Uniting Through Belief

It's time to talk about another great chat room opportunity on the internet. Sharing is so much fun and sometimes even important. I've always liked it better when I had someone to talk to, someone who likes what I do or understands whatever it is that I'm going through. It's been frustrating at times when I'm all excited about some event or situation but have no one to talk about it with at the particular moment. With chat rooms, you just don't have to worry about that. Just get online and find a friend, someone you know is going to be interested in what you have to say.

Common bonds and heritage make it so much easier to get to know a person. One such chat room possibility is for people of the Jewish belief. If that's you, you can go to the Jewish chatroom and sign up for a free membership. That's one of the best things about chat rooms like this one - they are one-hundred percent free of charge.

Signing up is very easy. There's a super quick registration form to complete, and then it's just a matter of venturing into the chat rooms. If you have a webcam, they have a lot of video chat rooms available as well. Sounds pretty cool!

The Switch to Digital TV

It was originally going to be in February, but now it's in June that analog goes bye-bye and digital TV is the new standard. If you don't buy one of those converter boxes, you won't be able to watch television unless you subscribe to cable or satellite. I found some neat links over the last few days that help with information about this change. In fact, since I might have to completely give up my cable very soon, these links have been very helpful.

The first one is the government's site and I'm also including their 'contact us' page. It gives the address you can write to them as well as an email address. All of the phone numbers are automated. Here you can read all about the change to digital and the converter box coupons that you can order.

There's a terrific informational site called TV Fool where you can input your zip code and find out what channels you are most likely to receive once the transition is made. It divides the channels into ones you should be getting, one you will probably get, and ones you probably won't without a really strong antenna. The TV Signal Locator page is extremely simple to use and only takes a minute.

Next up is Rabbit Ears and it can tell you what your local stations are and where their towers are located. It's more neat information.

Last up, if you have questions about the conversion, there's a forum designed to answer your questions. It's not government run, but there are some very in-the-know folks there and it's another good place to ask questions about the entire process of switching to digital and setting up your converter box.

Exploring the Rockies

One of the things I really love to do is travel. I haven't been able to do much of that these days, but I still have a list of favorite places to return to and other places that I haven't visited before that I'd love to see. One of these places is Banff. It is so beautifully picturesque. I look at the mountains and yearn to return to them again. When I was in college, I went for long rides through the mountains. Being in the clean air, surrounded by beauty and wide-open spaces, was a serene and refreshing feeling.

Visiting Banff has to be an exhilarating experience. Today as I was losing myself by looking at photos and its webcam, I was particularly attracted to the Columbia Icefields. It's located right on the boundary of the Banff, between it and the Jasper National Park. This area is so massive that it feeds eight glaciers.

There's a tour there called the Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience that is calling my name big time. It reminds me of an Alaskan excursion I went on once. Here, you actually get to go on one of the glaciers. Now that excites me.

I'm off to go review the Banff site some more. In this summer heat we're having, it's cooling me off just to look at the webcam images.

Some News of the Day

I read an article on Farrah Fawcett today. Her special airs tomorrow night on NBC, and I think it's going to be very poignant and touching. I also think it's going to be hard to watch. A lot of folks are referring to the show as an auto-obituary. In a way, I guess it is. I have to continue to applaud Farrah's strength. She's definitely getting the last laugh with the tabloids, and I'm glad about that. From the sound of it, they aren't going to be able tell much more than what she is telling tomorrow night.

At the same time, I'm just very touched by how Ryan O'Neal continues to be at her side. Now, I'm not a fan of Ryan's, and I don't like how he came between Farrah and Lee Majors decades ago. I believe it was very disloyal. That said, they are a volatile couple who really do seem to have some deep, deep feelings. He's taking care of her just how she took care of him years back. That's how love should be.

I also read today that Jay Leno is having as his final guest -- Conan O'Brien. Give me a commercial break. Some are calling it very sportsmanlike. I think it's ridiculous. I don't know about the rest of America, but I'm not watching Leno at 10pm next season, anymore than I'm watching Conan in what was once a proud spot on the NBC schedule.

Is Direct TV Right For You?

Direct tv is a favorite of many. Yet others prefer the Dish Network. How do you know which choice is really the best for you? There are so many factors to evaluate. Where do you turn to find the answers?

Satellite TV has grown in popularity over the years with consumers looking for more channels at a better price than what is offered by competing cable competitors. Given the vast marketing efforts of both Direct TV and the Dish Network, interested consumers are left shaking their heads, uncertain which way to turn.

Kaptain Satellite does all the hard work for you, listing the pros and cons of both satellite options. You can check out the best promotions and current offers from the two providers, as well as compare their equipment.

Make your shopping easier and visit the Kaptain Satellite website before making your final decision.

Parting is Difficult

Earlier today, I notified a couple of the Yahoo groups that I own, particularly my Patrick Swayze group and my fan fic group, that because of my desperate financial status, I'm making the very difficult decision to sell some of my much loved and coveted Swayze collection. With some minor editing to be appropriate for this blog, I'm posting that email here. If you are a Swayze fan and interested, please notify me.

Well, I'm just about there.  The well is about to be dry, and I'm scared too death.  So, as much as I don't want to, I'm at a point where I have to.  I'm going to have to try and sell part of my Patrick collection.  I haven't been getting much sleep, and the stress is just making me sick as can be, so I don't know what else to do.

I thought I'd start with the posters.  I know there was some interest in the past, but then again, I have a hunch that those folks bought everything they wanted off of eBay.  I wanted to make sure first that there was some interest, especially since it's not easy to get around and open them up.  I need to know if anyone is genuinely interested in buying some of these within the next two or three weeks.

This isn't going to be a cheapie sale.  I'm not doing this to get them off of my hands; I'm doing this with a sad heart because if I don't, I can't pay the bills at the end of the month and in June.  I paid a lot of money for these back in the day when I had money, and getting a few bucks isn't going to help me, either.  I anticipate them being in the $15 range, minimum (some could be higher).  Honestly, I don't even know if that's considered outlandishly expensive these days or not because I haven't shopped for anything in the last several years since my financial situation turned south.

I may also part with some of my 8x10's.  These would be a $5 minimum because, again, that's what I paid for them, and some *much* more, back in the day.  It wouldn't make any sense for me to sell 10 pictures for $10.  $10 won't help me.  Selling 10 at $5 is $50 and that's the water bill, so it helps.

So -- do let me know if you're interested in posters, and/or in the photos, keeping in mind the minimum prices I've mentioned and that this would be happening very fast.  I don't have time now to wait and do this in August.  The disability still hasn't come through, and I'm just out of money with bills staring me in the face.  I have to do something or just let the worst happen.  So, we're talking making payment now instead of later.

