Soon.....

spring is near i can feel it
even tho the rain makes my
day gloomy i know the flowers
will bloom and the air will be fresh again
soon very soon

chicago who knew 3yrs ago this would be
friends on the world wide web
it is real i have found it to be true
smiles hugs laughter
soon very soon

the eldest saying i do with time it happens
i look and see the love
amazing to me when he in my mind
is just a child one who gave me joy
i do
soon very soon

happiness so hard to come at times
the struggle of it all
it is there we just have to find it
there is a silver lining
with a rainbow
soon very soon

she is gone two years this month
think of her every day with a smile
as she would say
"yes my love"
and i knew it was all ok
when it was near i told her
soon very soon

the days turn into months our lives
continue on
we are who we are
am i where i want to be
not sure
but
soon very soon

And the Answer to the Question is....

by Shirley

Owls I have found some trivia Q & A's as well as just some questions for us all to ponder. Don't worry the last few questions aren't too deep...or are they? Enjoy!

Q. What common everyday occurrence is composed of 59% nitrogen, 21% hydrogen and 9% dioxide?
A. A fart

Q. 40% of all people who come to a party in your home do this?
A. Snoop in your medicine cabinet

Q. What stimulates 29 muscles and chemicals causing relaxation? Women seem to like it light and frequent, men like it more strenuous.
A. A kiss

Q. Married men revealed that they do what twice as often as single men?
A. Change their underwear

Q. In a recent survey, what did Americans reveal was their favorite smell?
A. Banana

Q. What do 100% of all lottery winners do?
A. Gain weight

Q. What do more women do in the bathroom than men?
A. Wash their hands. Women 80% - Men 55%

Q. Only 14% of Americans say they've done this with the opposite sex. What is it?
A. Skinny dipping

Q. What occurs more often in December than any other month?
A. Conception.

Why is it considered necessary to nail down the lid of a coffin?
Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?
Why is it that rain drops but snow falls?
Why does the sun lighten our hair, but darken our skin?
Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
Can a stupid person be a smart-ass?
Can fat people go skinny-dipping?
Why is the third hand on the watch called a second hand?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

The Exercise You Really Need~!

by Bebbi

I am MAD…! Why? Because of the lies that are being told to people about how much exercise you really need. The recommendation is 30 minutes, three times a week and a healthy diet. Well, I am here to tell you from GREAT experience that is a bunch of Malarkey!

There was a study done on this recently and I read it on Yahoo. I didn’t have to read it though, because I have been living it. I have been stuck at the same weight for over 6 months~! AND, I exercise an hour MINIMUM EVERY DAY (no days off, mind you). Also, I eat healthy…lots of fruit and veggies (okay, I do “mess up” occasionally but you would think all the exercise would compensate!). Besides elliptical, I do strength training, yoga, and Zumba. I am impressed with how much I am doing but not impressed with the results on the scale

I could go on and on about this all day. Did you know that an hour of elliptical is 600 calories and 3….yes THREE cookies can be 600 calories. So, I may “bitch and moan” but I know that my issue is a math issue, more intake than out-take in my caloric values.



The article is called, “Why Overweight Women Struggle to Slim Down” by LiveScience. Here is a little snippet, but it is worth going to read the whole article. “The study involved more than 34,000 women in the United States, and looked at how much weight they gained over a 13-year period, from 1992 to 2007.

The women were divided into three groups: those who engaged in less than 150 minutes of moderate-level physical activity per week; those who performed 150 to 420 minutes of this type of activity per week; and those who did more than 420 minutes per week, which comes out to one hour a day. Moderate-level activities included things like brisk walking, gardening and leisurely bicycling.

On average, the women gained about 6 pounds (2.6 kilograms) during the study period. Those in the two lesser activity groups (less than 150 minutes or between 150 and 420 minutes) gained significantly more weight than those who exercised more than 420 minutes a week. “

Click here to read it

So there you have it. That is the source of my anger, we are being lied to about what level of exercise will actually help us fight the battle of the bulge. How much do you exercise each week? What do you do? Did you think you could exercise 30 minutes, 3 times a week and lose weight?

Do you know how I release my anger about this? I go and EXERCISE! J

Cryin' For Me (Wayman's Song)

by Dianne

Toby Keith More CMT Music More CMT Music Videos

I wanted today's blog to go along with the blog from SHIRLEY the other day.

I mentioned in my post about losing my good friend last year. I said that I sometimes felt selfish for wishing him back. It's funny because I didn't do that with my parents as their health was so bad and they were in their 80's. My friend Darrell's health was also bad with the cancer but he was close to my age and just a very good friend for so many years. We both had children the same age and I had known him and his wife for a very long time.

I guess what I am asking/mentioning/questioning is, "Am I being selfish?" When I listen to this song by Toby Keith and he's singing about losing his friend....it makes me think the same...."I'm sorry for me". Do any of you ever feel like this or can anyone say how maybe you or I can move along from this feeling. I hope you listen to the whole song as it is also a very nice friendship song.

