Whew! So, if you haven't been assaulted by the hacking cough virus that has been plaguing so many this year, consider yourself lucky and consider putting yourself inside of a bubble until the brunt of it passes. It really does suck! It sucks the life out of you. I had it for nearly the entire month of October and, I caught it again just a few days ago, on December 3rd. Technically, I caught it on November 29th, the day after Thanksgiving. There is about a 5 day incubation period, based on what my hubby and I have discovered by knowing exactly who he caught it from and counting back to when he was with the person he caught it from until the day he started feeling it, then how many days it was until I started feeling it. And, indeed, it was 5 days. It starts with a weird sensation in your sinuses. I wish I could explain the feeling but, I have been unsuccessful doing so both times I caught this crap. And, it is such a minor feeling that most people might not even notice it. But, being a crafty veteran of getting colds, sinus, bacterial and viral infections, I know when I am getting sick and, this is always one of the first symptoms I feel when I am. So, just pay close attention to your sinuses and, if they feel at all odd, start to take the precautions that I will explain to you in a bit. But first, that weird sinus weirdness lasts for about 2 days. At the end of the second day, you will start feeling a scratchiness in your throat and will probably have a lot of congestion both in your throat and in your sinuses. You may have the scratchy throat for 2 days before you really get stuffy in your sinuses but, it may only be one day. Either way, you'll really have issues breathing. Shorty after all this starts, you'll start the cough. Oh what joy! My cough kept on and on for nearly 72 straight hours before I finally started getting short 2 or 3 minute breaks. During those 72 hours, I lost a lot of sleep because, as you can imagine....I coughed straight through the nights. Nothing helped. Not cough syrup. Not cough drops. NOTHING! And, before you ask, why didn't you go to the doctor, I'll just tell you. I don't take antibiotics because, I already have a fragile immune system. I don't need an antibiotic to deplete it to zero for the next 6 months, leaving me susceptible to EVERY virus and bacteria out there. I take probiotics to help build my immune system and to shorten my illnesses. And, it turns out, this crap that has plagued so many people, is a virus. I can't go into details because I'm not entirely sure I understand it but, as my doc explained to my hubby at his visit to end this crap, a virus can not be cured or helped by antibiotics so, it would just be something to take that would cost us money and be useless.
So, what did the doc say to do? Exactly what I did as soon as I felt that weirdness in my sinuses. Now, I should tell you all, I am not a doctor so, take what I suggest with a grain of salt. I am telling you what worked for me. I don't know that it will work for you. I can only wish you the luck that I have had. So, as soon as I started feeling it, I continued to take my probiotic once a day and started taking Airborne a few times a day. I also took the Daytime Mucinex cough syrup once or twice a day, and the Nighttime stuff before I went to bed. But, what I think REALLY made the difference was using the Neti Bottle by NeilMed. Now, don't get the Neti Bottle confused with the Neti Pot. The Neti Pot is the blue thing that looks a lot like a tea kettle or tea pot. The Neti Bottle is an actual bottle. It is a cloudy clear bottle with black writing all over it and a black cap with a hole in the top. You mix your bottle like you would the pot...a packet of the solution, lukewarm water, shake and go. But, the difference is the force with which the water flows through your nasal passages. While the water from the pot trickles, the water from the bottle is more like a faucet. And, it is AMAZING! I know...what a gross topic. But, we're also talking about a disgusting virus that has actually infected my Facebook feed with at least one of my friends EVERY DAY, posting a status update about wanting the cough to end, wishing the cough would end, being so tired of the cough, asking when the cough will ever stop...and so on. I have fallen victim to this nasty virus and, I haven't gone a day without seeing a status update about it from one friend or another. So, here's what my doc suggested we do with the Neti Bottle. He suggested using it a total of 4 times every 3 or 4 hours. He said he did it when he caught this thing and he was well within 4 days. He did also say his nose really hurt during and afterward but, he was well very quickly. What he suggested was filling up 1 bottle at a time with one packet of solution at a time and using 2 bottles of the solution per nostril. But, I didn't want to feel pain so, I just used one packet of solution per nostril, every 3 or 4 hours. So, I would make up a bottle of the solution and run it through one nostril, and then fill the bottle up again with another packet of solution and run it through my other nostril. It seems that it has worked. I am nowhere near as sick as I would have been by now. I do still have a bit of sinus and throat congestion, and I have a bit of a cough. But, compared to my hubby and even compared to what I was like by day 5 of this thing when I had it in October, I am nearly healthy. I haven't had a fever. I haven't lost sleep from hacking a lung up all night long. I don't need to keep a tissue box near, nor do I need to carry one around with me. I haven't needed 2 days of sleep like I did in October...I couldn't get out of bed for 2 straight days when I had this thing then. I'm able to function!
Now, I'm not saying I am the picture of health. And, because I don't want to be the reason someone else gets this thing, I keep myself in my home where I won't infect anyone else. On the very few occasions that I have gone out, I wash my hands before I leave the house, keep my hands away from my face, and I keep my hands to myself when I am in whatever public area I am in. Including when I went grocery shopping today. My hands were clean when I left the house, I grabbed an antibacterial wipe before I grabbed the cart, wiped the cart down with the wipe and then used a wipe on my hands before I ever touched the cart with my bare hands. If I coughed, I did it into the inside of my elbow. I beg those of you who have caught this thing...be cautious of other people. You don't want this thing. Why would you want to be the person who gave it to someone else? If you're like me, you're pissed at the inconsiderate butt who gave it to you. Don't be an inconsiderate butt by spreading it to others.
So, I hope what I suggested helps you. I know the Neti Pot and Bottle seem terrifying, if you haven't already used it. But, I am weird about a lot of things and, if I can use it, you can. Just read the instructions, watch a YouTube video on how to do it and, you won't feel pain. Unless you use hot water or breath through your nose while using it, instead of using luke warm water and breathing through your mouth. Also, don't confuse the plastic Neti Bottle with the metal can bottle. NeilMed does suggest you replace the Neti Bottle every 3 months but, the metal can is a single use and can't be refilled. Both of them have a picture on the front. The metal bottle is grey and the plastic one is a cloudy white with black writing all over it.
Good luck and stay healthy!
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Thursday, September 20, 2012
People in Traffic May Be the Death of Me...Someday...
I swear that I don't want this to happen but, I'm starting to think that my life may end someday while I am driving in traffic. And, not because of an accident. No...because someone is going to actively try to kill me. So, years ago shortly after I first moved to Georgia, I was on the highway headed to work. I was getting off at my exit and some jerk behind me, on the highway, had been tailgating me so close that I feared that if I had to slow down quickly, he was sure to hit me. So, I flipped him the bird. No...I'm not proud of it but, it was, in my opinion, harmless. In fact, I felt it was well deserved and far less harmless than the aggressive behavior he was showing me by practically giving me a rectal exam with the hood of his car that close to my back bumper. He did not take my pretty little bird so kindly. In fact, he decided to show me how much he didn't like my middle finger saluting him by pulling up to my right, as we were exiting the highway, and swerving towards my car with his. While I would like to say that I have never flipped anyone the bird since then, I do try to keep it a little more covert by sort of putting my middle finger on my turn signal so, unless they are really looking, they probably won't notice. That isn't to say that, since than, I haven't actually just tossed them the bird in my rear view mirror but, I usually opt for the more subtle act of gracing my turn signal with my finger instead.
Another thing that I have been known to do is tap my break a little, just to back them off a bit. No one wants to get into an accident and, perhaps sometimes the offenders don't really know just how dangerously close to me they are. So, I just gently remind them what kind of scenario they might get into by being too close to the person in front of them. That usually backs a person off and, no harm, no foul...except for today.
I was on my way back home from running an errand today. I was in the left lane. Now, I have to be in the left lane, especially in heavier traffic like today, because my subdivision is on the left hand side of the road. I don't usually have a choice, and especially not today because the traffic was so heavy. There was a car in front of me and several cards in the right lane right next to me, in front of and behind that one as well. And, of course, there was a very important person behind me. He had to have been, right? Because, why else would he be in such a hurry that he was so close to the back of my car that I literally could only see half of the hood of his car from my rear view mirror? So, I got pissed. And a bit ballsier than normal. I flipped him the bird. It was quick and, who knows if he even saw me? He didn't back off and was still being aggressive. So, when the car in front of me started to break, I tapped my break...just a little. Now, if the person behind me wasn't so close to the back of my car, he probably wouldn't have even noticed that I had slowed down but, he did and he had to swerve to avoid hitting me. Next thing I know, something hits the side of my car. That impatient, self-important prick of a man threw his giant cup full of ice and beverage at my freaking car! No shit! He actually threw something he probably paid a few dollars for, at my car! Because he was in such a dang hurry! And, keep in mind...I couldn't have gone any faster and had nowhere to go because there was a car in front of me and too many cars to the right of me to even try to move over so he could tailgate the person in front of me! And, what would he have done to me if there was an accident because the car in front of me had slammed on their breaks, instead of slowing down, which caused me to tap my breaks, which made him have to slam on his? If there was an accident...a legitimate accident because we were in rush hour traffic and accidents do happen, and he hit me because of how close he was...would he have gotten out of his car and attacked me? I sound like I am being dramatic but, I really think the guy had a tool kit full of screws loose to have pulled that shit act of throwing his drink at my car.
