Here's to your Health in 2009!

The infamous Jack Lalanne Juicer! This is one of my Christmas gifts from my 2nd son and his wife. I've wanted a juicer for a LONG time..and cheapie that i am I surely hadnt planned on getting one anytime soon for myself. I had NO idea my kids knew I wanted one. BUT...I guess they do listen to me...because they thought of this. Baldyman and I have been using this daily, and the juice is great. So far, I've had my first (dare I admit this at 50) Mango! I've also purchased my first Pomegrante. I love Pomegrante juice but just buy that--never the fruit. We've mixed these fruits with oranges or grapefruits.

I admit its not the quickest thing to do--and the clean up is somewhat time consuming--BUT when you look at the health benefits you cant beat it. You have to rinse all the parts of the machine with each use. It takes about 4-5 pieces of fruit for 2 cups of fresh juice...so its not economical by any means either. BUT....again...you cant beat the freshness of it or the health part of it. The Machine is pretty easy to use and take apart and put back together..its a process of less than 5 minutes. Most fruits dont have to be seeded which saves time--but I do remove the peelings because the juice is pretty tart if you dont. One thing Ive learned real quick as has the Baldyman--we now search high and low for fresh fruit sales. We change what we add to the oranges or grapefruit depending on the sale.

Hey, its one tiny change for Health,,,its those tiny steps that add up to the bigger steps down the road of life! Anyone going out for New Years---stay safe! See ya in 2009!

Monday, the last of 2008!

This is the last Monday of 2008! I still remember 2000 the most. That was the year everyone thought for sure something was going to happen because it was the beginning of the 2000's. The end of the world was talked about so much I actually got scared of bringing in that year. I cant believe its now been 8 years since that, the time is going by so fast, it truly is like lightning. A speck in time..that is really what our lives are all about. The older I get, like many of you I'm sure, we know what is important, what isnt. We know our priorities and what we want. The key is, can most of us get it? Some have obstacles they cannot control...I mean if your a single person who relies on your self, you have no choice but to sometimes work doing what you dont want to do...you have to keep a roof over your head. Some of us have children still at home that involves are time and resources. Some may have other life circumstances that will always be there, they just have to find a way to fit it all in. For me, my main obstacle is Baldyman is self-employed so insurance is an issue. If I leave my job--that will be something we have to figure out. I've always done what I needed to do--worked around my children, worked when we needed certain things, stayed home when we needed someone there....now at 50, I find myself saying to HIM,,,its your turn, find a way to provide what you and I need so I can finally do something I want to do--its not that I wont earn an income to help--but I dont want to do something I no longer enjoy or that drains the crap out of me. 2009 for me, is going to be about letting go of guilt and allowing myself to experience something that isnt such a robber of joy of my soul.

I dont have the normal goals of losing weight--although I surely need to, I think thats a process, we give up a few things--increase a few things--learn more about healthy eating and I do believe in time that will fix itself. I guess for me I could say--2009 is going to be--ITS ALL ABOUT ME! I want to be the best I can be--but inside..my soul, my spirit. Does that make sense?

Its our last couple of days of 2008, I'll keep sharing what I want to work on, I hope to hear some of yours also. What are your plans for New Years Eve? What are your goals for the year? I think tomorrow's thinking girl topic will be about my job and how I'm feeling about it...about how our life work can either be a gift in our life or a hindrance and how sometimes, our jobs can freeze us. I dont want to be frozen anymore.

Jan Giveaway Sneak Peek!

I'm going to have another giveaway myself! January is the always the month most of us rethink our lives--what do we want to accomplish this year, what do we want to change, what will we do differently, goals etc. Its a month of reflection and actions and even for some--non-actions.

I will tell you my goals--for one--I'm going to begin selling homemade body scrubs, lip balms and bath fizzes. I've been working on learning this for about 3 months now and have a LONG way to go--but I'm discovering how much I'm enjoying this and hopefully it will replace some of my full time income--as I plan to exit my full time job within a year or two. I simply want a piece of my life back...that is my biggest goal this year. I'm going to be a grandmother of 5 this summer and I dont want to miss any of it. I dont want to be tired anymore when I'm asked to help with the kids--or I dont want to be tired of camping and not go--when its one of my LOVES! I'm going to admit something here,,,I dont handle full time work very well,,, I just dont. I find the older I get--I cant balance like i used to. During the work week, I find its pretty much all I can do is work because once I get home, I'm just done. Part of it is the type of work I do, and part of it, is that my love has always been home. Sooo, 2009 is my transition from full time-into hopefully God willing, a part time job and a part time home based business. I have to earn money that is a given, but i plan on doing it differently.

Also, due to my childhood being so traumatic and other things in my adult life--I'm always been on a quest for peace and serenity. If I could describe myself to someone in one word it would be Serenity. Its something I crave and need so desparately. I cant see a picture with the words Serene on it and not want it--I cant see the word on something and NOT want it. Hence the rock in this picture. Sooo...my giveaway is going to be about Calm, Serene, Peace, and I will have gifts that nurture that in the business of our lives. This is a start..Calming Tea, and a Serenity Rock to place where you will see it--to remind you--STOP and embrace the moment, whatever that moment is!

January is a big month, a month of promise and desire! I'm excited for it!

Bird Feeder Deal!

I'm not much of one for After Christmas Sales, I dont like crowds and I'm usually broke or sick of spending money. However,,,yep theres always that however,, at our local Ace Hardware store they had some adorable Christmas things that were way to high priced for me. One was this little guy, a wood carved Santa feeder. He was about 45.00 which for me I just think is to high. Sooo, I went back to the store yesterday and found him at 75% off. That made him mine for $12.13 cents! I put some seed in him last night and placed him on the deck. He's adorable isnt he? I'm thinking of going back to Ace and buying the other two for gifts for next year. Ace has some unusal Decor for outside and inside, but its always such high priced things. I like the different stuff, just not the bigger price. If you have one near you, go check it out.

