Teasas World

Sponzai

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:47:00 +0000

A revised sample coordinates the mod wallet.

What If I Lose My Job?

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:54:00 +0000

Unemployment is at an all time high (10% as of today),
so that means even more people are also losing their health
benefits. And as we all know, health care debate is a hot bed
conversation right now.

For those of you who are eligible to receive COBRA
benefits after they leave work, the challenge becomes
being able to understand the law as well as
being able to afford it.

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
(COBRA), a law created in 1986, gives workers (and
members of their family) who lose their health
insurance benefits the right continue their group
health insurance for a limited period of time under
circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job
loss, reduction in hours, transition between jobs,
divorce, adoption and death.

Generally, the employee pays up to 102% of the premium
cost for the same policy; this is still usually less
expensive than buying an individual health insurance policy.

There are three basic aspects for qualifying for
COBRA: the qualifying event, the insurance plan
coverage and the qualified person.

Each aspect is taken into consideration when applying
for COBRA and you must elect to either apply for COBRA
or waive your rights to COBRA within 14 days after a
qualifying event.

You must also have been in the group insurance plan
during your employment to be eligible. Although there
are exceptions, generally you may continue to pay your
own premiums to keep COBRA coverage intact for up to
18 months.

Companies who have fewer than 20 employees, State or
Federal employers or employee organizations may not
offer COBRA coverage.

Check with your health insurance administrator to see
if you may qualify. You may also have this information
readily available in your group health insurance
policy or in your company handbook.

Although it may be expensive, the cost of being able
to keep your group insurance coverage rate may be well
worth it.

The Law Of Saving by Brian Tracy

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:35:00 +0000

From time to time I receive emails from the man himself, Brian Tracy. This extraordinary motivational speaker and writer provides rules for living an abundant and happy life. His instructions are simple, live your life to the fullest, serve God and watch your dreams and aspirations manifest themselves. Today, I'd like to share with you a timely article on saving money. Take a read and let me know what you think.
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True happiness and fulfillment come when you feel that you are making a valuable contribution to your world. What is yours? --Brian Tracy

Financial freedom comes to the person who saves ten percent or more of his income throughout his lifetime.

One of the smartest things that you can ever do for yourself is to develop the habit of saving part of your salary, every single paycheck. Individuals, families and even societies are stable and prosperous to the degree to which they have high savings rates. Savings today are what guarantee the security and the possibilities of tomorrow.

Start With Yourself
The first corollary of the Law of Saving comes from the book The Richest Man in Babylon by George Classon. It is to "Pay yourself first."

Begin today to save ten percent of your earnings, off the top, and never touch it. This is your fund for long-term financial accumulation and you never use it for any other reason except to assure your financial future.

Develop New Habits Regarding Money
The remarkable thing is that when you pay yourself first, and force yourself to live on the other ninety percent, you will soon become accustomed to it. You are a creature of habit. When you regularly put away ten percent of your earnings, you soon become comfortable living on the other ninety percent. Many people start by saving ten percent of their income and then graduate to saving fifteen percent, twenty percent, and even more. And their financial lives change dramatically as a result. So will yours.

Take Every Advantage
The second corollary of the Law of Saving says, "Take advantage of tax deferred savings and investment plans." Because of high and even multiple tax rates, money that is saved or invested without being taxed accumulates at a rate of 30% to 40% faster than money that is subject to taxation. Self-made millionaires, according to Dr Thomas Stanley's book The Millionaire Next Door, are almost obsessive about accumulating their funds in assets such as real estate, self owned businesses and equities that increase in value without triggering tax liabilities.

Invest in company pension and retirement plans, 401(k) plans, IRA's, Keough Plans, Roth IRA's, Education Investment Accounts, stock option programs and whatever else has been approved by the IRS for long term financial accumulation. Make every dollar count!

Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do to apply this law immediately:

First, begin today to put away ten percent of your earnings. Set up a special account for this purpose and treat your contributions to this account with the same respect that you do your rent or mortgage payments each month.

Second, become a lifelong student of money. Read the best books, take courses and subscribe to the most helpful magazines. Know what you are doing so you can always make intelligent decisions when you invest your funds.

