Time For Some Wine

I caught a segment on inexpensive wines this morning on the CBS Early Show. We don’t drink a lot of wine even though we like it. I think we just forget about it! Lol!! Anyway, after seeing that segment I think we need to try one of these wines I heard about.

Of course, I think I would like to actually try drinking this wine in glasses made for wine…instead of our everyday glass tumblers! Lol!! I know, I know, drinking wine from tumblers is soooo redneck isn’t it?? I think I can get wine glasses at Walmart, but seriously, Riedel glasses would be so much nicer. Besides, I’m worth it right?! Lol!!

My current favorite wine is Lambrusco which is not one they mentioned this morning. I’d love to hear some more suggestions. I like the wines that are sweet rather than dry. Is there a term for that?? I’m such a wine nerd! Lol!!

Top Seven Entrecard Droppers

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

1. 60 Were Enough
2. DietMe!
3. iMoondo
4. Jeans Women
5. New York Nitty Gritty
6. Embrace Simplicity
7. Mole Talk

Whirled Peas

I saw this earlier today over at Lucky Girl Trading Co....who, btw, creates some completely cool art glass pendants!! You can check them out at the Lucky Girl Trading Etsy store...seriously neat pendants that would make wonderful gifts!



This piece is called Five Peas in a Pod and is part of the Whirled Peas Collection from That's Headley! Jewelry Designs. When you purchase a piece from this collection, a donation is made to the Fisher House Foundation which supports families of injured military personnel. These pieces are also shipped worldwide for free!

I think this is such a neat thing! I really have been guilty of forgetting about our troops and I need to be more conscious. I guess I need to start doing the Some Gave All posts again...those were very eye-opening for me.

Anyway...go check out Lucky Girl Trading and That's Headley! Jewellery Designs.

UPDATE: I just ordered this!!! Oh hurry, hurry send it to me...quick! lol!!

Seven Things That Make My Eyes Glaze Over

There are a lot of things in life that I love. Sonic's Strawberry Cream Slush, the Virgin Islands, Jimmy Buffet, clean socks....the list could go on and on! However, there are a few things that just make my eyes glaze over and leave me feeling like my brain is going to explode. These aren't bad things at all...just things I don't understand!

1. Car Stuff....When someone says "torque" that's my signal to start glazing over.
2. CSS, HTML coding....Just ask Sonya about this one because she has heard me moan and groan over this stuff far too often. I just don't get it!
3. Techy Hardware...Routers, CAT5e, Modems....all that stuff fries my brain and I'm glad I've got people to just take care of it all!
4. Car Shopping with Pete....Pete takes way too long to buy a car. Seriously, just buy the thing! Sheesh-a-moley is it really that big of a decision?? Lol!!
5. Trigonometry...Yes, I am already looking for a tutor to teach Nik. I won't even attempt it!
6. Naruto...This whole Naruto thing is just slightly ahead of Pokemon on the "glaze my eyes over" chart.
7. CandyLand....Well, this game and Chutes and Ladders almost make me go into my "shutdown" mode. Yes, I probably need therapy!

What makes YOUR eyes glaze over??

Crucifixion Is Not Good For You!

Hmmm....I will have to agree with the report I read over at Fox News...crucifixion are bad for you! Apparently, there are people in the Philippines who think crucifixion is good for them...a way to show their resolve to do better. These crucifixions take place on Good Friday and are frowned upon by the Catholic Church and the government.

I think it's really nice though that the City Health Office will be autoclaving all the nails that will be used! lol!

Seriously, I don't want to offend anyone here, but I just don't get this at all. Besides, the videos I saw on Youtube were showing the nail being hammered into the palm and that's not how crucifixions were done at all...but maybe I'm just being too picky!

Read more about crucifixions here.

Pete Speaks

We love our house. We spent alot of time riding around with a broker looking at various houses in different locations. The agent must have really needed the sale he was pushing hard but he made a critical error. He forgot Jenny's name and just kept calling her little Mama, like he was Elvis " Hey little Mama check out the room in these kitchen cabinets" or "Hey little Mama can you see yourself vacuuming up this room" (I guess he was kind of sexist also).

Anyway we got our house because my mother ran into the current owner in the grocery store and "visited" with her. This was in the days before the internet was in every home and we went through a local bank as our mortgage lender.

Today the internet can put us in contact with mortgage lenders all over the country and rates are alot more competitive. When we get the kids out we are going to sell this place and get a boat house in the islands, is there a mortgage lender for marine life?

Bunny No-No!

BunGirl has written a great post titled "10 Reasons NOT to Buy a Rabbit for Easter". I know bunnies are completely cute and seem to be the most perfect Easter gift ever, but they really are not. Owning a rabbit takes dedication and lots of love and tender care.

When you get a chance, head on over there to read BunGirl's post. It has certainly opened my eyes!

Neat Briefcase to Carry my Wipes, Snacks and Beating Spoon!

Look at this computer brief case! If I were an executive I would demand that I be given one of these bags! It’s a Johnston and Murphy briefcase and seriously, now that I’m thinking about it, I think I should have one of these too. Really, when I get my laptop I’ll need something to carry it in, right? All the extra room could be used for things like handi-wipes, snacks and a wooden spoon to beat my children with when they misbehave in the park! It’s a brilliant idea!

