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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Monday, October 1, 2012

It's Time to Walk


My grandson, Gavin, is on the brink of walking at almost 11 months old.   He can easily pull himself up, he can push chairs across the rooms, rearrange the furniture in my house and he can outcrawl most four-legged bodies, but he's not yet walking on his own.   Hmmm, wonder why.



Those damn cats..... 

XOXOXO

Friday, September 28, 2012

Tazer Fun

Borrowed from a friend on FB.  This is long but worth the laugh... Happy Friday and Thanks Tanya Smith Bradley for sharing!




WARNING: BEFORE you read this, go use the restroom... & DO NOT have liquid in your mouth...just in case. Pocket Tazer Stun Gun, a great gift for the wife. ... A guy who purchased his lovely wife a pocket Tazer for their anniversary submitted this: Last weekend I saw something at Larry's Pistol & Pawn S...
hop that sparked my interest.. The occasion was our 15th anniversary and I was looking for a little something extra for my wife Julie. What I came across was a 100,000-volt, pocket/purse-sized Tazer. The effects of the Tazer were supposed to be short lived, with no long term adverse affect on your assailant, allowing her adequate time to retreat to safety...?? WAY TOO COOL! Long story short, I bought the device and brought it home... I loaded two AAA batteries in the darn thing and pushed the button. Nothing! I was disappointed. I learned, however, that if I pushed the button and pressed it against a metal surface at the same time, I'd get the blue arc of electricity darting back and forth between the prongs. AWESOME!!! Unfortunately, I have yet to explain to Julie what that burn spot is on the face of her microwave. Okay, so I was home alone with this new toy, thinking to myself that it couldn't be all that bad with only two AAA batteries, right? There I sat in my recliner, my cat Gracie looking on intently (trusting little soul) while I was reading the directions and thinking that I really needed to try this thing out on a flesh & blood moving target. I must admit I thought about zapping Gracie (for a fraction of a second) and then thought better of it. She is such a sweet cat. But, if I was going to give this thing to my wife to protect herself against a mugger, I did want some assurance that it would work as advertised. Am I wrong? So, there I sat in a pair of shorts and a tank top with my reading glasses perched delicately on the bridge of my nose, directions in one hand, and Tazer in another. The directions said that: a one-second burst would shock and disorient your assailant; a two-second burst was supposed to cause muscle spasms and a major loss of bodily control; and a three-second burst would purportedly make your assailant flop on the ground like a fish out of water. Any burst longer than three seconds would be wasting the batteries. All the while I'm looking at this little device measuring about 5" long, less than 3/4 inch in circumference (loaded with two itsy, bitsy AAA batteries); pretty cute really, and thinking to myself, 'no possible way!' What happened next is almost beyond description, but I'll do my best. I'm sitting there alone, Gracie looking on with her head cocked to one side so as to say, 'Don't do it stupid,' reasoning that a one second burst from such a tiny lil ole thing couldn't hurt all that bad.. I decided to give myself a one second burst just for heck of it. I touched the prongs to my naked thigh, pushed the button, and... HOLY MOTHER OF GOD. WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. WHAT THE... !!! I'm pretty sure Hulk Hogan ran in through the side door, picked me up in the recliner, then body slammed us both on the carpet, over and over and over again. I vaguely recall waking up on my side in the fetal position, with tears in my eyes, body soaking wet, both nipples on fire, testicles nowhere to be found, with my left arm tucked under my body in the oddest position, and tingling in my legs! The cat was making meowing sounds I had never heard before, clinging to a picture frame hanging above the fireplace, obviously in an attempt to avoid getting slammed by my body flopping all over the living room. Note: If you ever feel compelled to 'mug' yourself with a Tazer, one note of caution: There is NO such thing as a one second burst when you zap yourself! You will not let go of that thing until it is dislodged from your hand by a violent thrashing about on the floor! A three second burst would be considered conservative! A minute or so later (I can't be sure, as time was a relative thing at that point), I collected my wits (what little I had left), sat up and surveyed the landscape. My bent reading glasses were on the mantel of the fireplace. The recliner was upside down and about 8 feet or so from where it originally was. My triceps, right thigh and both nipples were still twitching. My face felt like it had been shot up with Novocain, and my bottom lip weighed 88 lbs. I had no control over the drooling. Apparently I had crapped in my shorts, but was too numb to know for sure, and my sense of smell was gone. I saw a faint smoke cloud above my head, which I believe came from my hair. I'm still looking for my testicles and I'm offering a significant reward for their safe return! PS: My wife can't stop laughing about my experience, loved the gift and now regularly threatens me with it!
 
