Letters and Advice to Myself-Ann

Crimped Straw

2007-12-17T22:15:00.001-06:00

Crimped Straw
Originally uploaded by ketla

Found this straw at a Cracker Barrel. Seems the end got caught in the machine when it sealed the paper wrapper.

Ciao,
Ann B.

Ugh! Insomnia may be common...

2007-11-14T10:15:00.000-06:00

...but it is the pits! I've had a particularly annoying case of it for about a week now. Up till all hours before I can fall asleep, then drag awake each morning. At this point, caffeine isn't helping much in the morning. LOL.
Well, enough ranting, back to work.
Ciao.

Boy, do I neglect this blog!

2007-11-13T17:23:00.000-06:00

Lol, I really need to post here more often. The gaps between sets of postings is getting ridiculous. I am rather busy, so again, this will be short, but more to come.

Conway Lake

2007-09-30T17:07:00.001-05:00

View from hill.
Ciao.
Ann B.

Post-Move

2007-09-30T17:04:00.001-05:00

My fiancé & I are gadding about. He moved the last 2 days. We're very tired.
Ciao.
Ann B.

Recumbent Bike

2007-09-28T08:46:00.000-05:00

I haven't seen this style of it since I was 8.
Ann B.

Written Post 2

2007-09-23T09:15:00.000-05:00

Ann B.

Church Cafe

2007-09-23T09:09:00.000-05:00

Lull time for the café at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock.
Ann B.

Handwritten Post

2007-09-21T16:20:00.001-05:00

Ann B.

Better Excercise?

2007-09-20T14:44:00.000-05:00

Good news for budding soccer players.
Ann B.

News Comment-More to the story!

2007-09-20T07:51:00.001-05:00

News Comment
Originally uploaded by ketla

The test judge suggested that this woman wait a year or so until she weans her child, since she needed the extra time for pumping milk.
This lady finished an MD-Phd while having two kids in two years, and has a job waiting for her.
Really, would he have suggested postponing one's career to another? Hmmm.

Fish Pond

2007-09-18T23:01:00.001-05:00

File for resizing
Originally uploaded by ketla

My favorite pond for personal reflection.

Voting Line

2007-09-18T17:02:00.001-05:00

Long lines just to vote on a single-district milleage tax.
Ann B.

My Latest Painting Teacher

2007-09-13T16:01:00.001-05:00

Photo_091307_001
Originally uploaded by ketla

Here is Marlene Gremillion, whom I am taking a class from at the Arts Center.

New Energy Source?

2007-09-11T23:45:00.001-05:00

Think they call this "clean fusion" in Star Trek.
Ciao.
Ann B.

Bored Officer?

2007-09-09T13:58:00.000-05:00

How nuts does a public official have to be?
Ann B.

News Comment

2007-09-09T09:40:00.001-05:00

Can't believe these guys.
Ann B.

New Pic

2007-07-01T08:55:00.001-05:00

Here's a recent shot of me. Enjoy! Lol.
Ann B.

New Haircut

2007-06-06T18:06:00.001-05:00

What do you think?
Ciao.
Ann B.
--
Sent using Agendus Mail demo.
Visit www.iambic.com for more great products!

Rainy Evening

2007-06-02T19:40:00.000-05:00

Enough said.
Ciao.
Ann B.

Myself In Need of a Trim

2007-06-02T07:32:00.001-05:00

Man, what a mop, eh? And my hair stylist isn't free till Wednesday. Lol.
Ciao.

Ann B.

Lunch Break

2007-06-01T12:59:00.001-05:00

Been watching "Crocodile Dundee 2" while paused for lunch.

Ciao.
Ann B.

Seniors

2007-04-29T11:31:00.000-05:00

The senior class from my church.
Ciao.

Ann B.

The Latest Fashion?

2007-04-28T13:55:00.001-05:00

Ick!
Ciao.

Ann B.

Article-Making Our Lives Golden

2007-04-23T23:16:00.000-05:00

"I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book."
Groucho Marx

Making Our Lives Golden

I have always been a strong opponent of television. But, as I told you on Friday, K and I recently started watching it together. Just a little bit here and there, but enough to get me thinking about the way people spend their recreational time… and make me wonder if the kind of activities we engage in during our down time really make a difference.

On Friday, I pointed out that the more time you spend working, the more successful you’re likely to be - but acknowledged that even the most ambitious and hardest workers need to take at least a few hours out of the day to do something that gives them pleasure. Something that isn’t work.

The question then becomes, "What should that ’something’ be?"

As I said, just about any activity we choose to do can fit into one of three categories. It can:

damage us in some way
improve us somehow
leave us more or less the same

Think of the best choices - the ones that improve you - as Golden. Think of the neutral choices - the ones that just help you pass the time - as Vaporous. And think of the worst choices - the ones that hurt you - as Acidic.

It’s up to you how much Gold, Vapor, and Acid you are going to have in your life.

When I think of my own choices - good, bad, and neutral - I notice that they have the following characteristics:

Golden Choices

My best experiences tend to be with activities that are intellectually challenging and emotionally engaging. Because they demand a lot from me, I shy away from them when I am low in energy. But when I do get into them, they build my energy and thus make it easier to continue. When I am through with such an activity, I feel good about myself and content with how I have spent my time.

Vaporous Choices

These activities are easy to slip into and easier, too, to stay involved with. They are the choices we make when we don’t feel like making choices. The time we spend when we don’t much care how we spend our time. Welcome to the Vapor zone, the neutral, happy world of poker and sitcoms and gossip.

When I’m ready for some relaxation, my first impulse is always to choose a Vaporous activity. Having "worked hard all day," I want something simple and mindless so I can gear down. And most people would probably say the same thing. Getting into the Vapor zone is easy - and staying there is easier still.

The big problem with Vaporous activities - and this is a very big problem for me - is that they leave me feeling enervated instead of energized. And empty. Vaporous activities do for me what Vaporous foods (i.e., comfort foods) do: They fill me up but tire me out.

Acidic Choices

Everybody has vices. At one time or another, I’ve had just about all of them. I have never smoked crack, but I’ve done plenty of other things to destroy, reduce, or disable myself.

Why I do these things, I can only guess. Sometimes I think I need the challenge of surviving self-imposed obstacles. Whatever my reasons, the result of making those choices is generally the same. I get a dull pleasure that is mixed with a barely discernable level of pain. Even when the pleasure is intense, it is clouded by a foggy brain. It feels like I’m having a great time … but I am not sure. And if the actual experience of Acidic activities is mixed, the feeling afterward is not at all ambivalent. It is bad.

