1 Huge Block Still Remains Between My Vote & Obama

The sad thing is, it is a huge thing in my mind. In fact, every time I see him, hear him or hear of him, my mind immediately goes to the one topic that makes me despise the man. I find myself in constant turmoil over it. For the item to me is so large and our economy issues are so large that there are huge inner issues running through me.

I realize to most people, my issue is probably not worthy of thought or worry. Maybe it is because I am a woman. Or maybe it is because I am a mom. Or maybe because I am a christian and I believe every life is a blessing and a miracle. Most likely, it is a combination of all rolled into one (me).

In Illinois, I have no idea if in other places, there is a thing called Live Birth Abortions. For those of you who do not understand the term, Live Birth Abortions, simply stated it means that the pregnancy is beyond the point of a normal abortion and the child must be delivered the old fashioned way.

Yes, I said child, not embryo, or cells - child.

In fact, these children are actually left to die after the birth. Thus, the abortion part.

I may not agree with Abortion, myself. For me it is something I could never do. I've always been able to overlook it - shame on my christian side, during elections. This time, I can not.

Why?

Well, Obama was called to vote on this topic in Illinois. He could have voted to out law this murderous act. He didn't.

Some have related to me, that he has explained this as being an "oversight". I understand how this makes them feel better. I just want to know, is it an oversight, if you have a bill to outlaw Live Birth Abortions coming in front of you not once, not twice, but three times, and you still neglect to protect the weak.

What about helping this children? What about.....adoption? If the child is too large and old to terminate the pregnancy, shouldn't that tell us something?

Who is protecting those babies?

Rocky, Gloves & Wine

It has been a rough day today. My desk has many projects, my son wanted my full attention on his new formed budget, and my head has a throbbing that isn't helping.

A couple of my girlfriends came by last night. They claim to be supportive, but in my mind it was to laugh at me. :-(

It's all good though. They came bearing gifts. All pertaining to my confrontational moment while on vacation. I'm mad and they think it is hilarious. Luckily the gifts came with wine and conversation which did make everything better.

What did my so loving friends bring me??? Well, I have a very ugly t-shirt with Rocky on it. With a sticky attached that said I was training under him. :-) I also received a pair of child boxing gloves. Goof balls!!! Those things wont even come close to protecting my trophy wife hands.

I did discover last night that this event was DH's first view of what my friends call my "protect the world attitude". I think he heard a few too many stories of my youth last night. And I discovered that I may be like a tornado, when things get to me. Evidently, I have pulled them into my "saving the world" way too many times.

Funny, you forget about this stuff. Good thing friends don't. I laughed so hard, when they reminded me of a time, another friend at another school, was being harassed. I made them all ditch school to go there and put a stop to the bully. Which worked by the way! But how stupid was I? This was a very large school and the gals in question were many. How did I survive?

The only one I remember was Freshman Year. I walked into the Gym for the first time and found this rather large girl pushing around a much smaller, petite, mousey kind of girl. REMEMBER I WAS YOUNG AND STUPID. This too bothered me. I kind of put myself in the middle and just gave the girl a shove. She was twice my size. Anyway, she went through the Gym Doors into the Field House and right on her butt.

For months after that, I was always looking over my shoulder. Why? Because she told me I was in trouble and would regret it and that she was a member of the Latin Kings ( I believe that was the gang name). I was a lowly freshman and scared to death. Of course, nothing happened. Thank you God!

My friends are right, I take too many causes on. I just can't stand watching someone else treated badly. Pick on me all you want, I won't do a cotton pickin' thing. At least they are still laughing at with me.

Training at home

I keep looking at DVD programs to help me work out at home. I've learned I can NOT do this alone. I'm enjoying the gym, but 3 days is about all I can muster there. Or should I say, the only days that the classes fit with my schedule. How can they go wrong with a 5 am class? I'm not working then only sleeping. :-)

Has anyone heard of Eric Paskel? I haven't. Well, not until today. He has this system on DVD that combines 3 different exercise systems. He calls it Triple Training. Triple Training is a combination of Martial Arts, Power Yoga & Dance. He markets this system as XFLOWSION.

To me, this system looks very high energy and fun. I love the addition of the live band to set. I've never seen this before.

Here is the draw for me. The XFLOSION specifically says it will help you surpass your plateau, where I am. Folks who have tried and succeeded in this system have articles in First, In Style & People magazines. They claim utilizing this system will help you drop 10 pounds in 10 days.

