I Can Die A Happy Woman

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

By Merriam-Webster's Definition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shhhhhhh!

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

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

To what end are we willing to jeopardize our hearing?

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

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

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

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

Drip...Drip...Drip

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

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

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

Water Conservation Tips

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

Die With A "T"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tis "The" Season

...to be what? Jolly?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buddy Can You Spare A Dime

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stuck In A Loop

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

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

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

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

Final Medical Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am on my way so move aside.

How Was Your Day?

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



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



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



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



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



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

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

Thank you have a nice day.

I Ate What?!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peaks and Valleys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are We Worthy?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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

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

Bringing Order to Chaos

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safety First

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



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

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

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

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

Shaken...not Stirred

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank You Oprah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head

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


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


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


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




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


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

Update on Vinegar in the Laundry

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

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

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

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

Be Careful, the Children Will See

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

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

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

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

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

How Simple Was That?

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

Let me set up why I am spewing my thoughts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's Time For a Change

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soft Alternative

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

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

Dinnertime

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What's Wrong With This Picture?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paper or Plastic?

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

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

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

Renewable Energy

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

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

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

T. Boone Pickens Plan

I'm Not Vengeful

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medical Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let's Go Green

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

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

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

So go and see Ideal Bite

Is It Just Me?

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's Electrifying

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

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

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

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

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