So, I was Thinking.........Random Ramblings of a Rowdy Redhead

January 3rd, 2012 One Photo a Day

2012-01-03T20:59:00.000-05:00

This is a beautiful shell bouquet I found, many years ago, at a thrift store. I am currently working on making shell art. Sailors Valentines, mosaics, and 3D objects are also on my list of things to do. Dave and I have been taking classes, in mosaic arts, together. It is a fun art form incorporating glass, tile, shells, and found objects. Our teacher is a very talented woman and her studio is filled with some amazing artists. We really enjoy our time there.

One Photo a Day January 2, 2012

2012-01-02T23:31:00.000-05:00

These are my beautiful fur babies Loki and Kapua. 3 year old Australian Shepard brothers. They are the sweetest dogs, to my husband and I. However, they have an issue with fear. They fear everything, including butterflies. They were brought up around our two human sons and it takes time for the dogs to remember them. In fact, Loki can forget who you are if he turns around too fast. But they are my goofy dogs and I couldn't imagine our lives without them.

One Photo a Day 2012

2012-01-01T22:18:00.000-05:00

I have challenged myself to take a photo a day for the 366 days of 2012.
If you would like to join me, you can get more info on how to do it, follow the link.
http://shuttersisters.com/home/2009/1/12/tips-for-shooting-one-photo-a-day-for-365-days.html

Here is photo number one.....Planet Hollywood in Downtown Disney, Florida.
Dave and I had a wonderful day of people watching and fantastic food. This is not where we ate, this is the view from Bongo's Cuban Restaurant. The combo platter, filled with mouth watering Cuban food, was perfect for the two of us. After lunch, we sat for a few hours of people watching and ice cream. The international visitors were such a treat to watch. Happy babies, tiny children, young adults, and much older one's, from all over the world. We had a great spot, right in the middle of the action. So much so, that our bench became the Grandpa parking spot. Seemed every few minutes some family would park their Grandpa on the bench, to wait for them to finish shopping. We met a few wonderful folks that way. Too soon it was time to head home. We will go back soon.

Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-01T21:43:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I was last here. Life has been very busy. There have been births, deaths, our oldest has joined the Navy, and our youngest turns 17, the 26th of this month. WOW, time does fly. Dave and I are doing great, he is enjoying his job, and we have both started working in mosaics. I have also decided to partake in a photography chalange, one photo a day. This will help to remind me to get the camera out along with myself. It will also help to get me online, if only to post and comment.

It's been a while!

2011-05-25T09:44:00.001-04:00

Well hello,
   it's been quite sometime since been here. A lot of things that happened in last couple of months. One of those things is I'm turning 50. To be exact I'm turning 50 on Saturday. So I've been celebrating this entire month.
   One thing I did to celebrate was buy a Dragon. Okay, so I didn't run out and buy big giant firebreathing dragon with wings, that would've been really cool. What I did was get the Dragon speech recognition program and so far so good. See, I can't type, never learned, that made blogging a bit difficult. Which is one of the reasons why been gone so long. The other reason of course is that nobody reads this thing.
   I guess I write for me. I don't really write for anyone else. If someone happens to see it, read it, comment, that's wonderful. If not, that's okay. So here I am wandering around, dictating nonsense on my blog.
   I made a deal with myself for my 50th birthday and that is I'm going to try and commit to writing my blog at least once a day. Hopefully you'll find it interesting worth commenting on and if not I'm, okay with that my dogs still love me.

Love

2010-11-16T02:25:00.000-05:00

I know I am blessed to feel this way about my husband.

Happiness

2010-11-15T17:00:00.002-05:00

Those who can laugh without cause have either found the true meaning of happiness or have gone stark raving mad. ~Norm Papernick

Magical Nights

2010-10-04T01:40:00.001-04:00

Laying in the dark, with the moisture in the air, listening to the soft sound of the fan and watching the car lights making slatted shadows that danced across the walls. It didn't take much imagination to put me back in my childhood home, at Grandma's house. I was safe, secure and in heaven.
It didn't take much to rip me from my magical moment. Just the hard movements, and loud snores, from the man in the bed with me. He reached out for me in his sleep, pulling me into his arms, and held me close. I am safe, secure and in heaven. What a magical night.

After a while you learn.....

2010-09-08T03:55:00.000-04:00

After a while you learn…

“After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul, and you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning and company doesn’t mean security, and you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts and presents aren’t promises, and you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child, and you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans. After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much. So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. And you learn that you really can endure… that you really are strong, and you really do have worth.” ~Veronica A. Shoffstall

Poppy

2010-09-07T07:42:00.000-04:00

Today, Dave decided we needed nick names. So he named me "Poppy" after the California Poppy. California's State flower and my Grandpa's favorite. He says I am a California Girl and always fun and sunny, as the poppy is. Dave then said from now on I should call him......"DANGER". OK, after I stopped laughing, I said he ...should put off nick names for awhile. I love my husband so.......

