Legal Problems

I've recently had the need of a California process server.  You see... I handle the collections at my work.  There are always those few who make substantial purchases that they never should have made quite simply because they can not afford them.  Sadly we end up having to file a claim with the courts and very often need the help of a process server.

Our greatest problem is that those who do not have the ability to pay... have the uncanny ability to run and hide.  We have one customer that we have been trying to serve papers to for over two years.  This sounds ridiculous and it is... but our attorney just can not find the guy.  He has checked home, work, hang outs, and many other places, but this guy is no where.  We get so close and then he just slips away.If he spent half the time he spends on hiding... on working and making some money to pay his debts there would not be a problem.

But there is an art to serving someone papers and it's important to hire someone who knows how.  Process servers have smarter solutions.  They can file and serve legal process extremely fast and almost paperless.

It's all so involved.  It would be so much easier to just avoid having these legal problems.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Water. Water. Water.

Professional skin care can mean a lot of things.  My mother has the most flawless skin I have ever seen.  So in my mind... she is a professional.  There are also the opinions of the famous... models and such... who make claim to their skin remedies.  And I'm a fan of water.

Your body needs water... so it makes sense that your skin needs water.  Your skin is made of cells and cells are made of water. Claims of the benefits of water include a radiant, healthy, younger looking complexion.  and there is always the added benefit that water helps your body regulate temperature, transfer nutrients, eliminate waste, transport oxygen, and countless other perks.

And now water has been taken to new heights.  There are countless types of water for your overall and skin health.  To name a few:

Acidic Water

Rose Water

Rice Water

Electrolytic Water

I think going along with water... and since water is organic and natural... using organic soaps and lotions without harsh chemicals makes sense too.  But in the end... I always turn to water.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Crazy Hair? Product.

I have what I lovingly refer to as crazy hair.  It is not silky smooth.  It is not straight.  It is not wavy.  It is not curly.  It requires product like, for example, Devachan Salon Curly Hair Products.

When my hair dries naturally it is all over the place!  It wings out in weird spots and in all directions.  It's not completely frizzy, unless of course it is damp outside, and then... well let me tell you... it's something to behold.  My hair is coarse like a horses tail and just as thick.

The only way I have been able to bring order to my hair is through extensive blow drying with a big round brush.  And following the penetrating heat of the blow dryer is the flat iron.  But as I said before... if it becomes damp or foggy... the sleek smooth finish is finished.

Devachan Salon Curly Hair Products allowed my hair to dry naturally by giving my weird wave a little curl.  Enough so that my hair looked a little curly.  And a little curly is better than crazy wild... especially when the hair products tame it all.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Grateful For HVAC

I have and endless supply of things to be grateful for... but at this time... this wintery time... I'd like to focus on warmth.  I always thought that HVAC stood for Heating Vent And Cooling.  Turns out it stands for High Voltage Alternating Current.  Never the less... HVAC Washington DC to HVAC Utah... I am grateful.

My daughter and I were recently in southern California.  The temperature was a fabulous 70 to 75 degrees each and everyday.  We really were spoiled with incredibly beautiful weather.  As we lay on the beach, my daughter simply said "I'm not going back."  I laughed... to which she calmly replied, "No.  Mom.  I'm not going back."

We did board the plane much to her disappointment.  We buckled our seatbelts.  We turned off our electronic devises.  Then we heard it.  The captain announced that the temperature in Salt Lake was 12 degrees.  12 degrees!  Later into the flight he gave us an update.  10 degrees.  And as we taxied to the gate after landing... 8 degrees.

All I can say is that when temperatures get into the single digits it physically hurts.  Seriously.  You walk outside and take that first breath and it is a big "Ughhh".  So I am very very grateful for my HVAC and the warmth it brings to my humble little home... especially since I have no intention of going outside.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Online Shopping? Love It!

I have slowly converted to doing most of my shopping online.  I think this is what has happened to most people.  There are several reasons such as convenience, selection, and shopping with a business that has a Billing System.

What could be more convenient than shopping in your pajamas, drinking hot chocolate, and casually looking through the various websites?  If you live in a winter cold state, compared to going out in the snow and ice, walking through the slush and muck, bundling up to where you can hardly move is so not going to happen when you have the online option.  To say nothing of the glory of having the item brought right to your door.

