Ok, I did it. With this post, I will have kept up with blogs every week. Last semester in English Comp 1, it never failed, I would be clicking submit at 11:59pm every Friday night. This semester I only stayed up that late once, and sometimes even wrote one in the middle of the week! I guess all in all this semester didn't go too bad. I regret that I will be making my first B though. Anatomy and Physiology proved challenging along with my new night shift job and family. I am not sure what I will be making in The American Economy System either; most likely a B, but I still hold hope that I can pull of an A after the final on Tuesday. At least I enjoyed my anatomy class, that economy class might just be my new definition of hell! This English class has also been a good class. I think I have greatly improved my ability to put my thoughts into words, and it might have even helped me in writing that resume that recently got me a good paying job. I wish there were more literature classes taught by Holly Chism, but I checked, and I guess teaching 2 classes, and running around after little ones is enough. If there are suggestions for other good instructors, I still need area 2a (fine art)and area 2b (literature) for core requirements.
I hope everyone takes advantage of their few weeks out of class. I plan on taking my kids to the zoo and other unplanned locations on my break. We will also be moving into our new house in June, so that will keep us busy. I am relieved that I won't have to keep up with homework while trying to move, I already missed a lot of study time while spending most weekends looking at houses the last couple months. It will be a good time for my family, who I can tell is feeling neglected with all this schoolwork.
Well, with this being the last blog of the semester, I seem to have run out of words; I have been sucked dry. I just wrote 4 1 page extra credit papers for economy, and baked my son's birthday cake for tomorrow. I have to be at work at 11 pm tonight, which is my Saturday (my 6th day of work this week). And I have to find a balance of time tomorrow between decorating his cake, getting his party set up, and finding sleep...it's not going to happen. I am sooo ready for a break!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Male birth control
I found an article on "Where's the male birth control pill", that caught my attention. I guess there are many women who want a break from being the one in charge of preventing pregnancy. I never really thought of it before, but those shots do feel like a good punch to the arm, the pills are way too easy to forget, and a diaphragm??? I don't think so. Not to mention all the side effects and possible dangers that come with the drugs. I'm not big on drugs to begin with; I won't even take a cold or allergy pill unless I am really suffering. Being irritated with birth control isn't really the reason that title grabbed my attention though. I have 3 young boys, but they won't be young forever. If I had teenage girls, I could take them every 3 months and make sure they have their shot, along with all the sex education available, and begging them to wait until they are older. With boys, all I will be able to do is put a box of condoms where they can get to it without having to go through the embarrassment of asking me first. I don't think it's fair that most people think its the boys that need to be watched out for (thinking of the saying if you have a boy you only need to worry about 1, but if you have a girl, you have to worry about all of the boys) That's not a fair statement! It takes two to tango, many girls are just as frisky as guys. Anyway, the reason it is so difficult to come up with a male birth control is because men produce about 1 thousand sperm per second, while women only produce one egg per month. A woman only needs a hormone to convince her body it is pregnant to stop producing more. The birth control options for men that are being tested come out to be effective 2/3 of the time, or at max 90%; it is just nowhere near what it needs to be. If they do manage to master this though, the application is much easier than what women deal with. They simply rub a gel into their skin on their chest or even arms, and it gets absorbed through the skin.
For women, there are plenty of birth control options on the market. The combo pill can ease pre-menstrual symptoms, and it supposedly helps prevent ovarian and uterine cancer. In a recent study, the longer the pill is taken, the more protection it gives, protection against ovarian cancer is supposed to last about 30 years after a woman stops taking the pill; which can be taken all the way up to menopause. One of the best things I think they have done is making the morning after, or plan B pill available to young people with no trouble attached. I hope this will greatly lessen the number of abortions out there. A baby can start to feel at only 6 weeks, just because people don't want to acknowledge their responsibility shouldn't give them the right to kill a baby with feelings. There are so many options! If birth control is forgotten, use the morning after pill, if pregnancy occurs, there will be someone out there wanting to adopt a newborn baby. People are sickening!
There is a place in Joplin, LifeChoices, that helps young people, or anyone who needs help with pregnancy options, support and services such as ultrasounds, and volunteer doctors. They also give free std testing, and plan B pills.
For women, there are plenty of birth control options on the market. The combo pill can ease pre-menstrual symptoms, and it supposedly helps prevent ovarian and uterine cancer. In a recent study, the longer the pill is taken, the more protection it gives, protection against ovarian cancer is supposed to last about 30 years after a woman stops taking the pill; which can be taken all the way up to menopause. One of the best things I think they have done is making the morning after, or plan B pill available to young people with no trouble attached. I hope this will greatly lessen the number of abortions out there. A baby can start to feel at only 6 weeks, just because people don't want to acknowledge their responsibility shouldn't give them the right to kill a baby with feelings. There are so many options! If birth control is forgotten, use the morning after pill, if pregnancy occurs, there will be someone out there wanting to adopt a newborn baby. People are sickening!
There is a place in Joplin, LifeChoices, that helps young people, or anyone who needs help with pregnancy options, support and services such as ultrasounds, and volunteer doctors. They also give free std testing, and plan B pills.
scambled memories of mom
Seeing as how Mother's Day is just around the corner, It seems to me like a good time for memories of my childhood with my mom. Unfortunately, I was more of a daddy's girl, but still I was blessed with a wonderfully caring mother. It does take quite a woman to raise 6-8 girls in a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom house with minimal chaos and plenty of fun with little income. She used to find games for family bonding, like strip poker, yes, strip poker. Of course, before the game we would all put on several layers of cloths, and since I was the youngest one playing, they let me cheat and wear necklaces out of yarn that I could take off in place of an item of clothing. She also made sure we were all together as a family at the dinner table every night, and Friday nights were extra special; we all piled all over the living room floor to watch TGIF and eat mom's homemade caramel popcorn. Mom was usually the culprit at the bottom of the water fights started indoors! And the icing fight at my little sister's 2nd birthday. We were cleaning icing off of stuff for weeks afterward. No matter how little money we had, she always made sure we had at least 2 pairs of new school cloths and a new backpack to start the year off with. Which brings me to my introduction of the game of hooky. I was in 2nd grade, and I don't know why she was driving me to school that day, I usually walked those 5 blocks to Emerson, but on the way, she asked me if I wanted to play hooky. Well, since at that time we had been playing card games a lot, I thought it sounded like a card game, so I said "Sure, how do you play?". I thought it was odd that she would be introducing a card game on the way to school, since we wouldn't be playing til later...then she drove right by the school. She then brought up the agreement that if I didn't miss school, and was making good grades, I could take a free day off each semester. Another thing I remember is mom and her music. I was raised on Reba Macentire, Garth Brooks, Guns & Roses, and AC DC. On the weekends, when she was ready for us to wake up, she would have the music blasting, and on Sunday mornings, dad would be making waffles or pancakes, sausage or bacon, eggs, or biscuits and gravy.
She always made sure we had everything we needed plus some. She always knew how to make us smile, and wished the best for all of us. She treated dads previous 2 children no different than her own and dad did the same with her previous 2. I didn't know I had half sisters until I was 12, and it just doesn't mean anything to us. She even took in two other girls on top of the 6 there already was. She is the most motherly person I know, and I am glad to have been raised by her.
She always made sure we had everything we needed plus some. She always knew how to make us smile, and wished the best for all of us. She treated dads previous 2 children no different than her own and dad did the same with her previous 2. I didn't know I had half sisters until I was 12, and it just doesn't mean anything to us. She even took in two other girls on top of the 6 there already was. She is the most motherly person I know, and I am glad to have been raised by her.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Healthy eating
I am so very sick of eating unhealthy foods. My stomach is even getting upset over thinking of my next meal; which right now happens to be Taco Bell again. I have just been too busy to throw together a healthy meal for my family, let alone even go to the store to pick up groceries. So the next option is to grab something precooked at a restaurant. Now there are several places to pick up a full balanced meal...if you have $40.00 to drop on dinner every night for a family of 4.5. Or McDonalds and Taco Bell are pleased to serve their greasy, low-grade, cheap food; often prepared by teenagers who probably don't wash their hands before handling the food. I have literally been day dreaming of a real home cooked meal. To be specific, a burrito with real cooked beans (not refried from a can), with cheese melted on the beans, rolled up and topped with a simmered blend of chicken or pork and rotel with jalapenos, green chilis, and minced garlic, sprinkled with fresh lettuce and tomato, and a dab of sour cream. So, while I am dreaming of real food, which I might eventually achieve over the break between Spring and Summer classes, I found a few websites on healthy eating.
Here are some easy tips for planning a healthy diet and sticking to it. A healthy diet makes you feel great and gives you more energy. It also helps to keep you as healthy as possible. It has a way to simplify your diet instead of trying to count calories all the time. Starting slow helps to avoid reverting back to poor eating habits. Start by making one or two changes at a time, such as switching from butter to olive oil, or having a colorful salad with dinner. Also, listening to your body helps to not overeat. Have a glass of water in case you are actually thirsty instead of hungry; eat slowly because it takes a while for you brain to tell your body its full. Don't skip breakfast! Breakfast gives your metabolism a jump start. For healthy meal recipes, including dessert, this page has it all.
With all of those weight loss diets out there, it can be confusing what is actually good or bad. The Atkins diet for example goes soley off the metabolism of proteins instead of carbs. The human body craves carbohydrates, it is the food that is best for our metabolism. In fact the body breaks down carbs and sugar for the brain first thing in the morning. If you switch over to a protein diet, you will loose weight, unless you cheat. If you give your body one taste of carbs, you will then need to retrain it on protein. A diet does not mean weight loss, although eating right and exercise should result in weight loss. A diet is simply what you eat. Here is the almighty food pyramid, which gives examples of foods in each food group, how many servings of each food group should be consumed, and how much a serving size really is.
WOOOhoooo, Billy brought me a Moe's burrito with a tortilla, brown rice, black beans, steak, some kind of tomato blend, and cheese! Probably still not the best choice possible, but its a start, and much better than Taco Bell!
Here are some easy tips for planning a healthy diet and sticking to it. A healthy diet makes you feel great and gives you more energy. It also helps to keep you as healthy as possible. It has a way to simplify your diet instead of trying to count calories all the time. Starting slow helps to avoid reverting back to poor eating habits. Start by making one or two changes at a time, such as switching from butter to olive oil, or having a colorful salad with dinner. Also, listening to your body helps to not overeat. Have a glass of water in case you are actually thirsty instead of hungry; eat slowly because it takes a while for you brain to tell your body its full. Don't skip breakfast! Breakfast gives your metabolism a jump start. For healthy meal recipes, including dessert, this page has it all.
With all of those weight loss diets out there, it can be confusing what is actually good or bad. The Atkins diet for example goes soley off the metabolism of proteins instead of carbs. The human body craves carbohydrates, it is the food that is best for our metabolism. In fact the body breaks down carbs and sugar for the brain first thing in the morning. If you switch over to a protein diet, you will loose weight, unless you cheat. If you give your body one taste of carbs, you will then need to retrain it on protein. A diet does not mean weight loss, although eating right and exercise should result in weight loss. A diet is simply what you eat. Here is the almighty food pyramid, which gives examples of foods in each food group, how many servings of each food group should be consumed, and how much a serving size really is.
WOOOhoooo, Billy brought me a Moe's burrito with a tortilla, brown rice, black beans, steak, some kind of tomato blend, and cheese! Probably still not the best choice possible, but its a start, and much better than Taco Bell!
studying urinary system
When we began Anatomy and Physiology at the beginning of the semester, Dr Johnson started us out on the nervous system. She said she wanted to begin with the hardest section first, so that we wouldn't have to deal with it later on when we are worn out from the school year. She also mentioned that everything else would be easier as we approach the end of the semester. I guess she is right about the material being easier, however although the digestive, urinary, respiratory, and male and female reproductive systems are easier to understand than the nervous system, that is a lot of material to memorize at once, and it's still not easy, just easier! So, please bear with me as I go over a simplified version of the urinary system.
The components of the urinary system include: kidneys which produce urine, ureters which transports urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder, the urinary bladder which stores urine prior to elimination, and a urethra which conducts urine to the exterior of the body. The functions of the urinary are to filter the blood and make urine, removal of organic waste products from body fluids, discharge of waste products, regulation of blood volume, pressure, PH, and conserving nutrients, and production of erythropieton which plays a role in red blood cell synthesis. will skip the many, many parts of the kidney as it would take more than one blog to list and explain it all.
The process of urine formation is filtration, re-absorption, and secretion. Filtration is pressure driven; blood pressure drives water and solutes from glomerulus (part of kidney) into capsular space. Re-absorption removes water and solutes from the filtrate into the tubular epithelium and into peritubular fluid. Secretion transports solutes from the peritubular fluid, across the tubular epithelium, and into the filtrate. There is much more to that, but it is confusing me, and I am supposed to know it, so I won't include it here.
This class consists of two portions for each unit we go over. We have class every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm to about 8pm. In the classroom we go over the lab portion, which consists of identification of structures on plastic models, microscope slides, and a poor little dissected cat. The lecture portion that goes over the physiology (how it all works) on line. She provides us with narrations, a slide show, and a study guide. There are around 50-70 slides for most sections, and if you don't study every little detail, and read, and then re-read the book, you are going to miss questions on the exam. It is a very interesting class though, I would enjoy learning this material even if it wasn't required. The American econ system on the other hand seems like it should be an easy class, but it is giving me more difficulty than anything. I read, and re-read the chapters; it seems like the homework questions asked aren't even in the book. Then if I manage to survive the homework questions, the quizzes and tests are designed to confuse students as well. It is my belief that a class should be designed to teach, not to confuse. If a person really puts forth an effort to succeed in a class, there should be no problem. The design of this economy class seriously needs to be re-thought.
The components of the urinary system include: kidneys which produce urine, ureters which transports urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder, the urinary bladder which stores urine prior to elimination, and a urethra which conducts urine to the exterior of the body. The functions of the urinary are to filter the blood and make urine, removal of organic waste products from body fluids, discharge of waste products, regulation of blood volume, pressure, PH, and conserving nutrients, and production of erythropieton which plays a role in red blood cell synthesis. will skip the many, many parts of the kidney as it would take more than one blog to list and explain it all.
