MRS13

2011-06-15T07:43:00.001-04:00

Currently I am revamping my blog. Hope to return soon with some actual content again soon :-)

Here we are again!

2010-11-05T09:29:00.002-04:00

So the Holiday season is here upon us again. It seems that we start earlier and earlier each year. Black Friday sales already starting this weekend. I am not ready for it!

This year, however, may be a little easier for me. I no longer have an Etsy shop open and do not have to worry about creating projects that will just sit there and not sell. I have racked my brain as to why my stuff wouldn't sell and it is just that so many people can crochet my items are no longer "different." Oh well, back to the subject at hand..

My husband and I were discussing Christmas gifts for my two daughters. Every year we get them things that end up being played with for maybe two weeks tops and then get thrown in the closet to collect dust. So we have been trying to rack our brains as to what to do. I have a large amount of yarn and craft supplies sitting in my office closet. You crafters will know what I mean when I say play supplies. Those things that are left over from bigger projects and are just lying around awaiting a way to be used.

So I got an inventory done of these scrap items and dug through patterns and did online searches for patterns and have the starting of a plan!

My youngest loves Barbies and has about 8 of them. She loves to take of the clothes and play dress up. So I am going to make her a bunch of crochet clothes for them and then make a plastic canvas bed that doubles as a storage chest. My oldest daughter is going to get a media purse to carry her MP3 player in and some stuff for her stuffed cats for which she has a lot of. That is the beginning of the plans. Luckily these projects are fast moving and I can work on them after the girls go to bed.

I wonder how many others will be doing the same? Please feel free to share!

Wow....Education

2010-09-29T08:24:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I met with my daughters first grade teacher. I have to say..She gets it! This has been a rough start of the year for my Shelby. She loved school so much and this year has decided that it ain't much fun. Sad for a first grader.

I remember some of my time in first grade so many years ago (Nope, Alzheimer's had no settled in yet, LOL). I remember learning how to form my letters right and just learning my numbers. Oh the memories of the playground time and fun with friends.....

Well, my daughter won't have those kind of fond memories. She is really starting to learn basic algebra. No longer is it enough to learn that 1+1=2 in the first grade, you now have to know the "concept" of 1+1=2. Facts are not acceptable alone anymore. Here is a sample problem from a first grade math homework sheet. No keep in mind as you are looking at this that in kindergarten they just learned to recognize numbers and not add them (we did work on that some over the summer) and that it is just a month in.

David has some tomatoes.
He throws away 5 rotten tomatoes.
He has 4 tomatoes left.
How many tomatoes did he have at first?

_____ - 5 = 4
5 + 4 = _____ is the related addition fact.
He had _____ tomatoes at first.

Now, to a person experienced with math, this is not a rough problem. But to a first grader who has not even had basic math, this is a challenge.

I was very upset with this and Shelby has not had the easiest time with it so I met with her teacher. My question really was why the students were not prepared for this move to math? At the end of the school year last year we were given some "suggestions" for things to do over the summer to help with the transition to first grade and we did them all and then some. But, BOOM, all the prep we did did not prepare her enough.

Come to find out that the change was initiated like just 2 weeks before the start of classes! So not only were students and parents not prepared, but neither were the teachers! I was no surprised to find this out, however, because that is the way things are done in this school district.

The teacher explained the math lessons and why and how and gave me information as to how I can help Shelby succeed with this math program. It is called Focus on Math and it is based on the Singapore math process. I still think that it is too early to be pushing basic algebra on first graders, but they need to be prepared for college by the time they are 10(sarcastic). LOL.

But, the teacher got it! She understood my frustration and even shared some. She likes the math program and explained to my why and now I understand and will support it any way that I can. I am elated and happy that she took the time out with me. That is what a teacher should do and now I feel that my daughters education is truly a joint effort between me and the teacher for this year.

I have signed up Shelby for a supplemental course, however, on Time4Learning. I still feel that the basics and "rules" are important to learn for that core understanding and now I will have that supplemental support for at home.

Well, enough for now. More to come soon :-)

Wow, an introduction.

2010-09-27T11:22:00.003-04:00

Wow! Now that is a word that says sooo much and yet only takes a second to say!

Seriously now, just stand and say Wow and see the types of response you get from others. Some will look in the direction you are looking, some will ask you what is going on and others will look at you like you just escaped from the local mental institute (I seem to get a lot of the latter).

Whenever you hear or say the word Wow, you think exciting, amazing and more often in my case what the heck??

I have had these "what the heck" Wows a lot. Watching the news, reading the digital paper as I am trying to save the environment by burning up electricity created by burning coal so I can save a tree by not using paper (yes I am being sarcastic) or dealing with the wonderful education system that is trying their darnedest to mess up my child's education (teachers are good, it is just the system of curriculum that they are forced to use by "the experts" that messed up, or at least that is what I am hoping).

I am planning on touching on these issues a little each day this week. Of course, I my have a WTF Wow moment and throw in the towel. Tune in to see!

Now.....

2010-05-26T10:31:00.002-04:00

Okay, I am sitting here at this falling apart desk in my cramped little office and thinking to myself, hmmmm......

I have a new desk that is to be delivered today and need to start packing up things and move things around so I can tear down this desk and get the new one set up. It should be here something early this afternoon, but I won't start putting it together until tomorrow. I have to work a couple hours tonight and if I start on it late and something goes wrong I won't have a place to work and that would be a very bad thing :-)

I am kinda at a lost on how to fix up this office to make it an environment for me and my two little ones to work in comfortably. I use it also during the evenings when working, but I also use this space for education. I do homeschooling for my preschooler and over the summer will continue the learning process with my daughter who is just finishing up her first year of school and will be heading to the first grade in the fall. I really need this area to be user friendly and comfortable for all of us.

The biggest problem is the fact that this room has become a catch all. We are waiting for my brother in law to make a decision about the huge entertainment center that is sitting in here and the TV. He needs to find someone to help him move it. If it is not gone in a week I am just going to set it out on the street with a FREE sign on it! I also have boxes upon boxes of crochet goods and supplies and really need to do something with those. The supplies will be used though and I am looking into things to do with the finished products. Visit my shop and help me out,,,PLEASE ☺☺☺♥♥♥☺☺☺

Well, I need to get busy and get the process started. In some ways I feel that getting this room back into order is maybe a start of getting my life back on the tract that I want it. Wish me luck!!!

What ever shall I do....

2010-05-13T09:51:00.003-04:00

Okay, here is my thing... I have so many things that I need to incorporate into a schedule and I am having a rough time figuring out how to do it!

