Blogstalker

complicated

2011-11-17T08:56:00.002+04:00

Life is, well.........complicated!

If that is not the most understated phrase, then I am just doing it all wrong! Heck, I probably am. Oh well, my new outlook on life is to just keep on trucking. Look where it has gotten me thus far. I am just three weeks from earning my first degree. When I started on this roller coaster it seemed that I had boarded a ride that would never end. People would say that at least there was light at the end of the tunnel, but I felt like with the way my luck always seems to go, the light would probably be a train!

But now I see that light, and by golly it even looks like daylight. Keep on trucking, thats what it is all about now, keep on trucking.

Kids lives are topsy-turvey and you feel their pain along with your own, keep on trucking.

Seems like every class decided to load up all of their assignments at the end of the semester, keep on trucking.

your "right now" job asks yo to choose between your school and committing to more work, keep on trucking.

Kids get sick, loved ones fall on hard times, everyone seems to be loosing their jobs, businesses are failing right and left.................

Keep on trucking!

Cuz, what else you gonna do?

Life may be complicated, but its all worth it in the end. Even if our reward is not in this life, it WILL come.

Its all about the simple joys anyhow:

the hug from a child
the smile from a stranger
that warmth in your heart when you provide service
holding hands with your spouse
sharing fond memories and making new ones

And none of these have to cost any money.

Have a great day blog stalkers!

Balance

2010-11-10T07:19:00.003+03:00

We need balance in everything right?

Well, add in a little perspective and I think you have a recipe for success.

I do not even know who I am any more. Not that I am becoming someone I do not recognize, but I have a hard time dealing with reality nowadays. Not the reality of the spouse or the kids. Not even the reality of work and school on top of everything else. It is the reality of the absolute certainty I have of the existence of God, Heaven, and the ability to be with our loved ones again.

My life changed forever earlier this year. A loss that hurts every time I even come close to thinking about it has changed the way I look at everything I do. I find myself pushed to do more. More than I maybe can do. But if I do not even try, I feel that I am falling short of the time I am blessed to be upon the earth.

And then I have the waves of worthlessness that will wash over me. I will feel like I need to stop working so hard because in the end none of it matters.

But it all does matter. It does not matter if I make the most money, live in the fanciest house, or have the nicest car. What matters is that I was not idle. I want to be able to say I did not waste the time I was given when there were others who did not even get to grow old.

All in all, I am busy, I miss my family, but I am trying to arrange things so that I can balance everything and still work towards the goals I have set for myself. It will not be easy, but I really think it will be worth it.

Just some thoughts,

Have a great day!

Everythings great, right?

2010-11-02T07:54:00.002+03:00

Life throws you curve balls. It's just a fact. If we do not jump out of the way, they can knock us around and may sting for a bit. But get up swinging! This life is but a mere moment in the eternalness of the universe.

So, if you are down and out right now, remember there is definitely someone more down and out than you.

Get up swinging!

Have a great day!

Not soon enough......

2010-03-10T08:35:00.003+03:00

Okay, been really busy with school,..................kind of crazy actually! Things are going pretty good and I am even figuring out my "bad" instructor and have an outside chance at a great grade but am keeping the expectations earthly based. I will be okay, very disappointed-but okay, with a B in his class.

I never before, in high school or college- when I was younger(and less busy), ever been looking so forward to a spring break! And it is right around the corner. After tonight I only have one physical class to attend, one test to take, and one mid-term essay to write. The latter of which is scaring me a little because I work every day this week. But then in class tonight, the instructor lets me know that she will take it anytime during spring break if I need extra time. HOW SWEET IS THAT!? Anyway, still would like to turn it in by Saturday night, but so much pressure is off, just knowing I have extra time if /i really need it.

And just to toot my own a horn a little. Was totally called out in front of other classmates on how to correctly post to the on-line discussion posts and to challenge other classmates. TOOT-TOOT!
(me tooting my own horn, lol)

So, anybody else looking forward to spring break? One mom I know said spring break is no break for her. Just more dirty dishes and bodies laying around the house. I for one am gonna try and find some fun stuff for the family to do. Any suggestions? And remember, we have zero money, so you gotta be pretty creative!

Have a great day stalkers!

3 A's and a pompous _____!

2010-02-22T07:42:00.000+03:00

Okay, so time to vent! I am fuming. Okay, blog stalker, breathe........in... ......out........... ...........in............ ...............out.....................repeat repetetively........

whew......I have posted about my issues with my 'one' class that I could not seem to get a good grade in. Good grade for me means an A. I am an A student and have been most of my college life(way back then) except for that one class and then there was that one semester....but overall, yes I have been proud of my ability to rise to the level of the class and do what it takes to earn a high mark.

So obviously I was so so deflated when my first grade was so crappy. It just so happened it was the first graded item this semester out of all four classes. I was mortified, to say the least, but motivated to do better. I started "communicating" with the professor. I didn't get anywhere, hence no follow up post about it. I did end up averaging 8 and 9 points on each 10 point quiz since the first one(where I only got 6!) But the problem is, this professor is so full of himself and arrogant. His online lectures are bad enough, but his emails show me just how egotistical he is. I, and other students, have had to point out questions on the quizzes(which we cannot go back and see, or study from) were not found in any assigned readings. I have recouped points because of this.(which give me my 8.5 average)

I have some physical classes with a few others taking this online class with the same instructor. They are having the same experience if not worse. And then we take his first exam(there are only 3, two mid terms and a double weighted final) I felt so good after I checked all my answers with my notes.(online, so notes are okay) There was no way in H*^L I didn't get a solid A, at least that's how I felt till I submitted it. I got a 78. How does that happen?

After this test there was some serious discussion on the online discussion board. Apparently I got one of the better grades. The overall opinion is that he is somehow word games and changing maybe a transition word here and there to throw us off. I swear I took all my answers straight from my 'marked to death' course materials.

So, what is his response? "Some of you are displeased with the results of your exam. I want you all to do well, but please note this is an institution of higher learning, college, and it is supposed to be difficult." -Jerk

I understand difficult. Try having a million kids in a million different things and work full time, go to school full time sleep(3 hours average a night) serve in your church, be active politically at the local level, etc, etc, I KNOW DIFFICULT! He seems hell bent on personally weeding out the dregs of society based on HIS tests. UGH!

Okay, to the one reader still reading this, "Thanks for letting me vent!" As a matter of balance, I am currently earning an "A" in each of my other three classes. And the class in question.......is the only freshman level class. Yes, it is a 100 level class! unbelievable, and the rest of them are 300 or 400 classes. I just can't figure it out!

Well, still got that mid term to finish.......lol

You guys RAWK!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

28 hour day! It could happen......right?

2010-02-21T04:58:00.000+03:00

Okay, so my resolve to post more often is not working out the way I had planned. But I have an idea to help me out. I call it the 28 hour day. Sounds pretty good, right? Oh my gosh, what I could do with another 4 hours in the day.

So, how it would work is just get rid of Mondays. With the 24 hours we would save we could just lengthen each day by 4 hours. Of course, we would need to convince businesses and schools etc that 32 hours a week are worth the same now that 40 used to be. Okay, then school could not cover the same amount of material and oh crap, less shopping days............and what would happen to all the calender makers in the country? Okay, maybe I just need to get better at managing my time.

I am supposed to be working on a big research mid-term(one of two due) and yet I am posting a blog. Oh well, gotta get those creative juices flowing, the break from looking at all the research is good for me. right? sure it is.

well, back to the paper I guess....ugh.......and all you Monday lovers out there,.....................chill out, I was just thinking out loud.

MISSING

2010-02-10T15:25:00.002+03:00

Apparently, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. As anyone who has visited here over the last year knows, my family has taken about a 60% reduction in income. With that fact, I redirected where my life had been heading career wise. I secured a job in a completely new field.......at the bottom and have gone back to school full time. I would like to think of myself as a hard worker, and one who strives to always become better, no matter what the job may be.(because if you are going to do a job, its worth doing right! -Thanks dad!))

So good news! They are promoting me into management. Wait, don't uncork any Martineli's just yet, it is the very lowest in the management hierarchy. But I do feel good that my work ethic and attitude, in the face of all the adversity over this last year, helped me stand out.

Not as exciting as winning the lottery. It does not solve all my money issues. We will only get about a 10% bump in pay, but you take the good anywhere you can get it, right? It will be quite interesting, what with my hectic school demands, but I put that up front when I interviewed for the new position. Hopefully there will be minimal conflicts between my educational demands and the requirements of management.

Okay, so that's whats going on with work. As far as school, I still have not had my "meeting" with my one instructor over my issues with his class. But we will be talking today, WISH ME LUCK! I hope I can convey my issues and stand up for myself without bruising his ego or putting a target over all future assignments in his class. I am on a slightly better footing, having done better on the last couple quizzes, but standing my ground that they are not adequately demonstrating my knowledge of the material. (and throw in the fact I am ADD and see if he will work with me)

On that note, I had an initial "diagnosis" after my intake assessment and looks like I will soon get some help with my ADD/HD! YAY!

Well, you guys are the best, thanks for listening(reading)! still not as regular with these posts, but slowly becoming more organized as I complete assignments. Once I get on the good stuff I imagine I will be able to focus better and take the few minutes I want to give myself to update the blog.

HAVE A GREAT DAY STALKERS!

Lack of sle........zzzzzzzzzzzzz (AND ROLL CALL)

2010-02-04T10:19:00.003+03:00

Yes, I am definitely burning the candle at both ends. Guess where that came from? It came from a saying that one left for work, such as on a farm, while the candle was burning(because it was still dark) and then, yep you guessed it, when one would come back home, the candle was burning again(because it was now night).

So, I did a wee better on my next quiz in this class. I am very frustrated because I knew this material frontward, backward and in Spanish even! I ended up emailing my professor and sounding my concern that his quizzes were no reflection on my mastery of the material and could not in one instance find even one reference to a question he had included. He now wants me to meet him in his office. Why do I feel like I am back in high school and am so nervous? I will let y'all know what happens when this meeting occurs.

Anyway, getting into the groove. So far, I am getting full points in my other three classes and so feel I am not a failure after all. I don't know if I will ever know what a good nights sleep is again, or if I will ever find the time to exercise again, but I am proving that you are never too old to go back to school. Funny I am closer in age to my instructors than my fellow students. Well, not that funny.

Hope everything is good in the blog world. I am sorry to say I am not getting to visit your blogs like I would like to but hope I will continue to get feedback from all you awesome blog stalkers. I will so reward those who visit and leave comments. Don't know how yet, but I will recognize y'all somehow, someway.

So jump on the band-wagon people! Or Jump back on, this is gonna be fun!

( Sound out for roll call, even if just to say hello)

Have a great day Blog Stalkers!

Pulling out my hair!

2010-01-28T09:59:00.003+03:00

So, they say you learn a lot in college. They are right. I already learned that I am not as smart as I thought I was. Oh wait,,,,,maybe it was that I need more than three to four hours of sleep a night. Nope, I remember, it was that I have an old brain and it is not cooperating!

All kidding aside, I hit a wall. I spent so much time reading and studying etc this whole last week. There were online assignments due by midnight( I had minutes to spare when I turned them in, thank you), and couple hundred pages to read and remember all the info. Oh, and what was for each class. Heaven forbid I get involved in a class discussion and start discussing the wrong class. Anyway, I have been super busy with working full time, taking a full load of classes etc,,,,,etc,,,, but i thought I was in control of it. I KNEW this material. Heck, I could write you a three page paper on any of the readings I have read. So it was with great confidence that I took my first quiz in one of my classes, looking forward to getting it done so I could continue reading, learning, etc. yeah............you guessed it. FAIL! I only got 6 out of ten! I was and am devastated. I cannot have this. That big whooshing sound you just heard was my confidence leaving me.

I know it is just one quiz, and blah blah blah.....but I knew this material. It was the way the questions were asked and I just didn't see the connections. WHAT NOW!

Well, I am not quiting, just needed to vent. I am so disappointed with myself.

Any really great ways you guys have in taking notes on your readings? I am wondering if maybe the problem was that I read the required reading so far in advance and felt comfortable with it. Maybe I should disregard my rule of not defacing literature and mark up my books with easy to spot ideas, events, etc. Just thinking aloud here people. It may be only 6 points but it is a precedent I do not want to repeat.

All pride is gone so any suggestions for this old (with way old brain) college student, just shout it right out!

Have a better day than me you awesome blog stalkers!

<<<<<>>>>Blurry Vision>>>><<<<>>

2010-01-24T10:20:00.004+03:00

Well, this past week of classes has my head spinning. Wondering if working full time, going to school full time, trying to raise an army of kids, volunteering in the community and serving in church is all such a good idea.

AM I CRAZY?

I hope not. I have a goal and I am working toward that goal. But man oh man, the ammount of reading that has to be done just to be able to become involved in the discussions and pass the quizzes is overwhelming. And this is from someone who LOVES to read!

I am finding myself slowly getting better organized and I am setting mini goals and pacing my reading so I do not overload. All in all it is still exciting, but if I said my heart did not skip a beat every now and again because of the load.....I would be lying.

As I write this it is the wee hours of the morning. I am definitely a stranger to my bed and I think I will soon develop permanent bags under my eyes. I may have to start popping caffeine pills to stay awake! lol

no, seriously, I do need drugs........(don't judge me) But not for staying awake. I am going to see my doctor and see what he says. Just need something to help my ADD. I have coping mechanisms but I have way too much on my plate and need to be able to sort and prioritize. Wish me luck.

OFF TO BED!

Have a great day my fellow blogstalkers!

Take your seats

2010-01-22T11:21:00.003+03:00

So, as you know, I began the adventure of redefining myself by going back to school. This week has been the first week. AND IT CAN BE A LITTLE OVERWHELMING! lol

All in all after finishing and turning in(it is all turned in on-line) the last of this weeks assignments, I know I can do this.

I know it will not be easy. But if the kid who looks like they just stopped using training wheels on their bike can handle this, so can I gosh darnit!

Taking a full load and working as full time as possible, coupled with the demands of having a large family and being involved with our church, seems absolutely crazy. In fact there are many who know me who may say now they always knew I was. Good thing I am anonymous so nobody can know for sure. lol

So, I contemplated closing this blog this week. It was during one of those moments when I saw everything that had to be done and felt like I had half the time required to actually complete everything. But after finishing this week I want to talk about it.

As a people watcher, campus can be entertaining. Did I ever look that young? I think not. I find the instructors fun to try and decipher as well. Two of them are very enthusiastic and exciting and well, the jury is out on the other two.

So, I am going to try and actually blog more frequently. With the amount of time I have been spending on the laptop, I am going to discipline myself with "blog breaks" to just let off some steam, talk about something weird or funky I've seen or just plain ramble.(kinda like now)

My fellow blogstalkers, what have you started or began recently?

Is it exciting/scary?

What did it take to get to the point of actually starting?

Have a great day Stalkers.

You write the caption!

2010-01-13T09:19:00.002+03:00

Should be simple enough, you fill in the caption for this photo. What is going on? Why?

That is for you to tell the rest of us.

BE CREATIVE, and by all means, FUNNY is good too!

Out with the old!

2010-01-01T05:38:00.006+03:00

. Well, Happy New Year to all you blog stalkers out there. I have been well wished that 2010 will be a much better year for me and my family, and I sure hope they are right.

But looking back at the year that was 2009 I need to recognize that I had many blessings as well as the struggles and heartache. The majority of all our woes has been monetary. Not to discount the importance of money in our life, but I have been learning a lot about who we really are and what is truly important.

For instance, I didn't think twice before about how many unnecessary expenses I was incurring because I thought I needed something. Even if/when finances get better I think I have learned that there are some things that we can go without if it means being more financially sound.

The biggest thing that I have been reflecting on is credit and how easy everyone throws it around for us. Some things are okay for taking out a line of credit but we(I) have had to learn the hard way that if you do not have the money for something, then you don't get it. I for one had totally been caught up in the "got to have it now" mentality. The hardest lesson was losing our new vehicle when we could not make the payments any longer. I cannot see ever buying a vehicle again, that I do not pay for completely up front.

I also have been confronted point blank with the fact that God loves me and my family. I had never doubted this but have had some tearful reminders of his tender mercies this past year. We have had our share of troubles and I do not make light of them, but through this I have been humbled and know even better what is really important. I have had the opportunity to have my testimony of the Savior grow through having to suck in my pride and allow others to help us. That was/is not easy. I don't even know if those who have helped us even realize how much they have done for us.

A few days before Christmas a package was left on our front porch. It was addressed to our family and each one of us personally had a gift in this package that said from Santa. The gifts were very personal and bring a tear to my eye even as I write this. Not because of what they gave us, which was very nice, but because of what they did. Whomever did this for our family cannot know how much this act made us feel loved and appreciated. I have tried to think of who did this for us and might even be giving away who blogstalker is because they might be reading this, but it has been acts of kindness like this that have been carrying us through these hard times. We have truly had angels here on earth watching out for us and just hope those who have done these things for us know just how much they have done for us, and not just physically but emotionally and spiritually.

So as we discard the year known as 2009 and embrace all that lies ahead in 2010, I hold my head high and that the lord for all that I have and even for all that I have lost. Without sorrow we may never truly know some of the greatest joy. I wish all you blog stalkers out there the very best of new years.

Do not put off til tomorrow what can be done today!

Have a great YEAR!

I'm a people watcher!

2009-12-16T07:22:00.002+03:00

No twelve step program needed. One thing I have always been drawn to is people. We all live our lives within the circles we interact with. But there are so many we go past every day who have their own stories and lives.....interacting within their own circles, and so on, and so on.

I have always been (sometimes overly) observant of those around me. I "see" all the drivers around me when I drive. I study the people who wait in lines with me. Just about anywhere you find people gathered, you find this people watcher.(me) Probably why I love Blog stalking, we all have unique and different lives and it is fascinating to me to read just how different they are and where they are similar.

The crazy part is I am not a overly social person myself. If I have reason to interact, I learn the names of who I am taking to(whether it is the attendant or waiter), and I speak directly and can carry on a conversation. But that having been said, if there is no reason to speak to someone, I don't! I do not feel awkward with silence. Sometimes I actually like to see the reactions of those who are obviously bothered by silence, such as when waiting for a bus with someone.

So anyway, I found myself on the university campus this week. Trying to get everything in order for this coming semester. It was quite exciting to walk around this campus, getting lost in the large crowds that were taking breaks from or studying for finals. As I walked through the crowded student body, the people watcher in me took it all in.

Some things I noticed were that while there were definitely VERY young people everywhere, I was not as out of place as I would have thought. There were people about my age and even "many" who were older. :-) While I was very deliberate with what I needed to accomplish, I noticed at least a dozen oddities that piqued my interest.

First off, what is this crazy new fad with making huge holes in our ear lobes with buttons, coins etc? It is more prevalent than I thought.

I also noticed the "air heads" sound the same as they did when I was their age! This made me smile at how self important they tend to carry themselves.

I saw people together that made no sense and made me wonder how a couple so different could get together.

Just like in high school and when I was first in college, the cliques are still present:

The all Asian club had some kind of party going on in one section of the quad.
In another section there were the jocks, or at least those who thought they were jocks. They dressed like athletes and tossed a ball back and forth at least.

There were two or three very....um....well...nerdy..for a lack of a better word, sitting around their lap tops discussing quantum physics or something equally mind numbing.

Bikes, bikes, and more bikes. And every kind of bike you could imagine. I saw bikes that probably cost several hundred dollars if not more. I also saw bikes that looked like they should be taken behind the barn and shot.

Beards! Does every young college guy who can grow facial hair think that it is his duty to grow out fuzz? And while I have nothing against beards.........cmon!

And I think skateboards are back. But they have grown an extra foot long and resemble a small surf board now

I will never have to worry about fitting into any particular fashion sense. In fact many people wore what made no sense at all. I counted at least 10 "Fats Domino" style hats and even a tie over a t-shirt.

Well, I could go on. It is not quite as entertaining as people watching at Walmart. Emma, that musing banterer, has shared numerous walmart sitings. And if you do make a siting, report it immediately.

Number one thing I brought back from my outing(other than I am done and only waiting on University) "This school brings in a lot of money based on how much it is going to cost me per semester multiplied by the number I just happened to see while I was there. Talk about mind boggling.

