America. did you know that for the past 20 years, nearly every movie that has won an Oscar has been R rated!! I kid you not. And why is that necessary. Cannot we not make a good film, unless it has blatant sex and plenty of "F" words in it. Sex and violence does not a movie make. Did we not make some great films in our recent past did not need the in your face sex? I mean we all knew what happened when Rhett carried Scarlett up the stairs, but we did not need to see it.

I don't know, maybe I am just getting older and don't feel the need for so much sexuality. I know it's out there and I have 2 children, so I know it exists, but come on. Let's leave something to the imagination. And this is not only for the sexuality angle. That goes for violence and language as well. I know it is out there, but why do have to see it all the time. Move on guys.

And to think I tiny little M&M commercial got me this heated.

It's Electrifying

2008-08-14T11:36:00.003-04:00

When I here those words, I think of one of the final songs on Grease. Well trust me, what I am experiencing is nothing like that at all. Yes. I am recovering from my surgery, but at a much slower pace than I thought. Now remember, I am not one to super push myself, but with this extensive of a surgery, I thought it best to do what is expected of me and met my body do the rest.

My pain from pre-surgery is 100% gone, and for that I am thankful. But I have had a side effect that is starting to interfere with my recovery. I felt the tingling in the bottoms of my feet straight out of surgery, but it was extremely slight and only on the bottoms of my feet. Now, it has covered both feet, intensified and traveled to mid-calf. It is effecting my gait, and my knees, because it is effecting my gait...it is becoming a domino effect, but not in a good way at all.

Last night it went to a new level, it kept me awake until 4 AM. It was more like a restless leg syndrome. I could not keep still or find a comfortable position. So both me and my husband slept in the TV room. I on the sofa so I could change positions easily as not to disturb him in bed (Which he refused to sleep in), and he on his recliner. I finally dozed off and slept for about an hour and a half. Hubby was up at 5:30 to get ready for work and I went back to bed, hoping to be able to rest and hopefully sleep. Eureka! I slept until 9AM. I needed my sleep.

I did place a call to the nurses who deal with post-op questions and and hoping to get a call back today. Something is not right. The first nurse I spoke to said this could be something that peaks and subsides, or something that I live with the rest of my life. WHAT! Tingling feet that rank about a 6.5 on the Richter Scale? Come on. This is not right. I want answers. I know medicine/science is not exact, but a pall bark figure would give me something to shoot for.

Let's see what the nurses tell me and keep your fingers crossed.

Run to Me

2008-08-07T10:25:00.004-04:00

For those of us who are a bit older, this is a title of a Bee Gee's song. The lyrics are wonderful, but it is not the lyrics that I am here to blog about, it is the title itself.

As a parent you want to be there for you family, and moreso your children. It is your job to guide them, teach them, nurture them, and show them the ways of the world. It is a never ending process. I am 46 (As I type this post) and I am still learning things every day...and as it should be. Life is one huge lesson. Granted, the early years are the most moldable (I made that word up), but you still want to be there when you child calls form college and asks you if you starve a cold and feed a fever or vice versa. That is when you know that your child still needs you, if only a little bit.

You are their security blanket. You are mom...end of discussion. Yes, there may be an aunt who is on stand-by, or a dear friend of moms, who is willing to take up the slack, but bottom line, mom is mom, and no one can or should replace her. And yet the laws of nature come in and snatch us back to reality. It reminds of us of how frail we truly are. Even with all our modern technology, we cannot fix everything. And that to is a double edged sword.

We are prolonging lives that in all actuality, maybe, should not be prolonged. I have told my family time and time again, DO NOT!, I repeat, do not, keep me hooked up to any machines. That is not living, that is existing, and there is a huge difference. If I can no longer be a productive member of society (Save recovery times from accidents and surgeries), then I am taking up space. there will always be someone to take my place. That is the law of the land.

