To me, what is most important is: to constantly learn, work hard to become better each year in all areas of your life, family, and treating others with kindness.
I took a test last year and I learned that learning is my highest motivator over reaching goals and having friends. Friends was in last place out of the three and I find at this time in my life, I have no close friends.
I've always felt that it is important to progress in life and to be a better person next year as compared to the last year. In life, there are many levels of need for improvement so what may seem apparent to one may not be to someone else. I'm proud of the fact that I learned how to swim 2 1/2 years ago, which is quite a feat since I was so afraid of deep water.
Family is so important to me but I find that I don't have the opportunity to be near family as often as I would like. Everyone is scattered, busy, and involved in important projects. I think these days, family is not a priority in today's world. I've said I would love to live on the same street with my children so I could have a big dinner once a week, be helpful, bake bread, babysit, etc. but this isn't in the cards for me. I guess I'm stuck in the 50's of how I think things should be in life.
I feel it is important to be kind and respectful to others in life. This does not mean, however, that you continue to put yourself in the path of someone you know will cause you harm or continue to allow yourself to be used or hurt. It's important to protect yourself but it is important to forgive and treat everyone with respect and kindness no matter how you are treated by others. I guess this is my Miss Pollyana view of life.
Writing is essential, as important as breathing. To move my writing goals forward daily is important to me. Having computer problems stunts my progress. I recently lost family photos, my screenplay and writing on my computer. Frustrating!
To read to support my writing is equally important. Right now I'm reading the BEST library book. I need to buy it since it is one of the BEST books on writing that I've ever read. A WRITER'S COACH by Jack Hart. Jack Hart is a managing editor at the Oregonian and a former professor at the University of Oregon.
So what's important to me?.....moving my projects forward, being nice along the way, and seeing my family as often as possible.
Monday, June 25, 2007
2007 Maui Writers Conference
I got the conference brochure for the 2007 Maui Writers Conference in the mail and dream about going. Can you imagine learning from Ron Howard, Frank McCourt, Barbara Kingsolver, Mitch Albom, Carrie Fisher, Tony Hillerman, Robin Cook, Nicholas Sparks, and dozens of other writing heroes? I dream of it. I've always wanted to go. Maybe someday I can.
Lisa Nichols will be at the conference, who is known as Iyanla from Starting Over on television, another one of my heroes who dares to tell the truth and who cares about people.
The news in this brochure tells me that for only $20, you can sign up to attend the conference and never leave home. IF my computer keeps working without interference and IF I can get speakers for my computer, I'm going to be listening. I'm also dreaming of an Ipod so I can download these writing workshops--each one important and each one with great wisdom for anyone who takes writing seriously.
http://www.mauiwriters.com/
Lisa Nichols will be at the conference, who is known as Iyanla from Starting Over on television, another one of my heroes who dares to tell the truth and who cares about people.
The news in this brochure tells me that for only $20, you can sign up to attend the conference and never leave home. IF my computer keeps working without interference and IF I can get speakers for my computer, I'm going to be listening. I'm also dreaming of an Ipod so I can download these writing workshops--each one important and each one with great wisdom for anyone who takes writing seriously.
http://www.mauiwriters.com/
Doctors and Clinics
My husband went into the Lincoln Clinic in Corvallis. He waited the time period until there could be no doubt this wasn't a virus. He was given amoxicillin, flunisolide, and albuterol inhaler for an "alergic nose" or nasal alergy on June 11th.
During this time my husband was coughing and having a difficult time breathing. He would cough standing up, black out and fall on the floor. This happened several times.
Then on June 15, since he had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, he went to the Corvallis Immediate Care Clinic at Corvallis Clinic where he was given azithromycin, prednisone, spiriva handihaler and told to continue taking the albuterol inhaler and flunisolide, which is a nasal spray and throw away the amoxicillin. X-rays were taken to show it was a sinus infection. His lungs were clear.
He was coughing so badly and in so much pain that he was unable to sleep through this period of at least three weeks. I finally got him to start sleeping in the chair a little bit at a time.
On June 23, he returned to Corvallis Immediate Care Clinic because he wasn't getting better. The rash on his back was worse and it covered most of his body from the amoxicillin. He had difficulty breathing. When asked what his first complaint was, my husband said breathing. The doctor commented that the muscle on his back might have been torn from so much coughing but he didn't check it. He was given a new round of Predisone, Advair, Rhinocort nasal spray, and Avelox. He's finally getting better, I'm happy to report.
I took him to the doctor at the Immediate Care Clinic and to see the nurse at the Lincoln Clinic all three times. I've stayed home from work because he was in so much pain, having such a difficult time, and because he became confused. Hopefully I can return to work soon.
Sometimes I think we are in the Dark Ages of medical care and it's a miracle people get better after taking all this medication. It seems to be hit and miss. Why isn't there a hand held scanner that instantly diagnoses with complete accuracy and offers recommended treatment? Where are the little gifted kids who grew up to be doctors who take seriously the profession of medicine and who keep updating their knowledge?
I know from master gardening that it is possible to get a detailed soil analysis from a sample with a readout of exactly what nutrients and minerals are missing so why isn't this possible in medicine for human beings? Why don't you get a printout at the doctor's office when you are sick with a complete listing of what vitamins and minerals you need, what exercises would be best, what foods you should be eating to heal, and what recommended treatments should be given to make you well?
During this time my husband was coughing and having a difficult time breathing. He would cough standing up, black out and fall on the floor. This happened several times.
Then on June 15, since he had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, he went to the Corvallis Immediate Care Clinic at Corvallis Clinic where he was given azithromycin, prednisone, spiriva handihaler and told to continue taking the albuterol inhaler and flunisolide, which is a nasal spray and throw away the amoxicillin. X-rays were taken to show it was a sinus infection. His lungs were clear.
He was coughing so badly and in so much pain that he was unable to sleep through this period of at least three weeks. I finally got him to start sleeping in the chair a little bit at a time.
On June 23, he returned to Corvallis Immediate Care Clinic because he wasn't getting better. The rash on his back was worse and it covered most of his body from the amoxicillin. He had difficulty breathing. When asked what his first complaint was, my husband said breathing. The doctor commented that the muscle on his back might have been torn from so much coughing but he didn't check it. He was given a new round of Predisone, Advair, Rhinocort nasal spray, and Avelox. He's finally getting better, I'm happy to report.
I took him to the doctor at the Immediate Care Clinic and to see the nurse at the Lincoln Clinic all three times. I've stayed home from work because he was in so much pain, having such a difficult time, and because he became confused. Hopefully I can return to work soon.
Sometimes I think we are in the Dark Ages of medical care and it's a miracle people get better after taking all this medication. It seems to be hit and miss. Why isn't there a hand held scanner that instantly diagnoses with complete accuracy and offers recommended treatment? Where are the little gifted kids who grew up to be doctors who take seriously the profession of medicine and who keep updating their knowledge?
I know from master gardening that it is possible to get a detailed soil analysis from a sample with a readout of exactly what nutrients and minerals are missing so why isn't this possible in medicine for human beings? Why don't you get a printout at the doctor's office when you are sick with a complete listing of what vitamins and minerals you need, what exercises would be best, what foods you should be eating to heal, and what recommended treatments should be given to make you well?
My Computer
My computer has been down for the last two weeks, which halted my progress to write a screenplay in a month for Script Frenzy at http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/. I like things to work, especially my computer.
I don't know what happened to it. This happened before to my last computer which is still unusable. I thought this would be the same but my husband finally got this one going again. It's frustrating! I feel like my progress is halted and stopped when this happens.
Sometimes I wonder whether it is worth being on the computer at all. I've been listening to Kim Commando on the radio in the car when I drive back and forth from Corvallis. It seems like you have to have so much specialized knowledge about protecting yourself on the computer these days.
I don't know what happened to it. This happened before to my last computer which is still unusable. I thought this would be the same but my husband finally got this one going again. It's frustrating! I feel like my progress is halted and stopped when this happens.
Sometimes I wonder whether it is worth being on the computer at all. I've been listening to Kim Commando on the radio in the car when I drive back and forth from Corvallis. It seems like you have to have so much specialized knowledge about protecting yourself on the computer these days.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Gardening
Since my soil needs to be tested and I don't have the money to do everything I need to do to create a garden this year, I've decided to wait until next year. I need to test my soil since my corn had purple throughout the husks last year. My sunflowers dramatically depleted the nitrogen in my soil. I need to create great soil first. I don't have the money to buy great bedding plants from the nursery. Time is also a factor since I can't do everything I want to do in a day. I love working out in the garden early in the morning, especially during the summer. This year I'm planting a cover crop on most of the garden areas to get ready for next year.
Miserable with a Cold
I feel miserable with a cold today. My nose is red from blowing it so much. Yesterday it was hard to work since the last few days, I've been sneezing and blowing my nose every few minutes. I'll be glad when I feel better.
Patent Pending
I received a letter a couple of days ago from the U.S. Patent Office letting me know that my application for a design patent will be considered. This was thrilling for me to see this letter. I've been sitting on several inventions and ideas for several years since I haven't had the money to do anything about it. I thought I would start with easy ideas first to learn the process and see what happens. Pretty exciting stuff!
International Society of Poets
I received a letter on May 5th saying that I am cordially invited to the 21st annual International Society of Poets Convention and Symposium in Las Vegas. I have been nominated as Poet of the Year for 2007. The letter goes on to say that I will be inducted as an International Poet of Merit and Honored Member of the Society for 2007 to 2008.
This is a great honor and I sincerely hope that I am able to attend. Money is the deciding factor.
This is a great honor and I sincerely hope that I am able to attend. Money is the deciding factor.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Joann Fabrics
I love working at Joann Fabrics and Crafts. It's fun. Joann sells everything that I love and everyone who comes through the door has something in common with me.
If I were to dream big and think of how I would do things, I would put out all the freight, move sections, and put back stock in the middle of the night with a night crew. Then the people who work while the store is open can concentrate on giving excellent customer service.
I wish we were a Super Center so we would have classes. That would be fun. I think it's a natural that we have a Super Center in Corvallis with the clothing design program at OSU, 4-H, and sewing classes in the high school and middle schools. Sewing seems to be taking off. People are seeing that you can put your unique spin on a dress with your own fabric choices and embellishments making it a one-of-a-kind design.
We have so many great bargains and sales. The last clearance over Memorial Day weekend had $1 a yard fabric which was an extreme buy! It's easy to sell things at Joann Fabrics because everything's a good buy and something that I believe in. Come and see...........and sign up for the sales fliers so you, too, can know when the great bargains happen on your favorite items.
If I were to dream big and think of how I would do things, I would put out all the freight, move sections, and put back stock in the middle of the night with a night crew. Then the people who work while the store is open can concentrate on giving excellent customer service.
I wish we were a Super Center so we would have classes. That would be fun. I think it's a natural that we have a Super Center in Corvallis with the clothing design program at OSU, 4-H, and sewing classes in the high school and middle schools. Sewing seems to be taking off. People are seeing that you can put your unique spin on a dress with your own fabric choices and embellishments making it a one-of-a-kind design.
We have so many great bargains and sales. The last clearance over Memorial Day weekend had $1 a yard fabric which was an extreme buy! It's easy to sell things at Joann Fabrics because everything's a good buy and something that I believe in. Come and see...........and sign up for the sales fliers so you, too, can know when the great bargains happen on your favorite items.
Weight Watchers
I lost 1.8 pounds yesterday bringing my weight loss total to 12 pounds for the last five weeks. I'll take it. I love Weight Watchers. It's recommended by doctors. It's motivational and positive. It holds you accountable, which I need. I need to Watch what I eat or my eating can get out of control with a little here and a little there and splurging once in awhile.
This was the topic of the day by the leader. She talked about "licks, bites, and tastes" and how they can add up quickly before you know it to an extra 700 calories. I understand this and this is why I need to count and keep track of everything I eat. It's easy as a woman to taste your cooking, think that standing up while you're eating doesn't really count, and to not pay attention to an occasional pass by the nut dish to get a few.
I got a great tip at the meeting from a member. This woman mixes cereals with the highest fiber and the least calories for a unique taste. Sounds great to me. I think I'll try it. Another member likes to use a tiny spoon, a tiny cup, and a tiny plate. I don't think that's for me. I'm the one who used to always go to the "all you can eat" places and do my best to make sure I got my money's worth.
We learned that if you follow all your good health habits that this uses up 98% of your points with only 2% for extras.
I'm trying not to use my weekly points. We learned that we should only use it for an emergency, like a special night out at a restaurant.
We learned that if we aren't losing weight, it's most likely that we aren't monitoring our food intake. I believe that.
I tend to get in an eating rut and eat the same things day after day because I feel they are safe. I like to stick with lots of fresh fruit and stir fry but I'm a little too heavy on the olive oil. I need to be careful to counting it, instead of just pouring.
I'm glad I'm back at Weight Watchers. I weighed 130 pounds for years and I'm determined to get back there. With exercise, healthy eating, and monitoring my food intake, I should make it this time and stay there. Permanent changes are necessary. You just can't think that you can go back to your old ways after you get down to your goal weight.
This was the topic of the day by the leader. She talked about "licks, bites, and tastes" and how they can add up quickly before you know it to an extra 700 calories. I understand this and this is why I need to count and keep track of everything I eat. It's easy as a woman to taste your cooking, think that standing up while you're eating doesn't really count, and to not pay attention to an occasional pass by the nut dish to get a few.
I got a great tip at the meeting from a member. This woman mixes cereals with the highest fiber and the least calories for a unique taste. Sounds great to me. I think I'll try it. Another member likes to use a tiny spoon, a tiny cup, and a tiny plate. I don't think that's for me. I'm the one who used to always go to the "all you can eat" places and do my best to make sure I got my money's worth.
We learned that if you follow all your good health habits that this uses up 98% of your points with only 2% for extras.
I'm trying not to use my weekly points. We learned that we should only use it for an emergency, like a special night out at a restaurant.
We learned that if we aren't losing weight, it's most likely that we aren't monitoring our food intake. I believe that.
I tend to get in an eating rut and eat the same things day after day because I feel they are safe. I like to stick with lots of fresh fruit and stir fry but I'm a little too heavy on the olive oil. I need to be careful to counting it, instead of just pouring.
I'm glad I'm back at Weight Watchers. I weighed 130 pounds for years and I'm determined to get back there. With exercise, healthy eating, and monitoring my food intake, I should make it this time and stay there. Permanent changes are necessary. You just can't think that you can go back to your old ways after you get down to your goal weight.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Script Frenzy
It sure is fun to be deep inside the process of writing a screenplay. This will be my first finished screenplay, if I make it. I'm trying to live up to the challenge of writing the first draft of a screenplay in the month of June for the website www.scriptfrenzy.org.
