Live, Laugh, Blog

Random Thought

2009-03-03T08:59:00.002-06:00

There are times (many times) that random thoughts just pop into my head, and I find it difficult to push them aside. Thoughts that really make no sense, or have no answer, but yet, they are there.

For instance: have you ever thought about why things are named the way they are? Who looked at an elephant and decided to call it an elephant? What was it about this huge, lumbering creature that begged to be called "elephant"?

Or colors. What was it about the color red that makes it red? Where did these words come from?

I know you can research the origin of words, but seriously, before the word red ever existed, how did it come to be?

These are the kinds of thoughts I'm plagued with on a daily basis, and this is what my family and friends have to deal with.

Take an Orlando Vacation

2009-03-02T08:37:00.002-06:00

Who doesn't want to go to Disney World? I mean, come on. It's the most magical place on Earth! I myself have never been, but have always dreamed of going. I'm 37 years old, and would still jump at the chance to go!

I can so see myself taking an Orlando vacations. Spending my days at Disney World, feeling the excitement, and acting like a kid again. Or laying on the beach, letting the sun warm my skin. Oh how wonderful that sounds as I sit here looking out my window at the snow on the ground and trying to keep warm in this deep freeze.

Did you know that you could get a three day/two night stay in Orlando complete with two theme park tickets starting at $99? How crazy is that? Figure out your transportation, and you're on your way! This price just might make me think twice about taking a vacation to Orlando this summer.

I wonder if they make a Cinderella dress in my size?

An End and a Beginning

2009-03-01T15:26:00.002-06:00

Well, wrestling season has come to an end for Tristan. It was a bittersweet ending, to say the least. Although he achieved his goal of making it to State, going further to actually place in the top five wasn't to be this year.

The tournament began this past Thursday, and was to run through Saturday. The school paid for the hotel stay and food for Tristan, but we had to find our own way, which we did. We bought tickets beforehand, and headed down to Madison Thursday morning. It poured rain all the way down.

We ended up having to park two blocks away from where the tournament took place, which meant a two block hike in the pouring, freezing rain. We were soaked by the time we got there, but we made it. Once we found our seats, in the nosebleed section (we were only four rows from the top of the building!), we settled in for what we thought would be an exciting time.

The place was huge, intimidating, and Tristan was so nervous! Nervous, but ready. He (and we) thought he stood a pretty good chance at making it past the first round. Unfortunately, nothing could have prepared Tristan for the speed of his opponent! I'm telling you, this guy was quick! He took Tristan down so fast, we weren't sure how it happened. Tristan fought hard, but ended up losing 10-6, sending him home for the season.

He was really upset, but we were proud nonetheless. He worked really hard this season, and reached every goal he had set for himself, and then some. A good friend and head wrestling coach at a nearby college told us he sees Tristan at the top of the podium next season, and I believe it too.

On the upside of this defeat, Tristan's restrictive diet is over as well. After months of watching what he ate, and sometimes even not eating to make weight the day of a match, he is back to eating whatever he wants. And boy did he eat when he got home! I thought he would surely vomit or explode!

He'll be wrestling all summer this year at camps and such to keep improving more. I think his future plans involve wrestling in college, so I'm sure a placement at next year's State tournament is a goal he'll work hard to reach.

Now, on to the younger ones. Next weekend starts the season for Timothy and Rebecca. Yes, you read that right. Rebecca will be wrestling as well. Boys as well as girls can wrestle in the younger grades, and she's been begging us for two years to let her try. This year I finally gave in, and so far, she loves it. She's really putting alot of time into it, and learning fast, so we shall see.

It just never seems to end around here. From one kid to the next, there's ALWAYS something doing!

The Inside of a Computer

2009-02-24T21:16:00.002-06:00

I'm not much of a computer whiz, but I know how frustrating it can be to want to do something on your computer and not be able to because it just doesn't have the right equipment for the task. Such is the story of my kids and the "family" computer in the living room. It's an older computer, about 5 or 6 years old now, and today's games just do not function properly on it.