The process of urine formation is filtration, re-absorption, and secretion. Filtration is pressure driven; blood pressure drives water and solutes from glomerulus (part of kidney) into capsular space. Re-absorption removes water and solutes from the filtrate into the tubular epithelium and into peritubular fluid. Secretion transports solutes from the peritubular fluid, across the tubular epithelium, and into the filtrate. There is much more to that, but it is confusing me, and I am supposed to know it, so I won't include it here.
This class consists of two portions for each unit we go over. We have class every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm to about 8pm. In the classroom we go over the lab portion, which consists of identification of structures on plastic models, microscope slides, and a poor little dissected cat. The lecture portion that goes over the physiology (how it all works) on line. She provides us with narrations, a slide show, and a study guide. There are around 50-70 slides for most sections, and if you don't study every little detail, and read, and then re-read the book, you are going to miss questions on the exam. It is a very interesting class though, I would enjoy learning this material even if it wasn't required. The American econ system on the other hand seems like it should be an easy class, but it is giving me more difficulty than anything. I read, and re-read the chapters; it seems like the homework questions asked aren't even in the book. Then if I manage to survive the homework questions, the quizzes and tests are designed to confuse students as well. It is my belief that a class should be designed to teach, not to confuse. If a person really puts forth an effort to succeed in a class, there should be no problem. The design of this economy class seriously needs to be re-thought.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Go organic
The more I hear about the condition of animals raised for slaughter; chickens that have never stepped foot on natural ground and enhanced to grow rapidly towards their untimely deaths for example. I watched a turkey farm on dirty jobs one day. This guy goes through thousands of turkeys that are in a building, not outdoors, and picks out the dead ones and adds it to a compost pile that will be sold later as fertilizer. The reason these turkeys die in the first place is due to the hormones given that cause the bird to grow so fast, either it's heart can't keep up and it dies, or its legs don't keep up with the growth rate and break; those unlucky birds get killed by other turkeys. Even vegetables we buy are grown and raised with synthetic chemicals, and do not taste as good as organic, natural food.
Back in the 1930's people found that if they inject a cow with material from a cow's pituitary gland, the cow would produce more milk. And if given estrogen, cattle and poultry grew faster. In the 1950's people started using synthetic estrogen to fatten the cows and chickens, but stopped after finding that it was linked to causing cancer. Two out of three cows slaughtered for food have been administered hormones to make them grow faster or produce more milk. Of the six hormones given to animals, 3 are natural (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone), but 3 are synthetic (zeranol, trenbolone acetate, and melengestrol acetate). Europe has been hormone free for 20 years after studies revealed that people eating hormone induced meat are at greater risk of hormonal imbalances and cancer. Obviously America hasn't caught up, the FDA says that these hormones are safe.
The beginning of synthetic chemicals used in farming is astonishing to me. Before World War II, all farming was done organically as there was no other option. The change occured because of discoveries of alternate uses of deadly weapons. Ammonium Nitrate was used for munitions turned into ammonium nitrate fertilizer. Even worse, Nerve gas is what led us to developing pesticides. Sure it does wonders destroying the bugs, but the same chemical meant to destroy life is purposely sprayed on our food.The synthetic chemicals used in farming never disappear. Traces of the pesticides remain in the food, and in the fat cells of humans who eat it. The chemicals used on cotton fields remain in the fabric of the cloths we all wear.
Reduce the toxic load, Reduce/Eliminate off farm pollution, Protect future Generations, Build Healthy soil, Tastes better/Truer flavor, Assist family farmers, Avoid poor science (cloned food), Eating with a sense of place, Promote Biodiversity, and Celebrate the culture of agriculture are 10 of the many reasons to go organic. This site on organic made easy has myths and facts about organic, and helps to plan for going organic, including finding a store. I would recommend checking out Price Cutter. Price Cutter has totally remodeled and added an entire organic section.
Back in the 1930's people found that if they inject a cow with material from a cow's pituitary gland, the cow would produce more milk. And if given estrogen, cattle and poultry grew faster. In the 1950's people started using synthetic estrogen to fatten the cows and chickens, but stopped after finding that it was linked to causing cancer. Two out of three cows slaughtered for food have been administered hormones to make them grow faster or produce more milk. Of the six hormones given to animals, 3 are natural (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone), but 3 are synthetic (zeranol, trenbolone acetate, and melengestrol acetate). Europe has been hormone free for 20 years after studies revealed that people eating hormone induced meat are at greater risk of hormonal imbalances and cancer. Obviously America hasn't caught up, the FDA says that these hormones are safe.
The beginning of synthetic chemicals used in farming is astonishing to me. Before World War II, all farming was done organically as there was no other option. The change occured because of discoveries of alternate uses of deadly weapons. Ammonium Nitrate was used for munitions turned into ammonium nitrate fertilizer. Even worse, Nerve gas is what led us to developing pesticides. Sure it does wonders destroying the bugs, but the same chemical meant to destroy life is purposely sprayed on our food.The synthetic chemicals used in farming never disappear. Traces of the pesticides remain in the food, and in the fat cells of humans who eat it. The chemicals used on cotton fields remain in the fabric of the cloths we all wear.
Reduce the toxic load, Reduce/Eliminate off farm pollution, Protect future Generations, Build Healthy soil, Tastes better/Truer flavor, Assist family farmers, Avoid poor science (cloned food), Eating with a sense of place, Promote Biodiversity, and Celebrate the culture of agriculture are 10 of the many reasons to go organic. This site on organic made easy has myths and facts about organic, and helps to plan for going organic, including finding a store. I would recommend checking out Price Cutter. Price Cutter has totally remodeled and added an entire organic section.
Women work too!
After being laid off at the end of January, I enjoyed the time I was able to spend with my children and family, and was able to focus on school a little more. Last month I decided I should find a job soon or it might get difficult to explain to a future employer why I was unemployed for such a long time. So I found an ad on missouricareersource.com that paid much better than what I was making before I lost my job, and I had heard it had an excellent work environment for a factory. So with a little research on the company via the internet, a well written resume, and some nice attire, I went and applied at the career center. I thought I might have been a little overdressed for the position I was going for. I had on slacks and a nice blouse to apply for a welding position. I was relieved to see that they were excited to see that someone dressed up for the job. One lady informed me that this company- Modine, kept sending people away because they looked like they had just rolled out of bed.
After two weeks of waiting for the application and resume to make it from the Career Center to Modine, then sorted through and scrutinized, I finally got a call. I ended up going to an interview with HR and the Vice President, although I was screaming inside, I managed to keep my composure and impress the two enough for them to invite me back for a weld test. All I needed to provide was a pair of steel toed boots. That seems simple enough, go to almighty Wal-Mart and get some steel toed boots. Sure if I happen to be a man. They don't carry women's steel toed boots, and the smallest pair of mens boots they carry is a size too large. Not to worry, there are plenty of places that carry work boots in Joplin. Except that they all have the same situation. Among the many places I visited that didn't have adequate stock for women, Academy had a really bad example. They had a shoe labeled women's work boots; they were a little pair of shoes with absolutely no sides. They were smaller than tennis shoes. I am pretty sure that in order to be called a boot, footwear needs to have some kind of ankle support. So it was back to Wal-Mart to buy the pair of steel toed boots that are a size too large. I have been working most of this week, and I still stumble now and then; not only are they a size too large, but they are heavy and they tend to drag my feet with them as much as my feet moves them. It's aggravating.
Modine does have it's advantages and disadvantages. It is very clean and bright for one. I haven't come home black from head to toe once. They screen people very well before hiring, so the employees seem very mature and driven. And the place is very organized and automated. The lines run very smoothly. On the other hand, since the lines run soooo smooth, it is nonstop work. There is only one 15 minute break and a 30 minute lunch, if I miss even 1 day in 90 I will be fired, and since I started past April 1st, I won't see vacation time for 2 years!!! And I am already working overtime, on Night shift!
After two weeks of waiting for the application and resume to make it from the Career Center to Modine, then sorted through and scrutinized, I finally got a call. I ended up going to an interview with HR and the Vice President, although I was screaming inside, I managed to keep my composure and impress the two enough for them to invite me back for a weld test. All I needed to provide was a pair of steel toed boots. That seems simple enough, go to almighty Wal-Mart and get some steel toed boots. Sure if I happen to be a man. They don't carry women's steel toed boots, and the smallest pair of mens boots they carry is a size too large. Not to worry, there are plenty of places that carry work boots in Joplin. Except that they all have the same situation. Among the many places I visited that didn't have adequate stock for women, Academy had a really bad example. They had a shoe labeled women's work boots; they were a little pair of shoes with absolutely no sides. They were smaller than tennis shoes. I am pretty sure that in order to be called a boot, footwear needs to have some kind of ankle support. So it was back to Wal-Mart to buy the pair of steel toed boots that are a size too large. I have been working most of this week, and I still stumble now and then; not only are they a size too large, but they are heavy and they tend to drag my feet with them as much as my feet moves them. It's aggravating.
Modine does have it's advantages and disadvantages. It is very clean and bright for one. I haven't come home black from head to toe once. They screen people very well before hiring, so the employees seem very mature and driven. And the place is very organized and automated. The lines run very smoothly. On the other hand, since the lines run soooo smooth, it is nonstop work. There is only one 15 minute break and a 30 minute lunch, if I miss even 1 day in 90 I will be fired, and since I started past April 1st, I won't see vacation time for 2 years!!! And I am already working overtime, on Night shift!
Friday, April 16, 2010
I am sooo very tired. I have finally found a good paying job at a plant with a good working environment. I start on Tuesday. The problem is that the job is night shift. I have to change my schedule around working from 11pm to 7:30am. I started a couple nights ago just trying to stay up later and sleep in and get closer to what my sleeping schedule will be. So the first night I stayed up til about 2am, and slept to 8:30am, not too bad of a start. We went and looked at some houses that day, we are looking for a home to buy. There were a couple that we found interesting, and wanted to go back to check out more details and figure out which one we really wanted, so we decided we would go back the next day. Well, that night I just about went to bed about midnight, but Billy reminded me that I need to start staying up at night and sleeping in the morning. So, forgetting that we already had plans for the next morning, I stayed up til about 3 in the morning. 7am Billy is waking me up in a rush because he is running behind. We need to get the kids to the sitter and go look at these houses...If he knew I had to get up early, what was the point in me staying up late??? Now last night, after staying up late the night before, and getting up early that morning, it was very difficult to stay up late again. I made myself a pot of coffee, and took a refreshing shower to keep me going. Again, I made it til about 3am and crashed. What happens at 6:30 this morning? Billy woke me up because he wanted me to go to McDonalds with him and our 6 year old; He has made it a routine to take the boy to McDonalds every Friday. As calmly as I possibly could, I let him know that if I am going to get my schedule turned around, I will need to get some sleep so that I can stay up all night. He is a very sweet guy, and very intelligent, but sometimes, the simplest things seem to allude him. So after I managed to get back to sleep this morning, it wasn't very restful. I am not used to birds chirping outside my window while I'm trying to sleep. I gave up and got out of bed at 8:45 when Billy called me because he was bored driving to a site survey at work.
On the bright side, we found a house we like, and are just waiting for a response to our offer. As crazy as the market is right now because of the tax credit, we should keep looking in case something goes wrong with this one. We have seen easily 150 houses in the last couple months. We had our list cut down to 7 houses, then the next day 5 of those 7 were under contract. The other two we found major problems with. So we went back to square one. All this house hunting has been cutting into my study time, forcing me to stay up late catching up anyway. So, yes, I am very tired. And now I need to make my boys some lunch, so I will have to put off school again until after lunch while they are supposed to be sleeping.
On the bright side, we found a house we like, and are just waiting for a response to our offer. As crazy as the market is right now because of the tax credit, we should keep looking in case something goes wrong with this one. We have seen easily 150 houses in the last couple months. We had our list cut down to 7 houses, then the next day 5 of those 7 were under contract. The other two we found major problems with. So we went back to square one. All this house hunting has been cutting into my study time, forcing me to stay up late catching up anyway. So, yes, I am very tired. And now I need to make my boys some lunch, so I will have to put off school again until after lunch while they are supposed to be sleeping.
Boy tortured to death for wetting his pants
Brandon Hayes of Michigan could face life in prison for the death of four year old Dominick Calhoun. The boy was the son of Hayes' girlfriend, and Hayes resented the child for the biological father not paying child support. More than once when the boy wet his pants, he was beaten, punched ans kicked in the arms, legs, and even the genitals. The boys knuckles had even been burned in the torture. Even the Police Chief said "I've been doing this a long time, and this is the worst case of child abuse I've ever seen". The boy's mother had been there for part of the abuse, as she tried to stop it by laying over the boy. Instead of stopping the beating, she only got beaten herself, and ended up stepping out of the way. After coming to buy drugs from the man, and seeing the condition of the boy, the biological grandfather was contacted, he then contacted authorities. It was too late however, Dominick was barely alive when the ambulance arrived. He was brain dead, and taken off of life support the next day. Hayes faces nine charges including: one count of first-degree premeditated murder, one count of first-degree child abuse, and one count of of torture which alone could get him life in prison. Every aspect of this story makes me sick. First of all, this woman had her child living with a Drug Dealer. This wasn't the first time the child had been abused for wetting his pants, and yet she stayed. Then, even though she tried to stop it, she walked away, and didn't call for help for her child.
This site on child abuse and neglect helps to recognize and prevent child abuse, and goes over some common misconceptions. Child abuse, other than physical abuse can be very damaging as well. Ignoring a child's needs, putting them in unsupervised, dangerous situations, and making a child feel worthless or stupid, can leave a lasting scar as well. The effects of abuse last a lifetime effecting a child's sense of self, ability to have a healthy relationship, and the ability to function at home, at school, and at work. There is a difference between physical abuse, and discipline. In an abusive situation, the child has no clear boundaries or rules to go by, and must constantly walk on eggshells, not knowing what he or she might do to set the parent off next. An abusive parent will lash out in anger, wishing to show control as opposed to being motivated by wishing to teach the child right from wrong. Sometimes parents believe that they must use fear to keep their child in line, all they are really doing is teaching the children how not to get hit instead of how to behave.
