Happy New Years!

Well, I have been in the holiday frenzy just like everyone else! I just wanted to thank everyone for reading along during this year. I hope everyone had a happy, healthy holiday & I wish you all the best in the new year! I can't believe it is 2009 already! Make sure you have a safe & fun New Years! Don't forget your pop up blocker! :)

Humor For A Icy Day

For all of you stuck inside with your loved ones this holiday! :)

I'm Yours

This is one of my favorite songs from 2008! Jason Mraz - I'm Yours

Extended Family (Joy! Enough to Go Round) Coke/Walmart Commercial

I liked this commercial. It seems very fitting for today's life. I wish we could all stock up on joy!

Rod

I couldn't let this go by. Lets face it, there are a lot of scumbags in politics. I have voted for a few. Getting a blow job is not a punishable offense to me. Being a hypocrite certainly isn't because most of us would be in jail. Not leading with moral authority is maybe ethically wrong but not impeachable. Being a lazy, greedy imbecile definitely never kept anyone out of office! This though is reprehensible. I feel like getting the opportunity to vote is one of the cornerstones to our freedoms.

Now, many times, I have felt like certain offices were bought because of the fundraising done, that the candidate that has the most money wins. Having some jackass think he is going to sell the U.S. Senate seat is a totally different matter.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Rod Blagojevich Is a Jagoff

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Thanksgiving Reality Check

On my facebook page, I read this & it struck me as something that is important to remember as we are all filling ourselves up today & looking at the ads for Black Friday:

"Chris wants everyone to know that 2/3 of the world lives on less than it cost us for a can of cranberry sauce...be thankful today but be helpful tomorrow..."

I have always felt charity was important so please don't forget to donate this Christmas, whether it be for "Toys for Tots", the "Salvation Army" or the local food pantry. Many grocery stores will have places where you can drop off can goods to donate so it is easy to give.

I know with the economic trouble everyone is facing these days, it is easy to say, there isn't even enough for me but often it is because of our "wants" not our "needs". It is easy to forget that there are so many families in this country who do not have the "needs" covered. Even if you don't have the funds to donate this holiday season, the "Red Cross" can always use blood donations. There is always a way to find a way to help someone in need, even if it is shoveling the snow from an elderly neighbor's drive for free.

Also, don't forget all of the men & women in the arm forces who will not get to spend the holidays with their loved ones.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wanted to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for so many things. While life has it's challenges, I really do have so many terrific things in my life. I have very sweet & adorable children. A husband who works very hard. A kind and generous sister. I have terrific friends who really bring joy to my life with kindness & compassion & a kick in the ass when I need it! The list could go on & on.

I do want to mention though that I am thankful for this modern age that allows me to write this blog. It has been nice to be able to get my ideas out, to share what I find interesting & funny or important with all of you who read it. I want to say thank you to you.

Dark Horse

Nickelback's Dark Horse CD is great. Here is a listen to a few I like.

Things You Don't Say To Your Wife

This is a short, funny video that speaks the truth!

Yes Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus

An 8 year old wrote to the New York Sun newspaper asking if Santa was real in 1897. Here was the reply she got. I love his eloquence. Click on the title if you want to read about the history of this story.

"Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood."

Obama's Victory Speech

I loved his speech. Especially the part about this being just the beginning.

Sam Cooke-A Change Is Gonna Come

I just liked this when I saw someone posted it on facebook.

Haunting Me

I loved this!

