This is late but I have to say it...

Merry Christmas, everyone.   It is 7:39 pm here where I live, I am happy in most places, but sad.  Sunday, we  opened our presents, and seeing nephews Mike and Leon with their faces all lighted up brings joy, especially Leon who is only 2 year old.  My brother and his family was going home that evening, because he had to work yesterday.  He is a cook with the Salvation Army, the head chef if you want to call it that, which means he oversees things that needs to be cooked, the budget, and make things meet over there.  
Yesterday was a sad time for 27 families.   The 26 in Newtown, CT, and one here where I live.  I am talking about the ones who died in that senseless killing two weeks ago, but the one I am talking about is a family who belongs to the church I belong to.
Last week, they had to bury a young lady who was their daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, niece, cousin,and friend, but most of all, mother to a very special little boy.  Today would have been her 23rd birthday.  I know that she is now an angel to many of us, because how she lived down here.  When her great-grandmother first got sick, she took care of her, and even was studying to be a nurse at the local university.  She was a role model for the young mothers at the church she belonged to with her mother.   I could go on about the things this young lady did, things that I wish that most people her age would strive to do.  I am going to stop right there, because I want you to think about it, and ponder it in your heart. I have not mentioned her name, because I am not sure if I can mention it, a couple of her cousins are my facebook friends, and all of my posts goes to my personal page as well as Twitter.  I always go by the privacy act, unless I get permission to do so by the family or anything I post that is not originally part of me, even though I knew the young lady personally.  To that I want to still wish her a happy birthday in heaven.
I also want to say this:  We should all strive to do good in our lives.  Not just for children, but for everyone.   I am also thinking about the mall shooting that happen the week before the one in Newtown.  This has become a hateful time, and a time that not only Christians, but everyone needs to start praying for this nation, this world.  Now is not the time to be all about me, and what I want , and what I need.  if there is a need, do it, and if there is a want, and it is vital to that person's well being, try to do it the very best you can.  God commands it from each one of us, but the key here is not just do it, but to except Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord.  I know I have just turned off some people, but I do not care if you are turned of but that remark.  This message is for everyone and anyone who has excepted Jesus, and who wants to except Jesus. I am not a minister, but I know someone who is, and if my pastor would allow me to give you her phone number over the internet, I would, but again, the privacy act.  If you do want to except, or renew your relationship with Jesus, contact your local church.  You do not have to become United Methodist, which is the denomination I belong to within the Christian faith, but join a church.   Make a new beginning to 2013, and tell Satan where he can stick his hatred in Jesus's Name.
Be Blessed your whole life through.

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$25 should get you started...

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

....On what, I have no idea.  So what am I talking about?  I have no clue, but it has to do with making money.  I have seen on Facebook and even in my own mailbox of people advertising for the following things:

• List building
• Traffic building
• affiliate Marketing
• Internet Marketing

And the list goes on and on.   I just saw this in one of my Facebook groups, for $25 you can process email.  As I read a little further, the Splash page (or ad for those who are less technical) said that if I post 3 ads a day on Craig's list this ad (or something similar to the ad) I can get $25 for each person who answers the ad, and that's it.  The highest they have netted in a day was $1800.  So what is the position?  It is a web-based customer service assistant.  Well that sounds simple enough, and with the first $25 you earn, you pay off your membership (which is what they are calling it), after you get an answer from someone who wants the same thing.   They will tell you where on Craig's list to send it.  No experience is necessary.  There is just one little problem:
I have a problem with Craig's list.  I guess it is OK, but lately, I have been hearing about people answering ads on Craig's list, and bad things happen after that.  Here in Ohio, 4 men answered an ad on the site, and three were killed, the 4th got away.  People have been robbed for answering ads and so forth.  Then I started looking into it further.  This is a job that requires you to do the following:

• Have a premier Paypal account
• $25
• And work between 7 am -10 am for about 20 mins.

