Wednesday, April 30, 2008
These Jigglers Don't Jiggle
Today after school Cory went to take the Jigglers out of the molds and put them into a container, ready to take to school. Right away, he had problems. The Jell-O was too soft. He said he followed the recipe for Jigglers - mix the Jell-O into 2-1/2 cups hot water. I looked at the box and asked him how many boxes of Jell-O he used. One box. He used one box of Jell-O and 2-1/2 cups of water. The recipe says to use four boxes of Jell-O with 2-1/2 cups of water. That would be why his Jigglers were so soft and practically melting when he messed with them.
So, he dumped the not-quite-Jigglers all out into a container so he can eat them later with a spoon. Or a straw. And he made some new ones. Now, as I'm sitting here, I'm not sure how he mixed the new ones. I pulled the boxes of Jell-O out of the cabinet for him, but I just now realized that I didn't pull the four boxes he needed out - just one of one flavor and one of another. I hope he adjusted the water measurements, or he'll be drinking a lot of Jell-O, and I have no idea what the French class is going to eat.
Paid Blogging Goes Social
I recently signed up for SocialSpark, and I expect all of this to get even better. Yes, SocialSpark offers opportunities to get paid, but along with that, SocialSpark lets you connect with other bloggers and the advertisers, too. SocialSpark is about building relationships and community. I think most of us have been connecting in other ways, through services like BlogCatalog, MyBlogLog, Facebook, Myspace, and others, but SocialSpark brings it all together.
OK, SocialSpark doesn't have Scrabulous, but what it does have is the ability to find and add friends, prop them, leave comments, and learn more about them. You can also contact advertisers. For instance, if you think your blog would be perfect for an opp, but it isn't currently available to you, you can contact the advertiser and let them know why it would benefit them to have you blog about their company or product.
There will never be any question which posts are paid because the SocialSpark code of ethics means:
- 100% Audit-able In-Post Disclosure
- 100% Transparency
- 100% Real Opinions
- 100% Search Engine Friendly
One of the things I'm liking about SocialSpark is the ability to browse the available paid opportunities and being able to see who has already written a post for that opportunity. There are even links so you can read those posts. I admit, I used to go hunting for other posts, or videos, for some of the opps I've taken. I was always interested in seeing what other people had to say about the same thing. SocialSpark makes this so much easier! SocialSpark also lets you send an opportunity to a friend. So, if I see a really great opportunity I think would be perfect for one of my friends, it's really easy to let them know.
I need to spend some more time learning about SocialSpark and all the features, but so far I'm really liking it. SocialSpark is part of IZEA.
If you're interested in making new friends, learning about new products, and getting paid to blog, SocialSpark is the place to be. So, I 'm going to shut up now so you can go check it out.
Update
I have officially been informed I won the scholarship. =) I am so grateful for everyone who was willing to take time out of their day to help me win money for college. I know this whole competition has been fairly crazy and time consuming, so I want to thank everyone who was willing to be involved. Although it was an unconventional scholarship, I sincerely hope those who gave up their time found connecting with people, networking, meeting new people, and being involved in something with many others, as fun as I did. I am still amazed at how I could win, coming from such a small town, but I know UCG was a huge help, and of course God listening to all the prayers was the only way I could have won. For those who don’t know, I’m planning to attend Vanderbilt University this fall. I’ve been accepted and I will major in neuroscience with a possible minor in bassoon. Thanks again everyone. I really appreciate it. I’m so glad everyone’s help and time was well worth spent.Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote.
Kayleen Hannaway
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Soft, Spreadable Butter
I have one butter dish that has a lid, and I feel better about leaving that one out, but it had to be washed so the butter was just on a plain butter dish, uncovered. What I really need is a French Butter Bell. I had never seen one of these before, but it would solve all my butter problems. It keeps butter at the perfect temperature so that it's always spreadable, but it won't spoil. The video and diagram on the site explain exactly how it works. Water keeps the butter cool and sealed from the air. Also, it's covered, so I don't have to worry about the cat getting into the butter. So far she's been pretty good about not getting on the counter, which I'm happy about, but I wouldn't bet my butter on it! The Butter Bell comes in 3 different colors, and this red one would go perfectly with the strawberry theme in my kitchen.
Vat19 has the most useful gifts. Just saying, in case you're trying to figure out what to buy me, for my birthday which is coming up next month. *grin*
How Do You Work Outside the Home Moms Do It?
Anyway, I was thinking, our original plan was to start around 9:30 this morning, but we changed it to 10:00, and then that got pushed back even further, so I didn't leave here until 11:00. Before I left home, I had time to put something in the crockpot for dinner, throw some towels in the washer, sort out the clean laundry that didn't get finished last night, water the plants, play one of my turns on Scrabulous, and fix something to take along for lunch.
Yesterday I was complaining that I had a hard time getting things done last week because I had to stop at 5:00pm so we could go to school for Cory's play every night. But at least I had the rest of the day. What about you moms who have to leave the house early in the morning and work outside the house all day? When do you get things done? How do you do it? (Yes, Deb, I'm talking to you!)
