Bluebonnet Blooms

New Year = New Photo

2007-01-10T12:56:00.000-06:00

What do you think????

Polygamists Taking it to the Extreme?

2006-08-13T09:16:00.000-05:00

This blog that I wrote on Austin 360 blogs (and picked up by the Austin American Statesman) is a disturbing one as a result of an article I read that was posted this morning on MSNBC.com. Please don't be offended about the polygamy. I can't really condon the polygamy acts because it goes against the grain of my own psyche and being. However, the crux of the matter is the whole issues that stem from it which can included cultish behaviors, some degree of physical/mental/emotional abuse, human trafficking, and other crimes (such as murder) as you will see from the posting and the FBI most wanted postings.

See my posting "Polygamists Taking it to the Extreme?" as posted in the Austin 360 blog pages. I chose not to repost it here because of the fear of losing all the links in the process.

Feel free to offer your comments below....

Right to Privacy?

2006-08-09T02:05:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week I get an note on my door from the complex's office managers' office stating that they would be coming sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday to our apartments to do an asset check of our apartments and that no appointments can be made.

Well, for most people, it is half a dozen one or another as they normally work during they day and who are they to care if they come into the apartment;

however,

I work at nights and I sleep during the day.

I hear a faint knock at the door, waking me up from my sleep. Then the knocking got louder and louder as they realized that they couldn't use the key to get into my apartment because I bolted both locks shut as per normal (because I really don't like having people walk in while I am asleep).

I finally get to the door and there were 3 people ready to come into my apartment. One of them was from the office; the other two were inspectors. All they said to me was, "Didn't you get our note?" Well, yeah! I got that note, but I thought they would have enough consideration for someone sleeping.

It really irked me that they couldn't have come back later in the day when I was awake; instead they insisted on coming in right then and there. Lucky for them I had slept in my comfies and was clothed!!

Am I wrong for thinking that they should have come back in the afternoon?

Am I wrong to think that I should have been given some consideration for being a night worker who sleeps during the day?

What do you think? Do you feel that my right to privacy was invaded upon? I certainly do, but I want your opinion on the matter.....

Just curious.

Consuming Over Computers Over -- Hopefully!!

2006-08-08T01:04:00.000-05:00

I am keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have to go down that road again - ever! Ha ha... well, ever would be not accurate because I am sure eventually this new computer will become antiqudated and I will be determined to fix it once again; however, hopefully, never to the level that I did this year.

I have always had hand-me-down computers or custom built computers that seem great to start off with but can be a royal pain on down the road. Part of that sheer determinability stems from my Dad's influence into electronics/computers while growing up, although some of it stems from a mix of desiring to be frugal (and not just replace the computer with a new computer just for the sake of not desiring to fix the old one), a bit of my own stubborness, and wanting to have conquered yet something else that can seem insurmountable to most other people. Every now and then, one must give in and say, "I cannot do this."

This past week, I did just that. I have tried to fight the battles of the viruses that cloaked my computer with illnesses to no end. The new hard drive was a quick fix; listening to Frys about the old drive was a mistake. Lesson learned.

I now have a new computer so that I can work on it and catch up on school projects and assignments, as well as load up books and things to sell on Amazon.com and continue forthwith all my other projects to declutter and simplify my life. The old computer? Well, I haven't given up on it totally. I am going to reformat those harddrives with a different OS altogether - LINUX for a backup. Actually, I am thinking that the 300GB Harddrive that wouldn't be recognized by Microsoft's OS babies, might actually be recognized by LINUX's red hat systems; that, would be a welcomed change indeed. We'll see...

I know that, from my blogs of late, it might seem that I all I do is be consumed into computers. While I am fascinated by their complexities, I do not wish to be consumed by them. I am looking forward to being able to catch up on projects and have time for more enjoyable things -- time with friends, drives to the country (if I can still afford the gas), restart some of my creative writing projects, take photography walks, make a souflee, and soooo very much more -- maybe even a few dates here and there... hee hee.

Today, I was the one dancing in my red SUV on 620 as I was bringing my new computer home. I got the computer set up (after being talked through it by Compaq on the computer and it self diagnosing and initiating software programs), I took a "nap" that lasted from 2pm this afternoon until close to 11pm tonight. I should have attended a meeting at 6p, but I guess my mind could finally relax after not being able to sleep too much in trying to desperately find a solution for my computer.

At any rate, you all should be seeing more of me and my work on the computer during the upcoming weeks (as soon as I more fully get caught up on my school work) -- or, maybe not (as I have more free time to conquer more things in this world)!!! :D Who knows!?!???

LOL...

At least, I now have a working computer now! The world can now rest from my grumbles and complaints -- for now, anyways!!

LOL....

Laters!

If I could have a world without computers,

2006-08-05T00:11:00.000-05:00

I most certainly would at this point in time.

As you know, I have been struggling with my home computer which has had some sort of a virus right now, which most of the anti-virus programs are now finally identifying it as "JavaByteVerify" but offering no real solutions as of yet. I had put a new 300 GB hard drive in the computer and it has restarted. I am so sick of computers....

If only I didnt' rely on it for my:

* school online forensic psychology classes,

* online finances,

* online shopping,

* blogging,

* emailing,

* researching issues,

etc., etc., I would be taking an anvil and letting it come solidly on top of the computer for once and for all. The horrific side of all of this, just as this world is so vividly reliant on money to make the world economies move throughout, we are so very reliant upon the computers for our communication, education, research, business, finance, etc. needs. One can hardly function in this world now without some use or forms of computers because, not only are they on our desktop/offices in the traditional sense, but also in our automotives, cellular phones, and variety of other technologies.

Auuugughghgghghghgh!!!

Had a "conferring" call with my Dad. He found a re-furbished desktop computer for $199 (a Dell :( as much as I don't like them); of course, to add a modem (and a few other essentials to have it functioning with quality) it comes to $319. Still not too bad of a deal though... Hopefully, this might be a viable solution that can be shipped to me quickly. I am hoping and praying because I certainly don't want to get too far into my studies.

Right now, I can only access a portion of the school's platform through work (and not all the areas that are essential) and the library is no longer a viable option as they have just imposed restrictions on how long one can be on their computer systems. The school asks, "Do you have a friend's house you can go to?"... yeah, right! It would have to be some friend for me to be able to go to their home 3-4 days a week and spend 4-5 hours minimally on their computers to do my school work. I certainly couldn't impose on them like that!!

In the meantime though, if I try to work on my home computer, I am taking the chance that my computer doesn't freak out and I have to shut it down suddenly -- losing everything that I have worked upon during the last time frame.

Augghghghghghghghghg....

I am hoping that the comptuer issues will soon be resolved. There are so many more things that I would love to spend my time with rather than a focus on resolving the perplexing issues of my dang home computer -- ie, a social life would be nice!! :D

At any rate, I should, as long as God's willing and the creek's water doesn't rise, be on the upside of my computer issues soon from my homebase, which will enable me to catch folks once and for all with my life, etc.

Stay tuned..... :D

Strayhorn gives up on 'Grandma' lawsuit - State & Local

2006-07-28T01:56:00.000-05:00

Strayhorn gives up on 'Grandma' lawsuit - State & Local

I am soooo very glad that Carolyn Keeton Strayhorn has decided to drop this suit which indeed is not worth the battle. I couldn't understand why she would even think that she had had half the chance in winning that battle. Thankfully, the battles are turned to more important issues at hand -- hopefully. I would have hated to think that the whole campaign would have been clouded by such trivial issues.

Austin teens create magazine - Top Stories

2006-07-26T22:05:00.000-05:00

Austin teens create magazine - Top Stories

What an awesome experience for these 4 teenager gals from Westwood High School in the Greater Austin Texas area. This began has a mere summer project and has blossomed into a magazine that will actually premiere its first issue at a Premiere Celebration at Book People on Saturday, August 12th, at 7pm. Kudos to these young entrepreneurs and the best luck to their future!

So you think you know everything....

2006-07-26T20:08:00.000-05:00

Found this in my email today -- enjoy!!

"Stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand and lollipop" with your right. (Bet you tried this out mentally, didn't you?)

Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable. (I'll bet you're going to check this out.)

No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.

"Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt". (Are you doubting this?)

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.

The sentence: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter of the alphabet. (Now, you KNOW you're going to try this out for accuracy, right?)

The words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (palindromes). (Yep, I knew you were going to "do" this one.)

There are only four words in the English language which end in "dous": tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous. (You're not doubting this, are you?)

There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: "abstemious" and "facetious." (Yes, admit it, you are going to say:a e i o u)

TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard. (All you typists are going to test this out)

All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5 bill

A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.

A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.

A goldfish has a memory span of three sec onds.

A "jiffy" is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second

A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.

A snail can sleep for three years. (I know some people that could do this too.)

Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer.

Almonds are a member of the peach family.

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.

Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.

February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.

In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.

If the population of China walked past you, 8 abreast, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.

If you are an average American, in your whole life, you will spend an average of 6 months waiting at red lights.

Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors.

On a Canadian two dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament building is an American flag.

Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite!

Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.

The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.

The cruise liner, QE2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns.

The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket. (Good thing he did that)

The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid.

There are more chickens than people in the world.

Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.

Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

....................Now you know everything!

Being Grateful!

2006-07-26T11:40:00.000-05:00

“If you cannot be grateful for what you have received,
then be thankful for what you have been spared.”
- Yiddish proverb

Went on 43 Things website and discovered this proverb written there in the process of perusing through the site. (Interesting site that has a lot areas to explore!)

Too often, we are not grateful enough for the things that we do receive in our lives...as well as what adversities we have been spared from. :D

Learning to Love Again - Life Since the Death of My Spouse

2006-07-26T03:08:00.000-05:00

Okay. It is 2am where I am still working. I could be studying for my classes that are starting tomorrow (I know, I know -- but, they really don't start until tomorrow!!), but I don't; however, I did print out this terms' syllabuses. Perhaps, I'll take a better look at those syllabuses tomorrow.

In the meantime, I pull out of my back pack a book (purchased at Barnes & Noble on their $1 bargain shelf) that I had started to read earlier today -- HEART (Stories of Learning to Love Again) as Edited by Kristen Couse (authored by Alain de Botton, Banana Yoshimoto, Vladimir Nabokov, Alice Munro, Anita Brookner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gustave Flaubert, Marcel Proust, Robert Olen Butler, Anne Tyler, Colette, and Thomas Hardy -- all fabulous authors in their own right!). Each chapter is a mini-story written by these authors and, of course, as I am reading my head is spinning in many thoughts and directions.

The first story is prefaced by (editor's notes):

"It has been said that it is best not to over-analyse love. Obviously, Alain de Bottom doesn't share this belief. In his first novel, he tracks every phase of the relationship between is narrator and Chloe, from their chance meeting on a Paris-London flight, to the moment when she leaves him, to, in this exerpt, the process of shedding the incredible weight that a broken heart can leave behind."

The story actually begins as:

"1. There is an Arabic saying that the soul travels at the pace of a camel. While we are forced ahead by the relentless dynamic of the time-tabled present, our soul, the seat of the heart, trails nostalgically behind, burdened by the weight of memory. If every love affair adds a certain weight to the camel's load, then we can expect the sould to slow according to the significance of love's burden. By the time the animal was finally able to shrug off the crushing weight of her memory, Chloe had nearly killed my camel.

2. With her departure had gone all desire to keep up with the present. I lived nostalgically, that is, with constant reference to my life as it had been with her. My eyes were never really open, they looked backward and inward to memory. I would have wished to spend the rest of my days following the camel, meandering through the dunes of memory, stopping at charming oases to leaf through images of happier days. The present held nothing for me, the past had become the only inhabitable tense. What could the present be next to it but a mocking reminder of the one who was missing? What could the future hold besides yet more wretched absence?"

Wow! I had to catch my breath as I read and re-read this. Have I really been living in the past since Kevin's death?

I do so have the fondest of memories of him and how much he loved me and demonstrated it to me each and every day. While married to him, I was worried about my daughter though who had gone to live with her Dad temporarily.

How do we get to the point in living in the present. Yeah, yeah, yeah... I am presently studying forensic psychology, starting up a cooking meetup group, volunteering in a victims' group, and so many other things, as well as working as an advocate at a national hotline, but am I truly living in the present???

Through my marathon moving process, it has certainly been an eye-opening experience which is continued onward through my illustruous exploratory experience of unpacking boxes that haven't been openned for more than 6 years. Some boxes have been like opening a pandora's box yielding experiences in their own -- ie dog food that had been packed by the movers of the corporation that I was working for at the time -- I just never know what I am going to find in these mystery boxes.

People have asked me, "How's your love life?" Honestly, it hasn't been all that great. I have thought I have been prepared to move forward and leave behind the memories of the past which are, in fact, burdening the camel carrying them and the broken heart that I had faced due to Kevin's sudden death. I certainly don't wish having to go through the death of a spouse upon anyone. It isn't an easy process. A divorce is much easier because you can prepare for the inevitable and, in many instances, one has a continued relationship with the divorced partner after the termination of the official sancity of the marriage; however, in the death of the spouse, they are gone forever.

One can continue to communicate with them spiritually and hold onto the memories forever, but it isn't the same as having something tangible in front of you. Letting go of the past isn't quite so simple.

November 11, 2002, Kevin died in our apartment from a heart attack. It has been nearly 4 years later and I am ready to move forward into another relationship -- whatever relationship that my future may hold for me.

Perhaps, I should symbolicly put those memories and the broken heart from the loss of him onto that camel and let that camel continue travelling in the distance in order to distance myself and allow myself move forward into the realm yet to be explored and relished.

At least, this book is making me think a little....

Customer Service Anyone???