That's it.   You do not have to meet with anyone, and that is the main problem with Craig's list, the meeting part.  After you put down the $25,you will post the three ads daily, (they are pre-written and they will show you where on the site to post them), post them by 10 am, Monitor your Paypal account, then reply back to the people who pay you.
Now, the next question is, "pyramid scheme?" It does not sound like one.  You are only paying one person, and that is the person who posted the ad.  It is not like you are paying several people, and you keep on paying.  It is a one time thing, from what the ad reads,and I am reading from a Facebook group, not the actual ad. So I looked up the phrase to see what is it exactly.  Wikipedia, which is supposed to be reliable, but to some people is not the true sense of an actual encyclopedia (at least to my 16 year old nephew) said that a Pyramid Scheme is an unstable business model where people are promised goods and services primarily for getting people into the scheme.  They also say that you are promised to get rich, but the only people getting rich are the ones who are at the top.   Like I mentioned earlier, you are only paying $25 one time and that is it, but people are paying you that same $25, and everyone is processing 3 ads on Craig's list.
This is something I will have to look into further, and that is the main reason for me to post this article.  Think before you act.  This may turn out to be something good, and for you to bring in a little money, but then again, this may be something that you have see if it is worth $25.  
There are a lot of ways to make money, but some of them may be just pulling your leg.  I am not endorsing it, I was just curious, and I just thought I would review that curiosity.  If I decide to try it to see how it works, I will do another review on what exactly did I do and how I felt about it.
In the meantime, be safe, and if you do answer one of those Craig's list ads where you have to meet with someone, remember to meet in public, and bring a buddy.   There is always safety in numbers.   Be Blessed and Merry Christmas.

Hug your children...

(Photo credit: Tony Trần)

This post is very, very hard for me to write.  Normally, on my blogs I have posts on how-to's (scrapbooking,  making cards, organization, traveling tips), advise (joining my team, again tips, ), specials and deals on products, and other posts, but the this is the first time I have publicly writing on this in the three years I have written a blog.
Children are our precious commodity that a person could ever have.  You have read my posts about me not having children personally, but I am an aunt of a 16, 5, 4, and 2 year old.  They bring me joy when I see them, and each comes with their own personality.   The 16 year old is trying to be a man (he will be 17 in February); the other three is just trying to find themselves in the world and understanding all that goes on in the world.  I want to protect them as much as their own parents do, which is why I have been very sadden by these events of today.  I personally have had a death in my church family this week of a young lady, who has left behind a 6 year old son.  My heart breaks for that family, as well as the families who lost loved ones through this senseless act.  Death is a part of life, but I have a tender spot for those who die under the age of 25, for they have not even begun to live life to it's fullest, and will never know what it is like to do so.
What I am about to say may sound a little selfish, but I feel I would like to say what I felt I could not say on Facebook.
I understand when a person say things like we feel for all the parents and grandparents in today's tragedy   Ok I get it, I do too, but what about the aunts and uncles?  Do you feel for them too?  Some aunts and uncles do not have children of their own nor are they married.  Some have chosen not to go down that path in their life for what ever reason, then there are people like me who have always wanted to be a wife and mother, but for some reason, God has said that this is not the path I should take right now, even though I am two years from 50.  Who knows, it may actually happen, and I will be glad when it does.  I will adopt and I will find that man.  Enough about me.
Parents, by now if you have not seem the television of the events that happened today in Newtown, Connecticut, someone has told you about it.  Basically, a man got upset, went on a shooting rampage in an elementary school, killing 8 little ones (2 died at the hospital) and 6 adults (there is a 7th, but not sure if this is related or not).  The reason:  his mother works there, and he was mad at her.   So let me get this straight:  you are going to get mad at your mother, then shoot anyone in sight on your gun.  Has anyone heard of a thing called going to a place to cool down and let it go?   I am sure whatever reason it is, it was not worth killing people, especially 8 people who have no chance in having their first date, graduating, learning to love someone other than their parents, walking in the sunshine, getting married, having a mini-me (children of their own), or seeing where life and God will take them?  Was this person that selfish to even try to take out their own mother, that he takes out people he did not know nor cares about?  What about the adults?  They will not see their children have children of their own, plan weddings, graduations, or vacations around them.  This goes for the adults who were killed as well as the parents who lost their children.  
If you have a child, take time out to hug them, love them, and if they whine about something, let them, but do corrective measures.  Do not let a little whine bother you.  Do not let a little cry or tantrum bother you. Do not let work consume you to the point where you do not realize that you have children
Remember like I said in the beginning, children are our precious commodity, and please do not know let anyone take that away from you.   Be strong and be blessed this holiday season, through the rest of the year, and always.

