A yellow haze of pollen descended on the Southeast in the past week, coating cars and porch furniture and making people miserable in one of the worst allergy seasons in years. Atlanta's pollen count hit 5,499 particles per cubic meter of air Monday, the highest so far this season and the fourth highest in the 12 years that the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic has been keeping records. Keep in mind a reading of just 120 is considered extremely high in the Southeast.
If y'all have been wondering where I have been in the Blogosphere for the past week, there is your answer. I don't usually suffer from allergies of any sort, in fact I could roll around naked in Poison Ivy uninfected. Believe me, I tried it many years ago in hopes to get out of going to school for an entire week. It never worked.
The article above was being kind, in reality it is snowing snot down here in the south. Sweeping and blowing it off our porches and vehicles isn't working, only stirring up the terrible stuff and saturating the air we breath even further.
A few weeks ago I cleaned out our window fans for spring cleaning and as I write this blog post, they are caked with the terrible crud of this evil yellowish green snot particles. This is usually the time of the year when I can save a bit of money on our electric bill by opening up and airing out the home. Enjoying the breezes and smells of spring flowers. Allergies Smallergies - nothing ever bothers me.
I was wrong and it's time to close up the house and put on the Air conditioning. I can't stop crying, not because of emotion but because my eyelids can't wipe the pollen content off of my corneas quick enough. My throat is raw, my nose is sore and I itch all over as if I did roll around in Poison Ivy. Top this off with a running lo-grade fever and body aches - I'm a goner.
At least until we can get a good day or two of soaking rain to wash the air and pollen away. Hang in there, I'll be back to normal sometime - but for now, if I seem miserable or absent - know that I'm having some issues and trying not to overdose on Benedryl.
It's that time of the year again. Spring! When a backyards and imaginations awaken with renewed experiences. Where fairy tales tag themselves onto each brand new discovery. Today our story begins at the South Pole. A garden in the far corner of our backyard that Mommy uncovered from the fallen Great Oak leaves that blanketed the area over the winter.
Last weekend a bunch of colorful teacups sprouted up from the ground here. Mommy says they are two lips, and that I'm not supposed to pick them or drink out of them, but to tip toe by. So I did, but not without stepping on a tiny little Santa Claus that was buried under some leaves. Turns out there were seven little Santa's taking naps under there. Of course, Mommy disagreed and insisted that Santa takes his naps at his home at the North Pole and that these little fellows were called Gnomes.
I had to set Mommy straight, for these are baby Santa Clauses and this was their home, here at the tiny South Pole where they can have dance, laugh and have fun like all other children. Just like the baby dragons that live here in the Dragon Bush.
"Dragons!" gasped Mommy, "There aren't any dragons living here that is for sure!"
"Sure they do Mommy, look!" I said as I counted eight tiny dragons playing hide and seek behind the bright pink flowers on her prized Camellia Bush. "See, I told you so!"
Somewhere far, far away in Australia is a giant beanstalk that has grown way up into the clouds. On one of those clouds is where the Mommy and Daddy Dragon live. There aren't any flowers, grass, friends, butterflies or other fun things for their baby dragons to do up there. It isn't safe either, for when they are big enough to practice flying they can fall off!!
Because its such a long fall down their Mommy and Daddy thought it was best to bring them down here, to the South Pole to grow up and play. They can have tea parties and tip toe! The fairies that make the wind chimes jingle when they fly by will teach the little dragons how to fly very fast. The Santa Clauses will show them where secret treasures like marbles and diamonds can be found. Then teach them how to share, travel and sell Geico Auto Insurance Policies.
Mommy then stood up, brushed the grass and dirt from her knees and walked away with the leaf bag. Mumbling something about how I'm watching a little too much television lately. That's okay though, for tomorrow afternoon she plans on working over in the rose garden. That's when I'll warm her up to the truth about Global Warming.
Welcome again to "Tinfoil Chef " where I'd like to feature healthy recipes for square meals on meager pockets. I seemed to have caught myself quite a nasty cold over the weekend, so please welcome our esteemed Guest Chef to fill in for me while I sip broth and vaporize.
Hubby gave me this $50 Gift Certificate to a Beauty Salon for Christmas and has been nagging me about using it for the past few months. Today I had the afternoon off and figured, "Why not, it's Spring and time for a renewed hairdo!" So off I went nextdoor to Hubby's store-front office to get a trim and cover some grays.
Now keep in mind I did tell her - just a trim so I can still have the length and pull my hair up in a ponytail. I also told her to dye my hair the same color (Dark Ash Blonde) but she insisted that my hair needed a "stripping."
Turns out - this was the wrong thing to do as I had a bad reaction to the blue gunk that burned my scalp so bad, it would be 'best' for me to wait a few days before we do anything else to it's color.
I spent four hours this evening with Mayonaise on my hair smelling like a potato salad and now I'm sitting her writing this blog with a 1/2 bottle of Pantene Conditioner dripping all over my keyboard.
My issue? Besides looking like the Bride of "Heat Miser" - I'm torn between returning to the salon next door to the office where I work to fix this mess - or to have it repaired elsewhere and have to face the lady and explain why I didn't go back to her. (as if the reason isn't obvious!)
Someone out there found my blog after running a Google Search on the term, "Savior's Happy Meal." Although I never mentioned the term at all. The finding got me to thinking about all of the supper times in the Bible that included Jesus and wondering which one gave our Lord the most joy?
I believe it would have had to be the time when Jesus was teaching to a crowd of 5,000 hungry people. When a faithful little boy offered his packed lunch basket to feed the multitudes. That must had made Jesus smile and it surely gave Him such joy to see such a faithful, caring and sharing attitude in this small little child.