Compressor Mania

Here's a neat place to purchase compression connectors. FS6BNC stocks RCA, F, and BNC connectors. Compressionconnector.com has rg6 compression connectors, bnc compression connectors, rca compression connectors, and even coax compression connectors. If you're looking for a FS11V RG11, FS11BNC RG11, FS6BNC, FS59U RG59, or FS6U RG6 connector, the store has a right angle FS6URA, all of which work with the CPLCCT-SLM tool, which simplifies compression connector installation. Regardless of which compression connector rg6 source you're looking for, compressionconnector.com is ideal. The FS6U compression connector will fit any RG6 or RG6 quad shielded cable, and they're easy to install, which is something I always value.

The Beast and other things

A&E announced their new TV schedule today and unfortunately Patrick Swayze's The Beast wasn't on it, but I wouldn't rule it out. A&E has been excited about the series and has a lot of ways they can take the show, with or without Patrick in it. Of course, everyone prefers it to be with the charismatic actor in it, including me.

We have to continue to believe in Patrick and his future. He's hanging in there, doing everything he can to beat Pancreatic Cancer. Don't count him out. He's a fighter, and he could very well pop up, ready and eager for another season after he finishes the book he and Lisa Niemi are writing.

I'm continuing to pray and visualize a healthy Patrick with us for many years to come.

Wow! It was an American Idol shocker, and truthfully, I almost expected it. Adam Lambert did make it to the finals, along with Kris Allen. Allen was the surprise. Just about everyone thought it would be Danny Gokey in the final two. I love Danny, and his story is so heartwarming. He's the won whose wife died not long before the try outs for Idol this season. Tragedy to triumph: that's Danny's story, even if he didn't get out of the top three.

I keep forgetting to add my wish list button for Amazon. This is because sometimes folks have asked me for something they can get me that is fun and not just paying bills, so this is for them. I'll be updating the wish list as I can with all kinds of items, including things for my doggies. When I get a chance, I'll add the button to the right side of this blog, but for now, here it is.

For Chatters On Wheels

Tonight, I'm letting my readers know about yet another great opportunity for those with something in common to get together and chat away. I have an aunt who has something like multiple sclerosis. I say 'something like' because it's never been accurately diagnosed, and that's just what the doctors have decided upon. She's had this for her almost her entire life. She went from stumbling, to using crutches, to being in a wheelchair, and that's where she's been for the majority of her adult life. She has always faced unique obstacles that only she understands, and though she's extremely independent, it's weighed on her.

If my aunt were online, I really think she'd love to participate in a wheelchair chat. She's just missed the computer age, though, but she was very social with people. Nothing ever phased her, and I honestly believe that being able to get together with others in her situation would have helped her get through the days and maybe learn how to handle things in her own family a little better than she did.

The great thing about this chat site is that it's completely free of charge. There are many different chat rooms to participate in, including video chats, if you have a webcam and want to converse in that way. If you're on wheels, give this wheelchair chat a try. You might find some welcome companionship there.

Miss California Scandal

You know, I grew up watching pageants. My mother loved them, and it was something we did together for years. I still watch them. Now, I only saw part of this year's Miss USA Pageant, but I've heard about little else recently on the news by the question posed to Miss California by Perez Hilton.

Here's what bugs me. This country is about freedom, and that freedom extends to Perez Hilton *and* to Miss California. Now, I don't know if Perez was free to ask any question he wanted, or if he knew he was going to get Miss California. Like I said, I didn't actually see it. I've read a lot that he set her up. I don't know.

What I do know is that he asked a question about her stance on gay marriage. She spoke her mind, vocalizing her beliefs, which is exactly what she was asked. For Perez Hilton, or any judge, to score her down because of her personal morals, ethics, or opinions is dead wrong. Now, I don't happen to agree with her. I will say that I used to, but over the last few years I've come to believe that love is so rare and wherever you can find it, with whom you can find it, isn't a bad thing. Is it for me? No. It's not something I'd do. I'm very much wanting to be princess rescued by the handsome prince. However, I know a lot of princesses who are quite happy with other princesses, and the same for princes. They have a right to be public with their happiness and to have the same rights as heterosexual couples. That's just how I feel now.

For Miss California to be torn down, though, because she believes differently goes against everything this country stands for. The bashing that she has sustained over that issue is as wrong as the bashing of gay couples.

Now, as for the question of her improper photos and the contract she signed, Miss California lied and is in the wrong. Today, Shannon Moakler resigned from her duties with the pageant because Donald Trump, who owns the Miss USA pageant and thus rules over all of the state pageants, let Miss California keep her crown. The Donald likes publicity. He was wrong. I have to applaud Moakler's values and standing up for what she believes. The Miss California Pageant has now become a joke. It doesn't matter any more about the contract that contestants sign. Get Donald some publicity and that's all he cares about.

It's a shame. Two wrongs have been done here, and no one is paying the price.

Let's Make Some Money

No one knows better than me how difficult these times are. People are struggling. *I'm* struggling, big time. Trying to find ways to make money that are legitimate and worth the effort isn't easy to do, but doing so means survival. I just found out about a new site that I fully intend to spend some time at this week. It's called Make Money Online. Freelance Jobs of all kinds can be found at this website.

The best thing about this job board is that it's absolutely, one-hundred percent free to use, and the jobs listed cover all kinds of opportunities, including proofreading, translating, data entry, telemarketing, banner design, programming, bookkeeping, video services, and much more. There are businesses there looking for folks to make their new website logo, write SEO articles promoting them, perl coders, software help, and so much more. I was really amazed at what I saw.

In these times, we need a place like Make Money Online, where thousands of jobs, from market research to photography are listed. It's definitely worth a closer look. I know I plan on spending a lot of time there this week to try and help my desperate financial situation.

Cool Down

Today was such a delight. It was cooler than the last few days! I guess it's time for the warm up now. The dogs are really loving it outside, though. They have their favorite spots and just love to wait for something to pop up that they can bark at.

There's a new book out on Patrick Swayze this week, but just know it's an unofficial volume that doesn't actually include any contribution by Patrick or his wife, Lisa Niemi. Patrick and Lisa are still working on their official story, which is due out in the fall sometime. So, please read with care.

I'm curious to see what Farrah Fawcett's story is like this Friday. I think she may be getting the last laugh on the tabloids, and I applaud her for it. These rags are so hurtful. They get an ounce of truth and make out like it's a full pound. They have no heart and no conscience.

The California fires are almost under control, thankfully, and the headlines have returned to politics. Ugh. We have an election coming up next Tuesday, all sorts of little financial things that they want us to approve. Actually, what they are in reality are taxes. They want to get money from the people, who have no money, to make up for the fact that the state has no money. Makes sense -- to politicians. If they think I'm voting to give myself six new sets of taxes, they have news coming, and they aren't going to like it.

