Tuscon

I haven't really been able to talk about the events that took place in Tuscon yet because there are so many personal feelings in it for me. I really don't care for media since they always have to blow things up and beyond as they dig up whatever they can find. That drives me nuts. The one thing about this topic that really gets me is the mental issues that are in question. People start speculating about who's to blame or what could have been avoided...it's a bunch of crap and here's why...

After my personal experience with the mental care system, law enforcement (or lack there of) and laws I cannot even begin to describe what a piece of shit it all is. Granted, I'm in a different state but a bigger state non the less so you would imagine there might be some benefits in either place over the other...there isn't. The ways that the laws work is set up so that law enforcement can only do their jobs to a certain extent, family can only do/say so much and people will never be treated in an efficient manner unless they harm or kill someone. It's easy for everyone to say whatever they want/can about anyone or anything but the simple reality is this...no matter who knew what, said or did what they could, or brought in whomever the incident still could have taken place because despite ALL of the roadblocks that are set up to keep people from getting proper treatment, once they have it it's up to that person to take care of himself. You can't force feed people meds, it's against their rights and you can't institutionalize them forever, it costs too much. So really people, unless something on the books changes things like this happen everyday with people knowing full well that the individual is ill, law enforcement knowing their ill, the person themselves knowing their ill(!). I've seen a great deal of this myself and I'll tell you, if it wasn't for my determination over 10+ years we wouldn't have had a fighting chance in hell and that's about what it takes unless you have a classic "crazy person" case and normally by then it's too late because they've done something drastic already. Trying to prevent anything in this country regarded to health and safety is like swimming up river. When all sides are considered too much it makes it impossible for the proper things to take place. That's just my opinion.

DVRs

Just a quick follow up from the last guest post...

We don't have DVRs! I'm SO bummed that I didn't keep them when we first bought our service but it wasn't something I could afford at the time. Now I really regret it and definitely need to switch. Thank goodness for promotions. Hopefully I can have them here in a week or so.

When I upgraded our service I really wanted to have those in at the same time knowing I never get to watch TV much as it is but it wasn't something I was sure about since we still don't know if we're going to stay here or not. Now I don't think I care much (LOL!) mostly because I'm tired of being like my mother and living with anxiety and in fear of things. I've watched her go crazy over the smallest things and totally screw up in other areas and that's not something I wish to repeat. So yeah, even though this is something so small, it's really a great step towards a better life for me. :o)

The Ease and Convenience of DVRs

I appreciate the guest post, Marian Combs

For a long time, I didn't own a DVR of any kind, but I always wanted one. Thanks to a kind person, I now have a DVR attached to my television, and I'm so grateful for it. Now this isn't a DVR that lets me stop action on live TV and then continue it, but it is one that allows me to record directly to a DVD.

I love using my DVR to record from HD DVR Deals where the picture is so clear and the sound so clean. Oftentimes, there are shows on TV that air at the same time. This means I have to choose to watch one over the other. The bad thing is that not all of the shows I end up missing are offered as video on demand. That's why I enjoy having the DVR. One press of a button, and I can record my show to watch whenever I want.

Since I have a lot of old videotapes, another way that I use my DVR is to record those shows onto a DVD. With this DVR, it's just a matter of setting the tape at the right spot and then hitting 'record' on the DVD side.

Having a DVR at my disposal has really made catching all of my favorite shows easier. That convenience and ability is something I relish.

Trying New Things

When it comes to diet pills I always end up doing a rotation and never stick to one thing. Most of the time it's because I'm looking for something for energy and not to lose weight. Now it's a little bit of a different story. I need the energy but also need to lose some weight so I'm looking for something that will actually help with that. The thing is that I'm never really sure what to buy because there are SO many of them out there. I recently found a adapexin review and that started to open my mind a little bit. I'd love to be able to stick to just one and see how it works out but I'm so indecisive when it comes to things like that. Actually, I do the same thing with other brands as well. I think I always feel like I'm missing out on something and need to try them all. LOL

Favorite thing to watch in HD

This guest post from Rafael Hodge

My favorite thing to watch in HD is the NBC show of Grey's Anatomy. This show has been watched by my family for a long time. This show became popular when ER left the air. ER, that was my all time favorite show until I started to watch Grey's Anatomy every week and see what kind of drama would unfold with each week. No matter who is having relations with who or who is mad at whom, there is something for me to become interested in. Its hard to catch a program that will keep your attention for long periods of time, however, this program is one of them. I enjoy watching it each week and on the weeks when there is no program on, I will watch an old episode or will simply find something else all together to watch or will sit and read a good book. Not only are the doctors easy to look at on this show, but the drama is what keeps you in suspense. With both of these being a positive, who wouldn't want to watch HD programming on direct tv ohio. With the picture quality of HD programming, there is no reason why someone wouldn't like the quality of HD programming. Once you have subscribed to HD programming, there will be no turning back to regular television.