Well, I have typed aimlessly. What is going on with all of you? Trying anything new?

Done any good people watching?

Have a great day!

Dear Mr./Mrs Creditor:

2009-12-09T05:01:00.002+03:00

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. I know it is not politically correct to say Merry Christmas, but who cares? Not me. Anyway, I wanted to write you this quick letter to express my well wishes. Over the last few months I feel we have grown very close. I do not have any other friends who call me as much or as often as you do.

At first we talked all the time. You would ask me to make those minimal payments to keep your bosses off my back. You were so looking after me. You almost cared when you would call just two days after receiving that payment asking for more. You just could not go very long without talking to me and do not think I have not appreciated you eagerness.

I am sorry that I have become so busy that we have not had the pleasure of talking to each other as of late. Taking all the extra work I can for even the pennies I am offered is a must at this time. And I don't mean to be rude but sometimes you call at the most inconvenient times. And why don't you ever leave a message?

Unfortunately I think our relationship may be in jeopardy. I tried to send your bosses a letter explaining the situation to see if we could work something out but it seems that it was not received well. Apparently somehow they know of a way to feed a large family, keep them sheltered AND pay large payments to them on an income a little over a third of what it was last year.

I must say that I am a (stalker) of honor and want nothing more than to pay my debts. After all ,they are my debts. But our situation, through no fault of mine or my spouse, is tragically dire. And from talking to others, we are not the only ones going through this. But now you had to go and get lawyers involved. That is just not a nice way to treat the friend you have been calling for over eight months now. If we go down this road I may just have to go down the dark and ominous road of bankruptcy. If that happens I feel you will stop calling me and then what would I do with all that free time?

Hope this letter finds you well and did not take you away from anything important such as dinner or work or time with your family.

Your friend,

(Blogstalker)

Running Away!

2009-12-04T09:47:00.002+03:00

From those extra pounds I gained Thanksgiving day weekend that is! I am putting this out there for all to see so that I will stay motivated. I have exercised every day this week so far and while I may have only lost what I gained that blessed turkey day, so far I FEEL GREAT!

Anyway, I recently alluded to the fact that there might be a bit of an announcement from me. Unfortunately for some of you, I am not revealing who I am in real life(mmmmwahhahahaha)....where was I, oh yeah, I am starting in on something that I hope will be a real good thing for me and my family.

For some of you newbies out there, back in March our family found itself with ZERO income coming in and no jobs. We are a fairly large family and it was devastating. Spouse and I are doing everything we can and have cut everything we could. (including spell check it would seem at times, dang wireless keyboards with low batteries!)
We are working at jobs that pay nothing close to what we were used to. BUT WE ARE WORKING! And right now feel very fortunate for our family and for the lessons to be learned from how little one can survive on.

Don't get me wrong, we have an income at 60% of what it was last year. We have had to give up the "nice" vehicles and kids make lunches I think sometime they are ashamed of. Anywho....not where I was going with this...........

New life! I, like some of my stalkers, have decided to go back to school. I was accepted into the school program I wanted and was put on a waiting list in April but since two semesters have come and gone without being "called up", well I am taking a change of direction.

I figured I would do what I have always wanted to do. Turns out I have all my credits needed to apply for the program next fall. I can take some class this spring for some additional certifications which will help me in my possible new career. I just hope I can get financial aid and scholarships, because without that, this dream is dead.

I initially only qualify for a very piddly amount of aid because it is based on our family income last year........WHATEVER!

So, AM I SCARED? You betcha, and excited and nervous but anxious etc, etc, etc.

I asked in a post early in the year whether you could teach an old dog new tricks. Lets hope so!

What do you think stalkers?

Who else is taking new directions in their life?

Have a great day!

Team Blogstalker

2009-12-01T07:55:00.002+03:00

Okay everyone, I know that everybody has picked one side or the other in the Twilight movie series. I guess I can understand it a little. It is the struggle we all either went through, wished we went through or hope to go through. And that is two people fighting over the chance to be with you forever. Ahhhh, who wouldn't love that scenario?

Well, I just don't get how out of control it has all gotten. I did go see "New Moon" and liked it. Now, I am one who read the books and liked them. You true blue die hard fans don't be upset but they were not fantastic. They were written for the teen girl audience and so they were drawn out, slow and super sappy. But that does not mean they were not full of interesting plot lines and fantastic spins on the vampire genre.

So, the movie was about what I would have expected. There were no surprises and I thought it was actually better than the first one in production quality and action. There is a scene...sorry this is spoiler.....I mean really, Jacob tore his shirt off and flexes a little too show offy. But the reaction from some older mom in the audience made it all worthwhile. (I think she required fans to cool off).

What I don't understand is the absolute anti-twilight attitude most teenage boys seem to have. I mean, It IS a vampire movie and there is blood and death(a little) and come on, the Voltaire, awesome! I just don't get it! It is as if teenage boys have to judge their manhood by how bad they trash the books and the movies relating to the twilight series..........whatever! I had to laugh as the movie ended and a young teenage boy runs out of the theater screaming about how awful it was to sit through with his family. Now that did not cause us all to notice that he was there. DUH! And the older teenage boys with their dates who said they needed to go watch some football to reclaim their manliness.....okay, now this was at lest funny and clever....and who wouldn't want to watch a little football?

All in all, when weighing in on the whole team Jacob and team Edward, I choose neither. I am happy with me and who I am and do not need to pick either one. And anyway, haven't all these kids read the books, we all know who wins! hehe

So hey, Team Blogstalker shirts available Saturday! Order yours now!

Have a great day!

Perspective!

2009-11-21T08:01:00.004+03:00

AS I sometimes lay down at night I have been prone to self pity. I do not need to go into too much detail as many of you know that we have been suffering financially for the last year. It has been too easy to lay awake at night and feel so bad about all that I have lost or may lose.

And then I think of my ancestors, and some of yours. We have it so much better than so many ever did. I have read accounts of my own predecessors who didn't even have running water. There were times in my own fathers lifetime that an outhouse was normal.

My dad lived for a time in a two bedroom home with dirt floors and there were 6 kids. And here I am thinking I have it so rough, just because we lost a job and a vehicle etc.

I read of parents burying their babies in shallow graves. I then hear about a brother shot to death over some land rights. Couples separated for months at a time because there is no work at home.

Yes, I have so much to be thankful for. All my children are fairly healthy and I have an awesome spouse who somehow puts up with me.

So, with perspective, LIFE IS GOOD!

With that being said, I want to spotlight another awesome blogger who stalks me every now and again. If you get a chance go check out MISS KRIS. Tell her I sent you and give her some comment love.
I loved this post, Read it and tell me where you are from.

She is also a very talented poet, please go here and read some of her awesome stuff.

And just when you thought you knew who MISS KRIS was, here are 20 questions that really tell us who she is! I hope you had a great time getting to know this fellow blog stalker.

And as always, HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Happy day and SPOTLIGHT!

2009-11-13T09:10:00.003+03:00

Happy Day!

Why you ask? or maybe you didnt ask. Anyway, I had some good news today when I went to check on some possibilities on my future. For those of you who may be newer to my blog, My family income has crashed. Because of lay offs and work now which is apprciated but not very high in the pay, we bring home 40% of the income we were bringing home.

That is not an exagerated figure and we have had to adjust to a hard reality of life. A life of weighing needs vs. wants. For example, we want shoes with no holes in them but we need food on the table. Anyway we have found ourselves doing without so much that we thought we had to have.

This has been traumatic at times. Everyone in this family has had a time when the lack of money has been heartwrenching at worst and inconvenient at best.

So we have had to re-evaluate the direction in career and life in general. We have had some life changing trials and blessings because of them. I hope we are passing the tests we are up against. We are closer as a family for sure.

I am not ready to reveal what is going on because I have to talk to another person first, but hopefully that will be soon. It is a boost to my confidence that there will be a better future and it is exciting to boot! The musing banterer (inside joke for some) has some idea of where this could be going.

So, that was a little long winded, I appologize but I had an entirely different idea for this post. Guess I just can't keep things inside. I know that I do not post nearly as much as I would like to. I do not visit all your blogs with the kind of frequency as I would like. And I leave comments even less. And so in turn I have lost followers. Albeit fringe followers with finiky tastes maybe looking for something different, but they have left al the same.

No crying here, but I have been sittingon an idea for the last week or so. Because we all connect as bloggers, we have this kind of network with each other. But not all of your followers know each other. Neither do mine.

And I have some of the best followers ever! I want to start spotlighting from time to time some of you awesome bloggers. If you know them already, awesome. If you don't, spend some time getting to know them.

Today I am going to spot one of my first blog followers. Her name is Rhonda and you can read some ofher posts in the followng post selections:

First off she tells us what her Kids have taught her

Then, you really need to read WHO AM I? Itis a real self look into herself as a blogger. You may want to read more of her adventures at the SITScation or whatever that thing was that I didnt go to! (couldnt reveal myself now could I?)

A good way to finish up is reading her funny post/poem about her Family.

Check her out. And I am going to do this a little more frequently, lets ll get to know each other a little better! Branch out andfind new readers for our blogs!

Have a great day Stalkers!

Not too late.

2009-11-05T05:52:00.002+03:00

Okay you procrastinators out there, get out your calenders. It is getting close and closer to the end of the year. What does that mean? Christmas and thanksgiving? Yes, but what I want to talk about are the resolutions you made at the end of last year and the first of this year.

How did you do? Did you start but not finish the goal? Did you achieve your goal only to sabotage yourself? I will freely admit that my biggest goal just blew up in my face. Here it is November and I am the same weight I was last January. Oh FRUIT! (inside joke)

Anyway, I decided to do something about it. My running never did get back to "habit". I was told it takes 21 days to make something a habit. So, I am digging in and hitting the pavement. The past two weeks have been stepping stones. Two weeks ago i ran 3 days, two miles each. Last week I ran 4 times 2 miles twice and 3 miles twice. So far this week I have ran 3 times at 3 miles each run. I must say I am feeling better.

My goal is to continue to eat sensible but to try and not obsess with the scale but how I feel when I consistently run. The weight will come off as I make this thing a habit.

Wish me luck! Now i have gone and posted to the world so no going back, right?

So, how have you done with YOUR resolutions?

New beginning and Answers?

2009-10-20T08:47:00.003+04:00

Today was the first day of the rest........BLAH BLAH BLAH. It was not all that big a deal but was a change none the less. Today I started a new job. I am not making more money and I consider it a lateral move.......... but there are some perks.

I will now be in closer proximity to the house and kids if they should need me. I am close enough that the gas I will save will be like getting a raise. YAY ME! So anyway, the best reason is a selfish reason. THERE IS A QT WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE! Seriously this is a perk. I love the place. 30 choices of beverage, fatty foods and candy.....oh, and gas, clean bathrooms etc..

Do you feel like I do on first days? Are you back in first grade or the first day of high school?
Hoping you look cool, but like your not trying to look cool? Too funny, but it is true.

It is almost like a first date. Bear with me on this. When you go on a first date, you are so concerned on how you look in your jeans. You worry yourself about how your hair looks. Everything has to be perfect. Usually you eat more politely and maybe even pay attention to what your date is saying and make some clever comments that make you seem so witty. Then fast forward one year and you are getting take out in some "comfy" clothes and your hair, who cares? Anyone.....?

Well, I happen to be that person who tries to be the perfect student but not the brown nosed nerd at the front of the class. (these analogies are getting out of hand) Well, anyway, I am working with some good people(for a first date at least). Hope it holds true.

On to what else I wanted to write about. Do you remember the dream I told you about in the last post? Well, I don't see that it is very connected but something happened. I have a good friend. This friend has been fighting a cancer for a little over a year. I talk to this friend every now and then and we have gone out to catch up and enjoy some different activities. I had turned down an invite to go with this friend somewhere about a month ago because of some different family commitments. I left messages a few times since and texted but never got a response.

It was not like we were needy or that we texted often so I thought nothing of it. Well, 2 days after my last post I was talking to a fellow friend who still worked with them. When I asked how they were doing there was silence. The silence was followed by an apology for me not having heard that my friend had passed away.
-----SHOCK--------

I was then informed that the funeral was one week previous. Again ----SHOCK----

It is not like this friends spouse had any obligation to tell me. I was certainly not "best" friends with them, but not one person (we share several acquaintances) let me know and i feel as guilty as heck that I did not keep in better touch and make sure i ws on a calling list or something.

GUILTY>>>>>>>>>GUILTY>>>>>>>GUILTY

Why do I feel so guilty?

What does this have to do with my dream, if anything?

Just thinking aloud......Have a great day!

I had a dream!

2009-10-04T09:35:00.005+04:00

What do our dreams mean?
I am going to share something very personal. Something I do not usually do here in this format to be sure. But I feel strongly about this and figured it is not like identifying info or anything and would really like to talk about it.

So here it goes; I had a dream the other night. This was not a dream like the type of dream I usually have had. Usually my dreams can seem real, but good or bad, they end and I find myself either wishing it had not ended or glad I woke up.

This dream was as real as any dream could possibly be. It was so real I have a part of my brain that wonders if it was a glimpse into the future. (and I did not watch "flash forward" right before bed! lol) Let me give a little background. Several family members and people close to me have succumbed to cancer in the past 10 years. Cancer is an evil menace and I do not take the mention of it lightly. I do not joke about things like this and so this dream is freaking me out.

Again, this dream felt very real, as if it really happened to me. I went to a doctor because I had a lot of pain in my side or something. I must of had some things checked out prior to this doctor visit because the dream was about the conversation with the doctor.

He sat and took a deep breath. Then he proceeded to tell me I had a large tumor. It was larger than anything he had ever seen before and was amazed I had not had more problems prior to coming in about it. He said it was so advanced that there were not a lot of options but proceeded to go over them with me anyway.

The rest of the day(in the dream) is still so clear to me. Spouse and I decided that with not much of a chance of survival, the best thing to do would be to make the most of the time I had left. It would be better than being sick the rest of my life just to extend it a little while. It was the scariest thing I have ever been a part of. I am not ready to leave my family. The emotional drain of that day, the day that didn't even happen, has been weighing on me a lot. Everything that I have not done yet in this life flashed in front of my eyes. I thought of everything that I have not experienced with my children yet. There are still stages of life I have not reached and experienced. But what makes me any better than the thousands who die every year who can say the same things?

And then I am awake.............................at the end of that day........................................like I just woke up back in time before it happened.

Very X-Files-ish wouldn't you say?

Well, I just had to write it down. If you have any ideas please share them. I am not fatalistic but am still pretty weirded out by it.

Have you ever had a dream that was so real you can still remember every detail of it to this day? What was it about? Did it change the way you looked at life or how you lived?

Thanks for your comments and.........Have a great day!

$10,000 giveaway

2009-09-29T23:06:00.003+04:00

So, did the title catch your eye? Nothing like a little bait to increase the traffic to your blog right? lol

So, no I am not giving away any money. Heck, I am not giving away anything. But since you are here anyway, why not take a minute and humor an old blogger.(not booger)

As I have done frequently in life, i have imagined what I would do with lots and lots of money if I....

A. Won the lottery

B. Had a rich relative die and leave me lots of money

C. Came up with a million dollar idea that some super rich person bought

and so on and so forth

It has always been fun and I think i would be quite the responsible money handler just given the chance. I have heard that money corrupts and that I would just blow it anyway, but hey, give me the chance to prove you wrong. I know i do not need money to be happy....BUT IT WOULDN'T HURT!

So my question today is. What would you do with $10,000 if it came to you out of the blue with no strings attached? I know this is not an easy question to answer. And since I wouldn't ask you fine stalkers to answer anything I was not willing to answer myself....here it goes

first off, $10,000 would not even touch the debt I owe so paying off debts would not be what I would see as the best use of this money. But it is not going to pay off my house either.

I know, I could put it away for the kids and college. Or I could take it to vegas and try to grow it to millions. Maybe I could just give it to someone even worse off than me. Tough decision to make, even if the money is imaginary. I mean, you have to be serious about this, right? lol

Anyway, this is what I would do(I think):

Go on a really great vacation. Not anything elaborate. Just something we may never get the chance to do again. And then, yes, I would put the money in a bank account and hope I could add to it later for all I am hoping to help the kids with.

So, boring? Maybe......So let me know what you would do with $10,000.

Have a great day!

Friendship

2009-09-22T22:50:00.004+04:00

What is friendship?

I thought i knew what being a friend really meant. But I decided to look up the meaning . Here is what wikipedia says of friendship:

Friendship is the mutually cooperative and supportive behavior between two or more people. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, affection, and respect along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis. Friends will welcome each other's company and exhibit loyalty towards each other, often to the point of altruism. Their tastes will usually be similar and may converge, and they will share enjoyable activities. They will also engage in mutually helping behavior, such as the exchange of advice and the sharing of hardship. A friend is someone who may often demonstrate reciprocating and reflective behaviors. Yet for some, the practical execution of friendship is little more than the trust that someone will not harm them.

I think this value that is found in friendships is often the result of a friend demonstrating the following on a consistent basis:
the tendency to desire what is best for the other
sympathy and empathy, honesty, perhaps in situations where it may be difficult for others to speak the truth, especially in terms of pointing out the perceived faults of one's counterpart and mutual understanding.

I personally do not think you have to necessarily have all the similar interests. For example, my spouse and I do not all like the same things with the same amount of passion. This may be sports or television, the type of movie or color schemes of a particular room. I think, by the way, of my spouse as my best friend. The kind of friend that you think of first when something good(or bad) happens because you want so badly to share that with them. Life really is better when you are sharing it with someone.

What is strange though is that I never really had "best" friends growing up. I had a lot of friends but not that "best" friend that was always there for me and vice versa. I started to think about that.

Why did I not have a best friend growing up? After serious reflection I think I know that answer. I am incredibly selfish. There, I said it. Not particularly proud of this but I see it for what it was. I had really good friends so I examined these relationships. I found that these friends were the very epitome of friends as described in the opening of this post. They thought of my wants and needs or shared my desires and so we got along splendidly. But it was only because we were in the same after school activities or went to church together that "I" was their friend. I don't think I was ever that friend who went out of his/her way to look after those friends.

What my spouse has done with me is amazing. I have noticed that I have been shown by example what the true meaning of friendship is. When I looked up friendship, what I found described their attributes in our relationship to a tee. Now does not that feel awesome! You bet it does.

I think during my 200+ years I have grown and matured and I think I have developed some very good friendships. But these are only because of the fact that I was able to learn how to be a better friend. I have learned to listen. To be willing to do something that maybe is not my favorite thing to do because it is theirs. To be willing to go out of my way in order to help/serve someone else.

So, what kind of friend are you?

Do you have many friends around you who really can be defined by wikipedia's definition of friendship?

Are you that kind of friend?

We have but one life to live.......

2009-09-15T23:58:00.004+04:00

Okay, I am stepping out of my box just a bit. No, I am not playing some kind of mind or word game but just want to talk frankly.

Life is hard. There, I said it. Anyone want to disagree with that statement? Anyone?

What is interesting is that at every stage I have ever been at in life, that stage had it's problems and there were things I was struggling with. And then, later on, I would look back and realize that I grew because of those struggles or I was not really struggling as much as I had originally thought.

Do any of you find that is the case with you?

I know that problems I am dealing with currently: recent lay off, financial issues, repossession etc are serious and have caused many a sleepless night over the last few weeks especially. My REAL problem? I know that these are none of what really and truly matters. But I cannot convince myself to take things in stride.

I really do believe that we are only here on earth for a short time in eternities time frame. And yet, I cannot get rid of the dark thoughts that insist on intruding into my head. You know the ones; I'm a failure and things would be better if I was just out of the picture. I know better than this and I still cannot completely dispell the sense of failure every time I think of what my family is going without.

I don't really know what direction I am heading....in life or in this blog post......just that I do have a deep conviction that I can deal with whatever is dealt to me. But because
I realize that I have only fallen half way down to where I am certainly heading, I dread the day to day.

Add having to deal with all that still has to be dealt with (schools asking for more and more money for kids activities for example) it is daunting. With a steady but underpaid job I am kept busy and that is good, but there are those moments when everything is off at night...........It is a madness....

