Heaven Sent

Nesting

2012-02-21T11:12:00.000-05:00

I think I am going through a nesting phase. I'm cleaning everything I see, at work or home. Throwing out things that have been sitting around my house for 25 yrs. It feels wonderful to weed out and start fresh. I can see under my steps and down my cellar stairs. My goal is to continue this trend and get down into my cellar and clean out even more so I can get to my exercise equipment. Then I can make my body feel just as alive as my home. Yeah for Me!! Wish me Luck.

Up tight

2012-02-02T16:53:00.001-05:00

Tights seem to be the rage of many women. I didn't get the style but that isn't unusual for me since I am always one step behind when it comes to fashion.

I decided to step out of my zone and find out what the rage was. I bought several of pairs of these and now I finally understand.

They really keep your legs warm and look cute at the same time. I guess trying something new and keeping up with style has it's advantages. This way I can wear skirts and dresses more and keep warm at the same time. Yeah for me.

Forgiveness - Is it the Key to Happiness?

2012-01-13T12:43:00.000-05:00

              Saying your sorry is never an easy task. So why is it even harder for someone who hasn't done anything wrong?

             I stepped out of my zone this week when I apologized for something I didn't do because I thought it would help the situation. I have no problem saying I'm sorry or admitting when I'm wrong, but saying it for something I clearly didn't do upsets me. I've tried going down that road before with others and it doesn't always work. But I truly believed this friendship was more important than being upset about who said I'm sorry first.

          I know it will all blow over and hopefully by me making a move that should have come from others will get us all on the road to forgiveness. Right?

Technology Overload

2012-01-04T15:34:00.000-05:00

Stepping Out Take 2

When the world is moving faster than the speed of light and I'm still trying to learn the art of texting. I was given the wonderful gift of a Kindle Fire by my husband for Christmas. He then confiscated my ITouch because he didn't think I needed so much technology at my fingertips and that it would be nice to share. So, I did.

I have been enthralled by my Kindle and learning all the ins and outs of how to use it, reading my new eBook (written by my friend Barbara Witek Santa Wore Combat Boots which was just released in digital format just before Christmas). Just when I thought I had the best of it all, I received another gift of a Novo7 which is similar to the Kindle but has some features the Kindle lacks. The Kindle too had features that are better than the other. I think the quality of the Kindle over all is better. Now I'm trying to figure out both of these devices and transfer information from one to another and upload documents and all sorts of fun things I never knew you could do with these things. To think, I was worried about learning to use Twitter. Ha!

I know this may not be a huge deal to you, and some of you might be saying "it's about time you caught up". I'm learning a lot in a short amount of time. To add to all this..I'm still stepping out of my zone by drinking Green Tea. Someone gave me a box for Christmas and I thought to myself, I will never drink this. But I have had some each morning. Stepping out and trying something new and it's Healthy too boot.

Look at me go!!!

Trying Something New

2012-01-02T22:16:00.001-05:00

Week 1 - No Comfort Zone Challenge

What is the hype? Social Media via Twitter. I took the leap and joined Twitter so I could find out. It has been something I wanted to try and have better working knowledge. In today's job market your resume look better when you include Social Media on it. I'm still researching on how to use it properly so I don't look totally ridiculous when trying to use it. After I master the use of this, I will truly be able to say I can use most Social Media portals. Why do you suppose this is so scary? Probably because it's new and uncharted territory. I am sure there are many in the same boat. The new and undiscovered can be worrisome but stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something you have never done opens up so many possibilities that you never knew existed. I look forward to all these challenges.

I also rearranged my blog last night and even added a Twitter button by inserting HTML. This was definitely out of my comfort zone because I know nothing about HTML but I wanted to learn something new. I will continue to work on improving my blog site and where my Twitter button is located, I am happy that it was successful. I would like to find out more about Web sites and HTML. Maybe my awesome sister Marge will be able to teach me something about these things. Maybe she could even write a book on how to use HTML or how to build a website. Hmmm..I wonder if she has this on her bucket list. But for now, I think I'm on the right path--trying something new.

What did you do today that was out of your comfort zone?

