Tax Rebate InformationAs you may have heard the Bush Administration said each one of us wouldnow get a nice rebate to help stimulate the economy.
If we spend that money at Wal-Mart, all the money will go to China.
If we spend it on gasoline it will all go to the Arabs, and neither willhelp the American economy.
We need to keep that money here in America, so the only way to keepthat money here at home is to buy beer or spend it on prostitution, sincethose are the only businesses still in the U.S.My name is Eliot Spitzer, and I approved this advertisement.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Frozen in NYC - Way cool!!!
Check out this video I got from my cousin Corrie. It's awesome! I'd love to be a part of this!!! http://www.maniacworld.com/frozen-in-grand-central-station.html
School in 1957 vs 2007
SCHOOL -- 1957 vs. 2007Scenario :
Jack goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack.
195 7 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2007 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counsellors called in for traumatized students and teachers.
Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.
1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.
Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.
1957 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.
Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his neighbour's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.
2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.
Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school .
1957 - Mark shares aspirin with Principal out on the smoking dock.
2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.
Scenario : Pedro fails high school English.
1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college.
2007 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English. Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecracke rs from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane pain t bottle, blows up a red ant bed.
1957 - Ants die.
2007 - BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.
Scenario: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy
Jack goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack.
195 7 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2007 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counsellors called in for traumatized students and teachers.
Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.
1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.
Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.
1957 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.
Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his neighbour's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.
2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.
Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school .
1957 - Mark shares aspirin with Principal out on the smoking dock.
2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.
Scenario : Pedro fails high school English.
1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college.
2007 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English. Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecracke rs from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane pain t bottle, blows up a red ant bed.
1957 - Ants die.
2007 - BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.
Scenario: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sex in the City
I just love the series Sex in the City... and what city girl doesn't? I'm so excited about the moving come out in May I can hardly stand it. I'm thinking my girlfriends and I should go. I like to think of us as the girls from the show, even though we look nothing like them and there's more than 4 of us! If I had to assign characters we'd definatly double up but I guess I'm the Carrie of the group. I like to put my thoughts in print, I love good fashion, have rotten luck with men and am a total shoe devotee. While I'd love Charlotte's money, Samantha's sex drive or even Miranda's brains, I'm happy being the Carrie. I won't assign characters here but my girls can guess who they each most resemble. The best part is that we can all count on each other no matter what, we've been there through thick & thin and have no intention of doing anything other wise. Come husbands, children or blisters... we're quite a pack.
Poor Patrick
Being a child of the 80's I've always loved the movie Dirty Dancing. How can you not? True love conquers all with great costumes and dance moves my mother tried to shield my eyes from. lol But now I want to be serious and offer my most heartfelt Best Wishes to Mr. Patrick Swayze in his recent battle with cancer. Here's hoping you feel better and are in remission soon!!!!!
What can I say but "Oh wow."
SPRINGFIELD, Oregon (AP) -- For guys who park in front of the TV during college basketball's March Madness, the Oregon Urology Institute has a suggestion: Why not use that time to recover from a vasectomy?
Need an excuse to stay home and watch March Madness? An Oregon clinic suggests a vasectomy.
"When March Madness approaches you need an excuse ... to stay at home in front of the big screen," the clinic's radio ad says. "Get your vasectomy at Oregon Urology Institute the day before the tournament starts. It's snip city."
Institute Administrator Terry FitzPatrick said men need two to four days to recover from the procedure -- but not all take the time.
He's reserved a dozen appointment slots for March 19, the day before the first tipoffs of the NCAA Tournament, and another dozen for March 26, before the tournament's second week.
He reported filling 15 slots by Thursday afternoon and expects to fill all 24.
Health Library
MayoClinic.com: Vasectomy
The sports radio station broadcasting the clinic's ads promises to send each patient a recovery kit of sports magazines, free pizza delivery and a bag of frozen peas.
Peas?
"The frozen peas are malleable enough that you can get them right in there and get the swelling down," FitzPatrick said. E-mail to a friend
Need an excuse to stay home and watch March Madness? An Oregon clinic suggests a vasectomy.
"When March Madness approaches you need an excuse ... to stay at home in front of the big screen," the clinic's radio ad says. "Get your vasectomy at Oregon Urology Institute the day before the tournament starts. It's snip city."
Institute Administrator Terry FitzPatrick said men need two to four days to recover from the procedure -- but not all take the time.
He's reserved a dozen appointment slots for March 19, the day before the first tipoffs of the NCAA Tournament, and another dozen for March 26, before the tournament's second week.
He reported filling 15 slots by Thursday afternoon and expects to fill all 24.
Health Library
MayoClinic.com: Vasectomy
The sports radio station broadcasting the clinic's ads promises to send each patient a recovery kit of sports magazines, free pizza delivery and a bag of frozen peas.
Peas?
"The frozen peas are malleable enough that you can get them right in there and get the swelling down," FitzPatrick said. E-mail to a friend
Giggle blip
I've been putting a new new posts up tonight - as you can see - and after I'm done I take a look to see how it's laid out. I just have to smile and my blog, it's so girlie and so me looking!
Yet More Rules
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with being catholic, I went to catholic schools as a kid; but man have they got some rules! I agree with not killing and not stealing and all that but in an effort to adapt to the times, the pope's sent out a new list of sins. The old ones didn't cover it all? We need to be more specific? I find this rather disturbing.
~J
ROME, Italy (AP) -- A Vatican official has listed drugs, pollution and genetic manipulations as well as social and economic injustices as new areas of sinful behavior.
The Vatican has updated the list of mortal sins to relate to the age of globalization.
Monsignor Gianfranco Girotti said in an interview published on Sunday by the Vatican's daily newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, that known sins increasingly manifest themselves as behavior that damages society as a whole.
Girotti, who heads the Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican body that issues decisions on matters of conscience and grants absolutions told the paper that whilst sin used to concern the individual mostly, today it had a mainly a social resonance, due to the phenomenon of globalization.
Catholic teaching distinguishes between lesser, so-called venial sins, and mortal sins.
When asked to list the new areas of sinful behavior, Girotti denounced "certain violations of the fundamental rights of human nature through experiments, genetic manipulations."
He also mentioned drugs, which weaken the mind and obscure intelligence; pollution; as well as the widening social and economic differences between the rich and the poor that "cause an unbearable social injustice."
Girotti said the Catholic Church continued to be concerned by other sinful acts, including abortion and pedophilia.
He said Church authorities had reacted with rigorous measures to child abuse scandals within the clergy, but he also claimed that the issue had been excessively emphasized by the media.
His comments came at the end of a week-long Vatican conference on confession.
A recent survey said that 60 percent of Italian Catholics do not go to confession.
Traditionally the Catholic church has had a list of seven deadly sins, that of lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride established by Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th century.
The terms entered the popular vocabulary after the publication of Dante's "Divine Comedy."
The deadly sins are in contrast with venial sins - relatively minor sins that can be forgiven.
A person that commits a mortal sin risks burning in hell unless absolved through confession and penitence.
Now the Vatican says it is time to modernize the list to fit a global world.
On hearing the Girotti's suggestion, some priests thought it was a good idea.
Father Antonio Pelayo, a Spanish priest and Vatican expert noted that it is time for both sinners and confessors to get over their obsession with sex and think about other ways humans hurt each other in the world in which they live.
"There are many other sins that are perhaps much more grave that don't have anything to do with sex - that have to do with life, that have to do with the environment, that have to do with justice," he told AP Television.
Father Greg Apparcel, a local priest said that the Pope may have been talking About this aspect of sin as a response to the recent "Italian confession" survey.
Apparcel also hinted that the announcement may have a wider agenda ahead of the Holy Father's trip to the United States and his speech to the United Nations.
"There is some sound going around that perhaps he is going to speak about ecology and environment, and if he does, this is kind of preparation for that," he said.
The Vatican has updated the list of mortal sins to relate to the age of globalization.
Monsignor Gianfranco Girotti said in an interview published on Sunday by the Vatican's daily newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, that known sins increasingly manifest themselves as behavior that damages society as a whole.
Girotti, who heads the Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican body that issues decisions on matters of conscience and grants absolutions told the paper that whilst sin used to concern the individual mostly, today it had a mainly a social resonance, due to the phenomenon of globalization.
Catholic teaching distinguishes between lesser, so-called venial sins, and mortal sins.
When asked to list the new areas of sinful behavior, Girotti denounced "certain violations of the fundamental rights of human nature through experiments, genetic manipulations."
He also mentioned drugs, which weaken the mind and obscure intelligence; pollution; as well as the widening social and economic differences between the rich and the poor that "cause an unbearable social injustice."
Girotti said the Catholic Church continued to be concerned by other sinful acts, including abortion and pedophilia.
He said Church authorities had reacted with rigorous measures to child abuse scandals within the clergy, but he also claimed that the issue had been excessively emphasized by the media.
His comments came at the end of a week-long Vatican conference on confession.
A recent survey said that 60 percent of Italian Catholics do not go to confession.
Traditionally the Catholic church has had a list of seven deadly sins, that of lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride established by Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th century.
The terms entered the popular vocabulary after the publication of Dante's "Divine Comedy."
The deadly sins are in contrast with venial sins - relatively minor sins that can be forgiven.
A person that commits a mortal sin risks burning in hell unless absolved through confession and penitence.
Now the Vatican says it is time to modernize the list to fit a global world.
On hearing the Girotti's suggestion, some priests thought it was a good idea.
Father Antonio Pelayo, a Spanish priest and Vatican expert noted that it is time for both sinners and confessors to get over their obsession with sex and think about other ways humans hurt each other in the world in which they live.
"There are many other sins that are perhaps much more grave that don't have anything to do with sex - that have to do with life, that have to do with the environment, that have to do with justice," he told AP Television.
Father Greg Apparcel, a local priest said that the Pope may have been talking About this aspect of sin as a response to the recent "Italian confession" survey.
Apparcel also hinted that the announcement may have a wider agenda ahead of the Holy Father's trip to the United States and his speech to the United Nations.
"There is some sound going around that perhaps he is going to speak about ecology and environment, and if he does, this is kind of preparation for that," he said.
Snowplows in Buffalo
Since about Wednesday, all of the news channels (2,4 & 7) have been talking about the upcoming snow storm. So my question is, where were the plows? The storm that was supposed to start on Friday night at 8:00 actually started on Friday morning. I know because we all watched out the windows at work as the morning commute looked like something taking place in a snowglobe. By the time we left the office we had snow that was ankle deep...... but no plows. When I woke up Saturday my porch was 1/2 gone and the plows were still a no-show. Thinking we just hadn't had our own street plowed, we headed off the the Bandits game to celebrate Kari's birthday.... downtown wasn't much better. Did the plows drive through here? Sunday brought more snow but still no plows..... See a theme? Finally, at 12:30 a.m. Monday morning, we got plowed. Well, let me correct myself. A snow plow went down our street. Heck, even a salt truck went down our street. Yet tonight as I drove up to Rite Aid to get my perscription and then to Target to get trouser socks for mom, the roads were no clearer. People were parked on both sides of the street and couldn't get along the curb. Now that we've narrowed the road with cars on both sides and snow that should have been plowed I now add one more element. The oversided truck. I'm all for bigger & better (just look at my thighs lol) but are they needed? Buffalo is an old city with narrow streets that can't accomodate these guys in weather like this. Before I get off on yet another rant, let me return to my original question. Where were the plows?
The "Teflon Kid" Slips
Now, I like dear Eliot Spitzer and I don't think he should have to leave office but I was sure shocked as hell to hear this when I left my weekly staff meeting this afternoon.
~J
(CNN) -- New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer is under investigation for allegedly meeting with a prostitute in a Washington hotel, two sources with knowledge of the investigation told CNN.