As expected, Ty Murray got the boot on Dancing with the Stars tonight. He really did a valiant job, though. I'm proud of him for getting into the top four. Then on American Idol, Adam Lambert hit sail again. It'll be surprising if he doesn't win, but then Idol has had lots of upsets before.

More later!

Positive Encouragement

How do you engage a child in the quest to do better? Many believe in the reward system. It sets a goal for the child and then gives them praise in the form of something tangible -- a reward. It's important that children be able to visibly see their progress, and you can do this with reward charts.

Reward charts can monitor physical and mental tasks and behaviors. Perhaps it's a chore, like making their bed every day, or a behavioral issue, like not whining during dinner for a week. The subjects covered by the chart are totally at the discretion of the parent. In fact, the type of chart is also up to the parent. Be it simple or elaborate, a basic computer printout of goals or a fancier laminate chart available in stores, the important thing is just to have the chart.

Visual checkmarks show the child how far they've come. They can see how close they are to achieving the agreed-upon reward. The parent needs to make sure they follow through with the reward immediately upon the completion of the task, too. A child needs that positive reinforcement as soon as they see that final checkmark entered on the chart. It loses its punch if the reward comes two weeks later.

For children, a reward chart is a way to teach accountability. They learn and have fun with their rewards, and ultimately, the parent is rewarded as well by having a more pleasant parenting experience.

A Place for Mom *or* Dad

I'm back again to let single parents know that there's a place where they can get together and chat, too. Chat rooms are a unique way of taking a breather from the being around the kids, or maybe you need some help. Maybe another single parent will have suggestions that can help you solve a problem. Maybe you just need to talk with someone who isn't three years old.

Chat rooms have been around since the beginning of the internet. They are a proven place to come together, especially if there is some bond or some factor that unites those looking for online companionship or just someone to lend an ear. These rooms are places where you can talk about subjects you have in common, even if it's to whine about your bad day.

The chat room I'm referring to today caters to single parent chat and it is totally free of charge. You can't beat that price. There's just a quick registration form to complete before you can sign in and find the single parent chat room that fits you. If you're into webcams and video chat rooms, those are available, too. A lot of people like the convenience of communicating in video rooms these days. Check it out!

Love or Hate It -- Talk About It!

Here's a way to really let others know if that new hip hop CD is really all the rage, or if that newest Nic Cage movie is worth the money. If you like to talk about Movies, this place is for you. Rat on Tom Cruise's performance or talk about Anne Hathaway's beauty. Was the plot worth your time, or did you wish you were at home playing video games?

Do you like to write or read Rock Music Reviews? Wouldn't it be great to know how your peers felt about Aerosmith's latest or if Cold Play kept it awesome with their newest song?

Click on the links and you'll be able to do all of that and more. It's a community where you can love or hate the latest media and are free to let the world know. Share your movie or music reviews and see if others agree with you or not.

We all love to share our opinions and to say how we feel about movies and music that touch our souls or leave us cringing and looking for the barf bag. Sometimes, it feels so incredibly good just to be able to say, 'Wow, what a stinker', or to bubble over with, 'Wow, this was the bomb, Baby!'.

Go ahead! Try It! You've gotta like it!

Getting Together

Here are a few tidbits, some good, some not.

Just read that Michael Landon's son, Mark, was found dead. He did some acting, but wasn't as well known as Michael Landon Jr. in the acting realm. It's just always so sad to read something like this.

I saw Rob Lowe on the news with California's governor talking about the nasty fires that have raged on for the last few days. Lowe's house was spared, but many of his neighbor's lost theirs. Arnold Schwarzenegger said that he's been talking to Lowe a lot during the fires. They're friends, so that's one way that Arnie stayed on top of the situation -- with his friend who was living right in the thick of it.

Dancing with the Stars had the semi-finals tonight. I love Shawn Johnson and want her in the finals, but the judges have 'fixed' their voting all season to make sure that Melissa Rycroft and Gilles Marini get to the finals. This is the first time since the very first season that I felt like things were fixed and being manipulated.

Here's a special site that is definitely good news. It lends itself to black BBW singles who are looking to find friendship and/or love. It's totally free, so you can create a profile for others to see while also perusing the many profiles and personals of others that are already online. You can upload photos, participate in the chat rooms (including video chat), send instant messages, and much more. If you're interested in black BBW dating , click the link. You just might find a wonderful surprise!

Say Cheese

Say Cheese!

How many times have you heard that expression just before the camera snapped and cringed inside? Maybe you gritted your teeth or gave a closed smile, unwilling to let your yellow or dingy teeth be captured on film.

As someone who has gone through my share of dental work over the years (and probably more), I know how great it is when I don't have to worry about my smile. So, it's important to develop habits and utilize the right tools to keep your smile its brightest and whitest. There are actually several things you can do to help yourself.

Nite White is a nifty product that actually remineralizes your teeth while also whitening them. It even comes in mint flavor, which is a big plus for me.

Then there's Rota Dent electric toothbrush. One of the good things about this particular product is that its brush tips are designed to go under the gum line as well as in between teeth. Those are hard to reach areas, so any help to clean them is a huge advantage to keeping your smile camera ready.

One other product of note is MI Paste Plus. It's the ideal ratio of calcium and phosphate to keep your teeth strong.

Maximizing your smile lets you enjoy those special moments. Say Cheese won't make you cringe; it'll make you smile brighter than ever.

Punk Love

This is one for the punk rockers out there, and I know they're everywhere! There's a website where you can be matched up with other punk rock lovers, people who love it just like you do. It's totally free to join, making it a superb way to make new friends and maybe even find that someone special. So, if you'd like some great punk dating, give PunkMatch.Com a try!

Quick Update

For my fan fic folks, I need to get back to what I can to earn a few bucks on the internet, but I did finish Revelations early this morning and it's out for beta'ing. I think I need more betas, though. Everyone is so busy. Anywho, it's out there. Daniel is also dancing around my head, insisting on a ficlet being written. I gotta work, though, so am trying to teach the man patience. We'll see who wins!

It's getting too hot here again, too. Mid-80's this week and supposed to be low 90's by the weekend and going into next week. Nooooooo! Ugh!

The girls are outside, having a great time, though. They're running around in circles, chasing each other at the moment. I can see them from my chair. Oh my -- Tessa just grabbed something -- not sure what it is, but she's having fun with it as she runs. Oh -- there goes Cassie on the prowl, hunting Tessa. I love these girls. they are my joy!