The interesting thing about Acidic options is how attractive they can be. Nobody would argue that they are good choices. We pick them because we are too weak to pick anything else, and we use what little mind we have left to rationalize our self-destruction.

Let’s Take a Closer Look at These 3 Categories

When we are at our best - confident and full of energy - we can easily choose Golden activities over all the rest. When we are feeling just okay, we can usually reject Acidic choices but find it hard to opt for Golden moments over Vaporous ones. And when we are at our worst - low in energy and full of doubt - that is when we are most susceptible to making Acidic choices.

Golden activities include:

Meditation
Yoga
Watching an educational and inspiring documentary
Listening to complex, uplifting music
Appreciating art
Watching a really, really good movie
Reading a very good book
Making love
Tasting a really good wine

Vaporous activities include:

Getting a massage
Going to a sporting event
Watching most "entertaining" TV like Friends, CSI, The Tonight Show, etc.
Reading "beach" novels and page-turners
Listening to most mood music, including most rock ‘n’ roll
Having sex
Drinking beer or whiskey

Acidic activities include:

Getting drunk
Listening to rap music
Watching stupid/degrading TV shows like Jerry Springer, Cops, and The Bachelor
Doing things you’d be ashamed to talk about

You may not agree with some of these designations. Not to worry. You can (and should) make up your own list. But in creating that list, consider the following:

When Choosing Gold…

The activity/experience is intellectually challenging. It teaches you something worth knowing or develops a skill worth having.

It is emotionally deepening. It helps you understand something you hadn’t understood before and/or makes you sympathetic to experiences and/or situations you were closed to.

It is energizing. The experience itself charges you up spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. You have greater strength and more endurance because of it.

It leaves you happy with your choice. During the experience and afterward, you have a strong sense that you are doing the right thing.

It builds confidence. Because you know that you are improving yourself, choosing Gold makes you feel better able to make wise choices in the future.

When Choosing Vapor…

The activity/experience is intellectually and emotionally easy. It feels comfortable and comfortably enjoyable. You have done it before and it amused you, so you are sure that if you do it again you will be equally amused.

It is usually passive rather than active. It is watching TV rather than going to a stage play.

It is getting a massage rather than practicing yoga. It is chugging a brewsky rather than savoring a good wine.

It tends to be habit forming. Because it feels good (in a medium-energy sort of way) and is so easy to do, you find yourself doing it over and over again.

Doing too much of it is not good for you. Whether it’s eating starch and fat or sitting on the couch and staring at the TV screen, a little bit doesn’t hurt. But too much leaves you with of the unpleasant feeling that you’ve wasted your time.

When Choosing Acid…

The activity/experience is physically or mentally damaging. Often, it kills brain cells. Sometimes, it gives you cancer.
Although it is bad for you, it is alluring. There is something about the way the experience takes you out of yourself that you find attractive.
It attracts bad company. Since most healthy people don’t approve of it, you find yourself doing it with another set of friends. Eventually, you reject the friends and family members who don’t "get it." They are too straight-laced or lame to understand, so you figure you don’t need them in your life.
It disables you intellectually, emotionally, and physically. During the moment, you are less capable of performing complex skills or dealing with complex emotional or intellectual issues. If you engage in Acidic activities a lot, you become less capable of peak performance generally.

Acidic experiences have ever-extending thresholds. What gets you off in the beginning is never enough to get you off later on. You have the mistaken notion that more is always better.

Will This Make a Change in the Choices You Make?

Once you’ve drawn up your own list of Golden, Vaporous, and Acidic activities, use it to keep track of the way you’re choosing to spend your time. (A good way to do that is to make notes in your journal.) You may be surprised - and disappointed - by what you discover.
Make your own list. Track your own life. Ask yourself what you could become if - starting right now - you began making better choices.

In the meantime, I am going to have to talk to K about our plans for installing cable TV in our house. I will tell her my fears:

that I will become addicted to it
that I will begin to watch the worst kind of shows
that in watching more and more Vaporous TV, I will spend less time on Gold activities

She will point out that she is content watching her three or four favorite shows on video while she is on her Stairmaster. She will tell me, "Do what you want. It makes no difference to me" - and she will mean it. Which will make me entirely responsible for figuring out how much of my free time will be Golden or Vaporous or Acidic.

What about you?

- Michael Masterson

This article appears courtesy of Early To Rise, the Internet’s most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

Article-Concentrate on Concentrating

2007-04-22T21:54:00.000-05:00

"Concentration is the ability to think about absolutely nothing when it is absolutely necessary."
Ray Knight

Concentrate on Concentrating

By Robert Ringer

When I finished rewriting Winning Through Intimidation, I felt pretty confident that there were no glaring errors in the new edition (re-titled To Be or Not to Be Intimidated?). After all, I had done about 25 drafts of the rewrite.

Nevertheless, I thought to myself, "Hmm … seems I’ve been here before." Meaning, every time I’ve finished a book, I believed my editor and I had caught every mistake. Such a naive belief stems from not remembering the lessons of history.

What I’m saying is that I don’t believe there has ever been a book that didn’t have at least one typo or missing word or other obvious mistake in it. And, to my chagrin, To Be or Not to Be Intimidated? was no exception.

Of course, I don’t read my books after they’ve been printed, so these "catches" have to come from someone else. In this case, it was a good friend who called my attention to a place in the book where I stated:

"Show Victor Vermin the agreement that spelled out my commission? Are you kidding? Victor ate little kids for breakfast and didn’t bother to spit out the bones. He rooted for the Pacific Ocean in Titanic."

Brilliant … funny … well written. I couldn’t stop mentally patting myself on the back when I came up with those dazzling words. And, as I did with the entire book, I went over them draft … after draft … after draft.

Only one problem. As my friend pointed out, the Titanic didn’t sink in the Pacific Ocean; it sank in the Atlantic! (Will Leonardo DiCaprio ever forgive me?) Getting hold of myself, I quickly checked to make sure my socks matched. (Both black. Good sign.)

It really irritates me that Homer Simpson is so much more famous than I am. After all, I say "Doh!" more often than he does. I’m telling you, it’s an unfair world.

Yes, my mistake was corrected in subsequent printings, but the question remains: How does a perfectionist like me make such a dumb blunder? The answer, I believe, is a lack of concentration. But there’s a bit more to it than that. Let me explain.

Some time ago, a wise old sage said to me, "You know what I do to cut down on mistakes? I concentrate on concentrating."

