Krisscop's House

Geocaching..Closing in on my 1,000th

2011-09-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

This is my friend "GREYWOLF"...getting HER 1,000th Find. This was in Midland.

This is Mark, my usual Geocaching partner, and the one who introduced me to it.

and THIS...Is George...My campanion on all sorts of trips.

They say it's your birthday..and they'd be right

2011-09-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

We as a family..whatever that means, walk the MACKINAW BRIDGE every year. This year...and new pile of kids, Ty one of our regulars backed out at last second, which only meant more room in the 7 passenger van for the 9 of us...LOL.

Yesterday was my birthday. No big deal. It was "meh". I made my own "no Bake Cookie" cake. Had barbeque with the neighbors....and about 120 people 15 of Which I sort of know wished me well on facebook. I laughed. It was Kind of cool.

My son sent me a death metal video...

.Many years ago today something grew
inside of your mother...
That thing was you

YOU

YOU YOU YOU YOU

Did she scream did she cry
Only those that are born are the ones that
Get to die

One more year closer to dying
Rotting organs ripping grinding
Biological discordance
Birthday equals self abhorrence

Years keep passing aging always
Mutate into vapid slugs
Doctor gives a new prescription
Bullet in a fucking gun

One more year closer to dying
Plastic surgeons fuel the lying
You forget why you came in here
Your mind rots with every New Year

RSVP PLEASE
For the DETH of thee
You have little time
And you're running out of life

Happy Birthday
You're gonna die

Now you're old and full of hatred
Take a pill to masturbatred
Children point to you and scream
Because they will become that thing

One more year of further suffering
There's no point of fucking bluffing
Open up your DETHDAY present
It's a box of fucking nothing

RSVP PLEASE
For the DETH of thee
You have little time
And you're running out of life

Happy Birthday
You're gonna die

DIE DIE
DETHDAY
BIRTHDAY
DETHDAY
DIE DIE
DETHDAY
BIRTHDAY
DETHDAY

RSVP PLEASE
For the DETH of thee
You have little time
And you're running out of life

Happy Birthday
You're gonna die

On another Note: School opens the Day After Labor Day here in Michigan...Here is my new :"Foster/son/ Exchange Student?/whatever" ....and daughter...

and my Darling CHUBBY 6th grader who is thinning out. ...She was a Preemie..and for years was in 2t clothing, Porked out, and now is thinning out and getting taller!

Thursday's Thinkin

2011-09-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

I'm getting a "real boy"....thinking of Pinocchio. After years and years of telling others to become foster/adoptive parents..this time I am doing it officially. I've always DONE it...for months at a time...but this time~ Whew. I'm trying not to freak out. My Pinocchio is 17...yep what the hell is he a "foster" for then you ask. Well well...He's been isolated and left to go in a field of his own, as far as schooling is. He's been employed, hasn't been arrested, isn't an arsonist..so why will he be my "real boy" you may ask?
As I told HUNDREDS of Foster families seeking to adopt, sometimes, a child is in "foster care" through NO fault of his own. In this case, who knows if it is the fault of his parents either.
"THEY" capitals because most of the Bio parents are thought of as "THE OPPOSITION"...are great people. Law abiding, "CHRISTIAN", and parents of other successful children.
My "Pinocchio"...has visited for weeks at a time, and says.."HERE" he can breathe. I find it amazing that someone would CHOSE to come to my messy squished in house, but..there you have it. Same as this dang Dog that seems to have been staying here a whle now.

Prove yourself brave, truthful, and unselfish, and someday, you will be a real boy.

" Little puppet made of pine, awake. The gift of life is thine."

Pinocchio: Father, whatcha crying for?
Geppetto: Because... you're dead, Pinocchio.
Pinocchio: No! No, I'm not.
Geppetto: Yes. Yes, you are. Now, lie down...
Pinocchio: But father, I'm alive. See?
[Looks at himself]
Pinocchio: And... and I'm... I'm real. I'm a real boy!
Geppetto: You're alive! And... and you are a real boy!

Seriously

2011-08-31T18:52:00.000-07:00

Ok..I thought I WAS back..then I wasn't. Now it's almost September. My Mom died June 29th 2011. I'd been taking care of her for over 3 years.
Trying to get grounded....whatever the hell that means. Oh..that's right. Once again..I forgot to quit swearing.

This weekend..I get a foster kid. Well not totally "foster"..but another addition to my household..He's 17.

Reflections 20 years

2011-02-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

Twenty Years ago, I was single again, and having fun..working my butt off full time for the State of Michigan, no kids, driving a cool 2 seater Honda CRX. The First "Night of Louisiana" at Central Michigan University was on the Horizen. I got to meet Katie Webster
Katie said, "These two fists of mine have taken me all over the world". I reflect on how my two fists...took me all over the States, and back to my hometown now, in time for the twentieth anniversary of "Night of Louisiana".

The day sort of got started about 4 in the afternoon when My friend Shelly

came over to my duplex tfor a massage. I just put up my massage table into the small bedroom there. The duplex..that I am in the middle of rehabbing from white trash renters. I mean RE HABB ING. top to bottom...beyond "mere painting". Ripping out the carpet, padding, having to paint the floor to try and contain the smell...the windows streaked with nicotine needing at least two more washings.

Shelly and I ...drank wine, then went to dance away in Louisiana. I drank too much, danced too much and made a fool out of myself..and had a blast. I Laughed like I don't remember laughing. My foot has been reconstructed and I could barely walk the day after. Yes...I guess that is a gauge of how much fun I had the night before.

I know I'm disjointed writing. I have to get used to it again. I have lost myself. Again. I am searching. Again. Pissed off. Again.

This kid: is Tiller,. His name is Tyler Rousch, one of the guys that hangs around our house. He was recently arrested along with many of the boys that hang around my house. Ben, Tiller, James (that I never have trusted), Chris Allen who isn't even liked by his own mother, Veronica, and Barry.

I have a senses of loss with all these kids because while yes..they broke the law...to me..it is Farm boy...stuff...dragging a piano behind a farm truck for God's sake.....on and on. These "offenses" do not deserve jail or prison for these kids. I don't get it sometimes. My Parole working days for now are over (although I've been reapplying) ..but sometimes it IS just about revenue generation, not protecting the public.
It saddens me.

I'm not dead

2011-01-21T16:23:00.000-08:00

I'm not dead..>Yet I live.
Every year I think "this has been the worst year of my life"...Well this last year has been the same. Not to bring my life back to the Blogosphere on a downer note..but this past year......
My spouse was committed to a hospital for a while for severe depression.

We moved from one town to my hometown.

I continue to care for my elderly beginning Altzheimer's mother who lives with us. My mom was hospitalized about 12 times.

My spouse had both hips replaced (one at a time with the weeks of rehab and hospitilazations that required). He was in intensive care for 2 or 3 days and was mostly dead. I was too exhausted to care much.

We lost a house to foreclosure.

I oversaw the remodeling of the house we moved in to from a distance. There was a bathroom completely tore off...remodeled to be Handicapped accessible, and LOTS of trouble with the City inspectors.

I had emergency Appendectomy 2 weeks after losing health insurance.

I've interviewed for several State postions with no job in site. I keep trying. (and..I still have hope)

I'm going to start writing again..for me. Real. Stuff. The dirty and down. I'm out of time.

Ray Stevens

2010-03-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

I've Loved Ray Stevens since the Squirrel got loose in Church.

» Mt. Pleasant's Unpleasant School » Absolute Michigan

2010-03-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

» Mt. Pleasant's Unpleasant School » Absolute Michigan: "Mt"

Charles Edward Barth Jr. - The Morning Sun Obituaries: Serving Clare, Gratiot and Isabella counties

2010-03-14T21:47:00.001-07:00

Charles Edward Barth Jr. - The Morning Sun Obituaries: Serving Clare, Gratiot and Isabella counties

Posted using ShareThis
The Morning Sun (themorningsun.com), Serving Northern Michigan

Obituaries

Charles Edward Barth Jr.
Sunday, March 14, 2010 5:44 AM EDT

Jan. 30, 1939-March 12, 2010

Charles Edward “Ed” Barth Jr. passed away on Friday, March 12, 2010, at Central Michigan Community Hospital.

Ed was born on Jan. 30, 1939, in Marysville, Calif., the son of Charles and Jean Swope Barth Sr. and was raised in Gridley, Calif.

After graduating from Gridley High School, Ed joined the U.S. Navy and was on the maiden voyage of the USS Ranger where he got to see the world. In his late twenties, Ed traveled north, turned right and ended up in Michigan where he spent the next 40 years.

Ed received his BA, MA, and Psych Specialist from Central Michigan University. He worked as a school psychologist for the Gratiot Isabella RESD and as a staff psychologist for the Regional Center.

Ed had a strong musical background and could play several instruments. He enjoyed sailing, books, theater, and his favorite pastime of bringing people together and sharing information.

Ed is survived by his mother, Jeanne Greenley of Mt. Pleasant; a daughter, Dr. Keely Callahan of Tampa, Florida; and his beloved, Jane Wittkopp of Mt. Pleasant.

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, March 20, at 1 p.m.

The family will greet friends on Friday, March 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Helms Funeral Home.
Colleen Milligan wrote on Mar 14, 2010 10:23 AM:

" Ed was one of the most generous people I know always giving of himself, his talents and lots of information especially about Tai Chi. He has been a support to many in the community over the years and will be missed by all of us. "

Report Abuse

William Kriss wrote on Mar 14, 2010 2:22 PM:

" Ed was a great friend. He encouraged and supported so many people over the years. He was always a force for the good, not only at places where he worked, but in his community of Mt. Pleasant. I hadn’t seen Ed for awhile (since moving to North Carolina), but I thought of him and Jane and Ed’s mother whenever I thought of the Thursday night small plates crowd at the Brass, where I would run into them quite often. Ed, you were a good man and you will be missed. "
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Dan Bridenstein Memorial Foundation or to the charity of one’s choice. Envelopes are available at the Helms Funeral Home.
Please see www.helmsfuneralhome.com for an online obituary and to leave a message for the family. ‘Serving the Family for Generations’

URL: http://www.themorningsun.com/articles/2010/03/14/obituaries/doc4b9c677d2a1c1496366988.prt

© 2010 themorningsun.com, a Journal Register Property

I'm alive, sortof

2010-03-13T18:43:00.001-08:00

Ok...thanks Kathy for worrying. I finally got off my rear and found my sign in and passwword.

Things...meaning life has been as crapppy or worse than it has ever been for me. For those who know me at all..that's saying alot. I may expand on it later, but I don't want to make anyone feel weird or sad. It IS what it IS.

I'll be back more often.

Hub is very sick. Had another outburst/breakdown/fit/something today. I had to give him a shot ..the first and I hope the last time. I'm disjointed, and want to delete this, but want to post something to back into the groove.

This has been my life of late

2010-01-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

A trainwreck.....

Caching makes me laugh!!

2009-09-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

I thought ..and I was wrong
Everything I thought I knew..I don't.

I'm just going to post some pictures. My friend introduced us to Geocaching....and I love it. I don't have my own "Garmin" yet. Geocaching is when someone hides a stash somewhere, and I (with Garmy) search for it based on Co-ordinates. There are stashes..of all sorts, plastic boxes, ammo boxes....micro key locks. In every stash is a notebook and pencil and when you find it...you sign the log. There are little freebies too from Pencils, keychains, magnets, to of course the Proselytizers Bible portions. Joy Finding the Cache in Binder Park zoo on a trail. Great eye!!
Joy and I decided to take a break from Caching and swing at a park in Ithaca. This one was hidden in a peanut butter jar.
THIS Cache was difficult!! It's by the YMCA near us in Kalamazoo, and it was getting DARK and heavy cover of trees !! Our Friend Mark found it. It was pitch dark!!

