What A Way To Start The Day

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.

Girl's Night Out

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.

Oooh, La, La

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.

Unemployment At Seven Year High

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.

It's Like Having A Baby Again!

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

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

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

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

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.

In Self Defense

How would you defend yourself in the event of a personal attack? Do you have to walk to your car after work across a dark parking lot by yourself? Do you look inside the car, backseat and front, before getting in?

I remember when I used to work nights at Walmart. I worked until closing and had to walk to the end of the parking lot (where the employees were supposed to park) to get to my car. It was dark, and I hated it. I always wondered if someone was waiting for me, ready to pounce. I always carried my keys in my hand with the longest one positioned between my fingers, ready to protect myself if necessary.

That was many years ago, and now, there are many self defense products on the market to make things less scary when you find yourself in one of those situations. From pepper spray to voice alert alarms, you'll be able to protect yourself and alert others. It only makes sense to carry something of this nature if you're constantly in a not-so-desirable situation.

Death Penalty Sought In Nancy Cooper Murder

I've been following the murder investigation of Nancy Cooper, a resident of North Carolina, since her body was discovered this past July in a drainage ditch near her home. Her husband, Brad Cooper, said she left a couple of days earlier to go jogging but never returned.

Search warrants were issued for the couple's house and Brad's work. Results of the search warrants and the autopsy reports were sealed and no information was released for quite some time. The couple's two children were given to Nancy's family for temporary custody.

Just recently, Brad Cooper was arrested on charges of first degree murder in the death of his wife, Nancy Cooper. Through his lawyers, he still maintains his innocence, but will have a hearing in December to determine if he will face the death penalty.

In North Carolina, first degree murder is punishable by the death penalty or life in prison without parole. No one has been put to death in North Carolina since 2006 when four inmates were executed.

Staying Warm This Winter

Brrrrrr! It's so cold already! The temps here in Wisconsin are dropping into the twenties and teens overnight, and it's only the beginning of November! I'm afraid of what the rest of winter is going to be like!

What bothers me, too, is the thought of my heating bills this winter. They just keep going up and up, and it isn't even winter yet. I decided to buy each of us an electric blanket for our beds. That way, I'll be able to keep the heat turned down overnight, but we'll all still stay warm.

You have to cut costs where you can, and there's nothing better than jumping into a nice, warm bed on a freezing night!

Our Family Grows By One

I'd like to introduce you all to the newest addition to our family. He's an 8 week old Shih-tzu named Rascal.

We just picked him up last night, and so far he's adjusting to his new home pretty well. He's decided he likes the other two dogs we have, although I'm not so sure they are as fond of him. And the cats? Well, let's just say that they are less than thrilled, but he thinks they're great!

Last night, he slept through the night without crying, but I don't think we're going to get so lucky tonight. The kids have decided he's really cute while he's sleeping, and will curl up with him on the couch. Needless to say, I think the potential for spoiling is high.

This picture may be hard to tell, but he's really small. He fits in the palm of one hand, but packs quite a bite if he wants to, and most times, he wants to. Those little puppy teeth are like needles! He won't get very big, I'm told. Probably only about six pounds or so. I've never had a dog so small before, and I'm just amazed at his fearlessness for being so small. He definitely thinks he's a bigger dog than he is!

Phentermine Diet Pills

To take weight loss pills, or not to take weight loss pills. That is the question on many an overweight mind. Sometimes, diet and exercise just aren't enough to achieve the results so desired by obese people around the world. Thank goodness there are websites out there like consumerpricewatch.net.

The main goal of consumerpricewatch.net is to bring the consumer vital information on many of the top weight loss pills on the market. Take Phentermine diet pills for example. Phentermine has gotten a bad rap in the past for its side effects. The side effects include rapid heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, and insomnia. Most people are not bothered enough to stop taking it.

Aside from its side effects, Phentermine has shown a 10-15% increase in weight loss. Greater effects can be seen when Phentermine is combined with proper diet and exercise. The FDA has approved Phentermine as a powerful weight loss pill, which means its safety is backed by the FDA. If you're looking for a weight loss pill that is effective, have a look at Phentermine on consumerpricewatch.net.

