A Life of Jenn... A Journey

CVS 9/5 - 9/12

2009-09-11T09:56:00.001-04:00

CVS:
**Note: Take this quiz and receive a $5/$25 purchase to use in store!**

Healthy Choice Mixers - 2/$5
-$2 here
-$2 here
=$.50 ea
=$1.00 OOP

Cover Girl Liquid Foundation - $4.99 ea
-$1 (P&G 8-30)
-$2 ECB
=$1.99
=$3.99 OOP

Cover Girl Tru-blend Concealer - $7.99
-$7.99 (P&G 8-30 - Buy Foundation get face product free)
=FREE

Schick Disposable Razors (8 ct) - $6.99 ea
-$3/1 (SS 8/16)
-$4 ECB
=FREE + .01 overage
=$3.99 OOP

Schick Quattro - $9.99 B1G1
-$4 (SS 8-30)
-$4 (SS 8-30)
=$1 ea
=$1.99 OOP

Battleship Travel Game - on clearance
=$1.75

Who's Who Travel Game - on clearance
=$1.75

-$5 / $25 for taking quiz

=$8.47 OOP (before taxes)

BUT... i didn't check my receipt before leaving, getting home to realize that she didn't give me the concealer for free, instead, the foundation. So, instead of getting $7.99 for free, i got $4.99 for free. Then, on one of my Quattro razor coupons, it showed up as $2, instead of $4. I am almost positive i had 2 $4 coupons, but i have no way of knowing now... so, this is what my total ended up being:

=$14.47 TOTAL
=$1.75 TAX
=$16.22 OOP

Received $4 and $2 ECB to use next week!!!

Lesson: Check receipt before leaving! I knew that sounded high, but I dind't have the games nor the Healthy Choice meals on my list, so I dind't question it. Live & Learn!

Kroger 9/5 - 9/12

2009-09-10T19:12:00.001-04:00

KROGER:

Bounty Paper Towels - $1
-$.25 (P&G 8-30)
-$.25 (Kroger doubles up to $.50)
-$.20 here
=$.30 ea
=$.30 OOP

4 Healthy Choice Frozen Dinners - 2 @ $1.85 / 2 @ $2
-$2 here
-$2 here
-$2 here
-$2 here
=FREE + $.30 overage
= -$.30

4 Hefty Storage Bags - 4/$5
-$1/2 (RP 8-30)
-$1/2 (RP 8-30)
=$.75 ea
=$3.00 OOP

Kroger Deluxe Ice Cream - $1
-$.20 here (was supposed to be .75, not sure why it scanned from my card at .20)
=$.80 OOP

3 Keebler Cookies - $1.75 ea
-$1 here
-$1 here
-$1 here
=$.75 ea + Free Gallon of Milk w/ purchase of 3 Keebler products at time of purchase!
=$2.25 OOP

Gallon of Milk - $1.98
=FREE

=$6.05 TOTAL
=$.35 TAX
=$6.40 OOP

Meijer 9/5 - 9/12

2009-09-10T17:56:00.003-04:00

MEIJER:

TRANSACTION #1:
2 Green Giant Frozen Veg. - $1
-$.50 online
-$.50 Meijer doubles up to $.50
=FREE

=$.00 OOP
***********************
TRANSACTION #2:
2 Green Giant Frozen Veg. - $1
-$.50 online
-$.50 online
-$.50 Meijer doubles
-$.50 Meijer doubles
=FREE

Lysol Toilet Cleaner - $1.19
-$.50 here
-$.50 Meijer doubles
-$.25 Mealbox ($1/4 Lysol Products)
=FREE + .06 overage
= -$.06 OOP

Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Pourable - $1.23
-$.50 here
-$.50 Meijer doubles
-$.25 Mealbox ($1/4 Lysol Products)
=FREE + .02 overage
= -$.02 OOP

Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Trigger- $1.23
-$.50 here
-$.50 Meijer doubles
-$.25 Mealbox ($1/4 Lysol Products)
=FREE + .02 overage
= -$.02 OOP

Lysol Toilet Cleaner - $1.47
-$.55 here
-$.25 Mealbox ($1/4 Lysol Products)
=$.67 ea
=$.67 OOP

=$.57 TOTAL
=$.22 TAX
=$.79 OOP
*************************************
TRANSACTION #3:
2 Green Giant Frozen Veg. - $1
-$.50 online
-$.50 online
-$.50 Meijer doubles
-$.50 Meijer doubles
=FREE