No, really, I’m just kidding about carrying some of that stuff….I’ve never ever carried around extra snacks!! Sheesh!

Perfect Shelf for the Monitor Station

Pete is working in the monitor station at the hospital while he is in school. In the monitor station, the techs monitor heart rhythms and such of the patients in the hospital and some of the smaller centers located near the hospital. I think this shelf would be perfect for the monitor station there at the hospital...do you think they'd go for it?? lol!

Thanks to Neatorama for bringing this neat shelf to my attention!

Worms, Truck Racks and Chalk

There’s not a lot that makes me nervous. I do, however, have several things that just make my skin crawl! For example, worms. I hate worms. I know they won’t hurt me but they wiggle and that makes me cringe. I know, I’m strange.

Another thing that makes me nervous, and this is even more strange, are those trucks that transport big panes of glass. I see those panes of glass strapped onto those truck racks and all I can think about is them falling off the racks and onto my car…or God forbid, on me or the kiddos as I’m getting out of the car…ack! Now, really, I know this is highly improbable, but I’ve got myself an active imagination and that’s just where it wanders! Lol!!

I also can’t handle chalk. I don’t care if someone else writes with chalk on the chalk board, but if I have to use it, I will probably decline…someone else will have to write for me! That’s why I love dry erase boards so much and it’s also why you will never see me outside with my kids doing the sidewalk chalk thing…I’ll just watch from the window, thank you very much!

Ack!

To Mom...With Love!

Mom,

I wanted to send you to a site where you can view your two most favorite people in the world. I know your love for both of these people runs deep and I know you are having a hard time deciding which one is your favorite. I thought these photos just might help you decide.

Love,
Your Daughter, the One Who Lives to Bug You About Being a Democrat!

I found the link to Rick Mercer's site through Nessas Place.

Cream Cheese and Bagels For Everyone!

I was not a winner today, but I will go back tomorrow and try again! You see, I love cream cheese and bagels so this contest is perfect for me. And since I know that people actually do win, I will continue to go there daily and try to win too! lol!!

Here's the link if you want to try to win also. There are 100 winners daily!! Neato Mosquito!!

Krafts' Breakfast from Heaven

Hat tip to Connie over at Easy Share for sharing this contest! Thank you!!

Choosing a College

So, do you think it’s better to go to a university that offers a lot of different degrees or one that specializes in a certain field? I attended one of those big universities and feel like I got a good education. I do however think that the more specialized schools just may have more to offer. I would think there would be more hands-on opportunities and chances to be out in the workforce using the skill you are learning. I guess, in all honesty, there are pros and cons to both situations, right?

A good place to start looking at colleges…which will be soon for us!....is to read the US News Best Colleges Report for 2008. They have different categories for the colleges and within those categories, the colleges are ranked. For example, there is a category for mechanical engineering and the top college in that category is Kettering University. In fact, Kettering University has been ranked number one for several years!

Speaking of Kettering University, have you seen the Stickman videos? They are very clever and funny! My favorite is one where Stickman is answering mail from some of his fans. I’ve embedded it here so you can see it too. Neat!

Two Faces

Have you seen the little baby girl with two faces? She was born recently in India and is being worshipped by the people in her village. They think she is a reincarnated god.

I would love to hear what Dr. Manny says about this but I can't get the stinkin' player to work...bleh. Hopefully I can find more information out there...something tells me that I won't have a problem. It's things like this that really fascinate people...me included. I'm curious about how it happened and how the little girl is going to live with this...or if there is even something that can be done medically. I also am curious about the parents and how they feel about this...seeing that she is being worshipped, it makes sense that her parents are not devastated by this like they would be if they lived in another part of the world.

Regardless, she has those sweet little baby lips...so precious!

Pete's Current Clinical

Pete has been doing his Psych clinical these past few weeks and I’ve heard some pretty interesting things. It is amazing what drugs and alcohol can do to people! At the hospital where he is doing his clinical, they have several drug rehabilitation programs in place. Of course, Pete has had to sit in on several sessions and has gotten to see quite clearly the devastation that drugs can reap.

It’s really sad, but fortunately there are places out there that can help people who are in trouble. I still think Pete is interested in working in the NICU or PICU though….and I think this Psych clinical has made that even more clear.

Etsy for Autism

I just realized that I had not shared this info here yet! My friend, Betty Refour, left a comment her a few days ago letting me know about a new blog that has been started by Etsy artist who are trying to encourage awareness of autism. The blog is titled Etsy for Autism and it features the different artists who are part of the group. Of course, there is a blogroll in the sidebar listing all of the group members...the link takes you to their Etsy stores where you can purchase their handmade items. When you do so, a portion of your money will be set aside to help with autism awareness. I love this idea and I think it's very giving of these artists to do such a thing!

Here is a piece created by Betty's sister, Rose who is an autistic adult. Betty has been a wonderful advocate for Rose and has made sure that art supplies are readily available! You can purchase this piece here.