Those who know me personally may be a bit surprised. Organization used to be a big thing for me and something that I use to be able to do without any trouble. It seems, however, that since the birth of my last two children, that ability has seem to left me gradually over the past few years. I thought that when I started staying at home full time that it would be a breeze. HA, was I ever wrong!

I sit down with good intentions, but it seems I have a rough time accomplishing what I want to do! It seems that there are too many things to distract me. Not all of those things are bad though. I love my little ones and when they want me or need me they of course come first! Then the hubby of course! And then crocheting and housework and transcription and etc....

I love my life and guess that I will just go with the flow and enjoy life and just get done what I can. You only live once (at least in my belief) here on earth and you just have to take time to smell the roses!!!!

2010-04-29T13:25:00.002-04:00

Thankful Thursday. I, in my rush to get so many things done, often times forget what I need and should be thankful for. I forgot this until I started reading some of the blogs that I follow so.....What can I say :-)

I am thankful today for so many things. The first thing is to some maybe minor, but to me major..I am thankful not to have a migraine today. I have been having a lot of them lately and just got over a doozy, so for that I am very thankful.

I am thankful for a husband who comes home from work early when my head hurts and takes care of my little angels so I can close my eyes and rest.

I am at last but not least thankful for my children. My son who is out there living his own life and the two little daughters given to us when we thought there would be none. All three are the joys of my life, even if they don't realize it!

So Happy Today

2010-04-15T09:48:00.003-04:00

I just feel so happy today! I am not really sure as to why, but I am. It could be that the sun is out and it is warm. It could be because I feel so blessed to have a loving husband and 3 adorable children ,even if my son feels he is too big for his momma. It may be because I am almost done with my newest afghan project (would be finished if I got off of this computer, LOL).

What ever the reason I wish I could feel like this all the time!!!

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Please be patient

2010-04-12T09:45:00.002-04:00

Okay, so life has been a little busy for me to say the least. I am trying to finish up the remodel of the bathroom, trying to finish up my latest afghan, tyring to be a good wife and mother (hahaha) and work! I know that many people are in the same predicament as I am and have a lot more on their plate, but to me this is a lot.

I just wanted to drop in to let those of you how read this, that I have not disappeared and that I should be back in full swing soon. I am hoping to have the bathroom done tomorrow at the latest. We ran into some problems with the installation of the vanity and ended up having to call in plumbers to finish the job, and a great job they did I must say. The plumbing in the house is old and adjustments had to be made that I could not do nor did I have the tools to do. It did not put us out of budget too much, which is a good thing. Then we realized that the wall in which we were going to put up a new medicine cabinet was not strong enough to support it and the studs did not line up right to put it in. We have decided to put up just a plain mirror and for now have my decorative bedroom mirror up. I think we are going to pick up a new mirror tonight. But that is the saga. I will have pics soon and you can tell me whatcha think.

My crocheting has been neglected and I can really feel it! I think that I crocheted a little Friday, but that has been it. I will do some today.

Speaking of that, I better sign off for now so I can get to the point in which I can sit down and crochet!

Later all!!!!!!

EGAD

2010-03-26T10:13:00.003-04:00

Over the past week I have been working on a new afghan to place in my shop. I was hoping to have it completed for listing today, BUT it had other things in mind!

I have had to take the thing apart 4 different occasions! I for the life of me could not figure out what I was doing wrong. The first time I took it apart, I had to remove over 30 rows! Which when those are done in rounds, is a very tough thing! The ends were curling in on themselves and kept doing it for the next 3 tries.

On the fourth (which I was not going to do at first I was just going to try something different) I realized that I was reading a pattern note in reverse of what it was suppose to be! I could not believe it!!! I usually pay such close attention to detail that I cannot believe that I made that mistake! I guess with all the sickness in the family and trying to do soo many things, I did not have the focus that I needed. Oh well, it is now going well and I am aiming to have it completed to post next week!!

I have about 5 more new items that I need to photograph and post. I have just seemed to have difficulty getting to this mainly because of lighting and then some camera issues. I aint the best photographer but I am getting there!

We are getting ready to start the remodeling and redecorating of our house. We are going to do all of it ourselves! Except I think new carpeting, after 15 years it is time!! We tiled our living room floor a few years ago and miss the carpet so it is going back down and in the bedrooms and hallway our carpet is literally falling apart! I think it be time! We are going to paint first though cuz with little ones paint will most likely end up on the floor, LOL!

My daughters have a tendency to like to write on walls sometimes when they are in their creative mode and daddy is watching them, hahaha! SO to alleviate any issues and so they have a creative outlet, we are going to paint the lower half of our hallway with chalkboard paint and let them at it! I want the creativity to flow, but not destroy all the hard work that I am going to be putting in to this job! It has been sooo long since we have done any work to the inside of the house and it need so desperately to be done.

I am planning on posting photos and updates as we get them done! Hubby and I are going to make a photo album of before and after. Stay tuned!

New Items Coming to My Shop

2010-03-04T09:50:00.004-05:00

I love to try new things and patterns. I get these "mystery bags" from online suppliers every once in awhile and you never know what you are going to get. Sometime you get some really nice yarn, but it may not be enough for a project that you initially had in mind. Enter in my 5-year-old daughter who loves looking through my literately hundreds of patterns. She found patterns for a few things that were perfect for my mystery boxes!

This first is made from a pattern that was on a skein of Red Heart yarn. It is a wrap that has a little slit in it to hold it around the shoulders. I was such a neat project to do! My daughter enjoyed hers greatly and she said that I should make more for others to enjoy! So here is the first one for my shop. It is done is in a dark coral color and would be perfect for those spring time evenings that are just around the corner!

This second wrap I am not sure where the pattern came from. It was one that was hand written so I am not sure if it is one that I created or if it was from someone else. I therefore do not take created for the pattern, just the work to make the project. It had no picture with it so I was not sure what the finished project would even remotely look like. My daughter just pulled out this piece of paper from my packet and said, "Mommy, I think that this will look nice." I guess she may be a psychic because the finished product turned out wonderful!

I have never done shawls or wraps before. It is hard to believe because there are so many things that I have made since I learned how to crochet when I was around like 6 or 7 years of age. I enjoyed making these and have plans to try out a few more! I have another mystery box coming and hope there are some great goodies in it.

I still have some from my last mystery yarn box that I have not figured out what to do with. It is a chunky and very bulky yarn that is not the easiest to work with, but the challenge is fun!

I hope to have these listed to my shop at www.mrs13.etsy.com by the weekend! Come by an pay me a visit. Any items that are their I will be happy to make custom for you! Just convo me and I will see what I can do!

Looking out my Window

2010-03-02T09:56:00.002-05:00

I am sitting here looking out my window
And what is it I see?
Grey skys without the sun
Looking back at me.