An Ode to Maxine~!

by Bebbi

I love Maxine. All her comics really tickle my funny bone. I got a bunch of new ones from my Dad in my email today and thought that would be a perfect blog!

I think DeeDee is like Maxine. Funny, up in age and very wise! There are a few others that are like Maxine too. In my mind, Bonachichi is like a younger Maxine (Maxine in Training!). I am a Maxine-wannabe!

What comics are your favorites? Why haven’t you done a blog about them yet? I would love to hear about them!

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Pirates of the Internet

by Bonachichi

There is a world out there that nobody really talks about. It’s the world of torrents. Torrent technology is really, just a file transfer technology. It is insanely efficient and easy to use. People don’t talk about torrents because if you’re using them, you’re probably breaking the law. Torrents aren’t themselves illegal; they are usually used to carry out activities that are at best, questionably legal.

In a legal sense, let’s say that I had some free software to help your PCs. I could upload it to a torrent site. You would go to that site, download the software I’d put there, then use it. I’ve been tempted to do just that. Except the torrent world holds a lot of temptation. Gee, you see the latest blockbuster movie there. It’s just a download, right? You weren’t going to go see it anyway, but since it’s right there and free, why not? This is the heart of the torrent controversy.

You don’t hear much about torrents here in the U.S. They’re big news in Europe and parts of Asia; even Australia. Our movie industry, the MPAA, has gained a terrible reputation for strong-arm tactics it uses to stop this file sharing. They’re not the only ones. Sometimes people will download what they think is the newest “great” movie, book, CD or game and get a piece of software that either reports you to some international police organization, posts embarrassing information about what’s on your PC, or really screws up your computer. Not to worry, the torrent world is fighting back, and it’s a laugh a minute.

The MPAA got its own when someone hacked into their website and helpfully made torrents available directly from their webpage. Embarrassing, really. The arch-rival of the world’s most infamous pirate site, Henrik Pontén got the surprise of his life when he discovered his name had been legally changed to Pirate Pontén, courtesy of some hackers to Sweden’s tax authority. Europe’s largest electronics retailer (slogan, “I am not stupid”) got caught pirating Blu-Ray discs to demo the video on MacBooks.

A Spanish politician was fined $40,000 when her daughter downloaded an episode of a popular U.S. television show onto a government computer. Finally, with the push for tougher anti-piracy legislation world-wide, some entrepreneurs have embarked on a construction project to build new prisons to house an expected influx of inmates convicted of piracy. You can book your very own cell now.

Many of us are guilty of piracy without even knowing it. For instance including a link to a youtube video in a blog that is later recognized as copyrighted material makes the blog writer and administrator guilty of piracy. If you read the blog and perchance download the cute video to share with friends and family, you too, are a pirate. It’s like taking extra napkins home from McDonald’s. It’s stealing but we all do it, inadvertently or not. How do you feel about being a pirate?

Cancer, I Hate You!

by Shirley

Carol always writes about what is on her mind and when things are bothering her so I guess tonight I am doing the same. I should be going to bed but the thoughts just keep swirling around in my head. Maybe writing them down will make me able to settle down and sleep.

As most of you or all of you know by now my mother has terminal cancer. Over a year ago she was told she had 6-14 months left to live. My siblings and I never expected her to live till Christmas and here it is March 22 and she is still with us. But as I sit here tonight with my thoughts I have to wonder if her being here now with us is such a good thing. This damn cancer is eating her alive! Imagine that. Eating her alive.

She told me tonight that she is totally blind now in her left eye. She can see out of her right but not perfectly. Every hour of every day she is in pain. Every second she is here, alive, she is in pain. What kind of life is that? Should we feel grateful for that? No. I can't. If she wasn't here I know I would want her to be, but I don't want her living like this. No one should. In pain, depressed and not able to do the things she likes. or liked.

I have never had a close relationship with mum...never been able to really talk to her or her to me. Even tonight when she told me about her eye I didn't have any words. I'm not looking for sympathy here, just a place to speak my mind. Please hold back on your prayers too, cause I don't believe in them. I appreciate everyone here and I don't mean to hurt anyone's feelings. As aweful as it may sound I wait each day for the phone to ring and someone on the other end to tell me mum has passed. Then I'll know the pain has stopped.

Who have you found on facebook?

by Jodi

I've been on Facebook over a year now. I was wary at first, but it has been a great thing!! Last year it was a great tool in helping to find classmates for our 25th Class Reunion. I've reconnected with 3 of the foreign exchange students I was friends with and never thought I would "talk to" again. Nuria is from Spain, Liana is from Honduras, and Belinda is from Australia.

