Love It

I like this, quite a lot.

I had written a long paragraph on my feelings about the future--- but mozilla decided to close unexpectedly. So, its all gone now.... and I dont feel like re-writing it all again. So until next time!

Ps. Meags and I shared our birthday presents tonight! She got me Rory Ashton earrings :) and this Lily Dawson bracelet!!! 

If you are looking for fun, unique jewelry handmade by new designers you should check out those two above along with This ILK and Scarlett Garnet . Below are some of my favorite things

Makes Me Think

Stumbled upon this site... and it brought me to tears. Read and you will see why

-Today, after a 72 hour shift at the fire station, a woman ran up to me at the grocery store and gave me a hug. When I tensed up, she realized I didn’t recognize her. She let go with tears of joy in her eyes and the most sincere smile and said, “On 9-11-2001, you carried me out of the World Trade Center.” MMT

-Today, I returned home after being stationed in Iraq for 9 months. While I was still in uniform, I went into an ice cream shop near the airport to get a milkshake. The girl behind the counter handed me my shake and said, “It’s on me.” “Thanks, you didn’t have to do that,” I said. “Neither did you,” she replied. MMT 

-Today, while I was driving my grandfather to his doctor's appointment, I complained about hitting 2 red lights in a row. My grandfather chuckled and said, "You always complain about the red lights, but you never celebrate the green ones." MMT 

-Today, my father told me, "Just go for it and give it a try! You don't have to be a professional to build a successful product. Amateurs started Google and Apple. Professionals built the Titanic." MMT

-Today, I waited on an elderly woman at the local restaurant where I work. She left me a $90 tip on a $10 tab with a handwritten note that said, "I'm 86 and I can't take this money with me. So please spoil yourself with it." MMT  

-Today, I interviewed a woman who is terminally ill. "So," I tried to delicately ask, "What is it like to wake up every morning and know that you are dying?" "Well," she responded, "What is it like to wake up every morning and pretend that you are not?" MMT

ALL of these made me think or struck an emotion out of me. I makes me believe in people again, that we havent lost site of values and how to just be a good person.   

Music

Found this playlist on 8tracks.com, it is so relaxing. As the title states you could listen to it when you are going to sleep... I personally wouldnt but everyone is different. Which if you dont know about this website (8 tracks) you should really check it out here. It is quite simple, people make different playlists and you listen to them. I find that it introduces me to new bands that I havent heard of before but sound like other artists that I know and like.

I wonder if listening to classical music/soft slow music while you sleep can be more beneficial then sleeping with out any music. I know they state the mozart effect can help one's concentration and ability to stay focused, but does it have an effect when we are not trying to focus. Of course, I'm sure there are points to both sides. I know that music therapy works for many and helps me at times, but it is always when I have extreme feelings and awake.

Traveling

Found this photo while stumbling.... and it just makes me want to get up off this chair & go travel the world. So that I can go have moments like this of my own. To see the most amazing things & to experience everything there is. I know that the USA is great & I love living here. But it isnt the only thing that's great. So why not see/experience it all!!!

I studied abroad for a one semester in college & at the time it seemed like I would be gone for so long, but once I was there it was so short. This article captures what traveling is all about and I hope it inspires you to go somewhere new someday. So for any of you who like to travel or are thinking about it-- Here are a few websites you should look at!   --- How to travel for free   --- Couch surfing   --- Lonely Planet  --- Around the World


 Travel Blogs:
http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/07/11/how-to-travel-the-world-with-10-pounds-or-less-plus-how-to-negotiate-convertibles-and-luxury-treehouses/

http://everything-everywhere.com/

http://alittleadrift.com/

http://www.peacefulworldtravel.org/

  More pictures to inspire you!

My TV Shows

So, on sunday my tv show True Blood had their season finale. I can say that I was a bit disappointed with the whole season. I thought it was off to this great start -- when Sookie and Eric finally got together...... but then it just got too over the top. Too many nakie scenes, ridiculous situations, people with extra powers (who in the town in normal anymore?) and people that keep coming back. Hopefully next season they can turn it around a bit.




I can say I'm excited for the best tv show to return! VAMPIRE DIARIES!

Yay for Thursday!!

Halloween Costumes

 Yes, I know it's early! But I'm already thinking about my halloween costume for this year. Pretty exited!!! What got me started thinking/looking was a tweet by Bridget (from the Girls Next Door) --- who has come out with a halloween costume line, called Bridget by Roma. (you can view it here ).  Any who, this was quite a frustration last year because Sean & I couldnt come up with a paired costume idea for the life of us. 