Gov. Eliot Spitzer, with his wife, Silda, by his side, apologizes to his family and to the public.
One of the sources said Spitzer is identified in a criminal complaint as "Client-9," and that Spitzer's alleged involvement was caught on a federal wiretap.
The governor's statement came four days after federal prosecutors in New York announced charges against four people accused of running an international prostitution and money-laundering ring that catered to big spenders.
According to prosecutors, Emperors Club VIP charged between $1,000 and $5,500 an hour and operated in New York; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; London, England; and Paris, France.
Don't Miss
Read the criminal complaint (PDF)
The criminal complaint about the ring did not name any customers, but authorities intercepted text messages, e-mails and telephone calls.
On Monday, Spitzer apologized to his family and to the public for an undisclosed personal matter. "I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family, that violates my or any sense of right and wrong," he said, as his wife, Silda Wall Spitzer, stood by his side.
"I am disappointed that I failed to live up to the standard I expected of myself," he said. "I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family." Watch Spitzer's apology »
Spitzer facts
Time magazine names Spitzer "Crusader of the Year" during his two terms as New York attorney general.
Tabloids label him "Eliot Ness," because of his reputation for rooting out corruption, busting white-collar criminals and tackling organized crime.
Spitzer is known for prosecuting several prostitution rings.
He attended Princeton and Harvard, then became an assistant district attorney in Manhattan.
He worked for three New York law firms and decided to run in his mid-30s for attorney general.
The first-term Democrat had been considered a rising star in his party.
Spitzer is married and has three daughters.
His statement came after a New York Times report based on a single unnamed administration official who said the governor had informed his staff he had been involved in a prostitution ring.
Spitzer did not address or deny the report, and he did not take questions.
Federal authorities are investigating allegations Spitzer met with a prostitute in a Washington hotel, a senior source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN.
Before the news conference, three Democratic sources -- one in New York's capital, Albany, one in New York, and one in Washington -- told CNN a top Spitzer aide had told them the governor would resign.
"The governor called his senior staff together and told them he wanted to inform them first about a major announcement of a personal nature," a prominent New York Democrat told CNN.
"To say this is a shock is an understatement," said CNN senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, who went to law school with Spitzer.
Toobin called Spitzer, "the straightest arrow I know."
The Republican Governors Association has called on Spitzer to resign to "allow the people of New York to pursue honest leadership."
"The American people are tired of corrupt and hypocritical politicians. The governor of New York is just another in the long list of politicians that have failed their constituents," Nick Ayers, RGA executive director, said in a statement.
Spitzer's office, the U.S. Attorney's office in New York and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg all declined to comment on Spitzer.
Spitzer, 48, served as New York's attorney general for eight years before being elected governor. E-mail to a friend
CNN's Kelli Arena and John King contributed to this report.
Gov. Eliot Spitzer, with his wife, Silda, by his side, apologizes to his family and to the public.
One of the sources said Spitzer is identified in a criminal complaint as "Client-9," and that Spitzer's alleged involvement was caught on a federal wiretap.
The governor's statement came four days after federal prosecutors in New York announced charges against four people accused of running an international prostitution and money-laundering ring that catered to big spenders.
According to prosecutors, Emperors Club VIP charged between $1,000 and $5,500 an hour and operated in New York; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; London, England; and Paris, France.
Don't Miss
Read the criminal complaint (PDF)
The criminal complaint about the ring did not name any customers, but authorities intercepted text messages, e-mails and telephone calls.
On Monday, Spitzer apologized to his family and to the public for an undisclosed personal matter. "I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family, that violates my or any sense of right and wrong," he said, as his wife, Silda Wall Spitzer, stood by his side.
"I am disappointed that I failed to live up to the standard I expected of myself," he said. "I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family." Watch Spitzer's apology »
Spitzer facts
Time magazine names Spitzer "Crusader of the Year" during his two terms as New York attorney general.
Tabloids label him "Eliot Ness," because of his reputation for rooting out corruption, busting white-collar criminals and tackling organized crime.
Spitzer is known for prosecuting several prostitution rings.
He attended Princeton and Harvard, then became an assistant district attorney in Manhattan.
He worked for three New York law firms and decided to run in his mid-30s for attorney general.
The first-term Democrat had been considered a rising star in his party.
Spitzer is married and has three daughters.
His statement came after a New York Times report based on a single unnamed administration official who said the governor had informed his staff he had been involved in a prostitution ring.
Spitzer did not address or deny the report, and he did not take questions.
Federal authorities are investigating allegations Spitzer met with a prostitute in a Washington hotel, a senior source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN.
Before the news conference, three Democratic sources -- one in New York's capital, Albany, one in New York, and one in Washington -- told CNN a top Spitzer aide had told them the governor would resign.
"The governor called his senior staff together and told them he wanted to inform them first about a major announcement of a personal nature," a prominent New York Democrat told CNN.
"To say this is a shock is an understatement," said CNN senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, who went to law school with Spitzer.
Toobin called Spitzer, "the straightest arrow I know."
The Republican Governors Association has called on Spitzer to resign to "allow the people of New York to pursue honest leadership."
"The American people are tired of corrupt and hypocritical politicians. The governor of New York is just another in the long list of politicians that have failed their constituents," Nick Ayers, RGA executive director, said in a statement.
Spitzer's office, the U.S. Attorney's office in New York and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg all declined to comment on Spitzer.
Spitzer, 48, served as New York's attorney general for eight years before being elected governor. E-mail to a friend
CNN's Kelli Arena and John King contributed to this report.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Community In Crisis
As we near March 31st, the major thing on everyone's mind isn't charity. Did I pay my bills on time? Am I getting a tax refund? What if I have to pay this year? Can the gas prices go any higher or the price of anything for that matter?
Well, we can't deny that things are getting more expensive and our paychecks are growing to match that need; my own included. Maybe it's just the way my parents raised me but I know that I'm not the only one going through a rough time financially. If I'm not the only one that means family, friends and neighbors are in the same boat and I can't over look that.
I'm asking you, my loyal readers- or readers at all - to take a minute to go to www.uwbec.org and make a contribution. It doesn't have to be much, anything at all will help. We need to get to $15.4 million in order to operate the way we have been this past year. I don't mean giving it to administrative costs but to fund the programs that we or someone we know are using. To keep mom and dad active at a senior day program, a place for Susie and Sam to go to after school. No parent can afford to stay home with their children anymore, no matter how much we want to. Instead we are forced to put our children into the care of others at day care centers we're not 100% sure about. A contribution to United Way will help keep the Success by 6 program running which helps to get day care centers up to speed so we don't have to worry about our children while we're at work. That in and of itself is a 10 lb weight off our mind.
I could go on and on about the good work United Way does but why take attention away from the website done by professionals. Take a look around and see some of the statistics. If it doesn't make you want to help then I can't force you. Just remember that it's not just ill deeds that come back three fold..... it's good deeds to.
Buffalo, the city of good neighbors.
Well, we can't deny that things are getting more expensive and our paychecks are growing to match that need; my own included. Maybe it's just the way my parents raised me but I know that I'm not the only one going through a rough time financially. If I'm not the only one that means family, friends and neighbors are in the same boat and I can't over look that.
I'm asking you, my loyal readers- or readers at all - to take a minute to go to www.uwbec.org and make a contribution. It doesn't have to be much, anything at all will help. We need to get to $15.4 million in order to operate the way we have been this past year. I don't mean giving it to administrative costs but to fund the programs that we or someone we know are using. To keep mom and dad active at a senior day program, a place for Susie and Sam to go to after school. No parent can afford to stay home with their children anymore, no matter how much we want to. Instead we are forced to put our children into the care of others at day care centers we're not 100% sure about. A contribution to United Way will help keep the Success by 6 program running which helps to get day care centers up to speed so we don't have to worry about our children while we're at work. That in and of itself is a 10 lb weight off our mind.
I could go on and on about the good work United Way does but why take attention away from the website done by professionals. Take a look around and see some of the statistics. If it doesn't make you want to help then I can't force you. Just remember that it's not just ill deeds that come back three fold..... it's good deeds to.
Buffalo, the city of good neighbors.
Georgia Grannies
Lawyers should never ask a Georgia grandma a question if they aren't prepared for the answer.
In a trial, a Southern small-town prosecuting attorney called his first witness, a grandmotherly, elderly woman to the stand. He approached her and asked, 'Mrs. Jones, do you know me?'
She responded, 'Why, yes, I do know you, Mr. Williams. I've known you since you were a boy, and frankly, you've been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, and you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you're a big shot when you haven't the brains to realize you'll never amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you.'
The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, 'Mrs. Jones, do you know the defense attorney?'
She again replied, 'Why yes, I do. I've known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. He's lazy, bigoted, and he has a drinking problem. He can't build a normal relationship with anyone, and his law practice is one of the worst in the entire state. Not to mention he cheated on his wife with three different women. One of them was your wife. Yes, I know him.'
The defense attorney nearly died.
The judge asked both counselors to approach the bench and, in a very quiet voice, said,
If either of you idiots asks her if she knows me, I'll send you both to the electric chair.
In a trial, a Southern small-town prosecuting attorney called his first witness, a grandmotherly, elderly woman to the stand. He approached her and asked, 'Mrs. Jones, do you know me?'
She responded, 'Why, yes, I do know you, Mr. Williams. I've known you since you were a boy, and frankly, you've been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, and you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you're a big shot when you haven't the brains to realize you'll never amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you.'
The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, 'Mrs. Jones, do you know the defense attorney?'
She again replied, 'Why yes, I do. I've known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. He's lazy, bigoted, and he has a drinking problem. He can't build a normal relationship with anyone, and his law practice is one of the worst in the entire state. Not to mention he cheated on his wife with three different women. One of them was your wife. Yes, I know him.'
The defense attorney nearly died.
The judge asked both counselors to approach the bench and, in a very quiet voice, said,
If either of you idiots asks her if she knows me, I'll send you both to the electric chair.
Marketing Master
My cousin Corrie sent me this website and I loved this mini marketing quiz. While I only scored 15 of 20 - leaving me a Savvy marketing person - had I read I'm sure I'd have done better. Take the quiz and let me know how you do!
http://www.cramersweeney.com/smartmarketing.html
http://www.cramersweeney.com/smartmarketing.html
Monday, March 03, 2008
Jen's 24!!!!
Jen Y turned 24 today and we couldn't let the event jog on by. Oh no! In honor of her love of running, Renita & I made this great running cake complete with 2 kinds of cake, 5 kinds of color and 4 layers. Yup, I think we crossed the finish line with this one! LOL
Happy Birthday!!!!
Men in Maxi Pad Marketing is a BAAAADDD Idea
This is an ACTUAL letter from an Austin woman sent to Proctor and Gamble regarding their feminine products. She really gets rolling after the first paragraph.
Dear Mr. Thatcher:
I have been a loyal user of your Always maxi-pads for over 20 years, and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the Leak-Guard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flex-Wings.Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi-pads be aerodynamic. I can' t tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants. Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from the curse? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call an inbred hillbilly with knife skills. Isn't the human body amazing? As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customersT monthly visits from Aunt Flo. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women. In fact, only last week, my friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her boyfriend's testicles into a George Foreman Grill just because he told her he thought Grey's Anatomy was written by drunken chimps. Crazy! The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants...which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words, Have a Happy Period. Are you fu**ing kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness " actual smiling, laughing happiness is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well¦did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there will never be anything happy about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory. For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi-pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like Put Down the Hammer or Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong, or are you just picking on us? Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bull sh*t. And that's a promise I will keep.Always.
Best, Wendi AaronsAustin, TX
PC Magazine's 2007 editors' choice for best Webmail-award-winning letter.