2006-07-26T00:50:00.000-05:00

LOL... This appeared in my email box tonight. For anyone who has EVER dealt with an irrate customer, enjoy!! :D

It happened at the Denver Airport. This is hilarious. I wish I had the guts of this girl. For all of you out there who've had to deal with an irate customer, this one is for you. An award should go to the United Airlines gate agent in Denver for being smart and funny, while making her point, when confronted with a passenger who probably deserved to fly as cargo.

A crowded United Airlines flight was canceled. A single agent was re-booking a long line of inconvenienced travelers. Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket on the counter and said, "I HAVE to be on this flight and it has to be FIRST CLASS." The agent replied, "I am sorry, sir. I'll be happy to try to help you, but, I've got to help these folks first, and I'm sure we'll be able to work something out."

The passenger was unimpressed. He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?"

Without hesitating, the agent smiled and grabbed her public address microphone, "May I have your attention please, " she began, her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal. "We have a passenger here at Gate 14 WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come to Gate 14."

With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically, the man glared at the United agent, gritted his teeth and swore "F*** You!". Without flinching, she smiled and said, I'm sorry sir, you'll have to get in line for that too."

Quote by Brandi Snyder!

2006-07-23T05:49:00.000-05:00

To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.

- Brandi Snyder

Isn't this an awesome quote? What does it mean to you????

JUST IN CASE YOU ARE WONDERING...

2006-07-23T04:41:00.000-05:00

I didn't think it was possible, but I think that I might have resolved my computer problem and will be ready for classes that begin again for my upcoming term on next Wednesday (seemingly, just in the nick of time!)....

Things I did to resolve my issues:

1. Purchase and have a 300GB Maxtor HD installed on my custom built computer as a primary drive by a Frye's tech; they installed my old 80GB hard drive as a secondary drive.

2. Because I couldn't locate my old MS98OS disk (and just had the upgrade for XP Professional), I had another tech load up the XP OS on my computer, with the distinct instructions to re-run AVG anti-virus on my computer immediately upon getting the OS installed.

(Note: Frye's tech said that (1) since AVG had been the only anti-virus that identified the virus, it would be the one to be re-ran on the computer; (2) b/c the virus was in the memory of the hard drive on which the AVG was running, AVG couldn't remove the virus; (3) running the AVG on the new hard drive would enable it to remove the virus on the old harddrive (because it is no longer in memory). It sounded logical!! )

3. Tech was successfull in installing the XPOS program, as welll as running AVG which quarantine the virus and a couple others that had crept in. As a result I have access to my computer files on the old hard drive!! Yea!!!

4. While I have access to the old files on the drive, I don't have access to my personal documents b/c I had placed them as private folders so that other users on my computer couldn't access my documents. Thankfully, I had previously copied and uploaded them to a web-based storage -- at xdrive.com. :D

5. Computer system runs faster than ever now -- although, the XP OS doesn't recognize the 300GB hard drive as a 300GB harddrive. Explanation: When XP was designed, it wasn't predicted that 300GB hard drives would exist; therefore, it is only reading it as a 100GB hard drive. Solution in the future -- contact the 300GB hard drive manufacturer for the software to download for XP to recognize that it is a 300GB hard drive. Imagine the speed once it does recognize it!! It'll be like driving the Autobahn in comparison to our roadways!! lol......

6. Cost -- 300 GB hard drive was $89.99 -- Installation of hard drive - $40 -- Upload of XP OS and drivers & run AVG -- $60 (due to the time it took). All in all, it cost me a heck of a lot less than purchasing a brand new computer and I have the speed I want. I am happy.

LESSON LEARNED -- Have a back up computer system on hand for these Kaplan studies. Because my computer system was failing on me during the last few weeks of last term and finally cratered on me, my grades suffered in the classes I had been taking and I will have to take them over. I am not looking forward to that, but I am glad that something good did come out of the process in the end.

Next goal -- purchase a computer to have on hand in case something happens to my primary computer system. At least, it won't seem like such a daunting and stressful task at hand to get things up and running again.

If you happen to have a spare computer that you aren't using any more, let me know....;)

Whew!!

I am now ready and ammunitioned for my next term at Kaplan with my speedy computer (starting this coming Wednesday!!). Are you???? :D

All puns intended!! LOL...

2006-07-23T03:25:00.000-05:00

But speaking of which...

what ever happend to the pun-off contests that you used to hear about so very much????

K

DEAD END CEMETERY

2006-07-23T01:15:00.000-05:00

Guess they put this cemetery in the right place, huh?? ;)

Give it to your wife???

2006-07-23T00:58:00.000-05:00

LOL!!!

I have managed to turn my first husband's boxers pink one year... Who is to truly say that we know best when it comes to washing? However, I can't believe that they actually put this much detail on the clothing article for washing and care instructions. This is more that what is normally offered!! :D

WAR CONFLICTS

2006-07-22T00:20:00.000-05:00

As you know if you have been following my blogs, my ex husband left for Iraq at the beginning of June. He has been trying to call my daughter, but when he does she is at work and can't talk on the phone when she is with clients.

However, through other people he has told them that:

* one time, he was travelling on the roadways with people at a high rate of speed to get from where they landed to the base that they were staying at and the truck ahead of them got bombed. One of the guys in the truck ahead of them lost his leg.

* at night, he hears the bombs coming close to them.

These are civilians not trained for war, but have been paid extra in order to do work over in Iraq. At the time of leaving, there wasn't much going on, but now there is much more happening. I can only imagine what is going through my exes' mind at this time because he was never trained for military type of work, yet he has ended up being right in the middle of it.

While he loves Robert Mitchum books because of the history etc. intertwined in the books, I don't think he would have ever dreamed in a million years that he would have been so close to the turmoils.

Recently, too, many Americans have also evacuated from Israel/Lebanon as the conflicts have increased there as well. These are Americans adults and children who are, additionally, not trained in the military prepardness.

One such family from the Circle C/Oak Hill area was on the news recently telling their story about their escape adventure, which through the mothers eyes seemed to have been quite the venture to leave.

We are so lucky to be able to lay our heads on our pillows at night (or day for those who work at nights) and rest easy in the unlikelihood that our homes or places where we work, shop, entertain, etc. would be bombed and destroyed along with many other lives. Where is the humanity in the bloodshed of the wars?

What makes the fears so great that we have to fight one another to prove a point?

What happend to being able to debate and discuss things?

Why is there so much violence in the world?

When will it all end???

Cluttering to Declutter????

2006-07-12T15:02:00.000-05:00

LOL...

During my waking hours today (and before I go to work), I have been working to declutter myself by openning up boxes in order to go through the boxes in a process to simplify my life a little better.

In the meantime, I have boxes, boxes, boxes EVERYwhere. Where will this process end???

My ankles swell up so I have to rest every now and then, which makes the process seem a very daunting task....

My WHOLE house doesn't look like this. I'll take pics of the rest of the house when I get a chance to do so; this is just what is supposed to be my dining room. Why do things have to look worse than they really are before they get better????

Anyone wish to come help me??? What? No takers???? lol.. Didn't think so!

Well... the cat just knocked down a box, so back to work on the boxes I go!!

LOL....

A cool Mom?

2006-07-09T02:02:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, the old saying is, "When the tough get going, the tough go shopping!" lol...

Today was no exception as I have been having a heck of a week this week with many good and bad things -- ending up with a battle against the technologies (my cell phone frequency picking up someone elses' conversation; my bank cancelling out the wrong card; and my computer seeming to be on its last leg...).

I called my daughter up last night and told her that I would like for her to come with me to a sale that was happening in Lakeway at a kitchen supply store. I think all she heard from me was "kitchen" and with the idea that Mom would be buying her something for her kitchen, she got all excited. In fact, this morning she told me that she woke up at 9am this morning (this, coming from a person who'd rather sleep until noon, at minimum if she doesn't have to be anywhere) and she was at my place at 11:30am waking me up. (Now, grant it, I didn't get home until around 7:30am from working an over night shift last night!)...

At any rate, we went to the kitchen store and found some very cool things for both her apartment and mine, went to eat some Chinese food, shopped at Gap for a some new clothes for her to wear at her job, and comparison shopped for some spa treatments in the area. Afterwards we went back to my apartment where we rested up (and I got frustrated again with my computer at home and then took a nap).

In the midst of just doing a few things around my apartment, she turned to me and sang, "Cool Mom, Cool Mom!" and turned to me to ask me, "Did you know that you were a cool Mom???" I replied, "No, I didn't." However, in the back of my mind, I am thinking this is so different from the attitude she had four years ago when she was nearly 15.

She is growing up, bit by bit, before my eyes.... and, I am loving it!

I sincerely think my daughter is the coolest for being able to admit that to her Mom! :D

Welcoming Gibson!

2006-07-08T02:17:00.000-05:00

No picture for now... I promise, I'll update soon with a picture;

however, since this was the first day for this brown, short-haired, tabby kitten (approx. 7-8 months old) in my home, I thought it best that he just take the time to enjoy his new surroundings.

He lived at a home where there were some mean dogs who ate his food as well and had nearly mauled another cat. He needed rescuing bad...and he seems soooo very skinny -- much more than need be.

He has eaten to his heart's content today, taken advantage of a litter box (since he has been an outdoor cat this is new for him), and explored the new home, as well as all the boxes I still have yet to go through!!

He didn't have a name though from the old place. He got his name because my friend said, as she was bringing the cat to my home, he was such a brave kitty and laid on her back seat on his back and didn't squall at all on his first car ride. I gave him the name "Gibson" because when she told me the story, my mind immediately thought of the movie - Braveheart - who starred Mel Gibson. It only seemed fitting!! lol...

Now, my home seems more complete....

although there are many ways still it could seem much more complete; however, one step at a time!! :D

JavaByteVerify virus

2006-07-08T01:54:00.000-05:00

I have been having some problems with my computer over the past couple of months with an annoyance that has become increasingly worse over time. I have run Spybot, Spyblaster, Norton System works...and nothing seemed to work to pick up a name for this virus.

AVG though picked up a name for it but couldn't do anything because it is in an archive, which complicates matters.

If anyone has a viable, reliable remedy (that works!) for it, please let me know.

Thanks!!

K

The thing about winning fast...

2006-07-07T14:18:00.000-05:00

is that it is often like a roller coaster ride in where you come down faster with some bad things that occur.

Today was just one such day.....

1) Was in severe leg pain this morning from staying up so late unpacking stuff (until 6am this morning)....

2) When I awoke and actually headed out for errands, I found a disconnect notice hanging on my door from the electric company. When I asked them to clarify "Previous attempts to collect on your .... utility accounts have gone unanswered", they couldn't. Guess that is why they were willing to play, "Let's make a deal!"

3) A "GOOD" was that I got a personal size trampoline for free from someone moving and had placed a classified on MySpace (Yes! MySpace has classifieds!!), but when I went to eat lunch with a friend of mine at a restaurant in Westlake, my bank card didn't work. Fortunately, I had another bank card on me....but, come to find out the bank had errored in closing the wrong card which has majorly inconvienced me (which is probably enough material for another stand along blog).

4) Was supposed to be online for classes but an annoyance virus on my computer was getting the best of me.

5) While taking a nap in an effort to take a break from the frustrations of the computer, I got called out for a security assignment, went to get gas with my bank card (discovering once again that my card isn't working and I have no cash available to get gas), and then the callout was cancelled. Go home a little emptier on gas and take off the uniform that I quickly had put on.

Ayyyyy yayyyyy yayyyy... lol....

Oh, I can't forget to mention too that, while unpacking boxes that I have been moving from place to place with me (as George Carlin would say, "taking all my stuff from place to place") I found a large box that had been packed in 1999 when I was promoted to a manager position at the telephone company by the movers and it still hadn't been openned. In an effort to really get rid of some of these boxes and make my new apartment a little less cluttered, I openned it. Brace yourself!!!

I slowly got the tape off of the box, openned the lids, moved aside the newsprint paper they had stuff around the objects in the box, and discovered a trash can cannister with a flip lid that I had stored dog food in at my old home in San Antonio (up until 1999). Trouble is --- they didn't throw out the dog food!! Ewwwwwweeee!!!......

I nearly gagged as I openned that box. That moving company was probably the worse ever and took full advantage of the corporation paying for the move by the box.

At any rate, I am nearly afraid to open the other cardboard boxes left from that move process. Last week, I had openned another marked "GARAGE" which I had presumed to have had tools, etc. (things you would think would be in a garage), but NO!! I found cereal in that box. Needless to say, I didn't bother openning the boxes; they simply went into a trash bag and immediately out to the dumpster.

This should certainly gives one pause to think -- especially, if you have moved recently (or not so recently) and have any unpacked boxes -- what ARE in those boxes?????

Being as I have had a plummeting rollercoaster ride today, a few pluses occurred as well - making me belive that it might be possible for another upswing. Hopefully, the next upswing will be the slow and easy ride.... :D

Winning is possible constantly .... so long as the GOOD keeps overweighing the BAD.....

What are you doing today to ensure that you are on the upswing for tomorrow??? Just curious!

A Tear Jerker

2006-06-17T13:26:00.000-05:00

Thank goodness for bulletins sent in my MySpace account. Through some of the jokes and what-not, there are some really good moving emails. The following was sent to a friend of mine, W.B. Ward, and I just had to share it with you all as well. Enjoy! (Be sure to have a hankie available; if you don't, you'll wish you did...)

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

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie.

She said, "I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you."

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.

That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.

"What's wrong, are you well," she asked? My mother is the type of woman respects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.

"I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you," I responded.

"Just the two of us." She thought about it for a moment, and then said, "I would like that very much."

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous.

When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on.

She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. "I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed," she said, as she got into the car.

"They can't wait to hear about our meeting."

We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy.

My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.

After we sat down to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. "It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small," she said.

"Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor," I responded.

During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation- -nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life.

We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you." I agreed.

"How was your dinner date?" asked my wife when I got home.

"Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined," I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack.

It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her.

Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son."

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: "I LOVE YOU" and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve.

Nothing in life is more important than your family.

Give them the time they deserve, because These things cannot be put off till "some other time."

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby ... that somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, "normal" is history.

Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct ... that somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.

Somebody said being a mother is boring ... that somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit Somebody said if you're a "good" mother, your child will "turn out good"... that somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee.

Somebody said "good" mothers never raise their voices ... that somebody never came out the back door just in time to see her child hit a golf ball through the neighbor's kitchen window.

Somebody said you don't need an education to be a mother.... that somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.

Somebody said you can't love the fifth child as much as you love the first .... that somebody doesn't have five children.

Somebody said a mother can find all the answers to her child-rearing questions in the books .. that somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose or in his ears.

Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery... that somebody never watched her "baby" get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten, or on a plane headed for military "boot camp."

Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back ...that somebody never organized seven giggling Brownies to sell cookies.

Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother's heartstrings.

Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home.... that somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her.... that somebody isn't a mother.

Pass this along to all the "mothers" in your life.

I think we should also pass it on to anyone who has ever loved and/or lost a mother.

Musicians march, play to protest war in Iraq - Top Stories

2006-03-20T01:18:00.000-06:00

Musicians march, play to protest war in Iraq - Top Stories

Very interesting that this march was prepared on the heels of the SXSW (South by Southwest) Musical Weekend. Muscians were already here for the SXSW event and they demonstrated a very creative March. The article states that there were no counterprotesters, but perhaps they were unprepared in not anticipating the musicians expressing themselves in a mode other than an absolute music venue.

You just gotta laugh!

2006-01-03T06:30:00.000-06:00

Received these in from a friend of mine. I hope that these will bring a laugh to your day today....

Red rover, red rover! Can Lenny, Brian, Will, and Christian come over???

2005-11-26T16:16:00.000-06:00

OMG! I received these photos in an email today in a guise of a Pampered Chef party invite. Too funny....

and, at the same time...so inviting to have some fun in the kitchen like my husband and I had done in the past. Here's to these Naked Chefs and hopes that you might have some fun in the near future as well.

:D

Three Years Since His Death...

2005-11-11T16:07:00.000-06:00

and I am still moving forward with my life. On the anniversary of his death, so easy to remember too since it is on Veteran's Memorial Day (which is also his Mother's birthday), it has been easier and easier; my Pastors at my old church in The Woodlands said it would be - and, I can attest it is true. At least it isn't quite so painful as it had been.

I don't know whether this is because I have been determined to focus on my education and I have obtained an Associates in Criminal Justice since then and presently pursuing my Bachelors in Forensic Psychology; or, because I have created so many blogs that has become a passion of mine to focus on my love for writing; or, being involved with so many types of jobs; or, what?? Perhaps, I am too busy to think about it so much - is that on purpose or, just a process or working through the shock of finding my spouse dead in our apartment and a natural process through moving forward with one's own life?

As part of moving forward with my life, I have also become involved with the police department's victim services. A couple of weeks ago, I had my first death notification to attend to. I had thought it was going to disturb me much worse than it did; but, it didn't - I survived the death notification. In fact, in a strange way, it was, in a sense, signifying a part of the healing process coming full circle and to a close.

Although that chapter of my life is coming to a close, it doesn't mean I will ever lose memories of a man that doted on me and loved me in a way that has been unmatched by anyone else on this earth. That will probably remain with me forever; just as the memories of all my loved ones that I have known on this Earth - my Grandparents, Great Grandmother, Great Aunts and Uncles, Cousins, Friends, and so much more that have made remakable impressions on my life in one way or another.

In the meantime, I know that he is one of my Guardian Angels, alongside with my Grandma. I am thankful for that as well as all the good memories I have had throughout the years.

Peace be with you and yours as you envoke memories of your loved ones as well. May God also provide you strength to move forward and affect others by the love you also have to share with them.

:D

Texas Approves Same Sex Marriage Ban

2005-11-09T09:45:00.000-06:00

Texas on the whole favored the ban on same sex marriages 76% - 23%. No surprises were given in the differences of opinions between Travis County (40% - 60%) and Williamson County (70% - 30%) especially since Williamson County is the much more conservative county.

When they were interviewing people, the Church pastor was very pleased with the outcome; however, when they interviewed those who campaigned hard against the same sex marriage ban, they seemed to have taken it more personally as discrimination and a statement against the gay-lesbian population.

I disagree though. I don't think of it as necessarily a statement of an opinion one way or another of what they do in the bedroom; it is just a statement of sanctifying the belief that marriage should be merely for a one man-one woman relationship.

What do you think about the outcome?????

Stupid people???

2005-11-05T22:41:00.000-06:00

lol... We have all those people we encounter from time to time.

ie:

I was re-entering an online college to pursue my Bachelors Degree in CJ (after already receiving the Associates in CJ from the same University). The "academic advisor" had the nerve to ask me:

1. So have you met all the requirements to take these courses? (duh, I wouldn't be here if I haven't!)

2. So have you taken Intro to CJ yet? (duh, that is one of the first courses you take in the Associate's program!!)

and,

an array of other dumb questions. I was looking at my phone and made sure that I was talking to a person (and it wasn't a figment of my imagination) -- yep, the phone was in "connected" status, albeit I wasn't sure "connected" to what!!! lol...

I don't ever loose my patience, but I certainly did and asked to be immediately transfered to my re-entry admissions advisor. Auggggghhhghghghghghghghhhhh....

He said she was new. (duh!! lol)
He said I should give her a chance. (yeah, I will)
He said to be careful to not address the email to her as "Dear Stupid!" (lol... awww come on!!).....

Hope your days go smoothly. I know that there truly is intelligent life out there somewhere - just finding lately some pockets of folks that are in La La Land.

Have a great weekend and an even better week ahead!!!

The cab driver!!

2005-11-05T22:34:00.000-06:00

Ran across this in the AVON forums this morning and busted out laughing so hard!!! Hope you, and others reading this, have a fabulous day!!!

A passenger tapped the cab driver on the shoulder to ask him something.

The driver screamed, lost control of the car, nearly hit a bus, went up on the sidewalk, and stopped inches from a department store window.

For a second everything went quiet in the cab, then the driver said, "Look mister, don't ever do that again. You scared me half to death!"

The passenger apologized and said he didn't realize that a little tap could scare him so much.

The driver replied, "You're right. I'm sorry, really it's not your fault.

Today is my first day as a cab driver. I've been driving a hearse for 25 years."

Motivational words from an AVON representative

2005-11-05T21:26:00.000-06:00

This was posted on an AVON representative forum and thought I would certainly share it with you all:

"La actitud es algo pequeno que hace una gran diferencia.si nosotros ponemos de nuestra parte pues no es cuestion de tener suerte ni de ser rico,todo lo podemos lograr si luchamos con perseverancia y paciencia."

or translated is:

"One's attitude is a small thing that can make a big difference if we do our part. It's not a matter of luck, nor of having wealth; we can achieve it all if we work hard with preserverance and patience."

Luz Villa, an Avon Representative in North Las Vegas

I certainly hope that everyone has a glorious day today!!!

:D

Did you remember to turn back time??

2005-10-30T09:16:00.000-06:00

Last night was the night you were to turn back time by one hour to meet the Daylight Savings Time standards. Did you remember to turn it back????

Trailer Hitch Plug-ins should be outlawed!

2005-10-29T17:19:00.000-05:00

Thursday night, I was going to a Circuit City; however, when I drove up in their parking lot , their lights were off. I walked between the front of my car and the car parked in front of mine and I was stabbed by the longhorn's horn because I didn't even see it to judge the distance of walking around it while attempting to walk to the storefront.

Yesterday, I visited my doctor and he apprised me that I did a good job in cleaning out the wound and dressing it, but he did agree that I should get a tetnus shot. The tetus shot was given to me yesterday, and today I am in additional pain from the soreness in my arm and a general achiness throughout my body.

Although I am a Texan through and through, the way these hitch plugs are designed, they are more of a weapon than not. It should be illegal to put a weapon like that on your vehicle!

Am I ready to sue? No, I am not that kind of a person. However, I have also taken a picture of their license plate and plan to send them a copy of my bill for the doctor visit and tetnus shot. Whether or not they will offer to reimburse me remains to be seen - however, bringing to their attention, should, at the very least, give them pause and reflection of changing their hitch to a less harmful of an object.

I will probably be bringing this to the attention of our lawmakers to see if something can be done legally to prevent future injuries. In the meantime, I would suggest that you pass along this post to your friends and family to let them know of the potential hazzards of the trailer hitch plugs!

Thank you...

Your friend

Whatcha going to be???

2005-10-24T15:36:00.000-05:00

It is nearly Halloween -- just a week away? I found this cool mask and boa that I think that I will incorporate into a costume of some sort. However, I would love to hear what you are going to be as well....

Just Curious...

Astros foregoing socks for the World Series????

2005-10-23T12:32:00.000-05:00

While I am all for the Astros being in the World Series -- after all, it is about time!!! -- they might have to just forego the white socks since the temperatures are dropping here in Texas!!! Maybe, just wearing the black socks????

Just curious......

Redneck yard?

2005-10-20T22:30:00.000-05:00

Was travelling along HWY 36 and drove by this home and just had to chuckle a bit. How many ice chests have you bought in the past? Have you kept every one that you owned???? How about this place...they are proud of their ownership of sooooo many ice chests!!!

:D

When was the last time you went to a drive-in?

2005-10-20T21:33:00.000-05:00

This one is still running in Gatesville off of HWY 36. I believe that there is still one running in San Antonio - the Mission Drive-In theatre.

One of my memories of the drive-ins was returning from the high school football game, along with other pep squad and cheerleaders and drill team members, having the bus driver stop the bus along West Avenue so that we could take a peek at the Jaws movie that was showing on the big screen. We had sooo much fun that night. Of course, there were a lot of angry parents who were impatiently waiting for our return to the high school parking lot; and, our bus driver was probably fired for doing that for us - but, that was a part of living on the edge in high school - right???

What was your favorite drive-in story????

Just curious...

Well, doesn't this just beat all....

2005-10-19T21:53:00.000-05:00

I got home today, checked my mail, and lo and behold there was a card from my cousin in Dallas! OMG....

I have heard of getting a jump on things, but seriously....

it isn’t even Halloween just yet. Holidays keep getting smaller and smaller distances between each of them, but I thought that there was still that unofficial hardfast rule that you, AT LEAST, wait until after Halloween to bring out about Christmas shopping and the like.

Traditionally, I have waited until Thanksgiving week to mail the Christmas/Hanakuh Cards to my families and friends.

What do you think? What would you think, if you were to receive a Christmas Card from your cousin today????

What is the acceptable ettiquette????

Just curious.....

Another storm brewing???

2005-10-17T20:56:00.000-05:00

According to the Yahoo Insider New's Article "Tropical Storm Wilma Forms in Caribbean", it appears that the Gulf Coast may end up getting another landing of a hurricane. At this point in time, it is too early to tell WHERE on the Gulf Coast it will hit, but projections look like it will be hitting somewhere between Texas and Florida.

This is marking one of the highest seasons over hurricane season ever. Some are attributing this and speculating that it may be due to the ozone/greenhouse effect issues.

What do you think??

Did you know that they will be going to the Greek Alphabet for the names of the storms after Wilma????

Besides those having been in sororities/fraternities before, can anyone recite the Greek Alphabet????

Just curious....

Cop Quotes!

2005-10-17T20:07:00.000-05:00

Someone sent me these series of quotes. Please take them in the humor that it was intended. :D

"The handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch out after you wear them awhile."

"If you run, you'll only go to jail tired."

"So, you don't know how fast you were going. I guess that means I can write anything I want on the ticket, huh?"

"Yes sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it will help. Oh, did I mention that I am the shift supervisor?"

"Warning! You want a warning? O.K., I'm warning you not to do that again or I'll give you another ticket."

"The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or dog?"

"Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster."

"Life's tough, it's tougher if you're stupid."

"In God we trust, all others are suspects."

"No sir, we don't have quotas anymore. We used to have quotas, but now we're allowed to write as many tickets as we want."

"Just how big were those two beers?"

Just in time for Boss's Day - October 18th

2005-10-17T01:55:00.000-05:00

I don't know if you have seen this yet....but, I though you might enjoy...

A Sales Rep, an Admin Clerk and their Manager are walking
to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp.

They rub it and a Genie comes out in a puff of smoke. The Genie
says, "I usually only grant three wishes, so I'll
give each of you just one."

"Me first! Me first!" says the Administration
Clerk. "I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat,
without a care in the world." Poof! She's gone.

In astonishment, "Me next! Me next!" says the
Sales Rep. "I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the
beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of pina
coladas and the love of my life." Poof! He's gone.

"You're next, " the Genie says to the Manager
. The Manager says, "I want those two back in the office
after lunch."

Moral of story: Always Let your Boss have the first say.

I did it!!!

2005-10-16T18:12:00.000-05:00

I submitted one essay and one sensual short story for contests. I have some other contests that I am gearing up for and putting my creativity hat on to do so.

Wish me luck!!! :)

New bus campaign in Austin

2005-10-16T13:21:00.000-05:00

This is great! I happend to get behind one of the Capitol Area Metro Buses and saw this poster image on the end and just had to laugh because it is such a great campaign in light of the higher gas prices—“Dump the Pump. Ride the Buses”. Not that it will sway me because I depend too much on my vehicle to get to ALL of the places I need to go to and would never complete my work, if I were to ride the bus everywhere.....

but for those needing to get from Point A to Point B, it is perfect for them to save not only on the gas aspects but on the wear and tear of the vehicle as well.

Just thought I would share this with you....