If you've been feeling down lately, know that life becomes much more in the hands of God. Do whatever you can with what has been given to you. God isn't looking for you to perform a miracle for it is not about you... it is about Him.
God asked a little shepherd boy David, "What is in your hand?" For David it was just a slingshot, yet God used that slingshot to bring the giant Goliath down.
God also asked an imprisoned man named Paul, "What is in your hand?" Paul replied, "A pen." God replied, "Then write! Write to the the churches and places of the world and tell them about Me!"
When a little boy approached Jesus before a crowd of 5,000 hungry spectators, Jesus asked, "What have you there?" The child revealed the contents of his Happy Meal of two fish and five loaves of bread and offered to share it. Our Savior then offered it to God, giving blessings and thanks and was able to feed the multitudes.
Life does become much more when it is in the hands of God. If you're feeling small, then offer what is in your hands and your abilities and let the Lord Supersize your offerings and spirit of Joy.
Happy St. Patricks Day! There were many search terms in my Statcounter this week regarding St. Patty's Day in Savannah, GA. Most of them seemed to ask about "Flashing Boobies" and "Titties on River Street." The answer is a big resounding "Yes!" There is a Mardi Gras of Boobs downtown since early this morning and the party has just begun.
But My party started last night and I'm still going strong. I'm going to blog either from home or my PDA throughout the day and fill you in on the events here in Savannah, GA on this beautiful Day. Trying to work in one of this week's Keyword Phrase in each of my updating posts, while drunk and standing on one foot.
1:39 p.m. "What are some of the parents issues with daylight savings?"
Yep, that was an odd Key phrase this week, and it seems an earlier daylight savings time may be causing a little havic here in Savannah. The photo above is of "Lucky" who was kidnapped from the front of a Savannah home about 9:15 one evening this week.
It's amazing what peeps do when intoxicated, but I find it amazing that nobody has since spotted a 6' Inflatable Lephrachan about the town। It hurts to imagine what sort of sick, twisted and demented things his abductors are doing to this rosey cheek good luck charm. But I'm also can be quite sure he's going to show up somewhere tonight.
2:53 p.m. "How much pounds of pullback do you need to have on your bow to killa wild pig?"
Someone found me in Google's #3 spot wanting to know the answer to that! Just when you thought you've heard it all.
In the meantime an Amber Alert has been issued throughout Savannah regarding the whereabouts and/or fate of Lucky the stolen inflatable leprechaun. We're going to head of to Wal-Mart and see if we can find him floating around in there.
Don't worry, I'm not driving, but I'll bring my bow and see if I can find out how many pounds of pullback it will take to bring Lucky down if I happen to spy him आउट.
4:16 p.m. "How to organize sock and underwear drawer"
Well, no such luck finding Lucky on our WallyWorld run but its a good thing I left my bow at home. There are millions of Lucky Look-a-likes about Savannah this afternoon. Whether or not their sock and underwear drawers are organized or not, they found the most interesting of apparel to deck out in today!
I did happen to run into Thing #1 and Thing #2 from The Cat in the Hat.
Heck, I think we even found The Cat in the Hat too!
After our Walmart Trip we stopped to pick up some Irish Cream and a Gallon of Chocolate Milk. That's my drink of choice for tonight. Blended with ice, with a bit of coffee, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Are you feeling it out there?!! Weeeeee!
Gon is busy moving the lawn after picking up a lawnmower wheel at the store. Why anyone would want to mow a lawn on this gorgeous day is beyond me, but when he's through I'll have a nice chilled Guinness Draught ready for his thirsty taste buds.
I'll stop in later after dinner। This is my last and final attempt at cooking Corned Beef and Cabbage. For the past five years Gon has been telling me that I've got it all wrong. That the meat is supposed to scare with a fork and that the dish is not as good as his mother had made it. I have Domino's Pizza on our speed dial just in case we need to order a thin crust with pepperoni tonight as a back up but so far... what's hottubbing in the crockpot looks and smells, oh so good!
6:36 p।m। "Recipes in tinfoil"
I nailed it! I nailed it! I dipped my fork into the Crockpot to snatch the Corned Beef Brisket and it crumbled and fell apart. The carrots and roasted potatoes (or Tiptatoes as Squirt calls 'em) were perfect, the broth flavorful and the entire meal fantastic.
Then again the Frosted Mocho-Choco-Baileys shakes are going down easy too. The music is blarring, I'm now mispelling words and the house is shaking. The cops would be here if they weren't so tied up with the drunks down on River Street.
I wonder if anyone found Lucky Yet? Heck, I wonder if anyone got Lucky yet?
Oh, cool song। Woodpecker from Mars। I'll be back later!
8:33 p.m. "What do you do if a girl wants to use you for sex"
Count your blessed lucky stars! I dunno, I never had a girl use me for sex before. Oh no, wait... there was Rosa that hot chick from Ecuador who .... nah, lets not go there tonight.
No, instead ... we'll go on with the festivities. What's St. Patty's Day without a little Dropkick Murphys in the mix?
9:45 p.m. "Big'n' soft tissue to man"
About the only thing Big 'n Soft that Man may like, that I know of are Boobies? Well, I guess it is about that time of the evening come each St. Patricks Day for girls to barter a string of beads for flash of boobies. Boy, oh boy do I have the perfect symmetrical pair for you!
What? You thought I was that drunk to post a picture of the real twins? Nah, trust me I'd scare y'all out of your computer chairs.
Well, not that I'm crashing or anything, in fact I'm ready to go downtown for a while. So I'm signing off for the night, good and blitzed and ready to get down to River Street and dance my heart out.
