August 2007 Archives
My daughter and I both had our eyes checked last week. I thought it had only been a couple of years since my last eye exam, but guess how long it had really been? SIX years! I told the Doc that I had basically "lost" 3 to 4 years in there when my Mom was sick and then passed away. Anyway, I was very pleased to find out that my sight had changed very little. In fact, she told me that my nearsighted vision is 20/20! I knew I didn't need my glasses to read or work on the computer, but I didn't know it was perfect vision! I felt pretty darn good coming out of there a 49 year old woman who does NOT need bifocals! LOL
Being so fortunate as to have fairly good vision makes me think of people who aren't as lucky. The mother of one of my very best friends was recently diagnosed with macular degeneration. When my friend told me, it felt like I'd been punched in the stomach, thinking she was definitely going to end up blind. But recently I found a web site that gave me some of the most comprehensive information I've ever read on the subject of macular degeneration. I learned that there are many things one can do to help stabilize and possibly even improve eyesight. Certain nutrients such as omega-3 fish oil and CoQ10 with L-Carnitine may help slow down macular degeneration and preserve vision. I had no idea! This is information I am definitely sending to my friend for her mother!
Macular Degeneration, Vision, Eyesight
My son and his wife threw a great party for my grandson's 3rd birthday on Saturday. We had TONS of fun! By the end of the day, my face literally hurt from laughing and smiling so much! LOL They had a BBQ in their huge back yard, complete with swimming and everything. After we ate, Ryan, Dave and Callie all went swimming with Brayden and had a fabulous -- and funny -- time! I have pictures, but I haven't uploaded them to my server yet. I apologize, I really do, but I've been SO busy today planning the trip that Callie, her best friend and I are taking to celebrate Callie's birthday. We're leaving tomorrow and will return sometime Thursday afternoon or evening. I'll get the pictures of the party uploaded and posted on Friday or Saturday, OK? I promise! :)
The hotel for our trip is booked, and now all that's left is some packing and a little shopping to pick up a few last-minute items before we leave. Oh, and I have a load of laundry to do, too. By tonight everything will be ready to go! We're so excited! :) A Girls Only trip sounds totally fun, don'tcha think? :) We'll be staying at a hotel with a pool so the girls can enjoy some swimming, and of course there will be LOTS of shopping included. ;) Ya'll take care and have a great week!
I can't believe how late I am in coming to know about certain things. I was slow at learning about how to effectively shop with coupons back when my kids were small -- and so were our paychecks. I remember going to the store and finding coupon exchange "bins" in the aisles where you could take the coupons you needed and then drop off the ones you weren't going to be using, and thinking it was a very cool idea. Now I find out that you can basically do the very same thing online!
Do you know about coupon codes? I'd heard of them, but being the idiot I am, hadn't paid much attention to what I'd heard. LOL Now I wonder what cool stuff I could have been buying for MUCH less! Take for instance all the things I buy for my dogs -- I could have been saving money using pet coupons! You can bet I'm going to be using those coupon codes from now on! For all you computer-lovin' people out there (YES, that means me, too!), you can find fantastic deals on computers at Deal Locker. How does $350 off all Inspiron desktop purchases over $999 from Dell Home sound? Pretty awesome, huh! You really should check out all of their coupons; you can save some major dough! Don't confuse Deal Locker with any other coupon code site you've seen before, though. All of the coupons found there are user rated and by default you only see working coupons, which have not expired. No trickery whatsoever! Nothing to lose and a lot to save! :)
Deal Locker, deallocker.com, Coupon Codes
I had a very busy day yesterday, but it was lots of fun. My son, David, decided he wanted to throw a little surprise party for Callie, so I called her friends and invited them while he went and got her a cake and stuff. She LOVED the cake, as he had the bakery put "Happy Metal Birthday" on it -- in black, of course. ;) Actually, he said he asked her to put "Have a Metal Birthday", but she misunderstood and he didn't want to say anything because she was a really nice old lady. LOL It didn't matter, Callie thought it was the best birthday cake she's ever had. :)
Today was nice, too, because both of my sons dropped by, as well as my nephew, and we had a really fun time. We always laugh SO MUCH when we're together. It's always a hoot, and today was no exception. After they all left, I felt myself getting sleepy. I know myself well enough to know that when I feel that kind of sleepiness, it's futile to fight it. LOL I closed my eyes and was out like a light. I did wake up, however, when I was dreaming that I was laughing, because I laughed right out loud. It was very cool. LOL I woke up laughing -- can't get any better than that! :) Then I went right back to sleep. LOL
I get my Jaguar back tomorrow! Yay! I'll take pics and post them this weekend, OK? Next week I'll be out of town for about 3 days, so I won't be around. I'm taking Callie and two of her best friends out of town for her birthday, then my sister is having her surgery on Wednesday, so we're going to stick around so we can pick her up from the hospital since we'll be in the same city. We'll be gone Tuesday through Thursday. It should be fun!
