"History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it" ~Winston Churchill

Oops - I moved and didn't tell you

2012-01-31T17:16:00.002-05:00

So, I recently discovered that I won a prize on another bloggers site - and upon realizing this I noticed I had never told any of my dedicated followers that I have moved.

Because I am now trying to set up my own website for selling my crafty creations via Wordpress I decided to use their platform for blogging. I'd love it if you'd follow me there - http://geminired.wordpress.com/

Also, you can find my crafty items at www.GeminiRedCreations.com. I give 10% of everything I sell to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.

See you over there!
~heather

Turning 40...

2010-11-04T21:34:00.003-04:00

Originally I planned on writing something as soon as I turned 40, and then...well, life got in the way. And then my memory got the best of me. No one told me that as soon as I turned 40 (which was in May) I would start forgetting everything unless I had it written down (and even that's not a guarantee I won't forget since I then have to remember I wrote it down and where I put the note).

Life has pretty much been a whirlwind...not just because I turned 40, but in general. Busy at work, had a month long celebration of turning 40 including many nights out with friends, been helping my friend Heather with her amazingly fabulous business - Rinse Bath & Body, visited my grandmother in CT twice (one of those times included my mother and I taking a road trip with the dog) and recently trying to get back into the gym. Oh...and throw in a few doctor's appointments, volunteer activities, etc and life is B.U.S.Y!

I was not at all afraid of turning 40, and I'm still not upset about crossing that threshold. What I am upset with is no one telling me that time truly does go by faster as we get older, my back would instantly feel worse, my brain would be feebler, and I would suddenly see crow's feet where there weren't any the day before.

The goal I have now is to embrace 40 and start back to working out regularly so that 50 feels better than 40!

Cheers! Here's to another 10 years (and hopefully more)!!

Another fruity story...

2010-03-31T18:00:00.000-04:00

By now you probably realize that I like to take pictures of odd things including apple cores, a tomato, and now my latest is a banana.

This lonesome banana was in the parking lot at Cumberland Mall near the mall entrance next to Fresh 2 Order. First, how do you not realize you lost your banana? I'm just sayin'... Second, why do people (me included) just pass it by rather than put it in the trash?

Instead of picking up random pieces of trash, or food as the case may be, I find myself taking pictures to document their last journey on this earth. Perhaps this banana ended up being pecked at unmercifully by wild birds or other such animals. Perhaps it met it's demise from the weight of a vehicle tire running over it. Or perhaps even some silly kid jumped up and down on it to see it squash out of the peel.

I will never know the end results as I did not have the opportunity to go back and give it a pulse check. However, here are the pictures from that day.

It's been a while...

2010-02-13T19:25:00.004-05:00

It's been a while since I've written and I'm sure there is so much I have to catch up on. Let's see where I should start.

Besides my recent post regarding Haiti, the last time I wrote was in September about the tomato at work. Life has been pretty hectic with work plus the 1/2 marathon I was training for and completed at the beginning of December. Mid January I signed up for 4 weeks of training with Max from Fit2DMax and spent 3 days a week working out more than I had in a long time. I'm now starting to work out 3 days a week with a co-worker at one of the local gyms.

I haven't necessarily set a goal saying I'm losing X number of pounds or getting down to a certain size. I just decided that this time the focus needs to be on including a healthy habit in my life. If, by default, weight loss and smaller sizes happen...then I will be that much better off.

I turn 40 this May. I had mentioned the whole exercise thing to my BGF and the fact that 40 is creeping up on me. His comment was "Your turning 40 in a few months. 40 isn't creeping up on you...it has opened the door, walked in, and tapped you on the shoulder." NICE! So, as I let that thought sink in I made an eye appointment. It has been since December 2004 since I had LASIK and for the year following I was very good about follow up visits, but hadn't been to the eye doctor since at least 2006. I spend a lot of time on a computer for work - I have a laptop and 2 monitors I work from and I read a lot. The doctor determined I need reading glasses. I said, "what kind should I buy at CVS." And she says, "your prescription isn't that strong so you will need prescription glasses." Oh joy! I now have reading glasses that need to be worn while on the computer (I'm not as good about doing that) and for reading!

And on top of the eye issues...my knee is driving me crazy lately. In December I had 3 injections of Synvisc in my knee (1 a week for 3 weeks) and thought I was doing really well. Got back to exercising and shoot my knee is bothering me! I just hope that knee surgery (for the 2nd time) isn't in my future!

All I can say is...with my 40th year going this great so far I better have a fun birthday party!!

Looking for some fun to come my way in May!!

Help for Haiti

2010-01-23T18:12:00.003-05:00

We have a company wide BLOG where I work and this week's topic was helping Haiti. Please understand...I am all for helping people, but I do have a few of my own opinions. This is the response I gave to the initial post this week.

I am so amazed at how quickly people came together and formed groups to collect money, resources, and anything else that could possibly help the people of Haiti.

As Jim mentioned, these people live on the edge everyday and while it seems as though what we are doing is HUGE (because in basic terms it is huge) it is unfortunately not enough.

I guess the problem I have with this or any other relief situation is WHY we wait until something like this happens to even step up and help. As a person/group of people/nation, why aren't we inclined to help on a regular basis? Realizing, of course, that money is tight could we not still come up with a few dollars each week to help people in our own country, in Haiti, and anywhere else that is needed? Can you imagine what a small amount on a regular basis would add up to over time? How is it people suddenly come up with $100 to help one time but can't come up with $2 a week that could offer people help on a regular basis instead of when they have a crisis?

Also, while I appreciate what "Hollywood" and it's people are doing has anyone ever stopped to think about not only the amount of money they earn (heck - Conan O'Brien is being given $32 million to QUIT his job) but the FREE gifts they receive?? Imagine you just got paid $25 million for a movie and now you are up for an Oscar and because you go to the award ceremony you are given a goody bag full of $30 thousand worth of gifts you could have purchased yourself!! Take the number of gift baskets times $30k and imagine what that could do for a country like Haiti! I'm not saying people don't deserve free gifts here and there or that actors don't deserve the money they earn, but I'm actually tired of hearing that someone gave $1 million dollars of their own money in a time of crisis! That's only 1/30th of what Conan is getting or 1/20 of what some are paid for one movie. People making a lot less money are sacrificing for others to be helped. I have a friend whose children dumped out all the money in the piggy banks to send to Haiti! That's a sacrifice!

Again...not saying we need to sacrifice to help, but give up a coffee or a donut or whatever and help people ALL THE TIME! If you can't help with $$ help with time! We have volunteer events sponsored by ING and it seems as though it's the same people volunteering every time. Is it really that hard to give something up once in a while to help others? That is what we as people are called to do. We are called to use our talents for good and to help others.

I just hope that we will stop waiting for events like the Tsunami, Katrina, and now this event in Haiti to realize people need our help all the time!

The Tomato

2009-09-20T21:11:00.007-04:00

I didn't get a chance to update everyone on "the tomato." I arrived at work one day to see a tomato in the parking lot very close to the back tire of someone's car. I thought it was interesting that a tomato had gotten loose in the parking lot.

That afternoon it was still there when I left for the day and I took a picture of it (Tuesday).

The next morning I showed up and there was the tomatoe again...it still was hanging in there. On my way home it was still there although a little worse for wear (picture below).

I was really looking forward to Thursday morning to track it's life...unfortunately I was in an accident on the way to work and did not get to follow-up on my little tomato. I heard from a co-worker it had finally lost it's life to a tire. My experiment was over!

Grammy's Boots

2009-09-20T20:56:00.002-04:00

Many of you know that every month I call my Grammy to go over her bills and balance her checkbook for her. She is in CT and it is heartbreaking that she is so far away, but she always manages to make me laugh with her repetitive stories and the little things she says.

The beginning of September I went through the typical ritual and everything seemed fine. I did notice that she wrote a check to Comfort Moccasins. I didn't think much about it at the time. I figured she probably ordered something out of one of her magazines of the newspaper.

Well, Friday she called my mother to ask her if she sent her some boots. My mother said, "No, why would I send you boots? I don't even like boots or anything about boots so I wouldn't send you any." My Grammy proceeds to tell my mom that earlier in the week she received an odd box and inside were some rubber soled thick lined boots. She said the book was like a plastic material and inside was an invoice that said zero on it so she threw it all away and the trash had already been picked up. My mom asked if they fit and she said yes. Of course, there is still no clue as to where they came from.

So, my mother tells me the story and I say "She sent a check for them." And my mom starts saying "What are you talking about?" I look at the check register and there it is 8/23/09 a check to Comfort Moccasins. My mother can't stop laughing, and quite frankly neither can I. I call my Grammy and say "I hear you got some boots." And she says, "Yes, I have no idea where they came from." And I say, "You ordered them." To which she says, "I did?" (read that with a high level of shock) "Let me get my checkbook." As she puts the phone down on the table I hear her say "Oh Lord, oh Lord." I am trying really hard to contain myself at this point. She comes back to the phone and I tell her to go to the date of 8/23/09 and look for check number 2395 and there in front of her are the words Comfort Moccasins. She now says she is blushing and hanging her head in shame and tells me to never get old (well, it's too late for that - we are all headed in that direction). After she goes on telling me all about the boots and that she forgot all about them since they didn't show up right away (she doesn't realize it takes a while to mail a check, process the check and the order and then ship the product unlike shopping online or using a debit/credit card on the phone). I ask her if she likes them and she says "Oh yes!" So I say, "Well good, because you have new boots." By-the-way, she keeps calling them boots, but I'm thinking they are probably slippers with a rubber sole so that if you need to run to the mailbox they won't get ruined and you don't have to chance shoes.

As the southerners say "Bless her heart!"

Car Window Stickers

2009-06-28T21:20:00.004-04:00

As you know, a while back I posted that I don't like those stickers that people put on their car windows that say Rest in Peace or In Memory of...

I wish I had a really good reason for not liking them, but I really don't have one. I just don't like them. And two weeks ago as well as last week I was behind cars that had these stickers. The first one really bothered me because it was for a baby. I think the dates equated to a child around 6 months old at the time of death. I wonder if that's how that baby is best memorialized. Plus...I don't need to be distracted while driving because I'm trying to figure out the age of someone when they die or get all upset when I realize it's a baby! Then Friday I was behind a truck for a good bit of my ride home and it had 2 In Memory of stickers (one on each side of the back window) and in the middle of the In Memory of and the person's name and DOB and DOD was a big bass fish. Another distraction I don't need while driving!

Goodness people - can't you think of any other way to pay tribute to your dead friends or family? I'm just sayin...

I hate your Trash!

2009-06-28T21:13:00.004-04:00

I've been meaning to post this for a while. I hate trash and when people throw their trash on the ground! Even if it is biodegradable!

Several months ago I was on my way to my car at work so I could head home for the day and this is what I found!

I just want to know why someone can't wrap this up in a napkin and throw it away when they get home! It's so disrespectful of the other people around you!

Do you know what today is???