Haunting Me
By Michell Storm

The ghosts that haunt us never go away. Everyday, day in and day out, they are there, though not always conspicuous. When you are alone and your mind is quiet, when your mind is ready for a respite, the ghosts slowly sneak in. The ghosts of regret. The ghosts of shame. The ghosts of loss, hurt, disappointment. The ghost of blame. The ghost of bitterness. The ghost of the one that doesn't exist. And the worst one of all: The ghost of fear.
Some days the ghosts are real. They walk with you. They talk with you. They scream at you. And you forget which world you are in. The real or imagined? Their world or yours?
How did it happen, when did it happen? Some might just call them memories, but they're not. Some might say they are demons but they are not. Demons want you to do something. These ghosts are different. They want an explanation. Why you did, why you didn't. What if you did? What if you don't? Look what happened when you didn't? They become authentic. You have conversations with them. You argue your points to them. You justify what you did or didn't do.
Why is that the right thing is sometimes the hardest? Why is it like this?
How is it that can you walk down the same path for so many years with someone and end up at some point and realize you don't know who that person is let alone who you are or how you could have ever let yourself get there. Where were the ghosts then?
Of course they were there all along. You just chose to ignore them or perhaps they chose to ignore you. In doing so, maybe they are protecting you. Maybe they are your defense, your security. I mean, after all, if they disappeared, and you actually had a restful sleep and your brain was ever quiet enough for you concentrate on something other than them, what would that be like? Would the quietness of your mind; of being alone with yourself be too much?
The thing is the ghosts never go away. You might control them, or ignore them or even deal with them in a positive way. But you'll pass them on, just as they were passed on to you. In this way the ghosts are like bags, or little trinkets. But instead of being beautiful they are ugly, but nevertheless extraordinary..
I wanted my ghosts to go away and leave me alone. I wanted them to disengage. I'm tired of them. I'm exhausted from them pulling and tugging at me and covering me. But then, I never imagined that everyone I knew would just turn, so apathetic, when I needed them. I never thought that I'd be in so far over my head that I could barely see. I never though everyone would just watch as I fell. I never thought that I'd look around and only see my ghosts.
I never thought I'd see such disregard.
But here I am now. I've fallen hard and I'm barely keeping my head above, struggling hard just to maintain and there are the times more often than not when I think I'll just let it all go.
But I can't, even when I want to. One ghost keeps me going. The ghost of fortitude.
Maybe one day my ghosts will settle down or even disappear. So long as I try my hardest not to let them overtake me and fight against them, maybe I won't pass the ghosts on to my children. Maybe the ghost of fortitude will look after me and put my separated heart back together.
And maybe someday, I'll be able to walk along the same path with someone, and my ghosts will quietly trail behind.

If you vote, Starbucks buys your coffee

I really like this commerical. This is a nice thing.

Obama On "The Daily Show"

He shows a funny side!

Is Change Possible?

If only someone could get us back on track. I don't know if he is the "one" to do it but I believe picking him over McCain is my only choice. I have said it so many times but I do wish Hillary was still in it. I don't know if she could have won over McCain though. Just my thoughts for the day.

SNL - Bush, McCain & Palin

SNL is so funny around election time.

The Classics

This was so funny. I laughed & laughed.

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

Scare Tactics

Voters

I read the most interesting article today. Click on the title to read it.

"Fatema Biviji, 32, had never given much thought to politics until she received an e-mail earlier this year that said -- falsely -- that Sen. Barack Obama is a Muslim. The Internet hoax, its origin unknown, was apparently intended to tie Obama to terrorism and swing support to his opponent, Republican Sen. John McCain......'We're America, the melting pot, the land of diversity, and that Americans would be buying into that psychology [of the e-mails] was upsetting,' said the New Jersey-born Muslim, whose parents are from India. 'The e-mail offended my American ideals."

The article went on to talk about what Colin Powell said after he had thrown his support behind Obama, "'Those kinds of images going out on Al-Jazeera are killing us around the world,' Powell continued. 'And we have got to say to the world, it doesn't make any difference who you are or what you are. If you're an American, you're an American. That was over the top. It was beyond just good political fighting back and forth,' he said. 'And to sort of throw in this little Muslim connection, you know, 'He's a Muslim and, my goodness, he's a terrorist' -- it was taking root. And we can't judge our people and we can't hold our elections on that kind of basis."

What touched me most was this, "'Powell also referred to a photo essay from a magazine featuring a photo of a mother resting her head on the tombstone of her son at Arlington National Cemetery. The tombstone lists the soldier's awards, including a Purple Heart, that were earned in Iraq. The solider was Kareem Khan, a 20-year-old Muslim from New Jersey. The soldier's father, Feroze Khan, said he wants to personally thank Powell for his statement. 'All my son wanted to do was serve his country,' he told CNN. 'Since he was a boy, he wanted to be in the Army. That was his dream. That's the only thing he ever wanted. It was not about how he was Muslim, it was about who he was and what he stood for,' Feroze Khan said. 'He told me, 'I am going to fight for my faith, not against it.'"

Lets try not to forget it!

I Am Not Going To Take It Anymore

I saw this on a friend's blog and like it. It is very fitting for our times. It seems like we are all so complacent in today's world.

Ring Exchange Mishap

I can't imagine!

Worst Best Man Ever @ Yahoo! Video

Funny Cartoon

You have to admit that is funny.

Sarah Palin on SNL

This was too funny.

Cartoon For Thought

Campbell Brown - So what if Obama was a Muslim or an Arab?

