Weird Day

I've had a heck of a day! Its been very random. My mind has been all over the place and I've really not been able to focus. And I'm blessed to have an incredible man in my life who will just let me ramble on in my chaotic state and I'm sure that he just nods his head and responds with a smirk on his face. I get one liners over the IM and they are always the perfect response. Even if it is just a "yup". The fact that he's allowing me to vent and mumble is awesome. And honestly, I don't care if he is listening to one word I'm saying. Its the fact that every now and again, I get a laugh or an "I'm not sure." or whatever, means the world to me. Because having that person to bounce things off of and explain what's bothering you is a huge relief. We all need that therapeutic release. Especially today, because today was just a weird day all around.

Family Divided No More

I'm not sure where to begin, but at the beginning. I've not talked to certain members of my family in about six months. Nor do I plan on ever talking to them again. The reasons don't matter, as I take responsibility for those events, but there comes a time when you need to just let go of everyone because you can't keep the family divided. I've learned that my feelings have seriously hardened my heart and I really don't care if I ever hear another word about them again. I've tried to apologize for past transgressions, but after awhile, apologies fall on deaf ears.

I've done a lot of things in my life that I am not proud of. I've struggled as a single parent my entire adult life. And as far as I'm concerned, I've done the best job that I knew how. I can no longer hold onto the hope that certain family will approve of the decisions that I've made. I'm moving on and leaving them behind. I will no longer live with a family divided. It's not fair to my children, myself, or whomever else might be involved.

I will have my family, and they can have theirs. I am, as of now, orphaned. I have no past, only a future that my children and I will build together, alone.

Go Wings!

Bring it on San Jose!! So tonight is the big show down between 1 and 2 in the Western Conference. Now those of you that don’t follow Hockey, first of all, I’m Sorry, but you seriously don’t know what you’re missing! This is the greatest sport around. But second of all, its Hockey, hello, where else can you see a bunch of guys in a fist fight on skates. How fun is that!

OK, so we have the San Jose Sharks in first place, and my Beloved Redwings coming in second, 5 points out of first place. Now if you want my opinion, its honestly going to come down to the Sharks and the Wings in the West, but the Wings will hold on and go to the Finals. I think its going to be the Bruins in the East. Although, the Washington Capitals might surprise you, but since I hate the Capitals, I’m going for the Bruins! So my prediction is a Wings /Bruins Stanley Cup.

Jared can give up on the Pen’s; they’re seriously out of contention! I mean, they’re in 10th place now; Crosby and Whitney are both out tonight for the game against the New York Islanders. So I say, bye-by to the Pittsburgh Penguins who played an incredible Stanley Cup finals last year; maybe next year. They finally got rid of that loser coach, so maybe they can pull it together next year and come back stronger. And hopefully they’ll abandon those “Powderpuff” Blue jersey’s and look more like Hockey players than Cheerleaders. They look like a bunch of Barbie dolls skating around out there. Hey, I think I had some eye shadow that color in the 8th grade!!

But I digress, back to my REDWINGS! So I’m really hoping that Marian Hossa takes a long jump off a short pier while he’s in San Jose! I just can’t stand this guy. I know, I know, he’s a Wing and doing great things for the team, but there’s something to be said for team loyalty, and this guy just doesn’t have it. He’s about the almighty dollar. And I can’t stand that. The one thing I love about Hockey, is that these guys really play the game because they love it; unlike the super million dollar football, basketball, and baseball players of today. Well Hossa is trying to change that. He’s a sorry excuse for a hockey player in my book and unworthy to wear the Redwing Jersey! I don’t care that he’s doing great things for the team; I still think he’s a shmuk!

Tonight the real show down takes place. We will either gain some points towards first place, or loose position. But my man Zetterberg will be there to lead the pack! I hope Osgood isn’t in the net tonight; he’s been sucking pretty badly lately. L

GO WINGS!

Mel

Yearning to go back...

I am back home in Dallas and already yearning to go back to Seattle and be with Jared. It was a great weekend and it was so good to see him; but it was way to short of a visit. You don't realize how much you love and care about someone until they are physically missing from your life.

But it did reaffirm my commitment to Jared and his daughter's and the fact that Connor and I will be moving to Seattle after Alex graduates from high school next June. Until then, Jared and I will just commute back and forth every few months to see each other. I love the Pacific Northwest and I know that is where I want to raise my family. Alex will be in college and it won't matter. Connor wants to move today, but I've explained that we need to wait until Alex finishes his senior year. I was moved to three different high schools and I remember all to well how bad that sucked!! I won't do that to him. He's been in the same school district since kindergarten.

