School Shooting In TN

I was checking out the online news sites to see if there was anything that caught my attention...and I found this report. I was surprised to find that this shooting took place in Knoxville, TN...where I grew up and where my family still lives. It is incredibly sad that things like this happen...

Ryan McDonald was the teen who was shot. Let's all remember his family in our prayers and let us all remember to pray for the children who saw this happen. My heart breaks for them too...I would hate for my children to witness such a shocking event.

A Few Name Changes

OK...I think I've figured it out...for a little while!

The new name here is "Sheesh-a-Moley". Yes, it used to be the name of my crafty goodness blog, but I moved it...yes...I did. Sheesh-a-Moley fits this blog. So there...I know, I know...it's confusing. I can't help it...that's just how I roll right now! lol!!

GonnaBe.com

I have always have mixed feelings about kids in entertainment. There are some kids who have parents that are crazy psycho about getting them the best roles and opportunities…not necessarily to help the child but to help themselves. You see this frequently….living through the child. It’s not just happening in entertainment because I’ve seen it on the football field too!

Anyway, just as there are those parents who are psycho-crazy, there are also parents who genuinely desire to help their child realize his dream. Fortunately for these parents there is Gonnabe.com!

Gonnabe.com is a membership based networking organization for children who want to get into acting, singing, dancing, etc. It’s not a talent agency, but members do get to learn the necessary skills in entertainment and they also get the opportunity to perform in front of live audiences. Some members even get to be on a tv show!

I think Gonnabe.com is a great idea because it seems to be a way to give both parents and children a good idea of what it is like to work in the entertainment industry and to work with the industry’s professionals. I also think it’s a great way to actually meet those talent scouts!

Seriously, I just like this whole concept…it seems like a more responsible and respectful way for parents to let their child “get their feet wet” in an industry that does not have a stellar image!

Needing More Help!

Our son, Gus, who passed away at 16 months, was profoundly and bilaterally deaf. Most insurance companies DO NOT pay for hearing aids…ours was one of those that did not. We were fortunate enough to get help from a local group that flat out paid for Gus’ hearing aids which were $10,000 a pair. A lot of people are not in the same situation that we were and they are having to pay for their child’s hearing aids out of pocket. If that had been our case, Gus would not have had the hearing aids. I think it is very important for any child who has been diagnosed as hard-of-hearing or deaf, to have the equipment he/she needs.

The organization I blogged for this past Saturday is one that advocates for these kids….they too feel that deaf children should have the equipment they need. Seriously, it makes me sad that we even have to have an organization to do this….it should be an automatic thing that we do…take care of our children. I’m simple though…I guess it’s much deeper than that….

Anyway, I know that money is really tight for all of us right now and that’s why I am thrilled that Nessa has set up a way for you all to donate to Blogathon 2008 without spending a dime!! Please head over to her blog and read all the details…it takes less than a minute, won’t cost you a single cent, and she’s giving away prizes!! Woohoo!!

Of course, if you want to donate more you certainly can. All you need to do is click here and then send me an email at pdoriot(at)chartertn(dot) net or leave a comment and tell me the amount you’ve donated. I will post your name…unless you wish to remain anonymous. I only ask you to send me the amount so I can keep track goal-wise!

CURRENT DONATIONS: $155 only $345 more to go!!

Thanks:

Kidd Dynamite

Nessa and Gang in memory of Serena who recently passed away.

Crazy Tanya

Anonymous

Blogathon 2008

This is a sticky post...please scroll down for current posts!

For more information and instructions on donating, please click HERE!

AN EASY WAY TO MAKE A DONATION THAT IS ABSOLUTELY FREE TO YOU!!

Nessa, from Absolutely Moms and According to Me, has graciously offered all of her monies earned from her Lilaguide registrations!! Lilaguide is a new site with lots of different communities. Nessa has started a group for WAH or SAH moms where we can exchange tips and ideas, read product reviews and even find great blogs to read! This community is new and is growing daily...I know you don't want to miss out on this!! Even if you are not a WAH or SAH mom yet, you are still welcome...heck, even if you're not a mom yet, come on in! lol!!

Sign-up is easy-peasy. All you have to do is sign up here and when you do so, Nessa will make as bit of money which she will be sending to me as a donation for Blogathon 2008. So see, you can donate even if you have absolutely no money whatsoever...how cool is that!?

Seriously, this is so easy....just a smidge of time and you've joined a cool group AND you've helped make a difference in the life of a deaf child! So do it...ok?

banner: Shabby Fall Page set by Shabby Princess

Are You Financially Fit?

There was a time in the not so distant past that Pete and I were financial misfits. Pete made enough money for us to live comfortably, but we thought we were dirt poor! We would whine and complain about how we needed more money for this and more money for that…it was always about getting more “stuff”. Those of you who have been in that frame of mind know how draining it can be to always be chasing “stuff”. We were in need of some serious Debt help and quick!

It wasn’t until Gus was born and our medical bills sky-rocketed as Pete’s job was eliminated, that we truly felt what it was like to be poor. We made it through that time with God’s provisions through family and friends.