Talent ?

2010-08-25T17:19:00.000-04:00

All my life I have felt I had a talent, other than talking.
I have spent years making many artistic attempts.
It started very early. My grandma taught me to draw, crochet, embroider, and sew. I would make doll dresses, stuffed animals and I drew many a costume.
She also jump started my love of theater and acting. We would spend hours perfecting hair, make up and costumes. I continued with theater all through high school and for many years after that.
I have since tried hot glass, painting, photography, and stained glass.
I am OK at most of what I have tried. However, my painting, drawing and crocheting end up looking like a three year old has done it. I believe it was described as "Primitive".
I love working with my hands. I love working with colors. So it looks like I am ready to try another project. I'll be working with fabric and lace. We will see what happens. It may not turn out well but I am sure it will be fun.

2010-08-12T17:24:00.000-04:00

After years of being raised by a policeman, working as a grief counselor, as an EMT, and years with the police and fire departments, I have developed a dark sense of humor.

My guess is these folks (and their family) will be laughing too, some day.

http://failblog.org/2010/08/01/epic-fail-photo-safe-snacking-fail/

Ageless Style

2010-08-11T13:50:00.000-04:00

Hundred and one-year-old Sally Gordon listens to speakers as she is given America's Outstanding Oldest Worker award for 2010, at a ceremony in Lincoln, Neb., Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010. Gordon has been in the work force 84 years. For the last 26 years, she has been an assistant sergeant-at-arms, or "red coat" for the state, serving the Nebraska Legislature while it is in session.(AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Another one of my "Heros". I adore older, strong, passionate, classy women. They help set me back on track when ever I start feeling old.

http://jezebel.com/5610016/woman-is-the-oldest-worker-does-it-in-style

The Rainbow Bridge

2010-08-10T19:49:00.001-04:00

In honor of all pets passed.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author Unknown

Redistribution of Wealth Program

2010-08-09T04:56:00.000-04:00

It seems I will not be headed out to California this September as planned. Last week The Husband and I entered into a small "redistribution of wealth" program. We were approached by two young men, who made eloquent pleas, asking for help. One, our 19 year old college student in need of assistance after unexpected doctors bills and school expenses . The other, our 15 year old, whose mother was in between jobs. His request was for items to start his Freshman year in High School. So it appears that all budgeted disposable income will be sent to our kids in Phoenix, for the next few months. Hopefully I'll make it to California after the first of the new year. That's only 5 months.

Killer Clown

2010-08-07T11:25:00.001-04:00

I know, I will probubly go to hell for laughing at this.
I dare you not to laugh.

http://www.boingboing.net/2010/07/22/killed-by-being-swun.html

Decision rejects Prop 8: Ruling Gay lesbian or same-sex marriages are recognized in California

2010-08-04T17:53:00.000-04:00

I can not tell you how happy I am to hear this news from my home state California. Every adult should have the right to marry, the adult they choose, regardless of sexual orientation.
Thank you people of California, and the Judge who over turned the ban, for all your hard work and good sense.

Decision rejects Prop 8: Ruling Gay lesbian or same-sex marriages are recognized in California

Rape Analogy: The “Walking in a Bad Neighborhood” Theory

2010-02-23T17:21:00.000-05:00

Rape Analogy: The “Walking in a Bad Neighborhood” Theory

A Linear Life?

2010-02-20T20:11:00.002-05:00

When I was younger I thought of life as linear, one event happening after another. That was how history was taught in school. That is how I perceived it for a long time. Truth be told, everything is happening at once and this week, again, is proof. I was reading my 'Facebook" page, yes I have one, with my real name and everything. All of my friends updates brought me back to reality. First me, I awoke in extreme pain. I could barely move, let alone think. I didn't want to think much either because I couldn't escape the anniversary of my father's death. However that memory was countered by the birth of two beautiful and healthy girls. Making two of my favorite women Grandmas. Reading further I got to celebrate a wedding anniversary, and two more birthdays. Further reading took me to the funeral of a friends mother, the death of a life long friend and death of a 15 month old child. Should I stop? No. Then I would have missed one friend helping children and another putting all her free time into animal rescue. There are two more of my favorite women working their ass's off to make themselves healthier and the lives of their children better, someone just got a new job as we got a pay and benefits cut. We still have a job as another friend finds himself unemployed and yet another starts on a entirely new career. I won't stop reading, I won't stop crying or laughing, I will keep on living, along with my friends, in this great crisscrossing of events. Funny, does not stop being funny, because someone is sad. Sadness however lessens when exposed to the light. To my friends and family, please continue to share both your ups and downs. It helps to know we are not alone. I love you all and I am grateful that you share and that I can share with you.