Dear Mr. Thatcher:
I have been a loyal user of your Always maxi-pads for over 20 years, and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the Leak-Guard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flex-Wings.Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi-pads be aerodynamic. I can' t tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants. Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from the curse? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call an inbred hillbilly with knife skills. Isn't the human body amazing? As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customersT monthly visits from Aunt Flo. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women. In fact, only last week, my friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her boyfriend's testicles into a George Foreman Grill just because he told her he thought Grey's Anatomy was written by drunken chimps. Crazy! The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants...which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words, Have a Happy Period. Are you fu**ing kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness " actual smiling, laughing happiness is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well¦did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there will never be anything happy about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory. For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi-pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like Put Down the Hammer or Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong, or are you just picking on us? Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bull sh*t. And that's a promise I will keep.Always.
Best, Wendi AaronsAustin, TX
PC Magazine's 2007 editors' choice for best Webmail-award-winning letter.
Golf Accident
Two women were playing golf one day, when one of them watched in horrorasher tee shot headed directly toward a foursome of men who were playingthenext hole.
The ball hit one of the men.
He immediately clasped his handstogether at his groin, fell to the ground and proceeded to roll around in agony.
The woman rushed down to the man, andimmediately began to apologize.
'Please allow me to help. I'm aPhysicalTherapist and I know I could relieve your pain if you'd allow me,' she told him.
'Oh, no, I'll be all right. I'll befine in a few minutes,' the man replied.
He was in obvious agony, lying in the fetal position, still clasping his hands together at his groin. At her persistence, however, he finally allowed her to help.
She gently took his hands away and laid them to the side, loosened his pants and put her hands inside.
She administered a tender and artful massage for several longmoments and asked, 'How does that feel'?
He replied: 'It feels great,but Istill think my thumb's broken.'
The ball hit one of the men.
He immediately clasped his handstogether at his groin, fell to the ground and proceeded to roll around in agony.
The woman rushed down to the man, andimmediately began to apologize.
'Please allow me to help. I'm aPhysicalTherapist and I know I could relieve your pain if you'd allow me,' she told him.
'Oh, no, I'll be all right. I'll befine in a few minutes,' the man replied.
He was in obvious agony, lying in the fetal position, still clasping his hands together at his groin. At her persistence, however, he finally allowed her to help.
She gently took his hands away and laid them to the side, loosened his pants and put her hands inside.
She administered a tender and artful massage for several longmoments and asked, 'How does that feel'?
He replied: 'It feels great,but Istill think my thumb's broken.'
Friday, February 22, 2008
The Globe Moved Without Me
About a week ago my friend Laura emailed me to say she found my high school love - who had vanished off the face of the earth - on MySpace. She sent him a friends request and just thought I should know. So, i logged in, typed in his name and poof! There he is. Looking as good as ever and reminding me that 10 yrs later I'm still in love with him. Just when I felt ready to forget him completely and move on in a new direction, the globe took 10 steps to the left and forgot to tell me.
Customer Service or Customer Annoyance?
While dad & I were at Lowe's - worth the drive for a better selection - to get more materials for our bathroom, dad mentioned he needed a certain saw blade. "Wait right here, I think it's in Tool World right there." So I waited at the end of a busy isle, right in front of a cashier who was doing nothing. Do you think she asked if I needed help? Nope. Dad wandered around for about 15 minutes and no one offered to help him. About 5 associates walked passed and saw him looking at various items but no one bothered to say "Is there something I can help you with sir?" The days of good customer service seem to vanish like childhood innocence and leave us annoyed. Is there anyone out there who remembers us?
Kari's Turning 12!!
On the 19th, Kari turned 12 and took one step closer to becoming a dreaded teenager. We went to dinner as a family to Red Lobster and didn't even embarrass her with a song from the wait staff.
Instead, tomorrow night she's having her cousing Brooke and 3 friends over for her first ever sleep-over. Since dad's put so much into my bathroom, I'm paying for this and it's cost me over $100. Not that I'm complaining, I just want it all to be perfect for her. They'll watch movies, do each other's hair & nails. I have a fondu kit from Donald that she wants to use so I bought fruit for that and smoothie making; it's a luau theme. Since it's upstairs, we've once again had to hustle on the bathroom but we've made great progress. One more nozzel - which i have to buy tomorrow - and the water can be on to the toilet and sink. Tub will come later.
She picked out these adorable boxes that look like Chinese take out containers and we put in there a nail file for each girl, a shell necklace in different colors, lotion, a pedi kit and lip gloss in tropical flavors. Hope it all works out and say a prayer for me!
Pretty Smart Cowboy
What's Under My HatMonte TuckerJanuary 28, 2008Howdy friends and neighbors. Come on first Tuesday in November! I havealready had about all of the Presidential election I can stand. Surely,somewhere out there in this great nation is a "good ol' boy or gal," that isworth voting for. You know, someone that has actually done something, notjust talked about what they think they have done. It's only the firstquarter in the game between the R's and the D's. Both sides keep talkingabout time for change.
Just what are they going to change? They obviously haven't changed the game of politics. Billary and Bama Lama Ding Dong boost the word "change" every time I see the media put their face on my boob tube. The first place they could start changing things would be on the Senate floor that they're already on. Just go and look at their voting records for the last several months and you will find they aren't showing up to vote. You know, the job they campaigned so hard to get by promising "change," but they just don't have the time. McCain isn't immune from this either.Let's talk "change." What in the world do these hot air compressors thinkthey are going to change and why? Again, I'm just a professional bovinerelocation specialist (it's the 21st century, we used to call them cowboys).But the way I see it from Sunny Point , Oklahoma , how are they going tochange the greatest nation in the world? All of the candidates aredemanding we must change! OK. I wake up a free man every morning and I'mfree to do anything that is morally right or I can do nothing. If I chooseto do something productive that day, well I can whistle at my dog, start upmy ol' tan feed truck that I bought with the help of a free enterprisingbanking system I chose to use. Plus, there's the fact that other freeAmericans assembled this truck, and the companies that bought, sold andhauled parts and supplies to make that pickup possible. As I turn the key,ol' tans fires up on diesel fuel that a mean, nasty, big oil companyconveniently made very accessible and affordable to me. I turn out of myland that I can freely own, onto a county maintained road that leads to anypoint in North America I would choose to go to that day. Also, in thiscountry, I am free to own livestock and free to care for them so that thelivestock will return a profit so I can repay my bank, buy my feed and fuel,and provide for my family. On Sunday Morning (or any other day that ends in"Y") my family is free drive from our house on a ribbon of roads that leadto the Church of our choice and worship the real owner of all things weknow, God. We can give praise to Him for all and especially for Jesus.Why can't these hopefuls for the highest-ranking governmental seat see thatit is just that simple? Provide me infrastructure and protect me from theseknot-headed whack's that think they can take away our freedom. Billary, BamaMama or McNobrain aren't going to change anything. The foundations of thisgreat country can't be changed by one person, no matter how much they thinkthey can. As Americans, we have the right to succeed or fail and try againas we please. As a free man, I'm getting good at failing but I get smarterwhen I try again.When presidential candidates tout change, the only thing I see in thiscountry that needs changing is them. Life in America is good and for thosethat don't think so, you're free to leave at any time, go to another countryof your choice and try to change it.I'm Monte Tucker, and that is what's under my professional bovine relocationspecialist hat. Wait, I'm not changing, that is what's under my COWBOY hat!Remember our freedom is not free; try to wear a red shirt on Fridays to showsupport for our troops.
Just what are they going to change? They obviously haven't changed the game of politics. Billary and Bama Lama Ding Dong boost the word "change" every time I see the media put their face on my boob tube. The first place they could start changing things would be on the Senate floor that they're already on. Just go and look at their voting records for the last several months and you will find they aren't showing up to vote. You know, the job they campaigned so hard to get by promising "change," but they just don't have the time. McCain isn't immune from this either.Let's talk "change." What in the world do these hot air compressors thinkthey are going to change and why? Again, I'm just a professional bovinerelocation specialist (it's the 21st century, we used to call them cowboys).But the way I see it from Sunny Point , Oklahoma , how are they going tochange the greatest nation in the world? All of the candidates aredemanding we must change! OK. I wake up a free man every morning and I'mfree to do anything that is morally right or I can do nothing. If I chooseto do something productive that day, well I can whistle at my dog, start upmy ol' tan feed truck that I bought with the help of a free enterprisingbanking system I chose to use. Plus, there's the fact that other freeAmericans assembled this truck, and the companies that bought, sold andhauled parts and supplies to make that pickup possible. As I turn the key,ol' tans fires up on diesel fuel that a mean, nasty, big oil companyconveniently made very accessible and affordable to me. I turn out of myland that I can freely own, onto a county maintained road that leads to anypoint in North America I would choose to go to that day. Also, in thiscountry, I am free to own livestock and free to care for them so that thelivestock will return a profit so I can repay my bank, buy my feed and fuel,and provide for my family. On Sunday Morning (or any other day that ends in"Y") my family is free drive from our house on a ribbon of roads that leadto the Church of our choice and worship the real owner of all things weknow, God. We can give praise to Him for all and especially for Jesus.Why can't these hopefuls for the highest-ranking governmental seat see thatit is just that simple? Provide me infrastructure and protect me from theseknot-headed whack's that think they can take away our freedom. Billary, BamaMama or McNobrain aren't going to change anything. The foundations of thisgreat country can't be changed by one person, no matter how much they thinkthey can. As Americans, we have the right to succeed or fail and try againas we please. As a free man, I'm getting good at failing but I get smarterwhen I try again.When presidential candidates tout change, the only thing I see in thiscountry that needs changing is them. Life in America is good and for thosethat don't think so, you're free to leave at any time, go to another countryof your choice and try to change it.I'm Monte Tucker, and that is what's under my professional bovine relocationspecialist hat. Wait, I'm not changing, that is what's under my COWBOY hat!Remember our freedom is not free; try to wear a red shirt on Fridays to showsupport for our troops.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Kosovo comes into it's own..
.... I've wanted to visit this region since I first learned of it in high school Social Studies class. ~J
PRISTINA, Kosovo (CNN) -- Kosovo has formally declared its independence from Serbia and become the world's newest state in a move opposed by Serbia and Russia but backed by many western governments.
Many ethnic Albanians are waving the U.S. and UK flags, in recognition of NATO's role in the region.
Lawmakers in the legislature of the former Serbian province approved the declaration of independence at an extraordinary session Sunday afternoon. It was read out in Albanian, Serbian and English by prime minister Hashim Thaci before the approval of state symbols including Kosovar's new national flag and anthem.
Thaci said that Kosovo was an "independent and democratic" state, adding: "From this day onwards, Kosovo is proud, independent and free."
CNN's Alessio Vinci, reporting from the Kosovar capital Pristina, said that thousands of Kosovo's Albanian population had braved the freezing wind and cold to sing, dance, wave flags in the streets and light firecrackers ahead of the much anticipated vote. Some revellers were even said to be firing gunshot into the air. "It's been like this for several hours now," he said.
"It's a day they have been waiting for for such a long time that many of them are trying to figure out just how they got to this day."
President George Bush said Sunday that Kosovo's status must be resolved before the Balkans can become stable and that the United States supports the Ahtisaari plan which calls for a form of supervised independence.
The European Union decided Saturday to launch a mission of about 2,000 police and judicial officers to replace the United Nations mission that has been controlling the province since the end of the war with Serbia in 1999.
Kosovo has been under U.N. supervision and patrolled by a NATO-led peacekeeping force since the end of the three-month war, in which NATO warplanes pounded Serbia to roll back a campaign of "ethnic cleansing" of the province's Albanian population under former then-President Slobodan Milosevic.
The disputed province is dear to the Serbs, Orthodox Christians who regard it as Serbian territory. But it is equally coveted by Kosovo's ethnic Albanians, Muslims who have a 90 percent majority, and two years of talks on its final status ended in failure last December.
