Eviction Notices

Once upon a time...a young woman(me) was fretting over something trivial. So trivial in fact, I can't recall the exact circumstances but I do recall sharing it with my Auntie Linda. She was being a very good listener. She gave me some advice I carry around with me to this very day. She told me, "Don't let anyone live rent free in your head." Hmmm. Sit back for a moment. Let it really sink in. What are those things you are carrying around with you and dwelling on that really don't make a difference either way except that they are taking up precious time and space in your head? Time and space that you can be using to reach out to a loved one and just say I love you...or making a card...paying a bill...reading a book...you name it...

If I am thinking about someone or something...and it's not paying rent... it's getting evicted.

So eviction notices are going out tonight on several things. I am tired of all these people and things just squatting in my head. Pay up or shut up. So there! lol Pfffft!

I love Apple

There are so many things lacking today. Customer service for one has really taken a nose dive with the economy. That's not the case with Apple.

I bought a used 160GB iPod from a dear friend. She was going on a trip to Israel and needed the spending money. I purchased it and it was packed full of different music genres that I may not have tried out otherwise.

About a month ago, I had received a sample of a hair product for Troi. That was in my purse with my iPod. Can you tell this is not going so good right? Well, the product leaked in the docking part of my iPod. So sad indeed.

I cleaned it up...and it seemed to be working just fine. I breathed a huge sigh of relief...since I can't afford to replace it. Two nights ago I was trying to play a movie on it via a Monster cable attached to the TV. My iPod just shot off and got really hot. I packed it up in it's original packaging and slipped it into it's snug box - manual included and decided to see about a repair.

I made an appointment for the next day to see someone at the Genius Bar. I begged them to use a defibrillator or just anything to get it to come to life again. They tried everything to no avail. It remained dead. The young man could see my sadness. Especially when he had to share with me that it is out of warranty. I sighed and was ready to provide my iPod with a proper burial or perhaps use it as a paper weight. He then said, "Well it it evident you take really good care of it and the battery overheated and fried everything inside. So I am going to take care of it for you." I thought wow...a repair...sweet. He then said they will just replace the one I have. I am sure it's a refurb but it's better than not having one at all or having just a very once-expensive paperweight.

Gotta love Apple.

My next computer endeavor is a Mac. Handsdown.

How to Display the American Flag

I had to post this because I had seen a car in my area that was displaying the American flag on the bumper.

It didn't look right, so I posted the photo on Facebook and had some comments.

I thought it was wrong.

While link doesn't address "bumper sticker" display rules, it did confirm many things I knew already about the flag.

Check it out.

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html

Breaking Dawn: The Game

I just had fun with this. I am addicted to the entire Twilight series!

Breaking Dawn: The Game

Shared via AddThis

Made to Love

I am in love with this song....It's by Toby Mac and it just sings in my heart.

The dream is fading, now
I'm staring at the doorI know its over cause my feet have hit the cold floor
Check my reflection,
I ain't feelin what I see
It's no mystery
Whatever happened to a passion I could live for
What became of the flame that made me feel more
And when did I forget that...

I was made to love you
I was made to find you
I was made just for you
Made to adore you
I was made to love
And be loved by you
You were here before me
You were waiting on me
And you said you'd keep me
Never would you leave me
I was made to love and be loved by you

The dream's alive with my eyes opened wide
Back in the ring you've got me swinging for the grand prize
I feel the haters spittin vapors on my dreams
But I still believe
I'm reachin out, reachin up, reachin over
I feel a breeze cover me called Jehovah
And daddy I'm on my way
Cause I was made to love...

I was made to love you
I was made to find you
I was made just for you
Made to adore you
I was made to love
And be loved by you
You were here before me
You were waiting on me
And you said you'd keep me
Never would you leave me
I was made to love and be loved by you

Happy Anniversary! Another Year! Walking for Curing Cystic Fibrosis!

Dear Friends, Family, and respected Colleagues,

It's that time of year again! The time of year that marks another year that we walk for Kai and the thousands of other with this genetic disease. Kai has cystic fibrosis. He is 4 now and is a loving, caring, bundle of joy. He enjoys picking on his big brother Troi (11). He loves imitating and mimicking everything he sees and hears. Kai attends school in the Poway school district special education program working on gross motor skills and his speech.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a devastating genetic disease that affects tens of thousands of children and young adults in the United States. Research and care supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is making a huge difference in extending the quality of life for those with CF. However, we continue to lose precious lives to CF every day. That's why your help is needed now more than ever to ensure that a cure is found sooner - rather than later. To learn more about CF and the CF Foundation, visit www.cff.org.