2009-04-25T10:44:00.002-04:00

Most of you won't be able to put 2 and 2 together to figure out what today is beyond the fact that it is a beautiful Saturday and it's April 25th! But, today is a sad day for me in some respects...it marks the one year anniversary of the first official day of my salon being closed.

Last year at approximately 4:00 pm on Thursday, April 24th I announced to my team that we would not reopen for business the next day and for the next 1/2 hour I had an utter breakdown and anxiety attack and thought I was having a heart attack. I convulsed and cried and carried on - on the salon's kitchen floor - for at least 30 minutes. I was a failure in my eyes...and I had failed my employees and our clients.

Today I realize I learned a lot from that experience. I am glad I tried it, and I'm ready for a new and better phase for my life. WHICH STARTS RIGHT NOW!! (Well, in my mind it started yesterday or 1 this morning when I was typing out my other posts.)

I can't believe it's been a year...it's been rough, but it can only get better. Right? Please say I'm right!

Read with Me...

2009-04-25T00:54:00.003-04:00

I just started reading 10-10-10 by Suzy Welch. It's about taking the time to think of the impact decisions will have on your life Now...a little while in the future...in the distant future.

The first step is to determine your question (like...should I do this or that?).
Then collect the data...be honest when asking yourself what the consequences will be of your options (in 10 minutes, 10 months, 10 years...or whatever time frame applies to you).
The last step is analysis. Take all the information you've compiled and compare it to your innermost values, beliefs, goals, dreams, and needs.

I am still in the very beginning of the book...I will keep you posted of what I learn. I always enjoy reading something that makes me take time for self reflection...there is never any harm in looking within yourself!

You think you know me...

2009-04-24T23:59:00.005-04:00

Some of you have known me for a short time and others of you have known me for [what seems like] an eternity. Each of you know me in a different capacity, know different things about me, know different personality traits, goals, thoughts, desires, etc.

I'd say that over the course of my life there have been lots of ups and downs and lots of changes...some good and some bad. But for the most part I'd say that I definitely learned from my life.

I have gone through phases when I have been very social and everything has been about being with people (at work or hanging out with friends) and I've gone through phases of enjoying my time to myself. I am content with either...I am perfectly content being home or socializing. If you've only known me in a social setting than it's probably hard for you to believe I have a side that desires being alone. My alone time usually involves reading...I'm not the type to spend hours in the tub or sleeping when I'm alone - instead I like to fill my mind.

For those who know my "social" side you probably also know me as a girl who likes to date and has had my share of "first" dates...and just a few long term relationships. The truth is...I have no problem being alone and don't mind it. It doesn't depress me or worry me...I can be content either way.

My phases have been...socializing in High School and working after school, weekends, and summer breaks. I had a good time with friends as a teenager should and dated one guy for almost 2 years. After HS I went to work full-time instead of off to college like most of my friends. This was fine with me and I formed a lot of great friendships over the years. While working at my 2nd "real" job I met the guy I dated for 4 years. We had our problems of breaking up and getting back together, but I learned a lot about myself and very little about relationships. I was probably about 25 when we broke up. For a little while after that I just concentrated on work (and during one of our breakups I moved to OK for 3 months) - I worked 2 jobs most of the time from 11th grade until 1998 when I moved to GA. Right before moving to GA I went through a phase of going out with a friend from the salon (where I was working) on a regular basis just about every weekend. And I also went back to school for a short time in 1995-1996. I dated a "much" younger guy for a short time in 1996 around the time I had surgery on my knee. I was feeling crappy about myself and he was young and cute and made me feel better about myself, but only for a short time. After him I didn't date anyone up until moving to GA...I had a few dates here and there, but never with anyone I could see myself with. While not dating anyone I spent quite a bit of time doing my own thing. Working, staying at home, and going out from time to time. I was absolutely fine with not dating anyone. I moved here in 1998 and didn't date anyone for the first 2 years of being here. I went back to school, joined the gym, and worked. I earned a cruise from my employer and took the trip alone...it was quite liberating. I met a group of girlfriends and some sisters traveling together and we all hung out and enjoyed "girl" time out on the ocean. I then "secretly" dated a guy from work for a year - dating within our company was frowned upon so we never told anyone. That was around 2001 - and after that I didn't date at all again until 2005...not even a first date. I was working my ass off! I did a marathon and a 1/2 marathon during that time, traveled for work, traveled up to CT a few times to check on my dying grandfather and then back up for his funeral. Dating was not even on my mind...hell, I went to PR a few times, CA, Jamaica, Greece - who needed dating. For approximately a year I dated another guy I worked with (a different company) and again no one could know - this time it was because I was the Operations /HR Manager and he "sort of" reported to me. It was a relationship I knew would end up no where because he wanted children and I can't have any. And then I started putting together a business plan to buy my own salon and I got really caught up in that...again I was back to the no time for dating or anything else. I spent all my time researching information and putting together my plan. After I finally signed on the dotted line for my salon I thought I could at least consider dating someone - I figured my life was finally coming together and since my goal of owning a salon had come to life I could work on finding someone to share it with. In 2007 I joined Match.com and had mixed results in the dating world. I signed up for a month here and there never really concentrating on anything... Then in the beginning of 2008 things were not looking good for my salon and the depression was starting to take a toll on me. April 2008 I closed my salon and spent many, many nights going out with friends to ignore my life and the downturn it had taken. A few months after closing I started back on Match.com - again with mixed results and then in the fall I ended up joining POF. I had many first dates and prefer not to discuss the specifics.

Most of what I have written is to get to this point...I have realized that I spent the last year (and many past years) wasting a lot of time and money and the girl I used to be was always a goal-setter, a go-getter, and someone who got stuff done. The past year I went out too much and wasted so much money that could have been put to good use. I have decided to get back on track...going out will not be a regular occurrence (and this includes going out to dinner - I will limit it) and saving money will become my focus! I have goals to meet and things to do! When Mr. Right joins me I will have my stuff together...I'm going to be 39 next month and I'm ready to be a grown up! It took me long enough!!

What is Love?

2009-02-08T17:20:00.003-05:00

I have lots of friends who are happily married (and some that are "just" married). Love is usually the the thing that brings these people together.

I met someone recently and I can't get him out of my mind when we aren't together. We spent Friday, Saturday & Sunday of the past 2 weekends together. He even picked me up yesterday to go to his house and brought me home today. How impressive is that?

He dropped me off today because I am supposed to meet up with a friend so she can go over my 2007 taxes (UGH...they should have been done a long time ago). I haven't been able to stop thinking about him and wanting to be with him since he left.

I think I'm falling in love already. When I am with him I just don't care about anything else. I have never felt that before. Man...I didn't want to come home today.

Porn and the Super Bowl

2009-02-05T21:18:00.003-05:00

Just in case you don't pay attention to what's going on in the world (or even the U.S.) there was a little incident in Tuscon, AZ where in the middle of the Super Bowl 10-30 seconds (I don't recall exactly and I don't even think it matters at this point) of porn interrupted the football game.

Imagine this...families in Tuscon are huddled around the TV talking about the game, drinking beers, hanging out with grandparents and kids alike and suddenly porn is on the big screen! Yep! Right there for all to enjoy.

This subject got the DJs on QBert talking and they asked people to call in about the most embarrassing experiences with porn. I couldn't help but laugh because it reminded me of a story involving my (then) teenage cousin and my grandmother.

My aunt and cousins were staying at my grandparents for a while and my grandparents are die-hard Christians and church-goers. There are some things my grandmother won't tolerate and porn is one of them (along with what she calls filthy language). My grandparents had gone out of town for a while and my cousin had some friends over (my aunt worked long hours so my cousin had a lot of free time).

After my grandparents returned home my grandmother was in the living room one day and realized there was a tape in the VCR so she decided to see what it was. Much to her shock and dismay it was a porn flick. And she was NOT happy! She immediately took it out of the VCR, headed to the kitchen sink, filled it with hot water and proceeded to baptize the tape. She dunked it and prayed and then pulled the tape out of the inside. And she also grabbed one of my cousin's rap cassettes and baptized it too.

When he came home and saw her doing this he asked what was going on. When she told him about the video from the VCR he flipped out. He started saying "Grandma...that wasn't mine. That belonged to a friend and he has to return it to the rental place." My grandmother basically told him that if he was going to let that smut be in her house it was her's to do with what she wanted.

I don't think that story will ever NOT be funny to me. Nothing like seeing your grandmother baptize a video and cassette and then rip the guts out!

Skittles or Pharm Parties (Who Knew?)

2009-02-05T14:43:00.002-05:00

This morning on QBert I heard of something that just shocked me! Apparently kids are attending parties called Skittles or Pharm parties.

It seems that tweens and teens (and some a little older) are attending Skittles parties which involves a bowl full of brightly colored ecstasy pills that people just take throughout the night and even mix with alcohol. The other is the Pharm party which involves people bringing a mix of prescription pills (their own or some stolen from friends and family) and everyone dumps what they have in a bowl. This bowl now could have anything from Xanax to Vicodin to who-knows-what! And again, they mix it with alcohol!

I am worried about these darn kids. Who ever thought that at 38 years old I would be thinking "these darn kids today." I am just amazed at what goes on these days. I am thankful I am no longer a teenager and no longer have these pressures.

Parents...please be very careful! Hide your medication. These parties are dangerous.

Inappropriate Questions

2009-02-05T14:31:00.003-05:00

Do you know that it really is NEVER okay to ask a woman if she is pregnant? You shouldn't say "Oh, when are you due?" or "Awww...are you having a baby?" or "So, is there a baby on the way?"

And I say this in the nicest possible way because I've been asked it a few times over the years. I am not a Barbie. I don't have long thin legs, big boobs (okay, well I do have that), and a teeny-tiny waist that makes it evident that I am NOT preggers.

Today in the ladies room I was asked if I had a baby on the way. The empire waist sweaters, tops and dresses are in style (again) and I tend to like them. They are a little better at accentuating nice boobs and hiding some flaws around the middle. But, apparently that's not always true.

Man...I need to get back to the gym! I hate being asked that question!!

Feeling Quizical

2009-02-05T13:43:00.005-05:00

Thanks to my friend Princess Sparkle Pants showing the results of her recent Myers-Briggs test I was feeling a wee bit quizical and Smarty McSmarty Pants (not in a Jeopardy kind of way though - I'm not that smart).

I decided to go online and take the test myself and this is what I found out...I am an ENTJ and according to this I am:

slightly expressed extravert
moderately expressed intuitive personality
slightly expressed thinking personality
slightly expressed judging personality

Hmmm...is anyone surprised by these findings? I'm not. I don't know if that's good or bad!

I am Extraverted 22 / iNtuitive 25 / Thinking 12 / Judging 11

It says this on their site: Extraverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging

"I don't care to sit by the window on an airplane. If I can't control it, why look?"

ENTJs have a natural tendency to marshall and direct. This may be expressed with the charm and finesse of a world leader or with the insensitivity of a cult leader. The ENTJ requires little encouragement to make a plan. One ENTJ put it this way... "I make these little plans that really don't have any importance to anyone else, and then feel compelled to carry them out." While "compelled" may not describe ENTJs as a group, nevertheless the bent to plan creatively and to make those plans reality is a common theme for NJ types.