Oh, I didn't get to ride on the Ferry this weekend. =( We didn't have time. So I'll fit that into the schedule when Connor and I go for a visit in June. I've got a huge list growing for the June visit so I'm going to have to schedule a few extra days. But we did go feed the Canadian Geese on Sunday morning. It was fun. And of course the geese were as loud as I remembered. We grew up on a Lake in Michigan and we had Canadian Geese that would hang out all the time. They're loud, territorial and mean. I had to laugh because there were two geese that were down the river walk a bit and as soon as they saw us throwing bread they started squawking and did it the entire time as they floated down the river towards us. And they were so lazy that they didn't even swim, they just let the current drift them our way. It was funny. And Loud! They were so loud. I was waiting for the hissing to start. Have you ever seen a Goose Hiss? its hysterical. Here's a few pictures of those crazy geese. they were really funny and I had a good time watching them. I know that Syd and Averi had fun feeding them.

So we finally made down to Triple X Hamburger's for lunch in Issaquah, WA. Apparently this place is known for their hamburgers and Original recipe Rootbeer. Well it was ok. I mean, it tasted like Whataburger to me. But being from Texas, we have real BURGERS! The Root beer was good, but I thought it was way too sweet. It kinda made me sick to my stomach. I felt like I'd eaten an entire bag of Halloween candy without the joy of eating the candy! So, for me, I give it a 2 out of 5 stars. Not so great. Oh yeah, they only take cash too!! What's up with that?? Get with the 21st Century people! I mean, you have an ATM in your lobby so people can get cash, but you won't take Debit or Credit cards! So, I take that back, I give it a 1.5 out of 5 for the inconvenience of having to go to the ATM to get cash and then getting smacked with a FEE for taking out cash.

Saturday night was Pizza Party night. This is a family staple in the Robinson household. But instead of Pizza, I made one of Jared's favorites, my homemade Chili Mac. For Valentine's day I made Jared a cookbook and put several recipes of mine in there for him to cook. One of the things that his daughter's and I like to do together is to bake. We're always cooking and baking something new. This time we tried to make chocolate chip cookie Lollipops, but we couldn't locate any Popsicles sticks at the last minute. Bummer! So we just ended up with chocolate cookies. But they were yummy!

Anyway, I know today's blog is boring, but I wanted to tell you about my weekend. It was amazing to me - maybe boring for you. But then again - you don't love Jared like I do! =)

Get ready for Hockey Postings people. The Redwings are playing the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday. My Wings are only 3 points out of FIRST place in the Western Conference. Wooohooo! Keep that cup in Hockey Town Baby!

Blessings All,
Mel

Plans for the weekend and re-cap of Grey's Anatomy

So, I'm off to Seattle for the weekend. Yeah! I haven't seen Jared in three long months! Tonight we're going to a local place called Mahoney's for adult beverages. Now since I don't drink adult beverages, I'll be driving us home, if I can find the way home. :-) Sometime this weekend we're planning a ferry ride, which I'm excited about. I've never been on a ferry. It's very Dr. McDreamyish. You Grey's Anatomy fans know what I'm talking about. Derek Shepperd has a thing for ferry's. I'm not sure what all the fuss is about, but I'll be sure to let you know.

Speaking of Grey's, did anyone watch that last night? Whoa!! McDreamy freaked out in the OR! And then McDreamy and McSteamy going at it on the sky way. That was like watching a bunch of bears wrestling over a honey pot, good grief. But McSteamy stood up for Little Grey! YEA! Its about time he did something right, the poor guy can't seem to catch a break.

But I have to be honest, I was most disturbed by the whole Izzy Stevens thing. I did like the way they had the woman come back in and yell at her regarding the misdiagnosis. I thought that was ingenious. Because Izzy is the one character who, out of all of them, treats everyone with kit gloves. So the fact that she was given this news of her own impending death, unbeknownest, to the patient, was ironic.

The reason I liked it, because I can't stand Katherine Hiegel! I think she's such a diva and she needs to remember where she came from. I hope that her death is painful and that she withers and dies a slow excruciating death, on Grey's that is, not in real life.

But that's my opinion of Grey's. I'm off people. Time to pack up the laptop and head to the airport.

Mel

Sometimes there really is nothing there ~

OK, I have to just let it out. I have a bad habit of reading into something that just isn't there. I'm really one for adding my own commentary and blaming the other party; leaving them wondering what the hell just happened and how they got in trouble. I want you to know that I don't do this on purpose. This is all done subconsciously and without intentional malice; but I do it none the less.