I so agree with this commentary. I have been saying this for so long.

Is This Really Worth Talking About?

SNL - Biden vs. Palin

This was hilarious!

Beer & Rainbows

I saw this on my facebook page and loved it.

Beer At The End Of The Rainbow
Culture Buzz - In these troubled times, what is better than gold? Alcohol. If you find the beer store at the end of the rainbow, do you get to keep all the beer?

October

I can't believe it is October already! Where has this year gone? The leaves are changing and it is getting cooler here for sure!

Best Wedding Dance

These people were really into it! Funny!

The President's Visit

President Bush came to town a while back for a campaign fund raiser for Aaron Schock. It is going to cost the tax payers quite a bit for that visit.

"In a council communication issued Wednesday, the costs were shown to be $13,195, of which $12,868 was for police overtime. An additional $1,700 was spent on the overtime costs of the Peoria County Sheriff's Department."


Click on the title if you want to read the whole article.

CNN Campbell Brown:

Loved this! She needs to be able to stand on her own if she will ever be VP.

Anything Can Be Perverted!

Home Loans

I found the above article to be interesting and scary at the same time. "more than 7.5 million people — almost 15 percent of American homeowners with a mortgage — are spending half of their income or more on housing costs, according to 2007 data released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau." Over half of their income! How do you live?

"The data underscore the serious affordability problems in this country and highlight how the slightest financial problem — from a lost job to higher gas prices or insurance premiums — can put a family behind on their mortgages and into the realm of foreclosure.

When home prices fell in the early 1990s, borrowers had more equity in their homes, and were able to escape foreclosure. But now, an estimated 10 million homeowners owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth, according to Moody's economy.com." If you are interested in reading the rest of this article, click on the title.

Fact Check

I don't know about you but I feel like my inbox is over run with propaganda. I have found what I think is a good site to fact check things that seem outlandish. www.FactCheck.org seems to be a non-partisan check for some of these claims. As one of the articles wrote:

"It seems that no matter the facts, the desire to believe some of this stuff is just too strong. Emery, too, has come to believe that there's not enough proof in the world to stop certain political propaganda. "I have come to the conclusion that especially where political rumors are concerned, most people are so locked into a particular world view that they tend to reject any information, no matter how well supported, that contradicts their cherished assumptions," he says. "It's scary, actually how polarized we have become."

In a 2004 report on this topic, our director, Brooks Jackson, called for an end to the e-mail madness, saying, "This cyber-sickness should stop. All it takes is a little bit of common sense and skepticism, some curiosity and a few keystrokes. Nailing these lies can even be fun."

Apparently, lots of Americans didn’t heed the call. If you don't find checking out these e-mails to be fun, or just don't have time, I suggest an easier alternative: a healthy use of the delete key."

I RECOMMEND THAT WE ALL JUST STOP SENDING THE MADNESS. IT CAN'T BE AN ISSUE IF WE ALL JUST STOP. Click on the title if you want to go to this great fact checking site!

John McCain

I thought he had a good speech. If he would stay moderate, I think he could win. He did have a weird smile sometimes though. I couldn't believe how many protesters with signs got in though. He did get distracted by one outlandish woman. It is too bad that it happened. The people didn't accomplish anything really accept give the pundits more to talk about.

Sarah Palin

I kept waiting for her to say, "Gee Whiz" or "Golly" but other than that, I can see why she has energized the republican base. She really came out strong so we will see.

Barack Obama at the 2008 DNC

This was a good speech. I am still not sure how he will be as president but the man can give a good speech!

Sarah Palin Interview: What does the VP do?

I found this very funny! What does the VP do?? This is who the very old candidate picks to possibly be in charge of the our country should something happen to him? I know he is trying to get the womens' vote but was this the best he could come up with? I will have to look into her politics closer before I can really judge but I thought this was funny!

Democratic Convention - Hillary's Speech

I wish she would have been accepting the nomination but you have to work with what you are given I suppose. Here is her terrific speech she gave at the convention in case you didn't get to watch!

Democratic Convention - Bill Clinton's Speech

I thought Bill Clinton had a really good speech last night. The regular networks didn't cover it but here it is if you are interested.