XOXOXO

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The Water is Rising

    2012 - is noted as the last year of the Mayans calendar and prophesies of the end of times.  Is the world ending this year?  The weather is one of many indicators and frankly, it's been all over the board.  Storms are bursting throughout, tornadoes imploding across our communities with catastrophic results and the water is rising.  It is indeed crazy times.

I've weathered worse.  Not that I'm tempting Mother Nature.  She'll knock us down quicker than a sneeze.  But, even with this year's crazy storms rushing in all directions, we're still here.  We've been knocked down and we rise again.  It's what we do.

With the storms, more flash floods are expected.  Whether your yard becomes a mud pile or a small river, it can easily damage your home.  Cleaning flood waters is not easy and must be dealt with quickly.  You need a team that can quickly assess and provide water extraction round rock





My hope is you won't need to recover from a storm, from floods.  But, if you do....be ready.  Lend a hand when needed.  Call when you need help.



XOXOXO

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Amendment One Passed in NC

What is Amendment One?

The measure defines marriage in the state constitution as between one man and one woman, and bans any other type of "domestic legal union" such as civil unions and domestic partnerships.
Constitutional amendment to provide that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State.
Opposition for Amendment One:

This isn't JUST about gays and same sex marriages.  It's about basic rights for men and women and their families.  It's about the right to choose and not have a government streamline our choices for domestic families.  It's about providing equal benefits to couples in a domestic partnership regardless of sexual orientation.  It's about protecting minorities rights. It is discriminatory to deny rights and benefits to same-sex couples and domestic partnerships.  

Supporters for Amendment One:

It's a financial argument.  Amendment One without banning same-sex unions, situations in which married same-sex couples move from states like New York would seek legal rights and argued the state was not "equipped to handle that." Rep. Paul Stam said, "They're going to bring with them their same-sex marriages. They're going to want to get divorced" and have custody issues decided, he said. "We're not equipped to handle that".


May 8, 2012 Unofficial election results:

Amendment 1
ResultVotesPercentage
Approveda Yes1,303,95261.05%
No831,78838.95%


Did you vote?  I did.  It's my right to vote.....for now.  But, who knows what my rights will be down the road, and my children's rights, and their children.  Who will infringe upon my choices tomorrow if I choose a diverse point of view?

XOXOXO

Monday, April 30, 2012

Stiletto Sprint - Charlotte, NC

Stiletto Sprint  I happy to report this was not a women's only event.  This was a fully engaged multi-gender, age-don't-matter, foot stomping, high heeled, good time.  And, for a wonderful cause benefiting the Carolinas Ovarian Cancer Fund at Levine Cancer Institute (LCI).   Amount raised, one heel at a time: $63,486.75.

Some highlights from Team Twinkle Teals for Wendy:
  "I was beat by a cancer survivor running carrying her dog"
  "I was beat by men on 'Team Barbara' all in 3" heels duct tape to their feet"  Barbara lost her battle 3 months prior and they were crying at the finish line.
  "The primary sponsor of the event is a man who lost his wife 5 years prior - he was dressed up like Wonder Woman"
  "There were more men running in dresses than women"!
  "I couldn't control myself when they interviewed the 12 year old ovarian cancer survivor in front of the crowd"
  "I balled again when the survivors raced to "I Will Survive" and a 70+ woman walked in 6" platform heels"
 
As their motto goes......"A good pair of heels can save a life!"  Congratulations to all that participated.  It's never too late to give.

Levine Cancer Institute is dedicated to supporting the fight against ovarian cancer by educating the community about ovarian cancer symptoms, conducting cutting edge research involving early detection, and providing the most current treatment options for women with ovarian cancer.

This year in the United States, over 20,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Nearly 70% of these women are diagnosed at an advanced stage. The disease is often called the silent killer because symptoms can be so vague.  

Symptoms can include: bloating or feeling pressure in the belly; pain in the abdomen or pelvis; feeling full too quickly during meals; and urinating more frequently  

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Courtney McMillion - Rest in Peace, April 27, 2012

Courtney McMillion  Within a blink of an eye, our world can be turned upside down.  Death comes every day; one day for us.

One of my childhood friends lost her daughter yesterday.  She was only 23 years old! So young and beautiful.  I don't have too much detail, but understood it was very sudden.  Speculations of an aneurysm.