Because this is a blog, I am being perfectly honest with you. I mean, after all, if I can't be honest with all of you guys, then I shouldn't be writing a blog anyway right? OK so I'm going to give you two instances where I completely sabotaged the conversation and turned in around and you judge for yourself where things took a turn for the worse. Unfortunately, poor Jared was the brunt of both test cases, and he was able to check me both times, but the point is, I did it anyway.

Ex. #1: I asked Jared since the Pens were going to be out of playoff contention who would he be rooting for? It couldn't be the Caps - his buddy was a Caps fan and he gave him constant grief about the Caps. So nope - my guess wouldn't be the Washington Capitals. Must be the San Jose Sharks because they're ahead of the Redwings and Jared hates the Wings. (My FAVORITE team BTW!)

What does Jared say? Ding, ding, ding..."Nah, the Caps, because ####'s my friend and he's a Cap's fan. So I'll cheer for the Caps." Excusemwaaaaa? What did you say??? Um HELLO your girlfriend is a MAJOR REDWINGS fan and you've never said one nice thing about the Redwings EVER! But yet you would cheer for the Caps because your Buddy like s them? Srsly? Did I miss the memo that said "Bro's before ..."

Of Course, that's what was going on in my twisted little brain. And let me tell you I went off on Jared! Yes I did. There were words that came out of my mouth that don't usually come out of my mouth. Again, Jared's response, which was the CORRECT response I might add, "You need to stop making more of this than there is. This is not a guy friends vs. girlfriend issue." Well you could have fooled me!! I suspect we went on like this for an hour. When all was said and done, I was the one apologizing, because I was the one that made a complete idiot of myself. So back to my corner I crawled, ego bruised but still in tact. Now I hope that the Pens and Caps both go down in the flames of HELL! And the Caps almost did last night but ended up wining in a shoot out against the Canadians last night. Dang it Montreal! Pull your head out!!!

OK, so now to my second example which is a bit more personal so I'm going to be very vague. Jared made some rather sweet comments but I took ONE SENTENCE out of all the nice stuff that he said and read into that one line as if he'd grown a second head! Of course, he has NO idea what I'm even talking about and then he just gives me one line, "You're doing it again." That's my man ladies and gentleman! Doing what? I ask. Because I honestly have no idea what he's talking about. I'm completely clueless, I don't realize that I'm even doing it. But then its like a brick hits my forehead and says "Wake Up Moron" and I realize exactly what he's talking about.

The fact that he even puts up with me is amazing. I think that's why I love him so much. Woman in general are a moody bunch. We're emotional manipulators who are taught from birth to cry on demand to get what we want. No offense to any of my Female Sisters reading this post; but you have to agree with me. Guys are the opposite, they either hold it all in or use anger to express themselves. That's just how God wired all of us. It doesn't mean that we're bad people, but sometimes, there really is nothing else there.

Blessings,
Melissa

So what would you REALLY do?

I was fighting through traffic this morning in silence and I was recounting a program I watched on ABC last night called “What Would You Do?” I was completely disturbed by this program; not because of the program, but because of the way certain people responded in different situations. The segment that got my goat the most was the “Little Girl Left Alone with a Stranger: When Bystanders See a Stranger Approach a Little Girl They Must Decide What to do.”

Here’s a link to the story and video.
http://abcnews.go.com/WhatWouldYouDo/story?id=6888300&page=1

I was very alarmed and disturbed to watch these scenarios unfold; Major PROPS to the Moms, Dads, and Grandfather that confronted the two different “actors” used in the scenarios. But according to ABC news “Over the course of our two-day experiment, three people out of 14 let the "strangers" walk off with little Katie. Those who intervened said they were concerned for and protective of the child, and that it was necessary for people to look out for one another.”

Are you kidding me? That’s over 20% in the experiment that let this 10 year old little girl walk off with two different strangers. I couldn’t believe it as I watched this poor little girl, Katie, on the swing. Two dads who intervened in particular stood out to me. One guy tried the approach with the little girl that she should play with his daughter instead of going to help Predator guy look for his “Puppy.” The other Dad just plain got up in his face and asked him why he was even talking to her without her parent’s permission. This particular scenario was one where the predator was someone she knew from her “block.” But this dad was having none of it and even threatened to call the police.

But my FAVORITE hero was the Grandfather Ted Horne, who actually chased them down into the parking lot after the guy convinced the little girl to go with him to find his lost dog. He stopped them and asked her is she’d come to the park with the man. When Katie responded no, that her nanny went to the bathroom, he immediately told her to come back to the park area and wait for her nanny to come back. Then told the predator he was going to call the police.