This Baltimore County Police Department page has interesting facts, like 84% of prison inmates were abused as children, or Child abuse is far more likely to occur in the child's home, rather than at daycare. It isn't usually the proverbial stranger with a lollipop that sexually abuses a child, but someone close to the child. 1 in 3 girls are sexually abuses, and 1 in 5 boys are sexually abused. Another good thing to look at on this page is 10 things to do instead of hurting a child.
This site on child abuse and neglect helps to recognize and prevent child abuse, and goes over some common misconceptions. Child abuse, other than physical abuse can be very damaging as well. Ignoring a child's needs, putting them in unsupervised, dangerous situations, and making a child feel worthless or stupid, can leave a lasting scar as well. The effects of abuse last a lifetime effecting a child's sense of self, ability to have a healthy relationship, and the ability to function at home, at school, and at work. There is a difference between physical abuse, and discipline. In an abusive situation, the child has no clear boundaries or rules to go by, and must constantly walk on eggshells, not knowing what he or she might do to set the parent off next. An abusive parent will lash out in anger, wishing to show control as opposed to being motivated by wishing to teach the child right from wrong. Sometimes parents believe that they must use fear to keep their child in line, all they are really doing is teaching the children how not to get hit instead of how to behave.
This Baltimore County Police Department page has interesting facts, like 84% of prison inmates were abused as children, or Child abuse is far more likely to occur in the child's home, rather than at daycare. It isn't usually the proverbial stranger with a lollipop that sexually abuses a child, but someone close to the child. 1 in 3 girls are sexually abuses, and 1 in 5 boys are sexually abused. Another good thing to look at on this page is 10 things to do instead of hurting a child.
Friday, April 9, 2010
law for breastfeeding room in workplace
A long time ago I wrote a blog about a woman who fired for expressing breast milk outside of her scheduled break time. She should not have been fired, because she already had it approved by her line lead. Later her supervisor walked in to the bathroom and told her she needed to leave because it wasn't her break time. The case was headed to the Supreme court, and with it the observation that working mothers need a more sanitary place to express milk than in the bathroom. I don't know what ever happened with that case, but I just found a new law on the matter.
Obama recently signed a healthcare bill into law. Part of it includes the requirement of companies who have 50 employees or more to provide a place other than a bathroom that is out of the way of view or intrusion of co-workers and general public. The Pediatrics journal showed a recent study that breastfeeding a child for the first 6 months would save around 1,000 lives and billions of dollars every year. Breastfeeding helps babies fight off nasty stuff like pneumonia and premature death. The lack of support is apparent when looking at statistics like: 74% of women begin breastfeeding. By the time those infants are 3 months only 33% of mothers are still breastfeeding. At 6 months, only 14% of mothers are still breastfeeding.
No formula currently made by man can replace the benefits of the nutrient rich, illness fighting milk made naturally from a mother. This site provides many factual benefits of breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother. A few that stood out for me are: the most complete and optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies, less diarrhea and vomiting for the little ones, less colic, constipation, and stomach upsets, protects against allergies, asthma, and eczema, considered the 4th trimester for brain growth and development, hospitalized 10 times less than formula fed infants, lower risk for diabetes and obesity, and so many more. As for mothers, breastfeeding reduces the risk of cancer of the breast, ovaries, cervical, and endometrium. It also protects against osteoporosis, mortality of rheumatoid arthritis, delays fertility and therefore the risk of having babies too close together. It helps the uterus contract after birth and so controls post partum bleeding. And again, the list goes on.
Everyone has their opinion about weather or not a woman should breastfeed in public. In my own opinion, a woman should not be ashamed to feed her baby. We all have such busy lives without trying to make sure we are home every two-three hours to feed our babies so we don't make someone uncomfortable. I am not sure if I would ever be able to bring myself to do it, even coved by a blanket, but that is because of the tension and discomfort it brings because of our society. Here is a site that talks about the over-sexualization of a womans breasts. A woman has breasts so that they may one day feed their baby. It seems like a common sense problem to me, unfortunately there are many more Americans to convince.
Obama recently signed a healthcare bill into law. Part of it includes the requirement of companies who have 50 employees or more to provide a place other than a bathroom that is out of the way of view or intrusion of co-workers and general public. The Pediatrics journal showed a recent study that breastfeeding a child for the first 6 months would save around 1,000 lives and billions of dollars every year. Breastfeeding helps babies fight off nasty stuff like pneumonia and premature death. The lack of support is apparent when looking at statistics like: 74% of women begin breastfeeding. By the time those infants are 3 months only 33% of mothers are still breastfeeding. At 6 months, only 14% of mothers are still breastfeeding.
No formula currently made by man can replace the benefits of the nutrient rich, illness fighting milk made naturally from a mother. This site provides many factual benefits of breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother. A few that stood out for me are: the most complete and optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies, less diarrhea and vomiting for the little ones, less colic, constipation, and stomach upsets, protects against allergies, asthma, and eczema, considered the 4th trimester for brain growth and development, hospitalized 10 times less than formula fed infants, lower risk for diabetes and obesity, and so many more. As for mothers, breastfeeding reduces the risk of cancer of the breast, ovaries, cervical, and endometrium. It also protects against osteoporosis, mortality of rheumatoid arthritis, delays fertility and therefore the risk of having babies too close together. It helps the uterus contract after birth and so controls post partum bleeding. And again, the list goes on.
Everyone has their opinion about weather or not a woman should breastfeed in public. In my own opinion, a woman should not be ashamed to feed her baby. We all have such busy lives without trying to make sure we are home every two-three hours to feed our babies so we don't make someone uncomfortable. I am not sure if I would ever be able to bring myself to do it, even coved by a blanket, but that is because of the tension and discomfort it brings because of our society. Here is a site that talks about the over-sexualization of a womans breasts. A woman has breasts so that they may one day feed their baby. It seems like a common sense problem to me, unfortunately there are many more Americans to convince.
Teen Pregnancy getting younger
It is well known that we have a growing problem with teen pregnancy, drugs, and general rebellion. It seems to me that a parent has a great deal to do with what happens in their child's future. Not full control by any means, but a definite influence. I just heard some sad, and infuriating news. Before I get there though, I must first explain the life of one of older sisters.
For her "protection" I will give her a fake name. For this purpose she will be known as Sharon. Sharon was taught by a high school teacher that if she had children, she could live off the government and get by just fine in this world doing nothing. At age 14 she found out she was pregnant. At age 15, she decided a baby and a house full of rules was too much to handle. She ran away from home and left her baby behind. While mom and dad held jobs, and didn't have time to stay up with an infant, most of the duties of raising the little boy went to Sharon's 10 year old little sister (me). Looking back now, I don't know why my parents thought it was a good idea to have a 10 year old stay up all night trying to calm a baby. Anyway, a couple months later mom found Sharon, and brought her back to be a mommy and try and get through school. This didn't work for long of course. Sharon would stick around for a while, then take off the little one for a while. Then she would show up when she got tired of her son, and she would take off again leaving her son behind. This pattern lasted up until the boy was about 5. Every time Sharon brought her son back, he would be out of control. While out with his mother, they lived with big scary druggies named Psycho. So when they would return, the boy always required extra attention to get him straitened out again. After that hellish 1st few years of life, he was sent to Virginia to live with his grandpa-Sharon's biological father. He came back to live in Joplin for less than a year when he was 12. Went back in forth between Sharon, and his dad, who had never before been a part of his life. He then got sent back to Virginia with his grandpa, since no one in Joplin could seem to handle him.
Now after this boy's unfortunate life, I just found out the boy born of the 14 year old pregnant girl, has just got a 15 year old girl pregnant. He himself is only 13 years old. He was doomed from the beginning. He was tossed around from home to home. He never got the love and attention every human needs. I hate to say it, but that little baby I had so much hope for will be in jail/prison by the time he is 20, I have no doubt. Like his mother, he doesn't believe rules actually apply to him. Unfortunately, by the time he was 8 we predicted he would have someone pregnant by 13. It's sickening to watch.
Parents! Your job is to set the example! If you have had a child too young, you need to grow up fast because you are now an example for your child.
For her "protection" I will give her a fake name. For this purpose she will be known as Sharon. Sharon was taught by a high school teacher that if she had children, she could live off the government and get by just fine in this world doing nothing. At age 14 she found out she was pregnant. At age 15, she decided a baby and a house full of rules was too much to handle. She ran away from home and left her baby behind. While mom and dad held jobs, and didn't have time to stay up with an infant, most of the duties of raising the little boy went to Sharon's 10 year old little sister (me). Looking back now, I don't know why my parents thought it was a good idea to have a 10 year old stay up all night trying to calm a baby. Anyway, a couple months later mom found Sharon, and brought her back to be a mommy and try and get through school. This didn't work for long of course. Sharon would stick around for a while, then take off the little one for a while. Then she would show up when she got tired of her son, and she would take off again leaving her son behind. This pattern lasted up until the boy was about 5. Every time Sharon brought her son back, he would be out of control. While out with his mother, they lived with big scary druggies named Psycho. So when they would return, the boy always required extra attention to get him straitened out again. After that hellish 1st few years of life, he was sent to Virginia to live with his grandpa-Sharon's biological father. He came back to live in Joplin for less than a year when he was 12. Went back in forth between Sharon, and his dad, who had never before been a part of his life. He then got sent back to Virginia with his grandpa, since no one in Joplin could seem to handle him.
Now after this boy's unfortunate life, I just found out the boy born of the 14 year old pregnant girl, has just got a 15 year old girl pregnant. He himself is only 13 years old. He was doomed from the beginning. He was tossed around from home to home. He never got the love and attention every human needs. I hate to say it, but that little baby I had so much hope for will be in jail/prison by the time he is 20, I have no doubt. Like his mother, he doesn't believe rules actually apply to him. Unfortunately, by the time he was 8 we predicted he would have someone pregnant by 13. It's sickening to watch.
Parents! Your job is to set the example! If you have had a child too young, you need to grow up fast because you are now an example for your child.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Holidays-Good, Bad, and Ugly
I believe I am among the 99.9% of Americans who love, and at the very same time, hate holidays. They are times to spend with families, usually exchange gifts, catch up with new occurrences in the lives of loved ones, and share tears and laughter over old stories that never really get old. The 4th of July BB-Q out by the river in the glaring sun, or sharing a Thanksgiving feast courtesy of all who attend while watching the pure white fluffy flakes falling on the other side of the window are always a welcome treat. Waiting to see the reaction on a loved ones face over the perfect gift that took months to find is always exciting and excruciating. Watching the children play and grow with their cousins, making sure what might be grandpa's last holiday is a perfect one, everyone working a little harder to keep their manners in check, its all a part of the game.
This would all be a perfect paradise for the day or two that holidays usually last, but I sure haven't ever seen a perfect family get together as the ideal depicts. How many people have saved and scraped to get their child the perfect gift, just to hear "why didn't I get this or that"? All those precious kids are playing alright, while the parents are comparing. Isn't Jenny walking yet? Gee, Jan was walking by 9 months. I can only think of one holiday that at least a couple of the adults weren't bickering over something trivial, I am sure I had just stepped out and missed the fight though. And then there is the time line, and I know it's my fault. Like tonight, I need to go Easter shopping at 10pm on a Friday night so I won't have to put up as big of a fight as if I wait til tomorrow. Then there is the location. Usually we all corral at Mom's house out in the country. She has a big open yard, and a living area large enough to fit us. This year is a different story. Out of my seven sisters and I there are two of us that are trustworthy. Summer (second to oldest) and myself (second to youngest). One of the not-so-trustworthy has had her children taken from her by the state. Since she resides at mom's house for the time being, and some of her kids have been distributed amongst us, and she is not allowed anywhere around her kids, we cannot use mom's house. Soooo, that leaves Summer and I to decide what and where to do Easter; her house or mine. Neither of our significant others trusts the rest of our family to be in the house, and for good reason, so for a while each of us hoped the other sister would volunteer. She was the good sister and took the hit first, but then a couple days later, I caved. My yard is bigger after all, and the kids need room for an egg hunt. So I must crack-head proof my house before Sunday and hide anything that might be of ANY value.
I am seriously thinking of renting myself a vacation home for any and all holiday seasons.
This would all be a perfect paradise for the day or two that holidays usually last, but I sure haven't ever seen a perfect family get together as the ideal depicts. How many people have saved and scraped to get their child the perfect gift, just to hear "why didn't I get this or that"? All those precious kids are playing alright, while the parents are comparing. Isn't Jenny walking yet? Gee, Jan was walking by 9 months. I can only think of one holiday that at least a couple of the adults weren't bickering over something trivial, I am sure I had just stepped out and missed the fight though. And then there is the time line, and I know it's my fault. Like tonight, I need to go Easter shopping at 10pm on a Friday night so I won't have to put up as big of a fight as if I wait til tomorrow. Then there is the location. Usually we all corral at Mom's house out in the country. She has a big open yard, and a living area large enough to fit us. This year is a different story. Out of my seven sisters and I there are two of us that are trustworthy. Summer (second to oldest) and myself (second to youngest). One of the not-so-trustworthy has had her children taken from her by the state. Since she resides at mom's house for the time being, and some of her kids have been distributed amongst us, and she is not allowed anywhere around her kids, we cannot use mom's house. Soooo, that leaves Summer and I to decide what and where to do Easter; her house or mine. Neither of our significant others trusts the rest of our family to be in the house, and for good reason, so for a while each of us hoped the other sister would volunteer. She was the good sister and took the hit first, but then a couple days later, I caved. My yard is bigger after all, and the kids need room for an egg hunt. So I must crack-head proof my house before Sunday and hide anything that might be of ANY value.
I am seriously thinking of renting myself a vacation home for any and all holiday seasons.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tooth decay is contageous to babies.