Selection can't be beat.  I was looking for a Belgium Waffle Maker.  I started going to stores when I was out running errands.  For the most part, each store maybe had 2-3 options.  Online, I have an endless selection.  No contest.

And when you shop online with a company that has a great billing system where they actually keep track of you.  Some people think that online shopping is impersonal.  I say "No".  How many times have you gone to a store to return something and they want your receipt?  Or they say they don't carry the item anymore?  Or, my biggest pet peave... they answer the phone and talk away to the customer who didn't take the time to come into the store?

Online Shopping.  Love it!

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

The Love of Aeron

When you spend the entire day sitting at a computer... your companion... your chair become very close company.  And I love my Aeron... Chair.  I can't tell you how grateful I am for the purchase of my Aeron Chair and how he makes my work days that much better.

I think the coolest thing about Aeron is that he works for any body type.  Really.  Virtually anyone... any size.  I'm a very fragile and tiny, 51 year old woman... and bony.  I have a fellow employee who is substantially larger... in the 250 plus range... and he loves Aeron.

Aeron makes your job easier.  It moves so simply and naturally.  And regardless of your posture or position, he conforms to you.  Aeron works with you... not against you.  Aeron has curves just like the human body and both work well together.

Aeron also loves the environment.  Another admirable quality.  Aeron does not hurt the environment... in fact he gives back.

1.  Aeron works with any body.

2.  Aeron has curves just like you.

3.  Aeron goes green.

And if that's not enough, then here's one last little tid bit of information... the Aeron Chair is actually in the Museum of Modern Art.  Yep.  That's right.  The chair is so unbelievable awesome they put it in a museum.

I promise... you will fall in love with Aeron too.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

You Gotta Love Signs.

You gotta love signs.  Whoever came up with the idea to create a sign really hit on something didn't he?  There are signs for everything.  One of my favorite segments on The Ellen Show is when she shows pictures of signs.  Her fans send them in and it is hilarious.

One of my favorites is a sign that reads "Absolutely No Gum!".  The sign itself isn't all that funny but it is posted above eight bubble gum machines.  Another is a sign that tells you to "Use other door.  The goose will attack you if you use this door."  And the goose is seriously in the picture!

Signs in the south are great.  My grandpa is from Arkansas and we have a picture of him standing under a sign that reads "Don't even think of parking here."  Another one from the area reads "3 Leather Shoes $75"  Only in the south would you find a need for three shoes right?

But Yard Signs are always good.  I saw a yard sale sign that read "HUSBAND CAUGHT CHEATING!" in large print and then below it "Everything Must Go".  We live in a rural area where there are farms that the kids cut through to get to school.  One farmer put up this sign:  "Don't Cross This Pasture!  Unless you can do it in 9 seconds... because the bull can do it in 10."

You gotta love signs.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Shaving Choices

There's just something about a nice close shave.  It doesn't matter if its on your legs or your face... it just feels good.  Your preferred method of shaving is a personal choice and most options bring about the smooth and feel good response.

A quick and fast approach to shaving is the electric razor.  I've known men who just keep it in their car for when they are running late they can run the electric razor over the face and be done with it.  It is also handy for those men who get the five o'clock shadow as soon as 2 o'clock and need a clean up sort of shave if they are headed out for an evening date or appointment.

The shaving cream and disposable razor is probably the most popular choice.  It's cheap and quick.  Most women use the disposable razor in the shower while bathing.  Just lather up your legs with the soap and shave away.  The warm water helps you get a closer shave too.

But for the true shaving lovers.  Those who not only love the feel of a close shave but love the act of shaving.  Usually there is the soak with a hot towel over the face first... and then... a soap lather applied with the short puffy brush.  Straight razor shaving gives you the cleanest, smoothest shave and feels divine.  It's an ancient art... but it's an art.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Traveling to Family

So many of my friends at work are from out of the country.  I love the diversity and the cultural differences.  My friends enjoy being in the United States, however, they have family back in their old country.

I will be visiting my Mother in a few weeks and I love the ability I have to just drive or fly down to my parents house and see them.  My foreign friends are not so blessed.  I have one friend who hasn't seen her mother in 20 years and it simply breaks my heart.  It was only until her mother was sick it was thought she might pass away that my friend was willing to take the risk of leaving the U.S. and going to her mother's funeral.  It's not that she was not allowed to return.  There is a mentality with immigrants who know how much better life is for their children in America and how it is a gift that they made it here... and they are afraid of never returning.