Last year we finally came up with Mario & Peach 

This year, I really have no clue what we are going to be. I have a few ideas for me.... but not too sure how we can make it a couple costume.  Here are my ideas so far---

 Really like Bridget's peacock & ringmaster costumes

Looking up ideas on the internet didnt really get me anywhere, because a lot of the sites suggest the same things (Adam & Eve, Fred & Wilma, Doctor & Nurse, Cop & Robber...etc ) Also, I think it's silly for a couple to dress up as the same thing (example: 2 convicts). Maybe I am limiting myself but I think you should try to be creative with it.  A few good suggestions I found, were Flo: The Progressive Girl (love her) & the Orbit girl ("For a good clean feeling. No matter what!"). I also like the idea of Little Red Riding Hood or Tinker Bell. 

Sean, wants to dress up as something funny that is low key. But I like getting all dressed up & this is the one day a year I can have fun with it. So, I will prolly spend the next two months thinking about it. Hopefully, I can come up with some thing good!   Plus, i should start getting in shape... eekk

Found this video-- Love it!

http://www.datsucks.com/2011/08/04/guy-travels-the-world-and-shoots-1-second-of-footage-in-each-location-video/

Life Lessons

 Ran across this and thought I should share it will all of you out there! Enjoy!



Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:"

01. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
02. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
03. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
04. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
05. Pay off your credit cards every month.
06. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
07. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
08. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
09. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past, so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness, but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26. Always choose life.
27 Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Don't really miss any of these...

25 Foods You’ll Never Be Able To Eat Again

Food Buzz This is making me hungry and sad at the same time and I don't like it. What foods would you give your soul to have back, BuzzFeed?

Dave Stopera posted about 3 weeks ago

Edit Stats Delete

• 1. Crispy M&Ms

      
• Met its tragic, untimely death in the United States in 2005.
  

• 2. Pepsi Blue

   
• Discontinued in the US and Canada in 2004.
  

• 3. French Toast Crunch

   
• Ripped from grocery store shelves in the US in 2006.
  

• 4. Butterfinger BBs

   
• Finished its impressive run in 2006.
  

• 5. Sprite Remix

   
• Entered the grocery store of the great beyond in 2005.
  

• 6. Surge

   
• The Coca-Cola Company ruined soda forever when they discontinued this fine beverage in 2003.
  

• 7. Magic Middles

   
• The turbulent mid-90's took these delicious treats from our needy hands.
  

• 8. Ecto Cooler

   
• Despite initially being simply a movie tie-in for 1984's Ghostbusters, Ecto Cooler disappeared in 2001, forever ruining the contents of your lunchbox.
  

• 9. 3D Doritos

   
• Apparently the world wasn't ready for 3D snacks in the mid 2000's, and so this product ended its run all too early. I blame Avatar.
  

• 10. Crystal Pepsi

   
• This great experiment in color was discontinued in 1993.
  

• 11. Squeezits

   
• General Mills ruined snack-time forever in 2001.
  

• 12. Waffle Crisp

   
• Has all but disappeared in recent years.
  

• 13. Oreo O's

   
• The most delicious cereal of all time met its end in 2007. Except in South Korea!
  

• 14. PB Crisps

   
• As the Planters Wikipedia article (very trustworthy) states, these goodies were “discontinued for being too delicious.”
  

• 15. Four Loko

   
• The Man killed Four Loko in 2011. RIP FUN.
  

• 16. Josta

   
• The first energy drink ever apparently ran out of fuel in 1999.
  

• 17. Uh-Oh Oreos

   
• Apparently the product has since been rebranded in 2007… but it will never be the same.
  

• 18. Wonder Balls

   
• What's inside a wonder ball? Magic. And Nestle killed magic in 2004.
  

• 19. PB Max

   
• Discontinued sometime in the 90's because the Mars family didn't like peanut butter. Seriously.
  

• 20. Orbitz

   
• This ground breaking soft drink/floating dots hybrid met its end in 1997. Who cares if it tasted bad, it looked so DAMN COOL.
  

• 21. Mountain Dew Black/Livewire

   
• Despite popular DEWmand, these drinks disappeared in 2004, and more recently in 2011.
  

• 22. Apple Fig Newtons

   
• These delicious treats have disappeared without much warning in recent years.
  

• 23. Gatorade Gum

   
• Gatorade was the first to learn that drinks and gum don't mix so well in the late 90's.
  

• 24. Heinz EZ Squirt

   
• There is something just so damn awesome about colorful condiments. Or maybe just so damn gross. Either way, barf ketchup was discontinued in 2006.
  

• 25. The Supersize

   
• Phased out of the McDonalds menu in 2004. Just once, just one more time, I'd like to say those wonderful words. And then puke.