A Local Opportunity

I'm back again with another place where you can chat and make new friends. As I've said before, online chat rooms are no stranger to me. When I first started on the internet, I was especially active in these type of places. You just never knew who you might meet, and I met some great people. As a result, some good relationships formed.

Recently, I've plugged some places where you could chat that were based on something you have in common with other chatters. This site is similar, except that the commonality isn't a hobby or characteristic, but is where you live.

In just a matter of minutes, you can be involved in a free local chat by clicking on the link and signing up. Membership is one-hundred percent free and doesn't involve more than filling out a quick sign up form. If you like, you can add to your profile to give folks whatever information you'd like to about yourself.

This site also makes it possible to communicate by webcam. If you go into one of the video chat rooms, you can use your webcam to chat with folks who live in your city. That's pretty neat.

As always, be safe and cautious with your chats and in the process, you can meet some great folks right where you live. It can be a lot easier than meeting someone at the supermarket.

The Need for Speed

Steve. I've never forgotten Steve. In high school, he had the hippest and fastest car on campus. Everyone was envious. Steve's car was turbocharged to the max, and being around him meant being cool. I don't know of anyone who didn't want to go for a ride in his car.

Having a turbocharged car is still so cool. It would be awesome to increase my car's horsepower and give me more torque. Think of the possibilities a good turbocharger could make to how your car operates and the increased speed it will provide.

Turbocharger Pros pride themselves in utilizing only quality parts for their turbochargers and providing them at affordable rates. They have a huge database of air induction parts for all makes and models of vehicles, so whatever you need to upgrade your car, you can find through them. Not only that, but these guys are available 24/7 and have several warehouses across the country, which means you can start turbocharging your car in just a couple of days after placing your order.

Plus, if you need assistance, Turbocharger Pros have live support over a toll-free line, and if you can't quite afford brand new parts, they have remanufactured parts available, too.

It's springtime, so this is an excellent time to rev up that engine. I'm betting Steve still has a turbocharged car, and he's probably the envy of his friends.

Shred Those Documents!

Here's your helpful hint for the day: make sure you shred your old bills and documents. Actually, shred anything that has personal information on it, including your name and address. This is vital in today's world where identity theft is so prevalent. It's also extremely important to businesses, small or otherwise, to protect their customers' private information.

Office Paper Shredders are absolutely essential. What's great about new models is that there is now the option to get shredders which cut the documents so fine that the destroyed paper becomes confetti. It's more secure than the traditional strip-type of shredders. Whichever style you want is available in a wide price range.

Many brands of paper shredders exist, including Olympia Paper Shredders. They use the term 'cross cut' to describe some of their shredders. That's the same thing as a confetti shredder.

Another option is to purchase one of the many Dahle Shredders that are on the market.

Protect your business and your clients by having a quality shredder to destroy those documents with personal information on them. Even if you're an individual, having a good shredder is ultra important to keep you and your family safe. I've had one for years and shred my papers on a daily basis, even tearing off my name and address from magazine covers and shredding that. You can't be too careful anymore!

The Muse is Talking

How about that? There's a story to be told, and it's Jonny and LD who are insisting I tell it, so I've given in for the day and am writing their tale. Since when did two little Munchkins take over my life? Back to their story -- called Revelations, by the way. I swear, these two are as pesky as their parents!

The Heat is Coming!

I can feel the heat! It's coming, those summer months with outrageous temperatures that cause us to sweat and faint away. We've had some scorchers over the last few years. Those of you in Fresno know exactly what I'm talking about. The closer we get to summer, the hotter it will become and the more unbearable. I don't know about you, but I don't do well in heat at all. I need to stay cool. With that in mind, let me point out that Acme Air Conditioning and Heating is waiting to serve you and make sure you don't wilt away in the high temperatures that are headed our way. This company has been in business since 1999.

What I thought was intriguing is that the company is a Goodman 'Good-Care' dealer with factory trained employees. This means that they take pride in offering the best service for the most reasonable and fair price. Being honest is part of their creed, so to speak.

They specialize in new installs, change-outs, and new designs, and they also maintain the ducts by cleaning, testing, and repairing.

Visit Fresno HVAC to learn more about their services and policies. Make sure you stay cool this summer!

One More Link

Can't forget to mention good deals! Find Orbitz Coupon Code at FindSavings.com.

It's Saturday

Hope your Saturday has gone well. I wasn't feeling too well last night and this morning, but it's been a better afternoon and evening for me. I did watch the NASCAR race. I think it was the most exciting race of the year. Jeff Gordon didn't win, but he did finish fifth and extend his points lead. I tell ya, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. needs to go back to driving school. He just can't get into his pits. I've been talking about it all year, and now even the announcers are beginning to point out just how costly the constant miscues on pit lane are for Jr. Sorry fans of the 88, but Jr. is not a good driver. If he were Dale Smith, Jr., he probably wouldn't even have a ride.

We're in the mid-80's this weekend. I wish we'd get back to the mid-70's. I like that weather a whole lot better. It's just a little too warm in my house when it gets to any temp over 83 or so outside.

Here's a link folks interested in vinyl shutters might want to check out.

I've written a lot of new articles over at Helium. Please use the link on the right hand side of the blog to review them. Every time you surf one of my articles, it's a plus for me.

Have a great night -- more later!

Furniture Madness

Now this is cool! There's a place on the web called Scenic Furniture that has some very nice rustic furniture. When I browsed their inventory, I took particular interest in their home office section. They had a really neat, rounded desk table that I loved. It was curved a bit, making it different and unique.

Then I focused on a two-drawer filing cabinet. I have this old dingy thing in my house for important files, but how nice it would be to have something that looked as good as the cabinet they have for sale. Made of Northern White Cedar logs, it's perfect for the indoors and is made to last. It's hand crafted, too.

Scenic Furniture has some great stuff. Surf on over and check them out!

Look Sharp!

One of the things that I've been toying with over the past year or so is starting up a new website that will help me to sell celebrity clippings, something that's worked for me in the past. If I decide to go that route, though, I'll need a sharp looking website that will both lure people in and be professional. I could do try and do it myself, or I could let the experts do it for me. One such expert is Notion3. Click this link to access them: web page design Denver.

Notion3 is focused on graphic design, website design, search engine optimization, and custom web application development. They can bring high visibility to your business site and make sure searches will bring prospective customers to your site.

They can do every piece of your website design for you. That can give you a lot of piece of mind. Developing a website is quite daunting for many of us, which is why a professional is worth the cost.

This company has been in business for over 24 years. They utilize the latest technology and methods to get the job done. Visit their website and take a look at all they have to offer.

This and That

I've been watching the news and seeing all the devastation in Southern California. Man, that's frightening. All those homes being lost and being having to flee for safety. It's growing, too. The pictures have been incredible, showing the blaze. Some of our news reporters covering it had to flee even in the middle of a report because the wind had changed the direction of the fire last night. Too close!