CF has mostly impacted Kai's digestive system. Because of this, Kai takes 8-10 pills per day. These pills are filled with the digestive enzymes he needs to digest the foods he eats. They are required with each and every meal or snack. He doesn't object because that's just his "norm". Kai now has The Vest. He calls it "the Jack" which is short for jacket. "The Jack" is one therapy that Kai does twice per day for 20 minutes each time. The vest (Jack) fills with air and then the machine it's connected to vibrates the air providing the percussive pressure neede to loosen up any mucus in Kai's lungs. Kai does his therapies in the morning and evening. His therapies consists of "Jack" and TOBI. TOBI is an inhaled antibiotic to combat a bacteria that keeps lurking in Kai's lungs. This bacteria is Pseudomonas aeruginosa and can really cause serious problems for Kai if it should get out of control. This is the bacteria that destroys the healthy lung tissue resulting in decreased lung function.

So, because of this precious little man, his family and friends walk GREAT STRIDES. They have done this every year since the year he was born. With your help we have received thousands of dollars in donations! We thank you for your continued support. EVERY little bit helps. So, please sponsor our walk again this year if you are in a position to do so. If not, walk with us. If you can't walk, pray for continued health and resources for Kai's care.

GREAT STRIDES is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest and most successful national fund-raising event. This year, I'm walking in the GREAT STRIDES walk at the 2009 Carlsbad - Cannon Park walk on 05/17/2009. Please help me meet my fund-raising goal of $3,000.00 by sponsoring me.

Your generous gift will be used efficiently and effectively, as more than $0.88 out of every dollar you contribute will be used to fund the vital programs of the CF Foundation.

Making a donation is easy and secure! Just click the "Click to Donate" button on this page to go to make a donation that will be credited to my team. Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated!

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those with CF! Thank you for supporting the mission of the CF Foundation and GREAT STRIDES!
Below is a list of donors who have donated to support me. Thanks to everyone for your support!

Be the first one! Click Here to donate.

Team fund-raising goal:
$5,000.00
Money raised to date:
$0.00

Go McCain?

Thank you Cheryl for sending this to me! It's the funniest damned thing.

Basically it says get your butt out there and vote...

It's also saying vote Obama...which I am not going to do.

But it's funny all the same!!

http://www.cnnbcvideo.com/index.html?nid=8UZ340XDBLtt9l.gIActETQxNTY3MzU-&referred_by=11347962-H3GKuNx

Growing Pains (In the ARSE) - Ugh

Wow. How do you know when a young person is ready for added responsibility? Do they take their chores seriously or do they slack and not follow through?

I am a delighted mother of 2 boys. 10 and 3 years old...the ten year old is itching for independence. At first I thought I was the one that wasn't ready for such independence...but today clearly shouted out that he isn't either.

I have arranged for after school care complete with transportation for the 2 hours (give or take) after school that corresponds with me getting off work, picking up the youngest and then getting the oldest.

Today, Mr. 10 decides that he isn't going to take the transportation and head on home so he can hang with his friends. Mom drives to the after school site and no one has seen Mr. 10 and verified he never got on the bus. (He claims to have forgotten that he needed to get on said transportation...)

After driving home, checking neighbors, calling the sheriff...he rides up on his bike with one of his buddies. I wanted to hug and kiss him and beat the living daylights out of him all in the same momentary emotion. I chose to hug him. I called his Dad...since we are co-parenting now and we handled this in an impressive way. We agreed on the punishment and actually talked like civilized adults. (Knowing full well he is blaming me for this the whole way...but that's another blog!)

I explained to Mr. 10 about the dangers that are out there when Mom and Dad are not around and shared with him my understanding that he wants more independence but he must realize the boundaries that exists for his protection. (That went over like a fart in an elevator let me tell you!) Um, I am talking to a 5Th grader now...and don't you know...you and I are not smarter than 5Th graders...sh uh....

Crisis is over and I am sipping on a yummy beverage whilst Mr. 10 is cleaning his room and occasionally popping up here to my room to verify said terms of punishment. No you can't play outside, no you can't watch TV even if it's with your brother, yes you can read, yes you can do math, no you can't ride your bike by yourself, no you can have no friends over...for ONE WEEK. That means next Friday night when Dad's parenting time begins.

So there.

