Time To Ease My Stress

The Beauty of a Woman

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,
The figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows,
And the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows.

Tagged Again

Oh, no… I’ve been tagged again. Just teasing. I have been tagged by my friend and fellow scrapper/designer Heather. You can see her Artistic License blog at http://hnoto.blogspot.com/.


What’s in my refrigerator/freezer?

I have been without electric for 5 days so there is not much in either my refrigerator or freezer. 12-pack of Mt. Dew (several cans missing), ½ gallon Vitamin D whole milk, gallon jug of pink lemonade, bottle of ketchup, bottle of mustard, bottle of honey mustard, jar of pickles.

What’s in my bedroom closet?

Cassandra’s Halloween costume for this year (bride); Cassandra’s t-shirt for Daisy Girl Scout troop; Cameron’s old Boy Scout shirt; 8 pairs of shoes, sandals, and boots in Rubbermaid containers; six-drawer dresser (full of underwear, bras, socks, slips, pantyhose, knee-hi’s, slippers, 1 pr of jeans, 4 pair of shorts, 3 skirts, extra medication, small gifts), two boxes of books to read; air freshener; fireproof box (full of important documents); box of 8x10 framed photos for the wall waiting to be hung; hangers; 1 college jacket, 5 pair of pants, 2 sweaters, 5 shirts; hooks on the wall holding a robe, pjs, and yesterday’s outfit; folding chair (for the desk in my bedroom); fire extinguisher; wall hanging friend made me; basket of memorabilia and books; and, lastly, a light bulb.

What’s in my handbag/purse?

Blue ink pen; black ink pen; wallet full of cards (store cards, driver’s license, bank card, extra keys to the house & car); keys; coin purse full of coins; make up bag (which holds lipstick, lip gloss, mirror, eye shadow, mascara, finger nail buffer, finger nail file); note pad; coupons; cell phone & charger; mini sewing kit; medication for myself, Cameron, and Cassandra; Tylenol; sunglasses; eyeglass cleaner, small first aid kit; inhaler for Cassandra; a hair brush & ponytail holders for Cassandra; and toothbrushes & toothpaste.

What’s in the car?

Two booster seats for the kids; mini blanket, box of tissues; first aid kit; scissors; travel bag (a canvas bag that folds up and snaps closed into a small square when not in use); baby wipes (for spills, even though I don’t have babies anymore); a bag of small toys for the kids; and a basket (that holds WIC checks, coupons, head set for cellular phone; note pad & pencil; pen; book; yesterday’s mail, and other odds & ends).

What’s in the car trunk?

3 chairs (for picnics, etc.); blanket; paper towels; funnel; bungee straps; tire iron; tire pump; strips of cloth (for emergencies); Aldi store bags; jumper cables; oil, and window washer fluid.


If you are reading this, you have been tagged. Please share your answers in the comment section &/or share your link to your blog.

Getting Started

This site is new to me (less than 6 mo.) and, though, blogging is new to me, I have journaled for years. I did have a website which included journal entries, scrapbook layouts, my newsletters, and other such information, but, unfortunately, it was deleted by the company/web server with no explanation. So, I have started a blog here.

Life is full of "getting started" type of days. We always want to improve ourselves, improve our lifes, get more out of each day... so we, as people, are often, starting again or starting over. I hope to share my successes (and sometimes my failures) with you.

Won't you start blogging or journaling today?

One Flaw I Woman

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.

However, if there is one flaw in women,

It is that they forget their worth.

Diffuse Your Anger

We all get angry and upset at times, even at the people who are our nearest and dearest. Imagine what would happen if you stayed angry and shut them out of your life forever. Your world would never be the same.
Forgiveness diffuses anger. Forgiveness strengthens character. Even though, there are times when forgiveness feels like the last thing you want to do, do remember, forgiveness is your only option for wholeness.
Forgiveness holds tremendous healing power and liberates the soul. When you forgive, you let go of anger, resentment, and blame. Invite relief into your life today. Forgive your way to happiness and peace.