Five years ago we had a neighbor just as nutty. Instead of throwing acid, ours had to be dropping it! Unfortunately we were in a downstairs apartment with her upstairs and there was no respite or escape - other than moving to the other side of town.
Both situations are very sad for they aren't well and need to be under a Doctor's care. With Gateway and other mental health facilities - either closed or underfunded in Savannah - there are many who need this preventive attention or they will all be going through the criminal and court systems.
I'll have to point some notes of interest. The Boric Acid seemed to be spilled on her driveway and on her lawn beside it. She called the police first. We have to believe her in as much as her neighbors were on her property or at her front door confronting her and possibly egging her on.
Of course she should had just remained inside until the police arrived instead of grabbing a box of cockroach powder and throwing it all over her neighbors to chase them off her property. However I can't help but to think that some charges should also be brought upon her neighbors as well.
If you know your neighbor hates you and displayed mentally disturbed behavior towards you in the past - it isn't wise to trespass upon their property to confront them. Call the police or your attorney to mediate and help bring peace to the situation. A restraining order even.
I know from experience how frustrating it is to have a nutty neighbor. They do and say things that can make a person so angry that you want to march over to them to slap some sense into their crazy heads. They can drive you crazy too!
Hippy Chick, despite tenant rules not to put up a swimming pool - set up a Wet 'n Set 3 foot cheap job right in our parking spaces while we were at work one afternoon. Gotta tell y'all, there is nothing as crazy and exhilarating for your downtrodden soul than to drive a Chevy Van right through the middle of a filled Wal-Mart 3' Wet 'n Set Swimming Pool.
I know, I know... and I thought of the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) before I reacted. I concluded that Jesus would had cast the demons out of the woman from the get go and all would be well. Since I didn't have "Demon Casting Out" talents - my gut response and feelings were the next best thing.
Spring is almost here and there are quite a few things I need to get busy on before it gets here. A little spring cleaning if you may. I don't have the energy needed to get down and dirty with a good many of these but they got to get done... somehow and soon.
1. File our Federal and State Income Taxes. I don't know why I keep putting this off, it's not like we owe anything, in fact we always get a refund of some sort. Maybe next week?
2. Squirts Closet. This never has been her closet although it's in her room. It has been Daddy's computer and parts storage. He has had the office for almost 2 years now and it is about time that we bring the junk down there. Plus Squirt can use a place to put her things and clothes.
3. Weeding/Mulching Gardens. The bulbs are popping up now and it's time to get a head start on these before they get too awful bad. Time to get dirty!
4. Wash Convertible Yuppy Pony Inside/Out. We haven't drove this car in a few months and we have to make sure it even starts. It is full of the Husbands lunch bags, napkins, coffee cups, college paperwork and lots of other unsightly things. With spring in the air it's time for a nice ride with the top down, but not if we're going to have a bunch of trash flying out of it.
5. Window Treatments. Time to wash the windows around the house and launder the curtains and put new, spring and summer styles up. I also need to stop at Wally World for a few new mini-blinds but I think I'm going to instead buy those room darkening shades. Mini Blinds are terrible to clean.
6. Fans. Speaking of cleaning, it's time to put some Clorox Clean Up to our window and house fans. Ceiling Fan too. I don't know how they do it, but they seem to collect dust bunnies and air boogers over the wintertime.
7. New Floor. Our bedroom sorely needs a new floor put in and new carpet. Seriously, I think we'll fall through it if we don't do something soon.
8. Back Deck. While we're doing the bedroom floor might as well buy the lumber and put on a new back porch or small deck. We've had these creaky, uneven neck breaker steps there since we've moved in. It would be nice to have a little something.
9. Painting. I've been wanting to paint our bathroom for awhile but haven't made the time.
10. Sewing. I bought material and patterns for four different style sundresses for the summertime and only started to make one. Now would be the perfect time to make these.
11. Playhouse Floor. Squirt has a playhouse out back and the doggies decided to get inside of it and dig to China. We need to pick this up ... level it back out and find some sort of way to put a floor in there so they don't do it again. I also want to run electricity out to it so she can play in it during the summer evenings when we sit outside.
12. Shave my Legs. Oh, leave me alone already. I know I'm not the only woman who neglects this chore during the winter months. Today I threw on a pair of shorts and felt like a Sasquatch!
13. Baseboards. I should also move the furniture around and get behind and under it all with the vacuum cleaner. But you know what, I bet I won't bother doing it. I'll just think about it, hows that sound?
I don't know where to turn! Heres my 'Issue!' ...My husband goes out with his friends and plays poker three or four times a week. I know he's losing the kids school money although he says he wins, I don't believe him. And, most nights, he's been drinking and he also comes home... often. Any advice? -Very worried!
Let's begin with some wishful thinking, shall we. For starters, friends don't let friends gamble away their children's education money or the mortgage. I can't say the same for casino gambling or strangers - but friends, buddies who get together in a smoked filled room, with beer, cards and poker chips are doing it for the sport - not for the money. They tend to begin their night on an even playing field and more often than not they each only put up about $20 for chips to play through the night. The worst he can ever loose is about $20.
Now, I'm going to spill a little secret about guys. If a buddy falls upon hard times such as a layoff or unemployment, his pride won't allow him to accept any financial help from his friends. So a bunch of his friends would get together have a poker night and put on their best poker faces. Loosing on purpose eventually so Buddy Bubba can go home with $100 to help pay his electric bill.