I say to my self
What can I do
To make the sun shine through?

And then the though comes...

CROCHET AGAIN!

CIC: February Monthly Challenge - Love and Romance

2010-03-01T14:01:00.002-05:00

Please click, visit, comment and vote!!

CIC: February Monthly Challenge - Love and Romance

My Sister in Cahoots Hamna

2010-02-23T08:58:00.003-05:00

Some people are just born with it! Talent! And my friend and sister in cahoots is one of those people! When she was 12 she started sewing. She did not start with a simple little project, she went big with an outfit. I for one am happy that she did that and did not listen to those who told her she could not do it! Now as a wife and mother, she sews for her family and everyone looks forward to what they will be wearing at the next gathering.

My daughter who is 5 look at a lot of things online together and as an Etsy seller myself, I spen a lot of time on that site and we like to look at shops together. Hamn's shop is one of her favorite! She wants to save up her allowance so she can "buy somting". Mommy will help her of course. ☺

So come and check it out!!!

A shop by my friend and collaborator Mary!

2010-02-16T09:28:00.006-05:00

Have a great adventure under the sea with these adorable mermaids! One for every occassion! Makes a great gift!

Valentine Wishes Continue

2010-02-04T07:38:00.005-05:00

I really hate being sick! I have been totally knocked off of my feet for a couple of days and am just now starting to feel better. Now I am so far behind on so many things that it ain't funny. Well, really it is if you really look at it! LOL!

Well, Valentines Day is quickly coming upon us and I really must get my list out there. I am doing this publicly so my darling hubby might pay closer attention to what I want and if I do not get it I will shame him endlessly!

Seriously, I have a very loving hubby who took time off of work to handle my daughters while I was ill, so I would never shame him much, HAHAHA!

So here it goes, my list continues......

Lavender Vanilla Soap by SoapyBlessings on Etsy!!

I love the smell of lavender and vanilla together. Can you imagine a nice warm bath and candle light on Valentines Day? I know I can!! And the fragrance of this soap would set the evening off right.

At SoapyBlessings there is even a three month soap subscription available.

Check it out at http://www.soapyblessings.etsy.com/ !

Bangle Bracelet Handmade Irish Crochet - Autumn Sprigs and Flowers

I also love jewelry and this bracelet would look great on my wrist! I love the earth and pastel colors. This to me would be better than diamonds! There are many bracelets, rings and pretty things here at NothingButString!

Visits http://www.nothingbutstring.etsy.com/ !

My Valentine Wishes

2010-02-01T11:17:00.001-05:00

I have started on another selfish venture to let my hubby know what I want for Valentines Day! Hope he gets these hints!!!

I really love candles!! I have a ton of them and feel that there is always room for more! I really love the romantic look of this candle by ValerieEssentials on Etsy. How romantic it would be!

Valerie has a wide variety of candles to suit any candle lover.

Visit her at http://www.valerieessentials.etsy.com/ !

I also really love to crochet for those of you who don't already know. I hate using the little ring crochet markers and can never get them to stay in place and cannot remove them without snagging my yarn. Well, these markers by TJB Designs make marking stitches a breeze!! Not a problem anymore to mark where I am!! I could use these to make a sweater for my hubby and not miss a stitch!

Visit http://www.tjbdesigns.etsy.com/ to see crochet markers, knit markers, book thongs and scissor fobs! Wide variety and great colors and designs to chose from!

Happy Holidays

2009-12-28T10:06:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy holiday season! The new year is right around the corner and 2010 is going to be a great year! No denying it, it will be!

Today is the last day that Mrs13 Gifts and Keepsakes will be open on Etsy! I am closing down for a little while and plan to reopen in February with a whole new feel! I am very excited! I did not know if I was going to open and stay open this next year, but have decided that I am going to continue and give it another try. I have had alot of help and encouragement from my Collaborator friends, They totally rock!

I have alot of crocheting to do before relaunch so it will be a busy time for me! Afghans (my favorite to make), doilies, angle bears, will still be there but there will be some fresh new items as well. I am setting up a photo box and am taking some "lessons" in photography (basic)!

Visit www.mrs13.etsy.com before it is too late!

Also, as some of you may know, I have started selling Avon products too. Now Avon can be bought online and I can be your representative anywhere in the US. There is direct shipping (cost from $3) and you do have the option of paying with PayPal along with credit card options. I have been using Avon for years and really love the products! Let me be your rep!

Visit www.youravon.com/michellesimons to find out more!

What I want for Christmas #6

2009-12-07T09:05:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I am a little late with this update of my selfish search for the perfect Christmas present for myself. I have had a rough week with illness and am just now starting to fell better. I have been smoke free now for 6 months and it seems that since I quit the habit, I have caught every respiratory illness that comes around. Of course my oldest daughter started kindergarten this year and now every illness and germ from school comes home with her. Oh well, c'est la vie!

As I was lazying around the house and feeling sorry for my sick self, I got to looking around the castle as I like to call it and realized that it needs some serious updates! We have not painted in over three years, and that was one of the small bedrooms that we were changing from green to white with the birth of my second daughter! The rest of the rooms of the house have not been painted in I know 6 years. And the same goes for most of the decor! I have had the same pictures and artwork and plaques up on the walls. I decided that it is time for a change! I am going to change the whole house in the coming year! Look out!

So honey dear, and I know that you are reading this, or anyone who feels like buying me a gift, LOL, here is my next Christmas wish!

Jungle Flowers - Acrylic Painting By LindaCaterpillar

I just fell in love with this painting! I love the the bright colors of the flowers and I really feel that it would add the pop I am looking for. I love the color purple and am thinking of painting my office in that wonderful color and this painting would be a perfect addition and make me feel happy and at peace in my little chuck of the world!

LindaCaterpillar has many great painting at her Etsy shop and she also does cards too at her sister shop lindabutterly! Got to check her out!

www.LindaCaterpillar.etsy.com

www.lindabutterfly.etsy.com

What I want for Christmas #5

2009-11-23T08:52:00.003-05:00

Boy, let me tell you, being selfish in the endeavor to find the perfect Christmas present for myself has been soooo much fun! I have run across many interesting items and shops from so many artisans! I am having way too much fun, LOL!

Of course I am not focusing on myself all of the time. I have completed the spa set for my hubby's niece and sister. I wanted to take photos to post, by my camera is currently out of commission. I am also making plans to revamp my own shop on Etsy and work on the one I have on Zibbet also. Hubby is going to get me some photography gear and I may check into seeing if there is a photography class available through local adult education. I can crochet like a mad woman, but I cannot take a good picture worth a darn! Oh well, practice make perfect and I will be getting plenty of that! I can't wait for the relaunch after the holidays! Stay tuned.