So, again I say...people in traffic may be the death of me...someday. I have now been threatened by 2 men in the 14 years that I have lived in Georgia. And, we are a state where we have the right to carry concealed weapons in our car. Am I just going to be shot the next time I piss someone off? Granted...I probably shouldn't have flipped him the bird but, to be fair, he threatened me first with his potential murder machine so menacingly close to the back of my vehicle in heavy traffic with plenty of cars in front of me that could have caused a chain reaction accident. I feel justified in flipping him the bird and tapping my breaks. I didn't hurt him but, he most certainly threatened me.
That being said, I will keep my birds caged and do whatever I can not to even touch my breaks from now on. Hell, I'll just run into the person in front of me the next time they slow down and hope that I just die so that the person behind me, whose car got messed up when my car let theirs hit mine, won't have to punch me, throw things at me, or just simply shoot me. Freaking people these days!
Another thing that I have been known to do is tap my break a little, just to back them off a bit. No one wants to get into an accident and, perhaps sometimes the offenders don't really know just how dangerously close to me they are. So, I just gently remind them what kind of scenario they might get into by being too close to the person in front of them. That usually backs a person off and, no harm, no foul...except for today.
I was on my way back home from running an errand today. I was in the left lane. Now, I have to be in the left lane, especially in heavier traffic like today, because my subdivision is on the left hand side of the road. I don't usually have a choice, and especially not today because the traffic was so heavy. There was a car in front of me and several cards in the right lane right next to me, in front of and behind that one as well. And, of course, there was a very important person behind me. He had to have been, right? Because, why else would he be in such a hurry that he was so close to the back of my car that I literally could only see half of the hood of his car from my rear view mirror? So, I got pissed. And a bit ballsier than normal. I flipped him the bird. It was quick and, who knows if he even saw me? He didn't back off and was still being aggressive. So, when the car in front of me started to break, I tapped my break...just a little. Now, if the person behind me wasn't so close to the back of my car, he probably wouldn't have even noticed that I had slowed down but, he did and he had to swerve to avoid hitting me. Next thing I know, something hits the side of my car. That impatient, self-important prick of a man threw his giant cup full of ice and beverage at my freaking car! No shit! He actually threw something he probably paid a few dollars for, at my car! Because he was in such a dang hurry! And, keep in mind...I couldn't have gone any faster and had nowhere to go because there was a car in front of me and too many cars to the right of me to even try to move over so he could tailgate the person in front of me! And, what would he have done to me if there was an accident because the car in front of me had slammed on their breaks, instead of slowing down, which caused me to tap my breaks, which made him have to slam on his? If there was an accident...a legitimate accident because we were in rush hour traffic and accidents do happen, and he hit me because of how close he was...would he have gotten out of his car and attacked me? I sound like I am being dramatic but, I really think the guy had a tool kit full of screws loose to have pulled that shit act of throwing his drink at my car.
So, again I say...people in traffic may be the death of me...someday. I have now been threatened by 2 men in the 14 years that I have lived in Georgia. And, we are a state where we have the right to carry concealed weapons in our car. Am I just going to be shot the next time I piss someone off? Granted...I probably shouldn't have flipped him the bird but, to be fair, he threatened me first with his potential murder machine so menacingly close to the back of my vehicle in heavy traffic with plenty of cars in front of me that could have caused a chain reaction accident. I feel justified in flipping him the bird and tapping my breaks. I didn't hurt him but, he most certainly threatened me.
That being said, I will keep my birds caged and do whatever I can not to even touch my breaks from now on. Hell, I'll just run into the person in front of me the next time they slow down and hope that I just die so that the person behind me, whose car got messed up when my car let theirs hit mine, won't have to punch me, throw things at me, or just simply shoot me. Freaking people these days!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Big Brother 14
Since I am having a really bad day today, because I feel like crap and can't seem to work up the slightest bit of energy, nor can I find any inspiration or motivation from within, I figured I would at least give my fingers a little bit of a workout and talk a little bit about my favorite Summertime show...Big Brother. I can't say I am a "superfan" because, unlike other fans, I can't rattle off the names of every house guest from all of the 14 seasons. I can't even tell you every winner from every season. I can tell you who my favorites have been...although I've probably forgotten some. That being said, I have been a fan of the show since the first season. So much so that, were it not for the death of my beloved Siamese cat 9 years ago, I would have applied to be on the show. I actually filled the application out and was seriously contemplating sending it in when I found out that my 2 1/2 year old Sierra had kidney failure and would need to be put to sleep. For those who know me well, my pets are as dear to me as my own heart so, to say that I was shattered is the understatement of the century. So, I never sent my application in and, have since thought better of it altogether. The people on the show are brutal to one another. They are cruel and, I lean towards a bit sensitive. To see anything mean said about me would probably change my already fairly low self-esteem for the worse and, that is just not something that I want to subject myself to.
Ok...so now that you know my background on my passion, and past potential relationship with Big Brother, allow me to talk a little bit about my favorites and least favorites. I'll try not to be too mean about my least faves, especially since I just shared with you all a little bit of my own vulnerability.
This year, they brought back 3 of my favorites...and one of my least favorites. They brought back Janelle, Britney, Dan and Mike "Boogie". Their role is to coach and mentor the newbie players. I love that twist! I was thrilled to see Janelle, Britney and Dan back. I think they are fun to watch and really great players. Well, Britney isn't so much a great player as someone whose sharp tongue provides many great laughs. Boogie, on the other hand, really only won his "All-Stars" season because he rode the coattails of one of the best players ever...Dr. Will. So, I'm not thrilled he is back but, I am enjoying watching all of the coaches and their self-chosen players. And, to fill you in, the coach whose player wins 1st place gets $100K.
So, obviously, the last coach that I want to win is Boogie. However, I have to say that, over the past few days, I have come to adore one of Boogie's players. As is in my nature, I have a soft spot for the "nerds" of the world. I don't know why. Or, perhaps I do. I suppose it could be because I was such a nerd when I was younger. If I'm being completely honest, I suppose I still am. So, perhaps it is that forever nerd inside of me, whom I try to keep under wraps, that will tend to cheer for the one person no one sees coming. That person in this season is Ian. At first, I didn't like him. He was awkward and a little bit creepy. But, since I have taken the time to watch the Big Brother After Dark episodes on Showtime 2, and read the live feed updates, I have sort of fallen under his spell. He's just a sweet, clueless 21 year old dude who is in need of a little bit of cultivating. His fellow house guests didn't like him at first either. The girls felt uncomfortable around him because he would linger in the bathroom when they would shower. But, the bathroom is an open room and, because the players are confined in a house until they are either evicted or they win the game, there are only so many places people can gather to chat and, the bathroom is one of those areas. It actually has seating and a couch and, I have seen people gather in there to talk while others are showering and grooming, over all of the 14 seasons. So, for the ladies to have gotten upset with Ian for hanging out in there while they showered is absurd. Ian is a "super fan". He has been watching the show since he was 10 years old and waited patiently until he turned 21 to apply. He has watched as players from past seasons sat and chatted in the bathroom with people who were showering. So, why wouldn't he just assume that that was ok? I would have.
Ian had to get some coaching from Boogie early on. Boogie had to make him understand a few social rules. Once Boogie gave him a few pointers on how to come across a little less like a spaz and a little more like someone people don't mind hanging out with, Ian came around and started relaxing. And, it is that calmer Ian that I like. It is also the extremely appreciative and grateful Ian who is just soaking in the absolute fantasticness of being on Big Brother 14 that has endeared himself to me. I think most players just take it for granted. I don't think they realize how low the chances are that they would get on the show. Ian really loves that he is there and is willing to take every bit of the experience in stride with aww and joy. I love that! He may not be great with the physical competitions. I'm betting he'll kill the mental ones dead, put them on the floor and name them his bitch. So, he's who I want to win this game.