Lysol Toilet Cleaner - $1.19
-$.50 here
-$.50 Meijer doubles
-$.25 Mealbox ($1/4 Lysol Products)
=FREE + .06 overage
= -$.06 OOP

Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Pourable - $1.23
-$.50 here
-$.50 Meijer doubles
-$.25 Mealbox ($1/4 Lysol Products)
=FREE + .02 overage
= -$.02 OOP

Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Trigger- $1.23
-$.50 here
-$.50 Meijer doubles
-$.25 Mealbox ($1/4 Lysol Products)
=FREE + .02 overage
= -$.02 OOP

Lysol Toilet Cleaner - $1.47
-$.55 here
-$.25 Mealbox ($1/4 Lysol Products)
=$.67 ea
=$.67 OOP

=$.57 TOTAL
=$.22 TAX
=$.79 OOP
*********************************
TRANSACTION #4:
2 Green Giant Frozen Veg. - $1
-$.50 online
-$.50 Meijer doubles up to $.50
-$.50 online
-$.50 Meijer doubles up to $.50
=FREE

=$.00 OOP

Walgreens 9/6 - 9/12

2009-09-10T17:14:00.001-04:00

WALGREENS:
Transaction #1:
Glade Reed Diffuser - $5.99
-$3/1 (Kroger Insert 8-23)
-$2 RR
=$.99
=$2.99 OOP
(I messed up this transaction. I had $2 RR from last week that i tried to use for this transaction. It wouldn't take it because i tried to use 2 coupons on 1 item. I needed to have 2 items (anything at all) to be able to use it. So, if you have 9 coupons, you have to have 9 items. If i had known, i would have grabbed a $.25 item !!!)

=$2.99 TOTAL
=$.36 TAX
=$3.35 OOP
********************
Transaction #2:
3 Chex Mix - $.99
-$.50/1 (Online)
-$.50/1 (Online)
-$.50/1 (Online)
=$.49 ea
=$1.47 OOP

2 Carefree Pantiliners - $1.00 (with in-ad coupon)
-$1 (Online)
-$1 (Online)
=FREE
=$.00 OOP

Oxy Clean Powder 56 oz. - $5.99
-$1 (Online)
=$4.99
=$4.99 OOP

(The following were filler items, as i had 9 coupons, i had to have 9 items)
4 Snack Chips 4/$1
=$1.00 OOP

-$2 RR from last week
-$2 RR from Glade purchase earlier

=$3.44 TOTAL
=$.48 TAX
=$3.92 OOP

NO RRs to roll over *pouts*

Target - 9/6 - 9/12

2009-09-10T16:37:00.000-04:00

TARGET:

2 All Laundry Detergent (travel size)* - $1 ea
Use $1/1 when you sign up here
-$1 (Online)
-$1 (Online)
= FREE
*Note: Not all stores will accept a coupon for this size product

3 Tide Laundry Detergent (travel size) - $.97 ea
-$1 (P&G 8-30)
-$1 (P&G 8-30)
-$1 (P&G 8-30)
= FREE + $.09 overage

2 Columbia Pictures DVDs - $4.75 ea
(Steel Magnolias & A Knight's Tale)
-$2 here
-$2 here
=$1.75 ea
=$3.50 OOP

General Mills Cereal Cups - $.95
-$1 Target Coupon
=FREE = $.05 overage

Dove Ultimate Deodorant - $3.64 ea
-$2 here
-$1 Target coupon
=$.64

=$6.00 TOTAL
=$.72 TAX
=$6.72 OOP
*************************************
TRANSACTION #2:

General Mills Cereal Cups - $.95
-$1 Target Coupon
=FREE = $.05 overage

Dove Ultimate Deodorant - $3.64 ea
-$2 here
-$1 Target coupon
=$.64

=$.59 TOTAL
=$.10 TAX
=$.69 OOP
******************************
TRANSACTION #3:

2 Glade Scented Oil Candle - $2.50 ea
-$1.50 (Glade insert inside candle)
-$1.50 (Glade insert inside candle)
=$1.00 ea
=$2.00 OOP

2 Glade Scented Oil Candle Refills - $1.66 ea
-Buy Glade Scented Oil Candle and get refill free
-Buy Glade Scented Oil Candle and get refill free
=FREE
=$0.00 OOP

=$.32 TOTAL
=$.50 TAX
=$.82 OOP

My $6 Meijers trip! ALL BY MYSELF!!