This is Mark: our Garmin hero:
While finishing up a move...Don, Mark and I stopped at a Rest Area that had FOUR caches!!

OH MY GAQWD!!

2009-08-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

I could actually SIGN IN!! WHOO HOOO!!!...Ok...I'll start blogging again. I don't know WHY I haven't been able to sign in for months. I don't WHY it allowed me to sign in now.
SO..
I've moved
I've moved IN my mom...after a stroke, after her heart rate was 41, after my husband moved out for a job...
The family MOVED to a new city
My kids...are doing ok...are better than me....
and..
I'm doing what I REALLY love....Making NEW Families through foster and adoption.

I'm BACK!

2009-06-13T07:31:00.001-07:00

WE NEED MONEY! I have money on the brain.

I FINALLY figured out how to get back to my blog: this after so many incidents I don't know that I will have time to catch up. BUT..Wanted to share THIS important email I got this morning....from Professor Tan Wong. Maybe finally THIS is God's way of reaching me....

Proposal
Saturday, June 13, 2009 10:10 AM
From:
"MR TAN WONG"
Add sender to Contacts
To:
undisclosed-recipients
I am Mr.Tan Wong director of operations,Hang Seng Bank,I have very
confidential business transfer of (Twenty Four millions Five Hundred
Thousand United State Dollar.) I will give you more details as regards of
your interest.

Supreme Court Granholm?

2009-05-14T17:39:00.000-07:00

SERIOUSLY? Yes, Let's let Michigan Gov. Granholm run the rest of the Country into bankruptcy as she has Michigan.

This state is NOT great (Except for the 3 deer I am watching in my backyard). I am just sick about this. Love the fact that the State Website is soooo up to date that it's latest Statements are from March.
In Granholms latest cuts: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/gov/EO2009-22_277339_7.pdf
Reducing Human Services by 97 MILLION? What so each Foster Child is seen once every SIX months? So that DHS workers have Caseloads of a THOUSAND?
Reducing Mental Health Substance abuse by 92 thousand, and then Community Substance Abuse programs by a Million...Reducing Protection and Advocacy groups by 97,000, Community Mental Health by 10 Million? While forcing counties to take more extreme Mental Health clients, closing institutions and shipping them "home"...I am scared for the future.
Right now, Day Cares are rarely visited..Licensing is MONTHS behind, and cuts are over 3 million. Training is essential, personnel are abysmal AWCKK!!

I have to stop.

AND SERIOUSLY...can Granholm PLEASE use some of her health care to remove that Nasty mole from her face!!!

My Mom

2009-05-05T05:40:00.000-07:00

My Mom had a stroke yesterday. Gerry the guy I hire to check in on her found her lying in a pool of pee a nd poop on her living room floor.
She went to Mt Pleasant Hospital, then I had her transferred to the other hospital where the Old people docotor I just got for her is. She cant feed herself, her right leg drags behind, and it just really sucks.
This..on top of
My job
My interviews
where I going to live
Where I move to
Where kids are going to school
Money
Groceries
Car breaking down
Toxic dump in front yard from Consumers
Computer getting fried from surge from ballast
Fighting with consumers
Fighting with Hysterectomy or not
Kids
Husband living 3 hours away
no church
little support
friend has cancer
and
I'm on my peiriod

2009-04-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

You have come out with the Crystalline answer for your soul. Crystalline beings are very reflective. They take a very long time to grow and change but when they do, you can't change them back... it is 'set in stone' so to speak. A crystalline person has an easier time giving than taking. When they do receive something, a debt is naturally implied in their minds whether or not it is expected. This is because of a deep sensitivity to people and objects. Crystalline folks are extremely absorbent of all kinds of energy. They would be wise to trust their instinct when it comes to people and objects in their lives. If it isn't for you, you know.. neutralize, energize, and release. That is the natural flow for crystalline souls.. you must learn about your natural abilities and use them for healing in your life.

Morey Public School Academy

2009-04-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

This is my kids school. It is also where I am on the School Board. Tremendous financial decision for EVERY school are having to be made. Michigan economy sucks, the Governor Great "GREEN" Jennifer is cutting the dollars each school will get per pupil, and its tough. Trying to make a budget work in a Charter school, which is FREE Public school, is more challenging because we can't "raise" money through tax bonds etc.
Our school has been a GREAT transition for our kids, coming from Homeschooling for 4 years. This is our last year there. Morey is unusual in that it has a High School. Many Charter schools do not. I hope we can KEEP the high school, as financially High Schools COST money.
This was on the FRONT page of our local morning rag, "The Morning Scum" as we locals call it:

The Morning Sun (themorningsun.com), Serving Northern Michigan

News
Getting their hands dirty: Morey students learn about Earth Day

Thursday, April 23, 2009

By PATRICIA ECKER
Sun Staff Writer

Heidi Fletcher of Morey Public School didn’t mind getting down on her knees to dig into the cold, moist soil work with three kindergartners by her side while working towards “beautifying their school.”

Fletcher, 17, and her fellow classmates were paired with members of the kindergarten class who wore winter coats, hats and gloves on the rather cold spring morning.

Two groups of students, 11 in the 11th grade and 15 kindergartners, collaborated on the Earth Day project to plant perennial and annual plants in front of their school.

“(Our economics class) wanted to do (their project) on Earth Day,” Fletcher said. “It’s cold out here today, but the (kindergartners) are great to work with.

“They listen.”

Fletcher said that she picked her helpers because they stood listening with “their hands behind their backs”, and she felt they would work best with her.

The class project was a learning process, and she said that it was difficult coming up with fundraising ideas, and then the taking steps to implement their strategy for the project in hopes of raising funds.

“You have to sacrifice your time,” Fletcher said. “We had a bake sale (last week).

“We had to learn the best prices. When we started, we thought we would make about $50, but we made over $200.”

Students made the baked goods, and sold their products in the school where they were mindful to make the items affordable for their peers, Kevin Fletcher, student teacher and organizer of the “public good” project, said.

“The students chose Earth Day, and they did the planning for the bake sale,” Kevin Fletcher said. “Their science teacher (Joe Trommeter) tested the soil and worked the soil with a roto tiller.”

Tammy Morrison, kindergarten teacher, said that this gave her class an opportunity to learn about Earth Day.

“We started an experiment on how plants grow, and what they need to grow,” Morrison said. “We used the scientific method in relationship to plants.

“That they need sunlight, water, air, and space to grow. We also talked about dirty water and clean water,” Morrison said.

Jennifer Traynor, paraprofessional, said that the kindergartners “brains are like sponges. They just soak everything right up.”

Marilee Kujat, social studies department head and acting assistant principal, said smiling that she thought the event was “organized chaos.”

“I am really proud of them,” Kujat said. “Most of the kindergartners will be able to watch the stuff grow.

“They will be able to tell others that they helped, and that gives them a sense of community. This is an area that we hope to make into a little park,” she said.

URL: http://www.themorningsun.com/articles/2009/04/23/news/doc49ef7370bc64f186498344.prt

© 2009 themorningsun.com, a Journal Register Property

You might be a mom if...

2009-04-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

You get spikey hair, dye your hair blue or green put on goth crap and go to rock concerts. This was last Saturday at a local bar that was having a battle of the bands with 8 different bands as an "All ages" venue. I had a van load of high schoolers.

It's HEADHUNTER time

2009-04-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

I've never used a Headhunting search before trying to gain employment..but this one...fell into my lap. I have hope. I am looking for full time employment in Kalamazoo Michigan so my family can be together again. My spouse moved 2 weeks ago, and it is REALLY upsetting 2 of my kids. The other, My semi-goth Asperger boy--not so much.
I love the misson/value statement of this agency. Let's hope it works!!

About Van Popering, McLogan Executive Search, Inc.

Our Mission, Values and Ethics:

Our mission is to further KRISSCOP'S success by identifying HER uncommon ability – the very talented individual to whom our clients might not otherwise have access.

Throughout all phases of the search process, we will use the utmost discretion to guarantee the confidentiality sought by KRISSCOP and potential candidates alike.

We are committed to providing staffing solutions with the highest level of quality and cost efficiency. Our goal is to match the needs of KRISSCOP with the goals of our employees to insure a long-term, productive relationship. (ESPECIALLY $$ PART)

Our goal is to consistently exceed KRISSCOP’s expectations with ‘impeccable’ professionalism in seeking out and finding high caliber EMPLOYMENT.

Our Code of Conduct:

We strive to develop our relationships around four key operating principles:

1. Integrity: We are committed to openness, ethics, honesty, and candor with our clients and candidates at all times.

2. Client focus: Their complete satisfaction is the key measure of our success. Our clients always come first.

3. Innovation: Anticipating and acting on our clients’ need helps us to think creatively and challenge the “status quo.”

4. Teamwork: Cooperation and shared goals among clients and ourselves optimizes performance.

Um...Yah...some items were changed to aid in my positive imagery! "I CHOOSE HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS"...

From one of the motivation emails I get:

Triumphing over negative thoughts:
Negative thought processes ARE negative affirmations.
They use the VERY same processes that Positive Affirmations use, except they enforce feelings and images that deter us from being at Peace.

Breaking the cycle takes time.

Be Patient and Gentle with yourself. Set long term goals. And be persistent! Remember to Stretch, Laugh and be Unshakable!

Whenever you have a thought that disturbs your peace of mind, or makes you feel down, shout “Cancel! Cancel! Cancel!”. Immediately replace your disturbing thought with your Positive Affirmation. Visualize Bright Images and Feel the Glow Sparkling Light Energy flowing into and through your body.

There IS a difference between “grieving” and negativity. When you lose someone you love, there is a natural grieving process that must be gone through. Do not deny yourself your expression of grief.

If you find that your grief is too deep to endure, make sure you speak to a Rabbi, Priest, Counselor or Friends.

There comes a time, however, that you need to move on if your grief turns into negativity. If we examine negativity, we see that it utilizes the VERY same process as Positive Affirmations, except in the reverse!

Only when you have the Resolve and Determination to lead a Happier and more Positive life, will you be Naturally inclined to use the 3-fold Healing Process of Positive Affirmations. You cannot “force” yourself to be Happy. However, you CAN choose to foster Happiness. And when you make this Choice, you can Reinforce and Invigorate the process with Healing and Positive Affirmations. Remember~ Affirm the Good, Visualize Luminous Images and Feel Sparkling Rays of Strength and Courage fill your Being! You can do it!

Parole probation Stories

2009-04-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

So I have been thinking alot about other jobs I've had, and how similar they are to teaching High Schoolers Sign Language.

NOT.

I remember a parent in Saginaw, SOOO upset that their daughter had stolen a check and written it out for something she needed (or wanted) for school.
First of all, I wasn't convinced the girl hadn't been given permission to do so, if not THAT time then in the past, and the mom was U-N-S-T-A-B-L-E. As I recall the mom was agrophobic and never left the residence. She had every delivery available on speed dial--groceries, prescriptions, food etc.