New Years is next up folks! I cant wait to post about what i want for this New Years--goals for myself and family. I cant wait to hear all of yours. I also plan on having a giveaway again. My theme--is New Years Change or Goals..something around that. Watch for it!

Merry Christmas!

Here is the calm--all the gifts unopened and waiting for their excited owners! Actually this looks like nothing compared to what we had--I had so many gifts I had them all over the house. The kids brought all their stuff over to--so you can imagine with what we buy for them and they for us--its ALOT of gifts to open.
Here we are in the midst of opening and checking things out. My 3rd son got me a Dyson Vacumn Cleaner..unreal. They vacumned up the hallway and parts of my bedroom--it was pretty embarassing what that thing picked up...I vacumn daily--and lets just say I felt like a pig. I will LOVE that thing.
Here are our grandaughters and my daughter's in law. The kids were pretty excited. We bought them all craft type gifts...so they will have plenty of neat things to make over the holiday break.
Here is part of the crew chilling after opening gifts. Everyone is pretty tired out. The excitement sure does get ya dosnt it? We all live very close--so they went home to relax for abit--and then we have dinner at 1!
My oldest son Jason and Ms. Ellie. She's a trip,,,a ton of fun. She went home to put her pretty Christmas dress on,,,let me tell you-she did NOT want to leave. We bought her that Smart Cycle--where you plug it into the TV and pedal to places. She's lovin it.

Christmas was huge for us this year...our kids bought us gifts we had no idea were coming. Not only did I get a Dyson Vacumn, but we got a new skillet, a juicer, a 2 day weekend trip to Sybaris--which is a Romantic Paradise. My girls got me a manciure kit, a trip to the spa, Thomas Kinkaide Calendar which is my favorite and relaxing Cds...gosh--I feel spoiled rotten! Baldyman got me a beautiful necklace--which I will get a picture and post it another day. I cant wait to wear it--its going to shine on New Years Eve dinner. I hope everyone had a great Holiday and found yourselves pampered! For me, this was one of the most pampering Christmas Holidays we have had. Our kids were joking saying--see it paid off this year to have us! Dinner is at 1--Prime Rib and Ham! I cant wait. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Tablescape!

Here it is! No fancy flowers this year....in fact this will be the first year in probably well over 20 years I have not purchased fresh flowers. I normally look for Thomas Kinkaide's newest piece. I decided this year--no flowers...BUT get the plate chargers, a pretty silver deer and tree and then just light some candles and thats it!
Since for me the Reason for the Season is Jesus's Birth I wanted this little Nativity Piece to be the focus. I placed the deer and tree off to the side and will have candles around it. I mixed the colors of the plate chargers, red and silver. I found this snowflake sparkly tablecloth at Kohl's marked to a huge discount and decided it was way to pretty to pass up. I like it--I dont think I will miss the fresh flowers. I just decided that spending nearly 60 dollars was just something i no longer wanted to do. I dont have the silverware in place because silly me forgot to get pretty napkins. I'll be on the hunt in the morning for something that matches this. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas Eve with their loved ones. Good companionship--good food and peace and joy! Merry Christmas!

Thinking Girl--Bailout Scams

Sorry to bring us such a dismal and dreary topic...but its heavy on my mind since reading the news yesterday. After the Wall Street Bailout--the news is now reporting that there was no accountability asked for. To me, that means the Banking Industry and other industries....who perhaps invested unwisely, mis-managed, over spent, indulged themselves and others.....were given even MORE of our money to do the same actions. Banks are refusing pompously to even discuss what they did with the money. Some are so self-righteous they even acknowledge they are spending it wrong. They admit there was no accountability. In other words--a free for all..once again.

Its making me sick to even read it, literally sick. Can there be that many "stupid" people in our government to let billions of dollars go, unaccounted for? Is it that easy to ask for help--when the intent all along was to self-serve once again? Well then, I want to know--when the little home owner in America loses his house---and walks out the door for the last time--where does he get his bail-out? When someone loses their job---and walks out the door for the last time--who is standing there to hand him a bail-out check? When a couple who has invested in Wall Street for many many years--and lost it all---who gave them a bail out check at the end?

NO one-thats right. For the average American who has worked--saved, been stolen from--lied to, frauded---there was NO bail out. Many Americans are left homeless, broke, depressed, be wildered due to the inept business practices of Wall Street, Mortgage Corporations--banks..etc. But thats ok--dont worry--NO ONE will be coming to your rescue except your loved ones--that is if they have anything left to help with. This latest crap from the Automotive Industry claiming if they didnt get their bailout--it would affect the little guy....ohhhhh the concern they had. Many will lose their jobs if we have to close our doors...do you really think there was EVER a time they worried about the little guy? NO they did not--never did, never will. They got their bailout money--many will still lose their jobs, they will still close some of their doors. BUT not before the big wigs take their trips--get their bonuses--buy their mistresses a trip to God knows where.

I'm disgusted by the bailouts--I'm even more disgusted that there is "stupid" people all along the line of government that not a single one of them idiots-demanded accountability of that money. I'm disgusted that these bankers can bascially say--Stick it up your butt--we got the money now forget about what we are gonna do with it. If the average american makes a mistake on their tax return--we are hounded, prosecuted, charged fines...harassed,,,,over a teeny amount of money. YET,,,these companies can mismange billions--and nothing is said or done.

What I want to know--is how do we stop this? I know I'm tired of it--I know many of us are--but how do we stop it? How do we force our government to put the people first--to realize we need the help---that accountability comes from all. If your going to give free money away--then by gosh give it to working families who deserve it and would spend it wise. I want to find a way to let our feelings known and be heard. Not just walked over. I dont even know if Obama--realizes. He's talking of a huge Stimulus package--but again I hear of nothing for the little guy.....its all job stimulus--or bailouts for companies...things to so call stimulate the economy and create jobs. Well my thought on that is---What kind of jobs? Take a bunch of Government Workers---create a bullcrap title of Job Creater--pay him a ridiculous salary to sit around and do bascially nothing all day--and at the end of 4 years admit once again--money was mismanaged---jobs were created but only for those who did the mismanagement--but hey we learned from it and now lets do it right.