What simplistic brilliance! It had never occurred to me that in order to concentrate, you have to concentrate on concentrating.

Thinking about this life-changing insight prompted me to hearken back to the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only team in NFL history to go through an entire season undefeated and untied.
I vividly recall the legendary coach of the Dolphins, Don Shula, explaining why a "no name" team like his was able to go through 17 games without a loss. Shula said that though his team wasn’t that much better than most of the other teams in the league, they did excel at one thing: concentrating.

Specifically, Shula said that his players didn’t make silly mistakes at crucial moments. They concentrated on not jumping offside or getting called for unnecessary roughness. The Dolphins running backs concentrated on hanging onto the football when getting tackled, and the receivers concentrated on locking the pass into their hands before turning on the afterburners.
Concentrating on concentrating penetrates down to the simplest aspects of our lives.

Have you ever bumped your hip on the corner of a table and ended up with a three-month bruise?

Or accidentally sent an e-mail to the wrong person?

Or not heard a word of something your spouse just told you?

Or checked two or three times to see if a door was locked?

Or reread a paragraph more than once because you had no idea what you just read?

I’m sure you know what I’m getting at. In each example, the problem was that you weren’t concentrating. I don’t know any other way to reduce the number of such mental lapses but to make a conscious effort to concentrate.

Through the years, I’ve repeatedly stated that the difference between success and failure is much smaller than most people might suspect. As with any other aspect of success, concentrating on concentrating, of and by itself, doesn’t guarantee positive results. But I find it amazing how much of an edge it gives me when I consciously focus on this fascinating mental skill.

Make a commitment in 2007 to concentrate on concentrating, and I think you’ll quickly see what I’m talking about. At the very least, you’re sure to notice a significant decrease in Titanic-type mistakes in your life.

Gotta cut it short here, because I have to check the front door again. I think I locked it, but …

This article appears courtesy of Early To Rise, the Internet’s most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

Article-"The Choices We Have"

2007-04-22T07:39:00.000-05:00

"Every choice moves us closer to or farther away from something. Where are your choices taking your life? What do your behaviors demonstrate that you are saying yes or no to in life?"
Eric Allenbaugh

Notes From Michael Masterson’s Blog: The Choices We Have

Now that our last child is about to leave home, K and I are talking about getting television service. For about 20 years, we have been without TV. The idea was that our children would become better readers without the distraction - and that objective was achieved. All three of our boys are voracious and skillful readers.

So now, as empty nesters, we are thinking that it would be kind of fun to watch some shows together - to spend an hour after dinner, sitting next to one another, laughing at the same things.

To test this hypothesis, we jimmy-rigged an antenna connection for the set that used to play only DVDs, and we spent a few evenings watching it.

The results of that experiment were mixed. There was something wonderful about watching those programs together - the double pleasure of the experience itself and knowing that your mate is "getting it" too. But when it was over, we found ourselves feeling like we used to when we watched television - which is to say a little sad and empty inside. As if we were mourning the time we’d lost.

The other night, we watched a science program together, a documentary about insects. Suddenly, we were having the experience we had hoped to have - sharing something that was both entertaining and illuminating.

That got me thinking about how people spend their recreational time - how much time they devote to it, the things they do, and whether the time they spend is spent wisely.

Broadly speaking, there are four kinds of activities that we engage in: working, sleeping, eating, and relaxing. And it seems logical to assert that - up to a certain point of mental or physical exhaustion - the more hours you spend working, the more successful you will be.

That said, we must acknowledge that all work and no play makes Jack a dull… or cranky… boy. We do need some recreation. The question is: How much?

And the answer to that is pretty simple. Just ask yourself how far you want to go in life. How smart you want to be. How high you want to rise in your industry. How much money you want to make. What accomplishments you want to achieve.

Determine how ambitious you are… and then find out how many hours of work were done per day by people who have already done what you want to do. Unless you are exceptionally gifted (or exceptionally slow), chances are you will have to work about as hard (i.e., as many hours) as they did.

Take the number of hours you sleep and eat and add to that the number of hours that successful people in your industry typically work. Subtract that from 24, and you will be left with the number of hours you can safely devote to recreation.

But there is another question that must be asked: Does it make any difference what kind of recreational activities you engage in? During your down time, does it matter whether you are sitting in front of the boob tube watching Jerry Springer or lifting weights or playing a musical instrument?

Broadly speaking, there are three ways you can occupy yourself during down time. You can amuse yourself with activities that, though fun, are harmful (like getting drunk). You can busy yourself with mindless distractions (like junky novels). Or you can choose to do something that requires a bit more energy on your part but will give you both a high degree of pleasure and the knowledge that you have somehow improved yourself (like practicing yoga).

It seems to me that whether it is the work we do, the sports we play, the vacations we take… we have the same three choices. We can do something that:

Damages us in some way
Improves us somehow
Leaves us more or less the same

Look at almost any activity, and you will see what I’m talking about. In the books you read. In the friends you keep. In the jobs you take. You name it. Some choices will improve you and some will damage you… but most will fall somewhere in the neutral zone: They won’t harm you… but they won’t help you either.

If we fill our lives with mediocre experiences - does that make sense? Every day, we are given dozens of choices - from which foods to eat to which parts of the newspaper to read to which words to say in any given conversation. Many of those choices seem to be insignificant, but when you string them all together they determine the quality of our lives.

At the lowest end of the scale, there’s the person who spends his time using drugs, watching television, and prostituting himself or stealing to pay for his addiction. At the highest end of the scale - well, I don’t really know who that is. But when I think of rich guys in limos or holy men on mountains… that just doesn’t work.

Most of us live in the middle ground, mixing quality experiences with neutral ones while trying not to harm ourselves … but doing so anyway. We recognize that some of the choices we make are better than others, but we don’t always have the willpower to make the better ones.

It’s interesting, isn’t it? The best choices are often the hardest to choose… because they require more of our energy. The worst choices are usually the easiest to refuse… because we are frightened by them. But when we have experienced them and found them pleasurable, they have the greatest pull on us. The neutral choices - the actions that do little more than get the job done - are the most popular because they are relatively easy and benign. They don’t require much energy and they don’t leave us hurting.

If there is one thing that life gives us all in equal portion, it is the hours of the day. We can’t determine (with any certainty) how many hours will be allotted to us, but we can decide how to spend those that we have.

Think about it over the weekend. I’ll have more to say on this subject Monday.

- Michael Masterson

[Ed. Note: To read more of Michael’s unedited, uncensored (and sometimes unexpected) ruminations, check out his blog here.]