Salmon River - Osceola, NY

2012-01-01T17:50:00.001-05:00

No Comfort Zone Challenge 2012

Welcome 2012!!! Above you will see the link to a challenge (No Comfort Zone Challenge 2012) my sister is putting on and invited others to join her. I have decided to join her in this challenge because it will to make me write about my experiences. I have wanted to blog more but am not comfortable at times for fear of people's ridicule of what I write.

So this is my first challenge by accepting this and daring myself to try something I've never done before and being open to new challenges and experiences that come my way this year. I hope others take this opportunity to write about things that challenges them.

Happy New Year to all!

Christmas Blessings

2011-12-29T12:25:00.000-05:00

How many times have you heard that Christmas is a state of mind. Well, it is. Is there anything better than seeing and feeling Christmas. I love the lights, food, tree with ornaments that have been collected over the years, Christmas movies that remind you of the season and of course family and friends.

I know it's a hectic time of year buying gifts, wrapping, baking and attending parties. But it doesn't last as long as you think and before you know it, it's over. Did you feel the Christmas spirit? Did you miss out on something because you were so busy? That's ok, it's not to late to make that phone call or go visit a long lost friend or family member. Don't forget that volunteering is also a wonderful thing to do. Donate something to someone in need. They will still be in need even after the holidays. You can get that feeling of Christmas of giving to one in need and maybe appreciate where you are in your own life.

I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas season and a healthy Happy New Year.

The End of Summer

2011-08-21T22:38:00.000-04:00

Summer is over and the start of a new school year approaches. All the college students are gearing up for their new semesters and the younger ones are picking out new school clothes for the year ahead. Where did the summer go so quickly? The warm summer nights, the hot summer days, the birds chirping and the crickets making the unique sound only crickets can make. How I will miss these days, watching my boys grow up dreading when the State Fair starts because they know it's the end of summer. It happens so quickly and it feels like only yesterday, another summer gone by.

Dog's are People Too!

2011-07-20T16:29:00.000-04:00

Jada - loving life

Now I know why they say dogs are people too. I have just recently discovered my dog has allergies. When she was coughing for no apparent reason and scratching and I knew she didn't have fleas I started to suspect there was more than meets the eye. Seeing how I am a new dog owner, it took me a little longer to catch on.

So after some research, I've discovered that dogs can take over the counter medication for allergies just as people do, they can do a holistic treatment, get prescriptions, change diets and take oatmeal bath/creams just like people. Of course the only thing dogs can't do is tell you how much they are suffering and where it is bothering them so you have to guess what is ailing them, just like parents do with babies. So, is it their food, environment, or seasonal. Sure we can run them to the Vet and have them check them out and run up another $100 bill for them to tell you to try all the things your going to try anyway. So why not do some of it first and if you can't figure it out on your own then go see the vet and save some cash. I'd say start with the obvious, change the food--slowly, give the oatmeal bath, use oatmeal shampoo/cream and maybe some benadryl. ****(see how to give Benadryl to pets)** If none of that works, then maybe its something more serious and you need to visit your vet.

Below is a simple recipe for an oatmeal bath:

1 cup unflavored oatmeal

luke warm water

Grind one cup plain oatmeal in a blender into a fine powder. Fill a bath tub with lukewarm water and add the oatmeal powder to it while it is filling. Stir the oatmeal powder well into the water till the water appears cloudy. Make sure that the oatmeal powder has dissolved in the water well and has not clumped up at the bottom of the bath tub.

How to Use Oatmeal Bath for Dogs
Place your dog in the oatmeal bath water and pour some of the water on its back and head. Make sure that it's eyes do not come in contact with the water, else it may cause some discomfort. Let the dog soak in the oatmeal bath water for around 15 minutes. If the dog is furry, you will need to massage some of the oatmeal bath water into it's coat, so that the water comes in contact with its skin. Once it has soaked well in the water, remove the dog from the bathtub and rinse off its coat with lukewarm water and pat dry.

If your dog is suffering from severe itching and dry, scaly skin, you can use this oatmeal bath recipe twice a week to bathe it. For better results, you can also use a homemade oatmeal shampoo when the dog is soaking in the oatmeal bath.That's It..it's that's simple!!