I"M tired folks--so sick of all the government greed, and lies. On Sunday it was below zero here--with windchills it was in the 20's below. The wind was extreme. We saw about 3 African American Men, working. Well the company will call it working--I call it abuse. There job was to stand outside in this very dangerous weather and hold signs for hours--announcing their store closing. I was appalled by this sight--I wanted to tell these young men go home--its dangerous out here. They were probably doing this for 8 dollars an hour. They needed the money to feed themselves--their family--pay their rent. So they did it. All African American men--I was so disgusted by it--I emailed the company headquarters. I told them if I see it again in this extreme weather--I will take pictures and send it to our news stations and demand accountability. I also suggested they ask the big shots of the company to do this type of job--instead of sitting probably right now on some beach sipping Pina coladas.

The lying, scheming, manipulating has to stop--but again--how do WE stop this?

Yep, I know the feeling!

I'm not kidding this is about how some of us look right now. Its pretty scary when you have to dig out your car just to go to work! Now, its not bad to dig it out to go shopping or do something fun but for work??? Over the years baldyman and I have dug out our car more times than I care to remember. Now, he just does it while I stay inside and wonder whats taking him so long!!! He also has to shovel a path to fill the bird feeders...I can almost hear him swearing under his breath from outside while he's doing this-lol. We have more snow coming and it might not be to long before we literally have to start shoveling the snow off the roof of the house. Roofs can actually collapse from heavy snow. Yep,,,Winter is in full swing here in Wisconsin! Those of you who are sitting in temps above 30---be quiet!

Chocolate n' Cinnamon Cappuccino Mix

Here ya go! A homemade Christmas gift that I made last night and not only was it very easy, it was VERY good. I'm not a coffee fan, I dont drink it, but most people do and we all know what a hit Starbucks and other places are with people. This little mix--you mix all the ingrediants in one bowl, and then place it in the jars. Thats it! This recipe calls for placing the mix in quart size jars but i used half pints, which gave me almost 4 jars. I kept the 4th for the Baldyman. He sampled it last night and it was Delish! All I was missing was the whipped cream to have on top--which Cool Whip now makes its cream ready to spray! If your looking for a pretty inexpensive, last minute gift or just enjoy making a gift homemade--try this! I used Ball Canning jars. I had a harder time locating those than anything else in this recipe! Enjoy!

1-1/2 Cup Sugar
1 C. Powdered Sugar
2/3 Cup Instant Coffee Granules
2/3 C Powdered Coffee Creamer ( i wonder how a flavor would add taste to this!)
1/2 C Unsweetened Cocoa
1T. plus 1 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon

Mix this all in a bowl very well and then place in jar! Tie a pretty ribbon on it and add the Instructions on the jar and your done!

Instructions: Place 1-1/2 T Chocolate Cinnamon Mix into 8 oz boiling water. Mix until dissolved...sprinkle with Cool Whip or Whipped topping and Enjoy!

Buried in Wisconsin

You can kinda get a feel for how much snow is falling if you look at how deep it is on Genie. I hate to impose on her while she's doing her bathroom duties...but I couldnt pass the photo up. She dosnt like this much snow and really had a hard time picking her place to go potty. We probably have about 8 inches so far.
Here are a couple of photos from across the street of our home...its quite windy, cold and snowing very heavy.
I hope you enjoyed this little tour of what's going on here right now....its not pleasant at all. So far, all schools are closed, most businesses. BUT...guess what? So far no malls or stores have closed. Soooo, once this slows down---us Christmas shoppers can get back out there and search for great deals. Thats what we have planned later today once the snow subsides.

Winter Storm Warning!

See all this red, well thats where I live. Right smack in the middle this approaching system. Currently its 5 degrees outside....shall we put on some shorts? Its been so cold this week, my car has been running very strange and everything is just freezing. Add to that, this constant every other day of snowing and its so unpleasant for driving--walking, trying to get out and do errands. This storm is gonna be huge they say...up to a Foot of snow for us. Only about 3 days ago, you could see our deck, everything had melted off. Its now covered again and soon will be probably up to our knees if not higher. I dont mind the snow that much,,,but what does get to ya, is how difficult the driving can be AND how its impossible some days to get out and get errands done. The town we live in basically has no stores, so we have to drive about 30 minutes to do our shopping. NO, I'm not done with Christmas shopping so in the midst of his constant snowing I need to find time to get out. Think of us tonight--this snow system should be arriving sometime between 3 this afternoon and early evening. Whenever they give a time--I notice it arrives several hours earlier. Dawnie will be bundling up tonight!

Christmas Trailer!

Baldyman and I camp alot in the summer. We have a 1952 Pink and Blue Rollahome trailer that while old and funky...we love it. This little trailer christmas house for some reason just reminded me of our trailer. Of course it dosnt look anything like it---but you can tell by looking at the details someone...loved this trailer. Alot of life is in this little trailer house. Thats how I feel about ours. Its one of the oldest trailers in the campground but yet--its very very homey and cute. We put alot of life into it. Each year we do something to it--no matter how small. He wont paint it--he's liking that pink and blue...despite it being an eyesore. At this cold time of year, there are times I really miss camping, sleeping to the sound of crickets and night creatures and thruout the night, checking out the stars on the deck. Nothing is more beautiful than when you can see a million stars because its so dark. I found this little Christmas Trailer House at Lowes. I wanted it but wasnt willing to pay the near $35.00 dollar price tag. I went back last weekend to see if it was still around, and yep it was AND it was now half price. I paid for it brought it home and set it in my office. A gentle reminder of what is coming in a couple months.....Camping!

Thinking Girl --Annie

No thinking girl picture today. BUT..its a thinking girl topic. These are my twins, they are 23. The one on the left is "Annie" her real name is Elisa. The other one is "Tia"....real name Tara. Annie graduated on Saturday--she's a registered nurse. The other graduates in May--she will be an elementary teacher.