I watched Michael Shanks' movie, Living Out Loud, again tonight. He really did a great job in it. It was different to see him as a husband and father. Of course, this was a Hallmark movie which meant that they glossed over so much of the 'meat' of the story. I wanted to see the things we didn't see and wanted more depth to the transitions that were made in the character. Sadly, a two-hour movie is only 90-minutes and with five people to focus on, they can only do so much. Still, a very nice movie. I wish I could have taped it, but taping doesn't work for me anymore. Pooh! I'm hoping Hallmark shows it a lot, assuming I'm still able to get the Hallmark Channel in the foreseeable future.

The dogs are such a hoot. They've been bone-deprived for a while now, and when I saw these decent size ones on sale this week, I just felt like I had to get them each one. When I got home, though, I decided to just open one and put it on the floor and let them decide who got it first. You see, when I give them each big bones like this, they just never both eat them. One of them will start chewing on theirs, and the other one ends up watching or sitting by me. They seem to have fun doing that. The second bone gets ignored for the most part until the first one is gone.

And, since I can't stand to decide who should get the bone first, by just putting it on the floor and then letting them in the house, they decide the issue, and that's what they did. They had me in stitches. They took turns with all day long. They seem to have a code or something. It's just adorable to watch.

Sci Fi's been showing the first season Stargate SG-1's lately, and that's been fun to watch, even if they are chopped up. I'm so sick and tired of those crappy last couple of seasons that this feels refreshing to see the old shows again. I keep hearing that the new SG-1 movie will be more like the days of old and that Richard Dean Anderson definitely is the center of the attraction. I'm so hopeful of some good Jack and Daniel moments.

I'm also hoping for a good Jack and Daniel cameo together in the premier of Stargate Universe, a show I don't plan on watching except for the premier because Rick and Michael are both in it. It's probably going to be just like the Stargate Atlantis pilot where they are just in a few minutes towards the beginning, ie, the big send off. As long as it's Jack and Daniel, together, I'll be happy.

I read today that the dingbat responsible for the Air Force One fly-over the Statue of Liberty resigned. Maybe he's a scapegoat, and maybe not, but that was just the most ridiculous thing I've seen in a long time, so someone had to go. He admits to not reading emails and such. Time for a new job.

Did y'all get the Oprah Kentucky Fried Chicken coupon for the grilled chicken? Now talk about Oprah's popularity, this thing almost caused a riot. On the second day of the offer, my KFC was taking names and addresses and telling everyone they would be sending out coupons in the near future that would include a beverage, so that's even a better deal. The grilled chicken is good, by the way. I took advantage of getting the free piece on April 27 and thought it was very tasty.

Thanks for stopping by the blog. I'm doing a lot of surfing these days and also doing some sponsored posts here and there. So, whether it's stuff I'm finding on my own or places I've been directed to, I hope you'll continue to drop by and keep up with the latest, which hopefully will be more positive things than my lonely rant of a few days ago.

Saturday night is the Southern 500, and I'm hoping Jeff Gordon can get another win there, or at least have a top 5. He's starting in the front row and has a good history there, so I'm thinking positively. Jeff's still having a lot of back problems, though, and that's kind of scary. I guess they've pinpointed the problem finally, but he hasn't told the world what it is as yet. I'm thinking those two big crashes he's had in the last three years may have taken a toll, not to mention lifting his little girl all the time. I just hope that whatever it is, they can take care of it. I'd hate to see his career end early.

As for the fan fic, those two stories are still there. I've had so many ideas pop into my fron lately, too, but I just have to spend the majority of my time earning money. I hate it; I really do, but I have to stay focused. I'm just down to scratching through the days. Soon, I hope!

Have a great weekend all!

Coming Together

The other day I mentioned a chat group I had found that might interest folks and today I've found another one. What appeals to me about this one is that it's one where Christians from around the world can come together and visit online in a safe environment. The site offers free christian chat for anyone who is interested.

Membership at the Christian Chat City, as it is called, is free. You complete a quick sign up form and update your profile as you like, and then you're ready to chat with others at your leisure. The neat thing is knowing that you have one big thing in common, that of being Christian. That's a pretty nice bond, in my opinion.

This site also has video chat rooms so if you're someone who likes to express yourself visually with your webcam, you can do so here. Access is instant, so as soon as you complete the sign up, you can start chatting.

Chat rooms can be a great place to get to know new people online and make friends. They're a place you can go to for fun and just to share whatever is on your mind. Folks have to be careful these days, of course, but chat rooms can be a place full of positive experiences. You never know what you might learn or who you might meet there.

A New Kitchen

One of these days, I dream about remodeling my kitchen. It's very old and yucky. It's a place I don't even want to go. It needs a lot of work. One of the worst spots is the sink. I can't stand it. With my dream in mind, I checked out some options. After all, it's fun to shop from your computer. One of the things I found were some stainless steel sinks that intrigued me. I don't have stainless steel anything right now, but everything today seems to have that sleek, shiny feel to it.

I looked around that site, called Sinks USA, to see what they had to offer. I actually got some ideas about what I might want for my kitchen if I ever get to re-do it. They had a lot of double sink options, with either equal compartments or a combination that included a bigger sink with a smaller one, either on the right or left side. It just had me doing a lot of thinking about what I want for my sink. I've always just had one, big sink, so I'm not sure what's best. I noticed they had some accessories for stainless steel sinks at the website, too.

Here's a good thing, too -- free shipping to the 48 contiguous United States. Now that I definitely like!

Laundry Blues

This was a laundry weekend. Ugh, such drudgery that we must all endure. Of course, I scared myself when I walked into the garage and saw water under the sink and all around. I've had plumbing problems before, and I just cringed thinking that I had another leak or something. I remember all too well the huge mess I had when my water heater died a couple of years ago. Fortunately, it was something stupid on my part in that I just forgot to make sure the lint trap was properly set, so that backed things up, so to speak.

Personally, I hope none of us need emergency plumbers, but if you're in the Los Angeles area and need help with pipe repair, clogged drains, water heaters, faucet repair, and more, check out this site, Los Angeles Plumber, for information on Overland Plumbing. They perform both residential and commercial work, and they do both repairs and installation. It's a bi-lingual business (English and Spanish) that does 24-hour emergency service, too. They're a family operated business that was established in 1987, and they guarantee their work. Better yet, they are bonded, licensed, and a member of the BBB.

After my past experiences, I always like to keep a few names handy in the case of future need, so you might want to check them out, even if your need isn't immediate.