I don't know how many times I've caught a child of mine either cursing at the screen or slamming the mouse around trying to play a game and the computer not cooperating. I've been told by my increasingly frustrated son, that it's because the video card inside the computer isn't up to par. He may be right, but what do I know?

You see, the computer I'm typing to you on right this minute is mine, and only mine. Mike bought me a laptop to use because I could never get to the family computer for the kids. My laptop has everything needed to play such games, but no matter how many times the kids ask, I won't let them on it. It's an ongoing battle around here, but not one I'm going to surrender to.

I'm thinking it might be time to upgrade the family computer. I never use it anymore, but it is slow and outdated. Besides, by doing so will probably get the kids off my back, at least for a little while. Even a little while will be a blessing, however short it might be.

Priceless......

2009-02-24T21:03:00.003-06:00

Wrestling shoes: $140.00

Headgear: $35.00

Singlet: $50.00

Being the Mom of an Individual Wrestling State Qualifier: PRICELESS.....

Tristan qualified this past Saturday for the State Wrestling Tournament! He's worked so hard this season to achieve this goal that he set for himself. Mike and I are so proud of him. This weekend, we're headed to our State's Capital for the tournament, a three day event that starts Thursday. The best of the best will be there, including my son!

I can't wait!

Planning a Summer Vacation

2009-02-19T08:51:00.002-06:00

Winter seems to be lasting forever here in Wisconsin. We've had more snow and more cold weather than in the last few years, and quite frankly, I'm getting really tired of it. I dream of getting away, of going someplace warm. Since school is in session, I know that's not possible right now, but I've been thinking of what to do and where to go when the kids are out of school for the summer.

One place that has caught my interest is Branson, Missouri. Branson has dozens of attractions to keep a visitor busy. The one that I'd like to go see is the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. I love that show and to see all that odd and strange stuff in person would make the trip for me! For my family, the lure of outdoor activities is a big plus. Riding the Ducks, touring Branson on the Scenic Railroad and playing miniature golf at Pirate's Cover Adventure Golf would be a great start to a fun vacation.

I was checking out the Branson Getaway website, and was really surprised at the package prices they have. A family of four can stay for four days/three nights for $824! That price includes admission to three different attractions while you're there. Not a bad price at all, if you ask me. The only thing that isn't included in your package price is transportation, but at that price, one could afford their own.

It's been years since our family has taken a summer vacation, and the idea of getting away to Branson really excites me! Branson has so much to do and the package prices make it so affordable, I really think that this summer we will be able to take that much needed vacation. I'll keep you all posted on our progress. And of course, I'll take tons of pictures so you'll be able to enjoy the vacation right along with us!

Nasty Stuff Goin' Round

2009-01-06T09:11:00.002-06:00

Ugh! The flu has been making its rounds here again. It never fails, every winter, it has to make an appearance at least once. Usually, I try to avoid it like the plague, since throwing up is what triggers the blood vessels in my eyes to burst, causing permanent loss of eyesight for me.

It's hard because as a mother, my job is to take care of the sick ones in my house, but the flu sends me into hiding. I've been lucky the last few years. No flu since 2001.....

Until this year.

Rebecca started with it a week ago. It's not a long lasting bug. Throwing up one day, pretty much fine the next, but man oh man! That one day of sickness is awful! The stomach cramps hurt so bad, all you can do is cry.

After Rebecca came Timothy. He didn't vomit, but he had stomach cramps and the runs, for just a day. After that, it seemed to be gone. I thought I had escaped the dreaded flu again.

A week later, I started not to feel good. I tried brushing it off as something else. I fought it all day, not allowing myself to be sick. By the afternoon, it was no use. I was sick. But, I was scared. I could feel the vomiting coming. I couldn't stop it. I just prayed that my eyesight would hold out. And it did! I made it through the flu with the same amount of eyesight that I started with! I was so happy!

