Old School???

I find myself gravitating toward "old school" stuff and methods. Just a few weeks ago, I was called old-fashioned (I'm only in my late 20s!) because my kids were playing with View Finders and I use cloth diapers. I think that this regression, if you will, has been amplified by my want and need to help conserve our environment.

I firmly believe that kids enjoy toys that don't make noise more than the toys that do. In fact, I see my kids playing with matchbox cars, wooden trains, puzzles, dolls and stuffed animals much more often and for longer periods of time than any of their flashing/beeping/singing/jumping/shaking toys. I think that my kids imaginations are stimulated much more when they are making up the stories as they go. I am even a big fan of Leap Frog toys, but even those guide and limit the imaginations!

I also am making more foods and snacks from scratch. Not only is it a big money saver, its more nutritious and natural. Our bodies weren't made to process preservatives!

Of course, I use cloth diapers and wipes. I bought several dozen cloth napkins from garage sales and I made my own dryer sheets! I even cut my paper towel consumption immensely. I use rags for everything!

I do, obviously enjoy technology. I have my snazzy new phone and high speed Internet and Netflix. But I also don't have caller ID or call waiting on my land line, and, I don't have cable. That's right, I get to choose from 4 channels. You know what, it does cut down my couch potato time, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.

I'm definitely trying to live life outside of the box, whether it be the cable box, the caller ID box or the Hamburger Helper box.

Sleep Deprivation...

Sleep deprivation? I thought the newborn phase was supposed to be over by 6 weeks. I thought babies were supposed to be sleeping through the night by 3 or 4 months old.

My baby has slept through the night exactly 1 week out of the past 25. She's either staying up until 1am (or later) or waking up every 3 or 4 hours to eat.

Its amazing what sleep deprivation does to the mind. I'm always cold. I want to eat everything. I have no self-motivation or self-control. I have huge circles under my eyes. I have headaches all day.

And the worst...I feel like "nobody likes me, everybody hates me..." lately. I'm turning into a whiny, needy person and I hate that!

I am usually a rock. Independent, self-sufficient, resourceful. Not any more.

I need sleep!!!

I'm totally taking naps whenever I can to build up my energy level. I'm starting 5-Factor Fitness today.

Zzzzzzz....

Is Anyone Else Sick and Tired of Lip Service from Politicians?

Do I know who I am voting for? Do you? I am pretty sure that I know who I'm voting for, but I'm not sure how much of a difference it will make if he wins.

I am sick and tired of hearing about promises from Mr. Change and the Maverick. It is time, here and now, to get some people into office who actually WANT to and WILL advocate for the American people. There are too many politicians who only say and, occasionally do things that are beneficial for their political careers. We need REAL change and we need it now.

• Why do we have troops all over the world when we can't keep our own country's head above water?
• Why are we spending all kinds of money on other countries when our national deficit is increasing to unfathomable amounts?
• Why is it cheaper to buy goods made in other countries than it is to buy American made goods?
• Why are our jobs being outsourced?
• Why are our farmers being paid to NOT plant and harvest?
• Why are we importing crops and meat from other countries?
• Why are we so dependent on foreign oil when we have untapped resources at our disposal?
• Why have companies been paid, in the past, to NOT develop vehicles/engines that are not run on oil and gas?
• Why are women who can't afford to provide for their children rewarded for producing more children that they can't afford?
• Why, up until very recently, has Michigan been in a one-state recession?
• Why, when we are in the middle of this recession, are our income taxes and sales taxes projected to be increased?
• Why is there such debate over teaching abstinence in schools if there are so many teen pregnancies?
• Why aren't politicians held accountable for their campaign promises?
• Why are senators and representatives voting themselves raises and trying to pass tax increases in the same breath?
• Why won't I receive a dime of the social security I've contributed to for the last 12 years?

I am sick and tired of Jennifer Granholm. Yes, I voted for her the first term. She had wonderful ideas and things to say. Problem is, she hasn't transformed any of her ideas into reality. We Michiganders are NO better off now than we were 8 years ago.

I am also sick and tired of George W. Bush. Yes, I voted for him for both terms. Yes, I think he did an excellent job the first four years. These past four years, though, he's been nothing better than a puppet.

We need change! Real change. Americans need true advocates who actually get things done!

As my husband says, "We should have Donald Trump for president and Dave Ramsey in charge of the budget." Get someone into office who actually knows how to run a business and can make quick, accurate, effective decisions. Get someone in charge of the budget who won't allow extravagant expenses in the face of trillions of dollars in debt.

Is Second Choice the First Loser?

I don't have a lot of friends. I'm the type of person that has only a few people that I'm very close to, most of whom are family. I think its safe to say that the people who are close to me, and even those who are on the outer edge of my circle of important people, know that they can count on me to be there for them whenever they need me. I will help you and support you and do anything in my power to do so.

So, why is it that I am always an after-thought?

Brother's wedding? I was the M.C., and I didn't receive my duties until less than 18 hours prior to the ceremony. Guess what I was doing instead of sleeping the night before the big day? Prepping and setting up my stuff for the wedding and for the kids to participate in the wedding.

Wedding shower? I offered to help. Was told emphatically NO, my help was not needed. Then Sister-In-Law's sister (MOH) calls me 2 weeks before the shower and asks me to go shopping with her. We're shopping and I find out by accident that yes, I am indeed helping with hosting the shower and this is how much money I need to pitch in. Right now. I was totally unprepared!

Baby shower? I contacted S-I-L's sister 6 months before baby's due date to let her know I wanted to help with the shower. I heard nothing from her until 4 months later, when I contacted her again, wondering what I could do to help. Again, I was told that NO, my help was not needed. He's my nephew too!