I'm not a believer in fast fixes, but I would be happy with 10 pounds in 3 months.

With age comes financial optimism

Do you notice as you get older you feel better about your position in the world? I know we all try to hold off the aging process as long as possible, but it does come with some wonderful changes.

Like being happy with yourself. I know that I was very unsure of myself when I was younger. Oh sure, I showed the world a strong and confident young person, but inside I was a nervous twit. Always second guessing my choices and views.

I like the confidence that grows with age. A confidence that says you can think and believe anything you want. It doesn't matter what another says. You are mature enough to listen, but know what your views are and strong enough to defend them. Or not - which is just another form of power from age.

It is difficult being young. There is such a huge world out there. One that is screaming for you to come and explore and spend. You bust out of your parents protective cover and you just want to hit the world full speed ahead.

Although, that time was very exciting, it came with a price. Some of us, walked away fairly cheaply. While others of us are still working on cleaning up the remnants of choices gone bad.

I remember worrying that I would have enough food on the table, diapers in the diaper bag and keep the electric on - all at the same time. Money was so tight.

Looking back, I am so glad that it was tough. I think it makes me more prepared for better decisions today. Plus, I learned how strong I am and how capable I am at conquering any dilemma.

Today, or in the last 10, I owe more money then ever before in my life. Yet, I don't worry about food or cash flow. I know the bills will be paid on time. I don't start to panic when pulling up for an iced coffee at McDonalds. Because even with the high debt, we have a high income that allows us much flexibility for disposable income.

Yes, if we stayed focused, we could probably be 100% debt free in under 3 years. Although, we probably won't do that. We sacraficed many splurges and things that tell you, you are living in years past. In fact, up in till last year. And we aren't willing to do that any more.

Still, I sit here with a huge mound of financial optimism. I know, without a doubt, that we will be entirely debt free in under 10 years. When I say debt free, I mean we will owe NO ONE. Including having paid in full for all 5 kids college expenses. With many investments in place to actually support us and leaving us without a need for gainful employment.

I'm sure we will work in some compacity. Neither my DH or I are the type to sit idly by. Life is too short for nothing. And an idle mind and body is a dead one.

Sure, I will still dream of that debt free life and work little extras to pay down the debt faster. I just wont sacrafice enjoyment to get there faster. Thankfully, we did enough of this in years past to enable us to not have to do this now.

Met a fellow Self-Employed individual

He is almost 15 years younger then me and doing fabulous. What he does and how he does it is what caught my attention.

He operates his business from an apartment spare room in the city. He only has a computer and a telephone in his office. Making it look very streamlined, if not .... maybe non-existent. I had no idea he was making such a handsome living in there.

Currently, he is bringing in close to six figures a year. With virtually no overhead. Except for phone service, Internet service and a few minor office supplies. With fabulous hours of 9 - 5. He can walk away with little worries and no stress - almost as if he is working for a company.

I am so fascinated by this, especially when learning he is a middle man for merchant account's. He basically finds folks, businesses that need credit card processing and does all the work to sell them on the services he is offering. Then sets it up. Basically, the ones he helps only need to plug in the credit card scanners and they are in business.

Of course for a fee. Then he earns money on the set-up and acquisition, followed by residual income as long as they are using the companies services. Definitely a sweet deal.

My interaction with him was way too short. I am very interested in his line of work. I have to guess that where it may be slow to get moving, once it begins rolling, it rolls.

I wonder how the fees compare with him, compared to services that you can just sign up by yourself. My guess is there has to be an increase in cost to cover his costs. Or is this rolled in, whether you use a salesman or not.

When you forget what day it is......

that is how you know you are too busy.

It is 6pm and I feel like it should be bed time. My house is a mess and this bothers me to no end. While I was up North working for a client today, everyone just dropped everything everywhere and left it.

I missed lunch because of the work load and it is making me a crabby girl. Thankfully, I had some Navy Bean Soup left over from last nights dinner. I was able to eat as soon as I got home.

Which in hindsight was a mistake. Had I stopped and grabbed something like a burger and an ice coffee, I wouldn't have exploded on my family when seeing my kitchen. I know they are busy too.

Tomorrow is my Chicago day - so I'm not going to get past this too soon. :-( And I'm just too tired.