Sad as it may be for those left behind, the one that has left us is no longer in pain, or no longer suffering. It does not matter if you believe in a here after or not. I know I would not want to be kept alive by machines if I was suffering. And let's put aside the feelings of the person in question. What about their family? They are sitting by, not able to help them medically, watching them go through what they are going through. No one should be subjected to that. And inasmuch as seeing them leave us is painful, it is a far better place then to be here and all parties hurting.

Death is never a thing we want to go through, but it is part of life. The never ending cycle. I recently watched a movie with my daughter and husband. And the movie was about the struggle for a young bride to learn to deal with her husbands death. He died from brain cancer. She was lost. So he had written her letters to help her in the mourning process, for he knew she would do a lousy job all on her own. But what struck me was the reception after the funeral. They all met at her mothers pub/bar and paid homage to him. And people were laughing...and crying. But there you have it. In death we should still be able to remember the good things. Yes, you will cry, that is a natural reaction, but if you cannot find the happy memories, you will take that much longer to get through the grieving process.

Life goes on. And yet, no one wants to hear that when you are the one in pain. And there is so much pain in death. Your heart aches and you think the hurt will ever end, but it does eventually. and no one has the right to tell you to stop mourning. And everyone mourns differently. For some it is months, for others it is years. You will know when it is time to move on. But do not take too long, for life can and will pass you by. You are not the one that has died. And the one that has left us, would surely not want anyone to stand by and stop living. Living is for those that are alive. You cannot bring them back, they are gone. So do not dishonor them by wallowing in self pity. Yes, mourn, by all means. But then shake yourself off, pick yourself up and go on living.

My dear friend Katiebird, lost her mother Monday night to brain cancer. She is grieving and going through emotions she probably never thought she would. Please keep her in your thoughts.

They Know What They Are Doing

2008-08-03T10:18:00.001-04:00

That's what I have to keep telling myself, and yet, it is not working.

Me: Nana, remember to to cut the onions really small for the sauce.
Skippy: Mom! I have made spaghetti at least ten times, I think I got it.
Me: Sorry I know you know, it's just a habit...a bad one, and I'm sorry that I keep reminding you like you have no clue. I know Aba(Cuban grandmother) does it all the time and it bothers me to no end to hear her say it and yet, I find myself doing the same darned thing.

How many of you with older children find yourself in a similar conversation. We have trained them, coached them, nurtured them, and even watched them do the things we have asked them to do and yet, we are constantly going behind them, or double checking, or reminding, or asking if they got it. We know they have, so why do we keep deflating their egos? If someone kept coming behind you asking you if you knew how to make your bed, or sweep your floors, you would eventually look them in the eye and tell them to get lost.

So why do we question our children. We do not do it on purpose, it is just a habit, but a habit I feel we need to stop.I know my daughter is very capable of many things, but I can't seem to stop questioning her. She gets the laundry done, dinner gets put on the table, so why do I keep on her back? I do not know, but I plan on trying my darnedest to stop.

If you find yourself asking your child about something they do all the time...STOP IT...they need that vote of confidence, and by not asking and double checking, you have solidified that they do indeed have the capability to do what we ask of them. No more double checking, as tough as it may be...just stop it!!

The Choices We Make

2008-08-01T12:07:00.002-04:00

I read a blog recently where a mother had her children coming to her saying that got tummy aches when they ate fruit and vegetables. So she put on her mommies cap and told her little ones that she could make their tummy aches go away by taking them to the doctors and getting a shot with a huge needle. Well, needless to say, and with miraculous speed, her children were cured. Now here is what I find odd. She stated that her children never had tummy aches when they ate junk food.

What amazes me still, and yet it shouldn't, that there are still so many families who still purchase junk food. We all know that down side to processed foods, and well all know the benefits to fresh fruit and vegetables, so why are we still stuffing our faces with this crap that is pushed on us by the big conglomerates. I would like to see their dinner plates. I bet you a million bucks their dinner plates are not loaded with the stuff they are trying to sell us(The big shots, is who I am referring to). Guaranteed, they are living the good life with fresh fruit and vegetables. I want to know how people, and parents can sleep at night knowing they are blatantly putting poison into their children's bodies.