Volunteerism Recognition

2005-10-15T22:37:00.000-05:00

They are recognizing volunteers for their volunteerism through the logging in of volunteer hours on a web site: Network for Good with a Presidential Award (varies upon the number of hours of service).

I think that this is a viable way for some volunteers to get their recongnitions for their efforts. Some organizations will recognize their volunteers, but they will underestimate their truer value as some volunteers do not necessarily limit themselves to just the one organization - they are usually involved in the community in more than one aspect.

If you are a volunteer, I would urge you to log in your hours (if nothing else more than an amazement on how many hours you have spent volunteering for another cause). Should you know someone that volunteers their time to one or several organizations/causes, be sure to let them know of this site!!!

Favorite "bathroom reading material"???

2005-10-15T00:46:00.000-05:00

I was in a store tending to my merchandising bit when all of the sudden I saw two women being particular about whether to get the National Enquirer or not....

When I looked up from what I was doing, these women notice that I was looking at them and quickly explained that they couldn’t decide if her hubby had read that issue or not. The other woman stated that she is going to have to learn to ask her husband if she ever needed the latest scoop on the celebrities and those in the know!!

I remember my first husband always reading in the bathroom; worst than a woman spending so much time in the bathroom!!! My late husband didn’t quite spend so much time in the bathroom, but his enjoyment wasn’t reading so much as it was listening to NPR out on the patio - often with his earphones on so that he didn’t disturb the numbers.

Just curious -

1. If you are a man, are you guilty of reading in the bathroom at great lengths? and, if so, what is your preferred reading material????

2. If you are a woman, are you guilty of reading in the bathroom as well? and, if so, what is your preferred reading material????

For me, I was always anxious to leave some time to primp a little...and I never really enjoyed spending too long in the bathroom - any longer than necessary.

Have any funny stories????

To laugh or cry???

2005-10-14T22:08:00.000-05:00

It was a moment that I new was long time coming. I had been picked on by the staff b/c I say what is on my mind, I offer suggestions to do things better, and they feel that I am a threat to them...when, truly, I am not. I don’t believe in games and portray myself as a what you see what you get kind of gal. Trouble is that many people want to run things the way they see fit, and not necessarily the way that might be better. They were closed minded to my suggestions.

Today came the inevitable “I just don’t think that you are the right fit for us. You are a leader and not a follower; and, your position required to be a follower.”

Well, they probably hit the nail on the head. I have been frustrated by the lack of organizational skills, caring skills, etc. that they possess...and, they bounced back with things like I was crossing my boundaries by reading books to the kids on Christmas Eve while their parents were trying to wrap last minute gifts without them being under foot. If that is their best shot at me, then so be it.

LOL....

Besides, I was already answering to 6 entities. I didn’t really need them. In fact, I have probably outgrown my usefulness and it was truly time to move on.

Even so, I do have some mixed emotions as that was my stable job; one that I could count on giving me a stated number of hours each week and a reliable resource for my monthly income, albeit it wasn’t an income I could survive upon on its own.

Ever feel those emotions??? Wondering if you have made a good decision???? Wondering if you jumped too soon, or not soon enough????

I think we all think things like that while we come to various forks in the road in our lives....

it is but for us alone to make the decision to keep moving forward and never looking back on our decisions ....

and hope and pray for the best.

What are your thoughts?????

Just curious…

Seeing the light

2005-10-13T11:08:00.000-05:00

This can mean many things to many people. To me, as I saw this beautiful peeking of the sun I was driving towards on the way home last night, it means a anewing in an sense and a new direction for me. I have put a lot of the past behind me (ie my husband’s death albeit never forgotten) and I have been working hard to have some new beginnings throughout the past 3 years, which entailed moving back to Austin, working through the barriers of a teenager, creating new job focus as a result of my auto accident in Feb 2004, and so much more.

I have added new meaning to my life through changing of careers, allowing myself to work in professions which more truly reflect who I am as an individual, learning more about myself and others through blogging, started on some books that I hope to publish someday, etc. etc.

For others, seeing the light, can mean seeing their way through a lot of turmoil to a life without the turmoil and confusion; as well as many other things.

What does “seeing the light” mean for you? Have you seen the light yet; or, at least, on the road to seeing it come before you???

Just curious…

Is it true??? Men are like....

2005-10-11T11:18:00.000-05:00

Received this in my email today:

1. Men are like ....... Laxatives . ..... They irritate the shit out of you.

2. Men are like .. Bananas ..... The older they get, the less firm they are.

3. Men are like . Weather ..... Nothing can be done to change them.

4. Men are like ....... Blenders ... You need one, but you're not quite sure why.

5. Men are like ...... Chocolate Bars ... Sweet, smooth, & they usually head right for your hips.

6. Men are like . Commercials ..... You can't believe a word they say.

7. Men are like ...Department Stores ..... Their clothes are always 1/2 off.

8. Men are like ....... Government Bonds . .... They take soooooooo long to mature.

9. Men are like .... Mascara . They usually run at the first sign of emotion.

10. Men are like ....... Popcorn ..... They satisfy you, but only for a little while.

11. Men are like .... Snowstorms ..... You never know when they're coming, how many inches you'll get or how long it will last.

12. Men are like .Lava Lamps ... Fun to look at, but not very bright.

13. Men are like ...Parking Spots ....... All the good ones are taken, the rest are handicapped.

Is any of it true????

Just curious....

What do you notice first???

2005-10-10T18:46:00.000-05:00

Had a talk with my daughter the other day when she mentioned that she met this incredibly handsome man the other day.

Me: So, what color was his eyes?

Her: Ummm, don’t know.

Me: What about his hair?

Her: Have no idea.

Me: Was it straight or wavy?

Her: Wasn’t looking at that, Mom!

Me: Well.... were you just looking at the waist down????

Her: Mom! No.

Me: Then what did you find attractive about him?????

Her: His luscious lips. I just wanted to bite them!

Me: (laughing) So, you are into biting lips????

Her: Well, yes.

LOL.... It is amazing what attracts someone to take a double look at another and find some level of attraction. I would not, for example, get so driven on a set of lips. For me, it is what I see in the eyes (the sparkle, glistening and road to their soul), as well as a few other attributes that enable me to look again for the deeper soul of that man.

Too, I think for people around their 20’s, it is more about lust rather than true love and the deeper relationship than the surface. However, I think that there is still that something that gives one to give a second glance at someone.

What is that something for you??????

Just curious....

New Chief Justice - Decision Maker??

2005-10-09T02:09:00.000-05:00

I was just reading a story online, High Court Clashes Over Assisted Suicide, wherein it discusses the "New Chief Justice John Roberts stepped forward Wednesday as an aggressive defender of federal authority to block doctor-assisted suicide, as the Supreme Court clashed over an Oregon law that lets doctors help terminally ill patients end their lives".

I am encouraged by reading this story - not only because it seems that the new Chief Justice seems determined to make some long debated decisions in the Supreme Court, but also because he is concerned about the “uniformity of law” which touches on the inconsistancies of laws across this great nation.

Hopefully, the Supreme Court will actually put an end to some long waited decisions regarding various issues that have had people pulling towards both ends of the spectrums of opinions on the matters.

Do you have an opinion?
What do you think?

Look forward to hear from you....

Who created the term "erotic art"?

2005-10-07T11:05:00.000-05:00

It must have been a man. Why????

Because I have searched for erotic art examples and 8-9 times out of ten, they have all been “erotic art” pictures of women; and, an occasional 1-2 times out of ten, they have been pictures of couples However, I have yet to see “erotic art” pictures of just men.

The only explanation is that the term was actually created by a man and focused on the beauty of the woman. Can a man not be erotic and create an “erotic art” image as well????

Just curious....

That girl looks like trouble...

2005-10-01T21:49:00.000-05:00

off with her head! That is actually the caption of this cartoon; however, I think you might be able to come up with better captions.

What do you think????

Flight Plans

2005-10-01T21:26:00.000-05:00

In 2003, I was fortunate to be able to go on a trip to Guatemala that I loved. We arrived in Guatemala City safely then early the next morning we took off for Tikal Ruins. We road the airlines and encountered turbulance (we = the people I travelled with for the delegation from the Church group I went with). We felt the plane drop suddenly in the air and we found ourselves praying that we make it to the airstrip okay. We did and were so eternally grateful.

It was nothing like the Flight Plan movie with Jodie Foster. I hope that you get to see the movie. The movie’s plot is twisted enough that you have no idea until towards the end how it might end - at one point in the movie, you are wondering if she might be making everything up or dreaming this whole scheme and the heartwrenching emotions of losing a child were definately felt. I went to see the movie with my daughter tonight and she seemed to enjoy it as well, although she is into the much more scarier movies like the Saw 2 movie about to come out.

I think I would certainly like to have someone like Jodie’s character in the airplane with me who is that knowledgeable about the planes. Aside from flying back to Guatemala City from Tikal… and from Guatemala City to Houston when we were done with our 2 week trip in Guatemala, I haven’t flown much since then. It isn’t that I don’t want to; I just haven’t made much opportunity to fly with my working all the jobs that I do now.

I do so look forward to making additional travel arrangments soon (when my schedule balances out a bit). I have plans to go to Ecuador someday....maybe to some other states as well that I haven’t visited yet (mostly mid-central states). Any suggestions for some flight plans????

:D

Found: A confession????

2005-10-01T04:28:00.000-05:00

LOL....

Couldn’t pass this one up while reading some jokes in my email:

“well,..ive offically sunk to the lowest lol...when my bf of 7 years who lives with me is gone to work i invite my ex over make him dinner and we f*** all evening,.of course he has no idea my bf lives here,.i told him he moved out and hide all his stuff in the closet ...funny thing is i dont feel bad about it at all ,..i just think about f***ing my ex every chance i get ....what worries me is getting caught"

Dang.... talk about living life on the edge. I like having a little bit of edge in my life to make life interesting, but I could never do something like that extreme!!

Consulting benefits???

2005-10-01T03:50:00.000-05:00

Today, has certainly been an interesting day. It started early on in the day....

1. A friend of mine called at 7am this morning on her way to work venting about her employer stalking her, in a sense, by preventing her to move forward to move out in the field. She works for a home builder in Houston and works diligently and hard to accomplish her job goals for the employer, but, because she is a single Mom of two active boys, they view her as a casualty instead of an asset to being promoted to a field position. If they would just give her a chance… Actually, it isn’t so much her employer as it is her boss, who also told her that, if she were to leave the position that she had, she would have to find him a replacement and train that replacement. Even as hard as her boss is on her, he did give her the highest possible raise that he could give her; so, obviously, he does view her as an asset to the company to some degree! Anyhow, after I offered her some of my friendly advice, she asked me what time I had to go to work. I laughed and told her that I was getting off at 8am; I had been at work since 6pm last night!!! Even so though, I did have 3 stores to merchandise today, among other things on my agenda. She just said, “I just don’t know how you do it!!” Can’t share all my secrets, can I???? LOL....

2. Another friend of mine called and stated that he had been to one of those kiosk where you apply for a position at a department store. He really wants to be able to work at that store, but couldn’t get past the application process in order to get a foot in the door with the interview. In fact, he said that both of his parents took it as well and couldn’t get past the application process either. When he told me that, I thought to myself that this is a scary thought - there must be something wrong with the entire family!! lol… In fact, I might have jokingly told him so. Anyhow, he calls me today and attempts to take the test/application again. This time, he asks if he can have about 30 minutes of my time. I told him sure...I am good at multitasking. Later he calls me and asks me some of the questions on the test (some of the questions that weren’t a “no brainer” type of question). So, as I am merchandising at one store, he is calling me from their competitor store asking me those questions and I was to answer only - Totally Agree, Agree, Disagree, or Totally Disagree. He took what I answered into consideration and completed the test. He got a interview finally with this company scheduled for this weekend and, with all of his excitement, he asked how he could reward me. I told him (this time I was in my car), he could take me out to a dinner and a movie, then f*** me! He laughed. He said, obviously, the weather was clear and sunny!!! lol....

3. Went to the bank too and opened up a free business bank account so that I can be able to take advantage of some of the tax benefits of some expense write offs, etc. with my contracting jobs that I have. The bank officer asked me if I had a DBA (doing business as) name. I told her that I didn’t, but legally I don’t think that I actually need one so long as I use my name in the name of the business. She stated that she wasn’t certain about that and she would have to look up the requirements of the business account. I smiled at her and said, “You don’t believe me. That’s okay, I’ll wait while you look it up.” While she was looking it up, I took out my personal check book and added in some notations of expenses that I did that day on my debit card, took a call from my college and one from my daughter, and the bank officer finally said, “You are absolutely correct!” Like music to my ears!!! cheese “Now, what would you like to name it????” Well, I made it simple with my last name, followed by “Consulting”. I told her that it would leave it generalized enough that I wouldn’t have to limit my business to just merchandising/mystery shopping/etc. contracts. Teasingly, I also told her that it might allow me to charge for advice that I give my friends and family!!! She started laughing too...and stated that it would leave it open for many possibilities.

What possibilities do you think that it could be??????

Just curious....

Certainly one way to stand out...

2005-10-01T02:17:00.000-05:00

LOL… I just had to share this with you all. I came across this in my email and had to laugh a bit because everyone is always looking for a way to be different and clever with their resume so that they stand out amongst the hundreds of resumes an employer might receive in consideration of a single position. Hope you will enjoy it as well!

Transparent Folks???

2005-09-28T21:48:00.000-05:00

Strange thing happend to me over the last couple of days. I stopped by my bank on Monday to make a much needed deposit in my bank account. As I was pulling out of the driveway of the bank, I noticed this man pushing a cart that looked a like Larry - you know? Dharma’s father on the Dharma and Greg show???? Excepting he was a lot tanner, a more healthier trimmer person, and the hair was a definate gray and well kept (albeit long). Too, the clothes on the man looked in good shape and I wondered about him and what his story was.