2009-09-08T11:06:00.006-04:00

So, dropped the Diva off at pre-school today for her first day of school. After hanging on her daddy's leg and her protest of staying becuase she was scared, she finally got busy with toys and 2 little girls and we snuck out. We will see what she thought of that, and of school, at noon when i pick her up. She looked SO grown up!

After the drama of "the first day of school," i headed off to Meijers... ALL BY MYSELF!! I can't wait to share the DEALS i got!!! But, did i mention... i got to do this shopping trip, ALL BY MYSELF!!??!!!

So, i got 6 boxes of Apple Jacks, 10 bags of frozen vegetables, 2 cans of soup and 4 boxes of pasta for $6.26. Here's how!!

MEIJER:

10 Green Giant Valley Steamers - 12 oz. bag - 10/$10

- $.50/1 here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here (can print 2 on each site)

- $.50 (Meijers doubles coupons up to $.50)

= FREE

2 Campbell's Select Harvest Soup - 18.8 - 19 oz. can - 8/$10 ($1.25 ea.)

- $.40/1 (8-16 RP)

- $.40 (Meijers doubles coupons up to $.50)

- $1/2 (Mealbox)

= $.35 each

4 Barilla Pasta - 16 oz./Whole Grain 13.25 oz./Piccolini 16 oz. - $.89 each

- $.50/2 (8-23 SS)

- $.50 (Meijers doubles coupons up to $.50)

- $.50/2 (8-23 SS)

- $.50 (Meijers doubles coupons up to $.50)

= $.39 each

6 Kellogg's Cereal - Apple Jacks - 12-12.5 oz. box - 2/$4

- $2.00/2 (8-30 RP)

=$1 each

- $2 OYNO Catalina from previous Meijer purchase

=$6.26 OOP

(NOTE: Meijer will only double 2 coupons of the same in one transaction. Therefore, i did my shopping trip in 5 different transactions:

#1 - 2 Green Giant Steamers

#2 - 2 Green Giant Steamers

#3 - 2 Green Giant Steamers

#4 - 2 Green Giant Steamers

#5 - 2 Green Giant Steamers, 4 Barilla Pastas, 2 Select Harvest soup, 6 Apple Jacks)

Rite Aid 8/30 - 9/5

2009-09-03T20:24:00.000-04:00

RITE AID:
Aquafresh Iso-active whitening - $3.49
-$1 (Online)
-$1.50 (SCB)
=$.99

Sea Breeze - $4.99
-$3.99 (SCB)
=$1

Gillette Venus Razor Refill 4ct. - $10.49
-$3 (8-16 RP)
=$7.49

Satin Care Shave Gel - $.87
-FREE wyb Gillette Venus Razors (coupon didn't scan)
-$.87

Aveeno Shampoo - $5.99
-$2 (Rite Aid online)
-$3.99

Twix Bar (to get to $20)
=$1.49
Gum (to get to $20)
=$1.29

-$5 Rite Aid coupon $5 off purchase of $20

=$17.61 TOTAL
=$1.63 TAX
=$19.24 OOP

Rite Aid rebates (Single Check Rebate) entered at Riteaid.com will refund me $4.50 at the end of the month... so... OOP will be $14.74

Kroger 8/30 - 9/5

2009-09-03T19:56:00.000-04:00

KROGER:
2 Charmin 4 pk. - $1.99 ea.
-$.25 (8-30 P&G)
-$.25 double coupon
-$.25 (8-30 P&G)
-$.25 double coupon
= $1.49 ea.

2 Purex - 2/$5
-$.35 (8-30 SS)
-$.35 double coupon
=$2.15 ea.

2 Bounty Single Roll Paper Towels - $1.00 ea.
-$.25 (8-30 P&G)
-$.25 double coupon
-$.25 (8-30 P&G)
-$.25 double coupon
=$.50 ea.

Dial Liquid Soap - $1.00 ea.
-$.35 (8-16 SS)
-$.35 double coupon
=$.30 ea.