How Can You Attract More Wealth and Abundance?
We are now surrounded by more wealth than at any time in our history. The real question is how do YOU gain this abundance? Brian Tracy can show you how! Become a money magnet, immediately increase your income and learn wealth building secrets. Get the knowledge you need to make your financial future an outstanding one with The Unbreakable Laws of Money Package.

Get Brian Tracy's Unbreakable Laws of Money Package today!

Flowers I Really Love

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Where I'd Like To Be Right Now...

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Do You Want Good Hair?

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:25:00 +0000

Have you ever wanted to have good hair? Chris Rock has a documentary opening this weekend about the African American woman's quest for straight hair. Hair that looks like Beyonce` or just a better grade of hair than born with. With African Americans only accounting for 12% of the U.S. population, we spend over $9 billion a year on hair products. So I wondered, how many of you want good hair?

Keeping A Health Care Journal Promotes Healthy Living

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:38:00 +0000

I’ve been a little busy these days. Running your own growing home based business requires lots of discipline and focus. And I’ve been challenged recently, but all is good.

One thing that I have gotten a lot more serious about has been my health. As I approach my 49^th year I want to recover some of the energy and vigor I once had. I also want to become more healthy so I have a fun workout regimen in place. Exercising by itself I found is not enough. I also have had to change my eating habits and to keep track of what I put in my body. Sometimes I forget, so I’ve decided to keep a Health Care Journal to help me keep track of my progress. I’ve created an online health journal at Emax Health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends keeping a health care journal as a way to relieve illness-related pressures. "If you're having one of those crazy days when nothing goes right, it's a good idea to write things down in a journal to get it off of your chest — like how you feel, what's going on in your life, and things you'd like to accomplish. You could even write down what you do when you're faced with a stressful situation, and then look back and think about how you handled it later. So, find a quiet spot, grab a notebook and pen, and start writing," writes CDC.

When I use my eMax Health Journal, I am able to keep track of my blood pressure results. That’s real important to me, because my doctor just took me off Norvasc and HTCZ (hydrochlorothiazide) last week. I’m participating in a blood pressure medical study using African Americans and the effect of a new drug that’s being developed for moderate to severe high blood pressure patients.

With my personal health care journal I’m also able to chronicle what I eat on a daily basis. This is invaluable, because if you can see what you are eating then you can quickly make changes and alterations to your eating habits if you find yourself gaining weight, losing weight or in my case, your blood pressure becomes elevated. I remember when my son was first diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes, we were instructed how to keep daily logs on his eating habits. Keeping a journal for health I'm also able to see how my vitamin supplements I take are helping or not helping my condition. (I take Co-Q 10 to help with my high blood pressure.)

The online health journal at Emax Health is free and you can access it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Some people prefer to keep their journal private, so they create a unique user name. You don’t have to do this, you can opt to use your real name, just keep in mind that everything you write in your health journal is available for public view.

The eMax Health Journal is accessible here. They also offer valuable articles for you to read as well. Articles that will help you understand various health issues as well as the latest news surrounding them. Try out the free health journal today, it’s a great first step towards achieving a healthier lifestyle.

How to live life

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:57:00 +0000

Be Calm, quiet, tranquil...

Bloom as often as you can...

Stay close to your family...

Explore the world around you...

Enjoy the relaxing rhythm of waves...

Watch the moon rise...

Spread your wings and soar...

Then enjoy the comfort of coming home again.

Woodward Dream Cruise In Detroit

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:08:00 +0000

I had so much fun just car watching at the 2009 Woodward Dream Cruise. Cars are as much apart of Detroit's legacy as Berry Gordy's Motown, so it was only fitting that I got to sit along Woodward Avenue in Birmingham and marvel at the cars as they cruised on by.

In Detroit the Woodward Dream Cruise is a passage of summer. It signals the end of summer, moving into Labor Day and is a parade of old, classic cars that owners have labored over.

From Wikipedia:

The Woodward Dream Cruise is a classic car event held annually on the third Saturday of August. The WDC Event spans much of Woodward Avenue from Pontiac through Ferndale in Oakland County, Michigan, all the way to the State Fair Grounds inside the Detroit city limits, just south of 8 Mile Road.

Today, the Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day automotive event, drawing 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars each year from around the globe. You can see muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles dating across several decades.

Free Comedy Show At Taste Pizza Bar

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:36:00 +0000

I get invited all the time to various events, particularly in Detroit. Of course I can't go to all of them, so I remain selective and go to the ones that I feel I'll have the most fun, and of course where my camera is welcome!