I didn't get home until 7:00 - could've been earlier, but we had a meeting, and Mary talks a lot. Happily dinner was ready in the crockpot. Jeffrey went out and mowed the yard, and Cory was working on homework, so they weren't complaining that no one had fed them yet - though they could have eaten any time they felt like it. It didn't take much to get dinner ready, just a matter of pulling some plates out and getting the salad out of the fridge. I also had to check the dryer and turn it back on to get the towels dry and then fold them. I should probably wash the dinner dishes, too, but I decided I can do that tomorrow - because I can. Tomorrow I'm home. How do you do it when you're not home?
Things still need done. How do they get done? Just thinking about it makes me really tired.
Heads or Tails - a Special Memory
Today's theme is:
TAILS - Share a special memory
The year Beth was in 6th grade, she started getting up in the mornings and walking with me. Sometimes we'd roller blade. Sometimes she'd put her roller blades on and skate while I walked. She liked that better, because I will not go down the big hill on my roller blades, but Beth will. Most of the time we walked, and we talked, and just enjoyed being together.
It's a special memory for me now, because by the next school year she started Middle School. She didn't have any extra time in the mornings. We had less and less time together. Her life started to revolve around her friends, and she didn't want to spend any time with me or the rest of the family unless she absolutely had to. Somewhere along the line she decided that she hates all of us, her life is horrible, and she just can't wait to turn 18 and move out, because she doesn't need us.
Normal teenage behavior or not, it's hard to see the person she is right now. On the days I start wondering if she'll ever be a nice, decent person, sometimes it helps to remember that she was. Once.
She says she's nice to her friends. Maybe one of these days she'll be nice to us again, too, and not just when she wants something .
Visit the home of Heads or Tails to see more participants and join in.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
How Did That Happen?
I still don't know how it got on my computer. Maybe Tillie was playing with the computer while we were gone? She was the only one home.
ETA: It was Beth. She did it sometime before we left and didn't tell me.
Cory's Been Wearing Makeup
...and he doesn't like it.
Stage makeup, that is. Besides the makeup, I'm pretty sure Cory is enjoying being on stage. He's always loved being up in front of people, acting, being the center of attention. Stage fright? What's that? He has no clue. He thrives on the whole thing. He's fun to watch. Too bad he doesn't get on stage until sometime in the 2nd Act, but the whole play is pretty fun.
We've now seen it 4 times, and there's one more performance to go. I asked Cory if he'd be mad at me if I didn't go every night, and he said I had to be there, so I've been there. All the kids are doing a really good job, and I am enjoying it. I took a bunch of pictures, too. I just need to get them all off the camera and figure out what I'm going to do with them.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Camera Critters (#3)
Click the graphic to visit the Camera Critters headquarters and find out how you can join in. All the post headers, badges and rules are there, as well as Mr. Linky so you can sign in.
This is all Tillie does all day - sleep! Sometimes she sleeps in her chair. Sometimes she sleeps under the couch or under a bed. The other day I glanced over to find her sleeping in her grocery sack. Of course you know that having a cat in the house means you must have a grocery sack lying around, too. Along with all kinds of cat toys and balls and whatever she finds interesting enough to play with. (See blue ball in background) In between naps she does find time to play, and eat, and look out the window, too. Mostly though, she sleeps.
Isn't she cute?
Friday, April 25, 2008
Weird Phones
So we tried calling our home phone with our cell phones. Nope, we couldn't get through either. We kept getting this message telling us we had to dial a 1 or a 0 and the area code, which we shouldn't have to do. So, we tried with the 1 and the area code and still the same message. We could call each other's cell phones. We could call the cell phones with the house phone, but we could not call the house phone with the cell phones.
It was still doing that this morning. Jeffrey called from work. That worked, but then when he tested the cell phone, he got that same message. He borrowed other people's cell phones and called. They worked. He even borrowed a couple cell phones from our same provider, and they worked. He called our provider, US Cellular, and they tried to tell him it was a problem with our home phone. Yeah, right. He called back after more testing with other phones, and they started doing some testing to see what the problem might be. I don't know what they did, but I just tried calling the home phone with my cell phone, and it works - like it's supposed to, like it has always worked before last night.
So, really, Beth has no excuse for not calling to tell me she is going to be late and why.
Too Many Shoes?
He really doesn't have to make me, though, because when I see a website that sells shoes, I can't help but click to see what they have that I won't be able to live without. Today I visited Infinity Shoes. I had never heard of this site before, so I was anxious to see what they have. Oh yeah, I found a thing or two. Browsing seychelles shoes, I found an adorable pair of boots. Of course, it is Spring now, so I'm thinking more along the lines of sandals than boots. Still, I browsed through the minnetonka boots anyway. I've heard these are really comfortable, and I always look at them when we go to the Dells. I never thought to look for them online.
Sky Watch Friday (#20)
It's Friday again, and that means Sky Watch Friday! I love Fridays. I just wish I didn't have so much to do so that I could visit more.
I took these a couple weeks ago, on a Friday, after I had already posted my Sky Watch Friday for that week. A storm was coming, and I couldn't help taking some pictures of the clouds. It was fun watching them.
Closer
There's still some blue sky showing through.
But the heavy, gray clouds are coming in.
If you enjoy looking at the sky as much as I do, you'll want to check out Sky Watch Friday at Wiggers World. Join in or just enjoy all the wonderful sky pictures. I really wish I had time to visit them all. I thoroughly enjoy the ones I do.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
What Could You Use These Cards For?
Cards Direct lets people do just that. You can create custom Photo Cards, using your own photo, customize the text on the inside using either their pre-designed verses or your own, add personalization, and get your very own greeting cards. I know someone who takes amazing photos of a cemetery gate at sunset. Wouldn't one of those photos make great sympathy cards?