=$8.58 TOTAL
=$.51 TAX
=$9.09 OOP

Target 8/30 - 9/5

2009-09-03T19:43:00.004-04:00

TARGET:
3 Johnson's Buddies - $.97
-$1online
-$1 online
-$1 online
= FREE

4 Chef Michael's Canine Creations Dog Food (Can) - $.84 ea.
-$.84 B1G1 (8-23 RP)
-$.84 B1G1 (Target Coupon)
=$1.68

1 Chef Michael's Dry Dog Food - $4.49
-$1.50 (Target Coupon)
-$3.00 (8-23 RP)
=FREE (+$.24 overage)

=1.44 TOTAL
= .32 TAX
=1.76 OOP

CVS 8/30 - 9/5

2009-09-03T18:20:00.003-04:00

I did my CVS in 6 separate transactions so that I could use my ECB (Extra Care Bucks) and have less out of pocket today. This is what i bought and how i did it!

TRANSACTION #1:
Glade Scented Reed Diffuser 1.62 oz. - $6.99
-$3 (Online)
-$6.99 (ECB)
=FREE ($3 overage)

=$3.99 TOTAL
=$ .42 TAX
=$4.41 OOP
(Received $6.99 ECB)
************************
TRANSACTION #2:
Sensodyne Iso-active Foaming Gel 4.3 oz. - $4.99
-$1 (Online)
-$3 (ECB)
=$.99

Colgate Twin Pack Total Adv. Whitening 8 oz. - $4.99
-$1 (Online)
-$2 (ECB)
=$.99 ea.

-$6.99 ECB from Transaction #1

=$.99 TOTAL
=$.60 TAX
=$1.59 OOP
(Received $3 ECB & $2 ECB)
****************************
TRANSACTION #3:
Gillette Spa Breeze Razor - $8.99
-$2 (8-30 RP)
-$3 (ECB)
=$3.99

-$2 ECB from Transaction #2
-$3 ECB from Transaction #2

=$1.99 TOTAL
=$ .54 TAX
=$2.53 OOP
(Received $3 ECB)
*******************
TRANSACTION #4:
Act Mouthwash 18 oz. - $3.99
-$1 (Online)
-$1 (ECB)
=$1.99

Pantene Pro-V Shampoo 12.6 oz. - $3.49
-$1 (8-30 P&G)
-$1.50 (ECB)
=$.99

-$3 ECB from Transaction #3

=$2.48 TOTAL
=$ .45 TAX
=$2.93 OOP
(Received $1 & $1.50 ECB)
**************************
TRANSACTION #5:
Febreze Flameless Luminary Starter Kit - $14.99
-$4 (8-30 P&G)
-$2 (ECB)
=$8.99

-$1 ECB from Transaction #4
-$1.50 ECB from Transaction #4

=$8.49 TOTAL
=$.90 TAX
=$9.39 OOP
(Received $2 ECB)
******************
2 Dawn Detergent 10.3 oz - $.97
-$.25 (8-30 P&G) didn't use/didn't need
-$.25 (8-30 P&G) didn't use/didn't need
=$.72 ea.

-$2 ECB from Transaction $5

= +$.06
=$.12 TAX
=FREE OOP
*************

For a total of $20.85, I got:
1 Glade Reed Diffuser
1 Synsodyne Toothpaste
2 Colgate Toothpaste
1 Gillette Razor
1 Act Mouthwash
1 Pantene Shampoo
1 Febreze Flameless Luminary
2 Dawn Dish Detergent

Walgreens 8/30 - 9/5

2009-09-03T18:00:00.000-04:00

My first "Couponing at Walgreens" experience:

2 L'Oreal Vive 13 oz. - $4.99 BOGO (Shampoo & Conditioner)
-$1 (8-30 RP)
-$1 (8-30 RP)
=<$1.50 ea

Febreze Air Effects 9.7 oz. - $2.49
-$1 (8-30 RP)
=$1.49

2 Speed Stick Pro Deodorant 2.7 oz. - $3.99
-$2 (Walgreens)
-$2 (Walgreens)
-$.75 (8-30 SS)
-$.75 (8-30 SS)
= 1.24 ea.

Carefree Pantiliners 16 ct. - $1.99
-$1 (8-30 SS)
-$1.99 (RR)
=FREE ($1 overage)

=$7.95 TOTAL
=$.81 TAX
=$8.76 OOP
(Received $2 RR for next purchase)

Meijer 8/30 - 9/5

2009-09-03T17:48:00.003-04:00

My 1st coupon adventure!!!