Nephew's Baptism? I offered my services as Godparent. We go to the same church and I watch him 30-40 hours per week. I found out the day before the baptism that Sister-in-Law's sister had won out over me. Granted, I had figured out by that time that it wasn't me, but nobody had the courtesy to tell me, "No thanks. We've chosen XXXXX instead." It's not like they never see me! I guess I'm only good for changing dirty diapers. I even offered to help with the little gathering afterward. Nope, they didn't need any help, they were going to do it all themselves. I respect that, but why were the other sisters bringing food and helping with set-up?

Cousin's Wedding? I was chosen to be Bridesmaid #2 because Groom couldn't decide between his two closest friends to be his only attendant. He chose them both, and I got asked by default.

Play dates? My Sister-in-Law (not the above-mentioned) used to watch my children for me 3 days a week until Daughter #2 was born. My daughter #1 and her daughter #4 are VERY good friends and love to play together. SHE insisted that we get together once per week to let the girls play. After this week they will have gotten together 3 times in 24 weeks. Each time at my insistence and with my persistence.

Sleepovers? The same S-I-L's 4 kids came over in the summer to "camp" out in our backyard. B-I-L dropped the kids off. I offered to bring them home, but she insisted that it would be just as easy to make the trip out and pick them up. Now, with the play date this week, she wants to come pick up Daughter #1. Why is it OK for her to drive my kids, but not for me to drive hers?

Church Activities? I offered to help with a main position with Children's Church. They choose someone else to be at the helm every time its my turn to serve. Usually the person "in charge" is a newer member. I guess being a member for 18 years isn't long enough? I also signed up to sing in the choir several times. Each sign-up was ignored.

I don't know. Maybe I'm just whining. I'm just frustrated because I actually have some time now where I can pitch in and help and I keep getting overlooked. I guess the best I can do is to keep offering to help.

The worst they can say is no.

Don't Let Me Loose In a Bookstore!!!

I love, Love, LOVE to read. I have been reading everything I could get my hands on ever since I can remember. I could seriously go bankrupt in a bookstore if I ever let myself go. I typically read up to 3 books at a time and always have several "on deck".

Books I Am Currently Reading
The Hollow by Nora Roberts
Serve God, Save the Planet by J. Matthew Sleeth, MD
The Shack by William P. Young

Books "On Deck"
Skinny Dip by Carl Hiassen
The One Year Bible, NLT
Lost New York by Nathan Silver
Dog Training for Dummies by Jack and Wendy Volhard
Dog Tricks for Dummies by Sarah Hodgson

Wow...My "On Deck" pile is getting a bit small.

Books I'd Like to Read Soon
Squeaky Green by Adam Lowry and Eric Ryan
Paper or Plastic by Daniel Imhoff and Roberto Carra
The Pagan Stone by Nora Roberts
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich
Kill Chain by Meg Gardiner
Cross Country by James Patterson
6th Target by James Patterson
...In Death Series by J.D.Robb

I HATE Forwards, Chain Mail and Phishing Email!

It seems like every single time I open my Inbox there is some kind of mindless, annoying email waiting to be deleted. I don't understand how these people have the time to read all these emails and then forward them to every single person they've ever met, but they don't have time to sit down and write and actual, personal note to me. Do I forward? Sure, I forward...Once in a blue moon when I find something to be VERY funny or interesting, and even then its not to every single person I've ever met.

Forward this message to 15 people within 60 seconds and you'll have a pleasant surprise at 2:38 tomorrow afternoon. What if the recipient has dial-up internet and it takes more than 60 seconds for the stupid email to load? Aren't you just cursing your friends at that point? What if they're a slow reader? What if, at the precise second the message loaded the dog throws up and the cat gets out and the kid spills glue everywhere? Do you take care of the email first to get your prize?

If you believe in God, you'd better forward this email to everyone you know. I believe in God. I don't believe that he really wants me sending chain emails to everyone. How about doing actual good deeds and sharing the Word with people in person?

Poor Sally Sue is living in Timbuktu. She has a terrible illness that nobody has ever heard of. Please reply with your name, social security number, bank account number, etc....and make a donation to help little Sally Sue. Seriously? Why would anyone send their personal information to anyone via email? STUPID!

Mr. Smith, a wealthy man who lives in Belgium just died and wants to give you his money. Please reply with your name, social security number, bank account number, etc...and we'll make sure you get your share. Again...Seriously? Why would anyone send their personal information to anyone via email? STUPID!

Microsoft has a new email tracking program. You will earn alot of money when you send this to everyone you know. And you know this is true, since someone knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows someone else who made $20,000 from doing this.

Fwd: Fwd: Fwd: Fwd: Fwd: Fwd: fwd: FWD: Fwd: PPPPLLLLEEEEAAAASSSSEEE RRRREEEEAAAADDD!!!! With well over 100 email adresses to scroll through before the ever-so-important message even begins. You're such a great friend for violating everyone else's privacy with your stupid forwarded messages! Ever hear of BCC? Use it!

You want to know the truth?

How about tips on doing it right?

STOP THE INSANITY!

Having Trouble Keeping Track of Your (and Everyone Else's) Appointments?

I read about this website in Parents magazine. It's free, super-easy and confidential. You can keep track of you and your family's appointments with easy to enter, color coded entries. You can keep a grocery list and recipe box. And it manages your digital photos into a screen saver that also displays your appointments, without any work from you! It also has a toll-free telephone number that you can call and the website will text message or "read" your grocery list or appointments to you! How cool is that?!?

It took me about 90 minutes to enter well over 100 appointments. Not too shabby!

What are you waiting for? Click here to go check it out!