This article appears courtesy of Early To Rise, the Internet’s most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com.

My BF's Home

2007-04-21T20:14:00.001-05:00

View from John's window. Visited today with friends.
Ciao.
Ann B.

Article-Five Ways to Alienate Your Audience

2007-04-21T12:48:00.000-05:00

"All the great speakers were bad speakers first." Ralph Waldo Emerson

5 Ways to Alienate Your Audience
By Virginia Avery

When you make a presentation, whether it’s a report to the board of directors, a speech to the Kiwanis Club, or a major talk at a conference, it is vitally important to captivate your audience and make them want to listen to you. Yet when you hear some people speak, you would think their purpose is to bore, frustrate, and alienate. By learning how to avoid the things that will put your audience off, you increase your chances of getting your message across, impressing your boss, being asked to speak again, and/or finding new customers.

Just last month, I attended a conference where I saw a perfect demonstration of how to alienate an audience. The speaker had lots of platform experience, but his presentation was most memorable for the mistakes he made - the kind of mistakes you should avoid at all costs.
Though he didn’t make every mistake in the book, he sticks in my mind as an example of the last person I would ever pay attention to… mainly because of his attitude. It appeared that his main reason for being there was to tell us how wonderful and successful he was.
And that is the first way to lose your audience:

1. Being Self-Centered Rather Than Audience-Centered

This is your speech - so you should be able to brag, boast, cajole, or rant if the mood suits you. Right? After all, if not to learn more about you, your products, your company, and your importance, why did they ask you to speak? So thinks the self-centered speaker.
An audience-centered speaker, by contrast, is concerned with giving value, providing a solution to a problem, or inspiring the group to take a particular action. In addition, the audience-centered speaker involves his audience with less lecturing and more interaction.

Today’s audiences are sophisticated and knowledgeable. Approaching your talk from your listeners’ perspective by asking yourself, "How can I make this clear and helpful to them?" assures they’ll be more receptive to what you have to say. Plus, each group you speak to will be different - so seeing your topic through their eyes will help you keep your material fresh and interesting.

2. Winging It

If there ever was a recipe for presentation failure, failing to prepare is it. No matter how well you know your subject, it is difficult to decide which direction to go in when you are facing a group. In fact, the more you know about your subject, the more difficult it can be to make a coherent presentation on the spot… because your mind will be focused on whether you should make this point or that point.

Watching a presenter who is winging it is painful. I recently watched one who was so obviously unprepared, it was embarrassing. And, of course, since he didn’t know what he was going to say, he took longer to say it, running over his allotted time.

You should always prepare for a presentation. This includes researching your audience, their concerns, and the reason they are attending that particular presentation. Speakers who don’t prepare lack focus, organization, and ultimately lack a compelling message… which wastes everyone’s time.

Do the opposite: Prepare by researching your audience and their stance on your topic. Then think about the main point you want them to remember one week later, and build your presentation around it.

3. Staying Stock Still… or Hiding Behind the Lectern

Many presenters seem to think there’s no point in moving, smiling, or altering their voice. (It might jar the audience awake.) But stiffness, lack of body flexibility, and lack of movement all contribute to a boring presentation. I’ve heard this referred to as the "Dan Rather School of Speaking."

You see, we are hard-wired to pay attention to movement - especially if it is purposeful. Gestures, vocal inflection, and facial animation help deliver your message. When you fail to use expression, your message falls flat.

No matter how well crafted your words are, it takes energy and "life" to instill interest. The mind tends to reject information it deems boring.

To encourage people to pay attention, come out from behind the lectern.
Move with purpose.
Address different people in your audience.

Most of all, deliver your message with enthusiasm. If you don’t care about what you’re saying, neither will your audience.

4. Using Many Words to Say Very Little

I remember eagerly anticipating a famous author’s presentation. I had read some of his books, and knew I was going to glean gems of wisdom from his talk.

Imagine my disappointment when this author put up 15 Power Points for us to consider, and pretty much just read them to us. No pertinent examples to flesh out each one. Just superficial statements I could have constructed myself.

A list of points is no more a presentation than a grocery list is a meal. It doesn’t nourish the mind. Instead, take three of your most important points, or even one, and elaborate. Tell stories to show your audience some interesting tidbit or background, provide examples of a point in action, explain why you consider that point to be so important.

Today’s audience is looking for enlightenment and entertainment. To give them value in exchange for their time, forget lists and platitudes. Describe the meaningful experiences you’ve had, explain the meaning of the data you are providing.

In other words, give your audience your insights, your thoughtful opinions, and your stories. That’s what they have come to hear.

5. Disregarding Time Limits

You might have heard that when Woodrow Wilson was asked how long it took for him to prepare a one-hour speech, he said "one week." But when asked how long it took for him to prepare a two-hour speech, he said "I’m ready now!" That’s because it takes more preparation to speak well when you are given less time.

It’s a simple courtesy to end on time - especially if another speaker is waiting in the wings. One way to be sure you finish on time is to prepare only enough to fill 70 percent of your allotted time. (A speech often takes longer when you’re facing an audience than it does in practice.)
You should also decide ahead of time what you will omit if you run out of time. If you must cut something from your presentation, cut an example, a supporting point, or a story. Never cut your introduction or conclusion.

To keep from alienating your audience, beware of repeating these five presentation sins. Stand apart from the majority of speakers by having the courage to do the reverse of what they do. The important points you make will be remembered.

[Ed. Note: Virginia Avery is a communications specialist who has trained thousands of individuals to make more dynamic presentations. Become more confident and persuasive in just two days with her Presenting Yourself Professionally workshop.

This article appears courtesy of Early To Rise, the Internet’s most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

Catchup

2007-04-09T12:47:00.001-05:00

Just a note to remind myself and any readers that I am still online.
Ciao.
Ann B.

My Tent

2007-03-28T17:38:00.003-05:00

If the weather cooperates, I'll be sleeping in this in the Ozark hills this weekend.
Ciao.
Ann B.

My Favorite Art Supply Place

2007-03-28T17:38:00.001-05:00

Their 20th anniversary edition catalog. Great prices and quality stuff. www.cheapjoes.com
Ann B.

Lawn Guys

2007-03-23T16:46:00.001-05:00

Equipment of some landscape company working on my street.
Ann B.

'Nother Day, 'Nother Dollar

2007-03-20T18:17:00.000-05:00

....spent. Shopping Day, weekly thing. Did it on my own, since Dad is busy with ball park and house painting. Still forgot the bird seed. LOL.