“Horne escorted Katie back to the playground. She asked him what he thought she should have done. 'I think that was a bad man,' Horne replied. 'You should have said no, he was a stranger'." Way to go grandpa!! I have to cry when we hear these constant stories of missing children; especially if it could have been easily avoided if one person would have been paying attention to that child.

Now this show has other situations that it challenges people at such as a man in his 90’s who can’t figure out how to start his car but then gets behind the wheel and drives. And people actually helped the guy. HELLO – if he can’t start his car, maybe he shouldn’t be driving!! Another is a real estate agent that discriminates against a Muslim couple during an open house.

But you get the idea, it’s a thought provoking show that makes you wonder, how would you really react in that type of situation. I hope that I would be one of those “heroes” that would stand up and let my voice be heard. But I guess until you are in that situation you can’t really answer for sure.

Until Tomorrow,
Mel

Dreams and Reality...Do your's ever intermingle?

OK, so you guys are going to have to bare with me today because I had the strangest dream last night that I swear was happening in real life. Did you ever have one of those? Where you woke up and wondered, did that really happened or was I dreaming?

So here I was, in my REM sleep mode, dreaming away. Let me set the scene: I was in this park with a bunch of people that apparently I knew, but I can’t tell you now who they were. The park was surrounded by this nice brick wall about eight feet high. The park seemed to be in the middle of some downtown city with big sky scrapers and such; but it didn’t look familiar to me at all. But it had beautiful green grass and benches, etc. You get the picture. It was a nice city park.

So here we all are enjoying what I guess is a lunchtime event. A lot of people had blankets spread out and seemed to be in small groups spread out over the lawn area. There were dogs jumping about, etc. But I could tell it was a work day because we were all in work attire. So all of a sudden we start hearing helicopters, so of course our response is to look up. We notice that the copters are from the TV stations and they are circling the building under construction next to the park.

Then we begin to hear sirens, as in Police and Fire rescue. So of course the tone in the park starts to get a little bit nervous and you begin to hear this hum of whispers resonate through the groups as to what’s going on. Well I don’t know what made me look up again, but all of a sudden I see what looks like two helicopters circling one another. Like two lions ready to pounce. But they seem to be in a spiral motion headed down. I notice one pull out and fly away but then realize the other is not a helicopter, but some type of heavy machine and its falling from the sky.

I was in awe watching this thing getting bigger as it fell, because as you know, things move in slow motion in your dreams. Well the closer it got, the more I realized, it was the cab of a crane and it was headed towards the park. People began screaming and running, and I’m just standing there amazed watching the body of this crane fall. Well it missed the park but fell on the other side of the wall. Debris broke off and flew back into the park striking two men breaking one of the men’s legs. This man was about 5 feet from me.

Then the I guess “arms” of the crane began falling into the park. One long piece missed me to the right about one foot and landed on two people killing them. Another piece landed to the left of me about twenty feet away hitting one person, killing them. I think there was a third piece that fell, but I can’t be certain because at this point someone grabbed me and I began running. I ran and got out of the park, all the while hearing the crashing of metal on the street next to the building under construction. I remember a paramedic coming up to me and asking if I was OK and responding that I was fine.

My alarm went off after that and I woke up. But I woke up and I had to sit there for a minute. I had to sort through the fog in my brain and wonder if I’d heard about a crane accident the day before on the news. This dream was so vivid in my mind that it had to be real. I was a bit unnerved as I got in the shower and then got ready for my day. I couldn’t put it out of my head; especially the fact that I just sat there and watched all of this fall from the sky and did nothing to get out of the way and save myself.

I’m sure some Psychiatrist could analyze it to death for me. Please refrain!! It was just a spooky feeling waking up and having that dream. Please Lord, please bless and keep all Crane workers safe today and always! I’m sure the Catholic’s have a patron saint of Construction Worker’s, I just can’t remember who it is; maybe I should call my Grandma. I’ve been a non-Catholic for way too long. She can light a candle.

Blessings Everyone!
Mel

The Pet's rule my house, what about yours?

So here we are, the beginning of a new week and let me tell you, it was very hard to crawl out of bed this morning! The sky was foggy and overcast with a hint of that crisp cold winter air that I do not want around anymore. Did Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow this year and did someone forget to tell him that I live in TEXAS! We have 70 degree weather in February not 30's and 40's. The more I stirred to wake myself up, the further the dog snuggled under the covers to keep warm. Yes, I said under the covers! This dog, God love him, has become the most SPOILED creature on earth. Jared is going to kill me once he comes back to "claim" him because I've turned this dog into a pansy!! But in all fairness, Jared has turned my cat into a possessed DEMON from HELL! And he thinks its funny. So I've decided that may its not so bad.