In Saginaw..there is a Food Delivery taxi that will pick up from several places and deliver it to one residence. If one wants Chinese and another Pizza...-No prob- the Food Taxi does it all.
But I am getting off track. Yes..I was really GOING to say..But I DIGRESS and stopped myself. Who ever uses DIGRESS except in writing? BLeh
SOO
The mom calls the cops. The kid is in tears. Mom "wants to teach her a lesson"...Cop...TRIES to talk the mom out of it..saying getting kid involved in the criminal justice system is NOT going to help, tries to give alternatives....but NO WAY..Mom Insists.
So..Young girl...ripped from the home goes to Juvy for the night until she is arraigned. Well...Juvenile detention is NOT a good place..even for one night, and horrible things happened.
The story goes on and on..bottom line, the mom just kept getting madder and madder because SHE had to pay for her daughter's attorney, probation costs, supervision costs etc.
BE A GOOD PARENT...IT'S CHEAPER!!!

Quiz? Who Am I?

2009-04-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

I know I am brilliant, but I DO believe in the "Supernatural"...

Donna completed the quiz "Which House M.D, character are you?" with the result You are House.
Dangerously observant, highly self-confident with incredibly smart wits to match. You do what you want, when you because you felt like it - and occasionally save a life. Although you have no beliefs in the "supernatural" you're hyper passionate about the human race, and have a higher sense of morals than your counter parts would care to believe. It may all sound good, but because you live life on the edge, you're often found partying alone..

Power of a Positive No

2009-04-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

How to Say No and Still Get to Yes
GREAT BOOK...
Article below on Harvard Site:

by William Ury
This challenge is vividly captured in an old Japanese story about a samurai and a fisherman. One day, the samurai went to collect a debt from the fisherman. “I’m sorry,” the fisherman said, “but this last year has been a very bad one for me, and I regret to say I do not have the money to repay you.” Quick to anger, the samurai drew his sword and prepared to kill the fisherman on the spot. Thinking fast, the fisherman boldly said, “I have been studying martial arts and my master teaches that you should never strike out of anger.”

The samurai looked at him for a minute, then slowly lowered his sword. “Your master is wise,” he said quietly. “My master used to teach the same lesson. Sometimes my anger gets the better of me. I will give you one more year to repay your debt, but if you fail by even a penny, I will surely kill you.”

The samurai returned to his house, arriving late at night. He crept in quietly, not wishing to wake his wife, but to his shock, he found two people in the bed, his wife and a stranger dressed in samurai clothing. With a surge of jealousy and anger, he raised his sword to slay them both, but suddenly the fisherman’s words came back to him: “Do not strike out of anger.” The samurai stopped for a moment, took a deep breath, and then deliberately made a loud noise. His wife instantly woke up, as did the “stranger,” who turned out to be his mother.

“What is the meaning of this?” he yelled. “I almost killed you both!”

“We were afraid of robbers,” his wife explained. “So I dressed your mother up in your samurai clothes to scare them off.”

A year passed and the fisherman came to see the samurai. “I had an excellent year, so here is your money back and with interest,” the fisherman said happily to him.

“Keep your money,” replied the samurai. “You repaid your debt long ago.”

When you want to say No, remember the samurai’s lesson: do not react out of anger — or indeed out of any negative emotion such as fear or guilt. Take a deep breath and focus on your purpose — your Yes — in this situation. Ask yourself what you really want and what is really important here. In other words, shift from being reactive focused on No, to being proactive focused on Yes.

No is perhaps the most important and certainly the most powerful word in the language. Every day we find ourselves in situations where we need to say No — to people at work, at home, and in our communities — because No is the word we must use to protect ourselves and to stand up for everything and everyone that matters to us.
But as we all know, the wrong No can also destroy what we most value by alienating and angering people. That's why saying No the right way is crucial. The secret to saying No without destroying relationships lies in the art of the Positive No, a proven technique that anyone can learn.

This indispensable book gives you a simple three-step method for saying a Positive No. It will show you how to assert and defend your key interests; how to make your No firm and strong; how to resist the other side's aggression and manipulation; and how to do all this while still getting to Yes. In the end, the Positive No will help you get not just to any Yes but to the right Yes, the one that truly serves your interests.

The Power of a Positive No offers concrete advice and practical examples for saying No in virtually any situation. Whether you need to say No to your customer or your coworker, your employee or your CEO, your child or your spouse, you will find in this book the secret to saying No clearly, respectfully, and effectively.

A world-renowned negotiator, mediator and bestselling author, William Ury is a co-founder of the Program on Negotiation and the director of the Global Negotiation Project.

Purchase the book now at the PON Clearinghouse.

Gordon Zubelek

2009-03-30T03:53:00.000-07:00

A friend from high school...

gordonzoob's Gallery at Zazzle

St. Pat's Day 2009 Collage

2009-03-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick's day 2009,

2009-03-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

We went to the local Irish Pub, were bummed as they were out of Deep Fried Pickles.

The long haired dark girl is Lori, She is the one who has the son many have prayed for over his pluroblasonoma Cancer. He is back in school 1/2 days. The Red haired lady..is Shelly, my friend and In TKD with the kids, and Jamie is Lori's Hairdresser and she is a WILD one. She has a PURSE that is like Dora's backpack and had EVERYTHING in it!!

My hub Don posted these, I will post more later. Thank you to Shelly for buying for us tonight. I was drinking Tonic Water (refreshing!!), and Don his No alcohol beers.

2009-03-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

Ok. I'm a School Board member. Granted I don't ALWAYS speek or speel rite, but...REEELY?
Yes. I judge you when you use poor grammar. (facebook group http://www.IJudgeYouWhen.com/ )

"We can't afford to keep open all the schools we got," said Scott Plotkin, who heads the California School Boards Association.

Go here, get something free!

2009-03-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

I will GIVE something to the first 5 who respond..I can't make anything..but it will be something. A book? Scrapbook stuff? I'm in the gut out my house mode so who knows..BUT..It won't have to be FED. How's that.
Follow the link to other freebie Friday offers.

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7995221422178707387&postID=5159948876989186059&page=1

I'm playing along with a game for "blogger" types from Missie Jean over at Death By Chocolate Martini.

Here's how it works: the first FIVE people to respond to this post will get something made by me personally. (I say GIVE something to).

My choice. For you. (calicobebop adds: Do not be surprised if it is knitted.)

However, like all things that sound too good to be true, this offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- There is no guarantee that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you personally.
3- It will be completed sometime this year.
4- You will receive no clues as to what it's going to be.
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange if I so desire... it may blow your mind! Or it may not. It may be very simple and predictable... but hopefully you will benefit from it!
6- You must re-post this on your blog and offer the same deal to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog.

Not too bad, huh? In fact, I think it'll be a lot of fun!!

So-- on your mark, get set, GO! The first 5 people to leave a comment telling me they posted this on their blog and want to win a free, FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift from me will receive just that!!! (I will email you and ask for your address)

**Remember: You have to post this on your blog before you can be guaranteed one of the five slots!**

The JOB interview..a GROUP interview

2009-03-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

I've interviewed a lot. I know how. I'm REALLY good at it. I give pointers. I could give seminars. (note to self: $$?)

But really...a GROUP interview? Now..YOU may think that I misspoke and meant to say a A panel interview--You'd be wrong. A Panel interview consists of more than one set of eyes, 2-4 people interviewing you alone.
THIS interview...there were like SIX of us, and two people from the 'firm'. One, in jeans. This made my suit seem...out of place.

Six..at the SAME TIME. REALLY? Yes, all interviewing for the same spot.
I get the time factor savings for them....they can tell us all about them...get it. I get that it's a human services field. Got it.
But really...
Waste of time...and it was over 2 hours.
"Give each group member time and space to answer".

GO: Crying waitress girl: Her nice homemade tattoo sticking out of her too tight black and white smock top: "my parents are alcoholics and I have a lot of druggies in my family"...she begins to cry..I look for the kleenex box as nobody else was. I spied it in the bookshelf. I stand up...get it...give her the box...and say..relax..it's ok...just breathe for a moment" Next answer from waitress crygirl: "well..I can't even TAKE this job as I have young kids and it's an afternoon shift...but I just wanted to MEET you all...".
Really.
I about shit myself.

Next: Aging ex Hippie, clean 18 years and wearing it on his sleeve. Getting the shakes from wanting a smoke so badly during interview. It's a Smoke free campus-- how will he do for 8 hour shift? Run out to the end of the driveway? Light up with the clients in the field?...been in the State 2 weeks, "living with a friend"..I'm betting one he met on the internet...(Not that it's bad, I'm just sayin..)

Then...PICK ME PICK ME boy. Sitting on the edge of his chair, leaning into the balls of his feet, just CAN'T wait to answer any question. I thought he was going to raise his hand..and say...OHHH I KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION!! Actually 27 years old..just graduated college last August. Honest to Fuck he said..."I'm a People person". I groaned and couldn't wait to text that to my honey after the interview. A PEOPLE PERSON...god spare me from people person's.
Then...Pickme Boy says, "I JUST WANT TO HELP PEOPLE"...

My response was...I'm Not a people person, and I know I can't help anyone...I can only give them the tools to help themselves...

PICKME Boy, actually asked after the interview "were either of you interviewers in recovery?"...and...asked them.."Well how do you get YOUR job satisfaction", as clients are only here for 2-5 days max in detox...then moved along the chain of recovery.

then
Taxi driver guy...a good pick, very similar to me, Corrections background except he's been clean for 8 years...ex-Marine (Excuse me FORMER Marine as the EX would say-- there are no "EX" Marines).
He wins pretty much with the question that was asked, "Ok We are going to find it out sometime--WHAT IS IT?"

Silence enters the room. I say..WOW THAT'S A GOOD ONE. Silence continues, each pondering how to answer..silly? Light hearted? Wait..this is SERIOUS stuff..

Taxi guy..."I had a brain tumor removed that was the size of a Softball"...Shit. I'm done for. I only was in traction a while and my right side rebuilt..I had to learn to walk again...Tumor? I can't compete with that.

Crying Waitress has left the interview before this question was posed. She..had to start her shift as a waitress.

Me...Yah...Still waiting on that 2nd interview phone call......

JOB interview coming

2009-03-04T15:40:00.001-08:00

Another one...Friday morning...I think I could like this one.

It's counselor/Case Manager at an inpatient drug rehab house. I like that they are looking for a "good fit"...I guess EVERY job says that but for some reason I believed her when we talked on the phone. Hub loses his job next Friday....He is peaceful..I am full of anxiety..while not trying to be.

Got a Thanks no thanks letter from many app's. Michigan...sucks.

fukitol, new drugs to take

2009-02-24T17:10:00.001-08:00

What I Want- Nipple Scarf

2009-02-23T13:32:00.000-08:00

What I'm THINKING about...

2009-02-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

Or REAALLLLY really Trying to think about:

Today's affirmations are in the areas of - "Relationships"

Relationships:

* I imagine only loving people coming into my life.
* It's safe to have an open heart.
* I deserve loving and nurturing friendships.
* I am in the process of attracting fantastic relationships.
* I am now open to receiving love.
* Love is perfect, love is good for me.
* Love is what I give and receive.
* I find it easy to communicate my needs to others.
* I have wonderful relationships with special people.
* Others are supporting me in loving ways.
* I am playful when meeting others.

Rory Gallagher...