It's terrible that I have to worry about losing my eyesight just because I have the flu. I don't even drink to excess anymore (like my younger years!) for fear of vomiting and going blind. It always looms on the horizon, in the back of my mind. But, I made it through this time!

It's back to avoiding the flu like the plague again for me!

More On Insurance

2009-01-05T10:49:00.003-06:00

Since we're on the subject of insurance, I was wondering how many people actually go without it because of the complexity of it all or just the price in general? I mean, take car insurance, for example. I know for a fact that there are people out there that just don't have it. It's either too expensive or just plain to complicated to bother with. I mean, who wants to pay outrageous amounts for insurance that you may not ever need, right?

Wrong!

The very first time you get in an accident and don't have insurance, you'll be sorry, especially if the accident is your fault. We didn't have auto insurance for quite a while, but as soon as we could afford it, we purchased it. It is just plain stupid to be without it.

Don't be caught without it. Go to 2insure4less.com to get an auto insurance quote quickly and easily. On their website, you'll also find a wealth of information on all types of insurance from auto to home, and the hows and whys of buying it. You'll be able to find a policy to fit your needs with ease, and get the best price possible!

I Started My Work From Home Job!

2009-01-05T10:32:00.003-06:00

Just before the holidays, I started my new job. I only worked a week and a half, but I love it so far. I even have a title! I'm an RA, which stands for Research Analyst.

I'm working for a company called CORA, which stands for Creating Opportunities by Realizing Ability. The company focuses on helping disabled people find jobs to do from home. They realize that just because someone is disabled, it doesn't mean they are useless. Every single person that works for CORA is disabled in some way or another.

We have chat rooms, and use Skype to communicate. I work three hours a day for now, but I'm going to put in for more hours next week. There are so many things to do there! I'm researching other companies that might want to partner with CORA to hire at home workers. It's a lot of fun!

The best part of my job? After years of being at home alone all day every day while everyone is at work and school, I finally have adult people to communicate with. I have adult conversation that doesn't include anything about doing laundry or cleaning house! It's great! It's like being in any other work place, except we're all at home. I think the communication thing is the best thing for me!

So, I've been off for two weeks now for the holidays, and I go back this afternoon. I've actually missed it. I wanted to work over the holidays!

As time goes on, I'll be posting more about it. It sounds like there's lots of room for advancement and pay raises with CORA, so I'm hoping to do well.

Have You Thought About The Future?

2009-01-05T09:12:00.003-06:00

I often think about the future of my family. What would happen if I weren't here? Would they be able to take care of themselves? Would Mike be able to take care of the kids without me? Not only would they be able to, but could they afford it?

Right now, Mike is the only one with life insurance, and that's through his job. The rest of us do not have it, but I spend quite a bit of time thinking about it. I'm a worrier like that. Thinking about it is one thing. Affording it is another.

There are many life insurance companies out there, I know. Finding one that has everything we want at a price we can afford is another matter altogether.

When I found out about wholesaleinsurance.net, it was like an answer to my prayers. Not only could I get life quotes for insurance, I could compare different companies right online to find the best one for me. I didn't have to shop around, spending time on the phone with each company. I just entered my information and all the companies that fit present their quotes. It's that easy.

Now, I can rest assured that we'll have term life insurance for the family, and knowing that makes me feel better. I know it's no replacement for the life of a loved one, but being able to pay things off in the event of a death is a load off my mind.

It's a (Dangerous) Winter Wonderland Outside

2009-01-05T08:07:00.002-06:00

This winter has been a doozy, to say the least. We've had tons of snow, and lots of cold, cold weather. It's also been a strange one. We'll get feet of snow for a week straight, then the next week will be above freezing and everything melts, only to start over again the next week with the snow and cold. You just never know what you're going to get here in Wisconsin!