Going Veg

I love being able to work in my pajamas but it really doesn't do much for my waistline...but expand it. LOL! I always say that I need to change and find some room to exercise but it really doesn't come easily.

I've decided to start onto a semi vegetarian diet along with some slimming pills to help jump start things a little. It will probably help get my energy levels back up too. I really wish I could stick to some sort of schedule so that I can organize the time to fit everything I need to do into the day but no matter what, something always seems to be left out.

I've wanted to eat more veggies and less meat for a while now. One main reason is because I think my acne is due to not having enough good things in my diet. One of my friends even had figured out her's was due to the hormones in the food she eats. Who would have thought? That never even crossed my mind, so organics are definitely something I'm doing as well. We'll see how long I stick with this one but something in my life needs to change soon so I'm hoping I can learn to live a better way.

Octomom...Back in the Headlines

I'm really not one for celebrity gossip or anything of that nature but when I saw that she would be on Oprah with Suze Orman I had to watch. I love how Suze is no nonsense and if anyone needs to hear that it's that lady. I have to say, the show wasn't easy to watch. Seeing her mannerisms really started to drive me crazy. She would squirm in her chair and act like she was learning something when she appeared to be over doing it, as if she was overly understanding, if there is such a thing. I was actually relieved to see her drop the act and freak out a little with her explanation of how she perceives her situation and how the media has focused in on her. It appeared genuine and real, and ultimately made sense.

So it was funny to me to see that TMZ had published photos of her dressed in a black fetish suit with a whip and Chuy dressed in a diaper riding her kids' toy horse. Had she not learned anything? She claimed that she didn't want to exploit her kids and that she wasn't a media whore but it's okay for her to do something that extreme? I understand she needs money but come on, you cannot say that you aren't addicted to being in front of a camera and do something that degrading. Granted, I do envy her for keeping up her body but that's about all. She obviously has no common sense, extreme emotional issues and a bad habit of falling into things she can't take back. I think we all do and when we see someone take it to heights we wouldn't it's rather shocking...but really, get a grip, some insight and do something right for a change. We may only live this life once but do it with integrity and make something positive out of it.

New Goals

If you know me you'll know that I rarely set goals (fear of failure) but there's one thing that I've never had that I'm setting myself up for...a car. For many people it was one of the first things they got symbolizing independence, for me it was a kid. I've never really had the need for one since everyone else here drives and at some point I think I've developed anxiety about driving. However, the time has come and it's now a matter of money. I'm tired of not being able to go when I need to (finally) and I'll just have to get over my fears for this one.

The thing that's always worried me was insurance and how to pay for it. Not having a steady stream of income makes it hard to commit to anything most of the time. I know that if I can find some cheap car insurance I can probably swing it now so I just need to find the right company and policy for me. Now if only the money would all land in my lap at the same time that would make things a whole lot easier. LOL!

Wonky Sleep

I've had some of the most ridiculous sleeping patterns ever lately. I'm known for my crazy insomniac ways but this is pretty crazy. Some days I'll sleep for hours and some none at all. I've thought about looking into the best over the counter sleep aid but I know there's something else that's going on if I'm this wonky. I actually wish that there was some instant remedy but I know that will be hard to come by. I've tried all sort of things including meditation but with the kinds of days I have I think my sleeping just rides right along with them. One day I'll have lots of energy and work like crazy and the next it'll be totally chaotic and I'll want to pass out just about every hour. I think that if I get my emotional state balanced things will go right along with it...hopefully. LOL

In Denial

DH has really been in denial about being disabled. He really just can't get it through his head that he probably won't ever be able to hold a job and his past surely shows it. Even though he's on medication now it's still an everyday battle and no two days are alike.