I am so heartbroken for Margaret and her family.  No parent should have to see their children pass before them.  It's unnatural and tragic.  Losing a love one is devastating, but losing someone so young, in their prime has to be one of the hardest things.  I know God has a plan for all of us.  He won't give us more than we can bear.  But, this seems unbearable. 

Perhaps there is some small comfort to know that Courtney, in her too short life, left lasting memories for those that knew her well, for the family that raised and adored her, for the fiance' that planned his life  with her, and for the rest that only had fleeting moments.  We will remember.

Tonight I want to hold my family close and tell them I love them more than I can say.  Life is too short and the next blink may change our lives forever.  Don't waste another moment in regret.  Even the shortest moment should be as if it's your last.

May you rest in peace dear Courtney.  Another angel takes flight.

XOXOXO



Thursday, April 19, 2012

End of an Era

Such sad news to hear of Dick Clark's passing, 1929 - 2012.  Such is life that all good things must come to an end.

Dick Clark presiding over "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" in 1998.

I grew up watching Dick Clark and American Band Stand.  We had so much fun listening, dancing and watching the show.  We listened to him on the radio, TV and of course, watched the new year's rockin' eve and the iconic Time Square ball dropping each year.  It's become a norm with my family to watch every year.

Obviously Mr. Clark led a full life with many successes and a legacy that won't be forgotten any time soon.  In fact, I feel confident that millions of people from my generation and my children's will long remember him and his work.

It's always sad to say good-bye.  In doing so, it's a reminder that all of us are passing through, the time shorter than not.  And, a reminder to make the best of our journey while we're here.

Farewell Mr. Clark and rest in peace. 

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Equal Pay Day - Today

  SERIOUSLY?!?

  FAIR & COMPARABLE PAY                                             

Have your heard of this???  Men and women, even into the 21st century still do not share equalized payment.  A woman does the same job as a man and gets paid less.

TODAY  (theoretically) marks the length of time a woman had to work into 2012 in order to make the same amount of money that her male counterpart made in 2011.  ~ One year, four and half months for a woman to earn the same money doing the same job.


I'm sure there are some male cynics asking themselves....."How the heck did she get the job in the first place.  After all, it's a man's job."   S I G H.   Such is life in corporate America.

Neighbor Girl

Guest post from: Constance Rodgers

My neighbor’s kid just walks right in my house any time she wants. She doesn’t knock. She doesn’t ring the doorbell. She just walks right in. I’ll be sitting there in my chair, and in walks the little neighbor girl. She doesn’t even say, “Hi.” She just starts talking like she’s been there all along. It is so bizarre and crazy. Her mom will usually come running up a few minutes behind, apologizing profusely and taking her daughter home with her. I don’t want to keep the doors locked when I am home. I like to go in and out of the house to work in the yard and what not. I don’t want to have to keep up with locking the door just to keep the neighbor girl out. I am even thinking maybe we should look at adt home alarms,  just to make the point to this girl that she can’t just walk in to someone’s house. We are nice people, who would never do her any harm, but not everyone is that way.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Big Girls Don't Cry



To set the record straight, I cry all the time.  It's probably the single most talented thing I can do.  I've had years of experience and almost every day to experience.  I cry when I'm happy, when I'm sad, when I'm mad, when I'm tired, or confused, or lost and then found. 

I cry when I see someone else cry or see things amissed.  When I see hardship and recovery, when I lose control or realize I never had control.  I cry when I remember time past, time lost and people forgotten.  I cry when I feel pain, joy, grace and blessings.

I cry for my family and friends.  I'm so well versed to cry for them and I'm good at it too.

I'm a big girl.  And, I love the song by the Four Seasons.  It's on my song list for road trips.  We went and saw Jersey Boys earlier this year and thoroughly enjoyed their many many songs.   My son and I love singing their songs. 

I cry and I'm a big girl too.

XOXOXO

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Handbag Storage That's More Than a Few Plastic Hooks

Guest post written by Rachel Scholl

It can really surprise me when I go through my whole closet and really am reminded of just how many purses I have! It's quite fascinating to figure that out and then realize all of these cute purses that I forgot I had and haven't been carrying as a result! I guess that it's more of a shame than anything, really. So I'm going to try to keep that from happening less often by finding a much better storage solution for all of my purses.