"Its status must be resolved in order for the Balkans to be stable," President Bush told reporters during a news conference in Tanzania Sunday.
Bush said the Ahtisaari plan -- named after former Finnish President Marti Ahtisaari -- is the best option. The proposal would give Kosovo limited statehood under international supervision.
President Bush added that "it's in Serbia's interest to be aligned with Europe and the Serbian people can know that they have a friend in America." Watch the changing political climate in the Balkans »
"We are heartened by the fact that the Kosovo government has clearly proclaimed its willingness and its desire to support Serbian rights in Kosovo," Bush said.
Thaci said Thursday he would establish a new government office for minorities and it would protect the rights of minorities after the province declares independence.
Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic has promised his country will refrain from using force against Kosovo after independence, though he has warned that Serbia will take punitive diplomatic, political, and economic measures against the province.
Russia -- Serbia's historic ally -- has remained opposed to Kosovo's independence. Russia, which has fought two wars against separatist rebels in its southwestern republic of Chechnya, has said that U.S. and European support for Kosovo's independence could lead to an "uncontrollable crisis" in the Balkans.
The EU said Saturday that "around 1,900 international police officers, judges, prosecutors and customs officials and approximately 1,100 local staff will be based in headquarters in Pristina or located throughout the judicial and police system in Kosovo."
The EU mission's objective is "to support the Kosovo authorities by monitoring, mentoring and advising on all areas related to the rule of law, in particular in the police, judiciary, customs and correctional services," it said.
PRISTINA, Kosovo (CNN) -- Kosovo has formally declared its independence from Serbia and become the world's newest state in a move opposed by Serbia and Russia but backed by many western governments.
Many ethnic Albanians are waving the U.S. and UK flags, in recognition of NATO's role in the region.
Lawmakers in the legislature of the former Serbian province approved the declaration of independence at an extraordinary session Sunday afternoon. It was read out in Albanian, Serbian and English by prime minister Hashim Thaci before the approval of state symbols including Kosovar's new national flag and anthem.
Thaci said that Kosovo was an "independent and democratic" state, adding: "From this day onwards, Kosovo is proud, independent and free."
CNN's Alessio Vinci, reporting from the Kosovar capital Pristina, said that thousands of Kosovo's Albanian population had braved the freezing wind and cold to sing, dance, wave flags in the streets and light firecrackers ahead of the much anticipated vote. Some revellers were even said to be firing gunshot into the air. "It's been like this for several hours now," he said.
"It's a day they have been waiting for for such a long time that many of them are trying to figure out just how they got to this day."
President George Bush said Sunday that Kosovo's status must be resolved before the Balkans can become stable and that the United States supports the Ahtisaari plan which calls for a form of supervised independence.
The European Union decided Saturday to launch a mission of about 2,000 police and judicial officers to replace the United Nations mission that has been controlling the province since the end of the war with Serbia in 1999.
Kosovo has been under U.N. supervision and patrolled by a NATO-led peacekeeping force since the end of the three-month war, in which NATO warplanes pounded Serbia to roll back a campaign of "ethnic cleansing" of the province's Albanian population under former then-President Slobodan Milosevic.
The disputed province is dear to the Serbs, Orthodox Christians who regard it as Serbian territory. But it is equally coveted by Kosovo's ethnic Albanians, Muslims who have a 90 percent majority, and two years of talks on its final status ended in failure last December.
"Its status must be resolved in order for the Balkans to be stable," President Bush told reporters during a news conference in Tanzania Sunday.
Bush said the Ahtisaari plan -- named after former Finnish President Marti Ahtisaari -- is the best option. The proposal would give Kosovo limited statehood under international supervision.
President Bush added that "it's in Serbia's interest to be aligned with Europe and the Serbian people can know that they have a friend in America." Watch the changing political climate in the Balkans »
"We are heartened by the fact that the Kosovo government has clearly proclaimed its willingness and its desire to support Serbian rights in Kosovo," Bush said.
Thaci said Thursday he would establish a new government office for minorities and it would protect the rights of minorities after the province declares independence.
Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic has promised his country will refrain from using force against Kosovo after independence, though he has warned that Serbia will take punitive diplomatic, political, and economic measures against the province.
Russia -- Serbia's historic ally -- has remained opposed to Kosovo's independence. Russia, which has fought two wars against separatist rebels in its southwestern republic of Chechnya, has said that U.S. and European support for Kosovo's independence could lead to an "uncontrollable crisis" in the Balkans.
The EU said Saturday that "around 1,900 international police officers, judges, prosecutors and customs officials and approximately 1,100 local staff will be based in headquarters in Pristina or located throughout the judicial and police system in Kosovo."
The EU mission's objective is "to support the Kosovo authorities by monitoring, mentoring and advising on all areas related to the rule of law, in particular in the police, judiciary, customs and correctional services," it said.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Super Tuesday Choice
I'm going to go a bit off my beaten path here and talk about today which isn't just Fat Tuesday - though after all the salsa I ate last night, I sure feel it. LOL No, I want to talk about something more important. Today's "Super Tuesday" where a bunch of states hold their primary elections and you can vote either Republican or Democrat.
I chose Mike Huckabee. Now, before you all try to commit me to Forrest Ave for an evaluation let me explain. I didn't vote for him based on his politics - which really aren't so bad when you sit down and look at them. No, I voted for Mike Huckabee for a few very basic reasons:
1) He is a Christian who's not afraid to say so, stands behind his faith, realizes that it's a big part of who he is and isn't going to change because it's "Not P.C." Personally I think this shows a lot of integrity. If he can "I'm not going to change just because you don't like this part of me" then that show's he can be a strong leader in the face of adversity.
2) He hasn't winged any "deomocratic" mud at anyone. Now we don't see a lot of his ads up here in NY because dear old Hill-Billy has such a strong hold on the state but the ones we have seen talk about him and what he's going to do. Don't we always say we want a candidate who'll do that? HERE HE IS!!!
Everyone's expecting Hillary to take NY without much of a challenge, after all, she is our Senator. But when you work in an office that is full to the brim of die-hard democrats and even they say "what happened to what she promised us? look at our end of the state, the end she promised to bring 200,000 jobs to. what happened to her and what do you think she'll do on a national level?" Now, I'm quoting one specific co-worker who has a great sense of what's going on around him but he's right. And the other die-hards agreed. Buffalo is now the 2nd poorest city in the country. We've got our first ever mayor of African American decent and crime is on the rise in the city. We've got a First Lady turned Senator running our state and everything seems to be crashing down around us. I'm not against a woman being in the senate - hell, Ms. Richards was a kick-ass woman - but she stood up, did what needed to be done and said "sit down, shut up & do it" and look at her former state. Hillary can't do that for NY so why do we think she could do that for the country?
Now I can only speak on my experience in my state so don't everyone start jumping all over me. I just ask that we put aside the propaganda, take a deep breath and vote from the heart. My grandfather told me when I turned 18 - "You don't register to vote to be part of a political party, you register to vote so that you CAN vote. It doesn't matter what you do behind that curtain, it's the fact that you can be there."
I chose Mike Huckabee. Now, before you all try to commit me to Forrest Ave for an evaluation let me explain. I didn't vote for him based on his politics - which really aren't so bad when you sit down and look at them. No, I voted for Mike Huckabee for a few very basic reasons:
1) He is a Christian who's not afraid to say so, stands behind his faith, realizes that it's a big part of who he is and isn't going to change because it's "Not P.C." Personally I think this shows a lot of integrity. If he can "I'm not going to change just because you don't like this part of me" then that show's he can be a strong leader in the face of adversity.
2) He hasn't winged any "deomocratic" mud at anyone. Now we don't see a lot of his ads up here in NY because dear old Hill-Billy has such a strong hold on the state but the ones we have seen talk about him and what he's going to do. Don't we always say we want a candidate who'll do that? HERE HE IS!!!
Everyone's expecting Hillary to take NY without much of a challenge, after all, she is our Senator. But when you work in an office that is full to the brim of die-hard democrats and even they say "what happened to what she promised us? look at our end of the state, the end she promised to bring 200,000 jobs to. what happened to her and what do you think she'll do on a national level?" Now, I'm quoting one specific co-worker who has a great sense of what's going on around him but he's right. And the other die-hards agreed. Buffalo is now the 2nd poorest city in the country. We've got our first ever mayor of African American decent and crime is on the rise in the city. We've got a First Lady turned Senator running our state and everything seems to be crashing down around us. I'm not against a woman being in the senate - hell, Ms. Richards was a kick-ass woman - but she stood up, did what needed to be done and said "sit down, shut up & do it" and look at her former state. Hillary can't do that for NY so why do we think she could do that for the country?
Now I can only speak on my experience in my state so don't everyone start jumping all over me. I just ask that we put aside the propaganda, take a deep breath and vote from the heart. My grandfather told me when I turned 18 - "You don't register to vote to be part of a political party, you register to vote so that you CAN vote. It doesn't matter what you do behind that curtain, it's the fact that you can be there."
Friday, January 25, 2008
Be a good neighbor to your returning solider...
Learn how your agency can help returning combat veterans and their families. Please forward to anyone who maybe interested!Printer friendly version of the conference information attached.Also visit the website below for more details._____________________________________________________________________CRISIS SERVICES CONFERENCE
2008The Impact of War: Community Mental Health Responds to Returning Combat Veterans
Date: March 5 & 6, 2008 8:30AM - 4:30PM (registration at 8:00AM)
Location: Statler Golden Ballroom, 107 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo NY
Cost: $150Conference fee includes: All materials, lunch both days, the Pre-Conference Reception at the Statler Rendezvous Room, Tuesday, March 4, 6PM - 9PM.
Registration for this conference is limited. We recommend that you register as soon as possible. For registration information, or for further details, go to www.pmhcp.com Email inquiries: pmhcp@mac.com_____________________________________________________________________Crisis
Services' Police/Mental Health Coordination Project presents an opportunity to enhance your agency's response to the needs of military families and combat veterans at our special event, Conference 2008. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have lead to the deployment of thousands of military men and women, often for extended or multiple tours of duty. Deployment presents significant challenges to our soldiers, and to the families they leave behind. They face death, injury, disruption to relationships and careers, and emotional and financial hardships. For many vets, the fight for survival can continue for years after they return home. Yet, despite their sacrifice on our behalf, many do not find the help they need. Because community mental health agencies often serve veterans, we all know of the difficulties combat veterans face in adjusting to civilian life. But they shouldn't have to face these challenges alone. Instead, we can learn how to engage and support active duty soldiers, veterans and families by creating and delivering effective collaboration between the armed forces, the VA, community mental health, law enforcement, and courts. At this event you will:Learn the challenges combat veterans and their families face.Hear fist-hand accounts from our military men and women of their experiences in combat zones.Understand the role of the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), and how we can work with them to improve the quality of life for veterans. Meet other professionals who share the common goal: to support those who have risked their lives in defense of our country. Create the path to a coordinated community response to the impact of war.