Still here

2010-02-19T21:52:00.004-05:00

Well, I am still here and so is the pain. I need to get another appointment, find out how far the bone has disintegrated. Then we can figure out what to do next.
The Husband is still looking for a new job. We have not heard from the last interviewer for two weeks. However, the current job has announced another pay and benefits cut. This is for the second time in 4 months. The good news is that my disability has increased by one dollar a month. Yeah!!!!! We are happy and doing well. We are open for change. This is a good life.

Feeling

2010-02-11T17:35:00.002-05:00

Haven't been doing much thinking lately. Mostly feeling these days. The last few have me feeling sad. I am not quite sure why as most days find me very happy. I guess you could say I am feeling a bit homesick for my home state and city. No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to get the ocean out of this girl. The rain here has been a nice change. We are still waiting on word from the company that The Husband interviewed at. It's been 6 weeks already. I also have been in a lot more pain than usual. Come to think of it Valentine's day is Sunday and the anniversary of my dad's death. I guess if I had done a bit more thinking, I might have understood sooner why I have been feeling sad. Makes sense now.

Who's your Daddy ?

2009-11-24T11:54:00.003-05:00

Gandhi-following, peace-loving, free-spirited vegetarian who was adopted at birth has discovered the worst possible thing a son could find out about his father – his dad is Charles Manson.

"It’s like finding out that Adolf Hitler is your father," said Matthew Roberts, a Los Angeles disc jockey.

A curious Roberts, 41, began investigating his poisoned family tree about 12 years ago, when he contacted a social services agency, which located his mother, Terry, in Wisconsin, according to the London Sun.

His reluctant natural mom fed him bits and pieces, like his first and middle name — Lawrence Alexander — withholding his infamous surname until she could summon the courage to tell him the truth.

But Roberts pressed her for more details until she finally revealed the shocking secret, that his dad was one of the most infamous serial killers the world has ever known.

"I didn’t want to believe it," Roberts said. "I was frightened and angry. I’m a peaceful person -- trapped in the face of a monster."

Terry told Roberts he was born after Manson raped her in a drug-fueled orgy in 1967. She gave the baby up for adoption.

Even she admits her long-lost son bears a striking resemblance to the mastermind whose family of commune followers committed nine gruesome murders in Los Angeles in 1969. Their victims included pregnant actress Sharon Tate, film director Roman Polanski’s wife.

Manson, 75, is an inmate at Corcoran State Prison in California.

After five years, Roberts’ eventually wrote to Manson, who replied with letters and postcards -- eerily signed with an ugly swastika -- the wartime Nazi symbol Manson has tattooed onto his menacing forehead.

Roberts said he has his own bouts with schizophrenia, but other than that, the apple fell far from the tree.

"My hero is Gandhi," Roberts said. "I’m an extremely non-violent, peaceful person and a vegetarian. I don’t even kill bugs. I’ve had long hair all my life. I could make it go away, but I can’t let the world and their fears change me."

Nashville for the 21st Century: 0.4% of Gun Deaths Linked to Concealed-Carry

2009-11-23T02:11:00.001-05:00

Nashville for the 21st Century: 0.4% of Gun Deaths Linked to Concealed-Carry

The Art of Giving Up - DYSKE.COM

2009-11-21T06:28:00.002-05:00

The Art of Giving Up - DYSKE.COM

Posted using ShareThis

The most beautiful suicide

2009-11-20T02:09:00.007-05:00

I remember seeing this Time cover years ago when I was a child. My dad had saved it for all those years. I remember the woman as looking so beautiful and peaceful. I often thought what could have led her to this. I have been told over the years that this photo did not exist and that I must have imagined it. I was happy to have found it just as I remembered. Though sad to know that such a young woman thought this was her only choice.

On May 1, 1947, Evelyn McHale leapt to her death from the observation deck of the Empire State Building. Photographer Robert Wiles took a photo of McHale a few minutes after her death. The photo ran a couple of weeks later in Life magazine accompanied by the following caption:

On May Day, just after leaving her fiancé, 23-year-old Evelyn McHale wrote a note. 'He is much better off without me ... I wouldn't make a good wife for anybody,' ... Then she crossed it out. She went to the observation platform of the Empire State Building. Through the mist she gazed at the street, 86 floors below. Then she jumped. In her desperate determination she leaped clear of the setbacks and hit a United Nations limousine parked at the curb. Across the street photography student Robert Wiles heard an explosive crash. Just four minutes after Evelyn McHale's death Wiles got this picture of death's violence and its composure.