Hope everyone is doing well! :)
Birthdays, Families, Children, Sons, Daughters, Jaguar
You all know how much I love my dogs, right? We take them with us a lot when we go out, even if it's just to Wal-Mart or something. They love to ride in the car and are always so excited when they know they're going to go.
Cheyenne (my Lab), Lily (my Aussie) and Daisy (my Golden) are too big, of course, to put into dog bags, but Riley and Pippin (my 2 Yorkie/Bichons) are just the right size. Trouble is, they're so darned spoiled that they always get to ride "free range". LOL I did use a dog bag when I brought Pippin home from the breeder's house, though, and she did really well in it. She was so tiny. She fit perfectly inside the little bag, just like a tiny stuffed animal. It was adorable. Riley, however, rode home from the breeder's on my lap. I had never had a really small dog before, and didn't know much about dog bags. I think it's so cute to see a little tiny dog being carried around in one. Can you say really spoiled? LOL I've thought about smuggling Riley into stores with me using a dog bag. It would absolutely work except for one thing -- he thinks he owns the world and needs to check everyone out, even barking at those he thinks shouldn't be around us. LOL He'd give himself away in a heartbeat!
Next year when we go on vacation we're going to bring Riley with us (and maybe even a couple of the big dogs!). I think it would be a good idea to get a dog bag for him, don't you? I mean, he's so teeny that he would never be able to keep up with us walking, and I know he wouldn't like being carried around in our hands all the time (he's very independent! lol). As long as I got one he could see out of, I think he'd do just fine. Do any of you use a dog bag when taking your dog out?
Today is my amazing, gorgeous, funny, brilliant, multi-talented daughter's 15th birthday! I cannot believe she is that old already! Seems like she was born just a few short years ago, and now here she is, a wonderful, phenomenal young woman. She makes me SO PROUD!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, baby girl! I love you!!!!!
Hey peeps, let me ask you something, OK? We all know what a shadow is, and we all know what a scope is, but what happens when they're put together? Very good -- you're on the ball today! That's right, we get Shadowscope. But, what is Shadowscope? Glad you asked! 
Shadowscope is a cool blog owned by a guy who wears a funky hat and sunglasses. Now, to me, when I see his picture in its smaller version, he looks just like Zorro wearing a cowboy hat. No really, I'm serious, he does. In the bigger version, though, he resembles a mobster trying to look cool. But I digress ....
I like what he has to say, especially about his job. When he talks about all his stores and employees and what they do and don't do, it brings back fond -- oh OK, maybe not fond memories, but memories nonetheless, of when I worked in a store myself. Some things are just universal, ya' know? People are people are people -- most of the time. ;) Anyway, he can also give some pretty good advice, like how to make money blogging. But wait! Not so fast! You have to know something before you go there. The name, Shadowscope? Yeah, well, it must be pronounced like this:
Shhhhhadowscooope. Kinda' like "Sssssassy". That's a very important detail. OK, you can go now. Enjoy!!
Yes indeedy, 1979 was a great year! Not only was my first child born that year - my amazing son - but Jaguar was producing its XJ6 Series III car -- and I just got one of 'em! 
I did, really! And it was all an accident. LOL
Hubs was cruising eBay as he always does, and had done a search for cars in our general area, and one of the results that popped up was this 1979 Jaguar XJ6 in Denver. He thought, "Hmmm, that's a nice looking car, and the bids are low so far. I think I'll bid on it just for fun". He added it to his watch list, then forgot about it. He was called for a trip (He's a Railroad Engineer) and left, never giving it another thought. He got home a couple days later and was again at the 'puter checking things, when his bid watch thingy popped up on the screen (I installed that for him, thank you very much) telling him the bid on that car was ending in 10 minutes. He went to have a look. Boy was he shocked to see he was high bidder! He knew it wouldn't last, however, as the people who really want an item badly know how to play the game and wait until the last possible moment to put in the last bid, so he waited. And waited. And waited some more. No one else bid on it! He was high bidder and got the car! 
He couldn't believe it. LOL
He went up to Denver with our son a couple of days later and picked it up. When he got home and I went out to look at it, I instantly fell in love and staked my claim. 
We had it licensed and insured the next day and I've been driving it ever since. I'm lonely now, though, because we're having the air conditioner fixed in it, so it's not here right now. The heat has been unbearable this summer and I wasn't about to drive around with no air! (Spoiled? Moi??? 