Featured Speakers:
Mental Health and Support ServicesDr. Terri Julian, Program Manager, Batavia VA PTSD ProgramsDelcey Pulvino, LMSW, LPN, CASAC, Medical Social Worker, Veteran's Healthcare Administration of Western New York. Houston Crum, Jr., ACSW, Team Leader, Buffalo Vet CenterDoug Fabian, Executive Director, Crisis ServicesThe Impact of War and Transition Heidi Squire Kraft, Ph.D, Deputy Coordinator, United States Navy Combat Stress Control Program and author of RULE NUMBER TWO: Lessons I Learned in a Combat Hospital.Lt. Colonel Terry McGuire, 354th Civil Affairs Brigade, US Army, and veteran of Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989) and Operation Iraqi Freedom . William "Doc" Schmitz, Surgeon and Editor, New York State Overseas Veteran Newspaper, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Pat Welch, President, Vietnam Veterans of America Ch. 77The VAWilliam F. Feeley, MSW, FACHE, Deputy Under Secretary for Health Operations and Management, United States Department of Veteran Affairs. Dr. Stephen Lemons, Network Director, VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York (VISN2).Michael Finegan, Director, WNY VA Healthcare Systems.Colonel (Ret.) James D. McDonough, Jr., Director, New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs.Coordination of Courts, Law Enforcement, and Community Mental Health Honorable Robert T. Russell, Judge, Buffalo City Court, Veteran Diversion Track.Hank Pirowski, Buffalo City COURTS ProgramDavid Mann and Jack O'Connor, WNY Veterans Project
2008The Impact of War: Community Mental Health Responds to Returning Combat Veterans
Date: March 5 & 6, 2008 8:30AM - 4:30PM (registration at 8:00AM)
Location: Statler Golden Ballroom, 107 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo NY
Cost: $150Conference fee includes: All materials, lunch both days, the Pre-Conference Reception at the Statler Rendezvous Room, Tuesday, March 4, 6PM - 9PM.
Registration for this conference is limited. We recommend that you register as soon as possible. For registration information, or for further details, go to www.pmhcp.com Email inquiries: pmhcp@mac.com_____________________________________________________________________Crisis
Services' Police/Mental Health Coordination Project presents an opportunity to enhance your agency's response to the needs of military families and combat veterans at our special event, Conference 2008. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have lead to the deployment of thousands of military men and women, often for extended or multiple tours of duty. Deployment presents significant challenges to our soldiers, and to the families they leave behind. They face death, injury, disruption to relationships and careers, and emotional and financial hardships. For many vets, the fight for survival can continue for years after they return home. Yet, despite their sacrifice on our behalf, many do not find the help they need. Because community mental health agencies often serve veterans, we all know of the difficulties combat veterans face in adjusting to civilian life. But they shouldn't have to face these challenges alone. Instead, we can learn how to engage and support active duty soldiers, veterans and families by creating and delivering effective collaboration between the armed forces, the VA, community mental health, law enforcement, and courts. At this event you will:Learn the challenges combat veterans and their families face.Hear fist-hand accounts from our military men and women of their experiences in combat zones.Understand the role of the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), and how we can work with them to improve the quality of life for veterans. Meet other professionals who share the common goal: to support those who have risked their lives in defense of our country. Create the path to a coordinated community response to the impact of war.
Featured Speakers:
Mental Health and Support ServicesDr. Terri Julian, Program Manager, Batavia VA PTSD ProgramsDelcey Pulvino, LMSW, LPN, CASAC, Medical Social Worker, Veteran's Healthcare Administration of Western New York. Houston Crum, Jr., ACSW, Team Leader, Buffalo Vet CenterDoug Fabian, Executive Director, Crisis ServicesThe Impact of War and Transition Heidi Squire Kraft, Ph.D, Deputy Coordinator, United States Navy Combat Stress Control Program and author of RULE NUMBER TWO: Lessons I Learned in a Combat Hospital.Lt. Colonel Terry McGuire, 354th Civil Affairs Brigade, US Army, and veteran of Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989) and Operation Iraqi Freedom . William "Doc" Schmitz, Surgeon and Editor, New York State Overseas Veteran Newspaper, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Pat Welch, President, Vietnam Veterans of America Ch. 77The VAWilliam F. Feeley, MSW, FACHE, Deputy Under Secretary for Health Operations and Management, United States Department of Veteran Affairs. Dr. Stephen Lemons, Network Director, VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York (VISN2).Michael Finegan, Director, WNY VA Healthcare Systems.Colonel (Ret.) James D. McDonough, Jr., Director, New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs.Coordination of Courts, Law Enforcement, and Community Mental Health Honorable Robert T. Russell, Judge, Buffalo City Court, Veteran Diversion Track.Hank Pirowski, Buffalo City COURTS ProgramDavid Mann and Jack O'Connor, WNY Veterans Project
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
DHL News
Asurion called me on Friday to say that they received my letter about how wonderful their employee Karen was and that it had been forwarded to her boss and that she'd get a copy. GREAT!! They also said that for my trouble, they'd like to send me a car charger. I said it was appreciated but not necessary as it wasn't their screw up. "No, they represent us and we feel bad about what happened." It was due to arrive yesterday............................. he just threw it in my front hall. Nice guys, real nice.
I'm delcaring myself Holly Homemaker
I tried painting the bathroom ceiling a bit ago - just the primer mind you. I could get all but right over the tub because I'm too short. So I painted the trim and brought everything downstairs to wash out so I could use it later to put the color up. I thought I'd gotten all the paint out of the brush so when I squeezed it with my hands I didn't expect what happened next. I got a handful of paint. No real shock but UGH!!!! Trying to wash my hand off just made it worse and before you know it I'm able to audition for Mickey Mouse's hand double. I tried using the Goo Gone we had in the basement but we've got 2 separate nozzles for hot & cold so I came up to the bathroom. Well, it was working pretty good until I realized the nozzle didn't stick out far enough and I was getting paint all over the inside of my mother's ceramic sink. YIKES!!!! Me & the bottle of Goo Gone moved over to the tub and had much better success. I look less like Mickey's hand double but what do I do about the sink? No paint remover in the house and I'm $7 away from being officially broke. I walk into the kitchen to get a drink and see some Reynolds Wrap on the kitchen table. Yesterday it had covered the remains of Donald's birthday cake. As I ball it up to throw it away I got an idea. Think it'll work? It's worth a try! I take my shiny ball of foil and march back into the bathroom. 1-2-3 and the paint's gone! I just rubbed the ball over the paint and it took it off without scratching the surface! Woo Hoo!!! Wonder what else I can discover?????
Lindsay Lohan's new job?
Lindsay Lohan will be working in a morgue as part of her punishment for drunken driving.
The 21-year-old actress will soon be working at a morgue as part of her punishment for misdemeanor drunken driving, her attorney, Blair Berk, told a judge Thursday.She has also spent two months in rehabilitation and has done some community service, Berk said at a hearing on her progress toward fulfilling the terms of her plea bargain.Her two four-hour days at the morgue are part of a court-ordered program to show drivers the real-life consequences of drinking and driving. She must also spend two days working in a hospital emergency room.Lohan was arrested twice last year on DUI charges and pleaded guilty in August to misdemeanor drunken driving and cocaine charges. She has already served 84 minutes in jail as part of the plea deal.Lohan was not required to appear at Thursday's hearing
The 21-year-old actress will soon be working at a morgue as part of her punishment for misdemeanor drunken driving, her attorney, Blair Berk, told a judge Thursday.She has also spent two months in rehabilitation and has done some community service, Berk said at a hearing on her progress toward fulfilling the terms of her plea bargain.Her two four-hour days at the morgue are part of a court-ordered program to show drivers the real-life consequences of drinking and driving. She must also spend two days working in a hospital emergency room.Lohan was arrested twice last year on DUI charges and pleaded guilty in August to misdemeanor drunken driving and cocaine charges. She has already served 84 minutes in jail as part of the plea deal.Lohan was not required to appear at Thursday's hearing
Ah ha!!
Last night on the ride home, one of the ladies was telling us how a 44yr old man came in with his adult daughter to sign some paperwork. Apparently he had been attacked. The man could neither read nor write so this had to be recorded in his legal documents and he was able to scrawl something recognized as his legal signature. The lady was - to use her words - taken aback that someone could be in this state of 44yr old and completly unable to do such basic tasks. After a few minutes of conversation I realized I had brought home one of the wonderful bags Diane had put together of CASH info for my ECC. April & I had added 211 & FJC brochures in the so I began handing them out to the about 10 people who all LOVED the information. The lady next to me went so far as to say "I'd heard about 211 but didn't know what it was, this is GREAT!" The lady who'd begun telling us the story said she referred tons of people to FJC but all they had was the little cards with the map on the back and was very grateful to have a full brochure. Each person was reading the materials when my stop arrived and all promised to take them back to their place of business - mostly city hall - and show there coworkers & boss.Just thought this was a great story that shows we're needed out there, our message is getting passed around and people are taking notice. Great Job & Congrats to all those who worked on putting the materials together.
Sponge Cake
Found this recipe in a baking forum from a woman who left Australia to live in Canada. Hmm... I'm guessing she followed her husband's job or her own. Odd choice of move but in today's world... who knows! Let me know if it turns out for you.
This is the recipe I used:
4 eggs
3/4 cup of caster sugar (superfine granulated sugar)
1 tablespoon of custard powder
1 cup of corn flour
1/2 teaspoon of bicarb soda
1 teaspoon of cream of tatar
Beat egg whites until stiff.Add sugar slowly.Add egg yolks and beat until thick and creamy.Fold in sifted ingredients.Place in greased tins.Either 2x 8" tins or one 11" round tin.Bake at 180 (350F) for 25 mins for small cakes or 30-35 mins for large cake.
This is the recipe I used:
4 eggs
3/4 cup of caster sugar (superfine granulated sugar)
1 tablespoon of custard powder
1 cup of corn flour
1/2 teaspoon of bicarb soda
1 teaspoon of cream of tatar
Beat egg whites until stiff.Add sugar slowly.Add egg yolks and beat until thick and creamy.Fold in sifted ingredients.Place in greased tins.Either 2x 8" tins or one 11" round tin.Bake at 180 (350F) for 25 mins for small cakes or 30-35 mins for large cake.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Bandit's Birthday
Donald celebrated his 23rd birthday by freezing outside at a fireman's class then hanging out with the guys that night at a Bandit's game. I had his name put up on the Jumbo tron - oh how I wanted to put up one of his nicknames! LOL A great time was had by all and the best part is, the BANDITS WON!!!! Woo Hoo guys! Happy Birthday Baby Bro!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Chris & Steve are buying a house!!
I recently found out that my best friend Chris & her handsome hubby are buying their first home. I'm so psyched for them! The best - and cutest part - is that for the first time in ages, Chris will have a backyard of her very own. Grass to cut, flowers to plant and bbq's to celebrate. I'm so happy for you guys! Congrats!!!
Diva Day
It's not much but I'm proud that today I replaced the hardware on my mother's kitchen drawers, took down / cleaned & replaced the support brackets on 2 of my railings in the house. It might not give me the whole Diva Toolbelt but I think I'm one step closer! :-)
** Forgot to add: I'm using baby wipes from the dollar store to clean the gunk off our railings. It's been there my whole life so I figured it was worn off paint or something. It's taking a lot of elbow grease and quite a few wipes but it works!!! The goop is coming off and the finish isn't harmed. HA!!! Where was Martha Stewart with that tip! LOL
** Forgot to add: I'm using baby wipes from the dollar store to clean the gunk off our railings. It's been there my whole life so I figured it was worn off paint or something. It's taking a lot of elbow grease and quite a few wipes but it works!!! The goop is coming off and the finish isn't harmed. HA!!! Where was Martha Stewart with that tip! LOL
College Boy
College will never be the same starting the end of this month. Yup, Donald's been accepted to ECC for Medic 1 & 2. 3 days a week, 3 hrs a day for the next 5 months, he'll be learning all there is about being a medic. It'll really give him a advantage when he takes the fireman's exam in March and it'll give him an edge at his own hall. CONGRATS Donald!!!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
A knee slapper for classical musica fans...
Why did Mozart sell all of his chickens?
Because they kept going "Bach, Bach, Bach"
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Because they kept going "Bach, Bach, Bach"
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Woo Hoo Weggies!!!!
Wegmans has announced that next month they're going to stop selling all tobacco products. This could potentially cut into their bottom line but they don't care and don't see it as a real problem. Instead they're going to focus on getting the community around them healthy. It's actions like this that make me love their store and not paying a higher cost for items.