Gonna spend the next two days with John. Up to visit him in Conway tomorrow, then him down here with Gene the next day. Full days. Very tiring.

Legs still giving me some fits. Not THAT bad, but Mom is still fussy. Thinks I shouldn't be lifting or bending at all. I'm not a china doll, but try telling her that.

Catch you later,
Ciao.

Umpteenth Time

2007-03-19T15:17:00.000-05:00

Old comp won't boot up. Aged, I guess. Grrr.
Ciao.
Ann B.

Up Late

2007-03-19T01:38:00.000-05:00

What a night! Long weekend. John everyday, cookout, camping plans, church, and fishing. Full and fun.
New week, odd market. Salud.

Ciao.
Ann B.

My Bf

2007-03-17T22:37:00.000-05:00

We are web conferencing.
Ann B.

Recent Me

2007-03-17T02:16:00.001-05:00

Looking goofy, eh?
Ann B.

New Year, second week

2007-01-06T16:32:00.000-06:00

Yes, it's been over a week since I posted. Post-Christmas is crazy, too.

Spent New Years with John. We had lots of fun. Went to a concert and a party; spent a lot of time talking, as usual. We have become very fond of each other.

Well, enough for now.
Ciao.

Yeah, Yeah, I know.....

2006-12-27T11:57:00.000-06:00

Been a week since I posted. The Christmas season is very busy. =D

A lot has gone on: another visit with John, Christmas with family, New Years plans, work, and all that usual stuff you get around to in a week. LOL.

Well, still working, so I will get back to this later today.
Ciao.

Midweek Madness!

2006-12-20T15:36:00.000-06:00

LOL. Not really, but I hate getting so cutesy on the blog titles. I do not want to start repeating myself too much, either, so I am caught between the two.

Market is closed, and I can relax for a bit. It is so cloudy and rainy, it seems like it is already evening, instead of barely past midafternoon. *Sigh* Typical midweek slump, I guess. I am SO looking forward to Christmas. I love spending time with my family. =)

Well, enough for now. I will try to remember to post again before midnight. =D
Ciao.

Tuesday Again :)

2006-12-19T21:03:00.000-06:00

Hello!

Well, felt a bit lazy today, but when you set your own hours, you cannot be a slacker.

Some shopping tonight, and more conversation with John. He is fun to chat with, even with us talking s much. I imagine we will eventually run out of words, but that is where any relationship really exists: beyond the words.

Ciao.

Monday night...bedtime! LOL

2006-12-18T23:10:00.000-06:00

I have to turn in very shortly, will be trying to beat the market...to the market. =D I will be rising early and trying to get the weekly shopping done before the stable period hits in the market.

Spoke to John three times today. =) He is having a bit of a rough time, but seems very strong in his faith and support systems. We will meet soon, and I am so looking forward to it. I have been looking to meet such a gentleman my whole life. I do not know what the future holds, but I feel the Lord has given me a wonderful present this year.

Well, late enough, so I'll say:
Ciao.

Sunday, New Day

2006-12-17T18:48:00.000-06:00

One week until Christmas. Seems so close, yet so far off.

My kids were cute today. Several brought gifts from their parents, such as little food items. I was tired, late, and a bit cranky. Stayed up too late. Still, last night was fun.

Talked to my friend, John, for nearly two hours. We had such fun, it was hard to say goodbye. I suspect we will meet soon, sometime after he finishes his semester stuff. John is kind and honest, that is my impression. We will get to know each other at our own pace.

Well, tomorrow comes before you know it.
Ciao.

Saturday-conclusion to a week

2006-12-16T19:30:00.000-06:00

Ah, the week draws to an end. The sun has set, and one of my favorite movies is on. Life is content.
I am quite pleased with my new friend. He is a go-getter, someone who finishes what he starts. I fear my persistance will exhaust and annoy him before we get a chance to meet. I must exercise control. Things will happen, how and when they are supposed to if I am patient.
Ciao.

Ah, Friday!

2006-12-15T09:56:00.000-06:00

Only mid-morning, I know. But a lovely day. And, no work for the weekend! LOL.

Gene has a cold, and with the holidays coming up so fast, we have agreed to postpone our next eat-out until after Christmas. I told him about some OTC cold medicine that my mom used, so maybe he will be better in time for Christmas with his family.

Well, work is getting more attention-grabbing, so I will post more later.

Ciao.

Yay! Now I know....

2006-12-14T16:39:00.000-06:00

...why my back has been bugging me. Portruding disk in my lower back. Okay, that is not a great thing to have, but neither is having something and no clue what it is! I have to see yet another specialist to find out what can be done about it, but hurdle 2 is done.

Thank You, Lord, for such skilled people in the world, to help us when we are in difficulties.

For now,
Ciao.

Winding down week...

2006-12-14T13:24:00.000-06:00

Yeah, my blog titles are a little lacking in originality, but whatever. =)

Usually, I would be in town this time of day, visiting with an elderly friend of mine. He did not feel up to it today, so I went to lunch locally with my dad instead. We went early and did not take long, so here I am.

Doing well in work: found some good performers in the market, and lots of others to wade through. Finance is a rather intricate field to be in; it changes so much from moment to moment sometimes.

Well, I will add more later.
Ciao.

Oops!

2006-12-13T19:34:00.000-06:00

Went shopping with my mom tonight, and forgot about my weekly church group meeting. LOL. Got caught up in baking the pizza we brought home for dinner. Ah well, just have to email my apologies to my leader.

Lovely evening. Had a good dinner, found some black boots I forgot I had, and now I am settling down to enjoy the rest of the night.

The gentleman I have been trading messages with is a teacher. Poor guy has been swamped with papers to grade before Christmas break starts. I hope he gets his rest. =)

As usual, will have prep to do for work tomorow, but not yet.

Well, enough for now,
Ciao.

Another day, another midweek. LOL.

2006-12-13T10:49:00.000-06:00

Well, it is finally Wednesday. Be the middle of the week in just an hour or so.

Work is finally becoming more interesting. Watching the market is about like the proverbial paint drying. I am beginning to take some interest in it--what else to do? Boredom only makes the job harder.

The holidays are coming up so fast. This week, then a couple more, and it will be Christmas Eve before you know it. I am definitely looking forward to being with my extended family. I do not see them as much as I would like, sometimes.

Well, back to work.

Ciao.

The sun is on its way down....

2006-12-12T15:27:00.000-06:00

.....and my day is starting to drift into evening. Work and shopping all morning, then tests and more shopping this afternoon.