A Vent About ChaCha

I've really loved working for ChaCha. It's been fun, and I've made quite a bit of money already. The thing that's been bugging me for a couple of days, though, is the fact that they've started limiting the number of questions a user can ask a month. ChaCha users can only ask 20 questions a month. For most teenage users (and there's alot of them!) 20 questions won't get them through two day!

I have no idea why they instituted this new rule. I cannot see how it's helping the company, since they have really managed to piss off quite a few people, and I'm assuming, not as many questions going out means their advertisers' ads aren't getting seen as much. I understand the need for "unique" customers from an advertiser's stand point, but shutting out customers does not a successful company make.

So anyway, business has been slow. Not as many questions to answer, and the ones I do get are mostly from irate users wanting to know why ChaCha is being so stupid. I've been called names, been cussed at, you name it. People are actually using ChaCha to find other services that are similar because they are so ticked off.

I'll still continue to do the ChaCha since the money I'm making is being used to buy Christmas for my kids. If this doesn't get cleared up soon though, I don't know how much time I'm going to waste after the holidays for only $.20 a question.

What Do You Do To Lose Weight?

Since I'm in a constant battle to lose weight, I'm curious as to what others do to achieve their weight loss goals. There are so many diets, exercises, shakes, and pills out there, it's so hard to know what is good and what works.

I find it hard to stick to a "diet". I'll do good for a few weeks, and then get tired of it all. Not that diets don't work. I'll lose weight on one, but it just seems like so much work, and I feel deprived. What I've found that works for me is exercise. I don't watch so much what I eat, although I do cut down on amounts, but I throw in some exercise a few times a week to get the old body moving. It seems that I'm able to stick to an exercise routine more so than a diet.

My sister-in-law, whom I'm really proud of, topped the scales at 305 pounds at her heaviest. She had some health issues and was told that she needed to lose weight to make the symptoms subside. Her doctor prescribed weight loss pills. She started taking the pills and exercising, and has lost 50 pounds in four months! She's feeling better, looking great, and is much healthier for it. This system has worked for her, but it may not work for everyone.

If you've got a weight loss story, or would just like to discuss your goals and get advice, leave me a comment here. I'd love to hear how others go about losing weight and getting healthy!

The Kids

We've been pretty busy around here lately. It seems as soon as school started, life as we knew it ceased to exist. Our days are filled with homework, after school activities, and so much more!

Now, finally, it seems to have slowed down a bit. Football season is over. Tristan's team made it to the playoffs, but lost their first game. Volleyball season is over. Rebecca's team did really well, winning more than they lost. Timothy's football season is over, too. They also won more games than they lost. Now, we have about two weeks before wrestling season starts and it begins again.

This past Friday, on Halloween, Mike and I took the kids trick-or-treating in his sister's neck of the woods. It was actually a fun, fun time! For one, the kids actually got to trick-0r-treat after dark! Now, I know most of you probably don't understand the significance of that statement, but here in Wisconsin, they schedule a time for the kids to go trick-or-treating. It's usually on the weekend before Halloween, for two hours during the afternoon, before dark. This year, it was scheduled for 5-7pm. It gets dark around 6pm or so and the kids had a ball! The town's fire engine and rescue squad came out and handed out candy, and the kids made out like bandits! There were some really great costumes, too. One lady dressed her wiener dog up like a hot dog - a bun on either side with mustard and ketchup. It was great!

I got a couple of pictures of the kids dressed up. Keep in mind that these pictures were taken AFTER we got back from trick-or-treating, and they were pretty tired.

Then, there's Homecoming. Tristan and his girlfriend were voted the best dressed. What do you think about that green? Pretty cool, huh?

So, that's about it for now. I'm still doing the ChaCha, and patiently waiting for my other job to come to light. My computer hasn't arrived yet, but it should be here sometime this week.