I'm only doing little jobs tonight -

• checking and responding to emails and faxes
• 1 or 2 loads of laundry
• empty dishwasher, load dishwasher & run dishwasher
• clean counters and stove

I'd pass the vacuum if I could keep my eyes open. I would much rather hit my lazy boy and watch some mindless t.v.

Selfish Shopping

With my new and improved, smaller size - I have nothing to wear for most occasions. I was also the only one who had to do laundry in Jersey. This is what happens when you rotate 4 outfits. :-)

I'm okay with this, because I have spent so much on myself over the last year. With the trainer, and different sized clothes. I'm quickly feeling like a high maintenance woman. A long term goal of mine, just not very realistic. Guilt tends to settle on me, for my selfish purchases.

This past weekend, while DH headed to DD1 to help her with car issues, I headed to JC Penney. JC Penney, to me, is a step above Kohl's. Not a huge step, just a step. They carry pretty much all of Kohl's items and then throw in a few formal like items, better quality shoes and accessories.

I had a 15% off coupon, so I was prepared if something jumped at me. Plus, I was comfortable, by myself. Don't get me wrong, I think it is great that DH likes to go with, but he only hinders my progress most times. He makes me feel pressed to buy. I hate pressure. I'd rather go and see what they have and if they don't have what I'm looking for move on. He makes me feel guilty if I walk out with nothing.

Here is the funny part of this journey - I found 2 dresses (1 for the wedding & 1 for the rehearsal) within the first 15 minutes of entering the store. I was there for 2 hours.

I found this one and the price tag was for $100. I tried it on anyway. I'm all for black. I took in a size 8, praying I didn't blimp up on vacation. And it fit!!! Yea!

Not only did it fit, I felt hot in it. This is good, I don't really ever feel good about myself when shopping.

At almost the same time, I found this dress. A little lighter weight, and a little more fun. This is a dress I can wear to other functions as well. Even Church. Making me feel okay about the $90 price tag. I will get great use out of this one.

Then I looked up!

Both of my dresses were on sale for 50% off. And I had that 15% off coupon. Of course, my 15% did not come off the whole price, but the price after the initial discount. Leaving the little black dress at $42.50 & the fun dress at $38.25. I would say that is a good deal. After the dress department I headed to shoes and found these:

I thought about wearing my Steve Madden's but, I wanted a little color to punch up the black dress, but not pattern. Plus, I wanted a smaller heal - for more dancing. I'm planning on lots of fun with my husband on the dance floor. Too hard to do this in 3" heals.

By the time I went through lingerie, sleepwear, purses, and jewelry, even my discounts seemed nominal.

The gross cost of my 15 items (yep, I needed a lot to be the trophy wife my DH deserves) was $622.57. Did I really need those 4 pairs of earrings (I have 2 pair of holes)? Or the 2 necklaces? Or that fabulous purse? What about the new sexy sleepwear that wasn't for the trip? Those 2 sexy bra's that were on sale?

After the sale price and my coupon I paid $294.88. That is a 52.6% savings. But still a chunk of change. And yet, I rationalized this by thinking if I had went only to Macy's as was originally planned, the 2 dresses alone would have tapped us out for this price. Or close to it.

Then, as I modeled my selections to DH when we both got home - I knew I made excellent choices. I would say he is hooked. :-)

Debbie Downer is wreaking havoc

You know, I have tried very hard to not talk about the Debbie Downer of our vacation. We, minus the Debbie Downer, had such a fabulous time - it seems a shame to leave her black mark. Yet, even today, almost 2 weeks since we returned she continues to be a less then spectacular person.

Oh, you know what I'm saying - I just don't want to call a duck a duck.

Debbie Downer is an almost 40 something gal that acted like a spoiled teenager. Selfish is an understatement. She is married, for now, to my brother. And yet, she treated him with more disrespect then I could have imagined. Mean, is an understatement. I don't want to devulge their privates, but I was so shocked to see this first hand.

My brother, is very loving, funny and outgoing. The type that anyone naturally gravitates to at a party. He just enjoys life and cares about EVERYONE, whether he knows you or not. Good people, is what I would call him, even if he wasn't family. He is like the glue to our family - pulls us all together, even when our lifes are pulling us apart.

He is financially secure. Great job, that he has been at since his teen years. Will retire with an awesome pension - early. Soon. He is only 18 months older then I, but made a heck of a lot of better choices then I. His mortgage is gone. He takes 6 vacations a year and gives his wife the life.