I looked around the site a while and really liked the fun of a polka dot card I found. I could see it being used as a kid's birthday party invitation or a thank you card with a picture from the party on the front. It would be a great memory keepsake for everyone who attended the party. I think you're pretty much limited to your imagination.
Whatever you use them for, if you design and send your own custom photo cards, I bet no one else will be sending the same cards you are.
Food for a Growing Boy
So now I must go find him something, besides that bag of Doritos he asked for. Something halfway good for him, maybe.
How Do You Like My Logo?
All the big companies have easily recognizable logos. Most of them don't even need a company name to go with their logo. People take one look at the logo, and they know the company it represents. I may never be that recognizable, but it would still be nice to have a logo to use on everything. LogoYes makes it simple for anyone to create their own logo in a few simple steps. Their logo says "Look Big, Win Big" so why not try creating a logo just like the big guys?
Here are the easy steps:
- Step 1 - Choose an image style: High-tech, bold, or flair. They even give you a short description of the type of company that would be best represented by each style.
- Step 2 - Choose your industry from a list of several.
- Step 3 - Then you get a selection of black and white images to choose from. The logo creator notes that you will add color in step 5. You choose the image in black and white because a good design looks good in black and white as well as color. You can browse through the images, or search for something specific. You can click on each symbol to see all of them in that category - even the ones in the other styles you didn't choose in step one. I ended up choosing a butterfly, because there are butterflies in my blog header, and I liked one from the Flair style best.
- Step 4 - Once you choose your image, you add text (up to 2 lines) and choose a font.
- Step 5 - layout and design. Here's where you get to add color, move things around, rotate, flip, resize, etc. to get your logo exactly the way you want it. What I could have used here was a button I could click that gave me suggestions because, I wasn't quite sure what to do with my image and my text to make it look good. Luckily, there are several sample logos on the main page, so I spent some time studying those. This is what I came up with:
- Step 6 - You can buy the logo you create, or choose to create a business card with the logo so you can buy business cards in addition to your logo file. They have several different templates for the business cards. Simply choose one you like and edit the information. Here's mine, sized down to fit here:
It's Play Time
Jeffrey and I were there to set up the sound system. Since he has volunteered to run sound for the last two years for the Fall musical, and also runs sound for choir and band concerts, he was asked to run the sound for this play, too. Since Cory is in it, how could he say no? Besides, he likes doing it. It does take a lot of time, though. Dress rehearsal last night, and then performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon. This is new because usually dress rehearsal is Thursday night and the performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. So, they just added an extra night into the schedule. Jeffrey can't do the sound on Sunday, but he has a young lady helping him this year, and she will be running it on Sunday. She helped him with the sound for the Middle School drama club play, and she really seems to enjoy it. It would be good for a student or students to be involved every time. Of course, it would also be great if the school had its own sound equipment that could run a production like this. This one isn't too hard - there are only 8 students, so they all get their own cordless mic.
Anyway, Jeffrey's helper, Rebecca, helped him get things set up, so there really wasn't too much for me to do - except run home and get some stuff he forgot. With the cost of gas, I really hate making unnecessary trips, and I'm not exactly sure how he forgot whatever it was - part of a couple mics or something. If you need all parts to use something, would you not keep them together? By the time I got back, they were about ready to start, so I sat and watched the play. They're doing The Odd Couple (Female Version). Cory doesn't get on stage for quite a while, being a guy and all. It's mostly about the girls.
While I do want to support Cory, I'm not sure I'm going to go to his play every night. In the past when Jeffrey ran sound for the musicals, I went every night to help him keep track of the script and who was coming on when, etc. This one isn't so complicated, and he's got Rebecca to help him with sound stuff - so he really doesn't need me. I suppose I should ask Cory how he feels about it first...
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Do You Know Anyone Who is Moving?
Today I found this moving checklist that would be a big help for anyone who is moving. It lists things that need to be done when you are moving, like changing your address, measuring your new house to be sure things will fit, returning library books, and getting utilities turned off or transferred, as well as giving the approximate time frame when you should do all of these things. There's also a great Utility Transfer List you can print out and use to keep track of the utilities.
It's also a good idea to get a quote for your move from multiple moving companies. Having moved several times where we had to pack everything ourselves, rent a truck, get all our friends to help with the loading and unloading, and having moved once where we had a moving company come in and pack everything for us, load it and unload it, I have to say that hiring a moving company is a lot easier. Yes, it will cost more, but it's free to get the quotes, and you're under no obligation to use any of the moving companies. I think it's definitely worth checking to see if it's feasible.
Last Day to Vote
Kayleen Hannaway in Salem, Oregon is finalist for a $20,000 scholarship to Vanderbilt University if she wins a national teen contest through voting. (Kind of like American Idol). She has made it through five rounds and is about 20 votes behind in the last three hours of the contest.
Could I ask you to vote for Kayleen Hannaway. It’s very easy. Please go to this link and then scroll down Kayleen’s side to VOTE ME.
I would really appreciate it. It would obviously mean a lot to her.
This must be done before either 10 or 11 am Eastern TODAY, Wednesday.
Thank you. Thank you.
Will I Ever Get Caught Up?
