THIS IS MY BLOG! It will contain whatever *I* want to say. Remember, you are a GUEST. If you have some mental problem with my topics, words or personality, I suggest you click off my site and find something better to do on the Web.
Play nicely, or I will advertise your logged IP here for spammers to catch, along with banning it.
Gimmicks
Friday, January 31, 2003
Time for the Friday Five! 1. As a child, who was your favorite superhero/heroine? Why? Superman, he was cute in his tights and leotard.
2. What was one thing you always wanted as a child but never got? My parents forbid LiteBrites, Easy-Bake Ovens and Legos. I just love playing Legos with my littlest nephew now!
3. What's the furthest from home you've been? California.
4. What's one thing you've always wanted to learn but haven't yet? The human psyche. It never fails to stump me on the slowest of days.
5. What are your plans for the weekend? Depending upon the weather, more inlaws visiting. YAY!
While you were gone, Lulu... interesting developments about the Troll on my blog.
FACTS: - IP number: 24.169.233.159, which is now BLOCKED!
- Domain is: TWMI.RR.COM
- Traced back to: Livonia, Michigan (via a PING.)
- Trolls as Carolyn, Joy, Joye and Joey (matching IP address on posts.)
- Claimed to have a disability.
- Enters thru: GustoGal blog.
- Since tossing her hair and flouncing away (with 2 different personalities), she has been back at least 4 times today.
Major movie releases this year...YAY!!! It's going to be a busy year! (Release dates may be changed.) There are lots more, but these are the ones that specifically interest my family.
- Daredevil - Feb. 14
- XMEN 2 - May 2
- Mortal Kombat 3: Domination - May 7
- Matrix Reloaded - May 15
- 2 Fast 2 Furious - June 6
- Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle - June 27
- The Hulk - June 20
- Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde - July 2
- Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines - July 2
- Bad Boys II - July 18
- Lara Croft and the Cradle of Life: Tomb Raider 2 - July 25
- Once Upon a Time in Mexico - Sept. 12
- The Whole Ten Yards - Oct. 17
- Matrix Revolutions - Nov. 7
- The Cat in the Hat - Nov. 21 Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/30/2003 09:11:00 PM
I love receiving comments here and as long as it is done respectfully, I won't delete the comment and ban you. Please remember, you are a GUEST here and this is MY home. What *I* say goes and if you don't like it, YOU CAN GO.
Rude remarks will get the attention they deserve...DELETE! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/30/2003 06:29:00 AM
I love to pass my free time by researching via CREDIBLE sources, like the CDC. Sleuthing is a very close second.
CDC HIV/AIDS among young women - "Heterosexual Contact Now Is Greatest Risk for Women, Sex with drug users plays large role"
- "Since 1985, the proportion of all AIDS cases reported among adult and adolescent women has more than tripled, from 7% in 1985 to 25% in 1999."
Last Updated: March 11, 2002
Drug-Associated HIV Transmission Continues in the United States "Since the epidemic began, injection drug use has directly and indirectly accounted for more than one-third (36%) of AIDS cases in the United States. This disturbing trend appears to be continuing. Of the 42,156 new cases of AIDS reported in 2000, 11,635 (28%) were IDU-associated."
Last Updated: March 11, 2002
HIV and AIDS --- United States, 1981--2000 "Male-to-male sex has been the most common mode of exposure among persons reported with AIDS (46%), followed by injection drug use (25%) and heterosexual contact (11%). The incidence of AIDS increased rapidly in all three of these risk categories through the mid-1990s; however, since 1996, declines in new AIDS cases have been higher among MSM [males having sex with males] and injection drug users than among persons exposed through heterosexual contact."
Published: June 01, 2001 Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/29/2003 12:17:00 PM
Tuesday, January 28, 2003
Same Thing, Different Names 1. Kleenex or tissue? Tissue. I used to say Kleenex, but 5 years with Gusto changed that long ago!
2. Soda or pop (or tonic or whatever)? Soda, although most people here say, "Pop."
3. A sandwich on a long roll: sub or hero (or hoagie or grinder, etc)? Sub.
4. Glasses or spectacles? Glasses.
5. TV or television (or boob-tube, or telly, for our friends across the pond)? Telebitchin' or TV.
6. Movie or film? Movie. Film is for antiquated cameras, like 35mm.
7. Sofa or couch? Couch.
8. Stove or range? Stove. The "range" is where my husband shoots his gun.
9. Remote control or clicker? Neither. I call it, "That Damn Thing" because it is usually a mad search to find either of them. We could use an alarm, but then again, we have so many remotes, including 3 for our couch and recliner, that it would be a moot effort.
10. Supermarket or grocery store? Neither. I tend to use the store's name, which lets everyone in on which direction I am going. If I have a few places to hit, like WalMart and Meijer and Kroger, etc. I just simply say, "The Store." Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/28/2003 04:53:00 PM
STALK, by definition:
To follow or observe (a person) persistently, especially out of OBSESSION or DERANGEMENT.
How paradoxical that my personal Blog stalker, "Carolyn," is a homophobic woman.
Who, evidently, has quite THE THING for me. How positively fascinating!
Stalker or closet lesbian who desperately wants to come out?
I am soooooooo excited...I have two major secrets, but cannot reveal them until their rightful owners update their blogs. One is quite the event, not just a personal accomplishment, but a professional one, also. YAY!!!