Annie moved about 3 hours away 2 years ago to complete her nursing schooling. About 6 months ago she decided she wanted to move out of the place she was living with a roomate and get her own place. She had a decent job--while attending college. She wasnt feeling real safe with the girl she was living with,,mostly because her roomy liked to party and sometimes bring guests home. Annie dosnt do that. She found a really nice place--brand new. She applied and this is when it all started. I should have told her NO back then--but hind sight is 20/20. They told her she needed a Co-signer to rent the apartment because her credit score was only in the 400's. She was confused because her credit score is actually in the 700's. She called us and we told her to tell them to recheck. They continued saying she needed a Co-Signer. I told her to move on and find a different place. She insisted she felt safe in this place and wanted to move in. Sooo..I cosigned for her. NOW the funny part is my credit IS bad...most of you know my story. My credit is only in the high 500's. They passed me but NOT her. Ok...she moves in..is happy. She signed a year lease. Her brother got married in October. She asked her work what she needed to do to take the couple days off to attend his wedding. They told her what to do--she did it all. She came home,,we did the wedding thingy. She goes back to work on Monday--they tell her she's fired due to not informing them of needing the couple days off. She is like--What? I did all you told me to--so what--they fired her. She calls us crying--we just tell her--keep going to school--somehow as a family we will all support her. Okkkk..so thats what we been doing. She gets closer to graduation and begins applying for jobs as an RN. She gets an interview closer to home--goes thru all that--is hired! Okkk..next up is how does she get out of the lease? I suggest to her to ask the company if they maybe have apartments in our area and she transfers. They do--and so they talk to my husband and he is told she can transfer here--she can get a 2 bedroom for less than she was paying up there for a 1 bedroom. All she needs to do is pay the security deposit--and move in. So we figure all is well in her world.

2 days before Graduation she calls us crying--she is told she dosnt have the RN job. They called where she was fired and they told them they fired her. She put them down as a reference thinking because her work was good it would be ok. It didnt occur to her she was fired and even though she is a good worker and did what they told her to do--that it would haunt her. Sooo...she has no job. We continue to tell her--okkk--let it go--keep applying. So she does. She graduates. We move her stuff out of her place and load up. We go to dinner to celebrate her graduating. She calls us at dinner--(she brought the keys back) and she tells us she did a walk thru and the manager proceeds to tell her all the damage she did---scratches on the wall,,,stove not cleaned--a stain on the floor..etc..and that he will be nice and pay half and she pays half--the fee is 15 dollars an hour. She signs the paper and leaves. She gets to dinner and we are like--NOOO way. We moved her in and out and we cleaned that place and there was 0 damage. Soo I told my husband--we have got to get back in that apartment and get pictures and not allow this. We go back to the apartment and my husband asks if he can get back in. The manager says NO..once we do a walk thru its done. My husband says--well then can we at least talk. The manager comes out and says--So whats your complaint? My husband says--what makes you think I'm hear to complain? he says--well it cant be good if your back here. My husband says--well we moved her in and out and there is no damage. The manager proceeds to state how bad the paint was--etc. Then he says--Oh forget it--lets go in I'll show you. So they go in..hubby pulls out the camera and begins taking pictures. The manager says--Ohhh yeah take pictures of all the good stuff, forget the stove--forget the stain. My husband says--Oh show me what your concerns are and I'll take pictures of that to. So he did. I'm tellin you the place is like new. my husband says--there is no way she owes them any money and we will do what we need to do to ensure she gets all her money back.

NOW....that is Saturday night after graduation. We drive 3 hours back home. Sunday we get up--and proceed to move her to her new place about 15 minutes from us. We get there and that manager comes out and tells her what she needs to pay and its 300 dollars MORE than what my husband was told. My husband says What???? We were told she only needs this amount. The manager says--well milwaukee called and said she needs to pay for the remaining time of December. My husband says I was not told that and why would I have moved her when she paid all of Decembers rent? Well that manager called milwaukee and Milwaukke refused to budge..so my husband said--We are done with this company--we are leaving. That manager was very nice and said he felt real bad for her because he felt she shouldnt be paying for that 2 weeks since she already paid for December plus he wanted to rent to her--because she is single professional and he likes those kinds of tenants.

Soo, hubby moved her in with us for now. We dont know at this point if she is still liable for the remaining 6 months on the lease. We do have pictures to fight the security deposit. I'm just disgusted that a hard working, honest, girl--got so screwed over by both this management company and her previous job. She found out at graduation on Saturday that the lady who fired her from the job--was escorted out of work place 2 weeks ago and she was fired. So her Karma already came around. She does have an interview tomorrow with a hospital here in town--and she will tell them upfront about what happened with the job. Job Wise I feel she will be fine.

I dont feel she should have to be liable for the 6 months lease because she did a walk thru and they signed off and she didnt resign a new lease on the other place. Plus they were so unethical in their practices. However,,,I do think she will be liable for the 6 months. It truly truly bothers me at how these companies can do such underhanded practices and NOT have consequences and yet someone does all the right stuff and attempts to do things correctly and they get punished.

I have someone at work that is very knowledgeable in housing and renting laws--so he is helping us. Im willing to help her thru this as much as I can. I'm just very sad for her--she got burned so much in the last 2 months since her brothers wedding. She's a good hard worker--a really good kid. I just hate the unfairness and injustice in our world.

That is my Tuesday thinking post and that is what is going on with our little family right now.

Monday, Monday!

Due to my insanely hectic and very frustrating weekend--I have no picture so here is a picture from our little Halloween party that I have each year for our 3 grandaughters. We were making ornaments at this time and the girls were painting.

I tell you, the Transyberian Orchestra was unreal. It was awesome. I've never seen anything like it and their light shows are beyond fascinating. They played straight for nearly 3 hours. Great ending to a very busy and frustrating weekend. Only complaint we have is the place where the concert was held--was so uncomfortable in seating--we will NEVER go back there. Hubby and I are not tiny by any means--but unless your a size 0...your going to be scrunched up like a little ball--cant move your legs--arms--etc. It was horrid. Time for them to find a new place to show off their amazing skills!