Now for what I know everybody is waiting for! My next Christmas wish!

Aquamarine and Gold Vermeil Chandelier Earrings by Elektra Jewelry Design.

These are very classy earrings and I know that they would look good in my ears! Also helped by the fact that aquamarine is my birthstone!

There are so may great pieces of jewelry at this shop, it was hard to chose just one! You have got to check out this shop!

www.elektrajewelry.etsy.com

What I want for Christmas item #4

2009-11-16T09:10:00.003-05:00

As I have started this selfish endeavor of posting my Christmas wish list, I have come to realize that I have quite a few "fetishes". Another one to add to the list is scented candles!! I spend just about all, if not all, my time at home. To spice things up and to de-stress, I find aroma therapy to be a big help! There is nothing better than a beautifully scented candle to fit the bill. So honey, I know you are reading, so here is my wish #4.

Amish Harvest scented Palm Wax pillar candle by candleguy821 on ArtFire!

I cannot imagine a more relaxing and refreshing sent of a fresh harvest! As a gardener, small home gardener that is, I find the scent of fresh fruits and vegetables an extreme pleasure!

To see this item and discover all the scents and designs available visit http://www.artfire.com/users/candleguy821

What I want for Christmas item #3

2009-11-14T10:36:00.004-05:00

I love jewelry!! I know very few people, men and women alike, who don't. Again, like the bags, I had alot of pieces at one time but had to cut down and get rid of some that I did not wear. Now that my daughters are getting to the age where they are interested in jewelry for wearing and not playing, I am starting to look at jewelry more and more.

As a crafter, I have tried my hand at making my own pieces. I have not been very successful in this endeavor. I have tried beading and found it kinda tedious. I have tried crocheting my own pieces and came out with a bunch of knots, LOL!!!! There is someone out there who makes beautiful crochet pieces for you to wear or to decorate up things around the home. Here is my wish #3 for Christmas. Hubby, I know you are reading so pay attention!!

Handmade Irish Crochet Thread Bracelet - Sea and Sand by Nothing by string on Etsy!!!

I love the blue of the sea and can almost hear the waves! Nothing can but more at ease than images of the sea and wearing this bracelet can be the reminder that I need to take in a few deep breaths and imagine myself relaxing and breathing the sea air! Find this and other beautiful items at http://www.nothingbutstring.etsy.com/ Very skilled and delicate work!!!

What I want for Christmas

2009-11-13T09:21:00.003-05:00

I love bags!!! I have had a bag fetish since I was a child. At one time I had, I know, over 50 bags. That may not seem like much but in a small house like mine it can be overwhelming. When I worked outside the home as a nurse, my bags were my lifeline. Sometimes I would have to pack a few days of clothes, especially in bad weather, because I would not know when I would be able to be home again. And of course, my bags had bags so I could take a few things out on the floor with me while doing rounds.

I have cut down on the number of bags that I have since I am now at home full time. I have three purses and an Avon tote and that is it. As I mentioned I love bags and miss them. So another thing on my list is a bag!!!! And I have found the perfect one for me. Here is a hint my darling hubby!!

I love this handmade bag made by Antique Basket Lady on Etsy. I love this retro pattern and the color scheme is totally awesome! She has many items available from purses to clutches to coin purses in many patterns and designs. Check her out at www.Antiquebasketlady.etsy.com and enjoy shopping!

Handmade Christmas

2009-11-12T11:49:00.003-05:00

This year, just like last year, my family members are getting home made presents. This year the women will be getting spa sets that I am crocheting filled with Avon products as I have become an independent Avon rep. I am still kinda in the dark about what to make the men, namely by brother-in-laws and a nephew-in-law. Last year I made them camouflage scarfs for two of them as they are into hunting and a men's dresser kit for the other who isn't into hunting. I hope that I will figure it out before time runs out. These gifts are for my hubby's family. My family is soooo big I would have to work the year round to make gifts for them so I send a big thing of food from Swiss Colony. Most of them go to my folks house for Christmas and I don't get to be there because of the distance, they live in Northern lower Michigan and I live in Kentucky. I know that they all enjoy the treats!

I have found lots of things that I would like to get for myself this year, but I know that is not a proper thing to think, LOL! I keep dropping hints to the hubby and hopefully I will get my wish! Here is one of the things that makes my list!!

Lime Green and Hot Pink Beaded Markers for Crochet from TJBdesigns on Etsy.com. I have a pair of scissor fobs from her shop and just love them!!! A great shop to visit and get a gift for the crafter in your life!

To see this item and more like it visit www.tjbdesigns.etsy.com

I will show more of my picks tomorrow!!!

School meeting and boy flying kite

2009-08-21T08:50:00.003-04:00

Okay, so the first thing that I am going to go on about is the academic committee meeting that I went to at my daughters elementary school last night. I have a 19-year-old son who is done with school and I hate to admit that I was not involved as much as I probably should have been, but I tried and now have the opportunity to be involved since I do not work full time outside of the home. Anyway, the first thing that struck me was that there were 10 teachers and only 3 parents (that were not employed by the school anyway) there. My understanding is that they rarely have parents involved with the academic performance committee. I also got the first impression that the teachers that were there, some of them anyway, did not really want to be there. I also kinda got the opinion that parents were not really "welcomed". Opinions were not really listened to much and there were a few teachers that were rolling there eyes while another parent there in attendance was talking about some concerns he had heard in the community about the education at the school. Am I wrong or is that why parents are suppose to be a part of the process. Not a very welcoming atmosphere.

As the meeting progressed, the issue of monies came up, of course! I came to find out that my daughters elementary school has only a $44,000 operating budget! That of course is after salaries, utilities and those kinda things. The library only gets around $1000 and technology only $3000. The books in the library are soooo old and outdated. Our library had a book published in 1973 that gave instructions to boys on how to be well groomed! That is an example of what they have to work with. Over 3000 of the 7000 books in this library are out of date and need to be replaced to meet modern learning and reading standards. This saddens my heart as a "book worm" and a parent that has really encouraged reading and has incorporated it into an integral part of family life.

Another sad thing is the technology part of this. We are fast becoming a total computer society! The school does have some nice looking computers, but not enough for all students to have access and they are in desperate need of "smart classrooms" to enhance and make the most of the learning experience. The school building is only 5 years old and I didn't understand why the technology upgrades were not built in. There have been a few new schools built in the county I live in over the past few years and I thought all of them were designed with smart classrooms, well I was wrong because ours was not. When I asked about this, I found out it was because we did not have the money for it. See, our school is the part of the county that is not "financially prosperous". We are the middle class of education, not poor enough to be considered in need and not rich enough to have what we need. Other schools in the district are getting 2-1/2 times or more money to operated on. Teachers here are buying supplies for there classrooms from their own pockets. I find this sad!