After Gus died, Pete and I were given the wonderful opportunity to “start-over”….completely over. We chose to look at this hard time not as a burden but rather a chance to do things right. For the past two years we have strived to make wise financial decisions and I think we’ve done pretty well. We still have a long way to go though….we wiped out our retirement and still have no emergency fund, but those things will come.

When I got the opportunity to take the Bills IQ test to see how “financially fit” we are, I was eager to see what our score would be….and I’m happy to say that we scored an 89!! We don't have a good budget and we don't have a good "life plan"...though I thought our life plan was rather detailed! lol!!

Anyway, I went back and took the test again and answered the questions based on our past practices and we made a 55! Seriously, folks…I’m very pleased and thankful that we have made some positive changes. Like I wrote earlier though, we still have some problem areas. I’m inspired to better though…

What a neat financial IQ quiz….you should try it out too!!

Fish Pedicure

Would you stick your feet into a pedicure foot bath and let little fish come and nibble the dead skin from your feet? At first, I thought this practice was quite disgusting, but the more I think about it, it makes sense and I think I could get used to the fish nibbles.

There are several concerns I have though....what if I were to accidentally squish one with my foot and what happens when the fish are full?? I mean seriously, what if I paid for a fish pedicure and the fish in my personal foot bath no longer wanted to eat dead skin....would I get a refund or what?? These are things I need to know! lol!!

I'm glad that fish pedicures are given in individual baths...in some places, the fish eat in a communal pool....ewwww. I know that's a normal thing in some places, but...ewwww!!! Click here to see some neat photos of the little nibblers....and a few communal pools...ewwww!!

Seoul Advice has written about a much better option in "Doctor Fish Cafe in Kangnam". Now that I could do no problem!!! I know it's kinda communal....but there's food and drinks involved which makes a difference! Seoul Advice didn't dig the drinks, but the photos of the drinks look very yummy...and the bread looks yummy too. Seriously, I think this looks fun...the communal pool..not so much! lol!!

Have you ever had a fish pedicure???

CAT6 Clueless

Ok…so I have this opportunity to blog about CAT 6 products and I’m doing what I always do when I have no idea what something is….I search using such keywords such as, “CAT 6 for dummies”. Most of the time, I am able to find a site that explains things in an easy manner so that I completely understand. There are sometimes though, that I am still completely confused. This is one of those times! I know that CAT6 has to do with cables and such, but any info past that and my mind turns to mush! Lol!!

Sooo…can I just have you click the link above so you can check out these CAT 6 products??? Please and thank you!

Lightening Strikes and Powder

I don't need to tell you that lightening strikes can be deadly. I ALWAYS make my kiddos come in when a storm is approaching...it just makes me too nervous for them to be out in weather like that. I just read about a 26 year old woman, Marina Sadykova, who was struck by lightening while she was sunbathing. She was talking on her cell phone...according to the police, the cell phone was melted in her hand. It's thought that the increase in lightening strikes like this is because of the increase in the use of "portable electronic technology" such as cell phones and music players. I've not put a tremendous amount of thought into this, but at first glimpse, I think it's pretty scary, don't you? I mean really, there you are talking on the phone or listening to your favorite song and Whoosh....you've been hit! Sheesh-a-Moley!!

Anyway....reading the article reminded me of the movie Powder. Jeremy Reed, aka Powder, was an albino teen who had extraordinary powers...he was able to use more of his brain than anyone had ever been able to do. While he was in utero, his mother was struck by lightening and died. This strike gave Powder incredible powers. His father turns away from him because of his appearance and he ends up living with his grandparents. He is kept in the cellar where he basically experiences the world through books. In fact, he memorizes all of them!


The movie progresses and you see Powder realizing more and more that he is different. You also see how deeply he wants to be loved and be "normal" like everyone else. He does meet a nice girl who does accept him, however, her father puts a quick end to that!

I really enjoyed the movie...I even cried in several places. My heart just broke for Powder when he talked about the worst day of his life....the day he was born (he remembered his dad being disgusted by his appearance!) The ending of the movie was surprising to me...it involved lightening and no, I'm not going to tell you what happened! You'll have to watch the movie!!

It's Humid!

It’s been so humid here lately…almost unbearable. I think it’s been bad this summer because I complained about being cold all winter! Lol!! You know we humans are soooo hard to please!!

Fortunately, we can escape all the humidity inside our home. I’ve been in houses that feel even more humid inside than it is outside…ack! Seriously, these homes are in dire need of a few Santa Fe dehumidifiers to make it more pleasant….and to keep the mold from growing!! Mold and mildew heart humid conditions….

I like that this dehumidifier looks like a piece of furniture. I wonder if it’s available in wood tones???

Prayers for Maddie's Family

Update: Maddie died late last night. Please continue to pray for this family....

UPThis is from Gus' Gang:


I usually don't post information or photos without permission, but I felt led to do so this time. I think it is because Pete and I have been where this family is right at this moment and we know how the power of prayer can envelope us in peace. That is exactly what I want all of us to pray...that the family of Maddie Harrill will feel that peace of God that goes far beyond our own understanding.

Maddie has cancer and has been given a poor prognosis. I believe she is currently at East Tennessee Children's Hospital which is where we spent so much time. I know that the whole family is being cared for well by the nurses and doctors there...we were so I imagine they are too.