Thank goodness for the ipod.......I do not know what I would do if I could not fill the silence and keep out the dread.

Well, enough venting I suppose. Thanks for visiting the blog and hopefully we will keep up more regularly with y'all.

So by the way, how did you like the guest blogger recently? I thought it was a great success and hope to have her back. If anyone has other ideas for guest bloggers, let me know.

Have a great day stalkers!

Movie Night

2009-09-06T05:41:00.009+04:00

So, when you have no money, what do you do for fun? I mean, there is a house full of kids, the weather is not accommodating to outside frolicking and everyone is getting stir crazy.

MOVIE NIGHT is the answer. Sometimes all it takes to make a great night is popping in some old movies you have not watched in awhile, put on some comfy old clothes and turn off all the lights so we can munch on home made popcorn and treats.

That is exactly how we spent last night, and plan on spending each night this weekend. First off its cheap and fun and sometimes you just have to school your children on the classics.

I found out none of my children had ever watched Karate kid. What? that is not acceptable. They need to get my references to "painting the fence" and "waxing on and off" lol.

What other movies have my kids not seen?

Here are some must see cult favorites of mine and you be the judge of whether or not they should be "must sees"

Teen Wolf
Bill and Teds Excellent adventure
Home Alone
Gremlins
Krull
Beetlejuice
clue
Short Circuit
Adventures in Babysitting
Tron
Back to the Future
A Christmass Story
The Dark Crystal
Soul Man
Dream a little dream (the corey's)
Ghostbusters
The Last Starfighter
The Money Pit
Starman
Summer School
The Pirate Movie

So, i know this is a long list to some of you and a short list to some others of you. Any of them stand out to you? As I was thinking back on some of these I think I started laughing out loud. One of the kids asked what was so funny. I could not explain it, some things you just have to keep to yourself.

................................................................................................................................................................

So, have you watched any of these movies or some like them lately? Did they hold up to the way you remembered them? I once had a Back to the Future Marathon because none of my kids had seen any of them. I had not remembered some of the language in those movies. Not bad, but I was a little taken back. I think those movies definitely still fit the bill but one that didn't was enemy mine. I could not even list that movie. Great idea for a movie and I had fond memories of it(I was probably 10 or so when I saw it) But it is awful bad now. I couldn't force myself to sit through the whole thing.

.............................................................................................................................................

So, what movies on this list would make YOUR list?

............................................................................................................................................

Which movies didn't make my list but should be there?

............................................................................................................................................

Have a great day stalkers!

when you have lemons....

2009-08-26T22:45:00.003+04:00

It has been said many a time that when life gives you lemons........make lemonade.

Well, what if you don't particularly care for lemonade? Just wondering aloud. Anyway, just what does that mean? I hear it and think that it is about taking what your dealt in life and doing the best you can with it. Anybody think that's not it?

So, if we are to take what we are dealt and then do the best we can, just when do we get to complain? Don't answer that, I am just working through some light depression.

As many of you know, Our household income has dropped by 60 %. And as luck would have it, my bills did not go down. So I and we, as a family, have cut everything we can think of, and still find ourselves upside down. And so we tell ourselves, :this is why we have savings. we will get through this and things will get better soon." WELL< WHEN IS IT GONNA GET BETTER?!

I am fine now, but for the last week I have been in a serious funk. I have a job, and am glad for it as it is better than not having a job. But we are slowly eating up what savings we had. What are we to do when there is nothing left?

I tend not to like to have downer posts, and maybe that is another reason my posts have been so infrequent of late. There has been a lot of downer feelings. Spouse is doing their part and trying to stay positive but I see through it. I do not want to add to their load but OH MY HECK!

Okay, I promise the screaming is done. I really am feeling better. We have started calling creditors and asking what we can do to try and manage our debt. I know we are heading down a hard road but really do know how blessed I really am. My kids are all healthy and spouse is better than anyone I deserve. Maybe I am writing this post to help myself but I also wanted to share a line someone has told me recently.

So here it goes.........."In 100 years, what is going to matter to you?"

Riveting is it not. For someone who believes in eternity and the hereafter or heaven, this is a comfort. We may have lost the newer vehicle. We may end up going through bankruptcy. We may even lose the house. But none of this matters in the long run.

Am I living the way I should? Am I treating others the way I should? Do I honor myself and my family by my actions? Do I stay true to my principles? I could go on but I think you can get the gist of things.

I may not care for my situation but if I look hard enough I can see the blessings in my life, even now. How wonderful life IS!

So think about things and if possible answer the following questions in a comment.

How are you doing?

Are you struggling?

How are you dealing with your struggles?
and, last but not least........

What advice would you give others who face great hurdles in life?

Have a great day!

The Bus Driver's Daughter

2009-08-17T00:01:00.003+04:00

Being a guest-blogger for *THE* Blogstalker is a privilege of which I am honored. I find the entire charade of the anonymity of Blogstalker to be fascinating; a mystery of sorts. I thought what could be more apropos than to write my own post about identity? Thank you, Blogstalker for this opportunity. I hope I do not disappoint your followers. ~Emma
_______

Who AM I? This thought has consumed me on so many occasions, and seems much more prevalent now than in past years. I credit my recent divorce as the catalyst which set in motion this very question as of late. Incidentally, simply writing out the statement, “my recent divorce”, has caused me to realize that my divorce was final 18 months ago. Does being divorced for a year and a half even constitute as “recent” anymore? When will it go from being a “recent divorce” to simply, “divorce”? This question gives way to ponder other questions about the way my mind thinks or the way I act, all which inevitably bring me back to, “Who AM I?”

I recently remarked to a friend on the fact that she and her husband have been married for 34 years and how much they are still in love. She replied, “He defines me.” The more I reflected on her sentiment the more it seemed depressing. I mean, this woman let her husband define who she is. Why can’t she define herself? I wondered. Is she not allowed to be her own person? The more I thought about her, the more I questioned my own identity. Hadn’t I done the same thing, really?

My mother had 7 children in 8 years. I remember when my father took a job driving tour busses for a tour company. Not only did we move into that town to be closer to his job, but we moved 2 doors down. I loved living "in town". We lived a block from Main St., across from the park, the library, the ambulance department, the firehouse, and the Bus Company. This was the town in which my father grew up and the locals knew him. As we moved in and as he reunited with friends, he became known as the bus driver with all of the kids. Being so close to the park and the library and the dime store which sold penny candy, as kids, we were all over town all the time. Everyone knew who we were. Everyone knew we belonged to the Bus Driver. I was the Bus Driver’s Daughter.

Being the Bus Driver’s Daughter was no easy feat. My father was an upstanding citizen. He not only worked long hours to support the family of 9, but he was a member of “Friends of the Library” and was a volunteer EMT, eventually becoming Vice President. Those who knew him never questioned who he was or what he stood for. He passed those values along to his children as well. If any of us ever acted out, he would know because it would have been so out of character that whoever saw it would have reported it to him.

Going off to college was a big deal for me, as I not only went out of state, but across an ocean. I met my husband during my second semester and we dated a short 8 weeks before becoming engaged. I had my doubts and my fears. But he was older and always seemed to know the right thing to say. I went home for the summer to work and then went back to school only 4 weeks before our wedding. We dated a total of 12 weeks. I didn’t really know him, but I was 19 and wanted to believe in love.

Over the next 13 years I had three beautiful children in spite of one toxic marriage. In public, I donned the smiles, the we-are-a-happy-family persona. But behind closed doors I retreated to myself, my room and all too often, my bed. I was lonely and afraid. I did not allow myself close friends for fear that they would come to figure out my deep, dark secrets. I was ashamed for the things I allowed to take place including the behavior against me. Why did I carry his burdens? Because I went from being someone’s child to becoming someone’s wife and someone’s mother, and I lost focus on who I was in the midst.

During the entire divorce process I became great friends with the gals in my neighborhood. One night, one of them said, “I always thought you were shy; but you are just the opposite.” After my divorce, when my father was passing through town, a friend of mine said to him, “Can you believe who she has become since the divorce? She is so full of life and spontaneity! She is so Saucy!” My dad chuckled and said, “This is the daughter I’ve always known.”

I don’t think I realized how lost my marriage made me feel until that moment. And yet that moment was also pivotal in my awareness of feeling lost now. I do not mourn my marriage anymore. I don’t even mourn my divorce. No, I feel lost because I gave someone else permission to define me all of those years; someone who didn’t love me completely. And now that he is gone, who am I?

I think much of the answer to who I am, is more an answer to “who do I want to be?” I get to choose. I am the one writing my story now.

I love the notion that, “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but rather we are Spiritual Beings having a human experience.” This adds significance to my plight in determining who I am, as now I desire to figure out who He already knows me to be. It fills me with hope and gives my journey purpose.

Who Am I? I haven’t quite decided yet. But this I know: I will always be someone’s mother, and I am still the Bus Driver’s daughter.

What about YOU? Do you ever feel lost?

FOUND OUT!

2009-08-12T23:39:00.001+04:00

Well, if you notice what Summer had to say in the last comment you may think I have been found out. My secret Identity has been discovered and I can no longer work at the daily planet as an average reporter.

But don't worry, I will bribe her silly not to share any information so stop composing those emails to her right now!

So, was wondering if anyone else is watching all the town hall backlash on the govt. run health care issue?

What do you all think about it?

Catch ya later,

Have a great day stalkers!

Things I know

2009-08-04T23:14:00.003+04:00

I may have lived 234 years but in the grand scheme of things I realize I know next to nothing compared to what my parents knew at about a 50. I don't know about you, but growing up I could count on a few solid facts. One of those was that my parents knew everything.

When I was a toddler and had questions about how something worked or why something was the way it was, Dad would tell me. And I believed him. It was not till I was older that I realized sometimes certain things were not really the way they were explained to me.

And I understand it now. I cannot bring myself to admit to my children when I do not know something

So here is a list of what I do know, just to make me feel better.

I know:

I do not know everything
I pretend that I do
I weigh more than my "recommended" weight
I have a great spouse and wonderful kids
reading someone elses blog can help you deal with your own issues because you realize you are not the only one who has challenges
A good book is still better than the movie
all politicians lie to me
more people comment about a blog where I complain than where I am positive
The United States of America is still the freest place on earth.........for now
we are never alone
life is short
family is important
peace through strength is a good idea
I love to run
money is not happiness(but I could sure use more of it)
most people are still genuinely good(excluding politicians and dictators)
I love babies.........especially the ones I can hand back to mom when it is no longer happy. :-)
I will never have another baby that is genetically mine
I love blogging
I am now on facebook....seriously...lol
most people do not read this far on someones list. if you do read this....write the word skeptic somewhere in the comments...this should be fun
Our military is underpaid and Congress is getting fat off the rest of us
The poor in this country are still better off than most of the world.
I love New York Style cheesecake with strawberry topping....yummmmmmm
Music is the soundtrack of my life. Good music that is.

So, as you may have guessed, I do not know all that much. But what I know, I really know.

What do you know?

Have a great day!

What I Like

2009-07-23T09:53:00.002+04:00

Well, I think the tone of my last post was a little more edgy than I usually write. I do not apologize and yet I did set out to have this blog to get away from the "problems" of everyday life. Although most of my posts are just questions about real life...........so the rule is.........

There will be no rules, except for the rules I set for myself. And these said rules DO change daily if necessary.

Okay, that is out of the way. What I really wanted to post today was a short list about some of the things in life I enjoy or look forward to or just plain wish for. After the last post of some things that bothered me it seems only fair and balanced to do so.

With trumpets sounding, here it goes;

The smell of a freshly bathed little baby. Have had enough, not baby hungry, but......yeah, that is a good smell.
A good beat I can dance to(where nobody can see me) As noted previously, I move to life with a song in my head. Good music rocks!
the cliche "walk on the beach"
gathered as a family when nobody is upset or moody
believe it or not, hard work. Seriously, my teenager self is just flipping out but yes, hard work feels good and purges the idle toxins and leaves a good feeling of accomplishment
people who are themselves, no matter what. And in that vein, people who accept me as myself, no matter what!
Being in the rain, on my terms of course(not when it will ruin my stuff. lol)
The snow. Visiting it of course. Would not want to shovel driveways or walks etc.
Taking zillions of pictures. I just love photographing people, animals, landscapes, etc. Maybe one day I'll get good at it.
holding hands
Cuddling with special person in the dark watching -_________(anything)
Growing older and watching my children grow into the people they will be. This is the most important thing. Being a family and helping each other progress into the beings our lord would have us become.
Family game night!
Date night with spouse!
A night without calls from creditors! ha

Anyway, this is but a short list. I know that by the time I actually take the time to read what I wrote I will have thought of many more things that I like. But alas, the list has to stop somewhere and you only have so much of an attention span. I will reserve the right to re-post at a future undisclosed date, additions to this list.

So, entreat me if you will, to a few things YOU may put on your own lists.

Have a great day!

2009-07-20T08:22:00.002+04:00

So I have been just a little bothered lately. Okay a lot bothered.
What is bothering you blogstalker?, you ask. Just a lot of everything I guess.

#1 Am I the only one who thinks strapless or even sleeveless clothes do not flatter? I mean, I am not a prude by any means but its as if the entire world just decided that sleeves are no longer necessary. And most people wearing these would look better if they covered up a little. But the problem is you can't even buy modest clothes anymore. And while we are at it, what the crap is up with everyone baring a midriff? I understand those with rock hard abs who want to show off but more often than not all we are being shown is someones doughy center, usually very unflattering.

#2 Who the hell are these politicians who are threatening more and more government control? Name me one thing the government has gotten involved with or started that is A. efficient and B. not a complete disaster.

#3 really great songs with really great music just absolutely ruined by cursing! enough said

#4 The "green" Nazis who liken my refusal to buy reusable bags as committing genocide. Get off of it already. And while your at it, go ahead and double bag the milk. lol

#5 Everyone bombarding me with facebook! Even though it seems I will venture into this realm, eventually, give me some freaking space already!

#6 Rich people, and I mean filthy rich people, telling me that I need to help pay for someone elses health insurance. If all these do-gooders came together and put THEIR money where their mouths are they could give everyone not insured care. But that wouldn't be fair? whatever

#7 People who talk so much about nothing that they actually put me to sleep

#8-10, The three people 'I was talking to today who all decried this universal health care idea and then followed it up with where they think the money should be used. THE MONEY SHOULD NOT BE SPENT PERIOD! WHEN ARE WE GONNA LEARN?

SO WHAT'S GOT YOU BOTHERED?

Rappers delight!

2009-07-12T23:48:00.000+04:00

Not only did I like this music but what a funny video. If you have not seen this yet, enjoy!

So, do you remember breakdancing? I sure do, I remember when kids would bring refrigerator boxes to back and head spin on. I can also remember poppin' and lockin' contests.

Oh, and what about parachute pants and spiked wristbands and belts?

What do you remember about breakdancing?

Have a great day!

Working a crowd

2009-07-10T07:38:00.002+04:00

Okay people, I have been away for awhile. Now, I know nobody missed me because they get all wrapped up in their own lives but I missed blogging.

But I did have a lot of fun. I will not go into all the details of everything I did and everywhere I went, but know while it was a 'almost zero' cost mini-vacation it was uber-exciting and fun.

While I spent much time with people I know, I did get the chance to meet several new people. So in these circumstances I had two choices. While nobody was out to introduce us and force us to mingle, I could sit by myself and only talk and mingle with people I knew(which would be boring since I only knew a few) or I could put on my big person face and just introduce myself, and my family of course.

For the entire weekend, any time I saw someone I did not know yet I just went up and told them who we were and asked who they were. While it did make for a 'few' awkward moments, for the most part it was super fun. I and spouse had some really good visits and made some new friends.

But spouse is not like me. Spouse is a little more (air fingers quotes) shy. So, even though spouse is like ten times more interesting and awesome than I am, I become the one who takes us out of the protective shell we usually create for ourselves. And then I tend to overdo it a little and sometimes end up feeling like a little bit of a ham.

But sure beats sitting around with nothing to do!

So the questions to answer are:

1. Are you the in your face personality or the shy type?

2. Are you and your spouse different in your approaches to meeting new people?

And the bonus question is:

3. Can you be happy just entertaining yourselves?

Have a great day stalkers!

Guessing game

2009-07-03T08:06:00.000+04:00

I knew he was different in his sexuality
I went to his parties as a straight minority
It never seemed a threat to my masculinity
He only introduced me to a wider reality
As the years went by, we drifted apart
When I heard that he was gone
I felt a shadow cross my heart

But he's nobody's hero
Saves a drowning child
Cures a wasting disease
Hero...
lands the crippled airplane
Solves great mysteries
Hero...
not the handsome actor
Who plays a hero's role
Hero...
not the glamour girl
Who'd love to sell her soul
If anybody's buying
Nobody's hero

I didn't know the girl,
but I knew her family
All their lives were shattered
in a nightmare of brutality
They try to carry on,
try to bear the agony
Try to hold some faith
in the goodness of humanity

As the years went by,
we drifted apart
When I heard that she was gone
I felt a shadow cross my heart
But she's nobody's hero
Is the voice of reason
against the howling mob
Hero...
is the pride of purpose
In the unrewarding job
Hero...
not the champion player
Who plays the perfect game
Hero...
not the glamour boy
Who loves to sell his name
Everybody's buying
Nobody's hero

Hero

Foot in Mouth

2009-07-02T07:45:00.002+04:00

I thought this stuff only happened in the prime time sit-coms. But alas, my life once again mimics the stuff making other people millions!

It all started way back a few years....lol

Anyway, my brother several years ago had a girlfriend. Nice enough girl but they lived on the other side of the country. I mean it took me a year to really get her name right. So after a break up and a move my sweet brother found another girlfriend.

Some of you are starting to smile already. You are probably seeing where this is going. Well, just hold up and wait for the rest of them.

So he has been dating this new girl a couple years now. I have met her on several occasions. She is nice enough and I do not have anything bad to say about her. Well, they were here visiting. We had a BBQ and invited lots of old friends that we grew up with. It was an enjoyable time. I addressed this woman by her name on several occasions. But not when i said goodnight!

Oh no, not only did I call her by the wrong name. I called her by the ex-girlfriends name.

YES, REALLY!

But that was not the worst of it. I did not even realize it. I had to get a text message from my brother who texted -"Hey, FYI, you told _________(her name) to "Have a good night, it was nice to see you again ________(the ex's name)"

I feel so bad. I just know he is going to end up marrying this girl now and she will hate me forever! ugh!

But, then again, I tend to over think everything. Maybe it really is just funny to her and it's already forgotten, as my brother vows.

What do you think?

What the worst thing you have slipped up and said?

How did you ever recover from the embarrassment, or did you?
Have a great day!

Guess again?

2009-06-25T11:01:00.001+04:00

There once was a musical troupe

A pickin' singin' folk group

They sang the mountain ballads

And the folk songs of our land

They were long on musical ability

Folks thought they would go far

But political incompatibility

led to their downfall

Well, the one on the right

was on the left

And the one in the middle

was on the right

And the one on the left

was in the middle

And the guy in the rear

was a Methodist

This musical aggregation

toured the entire nation

Singing the traditional ballads

And the folk songs of our land

They performed with great virtuosity

And soon they were the rage

But political animosity

prevailed upon the stage

Well, the one on the right

was on the left

And the one in the middle

was on the right

And the one on the left

was in the middle

And the guy in the rear

burned his driver's license

Well the curtain had ascended

A hush fell on the crowd

As thousands there were gathered

to hear The folk songs of our land

But they took their politics seriously

And that night at the concert hall

As the audience watched deliriously

They had a free-for-all

Well, the one on the right

was on the bottom

And the one in the middle

was on the top

And the one on the left

got a broken arm

And the guy in the rear,

said, "Oh dear"

Now this should be a lesson

if you plan to start a folk group

Don't go mixin' politics

with the folk songs of our land

Just work on harmony and diction

Play your banjo well

And if you have political convictions

keep them to yourself

Now, the one on the left

works in a bank

And the one in the middle

drives a truck

The one on the right's

an all-night deejay

And the guy in the rear

got drafted

Can you guess?