This just frosts my cakes....
I read an article on Yahoo news tonight that just really ticked me off. Now, please remember that the views expressed her are my own and I don't mean to offend anyone but this guy is what's wrong with the world.
There's an Iraqi guy complaining to the world media that he has to live in Turkey, his money's running out and we're not getting him into the US fast enough. Hm.... go back and fix your country perhaps? Apparently he went to the UN who told him to go to the US embassy who told him that they were back logged. Yeah they're back logged! Every deviant wants to get in here because he figures it'll be a free ride. I loved that he said he was staying single so he could "save myself for an American woman." Yeah, let's get right on that ride! Every time I'd look at him I'd remember 9/11. I'm not saying all muslims are bad, hell I work for one who is one of the greatest people I know. But why isn't the UN taking a more authoritative role? Am I wrong or wasn't that what they were created for? People are happy to come here and take the benefit of our programs created to help our citizens only to bash us and tell us are awful we are.
People who say that this country was built on immigrants aren't wrong, they're just stuck in a time warp. The world's a different place than it was 100+ years ago. I got an email of signs outside this guy's business. One of them said "Bring back rotary phones so we don't have to dial 1 to continue in english." I love it! Another one said that if things go the way they are, Aug 2013 will have to be declared white history month. Why do we have to have any specific month for any one history? History is history no matter what your race is. It should all be taught all year long. We were created to be a country of equals but we've made ourselves so "P.C." that we're no better than the countries our ancestors left behind. Those aren't earthquakes you feel, it's the tumble of our Founding Father's rolling in their graves.
As Dennis Miller would say "Of cours that's just my opinion, I could be wrong....."
There's an Iraqi guy complaining to the world media that he has to live in Turkey, his money's running out and we're not getting him into the US fast enough. Hm.... go back and fix your country perhaps? Apparently he went to the UN who told him to go to the US embassy who told him that they were back logged. Yeah they're back logged! Every deviant wants to get in here because he figures it'll be a free ride. I loved that he said he was staying single so he could "save myself for an American woman." Yeah, let's get right on that ride! Every time I'd look at him I'd remember 9/11. I'm not saying all muslims are bad, hell I work for one who is one of the greatest people I know. But why isn't the UN taking a more authoritative role? Am I wrong or wasn't that what they were created for? People are happy to come here and take the benefit of our programs created to help our citizens only to bash us and tell us are awful we are.
People who say that this country was built on immigrants aren't wrong, they're just stuck in a time warp. The world's a different place than it was 100+ years ago. I got an email of signs outside this guy's business. One of them said "Bring back rotary phones so we don't have to dial 1 to continue in english." I love it! Another one said that if things go the way they are, Aug 2013 will have to be declared white history month. Why do we have to have any specific month for any one history? History is history no matter what your race is. It should all be taught all year long. We were created to be a country of equals but we've made ourselves so "P.C." that we're no better than the countries our ancestors left behind. Those aren't earthquakes you feel, it's the tumble of our Founding Father's rolling in their graves.
As Dennis Miller would say "Of cours that's just my opinion, I could be wrong....."
Sabres Suite Adventure
On Friday I got the chance of a lifetime...... for me at least. Gary, the really great man who's chairing this year's campaign, invited the campaign staff to enjoy the Sabres vs Ottawa game from the company box suite. This was a once in a lifetime event for me which I was psyched to go to. Dan & April picked me up, we swung down to the office to get Caron then headed down to the arena. Thanks for driving Dan!!! We headed up to the suite from a backstage elevator and were the first to walk into the amazing box. There were food, drink, popcorn and m&m's!!!!! Every time you turned around there was more food and honestly the best cookies I ever had. Thick, chocolate and mint marshmellow. Yum!! I'll upload the picture as soon as Caron sends it to me but I just wanted to say THANKS MR. Q!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE HAD A BLAST!!!!!!!!!!
I miss Vix
No, I don't mean the mint scented wonder you rub on your chest to get rid of a cold. I'm talking about the store. It was the only place you could go to get greeting cards, glasses, beauty products, gifts, stuffed animals and orthopedic shoes all under one roof. I began missing it when I was looking for an ordinary item that no one seemed to have a clue about. Mom & I both looked at each other & said....... Vix would have had it. Oh, and you could spot a celebrity to. Mom & I ran into the Shinta sister once. Nice lady.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
DHL Disaster
Dad phone got stolen when he was at work right before Christmas. We called and Asurion was nice enough to send a replacement right out. Thank God for insurance. Phone arrives and it won't work. It's been refurbished they tell me. Well, refurbished or not, it's not working. No problem, it's covered under warranty so we'll send a new one with a DHL tag to send back the defective one. Mom sat home all day waiting for the delivery which never came. She called Asurion to see what was going on, gets the tracking number and finds that DHL says they delivered it around noon yesterday. NOT!! I get on the phone to DHL at 9:40 with a very nasty lady who tells me (after "confirming" my number - which was wrong) that it'll be an hour or two before I hear anything. Keep in mind my mother's at home yet again waiting for this delivery which needs to be signed for. I say that's not acceptable and I want an answer by 10:30 a.m. No problem she tells me. Well, at 10:36 I call back because I haven't heard anything. "Ben" politely answers and apologizes for the trouble. He also tells me that I've got another 45 minutes to wait because she wasn't supposed to promise me an answer by 10:30. So now he tells me I'll have an answer by 11:30. Guess what, by noon I still had no answer so I call back again. This time I get an even nastier girl who tells me to "deal with it you'll have a call by 2:00". Deal with it? Is this customer service? I think not. I tell her my lawyer will handle it with her corporate office & hang up. Nope, not gonna bother. I call Asurion back to let them know what's going on. I get a very nice woman named "Karen" who spends the next hour with me on the phone and DHL trying to get it straightened out. By the end of the hour she told me I had to wait until all the drivers were back (did I mention he said he left it in my back hall..... odd since he'd have to get through a locked gate and door....... or he might have left it at the wrong house). We have to wait for them to declare the package lost then Asurion can send me a new phone and for all my troubles I'm getting extra accessories for the phone. I was so relieved to have delt with a nice person who not only calmed me down but got answers in an hour I couldn't get in 4hrs. To Little Miss Deal With It........ I've already sent your name and response in a letter to your corporate office. I hope something happens so you can "Deal With It."
Baking Boo Boo
My friend Caron gave me a starter bag of the Amish Friendship bread which turned out great. I got stuck with the following starter bags though because the ladies who agreed to take them are out until after the first of the year.... beyond the baking date.
Well, today was baking day; thought I'd put a loaf in the box to Dion. Glad I didn't just wrap it up and send it off. Part of the recipe says you can substitue the vanilla pudding for chocolate. GREAT!!! I love chocolate and this should be yummy, right? WRONG!!! It turned my bread GREEN!!! I'm talking Emerald City green. Ugh, ladies / gentlemen, still to the recipe.
Well, today was baking day; thought I'd put a loaf in the box to Dion. Glad I didn't just wrap it up and send it off. Part of the recipe says you can substitue the vanilla pudding for chocolate. GREAT!!! I love chocolate and this should be yummy, right? WRONG!!! It turned my bread GREEN!!! I'm talking Emerald City green. Ugh, ladies / gentlemen, still to the recipe.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
RIP Bhutto
This morning I learned that PM Bhutto had been shot. While I mourn her loss and the positive change she would undoubtedly have brought to her country, I'm troubled that more people are attacking the US and President Bush specifically for not keeping her safe. She is a grown woman who knew what she was getting into. Where was her own country's security? Where were her own guards? I'm all for being a "Big Brother" to the world when needed but we're not the world Mother. At some point other countries need to take responsibility for themselves and stop blaming us. What would happen if we stopped everyone from attacking other countries? Then we'd be called lazy for not stepping in. We're basically in a no-win situation. My heart goes out to the family of former P.M. Bhutto and I hope whoever takes her place continues with her dream of a peacful Pakistan but please, stop blaming us for something we had NOTHING to do with.
Costly Cough
I got sick & tired of being sick and my family couldn't take my constant hacking any longer. Dad sore this natural stuff he buys at Wegmans would help.... I've been hacking up a lung for over 2 weeks so why not. So off to Wegmans we go and he buys this Bolthouse Farms C-Boost. You know what, at $3.99 for a large bottle, it's better than any perscription I tried. I've picked up a couple more of the large bottles and plan to make a small bottle part of my once-weekly regiment. It's got cherries, camu camu, apple juice and mango puree. It's a bit thick and a little too sweet for my taste but it's effectively stopped my cough and I couldn't be happier. Check it out!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Annual Abbott Christmas party
Well, last night was my annual Christmas party. I had been taking Dayquil and Nyquil for the last couple of days so didn't exactly feel like I was on death's door when everyone arrived. Of course we had way too much food, plenty to drink and the right amounts of fun & laughter. It's so great when we all get together! Glad Phil actually got out of that shirt, even if he was happy about "fitting" into something 3 sizes smaller!!!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Medical Update
I seem to have caught whatever is going around again. I just hope it's not that bronchial thing again I had 5 years ago. That was awful.
Anyway, I wanted to let you all know that the Metformin is working. My insulin resistance has gone down from 61.1 to 23. It's still high but much better than before. My thyroid medicine got upped from 125 mg to 137 but that's ok. I'm going tomorrow a.m. for a CAT scan. Apparently the left side of my body doesn't have the mobility that my right side does and my primary is concerned about the headache's I've been getting. He said a lot could be stress (um, yeah, it's the end of campaign so no shock there) but he wants to get it looked at just to play it safe.
We also talked about if I should have the Gastric Bypass surgery like my father did. He told me that he's had a number of patients go throught it with great success, he thinks I'd be a good candidate and warned that it's a long road to get approval and I need to get moving on it if I want to have this done. I'm 124lbs overweight and am at high risk for a bunch of nasty stuff so of course I want to have this done. Thing is I'd want it done in late April or early May which is my downtime at work. Mom want5s it done in July when it's her down time. So much for having it done together! LOL One site dad recommends is obesityhelps.com. If you or anyone you know is thinking about the surgery, here's a good place to start.
Happy, Heathly Holidays!!!
Anyway, I wanted to let you all know that the Metformin is working. My insulin resistance has gone down from 61.1 to 23. It's still high but much better than before. My thyroid medicine got upped from 125 mg to 137 but that's ok. I'm going tomorrow a.m. for a CAT scan. Apparently the left side of my body doesn't have the mobility that my right side does and my primary is concerned about the headache's I've been getting. He said a lot could be stress (um, yeah, it's the end of campaign so no shock there) but he wants to get it looked at just to play it safe.
We also talked about if I should have the Gastric Bypass surgery like my father did. He told me that he's had a number of patients go throught it with great success, he thinks I'd be a good candidate and warned that it's a long road to get approval and I need to get moving on it if I want to have this done. I'm 124lbs overweight and am at high risk for a bunch of nasty stuff so of course I want to have this done. Thing is I'd want it done in late April or early May which is my downtime at work. Mom want5s it done in July when it's her down time. So much for having it done together! LOL One site dad recommends is obesityhelps.com. If you or anyone you know is thinking about the surgery, here's a good place to start.
Happy, Heathly Holidays!!!
Makeover Mayham or Magic?
Last weekend things were going really well in regards to our bathroom make over and I thought we'd actually have it all done in time for the party on Saturday. Think again. On Monday dad was framing in the shower and hit a pipe. No big deal normally but it pulled one end out of the end from another pipe and we had a leak. It all dried out but here's the funny part. My mother and I were in the kitchen downstairs and she asked me to bring up the laundry basket. "Sure" I said, "just let me go to the bathroom because I've really got to pee." Well, you can guess what happened. That's when the pipes came apart and yours truly was right underneath.