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The Guy food channel Featuring Guy Fieri

White chocolate cherry chunk. Courtesy of Paula Deen. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I have been a fan of FoodTv Network for many years.   I remember when I first laid my eyes on Emeril Lagasse and Bobby Flay.   I thought that it is possible to become a foodie with this channel, because of the recipes they showed us as Americans, that were simply to make, yet complicated, but possible.  It was even more possible to create the recipes once they introduced their website by the same name.  Every time I could not think of a thing to cook, I turned to the website to pull up the recipes.
Since that time, dozens, no, trillions of websites try to duplicate what FoodTV has achieved, many have failed, while others have succeeded (Epicurious is one of them.)  I am not here to talk about the successes and failures of food websites, for this would be a boring post, and I like would cut it off right here (I am leaving that to my other blog that covers things like that). I am here to talk about the changing of the guard, from what  FTVN (I am calling it from now on in this post) was known for, the cooking shows.
If you wanted to know how to roast a chicken (and there are people out there who still need to learn how to master that skill), you turn to FTVN, The Rachael Ray Show (who started out at FTVN, and still shows up on occasion), and the late Julia Childs on PBS (who BTW started this whole cooking thing).  In the past, you also turned to Paula Deen (my favorite Southern Gal), The Neelys, Big Daddy, and Sunny Anderson (The last three were the only African Americans ever allowed to have a show on FTVN, and succeeded).  These shows, along with Giada de Laurentiis and The Barefoot Contessa's Ida Gardner to solve the problem of "What's for dinner".  A person could just watch the show, declare that dish was tonight's dinner, and the problem was solved.
There is a show that came to the airwaves about 2 years ago, called Dinners, Drive-ins, and Dives.  The star of the show was Guy Fieri, and he just drove from town to town, showcasing that town's eating places.  It was (and still is) a place people have turned to, because it was a new show, and it was a change of pace from the ordinary cooking show.  It is working, because this show is on several nights in a row for several hours. (At least that's what it is looks like to me.)  I am not sure what makes this show so special, because I, personally cannot watch more than two episodes in one day.  This is a 30 minute show. To me, it gets rather boring after a while, and I lose interest and turn off the television.  Restaurant Impossible and other shows like it make me want to gag, because who wants to see a bad diner being remodeled and the menu overhauled?  Apparently, the executives who run FTVN thinks I do.  When they do show a cooking show, that show a re-run of a show I have already seen.  For example, critics complained about Paula Deen not promoting a healthier southern meal, even when she herself was diagnosed early this year.  I would love to see a show with her promoting that lifestyle, but instead, they show re-runs of her shows where butter is all the rage, and there is nothing on the books that show her cutting back.  (BTW, I do know she has cut back, because I recently saw her on a HSN promotion (That's The Home Shopping Network, BTW), where she used a little butter, and a lot of healthier ingredients with her demos.)
My recommendation:  Please go back to your roots.  No more multiple shows of DDD, RI, Contests of who is the worst cook, best cook, iron chef wantabe, and shows of celeb chefs in their younger days.   They are all successful because of this channel.  Oprah loved Rachael enough to give her a show (RR is on my DCR list to tape).  Most people cannot afford to travel to a restaurant by just hopping on a plane, get their fill of the place, and then fly back home.  Showing a program once a day will allow cooking (true cooking) shows to emerge, and maybe I will be back as a regular viewer again.  let's face it FTVN, you have ran out of ideas, and I am starting to get frustrated with your network.  Find something that will wow me, make me coo with envy, and make me run out the local grocery store with keys, IPad, and coupons in hand to grab the ingredients for my next culinary experience.  I need something new to fix so show me how to cook again.