2009-06-22T10:59:00.000+04:00

life it seems, will fade away
Drifting further every day
Getting lost within myself
Nothing matters no one else
I have lost the will to live
Simply nothing more to give
There is nothing more for me
Need the end to set me free
Things are not what they used to be
Missing one inside of me
Deathly lost, this can't be real
Cannot stand this hell i feel
Emptiness is filling me
To the point of agony
Growing darkness taking dawn
I was me, but now he's gone

No one but me can save myself, but it's too late
Now i can't think, think why i should even try
Yesterday it seems as though it never existed
Death greets me warm, now i will just say good-bye

good bye....

12 lbs!

2009-06-19T08:16:00.002+04:00

Okay, so I am going to go ahead and post about the boring old weight loss struggles in the life of wee (I wish) blogstalker.

I have really started catching the bug for running again. I have gotten over the mental edge of giving up some sleep if necessary in order to run consistently. It of course has been revitalizing. I come home from a good run and my muscles feel tighter and the flab, while still visible feels attacked.

And then of course when you are felling good having had a good run, you sure don't want to zero out the effort with a bunch of bad eating and so my eating has gotten a little more on track. And what does it all mean?

I am officially (according to someone Else's scale) 12 lbs lighter than when I re-took back my self control and self esteem. Yay for me! But the journey is not a short one or one that ends when I reach the magic number. Wish me luck in the coming weeks!

So today's question is about healthy eating;

What 'good for you' snacks do you eat to put off that hunger pang between meals?
AND
What is the best way to keep a lapse in good eating from turning into a collapse?

Have a great day!

to Facebook or not to Facebook?

2009-06-07T10:09:00.004+04:00

So how many of you out there facebook? And what is the deal with that term?

I know there are many groups and thoughts on the matter. Heck, the term facebooking has even emerged. I have to admit, I am in the dark ages about it. I thought it was merely a fad that was for the kids. And in all reality, I think that is how it was first marketed.

So I have been an anti-facebooker. I am overly watchful of what my kids do on facebook and tended to roll my eyes when other grown-ups would mention for someone to check them out on facebook.

And then the bomb was dropped.

Spouse announced one day that they had started a facebook page. WHAT! I thought we were a united front. You know, both unwilling to become too hip with the latest fads. But turns out I was wrong. Spouse was just too cool. Just had to be a joiner. Oh well, last I would have to know about it right?

WRONG! It was not enough to join, spouse as well as older kids now had to taunt me into joining. It started small and innocent with comments that I could know more about what was going on with everyone. Then it started with comments about all the old friends that were requesting to be friends.

No problem I said, I don't really have any old friends I need to find. But that was just not good enough. Why is it that everyone wants me to start facebooking? I know it is not some kind of cult, but why is it so important for everyone that I join?

So now friends of mine have joined and are "friends" with spouse and kids. Okay, maybe starting to feel a little left out.

Then I start getting messages from siblings who live on the other side of the country, "through my spouses facebook"

I am feeling like I have been ganged up on. In fact, I got up from this post and came back and "someone" had wrote the final line as "AND SO I JOINED!"

Maybe it is hopeless. Maybe I am fighting an unwinnable fight. But now I am dug in and determined. We will see how long I can hold out. I have to admit, I do entertain the idea but just don't see the point.

So, what say you my fellow bloggers?

Do you facebook?

What is your opinion on the whole idea?

As always, Have a great day!

Why ask Why......?

2009-06-03T10:15:00.002+04:00

So, what was the first thing you thought of when you read the title to this post? Be honest now, were you thinking "......Drink Bud Dry!"?

If you did not, then this post is probably not for you.

Anyway, it just plain amazing to me how much useless crap gets stuck in our brains never to be entirely forgotten. Of course, the fact that people are paid big bucks to make sure we do remember it probably has nothing to do with it.

Gimme a break, gimme a break, break me off................

It's slinky, A slinky..........

Plop plop, fizz fizz, oh what.........................

Sometimes you feel like a....................sometimes you dont!

Oh I wish I were an Oscar.............

I am stuck on ..............................because ..........................stuck on me!

Double your pleasure, double your fun............

so what commercial jingles do you remember?

Run or post?

2009-05-29T09:52:00.002+04:00

To Run or not to run? that is not the question. The question really comes down to whether I am going to run or to blog. So what the frick am I going on about?

Well, gonna delve just a little into my personal side. I sure do not do it all that often. Anyway, I have been wondering about whether or not to post about boring stuff like weight loss or exercise. I finally decided that if it is important to me 'I need to do it. Also, many of you brilliant bloggers out there have awesome words of encouragement or just good advice.

So, where to begin? Well, once upon a time I was..........well, lets just say I had a lot of extra weight packed on. I loved life and did not have a bad self image. (but should have!) Anyway, one day realized I was just plain huge! I was not getting any younger and needed to do something before they needed a crane to get me out of bed.

Much longer story shorter...........I made a lifestyle change and over a year and a half later was down over 100 pounds. I had to buy a new wardrobe. I would bump into people that had not seen me in a long time and they would just gawk and totally pump my ego. I vowed I would never be "that big person" again.

And now after 3 years since I started.........................I have packed 35 pounds back on over the last 5 months. I am and have been very down on myself. And what do I do when I get down? I revert to the old "comfort food" habits. And the downward spiral continues.

One of the things that I developed during my change was that once I lost over 50lbs I found my new love in life. And it was/is running. I started at running 2 miles every night. I got up to 5 miles a night at least 5 nights a week and sometimes up to 7 miles. I love to run. It gives me time for just me. I release lots of happy endorphins and get to listen to great music while I run.

And then...............I hit some kind of wall..............and never really recovered. Started to get back on track.............and then got laid off. Got depressed and was always busy stressing out.

Now, I am finally getting sort of a routine down. Spouse has been very supportive! (much needed) Anyway, I have found some time just for me. I could either blog, which I really want to, or I can run, which I want to, but because of being out of practice find it easy to put off.

Anyway, I am proud to say I have been back on track, and have finally increased again from 2 miles a night to 3. Well, just tooting my own horn and kind of half explaining why I am not getting regular posts up. Hopefully soon I will get it all done. yay!

So, if you have made it through this self prescribed therapy tell all, congratulations! And riddle me this.....................................

What drastic changes have you ever made in your life?

Are there things you struggle to fit in every day that is harder than people might realize?

If you have to choose between blogging and something else, what is it and how do you choose?

Hope you all are well and good, I will posting again soon..........I hope

Have a great day!

More fun than a barrel of monkeys......

2009-05-15T14:37:00.001+04:00

So why is a barrel of monkey so fun?

And just what are all the monkeys doing in there?

I for one would absolutely have no fun at all, packed all together with a bunch of others, in a barrel of all things...........

Just wondering aloud. So hey you, please at least say hello in a comment. I would like to take a roll call and see just who is still stopping by every now and then. And if your new, don't be shy, I have not followed anyone home.........lol

Anyway, I was thinking about just how many others are going through these tough times right now. It is way more than anyone wants to admit. I know that's the truth as I see it. In my circle of friends and acquaintances, more than half have lost their job or taken pay cuts or will be out of work soon if things don't change.

And then I run in to the occasional crazy person. Crazy defined by the fact that they tell me how great things are all of a sudden. Someone told me that stocks were soaring, that the Dow was over 8000(I think that's right). Anyway, did everyone forget that it was up over 12,000?

Anyway, apart from the random crazy person, so many have worries and really have to put every expense into categories: Wants and needs.

EXAMPLES: I want to enjoy air conditioning this summer. I need to pay the house payment, so if it means being hot, life just became a little sweatier. I want to go out to eat once a week with spouse. I need to feed somewhere between 8 and 12 people at my house EVERY day. I want to work just one job and then come home and be with my family. I need to earn enough money to pay for at least the necessities such as the water bill.

I think ya'll get it by now. But with our household income at less than half it really is coming down to defining wants and needs with new meaning. I mean, I really do want nice things for me and my family and many of the creature comforts we have taken for granted for so long. But in just my parents generation, there were dirt floors and two room houses with 6 kids. So ya, I think I can handle it. I at least have the most awesome family in the whole world going through it with me. In the right perspective, I can go without anything material in this world if I get to have my family healthy and together.

So, your assignment.......YES, there is homework! Your assignment is to think of something you may have thought of as a need that you now may see as more of a want. Or give me an example of each. And HINT HINT, things can be different for each one of us. For instance, I may think a shower every day is a want.......and others in my family might tell me it is a need....lol

Have a great day my fellow stalkers of the blogosphere!

Hanging by a thread

2009-05-09T04:54:00.003+04:00

So, have any of you ever felt so overwhelmed that your entire existence felt like it was held together by a mere piece of thread?

Well, sometimes i do. And right now is one of those times. You know, when I first lost my job I actually thought, "well, at least I will be home more and be able to do stuff with the kiddos and do some of the projects I have always wanted to do." But alas, I actually seemed to be busier, you know, looking for a job and doing more cleaning for example.

And now I find myself with a job, even if it is for half of what I was making. So I try to do other little things to make money and now. I work twice as hard as I used to and still don't come close to what we used to make. (BTW, Our ENTIRE household income is now at 50% of what it is.)

So, the cuts get deeper. We are actually thinking of cutting out the home phone line. I know! Crazy! Anyway, the plus side of that is no calls looking for money. hehe

Anyway, we laid out our income and listed all the expenses. Not a fun time to be sure. So now that we are done slashing, at least for now, we are stressing out but at least we are taking turns. As of yet, we have yet to both be stressed out over our lack of income at the same time. Hope that holds out for awhile.

Whew----------------------------let me catch my breath

So, I think a lot about what is really important. I mean, WHAT is REALLY important? I think that is a question that is quite loaded actually. What matters the most to me?

I know for a certainty what my answers are. And while I really want to keep the house and I love our vehicles etc. etc. If my family is happy and healthy and safe, that is all that really matters. There is always a chance at a new house or a new car later on.... but with your family...you only get one shot.

So I DO have a question for you marvelous bloggers out there.

Is there anything you have had to cut back on?

What about ingenious ways to stretch your dollars? I have definitely seen more and more blogs about being thrifty. Awesome!

And since we are all from different parts of the country/world, how are things economically in your community?

As always, thanks for visiting and Have a great day!

That song in your head.....

2009-04-15T07:25:00.003+04:00

So, I have posted several times about music. Some of you(Emma) have called me out for my music and taken some guesses on who I am based on my music. It has been fun to say the least.

Well, music is a defining part of my life. As I have stated before I feel that there is a song for every part of our life. Life has a soundtrack. We just need to plug in our own music.

In a recent blog visit I saw an awesome post about an old tv sit com. The first thing I did when I thought of the show was start singing the theme song in my head. Do you do that?
I thought it was so funny how I could remember it after not hearing it for so long.

Now I wonder what you all think about this? Are there shows that you just can't help but sing the theme song to? What about other songs in general. Are there some special songs that define certain moments in your life?

I'd love to hear about it.

Have a great day!

Hitting the proverbial wall!

2009-04-10T06:25:00.004+04:00

Ever just have a bad day?

While I think I have had a pretty good attitude through the whole layoff thing I think I am mentally starting to hit "the wall".

And I am feeling really terrible for my down and out feelings. Guilty even. I have really come to grips with the fact that the lord allows us to have trials in order to test us. I really do believe that how we face diversity is what really defines us.

Through all the emotional ups and downs through the last month, I have kept it pretty well together. I even allowed myself to be happy on occasion. But now, even with the cuts, there are more needed. We are now actually living the way we told ourselves we could. And do not get me wrong, I do know that we could be even worse off. (never ever, ever, never say out loud "can it get any worse?!")

Bills are due and past due and we decide what is important NOW, and what can wait(as if money will magically appear later) Anyway, My Internet access is one of the things that had to go. It is a luxury and a convenience, but not necessary.(sure it is, lol, but hence the reason for such bad blog stalking lately)

So we at my house have started making lists. Lots and lots of lists. One of those lists are the things we decided are the must pays. The things that we feel need to be paid before anything else. Obviously, church tithes and Mortgage top the list. There are only a few other items on this MUST PAY list. And then of course we have lists of debts, and lists of wants. Then we have lists of needs, whether we can afford them all or not.

Funny how when you really investigate your needs, most of them are just wants. Something to think about, no?

So, of course I want to know what ya'll think. Do you make lists? What kind of lists do you make? And last but not least, tell me your biggest want in life, hint, not a need, but a want. Like a dream or desire from the bottom of your consciousness.

Okay, well, I will see you soon,

Follow the rules?

2009-04-04T05:18:00.004+04:00

What is the first thing that goes through your mind when someone gives you a rule to follow?

Times up. Is your first reaction to question that rule? I ask this because I happened to notice something the other day. It was outside of a business establishment that had a posted notice that there was no smoking allowed on their premises. I read this as I past an employee smoking right next to it. Where was my camera when I needed it?

Anyway, I laughed about how it looked, but it has got me thinking. Now, I am not posting this about smoking. This was just the incident that started this train of thought. See if you can follow me through this thought.

The more I thought about it, the more instances I was able to recognize in life where the rules were ignored. Let's visit a few just for giggles.

The toddler who when told not to put their hands on something hot proceeds to do just that.
The junior high student who when told not to have "certain" friends or listen to "certain" music, do so because it is what they were told not to.
The high school student who takes up smoking or worse because they were told it was wrong
The young college student who cheats on an exam or copies someones notes.
What about at work: Do you steal paperclips? What about rules about gifts from clients.
Taxes! Who can even follow all the different"rules" involved here?
I worked with people who said, "oh yeah, you are not supposed to (fill in the blank) but everyone does, so just to let you know"
Often do I see someone make left turn on red when there is no cop in site.
Is it really a business dinner if it's watching Monday night Football with the buddies?
Do we use the Car pool lane when we shouldn't?
What about going through the express checkout with more than 10 items.

These are just a few of the everyday rules that are broken. There are some who will not break any of them. And then there are those who seem to break as many as they can get away with. The rest of us are all somewhere in-between.

So, are you a rule breaker?

What is the threshold for how serious you treat a rule handed down lets say at work?

Do you judge others based on what rules they follow?

What rules have you broken this week?

What rules have you seen broken this week?

Have a great week stalkers!

BlogStalker revealed!

2009-04-02T04:56:00.003+04:00

Okay everyone, it's finally time to take off the veil of secrecy and come out of the shadows!

I wrestled with whether to do this for several days now. The problem is I have become so busy as of late. I have found a lot of part time and spotty work, here, there and everywhere to try and make up for the lack of income now that I am part of the unemployment statistics. I of course am working twice the amount I was used to for about 1/2 of what I was used to.

So what happened is that I was trying to keep up with the family(very important) and blogging(important, but not necessary) and of course that animal ----sleep---.

SO HERE IS THE DEAL! I AM GOING TO MERGE MY FAMILY BLOG WITH BLOGSTALKER!

This will have many benefits, not the least of which will be that I will only have to post on one blog so I might actually post semi-regularly.

My biggest worry is that once you all know who I am,.......FOR REAL.........I will become so boring to everyone that none of you will ever come back. But, I guess that is the chance I take.

So

Without

Any

Further

Delay ................................................................(and for those who do not want to know, I give you the choice on whether to click the link or not)

Here is the link to my family blog and a picture of me! Click to reveal BlogStalker!

Have a great day!

ALIVE!

2009-03-24T20:49:00.007+03:00

Man oh man, one minute it's the start of spring break and the next it is all over except all the cleaning up. And boy there is some major cleaning up to do. With the number of children(I hold back from calling them animals) in our family it sure does not take long before the whole house looks like it took the brunt of hurricane Katrina!

Do not get me wrong, we had a great week. A busy, almost non stop week, but busy busy! We did do some family things together but mostly went off in pairs and trios doing different activities. Because some of you may catch on to locality or more I will keep the details to myself. However, I wanted to share a little moment.

One of the boys who is part of the younger group of siblings is really into board games. He is smart and can catch onto things quicker than most his age. But enough of my bragging on his intelligence. One quiet evening he asks "why don't we play games as a family?"

OUCH! That hurt really bad. I had no answer for him. We used to love playing games as a family. I know me and spouse always enjoyed good games with family and friends. There were stretches of time where we and the now older group of kids would stay up into the wee hours of the morning playing games.
Bonus points to anyone who can identify this game!

What has happened to us? Is it the television and the video games that has divided and stolen the few moments we have together as a family? My son has embarrassed me. I have fallen down as a parent where I could teach good values to ALL of my children in playing games as a family. I can teach them how to win without gloating, and how to lose without throwing the game pieces or flipping the game board. I can teach them how to work together as a team and the possibilities are endless.

I think the Family game night is about to be resurrected at our home!

So what games are good for the whole family? Or should I play different games with different age groups? What the crap was I thinking, it should be easier!

Okay, here is where I need all of your brilliant comments:

What games do you remember playing with your family?

What games do you play with your family now?

What games should I stay away from?

Am I crazy? Maybe you should keep this answer to yourself

Time management?

2009-03-17T01:53:00.003+03:00

So, I am way way behind on everything I thought I was going to have more time to do.

When I was first laid off I thought I would look at the bright side. At least I would have time to do some of the things that I really never had time for and squeezed in when I could.

One of those things was blogging. I really thought I was going to be spitting out at LEAST one a day and spend time keeping up with all my blogging pals. Alas, it has only been a little over a week and I have nothing to show for myself. In fact I am already late for the interview which is overdue, and have not even updated the playlist with the awesome requests I have gotten in comments and in email.

I even had another post all thought up about how I was gonna spotlight Ronda from Ronda's Rants and how I was lucky enough to win an ipod through our promotion of Sara Nelms. I was even going to write about how I blindfolded her so she has no info on me! lol

And then there was all the organization I was going to implement but never had time for. I guess I simply thought that I would spend all the time I normally spend at work doing stuff I wanted to do. BOY was I wrong. I think I have had less time for me this past week than I did when I was working. Cannot explain how that happens and looking back, don't seem to have anything to show for my time either. Go figure.

I guess I will just hope that I can get a handle on my time management skills and improve.

So this week is Spring break for all my kids(HELP!) no, seriously we want to do "stuff" but what to do on a small budget (emphasis on small). Kids were not keen on laying in bed all day and watching movies. darnit! Any good ideas out there?

Have a great day stalkers!

Creating a Playlist

2009-03-12T10:58:00.003+03:00

So all you crazy music lovers out there in bloggy blog land, I want to know what your listening to. Well, actually what I want is a little more complicated. As many of you may already know I have quite the diverse playlist here on this blog. The reason is I enjoy many different types of music.

Other than vulgar and obscene music, I probably listen to everything out there. And have listened to a lot of it for quite some time now. I have posted in the past about my belief that life has a soundtrack. There is a song out there for everything you have ever gone through. And there is probably a song out there for everything you will ever go though in the future.

Some songs set the mood or inject zest and happiness. Some music we simply enjoy and many years later appreciate even more because along with that song we associate the memories we created with the music.

So back on point here. I try and change up my playlist here and there and have it on shuffle so you as visitors should not have to hear the same songs EVERY time. But there is one flaw with this. Okay, at least one flaw. And that is it is the music I picked.

I just assumed everyone would like what music I picked. And then I visited somebody Else's blog. And the music was just hideous. I mean it was so bad that if there was an Olympic event for exiting a website I could have beaten the world record. Well, I exaggerate, but the point is I didn't even stick around to leave a comment.

So that got me thinking, a scary thought in and of itself, and I figure you guys, my readers, should have some say in the playlist.

So there it is......your assignment............tell me what song or songs you want to hear or like to listen to. If there is an artist you want me to pick something by that is okay too.

I am looking forward to your input and hopefully it will be up soon.

Have a great day Stalkers!

Read anything good lately?

2009-03-09T23:48:00.000+03:00

Well, as alluded to in my last post I am now a part of the next published unemployment statistics. No fan fare and no crying. (okay, maybe a little crying)

So, now I have a little time on my hands and want to fill the void. I will update my resume. I will dedicate a portion of time every day to finding a good job. But there is still going to be those extra minutes every day that I need to fill. Even after all the extra cleaning that could be done, I need something to stimulate my mind.

So what's everyone reading right now? Is there a good book that I may not have heard of yet? I do love to read and usually am in the middle of reading 2 or 3 at a time. But I am now finishing my last book and while I am never against reading certain books again, want to find a "good" read that is new.