MRIs are not so bad. I can see how people might find them confining, and I would have preferred less noise, but not bad overall. The technicians were really friendly, and let me listen to my choice of radio stations. I just took the opportunity for a nice rest.

*Sigh. I am a little tired. The day seems a litttle long, like it should be eight or nine already. I am chatting online with a nice guy. He is a bit older than me, but seems very smart and articulate. Good conversationalist, and likes computers, like me. As I have always said, time will tell what happens....in any situation.

For now,
Ciao.

Almost Tuesday!

2006-12-11T23:57:00.000-06:00

Just had to get something in today.
Ciao.

A New Week

2006-12-10T22:32:00.000-06:00

Well, another workweek dawns tomorrow. Was unusually warm today.
We finally finished holiday decorating today. Tree is up, lit, and trimmed. Wreaths are hung.
Several more working days until Christmas. For just a day or so, the pain and weakness abated. I will take whatever I can get. I am grateful for it all.
Ciao.

Well, a new week begins.

2006-12-10T17:29:00.000-06:00

Holidays are coming up fast. Went to a party today, and ate too much (what else to do at a holiday party?).

Had a big auction of our old stuff yesterday, so I never got around to posting. Never got around to being online, for that matter. LOL.

Time to help finish holiday decorating, so:
Ciao.

Okay, so I am still up...

2006-12-09T02:23:00.000-06:00

LOL. After that long nap, I am not surprised. Got online, got
distracted....and so on. About to turn in, but I thought I'd send just one
more message to start this new day out right.

Ciao.

Yawn! Slept in....at night! LOL.

2006-12-08T22:53:00.000-06:00

Had a rather long nap this evening. Started out as just trying to keep my feet warm. I seem to be cursed with weird temperatures in my bedroom, no matter where that bedroom is! LOL.

Great day, though a bit lazy. I did work very diligently today, though I could do better, as always. Took it easy this evening, and now I suppose I should be getting ready for bed. Not sleepy, of course, but we are selling off our old stuff tomorrow, so gotta be up and at 'em for that.

Enough for now,
Ciao.

Okay, so I forgot to post yesterday...

2006-12-08T09:15:00.000-06:00

I am still gettting back into the habit. Blogging is an acquired habit, like any other. =D

Well, saw the doc, but still not many answers. He sent me for a battery of tests, the results of which will not be available for a while. All I can do is wait...some more!

Well, first post for this morning. I need a snack, so...
Ciao.

Day Finally Ends!

2006-12-06T22:51:00.000-06:00

Well, the day is finally over. Thank you, Lord, for time to rest! LOL.

Managed to get a doctor's appointment moved up from next week to tomorrow. My back and legs have been bugging me for weeks. Took that long to see a specialist. Grr. Well, here's hoping all I need is some meds and the proper exercises.

I can't wait to see Gene tomorrow. I have such fun listening to his stories. He gets a kick out of having something to do besides hang around the Veteran's Home and play bingo. We have become close friends.
Ciao.

Sigh...boring day.

2006-12-06T15:07:00.000-06:00

This day is dragging a big. It is only one, and I feel like I should be signing off the computer already. Typical Wednesday, I guess.

Well, I am not much for going on and on unless I have something substantial to say, so:
Ciao.

Well, I am back! LOL.

2006-12-06T10:31:00.000-06:00

I have returned, for the first time in over a year. 2007 is fast approaching.

I have moved to a new home with my family. It is very pretty, and much larger than our old house. Get this though: my new bedroom is smaller! Still wondering how that happened.

Well, I am working, so this first entry will have to be short. Catch everyone later,
Ciao.

OTR 9

2005-08-06T17:37:00.000-05:00

Classroom Now

2005-08-04T14:35:00.000-05:00

Classroom Now

Another late night....

2005-08-03T23:56:00.000-05:00

I will be turning in soon. Today was a comedy of errors, so to speak. I got up late, and one thing after another delayed my return to help my friend. I finally got there after one, and we put up a bulletin board and a few other decorations. Some boxes got put away, but she has tons more to fit in her room.

My friend gave me a card to get gas with, and I headed home, after a quick detour to return my brother's textbooks to the college store. I have been home all day, and slept a lot.

Time for bed now, so catch you tomorrow,

Ciao.

OTR 8

2005-08-03T12:25:00.000-05:00

Another day....

2005-08-02T23:58:00.000-05:00

Spent another day with my friend. Her classroom needs a bunch of work. =) I actually went later than I planned because I could not get ahold of her via phone. I finally just went. She had left her cell at her house. LOL.

After some cleaning and rearranging, I accompanied her to a local school supply specialty shop to pick out something for her bulletin boards. We found a cute stage-theme and she dropped me off at my vehicle. Then, I went to visit a friend at a nursing home nearby.

I chatted with my friend for about an hour, and was so hungry I was nodding off. He invited me to stay for dinner, but the person at the front desk claimed not to have a key for meal tickets. Whatever. Came home, spent the evening on the computer.

Have heard nothing yet about the job interview.

Catch you tomorrow,
Ciao.

My Friend's Classroom

2005-08-01T14:26:00.000-05:00

My Friend's Classroom

OTR 7

2005-08-01T11:59:00.000-05:00

Headed Home

2005-07-29T14:04:00.000-05:00

Headed Home

OTR 6

2005-07-29T14:02:00.000-05:00

OTR 5

2005-07-27T13:29:00.000-05:00

Here again!

2005-07-25T14:55:00.000-05:00

Busy weekend. Lots happened, including my brother regrouting the bathrooms.....an on-going process.

I am back to job hunting again. Showed up at my favorite camera store when it opened this morning to apply for positions in three areas. Then, off to visit with a friend while trading calls on another job. Afterwards, I stopped by the other job place. Turns out, they needed some clarification of my background, so I sent them a detailed resume when I got home.

Now I am surfing the web, chatting, playing games, etc. I have a few ads I can send resumes or call about, so tomorrow I will have something to do.

Chat at you later,
Ciao.

OTR 4

2005-07-22T20:24:00.000-05:00

Worn out already....

2005-07-22T15:00:00.000-05:00

....and I have a full evening planned! A gentleman nicknamed "Geo" has been circling our state via bicycle to raise money for the local children's hospital. He came in this morning, so I met several riders who accompanied him on the last leg of his journey. We went 6 miles in ever-increasing heat, and the last quarter-mile or so we were preceeded by a cart with a camera crew and the street was lined with cheering patients, staff, and parents. Very cool. The other riders and I peeled off-camera as Geo was interviewed by the local news.