The Beauty of the Bride

Oh my! I love to look at something pretty and elegant. Recently, I watched a few episodes of Bridezillas over on the WE channel. Women go out of their minds over their weddings. We just want it to be perfect. Anyway, seeing those lovely gowns on the show had been looking around the internet and I came upon a site that has some wonderful gowns at the best bridal prices.

There are a bunch of different designers featured, and some great sales going on, including some free shipping deals. The really neat thing, though, is that when you pick a dress to look at it, just by running the mouse over the picture, you can see a closer look at that part of the dress. At the same time, the original picture stays in place, so you can see the full-length gown at the same time that you review a specific section of the gown. They have different views of each dress, too. That's awesome.

I really had a great time there, looking at dresses and dreaming that big dream. Wedding should be full of great memories and all things beautiful!

Chatty Cathys

There was a time when I was a huge internet chatter. It started back in the days before the world wide web was really out there, back when we more limited access with groups like Prodigy. Chat rooms have continued to thrive over the years. The best part about chat rooms is getting the opportunity to meet others with similar interests or with some other commonality that serves to bring people together. Tonight I came upon bbw chat. It's a place that allows women to chat. They even have video chat rooms. We've come so far and the video element brings another dimension to the chat.

To use the BBW Chat City website, you just need to register. It's free to do so and then you set up your profile, if you like. They do have personals there that members can use to try and connect with others as well.

The advantage of using chat rooms that are focused on a similar situation is that everyone goes in with something in common. It's a starting point, and much of the time, it just takes knowing others are in a similar boat or like the same thing as you to make a connection with others. Be smart, make good decisions, and you just might make some new friends.

It's All About the Top

Good Evening, World!

What a day! It's warming up, but we've had a breeze, so that's helped. Had a lot of shopping to do today, and that's always taxing. Y'all know how that goes. The electric company came by with their annual tree pruning notice. That's something they do every year or two to keep the lines clear. I really need a new tree in the backyard to help shade. Just gotta figure out how to get someone to care for it after it's put in. We can get free trees, which is pretty cool.

Thinking of trees reminds me of roofs. If you're in the Houston area and are in the need of roof repair or replacement, this is a good time to do it. I was reading about a company over at Houston Roofing called Bravo's Roofing and Siding. You can learn about them at the link given. It's a father and son company which is registered with the Better Business Bureau, something that usually indicates a lot of good customer service. I'm always sure to check with the BBB before I hire a contractor.

Another plus is that they offer a two year warranty on all of their work, and though I began talking about roofing, they do other jobs, too, such as siding, carpentry, and painting exteriors.

The website contains information to help consumers know how to choose a reputable roofer and how to make sure you're all talking about the same thing. Bravo states that they make a point of making sure the customer understands exactly what is being discussed. I like that.

So, check them out if you're in the market of new roofing or siding work, or repairs.

Just a lonely rant

Good Morning, America!

Things are their usual, stressful selves. It's getting tougher to sit by and wait for the disability to come through. Tough decisions have to be made, and every day is stress from the time the eyes flutter open until the thoughts are tossed aside enough to go back to sleep. I know I'm not alone in this. It's a good thing I don't do the doctor bit - I'm sure my blood pressure would be through the roof. I really hope someday I can look back at this and laugh, but right now, it's just so tough.

I miss my pest control service. Bugs are congregating outside, having a field day since I put the service on hiatus. Spider webs are everywhere. At least I can't see the critters responsible; that would drive me looney.

I really miss my premier cable services. HBO, Showtime, etc. I grew up on TV, and it's been horrid downgrading. TV's my biggest source of entertainment these days, but I'm afraid my beloved Hallmark Channel is about to be let go. I've held onto it because I watch it so much, but when it comes down to it, cable is a luxury, isn't it? I think this may be the last month for it, though, unless a miracle happens. I'll be down to basic channels for the first time since cable arrived here. It's trivial to many, but for me, it's like a death because of how much I rely on TV.

I miss not being stressed every single day. Sometimes, I wonder how people without a roof over their heads can make it through to another day. I'm blessed with the roof. The problem is, I can't pay the bills and I'm not seeing a way out. The disability thing is just dragging on forever. There's no assurance it'll be approved this time, either. Without it, I'm a goner, and if it doesn't come through very fast, I'm a goner anyway. It's been two months since the appeal was entered.

How are those of you in even worst spots getting through? It boggles my mind when I think about how determined some of you are to make it through. I think I'm just not as strong as folks, like my friend Carli who battles through all kinds of things and still keeps on going somehow. I get by by doing a Scarlet O'Hara -- trying not to think about it, and yet I can't stop thinking about it. Day after day, I worry.

How nice would it be to have some peace of mind again, to go back in time to when I worked at a place where everyone hated one another but when I made an income that allowed me to be free. Those were the days. Better yet, to live childhood over when it was Mom and Dad footing the bill and I was just the spoiled brat who didn't have to worry about it. Now those were really the days.

I miss being able to spend my time walking my dogs, which I can't really do anymore anyway, and toiling over my fan fic. I feel guilty now unless I'm just glued to my computer, doing odd little jobs and trying to pay the bills. It takes so much effort for such small amounts, but it's all I've got, and I need to keep doing it. I shouldn't even be here, ranting about my woes. There are pennies to be earned, so I suppose I should get back to it.

The ranting lament is over. I promise the next post will be more positive. It's just it's all being kept inside, and I'm getting very, very scared about tomorrow.

Onward in the hopes stress stresses itself out and goes away. That would be a nice miracle.

Car Check Up

It just dawned on me that I still haven't taken my car in for its usual check up. It's something I like to do as much as possible since I rely so much on this vehicle and need it to survive for many years to come. I was thinking about it because the weather is heating up again, as I've talked about a lot recently.

I remember last year when my auto's air conditioning went out. It was right in the middle of a scorcher of a season. I don't recall if I talked about it on the blog, but I mentioned it to friends. It was just horrible. Leaving the windows down was of no help, the hot wind just blazing by and infiltrating my car. I was sweaty by the time I got to work, and it made going anywhere a miserable experience. I kept wishing it was a fuse, but it was more involved. Thankfully, though, it wasn't too hard to fix, and then I was back in my nice, comfy, cool automobile. Boy, was that a relief!

It's so important to make sure the equipment is maintained and in good running order, especially the A/C compressor, and don't forget the coolant, either!

If you're in need of an A/C compressor or other parts to keep your auto air conditioning in tip top shape, visit the link. They provide free shipping and a warranty on every part they sell, and that's exciting in and of itself.

Stay cool!

This Site is a Hoot

I found the neatest website for mommies and daddies, and for anyone involved in childcare, be it nephews and nieces, or any other connection. Okay, technically, it's for parents, but quite honestly, I believe most anyone who has kid responsibility can make use of it. There's a lot to learn, and there's humor there to boot!