So help me out people, or I just might end up going crazy! And you do not want that, trust me!

Have a great day!

Blogstalker Interview: The Sequel?

2009-03-05T08:56:00.005+03:00

Well, I started this year wanting to post way more often. It worked for awhile and I have really enjoyed all of your great blogs. Then the first of this week rolled around and I found myself looking ahead at a future that is so not what I wanted it to be. I will probably blog around this issue soon enough but because the reality has not completely set in yet, I have been taking some me time and, well, just been stressing way too much. Please do not take my absence from stalking your blogs as anything more than some reassessment of me time.

Okay, now that is out of the way, I was just wondering if my fellow stalkers out there wanted to know anything more about little ole moi? Last year we played around with an interview that I thought went pretty good and I did have some good questions submitted. Read it here. So, with some new stalkers in the mix and maybe some new questions from some of the true blue, I wanted to ask whether or not I should conduct another interview or not.

So let me know and vote on the right(under the player)

If you would like to see another interview I will need to know what questions you want to be asked of me, the Blog Stalker. There are no rules except that I get to have the final say on which questions to use. Be creative and maybe you will learn something more about me. Some regular readers of this blog swear they know things about me and probably guard this information (or not).

I do hope everyone is doing well and will be visiting your blogs soon!(I hope)

Have a great day!

Eye Contact

2009-02-28T01:51:00.009+03:00

I am not sure if anyone has had that moment when their eyes come in contact with someone they did not want to see. You know what I mean, like the gal you yelled and honked at on your way to the doctor only to find out that she was one of the nurses at your Dr.'s office once you got there, and you look at each other at the same time!

Well, that is what I'm talking about here today. But let me start off with just a little background. First off, I am what you call extremely aware of everything and everyone around me(otherwise referred to as nosey) So, as I am driving or shopping or whatever, I am constantly looking around and surveying who and what is around me. Let me say it is extremely hard to sneak up on me by the way.

Anyway, so I am walking through a warehouse store purchasing some things I needed and feeling pretty good despite the worries that my job may be in jeopardy. As I turn to leave with my stuff I am surveying others around me and end up making that eye contact with someone I knew and most definitely did not want to see or be seen by. The problem was that she was looking right at me!

Now unfortunately this is not just someone who I would rather not be around. This is a person who has absolutely done everything she could do to bad-mouth me and portray me and my family as let's say....second rate just to be nice. We have so gotten over all of her fakeness and back stabbing and it hardly bothers us at all anymore when we learn about new ways she has gone out of her way to put us down. It actually becomes quite comical how she actually blogs in obvious response to our public blog and acts like she is being general. It doesn't even bother us, it is just a sad fact of who she is and how she validates herself I guess.

There I go again, on a tangent. So the problem is I know she saw me! But I acted like I saw right through her and now wonder if it was too obvious or what. I know what I should have done and that was to smile real big and say hi with more enthusiasm than I felt. But alas, the moment is past and now I wish I had been prepared. The nice thing is, she does not read this blog so at least I can rant and vent about this unmolested!

So my question for you stalkers today is, What would you have done? Should I have a reaction planned and stored just for such an occasion? and last but not least, Have you ever had a situation where you made eye contact and it was very uncomfortable?

Have a great day stalkers!

All about Blogstalker!

2009-02-25T09:10:00.000+03:00

Well, maybe not all you ever wanted to know. I did not just get up and decide to reveal EVERYTHING about myself. I did however find a meme that I have seen going around here and there. Miss Kris just did it and I thought to myself: Self, you could probably do this. I responded: Why yes you could, and so here we are.

I Am: a complex individual who enjoys family and fun and can find a song for every moment in my life

I Want: All of my children to outlive me

I Have: an irritating case of ADD. It really can screw with your life!

I Wish: I was better at some of my 'immediate' reactions

I Fear: ever having to deal with losing a child

I Hear: what you are not saying

I Search: for those who think, feel, question

I Wonder: about everything and everyone and what makes people tick

I Regret: the times I did not stand up for myself

I Love: my children, my spouse, my savior, and my music

I Always: think of the right thing to say, but always too late

I Usually: Procrastinate things until they become critical

I Am Not: an easy person to get to know.

I Dance: when nobody can see me.....but I do love it!

I Sing: all the time, there is always a song in my head. but never aloud....it's just too awful

I Never: can exactly describe how I feel

I Rarely: do not have something to say.........about everything......very opinionated!

I Cry: at the sad parts of movies, when I read sentimental poems, hear a song that is sweet......I guess just way too much

I Am Not Always: the listener I want to be

I Need: To remember to be thankful, even for the trials that will define me

I Should: delete all my answers and start over........but I will not

Well, there you have it, or don't have it. Does that tell you anything more about me? I think it does. So, use this if you want, or just think about some of the answers yourself.

So my fellow blog stalkers, Riddle me this- Who are you? Leave me a comment that start out I am...... and let me know something about yourself that defines who you are in this complex world.

That's all for now.

Have a great day!

Experiment and an Award

2009-02-24T05:00:00.009+03:00

Well, I have to start by apologizing to my most regular commenters. Even though I am pretty spotty on posting and commenting already I decided to try an experiment. My hypothesis was that if I stopped commenting completely on all blogs I would stop getting comments even from those who regularly 'put on their brave faces' and leave me those precious comments.

I knew that since my time became so restrictive, it was easier to just read a blog and move on. The posts I commented on tended to be in response to those who commented on my own. I did however try and leave comments if a post was especially poignant to me. I, as I am sure most of you are, am too busy to be able to leave comments on every post I read or even visit every blog as regularly as I would like.

While in the past I have been upset at the lack of time, with the threat of layoffs I know hope my time issues are not resolved any time soon.

So anyway, I continued to receive comments from several of my favorite blog-stalkers!

Turns out there are some out there who are just plain and simple "Loyal Commenters"

So how does one recognize his/her(lol) loyal commenters? How about an award?

I got this one from Holly's Corner Blog and it is perfect.

So, would the following bloggers Please stand up and take a bow:

(In no particular order)
Mike from Billions of Versions of Normal
Emma from Musings of the Mindless Banterer
Rhonda from A day in Rhonda's Life
Ronda from Ronda's Rants
Rhondalue from Whetten Wonders
Melissa B from the Scholastic Scribe
Tulsi from The Family Awaits
Summer from Counting our Blessings

So all you have to do is:

1. Take the award and run. Link it back to me if you would like.

2. If you feel the compulsion to pay it forward then please do.

3. And as always, Have a Great day!

By the way, I am going to try and make a better than average showing in the comment department in the future. Know that I really like all of your blogs. You guys absolutely Rawk! And to all those new to BlogStalker's blog, Welcome. I like to ask questions and maybe cause you to ask a few of me.

By the way stalkers, How many would admit to being a comment-whore? We all like comments, but do you comment on others posts just for their comments? Just something to think about.

Again, Have a Great Day!

Hackin' & Flippin' Funny!

2009-02-22T09:31:00.011+03:00

Okay, so I don't know if I am the slowest person on the planet to learn about things somehow or what! My kids were watching I-Carly on TV today, a show.......... about an Internet show, kinda goofy and fun all at the same time. Anyway, there is this weird little Fred guy who I guess is making a guest appearance. At first I thought it was the stupidest thing I had ever seen. But then...........................I just started smiling uncontrollably. And then when my terribly technologically savey kids pulled up you tube videos of the guy, I was rolling. Maybe y'all already know about fred. Maybe you all think it's stupid. But I have one playing right now while I am typing and just his voice is cracking me up. This kid is brilliant, considering I think he is rolling in the cash now!

Anyway, I just had to put some of these out there. Take a look at them. Watch more than one. And then tell me what you think! Don't forget to turn off the music. I moved the player onto the right column. Enjoy!

So, did you even take the time to watch these? I have now spent too long watching Fred videos! Click here for Fred's site to check out more cool videos. I am so getting a "fred" shirt!

Please tell me what you think of the videos. Am I insane to laugh at them? Am I just not as mature as I thought I was?

Have a great day!

Phriday Photo Entry: Cool Dogs

2009-02-20T08:37:00.003+03:00

Okay, not really original, but hey I wanted to represent the dogs out there after Candid Carrie did her piece on cats! After your done here head over to Carries place and check out everyone else who is participating!

Aren't these some of the funniest pictures you have ever seen?

Now these are not my dogs, just some cool dogs I found while stalking....er...surfing the Internet.

Have a great day stalkers!

Flashbacks

2009-02-18T03:29:00.006+03:00

So, during one of those little flashbacks I have at the drop of a hat nowadays, I started thinking back. Not way way back but more of back in the day. You know, The Eighties!

I know, me and the eighties, what can I say? Me and the eighties are intertwined. But again as usual, i digress. So I heard a clever play on words. Do not ask me what that play on words was, because my mind jumped that thought process so fast I scarcely had time to realize I even had a thought. And it jumped right to the movie, "Back to the Future". You know, the first one, where it all began.

Remember the fun they had in that movie? When Marty is thought to be Calvin Klein because it is written on his underwear? Yes, that is the movie. But my favorite scene is the one in the drugstore. Let's get in the way back machine and visit, shall we?

Okay, this is when Marty(Michael J. Fox) is sitting in the diner in his sleeveless jacket(mistaken for a sailor on leave) and is asked what he wants to drink. The following is as close as I remember it:

--------------------------------------------------------

So you gonna order something or what??

Can I get a tab?

How can I give you tab if you ain't gonna order something?

How about a Pepsi free?

Kid, If you want a Pepsi, you are gonna have to pay for it.

No, you know, a diet soda.
(weird look)
How about something without sugar in it.
(gives him cup of coffee)
Do you have any sweet N low?

Sweet and what?
---------------------------------------

Why does this make me smile so much? Probably because my brain never fully formed. (you know, from all the lead in everything................ 'back in the day')

So what kind of things make you smile? Do you enjoy a good play on words?

Have a great day stalkers!

Get Naked!

2009-02-13T05:35:00.006+03:00

You didn't really think this was a post about not wearing any clothes did you? But you should really try this stuff. It tastes great and can give you all the nutrients your body needs for a healthy lunch substitute. So..................Get Naked! lol

Okay, now tell the truth, you only read this because naked was in the title right? No? Well good for you.

Summer over at Counting your Blessings tagged me for one of the picture tags that have been going around. Thank goodness the 6th folder was the one with non-personal pictures! whew!

This picture was the actual picture called for by the tag. I started laughing when I investigated my picture folders. Don't try and figure out which one is me .........................

Because I am not in this picture. Quite awhile back when we were crazy and thinking about buying a new house(so glad we finally LISTENED to that still small voice. That would have been a nightmare for sure!) So anyway, this new house had a theater room and we were shopping for theater seating.......oh I am still laughing at this. I can amuse myself for hours it seems. I just don't have hours is all.

I am supposed to tag others now and I want to tag anyone who would like to do this and has not just done one. And link back to me if you do. Getting lonely over here.

So, I also have a question today. Are you a Movie person? Let me clarify my question. Are you a 'Go out to the movies' kind of person? Do you like watching movies on the big screen or cuddled up on the couch? And while you're at it, what about sports? Would you rather watch the game live and in person, or at home in comfort, with close ups and a better view?

Wondering aloud people, please come through for me. I know you have something to say, so put on your brave face and say it!

As always Have a great day!

FRIDAY THE 13TH

2009-02-13T00:01:00.001+03:00

CRAP! Isn't this supposed to be a really scary day, or night rather? Where exactly did the Friday the 13th legend come from?

Here is a collection of origins I found on the web, enjoy!

LEGEND HAS IT: If 13 people sit down to dinner together, one will die within the year. The Turks so disliked the number 13 that it was practically expunged from their vocabulary (Brewer, 1894). Many cities do not have a 13th Street or a 13th Avenue. Many buildings don't have a 13th floor. If you have 13 letters in your name, you will have the devil's luck (Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, Theodore Bundy and Albert De Salvo all have 13 letters in their names). There are 13 witches in a coven.
Although no one can say for sure when and why human beings first associated the number 13 with misfortune, the superstition is assumed to be quite old, and there exist any number of theories — most of which deserve to be treated with a healthy skepticism, please note — purporting to trace its origins to antiquity and beyond.

It has been proposed, for example, that fears surrounding the number 13 are as ancient as the act of counting. Primitive man had only his 10 fingers and two feet to represent units, this explanation goes, so he could count no higher than 12. What lay beyond that — 13 — was an impenetrable mystery to our prehistoric forebears, hence an object of superstition.
Which has an edifying ring to it, but one is left wondering: did primitive man not have toes?
Life and death

Despite whatever terrors the numerical unknown held for their hunter-gatherer ancestors, ancient civilizations weren't unanimous in their dread of 13. The Chinese regarded the number as lucky, some commentators note, as did the Egyptians in the time of the pharaohs.
To the ancient Egyptians, these sources tell us, life was a quest for spiritual ascension which unfolded in stages — twelve in this life and a thirteenth beyond, thought to be the eternal afterlife. The number 13 therefore symbolized death, not in terms of dust and decay but as a glorious and desirable transformation. Though Egyptian civilization perished, the symbolism conferred on the number 13 by its priesthood survived, we may speculate, only to be corrupted by subsequent cultures who came to associate 13 with a fear of death instead of a reverence for the afterlife.

Anathema
Still other sources speculate that the number 13 may have been purposely vilified by the founders of patriarchal religions in the early days of western civilization because it represented femininity. Thirteen had been revered in prehistoric goddess-worshiping cultures, we are told, because it corresponded to the number of lunar (menstrual) cycles in a year (13 x 28 = 364 days). The "Earth Mother of Laussel," for example — a 27,000-year-old carving found near the Lascaux caves in France often cited as an icon of matriarchal spirituality — depicts a female figure holding a crescent-shaped horn bearing 13 notches. As the solar calendar triumphed over the lunar with the rise of male-dominated civilization, it is surmised, so did the "perfect" number 12 over the "imperfect" number 13, thereafter considered anathema.
On the other hand, one of the earliest concrete taboos associated with the number 13 — a taboo still observed by some superstitious folks today, apparently — is said to have originated in the East with the Hindus, who believed, for reasons I haven't been able to ascertain, that it is always unlucky for 13 people to gather in one place — say, at dinner. Interestingly enough, precisely the same superstition has been attributed to the ancient Vikings (though I have also been told, for what it's worth, that this and the accompanying mythographical explanation are apocryphal). The story has been laid down as follows:

And Loki makes thirteen. . .
Twelve gods were invited to a banquet at Valhalla. Loki, the Evil One, god of mischief, had been left off the guest list but crashed the party, bringing the total number of attendees to 13. True to character, Loki raised hell by inciting Hod, the blind god of winter, to attack Balder the Good, who was a favorite of the gods. Hod took a spear of mistletoe offered by Loki and obediently hurled it at Balder, killing him instantly. All Valhalla grieved. And although one might take the moral of this story to be "Beware of uninvited guests bearing mistletoe," the Norse themselves apparently concluded that 13 people at a dinner party is just plain bad luck.
As if to prove the point, the Bible tells us there were exactly 13 present at the Last Supper. One of the dinner guests — er, disciples — betrayed Jesus Christ, setting the stage for the Crucifixion.
Did I mention the Crucifixion took place on a Friday?

The witch-goddess
The name "Friday" was derived from a Norse deity worshipped on the sixth day, known either as Frigg (goddess of marriage and fertility), or Freya (goddess of sex and fertility), or both, the two figures having become intertwined in the handing down of myths over time (the etymology of "Friday" has been given both ways). Frigg/Freya corresponded to Venus, the goddess of love of the Romans, who named the sixth day of the week in her honor "dies Veneris."
Friday was actually considered quite lucky by pre-Christian Teutonic peoples, we are told — especially as a day to get married — because of its traditional association with love and fertility. All that changed when Christianity came along. The goddess of the sixth day — most likely Freya in this context, given that the cat was her sacred animal — was recast in post-pagan folklore as a witch, and her day became associated with evil doings.
Various legends developed in that vein, but one is of particular interest: As the story goes, the witches of the north used to observe their sabbath by gathering in a cemetery in the dark of the moon. On one such occasion the Friday goddess, Freya herself, came down from her sanctuary in the mountaintops and appeared before the group, who numbered only 12 at the time, and gave them one of her cats, after which the witches' coven — and, by "tradition," every properly-formed coven since — comprised exactly 13.

Some say Friday's bad reputation goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. It was on a Friday, supposedly, that Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit. Adam bit, as we all learned in Sunday School, and they were both ejected from Paradise. Tradition also holds that the Great Flood began on a Friday; God tongue-tied the builders of the Tower of Babel on a Friday; the Temple of Solomon was destroyed on a Friday; and, of course, Friday was the day of the week on which Christ was crucified. It is therefore a day of penance for Christians.
In pagan Rome, Friday was execution day (later Hangman's Day in Britain), but in other pre-Christian cultures it was the sabbath, a day of worship, so those who indulged in secular or self-interested activities on that day could not expect to receive blessings from the gods — which may explain the lingering taboo on embarking on journeys or starting important projects on Fridays.

To complicate matters, these pagan associations were not lost on the early Church, which went to great lengths to suppress them. If Friday was a holy day for heathens, the Church fathers felt, it must not be so for Christians — thus it became known in the Middle Ages as the "Witches' Sabbath," and thereby hangs another tale.

LEGEND HAS IT: Never change your bed on Friday; it will bring bad dreams. Don't start a trip on Friday or you will have misfortune. If you cut your nails on Friday, you cut them for sorrow. Ships that set sail on a Friday will have bad luck – as in the tale of H.M.S. Friday ... One hundred years ago, the British government sought to quell once and for all the widespread superstition among seamen that setting sail on Fridays was unlucky. A special ship was commissioned, named "H.M.S. Friday." They laid her keel on a Friday, launched her on a Friday, selected her crew on a Friday and hired a man named Jim Friday to be her captain. To top it off, H.M.S. Friday embarked on her maiden voyage on a Friday, and was never seen or heard from again.

The Knights Templar
One theory, recently offered up as historical fact in the novel The Da Vinci Code, holds that it came about not as the result of a convergence, but a catastrophe, a single historical event that happened nearly 700 years ago. The catastrophe was the decimation of the Knights Templar, the legendary order of "warrior monks" formed during the Christian Crusades to combat Islam. Renowned as a fighting force for 200 years, by the 1300s the order had grown so pervasive and powerful it was perceived as a political threat by kings and popes alike and brought down by a church-state conspiracy, as recounted by Katharine Kurtz in Tales of the Knights Templar (Warner Books, 1995):

On October 13, 1307, a day so infamous that Friday the 13th would become a synonym for ill fortune, officers of King Philip IV of France carried out mass arrests in a well-coordinated dawn raid that left several thousand Templars — knights, sergeants, priests, and serving brethren — in chains, charged with heresy, blasphemy, various obscenities, and homosexual practices. None of these charges was ever proven, even in France — and the Order was found innocent elsewhere — but in the seven years following the arrests, hundreds of Templars suffered excruciating tortures intended to force "confessions," and more than a hundred died under torture or were executed by burning at the stake.

Again, this information was obtained here.
SO, Are you superstitious when it comes to Friday the 13th? Did you know I have never seen any of the Friday the 13th Movies? Just not into them. Are you judging me? lol

Old Dog and New Tricks!

2009-02-07T09:31:00.004+03:00

In this time of uncertain futures and disappearing jobs it sets a mind to wondering. Wondering if I will find one of those fun little pink things in my paycheck for one. You know what I am talking about. The big let go. "Downsizing" is just one of those words I am dreading of hearing.

Every day it seems I hear of someone else I know who is losing their job.

So what can one do when there is a cloud of dread hanging over everything? Well, I think it may be time to go back to the drawing board. Well, back to school anyway. I actually feel a little excited thinking about the possibilities in front of me.

Enter self doubt and its cousin fear. I start feeling I am too old to start on a new career path. Can it really be okay to pursue something I may actually like more than what I am doing currently? What right do I even have to think like this while I still have a job?