And now, a little bit about the others. Since I started off with the one I want to win, I'll start now with the one I absolutely want to see go. JoJo gets that dubious distinction. She is one of those girls who doesn't understand why people, and more to the point, other women, don't like her. I watched her wax poetic about the fact that she gets along better with guys than girls and that she doesn't know why. She said that most women don't like her and then she did the kiss of death for this blogger. She said that it is probably because they are jealous of her. That sealed it right there. I already didn't like her from the very first moment that she opened her mouth. But, that is a wound rubbed raw when I hear a woman say that crap. I can honestly say that, of all the women in the world that I haven't liked, it has literally NEVER been out of jealousy. I am jealous of Reese Witherspoon and Sandra Bullock. I think those two women are everything I would love to be. They're beautiful, talented, smart, funny and, they both have nice bodies. I will 100% admit that I am jealous of them. And yet, I adore them. I love their film careers. I like reading about them. I have even joked about the fact that, if I were a gay lady, I would do nasty naughty things to those women. So, jealousy does not mean hatred or dislike. A person can be jealous of someone for the sandwich they are eating. It doesn't automatically mean that they hate that person. So, let that be a lesson to every woman who says that crap. First, we are probably not jealous of you so, get that out of your head. Second, perhaps look inward at your behavior because, if that many people dislike you, it is likely a personality flaw. Third, ask someone. There are plenty of brash and brazen people out there who will tell you exactly what they don't like about you. You're bound to find one of them. In fact, since you seem so inclined to call people out for behavior that you don't understand and put a label on it...like jealousy...perhaps pick a fight with someone who doesn't like you and, I am sure they will be more than happy to tell you what exactly it is that pisses them off about you. Obviously if you are so willing to state your opinion about why you think women don't like you, you must be ballsy enough to either ask someone why or start a fight with them. Be that fantabulous woman you think you are and get your answer. Then...make a change. Make two changes. Hell...do an entire personality overhaul. Might win you some more friends in the future. And that, in a honking huge nutshell, is why I want JoJo gone. And, it seems that I am not the only person she annoys. I have heard several of the house guests, on BBAD and while reading the live feed updates, talk about how annoying she is. So, based on the fact that she admitted that people don't like her, and the fact that her house guests are hoping to see her gone soon, I guess that my first impression of her was pretty spot on.
The next person I'd like to see gone is Jenn. She is very annoying as well. She pimps the heck out of her band...whose name I won't mention here because, if you really want to know the name of the band she is in, wait for 5 minutes when she is on the live feeds and, you'll probably hear her mention it. And, I know this is petty but, it grossed me out today so bad that, Jenn just about made 1st spot in my "You gots ta go" list. She was sitting in one of the other rooms with a few of the other players and she was picking her feet. Straight up just picking her nasty ass hooves. I don't know what she did with that nasty crap she was picking off her feet but, she was thoroughly grossing me the heck out. For the love of all things not gag inducing, if you have to groom your funky feet, do it in the bathroom. Have a trash can handy. Do what you gotta do, dump the trash and move on with your life. Don't do it on a couch, where other people will be sitting. I seriously about threw up. Maybe that is mean to say but, I already didn't like her and then she proved that she doesn't have the common courtesy to pick her nasty feet away from a group of people in a more appropriate location. Out! You gotta go! And, she might. People have been talking about the fact that she is annoying also. I have actually heard one player or coach say that she isn't as annoying as JoJo but, she is annoying and needs to get kicked out.
I think next on my list would be Danielle. I don't know what it is about her that rubs me the wrong way. But, I wouldn't mind seeing her go.
So, I am torn here. Part of me really wanted to like this next player. I don't know if it is because he is resident gay guy or what but, I really wanted to like him. For some odd reason, I had a lot of gay friends throughout my education. And, by odd, I don't mean odd that I would be friends with them. I mean odd that, I wouldn't know they were gay and yet, I would say that a pretty large percentage of my friends were gay guys. I had a few gay girlfriends but, most of my friends that were gay, were guys. I knew some of my guy friends were gay before they ever came out to me. So, I guess there is something about my personality that is drawn to gay men. They're fun to be around. And, apparently, they think I am fun to be around. So, Wil, the gay guy on BB, was someone I thought I would like. But, he is becoming increasingly more annoying. Sometimes he's fun to watch. Other times he just seems to be begging for camera time and, that can get old really quick. Today, I want him to go soon. Yesterday, I was hoping he would stick around for a while. Tomorrow, I may be all about "Team Wil" again. We'll see. I'm a fickle girl so, I guess I'll reserve my decision on Wil for a later date.
There is a tie for the next 2 that I would like to see out. Between Ashley and Joe, I can't decide just yet. Ashley pissed me off today because she started trouble for my boy, Ian. She started dragging his name through the mud all night in last night's BBAD episode and, I just can't have that. She told Jenn, Ian was in a final 2 deal with Frank. I don't recall seeing that in any of Frank and Ian's conversations so, I don't know how true it is. Then she was telling Shane and Danielle that Ian is vindictive. What? Perhaps that blonde gave her a brain injury. Ian is about as vindictive as a turtle is fast. She should shut the heck up. And, in fact, it seems that she is now on some house guest's radar as they clamor to figure out what the heck she is talking about and try to figure out how true or false it is. It looks like she may have just sealed herself into a nomination for next week. So, keep it up. Keep flapping your trap about my boy Ian! That's cool! He'll hug you in his sweet little nerdy way, and say goodbye as you walk through the eviction door. I didn't have a firm thought about her until last night. I actually kind of liked her. She had a "date" with Ian a week or so ago, in the house. She was such a good sport that I couldn't help but like her a little bit. And, she used her cunning and sex appeal to manipulate him a little into some game talk. But, looking back, that stings a little. Because she went and rattled off everything he shared with her, in confidence and, that makes me dislike her that much more. So, fingers crossed, maybe she'll be gone soon.
So, having worked all of that out, I guess that I wouldn't mind seeing Joe go out after Ashley. He's not a bad dude. He's just a bit of a snitch. I don't think I pay enough attention to him so, I don't really know where I stand with him in the house. So, I don't have much to say about him.
Frank...ahhh Frank. I like him. I dislike him. I like him. I dislike him. Today, I like and dislike him. Really...it's that messed up. I can't figure him out. I want him gone. I want him to stay. I give up. I don't want him to win over Ian. But, I want him to win over everyone else. Except maybe Shane. So, for last 3, I want to see Ian, Frank and Shane. If Ian can't win, I don't much care which gets it between Shane and Frank.
That's it. I don't think I forgot anyone. Gooooo Ian!
All of these opinions are subject to change like everything in the Big Brother house. So...I reserve the right to shoot my mouth off about Ian and to show much love to JoJo should the wind blow another way tomorrow!
Update:
Ok, so when I posted this yesterday, I hadn't finished watching the BBAD episode just yet so, now I have some more opinions to share with you all. And, one of my opinions has been gained while watching today's episode of BBAD from overnight.
First, let me go on a bit of a rant about Ashley, who has become both a problem and a bit of a genius. Some of her fellow house guests confronted her last night about what she said about Frank and Ian and their final 2 deal...which doesn't exist. She was public enemy number one in that house starting with the first hour of the 3 hour live show. By the final hour, she had managed to make herself out to be the victim and, people were starting to feel a little worried about Ian and his prowess in the game. How the Hell? I'll tell you how the Hell. She sat there and repeated a bajillion times about how "misconstrued" all of her words were. She said that she fed into what Kara said during her speech as a plea to get people to keep her over Frank. I can't remember what she said exactly but, I think it was something about 2 people having a 2 person deal and one of them was Frank. Somehow Ashley got it in her head that the other person was Ian. I really don't know how. But, Ashley made everyone think that she had simply become a victim of Kara and her last words. But, no one called her out on the fact that she said that Ian is vindictive. No...everyone was just so sad for how bad poor wittle Ashley was feeling. Ashley then went on and on about how she can't talk to anyone without people thinking that she is up to something with everyone she talks to. Poor victim. My gosh! How does she survive. She's such a weak little girl who means no harm but seems to get into trouble oh so much. Cue the, Ian is a big threat. I don't think he can be trusted. Way to plant that seed Ashley! Is her middle initial "M" for "Manipulative"? Sheesh! She really managed to get herself into hot water, which became a fire and, doused herself with tears and everyone ate it up with a silver spoon. I have to hand it to her. She successfully got herself into trouble, talked her way out of it and cast suspicion on another person. Jenn didn't come out of it unscathed either since she was the one that Ashley told about Ian and Frank's made up final 2 deal. Deflection, thy name is Ashley.
And...JoJo. Ugh! Oh how I dislike this chick. She has Shane wrapped around her finger also. Now, thus far, the winningest people in the house have been Willie, Boogie, Shane, Frank and Janelle. Willie won the first HOH. I think he was named HOH by Britney when their team won it in the first week but, he still won it because he was the best competitor and Britney felt he was most deserving of that win. I may have that wrong and, if I do, please kindly correct me. Boogie won the first Coach's challenge. Shane won the first and second POV. Frank won this week's HOH. And Janelle won the second Coach's challenge. So, where is JoJo in that list? What? What was that? She hasn't won anything? So, then why is she playing herself off as a strong competitor who wishes that she could fight in a competition with Janelle? Because, she would surely win against Janelle. Ya know...Janelle? The single winningest person in Big Brother history? Yeah...that Janelle. The one who also won the last coach's challenge. The one who kicks girl ass all over the place and should have a super hero named after her strong ass. That Janelle. But, JoJo is probably right. She is the most competitive and best girl in the house. After all, she is on the block because she didn't win HOH. She's still on the block because she didn't win POV. And, she hasn't won a damn thing. Yup! She's the most awesome, beautiful, smart and perfect woman on Earth. We're so lucky to have her among us ugly common folk. We should all bow down to her and kiss her feet.
Ok...update done. I feel better having gotten that off my chest. Thanks for allowing me to rant!