From McHale's NY Times obituary, Empire State Ends Life of Girl, 20:

At 10:40 A. M., Patrolman John Morrissey of Traffic C, directing traffic at Thirty-fourth Street and Fifth Avenue, noticed a swirling white scarf floating down from the upper floors of the Empire State. A moment later he heard a crash that sounded like an explosion. He saw a crowd converge in Thirty-third Street.
Two hundred feet west of Fifth Avenue, Miss McHale's body landed atop the car. The impact stove in the metal roof and shattered the car's windows. The driver was in a near-by drug store, thereby escaping death or serious injury.
On the observation deck, Detective Frank Murray of the West Thirtieth Street station, found Miss McHale's gray cloth coat, her pocketbook with several dollars and the note, and a make-up kit filled with family pictures.

The serenity of McHale's body amidst the crumpled wreckage it caused is astounding. Years later, Andy Warhol appropriated Wiles' photography for a print called Suicide (Fallen Body), but I can't find a copy of it anywhere online.Anyone?

Update: A not-so-great representation of Warhol's version of this photographis available at Google Books. (thx, ruben)

Update: Here's a better photo of Warhol's print. (thx, lots of people)

Update: Here's the page as it appeared in Life Magazine.

By Jason Kottke • Jul 16, 2008 at 02:49 pm • Andy Warhol Empire State Building evelynmchale photography suicide

Worst Job Ever?

2009-11-11T10:39:00.001-05:00

Animal Masturbator

Researchers who want animal sperm -to study fertility or for artificial insemination-have a suite of attractive options: They can ram an electric probe up an animal's rectum, shove an artificial
vagina onto the animal's penis, or simply do it the old-fashioned way-manual stimulation. The first option, electroejaculation, uses a priapic rectal probe to send electricity pulsing through the animal's nether regions. "All the normal excitatory signals that stimulate ejaculation, like touch, sight, soundand smell, can be replaced with the current from the probe," says Trish Berger, professor of animal science at the University of California, Davis. "It's fascinating. Of course, this is a woman talking." Electroejaculation generally requires anesthetizing the animal and is typically used on zoo dwellers. The other two methods-the artificial vagina, or AV, and the good old hand-require that animals be trained to the procedure. The AV-a large latex tube coated with warm lubricant -is used primarily to get sperm from dairy bulls (considered the most ornery and dangerous of bovines). The bull gets randy with a steer; when he mounts the steer with his forelegs, a brave technician, AV in hand, insinuates himself between the two aroused beastsand deftly redirects the bull's penis into the mock genitalia, which he must then hold tight while the bull orgasms. (Talk about bull riding!) Three additional technicians attempt to ensure this (fool)hardy soul's safety by anchoring themselves to restraining ropes attached to a ring in the bull's nose. Alas, this isn't always absolutely effective: Everyone who's wielded an AV has had at least one close call, and more than a few have been sent to the hospital. The much safer "digital pressure" is used mostly with pigs, who are trained from an early age to mount a small bench while the researcher reaches around with a gloved hand and provides appropriate pleasure-er, pressure. (Link)

Introducing My Boys.....

2009-11-10T11:32:00.002-05:00

KAPUA
LOKI

These are my beautiful boys. 16 month old, Australian Shepherd, brothers. I adore them.

Kapua is the larger of the two. He is delicate in build and the "Lover". Loki is the smaller brother. He is stocky and has a wider head with shorter muzzle. He is affectionally referred to as our "ADHD" dog. He is very hyper with a short attention span. Both these boys are my pride and joy.

They are very smart, which has caused us to have to think differently. Loki has learned to open the guest bedroom door. Anyone staying overnight had better be ready for a late night visitor and a wet kiss. Loki also has learned that if he wants to sit where Kapua is, all he has to do is run outside , bark until Kapua comes out to see what's up, then run inside to take the coveted spot.

I think they need a job.

Wallpaper Find

2009-11-10T11:23:00.000-05:00

This is an amazing wallpaper . Black a Grey flocked skulls.

19911 Barbara Hulanicki Skulls Black Motif Wallpaper : Graham & Brown

Wow, how long?

2009-11-03T02:55:00.002-05:00

Ok, so it's been almost 5 months since I last wrote here. A lot has happened. The most important has been reconnecting with old friends and lost relatives. I couldn't be happier about that.

Also, my youngest Step son Kody has started spending more time with us.

One of the things this has helped us do, is re evaluate our living style. We have known for sometime that we were feeling unsettled. We have lived in our current home for 7 years. We have painted, repainted, changed furniture, and redecorated to many times to mention. We do not feel at home here.

Part of the reason maybe that this house was purchased with a completely different lifestyle in mind. We had two small children living with us. We thought we would need the extra bedrooms. We thought we would still be having the combined family's holiday celebrations here. We didn't think we would be able to travel.