I've tried to convince him to at least try to apply for social security disability insurance but he hasn't chosen to go that route yet. I applaud him for wanting something better and not setting limits for himself but it's really to the point where he doesn't have much of a choice. He needs to be even semi independent and having the checks would really help us both out. I think the description of the application process given to him is what really scared him. There's a high chance of denial and I'm sure that neither one of us really wants to deal with more paperwork. I may have to consider hiring a company to help us with the process to reduce the risk of having to go through appeals and such. I know there is at least one that doesn't charge unless they actually get you approved but even then I'm not sure we could afford the fees. At least the option is there and it's something to look into, it's nice to know the options.

Working for a Vacation

I've been a work horse lately and it's even been surprising to me that I haven't been on Facebook in days. I can't recall a time in months that I haven't missed a day but lately it just hasn't been of interest.

I'm SO grateful for the opportunities I've had lately to beef up my income and finally start digging myself out of this hole. Hopefully it stays for a while so I can get back on track and get back to normal after almost four years. It's been a long and windy road but I've learned so much that I can't say it's been anything close to a waste of time.

Working out a schedule with all the new changes has been difficult so far but eventually I hope to take that vacation I've been longing for. I'm so excited in anticipation it's crazy. Anyone who works at home knows that working can become addicting because time is seriously money and much more difficult to come by than having a regular 9-5 job. I'm hoping that soon I'll be hitting the snow with my kids and having a blast even if it's only for a weekend for now...there's always this summer to look forward to!

New Yea'r Eve - Appetizer and Dessert menu.

Guest post written by Mikel Trevino

Finding a babysitter on New Year's ear is difficult. So, my family and I came up with an appetizer and dessert party. Each couple has to bring two appetizers. Year after year we have had the same food because it is just so good. We have stuffed mushrooms, scallops wrapped in bacon, chicken wings among other good food. We also make appetizers for the kids and nachos is always a hit. My sister is the hostess at her house. We rent videos, two for us and one for the kids. We spread a blanket on the carpet where the kids will fall asleep where they lay. nattended on New Year's Eve is not difficult for me at all. I have an alarm system from Securitychoice.com/ in my home so I do not worry about going out on New Year's Eve. I like pulling up to the house and knowing that no one has been in my home or is hiding only to come out later. Home parties such as the one we have is a good option for families.

Money Appreciation

I've been really lucky in my life in that there's rarely been a time where I've been jobless even after I ended up having to stay at home with the kids. Although it's not easy, it's actually a good thing that I've learned so much since then because I will always have jobs to choose from and I'm hardly picky about what I can land. There's a real appreciation for money that is learned after being a work at home mom that you really don't understand unless you work for yourself. I'm really grateful for that experience. I feel incredibly lucky to have had everything fall into place in that respect, even if the amount I bring in is less...I will never complain because I could have nothing at all!

Thank Goodness for Insurance!

I can't even begin to say how glad I am for the fact that I've insured our phones. Since we've had them both DH and Yes-Yes have lost theirs (and mine) so it's really come in handy. Most recently DH borrowed Yes-Yes' and it was lost almost immediately. I personally can't understand how they could lose them so readily but then again, there's almost never a time I can't find my keys. LOL Even though it can really be a pain to re-insert all of the information lost, Yes-Yes is actually quite happy because the replacement phone has a much wider range of Cell phone accessories for him to customize with. That's always a plus, LOL!

Ups and Downs

We're still going through some ups and downs and my mom is still going some kinda crazy over the house situation but I've had a kind of revelation in the last week. As stressful as things are, I've decided not to even come close to focusing on all of the craziness and do only what I know I can do. Of course it will still be frustrating but as long as I stay in my positive mentality I think that things will get better for me.

It's always been challenging being my mother's daughter. I've had to become insightful at a young age and I've always seemed to be much more advanced than my peers. In a little less than a year I've finally grown into myself and have realized that there's a reason why this is so and have accepted it quite well. I know despite what physically happens to us this year, I will be strong enough to handle whatever comes my way...and for this I'm grateful. :o)

Changing Things Around

I was kind of sad when I went to the mall the other day. The last of the cigars stores in that area is expecting to close. I know smoking isn't a popular thing but with cigars being as trendy as they are with so many being long time smokers I had thought that they would be able to pull through. As a kid I have memories of walking by smelling the sweet smoke from the men outside. Hopefully they won't disappear forever and have found a home online as with everything else. Nothing beats the actual experience sometimes though.