Democratic Convention

Last night started off the Democratic Convention. Of course, I plan on watching all of it. I also plan on watching the Republican Convention next week. I think it is important to hear what both sides are trying to say. I would have to say that Michelle Obama had a terrific speech. She has gotten a lot of critism but she did an excellant job last night. If you want to read a little about her speech click on the title. She said, "As I tuck that little girl and her little sister into bed at night, I think about how one day, they’ll have families of their own. And one day, they — and your sons and daughters — will tell their own children about what we did together in this election. They’ll tell them how this time, we listened to our hopes instead of our fears. How this time, we decided to stop doubting and to start dreaming.” I would love it if this campaign could actually accomplish some of the things they have been campaigning on. With the way our political system is set up, I don't know if it is possible.

Back To School

We headed back to school on Wed. I wasn't ready for them to go. This summer went too fast! With me working for most of it, it especially seemed that way. They are both happy with their teachers and the kids who are in their class for the most part. I can't believe Sam is in the 8th grade though. My baby is in third grade!!!! It doesn't seem right.

Conan O'Brien - ''Pilobolus''

These people are amazing and flexible!!!

Sam's 13th Birthday Party!

It is crazy that Sam is turning 13 on the 17th of this month. I can't hardly believe that I have a teenager! We had an ice skating birthday party which I think went well. All the kids seemed to have fun.

Softball

Sam had a great softball season. She really improved this summer! We are really pround of her.

I Am Back!

I am back to posting. I have been tied up all summer but August has welcomed a respite in the craziness. For those of you who don't know, I quit working outside of my home. I still have plenty to keep me busy. I am trying to catch up on all those things that I let go while I was working and catching up with the business work. I am going to start posting a lot more often. I know you have heard it before, but now I have the time to start again.

Another Reason To Be Healthy

I read an interesting article today. They took samples from men who had a low-risk prostate cancer. Then they had them change to a healthy lifestyle. These men were able to change the activity in 500 genes. 48 were turned on and 452 were turned off. "The activity of disease-preventing genes increased while a number of disease-promoting genes, including those involved in prostate cancer and breast cancer, shut down, according to the study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences." Even more reason to promote a healthier lifestyle!

Father's Day

I think Craig had a nice Father's Day. We both slept in. We watched movies all day and just relaxed. He got new Crocs, a fishing hat and a new tool. He seemed happy with his gifts. We had a weekend off of softball so that was kind of nice too.

Good Quote

I just read a good quote: "I never lie, my memory isn't that good...you don't have to remember what you said if you tell the truth in the first place." Good advice for us all!

Another Tournament

Last weekend's tournament we didn't do as well but Sam had a terrific catch! On Sun. we were at the end of the game. The other team had a runner on third base. If they scored the point then we would have had to go into international tie breaker rules. The other team had 2 outs. A girl hit the ball hard right to Sam. She caught it and we won the game. We were all excited and she had a smile ear to ear!

Hillary Clinton's Concession Speech

I know a lot of people who didn't like her but I think she would have tried to make a difference. I guess we are on to November. Craig is happy at least.

The Never Ending Sports Season

It seems like in many schools there is a never ending sports season. There is a summer basketball league as well as the winter season. Softball practice starts in Jan. Then you have the summer season of games. The the school season starts in Aug. Baseball starts just as early. There is volleyball practice for most of the summer and games in the winter. That doesn't include track in the Spring which thankfully does seem to have a short season. Football practice is most of the summer if not a summer league, then on to the football season in the fall. All of these sports don't even encompass all of the extra activities kids do like music, newspaper, drama and so on. It is hard to tell a kid who really wants to do these things to slow down so many parents feel compelled to become a shuttle service. From experience, I think it is hard to handle more than one sport at a time on the children and the parents. Some of the kids we know are on two softball teams in the same season. Where do people find the time? I read a pretty good article on this subject. Click on the title if you are interested.

Dentist Sketch - The Carol Burnett Show

This is so funny! It it one of my favorites!

Lady Bulldogs Get 2nd Place

Sam's softball team got 2nd place in the tournament this weekend. We had beaten the 1st place team last weekend but this weekend it was their turn. They all played great! Sam hit the ball really well. Yesterday, she even played shortstop and made some good plays.

Teacher's Union

It is crazy in this day and age this stuff goes on. Click on the title to read about this crazy union debacle.

Mideast Finds Oil

I was reading an interesting article today. A hundred years ago today, a British company struck oil in the Mid East. Now look @ where we are. Who would have foreseen the dependence we would have on that monumental event. If you are interested in reading about this, click on the title.

On-line Pharmacies

I read an interesting article today about on-line pharmacies. Evidently, the authorities are trying to crack down on them because people are being hurt. For one, you could lie on your application. No doctor talks to you. They don't review your records. The article was talking about how many people are committing suicide with these medicines. If you are interested in reading more, click on the title.