MEIJER:
Auntie Millies Wheat Bread - $.99 ea.
-$.35 (8-16 RP)
-$.35 (double)
=$.29

French's Yellow Mustard 14 oz. - 1.17
-$.50 (Online)
-$.50 (Double)
=$.17

Herbal Essences Shampoo 12 oz. - $2.99
-$1 (8-23 RP)
=$1.99

3 Kool-aid Singles - 3/$3
-$1 (Mealbox)
-$1 (Mealbox)
-$1 (Mealbox)
=FREE (+ $2 Catalina OYNP)

4 Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs - 4/$5
-$1/2 (Online)
-$1/2 (Online)
=$.75 ea.

2 A-1 Steak Sauce 10 oz. - 2/$5
-$2 (8-16 RP)
-$1/2 (Mealbox)
=$1 ea.

=$7.45 TOTAL
=$.18 TAX
=$7.63 OOP
Received a $2 Catalina to use toward next purchase

Walgreens Freebies!

2009-08-19T07:54:00.004-04:00

Walgreens has some photo freebies this week!!!

Take a look here:

http://athriftymom.com/2009/08/todays-thrifty-walgreens-deal/

Today shows free photo clings, but when you go to the website, you have a choice of free window clings or a roll of film developed for free.

http://photo2.walgreens.com/storepage/storePageId=Deals

Be sure to visit each day the rest of this week for more freebies!!

USA Cares New "50 States in 50 Days" Campaign

2009-03-19T22:43:00.002-04:00

As you all know, i have been working with USA Cares for about 6 months now. About a month ago, Roger (Co-Founder) approached me with an idea that would take USA Cares into a new realm of technology. I have to say, I am SO excited about this new Campaign... "50 States in 50 Days."

We have teamed up with mGive, (A service of Mobile Accord, a Mobile Application Service Provider/Cause-Marketing Agency based in Denver, Colorado. They offer the strategic and tactical marketing expertise necessary to successfully implement scalable mobile donation and communication solutions on local and national levels.) With them, we are able to accept donations through texting. How much easier can it get?

With that in mind, Roger had this brilliant idea of doing a full out Campaign using the mobile giving idea. That's where you come in! (Hey... don't leave the page... at least hear me out!!!)

The first goal of the campaign is to find 50 volunteers who will take on the challenge of leading their state.

Their goal is to find a minimum of 100 donors within their state, who will text in $5 to USA Cares using the latest technology called mobile giving where the cell phone user texts a key word to a certain number and then responds with a “yes” when prompted to confirm the message. $5 is then added to the cell phone owner’s next monthly bill, and only one time. A person is able to text up to 5 times within a billing cycle. The length of the Campaign will extend over 2 billing cycles. Quotas are recorded by number of texts, not by individual people. So within your own household, you could already have 20 toward the 100 we are asking each Key State Volunteer to reach, and that is only if 2 people text in the maximum from your household.

We are looking for a key person in each state and there are a few that are still open. If you, or you think you know someone that might be interested, please let me know! We are in need of MD, NJ, OK, SD, CT, IA, MI, AR, ID, MN, WI, MO, NE, RI, UT, WV, ME, SC, and WY. Know anyone in those states?!

The campaign is tentatively scheduled to run from 1 April – 20 May 2009. At the conclusion of the campaign, three levels of prizes will be awarded:

Three key persons will receive an expense paid trip to Las Vegas on 12 November to attend the USA Cares 2nd Annual Golf Scramble
One key person will receive $1000 Visa Card for being first to reach $5000 worth of texts
One key person will receive a 32” Flat Screen TV for being first to reach $1000 worth of texts
All key volunteers will receive a gift bag at the conclusion of the campaign

I can promise you that USA Cares will commit time and effort in assisting with marketing and networking products and contacts. The 50/50 Committee is very dedicated to this Campaign and have come up with some good ideas to help our KSVs. You won't be in this alone. We are committed to making this almost effortless!

We will soon have a website up and running, but for now, we are doing most of our work through Facebook.

If you feel it's something you would like to do, please contact me and let's talk! My work with USA Cares has been so fulfilling, as you have probably seen on this blog. I'd love for you to be involved, too!

Please don't make me beg!!!!!

Cross posted at My Blog Cares

Happy Valentine's Day to you....

2009-02-14T14:47:00.001-05:00

and to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

USA Cares and Walmart

2009-02-11T12:15:00.002-05:00

Do you shop at Walmart? Of course you do! WELL! If you live near one of these Walmarts... i have a big favor to ask of you!