Blake is definitely a momma's boy. He likes to sleep right next to me, under the covers and he doesn't move all night. Of course he weighs all of 15 pounds, so its not like he takes up much room, but he's the cutest thing. But on top of the dog, I have three cats that occupy the bed as well.

There's Dodger, who I've had for about 9 years. He's the boss of the house and makes sure that everyone knows it. Its actually really funny to watch Blake and that cats play, but if Dodger gets involved, then someone is in serious trouble!! Dodger rules HIS house with an iron fist and if things get out of control, he'll make sure to put whom ever needs a good "whooping" back in line. Its actually pretty funny to watch. Dodger's a senior cat, but when he needs to, he'll chase Blake or DJ around the house and smack them around a bit. It creates hours of laughter watching these animals. Well maybe not hours, but you get the picture.

Now DJ is a special being. I've decided that he's mentally incompetent. There's just no other excuse for this stupid cat. I mean you can't help but love him because he's as sweet as they come, but then he's developed this incredibly EVIL side that I have no idea where it came from. He terrorizes everyone. Me and Sophie (my other cat) mostly. DJ, has a "special" talent. Now Jared will tell you that DJ is an Artist expressing himself. I say he's a cat that's running out of lives. DJ cannot stand for a picture/painting to be straight on my wall. So he will crawl up on furniture and bat at the pictures until they are sideways. And its obvious too. He will do it right in front of me. It drives me crazy. And there are paintings that I can't for the life of me figure out how he got to them, I think that my kids and Jared lift him up there to help him out, because they know it bothers me so much!!! He will knock things off the nightstand in the middle of the night just to wake you up, because HE is awake. He is INSANE. I've decided that when Heavenly Father chose a home for him he knew that he had to go someone that loved animals so much that they would tolerate just about anything from this nut job.

Last, is my beautiful girl Sophie. She is so sweet, but as skittish as they come. She is afraid of her own shadow. She won't go near my kids at all. She'll let me pet her, but only if its HER idea. I can't walk up to her. And I can't figure her out, because I've had Sophie since she was 6 weeks old and I got her from a friend. So I know that she wasn't abused. But what is the most precious thing about this sweet girl is her attachment to DJ. Sophie and DJ are about 3 months apart in age. And when we got Soph she had just been weened from her momma, so she was still trying to nurse. Well believe it or not she began suckling DJ's foot. And to this day, the only time Sophie purrs, is when she's "nursing" off DJ's foot, and he allows her to do it as well. It is the sweetest thing that I've ever seen. Jared didn't believe me until he saw it for himself. He was amazed at the sight and Sophie won his heart and she slowly came around to trust him as well.

So while I was trying to get out of bed this morning, I had Blake groaning under the covers and scurrying further underneath. Sophie was purring and suckling DJ's back paw. Dodger was laying on the pillow perusing the situation to make sure all the children were behaving. Satisfied that all was well, he stood up moved around a little bit, then plopped right back down and went back to sleep. His job was done for the time being.

I decided that I'd better get out of bed so that I could go to work and continue to support my brood of animals that have stolen my heart even if they drive me crazy on a daily basis. I still love them. Even if a couple are evil on occasion.

Blessings,

Mel

TV Wires, DVD plugs, what the Heck???

OK, so my year old 56 inch Phillips DLP TV had to go in for service this week and they brought it back today all nice and tuned up. Well what they DIDN'T do was hook everything back up correctly. So there I was behind this monstrosity trying to figure out which cord plugged into the TV and what plugged into the receiver/DVD. And don't even ask me where the X-Box 360 hooks up to, I have no idea. This thing is a mess. I need Jared!! I am pretty independent and usually can figure this stuff out, but this HDTV stuff has me stumped. I haven't got a freaking clue. All I want to do is get the TV hooked up so I can watch my "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice" cross over event for the week. AAAAAHHHHHH.

I give up. I'm going in my bedroom and watching a movie in there. I'll figure this out later.

Blessings Everyone,
Mel

Planning for the future to take care of today

For the past three weeks I’ve gone through some personal health struggles that have put a real strain on my household income. It was not something that I could have planned for; it was sudden and out of the blue. Because of that, I wasn’t prepared financially, physically, and neither was my household prepared for what was about to happen. The only thing ready for this new trial was my “spiritual wellbeing.”