My friend needed the necessary documents to leave the country and passports in Dallas was able to get her paperwork completed in a day.  It was wonderful because we all know how long it takes to get your passport normally.  It is a frightening experience going to other countries when you don't have your travel documents in order.

My friend was able to see her mother and fortunately, her mother recovered, but I still feel for those who do not have the ease and comfort of being with family.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Click?

My daughter and I just got back from an incredibly fun trip to California.  We did all the usual things like Disneyland and the beach... but there was one activity that kept us laughing and is still keeping us laughing... and it was driving around town and on the freeway!

I grew up in San Diego so I learned to drive in California.  My daughter has never driven anywhere except Utah and those of you who have been to both states know that there is simply no comparison.  In fact, I think if you mixed the two populations... the Utah drivers would all be shot by road raged Californians.  Driving in California was fantastic for me.  My daughter was on her phones GPS and directing me as we cruised through L.A.

I was surprised by the few number of police cars out and about and then it came to me.  In Utah there is not a lot to do so we have policemen who camp out looking for cars violating the speed limit, or an expired registration.  In L.A. there is so much for a cop to do that they don't really have time to mess with petty infractions like going 10mph past the speed limit.  And then we noticed something...something that I may be paying for later on this month.

My daughter replied that she thought a flash went off like we got our picture taken.  This happened more than once.  And then it "clicked" that L.A. has camera tickets!  This was not existent when I was growing up in the 70's in California.  I hope this is not very expensive, but then again, it seems that camera tickets would be easy fight tickets... right?  Can a camera testify against you?  I guess we will see.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Forgiveness

My first thought when it comes to someone driving under the influence is zero tolerance.  If the penalty was so severe... for example... your license was revoked for life... I think we wouldn't have such a problem.  To me there is no excuse for putting so many people in danger by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  And then I read the story.

It was the story in the paper of a dui salt lake city... and a story of forgiveness.  The article covered the tragedy of man whose wife, their unborn child, his 11 year old son and 9 year old daughter were killed by a 17 year old drunk driver... and how this man was touched to forgive.

Everyone makes mistakes.  Everyone does stupid things at some point in their life.  Unfortunately we live in a society that feels punishment equals justice.  There's a belief that if someone wrongs you... they need to be equally wronged.  This eye for an eye, vengeful kind of thinking can not and will not bring peace to your life.  Kindness, forgiveness is the only attitude that will bring peace to all involved in a tragic circumstance.  The man in the article even became friends with the drunk driving teenager and has helped him deal with this tragedy.  This is the example we should all live by.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

A Good Scare

I had quite the scare yesterday.  Temperatures have been in the single digits lately.  It has been cold.  Seriously cold.  Well, yesterday, I went to turn the water on and got nothing.  Then it hit me.  I hadn't left the water dripping.  Even with my limited handy man skills, I knew that when temperatures were this cold, you had to leave the water dripping so your pipes wouldn't freeze.

Right away it was time for the Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service to park on my driveway for a change.  As he searched my pipes, everything upstairs had no water.  None at all.  I followed the man downstairs and lo and behold, there was a trickle of water.  I was thinking well maybe I hadn't completely frozen up.  Now this is why the plumber gets paid the big bucks... He asked me to please get the number of the city I live in.

After a very short conversation with the city utilities, it turns out that the water was shut off!  I had no water because the water was shut off!  I don't think I have ever been so thrilled to have my water cut off.  The little trickle of water downstairs was the little bit left over after they turn it off.

So life is good.  I just hung around and waited for the water to turn back on and then I am ever so diligent in keeping my kitchen faucet dripping.

That's usually what a good scare does to you.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Oh no... there it is!

I have avoided Facebook.  Years ago, my interest in Facebook was to just see all the pictures my kids were posting.  My kids gave me a page and then it all went crazy.  People kept asking to be my "friend".  Not that I'm all that popular, but it became a problem.

I always considered a friend as someone you talk on the phone with, go get ice cream or go to the movies.  There were too many friend requests.  I didn't have time to spend with all these people.  And then one of my daughters old boyfriends sent me a friend request and that's when I thought this whole thing was weird.  I'm not going to go hang out with my daughter's old boyfriend!  I explained my dilemma with my kids.  After that pulled themselves together from laughing, they explained the type of "friend" Facebook had in mind.  Still, other problems came about.