*******
Benadryl Dosage for Pets

There're 2 ways for determining the proper dosage when administering Benadryl to a pet, and I will state them below:
1. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is administered at a dosage of 1 milligram per 1 pound of the animal's weight 3 times per day (i.e. every 8 hrs). An example: a 30 lb dog should be given 30 mg of this medication three times per day.
2. Dogs are categorized by three weight class categories; the med is taken 3 times daily, every 8 hours:

30 pounds and under pets: 10mg
30-50 pound pets: 25 mg
50 pounds and over pets: 50mg

As you can see, the dosage of Diphenhydramine depends on the animal's weight, and the aforementioned are just the general recommendations. To determine the proper amount of Benadryl for your dog/cat, talk to a professional veterinarian. Too little of a dosage may not help at all, while exceeding the proper dosage may be dangerous. Also, a veterinarian will help you to determine a frequency for administering the medication, such as every four, eight, or twelve hours. In addition, a vet will ask questions for determining if it is an allergic reaction that your pet is having or something else. Should your current financial situation not permit a paid visit to your vet, you should still be able to get free advice by phone.

Technology of old...

2011-04-03T19:34:00.000-04:00

Edison - Re-Creation

While cleaning my basement I found things of the past. Technology which I'm learning about in history of technology class so it is quite fitting for me. In a old moldy box which I thought was just old records I found Edison - re creation records which I remember playing on a Victrola in our dining room. I didn't know these still existed, let alone in my HOUSE.

Then I found 2 cameras, a Vagabond 120 and a Stylex folding camera, both were rusted pretty bad because I did not know they existed in a moldy box. I also looked to see if they were worth anything and they are not, there seems to be quite a few of them out and about. But I thought it was very interesting to find these then realized they were left by my brother a couple years ago when he moved and never reclaimed them. I knew he had boxes in my basement but never looked to see what was in them. What a pitty that history just rots because one doesn't know it exists.


Stylex folding camera

When Irish Eyes are Smiling

2011-03-14T16:46:00.000-04:00

As a tribute to my mother and her Irish ways I'd like to dedicate this to her. St. Patrick's Day was one of her favorite holidays being full blooded Irish she took full opportunity to spread her cheer to all on this day, but everyone likes to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day even if they aren't. We celebrate with our parades, parties, wear our green, drink our green beer and toast to all around us. So Happy St. Patrick's Day to one and All!!---Remember, be safe out there, Don't Drink and Drive.

There's a tear in your eye and I'm wondering why
For it never should be there at all
With such power in your smile, sure a stone you'd beguile
So there's never a teardrop should fall
When your sweet lilting laughter's like some fairy song
And your eyes twinkle bright as can be
You should laugh all the while, and all other times smile
And now smile a smile for me

When Irish eyes are smiling, sure it's like a morning Spring
In the lilt of Irish laughter, you can hear the angels sing
When Irish hearts are happy, all the world seems bright and gay
And when Irish eyes are smiling, sure they steal your heart away

For your smile is a part of the love in your heart
And it makes even sunshine more bright
Like the linnet's sweet song, crooning all the day long
Comes your laughter so tender and light
For the spring-time of life is the sweetest of all
There is ne'er a real care or regret
And while spring-time is ours, throughout all of youth's hours
Let us smile each chance we get

When Irish eyes are smiling, sure it's like a morning Spring
In the lilt of Irish laughter, you can hear the angels sing
When Irish hearts are happy, all the world seems bright and gay
And when Irish eyes are smiling, sure they steal your heart away

Snow day!!

2011-03-08T13:31:00.000-05:00

You know it's a great day when Syracuse University shuts down and calls it a snow day. But when The Weather Channel comes to town to report about it, well then you know you are making some BIG headlines.
Weather Focus: Syracuse hosts The Weather Channel

It didn't really matter what it was doing outside, because I visited my sister in Ireland, my sister and nephews in Colorado, my brother Orlando, Fl and and my son in Palm Harbor Fl yesterday all via Skype/Oovoo. It was so wonderful to spend so much time with my family members yesterday and not leave my house. What a special treat. If you have never tried to Skpe or Oovoo, then you are really missing out. I know I was and I will recommend this to everyone. What a way to connect with people you miss.