I am very close to the members of my church and they helped me out by delivering meals while I was sick. At least I didn’t have to worry about trying to cook dinner for my children. That was one burden lifted from my shoulders. You see I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. If there is one thing that we sister’s can do for one another its cook. And my kids were spoiled rotten. I don’t usually make desserts and my lovely Relief Society Sister’s all brought yummy brownies and bundt cakes. So after a week of that, my kids have come to expect these scrumptious and delectable treats to finish off their meals.

Unfortunately my new found budget will not allow such grandeur. I know that you think brownies and Bundt Cake, how expensive could that be? Well when you’re trying to take care of medical expenses on top of all the other daily bills that you have, it adds up to A LOT!

But if I had PLANNED for this, or at least had something saved up and food “in storage” as my church advises us all to do, I might not be in the situation that I currently find myself. Now, not to use this as an excuse, but I am a recent convert as of August 2008. So I am still learning about all the “planning and preparing” that goes into being part of the church. And I have to say that this is a fantastic idea. I want to share some of this with all of you because I think that we can all benefit from such knowledge.

I just got my March 2009 copy of the Ensign. Now for those of you that aren’t Mormon, you might not have heard of this magazine, but I’ve come to love the articles that are featured. I’ve included the link for those of you that would like to check it out. Turn to page 56 and the article is entitle “Family Home Storage: A New Message”.

http://www.lds.org/churchmagazines/EN_2009_03_00___04203_000_000.pdf

Guideline 1: Build your three-month supply gradually.

One of the things that I really took away from this article is that we’re not expected to “plan” for an entire year right up front. “Start small and do the best you can. Begin by purchasing a few extra items to add to your storage each week. Strive to build a one-week supply; then expand it to a one-month supply, then a three-month supply. By building your supply slowly, you can avoid financial strain and start down the path toward self-reliance.” Pg. 58 Ensign, March 2009

Guideline 2: Store drinking water.

I know that we all go to the grocery store and buy bottled water. So when we go we can buy an extra case and set it to the side. With everything that has happened within the last few years from 911 to Katrina to the flooding in Iowa this past summer, you never know when a major catastrophe is going to take out the water supply. “In times of need, having water to drink can be the difference between life and death—or at least between peace and anxiety.” Pg. 59, Ensign, March 2009

Guideline 3: Set aside a little money.

Now as far as this goes, this is where I will struggle the most; because if I have money available then I will spend it. So this money needs to be in some type of account that is safe from “prying hands.” This is why Jared, my sweetie, is perfect for me. Because he will ride my butt hard on any purchases if I tell him to guard my finances for me. “From the First Presidency comes this counsel: ‘We encourage you wherever you may live in the world to prepare for adversity by looking to the condition of your finances. We urge you to be modest in your expenditures. . . . Save a little money regularly to gradually build a financial reserve’.” Pg. 59-60 Ensign, March 2009

President Thomas S. Monson is quoted as saying “Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year’s supply of debt and are food-free.” Pg. 58, Ensign, March 2009

There are more guideline’s listed, but these are the three most important that I wanted to share with all of you. If I would have heeded the first two then I would not have even felt the shift of being down for three weeks with an illness.

All I am saying my friends, is in this economy that is such a mess right now, lets take more time to consider our homes and families. Let’s plan better and secure a future for our families that have them well provided for and keep them safe.

Many Blessings Everyone,
Mel

Don't Bully Me Mr. Big Shot!

So lately I've been learning a lot of lessons at great expense to my wallet! The latest was to the tune of $300. Now some of you might say that's not too bad; but when the person receiving the sum of money did nothing to EARN said sum, its quite infuriating. Now you would think that being a 39 year old woman, I would know better, well it comes down to trusting people, and believing that they are going to perform the service that you paid them to do. But then when they up and quit on you and refuse to refund the money that you paid them, what do you do? Especially when person said is a powerful individual that you would have no chance at winning against? It comes down to the bully beating up on the little guy and stealing his lunch money.

I was watching American Idol last night and the very last two contestants were an Iron Welder from Arizona and an Oil Rough Neck from Texas. Both of them were guys with families but the judges could only pick one of them. So leave it to the producers to have a “Sing Off.” Even after these guys sang for their lives the judges couldn't make a decision. So what did American Idol do? They decided that because of the kind of jobs these two guys, Blue Collar, that they represented the TRUE Americans that would be voting. So they put them BOTH through to the show. GO FOR YOU AI!!!

Why can’t my guy take a clue from the producers at American Idol? We’re all hurting in this economy. And you didn’t do a darn thing for my measly $300. GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK!! You’re no better than Bernie Madoff and his $50 Billion Ponzi scheme. I’m a single mother of two kids. Does that make you feel better to steal money from people and not provide them the service that you signed a contract for? You weren’t even decent enough to return a phone call.