2009-02-19T04:21:00.001-08:00

Rory Gallagher - I'll admit you're gone Lyrics
Album:

“I'll admit you're gone”
I'll admit you're gone - when I think I'm able,
Just like in that song, you turned all the tables,
Now I know I'm wrong, life is hard to shoulder,
I won't last too long, each day is getting colder.
Falling constantly, shadows haunting me,
Moving silently, day by day,
Watching hopefully, waiting anxiously,
That you might hear me, someday.
That's what I pray,
That's all I pray,
I'm gonna be ok, it's gonna be okay.

Looking ahead, there's nothing but blue days,
But somehow I keep hanging on.
I should spend time looking for new ways,
'Cos blue days have taken quite a toll.

The journey we were on - can't believe it's over,
I can feel the storm, but I can't run for cover.
Where do I belong I just keep on searchin'?
I want to see the dawn of the day when stop hurting.

Falling constantly, shadows haunting me,
Moving silently, day by day.
Watching hopefully, anxiously,
That you might hear me, someday.
That's what I pray,
That's all I pray,
It's gonna be ok, I'm gonna be okay.

the god stuff.......

2009-02-18T19:12:00.000-08:00

PSA 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

PSA 46:2 Therefore will not we fear,PSA 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart,
and my portion for ever.

ISA 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the
LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song;
2CO 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed,
but not in despair;

2CO 4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
2CO 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed,
but not in despair;

2CO 4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
1JO 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any
thing according to his will, he heareth us:

1JO 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we
have the petitions that we desired of him.

Headlines..

2009-02-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

NO SHIT SHERLOCK!!
Fed downgrades economic forecast for this year
WASHINGTON – The Federal Reserve on Wednesday sharply downgraded its projections for the country's economic performance this year, predicting the economy will actually shrink and unemployment will rise higher.

Last one out.....

Headplay personal Cinema

2009-02-17T14:14:00.001-08:00

William won one of these from the radio station Z-93 a year or so ago. I can only tell you...you won't believe it!! It's like watching a 7 ft screen. Sound is fabulous. Clarity is impeccable. JUST DO IT.

HEAPLAY REFURBISHED PROGRAM

Headplay would like to take this opportunity to inform you about our refurbished program. These Personal Cinema Systems will be sold for $349.95 (limited quantities), Headplay will provide a 1 year warranty and our 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee. For more details please visit www.headplay/store.

A wish

2009-02-17T04:28:00.000-08:00

That I could share this with my family and friends....

AND I look lyke a dyke

2009-02-13T12:34:00.000-08:00

Ok..I can take a lot...roof falls in, no prob. Get a U SUCK letter from a job I applied from...Take it in stride...But REALLY? Do I have to have a head that looks like THIS????.....not that there's anything WRONG...etc....

My Hub's Job...GONE

2009-02-13T12:33:00.001-08:00

87 pink slipped yesterday...

State officials will seek community placement for many of the remaining 88 residents and eliminate more than 400 jobs as they work to close the Mt. Pleasant Center by October.

Budget constraints and a goal of placing residents with developmental disabilities into communities were cited as reasons for closing the facility, one of only three left in the state.

Employees of the center were told of the pending closing Thursday.

In addition to saving money, officials at the Michigan Department of Community Health have been working toward moving developmentally disabled residents at state facilities into community-based housing, James McCurtis, MDCH spokesman, said Thursday.

"We're still committed to providing service for persons with developmental disabilities, but at the same time incorporate them into the community," McCurtis said.

The Mt. Pleasant Center has housed developmentally disabled residents with major medical needs, with dual diagnoses of being both developmentally disabled and mentally ill, as well as a program for mentally handicapped people accused of crimes but who cannot understand the charges against them.

There are some residents at the facility, however, who do not meet the criteria for community placement; those residents will be sent to other state facilities, McCurtis said.

Concert Face

2009-02-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

I so rarely get to really see this kid smile..I guess two concerts in a week may do it!! This is at the Pancake joint after Seven Mary Three, Sponge, and Days of the New.
I danced,and danced.

Joy, TKD High Blue Belt

2009-02-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

Sat. Feb 7, 2009, Ionia

Seven Mary 3, Concert, Sponge, Days of New

2009-02-08T11:28:00.001-08:00

I was trying to get into some trouble Friday night, when William (little darlin that he is) suggested the $15 concert at the Soaring Eagle Casino...After thinking about it 30 sec..I said Sure why not.
We picked up TY on the way...funny. Jerry and Beth, were meeting us in Shepherd with TY, I had NO cash...knew because I'd been charging TONS of stuff my credit limit on the card (one and ONLY credit card we have) was getting close..asked to borrow cash till Sat. Morning. He: "how much do you want" Me: thinking are you SERIOUS but say:" how much you GOT?" LOL. I did indeed took it all...but he had lost... so wasn't much.
We WERE able to score TWO free tickets from some Native Americans when we were in line!! WHOO HOO!!

THIS is MATT THE HAT from Z 93 Radio!! WHOO HOOO!!

MATT the Hat with Ty, William and Brice

Ty, Will, Brice goofin..and SO happy to be at Concert..TY's FIRST ONE!!

Then, Now

2009-02-03T16:53:00.000-08:00

So, the renter at one place, has the CEILING fall in, and never calls me. HOW do I find out??? The INSPECTOR for the annual LICENSE goes through. REALLY? Oh..like having a HOLE in the CEILING is a problem??? No kidding!!
Thankfully, I have a GREAT fix-it guy who can do anything.

This is an older home. The ceiling was loose, and unrepairable as it was. So down came all the old lathe board, and with it, 1/2 ton or so of insulation, boards, and plaster.

Dry wall going up looks Great!!

It's a slow process. Mudding got on and stamped up, tomorrow we prime, and paint.

What do you have the right to expect?

2009-02-02T16:09:00.000-08:00

So..A friend and I have been pondering, what exactly can we EXPECT from life? From God?
Is there some magical chain we haven't learned about? Is sheer will enough? Obviously it is NOT or we wouldn't be so tired, spent and frustrated.

I got an interesting email regarding this today. It's called "Today's Quest"..and asks:
Today's Quest...
Which, if any, are you missing: a vision, or a job for your vision? _________________________________

When could you write several paragraphs about the vision you have for your job? _________________________________

What would be your "dream job"? Can you articulate it? _________________________________

Pursue Excellence ~ Reject Mediocrity Today.
What have you given yourself the RIGHT to EXPECT?

The question posed all last week at this site was simple: Are you taking ACTION to move your dreams into your life? Are you living your MISSION? If not, why not?

This week, we will focus on the power of crystal-clear EXPECTATIONS—an AWESOME POWER— trumping fantasies, wishes, dreams, hopes and aspirations every time.

Read This Week's Complete Lesson In Excellence...

SUPERMAN!!

2009-02-01T10:42:00.000-08:00

While we were waiting to go to the SLIPKNOT concert,
we had some time to kill, so we stopped at a GAMER's HEAVEN...3 stories of games, pool, videos, and...THE CLAW games. William said these claw games were only to be released in Japan."SEGA UFO CATCHERS" ..NOT here.. ...I..SPIED...Superman and Batman Stuffed characters. I HAD HAD to have one!! It was a COMPULSION, I couldn't fight. I must say, due to CAKEWRECKS.COM, having the latest bizarre caped crusader wrecks, I have found myself addicted to looking. My Friend Ness's brother...IS Superman in his alter ego. In real life, he is a married, step-dad, separated by time and space to his boys..and a good writer. He is funny, artistic, and well a hoot. (http://www.bloggerdad.com/eight-questions-interview-with-ron-mattocks-of-clark-kents-lunchbox/) Whatever 'tre real deal is'...it's him.

SO.
With him in mind..I HAD to posess superman! He tried to evade our attempts to rescue him from his plastic tomb. His arm literally got hung up on the side of the down chute. What's a girl to do, but to empty her gaming card out trying to rescue him?

BUT WAIT!! What's this???

NO

NOT Clark KENT..but indeed...IT might be...RON M from Clark Kent's Lunchbox!!

I'm waiting on getting his address to send Superman home to his daddee.

CONCERT SLIPKNOT

2009-01-31T10:16:00.000-08:00

Oh the things you do when you become mom of a teenage boy.

Slightly Overwhelmed

2009-01-30T06:05:00.000-08:00

Is "slightly" overwhelmed is possible? no.

School Board huge issues...Huge decision for my family for the future. Nothing is easy. Nothing is cheap.

My daughter Joy...going through huge developmental issues with her.

I guess ISSUES and OVERWHELMED are my words of the day.

I'm having RENTER issues. Oh. There's that word again. Involved in a fix it ...no that "fix it" implies small. This is not small. Every detail makes the project bigger. and BIGGER. How bout HUGE. Yes..this is HUGE. I'm not DOING the work, I'm responsible for it, dealing with an idiot mother of the renter, several handicapped individuals living in it...blocking the main living entrance.

This was the start of a new semester for me this week, teaching 4 classes that I have not taught before. I had a melt down panic attack before class the other day...it was ...an issue to say the least...>Fake it till you make it.

Please tell me..is it WRONG that my most prized possession right now are my 4 dollar pair of plastic sungoggles I use in the tanner????

Recepe's From Bavarian Inn

2009-01-29T04:28:00.000-08:00

Dorothy's Most Requested Recipes
A tiny 85 year old woman still works six days a week making these.
Dorothy's Recipe of the Month
Blonde Brownies

1 cup sifted flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped nuts
⅓ cup oleo
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon hot water
1 egg
1 tablespoon vanilla
½ package (3 ounce) chocolate chips

Sift together flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Add nuts. Mix well and set aside.

Melt oleo in saucepan. Remove from heat. Add brown sugar and hot water. Cool. Add egg and vanilla. Blend.

Add flour mixture mixing well. Spread in greased 9x9x2 inch pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips on batter. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Sweet Sour Navy Bean Salad
1 pound (2 cups)Michigan Navy Beans
1 1/4 cups celery, diced
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup Italian dressing
(or any oil and vinegar dressing 1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon Frankenmuth All Purpose Seasoning (or other all purpose seasoning)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup diced pimientos
Soak beans in 6 cups of water for up to 8 hours (or overnight in the refrigerator). Drain and rinse. Combine with 6 cups fresh water and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until tender. Drain, cool, then add remaining ingredients. Chill in refrigerator about 4 hours before serving. Serves 10-12

Apple Kuchen
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 3-ounce pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 1/2 cups peeled & chopped apples
1 1/2 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples 2 tablespoons apple juice
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter or margaine
In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Gradually beat in 1 1/4 cups flour. Press crumbly mixture onto bottom and up sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake in 350º oven for 5 minutes. Cool.

Beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until combined. Beat in egg. Pour over crust. Mix apples, apple juice, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice. Spoon over cheese. Bake in 350º oven for 45 minutes. Combine oats, 1/3 cup flour and 1/3 cup brown sugar. Cut in 1/4 cup butter or margarine to resemble coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over pie. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes more. Makes 1 pie.

Bavarian Inn Creamy Cucumber Salad
Mix 1 Tbsp. Salt and
2 ½ pounds cucumbers.
Let stand 3 hours in
refrigerator. Drain in
colander 1 hour
In refrigerator. Juice
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp. Onion powder
1/8 tsp. Garlic powder
4 Tbsp. Ivory Jel
½ cup salad dressing
½ cup vinegar
½ cup half and half cream
Mix dry ingredients. Stir salad dressing into dry mixture. Add vinegar and
cream. Pour juice over drained cucumbers and mix. Garnish with red
peppers. Serves 10.

Headlines..

2009-01-27T15:00:00.000-08:00

Relative: Dead baby appeared 'happy, healthy'
YEP...RIGHT up until the time he was dead...He looked REEEEEL good.