Forgot to put this in my blog this weekend, but Friday morning, I was pulled over...on my street. EMBARRASSING! Granted, it was odd because I saw the police officer more than a block away, and didn't think anything of it. Suddenly, the flashers were on right behind me.
WHOOPS!
Officer Jim came up to my window and we greeted each other (I have made a bunch of great, new friends by going to the monthly meetings, I think he is a great guy and officer.)
He asked me if I knew what was wrong. "No, I'm sorry, but I haven't a clue," I admitted.
He gave me that stern Cop Stare...and grinned after a few seconds too long. "What is wrong is that we need a page on the Web site for the officers. Is that possible?"
OF COURSE! He apologized about not catching me at a better time, but it had been much to cold to stand outside for a conversation for the past few days and he hadn't seen me walking my dog. He just saw me pulling out of our drive on his rounds and saw it as his opportunity.
I had to laugh. And laugh some more. Heck, I was 500 feet from my driveway! We chatted for a bit, then I had to get along, after repeating my promise to create the page with his input.
This is the same officer who gave Munchkin and a few of her friends a ride home on Halloween 2001. I was a bit concerned and walked outside when I saw the police car pull in the drive. As the kids got out, he told me, "I caught them smashing pumpkins in town, so I brought them home to you." I was STUNNED. WHAT?!!?
Then he laughed and laughed. "Just kidding! They are great kids! They just looked tired, so I offered them a ride." The kids all snickered at my gullibility. BRATS!
Just like the kids bragging about being chauffered by a police car and getting a good laugh from Officer Jim's scaring me, now I have a great story to tell everyone! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/27/2003 08:34:00 PM
Sunday, January 26, 2003
Yesterday, I attended a birthday party for Carol, along with approximately 40 other family and friends. Unfortunately, she didn't attend. In fact, she never even knew about it.
Sadly, Carol was killed in a car accident in 2001. She was on a stay-at-home vacation from work, but running over to her church to help out, when an oncoming car crossed the centerline of the slushy road.
Many of us spent the last weekend of 2001 attending her viewing and funeral. It was such a shock. The pain that Carol's wife and family experienced was unimaginable.
Yesterday's party at ChiChi's was put on by Carol's wife, sister and brother. I was honored with a seat at their table and heard GREAT stories, not just about Carol, but her family, too! She was so nice to everyone, yet had a devilishly playful side to her. Nobody could ever get mad at her!
It wasn't until this past September, after summer break, that I finally stopped expecting to see her smiling face every Wednesday. Still, every time I drive by her road, I think, "There's Carol's house." It still is. She's still around, in our hearts and memories.
Pam laughed at what Carol's reaction would have been to yesterday's festivities in her honor.
She probably would have teased, "Oh sure, NOW I get a party!" with that twinkle in her eye. Typical Carol! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/26/2003 10:04:00 AM
Friday, January 24, 2003
Rodney, you were BORN to blog, babe! Impressive! Reading your entries greatly reduces the traumatic blow of Lulu being gone for a week! Thank you!!!
It is amazing how many ignorant people still consider AIDS to be a "gay disease," but these tend to be the same people who don't know there is a HUGE difference between HIV and AIDS.
Project Open Hand sounds like a WONDERFUL organization! Do you know if many other coworkers designate their United Way contributions to go to POH? You might also bring up the fact that POH provides its services to children, homebound seniors and individuals with critical illnesses or disabilities. Unfortunately, I realize it probably won't help, but I will still keep my fingers crossed.
You have a really good heart, Rodney, and I look forward to reading your entries (the more the merrier!)
Statistics don't lie, "Carolyn." Heterosexual men rape GIRLS far more often than homosexual men rape boys. And since I am no longer considering myself a "Christian," Bible crap does NOT work on me or Lulu, who ALSO considers your bigoted and close-minded viewpoint as PSYCHO! Back up your ignorance with REAL statistics and facts, not silly propaganda, especially that by a racist man who is still bent over losing the Civil War and forgets that this land was inhabited by Indian tribes LOOOOOOOOONG before Christians came in and stole it away.
MaleSurvivor.org 7. The vast majority (over 80%) of sexually abused boys never become adult perpetrators, while a majority of perpetrators (up to 80%) were themselves abused.
8. There is no compelling evidence that sexual abuse fundamentally changes a boy's sexual orientation, but it may lead to confusion about sexual identity and is likely to affect how he relates in intimate situations.
Facts from the Sttar Center - One in three girls and one in five boys are sexually abused before the age of 18. (National Victim Center, 1992)
- 11% of the sexual abuse victims reported that they were assaulted by their father or stepfather and 16% by other relatives while they were children. (Langan, Patrick Ph.D. and Caroline Wolf Harlow, Ph.D., “Child Rape Victims, 1992,” p.1, Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice)
- Approximately 28% of victims are raped by husbands or boyfriends, 35% by acquaintances, and 5% by other relatives. [Violence against Women. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Justice, 1994]
National Victim Center In the United States, at least 20% of women and 5% to 10% of men were sexually abused as children (Finkelhor, 1994). Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/24/2003 06:11:00 AM
Friday Five! Work week is almost over! Wooohoooo! Have a great trip, Lulu!
1. What is one thing you don't like about your body? Honestly, I really DO like my body. I can look in the mirror and be happy about being average. I had issues on my feet until a few years ago, thanks to my parents constantly telling me they were UGLY, but now I can go sockless and be happy. I'm not even hung up on my breast size, hip size or lack of height.