I was very shocked when I read about this new discovery about tooth decay and babies. Many studies have been conducted over cavity-causing bacteria that can actually travel from a mother to a baby after a kiss on the mouth, sharing eating utensils, or blowing on the babies food just to cool it down. I guess it wouldn't be a "new discovery", since there has been publishing on this matter for 30 years. Dentists do recognize it as a problem now. Strepptococcus is the main bacteria that spreads from a person with tooth decay to a baby.
Colonization of the bacteria Strepptococcus in baby teeth will even stick around after the baby teeth have all fallen out and terrorize the replacement adult teeth. Teeth are the most susceptible when they first break through the gums. The enamel is very soft and just hasn't built up a good defense. Allowing a baby to drink juice, milk, and other drinks containing sugar from a sippy cup all the time contributes to the problem. The bacteria uses the sugar and creates acid, the acid in turn breaks down the enamel of the teeth.
It is recommended that women start chewing Xylitol in the 3rd trimester to lessen the possibility of passing this bacteria to the infant. It is also good for an expecting mother to have her teeth thoroughly cleaned in the second and third trimesters. I am sure any mom who has read any of the pregnancy books knows that clean teeth is important to overall health anyway. There is no need to have a low immune system while pregnant. Since it is completely unfathomable not to kiss one's baby, or blow on his or her food, and ultimately to keep bacteria away from the little angels, dentists recommend wiping the baby's mouth, tongue, and cheeks with a clean, wet cloth about as often as you would change a diaper. This keeps colonies of bacteria from ever establishing.
Baby teeth have more importance than one may think at first. A set of baby teeth not only allow the little guys to chew food; they are also needed for a baby to learn to speak, and to save room for the permanent teeth to come. If a tooth falls out unnaturally due to being knocked out accidentally, or a dentist pulling it because it was diseased, the other teeth will move together and not leave a space for the adult tooth. A dentist can put in a space saver between the teeth to ensure the future crown it's rightful place. If this little metal spacer is not inserted, the child will end up with crowded teeth.
Losing baby teeth normally begins around ages 5 or 6, though it can start as early as 4 years or as late as 8 years of age. It can be a scary and exciting time for kids; children even compete over how many teeth they have lost compared to classmates. Before a baby tooth gets loose and falls out, the root will actually dissolve. The reason you shouldn't force a tooth out (say by tying it to a door know and slamming the door)is because if the root is not fully dissolved, it could break and become infected. Wriggling is fine, just don't force it.
Colonization of the bacteria Strepptococcus in baby teeth will even stick around after the baby teeth have all fallen out and terrorize the replacement adult teeth. Teeth are the most susceptible when they first break through the gums. The enamel is very soft and just hasn't built up a good defense. Allowing a baby to drink juice, milk, and other drinks containing sugar from a sippy cup all the time contributes to the problem. The bacteria uses the sugar and creates acid, the acid in turn breaks down the enamel of the teeth.
It is recommended that women start chewing Xylitol in the 3rd trimester to lessen the possibility of passing this bacteria to the infant. It is also good for an expecting mother to have her teeth thoroughly cleaned in the second and third trimesters. I am sure any mom who has read any of the pregnancy books knows that clean teeth is important to overall health anyway. There is no need to have a low immune system while pregnant. Since it is completely unfathomable not to kiss one's baby, or blow on his or her food, and ultimately to keep bacteria away from the little angels, dentists recommend wiping the baby's mouth, tongue, and cheeks with a clean, wet cloth about as often as you would change a diaper. This keeps colonies of bacteria from ever establishing.
Baby teeth have more importance than one may think at first. A set of baby teeth not only allow the little guys to chew food; they are also needed for a baby to learn to speak, and to save room for the permanent teeth to come. If a tooth falls out unnaturally due to being knocked out accidentally, or a dentist pulling it because it was diseased, the other teeth will move together and not leave a space for the adult tooth. A dentist can put in a space saver between the teeth to ensure the future crown it's rightful place. If this little metal spacer is not inserted, the child will end up with crowded teeth.
Losing baby teeth normally begins around ages 5 or 6, though it can start as early as 4 years or as late as 8 years of age. It can be a scary and exciting time for kids; children even compete over how many teeth they have lost compared to classmates. Before a baby tooth gets loose and falls out, the root will actually dissolve. The reason you shouldn't force a tooth out (say by tying it to a door know and slamming the door)is because if the root is not fully dissolved, it could break and become infected. Wriggling is fine, just don't force it.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
A home maybe 10 years from now
I want a home. It does not matter if it is in the city, or out in the country with lots of space. I want to come home at the end of the day and snuggle with my family on our light tan leather couch, watching our forty inch flat screen TV hung over a fireplace made of stone, and eating popcorn. I want the walls and room to be warm terracotta and earth-tones. Not too far from the living area, I want a large kitchen to serve for family gatherings. I want medium to dark gray granite counter tops to wrap around the entire kitchen and come around to a bar, where the counter top will be twice as large. I would like at least a quarter of the kitchen to be open to the rest of the house. The rest needs to be filled with cabinets, high and low. I bake, and I have a lot of cake decorating supplies along with normal household items. I would like these cabinets to be either a medium to dark shade of wood, or black. I would put a lighter color of tile on the floor and back splash to make up for the darker counter tops and cabinets. A stainless steel double bakers oven, stainless steel refrigerator and a beverage cooler built in to the cabinetry, and lets not forget a dishwasher, I have never had one of those. I would like for my boys to have their own rooms designed with their own unique tastes, although they will probably end up sleeping together most of the time anyway :). I would like to have a master bedroom with a bathroom we don't have to share with little boys. The bedroom doesn't have to be ginormous (I love that spell check doesn't say ginormous isn't a word), just enough room for a Queen size bed, and enough room that two people can walk past each other without squeezing up against a wall. A walk in closet would also be great! It would be in our best interest to have an office as well, since Billy is a computer geek, and has all kinds of gadgets that the children shouldn't mess with. It would also give me a quiet place to do my homework. Another room that I have always wanted is library, or study area. I would have the walls lined with book shelves, from children's books to encyclopedias. I would have at least two tables with comfortable chairs, and maybe even some blocks and creative toys for the youngest little guys. Having a fireplace in here doesn't sound too bad either now that I think of it.
Reading does happen to be the key to education, and I hope by watching me graduate college, my boys will see the change in lifestyle that can come with an education. It i so hard to convince kids to go to college when most of the students insist that it is so much easier to go get a job and make money. Even if my boys happen to graduate and get a high paying production job, it will run out eventually. I can't do much to choose his friends, but I can set the best example possible.
Reading does happen to be the key to education, and I hope by watching me graduate college, my boys will see the change in lifestyle that can come with an education. It i so hard to convince kids to go to college when most of the students insist that it is so much easier to go get a job and make money. Even if my boys happen to graduate and get a high paying production job, it will run out eventually. I can't do much to choose his friends, but I can set the best example possible.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Chocolate Addiction
After foraging through my cabinets, fridge, and boyfriend's candy drawer, I became more and more discouraged; we don't have chocolate! It's my own fault for making the decision to shop healthier last week. I finally realized that I do have cocoa powder, powdered sugar, cappuccino mix, and milk. I threw together my satisfying concoction, and then wondered: what is in chocolate that is soooo addictive, that nothing takes its place? So, I looked at the Hershey's Cocoa label. Well, it has 20 calories, .5 grams of fat, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of dietary fiber (compared to only 20 calories, that's really high), and 4% iron. That wasn't a big help. So what are the ingredients? (INGREDIENTS:COCOA)Hmmm...
Medical Mystery: Chocolate and Women. There are many theories as to why women crave chocolate, usually before and during a menstrual cycle, but no set in stone solution. One reason is the release of serotonin in the brain, which calms feelings of depression and anxiety. While other chemicals released raise the heart rate, stimulate the nervous system, and cause a euphoric effect. Hmmm, this sounds almost illegal. Another reason could be that women see it as an indulgence, and it's just part of our culture. And yet another answer could be that it's just the sweet creamy texture that is craved and not the cocoa itself. A study was done where they gave cocoa capsules, which had no effect on calming the craving for chocolate. However when a creamy bar was given that contained no pharmacological components of chocolate, the craving was soothed.
There is some scientific evidence of the addictive properties of chocolate. The same alkaloid compounds are shared by alcohol and chocolate. For this reason, alcoholics anonymous suggest the use of chocolate as a substitute for alcohol addictions. Italian scientists discovered a link between the effects of chocolate and marijuana. The compound anandamine is among other substances believed to mimic the effects of marijuana (I thought that chocolate was sounding illegal!). Women seem to be more effected by the addictive properties of chocolate. According to The Diabetes Association, only 15 percent of men are addicted to chocolate, while 40 percent of women are addicted. Of these people, 75 percent say that chocolate is the only solution for the craving.
Now that I have you thinking of chocolate, Here is a site to throw you over the edge. If you have never been to The Candy House in Joplin, it's definitely worth a trip. I can definitely vouch for their chocolate truffles that cover the palm of my hand, and their English toffee. The candy house also reminds me of a cute story about my dad: Usually about twice a year he would go to the candy house and buy sugar free dark chocolate covered lemon cremes for my mom. She would only eat it if she knew it was sugar free. So after dad died, I went to buy her sugar free dark chocolate covered lemon cremes from The Candy House. When I requested them however, I was informed that they do not make dark chocolate covered lemon cremes in sugar free. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, between missing him, and realizing how like dad it was for him to just tell mom they were sugar free, so she would stop worrying. So I bought her her "sugar free" dark chocolate covered lemon cremes, and told her what dad had been doing. She got a good laugh/cry out of it as well.
Medical Mystery: Chocolate and Women. There are many theories as to why women crave chocolate, usually before and during a menstrual cycle, but no set in stone solution. One reason is the release of serotonin in the brain, which calms feelings of depression and anxiety. While other chemicals released raise the heart rate, stimulate the nervous system, and cause a euphoric effect. Hmmm, this sounds almost illegal. Another reason could be that women see it as an indulgence, and it's just part of our culture. And yet another answer could be that it's just the sweet creamy texture that is craved and not the cocoa itself. A study was done where they gave cocoa capsules, which had no effect on calming the craving for chocolate. However when a creamy bar was given that contained no pharmacological components of chocolate, the craving was soothed.
There is some scientific evidence of the addictive properties of chocolate. The same alkaloid compounds are shared by alcohol and chocolate. For this reason, alcoholics anonymous suggest the use of chocolate as a substitute for alcohol addictions. Italian scientists discovered a link between the effects of chocolate and marijuana. The compound anandamine is among other substances believed to mimic the effects of marijuana (I thought that chocolate was sounding illegal!). Women seem to be more effected by the addictive properties of chocolate. According to The Diabetes Association, only 15 percent of men are addicted to chocolate, while 40 percent of women are addicted. Of these people, 75 percent say that chocolate is the only solution for the craving.
Now that I have you thinking of chocolate, Here is a site to throw you over the edge. If you have never been to The Candy House in Joplin, it's definitely worth a trip. I can definitely vouch for their chocolate truffles that cover the palm of my hand, and their English toffee. The candy house also reminds me of a cute story about my dad: Usually about twice a year he would go to the candy house and buy sugar free dark chocolate covered lemon cremes for my mom. She would only eat it if she knew it was sugar free. So after dad died, I went to buy her sugar free dark chocolate covered lemon cremes from The Candy House. When I requested them however, I was informed that they do not make dark chocolate covered lemon cremes in sugar free. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, between missing him, and realizing how like dad it was for him to just tell mom they were sugar free, so she would stop worrying. So I bought her her "sugar free" dark chocolate covered lemon cremes, and told her what dad had been doing. She got a good laugh/cry out of it as well.
Friday, March 12, 2010
He's almost 1!
I wouldn't suggest reading this post, if you happen to be sickened by mushy baby memories. In only one week and two days my baby boy will be a whole year old. We tried for three months to get pregnant. Billy even began to assume he was unable to have children. He had suffered through two miscarriages in a past relationship, and wasn't even sure if they were his to begin with. He really wanted a baby of his own. The day I found out I was pregnant, I waited for him to leave; I didn't want him to be disappointed if it came out negative. That was a mistake! I was so excited, I couldn't stand still, I couldn't even breath properly. He had gone for an hour drive to pick up his nephew, and planned to keep him overnight. I didn't want to tell him over the phone either.
Unable to tell Billy he was going to be a daddy, I had to go on with my day, containing my enthusiasm. I had a birthday party at the bowling alley to take my boys to, so to the bowling alley we went. About an hour later, Billy finally showed up. I still couldn't tell him! The jaw locking smile on my face should have been a hint that something was up, but couldn't figure it out, and I didn't want to tell him with all those people around. So I had to wait at least two more hours, which seemed more like ten, before we finally made it home. There are times where a man's tears can be the sweetest thing in the world.
Billy took the boys and I everywhere to shop for the baby. When I say everywhere, I don't mean just Joplin. We went to Webb City, Carthage, Springfield, Tulsa, and a couple places I hadn't heard of, and don't remember exactly. He had to be sure we weighed ALL of our options.
He was borne 4 weeks early. It was a normal day; I woke up at 5a.m. worked-welding and grinding, I got off early to see my kindergartner in his first school program at 2p.m., Billy and I then went to my doctor "check up" appointment at 3:15 p.m. As the doc went to check how dilated I was, he was joking with a nurse and asked if the nurse guessed I was at a 5 or 6. The nurse laughed, because that would mean I was going into labor. Right after he said that, he said "she is! 5 to 6" I was told to meet him at the hospital. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. I had to argue for time to go home and pack a bag to take with me.
He was born at 10:23 p.m. Beautiful baby boy 6lbs-8.8oz. By midnight, I was still awake waiting for a nurse to unhook me so I could shower. Bradley had put daddy to sleep in the chair next to me. They had both had a long day.
Unable to tell Billy he was going to be a daddy, I had to go on with my day, containing my enthusiasm. I had a birthday party at the bowling alley to take my boys to, so to the bowling alley we went. About an hour later, Billy finally showed up. I still couldn't tell him! The jaw locking smile on my face should have been a hint that something was up, but couldn't figure it out, and I didn't want to tell him with all those people around. So I had to wait at least two more hours, which seemed more like ten, before we finally made it home. There are times where a man's tears can be the sweetest thing in the world.