People starting "poking" me.  Asking if I "liked" something.  Wanting me to join a party or masquerade?  Again all of this was not in the physical sense, but rather on line.  I just turned off my account.  It was simply too much... but now I am considering going back.  Why?

I have seen so much about business facebook page design.  I am a very frugal shopper and I heard when you "like" a business on their facebook page, you get special deals.  You can keep up on the latest stuff a business has to offer.  If there's a See's facebook page, then that will bring me back.  Oh no... there it is!

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

It's A Pretty Great House

I"m getting a little nervous about selling my home.  Not that I don't want to sell it.  I'm more worried about it actually selling.  My house has many features.

I have a huge garage with a heated workroom behind it.  There is also a large storage room with shelves upon shelves.  There is an attic for more storage.  There is a dog run in the back yard.  I have a very large covered and lighted patio which is an extension of the roof over the garage.  Most of the homes in my neighborhood do not have a garage, so I know this is a plus.

The house has tile in the kitchen and bathrooms.  Both bathrooms are small, but have been completely refurbished in the last 5 years.  The house is small, but has five bedrooms.  This alone is perfect for a family just like mine.  Lots of kids equals not a lot of money.

I just need to get up the energy to pack, and fix everything up, and most importantly, list it on a website such as and opportunities homes.  I worry that the house does look lived in... I mean after all... seven children grew up in this home.  If I can fix the whole at the end of the hall made from a sweftly kicked soccer ball.  If I can fix the back of the garage that has been grossly underestimated as far as the distance from the front of your car when pulling in.  If I can replace the door with the hole in it, from an over zealous son who thought he would be heroic and bust the door down.

I think it's a pretty great house!

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

It will be here...

I can hardly wait for my move.  It can not be too soon.  To live with my daughter, her husband, and by then, two of my granddaughters will be so much fun.  I completely understand that we can't be on top of each other.  I understand that they will still need to feel like their own little family.  They will need their privacy and I mine.  But there will be those times that living under the same roof will be oh so much fun!

My son in law is in business school and attends two nights a week.  He is a great husband, great father, and a great son in law.  He is so good at thinking ahead, providing for his family.  And he knows that a Masters in Business Administration from DU will make him that much more valuable and worth that much more when it comes to his earnings.  All of this aside... when he is up at school studying... it will be "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!"  My daughter, my two granddaughters and Baba will be baking, watching TV, playing and doing all kinds of girl things!

And if my daughter is exhausted, Baba can take the babies downstairs and give her some needed rest.  I will bake cookies and read books with my two little girls and having them near will be so incredible.  It all seems so far away... but I know it will be here before I know it.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Curly Girl

I have a granddaughter with the most beautiful curly hair.  I know I am partial, but honestly, everyone who sees her comments on her hair.  And the most common wish is that they could have hair just like her.

She gets her curls from her Dad.  He has incredible hair.  You just have to touch it.  Even when he grows it out, it looks the same length.  My granddaughters has this same mystery.  It is not until you either take a pick to her Dad's... or take a comb to my grandaughter's that you really see how very long their hair really is.

I would love to use something like Devachan Salon Curly Hair Products on her hair.  I mean to use hair products to enhance her curls would be very interesting.  I have wavy hair and the curly hair products help to take my wave to more of a curl... although I wouldn't really categorize it as a full fledged curl... but it's definitely better.  It doesn't go all weird in every direction.  It has control.  So to use the product on someone with genuinely curly hair would be interesting.  I can just see her with this huge afro with soft brown curls and blonde highlights.

She's incredible.  I can't wait to see her hair in another 2 years.  I wonder if we will be able to tell that it has grown?  I'm sure it will be perfect.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Spooked

I don't know how it happens.  I am completely comfortable in my home.  I love my little house.  And I have never had any kind of issues... more specifically... safety issues in this house or this neighborhood.  When I am home alone during the day... no problem.  And for the most part... at night... all is well.  I can go down in the basement, out to the garage, even up in the attic and not feel any kind of apprehension.  It is just when I hear a weird nose, or some strange sound... I can get spooked.  And then this spooked feeling can escalate to being completely weirded out.  This is why I absolutely do not watch horror movies.

I tell my kids all the time... Look... we have nothing of value.  We are financially poor.  We have no stereo.  Our TV is from the Flintstones era.  I have no jewelry.  Our house is 1200 square feet.  Trust me.  If you were a burgular... wouldn't you want to go to a house where you could actually steal something of value?