) We're eventually going to have it repainted and probably have the seats reupholstered, even though they're not really all that bad, but I gotta say that it's in pretty damn good shape for being 28 years old! It drives like an absolute DREAM, too! I am a happy camper. 
I will take a picture of it when we get it back, OK? 
Jaguar, Jaguar XJ6, 1979 Jaguar XJ6
When I was contemplating whether or not to write about this particular topic, my initial thought was no, I wouldn't do it. Most people are turned off by financial stuff. It's boring, and not something any of us like to discuss, especially when it's about bad things that can happen to us financially. I did, however, change my mind. Why? Because it's happened to me. I've gone through some very hard financial times. When I was 22 years old, my former husband took off, leaving my 2 year old son and me all alone. I ended up losing my house and my car. Yeah, he was a real gem. But I digress.
That was a very long time ago when that happened. Back then, there weren't places and people to go to for help like there are today. You either paid your loan or you didn't, period. Oh sure, you could ask your bank if you could take out a debt consolidation loan, but that wasn't very likely. There weren't debt consolidation services like there are today. Believe me, I would have given my eye teeth for help like that. I was young and suddenly on my own with a small child, and I didn't have a clue what to do.
I'm writing this because I know there are people out there enduring that same kind of hardship at this very moment. I know how difficult it is, and the shame you may be feeling thinking you've failed somehow. But believe me, there is no shame, there is no failure. In this crazy up and down economy world of ours, we can sometimes work as hard as possible and still not be able to make ends meet. There is no shame in that. I'm just very happy there are places like DebtHelp.com for people to turn to during these difficult and stressful times. You will find help there in many areas of finance, such as IRS problems, credit repair, bankruptcy and a lot more. Don't be afraid to take that first step. I know it's scary and intimidating, but you will be taking your control back and opening the door to what will eventually lead to the light at the end of that dark tunnel.
That is why I wrote this.
It is being reported by CNN that Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick accepted a plea deal that could send him to prison. Apparently Vick will plead guilty to felony conspiracy next Monday, defense attorney Lawrence Woodward announced.
This makes me mad. They had SO much evidence against him, not to mention direct witnesses who had agreed to testify against him, so why deal? The man deserves to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, not get a deal! The report goes on to say that the plea will help Vick avoid additional federal charges. Yeah, gee, ya' think? That sucks! I WANT him to have additional federal charges brought against him! He deserves it! What he doesn't deserve is a break! That's just so not right. Get this --
"Mike's accepting full responsibility," Woodward told the newspaper. "He's going to do everything he can personally and professionally to make this situation right."
Sure he is, now that he's been caught! Of course he's going to try and salvage his career! Of course he's going to try and salvage his endorsement deals! But do you think for a minute that he actually believes what he was doing is wrong? Hell no! He's sorry, alright, but only because he was caught! He's a freak, and a psychopath! What really pisses me off is this:
Federal prosecutors had offered a deal recommending an 18- to 36-month prison sentence. Vick's attorneys were trying to reduce that to less than a year, two sources told CNN on Monday.
Less than a year??? PLEASE don't let that happen! Not even 36 months is enough! If the prosecutors deal down to less than a year, they should be ashamed! If that happens, it will once again prove that money can buy so-called justice in America! It makes me wanna puke. Oh, and what do you think about this --
It was not immediately clear whether Vick's attorneys have heard back Monday from National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell's office. They wanted to clarify Vick's career options before entering into any deal with federal prosecutors, the sources said.
Goodell is actually considering keeping him??? WTH? A psychopath and sociopath who kills and tortures helpless animals is who he wants representing the NFL? What the hell is wrong with people?! Hey, I'm a huge football fan, too, but dammit, being an excellent athlete shouldn't exempt them from punishment, consequence and being FIRED when they break the law and torture innocent animals!! This crazy worshiping of athletes has got to stop! They're not above the law, and they're not above simple human decency!
Michael Vick, Vick Plea Deal, Professional Athletes, Football
Ladies -- and you, too, men -- when was the last time you received flowers from anyone? I actually did receive some beautiful flowers from my daughter and her best friend about a month ago. They were so sweet. They went shopping at Wal-Mart to pick up a few things for me, and ended up bringing me some gorgeous flowers, too. Before that, I can't remember the last time I was sent flowers.