2. What are two things you love about your body? It's amazing to look at my Munchkin and realize SHE came out of my belly! Overall, my body is holding up pretty well!
3. What are three things you want to change about your home? We desperately need a pole barn, a back deck and less clutter. The pole barn would help with that!
4. What are four books you want to read this year? Just one...The new Harry Potter that comes out in June.
5. What are five promises you have kept to yourself? a. Love myself.
b. Be more loving to my friends and family.
c. Save money.
d. Enjoy life and appreciate the little things.
e. Practice random acts of kindness.
Thursday Threesome Onesome: Still- Can't hold still? What type of music gets you going? I mean to where your just have to crank it up and start moving to the beat! Depends on my mood, but mostly 80s like Foreigner, Journey, REO, Queen, etc.
Twosome: Life- Life in the fast lane? What would it take to slow you down a bit and let you relax this weekend? Hmmm? ...or are you going to turn That Game on? (...and who's going to win?) My life is exciting this weekend BECAUSE I'm watching the Super Bowl! I also have a remembrance lunch to attend on Saturday for a wonderful friend who died just over a year ago.
Threesome: In watercolor- Hey! How about wall art? What do you like to have hanging around the place for decoration? Kid pics? Knick-knacks? ...the Monet or two? I love bare WHITE walls (thanks mostly to Gusto's mom.) There are a few framed pictures standing in front of our entertainment center, but not hung. My knick-knacks are mostly Christmas and snowmen, so most have been put away. It is only recently that I have even started appreciating candles and "dust-collectors," er...knick-knacks.
I wonder, are the people who purport that child molestation has anything to do with homosexuality, willing to make the same correlation between (date/acquaintance/serial/etc.) rapists and heterosexuality?
RAPE IS AN ACT OF VIOLENCE! And that doesn't change if the victim is a child or adult, male or female. Women can also be rapists and/or molesters, which is often forgotten.
It is a fact, some gay priests have molested boys. Likewise, some heterosexual priests have molested girls.
It's not uncommon to hear about a male judge or cop or prison guard abusing his power to force a woman to have sex with him. It's not uncommon to hear about a male teacher having sex with his young female students. Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, cousins, brothers RAPE daughters, sisters, etc. That is called "incest."
This sure does NOT mean EVERY heterosexual male judge, cop, prison guard, teacher or male family member is a rapist. What kind of idiot would believe that?
Molestation and rape are FAR from confined to homosexual predators, and anyone who tries to make such an insinuation is SICK! Read the papers, listen to the news!
I remember well how my parents tried to make me believe that I could NEVER EVER take Munchkin away from them or date or get married or have other children. Their reasoning was pretty demented.
"Stepfathers are child molesters. They aren't family."
This or That: Potpourri 1. Super Bowl or World Series? Super Bowl, since I have NEVER watched a single televised baseball game.
2. Winter or summer? Summer, I like shorts and flowers and being outside.
3. Look up numbers in the phone book, or call directory assistance? Look them up online.
4. Mashed potatoes or French fries? French fries, preferably homemade.
5. Hand-code your website, or use an editor (such as Front Page)? Hand-code.
6. Freeway or winding country road? Depnds on my mood. I drove a country road home yesterday.
7. Star Wars or Star Trek? Overall, Star Wars, but if we were doing by generation, old Star Wars vs. original Star Trek (with Shatner) or new Star Wars vs. Star Trek Next Generation, Star Trek with Picard would win!
8. Disney or Warner Brothers cartoons? Saturday morning cartoons are Warner Bros., but on the big screen would be Disney.
9. When it feels chilly in the house: crank up the heat or put on a sweater? I usually wear a sweater, so it would be time to crank the heat.
10. CBS or PBS? Neither. Now that we have cable for the next 6 months for $3, I prefer TNT, CNN or PAX.
Last night, my family and I watched "Hart's War," a newer movie about a German-run POW camp during World War II. Like so many others, that war sickens me, especially the persecutions.
I especially hate seeing similar racism, bigotry and hatred happening today, based not just on religion, but sexual orientation and skin color. Hart's War is more about the discrimination of blacks, than the mass murder of Jews.
At times, it is hard for me to continue my friendship with such people, but I always hope that my words might be able to provoke change.
I once dated a nice guy who, in casual conversation, referred to blacks as "the brothers." This was NOT done in a nice way, either. One evening during a typical rant about "how 'the brothers' ruined Detroit," he became majorly pissed at me when I told him he was prejudiced. This was the same guy who was deeply offended at Polish or Catholic jokes!
I was fed up and told him to take me home. He, in turn, threatened to break up if I didn't take back calling him, "prejudiced." FINE WITH ME! And that THREW him for a loop! I guess, thinking about telling our circle of friends why we broke up, showed him the light, because he suddenly was willing to talk. He tried to "explain," but I refused to buy his excuses and pointed out he would NEVER use the term in front of anyone who was black. I insisted he NEVER use derogatory terms again in my presence.
He agreed. It was a small change, but it was POSITIVE!
Until recently, I would have said my husband, like so many others, is homophobic. Well, not entirely...he doesn't mind "bi-curious" women, OF COURSE, but he was SCARED of what he didn't understand.
Naturally, he tried the old Bible-thumping trick as an explanation, but I pointed out that same Bible said he was not to sit in judgement of others. PERIOD.