Turned out, all the other riders had parked near the finish. I had the long--by now super-hot--ride back by myself. I made it to my car by fifteen-til-noon, but I swear I hit every stoplight, stopsign, and intersection between my car and my noon luncheon. Took me 20 minutes for a five minute drive. I was late. Urgh!

My luncheon was fun. I am home now, resting before I join my friends at the water park. Only a few minutes before I have to get ready, so I will add more later,
Ciao.

Nearly the weekend....

2005-07-21T20:39:00.000-05:00

Went food shopping today, with it threatening to rain. Never really did. Just spit some. Got everything we needed. My local general store rearranged stuff so much, I never know where I will find it on each trip! lol

Watched a particularly interesting episode of "ER" this morning. Called "The Lost", the staff gets a call that Dr. Kovac has been killed. Carter is so freaked out, he flies back to the Congo to retrieve his friend's body. Between Carter's frantic search are flashbacks to a couple weeks before, when Carter returned to the US and left Kovac behind at a rural clinic. Back and forth it went, Carter getting further and further inland, and time drawing closer in the flashbacks. Toward the end, Kovac was sick with malaria and fleeing with any wounded who could walk or be carried. Carter was led closer to the area that Kovac's id was recovered from. Finally the tension reached a peak with Carter entering a makeshift morgue and the flashback showing Kovac captured, with his fellow prisoners being dragged off and shot one-by-one.

Kovac was the only one left, and he began praying in his native language. The rebels noticed a cross on his id and started asking if he was a priest. The woman who gave him the cross yelled that he was. Kovac was paying zero attention to the yelling, but the some of the rebels ended up praying with him. Carter found him a couple days later, alive but still pretty ill from the malaria. Best tension builder I have seen in a while!

Anyway, enough of my TV prattling. See ya later,
Ciao.

Whew! Busy weekend!

2005-07-19T23:50:00.000-05:00

Very tired, had a lot to do to make up for the weekend. My to-do list has been full for days.

Went shopping with a friend today in another city. She did not find anything that fit, so she is coming to my city tomorrow to see what it has. I enjoy spending time with her.

Well, it is very late, and I am tired. Catch you later,
Ciao.

Hard night...

2005-07-17T16:20:00.000-05:00

Well, let us just say my brother has pulled his upteenth stunt, and we have to make nice to him until the proof comes in the mail.

What started as a missing item turned into a major discovery--evidence of which was found in old bruh-duh's room.

My parents and I were up a long time, trying to recover from the stress enough to sleep. All of us were up till at least three am, my mother till after 3:30, and I crashed sometime after 4. Slept until 10:30. To make matters worse, this had to happen the day before my mom's birthday, which is today.

I do not know what to do with my brother anymore. My parents either avoid the subject or tell me to stay out of it/stay neutral. How the heck do I do that? I live in it! I am tired of paying for my brother's manipulative stunts and lies.

I can not wait until the proof comes, but I am afraid my mother will try to compromise again--and I will not.

Long evening...wish it were nicer out...

2005-07-16T22:32:00.000-05:00

Been raining buckets all evening, my family is coming back soon, house to clean, room to organize, and a brother to plan around. My day has been fairly frenetic.

Some movie watching today. Got to relax that way, at least. Back and forth from one task to another, and I still have more to do before bedtime. Better get to it, come to think of it.
Later,
Ciao.

Whew!

2005-07-14T16:20:00.000-05:00

Much to do today. Got introduced around at a potential job this morning, and have a bicycle club meeting tonight, barring these crazy thunderstorms.

Had to get up early, primp, and pick up my guide; drive to another city, walk a long ways to spend 20 minutes seeing two people, one office, and two staff lounges. Oh, well. Lay of the land, and all that. Got my resume into the boss, and will finish the paperwork once the job is posted on Monday.

I have much to do for tonight, so I better get to it.

Ciao.

Quick posting...

2005-07-13T17:50:00.000-05:00

It is storming like crazy, and the electricity is flickering, so I am making this post brief in case I get cut off.

Long day, got rejected for two jobs due to lack of relevant experience. Sigh. I have experience up the wazoo, but no one cares since I do not have their pet title. Enough already, people! Do you want experience, or fancy titles? Make up your mind!

Enough for now.
Ciao.

OTR 3

2005-07-12T20:27:00.000-05:00

Ah, too long since I posted....

2005-07-12T10:21:00.000-05:00

Been a very busy weekend. I have been working hard to find a new position. Sent out six resumes yesterday. Made one call, but I will have to wait on that one.

My family just came home from the market. Lots of goodies, which is great since we were out of basics. =)

I will post more later today.

Ciao.

Whoo! Long day!

2005-07-09T20:50:00.000-05:00

Went with friends to a cold water swimming hole at a picnic/campground about an hour from where I live. It was a blast!

Taught a friend's daughter how to swim--at least with minimal help. She was using a small floatation device, but to go from not swimming at all to that in a few hours is great. We ate til we were stuffed, and headed back. Even an hour crammed into a backseat with bickering siblings is no picnic, but it was tolerable. They played games in between my refereeing of their fights.

I am exhausted from swimming so much. I will be taking it easy this evening. Ugh, brother just came home. Gotta go for now.
Ciao.

Thursday

2005-07-07T19:45:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally managed to climb on my bicycle yesterday. Felt good. I have been off of it for too long. I will go again this evening. Too hot to go during the day.

Today has been good, job-hunting wise. Sent my resume in to yet another business, we will see what happens.

Well, no time for a long posting, so see ya later,
Ciao.

Middle of a short week...

2005-07-06T15:13:00.000-05:00

Well, it is Wednesday and very wet. Been raining since yesterday, off and on.

I went to see "Herbie: Fully Loaded" with my dad today. Hilarious movie, but it started so abruptly I could barely seperate it from the previews.

My mom is gone to another city for the day, shopping. I think she could use the break. My brother is still being a pain in the butt, and she can not let go and let him fall on his own rump. He is going to destroy someone's life before this is over, and I would rather it be him and not take anyone with him when he does.

Anyway, enough complaining. I have a good life, and I am responsible for my own future. Catch all of you later,
Ciao.

Another week begins...

2005-07-05T09:25:00.000-05:00

Well, it is Tuesday, but due to the holiday, it acts like a Monday. Shorter workweek, but still, more to cram in a smaller time slot.