CA State Budget Woes and Your Medical Care

This may not seem like a big deal to some...but it is to me. California hospitals and their fiscal wellness are my bread and butter. I own my own Medical Coding and Auditing company in Southern California. While my work keeps me very busy, hospitals just can't survive more budget cuts. I received this today in my corporate email:


Today is July 1, and the new state fiscal year has started without a state budget. There is little expectation that we will have a budget soon. As the deliberations continue, the proposed 10% cut for hospitals and health care spending remains part of the package. The severe budget cuts increase the number of uninsured patients in California’s already overcrowded and overburdened hospital emergency rooms. The result would be longer wait times and higher health care costs for everyone.

If you've been watching television this week, you might have noticed a new a campaign supporting California's hospitals. The ads are part of the California Hospital Association's (CHA) ongoing public advocacy effort to stop $1.5 billion in cuts to Medi-Cal, CHA is launching an aggressive statewide advertising campaign -- SaveMyEmergencyRoom.com. This call-to-action campaign features a 30-second television commercial, supporting print ads and a website at SaveMyEmergencyRoom.com.

If the cuts are not restored, Scripps Health could lose $2.3 million, severely impacting Scripps Mercy Hospital's two campuses.

The goal of the campaign is to educate voters and stakeholders; build a coalition of support; and mobilize that support with a call-to-action to stop the cuts by signing a petition to the governor and e-mailing letters to legislators.

The television ad began airing June 24 with print ads also appearing over the next couple of weeks in newspapers around the state, including the San Diego Union Tribune. The ads will direct viewers to the new advocacy website to view a list of hospitals in their area impacted by the cuts, sign a petition to the governor, and e-mail advocacy letters to legislators. To lend your support to the effort, visit https://mail.scripps.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.savemyemergencyroom.com and encourage others to do the same.

***
If you have a moment to particpate, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Michellene

Parents Job Description

This isn't mine, I didn't write it but am glad someone did.

If this was provided to me before I had children, I would have still signed up! I love my boys. They are my loves, my life and my heroes.

*****

PARENT

This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way, I don't believe any of us would have done it!!!!

POSITION :Mom, Mommy, Mama, MaDad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekend s and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :None required unfortunately.On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

** AND A FOOTNOTE **

THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!!**

If you are fortunate enough you will become grandparents.

AND YOU MAY HAVE TO RAISE THEM TOO!!!

Ten Ways To Sunday

Well, today, the soreness has hit me like a ton of bricks. I went skating today with my dear friend Cheryl. She loves skating. I told her about the Derby Dolls and she is so excited to be attending Boot Camp with me next week. She is going to get her skates out of storage and will be with me.

I had a blast skating around with her. She didn't fall at all...I was taken out by a 9 year old kid! He came out of no where and just took my legs out. I landed on one knee and would have been better prepared had I kept my gear on. I had skated about an hour all padded up...and then the elbow pads were fighting with my sweater. So I took it all off.

Just to be slammed to my knees by a kid! I pray I get better soon.

I enjoyed watching the jam skaters out in the middle of the floor. Their smooth moves to the beats of each song really motivate me to skate more. I hope someday I can just stay on top of my skates and not on top of the floor.

I need a hot bath and some muscle relaxers...

Cheryl said the whole thing today had her laughing ten ways to sunday. She's so crazy. Can't wait to skate with her again.

Counting Boards

Learning how to skate again has its challenges. First, you must find balance. Everything that you do in derby hinges on balance and angles. I have a handle on NEITHER of those concepts. I feel so much like a new pony...finding its legs. I imagine it's quite a comical sight to see. Wish it was as comical to FEEL.

Today's boot camp...well...was very fun...very tiring...I am pooped out. They tried to teach me how to fall...but overall...I think the falling taught me. My ass is killing me!

We skated various drills up and down the length of the rink. I feel often..but kept getting up for more. Considering that was only the 2nd time that I have been to Boot Camp...I thought I did really well. I sure as hell am tired of eating shit.

The coach was kind enough to tell me I did a great job at picking myself up and moving on. He believes in me. He believes I will get it. I KNOW I will! I refuse to get my ass kicked by a pair of skates.

Wowee Zowee

Been over two months since my last post. So much has transpired since then I don't even know where to start.

My wish to post more just didn't pan out for me.

My sister got married on Dec. 9! She's married to a wonderful man and the wedding itself was just simple, lovely and just amazing. Congratulations Kristen and David!!

I filed for divorce at the beginning of this month. I had to face a lot of things. Why I got married, why I was staying married and it just wasn't fair to anyone. While I know that the vows you take are really supposed to be forever...just some things don't work out the way you planned. We all deserve love and respect.