ENTJs are often "larger than life" in describing their projects or proposals. This ability may be expressed as salesmanship, story-telling facility or stand-up comedy. In combination with the natural propensity for filibuster, our hero can make it very difficult for the customer to decline.

TRADEMARK: -- "I'm really sorry you have to die." (I realize this is an overstatement. However, most Fs and other gentle souls usually chuckle knowingly at this description.)

ENTJs are decisive. They see what needs to be done, and frequently assign roles to their fellows. Few other types can equal their ability to remain resolute in conflict, sending the valiant (and often leading the charge) into the mouth of hell. When challenged, the ENTJ may by reflex become argumentative. Alternatively (s)he may unleash an icy gaze that serves notice: the ENTJ is not one to be trifled with.

Functional Analysis
Extraverted Thinking
"Unequivocating" expresses the resoluteness of the ENTJ's dominant function. Clarity of convictions endows these Thinkers with a knack for debate, or wanting knack, a penchant for argument. The light and heat generated by Thinking at the helm can be impressive; perhaps even overwhelming. Experience teaches many ENTJs that restraint may often be the better part of valor, lest one find oneself victorious but alone.

Introverted iNtuition
The auxiliary function explores the blueprints of archetypal patterns and equips Thinking with a fresh, dynamic sense of how things work. Improvising on the fly is something many ENTJs do very well. As Thinking's subordinate, insights are of value only insofar as they further the Right, True Cause celebre. [n.b.: ENTJs are capable of living on a higher plane, if you will, and learning to value individuals even above their principles. The above dynamic suggests less individuation.]

Extraverted Sensing
Sensing reaches out to embrace that which physically touches it. ENTJs have an awareness of the real; of that which exists. By stilling the engines of Thinking and iNtuition, this type may experience the Here and Now, and know things not dreamt of nor even postulated in iNtuition's philosophy. Sensing's minor role, however, puts it at risk for distortion or extreme weakness beneath the hustle and bustle of the giants N and T.

Introverted Feeling
Feeling is romantic, as the ethereal as the inner world from whence it doth emerge. When it be awake, feeling evokes great passion that knows not nuance of proportion nor context. Perhaps these lesser functions inspire glorious recreational quests in worlds that never were, or may only ever be in fantasy. When overdone or taken too seriously, Fi turned outward often becomes maudlin or melodramatic. Feeling in this type appears most authentic when implied or expressed covertly in a firm handshake, accepting demeanor, or act of sacrifice thinly covered by excuses of lack of any personal interest in the relinquished item.

Famous ENTJs:
Franklin D. Roosevelt, Richard M. Nixon, Benny Goodman, "Big Band" leader, General Norman Schwarzkopf, Harrison Ford, Steve Martin, Whoopi Goldberg, Sigourney Weaver, Margaret Thatcher, Al Gore (U.S Vice President, 1993-2001), Lamar Alexander (former governor, US Secretary of Education), Les Aspen, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, Candace Bergen (Murphy Brown), Dave Letterman, Newt Gingrich, Patrick Stewart (STNG: Jean Luc Picard), Robert James Waller (author: The Bridges of Madison County), Jim Carrey (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask), Steve Jobs, and Penn Jillette.

*For those who know me - I'm not a fan of Al Gore being in the same category. But I'm happy about Margaret Thatcher and Newt Gingrich.

Possible jobs for someone of my "rating" are: Management in Business or Education, Miliatry Education, Politics, Law, Counseling, Engineering, Industrial Management & Manufacturing Management, High School Education, or Computer Programming.

I enjoy business management, have often contemplated politics on a local level (mayor), long ago thought about getting into law, often counsel others (Human Resources is my background), and I love to think of new ways to do stuff from a computer standpoint (although I like to come up with the ideas and have someone else do it).

In Memory of (part 2)...

2009-02-05T11:05:00.002-05:00

One other thing I thought of after posting my last comments about In Memory of stickers is the crosses, flowers and such on the side of the road signifying where someone was obviously in an accident and more than likely killed.

I don't like this either. I understand why people want to do it, but I actually think it could cause more damage because people are looking away from the road and trying to see what's on the side of the road or even trying to read what is written on the crosses.

And then, beyond being dangerous because it's a distraction, it ends up being just a bunch of dead flowers or rotting wood and plastic which to me is like littering.

There are much better ways to mourn your loved ones, bring attention to their lives, or even acknowledge their existence. How about a scholarship in their name? An organization baring the their name? Or something else of significance?

As always...just my opinion!

In Memory of...

2009-01-25T21:31:00.002-05:00

Do you ever drive down the road and see all the cars with the stickers on the back window saying "In Memory of..." or "In Loving Memory of..."?

I don't understand this new "trend" that people are doing. I sort of understood it when Dale Sr died because I would see all the stickers on the cars of the people who followed and worshiped him. But then it became a trend to do it for everyone who died.

I want to know how people decide to do this. Before the person dies do they say "You know, when I die I really wish you would put a sticker on your car with my name on it." I mean...how does one decide to do this?

Anyway, I saw the 5,000 car with a sticker on it this weekend and just thought I'd put it out there!

Are you Celebrating S.A.D. or V-Day this Year?

2009-01-25T15:58:00.005-05:00

Thank you Simply for reminding me, and all the other single people, that Valentine's Day (V-Day) is fast approaching and I am single (and that would be STILL single BTW).

Simply has a boyfriend this year and is excited, as he should be. He no longer has to celebrate S.A.D. (Single Awareness Day) like the rest of us lonely single people!

Around this time last year or maybe 2-3 months after January I put myself "out there" on Match.com and trying to go places where I "might" meet people (especially guys). I've met a lot of nice guys, but I was really hoping that by mid-year 2008 I would be dating someone and we would have some quality holiday-time together. Which would then carry us into 2009 and thus V-Day! But, as luck would have it...I will be celebrating S.A.D. again this year.

Damn Holidays! And Damn Hallmark for making up all these holidays! Damn, Damn, Damn!

Week One of our New President

2009-01-24T16:00:00.006-05:00

Prior to the inaguration I was dead set against watching any of the news casts about it or even watching live as it happened. Quite honestly...I didn't want him to win so why bother. And then I started realizing that made me just as closed minded as so many other Americans and I just couldn't put myself in that category!

I watched a bit of it online at work while getting my work done at my desk. I saw part of Rick Warren's invocation...he is awesome. And I saw part of Obama's swearing in...they flubbed it a little bit.

I have some issues that have been on my mind since the race began for this new President...and it is about RACE. Would anyone care to tell me when this will no longer be about him being black/African American/or whatever we are calling it in 2009? First of all...he's 1/2 black. So, when Jesse Jackson's son runs for office will he then be called the first "fully" African American to run and possibly win the White House? Can't we just call everyone human and call it a day?!

I realize that it is an important and historical day for our country in that many other countries would not allow such a thing to happen. Not only would they probably not vote a black man into office - they pretty much tell you who to vote for.

One of the problems I have with the situation is this...I understand that many white people are ancestors to slave owners and that many black people are ancestors to slaves. But none of us that are alive today are party to that behavior. I really don't think I've even encountered anyone that would condone it or thinks it was a really good thing back then. But it is what it is...and luckily through many years of trials and tribulations we have moved away from a lot of the hatred there once was. Don't get me wrong...I don't live under a rock or anything, I know that there are still idiots out there who are not kind to people of other races. And this, in my opinion, is due to their upbringing and knowing no different. I know that people come in all different colors - I just don't care to look at it like that. In my heart we are all human and should treat each other as such!

I am proud that our country was able to vote a black man into office, just like I will be proud the day a woman is elected. Just please...let's stop focusing on that. We need to focus on what he can and will do for our country - not the color of his skin! His skin color, and for that matter the fact that he is an excellent communicator, has absolutely nothing to do with his ability to lead our country.

As I have mentioned a few times before - I will be very thankful if the people who voted him into office prove me wrong rather than prove me right that he is not ready for this position. I am trying to keep an open mind and to support him since he is my President. But I would like to focus on his abilities and not his skin color!

And one other thing...for those who I have overheard saying "I never thought I would see a black man as President" or "Now my son thinks he can be President one day" - I have something to say about that. If your child EVER thought for even a second he couldn't be President (or anything else) because of the color of his skin it is YOUR fault for not instilling in him that he can be anything! I mean, parents are supposed to tell their kids that they can do and be anything. I do think it's wrong for a parent who knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that his/her kid can't sing and then sends them to audition for American Idol, but other than that there is no reason to NOT encourage your kid to be anything he/she wants to be!

I Can Has a Cheezeburger (.com)

2009-01-19T21:35:00.004-05:00

I don't know if you've ever seen the website mentioned in the subject, but I love it! They have the cutest pictures of cats (oh...and some dogs) with the funniest captions! You should check it out. For fun...I've posted a very small selection of my favs here!

Marriage...

2009-01-13T15:25:00.004-05:00

My friends and I have talked about this before - this thing called marriage. Here's one thing to keep in mind - before marriage there is an engagement - an actual event of asking someone to marry you (this is usually what the guy does).

I am here to speak on behalf of women (I'd say most women) and say that we do NOT want to be proposed to on a holiday, birthday, anniversary, Boss' Day or any other such day. Women want their own day.

Christmas and New Year's are behind us until they come around again in 11 months, so we don't have to worry about any Christmas or New Year's proposals at the moment. But darnit! Valentine's Day is coming and you know that many guys will ask their girlfriend's to marry them on that day. Can you say - corny??

It's crazy that guys do this - girls want the proposal and the wedding to be on their "own" special day - not a crazy national holiday or such that you have chosen so that you can remember your damn anniversary.

Anyway...that's my rant for today. You know I usually have at least one! Be original guys...Valentine's Day is not the perfect day for that! How about February 12th or July 17th - don't those days sound exciting?

My Sunday

2009-01-12T21:28:00.003-05:00

I started my Sunday at church and then it went downhill from there.

Carole and I met up for church and listened to a great sermon on personal finances. From there we realized some not so great things about someone we both used to date which got us both fired up. But, we figured we could get over it because we were on our way to tap into our inner child...

Our next stop was for a Happy Meal at McDonald's. Not the best food choices, but offers just enough to make you full but not over stuffed.

From there we headed to the Atlanta History Center to see the Jim Henson exhibit. We met up with @SmplyUnprdctble and @richall and had fun singing "Dance your cares away (clap clap clap)...worries for another day...Down to Fraggle Rock" and "Mahna Mahna Do Do Do Do Do Mahna Mahna Do Do Do Do Mahna Mahna Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do..." It was BIG fun! I got to see Bert and Ernie and Kermit! (Don't tell anyone we snuck this pic)

After that we went back to Carole's shop because @SmplyUnprdctble had a terrible unibrow we had to take care of. It was here that I started asking questions about @Smply and @richall's relationship. I am very happy that "my" GFF (@Smply) has found a great guy! He deserves it!