Her parents are hurting, yet they remain full of faith. Folks, watching your child die is so very hard so please, please, please make time to pray for this family today. I rejoice that Maddie will soon be seeing the glories of Heaven, but my heart is breaking for her mom and dad. Of course, there is always hope that Maddie will be healed her on earth, but sometimes the miracle of healing takes place not on this side of Heaven. Regardless, God has Maddie in his hands...

You can read more about Maddie...and see some great photos....over at her Carepage. Type in MaddieHarrill as one word. www.carepages.com

Back Up Glasses

When I had to get new glasses, I had to wait a long time. It was just a week, but that is a long time if you really need your glasses to see! I have been planning to get a back up pair for awhile now just in case I break my glasses again. I really, really don’t want to go through all of that again and I know Pete doesn’t either since I complained the whole time! Lol!!

One place that offers a great price on glasses is ZenniOptical.com. Glasses start at $8 and there are quite a few of those $8 glasses that are quite stylish! I figured at that price, the glasses would be terribly ugly, but they are not at all. And if you’re wondering if this online glasses store is a “deal or a dud”, be sure to check out Zenni on Fox!

Rent a Convertible

Quite a few summers ago, Pete thought it would be a great idea to buy a little used convertible. He loved that car…I tolerated it. I think I would have liked it more if it were a bigger model. Pete talks often of getting another convertible. I guess he just really likes to feel the wind swoosh over his big ol’ bald head! Lol!!

I think it would be neat to get a convertible car rental for the day and just drive around with the top down. I know that gas prices are high right now, but this would just be for the day…and we probably wouldn’t drive the whole day. We’d stop for lunch and some shopping. I know exactly where we would go…Blowing Rock, NC!

I really do think renting a car could be affordable, especially with discounts up to 50% off at Advantage. There are many different specials for different cities and regions…that convertible we would rent would be around $20 a day with a special code I found at the site! Neat!

Pond's Towelettes Freebie

Back in April, I got the opportunity to blog about the movie Mamma Mia and a contest that was being sponsored by Pond's. As a "thank you", I was sent a package of Pond's towelettes to try. I've tried other towelettes and I've not been very impressed. These, however, were great! They cleaned better than the other brands I've tried and I would definitely buy them...even without a coupon! lol!! (Though if you are with Pond's and are reading this....I am a poor college student with three children and could certainly use some coupons! lol!!)

If you want to give these towelettes a try head on over here and sign up for your freebie!!

The Dinghy

Have you ever been in a dinghy? Pete and I were fortunate (ha!) enough to get the opportunity to ride in one as we were being ferried to shore from a catamaran. The dinghies that were used on this catamaran were inflatable boats and seriously, I don’t know how they carried us all. Quite a few of us crowded onto one dinghy and zipped to shore. I didn’t like it one bit! Lol!!

After a bit of time on shore, it was time to head back to the catamaran. We were taken to a dock where we kind of had to jump down into the dinghy. Let me tell you friends, chunky people don’t like to jump down into dinghies and I would think that the skinnies already in the dinghy would prefer we chunkies not jump either!! Lol!! We did though…and all was well.

Sheesh….that was soooo awkward!

Honor Killing

A Georgia dad is charged with the killing of his 25 year old daughter...it was an "honor killing". Apparently the daughter was bringing the family shame because she wanted out of her arranged marriage. I think the whole arranged marriage thing is bad enough, but to be put to death by your own father is just horrific. If you search "honor killing", you will find several other women who have been murdered because they are supposedly bringing their family shame. I just don't get it, do you?? It's the people who are doing the killing that are shameful cowards.

The news that I read reported that this kind of domestic violence happens more often than we realize....isn't that sad?

Blow Up World

Seriously, I’m so tired of buying these globes on a stand from Walmart. The world always falls off it’s stand and goes rolling across the floor….and then someone comes along and kicks it across the floor because it’s round so it must be a ball and if it’s a ball then it must be kicked, right?! Sheesh-a-moley!

I think this globe is a much better option for us, don’t you? Granted, it might get popped, but it’s less likely to dent the wall, ya know? I love toys that are educational and save my sanity!!

Now, before I get comments about how my kids shouldn’t be kicking the globe, let me tell you that it’s ME that is the globe-kicker. I know, I know, it’s shameful, but I just can’t help it. If the stinkin’ thing would stay on its stand I wouldn’t have this glove issue! Sheesh!

Repurposing Barbie

I so need to visit Craft more often...I tend to forget what a cool place it is!! Earlier, I found the "Vital Organs" pattern and just now I came across this really cool anatomical jewelry using parts of Barbie...very, very neat! The artist is Margaux Lange, who not only has a cool name but is a very clever artist...I just love these pieces! Cool!

Which is Cheaper?

So, with gas prices so high, is it cheaper to drive or to fly? Is there some kind of fuel calculator thingy out there that we can use??

We don’t have travel plans for this summer because Pete and I are both in school, but if we did plan to travel we would probably drive because that’s what we’ve always done. I do like to fly though…so maybe it’s time to start checking out flight deals and seeing if those are more affordable.

Of course, if we were going where we want to go, to the Caribbean, we’d have to fly anyway, right?! Lol!