Honestly, she spends huge amounts of cash on things I only dream about or wish I could do regularly.

But that is neither here, nor there. It is their life. He loves her unconditionally, as a husband should.

He has been calling me, every week - sometimes more frequently, for the last year and a half. She has been acting weird and being mean to him. From my position on the phone, I justified or smoothed over her actions for him. And yet, each week it seemed to get worse.

Over vacation, I wanted to wring her neck. Along with my little sister and my daughter. When, out of no where, as we were catering to what she wanted to do, she began telling us how "awful" our brother is.

Let's stop here a moment. He is 18 months older then me. I know him better then I know anyone on earth. He is not awful and he is my brother. Little sis and his niece were blown away instantly by this as well. It was just us girls.

We kind of let it slide, but all of us thought - "tell your mother, sister, friend or therapist our brother is awful, but DO NOT TELL US!"

Then it got worse. She said something I have no idea where it came from or how to respond. Except with attitude.

She recently lost a ton of weight and feels she is just beautiful. I for one, understand the confidence that comes from this. What I didn't understand and still don't is what she shared with US - ME, MY LITTLE SIS, AND MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. It went something like this :

"I love [insert brothers name], but I'm not in love with him. Things are just different now that I look better then I ever did. I can't help but wonder what it would be like with someone else."

Let me just say, it is a darn good thing I wasn't driving. I would have pulled the car over and beat the daylights out of her. Does she not know that is my BROTHER? Not to mention, she took vows. I will never forget my DD's face as she looked up from her MAC bag and froze.

My little sis, did the best thing. She pulled the car over, about 10 blocks from the house and asked her to get out. Using some lame excuse that we were going back to the house to eat and she could pick something up on her walk back. You should note here - we all got together to be together and felt eating out stole our personal time. This gal, would throw a fit each and every day, because she wanted to eat out every meal. HIGH MAINTENANCE - Understatement.

We didn't tell my brother. Until, she stormed off one night calling him a bunch of bad names. And then we only told him - that we saw what he had been talking about for the last couple years.

She was not like this years prior to the last two. Seeing her eat a storm on vacation and keep losing weight, coupled with these weird emotional highs and lows and all the other attitudes non-characteristic (or what we thought) prompted me to think drugs.

I have to stop. This story could go forever. I'm worried about my brother, who now calls EVERYDAY. I'm telling him to keep trying, because it is a marriage, but feel guilty when she is continually mean to him day in a day out. I know I couldn't take it.

They are seeing a councelor, but I don't know........she doesn't seem to want anything but his money. Even saying, I want to move out and separate - yet the next breath telling him they can still go to Mexico. What???? I don't love you, but you can take me on vacation.

It's their anniversary soon and he, as usual has a very elaborate plan for the date. Something planned a long while back. And only seems happy when she asks "what did you get me?" Un-freakin' believable. Even saying she doesn't want the separation until she gets her gifts. OMGOSH!

I don't know if I will ever like her again. I know I will never trust her.

Cabin Cuddler -vrs- Gas Bill

Last year I froze working in my home office. My husband says it is because I am too cheap, but I feel a little frugal goes a long way. Maybe if he looked at the bills once in a while, he would understand why I drop the temperature to 60 while they are all gone.

With my gas bills showing a 75% increase this year, in the summer, it is going to take another substantial drop in the thermostat. I'm toying with the idea of 55 degrees in the day. I don't think I can go lower. I have many house plants and they would not survive.

With this in mind I was looking at getting a space (electric) heater for my office. Electric is cheaper then gas. Then I saw the Cabin Cuddler. This will help where my layers confine me.

It goes down to the size of a tote bag - which will make it easy to stow away in my cabinets. This tote bag made me thing that this would be an excellent addition for the trunk, a travel blanket for emergencies. This may be a gift for all the kids, just in case. We live in the Chicago area and it gets cold here. And it stays cold here for a long, long time.

Just thought some of you may be interested in this gift too - or just need to stay warm as we try to make it with the new higher heating costs.

My daughter has a new admirer, that I approve of.

Does anyone play Bingo anymore? This is one of my all time favorite games. As a child, my brother and I used to play for colored marshmallows. Yes, we bet with the rainbow. :-)

Then, when I had a family of my own, I invested in a really cool Bingo game. You know, with my own cage to roll the call pieces in. The kids always spat over who would be the caller. We had hours of fun at the kitchen table with this one.