While I was visiting Ireland, the snow on the rooftop came down and blew the door in, and the other picture is the snow up to my car in the morning when I thought I had to go to work at 8 am. That was from 5pm the night before. Crazy huh!

Snow covered car

Back door w/window blown out

Thanks to everyone for making my wonderful Snow day!!

Elder Abuse

2011-03-02T10:17:00.000-05:00

Elder abuse is a very common occurrence but no one really pays attention until someone like Mickey Rooney stands up and waves a flag against it to remind people that it is happening and how horrible it really is.

Did you know...1 and 2 million Americans age 65 or older have been injured, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone on whom they depended for care or protection.

Did you know...Estimates of the frequency of elder abuse range from 2% to 10% based on various sampling, survey methods, and case definitions.

Did you know...Data on elder abuse in domestic settings suggest that 1 in 14 incidents, excluding incidents of self-neglect, come to the attention of authorities.

Did you know...Current estimates put the overall reporting of financial exploitation at only 1 in 25 cases, suggesting that there may be at least 5 million financial abuse victims each year.

Did you know...It is estimated that for every one case of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, or selfneglect
reported to authorities, about five more go unreported.

Well now you know..so if you find that someone is being abused, call your local authorities and report the abuse and get the person help. You never know, it could save a life.

                Action on Elder Abuse Bulletin

          Detecting and Preventing Elder Abuse (Online Tutorial for Individuals)

The Power of Postive Thinking

2011-02-24T10:08:00.002-05:00

I've been reading some of the books I posted on my last blog and again on this one, The Everything Law of Attraction by Meera Lester and The Law of Attraction by Jerry & Ester Hicks.

The power of positive thinking is what attracts good things to happen to you. The more you think about good things and better things, they will continue to happen in your life. But just the opposite will happen if you continue with negative thoughts or negative energy, then that is what will manifest in your life. Are you open to this idea? Are you ready for it? What's the worst it can do besides get you in a better frame of mind and looking at things with a different perspective. If so, check out these books for some ideas to get you started on how to open your life to positive energy and the Law of Attraction.

Winter Blues

2011-02-19T16:55:00.001-05:00

Old Man Winter got you down? That happens this time of year. Especially when we get a couple nice "spring" days then BOOM..we wake up to a blizzard again. Well chase those blues away by doing something out of the ordinary. Like going to visit a relative you haven't seen in a while, or volunteer at a shelter or go to the local library for a little while. When was the last time you were there? Or take a nice hot bath and read a good book. Do something nice for yourself and before you know it, Old Man Winter will be long gone.

Top Secret Rosies - Behind the Scenes

2011-02-09T12:06:00.000-05:00

Every hear about Top Secret Rosies? Neither did I until my friend Lynn sent me this article talking about this almost extinct history about these fabulous women who worked so hard behind the scenes to help the WWII efforts.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Women were recruited to do ballistics calculations and program computers during WWII
They struggled with the knowledge that their precise calculations were used at war
Half a century later, their work is only beginning to get recognition
A new documentary and book to publish this year tell the women's stories

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/innovation/02/08/women.rosies.math/index.html

Men in History

2011-01-26T12:10:00.000-05:00

I am reading in my online class about the history of technology. Interesting reading, a little over my head at times but I'm learning about the men that made our world what it is today. Sir Isaac Newton, Galileo, Louis Pasteur, Joseph Black, James Watt but the most interesting so far I think is John Harrison. He was the true inventor of Longitude. Longitude is made up of time and what better than a clock maker to take on such a task. He devoted his life to this task of inventing a clock that would carry the true time from the home port to any remote corner of the world. It took on several versions and it took over forty years after his voyage to the West Indies before he was truly recognized for his work of creating what is called a chronometer. Thanks to people like him, it makes our world a better place today.

School Daze

2011-01-17T13:15:00.000-05:00

This week I will be starting my umpteen semester at Syracuse University in which I am finally a Senior. It has taken me since 2003 to achieve this goal. I am not graduating just yet but it will come eventually so everyone keeps telling me. So in the mean time, I just keep taking classes until someone tells me to STOP.