Desiderata

I am forever finding things.  I found this poem.  I first heard it at a choir concert many years ago.  The program had this poem on it.  years later, on a trip to Atlanta, GA with my church, I bought a laminated copy of the poem.  I moved several times, and I thought I had lost it in the move.   I think I am going to have it framed before I lose it again.  I love this piece, because it speaks of peace, how to deal with others, how to deal with your career and how to deal with you as a person, a human being.  It also speak about how to deal with God Almighty. and finally how you should feel about your life.  I hope you will enjoy it if you not heard it all ready.  The author is unknown

DESIDERATA


"Go placidly amid the noise & haste, & remember what peace where may be in silence.  As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly & clearly: and listen to others,even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story.  Avoid loud & aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit.  If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain & bitter; for always there will be greater & lesser persons than yourself.  Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble: it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.  Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.  But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; may persons strive for high ideas; and everywhere life is full of heroism.  Be yourself.  Especially, do not feign affection. neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.   Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.  Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself imaginings.  Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness.  Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.  Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever labors & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your SOUL.  With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.  Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."

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Going through a journal and found this...

Diary (Photo credit: Barnaby)

I keep a private journal, and I have been keeping one since 2000.   I never knew looking back on earlier writings can be so much fun, but they are, especially the entry I am about to show you.   Before I do, I want ask you :  Have you every written a 10 commandments statement?   For Christians, this it not THE 10 commandments found in Exodus 20.  In this case, it is sort of a declaration or a rules of some sort.  I do not know, but I do know this,I wrote some on September 1, 2004, that I have never shared with anyone until now. Some of them are serious, some tolerable, and some are darn right silly.  I re-read them, and all of them still stick to me to some degree, although at least one of them I would have reworded it differently, LOL. Please forgive and spelling mistakes I have. By The Way, this is not meant to poke fun at Exodus 20, and if you think so,  read rule #10, and re-read it more than once.  I believe that God does have a sense of humor, because he keeps laughing at the plans you make, instead of you listening to Him.   Also this world would have been gone a long time ago, and I would not be typing this, and you would not be reading this post.   Comment below when you finish reading  about my 2004 rules.

This my entry

1)   Thou shalt buy me one of the following by Christmas:  chocolate, a array of Longaberger  items (I know I am the consultant, so what,  at least I get the products AND the sales credit for it, double the pleasure, double the fun), a new wardrobe; or a whole array of scrapbooking items.

2)       Thou shalt send me ways to lose weight without having me work for it (I.E. exercise)   I did not have to work to put this weight on, why should I have to work to take it off.

3)       Thou shalt send me a man, who will treat me like a queen.  That means for the man, there is no looking at another woman, touch another woman, look at another man (because I ain't sharing no one with you, I am not into the Trois anything movement).  I also I want to be showered with everything in the 1^st commandment.   I am Queen Tricia, and I got my instructions from Queen Clarice from Princess Diaries 2.

4)       Thou shalt wear anything what your heart desires for the moment.  If you want frumpy, wear it.   Lady like, wear it.  This is your body.

5)       Thou shalt not tempt God, even for a little while.  He loves you, and cares for you, and tolerant, but not THAT TOLERANT.

6)       Thou shalt feel and act like a child every chance you get.  Now that do not mean that you throw tempers, talk back, or pout.  You will not get your way like that.  Believe me, I have tried.