A couple of days ago, we got another somewhat warm snap for a day that brought about melting snow and freezing rain. As soon as the freezing rain stopped, the temperatures dropped and the ice stayed. The roads were literal skating rinks, with not-so-smart drivers venturing out only to end up in the ditch. The plows were out, but there's only so much you can do with ice when it won't melt. Salt does little more than add to the problem, as whatever melts refreezes.

Our driveway is super slick and shiny. While it is pretty, and as a kid I'd probably try my hand at skating on it, it is a major problem right now. Mike has almost hit the garage on two occasions, because brakes on vehicles have nothing on a driveway covered in ice. Salt isn't melting it, it's too cold. You just get in your car, put her in drive, and hope for the best. It's a crap shoot every time.

The backyard where the dogs go outside is just as slick. Our yard slopes away from the house at a slight angle, and the snow is frozen solid, shiny. The dogs go out and slide until they hit something that catches them. It's quite comical actually, but I am afraid they are going to hurt themselves. You can just see them digging their toenails into the ice to climb back up to the door. I'd shovel, but there again, it's frozen solid.

The kids tried sledding on the solid ice/snow. They were able to go from the back door all the way to the neighbor's adjoining yard without even pushing. They, at least, have found a use for the stuff!

So, this morning, the sun is out, but I doubt it's doing any good to melt the evil ice that has taken over our neighborhood. Since the temperature is only in the single digits, the ice has the upper hand. I wonder when we'll see normal ground again? Something a little less shiny, please.

Time To Think About Remodeling

2008-12-31T09:58:00.004-06:00

We've lived in our house now for almost three years, and the previous owner's decor is starting to wear thin with me. The living room is bright blue with white crown molding, and the kitchen is bright yellow! It was unique when we moved in, but now it is just ugly!

So, now that the holidays are over, I've been thinking it's time to get busy on this house and make it my own. I've already painted and redecorated the downstairs bathroom. The walls are a cobblestone color, and the overall theme is fishing, since our family is big on fishing. There's homemade curtains with a stream/woods theme, porthole mirrors on the walls, and fishing rods and nets for accent. All in all, a nice bathroom.

The plan for the rest of the downstairs will be a more formal look. I want to replace the crown molding and add corbels in the corners. I'm thinking an off white or a lighter cobblestone color will be perfect with a dark crown molding. When I'm all done, I'll buy new curtains to finish the look.

Now that I've decided to start remodeling, I've been looking around for just the right products for the job. I've been pricing the trim for the rooms, checking out paint colors, and imagining what it might all look like in the end. I have a picture in my head, and hope it turns out even half as nice!

One place I found online that has some beautiful products such as crown molding and corbels is Invitinghome.com. I was really impressed with the number of designs to choose from! I've actually already picked out the crown molding that I want, and the prices are reasonable. When I get to that point in my remodeling, having just what I want will be a snap!

Just look at this crown molding! Isn't it beautiful?

Something else I found really neat at Invitinghome.com is the fact that is doesn't stop at just wood accents. Anything you can think of to enhance the decor of your home, ceiling medallions, shutters, wall art, you can get it all on their website. There's no need to go anywhere else.

I can't wait to get started on my house! It's a beautiful old house that can be absolutely gorgeous with the right decor!

Now, if only I could talk Mike into doing away with the carpeting and restoring the wood floors.....

What A Way To Start The Day

2008-11-24T09:15:00.002-06:00

I hate Winter, and I hate snow!

This morning I woke up to three to four inches of snow on the ground. Great! This means shoveling the stupid driveway.

Then, I had to tell Tristan that he wasn't going to drive to school today. The roads were covered and slick. That made him incredibly happy.....NOT. My thoughts? Better safe than sorry.

While this is going on, Timothy is running around the house frantically searching for snow pants that might fit and boots. Without them, he cannot play outside at recess. Well, just call me a bad mom, because he outgrew everything from last winter, and I haven't bought new yet. So, he went to school, just as mad as Tristan, without snow pants or boots.