I tell you, I cant wait to write tomorrow. What happenned this weekend to our daughter is beyond disgusting to me. At a time when we see all kinds of good in our world and people--and we embrace the Christmas Spirit---this weekend left me with the wonderment of "Where are the good in our World"...where is the good in mankind? I was so overwhelmed at the final weekend events I just broke down and sobbed. I'm so at my wits end with people trying to take advantage of those who are young or those who are weak,,,,elderly--etc. Anyone who is a praying person--send up alittle prayer for our daughter--that a huge wrong--will be made right.

I will post all the details tomorrow.

Sunday Night Date!

Well, we are back from our daughters Graduation and Moving her. She is now officially an Alumni and Registered Nurse....we loaded up her apartment in about an hour. One nice thing about a larger family---we can get alot done in a very short time. She has job interviews this week, hopefully she will find employment soon and begin her nursing career. We did have one glitch--I will post about that later--lets just say--hubby and I said--ENOUGH--no more will we stand by and allow a wrong--to stay a wrong..Maybe that will be Tuesdays Thinking Girl post!

Anyhow,,today they unload her belongings into a new apartment not to far from us. Tha will be nice, having her close to home again.

Tonight hubby and I have tickets to go see Transyberian Orchestra. We have been wanting to go see them for years. We had no idea the concert was the same weekend we were doing all this--but to late we have the tickets. I guess I need a lesson on Calendars dont I? I'm excited, I Love concerts especially this kind. I'm hoping I am SO in the Christmas mood after this--I float home. Everyone I know said its great. I will let you all know tomorrow!

Squawmama!

You are the winner of my little giveaway! Please email how I get this to you! Dawn53094@yahoo.com!

Baldyman and his Santa Shorts!

Alright everyone, I forgot I had this picture of Baldyman from last Christmas. He probably forgot I have it to! Yep, this is what I'm married to....kinda scary huh? This man can push his stomach out so far it unbelieveable...he's won alot of Fair contests but doing that and the workers assume he's much heavier than he really is. I look at this picture and oh man.....I must really love this man. I wont tell him I put this up yet-I will wait a few days and then show him. Hey, he let me take it so that gives me free rain. My cousin and her partner Jim always find these silly things to wear and last year Baldyman got his first pair of Santa shorts and a Santa cap. He added the socks and shoes and WaLa--another great outfit. I hope this gives you a good chuckle to begin your day. I'll be back later with the winner of my little giveaway!

I'm an Ingrid!

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Ingrid!

You are an Ingrid -- "I am unique"

Ingrids have sensitive feelings and are warm and perceptive.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Give me plenty of compliments. They mean a lot to me.
• * Be a supportive friend or partner. Help me to learn to love and value myself.
• * Respect me for my special gifts of intuition and vision.
• * Though I don't always want to be cheered up when I'm feeling melancholy, I sometimes like to have someone lighten me up a little.
• * Don't tell me I'm too sensitive or that I'm overreacting!

What I Like About Being an Ingrid

• * my ability to find meaning in life and to experience feeling at a deep level
• * my ability to establish warm connections with people
• * admiring what is noble, truthful, and beautiful in life
• * my creativity, intuition, and sense of humor
• * being unique and being seen as unique by others
• * having aesthetic sensibilities
• * being able to easily pick up the feelings of people around me

What's Hard About Being an Ingrid

• * experiencing dark moods of emptiness and despair
• * feelings of self-hatred and shame; believing I don't deserve to be loved
• * feeling guilty when I disappoint people
• * feeling hurt or attacked when someone misundertands me
• * expecting too much from myself and life
• * fearing being abandoned
• * obsessing over resentments
• * longing for what I don't have

Ingrids as Children Often

• * have active imaginations: play creatively alone or organize playmates in original games
• * are very sensitive
• * feel that they don't fit in
• * believe they are missing something that other people have
• * attach themselves to idealized teachers, heroes, artists, etc.
• * become antiauthoritarian or rebellious when criticized or not understood
• * feel lonely or abandoned (perhaps as a result of a death or their parents' divorce)

Ingrids as Parents

• * help their children become who they really are
• * support their children's creativity and originality
• * are good at helping their children get in touch with their feelings
• * are sometimes overly critical or overly protective
• * are usually very good with children if not too self-absorbed

take this quiz here

Gingerbread Man!

Ok, here is the Gingerbread Man I made....now dont go laughing. I'm not the craftiest person around and I got lots to learn. Thats why he WONT be listed on Ebay or Etsey or wherever else one sells their goodies. He needs work, no doubt about it. I think he's pretty cute for my kitchen window though and that is where his new home is right now. What I dont like is that he's to thick,,,well even that would be ok...but flip him over and WOW--is he a mess. He has cracks--some potholes going on and other things that would make you go YUCK!
You would not believe how many things I missed when I painted him. I missed a button at first, his nose and eyebrows and that ribbon on his neck. Everytime I painted him and it dried I would find something else! I like him for me...but I will keep working on a gingerbread recipe that is easy to work with and dries up nice and hard and dosnt have such an ugly backside. Actually now that I think about it--his backside looks like mine--wrinkly and dimply!

Cookie Recipe and Baldymans Hat!

We're all busy and most of us LOVE those easy recipes that are also very good! Heres one for ya. I call em Surprise Cookies and I tuck inside an M'M. Now I bet no one who knows me even the slightest would have guessed that. You might want to double this recipe because it dosnt even make quite 3 dozen. Heres the ingrediants: 1 cup butter, (unsalted), 2/3 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 2-1/4 cups flour. Heat oven to 350. Roll dough into small balls and tuck inside the middle an M'M, raisin..you get the idea. Bake for about 10 minutes--until you can see the bottom is lightly browned. Let cool and roll in Powdered Sugar. Enjoy! As you notice in the picture--I also had my tea with mine--it was soooo good!
And here is Baldyman and his crazy Penquin Hat he runs around town in. I guess the older he gets, the weirder he gets to. I tried to get him in his Santa Shorts and shirt and my pink shoes he wears all the time--but that was pushing it. If anyone has a Lowes around them--that is where this hat was purchased. My cousin and her partner Jim bought it for Baldyman, they also have Santa ones. Their both adorable hats.

