*bad credit loans*

I am constantly amazed by the number of credit card offers I receive in the mail. In so many ways, they’re all the same: “You’re Pre-Approved! Low APR! No monthly fees!” It’s not until you read the fine print – literally – that you discover all the hidden tricks that will cost you money. Besides getting a good shredder, I have to recommend that you check out a site like bad credit loans before applying for any of these. This site also includes reviews of loans and other credit-related offers that could possibly be scams.

flu shots and mrsa the superbug

It is flu shot season again. We’re in great shape this year – no shortage of vaccines. In past years, when there was a shortage, I often did not get a shot. However, I am not afraid of needles – in fact, I almost prefer needles to oral vaccines – and whenever I can, I do get vaccinated against the flu. (When I was young, I was given the oral polio vaccine, but I’m probably not very vaccinated against it because it made me so sick!)

This year, since my job basically keeps me at home most of the time, I am considering skipping the flu shot. Getting immunized will cost me $20 or $25. However, with the MRSA superbug running wild lately, I’m more than a bit concerned. Of course, I know the flu and MRSA are not the same, but needless to say it’s keeping the thought at the front of my mind. If I get sick, whether it’s the flu or MRSA, and I wind up needing to go to the doctor, even just one doctor’s visit will cost more than $20. So maybe it would be smarter to just get the shot now. Yikes.

*new zealand*

When I was on the ship, one of my favorite students was from New Zealand. I’ve never personally been to New Zealand, but I would love to visit there someday. There are several hotels in Auckland, New Zealand to choose from. I think I would like to go there during the “winter” months – December, January, or February – because it is warm in New Zealand during those months. I’d love to get a photo of myself on the beach on Christmas!

Once I’ve made Auckland accommodation, I would definitely go white water rafting there. New Zealand is known for excellent white water rivers. Also, New Zealand is known for many great fishing opportunities. My uncle loves to fish, and actually I think he has been to Australia and New Zealand before, so maybe he could tell me which Auckland hotels to stay in.

california arsons

Authorities in California are hunting for the arsonist or arsonists who started the wildfires. No doubt that will take skill and persistence. First, they will need the skills to identify how the fires started, what tools were used, and clues to lead them to the arsonist. Second, they will need persistence, for undoubtedly it will take many days and long hours to sort through all the clues.

Personally, they will definitely be in my prayers. I cannot possibly imagine what kind of person would do this. What kind of personality would start a fire that would lead to several deaths and hundreds of homes burned? Who would do such a thing?

*edinburgh*

I love to travel, and next time I get to visit the United Kingdom I’m hoping that I’ll be able to travel beyond the airport. Since I have a little bit of Irish and Scottish ancestry, I would love to visit Ireland and Scotland. It would be so neat to go to a city like Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.

Edinburgh has lots of neat places to visit, and there is lots of fantastic Edinburgh accommodation. If I decide to travel beyond Edinburgh and visit other places in the UK, there is also lots of fantastic Manchester accommodation and many Newcastle hotels to stay in.

There are also several neat castles to visit. How cool is that?! Wouldn't it be fun to live in a castle like this?

lisa montgomery sentenced to death

It was big news here in my part of the world. Lisa Montgomery, who was convicted of killing Bobby Jo Stinnett and cutting her baby out of her womb, was sentenced to death. I am certainly glad I was not on the jury, because although it may have been fairly easy to decide on the conviction, I know I would have struggled with the sentence. I’m not anti-death penalty, but it is so hard when you are actually looking at a person and trying to decide whether you should sentence that person to death. I mean, no matter what he (or she) did, he is still a person.

Nonetheless, I can’t help but think that in this case, justice has been served. This was an absolutely horrific crime. We must do everything possible to assure safety for the citizens of this country.

*payday loans*

Payday loan shops seem to be popping up on every street corner nowadays. I admit to being quite skeptical of payday loans. If you borrow money from your next paycheck, what will you live on next week? However, I also see how these payday loans, if they are used wisely, can be a good tool.

If you need a payday loan, before you just run to the nearest storefront advertising payday loans, you should investigate the payday shop and ensure that they are certified and legitimate. In this day of identity theft, you really can not be too careful anymore. If you live in the UK and need a payday loan, go to Magic Loans for a legitimate, secure, safe transaction. Magic Loans provides discreet, Secured Loans UK.

star trek and William Shatner

Disclaimer:
I am not a “trekkie”. I never have been a trekkie. The closest I ever came to watching Star Trek was watching Reading Rainbow with Levar Burton.

A new Star Trek movie is in production. William Shatner, who was first made famous for his role as Captain Kirk, has not been chosen to play Kirk or any other character in the movie. Shatner is, to say the least, not pleased. I don’t know how to describe his reaction except “a childish tantrum”.

Seriously. Mr. Shatner, I’m sorry they didn’t cast you in this movie. However, all I can say is, get over it! You already are starring in a series, you have been in how many movies? and you’re complaining. Grow up!

*payperpost*

I blog for money. Never in my life did I imagine that I would earn a living by blogging – a term which I did not even know until I was in college! But I am, and I’m loving it!

One of my favorite pay-to-blog companies is easily PayPerPost. PPP is admittedly very competitive. Good blog posting opportunities don’t stick around for long. However, PPP is by far one of the most consistent posting companies. They always have posting opportunities. It may be challenging to get the opps that pay a lot of money, but there are always opps. They even have regular opps for the less popular blogs! It’s pretty hard to put a value on that, but having opportunities every day to post for money is really important if you are trying to get paid to blog.

