Cells Phones and a Trip to the Psychiatrist

How many of you have had trouble with a cell phone company, tried like hell to get them to help you, only to end the conversation red faced and MAD! Okay, how about this one. The company is Cingular, you know the one who has "raised the bar", HAH!

To make a long story short, I have four kids. Each has a cell phone, nice ones, blackberry, blackjack, couple of razors, you know nice cell phones. Paid a lot for them, because they were gifts at the time and the price had not gone down. While purchasing these marvelous cells, I, myself, purchased the $99.00 insurance. Well, my twin daughter accidentally got hers wet, I took it into the Cingular store and to my chagrin I had to pay $75.00 to have her phone replaced. When I purchased the insurance on my kids' phones I was assured they would be insured no questions asked and that would be that. Not once did anyone bother to say, oh, but you have to pay a $75.00 deductible. I'm no math genius, but by the time I pay $99.00 for a phone, pay a $75.00 deductible that is dam near the cost of a brand new phone.

I have had many other horror stories dealing with cellular companies, and I have yet to find one you can really count on to give you good honest value for your money. I guess in the long run cell phones are very expensive necessary evils. Don't even get me started on trying to get out of a contract with one of these companies, that just might make me cus! ****!%%*!^#*^**&!

Verbal Abuse A Language All It's Own

If you are a woman or man in an abusive relationship, then I plead with you to get out now. I know there are so many excuses to stay in an abusive relationship, but the bottom line is the longer you stay, the more unlikely it is you will leave. And in not leaving, you will be sucked into a hole so large and so dark you will never get out.

There are many forms of abuse, but the one talked about the least is verbal abuse. It can diminish your self esteem until you have no esteem left. The abuser eventually makes you believe his distorted reality is the way things should be, but he or she is wrong. The reality is no one has the right to degrade, humiliate, insult, etc., another human being.

Being called fat or ugly, stupid, and a multitude of other derogatory statements is abuse, no ifs, ands or buts about it. A loving relationship helps you up when you are down, makes you like yourself no matter what, makes you feel happy when you are depressed and in turn you do the same. Not that life is always a bed of roses, let us be realistic. Everyone has their bad days, and says things they don't mean, but when this happens on a regular basis, daily basis, that my friend is verbal abuse.

Most abused people do not want to seek out help, but be assured once you have left the verbal abuse, a whole new world will open up for you. Seek out a counselor, clergyman, police, trustworthy friend, anyone you believe can help you out of this harmful situation. It won't be easy, but you will be glad you did.

Advice for Twin Pregnancy from a Mother of Twins

A mother of twins advice to those who are about to give birth to a set of twins. First, try not to be overwhelmed as your belly grows, and grows, and grows, you know what I mean. Get plenty of rest, go to your ob/gyn regularly, take all those vitamins and anything else your doctor has recommended. You're going to need it, because those babies can literally suck the vitamins and minerals, your body needs, right out of you. Read everything you can get your hands on about twins, raising twins, twin births, believe me, the more informed you are, the more prepared you are, and even then you won't be completely prepared.

Here is my advice, from my own experience. My twins were born by c-section six weeks early. Yes, they were tiny, but doing really well. Both were put on heart monitors, which would be constant companions for the next six months. Don't panic if your twins are put on monitors, they are a very important piece of equipment that warns you when your babies have stopped breathing. Because they are premature, their lungs aren't as developed as a full term baby. Don't be surprised, if your babies don't get to go home with you. Most twins aren't 5 lbs at birth, and so they won't be able to leave until they are.

Go ahead and put your babies in the same crib. I put their heads at opposite ends. Just think, they have been together in your womb for months now, they are use to being together. If one wakes up, then wake the other one up. No, this isn't cruel, it is a way to get them on the same schedule, which should be your number one goal. Feed them at the same time. I breast fed mine for two months. I used the football hold, which means their little heads are in your hands and their feet are behind you, or underneath your arm pits. You can do it, just relax and give it a try. To burp, simply, sit on a couch, lay one baby across one leg, and the other baby across the other leg, gently pat until you get the burp.