Bingo is the only game, that it doesn't matter how smart you are, anyone can win!

While on vacation, a young 2ND cousin of my daughters, fell head of heals for her. It was so cute. And she is one of those people that love hanging with young folks. So they both had an awesome time coloring with sidewalk chalk and just messing around.

Anyway, I got an email that this little man wants to send my daughter a "love" letter. Too Cute! So, my daughter wants to send him something.

We were scouting out things and found
Disney Bingo at both Amazon.com & Drugstore.com. Plus, if you don't like online ordering, they have it at Best Buy, Kohl's, JC Penney, and Barnes and Noble. It's under $20. Pretty darn affordable. May be a good Birthday or Christmas Gift.

Although, with Ebates and other cost savers, it may be best to send from one of these sites. More research is necessary though.

Looks like fun to me.



Don't you love technology! I may grab one of these for my neighbor girls for Christmas too. Affordable fun all the way. And who doesn't like DISNEY????

I wrote a book

I can only write about it, because I tried reading it to my step-mom and couldn't stop laughing when I heard her laughing. I'm not talking little chuckles of 'oh, that's cute'. I'm talking belly shaking, tears in your eyes, can't breathe laughing.

My Grammy asked me to write when I left. And being my father's daughter, I will - my way.

We all received a beautiful reminder of our trip as a gift. The girls anyway - guys got shirts. Although, Grammy didn't stay with us 24/7 - she was around a lot. Most of the time laughing. She thinks our section of the family is nuts.

Like I said, it was a full week of jokes and laughing. Honestly, if we were at a party - all of you would gravitate to us. Together we are all pretty powerful. We feed off each others jokes and laughter. I guess like most families - except we are a Polish/Italian mix of loud!!!!

So many hilarious things happened on vacation. So, I compiled them into my first ever Fiction Novel. One of my projects since I returned.

Hey, Grammy wanted me to write - so I write.

My step-mom hung up on me! She was laughing too hard when I was reading it too her.

It's a work of fiction, based on our zanniness. Hopefully Grammy laughs too! Cause it is headed out in the mail tomorrow.

A taste of what others are saying about my novel (on the back cover) -

"Touches the human spirit...it is amazing." - USA Garbage Today

"A heartwarming tale of toil and achievement. You find yourself rooting for the heroine as the author grabs your heart and refuses to let go." - Publishers Dreaming

"One of the first novels I ever read." - People for literacy

"Spoken in the language we all speak." - In the Hills Hot Press

"A terrifically funny writer." - Grumpy old man on street

"I'll never look at the jellyfish quite the same way again." -Sea World Employee

"Finally, a tale that places the Catholic Church in the right light" - Pope John Paul XXXX

"If only we had the powers to promote peace like [insert main character name], we would end all war." - USA Secretary of Defense

"I just loved how I was such an inspiration with my dedication in the book." - Barbara Wa-Wa

"I can't wait to get this group on my show." - Jerry Springboard

"How come the story didn't have anyone of color, besides [insert character name]?" - O

Hope no one takes offense to the above - it is all in good fun. Laughing at ourselves it was keeps us going on this wonderful journey called life.

Hold on to your britches, cause if folks that laugh live longer - we's gonna be 'round forsa long time!

A Package From NORDY's

I was so excited to see that box on my front porch, when I got home yesterday. As I was backing into my garage, I couldn't recall placing any orders. By the time I made it into the house, I was convinced it was something business related.

AKA - Not fun!

As I was walking through my home and office to the front door, I felt like I always do. That Yippee! tingling. I am such a lover of packages in the mail.

I about had an accident in my pants when I read my name on the label. And a heart attack was on the verge when I saw Nordy's in the return name. For obvious reasons, I do not shop there. Okay, I do shop there, just don't purchase much. Financially it is a place that hurts. The most I bought in the last month was a MAC lip gloss. And that came with a discount - shhhh..

Can't tell anyone, my little sissy gets it for me. She is in their management training program and loves NORDY's extremely much.

While on the beach, my little sissy kept pulling out her BEACH SHEET, which was twice the size of my over sized BEACH TOWEL. I was so envious! I would have bought one while on vacation, but they were sold out. :-(

This package came from Mall of America, with love from my little sissy.

I can't wait for our next vacation. But for now, this baby will be helping me sun in the back yard.

Coming Clean on Wasting Money, So You Don't Have Too!