Billy took the boys and I everywhere to shop for the baby. When I say everywhere, I don't mean just Joplin. We went to Webb City, Carthage, Springfield, Tulsa, and a couple places I hadn't heard of, and don't remember exactly. He had to be sure we weighed ALL of our options.
He was borne 4 weeks early. It was a normal day; I woke up at 5a.m. worked-welding and grinding, I got off early to see my kindergartner in his first school program at 2p.m., Billy and I then went to my doctor "check up" appointment at 3:15 p.m. As the doc went to check how dilated I was, he was joking with a nurse and asked if the nurse guessed I was at a 5 or 6. The nurse laughed, because that would mean I was going into labor. Right after he said that, he said "she is! 5 to 6" I was told to meet him at the hospital. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. I had to argue for time to go home and pack a bag to take with me.
He was born at 10:23 p.m. Beautiful baby boy 6lbs-8.8oz. By midnight, I was still awake waiting for a nurse to unhook me so I could shower. Bradley had put daddy to sleep in the chair next to me. They had both had a long day.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Please have your pet spayed or neutered
Pets can have many effects on peoples lives. They can be man's best friend, alert their owners of danger, put a smile on peoples' faces, add to the quality of life, help teach children responsibility of taking care of another life, and so much more. I would highly suggest keeping a pet, especially a dog or cat, to anyone, with any household. Before taking on a pet, however, there is ALWAYS research that needs to be done. Every animal has individual needs, qualities, diseases they are prone to, and general attitudes that may or may not suit every family.
There are some things to consider before adopting a pet. Most pets will be around for ten to twenty years, so think about your long term situation. A pet needs attention. They aren't made to sit out on a ten foot leash in the back yard; they need love and attention. I don't mean they need their own bedroom with silk sheets of gold. When looking at dogs, some breeds need even more exercise than others. Money is another problem, animals cost more than just food. The cost of veterinary care, toys, grooming, training, wear and tear on the house while training, and more adds up quick. And in the words of Bob Barker, "Don't forget to spay or neuter your pet". There is already enough unwanted pets going to shelters and being put down because the population is out of control. The RSPCA expected about 3,000 animals during the Christmas period; both because of population and unwanted Christmas gifts.
I found a neat little site that gives a survey to fill out, and it gives a list of dogs that might best suit you and your family. Seven out of eight of my results were variations of Doodles; meaning it is a breed mixed with a Poodle. I assume this is because I selected that I prefer a dog that is more allergy safe. I will have to do plenty more research of my own before buying a dog for my family. I rather enjoy Labradores myself; I'm not sure about the Labradoodle. It looks like their fur might need a bit more care. On the other hand, the Poodle is supposed to be the easiest breed to house train. I will have to see what I get if I leave out the allergen safe dog part on the survey. When taking this survey, it will ask if you have children under the age of five years. There are dogs with good tempers around children, but there are dogs also dogs that could be injured by a small child, just as a small child could be injured by the wrong dog. Here is a site with the 50 most common dog breeds. Just click on one and it gives an overview of that dog, including: Photograph, description, temperament, height, weight, health problems, living conditions, exercise, life expectancy, litter size (please don't plan on puppies), grooming, origin, group, and recognition.
There are some things to consider before adopting a pet. Most pets will be around for ten to twenty years, so think about your long term situation. A pet needs attention. They aren't made to sit out on a ten foot leash in the back yard; they need love and attention. I don't mean they need their own bedroom with silk sheets of gold. When looking at dogs, some breeds need even more exercise than others. Money is another problem, animals cost more than just food. The cost of veterinary care, toys, grooming, training, wear and tear on the house while training, and more adds up quick. And in the words of Bob Barker, "Don't forget to spay or neuter your pet". There is already enough unwanted pets going to shelters and being put down because the population is out of control. The RSPCA expected about 3,000 animals during the Christmas period; both because of population and unwanted Christmas gifts.
I found a neat little site that gives a survey to fill out, and it gives a list of dogs that might best suit you and your family. Seven out of eight of my results were variations of Doodles; meaning it is a breed mixed with a Poodle. I assume this is because I selected that I prefer a dog that is more allergy safe. I will have to do plenty more research of my own before buying a dog for my family. I rather enjoy Labradores myself; I'm not sure about the Labradoodle. It looks like their fur might need a bit more care. On the other hand, the Poodle is supposed to be the easiest breed to house train. I will have to see what I get if I leave out the allergen safe dog part on the survey. When taking this survey, it will ask if you have children under the age of five years. There are dogs with good tempers around children, but there are dogs also dogs that could be injured by a small child, just as a small child could be injured by the wrong dog. Here is a site with the 50 most common dog breeds. Just click on one and it gives an overview of that dog, including: Photograph, description, temperament, height, weight, health problems, living conditions, exercise, life expectancy, litter size (please don't plan on puppies), grooming, origin, group, and recognition.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Anatomy and Physiology
If it's OK, I would like to use this writing opportunity to both complain and to study my Anatomy and Physiology. I do like this class very much, I find it interesting, however, it is difficult and there is a lot of material to go over. Not only do we study each bone and muscle, etc. We look at what makes everything work all the way down to what each cell is doing to accomplish every move our bodies make.
Right now we are studying skeletal muscles. Since we do not have the facilities to support a human cadaver, we are dissecting cats. Cats have many of the same muscles, but of those that are the same, some look different, and some have different names. In addition to taking this poor cat apart muscle by muscle, we are required to find time to identify muscles on a plastic human model. There are 200 muscles and we have to identify muscles on the cat and on the human...I'm not going to veterinarian school! As if 200 muscles isn't enough, at home on our own time we have to study 4 different chapters over muscle fibers, the muscular system, parts of the endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system. The lecture test is this coming Thursday (the parts I need to learn from lectures on the computer and in the book).
So here we go, a small taste of some skeletal muscle tissue. A skeletal muscle is surrounded by epimyseum, which is made of collagen fibers,and seperates the muscle from surrounding tissues. Inside the epimyseum there are several fasicles, which are bundles of muscle fibers. Each of these fasicles are surrounded by a coat of perimyseum. The perimyseum also contains collagen, but also includes elastic fibers, blood vessels and nerves; this maintains blood flow and innervates the muscle fibers. Each muscle fiber inside the fasicle is surrounded by endomysium, which interconnects muscle fibers, and contains cappilary networks that supply blood to the fibers. Endomysium also contains myosatellite cells which are stem cells that can help repair damaged muscle tissue. Nerve fibers are also located in the endomysium layer which communicate through neuromuscular junctions (which is a whole other monster). At each end of a muscle, collagen fibers from the endomysium, perimysium, and epimysium come together to form either a bundle known as a tendon or a sheet known as an aponeurosis. These connect the muscle to the bone.
A muscle fiber is surrounded by a coat called the sarcolemma; in a normal cell it would be called the plasma membrane. The fluid inside a normal cell would be called the cytoplasm-but someone decided to be smart and make us remember that muscle cell fluid is called sarcoplasm.A muscle fiber is filled with rods called myofibrils. Each myofibril is made up of thick fibers called myosin and thin fibers called actin (we also have to break down what these are made of in order to understand how muscle contractions work, but I will leave that out). These rods have sarcoplasmic reticulum (Same as smooth endoplasmic reticulum in other cells), t-tubules. which help spread signals through the muscle faster, terminal cisternae, which releases calcium to communicate muscle contractions, and sarcomeres. Sarcomeres are made up of bands of those thick and thin filaments which create a pattern of an I-band, z line, A band, H band, and M line.
When a muscle is told to contract, it of course has to go through a process. First, nero stimulation causes excitation-contraction coupling, the cisternae releases the calcium which triggers interactions of the thick and thin filaments, which consumes ATP (energy) and causes tension. Blah blah blah...The neurons send information from the brain or spinal cord, telling the muscle to contract. The thick and thin filaments slide together, shortening, or contracting the muscle.
I sure hope you enjoyed today's A&P lesson, have a great weekend!
Right now we are studying skeletal muscles. Since we do not have the facilities to support a human cadaver, we are dissecting cats. Cats have many of the same muscles, but of those that are the same, some look different, and some have different names. In addition to taking this poor cat apart muscle by muscle, we are required to find time to identify muscles on a plastic human model. There are 200 muscles and we have to identify muscles on the cat and on the human...I'm not going to veterinarian school! As if 200 muscles isn't enough, at home on our own time we have to study 4 different chapters over muscle fibers, the muscular system, parts of the endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system. The lecture test is this coming Thursday (the parts I need to learn from lectures on the computer and in the book).
So here we go, a small taste of some skeletal muscle tissue. A skeletal muscle is surrounded by epimyseum, which is made of collagen fibers,and seperates the muscle from surrounding tissues. Inside the epimyseum there are several fasicles, which are bundles of muscle fibers. Each of these fasicles are surrounded by a coat of perimyseum. The perimyseum also contains collagen, but also includes elastic fibers, blood vessels and nerves; this maintains blood flow and innervates the muscle fibers. Each muscle fiber inside the fasicle is surrounded by endomysium, which interconnects muscle fibers, and contains cappilary networks that supply blood to the fibers. Endomysium also contains myosatellite cells which are stem cells that can help repair damaged muscle tissue. Nerve fibers are also located in the endomysium layer which communicate through neuromuscular junctions (which is a whole other monster). At each end of a muscle, collagen fibers from the endomysium, perimysium, and epimysium come together to form either a bundle known as a tendon or a sheet known as an aponeurosis. These connect the muscle to the bone.
A muscle fiber is surrounded by a coat called the sarcolemma; in a normal cell it would be called the plasma membrane. The fluid inside a normal cell would be called the cytoplasm-but someone decided to be smart and make us remember that muscle cell fluid is called sarcoplasm.A muscle fiber is filled with rods called myofibrils. Each myofibril is made up of thick fibers called myosin and thin fibers called actin (we also have to break down what these are made of in order to understand how muscle contractions work, but I will leave that out). These rods have sarcoplasmic reticulum (Same as smooth endoplasmic reticulum in other cells), t-tubules. which help spread signals through the muscle faster, terminal cisternae, which releases calcium to communicate muscle contractions, and sarcomeres. Sarcomeres are made up of bands of those thick and thin filaments which create a pattern of an I-band, z line, A band, H band, and M line.
When a muscle is told to contract, it of course has to go through a process. First, nero stimulation causes excitation-contraction coupling, the cisternae releases the calcium which triggers interactions of the thick and thin filaments, which consumes ATP (energy) and causes tension. Blah blah blah...The neurons send information from the brain or spinal cord, telling the muscle to contract. The thick and thin filaments slide together, shortening, or contracting the muscle.
I sure hope you enjoyed today's A&P lesson, have a great weekend!
What's in my kids breakfast?
What are our children getting for breakfast? If the answer is Trix, Reese's Puffs, Corn Pops, Cookie Crisp etc. Cookie crisps? Parents will feed their children Cookie Crisps for breakfast, but would probably protest feeding children regular sized cookies and a glass of milk. At least with a bowl of strawberry ice cream they will getting a fruit, berries are even high in antioxidants which helps to prevent cancer and other illnesses. Sooo is the difference in the size? Why don't we just hand over a bowl of ice cream? Here is a website containing cereal facts directed at children's cereal.It has the top 10 cereals with the poorest nutrition rating that are frequently advertised. Of these top 10 worst cereals, eight of them are also on the top ten most frequently marketed to children on the television. Meaning while watching Saturday morning cartoons, commercials pop up telling the kids how much better life is when they are eating those sweet, delectable, morsels every day. These commercials of course also lead to "Mom! Come look at this! Can we have some please please please?!". General Mills is the worst about catching the kids attention spending 107 million dollars on marketing their children's cereals. Kellogg is next in line spending 39 million dollars. Many of these cereal boxes display misleading phrases such as "better-for-you" or "Smart choices". As we learned in English Comp1, any information may be twisted to sound good or bad. At the top of the children's cereals for healthiness is the Mini Wheats. Good stuff too, I used them as a snack during my last pregnancy; they are very high in fiber compared to calories. A good way to judge if a product has the fiber it is advertising is the fiber-calorie ratio. For 100 calories there needs to be at least 1 gram of fiber. Frosted Mini Wheats has 203 calories and 5.9 grams of fiber.
Back to the ice cream suggestion, there is an actual ice cream for breakfast holiday which is supposed to be held on the first Saturday of every February. It was started by a New York mother who wanted to give her children another thing to look forward to in those long, cold, northern winters. And here are some suggestions to make your ice cream for breakfast a slightly healthier choice.
Breakfast for a child is important for more reasons than one might imagine. A good breakfast gives children the energy they need. A child who eats breakfast is less likely to become tired, irritable, or misbehave in school. Kids who eat their daily breakfast have better scores in math and other areas as opposed to those who get poor or no breakfast. A good breakfast can also assist in weight control and vitamin intake. This site from the Diet Channel also has a good morning routine to help prepare yourself and your child with a good breakfast and start for the day. ahead. It also includes quick healthy on the go breakfast foods for those of us with the "I don't have time" or "I hate breakfast foods" excuses.
Back to the ice cream suggestion, there is an actual ice cream for breakfast holiday which is supposed to be held on the first Saturday of every February. It was started by a New York mother who wanted to give her children another thing to look forward to in those long, cold, northern winters. And here are some suggestions to make your ice cream for breakfast a slightly healthier choice.
Breakfast for a child is important for more reasons than one might imagine. A good breakfast gives children the energy they need. A child who eats breakfast is less likely to become tired, irritable, or misbehave in school. Kids who eat their daily breakfast have better scores in math and other areas as opposed to those who get poor or no breakfast. A good breakfast can also assist in weight control and vitamin intake. This site from the Diet Channel also has a good morning routine to help prepare yourself and your child with a good breakfast and start for the day. ahead. It also includes quick healthy on the go breakfast foods for those of us with the "I don't have time" or "I hate breakfast foods" excuses.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Captain Planet, He's a Hero...