Well, today on the way home from my daytrip excursion in the country (and blown out tire, but that is a whole ‘nother story!)...

I was driving in the right hand lane of the westward bound of HWY 290 when I thought I saw something in my lane ahead of me, moving towards me—and, it didn’t look like a vehicle.

As I quickly approached this vision ahead of me, I had to swerve into the next lane to the left to avoid hitting him and his cart. As I was passing him up, I was seeing this very same man walking eastbound in the lane I had been driving in. I nearly ran off the highway myself envisioning and allowing my mind to wander as I wondered about the story behind this man.

I almost turned around, but I realized how totally exhausted I was and knew that I just needed to get home before I continued to run off of the highway. Sometimes, things are just meant to wonder about.

I imagine that he was one of the displaced, lost souls heading back home to somewhere along the Texas-Louisiana coastline...but, it was strange to me that I would encounter him not only once in this town where there are many transients who appear to be transparent people to the majority of the people in this town - but, I ran across him twice. Hmmmm....

There must be a story in here somewhere.....

What do you suppose it is???

TxRose

Forensic Psychology!

2005-09-27T09:44:00.000-05:00

Last April, I graduated with a Criminal Justice Associates Degree. At that time, the only options available were the avenues of corrections officer, security officer, or law enforcement officer - none of which I had really wanted to concentrate it truly. As a result, I moved to the Paralegal Studies house to get a concentration in Mediation on top of my paralegal background and experience, as well as certificate. The transiition didn’t go smoothly because I was having to take some of the same courses that I had taken throughout the years (it seems that I have gone to college for-ever!).

Got a call though back from the Criminal Justice side of the house and they now offer a concentration in forensic psychology. Perfect!!

They tout is as being an avenue to “Learn the value of psychology within the context of the criminal justice system. In this program, you will enhance your ability to identify and interact with mentally ill individuals, intervene in crisis situations, and understand the impact of crime on its victims and the community.” Well, hello????? That is perfect!!! I am the VP-PR for a mental illness awareness non-profit organization, I have been involved with crisis situations in the domestic violence shelter that I work at, and dealt with victims of crimes as an advocate through CASA, GAL, Family Eldercare, etc. It would seem that this concentration has been tailored for me in mind.

“As a graduate, you may qualify for advanced positions within police departments and law enforcement agencies, as well as opportunities in social services and the judicial system.” Again. Hello??? LOL.... I am volunteering with a police station already and the work at the shelter is considered a social services avenue as well. How perfect can that be?????

I am so psyched!!!! The new classes for me would start in November and I can hardly wait!!!!

I go forth in this new day feeling like I finally have a true direction to follow - at least, insofar as the education goes!! lol… Perhaps, everything else will soon fall into place???

Smile Factors! :D

2005-09-26T17:29:00.000-05:00

1. Over 92% of the American population gains first impressions based on one’s smile cheese :D

2. Smiling releases endorphins and makes us feel better cheese :)

3. Even ‘faking’ a smile can lead to feeling happier cheese :)

4. A newborn shows a preference for a smiling face over a non-smiling face cheese :)

5. A smiling person is judged to be more pleasant, attractive, sincere, sociable, and competent than a non-smiling person cheese :)

Soooo....

who have you smiled at lately?????

KATRINA & RITA - Prayers for the homebound!

2005-09-26T12:21:00.000-05:00

Many of the evacuees have been travelling last night and today to their homes where they were evacuated from. For some, they are thankful that the storms didn't touch them; for others, they are thankful that they weren't there in the storm once they see what is left of their business or home.

I reach out my arms....
and extend my love, as well as His love and warmth exuding from his arms as He wraps His arms around each and every lost soul...

making their way back to their homes.

May they find peace and patience as they rebuild their lives and their community. May the lights shine upon them and bring them new life and energy to persevere through the process of making things new or, at least, as they were again.

May they soon hear the joy and laughter that they heard before the cries of the storms and feel their lives being uplifted through their experiences.

May they find strength from the passing of the eye of the storm, giving them endurance to move forward in their lives.

May the process be not a long, hard journey to explore and the friends of the community reach in to help them expedite the process of the rebuilding.

In His name, I pray...

Amen.

Talkie, talkie!

2005-09-24T21:50:00.000-05:00

Besides blogging… ever have those days that you just didn’t want to talk much - lots of rest and relaxation and little talk because all you do all week long is talk????

Tonight, my friend’s son has his brother over here, along with his brother’s g/f, her friend (who is friend’s son g/f), and another guy and his g/f, along with my own daughter who is getting right in the middle of them all talking their heads off! lol.....

It is nice to see them but they all had to talk for-ever.... now, they are doing their own thing - watching a movie on the tv and leaving me be!!! :D

Ahhhh… ohhhh well. Love them here, just in the mood for some peace and quiet....

LOL.... Maybe someday I will get that; but, by the time I do, I will probably wish they were all right here. LOL Ironic isn’t it??? So, I guess I’ll just sit back and enjoy it while I can!!!

Missing Most from Guatemala

2005-09-24T16:16:00.000-05:00

. . . are the smiles of the people there, especially the children.

So many people take for granted the materialistic things and forget often that what is truly important about oneself is their own soul. If they are not happy with themselves, they will rarely be happy. . .

and, one of the best ways to determine if someone is happy with themselves is by the size of their smile. The people in Guatemala, despite the autrocities of still recovering some from a 36-yr civil war, are happy that they are able to finally move forward with their lives, albeit with some stumbling blocks along the way - which, if you think about it, doesn't every one generally have some sort of stumbling blocks to cross - unless they do not move an inch.

I dream of someday being able to go back there, as well as visit other Central/South American countries. In the meantime, their smiles are some of my inspirations because it reflects their strength and ambition to move forward through their lives. In the wakes of some storms, I am sure everyone could use some degrees of inspirations. Isn't her smile contagious?????

No Rain Here

2005-09-24T14:13:00.000-05:00

Last night I got home around midnight and a local station was blurting that the wind was picking up. I stepped out of my truck anticipating strong winds and I was surprised by a normal light breeze that is typical for the Austin area.

This morning I am waking up (a bit late in the day mind you) but the sun is shining, no rain, and very little wind. I was supposed to attend a training class for victim’s advocacy today (first of three days) and nothing.

I suppose that, if we do get any effects from Rita, it may occur tomorrow with lots of rain while I am working on my 24hr shift, which will be okay. I don’t mind the rain here. I have lived in the Austin area for more than 20 years now and we rarely get affected from the storms, other than some rainfall, which is very much needed for our area right now.

I haven’t moved around much - checked out the news, etc. Rita was supposed to have reached landfall around 4-5am this morning. I hope and pray that there wasn’t much devastation and Rita decided to keep downgrading from what she was doing yesterday. That would certainly be a blessing for everyone concerned; the last thing that Louisianna needs right now is any degree of additional devastation.

Just finished a download (it hit a snag last night, so I retried it this morning—errr, afternoon) of the Corel Paint Shop and experimented a little this morning with the flower picture. This software package is ohhhh sooo much more sophisticated than my photo editors that I had on my computer. The sky is limitless with this software, at least in comparison to what I had. I can see that I can easily get wrapped up in experimenting more with this software in the days to come.

In the meantime, I guess it is time to move away from my computer sitting by my bedroom window and get some things actually accomplished for the day (what a concept!) although just sitting here feels nice after putting in more than 100 hours of work between Sunday and Thursday. Today is a well deserved day of rest!!!

Hope all is well with the rest of the world as I continue to get some sleep out of my eyes, looking at hopping in a hot shower to refresh myself, and tackle the astrocities that may be at my apartment. More soon....

Laters....

Dang Hurricane Rita

2005-09-23T23:18:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been interesting few weeks. When Hurricane Katrina hit the Lousiana area and affected New Orleans so drastically upon the levee breaking, Austin has been seeing a ton of evacuees from the storms. Yesterday, we were seeing the next flood of evacuees coming in from Houston on up through the Corpus Christi area.

With the evacuees, traffic problems occurred and we are having to plan our days even better. Schools are closed for the day in the area to help allieviate some of the traffic problems. The gas, which had finally seen a low of $2.54/gallon after the Katrina days, is on the rise once again. Would you believe that they had to call out for tankers to deliver to gas to the evacuees as they were running out of gas on the highways, doubling the normal otherwise 2-4 hour trek, sometimes trippling it. Hotels are filled to the brim.

Word is that if it was hitting Galveston (my birthplace) at a category 5, Austin would feel some ramifications at it with a Category 1 and San Antonio, my home town, would have been hit with a Category 2. Much rather the 1 or 2, but I would be greatly saddened by the loss of Galveston, if that were indeed to occur.

Fortunately (or unfortunately for others), it looks like it is taking a more eastwardly direction towards the Texas-Lousiana border, which is also bad for New Orleans because if they haven’t had time to get their levee back to 100%, they may see additional devastation. I am trying to keep posted though.

We in Austin, are okay though, eventhough we are greatly impacted by the cell phone lost of services yesterday, and many of the deliveries for businesses here are not getting their deliveries because they come through the port of Houston - and Houston had a mandatory evacuation yesterday. Businesses have stopped. I told my security boss, when he mentioned that we weren’t going to need some officers at one location because they aren’t able to get the construction and setup supplies from Houston to continue one site over the weekend, to look at it as a positive because it will be a break for our guards there - their assignment is 6 days/week for more than 45 days straight - and it may mean that the contract is extended if the impact is greater in the end.

At any rate, I talked to my daughter yesterday to make sure that she is remaining at an even keel because when we lived in South Carolina she would get swept up into the matter of things. So far, she is remaining calm and we are okay.

If Rita takes another turn and hits Galveston at a Category 5, or west of that, I may be going to San Antonio to help my family with anything that they are affected by; however, with only an anticipated Category 2, that shouldn’t be too much.

If I hear differently, I’ll let you know.

Good thing is....

I am off for Friday and Saturday from all of my jobs!!! Talk to you all more soon....

Good Things - Bad Things Game

2005-09-21T18:30:00.000-05:00

We all play the game as children. One starts off with a comment, the other says, “That is good”. Then the first one states, “No, that is bad because...”. Do you remember it???

It certainly came to my mind this morning as I arrived home and awoke in my car this morning…

GOOD: I have put in more than 40 hours of work between all of my jobs this week so far.

BAD: When I got off of one job, I was so tired that I wasn’t sure how I got home.

GOOD: I did get home though.

BAD: I fell asleep for just a “few moments” because I was so drained.

GOOD: I did wake up and go upstairs to my apartment.

BAD: I fell asleep again as soon as I saw my bed.

GOOD: I got some well deserved and sound sleep for a change.

BAD: I was late for my next job.

GOOD: I saved some lives of kids by giving them lectures about running around and underneath an 18 wheeler!

BAD: They are going to be reported on by the Police Department and their school principal.

GOOD: Perhaps, they will learn their lessons and live a long life.

ANYHOW, you get the drift.... and a description of part of my day so far. I am off and running to my next job, albeit a little better rested.

Looking forward to hearing your comments.....

and some good things/bad things that have been happening along your way.

We blog weblogs, but why do you blog???

2005-09-19T15:43:00.000-05:00

A good point was brought up about blogosophy on a other blog site....and questioned why we blogged, to which I stated:

“I like to share things that include observations about stuff… including, but not limited to, observations about humanity and humanistic characteristics/concerns. Sometimes, it includes a little venting to get something that is bothering off of my mind, or at least find an answer to my dilemna somewhere in the depths of the comments. Sometimes, it is just a comment here and there about something that just tickled my fancy...and I was hoping that it would also tickle yours!!”

But, why DO you blog?
Have you been blogging long?
Do you blog on other sites?

Tell me more, tell me more…

Limbs, limbs, limbs

2005-09-19T10:24:00.000-05:00

Growing up, myself and my siblings all had chores and responsibilities to make sure that the house kept in tip-top shape.

Besides pulling weeds from the flower and garden beds, my responsibility insofar as the outdoors, I was responsible for maintaining the trimming of the trees and shrubberies. That is why it is so very irritating to me to see that some trimming needs to be done, especially when I am at a location where I am there often and there is no one maintaining those responsibilities – such as the shelter where I work 24 hrs on Sundays and 14 hrs on Thursdays.

I was raised to where, if you saw something that needed to be done, do it – which is so different from the majority of kids being raised these days. At any rate, I have been restraining myself from doing the trimming because the day staff kept saying that they had someone to do it.

Eventually, last Sunday I lost my patience because the limbs were so long that you had to walk around them to walk forward through the driveway or parking lot and they dragged on the top of cars trying to park underneath the shade. Finally, I found a pruning shear that I could use, but rather late in the evening and I went outside to prune away some limbs above the driveway. Because it was so late in the evening, I didn’t get around to picking up the limbs and throwing them away; I merely scooted them in a pile and out of the way of people walking.

Today, I picked up those limbs and moved to another area in desperate need of some limbs being pruned back so that cars could safely park under that tree in the parking lot without the limbs scratching the tops of the cars. In the process of picking up those limbs, I had twisted my back and was in sheer pain.

Because I am the only staff member on duty for 24hrs, I can’t leave the site to retrieve the medicine; however, a lady that volunteers to take some residents to Church on Sundays was ever so helpful in getting me some back pain medicine for me. Thank goodness. I couldn’t imagine going 24hrs today with that intensity of pain.

The good news is that the fruits of my labors were appreciated by the residents today and stated that the site looks better for my efforts. Although, the pain medicine isn’t working fast enough, there is gratification knowing that they do appreciate my efforts.

I am looking at the window and see more limbs to trim back and prune. Hopefully, I will have my own shears with me next Sunday, which are much more conducive to doing a great job without twisting the back from lifting heavy pruning shears above my head. I am ancy. I want to do it now; however, I know that I should let my back pain subside and heal. It will certainly wait until next week; the odds of someone else volunteering to do it will be slim to none!

