There is a new website in cyberspace that I wanted to share with everyone. The site's intent is for members to meet new people, discuss topics, ask/answer questions, read blog posts, post photos, ect. There are a few ads on the site (just along the top that I've come across) but it has a simple layout and it is easy to follow. The name of the site is, "Be Only You" and it is free to join. It is BRAND new so if you have a second, check it out!

Only You:
http://be-only-you.webs.com/

If You've Ever Wondered...

Bacon Popcorn. For the true bacon lover:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/caffeine/bacon/cf26/

And if that doesn't cure your bacon cravings... you can try this Bacon Hot Sauce:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/zombies/e6ae/

Literally, you can "inhale your chocolate":

http://www.thinkgeek.com/caffeine/wacky-edibles/e67f/?srp=1

Finally, an adult pixie stick....

http://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/giftsunder10/c0bc/

You though spam in a can was strange, how about a whole sandwich in a can?

http://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/giftsunder10/e9ed/

Speaking of Spam....

http://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/giftsunder10/ea1c/

A "Do-It-Yourself" wooden knife kit: Why?

http://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/giftsunder10/eb3d/

This item is actually pretty cool...if it's Halloween, other than that, I'm not sure why you would have this in your bathroom:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/giftsunder20/b9b2/

Because you never know when you may need to whip it out:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/9c42/

Unicorn Chopsticks, which I guess if you're 12 they're not so bad. I do like the sales pitch on this one though, "For a Magical Mealtime":

http://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/exclusives/e9ff/

This item is a joke but really, just creepy:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/plush/ea64/

Also, creepy:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/d1ef/

And lastly, I just have to throw in one more bacon phenomenon:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/caffeine/ce85/

What is the obsession??! haha Obviously the site is a lot of fun!! And, although there are many items that I cannot imagine anyone actually buying, there is also a TON of really cool items!!! To the geek in all of us, enjoy!

http://www.thinkgeek.com/

2012 - Year of the Dragon

Everyone around me knows that I have been PUMPED for 2012! Super excited and ready for a great year, I am over 2011!
Usually I check up on the new year Chinese horoscope. It started a couple years ago at work as a joke that we would all see what each year had "in store" for us and then it stuck! Well, this year I should have skipped the quirky tradition.
There are four areas that you can read a prediction on:

Career
Love
Money
Health
The first three were so-so, no big promises or gleams of optimism. Rather bleak in fact. Mostly they just said to play it safe, not take chances, and "follow the guidance of the Dragon" blah, blah, blah...
Then I got to the last category.

"Health: There is an Unlucky Star showing in health area. That's a sign of injury. Therefore, Horse people need to pay attention the safety at work, to drive carefully on the road and to avoid conflict with strangers. Also, if Horse people have physical fights with others or do dangerous sports (like mountain climbing, car racing, diving, ski or even riskier activities), it might cause a bloody injury. Some fortunetellers suggest that doing a blood donation or teeth cleaning will help people escape accidents or injuries. Also, Horse people shouldn't ignore their health in 2012. Otherwise, a hospital door is opening for you."

So..I guess I'll be staying home in 2012.

13 Rules for Relationships

1.) Have TVs in separate rooms so there is never any fighting.
2.) No cell phones at home.
3.) No facebook or email after dinner.
4.) Attend church regularly.
5.) Let things go.
6.) No "Bridezillas".
7.) No "Jersey Shore".
8.) No antagonizing.
9.) No name calling or using the word "hate".
10.) Pick your battles.
11.) Pay all bills and set savings amt. aside on payday. Don't wait or leave finances undone into the next week.
12.) No yelling, ever. Walk away when you feel yourself going there.
13.) Always kiss and make-up.

WANTED - Part #2

In response to the infamous Crapper, the Quality Dept. has posted these signs. Be warned, this malicious behaviour is not being taken lightly.

Hey just letting everyone know my ATT.Net add is no longer!

Please send emails to my Gmail add!

Thanks!

Hope everyone is enjoying this SUUUUUMMMMER HEAT!!!!!!

=D

I LOVE IT!

Thomas Jefferson

"When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe."
Thomas Jefferson

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."
Thomas Jefferson

"It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world."
Thomas Jefferson

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."
Thomas Jefferson

"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government."
Thomas Jefferson

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."
Thomas Jefferson

"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."
Thomas Jefferson

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
Thomas Jefferson

"To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical."
Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:
"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property - until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."

I think that John F. Kennedy said it best during a dinner in the white House for a group of the brightest minds in the nation at that time.
He made this statement: "This is perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."