What kind of flower is your favorite? I have so many favorites. I adore roses and lilies and daisies and orchids! I especially love Calla Lilies. Aren't they gorgeous? They always remind me of Katherine Hepburn in "Stage Door" when she said "The calla lilies are in bloom again". They're such an intriguing flower; exotic and unique. I always like a little intrigue, don't you? I would be completely intrigued if you sent me flowers. No, really, I would. ;)
My dog Cheyenne is lying beside me, and she's farting. Her farts are SOOOO BAD! I swear they almost make me gag! I had to hold my nose a minute ago because I couldn't stand the smell. I've told her time and time again that it is extremely unladylike to do that, but she ignores me.
Dayum!! 
LOL!
Dogs Farting, Dog Farts, Stinky Dog Farts
I was sad when I saw the headline that Billy Graham is in the hospital. I really, really admire Billy Graham. He has brought generations of people around the world closer to God in his simple, southern, country kind of way. He is truly unique, and out of all the preachers, evangelists, ministers, televangelists, etc., I believe he is the "real deal". With Billy Graham, there is no gimmick, no judgment. He is a breath of fresh air in a world full of evil disguised in the cloak of goodness, bilking unknowing and innocent people out of their money and faith. My husband, sister, brother-in-law and I went to see him years and years ago when he was in Denver. It's probably been 20 years or more since then. It was one of the most positive experiences of my life. I'll never forget it.
The doctors say his condition is not life-threatening. I was very happy to read that part. It will be sad when the world loses him.
Billy Graham, Billy Graham in Hospital
Do you remember the other day when I was talking about skating and the skaters who walk past my son's new house? Well, it really got me to thinking. I need to get more exercise in a big way, but I completely hate jogging, running, gyms and all that stuff. I get bored. It's not fun. I started thinking that skating sounded like a totally fun way to get the exercise I need! So I went "all things skate" hunting.
At Modern Skate and Surf, an action sports retailer in business since 1979, I found an enormous selection of everything skate-related. They have inline skates, element skateboards, roller skates, protective gear, zero skateboards, accessories and much more! Their skate deck alone is hugely impressive.
I think it would be a real hoot to revisit some of the best times from my childhood and once again GO SKATING!
Skating, Modern Skate and Surf, Skateboards, Element Skateboards, Zero Skateboards
That's the only way I can describe it. That's the only way I can think of it. Yes, I know, the practical and scientific of you will tell me it is normal atmospheric and geological phenomena, as well as plain old human error bringing so much to a head all at once around the world. But it is our greed and insatiable appetite to take whatever we want despite the consequences that has been the very cause of much of that phenomena. Global warming is changing our environment, mountaintop removal mining is destroying the splendor of our mountains, deforestation of our Rainforests is killing the native animals who were there long before us.
So, now we have the earthquakes in Peru and Hawaii, the hurricanes in the Caribbean, Hawaii and the one that "sloshed" ashore in Texas, causing widespread flooding, and of course the mountain in Utah which refuses to release its captives inside, even going so far as to attack those trying to rescue them with yet another collapse, killing 3 and injuring 6.
It's as if she's all riled up and showing all the ignorant human beings who are raping, pillaging and destroying her that she's not going to take it anymore. She's fighting back. It will only get worse, you know. We can't continue to consume her like the gluttons we are and expect anything but an enormous fight. She won't go quietly into that good night.
Mother Earth, Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Utah Mine Collapse, Hawaii
I couldn't sleep (so what's new), so I decided to get up and read the news online, as I do almost every day. I was at the 9News web site when the title of an article caught my eye. It said:
"Paragliders Say Safety is Key"
The first thought that struck me was, "No duh!". Then I became increasingly irritated as well as amused by it. Of course safety is key. That is such a stupid title! What, are we all supposed to be like, "OMG, I didn't know that! Wow, if I ever go paragliding, I'll be sure to be careful now, thanks to seeing that!"??? Um, no. But then it gets even more ridiculous:
Mike Reeder, an 18 year veteran, says always flying safe is the key to staying in the air.
Really? Huh. I thought people could go up in the air and be as freakin' careless as they wanted to be and everything would be fine. Wow, what an eye-opener!
What I can't believe is that 9News, the viewers' favorite news station in all of Denver --a big city, by the way -- found that story not only newsworthy, but actually helpful and informative! Well, I guess it was -- for IMBECILES!
Look, I'm a woman in my 40s going through peri-menopause and in the throes of raging PMS -- do NOT feed me idiocy for breakfast! I WILL hurt you!
9News, Denver, News, Paragliding
Remember the post I did the other day about my daughter helping her boyfriend work on his Demolition Derby cars? And I told you how much she loves doing it? Actually, she loves working on cars period, whether they're Derby cars or not. But anyway, I thought I'd give you guys a bit of "proof". Here she is the other evening when she came home from helping him all afternoon. I just couldn't let that photo opp pass me by!