I don't know how the subject got to this but at some point it was discussed that I had never been to a (ssshhh...don't tell anyone) sex shop. So, we all went on a field trip to Inserection. It was very enlightening, but I don't believe I will be going on another adventure such as that for a while IF EVER. There was a lot of dust in there. I'm not a fan of dust - makes you need to wash your hands A LOT!

Anyway, that was my Sunday! What did you do?

Big Weekend Plans

2009-01-09T15:36:00.004-05:00

Thank goodness for my Event Planner, Carole, she keeps me quite busy and doesn't allow me to get bored!

In 8 minutes I will be leaving work and heading to Carole for a brazilian and eyebrow wax. From there it's on to dinner and then she and I are heading to a rawking birthday party! I say rawking because of who's birthday it is and where it is being held. These 2 guys are FUN! Who knows when I will head home, but whatever - I don't have to work tomorrow!

Tomorrow I am not scheduled to work at the salon which is a great thing! I enjoy working there but I do like my Saturday's to play. I will catch up on some crap I have been putting off and then it will be girl's night with Carole and some other friends. Dinner and drinks at Dixie Tavern and then I think we are going bowling. The night ends when it ends...

Sunday Carole and I are meeting a client of hers at Buckhead Church. Okay...so I must admit we are going because we heard this is THE church all the singles go to. LOL Nothing like going to church to find a date. I already have a really great prospect or two...so I may not look too hard.

From there we will meet up with my GFF and his "date boy" for a trip to the Jim Henson exhibit at the Atlanta History Museum. Can't wait! I like Jim and his muppets a lot so I asked the Scientist if he would like to go next Sunday because he would like to see it too and doesn't think his boys would like to see it (he has them this weekend).

Anyway...it's about time for me to go have some fun!

My Grandmother is sooo funny!

2009-01-09T15:03:00.003-05:00

My grandfather died 3 years ago (will be 4 in July) and since that time I have been handling my grandmother's checkbook. She writes checks to pay her bills and then I go online to her bank and keep a check register of all her checks and deposits.

Every month after the first week of the month (I have to wait for her Social Security and Civil Service checks to be deposited) I call her and we go over her checkbook. Below is a glimpse of what these conversations sound like:

ME: Hi Grammy. It's Heather.
HER: Hello. It's your grandmother.
ME: Yes, I know. I called you.
HER: Hold on...let me get my book.
ME: Okay...
HER: Okay so I have $xxx.xx for Social Security and $xxx.xx for Civil Service.
ME: Yes. That's right.
HER: Okay, where do you want to start?
ME: I see the last check you wrote was ONE TWO ZERO EIGHT for FOUR ONE ONE TWO. (Yes, I actually say each number instead of 1208 (twelve oh eight) for $41.12 (forty-one twelve) because she gets confused.) Have you written any other checks since that one?
HER: OH YES! I have written so many checks this month.
ME: Okay, ONE TWO ZERO NINE?
HER: THREE ONE TWO SEVEN for the pharmacy
ME: Okay, ONE TWO ONE ZERO?
HER: TWO ONE SEVEN TWO. I had to go to the pharmacy again because my other prescription wasn't ready.
ME: Okay. That's fine. ONE TWO ONE ONE?
HER: No. That's it. (ummm...didn't she just say she had written a bunch of checks? Did I miss something?)
ME: Okay. Are you sure that's it?
HER: Yes.
ME: Okay. You have interest to add in the amount of ONE FIVE THREE. Hold on and I will add everything up.
HER: Okay. I have time. You are my angel from Heaven. I really appreciate you doing this for me.
ME: Of course. I know you do. Okay...you're new total is (and this is fictional of course) ONE SEVEN TWO FIVE FOUR SIX.
HER: Okay...SS (amount spelled out), Civil Service (amount spelled out), Interest (amount spelled out) and balance (spelled out).
ME: Yes. That's right.
HER: You have no idea how much of a help you are to me. The neighbors have been so nice. I ate dinner with them 2 times last month. I went out for lunch with my other angel from Heaven, Gary. Bill brought me my 23rd chicken sandwich for lunch the other day (yes, she is keeping track of how many sandwiches he has brought her). People have been so nice to me. I am so lucky. Everyone hugs me at church when I go.
ME: Of course they do grammy. Everyone loves you.
HER: I just miss your grandfather so much. I look over at his chair and I just see him there. I want to be with him.
ME: We miss him too, but we want you here. It's not your time yet.
HER: I know. I just miss him.
ME: We all do.
HER: Give everyone my love. Give mom and dad a hug for me.
ME: I will.
HER: Thank you so much for all your help. You are my angel from Heaven.
ME: You're welcome. I love you. Good bye.
HER: Bye.

For the record...except for the specific dollar amounts - this is pretty much the exact conversation we have every single month! Gosh I love her!

My date totally Rawked!

2009-01-08T13:22:00.004-05:00

Went out on a date last night with the guy I wrote about yesterday (with the foot) and I will now refer to him as the Scientist. We had a GREAT date - well, at least I did. I guess I can only truly speak for myself.

The Scientist is a guy I would definitely like to get to know better and go out on multiple dates with. I will be careful what I say - I don't want to say anything to jinx it. I felt like we had a good connection and good chemistry. We laughed a lot, which is very important to me. I like to joke around and make light of a life that can be disappointing sometimes.

I did ask him if he had a good enough time to do it again and he said yes. So...we will see. I definitely wouldn't be disappointed to go out again.

And, don't tell him I said this (haha...because I think he's been reading this) but he's a really nice looking guy and he smells good too! I only know this because we hugged each other when we met.

There are a couple of other guys I have been talking to, and I won't totally throw them to the curb right away, but I definitely enjoy my conversations with the Scientist. I will keep you all posted...

Oh yeah...and you know what was really nice? No sex talk or crazy innuendos. Very respectable and respectful. And very, very funny!

I have no Couth!

2009-01-07T14:11:00.003-05:00

I have always tried to pride myself on being respectful of people's differences and being brought up to not make fun of people, but the other day I found out I truly have no couth at all! I met a really nice guy on a dating site (Plenty of Fish to be exact - although it may be a play on words because I don't think there are really "plenty" out there). While talking and sharing lots of laughs one thing came to light and I will share it with you now... I have copied and pasted this from the e-mail that I sent to a friend (so dates/times are not exact but you will get the point).

I was really, really raised better than this. My ONLY saving grace - POF guy has a terrific sense of humor and didn't make me feel bad about being a jackass with absolutely no manners whatsoever!! And...if he's reading - you did, in a round about way, give me permission to write this. :)

As discussed with my friends and co-workers in the past, teeth are very important to me. Equal to a nice smile is a nice set of well taken care of (and perhaps, pedicured) feet. So after last week's little rendezvous and meeting the guy who had jacked up teeth I felt it important to point out these things to my new potential suitor. I told him how important teeth and feet are to me.

I then asked him a question I often ask guys - "So, would you ever go get a pedicure with a woman you are dating?" He says no and I say, "Why? They are so fantastic! Once a guy gets one he is usually addicted." He just isn't interested. Hmmm...should this be a red flag?

We continue on with our conversation and something else directs us toward feet again. Now he says that I probably wouldn't like him because of his feet. Oh no! What could it be? And I say "What's the matter, do you only have 3 toes?" He says, "No, I have 5 toes...Only 5 toes." I gasp out of disbelief and the horrible feeling that I just said something awful and offensive. "OMG, what happened," I ask. Well, when he was 2 years old he goes running out of the house while his mother is mowing the lawn. He runs between her and the lawn mower and there is an accident. He actually is missing half his foot. He said if you look down the front of your leg and straight down that's where his foot ends.I really don't know what to say at this point, but I do manage to say "Wow! Your mother must have been devastated." He said he never really thought of that until he was an adult. I ask if he has a prosthetic foot and he says he has some kind of device that he puts in his shoe and it goes around his ankle. As I am not very discreet, but rather very inquisitive I say "You have a strap on foot?" He laughs (whew). And then I ask if he limps and other such questions. I ask him if he has ever told people that he lost his foot because of an alligator - terrorizing people can be fun sometimes. He says he did have some fun as a kid charging a quarter, and even marbles, to the kids at school if they wanted to see his foot. He said he would sometimes put his shoe on backwards and walk around being funny.

THIS GUY HAS A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR! I am completely turned on by it, and his ability to laugh in the face of adversity. Of course, it also helps because then I can keep asking questions and not feel too bad. I did ask him if this subject had ever come up so early when first meeting someone. He said it usually doesn't come up until he and his date are at a point of getting to know each other and taking their shoes off.

Toward the end of our 4 hour conversation (believe it or not he kept talking to me) I said to him..."You know, I am totally going to have to see your foot when we go out." He says he knows. And then I say, "I won't make you whip it out in the restaurant or anything. We'll have to go to the car." He just laughs. (Again, whew)

Today we text a few times while working. I text at one point..."Thank you for keeping me laughing! I love it! You have a great sense of humor!!" His reply, "I learned to be funny to compensate for my feet and tooth." Of course, he said tooth because he knows I have a teeth and foot fetish! Not fair - he's roping me in with his humor. Making me laugh at things I shouldn't!

I did learn a lesson though, you kind of have to be careful when you are telling someone you are a stickler about something such as nice teeth and feet... you never know the circumstances that may prevent them from having that!

PS...my mother knows this story and she thinks I am off my rocker! She can't believe (well, yes she can) that I asked any of these questions or laughed or any of it! She definitely thinks she raised me better. She did, but I don't seem to have a filter on my mouth!

And so she danced...

2009-01-05T22:57:00.003-05:00

Tonight I was graced with my step-father coming across a video from when I was 30 and decided to take tap dance lessons... Let's just say that dancing is NOT my fortay.

For your viewing pleasure I've added it here. Enjoy!

Modeling Nude...

2009-01-05T14:52:00.002-05:00

Another thing that came out of my lunch with PSPants today was the fact that I look edgy and wild but in many respects I am very conservative.

I don't like serial dating (this has been discussed many times) and I don't like to sleep around. Although, as an adult I do have needs and you never know what will happen. *wink*

So, what most people (okay, well my close friends know this) don't know is that I used to model nude in CT and I modeled twice at Brenau University after moving here. I have photos from some of the modeling in CT and I would love to do it again!

I know I look sweet and innocent...GET OVER IT!

I'm not very PC...

2009-01-05T14:33:00.002-05:00

Today PSPants and I went to lunch and had a swell time talking about the holidays and such…

On the way back we got into a bit of a conversation about stuff that is not very PC (hell…it’s not PC at all)! First being this horrible new joke out about John Travolta’s son who just died. So, the joke goes “Did you hear what John Travolta’s son died of?” “No.” “Oh, it was Saturday Night Fever.” HAHA – get it? Okay, I know…that was one more confirmation that I am going straight to hell. But it’s not as bad as the Sarah Palin joke which I will not repeat to mixed company (since some people who I don’t really know might be reading this…).

This conversation lead us to discuss things such as people who are racist. Did you know that when I was growing up Brazil nuts were called Nigger Toes?? Are you kidding me? I remember being at my grandparents house and my grandfather saying “Hand me some of those nigger toes.” I was a kid and I was mortified! “What? We have a bowl full of black people’s toes? Grandma…Say it isn’t so!”