Sometimes the getting ready and the cleaning up after seems to go on forever. I feel like I'm left with no time to do the regular things that need done - let alone the projects I need to get started working on, like the school calendar. Just a warning, if I disappear every once in a while, it usually means I am too busy to sit down with my computer. It's nice to know I have friends like Tammy who check in to see if everything is OK. Tammy, you're the sweetest!
I'm fine, just too busy to get on here much. I ought to make up some "I'm really busy" type of posts that I can just put up quickly when I don't have time for anything else. Yeah, that sounds good, but I'm not much more likely to do that than I am to go shopping for wood steering wheels.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Heads or Tails - Direction
Today's theme is:
HEADS - Direction
I started thinking about this theme, trying to decide what to post this week. My first thought was to talk about directions - as in, North, South, East, West. My husband does not understand how I just have no idea which direction is which. Is it a feeling? What is it that lets some people know which direction is which? If Jeffrey says to go East, I have to ask, "Do I turn right or left?" To me, those are directions I understand. Even if I somehow know that I am facing South - just go with me on this, because most of the time I won't even know that - I will still have a hard time figuring out which way is East.
At least I know the difference between my left and my right, because I've met some people who even get confused by that. My kids came home from school with an easy way to tell your right from your left. Make an L with your hands and hold them up like in the picture. The one that forms the forward L (and not a backwards L) is your left hand. L for left. I'd never heard that before, but it works - you know, if you have trouble telling left from right, and people are always saying, "No, your other left!"
Now, follow these directions: visit the home of Heads or Tails to see more participants and join in on the fun.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Camera Critters (#2)
There's a new meme in town. Our friend Misty has started a new Sunday meme all about pictures of animals/critters, and this is week 2. Click the graphic to visit the Camera Critters headquarters and find out how you can join in. All the post headers, badges and rules are there, as well as Mr. Linky so you can sign in.
Nearly 600 acres of pristine prairie and lush woodland in the southern unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest provide Old World Wisconsin with an idyllic setting. The largest outdoor museum of rural life in America, Old World Wisconsin portrays the history of immigration and resettlement in late-19th- and early 20th-century Wisconsin.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Design Your Own T-shirts
Until now he's been pretty much limited to the t-shirts he can find in the stores. Not any more. Now he can create and order his own custom t-shirts at Blue Cotton. It looks really simple to add your own custom text, shapes, graphics and effects, and create your very own custom t-shirt. Besides t-shirts, they also have several different kinds of clothing and custom embroidery in addition to printing. Shipping is free on standard delivery.
I wonder what kinds of t-shirts the boy is going to come up with now.
An Expensive Week
To park in the parking lot at school, the students are supposed to buy a parking pass. It's $100 for the entire year, $25 per quarter, or $1 per day. I figure that, since there's a bus she can ride to school, she really does not need to drive to school. Therefore, we will not be paying for a parking pass. If she decides to drive to school, then she is responsible for buying a pass.
Well, I guess she hasn't been buying a pass on the days she drives, because she got a ticket on Tuesday. So, Wednesday she did buy a pass, but she got another ticket. At first they told her she could go in to the police station and show them her parking pass and they would drop that second ticket, then Thursday she, and some other students, got called to the office to be questioned about whether they had parking passes that day. Beth said she had one, it just wasn't taped to the window like it was supposed to be because she didn't get any tape in the office. Then I guess she mentioned the ticket from the previous day and that she had a pass that day, too. The police officer who was questioning these students said that they won't drop that ticket - because how do they know she didn't see she got a ticket and then go get the pass?
That's when I started questioning why the school office doesn't put the time as well as the date on the parking pass when they sell it. If that's really the attitude of the police department - if we don't happen to see it, we're not going to believe you had one - then shouldn't putting the time on the pass just be standard policy? There's a time on the ticket, and it would be easy to check to see if the pass was purchased before or after the ticket was issued. Of course, later on Beth admitted that she bought the pass before lunch, because she 'didn't have time' before school. So, she did get the ticket before she bought the pass - but no one is going to randomly go out to their car to check if they got a ticket in the middle of the day, and then go buy a parking pass. At least I wouldn't think so.
I guess we'll see what happens. That could be $30 she has to pay, if she has to pay both tickets. In addition, she's paying the $1 a day to park now, the way she should have been all along. Either that, or she can ride the bus - for free.
The Name Game
The Name Game (rated PG 13)
1. Your rock star name (first pet, current car)....... Mutt Venture
2. Your gangsta name (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe)...... Jamocha Sandals
3. Your Native American name (favorite color, favorite animal).......... Black Horse
4. Your soap opera name (middle name, city where you were born)......Louise Pasadena
5. Your Star Wars name (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name)...........Hag-An (That sounds really bad.)
6. Superhero name (2nd favorite color, favorite drink)......Red Water
7. NASCAR name (the first names of your grandfathers).......Charles Chalmer
8. Stripper name (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy).......... I can't stand perfume, so I'm not so sure how to get this one. I guess that means I don't get a stripper name. :(
9. TV weather anchor name (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)........ Overmyer Orlando
10. Spy name (your favorite season/holiday, flower).......Spring Rose (this name will, of course have to change each season, because whatever season we're in is my favorite)
11. Cartoon name: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now)......Strawberry Sweats
12. Hippie name (what you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)....... Toast Birch
13. "Adult Film" star name (first pet, first street where you lived)............I guess I don't get an adult film star name, either because I can't for the life of me remember the first street I lived on. I can't even remember the name of the first street Jeffrey and I lived on when we first got married.