Maybe I am coming off as someone standing on a soapbox, but I still cannot believe that in this day and age that we buy into the advertising these morons are trying to push down our throats.Case in point. My nephew, he are already at 15 months, is having problems with his bowel movements. Fifteen months. Come on. What kind of diet are you already feeding this child. And if this what he will see as normal, what is he being set up for? Childhood obesity, childhood diabetes, and who knows what else.Was it difficult for us to let go of some of this processed foods we clung to? I would have to say yes. And it was not so much the taste of the food, but the convenience of the food. What's not to love about picking up a box of cereal and pouring into your bowl. But what are you doing to your body? It may no show up today, or even tomorrow, but it will come back and bite you in the butt(Which will definitely be bigger by eating that cereal) in the years to come.

We all have the power to make choices. Those choices are not easy ones, but we make them. I choose not to smoke. Is that a difficult decision? Not for me,for I see what it does. I choose to drink rarely, if ever. Is that a difficult decision for me? Not really. I can go months without touching a drop of liquor, and that makes me fell good. That lets me know that I am in control of my body and in control of my life.When I used to be in the working world I was a cashier at a popular grocery chain. I would see people come through my line and have three and four 12 packs of soda. I would ask them, "Are you having a party?" And they would answer, very matter-of-factly, "No, we buy this every time we shop(Which for most people is weekly). My expression probably gave away how I felt. I would tell them, that we don't have sodas in our home. And they were truly amazed at how that was possible. "How do you not have sodas in your home?" And I politely as possible looked them in the eye and said. "You buy the groceries don't you? Just don't buy them...end of discussion." "Oh no, there would be an uproar when I got home."I knew then the mentality I was dealing with. I feel bad for people who feel they are not in control. I used to hear it all the time. "My kids would be upset...my husband would not tolerate not having..." Those people amaze me. I also feel if you are not willing to do what it takes to make changes, then you have no right to complain.

Again that may be a biased view, but if you smoke, don't tell me how may times you have had bronchitis, or if you are a drinker, I do not want to hear about your hangover, and if you put an extra piece of cheesecake in your mouth, then I don't want to hear that your pants don't fit any longer. You are in control, you have the power to make changes. So make them, whether it is what color to paint the bathroom, or what meal you will cook tonight. Stand up for what you know is right, and for what you believe in.

I'm Home

2008-07-29T11:53:00.002-04:00

Yep, it is true, I am finally back home. And Glenda, the good witch did not wave a wand over my head and ask me to click my heals together three times.

We had my first post-op visit, and I got a clean bill of health. I still have a six week visit and a twelve week visit. I do not foresee any problems. I am walking, taking it easy and eating right...not that we are home and in control of what foods we eat. I am still amazed at how other people eat and how they see what they eat as OK. Yuck. We came home and our first meal was a meatless dinner. And we were stuffed. Tonight will be pretty much the same. I do not want any meat for a while, or at least until my body gets itself righted. If that takes a week, then so be it.

We had prepared a little bit ahead and made some bread and even some beans. All we have to do is spice them up and Viola, add some rice and we are good to go. Tonight my daughter is making a stir-fry. She loves stir-fries. There is no rhyme or reason to her stir-fires. Whatever we have in the refrigerator is good for us. Unless we are going to the produce market and are specifically buying certain items for a stir fry. Bok choy is one of my daughters favorites, and who doesn't love a dark green.

I am able to sleep in my own bed. We thought that it being so high, that I would have difficulty getting up on the bed, but we took a small stool, for lack of a better word, and that is how I get up and down from the bed.

We truly were so happy to be home. This was not a vacation we were on, so the circumstances were a bit different. I am thankful for my sister being able to take care of me, but I thrilled to be home.