So, on that note the discussion comes up about my cousins who are “mulatto” because my dad’s sister (white) married a black man. This was kind of troublesome a little over 20 years ago for some reason, but I grew up thinking everyone had a black uncle. Don’t you? You know how kids go through the phase of “My daddy is better than your daddy…” and you are in fights with the neighbor kid because you are sure your daddy can beat up their daddy? Well, it was one of those days at my grandma’s house. J (my cousin) was on our side of the fence and the little white girl from next door had a friend over. They were throwing rocks at each other and saying “My daddy is better than your daddy…” My cousin must have run out of things to say because he threw one last rock and said “Well, my daddy’s big and black!” And the girls gasped and ran inside. I guess they couldn’t top that!

Using the word mulatto made PSPants remember that when she grew up they were called high yellow. Not a nice thing to say, but then I don’t know for sure that mulatto is either – I mean, isn’t that a Pepperidge Farm snack with chocolate between two white cookies? Nope…I’m wrong – I just looked up the real meaning of mulatto (see below). One of my non-written goals for 2009 was/is to learn new words…today’s word is mulatto.

The word is MULATTO which means:- mu·lat·to [m láttō, m ltō]n (dated)
1. a taboo term for somebody who has one black and one Caucasian parent
2. a taboo term for somebody who has both black and Caucasian ancestors
3. a term, socially acceptable in the Caribbean Islands and other Latin American regions, for somebody who has one black and one Caucasian parent
4. a term, socially acceptable in the Caribbean Islands and other Latin American regions, for somebody who has both black and Caucasian ancestors.

*Side note…note trying to offend. Just being honest and kids are the worst – they are honest to a fault and most of what I discussed above was based on when we were kids. So take it or leave it…

Dating (I think I actually don't like it)

2009-01-04T15:48:00.003-05:00

Dating, while it's supposed to be fun and exciting is just too much work. I don't want to serial date, and I don't really want a date every night of the week unless with the same guy. I want to find ONE guy that I really like and stick with him and I want him to feel the same about me.

I've met some really great guys lately, but I don't know if any of them really blow me away at this moment. (Although there is one that could be a winner, but not sure he feels the same way.) And, he doesn't live as close as I would prefer.

Oh, why can't it be as simple as having one date and knowing that's it! You found the one and can move on. Why does it have to be like walking on pins and needles?

Maybe if I move to UAB it won't matter!

New Year's Resolutions 2009

2009-01-04T15:40:00.003-05:00

It's yet another new year and so we all decide to make resolutions for what we will accomplish this year. Every year people make unrealistic goals for themselves and then at year's end they are disappointed that the goals were not reached. I'm done following that tradition and have decided that any resolutions I set for myself will be realistic and (hopefully) easily kept.

I've decided to make a list of 9 things since it is 2009:

1. Read everyday for at least 15 minutes.
2. Consciously think before dropping the F-bomb (Is that really the ONLY word that would work in this situation?).
3. Remember to say please and thank you whenever appropriate.
4. Be a little more patient while driving. (I said a "little")
5. Complete a handful of 5 or 10k races this year. (I used to do lots of them.)
6. Try one food I have not tried before.
7. Exercise at least more than I do right now (that could be just one time this whole year LOL).
8. Be more open-minded about things in general (this may take some work and the help of my friends).
9. File my 2007 taxes (Dear God this has GOT to get done!).

Everyone - I hope you are able to come up with resolutions that you don't look back on with regret on 12/31/09.

May you have the BEST year of your life this year!

Working (and moving) Somewhere Else

2009-01-02T13:55:00.006-05:00

Friends, if you really, really care about me you may not want to read this...I am actually looking into sending out resumes to work in UAB (not University Alabama Birmingham) which is United Arab Emirates. If you don't know this - it is a VERY rich country. Lots and lots of money over there!

I had thought of it in the past, but decided not to put much effort into it. A friend of mine who works for Orkin is on a 2-year assignment over there. He is in the States for the holidays and we were IMing the other day and I asked if he is happy about his decision to go over there. He said "Absolutely. I am debt free, I have money saved, and when I get back in 1 1/2 years I am buying a house in ATL." DEBT FREE! Did you all see that? He said DEBT FREE! OMG - how I would love that.

So, I asked my parents (because they love me and would surely miss me) how they would feel about me going over there to work. They are all for it if it means positive things for me. I would certainly miss everyone if I went, but it could make a huge impact on my life if I were to do it. Plus, my step-father worked over there for a while and he says its a great place to go. He said it's the only country in that area he would recommend.

Don't forget though - I'm still just thinking about it and looking into it. There is nothing definite. Also, have met a few decent possibilities recently in the dating arena and if one of them were to sweep me off my feet - well that would seal the deal for sure!

You never know where life will take you!

What DOES happen when you pick the legs off the frog?

2008-12-22T13:26:00.003-05:00

When I was in elementary school there was a way we could walk home that took us behind the community center in Navy Housing and over a little creek. There were several days that we would get to the bridge that went over the creek and find frog bodies without legs and then tossed off to the side were a bunch of frog legs. This devastated me!

Why the walk down memory lane you ask?

Today on the way back from lunch a subject about such things came up. Gruesome, I know. It started by a co-worker saying she recently hit a poor, helpless bunny rabbit on her way out of her subdivision one early morning. Which in turn reminded me of hitting a bunny in Canada while with some friends only to have a friend coldly say "That's okay - I here there is an over abundance of them anyway." This recollection brought us to frogs! Co-worker said when she lived in SC she was mowing the lawn one day and ran over a frog with the mower and chopped off one of his legs...Now, before I proceed I have a question.

If you ran over a frog with your lawn mower what would you do?
(1) Say: "It's okay, the leg will grow back."
(2) Run over it with the lawn mower again.
(3) Stomp it to death.

My answer was (1) because when I encountered those frogs on my way home from school I am 100% sure that someone told me that the legs would grow back. Hindsight being 20/20 (and the comments of my 2 co-workers riding in the car with me at lunch) lead me to believe that this comment was a mechanism used to control an upset little girl who had just seen a bunch of mutlilated frogs!

The correct answer in this instance is - (3) stomp it to death! That's what my co-worker did to put it out of his misery. I think I lived a better life thinking their legs would grow back! Darn reality - it will bite you in the ass every time!

Quote of the Day

2008-12-15T23:12:00.002-05:00

This was sent to me via e-mail and I find it absolutely perfect (in every way)!

Quote of the day:
'Whatever you give a woman.... she will make greater. If you give her sperm.... she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house.... she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries... she'll give you a meal.. If you give her a smile... she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So... if you give her any crap... be ready to receive a ton of shit!'

Holiday Parties without a Date (part 2)

2008-12-14T11:21:00.002-05:00

You know the best thing about going to a party alone? When a guy calls you while you are on your way home and asks you to meet him and his friends out at a bar to listen to live music!

No date = fun with the girls during the party & fun with the guy after! *wink* *wink*

And for the record - I am a good girl so get your mind out of the gutter!

Holiday Parties without a Date

2008-12-12T15:22:00.003-05:00

Holiday parties in and of themselves are not horrible. They especially seem horrible when you are the only one not in a relationship. I have a Christmas party tomorrow night for the salon where I work. At first several girls were going without their significant others...then they changed their minds. Then one of my co-workers went back and forth about her husband going. He was going, he wasn't going, he was going, he didn't want to go. In the midst of all this I ask my BFF to go with me - he and I are great friends and dinner companions and that is it. Although once interested in dating him I realize we are not compatible on that level. Dinner with him is safe - and the Christmas party would be too.

My conversation with him goes like this:
ME: I have a Christmas party next Saturday night and (whining) I don't want to be the only one without a date.
BFF: Aaaawww
ME: I know you don't like people, but don't you want to go?
BFF: I could go.
ME: Everyone knows you don't like people and they said "Why don't you bring your friend that doesn't like people?"
BFF: laughs - I would go.
ME: Really? You would go? I didn't expect you to say you would go.
BFF: I would go, but I wouldn't be excited about it.
ME: Okay. Well, I will confirm that everyone is really bringing a date and let you know for sure. It's business dressy. And, I have to warn you - I am wearing really long green feather eyelashes.
BFF: WHY? Why are you wearing those eyelashes?
ME: Because I want to be festive and different.
BFF: Okay. Like I said - I will go, but I won't be excited.

Fast forward a few days - BFF is not going with me. Said co-worker is definitely not brining her husband. So, both guys are off the hook (this time).

I would have had fun with BFF, even though he wouldn't have been excited. But now I don't have to worry about whether or not he is miserable.

I need a significant other. I would make him go - excited or not!

Early Morning 5k

2008-12-12T15:12:00.003-05:00

I work every other Saturday at a salon. This, of course, means no sleeping in on those days.

A friend asked me to join her in a 5k event, which I generally like to do. I forgot all about it...why?? Because it's my Saturday to sleep in! Well, guess what? It's tomorrow! And I have to get my lazy ass out of bed tomorrow to meet up with her and the other friend we talked into joining - they are the only ones that signed up. So, I'm signing up now and know that I have to be good on my date tonight - no extra late night! Have to be home at a reasonable hour so I can do my 5k. Wish me luck! (On all accounts)

And for the record, even though I have done a marathon and a 1/2 marathon - it has been quite a while and it has also been a while since I took my butt to the gym or did a 5k. I have a Christmas party tomorrow night - hope I can walk!

Why I went to bed MAD!

2008-12-12T09:48:00.003-05:00

Wednesday night (that would be 12/10/08) I decided to head to bed at a reasonable hour for me (11 pm) and picked up my favorite magazine to do a little pre-sleep reading. My favorite magazine is Reader's Digest (and yes, I am 38 not 88).

If I read this particular magazine prior to sleep I usually skip around and read all the jokes so that I go to bed on a high - having laughed myself silly. But this particular night I got caught up in an article by Michael Crowley who often writes about things that would easily piss a person off - not because he offends me - because he brings to light bullshit happening in our country! And so was the case on Wednesday night.

I decided to read his article about a government program called the National Flood Insurance Program. This program is in debt to the tune of $17 BILLION dollars. Normal people like me can't even truly imagine what that looks like (a lot of zeros - that's for sure). This program offers low cost insurance for people living in flood zones. WHY would that be an option? Well, because some brilliant people in DC voted this crap into effect. And do you know WHO is paying for this $17 billion dollars? Yep - you guessed it - that would be those of us that are tax payers! WTF??

I think that this program needs to seriously be looked at and reformed. People should not be allowed to continuously build on the same piece of land that will eventually get flooded again - and have someone else pay for it. One of the examples in the article is: One house in Houston has flooded 16 times; repairs have totaled $807,000, seven times the market value of the property. You cannot be serious! How on earth can we allow them to use our tax dollars to rebuild a home 16 times and it's worth is significantly lower?!