Most of all, if you need help, by all means ask for it. Whether it is your mother, mother-in-law, sister, best friend or a church lady ask for help, if you need it. I was fortunate enough not to really need outside help, because my husband helped as much as he could. My two older children, ages 5 and 7 were a big help also. Join a mother of twins group if you have one in your area. The amount of knowledge you can learn from each other is unmeasurable. You can tackle the huge job of having twins, just go about it with the right attitude, get them on the same schedule and remember what a gift twins really are.

English The Language of the United States

How many times have you opened your new product only to find the instructions not only in English, but also in Spanish? It irks me to no end, to live in America, and have another countries language on the directions, on the telephone, on our food products, the list continues to grow. If it sounds like I dislike immigrants, that isn't the case at all. We are all products of immigrants. Mine being, Irish, German and French, so I, too in a sense am an immigrant. But, I also speak the language of the United States and that happens to be English. I don't speak German and I don't speak French. I live in America, not France or Germany. So now it is time for the millions of immigrants to learn English the language of the country they want to become citizens of.

We are a melting pot society, there is not doubt. But, English, is for now our language. If things continue as they are, maybe my grandchildren will have Spanish as their formal language. Hopefully our politicians will get off their duffs and put this mayhem in order before it comes to such a thing.

Eating Disorders In Teenagers

It's a sad comment on our society when teenagers, especially girls, look at the bone thin models and celebrities and think "this is the way I should look". In a teenagers mind, this is the way they should look. They have total disregard for their health, and the damage they can cause their body when they try to look this way.

Bulimia and Anorexia have become completely out of control in our preteens and teenagers. Their view of their bodies becomes so distorted that they believe they are fat, when they truly aren't. If these disorders are left unchecked they can cause the need for hospitalization and even death. There isn't a "cure", but it can be treated. It's is like the alcoholic who can't be cured of their disease, but the disease can be controlled.

We as parents, educators, clergy, mentors, must be aware of our preteens and teenagers, and their actions. A slight change in a child's behavior can be an indication of an eating disorder. They become disinterested in things that use to give them joy, they become distant from friends and relatives who they normally want to be around, their attitude toward themselves becomes negative. We absolutely must watch out for our children, they deserve our attention and diligence when it comes to their well being. We MUST save our children from the distorted views of the media about what is in style. Thin is not only not in, it is unhealthy for our children as a whole.

Blogging Fusion

IT'S NOT CHOPPED LIVER IT'S GUMBO

GUMBO

2 tbsp. salad oil

1 c. chopped onion

1 c. chopped green pepper

1/2 c. chopped celery

1 clove chopped garlic

1 bay leaf

Dash oregano

Ground black pepper to taste

1 ( 1 lb. 12 oz. ) can whole tomatoes, cut in chunks

1 (13 oz.) can chicken broth

1 (10 oz.) pkg. okra, cut in half inch slices

1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Louisiana hot sauce (optional)

Fresh chopped parsley

Cooked rice

In large stock pot, heat oil and saute onion, green pepper, celery and garic unitl soft.

Add bay leaf, oregano, pepper, tomatoes, and chicken broth. Simmer about 30 minutes, uncovered. Add okra, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Add shrimp, cover, and simmer 3-5 minutes until shrimp is just done. Add hot sauce to taste, if desired. Serve over rice and sprinkle with parsley. Serves 4-6.

HANOI JANE A TRAITOR TO HER COUNTRY THEN AND NOW

Fonda is clearly enjoying being a "celebrity" with the enemy in the Vietnam war.

Does anyone like war? No. When it comes to American Soldiers, no matter where they have been sent, we as patriotic Americans should support them. We should NOT be supporting the "other side", the enemy.