Oh, and ladies, don't worry, she wasn't greasy on the back. LOL I never would've let her sit there if she had been! 
The Derby is tomorrow night. Good luck, Darin!!! 
By now you all know my son just recently bought his first house. He is settling in and absolutely loves it there. It's fun to sit on his great big front porch, especially at night, because you can watch as all the skaters slowly make their way home. You see, he lives just one block from a skate park. As I watch them walk and skate past the house, I am simply amazed at what these kids use today! When I was a kid - and I know I'm really dating myself here - the skates I wore went over my shoes and came with a key. Seriously! Granted we were a little behind the times, as they actually did have skates which went on your feet at the skating rink, but I never owned my own pair.
Today, though? Wow, today they have Heelys, which are shoes with a wheel under the heel, and of course, Rollerblades. I cannot believe how far the skate has come! Personally, I would totally love to have a pair of Heelys. They look awesome and completely fun! Just think how much easier things like shopping would be with wheels on your feet! ;)
Heelys, Rollerblades, 123Skate.com
In breaking news from CNN we are hearing there has been yet another coal mining accident, leaving three miners dead in Princeton, Indiana.
The only thing known at this time is that there are people attempting to retrieve the bodies. It has also been reported that the cause is unknown, but what is certain is that there was no explosion. They are not sure if it was a problem with equipment or something else which caused this tragic accident. It occurred around 11:00 this morning.
In other breaking news, this time out of Utah regarding the other dreadful mining collapse, it is reported that a narrow hole being drilled into the mountain may have missed the cavity where the six trapped miners are believed to be.
Such horrific news, isn't it. I think coal miners who mine underground are very, very brave people. I know that I could never, ever do that job. I would be terrified the whole time I was in there. Wow ... how strange is it that there would be two coal mining accidents in one week?
Three Killed In Coal Mine, Utah Coal Mining Collapse, Princeton Indiana Coal Mine, CNN
Happy Thursday. :) Seems more like Friday. lol
Our County Fair started yesterday. My daughter goes each and every night until it's over, which will be Sunday night. She doesn't really go for the rides. Know what she loves about it? The food! 
I gotta' admit, the Fair food really is good. Everything from turkey legs to corn dogs to funnel cakes to hamburgers to cotton candy -- totally yummy!
Her boyfriend drives cars in Demolition Derbies around the state, so of course he'll be running in ours. In fact, aside from Greeley's (the biggest in the state, where he finished 4th this year!), ours is the one he looks forward to the most. 
She helps him build/work on his cars all year long so that he'll be ready for the derbies, and she LOVES it! She's so cool.
Hey, guess what? I have my first article at Digg.com! I was wondering if ya'll could do me a favor and give me a Digg! I would be forever grateful.
Thanks, you guys, and have a happy day! :)
Demolition Derbies, Derby Cars, County Fairs, Digg.com
This comes as no surprise to me. They're all idiots in my opinion. I bet they'd feel differently if it were they who were terminally ill, don't you? In part, as reported by the New York Times:
A federal appeals court ruled yesterday that patients with terminal illnesses do not have a constitutional right to use medicines that have not yet won regulatory approval.The 8-to-2 decision by the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit came in a closely watched and emotional case that pitted desperate patients willing to try unproven, even risky, therapies against those arguing that drugs should be proved safe and effective before they are made available.
The decision preserves the current regulatory system. If it had gone the other way “it would have undermined the entire drug approval process,” said William B. Schultz, a former deputy commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, who wrote an amicus brief arguing against the early access to drugs.
The case was filed against the Food and Drug Administration in 2003 by the Abigail Alliance for Better Access to Developmental Drugs, a group founded by a man whose daughter Abigail died from cancer after a long battle to receive treatment with experimental drugs that were eventually approved.
The group, joined by the Washington Legal Foundation, argued that forcing patients to wait years for a drug to go through the process of clinical trials deprived dying patients of their right to self-defense and violated the Fifth Amendment clause stating that people cannot be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law.
A district court ruled against the Abigail Alliance. That decision was reversed by an appeals court panel, but the full appeals court yesterday upheld the original district court decision.
It makes no sense to me. It makes no sense why people with diseases such as cancer can't legally own and smoke pot throughout the country. It makes no sense to me why people who are dying can't use any drug they so choose in hopes of buying themselves more time, or even curing themselves. What, is the FDA afraid someone will sue them for getting well??? They certainly can't sue them -- or the makers of the drug -- for killing them!
We're able to do more for our dying pets than our dying family members. It's unforgivable.