It's harder since I am working part time. I want to finish my screenplay. I'm writing about the Portland to Coast Volkswalk team I was on in 2003. It sure was fun and exciting and something I had never done before or since. The challenge of being part of a team to walk from Portland to Seaside on the Oregon Coast in a weekend is one I'll never forget so I'm trying to put it into words in the form of a screenplay.
Last month I wanted so much to go to a screenwriting workshop in Portland to learn from Michael Hauge, one of my writing heroes but didn't have the money and had to work. That wasn't possible at that time but trying to participate in Script Frenzy is possible.
So back to work on my screenplay..............
It's harder since I am working part time. I want to finish my screenplay. I'm writing about the Portland to Coast Volkswalk team I was on in 2003. It sure was fun and exciting and something I had never done before or since. The challenge of being part of a team to walk from Portland to Seaside on the Oregon Coast in a weekend is one I'll never forget so I'm trying to put it into words in the form of a screenplay.
Last month I wanted so much to go to a screenwriting workshop in Portland to learn from Michael Hauge, one of my writing heroes but didn't have the money and had to work. That wasn't possible at that time but trying to participate in Script Frenzy is possible.
So back to work on my screenplay..............
Timberhill Athletic Club
Timberhill Athletic Club in Corvallis is building a new outdoor pool with water slides for recreation. It's going to be great for young people when it's finished.
I love exercising in deep water since I learned to overcome my fear in December, 2004. I love to swim slowly back and forth for 30 minutes to an hour. What I am doing can't really be called swimming but I can get from one end of the deep end back to the other end and stay in the water without a problem.
Since the last time that I wrote about Weight Watchers and exercising at Timberhill in this blog, this is how much I have exercised and what I did starting with the last time I went.
May 30--Wednesday
15 minutes swim
1 hour hydrofit
May 29--Tuesday
30 minutes elliptical runner
5 minutes weights for arms
45 minutes hydrofit
May 26--Saturday
1 hour hydrofit
May 24--Thursday
1 hour hydrofit
1 hour water aerobics
May 23--Wednesday
1 hour swim
30 minutes elliptical runner
May 22--Tuesday
1 hour hydrofit
May 21--Monday
30 minutes exercise bike
May 18--Friday
1 hour hydrofit
I should drive in early to exercise this morning but I need to work on my screenplay before going to work today.
I love exercising in deep water since I learned to overcome my fear in December, 2004. I love to swim slowly back and forth for 30 minutes to an hour. What I am doing can't really be called swimming but I can get from one end of the deep end back to the other end and stay in the water without a problem.
Since the last time that I wrote about Weight Watchers and exercising at Timberhill in this blog, this is how much I have exercised and what I did starting with the last time I went.
May 30--Wednesday
15 minutes swim
1 hour hydrofit
May 29--Tuesday
30 minutes elliptical runner
5 minutes weights for arms
45 minutes hydrofit
May 26--Saturday
1 hour hydrofit
May 24--Thursday
1 hour hydrofit
1 hour water aerobics
May 23--Wednesday
1 hour swim
30 minutes elliptical runner
May 22--Tuesday
1 hour hydrofit
May 21--Monday
30 minutes exercise bike
May 18--Friday
1 hour hydrofit
I should drive in early to exercise this morning but I need to work on my screenplay before going to work today.
Weight Watchers
Since I started Weight Watchers a month ago, I've lost over 10 pounds so far. I sure hope I continue to lose. I'm really trying hard. I need to go to Weight Watchers because I need to watch my weight, my portions, and to be held accountable for what I eat. I eat healthy but I can get out of control quickly since I love good food.
At the last meeting I learned that there is no such thing as failure, only feedback or consider it a learning experience. "Refuse to accept anything less than success" was written on a flip chart. Then Nancy talked about Sir Edmund Hilliary after he failed at his first attempt to climb Mount Everest. In front of a large audience, he looked at a photo of the mountain and said, "You've grown all you're going to grow but I'm still growing."
Some great tips were discussed by Nancy:
1. have healthy foods ready to eat that I enjoy eating. 2. keep trouble foods out of sight. 3. relax and take naps. 4. make a unrelenting schedule for meal time. 5. plan your food and outings. 6. take time out for prep time after shopping to cut up your veggies so they aren't wasted. 7. relax with a hobby to feed your soul. 8. keep your house nice so you don't feel stressed. 9. keep away from stressful relationships and toxic friends. 10. accept things that you can't change. 11. have prepared things ready to do that are stress outlets when you want to reach for food.
Nancy talked about a great meal that she made with baby bok choy, hearts of romaine, Mrs. Dash, and boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Sounds great!
Weight Watcher meetings are always inspirational. One member reached her goal weight at the last meeting. Many do with Weight Watchers. You just have to keep going to meetings, keep watching your food portions, and exercise.
At the last meeting I learned that there is no such thing as failure, only feedback or consider it a learning experience. "Refuse to accept anything less than success" was written on a flip chart. Then Nancy talked about Sir Edmund Hilliary after he failed at his first attempt to climb Mount Everest. In front of a large audience, he looked at a photo of the mountain and said, "You've grown all you're going to grow but I'm still growing."
Some great tips were discussed by Nancy:
1. have healthy foods ready to eat that I enjoy eating. 2. keep trouble foods out of sight. 3. relax and take naps. 4. make a unrelenting schedule for meal time. 5. plan your food and outings. 6. take time out for prep time after shopping to cut up your veggies so they aren't wasted. 7. relax with a hobby to feed your soul. 8. keep your house nice so you don't feel stressed. 9. keep away from stressful relationships and toxic friends. 10. accept things that you can't change. 11. have prepared things ready to do that are stress outlets when you want to reach for food.
Nancy talked about a great meal that she made with baby bok choy, hearts of romaine, Mrs. Dash, and boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Sounds great!
Weight Watcher meetings are always inspirational. One member reached her goal weight at the last meeting. Many do with Weight Watchers. You just have to keep going to meetings, keep watching your food portions, and exercise.
So You Think You Can Dance
It sure is fun to be able to watch So You Think You Can Dance on television. I have it saved on Tivo. I'm still not finished with the New York auditions. I'm excited to see what's going to happen this season. This is one of the best shows on television. It gives young people hope and a place to shine after working so many years at dance. I love to see young people develop as the show progresses and see what they can do.
It's fun to see Nigel Lythgoe and the other judges. It's always fun to see Mary laugh. Thank you for bringing this show to showcase the best in dancing.
It's fun to see Nigel Lythgoe and the other judges. It's always fun to see Mary laugh. Thank you for bringing this show to showcase the best in dancing.
Why?
On Monday, May 28th, I had a day off. My husband, Leslie and I went into Corvallis and saw a movie, Pirates of the Caribbean. It was great and for three hours, we escaped into an exciting adventure with Johnny Depp and pirates.
When we came home, I noticed first thing that my red purse was on the kitchen table, even though I had left it across the room next to my other purse just before we left the house. The clasp was bent. I bent it back. Later I found my handwritten notes missing out of my work journal that I didn't have time to type yet. I had punched holes in several sheets from a legal pad and put them in my notebook but they were gone. I found fabric missing--about three yards of Hoffman batik sunflower print that I had been saving for several years because it's my favorite. I went into my bin to discover it was no longer filled to the top but 2/3 of the way full. I found some Hoffman batik sunflower fat quarters in a plastic bag at the bottom but there was a lot of fabric missing. What else is missing?
The bigger question is why does this continue to happen? We have a security system. We pay every month to have a national security system monitor our house and we use it when we leave the house. We closed the gate. No one has keys to the house. After Christmas we changed the locks on the house. Our kids don't have keys to the house. I don't have any close friends and haven't given the key to anyone. So how can this happen? Why? I sure wish someone would have the courage to tell me.
I don't get a lot of phone calls but when I do there are clicks on the line. Why?
I'm trying hard every day to do the best I can--to work hard at my job that I enjoy, to eat healthy, to lose weight, to exercise when I have time, to write, to read. I'm a nice person. So why? I guess this is truly the time of Big Brother but why me?
When we came home, I noticed first thing that my red purse was on the kitchen table, even though I had left it across the room next to my other purse just before we left the house. The clasp was bent. I bent it back. Later I found my handwritten notes missing out of my work journal that I didn't have time to type yet. I had punched holes in several sheets from a legal pad and put them in my notebook but they were gone. I found fabric missing--about three yards of Hoffman batik sunflower print that I had been saving for several years because it's my favorite. I went into my bin to discover it was no longer filled to the top but 2/3 of the way full. I found some Hoffman batik sunflower fat quarters in a plastic bag at the bottom but there was a lot of fabric missing. What else is missing?
The bigger question is why does this continue to happen? We have a security system. We pay every month to have a national security system monitor our house and we use it when we leave the house. We closed the gate. No one has keys to the house. After Christmas we changed the locks on the house. Our kids don't have keys to the house. I don't have any close friends and haven't given the key to anyone. So how can this happen? Why? I sure wish someone would have the courage to tell me.
I don't get a lot of phone calls but when I do there are clicks on the line. Why?
I'm trying hard every day to do the best I can--to work hard at my job that I enjoy, to eat healthy, to lose weight, to exercise when I have time, to write, to read. I'm a nice person. So why? I guess this is truly the time of Big Brother but why me?
Monday, May 21, 2007
Car in the Ditch
It's 7:15 p.m. on Monday evening. A car flew in the ditch in front of our property in Alsea over an hour ago. The man standing next to the car in the third photo is the driver of the car. Three trucks from the Alsea Fire Department are out on the road and a Benton County Sheriff's car. The air bags went off causing brusing to the driver. He's receiving medical attention now. The Corvallis Fire Department ambulance arrived to take the driver into Corvallis. This is a dangerous corner. I don't know how many people have to end up in the ditch before Benton County reroutes traffic to eliminate this corner. This road is unsafe for drivers who frequently end up in the ditch and there is no shoulder for anyone to safely walk this road. Logging trucks and dump trucks go by on this road plus traffic to and from Eugene. People who aren't familiar with this road often end up in the ditch.
It's 8:21 p.m. and the tow truck just pulled the car out of the ditch. They sure make a lot of money on our corner.
Al Gore
ABC Good Morning America just interviewed Al Gore, asked about his new book about President Bush, and whether he will run for President. I would love to see Al Gore run for President. I hope he runs and I would vote for him.
Thank you, Al Gore for having the courage to write your new book, stand up for truth, stand up for environment and important issues that effect all of us.
Thank you, Al Gore for having the courage to write your new book, stand up for truth, stand up for environment and important issues that effect all of us.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Gays
When I lived in Salem, Oregon, I knew a family in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who experienced the repercussions of having a gay son in this church. The grandfather, a Boy Scout leader, molested young boy scouts under his care and his grandson. This young man is an outstanding young man who is creative and good. Is it genetics that makes this young man gay or the unfortunate experience in his youth?
With the wide variation possible in human genetics, it is most likely the genetic component. You can't help how you are inside and what genetics you possess. I can't see anyone making a choice to put themselves out there and choosing to be gay unless they are. Gays receive cruel harrassment in society and often worse. What is the alternative? To hide their identity is sometimes worse than death. This young man has the courage to be himself.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints counsels gays in the church to become heterosexual. How is that possible, if they are born gay? They are being asked to deny who they are. My husband found out when we were serving as missionaries that there are stake presidents who struggle with being gay. This was shocking to me. We sure found out more things about the church serving as missionaries than we ever did since we joined in 1995. It was nice to be part of the church in the beginning but the longer we served in leadership positions, more of the secrets hidden to the majority of the church members were revealed.
I remember reading in Time or Newsweek years ago about a missionary young man in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who committed suicide. He had developed calouses on his knees from hours of torturous praying asking God to please help him. How sad!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints takes on the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ commanded all of us to love thy neighbor as thyself. This means everyone. This means even those people who make us feel uncomfortable. This means those people on the other side of the world who are very different from us. This means those people who are difficult and hard to love. This means those people who we would rather not see or want to have anything to do with. This means everyone, including those who are born much different from us. This is the great challenge of Christianity.
With the wide variation possible in human genetics, it is most likely the genetic component. You can't help how you are inside and what genetics you possess. I can't see anyone making a choice to put themselves out there and choosing to be gay unless they are. Gays receive cruel harrassment in society and often worse. What is the alternative? To hide their identity is sometimes worse than death. This young man has the courage to be himself.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints counsels gays in the church to become heterosexual. How is that possible, if they are born gay? They are being asked to deny who they are. My husband found out when we were serving as missionaries that there are stake presidents who struggle with being gay. This was shocking to me. We sure found out more things about the church serving as missionaries than we ever did since we joined in 1995. It was nice to be part of the church in the beginning but the longer we served in leadership positions, more of the secrets hidden to the majority of the church members were revealed.
I remember reading in Time or Newsweek years ago about a missionary young man in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who committed suicide. He had developed calouses on his knees from hours of torturous praying asking God to please help him. How sad!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints takes on the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ commanded all of us to love thy neighbor as thyself. This means everyone. This means even those people who make us feel uncomfortable. This means those people on the other side of the world who are very different from us. This means those people who are difficult and hard to love. This means those people who we would rather not see or want to have anything to do with. This means everyone, including those who are born much different from us. This is the great challenge of Christianity.
Brothers and Sisters
The Sunday night television season finale of Brothers and Sisters still lingers on my tivo. I'm trying to savor my enjoyment of this captivating show, one of my favorites. Why does it have to be over for the season? Why can't it go on ad infinitum? I love Calista Flockhart and Sally Field the best. I love the interaction of family. I love it all and wish I were part of it. I'll wait for the next time.
I also love Lost, Desperate Housewives, and Grey's Anatomy. Why can't they all go on week after week?
I also love Lost, Desperate Housewives, and Grey's Anatomy. Why can't they all go on week after week?
Sunday, May 20, 2007
LDS Hymn
There is a hymn called IF YOU COULD HIE TO KOLOB on page 284 of the hymnal of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'll share the words with you because it is eye-opening to some of the doctrine of this church. I will first preface by saying that Kolob is the planet where God lives.
"If you could hie to Kolob in the twinkling of an eye,
And then continue onward with that same speed to fly,
Do you think that you could ever, through all eternity,
Find out the generation where Gods began to be?
Or see the grand beginning, where space did not extend?
Or view the last creation, where Gods and matter end?
Me thinks the Spirit whispers, No man has found pure space,
Not seen the outside curtains, where nothing has a place to be?
The works of God continue, and worlds and lives abound;
Improvement and progression have one eternal round
There is no end to matter; There is no end to space;
There is no end to spirit; There is no end to race.