Where are YOU going this summer and how are you getting there?

Vital Organs

I absolutely love Sublime Stitching patterns! They are completely neat and very creative and if you've not visited the site then you are missing out,my friend.

I just read over at Craft that Sublime Stitching has a new line of patterns available...and that one set is called "Vital Organs"!! Woohoo!! I so have to have this set...I love it!!

Hot and Cold Handles

Pete and I have been talking about expanding our kitchen next year. Pete has some definite plans as far as the layout of the kitchen goes. I’m not too sure I’m all in favor of his plans but we have time to really think things through.

I have started to look at some of the smaller details such as spice racks, pots and pan racks and kitchen faucets. There’s a lot to choose from and I want to be extremely thoughtful and pick designs that will look good, work well and be easy to clean. In the past, I’ve just been very quick to make my decisions, but this time around I won’t be so hasty.

I’ve just started looking at kitchen faucets and so far I’m pretty sure I want one with separate hot and cold handles. What else should I consider…any advice??

Atom-Smasher May Be Our End

So you all do know that when the Large Hadron Collider cranks up in August that it will create a black hole that will swallow the Earth, right? Just wanted you all to know just in case you needed to make some arrangements or something...Personally, I would like for my house to be perfectly clean at least once before the Earth is swallowed, you know?

Seriously, I don't believe that the Earth will be swallowed, but there are some people who really do have this fear. I guess I can see their point, but I don't believe the Earth will be demolished by an atom-smasher. It is pretty neat though...this atom-smasher. It's said to be the world's largest experiment...August will be interesting, won't it??

Sooo...what do YOU want to accomplish before the switch is flipped??

Great Place for Recipes

One of my absolute most favorite places to find recipes is over at Myrecipes.com. I’ve been visiting there for awhile now mainly because I love all the food photos! Not only is the site just flat out pretty, it’s easy to navigate and the recipes I’ve tried have been very tasty. It’s kind of like Southern Living recipes…I know they will taste good!!

Be sure to check out the menus also…very neat!

OMG!! Seriously, folks....look what just flew up and hit me square in the eye!


I was just putting my Hanes Her Ways on when I felt something hit my eye. I looked down to see a "I Love Books" bling pin on the floor. I quickly realized that the bling that had just been attached to the hip of my Hanes Her Ways was the thing that had hit me in the eye! I am SOOO suing Hanes...I am...you just watch me....

Follow the real panty lawsuit over here....sheesh....

For Dummies

Lately I’ve been adding “…for dummies” onto most of my searches and I’ve had great success. I’ve searched for “Vista for dummies”, “DNA Replication for dummies”, “video card for dummies”….and these phrases have actually taken me smack dab to the place I need to be and I’ve been able to figure out what was confusing me…well, I’m still working on the Vista thing, but I think that will take time, ya know?

Try it…

Banned

First of all...is Martha Stewart really 66 years old?? I'm in shock! Not that 66 is so terribly old, but I had her in her the fifties...sheesh!

Second, did you hear that she has been banned from Britain? Apparently, she's not allowed into the country because of her 2004 conviction. Sheesh...come on...I understand wanting to keep the "bad people" out, and yes, a crime is a crime, but come on. I think I've just written a sentence bursting with grammatical errors...and it feels good! lol!! What do YOU think (about Martha being banned...not my sentence)???

Oh and by the way, thanks to Sykos Masters for his hilarious comment: "Oh dear ... this is not a Good Thing ® ....". Yes, folks, I spewed tea out my nose when I read that...absolutely hilarious!!

Pollo Loco!

I am soooo excited!! Pete is going to cook dinner tonight and he’s fixing Pollo Loco!! WooHoo!!

First of all, I’m thrilled that he’s going to cook because 1) I had an A & P test today and my mind is mush, and 2) he’s a much better cook than I am. Seriously, we can both make the exact same dish and his is so much tastier than mine. Tonight he is trying a new recipes and I’m sure it will be wonderful. I’ll probably eat way too much and end up needing lap band surgery or I’ll have to start taking generic Phentermine to drop the weight I’ve gained because of my awesome husband, the cook!! Lol!!

No, seriously, I’m going to try hard not to over eat. It’s been a taxing day though so I can’t make any promises. I’ll see if I can get him to share his recipe….

Shameful

Did you hear about the medical flight pilot who was arrested for being drunk...right before he was to fly someone to a treatment center?? Things like this just make me livid. As if this couple didn't have enough going on, here this fellow comes along and thinks he's ok to fly them to their destination. He knew he was going to be flying.....he should not have even had one drink. Seriously, this was extreme poor judgement on the pilots part and all he did was put even more stress on this couple and get himself in trouble...sheesh...dirtbag.

I'm not in a nice mood today....

Impending Disaster

Earlier today, I was watching It Could Happen Tomorrow on the Weather Channel. The episode I saw was about a Cat 3 hurricane hitting New York City and the damage the storm surge would cause. Uh...can I just say, if I were living there, I would quickly hire a New York Moving Company and move myself more inland!! Sheesh-a-moley! That was some pretty scary tv...much more scarier than Jerry Springer!