Captain Planet, he's a hero, he's gonna take pollution down to zero! That was the theme song of a cartoon I grew up with. Five children each had a power of earth (fire, water, wind, earth, and heart)to help fight off pollution and save the world. When they couldn't save the day on their own, they would hold their rings together, and call on Captain Planet. This green guy would come out, kick some butt, and save the day.
I highly doubt a green guy is going to pop out of a set of rings, so lets look at a few things we can do for ourselves, our kids, and the world. Going Green can do many things for us, including promoting health, saving money, saving our economy, good feelings of doing the right thing, and saving the world.
This site here focuses on the health benefits of going green. Pollution causes and enhances the risk of respiratory problems including, but not limited to asthma allergies, and lung cancer. Pollution also happens to be behind the deterioration of the ozone layer, which is causing global warming and messing with weather patterns (The 49 continental United States were recently covered in snow-yes global warming, and acid rain, which is better known in larger cities. Acid rain is caused be the nitric and sulfuric acids in the atmosphere coming back down in rain water. These pollutions are put off by volcanoes, but we are an even larger contributor. Fossil fuels (like burning coal) is a way we generate electricity. These fossil fuels and other pollutants put off by factories cause the pollution, which causes the acid rain. Acid rain in turn causes a decrease in overall health even though it takes time to see the effects, reduces the ph level (more acidic)in lakes and streams causing a release of aluminum which is harmful to wildlife, and degrades building materials.The sun is another victim of our polluted world. We blame the sun for causing burns and cancer; but what about the critical health benefits naturally provided by the sun? Natural sunlight assists in our calcium absorption, gives us vitamins, and has been proven to improve a person's mental health. Unfortunately with the deterioration of the ozone, the sun's rays have become too strong, and we find a need to hide from it.
So here's a few simple things we can do. There are actually 29 tips on this site, but I'm bad, and don't agree with all of them. Fluorescent bulbs are a good one, they are a little more expensive but they last a lot longer, so they are worth it. And I love the lighting! Turn off computers at night. I noticed a drop in the electric bill after I started shutting down at night. Use both sides of paper-especially if you have kids who will doodle on anything, or use unwanted pages as scrap paper for a math class. Showering usually takes less water than a bath. Don't use bottled water, it's a waste of material and energy; reuse a bottle. Turn down the thermostat. Put on some cloths, keep some cash in the bank. Inflate your tires. Use rechargeable batteries. Turn off unused lights, televisions, etc. And my favorite, plant a tree! plants counteract our release of carbon dioxide in our breath. We inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, plants inhale carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen! You want fresh air? Plant some!
I highly doubt a green guy is going to pop out of a set of rings, so lets look at a few things we can do for ourselves, our kids, and the world. Going Green can do many things for us, including promoting health, saving money, saving our economy, good feelings of doing the right thing, and saving the world.
This site here focuses on the health benefits of going green. Pollution causes and enhances the risk of respiratory problems including, but not limited to asthma allergies, and lung cancer. Pollution also happens to be behind the deterioration of the ozone layer, which is causing global warming and messing with weather patterns (The 49 continental United States were recently covered in snow-yes global warming, and acid rain, which is better known in larger cities. Acid rain is caused be the nitric and sulfuric acids in the atmosphere coming back down in rain water. These pollutions are put off by volcanoes, but we are an even larger contributor. Fossil fuels (like burning coal) is a way we generate electricity. These fossil fuels and other pollutants put off by factories cause the pollution, which causes the acid rain. Acid rain in turn causes a decrease in overall health even though it takes time to see the effects, reduces the ph level (more acidic)in lakes and streams causing a release of aluminum which is harmful to wildlife, and degrades building materials.The sun is another victim of our polluted world. We blame the sun for causing burns and cancer; but what about the critical health benefits naturally provided by the sun? Natural sunlight assists in our calcium absorption, gives us vitamins, and has been proven to improve a person's mental health. Unfortunately with the deterioration of the ozone, the sun's rays have become too strong, and we find a need to hide from it.
So here's a few simple things we can do. There are actually 29 tips on this site, but I'm bad, and don't agree with all of them. Fluorescent bulbs are a good one, they are a little more expensive but they last a lot longer, so they are worth it. And I love the lighting! Turn off computers at night. I noticed a drop in the electric bill after I started shutting down at night. Use both sides of paper-especially if you have kids who will doodle on anything, or use unwanted pages as scrap paper for a math class. Showering usually takes less water than a bath. Don't use bottled water, it's a waste of material and energy; reuse a bottle. Turn down the thermostat. Put on some cloths, keep some cash in the bank. Inflate your tires. Use rechargeable batteries. Turn off unused lights, televisions, etc. And my favorite, plant a tree! plants counteract our release of carbon dioxide in our breath. We inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, plants inhale carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen! You want fresh air? Plant some!
Facebook? or Addiction?!
My blogs are my final assignment due for this week. I do have plenty of studying to do, but as far as deadlines go, this is it. If I had been being a good girl, I would be finished with my homework. In fact I probably would have been finished several hours ago. So, whats the problem? Facebook! Petville and Vampire Wars. Whats really bad is, the facebook games are pretty lame. You plant crops, harvest crops, plant more crops...design a pet, clean its house, feed it, clean it, decorate, feed it...Click a button, fight a vampire, click a button, do a mission, you don't even see the battles, just statistics! So I guess the real problem is procrastination. There is a lot of studying to do this weekend, and I don't want to! The sooner I finish my assignments, the sooner I pick up the anatomy book. There should have been a warning label on the class description for Anatomy and Physiology 2-It should be called Anatomy and Physiology 10! I do have a great interest in anatomy, and I even enjoy the class; the amount of material is overwhelming though. I'm not too big on dissecting kitty cats either!
Anyway, face book is a great way to get back in touch with old friends, and keep up with family and friends. There should also be a warning attached here too though-Known to cause addictive repetitive, zombie-like symptoms! If you have other important factors in your life, such as higher education, Don't Start! The fact is Facebook games are an addiction. And I am addicted. Luckily, I have have made it through the first step and admitted to myself that I do have an addiction.
Oh that's funny! I just googled overcoming addictions and found a site on overcoming internet addictions. So anyway, I guess I need to limit my time on facebook games. And also dedicate time to each subject with no excuses to put it off. My Anatomy class probably need 2 hours every day on its own. American Economy System is next in line for difficulty, English, then Lifetime Wellness, which luckily isn't difficult at all. Unfortunately, my time off work due to layoff might be near an end. I have an interview on Tuesday for a place in Pittsburgh. Not only doe a full time job impede on my study time, the hour drive there and back will take an extra 2 hours a day away from me, school, and my family. I'm just gonna go cold turkey! Facebook every 2 days just to keep my stuff alive, and spend most of my free time studying. I do pretty well going cold turkey when it comes to correcting eating habits, so i'm sure I can pull this off. If anyone needs a support group started, you know where to go. Just start a thread on the discussion board. We could meet every other friday, and substitute our facebook addictions for boos and pizza...oh and chocolate. That should do it.
Anyway, face book is a great way to get back in touch with old friends, and keep up with family and friends. There should also be a warning attached here too though-Known to cause addictive repetitive, zombie-like symptoms! If you have other important factors in your life, such as higher education, Don't Start! The fact is Facebook games are an addiction. And I am addicted. Luckily, I have have made it through the first step and admitted to myself that I do have an addiction.
Oh that's funny! I just googled overcoming addictions and found a site on overcoming internet addictions. So anyway, I guess I need to limit my time on facebook games. And also dedicate time to each subject with no excuses to put it off. My Anatomy class probably need 2 hours every day on its own. American Economy System is next in line for difficulty, English, then Lifetime Wellness, which luckily isn't difficult at all. Unfortunately, my time off work due to layoff might be near an end. I have an interview on Tuesday for a place in Pittsburgh. Not only doe a full time job impede on my study time, the hour drive there and back will take an extra 2 hours a day away from me, school, and my family. I'm just gonna go cold turkey! Facebook every 2 days just to keep my stuff alive, and spend most of my free time studying. I do pretty well going cold turkey when it comes to correcting eating habits, so i'm sure I can pull this off. If anyone needs a support group started, you know where to go. Just start a thread on the discussion board. We could meet every other friday, and substitute our facebook addictions for boos and pizza...oh and chocolate. That should do it.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Guy flies plane into IRS building
CNN has pictures of the IRS building in Austin Texas burning and billowing smoke to be seen from miles around. A man who worked in the building said it felt like a bomb had hit. The whole building shook violently, and everyone was running out as fast as they could. It wasn't a bomb, but a plane flown by another unsatisfied customer of the American Government.
Joe Stack is, or was, the man who flew his small Piper Cherokee PA-28 into the seven story building. Only he and one other died, and two others were hospitalized, and 11 had minor injuries in the event. Unfortunate as this is, that is only 2 deaths out of 200 employees; one death being the suicidal tax payer. That's just not too bad compared to the lives that could have been lost. This article I read contains a message Joe Stack wrote on one of his web sights. He wrote about insanity being repetition, and that he was going to end it. He wrote "take a pound of my flesh and sleep well". Before destroying an IRS building, Joe began his day by burning down his house. The horrible part about that is the man had a wife and a little girl. However mad this man was at the U.S. government; why would he leave his family homeless as well as without a husband and father?
Joe Stack had also typed a 6 page suicide note. If anyone has time, I would suggest reading it. It is interesting to see what drove this guy. In his letter he writes about people being brainwashed through education about America being a free society,and spending all of his adulthood unlearning what he was taught. He also talks about the medical system murdering, killing, and stealing from tens of thousands of people every year. That caught my attention since I am going to school to be in the medical field. He also goes on about the American justice system, retirement benefits, tax laws, George Bush's run, and the rich getting richer. He ends it with "The communist creed:From each according to his ability, to each according to his need. The Capitalist creed: From each according to his gullibility, to each according to his greed".
I don't feel sorry for this guy. Whatever went dreadfully wrong in his life, probably wasn't the worst thing a person has had to endure. Sure there are many things about our government that I don't agree with. Health-care and insurance needs definite improvement, credit score bs drives me nuts, politics, and so on, its far from perfect. However, destroying a building just doesn't help anything. This guy thought he was so smart, but he obviously missed the fact that he did plenty of harm himself, and not a drop of good. I am especially sorry for his wife and child that he left behind. And left homeless on top of it. I hope he wasn't expecting his family to receive any type of insurance for his death. Its not like it was accidental! Suicide is so selfish! I don't think a person who commits suicide deserves an ounce of respect.
Joe Stack is, or was, the man who flew his small Piper Cherokee PA-28 into the seven story building. Only he and one other died, and two others were hospitalized, and 11 had minor injuries in the event. Unfortunate as this is, that is only 2 deaths out of 200 employees; one death being the suicidal tax payer. That's just not too bad compared to the lives that could have been lost. This article I read contains a message Joe Stack wrote on one of his web sights. He wrote about insanity being repetition, and that he was going to end it. He wrote "take a pound of my flesh and sleep well". Before destroying an IRS building, Joe began his day by burning down his house. The horrible part about that is the man had a wife and a little girl. However mad this man was at the U.S. government; why would he leave his family homeless as well as without a husband and father?
Joe Stack had also typed a 6 page suicide note. If anyone has time, I would suggest reading it. It is interesting to see what drove this guy. In his letter he writes about people being brainwashed through education about America being a free society,and spending all of his adulthood unlearning what he was taught. He also talks about the medical system murdering, killing, and stealing from tens of thousands of people every year. That caught my attention since I am going to school to be in the medical field. He also goes on about the American justice system, retirement benefits, tax laws, George Bush's run, and the rich getting richer. He ends it with "The communist creed:From each according to his ability, to each according to his need. The Capitalist creed: From each according to his gullibility, to each according to his greed".
I don't feel sorry for this guy. Whatever went dreadfully wrong in his life, probably wasn't the worst thing a person has had to endure. Sure there are many things about our government that I don't agree with. Health-care and insurance needs definite improvement, credit score bs drives me nuts, politics, and so on, its far from perfect. However, destroying a building just doesn't help anything. This guy thought he was so smart, but he obviously missed the fact that he did plenty of harm himself, and not a drop of good. I am especially sorry for his wife and child that he left behind. And left homeless on top of it. I hope he wasn't expecting his family to receive any type of insurance for his death. Its not like it was accidental! Suicide is so selfish! I don't think a person who commits suicide deserves an ounce of respect.
Jabber over government frustration
After writing a blog on the guy who flew his plane into the IRS building, I started thinking about what does drive me nuts about the government. Welfare and Medicaid for starters. Welfare paid for by hard working, tax-paying Americans. The majority of welfare benefits is then distributed to lazy, non-working, American wannabes. Keep in mind that I have no problem with Welfare helping people who are willing to help themselves. I have seen enough people using it just because they don't want to take care of themselves. These same people also happen to do drugs, neglect their children, and don't even clean house, let alone work or try for an education. When my older sisters went to high school, they came home and told mom about the lesson they learned in school that day. One of their "teachers" told them to have babies and live off of the government, it's the easiest way to go. I hope that teacher wasn't there very long. The oldest of the two didn't go that route. Unfortunately, the younger one did. She was pregnant at 14, had the baby at 15, started running away from home, and dropped out of high school. Can anyone guess who supports her? All of us! I think there should be a law that refuses government aide to anyone who drops out of high school for at least 10 years.
I know its not a good thing to brag on, but I was pregnant my senior year of high school. I didn't tell my parents, and found the number to life choices (a free clinic that helps pregnant women). At 20 weeks in my pregnancy, I went there, they were very helpful in every way possible. They showed me my options of keeping the baby or giving him up for adoption, a doctor volunteered his time to give me a free ultrasound, they tried talking me into telling someone about it, and they started talking to me about the possibility of welfare. I stopped her immediately. There is no way I was going to suck off the government while I was an able bodied person. She had never heard anyone refuse it before. I don't know if it is sad or sickening, the amount of able bodied people who suck off the government, but you can count me out. I now have 3 boys, I have always earned my own income and taken care of my boys, and now I am up for another round of education. I did graduate high school, and had my 1st boy 2 weeks later.