There is no end to virtue; There is no end to might;
There is no end to wisdom; There is no end to light;
There is no end to union; There is no end to youth;
There is no end to priesthood; There is no end to truth.
There is no end to glory; There is no end to love;
There is no end to being; There is no death above;
There is no end to glory; There is no end to love;
There is no end to being; There is no death above."
This was written by William W. Phelps who lived from 1792 to 1872. You can read about him in Doctrine and Covenants section 55. It says he was called and chosen to be baptized, ordained an elder, and to preach the gospel. He worked with Oliver Cowdery, another early church leader. I wonder if Phelps or Cowdery was related to Romney who is running for President?
Doctrine and Covenants 76 is a long section and it talks about how people who live up to the highest standards of the church become celestial beings or gods.
It's interesting that the Reverend Al Sharpton is going to Salt Lake to meet with Mormon leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to say he's sorry for offending Mormons. I wonder if Sharpton wants to learn how to become a god too? Jesus commanded all of us to love thy neighbor as thyself and yet the early Mormon church or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did not recognize or want Blacks in the church.
"If you could hie to Kolob in the twinkling of an eye,
And then continue onward with that same speed to fly,
Do you think that you could ever, through all eternity,
Find out the generation where Gods began to be?
Or see the grand beginning, where space did not extend?
Or view the last creation, where Gods and matter end?
Me thinks the Spirit whispers, No man has found pure space,
Not seen the outside curtains, where nothing has a place to be?
The works of God continue, and worlds and lives abound;
Improvement and progression have one eternal round
There is no end to matter; There is no end to space;
There is no end to spirit; There is no end to race.
There is no end to virtue; There is no end to might;
There is no end to wisdom; There is no end to light;
There is no end to union; There is no end to youth;
There is no end to priesthood; There is no end to truth.
There is no end to glory; There is no end to love;
There is no end to being; There is no death above;
There is no end to glory; There is no end to love;
There is no end to being; There is no death above."
This was written by William W. Phelps who lived from 1792 to 1872. You can read about him in Doctrine and Covenants section 55. It says he was called and chosen to be baptized, ordained an elder, and to preach the gospel. He worked with Oliver Cowdery, another early church leader. I wonder if Phelps or Cowdery was related to Romney who is running for President?
Doctrine and Covenants 76 is a long section and it talks about how people who live up to the highest standards of the church become celestial beings or gods.
It's interesting that the Reverend Al Sharpton is going to Salt Lake to meet with Mormon leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to say he's sorry for offending Mormons. I wonder if Sharpton wants to learn how to become a god too? Jesus commanded all of us to love thy neighbor as thyself and yet the early Mormon church or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did not recognize or want Blacks in the church.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
American Idol
Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle, and Blake Lewis are all Super Stars and will go on to a spectacular career on stage. My favorite is Blake Lewis and once again he wowed me and the audience. I only voted for Blake.
I hate to see American Idol end. It has been so much fun watching all the great talent each week. Now I have SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE to look forward to.
I hate to see American Idol end. It has been so much fun watching all the great talent each week. Now I have SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE to look forward to.
Yachats
Yachats is one of my favorite places to visit. My husband, Leslie and I went there at the first of the month to eat fish and chips at the Blue Whale and to walk a little bit along Ocean View Drive next to the ocean. I've eaten a lot of fish and chips in my life but I have never found better fish and chips than at the Blue Whale in Yachats.
Before we drove to the beach, we stopped at Shirley's where I wanted to buy a sea shell. I ended up buying a large star fish and a pair of purple NothinZ, which are like Crocs. I also have a pair of red Crocs. Both are comfortable and I enjoy wearing them around the house, instead of slippers. These are the squishy shoes with the holes that are so popular now. We also sell some at Joann Fabrics that are now on sale.
Before we drove to the beach, we stopped at Shirley's where I wanted to buy a sea shell. I ended up buying a large star fish and a pair of purple NothinZ, which are like Crocs. I also have a pair of red Crocs. Both are comfortable and I enjoy wearing them around the house, instead of slippers. These are the squishy shoes with the holes that are so popular now. We also sell some at Joann Fabrics that are now on sale.
Timberhill Athletic Club
After Weight Watchers, I went to Timberhill Athletic Club and swam in the pool slowly for one hour and then I went upstairs to exercise. I was able to finish 30 minutes on the elliptical runner, 5 minutes on the Nu Step, 15 minutes on the exercise bike, and 15 minutes on the weight machines for arms. Then I headed down stairs when I saw someone from the Tai Chi class who escorted me back upstairs for 45 minutes of Tai Chi.
Tai Chi is relaxing, calming, and continuous movement. Although it is hard for me to consider this serious exercise, it is relaxing and for balance. I remember when my husband and I went on vacation to China with Ocean Pacific Tours in September of 1993, I watched people coming from every corner to a large open square in the early morning light for tai chi. It was extraordinary to watch from our hotel room way up high. Les, my husband had always wanted to walk on the Great Wall in China, which we did. I've always wanted to visit Sweden. Someday I will.
Tai Chi is relaxing, calming, and continuous movement. Although it is hard for me to consider this serious exercise, it is relaxing and for balance. I remember when my husband and I went on vacation to China with Ocean Pacific Tours in September of 1993, I watched people coming from every corner to a large open square in the early morning light for tai chi. It was extraordinary to watch from our hotel room way up high. Les, my husband had always wanted to walk on the Great Wall in China, which we did. I've always wanted to visit Sweden. Someday I will.
Weight Watchers
I went to the Weight Watchers meeting at 9:15 hopeful that I had lost weight and I did. I lost 7.6 pounds! Pretty good! What I did to lose the weight was to meticulously count points in my journal, eat core foods on the flex program, exercise, and say to myself that I weigh 150 pounds. It worked so I will do this again this next week. Last week I've discovered the shrimp is an essential food. One cup of shrimp is only two points. Stir fried in olive oil or teriyaki sauce, it makes a great compliment to large chunks of onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms stir fried in olive oil. I also gave up diet pop this week.
The topic this week was about cravings. Nancy, the leader wore a name tag that said she had lost 83 pounds. My leader last year was named Nancy too. She said to acknowledge the craving, avoid self judgments, remain calm, consider the consequences, step into action by considering portion size and thinking about alternative choices. I think that cinnamon rolls were mentioned too many times during this meeting. Urges are all about feelings and situations. You are supposed to remain calm, manage the situation, remove the temptation, eat something else or do something else. I learned that 4 points are cut off of a whopper at Burger King by saying no mayonnaise, throwing away the bottom bun, and asking for extra lettuce and tomato. This I will have to do because I love whoppers.
The woman sitting in front of me during the meeting was wearing a beautiful Scandinavian ski sweater. After the meeting we walked out to the parking lot together and I asked her about her sweater. I thought she had made it. It's a cotton, light-weight Eddie Bauer sweater, perfect for the summer. It's beautiful. Eddie Bauer's catalog is full of practical, beautiful, excellent quality garments that will last and that you'll be proud to wear. www.eddiebauer.com
The topic this week was about cravings. Nancy, the leader wore a name tag that said she had lost 83 pounds. My leader last year was named Nancy too. She said to acknowledge the craving, avoid self judgments, remain calm, consider the consequences, step into action by considering portion size and thinking about alternative choices. I think that cinnamon rolls were mentioned too many times during this meeting. Urges are all about feelings and situations. You are supposed to remain calm, manage the situation, remove the temptation, eat something else or do something else. I learned that 4 points are cut off of a whopper at Burger King by saying no mayonnaise, throwing away the bottom bun, and asking for extra lettuce and tomato. This I will have to do because I love whoppers.
The woman sitting in front of me during the meeting was wearing a beautiful Scandinavian ski sweater. After the meeting we walked out to the parking lot together and I asked her about her sweater. I thought she had made it. It's a cotton, light-weight Eddie Bauer sweater, perfect for the summer. It's beautiful. Eddie Bauer's catalog is full of practical, beautiful, excellent quality garments that will last and that you'll be proud to wear. www.eddiebauer.com
Monday, May 14, 2007
Script Frenzy
Chris Baty, the originator of National Novel Writing Month in November has created a new writing challenge beginning in June called Script Frenzy. The goal is to write 20,000 words of a screenplay or play during the month of June. This translates to 120 pages or 4 pages a day. Chris Baty has done an amazing job of inspiring writers around the world with National Novel Writing Month and now he's added this challenge. Chris Baty is a writing hero!
I signed up and look forward to the frenzy! www.scriptfrenzy.org
There is another wonderful writing opportunity coming up on May 19th, this Saturday. I just found it in the writing events that I get in an e-mail. Michael Hauge is coming to Portland. He's one of my writing heroes and he's teaching a one day workshop in Portland on "the essential steps to creating and selling your novel or screenplay." I wish I could go. I have to work plus I don't have the money. I'm determined to be able to have the savings ready the next time he comes. (I started a 401K and savings account last month.) I have listened to one of his tapes, THE HEROES TWO JOURNEYS that I checked out from the library, and bought his book, WRITING SCREENPLAYS THAT SELL. I wrote to him and he was kind enough to send me an encouraging letter. I'm going to read Hauge's book again to get ready for Script Frenzy.
Daniel Haber
I'm so proud of my son, Daniel. He's my inspiration and one of my heroes. He works hard every day for long hours and keeps focused on goals important to him. I don't know anyone else who has so carefully planned his life and has worked hard to accomplish his goals. He has integrity and feels the responsibility to do his best. Right now he's working at Battell in Mountain View, California as a Research Scientist working on projects with NASA and the transportation industry.
Daniel just ran his first marathon--the Eugene Marathon with a time of 4 hours and 3 minutes.
I often wear the Scandinavian ski sweater he bought for me when he was visiting our family in Sweden. He worked in Berlin, Germany at a pharmaceutical company to gain international business experience for nine months and attended the Copenhagen School of Business for a summer.
Daniel was President of Sigma Pi when he was going to school at Oregon State University. He also worked for Office Max in Corvallis, did community service, and earned a degree in accounting.
I'm proud of the person that Daniel is inside and will always be proud of him.
Daniel just ran his first marathon--the Eugene Marathon with a time of 4 hours and 3 minutes.
I often wear the Scandinavian ski sweater he bought for me when he was visiting our family in Sweden. He worked in Berlin, Germany at a pharmaceutical company to gain international business experience for nine months and attended the Copenhagen School of Business for a summer.
Daniel was President of Sigma Pi when he was going to school at Oregon State University. He also worked for Office Max in Corvallis, did community service, and earned a degree in accounting.
I'm proud of the person that Daniel is inside and will always be proud of him.
This Is NOT the Life I Ordered
I just finished reading the book, THIS IS NOT THE LIFE I ORDERED--50 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER WHEN LIFE KEEPS DRAGGING YOU DOWN by Deborah Collins Stephens, Jackie Speier, Michealene Cristini Risley, and Jan Yanehiro. On the front cover is a quote by Amy Tan, one of my favorite authors, "...Inspiration to survive the worst luck and ...climb into a new life with unexpected happiness." I just got it for Mother's Day from my youngest son, Daniel. He also gave me fresh flowers and a wonderful Hallmark card that I will always keep.
This inspirational and motivational book that was just published this year has a clear message for women in my situation who have woke up one day and discovered that their life hasn't turned out as they expected. It's full of great quotes and inspiring stories of strong women. The clear message is that women, especially my age, have grown up believing that their husband will solve all the problems or a white knight on a silver horse will come and rescue them. This isn't the case. The clear message is to grow up and realize that we have to solve our own problems because there isn't anyone out there who is going to solve them for us. Unless we learn to reach out and learn, ask questions, and solve our own problems, we will continue to sit in our own muck.
I can't say that my life totally sucks. I just thought I would be rich, able to travel, and have accomplished great things in life by now. I do have many things to be thankful for so I will build on them, work on my writing, and do those things within my power to make my life better.
This is a book that I will read over and over through the coming years. It's worth buying a copy. Go to www.amazon.com to order yourself a copy or to give one as a gift.
This inspirational and motivational book that was just published this year has a clear message for women in my situation who have woke up one day and discovered that their life hasn't turned out as they expected. It's full of great quotes and inspiring stories of strong women. The clear message is that women, especially my age, have grown up believing that their husband will solve all the problems or a white knight on a silver horse will come and rescue them. This isn't the case. The clear message is to grow up and realize that we have to solve our own problems because there isn't anyone out there who is going to solve them for us. Unless we learn to reach out and learn, ask questions, and solve our own problems, we will continue to sit in our own muck.
I can't say that my life totally sucks. I just thought I would be rich, able to travel, and have accomplished great things in life by now. I do have many things to be thankful for so I will build on them, work on my writing, and do those things within my power to make my life better.
This is a book that I will read over and over through the coming years. It's worth buying a copy. Go to www.amazon.com to order yourself a copy or to give one as a gift.
Polygamy
Massachusetts Governor Romney said on the news recently that he's disgusted and ashamed of his ancestors practicing polygamy in the desert. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Romney says he doesn't believe in Doctrine and Covenants 132 and will not practice it. Interesting..............
One of my letters to Salt Lake was asking about Doctrine and Covenants 132. I wanted to know why scriptures are being printed with Doctrine and Covenants 132. This is the polygamy chapter. Mormons or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints study four texts composed of the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine of Covenants. Then there is also the Pearl of Great Price. These books are put together in a quad and are complete with translation approved by the church. If you have a Mormon neighbor, ask him to bring over his quad and read this chapter out loud or ask to borrow it. See what you think about it.
My interpretation is that Doctrine and Covenants 132 says that polygamy is a practice ordained by God or Heavenly Father, (which means the God of this world as there are Gods of other worlds who were exalted beings. I have always believed in ONE God, the Father, and the Holy Ghost. I learned a lot about this church that I didn't know when I first joined.)
I've overheard conversations of women in Relief Society talking about polygamy and when it will be practiced again. Some don't want to have anything to do with it and others want to do the Lord's will and follow what is asked of them. The perks are having help with housework. I've overheard conversations in the hallway of men and in Gospel Doctrines class who say that they look forward to it. It will be hard on them but they will follow God's will and do what is asked of them. Yeah, sure! Others, like Romney, are disgusted.
If this church keeps printing Doctrine and Covenants 132 and the official verdict is that polygamy is no longer practiced, then why should anyone who belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follow anything written in the Old Testament and New Testament either? They pick and choose depending on what is popular and what can be tolerated in the current political climate. They care less about what is right, what God wants them to do, than finding justification for carrying out what they want to do and to keep tax free status. They have answers for everything. Did you know that Heavenly Father lives on the planet Kolob? (See Hymn #284.) I think the early married leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lusted after young women and found a way to make polygamy okay within the church by delaring that God asked them to take on extra wives. I think this is the real truth.
