curious-crap

Think you are Owed Something? Just get Over it!

2013-05-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

The Most powerful Sermon I have ever heard. I don't care if your a believer, this Man has a powerful message for all of us!

Makeup Primer, Instant Age Rewind..Review

2013-04-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hitting the age of Senior Citizen seems to get younger and younger. When I turned 50, AARP, automatically added me to their mailing list.

Now I am turning 55. Dark Circles and wrinkles, under my eyes, are getting harder and harder to cover.

Those dark circles led me to search out a concealer that actually works. I have a drawer full of ones that do not.

Merle Norman makes one that I am happy with, but, the drawback, it seems to magnify the little wrinkles under my eyes.

Now I am on a search to find a primer that is, "supposed" , to fill in these lines, thus the concealer and base makeup, can not settle into them, making them even more visible.

Today's review is the Instant Age Rewind, by Maybelline. In preparation , I cleansed my face, used a light toner, then moisturized. Then we waited for the moisturizer to soak in completely, at least five minutes.

Using tiny dots, I then applied the primer to various places and using a circular motion, completely covered my face. This leaves your face feeling very very silky smooth, and you wonder if you have used too much.

Waiting just a few minutes, I then added my concealer, Merle Norman, and then my base, also Merle Norman, that is a powder.

I will let you be your own judge looking at the photos. Sorry this is a cloudy overcast day.

Can you tell which photo is before and which is after? Not really? Me Neither! Can you say , FAIL??

Two for One Rant Day! Hastings Book Buy Back and LIHEAP

2011-05-13T17:04:00.000-07:00

First off, I am not always as grumpy as I sound on this blog. It just a way to put information out there for the general public.

I read some online reviews on the Hastings book buy back program. Those reviews convinced me this was the way to remove some clutter from the homestead.

Loading up three large canvas shopping bags, off I headed to town. My collection consists mainly of hardback, first printings, of Stephen King Novels. All in excellent condition. My vision, after reading the reviews, was to come out with approx 130.00, store credit.

Complete joke. It took all I had to not come home with my books. Clearing clutter was the goal, not padding my pocketbook, so , yes, I did go ahead and leave my collection at the store. Very disappointed. After all was said and done, my choice was a measly 20.00 store credit, or 12.00 in cash.

My advice to anyone else thinking of going this route, don't. Find another way to get your books into the hands of someone who would like to read them. This was really hiway robbery. Having browsed their used book selection previously, they sell these very hardcovers starting from 9.00 up to 14.99. I can't even comprehend that amount of markup. Donate to a library or local jail instead. You clutter will be gone and you could feel good about the decision to get rid of it.

Ok, then. On to my second gripe. LIHEAP. For anyone not familiar, it stands for, Oklahoma Low-Income Energy Help. This is what most states utilized stimulus monies for. If you meet the income guidelines, you qualified for new windows, doors, heat/air unit, hot water tank blanket, insulation, those low wattage bulbs, and also , insulation for the attic.

Its a very long process, start to finish. First there was all the paperwork to find out if you qualify, then an appointment to measure the doors and windows and inspect your heat and air, along with checking your current insulation.

My Mother in law, qualified. She lives alone, and survives on her social security check. Not sure if her handicapp status, she is wheelchair bound along with o2 dependent, gave her extra points or not.

First off, the windows they put in, are aluminum, are not double pane, and they resemble storm windows. The sit on the outside of her window frames, leaving the entire sill inside the house open. Her hands are so crippled up, she is not able to open nor close them. Yes, they are better than the single pane/glazed windows she had, but, at least she could push them up.

Second, they removed a gas heater from her house, that kept her plenty warm and worked in case of power outtages. This was replaced by a smaller, wall heater with a fan, that is too small. It does not heat her home well, even with new windows and doors. That is not the worst of it. The thing has broken down 3 times already.

We have a cold front that caused our temps to dive. The lows for tonight are forcasted to be 42. My husband attempted to light this heater, and it would not light. He has now gone in search of a new thermacoupler, because, guess what, the warranty expired last month. It just does not seem right. How can the warranty expire on a part that is now going to be replaced for the third time in the last year????

I am sure the LIHEAP program looks good on paper. It was supposed to save these folks from enourmous utility bills. However, as it turns out, the utility rates have increased so much, that this was of no help to her monthly budget, and our electric company just announced for the second time this year, another 3% increase, beginning in July. Ok, well maybe it will keep her from paying out even more, but, that was not part of the plan.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy, AKA, The Whipple

2011-05-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

The following blog was inspired by constant questions on Cancer message boards. Those who are facing this surgery, search high and low for any information, needing to know what to expect. I was in the exact same position, almost three years ago. My searching before the surgery, did not yield many results....

My Whipple surgery was Sept 20, 2008. I spent 9 days in the hospital, unable to keep any food down. My hospital stay would have been extended, but, I demanded to be released. The only reason they wanted to keep me was because of the vomiting, but, they had no treatment for it. It was just my bodies way of finding the new path.