This semester I will be taking 2 classes, one online and one on campus while working full-time. Once school starts I go into a "daze" of sorts and don't come out until finals. I know it should be fun and this time I'm going to really try and look for the fun or interesting part of what I'm learning and not be in such a stupor. I usually get so stressed out I forget why I started this. I need to remember why and get out of my daze.

Common Courtesy

2011-01-12T22:08:00.000-05:00

Have you ever gone to the doctor's office and had to sit and wait more than 15 minutes for the doctor? How annoying is that. I actually had one nurse tell me when I arrived 15 minutes late that I needed to reschedule because the doctors time was to valuable to be wasted and I have been going to this same doctor for 25 years. When I seen this same doctor the next time, I mentioned this new practice to him. Because I told him should I have to wait 15 minutes or more the next time, I'm going to either charge him for my time since I'm taking time out of my work day to be there or they need to call patience and let them know they are running behind so they don't wait around. It should work both ways. He didn't know what I was talking about. He would talk to his staff about this. He didn't like what they did to me and assured me it wouldn't happen again.

But I kind of like my idea, we should get to charge them if we have to wait for a certain period of time or they should call us and let us know if they are running behind and give us the option of canceling so we are not wasting our day sitting in a waiting room. It's just called common courtesy.

Don't Shoot the Messenger: Common Workplace Courtesies that Reduce Tension and Lower Stress

The Value of Education

2011-01-11T22:30:00.001-05:00

I value our children's education as much as anyone but I have to say I think our school system is starting to go a little over board with the proposal to require all students to wear uniforms and looking at the plan to separate the schools based on gender. They are saying the kids being in the same class are distracting each other and they can't get their work done. Also by wearing the same uniform it will make everyone on the same "playing" field as everyone else. How are these children going to learn basic social skills if they can't get along in a classroom. This is where it all starts, at this age in middle school. If kids can't be kids now, then when. We put way too many pressures on them to "make the grade" as it is. Which is one reason they want to split them up so they can concentrate on their work. Our school systems should be the best in the country for the money we spend on our education, not that you would know that by what we pay our teachers. But lets not get ridiculous, separating them is not the answer.

To do or die

2011-01-06T14:04:00.001-05:00

Yes, everyone wants to start the new year out right. They all make resolutions of a healthy New Year. But my dilemma is how to start my exercise resolution. Shall I do it at a gym, with the aid of electronic buddy (Xbox Kinect, Wii-fit) or shall I bring up my dusty gym equipment from downstairs and give that a whirl. I know I have to do something but deep down inside, I don't really want to do any of them. Exercise has never been one of my favorite things to do, so what can I do to change. Slap on my iTouch with some music, or a book on tape and get movin'. Change my attitude and some competition from people in the house if I go with the electronic buddy to keep me motivated . Always knowing that I am truly the only person who is getting anything out of this, so I'm doing it really just for ME and I'm worth it.

The Spirit of Christmas

2010-12-21T12:04:00.001-05:00

What is the Spirit of Christmas? I think it means something different to everyone. In our house it was always the anticipation of waking up at 4 am and waiting to go downstairs on Christmas morning, knowing we couldn't yet, all the while trying to be "quiet" with all my brothers and sisters was just as much fun as opening up all the presents.

Everyone has their own family traditions and they make their own traditions as they go. That is what makes life so fun and interesting. Being with the ones you love, giving to those who need it more and seeing the joy it brings to others is what the true Spirit of Christmas is all about. What does it mean to you?

Better World Books--what a great site!

2010-12-17T12:06:00.003-05:00

I have just discovered a wonderful website for ordering low cost textbooks at affordable prices. This is the first place I can honestly say has understood the concept of the student and what it means for our budgets. What a great place to shop. They find the lowest prices, offer free shipping on most books and they support world literacy. I will continue to support this company over and over again for the great prices and for the great cause.

They offer all kinds of books, not just textbooks, so check them out, maybe you will find something for some you know too! They can be found on Facebook also!
http://www.betterworldbooks.com