I'm going to start with the humor. Raising kids is a serious business, but we all have to laugh to survive. This parents site has a section called Momfinitions that had me in stitches. Boy, could I identify with some of those big time. You *have* to go by and read those.

On the serious side, there's lots of help there. I honed in on a new task they're doing about getting children to sleep through the night. It's a 30-day project that requires some commitment. I found it intriguing, and I liked their approach.

The site is called Parents Connect, and I love it. I'll be visiting it more, to learn and to laugh.

Just Thinking

Evening, Everyone!

The weather is really turning into springtime, and that always brings about thoughts of things to be done. I really need to get a tree for shade, but still haven't figured out how to do that. The back of the house takes in so much sun. It's a lot better now than it used to be, with some new windows at the rear and sunscreens. The patio doors need to have something done to them, though. I can feel the heat coming through them.

I also want to get some concrete work done, if I'm able to. Of course, finding the right person to do the job can be tricky. I know I'll need to do a lot of searching to try and find the right company when the time comes.

As I was doing some preliminary searching, I ran across Phoenix Concrete which includes a nice article on how to find the right concrete contractor for the job. There are some good links on that site if you go to the 'contact' page. Following those links, you can see just how broadly concrete is used these days. I really had no idea that it was being used in so many different applications. My need is much more basic, but I was very intrigued by what I saw. I also appreciated the article on the site linked here. Any helpful tips are appreciated.

The company at this site is called MasterCrete, which I think is a very catchy name. They work in the Phoenix area, doing all kinds of jobs, including driveways, sidewalks, and more. You can find out more about them by following those links on the 'contact' page.

Hopefully, the time will come when I can make the improvements that I need to in my yard. I'm thinking positively!

Fan Fic Update

Here's a quick update for my fan fic readers. Holding Our Breaths is done with beta'ing. I just need to do my final read through of it. Another story is also done with beta'ing and needs me to take a final look at it. That's the good news. The bad news is that I have to focus on trying to earn money. I'm in a bad crunch right now and I have to just write reviews all day long. It takes forever to get enough to do a payout, but it's all I've got right now, and I'm a little scared about surviving the next couple of months. Still no word from the disability folks. I am sooooo stressed it's not even funny. Oh well -- onward until I can't! Hang in there -- hopefully, something good will happen soon and I can get those stories finalized and posted.

Surfing

Hey, Gang! I was surfing around the internet earlier and came upon a really neat website with a name I adore. It's called Web Hosting Geeks! Now that's a lovable name that attracts attention. Better than their name, though, is what you can find on this website, starting with independent reviews of the top ten web hosts in 2009. I loved having the chance to read, not only about the web host that I use, but other top competitors.

Web Hosting Geeks provides all the information you need about dedicated server hosting to make an intelligent decision about which web host to use. There's so much more there, too, to learn about, from blogging sites to forum hosting. You can learn about the different types of web hosts and keep up to date with the latest news as well.

No matter what type of website you need a host for, by going to Web Hosting Geeks, you can find the best fit for you. Different themes have different needs, so by reading the reviews and learning about the various dedicated sites, you can see which one fits what you need for your website. I really love this site and what it has to offer.

Welcome to the Month of May

May is here, and that means spring cleaning and perhaps taking a check of your home security. One area of the home, or business, that shouldn't be overlooked are locks. They are very important to your security. Be it a gate lock or the main lock on your front door, make sure they are adequate and in good working condition. The times we live in require secure and accurate locks. You may even want to add better locks to the ones you already have or add deadbolts on doors where you may not have them yet.

There's a terrific locksmith in Phoenix that will come to your home or business, look over your place, and then make suggestions. What's really terrific is that they provide this service for free. Not only that, but they'll give you a written quote. That's a good deal.

Check out Phoenix Locksmith and see what they can do for you. They've been around since 1979 and have been voted the Valley's Best Locksmith. They're available around the clock, and you can contact them by phone or online.

Phoenix Locksmith is locally owned and they do everything from making new keys for car to replacing door locks in your home to developing a high security lock system for your business. You have nothing to lose!

Dangerous Times

These are dangerous times we live in. All I have to do is look in the paper or read the news. In fact, a nearby town was just ranked as the fifth most dangerous and crime-ridden place in the country to live. That's not reassuring.

I'm always looking around my home and wondering what I could do to make it more secure. It's just frightening to think about all the cruelty out there that is just waiting to happen, so I really want my house to be safe. I love my front door; it's a security door that really makes me feel safe, but securing a house involves much more than that.

While surfing the web, I came upon a nice blog that talks about home safety. I've read several of the entries (including one on 10 tips to make your home safer and another that shows the various bolts and hinges and explains their differences), and they've given me some ideas and tips that I hope to carry out in the upcoming months. I wanted to pass along the information on this site because we all need to be safe in this crazy world of ours.

I highly recommend reading this Home Security Blog and doing what you can to improve the safety and protection of your own home.

Las Vegas, Here I Come

Okay, well, I wish I were going to Las Vegas again soon. I love Vegas. It's exciting and full of things to do. I've been there several times, and some of my best memories are of the wonderful shows I've taken in. The problem for me in the past, though, was knowing what shows were being presented and where. Most of the time, I never knew until I got there. I had to spend a lot of time talking with hotel people and reading brochures to learn what was available.

I sure wish Las Vegas Shows had been around when I was planning my past trips. This is a fairly new site that has all the information you need to discover the many entertaining shows that will be playing during your trip to Vegas. They have detailed information on each show for visitors to review, and the best thing is that you can order your tickets online. No more worries about a show selling out before you get there.

Another really nice plus of using Las Vegas Shows is that they have a lot of exclusive promotions, meaning special deals at lower rates. In this economy, that's a huge plus. So, the next time I'm traveling to Las Vegas, I'm definitely surfing over to Las Vegas Shows to book the shows I want to see. Check it out!

The Joy and Frustration of Squirrels

You know, I love squirrels. I really do. They are cute little things. Growing up, the only places I ever saw them were at parks and in the woods. Then they migrated to the suburbs, and now they are everywhere. All I ever have to do is look out my window to see the squirrels. They are running along all sides of my fences, going in and out the trees, and taunting my dogs. Fun to watch, definitely.

However, with squirrels come a variety of problems. They've repeatedly eaten through cable and phone lines, causing a tremendous amount of damage and requiring several visits from workers in both industries. I'm not just talking about the wires high up into the air, but the ones that are right up against the house. They also jump onto our roof and run across the patio cover, occasionally keeping folks awake and bringing about damage to those areas as well. Squirrels can even get inside chimneys and crawl spaces, causing stinky problems should they pass away there. So, squirrels may be fun to watch, but they can also be frustrating and expensive.

Recently, I visited Havahart to see what solutions they have to offer. They have a variety of humane traps, electronic solutions, and squirrel repellent ideas for those of us dealing with this issue. I really love that their ideas don't involve killing because I really do love the little guys and I'm a very strong animal lover. Their entire inventory is based on their name. Look at it closely -- Havahart equals 'have a heart'. Their solutions are caring; otherwise, I wouldn't be writing about them in my blog. If you have a squirrel problem, check them out.

Over-reacting on the Swine Flu? ... and more odds and ends

You know, I'm all for not panicking over the little stuff, but when the Swine Flu story first hit and then spread so fast overnight, I actually thought the U.S. should shut down the border from the U.S. to Mexico. I don't think that's over-reacting, not when you look at how massive the Swine Flu has been to Mexicans in their native country.

No one did anything, and now it's spreading even more. As I write this, a plane is being held in Maryland because a passenger is on board who may have the Swine Flu. That means that one person could have affected hundreds at the airport. If we understood this strain and what was specifically responsible for it, it might be different, but we're dealing with the unknown.

So, why are we being so cocky? Sure, no one wants panic, and right now the situation with the incidents in the U.S. has been mild, but why isn't the government doing everything they can to protect this country? Close down the border for a few days. Mexico is in a crisis. Why would we allow our own people to enter into that mess and then come back here and spread it around?

I just don't get it. Shut down the borders and stop the flights to and from Mexico. It's common sense. Until we get a handle on what the deal is, we have to protect ourselves.

While I'm whining about things I don't understand, that idiot who ordered the presidential plane flyover in New York the other day, complete with a fighter jet, should be fired. People were hurt. If it's just a photo op, why the secret? Put in the news. It's not like Obama was on the plane. I don't understand the callousness of the person who ordered the secrecy. In fact, they should be demoted -- immediately. Anyone who is that high up that they can order that kind of flight, including the classifying of it as secret, should have more common sense than what this idiot showed. I'll stop short of firing him, but he should be demoted and start taking his orders from someone with more intelligence and sensitivity.

For my fan fic folks, I have two stories completed and in beta'ing. I've also started a third story. All are season six. Now, please give these a chance. Season six stories are often ignored, but I've really Danielized them a lot and actually changed some things, so I truly hope that once published, readers will not assume and will give them a real shot. The first two stories are in beta'ing.

Since I'm devoting so much time to the universe right now, I really hope folks will make an extra effort to 1) continue to read this blog which helps it to go up in rank and attract visitors (some posts are written to promote sites and I need visitors to keep that income coming); 2) when you shop at Amazon, please use the link at the top of the right hand column of this blog; 3) click on the link to Helium and surf over as many of my articles as you can (you don't have to be a member of Helium; just surfing on the articles helps); and 4) take five minutes a day to vote for my reviews at Review Stream; that is time consuming, I know, but 50 votes equals five dollars, and I really, really need income right now.

Onward to the next post!

Quick Story Update

For my fan fic folks, I again want to thank you for your support in voting for my Jack and Daniel fan fics at the Blue Moon Awards. The stories as a series was one of the winners!

Also, though I should be bringing in that cash, I just couldn't walk away from Holding Our Breaths, which has been in the works for over a year. The story is almost done. The mission is over and I'm into some emotional hurt/comfort at the moment for the final part of the story. I anticipate finishing it today and then putting it out to the betas. I'm not sure how long it will take for them to do their thing, but the good news is that a story is coming!

I'm also starting a wish list over on Amazon, but it's not completed and updated yet so don't go looking for it. Though I'm always in need of money just to survive, sometimes folks have asked me to tell them about something fun that I want or need since I can't really get myself anything but essentials right now, so that is what this list is for. Once it's updated, I'll let folks know here, just in case.

This is April?

94 degrees! That's what it's been for the last two days here. I can't wait for the cool down. I think someone let summer out the door a bit early!

I needed a break from all the review writing, even though money continues to be a desperate situation for me. I just really needed to work on some fan fic. I pulled out the Holding Our Breaths fic. That's a season 6 story based on the Descent episode, Danielized, of course. It feels so incredibly good to be writing. It's not close to being published, and I'm afraid I have to go back to survival mode now, but I have made progress.

Speaking of my universe, just watched Celtic Women on Dancing with the Stars. Some of you may remember that Celtic Women is the group that inspired Aislinn to sing, especially Chloe. Maybe there's a ficlet in there somewhere.

Still no word on the disability. It sure takes a long time. I'm lucky to have a roof over my head. How do families survive today? I just don't know. It's time to reapply for food stamps, though. I guess that's an annual thing. I can't tell you how much I hate having to do this stuff, but here I am, with no choice and trying to hold on for survival. If not for my angels who have kept me afloat, I don't know where I'd be.

I'll have more later, once it cools down!

Remembering Sandra

I haven't written about this before, but I just have to take a moment to remember the bright young life of Sandra Cantu. This was a local story, occurring in the nearby town of Tracy, California, but it made national news. A few weeks ago, this lovely 8-year-old who lived in a mobile home park with quite a bit of security disappeared. A massive search began with nightly candlelight prayer vigils taking place without fail. Two weeks later, the tragedy's extent became apparent when a piece of luggage was found in some water being drained. Inside was Sandra's lifeless body.

Sandra captured our hearts. She was caught on videotape leaving her home that sad day when her life ended and skipping across the street. She looked happy and was just out for a fun afternoon. We know now that probably within minutes, Sandra was dead. As we also know, the alleged murderer was a woman who also lived in the mobile home park. I don't want to dwell on the monster, but on the life that was taken from us.

I didn't know Sandra, but it's hard not to smile and laugh at that beautiful little girl who was just heading out to play. Lately, it's just bothered me more and more about how innocent children are and what evil is so often done to them. I don't understand the mentality of people who do these things. It makes no sense. Why not just walk away, rather than commit this hateful acts? In this case, it's so senseless that it boggles the mind.

Yesterday Sandra was laid to rest, and this afternoon a memorial was held for the public. Close to 3,000 people showed up, and who knows how many others, like me, tuned in to watch it live on television or on the streaming feed on the internet. That's how much little Sandra Cantu has touched Northern California -- a little girl, just an average little girl, has made such an impact that her service is on television, with state dignitaries present.

Every now and then I incorporate sad tragedies like this into my fan fic, simply because it's an outlet. We need to remember, and we need to do everything we can to stop this craziness. In reality, I know we can't, but, geez, we have to try. There are just too many Sandra Cantus who are being victimized. They don't deserve that, and we deserve a better world.