I wish you well, Mr. Big Shot. Take that $300 and buy your assistant lunch, since she was the only one that emailed me that I would NOT be getting a refund on any payments. At least she had the courage and decency to respond. I would think McDonald's is good enough for her.

I’m going to go eat crackers for lunch. It seems that’s all I can afford right now.

Blessings to everyone ~ Even Mr. Big Shot. He needs extra Blessings to cover his greed.

Mel

Letting go of the dead weight....

I did something yesterday that was a defining moment in my life. Because of that action I've made a decision to move forward in my life and drop the dead weight that I've been carrying around for a long time. By dead weight I mean relationships, material things, habits, whatever I see as a bad thing that is just not healthy for me or my children. I will no longer allow those around me to bully me or dictate my actions.

So I plan on writing whatever I choose to write in my blog. If you don't like it - then don't read it! Honestly, I don't care. Its my business and you're not the boss of me.

Peace out people!
Mel

Children for Profit..what a sad day its become!

I've been bothered these last few days by the single mother of the octuplets in California. Now I realize that I don't know this woman from the next person. But what I've heard about her makes my skin crawl. She went in to her doctor to get Invetro Fertilization because she said that she wanted to have one more child - on top of the six that she already had!

My question is, What doctor would even consider doing this in the first place? She was a single mother on disability with SIX children!! But he did it anyway, and he implanted six fertilized eggs which turned into EIGHT babies. It was obvious that this woman didn't have an issue having children. She just chose to go about it in a non-conventional way.

Now I'm a single mother of TWO kids and there are times when I've barely made ends meet in the past raising only two. How does she expect to do it with 14? Her mother and farther had to give up their own home in order for her to continue living in the house she shares with the kids. So now you have three adults and 14 kids living in a 4 bedroom home? How does that work?

I've read that after the story of her "situation" leaked out that corporate sponsors have stayed away, not wanting to be associated with this type of "unconventional family." Can you blame them? I read an article that Ms. Suleman demanded $2 million from Oprah for an interview. Seriously? Oprah, the one person who gives millions of dollars away constantly? She turned her down and told Ms. Suleman that that Harpo Productions does not pay for interviews. Good for you Oprah! Even if some people I know think you're the anti-Christ - you're OK in my book.

Ms. Suleman was interviewed by Anne Curry of the TODAY show and she told Anne that she loved her babies and that she only wanted one more. But that Reduction was not an option for her. THEN WHY HAVE ALL SIX EGGS IMPLANTED!!!

When Nayda was asked how she was going to support her now - 14 children, she said that she planned to go back to school and once she finished she would be able to support them without any problems what so ever. OK fine, but until then she was going to have to depend on her student loans, family, friends, and church for help to get her through. Her CHURCH? Where was her church when she came up with this hair brained idea in the first place? Why wasn't her Pastor talking her out of this and getting her the MUCH NEEDED therapy that she so desperately needs. You can't replace loneliness from your childhood with a house full of children. Not one of these children have a father. They were all born through IVF. Where was her church then? That's 14 kid's without a father figure in their life. I have a hard time believing that this woman is truly involved in a stable church.

But in all fairness to Ms. Suleman, she's not the only parent of multiples profiting off her kids. Lets talk about Jon and Kate Gosselin. I actually loved this show - Jon and Kate plus Eight - up until about two weeks ago. Until they moved into the McMansion!

Pretty nice digs for an IT specialist and a stay at home mom don't you think? I wonder if TLC had a hand in purchasing the home. Or maybe it was profits from their many speaking engagements, book deals, producers credits. NONE of which they would have had, had they not had the sextuplets. Who I have to tell you are just cute as a button.

But it just goes back to the fact that they are profiting off of their kids. And I think that is just wrong! Kate is no worse than a bad stage mother. Her kids are in front of the camera all the time. I mean for goodness sake, we saw her kids potty training. I hope that they are saving up for therapy while dropping the millions on their house.

I wouldn't be so upset about the house if Kate didn't seem so ungrateful when the show aired. All she could so was complain about how dirty the kitchen was. But the worst part was how she went off on the kids about not EVER - under severe punishment - were they ever allowed in Kate and Jon's bedroom. That room was completely off limits. She was so over dramatic about it that it was sad. I just wanted to smack her and tell her lady, if it wasn't for those 8 kids, you wouldn't have that bedroom, so shut your pie hole!

But I'm getting off my soap box now. I just needed to vent. I hope that you all hug your kids tightly today and appreciate them for the gift of life and love that they bring to your life and not the amount of money they can bring to your wallet.

Blessings Always,

Mel

I'll just keep on, keeping on!