Over the years, I quietly worked on him. It could have been easy to ignore the issue, since he didn't really know anyone who was gay. Still, I knew that something would crop up close to home.
And it did. His cousin, Gina, who he just LOVED, "jumped out of the closet" in 1999. When we visited Florida that year, he heard Gina's brother bashing her and LOOK WHO STARTED SPOUTING MY WORDS: "Tom, what business is it of yours? She's happy and that's all that matters." Yes, my husband was thoroughly disgusted!
Tom, similarly, tried excuses, but R nailed him. Finally, it simply got down to how Tom was sickened "at the thought" and "worried how it looked to others." Literally! This WHINING from a 400 lb. male NURSE who just moved out of a trailer park!
I found it more disturbing that he thought about his sister having sex!
Admittedly, R has not miraculously done a complete about-face on the issue--not too long ago, he became VERY upset when I asked him, "What if one of our kids, or grandkids, is gay?" All of a sudden, he regressed to 1995.
"Women are supposed to have babies and gay couples cannot," he argued. Oh, REALLY? When did artificial insemination disappear? What about adoption? What about infertile HETEROSEXUAL couples? Got the same problems with them?
Of course not.
The verbal sparring that ensued the next few weeks got quite heated. Finally, I threw at him, "How many gay couples have you heard of that have thrown their newborn baby into a garbage can to die? You think that little heterosexual murderous girl who did it is BETTER, just because she screws guys?!!?"
It all boils down to the fact that he knows the prejudice and shame a gay child would face from his own family, not to mention, too much of our society. It petrifies him. It scares him because he doesn't understand homosexual love, but it's no different than the love I feel for him. It's not "sick." There are still miles to go.
One of the best funnies I ever heard was from the movie, "Boiler Room." A bunch of cocky, young stockbrokers are sitting at a table in a bar and start trading insults with the table of guys next to them, who they assume are gay.
"I wish they would take all of your kind and drop you all on an island somewhere."
"Guess what? You're on it!"
Oh yeah, the movie takes place on Long Island. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/21/2003 08:20:00 AM
Monday, January 20, 2003
Discrimination.
Affirmative action IS discrimination. Affirmative action IS a bigger insult to society than face-to-face racism.
It is condescending. It is telling the very people who strive for equal rights that they DON'T deserve them, they aren't good enough unless they have SPECIAL rights. This doesn't break down barriers, it re-enforces them.
I could easily use my Mexican heritage for affirmative action, but I want to be judged by my own merits. I don't want to be somewhere to fulfill a discriminative quota system...not as a woman, not as a mother, not as a Mexican.
I truly believe affirmative action is a doubled-edged sword that leads right back to discrimination. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/20/2003 10:39:00 PM
Sunday, January 19, 2003
Yesterday, I realized that I have a good handle on my messiness.
The phone rang at 9 a.m. while I was reading the newspaper online.
"Hi! You guys going to be home today? Feel like getting a hot dog?" It was my sister-in-law, who said they needed to get away from home and wanted to come visit for the day with their kids. YAY! We'd see them about noon.
I went to survey the house. Not too bad. Not too long ago, I would have had a nervous breakdown at company in 3 hours, but now, I don't even get into bitch-mode. Munchkin was told to focus on her room, my husband didn't get out of bed until 10. I was on my own.
BIG PICTURE: laundry, dishes, vacuuming. I threw in a load of laundry, then focused on the kitchen. Then, I threw the wash into the dryer, put in another load and vacuumed. Finally, I picked up anything that didn't belong and put it in my bedroom. Funny thing was, that pile was tiny and the house looked and smelled damn good! At 10 a.m., I went in and took a shower and washed my hair.
While bathing, I made a mental list of smaller projects: clean the kid's bathroom and litter boxes, fill the candy machines, straighten the shoes, fold laundry and start my last load. I still felt energized, not stressed.
A few minutes before noon, I had completed that list and again, began making up new tasks. While my husband took the garbage out and went to the little store for soda, I made our bed and put away the laundry.
My inlaws pulled in our drive a minute before R got back and they came in the house together. I had my most gracious smile on and truly FELT happy, not just about their visit.
Deep inside, I was proud to know that I had made a significant change in my life, without driving myself, and everyone else, crazy in the process! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/19/2003 12:19:00 PM
Friday, January 17, 2003
Friday Five time.
1. Where do you currently work? Not telling WHERE, just as a personal assistant to a journalist.
2. How many other jobs have you had and where? Nearly a dozen. Started at a Little Ceasars when I was 17 and did a variety of things, like cashiering and working at a telephone answering service.
3. What do you like best about your job? I love my boss, the creativity, my boss, the craziness, my boss, her family...I greatly appreciate my incredibly lucky perks, like being appreciated on a daily basis, asked for my grocery list and flexibility! That is just for starters! Not many people can say they have brownies made especially for them! And I get PAID (well), when I think *I* should be paying her!
4. What do you like least about your job? The Jehovah Witnesses that drop by and the stupid solicitor calls, although I get to have fun with those. teehee
5. What is your dream job? I have it!!! Honestly, I could never have imagined this type of situation...all I did was answer a classified ad! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/17/2003 05:30:00 AM
Just a few brainless moments: 1. Julia Roberts or Meg Ryan? Neither, they both make me nauseous.
