New Look, New Hobbies

I have decided to try my hand at Digital Scrapbooking. Forget the fact that I have done diddly squat lately with my regular paper scrapbookng. But that's really not important right now. I decided to try re-doing my blog first. Um, smart move. Not only do I not have any idea of what I'm doing but I'm not much of a techie. I do know how to turn on my laptop though, so that's a start. Fortunately for me, there's that lovely "preview" button that allows me to check along the way before I mess it all up permenantly! I really need to learn how to do this right. Not only that, but my daughter's boyfriend got Photoshop cs3 for me. Yeah, we need to keep him around! I really need to figure out how to work with this software! I've heard that there is just way too many cool things that can be done with it.

I have also signed up for cake decorating classes at Michael's. Just because I don't have enough on my plate. I love baking so I just want to make the stuff look pretty too!

Ooops!

OK, I'm in a better mood today. Sorry for the ranting in yesterday's post. I just meant to write about the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, but I had one of those days yesterday. For some reason, I personally witnessed practically everything on my pet peeves list. Mind you my list is rather long.

First of all, I had to go to the bank. I park and start walking to the entrance. This idiot in a Hummer pulls in to the lot at top speed, pulls into a handicapped spot, hangs his placard on the rearview mirror, jumps out of his big a$$ car, and sprints to the entrance practically running over a lady who was just reaching for the door. Idiot didn't even hold the door for her. So he gets in line, the lady is behind him & I am behind the lady. So I say to the lady, "I never knew that rudeness was a legitimate handicap". You can see him tense up, but he did not turn around. I know all about unseen handicaps. I don't need a lecture on that. But in my opinion, if your 2 legs work and your heart & breathing is not stressed when walking, then leave it for those who need it.

Right after the bank I went to the grocery store and the lady in front of me was arguing with the cashier about something that she wanted to buy with her WIC. The cashier told her that it was not on the list but she insisted. Short story, she was wrong. She was also drippin in gold & driving a Mercedes. Prada bag too! By now, my blood was already boiling. Because in my mind, I am paying for her Mercedes & her Prada because my taxes pay for her WIC, food stamps, medicare and everything else that she probably gets from the gov't.

From there, I go to the bakery to get some fresh baked bread. I go in grab my number and wait. About 3 minutes later this lady walks in, goes straight to the counter and turns to everyone and says" I just need a loaf of bread" Huh?? Hell no! Thing is, that the counter lady was about to take care of her. I was about to say something but someone beat me to it. Yay for them!

This post is getting longer than I expected so I'll wrap it up with just one more. On the way home there is a 4-way stop. I make my stop, there was on car across from me but she was turning so she signaled for me to go ahead. Mind you, there was no one at the stop on either side of me. So I start moving and out of nowhere, this car comes from the left and runs the stop. She literally stops in front of my car. Instead of going faster so I don't hit her but whatever. I didn't hit her. She just shoots a bird at me keeps going. Here's the kicker. Two human cannonballs in the back seat. No carseats, no seatbelts.

So yeah, those are just a few of my the things that attributed to my migraine & foul mood yesterday. All better today. Maybe because I stayed home?????????????? I swear, I'm not normally a sourpuss.

On a more serious note...

I don't even know how to start this post. It simply amazes me how much money the government spends on crap, yet does not realize how important other things are. I try not to talk politics on my blog. Most people who know me personally know where I stand. And some of my very close friends & even family have different opinions than me when it comes to politics. That doesn't change my opinion of them in the least. And I hope the same goes for how they feel about me. Although this is not really a political post per se.

I am writng this, not because I have a personal stake in it. Because I have been truly blessed that my girls have never had to deal with this monster. As a parent, I am blessed to not have had to face this horror. I did lose my baby to SIDS and my heart has been missing a big chunk since. I never had to watch my child go through a gazillion procedures, have her attached to ports and lines and all the other crap that people go through to treat this monster called cancer.

The reason that I am writing this is to bring your attention to the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act.
The Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act passed in the House of Representatives with a 416-0 vote margin. The bill authorizes $30 million annually over five years, providing funding for collaborative pediatric cancer clinical trials research, to create a population-based national childhood cancer database, and to further improve public awareness and communication regarding available treatments and research for children with cancer and their families.

The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, S911 is making progress toward passage in the Senate. The bill has more then 60 Senators signed on as co sponsors. This support comes from Democrats and Republicans in all fifty states. The companion bill, HR1553 has already passed in the House of Representatives! This historic legislation will provide critically needed funding to support childhood cancer research. We need the help of elected officials to make funding for childhood cancer research.

It makes me sad that there are no CoSponsors from my state. So I am shooting off letters to those elected officials. Here is a list of all Non CoSponsonsors. If your elected official is on this list, please consider emailing them.