I know these shows really try to play on our fears and that a lot of times their scenarios are exaggerated. They do make me stop and wonder about how prepared my family is for emergencies and disasters. What kind of things do you do to be prepared...

Custom Road Signs, Zombies and Shipbreakers

I have not Stumbled in a looooong time...now, it's time! Here are the next Seven Stumbles...oh, how I hope there is no nakedy-nakedness....

10 Free Web-Based Alternatives to Photoshop Oh, sweet! Even though I would like to own Photoshop, I have no extra moolah so this list is perfect!! But what about my beloved Gimp? I don't see it on the list...it's free too and I LOVE it.

Custom Road Signs: I love these things!! Also listed are links to Motel signs and wedding signs. And yes, I did create more signs using quotes from Talladega Nights!

10 Deepest Lakes on Earth: Very interesting info...I have no idea if it's all correct or not, but the photos are neat...even if they are possibly photo-shopped. Be sure not to miss the great argument over the metric system...I love when people get into arguments in the comment section....sheesh.

The 100 Oldest Currently Registered .COM Domains: Booor--ing.....last updated in 2003....I could not care less...ack! Thumbs down from me! I can't even believe I'm linking....ack!

Wrong Cards: Just when you think you've seen the crappiest site, you stumble upon something completely funny like Wrong Cards! Seriously, these cards are just wrong...they really are! Check out the Zombie line.... WARNING: not for young eyes..there are some unsavory words and possibly some pictures.

Food banks ask gardeners to grow extra for hungry: Brilliant idea...more people should do this. I would do this IF I could grow something...gardener, I am not!

Shipbreakers: Uh...I think I'll go clean up my kitchen now...and not complain. Nope, I won't complain one little bit after reading this post...

Well, there you have it! Seven stumbles...that went way too fast for me. I think I'll do another Seven Stumbles over here, too! I really, really need to remember how fun stumbling is....

I Feel Smart

There are times when I just "get it"...when all the little bits of info floating around in my brain line up and make things all clear. This past week, I had one of those moments! Yes, my friends, they are few and far between so this is a big deal!!

I've been studying for my Anatomy and Physiology class and I've really been struggling with the simple things like the terms "anterior" and "posterior". However, the whole concept of DNA replication using the Polymerase Chain Reaction method is making perfect sense...go figure.

It's really interesting. The Polymer Chain Reaction used commonly to increase the amount of a DNA sample so it can be tested, was developed by Kary Mullis in 1983. In 1993, Mullis received the Nobel Prize for the procedure. If you are itching to see an animation of the process you can just click on the screenshot below...it's good stuff, folks. Seriously, it is fascinating...and I understand it!! It's kind of like a miracle....


now...back to "anterior" and "posterior".....sheesh.....

New Insurance for Mom

My mom is having a lot of trouble with her health insurance right now. I know this kind of thing happens to a lot of people, but this is the first experience my family has had so it’s all new…and scary. I just wonder what others are doing?? Do people relocate in order to get better insurance? We are close to North Carolina so I wonder if we should check into NC health insurance I kind of don’t even know where to start….

I really feel like Pete and I need to help find a solution to this problem. Any advice??

Beware the Mattresses!

Ok, folks...this news story has my skin completely crawling. Seriously, this would kill me...dead...right there on the spot...I would croak!

Imagine you are a mom going in to check on your crying baby and when you pick your child up.....a snake falls off her leg!!! ACK!!! Horror of all horrors....I would be in such a panic and I would probably need therapy for years to come. Yes, folks...I'm that afraid of snakes!

The mom and her child were visiting from out of town. It's thought that the snake may have been in a mattress that was recently purchased by her parents. I've recently seen on Dateline (or some similar show, can't remember) a story about refurbished mattresses being contaminated with all sorts of stuff. I think it's awful that mattresses are resold when they are in such condition....and I certainly am offended to find out that these awful mattresses may contain snakes too! lol!! Ack!

Secondary Drownings

What a sad story. I was reading over at ABC news about a little 10 year old who died due to secondary drowning. Secondary drowning is also known as dry drowning and happens when a small amount of water is ingested and then goes on to do damage to the lungs.

Apparently, this is not near as common as drownings or near-drownings, but it still happens. This little fellow had ingested some pool water while swimming...haven't we all? He seemed to have recovered but was starting to show signs of lethargy...as do my kids when they have been swimming. The little guy also soiled himself several times...which may or may not have been a red flag...that depends on the kid, ya know? Any way, what I'm getting at is that I would have done the same thing this mom did...assume my child was worn out from swimming! I also would have let my child lay down for a nap....

I am completely sad for this mom right now...how helpless she probably feels. In the news report she says she wants others to know and to watch for the signs associated with secondary drowning. I know that I will be more observant from now on.....

Very sad.

General warning signs:

• difficulty breathing
• extreme fatigue
• change in behavior

Life Insurance For Dummies

Pete is looking at all of benefits and insurance policies right now. Seriously, I’m thankful that he is doing so and that it’s not me that is having to deal with everything. I am CLUELESS when it comes to things like life insurance. I’ve been told over and over, but I just don’t “get it”. You get term life insurance quotes, whole life quotes and then what is universal life insurance?? My eyes just glaze over…

I should be able to grasp all this insurance stuff, but I am not. I hope I die before Pete….lol!!