Garden

We worked on getting our garden planted this weekend. We always plant a big one. Since I hate to weed, we use the black mat and cut out a small x and plant the seeds or the plants in that space. This way, there is no way for weeds to grow. We planted a few flowers but I need to go buy a few more.

I need to call the chiropractor after all of it though. Almost everyone at work today worked in the yard over the weekend and we are all in misery!

Oreo Cookies

I was reading an article about 14 tons of double stuff oreo cookies being strewn across Interstate 80. If only there was a milk truck near by. :)

Jewel - Stronger Woman

The old video isn't working for some reason so here is another link!

William Tell Overture Mom

You may have seen this already but it is so true!

Kakefuda Kyoto - Famous Furoshiki Store

This is kind of cool!

Happy Mother's Day

Hope you all had a happy, relaxing mother's day. I was lazy all weekend. I even got a nap! We watched several movies and caught up on my DVR stuff. I got flowers, Baskin Robbin's Baseball Nut icecream and my bigger present is on order. I am getting the Wii Fit. It comes out on May 21st. "The active-play phenomenon started by Wii Sports now spreads to your whole body thanks to the pressure-sensitive Wii Balance Board (name not final), which comes packed with Wii Fit. The board is used for an extensive array of fun and dynamic activities, including aerobics, yoga, muscle stretches and games. Many of these activities focus towards providing a "core" workout, a popular exercise method that emphasizes slower, controlled motions." If you are interested in learning more about it, click on the title.

Platypus

This article was very interesting. It said, "Australia's unique duck-billed platypus -- an egg-laying, furry animal with web feet that spends most of its time underwater -- is in fact part bird, part reptile and part mammal according to its gene map." If you want to read more, please click the link.

Myanmar/Burma Cyclone Victims

I don't know if you have heard about the terrible devastation in Burma. My boss is from that country and has really put a personal face on this tragedy. The title link takes you to another blogger site. If you are willing to donate, there are a variety of charities to give to on this site. Even with the gas prices, we are still some of the wealthiest people in the world. Give if you can.

Need Some Down Time!

It seems like we are more busy than ever. I am ready for some relaxation this Mother's Day weekend. My leg has been hurting really terribly lately so I am ready to put my feet up and relax. Hope all of the mothers out there have a terrific Mother's Day.

Candy Monoply

Mars is buying out Wrigley. Wrigley is a big deal in Chicago or for any Cubs fan like me. The people at my work were already stressing about whether or not they are going to rename Wrigley Field. I personally don't think they will though. An interesting part of the article was that Mars also makes Uncle Ben's Rice and pet food under the Pedigree brand. I don't remember the name Pedigree ever being on Uncle Ben's products. Nice to know that. :) Click on the title to read the article.

Gizmo Flushes

I got an email about this video. The family couldn't figure out why their water bill was so high. One day, the man was home sick and kept hearing water running. He went down to investigate and this is what he found. Too funny!

Earthquake

Early Friday morning, we had an earthquake here. You would have thought it had never happened before the way people were going on about it. I personally have felt two from previous years and the after shock on Friday. The one early on Friday didn't wake any of my family up but I did feel the after shock later that morning at work. We are subject to the New Madrid fault here in the Midwest. If you want to read more about it, please click on the title.

TOP Secret Government Facility

Interesting

Stolen Cell Phone

Well, where do I begin? Two Friday's ago, my daughter's cell phone was stolen from her locker at school. She told me Friday night that she was sure that it was taken out of her locker. I put a hold on the phone and called around to the bus barn and to the school to see if it had been found. I wasn't completely sure it had been stolen and not just lost. You know how kids can be.

Two days ago, a bunch of items turned up missing from other kids. Yesterday, the police came and did a locker search while the kids were in class. In one girl's locker, I heard they found 8 cell phones, 4 Ipods and cash. Unfortunately, none of the cell phones were my daughters. Needless to say, they questioned this girl and she is refusing to say anything about it all. They have her on tape stealing and she refuses to accept responsibility. I called the principal today and he said that none of the 8 cell phones were my daughters. He couldn't give me much info. He told me to call the Chief of police. I did and he told me to call the mother of the girl to see if she still has the phone. I called her and left a message and she called me back a little while ago. She said she does have my daughter's phone and was super apologetic. I was angry when I called her and I ended up feeling bad by the time our phone conversation was over. She doesn't understand what is happening. I told her that my daughter had thought that they were good friends and so she is hurt that she would steal from her.