Well, to heck with anything and everything that may be in my way. If I have learned anything during this economic slump it is that I would be more able to find a job if I had more than one skill. If I was more educated or had more diverse skills I would be more attractive to potential employers. And I can now decide what it is that I would like to do, possibly for the rest of my life.

Of course, starting new in anything means starting at the bottom so I figure I better get started now. So if something does happen I at least have something to fall back on.

I guess I post this looking for validation in wanting to gain new skills. I guess I want to feel that I am not too old to learn something new.

So my question is:
Can an old dog learn new tricks?

Have a great day!

Yearbook time!

2009-02-01T08:26:00.000+03:00

I was just thinking about how we signed each others yearbooks in High School. We said the cheesiest of things. I remember the first time someone wrote KIT and their number in my book I was confused. A friend said that it meant Keep In Touch. Who started that?

Another yearbook favorite is 'stay sweet'. I know May is a few months away but as I may or may not have stated before, I may not always able to stay on track and so decided that I might as well post this while I was thinking about it. Did you know I used the word may four times in that last sentence? Did you just check? You guys crack me up!

So I wanted to know what cheesy things did you write in other people's yearbooks?

What about the cheesiest thing someone wrote in yours?

Do you ever look back in your old yearbooks?

Do you see yourself as blossomed out of your awkward years or do you yearn for the 'good ole days'?

Lifes answers

2009-01-31T08:35:00.000+03:00

Not really, but I am answering my own questions from my last post.

1. My favorite color is purple. At least right now it is.

2. My favorite action movie is a tough call. I guess I have to cheat and say anything with John Wayne! Maybe True Grit.

3. Kiefer Sutherland is my favorite actor not under 30

4.Mash was great and so was In living color

5. 70's - Pink Floyd 80's - Metallica 90's- Nirvana

6. Simpsons. doh!

7. Dirty hairy..........Oh Yeah!

8. Bon Jovi, any era, hands down, even if you include when it was John Cougar

9. Little Rascals, just loved spanky and buckwheat!

10. GO Cardinals!

VOTE SARA

2009-01-29T06:47:00.001+03:00

Okay everyone, I have an assignment!

It is easy and painless. Just go to This Site and look for Sara Nelms and vote for her. I have it from a good source that she is beautiful inside AND out and totally deserves to win. And FYI, we have caused her to surge to the front page. Keep spreading the word! There is az long way to go!
But don't just take my word for it. GO HERE to find out more.

But make sure you go vote for Sara Nelms!

That is all

Let's get to know eachother better

2009-01-28T07:48:00.003+03:00

So, why is it that as I go throughout a normal day I will have those moments. You know what moments I am talking about. Those moments where you are either in shock or awe or are just plain laughing out loud. And then you say to yourself, 'self, I am gonna totally blog about that!'

But guess what? I might have as many as 10 of these moments a day. But when I get even the tinniest amount of time where I could post I just freeze up. It can be so frustrating. I think if I didn't have this pesky job thing to worry about I could put a better quality of post up. But alas, kinda like the roof over my head and you know, we alls got to eat.

So, where was I? Who has any flippin idea! I am like this in real life as a matter of fact. So I have more fun when I am talking about things we may or may not have in common. Because no two people are exactly alike, nobody comes away from any experience with exactly the same take on that same experience. For example, some of us were around during the 80's. The 1980's to be exact, just so there is no confusion.(haha) Some of us liked this particular decade while others try and blot the whole era from their memory. (just because you burn the pictures does not mean I still don't have them. ) But seriously folks, nobody thought they were silly wearing legwarmers and parachute pants. Not at the time anyway.

So my question(s) are simple. Do not take much time coming up with the coolest answer. It is the answers that pop into your head first that are interesting. so answer if you dare.

1. Your favorite color(starting off easy)

2. Your favorite action movie

3. Favorite Actor/actress born in the 70's or earlier.

4. top two TV shows not currently putting out new episodes

5. Favorite band/artist from the 70's. the 80's. the 90's

6. Simpson's or family guy

7. Rambo or dirty hairy

8. Bon Jovi or John Mellancamp

9. Little rascals or 3 stooges

last and maybe least..............

10. Cardianls or Steelers

I will post my own answers if and when I get enough responses from the rest of you. So when you get a free sec come back and let us know. Also, you can give me some ideas for future questions.

As always, have a great day stalkers!

What did you do today? and roll call

2009-01-22T10:46:00.004+03:00

No trick questions here, just want to know what you did today.

Maybe it is so I can live through your exciting days events and dream big.

Maybe it's because I want to feel like I am not the only person who has ho-hum drag on boring days.

Maybe I didn't have anything else to post about.

Maybe I spent too much time creating a new music play list to put together a coherent thought.

Maybe it is all of the above.

So, do me a favor. Take 90 seconds(more or less) and click the little comment button and tell me at least one thing you did or are going to do today. It does not matter when you read this. The day you read this is the day you tell us about. Easy enough? Well, we shall soon see ............................................................................................................................ at least take 15 seconds for the roll call and let me know you stopped by.

Plus you know you want to hand out a little bit and listen to the cool new music. (probably just me)

Music and my ipod

2009-01-20T05:10:00.000+03:00

So peaceful looking, no? But I seem to remember my mom telling me not to go to sleep with headphones on. Something about rotting my brain away.

Anyway this post is more about MY music but I loved this picture and just had to fit it in.

Now, those of you who are regular readers know that music is a big part of my life. Maybe you do not know just how much I am into my music.

I posted before that I can find a song for any occasion. That is no stretch of the imagination. So often I find myself thinking this song or that song would fit as the background music in the scene of my life, happening right now. Of course, my mood can change what song is appropriate in what scene.

Anyway, I have all my music on several different hard drives. I have a back up just in case something goes terribly wrong. I then have two separate i-pods with the music stored on it.

But that is just the beginning people.

I have all this digital music still on cd. Yes, cd's, you know those compact discs your kids will soon have no clue about. I rarely if ever listen to them but have had to put them all back onto a windows media player when my system crashed and I lost them all. Hence all the backups nowadays.

But it gets worse still.....

.............................................................................................I have those old relics called cassette tapes. Not just a few either. I think I have about 700 still. Cassettes were my first music format. My collection really started with the cassette and the mixed tape. Yes, the mixed tape! You know, the tape you would make with all your favorite songs. My kids would gasp at the effort required to make a mixed tape back in the day.

And yet worse still............

............................................................................................once I was collecting music I started picking up lps. You know, vinyl records. You know, it has been said that music sounds the best on vinyl and I think I agree with those who say this. The problem is you can't take your lp's around with you very easily. And so I sacrifice the smallest of clarity and choose the digital more easily transferred and carried around.

SO, WHY THE HECK AM I POSTING THIS? well, the truth of the matter is that I can't seem to get rid of the old originals. The lps the tapes and the cd's. I feel like they are too important to just toss or sell. I have the music, and I hope that I would never need to re-download all of that music. But I can't seem to feel the value of the music on the computer as anywhere equal to that of the originals. Is it because this technology blossomed during my life and not prior to? I DO lolve this technology that has enabled a music lover to have his music everywhere and so easily.

Spouse sees all the space taken up by the lp's tapes and cd's and says we could use the space better. Probably but I stubbornly hold on to these "real" things. I don't think its because I think I still don't trust computers, but no matter how practical the argument I can't let them go..........

Is there hope?

To be or not to be.......

2009-01-15T09:34:00.003+03:00

That is NOT the question of this post. It is merely a line from a Shakespearean play. It does make me question to be .......what? Oh well, I know what he was getting at. I suppose this post IS asking something similar.

To be happy.....Or not to be happy.......THAT is THE question!

It is not that difficult to consider your answer if you establish the criteria for the question.

So....here it goes......................

when you get up in the morning, are you looking forward to the day ahead?
do you notice the change in the seasons?
Do you make the best of your job, whether its your dream job or not?
when people are around you for a period of time, do THEY tend to become happier?
are you stressed out on Sunday because the next day is Monday?
can you enjoy just sitting around with friends doing nothing productive?
do others enjoy sharing THEIR good news with YOU?
When you see co-workers talking do you assume they are talking about you?
Are you so fun when you are happy that others try and make and keep you happy?
Do you try to out do yourself?
Can you be happy with your best efforts?
Do you do the bare minimum to get by?
Do you feel you make a difference?
Are you approachable?
At the conclusion of a conversation, do you feel you talked too much?
Do babies like you?
Do dogs like you?
Do you like dogs?
Are you the suck-up in class?
Are you the student who excels without advertising it?
When lost, will you ask for directions from a stranger?

These are not questions that will scientifically determine whether you are happy or not. DUH! But they are questions we can ask ourselves and decide if we like the answers. If we don't, these are all things we can change.

So are you as happy as you want to be? If not, what are you going to do about it?

Passion or Obsession?

2009-01-12T07:37:00.003+03:00

So what the heck is going on people? So how do I break into this new year with a fresh question? Not really sure myself so I decided to take a look at what MY interests are in life. What I discovered was that I do not have much that I sit on the fence about. Meaning, I tend to go 'all in'. I look at the sports teams I like and realize I could easily be considered a Fan-atic! When I like an Musical Artist or band I tend to really find all the music they have ever made. When I fall in love with a writer or new TV series(or old) I want to read/watch everything ever done.

So I was going to write about my passions in life. You know, the passions that would not reveal TOO much about me and would not cause anyone to blush either. Anyway, I started thinking that maybe obsession could be deemed a more appropriate descriptor in some or these categories.

This is what I found online:

Passion is defined as: a: the emotions as distinguished from reason b: intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction c: an outbreak of anger d: ardent affection : love e: a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept f: an object of desire or deep interest

Obsession is defined as a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling ; broadly : compelling motivation

So I don't know, maybe Passion is still okay. Spouse I think would say in some cases I definitely have a 'disturbing preoccupation' so I guess the jury is out and I will have to just watch myself closer. The last thing I want is to be considered 'Obsessive'.

And so that brings up the question of the week. Take a look at the things you consider yourself passionate about. Then look at the above definitions. Is it really a passion or are you acting obsessive? It almost can be how you perceive things through your own prism of view. So probably you will not come clean about anything you are obsessive about.

Well here's mine: Of all the things I am passionate about there is one thing that I always question myself about. And that is music. All kinds of music. I think I have stated it before, but I have several dedicated storage devices dedicated to storing my music. But it's not just a few favorites. I am constantly increasing my collection from music I grew up with. But I am also always looking for new music. When I hear something I like I want it. And I find a way to get it. So yeah, I think this may be borderline, but guess what? I don't think I will stop listening to music or not wanting music I like but I think it causes me to just step back and make sure I don't let myself get carried away with it. Anymore than I already have anyway. haha

So what are your passions/obsessions? Can you recognize the difference? And are they healthy and under control or do they control you? Just something to think about.

from each according to their ability.....

2009-01-09T09:50:00.003+03:00

In my last post I pondered about the hope of a new year. But how can I even suppose that there is any real hope left? Don't get me wrong, I am not a wack job declaring that the end is near. I do however feel as though the weight of the worlds problems are too much to bear. Too much to be borne by those who are being asked to bear it.

How often I have heard that the bailouts in The Great United States of America are what is good for the good of the country? Whose good are they referring and at what cost? I started this blog as way to be light and creative without any political pretenses or really anything that would paint a picture of who I was or what I stood for. As I struggle with the insanity of what is happening in the world today I find that it is too much a part of who I am and what I believe. What am I without the moral premises that I live my life by? Am I coming out of the shadows and revealing who I am? No, that is not what is going on in THIS post. But what is insane is what is being called sane in today's world.

In the cold war the United States was battling the real threat of communism it was clearly defined. Those who called themselves communists or its similar cousins(socialism, collectivism etc.) clearly stated their goals and designs for even the great United States. Most Americans stood up against this way of thinking. The USA was founded upon the most moral of all premises. That one is entitled to make his or her own way by his or her own effort. That if by the hard work, determination, sacrifice and risk one puts towards an end results in success that they have the right to enjoy that success. And to bask in the glow of that success without guilt or accusations of greed for wanting to succeed and then doing all within their power to do just that.

I have not posted much lately because of the lack of time able to do so but also because of the inability to become more lighthearted than I really and truly feel so deep down inside. During this time I actually lost followers. Is this important? I guess not but what does it take to actually take yourself off of someones followers list? More energy and effort than to just leave yourself there. I think that I will continue to lose followers because I will now on occasion bare a little of my soul so that I may at least create the illusion of peace within myself. Not because I will change someones mind or beliefs but because I will have cleared the worry and placed in somewhere that can give me room to deal with the day to day trials that I still have to face and conquer each and every day.

I DO have very opinionated views and did during the elections but chose not to comment either way. I do value all of the opinions of those that I stalk and all of those who stalk me. I value the fact that we all have different ideas and party affiliations and priorities we want our politicians to address. Some of you ignor politics completely, or at least think you do. We don't all live in the same country even. Anyway, there is a saying, "from each according to their ability, to each according to their need". What does it mean? It means that if you have an ability, any ability, you have an obligation to use that ability for the benefit of those who need it. This is not a new idea. Karl Marx stated this phrase as he outlined his vision of a perfect society in The Communist Manifesto way back in 1848. The social elite now preach that this is an enlightened approach to solving the country's and the world's problems. I am not attacking any political party. The political system in this country is infected by this thinking in every party and in every level. What are we doing that we are willing to take from those who produce and give to those who do not? Is it because I am heartless and unfeeling? I say that it is not. I am extremely sensitive and worry about those who suffer. But this country, yes I will claim the United States as my Country, was founded and fought and bled for by the spirit of hard work and that one has the right to earn his or her own way.

But what of those who are not as well off as us? This is where they GUILT us into voting away our wealth and the wealth of our Nation. It does sound good but it cannot work and we see the evidence all around us the more they force this principle upon us. They tell us that it is always the fault of the rich. They are evil, making their money on the back of all of us. Do I want to be rich? A resounding and emphatic Yes! DO I think that I should be given some of the money someone else earned just because they made more of it than I? No, it is not moral or just. But this is what they are selling, and have been selling for some time now.

The governments of the world including in the United States of America are taking all of the powers and rights of the free man. And these are rights not to be given by any government but rights that we are born with, given by our creator. The men who founded the United States Understood. We have forgotten. We have more people dependant on the Government every day. Why is it? Because we will provide. I say we because what people do not seem to understand is that the Government does not create money. It may print it but it does not create wealth. In order to give to some it must take from others. If the harder you work the more you are punished, why do you work harder? For most, it means you do not work harder.

In this system of from everyone according to their ability to everyone according to their need, everybody takes an equal share of treasure. But those who can produce Must produce in order to take care of those who have greater need. There is no increased benefit to those who have ability. In this system without benefit to the hard working, many drop out. What the federal government does is try to find that magic number that is one dollar less than the amount that will cause that producer to quit and exact that amount from them. But we are made to feel guilty if ever one person suffers. We are always so worried about what is fair. So what is Fair? Is it fair to work hard and take risks with all that you have and by the blood and sweat of your own hard work find success only to be made to support those who cannot or those who will not. If you look at those throughout history who have supported their fellow man the most it was the leaders of industry. The most charitable of all people are those who know what the value of a dollar is. Those who have earned it. And who is demanding those dollars and coming up with programs to take your dollar and decide who to help with that dollar? I will let you decide that. But I do know that if it is my dollar I want to decide where it gets spent. There are too many who are making a living on deciding where to spend my money. And it is all done for the good of the people. What people? Why is it never for the good of those who work and produce. Those who create jobs.

I am not one who has created a single job, but I am one who depends on those who do. There is talk of tax cuts. What really needs to gain momentum is the 'tax holiday'. This is a bill going through congress that would give every working American a break from any and all taxes for a quarter of this year. It would be a start. It would also be a tax holiday for corporate taxes. Talk about bailouts. This would be a real stimulus, letting people keep ALL of their money. But I do not think it will ever even make the floor for a vote. Why not? Because then the eyes of all of America would be open to just how much they are being squeezed. They would see the effect on the small businesses as well as the corporations who would not only save in their corporate taxes but on their matching payroll amounts. Once the eyes are opened then there would have to be an accounting and more than likely the IRS would be torn apart and we would move closer to a flat tax system. And the people, of whom the Government is supposedly of, by and for would no longer tolerate all the waste because they would see just what it was costing them. It would be like taking off the sunglasses you had been wearing in a dimly lit room and seeing things for the first time.

Well, I do feel better. Did I get things out of my clouded and crowded head? Most definitely. Did I drive even more away from me? Probably, but I hope not. I hope there is room for the occasional unloading and exchanging of ideas and philosophy. Will I ever post another humorous post? Heck yes!

Well, now that I have at least convinced myself that I have lifted a burden off of my back I think I will take a spin around the web. It has been so long. I wonder what you have all been up to.

Hope for a New Year?

2008-12-31T01:38:00.000+03:00

Well, we are at the end of yet another year. So I find myself wondering if I am any better off now than at this same time last year. Did I make any resolutions last year? And how long before those resolutions went the way of the dodo bird?

See, every year, everyone talks about New Years Resolutions. And I mean EVERYONE! We get asked by our colleagues and by our friends and neighbors, "What are YOUR New Years Resolutions?". Heck, even the advertisers get in on the deal. Fitness clubs and Gyms probably make the most money at this time of year because of everyone signing up to make good on that resolution 'to get in better shape'.

So, if I have been around for as long as I have, What is there left to be resolute about? HA!, That's just the rub that I am getting at. What is it about our New Years Resolutions that we (me) cannot seem to conquer?

I am thinking that part of it may be that we aim to big. I know that if I say I am going to lose weight and I have lets say 50+ lbs to lose that if I have not dropped 10 lbs the first month then its right back to cheesecake and fatty burgers. I know that to be successful I, and I am only talking about myself here, I am sure there are many who are WAY better than I. But I digress, I know that if I start with a smaller, more obtainable goal, such as losing 5lbs, I might have greater success. And I can then make another resolution to lose another 5 lbs after that and so on.

And what of other goals, such as getting a promotion at work and/or being a better friend for example? How do we tackle such lofty goals? Certainly they are worthwhile and we feel they would make us better people. If they did not, we would not set them as goals, would we?

How do we break down getting a promotion? Maybe see where we can increase productivity in a certain area and putting in the time necessary to be noticed for positions as they became available. And how about being a better friend? That's a hard one no? I guess that you need to know just what your friends need or want IN a friend, or IN you for that matter. Of course listening and being there for them during their trials has definitely got to help.

Well, I am really trying to figure out what I most need to work on so that I CAN make some resolutions. Of course I am finding it difficult at how best to achieve "financial independence' and

'children who listen better'.

I am working on both of these as a matter of fact. I know they might seem pretty 'out there' and if you knew my circumstances maybe even unrealistic. But there is not to question but to do and so me and spouse WILL do. We are going to do the things we should have done before things looked so dire. We will 'bury' the credit cards and do something drastic. LIVE WITHIN OUR MEANS! Okay, it seems so simple when you write it down but it does not seem so simple when kids need braces for example. Or when something goes wrong in the house(money pit) and demands replacement, such as the Water main or the Heater/Air Conditioner. Sort of why we are burying the credit cards and not cutting them all up like we want to. Anyway, would welcome anyones advice on money saving tips in any area.

As far as the whole getting kids to listen better goes we figured we would call Nanny 911. Then we figured there was no way in hell I was going to put my family on television. Fat chance! Not that they are not the best kids ever, occasionally anyway. They are just, well, lets just say the decible level in our home can get mighty loud sometimes and I always wonder just what the neighbors are thinking. Because you know, even when we are having a ball, WE ARE LOUD!

I think the most common thing heard in our house apart from the repeatedly calling of children by their name until they answer is the word, "what?' or maybe "sorry, I didn't hear you' followed closely by "you never said that." Of course me and spouse find ourselves pulling out hair and groaning in misery because it seems to get worse as the children get older. In fact, I don't have a clue as to how to actually break this goal down. So, any help in this area is welcome as well.

WOW! that felt good to get off my chest. I hope I don't read this in a year and wonder 'what the heck was I thinking?'

So, now I am wondering Just what are you fellow stalkers out there putting on your lists of New Year Resolutions? Are they lifestyle changers? Are they going to cause you to make drastic changes in your routines or your home life? Please put on your brave face and let me know what you have planned for the New Year as well. Are you a big party person with lots of friends or do you roll over and kiss the spouse at midnight and go back to bed? Or are you somewhere inbetween?