Back in the 70's Jane Fonda, visited Hanoi, and as you can see in the pictures, clearly enjoyed being with the enemies. The sad part, she is sitting on the very thing that shot down American pilots in Vietnam. What disgrace and shame, it is one thing to have your opinion on war, it is another to be a traitor to your country, and the men and women who die for it.

Now after 30 some odd years, Jane Fonda is back at it. If you would like to read about what she is up to now go to http://www.thestar.com/article/175684 . When we rally against our government, we are rallying against our troops and soldiers stationed all around the world. This only frustrates our troops, it doesn't "rally'" them on.

I don't know if the legend of Hanoi Jane is true, I wasn't there, but if you would like to read one version of the story, of Hanoi Jane, go to http://www.1stcavmedic.com/jane_fonda.htm and see for yourself the account of Jane "the traitor" Fonda, in all her glory, amongst the enemy of our soldiers in the Vietnam war.

Again I ask, does anyone like war? Absolutely, not. When it come to Iraq, would your rather fight that war now, or wait until they come on American soil? I don't believe we want another 911. We either take care of the situation now, or watch as the enemy kills more people, in some venue or other, such as the twin towers. Our country has already thwarted such attempts at other terroist attacks, isn't it about time we support our country, leaders and especially our brave and patriotic troops.

A Moment in Time

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OPRAH WINFREY A WOMAN TO ADMIRE

Oprah and future students cut the ribbon to open The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls

You don't have to be Oprah's best friend to realize the kind of person she is. She is a woman with a passion for helping people. Her dream of building a school in South Africa was born out of her love for the people of Africa, and because of her own roots. She herself was born into a poor family, and out of diversity has risen to become one of the richest, most prominent women in America. We should all respect such a person like Oprah Winfrey. I say Oprah for President!!!!!!!!

Great Soup Recipe for a Cold Winter Day

GREAT SOUP FOR A COLD WINTER DAY!

TACO SOUP

2 lbs. ground beef (drained)

1 onion

1 clove garlic

1 can corn

1 can hominy

2 cans black beans

2 cans tomato soup

1 can rotel with chilis & peppers

1 pkg. taco seasoning

1 pkg. buttermilk ranch dressing (powder)

3 cups water

Brown beef. Drain. Add onion and garlic. Add rest of ingredients. Let simmer for about 30 minutes on med or med-low heat. Serve with tortiall chips and shredded cheddar cheese. ENJOY!!

15 Year Olds and Their First Driving Permit......OMG!!!

Okay, I need help......truly I need help. I have twin daughters, 15, going next week to get their first driving permit. God help us. They don't always dress like picture shows, they were dressing up for school during homecoming......they do have taste.

BREATHLESS........

How long had I been running? It seemed like hours, as I quickly stole a glance at my watch....it had only been a few minutes. Why was this happening to me, where had this man come from? As I quickened my pace, I made myself look over my shoulder, he was still following me. Who was this man? All I could tell was he was a tall, dark figure, nothing but blackness. I couldn't make out facial features, hair color, nothing, just a black form, following me. I made a quick left turn, and saw a door, immediately I tried opening it. It wouldn't budge. I backed away and started running again. He was still there, the same figure, going at the same pace. I wasn't going to lose him....I had to figure a way out of this.
This was something that only happened in my nightmares. I've always been athletic, but I'm a woman, no match for a man, that was for sure.
His footsteps continued to echo in my ears, they were unwavering footsteps, unstoppable footsteps......my heart was really pounding in my throat and ears, now. Desperate for this to end, I stopped and turned around, he continued on towards me......my mouth was dry, I couldn't even make a sound. My head screamed, "just stop! Stop following me! What do you want?", but it never came out of my mouth.
As he approached, within 20 yards from me, I again turned on my heals and starting sprinting as fast as I could. I saw an opening, I ran through it.
I was in an alley now, but which way to run? Which way was to safety? I took a right, because I saw a light, it was like a beacon, forcing me to turn towards it.
As I reached the light, I stopped and listened, nothing. No echo of footsteps, nothing. Had I lost him, or had he just given up? My eyes strained to see through the darkness of the night. It was overcast, so the only light was from the light I had been drawn to, a street light.
Suddenly, no warning, a gloved hand tightened over my mouth. I tried to bite down as hard as I could, but his grip was too tight. I struggled, trying to use my elbows like battering rams, but I was like a fly caught in a spiders web.
With the simplest of ease, he turned me to face him, hand still over my mouth...........