The Things We Do for Love :)

We all know there are sacrifices you have to make when you're in a relationship. One of the big ones is taking an interest in something that your significant other is interested in...or pretending to, let's be honest. Guys, we know you're not always truly caring about that new Bath and Body Works scent, romantic comedy coming out or the Kardashians, and girls are def not excited about that talking baby commercial, new buffet opening, or that hiking and canoeing trip you keep talking about. (most of the time this is true anyway)
That being said...you gotta do it. You have to humor the one you love b/c you care about them, and you respect them even if you think that stamp collection or pile of scrapbooks is boring.
But that's not really what I'm writing about. Today I'm writing about those rare occasions when you discover you have an interest in something new. Something they love!
Girls, I'm talking about Sports. Now some of you I know can talk all the sports lingo and understand the excitement, frustration, and occasional tears associated with every sports season. Good for you.
For me on the other hand, it's different. I enjoy two sports, tennis and baseball. I grew up playing softball, I love it. I love the Indians and going to games. I love tennis too. I think it's exciting and intense. When Brandon and I started dating it was the beginning of baseball season. He went to an Indians game with me even tho I know it bored him. All summer he played tennis twice a week with me. Then came football season..and it was my turn. Now, Brandon and I are different kinds of fans. He knows the names of the players, the past players, terminology, strategies, names of the plays, rules, etc. I'm not really that serious.
Thankfully he is not an obsessive fan. Thankfully there have only been a few times when he starts talking about team facts, favorite players, and what his team needs to do to win..and those times are when I find myself wondering what I should say..."Oh, really?" , "I hope they do win", "I like their jerseys", "Wait, which one's that?"
But that was in the beginning. Now it's Super Bowl Sunday. The BIG game day. The one every other game leads up to. And his team is in it. They made it. As the VP at work says, they got invited to the dance. And I can honestly say I'm excited and happy for them! What began as an absolute zero interest in football has grown to somewhat of an interest. haha For the first time I am blogging on Superbowl Sunday (Hey, baby steps...usually I'm at a party where I socialize for the first 3 and 1/2 quarters) while the game is on and I actually care - and it's not b/c they're currently winning ( =D ) or b/c they have Aaron Rogers...but b/c when you put a little effort and a little interest into something that your significant other is interested in., you might actually find out that you like it too!
Aaaand also, it's not brain surgery that when the person you're with is happy, you're happy!

So, with ALL that being said....GO PACKERS!

Blogspot Asks...

"When you hesitate before hitting snooze on your alarm clock, are you being lazy?"

My answer is...

For hesitating? No, for hitting it? Maybe. But the real question is, how alert are you? Because usually you're in that groggy, kind of hazy state of mind when your alarm goes off because you're not fully awake, and since you can't possibly make a clear decision in that state, how can you be being lazy?

My fav random question. :)

Stage 8 of Christmas - The Last Minute Scrambling

Last night at 11 o'clock I found myself in Walmart...for a luffa and a giftcard.

IT WAS PACKED!!!

I couldn't believe it, I knew it would be busy but these lines went from the front check outs back to lawn and garden in one direction and health and beauty in the other lol We used the electronics check out which was a little bit better but still, a lot of people had the same idea!

Great sales though!!! haha It was hard for me to resist all the $5 and $6 DVDs!!!

It was nice that the cashier had a sense of humor and was friendly because people were so rude lol and I was so tired...

One woman had her son saving her place in line while she went to get more stuff...she came back with the most random things. A candle, cookies dough, an outfit for a little girl, a CD, and that was all I could see before it would have qualified as staring. haha
I did check out everyone's goods while waiting and I was surprised how many people were calling the store and asking if they had certain items. Are you serious? The cashiers were answering the phone, do you think they are going to walk away from the lines to go and find whatever it is you're asking for? If you want it bad enough then get out and get it. If they were not sure on an item, they referred the customer to the online store inventory but when they knew something was out of stock they would let them know. Do not get mad if they tell you they're out of stock an item...it's two days before Christmas!

I'm so glad I'm done! =D I think that is really the last thing I had to buy! One more thing to wrap this morning then that is it - on to the gift opening!!

Merry Christmas Eve Everyone!!

Stage 7 of Christmas - The "Last Day of Work Feeling!"

Today is officially my Friday!
There's something about the anticipation of this day that makes it go sooo slow when it finally arrives! ;)
I am very jealous of those who have Monday off and even more jealous of those whose break started today!!!
None the less, I cannot wait to begin my holiday weekend!
Here's to a fantastic "Friday"!!!