But there are those times where I wish I had Home Security Systems Sacramento.  It would bring peace of mind to know that an alarm would go off... if my worked up senses really had something to worry about.  I've even heard that the mere view of an security system sign can discourage would be trespassers.

That seems simple.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Peel?

My daughter has a friend who recently had a "peel" done to their face.  When I think of "peel" I think of a bad sunburn and then the peeling of the skin from such a sunburn.  This is similar in that you peel, but it is so much more intense.  Her friend had this done during vacation because you have to allow 7-10 days of downtime.  And I'm talking not presentable, downtime.

This friend had lovely skin, so I was confused as to why they would put themselves through such a rigorous and intensive procedure.  There is prep time the two days before where you stop using any type of grainy scrubs, or any harsh cleansers.  Then you have to do a test patch on your face to make sure it isn't too strong and you get a chance to see how you will react.  To me this is the most important step.  It is safe to say that if this tiny patch does not react well, you can bet I'll be glad I didn't put the peel all over my entire face!

As scary as this sounded to me the results can be incredible.  Tca peels can remove dark spots, lighten age spots, correct acne scars, removes fine lines.  Not being one to buy into cosmetic sales, I was skeptical, but after I saw my daughter's friend, I could see a difference.  Their skin was clearer, more evenly colored.  They quickly added that it was all worth it.  I'm so glad.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Aaaah... Spring!

We are snowed in today.  It started snowing yesterday around 4 o'clock and didn't stop until sometime early this morning.  We live in Utah, so obviously we are used to the snow, but this time we really got slammed.  In fact, the schools are closed.  They are taking a "Snow Day" and I can't remember the last time we did.  It is maybe 8 degrees, and although I love being all snuggled up inside, you can't help but dream of spring.

Sure everyone loves the snow when the holidays are here.  We all wish for a white Christmas, but who wants a white January, February, and March?  But I say that without the long harsh, snow packed winter, I don't think we would all truly appreciate Spring.

Would the warmth of the sun, or the blossoming flower bulbs (planted last fall) really be all that special if we had them year round?  I think not.  I love the diversity of being all bundled up under a down quilt with a book and a cup of hot chocolate in the winter... to the blanket in the grass under a shade tree with a book, and ice cream cone in the summer.  A long hot steaming shower in the winter... to the cold rush of jumping the waves in the ocean in the summer.

Diversity is what makes life so wonderful.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

L.A.

My youngest daughter and I will be heading for L.A. baby!  She has chosen southern California for her senior trip and we both couldn't be more excited!  I have only one worry... She will fall in love with the area and move there permanently.

I took my oldest daughter to New York when she was a senior.  She had dreamed of going to New York City since the sixth grade.  We went and had a fabulous time.  This was back in 2002.  This oldest daughter of mine is still in New York City and never looked back.  She loves it there.  She met her husband there.  She had my first granddaughter there.  I have no regrets.  She was made for NYC.  It suits her and her family and I couldn't be happier that they love it so much.  And I have a great place to stay in NYC!

This youngest daughter is a theatre girl too.  In fact, we plan to hit Disneyland and then head up the coast to Hollywood.  I know that secretly, she hopes to be discovered sitting at some drugstore counter. We will have a rental car and will drive around looking at homes of the stars.  But what if she really likes the Homes in Los Angeles?  I know she will love the climate.  And she is going to positively love everything about movie and television studios!  She wants to see Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

I can see it now.  I will have children from coast to coast.  As long as they're happy, it's perfect.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

A Professional

Ideally, we all hope that bankruptcy is not in our future, but in this day and time the majority of us struggle to make ends meet.  And the cold, sad truth is that those people who simply owe more than they can afford to pay, also believe that they can not afford to pay for filing bankruptcy.

Absolutely, without question, there are fees.  The court has mandated costs.  For example, filing the paperwork with the courts alone is around $300.  The average cost for a Chapter 7, the most common type of bankruptcy is around $1500.  And the worst part of all of this is that people will think they can do it themselves and avoid attorney costs.  In my opinion, this is just one bad situation falling into another.

Bankruptcy laws are complicated.  You can also make serious mistakes that may put your home in jeopardy.  In fact, I wouldn't trust just any attorney.  It would have to be a bankruptcy attorney firm who specialized in this area of law like Kirkpatrick & Associates for example.  If you have reached the point where you need to file, then by all means do it right and really make a new start for yourself.