THE WAY WE WERE.......

THE WAY WE WERE

IT'S TIMES LIKE THESE.....

I'VE HEARD IT SAID

ARE UNLIKE THE TIMES OF OLD.

WHERE BROTHER KILLS BROTHER

JUST TO GET THE COCAINE SOLD.

IT'S TIMES LIKE THESE.....

UNLIKE THE GOOD OLD DAYS,

WHERE OUR CHILDREN

WATCH SEX AND MURDER

THEIR YOUNG MINDS PUSHED IN THE GUTTER.

IT'S TIMES LIKE THESE.....

WHERE THE PAST HAS DIED

AND NO ONE REALLY CARES FOR THE OTHER,

ONLY TO CARE FOR THE BMW

AND TO SEE HOW MUCH WE CAN GATHER.

IT'S TIMES LIKE THESE.....

UNLIKE THE DAYS GONE BY,

WHERE TERROISTS ARE BEGINNING TO RULE,

AND COUNTRIES FIGHT

TO SEE WHO CAN GAIN NUKE POWER,

AND MAKE THE MOST OIL AND FUEL.

IT'S TIMES LIKE THESE.....

NOT AT ALL LIKE OUR ANCESTOR'S PAST,

WHERE PRAYER HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT OF SCHOOLS

AND THE BIBLE'S WORDS ARE

SHUNNED AND SPIT ON, JUST TO MAKE IT UNCOOL.

IT'S TIMES LIKE THOSE.....

THE WAY WE WERE,

WHERE A SIMPLE LIFE AND HARD WORK,

GAVE YOU SATISFACTION EACH DAY,

AND NOT A CHILD AT SCHOOL,

WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T PRAY.

PEOPLE WOULD SALUTE THE FLAG,

AND HOLD IT DEAR TO THEIR HEART,

BECAUSE THEY KNEW IT WAS

GOD'S COUNTRY, RIGHT FROM THE VERY START.

GO CARDINALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO CARDINALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO CARDINALS!!!!!!!!!!! WAY TO GO PUJOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IT'S NOT OVER 'TIL THE FAT LADY SINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND SHE SURE SANG IN HOUSTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SEE YA AT THE 'OL BALLGAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DOWN WITH DISTORTION

Distortion.....a word which has many contexts. It can be extremely ugly, it can be hurtful, it can be untruthful, it can be believable or unbelievable. Whatever context, I don't like the word. It can mame people forever, disfigure there physical or mental state. At times it can be used to make someone appear to be better than they actually are, or it can make some look like monsters, in the case of physical attributes. It has detrimental affects on many who receive it, or it can bolster someone who might misuse it. Distortion, even as I say it, sounds like something evil, not to be messed with. Distortion is the undesirable alteration of the usual shape, whether it be someone's face distorted from a birth defect, or music that has been so altered you can't even recognize it as music. Distortion can be the stretching of truth so much that it ends up actually being a lie, or completely false. I don't like distortion, but no one can get completely rid of it, so I suppose I will have to live with it, but try to stay away from it.

ACTING LIKE A KID, EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT ONE!