At the date of my release, I had not lost any weight. Pretty sure this was due to the iv's full of fluids, as my body was so bloated I felt I could have floated away.

From then until about Thanksgiving, I continued to vomit up everything. My appetite was good, just could not keep it down. There was no use in taking enzymes at this point. Despite the pain pills and anti nausea meds, I also continued with the "dumping" symdrome. My nutrition came in the form of a can of ensure, given to me by the case by the American Cancer Society. A god send, as this stuff cost 6.50 for a six pack , retail. Be sure to check into this. I mixed up fruit smoothies using this as a base, used bananas, and fresh strawberries and peach's that I had frozen the summer before.

Finally, around Christmas, I was able to find some comfort foods that would stay down. Chicken noodle soup, cottage cheese, mashed potatos and gravy, slices of cheese.

At this point, I had lost 70 pounds. I was then started on enzymes, that only helped my body to absorb some nutrients, the dumping symdrome however continues to this day. Nothing has helped with that, nor the extreme bloating and gas. The original enzymes, was then discontinued due to a ruling by the fda, and I was put on creon. Creon and I do not get along. There is something in them that makes me break out in hives.

I was never advised to have chemo nor radiation. Had big fights with my insurance over follow up PET scans, my blood work is checked every four months, and so far so good.

With Pancreatic Cancer survival rates being so low, one automatically qualifies for disability. Mine is a three year term, at that time, I believe it will be re evaluated. I am unable to return to work, due to my new digestive process, as the gas and dumping are not controllable at this point. I have days where I look and have been accused of being nine months pregnant, the gas and bloating are that bad. I seem to be alone as no one here understands the pain that much gas causes a person, and have become a hermit, cause its extremely embarrasing , and I have no control over it. It wants out when it wants out.

My life after a whipple sucks, but, I can tell you, that with four friends and family members who has passed away, all from lung cancer, since my diagnosis, I am positive, that any of them would have gladly traded places with me.

I continue to tell people, that God has a plan for me that has yet to reveal itself.

Everyones Whipple Surgery recovery is different. I am amazed of the ones who seemingly hop out of that bed and get back to work and only dream of finding a working concoction of medicines and or diet, that would help me progress back into the world.

My life today takes planning. Something I have never been very good at.
If there is something needing done that will take me out of the house, its usually done between lunch hour and supper hour. If there are plans to go out of town, seldom happens, but, hey, we do occassionally make a day trip, I must carefully monitor what is eaten the day or two before, get up early enough in the morning of, so my body can empty itself, sometime its 3 or 4 trips to the potty before I can safely say lets go. As the day wears on and the body begins to bloat, and the gas pains start, its time to call it a day. At times I will attempt to extend the day, but this can become extremely painful.

I do hope the day will come where I am again able to be a productive member of society. Until I can find a Dr. who can figure this out, and work with me on finding solutions, please forgive me for not being in attendance in many, if any, social functions, or even taking an early exit, if I am able to be there.

My Spanking of the Day Award.....

2011-04-12T05:09:00.000-07:00

My spanking of the day, award, goes to "Aldi's" grocery store.

In this day of so many people going hungry, do you really need to be throwing your waste into the dumpster? Its pretty sad when a loaf of bread that seems fresher than one I purchased in this very store the day before, is retrieved from you dumpster. I ohhh and ah over your fresh produce, but, leave it in the store many times because the prices do no meet my budget. Only to find the next day it comes to my house via an older gentlemen who has taken to dumpster diving.

Here is an idea. Why not offer what you deem as unacceptable in the stores at a reduced rate to your customers? If that don't meet your criteria, how about donating to one of several feeding programs in our community? Many elderly shut ins would love to have some fresh produce however the budgets for the senior citizens programs have been slashed to where at times, all they can afford is a small can of soup , a few crackers and perhaps a hospital sized container of juice.

Shame on you, Aldi's.

All About me A-Z

2011-04-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

Playing along with another friends blog.

A. Age: 52
B. Bed size: queen
C. Chore you dislike: Washing windows
D. Dogs: No thanks
E. Essential start to your day: Checking forums
F. Favorite color: Blue tones
G. Gold or silver: Gold
H. Height: 5' 5"
I. Instruments you play(ed): clarinet
J. Job title: No thanks....again
K. Kids: 4= 2 boys + 2 girls
L. Live: Oklahoma
M. Mom's name: Hattie...sorry mom!
N. Nicknames: Jill
O. Overnight hospital stays: Too many to count
P. Pet peeves: People with entitlement issues
Q. Quote from a movie: The Truth? You Can't handle the Truth.
R. Righty or lefty: right
S. Siblings: One brother, three sisters
T. Time you wake up: every two hours whether I like it or not.
U. Underwear: Duh, to go with out is NASTY!
V. Vegetables you don't like: I like them all, just can't eat broccoli any longer.
W. What makes you run late: Tummy issues
X. X-rays you've had: Bunch's
Y. Yummy food you make: Home made mac and cheese, Oatmeal cake
Z. Zoo animal favorites: Snakes, they should all be caged up!