Is there one of those Dummies books available???

A Bazillion Pockets

Most of you all know that I’ve been saving up for a laptop. I had saved up quite a bit, but then our van croaked and we had to buy a new (new to us!) van so a there went my savings. It looks like, however, that I will have some school loan money left over after paying tuition so I might just be able to buy that laptop after all!

As I’ve been looking at laptops, I’ve also been checking out all those laptop bags that are available. I thought I would make my own but decided against it because I was afraid it would not be sturdy enough. In my mind’s eye, I kept on seeing me toting my handmade bag into Starbuck’s and seeing the handles rip off and my laptop hitting the floor! Seriously, I can quilt up a storm, but when it comes to making things like bags (and clothes), I am horrible…no skills whatsoever!

Now, there really are tons of different laptop bags out there and I am drawn to the ones that are pink. I do, however, think it would be much wiser for me to actually consider a bag not just for its color but rather for how well it would protect my laptop. This Skooba® RoadWired Skooba Computer Satchel 2.0(which is on sale right now!) looks like exactly what I need and if they made one with a splash of pink where the blue is then I would be set!!

The Skooba® bag has a bazillion little pockets which I think is great! There is a place for your cell phone, water bottle, tickets, magazines…really there is a place for everything! A great feature about this bag is the patented Air Pocket system which acts as a shock absorber and protects the laptop. I can see me needing this feature!

This bag retails for $100.00, but right now it’s on sale for $49.99 with FREE shipping!!I’m very tempted folks…very tempted!!Would it be bad to buy my bag before I actually bought my laptop??Wait…if I bought the bag then I would HAVE to buy a laptop, right?!

Celebrate Gus Day!

I know it's a big no no to cross post, but there are always exceptions to the rules, right? Today marks the second annivesary of Gus' death. Gus died on May 31, 2006 while awaiting a liver/small bowel transplant. He was 16 months old.

I have found it very therapeutic to write letters to Gus. The following is the letter I’ve written to mark the second anniversary of this death…or rather, his “homegoing”. I want to make it very clear that by writing this letter I am in no way trying to make contact with him. Contacting the dead is wrong and quite dangerous. (Deut. 8:9-12). There are deceitful spirits out there that yearn to make us think we are talking to our loved ones when in all actuality we are not. Besides…God has provided us with the only Spirit we need…the Holy Spirit. He will not deceive us nor misguide us. Since I’m certain that the Lord and Gus see each other daily, I have asked Him to share these letters if it is His will….I like to think it is!

Dearest Gus,

It has been two years since we said goodbye to each other. When I think about the time that has passed, I am amazed that it has been that long—yet, then again, sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday. I am still able to feel the weight of your little body in my arms. I can even still imagine nuzzling your neck and breathing in your precious baby smell. I know in time that will pass. God comforts me with these memories and I am thankful.

I still dream of you often. My hope is that I will continue to do so until we are reunited. My dreams of you are often funny. I can honestly say that I wake up from them feeling joy instead of the great dread that I could feel in knowing you are no longer here. God uses these dreams to bring me comfort and I am thankful.

Your dad is about to graduate nursing school and I’ve just started working on my three pre-requisites so I can start nursing school next summer. My time with you has shown me that I can handle the toughest things on this earth. Certainly I have not done any of these things—like holding you as your heart beat for the last time—on my own but only through the magnificent power of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Because of this, I am praying that God will bless us with in-home opportunities to care for other medically fragile children—especially the ones that are abandoned in the hospital and have no one. This sounds crazy to a lot of people and I do understand. Who in their right mind would want to get attached to a child that may die?? Who would set themselves up for such heartache?? Well, your dad and I would…and we would be honored to have the opportunity to do so. I have been blessed and equipped with the experience of your death and as I start school, I look forward to the chances I will have to “give back”. God has empowered me to face the tough things and has given me empathy and I am thankful.

As I am aware of the fact that a righteous man’s prayer is powerful and effective(James 5:16), and you my son are as righteous as you can be since you are now with the Lord, I am hoping you will pray for me…well, for all of us Doriots! Seriously, this world is so beautiful yet so dark—so full of sin. I strive daily to live joyfully and I look forward with great anticipation to our reunion. It is hard here though so please pray that we will not grow weary and lose sight of Home. God uses the reality of Heaven and seeing you again to comfort me…and I am thankful!

I love you, Gus!

Mommy

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

One Car Family

One car families have always seemed so strange to me. Well, that is until we became one of those families! After Gus was born, we needed to save money so we went to using only one car. We did end up buying a used Oldsmobile (Buster),but we only drove it about a month before it croaked on us. After that we just stuck to our one car.

Some people think we are nuts, but it works well for us. There are several perks: lower gas bill, only one car insurance policy, and we are forced to be organized! I take Pete to school as much as possible and this also works well because parking is horrible on campus. To be able to drop him right at the door also means that we get to spend time with him in the mornings. If he drove himself, he would have to leave at least an hour and half earlier just to get a parking space. Pete has been driving himself to school this summer because parking is much better. Of course, this all works because school and work are very close by.