I wasn't that surprised to find some credit card counseling tips when I was looking for purse organization ideas. Actually, in my case and in a lot of other people's cases, I think that having credit card debt is closely tied to having a really awesome purse collection. But the credit card debt isn't awesome and I'm going to get that counseling for it.

I did find some great ideas for handbag storage and I think that I'm actually going to employ several of them. See, I have so many that I don't think that just one of these solutions is going to quite do it for me!

Friday, March 16, 2012

Moving Here

Guest Blog.........

Posted by Gaylord Campbell

When we first moved out her I thought my life was over to be honest with you. I’d never been much of a country girl and now not only was I in the country I was in the COUNTRY – there wasn’t so much as a gas station for ten miles outside our front door. But my husband had always had the dream of becoming a professional cheesemaker and I knew we needed the land if he was ever going to do it so I guess it was the right thing. I love him to death and I can handle a few years on the farm to help him follow his goals because I know he would do the same for me if it came down to it. I love being out here and thankfully someone told me about http://www.satellitestarinternet.com which is helpful because at least I can still email all my friends. I like the quiet and the nature but sometimes I really long for a Nordstrom or some other society thing I miss!

Some People have all the Luck!

    Luck is in the eyes of the beholder.

We all have luck....just not always good kind.  But, when it is good.....it's wonderful.  Something you want to grasp tightly and not let slip away.   I treat my luck like love.  Believe in it, hope for it and grab it when  you can.



XOXOX

Moving Here

Posted by Gaylord Campbell

When we first moved out her I thought my life was over to be honest with you. I’d never been much of a country girl and now not only was I in the country I was in the COUNTRY – there wasn’t so much as a gas station for ten miles outside our front door. But my husband had always had the dream of becoming a professional cheesemaker and I knew we needed the land if he was ever going to do it so I guess it was the right thing. I love him to death and I can handle a few years on the farm to help him follow his goals because I know he would do the same for me if it came down to it. I love being out here and thankfully someone told me about http://www.satellitestarinternet.com which is helpful because at least I can still email all my friends. I like the quiet and the nature but sometimes I really long for a Nordstrom or some other society thing I miss!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Missed It

  Yesterday is already today!  And, I'm probably the only girl that missed Valentine's Day.  No flowers, no candies, no gifts....nada.  It's not the first time my V-day has gone amissed....but at least I was consciously aware it was V-day....and sadly I had received n-o-t-h-i-n-g.  This year.....I completely missed the day.

My husband did call me (I'm traveling) and we did our normal talk and "I love you's".  But no Valentine celebration.  SIGH

I'm getting older....obviously.  But, going forward I don't want to miss one single opportunity to celebrate....anything.  Including V-day!!  Whatever the next holiday is....count me in to celebrate and make up for lost time.

Hope everyone that remembered had a good one.

xoxoxo

Friday, February 10, 2012

Wife Wants Me To Cut Back On Tv

I appreciate the guest post, by Lindsay Valdez!

My wife and I finally bought our own house. To be honest, I thought I would be a lot more excited, but it has been so stressful. We found the perfect house and we both fell in love with it. The only problem was that it was slightly out of our “comfortable” range. We can still afford it, but we just needed to make some budget adjustments. Well, we thought the adjustments would be easy so we bought the house. Lately, we have been arguing about everything. I wanted her to cut back on her shopping and she wanted me to get the cheapest package she could find on http://www.expertsatellite.com/. I don’t mind saving money, but I need to have all the channels and the cheapest package doesn’t offer that. She doesn’t understand that the only way I can wind down after a long day of work is by mindlessly watching television. I understand that I don’t watch all the channels, but I need to know that I can if I need or want to. I just hope we figure this all out soon.

Dying for the Sales

A few years ago (pre-2008), if some one asked me where I worked, I would have smiled and spoken proudly.  "I work for a bank".   Now, I'm hesitant to tell people I don't know very well where I work.  It may get me hurt.

I get it.....  I'm angry about big corporate giants whose ultimate purpose is to make money for their shareholders and they lose sight of the little people.  The bottom line will dictate their actions.  Consumers get hit with additional fees, employees lose benefits or worse, they lose their jobs.  It's a tough world out there.

But, there's another slice of the corporate market that seemed to escape the media frenzy.  I'm not sure why, since it's a matter of life or death for hundreds of thousands of people.   Where are the shouts and anger toward the medical industry?  Where are the occupiers and why aren't they sitting in front of hospitals and pharmaceutical companies?