Dear Lord, Thank you for the Rain!

2011-04-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

Now, where is that insurance agents phone number? Kayla!!!!!

My home is my Castle or my Prison?

2011-04-07T08:17:00.000-07:00

When we purchased our home, it was in the days when buying a home was the biggest and best investment a couple would ever make. Our home is on a corner, it has 12 lots with it, there are no other houses on this block, it’s on a paved road, 6 or so miles, outside the city limits.

Our little community offers the elementary school, up to the 6th grade, a farmers COOP, volunteer fire department, and a farm machine repair business.

We bought the house in the fall of 1986 and the purchase price was under, 20,000. This was a fantastic deal, especially, for a young couple raising four children. Other families with kids the same ages lived here. All four of ours, found best friends in the community. They started Kindergarten together and ended up graduating High School together.

This is one of those areas where about the only noise, was that of the children playing, with occasional freight trains blowing by on the tracks just east of my home. During the wheat harvest, the truck traffic increased quite a bit at the COOP. It WAS nice.

Fast Forward to 2011. My Oh My, how our little world has changed.

The Trains never cease. One after another. The higher fuel goes, the more freight trains are running up and down those tracks. All hours of the day or night, whistles blowing. They are required to blow five times for each road crossing. Sometimes I count that whistle instead of Sheep on those nights that sleep does not come easy!

The COOP, is much busier, since the main crops are no long wheat. Corn, Wheat, Feed, Cotton, and Soybeans, (which have to kept a certain temp, so 50 amp electric blowers were added), keeps the place hopping year round. Add in to that mix is the anhydrous ammonia tank farm, so legal or not, seems to always be comings and goings down there.

Within the last few years, the Kaw Nation Indian Tribe, felt generous, and paved and repaved the roads into and out of our community, to make it easier for folks to get to their casino, as opposed to going four miles on up the road, then east out of Newkirk. This has added even additional traffic and road noise, as my house sits quite close to the road, or should I say the HIGHWAY, as that is exactly what it has become.

The newly repaved road sees additional traffic from a rock quarry the sits further east of us. These trucks used a state highway for access up until the last few years. Now they run from daybreak until dark, five and sometimes six days per week.

If all of that is not enough, there seems to be very active oil drilling company or Equipment Company, utilizing this road. I have not figured out just what their destination is, but, with that much equipment, extra large loads with pilot cars, they must have started a storage yard on down the road from us.

I can not believe we have yet to see a major pileup. Our speed limit on the road, in the community is 45, but then goes to 55 and let me tell ya, any AMBITIOUS, Sheriff Deputy, or Highway Patrolman, could meet their monthly ticket quota, in a single day. Not that we have any! The truckers know this......

So, in closing, I tell you, our home is not the best investment we will ever make in today’s world. Regardless of how much money we COULD spend updating and even that we have spent, in today’s markets, we will never see a profit.

IF, we ever get out of here, doubtful, it’s paid for, taxes are reasonable, this house would have to be a rental.

No One,( in their right mind), would buy this place to bring up their Children.

Hell, maybe that COOP, needs the space for another storage bin........

Guess this is what the world calls progress

Being a Mom, sure sucks at times.

2011-04-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

There are times when keeping your mouth shut is about the hardest way to deal with a given situation. If I should say anything, matters will only get worse. Most definitely a WTF or a dammed if I do and dammed if I don’t, situation.

A Mothers intuition is a curse if you ask me. When you can foresee something coming down the line that will affect one of your children, does one warn them? If you had asked me this question in the past, my answer would immediately be yes. Not so sure of that anymore.

Several times in just the last few years, I chose to share those warnings, only to have them come back and bite me in the ass. Believe me, I hate being right, when the consequences involves one of my Children or Grandchildren, to suffer. This is made even more unbearable, when they realize my warnings were right on target, and then proceed to take it out on me, as though my intuition made it happen. I actually had someone say to me that I jinxed them.

Now what to do? If I say nothing, and, one of them are harmed, would the guilt of not passing on a warning, be more tolerable than what I am feeling right now?

Who am I?

2011-03-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

For so many years a Mother is known only as Mikes Mom or Michelle's Mom, or JD or Liz's Mom. As a Mom, your Children is all the identification needed. And its all good.

When seated or standing at one of the kids functions, and introductions are made, simply stating whose parent you are, is all that is necessary. An instant understanding between us adults.

Now my Children are all adults, with their own Mom and Dad, identifications. Leaving me with, What?

Yes, I am still a Wife and that identification is there. But, honestly, cooking dinner and washing dirty socks, is not quite as full filling as Motherhood was.