I'm crabby now. The kids are gone, but the effects of their complaints and unhappiness linger on.

Who Needs A New Notebook?

2008-11-19T09:28:00.002-06:00

Did you know that almost as soon as you walk out of the store with your new computer it is outdated? You can buy the top of the line, with the best and biggest of everything, and within a short time, there is something bigger and better on the market.

For this reason, buying a new computer every few years, or updating the one you already have is a good idea. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a good computer or notebook, either. Many, many websites online sell computers at low prices. It's really easy to find a great deal on a great computer.

At Buy.com, you can find just about any type and brand of computer. From Sony Vaio to Acer, there are many brands to choose from. Whether you're a gamer, or just someone that enjoys surfing the web, you can find what you're looking for at Buy.com.

I, personally have shopped at Buy.com for a few things, and am really happy with the service I've received. Their shipping time is excellent, and if there are any problems, they are on top of it immediately. I especially like the prices. You can usually find what you're looking for for much less than in stores on Buy.com.

Girl's Night Out

2008-11-19T08:54:00.002-06:00

This weekend starts the deer hunting season for the guys. Mike is leaving for the weekend to go up North with his brother-in-law and a few other guys for three days of deer hunting, beer drinking, burping, farting, and other unsavory guy-type activities. The pickled eggs, summer sausage, and hunter's stew will be plenty.

Back at home, holding down the fort while the men folk hunt, the women will be having fun of their own. No one to answer to will leave many women to fend for themselves. We will find ourselves out with our girlfriends, doing girl-type activities. Some will shop, while others will hit the bars with best friends. A nice meal without the children and husbands is a must. Chippendale dancers will be plenty.

This ritual takes place once a year, giving couples the chance to "pretend" that they are once again single, even if it's just for a day or two. Once the weekend is over, everyone will come back together again, one big happy family. With fond memories of time spent with friends, and something to look forward to the next year, deer hunting season is upon us once again.

Insurance Quotes

2008-11-19T08:03:00.002-06:00

I've been trying to come up with ways to cut costs and save money within our household. There are so many ways to save a penny here or there, I just have to be willing to take action and stick to them. One of the things I did was to replace all of our old, regular light bulbs with the new florescent light bulbs. Supposedly, we'll save hundreds each year.

Something else I'm in the process of doing is shopping around for new insurance. While I'm happy with the service we receive from our current insurance company, I can't help but think that there is probably something cheaper out there.

Many websites offer free insurance quotes. This allows you to view many prices all at once so you can compare and choose the best policy for you. This really makes shopping for insurance so much easier. One of the reasons I've put off finding a cheaper insurance is because of the time it takes to call all the companies, give them my information, and get quotes. Doing the shopping and comparing online sure saves a lot of hassle.

Something else we're doing to save money, is running space heaters in addition to our furnace. The price of fuel oil is outrageous right now, and we can run the space heaters in the rooms we're actually in for much less. The furnace really only runs overnight, when the space heaters are turned off. This is saving us hundreds each year, too.

My goal for us in the coming year is to be able to save money and maybe take a vacation soon. Mike and I haven't taken a vacation since before the kids were born, and we've never taken a family vacation. With the money we'll save by cutting costs, and my new job starting soon, I think we'll be taking that vacation by next summer!

Oooh, La, La

2008-11-18T19:51:00.002-06:00

You gotta love the innocence of a child sometimes. When you least expect it, they come up with something that just makes you laugh, and without even realizing it, you needed it.

Let me just set the scene. Mike, the kids, and I were walking through Walmart, grocery shopping. I hate grocery shopping, especially with the kids because they ask for everything they see, and just make the chore that much more difficult.

So, I'm stressed, my back hurts (still!), and I just want to get out of the store and go home. Timothy walks up beside me, and with a little smirky grin on his face, nudges me with his elbow, and says, "Oooh la la." His one eyebrow moves up and down, and he nods just a bit while saying.