Stage 1 of Christmas - The Shopping!! =D

I officially started Christmas shopping today!!

Placed my first order online!!! Very excited for things to start arriving!

lol I love presents! Even when they're for other people!!

Has anyone else started?? What is the status of your shopping?

There's only a little over a month left!!

"The Time Is Now"

Wanted to share this from 'Dear Abby' today! Remember to cherish the time you have and the people you have to share it with! Don't wait until tomorrow because there may not be a tomorrow!

THE TIME IS NOW

Author Unknown

If you are ever going to love me,
Love me now, while I can know
The sweet and tender feelings
Which from true affection flow.
Love me now
While I am living.
Do not wait until I'm gone
And then have it chiseled in marble,
Sweet words on ice-cold stone.
If you have tender thoughts of me,
Please tell me now.
If you wait until I am sleeping,
Never to awaken,
There will be death between us
And I won't hear you then.
So, if you love me, even a little bit,
Let me know it while I am living
So I can treasure it.

Jane Austen Quotes

If you know me, you know that I love Jane Austen! Below are some of my favorite quotes from her!

"Every man is surrounded by a neighborhood of voluntary spies."

"Good-humoured, unaffected girls, will not do for a man who has been used to sensible women. They are two distinct orders of being."

"A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment."

"A mind lively and at ease, can do with seeing nothing, and can see nothing that does not answer."

"A person who can write a long letter with ease, cannot write ill."

"An engaged woman is always more agreeable than a disengaged. She is satisfied with herself. Her cares are over, and she feels that she may exert all her powers of pleasing without suspicion. All is safe with a lady engaged; no harm can be done."

"Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love."

"From politics, it was an easy step to silence."

"Give a girl an education and introduce her properly into the world, and ten to one but she has the means of settling well, without further expense to anybody."

"How quick come the reasons for approving what we like!"

"Human nature is so well disposed towards those who are in interesting situations, that a young person, who either marries or dies, is sure of being kindly spoken of."

"Husbands and wives generally understand when opposition will be vain."

"I do not want people to be very agreeable, as it saves me the trouble of liking them a great deal."

"I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle."

"If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more."

"If things are going untowardly one month, they are sure to mend the next."

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

"It is always incomprehensible to a man that a woman should ever refuse an offer of marriage."

"It sometimes happens that a woman is handsomer at twenty-nine than she was ten years before."

"Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery."

"Men have had every advantage of us in telling their own story. Education has been theirs in so much higher a degree; the pen has been in their hands. I will not allow books to prove anything."

"My idea of good company is the company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company."

"My sore throats are always worse than anyone's."

"Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed in love a little now and then."

"No man is offended by another man's admiration of the woman he loves; it is the woman only who can make it a torment."

"Nobody minds having what is too good for them."

"Nothing is more deceitful than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast."

"One does not love a place the less for having suffered in it, unless it has been all suffering, nothing but suffering."

"One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other."

"One man's style must not be the rule of another's."

"One man's ways may be as good as another's, but we all like our own best."

"Respect for right conduct is felt by every body."

"Seldom, very seldom, does complete truth belong to any human disclosure; seldom can it happen that something is not a little disguised, or a little mistaken."

"Selfishness must always be forgiven you know, because there is no hope of a cure."

"Surprises are foolish things. The pleasure is not enhanced, and the inconvenience is often considerable."

"The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid."

"There are people, who the more you do for them, the less they will do for themselves."

"There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart."

"There is something so amiable in the prejudices of a young mind, that one is sorry to see them give way to the reception of more general opinions."

"Those who do not complain are never pitied."

"To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love."

"To look almost pretty is an acquisition of higher delight to a girl who has been looking plain for the first fifteen years of her life than a beauty from her cradle can ever receive."

"Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves; vanity, to what we would have others think of us."

"Vanity working on a weak head, produces every sort of mischief."

"We do not look in our great cities for our best morality."

"What wild imaginations one forms where dear self is concerned! How sure to be mistaken!”

"Where youth and diffidence are united, it requires uncommon steadiness of reason to resist the attraction of being called the most charming girl in the world."

"Woman is fine for her own satisfaction alone. No man will admire her the more, no woman will like her the better for it. Neatness and fashion are enough for the former, and a something of shabbiness or impropriety will be most endearing to the latter."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Convicting Quote

Just recently discovered the work of Tertullian - a second century Roman lawyer - and love how his words still apply today.
This quote was shared with me and I am passing it along!