Here are some videos that Mimi, Julian's Mommy, put together for her husband to take to Washington, DC for the "REACH THE DAY – Conquer Childhood Cancer” Event.

They are asking for $150 Million over the course of 5 years. Do you know how much has been spent on this war that we have been in for the past 5 years? Do you realize how much money is given to liars that I have personally stood behind of at the grocery store. You know the ones. The ones that receive food stamps, medicare, wic, etc., then jump into their top of the line Mercedes Benz and drive to their spa appointment. And I'll go off on a tangent here and comment on the fact that my grandfather, while he was alive, at the age of 80, received a grand total of $25 to survive on each MONTH. We need to care for our kids & our elderly. Not the scam artist.
Ok back to the issue at hand. Here are the videos:

Angels:

Still, these photos only represent the tip of the iceberg of the trauma & disturbing effects of the current cancer treatments inflicted upon so many children themselves (not to mention the parents, siblings, & others), without other viable life-saving options… And, these represent only a few of their many deaths: THREE THOUSAND EACH YEAR! Since the majority of these things take place beyond the eyes of the public, most of us are able to go about our lives blissfully unaware.

Still Fighting

Bloggyversaries

Two ladies will be celebrating their 1st Bloggyversary soon. My 1st and 2nd passed without my even noticing. Sad, very sad. Maybe I will remember the 3rd year mark. Anyhoo, why don't ya'll stop by and join in the festivities.

First off, we have Summer's Nook. She will be celebrating on June 27th. All Day. With games & prizes EVERY hour on the dot between 10AM- 8PM. Oh, and if you blog about it between today & tomorrow, you could possibly win a $10 GC to MY Target!

AND

Tip Junkie starts celebrating next week. For 20 days! A prize a day for 20 days. June 30th-July 28th. Sounds sort of like me and my birthday MONTH!

So hop on over and wish them a Happy Bloggyversary!

FLASHBACK!!!

My last post got me thinking back to... let's just say, a few years ago. So I went to Old Faithful YouTube and pulled up my 3 favorite School House Rock Videos.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I passed many tests because of these cartoons!

Interjections!




Nouns



How A Bill Becomes A Law



I limited myself to 3 but I also loved Conjunction Junction, The Figure Eight & the 5's. Oh, and I literally was a able to recite the Preamble because of School House Rock!

The 80's

Well technically, I actually grew up in the 70's but I was a teen for most of the 80's. I fortunately (& honestly) can say that aside from the Big Hair, I must have missed the real 80's fad wise. I have highlighted what pertains to me.

You Know You Grew Up In the 80's if:

1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE.
2. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and can do theCarlton
3. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on Blossom
4. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock"
5. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
6. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head. (In the 70's too!)
7. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class atschool.
8. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in aknot on the side.
9. You played the game "MASH"(Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House) (70's again)
10. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.
11. You know the profound meaning of " WAX ON , WAX OFF"
12. You wanted to be a Goonie.
13. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us...head-to-toe) (Thank goodness, NO!)
14. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose felloff and his cheeks shifted.
15. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
16. You took lunch boxes to school...and traded Garbage Pailkids in theschoolyard.
17. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.
18. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence.
19. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because youexchanged handmade friendship bracelets.
20.You wore biker shorts under your skirts and felt stylish.
21. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes. ( Yes, I was part of the sweaty feet & weird foot tan club!)
22. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are,but what am I?" (Funny story about this though. As a joke a couple of friends told us that this movie was really good. We were 17 at the time. So a friend and I went to see what all the fuss was about. We sat there just looking at ech other in disbelief and waiting for it to eventually get better. It didn't. We walked out 1/2 way through.)
23. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"
24. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates. (I could even skate backwards on my 4 wheels)
25. You have ever played with a Skip-It. ( Mine was called a Lemon Twist)
26. You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulderlike you were all that.
27. You remember watching both Gremlins movies.
28. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.
29. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.
30. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool...and don't evenflinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB"
31. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved ByThe Bell," The ORIGINAL class.
32. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.
33. You just sang those words to yourself. :)
34. You still sing "We are the World"
35. You tight rolled your jeans.
36. You owned a banana clip.
37. You remember "Wher e's the Beef?"
38. You used to (and probably still do) say "What you talkin' 'bout Willis?"
39. You're still singing shot through the heart in your head, aren't you!

PASS THIS ON TO ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS WHO GREW UP IN THE 80s or Early 90s!!!

OK, so I guess that I do remember quite a bit. .... and you're to blame. Darling, you give love a bad name!

Dress your age...