Ok...so now that you know my background on my passion, and past potential relationship with Big Brother, allow me to talk a little bit about my favorites and least favorites. I'll try not to be too mean about my least faves, especially since I just shared with you all a little bit of my own vulnerability.
This year, they brought back 3 of my favorites...and one of my least favorites. They brought back Janelle, Britney, Dan and Mike "Boogie". Their role is to coach and mentor the newbie players. I love that twist! I was thrilled to see Janelle, Britney and Dan back. I think they are fun to watch and really great players. Well, Britney isn't so much a great player as someone whose sharp tongue provides many great laughs. Boogie, on the other hand, really only won his "All-Stars" season because he rode the coattails of one of the best players ever...Dr. Will. So, I'm not thrilled he is back but, I am enjoying watching all of the coaches and their self-chosen players. And, to fill you in, the coach whose player wins 1st place gets $100K.
So, obviously, the last coach that I want to win is Boogie. However, I have to say that, over the past few days, I have come to adore one of Boogie's players. As is in my nature, I have a soft spot for the "nerds" of the world. I don't know why. Or, perhaps I do. I suppose it could be because I was such a nerd when I was younger. If I'm being completely honest, I suppose I still am. So, perhaps it is that forever nerd inside of me, whom I try to keep under wraps, that will tend to cheer for the one person no one sees coming. That person in this season is Ian. At first, I didn't like him. He was awkward and a little bit creepy. But, since I have taken the time to watch the Big Brother After Dark episodes on Showtime 2, and read the live feed updates, I have sort of fallen under his spell. He's just a sweet, clueless 21 year old dude who is in need of a little bit of cultivating. His fellow house guests didn't like him at first either. The girls felt uncomfortable around him because he would linger in the bathroom when they would shower. But, the bathroom is an open room and, because the players are confined in a house until they are either evicted or they win the game, there are only so many places people can gather to chat and, the bathroom is one of those areas. It actually has seating and a couch and, I have seen people gather in there to talk while others are showering and grooming, over all of the 14 seasons. So, for the ladies to have gotten upset with Ian for hanging out in there while they showered is absurd. Ian is a "super fan". He has been watching the show since he was 10 years old and waited patiently until he turned 21 to apply. He has watched as players from past seasons sat and chatted in the bathroom with people who were showering. So, why wouldn't he just assume that that was ok? I would have.
Ian had to get some coaching from Boogie early on. Boogie had to make him understand a few social rules. Once Boogie gave him a few pointers on how to come across a little less like a spaz and a little more like someone people don't mind hanging out with, Ian came around and started relaxing. And, it is that calmer Ian that I like. It is also the extremely appreciative and grateful Ian who is just soaking in the absolute fantasticness of being on Big Brother 14 that has endeared himself to me. I think most players just take it for granted. I don't think they realize how low the chances are that they would get on the show. Ian really loves that he is there and is willing to take every bit of the experience in stride with aww and joy. I love that! He may not be great with the physical competitions. I'm betting he'll kill the mental ones dead, put them on the floor and name them his bitch. So, he's who I want to win this game.
And now, a little bit about the others. Since I started off with the one I want to win, I'll start now with the one I absolutely want to see go. JoJo gets that dubious distinction. She is one of those girls who doesn't understand why people, and more to the point, other women, don't like her. I watched her wax poetic about the fact that she gets along better with guys than girls and that she doesn't know why. She said that most women don't like her and then she did the kiss of death for this blogger. She said that it is probably because they are jealous of her. That sealed it right there. I already didn't like her from the very first moment that she opened her mouth. But, that is a wound rubbed raw when I hear a woman say that crap. I can honestly say that, of all the women in the world that I haven't liked, it has literally NEVER been out of jealousy. I am jealous of Reese Witherspoon and Sandra Bullock. I think those two women are everything I would love to be. They're beautiful, talented, smart, funny and, they both have nice bodies. I will 100% admit that I am jealous of them. And yet, I adore them. I love their film careers. I like reading about them. I have even joked about the fact that, if I were a gay lady, I would do nasty naughty things to those women. So, jealousy does not mean hatred or dislike. A person can be jealous of someone for the sandwich they are eating. It doesn't automatically mean that they hate that person. So, let that be a lesson to every woman who says that crap. First, we are probably not jealous of you so, get that out of your head. Second, perhaps look inward at your behavior because, if that many people dislike you, it is likely a personality flaw. Third, ask someone. There are plenty of brash and brazen people out there who will tell you exactly what they don't like about you. You're bound to find one of them. In fact, since you seem so inclined to call people out for behavior that you don't understand and put a label on it...like jealousy...perhaps pick a fight with someone who doesn't like you and, I am sure they will be more than happy to tell you what exactly it is that pisses them off about you. Obviously if you are so willing to state your opinion about why you think women don't like you, you must be ballsy enough to either ask someone why or start a fight with them. Be that fantabulous woman you think you are and get your answer. Then...make a change. Make two changes. Hell...do an entire personality overhaul. Might win you some more friends in the future. And that, in a honking huge nutshell, is why I want JoJo gone. And, it seems that I am not the only person she annoys. I have heard several of the house guests, on BBAD and while reading the live feed updates, talk about how annoying she is. So, based on the fact that she admitted that people don't like her, and the fact that her house guests are hoping to see her gone soon, I guess that my first impression of her was pretty spot on.
The next person I'd like to see gone is Jenn. She is very annoying as well. She pimps the heck out of her band...whose name I won't mention here because, if you really want to know the name of the band she is in, wait for 5 minutes when she is on the live feeds and, you'll probably hear her mention it. And, I know this is petty but, it grossed me out today so bad that, Jenn just about made 1st spot in my "You gots ta go" list. She was sitting in one of the other rooms with a few of the other players and she was picking her feet. Straight up just picking her nasty ass hooves. I don't know what she did with that nasty crap she was picking off her feet but, she was thoroughly grossing me the heck out. For the love of all things not gag inducing, if you have to groom your funky feet, do it in the bathroom. Have a trash can handy. Do what you gotta do, dump the trash and move on with your life. Don't do it on a couch, where other people will be sitting. I seriously about threw up. Maybe that is mean to say but, I already didn't like her and then she proved that she doesn't have the common courtesy to pick her nasty feet away from a group of people in a more appropriate location. Out! You gotta go! And, she might. People have been talking about the fact that she is annoying also. I have actually heard one player or coach say that she isn't as annoying as JoJo but, she is annoying and needs to get kicked out.
I think next on my list would be Danielle. I don't know what it is about her that rubs me the wrong way. But, I wouldn't mind seeing her go.
So, I am torn here. Part of me really wanted to like this next player. I don't know if it is because he is resident gay guy or what but, I really wanted to like him. For some odd reason, I had a lot of gay friends throughout my education. And, by odd, I don't mean odd that I would be friends with them. I mean odd that, I wouldn't know they were gay and yet, I would say that a pretty large percentage of my friends were gay guys. I had a few gay girlfriends but, most of my friends that were gay, were guys. I knew some of my guy friends were gay before they ever came out to me. So, I guess there is something about my personality that is drawn to gay men. They're fun to be around. And, apparently, they think I am fun to be around. So, Wil, the gay guy on BB, was someone I thought I would like. But, he is becoming increasingly more annoying. Sometimes he's fun to watch. Other times he just seems to be begging for camera time and, that can get old really quick. Today, I want him to go soon. Yesterday, I was hoping he would stick around for a while. Tomorrow, I may be all about "Team Wil" again. We'll see. I'm a fickle girl so, I guess I'll reserve my decision on Wil for a later date.
There is a tie for the next 2 that I would like to see out. Between Ashley and Joe, I can't decide just yet. Ashley pissed me off today because she started trouble for my boy, Ian. She started dragging his name through the mud all night in last night's BBAD episode and, I just can't have that. She told Jenn, Ian was in a final 2 deal with Frank. I don't recall seeing that in any of Frank and Ian's conversations so, I don't know how true it is. Then she was telling Shane and Danielle that Ian is vindictive. What? Perhaps that blonde gave her a brain injury. Ian is about as vindictive as a turtle is fast. She should shut the heck up. And, in fact, it seems that she is now on some house guest's radar as they clamor to figure out what the heck she is talking about and try to figure out how true or false it is. It looks like she may have just sealed herself into a nomination for next week. So, keep it up. Keep flapping your trap about my boy Ian! That's cool! He'll hug you in his sweet little nerdy way, and say goodbye as you walk through the eviction door. I didn't have a firm thought about her until last night. I actually kind of liked her. She had a "date" with Ian a week or so ago, in the house. She was such a good sport that I couldn't help but like her a little bit. And, she used her cunning and sex appeal to manipulate him a little into some game talk. But, looking back, that stings a little. Because she went and rattled off everything he shared with her, in confidence and, that makes me dislike her that much more. So, fingers crossed, maybe she'll be gone soon.
So, having worked all of that out, I guess that I wouldn't mind seeing Joe go out after Ashley. He's not a bad dude. He's just a bit of a snitch. I don't think I pay enough attention to him so, I don't really know where I stand with him in the house. So, I don't have much to say about him.