There are a lot of things we can do for ourselves.  We could give ourselves stitches, but we go to a doctor.  We go to a professional.  Filing for bankruptcy requires a professional.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

What Am I Doing?

I have five daughters.  All of them are beautiful.  I know... I'm their Mom... but truly they are gorgeous.  I am the first to say that they don't get it from me.  I'm average.  Not gorgeous, but not hideous either.  When the oldest four were all teenagers I thought we would have to move to the mountains.  Many parents joke about locking up their daughters, but I seriously considered it.  Oh I trust them... it is the men.  Happily, the oldest four are married and I couldn't be happier with my son in laws.  And it does my worry good to know they are "taken" by wonderful men.  But there is one daughter left and she is not making life easier.

She has many qualities I love about her... but it is the ones I wish she didn't have that give me gray hair.  She is tall... with great legs... curvy... beautiful face.  You see my dilemma?  She'll be eighteen this year and off to college.  She has two big brothers who definitely look out for her but where will they be?

She's oblivious and I must admit I am sometimes.  She's my little girl.  I stupidly got her braces so she has a great smile.  And I am so dumb that I recently got her teeth whitened at Genesis Dental of Salt Lake.  I'm crazy!  What am I doing?

I should have left her teeth all crooked and scraggly.  I should give her a bar of soap to wash her hair!  I should dress her in overalls!  I'm glad I have a plan for when she leaves for college.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Winter = Modest

Despite the fact that it is a mere eight degrees outside, I have to say that I love winter.  I love being all bundled up.  I love snuggling to get warm.  I love a hot shower.  I love baking and having the kitchen get all warm.  And I love being out and about and being social with people I don't even know.

That last one is weird, but with the freezing cold brings modest clothing.  How much easier is it to strike up a conversation when they are covered up?  When the girl in front of me at the grocery store drops something and I don't have to look at her underwear while she bends over with that mini skirt on.  Or look at the beer bellied man with his shirt unbuttoned down to his naval.  Bring on the cold and make people cover up the parts that should be covered.

Just look around and you will see that modest christian clothing can be stylish and attractive.  I love layering a button up blouse, with a cardigan, a scarf and then a great coat or jacket.  Skinny jeans tucked inside boots.  Yes!  Let me talk to people without having to avert my eyes in every direction.  In the winter we see peoples faces.  We shake hands.  And if you slip on the ice... no worries if someone tries to grab you and keep you from hitting the ground.  Chances are that in the winter... it's just a handful of sweater!

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Minimally Invasive

All of us have experienced different medical procedures.  The range from the simple to the more complicated... from the slightly uncomfortable to the downright painful.  And I am the first to admit it can be all in your head.  There is just something about the human body that we all cringe and feel weak in the knees when just talking about certain procedures.

I have a daughter who freaks out with anything to do with a needle.  A flu shot is like a heart attack in her eyes.  I have had numerous, numerous surgeries, but never had my lung operated on before.  The surgeon prior to the surgery mentioned that they would be giving me an epidural because "lung surgery can be quite painful".  Never should a surgeon state the level of pain BEFORE the surgery.  In my mind, it would be unbearable... like I had been run over by a car.  The pain in my head was far worse than the actual pain following the surgery.

There is something about heart surgery that scares me.  It is associated with the fact that I broke my sternum.  Quite painful but still not the pain that I associate with the medical description for "cracking a chest open" for heart surgery.

It delights me to know that since my heart is one of the last organs to never have had surgery, that there has been tremendous advancement in this field.  They have what is lovingly called minimally invasive heart surgery.  A world of difference from using the word "crack".  Yes.  If I ever require heart surgery, I will go with the experience and skill that have come up with the "minimally invasive" procedure.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Clouds

I love to lie in the grass on a sunny day and watch the clouds go by.  One of my favorite pictures is my granddaughter and I doing this very thing.  You know the kind of day... where the sky is blue blue blue and the clouds are white and puffy... and you decide what they look like as they drift by.  This is what I think of when I think of clouds.

My daughter, her husband, and I all work from home.  Just yesterday I heard my daughter discussing some issues she was having with their internet server and she said... and I quote... "the rest I put in the cloud".  Huh?  Cloud Vps Server Hosting is new to me despite the fact that I have been working through a server for the past eight years.