Radcliff, KY
Russelville, KY
Elizabethtown, KY
Bowling Green, KY
Leitchfield, KY
Franklin, KY
Bowling Green, KY #5236
Central City, KY
Hardinsburg, KY
Beaver Dam, KY
Bardstown, KY

The next time you are in one of the Wal-marts listed below, please take a moment to check out the apparel department. Look for the long & short sleeved red t-shirts and sweatshirts & hoodies that display the "I Care, Too!" logo. If you have any extra money at all, please please please consider purchasing one!

These stores are the test market to see how well the apparel will sell. If all goes well, USA Cares has the opportunity to put this apparel in more Wal-marts across the country! With this money, so many families will be helped!

Please help our cause of helping military families... and wear your RED shirt on FRIDAYS!

You can visit here to learn more information!

Cross posted on My Blog Cares.

HELP PLEASE!!

2009-02-08T14:39:00.003-05:00

Help USA Cares Win!!!

Please Vote For Rick Schar and pass it on!!! Please?

See this story: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=269970

You can vote by following this link: http://lenoxhero.com/voting.aspx

Summary is that our own Bryan Anderson (spokesperson for USA Cares) recommended Rick for an award, and Rick has honored USA Cares as the benefactor if he wins!! Could be $500,000!!!! So PLEASE vote, and ask all your friends to go to http://lenoxhero.com/voting.aspx

It doesn't cost anything and it will only take a few moments to vote. Scroll down to RICK SCHAR and click the red VOTE button. You will need to enter a valid email address. They will then send you an email to confirm your vote. It's that easy! And SO many military families can be helped with the money that Rick has designated to go to USA Cares.

Please, it will only take a moment of your time to help a Service Member greatly!

Thanks... and please, pass this along to those you know!

I FOUND SEEDS! (You know... for a money tree)

2009-02-04T20:33:00.004-05:00

okay, so in my previous post... i said that money didn't grow on trees, but i was thrown some seeds tonight!

Take a look at this post by Abundant Frugal Life. I hope she doesn't mind, but i am going to repost it here for those that might not have time to click another link. It's that good!

How to Shop at CVS
Posted by Lisa

Almost everything I “buy” at CVS is free or close to it. Here is how to do it.

1. Get a store card.
I have a CVS card and so does my husband (like a Kroger card). Ask for one at the register. You must have the store card in order to work the deals.

2. Keep and read your weekly CVS ad insert from the Sunday paper.
This is how you will find the deals. In the ad you will find sales that say something like “Colgate Advanced Toothpaste. Pay $2.99, get $2.99 in ECB’s. Limit 5″ It will be written on something that looks like a little yellow sticky note right next to the picture of the Colgate Advanced Toothpaste.

This ad means that the first five times you purchase a tube of Colgate Advanced Toothpaste, the store will give you $2.99 in ECB’s (Extra Care Bucks). You must use your store card in order to get the ECB’s. It’s a card holder’s privilege.

3. Clip and save those ECB’s from the bottom of your receipts.
An ECB is printed at the bottom of your register receipt. It is basically CVS cash. You can use it on your next purchase. ECB’s are attached to the card account, so if you have 2 cards, keep your ECB’s separate for each account. You can only use your ECB’s on your account and your husband can only use his ECB’s on his account.

This sweet Colgate deal is a wash and you basically pay nothing for the toothpaste. Now, if you have coupons it makes an even sweeter deal. If you have 5 75cent coupons for Colgate, CVS (actually the manufacturer) pays you $3.75 to take 5 tubes of Colgate off their shelves.

4. During your first few trips you will actually have to spend money to get and build your ECB stash.
Don’t worry. Just wait and see what all that money is going to get you!

On your first trip you’ll use only coupons and cash to pay. Always have them scan your card first. On your second trip when you check out, you’ll use coupons, then ECB’s, then cash to pay. Just keep rolling those ECB’s on the free deals and watch them grow.

You’ll be surprised to find that in time, you’ll have to “waste” ECB’s on other things you would use, but wouldn’t normally pay CVS prices for. I promise you’ll get a rush out of doing this and trimming your budget.