I am also a Daughter, a Sister, and a Grandmother. In all honesty, those roles, are not as fulfilling either.

Granny, Grandma, Heyma, are the terms used by my youngest generation. I don't care what they call me, just with they would call me! I struggle with this identity. Would love to have them over, because they want to spend time with me. Working on a project, or simply just talking or playing is so nice and I truly live for times like that.

However, as these youngster's, enter the tween or teen years, its more of a battle. Walk in the door and head for the computers. The only time I hear Grandma, is when a site or game they are attempting to play, will not load. Or perhaps when they get hungry. Any attempt to distract them does not go well.

Oh, maybe we will just stay out of the house. Run to the store perhaps? No, that leads to the buy me this or buy me that struggles. I have no problems getting them a treat along the lines of a new toy, or reading material, or even candy of some sort. Its the I need new shoes, I don't have any socks, or even once, it was a 99.99 , plush animal bed pillow??? Seriously.

We even went so far as to purchase a game system . A Wii. No interest in that either.

Kids in this age group are so stimulated, that a quiet evening at Grandmas is more like punishment.

So, the Grandma identity, is not going so well.

Not sure where life's twist and turns will guide me next. I do have a need to get re- focused.

That was lost two years ago , with the diagnosis of Cancer. Apparently, I am not going to die. Its time to get off my duff, find myself, and do something.

Ring Ring Ring

2011-03-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

So today, AT&T finally got the call. Yep, I disconnected my home telephone service. It took me a year to make that final decision.

Our kids and other family members have used the cell phones almost exclusively for the last few years.

The majority of calls on the home phone were either Robo, calls, where some computer dials up a set of numbers, and delivers a recorded message, politicians, or the wonderful world of CHARITIES, soliciting money.

So I say to you:

If you have massive CREDIT CARD DEBT, the NATIONAL RIFFLE ASSOCIATION, may contact the SUSAN B. COLEMAN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION, who may contact the FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, or even the STATE TROOPERS FOUNDATION, to notify me. IF, all else fails, I am sure the DEMOCRATIC PARTY, knows how to get in touch with us!

Too much or Too much?

2011-03-12T05:18:00.000-08:00

On Friday, March 11, 2011 a huge earthquake hit Japan. This resulted in what is becoming the worst disaster that country has ever seen. For the first time,tsunami waves were documented rolling across the countryside, 6 miles inland they rolled. Destroyed everything in site, then rolled back out, taking many lives and property on out to sea.

Now, there is an issue with that countries Nuclear plants. Two of them are in danger of overheating, thus the possibility of a meltdown.

Like 911, I found myself glued to the TV. Watching the images, over and over. Having enough, of the repeated pictures and stories, nothing new was being shown, I finally changed the channel.

There I was greeted by stories of a firestorm, right here in Oklahoma. Many homes throughout our state were lost, close to fifty was one count. My friend lives in one of the areas. I will wait to hear if her place was spared, but , I know, she will be extremely busy regardless, as she works as a insurance office manager.

If this were not enough, the news also greets us with word of yet another massacre in Mexico. It seems this has become a daily occurrence.

So, I ask , are were being forced by the news, in the way of instant coverage, to be desensitized to all the tragedies throughout the world?

Or, are you like me. Its just too much to digest in one sitting?

Spring is in the Air...Finally

2011-03-10T05:46:00.000-08:00

So very glad to watch a weather forecast this time of year. Seeing highs of 50's and 60's was only but a dream a few short weeks ago.

I have bulbs to plant, a hedge to take out, and houseplants in serious need of re potting. All it takes for motivation, sunshine.

It was a long, harsh winter. I feel as though parts of me died, similar to last years growth on my rosebush.

Don't misunderstand. I do not grieve. Time comes to claim many hopes and dreams, wishful thinking, regret, unrequited love. I release this freely. Sometimes in life, you realize, its not worth the struggle to keep it all alive.

Have you ever come to a place in your life where your just content being who you are? There will always be those in your lives who are not happy with ones choices, but, think of it this way. Were you put on this earth to be all things to those people? I was not and I have finally realized, no matter how hard you try to please some people, others will continue to be disappointed, and yet others, will never be happy with who you are.

Yes, I have narrowed down those who will share in my life's journey. The doors are not closed and locked. Others my join me in this hike at any time. My only requirement, acceptance.

I feel like Blah today!

2011-01-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

The holidays are over and done with and we now begin our long, long trek towards spring. If there was any time of the year when I give serious consideration to moving, it is now.

My hands and feet will stay cold for the next few months. We will not see much of the sunshine that I love so very much. Its hibernation time for me and many other animals.

I have some new things in the works to keep my mind occupied. The sewing machine has been oiled and I have many peices of material stockpiled from thrift stores and garage sales.

A new job is also in the works. Very part time. Really have not made up my mind if its to my liking or not, however, a few extra dollars in my pocket per month would be nice.