Around the 'Net - Bead for Life

Bead for Life

Bead for Life is a poverty eradication project connecting people in Uganda and North America to work together for the mutual benefit of all.

Bead for Life believes true and sustained change can happen when we are willing to work together with our African neighbors to find solutions to extreme poverty.

Bead for Life eradicates extreme poverty by creating bridges of understanding between hard working and impoverished Africans and North Americans who want to create a world that works for all. Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper, into beautiful beads. This beauty becomes income, food, medicine, school fees, and hope. It is a small miracle. Our members are women with children living on less than two dollars a day. Many have fled the war in Northern Uganda. Others live with HIV or other serious health challenges. They are incredibly welcoming, hard working, resilient, and creative.

As a grassroots organization, Bead for Life believes citizens in developed countries care about the problem of extreme poverty and welcome an opportunity to alleviate it. In our experience, all benefit from this exchange.
You have to look at these beads. They are so pretty with vivid colors. You can do something good and you get something very original for your scrapbooking and crafting.

Around the 'Net - SheSpeaks

Do You Want FREE Products?

Getting stuff for free is just plain fun! For most of us, money is tight and we have to work hard for every penny. So when we get something for free – well it is like someone just gave us back a bit of that time we spent working.

But most often, people aren’t just handing out free stuff. And if they are – well, that is just a little suspicious. Don’t take candy from strangers, right?

But there are reasons companies give away their products. One of them is to get people’s reviews and opinions.

She Speaks is a new online network that does just that -- it allows women to provide companies with feedback on their products.

The bonus for you is you get to try out (and keep) products and services for free! All you have to do is fill out a quick online feedback form once you have used the product.

If you are a female, US resident over the age of 18, you can join She Speaks for FREE by logging on to She Speaks and completing a short profile.

The profile tells She Speaks about the member’s interests and hobbies. Based on this information, She Speaks targets members with products and services of interest to try (and keep) free of charge. Once the member tries the product, they can come back and let She Speaks know what they think of the product. Did the member love it or hate it? Either way, they want to know. She Speaks shares this anonymous feedback with the company that makes the product or service. The company then tells She Speaks how the members have influenced their thinking about the product and She Speaks lets the members know.

I can tell you that there are household name goods lined up for cosmetics, hair care, wine, magazines, food, snacks, etc. I've personally tried Steam 'n Mash potatoes, Ghiradelli chocolate, lipstick, and a woman's magazine. Members receive the full product (and in most cases two full products) as if they had bought it in a store. They also receive a discount token for themselves for their first purchase and either a free sample or a discount for friends (as many friends as they choose to share it with.)

As far as I can tell – it is totally safe and all it will “cost” you is the time it takes to fill in the online feedback form. That sounds pretty darn “FREE” to me!

Around the 'Net - Bless This Chick

Bless This Chick

Nice graphics that you put together like a puzzle and create. Email your new graphic to yourself in sizes for avatars on most forums or slightly bigger for blogs, etc. The graphics are available in both Jpeg and PNG formats. You get to have some fun and create a new avatar.

Lifeguard

Lifeguard by James Patterson and Andrew Gross

"Working as a lifeguard at a Florida resort, Ned Kelly meets a woman he is wild about, the woman of his dreams. It feels perfect in every way -- except she prefers caviar and Manolo Blahniks and he is used to burgers and flip-flops. She is a guest at a luxurious hotel and he lives above a garage. So when Ned's cousin offers to cut him in on a rich deal he's been commissioned to execute, Ned can't turn him down. The plan is simple, just a fast break-and-enter. The risk is high and the reward even greater -- $5 million. But on the night of the heist, something goes devastatingly wrong. Ned walks away from his job, his town, and the woman he's fallen in love with. Runs away, actually, knowing that only velocity and secrecy can save his life. But who is pursuing him? The FBI? Whoever sabotaged the heist? Or is all somehow tied into his new love and his oldest enemies?"

Patterson lives up to his reputation with this fast pace and hairpin-turning plot. The twists just kept coming.