Recently I reconnected with my cousin Karen. Her Dad and mine are brothers. I don't think I had seen her since her Mother's funeral over 7 years ago. She only lives in Madison, but somehow we just don't get together with that side of the family as we should. Imagine my surprise when she and my Uncle showed up for my Grandma's funeral. When I thanked her, she said that she wouldn't be anywhere else. ♥

On Tuesday I thought I would take a chance and look up my pen pal from high school. You remember those. Someone you would actually write letters to and share everything with? The summer after my 8th grade year my music teacher traveled to and taught in England. Imagine my surprise when I got a letter from a girl about my own age. I was fascinated with Ann and her family. I still have some of the things she sent me the summer that Charles and Diana got married. Things that you couldn't get here!!! As I typed her name into the search bar on Facebook I truly didn't expect to find her. I got 43 people results....maybe just maybe she'll have a picture that I recognize. And she did!!! I messaged her immediately and she wrote back. Never in my wildest imagination did I think I would ever be able to reconnect with her again.

Who have you found of Facebook? It really is a small world after all.

***************************

Victor

by Zona

Victor's back. He reappeared a few weeks ago. Victor is gorgeous. He has beautiful blue eyes that seem to see right through you. His curly blond hair shines in the sunlight. He likes to dress all in black, often times wearing a turtleneck and black jeans. He looks like he stepped right out of a GQ. But Victor is the embodiment of evil. It seeps from his pours. Even when he smiles, you feel the horrible menacing threat that comes with it. I guess you're probably wondering how I met him? Victor is someone I used to dream about when I was a kid. I can't remember how old I was when he first appeared, I only know he has always terrified me. I'd be dreaming about a birthday party, a room filled with colorful balloons and laughter. Then suddenly, I'd see him, standing off to the side with his arms crossed over his chest..a slight smile on his face. He never said a word to me, just kind of smirked. I would wake up screaming and my mom or dad would come into my room and comfort me. I don't know how I knew his name was Victor, I just did. I haven't had any dreams about him in over 35 years..I thought he was gone for good. Until a couple weeks ago. I went to sleep with a nagging headache and woke up with a migraine. I took some tylenol and went back to bed..and began to dream. I was in an old hotel room. The wallpaper was brown with age and peeling. The pictures hanging on the wall were right out of the International Artists $5 line. A battered leather suitcase lay open on the bed. I walked over to the window to open the curtains and see what kind of view I had. I pulled back the heavy material..and Victor stood there...smiling. My heart jumped into my throat as I fell back against the bed. He bent down, slid the window up and stepped into the room. For a minute we just stared at each other..then he reached out his hand and for the first time ever, he spoke. "Would you like to dance?" I woke up..my heart pounding. Now that I write about it, it seems kinda silly to be so afraid of a dream, but it was so real. Since he's reappeared, I've only had one other dream about him, and that was the next night. Nothing since then. Hopefully he's gone again, but I don't know. I just know that when he does appear..he scares me as much as he did when I was 5 years old.

Have you ever had a dream that just scared the crap out of you? Or are most of your dreams happy..maybe you can fly in your dreams..or maybe you do other things.. ;) What are some of the things you dream about?

~ To Unionize or Not To Unionize...That is the Question ~

by Tina~in_ut

We have been waiting IMPATIENTLY for months and months to get to vote on whether or not we will be represented by the union in our Reservations Department. Northwest had the union, actually, they still do, but we never have. Most of us don't want it. We have done nicely without it. Ever since the merger was announced, we have had union representatives standing outside the gate at our office trying to give us information on the union. They are very nice people, but it's a little annoying.

Last Sunday, I was sitting at my computer when my twins asked if anyone was coming over to visit. I told them NO! I had purposely made sure that no one was coming over because I was going to sleep in, not shower or change out of my jammies, and basically do whatever I wanted. It was Tina day. They both said that someone had just arrived. My son was elected to answer the door, but I told him to tell whoever it was that I wasn't home. The next thing I know, he's saying, "Just a minute. Mom!" Oh, I got so mad at him. He whispered to me that they had airline badges on. The very first thing I thought of was that my husbands plane went down, but then I realized that he wasn't traveling until the next day. I couldn't imagine what they wanted.

Surprise! Surprise! Union representatives. On my porch! On a Sunday! They were very nice. They wanted to give me information that they thought I should read very carefully. They wanted to call for a vote. I got excited when I heard that. I even said, "Oh good!" They took it the wrong way and started smiling. They thought I would vote the union in. I corrected them real quick! "Oh, no! I don't want the union. I just want this all over with!" You should have seen their sad little faces. What I couldn't figure out was how they got my address.

At work on Monday , I learned that they have access to all our names (we all work for one company now) and they used those search engines that you pay to find out information. I was wondering because we are unlisted. The little sneaks told other people that Headquarters gave them the addresses. What they didn't bother to explain until pressed was that they meant Union Headquarters! I really wouldn't mind if we were unionized if I could see a benefit to it. As it is now, we get the same things and more and we don't pay monthly dues. We've been getting raises, and those people still under the union aren't getting anything. Our company has worked well with us ever since the day I was hired. I like the way things are, but I don't like sneaky little tactics. And by God.....don't ruin my Tina Sunday!!!!!~

Happy Sunday!