I will probably get into trouble for doing what I did; however, it had to be done and no one was making any efforts to do it for themselves. Oh, well. I feel better that it is done and the residents do appreciate it as well – which is one of the reasons we are here (to aid the residents in their road of recovery from the cycle of abuse).

Do you ever feel compelled to do a job that remains to be done?
Do you ever feel that the chores and responsibilities you had as a child have carried over to what you do as an adult?
Do you ever feel that people would rather walk in a mess of things rather than to do something to fix a situation?
What have you done to ensure that things are done which aren’t being done for whatever reason?
Do you tend to get in trouble for going beyond your call of duty?

Starbucks

2005-09-19T10:01:00.000-05:00

Yes, it is true, it is bigger and better in Texas. For the Starbucks in Temple, Texas, this is true too in that it sports one of the largest signs for their Starbucks (probably because it is along the highway).

While there, I bought a Toffee Nut Latte and an Oatmeal Raisin Cookie for a break along my trip. On the cup, it sported a message:

The Way I See It #31

Risk-taking, trust, and serendipity
Are key ingredients of joy. Without
Risk, nothing new ever happens.
Without trust, fear creeps in.
Without serendipity,
There are no surprises.

- Rita Golden Gelman

Author of Tales of a Female
Nomad. She has had no permanent
Address since 1986.

While Starbucks has a disclaimer that this “is the author’s opinion, not necessarily that of Starbucks”, it certainly does hold a lot of meaning towards risk-taking. Not many people are willing to take risks. Being nomadic is certainly a risk; I am not so certain that I could live without an address or home to return to eventually (even if I don’t return to it every evening with my work schedule). Having a home to return to is certainly a comfort zone for me, and many others throughout the world.

This writing on the cup certainly gave me lots to think about along my trip. I have probably taken more risks than many others in my lifetime – telling off the owner of a rather large computer corporation, working in a variety of industries, having my daughter despite the fact that my husband didn’t want any children, raising my daughter as a single parent for most of my life, studying to change my career to Legal Assistant/Paralegal in 1991 and, in 2003, returning to college to obtain a degree in Criminal Justice for another change in my career directions, offering my opinions and suggestions at work (to some people this might not be a risk, but, if you knew one of my employers, you would certainly be agreeing me on this one), and so ever much more.

I seem to thrive on risks so long as I have some consistencies to ground me – a home to return to, my daughter being there, some trees around me, friends and family to talk to, abilities to help others, drives to the countryside for some rest & relaxation, etc. With these groundings, I allow no fears to creep in my world.

I am interested in seeing what my next Starbuck’s cup will say!!! Hopefully, I won’t have to drive to the Starbuck’s in Temple, Texas, every time to get these cups with messages, albeit I do make it that way every other week.

How good are you at taking risks?
What are your groundings that you have in life?
Do you like surprises?

P.S. To read or respond to their “Way I See It” messages on their cups, go to "Starbucks' Way I See It.

Is it shyness or just all talk???

2005-09-18T07:34:00.000-05:00

There is a man who states that he is so easy to find when I come blazing through his town; however, each time I blaze through there, I try to call him and the message states, "The Nextel subscriber cannot be reached at this time."

I am beginning to wonder if he is live or memorex....

if under that so fascinating exterior is only a front for a very shy fellow....

or, just a figment of my imagination!!!!

Long time ago, I rescued a black cat from a couple who had been abusing him. The whole time that I had the cat, "Kidder" would hide under my husbands and my bed. When friends and family came over, they really didn't believe that I had a black cat. Of course, when I told them to look under our bed, they wouldn't see the black cat in the darkness, unless its green eyes were looking straight at them. My Mom insisted that the black cat was only a figment of my imagination.

I am beginning to think that this guy, albeit he IMs me often, is more talk than action, and when he invites me to stop by and visit him, he seriously might not really mean it.

I can't stand people like that. I am a geniune person and when I invite people, I am thoroughly sincere about that. I have country roots and you would be very much out of place if you didn't follow through with your word.

Anyhow..... in two weeks, I'll be blazing through that town again. I may give him one last chance to show his face and let me know that he truly is a real person.....

Although he is a handsome fellow, I won't be pushy or rude to him. I just would like for some nice conversation on my merchandising tour of the rural communities every other week to break up the long road trip. However.... if anything more develops from it, then we would deal with that later. Just a good cup of coffee and conversation is all that I am asking for.

Cyclic Cycles

2005-09-17T21:36:00.000-05:00

Life is cyclic
With every birth there is a death
With every death there is a birth

Abuse is cyclic
With every abuse there is a survivor
With every survivor there is abuse

Education is cyclic
With every educator there is a student
With every student there is an educator

Law is cyclic
With every legislator there are laws
With every law there are legislators

Motion is cyclic
With every motion is a new motion
With every new motion is a motion

Behavior is cyclic
With every behavior is a reaction
With every reaction is a behavior

Advocacy is cyclic
With every advocate is a cause
With every cause is an advocate

Cycle is cyclic
With every cycle is a movement
With every movement is a cycle

Amazing…

The cyclic world of cycles!

When is control too much???

2005-09-17T21:32:00.000-05:00

The other day, I had the pleasure of talking to a small town police officer who truly wanted to understand more. We found ourselves debating a bit about civil v. criminal law aspects, as well as when the police should become involved.

Of course, you know that I am opinionated and freely offered my opinion (of course, in a very nice way). ;)

A woman from a Central/South American country has been in the United States for about 3 years and her child remain in that country while she is forming a life here with her new husband. He, though, is very controlling and holds things against her; tonight, he tore up her green card as yet one other act of controlling. This is, though, typical of those who some of the Americans who marry foreigners by holding their past against them and maintaining control of their relationship as a result, unfortunately. It is similar when two American spouses get into arguments and they know the trigger points of the other to escalate the situation into a worse situation.

The officer maintained that there wasn’t anything he could do because there was no crime committed. I informed him of some of the immigration protection laws and he still insisted that he couldn’t arrest this man; therefore, there was no police involvement. He felt that he was riding a gray line because he wanted to, as a Christian, help them.

I told him that, if we were able to get a woman to the shelter, we have resources here to help empower her to make a better decision insofar as being able to take control of the situation herself and move forward with her life. Sometimes, the immigrant woman will end up going back to the spouse controlling her; however, she does so in a more informed situation and is empowered to do more for herself and not allow herself to be entirely controlled by another person. When another person controls a person to the degree that these spouses tend to control their immigrant spouse, in any other situation it would be clearly emotional abuse and very inhumane.

Education is a key. I have offered to talk to him again and discuss the options further. We’ll see.

In the meantime, it is my hope and dream that people can freely live in an environment where they are not so severely controlled by another person, as well as learn to work together in a teamwork environment for a better America.

(Ok. I am stepping off of my soapbox for now!!)

Reaching Hands

2005-09-17T21:29:00.000-05:00

When I was young…
I reached for the hand of my Grandma as she read to me from her Bible in preparation of the Sunday School Lessons she was teaching the next day;
I reached for the hand of my Grandpa as he fed the cattle and we fished at the tank on the property while he was trying to survive seeming un-curable ailments;
I reached for the hand of my Great-Grandma as she tended to her gardens;
I reached for the hand of my Grandmother as she recovered from a stroke remembering the times we had at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm;
I reached for the hand of my Grandfather as he took us to Church in our Easter dresses and the basket purses that he purchased for us following a day at the auctions that he took upon the role of an auctioneer;
I reached for the hand of my Mother who inspired my creativity;
I reached for the hand of my Father who taught me patience;
I reached for the hands of the children in my neighborhood as I helped them learn to read and play with them;

When I got older…
I reached for the hand of my second cousin who lost her mother to alcoholism;
I reached for the hand of my second cousin who is mentally retarded and lost both of her parents;
I reached for the hand of my Cousin who recovers from a brain aneurysm;
I reached for the hands of the mentally ill and advocated for their needs;
I reached for the hands of the disabled and elderly and advocated for their needs;
I reached for the hands of the abused, neglected or abandoned children and advocated for their needs;
I reached for the hands of my friends and family and pray for them each day;
I reached for the hands of victims of domestic violence and abuse and empowered them to move forward;
I reached for the hands of my daughter and her friends and help to guide them along their pathways of growing up;

As I get older…
I reach for the hands of those mentioned above and continue my advocacies;
I reach for the hands of the leaders to help inform them of changes that need to occur;
I reach for the hands of God and hope and pray for peace among the Nations;
I reach for the hands of my deceased relatives for continued guidance as my guardian angels;
I reach for the hands of others to join me in a world of justice and peace;

I reach for the hands;

Could the next hand I reach for be yours???

I have a dream. . .

2005-09-17T21:26:00.000-05:00

Martin Luther King was once credited with stating, “I have a dream…”. He dreamt of people of all nationalities and races getting along with one another. Since the 1960’s, we have certainly come a long, long ways. We don’t necessarily have a separation of blacks and whites; it isn’t as simple as all that.

However, my dream is a bit different…

I dream that people can get along better without any emotional or physical abuse, neglect, or abandonment. I want to help them have a space for recovery and healing, as well as establishing a sense of safety for them.

I dream of a team of advocates coming together to make this work, as well as support from the surrounding community – the police, hospitals, employers, etc.

I dream of a place for this to happen; however, what holds me back is the available funding. So, I also dream of funding to make my dreams possible.

I believe that everyone has a right to be treated as a human being and an equal; no one should have more control than the other (especially to the point to that the scales of justice are tipped unfavorably to any one person).

I believe in empowering people to move forward on their own with resources at hand.

I believe in making it possible for people to achieve their dreams.

I just yearn for the means to make it happen some day.

Hear it on the radio, this morning

2005-07-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

Heard this on the radio this morning, grabbed them off the net after googlizing it... and had to share it with you folks as well as we head into the 4th of July weekend!!! Enjoy....

The following words were spoken by the late Red Skelton on his television program as he related the story of his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day.

Now, more than ever, listen to the meaning of these words.

"I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you.

If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"

I

me, an individual, a committee of one.

Pledge

dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.

Allegiance
my love and my devotion.

To the flag

our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever

she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given

her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!

United

that means that we have all come together.

States

individual communities that have united into 48 great states.

Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and

purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to

a common purpose, and that's love for country.

And to the republic

a state in which sovereign power is

invested in representatives chosen by the

people to govern. And government is the people

and it's from the people to the leaders, not from

the leaders to the people.

For which it stands, one nation

one nation, meaning "so

blessed by God"

Indivisible
incapable of being divided.

With liberty

which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's

own life without threats, fear or some sort of

retaliation.

And Justice

the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.

For all

which means, boys and girls, it's as much your

country as it is mine.

***~~**~~***

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country

and two words have been added to the pledge of Allegiance...

UNDER GOD

Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said

that is a prayer

and that would be eliminated from schools too?

God Bless America!

Awesome, isn't it????

Domestic Violence - not an archaic caveman thought still

2005-06-22T12:45:00.000-05:00

While domestic violence was probably very prevalient during the caveman days (and not talked about too much), it is still a heated topic by many today.

I answer hotline calls, work at a DVSA (domestic violence/sexual assault) shelter, and call victims back from the police department. It is remarkable how significant that this crime still exists today -- no matter how hard we try to prevent it from occurring.

I am still, though, encouraged to continue trying because it is that one person who will restate things that they have heard back to you -- much of it from the stats and information we try to get out to the general public about the significance of DV crimes today. It brings a smile to me in hearing them repeat some of the things that we have been saying out there because, at least, I know that they are listening to the words -- even if they haven't taken action upon it.

One step at a time!!!

A rather relaxing day, the day before Father's Day!

2005-06-18T18:36:00.000-05:00

It has been a rather relaxing day today....

got on the computer to work on various projects -- school, blogger site, another blog site, emails, etc., etc.

had a bowl of fresh gumbo with my Mom and visited her one on one

went to the parent's pool to clean the pool, swim in it, read & sun nearby the pool

got back on the computer to finish up a few more items b/4 my Dad got back home (it is his computer)

when Dad got back home with my daughter, we made brownies for tomorrow, ate more gumbo, went on a corn husking mission (he had brought home some fresh ears of corn)

later played scrabble with Mom and daughter while Dad rested in front of his tv in the Den....

What a nice relaxing day.....

a day before the storm where my nieces and nephews will be coming over to visit their PopPop on Father's Day!!! :D

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL.....

The Drug Problem in America

2005-06-18T12:55:00.000-05:00

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, ''Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?''

I replied: I had a drug problem when I was young:
I was drug to church on Sunday morning.

I was drug to church for weddings and funerals.

I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.

I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.

I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did
not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profane four-letter word.

I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields.

I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood;

and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.

~author unknown~

SINGLE WOMAN's PRAYER

2005-05-12T17:59:00.000-05:00

In a time of dating, one can always hope and pray....

SINGLE WOMAN's PRAYER

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray for a man, that's not a creep.
One who's handsome, smart and strong.
He's not afraid to admit when he's wrong.
One who thinks before he speaks.
When he promises to call, he doesn't
wait 6 weeks.

I pray that he is gainfully employed.
Won't lose his cool when he's annoyed.
Pulls out my chair and opens my door.
Massages my back and begs to do more.

Oh! Send me a man who will make love to my mind.
Knows what to say when I ask:
"How fat is my behind."

One who'll make love til my body's a'itchin'.
He brings ME a sandwich too when he's
in the kitchen.

I pray that this man will love me to no end.
And would never compare me to my best friend.

Thank You in advance and now I'll just wait,
for I know You will send him
before it's too late.

Amen.