The weekend was great, especially the holiday. Family came over, we ate way too much food and sweets, then my family and I stretched out for the traditional after-dinner nap. =) I must have slept for a couple hours. When I woke up, there was freshly chilled watermelon for dinner. Not bad, would have been better if "seedless" watermelons were actually so. This one had too many mature seeds.

I did not see any fireworks last night, but I did hear them. Living outside city limits has its advantages.

So far, I have emailed three people and faxed a fourth. No answer at the fifth, so I will keep trying. Phone calls to make, resumes to send, and all that lovely looking-for-a-job stuff to do again. We will see what this week brings.

Ciao.

Sunday

2005-07-03T17:44:00.000-05:00

Well, a holiday weekend. I was out with friends all day yesterday, so I am fairly tired. More friends and family coming for the 4th tomorrow, so I will be bushed before the week begins! lol

Been looking up organic gardening techniques for my mother. She is obsessed with not getting chemicals in our food plants, but we need to do something. The insects love to eat our pepper plants for dinner.

Well, not much yakking to do today. Guess I will write more later. Ciao.

On The Road 2

2005-07-02T11:19:00.000-05:00

My Great Divide

2005-07-01T14:27:00.000-05:00

My Great Divide

On The Road 1

2005-07-01T14:24:00.000-05:00

Been shopping with Mom

2005-06-29T17:49:00.000-05:00

Fairly long day. Tagged along with my mom to the nail place, the oil change, and picking up a new printer and other equipment for the office. In exchange, I got lunch, and I get to hook up the new stuff. Joy.

I am fairly tired at the moment, but that may be due to hunger. Dinner is still being prepared. After that, I will leave for my own nail appointment and to pick up some stuff, including a cable for the printer (which I personally think should have come with, do you agree?).

Not much of a posting, I know, but will have to do. Maybe I can sneak another one in later while testing the new printer. Ciao.

Tuesday and counting...

2005-06-28T13:29:00.000-05:00

Ah, lazy morning. Some checking on my favorite web sites, which including emailing a person who's site I have admired for some time, and emailing the writer of a news story in Maryland. Seems Maryland cops think that just because a cyclist was not hugging the right edge of the road, he deserved to be killed by a truck from behind. Sheesh!

I did email for an open position at a private school. I hope I hear back soon. It sounds really neat. Helping with communications and fund-raising is right up my alley. I also have tried for a technical writing position with a large company's local branch. Still in the screening process, it seems.

Well, I have things to do before my family gets home, so I will chat at you later,

Monday...again!

2005-06-27T10:36:00.000-05:00

Well, it is back-to-work day, or back-to-looking day for me. Fresh classifieds and a full week ahead to explore the realm of advertising for workers.

Eh, enough of my philosophizing. I am unemployed, and doing what every unemployed schlub looking for work does: read the classifieds, and call for interviews. Round and round we go, until another of us gets a job or a new week begins.

It is time for me to start on my to-do list, so see you later,

Ah, the day has ended

2005-06-26T23:58:00.000-05:00

Well, it is technically Monday. Sunday was good. My house cleaning got delayed a bit by my brother's impromptu poker game, but I have time tomorrow. Maybe I can get some help washing and waxing the car.

I have to be up early, so that is enough for now,

A new week

2005-06-26T09:52:00.000-05:00

Well, Sunday morning, a new week. Another go-round with the classifieds. =)

My weekend has been good. Lots of time with friends and family can be stressful, but it is also my favorite thing to do. Life would be mighty boring without companions.

Well, I am off to finish getting ready for the day, so check with ya later,

Wow, another long day!

2005-06-25T17:38:00.000-05:00

Just now getting to posting.

I spent the morning/afternoon shopping with my mom. She and my dad are going on a little trip soon, and I will house-sit. Great chance to "practice" living on my own.

Other than scoping out a print/scan/fax/copier for the home office, I have done very little today. Lots of reading, and I will call my friends later. I just hope my brother does not decide to come home in a mood. =D

Well, I have little else to say, so ciao!

Out for the day

2005-06-24T13:38:00.000-05:00

I am at a friend's house now, typing this up. Had an appointment just before lunch, then to her place. We are not sure where we will go or what we will be doing, but the afternoon should be fun. I will go to a picnic with several friends this evening.

Check with ya later,

Over the hill...of the week

2005-06-23T14:49:00.000-05:00

Well, Thursday it is. I do not have much to do today, except get on the phone. I was going to go shopping with my mom, but she cannot get ahold of someone she needed to see while we were out. So, the trip is postponed. I am all dressed up and have nowhere to go. =D

Tomorrow, I will accompany a friend to another town, then return for a huge picnic. Lots of people I know will be there. I cannot wait. The week passes by slowly when you have no one to talk to.

I am going to call a friend today. I have not seen him in a few weeks, but I thought he was out of town. Turns out, he has been home the whole time, so I will chat with him, maybe visit this weekend. I believe I will enjoy the new sitting area on my front porch while I do that.

See you later.

Late posting, I know...

2005-06-22T16:03:00.000-05:00

I was in a rush this morning. Attended the funeral of a friend's mom. Rather sad, but I got to see an old friend and his family. His daughter was so cute!

My mother is still redecorating the flower beds. She is going to put tomato plants between her flowering bushes. Who ever heard of that! lol Well, we can not put them in the backyard anymore. The dogs would have a field day.

Donated blood today. I have a highly popular--but rare--type, so I get called a lot. It is a good feeling to help people, even indirectly.

Well, enough babbling for now. Catch you later.

Another Scam...=)

2005-06-21T18:01:00.000-05:00

Well, the insurance "opportunity" was exactly as I suspected. Spend money to make money. I do not have money to spend! =)

I did get my foot in on a sales job at a women's boutique. That might work out. One of my friends shops at the store, and she loves it.

I have arranged to visit the local Red Cross tomororow. I have an extraordinarily rare blood type, especially given the fact that only 3% of the population donates...ever! We need a lot more. A Red Cross volunteer told me that supplies are so low, they sometimes have to recruit donors in the middle of the night for a critically ill infant or other person. That is sad.

Well, have a great day, all and see you later.

Tuesday, but not Ruby

2005-06-21T10:20:00.000-05:00

LOL, a new morning. Mine was punctuated by the sounds of my family clearing old shrubs from just outside my window. What a way to wake up!

It is mid-morning, and my job appointment draws ever nearer. I have dealt with this company before--with little luck--but we will see how this time turns out. There are other places to go, other people to see.

Well, I will go finish my very late breakfast and get ready now. More on the day later.