So yes, today is Sunday and we usually post a SMV, but truth be told, I could not find one. As I was searching the web, I came across this vid. Apparently TV Land has begun a new series, and the amazing Betty White has a role. I have always liked her as an actress and have always thought she was funny. This vid cracked me up, she delivers her lines so well. Not really sure I would watch the show tho, but glad I came across this snippet.

Have a great Sunday!

For a Laugh or Two, or Three, or Four....

by Shirley

I found some bumper stickers that I thought I would share with you. Hope you get a laugh or two out of them like I did! For some reason #2 and #10 made me think of Bonachichi and DeeDee. And #12 & 13 made me think of Dianne. #17 had Lynn D written all over it, especially when she talks about the food bank and how crazy it gets. Enjoy!!

1. I love animals, they taste great.
2. Friends help you move. Real friends help you move bodies.
3. I don't suffer from insanity. I enjoy every minute of it.
4. Few women admit their age. Few men act theirs.
5. I.R.S.: We've got what it takes to take what you've got!
6. Artificial Intelligence usually beats real stupidity.
7. If you are psychic - think "HONK"
8. Forget world peace. Visualize using your turn signal.
9. All Men Are Animals, Some Just Make Better Pets
10. Some people are only alive because it is illegal to shoot them.
11. Make yourself at home .....clean my kitchen
12. Keep honking, I'm reloading.
13. Cover me. I'm changing lanes.
14. Stop repeat offenders. Don't re-elect them!
15. A fool and his money are a girl's best friend.
16. I is a college student.
17. Out of my mind...Back in five minutes.

~ You Gotta Be Kidding Me ~

by Tina~in_ut

You gotta be kidding me if you think I'm writing a blog today when my hubby has been gone for three weeks and is FINALLY home!!!! You're outta your mind!!!! all of you!!~

**************************************

From Your Friendly Neighbourhood Tax Preparer:

by Shirley

What To Do BEFORE You Get Your Taxes Done?

1. Bathe and use deodorant...a smelly client does not make us want to linger over your taxes very long. You may end up paying!

2. Leave your attitude at home.

3. Don't put condoms in with your receipts, especially used ones.

4. Don't put chewed gum or candies in with your receipts.

5. Bring only the documents and receipts for that year. Don't try and put last years stuff in thinking we won't notice...we will.

6. Don't get drunk...leave that for afterwards.

7. If you believe in it, say a prayer cause we don't perform miracles...we just do taxes.

As you can tell, we get all types of people in our office. Some we enjoy seeing and some we can't wait till they leave. There is a question in our tax program that cracks me up every time I see it. When we enter the clients personal information, we have to mark a box for gender. It says male, female, unspecified. I think it's funny. We only had to use unspecified once because neither of us knew if the client was a man or woman! I would love to hear if anyone has an interesting tax story.

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Happy St. Patrick's Day!

As they say "the luck of the irish" and it is so true.
Every 4 leaf clover will bring ya luck,
or if you see a pot of gold you are def lucky,
and who could forget the lucky Leprechaun.
And of course the lucky color green.
But my fav is the corned beef and cabbage, delish!
All these and more, are just symbols of St. Patty's Day.

All ya need is a little luck and a Irish beer and your day will be complete..

Enjoy!

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Good News or Bad News?

by Just_Lin

I got some good news and some bad news in the mail today. The good news is that I can renew my driver license online or by mail. I don't have to go in and take a test or anything. The bad news is that I can renew my driver license online or by mail. I don't get to go in and finally get a NEW PHOTO! OMG! I've already had to carry around this crappy photo for the past five years. It seems I was overly concerned at the time that I'd blink just as the shot was taken because my eyes are so wide open I look like a rabid raccoon. The photo I had previous to this one was actually pretty good. It was so good that I was even able to display it in the license window of my wallet rather than hide it upside down in a credit card slot like I do with this one.

Since I've lost some weight, my face no longer looks as puffy as it does in my license photo. Okay, okay, I haven't lost enough weight to make me unrecognizable or anything. Actually, the 50 lbs I've lost since that photo was taken makes me pretty darn close to the weight I claimed to have been at the time. LOL Doesn't everyone lie about their weight on their driver's license? Thank God they don't ask for our measurements, too. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to pass as 38-24-36.

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Grandmothers

by Shirley

First of all I would like to dedicate this blog to Jodi and her Grandma. It was the recent passing of Jodi's Grandma that got me thinking about my own Grammie (Dad's mother) and writing a blog about her.

She was a very compassionate woman and very stubborn. She knew what she wanted and you couldn't change her mind. She was tall, busty and strong. She took in numerous foster children over the years. She played the organ at the local United Church for many years.She lived in a small community called North East Harbour. It was about a half hour drive from where we lived in Shelburne. Everyone knew everyone, and they all helped each other. Every Sunday afternoon (to my mother's dislike) we made the trek out there to see her as well as other relatives.