Thinking Girl Tuesday-Depression!

Basic Guidelines to help diagnose the possibility of Depression:

Although there is no blood test to diagnose depression, there are well developed clinical guidelines used by health care professionals to diagnose major depressive disorder. One of these guidelines, developed by the American Psychiatric Association, is called the DSM-IV^®. Your health care professional may ask you questions based on this established diagnostic guideline.

According to the DSM-IV, major depressive disorder (or "depression") is diagnosed when five or more of the following symptoms of depression are present for most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks. At least one of the symptoms must be either persistent sad or "empty" feelings or loss of interest in activities.

• Constant sadness
• Irritability
• Hopelessness
• Trouble sleeping
• Low energy or fatigue
• Feeling worthless or guilty for no reason
• Significant weight change
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in favorite activities

Be sure to tell your health care professional if you're experiencing any of these symptoms as described by the DSM-IV. Also, tell your health care professional if your symptoms are affecting your ability to function at home, at work, or with family, friends, or colleagues.

The DSM is what is used as a guideline to see if the possibility of a mood disorder could be going on. Personally, I think you need to look at it from 2 ways....How YOU feel and/or watching those around you that you know and love. Most of us I would hope would be able to tell if we think something just isnt quite right--perhaps we've been "down" for just to long a time or we find ourselves just not feeling as chipper as we normally do. Those around us, hopefully would let us know in a loving way that "is it possible we could be depressed". Times to really take notice would be--After having a child, a divorce, job loss, death of loved ones, and other serious life changing episodes. Menopause and Peri-Menopause are other times that could trigger depression in women, and some men to. I know for me personally, I've noticed I did go into depression as I got older. I was put on Paxil during my divorce several years ago--but I found myself so complacent that I went off of it. Recently, within the last 6 months I went back onPaxil but on a much lower dose...10 mg and I'm finding it is making a difference in how I feel and handle stresses in my life and its also NOT affecting my sex life. Medications for Depression are one of the main complaints among women as affecting the quality of their sex life. If you find that for you personally this was true--dont give up--tell your doctor you want to go on a lower dose. And of course give it at least 2 months before you can expect to feel a difference.

Depression dosnt always trigger sadness or complacency....I think in men you need to watch for signs of anything out of the ordinary for that person. Men exhibit sometimes different signs when they are going thru depression. Some will go purchase that shiny new red car, the behavior going on isnt a match for what is really happenning!

What I've seen way to often in my work....is scary to me. Its actually forced me to truly watch over myself--my loved ones and even go to my husband and ask him to watch over me. I've seen so many women become over medicated--to the point they become zombies, almost unable to function at a daily level. Their speech is impaired, their skin takes on a different appearance, they cant make minor decisions...most of the time they end up on SSI because they truly cannot function. To me, that is scary. I have literally sitten down with women and their husbands and counted out how many prescriptions their wives were on--and then did research and came back and showed them how meds were conflicting with others and how dangerous it was. Some husbands were so "fed up" with the wives, they didnt care...some were shocked and did as I asked them and began accompanying their wives to the doctor visits. Some women will go to various doctors to get different meds because in time--you do get hooked. Its very very scary to me. I truly wonder how many people end up in worse shape because of this overload of meds. Truly if your thinking you have a mood-disorder and you may try out a medicine--alert someone you love and trust to watch over you. My husband knows my fear and he knows to watch for things in my behavior that maybe I would not know is going on.

Depression can be situational, genetic, brought on my other illnesses...but it can be treated and very successfully treated. The key I think is to manage it, alert those around you to watch over you while being treated and dont be afraid to talk about it. Make it a point to watch those you love also--for the same reasons that I've asked you to ask someone to watch over you.

One more key thing I've noticed amongst women....some Christian wome for some reason will avoid these types of discussions. Alot of women will feel unheard, or mis-understood. They will be told "give it to God", he cures everything...or pray about it...etc. Depression is real--for each of us--lets remember that God gave certain people skills to treat and disagnose mood disorders and they are there to help us. Being depressed is NEVER a lack of faith or beleif, and no one ever should be minmized for having depression. Depression hurts, it can kill, it can maime....BUT it also can be helped and should be. No one should ever have to be chastized for going thru life illnesses by those who think "faith" is all you need. As Christians we need to listen, believe, help and watch over our fellow people...I say this because I've seen this way to often in our Christian sector of life--and it really really bothers me. Way to many women end up feeling alone, hiding and even go into deeper depression because they dont find compassion, true love and care amongst their fellow believers. This needs to stop.

Anyhow, to end this really long post...I'm a sufferer of depression...mild but i have it. I do take a Medication for it and it does help. I've alerted someone close to me to watch me...on the medication. I also watch those around me that I know and love--for signs that they could be suffering from depression. Educate yourself on Depression, signs of it--possible triggers to bring it on and meds that could be used to treat it. Really educate yourself once you or your loved one has been given meds....really watch this. Sad as it is,,,many doctors are prescription happy and to many people are walking zombies because of that. AND last but not least...dont ever minimize someones feelings if they are claiming they are depressed...and always support that person...remember at some point in life--it could be YOU that needs the support!

Merry Monday, My Giveaway!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I did,,very relaxing PLUS I got a good part of our Christmas Shopping done and baldyman wrapped it all. Its nice to see gifts under the tree finally. We got about 3 inches of snow and as of later today we are under a pretty big Winter Storm Watch. Where I live--we are expecting anywhere from 6-15 inches of snow. I would say---we wont be going anywhere as of later today....and I'm thinking my work will shut down--so hopefully I will have a day off tomorrow!