Bubba thinks he had a lucky night, is relieved and still has his pride but his friends know they were able to help him out. Plus a few hours of beer and venting times to help encourage Bubba and lift his spirits. Poker night can often be a huge therapy session for guys in their own tough, testosterone and manly kind of way.
With that being said, playing poker with his friends isn't a bad thing. Drinking isn't a terrible thing either but coming home drunk, puking all over your clean house and stumbling around knocking your sentimental knick-knacks off the shelf is. A few beers that render beer breath and a happy, jolly spirited husband is tolerable - any more than that and you may want to start wondering if your Husband is "Bubba" and down on his luck.
Three or four times a week is a bit excessive. I'm with you on this one. Perhaps you can meet him halfway or even open up your kitchen table for one poker night to hosted at your house. Tell your husband you'll take the children out to dinner, to a library or movie one night a week. When you come home promise to not disrupt the game and quietly get the children ready for bed. Bake brownies or make sandwiches and chips for your husband and his buddies. Listen to the game and conversation as you watch TV quietly in the other room. Hear what goes down at these games. Get to know your husband's friends and allow them to get to know you.
I would go as far as to make your husband and buddies so darn comfortable playing at your home that they may want to do it all of the time. Then... you're in control of the situation and at the very least get to put your foot down and say, "One poker night here per week and one more poker night allowed somewhere else during the week." Allowing your husband to continue in his sport but not so much so that he feels you're nagging on him.
Be gentle, guys and their pride are just as breakable as your sentimental knick-knacks. Make sure to let him know that you and the children miss spending time with him on other nights and that he is needed. Not merely wanted - but needed at home more often to play a husband and father roll - not play poker so often. Yet at the same time let him know you understand that he also needs and is wanted to play the role of "friend" to his buddies.
(Do you have issues? If so write in and vent here! All personal information is kept confidential and questions may be edited to exclude identifiable information. )
Welcome again to "Tinfoil Chef " where I'd like to feature healthy recipes for square meals on meager pockets. This was a recipe of my late ex-Mother-in-law who frequently made these Greek inspired tasty croquettes since the depression to serve a very large family.
My first reaction, as with all canned meat products was to run for the hills. But after politely attending supper one evening I was very amazed at the light yet robust flavor packed into these incredible delicacies. Great served warm with a side of Lipton noodles or over a green veggie. Just as great cold, as in next day leftovers topped with a slice of cheese and a spread of mayo.
- 1 can of Spam (spiced ham) - 2 - 12 oz cans of whole tomatoes. - 2 sleeves of crushed saltine crackers. - 1 egg
In a large bowl flake spiced ham (Spam) with a fork. When done add in 1 egg, 2 cans of whole tomatoes with juice and crush two sleeves of saltine crackers. With clean hands dig in and mush everything together, squeezing the tomatoes and incorporating everything into a well blended mixture.
Preheat a non-stick skillet with a tad of oil on medium heat and drop the mixture by the heaping spoonful, doing about 3-4 at a time. Let brown on one side for about 4 minutes, then flip to brown the other side for another 4 minutes. Serves: 8-10
Total Cost: $3.47 approximately .43 cents per person. Prep Time: 20 minutes
I've been Snarkily Tagged by Lisa with a Book Meme. Here's the deal:
Look at the list of books below.
*Bold the ones you’ve read *Italicize the ones you want to read *leave alone the ones that you aren’t interested in.
If you are reading this... TAG your it!
1.The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown) 2.Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) 3.To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee) 4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell) 5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien) 6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien) 7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien) 8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery) 9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon) 10.A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry) 11.Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling) 12.Angels and Demons (Dan Brown) 13.Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling) 14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving) 15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden) 16.Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling) 17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald) 18. The Stand (Stephen King) 19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban(Rowling) 20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte) 21. The Hobbit (Tolkien) 22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger) 23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott) 24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold) 25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel) 26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams) 27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte) 28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis) 29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck) 30. Tuesdays with Morrie(Mitch Albom) 31. Dune (Frank Herbert) 32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks) 33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand) 34. 1984 (Orwell) 35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley) 36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett) 37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay) 38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb) 39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant) 40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho) 41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel) 42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini) 43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella) 44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom) 45. Bible 46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy) 47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas) 48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt) 49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck) 50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb) 51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver) 52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens) 53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card) 54. Great Expectations (Dickens) 55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald) 56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence) 57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling) 58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough) 59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood) 60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger) 61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky) 62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand) 63. War and Peace (Tolsoy) 64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice) 65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis) 66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez) 67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares) 68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller) 69. Les Miserables (Hugo) 70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery) 71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding) 72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez) 73. Shogun (James Clavell) 74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje) 75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett) 76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay) 77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith) 78. The World According To Garp (John Irving) 79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence) 80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White) 81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley) 82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck) 83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier) 84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind) 85. Emma (Jane Austen) 86. Watership Down(Richard Adams) 87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley) 88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields) 89. Blindness (Jose Saramago) 90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer) 91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje) 92. Lord of the Flies (Golding) 93. The Good Earth(Pearl S. Buck) 94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd) 95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum) 96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton) 97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch) 98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford) 99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield) 100.Ulysses (James Joyce)
NOTE: Three of these books have been in my Amazon Wish List for months now. If someone out there loves me lots feel free to surprise me.
This is in response to a local editorial by Robert Egress stating his reaction to a front page headline on February 23rd that read, "National exam scores show need for high school reform." In his editorial Mr. Egress summarizes that the headline should have read, "National exam scores show need for high school parents' and students' reform." He then asks, "What is it going to take for all of us, as a nation, to begin raising the bar again?"