"They praise what they know, they abuse what they are ignorant of, and they inspire their knowledge with their ignorance; though in fairness, you should rather judge of what is unknown from what is known, than what is known from what is unknown" (Tertullian, Apology, 21 - Speaking to the Romans at the time).

In modern English...he is saying that a wise person should make judgements on what he chooses to believe in on things he has already accepted as known truths to him.
In contrast, the foolish man who makes beliefs on things not even proven or known yet, but merely desire practically or blind faith so to speak.

For those of you who do not know, Tertullian gave his life to the cause of Christ.

Just a reminder that in this age esp., we need to be much more independent and proactive of our faith. Be ready to answer not only, "What do you believe?", but also, "Why?".

Love This!

"Dont wait for the perfect moment.

Take the moment, and make it perfect!"

Chicago vs. Cleveland

GAAA - This is all I have heard last night & this morning... the game, the game, the game...

*sigh*

Doesn't anyone know Baseball season started?!

All I'm thinking is... All those guys, running around. One basket. One ball. - Can no one make the connection?
And so adds to my confusion over how people can sit thru an entire game of basketball. I have no idea what is going on, simply appears to be chaos with everyone running around...
I'm sleeping half way thru... or waiting for a commercial break b/c at least those are entertaining... (and the people aren't sweating...usually.)

Why I Like Morning Workouts...

People always tell you that after a workout they feel "refreshed", "youthful", & "empowered" .

FYI: They Lie.

In truth, you feel "exhausted", "old", & "very out-of-shape"

That's just if I could put it into my own words based on my own experience...
HOWEVER - there is no feeling better than at the end of the day, knowing that even if you did nothing else... you went to the gym.

You got up, got dressed, drove somewhere, and you were sweating. These all add up to one great accomplishment: DISCIPLINE.

I find the hardest part is getting out of bed. Getting dressed. and leaving my house while the rest of the world is sleeping.

After that: it's all down-hill.

That burst of energy you get when you arrive back at home, bright-faced and ready for whatever work challenges come your way, makes it all worth it. You may feel sluggish, run-down, and down-right disgusting from the amount of sweat you are releasing while during the work-out, it's the AFTER feelings that make it worth it.

So later, when you're at work and people come in complaining about their lack of sleep b/c they stayed up till four playing solitaire, "farmville", "yoville" or any other kind of "ville" on the computer or b/c they had to leave early to get gas, breakfast, or a coffee fix on their way to work - you can smile b/c you've been up for hours already & actually accomplished something. Its like you have a head start on the day!

When you get home after work you can relax guiltless b/c you showed your true commitment to being healthy. (or for getting rid of the extra weight from that box of doughnuts you ate last week) ...(or *cough* loaf of bread if you're me...)

Nothing beats it. It clears your head, helps you gather your thoughts, lets you get a game-plan for the day, and best of all - you're not battling the teeny-boppers for a treadmill after work...

Also, I find it a fantastic release.

;)

A Few of Everyone's Favorite Things! ;)

I read a great article on Shine today called "101 Small Pleasures You Can Enjoy Everyday", (by Sarah McColl - link is below!), and I thought I'd share a couple of my favs!

coloring (come on, admit it... ;p )
crisp cotton sheets
soft skin
sleeping in
an exercise endorphin high
a perfect cup of coffee
a genuine compliment (given or receiving)
a handwritten letter
singing in the shower (or just singing in general!)
a home cooked meal
laughing
your fav song!
saying "thank you"
whipped cream
a novel you can get lost in
clean laundry
finding the perfect piece of clothing...on sale. =D
a long walk that clears your head
happy endings....even if they're fictional
white, fluffy towels
sunshine (esp. when you live in OH!!!) ;)
a great hair day w/no effort.
the perfect taco
cheesy, uplifting musicals (w/smiles and dancing and everything!) =D haha
the smell of gasoline
great stories
love letters
a pull through parking space
sitting at the counter at an old-fashioned diner
girl scout cookies
flossing
hot chocolate (w/whipped cream!)
old photographs
a new magazine in the mail
bacon and pancakes cooking on a Saturday morning

So these are my favs! Anyone have any to add?

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/101-small-pleasures-you-can-enjoy-every-day-1125425/;_ylt=AjgRVlBtpOduB_MAD9K5KhBdbqU5

"Tebow Super Bowl ad: What's so controversial about one woman's choice?"

I saw this blog post on Yahoo! Shine and thought I would share!
All that controversy...over someone wanting to share their personal choice! People taking so much offense to it speaks louder than the commercial...


http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/tebow-super-bowl-ad-what-amp-39-s-so-controversial-about-one-woman-amp-39-s-choice-618261/