You guessed it, confession time. I know I waste money, being human it is to be expected. Being human also pulls me to be better then I am. Almost to the point of addiction.

Back in June, I did not hide the fact that I made the very expensive purchase of Alli, from Walgreens. I couldn't believe how many of you were doing your best to warn me of the side effects. I still turned a deaf ear. I ........ I just ...... want to be thin and sexy.

Don't all of you?

I'm still struggling with the scale number. Intellectually, I know that is ridiculous, but there is this emotional voice in my core that is stronger then any intellect. So, I shut you all out and I dared to take Alli.

Blocking out all the terrible issues that could come from this product.

If that isn't obsession and addiction, I have no idea what is. I moved on the hopes that I could report back here that I saw big, even huge results. Something that would give others the hope I so desperately wanted.

Being overweight, by any percent, is such an emotional punch in the gut.

Turning my back on you all, I through myself into the Alli program. Even though I believed I eat pretty good. I am human and enjoy a piece of cake and even ice cream. So, there is always room for improvement. Without changing my diet, because of my already in place eating habits,

I began and continued using Alli till leaving on vacation.

I kept working out. Running on my treadmill. Riding my bike. Enjoying my regular active lifestyle. I even maintained a positive attitude that this would be the needed addition to push me over my plateau.

Working at home, I didn't feel I would have an issue with the nasty things you warned of.

In fact, I never saw a huge increase of gas or loose bowls. No spotting or other icky side effect. I never noticed any changes. Including, sad to say, the scale dropping. Leaving me to feel that I was scammed by Alli. :-(

Do Not Buy Alli

I feel confident in saying that Alli is like most other pushed "helpers". Think Hoodia, yep, I fell for that one too. I'm an idiot.

Learn from me. Save your dough. Someday, maybe that scale number will be nothing to me. I wish!

Is that a bald spot?

Taking a week off, is really killing me here. I guess it is just different when you are self-employed. We had no one really to carry the ball while we were gone. Just opening the mail took me 2 hours yesterday. And now it sits, covering my once clean desk.

I'm feeling stressed. Way to much to do and some of it requiring me to flex my muscles:

1. 1 Tenant did not pay rent for August. I had to chase it down. Then, they shorted and swear by the almighty that they will forward the rest at the end of the week. We will see.
2. New Tenant's rent check bounced. Then when I called them yesterday - gave me some cock-bull story. Now they are avoiding me. This will be a Luigi on their door step thing.
3. My bank miss-recorded a deposit back on 7-11. I check my accounts everyday and corrected this through their online system after I saw my deposit disappear. Then, while I was gone, they sent my statement with a $10 service charge. I sent them an email asking what this was for and they said "your balance dipped below the minimum". My ARSE! I then sent them with another email with the slip info and showed them their error. And they gave me back my $10. So all is good here, but still time consuming.

How do you all go on vacations and yet, keep everything together? I have a headache and I'm running out of hair to pull.

Hard Headed and Opinionated????

I ordered an emergency girl luncheon today. I needed to be with my friends. Friends, that have known me a long time. They are my sounding board. They are my correction, when I swerve off base from where I should be.

I'm sure most can relate to this.

Luckily, we were all able to meet, less 1. :-( Anyway, that is friendship. :-) I told them I needed some correction and they all came running. I have the best friends.

My concerns stem from a comment on this blog, recently. Not that I actually care what a perfect stranger thinks of me, but I felt like I was slapped. I needed to find out if I deserved it or if I was okay. It is always best to find the truth.

My friends, do not know about this blog......I don't think. Okay, I know or I would be hearing about it.

I basically relayed my story, from that post about the rear-ending. Not once did my friends call me racist or a bigot, or anything derogatory. So, I decided to push it and asked them point blank if my comments were these things. If they thought I was this type of person. To share my concerns, I said that I relayed the same story to another and was called these bad things.

To which, they all laughed at me.

How rude!

I was serious. I don't want to be that person that picks a race over the person. Or that thinks one person is better then another. I don't want folks to think I am against the gay and lesbian community. I always thought of myself as an open minded individual.

Well, that is pretty much how I responded, but with inflection. :-) After they were done laughing at me, they ordered wine. Sweet! Wine at lunch!

Then they all ticked me off saying I was Hard Headed and Opinionated! How dare they! (sarcasm, I know this is true - but they shouldn't say that) Then, they asked me to look at my family and at them - apparently the answer was there.