I plan on blogging on this issue often to bring awareness of the need of public education. Our children our suffering because of this and not enough is being done. Is throwing money the answer, no it is not. As I do think the schools need money, I think that we need to take a look at where our education dollars are going. This is something that I am going to be looking into and keeping tabs on and I encourage every parent out there to do the same! I will be researching this over the weekend as the schools budgets are suppose to be public record. Will keep updates right here on a regular basis! PTA meeting also coming up in a week so will try to find out more!

Now for an update on a project that I am currently working on. It is a cross stitch picture of a boy flying a kite. It seems like it is taking me forever to finish this. I keep coming up with new ideas for things or get request for things and this stitching keeps getting put off. I will finish it one of these days, I hope. It is really cute and will make a nice framed item for a boys room or nursery. Hopefully will be able to finish it by the end of September.

Well, I guess that is all for now. Until next time!

Pattern recreated, I think, and new design in the works

2009-07-21T09:29:00.007-04:00

Okay, so I have not posted in awhile. Why is it that best made plans never seem to come through the way they are suppose to? Oh well, I am posting now.

I have been working on several projects lately. I guess I may really have ADHD when it comes to crafting. I cannot seem to get enough and I love to do EVERYTHING!

When I was about 8 years old, I did a "home sampler" from a kit that my mother had bought me. I have had it all these years, and to my dismay, it is literally falling apart. I guess that after 30 years it probably would and I have not always had it stored properly. I loved the simple stitches and design and wanted to make another one. I have looked just about everywhere for the pattern (I have saved most from projects done over the years), but can not seem to find it. I do not remember where my mother bought it or who designed it. So, I sat down and did a recreate with a few little changes I think because of areas where the stitching had fallen away. If any one out there knows where I can find an original, I would love to know! Again, this is a recreation and not an original design by me, I take no credit.

I am currently working a design adapted from a wall quilt that I have absolutely fallen in love with! I love the design and the colors! I though that this would make a nice small sampler type design to maybe fit in with some other homey hearts. Maybe to make a collection from. It will be my first real "challenge" pattern. I am finally learning to use my design software (PCStitch) and I am falling in love with it more and more! Not only is it useful with my cross stitch, but I am also find ways to use it for my crochet too! I love things that are versatile!

I am also currently working on a new afghan. It is going to be an assembled square afghan using a "sunburst" square and a basic double crochet square. It is still a work in progress. I am just about finished with the remaining squares and hope to have it completed by the end of the week. When it is done it will probably be posted for sale on Etsy. If you have not checked out Etsy, you really should. There are alot of great items!

Well, that is all for now! Happy crafting, thinking, working, playing or whatever you are doing today!

2009-06-25T21:08:00.001-04:00

2009-06-08T13:53:00.003-04:00

This is my very first pattern design. I am proud of it even though it is very simple. I took me forever to figure out how to convert from my PCstitch software to a visible picture to display. I guess when you play around with something you eventually figure it out. The only problem now is that now the file that it was saved under in my PCstitch is missing. It should not be too hard to recreate, however.

I am hoping to have a finished and framed production of this pattern to place on my Etsy store, MRS 13 Gifts and Keepsakes. I am getting ready to have a "reopening" of my shop this week. I have kinda been out of it and am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things.

While at Etsy, you really need to check out TJBdesigns! She has some really great stitching accessories. Stitch markers, needle threaders, scissor fobs are all fabulous! The link on the right will take you to my shop on Etsy and from there you can browse for other great sellers like TJBdesigns! Have fun shopping!!

A New Direction

2009-06-01T20:57:00.001-04:00

I have decided to revamp my blog! Update coming soon! Stay tuned!

Random thoughts

2009-05-06T11:38:00.002-04:00

So, I am sitting down on this rainy late morning, drinking my strawberry Slimfast and wishing it was a real strawberry shake. My girls are having their noontime quiet and nap time, and I have a little time to contemplate the world as it is. How fun! The morning chores are done with the exception of the last load of laundry that is in the dryer and the cleaning of the ferret cage. I have the first portion of the daily workout done and just feel like chillin.

I am working on a new cross stitch project. It is a picture of a boy flying a kite. I am hoping to complete it by the end of next week so I can list it for sale on my esty store. I have been trying to get the motivation again to start my craft business to full swing. I am happy doing my medical transcription from home on the weekends, but I would really like to quit a traditional job altogether and work totally for myself! It will probably take awhile and I will probably have to wait to do it all the way until my girls start school full time. That is a couple years away, but it will give me time to get into the swing of things. Link to my store is on this blog page. You can request items from there also. I do not currently have anything posted for sale, but I can do cross stitch, crochet, and I am learning to knit and do bead work.

What do you think about this "swine flu" thing! Now after all the hype about it, it is now determined that it is not going to be a severe as they first thought. Funny ain't it! Now they are recommending that schools don't have to close and there is no need to take precautions. Could it be that the reason that it did not get as bad is because of the precautions that were put in place? I mean cutting down on the closed in contact of people with symptoms had no play in decreasing the severity of the spread, get real!! It really is a good thing to stay home or keep your kids home when they are sick, but how many people can really stay at home when they are sick. Many companies give their employees a hard time when they call in sick and many do not have sick time without consequence or a three day waiting period. I think that part of the health care reform should be a change in company policies that will allow people who are truly sick to stay home. Of course, you have a lot of people who would take advantage and call in when they are not really sick, so its a catch twenty-two.

I watched American Idol last night. I love that show. I really don't know why, but I have to watch it. Adam did a kick butt job as always last night and made the rest pale in comparison. Allison did a good job, but no one can seem to top Adam. But this could end up working out against him. You know he is good enough to cut an album today and it would be nice for one of the others to get a good shot of becoming big. He may end up going home tonight. It is what happened to Duaghtry. He was good and people knew he would make it as an artist so they let him go. It will be interesting to see. I know that I will be tuning in to the results show tonight.

Well, that is all of my thoughts for now. Peace out and enjoy! ;)

The battle of the buldge, who says it is a good thing

2009-05-04T11:58:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I am like every other or at least most American women. I am struggling with body image and trying to fight the battle of the bulge. I have lost about 15 pounds since the beginning of the year and have gone from 43% body fat to 38%. This is a good thing I guess.