2. Gone in 60 Seconds or The Fast and the Furious? 60 Seconds had Nick Cage...woohoo!
3. Pretty Woman or Pretty in Pink? PiP, I always loved Molly Ringwald!
4. Xmen or Spiderman? Xmen, but only because I adore Patrick Stewart.
5. Men in Black or Jurassic Park? MIB keeps moving along, JP has too many sloooooow parts.
6. National Lampoon’s Vacation or Christmas Vacation? Christmas Vacation cracks me up with the cops laying into the cheap boss who decides to save a few bucks by keeping the regular Christmas bonuses and enrolling everyone in the Jelly of the Month club. teehee
7. Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter? Potter rocks! LOTR is highly overrated.
8. Richard Gere or George Clooney? George.
9. Angelina Jolie or Liv Tyler? Angelina's talent is highly UNDERrated because of her dramatic life.
10. Wesley Snipes or Will Smith? Wesley. Will can carry a comedy, but isn't good in drama like Wesley.
11. Mike Myers or Jim Carrey? Jim has taken more chances with his choices, which I respect, but he needs to stick to comedy, like Mike.
12. Nicole Kidman or Halle Berry? Nicole. I don't see Halle's "talent."
13. Jackie Chan or Jet Li? Jackie Chan.
14. Tom Cruise or John Cusack? John Cusack is a million times better actor in his worst movie than Tom could ever be in his BEST! Plus, gotta love the guy who did, "Grosse Pointe Blank."
15. Reese Witherspoon or Renee Zellweger? Renee has more talent and is a better actress. Reese plays the cute blonde excellently, but that's about the extent of her talent. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/16/2003 02:20:00 PM
RANT: Why do so many people with money problems whine about them and STILL try to live their current lifestyle with all their little luxuries that add up: getting their hair/nails done, going on expensive trips, dining out with friends, shopping sprees, exercise classes, etc. LEARN RESTRAINT!
I know these ideas sound like common sense, but it is AMAZING how few people know and practice them!
Tips to change 1. Take 2 weeks to figure out your budget on a calendar in plain view. PAY YOUR BILLS FIRST! Highlight when they are paid. Pay by due dates to avoid late fees.
2. Make your own meals, especially for work. Sure, you might have to get up 5 minutes earlier, but you won't be wasting time waiting in line during your lunch hour.
3. DON'T GO TO THE MALL! If you want something new, borrow a book from the library. You might even be able to rent videos for free!
4. Exercise at home.
5. Sell your SUV or pricey car and get a little Mazda or Neon. They are better on gas, car repairs and insurance premiums.
6. Shop generic/sale grocery items. Buy meat in bulk (there are FREEZER BAGS!)
7. Quit using your credit cards! Try to transfer them onto one with a lower interest rate and no yearly fee.
8. Buy gifts at Half.com or Ebay.com. Shop at dollar stores for gift bags and wrapping.
9. Trade unwanted clothes with a friend or family member. Quit trying to wear all the latest trendy clothes and go for a more classic and sophisticated look.
10. Give yourself a small allowance and use ONLY that for any extras, like lunch out, cappucinos or drinks with friends.
11. Re-evaluate your phone, cell, and Internet connection fees. Is it REALLY worth paying for 2 lines AND a cell phone? Do you REALLY need to spend the money on a cable modem or high speed connection? Check your cell phone rate...should you be paying for unlimited time, when you only use 200 minutes a month and that plan is $50 cheaper?
12. Do your own nails or have a friend over and do each others.
13. Track your impulse and non-necessity purchases. Dial soap is a necessity, bath beads from Bath and Body Works is NOT!
14. Lump errands and chores into one day: shopping, paying bills, cooking a large meal to break into smaller ones for the week, laundry, etc.
15. Learn to do smaller car stuff, like oil changes and washing it yourself at home. Or trade favors with a friend, like sewing buttons back onto garments or doing their grocery shopping from their list (they give you the money, lol.) Pet-sitting is usually appreciated.
16. Quit smoking and/or drinking alcohol.
17. Stop drycleaning and stop BUYING clothing that requires it. Instead, use the cheaper dryer products found at the store. Also, have 2 kinds of laundry soap, cheap stuff for towels and hanging-around-the-house clothes, and good stuff, like Tide, for whites and more important items.
18. Regift unwanted new and unused items. Likewise, eat leftovers: make soups, stews and casseroles!
19. Be proud of your daily, weekly and monthly accomplishments.
20. Enjoy your luxuries.
Caution! Beware! Be Aware! 1. Always be careful with borrowing things from friends and family, like music and movies. And, if you do borrow, please RETURN IT in a timely manner!
2. Don't jump right into becoming an Ebay seller or ridding your closets via a consignment shop. It may seem easy, but you can get burned if you aren't paying attention.
3. Don't believe that places like Sam's Club and Costco are great deals for everyone. Memberships are $30 minimum, and with careful shopping, you can usually beat their prices just by hitting a good sale. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/16/2003 09:28:00 AM
Wednesday, January 15, 2003
Munchkin just received a letter in the mail notifying her that a poem she submitted for a class project will be published in a compilation book! We are all hyped and proud, even though a copy of the book (purchasing is not required for publication) costs $20. Only one other girl in her team was selected, too.
Rather cool...at the age of 12, my kid is a published writer! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/15/2003 06:57:00 PM
Tuesday, January 14, 2003
This or That: Around the House.