In the end, I would be without a family and friends if this was the case. Which is true my circle is the United Nations.

I knew in my soul that the commenter was wrong, but I guess the reality is when someone talks negatively about you - it cuts like a knife. As I'm sure it does when I say something directly to someone.

They also mentioned I have a big mouth and can count on me to say how I feel. But in all honesty, so do they! This may be why we have remained friends. No one else would have us.

Makes me wonder though, why we all, myself included at times, rush to play these evil cards. Are we supposed to be blank slates without opinions. Or are we just supposed to go through life keeping our opinions to ourselves? How can we relate and bond to each other if we do this? It's like a marriage or other close relationship - you have to come clean and be yourself. If you are worrying every time you complain about that female driver that cut you off, because some one will think you are sexist - you are hiding who you are.

I say, be yourself - I'm glad the commenter shared her feelings. These are what make the commenter who they are. And I respect that.

Even if they never know. :-)

Accept my appologies if I offended you. It wasn't my intention at all.

Change your mindset

Is it possible to change the way you think? Or are you destined to remain where you began?

Recently, as I was panicking over our vacation spending, I sat DH down to talk about money. A topic he ignores, until it is forced upon him. Which I had no choice but to push after the recent explosion. I'm tired of being the bad one!

DH is always making comments that bother me, like "We don't have any money. At least that is what she tells me." Even this past weekend, he was sharing this comment with folks at the festival we attended. I don't know why, but it bothers me. I can only guess, because it makes me feel alone in the financial load.

Then, when we were alone a couple days ago, he says "How can we have no money? Our bills don't come up to what we make, without our rent checks."

Which he is completely right. In fact 100% right. We both, together, earn enough to carry all our investments - without receipts if we had too. Thankfully, we don't.

I told him to grab a seat and we went over a month of spending. I showed him where all the past months dollars went. Besides our own spending, we had another large college bill come in, commercial insurance bill in, plane tickets ordered and other odds and ends. All of which showed I was only able to save just over $300. Not including online earning streams.

Here is the kicker. After seeing the numbers he says "But this was just one month. We don't have stuff like this every month. So, where is that money."

How naive my man is. "This dear, is why we have no money - something comes up EVERY month." I proceeded to list in detail, each months "surprise". He was shocked when 4 months this year already had 4 big college bills. The rest of the months were filled with items that "we just had to have". Many that guilt was pushed on me - where he said something like this "I work hard, I deserve this. I never get anything."

Which took me to the point of telling him "You get everything you want!"

How can we change the way he thinks, in order to save ourselves financially. We will always spin our wheels, where we should be taking huge steps 8 of the 12 months. Okay, 7 of the 12 months, if you consider Christmas with the 4 college months.

We both need to change our thought patterns. He needs to realize how lucky he is. And I need to stop feeling so guilty and falling into his steps.

It has been over a year, since we broke free from the financial crunch. Now, how can we free our minds?

Keeping Private - Private

I am a put off to the last minute filer. Oh sure, I have my moments, when I am on the ball and up to date and can see my desk. Although, honestly, I maintain an organized mess more then not. Luckily, this year has gone better then past. I can only guess because of my loosening time constraints - bye,bye laundry. :-)

As of yesterday morning, all 2008 paperwork had been turned into electronic files and filed. Less, July and a few pieces for June. Yay, I'm not too far behind.

One of my have to get done's before vacation, is clear the desk. I have a lot of personal information on my desk. For us, for our kids, for our businesses, as well is for all my customers. As a general rule I don't keep anything on the desk that can't be viewed on a walk by, but stuff is there.

I really do trust the individual, dog and house sitting for us, but I believe it is always better to move with caution. So clearing and locking away personal documents and information is of the utmost importance to me.

I worked until 9 pm last night. And completed a ton of this. My office almost looks like, no one works here. All of 2008 is scanned and burned to disk. All the backup paperwork is filed, in a locking cabinet. Just need a few more areas picked up and the office will be closed.

Well, except for working this week.

I missed dinner and any DH time. And did it willingly!!!!! DH came home full of piss and vinegar yesterday. My office was the safest place to stay. I don't know what happened at work. Could have been nothing more then the heat. All I know is I am grateful to be busy and out of his way.

Email Regarding Federal Regulations for Credit Card Companies

I'm fully aware that I am not one that flows with the majority on this topic, so please realize this is simply my opinion and nothing more or less.