I agree that school teachers are truly doing their jobs and would go on to say that even the curriculum approved by many of our nations school boards - are sound, solid and efficient. The No Child Left Behind Act was a well intentioned safety net to catch the students that fall through the cracks. However, it does fail to provide adequate funding for the educational systems and most importantly, does not seek to take notice or fix the missing floorboards that our kids are falling through in the first place.
The missing and weakened floorboards are comprised of many parents. Not all, for there are just as many parents who actively invest in their child's education and discipline. Frustratingly so, for often a class study is disrupted by behavior or halted due to a number of students failing to grasp the course material.
We should not be so quick to judge the parent because of what the diverse lifestyles in today's society demands of them. A single parent for example, may have to work two jobs to meet their responsibilities for putting a roof over their head, food on the table and clothes on their backs. This in turn causes latchkey students and unsupervised/unenforced study habits.
Placing the blame on the unfunded parent is equal to saddling the states with the unfunded educational mandate of the No Child Left Behind Act. Neither is the solution but merely putting a band aid on a broken ankle in hopes to hide the infirmary. An infirmary that lies deep under a mountain of social circumstances and ills. A wasp nest that we alone are not equipped to dismantle.
Mr. Egress goes on to say, "It does not take a village to raise a child." In this day and age, I digress. The village under my Christmas Tree each year isn't just comprised of residences, a school house and a Choo-Choo train. There are many businesses and places of worship within a village that can be tapped into.
Enticing businesses to adapt "family friendly" policies is a start. Allowing more leniency for parents who need to attend a teacher conference without repercussion. Larger companies establishing a supervised daycare or learning/activity center for the children of their employees. Creating jobs by granting businesses or those wanting to start up a business to employ learning/activity centers throughout the village.
Many groan at the notion of Faith based initiatives. Yet many places of worship have established after-school centers for children for years. Barely surviving on donated funds and volunteered time of the community. We can't keep ignoring and excluding faith based programs as a possible solution. They are a very vast and diverse resource that is worth tapping into. Allowing individuals choice of religion and can assist in providing our children with proper moral fiber and work ethics, while a parent can still be free to meet the financial responsibilities of their household.
My answer to Mr. Egress's question of ""What is it going to take for all of us, as a nation, to begin raising the bar again?" Is to include and not exclude. It is going to take ALL of us, as a nation, to begin raising the bar again.
Due to Daylight Savings Time my internal clock is malfunctioning and I felt like I lost an hour of sleep last night. This caused me to fall asleep in the God Box this morning and miss out on my Doggy bag of wise, sound Biblical morsels.
I did manage to bring home the Church Bulletin, however....
For crying out loud already! "Pig Sperm in Hawaiian Punch" was the number one search term for this blog this week. Where do people come up with such a thing? I guess that leaves me no other choice than to get all Snopes up over this myth and bust it out of my keyword search once and for all.
According to the Chicago Rabbinical Council Hawaiian Punch is Kosher! Sure the Red Food Dye will send your children through the roof with hyperactivity and the sugar content is bound to put diabetics into a coma. But you can be certain and sure that according to strict Jewish dietary conditions over thousands of years, there is no and will be no Piggily Wigglies swimming in your fruit punch. I promise.
Now I can't say the same for certain Hair products that extract the proteins of pig sperm to condition and treat dry and damaged hair. Piggy by-product emulsifiers can be also found in your hand lotions, bar soaps and tube of Chap Stick. When The Wall Street Journal reports on the market prices of Pork Bellies, you didn't really believe they were talking about investments in your ordinary bag of Pork Rinds, did you?
As cows get milked so are many male swine across this great nation of ours. The collection of semen is Dirty Job worthy of a Discovery Channel's Mike Row episode. I sure wouldn't want to do it. Another urban legend that needs to be busted is that piggies have 20 minute orgasms. No, but they do have an interesting four phase ejaculation that lasts anywhere between 5-10 minutes. Yielding an entire cup of the coveted swine juice each time to later be incorporated into your favorite age defying Oil of Olay.
Yup, somewhere is a huge boar named Olay and he doesn't mind one iota giving a little love to the cause of beauty. It's the least he can do and he's happier than a pig in mud to go to work each day. It's a dirty job but somebody has to do it.
Now that we can safely drink Hawaiian Punch again, here are my other Keyword terms for the week:
- When god blesses you you have no sorry with it - questions for how well do you know your mate - sniffing panties - what kind of weather georgia have - miss potty pants - dominant wife - what supplies do you need to do,how to get power from a potato. - nostradamus' hair dye recipe - jumbo shells stuffed with shrimp - discourage mockingbird - i'm fifty and i still have blackheads - watermelon festival, georgia, rind county - making a godbox - singapore penis pump banned - smell checker - megamillion lottery blog - what's up pussycat tom jones play - found daughter's boyfriend in closet what to do - wonder pets fly boat - hurricane cathrina - what does it mean to tie a red bandana to a car rear view mirror - virgo physical traits.
There are many things that I could use three of this morning: Three of me, three arms, three extra hours in a day, three more hours of sleep, three more days of pay in a week and three more cups of coffee.
I'll stop complaining for there are many things that I wish I didn't have three of this morning: Three more loads of laundry, three more meals to cook, three more errands to run, three more pets to feed or three more trips to the bathroom.
What can I say except, that I have it all! (Including three kittens under our porch.)
Many people have asked why do I clean houses and take care of elderly people at home when I have a college education. Why take on extra loads of laundry, extra meals to cook and extra errands to run?