Wouldn't you know, everything has changed.

One kid is 18 and doesn't spend any time here. The 14 year old only spends every other weekend. Our families are scattered and no longer get together here for the holidays. We have family and friends, all over the country, that we enjoying spending time with. We are able to do that now.

The house is too big for the two of us. Maybe not too big but more than we need. We spend every free weekend doing home repairs or yard work. Why? We are thinking this over. We are regrouping. Possibly getting ready for a hard reset. Could be an adventure. We'll see.

Oh how I want this

2009-06-25T12:52:00.004-04:00

Click here for a much larger version of this picture
Snow White-Inspired ‘Heart Box’ Is First in Collection to Be Previewed at Comic-Con and D23 Expo
(June 9, 2009) Bringing together the masterful storytelling of Disney with the renowned artistry of eFX Inc., an all-new line of limited-edition collectibles will be unveiled this September, inspired by some of Disney’s classic films and the comic antics of the Muppets.
These new collectibles extend the magic of Disney into pieces that recall the beauty and spectacle that is unique to Disney, beginning with a tribute to the “fairest of them all,” Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
eFX plans to preview several pieces from its new Disney collection during San Diego Comic-Con in July, and at Disney’s first-ever D23 Expo, Sept. 10 to Sept. 13 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
The premiere release in eFX’s new Disney line is the exquisitely designed “Heart Box,” inspired by the designs of the wicked Queen in Disney’s first full-length animated feature. Presented to the Huntsman, the Heart Box was intended to be used as proof of Snow White’s demise. As befits the coolly glamorous wicked Queen, eFX’s Heart Box is intricately constructed from solid hardwood and its opening features an imaginative 24-karat gold-plated heart that locks with a dagger.
The Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Heart Box meticulously recreates the design of the film’s original animation, with rich, vivid colors and the attention to detail and craftsmanship that is the hallmark of eFX.
The Heart Box sits on an ornate, museum-quality display base that features a sculpture of the wicked Queen by renowned artist David Kracov, with whom eFX has developed a successful, ongoing collaborative relationship. Pre-orders for the Heart Box will begin shortly after Comic-Con, at http://www.efxcollectibles.com/. Each “Heart Box” will include an individually numbered plaque and will not exceed 500 pieces worldwide.
“We have long been Disney fans ourselves, so developing authentic, detailed collectibles is tremendously exciting for us,” said Bryan Ono, president of eFX Inc. “With inspiration from Disney films and characters, we look forward to extending the magic of Disney even further into the lives of collectors.”
Upcoming pieces in development by eFX include:
Full-size, highly detailed “Photo Puppets” of favorite Muppet characters, including Rizzo the Rat, Miss Piggy, and Pépe the King Prawn;
An incredibly accurate, four-foot replica of Capt. Nemo’s Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, which will offer features not incorporated in any previous model of this iconic submarine;
Replicas and collectibles based on such classic Disney entertainment as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Pinocchio.
More details about eFX’s current and upcoming collectible pieces can be found at the eFX Inc. website, http://www.efxcollectibles.com/.

2009-06-24T00:40:00.002-04:00

I found this on A Law Enforcement Officer's web site http://bitchesinblue.blogspot.com
My Dad was a Policeman, for almost 30 years, in Compton, California.
It was, and still is, a tuff job. Police have one of the only jobs I know of where , even if you do your job correctly, someone is going to be angry at you.

God Bless and keep all of them safe.

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?
"The policeman squared his shoulders and said,"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell.

"Author Unknown "

Thank you Ladies, for this and all you do to help.
Posted by Bitches In Blue at 10:50 AM 4 comments

The Party's Over

2009-06-20T21:15:00.002-04:00

Today, I have committed to myself and family that I will give up drinking Coke. As I am writing this, I am sipping my last one. I know it won't be easy. Coke has been a big part of my life. Look back at any old photo from my Dad's side and there will be a Coke somewhere in that shot. You can follow the evolution of the Coke bottle and can by looking through those photos. Coke was every where. After my father died I started drinking more & collecting Coke memorabilia. Coke was a way of being closer to him.

I am not an over eater. I eat well but I am over weight due to an illness and medication. I also must admit that the Cokes have added to my weight gain. I have come to realize that the Cokes have taken a bigger place in my life than just a drink. I drank when in pain, lonely, and bored. I am making some major changes in my life. I am getting healthier, the pain is getting under control. It is time to let the Cokes go. I do not need them anymore, I don't want them anymore. I am committed to letting them go. Wish me luck.

I did it.

2009-06-20T21:12:00.002-04:00

Ok, I did it.
I signed up for a sitemeter. I will now be informed as to how many people do not visit my blog.