To Tell the Truth

2008-07-28T16:59:00.002-04:00

Well after reading a fellow bloggers experience with one of her children bending the truth, my mind went directly to when I had to confess to my son the truth about Santa. Some of you may or may not know that my son is autistic, and that puts him more in the mind set of a 15 year old instead of the 19 years he is. For me that is not a problem, for that is all I have known.

A few years back, before we began homeschooling I had to play Tooth Fairy to my daughter and got caught red handed. She questioned me and I told her the truth. The next morning at breakfast she eagerly informed her brother who the tooth fairy was. I did not try to deny it. Now you have to remember that he would write her letters and leave her gifts, which of course I kept. "You were her the whole time?" Was his question. "Yes." I replied. He began to stew.

"Well, at least you are not the Easter Bunny?!" I kept my head down and kept on eating my breakfast without missing a beat. "WHAT?! You are the Easter Bunny too? All those clues you left for us...I can't believe it!" I did not reply for he knew that I was indeed the Easter Bunny.

"Well, at least you are not Santa Claus?!" Again,I kept on eating my breakfast, not saying one word. "WHAT?! You mean to tell me that Dad is Santa and you are Mrs. Claus?!" He was now near fuming stage. You could see his wheels turning. Remember also that the year he discovered this there was an extremely popular gaming console that all the kids wanted...he got it that past Christmas. His mind was churning, he looked up to me and looked me square in thee eyes. "Whoa...you paid that much for Play Station 2?!" He knew then what Mr & Mrs Santa had been dishing out all those years.

Cheesecake Factory

2008-07-27T08:46:00.002-04:00

OK, I mentioned my first experience at Cheesecake Factory at another blog so I feel obligated to share my story.

A few years back I was visiting my sister, here in Miami. So we went to a super huge mall called Sawgrass Mall. If they don't have it there...you don't need it. We shopped a bit, walked a bit then went to have lunch. My sister took us to The Cheesecake Factory.

We ordered our food and man oh man, it was thee best food I have ever had in my life. And trust me I am a tough critic. My dish was a lemon baked chicken dish. Wowser!! That melted in my mouth. The meal was over and time for what.....CHEESECAKE! Now I used to work at Denny's and loved their cheesecake. I love the simplicity of the dessert. I am not a sweet tooth person. I am more of a salty person. But I make an exception with cheesecake.

For those who have been living under a rock and never set foot into a Cheesecake Factory, let me clue you into how many choices you have when you open their menu...it...is...endless. So I stuck to my guns and ordered a plain piece of cheesecake. We had a wonderful waitress, full of personality. I handed her my order and she gave me the look of death. She began to clear away our dirty dishes and as she was clearing our table, she told me this, "I am going to take these dishes away, and while I am gone, you will make another choice. You do not come to the Cheesecake Factory and order plain...make another decision." She kept clearing the table and I picked up the menu and started looking. I finally decided on Kahlua and it was delicious. But I did long for the uncomplicated flavor of the plain slice.

If and when I do go again, I swear I will order a plain slice and be confident with my choice.

The Power of Massage

2008-07-25T15:52:00.002-04:00

I recently had major spinal surgery, and if you have never gone under general anesthesia, then you may not know that it wreaks havoc with your system, and more specifically your plumbing. To rub slat in the wound(No pun intended) they put me on iron...big mistake. There is nothing worse than things not running smoothly(Like how I am avoiding all the graphics about this subject), and that is what I was experiencing...until today.

As I sat in the ladies room here at my sisters, I began to rub my belly, for no other reason than to rub it. Well low and behold, things began to move. I had really begun to worry that I may need to take stronger measures. But my little belly rubbing session paid off. I did not have to take one supplement or additive to get things moving. Good 'ol time and mother nature prevailed.

Long live massage!!!

Getting Better

2008-07-24T19:56:00.003-04:00

This will not be along post for I am still finding it difficult sitting for long periods of time. All the pressure on my back is still uncomfortable. This too shall pass.