Frank...ahhh Frank. I like him. I dislike him. I like him. I dislike him. Today, I like and dislike him. Really...it's that messed up. I can't figure him out. I want him gone. I want him to stay. I give up. I don't want him to win over Ian. But, I want him to win over everyone else. Except maybe Shane. So, for last 3, I want to see Ian, Frank and Shane. If Ian can't win, I don't much care which gets it between Shane and Frank.
That's it. I don't think I forgot anyone. Gooooo Ian!
All of these opinions are subject to change like everything in the Big Brother house. So...I reserve the right to shoot my mouth off about Ian and to show much love to JoJo should the wind blow another way tomorrow!
Update:
Ok, so when I posted this yesterday, I hadn't finished watching the BBAD episode just yet so, now I have some more opinions to share with you all. And, one of my opinions has been gained while watching today's episode of BBAD from overnight.
First, let me go on a bit of a rant about Ashley, who has become both a problem and a bit of a genius. Some of her fellow house guests confronted her last night about what she said about Frank and Ian and their final 2 deal...which doesn't exist. She was public enemy number one in that house starting with the first hour of the 3 hour live show. By the final hour, she had managed to make herself out to be the victim and, people were starting to feel a little worried about Ian and his prowess in the game. How the Hell? I'll tell you how the Hell. She sat there and repeated a bajillion times about how "misconstrued" all of her words were. She said that she fed into what Kara said during her speech as a plea to get people to keep her over Frank. I can't remember what she said exactly but, I think it was something about 2 people having a 2 person deal and one of them was Frank. Somehow Ashley got it in her head that the other person was Ian. I really don't know how. But, Ashley made everyone think that she had simply become a victim of Kara and her last words. But, no one called her out on the fact that she said that Ian is vindictive. No...everyone was just so sad for how bad poor wittle Ashley was feeling. Ashley then went on and on about how she can't talk to anyone without people thinking that she is up to something with everyone she talks to. Poor victim. My gosh! How does she survive. She's such a weak little girl who means no harm but seems to get into trouble oh so much. Cue the, Ian is a big threat. I don't think he can be trusted. Way to plant that seed Ashley! Is her middle initial "M" for "Manipulative"? Sheesh! She really managed to get herself into hot water, which became a fire and, doused herself with tears and everyone ate it up with a silver spoon. I have to hand it to her. She successfully got herself into trouble, talked her way out of it and cast suspicion on another person. Jenn didn't come out of it unscathed either since she was the one that Ashley told about Ian and Frank's made up final 2 deal. Deflection, thy name is Ashley.
And...JoJo. Ugh! Oh how I dislike this chick. She has Shane wrapped around her finger also. Now, thus far, the winningest people in the house have been Willie, Boogie, Shane, Frank and Janelle. Willie won the first HOH. I think he was named HOH by Britney when their team won it in the first week but, he still won it because he was the best competitor and Britney felt he was most deserving of that win. I may have that wrong and, if I do, please kindly correct me. Boogie won the first Coach's challenge. Shane won the first and second POV. Frank won this week's HOH. And Janelle won the second Coach's challenge. So, where is JoJo in that list? What? What was that? She hasn't won anything? So, then why is she playing herself off as a strong competitor who wishes that she could fight in a competition with Janelle? Because, she would surely win against Janelle. Ya know...Janelle? The single winningest person in Big Brother history? Yeah...that Janelle. The one who also won the last coach's challenge. The one who kicks girl ass all over the place and should have a super hero named after her strong ass. That Janelle. But, JoJo is probably right. She is the most competitive and best girl in the house. After all, she is on the block because she didn't win HOH. She's still on the block because she didn't win POV. And, she hasn't won a damn thing. Yup! She's the most awesome, beautiful, smart and perfect woman on Earth. We're so lucky to have her among us ugly common folk. We should all bow down to her and kiss her feet.
Ok...update done. I feel better having gotten that off my chest. Thanks for allowing me to rant!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Magic Mike is Magically Drool Worthy...and Disappointing...
Yesterday I had the Magic Mike experience with some of my girlfriends. We had a lot of fun but, the movie ended in a way that no one was happy with. And, I am kind of taken aback by a specific thing that happened in the movie. So, this movie is for the ladies and for gay men. It is not for heterosexual men or gay women. So, why did we need to have naked women? And, by naked, I don't mean bare asses. I mean bare breasts. We didn't get to see naked penis. We got plenty of banana hammocks and naked man ass. And, I LOVED that. But, in a movie that is specifically for the viewing pleasure of my gender, why is it that we didn't get to see the main thing that makes men different from women? I'm not prude. I'm also not the biggest feminist in the world but, I feel that what is fair is fair. I guess people could argue that we saw exactly equal parts. We saw both women's and men's breasts. But, the breasts are what entice most men on a woman and, to be truly fair, those of us who are willing to admit it will say that we are intrigued by what men have to offer. Don't get me wrong. I am far more enticed by that drool worthy "V" men have and a fantabulous washboard 6 pack stomach. But, if I'm being honest, I will not deny that I was curious to see Channing Tatum in a full frontal exposure situation. He has been on my radar since I first saw him in a Mountain Dew commercial many years ago. I am a sucker for a tall guy who can dance and Channing fits that bill to a T. He is incredibly talented with his feet! It was also fun to see Joe Manganiello dancing. I am always impressed when I see someone who is already pretty talented, showing other little hidden talents. I knew Channing could dance because he has been in 2 dancing movies. I did not know that that hunk of a man from True Blood could move as well.
The theater was sold out last night. And, I've never been in a room with SOOOO much estrogen. We were a rowdy group of ladies. Side note, we are experiencing record breaking high temperatures in my state which means that air conditioners are struggling to keep up and keep the indoors cool. So, as the movie started, in the super hot theater, one lady shouted out "Turn the AC up!" Really bad timing. The theater was full of mostly cougars and menopausal women where we were already predisposed to being a little hot and bothered by what we were about to see!
So, overall, the movie was fun. The ending sucked but, I will not spoil it so, for those of you ladies who haven't seen it already, you will just have to make your own conclusion. All I will tell you is that the collective gasp and, "Are you serious?" spoke volumes about the ending. It was one of those endings that felt like someone ran out of time, budget and inspiration. Or, the person in the end was the only girl who didn't want to bare her breasts. Either way...ho hum! Lady wood gone!
The theater was sold out last night. And, I've never been in a room with SOOOO much estrogen. We were a rowdy group of ladies. Side note, we are experiencing record breaking high temperatures in my state which means that air conditioners are struggling to keep up and keep the indoors cool. So, as the movie started, in the super hot theater, one lady shouted out "Turn the AC up!" Really bad timing. The theater was full of mostly cougars and menopausal women where we were already predisposed to being a little hot and bothered by what we were about to see!
So, overall, the movie was fun. The ending sucked but, I will not spoil it so, for those of you ladies who haven't seen it already, you will just have to make your own conclusion. All I will tell you is that the collective gasp and, "Are you serious?" spoke volumes about the ending. It was one of those endings that felt like someone ran out of time, budget and inspiration. Or, the person in the end was the only girl who didn't want to bare her breasts. Either way...ho hum! Lady wood gone!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
My ArtFire Studio
This August will mark 2 years since I was introduced to Stamping and have been making my own handmade greeting cards. Since then, I have been asked by almost everyone if I sell my Greeting Cards. Up until almost 2 weeks ago, I would stammer and say, "Well, yes and no. I sell them to friends if they ask for me to make them something and if they offer to pay me for that something." But, now I can say affirmatively, and with a smidgen of pride, "Yes! I do sell my cards. You can browse my selection at my ArtFire Studio, CKsGreetings at http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/CKsGreetings
How exciting is that? I for one am thrilled! My cards are my pride and joy! I get such pleasure out of making them and a double dose of delight when I bring a smile to someone's face and now, I get to share that with everyone!
So, please visit my ArtFire Studio and see if there is something special handmade by me that you would like to give to someone special in your life.
Happy Stampin'!
Friday, March 30, 2012
What's Been Up, Down and All Around...
As usual, it has been a while since my last post so, I figured I would touch bases with you all and let you know what has been going on with yours truly.