I guess it wasn't so much what he said, because it really had nothing to do with anything. Well, except for the movie "Alvin and the Chipmunks", because apparently it's a line from the movie. Anyway, it was more of how he said it, and his actions. Right there in the middle of the produce department, I doubled over with laughter. Loud laughter that caused other customers to stop what they were doing and look at me.

Mike backed away a couple of steps with a bewildered look on his face. He didn't hear what Timothy had said. Maybe he thought I was having some sort of attack, I don't know.

I laughed like that for a few seconds, tears coming to my eyes. It felt really good, and I didn't care that others thought I had lost my marbles. When I finally stifled the last of my giggles, I looked at Timothy and just gave him a big hug.

He really had no idea what he had done, but for me, it was just what I needed to destress and finish my grocery shopping with a smile.

What Do You Think Of Energy Pills?

2008-11-13T09:26:00.002-06:00

You know, I'm always amazed at the number of energy drinks, energy pills, and diet supplements on the market today. There isn't one checkout counter anywhere that doesn't have some sort of fast energy drink or pill. My worry is that so many teens are using this stuff.

I can understand using an energy drink as a pick-me-up once in a while. I've been known to down one on occasion. I just wonder how much caffeine is too much caffeine on a daily basis. For coffee drinkers, this probably isn't a concern, but for a teen, or even pre-teens, too much caffeine can be dangerous.

At any rate, I'd like to hear what you think about the use of energy drinks or pills. Do you use them? What do they do for you? Do you feel better or worse when the effects start to wear off? I'm interested to know your thoughts.

Unemployment At Seven Year High

2008-11-13T08:54:00.003-06:00

I was reading an article this morning about how the unemployment rate reached a seven year high last week. Sadly, there are more than 500,000 people claiming unemployment in the US. A weakening economy has forced companies to lay off workers, with no promise of ever calling them back.

How sad is this? What saddens me even more is the fact that these people are losing their homes, as is evident by the all time high in home foreclosures. The man that we just bought our new puppy from is in this situation. He had a great job, making plenty of money, and last year, they downsized. He had just built his dream house, a beautiful, huge house designed by him. He's only lived in it for three years now, and may have to sell it. Unless something spectacular comes along soon, his dream house is gone.

It infuriates me that the economy is in such dire straights right now. There have been so many mistakes made of the last few years, that could've been avoided. One thing that has really hurt our economy is the shipping of work overseas. By doing so, jobs are taken away from Americans that need them.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what President-Elect Barack Obama has in store for this country. It was definitely time for change, and I think he's just the guy to do it. I only wish he could get started immediately.

Now, I know politics bring about many opinions, and this post isn't meant to start a riot. Voice your opinions if you must by leaving a comment here, but please don't bash others for their opinions. It's a free country, and we are all entitled to have one.

Cerebral Palsy Lawyers

2008-11-12T09:52:00.002-06:00

One of the most devastating things a couple could have happen is to be expecting a perfect little baby, only to find out that due to doctor error, their precious bundle will forever be scarred by Cerebral Palsy.

Not all cases of Cerebral Palsy are caused by doctor error, but many cases could have been avoided. If your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical malpractice, maybe you should seek the advice of cerebral palsy lawyers. They understand the heartache a family suffers when dealing with disabilities caused by malpractice.

While no amount of compensation will make up for the suffering, it does go a long way in helping to pay the medical bills. Finding good lawyers and medical personnel to review your case is important. Visit cerebralpalsyinjury.com to find a lawyer in your area that can help you in your quest for justice.

It's Like Having A Baby Again!

2008-11-12T08:29:00.002-06:00

Well, the new puppy, Rascal, has been here for a few days now, and it's been an adventure, to say the least. He's adorable, funny, naughty, and sweet. He spends his days playing with his toys, chasing the cats, rough-housing with our other dog bear, and napping in between.

It's been interesting getting used to having him here. He's so tiny that you really have to watch while just walking through the house. He's always under my feet, as I think I've become his surrogate mother. He follows me everywhere I go and lays at my feet when I sit, but most times, he's in my lap.