I do not believe in polygamy. I have never believed in polygamy. I find it interesting that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints so self-righteously denounces and denies that it has any thing to do with polygamy when some of the members discuss with anticipation the time when it will once again be practiced.
One of my letters to Salt Lake was asking about Doctrine and Covenants 132. I wanted to know why scriptures are being printed with Doctrine and Covenants 132. This is the polygamy chapter. Mormons or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints study four texts composed of the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine of Covenants. Then there is also the Pearl of Great Price. These books are put together in a quad and are complete with translation approved by the church. If you have a Mormon neighbor, ask him to bring over his quad and read this chapter out loud or ask to borrow it. See what you think about it.
My interpretation is that Doctrine and Covenants 132 says that polygamy is a practice ordained by God or Heavenly Father, (which means the God of this world as there are Gods of other worlds who were exalted beings. I have always believed in ONE God, the Father, and the Holy Ghost. I learned a lot about this church that I didn't know when I first joined.)
I've overheard conversations of women in Relief Society talking about polygamy and when it will be practiced again. Some don't want to have anything to do with it and others want to do the Lord's will and follow what is asked of them. The perks are having help with housework. I've overheard conversations in the hallway of men and in Gospel Doctrines class who say that they look forward to it. It will be hard on them but they will follow God's will and do what is asked of them. Yeah, sure! Others, like Romney, are disgusted.
If this church keeps printing Doctrine and Covenants 132 and the official verdict is that polygamy is no longer practiced, then why should anyone who belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follow anything written in the Old Testament and New Testament either? They pick and choose depending on what is popular and what can be tolerated in the current political climate. They care less about what is right, what God wants them to do, than finding justification for carrying out what they want to do and to keep tax free status. They have answers for everything. Did you know that Heavenly Father lives on the planet Kolob? (See Hymn #284.) I think the early married leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lusted after young women and found a way to make polygamy okay within the church by delaring that God asked them to take on extra wives. I think this is the real truth.
I do not believe in polygamy. I have never believed in polygamy. I find it interesting that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints so self-righteously denounces and denies that it has any thing to do with polygamy when some of the members discuss with anticipation the time when it will once again be practiced.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Survivor Fiji
Yauman is the one who I want to win. He calmly thinks, plans, and plays the game with integrity. He constantly amazes me winning challenges. Last night when he gave Dreamz the truck, it was interesting how quickly Dreamz was ready to betray the kindness. I'm glad Yauman used the immunity idol since everyone was positioned and ready to vote him out.
I love Survivor--the show that allows the child in the adult to play, to test limits, to challenge, and to have fun.
How nice that Survivor gave to equipment to the school on the island. What a great thrill to watch.
Next we have Pirate Master to watch coming up at the end of May. This should prove to be a lot of fun. Every show connected to survivor is excellent and the best in television programming.
I love Survivor--the show that allows the child in the adult to play, to test limits, to challenge, and to have fun.
How nice that Survivor gave to equipment to the school on the island. What a great thrill to watch.
Next we have Pirate Master to watch coming up at the end of May. This should prove to be a lot of fun. Every show connected to survivor is excellent and the best in television programming.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Alec Baldwin
I watched the View when Alec Baldwin told his story. It's unfortunate but public figures can't be human beings and make mistakes without someone taking advantage and putting it all in front of everyone to pick apart and judge.
Alec Baldwin is a gifted and brilliant actor. Kim Basinger is a gifted actress. They both found success on the screen and joined in marriage. Ireland is a beautiful young girl who, I suspect, must also be brilliant, talented, and gifted. Ireland is learning that she can hurt her father deeply by withdrawing her attention. She's learned what hurts her father most. Her father, in a human moment, got mad. What parent doesn't get mad at times? Alec Baldwin obviously loves his daughter very much. Calling Ireland a pig isn't cool but it is appropriate as a parent to call her on her actions without name calling and expect her to be responsible and accountable for her actions. This is part of parenting and part of growing up.
I sincerely hope all of them can heal in their hearts and they can learn to come together without conflict, without games, without being hurtful. Ireland needs both of her parents to get along.
Alec Baldwin is a gifted and brilliant actor. Kim Basinger is a gifted actress. They both found success on the screen and joined in marriage. Ireland is a beautiful young girl who, I suspect, must also be brilliant, talented, and gifted. Ireland is learning that she can hurt her father deeply by withdrawing her attention. She's learned what hurts her father most. Her father, in a human moment, got mad. What parent doesn't get mad at times? Alec Baldwin obviously loves his daughter very much. Calling Ireland a pig isn't cool but it is appropriate as a parent to call her on her actions without name calling and expect her to be responsible and accountable for her actions. This is part of parenting and part of growing up.
I sincerely hope all of them can heal in their hearts and they can learn to come together without conflict, without games, without being hurtful. Ireland needs both of her parents to get along.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton is in the news again and I seem to have a different opinion than most. A few years ago, I watched Paris and her friend on a reality show in the mid-west on a farm as she was learning to connect with people much different than her. I thought it showed that Paris was compassionate and had a kind heart. She wanted to please. It showed courage to put herself out there to learn to connect with people very different from her. It was obvious that she hadn't learned some lessons that most her age take for granted because she's rich. Things are done for the rich. They don't have to do most of the things which develop lessons in character and discipline but why should she have to work hard and never give up when she already had everything she could ever want?
I haven't paid attention to much of the news about Paris. I don't find pleasure in seeing someone mess up.
I see Paris as a gifted young woman who didn't get the proper direction for her talents. Her energies should have been channeled into projects that she would find exciting. Until this happens in her life and she finds a mentor who wants her to win, she is going to continue acting out. Paris is capable of accomplishing anything she wants to accomplish in life once she decides on getting serious and focuses on what she wants to do. She's strong willed. She's smart. She's beautiful. She has it all except direction and focus on a goal. I'm sure her parents would support her in anything she wants to accomplish. Her Dad couldn't be Mr. Hilton, if he weren't a brilliant business man. Hilton Hotels represent excellence in hotels and service. Mr. Hilton wouldn't enjoy being around Mrs. Hilton, if she weren't smart and able to hold his interest so it stands to reason that Paris has inherited the genes of intelligence. More likely than not.
Not all parents know what to do to help a gifted kid and trust educators, who often fail miserably to help them. Parents often love their children so much that they only want to say yes, when saying no is what is needed. Parents need to learn the long term consequences when they are saying yes to their little children for everything the child wants. It isn't conducive to go out into the world to become an independent, contributing, well-adjusted adult. How is a young person going to do well in school if his parents give in to his every whim of not wanting to do this or that?
Most educators think that gifted kids don't need any help. That isn't true. The gifted often become bored and disruptive when they are allowed to sit without being taught and challenged. The gifted often do not reach their potential, if they don't receive a proper education. What a waste!
Paris needs to take a serious look to evaluate what she wants to do but she needs someone who genuinely cares about her and wants her to win to help focus her life into a positive direction. Paris is acting out, as many gifted kids because she wants attention. Negative attention will do when you don't get positive attention but this is becoming self distructive and has to stop.
Paris needs to make a decision about what direction her life should take and then set about moving each goal forward daily or weekly. She has the resources to win at anything she wants to do. Paris loves to be in front of the camera and in front of a crowd so she needs to find something that would respect her, keep within appropriate boundaries that would be constructive and that she finds exciting.
It doesn't help to put gifted women in prison, like Martha Stewart or Paris Hilton. There needs to be a different solution. I haven't seen Martha Stewart much since she was in prison. I sent a letter to her while she was in prison. Why do people seem to feel the need to be so cruel to smart women who make unfortunate choices. Martha didn't do anything that hundreds of men haven't done for years without ever having a problem. Men who make greater mistakes aren't punished as severely. I didn't ever see ENRON GUY in prison. Loop holes are found for smart, rich men, not women. Martha Stewart seems to have the wind taken out of her sail. I wonder if she will ever be the same again. I find this tragic and I don't want to see this happen to Paris Hilton.
I haven't paid attention to much of the news about Paris. I don't find pleasure in seeing someone mess up.
I see Paris as a gifted young woman who didn't get the proper direction for her talents. Her energies should have been channeled into projects that she would find exciting. Until this happens in her life and she finds a mentor who wants her to win, she is going to continue acting out. Paris is capable of accomplishing anything she wants to accomplish in life once she decides on getting serious and focuses on what she wants to do. She's strong willed. She's smart. She's beautiful. She has it all except direction and focus on a goal. I'm sure her parents would support her in anything she wants to accomplish. Her Dad couldn't be Mr. Hilton, if he weren't a brilliant business man. Hilton Hotels represent excellence in hotels and service. Mr. Hilton wouldn't enjoy being around Mrs. Hilton, if she weren't smart and able to hold his interest so it stands to reason that Paris has inherited the genes of intelligence. More likely than not.
Not all parents know what to do to help a gifted kid and trust educators, who often fail miserably to help them. Parents often love their children so much that they only want to say yes, when saying no is what is needed. Parents need to learn the long term consequences when they are saying yes to their little children for everything the child wants. It isn't conducive to go out into the world to become an independent, contributing, well-adjusted adult. How is a young person going to do well in school if his parents give in to his every whim of not wanting to do this or that?
Most educators think that gifted kids don't need any help. That isn't true. The gifted often become bored and disruptive when they are allowed to sit without being taught and challenged. The gifted often do not reach their potential, if they don't receive a proper education. What a waste!
Paris needs to take a serious look to evaluate what she wants to do but she needs someone who genuinely cares about her and wants her to win to help focus her life into a positive direction. Paris is acting out, as many gifted kids because she wants attention. Negative attention will do when you don't get positive attention but this is becoming self distructive and has to stop.
Paris needs to make a decision about what direction her life should take and then set about moving each goal forward daily or weekly. She has the resources to win at anything she wants to do. Paris loves to be in front of the camera and in front of a crowd so she needs to find something that would respect her, keep within appropriate boundaries that would be constructive and that she finds exciting.
It doesn't help to put gifted women in prison, like Martha Stewart or Paris Hilton. There needs to be a different solution. I haven't seen Martha Stewart much since she was in prison. I sent a letter to her while she was in prison. Why do people seem to feel the need to be so cruel to smart women who make unfortunate choices. Martha didn't do anything that hundreds of men haven't done for years without ever having a problem. Men who make greater mistakes aren't punished as severely. I didn't ever see ENRON GUY in prison. Loop holes are found for smart, rich men, not women. Martha Stewart seems to have the wind taken out of her sail. I wonder if she will ever be the same again. I find this tragic and I don't want to see this happen to Paris Hilton.
Weight Watchers
I was happy to rejoin Weight Watchers yesterday morning. I need it. It's good for me. Weight Watchers holds me accountable for my portions of food on the plate. I learn and am inspired at every meeting.
My last meeting was in June of 2006 and I had weighed 262. Yesterday morning I weighed 265. I weighed 135 in high school, college and the first several years of my marriage. Now it's time to finally get the weight off and keep it off for good.
I took notes at the meeting and here's what I learned:
Stay focused with your LENS.
L ook for habits that need change.
E at using the food plan of choice.
N udge your body into action.
S eek support to reach your goals.
There are four ways to approach weight loss:
1. Attend weekly meetings.
2. Eat wisely.
3. Think first.
4. Move more.
There were some great tips shared during the meeting that brought laughter. One woman put yellow caution tape across her cupboards with tempting foods. Another woman puts chocolate chips on the highest shelf out of reach and out of sight.
I learned that delay tactics are good for emotional eaters and to drink water and plan before acting on your urge to eat something you want. Constant snackers need to move more. It's important to preplan all meals.
Well, I'm happy to be back at Weight Watchers. I did great my first day back with Weight Watchers with my eating plan. I realized yesterday that I have been drizzling a little too much olive oil on my stir fry. Oh, well.................
My last meeting was in June of 2006 and I had weighed 262. Yesterday morning I weighed 265. I weighed 135 in high school, college and the first several years of my marriage. Now it's time to finally get the weight off and keep it off for good.
I took notes at the meeting and here's what I learned:
Stay focused with your LENS.
L ook for habits that need change.
E at using the food plan of choice.
N udge your body into action.
S eek support to reach your goals.
There are four ways to approach weight loss:
1. Attend weekly meetings.
2. Eat wisely.
3. Think first.
4. Move more.
There were some great tips shared during the meeting that brought laughter. One woman put yellow caution tape across her cupboards with tempting foods. Another woman puts chocolate chips on the highest shelf out of reach and out of sight.
I learned that delay tactics are good for emotional eaters and to drink water and plan before acting on your urge to eat something you want. Constant snackers need to move more. It's important to preplan all meals.
Well, I'm happy to be back at Weight Watchers. I did great my first day back with Weight Watchers with my eating plan. I realized yesterday that I have been drizzling a little too much olive oil on my stir fry. Oh, well.................
Choices
I started Weight Watchers yesterday morning again. I was surprised to see that it had been almost a year since I last went to a meeting. I didn't do too bad in a year. I held my own. I had only gained 4 pounds. It could have been a lot worse. It's important that I come to the meetings. Weight Watchers holds my portions of food accountable. It's hard for me to do it on my own. I eat pretty healthy but I can easily overeat and put heaping portions on a plate or eat an entire watermelon in a day.
After Weight Watchers, I put myself back on active status at Timberhill Athletic Club. I decided that this was another essential choice for my need to be healthy. Health must come first and since I have no health insurance or savings, my membership in this club is my insurance policy. I hadn't really exercised in nine months so I was a little surprised that I was able to swim slowly for 30 minutes, do 15 minutes on the exercise bike, 15 minutes on the elliptical runner, and 15 minutes of lifting weights for the arms. That's not a lot and that's not as much as I was able to do before I left but it's a start. It felt like heaven to be in deep water in the pool. I think I broke my foot in a fall at work at the first of the month. My husband said there is nothing you can do for it. He had a broken foot once. He walked our daughter down the isle with a broken foot. All they do is put on a padded foot brace and it heals on its own. The padded foot brace costs several hundred dollars so it will just have to heal on its own. It doesn't hurt as much but it does prevent me from yearning to go out there in the garden and walking on the uneven ground. My feet and legs felt better after exercising yesterday so I will be fine.