Well, as you know, we said good-bye to our beloved sweet dog Frizbee in October and, we still miss him. I have moments where I feel my heart shatter again, just a little, at the thought of him no longer wandering this globe and sniffing his favorite spots in our yard and on walks around the neighborhood. My worst shatter comes when I remember his last night with us. Sometime in the late day, early evening, he started begging to go outside. Not because he had to go to the bathroom but, because he was ready to leave us and he wanted to do that under our dogwood tree in our backyard. I don't know why he chose that spot other than what I have been told. I have learned that pack animals, like Frizbee, will leave the pack when they are dying, and they will chose a spot a good distance from the pack to die alone. So, it is our understanding that that was the spot that he wanted to breath his last breathes. It was cold that day, really windy and a little miserable and, I didn't want him to die alone there. I had to wait until my husband got home to get him back into the house because he literally wouldn't walk anymore. The hubby picked him up and carried him back into the house. Sometime later, Frizbee did it again, the hubby brought him back in again and, this continued throughout the night. We chose to sleep downstairs with Frizbee on his last night and, sometime around 2 AM, he started whining to go out again. I mistakenly let him out and, I couldn't get him back in. The hubby tried to reason with me and get me to understand that Frizbee wanted to go his way and his way was outside under the dogwood. But, I just couldn't handle that thought. However, I had actually resolved myself to giving into what Frizbee wanted. I knew it was what was best for him, even though I hated the idea of going outside in the morning to find him deceased back there. I didn't want to have to look at that spot every time I went in my backyard, and start mourning our loss all over again. I didn't want that spot to become something hard for me to look at. But, I was giving in when the hubby decided to go get him back in here anyway. So, it was a tough night. Frizbee whined all night long and no one got much sleep. We got up and took him to the vet first thing. We couldn't stay in the room with him when they sent him to Heaven so, someone came out to our car and carried him away and we left. I swear that that was one of the hardest trips we have ever had to make. It flat out sucked. That afternoon, we took a walk on our local Greenway and reminisced. It was tough and we both almost broke down a few times throughout that walk but, it was cathartic and we both felt a little better after the walk. We know we did the right thing by Frizbee. We only wish that we knew a month sooner, when we found out that he had cancer, just how bad it was going to get for him exactly one month later. His decline was steady literally minute by minute in the last 2 weeks of his life. If we had known what we learned only one month later, we would have sent him to Heaven within that week. It was hard to watch our sweet happy boy become so sad and so obviously ready to let go of his life. We will always miss him but, it has gotten easier.
Next up...my sister. She is cancer free. It was only a tiny little cell of it on a giant mass and she was fortunate that she found it as early as she did because it was a very aggressive cancer that could very quickly and very easily have become something potentially deadly. She has to go every 6 months for Mammograms and will always have to be mindful that it can come back but, for now, she is healthy. Whew!
I told you all about a friend of mine that was in Afghanistan. I am pretty certain he is home now but, I haven't heard from him for a very long time so, I am worried about him and, I really hope to hear from him again soon. I think he was due back in the states in October but, I haven't heard from him since the end of July. Sheesh! Please keep your fingers crossed that he is well and that maybe I'll hear from him again.
I have been busy with my greeting cards and my Stamp Club. I am up to somewhere around 20 customers now. They aren't all regular but, I have about 14 girls that come on a fairly regular basis to our monthly clubs. And, over the past 2 months, I grew my customer base by 3 ladies. How great is that? I truly love my "job". I feel like I was born to do it. I am usually a pretty shy girl so, for me to feel as comfortable as I do teaching my ladies how to make cards and gift boxes, you just know it is the perfect fit for me.
Well, at least for now, that is about all I have to tell you. Until next time... :)
Well, as you know, we said good-bye to our beloved sweet dog Frizbee in October and, we still miss him. I have moments where I feel my heart shatter again, just a little, at the thought of him no longer wandering this globe and sniffing his favorite spots in our yard and on walks around the neighborhood. My worst shatter comes when I remember his last night with us. Sometime in the late day, early evening, he started begging to go outside. Not because he had to go to the bathroom but, because he was ready to leave us and he wanted to do that under our dogwood tree in our backyard. I don't know why he chose that spot other than what I have been told. I have learned that pack animals, like Frizbee, will leave the pack when they are dying, and they will chose a spot a good distance from the pack to die alone. So, it is our understanding that that was the spot that he wanted to breath his last breathes. It was cold that day, really windy and a little miserable and, I didn't want him to die alone there. I had to wait until my husband got home to get him back into the house because he literally wouldn't walk anymore. The hubby picked him up and carried him back into the house. Sometime later, Frizbee did it again, the hubby brought him back in again and, this continued throughout the night. We chose to sleep downstairs with Frizbee on his last night and, sometime around 2 AM, he started whining to go out again. I mistakenly let him out and, I couldn't get him back in. The hubby tried to reason with me and get me to understand that Frizbee wanted to go his way and his way was outside under the dogwood. But, I just couldn't handle that thought. However, I had actually resolved myself to giving into what Frizbee wanted. I knew it was what was best for him, even though I hated the idea of going outside in the morning to find him deceased back there. I didn't want to have to look at that spot every time I went in my backyard, and start mourning our loss all over again. I didn't want that spot to become something hard for me to look at. But, I was giving in when the hubby decided to go get him back in here anyway. So, it was a tough night. Frizbee whined all night long and no one got much sleep. We got up and took him to the vet first thing. We couldn't stay in the room with him when they sent him to Heaven so, someone came out to our car and carried him away and we left. I swear that that was one of the hardest trips we have ever had to make. It flat out sucked. That afternoon, we took a walk on our local Greenway and reminisced. It was tough and we both almost broke down a few times throughout that walk but, it was cathartic and we both felt a little better after the walk. We know we did the right thing by Frizbee. We only wish that we knew a month sooner, when we found out that he had cancer, just how bad it was going to get for him exactly one month later. His decline was steady literally minute by minute in the last 2 weeks of his life. If we had known what we learned only one month later, we would have sent him to Heaven within that week. It was hard to watch our sweet happy boy become so sad and so obviously ready to let go of his life. We will always miss him but, it has gotten easier.
Next up...my sister. She is cancer free. It was only a tiny little cell of it on a giant mass and she was fortunate that she found it as early as she did because it was a very aggressive cancer that could very quickly and very easily have become something potentially deadly. She has to go every 6 months for Mammograms and will always have to be mindful that it can come back but, for now, she is healthy. Whew!
I told you all about a friend of mine that was in Afghanistan. I am pretty certain he is home now but, I haven't heard from him for a very long time so, I am worried about him and, I really hope to hear from him again soon. I think he was due back in the states in October but, I haven't heard from him since the end of July. Sheesh! Please keep your fingers crossed that he is well and that maybe I'll hear from him again.
I have been busy with my greeting cards and my Stamp Club. I am up to somewhere around 20 customers now. They aren't all regular but, I have about 14 girls that come on a fairly regular basis to our monthly clubs. And, over the past 2 months, I grew my customer base by 3 ladies. How great is that? I truly love my "job". I feel like I was born to do it. I am usually a pretty shy girl so, for me to feel as comfortable as I do teaching my ladies how to make cards and gift boxes, you just know it is the perfect fit for me.
Well, at least for now, that is about all I have to tell you. Until next time... :)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
CLUMSY LADYBUG...
Anyone who knows me, knows that I hate bugs. I mean, I REALLY hate bugs. Particularly spiders, centipedes, roaches, bees and I'm not that fond of ants either. However, there are two kinds of bugs that I not only tolerate but, I actually like them. Of course, one is a dead giveaway given the title of this entry and the other is the butterfly.
Anyway, there is a reason for this post. Due to the extremely wonky weather we have been having in my area, we have been visited by several ladybugs this winter. At least every other day, I see a new one somewhere in my house. Again, I like ladybugs so, unlike those hairy eight-legged freaky weirdos I would rather not discuss, ladybugs are welcome in my home.
So, as I showered yesterday, I spotted a ladybug on the ceiling about 2 feet from the immediate danger zone of the shower. I was worried she would come closer and have a typical clumsy ladybug moment and drop into the shower to be washed down the drain. So, I kept an eye on her. As predicted, she worked her way into the danger zone and, despite my frantic warnings of "No Ladybug! No!", she continued to wander around the danger zone above my head and, WOOPS! She got in touch with her clumsiness and fell. She stretched out her wings and fluttered her heart out to try to get somewhere safer but, she was felled by a wayward drop. Fortunately, she managed to fall upside down and stick, on her back, to the wet tile wall of the shower. I offered my finger for her to grab ahold and hitch a ride and she gladly accepted. I put her on the top of the shower door, fully knowing that that was nowhere near far enough from danger for Clumsy LB. But, what could I do? I wasn't in a great position to be extending myself beyond the confines of my shower to set her to safety so, I kept an eye out for her again and, sure enough...there she was. She walked the edge of where the tile and the wall meet and, despite my pleas of "No Ladybug! No!" she fell again. This time, she fell to my shower floor and I did the dance of keeping an eye on her while reaching up behind me to shift the shower head over as far from her direction as I could, until I could give her an assist again and offer her another ride on my finger. Again, she accepted my help. Only, this time, I made sure she would be farther away. I gave my hand a good shake and flicked her further into the bathroom.
When I got out of the shower, I couldn't find her immediately but, I saw her eventually. And, once her wings dried out, she flew up into the light. Not that light! The light fixture in our bathroom.
I haven't seen her since but, I learned that I will do all that is humanly possible to rescue the cute ladybugs of our globe. Aren't the spiders jealous? ;)
Anyway, there is a reason for this post. Due to the extremely wonky weather we have been having in my area, we have been visited by several ladybugs this winter. At least every other day, I see a new one somewhere in my house. Again, I like ladybugs so, unlike those hairy eight-legged freaky weirdos I would rather not discuss, ladybugs are welcome in my home.