I haven't had the drive to do any of the things I used to. I haven't been into any of my scrapbooks. I hope to be doing that again soon. As soon as I figure things out. I know that this new year is going to be bigger, better, and brighter.

New hobby? I have been frequenting a restaurant near work...to just chill and surf online... I met a wonderful friend. Siobhan is the evening manager there. She and I talk and share stories. She shared with me that I should get out and exercise...I should get out and do something. Well I know that. I am heavier than I have ever been in my life and feel it! She was gone for a few days...and I asked where she had been...she was in Sacramento...skating.

I had always loved roller skating as a kid. Thought it was so much fun and would skate in circles on the concrete slab in the backyard...and up and down the sidewalks...went from metal wheeled skates...to polyurethane ones...then I just stopped. Guess I just outgrew it. Well...Siobhan has introduced me to something fun! I have only been a few times...and I love it! I will be attending lessons/training every Monday and Thursday. I want to be a San Diego Derby Doll.

WTF!?

Yep. Roller Derby. Now that you have found your seat and pulled your jaw up off the floor...you have to get that old Thunderbirds picture out of your head. It's not like that anymore. So no worries...I won't be losing teeth or hair anytime soon...not from derby anyway. I know you are shocked. Hold up a minute though. It's excellent exercise and man I feel it in my muscles already!! First night....my hips were killing me. I thought I would need hip replacements. The very next night I decided to go and skate anyway. I am not as sore and basically and a little better on my skates. I look something like a newborn foal. Still finding my legs! I can't wait to get good.

I am looking forward to getting into shape and getting good on my skates!

Keep you posted on my progress!

Save our kids!

Our California Governor just signed Senate Bill 777 into law. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008 the state of California will be impacted so deeply by this bill and not in a good way. The new law has many points of interest for those of you who have kids still in grade school - such as myself.

Just a few things that stick in my head are:

1. References of marriage between a man and woman are not allowed to be used in class without offering like definitions for male/male or female/female partnerships.
2. References to "Mom and Dad" will not be allowed to be used unless like definitions are provided in the curriculum.
3. If your child feels that they were born the wrong sex, they can state that they belong to the opposite gender and have equal access to that restroom or locker room. For example, if my son decided that he wants to be a cross dresser then the school will have to accommodate him by allowing him to use the ladies restrooms and the ladies locker rooms. School will be required to have gender-neutral locker rooms.
4. No more prom king and queen in the traditional sense. A boy can be the prom queen and a girl can be a prom king.
5. If our child has a gay teacher or transgender teacher we will not be allowed to express our beliefs or opinions. Not even to say we disagree with the situation lest it be considered harassment punishable by law. Our children will not be allowed to express a difference of opinion regarding gay or transgender teachers.
6. Alternative lifestyles will now be in the forefront of our kids education.

I am not anti-gay. I am not anti-transgender. I do not however wish for transgender, gay or bisexuality to be forced into the impressionable minds of my kids. I wish to bring them up in a home where they have a mother and a father.

This bill was signed by the governor without hearing from you and me. THE PEOPLE. I think we as a society should vote on such delicate topics. Especially when it comes to what our children are going to be taught in school.

I have always been an advocate for public schools. I have been of the opinion that our public schools are what we make them to be. So I have participated in classroom activities, purchased needed supplies for my sons class and made sure if there was a need, the need was met.

This law is making me think twice about keeping my son in public school. He will be taught things that while I do not believe is right, doesn't make it wrong for someone else. Some may think of it as a cop-out. I am not one to judge anyone based on their sexual orientation. I will be first to tell you I have just about done everything but died so I am the last to tell another person how to live. I do however want to my kids to be taught in their own time, in their own home about the ways of some peoples world.

Clicking on the link above will take you to the website where you can sign up and have petitions mailed to you when they become available. I want to encourage each and everyone of you to sign it. I want the people of California to have a say in this. If the people want this law, then let them be the deciding factors. Not a legislator with an agenda.

You choose. You as a voter, a parent, a person - gay or straight. Speak up and let's send a message to the Governor that he can't just pass a law like this without hearing from the very people who will have to abide by it.

However you vote - let your voice be heard and encourage others around you to do the same. Take it to work, take it to church, take it to family and friends...take it to the people. Let's do this!

The website is http://saveourkids.net/ check it out if you get a chance.

Ooops!