Well for starters the sole proprietor pay is good and it enables me to have extra time for my own family and home. It is kinda cool to be appreciated as the extra person, extra arm and the one that allows those who work nine to five to come home and relax with their families. I love shocking my families and getting those phone calls that say "Thank you!" after I go the extra mile and see something needs doing and do it.
Then there are the appreciation gifts that make me feel a little guilty. My elderly customers gave me an extra $400 check this past week with a note on the memo reading, "Appreciation." I didn't want to accept it but they made me. I talked to my husband about it afterward and he says that I shouldn't feel guilty about it. But I can't help it - for some reason it feels so wrong accepting payment for something that I love to do so much that I'd do it for free.
You know, I think I found the answer to the age old question that has been eating at me for the last 39 1/2 years.
"What do you wanna be when you grow up?"
My answer, "Appreciated for doing something that I love so much that I'd do it three times a day for FREE."
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A delightful easy meme borrowed from Melli, the Queen of finding all of the good memes!
The rules are simple. Answer each question in... can you guess? Three words! No more, no less.
01. Where is your cell phone? In my car. 02. Boyfriend/girlfriend? What about them? 03. Hair? On my chin. 04. Your mother? Is very sweet. 05. Your father? Archie Bunker's twin. 06. Your favorite item(s)? Sniffs good stuffs. 07. Your dream last night? Having FIVE children! 08. Your favorite drink? Frangelico in Lemonade. 09. Your dream guy/girl? Is right here. 10. The room you are in? The dining room. 11. Your fear? Rush hour traffic. 12. What do you want to be in 10 years? A mad scientist. 13. Who did you hang out with last night? Husband and daughter. 14. What are you not? Diaper wearing astronaut. 15. Are you in love? I oooze love. 16. One of your wish list items? Two Bedroom Cottage. 17. What time is it? Eight fifty-six 18. The last thing you did? Pour my coffee. 19. What are you wearing? Nightgown, wedding ring. 20. Your favorite book? The Good Earth. 21. The last thing you ate? A powdered doughnut. 22. Your life? Busy yet enjoyable. 23. Your mood? Jolly and mellow. 24. Your friends? Are very rare. 25. What are you thinking about right now? Thankful it's Friday. 26. Your car? Hyundai Santa Fe. 27. What are you doing at this moment? Admiring nude husband. 28. Your summer? Hot and humid. 29. Your relationship status? Married with child. 30. What is on your TV screen? Sesame Street, Elmo. 31. When is the last time you laughed? Few moments ago. 32. Last time you cried? Happy tears, Monday. 33. School? I loved it.
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Today is "Do You Have Issues" one year anniversary!
Tuesdays Mega Millions Lottery was up to a record $370 Million Dollars and I won!! No, I didn't win the whole thing but I have a winning ticket here for getting 2 White Balls and the Mega Ball numbers. The payout is a cool $10 bill that I can spend in whatever way that I wish. Here is my list of 13 possible ways to blow the cash.
1. Lunch. A Chicken McNugget Happy Meal and a Number Seven Chicken Club Value meal at Mickey Dee's comes out to exactly $10.00.
2. Gas. Ten bucks will give me about three gallons of the fossil fuel so I can keep my lawn mowed all season long.
3. Underpanties. I can drive on over to Walmart, fight the parking lot and the crazy Rollback specials and snag myself a three pack of Undies for $7.99. Pick up a candy bar and a Starbucks Frappachino while waiting in the checkout line for 30 minutes.
4. Kibbles and Bits. Treat the Basset Hounds to a week of colorful Play-Doh shaped Kibbles that they can stare at and play with vs. their usual fare of Old Roy Lamb and Rice meal.
5. Rent Three DVD's. I can entertain myself by renting Three DVD's of movies that I may or may not enjoy. Chances are I won't get them back to the video store in time and have to pay another $10 in late fees.
6. Lotto. I can buy 10 more Lotto tickets in hopes I could win something more substantial.
7. Debt. Pay off that $10 that I borrowed from my Mother 15 years ago.
8. Hair Care. I can go splurge on some Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner and put the cheapy Suave stuff aside for awhile.
9. Dollar Store. I can go to the Dollar Store and pretend I'm at the Chucky Cheese prize counter and pick up 10 different must have items to clutter my home.
10. Amazon.com There is quite a list of books to read accumulating over there in my wish list. I suppose I could go over there and buy one.
11. Cootie-Bugs: Squirt has been bugging me to buy her the game of Cootie-bugs for quite some time.
12. Eyebrows. The beauty parlor down the street charges $10 to wax and shape eyebrows. (Ouch!)
13. Tithe. I've concluded that $10 isn't really worth going out of my way to spend for anything. The best place for this unexpected little trickle would be to sneak it in the offering plate this Sunday and let God multiply it towards a better purpose.
I can't help but feel I will remain a drug addict the rest of my life, even during my sober moments. (I've been clean for a little while now)
See, the thing is, I feel like I'm just living to pass time until I pick my addiction back up. Fighting it doesn't last very long. I usually spend three to six months of the year stoned out of my mind and I'm comfortable with that, though everyone around me feels 'it is a waste of my time, mind and money'.
At the end of the day I do want to evolve but at the same time I wouldn't mind just laying on the couch all day feeding my senses with a pipe.
What are your thoughts on the matter?
Live responsibly no matter what your vices are. I'm using the word vice lightly and not so much in the sense that what has a grip on you is immoral or bad, but that it has a grip on you. You could be addicted to chocolate, sex or even sitting in front of your computer a bit too much - neither thing is bad, but it can be bad for you if the grip causes you to neglect your responsibilities and yourself.