I do regret one choice yesterday. Bob Welch spoke in Newport last night at 7 p.m. I didn't check the time in my e-mail writers announcements until 5:30 p.m. Newport is at least 1 1/2 hours away from my house and that's if I know exactly where to go in Newport. Traffic would have to be just right for me to make it on time plus I wasn't ready. I'm ashamed that I wasn't more organized and ready to go because I missed out big time. Bob Welch is the author of nine books, a columnist at the Eugene Register-Guard, and a professor at the University of Oregon. He spoke on "persistence: the marathon of researching, writing, and selling non-fiction." This was exactly what I needed to hear. Why do I let myself miss out? I reach for the brass ring and fall short. I hope I have another chance. Opportunities like this don't happen every day. I wish Willamette Writers and Oregon Writers Colony would have speakers in Corvallis. There are so many writers in Corvallis. It's hard with gas prices going up so high.
After chiding myself inwardly for not being more organized and going to Newport, I turned my anxiety into my writing and finished my assignment seven for my novel writing course with Long Ridge Writers Group. I finished it and it's good but could still use some revision.
This morning I was reading the book Daniel gave me for Mother's Day entitled, THIS IS NOT THE LIFE I ORDERED--50 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER WHEN LIFE KEEPS DRAGGING YOU DOWN. It's a great book of inspirational stories. I got it in the mail on Monday and I'm on page 100. This morning I came across two parts I'll share with you that have great meaning for me.
"All of us have had to confront an individual or organization that 'wronged' us. It wasn't easy. Yet we are all glad we didn't suffer in silence and allow the inappropriate situation to continue." page 98
And then here's a quote by Ayn Rand, one of my favorite writers that I discovered in college in the late 60's at Oregon College of Education, now Western Oregon University.
"Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have not been able to reach."
--Ayn Rand, Russian-born novelist and philosopher (1905-1982)
Insprired by Rand and a quote that came in my Writer's Digest Book Club booklet to remember that talking about writing is not writing, research is not writing, planning to write is not writing, reading about writing is not writing, and that only writing is writing, I'll go and write.
After Weight Watchers, I put myself back on active status at Timberhill Athletic Club. I decided that this was another essential choice for my need to be healthy. Health must come first and since I have no health insurance or savings, my membership in this club is my insurance policy. I hadn't really exercised in nine months so I was a little surprised that I was able to swim slowly for 30 minutes, do 15 minutes on the exercise bike, 15 minutes on the elliptical runner, and 15 minutes of lifting weights for the arms. That's not a lot and that's not as much as I was able to do before I left but it's a start. It felt like heaven to be in deep water in the pool. I think I broke my foot in a fall at work at the first of the month. My husband said there is nothing you can do for it. He had a broken foot once. He walked our daughter down the isle with a broken foot. All they do is put on a padded foot brace and it heals on its own. The padded foot brace costs several hundred dollars so it will just have to heal on its own. It doesn't hurt as much but it does prevent me from yearning to go out there in the garden and walking on the uneven ground. My feet and legs felt better after exercising yesterday so I will be fine.
I do regret one choice yesterday. Bob Welch spoke in Newport last night at 7 p.m. I didn't check the time in my e-mail writers announcements until 5:30 p.m. Newport is at least 1 1/2 hours away from my house and that's if I know exactly where to go in Newport. Traffic would have to be just right for me to make it on time plus I wasn't ready. I'm ashamed that I wasn't more organized and ready to go because I missed out big time. Bob Welch is the author of nine books, a columnist at the Eugene Register-Guard, and a professor at the University of Oregon. He spoke on "persistence: the marathon of researching, writing, and selling non-fiction." This was exactly what I needed to hear. Why do I let myself miss out? I reach for the brass ring and fall short. I hope I have another chance. Opportunities like this don't happen every day. I wish Willamette Writers and Oregon Writers Colony would have speakers in Corvallis. There are so many writers in Corvallis. It's hard with gas prices going up so high.
After chiding myself inwardly for not being more organized and going to Newport, I turned my anxiety into my writing and finished my assignment seven for my novel writing course with Long Ridge Writers Group. I finished it and it's good but could still use some revision.
This morning I was reading the book Daniel gave me for Mother's Day entitled, THIS IS NOT THE LIFE I ORDERED--50 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER WHEN LIFE KEEPS DRAGGING YOU DOWN. It's a great book of inspirational stories. I got it in the mail on Monday and I'm on page 100. This morning I came across two parts I'll share with you that have great meaning for me.
"All of us have had to confront an individual or organization that 'wronged' us. It wasn't easy. Yet we are all glad we didn't suffer in silence and allow the inappropriate situation to continue." page 98
And then here's a quote by Ayn Rand, one of my favorite writers that I discovered in college in the late 60's at Oregon College of Education, now Western Oregon University.
"Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have not been able to reach."
--Ayn Rand, Russian-born novelist and philosopher (1905-1982)
Insprired by Rand and a quote that came in my Writer's Digest Book Club booklet to remember that talking about writing is not writing, research is not writing, planning to write is not writing, reading about writing is not writing, and that only writing is writing, I'll go and write.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Bob Proctor
I subscribe to the daily INSIGHT OF THE DAY from www.insightoftheday.com. I love the inspirational daily e-mails.
Today's quote was by Earl Nightingale, one of my favorite inspirational writers. I've listened to many of his cassette tapes that I've checked out from the library.
"A great attitude does more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitious opportunities that were somehow absent before we changed."
Isn't that great!
Bob Proctor is advertising on his website a cruise down the Mexican Rivera sailing on October 6, 2007. This should be a cruise of a life time with each minute packed with positive thinking energy. It is a big stretch and dream but I wish I could go. I keep waiting to hear the words that I won $5,000 a week for life when Publishers Clearinghouse comes to my door. Maybe someday...............
Thank you Bob Proctor for the great inspirational e-mails, an outstanding website, and great contribution to everyone who subscribes.
Today's quote was by Earl Nightingale, one of my favorite inspirational writers. I've listened to many of his cassette tapes that I've checked out from the library.
"A great attitude does more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitious opportunities that were somehow absent before we changed."
Isn't that great!
Bob Proctor is advertising on his website a cruise down the Mexican Rivera sailing on October 6, 2007. This should be a cruise of a life time with each minute packed with positive thinking energy. It is a big stretch and dream but I wish I could go. I keep waiting to hear the words that I won $5,000 a week for life when Publishers Clearinghouse comes to my door. Maybe someday...............
Thank you Bob Proctor for the great inspirational e-mails, an outstanding website, and great contribution to everyone who subscribes.
American Idol
I love Blake Lewis from Seattle! Blake pulled out all the stops and pushed the cool factor off the charts.
It was great to see Jon Bon Jovi this week. Everyone loves Bon Jovi. I sure do. Jon Bon Jovi is the essence of cool. I loved watching him on Ally McBeal, one of my all time favorite shows. I can see Blake being as successful and popular as Bon Jovi. It would be fun to see them on stage together at a concert.
I only voted for Blake this time. Yes, I know that Melinda is great and the others are talented and amazing too but I love Blake Lewis.
Thank you American Idol for all the fun each week! Thank you Simon Fuller and Simon Cowell for bringing excellence in entertainment to America and for igniting the hopes and dreams in talented young people.
It was great to see Jon Bon Jovi this week. Everyone loves Bon Jovi. I sure do. Jon Bon Jovi is the essence of cool. I loved watching him on Ally McBeal, one of my all time favorite shows. I can see Blake being as successful and popular as Bon Jovi. It would be fun to see them on stage together at a concert.
I only voted for Blake this time. Yes, I know that Melinda is great and the others are talented and amazing too but I love Blake Lewis.
Thank you American Idol for all the fun each week! Thank you Simon Fuller and Simon Cowell for bringing excellence in entertainment to America and for igniting the hopes and dreams in talented young people.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Arnold Schwarzenegger
I admire the Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger. He's truly a political super hero. On Sunday night a tanker truck exploded on an Oakland freeway overpass, which caused it to collapse. Since this is an important transportation artery, Schwarzenegger was out there early the next morning solving problems to make sure the people of California win in spite of problems. He reacted quick and strong by telling people to leave their cars at home and ride public transportation free.
It sure makes me wonder how Arnold Schwarzenegger would have responded during the disaster in New Orleans. I can bet with almost certainty that he would have reacted quickly with great solutions to help the people of New Orleans, unlike President Bush.
I've always admired Arnold Schwarzenegger. I love it that he's married into the Kennedy family, the political family I admire most. I admire his wife, Maria. I admire his energy, great mind, and discipline. I guess I'm surprised he's a Republican. He cares less about reacting like a Republican than he does about bringing real solutions to problems to help the people of California. He's a great leader and a great man.
It sure makes me wonder how Arnold Schwarzenegger would have responded during the disaster in New Orleans. I can bet with almost certainty that he would have reacted quickly with great solutions to help the people of New Orleans, unlike President Bush.
I've always admired Arnold Schwarzenegger. I love it that he's married into the Kennedy family, the political family I admire most. I admire his wife, Maria. I admire his energy, great mind, and discipline. I guess I'm surprised he's a Republican. He cares less about reacting like a Republican than he does about bringing real solutions to problems to help the people of California. He's a great leader and a great man.
Marathon Space Blankets
Everyone coming through the finish line of the Eugene Marathon received a silver space blanket. I also saw this at the Portland Marathon. I'm sure this is common in most marathons.
It sure would be a nice thing to do, IF you don't want to keep your space blanket, to give it to your nearest homeless shelter so it could be recycled and help someone in great need.
It sure would be a nice thing to do, IF you don't want to keep your space blanket, to give it to your nearest homeless shelter so it could be recycled and help someone in great need.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Eugene Marathon 2007
On April 29th on Sunday, my sons, Benjamin and Daniel Haber ran in the inaugural Eugene Marathon. Ben is approaching the finish line in the first photo. In the second photo is Daniel on the left and Ben on the right. This was one of the best days of my life to see both my sons come through the finish line strong with great times. Ben came in with a personal record of 2 hours and 30 minutes coming in 13th place and Daniel came in with 4 hours and 3 minutes for his first marathon. It was thrilling to watch at the finish line. Ben is sponsored by Brooks, Seattle Running Club, and is an elite distance runner.
Everyone who entered the race received a beautiful Nike marathon shirt. I sure thought that was nice since this doesn't happen in all marathons. The top 100 finishers received a Nike finisher shirt.
I can see the Eugene Marathon becoming bigger and stronger every year. The flat course is along the Willamette River on both sides for most of the 26.2 miles. A couple of bands played along the course making it more fun for all the participants. It's important for Eugene to have a strong marathon since Eugene represents Steve PreFontaine, Nike, Bill Bowerman, the University of Oregon, and all that is great about running. This is the one marathon that should be supported by the entire running community all over the world.
Each participant was a winner in my book. Running is the hardest and most difficult sport. I admire all distance runners and would love to be able to run the Eugene Marathon myself.
There should be more of a tribute to running in the media, coverage of important running events on television, and a splash across the sports pages in all newspapers. I did see KEZI with a car in the parking lot. Thank you KEZI. The list of all participants in the Eugene Marathon 2007 will be published in the Tuesday issue of the Eugene Register-Guard. Thank you, Register-Guard for your coverage. www.registerguard.com
The great running magazine, Northwest Runner has the results up already. www.nwrunner.com
You can see the results at www.nwrunner.com/results/searchable.html. Thank you, Northwest Runner.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
American Idol
American Idol just started. Last night I voted the most for Blake Lewis, my favorite. I didn't vote for Phil Stacey or Lakisha. Everyone's a star. Everyone's a winner who will go on to make records and sign recording contracts. I'm happy for them all.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Supreme Court
My husband told me that he heard over Fox News that the U.S. Supreme Court has banned partial birth abortions. It's about time! I have never understood how any doctor who takes the Hipocratic Oath can justify partial birth abortions except in extreme cases where the mother's life is threatened.
I can understand abortion only in limited cases but not as a birth control. I can understand a young woman who wants another chance in life. I can understand in the cases of rape, incest, when the baby is brain damaged or retarded, when the mother is a drug abuser, and when the mother's life is threatened. However, if a woman has three abortions, I think it's time to look at sterilization. We are talking about human life and it should be protected.
I've always been interested in the U.S. Supreme Court. When I homeschooled my children in Arroyo Grande, California, we debated famous Supreme Court law cases. My oldest son, Aaron aspired to be Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The photo above is my son, Aaron on the top bunk sometime after his birthday since the balloons have deflated and sitting on the bottom bunk are Gretchen and Benjamin. Notice the Happy Birthday sign that said "Future Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Aaron R. Haber!"
Years later my husband and I visited the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. It was my favorite place. Next was the Holocaust Museum, then the Smithsonian.
I can understand abortion only in limited cases but not as a birth control. I can understand a young woman who wants another chance in life. I can understand in the cases of rape, incest, when the baby is brain damaged or retarded, when the mother is a drug abuser, and when the mother's life is threatened. However, if a woman has three abortions, I think it's time to look at sterilization. We are talking about human life and it should be protected.
I've always been interested in the U.S. Supreme Court. When I homeschooled my children in Arroyo Grande, California, we debated famous Supreme Court law cases. My oldest son, Aaron aspired to be Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The photo above is my son, Aaron on the top bunk sometime after his birthday since the balloons have deflated and sitting on the bottom bunk are Gretchen and Benjamin. Notice the Happy Birthday sign that said "Future Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Aaron R. Haber!"
Years later my husband and I visited the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. It was my favorite place. Next was the Holocaust Museum, then the Smithsonian.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Creating a Business
I've decided to start a business and initiated the design patent process with legalzoom.com as recommended by Kim Commando at www.commando.com, a radio show that I listen to about computers as I drive to work on Sunday mornings. They seem to be a great online legal firm with a great reputation.
I've already outlined basic overall strategy and a business plan.
I was inspired to take action based on one of my inventions after reading an article in the Corvallis Gazette Times about an Alsea resident who designed a gate latch for her horse. Scotty Jones found a patent firm in Philomath. She's smarter than I because I couldn't find reference to it. My husband, Leslie already purchased her gate latch for our front gate on the driveway before this article was published in the newspaper. How exciting to see new designs and products launched and sold! Scotty Jones sells this unique gate latch at www.u-latch.com.
I later found out about the Patent Agent in Philomath and got her name and number. I've met her before. Lori Friedman brilliant and a nice person. I met her at Timberhill Athletic Club. I'm sitting on several ideas and inventions.
I've already outlined basic overall strategy and a business plan.
I was inspired to take action based on one of my inventions after reading an article in the Corvallis Gazette Times about an Alsea resident who designed a gate latch for her horse. Scotty Jones found a patent firm in Philomath. She's smarter than I because I couldn't find reference to it. My husband, Leslie already purchased her gate latch for our front gate on the driveway before this article was published in the newspaper. How exciting to see new designs and products launched and sold! Scotty Jones sells this unique gate latch at www.u-latch.com.