1. Window shades or blinds? Blinds. I didn't even know they made shades still!
2. Wall or desk calendar? Neither, I have a special calendar I made on my desk.
3. Paint or wallpaper? Paint, wallpaper is too burdensome to have to decorate around.
4. Electric or gas stove? Gas, electric SUCKS! (Except for Gusto's, that doesn't have conventional burners, but with my snoopy cats, not a possibility!
5. Carpeting or bare floors? Carpeting. Keeps the heating bills down!
6. One TV, or more than one? Five. I'm getting my money's worth out of cable, dammit!
7. Leather or fabric sofa? Fabric, I hate the feel of leather.
8. Eat meals in kitchen or dining room? Dining room and BTW, I want a new dining set! It's a treat to eat in front of the TV.
9. Fabric or vinyl shower curtain? The kids have vinyl, we have double-sliding shower doors.
10. Your kitchen: well-equipped or bare bones? For me, YES. I have a dishwasher, cookie press, blender, toaster, coffee-maker, Fry Daddy, etc. My favorite novelty item is a 10-petite loaf pan (the one on this page is similar to mine) that makes cute little muffins. Plus, I have a cabinet full of do-dads gifts I've received, like the Blooming Onion maker and the Safety Can Opener. I don't have a bread machine or juicer or cappucino machine. I have about 32 cabinets, 12 drawers and a pantry. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/14/2003 11:35:00 AM
In order to get home, I had to drive through Heartland's devastation about an hour after the tornado hit, not as a gawker. Consumers had a zillion trucks out, clearing the roads of the broken and fallen trees. US-23 was at a dead stop in both directions for hours, several semi-trucks had overturned and debris was all over. I drove Old US-23 and surveyed the chaos and damage.
I remember getting Rick's call, he had phoned K's school as he left work and they were smartly holding the students until 4 p.m., when the tornado warning would be lifted. He was going to pick her up. Thankfully, our area was out of range for that twister, but the skies were still twisting and ugly, with the potential for more.
Most people who drive through the Heartland area today wouldn't know about May 21, 2001, but I can, literally, still see the path that extends for 8 miles, mostly along the freeway.
In fact, a 1/4 mile each way of its crossing at M-59 in Heartland has been developed: a high school to the west and a Farmer Jack strip mall (with my bank out front) to the east. Several subdivisions, including a trailer park, are going up further north.
And there had been a smaller tornado that crossed over I-96 about 3 miles west of Rick's work just 30 minutes before he left. That day, I thanked God many times for cellphones...and for many, many other things that I took for granted, like my family.
Some things, you just never forget. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/13/2003 06:15:00 AM
Sunday, January 12, 2003
Random acts of kindness are just as important the other 11 months of the year and not needed only in December!
Please don't forget that there are other charitable gestures than just by giving money: volunteeer your time, donate items, give blood.
Help an organization or just help your own neighbors. Don't hold out for public adulation, feel good in your heart.
Be happy that today, YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE! And try again tomorrow. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/12/2003 12:50:00 PM
Saturday, January 11, 2003
The Detroit Auto Show was a no-go for us. We figured the outing to end up costing us about $100, not including therapy for the kids! Yes, today is Opening Day and the attendance will be close to 100,000! MAD HOUSE!
At $12 per person, that would have added up to $48, then parking at $5-10, gas for 150 miles round-trip at $15, and a fast-food lunch or dinner at $25...not chump change just after the holidays. We do have the money, but we have better places to spend it than bumping through the chaotic crowds, looking at cars and trucks we would never waste our time to see in the showrooms.
Instead, the four of us went bowling, which we have NEVER done together before. R bragged how he used to be on a league and had a 180 average, whereas I can literally count (on both hands) how many times I have been bowling...and with my high school dating story about throwing a bowling ball BACKWARD into the crowd on a Saturday night while we were out with my then-boyfriend's aunt and uncle, it's not hard to explain why this was ONLY the second time I had bowled since that embarrassing incident in 1988.
(Lulu, the last time was with Rob and Nina and Ginger and her fiancee in 1994!)
But NOBODY believes me! I got 3 strikes and 2 spares, ending up with a score of 131, which demolished R's total of 99. Somehow, I just know how to bowl. It's almost freaky. The kids tried their best, of course, and it felt really good to have all of us CHEERING for all of us.
That hour of fun cost only $20 and on the short trip home, we discussed the exciting possibility of buying bowling balls and shoes for each of us. It's a thought!
Most yummy, we were able to eat the huge ham dinner I prepared today, instead of blah fast food.
I doubt our fun this afternoon will bring on therapy when they are 30...it was an excellent family day! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/11/2003 07:07:00 PM
Buried deep within the story is a point that should have been in the FIRST paragraph, NOT the second to last: this was "analyzed data from Harvard's long-term Health Professionals Follow-Up Study" and ONLY included "male health professionals."
WAIT A SECOND! Why isn't that specific criteria considered important?
I know waaaaaaay too many people who will never hear or read that the analyzed data was ONLY on men in the health care field. The 30-second blurb on the news won't stress that "tidbit." Those in the study are people who HAVE access to health care, unlike many uninsured Americans.
This is about as newsworthy as a study with the finding: "Frequent Drinking Can Lead to Alcoholism."
As FARKers would say for something so asinine, "Still no cure for cancer."