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

Tagged

I got tagged by my friend Kim in Alaska at Scrapbook.com. You can see her blog at http://www.scrapbook.com/blogs/80091/view/73307.html. Now I have to say seven things about myself and then tag seven other people (who will then say seven facts about themselves and then tag seven other people).

1. I am a single mother to two wonderful children.
2. I don't often work for pay, but am very active in my daily life.
3. My favorite seasons are Spring and Autumn.
4. I am finally dating a very nice, considerate man. The first "true" man in ten years.
5. My favorite color is blue. My second choice is red.
6. I am 10 weeks shy of my 40th birthday!
7. I would love to go on an Alaskan cruise.

Go on and write something about yourself and tag 7 other people. Send a link back to here so your readers know where you got tagged from.

You're It!

QOTW - 5/13/07

In several of my groups, I post a QOTW (Question of the Week) each Sunday. I thought it would be interesting to share some QOTWs here in my blog. You get to learn more about me and, hopefully, some of you will answer so I can learn more about you, my readers.

1. Where do you live?
2. What is something unusual about where you live?
3. What is your favorite type of clothing?
4. Do you have a favorite collectible?
5. Have you met anyone from this yahoo group or any other one?
6. What is your dream vacation?
7. What is your favorite food?
8. What is something unique about you?
9. What kind of car would you drive if you could have any car you wanted?10. What are your hobbies?

1. Where do you live? Butler, PA, USA.
2. What is something unusual about where you live? This town's history includes the inventor and originator of the Bantam Jeep. The same jeep that the military drives.
3. What is your favorite type of clothing? Jeans that fit and a t-shirt.
4. Do you have a favorite collectible? Yes. I collect Noah's Arks, bookmarks, photo frames, Christmas ornaments, mangers, Americana, Angels.
5. Have you met anyone from this yahoo group or any other one? Yes, I have met several ladies from various scrapbook groups... Teresa, Brandy, Linda, Karen, Deb.
6. What is your dream vacation? I have several... I would like to see the ocean, Disney World, visiting my friends from my 12 Months of Christmas group.
7. What is your favorite food? I love food. My favorites are Italian, potatoes.
8. What is something unique about you? My first name... DawnLyn.
9. What kind of car would you drive if you could have any car you wanted? Dodge Durango.
10. What are your hobbies? Scrapbooking, photography, reading.

Professors Develop Cancer Protein

I found this article pretty exciting! I am sure most everyone of us knows someone that is battling or has battled cancer, so I thought I'd share. Hopefully, thankfully, this is another big step along the road to an eventual cure.

Oklahoma Professors Develop Cancer Protein
By Associated Press
Mon May 14, 4:04 PM

Two professors at the University of Oklahoma say they've developed a protein that can stop the spread of certain cancer cells without damaging normal cells.

Thomas Pento and Roger Harrison helped develop a fusion protein that keeps some types of cancer cells from ingesting a vital protein called methionine. The fusion protein doesn't affect normal cells because, unlike cancer cells, they can be healthy without that protein.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapies kill normal cells along with cancer cells, which often cause sickness and hair loss.

"Roger has created a mechanism that delivers these compounds specifically to the surface of cancer cells so normal cells won't be affected but only the cancer cells will be damaged," Pento said.

"So you can see it would cause a lot less toxicity and it should really be a lot more effective."

Pento is a Noble Foundation presidential professor of pharmacy at the OU Health Sciences Center; Harrison is an associate professor of chemical, biological and materials engineering on the Norman campus. They worked with other OU scientists, including Xiao-Ping Zang, Naveen Palwai, Megan Lerner and Dan Brackett, research director at the Health Sciences Center's surgery department.

Pento said the research started with breast cancer and expanded to include other types of solid tumors.

They found the fusion protein to be just as helpful in fighting lung, prostate and pancreatic cancers.

"It could be applicable to many types of cancer," Pento said, "but we've found that it's effective for those four types of cancer for sure."

Despite successful testing to this point, Harrison said the fusion protein will need another round of animal tests before moving on to years of human clinical testing.

Three phases of clinical tests could take two years each.

"So it could be in the order of 10 years," he said.