Wish I felt better. Have started some new anxiety medication, along with kava, kava. Really need to cut caffeine out of the diet, but, when I looked at the price of coffee yesterday, the small cans are now priced at what the larger sized one cost. Glad we stocked up before the price increase. Good Golly, Man! Today was also greeted with a Migraine headache.

There is some work I need to get to, I put it off all last week because the MR. was on vacation all week.

Blah, maybe tomorrow!

Don't upset the Apple Cart!

2011-01-01T05:22:00.000-08:00

Ya know, this may come as a surprise to you all. I have had people in my life, my whole life, whom are the type that you find yourself tip toeing around so as to not upset the apple cart. Well, this last year, I said screw that. It didn't turn out so well, but, you know what, I feel so much better. Everything is out there in the open, they know exactly how I feel and how they have made me feel over the years, but, heres is the big shock, instead of them accepting any responsibility for their actions, they, collectively put their heads together and have decided that I need a mental eval, cause I aint' taking any of their shit no more!

So, Here is my quote to start the new year with!

You have done what you could — some blunders and absurdities have crept in. Forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

Emerson

Wow, Long time no posts!

2010-09-17T04:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe its been since December since I posted anything on here! My life must be pretty boring for me to not have anything to say!

Writing for a living was given up. Many long hours sitting at the computer for very little pay is what did me in. Hopefully soon something else will come along to give me a few extra dollars!

My stepfather passed away a few month ago. He and my mother had just bought a property and his personal belongings were still at his other house. Mom contacted an auction house, who came and loaded everything up and this auction will be this Saturday. I am very dissappointed in the lack of advertising the auctioneer has done. The ad was placed in last Sundays newspaper, and also on the fellows website, and that is it. No shop and swap, no wednesday ad, nothing more, have any of us found at this point.

I have to tell you that had I known who this fellow was at first meeting, I probably would have steered Mom in another direction. This is a very busy man, and my first clue to the lack of communication, with his staff, was noticed the first day they came to pack up the belongings. Specific questions were ask about the procedure during the initial meeting, such as do we need to provide boxes. The owner of the business, advised they provide them at no cost. Well, imagine our surprise when they showed up, with no boxes and even made the comment, they wish they had brought some! There was also the fact it took 3 different days of meeting with them at the property for them to get it all. They stated their trailors were all full, and had other appointments to get to.

Then comes waiting for them to choose a date for the auction. Initial meeting, we were told it could be up to two months, because they wait until the building is full and they had just had one the week prior. Mom was checking out their website one day and happen to notice they had most of the items listed with a date for Sat, Sept 19th. She was not called , nor notified in anyway and the bitch is, there were more items to be added, however, she did not feel comfortable with them being stored in his building for two months. We informed the action staff that a list would be written up and provided to them for advertising purposes,and then as the auction got closer, we would get these additional items to them. Well, again, this information was apparently not shared between the staff and the owner. No communication between anybody! Very Frustrating for all.

Well, Mom made up her mind, that they will not be selling these other items

Oh, the very busy man. None other than Ponca Citys Mayor, Homer Nicholson.

We had no idea.

Reviewing "LiveWork"

2009-12-02T04:42:00.000-08:00

Most are unaware when signing up for LiveWork, the company is somehow connected to Live Ops. Let me be clear, I have no information on the company by that name.
I did attempt to pick up some work using the Live Work platform. When signing up back in September 09, there were only 4 jobs listed. After applying for them all, nothing was heard from any of them. Fast forward to November 09, out of the blue, an email arrived, declining me for one of the positions. Now this provider is very active on a forum, and clearly stated what qualifications she looked at before hiring anyone for her team. Having none of those, so, it was not surprising to get a denial email. Here is the funny part, the very next day, here comes a welcome to the team email. Same provider.

Curiousity got the better of me. Went into the website to see what is was all about. The project is answering questions from the public, off a popular search engine. One answer pays you .28. The project calls for you to answer at least 100 of them per week. Ok, lets give this a shot. After searching around quite a bit, and some mass confusion as to how to get started, I found the actual questions quite easy to answer, with very little research required. My first 100 were submitted in about two days.

The person in charge of this project sent emails, forum messages, and also in a chat room, to attend her conference calls. She has these about every day, however, no toll free number. Voicing my displeasure, I dialed in. There was no new information, lots of distraction on the providers end, with chasing a pet out of the room and other awkward breaks. The main information shared was read from emails that were sent out. After about thirty minutes of that, I hung up. They do provide a link to the recorded call, and from here on, that is what I choose to do. The others I listened to , were the same material. Waste of time.

After working two days to answer the required 100, suddenly there is another project this provider is hiring for. This project pays .68 per answer. Of course I wanted to switch over. NOPE. If you were working on the other one, the only way this provider will put you on the new one was to be in what she called , top providers. Hum, the qualifications for this seemed to be answering not 100 per week, but, double that per batch. Yep, suddenly this provider wants you do answer 200 queries per batch, and there are at least two batchs per week. So, um, wait a minute. When signing up its 100 per week. It says right there on the qualification page.