It’s less important that their consistency, but PPP also has a very easy-to-use format. It’s easy to understand what opportunities are available, and it’s easy to sign up for those opportunities. On top of that, they keep an excellent record of the posts you have previously submitted. When it’s the end of the year and I’m doing my taxes, I know I will appreciate that.

r-e-s-p-e-c-t

Aretha Franklin had it right...

There's just not enough respect in our world nowadays. And I'm not just talking about inconsiderate kids like myself. I'm also talking about the "older", "wiser" adults. In fact, sometimes I think the older people are the most disrespectful of all.

I'm constantly getting flak because I'm single and I'm a girl and I'm young. Apparently that is a really bad thing nowadays. But that doesn't bother me. I'm used to it, and I don't really care.

What does bother me is when people who I barely know try to tell me what I need to be doing. If you have an opinion, that's fine; I'd be pretty surprised if you didn't. But unless you are a person that I already know and respect (like my parents or my best friend), you don't have any right to tell me that I'm doing something wrong, and you know this because you are so much older and wiser than me. Why do you think I am going to pay attention to you if we both know you have not earned my respect? And why are you surprised if I don't do what you say I should do?

PEOPLE! Call me young and naive. But I am happy. I am happier than I have ever been in my life. So just leave it!

*sales training*

As I’ve set up my own business, I’ve learned by experience that one of the hardest parts of self employment is sales. Call it trial by fire! It’s hard to get your name out there, especially if you are working in a highly competitive business. Really, it’s simple economics – supply and demand. You have to prove that there is a demand for the product that you provide.

When you are working in a manual-labor business, like heating and air conditioning repair or plumbing, you have double the pressure to sell your product. You have to provide a superior repair or service every time. If you can get some outstanding Sales Training as well, your business will soar.

wisdom teeth

My sister had her wisdom teeth out today. Actually, she just had a wisdom tooth out. She’s very lucky – she only had one small wisdom tooth. At one time, I had four large and very annoying wisdom teeth. I had my wisdom teeth out shortly before my 20th birthday. Here’s my advice to anyone facing the removal of their wisdom teeth:

1) Get a general anesthetic for the surgery. Some doctors want to only give you a local anesthetic, but you will enjoy the surgery much more if you have a general anesthetic. On the day I had my wisdom teeth out, I went to the doctor’s office and sat in their chair-thingy. (It was really like a dentist’s chair on steroids!) The doctor was joking with me – I don’t remember what he was saying, but I know I was smiling and laughing – while he put a tourniquet on my arm and put in an IV. An hour later, I woke up with a mouthful of gauze. I remember none of it, and I’m very happy with that. It was a lovely nap.

2) Whether you have one or four, go ahead and get all your wisdom teeth out at once. Get it over with.

3) Especially if you will be getting more than one tooth removed, get a painkiller with codeine. Yes, it will knock you out – but you will probably be uncomfortable enough that you won’t mind.

4) This should go without saying, but unless you are facing dire circumstances, take some time off of work to recover!

5) Throw your diet to the wind for a week. Unless you stick to soft foods like pudding and yogurt, you will be in extreme pain and quite unhappy.

6) Popsicles are cold and wonderful for numbing the pain. However, especially in the beginning, the sucking action can be painful.

Random: They are called “wisdom teeth” because they appear so late – much later than the other teeth, at an age when people are (theoretically) wiser than when they were children. In Turkish, they are called the “20th year tooth”. In Korean, they are “love teeth”. In Japanese, they are “unknown to the parents”, from the idea that they erupt after a child has moved away.

*procure*

Procure makes a fantastic, hosted new construction project management tool. Because it is hosted, Procore Online Construction Project Management can be accessed from virtually anyplace with internet access. Because it is web-based, a contractor or builder can get a project up and running within minutes. Procure costs a flat user rate each month, with as many project team members as the builder desires at no additional cost. Procure also offers a “try-before-you-buy” money-back guarantee, allowing you to use Procure for up to 30 days on an actual construction project. Procure also allows unlimited data storage.

kitten update

The kittens are oh so very cute, getting larger and somehow, cuter. However, they will soon be needing homes! I am helping Beth as we begin the search to find homes for three male kittens. They will be neutered – we won’t let them be adopted any other way. The cost of adoption is minimal. We only ask that you pay for the surgery to have them neutered. After they are weaned, they will be available for adoption. If you live in the Kansas City area and are interested, please leave a comment or email me.

*uk mortgages*

I read an article today – I think it was on CNN, may have been one of the other news sites I read – that said that the housing market is finally turning. I suppose that’s good, especially for the sellers. Buyers like me have enjoyed paying less for and borrowing less. I’m hoping that, as my business picks up, I will be able to take out a low-interest mortgage and purchase a townhouse or a small home.

From my limited readings, it seems that the housing market in the UK has suffered some of the same downfalls as the US housing market this year. The best part of these “downfalls” is that people like you and me, who are seeking US mortgages or Uk Mortgages, can get a high quality low interest mortgage. Hopefully I can get one soon!

the armenian non-genocide?

The 1948 U.N. Convention on Genocide defines a genocide as an act or acts “committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group”. Between 1915 and 1919, at the end of the Ottoman Empire in Turkey, up to 1.5 million Armenians died or were forcibly displaced.

History is a funny thing, though. The nation of Turkey refuses to officially acknowledge that the events of 1915-1919 were a genocide. Unfortunately, a massive army of other nations, including the United States, also refuse to acknowledge the genocide. The refusal to acknowledge the genocide is not a historical move, not an attempt to change history, but a political move. Acknowledging the genocide could alienate Turkey, America’s strongest ally among the Middle Eastern Muslim nations.