Recently, I had the opportunity to check out a comedy show featuring Heather J. Henderson, Coolaide, Horace H.B. Sanders and Ron Sweet at the Taste Pizza Bar. It was a night I won't forget, filled with laughs, on the cuff and off, and of course good company.

Most of the time on Sunday evenings, we become consumed with thoughts of getting prepared for the work week. Monday is the hardest day to make it through, so most working folks try not to stay out to late on a Sunday night.

But the Comedy Show at the Taste Pizza Bar was different. It started early enough, 9pm, with arrival by 8pm to insure a seat, and it was over before midnight. There is no cover charge, so you can aimlessly walk into the Taste Pizza Bar, order a drink, and sit back and enjoy the show.

Another good thing, you can usually find free parking downtown, and that's always a plus. The only time when you won't find free parking is if there is an event going on like a Tigers or Lions game or some other kind of concert.

If you haven't seen Heather J. Henderson, Coolaide or Horace H.B. Sanders (StarSearch Winner) perform, then you are missing out on a treat. The humor is adult and very funny. And to be able to see them for the price of a beer is alright in my book.

Thank you Heather J. Henderson for inviting me, it was a show well worth seeing!

Dear BET, Why Do You Hate Us?

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:19:00 +0000

For my 200th post, I decided to let this powerfully written letter to BET by a fictional Cincinnati Ohio teen be my pillar post. Read for yourself...

************************************************************************************

Dear Debra Lee,

I’m Janita Patrick, a 15-year-old African-American female from Cincinnati. Recently, I watched the 2009 BET Awards and felt the strongest urge to reach out to the program. My family is of the typical middle-class variety; both parents and four brothers. See, I’m a junior in high school (got skipped), so naturally EVERYBODY in my age group watches BET. I’m used to seeing the sagging pants, tattoos, lack of emphasis on reading and respecting women that makes up your videos. People in my class live this out everyday, while teachers tell us that we’re acting just like the people in your shows.

In your shows. That struck me as odd, because I would think that with your show being the primary outlet for black entertainers and musicians, and considering the context of blacks in this country, there’s a social responsibility factor to consider. I would never blame BET alone for the way a great deal of my classmates act and talk and dress. Everybody makes their own choices. However, if anybody is aware the power of television on impressionable minds, it’s the people running the television operations. If you are not aware, then perhaps you shouldn’t be running the operations.

Guess who watches your network the most? Not those who are intelligent enough to discern foolishness from substance, but those who are barely teenagers, impressionable and believing. It’s awfully cruel to plant seeds of ignorance in fertile minds. You know it’s really bad when the co-founder of BET, Sheila Johnson, said that she “really doesn’t watch it” anymore.

I am constantly fighting against the images and messages put forth on your program. What made you think that it’s okay to bring my classmates on stage to dance behind Lil Wayne and Drake to a song talking about boffing “every girl in the world”? Why does reality train wrecks have to be thrown in our faces? Are you aware of the achievement gap going in inner-city African-American communities? A report from America’s Promise Alliance, a non-profit group started by Colin Powell, recently stated that 47 percent of high school students in the nation’s top 50 cities don’t graduate. (Fifty-four percent of males of color in Ingham County graduated from high school, compared to 74 percent of white males). This isn’t because of BET per se, but I don’t see any episodes on your show doing anything to counteract this disturbing trend. In fact, your show is a part of this cycle of media depicting us at our worst.

My older brother told me something about profit being the number one goal for every business. I’m not sure I understand what that means, but I do know that your shows have to be entertaining enough to generate viewers, which is how you make your money. But surely our culture is rich enough to entertain without anything extra to “boost” ratings; why the over-the-top foolery? I listen to classmates talk about Baldwin Hills like it’s the Manhattan Project. It doesn’t take much effort to produce a throng of degenerative reality shows, nor does it take much to eliminate socially conscious shows off the air. MTV isn’t much better, but since when does two wrongs ever make a right? It’s one thing for white television shows to depict us in a particular way, but for black television shows to do it is baffling.

Why do you hate us?