Politics also get on my nerves. In the beginning of this country, people were elected who really cared about the people and the future of our nation. Now its based on who has the most money donations and flashiest campaign. On top of that, if the person running is not democrat or republican, there is no chance. The last presidential election, I didn't agree with Obama or Palen. I liked the other guy. Wow, look at that last sentence. Palen and the other guy...Palen wasn't running for president, she was running for vice president. She was brought in the race to get attention for the old guy with no name to fight against the racial card Obama had. The other guy I liked, I can't remember his name because he wasn't democratic or republican, and didn't have the constant advertisements. The whole thing depends on the amount in the person's bank, and the people they know. It makes me sick to think that this is how we choose who will run our government.
And I have no intention of destroying any government buildings over my frustrations.
I know its not a good thing to brag on, but I was pregnant my senior year of high school. I didn't tell my parents, and found the number to life choices (a free clinic that helps pregnant women). At 20 weeks in my pregnancy, I went there, they were very helpful in every way possible. They showed me my options of keeping the baby or giving him up for adoption, a doctor volunteered his time to give me a free ultrasound, they tried talking me into telling someone about it, and they started talking to me about the possibility of welfare. I stopped her immediately. There is no way I was going to suck off the government while I was an able bodied person. She had never heard anyone refuse it before. I don't know if it is sad or sickening, the amount of able bodied people who suck off the government, but you can count me out. I now have 3 boys, I have always earned my own income and taken care of my boys, and now I am up for another round of education. I did graduate high school, and had my 1st boy 2 weeks later.
Politics also get on my nerves. In the beginning of this country, people were elected who really cared about the people and the future of our nation. Now its based on who has the most money donations and flashiest campaign. On top of that, if the person running is not democrat or republican, there is no chance. The last presidential election, I didn't agree with Obama or Palen. I liked the other guy. Wow, look at that last sentence. Palen and the other guy...Palen wasn't running for president, she was running for vice president. She was brought in the race to get attention for the old guy with no name to fight against the racial card Obama had. The other guy I liked, I can't remember his name because he wasn't democratic or republican, and didn't have the constant advertisements. The whole thing depends on the amount in the person's bank, and the people they know. It makes me sick to think that this is how we choose who will run our government.
And I have no intention of destroying any government buildings over my frustrations.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Snowy Winters
What is more exciting to a child than finding a foot of snow on the ground on a school morning? Not a whole lot from what I can remember from my childhood. Staying home from school, building snowmen and snow forts, free falling backwards to make the perfect snow angel with no prints, and all out snowball wars with neighborhood kids, took place of teachers droning on over social studies. This is the normal winter I am used to in this area where I grew up. For the last few years all we have had is ice storms and power outages. Finally a real winter has returned, and it's everywhere!
Dallas' Fort Worth has received record snowfall. They have broken 3 of their own records for snowfall this winter. Having 15.7 inches of snow this season gives them the second snowiest winter on record. On Thursday they had 11.2 inches of snow giving them the most snow in a calender day. And their total snow measures 12.5 inches giving them their most snow in a 24 hour period. Ice and snow has taken down power lines, leaving 206,000 Oncor electric customers without power. A single customer usually having a whole family, means there is a lot more people living with no power. Along with downed trees and power lines, people are dealing with roofs collapsing under the unaccustomed weight of snow. They are also looking at more ice and freezing temperatures tonight.
As if the job market hasn't been bad enough, employment and lack thereof has been affected by the constant snow storms up in New York. People ready for hire have been postponed, and people who have jobs are filing for unemployment due to businesses closing. For businesses that are open, people getting to work is a challenge too great for many. Chief economist Stefane Marion originally was looking forward to an increase in jobs for February. Now he says an estimated 150,000 jobs could be temporarily lost due to the weather conditions. Retail, manufacturing, construction, and transportation have been hit the hardest. The situation in New York is being compared to a snowstorm from January of 1996 which left 4 feet of snow on the ground, and leaving 1.8 million people who had jobs, stuck at home unable to get there.
Apparently I am not the only one with nerves on edge awaiting the coming of Spring. In Lorain Ohio, A woman noticed a man with a snow blower clearing the driveway. She offered the man twenty dollars to clear her driveway as well. When the woman's boyfriend found out the man was paid that much, he confronted the man clearing the driveway. The boyfriend was furious about being "charged" twenty bucks. The other man argued that he didn't charge anything, the money was offered to him. The woman's boyfriend hit the other man with a snow shovel, breaking his arm in three places. It's definitely time for people to get some fresh spring air.
I also found this little article about a 9 year old a and 3 year old left home alone. The 3 year old was found by a neighbor wandering out in the snow wearing nothing but a shirt, no underwear or pants, and crying. Child Services were contacted, and police are investigating.
Dallas' Fort Worth has received record snowfall. They have broken 3 of their own records for snowfall this winter. Having 15.7 inches of snow this season gives them the second snowiest winter on record. On Thursday they had 11.2 inches of snow giving them the most snow in a calender day. And their total snow measures 12.5 inches giving them their most snow in a 24 hour period. Ice and snow has taken down power lines, leaving 206,000 Oncor electric customers without power. A single customer usually having a whole family, means there is a lot more people living with no power. Along with downed trees and power lines, people are dealing with roofs collapsing under the unaccustomed weight of snow. They are also looking at more ice and freezing temperatures tonight.
As if the job market hasn't been bad enough, employment and lack thereof has been affected by the constant snow storms up in New York. People ready for hire have been postponed, and people who have jobs are filing for unemployment due to businesses closing. For businesses that are open, people getting to work is a challenge too great for many. Chief economist Stefane Marion originally was looking forward to an increase in jobs for February. Now he says an estimated 150,000 jobs could be temporarily lost due to the weather conditions. Retail, manufacturing, construction, and transportation have been hit the hardest. The situation in New York is being compared to a snowstorm from January of 1996 which left 4 feet of snow on the ground, and leaving 1.8 million people who had jobs, stuck at home unable to get there.
Apparently I am not the only one with nerves on edge awaiting the coming of Spring. In Lorain Ohio, A woman noticed a man with a snow blower clearing the driveway. She offered the man twenty dollars to clear her driveway as well. When the woman's boyfriend found out the man was paid that much, he confronted the man clearing the driveway. The boyfriend was furious about being "charged" twenty bucks. The other man argued that he didn't charge anything, the money was offered to him. The woman's boyfriend hit the other man with a snow shovel, breaking his arm in three places. It's definitely time for people to get some fresh spring air.
I also found this little article about a 9 year old a and 3 year old left home alone. The 3 year old was found by a neighbor wandering out in the snow wearing nothing but a shirt, no underwear or pants, and crying. Child Services were contacted, and police are investigating.
walk, talk, sit down, shut up
"You spend the first couple years of your child's life teaching them to walk and talk. You then spend the rest of their lives teaching them to sit down and shut up." -Millie Turley. The all knowing wisdom of my mother. She has raised eight of us girls; she would know.
I have spent absolutely all day trying to complete homework that should have taken me three hours max! I woke up at 6:00 a.m., and woke my 1st grader up at 6:30 to sign his valentines cards for his school party. I didn't get a chance to earlier this week because I have spent all my free time studying for the anatomy lab test I took last night. After taking the test I had to visit Wal-Mart to pick up a valentines mail box for my son's school party (I tried helping him make one-don't ask), and a $1.00 heart chocolate box with red roses, identical to the one he had chosen for his teacher a couple weeks ago (he has no idea his little brother tore it apart and ate the chocolate). I also went to pick up some Valentine's gifts for my boyfriend. My ex hated valentines day, so I am not used to buying valentines for a man. So, I feel kinda odd getting flowers and "girly stuff" for him. I picked up some candy he likes, some southern comfort and cranberry juice for his favorite drink, and I got the courage to pick up some pink, lacy, valentines bra and panties to add to his gift bag. What else would a man really want? I am usually a pretty shy person, and Wal-Marts underwear isle is right out in the open. Just when I was picking up my underwear, a girl walks right up to me; at this point I very slightly recognized her, but I just couldn't place her. Then she asked me how I thought I did on the lab. I am amazed I kept my shade of red toned down as much as I did. I have class with this girl twice a week in A&P2.
Back to today, I have been trying to get caught up on the homework I have put off all week to study for that test. After juggling chores, a 3 year old, and a 10 month old all morning while trying to study, I finally reach nap time. It's such a peaceful part of the day, and I can usually get quite a bit done. Today however, my 6 year old came in just in time to stir things up right before nap time. He had a great day at school, but then he had to start picking fights with his little brother about his goodies from school. Everything is kind of a big blur from that point until Billy came home around 5:20. I think I managed about 20 minutes of homework, and lots of laundry, dishes, and kis messes throughout the day. Billy has now taken the older 2 boys out of the house, and i'm finishing my homework with my 10 month old in my lap, asking "whas this, whas that?" Yes, he's learning to talk. I am very proud, now in about another year I will be teaching him to sit down and be quiet. He is giving me a smile I have been needing all day; even though I could type faster with 2 hands.
I have spent absolutely all day trying to complete homework that should have taken me three hours max! I woke up at 6:00 a.m., and woke my 1st grader up at 6:30 to sign his valentines cards for his school party. I didn't get a chance to earlier this week because I have spent all my free time studying for the anatomy lab test I took last night. After taking the test I had to visit Wal-Mart to pick up a valentines mail box for my son's school party (I tried helping him make one-don't ask), and a $1.00 heart chocolate box with red roses, identical to the one he had chosen for his teacher a couple weeks ago (he has no idea his little brother tore it apart and ate the chocolate). I also went to pick up some Valentine's gifts for my boyfriend. My ex hated valentines day, so I am not used to buying valentines for a man. So, I feel kinda odd getting flowers and "girly stuff" for him. I picked up some candy he likes, some southern comfort and cranberry juice for his favorite drink, and I got the courage to pick up some pink, lacy, valentines bra and panties to add to his gift bag. What else would a man really want? I am usually a pretty shy person, and Wal-Marts underwear isle is right out in the open. Just when I was picking up my underwear, a girl walks right up to me; at this point I very slightly recognized her, but I just couldn't place her. Then she asked me how I thought I did on the lab. I am amazed I kept my shade of red toned down as much as I did. I have class with this girl twice a week in A&P2.
Back to today, I have been trying to get caught up on the homework I have put off all week to study for that test. After juggling chores, a 3 year old, and a 10 month old all morning while trying to study, I finally reach nap time. It's such a peaceful part of the day, and I can usually get quite a bit done. Today however, my 6 year old came in just in time to stir things up right before nap time. He had a great day at school, but then he had to start picking fights with his little brother about his goodies from school. Everything is kind of a big blur from that point until Billy came home around 5:20. I think I managed about 20 minutes of homework, and lots of laundry, dishes, and kis messes throughout the day. Billy has now taken the older 2 boys out of the house, and i'm finishing my homework with my 10 month old in my lap, asking "whas this, whas that?" Yes, he's learning to talk. I am very proud, now in about another year I will be teaching him to sit down and be quiet. He is giving me a smile I have been needing all day; even though I could type faster with 2 hands.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Southern's class requirements
Missouri Southern State University has offered affordable distance learning for over thirty years now. They openly encourage non-traditional students to take advantage of the online and evening classes. I am glad to be attending this University, despite the long, tiring, days I spend working, studying, and taking care of my family. I know that when I finally get through, I will have a better life with less worries, and more family.
There are some areas that has come to my attention, which could use some improvement. Availability of classes for one thing. I have attended night class for both my A&P 1 and 2 (Anatomy & Physiology) classes this year. Both classes were full of students, most of which, were non-trads in some sort of medical field. One fairly big, important, class I need, and I'm sure most if not all the other students need is Intro to Chemistry. There are only 2 Intro to Chemistry classes I found in the schedule; both are only offered in the late morning on campus. Obviously this is not a class that should be taken on-line, but surely there is enough demand to have an evening class. I have also considered taking it as a Summer course, but I found in my Southern Catalog that it is offered as F,S (Fall, Spring) No Summer class offered. Now this is my first year, so I am hoping they offer more Summer classes than I am finding. I only found two courses I need offered in Summer according to the catalog. I am greatly anticipating the Summer class schedule, If they don't offer more classes, I will be attending school much longer than I had hoped.
Another thing that has proven aggravating to me, is their list of required courses. MIDS was the biggest joke I have ever been through, and I am just sure there are many who agree. If you attended the orientation like you were supposed to, you got all the information that MIDS is designed to teach. Not only was it a waste of money, I actually lost time 3 hours every week, that I could have spent on a class that mattered, or my family. It's no wonder they require that course though; they don't need to hire real professors. My "instructor" was more like an ADD 10 year old from you know where. The University still gets paid for every credit hour just like any other course though.
Math is a good course, it helps improve problem solving skills. There is no reason a Nurse needs to go through Math 130. Why??? There are a few equations I actually used during my little time in Engineering, mostly to rescale objects. I am not going to need to know the square root of say...137 when I'm a nurse! Then there are core classes that let you choose which one you prefer. Once you choose the 1 or 2 from each required category however, you still end up having to choose about the same thing. I would really like to take Spanish. It seems to me it could take over one of the literature choices, and it would contribute to my career choice.
There are some areas that has come to my attention, which could use some improvement. Availability of classes for one thing. I have attended night class for both my A&P 1 and 2 (Anatomy & Physiology) classes this year. Both classes were full of students, most of which, were non-trads in some sort of medical field. One fairly big, important, class I need, and I'm sure most if not all the other students need is Intro to Chemistry. There are only 2 Intro to Chemistry classes I found in the schedule; both are only offered in the late morning on campus. Obviously this is not a class that should be taken on-line, but surely there is enough demand to have an evening class. I have also considered taking it as a Summer course, but I found in my Southern Catalog that it is offered as F,S (Fall, Spring) No Summer class offered. Now this is my first year, so I am hoping they offer more Summer classes than I am finding. I only found two courses I need offered in Summer according to the catalog. I am greatly anticipating the Summer class schedule, If they don't offer more classes, I will be attending school much longer than I had hoped.