Her cooking was amazing! She made soft molasses cookies that were almost as thick as biscuits! Her beef barley soup and apple pie were to die for, and her bread...OMG!!! I always remember her wearing a hair net, apron, white sweater and those light brown stockings (usually two pairs) all the older woman wore before pantyhose were invented. She wore glasses and always had rosy cheeks. I remember she always left the clean everyday dishes and cutlery on the table, covered over with a cloth. She did have a hutch that the "good" dishes were kept in.

Grammie recycled before the word recycle was invented! At least that's how it seemed to me. She had jars of buttons, a huge ball of string and boxes of fabric pieces used to either patch something or make quilts. She gave me a quilt a long time ago and I remember some of the fabric pieces as dresses she wore. Grammie had a use for everything. She would remove the paper from the butter, wash it off and use it to wrap up something and put in the frig. She took the label off cans and used them to make grocery lists or notes for herself. If someone gave her a card and they hadn't sealed the envelope she would cut off the sticky parts and use them instead of tape on presents. All of her hymn books were covered with brown paper bags so they wouldn't get ripped or dirty.

Grammie died when I was 13. The last five or so years of her life it was usually only Dad and I who went out there every Sunday. It didn't matter what I did for her she always gave me money. Now mind you it was only a dime or on rare occasions a quarter, but she insisted that people should get paid for their work. I only helped Dad with bringing the wood in and filling the wood box or washing the dishes. or sometimes Grammie would get me to wash her hair. It felt nice to be appreciated.

As I remembered Grammie this past week it made me feel really good. I would love to be able to walk into that kitchen one more time, smell the wood burning in the stove and the food cooking on top of it. Sit down in the rocking chair my grandfather made many years before, hear the clock chime on the mantle over the cot that Grammie took her naps on, and watch as she did a crossword puzzle or watched Oral Roberts on the little black and white TV with rabbit ears. Now that I've shared with you I'd like to hear what you remember about your grandmothers.

Thanks Jodi for always sharing your Grandma with us and inspiring me to write this blog and use your picture. If I can get a picture of my Grammie on the computer I will share it with all of you. Thanks for reading and lets hear those grandmother stories.

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Timeless

Yes, American Idol is back, and yes I have finally caught up and have been watching. What struck me this week was contestant Tim Urban, singing the classic "Hallelujah". It might not be the best version I have ever heard, but I think it's pretty good for a young man who was not even a thought when this song was written. It is a hard song to interpret, we here on the blog had a discussion about it when I posted KD Lang's version. And yet when I watched his performance I felt as if he understood it, his face showed the feelings, and if one can sing the meaning of a song, I think they have it figured out.

A song that has no time, it gives each person a different reason to mean something. I am sure it will go on for years. What a accomplishment for Leonard Cohen, I wonder back in 1984 when he wrote it, if he ever thought the song would be sung for years and by many.

Hope you enjoy as I did.

I am having a problem with the vid loading
sometimes it's there and sometimes not
so,
If the vid does not work click here
and in the vid bar which is under the main vid
look for Tim Urban
I think its the 7th vid

More on Leonard Cohen

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~ Handsome Men's Club ~

by Tina~in_ut

I have no idea how Jimmy was able to get all these guys to do this for him, but it cracks me up. I don't know how many times I've watched it, but it makes me laugh each time. Even if you don't find it funny, at least you should have someone to drool over. And why they felt they should throw Jimmy out is beyond me.....I thought Ted Danson should go! :D

An Absolute Disgrace....

Yesterday at my church, a nun was attacked by an intruder. I am sick over this and can't seem to shake it. I know my church is not in the best area of Newark, but that is certainly not an excuse for such measures. My parents grew up in this area (they both received all their sacraments at this church, as well as the sacrament of marriage) but with time it has changed. I have called this church my home for several years now and most of the parishioners (who have since moved to other areas of NJ) have never forgotten their childhood parish. They continue to attend the services. When attending this church, I am very careful where I park and usually do not go there at night unless I am accompanied.

Part of the article in our local newspaper:

At about 11 a.m., Sister Obiama was doing work in her convent cell at St. Lucy’s Parish when she heard a noise, said Jim Goodness, spokesperson for the Newark Archdiocese. She got up to investigate and discovered a man inside the nunnery.

The assailant repeatedly punched and kicked the 55-year-old nun and stole a laptop before running off from the parish, a complex of buildings made up of the church, a rectory, and the convent on Amity Place in the Central Ward, said Rich Wohltman, the church sexton.

Sister Obiama came away from the attack with a large knot on the side of her head. She was sent to a local hospital and was expected to be released soon, Goodness said.

"She is being evaluated and we’re very hopeful what harm was done is very superficial," he said.

No arrests have been made in the case and her attacker remains unidentified, said Detective Josephine Santaniello, police spokeswoman.


I read the part where she was punched and kicked several times and my stomach turns. How could anyone do such harm to a nun. Actually to anyone. I just think my mind can't wrap around the thought of harming a nun.

Sal and I do all the travel arrangements for the nuns of St Lucy's. We have spoken to Sister Obiama on several occasions. She is very sweet and my heart is broken for her. I know from the article she will be alright and we will reach out to her superior Sister Henrietta to see if there is anything we can do.