All of the values that my parents seek to instill in me and my brothers seems to be contradicted by a more powerful force from the media, and your show is at the forefront. Your network is the only network that features rap videos and shows exclusively to children of my color. I know that you have no control over the music that the artists put out, but you do have influence as to how you air these videos. I’m sure if a stand was taken to use the talent in your organization to actually crank out thought-provoking entertaining shows and videos, then artists will follow suit. Being that they need you as much as you need them.

There was one awkward segment in the BET Awards when Jamie Foxx singled out three black doctors-turned-authors, but the introduction was so powerless that many of the viewers had no idea who they were. Had they been introduced as Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins, three brothers who overcame major obstacles to become a success without the use of lyrics that berate women, the sell of substance that destroy communities or through raps about loose gunplay, then maybe my classmates would have come to school talking about more than Beyonce, T-Pain’s BIG ASS CHAIN and Soulja Boy Tell Em’s hopping out the bed.

But they weren’t introduced like that. It seemed like a throwaway obligatory tribute to appease some irritated fans. It missed the mark. Big time. Ask Michelle Obama if she watches BET or encourages Sasha and Malia to do so. Ask President Obama. It’s a reason he is the leader of the free world, and it isn’t because of Buffoonery Exists Today.

You’d be surprised how smart young black children can be with the absence of Blacks Embarrassing Themselves. If your goal is to deter engaged, forward-thinking articulate black minds, then consider your goal fulfilled. It’s hard-pressed to think that your shows are working to promote cultural betterment. However, it’s quite easy to conclude that the destruction of black children through the glorification of immoral behavior and rushed production is by design. Poison is being swallowed by every viewer who adores your network, and the worse thing is, these viewers - my classmates - are not even aware what they’re swallowing.

There is nothing edifying for black women on your show. I don’t judge people who do throng to your programs though; I mean if a jet crashes right in front of me, I’d atch it too. That’s why I don’t flip by your channel…I don’t even want to be sucked in.

I have aspirations of acquiring a law degree and possibly entering the public sphere, so I can counteract conditions in my community perpetuated by the images on your channel. So I should thank you, because in a weird sense, your shoddy programming is the wind behind my back. And it is my hope that I can accomplish my dreams despite BET’s pictorial messages, because Lord knows it won’t be because of them.

Sincerely,

Janita Patrick

Detroit Central High 1979 Class Reunion

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:40:00 +0000

I celebrated my 30 year class reunion from Detroit Central High 1979 last night. It was my first reunion I attended. Of course, none of us were slim and svelte like we were the last time we saw each other. But one thing is for sure, we are all wiser, more seasoned adults.

Its amazing as I think back to simpler times, when education meant something to parents, to students and to teachers. We had teachers that actually cared about us, even though those caring teachers back then were looked upon as evil warts on our journey of life.

We shared stories about the so-called smart people who were being 'pushed' as the next best thing, only to discover that those same people haven't been able to cut it in real life. Then we shared even sadder stories about the ones who tried to beat the system and ended up in jail, some still there. Sadly, they never learned that you can not take a shortcut in life, you must go through something to get to the prize.

As with all high school class reunions, there are some tragic stories. About the ones that didn't make it, there were too many of those stories. Some had their lives cut short by crime, others by disease. To that, much prayer and solace is being sent to them and their families.

Hey, but all in all, we had a great time. Even though not many of the 300 graduating seniors of Detroit Central High 1979 were able to make it, those that did, had a great time for them!

Robert and Pam Johnson, Clara Dingle Chenault, Craig (Starsky) Sutton, Robert (Prom King) Armour, Sabrina Rue, Constance Glenn, Laura Smith, Judy Gibson, Murray Wright, Darryl and Pam Lipsey, Jennifer Wilson and me!!!

Some Pretty Wise Words

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:13:00 +0000

Hello everybody, I was sent this by a friend of mine and I wanted to share it with you’ll…….It’s very good!!

Some pretty wise words . . .

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17.. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Remember that I will always share my spoon with you!

Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

(thank you Ms. Tyronica!)

Hip Hop Bling Knows You're Not Ballin'

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:44:00 +0000

Let's face it, everybody is not ballin'. There are more pretend ballers out there than real ones. So if you can't afford to be a real baller, but you still want to play the part and look the part, Hip Hop Bling may be your status answer.

Hip Hop Bling designs jewelry with solid metal and brass cores, not plastic. The metal and brass give items a look and 'feel' of the real thing. Attention is also paid to the type of diamond simulates used on Hip Hop Jewelrypieces. A high quality simulate is used so that the stone gives a crisp sparkle.