I later found out about the Patent Agent in Philomath and got her name and number. I've met her before. Lori Friedman brilliant and a nice person. I met her at Timberhill Athletic Club. I'm sitting on several ideas and inventions.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Dave Barry
Dave Barry always makes me laugh. I don't think we laugh enough. I was looking through my e-mail and found the Dave Barry Newsletter and took a peek into his column in the Miami Herald entitled, "Night of the Living Roach."
Take a look and read. I guarantee you will laugh. If you don't, I question whether you are among the living.
www.miamiherald.com/283/story/39189.html
Dave Barry's genius is looking at life with a different tilt making us laugh at ourselves and life. I remember watching him on BookTV on C-Span2 speaking at the Miami Book Fair. He was funny then. He's funny now.
Take a look and read. I guarantee you will laugh. If you don't, I question whether you are among the living.
www.miamiherald.com/283/story/39189.html
Dave Barry's genius is looking at life with a different tilt making us laugh at ourselves and life. I remember watching him on BookTV on C-Span2 speaking at the Miami Book Fair. He was funny then. He's funny now.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
2007 Grassroots Survey of Democratic Leaders
I answered a survey that I received in the mail for the National Democratic Party.
My priorities of issues are ranked as follows: 1. health care affordability, 2. ethics in government, 3. protecting the environment, 4. national energy policy, 5. improving public education, 6. stem cell research are at the top of the list.
Here are a few of my thoughts:
We should be educating mothers when they are pregnant and teach them how to teach their children. Gifted children need to be challenged and educated.
Social security should be untouchable. When so many people now live pay check to pay check, how in the world can they be expected to make investments for their future?
We should protect American workers, American jobs, America, and the Constitution.
In 2007, why in the world aren't women equal under the Constitution of the United States?
Why isn't the integrity of the election process protected?
All political leaders need to be accountable. We need ethical leaders who don't make up their own rules when it's convenient.
The elderly need to be protected.
We should not be educating terrorists and allowing them to move in and out of our country freely.
We shouldn't go to war without documenting evidence and without cooperation from all allies. Some leaders in this country seem to love war instead of wanting to build bridges and understanding.
My priorities of issues are ranked as follows: 1. health care affordability, 2. ethics in government, 3. protecting the environment, 4. national energy policy, 5. improving public education, 6. stem cell research are at the top of the list.
Here are a few of my thoughts:
We should be educating mothers when they are pregnant and teach them how to teach their children. Gifted children need to be challenged and educated.
Social security should be untouchable. When so many people now live pay check to pay check, how in the world can they be expected to make investments for their future?
We should protect American workers, American jobs, America, and the Constitution.
In 2007, why in the world aren't women equal under the Constitution of the United States?
Why isn't the integrity of the election process protected?
All political leaders need to be accountable. We need ethical leaders who don't make up their own rules when it's convenient.
The elderly need to be protected.
We should not be educating terrorists and allowing them to move in and out of our country freely.
We shouldn't go to war without documenting evidence and without cooperation from all allies. Some leaders in this country seem to love war instead of wanting to build bridges and understanding.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
I read in the Gazette Times this morning that Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is defending the Book of Mormon and is puzzled by many mainstream Christians who do not respect the faith.
In my opinion, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints need to clean up their act and remember that Jesus commanded Christians to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and to treat everyone as if they are your brother. When I was active in this church, going to the Portland Temple weekly, tithing, and spending enough hours for a full time job volunteering, I encountered some troubling truths that I wasn't told about when I first joined in 1995. I have witnessed too many church leaders who are Sunday Mormons and who brag about it. Their ethics go out the window during the week while they act as Saints on Sunday. On many Christmas and Easter holidays, I didn't see a difference from the rest of the year in this church. Why? Jesus is part of the name of this church so why? This was troubling to me as someone who grew up as a Lutheran going to church every Sunday with my parents. The history of the church seems to be a higher priority. They don't want to concentrate on the death of Jesus so that is the reason why Mormons don't wear crosses. I think they pick and choose. The dominant themes in the church and what is studied is mainly about church leaders and the history of the church. The church should be renamed as the Church of Joseph Smith.
I knew I was in trouble when I went to the temple for the first time and took a vow not to laugh loudly. This is ridiculous. It is healthy to laugh and be joyous. They consider someone who drinks coffee as someone who is sinning and yet they commit serious ethical offenses as if they cannot do any wrong. Just try to make a temple-going Mormon laugh. They will try to swallow their laugh before they will laugh loudly.
When leaders make agregious errors in judgment, they are not relieved of duty or chided. They say that even if a mistake was made, it was meant to happen. They don't say their sorry. Everything that a leader does was meant to happen and is ordained by God. They are full of themselves. They believe that God dictates their every action but I have witnessed that they do not live by the rules of God and the Bible. They live by their own rules believing that they write scripture. Scripture is ongoing for Mormons and that is why the sacred texts keep continuing. Mormons believe in many Gods, not one God. They believe that if they are righteous that they will die to become a God and rule a world. When I first joined this church, I found books about Mormons in the cult section at Christian book stores. Now they are mixed in with the rest. Now I understand.
I have watched them shun, commit crimes, and use their power to commit unrighteous acts. They are a political and social group. Yes, they are great at keeping families busy, especially women busy. Relief Society for the women is the original group of Stefford Wives. I think that this is so that the men know what their women are doing so they can go out and conquer the world.
Maybe there is a reason why former Mormons are asked to be rebaptized when joining another church. Maybe there is a reason why many Christians don't respect this religion. Maybe they see how machaevellian the leaders are and how ready to manipulate in the name of Heavenly Father. They are secretive. They will work to destroy reputations and manipulate in order to appear holy.
Do I miss the good in this church? Yes, but I cannot be part of a church that I don't respect and I can't be around people I don't respect. If that means that I remain isolated and alone so be it.
In my opinion, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints need to clean up their act and remember that Jesus commanded Christians to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and to treat everyone as if they are your brother. When I was active in this church, going to the Portland Temple weekly, tithing, and spending enough hours for a full time job volunteering, I encountered some troubling truths that I wasn't told about when I first joined in 1995. I have witnessed too many church leaders who are Sunday Mormons and who brag about it. Their ethics go out the window during the week while they act as Saints on Sunday. On many Christmas and Easter holidays, I didn't see a difference from the rest of the year in this church. Why? Jesus is part of the name of this church so why? This was troubling to me as someone who grew up as a Lutheran going to church every Sunday with my parents. The history of the church seems to be a higher priority. They don't want to concentrate on the death of Jesus so that is the reason why Mormons don't wear crosses. I think they pick and choose. The dominant themes in the church and what is studied is mainly about church leaders and the history of the church. The church should be renamed as the Church of Joseph Smith.
I knew I was in trouble when I went to the temple for the first time and took a vow not to laugh loudly. This is ridiculous. It is healthy to laugh and be joyous. They consider someone who drinks coffee as someone who is sinning and yet they commit serious ethical offenses as if they cannot do any wrong. Just try to make a temple-going Mormon laugh. They will try to swallow their laugh before they will laugh loudly.
When leaders make agregious errors in judgment, they are not relieved of duty or chided. They say that even if a mistake was made, it was meant to happen. They don't say their sorry. Everything that a leader does was meant to happen and is ordained by God. They are full of themselves. They believe that God dictates their every action but I have witnessed that they do not live by the rules of God and the Bible. They live by their own rules believing that they write scripture. Scripture is ongoing for Mormons and that is why the sacred texts keep continuing. Mormons believe in many Gods, not one God. They believe that if they are righteous that they will die to become a God and rule a world. When I first joined this church, I found books about Mormons in the cult section at Christian book stores. Now they are mixed in with the rest. Now I understand.
I have watched them shun, commit crimes, and use their power to commit unrighteous acts. They are a political and social group. Yes, they are great at keeping families busy, especially women busy. Relief Society for the women is the original group of Stefford Wives. I think that this is so that the men know what their women are doing so they can go out and conquer the world.
Maybe there is a reason why former Mormons are asked to be rebaptized when joining another church. Maybe there is a reason why many Christians don't respect this religion. Maybe they see how machaevellian the leaders are and how ready to manipulate in the name of Heavenly Father. They are secretive. They will work to destroy reputations and manipulate in order to appear holy.
Do I miss the good in this church? Yes, but I cannot be part of a church that I don't respect and I can't be around people I don't respect. If that means that I remain isolated and alone so be it.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
April Novel
I started a new novel this morning. I'm plotting as I go and I'm using the Nano word schedule that is in the book by Chris Baty for National Novel Writing Month in November. I need to have a constant novel going at all times to work on in the morning when I get up. I finished my word count and my day was great.
It's amazing where a story will take you and the surprises you find on the page. My stories always stay within certain perimeters. There are some things I just won't write about. I don't want to write anything that I wouldn't want to show my grandchildren. I want to feel proud of what I write. I want to tell a story and make people think. I have fun with the loops and turns that I hadn't anticipated on the page. It happened even this morning right off. It's fun.
It's amazing where a story will take you and the surprises you find on the page. My stories always stay within certain perimeters. There are some things I just won't write about. I don't want to write anything that I wouldn't want to show my grandchildren. I want to feel proud of what I write. I want to tell a story and make people think. I have fun with the loops and turns that I hadn't anticipated on the page. It happened even this morning right off. It's fun.
Survivor Fiji
I know where Benjamin is on Thursday nights. He's glued to the couch watching Survivor Fiji!
I love watching Survivor. Yes, I'm hooked. The spirit of adventure of living in exotic locations and trying to survive has captured the hearts of millions who watch. I think there is the desire to be part of it in the hearts of everyone who watches.
The member of Moto who has captured my attention and admiration is Yow Man who is the surprise on the team who continues to help his team to win using his mind. Easy going, positive, and smart, Yow Man just might be the one to win. I'm rooting for him. I like him the best.
Lisi was voted off tonight. If she had used her noggin, she would have kept quiet about the clues to find the hidden immunity idol and found it to save herself tonight. It could have kept her going much further. It's a lesson to others of what not to do in future Survivor competitions.
I love watching Survivor. Yes, I'm hooked. The spirit of adventure of living in exotic locations and trying to survive has captured the hearts of millions who watch. I think there is the desire to be part of it in the hearts of everyone who watches.
The member of Moto who has captured my attention and admiration is Yow Man who is the surprise on the team who continues to help his team to win using his mind. Easy going, positive, and smart, Yow Man just might be the one to win. I'm rooting for him. I like him the best.
Lisi was voted off tonight. If she had used her noggin, she would have kept quiet about the clues to find the hidden immunity idol and found it to save herself tonight. It could have kept her going much further. It's a lesson to others of what not to do in future Survivor competitions.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Sewing
I've been having fun sewing the last few weeks for my grandchildren. I made a shirt for Jack out of Curious George fabric that I bought at Joann Fabrics and a dress out of Dora the Explorer fabric for Lizzy. This evening I started working on a Sponge Bob shirt for Alexander.
Writing
I am grateful to have had the chance to talk to my son, Daniel this evening. Even though he's so busy, he helps keep me centered. He listens and understands. I respect and admire him.
In talking through my feelings with him on the phone, I realize that I derive my greatest meaning in life in the last few years when I write first in the morning. The rest of the day is gravy because I know I have accomplished what is most important first thing in the morning. Yes, reading about writing craft is important, exercise, housework, gardening, and other tasks are important but writing must come first always.
I felt so energized in November 2004 when I was working on the Nano Novel for National Novel Writing Month. It may seem silly to try to reach for this seemingly impossible goal to some but for me, it gave me great meaning. It showed me that I could do it. I could write the first draft of a novel in a month. When I look at some of the most popular and prolific writers today, they are writing every day and take it seriously as a job. They churn out three or four books a year. Some publish even more. Take a look at Nora Roberts whose books are on every best seller list. I read that she has published as many as 10 books in a year. It seems impossible. She's truly an inspiration.
I want to renew my commitment to start in the morning to work hard every day on my writing with the goal of completing novel after novel. Maybe I'll never get a novel published. Maybe no one will ever want to read my writing or I'll never make it to the best seller list but I do enjoy the process of creating something new on a page that wasn't expected. It's fun. In my writing is one of the few places in life where I feel powerful. So I'm determined to work hard at churning out books and I will have fun in the process.
In talking through my feelings with him on the phone, I realize that I derive my greatest meaning in life in the last few years when I write first in the morning. The rest of the day is gravy because I know I have accomplished what is most important first thing in the morning. Yes, reading about writing craft is important, exercise, housework, gardening, and other tasks are important but writing must come first always.
I felt so energized in November 2004 when I was working on the Nano Novel for National Novel Writing Month. It may seem silly to try to reach for this seemingly impossible goal to some but for me, it gave me great meaning. It showed me that I could do it. I could write the first draft of a novel in a month. When I look at some of the most popular and prolific writers today, they are writing every day and take it seriously as a job. They churn out three or four books a year. Some publish even more. Take a look at Nora Roberts whose books are on every best seller list. I read that she has published as many as 10 books in a year. It seems impossible. She's truly an inspiration.
I want to renew my commitment to start in the morning to work hard every day on my writing with the goal of completing novel after novel. Maybe I'll never get a novel published. Maybe no one will ever want to read my writing or I'll never make it to the best seller list but I do enjoy the process of creating something new on a page that wasn't expected. It's fun. In my writing is one of the few places in life where I feel powerful. So I'm determined to work hard at churning out books and I will have fun in the process.
American Idol
I was sorry to see Gina go home this week. I loved hearing her sing, "Smile." It's one of my favorite songs of all time and she sang it with power and strength. I wish you great success, Gina. Thank you for singing "Smile."
I don't want to see anyone go home. This is such a talented group. I look forward to seeing American Idol every week. It's entertainment with a big E and is the best talent show on television, along with So You Think You Can Dance.
This week, I cast a vote for almost everyone.
I sure loved seeing Tony Bennett, one of my favorites. I'm sorry he was sick for the Wednesday night show.
I don't want to see anyone go home. This is such a talented group. I look forward to seeing American Idol every week. It's entertainment with a big E and is the best talent show on television, along with So You Think You Can Dance.
This week, I cast a vote for almost everyone.
I sure loved seeing Tony Bennett, one of my favorites. I'm sorry he was sick for the Wednesday night show.
Car in the Ditch
Another car in the ditch this week. When I came home from work on Monday, Les said that another car went in the ditch. The air bag deployed and caused an injury to the man's eye. The couple used our phone to get a tow truck.
This corner is a right angle or 90 degree curve. It's abrupt and you can't go 45 miles an hour around this curve without landing in the ditch.