I know the economic state is not the best and I also know many don't have jobs. But damn it, hurting the helpless is not the answer for a quick buck. Own up to yourself, and try to do the best with what you have. This simple sentence should have been instilled into this thoughtless thug by his/her parents. So shame on them and their elders. Just so senseless.

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Apple Does It Again

by DeeDee

Apple announced today that it has developed a breast implant that can store and play music. The iTit will cost from $499 to $699, depending on cup and speaker size. This is considered a major social breakthrough, because women are always complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to them.......

DO YOU DO “D”?

by LynnD

No that is not “D”, but I have your attention don’t I? LOL I am talking about Vitamin D. You might look as sexy as this if you are getting enough D.

Last year when I went for my yearly exam my Doctor asked me if I was taking Vitamin D. I said no. She informed me that she recommends all of her patients take 1,000 to 1,500 IU a day. Now I had a basic understanding about Vitamin D but really did not know much about it. She informed me that many people are Vitamin D deficient and that was her new policy for her patients.

Well about a month after I saw her I was at the grocery store and thought what the heck and bought a bottle of 1,000 IU Vitamin D. Started taking it. Really did not think there was much of a difference until about Christmas time. All of sudden just before Christmas I was feeling run down, nervous and depressed. At first I thought it was just stress. Then I started to think about it and realized I had run out of Vitamin D and had not taken any in about a week. I wondered could this be the reason? Well I hit the store and picked up another bottle and started taking it again. Within a few days I was calmer and felt more grounded and the depression had lifted. Well it does not have to take a brick to wake me up. It was the difference. I have since upped my daily dose to 2,000 IU’s a day.

I also started to notice several articles and TV shows were featuring information about Vitamin D. Did you know that they believe about 80 percent of Americans are Vitamin D deficient? Yes I said 80 percent. Even in the sunshine states like Arizona and Florida. What they find is that many people stay inside and with the advent of sunscreen many of us are not getting our daily natural dose of D. Those of us who live north in colder climates really miss out in our winter months.

Our bodies are designed to get our daily dose by being in the good old sunshine for about 20 minutes a day. It has been recorded that when this happens our bodies produce as much as 10,000 IU’s naturally. What our bodies don’t use is then naturally flushed out of our system.

Vitamin D helps our nervous system, helps to absorb calcium and new studies are showing that it may even help prevent different types of Cancer.

Two weeks ago I happened to have the TV on and it was showing Doctor Oz. Normally I don’t watch this show but the lead in was about Vitamin D and Epstein Barr disease. You know the kissing disease, Mono. Well the lead researcher in the country was on and she was explaining how people are affected by Epstein Barr. Most people might have a case of mono and our bodies fight off eventually. Then there are the people that get mono and then they remain sick. The gist of the show was about how the virus creates rogue white cells that the body can’t fight and in some cases they are mutated and take over. These people end up with a lifetime of Epstein Barr. It is a terrible debilitating disease. What they are finding is a link between Epstein Barr and a Vitamin D deficiency. The woman researcher stated that they are even looking at upgrading Vitamin D from the vitamin category to a hormone. Most vitamins we ingest through food and drink, our bodies don’t produce them on their own. Vitamin D is actually produced by our bodies with the advent of Sunshine. Therefore a hormone not a vitamin. Interesting huh?

I keep wondering if this could be the medical equivalent of aspirin a simple new discovery that can help so many. I know it is helping me tremendously.

You can find out if you are vitamin D deficient through a simple blood test that your Doctor can order. I will let you know that I have three friends and two relatives who have just been diagnosed as severely vitamin D deficient. In two of those cases they have been prescribed 50,000 IU’s of Vitamin D every 3 days. Your doctor has to write a prescription for vitamin D in this large of a dose. What that means is that there is basically no vitamin D in this persons system. Not Good at All!

My suggestion if you are feeling depressed, stressed fatigued you might consider checking your Vitamin D levels. I hope this helps someone just by imparting some of the information, because I don’t go a day without my “D”.

Ricky Nelson & Sons

by Dianne

One of the shows on our cruise was a show paying tribute to Ricky Nelson by his two 41 yr old twins (yes, they are 41). It was a wonderful performance. They showed clips of the Ozzie and Harriet Show with Ricky and clips of when he was a teen idol. As a clip would end, they would come out singing that particular song. It was very touching as they talked about their family..dad, grandparents, mom and Uncle David (who is now retired and fishing in California). These boys were 18 when they lost their dad and seem to have grown up into nice young men. I know some of you younger people may not really know or remember much about Ricky Nelson (my daughter didn't even know who he was), but most of us will have fond memories. If you want to read more on their story, you can google it as I didn't want to take up any more room here. They finish their performance with the song attached and it is very moving and there didn't seem to be many dry eyes in the theater at the end of the show. Listen to the song and the words very carefully and enjoy the story about the Ricky Nelson Tribute.