Below is a link to the article from Reader's Digest. The more I read this stuff and see what is going on in our world the more I think I need to run for public office. We need to start a grassroots effort to turn this country around! I've had enough!!

http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/outrageous-tax-dollars-bailing-out-homes-built-on-flood-zones/article103797.html

As most of you know I am not a fan of our newly elected official, but I will do my best to support him as our leader. I must say, however, that he ran on the platform of "Yes we Can" and "Change" so on that note let's pull the plug on all the ludicrous stuff being put into effect by our government. Each and every one of us counts and can make a difference...if you don't like what is going on with programs such as this one - stand up for your rights and do something about how your tax dollars are spent!

How to be Clumsy 101...

2008-12-10T23:39:00.003-05:00

I am so clumsy and silly! And I don't just mean clumsy like tripping over myself (although I do that a lot) - I mean clumsy like doing things that don't make sense (almost like my mind is clumsy).

Here are some for instances:

I'm at work and we have to wear a badge. This badge must be swipped going in and out of main doors to building. So, one day I'm on the 2nd floor (where my exciting cube is) and have to go downstairs via the elevator so I can leave for the day. I am standing there wondering why the damn door isn't opening. Hmmm...I don't know how long it is before it dawns on me that I swipped my badge in front of the button instead of pushing it to go down. LOL

Another day I'm at work, standing in front of the elevator with some co-workers and we are getting ready to go to lunch. The elevator door opens and people are inside (that's what happens on elevators, you know) and it seems to scare me and I jump like 2 feet off the floor as if I have never seen people on an elevator before.

Then there was the day that my friend KM and I went to lunch and I come back and park the car as normal. On the way out that afternoon I am wandering around looking for my car. I try to call KM to see if she remembers where I parked. I am clueless looking for my car. KM calls me back and I'm like "Do you remember...OMG..." and I die laughing. I am laughing so hard I am doubled over and can't even really speak. While I am asking where my car is I realize I am standing right in front of it! This is why I start laughing so hard. Of course then KM is laughing and then I almost pee my pants laughing so hard!

So, now let's talk about being clumsy like tripping (my friend JA would really love this because he thinks it's funny when people fall). Most of my friends know about the terrible experience with dropping a 35 pound weight on my toe and breaking it to the point of surgery.

But...here's the dumb ass thing that happened tonight! Most people who know me make fun of my handbags and especially the size and weight of them. I have this really beautiful red patent leather one that I get lots of compliments on. One of the guys who eats lunch with some of us always says he can't pick it up because he didn't work out that day. I have a bad habit of putting my handbag on the floor next to my desk in my home office when I get home at night. Tonight I got up from my desk to go to the bathroom and bumped my big toe on my right foot. It felt like I bent the nail back or tore off the top layer of nail. So, after my stop in the bathroom I took my warm fuzzy sock off and not only did I peel off the top layer of nail - the whole corner of my nail came off and it was bleeding! Do you know anyone else that would happen to? NO and I don't either.

Man...I need to pay attention to what I am doing. Being clumsy is very dangerous. LOL

I'm not a Quitter (really)

2008-11-10T15:58:00.002-05:00

So, since i enrolled in Cosmetology classes I have felt the instructors are less than enthused about teaching. Frankly, at my age, I feel like I want to learn from people who (a) want to be there, (b) don't leave the room after showing us one time and expect us to "get it", (c) have the decency to realize that I haven't been doing this for 20 years like they have! I'm in school because - well, here's a thought - I don't know what I'm doing! Yes, I owned a salon, and have been around the industry for over 20 years (managed a salon too long ago, and have just always had a passion for the beauty industry), but that does not mean I know everything.

My background is Operations and Human Resources (and some accounting - my first love). I LOVE the paperwork part of the business especially...the sitting down for hours looking at other salon/spa's websites to see what they are doing, the talking to people and marketing my business as a whole and the individuals within, the coming up with new ideas part of things. This is my passion.

Last week I had a MAJOR meltdown at school and went off on the teacher. It was NOT pretty. I do not regret telling her (or the other students in the class) how I feel about the way things are going, although I do regret how it all went down. I had already been considering leaving at the end of the quarter to apprentice at a salon in order to learn and earn money at the same time. Wednesday night in class made me realize that I now need to do this just to be sane. I do not want to spend anymore of my time with people who aren't 100% vested in my future and getting me where I want/need to be. I had every intention finishing out this quarter. However, this morning I woke up and just decided it's a total waste of time to spend the next 4 weeks in a situation I am not happy about. I wouldn't continue dating someone if I was this unhappy...why finish this? I can take a couple of weeks to gather my thoughts and get some rest (haha - for those of you that know me - this won't happen) and then start my new part-time job of apprenticing on the nights I would have attended school!

I am not really a quitter, but this time I am excusing myself from a situation that in no way benefits me and only makes me more and more unhappy. So, I guess all I can say is "I quit (school that is)."

Not so Great Animal Stories...

2008-11-09T21:09:00.003-05:00

I have been wanting to post about one animal issue for a few weeks now...one night in my class my instructor told us about a story involving her son's dog. Apparently over the weekend her son's dog, a beautiful full-bred Rotty, had gotten out of the yard and the neighbor called Animal Control. Normally I would consider this the "responsible" thing to do, but only if the animal seemed to be bothersome or terrorizing people. By the time Animal Control showed up the dog was in his own backyard and things seemed fine, but AC said they still had to take the dog. They mentioned something about keeping the dog and the owner picking him up with a specified number of days. Well...on Tuesday he went to pick up the dog and was told he had been put down because he was growling and uneasy when they tried to get him out of the truck at the precinct. Hmmm...here's a thought - a dog is surrounded by strangers - of course he is uneasy! I can't believe they put him down. I, personally, have my suspicions about what happened to the dog. And I can't help but wonder if someone took the dog because he was pure-bred.

Now...with regard to calling AC I had my own run in with them a couple of times during the past couple of months. First, I was driving to work one rainy morning when I saw a mother dog from up the street and her 5 puppies walking in the road and following a stranger on her way to the bus stop. The puppies wouldn't stop following her...so I tried to catch them all and take them back to where they belong. I took them to the wrong house, but the owner knew where they belonged so we went across the street. No one was answering the door and I had to get to work so I left them with the neighbor and called AC. I called them because I was worried about the puppies and the fact no one was answering the door. It's too dangerous for puppies to be loose in the road. I am not sure about what happened after my call. But then, a few weeks later I saw the mother and one puppy sleeping in the yard of a neighbors house which means the dogs were loose again. And then my mother saw them loose one morning and sent them away. Why don't people keep watch over their pets?

The next day after my mother sent them away she heard a racket down near the pond where our ducks live...she didn't think much of it at the time. The next day I went to feed them and found them to have missing feathers and one was limping and wouldn't quack. I was so upset. I instantly had to call Animal Control. The next day they stopped by the house to ask what happened. I explained it to the guy but was told that because they are ducks they don't fall under the same circumstances as if they were someone's cat or dog. WHAT?? I love these ducks! Are you kidding?

Anyway, the good news is their feathers are coming back and they are both happily quacking again and the limp is getting better. If this had happened on Animal Planet someone would have gotten a ticket! And, someone would have taken care of my ducks.

The end of the credit free-for-all!

2008-10-01T12:43:00.003-04:00

So...here we are still waiting to hear the outcome of the newest version of the so-called "bailout" plan. It now has many names, such as Emergency Economic Stability Act (EESA) and $700 billion bailout. I don't think it really matter what you call it at this point. The fact is there are many different views on the subject and quite frankly I just want to know WIIFM!

When it comes down to tax dollars the IRS tells me they want my money right now (April 15th) and I do my part, but I really don't have anything else to spare. And from what I can tell my friends and family don't either!

Maybe instead of a bunch of rich, overpaid idiots deciding how this should work they should put together a group of working class people who are on the front lines day-to-day dealing with this stuff. It's the "regular" guy/girl who is out there trying to figure out how to make ends meet, pay a mortgage, put gas in the car (and in GA that's even harder than it sounds right now), etc.

Stop taking money from the "real" workers in America. I don't want the people who are rich simply because daddy is rich or the people who are rich because someone else did all the work making the damn decisions (okay - maybe one or two of the really smart, savvy ones would be okay but the rest need to jump in a lake).

And, while we are at it...the thing I keep hearing over and over again is about people NOT being able to get credit. Maybe that's half the damn problem! Maybe, just maybe, if every freakin' college student hadn't gotten a credit card the first day of school, or people who couldn't really afford a $200k house didn't get approved, and the list goes on...we would be in a better position today! Why should the government (oops...I mean me and my friends the tax payers) bail out companies who took a risk and gave bad loans!? Stop with the damn loans and credit cards to people who can't afford them - and by-the-way making them pay a higher APR doesn't help anyone either because it takes them longer to pay off the loan and then when the inevitable bankruptcy comes around the amount to be written off is way higher than it would have been had the APR been reasonable (whether 4% or 24% the company is still making money - let's face it).

So...it appears I have gone on a few tangents here and stood on my soapbox long enough...below is a link a friend sent me. I am not usually a fan of CNN but it has some good points in it.

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1846040,00.html?cnn=yes

Oh my God - I'm my grandmother!

2008-09-29T20:04:00.004-04:00

I will admit it - I have a thing for fashion and pride myself on matching. To some it may seem a bit overboard, but I like what I like and what I like is to match! And by that I mean that a hot red purse goes with EVERYTHING! And you know what? Now that I think about it - my new patent leather red purse has a striking resemblance to the little red number my grandmother used to have that I loved to use for dress up. Oh how I will have to scan the photo and show just how wonderful it was! (And, of course, show you my new one).

But, as I was saying - OMG - I'm my grandmother! Three years ago my grandfather passed away and quite frankly we didn't think my grandmother would hang in there with us - we sincerely thought she may die of a broken heart after losing my grandfather. We are very happy that was not the case - especially since she gives us some pretty funny stories to pass along. Which brings me to why I think I'm my grandmother!

My mother is talking to her the other day and she proceeds to tell my mother about her LifeLine that she invested in (with no coercion from us) to ensure her safety. Well, imagine my mother's surprise when my grandmother informs her that she does not always like wearing the LifeLine because it doesn't match her jewelry and/or her outfit. Because I know I will be in her shoes one day with the need for a LifeLine I am going to see what I can do to design some that are a lot more fashionable - I mean, when I'm 83 I want to look HOT and I need my LifeLine to match thank you very much!

Give the Economy a Prozac!

2008-09-24T21:07:00.002-04:00

If the economy is so depressed can't we just prescribe some Prozac and move on?! My goodness people! Has anyone given any thought to the fact that some of this stuff is caused by the media? They start this stuff by getting us scared, worried, trembling in our boots - oh, wait a minute - I can't afford boots right now - I'M BROKE!

Last week PSPants was asked to write a post in our weekly internal BLOG about the economic state we are in right now. Not exactly an exciting topic and surely not one I really wanted to read about (and I'm sure she didn't want to write it either - she's more the upbeat kind of chick). Most of the comments written in response to her post were ones that I could have lived my whole life without reading...and then I got to this one that I really liked and I copied a section of it because I felt like stealing (don't get much of an opportunity these days).