This is a photo of my giveaway! It includes some chocolate from a company here in Milwaukee that makes the best candies. Quality Candy--their chocolate is very expensive-I beleive they order their chocolate from Africa and its a very good candy. I have a caramel in it, toffeees, chocolate creme and something else I forgot...(hey I'm 50). As for the meat sticks, our local butcher makes them and they are a huge hit around here. If your going to buy meatsticks--DONT go to the local grocers--NO--you gotta get them made by a butcher! These are honey flavored ham sticks...ummm..you do NOT know how bad I wanted to rip open the package and have 1. Whoever wins this--if you notice the package is taped, dont worry it was only me! I also have a believe ornament..because I now all of us believe in something and of course the cocktail napkins which have a great saying on them...i'm sure anyone would enjoy handing these out with a drink to celebrate the upcoming Holiday!

We will pull a name out by 12 noon on Friday and I will ship this out right away!

I also took a picture of the Baldyman in his penquin hat...I will post that either later today or Wednesday...I'm tellin ya--the man should be put away. I'm trying to convince him into putting his Santa shorts on and Christmas shirt to--he says he isnt to fond of being something to laugh at on my blog--OHHH come on, he knows its done in love!

Tomorrow the Thinking Girl topic is going to be Depression. I deal with it--I know others do...I hope you will all come back and share your thoughts on it! Have a great Monday. Let the Snow begin in Wisconsin!

Check out this Giveaway!

Another giveaway I found for you! If you havent checked out her blog--please do. I love blog searching and hopefully along the way continue to meet new friends. Its amazing to me all the wonderful things out there in Blogland and the creativity that is available.

A Real Award!

I didnt thief it! Thank you Bridget for thinking of me! I feel good I didnt have to go stealing when everyone is sleeping in Blogland. Here's her link for those of you who havnt visisited her blog. Its a great blog--I love her humor and I love the pink stuff she referred a while back for our faces....well mine because its getting so old! I'm all over the place tonight arent I?

Its been an interesting night to say the least. I wanted to go Christmas Shopping but Baldyman wanted to go visit our favorite bartender since he will be quitting at the end of this month. Well I behaved since I was going to be driving...but Baldyman put on his ridiculous Penquin Christmas Hat and well...he didnt behave. I wanted to leave him there--but I couldnt find the perfect time to sneak out. We came home for a bit--and then Peter wanted him to come back and spend some man time together. I was SOOOO happy to drop him off. Believe me, I love the guy and all but I LOVE having him gone to! Now I can play on the computer, hog the bed, watch what I want--YEEHAAWWWW!!! NOW..how did I get to here???? I was talking about the award! I gotta go finish that.

Dawnies Giveaway!

I dont normally post over the weekend--so I'm doing 2 today! I've decided its time for me to do a giveaway. I sure have found many so its my time to give back. I'm titleing mine "Wisconsin Giveaway". I will enclose some things you can only get in Wisconsin....at our little towns butcher shop, I will pick up a few homemade meat sticks. Around here these are wildly enjoyed and quite a hit with the men! I will also pick up a few candies that are locally made with the best chocolate I've ever had! Also, I have 2 small gifts that are great for this time of year. Cocktail Napkins--if your hosting a get together this season--they will be a HIT! On the napkins it says--Listen Carefully, because I dont repeat Gossip! I love it! AND.....we cant go thru a Christmas Season without "Believeing". I have a little Believe Ornament to include. Sooo, on Monday I will have a picture with all the items for you to check out.

Here are my rules for anyone wanting to be ready!

1. I truly do NOT mind folks passing thru if they find out about my giveaway. Heck I do it all the time. If you do happen upon my blog...please leave a comment and become a follower---thats good for your name in the drawing. I feel we all want our blogs to be full of life--so I have no problem with folks finding me, even if its because of the giveaway!

2. For those that are already regular folks---I'm grateful for that also, so just comment and that will be 2 names in the drawing!

3. I'm having the Giveaway open from Monday Dec 8-thru Friday December 12th. On Friday evening I will have the baldyman pull a name out of the bowl or whatever I have laying around--oh wait! Santas boot! he will pull a name out of the boot and Wala! I will get that package out over the weekend so you can enjoy the edibles in time for the holiday and the gifts as well!

I hope its a Giveaway that many of you would want and cant wait to do it! P.S. If your a regular but not a follower--please add me to your following to get the 2 entrances! Have a great weekend!

Its Shellmo's Fault!

Yesterday she posted pictures of her mudroom and how she thought it was not that tidy. Well, I thought, she needs to see my entrance. I feel bad that I'm subjecting all of you to such a piggy mess....BUT this is the real me folks! Good thing is--its only at the beginning of the house--it does get better..I promise!
As you can see, I try real hard to at least pair the shoes up--so they are easy to find and it looks somewhat neat. I'm not a total pig am I? I felt so bad about how bad this looks after seeing how NICE her area looked, I decided after work I was going to clean it up somewhat. Now what you wont see, is the closet to the left where I tossed it all. It dosnt count what i did with it--it only counts that I cleaned this up!
WA LA! YOu can see its totally 100% cleaned up! There is even room for Genie to walk her command post and bark at the neighbors! She was so happy I did this! This is where she stands all the time and drives us nuts with her letting the world know she OWNS this house and you better not even think of walking to the door. I leave the door open so she can do this, its like her exercise. Anyhow--it sure looks nice after a pick up and a quick sweep dosnt it? Believe me, it wont last past today!

Award!

I stole this award! Thats right--I stole it. I wont lie...I cannot lie---I'm a thief! That is so ME walking my dog being all that and a bag of M'M's. Honestly, I could dress like that for about an hour and then I would rip that hat off--toss the shoes off--pull the dress off. I would then walk that precious dog in my cut off sweats (hubby calls em hulk pants) and an ugly old t shirt that sometimes lets my belly hang out...(did I admit that). And after our walk we would walk to the sub shop and split a sub! Soooo....on that note--I did steal this award and for a a brief moment in blog land I was all that!