My surgery went very well, and so much so that even when I was still under heavy medications directly after surgery, I told my husband, "I am pain free from my injury." Now I knew thee only pain I would be dealing with would be the surgery incision, but suffice it to say that will go away, my injury was not. So much so that I was nearly standing in a 90 degree angle. I was wheelchair bound or soon to be bed ridden. No longer. Do not let me lead you to believe that the pain from the surgery is minimal...it is not, but everyday I am feeling a little less pain.

I am mobile and walking about 3/4-1 mile a day, and that is outside. I am constantly walking inside the house. I am even wearing out a path. Just kidding. I have to wear a bone fusion contraption for at least four hours a day. It is bulky and cumbersome, but something that will speed up my recovery, so I wear it.

I also wear a soft sided back brace. Thee only time that comes off is when I am sleeping or drenched in sweat. So if I come back from an afternoon walk, I hang it out so it can air out. I am starting to sleep better, but not through the night. I have even slept through one of my pain medication time slots, so I know that the pain is lessening. Woo Hoo!

My sister has been my life saver. If not for her, I would have to be in some rehab, and we all know we heal better when at home. Granted, this is not my home, but she has opened up her home to me and my daughter, and there are no words that can begin to let her know how much we appreciate what her and her family has done for me and my family.

She had a similar surgery three years ago and knew exactly what I would be going through upon my coming home. She is pushing me to my limits, but not over the limits either. She has been a god-send.

I will be going home Monday the 28th. I have a 9:30 AM appointment, then I will be going home. Wheeeeeee. Then I will be booking a six week post-op and a twelve week post-op visit, then after that I am Scott free.

This has been a harrowing experience for me and my family, and to be honest, I did not think I wold get better. But my husband and I have come to the conclusion that there are people in this world cut out to do specific jobs...this mans was to heal people's backs. One of my crying spells after the surgery was me just venting to the fact that all I ever wanted was to be back to the way I was before my injury. I was not looking to be Superwoman, just back to my old self, nothing more...nothing less. He did that for me. I may be just a lowly unemployed, homeschooling, cooking homemaker, but it was the life I loved and can now love again.

OK, I lied, this is not a short post, my back let me sit a little longer. Thanks for all your good vibes, and hope to be posting on a more regular basis when I get home.

I'm Up

2008-07-17T10:27:00.002-04:00

Well, my daughter did not update...I guess to much partying.

The surgery went flawlessly. When I was in the recovery I told my husband that I was pain free, save the surgery incision. I am slow to recovery, but I am up and walking, OK, it's more like a hobble, but one step and and day at a time.

I am starting to regain my appetite, well as best as I can with hospital food. The more I do, the more I will do. I ,know this will take a while,but I am a patient woman. My husband brought the laptop, so his is how I am blogging, but he will take that home with him.

Thanks for all your good thoughts!!!

D Day

2008-07-13T09:00:00.002-04:00

The day has arrived. We go to Miami to finalize all preparations for my back surgery. I am better with it, but still a bit anxious. I will have family by my side and with family once I leave the hospital. So those are good things. Again, my sister having gone through this and being my caregiver is a definite plus. I don't know what I would have done without her.

We leave once my husband comes home from work today. We are finishing up the cleaning of the house, laundry, and anything that we can do before my son and husband return while I am still in Miami.

I don't know who is more worried about thee other, my husband worried about being away from me, or me worrying about my son being alone so much of his day.

We will all get through this. This to shall pass. that which does not kill us makes us stronger. all of those apply to my situation. I look forward to getting back to normal physically and back into the blogging world, but my health comes first. so any news will be via my daughter.

See you all soon. And think good thoughts for me.

27 Years and Counting

2008-07-11T12:41:00.004-04:00

After posting my depressing post, I thought I might add something uplifting. Today is my 27th Wedding Anniversary. Yep, you heard right, twenty seven years. that means my husband and I have known each other 29 years. Yes we dated for two years before tying the knot. And one of those years we were seniors in high school.