Drew Peterson arrested

2009-05-09T13:23:00.003-04:00

Finally,
this man is was one lucky bastard. Let's hope his luck has run out.

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2009/05/drew-petersons-mug-shot-new-details-his-arrest

Fact.....first wife divorced him for cheating.
Fact.....second wife left him for physical abuse and cheating.
Fact......third wife reported him to his superiors for physical abuse. She was found dead, drowned in an empty bathtub, a short time later.
Fact.......fourth wife disappeared with out a word or trace.
Fact.......engaged to 25 year old.
Fact.......25 year old fiance is an idiot.

F Cup Cookies

2009-05-06T19:13:00.002-04:00

If you’re looking for an alternative to breast implants, these cookies from Japan, called F Cup cookies, might be the answer. The package says if you eat two F-Cup cookies per day (they come four to a pack), your breasts will grow bigger, to an F-cup. Each cookie contains 50mg of a “miracle” breast enhancing herb called Pueraria Mirifica. The manufacture doesn’t know how many cookies you’ll have to eat until you see results, but assures consumers that the cookies will expand your breasts.

I increased my breast cup size, a few years back, by eating cookies but I got a bigger butt, belly, and an extra chin as a bonus.

Thank you Francie

2009-05-05T10:05:00.004-04:00

I started reading this blog. http://whatamisupposedtodonow.blogspot.com/
The blogger is a married, mother of three, under six. The blog starts when she is pregnant with her third child and beginning her life as a stay at home mom. She writes about how both excited and scared she is. She writes about having home births and how her last child caused them some worries but how it was all worth it. She is researching organic foods and clothing. She joins groups in order to help make her community a better place. I would love to be her friend.
Her last post was April 1st, 2009.

"Wednesday, April 01, 2009

I can't sleep and I am thinking
I am thinking about a board presentation I plan to give in May. I am thinking about sponsorship letters that need to go out for an event that is in Sept. I am thinking about driving my MIL to BWI in the morning. I am thinking that Chris and I will never agree on a new house to buy. I am thinking about how I volunteered to serve on the board of my Moms Club but am afraid it is going to be more work than I bargained for. I am thinking that I wish I was sleeping instead of typing on my blog. I am thinking that I miss my friend Heather and my friend Kim. I am thinking it is way too hard to make time to exercise.... I am thinking that I am pretty lucky to be awake and to be thinking about such trivial things. How truly blessed am I to be thinking about being able to give back to my community, to get to stay home with my children, share time with my children's' grandparents, and to have such wonderful friends that I care so much about...and to have my health and to be able to exercise. I am thinking how grateful I am!"

I would love to read more . Tell me how you and the kids are doing.... The weather, Chris's job, anything.
No matter how much I beg, Francie has written her last post. She didn't know it at the time. No one saw it coming. Turns out that 17 days after posting to us how blessed and grateful she is, she was murdered, along with her 3 children, by her husband. Who then shot himself. No one has an answer yet. Some say he had some debt issues. Some say mental problems. I doubt we will ever know the truth. It doesn't really matter. Knowing won't bring them back. It is strange now , to be reading the words of a dead woman. All I know is this beautiful woman, whose words took us into her heart, who had so many hopes and dreams for her family, has left a lasting memorial. She and her children will forever have a place in my heart.
Thank you Francie for sharing.

Because of the weather

2009-03-27T04:23:00.002-04:00

I worked another Spring Training Game last night. Cubs & Giants, almost 10,000 people. It started out just like any other game, except this one was at night. Five o' clock ,two hours before the game starts, the gates are opened to guests. (I was surprised at how many fans show up at every game, at gate opening.)
It was 81 degrees with a slight breeze here in Scottsdale, Arizona. A beautiful night was expected by all. Unfortunately Mother Nature had other ideas.
About six thirty the wind picked up and the night fell apart. Foul balls were the norm, making for very long innings. In addition to that, it got cold. Even the folks from Chicago were freezing. Allot of the fan chose to leave before the end of the 5th inning. Just as well, as it got worse.
The wind kept getting stronger and colder. Tents and signs were ripped down by the wind. Fans had to run to get out of the way of flying trash. I figured we were in for an injury or two when huge, full trash cans went flying four feet off the ground across the walk ways.
It got so bad that the game was called at the 7th inning because of weather.
The hard core fans, who had stayed the entire time,were understandably upset. Though even they knew that the wind had progressed to dangerous levels.
I am so grateful to my co workers and stadium officials, we had a hard job last night and no one was hurt.

Peta People

2009-03-12T22:00:00.003-04:00

Peta is a strange group. I understand the love of animals. I couldn't imagine my life with out them. Peta believes in animals rights. Peta believes that animals should be set free to be on their own. Peta has said that they do not even like the idea of service or companion animals. Come on people, dogs domesticated themselves. Now, would you follow these people?