FDA, Federal Appeals Court, Abigail Alliance, New York Times
You all know how much I adore my dogs. They are my furbabies. They make me smile, laugh and feel good each and every day. That's a lot more than I can say for most people! Well guess what I've discovered? A great site to get all the latest in pet news! They have Dog News, Cat News, Forums -- and you can even send them your favorite pictures of your dog or cat! At Itchmo, you can find all the latest info on important subjects such as the pet food recall, and the Michael Vick dogfighting case. They have many interesting, helpful and important categories, as well, such as Dog Parks & Travel, Events for Pet Owners, Medical and Veterinary, and Reviews of Dog and Cat Products. You can even sign-up for their daily email. So come on, Go to Itchmo for news for pet owners!
Itchmo For Pet News, Itchmo, itchmo.com
It's no secret that I do paid reviews and advertising here at Thoughtprints. It's legitimate work. It takes time and a lot of thought. I never do a review or advertisement I don't honestly believe in, or want to try myself. Believe me, I have passed on many opportunities that paid well simply because I didn't like the product or web site. I'm not a liar in "real life", and I'm not one here, either.
I have met a lot of really great people in this world of paid blogging. Genuine, sincere, honest, hard-working people. What really gets me is that many other people don't consider what we do "real" work. Or a "real" job. Well it is! We are independent contractors, and are hired by individuals/organizations/companies/corporations to either advertise their product and services, or review their web site. We strike a deal, we complete the task, we get paid. How is that ANY different from what other people do in an office somewhere? Does the fact that we stay at home to do our work somehow turn it into, what ... a hobby? No way! Look, I have much respect for the millions of people who go out every day and earn money to pay their bills and provide for their families. Why can't you respect those of us who do it at home just as much? Does location really matter? Are you jealous? What is it that makes you so resentful and angry that you try to undermine and devalue what we do?
Regardless of why you criticize us, the bottom line is that our blogs are OURS, and what we put on them is solely OUR business -- figuratively and literally! That's how we earn OUR living and provide for OUR families. Get over it already!!
Are you knowledgeable in financial matters? I mean, beyond simple budgeting and balancing your checkbook? I'm not, and I should be. Shouldn't everyone be knowledgeable about finances? It's one of the most important aspects of our lives, yet we seem to either ignore it, or live in blissful denial about its importance. We're not all spring chickens anymore, and we really need to be vigilant in financial issues as they relate to things such as retirement and our golden years. I have a friend who is a financial adviser. I guess I'm guilty of relying on her expertise and my faith that she would never steer me wrong since she's my lifelong best friend. But still, I need to know more.
Both of my sons have bought houses within the last year. They learned a lot about the world of home loans, that's for sure. My younger son was amazed by all the paperwork and everything involved in being approved by his lender. Then, of course, there's the huge subject of the housing market in general, and all that's involved in determining why houses cost what they do where you live, and the broader picture of how the housing market affects Wall Street and the stock market. It's mind-boggling! Plus I admit that I'm afraid of credit cards. Are you? I haven't had real great experiences with them, but mainly because I wasn't credit card savvy enough, and because of the circumstances which presented themselves at the time. It left me rather leary, but knowledge is definitely the key, isn't it. That's why it's good to have a web site like CREDITLOAN to refer to for answers.
Regardless of how you slice it, it's simply of vital importance that we all arm ourselves with as much knowledge and information as we can when it comes to our financial security!
Over at Ashwin’s blog, you will find one crazy blog owner!! You can win $2500!! To enter just copy this text and paste it in your blog!! But hurry, this competition will not last long! So get posting!
Yes, people you read it right -- $2500! And before you ask, YES, it is 100% legit! All you have to do is copy and paste the above message in your blog, then leave a comment at Ashwin's blog letting him know you did so. That's it! But hurry, the contest ends on August 20th! The winner will receive the $2500 via PayPal. So come on, get entered! (Oh wait, maybe I shouldn't be so encouraging. The more people who enter, the less chance I have of winning. Drats! 
)
Ashwin Khanna Dot Com, ashwinkhanna.com
I blogged a couple of days ago about Hubs remodeling the bedroom upstairs for our daughter, remember? I didn't mention, however, that we have a whole laundry list of Home improvements we want to do. Everything from new floor coverings to paint to new drywall is on that list. We'd also absolutely love to have a screened-in area off the house with a hot tub and comfy furniture on which to relax and share time with our family and friends.
In the UK, such rooms are called Conservatories, and Anglian Home Improvements has been the place to go for thirty-six years for high quality home improvements. I have a very good friend who lives in the UK, so I was interested in seeing exactly what Conservatories looked like. Wow! They are absolutely beautiful! That is exactly what we have in mind for our house. In perusing Anglian's web site, I can certainly see why people prefer them over others -- not only are their products gorgeous, but they come with a 10 year guarantee, as well. Right now I sure wish we lived in the UK! ;)
Anglian Home Improvements, Conservatories
Guess what? I have another blog!! 