Doctors have very strong incentive to prescribe expensive name brand medicines.  It's part of their profits (and paid commissions).  The generic meds (that work just as well in most cases) are not being prescribed.  Economic 101, when demands go down, supplies will go down for the generic meds.  In fact, generic meds are in grave short supplies and the little people can't afford the expensive name brand meds. 

We live in trying times.  Our economy is a mess.  Our government is even worse, and they continue to dig us further in the hole with senseless spending that won't benefit the people. 

But, I've digressed.   We have a huge shortage of much needed medicines for people with curable diseases.  Without the medicine these children and adults won't have a chance.  Seriously, where are the occupiers?!?  Where are the shouts and screams and fist waving. 

How much wronger can this be???  

Saturday, January 14, 2012

That Phone Call

Guest post written by my buddy Bernardo Graham

Since I have a home alarm system at my house I pretty much set it, leave the house and never think about it again. I go about my business all day every day not even thinking twice about my house and all of its belongings. The only time that feeling ever waivers is when you see that 800 number flash across your cell phone caller ID and you just know that it is the monitoring company calling to let you know something or someone has set off your home alarm. It is quite a scary feeling to be away from your home and have someone from adt bristol ask you if you can meet the police there and they are already in route. This has happened to me only once and thank the Lord it was just my dog barking inside that set off the glass break sensors we have in our kitchen. I was so upset with my dog but at the same time so happy that nothing really bad had happened I didn’t know whether to get mad or cry.

Baby It's Cold Outside

  Brrrrrrr..............winter advisory in effect.  There's just something about cold weather and snuggling w/the one you love.  Love the snow and cold, as long as I'm inside and watching warmly from the window.

  The song lyrics between the wolf and the mouse (words and music composed by Frank Loesser)

I really can't stay
(but baby it's cold outside)
I've got to go away
(but baby it's cold outside)
This evening has been
(been hoping that you'd drop in)
So very nice
(i'll hold your hands, they're just like ice)
My mother will start worry
(beautiful whats your hurry)
My father will be pacing the floor
(listen to the fireplace roar)
So really i'd better scurry
(beautiful please don't hurry)
but maybe just a half a drink more
(put some records on while i pour)
the neighbors might faint
(baby it's bad out there)
say what's in this drink
(no cabs to be had out there)
i wish i knew how
(your eyes are like starlight now)
to break this spell
(i'll take your hat, your hair looks swell)
i ought to say "no, no, no sir"
(mind if i move in closer)
at least i'm gonna say that i tried
(what's the sense in hurtin' my pride)
i really can't stay
(oh baby don't hold out)

both:baby it's cold out side

i simply must go
(but baby it's cold outside)
the answer is no
(but baby it's cold outside)
your welcome has been
(how lucky that you droped in)
so nice and warm
(look out the window at that storm)
my sister will be suspicious
(gosh your lips look delcious)
my brother will be there at the door
(waves upon the tropical shore)
my maiden aunts mind is vicious
(gosh your lips are delicous)
but maybe just a cigarette more
(never such a blizzard before)
i've gotta get home
(but baby you'd freeze out there)
say lend me a coat
(it's up to your knees out there)
you've really been grand
(i thrill when you touch my hand)
but don't you see?
(how can you do this thing to me?)
there's bound to be talk tomorrow
(think of my lifelong sorrow)
at least there will be plenty implied
(if you got namonia and died)
i really can't stay
(get over that old out)

both:baby it's cold
baby it's cold outside

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Love Studying

This guest post from Edgardo Rosa

I love studying, I really do. I know that sounds super weird because most people hate having to sit down for hours and not do anything but learn but for me it’s all about being a good student and absorbing all the information that’s presented to me. I love that I’m learning something new all the time and I know that when I get out of school besides the mountain of student loan bills I’ve got to pay off I’m really going to be happy about being able to get a job as a nurse like I’ve wanted to for so long. I recently looked into Wallingford wireless internet because I do a lot of my studying on campus and it would be easier to do it online from the house than in the library because I don’t have internet. I wish my teachers made it simpler for me to go in and get good grades but I guess you do what you’ve got to do at this point in your education to get that degree!

Stepping Into 2012

 We're almost at the midpoint of January 2012 within a blink of an eye.  My new year's resolutions were short.

- Renew my faith with God
- Renew my faith in Me
- Renew time with my family

Family includes my closest friends and family.  In the scheme of things, life is too short and reprioritizing what is important..........is important!  Everything else is secondary.