Let me know if you decide to do this meme so I can read your names.
Headache
Sky Watch Friday (#19)
It's Friday again, and that means Sky Watch Friday! I love Fridays.
This was taken yesterday morning. When Jeffrey and I went out for our walk I grabbed my camera, just in case. I'm always looking at the sky anyway, might as well get some pictures. I'd been thinking of trying out some interval training - just to up the intensity. I definitely got that yesterday. Since Jeffrey has to get back to get ready for work, he wasn't waiting for me. So, every time I stopped to take a picture, he kept walking, and then I had to run to catch up with him. Do I want to do that every day? No, but it was good exercise, and I like some of the pictures I got, especially this one:
If you enjoy looking at the sky as much as I do, you'll want to check out Sky Watch Friday at Wiggers World. Join in or just enjoy all the wonderful sky pictures. I really wish I had time to visit them all.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Going Through the Mail
Cory's grades are mostly A's and a couple B's. I have to mention that because he feels that he doesn't get enough attention for getting good grades. All the attention goes to Beth because her grades aren't what they should be. We look at Cory's grades and, since they're what we expect from him, don't really pay that much attention. Sorry, Cory. You rock! Results from his sophomore testing also came. He scored at the advanced level in all areas. The one that puzzles me is that, with a maximum score of 820 in reading, he only scored a 600. The way that boy reads, I would have expected at least 800! That was only in the 88th percentile for the state. His highest was in Language Arts - 98th percentile.
Also with the report cards, we got summer school registration information. I already filled Cory's out so he can turn it in tomorrow. He has to be registered for the class to get his Driver's Ed teacher to sign the paper he needs to get his learner's permit. Yikes! Cory's going to learn to drive. We'll have to get the permit as soon as possible so he has time to practice before his driving sessions start.
Now I need to get back to work. I'll put all the school stuff where Jeffrey can read it and put the bank statements where I will remember to take them downstairs so I can file them. Jeffrey doesn't look at those. He leaves all the checking and savings accounts to me. Speaking of savings accounts - the interest rate is ridiculous - .11% - We got a whole 13¢ on that account this month.
Of course, that was just the important mail - except for my $20 rebate from Symantec. There was plenty of junk too - credit card offers and people wanting to sell me stuff. That all went straight into the recycle bag.
Please Vote
If you could please take a moment to go vote for Kayleen, I know she'd appreciate it. You need to scroll down and fill in the code first and then click the VoteMe! button. Whoever gets the most votes wins. You have until April 23 to vote.
Zinch is a way for students to show they are more than a test score. They create profiles to showcase themselves to colleges. They can learn about different colleges and what they are about, give a shout out to the schools they are interested in, and communicate with the schools. It looks like there is a lot of information about the college admissions process and a lot of great tools for high school students going through that process as well as being a place to meet and interact with other students going through that same process. I had never heard of it before being asked to vote for Kayleen, but I'm going to strongly suggest that Cory signs up right away.Kayleen HannawayPhilomath High School |Class of 2008 | Philomath, Oregon, USAAbout me: My goal is to always continue improving myself. I respect any person or book, or any medium for that matter, that helps me reach my goal. The most important part of my life is my religion, but I don't like the stereotypes that go along with saying that, so I don't bring attention to it. I think any person should have a set of values that they live by, instead of making decisions depending on the situation. Human beings are too influenced by temporary emotions for that to be successful. I have specific short and long terms goals and don't expect anything less than success for my future.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Is It My Turn Yet?
Confession
It Must Be Spring
It was practically 70° today. Did I mention the wind? I was afraid my groceries were going to blow away between the store and the van. It was definitely a two-hands-on-the-wheel-if-you-drive-a-high-profile-vehicle day. Said vehicle even got a bath. It was time to wash that winter road salt mess off and start fresh. I'm feeling optimistic that I won't have to deal with that again for a while - like next winter.
And the #1 reason I say it must be Spring? Cory wore shorts to school.
Get on the Road to Clear Skin
It's definitely worth searching out Acne Treatment that works and learning the facts about acne. One of those treatments I've heard about is Proactiv® Solution , the one advertised by Jessica Simpson. If she ever had acne, you certainly couldn't tell it by looking at her face now. Proactiv® Solution sponsors the website acne.com, a comprehensive online acne resource. It's a good place to start, to learn the facts about acne - causes, treatments, myths about acne, and prevention. They want acne sufferers to get on the road to clear skin, and they give them the information to make it happen.
I've Been Gone all Afternoon
It also bugs me to go ahead and buy something at Walmart and then get to the grocery store and find it for a better price. For some reason, I can never get it right. If I go ahead and buy it at Walmart, it will cost less at Pick 'n Save. If I pass at Walmart, then it costs more at Pick 'n Save. How do they do that?
I bought some seven grain cereal, and I'm blaming it on Drew. His 5 grain cereal sounded so good, that I figured a couple more grains couldn't hurt. OK, it's what I found at my store. Now I just have to figure out how to cook it without it exploding in my microwave or melting my spoon. I'll think I'll not use a plastic spoon, for starters.