..."Nine other children under the age of 18 were living in the three-bedroom apartment with several adult relatives, Morris and police said.

Police described the apartment as a "health hazard," saying it was roach-infested and strewn with garbage."

THIS from a couple weeks ago...

Babies found living with rats, roaches
January 4, 2009 4:26 PM

Three babies found by Chicago police in a West Side apartment without running water or central heat were taken into protective custody Saturday, and their parents were charged with neglect and endangerment.The babies -- a 16-month-old boy, 14-month-old boy and 4-month-old girl -- were taken from the apartment. There were roaches, rats, numerous open containers of alcohol, exposed electrical wires, an overflowed toilet with human waste, and no food or water in the second-floor apartment where the children were found. Shirley Johnson, 44,(Grandma) acknowledged the apartment does not have running water or a working toilet, but she said the Chicago police description of their residence was wrong.Police said they found the little boys sitting in the apartment wearing winter coats. Not yet knowing about the baby girl, police said they took the two little boys into protective custody, and arrested Latrice Johnson and Wysinger. Fenner, who had been at the store, returned shortly after and was arrested.

In the meantime, other officers stuck around the apartment to wait for evidence technicians to arrive, police said. About a half-hour later, police said, the officers heard noises coming from a bedroom.

That's where they discovered the baby girl on the floor behind a mattress that was propped against a wall, police added.

"If it were not for the alertness of the officers at the scene, this 4-month-old baby could have died," Andrews said.

Makes me sad...thinking of all of these kids crammed into a filthy reeking apartment...

I Live in Michigan

2009-01-25T17:10:00.000-08:00

Aug. 12 - Moved into our new home in Michigan . It is so beautiful here. The hills and river valleys are so picturesque.
Our house sits back off the street and looks so nice with the long curving driveway. I have a beautiful old oak tree in my front yard. It's long graceful limbs shade my house. Can hardly wait to see the change in the seasons. This is truly God's Country.

Oct. 14 - Michigan is such a gorgeous place to live, one of the real special places on Earth. The leaves are turning a multitude of different colors. I love all of the shades of reds, oranges and yellows, they are so bright. I want to walk through all of the beautiful hills and spot some white tail deer. I see so many sweet little deer every day. They are so graceful, certainly they must be the most peaceful creatures on Earth. Michigan must be paradise.

Nov. 11 - Deer season opens this week. I can't imagine why anyone would want to shoot these elegant animals. They are the very symbol of peace and tranquility here in Michigan . I hope it snows soon so the hunters will stop harassing the little deer. Then the winter beauty I have been waiting to see will be with us. I love it here!

Dec. 2 - It snowed last night. I woke to the most wonderful sight: everything covered in a beautiful blanket of soft white snow. The oak tree is so magnificent. It looks like a postcard. We went out and swept the snow from the steps and driveway. The air is so crisp, clean and refreshing. We had a snowball fight. I won, and the snowplow came down the street. He must have gotten too close to the driveway because we had to go out and shovel the end of the driveway out again. What a beautiful place. Nature in harmony with man. I love it here!

Dec. 12 - More snow last night. I love it! All it did was paint a fresh coat of beautiful white on this picturesque landscape. The plow did his cute little trick again. Oh just a little extra shoveling. What a rascal. A winter wonderland. I love it here!

Dec. 19 - More snow - couldn't get out of the driveway to get to work in time. I'm exhausted from all of the shoveling. Boy the roads were really slippery! They need to use more salt. Dang this driveway is really long. And that snowplow!

Dec. 21 - More of that white shit coming down. I've got blisters on my hands and a kink in my back. Fell on my ass twice and my boots are soaked. I think that the snowplow driver waits around the corner until I'm done shoveling the end of the driveway. Asshole plow driver anyway.

Dec. 25 - White Christmas? More freakin' snow. If I ever get my hands on the sonofabitch who drives that snowplow, I swear I'll castrate him. Over paid government workers anyway. And why don't they use more salt on these roads to melt this crap??

Dec. 28 - It hasn't stopped snowing since Christmas. I have been inside since then, except of course when that SOB "Snowplow Harry" comes by. Can't go anywhere, both cars are buried up to the windows. Weather man says to expect another 10 inches. Do you have any idea how many shovelfuls 10 inches is on this long ass driveway?? And then the frggin plow will come by...AGAIN!

Jan. 1 - Happy New Year? MY ASS!! The way it's coming down it won't melt until the 4th of July! The snowplow got stuck down the road and the shithead actually had the balls to come and ask to borrow a shovel! I told him don't break it, I'd broken six already this season. HA HA the sonabitch slipped on his ass too.

Jan. 4 - Finally got out of the house. Dug out of this overly long ass driveway, why didn't the jack ass who built this house just cut that stupid Oak down and build closer to the street anyway? We went to the store to get some food and two damn deer ran out in front of my car and I hit one of the four legged bastards. It did $3,000 in damage to the car. Those beasts ought to be killed. The hunters should have a longer season if you ask me. Body count that's what I want!

Jan. 27 - Warmed up a little and rained all yesterday and today. The rain turned the snow into ice and the weight of it broke the main limb of that stupid oak tree in the front yard and it went through the roof. Ruined all the dry wall in the dinning room with the water. I should have cut that old piece of shit into fireplace wood when I had the chance last fall.

Feb. 2 - Ground Hogs day, what a long cold winter! I am gonna kill that insurance agent. Plastic over the hole in the roof and the heats flying out the hole. He said he will get out here as soon as the road get plowed out. Consumers Power sent me a bill for $397.30 for January. Bastards might as well just made it an even $400.00. Started burning that green ass oak to stay warm.

Mar. 16- Damn construction guys tore up the whole muddy ass yard fixing the roof. Looks like a war zone out there. Now those dirty ass deer are in the yard eating the bushes. Michigan needs to get rid of these over sized rodents! Finished cutting down that useless ass oak tree. Now I have to get rid of the stump.

May 23 - Took my car to the local garage. Would you believe the whole underside of the car is rusted away from all of that damn salt they dump on the road? Why does Michigan use so much salt anyway!? Car looks like a bashed up, heap of rusted cow shit.

May 10 - Sold the rusted junk ass car, the house with the long ass driveway and moved to Florida . I can't imagine why anyone with half a frikkin brain would ever want to live in the God forsaken State of Michigan ...

People to People Australia

2009-01-24T19:14:00.000-08:00

Of the say 8,000 fund needed to send Helena to Australia with People to People...we have 1400 so far. Send date is JULY 1.Student Ambassadors
Traveling to the South Pacific, Asia, Europe and many other destinations, People to People Student Ambassador Programs offer students in grades 5-12 life-changing educational travel opportunities that foster friendship, build the foundation for personal success, and offer unique access to people, places, and activities. Program delegations are built around local communities, so students make friends locally before they travel globally.People to People Moments
People to People Moments

* Be a welcomed guest for a two-night stay with an Australian family eager to meet you.
* Submerge and converge at the Great Barrier Reef in company with your delegation’s own marine biologist to assist your exploration.
* Tackle adventure full force with outdoor athletic challenge courses and teambuilding activities.
* Participate in a significant, localized service project in cooperation with the hosting community.

Enhance Your Education
Enhance Your Education
Ambassadors on this program will earn special insights into:

* Marine biology and its application to Australia’s sea life
* History of Australia’s first settlements
* Zoology, geology, and botany
* World Heritage sites
* Geography and the anomalies of this region
* Australia’s multiculturalism

Top Program Activities
Top Program Activities

* Spend some quality time with another flightless Australian bird—the Little Penguin!
* Wii takes a backseat to SPORTEX, an interactive sport exhibit that has you vie against elite and world champion athletes.
* Appreciate nature, nose to nose, with koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies. Crocodiles are enjoyed from a greater distance!

What I'm thinking about ? Listening

2009-01-22T04:28:00.000-08:00

It's the only version of the song I could find...I don't like the VISUALS..but it is Bonnie singing..and the breakthrough words..EH....
SHE'S NOBODY'S GIRL I feel like this...
She don't need anybody to tell her she's pretty
She's heard it every single day of her life
He's got to wonder what she sees in him when theres so many others
Standing in line
She gives herself to him, but he's still on the outside.
She's alone in this world
She's nobody's girl
She's nobody's girl
She shows up at his doorstep in the middle of the night
Then she disappears for weeks at a time
Just enough to keep him wanting more
But never is he satisfied
And he's left to pick up the pieces
Wondering what does he do this for
She's off in her own little world
She's nobody's girl
She's nobody's girl
He said, Before I met her, I didn't love nothing.
I could take it or leave it,
That was okay, but, she brings out a want in me, of things I didn't even
Know that I need.
She does anything she wants, anytime she wants to.
With anyone, you know, she wants it all.
Still she gets all upset over the least little thing
When you hurt her, it makes you feel so small.
And she's a walking contradiction, but I ache for her inside.
She's fragile like a string of pearls,
She's nobody's girl.
She's nobody's girl.
She's nobody's girl.

Lead Us With Integrity

2009-01-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

What I'm reading

2009-01-19T17:12:00.001-08:00

GREAT book...

What We've been eating

2009-01-05T09:46:00.000-08:00

Robyn has been consulting with a food lady. One great suggestion I am going to put into place is menuing. Ness has menu's. I remember the blackboard. We never have. Every day is the question..What's for dinner?

You can but stuff on SALE, stock up and save on groceries rather than buying every day...Much easier to do now that the kids are older.

Rob's lady says to write down all the types of meat, then simply put THAT on the calendar to start with.
Chicken, beef, Pork, pasta, Turkey, Ham, Then..What about Casseroles? What about Soups?

Chicken: Baked Chicken, Chicken legs, Chicken with rice, Chicken Strips, Chicken Kievs

Beef: Burgers, Burritos, Chuck Roast, Barbeque Beef, Steaks, Meatloaf, Meatballs,

Turkey:

Ham: I don't think I've ever baked a whole ham. I use Turkey Ham for Sandwiches while on road trips. We use sliced ham for lunches. But a whole ham? Wierd..just haven't done it.

SOUP: Turkey Noodle, White Bean Chicken Chili, Tomato, Don Potato, Regular Chili

Pasta: Spaghetti, Alfredo, Manicotti, Lasagna, Mac and Cheese,

Salads: Big Salad, Taco Salad, Coleslaw

Potatoes: Baked, Scalloped, Mashed, Cut up-Microwaved then baked, French Fries, Tater Tots, twice baked,

Pizza: Regular, English Muffin Pizzas, Chicken W/Peanut Sauce, Black Bean Pizza,

Any other ideas?

What We've been eating

2009-01-04T14:41:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the boring post...but I really want to try and make our food life easier.

Lately...
Ate at Irish pub..Had great food...yum on some Onion straws. Yum on Chicken. oh yah..and wine...and GOOD Onion rings.

Christmas eve...Went to Christmas Eve service..had traveled during the day..so..I'm embarrassed to admit it..but had the local Gas Station Pizza..HOWEVER...had them NOT bake them off, and we doctored them up. It was really good, comforting, and hey..PIZZA.