Ok, my own mother fired me after a major technology faux pas on my part. Yes, I fumbled the ball. But all was not lost.

After working crazy insane hours and earning some extra cash, I wanted to do something special just for me. So, I discussed with my spouse the prospect of me buying a new notebook. Mind you when I asked the question, I got the answer in the form of a question, "What kind of notebook costs that much money?" Well, the super special kind my dear.

After some bargaining I was able to secure my new Toshiba notebook from Fry's. I got it for a song. It has the processor I want, the RAM I want and the price I really wanted. When I got home, started moving in, I realized that the hard drive was too small.

I take so many photos and have plans for this notebook and realized this was not going to work. So I set myself to use an external portable hard drive. Well, after much comtemplation and some discussions with my mom (the one where she fired me from making any techie purchases for her - he he) I decided on Monday I would return the computer to Fry's. First thought was I will just have them put a bigger hard drive in it. I wanted 160GB and well, that was going to cost $349 and would not be covered under the extended warranty I paid for.

So, the sales guy from computers (Brett) was so kind in telling me I would be better off getting a new one. I wasn't charged a re-stocking fee and left the store with something better than what I wanted. So, for $250 mores than the original purchase price I am sporting a super cool Sony Vaio notebook that has already enabled me to write to you while in one of my favorite eating venues - Panera. Mind you, I should be scarfing down my food so I can get to work. But this is so much more fun!!

Just the prospect of being able to load photos, edit them, post them etc...oh yah, and work is a plus too...well, hey, that just makes my day.

Let me finish my soup before it gets cold and hit to road and get my booty to work before someone REALLY fires me!

xoxo

Dollars for Dancing

My young mother Julie is having another birthday (thank God) on 10/20. She is participating in a Dance-a-Thon in Los Angeles to raise money for the arts.

Why you ask? (grin)

Well, her words are:

"Why, you ask? Because I still can! It's a birthday present to myself! October
20th is my birthday and I signed up to participate in Active Arts at the Music
Center's first annual fundraiser A Taste of Dance-A-Thon! Active Arts is a
series of admission-free to low cost events for the artist in everyone. For more
information on Active Arts please visit http://musiccenter.org/activearts.html."

Won't you share in celebrating her birthday with me by donating a few bucks? Her goal is a whopping $200 dollars. I would like to see her meet AND exceed this goal. Because she is...all that and a pair of comfy dancing shoes (instead of the bag of chips...he he he).

Just click on the title and off you go to read more about why she's dancing (why...because she can) and help keep the arts alive in Los Angeles.

Love you!
Michellene

Geocaching?

My sister Kristen recently visited Wisconsin. She and her fiance shared a nice vacation there with his family. She posted photos on her Facebook site (cool place once you can get in) and let me tell you, I was feeling pretty stupid when I came across photos about their Geocaching adventure.

My first thought was hmm...they are playing with GPS? Since her fiance was holding a GPS device in one of his hands...so I guess my first instinct was so far off from the truth.

Folks, there another world out there. It's an high tech treasure hunt and boy I think I have found a new obsession. (And I don't even have GPS....YET!)

Utilizing GPS and given coordinates you locate hidden treasures, sometimes just a log book but basically if you take something you leave something. But you have to be able to use GPS and your brains to locate it.

Oh boy....I so want to play this game...I am thinking I can do a scrapbooking geocache...or hmm...a cystic fibrosis awareness cache...or hmm...just a cache to have a darn cache...

I can't wait to find out more about this so I can get involved!!

Prayers for Jude

You know I have never met Jude or his Mommy and Daddy. But I recently read a note on Facebook posted by my sisters fiance David. It touched me so deeply.

Here's the note:

Dear Friends,We are saddened to update you with the news that Jude has been diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis (www.tsalliance.org). Over the last two days we have learned that Jude has tubers (benign tumors) on his brain which have been causing his seizures. He also has a couple of tumors on his heart, and we're waiting to hear news on his kidneys as well as other body organs. The prognosis for TS is hard to predict because the outcome varies so greatly from child to child. It will be several years before we will have a better idea of what this means for Jude's cognitive development and overall health.

