New Year = New Photo

What do you think????

Polygamists Taking it to the Extreme?

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?

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!!

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,

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

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

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....

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!

“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

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???

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!

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...

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...

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

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

Give it to your wife???

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

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????

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?

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!

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

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...

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

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

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!

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???

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...

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

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???

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!!

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

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??

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!

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???

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????

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?

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?

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....

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???

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!

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

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!!!

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

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

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"???

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???

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…