Christmas..For some reason hadn't really planned ahead for dinner...Don was going to make Chef Paul Prudomme's Tomato Soup...We mix our own seasonings but this recipe calls for his pre mixed seasonings ( Ingredients
Chef Paul Tomato Soup
* Seasoning mix
* 2 tablespoon Chef Paul Prudhomme's Seafood Magic®
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* For the Soup
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 4 tablespoon (1/2stick) unsalted butter
* 1 1/2 cup chopped onions
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 11 cup peeled and chopped very ripe tomatoes (about 16)
* 1 1/2 cup chicken stock
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

* Print
* Share
* Save This Recipe

Cooking Instructions

Combine the seasoning mix ingredients in a small bowl. Bring the cream just to the boiling point in a small saucepan, remove from the heat and set aside.

Melt the butter in a heavy 3-quart pot (do not use cast iron) over high heat. Add the onions and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the seasoning mix and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and the remaining seasoning mix, cover and bring to a rolling boil. Uncover, stir well, and cook hard for about 3 minutes. Stir in the stock and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Uncover, raise the heat to high, and cook for 10 minutes more. Stir in the parsley and remove from the heat. Put the soup into a food processor or blender in 2 batches and process until coarsely puréed but not quite smooth. Pour into a large bowl and stir in the reserved cream.

ANYWAY...We DIDN'T have that....I made Chicken Kiev's....Rice Pilaf, part of a Pork tenderloin that I had stuffed with garlic and cooked before and froze. I also asked Don, and he made Garlic Shrimp tossed in butter and Bread crumbs. Dinner was yummy.

I've been cooking for a friend...tons of food, and recently made Chicken Alfredo, white bean chicken chili, Lasagna, and Turkey Meatloaf.

Yesterday...had burritos/tacos, made cole slaw.

Today..I took all the left over meat from Burrito's and the Left over Refried beans, added celery and made chili. I didn't have "real" onion's so added dried ones. Used tomato drink as the base. It was simple and easy, quick and good.

Travel Times

2009-01-03T06:54:00.001-08:00

Most of you remember My BIG fat naked internet boyfriend..but this trip I replaced him!!
We got terribly turned around in the Northwest corner of South Carolina, and ended up at the top of a mountain..so we made the best of it...we ATE BARBEQUE!!

GROSS out alert!!

2009-01-03T06:38:00.000-08:00

This is My Joy. She is not Gross.

This is Grace, Born two weeks before my middle. She is Brilliant, Pretty and Kindhearted.

She takes after her mommy.

These injuries are a LOT worse than they look in the pictures. Ooozing white blood cells continue to crust over and peel off. GET THE BUCKET.

One of my presents was a trip to South Carolina to see ROBYN, one of the dearest people on earth. It was a Very quick trip. Well..not quick but..2 days travel there, 2 days actually visiting, and 2 days back. Ugh. Can a person get butt sore? YES.
My middle was playing with all their cool stuff and WIPED out on a non electric scooter. DEEP nasty Scraping oozing wounds ensued. Bleh.

Christmas Eve

2009-01-03T06:02:00.000-08:00

We traveled quite a bit during Christmas, but didn't start out MEANING too. First after the HORRID weather in Michigan, started out getting plowed out at least 7 times at 20$$ or more each time.
We went to Lansing to see our friends who were traveling from Arkansas, to Chicago and like Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story (anyone remember him?) to ..BEYOND!!!

This is Ness. She of the FAMOUS http://happinessisabutterfly.blogspot.com/ Blog. More important than THAT though..is She is my friend.

I met Vanessa and Robb when I switched churches from a Pastor that was manipulative, and abusive all in the name of God. Yah. I will SOO stop there. Anyway, Robb, the first time I met him, I was volunteering at their Church for the Community, as they were doing the Daycare for anyone working on building our local Playscape at the park. (pictures are here are real cool http://www.ithacami.com/gallery.html )

Robb asked me, after finding out that I was then a Foster/Adoptive Recruiter how much money it cost to adopt, as he and his wife (Vanessa) were THINKING about it..but didn't have a ton of money. HA HA!! That was all the IN I needed. I was working with a nut job State Employee who at been demoted at the time, but anyway...we got them approved for foster care and ...later adoption. It was a GOD thing, and I don't say that very often.

I Love this kid!! I burst out crying when I saw all of their kids!! Crying. Me. Emotional. In a public place!! Who'd believe it?

Every time I look at this kid..I know I did something right in my life.

And,,this is One of My kids, we killed some time touring the local Krispy Kreme Factory. it was COOL.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-21T05:38:00.000-08:00

Made me Laugh

2008-12-18T04:42:00.000-08:00

This is an article submitted to a 1999 Louisville Sentinel contest to
find out who had the wildest Christmas dinners. It won first prize.

As a joke, my brother Jay used to hang a pair of panty hose over his
fireplace before Christmas. He said all wanted was for Santa to fill them.

What they say about Santa checking the list twice must be true because
every Christmas morning, although Jay's kids' stockings overflowed, poor
pantyhose hung sadly empty.

One year I decided to make his dream come true. I put on sunglasses and
went in search of an inflatable love doll. They don't sell those things at

Wal-Mart. I had to go to an adult bookstore downtown.

If you've never been in an X-rated store, don't go. You'll only confuse
yourself. I was there an hour saying things like, 'What does this do?' '
You're kidding me!' 'Who would buy that?' Finally, I made it to the
inflatable doll section.

I wanted to buy a standard, uncomplicated doll that could also
substitute as a passenger in my truck so I could use the car pool lane
during rush hour.

Finding what I wanted was difficult. 'Love Dolls' come in many
different models. The top of the line, according to the side of the box,
could do things
I'd only seen in a book on animal husbandry. I settled for 'Lovable
Louise.' She was at the bottom of the price scale.

To call Louise a 'doll' took a huge leap of imagination.

On Christmas Eve and with the help of an old bicycle pump, Louise came
to life.

My sister-in-law was in on the plan and let me in during the wee
morning hours. Long after Santa had come and gone, I filled the dangling
pantyhose with Louise's pliant legs and bottom. I also ate some cookies
and drank what remained of a glass of milk on a nearby tray. I went home,
and giggled for a couple of hours.

The next morning my brother called to say that Santa had been to his
house and left a present that had made him VERY happy,
but had left the dog confused. She would bark, start to walk away, then
come back and bark some more.

We all agreed that Louise should remain in her pantyhose so the rest of
the family could admire her when they came over for the traditional
Christmas dinner.

My grandmother noticed Louise the moment she walked in the door. 'What
the hell is that?' she asked.

My brother quickly explained, 'It's a doll.'

'Who would play with something like that?' Granny snapped.

I kept my mouth shut.

'Where are her clothes?' Granny continued.

'Boy, that turkey sure smells nice, Gran,' Jay said, to steer her into
the dining room.

But Granny was relentless. 'Why doesn't she have any teeth?'

Again, I could have answered, but why would I? It was Christmas and no
one wanted to ride in the back of the ambulance saying,
'Hang on Granny, hang on!'

My grandfather, a delightful old man with poor eyesight, sidled up t o
me and said, ' Hey, who's the naked gal by the fireplace?'
I told him she was Jay's friend.

A few minutes later I noticed Grandpa by the mantel, talking to Louise.
Not just talking, but actually flirting. It was then that we realized this
might be
Grandpa's last Christmas at home.

The dinner went well. We made the usual small talk about who had died,
who was dying, and who should be killed, when suddenly Louise made a
noise like my father in the bathroom in the morning. Then she lurched
from the mantel, flew around the room twice, and fell in a
heap in front of the sofa. The cat screamed. I passed cranberry sauce
through my nose, and Grandpa ran across the room, fell to his knees,
and began administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

My brother fell back over his chair and wet his pants.

Granny threw down her napkin, stomped out of the room, and sat in the
car.

It was indeed a Christmas to treasure and remember.

Later in my brother's garage, we conducted a thorough examination to
decide the cause of Louise's collapse. We discovered that Louise had
suffered from a hot ember to the back of her right thigh.

Fortunately, thanks to a wonder drug called duct tape, we restored her
to perfect health.

I can't wait until next Christmas.

PS FROM ME: DO NOT GOOGLE "BLOW UP DOLL PICTURES".....Wow.....

My Sister on TV HISTORY channel tonight!

2008-12-16T18:50:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 16 at 10PM ET/9C

This train running from Chicago to Seattle is the busiest passenger train in America. The route passes through America's longest tunnel where Matt finds out how the railroad keeps passengers from choking to death and how to keep the tracks from flooding. In the Cascade Mountains he learns what it takes to the keep the rails clear of snow drifts over a dozen feet high! This episode covers how James J. Hill built the Great Northern Railroad; and the Wellington avalanche disaster. It features some of America's most beautiful scenery in Montana's Glacier National Park.

I love this guy!

2008-12-15T10:46:00.001-08:00

If I were writing a motivational newsletter

2008-12-13T06:30:00.000-08:00

When you do something, you should burn yourself up completely, like a good bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself. Suzuki, Shunryu

What's the difference of never knowing at all?
When every step I take is always too small.
Maybe it's just something I can't admit but lately,
I feel like I don't give a shit.

Motivation such an aggravation,
Accusations don't know how to take them.
Inspiration's getting hard to fake it.
Concentration never hard to break it.
Situation never what you want it to be.

What's the point of never making mistakes?
Self-indulgence is such a hard habit to break.
It's all just a waste of time in the end.
I don't care so why should I even pretend.

Motivation such an aggravation,
Accusations don't know how to take them.
Inspiration's getting hard to fake it.
Concentration never hard to break it.
Situation never what you want it.

Nothing's new, everything's the same.
It keeps on dragging me down, it's getting kind of lame.
I'm falling further behind, there's nothing to explain.
No matter what you say nothing's gonna change my mind.

Can't depend on doubt until the end.
It seems like leaving friends has become this years trend
and though I can't pretend, a Friend would be this way
It's not the same but who's to blame,
For all those stupid things I never said.

Motivation such an aggravation,
Accusations don't know how to take them.
Inspiration's getting hard to fake it.
Concentration never hard to break it.

Motivation such an aggravation,
Accusations don't know how to take them.
Inspiration's getting hard to fake it.
Concentration
Situation never what you want it to be.

Never what you want it to be.
Never what you want it to be.

Great Commercial

2008-12-12T04:46:00.000-08:00

My sister sent this..WHAT A HOOT!!

Thank you Illinos ...and Your Gov !!

2008-12-11T19:33:00.000-08:00

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

2008-12-10T07:19:00.000-08:00

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Very Brady Christmas

For you, it's all about sharing times with family.

Even if you all get a bit cheesy at times.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

ELF yourself You know you want too!!

2008-12-06T21:58:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

PAY PAL PLUG IN

2008-12-06T07:25:00.000-08:00

I LOVE the New Pay Pal plug in. It creates a ONE TIME use credit card for on line transactions! It is GREAT!! I LOVE it..Oh I guess I said that!
The plug-in installs in seconds. Download it for free and:

* Use Secure Cards to shop anywhere online
* Save and print your receipts
* Enter addresses with 1 click during checkout
* Avoid fraudulent websites
* Check your balance right from your browser

The Heart of a Leader

2008-11-29T07:04:00.000-08:00

I've been thorough numerous Leadership courses. I teach leadership. I have lived leadship. I'm a National Children's Defense Fund "Emerging Leader". I spent a week at their "farm"--Alex Haley author of roots old farm, learning how to breathe, listen and think as CDF wanted us too. (yes...I'm a dissident).
I spent a year with Michigan's Children as an Emerging leader learning how to communicate at the State Level with Bureaucrat's, and elected leaders.
I spent a year at the local level learning how local officials deal with things.

All Good Stuff...

