2015

This blog is currently under construction/updating but I do plan on getting back into the blogging world in the near future. I hope this year is treating you all well!
Hugs, Nicole

Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year!

Warning Signs of An Abuser

Dear Abby posted these today and I thought I would share. It's very important that if you or someone you know is with someone exhibiting these traits that you contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or http://www.thehotline.org/.


Don't become a statistic after it's too late - and don't think that you can change them!

(1) PUSHES FOR QUICK INVOLVEMENT: Comes on strong, claiming, "I've never felt loved like this by anyone." A n abuser pressures the new partner for an exclusive commitment almost immediately.
(2) JEALOUS: Excessively possessive; calls constantly or visits unexpectedly; prevents you from going to work because "you might meet someone"; checks the mileage on your car.
(3) CONTROLLING: If you are late, interrogates you intensively about whom you talked to and where you were; keeps all the money; insists you ask permission to go anywhere or do anything.
(4) UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: Expects you to be the perfect mate and meet his or her every need.
(5) ISOLATION: Tries to isolate you from family and friends; accuses people who are your supporters of "causing trouble." The abuser may deprive you of a phone or car, or try to prevent you from holding a job.
(6) BLAMES OTHERS FOR PROBLEMS OR MISTAKES: It's always someone else's fault if something goes wrong.
(7) MAKES OTHERS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS OR HER FEELINGS: The abuser says, "You make me angry" instead of "I am angry," or says, "You're hurting me by not doing what I tell you."
(8) HYPERSENSITIVITY: Is easily insulted, claiming hurt feelings when he or she is really mad. Rants about the injustice of things that are just a part of life.
(9) CRUELTY TO ANIMALS OR CHILDREN: Kills or punishes animals brutally. Also may expect children to do things that are far beyond their ability (whips a 3-year-old for wetting a diaper) or may tease them until they cry. Sixty-five percent of abusers who beat their partners will also abuse children.
(10) "PLAYFUL" USE OF FORCE DURING SEX: Enjoys throwing you down or holding you down against your will during sex; finds the idea of rape exciting.
(11) VERBAL ABUSE: Constantly criticizes or says blatantly cruel things; degrades, curses, calls you ugly names. This may also involve sleep deprivation, waking you with relentless verbal abuse.
(12) RIGID GENDER ROLES: Expects you to serve, obey, remain at home.
(13) SUDDEN MOOD SWINGS: Switches from sweet to violent in minutes.
(14) PAST BATTERING: Admits to hitting a mate in the past, but says the person "made" him (or her) do it.
(15) THREATS OF VIOLENCE: Says things like, "I'll break your neck" or "I'll kill you," and then dismisses them with, "Everybody talks that way," or "I didn't really mean it."

Please feel free to pass this on!

Residents of Ohio - Put Down Your Phones

Watch out Ohians: The texting ban went into effect today. As for minors, you can't even talk on the phone. I'm glad we're fixing real issues in the Buckeye state... Chances are if you need to be told to put your phone away because it's too distracting for you and you're not paying attention to the ton of engine and parts you're sitting in, then you probably shouldn't be driving. Sending a quick text or typing something out is no worse than eating while driving or changing the radio station. If you can't do it, don't. Why do you need the government to tell you not to? I guarantee my food has distracted me more than my phone ever has in the car. As I'm sure anyone who has tried to eat a taco on the go will agree with. Self monitoring caused me to not eat taco bell when I'm driving again because I now know I will be paying more attention to the toppings and sauce dripping than the car in front of me but then again maybe I won't stop, maybe I'll just wait for the eating ban.

Martin Luther King Jr.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I wanted to share my top three favorite quotes from him. He was for equality for all men and women, regardless of race or creed. He stood up for what he knew was right. A man should be known for his character and integrity and given a chance to prove that he has both of those. 

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - 1963

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." - 1963

"I do not determine what is right and wrong by looking at the budget of my organization or by taking a Gallup poll of the majority opinion." - 1967

What I Learned In 2012

For the past couple years now I have written a post sharing what I learned in the previous year and how it changed me or relates to how I will go forward in life. As I was thinking over the past year I realized it would be harder in 2012 than previously. So much has happened from major disappointments to shock, to joy. Trying to pick the biggest lesson from the year was difficult for me but I think I can sum it up to say that no matter what happens around you to stay strong and confident that the best is yet to come. Don't worry, I will spare you a lengthy melodrama or too many cheesy remarks. 
Hope is a powerful thing, always believe that your life can be improved. Whether it's your mental or physical health, happiness, or dealing with a tragedy, we must learn to take it in stride. Know yourself and process your emotions. Reach forward either by focusing on the future and what you're going to change or do, or reach out to others. No matter what is happening there is always someone going through something worse. There is always someone with less blessings, less family, less money, etc. All we have to do is remember the victims or Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy to understand this. 