In reality, this is a no-win situation for everyone involved. If the genocide is not acknowledged, then we will not be paying due respect to the Armenians who died and who were displaced during that time. However, if it is acknowledged, Turkey might abandon the US in our attempts to fight the Taliban, Al Qaeda, etc. Even if Turkey does not abandon the US, undoubtedly the Taliban and Al Qaeda will be unhappy with the acknowledgment of those events, as the Ottoman Empire was one of the earliest manifestations of Middle Eastern control.

*prefab garage*

My grandparents had a garage that was separate from the house. We also have good friends who have a separate garage. Although we don’t have a separate garage, I certainly understand why many people would want one! In our world of “stuff”, with so many garages filling up and no place to put the cars, it only makes sense that many people would want to put a cheap, Prefab Garage next to their house. Covering the lawn with garage would mean that you have that much less lawn to mow. But even more importantly, it is easier to get a separate garage approved by the city. If you build an addition onto your house, then you will have to tolerate the dust and noise of construction for months, possibly years, as well as possibly compromising the structural integrity of your home. If you can tolerate walking a few steps to a separate garage, you will be able to build your garage for less money and in less time.

brrrrrr.........

I think my time in Africa has sensitized me to the cold! I spent the last entire winter in a rather temperate climate. It was warm when I left and it was warm when I returned. Now it’s getting cold in Missouri, but not even that cold – it’s the 40 degree to 60 degree normal fall temperature here. But I’m pretty pitiful – I’m begging for blankets and coats and other layers to keep me warm! This is the first natural cold I’ve experienced in well over a year and a half. I don’t know how bad I will be once it freezes!

*more beds*

If you’re going to own a bed – or any other piece of furniture, for that matter – it is virtually always a good investment to purchase a high quality piece of hardwood furniture. It is cliché, but truthful, to say that “they don’t make them like they used to”. A well-made piece of furniture, made out of a good, strong hardwood like oak, will last for years and years.

Oak Beds are a warm, welcoming choice for your bedroom. Placed beside an oak night table, an oak bed will embrace you each night and provide you with hours of relaxation and deep, restorative sleep. Combined with a quality mattress, an oak bed is probably the best choice you could make for your bedroom.

the meter stops here

For those who live on the East Coast, or who have ever visited Washington, D.C., you’re probably familiar with their antiquated taxi system. If you want to travel in a taxi in D.C., your fare is figured based on a strange and often, maddening, zone system. Your fare is determined based upon the number of zones you cross.

As of last week, however, the zone system is out and the much more common meter system is in. D.C. taxi fares will be determined by the meter. The meter system is much more common and, for passengers such as myself, much less confusing.

Fun Fact: Taxis in ancient Rome also had a taximeter.

*commercial van insurance*

Lots of stores and small businesses own vans nowadays. If you own a store or small business in the United Kingdom, and by virtue of owning your business you also own a van, you probably need to find affordable insurance for your van. It’s always challenging to find good Commercial Van Insurance that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Plus, if you own a small business, you probably need to save money in every little way imaginable. Autonetinsurance offers you a great, low-cost option for your insurance, so that you can spend your money on the things that really matter.

the fifty first state?

I have a subscription to US News and World Report – by far my favorite news magazine. As I read through this week’s issue, I was kind of shocked to learn that there is a plan working through the US House of Representatives to grant Puerto Rico statehood. I knew Puerto Rico was a territory, but it’s hard to imagine another state. The United States has had fifty states since I was born. It’s hard to imagine fifty one states. It just doesn’t have the same ring to it!

*clean out the garage*

Ha! I’m definitely not one to talk about cleaning out the garage. My garage is an absolute mess. It’s a two car garage, but for the last ten years or so, there has only been room for one car in it – and barely that! I know I’m not the only one with this problem – messy garages are a chronic problem in the United States. Maybe I need to get a good garage storage system. I bet that would help me to clean the garage.

Then again, maybe I don’t want to clean out the garage… who knows what is growing or living underneath all that stuff!

a whole new view

The space shuttle Discovery launched successfully this morning. From outer space, the shuttle sent back these incredible photos of the California fires. It’s unbelievable – an unbelievable natural disaster, visible from space. Kinda makes sense, I guess – after all, hurricanes are visible from space. I wonder if tornadoes are visible from outer space? And if so, what do they look like?

*invitations*

One of the neatest things about our modern life is that you don’t have to be so dependant upon printing shops. If you need to create announcements or invitations, you can do it yourself. With a laser printer – or even a good inkjet printer – you can create your own graduation announcements, wedding invitations, baby announcements, or first communion invitations. You’ll save lots of money by doing it yourself!

home sweet home

Many people are shocked that Californians are reluctant to leave their homes, but I’m not. It’s just the same every year when there is a hurricane and many Floridians are reluctant to evacuate. I’m not surprised. We’re kind of the same here in the Midwest. We hear the siren go off, indicating a tornado warning, but then we look outside and judge for ourselves before deciding if we REALLY need to seek shelter in the basement. After all, I was born here and I grew up here, and I’ve lived through dozens, maybe hundreds of sirens without suffering significant damage to my home. I would run from a hurricane or fire – but that’s just because I’m not accustomed to it. A Floridian may be scared of a tornado, but not of a hurricane. A Californian may have lived through dozens of brush fires before – why start running now? I get it.