Now I need to go put stuff away - at least the stuff that needs to go into the fridge or freezer.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
More Socks for My Drawer
They specialize in fun, fresh, and fashionable - in socks, tights and leggings. Looking through the socks available on the site, I can certainly see the fun. Most of my socks tend to be solid colors, but I'm liking some of these striped socks, if not for me, then for Beth. She likes to wear bright socks, and she doesn't always care if they match her clothes, as long as they're cute.
Besides the socks, HUE also sells sleepwear, panties, slippers, and handbags. Shipping on all orders is $5.
Measles
Anyway, the whole Measles thing reminds me of college. It was a private church college, and most of the students hadn't been immunized. When people started coming down with Measles, the entire campus was put under quarantine. I had already had the Measles, but, of course, I couldn't prove it. It wasn't like I had a doctor's note or anything. Even today they announced on the news that if you think you or your child has Measles, do not just go to the doctor, because they do not want to spread the disease. Well, yeah - so how exactly do you prove later that you had it?
Since I couldn't, I got my first shot ever while in college - a Measles shot.
Some Things I'd Like to Xperience
If you ever want to buy me a great gift, these Hot Air Balloon Rides at Xperience Days would be just the thing! What an interesting concept in gift giving. Instead of giving some trinket or thing-a-ma-jig that will just sit around and collect dust, gift givers purchase a one of a kind Xperience. You can choose from the hot air balloon rides, surfing lessons, culinary classes, biplane flights, dragster rides, and more. Xperiences can be fun, exciting, interesting, or relaxing, so I'm betting they will have something for everyone. Visit the website and search through the different Xperiences. You can sort them by category, location and price to find just what you are looking for. Remember, for me - hot air balloon rides, or maybe some flying lessons, or a helicopter ride, or hang gliding, or kayaking, or...
Let's All Scream
I scream,Well, get ready to scream. Elizabeth @ Table for Five has another great giveaway going on. She has some amazing sponsors!
you scream,
we all scream
for ice cream.
The winner of this giveaway will win a year's supply of Ben & Jerry's ice cream (coupons for 2 pints a month for 12 months) and a year’s supply of Reddi-wip® real whipped cream (coupons for 2 cans a month for 12 months). When you're finished screaming, run on over to Table for Five and check out all the details to see how you can enter.
All entries must be received by April 29th at 9 AM ET
I Could Use Some Makeup Tips
Since I don't wear much makeup, I'm certainly not the one she can turn to for makeup tips. Yes, I know it's only my opinion that black-ringed eyes are unattractive, so I am going to send her the link to makeuptip.com. She'd be more likely to follow the instructions there for applying natural looking eyeliner than listen to her mom.
Since I never spent much time learning to apply makeup, I think this site could help me, too. They cover the basics of applying makeup and move on to eyes, cheeks, and lips, and even give some skin care tips. It looks like a great resource for everyday makeup tips and tricks. I might even be able to figure out how to wear that lipstick my husband thinks he likes, and not feel like an idiot doing it.
Heads or Tails - Rhymes with Tip
Today's theme is:
HEADS - Tip
*OR*
TAILS - Anything that rhymes with Tip
I chose something that rhymes with Tip - RIP. I saw this video on Table for 5 a while back, and it's just too cute. I saw this as the perfect excuse to post it myself. After watching this, ripping paper will never quite be the same again.
Today's tip: Don't forget to visit the home of Heads or Tails to see more participants and join in on the fun.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Dancing or CMT Awards?
My other favorite is Marlee Matlin. If I didn't know she is deaf, I certainly wouldn't be able to tell by watching her dance. She can move! She also goes out there and has fun. You can tell she is having a good time with the whole experience. Karen @ A Deaf Mom Shares Her World had the opportunity to interview Marlee last week. If you're interested, you can read the interview here.
Another observation: Shannon Elizabeth reminds me at times of the sister in Dirty Dancing. Something about the way she moves.
Design Information I Can Use
When it comes to the layout of my blog or any web pages I put together, I need a starting point. I've never been good with just starting from scratch and building anything I'm happy with. When I found this blog covering web design topics, Stylish Design, I thought it would be a good resource to help me with my layout and design needs. I'm seeing more information here about search engine optimization, Google Adsense, PageRank, and how a blog can help your business than actual design information. There is an article on designing a web page with Google Page Creator, which looks very helpful. It doesn't even need to specifically apply to the Google Page Creator because the information could apply to the set up and organization of any web page. I'm guilty of usually jumping in without so much thought on organization, so I could use some of these tips.
Stylish Design is split into various categories such as, How to, SEO, Internet, Tools, and Web Design, making it easy to search through the topics of interest. While my original impression was that this blog was about design and layout - making your pages look pretty, I see that it's more. According to the Stylish Design blog, website design is creation and arrangement of web pages. It's about the organization and structure and about the content, definitely information I can use.
Update: Now it's a seller of beauty supplies. I suppose that's important, too...
I Missed One Again
Put the Glasses Away
In those 17 years, contacts have changed. It sounds like they are definitely more comfortable, judging by these user reviews of the Acuvue Oasys lenses. They say they are so comfortable they can't even feel them, and their eyes don't dry out the way they did with other lenses. I remember I always had to use eye drops with my contacts because my eyes got so dry, especially when I was tired. Another reason I quit wearing them when I had a new baby - I was always tired!