Representing an affordable, quality alternative to hip hop jewelry, Hip Hop Bling offers an advantage over the competition.

Thank You For Your Support

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:06:00 +0000

Let me start off by saying thank you for all your support, prayers and well wishes during my time of mourning. My family and I appreciate all the kind messages and words you have conveyed to me either here, on Facebook or Twitter. Your support has meant so much. (photo courtesy cobaltbuckeye49)

Having the support of friends and family means a lot when you are grieving. We are not meant to endure crises alone, scripture speaks to that. No matter how independent we are, we will all need someone to lean on one day. It is what it is; life will most definitely throw curve balls you can’t always hit. When those times come, a caring, loving support system will help get you through them.

There are instances, however, when no amount of care, love and support you give someone, helps. That person most likely, heads into a downward emotional spiral that can lead to an addiction, depression or worse. Its times like these when you feel helpless watching a loved one systematically destroy themselves over the heartbreak of losing a loved one. Nothing you say or do helps to soothe their pain. The very sight of them destroying themselves and those around them, is disheartening. But, what can you do?

Not a thing. Time heals all wounds. All you can do is hope and pray that your loved one doesn’t suffer too long and that if so, they have the wisdom to seek God and to pray daily.

For me, strength isn’t something I hope for during this time of mourning. I don’t want to be strong enough to handle losing my mother nor my son. I want to be strong enough to give it to God so He can handle it. I just want to be able to enjoy the memories of both my mom and my son. And to enjoy the fact that I spent a moment in time with such incredible people. I’m not asking for much, just some memories from day to day to keep enhancing my life. That’s all.

Sometimes it’s the little things in life that make me happy.

"I take joy in doing your will, my God,
for your instructions are written on my heart.
I have told all your people about your justice.
I have not been afraid to speak out,
as you, O LORD, well know.
I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart;
I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power.
I have told everyone in the great assembly
of your unfailing love and faithfulness."

—Psalm 40:8–10

Click The Share Button And Send To Friends

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 04:37:00 +0000

It dawned on me that some of my readers may not understand what the 'Share' button or 'Tweet it!' button means. For those of you that know the significance of these two buttons, you may now leave this post and read another. But, for those who wonder silently what are 'Share' and 'tweet it!' buttons, then this post is for you.

'tweet it!'~~~you

see it each time you visit my page or other bloggers pages. You may be asking yourself, just what will happen if I click on it? Will I go to some strange website that leads me from site to site? Or will I have to join something, something else?

'tweet it!', when clicked will lead you to Twitter, and if you have an account, the site will allow you to share this article with all your followers in the form of a 'retweet.' A 'retweet' means to share an interesting link or comment with others. Your followers will look at it, because they like you and believe you approve of it.

Not sure what each little icon at the end of the post means?

Just use your mouse to roll over each image and the name of the social networking site will appear to help jog your memory. Sharing articles on the internet is like sharing a joke, religious or political email--it gets the article in to other people who might be interested. Using the share buttons allow you to specifically direct an article or story to friends on Facebook who might be interested in business card printing.

Or your Twitter friends who may be looking for quality affordable postcards.

You may be wondering what the difference is between 'sharing' and bookmarking.

Let me explain.

Suppose you had a whole cherry pie to yourself. You ate one slice and decided it was so good that you wanted to give your best friend a piece. Eating one bite and your best friend decided she wanted to share it with two of her friends and so on and so on. When you use the 'Sharing' icons, you are giving away pieces of pie except the pie is an article you found interesting. So interesting that you are now sharing it with all your friends.

That's it. That's all those little social networking icons mean. So, now that you know, go ahead, try one out, see what happens. It won't bite you!

When You Don't Know The Answer

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:15:00 +0000

I used to think I had the answer. That the way I was living my life was right and correct. I mean it is for the most part, at least it is if other people are the judge of how I live.

But, again I have come face to face with mortality, with the magnifying glass that makes all my faults clear. With the death of my mother, I have had to come to terms with life, with living life to the fullest or just crawl into a corner and die.

My mom died July 16^th 2009, and I have felt as if I was hit so hard that I am numb. And I am still numb. Maybe this is the denial phase. You would think I know this stuff by heart, my son just died four years ago. But no, it’s different. However, for some strange reason I seem to be able to go through the myriad of legal papers and tasks with a tunnel vision like focus. My younger sister on the other hand, is struggling with mom’s death right now.