So here I am. A new post. I'm feeling a bit burned today after my harsh reprimand yesterday from another about my blog postings. So if you've noticed, all of my postings have been removed that might have mentioned anyone by name. Just to keep everyone happy. But just so you know, my sweetie had my back and agreed that my blog is my personal diary and I should be able to write whatever I choose to write. If they don't want to read it, then don't click on the link! But I'm done with that business...

I am beginning to feel better. I had to work from home again today as I was in an extreme amount of pain all night. I know that I'll eventually get to feeling better, but it is beginning to take an emotional toll on me. Its frustrating that I'm not feeling 100%. Its been a week now. Grrrrrrrr! I can seriously say that I am over it.

On to better things...HOCKEY! =)

This Sunday is the Stanley Cup rematch between the Detroit Redwings and the Pittsburgh Penguins. I love this rivalry because The Pens and the Wings had a great series last year. In fact, I would say, EXCLUDING USA beating Russia in the 1980 Olympics. Game Five of the Stanley Cup last year, was the greatest hockey game I've ever watched. Even though, my beloved Redwings lost, it was an incredible game to witness. Jared and I watch every single game of the Stanley Cup last year. And wouldn't you know, he rooted for the Pens just because the Wings knocked his Dallas Stars out of bid for the Cup.

Well rooting for the Pens in the Finals has turned Jared into this CRAZY Penguins Fan. So now we have this love/hate rivalry! And what made it even WORSE? Marion Hossa left the Pittsburgh Penguins after they LOST to the Redwings and signed with the REDWINGS!!! Hahaha!! Well next to Sydney Crosby, Hossa was one of Jared's favorite Players. So now - Hossa is doing AWESOME as a Redwing, But Jared thinks he's a Punk. Of course because he's a "Traitor". Could that be because his Pen's are in 10th Place in the Eastern Conference and the Wings are 2nd in the Western Conference?

No, that's just me poking a little dig. Jared has every right not to like this guy. He had no loyalty towards his team what so ever! Detroit was still celebrating their win of the Cup when Hossa signed on the dotted line! The guy is a scum bag. And he only signed for a year. His words were: "I want a chance to win the Stanley Cup." Well he almost did last year. That series was anyone's to win. Both teams played incredibly. And I would bet money that if Detroit doesn't win the Cup again this year (which they will, I'm just saying if they didn't) Hossa will be on his way to the team that does win.

Anyway, so, this Sunday is the rematch and I've got it set to DVR. The start time is 12:30 Central and I don't get out of Church until 2pm. So I've told Jared that under penalty of death, he's not to tell me what happens. Because I want to be able to watch it without knowing the final results. When these two teams play one another, its always a good time. =)

I'd love to see the Pens and Wings in the Finals again. But the Pens have a lot of work to do if that's going to happen.

Censorship

I've been asked to censor my material because its bothersome to some people. I'm so sorry. Isn't the point of a blog to share what's going on in your life? I mean, you need to express the feelings that you're having right? I made a promise to myself that I would be completely honest with everything on my blog. I refuse to let anyone tell me who, what, where, are why I should write about something.

I'm not going to change that now.

New topic tomorrow, once I get over the shock of being "Suffocated."

Melissa

Wow, two posts in one day!!

OK, this is a special post, because I just got done watching tonight's Bachelor. WOW! That's all I can say. I usually watch this show because these girls are very caddy and the guys are all about the "score." Well Jason Mesnick is, in my opinion, the greatest Bachelor ever. He's a single Dad that absolutely loves his little boy Ty.

Well tonight he had a date with one of the girls, Melissa, and his son didn't want him to go out on a date. Ty wanted him to stay home because Jason had been gone for over a week. So instead of continuing with the date, which the producers would have preferred, Jason called and cancelled their night on the town. He asked Melissa if she would mind hanging out at his place for a casual night at home because he couldn't leave Ty.

But there was another thing that he did that I thought was important. First of all, he left a note for her at the door and told her to make herself at home, but he had to put Ty to bed. He didn't allow Melissa to meet Ty. He told her that he wasn't ready for anyone to meet him, but he did allow her to peek in and see Ty after he was asleep. It showed me that Jason is serious about who he allows to interact with his son. But the fact that he spent the time to put Ty to bed by reading him a story and tucking him in instead of running down to begin his date with Melissa showed me that Jason really does put his little boy first in his life.

That's all. I just wanted to share my opinion on this episode tonight!

BTW - I'm a little torn between the ladies now. Melissa and Molly are my top favs. But Naomi is in the running too. I just don't know...

Bye again!
Mel