Today was a great day. The sun was shinning, mid 70's, just an absolutely gorgeous day. It was a perfect day for skeet shooting, which I did. I had more fun jumping over the soy beans hunting for the unbroken clay pigeons than I did shooting at them. In my heart I felt like a young kid again. I actually raced my twin daughters through the soy beans just to see if I could get there first. We were laughing so hard at each other, having so much fun, it made me forget my age. It felt so good. Sometimes acting like a kid makes you feel like a kid. So I guess I should take back what I said in an earlier blog, maybe you are as young as you feel. That makes me about 15 years old again.....back on the farm, riding my horse all over creation. Playing football out in the front yard with the neighborhood boys......okay I was a tomboy, so shoot me. Now those were the days. Thank you God for such a wonderful day.

WORLD CHANGER or CRUSHED PEPSI CUP?

Taking a walk yesterday, for the first time, I really took in EVERYTHING, literally. I noticed every piece of trash, signs, old fences, wild flowers, animals, architecture, I mean everything. For instance the sign in the picture, "World Changers". Obviously, there are still people out there who still care. In a world of despair, anguish, poverty, starvation, there really are people who still care.

I took this walk out of sef-pity, which I normally am not a self-pitier. Unfortunately, got some bad news from the "doc", and it hit me really, really hard. Went in for a routine test, and came out with not so good news. I've always considered myself a pretty healthy person. Always, been active, do the "bad" things in moderation, pretty much take care of myself. So, I took a walk, and reflected.

I wasn't feeling like a world changer on my walk, I was feeling like a crushed Pepsi cup on the road. Totally useless, what can you do with a crushed Pepsi cup? Not much of anything, unless your into some kind of modern art, and can make that cup into a masterpiece.

The walk helped, I must say, at least it lifted my spirits some, and took my mind off my heart. The heart, a magnificent thing, the life, and soul of the body, without it, your gone. Well, my heart, as I found out, is damaged. Need more tests on it, surgery most likely, and I'm scared. It's a congenital heart defect, so I suppose I could have passed that gene on to my kids. Now, that's a hell of a note. Guess what kids, Mom gave you a wonderful gene, not a good one, one that can turn your world up side down. I pray I did not pass this gene on to them, I would rather die than do that. Okay, enough pity, today I'm going to "Change the World".

Lindsay's Graduation

What a proud day. She made it, and it took a lot of guts. Being 800 miles from your home town, going to college in a strange place, not knowing anyone, away from friends and family, but she made it!! What a gal, and because of all she's done, she's going to make her mark on the world. She's very independent now, doesn't need me like she did, it hurts, but I'm glad.
She'll fall down, it might hurt, but she'll get up, dust off the dirt, and then keep on going. The world will hand her good things and bad, she'll have to learn to take the good and bad, and learn from it, because we never stop learning from our experiences. Okay, Mom, it's time to let go......but always be there for her. I love you, Lindsay.

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?

Someone please tell me where the time goes! The older I get the faster it flies by. My children should still be in diapers, shouldn't they? (Boy would they hate to hear that one :-)
It's like they no longer need me, except for money, laundry, meals, borrowing the car, car insurance, living expenses, clothes, etc., okay they still need me a little bit. I suppose they just no longer need me to answer life's important questions. For instance, where do babies come from, why is the sky blue, why is that person in a wheel chair, why do nursing homes smell funny, I could go on, but I won't.
Time is strange, one minute your in your mid twenties, have a home, children, husband, the next minute your in your early forties, wondering where did I put my keys? What I hate the most is; okay, why is my body hurting in places I never knew I had? In my mind, I'm still a young person, but my body is saying, "oh, no your not!". Or even worse, how can that part of your body sag???? And, if I ever hear, one more time, "your only as young as you feel", well, PEEEE UUUUU! I feel like I'm on the edge of the hill I've been climbing all these years, just about ready to go over the edge. Well, at least I stil have my mind, now where did I put those keys?