HOWEVER..recently I've discovered..."The Heart of a Leader"...it is great inspiring stuff. http://heartofaleader.wordpress.com/ Author Thomas White. Never a disappointment. More than I can say of other involvements I've had. Check him out.

SCAM: I'm RICH!!

2008-11-28T05:38:00.000-08:00

One more....
MY FAMILY NEED YOUR HELP

ATTN: DIRECTOR/CEO
TEL: 27-833-658-139 EMAIL; monicadan02@gmail.com
Dear Sir/Madam,

With due respect, trust and humility, I write to you this proposal,which I
believe would be of great interest to you. I find your contact while I was
doing a private research on the Internet for a reliable and capable foreign
partner that will assist my family and I to transfer fund to his personal or
private account and for investment purpose. I am MR,OGENE DAN the eldest
son of Late MR. JOHN DAN, who was the "Chairman" of the farmer's
co-operation in Zimbabwe.

My Father was among the few blacks that were murdered in cold blood by the
President Robert Mugabe Administration during the land dispute that just
happened in Zimbabwe. After the death of my Father, we decided to move out of
ZIMBABWE because our lives were in danger because of the money that my father
kept in his hidden safe in our house. The amount contained in the safe is US $
14.5M

This money was meant for the purchase of new machines and chemicals for the
farms and establishment of new farms in Swaziland. Before his death, He is a
Major Share Holder of companies in Zimbabwe. After my Father died we moved to
South Africa and deposited this fund to his account oversea and for the safety
of our family. This money in a security company in a box as valuables belonging
to our foreign partner pending when we see somebody that will assist us transfer

We are presently in South Africa as Refugee and as such the law of South Africa
does not permit us to operate or open an account here in South Africa or be
involved in any financial transaction. That is why we contacted you to assist
us in this transaction.

We are ready to compensate you with 30% of the total fund for accepting to
assist us, contact me on the above phone number indicating your interest as
soon as possible, on receiving of your acceptance, I shall be glad to give you
more clarification on the modalities needed for smooth successful completion of
this transaction.

I anticipate your quick response.

Best regard.

MRS.MONICA DAN. MY ONLY SON MR .OGENE DAN.CALL

HIM TEL: TEL: 27-833-658-139(For and On behalf of my family)

20. NETMARK STREET JOHANNESBURG
SOUTH AFRICA

Reply me with this my private email address ; monicadan02@gmail.com
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/918781.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/715001.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/1063785.stm

Parole/Probation Stories TAKE A WHIZ

2008-11-26T21:12:00.001-08:00

Yes, there really are fake "accoutrement's" out there to help people pass urine tests. In the "Field" they are called "drops" as in ..."I have to drop someone" meaning, I have to take a urine sample from a client.
While in Saginaw, one of my co-workers detected something rather ODD. The..Um..well...SKIN TONE of the individual did not match the SKIN tone of his whizzzer. I found this article today..somehow..prosecution of the manufacturer's makes me sad. I don't know why.
Reminds me of a Black Client that had VERY VERY long fingernails. At a "drop" for her..she was..well Messing around down there too much...when..OOPS...out pops a Balloon FILLED with..Pee. Evidently NOT hers...and yes...THAT pee in the Balloon was tested--it was "dirty" also. Dirty pee means that drugs have been detected. Not a good thing if you are under Court order NOT to have drugs in your system.

Men guilty of selling prosthetic for drug tests
Posted by Tracey Coyle
Published: November 25, 2008 - 7:57 AM

Two men whose company sold a device known as the Whizzinator that helped men cheat on drug tests have pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh. George Wills and Robert Catalano each pleaded guilty Monday to two conspiracy counts. They owned the California-based Internet company Puck Technology.

The Whizzinator is a prosthetic penis that comes with a heating element and fake urine. U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan's office says the goal of it and another device called Number 1 was to help people pass drug tests.

The devices were sold from 2005 to 2008. The California men are scheduled to be sentenced in February and face up to eight years in prison, a half-million-dollar fine or both.

Bail outs Suck CITIGROUP

2008-11-24T03:44:00.000-08:00

I have refrained from talking 'tics on here. Didn't want to get into the dicyness of the real world here. HOWEVER...I think Bail out plans SUCK. Granted, I live in Michigan. (Here, grab a tissue as you cry for me).

WASHINGTON – The government unveiled a bold plan Sunday to rescue Citigroup,
injecting a fresh $20 billion into the troubled firm as well as guaranteeing
hundreds of billions of dollars in risky assets.

I have been in EXTREME Credit Card debt. We worked our way OUT OF it. By PAYING FOR it...when CITIGROUP...the SAME company BEGGING for a bailout was charging us usury of about 29% interest because we had 2 late payments. We STILL paid off what we owed. HELLO????? Maybe we should NOT bail Citigroup out. They are a PRIVATELY held company. LET them experience what every household in America has had to do: PAY YOUR BILLS!!!

I've had the foreclosure demons at my door. I KNOW what it is like to work with Attorneys trying to get out of foreclosure..You know what??? IF I DIDN'T PAY THE BILL I WOULD HAVE LOST THE HOUSE!!! That is how it is supposed to work!! I didn't go on a multi million dollar vacation because I knew SOMEONE else was going to pay the bill. THERE WAS NO ONE ELSE TO PAY THE BILL@@@!!!!

CITIGROUP helped Enron commit fraud. (You can if you want J.P. Morgan Chase Agrees to Pay $135 Million to Settle SEC Allegations that It Helped Enron Commit Fraud

Citigroup Agrees to Pay $120 Million to Settle SEC Allegations that It Helped Enron and Dynegy Commit Fraud http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2003-87.htm )
"These two cases serve as yet another reminder that you can't turn a blind eye to the consequences of your actions — if you know or have reason to know that you are helping a company mislead its investors, you are in violation of the federal securities laws," said Stephen M. Cutler, Director of SEC's Enforcement Division.

Part of me freaks out about this..because in ONE weekend..all banking could change, our money system change, and the "new world order" be implemented. Yes..that is the fear my backgroud of Baptist stinkin thinkin has given me. Frankly, I'm still scared shitless.

...and STILL don't believe companies should be bailed out. MAYBE...if they hadn't been charging me and everyone else 29 percent INTEREST they would be able to make it...Charge THEM 29 Percent...see if THEY stay afloat???

The action, announced jointly by the Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., is aimed at shoring up a huge financial institution whose collapse would wreak havoc on the already crippled financial system and the U.S. economy.

Meyers- Briggs personality on line test

2008-11-15T07:50:00.000-08:00

Do the Test!! http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes1.htm
I AM...ENTP
Found in about five out of every hundred people
open attitude, they often bring a fresh, new approach to their work and their lives
ENTPs are nothing if not unique. Brave new associations flow freely from the unconscious into the world of the living. Making, discovering and developing connections between and among two or more of anything is virtually automatic. The product of intuition is merely an icon of process; ENTPs are in the business of change, improvement, experimentation.
they are usually extremely quick and accurate in their ability to size up a situation.http://davefaq.com/Docs/ENTP.html
intuitively understand people and situations puts the ENTP at a distinct advantage in their lives. They generally understand things quickly and with great depth. Accordingly, they are quite flexible and adapt well to a wide range of tasks. They are good at most anything that interests them.
ENTPs are idea people. Their perceptive abilities cause them to see possibilities everywhere. They get excited and enthusiastic about their ideas, and are able to spread their enthusiasm to others. In this way, they get the support that they need to fulfill their visions.
they are quite rational and logical in reaching conclusions. When they apply Thinking to their Intuitive perceptions, the outcome can be very powerful indeed. A well-developed ENTP is extremely visionary, inventive, and enterprising
fluent conversationalists, mentally quick
upbeat visionaries. They highly value knowledge, and spend much of their lives seeking a higher understanding. They live in the world of possibilities, and become excited about concepts, challenges and difficulties. When presented with a problem, they're good at improvising and quickly come up with a creative solution. Creative, clever, curious, and theoretical, ENTPs have a broad range of possibilities in their lives.

He's Fifteen!

2008-11-13T04:17:00.000-08:00

In all the excitement of getting ready for TKD last weekend, I forgot to post some pictures!!

He Flies through the air with the greatest of ease..

2008-11-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

WOW! LeBron's LONG jump to dunk!!

Government by the People, for the People

2008-11-12T07:06:00.000-08:00

President-elect Obama has just launched a new transition website where they are soliciting thoughts on policies you want to see carried out over the next four years. This provides our opportunity to President-elect Obama to know what we want him to make good on.
You can fill out a survey...state what you want! From the website:
An American Moment: Your Vision
Start right now. Share your vision for what America can be, where President-Elect Obama should lead this country. Where should we start together?

Visit President-elect Obama's new transition website, change.gov.
http://change.gov/page/s/yourvision

PORK CHOPS

2008-11-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

PORK CHOPS

1. 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2. 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
3. 1/4 teaspoon salt
4. 1/4 teaspoon pepper
5. 4 boneless pork loin chops
6. 1 tablespoon butter
7. 1 tablespoon olive oil
8. 1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
9. 2 tablespoons orange juice
10. 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
11. 4 sprigs fresh thyme

1. In a small bowl, combine crushed thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over pork chops.
2. Melt butter and olive oil in a nonstick skillet. Cook pork chops for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, turning once. Remove from skillet and keep warm in preheated oven.
3. In the skillet, combine raspberry jam, orange juice, and vinegar. Bring to a boil, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until sauce is reduced to desired consistency (sauce will thicken as it cools). Spoon sauce in a pool onto a serving plate, and top with pork chops. Garnish with sprigs of thyme.

TKD Nove 2008

2008-11-10T04:14:00.001-08:00

Be inspired, motivated

2008-11-07T04:08:00.001-08:00

Need inspiration to do what you can with what you have--be it money, time or attitude!

WORKING MOM TELLS ALL...WHere did your blog GO???

2008-11-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

HELP!! I've lost my blogging friend and I can't get up!! WHERE are you???

Email me...let me know you are ok krisscop@yahoo.com

The times..they are a changing;;;

2008-11-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

Seems like everywhere the last 2 days have been about changes changes changes. I wrote an entry..then deleted it.
Do you ever feel like SOMETHING is JUST ABOUT to HAPPEN??? BIG..and NOT. Little. That's where I am at.
Yes..I have HUGE job interview Thurs. Thats's not it
Yes...Kids have HUGE TKD tourn this weekend..thats not it
yes...I've been talking to someone about God stuff in depth..but that's not it

I feel more centered..more "wired" ...more alert..and yet..I'm still exhausted all the time. A Month or more ago..I felt I was standing on the edge of a Deep crevice Staring down into the Black rumbling abyss.

I found this recently..
"On Saturday, Venus entered Sagittarius and stimulating
our adventurous impulse to embrace the unknown
we may find ourselves during the next four weeks
standing at the precipice of humanity’s consciousness
as the goddess of love waits ever so sweetly to push us into the
darkened abyss."
Well reader...I have been there recently. Standing staring down into the abyss. and Screw that I dont want to go back. AT. ALL.
Movin on....the times...are a changing...

Money Post

2008-11-04T04:17:00.000-08:00

http://www.homemoneyhelp.com

See that link to BOSSY's blog over there? It is inspiring me to get moving on money issues.
Todays link is to Budget stretcher that I have read for YEARS.