We have a tech person who handles our server and any issues.  If it is moving slowly, we call him and he "resets" and we are back running efficiently.  If I can't get into the server, I give him a call and he figures out what the problem is and presto... I am back in doing my job.  And if I get kicked out of our server, again, I give him a call and he basically gains me access again.

But never once in all these years has anyone mentioned "cloud".  I think I would have caught on a lot sooner had we used this type of terminology.  Clouds speak to me and are not as foreign as gigabytes, data processing, optimization, etc..

Clouds I'm comfortable with.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

A Hate and Love Relationship

I just barely blogged about phones and the constant interruption they are to our lives, but at the same time, I can not deny the fact that they are wonderful in the event of an emergency or to take worry of your mind.  I am grateful my children all have cell phones.  And although it annoys me to no end when they are on them constantly, texting, texting, texting, I am glad that they are aware of the status of their phone so they answer when I call.

When my daughter goes out on a date, I am glad she can call at anytime if there is a problem.  I am glad when she is out driving somewhere that she can call me if she has car trouble, or gets lost.  The lost factor is definitely the most frequent use of her cell phone.

And when I go on trips traveling to see my family or friends, I admit that I have a tiny sense of panic when my cell phone battery is getting low.  I don't know how many times I have gone on a trip, but forgotten the phone charger cord.  I ration the use of my phone so I can make it until I get home.  Just recently I learned that there is a Goal Zero Iphone Solar Charger.  This is something I need to keep in my car, in my suitcase, in my purse and then I will never come across the battery getting low problem.  I admit it.  I hate technology and I love it.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Don't Take It With You

I know I am going to sound like an old fart... but I don't really like cell phones.  They are intrusive, a constant annoyance, and yet handy in an emergency.  A good phone system is a must... but do we have to have it with us 24 hours a day, seven days a week?

I enjoy talking to my friends and family face to face.  I enjoy conversation over dessert.  But it is so intrusive when you are enjoying personal contact conversation and one of your phones go off.  And it just doesn't ring once.  You can silence the ring for the moment, but always, always, the caller will dial up immediately right after.  Even when the phone is silenced, you can hear the vibration.  And worse, is when you are trying to talk to someone and they text.  Texting should be outlawed... but then I do love it in an emergency.  If I have to get a hold of my children while they are at school.  If my car breaks down, it is great to not have to walk to the nearest phone booth.  Phone booths?  They used to be a thing.

Please don't misunderstand.  I love the phone.  But I miss the good old days where you had a phone in your home.  A good phone system at your work.  And I'm all about the improvements.  With software, power media, Dialogic data technology we definitely have improved our communications.  I want all of it at home or at my work.  It is crucial for businesses.

I just don't want to take it with me everywhere.  And I don't want others to either.  Is that so much to ask?

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Cooking, Shopping, and Chick Flicks

I had my daughters in town and this brings lots of cooking, shopping, and the inevitable chick flick.  This time it was My Big Fat Greek Wedding.  A great show where I bring something different from it each and every time it's played.  And I've watched this show a lot.

One of my favorite parts is when the Mom makes it very clear to her daughter that although the man thinks he is making the decisions, it is really all manipulated by the woman.  I think she says something like "the man may be the head of the family, but the woman is the neck and turns his head whichever way she wants".

I also love how her life is changed by her attending college and doing something she has always wanted to do.  She is independent and free thinking.  She makes her own decisions.  She is kind and loving to her family, but yet she knows what she wants and is not afraid to go out and try it.  She inspires her brother to take art classes which is a great scene too.  He creates Menu Covers for their restaurant and shows it to his Dad, who barely makes any kind of comment, but then he shows it to his sister and she makes him feel talented and successful.  The Dad is crazy because everyone loves a great picture on the cover of a book, a calendar, or a Menu Cover.

All in all it is just a great movie.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Shaving Today

Shaving has gotten tricky.  Years ago, and I realize I am in my fifties, men and women shaved.  Just shaved.  It was very simply.  Lather up, shave it off, rinse, and dry.  Simple.  Just look around and you will notice that today it is quite different.

Shaving has become an art form.  Seriously.  Look around and you will notice that we have got some serious designers in our midst.  A beard was once just that... a beard.  Now a beard is geometric, jagged, shaped, and designed.  And goatees are incredibly detailed.  It's as though we have created a new art form.  And a mustache can be a million different designs.  Combine the two... the beard and the mustache and the skies the limit.