How did we get to 27 years. It seems like I just asked him out yesterday. *Slaps hand over mouth* Yes, I confess, I asked him out first, but hear me out. One of my classmates was in a school play, and she was playing the lead role(Hello Dolly), so I asked my man if he wanted to go, he said yes. But low and behold, we both ended up having to work that night and we never made on the date I asked him out on.

Fast forward a few weeks and he turned around and asked me out. We saw the movie Alien. Yes, I know, it is a classic. But I never got to see the climatic finale where the alien gets blown up, for I was *cough cough* occupied. Yes, our first kiss as well.

I have never looked back. We have had our ups and downs, but not in our marriage so much as it has been financial. But I fall back on a classic Sony and Cher song..."I Got You Babe" And yes, our love may not pay the rent, but I know many-a folks who have much more money than we do and not half of the happiness. I think I am the winner!

Here's to you Bubba(Another blogging story) and to another 27 years!

I Am Scared

2008-07-11T11:06:00.003-04:00

I have been letting you all know of my upcoming spinal surgery, but the bewitching hour is slowly coming upon us. I am torn about this surgery. Don't get me wrong, I know that I need it and I know I will be healthier after it, but I am definitely not looking forward to the hospital stay and the recovery period.

I am a very healthy 46 year old woman. My medical clearance has proved that. If it were not for this injury, I would be bale to run marathons, but now I can barely stand to wash two glasses and three pieces of flatware. Who knew.

I just want to be back to my old self again. I want to do the things I used to do. Pffft to being a marathon runner. I want to clean my home, cook meals for my family and not have to plan an event away from the house on whether or not a place has a wheelchair or not. There is nothing worse than needing a wheelchair in order to enjoy a place and not have one. I do not have one permanently, for after my surgery, I will not need one, but in the interim, I would love to be able to sit and visit places.

This is not an 'Oh woe is me' rant, I am just a bit down, not depressed, for I know I will come home and do what I have to do to get better, that is how I roll(My daughters saying). This surgery and recovery will most more than likely not be as bad as I am thinking it will be and thee odd thing is, I am usually a very...and I mean very, uplifting person, almost to a fault. Yeah, I am one of those people that when you meet me, you go home and say, 'There is no way someone can be that up all the time.' I am. But not lately. I guess I am having a dose of a reality check. that is not a bad thing, it is just a thing. Reality keeps us in check, it grounds us. Trust me, I am grounded.

My daughter will be coming on here and posting about the outcome to my surgery. So keep your eyes peeled and keep me in your thoughts.

Giving Up

2008-07-05T06:43:00.005-04:00

This post is so not going to be about anything you think this title may lead you to believe. *rubs hands together*

I was recently talking to a friend of mine, and we were discussing how I will be handling everything in my life once I return home from the hospital. She meant cleaning, food and such forth. I told her I would be in Miami for the hospital stay(That being a given), then at my sisters for about another week, then home where hubby would have a week off before heading back to work, then mother-in-law is two blocks away if there were a dire emergency. Then once hubby goes back to work, there are women in my home schooling group who will be coming with meals and cleaning crews. So I will be taken care of for a while.

She offered to bring her signature dish...Chicken Caccitiatore. I told her that would be a welcome offer, but that my daughter Savanah would not be able to eat it and fend for herself that night. she then, politely as she possibly could told me that 'Maybe your daughter should set aside her beliefs and take what she can get until you get better.' I politely told, 'I don't think so, she is set in her convictions and I stand by her and she can manage on eggs for a night or two.'

It didn't hit me until a day later(Why do you always find the snappy comebacks when you are not in the heat of the conversation) something came to me. What if I had told her to set aside her Christan beliefs just long enough to watch an 'R' rated movie that went against what she believed in. Would she have done that? I think not. so why should my daughter do what she would never consider, just because it deals with food. *Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth* Where do people come up with this stuff. I couldn't make this up if I wanted to.

My Other Blog

2008-07-02T13:45:00.002-04:00

Well, I did it. I started another blog...who knew. It's not that I need another place to babble, but after seeing three recipes one behind the other, I realized that I had something to offer those who are looking for good food alternatives.