But as I am working on this endeavor, I also am so tired of the constant and harsh things said about the people of this world who are like me and have a little extra to love. I am healthy, I do not have high blood pressure, I do not have diabetes; lucky you may say but not all of us that are on the heavy side are doomed to a life plagued of illness. Not too long ago I remember a new study that came out that showed that people with a little extra weight had a lower risk of cancer, now it is back to the opposite and now we have a higher incident of cancer. We are constantly hearing conflicts of studies from the "experts" and I for one am sick of it!

Am I going to quit trying to eat right and exercise? No I am not. But I am not going to worry about all these studies and so called facts against the bulge. Truth be told, I am really just doing it so that my girls will not be embarrassed by me as they get older. I want to teach my girls to be happy with themselves, but at the same time the influences of the media and "experts" will no doubt play a bigger role than I really would want it to be.

The other day we were watching the news and a story came on about the increasing numbers of those who are obese. They were talking about the dangers and the increase in premature death amongst those who are obese. My 4-year-old looked at me and asked if that meant that I was going to die soon because I am "fat". Talk about harsh and to the point. I really did not know what to say. I told her that it did not mean that I was going to die, just that some "experts" say that that is what they think. She was truly upset and told me she did not want me to die and that I need to get "skinny".

So, I will continue to work on this if not for me, for my girls so they won't be worried. I guess it also means that when I reach that "skinny" point I might be able to buy some decent clothes. Why do they make plus size clothes so ugly? I mean, big bright prints and the such. It's like putting a big billboard up on the back side stating "yes, I am one of those fat people that are going to drive up health care cost because of all the awful diseases and problems I am going to have before I die a premature death"! Have to have a little bit of humor I guess. Gotta laugh or gonna cry!

So to all my fellow chubbies out there, here's to you!

2008-12-30T11:10:00.003-05:00

As we head into a new year, I like many out there make new year resolutions. I really hate the word resolution! It is almost like setting yourself up for failure from the beginning. So this year I am setting up goals that are attainable for me.

I have struggled with my weight for many years. I have had times where I have lost, only to gain it right back. I signed up for SparkPeople about two years ago and have had some success, only to fail because I don't stick with it. I start feeling guilty about being on the computer and think that I could be doing something else. The thing is, I enjoy being on the computer!

I had a job at one time that had me around people all the time. Since I have become a stay-at-home mom, I do not have the "people" time that I used to. We only have one car and my old friends still have their jobs and lives and not time to socialize with me much anymore. Our interests have parted ways. I now have as what I like to call, internet friends and I have found it odd that friendships can develop so nicely when you communicate on line. Odd isn't it!

I used to be one who thought that people who spent alot of time online needed to get a life. The old adage not to judge others until you walk a mile in their shoes has proven true to me in this case. I love t be on the computer and love the connections that I have made!!

I guess what I am getting at is that I am going to turn to the computer for help with my new year goals.

I have 100 pounds to lose to be at a weight that is recommended for my body type. My goal is to lose just 50 pounds of that total this year. That is just about one pound a week for the whole year. I think that I can do that! I think that setting a goal that is truly attainable is important. And not to mention that most "experts" say that the slower you lose the weight the more likely that it is to stay off! I am going to use this blog as well as Sparks to assist me with this endeavor. I plan to write on this one at least weekly and my Sparks blog daily. If you want to join me on Sparks I am the user iwanttolose100. Check it out!!

I have not finalized the exact terms for the other goals for the next year. I will update readers as they are figured out. Who says that they all have t start on January 1st!

Been Awhile

2008-08-16T19:27:00.002-04:00

It has been awhile since my last post. Not much has been happening that I really had a need to spout out about.

the political issue has gone from bad to worse. Now we could be facing a war that I really don't think that we should even consider. Yes, I am referring to Russia. We are now telling them that they need to get out of Georgia or else. Or else what? I agree that Russia should get out of Georgia, but can this nation afford to get into another heated battle? It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few days.

Off of the subject of politics for now. If I continue on it will just end up into an endless rant and rave about something that not to many people realize is important.

I have continued on the plot of starting my own business. I have made a lot of product. I even made my first sales!!! I was so happy! I was trying to sell on Ebay, but I think the market place for homemade crafts is not big to that site.

I was watching Good Morning America one day and heard about this great site called Etsy.com. It deals only with homemade and vintage goods. It was wonderful!!! I loved it. Not only for posting items for sale, but also for buying. I can not wait to try the buying bit. I love home made items.

The site is easy to sign up for, it is easy to post your adds, they give you a store, and have many other affordable helps to get the word out about you homemade goods. I am really excited about this site. Check it out!!!!!

What now?

2008-07-31T10:50:00.003-04:00

I don't know how many people actually read this blog,but I am going to keep writing it.

As those of you who do read know, I have been a stay at home mom for a couple of years now. But that is getting ready to change. I am going to continue to work on starting my own business but I am going to have to find work outside the home. I retired my nursing license and do not want to return to that hectic job, so I am applying to stuff like walmart and the such. I am hoping that I will find work soon.

The financial challenges are great in this day and age. Families cannot be families because of the money it takes to make it. Even with cutting down to the basics, as we have, it is hard to make ends meet. We do not go out to eat, out to the movies, or anything much else. We did manage to get in a small vacation, but even that caused a little financial hardship. Once a month McDonalds has become a big treat.

I know that there are people in the world in worse shape than we are in the United States, but for being one of the most powerful nations, we are poor. Watching the news last night, here in Kentucky they were talking about the cut backs in education funding. They are talking about cutting after school tutoring and special education programs. We are cutting funding for the most important assets that this country has, our children!! We are as a nation going to fall further and further behind other nations if we do not take proper care of our children!!! I am in fear and worry about the nation that my children are going to grow up in. We have a lot of talk and no action!!

The press is also talking about how we, by using less gas, have cut the budget for road repairs. Isn't that what the call has been for? We have been told to cut back on the consumption of gas by environmentalist and economist. Now we are going to pay the price for listening and doing what we have been told we should do if we care about our nation. I am so sick and tired of this rhetoric!!!

I do not want the government to have to much control or say over things like there is in other countries, but we elect our representatives to serve us and our needs as people of the Untied States!! How much in tax dollars were wasted on investigations to drug use in professional sports! Why in congress getting involved in this, it is a judicial issue and that is where it should stay. How many millions of dollars have been wasted in this supposed investigation of the oil companies? How many of these politicians have stakes in these oil companies. Many Americans also have stake in these companies in the the form of retirement accounts, and may not even realize it. Yeah, that's right, make the oil companies pay big time and people may lose the hard earned money they have put away in their retirement accounts. No matter which way you look at it we the people lose!!!

I am tired of all the words that are spoken by the representatives of this country!!! I want action!

The trials of starting a business from scratch.