Well, let me tell you, this person running this project, now seems to have 500 people working on 3 or 4 projects, and micro managers every tiny detail. I have worked in a call center with less employees than this and let me tell ya, Micro managing will not work for long. I see a train wreck on the tracks.

Now, here is the deal and why I resigned.
A. I ask to be switched to the higher paying project, she would not allow it.
B. Come payday, we find out, that paypal fees are passed over to us. Example my 28.00, was reduced by 1.05. About equal to five questions answered. The project manager believes they have no control over this, that its paypals policy, however, if you check closely, there would be no fee if the company paid out of their bank account or funds from paypal itself. Sorry, I don't pay anyone for the priveledge of working. PERIOD.

I have great symphathy for those doing this gig, who only have this as income. Those are the ones who will take all the crap jobs out there and be so happy to have any income at all. They are also the ones who will scream the loudest when anyone points out the flaws. Such as, if we worked in public, we have to pay gas, and dry cleaning and blah blah blah. Well, I suppose you could if you wanted to. I don't own anything that needs drycleaning personally, and um, nope, my car would only use maybe one gallon of gas a day getting to and from a Brick and Mortar. Far, Far , from eating up much of a min wage jobs pay. Come on, it took me two days to make 28.00. Maybe five hours total. What is that like 5.25 per hour.

All thats left to say to that is, "SUCKERS"

Working from Home as a Writer, pays very little.

2009-12-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

What makes a writer?

We are aware that there are those that have college degrees in Journalism, or the English Language, here. Those who will step in with comments stating a perfectly formed sentence will receive better marks, than one presented with either a missing comma or grammar problems.

My line of thinking is that is true, for the type of work we are doing here. However, to be honest, a true writer is someone who can put a story together. A story should keep your attention from beginning to end.

So let us be honest. Not only are we writing here, but we are also required to do the job of editors for very small payments. If we all had English Degrees, why would society need editors?

A writer is anyone who creates a written work, though the word usually designates those who write creatively or professionally, as well as those who have written in many different forms. The word is almost synonymous with author, though somebody who writes, for example, a laundry list, could technically be called the writer of the list, but not an author. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images, whether fiction or non-fiction.

Editing is the process of selecting and preparing language, images, sound, video, or film through processes of correction, condensation, organization, and other modifications in various media. A person who edits is called an editor. In a sense, the editing process originates with the idea for the work itself and continues in the relationship between the author and the editor. Editing is, therefore, also a practice that includes creative skills, human relations, and a precise set of methods

How to Overcome Your Nicotine Addiction

2009-10-31T09:27:00.000-07:00

Boy, smoking is a huge political target in today’s society. One looks at a smoker with such disdain and repulsion, they are to be avoided at all costs and lord forbid your children come within their personal space. One can hardly wait for those lawsuits to start appearing.

Nevertheless, face it, you know you do want to quit. You have for years; however, the will power required is more than you have now. Maybe after the news is posted about the job promotion, or when the approval comes through on you new home purchase. There is always something going in your life that keeps you from taking that first step. No one can make the decision for you and as long as you are still coming up with excuses, you are not going to quit.

Many people are recommending stop smoking aids, being it in the form of prescription drugs or over the counter patches or gum. To be honest, you need to research those options, however, there are so many dramatic side affects from these, you should only consider these if you have seriously tried and failed using your own will power.

One thing you can try is to use visualization. Just picture it in your mind. You are smoking your very last cigarette. View yourself puffing away, picture the smoke rising into the air, take a deep breath, and exhale completely. Watch as the cigarette burns down to the filter, and the ashes you flick away. As your extinguishing the last of the butt, and throwing it away, picture in you head, giving yourself a high five, while saying that is the last smoke you will ever enjoy.

This is one of the methods a hypnotist will suggest as the means to put those cigarettes down. Yes, you will have periods of time where the urge is so strong, you have to have that nicotine right this minute, however, it’s your choice how to diffuse this. One method is to carry a small bit of baking soda with you. When the symptoms appear, simply, wet your finger and stick it on the soda, and return a bit of the powder to your tongue. This helps your body to reduce the acids that retain the nicotine. Getting rid of that stored nicotine is imperative in getting rid of the habit. This soda can also be mixed into a glass of water, several times per day, however, you may find that putting a bit directly onto your tongue, will help fight off that need for a smoke.

It is also true to avoid places where smokers hang out. Those bars and casinos are chock full of temptation for the former nicotine addicted personality. There are former smokers, some that have quit as far back as twenty year ago, who still just love the smell of cigarettes and know, that smoking just a single one, and they are hooked yet again.