That is not to say that everything I post about will be 100% healthy. I do intend to let my daughter post some of her famous sweets, and yes, even those can still be healthy...if you do them the right way and have them in moderation.

Hope you enjoy The Cooking Lady

P.S. I have seen other blogs that when you are directed to their profile, you see they have more than one blog. I would love to add The Cooking Lady to this blog, so those who are interested in recipes, they can hop over there. I have searched and searched on to add another blog to my profile but to no avail. Any help form you ladies would be greatly appreciated.

Clean Green Alternatives

2008-06-26T19:17:00.000-04:00

There are folks out there who may think it is difficult to go green, but I am here to tell you it is not. It is cheaper, better for your family and the environment, and it smells a whole lot better than the crap they sell at the store. I have not bought a floor cleaner in well over a year. the great thing to my floor cleaner, is that I can alter the scent to my mood or the season.

In the holiday season I use an essential oil with the scent of cinnamon or peppermint, or in the spring I use gardenia or lavender. So you see the versatility to this method of cleaning. I much prefer jasmine over the lovely smell of bleach, and clean smelling bleach....pffft, don't even get me started.

So here are a few alternatives that should hopefully get you started and on the right track to being greener in your home.

Window Cleaner: Fill a spray bottle with club soda. Spray the windows and wipe clean with a rag.
Floor Cleaner: Combine 2 cups of white vinegar with 6 cups of warm water. Clean the floors with a towel or rag.
General Household Cleaner: Clean counters and walls with a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water. Scent your mixture with a couple of drops of essential oil of your choosing to mask the smell of the vinegar...or not. Tea tree oil is a great disinfectant.
Deodorizer: Sprinkle non-scented or scented baking soda on the bottom of garbage cans to absorb odors and spills. Keeps the container smelling good until the bag is changed.
Grease Cutter: I also use straight baking soda with a bit of water to make a paste to wipe away grease build up around the kitchen.

I have come to embrace cleaner, greener alternatives and since coming into the blogging world, have stumbled onto many a women who have more to offer about being green than I do. I will pull together more alternatives and add them as they pile up.

The Knife Part 2

2008-06-24T17:46:00.000-04:00

Well I have made my appointment for surgery. I will go under the knife on July 15. Am I scared? You darn tootin' right I am. This man will be cutting into my back, my spine. How would you feel if someone had to cut into your back.

For those of you who do not know me, I am hunched over like an 80 year old woman. And the funny thing is, is that I had never seen myself. Meaning, I had no idea what I looked like in the hunched over position. Oh my stars. I look pitiful. No, I really mean...I-Look-Pitiful!

I spend thee entire day in Miami. I started with an MRI, then walked(not literally) around to the Sylvester Center for the rest of my day and the rest of my tests. Which included but were not limited to a CT, x-ray and a bone density scan. I cried through nearly thee entire MRI. I could not get comfortable and it was something I had to do. Same thing with the CT. It was only a 5 minute test, but I cried through it all. Suffice it to say I was relieved when the x-ray tech told me that I would be standing. that is not to say those tests were pain free, but they were a whole lot better than anything that had me on a table...no matter how they had my legs positioned.

The doctor saw me directly after lunch and he was a very straightforward kind of man. He told me what was wrong with me, and told me what had to be done. What was I going to say, "No, I want to be in pain the rest of my life?" I don't think so. So surgery it is.

My sister had had back surgery and hers seems to be very similar to mine, but I know that every surgery and everyone is different. I may sail through my recovery and then again, I may not. I won't know til I get there. I will be in the hospital for approximately 4-6 days, but hanging to the latter. then I will stay in Miami until they remove my drains and I see the doctor for my first post-op visit. And then he has to release me for a 2 hour drive home. Boy, I am really looking forward to that ride home...NOT!

I have not gotten the reports yet, and the lady who hands them out is not back from vacation until 6-25...that is tomorrow. Once I have the report I will let you guys know exactly what is wrong with my back.. But I can tell you this much...it is messed up.