We even have what is called a shaving store where you can purchase the tools to this trade.  I have to admit there are some wonderful brushes, kits, razors, shaving sets, etc...  I especially love the focus on skin care.  There are even special products for those areas where the skin may be more tender.  In the past, shaving my legs was a pain.  A hygiene regimen that was a hassle and time consuming. Shaving my legs has become more fun, more soothing, and nice.  And if I can avoid that razor burn in my arm pits, well then, I am thankful for the progress of shaving and the artistic endeavors it brings.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Amply Rewarded

There's no question that the more education you receive, the better the career, and income.  When I was young, a bachelor's degree was considered an incredible feat.  It assured you an excellent job, a significant and comfortable income, as well as, respect in your field.  Now, it seems everyone is going to college and achieving this goal and we constantly push and push for more.

A master's degree is becoming more and more common and it doesn't take much reasoning to understand why.  If you have received four years of study, where two of them were focused on general education, and two on your major, for example, business... this would be worthy of praise.  But consider if you were to spend two additional years acquiring a masters in business administration from University of Denver.  This would show that you have studied in great depth and you have focused all of your learning in business for the past four years.  The majority of your secondary education would be in business.

And the PhD extends you even farther into your area of study.  A PhD requires four to six more years of education.  It seems daunting and incredibly time consuming, but look at the careers and income levels for those jobs with a PhD requirement.  You will be amply rewarded for your time and effort.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Missouri

One of my daughters has a husband in college, who will soon graduate and then will begin dental school.  After that, he will have orthodontic school.  I am so proud of him, but it deeply saddens me that all of this is taking place in Arkansas... much too far away.

He is from Arkansas, and has gone to school there for quite some time.  He gets a significant discount by attending dental school in the area.  There is a tiny silver lining in that Arkansas does not have a dental school, but the surrounding states who do, will offer the discount as part of a good neighbor program.

I have a lot of family in the Missouri and Kansas City area.  If they were to pursue kansas city homes for sale, then they would be near family.  I admit they are near family in Arkansas.  Her husband's family is wonderful and extremely good to them.  It is pure selfishness on my part to want them near my family.  When I go to visit, I would not only get to visit with them, but my extended family as well.  I have been thinking long and hard about going to Missouri for next Christmas, and if my daughter and her husband were there, it would be wonderful.  And to say nothing of the fact that their first child would be born by then and I could snuggle and cuddle her for hours... days.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

My Pregnant Daughters

Two of my daughters are pregnant and I was able to spend a great deal of time with them over the holidays. They are both around six months along and so it was interesting to listen to their various issues with their growing size.  The oldest is on her second child, so she is all to familiar with the aches and pains with carrying around a growing baby in your belly.  The younger daughter, this is her first, so it is all new ground she is crossing.

They both pee all the time.  And there are of course, those times where they run for the bathroom, sure they are going to pee their pants.  And there is the shock of when the baby kicks directly to their bladder and the resulting "Oh my gosh!  I think I peed a little."

Back Pain is common for both of them.  I tried to explain that their bodies are not used to protruding a good foot straight out from their belly button.  They are both normally very trim, so their back I know are wondering about this added weight which is not distributed well.

We talked and rested and laughed at all the trouble their little growing babies are causing them and I smiled... the smile of experience.  Sleep is difficult while getting larger in your pregnancy..... but just wait until they see how hard it is to sleep when their little ones are out and unwilling to go back to bed at 2AM.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Too Much Sitting

It's the new year and naturally we all have resolutions, goals, ideas that we hope to implement in the future.  As I look back, I feel as though I have spent too much of my time relaxed.

I know this sounds weird, but I work at a computer all day long.  We spend 8 hours or more per day at work.  I am conscious of trying to get up as often as possible to stretch but at the same time, I realize my job requires focus where getting up and down continually would not be beneficial.

The type of chair I use truly does make a difference.  When I first started, they office was filled with gigantic pillowy type chairs.  In my eyes, these were chairs fit to sleep in, not to multi task.  A change was necessary.

My first thought was the Pilates ball.  I had heard that it helps you strengthen your core and legs due to the instability.  I'm sure it does, but the inner child in me took far more advantage of its ability to bounce... and bounce I did... a lot.

Ergonomic, user centered chairs such as Haworth Chairs provided me with a good posture, an alert position and mobility to move around my work station.  Now I am focused, alert, and feel like I am at work.

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.