So, as I showered yesterday, I spotted a ladybug on the ceiling about 2 feet from the immediate danger zone of the shower. I was worried she would come closer and have a typical clumsy ladybug moment and drop into the shower to be washed down the drain. So, I kept an eye on her. As predicted, she worked her way into the danger zone and, despite my frantic warnings of "No Ladybug! No!", she continued to wander around the danger zone above my head and, WOOPS! She got in touch with her clumsiness and fell. She stretched out her wings and fluttered her heart out to try to get somewhere safer but, she was felled by a wayward drop. Fortunately, she managed to fall upside down and stick, on her back, to the wet tile wall of the shower. I offered my finger for her to grab ahold and hitch a ride and she gladly accepted. I put her on the top of the shower door, fully knowing that that was nowhere near far enough from danger for Clumsy LB. But, what could I do? I wasn't in a great position to be extending myself beyond the confines of my shower to set her to safety so, I kept an eye out for her again and, sure enough...there she was. She walked the edge of where the tile and the wall meet and, despite my pleas of "No Ladybug! No!" she fell again. This time, she fell to my shower floor and I did the dance of keeping an eye on her while reaching up behind me to shift the shower head over as far from her direction as I could, until I could give her an assist again and offer her another ride on my finger. Again, she accepted my help. Only, this time, I made sure she would be farther away. I gave my hand a good shake and flicked her further into the bathroom.
When I got out of the shower, I couldn't find her immediately but, I saw her eventually. And, once her wings dried out, she flew up into the light. Not that light! The light fixture in our bathroom.
I haven't seen her since but, I learned that I will do all that is humanly possible to rescue the cute ladybugs of our globe. Aren't the spiders jealous? ;)
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
44 Homemade Christmas Cards and Coordinating Envelopes
I have been an incredibly busy Card Maker. I made a total of 57 cards for Christmas this year. And, by made, I mean...I handmade each and every one of them. I only sent out 44. But, I also made 57 handmade envelopes. The one above is actually not exactly like the ones I sent out but, it is the only picture I took of them...for now. And, that is only one of the 2 styles of cards that I made. I made these for my friends and family. The other style was for my Stamp Club ladies because I taught them how to make this card for October or November's Stamp Club. So, I will try to snap a picture of one that is a better representation of this style. And, I'll snap a picture of the one I made for my Stamp Club girls and make a new post with both...eventually. I'm still not done with my Holiday Crafting. I now have 8 more gift card holders, in the shape of a Beanie that has a movable part...oh so stinking cute...that I have to make to fit gift cards in and send off to my family members as their Christmas gifts. And, I still have 2 projects to put together for January's Stamp Club. So, add all that to running my household, blah, blah, blah...I am just a smidgen busy.
Anyway, I just wanted to share what I have been up to. Do you think I could skip Birthday cards for a few months after this whirlwind of card making for the holidays? Do you think anyone would care? Hee hee!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Stampin' Up! Online Extravaganza Sale
Stampin' Up! is kicking off the holiday season with a sale on select items from 20% to 60% off. To take advantage of this fantabulous sale, visit my website at www.cortneyk.stampinup.net click on the "Shop Now" link below my contact information in the upper right hand corner, click on "Online Extravaganza" in the menu to the left and browse through the sale items! Happy Crafting!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Saying Goodbye To My Dear Sweet Dog
This is my dear sweet gentle giant Frizbee. The cat is his tough sister Martini. This picture speaks volumes about Frizbee. He is the sweetest, most gentle being I have ever had the pleasure of sharing my home with. He is 10 years and 5 months old. And, this Saturday, October 22, 2011 my hubby and I will be saying Goodbye to him and sending him to Heaven. Over the past nearly 2 years, his health has started failing. On New Years Eve of 2009 we took him to the Vet because he had lost a lot of weight and was sick repeatedly throughout the day. We were told that his liver values were off the charts (literally...their machine couldn't register a number). They gave us medicine to help heal his liver and, while it has never been great, it did get a lot better. And, a few months ago, we started noticing blood on our carpets left behind when he would stand back up. Not terribly often so, we weren't entirely alarmed at first. About a month ago, we started noticing something was wrong with his rear end. I don't want to be vulgar so, I will do my best to explain things as well as I can without turning stomachs.
He has an aggressive form of cancer. There are 2 that his doctor suggested he might have. One is Lymphoma and, for the life of me, I can't remember the other one. She discussed options but, flat out said that, if he were her boy, she wouldn't put him through surgery. Backing up a bit, he had FHO surgery for his hip on June 1st. That was the second hip surgery he has had throughout his 10 years on this planet. His first was when he was under 1 year. His left hip went all kinds of wonky. What we were told, back then, was that he grew so big so fast that the ball of his hip bone wore the socket down flat. So, the doctor either removed the ball or filed it down. They were never clear and, we were just so happy that he was going to be ok that, we didn't ask for any more specifics. Basically, his right hip did the same thing so, he needed that one operated on this past June. The difference is that he is much older so, it has been a struggle for him to recover from that surgery. He has a really hard time walking on slick surfaces, such as our hardwood floors in our kitchen and foyer. He has a hard time getting up to a standing position anywhere in the house but, especially on the harder surfaces. And, since about a month before his surgery, he has not been upstairs in our house because he can no longer get up the steps.
Ok...so back to the present. Three weeks ago, his doctor diagnosed him with cancer. She drained the tumor and gave us meds to help try to keep the cancer under control and hopefully shrink it. We opted not to do surgery because his doctor said that it could do more harm than good.
Last Saturday, we took him to the Vet again to have the tumor drained, once again. Since then, things have gotten worse. He is constantly bleeding from the site of his tumor. He is having an even harder time getting up and moving around. And, because of the amount of blood that I am having to clean up, we have no choice but to keep him in the kitchen where it is easier for me to clean up with a mop. But, that has him depressed because he can't move around the rest of the house. I am doing everything I can to keep him comfortable and at least a little less depressed. I have basically moved myself into the kitchen with him. I do my work in the kitchen, I watch TV from the kitchen. I do everything but sleep in the kitchen. And, when I do take a moment, other than sleep, out of the kitchen, he whines and cries for me. He is breaking my heart and, my spirit has taken a huge hit over this entire situation as well.
Last night, I had the difficult conversation with my hubby about sending Frizbee to Heaven. I will miss him but, I can't bare watching him, day in and day out, like this anymore. I can't take the abuse to my heart and my spirit anymore. And, I feel like Frizbee is ready to say goodbye and go hang out with other fur babies up there.
I feel like, as much as it is going to hurt, and as many tears as I am preparing myself to shed this weekend, I will also be relieved when he is gone. I bare a heavy weight in my heart because of the pain I think he must be in. I bare the spirit breaking pain each time I mop up his blood. I bare a physical weight when I have to help lift his 100 pound body up off the floor and hold him steady while he gets his feet planted so that he can walk outside or get a drink of water. He can't take this life anymore and I don't have anymore big pieces of my heart to break.
Please say a prayer for my sweet dog, Frizbee. And please say a prayer to give me the strength to let him go.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Growing My Business
This is my "Advertisement"! In an attempt to grow my Stampin' Up! business, I will be making a few of these cards to put, along with my business cards, in my local Starbucks, craft stores, hair salon, and other local businesses of my choosing. They're perfect for the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday season. I have something on the inside of this card that tells people that I can help teach them how to make their own greeting cards and help them with their scrapbooking supplies. The card has my contact information so, hopefully I'll be growing my business very soon!
And, for any of you who are in need of crafting supplies for either scrapbooking or making your own beautiful greeting cards, please feel free to browse my website at www.cortneyk.stampinup.net You can purchase supplies directly from there, or use my contact information to get in touch with me directly.
Wish me luck!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Some New Templates
Ok folks...Blogspot has given us bloggers some new options for templates. Right now, I like the simple, clean look of something colorful so, I'll stick with this one until I decide how much I like the new options they have somewhat overwhelmed me with.
But, should you come back one day and see my blog all kinds of wonky...have no fear! It's still me!
Until the next time, enjoy this pretty summery view!
But, should you come back one day and see my blog all kinds of wonky...have no fear! It's still me!
Until the next time, enjoy this pretty summery view!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Cancer
So, today I got the news that you never want to hear. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. I don't even know what to say. I'd like to be verbose and insightful. I would love to be uplifting for her, my family and myself but, I am not feeling very uplifted right now. I don't have the words to say by which to comfort her. What do you say to someone who has just been diagnosed with one of the world's biggest killers? I've never really understood what people meant by the feeling of "numb" when it comes to getting bad news. But, I get it now. She went in somewhere close to 2 months ago to have a lump the size of a pea checked out in her left breast. My Mom told me and I stayed strong until I got off the phone, and then I cried. Partially because I was already really beaten down what with trying to be strong for my parents only about a month before that as they grieved over the loss of one of their best friends. And, on the same day that I found out about my sister, my Mom also told me that my Uncle had maybe only about a month left to live because of all the cancer in his body. Don't get me wrong, I don't have any good feelings about my Uncle, for very deeply personal reasons, but I did feel bad for my Dad who was about to lose the last of the portion of his family that he grew up with. So, once I got off the phone with my Mom, I broke down. I can be the strongest person you will ever meet when I have to be. But, what you won't see is how I build myself up for that strength and process it behind a closed door. After my sister's surgery, my Mom called to let me know that it was worse than they thought and a lot of their cautious optimism had evaporated. I was strong again, until I got off the phone.