2008-07-26T10:16:00.007-04:00

I think I may have mentioned that I am trying to start my own business. It won't be anything big, but just a little something to bring some money in for now. Maybe when my girls get a little older I will kick it up a notch. Now that is not to say that I would not allow it to get big before that. We will just have to see.

I enjoy crafting! I love to crochet and cross stitch the most. I can do other things, but that is what I enjoy best. I have gotten several products done. I have created a brochure and will start passing those out and hanging them on community bulletin boards and where ever I can get some free advertising.

I am currently doing research, mainly at the library, for tips and hints on how to start a home business. There are many resources on the Internet, but those seem to be geared toward this "data entry" stuff, which I found out was a scam the hard way. I have always thought of myself as a half way intelligent person, but I fell hard to the "data entry" stuff. How silly could I have been!

Now back to the serious stuff. I have, as I said, done up a lot of items. I do doilys, treasure jars (some crotchet and some counted cross stitch), baby afghans, baby outfits, and much more to come. I am really excited about this and hope to be successful!!! The art of crafts is somewhat of a dying art. I feel this is because of the hours that many people have to work. It is hard to find the time to do these projects in today's society. I am here to fill this void!!

I will have many more items to come. Christmas is coming soon and I will be starting on Christmas decorations soon. I am really excited. These are products you will not be able to find at the Walmart and they are all made with love from the heart!!

Here we are again!

2008-07-16T20:33:00.002-04:00

So, times are tough in American finance. Banks (or at least one bank) are in trouble, major lending institutions are in trouble, and of course the airlines are in trouble again. The government is talking major bailouts. I have a question, where is the money going to come from?

Of course the answer to this question is the taxpayers. I don't know about anybody else, but my family can not afford to be bailing these institutions out. We are having rough times just putting food on our table and gas in the car, we can't do anymore.

I hear congress is talking about releasing a new stimulus package, but the president feels that it is not necessary at this time. Consumer numbers were up in June (higher than expected). What was the reason you think? Extra money going into our pockets.

I really feel that our elected officials do not understand us average Americans. To be in politics you have to have money and connections. Most of our elected officials have money and lots of it. Now I am not saying that some have not come by the money by hard work, but still.

I have to say that I am an admirer of Barak Obama. Even though I am a republican, I am tending to lean towards Obama. He started from a very modest back ground and had to overcome many obstacles to get where he is today. I am concerned that he does seem to be change in stance since obtaining the presumptive nomination. I will be watching things very closely in the up coming months.

To home school or not to home school?

2008-07-10T09:10:00.003-04:00

My last post I really railed on issues not being addressed by our leaders. Today I wanted to talk a little about the education dilemma.

My daughter is soon to be 4, and most children her age are getting ready to start preschool/head start. We have opted not to send our daughter to preschool and to do it at home. There are many resources out there for education at home. My favorite is abcteach.com. They have free printable and for a small membership fee you can get even more. I love the site.

Now here is the first issue that I am facing. Organizing a time to sit down and have her work on it and do it properly. I have a 1-year-old also and it is hard to get the two of them to cooperate to work on this. Also, I do not want to be overbearing and I want to have patients when working with her, but I find myself getting frustrated when she wants to scribble instead of write. I know that you have to be stern and organized to teach and I admire those who can do it! I hope that I will be able to learn this skill as I am unsure about which avenue to take with my girls education.

That brings me to the second issue. Public education is "free" if you don't count book fees, lunch fees, and probably gas fees if things don't improve with gas prices. But what kind of education are our children receiving? We rank pretty low in education when evaluated against other developed countries. Why is this??? We spend so much money and are getting further and further behind. Private schools are expensive, and with current economic issues I do not know if we will be able to afford this.

You see most of the smartest and brightest children are home schooled and private schooled. Is this because children are allowed advanced on their own level? I believe so. Students do not have to wait for a class to catch up if they are ready to advance. There is less limitations to what they can learn and there is more life experience in the learning process. Just going to the supermarket can be a big learning experience for children (especially young ones). There is more opportunity with homeschooling for hands on learning to. Going to see how things work or going to a history museum or the such to see history instead of just listening to a lecture or reading a text book (that may or may not be accurate). There seems to be so much benefit.

I do not fault teachers (at least those who are true teachers). They try their hardest with what they are given, but not enough is available. Also, teaching is a lot like the nursing profession. You have to be truly devoted to it in order for it to work for you and the students.

I have this dilemma facing me and hopefully over the next few months I will be able to establish a good schedule, and get us on the right tract!!! Any comments or suggestions are appreciated on this issue!!!

What the heck ????

2008-07-03T23:21:00.003-04:00

Boy, where to begin!! This has been a day. News is bad for our country right now. Jobs are down, the economy sucks, you can't afford to drive to work if you are lucky to have a job; and what are our politicians doing and our candidates doing? Going around the world trying to improve our reputation around the world and talk about how much money in aide we are going to give them!! Outrageous!!!

This all started this morning while watch my morning dose of GMA. It is hard to believe the job market crash that is going on. And folks it is a crash, don't let these so called experts fool anyone. I am so tired of hearing how we are not in that bad of shape and that we will bounce back in no time!!! BULL!!!! I am really concerned about things and the way they are going. Now I am a pretty upbeat person and usually always see a silver lining in any storm cloud, but right now all I can see is the storm and a storm that is going to last for a long time.

It is funny though, I "retired" from nursing and of course the medical field is seeing growth. But at what price. I got out of the field because it did not give the flexibility for me and my families needs and because there is such an influx of people getting into the field, the passion is gone. No more are people going into it because they have a deep desire for meeting the needs of people, no longer are nursing schools being selective about who they let into programs just pay and your in. Now I am not saying that all are bad, but many are. People are taking the jobs and getting the education because they have no other options. But this is having a negative effect on the profession. I know this first hand and is one reason that I am out. I was tired of having to clean up after incompetency and working for people that were incompetent and liars. They were in positions that they lied and wiggles and kissed butt to get into and had no true qualifications!! I was tired of being called by lawyers for information on issues that people had with care (I have never been named in a lawsuit) and have decided to sue and asked to give my opines on care and whether or not it was satisfactory. In most cases it was not in my opine and I guess I should leave it at that!!!!

Then this evening I was watching BBC America. I have gotten to where I like to watch this show because you do not have any tiptoeing around to make a political agenda happy like many newscasts here in our wonderful US. I was really surprised how much stuff gets left out of our news casts. I am referring to the news casts on the BIG three networks that just about everybody with a tv can get, if you watch CNN, FOX news or the such you may hear more. I really got upset that the focus of our presidential candidates were to go over seas on tours right now. Both are senators and should be working on helping figure out how the heck to help this great nation out of the bind that it is in. We are selling out companies to over seas investors, sending our jobs over seas and watching our own suffer. Where are these movie stars who are concerned about things in Africa and china at when our own country is in need. Oh, I forgot they are over in France giving birth to babies and buying vacations home in England and where ever else they want to spend there millions!!!