Jude is still on the steroid ACTH which has allowed him to be seizure free for the past 9 days. We are praising God for this fact! However, he is NOT sleeping and grumpy for at least 20 hours each day...which of course is exhausting and very hard to watch as we feel so helpless. Needless to say, this has been the hardest week of our lives. We are now taking proactive steps to care for little Jude as best we can. Monday we will meet with his new doctors at UCLA which has a fantastic Pediatric Neurology department. With this sudden life change, we have come to the decision that we need to simplify our lives, so that we can best take care of Jude. For this reason we will be selling our condo as well as our car. We just don't need these extra financial burdens right now. Many of you have been incredibly gracious in your offers to help in some tangible way. We are humbled by these offers and we have identified some practical ways you could help if you're so inclined. Truthfully, your prayers mean most and we are grateful for your continued support in this way! Here are some of the needs...The stairwell in our house needs to be painted as well as our master bedroom (and some touch up paint around the house) to help prepare the house to sell as quickly as possible.We need someone to clean the house weekly while we try to sell the house. The multiple Dr. appointments and Jude’s sleep schedule or lack thereof :) make it virtually impossible to stay on top of this. People to help us pack items we wont need while trying to sell the house. (china, books, odds and ends).Any help marketing our house. Here is a link with the info on it.... http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/rfs/439540177.htmlWe continue to be comforted and amazed by your incredible love, support, and prayers during these difficult days. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.Love, Seth and VanessaLove... “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” I Corinthians 13:7

Please extend prayers for this family.

What to say....

I have been telling myself on a consistent basis that I have to sit and write more. I need to get these thoughts out of my head and into the blog.

I have been working too much. With the fiscal year at the facilities I contract at coming to a close, I am busier than ever. Of course I have to take advantage of that. My work as a consultant is cyclic and I must prepare for any downtime I may have. The last 3 weeks thought I haven't had any down time to speak of.

Which got me thinking about some not-s0-profound things, but got me thinking none the less.

The tooth fairy forgot to come the other night. Yep. FORGOT. This is a fundamental no-no in my book. In our electronic age, I tried to explain to my nine year old that perhaps the tooth fairy didn't get my email...or with the unusually moist climate the last few nights, maybe the tooth fairy didn't want to chance getting stuck in a storm. Well, bottom line is...the tooth fell out that day and daddy forgot to tell mommy so mommy could make sure that the tooth fairy came.

*sigh*

To make up, the tooth fairy left a hand made card and wrote a note to Troi that she/he was sorry about missing. The last few days have been unusually busy and that she/he was "swamped". To make up, she/he left TEN dollars!

So, this morning I was informed that the tooth fairy did not forget again and that a note was left. As Troi shared the note with me, he made sure I knew that the tooth fairy was stuck in a swamp so she/he could not get out to take care of business.

I think I have saved a believer.

Phew- that was a close one!

This brings to mind the numerous times I tried to earn extra cash by making paper mache teeth, cutting small pieces of paper into tooth shapes, even taking small stones that looked like teeth and putting them under my pillow. I never was able to fool the tooth fairy into leaving me any cash. I was however afraid that when I actually left a "real" tooth that I would get overlooked. After all, isn't that the moral of the story "The Boy Who Cried Wolf"?

Never in those futile attempts at fooling the fairy did I ever think that there wasn't a fairy. I just figured she was damned smart to not be fooled by me.

Here's to hoping that Troi's teeth never get overlooked again and that the busy schedule the Tooth Fairy is keeping eases up a little. Like me, she/he has probably worked 3 weeks straight with no day off. *sigh*

Oh, the tooth fairy also signed the note "Love, T.F." Which Troi lovingly thought meant "Troi F." ha ha ha. I said no, I think it means Tooth Fairy. Isn't that cool that they have the same initials?!?

I thought so.

What's in a name?

Venezuela is about to slam the door shut on families desiring a unique name for their child. The article I just read today in the International Herald Tribune states this:

"So long Hengelberth, Maolenin, Kerbert Krishnamerk, Githanjaly, Yornaichel, Nixon and Yurbiladyberth. The prolifically inventive world of Venezuelan baby names may be coming to an end."

"If electoral officials here get their way, a bill introduced last week would prohibit Venezuelan parents from bestowing those names, and many, many others, on their children."

I am in a state of shock at this moment. I am just stunned that a
government could impose such rules upon it's people. The proposed rule would
limit the number of names to 100.

Imagine for one moment, that only 100
names were allowed to be used for naming a baby born in the US.

Shocking huh?

Who would decide what names made the cut? How would they decide a
name would make the list?

I thank GOD my family had the freedom to name me MICHELLENE.

I thank GOD that I had the freedom to name my kids their quirky
names.

I hope the Venezuelan electoral officials pull their heads out of
their asses and look into their names...where they came from and how they
were chosen for them. Or is that how they will decide upon the
"100"?