Did I mention that on Sunday when we ran the water through for the first time to check for leaks, I'd turned the one shut off valve the wrong way and got a face full of ice cold water. Heck guys, if I stunk you could have just said so. I'd have taken a shower on my own! LOL
So tonight my father & brother got the pipes put back together, the heating vent is in, the new ceiling is up- and the walls are painted (for the most part) but we still won't be ready in time for Saturday. Instead of tile we'll put carpet down to cover the subfloor - sorry chris and those who read this & attend lol - and the walls won't be perfect but it'll be functioning and look totally different from the last time anyone's seen in. In fact, there's a lot of changes between this year & last. The fish are now gone (anyone want a 55 gallon tank?), the bathroom looks completly different, we've got a new light fixture in the dining room thanks to dad and I think that might have been in. Originally I included the bathroom being done in that list but a few more weeks and we should be all set to go. Good thing because on January 15th it's mom's turn to host the ladies from school and they'll be here. Kari's having a couple girlfriends sleep over for her birthday and I said they could be upstairs to keep them out of my mother's hair. Then before you know it, April will be here and it'll be my turn to host the annual girls night again. It's honestly one of my favorite nights of the year, right next to Christmas. We just let loose and have fun.
Ahh..... more to come.
Happy Holidays!!!
Did I mention that on Sunday when we ran the water through for the first time to check for leaks, I'd turned the one shut off valve the wrong way and got a face full of ice cold water. Heck guys, if I stunk you could have just said so. I'd have taken a shower on my own! LOL
So tonight my father & brother got the pipes put back together, the heating vent is in, the new ceiling is up- and the walls are painted (for the most part) but we still won't be ready in time for Saturday. Instead of tile we'll put carpet down to cover the subfloor - sorry chris and those who read this & attend lol - and the walls won't be perfect but it'll be functioning and look totally different from the last time anyone's seen in. In fact, there's a lot of changes between this year & last. The fish are now gone (anyone want a 55 gallon tank?), the bathroom looks completly different, we've got a new light fixture in the dining room thanks to dad and I think that might have been in. Originally I included the bathroom being done in that list but a few more weeks and we should be all set to go. Good thing because on January 15th it's mom's turn to host the ladies from school and they'll be here. Kari's having a couple girlfriends sleep over for her birthday and I said they could be upstairs to keep them out of my mother's hair. Then before you know it, April will be here and it'll be my turn to host the annual girls night again. It's honestly one of my favorite nights of the year, right next to Christmas. We just let loose and have fun.
Ahh..... more to come.
Happy Holidays!!!
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Potty Progress
It was a pretty banner weekend at my house. This weekend - mostly on Sunday - my brother & I got the frame up in the bathroom for the ceiling, installed the joists and put up the first piece of drywall. We didn't put the 2nd and final one up because dad's putting in a fan tomorrow and promised to start framing in the shower. Saturday was a big day for the simple fact mom & I got the fish tank emptied and the plumbing had it's first official run-through after being "done". No leaks except in the basement which my brother & father figured out. Apparently the guts of the one shut off valve melted so they just replaced it with one they had. The prime & paint are on the wall and if it keeps going this well, I'll definately be ready for my party on Saturday. I also just need to keep clear of the "bug" going around. Kari already seems to have it. Yikes! Kudos to my brother for all the great work he's done on the bathroom. He rocks!
Friday, December 07, 2007
1-2-3 Cookie
Got a great new recipe and made this cookie for my friends. You can change what you put in them (just look for the **) and it's sooooo easy!!!
1 packet (from the box) graham crackers made into crumbs
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup chocolate chips ** - I substituted this with choclate chunks in one batch and choc/pb chips in another
mix
pour into a buttered 9x9 pan
bake at 350 for 30 minutes
ENJOY!!!!
1 packet (from the box) graham crackers made into crumbs
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup chocolate chips ** - I substituted this with choclate chunks in one batch and choc/pb chips in another
mix
pour into a buttered 9x9 pan
bake at 350 for 30 minutes
ENJOY!!!!
Christmas Poem
A Different Christmas Poem The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,Transforming the yard to a winter delight.The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,And I crept to the door just to see who was near.Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child."What are you doing?" I asked without fear,"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..To the window that danced with a warm fire's lightThen he sighed and he said "Its really all right,"I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.""It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,That separates you from the darkest of times.No one had to ask or beg or implore me,I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',And now it is my turn and so, here I am.I've not seen my own son in more than a while,But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,The red, white, and blue... an American flag.I can live through the cold and the being alone,Away from my family, my house and my home.I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.I can carry the weight of killing another,Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..Who stand at the front against any and all,To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.""So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.""But isn't there something I can do, at the least,"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?It seems all too little for all that you've done,For being away from your wife and your son."Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,To stand your own watch, no matter how long.For when we come home, either standing or dead,To know you remember we fought and we bled.Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S.service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.
LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN30t h Naval Construc tion RegimentOIC, Logistics Cell OneAl Taqqadum , Iraq
LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN30t h Naval Construc tion RegimentOIC, Logistics Cell OneAl Taqqadum , Iraq
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Funny Christmas Story..... not for the traditionalist!!
> > A Christmas Story
'Twas the night before Christmas--Old Santa was pissed.
He cussed out the elves and threw down his list.
Miserable little brats, ungrateful little jerks;
I have a good mind to scrap the whole works!
I've busted my ass for damn near a year,
Instead of 'Thanks Santa'--what do I hear?
The old lady bitches cause I work late at night.
The elves want more money--The reindeer all fight.
Rudolph got drunk and goosed all the maids.
Donner is pregnant and Vixen has AIDS.
And just when I thought that things would get better
Those assholes from the IRS sent me a letter,
They say I owe taxes--if that ain't damn funny
Who the hell ever sent Santa Claus any money?
And the kids these days--they all are the pits
They want the impossible--Those mean little shits
I spent a whole year making wagons and sleds
Assembling dolls...Their arms, legs and heads
I made a ton of yo yo's--No request for them,
They want computers and robots...they think - I'm IBM!
Flying through the air...dodging the trees
Falling down chim neys and skinning my knees
I'm quitting this job there's just no enjoyment
I'll sit on my fat ass and draw unemployment.
There's no Christmas this year now you know the reason,
I found me a blonde. I'm going SOUTH for the season!
'Twas the night before Christmas--Old Santa was pissed.
He cussed out the elves and threw down his list.
Miserable little brats, ungrateful little jerks;
I have a good mind to scrap the whole works!
I've busted my ass for damn near a year,
Instead of 'Thanks Santa'--what do I hear?
The old lady bitches cause I work late at night.
The elves want more money--The reindeer all fight.
Rudolph got drunk and goosed all the maids.
Donner is pregnant and Vixen has AIDS.
And just when I thought that things would get better
Those assholes from the IRS sent me a letter,
They say I owe taxes--if that ain't damn funny
Who the hell ever sent Santa Claus any money?
And the kids these days--they all are the pits
They want the impossible--Those mean little shits
I spent a whole year making wagons and sleds
Assembling dolls...Their arms, legs and heads
I made a ton of yo yo's--No request for them,
They want computers and robots...they think - I'm IBM!
Flying through the air...dodging the trees
Falling down chim neys and skinning my knees
I'm quitting this job there's just no enjoyment
I'll sit on my fat ass and draw unemployment.
There's no Christmas this year now you know the reason,
I found me a blonde. I'm going SOUTH for the season!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Green & Cuddly
My friend Skip became a father this past September for the first time. With all the toy recalls - and the fact that Hannah's only a couple months old - he's asked for no toys this year for her but books instead. He'd like a teddy bear (she hasn't gotten her first one yet) but he wants it to be toxic free adn made in the USA if possible. Now, I'm fairly interested in the green movement so his request caught my interest. Here are 3 sites I think you should all check out:
nativeremedies.com - natural cures for whatever ailes you
naturaleco.com - eco friendly products for you & your baby. I love the organic toys.
thedailygreen.com - a website with great & easy tips for going green one step at a time or jumping in the deep end of the unpolluted pond.
Check them out & let me know what you think!
~J
nativeremedies.com - natural cures for whatever ailes you
naturaleco.com - eco friendly products for you & your baby. I love the organic toys.
thedailygreen.com - a website with great & easy tips for going green one step at a time or jumping in the deep end of the unpolluted pond.
Check them out & let me know what you think!
~J
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Volunteer Firefighters Pull Through
Despite my hate of large crowds (which I've seemed to have developled in the last couple of years) I went to a benefit that my brother's volunteer firefighters put on for one of their own. Together they banded together to sell over 700 tickets, had over 200 baskets for a Chinese Auction, had 2 50/50 raffles that totaled over $700 raised for their "brother" and then there was an additional auction where you got to pick your prize. When all was said and done, the last number we heard thrown around was $10,000 raised. This is amazing and I'm so proud of all of them. Being a volunteer firefighter your "benefits" are bumpkiss but appreciated while you have them. The guy in this case was injured while answering a call. He broke both legs, an ankle, some ribs, his collar bone, dislocated his left shoulder and tore his rotor cuff. I believe there was also a break to his back. If memory serves correct it's because a guy ran a red light. Word to the wise folk - and I've said this because my cousin Jeff is a medic - the lights & sirens mean something MOVE!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyway they guy's doing great and I'm really happy it all worked out. There were guys there from all over River Road, Brighton, Sheridan, South Line, Ellwood and Kenmore. It's great when a group comes together and I couldn't be more proud of my brother for all the hard work he put into this.
Will I end up with Brad from the Bachelor???
I'm sitting here waiting for my brother to get ready so we can go to the gym. In all honesty he can take longer than me at times just to get ready. So, to pass the time I jumped on yahoo to check my email and came across this article:
http://dating.personals.yahoo.com/singles/datingtips/55223/when-shes-hot-but-hes-not;_ylc=X3oDMTFybmFnN3FnBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwX3RvZGF5BHNsawN3aGVuLXNoZXMtaG90LWJ1dC1oZXMtbm90BHp6A2Fi
My question is this (you'll understand after reading the article), if hot women are taking the average guys, do average women like me get the "leftovers" in this case? The leftovers in this case are the hot guys. Maybe this was the problem for Brad on the Bachelor. Both Jenni and DeAna were hot women. If this is the way that the world is trending..... I honestly have no problem with that! :-)
http://dating.personals.yahoo.com/singles/datingtips/55223/when-shes-hot-but-hes-not;_ylc=X3oDMTFybmFnN3FnBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwX3RvZGF5BHNsawN3aGVuLXNoZXMtaG90LWJ1dC1oZXMtbm90BHp6A2Fi
My question is this (you'll understand after reading the article), if hot women are taking the average guys, do average women like me get the "leftovers" in this case? The leftovers in this case are the hot guys. Maybe this was the problem for Brad on the Bachelor. Both Jenni and DeAna were hot women. If this is the way that the world is trending..... I honestly have no problem with that! :-)
Monday, November 12, 2007
eMOM Radio Spot
http://www.emailourmilitary.com/projects-popup.html#10
Have a listen to eMOM's new radio spot. It's great!
Have a listen to eMOM's new radio spot. It's great!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Christmas packages / cards to soliders & vets
I've gotten many emails about sending Christmas cards / packages to Walter Reed attn "Any Soldier". I just wanted to say that I tried this last year and due to security concerns, these will only be returned. If you want to help by sending cards & packages go to:
www.emailourmilitary.com
This is the best way. They're a great group of people who are doing great work and need all of our help. I joined this great group almost 3 years ago and have loved every minute of it.
Happy Holidays All !!!
www.emailourmilitary.com
This is the best way. They're a great group of people who are doing great work and need all of our help. I joined this great group almost 3 years ago and have loved every minute of it.