Since we have no shoulder on the road, no walking path, and this curve presents such a severe hazard to motorists, I think this corner should be bipassed and another road should be carved to Deadwood Highway so that traffic from Eugene, logging trucks, and dump trucks can travel on a safer road.
This corner is a right angle or 90 degree curve. It's abrupt and you can't go 45 miles an hour around this curve without landing in the ditch.
Since we have no shoulder on the road, no walking path, and this curve presents such a severe hazard to motorists, I think this corner should be bipassed and another road should be carved to Deadwood Highway so that traffic from Eugene, logging trucks, and dump trucks can travel on a safer road.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Rats in Mazes
This is a continuing post of the last one entitled "Car in the Ditch."
It's interesting how often people instinctively react the way they are expected to react, as if it were their own choice. My husband didn't want me to go outside last night to see what was going on. He said I was nosey and always trying to get into someone else's business. Yes, I'm a curious sort but I basically obeyed. I like to talk to people. I like to find out what's going on. I went out and just took my picture, stayed a safe distance, and then went back in the house. Les always warns, "don't get involved" and "stay in the house." It reminds me of the line in the Steve Martin movie, "don't trust whitey!" Leslie grew up in Rogers Park in Chicago in an apartment with warnings from his mother of the fat janitor who would throw him in the furnace in the basement and other such horrors. This is why Les likes it out in the middle of no where on his own land. This is his dream.
It's 8:12 a.m. and the car has already been removed from the ditch. That was quick! Usually the cars in the ditch remain a little longer.
I had asked my husband to close the gate to the driveway last night because of the newspaper article saying the county wasn't going to be patroling. We are at the far end of the county and they usually don't patrol much anyway but it did feel like we were on our own a little bit more, if something were to happen.
When I went outside last night to get a little closer to see what was going on and saw the car in the ditch, I saw the police car in front of the driveway that said K-9 unit so I knew there was possible drug involvement in this. I went out of our gate because I knew it was safe with police cars and fire trucks. After I got my photo, I walked by a couple shrivering. My instincts were to ask if they were the owners of the car in the ditch, feed them or give them tea, and offer a place to stay for the night, if needed. I saw Ilene out there in her volunteer firewoman's uniform who owns John Boy's Merchantile and who owns the local bed and breakfast so I used that as one excuse in my mind to not get involved since I figured Ilene would "take care of it" if it was needed. Les would have hollered if I had gotten more involved so I was basically a good girl for just looking and coming back inside. I was already skating on thin ice with him for going outside. I tend to be too trusting.
Something seems to be wrong with our water this morning. Usually Les isn't out there at the well house at this time of morning. Who knows? It's always something around here. I guess that's what makes life an adventure and interesting. Take what comes. Try to turn everything into a positive. Do your best. Be kind to people along your journey. (I guess I fell short on that one last night since I ignored my instinct to want to be kind to the shivering strangers near the ditch.) And try again the next day for each day is a new opportunity to be your best.
In this day and age, you just can't pick up people stranded on the edge of the road or invite strangers into your home. I guess people are taught with crime statistics to stay a safe distance. People are basically rats in mazes who stay within their own safe permeters and operate within the expected boundaries.
It's interesting how often people instinctively react the way they are expected to react, as if it were their own choice. My husband didn't want me to go outside last night to see what was going on. He said I was nosey and always trying to get into someone else's business. Yes, I'm a curious sort but I basically obeyed. I like to talk to people. I like to find out what's going on. I went out and just took my picture, stayed a safe distance, and then went back in the house. Les always warns, "don't get involved" and "stay in the house." It reminds me of the line in the Steve Martin movie, "don't trust whitey!" Leslie grew up in Rogers Park in Chicago in an apartment with warnings from his mother of the fat janitor who would throw him in the furnace in the basement and other such horrors. This is why Les likes it out in the middle of no where on his own land. This is his dream.
It's 8:12 a.m. and the car has already been removed from the ditch. That was quick! Usually the cars in the ditch remain a little longer.
I had asked my husband to close the gate to the driveway last night because of the newspaper article saying the county wasn't going to be patroling. We are at the far end of the county and they usually don't patrol much anyway but it did feel like we were on our own a little bit more, if something were to happen.
When I went outside last night to get a little closer to see what was going on and saw the car in the ditch, I saw the police car in front of the driveway that said K-9 unit so I knew there was possible drug involvement in this. I went out of our gate because I knew it was safe with police cars and fire trucks. After I got my photo, I walked by a couple shrivering. My instincts were to ask if they were the owners of the car in the ditch, feed them or give them tea, and offer a place to stay for the night, if needed. I saw Ilene out there in her volunteer firewoman's uniform who owns John Boy's Merchantile and who owns the local bed and breakfast so I used that as one excuse in my mind to not get involved since I figured Ilene would "take care of it" if it was needed. Les would have hollered if I had gotten more involved so I was basically a good girl for just looking and coming back inside. I was already skating on thin ice with him for going outside. I tend to be too trusting.
Something seems to be wrong with our water this morning. Usually Les isn't out there at the well house at this time of morning. Who knows? It's always something around here. I guess that's what makes life an adventure and interesting. Take what comes. Try to turn everything into a positive. Do your best. Be kind to people along your journey. (I guess I fell short on that one last night since I ignored my instinct to want to be kind to the shivering strangers near the ditch.) And try again the next day for each day is a new opportunity to be your best.
In this day and age, you just can't pick up people stranded on the edge of the road or invite strangers into your home. I guess people are taught with crime statistics to stay a safe distance. People are basically rats in mazes who stay within their own safe permeters and operate within the expected boundaries.
Car in the Ditch
There's another car in the ditch this evening. This event happens quite frequently in front of our house. We have a severe curve and several times a year, we see cars face down in the ditch.
I was staying up late this evening sewing a shirt for my four year old grandson, Jack out of Curious George fabric. I went into the kitchen to get another diet Coke out of the refrigerator around 11:30 p.m., when I saw lights flashing in the kitchen window. I looked out and there were two fire trucks, two police cars, people standing in the middle of the road, and an ambulance. I didn't hear a thing. I was watching David E. Kelley's new comedy that I had recorded on the TiVo, The Wedding Bells.
I went outside to find out what was going on and took my camera so I could add to my "car in the ditch" photo collection.
Today was quite productive. I sewed four pillow cases for gifts. I finished sewing a dress for my granddaughter, Lizzy, and the Curious George shirt is almost finished for Jack--all but the button holes. I even drove into Corvallis to buy interfacing at Joann Fabrics so I could finish his shirt tonight.
I'm usually not up this late. I'm usually in bed by 8 or 9 and up at 5 a.m. so this is unusual.
It's 2:04 a.m. right now as I am writing and trucks are still outside finishing up. At a time when Benton County is pulling back services due to budget cuts, it looks like Alsea is taking up the slack and is out protecting everyone in full force. I feel very safe with all the trucks and cars out front. There must be a little more going on than I know about because there is a K-9 unit police car. There must be someone involved with drugs that they are investigating.
Excitement doesn't stop in the small town of Alsea. I think it's time for Wendy to go to bed and try to get some sleep.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
American Idol
I love to see talent! Thanks for all the fun, the magic, and outstanding performances showcased on American Idol. I don't want anyone to go home. I like everyone.
This is the first time I've noticed the name of Nigel Lythgoe as Executive Producer, my favorite from So You Think You Can Dance, another one of my favorite shows.
I voted for three tonight--Gina, Blake, and Jordin. They were my favorites tonight. If I had the money to buy a ticket, out of everyone, I'd go to see Blake Lewis.
LaKisha gave another great star performance tonight. Chris Sligh is one of my favorites. He's needs to let his magic show through. I like him. Gina Blocksen has a strong and powerful voice. I'm not a rocker but I can see her becoming a big star. Sanjaya is coming into his own and developing his own fan base. Great job! I like him too. Haley Scarnato needs to let the power come out. It's in there. You're great on stage, Haley! Phil Stacey knows how to sing a song and belongs on stage. Melinda gave another professional performance. Blake is easy going, mellow, and has that edge going on that lifts him above. Jordin was outstanding tonight. Electric! Chris Richardson is really good. Remember how good you are, Chris. Own the stage and believe.
This is the first time I've noticed the name of Nigel Lythgoe as Executive Producer, my favorite from So You Think You Can Dance, another one of my favorite shows.
I voted for three tonight--Gina, Blake, and Jordin. They were my favorites tonight. If I had the money to buy a ticket, out of everyone, I'd go to see Blake Lewis.
LaKisha gave another great star performance tonight. Chris Sligh is one of my favorites. He's needs to let his magic show through. I like him. Gina Blocksen has a strong and powerful voice. I'm not a rocker but I can see her becoming a big star. Sanjaya is coming into his own and developing his own fan base. Great job! I like him too. Haley Scarnato needs to let the power come out. It's in there. You're great on stage, Haley! Phil Stacey knows how to sing a song and belongs on stage. Melinda gave another professional performance. Blake is easy going, mellow, and has that edge going on that lifts him above. Jordin was outstanding tonight. Electric! Chris Richardson is really good. Remember how good you are, Chris. Own the stage and believe.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Cinderella School of Modeling
When I was in high school, I went through a course at Cinderella School of Modeling in Salem to learn from Sue Ferguson, the lady who coaches talent to compete in Miss America, Miss Oregon, and other beauty pageants. I learned a lot from her. She's truly a gem.
Yes, I love dressing up, wearing makeup, and having my hair and nails look just perfect. However, through the years, I had to give up all this because I chose to stay at home with my kids and I didn't have the money to primp. If I ever start to make money again, I will have my nails done, I'll buy make up again, I will have my hair done, and I will buy clothes for ME on sale at Gottschalks. Now there are too many other needs and wants with a higher priority.
Yes, I love dressing up, wearing makeup, and having my hair and nails look just perfect. However, through the years, I had to give up all this because I chose to stay at home with my kids and I didn't have the money to primp. If I ever start to make money again, I will have my nails done, I'll buy make up again, I will have my hair done, and I will buy clothes for ME on sale at Gottschalks. Now there are too many other needs and wants with a higher priority.
Canasta
Almost every morning when my husband gets up, we play a game of Canasta to 5,000 points and drink coffee. I deal out 30 cards and it takes two canastas to go out. I made up these rules that we agreed upon. Otherwise, it would take several hours to get to 5,000 points. This is the one of the best times of my day. I love playing canasta. It's a challenge and it's fun to win.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Saving Face
I wonder how many sins are committed each day because of the need to save face and to appear to others as if innocent. Murders are sometimes committed because the murderer didn't want the individual to tell the truth or reveal evidence. All you have to do is read a few mysteries or watch them on television to see a common thread. Find a patzy and blame it on them. Cast suspicion on the one who could rat you out.
Respondant and classical conditioning in experimental psychology teaches that if you push someone down into the ground far enough and do it enough times, that individual will stop trying. That's the lesson of the rat mazes.
If I were rich, I would hire a detective to find out the truth about what has been happening to me the last few years. No one will tell me. I don't have any friends so that doesn't help. I see clues that things aren't right but because I have the need to be fair, ethical, and nice, I wait until I see the truth unfold. I believe that everything will turn out great in the end. I believe in God and that I am protected even though my path has been difficult.
I know that my house has been violated when we have been gone. I have found evidence of things that are missing that I KNOW should be there in a particular place. Once I found photos near the floor by a door when they had been in a drawer. Three cruise photo albums are missing. Some of my journals are missing. Other family photos are gone. Personal things that are important to me and some things that whoever has come in must have snatched for their wife as a gift. Once I called 911 about it to report a theft. No one did anything about it. I said that we have a security system and that the installer told me that there is an installer code that allows them to come into any home by bypassing the code chosen by the home owner. The officer said on the other end of the phone, "Oh, so that's how they do it." I figure this is no ordinary thief. It has to be something official but I want answers. I want to know why. I asked the undersheriff in an e-mail but she didn't answer. I haven't done anything wrong so I count that in the end the truth will win out. Isn't that what is supposed to happen?
It all started when I discovered that the people I worked with at DMV were skimming money from the car dealers and putting it in the safe. I let the cat out of the bag by telling a car dealer who had no idea that he had money coming back to him. Then my life was turned into a hell. I ended up with bleeding ulcers and almost died. I should have just changed jobs or reported what happened to authorities. Instead I reacted like a victim and trusted. Next came a doctor from hell who despite my protests gave me medication that I said I didn't need and didn't want but I trusted and I obeyed because he was a doctor. He said it was stress. He didn't try to help me. When my son died, he didn't even help me through the grieving process. He didn't even discuss it. Why?
Throughout it all I was home doing what I needed to do but I could have been more, doing more, creating more. I trusted and reacted like a victim.
When my son died I realized that maybe if I hadn't been taking the medication prescribed by the doctor, maybe I would have prevented my son's death. I read the book PROZAC BACKLASH and went off of the medication slowly by myself lowering the dosage slowly and carefully watching myself. I could have died but I had no one to help me. My husband didn't care at the time. My husband has been in control of our money all these years and didn't watch out for me financially so that's another way of saying he didn't care about me.
About this time I decided to leave my husband. He refused to keep distance from a woman who called daily and kept coming over. They left together alone at times. He said nothing was going on. It was too much so I decided to leave. He lied and said I was suicidal and put me on a mental ward to be watched. I decided I would consider it a vacation and I rested for a few days. I obeyed and trusted. No one bothered to ask me about MY story. I didn't want to leave my kids so I went back home on the condition that I wouldn't have to keep dealing with the other woman. I trusted again.
Then there was the next doctor who continued what the first doctor started. When I wrote my first article in a major magazine, BIRDS AND BLOOMS, I thought it was finally proof that I was right and that he would be happy for me. I thought he would say that he was wrong and that he would help right the tragic wrong I had endured. Instead, he protended he wasn't my doctor and distanced himself from me. Easier to cast suspicion on the patient than to say "I'm sorry and that I made a mistake." I've never taken medication that wasn't prescribed by a doctor.
I've reacted through most of my life as a victim. When I did have the courage to speak out, I was cut off at the knees and lost everything or no one would believe me. We bought property in Gates. Our deed was rerecorded. There was problems with the property. The builders tried to put too many houses on the hill when the natural water was too close to the surface causing a runoff that damaged property in lower areas. We couldn't sell it. We didn't want to lie. We walked away from it and gave it back to the bank. Two lawyers were there to take what we had left in our savings account. Another attorney said later that we didn't receive proper representation.
We did have money at different times in our life because of two major law suits that my husband won but he didn't take care of the money.
I know there were a lot of crooked things going on in Gates. We lived there for a couple of years. Les' friends told him. I was part of the City Council for a short time and I witnessed an illegal meeting take place. I questioned it and because I wouldn't sign the document saying that I was also guilty, my name is still in question. Why, when I was one the one who questioned whether the meeting was legal and wanted to see proof in writing?