*trophies*

Trophies are fun thing to get, especially when you are a kid. I was a bit of a nerd, so most of my trophies and medals are in academic fields. I did get two basketball trophies in elementary school – although, since that was elementary school, everyone got a trophy! I also got a trophy, along with a clock, for qualifying as the junior volunteer of the year at our local hospital. I remember how proud I was of those accomplishments, even as small as they are.

the aftermath

I predict that the next great battle we will see in the news will be an insurance battle. All these homeowners will need insurance payments to rebuild their homes. I also predict, though, that the insurance battle will not be nearly as bad for the Californians as it was and is for the Gulf Coast Katrina victims. The cause of the damage and destruction is very clear-cut – fire – and generally fire is included in homeowner’s policies. For Katrina victims, they had to fight because the cause of their damage was much vaguer. There was the flood, and the wind, and the fires started due to electrical problems, and more wind and flooding. The insurance companies used that to try and weasel out of paying for the homes to be rebuilt.

I’m not the only one with opinions about the Californians’ insurance coverage. Check out this story on CNN.com.

*amusement parks*

Theme parks and amusement parks are so much fun. I have many fantastic memories of the years that my family got season passes to our local theme park. Plus, visiting theme parks are such a fun part of vacations. It is just amazing how many different types of rides and adventures that can be created.

So, when I visit the UK, I will definitely have to go to Pleasure Beach Theme Park, which is the UK’s oldest Amusement Park. They have some of the world’s best rides and attract six million visitors every year. What better way to spend time with your friends and to put smiles on your faces than by visiting an amusement park?

california wildfires

I don’t even know what to think about these wildfires, except that right now I’m glad I live in an area that is not prone to hurricane, fire, earthquake, or other massive natural disaster. (knock on wood) It’s absolutely unbelievable. But it is real, and it is happening to us right now. And that’s horrible.

Last night my mom and I were talking about what we grab, if we had to evacuate the house, as hurricane refugees often do and as the fire refugees are doing right now. I just can’t imagine the challenge of packing your life into a small vehicle and fleeing for your life. Yet at the same time, I know that everything in this house, everything I own, is just stuff. If I were to lose everything, I know that I would not lose God, and that is really all that matters.

It is so good to know that in this time of need some people are stepping up. Hotels are offering reduced rates to fire evacuees. Authorities in San Diego county worked together to quickly alert and evacuate the residents, saving thousands of lives. Finally, modern technologies are helping firefighters get a leg up.

*french beds*

I admit it. I have a thing for beds.

There’s something special about my bed. My bed is the one place where I am always relaxed. I can lie down and read a book, or watch TV. Sometimes I lay in bed and check my email or watch a movie on my laptop.

When I was on the ship, my bed was truly my special “me” zone. I had a top bunk, which I discovered that I really enjoyed. Anytime I needed to get away from the world, I just crawled onto my bed.

So, as soon as I buy my own place, I plan to buy a very special bed for it. Perhaps I’ll buy a loft bed or a bunk bed, or maybe a French Beds, or a daybed. Someday maybe I’ll even try a waterbed!

he's caucasian?!?!?!?!

Ever since I was young, I've been a huge fan of "The King and I", with Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr. I'm not as much of a fan of the modern versions - "Anna and the King", or the animated version - but the old classic Rogers and Hammerstein musical is outstanding.

We had that DVD out lately, and for whatever reason I googled Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner. And that was when I discovered my greatest shock...

Yul Brynner is Caucasian!

Now bear in mind, this is the Yul Brynner I am familiar with:



Very Asian-looking, right? Turns out, Yul Brynner was born in Russia and is only 1/32 Mongolian. I'm trying to find a good picture of him with hair for you. He really looks white there.

As a side note, did you know that Yul Brynner died of lung cancer?

UPDATE:
Yul Brynner with hair!

*hotels*

One thing I absolutely loved about traveling overseas was the hotels. When I traveled to Asia, I got to stay in a five star hotel for a very reasonable rate. It was absolutely incredible. There were people who carried our bags for us, and people who turned down the bed for us, and more. Plus the bathroom was huge! I could have turned a cartwheel in there! There was also a television above the bathtub, which was pretty neat!

When I traveled within Africa, the hotels I stayed in definitely were NOT five star. They were, however, different and unique, and I’m glad I got to visit there. I suspect that I could have stayed in a very nice (a la five star) hotel for a reasonable rate, but the group I was with traveled at a poverty rate.

When I go to the UK, I will probably stay in four star hotel like the Blackpool Hotel. It’s still a very nice hotel, but much more reasonably priced than a five star hotel. Since I am not yet a gazillionaire, I have to travel on a budget!

pretty in pink

Finally - a giveaway I can REALLY use! Dyson and TheDomesticDiva are giving away a Pink Dyson Vacuum in honor of breast cancer awareness month. I definitely know I need a vacuum, so this could really come in handy. If you're interested, go on over to TheDomesticDiva and sign up to win!

Win a Dyson “Pink” Vaccuum in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Birth control... what next?

I’m sure you’ve heard that a middle school in Maine is giving out birth control. It’s a sad story, albeit not shocking. It’s another sign of the downfall of society.

When I was young, there were several young students who became pregnant. There was at least one student who became pregnant in 6th grade, and a good handful more in 7th and 8th. When I started volunteering at the OB/GYN unit in 8th grade, it was very strange to “work” at the hospital and to see many of my classmates deliver babies at the hospital. In high school, even more students became pregnant. One girl, who was a good friend of mine in junior high, became pregnant. Again, it was a strange experience to see my classmates with babies.

In a way, this goes back to what I said earlier about singleness. It is so okay to be single. It is so okay to not have sex. The world – and the church – pressure singles to be couples, and intimate couples are often just asking for trouble. Wake up, people! Single people are the backbone of the world!