Yesterday was rush-rush, meetings all day and night.
Of course, my evening was spent at the town council meeting. No kidding, 6:30-10 p.m.
I went to my first one in November, the public hearing ahead concerned a lot split on my tiny block. I stayed into the council meeting to ask about a dog ordinance and was treated with respect and kindness by everyone. That prompted me to stay for the entire bruhaha (there are so many laughs, it reminds me of a comedy club!), where I ended up volunteering to help create their Web site.
Last month, I went to present the site and was offered the job of grant writer. Why? I sent a thank you note to the council for hearing my concern and letting me start their Web endeavor. The gesture and my formal writing abilities greatly impressed them.
This month, my hiring was put on the agenda and formalized. My presentation began with another thank you and teased that while they were "debating" the name of our neighboring town, I was scanning an older state grant book for ideas. My "warning" to them at the end was informing them that I would be working WITH them, so we can all get the town some funding for new projects.
Our two lawyers unexpectedly complimented my short speech, simply because I mentioned keeping tabs on what we plan to do and not doubling up on efforts or wrongly prioritizing (such as putting in new sidewalks BEFORE paving a road.) That kind of screw-up wastes valuable time and money and, as the attorneys pointed out, could blacklist us from receiving more grants in the future.
I stayed for the entire "show," and learned even more about the small town where we live. Gossip, of course, but where the town has been is incredible! Honestly, it is exciting and humbling to realize that *I* am actively assisting in its future.
My brother will be getting an envelope in the mail from me tomorrow.
He didn't believe me when I told him about meeting President Clinton in 2000. (Remember that Gusto? WOW! What an awesome day!) And he sure did NOT believe that there was a HUGE picture in the newspaper to prove it!
"I'll be impressed when I see it," he teased.
So, I sent him one of the 25 I have left. teehee Something tells me that my brother will be showing it off to his friends and coworkers this week. Who knows? Maybe my parents and other siblings will finally find out. Hey, they will even get to see Gusto (who was shaking President Clinton's hand in the AP photo!)
R's family had the photo the day after and Gramma still has a copy on her fridge up here AND in Florida! She was so proud!
It's only been 2+ years. At least he will know I'm good at keeping my mouth shut, even when I have an exclusive NEENER NEENER. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/07/2003 08:59:00 PM
This or That 1. "Time" or "Newsweek"? Newsweek, I have had a subscription for several years now. Good bathroom reading!
2. "Wall Street Journal" or "National Enquirer"? WSJ, at least, typically has NAMED sources for their stories.
3. "Sports Illustrated" or "Cook's Illustrated"? Neither, but I LOVE the "Taste of Home" magazine. My mother-in-law got me a 2-year subscription in 2001 for my bday. Too cool! (For those not familiar, they have pics of almost all the recipes AND there are NO ADS!)
4. "Martha Stewart Living" or "MAD Magazine"? I never figured out the "inside joke" of MAD Magazine, so it won't get my vote. Of course, I doubt anyone 1/2-way normal could figure out much in Martha's mag, either. Do REAL people REALLY have the time for her crap?
5. "Cosmopolitan" or "Maxim"? Maxim, because Cosmo is 269 pages of the recycled "10 secrets to pleasing your man" and "why you should hate men." Maxim also has a MUCH better sense of humor.
6. "People" or "Entertainment Weekly"? People.
7. "National Geographic" or "Readers Digest"? Readers Digest, I love the human-interest stories and funnies.
8. "Good Housekeeping" or "Popular Mechanics"? Neither, yaaaaaaaaawn.
9. "PC World" or "MacWorld"? PC World is yet another subscription that makes good potty reading. YUCK to Macs! (Including Big Macs!)
10. "Southern Living" or "Yankee" (magazine about New England living)? Neither. I'd rather visit Lulu in Atlanta for the REAL thing! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/07/2003 07:47:00 PM
Sunday, January 05, 2003
Tux is doing much better today, YAY! but is still very sleepy with his painkillers. K and I sat with him quite a bit today in the huge crate, petting him and giving kisses. He's such a great cat, he isn't crying to get out or trying to escape. Thank goodness!
His treats have been wet 9-Lives cat food, a favorite! He usually has to steal the treat from Princess, but now, it is in HIS personal dish, topped by the liquid pain narcotic.
He will be protected in the crate until I come home tomorrow afternoon. Then, he will be my baby again. I don't know if he will really want to venture out, it's quite The Bachelor Pad. Personal food and water dishes, cozy blanket with Mom's scent, exclusive litter box, two gorgeous women coming to visit and play kissy-face with him...that cat has it MADE!
Except for Tux, there ain't nuthin' like claiming Mom's lap and snuggling up next to her at bedtime.
I miss him, even just a room away. sniff-sniff Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/05/2003 09:04:00 PM
Saturday, January 04, 2003
Most of the last 24 hours has been hell because, at times, we weren't sure Tux was going to live.
Tux has made 2 trips back to the Vet since he came home yesterday a.m. He has been bleeding A LOT from his neutering and at 2 a.m., R and I had a hell of a time getting it to stop. Our bedding and bathroom carpet was covered in blood from the little guy. We didn't get back to sleep until after 4.
Evidently, it is the skin bleeding, not internal bleeding, thank goodness! Tux hasn't been active, either, so this is a bit uncommon. He has had plenty of pain med, so he wasn't even crying or being fussy. If he stretched his leg or tried to walk last night, he just bled and bled.