We need to strive for peace, always. Whether it's local or abroad. A small or a large scale. Little things can make a big difference. No matter how chaotic things get in our lives, don't forget the big picture. It's worth working towards!
And lastly, I have learned to recognize those that are true friends. This past year, more than ever, I have appreciated those who stand with me and beside me. Those who have made me laugh in spite of tears, pray through the tears, and be to thankful through the tears. Those who have put me first when I needed it. Those who have read my blog hahaha even when there is nothing worth reading! Those who have tested my new recipes a.k.a. experiments. :) Those who I have spent so much time with and made so many memories with that I hope I never forget. Shows, concerts, dinners, movies, or just sitting and talking. 
I hope that everyone has at least one friend in their lives that they can list these things about, that they can count on. I know I have more than one and for that I am eternally grateful.
I am looking forward to an awesome 2013 and I truly wish you all the best that life has to offer!!
As always, thanks for reading and HAPPY NEW YEAR! 



And if you're really interested, here's look back at one of the last posts of 2010 and 2011:

2010 
2011

Happy New Year!

Here's to another year! 

Wishing you and your families all the best in 2013!

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!! I know I did! For those fellow travelers who go home for Christmas each year you know that the most fun is not opening your gifts, but "sorting the loot". That time when you get home and you're unpacking and finding new "spots" for everything. If your house is anything like my house, when opening gifts you don't really have time to LOOK at what you got or play with anything. There's always family you want to visit with, food to cook and then eat, clean up, catching up and playing games :) All the things that make the holiday special, not just "what you got". But I must admit last night when going through all my presents I realized that is one of my favorite times. Trying on the clothes I got, planning my week of new jewelry, playing with the Kindle Fire that I totally was not expecting, oohing and ahhing over my new cowgirl boots and thinking of all the things I'm going to wear them with.  Running around turning on all my Christmas lights and decorations, watching Elf, and generally just enjoying the Christmas spirit and being home. There's something about being "home". I think no matter how old you are, wherever home is for you or whether you go for the day or the afternoon, there's something nostalgic about being home on Christmas. I am so thankful for all I received and the things I was able to give, the time spent with my family and friends and that the snow held off until I was safely home. 

Hoping you and yours enjoyed just as wonderful of a holiday :)

Newtown, CT School Shooting - Remember the Victims (12/14/2012)

As tragic and as heartbreaking as what happened in Connecticut on Friday was, I am baffled by some people's response that gun control is the answer. As long as the world has been, there has always been evil. There has always been mentally disturbed individuals, individuals with a twisted outlook on life and those who they view as responsible for what has happened to them. Individuals who are selfish, spiritually with no guidance or accountability to other human beings or a sense of morals. This is devastating to me that we, as a society, would glorify these individuals by parading them across our T.V.s and news feeds and then that we would blame the guns and wonder "How could this happen?"

When a drunk driver goes the wrong way on the highway and kills a dozen people, we do not turn around and try to take away every one's right to drive or own a car. We punish that individual. We grieve for the lives lost and families suffering, those who can send money to help with funeral costs or volunteer with charities who raise awareness of the severity of driving under the influence and what can happen when we act selfishly. It would be ridiculous to blame the car or all drivers because of the minority of people who only think of themselves and become murderers. 

Let us stay focused on the victims.

Let us not be blinded by our pain and shock into believing that this can solved by stripping away our Constitutional right to gun ownership and the right to protect ourselves. 

You can click  here to read about where to send donations to as well as a number for those who would like to volunteer. You can also go directly to the Newtown Parent Connection, Inc. site and make donations there as well as see about trauma support sessions for those in the Newtown area. 

You can participate in honoring the victims today by wearing blue and yellow/gold in their memory.

As always, thank you for reading.

Tis the Season - Online Shopping and The Greater Good Network

I wanted to take a minute to share this site for those who do some of their Christmas shopping online. I just placed my first order with them and am very excited for my stuff to arrive! If you're already planning on purchasing gifts, why not have a portion of that money go to a great cause? Please check it out and consider placing an order!