Budget Stretcher is a one man operation home based in the hills of Southeast Missouri. It was started in January 2000 as a means of helping anybody that needed help with their financial problems. After searching the web for several months I realized that most budget systems offered were complicated and didn't offer the budget forms necessary to setup and maintain a budget.
Part of what I have found...is that I have to TAKE CARE OF WHAT I HAVE. That is a HUGE deal with not spending MORE money. I have bought stuff I already have, because (blushing) I couldn't find it when I needed it? Please...tell me SOMEONE else has also done this so I don't die of embarrassment and shame.

Halloween ha ha's

2008-10-31T18:28:00.000-07:00

Q: What do you get when you divide the circumference of a jack-o-lantern by its diameter?
A: Pumpkin Pi.

Q: How do you make a witch stew?
A: Keep her waiting for hours.

Q: How do ghosts begin their letters?
A: "Tomb it may concern..."

Q: What happened to the guy who couldn't keep up payments to his exorcist?
A: He was repossessed.

Q: What do you call a person who puts rat poison in a person's Corn Flakes?
A: A cereal killer

Q: How do you mend a broken Jack-o-lantern?
A: With a pumpkin patch.

Q: What is a ghost's favorite ride?
A: A roller ghoster.

Q: Why are there fences around cemeteries?
A: Because people are dying to get in.

Q: What do you get when you cross Dracula with Sleeping Beauty?
A: Tired blood.

Q: Why was the mummy so tense?
A: He was all wound up.

Q: What kind of street does a ghost like best?
A: A dead end.

Q: How do you know if a ghost is lying?
A: You can see right through him.

Q: How is a werewolf like a computer?
A: They both have megabytes.

Q: Where do vampires live?
A: At the Vampire State Building.

Halloween party 3rd grade

2008-10-31T06:59:00.000-07:00

WITCHES BREW:
The Drinks in a Bag I am bringing!!!

SKELETON BONES: Pretzels Dipped in White Chocklate

GUMMY BODY PARTS...Yup..Thats' what they are!!

AND..>Barbequed BAT Brains on a bun.....Sloppy joes

THIs is the funniest thing I have viewed!!!

2008-10-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

How God works in our lives...$700,0000000

2008-10-27T03:44:00.000-07:00

THIS is not FAKE!! It's CONFIRMABLE!! HA

Dear Friend,

I have been waiting for you to contact me for your Confirmable check of
$700.000.00 United States Dollars, after you were unable to come up with
the shipping fees,but I did not hear from you since that time. Then I went
and deposited the Check with FedEx , I would travelled out of the country for some
months for a profesional Course and I will not come back till end of January 2009.
What you have to do now is to contact the FedEx
as soon as possible to know when they will deliver your
check to you because of the expiring date. For your information, I have
paid for the delivering Charges, Insurance premium fees and Clearance
Certificate Fees of the Check showing that it is not a Drug Money .

The only money you will send to the FedEx to deliver your
Check direct to your postal Address in your country is ($90.00
USD)Dollars only being Security Keeping Fee for the check of the Courier
Company so far.

Again, don't be deceived by anybody to pay any other money except $90.00
US Dollars. I would have paid that but they said no! because they don't
know when you will contact them and in case of demourrage. You have to
contact the FedEx now for the delivery of your Check with
this information below:

Director General
FedEx Express
Mr.John Carter
Email Address: john_carter1911@hotmail.com
Phone: +23 480 2802 7705.

Finally, make sure that you reconfirm your Postal address and direct
telephone number to them again to avoid any mistake on the Delivery and
ask them to give you the tracking number after you must have sent the fees
of $90.00 dollars for the Security fees to enable you track your package
over there and know when it will get to your address. Let me repeat again,
try to contact them as soon as you receive this email to avoid any further
delay and remember to pay them their Security Keeping fee of $90.00 US
Dollars for their immediate action.You should also let me know through
email as soon as you receive your check.

1. Full Name:............
2. Residential Address:..
3. Phone Number:.........
4. Sex: .................
5. Age ..................
6. Occupation ...........
7. Nationality............
8. Present Country.........

please do not get angry because that is what i have to offer you for now.

Thanks, God bless you and your family.

Yours Faithfully,

Mrs Katherine Jones
Former Director Presidential Library & Museum

Things I've done

2008-10-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

Trying to find a place quick and accessible to begin my "Build my REsume" up with stuff I have done before.

Lead a riot in 3 rd grade over the unfair treatment of the younger students at Lunch. Policies changed.
Wrote and Acted as Lucy in the Charlie Brown Play in 5th grade

Lobbied for better teacher when Mr. Smith started throwing erasers at us.
I was the kid on the block collecting CANS for two cents each!!!
Babysat for a guy from church studying psychology, and always ALWAYS insisted on taking me home (so wife can put down the kids)..and they he'd try to f
French tongue me!!
Helped organize a traveling teen Choir from 20 different churches who traveled all summer on singer tours throughout the North of Michigan and into Canada. HUGE success, people lives changed, God was there. (just not in the back 2 seats where everyone who wanted to was screwing.)
I babysat. I team babysat. I organized students to rake leaves and mow lawns..I was the forman...they had to come to ME to get assigned. I got paid..I dolled out to them a portion!
Did the same thing with cleaning old lady houses...everyone had a cleaning partner.
I was an oragne belt wearing crossing Guard!! Protect and SWerve!! HA

Postsecret

2008-10-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

OIL Importing!! ME!!

2008-10-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

I GOT THIS IN AN EMAIL!! He wants me to IMPORT Oil for him!! Maybe THIS Is how I can work BOSSY's Poverty Challenge!!

Mr.Yan"

I have a project I want you to run with us. It involves exportation of 35,000 barrels of crude oil daily from Kirkuk, Iraq.

If you are interested, email me.

Mr. Yan.

Working Mom's Tag

2008-10-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

The rules are to answer the following questions in one word and then pass it on to seven others:

EDITORS NOTE: OOOP's...after I posted I read the Directions about ONE WORD answers...EEEK...oh well!!

Where is your cell phone? Usually Attached, now on bookend
Where is your significant other? Working

Your hair color? Brown, and dyed, $$

Your mother? Getting Frailer, forgetful,

Your father? Dead I assume

Your favorite thing? Laughing with my urchins

Your dream last night? ???

Your dream/goal? Financial Freedom

The room you’re in? Family Room, Computer room, Stereo..OK JUNQUE room.

Your hobby? Reading, investigating, I don't think I dedicate enough time to anything to rightly call it a hobby.

Your fear? My kids future. I tend to be a "Face the Fear and Do it anyways" sort of person for me. (http://www.20daypersuasion.com/face-your-fear-procrastination.htm)

Where do you want to be in 6 years? Same location, fixed up
Where were you last night? Watching the French Connection Movie

What you’re not? Timid

One of your wish-list items? Digital Cam and ability to ebay easier.
Where you grew up? Michigan

Last thing you did? Send young one off to Bowling...by herself and the Neighbor girl

What are you wearing? Jeans, Old Cashmere sweater under a tshirt !! (it's COLD!)

Your TV? Old

Your pet? 3 cats, 2 left over kittens NONE of them are 'mine'.

Your computer? Tired hp pavilion 7935

Your mood? UPBEAT
Missing someone? Robyn, My sister, My In Laws that are passed over, My dead friend "The Italian Joe Broccoli" Don't pronounce it like the vegetable--he said it was BROCK OOH Lee...HA!

Your car? Switch between a couple, older Volvo

Something you’re not wearing? an Attitude

Favorite store? Grocery

Your summer? Swimming, Sun, Sand

Love someone? Several someones.

Your favorite color? Wow. Haven't thought of this one in years.

When is the last time you laughed? This morning plotting out a friend's husbands movements...with my friend...the hub thinks he is smarter than 2 women...NOT!!

Last time you cried? Weds- Taking dd to dance, and hub was playing some Emmy Lou Harris and for some reason it reminded me of my 2 miscarriages. ..Boo Hoo. Just sort of caught me off guard.

So, I will pass it on to:
I REALLY don't have 7. Play TAG with us tigers if you want
but...
Mini Me's room

JOB interview coming

2008-10-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

I got THE call today. It is two weeks out. However..that gives me time to get a suit tailored (my friend Shelly just nabbed me about 10 suits but need to be altered), get some shoes (because of inserts I always wear Reebok heel supports)-not the best for "The MAN" look (what my clients used to call us ..."Dad.."THE MAN" from across the river is here!!(Court house was on opposite side of the river, get my hair cut and those nasty eyebrows waxed....and Meditate on how good it will feel to accept the position....
I quit full time work about 9 years ago. Why? I ask myself that frequently..however...I got pregnant, and really felt I should homeschool. My son was in 1st grade at the time, and his teacher, "teacher of the year" suggested I homeschool as the "school district has NOTHING to offer your children". This was before he was ever diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome. I made accommodation's for him because that's just how he was.
We did that for 4 years. I say "WE" because the commitment to quit "State" employment was huge.
I keep thinking of the "what if's"--What if I hadn't quit--I'd have 9 more years toward retirement...we wouldn't be in the financial bind we are....I wouldn't have been able to bond with my kids like I did, I wouldn't have helped numerous families adopt kids, and Foster others..(My part time job I did as we homeschooled.)..ok. I know I can't go back and have a do-over. Wouldn't that be nice sometime?
How am I going to do back full time with 3 urchins in school? ..Contract work is good money--when you can get it...and keep it with the economy..but ..but..but..a cubicle is looking mighty good-with the insurance and "security". (is there such a job out there with security?)

1970 the kid....

2008-10-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

What's on YOUR plate?

2008-10-23T06:13:00.000-07:00

My favorite people: my middle girl

2008-10-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

Tricked herself out with the Yearbook program!! This is 1988.

My son...

2008-10-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

Other important people in my life

2008-10-21T03:50:00.000-07:00

So...the lady in the glasses is from 1954, my long lost double sister's cousin. NOT!

I know I could be HOT at any age!!
Have a blast with yourself in a GOOD way...at Yearbook Yourself. What a HOOT. almost as good as making yourself an ELF last Christmas!!

My Favorite people..new category

2008-10-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

This is My Friend Denise. She now lives in South Carolina...near Charleston in some jacked up town where she drives bus. (That's ME peeking behind her). This was 3 years ago...which I just found this photo because as BOSSY has us getting our Money in order, I'm trying to get my computer photos in order.
Denise...Drives bus. Other bus drivers have had guns on their bus, girls are giving BJ's for drugs on the bus...so that NOW any time the hint of light is not in the sky ALL bus light's are on. Fights, disturbances, swearing...all minor compared to the nastiness of attitudes.
Denise....Broken neck survivor and still walking, is precise, motivated, and LAUGHS out loud. She loves me...and it's hard not to love someone back that thinks YOU are the bomb!! She helps me accept myself, and is kind enough to kick my ass when I need it.

Free Eye Exams

2008-10-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

Find free eye exams
You work hard and pay your bills. But sometimes you need a little help getting by.

Maybe your employer doesn't provide vision insurance. Or, maybe you don't qualify because you work part-time.

VISION USA is here to help! It provides free basic eye health services for those who are uninsured and low-income.

Eligibility requirements vary from state to state. But, generally, one member of your household must be working. You cannot have had an eye exam in two years.

To get started, complete an application. You'll be matched with a volunteer doctor of optometry.

You'll pay nothing for your eye exam. And, in some states, you may receive eyeglasses at no cost or for a small fee.

Know someone who could benefit from VISION USA? Forward this newsletter to them now! They'll appreciate the extra help.

TO VISIT TODAY'S COOL SITE, GO HERE:
www.aoa.org