It's been 24 years since one-time teen heartthrob Ricky Nelson tragically died in a plane crash on New Year's Eve in 1985. Now, 19 years after the rock and roll legend's twin sons Matthew and Gunnar Nelson found their own fame with several top ten singles, including the Number One hit "Love and Affection," the Nelsons are hitting the road again and paying tribute to their Rock and Roll Hall of Famer "pop," as they refer to him, in the Ricky Nelson Remembered Tour.

PHONE PHUN!

by Maureen

Have you ever said something that even you can't believe you said? Sometimes, things fall out of my mouth that shock even me! I then have to say..."did I just say that...out loud?" LOL!

Today I had a phone conversation with one of our nurses. It went like this...

Me - Good afternoon, this is Maureen
Tim - I need auths and I need them NOW
Me - Well, let me just pull them out of my ass. Hold on, I need to stand up to get them
Tim- *unstoppable laughter*

My co-worker was on the phone with an insurance company and I thought she was going to fall out of her chair! She had to stop her call, looked at me and asked if I really just said I was going to pull auths outta my ass!! That is how we feel a lot of the time. Our clinicians think nothing of asking...or demanding...we get them auths NOW, with no clinical information to use to obtain them. We have to fly by the seat of our pants and it truly feels like we are getting them via a rectalauthectomy!

Another time I meant to say something to myself and it came out loud and clear, actually LOUD and clear. I even had to ask if I really said it out loud!

I was calling Aetna and you start with a voice activated prompt system. I said the member ID number and the fake man on the other end repeated something totally different. I said it was incorrect and he said 'my mistake, let's try again' and so we did. After the third time and he admitted his mistake and wanted to try again I replied (out LOUD) "NO, YOU'RE A FUCKING IDIOT!" And slammed down the phone. Oops, a Manager was standing right behind me ;)~! I was mortified that I did that. Nicole was rolling on the floor laughing and the Manager was in a state of shock! After explaining I wasn't talking to anyone, explained my frustration and disbelief that I did that, we all had a good laugh!

I have had many conversations that I forget are able to be heard by others! Do you ever have experiences like that? I'd love to hear them!

~ Need You Now ~

by Tina~in_ut

About the time I stopped listening to country music, the group Lady Antebellum was just becoming popular. I wasn't a fan of their music. They won awards and were the talk of the country music scene. I didn't get it and soon forgot them in my "pop" world. Well now I get to hear them on all of the radio stations I listen to because they have crossed over to the pop stations. I love this song. It reminds me of my first boyfriend. 6 months after we broke up, after going out for 4 years, I called him late one night after coming home from a date. I new the guy I was seeing wasn't the one and I was just down. I laugh now and wish I had never made that call, but I did. I probably made a fool of myself, but I also felt better afterwards. And.......6 months after that, I started dating the hubby! I always think of it as the night I finally cleared my head and decided I didn't want to date anyone else except the guy I was going to marry. lol......I know.....how would I know, huh? But that's how it all worked out~ Have you ever made that phone call that you just knew you shouldn't have?

Being a Kind Poo Goddess

My idea of what the "Good" Poo Goddess would be
~ Kindness, Love, Patience, and a Empathic soul~
(in other words: Jennifer)

by Bebbi

I really liked Jennifer’s story about being the Poo Goddess. You can tell she is a “good” Goddess because in her story she deals with the children in a way that will be good for their soul. There are some Poo Goddess’s that are not so kind and careful.

This may be a miss-perception and I am hoping Jennifer (or anyone who has been a teacher) can enlighten me. I just have had experiences as a parent and would truly like to hear the teacher’s point of view.

When my daughter was in 4th grade she came home very upset. It turned out the little boy next to her had an “accident”. She was so upset because the teacher would not let him “go” and he had that accident. We still talk about this incident to this day.

Well, another friend of mine recently posted on FB how angry she was at her children’s school and the local school system. I got to talking with her about it and here is the story. Her daughter asked to go to the restroom at recess and the teacher denied the request. Because of this action, her daughter had an accident and had to change clothes. They put her in a skirt. My friend did not know this happened until her daughter came home in different clothes. No call, nothing. Also, another friend of hers who’s daughter is in the class got in the car after school and immediately told her mom that “Sally” had to go and the teacher told her she couldn’t and “Sally” pooped herself. OH, and btw, this girl was 6 years old.

Come to find out, this happened with this teacher in the past. My friend got her kids changed to a different school, not just for this reason but this was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I found out when my daughter saw this happen to the little boy who sat beside that her teacher had a history of this too. Why are their teachers that do this to children? Don’t they realize the long term ramifications this can have on a child? It is such a sensitive subject, our bodily functions, and yet why do teachers forget they are dealing with young children who can be scarred emotionally?

Am I over-reacting? Does anyone else ever feel this way? What are your opinions/stories?

Cruise Ship vs Nursing Home

by Dianne

I remember seeing this joke long ago, so I thought I would google it and surprisingly (for me) I found it. I think it says exactly what I am thinking right now. I hope this gives you all a laugh even if you have read it before...what do you all think....? Want to join me down the road?