The Greater Good Network


The above link will take you to the Breast Cancer Site Store but along the top of the page you can choose another cause from the Greater Good Network of options that's important or special to you!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Find out more information, donate, or find a Making Strides Walk near you by clicking the link below:

Making Strides 2012

This is why I think Romney is a better man than Obama. I am big on government office being a public service position. It should never have been turned into a career or way to work a few years and be paid for your entire life. In the country's infancy these positions were considered a sacrifice. Those seeking a position in politics should be doing it for the betterment of the country. Because you believe in making a difference for the better. Nothing more and nothing less.

Response to Yahoo Article: "CEO to Workers: I May Fire You if Obama Wins"

There is an article on Yahoo today about CEO  David Siegel, (the owner of Westgate Resorts), stating that he will probably have to lay off  many workers and possibly even shut down his company if Obama is reelected and taxes raised. 

For those who aren't familiar with the story you can read it here.

The article brings up the true point that David Siegel is NOT the best person to speak on managing money well or not overspending simply based on his history and extravagance. However, he is 100% right with his prediction. A company cannot survive being taxed to death and  the email he sent is excellent! Although I don't agree with the part of his email that seems slightly whiny over how he eats, breathes, and dreams about the company, The average person is not going to feel bad for him. I can see why he felt it necessary to include it, to show his dedication and heart in the company but that's a sacrifice he makes to be where he is at and I'm sure the perks outweigh the benefits or he wouldn't be doing it. No one would. In spite of that portion, his email was dead on.

I'm happy to see this article! This is one of many companies in danger! Thousands of many who will lose their jobs. It's not just about free health care and making the rich pay a bigger share - you can't tax the rich to death and you can't expect the economy to NOT be affected. If businesses can't survive, workers can't survive, families can't survive. Think about the America you're leaving for your children.
I'm tired of so many people being mindless sheep to the slaughter when it comes to choosing leaders. WE GET TO CHOOSE OUR LEADERS. Do not take it lightly, many people do not have that option!

Personally, I do not like Romney but I like him better than Obama. I am wise enough to have researched what Obama believes and does and plans to do and who he accepts money from to the point that I know he is not the right man to lead our country. 

I wish that everyone would make an educated voting decision based on what is best for the country as a whole. Based on what is best for the businesses of the country and the future generations. Perhaps I'm being too idealistic but I truly believe people can make a difference. Every vote counts and we can fix the economy. 

Do not base your vote on one or two things, but educate yourself on both candidates and make the best decision for our country.

I Still Believe in New Discoveries

It's amazing to me how many people don't care about something until it happens to them. Personally, I believe that everyone should be involved in something they are passionate about! Something they care about. Something for others. Something that can make a difference, even if it's only to one other person. 
My friends and family know how important Diabetes research and funding are to me. I am hopeful that together we can make a difference and discover a cure in my lifetime! I care, not just because this disease runs in my family, but because Diabetes is more deadly than Breast Cancer and AIDS combined. This is a scary disease but knowledge is power. If we can get information into as many hands as possible maybe it will become less scary. Knowledge about advancements in research and how to manage it and live a long, successful life. I want every American to have that chance.
Every 17 seconds someone like me and you is diagnosed with Diabetes. Please help me by donating today.

Whether it's $5 or $100, you can get involved!

Please follow the link below to read my story and make a donation to the American Diabetes Association:

http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/Events/General?px=5227937&pg=personal&fr_id=8373&s_src=signature&s_subsrc=step2012

2012 ADA Walk for a Cure!

It's that time of year again!! I am so excited to have been a part of all the strides that have been made since I first became an advocate in 2010. THANK YOU to all those who have supported in the past by walking and/or donating!! I appreciate it so much! Every little bit helps in the fight! Raising awareness is so important! Not only is diabetes a life-altering disease, it is a life-threatening disease as well. Diabetes is more deadly than breast cancer and AIDS combined! That is huge! But we can ALL get involved in some way.

Please support me this year as I join others on September 23rd, 2012 to walk for a cure! All proceeds go to diabetes research. Thanks in advance for your help!


Click here to partner with me in the 2012 ADA Step Out: http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?px=5227937&pg=personal&fr_id=8373&et=JQe_q0NkKXHzxoyn2seZJg