Let us just say that you really, really love chocolate. There is nothing wrong with chocolate, there is nothing wrong with you for loving it. But be honest with yourself, if not taken in moderation - over time will cost you money, toothaches, frustrations and degrade your health and abilities. You would be far better off keeping chocolate as a treat not as a sustainable daily diet or costly routine.
Now I happen to know you a bit, and happen to know that you are young, single and just beginning to find your place, your way and approach in life. Many of us have been there including myself. Only you can determine what living responsibly means to you.
I can only suggest that you set limits on the things that you enjoy that can ultimately cause you harm if left unmoderated. A treat of an alcoholic drink now and then is one thing, but to be stoned out of your mind is quite another. You can't appreciate the treat if you are drowning in it day and night. Stay in control, you are the one that wants to absorb the treat - don't let the treat absorb you.
Identify the triggers that make you want to fire up the pipe. Maybe you're bored. Maybe you're lonely. Maybe you hate your job or hate having no money at the end of the week. You'll soon have a nice long list before you on what you don't want to be. End that list by slapping "not wanting to be a drug addict" at the end.
Flip that paper around and write down the stuff you do want. From a different career, to being married in a stable and trusting relationship, or maybe you want to be Mayor of your town someday. Then from there start investing your time, mind and money on pursuing these things. Take a class and learn something new. Meet someone new. Try something new. Join a Political club or your local Toastmasters or Free Masons to surround yourself with wise, goal oriented and responsible individuals. Get your high on life and through pride and accomplishments. One day and one accomplishment at a time.
For many reasons I often tell people to go and clean and organize their sock and underwear drawer. Sounds silly but it isn't. You go into this drawer two or three times a day. For weeks after organizing it you'll see, enjoy and reap the benefits of just 20 minutes of effort and time. When you put away your laundry you'll actually want to maintain this nice drawer up and not let it fall behind and get tossed again. Being Master of your Domain just by being in control of your sock drawer can move mountains in other parts of your life.
So for now, after you are finished reading this go clean and organize your sock and underwear drawer. While you're at it - toss your pipe in there towards the back. Let the pipe suffer by putting it in its place - in order to tell it who is in charge of your life. Then, well - go out and live! Go live responsibly and get some fun on. You can do it, I know you can!
(Do you have issues? If so write in and vent here! All personal information is kept confidential and questions may be edited to exclude identifiable information. )
Welcome again to "Tinfoil Chef " where I'd like to feature healthy recipes for square meals on meager pockets.
Hamburger Helper is an economical product when ever you're in a pinch, but I find the box meals to be a little on the cheesy side. That's cheesy as in terribly bland type of way that needs to be spruced up a notch to give it a fancy appearance and taste.
- 1lb Ground Hamburger or Turkey - 1 Box of Hamburger Helper Cheesy Enchilada - 2 cups Hot Water - 1 1/4 cup of Milk - 8 flour tortillas - 1 jar of Enchilada sauce - 2 cups of shredded Monty Jack Cheese - 1 can of Black Olives - 1 pint of Sour Cream - 1 bag of shredded lettuce
Brown ground burger or turkey in skillet over medium heat and drain. Prepare Hamburger Helper according to package directions and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350. Spritz some non-stick cooking spray in a 9 x 13" pan and cover with about 1/4 of the jar of Enchilada sauce. Roll up 1/8th of the Hamburger Helper mixture in each tortilla, laying side by side in the pan. Cover with remaining Enchilada Sauce. Sprinkle the top with the 2 cups of Shredded Cheese and decorate with olives. Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven at 350 for 30 minutes.
Serve Enchiladas topped with shredded lettuce and a dollop of Sour Cream. You can also be creative and garnish with green onions, chopped tomatoes or whatever tickles your fancy. Great with Salsa and chips as a side. Serves 8.
Total Cost: $9.15 approximately $1.14 per person. Prep Time: 20 minutes
Sorry today's post is running quite late, I've been a very busy gal today. So busy that I didn't even put any thought into what I would post today. Then I got to thinking, I'm a Mommy - so why don't I "Mommy Blog" once in awhile? It's not like I do it all of the time but it is a big part of my life - so here goes.
Having a four year old at my old age can be quite challenging but it is also a whole lot of fun. Well, unless you consider how I was awaken this morning at 6:30am. "Hey you guys! The sun is up! Stop sleeping already!"
Too young to bring me in coffee or breakfast in bed. Too young to turn TV on by herself or entertain herself without making a huge mess for another hour. And me, too old to even function without that first cup of coffee in me let alone play a game of Hungry, Hungry Hippos. Monday mornings that begin like this are harsh on these old bones.
We've noticed over the weekend that Squirt has picked up a naughty word. At first we thought we were hearing things but when she got angry at the dog and started cussing, we knew for sure what she was saying. We never dealt with this before and weren't sure how to handle it. I didn't want to make a big deal about it, for then it would be a big deal and she'd keep saying it.
I turned to her and said, "No, no. That's not how you say it. What you mean is Bobo is a "Walk So Slow" not an asshole. Just tell him to scoot a little faster and not walk so slow."
"Oh!", exclaimed Squirt - as if this made perfect sense and she turned to the dog and said, "Bobo, you're a Walk so Slow and please excuse me and get out of my way."
It worked!!!
Now if only I'll remember while driving tomorrow to call the next guy that pulls out in front of me a "Drives So Slow."
Long lines of visitors from all over the world wait patiently day after day to visit Lenin’s Tomb and view his embalmed body. Although he died in 1924, the corpse of that Communist leader has seemingly suffered no decomposition. It looks deceptively lifelike. And its appearance is indeed deceptive. Skillful artists monitor the preserved corpse, artificially coloring its face and using wax to fill in any lines or the smallest spot of decay.