Cruise Ship vs Nursing Home

About a week ago my husband and I were on a cruise through the western Mediterranean aboard a Princess liner. At dinner we noticed an elderly lady sitting alone along the rail of the grand stairway in the main dining room. I also noticed that all the staff, ships officers, waiters, busboys, etc., all seemed very familiar with this lady. I asked our waiter who the lady was, expecting to be told that she owned the line, but he said he only knew that she had been on board for the last four cruises, back to back. As we left the dining room one evening, I caught her eye and stopped to say hello.

We chatted and I said,"I understand you've been on this ship for the last four cruises". She replied, "Yes, that's true." I stated, "I don't understand" and she replied, without a pause, "It's cheaper than a nursing home".

So, there will be no nursing home in my future. When I get old and feeble, I am going to get on a Princess Cruise Ship. The average cost for a nursing home is $200 per day. I have checked on reservations at Princess and I can get a long term discount and senior discount price of $135 per day. That leaves $65 a day for:

1. Gratuities which will only be $10 per day.
2. I will have as many as 10 meals a day if I can waddle to the restaurant, or I can have room service (which means I can have breakfast in bed every day of the week).
3. Princess has as many as three swimming pools, a workout room, free washers and dryers, and shows every night.
4. They have free toothpaste and razors, and free soap and shampoo.
5. They will even treat you like a customer, not a patient. An extra $5 worth of tips will have the entire staff scrambling to help you.
6. I will get to meet new people every 7 or 14 days.
7. T.V. broken? Light bulb need changing? Need to have the mattress replaced? No Problem! They will fix everything and apologize for your inconvenience.
8. Clean sheets and towels every day, and you don't even have to ask for them.
9. If you fall in the nursing home and break a hip you are on Medicare;
if you fall and break a hip on the Princess ship they will upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life.
Now hold on for the best!
Do you want to see South America, the Panama Canal, Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, or name where you want to go? Princess will have a ship ready to go. So don't look for me in a nursing home, just call shore to ship.

PS. And don't forget, when you die, they just dump you over the side
at no charge.

Heirlooms

By Mary

My parents have been gone over 12 years. I think of them a lot. I look around and except for pictures I really don't have much that was left from them.

My parents were not wealthy, but we lived comfortably. I don’t recall them ever mentioning any articles that were handed down to them through generations.

Many families hand down silverware, antique furniture, homes, knick knacks, etc. We had none of that. I think maybe some doilies or pictures, that’s it. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to leave things; they only had things that were absolutely necessary to survive. No frills, I am sure. I have a few things my Father left behind from his shoe store. He was a preacher and shoe cobbler. My favorite possession is a hand painted sign with a picture of a wing-tip shoe. It says “Shoe Repair”. I have worried about where the sign and other articles of his would go should anything happen to me. I wonder what should happen to them through coming generations. Will these things mean anything to them? My Father had his shop in the same town for over 50 years. I have decided to donate them to that town’s historical society/museum. I have spoken to a couple of the museum’s curators, and they have said they would accept them. It gives me great peace to know his things will be there for many generations to see.

Do you have things that have been handed down to you or that you know will eventually come to you?

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~ Pray for You ~

by Tina~in_ut

A friend at work told me about this video. When she told me the title, I thought....ugh.....a religious song! Since she is Mormon, I was thinking along the lines of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! You know....boring....something DeeDee would like!~ :)~ I put off watching it, but when I finally did, I laughed so hard. Then I started thinking.....did I ever have a boyfriend that I disliked so much that I would wish him harm? I went through them all, one by one, and I have to honestly say, I wouldn't wish any of them harm. But then, I remembered two people, one "man" and one girl, and yup! I could prolly sing this song to them! lol~ okay....I'm just kidding, but for a split second, it was fun to be just a tad evil~ Was there anyone in your life that you'd sing this song to?

Its Yours!

Thoughts are sketchy, I think they are still full of snow.
So I will leave this day with you.
It seems no matter what we blog about,
we always have something to say.
So do as we always do, keep each other company,
chat about our days,
be the prettiest of them all,
and enjoy our no blog day!

♥♥♥♥

~ Winter Olympics - Telemundo Style ~

by Tina~in_ut

I can't watch the Olympics without crying. Happens every time, no matter who wins. Everyone has a story. They are always overcoming something, whether it be a tragedy, like the Canadian figure skater who lost her mother, or an injury, like little Miss Vonn who pretty much hurt everything! I took a break from it all on Saturday to watch Saturday Night Live. Why did I think I would get away from the Olympics? This skit had me on the floor laughing.

When the Olympics started, our guests from Mexico were here. We were comparing the fact that the United States had over 200 athletes competing while Mexico only had one, a 51 yr old Alpine skier. He didn't even come close to medaling. I have a feeling not everyone is as excited about the Winter Olympics as those of us from the United States and Canada~

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