Having only one car has been good for us….we may just stick to this plan for awhile....or at least until the gas prices drop.

Off With Their Heads!

Pete and I love to watch the Tudors weekly episodes early through On Demand. This afternoon, we watched quite a few beheadings and I will have to say that they were quite graphic. We're talking about serious cringing, folks! lol!! I think we both sat there with our shoulders pushed up to our ears every time someone was getting the axe!! I'm still amazed that people came out to see others beheaded...it is so extremely gross. I know it was a normal thing to do, but seriously, weren't people bothered at all???

I can't wait for next week's episode....Anne's turn. It stinks to be the Queen....

SocialSpark Is Neat!

Well, folks…I’ve been hanging out over at SocialSpark for a few weeks now and I’ve found it to be a real neat place! I love that I have the opportunity to make a little extra money by posting about the different topics offered by the advertisers. Along with all the great “jobs” available, there is also a chance to visit new blogs and meet new bloggers. I’ve come across several blogs that I just love and I’m pretty sure I would not have even found these blogs if we both were not part of SocialSpark.

I also like the design of the profiles at SocialSpark. They are easy to navigate and are chocked full of information about the blogger and his/her blog. Even though I can check my stats through my host, I go to my SocialSpark profile because it’s quick and easy. Because I’m such a glory hog, here’s my SocialSpark profile…check it out and leave me props and comments, pretty please!
Even though I really like SocialSpark, there is one thing that I would like to see changed in the future. When I get a notification that I have a post to write, I would like to have a link to that “job” so I could easily click the link and find out the specific details I need to complete that job. Right now I have to sign-in and search for the job. It’s not a real big deal to look for the job, but it would be nice to just be able to click through…it would save time!

If you’ve not visited SocialSpark, you really need to do so….I think you’ll find it a neat place too!!

***This is a sponsored post.

I Just Know I'm Gonna Weigh Less Now!!

I've just learned that my all-time favorite fries are now being cooked in canola based oil!! Trans-fat-free babeee!!
That means I can eat more, right???? (lol!)

Comment Luv

David from BloggerBarter has posted a list of "100 Blogs Using CommentLuv". These are blogs that are using the CommentLuv plug-in so when you leave a comment, you will get a link to your last post! I appreciate David compiling and sharing this list with us...

Oh, btw, be sure when you are visiting and leaving comments that you are being genuine and not just spamming blogs to get a link...that's just not nice!!

CMA Music Festival

Ya’ll do know what time of year it is, right? It’s time for the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, TN!! I have never been, but I would love to go! I have heard it’s a blast and that you get lots of freebies…best of all you get to see a lot of country music superstars!! Not only do you get to see them perform, but you also get the opportunity to meet and actually talk to a lot of the stars. How cool is that?! My friends who have gone have come back home completely thrilled!

A an easy and free way to get tickets to events like this is to use the Free Ticket Exchange found online. If you already have tickets for an event but you will not be able to attend, you can find a buyer for your ticket. All you have to do is sign into the site, post that you have tickets to sell and then wait for people who are looking for those tickets. If you need tickets then all you need to do is go to the site and see what tickets are available. I can tell you that there are CMA Music Festival tickets for sale!

I think this is neat service because you are able to avoid those extra fees and you also may be helping out someone who is in a bind and needs to sale their tickets. Very neat!

I Cried! Yes I Did!

When David Cook started to cry...I lost it! I really like both the Davids and would have been happy regardless of the results last night. I am thrilled though that David Cook is the new American Idol. What a neat guy....

Hurley Headphones

These headphones remind me of Hurley. You know, one of the Oceanic Six….the six “survivors” on the tv show Lost. Do you remember the first season when he found the headphones and he wore them all the time until the batteries died? I know it’s a tv show, but I felt so bad for him when those headphones finally died! Lol!!

This past Christmas, Nik asked for a pair of “Hurley Headphones”, but we flat out forgot to purchase them and they were even on sale! I know, I know, we are such horrible parents, but when I get out in all the Christmas mess, I don’t fare so well! You can give me a list, but I’ll probably lose it within the first ten minutes in the store!

I do wish I had remembered that he wanted a headset though because I think I would have liked to use them too. Right now, this very minute, it would be nice to have headphones so I could listen to music rather than my whole entire family yapping about having to vacuum and take out the garbage!

Fortunately for me, this Creative HS-600 Headset is on sale right now! For only $27.99, I can have peace and quiet…forget about Nik it’s all about me now! Lol!! Cool Beans!!

Bird Island

Our second stop on the "Islands A-Z" tour is Bird Island!

photo: Helicopter Seychelles

Bird Island, the northernmost island of the Seychelles archipelago, is known as the home of “birds innumerable”. It’s name comes from the huge amount of birds that were reported by a passing ship in 1776. Over the years, the birds started to disappear. When the island was bought in 1967, the birds were almost gone. The owner and his partners have made great strides in building a better place for the birds and, as a result, the birds are returning! Today, there are over 20 species that can be seen on the island!

Not only has the group worked to preserve the birds, but they also have conservation efforts underway to help the tortoises. In fact, Esmerelda, the largest tortoise in the world (per Guinness Book of Records), resides on Bird Island! How neat is that!?