Here is wishing you a very Happy New Year!

Memories

2008-12-29T04:25:00.004+03:00

Okay, they say things come full circle and I am starting to believe it. I can distinctively remember the first time I watched the movie Home Alone. Just how many countless times I have seen it since I have no clue. I think It just may be part of my generations classic movies of Christmas. While I do not think it rates all the way up there with It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th St(the original) but when I think of Christmas that movie does come to mind. What is funny is that I think of lines to that movie even when it's not Christmas. When the uncle says, 'Look what you did, you little jerk!' This line is always repeated anytime I hear anyone say, 'look what you did!' sometimes it is not wholly appropriate but it is there, tucked into the tiny folds of my cranium.

What was the magic of this movie? I think it was the fact that we as children always think we would be better off without our parents and siblings around. Maybe that carries into adulthood but that's fodder for another post on another day. Anyway, just like any of us the star of the movie lives it up thinking he has gotten his greatest wish. Then later when he is reunited with his family he realizes just how much he loves and needs his family.

Now my children are watching this movie with the eyes of wishful children and wondering what they would do without their parents around. I see this movie with deeper meaning now as an adult.(I am an adult right? at least as far as the legal definition goes)

What other movies from the last twenty years or so, with a Christmas theme have left a big mark on us the 'regular' public? Could it be Jim Carey's 'The Grinch"? What movies would you, my fellow stalkers want to put on a 'New Holiday Classics' list?

Christmas - Humbug!?

2008-12-23T02:38:00.003+03:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS STALKERS!

So with that out of the way I wanted to know how everyone feels this time of the year. I know for me that Christmas always is a magical time of year for me. I am lucky to have small kids around(still!) and that keeps the magic going for sure. But with the older kids we get to have a lot deeper Christmas traditions such as reading Luke 2 and watching Christ-centered movies as well as the fun Santa and Present themed movies.

I definitely was raised with certain traditions in my own family. Spouse had a few traditions in their family as well. But as we started our own family we had to decide what traditions WE were going to start.

Mostly, just spending time together is the most important because with all these kids and all the Church/work requirements we have to be flexible. But there are a few traditions we try and always do.

1. Sit around Christmas Eve and read the story of Jesus. We then have hot cocoa and go out to look at pretty Christmas lights. When we get back we let everyone open 1 gift

2. We go watch Christmas programs and Lights at certain areas(sorry-have to keep this generic or it totally gives me away)

3. We try to make cookies and treats for as many 'friends and family' as we can and deliver them as a family.

These are not knock your socks off traditions but they are OUR OWN! Because neither of us have much family support due to OUR standards we have tried to do the things to develop bonds within OUR immediate family that will last into our kids adult years so that as they grow older these traditions can be shared by their spouses and OUR grand kids.

So, fellow stalkers, what are your traditions? Are they traditions that you started within your own families? Do these traditions include any extended family? Tis the season for sharing people so SHARE ALREADY!

and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

How do you spell TRASH?

2008-12-19T11:21:00.001+03:00

Just a quick rant that I am having difficulty dealing with. Because I wish to keep things lighter I will try to generalize what has so greatly offended me. Hey I know, I'll do one of those Dear whomever letters and let out all my frustrations that way.

Nope, that won't work either.(I would never use that kind of language in a letter!) Maybe I will just ask a few questions and see what my fellow stalkers think on the subject.

So what do you do when someone who is entrusted with the care of someone you love not only allows something to happen to them that just causes your mouth to drop open and steam to come out of your ears but actually encouraged and pushed them into it?

OH, I can't even begin to list the many levels of rage and frustration and anger and rage, I think I said that already, but you get the picture.

Lets put it this way:

You have a prize winning dog. It is pedigreed and trained and is treated with white gloves. Your "friend" agrees to watch your dog for the weekend and you feel safe that your dog is getting loving care, greater than that from some stranger at a kennel. When you come to pick up your dog you find out that your "friend" took your dog to a dog fighter to "toughen it up" and give it a more aggressive doggy cut. While there the dog fighter crops the tail and generally changes your prize winner forever.

This was a stretch and does not even begin to really explain the situation but let me ask you this.:

If a friend or family member destroys the trust you had with them by choosing to put someone you love in harms way deliberately, should you feel guilty about not wanting to be around them? Even during the holidays?

PLEASE put on your brave faces and help me out here!

Politically Correct Christmas?

2008-12-13T05:58:00.000+03:00

Merry Christmas all you bloggers out there in blogger land. It may not be politically correct to say it but say it I do with all the emotional feeling to go with it. Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas.

I am not some anti-Semite or other hate monger as our PC society would have you believe. No, I am a God fearing, Christ believing Christian. There I said it. WOW that feels good. I want it to be known that I am respectful of all religion or lack thereof. In fact my own religion teaches tolerance of all beliefs and faiths.

So why is it that I am supposed to say Happy holidays instead of Merry Christmas? Are we really supposed to give in to all the commercialism of this season and forget about the true meaning? My Jewish friends are respectful of me and wish me a merry Christmas and I wish them a Happy Chanukah.

Don't get me wrong I love all the traditions of Christmas but isn't it all about the giving and sharing?

So what do I do when someone says, "Sorry I don't believe in that!" when I wish them a blessed and merry Christmas? After all, they ARE getting gifts wrapped and are waiting in line with their kids to see Santa. I know many atheists who celebrate Christmas so what's the deal? Is it the word blessed? Geez, forgive me for the atrocity!

I will not preach to someone who does not want to be preached to but are we to the point where Christianity is to be locked away and hidden from the world? I would not ask anyone else to shelf or hide their beliefs so why should I?

Well, leave me your thoughts stalkers. And as always, Have a great day!

And MERRY CHRISTMAS!

If mice could talk?

2008-12-11T06:22:00.009+03:00

Well, Mama Kat gave an assignment and I actually decided to take it to task. So first up, what would I do if a mouse spoke to me?

Well, first off I would ask it for a great meal. Hey, I saw the movie. I know those things can really cook. And after my scrumptious meal I would start scheming. What?! Have you seen the places where a mouse can fit into? I have not got it all figured out yet, but I am sure we would make quite the team.

If I needed to know how someone really felt about me or what was "really" being said behind closed doors my new little friend could really help out. Of course I am only assuming that this mouse would be intelligent and not just some dumb field mouse who by some sheer coincidence has the gift of human speech.

And what could I offer that mouse? Protection for one. Do you know how many different ways humans have perfected in exterminating mice? A lot I think! Anyway, on top of that, I think a mountain of cheese would go a long way in making the little bugger my ally.

Of course, It would be a one mouse deal. No parties, no friends. Soon as there is more than one, DEALS OFF! I still have nightmares about the movie BEN. Anyone remember that one? With all the rats? Yep, as soon as the friends start hanging out its all over but the clean up. lol

The second part of my accepted assignment was about new roads I have taken ion life. Well, lets see here...........getting married, that was a new road.......bumpy at times but the best road I ever started down for sure. A little info on blogstalker......was very young when I got married. Especially young by the worlds standards. Even some of my family could be whispering that our marriage could not last a year. HA! jokes on them, going on two decades now!

Anyway, many different roads I have turned down on this here journey. Looking back there were some roads that forked. The sure thing is that you can only go down one of the forks or you can just sit still, never quite deciding which direction to go. One thing I cannot be accused of is sitting still. A slew of kids, some different career/job directions and a whole host of other 'activities'.(lol, maybe an inside joke)

So now I turn it around and ask my fellow stalkers what roads have you chosen? Were they the right roads? Also wondering about backing up and going down a different road when you realize you are not on the road you thought you were taking. Anyone done that? Anyone wanted to do that? Whats stopping you?

Okay stalkers, you know what to do....or do you?

Me Worry?

2008-12-06T10:52:00.003+03:00

Okay stalkers, I think I feel a confession coming on. Yes, it is definitely coming out. I do not know exactly how to let it out but will do my best. I have a feeling most of you already know but I need to type it to convince myself. So here it goes: I am getting so old! Well, relatively speaking of course.

So why do I feel the weight of all my 234 years pulling me down to towards the earths core? Well, that question is not so easily answered. But seeing how I only have limited space to write(the Internet IS limited, right?) I will try to briefly let you into my head.

You see, when I was younger, I did not fear anything. At least I cannot remember fearing anything. I probably was a scared little kid at one time, but I am remembering that young teenager who saw the world orbiting around him/herself. I did things that I would never dream of doing at my ripened age. I took risks with my personal safety and more than likely those around me without really thinking of the possible consequences.

While I was not that impolite teenager or the teenager that broke EVERY rule I did step out of the box my parents tried to package me in. And now HERE IS THE KICKER.

Now I have to deal with the kids who are not scared of anything! I find myself worried to death about everything they do and what 'could' happen to them. Now don't get me wrong, I let my kids make their own mistakes. I even let them do things I know they are not going to like the consequences of. MY problem is that too often I expect or imagine the worst. And boy do I have an active imagination.

My older kids are really good kids. I honestly think they are way better kids than I ever was. But then again my parents thought I was such a great kid. AND THAT IS WHAT SCARES ME THE MOST. What don't I know about them? Me and my spouse have prided ourselves on the fact that we talk to our children about 'everything' openly and honestly. We may 'over react' at times, but really do tend to really hear them out and take their concerns to heart. I do wonder who they are when we are not around and it's just them and their friends. To be a fly on the wall.(or a little electronic transmitter. lol)

So, I am rambling again. Child #1 just got home from late night(morning) out. Everything went well and I can stop worrying.(for now)

So I do have a new question for all you stalkers who hung out through this boring post.

What do you worry about? or do you worry at all? If you do, what do you do to help you cope? For those of you with completely grown kids, do you ever stop worrying? and for those of you with all young'ns(no teenagers yet) GOOD LUCK!

Put your brave face on and leave a comment!
Have a great day!

Yummy Chocolate!

2008-12-04T22:51:00.002+03:00

I, as you all know have been seriously limited on my blogging as of late. Imagine my surprise when after a week of not getting on my computer, found that I had not received just one award but TWO! The fact that they are the same award makes it that much easier to post about!

Thank you to The Scholastic Scribe and to Veggie Mom who showed me the bloggy love!

I want to award the following regular contributors(besides Scribe and V. Mom) to my comments with this award!

The rules will follow at the end of this post, but because so many move on before that I wanted to tell you all that this is A must have award! Not that I need any award to find reason to enjoy a sweet treat such as chocolate, but when it is a requirement it makes it twice as nice and I am sure when you are eating chocolate because it is part of an award that it has no fat and zero calories!

So anyway, is chocolate the chink in your armor? I like chocolate but Cheesecake is the sin that I have little or no defense against. Is there something that you stalkers out there have to be careful around? Is it harder around the holidays? I know I am trying to run more again, one of the reasons I am finding less time to blog!

Here are the Rules of the Road:

You must eat a Piece of Chocolate in honor of accepting The Octamom Award.

You must, um…..Eat Yet Another Piece of Chocolate when you put The Award on your blog.

You must visit Debi B. (who designed the award) by clicking Here. "It’s neighborly, you know," proclaims Tara R.

Try to go by and see the other stalkers we're putting links up for.

Don't forget to display the award on your blog!

Feel free to add or subtract from the rules as suits you…except that Chocolate one…

And, but of course, if you're reading this post & feel like you need a little Chocolate in your life, please accept The Octamom Award, with blogstalker's blessing!

Thanks for nothing!

2008-11-25T23:57:00.004+03:00

The title of this post means nothing. I really am truly thankful for a whole lot. I AM thankful that I am busy enough with work and family that blogging has to come a distant third. I AM thankful that despite my great and obvious faults I DO have the greatest spouse in the known(and unknown) universe.

I do not get the opportunity to post, let alone read blogs with the frequency that I would like to. But all things considered, who cares? Not that I am blase about it or anything, there just is not any time. I seriously have written and rewritten post after post within the little brain I was blessed with. Problem is, with no time to sit at a computer it is just gets lost to the wind.

I have done some very cool family activities as of late and I so enjoy them that it caused me to take a look at what I am thankful for. It really is amazing how mush, even the least of us, have to be grateful for. How often do I feel like I am going without because the cable is out or the soda fountain at the store is out of order? Seriously!

Anyway, Since this IS thanksgiving(In America) I thought I would share a few things I am thankful for

My spouse, seriously, my best friend!
My children....I need to tell them that more...each one brings me immeasurable happiness
A relationship with God through church and service
My health........it could be better.....but it could be so much worse!
My Job.........duh.......the way things are everywhere.....a big one
A descent house....adequate for our needs
Reliable transportation
The ability to communicate my feelings and beliefs.......to a fault......I talk too much....but so much better than not being able to talk
Cell phones and always being able to get hold of my kids...lol!
Great books!
Good movies!
Music for any mood....ipods and mp3 players
the rest of technology that I could live without but glad I don't
Good Mexican food

Starting to get a little out of hand I know, but we could all make lists that could probably go on forever if we were honest with ourselves. As bad as things are or as bad as they get I think we all need to remember to treasure what we need, and be willing to part with what we don't. If we can do that, we can always be found happy, no matter the trial.

So.....anyone out there thankful for something? Spill it and help add to the good feelings of the Holidays (or at least so I can read more comments) Who knows, what you are thankful for might trigger something for someone else and so on and so on.............

Put your brave faces on and comment!

Houston, We have a problem!

2008-11-20T18:07:00.000+03:00

Your life's soundtrack!

2008-11-18T04:06:00.016+03:00

So, any of you who are frequent visitors to my blog, and not just readers of my posts on google reader, will note that I have quite a variety of music. I REALLY relate to music. While I am not musically inclined in any way, I am literally obsessed with GOOD music.

What is good music? Obviously we would all give different answers to that question. Some might even say that they prefer quiet to music. Crazy I tell ya! My tastes in music are very diverse to say the least. For example: I am huge fan of hair metal, particularly that from the 80's. I also like Johnny Cash and even some Michael Jackson(just keep him from my children). If it is good, I also like pop or top 40 music. Anyway, I also just love The Phantom of the Opera soundtrack and some of the classics. So how does one classify me?

Well you can't! That's right, there is no category I fit into. I really like music. Music that is well written and somehow connects with me. I like music that is well performed and produced. Not that I do not like a 'raw' sound also.

Two things that keep me from liking an artist or a band: Good vocals and writing but horrid musicianship & Great talent with the instruments and sound and then deplorable vocals

I know it sounds so so picky, and really I am not too critical. If it sounds good I probably like it. I am usually less critical than most music critics. But critics are usually biased in some way, which is fine, I just don't listen to them. I know that I tend to listen to music depending on the mood I am in. Does that make me a moody person? Probably, but there are distinct moments in my life where I can definitely 'hear' that certain song that 'fits' my mood, feeling or what is happening.

Now don't get me wrong, I have music that I run to. I have music I like to veg out to. I have playlists for many different things. And some songs make all the lists while others may only work with one.

I find myself 'craving' NEW music to try out. I am constantly updating my itunes and Windows players with new music. It may have actually, at one time, been a really unhealthy addiction. I started this post with the intent of posting my "Life's Soundtrack", a group of songs that would cover most of the highs and lows and good and bad of my life thus far. As I started listing songs I realized that I could not make a small enough list. There IS a song(or three) for EVERY occurrence and happening in my life! I could not whittle a complete list together. To illustrate what I was combing through, I tell you that my music folders contain 32,458 songs. Told you it has been unhealthy at times!

Anyway, I thought I would list some artists who I think of as contributors to my life soundtrack:

Pink Floyd
Metallica
Led Zeppelin
Rush
Reba McEntire
The doors
Eric Clapton
Johnny Cash
Jon Bon Jovi
Beastie Boys
Michael Jackson
Audioslave
Charlie Daniels
Guns N Roses
Queen
Garth Brooks
UB40
Jimmy Hendrix
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Styx
The Eagles
3 Doors Down
The Cranberries
Sweet
Willie Nelson
Blondie
Have to throw in Weird Al and all of Dr Demento's hits!
Almost all 80's hits, you know, what they played on the radio!

Well, that is so not even close to putting any semblance of a complete list together. I want to either add another 50 or erase them all together. But I wont, at least not right away!

So, now that I have probably bored everyone to tears and sent them off to their next post, way to go Stalker!!!! Wow, I still have one reader. Thanks for sticking with me. So, if you would, let me know if you have a soundtrack of your life. Do you relate to music depending on your moods? Any chance you are as crazy about music as I am?

Answer or don't, I realize I now have way more readers than commenter's. And that is O. K.

But if you want to put your brave face on and leave a comment, GREAT!

Have a great day!

2008-11-15T09:25:00.003+03:00

So, anyone ever feel like there isnt enough hours in a day? Or maybe it's just that so few of those hours are spent doing the things you want to do.

I have to say I cannot seem to find the time to do half of the things on every days to do list.

Maybe we need to petition to have them make a mandatory 3 day work week. With 4 day weekends I could probably fit in everything I need to.

Make it happen people!

As always, Have a great day! (or at least a good one)

Two Blind Pilots

2008-11-11T08:57:00.002+03:00

Two blind pilots both are wearing dark glasses, one is using a guide dog, and the other is tapping his way along the aisle of the plane with a cane.

Nervous laughter spreads through the cabin, but the men enter the cockpit, the door closes, and the engines start up. The passengers begin glancing nervously around, searching for some sign that this is just a little practical joke. None is forthcoming.

The plane moves faster and faster down the runway and the people sitting in the window seats realize they're headed straight for the water at the edge of the airport. As it begins to look as though the plane will plough in to the water, panicked screams fill the cabin. At that moment, the plane lifts smoothly into the air. The passengers relax and laugh a little sheepishly, and soon all retreat into their magazines, secure in the knowledge that the plane is in good hands.

In the cockpit, one of the blind pilots turns to the other and says,"ya know, Bob, one of these days, they're gonna scream too late and we're all gonna die."
______________________________________________
So, are you one of those people who sees something terribly wrong but thinks there might be an honest explanation and so keep your mouth shut? How about when your service is just awful or the food at a restaurant is bad. Do you speak up? Or are you quietly burning inside wishing later that you HAD said something?

So often we find ourselves in situations where we are faced with the decision on how to react. For instance, when someone is overtly rude to us at work in a smarmy, cocky kind of way, we can react in any of three ways:

We can 'be the better person' and just let it all slide off of us. (even though we know inside that we are just pissed!)
We can react with righteous anger and call them out for their remarks.(and risk that they act all innocent in front of everyone as if they had not done it intentionally)
Or we can plan ways to get even!

So which way do you react when faced with someone like this? Do you act differently depending on who it is, and what their 'status' is? Do you ever have regrets for how you have reacted?

As always, put your brave faces on and leave me a reaction

Have a great day!

Roll Call

2008-11-08T12:22:00.000+03:00

Have not done a roll call in quite a while. Lets see, do I remember how this goes? Of course I do.

Please leave me a comment and let me know:

Who are you and where you are from
What it is like in your town, city, community right now!
What about you that helps set you apart from others around you
What you fear
What brings you joy

And of course you can leave anything else in a comment also. Just leave a comment so I can see who has checked in. If this is your first time to my blog or your first time leaving a comment,do not be shy. I have a saying around here, "Put on your brave face and go for it!"

Like Nike and Michael Jordon said, "Just do it" and then do it again if you come back and want to add something else. We do not penalize for multiple comments, long comments, short comments, non-sensible or even dissenting from general consensus comments.

Holy Belly Barrows Batman!

2008-11-07T09:10:00.004+03:00

Today Blogstalker is taking part in Candid Carries's Phota Phiesta! So, after you comment on my post, totally go check her out to see everyone else involved!

Todays Entry:

Wait for it.....

Wait for it........

Okay, you asked for it

This weeks Phriday Foto Phiesta entry is another spoof of McDonalds! So at what point do you realize you have a problem? Is it when you can't find a shirt to fit, or when you need a wheelbarrow to move yourself around?

It's pictures like these that keep a person motivated, no?

So, while we're at it. What motivates you? In Life? at work? Are you a motivated person at all?