George Clooney-flavoured tofu proposed by animal rights group Peta
Peta, the animal rights organisation, has announced that it would like to create tofu flavoured with the sweat of the Hollywood actor George Clooney.

By Mark Coleman in Los Angeles Last Updated: 11:18PM GMT 12 Mar 2009
In its latest campaign aimed at creating maximum publicity, the group suggested that the flavour of the Ocean's Eleven star's perspiration - extracted from the actor's gym towel - would appeal to his fans.
Ingrid Newkirk, president of Peta, sent a letter to Clooney urging him to participate in the extraordinary venture "to spare animals from being killed for the table".
According to the Washington Post, the actor's gym towel had been offered for auction by a Peta supporter.
"I thought, 'What would make tofu more attractive to people?'... I can see people having parties to try CloFu,'" Mrs Newkirk told the newspaper.
She justified her plan by comparing Clooney-flavoured tofu to "making artificial chicken flavour for instant gravy".
But the actor rejected Peta's overtures, although he clearly found the proposition amusing.
"As a mammal, I'm offended," he joked in a statement.

How do you lose a child?

2009-03-09T00:49:00.002-04:00

I am confused. How do you lose a child for hours? I am not talking about teenagers, where you might not know where they have been for the day. I am talking two year olds. Last week there were 4 children, two years old or under, found , walking alone on the streets of Phoenix . All of these children had been found by strangers. All of these children had been in fire or police care for hours before their parents noticed. Not one of these parents called the police when they noticed their child had been gone for hours. They just hopped into a car and drove around their neighborhood. The parents were found by police, who noticed that the cars seemed to be driving in a strange manner. One parent stated that they had three children and just didn't notice the two year old was gone. This child was found over two miles from his house. Another parent stated she thought Dad had taken her with him. Mind you , if she thought dad had this child, why was she searching for her? Also , she stated that dad left for work at 3:00am but she had fed this child breakfast with school aged kids. It appears that little one left home at the same time other kids left for school. Come on people, I have NEVER lost a child, I don't know anyone who has ever lost a child for HOURS from their HOUSE. Most of us have learned, early, if the child is quiet, go find them. It almost always means they are into something. Also I would like to add...If you find your child is missing.....First, call 911, have at least one parent stay home in case your child comes back, have friends and family look for the child. Do not do this your self. Get help. Maybe, like last week ,we can save you a search, we might already have them. Don't forget to check your locks, do they work? Can the kids reach them? Doggie Door? Or maybe you might try watching them a little closer. I love meeting your children, but I would rather do it another way.

I do not "GET" Fashion

2009-03-01T14:08:00.006-05:00

To me this just screams.....Look ma, I just graduated from clown collage. I am a plus size (14-16)

I hate to go shopping lately. Who are making these clothing choices for us? Could it be some super skinny chick who is jealous of our curves. Or maybe some woman hating man, because no one who loves us would market these clothes.

And whose great idea was it to put big girls in what amounts to "cow print"?

Then, we have the Bubble skirt, in plus sizes no less. I personally believe some styles should NEVER come in plus sizes. This is one of them. I can't imagine anyone wearing this, unless you are getting paid, or lost a bet.

And last but not least, we have lovely little piece. $1395.00 for this necklace. First, it is hideous. Second, it is huge. Third, the price is outrageous.

Have we convinced designers that we will buy anything if they say it is cool?

It's stuff like this that reminds me why, if I am not in uniform, I am in sweats or jeans.

Chivalry

2009-03-01T03:39:00.003-05:00

http://waiterrant.net/?p=935

I was reading this article written by Waiter Rant, questioning as to whether chivalry is dead or not.

It reminded me of a scene I was dispatched to early one morning.
It was a one car rollover with fatalities. This car was making a transition from one freeway to another at a high rate of speed. This car was holding at least 12 people. No one was wearing seat belts, there wouldn't have been enough for everyone anyway. We arrived on scene to find two dead bodies, both female, four critically injured, all female, three more females who stayed with their family and friends. There were at least three men in this car at the time of the accident. Only one stayed behind, he had a broken leg and couldn't run. The rest of the passengers (all men) ran as soon as the car stopped rolling. Not one man stayed to assist his injured family or friends. In this case chivalry was dead along with a few of his passengers.

You have got to be kidding me.

2009-03-01T00:21:00.003-05:00

These are just a few of the people who have me scratching my head saying.....WTF!!!!!