---- All I can say is I'm glad they discontinued Four Loko, Supersize Me, & Purple Ketchup.  But at times, my childhood memories are filled with Surge, Squeeze It's, & Waffle Crisp. Kind of sad they are no longer.

KAIA

My dog Kaia, is being RIDICULOUSLY cute right now! She keeps picking up her bone & throwing it high over her head. She watches it fall every time then will chomp on it for a few moments before she is back to tossing it up in the air. Adorable!  Not making this up.... she just started chasing her tail! I cant get over her!!! I love her so much!! Even if she is a princess and takes up 1/3 of the bed :)

The day we went to go get her in Indiana, She was a bit scared

Sleeping on the couch next to me

At Sean's soccer game

Found her sleeping on my pillow when I can home from work one morning

I know your first thought it she looks just like a fox and she is my little fox! Love her to pieces!!!

Job vs Social Media

Found this article while stumbling tonight and it really caught my interest, since this is a topic that was recently brought up at a work meeting.  here is the link to the article http://www.webpronews.com/judge-you-cant-get-fired-for-bitching-about-your-job-on-facebook-2011-09

Judge: You Can’t Get Fired For Bitching About Your Job On Facebook

NLRB sets a precedent for employee free speech on social platforms

By: Josh Wolford

It won’t take much time on a “funniest of Facebook” site like Lamebook or Failbook to find someone railing about their boss or coworkers, forgetting that they had friended them during some Friday night booze-a-thon a few months ago. The results are predictable – the beleaguered parties see the posts and hilarity ensues.
Although it most likely remains a questionable decision to vent your workplace frustrations on Facebook, score one for those wishing to express their problems via social media.
The National Labor Relations Board has ruled in the favor of 5 New York workers that were fired because of comments they made on Facebook. The judge in the case decided that the social media communications of the workers were protected by the National Labor Relations Act, which allows for employees to freely discuss the terms and conditions of their employment.

The employees in question work for Hispanics United of Buffalo, a non-profit that provides social services for the poor in the area. They coordinate housing, deal with domestic violence victims and operate a food pantry.
In October 2010, one employee posted the following status on Facebook -

LC, a coworker, feels that we don’t help our clients enough at HUB I about had it! My fellow coworkers how do u feel?

She posted it from her home computer, on her own time.
That one post triggered a flurry of comments, in which many of her fellow employees joined in the fray. According to court documents, one employee commented -

Tell her to come do mt [my] fucking job n c if I don’t do enough, this is just dum

Another posted a more in depth response -

Lol. I know! I think it is difficult for someone that its not at HUB 24-7 to really grasp
and understand what we do ..I will give her that. Clients will complain especially when they ask for services we don’t provide, like washer, dryers stove and refrigerators, I’m
proud to work at HUB and you are all my family and I see what you do and yes, some things may fall thru the cracks, but we are all human love ya guys

The woman at the heart of the post, LC, eventually joined in the Facebook conversation herself. After commenting, she complained to her boss, the HUB executive director. Text messages indicate that LC told the executive director that the Facebook discussion participants should be fired or at least disciplined.
A couple of days later, the executive director did decide to terminate all of the people who participated in the Facebook discussion (except for her personal secretary). The fired employees eventually took their complaint to the NLRB.
The official ruling states that their criticisms of an employee’s performance are protected by law -

Employees have a protected right to discuss matters affecting their employment amongst themselves. Explicit or implicit criticism by a co-worker of the manner in which they are performing their jobs is a subject about which employee discussion is protected by Section 7. That is particularly true in this case, where at least some of the discriminatees had an expectation that LC might take her criticisms to management. By terminating the five discriminatees for discussing LC’s criticisms of HUB employees’ work, Respondent violated Section 8(a)(1)

The Judge ordered HUB to rehire the 5 employees and to give them back pay, as their original termination had been unlawful.
It’s unclear just how important this decision really is when it comes to free speech and social media. But one thing is for sure – there is now an official precedent stating that employees can discuss their working conditions on Facebook and other social media sites.
That still doesn’t mean that it’s always the wisest of actions, however. Employees and Employers that feel miffed can definitely find ways other than termination to enact retribution for certain social media posts. Maybe the best thing you can do is double-check those privacy settings.



--- This topic I feel is extremely interesting to me, because many people use social media sites outside of work and for many making a tweet or facebook update about your day is quite common. Work for many is included in their day. Employers would prefer that everyone refrain from saying anything negative about the said company that you work for, but would they be objected if one said something great or was promoting the company. I would think not. I feel that one should be careful, because you may portray a wrong image of yourself or say something you might regret in a moment of frustration. But I dont think you should be told not to or controlled on your words/posts on social network sites an definitely not fired. One has the freedom of speech, but how far can you take that? So, where can the line be drawn by employers in their control over our own social network usage?