Do you set goals for yourself ? What about for others? Do you expect others to perform to your standard? Above your standard?

Just wondering.....so put your brave face on and drop a line and enlighten the rest of us!

Oh, and have a great day!

Hand outs?

2008-11-06T11:03:00.000+03:00

I was so excited after the election.

I got up early and ran to my local gas station. But there was no one there to pay for my gas. I came home and opened my mail. No check to pay off my mortgage. And to top it off I still got bills for Satellite and Water services! Talk about disappointing. Well, maybe things just can't happen that fast. Maybe tomorrow!

The United States of America is certainly the greatest country in the world. Where else could you have an election that popular vote was so close the last three elections and there has never been rioting or ugly military takeover bids. Over 55 million people voted for the guy that lost.

I hope everyone from America realizes just how blessed they are and becomes even more committed to being "informed" on everything political.

Have a great day Stalkers!

A New President

2008-11-04T09:52:00.002+03:00

In The United States of America today, November 4th, 2008, the American people have the opportunity to vote for a new President.

I urge all of you who are able to do just that and VOTE!

Voting is a privilege and a right many have died to give you. And remember that no matter the winner, The United States of America is a blessed land still full of great people who will do great things. I challenge ALL Americans to become more active in the political process so that politics in America become MORE about a government of, by and for the people.

Thant is all!

Have a great day!

What ?

2008-11-01T21:24:00.001+03:00

So, Everyone have a fun Week? Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

Are you all nervous about the election in the United States? If you watch the news you would think the world might come to an end. Maybe it is.......But that is not the subject of this post. I do try and keep politics out of here....even though it creeps in from time to time.

What I really want to know is what else is going on out there in your neck of the woods. While I know the election seems to take up most of the news, I do not have a clue what else is going on. Hopefully you people are starting to gear up for the holidays. Maybe you are hung over on sugar from 'inspecting' all the candy from Halloween. Who knows?

But one thing is for sure. We all need to keep our minds active and give them a break from some of the other concerns in life. So here is the question of the day:

If you could only get one gift for Christmas, and price is not relevant;

What would you want to receive?
Who would you want it from?

You cannot ask for world peace or for enough food to feed all the hungry of the world. While these are noble thoughts, I am looking for more selfish answers. It is okay to be selfish. We are only daydreaming after all.

So think about it a moment, then leave your answer in a comment. Then if you think of something else come back and leave another comment. There are no penalties for multiple answers only that the last one given trumps all prior comments.

So.....put your brave face on and comment already!

And have a great day!

Phun Phriday

2008-10-31T09:13:00.001+03:00

Okay blog stalkers, It's Phriday Phun with Candid Carrie. Here is my entry into the madness this week.

SO, what do you think? Is this their way of saving gas? Or are they just plain lazy dog-walkers? Tell me what you think when you see this picture?

And since today is Halloween, I have a second picture to share;

BTW, since this is Halloween, what makes you scared? Do you like scary movies? When you watch a movie like Arachnaphobia do you feel spiders crawling on you?

Just wondering

Have a great day!

Do you know your ABC's?

2008-10-30T09:40:00.000+03:00

So, I was not planning to post again but was challenged by Rhonda to do it. And I just LOVE a challenge!

So I will attempt to put something down that corresponds with EVERY letter of the alphabet! Hope you hang in there all the way through. Who knows, you may just find out something new about me. Or maybe not! lol

A is for All done having children. Me and spouse cannot have any more! But no sadness...grandkids one day! :-)
B is for Blog Stalking, one of my fun new pass times and time eater uppers
C is for crowds, I do not like them and avoid them when possible
D is for Daughters. They are my Princesses and the hope for real change in this world!
E is for Education, whether it is formal or on the job, continual education is so necessary in this trial of life.
F is for Football, my favorite sport to watch
G is for Graciousness (may I always act that way)
H is for humor, without it life is just a collection of trials.
I is for Ice Cream with My family, a fun time
J is for the Joy that is realized after we come through our trials
K is for Kissing done right!
L is for Lipstick.....on a pig (haha)
M is for Metal, (like hair metal.....80's )
N is for NeenerNeener
O is for Outhouses, thankfully we have indoor plumbing now
P is for Privacy, I like mine
Q is for Questions and the answers that help us grow
R is for Reading, because the books I read are the best Movies I've never seen
S is for Scriptures, because they help us find the answers
T is for Television. It may rot my brain but is a great retreat from the cares of life(in moderation of course)
U is for Universal truths and Understanding them
V is for Victory over our weaknesses
W is for a Winning Attitude
X is for Xopenex (it's like gold)
Y is for Yesterday, may we learn from it and not yearn for it!
and Z is for Zaniness, may we all be able to experience it occasionally!

How do you think I did? Did I leak out any insight into myself? Do you like any of my answers? Do you NOT like some of my answers?

Feel free to try this, it IS harder than it seems but it WAS fun!

Leave a comment and tell me one or two letters you think represent you!

Have a great day!

10 Questions for today

2008-10-29T09:00:00.000+03:00

So today, instead of asking one question I decided to ask 10 questions. Not because I want to mix it all up or give y'all lots of homework. I just wanted to lighten it up a little. These are not questions that can solve the problems of today. They are merely a collection of stolen thoughts from the Internet that I too want to know the answers to. So pick one or two or ten and give me YOUR explanation or answer.

Why do banks charge a fee on “insufficient funds” when they know there is not enough?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why do they use sterilised needles for death by lethal injection?
Whose idea was it to put an “S” in the word “lisp”?
What is the speed of darkness?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
If it’s true that we are here to help others, what are the others doing here?
If someone with a split personality threatens to commit suicide, is it a hostage situation?
What level of importance must a person have, before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered

You blog stalkers out there are so smart, I can't wait to see your comments. You ARE planning to leave a comment, right?

Oh Good, well, Have a great day!

Manic Mondays...and tuesdays etc.

2008-10-27T17:45:00.005+03:00

We all get busy. I take that as a given. We have our families and/or our careers to deal with. Some of us have life issues that keep us extremely occupied. Many of us are involved with either our church, community, or political party on top of everything else. Sometimes when everything is pulling at you from 5 different directions you just want to scream and tell the world to STOP!

There is always some deadline to deal with. Something that needs to be done that you have to do or make happen. Do you ever want to just stop doing everything? I for one know that it is a BIG temptation to just withdraw and do the things that, in your mind, are more important.

On days like this, when kids need to be a million different places at a million different times, and work is demanding more and more of your time, and you are trying to keep your house in order, and then your church responsibilities need so much of the little time left, and you on top of that are involved in political campaigns, and......................................

That's what I feel like anyway. I just want to throw up the big red stop sign and just collapse. Sometimes I get caught up in thinking "I can't wait till things get less busy."

But I think I can. I definitely look forward to the small simple pleasures of a few minutes to myself. I have talked to quite a few older people lately who have retired, and whose children are all grown, and they have achieved that all lusted after 'quiet' to themselves. Guess what? They wish that they had appreciated more the life that I sometimes call chaos.

So I start thinking about it. Do I really want total quiet and time to myself? It sounds so alluring and almost dirty to talk about having time to myself. But after a lot of actual thought I don't think I do. I look forward to each new step in life. Each achievement level my children reach will be welcome and appreciated. But as I think of this journey called life I think I want to enjoy the chaos as long as I can. I know it is not always easy but if it were 'easy' then I don't think it could be so rewarding. I don't think anyone misses changing diapers but who has a teenager with a little attitude who does not miss the limitless hugs from when they were three.

Anyway, Just thinking out loud. What do you think? Where are you in this circle of life? Are you looking forward to a certain time when things will be 'easier'? Are you missing the days gone by? Anyone want to share tricks(that work) on balancing their time?

As always, put your brave face on...............and leave a thought.

Have a great day!

Comment Junkie!

2008-10-24T23:07:00.001+04:00

So, as I spent the last few days not posting, busy in real life, I have had at least a dozen ideas for posts. Some of them take on lives of their own and others fizzle into nothingness. I found myself determining whether or not it was a good idea for a post based on how much someone might want to comment on it. As many of you regular visitors will be able to attest to, I love asking questions or stirring up thought. I started this blog for a way to connect with many different people from many different areas and all with their own backgrounds. Our environment, and our life's experiences mold us into the people we become. I realize that not one of us is exactly like another. Just as not one of us sees 'everything' the same way as someone else. Where we build camaraderie and relationships is when we find others who share enough of our likes, dislikes etc..

So back on topic..........I realize that I enjoy Reading my comments. I enjoy it as much as reading your blogs. I guess others already knew this because I have heard the term, 'comment whore'. Wow, lol, anyway it was in jest and maybe not so off base. So if comments and dialogue are what I'm after:

what makes someone leave a comment?
Why do many people visit a blog, become a follower, and never comment?
Are some people scared to comment on a new blog they stumble upon?
Why do I care? Do you care?

Alright then, this is the assignment. You must accept it. Answer the questions, tell me what you think. I know that I have been guilty of not leaving comments. Sometimes I have no response to what a particular post is about. Sometimes there is nothing to comment on. But all in all I try to leave a comment. If for no other reason than to say, 'Hey, read your blog....blah blah blah'.

Many of you blog as a journal of sorts. I think that is great. I have done that. I like to look back on other posts but keep too many particulars of my life out of it. I want to get inside your minds. I want to know what people are thinking. I want to know why they are thinking that?

Okay, I've rambled on enough. So obviously.....leave a comment......if you think of something new later.....leave another one. There is no such thing as a bad comment. Criticism is okay too if it is done in bounds.

As always, Have a great day!

Tell me if you've heard this before.

2008-10-21T11:33:00.011+04:00

Okay my fellow blog stalkers, today we are going to stretch our brains a little. It's been awhile since the last trivia session. Some of you may not have too hard a time with this, while others may scream in agony. What are you talking about Blog Stalker? Well let me tell you what I have planned for today;

I am going to list the line from a popular (at some moment in time) song.

You have to come up with the name of the song

And you have to come up with the artist
and if you can come up with the theme you win the bonus!

Sounds easy, right? Trust me though, there might be a few gimmes in the mix, but hopefully these will make you think. And really, If you can just get the title OR artist I will be impressed.

So without further delay, here are the lines:

1. 'Cause you shine on me wherever you are I just think of you and I start to glow And I need your light And baby you know
2. I'm working hard, your working too....we do it every day....for every minute I have to work, I need a minute to play......day in, day out All we know...........
3. Boy -Now in the streets there is violence an-na-na lots of work to be done.No place to hang all our washing and then I can't blame it all on the sun.
4. Drivin' home this evening I coulda sworn we had it all worked out You had this boy believin' Way beyond the shadow of a doubt Then I heard it on the street I heard you mighta found somebody new Well who is he baby - who is he And tell me what he means to you
5. Once upon a midnight dearie I woke with something in my head I couldn't escape the memory Of a phone call and of what you said, Like a game show contestant with a parting gift I could not believe my eyes
6. And, I wear it for the thousands who have died,Believen' that the Lord was on their side,I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died,Believen' that we all were on their side.
7. On the street where you live girls talk about their social lives They're made of lipstick, plastic and paint, a touch of sable in their eyes All your life all you've asked when's your Daddy gonna talk to you You were living in another world tryin' to get a message through.
8. All I ask for when I pray, steady rollin' woman gonna come my way. Need a woman gonna hold my hand, won't tell me no lies, make me a happy man.
9. We are young heartache to heartache we stand No promises no demands
10. And when your fears subside And shadows still remainI know that you can love meWhen there's no one left to blame So never mind the darkness We still can find a way'Cause nothin' lasts forever , not even cold..........
11. I saw him dancing there by the record machineI knew he must have been about seventeen The beat was going strong, playing my favorite songAnd I could tell it wouldn't be longtill he was with me, yeah, me
12. Oh the things that you say Is it life or Just a play my worries away You're all the things I've got to remember You're shying away I'll be coming for you anyway
13. Children behave that's what they say when we're together And watch how you play they don't understand.And so we're running iust as fast as we can Holding on to one another's hand.Trying to get away into the night
14. You Know I'm A Dreamer But My Heart's Of Gold I Had To Run Away High So I Wouldn't Come Home Low Just When Things Went Right It Doesn't Mean They Were Always Wrong Just Take This Song And You'll Never Feel Left All Alone
15. Big wheels keep on turning Carry me home to see my kin Singing songs about the south-land I miss 'ole' 'bamy once again And I think it's a sin Well I heard Mister Young sing about her Well I heard ole Neil put her down Well, I hope Neil Young will remember A southern man don't need him around anyhow
16. Broken hearts lie all around me And I don't see an easy way to get out of this Her diary it sits on the bedside table The curtains are closed, the cats in the cradle Who would've thought that a boy like me could come to this
17. If you should go skating On the thin ice of modern life Dragging behind you the silent reproach Of a million tear stained eyes Don't be surprised, when a crack in the ice Appears under your feet You slip out of your depth and out of your mind With your fear flowing out behind you
18. Heard it from a friend who Heard it from a friend who Heard it from another you've been messin' around They say you've got a boyfriend You're out late every weekend They're talkin' about you and it's bringing me down
19. I get up, and nothing gets me down.You got it tough. I've seen the toughest around. And I know, baby, just how you feel. You've got to roll with the punches to get to what's real
20. (this IS my favorite song of all time! Oops, is that revealing? nah!)
Life it seems, will fade away, Drifting further every day, Getting lost within myself, Nothing matters no one else, I have lost the will to live, Simply nothing more to give. There is nothing more for me, Need the end to set me free. Things not what they used to be,Missing one inside of me. Deathly lost, this Can t be real, Cannot stand this hell I feel. Emptiness is filling me, To the point of agony. Growing darkness taking dawn, I was me, but now he 's gone. No one but me can save myself, but it's too late. Now, I can't think, think why I should even try. Yesterday seems as though it never existed. Death Greets me warm, now I will just say goodbye
If you get that last one, it counts as 20 points and you win automatically.
Good luck blog stalkers.....Are you even brave enough to try?
If you really want to see the answers, click here.

RUDE? Who me?

2008-10-18T10:17:00.003+04:00

Okay, so I couldn't wait to take that McD's baby picture down. But it did kind of grow on me after awhile. NOT!

On to new things. So I was reading Rhondalue's post about being rude. General phone manners and how we conduct ourselves in our interpersonal relationships. Go read her post here. She does it so much better than me.

So after determining that I might in fact be a little rude I get to the heart of what my post is about today. RUDE PEOPLE. We all know them. Heck, some of us are them. It is the weekend and I am not going to ramble on and on, but do want to ask this question here:

Is it ever OKAY to be rude? Is there a time when nice needs to be thrown out the window? I promise not to judge, because there is no judging on this blog, REMEMBER.

And the follow up to that question is: How does it feel to be on the other side of rude? Does it change your demeanor for a certain amount of time? How do you deal with it?

As always, put your brave face on and leave a comment. I look forward to reading them.

Have a great day!

Phriday Foto Phiesta!

2008-10-17T10:59:00.000+04:00

First entry ever in the Candid Carrie's Foto Phinish Phiesta! So, Am I the only one who gets a little phreaked out by this foto? I mean, come on!

After you leave your awesome comments(and you know you want to) go on over and check out Carrie's blog.........and tell her who sent ya!

Have a great day!

Want to Know?

2008-10-15T21:13:00.003+04:00

I want to start off by thanking all those who left comments about my question yesterday. It is so therapeutic to read that we are all worried/excited/scared about something, sometimes the same things.

Amy worries about her daughter struggling in school and medical bills. Yet she takes it one day at a time and life goes on. Petra Michelle wants to visit every state and hopes for a crystal ball(more on this in a moment) Rhondalue has lots of worries, like accidents and scammers and clutter, but counters with a list of joys/blessings in her life. Emma has concerns with how her kids deal with her divorce and where the road leads in the years to come, but cites an awesome serenity saying to help her through. Tulsi is excited to have her son coming home soon and her children close to her. She looks for the good and finds it. Keeping in unity worries about bad neighbors and bills but sees her own abilities grow and flourish. Breanne worries about her daughter and seizures, her husband leaving for Iraq and health problems but is like Rhondalue happy for the blessings in her life. Kelly worries about money and I know everyone else is worried about something.

So on to the question for all to consider. If you could know how your life was going to turn out, or even a portion of it, would you want to know? Now hold on there people. Don't go skipping down to the comments just yet. I want you to really think about what knowing the future could mean. First of all, would you become discouraged because things happened the way you hoped they wouldn't? What if things turn out great, would it now lose its excitement?

In ever time traveling movie I can think of, if you change even the tiniest thing, you alter the future. Does that change your answer? If you knew something was going to happen would you be able to prevent it? Or maybe you just make it worse. Maybe what you do trying to prevent it is what causes 'it' to happen.

What about loved ones passing on. Would you want to know when they pass? Could you bear to know? I am just asking the questions and hoping to stimulate some response. I for one do not think I could handle it. While knowing how much time you have left may seem nice, I would just be grieving that much sooner or denying, thinking I could prevent it.

I know this question can have many sides and may need time for serious thought. Please comment and let me know what you think about it. Are we better off not knowing? Or would we be better off knowing how it ends?

Can't wait to read what you brilliant people have to say on this.

Have a great day!

Wondering? and SITS

2008-10-13T21:52:00.009+04:00

I have posted a similar post before. What I want to know is simple. We all come from different places and different backgrounds. None of us have exactly the same experiences, good or bad. When you look back at what has shaped us, we will probably all point out different things that have made us who we are and how we view life.

Despite all of this we tend to group ourselves into categories. In politics we may call ourselves republicans or democrats. (There are many others) We identify with what church we may belong. We rally behind sports teams and schools. The point is that within these groups are individuals. Individuals who have their own ideas and outlooks on things but have identified with "the group" because of some common interests or beliefs.

So, I want to know what is on YOUR mind today, as you read this blog? What are your fears? What are you worried about TODAY? What are you excited about? I am not looking for politics or controversy. Maybe you are worried about the layoffs at work or the babysitter is sick. Hey, maybe there is a great new book you are dying to read, or a movie you want to see. One of your kids is struggling in school. You may have health concerns. Maybe, you just want to get something off your chest. That is what I am looking for. SO come out of the group, and like I always say, 'Put your brave face on' and let me know what's on your mind. If you are new to the blog, don't be shy, leave a comment and jump right in.

Only one rule: NO judging allowed!

And a last minute addition to this post: I joined the Blogathon over at SITS. Why not, everybody else is doing it.

Gotta give shout outs to EVERYONE on my Blog list. They all RAWK!

One word

2008-10-13T17:54:00.007+04:00

For those of you who have been here before you know that I am not a huge fan of tagging. Not that I don't think some of the tags out there are interesting. In fact most tags are interesting and let one get to know more about others. I do however not like to feel obligated. I have stated in previous posts that Tag was merely a game I played at recess. However, one of you(Summer)decided that they would tag me anyway. And since it was a simple tag and I like the one word format, I decided to play. I am NOT going back on what I stated earlier. I did state that if tagged I would decide to participate based on a tag by tag basis. SO, without any further delay:

The rules: Answer the following questions with one word answers and pass it on to seven others.

Here are the questions:

1. Where is your cell phone? Pants

2. Where is your significant other? car

3. Your hair color? real

4. Your mother? teacher

5. Your father? example

6. Your favorite thing? family

7. Your dream last night? non-existent

8. Your dream/goal? finishing

9. The room you're in? large

10. Your hobby? many

11. Your fear? alone

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? together

13. Where were you last night? home

14. What you're not? simple

15. One of your wish-list items? restraint

16. Where you grew up? haven't

17. The last thing you did? drive

18. What are you wearing? jacket

19. Your TV? off

20. Your pet? gone

21. Your computer? slow

22. Your mood? varied

23. Missing someone? yes

24. Your car? dependable

25. Something you're not wearing? scowl

26. Favorite store? many

27. Your summer? hot

28. Love someone? spouse

29. Your favorite color? black

30. When is the last time you laughed? Sunday

31. Last time you cried? Saturday

So, being the rule breaker that I am I do not tag anyone. You heard me, not a soul. But if you would like to try it, have at it. It is harder than it seems. One word answers limit what you may want to put. Good luck and I hope everyone has a great day!