Pimping My Ride

Many of you know that Pete has been looking for a second car to drive to and from the hospital and school. I really don’t care at all what we get just as long as it makes it to it’s destination safely and in one piece!

After seeing all the different Dodge Magnum accessories, I honed in on these “exotic gauges” and now I’m thinking that a used Magnum would be cool! I know, I know, you don’t pick a car because you can add “exotic gauges” but, well, maybe we should! It would be a quick and inexpensive way to “pimp my ride”!! Of course, I would chose pink, but I’m sure Pete would put a quick stop to that and choose the silver or the blue because it would then look like the interior of the Enterprise..sigh…what a nerd!!

Lifesaver Cats?

So, it looks like owning a cat could help you stay healthy! That's wonderful news for all of you cat-lovers out there, isn't it?! Well....I have another take on this whole thing.

You see, we once had a Siamese cat named Gator...Gator would hang on my back anytime I sat down. He would just hang there...one paw on one shoulder and the other paw on my other shoulder...completely drove me nuts! I know that to some of you that sounds so sweet...but it wasn't. I say "wasn't" because Gator is gone....dead...outta here! Seriously, I think having this cat around made my mental state decline sharply. I mean, come on...who really wants a cat hanging on their back all the time...not me!

Gator jumped out of my arms when I was taking him to the vet...what?...don't look at me that way...I had no idea I was supposed to put him in a carrier...sheesh. He ran away and we never saw him again. I felt bad for like...a second and then I rejoiced because I knew my back was my own again.

Gator originally belonged to Pete's sister and when she died, he came to live with us. My SIL's husband wanted to keep him but was not able to do so. The Christmas after Gator left us, he received a Christmas card in the mail from my BIL....the stinkin' cat got a Christmas card and we got nothing...not even a little note in Gator's card. Well, actually we did get something out of all of it...a good laugh!

Sorry if I offended anyone, but I'm just not a cat person and I really don't think owning one again would help me lead a healthier life at all! lol!!

ps...that's not Gator at the top of the post. I could never take a photo of him since he was always on my back...sigh. Photo source: Assets of Life

St. John Backpack

A few years ago, Pete earned a company trip to St. John. Each night, when we would return to our room, we would find very nice gifts from the company. All the gifts were wonderful, but I think my most favorite was the backpack with the huge beach towels. These backpacks had a gazillion compartments and a small cooler on the very bottom. At the end of the trip, the extra gifts were given away to whoever wanted them. We were able to get three more bags so that all of us had one! Neat!!

Of course, all of our gifts were actually imprinted promotional products and that was fine with us because they were so neat and fun to use. Besides, it makes sense to advertise for the company so that more money can be made so that more incredible trips can be given to the employees! Lol!!

I like this neat picnic set!! I would have probably passed out if we had gotten this! Lol!!

Henry the Hexapus

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to blog about an octopus! I love all things octopus,but I'm sure if I ever came face to face with one I'd die ten deaths from sheer fright! lol!!

Anyway, this is Henry the Hexapus.


Henry has only six legs which is very unique since he should have eight legs! Apparently, his six-legged state is due to a birth defect. He was born with only six legs and scientists know this because there is no extra space for more legs. It's obvious that Henry has not lost legs and besides, we all know that if he had that they would have grown back, right? So Henry is special! Not only does he have three hearts and blue blood, but he is also a hexapus!! Cool Beans!!

Smelly Dog

Jack. Smells. Funky. Seriously, he still smells even after I bathe him. Maybe I need to scrub him more or maybe I need to try a new shampoo…not sure. I have seen sprays and colognes that are made specifically for dogs, but I’ve not found one that I think smells very good. I’ve not checked out all the places online where you can buy pet supplies so maybe I should take some time to do that. Maybe I can find some different brands. Any suggestions?

Well, putting the funky dog smell issue aside….isn’t this a neat toy box for dogs?

I think all of the socks that Jack has stolen from us would fill this nifty box with no problem! Lol!! That feisty dog…we love him!

Incredible Kid

Ricky Barber is an incredible kid! At 13, he was hit by a car and nearly decapitated. Yes, you heard me, nearly decapitated. He is 17 now and is planning on going to college. His doctors were able to place rods and pins in his neck and re-attach his head to his body...I find this incredibly amazing. I'm guessing his arteries were not severed...I'd love to know how he survived this from a medical perspective...incredible.

And then I think about his mother. Can you imagine getting the news that your 13 year old son has been hit by a car and that he has been nearly decapitated?? It really makes me sick to even think about it.

Fortunately, for Ricky, this whole experience has given him a real zest for life! Good for him!! After enduring all of that trauma, he deserves to be filled with zest, right?!

Seriously Bad Hair Day!

Did you all hear about the lady who was shot by her hairstylist after complaining about her hair?? Can you imagine?? First, you get a hair cut you hate and then you get shot in the back!! Now, that's sooooo much more than a bad hair day, ya know! lol!!

The gal who was shot is going to be ok, but I'm not sure about the hairdresser...I mean really, her days as a hairdresser have got to be over, right?!

Btw, I recently got my hair trimmed and I love it....(just in case my hairdresser is reading! lol!)