"It sounds so far away, but realistically, given the FDA and all the phases of testing, it could be done rapidly."

The two professors have applied for patents on their technology and plan to conduct animal testing themselves before launching their own company or licensing with a large pharmaceutical company to do it.

"If you don't patent it and get that protection, then no pharmaceutical company is going to spend the half to three-quarter billion dollars that it takes to do the clinical testing and to get this drug on the market," Pento said.

I'm Thankful For - 5/14/07

Yesterday was Mother's Day and since my children are young and I am a single mother, we don't really do anything special to celebrate this day.
Yes, I love the handmade cards Cameron made for me and the huge smile & hug I got from Cassandra. But I wanted a special day just for me.
As the day moved forward, three unexpected things happened (yesterday and today). Its these three things I write about now . . .

I am thankful for . . .

1. The pleasant and delightful call from Texas. I love hearing Cheryl's southern twang and her love in her voice for me. Thanks, Cheryl, for a truly nice surprise. Who would of thought that a member of my Yahoo group would call me? For Mother's Day?
2. The thoughtful call from my friend, Art. Art has proven not to be the most considerate person but still a kind friend. His call to wish me kind words for Mother's Day was truly caring.
3. The crossing guard, Sandy, near my children's school was so kind to me today. She bought me a small book titled, Feasting on God's Grace, and wrote a sweet note saying I was "doing a great job with my children." Her generosity brought tears to my eyes.
   

My day was special after all!

How Emotionally Mature Are You?

You Are 80% Grown Up, 20% Kid

Congratulations, you are definitely quite emotionally mature. Although you have your moments of moodiness, you're usually stable and level headed. So what if you're not perfect? You accept your faults and try to fix them. People appreciate your reasoned and calm approach to life.

How Emotionally Mature Are You?

Stamp Out Hunger

Cans of food can be set out at your mail box or at the post office on May 12th for the nation's largest one-day effort to "Stamp Out Hunger." This is a nationwide program. Please read more at http://www.nalc.org/commun/foodrive/.

I'm Thankful For - 4/22/07

1. I am thankful for pine trees. On the way to the pediatrician's office the kids played nicely together by counting how many pine trees we passed.
2. I am thankful for political signs. I hate the waste of money and resources of seeing the same 4-5 political signs on the various street corners. Isn't one sign sufficient? Why does there have to be 4-5 grouped together? However, those same signs do represent the freedom we have in the USA and the freedom of all Americans to vote.
3. I am thankful for Nurse Karen. She makes my children feel special and cherished. Who can ask for a better nurse?
   

Written on 4/19/2007.

Golden Rule of Blogging

Let's refer to the "Bloggy Golden Rule" coined by Teresa Valdez-Klein.

“If you wouldn’t want it written about you, don’t write it about someone else. If you wouldn’t approve it in your comments section, don’t write it in someone else’s.”

Seems to me this would also apply to message boards/forums.

I challenge all bloggers to make this a "bloggy golden rule" to live and blog by.

Get to the Core of Motivation

World’s First Fibromyalgia Tissue Bank

For the first time, scientists are going to begin collecting brain and spinal cord tissues from fibromyalgia patients for research that will hopefully give them new insights into the cause of FM and new avenues of effective treatments.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) awarded a $1.4 million grant to Dr. Dianne Lorton, head of the Sun Health Research Institute’s Robert J. Hoover Center for Arthritis Research, to establish this first ever fibromyalgia tissue bank. In addition to the NIH grant, a $100,000 grant from the American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association and another pilot project grant from the NIH is making this project possible.

The research will initially focus on glial cells (activated brain and spinal cord cells) to determine whether they are involved in long-term pain conditions. This in turn will allow for the development of new drugs to control chronic-pain responses.

The Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, near Phoenix, Arizona is now enrolling donors. Although tissue donation does not occur until the donor’s death, donors will be asked to visit the institute annually for an FM assessment and to complete a pain-assessment questionnaire. Those who are enrolled as donors are also entitled to priority placement on a list of candidates for participation in future clinical trials of new pain drugs. For more information about becoming a tissue donor, call 623-875-6528.