People talk about illegal immigrants taking our jobs away and using up our public aid funds. I think our bigger problem is how much we are sending out of this country. We need to focus on that. Of course if we do not focus on it soon, we will not have to worry about illegal immigration because who would want to come here if things continue on a downward spiral like it is.

I know this has been a pretty negative sounding entry, but dog gone it. I am tired of this. I am worried about my children in this situation. How will there education be paid for, we know the government can't pay enough for our children to get the education they deserve and we can not afford to pay higher taxes to get an increase in education. You can not afford private school and put food on your table, and home schooling is becoming more and more under scrutiny by the government and they want to be able to control that now too. Our food supply can not be guarded against disease because the FDA can not do the job they should be ding, and our drugs (medical) are now killing us!!!

I DO LOVE THIS COUNTRY! I recognize the many good things, but recently it just has been sucky news!!! If I was living in another country I may not be able to freely express my opinions in this format!!!! Thanks to all our service people for that!!!!!

Okay, I am going to do it!

2008-07-02T19:22:00.001-04:00

I have been thinking about doing something for years now, and now I am going to do it!! I am going to start my own business.

I am a crafter and have thought about starting my own business is crafting for a number of years. I have finally decided to go ahead and start it. I have been trying to get a job as a medical transcriptionist from home without any luck. I took a course from home and had high hopes. It cost a pretty good chunk of money and put my family out on a little financial limb. You hear that it is a fast growing need, and as a registered nurse, thought it would be a perfect fit for me. After almost two months after completion of my program and submission of a lot of resumes, I still have no job. With gas prices and child care costs, it does not pay for me to work outside the home. So my answer is to start my own business.

I know that there will be a lot of work involved and lots of time to spend, but I am hoping that it will be worth it in the long run. Many people are successful at their little home adventures, and hey, I have nothing to lose, I would spend money on crafting goods anyway!!!

My husband is behind me 100% and my two daughters want to help. Of course they are just 3 and 1. It will be interesting.

I feel fortunate that I am able to make this try of it. We do not need much more additional income right now, but things are going down hill so fast that it won't be long before we do need more to just to maintain food on our table and a roof over our heads. My prayers are there for those who are already in that situation.

Wish me luck!!! More to come!

Newport Aquiarium and Creation Museum

2008-06-23T20:20:00.000-04:00

My family has just returned from a short vacation. We vacationed close to home because of the gas prices being so high. One tank of gas got us through. We brought our own food with us, but did eat one meal out. The most money we spent was in the gift shops getting things for the girls, of course.

We went to the Newport Aquarium just outside the Cincinnati area. I was very disappointed in this attraction. It did not live up to the advertised expectations. Of course we went during family hours because of having a 3 year-old and a 19-month-old. It was rough and crowded. The attractions are nothing like what is advertised. I was expecting huge over-the-head displays and all there was was dark tunnels with water around and some small fish and small sharks. Big thumbs down to a family friendly atmosphere too!

Now the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Ky was wonderful!! Even my girls enjoyed this trip. The displays are beautiful and very educational. The staff is very kind and helpful. There were plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. They had a petting Zoo that was my girls favorite place, the camel and goats were the big winners. My husband and I would like to go back again when just the two of us can go. As this was a pretty family friendly place, if you wanted to take time to read about every display and see all the theatricals, small children are not easy to cart along. Overall it gets a big thumbs up.

We stayed at the Econo-Lodge in Richwood, KY and for a "non-expensive" hotel it was not bad. The mattresses and pillows were a little on the flat and lumpy side, but the rooms were clean and in good repair. I would stay there again.

One thing that was frustrating is that people are so rude. What ever happened to people saying "excuse me" when they ram you in the back because they are running down the halls or saying I am sorry when they knock you over. Politeness seems to be a dying art. It really hurts to see how common courtesy has gone down the toilet.

Overall the vacation was a thumbs up.

Health Care

2008-06-16T18:55:00.000-04:00

Okay, here we go. This is another topic that is near and dear to my heart. Health care!! We hear all the time that there are many people in the United States that are uninsured or under insured. This is a sad situation. We live in one of the riches nations in the world and we can not take care of our own.

I was a geriatric nurse for 10 years before leaving the field, and let me tell you, if anyone is hit hard it is the elderly!!! Care for the elderly has become sad in our nation!!! Our parents and grandparents (in most cases) gave us everything and we forget them as they age.

We are a throw away society! This includes people. When people become of no use to us we dispose of them. I cannot tell you how many people I have taken care of over the years whose family have just dumped them in nursing homes and expected the government to take care of them. The saddest time I would see is over the holidays. We would have gift drives that involve the staff and we would buy new clothes or other necessities for residents. The list of residents in need grew all the time. Many would not have visitors.

Of course some of this is changing with the growing advertisement by lawyers for lawsuits. The minute someone would get sick, lawyers were contacted. Nothing strikes fear in the hearts of healthcare professionals as the word "lawsuit". Now there have been justified cases, but a majority are because of the drive to sue if anything goes wrong. Medicine is not a perfect science, and sometimes people get sick and die. It is part of life. We are not meant to live forever.

Now I do not think there is any easy answer to solving the health care crisis (and that is what it is in my opinion). It will be interesting to see what the presidential candidates will truly propose as election time comes nearer. This will be something I monitor closely.

We need to remember our elderly and our children in this issue!!! More thoughts on this later!

To tax or not to tax, how much do we want to suffer!

2008-06-15T20:48:00.000-04:00

For my first post I figured I would rant on about the much debated "gas tax holiday". My question is who is this holiday for!!!!! Get real!!

Gas companies want to make a profit. If you pose a company to pay the tax for consumers, who is going to pay for any lose of profit? Answer: the consumer. Gases prices are going up and will not stop, gas tax holiday or not. The extra cost will be passed down to the consumer and the amount of the tax the company is charged will be passed down. We are in a no win situation here.

My suggestion on how to resolve this, stop driving!! (HAHAHA) You hear about how we should drive alternate fuel hybrids, use public transportation, and the such. I live in an area that does not have mass transit and buying a new car that will not pay for itself for years is out of the question!

What would happen if for just 2 days Americans left their cars at home and went nowhere? Talk about an economic crisis. No trips to Walmart or McDonalds!!! Don't you think that would send a message?! Not that this is going to happen, but what if?

As I say, this blog will cover many issues. Stay tuned.