Another thing that has proven aggravating to me, is their list of required courses. MIDS was the biggest joke I have ever been through, and I am just sure there are many who agree. If you attended the orientation like you were supposed to, you got all the information that MIDS is designed to teach. Not only was it a waste of money, I actually lost time 3 hours every week, that I could have spent on a class that mattered, or my family. It's no wonder they require that course though; they don't need to hire real professors. My "instructor" was more like an ADD 10 year old from you know where. The University still gets paid for every credit hour just like any other course though.
Math is a good course, it helps improve problem solving skills. There is no reason a Nurse needs to go through Math 130. Why??? There are a few equations I actually used during my little time in Engineering, mostly to rescale objects. I am not going to need to know the square root of say...137 when I'm a nurse! Then there are core classes that let you choose which one you prefer. Once you choose the 1 or 2 from each required category however, you still end up having to choose about the same thing. I would really like to take Spanish. It seems to me it could take over one of the literature choices, and it would contribute to my career choice.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Difficulty landing a job
For over a year and a half now, my place of employment has been laying people off on a fairly steady basis. It has finally caught up to me; last Friday was my last day there. That is why this article caught my attention when I was looking for blog ideas. The article gives 10 reasons you may not be chosen for a job. The most valuable characteristics an employer looks for in a person is the ability to multitask, showing initiative, and creative problem solving. The 1st reason they list is lying. Everything you put on your resume can be checked, 57% of employers will automatically trash that resume. That sounds about right to me, what is the point in hiring a person who is going to lie? If you have an area of concern, the article says to use a cover letter to tell your story. The second reason a potential employee can be dismissed is having a potty mouth. An employee should refrain from saying negative things about a previous employer. Next is long term potential. When an employer asks where you see yourself in 5 years, he wants to hear that you have thought of your future in that company. Digital dirt comes in as number four. Be sure the employer can't find incriminating photos or content via the internet, which has become a common way to look up potential employees. Not knowing the company is fifth item on this list. Just as the company can check up on you; you should do your own homework on the company. Acting cocky or plain uninterested can also cost you a job at number seven. Number eight says that you should not bring up salary before the employer does. Ninth on the list says you need to be able to give examples of your accomplishments as proof of your ability to help the company in some way. The final reason a person may loose a job is lack of experience, or lack of proof of experience. A manager wants a person who isn't going to need as much training.
If you have sent dozens of resumes to no avail, or have had dozens of interviews, and still have no job, here's what you can do. This sight gives an overview of the interviewers position, selecting jobs right for you, going back over your resume, how to dress, and information about interviews. There is even a part that, seems to me, encourages stalking employers on Twitter.
A clip from The Washington Post, says that the economy is still too weak and fragile to be hiring on any large scale. Even though the layoff rate has decreased, 85,000 net jobs were lost in December 2009. Economists believe that the unchanging unemployment rate is due to the "hundreds of thousands of frustrated workers" who have given up looking for a new job. The Democrats, in fear of citizens turning back to the Republicans, are working hard on creating jobs. A 2.3 billion dollar tax credit for renewable energy, which should create 17,000 jobs, and 154 billion dollar jobs bill are a couple of their plans for renewal.
With about 8 million Americans without a job, there is a lot of competition out there. No wonder finding a job is so difficult, unless of course you want to ask "Would you like to super size that?" Good luck paying bills with that money!
If you have sent dozens of resumes to no avail, or have had dozens of interviews, and still have no job, here's what you can do. This sight gives an overview of the interviewers position, selecting jobs right for you, going back over your resume, how to dress, and information about interviews. There is even a part that, seems to me, encourages stalking employers on Twitter.
A clip from The Washington Post, says that the economy is still too weak and fragile to be hiring on any large scale. Even though the layoff rate has decreased, 85,000 net jobs were lost in December 2009. Economists believe that the unchanging unemployment rate is due to the "hundreds of thousands of frustrated workers" who have given up looking for a new job. The Democrats, in fear of citizens turning back to the Republicans, are working hard on creating jobs. A 2.3 billion dollar tax credit for renewable energy, which should create 17,000 jobs, and 154 billion dollar jobs bill are a couple of their plans for renewal.
With about 8 million Americans without a job, there is a lot of competition out there. No wonder finding a job is so difficult, unless of course you want to ask "Would you like to super size that?" Good luck paying bills with that money!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
"Perfection of churchgoers" (week of 1-25-09)
I have been going to this one church for about two years now. It's not quite what I am used to; it seems to be oriented to attract younger people. Their band plays very loud christian music, which we sing along with, the preacher preaches, we eat the bread drink the juice, pray, donate, and sing again before we go. I usually like and agree with what the preacher is talking about.
My boys, 6, 3, and 10 months, all go to their own classrooms. They get to learn their bible stories, sing songs, and play with friends in their own age groups. My 3 year old only started walking when he was 1 because I had his switched to the steady steppers class. I guess being around kids his age that were running around him, gave him the motivation he needed. The 6 year old is often reluctant to participate with others, but when we leave, he is still singing new songs that he has learned.
My problem I guess, is not with the church, or specifically the people who go there, but I have had a problem for several months now. My baby being 10 months now, is just now showing up with my other 2 boys when I check them in. How the check-in system is supposed to work is this: I give the lady my phone number, she types it into the computer, the computer brings up the names of my children, she prints out stickers with their names and an alphanumeric number. I put the name tags on their backs and keep the last sticker with their matching number. To pick my boys up after service, my numbers have to match theirs. I also watch for their numbers to show up on the screen in the Main Chapel, it means there is some kind of problem, and I need to take them out of class. So...after I sighned up the baby for daycare, I gave my same name and phone number as my other boys. When I gave my number all these months, the lady could only find the baby, or the other two boys. Week after week we would ask them to fix it, and they agreed it was an easy fix. The last time I went in, after months of this problem, the lady behind the counter told me she could not put all my boys on one screen. Why not??? She told me it was a legal matter, because I am not married! Bradley belongs to my boyfriend, who also attends every Sunday was her next point. So very calmly, I told her that only the baby was biologically his, and all 3 are biologically mine. So there shouldn't be a problem putting all the boys on one screen under my number right? Well her response again was you two aren't married, and if something should happen to you... And she added that this was not the time to discuss it. There was absolutely no sense in her arguments. So if I went to church on my own with my boys, would I need him to come and sign a waiver for me? And I have no idea where she was getting a legal matter out of the whole thing. I am sure I am not the only person with 3 kids with 2 different dads.
Billy called someone he knew there and got it all straitened out. Hopefully she won't be checking people in anymore. I should be able to check my boys in with no further problems now. Going to church does not make you perfect! And I am pretty sure it is for the people who realize they are imperfect.
My boys, 6, 3, and 10 months, all go to their own classrooms. They get to learn their bible stories, sing songs, and play with friends in their own age groups. My 3 year old only started walking when he was 1 because I had his switched to the steady steppers class. I guess being around kids his age that were running around him, gave him the motivation he needed. The 6 year old is often reluctant to participate with others, but when we leave, he is still singing new songs that he has learned.
My problem I guess, is not with the church, or specifically the people who go there, but I have had a problem for several months now. My baby being 10 months now, is just now showing up with my other 2 boys when I check them in. How the check-in system is supposed to work is this: I give the lady my phone number, she types it into the computer, the computer brings up the names of my children, she prints out stickers with their names and an alphanumeric number. I put the name tags on their backs and keep the last sticker with their matching number. To pick my boys up after service, my numbers have to match theirs. I also watch for their numbers to show up on the screen in the Main Chapel, it means there is some kind of problem, and I need to take them out of class. So...after I sighned up the baby for daycare, I gave my same name and phone number as my other boys. When I gave my number all these months, the lady could only find the baby, or the other two boys. Week after week we would ask them to fix it, and they agreed it was an easy fix. The last time I went in, after months of this problem, the lady behind the counter told me she could not put all my boys on one screen. Why not??? She told me it was a legal matter, because I am not married! Bradley belongs to my boyfriend, who also attends every Sunday was her next point. So very calmly, I told her that only the baby was biologically his, and all 3 are biologically mine. So there shouldn't be a problem putting all the boys on one screen under my number right? Well her response again was you two aren't married, and if something should happen to you... And she added that this was not the time to discuss it. There was absolutely no sense in her arguments. So if I went to church on my own with my boys, would I need him to come and sign a waiver for me? And I have no idea where she was getting a legal matter out of the whole thing. I am sure I am not the only person with 3 kids with 2 different dads.
Billy called someone he knew there and got it all straitened out. Hopefully she won't be checking people in anymore. I should be able to check my boys in with no further problems now. Going to church does not make you perfect! And I am pretty sure it is for the people who realize they are imperfect.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Haiti (week of 1-25-09)
I highly doubt anyone has gone without noticing the loss and wreckage that has come over Haiti after the earthquake January 12th. I am going to look up articles focusing on families and individuals who have gone through this disaster, international assistance, and the science behind such an enormous earthquake.
After the quake killed over 170,000 people in Haiti, hundreds of thousands of survivors are still left homeless. The desperation and insecurity of their situation in Haiti has brought on even more violence as large crouds gather around for food and supplies. Over 7,000 prisoners escaped in the chaos. Rape of women and young girls has radically increased due to lack of electricity to see by. Theft and other crimes also plague the survivors. international aid has pledged 2 billion dollars for aiding Haiti; some fear this won't get Haiti back on their feet. To make matters worse, hurricane season begins in May, and there are a good 200,000 families with no roof. Hatians do find hope in finding new survivors; like a 16 year old girl who survived 15 days with no food or water.
Of the international aid being sent to Haiti, the USAID (U.S. aid) is in the lead. Using several different means, and contributions from so many Americans, USAID has aided in health and medical, minding airports, military security, evacuations, basic needs, adoptions, ans assistance. There are 5 disaster medical assistance teams, and 1 International Medical Surgical Team. Already over 7,000 patients have been treated here, which is very sad compared to the number of injured people in need of attention. U.S. military stays at the airport 24 hours a day managing delivery of disaster relief. Somewhere around 13,000 military personnel are involved in the relief effort in some way. They also have with them helicopters, cargo planes carrying food, water and supplies, and several ships. 10,500 were evacuated from Haiti, although 8,300 of those were American citizens. The State Department and departments of Homeland Security are working to be sure children are not separated from their family. They also help to protect the children from criminals in child trafficking,who would try to claim a child as their own.
Tectonic plates beneath the earths surface are constantly moving, it is just a very, very slow process. Once in a while plates moving against each other along a fault line will make a sudden movement . The energy released in this action causes the earthquake. The earthquake caused in Haiti was a result of a "strike-slip fault" (side to side motion of the plates, instead of up and down). Haiti's earthquake was an amazing magnitude of 7. This magnitude is caused by the plates moving about 7mm/year (sounds slow huh?), the last earthquake had been about 250 years ago, and probably snapped about 1.7 meters to cause the 7 magnitude earthquake. The center of the earthquake was only about 10 kilometers beneath the surface (the deeper the earthquake is the less severe the damage will be) and the center was only 15 kilometers from Port au Prince, the capitol of Haiti. After shocks of the earthquake will continue for weeks to months with each one being less disastrous than the last. Even the aftershocks of this earthquake have been measured over magnitude 5.
I think I might have to read up on where these fault lines are located and keep as far away as possible. I don't know of anything on earth scarier than the earth itself tearing everything apart as if there was nothing there to begin with; separating families from one another, and destroying food and water supplies. There are many ways we can all help the people of Haiti. There are links under my international aid link, if anyone is interested.
After the quake killed over 170,000 people in Haiti, hundreds of thousands of survivors are still left homeless. The desperation and insecurity of their situation in Haiti has brought on even more violence as large crouds gather around for food and supplies. Over 7,000 prisoners escaped in the chaos. Rape of women and young girls has radically increased due to lack of electricity to see by. Theft and other crimes also plague the survivors. international aid has pledged 2 billion dollars for aiding Haiti; some fear this won't get Haiti back on their feet. To make matters worse, hurricane season begins in May, and there are a good 200,000 families with no roof. Hatians do find hope in finding new survivors; like a 16 year old girl who survived 15 days with no food or water.
Of the international aid being sent to Haiti, the USAID (U.S. aid) is in the lead. Using several different means, and contributions from so many Americans, USAID has aided in health and medical, minding airports, military security, evacuations, basic needs, adoptions, ans assistance. There are 5 disaster medical assistance teams, and 1 International Medical Surgical Team. Already over 7,000 patients have been treated here, which is very sad compared to the number of injured people in need of attention. U.S. military stays at the airport 24 hours a day managing delivery of disaster relief. Somewhere around 13,000 military personnel are involved in the relief effort in some way. They also have with them helicopters, cargo planes carrying food, water and supplies, and several ships. 10,500 were evacuated from Haiti, although 8,300 of those were American citizens. The State Department and departments of Homeland Security are working to be sure children are not separated from their family. They also help to protect the children from criminals in child trafficking,who would try to claim a child as their own.
Tectonic plates beneath the earths surface are constantly moving, it is just a very, very slow process. Once in a while plates moving against each other along a fault line will make a sudden movement . The energy released in this action causes the earthquake. The earthquake caused in Haiti was a result of a "strike-slip fault" (side to side motion of the plates, instead of up and down). Haiti's earthquake was an amazing magnitude of 7. This magnitude is caused by the plates moving about 7mm/year (sounds slow huh?), the last earthquake had been about 250 years ago, and probably snapped about 1.7 meters to cause the 7 magnitude earthquake. The center of the earthquake was only about 10 kilometers beneath the surface (the deeper the earthquake is the less severe the damage will be) and the center was only 15 kilometers from Port au Prince, the capitol of Haiti. After shocks of the earthquake will continue for weeks to months with each one being less disastrous than the last. Even the aftershocks of this earthquake have been measured over magnitude 5.
I think I might have to read up on where these fault lines are located and keep as far away as possible. I don't know of anything on earth scarier than the earth itself tearing everything apart as if there was nothing there to begin with; separating families from one another, and destroying food and water supplies. There are many ways we can all help the people of Haiti. There are links under my international aid link, if anyone is interested.
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