In closing, one also needs to consider the substitute habits that some will pick up in avoiding nicotine. Of course, we are referring to food and the weight gain associated with that. Yes, you are creating another issue, which will need to be addressed, however, without the smoking habit, you will be in a much better position to hit the gym, you will have much more energy and ability to walk further with out running out of breath. Your lungs actually start to heal themselves from the moment you take your last puff!

Why women often gain weight when they are in a committed relationship

2009-10-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

Coming up on the 25^th wedding anniversary, one may ponder all that has taken place of the last quarter century. Do you wonder if there is any way your body would fit back into that wedding dress? How about those tight fitting jeans that got the attention of your spouse in the first place? Most likely, the answers to those questions are a giant NO!

Unfortunately, after being in the relationship for a few years, your priorities will change dramatically. Gone will be the days of you looking into the mirror wondering if he will like that new dress or better yet, how good your body looks in that dress. This time will be spent instead of wondering how to pay the bill for the hot water heater that you had to replace or running your children to and fro from various sporting, school, music, and who knows what all else activities. That is right. Once you have married and you have children, there is no time in the schedule for yourself. Your family becomes your number one priority, your reason for living, your reason for working. A Woman wants more than anything does for their children to have happy pleasant memories of their growing up years, and she will go way out on a limb to achieve that.

This will start with the moment of birth. Making sure everything in the nursery is just so. Birthday parties have to be top notch with all family members in attendance. Preschool ages bring the beginning of a sports career or music lessons. It all just balloons from there. There is absolutely no time in the day to schedule exercise, to plan healthy meals or worry about getting ones hair done. Gosh at this point, getting a haircut itself is a luxury

Before long, your running around in sweatpants so much, you do not even notice the additional inch that your waistline grew. When shopping for clothing, your grabbing what is comfortable without so much as a thought as to how tight the waist was the last time you wore your jeans, and at the same time, you’re grabbing the next size larger.

Another item that comes into play will be the relationship with your spouse. Yep, after the honeymoon period is over, there may still be a few years where you both cannot keep your hands off the other. After that, its more like when your both so exhausted at the end of the day, you find your actually going to bed at the same time for once. At this point, who cares what they look like; you just put in an eighteen-hour day. From then on, you really do start to take for granted that your spouse do not care what you look like and give up on yourself as well.

Seriously, in the end, as long as you are healthy, energetic, and provide your significant other with the support they need, gaining a little weight is not that serious of an infraction. The children will be grown and gone soon enough and your finances do tend to improve at that point as well. One finds plenty of time on their hands at this point in life and are free, able and ready to join a gym, take a healthy cooking class, and finally start dating their spouse again. Yes indeed. Go get that trendy haircut, buy that new dress because Momma, it is all about you, again!

Oh Please Give it a Rest

2009-10-27T05:09:00.000-07:00

You know what they say about the soap operas. Watch once per year is all that is required and your caught up on the story line. Honestly, its true. Let us take a look at one that I have been watching since the 60's. Day of Our Lives. The writers of this show, have made these story lines so predictable, that its laughable. Once again, Bo and Hope have split up, and they are bringing in a former love of Bo's to complicate the matter. One can only yawn as the storyline progresses. As a regular viewer, we are so sick and tired of Hope playing the self rightous bitch, and oh, poor me. The Actress who plays this charactor does not have many lines to memorize anymore. They are all the same lines, whine and moan. One can only pray the writers give this chick some backbone soon.

Then there is the storyline of Nichole. Jesus H Tits. Seriously, have you ever seen anyone talk to themselves so much that you honestly believe this person should be in a mental ward somewhere? The only people you really come in contact with who does this, is homeless people wondering the sidewalks of large cities. This character is also lost in the whine and moaning world. Oh poor me, why can't I catch a break, why am I also caught up in my own lies. Um... talk to the writer of the show. Sure wish a viewer had that ability.

We can say Thank you for giving the viewers a break on the Sammy Brady whine fest. It seems as though the writer is finally giving this character a break along with a little maturity. Of course what choice did she have after they took Marlena and John out of the picture. Matter of fact, most of her support system are rarely seen on the show. Grandma Caroline Brady, has she been cut? None of the characters siblings are available, and her Daddy, Roman Brady, may get one scene a week. Guess you could say, Sammy had to grow a backbone!

There is one character that is getting less and less lines these days. I do wish to thank the writers and producers for that. Stephanie. Who dresses that girl anyways. Those freaken dangling oversized earrings are such a distraction, seriously. I have changed the channel to watch Judge Joe Brown before, cause I was wanting to yank them earrings out so bad. Along the same lines, this viewer, was gagging at the love scenes that included her and Philip. YUCK! They had zero chemistry between them, at all! Hard to describe how uncomfortable that made me.

In the Dark of Night They Come

2009-10-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

We get up early. Very early, according to most of the Family.

Hubby leaves for work around five. About 4:15, the alarm clock buzzes.

This has become the normal time for us to be awake.

We can tell you, we see them five times per week, sometimes more. They come down our road, with the lights turned off but you can hear them. When they slow down to drop off their partners, you can see the brake lights.