I received an email from a Mr. Aaron Fanetti, the site owner of No Card Tricks. He is looking to spread the word about Federal Reserve Board Docket R-1314. He provides a ton of information for anyone to review and links to the Federal Reserve and other important news areas, regarding this item.

I, personally, can not support this item. Not because I don't feel that people are being shafted and financially scarred by credit card companies. I know many folks that are and frankly, I was one of them not so long ago.

Why I don't support this type of thing:

1. We, as consumers, need to take responsibility for our actions
2. We, as consumers, need to be educated and make competent choices.
3. We, as consumers, need to protect ourselves from this type of vulture.
4. The Government is in too much of our business already.
5. The Government needs to stop focusing on the evil credit card folks and focus on eliminating our debt and running our country.
6. The Government can not protect us from all the scams in the world.

We, the consumers, need to be in control of our financial future and not look to the government to ride in on some white horse to save our ignorant butts.

Educate, educate, educate.

Stop wasting money and government time on this crap. It is fighting a long and losing battle. Instead, spend these dollars on education - all levels. The faster we teach our kids about money, saving, investing, spending responsibly, delaying gratification and be coming the Masters of us, the sooner we can watch the credit card companies change gears to beg for our business.

Although, don't wait for the government officials to get off their lazy, self-serving butts to move education. They Don't CARE! Start in your circle today - your kids, neighbors, nieces & nephews. Share what you know, what you learned and how you failed. This will help change a nation.

Yes, I may sound heartless to the many struggling under the credit thumb, I don't apologize for that. We are grown, adult consumers. We made our beds, now lets get out, make the bed and start working forward. We have the best chance at saving ourselves and the ones we love.

Why didn't I go to beauty school?

There was a time when I was younger, that I actually dreamed of the Beauty School route for my life. I spent so much time doing everyones hair around me. Not to mention make-up and nails.

Unfortunately, I do not have the best skills, in my eyes - for myself. Not even close. It is so much easier to look at another and see their beauty as a blank pallet for perfection. Why do I look at myself and just get confused and lost in the pallet.

A couple of days ago, when I had my hair done at that very cost effective salon - I was in love with my new look. Even my DH had such a positive response.

The problem came the next morning. After my treadmill run and shower, I lost her magic. I spent a bit of time trying to blow dry my hair down and straight and I felt helpless. I have a lot of hair with a lot of body. So even this short cut is a ton of work. Needless to say, I could not tame my wild beast of hair.

I had that early appointment for waxing and was almost embarrassed walking into the salon with my hair the way it was. My styling was no where even close to her's.

I guess the blow dryer is not enough to straighten my hair. And I am not about to go looking like I did yesterday. So, last night I invested in a straightener. Hope to goodness I can do this.

Had I went to Beauty School, would I even be having these concerns and worries?

$26 - That's It!

I haven't had a good hair cut since February. I've been looking kind of shabby, but the last trip was so expensive - it placed me in salon shock!

I don't know if you recall, but I took DD3 with me. And in an effort to buy my way into her affections again, I paid for her hair to not only be styled but highlighted. Add in my hair and a waxing and I left unable to breath after tips.

With the rising gas prices and my salon way to far from my home, it is just getting more and more inconvenient for me. I have to schedule full mornings/afternoons/or evenings out in order to get my hair done. Just unrealistic. There are so many other things I want to do with my time.

I've been driving by salons in my region. I've been asking anyone with a decent hair do, where they go. All the questions in the world, didn't help. I was scared. Plain and simple -

I made it into one "hair place" (using the term lightly) and they charged me and only took the dead ends off - after I requested a cut. Not only did I tell the broad, what I wanted - I showed her with my hands. I pretty much know what I like and I can tell you. She was so ignorant and cheap, she tried to just spray my hair with a water bottle, then cut.

Inside I was like WTF! Outside, I paid my money and got the heck out of dodge.

I had noticed this newish SALON, even says it in the name, a few times. I've been so curious. It's close to my home, right in town and only takes me 5 minutes to get there. Yes, under 10 miles. SWEET!

When I went last week to pay the eye doctor, I saw the place again. This time, it was closed. I wrote down the number and called today. While I was waiting for football to get out. They got me in TODAY.

My hair is fabulous!!!! I mean, I look great! I about choked when she said $26. My old salon was $60. I gave her $35. I'm going back tomorrow for a facial waxing and eye brow shaping!