Garden Envy

2008-06-22T14:19:00.000-04:00

Well, I am home from my moms for a visit. I hitched a ride with my sister and her husband drove me and my daughter back home. So all I had to do was show up. And with my impending surgery in the foreseeable future, I needed...wanted to go. I know I would be as useless as a bump on a log(for I usually clean for my mother while there), I went all the same. And sure as all get out, all I did was sit and talk/rest. The help I did give out, was from the dining room table. I chopped and stirred what I could from a sitting position. Oh, I did fold laundry, so I did not feel totally like a waste.

Now to the reason of this post. My brother moved back into my parents home a few months back. It is good for all parties involved. My brother decided to start a garden. And I do not mean a small patch of land in a yard. You need to know that my parents live on nearly six acres of land at Florida/Georgia state line. Well this garden is the garden of all gardens. I am so jealous...in a good way.

My parents are not getting younger and their health is not the best. My mom cannot help at all and my dad can, but only when the sun is going down. But in spite of those obstacles, my brother has pulled off a garden to be proud of.

They have planted eggplant.

Tomatoes. Red, yellow, grape and cherry.

Cucumbers. Pickling and regular.

Watermelon.

Corn. Which my dad thinks it small, but it has time.

This was such a garden. And I was so mad that I could not get out there and help him weed and pick veggies. Just taking these pictures left me in so much pain I could barely stand when I got back in the house. My brother plans on expanding the garden next year, but for being his first time out...he did a slam up great job. I tip my hat in awe!

Bring on the Knife

2008-06-18T16:56:00.000-04:00

Well the time has come to go under the knife. To find out how I got to this...read my post stuck-leg-itis. I fell in 2006 and dislocated my knee, and in doing so I herniated three discs in my back. That has compounded over the years and has gotten to the point where it is compromising my daily going-ons in life.

I have an appointment with a top notch neurosurgeon down in Miami on Monday the 23rd. I have an MRI, CT, X-ray and then a doctors appointment...all in the same day. Needless to say I will physically, but more mentally exhausted than anything. I will know then, after seeing the doctor, when my surgery will be happening.

I will be in the hospital, most likely, for approximately 4-6 days, then home to re-cooperate for 4-8 weeks, depending on how I heal. I have had a previous elective surgery, and I healed pretty darned good, but one never knows. I am darned tootin' healthy...go ahead ask Permission blogger. But this has knocked me down to my knees. I need some releif. No one should be going through the pain I am going through.

When I was young, I used to here older people say, "You learn to live with the pain." I now know what they mean.

So keep me in your thoughts, and send any good vibes my way, so I can have a speedy recovery. As soon as I know something, you folks will know something.

He Did It

2008-06-14T11:42:00.000-04:00

For those who do not know me, or just know me from my entrance to the blogging world, I have a 19 year old son who is autistic. We are blessed in the fact that he is high functioning. Most adults have no clue he is autistic, but put him with his peers and he does not mesh well. He has not quite mastered the social graces we all take for granted and learn as we grow. There are things he does not get or gets them much much later than the average child. My husband and I worry just how far his ability to learn will go. For those who have special children...you know where I am coming from. Well today my son hit another landmark in the walk through life.

My son cut the grass all by himself this morning. Now he has been actually cutting the grass, but my husband was always close by in case he needed any assistance. His biggest fear was that he would not be able to physically start the mower itself. Well low and behold he managed to start the mower and cut thee entire front yard all by himself. I called my husband at work and told him the news and after hanging up with him I broke down sobbing. He had done it, and with no help from either his father or myself. He had made another step toward being independent. I was elated. We have worried for years if he would ever be able to to do things to survive in the real world. Today was a glimpse that he may actually be able to do things for himself, but just in his own time frame...not mine, and not anyone elses. His own time. This was the boy that learned to tie his shoe at 16 and got the concept of a joke at the age of 8. So you can see how we thought there might be things he would never understand or get. But he is proving us wrong...and I am glad.