A few minutes later, the same vehicle returns, lights off, to pick up who ever it was they dropped off.

So this morning went as normal. I grab a cup of coffee and head to the enclosed back porch for my first smoke of the day. I hear the Valve spewing. Look out the window and sure enough, the toxic chemical is being sprayed into the air. Thank goodness, the wind is out of the North today.

Not much later, I see one of the Sheriff Deputies' cars. Headlights on, and he is wondering around the lot with a flashlight. Better late than never I guess. As I am going on about my morning, at 5:35, I hear six gunshots. Holly shit! We have been here for many years; this is the first time for that. As I peer out my window, I observe the sheriff's car is now pointing his headlights to the West. At this point, I have no idea if the gunshots come from the Law or criminal side of the situation. I then see who I believe to be Law Enforcement, get into his car and leave!

Now let me tell you, I am shaking like a leaf. It is still pitch dark outside, and the direction of those headlights, would mean he was shooting in the direction, just north of my house. Hell, there are houses over there where he was shooting. They are on the other side of the now empty wheat field. Why in the pitch dark, did he believe he had clear enough vision to empty his six-shooter?

By now, all the porch lights of my neighbors are on and the county commissioner, who lives on this same road, is pulling into this now empty lot. Then just as casually, pulls back out and as far as I can tell goes back home. Later this morning, during business hours, I did see a deputy’s car down there at the COOP. In the time it takes for me to put on some shoes, he had left.

It does me no good to call the Sheriff's office when this happens. The thieves have scanners and know where the deputies are at before striking. They know when someone has called them in and can get in and out of the area very quickly. In over twenty years of living here, they may of caught two of the thieves, and that happened by pure luck.

Here is my rant on this issue. The state has already made over the counter medications, ordered locked up. One has to show a drivers license to purchase them. Then you can only purchase a certain amount. I am talking about medications like Sudafed. This has helped some with the meth problem in our state, but not enough, apparently. They now want to make these drugs, available by prescription only. Now why in the hell, if I need Sudafed, should I need to get a Dr's written order, when, These COOP'S do nothing to secure those tanks of Anhydrous Ammonia? Those tanks are just sitting there, out in the open. Very easy targets. I want something done about that. The more the other ingredients are regulated, the more times the COOP is ripped off. It will not be long I am afraid to say, that someone will be hurt. Thank God, it was not today!

Making a few bucks on the side.

2009-10-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of women out there who are trying to stretch their dollars. One way of accomplishing this it to find freelance writing gigs. These may require you to simply rewrite a title, make sense of perhaps and overseas website, or even post blogs.
Currently, I am signed up with two companies. Both of these compaines pay via paypal, and have very good reputations. It will provide me with some spending cash for holiday shopping or allow me to quickly buy something on sale over the internet. I am one of those people that has a very limited income, and it seems that as soon as it hits the bank account, the bills consume what little there was.
One of the companies I work for pays daily, the other monthly. I will continue to search for one that pay weekly!

Shit or get off the pot.

2008-05-29T05:41:00.000-07:00

We all know we are in trouble.
You can't buy anything today that has not gone up in price.
Our local paper ran a story on the front page regarding utilities, again.
Yep, across the board 4 percent rise in Electric, 3 percent in trash and water.
I only use their electric.

You know the price of gas is effecting everything we buy.

Do you think retired folk living on Social Security have any chance of getting a raise? Normally they get 3 or 4 percent in January. Like I just stated, Utilities alone are up 10 percent, gasoline who can calculate that percentage, Food, unknown percent at this point.

Do you know one thing that has not gone up?

I do.

Wages.

Matter of Fact, our wages have gone down. The company where my Husband has worked for 25 years are cutting back. Their bonus's are gone. Ample overtime is gone. They have cut to a 4 day work week. What can you do?

I work from home. No need to fill my gas tank every week. No useless trips to pick up an item or two, nope, He picks em up on his way home. He is also riding a motorcycle to work on days that is not dangerous, ie snow, tornado watch, thunderstorms. Yep, this is Oklahoma!

Watch those Grocery ads. Stock up on Sale items. If its not on sale, don't buy it or at least print off a coupon and visit a store that doubles coupons.

Saving on Electric , turn off that computer, unplug cell phone charger, laptop charger, ceiling fans in rooms your not in, lights , air conditioners. Ya know, its not going to lower you bills, but, just maybe they won't go up . If I use 4 percent less, its a wash in the end.

Good Grief

2008-05-29T05:09:00.000-07:00

Good gosh. I only wanted a small space to type up some random thoughts. Who knew that you have to come up with a name for a blog, a name that is not already in USE. I mean, shit, tried more than 20 different names that were already taken. Hell, by the time I finally figured out a name, I am out of time and have to head for work. Hopefully, work will be slow today and I can go ahead and type out my thoughts that originally got me going in this direction. JJ