(unknown author)

Secrets of Anti-Aging

2005-05-04T17:36:00.000-05:00

We all wish we could find that fountain of youth that would make us look young for-ever. If anyone has truely found that fountain of youth, it remains to be seen. In the movie Cocoon (does anyone else remember that movie), they were experimenting with secrets of the fountain of youth so-to-speak; however, I think that what they really discovered is that you are never too old to live young.

My Grandfather lived until he was 96. He divorced my Mom's Mother when my Mom was only 6 years old -- back in the day that people didn't get divorces as a rule. And, I don't exactly know how many times he had remarried (never having other children beyond that first marriage), but I would venture to guestimate that he might have been married as many as twelve times -- even that might be a low guestimate, because as he got older his wives kept dying on him and he outlived them all. Sort of funny when you think about it. I never got to know him as well as my grandparents on my father's side, but I did admire his zest for life.

My mother up until about a year ago when she broke her hipped remained looking like she was 29; I am hoping that I will continue looking younger than I am for as long as she has, or longer.

Part of my daily rituals is not wearing a lot of makeup (both of my sisters tend to overdo it, although they are wising up to it), excepting just enough to cover those awful gliches in the skin -- and pampering it with lotion and oils (nothing too fancy). In fact the guy I have dated a few times mentioned that most women would bring over some girly stuff and I don't seem to. I think that I have him puzzled. Should I keep him that way??? hee hee.....

Anyhow... I was wondering if you might have any sort of rituals that you do to keep yourself young looking, or at least just feeling young??? What is your secret?????

He Said/She Said

2005-05-03T17:34:00.000-05:00

He said . . . I don't know why you wear a bra; you've got nothing to put in it.
She said . . . You wear pants don't you?

He said . . . Shall we try swapping positions tonight?
She said . . . That's a good idea - you stand by the ironing board while I sit on the sofa.

He said . . . What have you been doing with all the grocery money I gave you?
She said . . . Turn sideways and look in the mirror!

On a wall in a ladies room ... "My husband follows me everywhere"
Written just below it . . . . . . " I do not"

Q. How many honest, intelligent, caring men in the world does it take to do the dishes?
A. Both of them.

Q. How does a man show that he is planning for the future?
A. He buys two cases of beer.

Q. What is the difference between men and government bonds?
A. The bonds mature.

Q. Why are blonde jokes so short?
A. So men can remember them.

Q. How many men does it take to change a roll of toilet paper?
A. We don't know; it has never happened..

Q. What do you call a woman who knows where her husband is every night?
A. A widow.

Q. Why are married women heavier than single women?
A. Single women come home, see what's in the fridge and go to bed. Married women come home, see what's in bed and go to the fridge.

Q. What is the one thing that all men at singles bars have in common?
A. They're married.

Man says to God: "God, why did you make woman so beautiful?"
God says: "So you would love her."
"But God," the man says, "why did you make her so dumb?"
God says: "So she would love you."

(*ps: Hope the picture makes it in he

45 Things to be Grateful For...

2005-05-03T17:33:00.000-05:00

1. Falling in love.

2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.

3. A hot shower.

4. No lines at the supermarket

5. A special glance.

6. Getting mail

7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.

8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.

9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.

10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.

11. Chocolate milkshake. (or vanilla or strawberry!)

12. A bubble bath.

13. Giggling.

14. A good conversation.

15. The beach

16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.

17. Laughing at yourself.

19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.

20. Running through sprinklers.

21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.

22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.

23. Laughing at an inside joke.

24. Friends.

25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.

26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.

27. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).

28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.

29. Playing with a new puppy.

30. Having someone play with your hair.

31. Sweet dreams.

32. Hot chocolate.

33. Road trips with friends.

34. Swinging on swings.

35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.

36. Making chocolate chip cookies.

37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.

38. Holding hands with someone you care about.

39. Running into an old friend and realizing
that some things (good or bad) never change.

40. Watching the _expression on someone's face
as they open a much desired present from you.

41. Watching the sunrise.

42. Getting out of bed every morning and
being grateful for another beautiful day.

43. Knowing that somebody misses you.

44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.

45. Knowing you've done the right thing,
no matter what other people think.

Sorry. I would add one more -- writing blogs!!!

Any others that you might want to add??????

A patio with a view...

2005-05-02T17:39:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but a backyard patio with a view is something to strive for.

Year round I get to hear and see little leaguers play outside of my patio balcony overlooking their diamonds. If I turn out my lights and open the window blinds, it is as bright and clear as it might be if you were watching it on tv, only stretched out to the size of a mini movie screen. I feel very lucky and often turn off sounds in my apartment (radio, stereo, and tv -- and friend's son's PS2) and just listen to the sounds of the bats cracking against the balls, the people cheering their teams onward, and the PA announcing sales on hotdogs, donuts, t-shirts (or whatever their pleasure). It is nice to wake up to on Saturday mornings as they get an early start in the day and the PA broadcasts the National Anthem. I missed the days that I was once on the Board for the little league in Sommerville SC as my daughter went through a few seasons of playing softball.

In the past, I have also chosen houses with gardens galore (palm trees, greenery, fountains, treefrogs, fig or pear or orange trees, daisies and roses, etc, etc), etc.

There is nothing like being able to escape on your patio with a view and be able to dream and be inspired.

Where is your escape? Is it your patio? What is it like on your patio with a view? Would love to hear more about yours.....

Not far from the Best Lil Whorehouse....there is trouble brewing in Montgomery County!

2005-05-02T17:37:00.000-05:00

Amazing. I just got an email blasting the County Commissioner and Library Director for their inclusion of books in the library on GLBT issues, and other sexual related materials in their library. The Commissioner and Library Director are trying to avoid censorship in the Montgomery County library. The citizens in a uproar are purporting it that it is adding/aiding a deviancy to the children and teens of the county.

Honestly, when I lived in Montgomery County and visited the library, I didn't see the blatant violations of this that they were arguing over. However, maybe the appropriate solution would be like they do in video stores and place questionable material in a separate room to view for renting/purchase.

However, if you do that then children and teens who are questioning their own sexual preferences and/or identity may have no where to turn -- especially, if they are unable to discuss things of such nature with their own parents. Of course, they could turn to the internet to be informed; however, how safe is that in getting proper information to them for them to form their own opinions of their sexuality?????

Where do you think that the line should be drawn? If you were a teen, would you be more apt to learn from some library books? And, to what length is the director responsible for dispelling proper information and censor out the materials that are stranger than fiction???

Pivotal Point in Life - 041205

2005-04-12T01:23:00.000-05:00

In 1 day, I will finally be 46 years old. Not that that is an accomplishment in itself, but I have come across a lot of trials/tribulations in the process:

3 marriages -2 of which were divorced from because of Domestic Violence issues; the 3rd one died on me from a heart attack 2 weeks prior to our 1st year anniversary.

1987 - Birth of my beautiful daughter, my little angel....

1991 -
Certificate of Legal Assistant from the University of Texas' Legal Assistant Program

1999 -
Promotion to Manager of Construction Analysis at Southwestern Bell - best paid job I had during my career

2002 -
Death of my 3rd Husband

2003 -
Ordained as a Deacon at the Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church
Ordained to serve as a delegate to the Presbytery Mission Guatemala Mission Trip

2005 -
Associates in Criminal Justice Degree from Kaplan University
Graduate of the Citizen's Academy of the local Police Department
Daughter should graduate from High School
Begining on my Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies with a concentration in mediation

WONDER WHAT THE NEXT 50 SOME ODD YEARS WILL BRING ME????

The New Living Will

2005-04-10T07:23:00.000-05:00

Whether you were for or against the final pulling of the plug for Terri Schiavo, you have to admit that this Living Will below is a bit funny to read. This was sent to me by some officers of a criminal justice organization that I am a member of.

LIVING WILL

I, _________________________ (fill in the blank), being of sound mind and body, do not wish to be kept alive indefinitely by artificial means.

Under no circumstances should my fate be put in the hands of peckerwood ethically challenged politicians who couldn't pass ninth-grade biology if their lives depended on it.

If a reasonable amount of time passes and I fail to sit up and ask for a cold beer, glass of wine, etc. ( substitute your choice), it should be presumed that I won't ever get better. When such a determination is reached, I hereby instruct my spouse, children and attending physicians to pull the plug, reel in the tubes and call it a day.

Under no circumstances shall the hypocritical members of the Legislature (State or Federal) enact a special law to keep me on life-support machinery. It is my wish that these boneheads mind their own damn business, and pay attention instead to the health, education and future of the millions of Americans who aren't in a permanent coma.

Under no circumstances shall any politicians butt into this case.

I don't care how many fundamentalist votes they're trying to scrounge for their run for the presidency, it is my wish that they play politics with someone else's life and leave me alone to die in peace.

I couldn't care less if a hundred religious zealots send e-mails to legislators in which they pretend to care about me. I don't know these people, and I certainly haven't authorized them to preach and crusade on my behalf. They should mind their own business, too.

If any of my family goes against my wishes and turns my case into a political cause, I hereby promise to come back from the grave and make his or her existence a living hell.

_____________________ __________________
Witness DATE__________ Signature DATE__________

I Need Motivation for My Spring Cleaning!

2005-04-06T13:16:00.000-05:00

Help! I need some motivation... I have no classes this week... nothing on my work schedule b/c I worked 44 hours between Friday night and Monday morning. I work best on a tight schedule. Misery loves chaos??? lol.... Some people work better under pressure than others; I guess I am one of them. :)

Any ideas?????

What is Your Feng Shui?

2005-04-05T09:48:00.000-05:00

Feng Shui, as defined by Feng Shui Creations basically envelops around a harmonious pathway. This has become an increasing popular terminology that has everyone hopping around to make their lives and homes more harmonious. To me, it seems it follows the Bauhaus theory of "Less is More" and a means of declutterizing our lives. We can learn much from this as we move towards a Spring Cleaning mode in our homes.

A friend of mine has also put forth an article on this art of harmonious living, Five Guidelines for Your Well-Being, which also stems from the book of the same title by Jon Sandifer. Definately, worth checking out the article, as well as the book.

Don't know about you...but, this certainly seems inspirational as I have a 2 week break from my college courses right now. Wanna join me in finding my feng shui??? :)

The Pope - A Significant Death in History

2005-04-02T07:11:00.000-06:00

Millions Worldwide Mourn Pope John Paul II by VICTOR L. SIMPSON
Associated Press Writer

Today, marks a significant record in history as Pope John Paul II dies at 84 years of age. He has been admired by many and has directed many opinions and edicts for catholics to follow in their faith; however, the Pope was also looked to as a resource of life altering decisions as well from non-Catholics because he was looked up to as a very wise man of the Century. His words were not politically motivated -- they were morally motivated which is a refreshing aspect when many of our leaders are worried about the effect of what they have to say appears on their record.

This Pope will certainly be missed by many...

and the future Pope will have some hard shoes to fit. Hopefully, he will chose to be himself and lead in his own manner and try not to imitate this, perhaps, grandest of Popes of all times!!

I Call Myself Crazy????

2005-04-01T09:09:00.000-06:00

Last night a friend admitted to me that he had anxiety disorders -- at least, that is what the Navy told him that he had. :) But something that he said made sense from a mental health perspective:

"I call myself crazy because when you are a mental disorder, you use more of your brain than so-called normal people."

Which also brings us to the question of -- what is "normal"??? At any rate, it is certainly an interesting perspective when being a Mental Health Advocate, among many of my advocacies that I do.

I hope that everyone may have a very blessed day today -- whether they feel that they are a mental disorder, or not!

Today, Death is Viewed Differently by All

2005-03-31T08:53:00.000-06:00

With the death of Terri Schiavo today, one can't help but be affected in some way by the question of death -- whether or not you agreed with Terri's feeding tube finally being pulled on last time almost 2 weeks ago. It was just such a merciless death...one in the end she had to suffer through starvation due to the lack of nutrients being fed into her body, as well as the lack of water. Everyone has known the feeling of hunger and thirst. Can you imagine going through it for days on end??? The least that they could have done is given her half a chance by, at least, giving her water so that her body would have not known that added suffering and pain.

Terri Schiavo will be for-ever engrained in our minds. It is a shame that she had to suffer so. May she rest in peace finally and God be wrapping his everloving arms around her and she be singing with the angels on this and everyday forward. Amen.

BUMPER STICKER - Real Men Like Cats!

2005-03-25T13:02:00.000-06:00

Like the "Real Men Like Quiche" quip, seeing this bumper sticker made me chuckle hard.

Many of my male friends are dog people; not cat people. -- A friend's son stays with me and insists that he is a dog person and not a cat person when my daughter brought in a cat into the house. I told him that people CAN be both cat people and dog people, but he insists that they can't be; they have to be one thing or another.

Perhaps, that is in the male world though, because I certainly pull the exception to the rule and I am such a person - a cat and a dog person... I love both... I love animals period.

Oh, well... it certainly was a bumper sticker that brightened my day today.

(CJ Paper) Criminal Justice eJournaling

2005-03-20T06:09:00.000-06:00

Professional Journaling: Criminal Justice Bound

Writing is definitely my forte. I found this out long ago in Elementary, Junior High, and High School when I would have a love to research and write papers about any subject set forth in front of me vs. creating a visual project (if given a choice). In High School, it was more evident through the Senior level of English courses wherein we were required to journal throughout our enriched English courses. Through journaling, I discovered that it was a valuable tool to re-discover myself, who I was, and where I was heading. As such, I was pleasantly surprised to see it utilized in this Capstone program which gives a sense of finality, as well as a sense of wrapping up what we have learned thus far in the Criminal Justice programs.
I began the journaling process in a notebook, as I have naturally been acclimated to do in the process, complete with articles cut out, etc. Then the Professor informed me that it had to be done electronically. Drat! I had it going but good through that venue. I pulled the reigns and began rethinking my process (as we often have to do when we begin our brainstorming processes to find a viable solution to any dilemma that we may have to consider).