It is one thing to steal from people you don't like but it is another to steal from you supposed "friend". Unfortunately, my daughter is learning a hard lesson.

Jewel - Stronger Woman [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

See newer post

Kid Rock~All Summer Long

Good Song!

Elephant Painting

Amazing

Pregnant Man/Woman

Usually, I say that a person should persue their happiness but I do not know what to say about this woman, who had a sex change into a man, but is now pregnant. What has the world become? That will be a weird question when it comes time to talk about the birds and the bees! If you want to read more about it click the title.

Back To Blogging

Well, I know I haven't posted in awhile. I have been really busy with trying to balance my new job with every thing else I do. But then we started having computer trouble. It wasn't a virus but something went terribly wrong and I had to reformat it all and start over. Thankfully we didn't lose anything too important because we back everything up. So now, hopefully, I am back on track and will post more often. Thanks for reading

1 in 100 Adults In America Are In Prison

Just thinking about that number is staggering. The article said, "2,319,258 adults were held in U.S. prisons or jails at the start of 2008. The rate of increase for prison costs was six times greater than for higher education spending." Maybe that is part of the problem! It goes on to say, "The report said the United States is the world's incarceration leader, far ahead of more populous China with 1.5 million people behind bars. It said the U.S. also is the leader in inmates per capita (750 per 100,000 people)" Maybe if we arrested people for real crimes instead of so many drug crimes, our numbers wouldn't be so terrible. Click on the title if you want to read more!

And You Thought This Flu Season Was Bad!

I looked at an interesting site from work. Part of it read, "No one knows exactly how many people died during the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic. During the 1920s, researchers estimated that 21.5 million people died as a result of the 1918-1919 pandemic. More recent estimates have estimated global mortality from the 1918-1919 pandemic at anywhere between 30 and 50 million. An estimated 675,000 Americans were among the dead." If you would like reading more about the flu of 1918, click on the title.

America's Religion is Changing

I read the most interesting article today about America's dynamic religious organizations and it's followers. This organization interviewed 35,000 people for this study. It said, "The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey estimates the United States is 78 percent Christian and about to lose its status as a majority Protestant nation, at 51 percent and slipping. More than one-quarter of American adults have left the faith of their childhood for another religion or no religion at all, the survey found. Factoring in moves from one stream or denomination of Protestantism to another, the number rises to 44 percent. One in four adults ages 18 to 29 claim no affiliation with a religious institution. The Roman Catholic Church has lost more members than any faith tradition because of affiliation swapping, the survey found. If you want to read the whole article, please click on the title.

Jimmy Kimmel sings

Here is the next installment in this funny fued!

Weights To Relieve Neck Pain

I read an article which was talking about the neck and shoulder pain we all get when we sit in front of the computer to long. It read, "After 10 weeks, women who strength-trained showed a 70 percent to 80 percent decrease in their pain ratings from the beginning of the study. In contrast, those who got aerobic exercise often felt better in the couple hours afterward, but there was no long-term pain improvement. The strength exercises used in the study were simple, standard ones for the shoulders and upper back -- like slowly shrugging the shoulders while holding a weight in each hand, arms extended by the sides of the body. So they can be performed at home". If you want to read more, click on the title.

WOW Almost One Week!

Tomorrow I will have worked at my new job for a week. The people have been really nice and helpful. Craig and I have been able to work out the kids schedules mostly but I owe a big thanks to some friends who were a big help. I would have to say I am ready for the weekend. Unfortunately, it is going to be busy too. I will probably post less than I used to but I plan on keeping up my writing so keep on reading!

New Job

My new job starts tomorrow and I would have to say I am feeling a little nervous. I know tomorrow won't be that big of a deal, mostly filling out paperwork, but it is an all new environment. I always, ALWAYS, get nervous in social situations, especially when I know absolutely no one but getting out there is the only way to do it I guess. I have been trying to get past my issues and reach out to more people. It seems to have paid off so far. I don't think my social calendar has been this busy in a long time. Wish me luck tomorrow!

101st Post

I posted my 100th post to my blog today and I suppose it is worth mentioning! This is 101. I never imagined I would like the outlet I get from this blog as much as I do. Thanks for reading.

Late Night Humor

"Hillary Clinton continually reminds voters that she has been tested. Which makes sense. You never know what Bill might have brought home." --Jay Leno

Funny but terrible! Click on the title if you want to read more.