7)       Thou shalt adopt when ever possible, even if it for a little while.    You will feel good that you made a difference in that person’s life, and they will thank you for it.

8)       Thou shalt live one day at a time, and have fun while doing it.  There are too many miserable people in this world, so  please do not contribute to it.    

9)       Thou shalt find your passion and stick to it.  tell people about it, and why you feel that way.  It may be your line of work, your hobbies, your family or your faith.  Everyone has something that they can hold on to and tell everyone about it.

10)   Thou shalt do the first nine and stick to them well, and we will get along.  Be safe, and do not stir up trouble.  Be grateful in everything you do , around, and see.  You are blessed to be here, if only for this moment in time.   There is a reason for every purpose.  Add laughter to everything, and if you cannot laugh at yourself, there will always be someone who will laugh at you, so have a sense of humor.  You are a child of God, and you deserve to be here.  This as serious as it gets, and I am going to get.

Good night, and adhere to the rules. 

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Are you a Cool Aunt?

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For weeks I have seen this ad for Swifter mops, and in this particular one,  a woman says, " I'm Done".  She picks up a magazine that reads, "Are you a Cool Mom?".  she then exclaims, "I'm got to do this." (cue the announcer).  Next she ask her kids, Bright, and Not so Bright , if she is "Mom-tacler" or "Mom-Trous".  Forgive me if I am calling names, but that is the look they had on their faces.  Remember it is the questions you ask your kids when they give those silly little faces like you just killed them.
Now why am I asking this question about cool aunts?   I was thinking about this question as I was dropping my oldest nephew off at a friend's house 30 minutes ago.  You know, aunts are different than moms, because even though they may have kids of their own (I do not yet, that day is coming), there is something about an aunt, depending on which way you play it, that is cool way of getting away with everything.   At least that is the way my niece and nephews see it (the youngest one is still trying to figure me out)  Just for the record, I have nephews who are 16, 5, and 2, while the niece is 4.   to me, they are the joy of my life, and like their parents and grandparents, I would die for them, go to jail for them, that sort of thing.
so what makes a cool aunt?  I really do not know, but I can tell you what I have done...
When mommy or daddy said no,  I said yes, and gave it to them anyway.  I had fun with them and tried to understand their stuff.  I have babysat when I did not feel like it. take them to the store, bought junk food, let them stay up late when they spend the night.  While to some that is a complete no-no, I was not doing to to gain friendship, but to know I am there too.  I have also reprimanded when they needed it, gave advise, hugged, gave kisses, held when the boo-boos came, rocked to sleep, and basically loved them as though they were my own child.  My oldest nephew will be 18 in 2 years, and I am looking forward to those talks we will have when he is a man.  I wrote a entry to my second installment of my journal, and in it this is what I said at the time about my nephew when just a year older than his brother now:

"Oh do not get me wrong, I love Mikey, and he is a wonderful challenge for me.  I loved it when I changed his diapers, fed him, sing to him, and played with him.  He will be turning from a toddler to a preschooler in four short weeks, and I miss the baby in him already.  I will enjoy it, when he does turn four, because I love it when he counts, sings his Preschool songs to me, tells me what color he wants in Lucky Ducks, and he is getting better in pronouncing “L” words.  I also love it when he gives me a great big hug, and a big wet kiss." (except from "My life in the 21st century, a personal journal of mine)

One thing I have say about my nephew that most people do not get to say about their sibling's children, he is a good kid.  At the age of 16, he does have his moments, but over all he is a good kid.  Yes, he does have a girlfriend, and no I am not a great-aunt yet (let's keep it that way for a while)   The other three are learning.  The one next to him is 5, and to Deonte, I am a cool aunt. His sister thinks I am too.  Mike's little brother at age 2 is still trying to figure me out.
So Are you a Cool Aunt?   I know I am, but I have also have values and other things that will help them along in life, and maybe they can teach me how to do the Dougie.