*marketing*

Hey there, all you small business owners out there! I found a great company that can help you market your small business. You know that you want to get your name and your brand out there, so why not hire a branding company to help you with that? Kolbrener is just what you are looking for. They are a marketing and branding consultancy with special expertise in technology companies. If you’re looking for marketing and branding, give them a click. They’ll be just what you need.

the unreached

A couple of nights ago, I saw a rerun of “Sex and the City” that made me really sad. I think the writing on that show is excellent, and while I don’t agree with most of the activities in which the characters are involved, I still enjoy it sometimes. However, this particular episode put a really negative spin on singleness.

They talked about it almost like it is a disease. It is bad to be single – if you must be unmarried, then you must at least have a boyfriend. This is so untrue and so wrong! I have known many women throughout my life who have bought into the belief that they are not complete without a boyfriend, and as a result have bounced from one relationship to another. I do not have a boyfriend, and in a way I hope I don’t get a boyfriend. I absolutely love being single. I love the opportunities that I have as a single person, that I would not have if I was married or in a relationship.

Even in the church, I believe Christians are guilty of assuming that people are incomplete without a significant other. Singles are the “unreached” demographic. Why? There is no place in the Bible that says “Thou shalt get married” or anything like that. However, there is a ridiculous amount of focus on getting the singles matched up! Wake up, everyone! See us for who we really are – joyously single where God has placed us!

*Quibblo.com*

When I need to pass some time on the internet, quizzes are always an amusing way to go. Answer a few questions, and you never know what the quiz will tell you! Quibblo.com has hundreds of entertaining quizzes. They are revealing several entertaining Christmas quizzes for the upcoming Christmas season. Quibblo’s a perfect way to while your internet time away!

problems in the justice system

Here in Missouri, a huge piece of news right now is the trial of Lisa Montgomery. She killed a pregnant woman, Bobby Jo Stinnett, and cut the baby out of Bobby Jo’s womb. The baby survived and is now living with her father.

Montgomery is now pleading not guilty by reason of insanity. I am very, very concerned by this. Perhaps Montgomery was insane – I am not a psychologist and I will not debate that. However, I am highly concerned that there is even a chance that a woman like Montgomery could be found not guilty by reason of insanity.

“Insanity” has become such a loose term in the justice system. I can be sane enough to commit a horrific crime, but then be insane enough to be found not guilty. I don’t debate insanity. I’ve had my own bouts of depression, and I know that it can do crazy things to you. But since when did we decide that we no longer have to answer for our actions during those times?

*sofa*

The Sofa is such a pivotal piece of furniture in the home. Families gather around Sofas to watch movies, play games, or sometimes just to talk. Personally, I own a cloth sofa. I’m not a fan of leather sofas or other leather furniture. If you don’t have a Sofa in your home, you’re missing out!

new camera

I bought a teeny tiny Phillips keychain digital camera today at a discount store. I doubt I would have bought the camera if it weren’t on sale, at a discount store. But, since I don’t have a cell phone (and its accompanying camera), and since my digital camera is large enough that I don’t really want to carry it around with me 24/7, I decided to give this a try. The test photos I took aren’t award winners, but they are quite sufficient for telling stories on my blog.

*personalised plates*

A little something for my British readers…
Personalized number plates, known in the US as vanity license plates, are a fun way to express yourself through your car. Whenever my family travels cross-country, we are always amused by the great variety of personalized plates we find. If you live in Northumberland, you can go to Personalised Number Plates to order your own personalized number plates. It’s a well-organized site that will allow you to search for the perfect combination of numbers and letters that expresses your personality. Give it a click!

games games games

It’s been a day of games! Previously, through the McDonald’s Monopoly game, I had won a free computer download of “Monopoly Here and Now”. Tonight, I won another free download of “Yahtzee”. I also figured out that, because I am a Borders Rewards member, I can download “Mahjong Towers Eternity” and “Big Fish Games Sudoku” for free. (It pays to read the bottom of your receipts!) I have never been a huge computer game fan, but suddenly lately I’m playing games all the time.

*flat panel television*

I saw a thing on the news yesterday saying that by 2009, all broadcast televisions will be required to be digital. I don’t have cable, so if all broadcast turns digital, I will have to buy a new television with a digital tuner. If I do replace my TVs, I think I’ll spring for flat panel televisions. Something really nice. If I’m spending the money, I might as well go all the way!

Found: Dog

My friend Beth found and caught a lost dog in Grain Valley, MO this evening. She is not sure if it is a boy or a girl. It is white with light brownish-black spots on its head and a large brown patch on its side. (see photos below) It has a red collar, but no tags, and also what appears to be a flea collar. It weighs approximatly 45 lbs. It clearly has an owner - someone who cares enough to put a flea collar on it. If you know this dog, or where it belongs, then PLEASE reply to this post!!!

*credit cards*

Credit Cards are a tricky business. They’re a great tool for the financially savvy. However, they can also quickly become a trap. Interest rates and credit card fees can drive credit card debt through the roof.

If you are planning to sign up for a credit card, there are several important points to consider. First, you don’t need more than one or two credit cards. I get credit card offers in the mail on a daily basis, but I run all of them through the shredder. Second, read the fine print before you sign up for a credit card. Choose a credit card that will give you rewards (such as cash back or points to spend in a rewards program) and that will not charge excessive fees. Third, don’t spend more than you can pay. Pay off your credit cards every month. Not only will you be given a higher credit limit, but your credit rating will improve.

China is just a bully

I saw a clip on the news today about the Dali Lama’s visit to the White House. Apparently, China is upset about our support of the Dali Lama. Now give me a break! China, land of political oppression and religious persecution, is trying to tell us who we can befriend and what Gods we can support. Give me a break!