Sure, she’ll get better in time, and no, she doesn’t believe it. She believes she’s on the point or brink of losing her mind and on top of it all, she is angry with God for taking our mom without warning. I know how she feels and I also understand that anger and denial is the first phase of mourning, so in this, I have comfort. As they say, been there, done that.

The tears don’t stop flowing after the funeral is over and the family and friends go home. No, they flow silently in the darkness and alone time. The sadness sneaks up on you and attempts to break you, attempts to control your mind and give you untrue thoughts. As the oldest sister, the responsibility has fallen onto me to be the ‘strong one,’ the one who prays and initiates prayer. The one who says, okay, we have to take care of this certain business today.

I don’t mean for this to be a sad post, but right now, if I don’t write my way out of this, I may not make it out of this. Writing has always been my outlet, my way to work problems out. Right now, I need to writer more than ever. Even if it doesn’t always make sense, I need to get it out, to express my pains, my fears, my joys.

My mother lived a strong life, she raised two great girls, and like all mother daughter relationships, there were times when we probably couldn’t stand one another. But through it all, we still loved each other. And we still do.

Mama Why Didn't You Tell Me You Were Leaving?

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:03:00 +0000

My mother died last Wednesday night, while I was on vacation, enjoying myself. I am numb, I don't know how to feel. All I can do is cry. What do you do when the person who taught you the most, who gave you the most is gone? How am I supposed to go on without her?

Like most mother/daughter relationships, we have had our trials and tribulations. But, we never let it come between our love for one another. There were many many times when I didn't understand her, and thought that she didn't know me or even attempt to understand me. In hindsight, I know that wasn't true.

The only thing keeping me from jumping off the nearest bridge is my faith in God. Seriously, I lost my son 4 years ago to diabetes, now my mother. It makes one think, how much more can I stand oh Lord? However, my mother used to always tell me, "He never puts more on you than you can bear."

Well, I'm bearing.

You know, its weird because the day that she died, I had spoken to her by phone, while at DisneyWorld, tellling her how much fun I was having. She was happy I was able to go and have fun. She also told me, as always to be careful. Whose going to tell me that now? To be careful?

I was teasing her on the phone, telling her that she needed to learn how to receive and read the text messages I sent to her cell phone. She just laughed at me. Telling me she didn't care about that kind of stuff. But, that she would try the next time.

I also joked with her and told her she should get on Facebook. My mom just laughed and asked, "What's a Facebook?"

See, my mom felt inherently that computers are evil, I disagreed, telling her its not the computer, but the people on them. She responded, "that too.!"

Through all of this, I have received tremendous support and well wishes from my Facebook friends, Twitter and Blogging buddies. If I haven't told all of you how much your words of encouragement means to me, I apologize. Its been difficult coming to terms with the mere thought of having to bury my mother. This just isn't real. It can't be.

Thank you for all of your prayers, cards and telephone calls. You have no idea how much that means to me.

I'd like to share a couple of photos of my mom that I took....thank you for reading.

The Sites You Will See At Downtown Disney

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:33:00 +0000

Once I got to Downtown Disney, I walked around and marveled at all of the shops and restaurants there. You don't have to pay to go to Downtown Disney, its like an open air free for all. There is even an over priced McDonalds there. But hey, its DisneyWorld.

I ate at The Earl of Sandwich and had the most delicious cheddar cream of broccoli soup. I know my lunch was over 1500 calories, so I spent the majority of my day walking around theme parks to burn off the excess.

There are souvenir shops, and even a 24 screen AMC movie theater. One thing I noticed, is that Disneyworld is very clean. The streets are so clean, you can almost eat off of them. Disneyworld is not just for the kids, its for adults as well. There is a Planet Hollywood there along with a House of Blues nightclub. One night while in Downtown Disney the House of Blues had a long waiting line to get in. LOL.

There is also a Lego land style exhibit where you get to build lego figures. The Loch Ness sea monster you see below was built entirely out of Lego.

I managed to take these pictures of these beautiful parakeets as I walked past the Rainforest Cafe. Their handlers were putting on a show for us, allowing them to talk and repeat our names. My favorite was the blue one.