DOUBLE TROUBLE...(RAISING TWIN DAUGHTERS)

I'm a mom of twins.....no big deal right? WRONG! Oh, it's been great, but these teenage years just might be the death of me.
15 years, and 7 months ago I was told I was having twins. Okay, so I passed out, I'm allowed.....I was told six years prior, after my first two children, I couldn't have any more children, so I was intitled to pass out, right?
Those first few weeks of parenting twins were trying, but I was determined to be the best ever. I breast fed both, at the same time. I had them sleeping, eating, bathing, pooping, etc., all at the same time. Which by the way, saved me a lot of time. They were born six weeks early, so they had a few medical problems, but nothing I couldn't handle, I was SUPER MOM. (At least I thought I was.)
Years have gone by, and now we've reached the teenage years. Oh, they aren't troubled children, just typical teenagers. What happened to Mom's little helpers?? And weren't they never, ever suppose to start liking boys? Forget that! Now, at the tender age of 15, they know it all. You would have thought I would have learned from my first two children, wrong again. Twins feed off each other, it's a "twin" thing. They finish each other sentences, have the same dreams, have their own "made-up" language, so Mom has no idea what they are talking about.
It's interesting the things you can learn from twins. They have their best friend with them the whole time. They love each other with a passion, and would fight to the death to defend each other. There are no relationships, I know of, that even touches the bonding twins have. So, when they decide together, Mom is wrong, watch out. It's like dueling with two teenage WWF fighters. I stand my ground, but their are times I have to just toss my towel into the ring. I don't stand a chance.
So, if you're a mom of twins, I would be glad to give advice on raising twins up to the age of 13, after that you're on your own. If you're a mom of twins, in the teenage years, any advice you could give me, would be greatly appreciated. After all, no one ever told me what it would be like to be the mother of twin, teenage girls.

By the way, if you would like information on twins in commercials email me and I will put you in contact with a twin talent agency.

A Woman's Frame of Mind

http://www.awomansframeofmind.com

Check out this great new website.....it has a lot of cool clothing and accessories.....anything a womans desires!!!! Just click on the link above and shop until you drop!!!! They add new links every day.....be sure to check it out.

Blueberry Days

It's blueberry time, and am I glad. It means summer is here, I can sit on the front porch in my adirondack and rock. Nothing but birds chirping, that's all I hear. Sounds old fashioned, but that's okay. Who said every day has to be a merry-go-round of fast paced living, some days are for just sitting back and reflecting on life. I'm not an old fuddy, duddy, I'm just someone that wants the whole world to slow down just a bit. My wish for you is to have a blueberry day, just every now and then.

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Why Do Women Treat Other Women the Way They Do?

Have you ever wondered why women treat other women they way they do? I often wonder this. I would bet 9 out of 10 women have stabbed their best friend in the back, and didn't realize they were doing it. I'm not talking about high school age, or even college age women, I'm talking about women in their 30's, 40's and beyond.

Is it because we are jealous of one another? Someone is smarter, prettier, sexier, skinnier the head honcho of a clique, WHAT is it???? Has society made us this way, or is it our genetic make up that makes us this way. Did it start in preschool, grade school, high school, where did it start?

The problem with competing with other women is we are not only hurting ourselves, but we are passing this on to our daughters. And this is NOT a good thing. It can cause low self-esteem, anorexia, drugs, alcohol, and a gamut of other destructive behaviors.

Somehow, someone has to be the beginner, of stopping this madness....gamut has already gone way too far. We should pull together to make each other stronger, not cut each other down to the quick, just so we can make ourselves look better. I, for one,am doing my best to teach my daughters to stay away from this kind of behavior. I believe it is in their own best interest to build other women up, not to knock them down.

My own experience has brought me to the point, I no longer trust other women. I avoid getting into new relationships, just because I don't want to be a part of tearing other women down. I broke away from the clique I was in, and don't intend to be a part of another. Do I want friends? You bet, but I refuse to be a part of a group that excludes other women just because they supposedly aren't good enough to be a part of the "group".

I would love to hear stories from others, who have either been the one to knock other women down, or from the ones who have been on the bad end of the stick.