*Whogets.com online game show*

They say corporations are outsourcing everything. Some jobs are getting moved to India or China. Others are being replaced by computers and robots. Well, here’s one more job replaced by computers: The good old game show host! At the whogets.com online game show, you can compete for electronics, appliances, DVDs, clothing, and more. And did I mention – NO SPAM!!!!

audience surveys

I got a package in the mail a couple of days ago from Audience Surveys. It was actually pretty cool. They sent me a free copy of “O” magazine and a couple of prize brochures. They asked me to read the magazine, and then in a day or two I will get a call from them asking – I guess – about my magazine-reading experience. To me, that’s pretty neat. Also, I will be entered to win a bunch of free stuff. I can give them a few minutes of my time for that.

*football tickets*

I’m not really a fan of football or the NFL – not really a sports fan in general, I guess. I root for the Kansas City Chiefs, since I am from Kansas City and am loyal to the home team. If I could get tickets to any football game around the country, I have to admit I probably wouldn’t get Packers tickets – something about Wisconsin, and the land of cheese and beer (neither of which I am a huge fan), just not my thing, I guess. Maybe I would go to California. Or someplace on the East Coast.

Obama and Cheney: Love you, cuz!

From an ABCNEWS.com Blog:

All in the Family: Obama and Cheney?

ABC News' Sunlen Miller Reports: Illinois Sen. Barack Obama may have a distant cousin he's not too happy about.

In an interview with MSNBC today Lynne Cheney, wife of Vice President Dick Cheney, admitted that she discovered that "Dick and Barack Obama are eighth cousins," going back eight generations and having a common ancestor.

Part of Obama's classic stump speech consistently includes criticism of the vice president. The senator is seeking the 2008 Democratic nomination for president.

At a town hall event in Amana, Iowa Sen Obama didn't let up on his regular critique of the president and vice president saying, "We have to bring an end to Bush and Cheney politics……(they) led us into the worst policy disaster of all time, and that having a "Long resume says nothing about your character. "

Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton responded today saying, "Obviously Dick Cheney is sort of the black sheep of the family."

I find this story absolutely hilarious. He’s a Republican; he’s a Democrat. One hates the other. The black one calls the white one a black sheep.

Of course, if you zoom around the genealogy enough, I suspect you would find that a lot more people in power are related to each other than we would think. One time I found a genealogy website for the Kirkpatrick family, and through that line I am distantly related to a number of famous people, including the Gaither family. Of course, you have to go back (I think) ten generations, and then forward another eight or ten generations, which makes us incredibly distant cousins.

*landscape lighting*

Most people don’t include landscape lighting around their house. However, I think it’s starting to gain in popularity. It’s a really neat tool to use for landscaping your home. Plus, if you have a lawn that is elegantly landscaped, your property values might increase! Of course, that may mean you’ll have to pay more in property taxes, which is bad – but you could sell your home for more than you paid for it, which is great!

candy

Today I saw a news clip talking about Halloween and Halloween candy. I decided that I am really glad I’m not a kid in this era. They were recommending that you don’t give out candy to trick or treaters – but if you absolutely MUST hand out candy, they hand plenty of “healthy” suggestions – aka cardboard!

As for me, I’ll be handing out some pure good old American CANDY!!! I will be enjoying the time of year when I can give out miniature candy bars and packets of M&Ms, and at the end of the evening, I will eat everything that I didn’t give out!

*announcements*

I’m a news junkie. I admit it. I think it stems out of an outstanding high school journalism class. Now, I am just unbelievably interested in national and world events. I always want to be the first to read the announcements about breaking news. It’s such a fascinating snapshot of humanity. One daily television news program or a television news website will show us at our best and at our worst, and everywhere in between.

chipmunks

Today I saw a chipmunk on our porch. It is definitely out of the ordinary when I see a chipmunk! We have squirrels in our neighborhood, and since we have a large oak tree in our yard, we ALWAYS have squirrels. However, a chipmunk is definitely much more unusual! As far as I know, we don’t have any chipmunks native to our neighborhood, or even our city.

*bluetooth*

Confession: I do not own a cell phone. My contract expired around the time I went to Africa, and since my return, I have not found a need to sign a new one. I will admit, though, that part of my reasoning is my lack of money. A cell phone would be a monthly cost that I really can’t afford. I am hoping, though, that as my income increases, I will be able to buy a cell phone and all the trappings that go with it. I’ll have a nice phone with a Bluetooth headset, and it will be wonderful.

shopping for clothes should not be this hard!

Lately I've been searching for a couple of new pairs of jeans. I have two pairs of jeans that I LOVE. They fit me perfectly and are incredibly comfortable. With winter coming, and knowing that I will need to wear jeans more, I know I will need a couple more pairs, at least.

However, I really don't want to spend too much money on them. I have been losing weight, and I know that these jeans may not fit me much longer. I am also pinching pennies, and I just don't want to spend a ton of money on clothes.

So why is it so hard to find low cost jeans?

I've looked at a couple of thrift stores, and the only jeans I've found there are in really bad shape and not even worth the five or ten dollars on the price tag. I stopped at Gordman's today, but I was incredibly shocked and disappointed to find that basically all their jeans cost at least $20-$25 or more. I guess the next place to look is Walmart, although I really didn't want to go up into that price range. I was hoping for brand-new jeans or jeans in reasonably good shape, priced at $5-$10 a pair. Absolute max $15.

I discovered that they do have some jeans for sale on Ebay, and for a pretty good price. My only concern is that I may wind up with jeans that are the wrong size, and then I would have to pay for the cost of shipping to return them. Does anyone out there have experience with shopping for clothes on Ebay? Please tell me what you think of it!