Tomorrow I will post some photos from the animal kingdom, one of my favorite theme parks at DisneyWorld.

Water Taxis and Downtown Disney

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:30:00 +0000

While here at the Disney Resort, I took a boat ride or water taxi as it is called, to Downtown Disney. There are other ways to get to Downtown Disney from a resort area, the water taxi just happens to be an option. Water taxis, just like the Disney Bus Transportation system is free.

The water taxis run every 20 minutes, and leave whether they are filled to capacity or not. Its really quite fun to ride on the water and see Disney from another viewpoint. As you can tell, I am having the time of my life.

Here are some of the photos I shot while on the water taxi.

That big hot air balloon below was the first ride I got on once I arrived at Disney. It went 400 feet in the air, and was my attempt at conquering my fear of heights. It worked! The secret is not to look down!

Downtown Disney Holds Lots of Surprises

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:02:00 +0000

I had so much fun in Downtown Disney last night. Even catching the shuttle/bus from my resort was fun. It was adventurous and so much to see. I'm telling you my mind could not hold all the sights I saw once I got there. It is amazing to see what is in the mind of the Disney Imagination team. They seem to always be coming up with new ways to excite and thrill us.

Lego Land was absolutely fantastic! There were designs and shapes that I'm sure took hours to complete. But, the cool thing about it is, you don't realize they are Lego designs until you are up on them. If you're looking from afar, then they are just statues. Get up close and experience the real thing, it will amaze you.

The T-Rex restaurant/display was fascinating. At first I didn't think it was worth my time to go in there until my brother told me to check it out. Once inside, I discovered animated woolly mammoths and T-Rex's that looked so real. And the Ice Room was totally impressive. If you've never been to DisneyWorld, then you are missing out on a vacation of a lifetime. Oh, and by the way, it's not just for kids either. Wait till you see some of my other pictures. You can check out the rest of my Downtown Disney pictures on my Facebook page here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=128167&id=693216795&l=badbadb324

Tomorrow, I will post my Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios photos. The Animal Kingdom pictures are going to blow your mind!

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My Hilton Head Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:39:00 +0000

The next 10 days are a dream come true for me. I have been to Hilton Head, South Carolina already and we still have 2 more vacation spots to go! This is truly a blessing to be able to travel freely, and to have the money to do so. First things first...let me share some of my photos from Hilton Head with you. It's a wonderful vacation resort that just feels like money.

There aren't any billboards advertising liquor, TV shows, etc. on Hilton Head Island. It's almost as if it is against the law or taboo to have these things present. The island is super clean as well, even the KFC's and Wendy's don't look like the kind we're all used to seeing. There are no mile high signs advertising those fast food restaurants either. It's all very subdued and almost respectful.

A natural respect for nature and wildlife exists on the island. Even the jack rabbits are friendly. Here are just a few pictures from my trip there. The remainder of the photos on my Facebook page. You can view them here: http://www.facebook.com/latease?ref=profile#/album.php?aid=127719&id=693216795

Top Photos to bottom: Me standing on Poseidon and his trident; some barnacles on a rock just below the pier at Hilton Head, SC; a blue heron looking for fish and crab; the beach, a beautiful day, white sandy beach and the Atlantic Ocean; the marina, one day, I will have one of these boats!

The Heart And Soul Of Cinema

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:48:00 +0000

Squirrel Takes A Nap

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:42:00 +0000

I didn't think squirrels got so tired of running around that they took naps in the middle of the day. Here is a squirrel just outside my bedroom window in my backyard, resting in a tree, and obviously trying to take a nap.

Squirrels have really acute hearing, even though I shot this through my bedroom window, he heard, or saw me raise the blinds, and thats when he looked straight at the camera. Because I wanted to get a shot of him sleeping, I kept the blinds up, and patiently waited.

The squirrel would not have been noticed by me or you if we were walking around the backyard, because their color is camoflauged with the tree branch. Another way nature protects animals from harm.

These pictures were shot with a Canon Digital Rebel Picture #1 was shot at F5.6 1/125 second; #2 was shot at F5.6 1/250 second and picture #3 was shot at F5.6 at 1/160 second.

I didn't photoshop anything, they were all shot in RAW format.

My Photo Published In St Louis Travel Guide

noreply@blogger.com (LaTease "Teasas Tips") — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:07:00 +0000