I'm also going to admit that I have resisted trying contacts again or getting them for Cory because I think they will cost too much. If I'm dumb enough to buy them from the eye doctor, they probably will, but ordering from 1-800-GET-LENS looks like it will make them affordable. 1-800-GET-LENS supplies all the major brands and types of contact lenses direct to your door, at up to 70% savings. Just what I like - convenience and savings. At this rate I will run out of excuses for not getting Cory the contacts he wants.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Camera Critters (#1)
There's a new meme in town. Our friend Misty has started a new Sunday meme all about pictures of animals/critters. Click the graphic to visit the Camera Critters headquarters and find out how you can join in. All the post headers, badges and rules are there, as well as Mr. Linky so you can sign in.
For my first Camera Critters post, I thought I'd use a picture of the critter who lives in our house now, Tillie. It's amazing how often she seems to get herself in front of the camera! I think maybe she's getting a little tired of it?
Friday, April 11, 2008
The Trials of Working
Beth is getting real pissy about her job. She seemed to be enjoying it, but this week she suddenly 'hates' it. The things that bother her seem to be things that are bound to happen no matter where you work, but try explaining that to her. I used to work retail (see above) so I know how it can be. My problems were usually in dealing with customers, and she seems to be having issues with the managers or department heads, feeling that some of them aren't doing their share and some of them have unreasonable expectations. It's hard to learn to 'play the game' and give each one what that one wants and still be able to get the job done.
Beth is talking about looking for a new job, and it would be nice to work closer to home and save money on gas. Even if she worked fewer hours, she'd probably come out ahead. It would also give her more time to concentrate on her schoolwork. She says she's doing well this quarter (report cards come out next week, so we'll see) but there are times she has homework and still has to work until 10pm. That really doesn't leave much time for homework. Still, we keep telling her to appreciate the job she has, and if she really wants a new one, to take advantage of any time she has off to go looking for a new one. Once she gets a new one, then, and only then, should she quit the one she has.
Multiple Personality
This morning he was walking around the house with his iPod saying lines from the play. I, of course, only got parts of it, but I was laughing the whole time. Cory is having so much fun with this. I can hardly wait to see the play. It sounds like we are going to get to see it at least 3 time. Last night the director asked if Jeffrey can run the sound, and he loves to do stuff like that. We were going to be going to the play anyway...
Another Cable?
Since I know he's going to buy new cables, even though I can't figure out why he needs them, I'm going to send him to DiabloCable.com to see what they have available. Computer cables, audio/video cables, network cables, they have them all. About those ethernet cables? I'm not sure what they do, but I like the purple one.
I Forgot to Turn the Alarm Off
I thought I got it right, but the radio did not come on this morning. Luckily, Jeffrey's alarm went off as usual. I checked mine after we got back from walking this morning. Sure enough - OFF. I really should figure out how to tell if the alarm is set or not, even in the dark, shouldn't I? Oh well, for now I'm leaving it off, because tomorrow is Saturday, and I get to sleep in.
Another Resource for Articles and Tutorials
As I'm looking, I like to bookmark interesting sites so I can go back to them the next time I'm looking for something. Howto.fm looks like one of those sites I should bookmark. There are articles on a wide range of topics, all organized by category. The first article I saw explains how to create structure and has a lot of information that I do not understand. I think it has something to do with javascript, at least the code looks kind of familiar. I'd like to learn one day, when I have more time. Today I was only skimming through it, and then I got distracted by the articles about blogs. There are articles on managing posts, setting tags and categories, editing templates and more. I know there are plenty of things I don't know about blogs and blogging, so I'm interested in seeing what I can learn here.
Sky Watch Friday (#18)
It's Friday again, and that means Sky Watch Friday! I love Fridays.
Here are some pictures from a recent sunset. This week I was safely shooting out my back door.
The last one was taken at the same time - just a little to the right, away from where the sun was going down.
If you enjoy looking at the sky as much as I do, you'll want to check out Sky Watch Friday at Wiggers World. Join in or just enjoy all the wonderful sky pictures. I really wish I had time to visit them all.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Did You Get Your Baby's Shoes Bronzed?
When they started growing up, one of the first things I noticed was that their feet weren't so little any more. I'm going to guess that I'm not alone in that, because people have been bronzing baby shoes to preserve their baby's first shoes for a long time now. It went out of style for a while, but now bronzed baby shoes are back.
These things are so adorable, I'm wondering if I still have a pair or two of baby shoes around here so I can get them bronzed. I know we kept some of the baby clothes, just because, but bronzing the shoes turns them into a great keepsake that can be set out and displayed, to remind us that one time their feet really were that small. Why didn't they stay little like I told them to?
American Bronzing Company is the original bronzer of baby shoes. They have bronzed over 14 million shoes since 1934, and they guarantee your satisfaction. The site explains exactly how the bronzing process works, which is very interesting, but they had me with the picture of the little bronzed sneakers on the first page. Too cute! They have several different styles to choose from, antique or bright bronze, portrait stand, bookends, or unmounted, the choice is yours.
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Revolution Money Exchange is currently only available to U.S. residents with U.S. bank accounts, but they do have a form on the Contact Us page you can fill out to let them know you would be interested in international availability.
Web Design Information
I know there is so much about web design that I still don't know, and that's why I'm always on the lookout for tips and resources. I just came across this web design blogger at Stylish Design. On this blog, the author Robert shares anything and everything about web design and stuff related to web design. Browsing through the site, I see information about search engine optimization, which I still don't understand, so I'm hoping he has some tips I can use here. Keywords, descriptions, meta tags? Once more, things I did not know anything about until recently, and I still don't really understand what the search engines are actually looking at. There's also information about web design and helpful tools to use in designing your web pages.
