Monday, February 25, 2008

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!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

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!

Monday, February 18, 2008

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!

Saturday, February 16, 2008

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.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Just When You Thought It Couldn't Get Worse!

I read an article that just made me livid! We all know that FEMA did not handle hurricane Katrina correctly. So much of that state is still in shambles. Now on top of it all, the article states, "After downplaying the risks for months, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said Thursday it will rush to move Gulf Coast hurricane victims out of roughly 35,000 government-issued trailers because tests found dangerous levels of formaldehyde fumes." The CDC is the one who found the problem, not FEMA. The article goes on to say that some of the people have been having health issues possibly related to this since 2006. It is nice to know the federal government cares so much about the citizens of the Gulf Coast. Click on the title if you want to read the whole article.

Happy Valentine's Day



I hope you all have a great Valentine's Day.

NIU Shooting

I just read about the Northern Illinois University shooting. It seems like it is happening every where and I do not understand it. What would possess someone to go to a school and start shooting? The article said he killed five and injured sixteen. It is a real tragedy. I feel for those poor parents who sent their child to college so that they could have a promising future and instead they are gunned down in class. It is crazy!

A Rose Is Just A Rose, Or Is It


I read an interesting article today about flowers and their meaning. I personally always have liked yellow roses myself. If you are interested in what different types of flowers mean, click on the title link.

Red Roses - Love and romance
Black Roses - Vengeance
Blue Roses - Mystery and intrigue
Pink Roses - Gratitude and appreciation
Purple Roses - Love at first sight
White Roses - Innocence and purity
Green Roses - Fertility
Yellow Roses - Joy and friendship
Lavender Roses - Enchantment
Orange Roses - Enthusiasm, passion

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

WARNING KIDS DON'T HEAR FIRE ALARMS

This is scary. I am going to have to invest in a new one!

Watch Out - Valentine's Card



I was reading an article which said not to open an e-card for Valentine's Day from a stranger. The article said, "If you unexpectedly receive a Valentine's Day e-card, be careful," the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in a statement, warning Internet users to "be on the lookout for spam emails spreading the Storm Worm malicious software (malware). If the user falls for the ruse, malware will infect their computer or the device they used to connect to the Internet, and make it become part of a Storm Worm botnet, according to the FBI." To read the rest of the article, click on the title.

Rebate Checks

I read this in an article and found it interesting. I guess I better not file an extension this year! "According to the Treasury, anyone seeking a rebate under the program, which President Bush signed into law Wednesday, must file a 2007 federal tax return, preferably by April 15, if they want to receive their check by May or June."

The article went on to say that many seniors don't have to file a tax return because their income is so low. If they don't, they won't get their rebate check. Then a finacial advisor went on to say: "he questions whether it makes financial sense for low-income seniors to use a paid tax preparer just to fill out a return for the rebate. Low-income seniors living on Social Security are most likely to get rebates of $300 for singles and $600 for couples. So even a $50 to $100 fee can eat away a sizeable chunk of that." Yes, but it would still leave them with a few hundred dollars they didn't have before. People are crazy! Click on the title to read the whole article.

Monday, February 11, 2008

I Got A Job



I finally found a job. I got a job with the county health dept. The benefits are great. The hours are just right. Yeah!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Today Is My Birthday




Today is my birthday. I was supposed to go have lunch with a good friend of mine today but since the weather here has been so terrible I decided to stay home and vegetate.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Super Tuesday - Go Vote!



Today is Super Tuesday, which in a lot of states means today is the primary voting day. Our polling place is the next block over which makes it convenient for us. This is the first year we have an electronic voting machine. It is really simple to use. No hanging chads for us this year! I am anxious to see the results. GO VOTE!!!

Dance Camp



Andi went to Dance Camp through the school and got to do a dance during half time for the varsity basketball game. All the kids looked really cute doing the dance.

Haven't We All Felt This Way!

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Sarah Silverman

I thought this was funny. It as been a long running joke between Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Funny Political Quiz



I read a funny thing David Letterman said the other night: "During the speech, President Bush was optimistic and upbeat about Iraq and the economy. So, apparently, he's drinking again." --David Letterman

Click on the title to find out how democrat or republican you are. The quiz showed what I already new - I am a democrat.

Amazing Mother

This is amazing.