He cries and barks when he wants something. Usually it's to get my attention to pick him up. He doesn't like his crate at night, and cries for a few minutes when I put him to bed. He wakes up at around 2am to go outside, and then doesn't want to go back to bed. He'd rather run around and play. After all, he's been asleep for four hours!

Stairs are blocked, as he's too small to use them. He has his own water dish as the one for the older dogs is too big. He can't reach! His food is moistened before each meal, as his teeth are so tiny he has trouble crunching the hard food. He shivers when he goes outside, as his tiny body gets cold fast.

The one thing I am very thankful for, is that he has learned to go potty outside (for the most part!). He's on a schedule, and hardly ever goes in the house. Well, except for the day that I gave him worm medicine. I found out two things that day. Worm medicine causes diarrhea, and my puppy had worms. He's all better now, but I will re-worm him in two weeks just to be sure.

So, life hasn't been the same since Rascal came. It's like taking care of a baby all over again, only this one is smaller and covered with hair, and he bites. I'm constantly looking for him, making sure he's behaving and not into something dangerous. Just while writing this post, I've gotten up five times to check on him. I feed him, take him out, get up at night with him, and hold him. He's well on his way to being spoiled, but then again, all my dogs are.

UGG Mayfair

2008-11-12T07:35:00.002-06:00

Have you seen it? Don't you just love it? Can you see your feet all warm and toasty, wrapped in luxury?

What am I talking about? Well, the new UGG Mayfaire of course! UGG boots are the ultimate in warmth and comfort, but the new Mayfaire boot goes one step further. UGG Australia has added a stylish side zipper to their already popular boots to make for easy on and off. The new boot comes in three colors, black, western brown, and sand. Each pair of boots is lined with genuine sheepskin, and finished with a lightweight EVA outsole for added traction.

The new style is selling like hotcakes, and is expected to be a best seller. Run out and get yours today. You'll never find a warmer, more comfortable boot anywhere else!

To Inspire: Bill Gates On Life

2008-11-12T07:30:00.002-06:00

Whether you love him or hate him, he really makes a point with his rules on life.

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it.

Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make 40 thousand dollars a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone, until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait until you get a boss. He doesn't have tenure.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping - they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you are. So, before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parents' generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers but life has not. In some schools they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life (nor are video games). In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

TV Furniture

2008-11-11T09:36:00.002-06:00

With the invention of flat panel TV's, the design of entertainment centers has had to make some changes. Larger TV's take up less space than the TV's of yesterday. Gone are the big, bulky sets that take up more room than anything else in the room.

Today's TV's are streamlined, made to blend in with the room's decor rather than being the center of attention. The "entertainment centers" of today are smaller, less conspicuous. Instead of entertainment center, they are called tv furniture, a much more appropriate name for such a beautiful piece of furniture.

If you're looking for just the right piece of TV furniture for your new big screen, flat panel television, have a look at ImportAdvantage. They have some really beautiful plasma TV lifts and furniture pieces that can really add to the decor of your living room.

Still Waiting

2008-11-11T09:15:00.002-06:00

Things are moving along with my soon-to-be work from home job. I have another conference call this coming Friday to set up programming for my computer. Cora definitely wants to hire me. I passed all their tests, and can't wait to get started.

The only problem is that my new computer hasn't arrived yet. It was ordered almost three weeks ago, but for some reason it hasn't arrived yet.

I hate waiting, especially when I don't know why I'm waiting. I'm just hoping it's here by Friday for my conference call, so I can proceed on to the next step. Once my computer is programmed with their software, I can begin training.

My training period is 90 days, and then I have the option of either staying with Cora, or working for one of their partner companies. I don't know yet what I'll do when my training is over. I guess it will all depend on exactly what I'll be doing for Cora. The only thing I know is that it'll be some sort of customer service job.