Thank you Ralph from Denver for this wonderful nugget:

Yes, anything might happen and you should take actions to prepare yourself. But let's try a reality check. So here's an idea, from George Will: Any corporation that accepts government subsidies, broadly defined, can pay its top executives only what the top government civil service salary is – currently about $125,000 per year. And let me add another idea: their incentive compensation and severance packages cannot exceed that limit. If our Congress critters had the courage to pass that, we would not be treated to any more spectacles such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae going bankrupt in all but name, yet having you and me paying out tens of millions of dollars to their executives.

I wonder how "green" he Archer-Daniels-Midland executives would be if their ethanol subsidies capped their salaries.

(I will confirm your suspicions: I have been a proud member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy since 1964.)

What an amazing concept?? You mean - only pay someone $125,000 a year? Really? Is that allowed? This idea might be the best thing since sliced bread! Maybe companies like Delta wouldn't be broke if they didn't pay their retirees (or especially those that they walk to the door) a HUGE pension and FREE travel! Maybe MCI wouldn't have gone down the toilet (no pun on the Save the TP post) if the corner office with windows CEO hadn't spent $8,000 on a shower curtain for his vacation home/condo somewhere none of us can even afford to look at on the map!

Save the Toilet Paper!

2008-09-24T20:54:00.003-04:00

It's not everyday that you walk into the restroom at work to find half used rolls of TP on the counter with a typed note above them requesting you to NOT throw out unused toilet paper. First, I must ask - have you ever really thought about throwing toilet paper away while at work? I mean, half the time I hate having to deal with it at home when the roll runs out or is nearing the end. I sure don't want to deal with it at work. It seems that this all came about due to budget crunches and needing to find a gabillion dollars within the company. I figure that if we save 5 rolls of TP per day that's like $10 (conservatively) x 25 working days per month x 12 months, which equals approximately $3,000 per year! Hey - we may be on to something here!

Anyway, I found it to be a bit comical despite my love for saving companies money. I was always known as the "cheap" manager at my past employers because I wouldn't let the staff go wild in the office supply book! Hey - you want a special pen - bring it from home like I do! But, I have never found myself looking in the depths of the trash cans to see what is being thrown out...

Sharon Osborne disappointed me!

2008-09-24T20:46:00.003-04:00

Man, I really liked Sharon Osborne and then I watched Ellen today (who I love, but she is on her little Obama rampage too). Again - I am not necessarily a Republican or a Democrat - I just want what's the most equitable for the citizens of the US! Today Sharon said some things about Sarah Palin that I simply think are rude whether you like McCain's choice or not!

Here are a few words from her interview with Ellen (clip below)...
"Hookie Disney movie"
"Scouring America for a woman...last stop before you fall off America is Alaska"
"Passed each other on an ice lump"
"Women aren't that stupid"

Okay - so about the "Women aren't that stupid" comment...Really Sharon, because I think it was pretty stupid of you to say what you did! So there! And by-the-way, who the F*&^ invited you to America anyway? If you and your "used to be drugged up" husband and kids don't like the choices we have in America you can always go back to England "the land of the beautiful teeth" and deal with what you got there! But, I digress...The problem I have with politics is how rude everyone is about the other side. Can you not find a nice way of telling people why you do/do not like a candidate or his/her running mate? Does it have to be so darn cut-throat? I'm kind of tired of the whole thing!

Anyway, here's the video...I think she forgot to take her pill today!

Pro Choice/Pro Life

2008-09-21T01:08:00.002-04:00

It's election time again and obviously a sticking point for a lot of people is the arugument for and against Pro Choice and Pro Life. To be honest, I don't know beyond a shadow of a doubt which argument I am for. I know that for me an abortion would never be the answer (luckily, due to a hysterectomy I will never have to test that), but I do think there are times when it is a good decision. What about the girl who is gang raped and gets pregnant? What about the woman who due to medical concerns would put herself in grave danger by continuing the pregnancy?

I read the book of Gia a girl who survived the abortion her mother had. It is a heart-wrenching book and certainly makes you think of the effects of abortion on the person receiving one, the fetuses that do die, and the ones that survive such as with this case.

But then you hear about the girl who is far too young and already has had children and you wonder if caring through with the pregnancy and adopting out the baby is truly the best idea.

I've decided that this is a subject that simply should not be part of politics. It should be a private decision made by those involved and their physician and only them! Yes, the argument is that we are killing one of God's children, but I have to ask - do you think he really likes the other stuff we do to our bodies? It's a personal choice - not a government decision! They can no more make you a Republican or Democrat no matter how much they try once you have made up your mind - so why can they decide on this?

Cast your vote for the candidate that overall can run the country the best, not based on whether or not they are Pro Choice or Pro Life.

Meet the Parents

2008-09-21T00:49:00.002-04:00

Is there ever really a great time to meet the parents? Do you date someone and instantly think "Wow...I just can't wait to meet his/her parents"? I don't believe I have ever come in contact with anyone who gets that excited about it. More than anything I think it's more a nervous "Okay, what the heck" situation when it finally takes place. And then, of course, there is every other scenario in between.

How about dating someone for quite a while (maybe continually / maybe on and off) and the parents are coming to town and they don't really even know about you. What then? How exactly does that conversation go? Not just between you and the parents, but what about between you and the significant other?

What about meeting someone on Match - having great chemistry and heading home with that person knowing full well their mother has recently come to live with him/her? You have had a wonderful date including dinner and a few drinks, a good movie, and then terrific conversation at a bar afterward with a pretty good band playing in the background. The signs are all there and you decide to join your date for a sleep over party! You figure you will get up early and head out before the mother is the wiser...and then, you wake up in the morning and realize it didn't go quite as planned! You get up, clean up (you know - the I just had major surgery and can't hop in shower kind of washing or the I didn't bring all my crap clean-up), brush your teeth, brush your hair to the best of your ability considering it is sticking up in more places than you have ever imagined it could. After your quick stint in the bathroom your date heads in to take a full shower, enjoying all the amenities because, well, he/she is in the comfort of their own home. And while they shower you make small talk with mom who you realize is up and about since the time you shut the bathroom door to start your make-shift showering process. You secretly pray to yourself that you hope this doesn't ruin your chances of seeing your date again because you really, really enjoyed the evening AND the sleep over party!

According to the conversations with my friends, discussing such events as above, it seems that everyone has the same feeling..."Whew, it seemed like the parents liked me. I just hope my date and/or boyfriend/girlfriend keeps me around long enough not to go through that "first time" meeting stuff again anytime soon!"

Dating is not for the faint at heart...you have to be prepared for everything. The conversations leading up to the first meeting (especially with this Internet dating age), the initial meeting, the sleep over parties, AND meeting the parents. Are you sure you're up to it? Sometimes I'm not so sure I am!

Salon Life

2008-09-16T19:00:00.006-04:00

As many of you know, being in the salon/beauty industry is a passion of mine! This past Saturday, September 13th I started apprenticing in a salon owned by 2 women I consider friends. We initially met at a Dermalogica class while I still owned my salon. We then crossed paths again when I got involved in the Joy of Connecting (a networking group for women).

Now that I am in school for Cosmetology I approached them about the possibility of apprenticing in their salon and they have graciously agreed. So, although I may not have been as busy as some of the others in the salon on Saturday I could tell it was exactly where I belonged! It is what I love! I think, as of right now, I still love the managment/ownership part of it the best, but I still love just being in that environment.

I started my day with Carrie doing a client's hand treatment (aaahhh...the relaxing feel of a hand massage and hot paraffin wax!), followed by shampooing 2 clients for their services, a shampoo, blowdry and flatiron on a college Freshmen, and then the same for an employee, followed by my final "client" - a clipper cut (1 guard all over) for Carrie's husband Scott. Because of my slight need to be a perfectionist I was not 100% happy with the results, but I learned a lot on Saturday and can't wait to learn more!

All in all I am proud of myself - my mom can't wait until I know enough to cut her hair (I colored it the weekend before - nothing fancy this time around - just getting my feet wet). Perhaps I really should have done this Cosmetology thing a long time ago! Nonetheless, I'm doing it and I can't wait to be able to do it more than every other Saturday.

Friends and family...be sure to come see me and help me practice! Don't let Ms Suzikins (pictured below) have all the fun!

Freedom of Speech is a Wonderful thing!

2008-09-16T17:24:00.004-04:00

Again with the politics...I am not usually into politics that much. In fact, I must humbly admit that for the first few years that I was eligible to vote I did not. The reason unfortunately was due to my lack of knowledge and lack of interest in something that should have been more important to me than I allowed it to be.

I prefer to consider myself "middle of the road" because I would like to be able to make an educated decision on the best candidate based on their credentials and ability to lead our country - not just based on Republican vs Democrat.

And what I love most about the process of voting and living in the US is the fact that I, as a US citizen, have Freedom of Speech. This freedom of speech comes in many forms...and one that I happen to be laughing about right now is the skit from SNL from this past Saturday. How can you not love Tina Fey as Sarah Palin?

Here's the clip - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Hell - I've now watched it 5 times!

Politics again...

2008-09-15T17:05:00.002-04:00

Oh dear...as the time draws near for the election things get heated up more and more but then there is always JibJab to bring us back to earth! I laughed pretty damn hard when I saw this one (might have even peed a little - LOL).

You know my feelings on the election, but no matter who you like - this is worth a good belly laugh!

Do you remember this day 7 years ago?

2008-09-11T09:27:00.004-04:00

Today marks the 7th anniversary of the tragedy most of us simply refer to as 9/11. At 38 years old I still have enough of my brain functions to remember where I was the moment I heard what happened...I was sitting at my desk in Buford, GA at Qualisys Occupational Training. I was the only one in the office that day and received a phone call about the first plane hitting one of the Twin Towers in Manhattan (my all time favorite US city). I instantly turned my focus away from work and to the Fox News website to keep a close eye on what was happening. Never very political, I wasn't much into news or anything similar until that day. I watched hours and hours of Fox News and read Newsweek with a new found sense of responsibility and, of course, dedication to the country I have grown to love.

I don't watch as much news today as I did for the weeks following 9/11 because quite frankly most of it is just too sad. I watch certain clips and keep up with some of the "major" news stories, but other than that I prefer to spend my leisure time watching shows that are more up beat and funny in an otherwise morbidly curious society.

I do, however, love to watch and listen to anything having to do with remembering this day 7 years ago. It makes me think of my nephew who is now only 3 years old. He was not born when this happened, he has no recollecton of this event, and I can't help but wonder what he will think years from now when (or maybe IF) this is part of his history book. Will he look at the large high-rise buildings around him and think it impossible for anyone to huff and puff and blow them down? Will something more tragic happen that excludes this event from history books? Will textbook authors decide it is too awful to include or not important enough? One of my history books in SC included information about the start of the grocery chain Piggly Wiggly? Is that more important than a national event that for the most part rocked the world and not just the US?