I do not understand how you can have a dead body in your home for several days and not know it. The smell is horrendous. Did she fall into a freezer, wrap herself in plastic before she died ? These people scare me.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/28/AR2009022801796.html?hpid=sec-metro

You should have heard this guy's stupid wife's interview...."He didn't mean it, he is a good dad, he would never hurt his child. He was holding the baby and turning on the dryer. The baby must have fell in." Stupid woman...you have to close the dryer door for it to start. That could NOT be an accident. She only applied for the restraining order after CPS told her she would lose her son if she didn't.

http://www.abc15.com/content/news/phoenixmetro/story/PD-Mesa-man-arrested-turned-on-dryer-while-son/Ln4iGX753EOUVQ4bcnJlLA.cspx

Once again I must scream.........Come on people,the smell alone should have alerted someone. Guy went missing on Feb 11th, first ticket on the 12th, no one said anything until the 26th. If you have ever smelled a decomposing body, you will find it difficult to believe no one complained sooner.

http://wwwGAINESVILLE — A car found in a Gainesville neighborhood with a dead body in the back seat had been ticketed seven times by city parking enforcement..tcpalm.com/news/2009/feb/26/car-corpse-back-seat-given-seven-parking-tickets/

EMT Weekend

2009-02-25T03:06:00.007-05:00

This weekend I had the pleasure of working three events. The first event on Saturday was for the Arizona Senior Olympics. I was there for the track events. I was amazed at the ages (50-94) and the athletic ability of these folks. They ran from 50 yard dashes through 1650 yard run.
I had a great time meeting these seniors and listening to there stories. I was also impressed with a few of the volunteers that were there to help. These volunteers were from the local high school. It was great fun watching them realise that life did not end at twenty. The best part was when a few of the high school girls admitted to me their disappointment that "the EMT was not hot ". The Senior Olympians responded to them that I was the hottest EMT they have ever seen.
Made me smile. I guess it is all about perspective.
I finished with the seniors at one and then on to the Paintball Championships at two.
This was a very different event in terms of power and aggressiveness. There were not to many shooters over 30 (and you should have seen the welts after they were finished "OUCH"). Though when you looked at both groups in terms of competitiveness they were the same. They all worked hard, they all wanted to win. Though the Paintball games were a bit messier. Showers of fine colored mist would fly over my head. Slow moving paint balls would fly around, some exploding, some bouncing off my shoes. It was a colorful day.
My second day was spent with the Senior Olympians again. This time the Swimming Events.
It was a beautiful day by the pool. I again was amazed at the athletic ability of these folks. Some of the seniors could barley walk. Oh, but to see them in the water. They were young again, they could move as if they were children. I could truly see the years disappear.
Best of all ,with three events, there were only two injuries, just bumps and abrasions. I think I have one of the only jobs where you study, practice, and take classes to better your skills, only to hope you never have to use them.

Husband Left Wife on Floor for 10 Weeks Before She Died

2009-02-19T17:47:00.002-05:00

This is a sad story.
I am not sure if the husband should face charges.
I have worked with a lot of senior citizens. Most often they only ask for help when it is too late or someone else intervenes. They have been taking care of themselves for so long that they often don't recognise the need for help.

http://foxnews.com/story/0,2933,490857,00.html

This man stated his wife did not want outside help. He stated that he expected her to get up in her own time. He continued to feed her, clean her and give her her medications. It sounds as if they were both in denile. My heart goes out to them.

Been there...bought the t-shirt.

2009-02-17T20:01:00.005-05:00

Yes, I bought this t-shirt. I love the art work.
Check out the link to find more original art tees.

"RED" - Animals, Violence, Parody T-shirt by Kneil Melicano

# 1 Kidnapping Capitial of The USA

2009-02-16T20:53:00.003-05:00

Once again Arizona is living up to it's new title.

"Police rescued 16 immigrants who were being held against their will inside a small woodworking business in a rundown Phoenix warehouse, where three workers were making cabinets as police arrived on Monday morning. " per az central.com

This time it is a bit different because the victims were being held in the back of a business, not in a private home.
The good news, this time, is that all being held were rescued safe and unhurt.

What is happening here ,is that people in other countries are paying for a coyote (human smuggler) to get them into the United States. When they get here they are not released. They are held for ransom. Most often, even if the ransom is paid, those being held are killed. I have been called to a few of these scenes. We are brought in after a family member has paid the ransom and believes they are picking up their loved one, only to find one or more dead bodies in the house. It is a horrible crime and even worse, no one wants to talk because they are afraid of the coyotes coming after them.

I have seen the heartbreak these kidnapping & murders bring to a family and their communities. We have to find a way to stop this.

I am not a fan of people coming to this country illegally. This "new business" is one of the products of working against the law. I understand the want of a better life. The need to do better for your family. What I will never understand is how people (coyotes in this case) can do the heartless things they do. No mater how these people got here, they still deserve to be treated as human.
As heartbreaking as worknig these scenes will always be, I will continue to do my part.