If you visit Bird Island, you can stay at the one hotel on the island, the Bird Island Lodge. There is no tv, phone, air conditioner or pool….so you really, really, really are forced to just take it easy and relax!

If you want to go back and visit Anegada from last week, just check the sidebar for a link!

The Good Professor

As I’m getting ready to go back to school, I’ve been thinking about some of my professors I met during while studying for my B.B.A. Most of the teachers were pretty serious and came to class to teach and then go home. There was one professor however, that was different. He taught the Distribution class and he was fun…quite nerdy, but fun! He had created a game that was played the entire semester and I will have to say that I learned so much because he used this method. He also taught us more than distribution.

Since he was a small business owner (he owned the Hardee’s beside campus!), he liked to share small business opportunities with us. It was obvious that he truly enjoyed owning a small business and found a lot of fulfillment in doing so. He was very eager to share his knowledge with any of us that would listen. Some people really took advantage of his knowledge…some of us just wanted a free burger from Hardee’s! lol!! No, seriously, he was an excellent teacher and I hope that my future profs will be just as dedicated as he was….

Diagnosis: Brain Tumor

I think it's terribly sad to hear that Ted Kennedy has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor called a glioma. I feel really bad for his friends and family...it's not easy news to hear. Of course, further testing is needed to determine the exact type of glioma. After that, the docs will decided a course of action for his treatment. The diagnosis is grim...people with aggressive gliomas are given about a year to live. If the glioma is slow-growing, the person may live up to five years.

Gliomas stink....

Green Boy Made Me Freak Out

The day we said goodbye to Green Boy was a very sad day indeed. Not only was I sad because I’m sentimental…you gals out there understand!...but Green Boy was our only means of transportation. We’ve been a “one car family” for awhile now so the croaking of GB put quite a stress on Pete and I. We immediately started looking around for a car, but since our schedule has been so tight, we didn’t really have the time we needed to be good shoppers. I started to get really worried and Pete was quick to remind me that we always had the option of a car rental. This eased my mind immensely! Lol!! I swear, sometimes I just don’t think about the obvious!

Anyway, we were able to find a minivan that was a great price so we bought it…well, we are now proud owners of a car loan….sigh. It’s been several years since we’ve had a car payment. It’s nice to have a reliable means of transportation, but it’s hard to turn over that big chunk of moolah every month. Oh, well, it’s a necessary thing, right?

If we had opted to rent a car, we would have checked into Advantage’s VANtastic savings to check the rates for minivans. We could have also opted for a car instead, but that would have been a little hard to fit my family. I guess we could’ve practiced our clown car routine! Lol!!

So, seriously folks, if you are like me and find yourself starting to freak out because your car has croaked and you’re not finding something to buy, then stop, think and remember that you can rent a car at Advantage. Easy Peasy!

The Tuna Has Motivated Me!

Since my dear ol' grandmother, Mama Jo, has breast cancer, I've decided to participate in Bumble Bee food's "Bee Well Miles". I found this last night when I was looking for coupons for tuna...which they didn't have. Bleh!

Anyway, each day you log your miles, you have a chance of winning prizes such as shoes, pedometers, music downloads, etc! You can read more about this challenge over here.

Now, if I can find the key to my treadmill.....

Dumb TV

I just was doing some research and I came across the tv show “Celebrity Rehab”…seriously, is this for real?? I know that celebrities going in and out of rehab centers is “news alert” worthy (not!), but to create a reality show based on this is sad!

I’ve never been in a drug rehab program, but I feel fairly confident in saying that it’s a serious matter and not one that needs to be on tv for entertainment. I guess we can all learn from different things, but sheesh-a-moley, I think this is terrible!! Bleh!!

Anegada BVI

photo: Anegada Vacations

• Anegada: The Drowned Island

• Anegada Flora and Fauna

• Critters of Anegada

• Good Eats on Anegada

Good Eats on Anegada

Potter's by the Sea: Bare Boats BVI

• Potter's by the Sea: Nice little restaurant on the beach. All the fish are caught by the owner.

• Pomato Point: local seafood...sounds good to me! After you finish your BBQ lobster, you can look at all the island artifacts that the owner has gathered.

• Neptune's Treasure: I love the name of this place! I've read that this bar/restaurant makes the best Dark & Stormy ever!

• Lobster Trap: BBQ lobster is the specialty here! I've never had BBQ lobster, but it sounds completely yummy...
  

• Big Bamboo
• Flash of Beauty
• Cow Wreck Beach Bar....all serve drinks, seafood and sandwiches throughout the day.

Flash of Beauty: Bare Boats BVI

• Anegada Reef Hotel Restaurant: dinner is by candlelight and dishes are grilled on a huge open-air grill by the bar. Sounds very romantic...very nice!

Anegada is much like the other Virgin Islands when it comes to food and drink: lots of local seafood and lots of rum!!

This is a recipe from the self-service beach bar at the Anegada Reef Hotel:

Anegada Smoothies

• 12 oz. dark rum
• 24 oz. (2 12 oz. cans) guava nectar
• 3 oz pineapple juice (1/2 a small can)
• ½ oz. grenadine syrup
• 3 oz cream of coconut
• Lightly sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg