Ten Top Trivia Tips about Storm

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Storm!

1. 99 percent of the pumpkins sold in the US end up as Storm!
2. Storm has a memory span of three seconds!
3. Storm can't sweat!
4. Human beings are the only animals that copulate while facing Storm.
5. Storm can squeeze her entire body through a hole the size of her beak.
6. Americans discard enough Storm to rebuild their entire commercial air fleet every 3 months.
7. The colour of Storm is no indication of her spiciness, but size usually is.
8. If you drop Storm from more than three metres above ground level, she will always land feet-first.
9. Storm has little need for water and is capable of going for months without drinking at all.
10. The opposite sides of Storm always add up to seven.

I am interested in - do tell me aboutherhimitthem

Carrot Cake Murder

Carrot Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke

"Hannah Swenswe has a lot on her plate, baking up a storm for The Cookie Jar. But she'll always make time for her business partner, Lisa, who's preparing for a big family reunion. Everyone is delighted when Lisa's long-lost uncle makes a surprise appearance. No one has heard from Gus in wenty-five years. Uncle Gus is immediately the hit of the reunion. He's almost as popular as Hannah's scrumptious carrot cake. But the next morning, as the whole family gathers for the group photo, one person is missing. Hannah offers to track down Uncle Gus, but her search leads toa shocking find. Over by the bar at the pavilion, she spots two slices of her infamous carrot cake, frosting-side down on the floor -- and Gus's corpse with an ice pick jutting out of his chest.

A little snooping reveals that not everyone was celebrating Gus's return. And when Hannah unearths secrets from Gus's past, she discovers many more people with an axe to grind. Now Hannah's got to sift through a long list of suspects to find a killer -- even if it could mean a recipe for her own demise..."

Rating (1, lowest; 5, highest): 5.

I love this series with Hannah. I love mysteries and a great sense of humor and Joanne does both. Think... James Patterson meets Janet Evanovich without the detail and gore of James (though, I love his books too).

Daylight Savings Time

Don't forget to put your clock 1 hour AHEAD tonight!

We will lose an hour of sleep, but gain another hour of sunlight.

Sleep well.

What Type of Weather Are You?

You Are Lightning

Beautiful yet dangerous People will stop and watch you when you appear Even though you're capable of random violence You are best known for: your power Your dominant state: performing

What Type of Weather Are You?

The Ultimate Blog Party - Win Some Goodies

You can win some goodies just by reading and commenting on other's blogs. Check out the details at http://www.5minutesformom.com/. You have one week to do this so get cyber-jumping. Don't forget to leave a comment while you are here. :)

The prize list is located here: http://www.happypandababy.com/blog/ultimate-blog-party-prize-page/.

To pick just three is very difficult since there are so many GREAT prizes being offered. Many do not apply to me since I am not in need of the baby, toddler, or new mother supplies, but they are great prizes nonetheless.

My top 3 choices would be #24, #45, or #123 (all custom blog designs) since I know nothing about html. Though, I did try for over three hours this morning to customize my blog by having three columns, instead of the usual two, to no avail.

My other choices would be (in no particular order):, #67, #8, #129, # 91, #25, #122, #124, #101, and #72.

Thankful Thursday (or Saturday)

Each day I try to focus on, the minimum, of 3 things to be thankful for. Each Thursday I post them here for you to read so that you be encouraged to do the same. In the daily life of dealing with special needs children, foster care, and so on, its every easy to forget to be thankful.

Today I am thankful for...

1. the warmth of my home as it snows outside.
2. the friendships I have.
3. Champ, for always loving me no matter how I look or smell or what mood I am in.

What are you thankful for today?

The Ultimate Blog Party - My Introduction

Let me introduce myself...

While visiting other blogs via the Ultimate Blog Party hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom, I noticed that many are introducing themselves. I must of missed that part of the party instructions, and not one to not follow the rules I figured I'd better hussle back here to get my introduction done.

I'm Storm (my middle name) and I am a full-time stay-at-home single Mother. I also have to earn some money to support my family so I am also a Supervisor and Consultant for Usborne Books, Sales Consultant for Memory Works, Educational Advocate and Consultant, as well as the owner of two home businesses -- DawnLyn's Designs and Litz's Business Services.

I am a single mother to two wonderful children: Cameron, 9, is disabled (bipolar/ADHD/ODD/OCD/Sensory Integration Disorder/speech problems) and is very generous with his heart. He's such a handsome young man. Cassandra, 6, going-on-13, beautiful, smart, and sassy. Cassandra has severe asthma and chronic bronchitis, but proves that she is a fighter.

I quit working full-time out-of-the-house about 8 years ago so I could help my son get the services/therapies he needed to survive.

I am also a foster mother to one girl, Renee, 8, who is also disabled (still doing testing, evaluations to determine disability), shy, quiet, & sweet. Champ, my Chihuahua, is the newest member of the Litz family.

I have always enjoyed writing as a creative outlet and hope to publish a novel some day of the antics of my life. I don't think I am artistic but do feel I am creative; hence, my love of scrapbooking.

I am passionate about health and safety issues as they relate to my family, especially concerning mental health issues and protecting children's rights -- which is why I am an Educational Advocate and Consultant.

In my past life I was a special education teacher, a elementary education teacher, a community college teacher, a drug & alcohol rehabilitation counselor, a vocational counselor, a pregnancy counselor, a therapist, an administrative specialist in the Army, an intelligence specialist in the Army, a TSS (therapeutic service specialist), a BSC (behavioral specialist consultant), and much more.

I hope I didn't bore you with my introduction.

Thanks for stopping by.

The Epitomy of Love

One of the church members wrote his own version of the dramatic death and rise of Jesus taken from the Bible. This is Paster Jeff portraying Jesus on the cross.

Family Minute #5

What Do You Know?

Newsweek magazine has a feature called 5 Things You Didn’t Know About. Each issue spotlights little known facts of people in the news. The most recent issue I saw featured Miley Cyrus (you know, Hannah Montana) sharing some bits of trivia that included everything from, the best thing about being a movie star, to the number of animals she has.

So, what are 5 things your kids don’t know about you? What are 5 things you don’t know about them? What are 5 things you don’t know about your husband? You don’t have to be a movie star with lots of interesting life experiences to divulge; children love to hear about the past. Make it a family night “did-you-know" game.

Remember your family first.

The Ultimate Blog Party

Basically, The Ultimate Blog Party is a carnival for you to meet other mom bloggers, have fun, and win prizes, so get out and meet & greet.

Head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom by clicking on the title of this post (above). There you will have all the details, links, and other information you need to party with me, the 5 Minutes for Mom ladies -- Janice and Susan, and all the other great mom bloggers out there.

See you around cyberspace!

Wordless Wednesday (or Friday) #2

Cassandra was so proud of doing her first scrapbook page. This is a photo of her holding up a photo of herself when she was a baby.

Recalled for Possible Health Risk

Limited Number of Aunt Jemima Pancake & Waffle Mix Products Recalled for Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Jamie Stein, Quaker Oats
312-821-2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- March 4, 2008 – The Quaker Oats Co. announced the products in the recall are a small quantity of Aunt Jemima Pancake & Waffle Mix: Original, Original Complete and Buttermilk Complete, which may have potential salmonella contamination. No other Aunt Jemima, frozen Aunt Jemima or Quaker products are affected.

The products, sold in 2 pound and 5 pound boxes with Best Before dates of FEB 08 09 H through FEB 16 09 H stamped on the top, contain the following UPC codes:

30000 43272: Aunt Jemima Buttermilk Complete, 5 lb.
30000 05040: Aunt Jemima Original, 2 lb.
30000 05070: Aunt Jemima Original Complete, 2 lb.
30000 05300: Aunt Jemima Buttermilk Complete, 2 lb.
Salmonella is a food borne illness that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with this issue to date. There is very low risk of illness when preparation directions on box are followed and product is not consumed raw or undercooked. Salmonella bacteria is killed at a temperature of 160° F.

If consumers have this product with the indicated UPC codes and Best Before dates, they should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-800-407-2247 or by logging onto www.auntjemima.com.

Quaker is in the process of recovering the product involved. Quaker knows specifically to which customer warehouses the product was shipped. Approximately 98% of the product is within Quaker's control. The 2% of product which is outside of Quaker's control was shipped to a limited number of retail and mass merchandiser stores (no direct distribution to West Coast). Of that small quantity, the vast majority likely has not been placed on store shelves. Product was shipped to 17 states including Texas, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Illinois, Florida, Missouri, Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Ohio, New York, New Mexico, Kansas and Utah.

Family Minute #4

What are your child’s strengths and weaknesses?

Get out a piece of paper and write three things that you see as your child’s strengths. Next, jot down three of their most aggravating weak points. After you’ve done that, think about which list was easier to make? If you’re like most, it was their weaknesses. It’s much easier to list the negatives.

Your child would probably also find it easier to list the negative things about themselves. That’s why it’s so important for us parents to praise our kids for their unique personalities, and their unique abilities.

Remember your family first.

Make Me Laugh Monday - T-Shirt

Happy 73rd Birthday, Dad!

My dad passed away twelve years ago (this past January) and I still sincerely and truly miss him.

The past few days have been a time of reflection for me, personally.
On lessons learned...
On love received... and love given...
On happy memories...
On a few regrets...
On my Dad...
On my family...
On myself...

Being reflective allows us to take a good look at ourselves and our lives. Are we where we want to be at this point in life? Am I where I want to be? Where I thought I would be? If not, when did I get off track and how do I get back on?

Actually, I know the answer. I got off track when I stopped making time to commune with God every day. We used to have such a sweet time together -- in His Word, in prayer, in worship. We were connected for a time. I could hear His voice, leading me in the way I should go. The Holy Spirit would prompt and I would move. I had impressions -- visions, some might say - and I could feel the Lord's presence quite frequently.

I miss that! A LOT!

I let *SELF* get in the way and put my own wants ahead of my needs. I need to spend time every day with Jesus, but instead the first thing I do each morning (after using the bathroom, getting dressed, taking care of children, getting children to school, and taking care of the dog) is get on the computer. I need to make time to just SIT quietly and meditate on GOD - but instead, I turn on the radio or TV and fill my head with noise.

With the anniversary of Dad's passing, I am reminded that time moves too swiftly to waste it. Procrastination feels like a soft, warm quilt on a cold, wintry day -- it's so cozy to remain in my little cocoon and forcing myself out of it into the frigid air of life is the last thing I want to do. Procrastination may seem soft and comforting, but in reality it is a great tool of the enemy and one that I've allowed to steal away my time, my energy, my creativity, and my relationship with Christ.

It's time for me to throw off that blanket and step into the cold. It's time to stop looking at the "frigid air" as something to avoid and, instead, embrace it as something invigorating and empowering. It's time to breathe deep and allow it to energize me into living my life the way I was called to live it, rather than remain huddled in a cozy cocoon of stagnation.

I realize this post sounds rather melancholy, but I needed a little time to reflect.

Eat, Drink, and Be Creative!

Did you know that the word "creativity" has the word "eat" in it? See... crEATivity. It also has the word "vity" in it, Latin for vitamin, which indicates there is something intrinsically nourishing in the act creative expression. Okay, you got me -- I made that second part up (and know zilch about Latin), but it sounds good doesn't it? And it makes the perfect segue for me to serve up a new foodishly-fun feature.



Juicy Journals & Wild Words is a new bi-monthly feature by muse-spirational artist and writer Molly Anderson-Childers that will treat you to new articles, resources, and project ideas specific to creating your own personal juicy journals.

Molly says, "We’ll create journals of every stripe, size, shape and color. I have some exquisite projects in store for you — a dream journal, a writer’s notebook, tiny travel-sized journals that fit in your pocket, journals to give away and journals just for you. I have so many ideas, and I’m so excited to share these projects and inspirations with you."

Molly's Juicy Journals & Wild Words will also incorporate an opportunity for you to interact with her and share your ideas and projects on a blog she's set up to accompany this fun feature. So even if you're already into journaling or are ready to begin a new journey in this versatile medium of creative expression, get set for some juicy inspirations!

You can check it out at stealingplums.blogspot.com or at http://www.creativity-portal.com.

An Extra Day Doesn't Suit Me

Events in the day of an ordinary day of my life...

The car wouldn't start this morning. I tried several times over a half hour period but the engine just wouldn't catch. Okay, I grudgingly accept that the car won't start. The four of us (myself and three kids) get all bundled up so we can walk the two blocks to my son's bus stop. My foster daughter keeps walking into the cross-roads instead of stopping to look for traffic and she cannot understand why I am so upset. Duh. Thankfully, we didn't have to wait very long... just 10 very cold minutes in the snow. My son gets on the bus and the rest of us walk back home. My foster daughter was in slow motion today and barely had done all of her hygiene (major issue) so her reading for this morning wasn't completed but we didn't have time to get it done because we had to get bundled back up -- hats, scarfs, gloves, boots, coats -- again and walked the 8 blocks to school. Then, I walked back home. The walk home is mostly uphill. Ugh! I get home and called the mechanic that I usually deal with. He was nice enough to come to the house and get the car started. I get into the car to go do my errands for today. I got to the bank and Rent-A-Center. I came home to use the bathroom. While home I got several phone calls about various matters. One phone call was from Housing Authority. My annual contract is due at Midnight tonight, March 1st. They have not done the paperwork to get my contract in order for this year. What?! They call to inform me they need more papers from several different agencies/offices TODAY. I re-arrange my schedule and head to these various offices. On my way again, I'm trying to remember what all I need to do today. I see lights flashing a few cars behind me while at a stop light. I moved over to let the emergency vehicle pass. Instead, they pull behind me. Oh, no. My car's registration and inspection is out-of-date. Double, oh, no!! I get a huge fine and am told my car is illegal so they are going to impound it. Triple, oh, no!!! While waiting for the tow company, the police officer calls to see if my insurance is current. He tells me its not. Quadruple, oh, no!!!! BTW, I called this evening and my policy is current. Thankfully -- trying to find the silver lining, -- they will two the car to my mechanic's garage. At least, I know where the car is but it is many, many miles away and now I am stuck without a car. Now I have to walk a couple of miles home... all I can think about while trying not to fall in the falling snow and on the icy sidewalks is how will I come up with the money to pay for the car repairs to get the car inspected. I don't have the money for this expense right now. I get home and make several more phone calls. One phone call comes in from my dear friend, Sandy. She informs she is on the way to the hospital. I burst into tears. She is having heart problems and they are admitting her to the hospital. She calls me for a ride and I don't have a car to get her to the hospital. Now I feel like a failure. She is depending on me and I let her down. I am blubbering on the phone when she calls me for support. We talk a few minutes more and I put on a brave face for her. We hang up and I lay down on the couch and cry and pray and cry and question my beliefs. After this emotional ride, I walk the few miles to the Housing Authority office to drop off the papers that need to be turned in today. I get home in time to sweep (I am not able to shovel due to the weight) the four inches of snow we got today... today while I have been out walking. Then it's time to go get my son so I walk to his bus stop. My son is overloaded with books and has a hard time getting off the bus. He is in the process of switching schools due to behavioral, emotional, and learning problems. Now we have a good 20 pounds of books, notebooks, etc., to carry home. Whew! Glad we only have to go two blocks. We drop the school paraphernalia off at home and start the walk to the elementary school where the girls attend. By the time we get there, kids are already being dismissed. They let the children out ten minutes early but didn't notify any parents/guardians of this. The four us walk back to the house. We get homework done and I go back outside to sweep another couple of inches of snow off the sidewalk. It won't stop snowing today. We get dinner ready. The kids eat but I go back out to sweep more snow. However, I cannot sweep the snow because now it's raining and sweeping just won't work. I'm wet... I'm sore.... I'm tired!

When do I get a break? When do I get to breathe and relax? Who needs an extra day to deal with all this chaos?

February Freebie

This offer is completely legitimate. It's a new magazine published by Better Homes and Gardens. They are giving away FREE 3-year(three) subscriptions until they get the numbers of subscribers up. They do this because the more subscribers they have, the more money they can charge advertisers.

It's called Living the Country Life. Go to http://www.livingthecountrylife.com/ and fill out the subscription information.

The magazine offers lots of useful information for people who are growing their own food or have plans to do so.

How To Determine How Old A Dog is in Human Years

This was taken from the behavioral guide "Because A Good Dog Is Good To Have" written by Joe White.

7 years for every chronological year (calendar year) is not the measurement used to determine a dog’s age.
If you think about it makes sense...

A dog born today will possibly be leaving his mom and walking into his new home at a mere 8 weeks of age.

The formula is based upon the facts that smaller dogs develop and age more slowly then larger dogs and certain years of a dog's life count for more than others.

What is your dog’s equivalent age to a humans?

ACTUAL YEARS WEIGHT
0-20 lbs 21-50 lbs 50-120 lbs 120+ lbs
3 years 28 yrs 29 yrs 31 yrs 39 yrs
4 years 32 34 38 49
5 years 36 39 45 59
6 years 40 44 52 69
7 years 44 49 59 79
8 years 48 54 66 89
9 years 52 59 73 99
10 years 56 64 80 --
11 years 60 69 87 --
12 years 64 74 94 --
13 years 68 79 -- --
14 years 72 84 -- --
15 years 76 89 -- --
16 years 80 94 -- --
17 years 84 -- -- --
18 years 88 -- -- --
19 years 92 -- -- --
20 years 96 -- -- --

Fibromyalgia Defined

Fibromyalgia
(fi-bro-my-AL-ja)

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) produces chronic body-wide pain, which migrates and can be felt from head to toe.

Fibromyalgia is an increasingly recognized chronic pain illness which is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pain and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue, and sleep disturbances. The most common sites of pain include the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic girdle, and hands, but any body part can be involved. Fibromyalgia patients experience a range of symptoms of varying intensities that wax and wane over time.

FMS (fibromyalgia (fi-bro-my-Al-juh) syndrome) is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. Fibromyalgia means pain in the fibrous tissues in the body. The pain comes from the connective tissues, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. FMS does not involve the joints, as does rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
http://www.ukfibromyalgia.com/support_pages/support-definition.html

A complex chronic painful condition, primarily occurring in women, characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, and fatigue, and accompanied by tender points at defined locations, often associated with a non-restorative sleep pattern.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4WZPA_enUS257US258&defl=en&q=define:Fibromyalgia&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title

Fibromyalgia is considered an arthritis-related condition. However,it is not a form of arthritis (a disease of the joints) since it does not cause inflammation in the joints, muscles, or other tissues or damage them. But fibromyalgia can (like arthritis) cause significant pain and fatigue and it can similarly interfere with a person's ability to carry on daily activities.
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3453

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that causes fatigue and amplified musculoskeletal pain all over the body. It affects women more than men, particularly women of childbearing age. Approximately 2% of the population suffers from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia makes even the slighest physical stimuli to the body seem ultra painful. It is thought that persons with fibromyalgia process pain differently in their bodies, causing the syndrome. Fibromyalgia pain is widespread throughout the body. If a patient has 11 out of 18 tender points found in specific locations such as the base of the skull, the hip bone, etc., a fibromyalgia diagnosis is made. In general, pain is felt in the neck, back, shoulders, hips, buttocks and arms.
http://backandneck.about.com/od/f/g/fibro.htm

A syndrome characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints without detectable inflammation. Fibromyalgia does not cause body damage or deformity. However, undue fatigue plagues the large majority of patients with fibromyalgia and sleep disorders are common in fibromyalgia.

What You Should Know About Me

My pain - My pain is not your pain. It is not caused by inflammation. Taking your arthritis medication will not help me. I can not work my pain "out" or "shake it off." It is not even a pain that stays put. Today it is in my right shoulder, lower back, and left hip, but tomorrow it may be in my foot, other hip, or gone. My pain is believed to be caused by improper signals sent to the brain, possibly due to sleep disorders. It is not well understood, but it is real.

My fatigue - I am not merely tired. I am often in a severe state of exhaustion. I may want to participate in physical activities, but I can't. Please do not take this personally. If you saw me shopping in the mall yesterday, but I can't help you with yard work today, it isn't because I don't want to. I am, most likely, paying the price for stressing my muscles beyond their capability.

My forgetfulness - Those of us who suffer from it call it "fibrofog." I may not remember your name, but I do remember you. I may not remember what I promised to do for you, even though you told me just seconds ago. My problem has nothing to do with my age but may be related to sleep deprivation. I do not have a selective memory. On some days, I just don't have any short-term memory at all.

My clumsiness - If I step on your toes or run into you five times in a crowd, I am not purposely targeting you. I do not have the muscle control for that. If you are behind me on the stairs, please be patient. These days I take life and stairwells one step at a time.

My sensitivities - I just can't stand it! "It" could be any number of things: bright sunlight, loud or high-pitched noises, odors. FMS has been called the "aggravating everything disorder." So don't make me open the drapes or listen to your child scream. I really can't stand it.

My intolerance - I can't stand heat, either. Or humidity. I perspire -- profusely. It's embarrassing so please don't feel compelled to point this shortcoming out to me. I know. And don't be surprised if I shake uncontrollably when it's cold. I don't tolerate cold, either. My internal thermostat is broken, and nobody knows how to fix it.

My depression - Yes, there are days when I would rather stay in bed or in the house or die. I have lost count of how many of Dr. Kevorkian's patients suffered from FMS as well as other related illnesses. Severe, unrelenting pain can cause depression. Your sincere concern and understanding can pull me back from the brink. Your snide remarks can tip me over the edge.

My stress - My body does not handle stress well. If I have to give up my job, work part time, or handle my responsibilities from home, I'm not lazy. Everyday stresses make my symptoms worse and can incapacitate me completely.

My weight - I may be fat. It is not by choice. My body is not your body. My appetite is broken and nobody can tell me how to fix it.

My good days - If you see me smiling and functioning normally, don't assume I am well. I suffer from a chronic pain and fatigue illness with no cure. I can have my good days or weeks or even months. In fact, the good days are what keep me going.

My uniqueness - Even those who suffer from FMS are not alike. That means I may not have all of the problems mentioned above. I do have pain above and below the waist and on both sides of my body which has lasted for a very long time. I may have migraines or hip pain or shoulder pain or knee pain, but I do not have exactly the same pain as anyone else.

I hope that this helps you understand me, but if you still doubt my pain, your local bookstore, library, and the Internet have many good books and articles on fibromyalgia.

100th Snack

The 100th day of school consists of a simple celebration in the elementary school, so we made an easy snack for my daughter's first grade class.

100th Day Snack
30 Cheerios
15 Raisins
15 Chocolate Chips
20 M&Ms
10 small Pretzels
10 Peanuts
__
100 Total

Of course, you could add other stuff like crackers, pine nuts, etc. Switch the amounts around too... as long as the total for each individual bag is 100.

Computer Tips #2 - Monitor Flickering

Every so often on my old computer, the monitor will start flickering. At first, it doesn't seem to be so noticeable. After a few minutes, it's irritating. Don't call the Geek Squad just yet; you can fix this all by yourself.

Depending on the version of Windows you are using the terminology may be slightly different.

Windows 98
Go to Control Panel.
Click on Monitor... Configuration... Advanced Options... Monitor.
The number should read 60. If not, change it to 60.

Windows XP
Go to Control Panel.
Click on Appearance & Themes... Change Screen Resolution... Advanced... Monitor tab.
The number should read 60. If not, change it to 60.

Windows Vista
Go to Control Panel.
Click on Appearance & Personalization... Personalization... Adjust Screen Resolution... Advanced Settings... Monitor.
The number should read 60. If not, change it to 60.

In Europe, The Hertz is set at 50.


Other reasons your monitor can be flickering is that something -- telephone, stereo, TV, etc. -- can be interfering with your monitor.

Thankful... or Not... Thursday

Today is starting off rough here in the Litz house. Car won't start... too cold. My car door doesn't open from the inside so I was stuck -- literally -- in my freezing car for 15 minutes struggling and trying to climb over the seat to get out the passenger door. Not a pretty sight. All out of breath and really upset. Why is this bothering me so much?

I go into the house to cancel my morning appointments... not a good thing and there will be repercussions later. I tell the kids they are not going to school... and I'll pay dearly for that later since I added more stress onto myself by letting them stay home. There was no way I was walking them to school.

As I am going through the day's calendar and appts. I see I have a house inspection today and the house is trashed. I still have some Chrsitmas trees up, all in various stages of undress, the floors are dirty due to all the rain and snow we've had. My fibromyalgia does't want to cooperate with me so I can get these simple household chores done. Ugh!

So, instead, of cleaning and doing chores, I sit here at the computer whining to all of you.

Today is Thankful Thursday, and after the first hour being totally shot, I am struggling to come up with a list...

Today, I am thankful for...
1. The warmth of my home.
2. That my children love me even when I am crying.
3. My Chihuhua, Champ.

Accept Compliments Gracefully

Today's Affirmation: I deserve to complimented and accept them with ease.

The "Month of Super Short Stories" Tag Book

Seen recently on Cathy Zielske's blog, "Can you tell little short stories, on and off, for one continuous month of your life?

Presenting the "Month of Super Short Stories" Tag Book...

...So here’s the thingie I’m making (with an emphasis on making as it’s not even remotely done). I’m getting everything prepped to do a tag book that will span one month’s time and be a cute little holding pen for random everyday story snippets and photos. I will begin collecting said data on March 1.

What are you going to record? Whatever the heck you want to, but the challenge is this: just pick one thing from the day you're recording, and write down a little tiny story about it. The tags I designed for this mini-book only give you so much room to write, so the exercise is all about choosing your words carefully, and realizing you don’t need to write a thesis to adequately capture a moment/story/bit & piece of your daily life.

Maybe you will write about your wild success with laundry on a Tuesday. Or the way you had a massive, institutionalization-worthy meltdown on Saturday. Whatever goes, goes. Just find a way to write a mini-record of one thing from one chosen day."

Cool idea, Cathy. Won't you join this challenge?

Family Minute #3

Whatever happened to common courtesy?

Let’s face it, common courtesy is pretty uncommon these days. Do you hold the door open for people? Do you say “thank-you” when people hold a door open for you? Do you remember to say “please” and “thank-you” to the sales clerk, the mechanic, or the person at the drive-thru window? Do your co-workers or employees think of you as a courteous person?

And what about your spouse and children? Do you show them the same level of courtesy and respect that you show to the outside world?

Make common courtesy a common practice. Who knows, you might even set off a chain reaction.

Remember your family first.

Wordless Wednesday

A Dog's Purpose

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old)

A veterinarian was called to examine a ten-year-old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. The veterinarian examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. The family was told there wasn't anything that good be done for Belker and the veternarian offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As the arrangements were made, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, the family surround Belker. Shane seemed so calm while petting the old dog for the last time, that the vet wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. The family sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, they turned to him.

Shane said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?"

The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."


Isn't that a comforting thought?! How smart is Shane?!!!

What Are Fibromyalgia Tender Points?

Definition: Fibromyalgia is a soft tissue or muscular rheumatism, often called a rheumatic syndrome, with widespread pain in muscles, tendons, and other connective tissues, resulting in muscle pain without muscle weakness. Unlike some types of arthritis and rheumatic conditions, fibromyagia does not cause joint deformities.

Tender points are specific places on the body (18 specific points at 9 bilateral locations) that are exceptionally sensitive to the touch in people with fibromyalgia upon examination by a doctor.

Tender points of fibromyalgia exist at these nine bilateral muscle locations: Low Cervical Region: (front neck area) at anterior aspect of the interspaces between the transverse processes of C5-C7.
Second Rib: (front chest area) at second costochondral junctions.
Occiput: (back of the neck) at suboccipital muscle insertions.
Trapezius Muscle: (back shoulder area) at midpoint of the upper border.
Supraspinatus Muscle: (shoulder blade area) above the medial border of the scapular spine.
Lateral Epicondyle: (elbow area) 2 cm distal to the lateral epicondyle.
Gluteal: (rear end) at upper outer quadrant of the buttocks.
Greater Trochanter: (rear hip) posterior to the greater trochanteric prominence.
Knee: (knee area) at the medial fat pad proximal to the joint line.

How To Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia symptoms can overlap with autoimmune diseases and other musculoskeletal conditions making it difficult to diagnose. The defining symptoms of fibromyalgia are often associated with other subjective and objective symptoms which occur in combination.

It is estimated that fibromyalgia syndrome affects about 2 percent of the U.S. population.

In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) listed two primary criteria for the classification of fibromyalgia. 1) A history of widespread pain involving all four quadrants of the body (right side, left side, above waist, below waist) for a period of at least 3 months.

The second criteria from the ACR which points to fibromyalgia is, upon physical examination, the presence of pain in at least 11 of 18 tender points when touched or pressed with force amounting to the equivalent of 4 kg. or 9 lbs.

What Are Fibromyalgia Tender Points?

More recent data indicates that there may be an increased sensitivity to pain throughout the body, pain may be migratory (move around) or may exist as chronic regional pain. Most experts are said to believe fibromyalgia results from abnormal central nervous system function. Response to stress and psychobehavioral factors may also contribute to fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia primarily occurs in women of childbearing age. Children, the elderly, and men can also be affected. Besides the defining symptoms of pain and tenderness, there are many nondefining symptoms associated with fibromyalgia including:

Fatigue, night sweats and sleep disturbances.

Memory difficulties and cognitive difficulties.

Tension or migraine headaches, temporomandibular joint syndrome, rib cage pain (noncardiac chest pain), chronic pelvic pain, plantar or heel pain.

Fluctuations in weight, heat or cold intolerance, subjective feeling of weakness.

Ear-nose-throat complaints, multiple chemical sensitivities and a wide array of allergic symptoms.

Hearing, vision, and vestibular (balance) abnormalities.

Heartburn, palpitations and irritable bowel syndrome.

Evidence on echocardiogram of mitral valve prolapse, esophageal dysmotility (muscles of esophagus not working properly), neurologic conditions causing hypotension (low blood pressure) and syncope (fainting).

Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety occur more commonly in people who have fibromyalgia.

Around the 'Net - CakeMix Doctor

CakeMix Doctor

Remember the 'from scratch' cakes that your grandmother used to bake? Now that the public has lost the desire to 'sift and measure,' cake mixes have taken over the market; over 60 percent of American households use cake mixes. However, most of us recognize the box products as exactly what they are, mixes. Let Anne Byrn, The CakeMix Doctor, help you jazz up those box cakes – from Banana Cake to Chocolate Kahlua Cake to Ricotta Cheesecake, you're certain to find just the cake to tempt your taste buds. The site also features an 'Ask Anne' section should you have individual questions as well as a Community Board that allows visitors to chat with other 'boxers.' Now that Anne is on the scene, cake bakers can 'come out of the pantry' and have more time to produce other culinary delights.

http://www.cakemixdoctor.com/

Tagged - 5

Five snacks you enjoy:
1. Chocolate... dark chocolate, milk chocolate, hot chocolate, chocolate ice cream, Hershey's, Dove.
2. Lay's Classic Potato Chips with Helluva French Onion Dip.
3. Mountain Dew... not a snack but cannot live without it.
4. Extra Cool Watermelon Gum.
5. Bananas and apples. I'm not a total junkie.

Five songs that you know all the lyrics to:
1. Man, I Feel Like a Woman by Shania Twain. It's my son's favorite song. :)
2. Most of the old Billy Joel songs.
3. I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me.
4. Mary, Did You Know? by Mark Lower.
5. Awesome God by Rich Mullins.

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
1. Pay for this house.
2. Finish the basement, add security fence, and landscaping to this house.
3. Buy a new SUV.
4. Donate to some of my favorite charities.
5. Take a vacation with my kids and then a vacation without my kids.

Five bad habits:
1. Snacking at night.
2. Spending too much time on the computer.
3. Yelling at my children.
4. Procrastinating.
5. Not exercising enough... lately not exercising at all.

Five things you like doing:
1. Reading... mysteries, crafting magazines, women magazines, blogs, the Holy Bible, parenting books.
2. Spending time with my children.
3. Spending time with my Chihuahua, Champ.
4. Going out to eat. It rarely happens and I truly having someone else cook for me.
5. Scrapbooking and taking photos.

Five things you would never wear again:
1. Stirrup pants.
2. Leg warmers.
3. Sleeveless tops in public.
4. Anything that is "just" the right size. All of my comfortable clothes are a little loose which is why they are more comfortable.
5. Big round, 80s glasses.

Five favorite toys:
1. Computer and internet.
2. Telephone.
3. Cameras... both 35mm and digital.
4. Any board games or card games my children enjoy when they include me (read: allow me) to play.
5. Television.

Make Me Laugh Monday - Safe Sex Dress

Just when you thought you had seen it all... A safe sex dress. Pretty original, to say the least.

The Internet Has Standards Too

Scrapbook Sharing

January and February was/is a slow scrapbooking period. Then, it took me a long time to get the layouts scanned but I finally did it. So now I will share my layouts with you. Thanks for looking.

Easter Trees

A colorful basket filled with dyed, hard-boiled eggs nestled in a bed of glistening grass says Easter like nothing else.

But when you combine Easter eggs, baskets, bunnies and spring flowers with the spindly branches of a budding forsythia bush or a cherry tree, you have all the makings of a fun way to celebrate the holiday with the creation of an Easter tree.

Decorating evergreen or leafless trees with eggs at Easter have long been the tradition in Germany and the Ukraine. When German settlers immigrated to the states, many brought with them their Easter tradition of decorating trees with eggs, which symbolize rebirth, renewal, and resurrection.

The tradition slowly caught in America with its origin dating back to just after the Civil War. It has gained momentum with the rising popularity of Katherine Milhous' children's book, "The Egg Tree."

Milhous tells the story of a little girl who discovers her grandmothers old hand-painted Easter eggs in the attic and inspires the renewal of the Easter egg tree tradition in her family.

It is a tradition that has become, for many, part of the annual spring holiday decorating frenzy.

"I think it's a sign of springtime," said Brenda Sink, activities director at The Summit Place of North Myrtle Beach in Little River, S.C.

An Easter egg tree was a fixture in Wayne Graffius' home when he was growing up in Pennsylvania. The family tree featured handpainted eggs, their insides blown out through tiny holes on either end, with ribbon attached for hanging. The whole family was in on the decorating.

"We always had one, and we used actual branches of a forsythia or cherry tree, and we'd force them to open," Graffius said.

Graffius, a design consultant, has continued his family tradition this year by creating an Easter egg tree using branches he cut from behind his Myrtle Beach, S.C., home. His mother, Elizabeth, helped with the decorations, cutting ribbon for the plastic eggs and attaching flowers to miniature straw hats.

"We always made it the week before, and we'd put our Easter baskets under the tree for the Easter bunny to fill," Graffius said.

Egg trees are widely available for purchase on the Internet or in retail stores, where you can find miniature, leafless wire trees and accompanying ornaments. But Graffius said he prefers to use live branches to create a dramatic centerpiece that can be displayed on a buffet or dining room table.

"You want it to be the centerpiece of the room," he said.

Resources for Easter tree crafts
http://crafts.kaboose.com/easter-tree.html
http://www.babyzone.com/Crafts/Craft.asp?CraftID=43
http://www.homemakingcottage.com/holidays/ea/eatree.htm
http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/eastercrafts/l/bleatree.htm

Our Favorite Recipes -- Cornflake Crust Chicken

15-20 chicken breast tenders, thawed
1 1/2 cups of corn flakes, crushed
salt, pepper, season salt, red pepper, dried parsley, dried basil and dried oregano to taste.
1 egg and 2 tbsp milk
butter

1) Crush flakes and add seasonings. Taste to make sure you have enough.
2) Mix egg and milk together in a small bowl and set aside.
3) Grease bottom of caserole dish with butter. Be very generous.
4) Rinse chicken.
5) Place each piece of chicken into the egg mixture and then into the corn flake mixture.
6) Place in a 400 degree oven for about 45 minutes or until done.

Font Tutorial - Part Three

I found a cool font site. What do I do now?

Click on the graphic for the font you want to download. The download should start automatically.

A little gray screen will open called File Download. It asks, What would you like to do with this file? Your two choices are: Open or Save. Click the button next to "Save it to disk." Then click ok.

Then a window will appear called Save As. Choose the directory where you want to save the zipped font file, such as the new folder we created in the first section. Click the drop-down menu at the top of the Save As screen. Choose (C: ). Then double-click the folder where you want the font file saved.

The file name should be in the "file name" bar near the bottom. Click save. Then your computer will start the saving process. Click OK to close the download window.

Congratulations, you just downloaded something! Now, to find it again...

The Last Lecture

This video is life changing and uplifting in a way that helps everyone to appreciate life's circumstances from a positive perspective. This is very a touching video and I think its great to have such courage to talk about your last days without complaining.

http://www.sonnyradio.com/lastlecture.html

The Gratitude Campaign

While traveling around the country, a man has been approaching soldiers in the airports and thanking them for their service. The soldiers have always appreciated being thanked. However, this man started to think it would be nice if civilians had a gesture or sign that they could use to say "thank you" quickly and easily without having to directly approach the soldiers. This man did some research and found the sign that can be found at the Gratitude Campaign website.

http://www.gratitudecampaign.org

Watch the touching movie and check out the sign so you can thank a soldier today.

Catalog Choice

Only One Purpose

Catalog Choice was formed with one primary purpose: conserve our planet’s precious natural resources by reducing the enormous amount of unwanted catalogs mailed every day.

Catalog Choice is a free service that allows you to decide what gets in your mailbox. Use it to reduce your mailbox clutter, while helping save natural resources.

Catalog Choice is a sponsored project of the Ecology Center. It is endorsed by the National Wildlife Federation and the Natural Resources Defense Council, and funded by the Overbrook Foundation, the Merck Family Fund, and the Kendeda Fund.

The mission of Catalog Choice is to reduce the number of repeat and unsolicited catalog mailings, and to promote the adoption of sustainable industry best practices. We aim to accomplish this by freely providing the Catalog Choice services to both consumers and businesses. Consumers can indicate which catalogs they no longer wish to receive, and businesses can receive a list of consumers no longer wanting to receive their catalogs.


http://www.catalogchoice.org/

Check out my Slide Show!

Around the 'Net - Free Rice

When did FreeRice increase the amount donated for each correct answer from 10 grains of rice to 20 grains?
For its first seven weeks, FreeRice gave 10 grains of rice for each correct answer. On November 28, 2007, we were able to increase this to 20 grains. We hope to be able to increase this again in the future. Here is how we look at it: Your part is to play and donate the rice. Our part is to increase the amount you can donate!

Who pays for the donated rice?

The rice is paid for by the advertisers whose names you see on the bottom of your vocabulary screen. This is regular advertising for these companies, but it is also something more. Through their advertising at FreeRice, these companies support both learning (free vocabulary for everyone) and reducing hunger (free rice for the hungry). We commend these companies for their participation at FreeRice.

If FreeRice has the rice to give, why not give it all away right now?
FreeRice is not sitting on a pile of rice―you are earning it 20 grains at a time. Here is how it works. When you play the game, advertisements appear on the bottom of your screen. The money generated by these advertisements is then used to buy the rice. So by playing, you generate the money that pays for the rice donated to hungry people.

Does FreeRice make any money from this?
No, it does not. FreeRice runs the site at no profit.

Who distributes the donated rice?
The rice is distributed by the United Nations World Food Program (WFP). The World Food Program is the world’s largest food aid agency, working with over 1,000 other organizations in over 75 countries. In addition to providing food, the World Food Program helps hungry people to become self-reliant so that they escape hunger for good. Wherever possible, the World Food Program buys food locally to support local farmers and the local economy. We encourage you to visit the United Nations World Food Program to learn more about their successful approach to ending hunger.

How to Play

Click on the answer that best defines the word. If you get it right, you get a harder word. If wrong, you get an easier word. For each word you get right, we donate 20 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program. WARNING: This game may make you smarter. It may improve your speaking, writing, thinking, grades, job performance... and much more!



http://www.freerice.com/

Do You Remember?

Here's a little quiz to see how much you remember about some
less-than-important things from a few decades back. It's just for fun,no scoring involved. Even the wrong answers may bring back a memory or two.

1. What builds strong bodies 12 ways?
A. Flintstones vitamins
B. The Buttmaster
C. Spaghetti
D. Wonder Bread
E. Orange Juice
F. Milk
G. Cod Liver Oil

2. Before he was Muhammed Ali, he was...
A. Sugar Ray Robinson
B. Roy Orbison
C. Gene Autry
D. Rudolph Valentino
E. Fabian
F. Mickey Mantle
G. Cassius Clay

3. Pogo, the comic strip character said, "We have met the enemy and...
A. It's you.
B. He is us.
C. It's the Grinch.
D. He wasn't home.
E. He's really mean.
F. We quit.
G. He surrendered.

4. Good night, David.
A. Good night, Chet.
B. Sleep well.
C. Good Night, Irene.
D. Good Night, Gracie.
E. See you later, alligator.
F. Until tomorrow.
G. Good night, Steve.

5. You'll wonder where the yellow went,
A. When you use Tide.
B. When you lose your crayons.
C. When you clean your tub.
D. If you paint the room blue.
E. If you buy a soft water tank.
F. When you use Lady Clairol.
G. When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent.

6. Before he was the Skipper's Little Buddy, Bob Denver was Dobie's friend,
A. Stuart Whitman
B. Randolph Scott
C. Steve Reeves
D. Maynard G. Krebbs
E. Corky B. Dork
F. Dave the Whale
G. Zippy Zoo

7. Liar, liar...
A. You're a liar.
B. Your nose is growing.
C. Pants on fire.
D. Join the choir.
E. Jump up higher.
F. On the wire.
G. I'm telling Mom.

8. Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, Superman fights a never ending battle for truth, justice and...
A. Wheaties.
B. Lois Lane.
C. TV ratings.
D. World peace.
E. Red tights.
F. The American way.
G. News headlines.

9 . Hey, kids, what time is it?
A. It's time for Yogi Bear.
B. It's time to do your homework.
C. It's Howdy Doody Time.
D. It's Time for Romper Room.
E. It's bedtime.
F. The Mighty Mouse Hour.
G. Scoopy Doo Time.

10. Lions and tigers and bears...
A. Yikes.
B. Oh, no.
C. Gee whiz.
D. I'm scared.
E. Oh, my.
F. Help Help.
G. Let's run.

11. Bob Dylan advised us never to trust anyone...
A. Over 40.
B. Wearing a uniform.
C. Carrying a briefcase.
D. Over 30.
E. You don't know.
F. Who says, "Trust me."
G. Who eats tofu.

12. NFL quarterback who appeared in a television commercial wearing women's stockings.
A. Troy Aikman
B. Kenny Stabler
C. Joe Namath
D. Roger Stauback
E. Joe Montana
F. Steve Young
G. John Elway

13. Brylcream...
A. Smear it on.
B. You'll smell great.
C. Tame that cowlick.
D. Greaseball heaven.
E. It's a dream.
F. We're your team.
G. A little dab'll do ya.

14. I found my thrill...
A. In Blueberry muffins.
B. With my man, Bill.
C. Down at the mill.
D. Over the windowsill.
E. With thyme and dill.
F. Too late to enjoy.
G. On Blueberry Hill.

15. Before Robin Williams, Peter Pan was played by
A. Clark Gable
B. Mary Martin
C. Doris Day
D. Errol Flynn
E. Sally Fields
F. Jim Carey
G. Jay Leno

16. Name the Beatles
A. John, Steve, George, Ringo
B. John, Paul, George, Roscoe
C. John, Paul, Stacey, Ringo
D. Jay, Paul, George, Ringo
E. Lewis, Peter, George, Ringo
F. Jason, Betty, Skipper, Hazel
G. John, Paul, George, Ringo

17. I wonder, wonder, wonder, who...
A. Who ate the leftovers?
B. Who did the laundry?
C. Was it you?
D. Who wrote the book of love?
E. Who I am?
F. Passed the test?
G. Knocked on the door?

18. I'm strong to the finish
A. Cause I eats my broccoli.
B. Cause I eats me spinach.
C. Cause I lift weights.
D. Cause I'm the hero.
E. And don't you forget it.
f. Cause Olive Oyl loves me.
g. To outlast Bruto.

19. When it's least expected, you're elected, you're the star today...
a. Smile, you're on Candid Camera.
b. Smile, you're on Star Search.
c. Smile, you won the lottery.
d. Smile, we're watching you.
e. Smile, the world sees you.
f. Smile, you're a hit.
g. Smile, you're on TV.

20. What do M & M's do?
a. Make your tummy happy.
b. Melt in your mouth, not in your pocket.
c. Make you fat.
d. Melt your heart.
e. Make you popular.
f. Melt in your mouth, not in your hand.
g. Come in colors.

Now for the answers.

1. D - Wonder Bread
2. G - Cassius Clay
3. B - He Is Us
4. A - Good night, Chet
5. G - When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent
6. D - Maynard G. Krebbs
7. C - Pants On Fire
8. F - The American Way
9. C - It's Howdy Doody Time
10. E - Oh My
11. D - Over 30
12. C - Joe Namath
13. G - A little dab'll do ya
14. G - On Blueberry Hill
15. B - Mary Martin
16. G - John, Paul, George , Ringo
17. D - Who wrote the book of Love
18. B - Cause I eats me spinach
19. A - Smile, you're on Candid Camera
20. F - Melt In Your Mouth Not In Your Hand

How did you do? Let us know in the comments section what your score is.

Our Favorite Recipes -- Slow Cooker Lasagna

This is one of my favorite slow cooker meals. Enjoy.

1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (12 ounce) package lasagna noodles
12 ounces cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

In a large skillet over medium heat cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic untill brown. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, and oregano and stir until well incorported. Cook untill heated through.

In a large bowl mix together the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Spoon a layer of the meat mixture onto the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a double layer of the uncooked lasagna noodles. Break to fit noodles into slow cooker. Top noodles with a portion of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layering of sauce, noodles, and cheese until all the ingredients are used.

Cover and cook on low heat in slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours.

Convert Your Favorites

Convert Your Favorite Recipes To the Slow Cooker


You can adapt many conventional recipes for the slow cooker. Any oven or stovetop recipe that has some moisture in it--whether from water, broth, wine, sauce, or canned soup--should work beautifully in your favorite appliance, just keep these things in mind:

Cut all liquid amounts in half when adjusting for the slow cooker.

The low heat setting is approximately 200 degrees F (95 degrees C) and high heat is about 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).

For every hour you'd cook something in the oven or on the stove, allow 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. (When in doubt, turn it on low and leave it all day or overnight.)

Computer Tips #1 - Top Methods Scammers Use to Find Email Addresses and How to Avoid Them

Every day, I receive dozens of emails claiming that I've won millions of dollars from a Yahoo lottery or that Bill Gates want to get rid of some of that cash burning holes in his pockets. How do scammers get hold of my personal email address to send me scams? Here are some of the top methods that they use.

1. Harvesting Data from Fake Sweepstakes Sites

Scammers like to target people who are most likely to fall for their sweepstakes scams. This means that if they can get their hands on email addresses and other personal information from people who actually enter sweepstakes, they might have a bit more success with their scams. One method that they use to get this information is by setting up a fake sweepstakes site. They might even give away a small prize, but their primary goal is to harvest your personal information and use it to contact you with scams.

How can you avoid this kind of trap? Learn how to recognize legitimate sweepstakes before you enter. You should also review how much information to share on entry forms.

2. Buying Email Lists from Sweepstakes Sites

It's possible that a company could hold a legitimate sweepstake and then decide to make some extra money by selling the personal information that it collected. In that case, scammers could easily get hold of a large list of sweepstakes entrants without having to take on the time or expense of running their own sweepstakes.
To protect yourself from having your information sold to other companies and scammers, check out the privacy policy of the sweepstakes that you enter. If the privacy policy is missing, untrustworthy, or it says that your information might be resold, do not enter the sweepstake.

3. Buying General Email Lists

While sweepstakes scammers love to get their hands on lists of people who enter sweepstakes, they will also be perfectly happy to take the chance that someone who doesn't enter sweepstakes might respond to their scam. In fact, those people might be less savvy about the warning signs of scams, making them easier targets. So scammers might buy email lists from any type of company, not just sweepstakes.

For this reason, you should read the privacy policy of any site that collects personal information. Furthermore, you should use a separate sweepstakes email when entering contests, so that you'll know automatically that any win notifications that come to your other email addresses are not legitimate.

4. 'Scraping' Email Addresses from the Web

If you've left your email address in a signature, in a comment on a public forum, on a winner's list, or anywhere else that is publicly accessible, scammers can use programs to comb through the internet and harvest those email addresses.

To protect yourself, avoid leaving your full email address anywhere on the net. Don't use your email address as a username for a forum or website. If you need to share your address online, make it difficult for programs to read by writing it out: myemail AT mydomain DOT com for example, is easy for humans to understand but difficult for computers. Ask sponsors to use only a portion of your email address on winners lists.

5. Sending Scams to Random Email Addresses

Sweepstakes scam emails cost nearly nothing to send. That means that criminals can afford to send blanket emails to random email addresses and hope that someone will receive them. To do this, the scammers start with a popular email service - say Hotmail, Yahoo, or AOL - and then generate massive lists by combining common words and names. For example, the scammers might send mails to the top 100most popular names and each birth year for people between the ages of 18 and 90. If your email address is something like john1970@yahoo.com, you'll get one of these mails.

It's difficult to avoid this method of harvesting emails. The best thing to do is not to respond to these mails, so that the scammers don't get confirmation that the address is active.

6. Hacking Into Online Databases

Some sweepstakes scammers get their email lists by hacking into online databases that have inadequate security to protect your information. This is a dangerous, expensive, and high-risk method for hackers to get email addresses compared to any of the other methods listed here, but it happens in some cases.

To protect yourself, check the privacy policies of the websites you use to ensure that personal data is stored in a secure method, and that your information is not kept for longer than is necessary.

Most Email Addresses Will Receive Sweepstakes Scams

Remember that it might not be possible to avoid scam emails altogether. Learning to recognize the warning signs of a scam will help you avoid any problems from those mails that do sneak through. But following these tips can help prevent you from being overwhelmed with sweepstakes scams.

FDA Blocks Nutro Pet Food Shipment from Entering U.S.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) blocked more than 100 Nutro Products -- various styles and flavors of its dog and cat food -- from entering the United States.

ConsumerAffairs.com learned the FDA took that action at the Port of Los Angeles -- and listed Nutro’s pet food on its Import Refusal Report -- because the products appeared to contain poisonous substances and unsafe additives.

The FDA has authority to block and detain any regulated products from entering the United States if they “appear to be out of compliance with The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.”

Some of Nutro’s pet food on the Import Refusal List include its Adult Turkey with Chicken Liver, Choice Adult Cat w Turkey & Duck, Choice Complete Care Kitten Rich in Chicken with Liver, and Adult Large Breed Chicken & Rice.


By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.Com

You can find the full story at http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/pet_food_recalls69.html.

My Heart to Yours

Since last week's NIU shooting, I have found myself again faced with fears I haven't felt for a while.

I'm not normally a fearful person, but when 9/11 happened in 2001 and the increasing number of school shootings since then, it brings about something within me that only another mother would understand.

I remember a night, about 10 years ago, after I brought my son home from the hospital. I found myself in the dark of the night weeping tears that I had never experienced before. As a new, single mother I suddenly found myself with a new perspective. I began to see the world in a different way. I no longer had only myself to consider, I now had the responsibility of another life.

For the first time in my life, I began to see the realities of the world that I had brought this child into. Suddenly the report of a murder on the evening news brought with it a new emotional experience. A story about a child missing was almost too much to watch. And world news that included the talk of war or conflicts with other countries was very unsettling.

As time continued and I added two more children to my home, I found myself coming to terms with the good and the bad in this world that we live in. Each time I added to my family, those old thoughts would creep in, but they would quickly subside as I became wrapped up with the daily responsibilities of motherhood.

That is, until September 11th. Suddenly I found myself back in a familiar place. Like a mother bear who protects her children I found myself feeling very protective with the lives of those I love. Each news report of the terrorist attacks brought about an emotional response in me that only comes from being a mother. When carrying the responsibility of another life, our viewpoint changes. We see death, destruction, and world conflict from the perspective of responsibility. It is a feeling that only another mother can understand.

All of these events cause me to pause and consider what it is I need to equip my children with to live in this crazy world. What can I give them that will keep them strong when the winds of chaos, and even destruction, blow throughout the world? What can I pass on to them that will keep their feet firmly planted in hope when hopelessness prevails around them? What gift can I give them that will allow them to find stability in an unstable world?

I have only one answer to those questions. The answer is faith.

It is faith that will calm their fears. It is faith that will give them peace in the midst of chaos. It is faith that will help them sort through the lies of this world. It is faith that will show them the next step when it seems too dark to walk ahead.

You see it was faith that got me through that first night of tears when I contemplated this messed-up world as a new parent. My faith helped me replace my own fears with God's promises. My faith is what allows me to learn to let go as my children grow older. My hope for the future of my children can't be based on their relationships in this world, but rather their relationship with the God of the universe.

If you have been rocked by all that is happening in the world, you're not alone. The security you and I can give to our children begins with our own relationship with Jesus Christ. Once your faith relationship is established, pass on the gift of faith to your children. Open up the Bible and read it for yourself and then share with your children what you are learning. Make church a priority each Sunday. Pray for and with your children every day.

While the world changes around us, God never changes. And when we give our children the gift of faith, we are giving a gift that will last a lifetime.

The Ultimate Blog Party - Don't Forget

Are You Coming to The Ultimate Blog Party 2008?

During the week of March 7-14, 2008, the blogosphere will be party hopping - jumping through the Mr. Linky list of participating bloggers, meeting new friends, and partying blogger-style at The Ultimate Blog Party 2008 at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Last year’s Ultimate Blog Party was a blast with almost 1,000 participating bloggers, so make sure you don’t miss out on this one. It is a fantastic opportunity to introduce your blog to a bunch of new people and to find new blogs that you will want to read regularly.

The Ultimate Blog Party features tons of prizes. The prize list is constantly growing. For more about prize eligibility read on and visit 5 Minutes for Mom's prize page.

So how do you party with us?

This is how it works for bloggers who want to participate in The Ultimate Blog Party 2008 and be eligible to enter the prize draw:

Invite your friends

Sorry boys… this party is for women bloggers only. All women bloggers are invited regardless of parental status, religious affiliations, etc. This party is about having fun with friends and meeting new people.

Host a party at your place

The Utimate Blog Party 2008 is all about meeting people and getting your blog noticed, so throw a party that showcases your blog and your style. Add some pictures, music, video, slide show, decoration, include recipes, stories, make your guests laugh -- whatever you want. Be creative and have fun!

And, of course, make sure you introduce yourself.

Sign the Mr. Linky at 5 Minutes for Mom

After you have your post ready and published, come on over to the central Ultimate Blog Party Post at 5 Minutes for Mom and add your link to the Mr. Linky.

It will be a week long bash from Friday, March 7, 2008 to Friday, March 14, 2008. The prizes will be announced on Monday, March 17th.

The Mr. Linky will go live at Friday March 7th, 12:01 am Eastern Time and participating bloggers who have their party post up can add their link any time during the week of the party. (The Linky will stay permanently in the post, so you can come back later and catch up on any blogs you may have missed.) Obviously linking earlier in the week will result in more people visiting your party, but you do not need to have your link in the Mr. Linky until March 14 at 12pm Eastern to be eligible for the draw.

Only party guests (bloggers who signed the Linky and invited guests via a post and Invitation Button OR non-bloggers who have attended and commented on at least 20 participating party posts) will be eligible to win prizes. The prizes will be drawn from the comments at the main 5 Minutes for Mom Ultimate Blog Party 2008 party post, so make sure you leave a comment. All prizes will be awarded by a random draw.

If you have any questions, just contact Janice or Susan at 5 Minutes for Mom.

We can’t wait – see you soon!

http://www.5minutesformom.com

The Ultimate Blog Party 2008 - Are You Coming?

Thanks to the courtesy of my friend, Jennifer, I discovered the blog in time for the Ultimate Blog Party 2007. Janice and Susan are the sweetest, dedicated mothers and bloggers.

Join the fun and join us for a blog party. More details about the party at 5 Minutes for Mom and the prize giveawy for All Things Cherished will be posted later.

Make a Difference

The Animal Rescue Site
Make a difference today! Click on the purple button and give food to an animal living in a shelter or sanctuary -- at no cost to you.
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/tpc/ERA_021508_ARS

The Child Health Site
Make a difference today! Click on the blue button at The Child Health Site and make health services possible that will save and improve the lives of children living in poverty. It's free.
http://www.thechildhealthsite.com/tpc/ERC_021508_CHS

The Hunger Site
Make a difference today! Click on the yellow button at The Hunger Site and give acup of food to the hungry at no cost to you.
http://www.thehungersite.com/tpc/ERH_021508_THS

The Literacy Site
Make a difference today! Help give free books to kids today! Simply click the orange button at The Literacy Site to help fund free books for underprivileged children.
http://www.theliteracysite.com/tpc/ERL_021508_LIT

You can even sign up for emails to get daily reminders so you can Make a Difference every day!

My Champ

This is Champ, my Chihuahua. As small as he is, now about 6.5 pounds, he keeps me warm and toasty at night. He is superior companion because he doesn't judge me and loves me no matter what I did or what my mood is. Thanks, Champ, for being a part of my life.

Font Tutorial - Part One

Creating a Font Folder

Creating a folder on your computer for only font downloads makes it much easier to find the files after you've downloaded them. You can also download a bunch at a time, and unzip and install them at your leisure (very necessary for font addicts).

To create a new folder:

Click on My Computer/Computer in the Start Menu.

Click on the (C: ) Drive.

Choose File from the Menu Bar and then click New.

Choose Folder. Then type in the word "font."

Hit enter. You now have a folder on your computer where you can save your fonts and find them again.

Font Tutorial - Part Two

Do Not Delete These Fonts

Recently, at my scrapbooking forum, a member said she had over 900 fonts installed on her computer, and was wondering if it would be safe to delete some. She asked if there were any fonts that should not be deleted. There definitely are, and the list follows. This list would be a good one to print out and keep for reference!

Do not delete the following fonts:
Arial (TrueType)
Arial Bold (TrueType)
Arial Bold Italic (TrueType)
Arial Italic (TrueType)
Courier 10,12,15 (VGA res)
Courier New (TrueType)
Courier New Bold (TrueType)
Courier New Bold Italic (TrueType)
Courier New Italic (TrueType)
Marlett (Windows 95/98)*
Modern (Plotter)
MS Sans Serif 8,10,12,14,18,24 (VGA res)
MS Serif 8,10,12,14,18,24 (VGA res)
Roman (Plotter)
Script (Plotter)
Small fonts (VGA res)
Symbol (TrueType)
Symbol 8,10,12,14,18,24 (VGA res)
Times New Roman (TrueType) -
Times New Roman Bold (TrueType)
Times New Roman Bold Italic (TrueType)
Times New Roman Italic (TrueType)
Wingdings (TrueType)
Any font with a red A for its icon.
Any font that begins with the letters MS.

*Marlett is a hidden system file and it will not show up in a search, however, it may show up in your program font lists.

Scrapbook Challenge

Join me for some scrapbooking challenges and lots of fun.The way these challenges will work... you do the challenge, share your project in the comments section by giving us the link for your project (whether its uploaded to a blog, scrapbook community, or online photo storage site). Everyone who completes the challenge will get their name put into a drawing to win a small prize package from me. Use a minimum of 3 ingredients and at least 2 colors from the list below (this list will change monthly) and create a layout of your choice.

Ingredients List:
Tag
Ribbon
Floss
Buttons
Eyelets
Pattern paper
Chipboard

Colors List:
Green
Rust
Yellow
Orange

Pepper Spray, Diapers, and Rejection

The opposite of love is not hate; it is indifference. Indeed, love and hate have much in common, including intense energy, focused attention, motivation, goal oriented behaviors, and craving. Because of the way the brain is built, we can feel both intense romantic love and deep “hate/rage” almost simultaneously. It’s a bad combination.

I say this, of course, in response to the tragic story of Lisa Nowak, esteemed astronaut who drove 950 miles wearing diapers so she wouldn’t have to stop, donned a trench coat and wig, and stalked her romantic rival as this woman walked to her car in an airport parking lot. Through a two inch slit in the car window, Lisa then sprayed her competitor with pepper spray. And after the woman sped away, she disposed of her cache of questionable utensils in a garbage can: a BB pistol, a steel mallet, some rubber tubing, several plastic garbage bags, a knife with a four inch blade, and $600.

Why are Americans transfixed by this story? Can we remember times when we, too, wanted to maim a rejecting lover or romantic rival? Do we feel that if an astronaut can “lose it,” maybe we might?

I have something to add. I and my colleagues have just completed a study of the rejected brain in love. We put 15 men and women into a brain scanner and watched what happens when a spurned man or woman looks at the photo of their abandoning sweetheart. Several brain regions become active: Among them is a region associated with taking big risks for big gains and big losses, as well as a brain factory that registers physical pain. Other areas that “lit up” included those for obsessive-compulsive behaviors and for controlling anger.

This brain circuitry is no excuse to terrorize an innocent human being. But in Lisa’s case, her brain centers for impulse control were no match for her romantic ardor, pain, and fury.

“Parting,” Emily Dickinson wrote, “is all we need to know of hell.” I suspect that many of us have felt murderous at some point in our lives, but we controlled ourselves. Othello, however, Shakespeare’s tragic character who murdered his adored wife out of jealousy, represents the many who have fallen prey to this primordial, powerful, and sometimes horribly destructive brain system: romantic love.

My Nympho Statement

This is my Nympho Statement. Just because you’re born a nympho it doesn’t mean you naturally know how to wear it. But now? Now I wear it with ease.

I am a nympho. I always have been, and always will be. A lot of people don’t get that.

This is about me and my sexuality, my sensuality, the essence of who I am. This is not a “slut” thing or an identity issue or an intellectual matter. It’s just me, pure, and raw.

No apologies.

Pansexual Defined

pansexual

1. Noun: One who perceives all activities and experiences as sexual.

2. Noun: One who believes that all consensual activities are ethical.

3. Noun. One who believes that all human behavior stems from the sex drive.

4. Adjective. Pertaining to a person, group, or idea fitting the above descriptions.

Derivation: From the greek "pan" (meaning "all") and the english "sexual"

Alternate forms: pansexuality, pansexualism, pansexualist, pansexualize.

Struggle

As you might know, I am getting more and more involved in understanding personality, particularly all of the biological traits that we have inherited. I am searching to understand why you (and I) fall in love with one person rather than another--particularly how our biology steers us to "him" or "her." In this regard, a new scientific study landed in my email box yesterday that gives a remarkable clue to how we "read" others-- an essential aspect of choosing your future partner. As it turns out, the iris of the eye has two physical traits that have been linked to personality differences. The number of "crypts" or pits in the iris signal how likely you are to be warm, tender, and trusting. And the number of "furrows," or curving lines along the outer edge of the iris, signal the degree to which you are likely to be neurotic, impulsive, and willing to assuage your cravings. In both cases, the more crypts or furrows, the more likely you are to be, respectively, tender hearted or spontaneous. These traits develop in the womb. In short, we have evolved a remarkable and subtle biological strategy to signal who we are.

Which brings me to one of my favorite quotes. "We struggle all our lives to know a few basic things about ourselves that the most casual passerby can tell us in a moment." It seems that Mother Nature has produced many devises by which we advertise our virtues and our vices, enabling those around us to make careful choices in the game of love. No wonder sunglasses can be so disconcerting. No wonder some call the eyes the window to the soul.

Does Worrying about Money Help?

Does worrying about money help?

Let's look at this critter, "worry," for a few minutes. What does he add to our lives? I know when I am worried about something I focus on it, I think about it, I obsess about it, I loose sleep over it, I concentrate on it, I worry about it.

Hmmmmmm - what did that get me? The problem is still as clear as mud. I have a headache. I am tired. And I am still worried. Lot of good that worry did me. Lol!

Worry uses up our energies.

Worry takes away our sleep.

Worry takes away our appetite.

Worry solves nothing.

Worry can be addictive (it's easy to get used to worrying all the
time).

So, let's stop old man worry right dead in his tracks. There is no point in worrying anymore today. (If you really miss him, you can worry again tomorrow.

New Asthma Inhaler Approved for Children

TRENTON, N.J. - A new inhaled steroid treatment for preventing asthma attacks in young children has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the drugmaker Schering-Plough Corp. said Monday.

Its Asmanex Twisthaler is the first once-a-day, inhaled corticosteroid medicine for asthma — the most common chronic condition among children — that can be taken by children as young as 4.

The Kenilworth-based company got FDA approval two years ago to sell the product as a maintenance treatment to prevent asthma flare-ups in adults and children 12 and older. The dosage for children aged 4 to 11, 110 micrograms, is half the adult dose.

Competing products are approved for children as young as 6, or must be taken more times a day.

Asthma afflicts 7 percent to 10 percent of U.S. children under 18. It is blamed for more than 14 million missed school days and nearly 1 million emergency room visits by children each year, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Flare-ups of the sometimes-deadly lung disease are triggered when allergens such as pollen or irritants like smoke aggravate airways, causing trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest.

Inhaled corticosteroids are now the cornerstone of asthma care, the first treatment given newly diagnosed patients because they go straight to the lungs rather than through the bloodstream like the ingredients in pills, said Mike Tringale, spokesman for the foundation. He said each new treatment is helpful.

"The broader sort of palette that a physician has to work with, the more customized their treatments can be, and that's a good thing," he said.

The new product should be available in the second half of 2008, said Schering-Plough spokeswoman Lisa Ellen.

Unlike standard inhalers, the Twisthaler does not have a propellant. It is activated when the patient puts the end in the mouth and takes a breath. A counter shows how many doses are left.

A small study in children 4 to 11 showed the Twisthaler reduced day and nighttime symptoms, plus "interruptions" of daily life such as emergency medical visits or missing school, significantly more than an inhaler with no active ingredient.

Asmanex has some significant side effects, like other inhaled corticosteroids: It can slow growth rate in kids, cause fungal infections of the mouth and increase risk of glaucoma or cataracts. More commonly, it can cause headaches, sore throat, respiratory infection, upset stomach and muscle, bone or back pain.

By Linda Johnson, AP Business Writer