The blog is fairly new, so there are only about 30 posts, but Robert is off to a good start, and I think it will be worth checking back to see what else he adds.
Update: removing old links and found that the site now sells beauty products. I'm not so interested in that!
Scrabulous is Trying to Tell Me Something
Cory mentioned yesterday that he was playing Scrabulous on Facebook with his friend Caroline. I, of course, told him he should play with me, too, so he said to start a game and he'd play. Here's the game I started, first game, first word:
Yes, I know - tuition. It's going to cost us. The word itself was worth 64 points.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Last Lecture
Here's the lecture video:
Don't tell people how to live their lives. Just tell them stories, and they'll figure out how the stories apply to them.It really makes you wonder - if you knew you had a limited amount of time to live, what would you do?
Let Hemisphere Educational Travel Handle the Details
Some of us have wondered if it wouldn't be better for her to find a tour agency that specializes in educational student tours and let them handle all the details. Hemisphere Educational Travel has been doing just that for 37 years. Their travel specialists are former educators and are highly qualified to organize the best student tours imaginable. I looked up Boston, since that's where the band went last year, and several, if not most of the attractions, they saw while they were there are listed. Hemisphere Educational Travel will tailor tour packages to meet the needs of each individual group, and guarantee to have the best prices. Budget is always a big concern, so that's good to know. For our school, I'm thinking of tours in the U.S., but Hemisphere also arranged International Tours.
It would certainly be worth our band director's time to call the toll-free number or fill in the web form to get a free quote the next time she's planning a trip for the band. That way she could let someone else handle all the travel details, like making arrangements for transportation, meals, accommodations, etc., while she concentrates on the band.
Cory's Out with some Senior Girls
Designer Fabrics at a Fraction of the Price
The key, I think, is to catch it at a price you're willing to pay, but before someone else snatches it away. Since Beth is interested in Interior Design, I think this is something she'll be interested in checking out, if only to get some ideas of what is out there and available.
Yesterday was Tuesday
Later on at school Cory found out that there was Jazz Band. It was canceled for Thursday and next Tuesday because the Middle School band is going to Cleveland over the weekend. That makes sense, but that's not what Cory heard, and several other band members heard the same thing. Erich ended up going - after his conversation with Cory, he drove himself.
Anyway, about Tuesday - the trash has to go out on Tuesday night because it gets picked up on Wednesdays, and you never know how early they will get to it. Since everyone was already in bed, we figured Cory could take care of the trash in the morning when he got up. There have been times when we reminded him after he went to bed, but before we did, but the idea of getting up again was just too much. I know Cory had play practice last night, but he was home in plenty of time to take care of the trash. Beth has been getting out of it since she's been working 'till 10, but she does have to help if she happens to have Tuesday night off. Taking out the trash has been the kids' job for I don't know how long, and still they have to be reminded. Granted, I didn't think about it until after I went to bed, but then again, it's not my job.
When I woke Cory up this morning for school, I told him he needed to get the trash taken care of, and he did. It was out at the street by the time Jeffrey and I got back from our walk, in plenty of time to be picked up.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Cory's Computer has Moved
Anyway, not that we're thinking of selling our house, but since we're thinking of putting new tile in the kitchen and dining room, we did move the computer desk out of the dining room this weekend. Everything is going to have to be moved anyway, and Cory has been wanting to move 'his' computer into his room. It's been in the corner of the dining room for, well, ages, and it's really worked out well - except for the times we think we're talking to Cory but he's got his headphones on watching or listening to something online. Other times we think he's talking to us but he's actually talking to one of his friends. He wants to start a video log on YouTube so he thinks he'll be talking more when he's on the computer and figured it would be nicer for everyone if he wasn't just in the corner of the dining room. So, he cleaned up his room, he and his dad ran the network cable and put in the connector box, and they moved the computer and desk into his room.
It looks strange not having that desk in the corner now, but I'm definitely not confused what the room is for!? It's also strange not having Cory over in the corner where I can just talk to him whenever I want to, after getting his attention, of course. Now I have to go knock on his door and go into his room to talk to him. I'll have to be sure and keep an eye on his video log thing so I know what he's talking about in there!
Monday, April 07, 2008
Heads or Tails - Express
Today it's HEADS - EXPRESS
The first thing that came to mind was to tell you about the way I had to express breast milk when my kids were babies and I was working. Let's just say that it involved a bathroom stall, a Rubbermaid container, and some skills I got early in life milking some goats. But, of course, that was years ago, so it's really not pertinent to today, except that it might send some visitors my way. I wonder what the Googlebots (I started to type Gooblegots. I think I like that better) will make of this? Heads, tails and breasts all in one place.
Moving on.... The next thing that came to mind was the Hogwart's Express. We all love the Harry Potter books - except for Jeffrey who hasn't read the books, but he does like the movies. I especially love the books because they got Beth to read. That is a miracle in itself, and I really ought to find a way to express my appreciation to J.K. Rowling.
Don't forget to visit the home of Heads or Tails to see more participants and join in on the fun. It's a great way to express yourself every week. (to put (thought) into words; utter or state: to express an idea clearly.) - definition from Dictionary.com