Whatever you were doing on that day I am sure you remember it vividly. I am sure you are aware that this caused the US to jump into action and go to war in Iraq. A war that by many accounts was a mistake. Let there be no mistake, however, that I believe in doing anything we need to in order to keep the US safe. There are many US soldiers over in Iraq and other countries doing what they feel in their heart is for the safety of our country, their friends and family left behind in this country, and for everyone the world over. Do not disrespect them by announcing your lack of faith in the war - stand behind them and pray for them. They need to know that we stand behind them even if we don't agree. To me it's just like hating your brother but the minute someone says something bad against him you are the first to defend him (heck - you can go back to hating him later when no one is looking). You may not love the choices of a friend or family member, but because you love them you stand behind them. That is what is important right now! Believe in those that are on the front line so that they continue to have the courage to wake up each day and fight.

As the granddaughter of am Army POW/MIA in WWII, the granddaughter of a Navy veteran, the daughter of a Navy veteran (my father was in for 38 years), and the step-daughter of a Navy veteran I commend each and every soldier who fights for my freedom whether on US soil or abroad! Thank you for what you do for my country - the country I love and am proud to call home!

Owning a business…It’s What I was MEANT to do!

2008-09-09T20:37:00.001-04:00

At the ripe old age of 11 I took over the paper route that a neighborhood kid (I can’t even remember who it was now) no longer wanted. As a young girl this obviously wasn’t the norm – only boys had paper routes. But I wasn’t thinking of it from that stand point. My main goal was to have my own money and I knew I could make a decent “living” with this particular job. I lived in a condominium complex at the time and had approximately 65 customers, which fluctuated up and down by a couple of papers per week. I started making money and was able to buy things for myself that my friends couldn’t.

This led me to my next venture which was to create my own business cards on index cards and pass them out for babysitting. My first real babysitting job was at the age of 12 and as that money started rolling in I knew I was meant to be a business owner someday. I just “knew” in my heart that owning a business was what I was meant to do.

While in high school I started working the typical part-time retail jobs like everyone else. It all started with my first “real” job as the elevator operator at Kerrison’s department store in downtown Charleston, SC. It was my job to greet the customers in a friendly manner and take them to the 2nd floor for gift wrapping, layaway, or fur storage or the 4th floor for the credit department where the customers were able to pay their store account bill (it was a little different in the early 1980s). The Customer Service Manager was so impressed with me (I mean, who wouldn’t be…) that she asked me to work in customer service handling gift wrapping, layaway and the fur storage accounts. I was the youngest employee they had ever had. This position led me to another department eventually where my mother worked – the credit department. At 15 years old I answered phone calls from customers calling about their credit accounts. I felt pretty good about myself!

When we moved back to CT I got back into retail, again working for a small, family-owned department store (D&L). Along with my part-time job at D&L I also worked after school at the Town Hall in the tax assessor’s office Monday – Friday from 2:45 to 4:30 and on the nights I worked at D&L I would go from the Town Hall to there and then work 5:00 to 9:00. It was good stuff! I was making money, and I was buying great clothes! I spent approximately two years at D&L and then went on to bigger and better – Filene’s! Again I did the night time after school and weekend gig, but I also worked every summer until I graduated high school. I worked my way up from a clerk in the junior department to Misses (this is where the Liz Claiborne and higher end clothing was so it was a big deal to work in this department). My manager slowly began having me assist with the nightly closing procedures of the store which included going to other departments and closing down extra registers and checking the daily totals for the departments. From there I was asked to become a store trainer for new hires and to work in the cash office doing the daily deposit and everything pertaining to the cash operations of the store with the exception of actually running balance sheets and cash flow statements. I continued working part-time at Filene’s even after graduation and while working my first “real” full-time job in what some may call Corporate America. Filene’s lasted a total of 7 years until I found my “true love” which is the beauty industry. A friend of mine did my nails for years and eventually taught me the craft. I became a part-time nail technician performing manicures and acrylic nails in the evenings after my full-time job and on weekends. I also worked at the front desk as a Salon Coordinator and eventually became the manager of the salon (when I finally left the automotive industry after 8 years…to be discussed briefly in the next paragraph).

So…my first “real” job was actually a short stint at Electric Boat (where submarines are built) and realized rather quickly that it wasn’t for me and took a job at Lathrop Honda as a title clerk. I worked my way up from title clerk to sales secretary. When Lathrop Honda hit a bumpy road I left after being offered a position at Westbrook Honda. This is where I met a woman, Shirley, who had a great impact on my life – her advice to me, which I will never forget was “If you ever want to be more than you are today you have to teach someone what you are doing today.” At first I had a hard time with this philosophy. For me I felt it was easier to just go ahead and “do it” instead of take the time to teach someone else. It probably took me until my late 20s or early 30s to ever really get what she meant by that. I finally realized it when I was working my way up with a company here in Georgia that I started working for as a Training Coordinator (fancy name for Administrative Assistant).

During my employment with that company I moved with my family to Austell, GA. While searching for a new church home I met a woman who began talking to my mother and the subject of salons and spas came up. Because the salon industry has truly been my passion since my days at the salon in CT (and a brief employment at a beautiful resort spa in Norwich, CT) the conversation came up on my radar. The woman asked me if I would like to buy her spa…the story being that she had owned it since she was 19 (so by the time I met her the salon had been in existence for approximately 35 years) and she was looking forward to being able to spend more time with her family. On this particular day that we met it just so happened that her mother was in the hospital due to a heart attack. I went to see the salon and take pictures the very next day. Two weeks later her mother died of a massive stroke while in the hospital and 45 minutes later her brother died from terminal cancer.

I worked with a counselor at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for over a year to prepare the documentation needed to get a loan to purchase the business. It was a long road and on the day I signed on the dotted line I could not be happier. The happiness lingered for a while and we had our share of ups and downs in the business, but each day that I woke up I was excited to be going to my OWN business. This was what I was meant to do. I worked very hard, I made changes (big and small), I dedicated every minute of my day to making the salon/spa a success. In the end it didn’t work out the way I wanted it to, but I learned a lot of terrific lessons, met wonderful people, and wouldn’t trade any of it (well, okay, maybe some of it) for the world!

On Thursday, April 24th I announced to my staff that I could no longer afford to continue the business and would be closing effective that moment. Up until an hour before that I was still not sure what would happen because I was waiting on final word from the bank as to whether or not they would extend credit to continue to grow my business. When the word came back from the bank that they were unable to extend credit I knew my only option was closing. Please understand that for me failure was NEVER an option. Upon telling my staff (all of whom I had – and still would if they didn’t mind – called my friends) I had a slight nervous break down and thought I was having a heart attack. I just never saw me closing any business in this manner. My staff has all moved on and I’m sure they believe they have gone on to better things. Some may one day admit that they learned a lot working with/for me, but I don’t blame them if they have nothing good to say. Ending a business in this manner is horrible for all involved. When I closed I hadn’t paid myself a paycheck since January – times were very tough! I was at the brink of losing everything (and some days I still wonder how I will make it, but thanks to my faith I am making it one small step at a time).

I am here today to tell you that despite what happened and the feelings failure I am ready to try it again someday (hopefully sooner rather than later). I enrolled in Cosmetology school and my first quarter just ended – only a million more to go (Just kidding – I will be done in September 2009 as long as all goes well). I am beginning to put together new ideas and strategies for the next time I do this. I will NOT buy an existing business again (unless it is a 2nd location and I already have my own place established), I will start small (the place I bought was located in 5,000 square feet), I will be able to step in and provide services if needed (I was strictly a business owner last time and now with my Cosmetology license I can do whatever it takes to build my business), and I will enlist the help of others. The biggest lesson I learned was not enlisting the help of others until it was too late – I will put my pride aside and ask for help! Next time I am thinking way outside the box! I am looking for new and exciting ways to attract investors, provide them a ROI, and attract great clients!

I’m here to say it is never okay to quit…so I will live by one of my favorite quotes is “Never, never, never quit!" ~ Winston Churchill And one my new favorites is this: Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted...

Believe me when I say I didn’t get what I wanted. My goal was always to own my own business and make enough money to take care of my parents (mother, step-father, father, step-mother) no matter what they need. I don’t think it’s too late to make that happen! If I truly work at it this can still come to fruition. I have great family and friends cheering me along the way and I am convinced the next time will be well worth the trip! I hope you will join me on my journey to the top!

Change...We all Want it!

2008-09-04T21:10:00.000-04:00

Change - we all (well most of us) want it and some of us actually like it and thrive on it!

An election is coming up and each of us is hoping for change. Some of us simply want George W gone and would literally vote for anyone with a pulse and who can fog up a mirror. This, my friends, is not the right kind of change. That's like having cottage cheese thighs and wearing spandex instead of nice tailored pants. Don't make us all suffer for your mistakes and bad judgement!

I am not as they say a "Republican," but I am also (much to my grandmother's dismay) not a Democrat. Yes, I'd rather be a Fatass (Elephant's remember everything) than a Jackass. I am more inclined to go with "if I like what you stand for than I will vote for you." What I am concerned about, however, are the changes the left wants to make regarding taxes. As a former business owner and someone who wants to own a business again in the future I am sincerely worried about this. It has always been a common thing for the Dems to raise taxes and Obama has stated that he will. He has, however, stated he won't tax YOU or ME...it will be about businesses. Hmmm...well, as a previous business owner I say HOLY CRAP and as a future business owner I repeat myself HOLY CRAP!

When I closed my business at the end of April a friend had seen on Corrupt News Network (oh, that's CNN) that the number of foreclosures of small businesses had exceeded the number of foreclosures on homes. Either way you look at it that is a grim fact! But small businesses have been paving the way for a long time and are a majority of the businesses in this country! Drive up taxes and guess what? No more small businesses...

I can't say I'm completely overwhelmed and excited about how much money I make right now. Hell...I made quite a bit before trying to live my dream and run a salon. But I am a lot happier with how much I make right now compared to how much I will have left after a nice, hefty tax increase!

I'm not saying I love John McCain (although I do think Sarah Palin rocks!), but I am saying we need to think about this! I know a lot of people in Cosmetology school where I attend who want to own their own shop in the future instead of work for someone else...this could be virtually impossible (or at the very least extremely difficult) if business taxes go up (and up and up...).

Think WAY back (I know some of us are nearing 40 or have even just hit that milestone) to your Economics and Macroeconomics classes...if businesses are taxed more who pays more??? And who gets paid less??? Yep, that's right - the employee and the consumer!

Honestly, I'm darn near close to just writing in a name on the ballot just to not have to pick one over the other. But, for anyone EVER considering your own business, on the payroll somewhere, or having anything at all to do with a business...you cannot vote for INCREASED TAXES!

My first BLOG...

2008-09-04T20:39:00.000-04:00

Okay, it's not really my first "first" BLOG since I've technically blogged on MySpace, but it's my first OWN BLOG site! And I just know everyone out there in cyperspace has been anxiously awaiting my arrival...

I have some writings in the work. Some are quote/unquote postable and some - not so much! But, I will do my best to be discreet and not offend. Who am I kidding? This is my BLOG...if you don't like it - don't read it. It's truly that simple!

So, I need to do some tweaking on my very important first realy post. Will get it to you as soon as I can!