Today is different. I haven't shed a tear. And, this is where that numb comes in. I don't know how to process this one. I don't know what to say to anyone. I don't even know how to feel about it myself. I want my sister to beat Cancer's ass, put it down on the floor, tell it to stay there and call it her Bitch. But then what? She's been told that she has to go for either semi-annual or annual Mammograms. And, since we are only 3 years apart in age...guess where yours truly will be going. My Maternal Grandmother had breast cancer but, it didn't show up until she was maybe 87 years old. And, while it was bad, it wasn't what killed her in the end. She was a breast cancer survivor. I can hope that my sister will be also. Her Cancer is in the early stages. She caught it quickly. Will I be so lucky? Will I be even luckier and just never have to deal with it myself? Right...guess who's starting to process it now? But, I still don't know where to put it all. I'm scared. I'm terrified for my sister. I'm scared for my own ta-tas. I'm worried for my Mom. I'm pissed off that this disease still exists. And, as for now...I'm done. My goose is cooked. I'm fried. I think I just want to crawl into a ball in a corner and cry it out for a little while, with the door shut and be ready for the strength that I will need to have while my family gets through this.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
When Lies Prevail, Justice Fails
Well, this sucks. I have been completely riveted over the Casey Anthony trial. Today, July 5, 2011 a jury of Casey's peers gave their verdict and she was found "Not Guilty" of any charges involving the death of her daughter, Caylee Marie Anthony. She was found guilty of the 4 charges of providing false information to law enforcement. I can not tell you how upset I am. I never thought that I would get this interested in this case, or any other. I was never interested in the O.J. Simpson trial. I was interested in the facts of the Scott Peterson case but, did not watch the trial. But, I sort of stumbled on the Casey Anthony trial when I saw an hour long blow by blow of the case just one week before the trial started. Then, I caught the Opening Statements on HLN when the trial started in May, and I was hooked. I have paid close attention. I have learned a ton about court law and our legal system from this case. I don't pretend to have a great attention span. But, this case kept me glued to my TV and I am forever touched by Caylee's death.
So, when the verdict was read today, I literally broke down into tears. I am so distraught over the fact that Casey Anthony killed her daughter, tossed her into 2 garbage bags and a laundry bag, and tossed her into a swamp less than a quarter of a mile from her house. I am distraught that 12 people could possibly think that she wasn't just innocent of 1st degree murder or aggravated manslaughter of a child but, of all charges of the death of her daughter. Not even accidental manslaughter. Are you kidding me? What the heck trial were those 12 people watching? Because, the freaking trial that I watched was one of proof that she killed her daughter. What mother goes out to Blockbuster with her boyfriend, rents two videos, and spends the entire next day in bed with her boyfriend, with absolutely zero emotions the very night and next day that her daughter goes missing? What mother goes to bars and does hot body contests, moves in with her boyfriend the day after her daughter goes missing, and gets a tattoo that says "La Bella Vitta" meaning "The Beautiful Life" weeks after her daughter goes missing? What mother says, "all anyone wants to talk about is Caylee" in a jailhouse conversation with her family when she is frustrated because no one will give her her boyfriend's phone number as she is in jail? Really? What else is there to talk about when a 2 and a half year old toddler has been missing for 2 months? What mother enjoys herself, doing whatever she wants to do, smiling, laughing and partying for 31 days before she finally announces that her daughter has been missing? I'll tell you what mother does that: ONLY CASEY MARIE ANTHONY! Only a mother who purposely, willfully killed her daughter so that she could live "La Bella Vitta". Only a mother who could poison her daughter with chloroform and wrap 3 pieces of duct tape around her nose and mouth to make sure she never breathes another breath of air again.
So, when the verdict was read today, I literally broke down into tears. I am so distraught over the fact that Casey Anthony killed her daughter, tossed her into 2 garbage bags and a laundry bag, and tossed her into a swamp less than a quarter of a mile from her house. I am distraught that 12 people could possibly think that she wasn't just innocent of 1st degree murder or aggravated manslaughter of a child but, of all charges of the death of her daughter. Not even accidental manslaughter. Are you kidding me? What the heck trial were those 12 people watching? Because, the freaking trial that I watched was one of proof that she killed her daughter. What mother goes out to Blockbuster with her boyfriend, rents two videos, and spends the entire next day in bed with her boyfriend, with absolutely zero emotions the very night and next day that her daughter goes missing? What mother goes to bars and does hot body contests, moves in with her boyfriend the day after her daughter goes missing, and gets a tattoo that says "La Bella Vitta" meaning "The Beautiful Life" weeks after her daughter goes missing? What mother says, "all anyone wants to talk about is Caylee" in a jailhouse conversation with her family when she is frustrated because no one will give her her boyfriend's phone number as she is in jail? Really? What else is there to talk about when a 2 and a half year old toddler has been missing for 2 months? What mother enjoys herself, doing whatever she wants to do, smiling, laughing and partying for 31 days before she finally announces that her daughter has been missing? I'll tell you what mother does that: ONLY CASEY MARIE ANTHONY! Only a mother who purposely, willfully killed her daughter so that she could live "La Bella Vitta". Only a mother who could poison her daughter with chloroform and wrap 3 pieces of duct tape around her nose and mouth to make sure she never breathes another breath of air again.
I am overwhelmed with emotion about this. I am so shocked that I could crap lightening bolts. I'm devastated. I feel like the legal system that I have grown up with has failed Caylee Anthony. I literally felt sick when that verdict was read.
And, as if the wounds aren't fresh enough, it is very likely that Casey will walk out of jail a free woman on Thursday. She has served 3 years in jail on suspicion of murder and, each charge that she faces for the 4 counts of providing false information carries a year in jail which the Defense team has already said they will ask for her to serve consecutively which means only 1 year. With her 3 years served for something that a jury has now found her innocent of, and 98% of time that would be removed from sentencing for good behavior...that murderer may be set free. Free to party. Free to do hot body contests. Free to find another man who will knock her up. Free to be inconvenienced by another son or daughter. Free to...
And, as if the wounds aren't fresh enough, it is very likely that Casey will walk out of jail a free woman on Thursday. She has served 3 years in jail on suspicion of murder and, each charge that she faces for the 4 counts of providing false information carries a year in jail which the Defense team has already said they will ask for her to serve consecutively which means only 1 year. With her 3 years served for something that a jury has now found her innocent of, and 98% of time that would be removed from sentencing for good behavior...that murderer may be set free. Free to party. Free to do hot body contests. Free to find another man who will knock her up. Free to be inconvenienced by another son or daughter. Free to...
As if all of that isn't enough, Chenney Mason did the equivalent of a "nah nah nah nah poo poo, stick your head in doo doo" over the Defense's win. Grow the F up! This is not a school yard confrontation. This isn't kickball. This is a case where a 2 and a half year old toddler was murdered by her mother. Your win means that that little girl did not get justice.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Smart Phone Acting Stupid
I think I have mentioned how much I love modern technology. I really do. I love that it is pretty much impossible not to stay connected everywhere all the time.
Except when your modern technology fails you. I love my phone. I have a Droid. It is, for the most part, a fantastic piece of technology. But, that's not to say that I haven't wanted to throw it across the room against something hard and see it shatter into a zillion...or more...pieces. Today is one of those days. I noticed that I had new emails that hadn't come into my phone. I was on my laptop at the time so, I refreshed my email on my phone and still...nothing. Now, I don't tend to get a boat load of important emails so, that isn't even my biggest problem. What I might get is the occasional important phone call. Right now, due to some really horrible family health issues, I really need my phone to be working. THE PHONE...not the other extra bells and whistles that come with my phone. And, by PHONE I also mean texting. I have had times when I won't receive a text and, I have learned that there have been a few times when I haven't received a phone call as well. So, upon realizing that my email wasn't working, I tested my phone by calling it from my home phone line. The fedging thing didn't ring. I got voicemail. I should have left a message but didn't. I promptly hung up and rebooted my cell. Since rebooting, there is no indication that I received a phone call. Not even the "missed call" icon. I tested it again from my home phone and it rang. So, we are back in business...for now. But, if I received any calls while it wasn't working, I will never fedging know and that pisses me off. Same with texts. If the damn phone isn't working, I won't get any functionality out of it at all. It really pisses me off as I rely on that little piece of technology to keep me connected to people from all over the globe. If it doesn't work, what good is it really?
So...I guess I just need to let everyone know...if you call me and I don't answer, and if you leave a message and I don't return the call, I likely never got the message because my lovely piece of highly intelligent technology isn't working. Don't despair. I haven't suddenly decided that I don't care about you or don't want to hear from you. I simply don't have a phone that works 100% of the time. Perhaps not even 50% of the time. Just keep trying. I probably really want to hear from you.
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