It's been a while since I've updated this thing. I keep meaning to, but I keep forgetting. My nephew just left. He was here since Thursday. It's so different having a kid in the house. Especially a boy. He is such a good kid though. No trouble whatsoever.

My brother came to pick him up today. He was telling me about his last layover. They had gone to a restaurant/nightclub and the place was crawling with old folks. Not cute little couples out for a night of dancing. Noooo, these were all singles looking to hook up. No one was younger than 65. He was telling me about this one old lady in a short skirt and fish net elbow length gloves. I had visions of the Madonna wanna be's of the 80's. He then told me that she was all decked out and even had her cane decorated! Her CANE! Most of the ladies were dressed in minis and push up bras. Or the ones with their bellies hanging out. He also said that all the men had black shoe polish on their hair. Now, have I not taught him anything??? I want pictures!!!

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for enjoying yourself no matter what your age. But for crissake, I don't run around dressing like a 12 year old.

What about you? Would you like to see your mom or grandma dressed like that?

Cuteness!

This just makes me smile!

I'm NOT Hiding!

Today I have received a few phone calls. Not from sweet friends checking up on my well being or just to say hey. No, these calls are from evil, wicked so called friends, making fun of me for being afraid of thunder & lightning. Every conversation starts along these lines:

Me: (freaking out because someone is calling in the middle of a lighting storm and we all know that it can go through the phone lines and electrocute my ear) Hello?

So called friend: Hey, what are you doing?

Me: Not much

So called friend: So are you under the bed or in the closet??? (laughing wickedly)

For the record, I was not under the bed or in the closet! I was in my bedroom, which just so happens to be the only room in the house that has hurricane shutters on the window. Year round. Not because I use it as a hiding place from storms, but because it makes my room nice and dark. It just so happens that I do hide in there as well. :) When I start seeing blue flashes inside my house and lightning strikes that sound like my tree are being cracked in half, then I calmly walk up to my room to rest for a little while.

I woke up to thunder and lightning. It is now 3PM and it is just now tapering off. It's been like that for the past 3 days or so. I HATE it! I don't mind the rain so much, but the other stuff I can do without. Although, all this water is a breeding ground for these vile creatures. But at least my windows are getting washed.

What goes around...

comes around. In more ways than one! It was not that long ago when my girls were making fun of me in all my big hair glory! They particularly made fun of my sandals. I was never into the bright 80's colors, so I was safe there but I did have a collection of Gladiator Sandals. And guess what? They're baaaaack!

Does this mean that I'm on the computer too much???

It's about 10AM here and I just woke up. Yeah, I don't have little ones anymore, so Saturday mornings are all mine! But that is not important right now. I'm writing because of my dream. I really don't remember much about it really. But I do remember a few parts clearly. One was that we were getting ready for a hurricanne. Must be that I'm already freakin' out about the season. And another part was that Kari was babysitting at our house and in walks Tanyetta & cutie pie DJ! I've never met them in real life. Just bloggy friends. But I have seen a ton pictures of them on her blog. So that probably means that I'm on this laptop waaay too much!

Happy Saturday!

Kids with Phones??

I have been asked on several occasions at what age would it be appropriate to get a child a cell phone. There is no right answer to this, as everyone's sitution is different. I, for one, did not get my girls phones until they were about 14 & 15. Now I have another point of view for a different situation. And it's not even my kid! The reason for this post is that as part of the Creative Days Of Summer Giveaways at 5 Minutes for Mom, they are giving away a cellphone & service from Kajeet.

Now for the reason that I would like to win this. I have mentioned my nephew and his egg donor in the past. The situation is not an ideal situation to say the least. Thing is, that there have been days that my brother can't find his own son because the egg donor has had her phone cut off. Priorities you know. Nightclubs, her Mercedes, wardrobe etc. Anyhoo, although he is only 9 years old, in this case, I think that having his own phone so that his dad can reach him, would be ideal. The best part about it is that my brother can choose who can call and who can be called. That way, the egg donor can't get a free phone for herself. Oh and the GPS wouldn't hurt either. He would only be using it to call his dad, my mom and of course, me! For now. As he gets older, he can add friends.

Although, there seems to be a ray of hope in the horizon. You see, she is claiming that my nephew, (who just happens to be the sweetest, most well behaved boy on the planet) is "acting up". I've know a few women who suddenly say that their child is out of control and that, is actually code for "he should live with his dad permenantly". It's about that time. Her oldest was 10 when she sent him to his dad. We can only hope.

As always, I went off on a tangent. If you would like to enter to win this prize, be sure to visit 5 Minutes for Mom!