Next, I started to write it out in the MS Word format, but with my love for writing, I could see that that might create a problem when uploading it for submission to the Professor for grading purposes. By putting on my thinking cap some more, I combined my love for “blogging” (the art of posting creative thoughts on a web site in a journal type format) with the task at hand and created a “blogging” website where I could expand upon my journaling process for the project and still have plenty of room to write. Thus, CJ eJournaling was born!!

Within the journal process, I began with some early thoughts generated at the beginning of the term and created such posts as:

- What is the Professional Development Journal;
- Lawmakers fixing Crime Lab Woes;
- Death Penalty Protests?;
- CJ Briefs 010905;
- Crisis Service Crisis!;
- The Description of the DVSA Shelter;
- More on Shelter Funding;
- NAMI - Capitol Day 2005; AND
- Death Penalty Examined.

Eventually, these posts also included my experiences with the Citizens’ Police Academy I was taking at the Cedar Park Police Department, such as:

- CPCA Orientation Day 020105;
- CPCA Criminal Investigation Overiew; AND
- CPCA Special Response Team 031505.

And, as the course was wrapping up its term, so I was beginning to post some conclusion ideas about the direction(s) I am heading for, such as: - Checkpoint Charlie One; AND, - FINAL REFLECTION 032005.

For more details of each of these, and others not mentioned above, postings, you should definitely go and explore by logging into the CJ eJounraling website in its entirety though.

The journaling process was an interesting experience. Through the experience, I reminded myself that my forte is writing and, in anything that I do endeavor myself into, writing should be a criteria of the job. I also reminded that my paralegal experience and my advocacies experiences (child, disabled, mentally challenged, and the elderly) has had a huge impact on making myself who I am today; this is evident, not only in the CJ eJournaling, but in my many other blogging websites, such as: Bluebonnet Blooms, Bluebonnet Missions, Bluebonnet It Ought to be a Law, etc. In the end, I believe that, while the criminal justice degree program is going to play a huge impact on my life as well, my next maneuver, in the big scheme of things education-wise, is to pursue next my Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies with a concentration in mediation. Not only will mediation provide a viable income where I can potentially never become underemployed again, it will provide another avenue where I can finally mingle and better utilize all my background experiences where it will certainly give me the best advantage possible in the field – especially when dealing with any one of my advocacy experiences. In the meantime, I am hoping to also supplement my volunteer experience with aid to the Cedar Park Police Department through assisting the Victims’ Assistance Coordinator there, who, also, happens to be a part of their negotiations team. When I began my criminal justice education, I wasn’t quite sure the direction that I should be heading towards (just knowing that I could never apply as a police officer because of my age is over their 34 years of age restriction); however, now, after the Capstone course, I have had an opportunity to surmise the whole picture after the last 2 years of education I have been involved with and come up with a big picture plan.

Thank you!

Bibliography

Brown, Sgt. Darlene, Cedar Park Citizen’s Academy Manual, established by the Cedar Park Police Department: Cedar Park, Texas (Spring 2005).

Articles found in the Austin American-Statesman:

Articles found in The Daily Texas Online:

Exhibit experience from The Dougherty Arts Center:

Lights, Camera -- Sound???? Well, not even tonight!! :(

2005-03-19T21:08:00.000-06:00

I have been battling a sound issue on my computer since it accidently installed SP2 through some MS Window Updates. I have battled and battled.... with hesitating about deinstalling the SP2 and reinstalling it because I have so much to lose on the computer (school work, work for a friend, my own creative writing, etc., etc.) if for some reason the system restore point failed.

Today, I broke down finally and purchased (besides a much needed new keyboard b/c my "l" was long gone on the keyboard amonth other things due to excessive blogging -- well, excessing writing, at any point) a new sound card and speakers; hopething that that would resolve the problem. While the speaks look nice, the sound card is not helping to generate sound.

I am totally bummed by the whole matter and hope that the matter resolves itself soon. I am tired of being in a world with no sound. No sound from my computer. My tv for my bedroom is downstairs in my car; which, it is too heavy for me to carry it up the stairs by myself -- particularily after I had broken two bones in my left hand. I think my daughter has taken my radio that Kevin (my now deceased husband) gave me on my birthday, the same year that he died. :9

Oh, well... Hopefully sound will return to my apartment soon -- if not through anything but my computer, I would be extremely happy!! :)

UPDATE - an electrical engineer friend of mind figured it out. I have music now!! ;)
3/21/05!!! :))

Heart Beat Rushes

2005-03-17T02:42:00.000-06:00

Last night I had a strange experience. My heart suddenly beated really fast; it didn't hurt at all, but felt more like thousands of butterflies trying to get out of me all at once. Then I felt a sudden warmth sensation rush through to the top of my head while I temporarily lost my vision. It didn't last long. Just long enough to startle me and scare me all at once.

It was kind of late at night when it happend. And as soon as it ended (as quickly as it had started), I said "Kevin, I am not ready! God, I am not ready!" because the first thing I could think of was that I had a glimpse of a heartattack.

You see. My husband, Kevin, died 11/11/2002 just 2 weeks prior our 1st wedding anniversary from a heart attack. It has been about 2-1/2 years since he has died and I have moved forward with my life. Blogging my life away since June 2004, has really helped me to sort through an array of issues, but the fact that Kevin had died from a heart attack and remember the symptoms that he had prior to the heart attack, I was suddenly doing myself a mental checklist of the symptoms for the next hour or so following the episode to see if I had any of the resembling symptoms -- and, thank goodness, I did not.

I also had a friend of mine who had had epileptic seizures. I was remembering what I remembered of her having those seizures and those symptoms, and (because I had some seizures myself until I was about 3 or 4 years old) I was doing a mental check list against those symptoms -- and, thank goodness, I did not.

My Uncle had died from a heart attack when he was 44 years old; Kevin was only 46 when he died from his heart attack. I am 45 and will be 46 years old on 4/13! The thoughts of having a heart attack were awful -- especially, with my daughter graduating this year from her high school. I sure don't want to be remembered as having died the same year she graduated.

All sorts of morbid thoughts surrounded my head. A friend, desiring to become a doctor someday, was online. I mentioned the symptoms to him and he assured me that he didn't think I was having a heart attack, but to go to the doctor's the next day. I assured him I would, but, honestly I never got around to it.

I, instead, talked about it to many of my friends. Some have experienced the exact same thing! Boy, was I relieved to hear that!! They told me that their doctors told them that it might not ever, ever happen again; but, if it did become frequent to see a doctor to monitor it and be sure; however, their doctor continue to gives them a clean bill of health.

Because my finances are very tight right now, I am choosing to believe my friends who have told me the same things over and over -- and never communicating with each other once; never knowing what the other had said. I am hoping and praying that they are right and continuing to move forward with my life.

By April, I am to have my Associates in Criminal Justice Degree from Kaplan University and will continue to attend Kaplan University to pursue a Bachelors in Paralegal Studies with a concentration on mediation. In May, my little girl will be graduating from high school and moving forward with her life into the college world.

My paternal Grandma lived until she was 88; her mother lived until she was 98. My maternal Grandmother lived until she was 89; my Grandfather lived until he was 96. So, you see, longevity tends to run long in my family. At 45 years old, in comparison, I haven't even lived half of my life. Wonder what surprises are in store for me for the other half???? Only time will tell, I guess! :)

It is said, from the Irish, in prayer that:

An Irish Prayer of Blessing

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm on your face,
The rain fall softly on your fields;
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Gaelic Prayer For Saint Patrick's Day

This, too, I wish for you.....

May you have a very blessed day ahead of you and for many years to come!! :)

Lots of Laughter tonight...

2005-03-16T00:59:00.000-06:00

Tonight, avoiding the inevitable of my criminal justice studies, I got to talking with a classmate of mine. Actually she has been in several classes together, but never had talked as much as we did tonight. We were sharing "war" stories of our childhood, childhood pranks, etc. By the time it was all said and done I think we had each other laughing so very much.

When I was going to The University of Texas, we did much of the same escapism by going to the campus' Union Underground to have some laughs, etc. Tonight was no exception, excepting the venues have changed. We are now attending Kaplan University and, instead of going to the Union Underground, it has become more virtual with the Yahoo Messenger world, which is fitting because Kaplan University is an online university.

Anyhow, sharing a few laughs tonight was absolutely good for the soul, and very much needed to break the tension as we finish up another term at Kaplan University.

Oh, by the way, when we were also exchanging websites we have been developing, hers was absolutely remarkable and clearly the worth of lots of work she has been doing with it during the past couple of years. Check it out!! Justice Junction

Here's to hoping that laughter will also be crossing your path soon as well. There is almost nothing that feels better than a few good laughs. :)

Re Ltr to Gov Jeb Bush re Terry Shiavo 031405

2005-03-14T16:59:00.000-06:00

As you recall, I had sent a letter to Governor Jeb Bush regarding Terry Shiavo's health on February 23, 2005. This is his office's response sent today. Hopefully, he WILL do as he has directed his staff to say.

Thank you for contacting Governor Bush to ask for his help in the case of Terri Schiavo. He has asked me to respond on his behalf.

The Governor shares your concern for this young woman and has pledged to do whatever he can within the laws of Florida to protect her life. The next few weeks will be very difficult ones for Ms. Schiavo, her family and all of those who care about her. The Governor asks that you keep her and her family in your prayers during this difficult time.

Again, thank you for writing Governor Bush about this important issue.

Sincerely,

L. O’Connor
Office of Citizens’ Services

Just thought I would share with you his response. Please continue to be active in expressing your concerns to your legislators and political representatives of this country. :)

My Aching Head & Prayer for Peace 031305

2005-03-13T06:43:00.000-06:00

Woke up with an excruciating headache today. Gee I am hoping that it goes away quickly today since I am going to spend 24 hours at a DVSA (Domestice Violence Sexual Assault) shelter today helping those victims out with their needs and keeping an eye out for them in order to make it as safe a place as possible.

I love my work that I do there...it is just with an aching head, I am praying for a quiet day there.

Pray for peace in the world today, this Sunday morning and throughout the day. Pray that no other victim of domestic violence is seen today in any hospital. Pray that no other child witnesses or becomes a victim of domestic violence today as well. Pray that people will get along for a day -- I will take just a day at a time, which is easier than praying for a week, month, or a year when it would seem impossible to dream or pray for that many days in advance. Please pray that you won't be a witness to a friend, neighbor, or someone in the community being a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault (this is more common than you may realize. If you haven't already been affected by DVSA in some manner, you will, at least, hear about it from someone soon.)

If you do nothing else today, pray and start a chain of prayers for these victims today. May God wrap his ever loving arms around you today and bring you peace. Amen.

Judgmental or Non-Judgmental - Tis is the Question

2005-03-10T02:29:00.000-06:00

Good Judgment vs. Being Judgmental, by Michael Angier

What does it mean to be judgmental? How do we know when we're
being judgmental? How can we express our opinions without
infringing on others' right to their opinions?
Discover the answers below or online at . . .Judgment

Michael Angier's article poses several perspectives to look at.

This is often a topic posed when there are a differences of ages (such as between the younger and older generations) or between genders (male v. female) or the like. One group often accuses the other group of being too judgmental while claiming that they are not.

To really explore these differences of opinions, they must often take a look at themselves and make sure that they are keeping an equally open mind as they are requiring of others to be when it comes to their point of view. Often times, even in marriages, people have to step back and just agree to disagree on a difference of an opinion. It is when they become so hard nosed about their opinions in a manner that it enstills a sense of persuasion and unwavering, biased opinion that they deem that the other group must be wrong in their actions or beliefs.

Probably the best example that everyone can relate to in some means is when someone questions the differences of beliefs in religions. When someone is completely unopened to the idea that there could be more than one way to worship God (or some form of a higher power), they tend to place judgment upon themselves that they are absolutely right and judgment upon others that they must be wrong in holding their beliefs. To be considered non-judgment the biasm has to be replaced with, perhaps completely non-biasm or even a preference of a belief rather than another.

Will the world ever rid themselves of judgmental people? I think not. There is always going to be some degree of judmentalism in any one of us, which is often very healthy; however, the more non-judgmental we can each be, the more open we will all be to new ideas and concepts which will continue to cultivate the new adventures in explorations, new technological advances, and new ways of lives for everyone on this Earth.

2005 National Crime Victims Right's Week

2005-03-10T00:07:00.000-06:00

I wasn't aware that there was a week for this; but, I am glad that there is. I was surfing the web (as per usual :) ) and happen upon the Office for Victims of Crime website. Eventually, that lead me to the 2005 NCVR Week Resouce Guide. In this Guide, it not only delineates the guidelines for this year's National Crime Victims Right's Week, it also provides handouts, posters, flyers and other materials needed to assist in putting together a good event, as well as a background and history of the development, including details of Ronald Reagan's initial proclamation of this dedicated week 25 years ago.

Please help me pass this 2005 NCVR Week Resouce Guide to other organizations which may benefit from it as well. :) Thank you.

Mental health a priority with Austin's Fitness Plan!

2005-03-09T15:18:00.000-06:00

Austin's Mayoral Fitness Plan

It is so about time that cities consider the mental health aspects when they consider their fitness plan for their futures... This report was just recently published in Jan 2005 and available for reading from the Community Action Network's website, which is focused upon the needs of the citizens in Austin, Texas, and Travis County, Texas.

I wasn't aware that the Community Action Network organization existed, but I am glad that it does. The site doesn't really say anything about when they started; however, it does have a lot of resources listed as well as a lot of ideas and brainstorming on issues with a conglomeration of other organizations -- working towards the same mission.... "To achieve sustainable social, health, educational and economic outcomes through engaging the community in a planning and implementation process that coordinates and optimizes public, private and individual actions and resources."

Kudos to the Community Action Network in making this community a healthier and wiser community!! :)