Yes, another one. And yes, that's a good thing!
You know how I love to point out the stupid things in life? The idiot celebrities and the weird stuff in the news? Well, I decided to devote an entire blog to the subject of weirdness and stupidness. LOL It is called Imagine That. Being that it's brand spankin' new, I could really use the traffic -- i.e. visitors *wink* -- so come on by! We can make fun of idiocy and Ooo and Ahh over weird stuff together!
Imagine That, Weirdness, Stupid Things, Dumb People, Strange Things In The News
I have always been very interested in two particular things -- law and medicine. It's a good thing I've always had a keen interest in medicine, as I spent many years, along with my sisters, taking care of our mother. It helps to have an interest in it, too, when you're a mom yourself, what with all those bumps, bruises, cuts and scrapes. ;)
I have marveled over the past few years at the strides medicine has made in the realm of home health care. The things my sisters and I were able to do for Mom at home were quite amazing, and with very little training required, if any. I continue to marvel at it when I see web sites like Home Health Testing®. I simply cannot believe the kinds of things we are able to do for ourselves these days! Tests for such things as Cholesterol, Colon Cancer, Hepatitis C, Menopause, Ovulation (I could've used one of those 29 years ago when trying to conceive my first child!), and even a home test for HIV.
Take a moment to imagine yourself concerned that you may have colon or prostate cancer, or perhaps something much less dire, like a urinary tract infection. Either way, wouldn't it be a blessing to be able to do the test yourself, in the comfort of your own home where you have complete privacy? I say yes. I would much rather do it myself. In addition, if you're like my husband, who has colon and prostate cancer in his family, I would think it would bring great peace of mind to be able to test yourself at home as a regular course in preventive care. And certainly cheaper than going to your doctor and/or hospital!
The Home Health Testing® web site openly states that they respect our privacy and will "never contact a customer if they can help it. We do not engage in email spam, junk mail, telephone solicitations or any other annoying 'marketing techniques' so prevalent today". You can also take comfort in knowing their tests are all FDA approved. This is something I am definitely telling my husband about!
Home Health Testing®, Home Test Kits
Have you heard any reports lately from where you live about West Nile Virus? It's rearing its ugly head here in Colorado again. Very scary stuff. My son, David, had it a couple of years ago. Oh man, he was SO sick. Given how bad it can get, though, he was actually very lucky. It did, however, take him about 6 months to a year to feel like he was back to normal. It left him very susceptible to upper respiratory infections, though.
One of the men Hubs used to work with has it real bad right now. Word has it he even had to quit his job. I so hope that isn't the case. The last thing one needs to have happen when they're ill is lose their health insurance! There is a story on the 9News web site about a man who contracted West Nile a year ago and is still having a very hard time. He only has about 10% use of one of his legs. So sad. Remember, people, wear mosquito repellent!! Make sure it has DEET in it! Believe me, West Nile is NOT something you want to mess around with.
Now, changing the subject quite abruptly ... lol ... do any of you dog owners/lovers out there have any idea why a dog who's never been afraid of thunder before would suddenly become terrified of it? My beautiful, wonderful girl, Cheyenne, has become scared to death of it. We had a thunderstorm in the middle of the night tonight (or should I say this morning?) around 3:00AM. I was still up, of course, sitting here at the puter blog-hopping, and she was literally trying to climb on my lap. Mind you, she weighs at least 80 pounds! I sat here trying to type comments and stuff with her halfway on and halfway off my lap. LOL I felt sorry for her. She was shaking like a leaf. Her apparent fear of thunder started just a few days ago when we had a gully-washer with VERY loud thunder. She was all over me that day! I have bruises on my legs and arms to prove it! LOL I just don't understand why it would start so out-of-the-blue like that. If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them!
West Nile Virus, Mosquitoes, Thunderstorms, Dogs Afraid of Thunder, DEET
My husband has been completely renovating one of the bedrooms upstairs for our daughter -- all in cedar! Lemme tell ya', it smells sooo good! He has done a perfectly fabulous job on it, too. For someone who is not a carpenter by trade, he sure did some good work! Our dogs absolutely LOVE to be up there with him when he's working. I think they think it's for them. LOL They're going to be mighty jealous when they find out my daughter gets it! Or maybe not .....
Did you know you can get cedar furniture for your dog? Well you can! And cats, too! Don't think I'm crazy, but I would SO love to get them some cedar dog houses! Wouldn't that be awesome? Of course it would! ;) Just look at this -- a doggie duplex! I could get a couple of those and my babies would be in heaven. And people, they're weatherproof! What could be better?