Creative Days of Summer

The ladies at 5 Minutes for Mom are at it again. Another week of contests for ya'll! So to quote them directly:

The advent of summer is a source of mixed feelings:

* happiness about a more laid-back schedule
* anxiety about how I’m going to answer the
“I’m bored, Mom” ’s
* resolve to make the most of the extra time
to start some good habits
* determination to use some of these months to reinforce
and advance school skills

Do you feel the same way? Well, 5 Minutes for Mom is here to help.
From June 10 - 18, we’ll have new ideas (and of course, giveaways!) to help keep your kids and the whole family busy, healthy, and happy! All of the contests will be listed here. To enter, leave a comment on each separate post for the items that you’d like to win.
All of the winners will be announced on June 24.

In Search Of... Part Trois

It's time for another edition of In Search Of...

This is where I post what people search and my blog comes up as a hit.

Here is Part 1 & Part 2, in case you're bored. So without further ado.

Do you hear what I hear?

What exactly do you hear? Weird voices in your head? Actually, I sometimes have that little angel/devil thing going on. Just like in the Flintstones!

had to pee" "couldn't hold it anymore"

I'm sorry to hear that. Did it happen in public? Did you make a puddle? They sell Depends at Target if you're interested.

my feet smell like vinegar

Yuck! Thanks for ltting me know. I'll be sure not to try to smell your feet now. And how exactly did that lead them to my blog?

compulsive hoarding photos

Guilty as charged. Yes, I do hoarde stuff. I rarely post pictures of the stuff though. Sorry.

how to never lose anything

When you find out, please fill me in. While you're at it, please let me know how not to forget things as well!

my eyes hurt from the laptop

Then get off the darn thing! Unless you're a glutton for punishment like myself!

"boobs have gotten huge"

I hear ya sister! In my case, it's just a matter of gaining way to much weight.

real life case of remembering last birth

Now this one boggles my mind. Do you remember giving birth or doo you remember being born? If it's the 1st one, then ok. I remember that too. But if it's the latter, ou have come to the wrong place. I don't even remember last week ;)

upcoming trip, afraid to fly

This one is totally understandable. I crap buckets everytime I get on a plane. BUT since I just started flying recently, 2 1/2 years ago to be exact, I say go for it. Pop some Dramamine or Ativan and have fun when you get there. Since 2005 I have been on about 18 planes and one helicopter. Plus I have knocked some things off my bucket list!

what does the name lissete mean

This is from one of he baby names sites:

Meaning of Lisette - What does the name Lisette means?
Pronunciation:lee-zett
Gender: Girl Name
Origin:French
Name Meaning:
Form of Lisa, which is short for the Hebrew name Elizabeth, meaning "pledged to God."

These last 2 are somewhat related

cigarettes don't stink/ cigarette "just started smoking"

First of all, they do stink! Second, stop now! Before it's too late!

Rambling on...

Slow weekend around here. For me at least. Kari had a pretty full weekend but the party is over. She started work today. I am so glad that she is self motivated and does not need that push to get her rear in gear. Except for cleaning up her room that is. But that is not imporant right now. She is working at a school over the the Summer and was asked if she would like to stay on for the regular school year. That would be great. Except for the fact that it would be a part time position, about 40 minutes from home(without traffic) and gas at upwards of $4 a gallon. She would be working solely for fuel. Although she would be doing what she loves, working with kids, she definitely needs to find a place closer to home. She is also decided to attempt a double major. Originally it was just Early Childhood/ Elementary Education. Now she has added Business simply because of the crap that they pay our teachers here. She hopes to someday own her own little school.

Since I have gone off and bored ya with my rambling, here is a funny hat always makes me giggle. Although, I am quite in awe, because I can't do the ABC thing. Sober!

Coming to a neighborhood near... Me?????

You might remember this and this. Well it seems that they have been taking steroids and now we have this:

Doesn't look that big in the picture huh? Trust me, it's huge! Almost as big as godzilla a small rabbit! Still lookin' for a frog exterminator by the way.

Class of 2008

Yesterday was Kari's graduation. If I say that it wasn't a whirlwind of emotions, I would be lying. I am so proud and happy for her that words cannot express. But the realization that my babies are all grown up still tugs at my heartstrings!

So to my sweet baby girl, may all your dreams and wishes come true. Remember that if your mind can conceive it and your heart can believe it, then you can achieve it! You have a very bright future ahead of you and this is one more step in your jour journey of life.

We Love You!

The picture did not come out very well as we were sitting up in the nosebleed section and my zoom can only do so much!

And here she is with Kat after the ceremony:

And So It Begins!

Today is the first day of the season. Not a season that I look forward to at all. The longest season of the year. It runs from today thru November. Six freakin' months! It's the season that makes me want to get the heck out of here.