Over and over situations come up like the guys who stole the money in the safe. They say I have Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, like the soldiers coming home from war. Yes I have been through lots of trauma and loss. I think the cure is to create lots of new, happy memories and create new neuron pathways in the brain. It doesn't help when family doesn't want you living next door, you have no friends, church family or support system, and no money in the bank. So I find my own fun, my own joy, no matter how short or fleeting.
I could write a book about all the crap that has happened to me. Why can't I just get this cleared up and move on? Why does there have to be persistent roadblocks put in my way? I have a right to win and I have a right to flourish. This is the home of the brave and land of the free. Isn't it? It isn't right that people have come into my home and take things without my permission to make me feel off balance. It isn't right that I don't receive all the mail that I should receive. It isn't right that my reputation has been questioned when I haven't done anything wrong. How do you defend yourself against shunning, looks, questioning your ethics, and on and on when no one comes right out and says what you've done and who is the accuser? This isn't how it is supposed to be in the United States? Or have we lost all our freedoms already?
I must have an invisible sign on my forehead that says chump or sucker so that people feel they can do anything and blame it on Wendy. This needs to stop. I need to take my life in my own hands and not allow people to hurt me or blame me for things I haven't done. I need to learn how to protect myself better.
I have a right to exist.
I have a right to live in a home where no one trespasses and takes my possessions.
I have a right to not have my mail tampered with.
I have a right to an opinion.
I have a right to protect myself by standing up for myself and telling the truth.
I have a right to live in peace.
I have a right to have medical care from a smart doctor who cares about me.
I had the nicest general doctor several years ago who cared about me until something happened that changed her mind. What? After a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints found out where I was receiving free medical care and that I liked my doctor, all of a sudden her attitude completely changed. She didn't like me anymore. Cooincidence? I don't think so. Too many opportunities have suddenly had a wall put up when leaders of this church find out where I send my writing or try to create an opportunity for myself. The last time I was at this hospital, I had a mamogram over a year and a half ago. I questioned what happened in my mind. I nicknamed the woman the Savage Squisher in my journal who gave me a dose of radiation that lasted almost two minutes. Was she TRYING to make sure cancer would come back? Again I smiled and acted like nothing was wrong, just like a victim.
I've been accused of many things or at least people have hinted that I've done things. I've never taken illegal drugs. I'm not a lesbian. I've never done anything against the law. I'm honest. I'm not lazy. I have never cheated on my husband. I'm not stupid. I have a genius IQ, for Pete's sake! I'm not crazy. I don't see things that aren't there. I'm a nice person who has been kind even to those who have been cruel, mean, and nasty to me. In fact, I've taken it as a personal challenge to be kind to those who have caused me harm. Isn't that the lesson of Jesus? I've forgiven over and over. I'm a royal nice person and I deserve to be happy. I believe that it is important to be kind to people--all people, to not judge. I try hard every day to do my best. I want people to use their words and to tell me what they mean, instead of trying to manipulate me into doing things they want. I don't like tricks or manipulation.
Will I be murdered or legally silenced because I speak out against wrongs in this blog? Will my house burn down when I'm gone? I've been threatened in the past. We moved into the house that had an official inspection that said everything was perfect and yet nothing worked. It was staged. No heat. The well didn't work. Our house was an electrical wiring puzzle from hell. A water system that had been put in that required over 10 forty pounds of salt dumped in our drinking water every month. I thought something was wrong and I demanded that we change that. I bought drinking water from the store instead and I still do. Things are getting fixed slowly now after almost 6 years. My husband is nicer to me than ever before. He's been trying to fix things. He's doing his best.
My kids are all strong. I need to be strong too. I need to finally stand up for myself and say
THIS IS ENOUGH. I HAVE A RIGHT TO EXIST. I HAVE A RIGHT TO WIN TOO.
I want to be happy, have friends, dance, not have to worry about money, write best-sellers and fight for gifted kids, have dinner parties, see Broadway plays, art museums, the symphony. I want to be loved and cared about because I am nice. I am a survivor and I deserve to be happy too.
Respondant and classical conditioning in experimental psychology teaches that if you push someone down into the ground far enough and do it enough times, that individual will stop trying. That's the lesson of the rat mazes.
If I were rich, I would hire a detective to find out the truth about what has been happening to me the last few years. No one will tell me. I don't have any friends so that doesn't help. I see clues that things aren't right but because I have the need to be fair, ethical, and nice, I wait until I see the truth unfold. I believe that everything will turn out great in the end. I believe in God and that I am protected even though my path has been difficult.
I know that my house has been violated when we have been gone. I have found evidence of things that are missing that I KNOW should be there in a particular place. Once I found photos near the floor by a door when they had been in a drawer. Three cruise photo albums are missing. Some of my journals are missing. Other family photos are gone. Personal things that are important to me and some things that whoever has come in must have snatched for their wife as a gift. Once I called 911 about it to report a theft. No one did anything about it. I said that we have a security system and that the installer told me that there is an installer code that allows them to come into any home by bypassing the code chosen by the home owner. The officer said on the other end of the phone, "Oh, so that's how they do it." I figure this is no ordinary thief. It has to be something official but I want answers. I want to know why. I asked the undersheriff in an e-mail but she didn't answer. I haven't done anything wrong so I count that in the end the truth will win out. Isn't that what is supposed to happen?
It all started when I discovered that the people I worked with at DMV were skimming money from the car dealers and putting it in the safe. I let the cat out of the bag by telling a car dealer who had no idea that he had money coming back to him. Then my life was turned into a hell. I ended up with bleeding ulcers and almost died. I should have just changed jobs or reported what happened to authorities. Instead I reacted like a victim and trusted. Next came a doctor from hell who despite my protests gave me medication that I said I didn't need and didn't want but I trusted and I obeyed because he was a doctor. He said it was stress. He didn't try to help me. When my son died, he didn't even help me through the grieving process. He didn't even discuss it. Why?
Throughout it all I was home doing what I needed to do but I could have been more, doing more, creating more. I trusted and reacted like a victim.
When my son died I realized that maybe if I hadn't been taking the medication prescribed by the doctor, maybe I would have prevented my son's death. I read the book PROZAC BACKLASH and went off of the medication slowly by myself lowering the dosage slowly and carefully watching myself. I could have died but I had no one to help me. My husband didn't care at the time. My husband has been in control of our money all these years and didn't watch out for me financially so that's another way of saying he didn't care about me.
About this time I decided to leave my husband. He refused to keep distance from a woman who called daily and kept coming over. They left together alone at times. He said nothing was going on. It was too much so I decided to leave. He lied and said I was suicidal and put me on a mental ward to be watched. I decided I would consider it a vacation and I rested for a few days. I obeyed and trusted. No one bothered to ask me about MY story. I didn't want to leave my kids so I went back home on the condition that I wouldn't have to keep dealing with the other woman. I trusted again.
Then there was the next doctor who continued what the first doctor started. When I wrote my first article in a major magazine, BIRDS AND BLOOMS, I thought it was finally proof that I was right and that he would be happy for me. I thought he would say that he was wrong and that he would help right the tragic wrong I had endured. Instead, he protended he wasn't my doctor and distanced himself from me. Easier to cast suspicion on the patient than to say "I'm sorry and that I made a mistake." I've never taken medication that wasn't prescribed by a doctor.
I've reacted through most of my life as a victim. When I did have the courage to speak out, I was cut off at the knees and lost everything or no one would believe me. We bought property in Gates. Our deed was rerecorded. There was problems with the property. The builders tried to put too many houses on the hill when the natural water was too close to the surface causing a runoff that damaged property in lower areas. We couldn't sell it. We didn't want to lie. We walked away from it and gave it back to the bank. Two lawyers were there to take what we had left in our savings account. Another attorney said later that we didn't receive proper representation.
We did have money at different times in our life because of two major law suits that my husband won but he didn't take care of the money.
I know there were a lot of crooked things going on in Gates. We lived there for a couple of years. Les' friends told him. I was part of the City Council for a short time and I witnessed an illegal meeting take place. I questioned it and because I wouldn't sign the document saying that I was also guilty, my name is still in question. Why, when I was one the one who questioned whether the meeting was legal and wanted to see proof in writing?
Over and over situations come up like the guys who stole the money in the safe. They say I have Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, like the soldiers coming home from war. Yes I have been through lots of trauma and loss. I think the cure is to create lots of new, happy memories and create new neuron pathways in the brain. It doesn't help when family doesn't want you living next door, you have no friends, church family or support system, and no money in the bank. So I find my own fun, my own joy, no matter how short or fleeting.
I could write a book about all the crap that has happened to me. Why can't I just get this cleared up and move on? Why does there have to be persistent roadblocks put in my way? I have a right to win and I have a right to flourish. This is the home of the brave and land of the free. Isn't it? It isn't right that people have come into my home and take things without my permission to make me feel off balance. It isn't right that I don't receive all the mail that I should receive. It isn't right that my reputation has been questioned when I haven't done anything wrong. How do you defend yourself against shunning, looks, questioning your ethics, and on and on when no one comes right out and says what you've done and who is the accuser? This isn't how it is supposed to be in the United States? Or have we lost all our freedoms already?
I must have an invisible sign on my forehead that says chump or sucker so that people feel they can do anything and blame it on Wendy. This needs to stop. I need to take my life in my own hands and not allow people to hurt me or blame me for things I haven't done. I need to learn how to protect myself better.
I have a right to exist.
I have a right to live in a home where no one trespasses and takes my possessions.
I have a right to not have my mail tampered with.
I have a right to an opinion.
I have a right to protect myself by standing up for myself and telling the truth.
I have a right to live in peace.
I have a right to have medical care from a smart doctor who cares about me.
I had the nicest general doctor several years ago who cared about me until something happened that changed her mind. What? After a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints found out where I was receiving free medical care and that I liked my doctor, all of a sudden her attitude completely changed. She didn't like me anymore. Cooincidence? I don't think so. Too many opportunities have suddenly had a wall put up when leaders of this church find out where I send my writing or try to create an opportunity for myself. The last time I was at this hospital, I had a mamogram over a year and a half ago. I questioned what happened in my mind. I nicknamed the woman the Savage Squisher in my journal who gave me a dose of radiation that lasted almost two minutes. Was she TRYING to make sure cancer would come back? Again I smiled and acted like nothing was wrong, just like a victim.
I've been accused of many things or at least people have hinted that I've done things. I've never taken illegal drugs. I'm not a lesbian. I've never done anything against the law. I'm honest. I'm not lazy. I have never cheated on my husband. I'm not stupid. I have a genius IQ, for Pete's sake! I'm not crazy. I don't see things that aren't there. I'm a nice person who has been kind even to those who have been cruel, mean, and nasty to me. In fact, I've taken it as a personal challenge to be kind to those who have caused me harm. Isn't that the lesson of Jesus? I've forgiven over and over. I'm a royal nice person and I deserve to be happy. I believe that it is important to be kind to people--all people, to not judge. I try hard every day to do my best. I want people to use their words and to tell me what they mean, instead of trying to manipulate me into doing things they want. I don't like tricks or manipulation.
Will I be murdered or legally silenced because I speak out against wrongs in this blog? Will my house burn down when I'm gone? I've been threatened in the past. We moved into the house that had an official inspection that said everything was perfect and yet nothing worked. It was staged. No heat. The well didn't work. Our house was an electrical wiring puzzle from hell. A water system that had been put in that required over 10 forty pounds of salt dumped in our drinking water every month. I thought something was wrong and I demanded that we change that. I bought drinking water from the store instead and I still do. Things are getting fixed slowly now after almost 6 years. My husband is nicer to me than ever before. He's been trying to fix things. He's doing his best.
My kids are all strong. I need to be strong too. I need to finally stand up for myself and say
THIS IS ENOUGH. I HAVE A RIGHT TO EXIST. I HAVE A RIGHT TO WIN TOO.
I want to be happy, have friends, dance, not have to worry about money, write best-sellers and fight for gifted kids, have dinner parties, see Broadway plays, art museums, the symphony. I want to be loved and cared about because I am nice. I am a survivor and I deserve to be happy too.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Silver Scissors Award
I'm so proud that I received my first Silver Scissors Award at work yesterday. I work at Joann Fabrics. It may seem silly to some that this means so much to be recognized for my work but it does. I love working there. It makes me happy. This award makes me feel like I belong, that I'm accepted and appreciated. It means a lot to me.
Everything inside this store is something that I enjoy or want to enjoy in the future. It represents creative fun and nice people walk through the door every day who share in this love of creating something new.
Even if I am tired when I walk through the door, I mentally turn on a switch to become a Joann Girl who works hard, tries to give great service to each guest, and do my best. I love retail and I love my part-time job. I love helping people. It's fun to have the extra money and it's fun to work at a job that I enjoy. I'm grateful. I work with so many nice people and I enjoy every day that I go into work.
I do love to sell merchandise but I need to believe in what I am selling. When I believe in something, I become a walking commercial. Take for example these great Joann Crafting books that have been on sale for only $5. They are an amazing reference book and the original price is $34.99. For only $5, you can afford to buy several to tuck away as a Christmas gift. I didn't figure out the extreme value but it must be at least 300% off. What a savings! What a buy!
So come into Joann Fabrics and Crafts often. Sign up to be on the mailing list so you can receive the great coupons and so you will know about all the great sales. Remember that you always save at Joann Fabrics. Learn about a new hobby and receive help from all the smiling Joann Girls who work at each store. We care and we are there to help you.
Everything inside this store is something that I enjoy or want to enjoy in the future. It represents creative fun and nice people walk through the door every day who share in this love of creating something new.
Even if I am tired when I walk through the door, I mentally turn on a switch to become a Joann Girl who works hard, tries to give great service to each guest, and do my best. I love retail and I love my part-time job. I love helping people. It's fun to have the extra money and it's fun to work at a job that I enjoy. I'm grateful. I work with so many nice people and I enjoy every day that I go into work.
I do love to sell merchandise but I need to believe in what I am selling. When I believe in something, I become a walking commercial. Take for example these great Joann Crafting books that have been on sale for only $5. They are an amazing reference book and the original price is $34.99. For only $5, you can afford to buy several to tuck away as a Christmas gift. I didn't figure out the extreme value but it must be at least 300% off. What a savings! What a buy!
So come into Joann Fabrics and Crafts often. Sign up to be on the mailing list so you can receive the great coupons and so you will know about all the great sales. Remember that you always save at Joann Fabrics. Learn about a new hobby and receive help from all the smiling Joann Girls who work at each store. We care and we are there to help you.
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