Reason for the Season!

This is a new piece this year I bought from Kohls. I fell in love with these wooden figurines and the simplicity of them--is what attracted me. I have a Nativity Set that I've had for many many years but this I though was very fitting for my dining room table. I think the details are awesome, the message is there and so this is what is gracing my dining room table for the Christmas Season. Normally each Thanksgiving and Christmas I purchase a fairly expensive fresh flower centerpiece...I might bypass that for Christmas and just put some greenery around this and a candle. Sometimes, the simplest decorations can be the best cant they?

Gingerbread Man!

Well here he is...he still needs to dry out for 2 more days. He's cute as heck..but thick! I do think I want him alittle thick so he can lean up against the window and not crack if he ends up falling over. I dont know yet if I will keep this recipe for making him because the other side looks like crap and I really want these to end up looking super nice and being strong. Once I get him painted and ribboned up--I will post him again if he actually lives that long...you just never know what the next 2 days will bring to his little life.

As you can tell I'm not that big into crafting but there are a couple things I do have in mind that I want to perfect and possibly sell later on. He is one and I came across some other neat ideas last night--tonight I'm off to locate some of the supplies. I'm on a mission and that is to have some sort of income coming into our home to replace mine if I end up deciding to leave my job within the next year or two. A part time job out of the home and then something from home would be sweet! If anyone of you who stops by happens to know of a recipe to make gingerbread ornaments or tricks on painting them--feel free to leave your tips!

Thinking Tuesday.....Hoarding.

I wanted to start this a couple of months ago and honestly--I forgot! This is my thinking girl and I wanted to start a Thinking Girl Tuesday and blog about various things. While Home decorating and home and family in general are dear to my heart--I do work in Social Services and come across all kinds of things that frustrate me, amaze me, make me sad, angry, happy and even just bewildered. Its always a learning field--something new almost daily. I want my blog to be about everything in my life--my home and family--job, things that matter to me and to our world....not just one thing. I dont mind sharing some personal things of my life--if it will help another human being. I like some of the themes I've seen people do on their blogs--and well..this is going to be mine. I hope you come back often because You just never know what you will find!

Soooo, onto this tuesdays topic. This came up at work today. We have many clients that are what we call "hoarders". What is a hoarder? The definition I found is--"collecting and putting things away in a guarded manner". I think that is a pretty good description. Here is more---

"Hoarding is a problem that is asked about frequently in connection with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We can define hoarding as acquiring and keeping objects to such an extent that they begin to impair the normal use of one's living space. Most of the time, non-hoarders do not think the saved objects have little or any intrinsic value. However, it is also possible that a hoarder is a collector as well. There are other disorders sometimes associated with hoarding including obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). However, in most cases, it is likely that the individual hoarder has a variation of OCD."

I agree with this 100%. I also think its a form of Compulsiveness. I'm working with about 3 families that are going thru this right now. Some you can approach easily--others you have to find a way to bring this topic up without offending them. A person in my line of work--first is always threat to begin with--so finding a way to "bond" or unite with them is paramount. I have one lady that truly needs to get rid of things--its a fire hazard, its unhealthy, and well--her place is way to small for whats going on in there! When I first approached her about it--I learned someone before me-actually took something that had extreme sentimental value to this lady. I never ever want to "take" something from someone that they want or need. I wouldnt do it to myself--why would I to them? I've learned with her-to approach her gently and guide her to thinks that I know have no meaning--such as to many toys--to many cups..etc. But talk about compulsive....when i questioned why the need for so many soda cups--(the kind you get a gas stations) I found out--some of those cups held certain memories for her..like a first date--or the day she took her daughter somewhere special. So even while I thought it had no meaning-to her it did. We comprimised and I was able to get a few of those cups from her.

I think hoarding has deep roots for many of those that do it. In order to help try and fix the problem--you truly have to get to the root of why they are doing it--whats the underlying need? Were they poor as children, was the woman from an abusive relationship...was there abuse of any kind? Many many reasons--even mental illness. I think the key is to first get to know the person that has this issue--figure out how you can best approach them--and bond with them...and then--gently help them learn as to why this may be occuring. Once you do that--you should be able to safely guide them thru slowly dismantling all this "stuff". You can help teach them what is need--what is memory, what can be donated or even tossed. Think about this--I'm sure each of us has someone either thru our work--or personal lives--that has this struggle. I hope this helps and makes each of us think as we go about our daily life!

Flora Gift Box!

Look what came in the mail yesterday! The little gift box I won! Isnt it adorable? It would be perfect for earrings, rings, pins, any little keepsake you have. I'm going to put it on my dresser and for now put my rings in it. I think the words on it are inspiring.
If your looking for something different for a gift this year for a woman who has everything--but truly needs something different go check out her blog and see what she has to offer. I think its great to support home based businesses. Here is her site, I hope you pay her a vist and see her great work!

Grandchildren!

Heres Kaitlyn Mae, the 2nd oldest Grandaughter. This photo is last week when we had all 3 girls over for the night and made Christmas ornaments and a bunch of other things that totally left my kitchen needing a makeover!
This is the oldest Kaylee Dawn, who actually came out talking! She has never stopped talking and actually had warnings from her teacher that SHE wasnt the teacher!
And this is the newest 2 yr old Ms. Ellie who is a riot. She is fun beyond words and all 3 of them are great cousins and adore being together. Ms. Ellie will soon be either the big sister of a little sis or little brother....her Mom just found out she is expecting. Everyone is excited...and Ellie has no clue she about to learn the real meaning of sharing!

Being a grandparent is pretty cool, the main reason is because you know all the things you wished you had done when your children were little and so you treasure everything they do. You also know what worked when you had yours and when you have your grandchildren around--you stick to what you know works! Like naps! They make for a really cool kid! I wish I had done more crafty things with my kids--now me and the girls are always making things--plus we take them to special things that we all enjoy. We couldnt afford some of those things when our kids were little.

Anyhow, these are our 3 granddaughters--I cant wait for the next arrival!