Happy Holidays All !!!
Veterans Day
IN FLANDERS FIELDS
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place;
and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.
Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throwThe torch;
be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die we shall not sleep, though poppies growIn Flanders fields.
John McCrae
**Remember them and say thank you before you can only wish to.
~Jenn
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place;
and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.
Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throwThe torch;
be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die we shall not sleep, though poppies growIn Flanders fields.
John McCrae
**Remember them and say thank you before you can only wish to.
~Jenn
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Sand & Stone.......... Sage Advice
TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT
DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT;
AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE
THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, HE WROTE IN THE SAND " TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE"
THEY KEPT ON WALKING, UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS, WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH
THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.
AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING, HE WROTE ON A STONE: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE"
THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM,
"AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW, YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?"
THE FRIEND REPLIED "WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.
BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT"
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.
THEY SAY IT TAKES A MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL PERSON, AN HOUR TO APPRECIATE THEM, A DAY TO LOVE THEM, BUT THEN AN ENTIRE LIFE TO FORGET THEM.
DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT;
AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE
THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, HE WROTE IN THE SAND " TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE"
THEY KEPT ON WALKING, UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS, WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH
THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.
AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING, HE WROTE ON A STONE: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE"
THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM,
"AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW, YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?"
THE FRIEND REPLIED "WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.
BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT"
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.
THEY SAY IT TAKES A MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL PERSON, AN HOUR TO APPRECIATE THEM, A DAY TO LOVE THEM, BUT THEN AN ENTIRE LIFE TO FORGET THEM.
Football Funny
A guy took his blonde girlfriend to her first football game. They had great seats right behind their team's bench. After the game, he asked her how she liked the experience. "Oh, I really liked it," she replied, "especially the tight pants and all the big muscles, but I just couldn't understand why they were killing each other over 25 cents." Dumbfounded, her date asked, "What do you mean?" "Well, they flipped a coin, one team got it and then for the rest of the game, all they kept screaming was: 'Get the quarterback! Get the quarterback!' I'm like...Helloooooo? It's only 25 cents!
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Back in Buffalo
Hi everyone. I'm finally back in Buffalo and aside from my cousin, the only thing I really miss about Austin is the warmth!! LOL Ok, and Massage Envy, and Hannah D's, and Colver's. When I left Austin it was 80 and sunny; arriving in Buffalo when it was 48 and raining wasn't too much fun. I did get to do something really great though. Mom & dad picked me up with Kari because Donald had a board meeting for football. We went straight out to the dance studio because for their anniversary, dad purchased ballroom lessons for him & mom. Isn't that sweet!! 32 years and they're still newlyweds. :-) Well, there really wasn't a place for Kari & I to sit since it's so small in there. We sat on a bench outside & I helped (more like watched in horror) as she did her math homework. I haven't been out of school that long but when she starts her math homework I feel like I'm 100 years old. Mom & dad did great. Once the lesson had ended, Kari & I went inside and mom showed me the Fred Astair room. My bedroom is painted but a bit of a mush when it comes to a theme. Well, I found it. I want to make it look like a dressing room you'd see back stage and hang up b&w prints of Fred & Ginger. I've got my autographed Ginger photo somewhere.
Ok, on to the medical front. I was so busy this weekend I hardly remembered to take my synthroid but it didn't seem to matter. I didn't take my metformin because I felt so sick the last time I took it & didn't want it to ruin my weekend. Gotta get back on track & I'm so glad my doctor doesn't read this! Ladies & gentlemen, don't get off routine, I'm really bad about this and that's something I need to pay better attention to. I also need to make sure I focus on the gym. I thought I'd been doing so well until I got in the plane. The seats seemed smaller (or are my hips bigger?) and the seatbelts seem shorter ( or am I rounder?) I'm going to give myself until the middle of February. If I don't see a marked change by then, I'm going to talk to my primary about the gastric bypass like dad had. I'll of course have to go through the same steps and my only fear is that the insurance will decline me. I don't have heart disease (that I know of but of course will have to be checked for), I don't have high blood pressure (that's the best part about me), I don't have sleep apena (as far as I know but when I'm stuffed up I can snore to drown out the navy! lol). I am more than 100 lbs overweight (1 of 5 morbidity factors) and I can't remember what the last one is. Dad stopped talking about them when he rattled off 4 and said he had them all. Mom's thinking of doing it in the spring and that would actually be perfect for me as that's our slow time at work. I'd only have to be out 2 weeks because I work at a desk...... already got the PTO saved up! This isn't something I'm jumping into so please don't think I'm taking the easy road. I've watched dad go through the process so I'm very aware of what's ahead if I do this. The first day won't be too bad except for the waiting to go into surgery. The 2nd day will be hell because that's when the drugs really wear off. The 3rd day is when I get the blue popsicle and can tell if I'll go home. After that it's a lot of walking, no driving and taking it easy. Life won't be the same but I know my family will support me. Dad's done all the research and I know Caruana is the best in the business so I have no fear there. The important thing is that I'm too young to be this old. I've got a list of things I want to do in life (I crossed 2 off this weekend: Visit Austin, TX and Ride an elephant). Time to get moving on more. I've hired a couple of financial advisors - one's pretty cute to! - and have really made up my mind to get get my financial act together. I've pushed off & on for years when it comes to my medical health so I've just got to buckle down there. I'll keep you posted as I go forward.
For those of you who are curious, I didn't get to meet Iggy on my trip but that's ok. I'm still holding out for Travis. ^_-
Ok, on to the medical front. I was so busy this weekend I hardly remembered to take my synthroid but it didn't seem to matter. I didn't take my metformin because I felt so sick the last time I took it & didn't want it to ruin my weekend. Gotta get back on track & I'm so glad my doctor doesn't read this! Ladies & gentlemen, don't get off routine, I'm really bad about this and that's something I need to pay better attention to. I also need to make sure I focus on the gym. I thought I'd been doing so well until I got in the plane. The seats seemed smaller (or are my hips bigger?) and the seatbelts seem shorter ( or am I rounder?) I'm going to give myself until the middle of February. If I don't see a marked change by then, I'm going to talk to my primary about the gastric bypass like dad had. I'll of course have to go through the same steps and my only fear is that the insurance will decline me. I don't have heart disease (that I know of but of course will have to be checked for), I don't have high blood pressure (that's the best part about me), I don't have sleep apena (as far as I know but when I'm stuffed up I can snore to drown out the navy! lol). I am more than 100 lbs overweight (1 of 5 morbidity factors) and I can't remember what the last one is. Dad stopped talking about them when he rattled off 4 and said he had them all. Mom's thinking of doing it in the spring and that would actually be perfect for me as that's our slow time at work. I'd only have to be out 2 weeks because I work at a desk...... already got the PTO saved up! This isn't something I'm jumping into so please don't think I'm taking the easy road. I've watched dad go through the process so I'm very aware of what's ahead if I do this. The first day won't be too bad except for the waiting to go into surgery. The 2nd day will be hell because that's when the drugs really wear off. The 3rd day is when I get the blue popsicle and can tell if I'll go home. After that it's a lot of walking, no driving and taking it easy. Life won't be the same but I know my family will support me. Dad's done all the research and I know Caruana is the best in the business so I have no fear there. The important thing is that I'm too young to be this old. I've got a list of things I want to do in life (I crossed 2 off this weekend: Visit Austin, TX and Ride an elephant). Time to get moving on more. I've hired a couple of financial advisors - one's pretty cute to! - and have really made up my mind to get get my financial act together. I've pushed off & on for years when it comes to my medical health so I've just got to buckle down there. I'll keep you posted as I go forward.
For those of you who are curious, I didn't get to meet Iggy on my trip but that's ok. I'm still holding out for Travis. ^_-
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Hola from Austin
Hola from Austin, Tx everyone!! I got here Thursday evening and boy was I tired. We had a lot of turbulence from Buffalo to JFK (not to mention 4 screaming kids), a 3hr layover at JFK (boring!!!!!) and the flight from JFK to Austin was long. I didn't have the screaming kids but I wasn't off the hook either. We hit some air bumps over a few states and the screaming kids were replaced by frat boys on their way to a friends wedding or reunion or something. After getting in we hopped over to the Hula Hut for dinner. I had such a great Hawaiian burger I can't wait to remake it back home. We hung out at the house for a bit then ran over to Amy's (it's been on the Food Network folk's, I just HAD to!!) for some ice cream. It's just like Cold Stone but as the guy behind the counter said "Yeah, but we were here first." LOL Chilled at the house then fell asleep. I won't lie, a bit of homesickness hit. Friday was another great day and I spent wayyyy toooo much money. We started out by going to Hannah D's (www.hannahdonline.com) and I picked up a few things for my sister. Then we went next door to Massage Envy (www.massagenvy.com) for a 1hr massage. Guys, check out the site. It was so amazing I can hardly tell you. Then we did some shopping, ok, we did a lot of shopping but I got all of my gifts - almost. (g) Picked Brandon up from school and did some more shopping and looking around at different store. Friday night Nikki & I got glammed up and we hit 6th street. For those of you back home that's the equal to Chippewa but I'd say better because only the dance clubs had cover. We started out at the Dizzy Rooster, wound our way about a block up to the Chuggin' Monkey, walked around to check out the sites, had a drink at the Apple Bar then ended at Marq. Guys, they shut the street off at 11:00 so no worries about the sidewalks getting crushed. They even have cabs lined up on sidestreets in case you can't drive home. We got back to the house and flopped into bed at about 1:00 a.m. but weren't there long. We were up at 5:30 and on the road by 7:00 to Houston to see a Ren Fest. Now, that has nothing to do with Ren & Stimpy. Rennasaisance (sp?) is what I mean and boy were the costumes awesome, in more ways then one. Stop by for pix, I'll try to upload them soon. Nikki's friend Lee was with us and so was Brandon's friend Alfonso (he's such a cute kid!). Lee & Michael were eating they're way around the fair and I kid you not. Scotch Eggs, turkey legs, beef jerkey, sausage on a stick, alligator on a stick, bagels, kettle korn and that was before lunch! We finally left about 6:00 or so and started the 2.5 hr drive home. Nikki hadn't been feeling good all day but on the way home we stopped at a Sonic (yes, I finally got to eat at one and it wasn't half bad) then made it home. Today we got to sleep in a bit later and relax. Michael is teaching a class and left for the lake by noon. Yup, they're still in open water folks. Nikki, Brandon & I hit Al Cappone's for the pasta bar. I'm so making my dish for the Christmas party! LOL We went to Best Buy to pick up something for Brandon, got some world famous Round Rock donuts - they're really yellow! - then it was off to the Round Rock Outlet Mall. I got a few more things to bring back. I did eat lunch Friday at Rudy's which my brother raved about. I even had to buy him sauce. Since I didn't want it to get all over my clothes I had to put it in my carry on..... it's over 3 oz so I can't take it on the plane...hmmm.... what's a girl to do? Yup, this girl went back to Hannah D's (in all fairness, I did it Friday afternoon) and bought another carry on bag. This one is so cute. It's balck with pink polka dots, pink handles and pink bows over the front pockets. It's even got a zipper portion on the bottom for pots & jars of your favorite beauty products. In my case it'll be used for shoes. LOL I just printed my boarding pass and am ready to go. I'll miss Nikki as I've had such a great time with her but I'm ready to get back to what I'm sure is a disaster on my desk. Hope the coffee pot's still standing! LOL Did I mention Nikki's aunt in El Paso passed away Thursday afternoon? She's been so great with me here. We're riding to the airport early tomorrow so she can catch a flight out for the funeral tomorrow. I'm going to hang around and get letters written that I was supposed to do on the way down here. Hope everyone got their post cards and I can't wait to see you all!!!!!!!!!!!
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