People also regularly visit Jerusalem to see the place where Jesus died and was buried. But there’s a striking contrast - there is NO body of the crucified Christ anywhere! There is one rock-hewn tomb, where the nail-scarred, spear-driven, thorn-crowned corpse of Christ was laid. However when resurrected by the power of God His Father, the Savior left His grave clothes behind when He emerged from the tomb, like a butterfly abandoning its cocoon.
Tonight, the Discovery Channel is featuring a documentary on "The Lost Tomb of Jesus". A controversial segment that claims they have found the tomb of Jesus and His family. Supporting the fictional Dan Brown novel -"The DaVinci Code" - by suggesting our Lord was married to Mary Magdalene and had children.
Over 2000 years ago Satan and his minions were defeated because of Jesus' atoning death and the empty tomb. (1 Cor. 15: 20-22) Today, Satan seeks to spin the Greatest Story Ever Told and twist it into The Greatest Lie Ever Told. Jesus IS alive! His empty tomb guarantees our full salvation and the promise of a peaceful eternal life.
Don't be deceived. Don't let Satan use the instrument of the Discovery Channel this evening to rip away your hopes, your promises and your faith. Do not be shaken, "Instead, continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory belongs to him both now and on that eternal day!" (2 Peter: 3:18)
Back to a normal Keyword Kaos this week folks. Someone found this blog by searching Google for a "How Well do you Know your Spouse Test." I don't recall ever having such a post or test offered here, but it sounds like fun. Especially if we roll it up in some of this -week's crazy keyword searches.
For starters you may have issues if your husband has videos or pictures of Richard Simmons Doing Jumping Jack Exercises downloaded on his hard drive. If you think Sesame Street's Mr. Noodle is a Pervert you may feel differently if you come across any pictures titled Mega Tits or Madonna Funnels in hubby's document files.
If your husband is having Scrubbing Bubbles Cleaner Problems than this isn't an issue. You may have married one of those rare models that actually help clean the bathroom. Then again if you happen to keep the laundry hamper in there he could be Sniffing Your Panties behind the closed door. There seems to be an extraordinary number of keyword searches over the past few weeks that deal with many violations of under-panties that is deeply troubling me.
Now if your husband has been in the bathroom for a long time, you may NOT want to check in on him. There seems to be a few concerns about Slim-fast Flatulence this week. He could also be in there Squeezing Pimples or Popping Zits. You may also want to skip ordering mushrooms on your pizza for awhile. Because someone out there is wondering if Shrooms Cause Pimples.
Lastly, there is a slim chance that he could be in there Measuring Penis Size with an Empty Toilet Paper Roll. For some reason many men tend to measure their privates at various times during their lives. Ask any guy and he'll most likely give you the 411 right down to the half measurements. Granted a toilet paper roll is an odd measuring implement and this is the first I've heard of such a thing. But, hey whatever works.
Well that's about all I can roll into a "How Well do you Know Your Spouse Test", unless anyone out there can figure out a way to work in the remaining search terms:
- where can i find mud boggin in ga - unbelievable happenings - messing with sasquatch salt - how to get high when you have no marijuana - saint patrick's day savannah georgia - what do you do if your husband is dying?
Not much sleep last night. As I was about to click off the TV - the National Weather Service bumped over Stephen Colbert - to report they were extending the Tornado Watch from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. Tornadoes are terrible things as evident in our front pages this morning. At least with Hurricanes you know plenty ahead of time that one is coming and you can be very certain that it will effect you as they span a few hundred miles across.
Tornadoes stink because there is no certainty. All you can bank on with a Tornado Watch is that the conditions are favorable for one to form and to keep your eyes and ears open. So NOT cool at 11.55 p.m. when you're about to close your eyes and go to sleep for the night. When the siren goes off and there is an actual Tornado Warning - meaning one has been seen and confirmed and coming to your neighborhood - that's not cool either.
Much of this past week has been just like this. Last weekend I woke up with that feeling that I was coming down with something. Sore throat, sniffles and a fever ache that just turned me into a Zombie. So I decided to do nothing. No washing dishes, no laundry, no picking up toys, no taking out the trash or sweeping the floor. Just me in my Pajamas sipping OJ, tea and soup for the entire day. I awoke Sunday morning to a disaster that left me wondering, "What in the world blew through my house overnight?"
Then Monday rolled in. For those of you who aren't aware my husband has been having a bit of driver's license issues that he is trying to clear up. Totally his fault as he was a very bad boy and hid his traffic ticket under the seat of his car - soon forgetting about it and not paying it. He deserves to be punished but guess who is driving Mr. Daisy around day and night?
I hate driving in Savannah. Especially in moments like yesterday, when some fool ass of a teenager driving a stolen vehicle makes a run for it from the police. I was coming up to a red light when I heard the siren and saw the flashing lights coming towards me. When all of the sudden trucks started spinning around and crashing into one another.
Who is to know why I had stopped before the red light or why I was running late. Those few seconds that separate you from an accident can be quite bewildering to reflect upon. It puts an entire new spin to saying, "This just hasn't been my week." Neither was it my day, or my time or my 15 minutes of fame. My number wasn't called and neither were my numbers for the Georgia Mega Million Lottery Wednesday night.
I suppose I should have slept soundly knowing that this hasn't been my week. Knowing that the chance of waking up in Oz was very slim. Nevertheless it is the uncertainties in life that give me hope all at the same time. Georgia's Mega Million Lotto is now up to $275 Million and I'm off to buy five tickets.