*nursing homes*

Growing old is so hard. It’s usually not pretty, at least not by worldly standards. One of the hardest parts of aging is choosing a nursing home. There are so many to choose from, and there are also a lot of scandals surrounding the nursing homes that don’t take proper care of their patients.

If you live in Massachusetts, like my sister, or if you are one of her friends in Massachusetts – or even if you live anywhere in New England, I guess – you should look into the
Worcester Nursing Home. If you need a
MA Nursing Home to care for a loved one, it’s one good option. It’s a beautiful central Massachusetts Nursing Home.

If you are in a situation where you need to choose a nursing home, my heart goes out to you. It is never easy. If you may soon be in a situation where you need to choose a nursing home, you may want to consider creating a living will or living trust that specifies which nursing home you wish to choose. It is easier to choose your nursing home now, when you are not under pressure, than to choose it later, when you are sick and pressured, and have to choose your nursing home in a hurry.

coke vs. pepsi

Last night on the news, I saw a story about a coke and a pepsi delivery driver in Pennsylvania. I'm too lazy to look up the story online, but you could probably google it. It was really pretty funny, in a dumb way. I guess a Coca Cola deliveryman and a Pepsi Cola delivery man arrived at a Walmart at about the same time. The Pepsi man alleged that the Coke man tried to run him over with a pallet full of Coke products. So the Pepsi man fought back - he punched the Coke man, giving him a black eye, and pretty soon it had turned into an all out brawl. That's a bit much for me!

*indie music*

I admit that I have never really been a huge fan of indie music. When I was in high school, there was a pretty popular garage band made up of students from my school. I think it was called Three-Something – can’t remember! When I was in college, a friend introduced me to an indie band called Fed*Up, which I really liked. However, Fed*Up broke up after they were offered a record deal – they didn’t agree on the direction of the band. But otherwise, I guess I’ve never really been a fan of indie bands.

However, I have met and befriended lots of people in my life who are huge indie fans. If you are a fan of indie music, you should check out IndieMV - Musical Intercourse. It looks like a pretty neat website!

another weekend come and gone...

Is it weird that I've started to prefer weekdays to weekends?

During the week, I'm free to do my own thing. On the weekends, I have to go to church. Now don't get me wrong, I love God, but I seriously hate religion. I'm so tired and so frustrated with having "religion" shoved over my head. And I am so tired of religion that I'm getting tired of church. Because church is inevitably tied to religion.

I'm sure there are a few good churches out there, churches that are really pure and that are just pursuing God. Churches that are not tying themselves to God - "You can't go to heaven unless you believe in Jesus, oh yea, and you hafta be a member of our church" - or tying other things to God - "You can't go to heaven unless you believe in Jesus, don't drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs, volunteer at our church 40 hours a week, and let us tell you what to do". I'm sure that good churches exist. But I am so tired of looking at churches, of going to church and visiting churches and finding every church just a disappointing mirror image of the last.

*radar detectors*

I would bet that almost all American drivers have had at least one ticket. I know some people who have bought radar detectors in an effort to outsmart the radar guns. I think that’s pretty funny, since the improving technology has made radar detectors virtually useless. If you want to buy a radar detector, you should definitely read some radar detector reviews before spending money. Otherwise you are just wasting your money!

*fishing tackle*

I don’t really know anything about fishing. It’s not a sport that I’ve ever really enjoyed. When I was really, really, really young, my aunts and uncles would take my cousins and I fishing for bobbers, but I barely remember that. I have an uncle who lives in Colorado and loves to fish, though. He can make his own fishing tackle and everything. I have to respect that; it is certainly a skill.

psalms

As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?

My tears have been my food
day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"

These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving
among the festive throng.

Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.

By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.

I say to God my Rock,
"Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?"

My bones suffer mortal agony
as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"

Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Vindicate me, O God,
and plead my cause against an ungodly nation;
rescue me from deceitful and wicked men.

You are God my stronghold.
Why have you rejected me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?

Send forth your light and your truth,
let them guide me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.

Then will I go to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the harp,
O God, my God.

Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Tonight, I don't even have the words to describe how I feel. Yet somehow these verses grasp everything I feel in a way that I never could.

ebay

Yay for ebay!

Recently I decided to clean out my closet and to sell some of my "junk" on Ebay. You know the old saying - "one man's trash is another man's treasure". Heaven only knows I need to get rid of some of my things and create more room.

This week I have eleven items up for sale. So far so good... I have a few bids and several watchers. I know most of the "action" on Ebay comes in the last few minutes of the auctions, and of course I'm hoping I get lots more bids, that all of my items sell, and that they will sell for high prices! :)

*mortgage rates*

Sometimes I really wish I was able to take out a mortgage loan and move into my own place. Don’t get me wrong, I love my home right now, and I love where I am in life. However, there is a certain pride in owning your own home. Taking out a mortgage is challenging. It’s a lot of work to figure out your mortgage rates and figure out what type of loan will be best. Mortgage brokers can help but you still have to take a lot of responsibility for the transactions involved. It’s serious business!

my weekend thing...

It's Friday night. Tomorrow's Saturday. Day after's Sunday.

Truth is, I've come to dread weekends.

Oh, I enjoy having some time when I don't have to work (or at least, when I don't feel guilty because I'm not working). I enjoy being able to spend time with my parents. I LOVE my Sunday naps.

It's just church. I can't believe I'm saying this again, but I've started to dread going to church.