If you look around the site, you'll see that they also sell gorgeous outdoor furniture, mailboxes, garden bridges, planters, arbors and pergolas and so much more, all made from gorgeous cedar! They also offer log furniture -- oh be still my heart -- I love log furniture! Seriously, I really do. In fact, someday I want a whole house made out of logs. Did you know cedar has 80% of the strength of oak? If you know anything about wood, then you know that's very sturdy wood! And guess what? They're so sure you're going to love their product, they offer complimentary FREE Ground Shipping within the U.S. contiguous 48 states! That's a heck of a deal, considering how much cedar wood furniture weighs. Go check 'em out!
ADAMS All Natural Cedar, cedarwoodfurniture.com, Cedar Dog House
My sister is going in on Friday for the surgery to correct her hiatal hernia. It will be in Ft. Collins, about 90 minutes from here. She has to go a couple of days early, though, so they can run a few tests first. She's also going to be having that thyroid biopsy done. Remember when I told you they felt a few nodules on it when she was in the hospital last time? Yeah, well, they decided, much to her relief, that they can get all of this over with at the same time.
I would really, really appreciate positive thoughts, healing energy and prayers sent her way. THANK YOU!
Sisters, Thyroid Biopsy, Hiatal Hernia, Surgery
It's almost that time again. What time, you ask? School time. I simply can't believe the summer has zipped by as fast as it did! Soon we'll all be in the stores buying new school clothes, shoes and supplies. In that vein, I'd like to tell you about a very good deal I learned about.
The people at Costcaptain.com are a Microsoft Authorized Education Reseller. What that means is that they offer 100% Authentic Microsoft products at academic discounts. They sell brand new Office 2007 Suite and Vista to students and staff of schools, libraries and research labs, AND -- this is what really caught my eye -- homeschools! You may not think you're eligible, but the criteria one must meet is actually quite broad. If you meet the following criteria, you are eligible to acquire Microsoft Academic Edition (AE) products in the programs indicated, and are defined as Qualified Educational Users (you can also follow the link above to find a link to Microsoft's requirements page):
Educational Institutions
Administrative Offices & Boards of Education
Teachers, Faculty and Staff
Students
Public Libraries
Public Museums
Home-School Programs
The prices are excellent, as in Microsoft Office 2007 from $129.99! How about Microsoft Office 2007 Home & Student for $125.00! Pretty good, eh? They are 100% authentic, genuine Microsoft products at special academic pricing. Products are shipped ASAP and with tracking numbers so that you will always know where it is once it leaves their building for yours. Personally speaking, I always appreciate having tracking numbers for the things I buy. It's just a little peace of mind, ya' know? Anyway, now that I know homeschools are accepted, I'm definitely going to be taking a real good look at this!
CostCaptain.com, Microsoft Authorized Education Reseller, Microsoft
I just got finished watching a movie called The Last Kiss, and while I found it rather depressing and unsettling, I did come away with a quote which I absolutely loved. It is (paraphrasing):
"Don't say you love her. Any asshole can say how they feel. How you feel is for you. How you treat the ones you say you love is what really counts."
Now ... is that something we should all think about or what?
Movies, The Last Kiss, Movie Quotes
The old saying "You learn something new every day" is certainly true. For me, anyway. I look forward each day to the "something new" I will be learning. Today I learned that there is actually outdoor furniture available to buy which is made from rugged 100% recycled plastic lumber, called Polywood furniture. It looks like fine wood patio furniture, but without the maintenance. Now wouldn't that be nice! It is completely weatherproof and never needs painting. That's my kind of furniture! The less work it takes, the better. Just take a look at all the different styles and colors! Very nice, indeed.
You can find this cool outdoor furniture at Dax Stores online. But patio furniture is not the only product they have to offer! You can also find Indoor Furniture, Organic Bedding, Organic Baby Bedding and Furniture, Organic Bath Linens, Silk Clothing and so much more! To make it even sweeter, they also offer free shipping for orders over $100.00. An all-around great deal!
Dax Stores, Polywood Patio Furniture, Polywood Outdoor Furniture
A few of you have been complaining to me about the "Remember Me" function of my comment submission form not remembering your info. Believe me, I felt your pain -- it didn't remember mine, either! Mistakenly, I thought it was a browser issue, but it wasn't. As I had tried and tried and tried in the past to figure out what was wrong, I wasn't sure what I could do, but I wasn't about to give up yet. And guess what? I found the problem!! I'm happy to say that my comment form will now remember you!! So comment away, people!
MT, Movable Type, MT Comment Form, Remember Me Function