Right now, Tux is resting quietly in Sim's crate (actually, the pain shot kicked in for him.) He will be OK, but he is going to have a rough week. Here I felt all guilty for the declaw, but it is the neutering that has been the problem! POOR TUX!
I think I need a nap now, since I am home again (after the vet visit this morning, I drove over to pick up Munchkin, while R came home with Tux.) My wonderful husband threw together a pot of venison chili before we got home and it is simmering and smelling delicious! First food, then nap! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/04/2003 02:19:00 PM
Friday, January 03, 2003
New year, new look!
"Walking on sunshine" is not gone, I am merely giving that blog a break...for now.
Hey, "Carolyn," when are YOU going to grow some balls and leave YOUR blog's URL along with your pathetic comments here? Too chicken?
Too bad for you, "Carolyn," for not having a sense of humor, you must be a REAL joy to be around. How sad that you must not have any friends to share "inside jokes" with, as I do in MY blog when it comes to topics I don't care to seriously prioritize like My Biggest Accomplishment in a year. I know I lead a very blessed life and do not want to trivialize anyone else's accomplishment.
In my opinion, there is NO right or wrong answer and to someone as critical as you, NOTHING would have been "right" enough. I could have said, "Not gotten pregnant," and offended those who DID get pregnant or who are dealing with infertility. I could have said, "paid all my bills on time" and offended the unfortunate who are struggling to keep afloat. I could have said, "stayed happily married," and thrown salt into the wounds of those divorced.
I think it is MUCH more important that I appreciate my blessings, instead of brag about my biggest accomplishment for your reading pleasure. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/03/2003 06:13:00 AM
Friday Five! 1. Do you wear any jewelry? What kind? Yep! Let's see...my wedding set, my mother's class ring on my right middle finger, a watch on my left wrist, a pretty bracelet on my right and usually, a necklace which CANNOT be longer than 16". Pet peeve, I'm weird.
2. How often do you wear it? Daily. The rings almost NEVER come off!
3. Do you have any piercings? If so, where? Nope. Got my ears pierced when I was 18, but the first time I took them out a few months later, they closed right back up. Same problem with my sister. Never felt the desire to puncture myself again.
4. Do you have any tattoos? If so, where? Nope, but I occasionally let Munchkin put one on me.
5. What are your plans for the weekend? Tend to my poor, recovering kitty, Tux and pick up Munchkin from my parents' house on Sat, then drop off Munchkin at her friend's house to spend Sat. night. Enjoy the time with my husband. Same ol', same ol'.
Cute thought for today: When the ball dropped and we all toasted each other, Simba was given a bowl of ice cream fruit punch to enjoy with us. Munchkin had the same drink in a champagne glass.
That's my life in a nutshell. G'nite! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/02/2003 10:50:00 PM
It wasn't exactly a New Year's resolution...I started this before Christmas.
After dropping K off at my mom's (today until Saturday at noon), I be-bopped a bit out of my way and stopped in to see my brother at work. During our first conversation, he told me how my mom is holding his birth certificate hostage, first claiming she gave it to him, then saying it is packed away in her attic (great place, brainiac!)
Not sure exactly where he was born, I called him yesterday. Weird thing is, HE doesn't know where he was born...just the state, NOT the city, NOT the county, NOT THE HOSPITAL NAME! Is that bizarre or what?!!? I kinda thought I remembered my mom saying it was a Catholic hospital (with nonsympathic nuns), but he couldn't confirm it. Dang, that is REALLY weird to me.
So, I printed out the 2 different counties birth certificate applications, upping his 50/50 chance, so he will win either way. Gave him the pages along with a stamped envelope and a money order to cover it. He was so surprised and QUITE thrilled! I know he has helped out so many people over the years and never even gotten a verbal Thank You, so I told him this is my way of giving him what he has given others.
All that AND we went to lunch. You know, I don't care if he never comes to see me or doesn't call out of the blue, as long as he doesn't mind my presence in his life, I will be completely happy with our relationship. Just as long as he knows he is NOT alone in this world.
Tux is getting fixed and declawed today. Gosh, I am so worried that he won't be my little "mama's boy" ever again! Gonna pick him up from the vet tomorrow right at 9 a.m. and love him all weekend. POOR BOY! But, he started spraying 3 weeks ago (but NEVER on MY stuff!) and he has torn up WAY too much carpeting. He sassily refused to use the scratching post or claw runner, he much preferred the carpet and our new furniture, but I still hated to do it. I called the vet the week before Christmas and this was the earliest they could get him in. Only Dakota is left untouched, but he is SUCH a good boy, I doubt he will make that trip to the vet. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
1/02/2003 03:06:00 PM
Wednesday, January 01, 2003
Honestly, 2002 was a pretty incredible year...with plenty of highs and a few lows, but mostly highs.
1. We took a well-deserved family vacation in June and spent the holidays in our own home, not driving all day.
2. I flew to Atlanta for a wonderful visit with Lulu in May. E-mail and phone are great, but I still miss her. Nothing tops face-to-face with friends!
3. I celebrated 5 years of working for Gusto in October. Then, in December, I thanked God for all that He has done to keep me right there with Gusto.
4. My kids both turned 12, the final year before the stretch of "terrible teen" years, teehee.
5. R has been more supportive than ever and still is the love of my life.