See, the thing is, the church should be the one place where I can be myself. Church should be our shelter from the world. It should be the one place where we can go without being afraid of judgement or condemnation. It should be the place where we can be naked, metaphorically speaking - where we can take off all of the faces we put on for the world, and allow our brothers and sisters to see us, with all of the sin and dirt and crud that covers us, and without the fear of judgement.

It should be. But I have not yet found a church that welcomes me like that. I was rejected from two youth groups in high school. In college, I tried to become a part of four different churches, and was dehumanized and demoralized until I was forced to leave each church in shame. After college, I attempted to join another church but again was forced to leave in shame. I moved all the way to a Africa - AFRICA, for heaven's sake - and was again shamed until I left.

Now I'm going back to the church I grew up in - but again, I find myself being expected to prove myself. Church should be the only place where I do NOT have to prove myself! My church should be my shelter from the storm. Yet here I am, every week, forcing myself to go to church and asking myself why I'm there.

I find myself praying for forgiveness, because I have not yet found the courage to seek a new or different congregation. Too many times, I have found a different congregation, and just as I became certain that it was where God wanted me to be, I was in some way rejected or demoralized, and forced to begin the whole search again.

Writing this brings tears to my eyes, yet I know that on Sunday I will go back to my comfort zone. God forgive me, but I'm tired. I'm just tired. The storm I live in every day makes me weary. Sometimes all I want is some rest from this weary world. I was not made for this, Lord.

*mortgage refinancing*

As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned quite a bit more about finance, and among other things I am learning about mortgages. I don’t have one yet, but I’m hoping to get one soon! Mortgage refinancing, and even variable rate mortgages, can be an excellent way to keep your bills low. Mortgage refinance isn’t the solution for every problem, but it should definitely be a tool in your financial briefcase.

good news, bad news

McDonalds is doing their Monopoly promotion again. McDonalds is one of my secret vices. They are, hands down, my favorite fast food restaurant. I’m a terrible cook, and I eat there way too much! Now I’m collecting the properties and hoping for my turn at a million. If anyone happens to possess Boardwalk, feel free to send it to me!

*golf*

I know some people are really into golf, but I’m not one of them. I like mini golf – just not the “full size” version! It’s far too long, too slow, and too spread out for my tastes. And why do the announcers at pro golf tournaments always whisper? I think that’s just bordering on completely insane! Not to mention the golf apparel ladies – it looks ridiculous. I would far more wear jeans and a t-shirt, or workout pants and a t-shirt, than what pro golfers have to wear.

*outer banks*

I blogged about visiting Raleigh a few days ago, but while you are there be sure to swing by the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks is a very neat area of North Carolina. The beach where Orville and Wilbur Wright took their first flight is on the Outer Banks. The lost colony of Roanoke was also established on the Outer Banks. That may mean nothing to a non-history guru like me, we should all appreciate it. There’s a lot of history there!

*casino goodies*

Recently I’ve been selling some stuff on Ebay. I don’t have any great treasures. I’m just like most people, cleaning out my closets and trying to get rid of some stuff. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, that kind of thing. I keep thinking I need to find one of those strange things, like a Virgin Mary Grilled Cheese Sandwich, that sells for tons of money and is bought by a casino, like the Golden Nugget Las Vegas. Somehow, though, I’m always behind the crowd!

weird dream sequence part four

This morning I had a REALLY weird dream. Like, EXTREMELY weird. Beth will totally understand the weirdness of this dream. I dreamt about this guy I used to know who was very hurtful toward me. He was a Bible-bangingthumping Christian, and I mean that as in, he would practically bang you over the head with the Bible until you were sufficiently Christian. He and I were in a building with another boy we both knew, an art student. The art student was giving the Bible-thumper a tattoo on his right bicep, which was VERY weird given that he was against everything that involved piercings and tattoos.

In my dream, my business has become large and very successful. I am very successful and am well known worldwide for my contributions to the internet. I don't know how I knew those things... it was one of those dream things, you know? Where you are just aware of things... in that strange dream way.

So anyway, I walked past Bible-thumper a couple of times and he did not acknowledge me. Finally I walked up to him and said, "Remember me, J****?" He looked up and smiled at me in that awful, patronizing way that he always smiled. I said, "Believe it or not, I've changed a lot since we first met. You'd be surprised if you knew me now." His head kinda shot up, and he acted really surprised. Now that doesn't suprise me, because he never was much of a believer in change... he never really thought that people could change. He was sputtering and being stunned while the art student finished off his tattoo. I decided I didn't need to put up with him, and walked away towards my car.

What the tattoo had to do with the rest of that dream, I really have no idea. Like I said, it's an extremely weird dream.

*Name changed to protect him. I don't know why I'm protecting him... he certaingly never protected me. I guess I'm nicer than him.

*faucet.com*

I remember when my parents remodeled the bathrooms in our house. Bathrooms are one of the most commonly remodeled rooms in a home. But bathrooms are also one of the most challenging rooms in a house to remodel! With all the plumbing and all the fixtures, it’s a tough room to remodel! You have to pick out fixtures for the sink, toilet, and bathtub, as well as the light fixtures, and you have to ensure that all the fixtures will look good together. You can find Delta Faucets and lots of other plumbing fixtures on faucet.com. It’s a great site to help you get ideas for remodeling a bathroom!

Kangaroodle giveaway...

Over on De Reviews, Andrea is giving away a gift certificate to Kangaroodle. It's really mostly kid stuff... things that would be useful for moms with infants and toddlers. Seeing as how I do not have any infants or toddlers (or children or teenagers, for that matter), this at least would seem to be pointless for me. But they also have a number of items for moms that are really just nice girly gifts. So I'm signing up. It's worth a try. Try it yourself. It just might work!