Here’s the record of my first month of CVS’ing:

Purchases to date:

1 Shampoo
21 Toothpastes
2 Toothbrushes
4 Bottles of mouthwash
2 Bottles of handsoap
1 Bottle of shower soap
8 Aspirin bottles children/adult
1 Tylenol bottle
1 Venus shaver
3 Eye shadow trio compacts
3 Packs of diet gum
1 Small bottle of Gatorade
3 Packs of gum
12 Pkgs of girlie unmentionables

Out of Pocket Expense to Date: $51.98

Current ECB Total: $29.90

Difference of $22.08

***Being new to this I made some costly mistakes my first couple trips. I think I could have lowered my out of pocket expense by about $10 if I had had a greater understanding before I jumped into it, but that’s what you have to do - just jump in.

5. Roll those ECB’s!
This is how CVS shopping pays off big.

Shop your first week and get some ECB’s. Go back the next week and buy something that prints out ECB’s and pay for it with your current ECB’s. We call this “rolling your ECB’s”. ECB’s are good for about a month. Watch those expiration dates.

WORDS OF WARNING:
If you pay for a $2 item with a $5 ECB, the cashier will not give you change back in the form of cash or another ECB. Your ECB is used in its entirety. Also, if you mess up a transaction, you don’t get to return your items. They don’t take returns if you pay in ECB’s (otherwise people would be using the system to trade in ECB’s for cash).

You may use your ECB’s on anything in the store except for the following items: prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, stamps, gift cards, money orders, prepaid debit cards, and prepaid phone cards.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGMENT:
You will soon have a month in which you pay nothing out of pocket, your stockpile grows and so does your ECB stash. Thank you CVS!

MONUMENTAL TIP:
Weekly deals - Most CVS stores in my area switch over to the new sale week on Saturday. However, what time they switch varies from week to week and from manager to manager. It is strictly up to the store manager. I call Saturday morning to find out when the new sale week is starting and, if possible, I like to get in there asap.
Monthly deals - are different from weekly deals. Sometimes they post monthly deals in the weekly fliers. That is one of the reasons why you want to always keep your most current receipt. It tells you which deals you’ve maxed already. Monthly deals always start on the morning of the 1st of the month. It has been my experience that when the store runs out of the items, they do not restock the entire month, so don’t bother waiting for it. Go on the morning of the 1st of the month. Otherwise, stock will be cleaned out and you won’t be able to take advantage of the deals.

Oh, CVS offers rain checks, so if they’re out of product, request a rain check, pay for the product as usual, and pick it up when they receive a new shipment!

This is just the beginning of CVS shopping. There is much more you will learn along the way.

Money doesn't grow on trees... and neither does time

2009-02-04T17:49:00.002-05:00

As the old saying goes...

After the year that we had, i really could use a tree or two if it did, but i have to digress and accept.

The Serenity Prayer haunts me at times like this

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

God has bestowed pity on me and given me the serenity of accepting our financial situation... and the courage to change it... and even the wisdom to know the difference!

If i am going down, i will do so fighting!!

So, today i haven't felt good... fighting a migraine, my side is hurting... SSDD (same stuff, different day). It's times like this, when i am not feeling up to par that i seem to find fault with everything... my house, my financial situation, my husband (poor guy), me!!, etc. The list can go on and on. So, i tried to avoid the counter where the bills just seem to accumulate. I went around the counter with my eyes covered, pretending it just didn't even exist... acting as if it had the plague and did what i had to do and got the heck out of dodge!

It was then that God shook His head at me and laughed, bestowing pity upon me. He gave me courage. Or maybe it wasn't necessarily courage, but inspiration. SOOO... The Dude took Diva Tot out to his mom's and left me here to "mend". So i came up to my bedroom and layed in bed all day, while doing some laundry, and surfed the net. Let me tell you what... there are some smart, smart women out there that God has bestowed serenity, courage and wisdom on.

For some reason, i got stuck on bathrooms. Maybe in my negativity, i choose the one thing that i liked LEAST to clean? Not to mention, cleaning products are SO expensive! i didn't save the links to the different blogs i found these items at... i just put them in Notepad until i realized that maybe i should spread the love and share some of them. I know i am not the only one looking for ways to save more and spend less and save time and spend more of it having fun!

1. Make your own clorox wipes.

Get a container large enough to fit a half a roll of paper towels down in and that has an air-tight lid. (a coffee can works really well (to get the coffee smell out, just fill it with cold water and 1/4 a cup of white vinegar and leave it sit over night.) I have some old Clorox Wipe containers that i reuse.)
Cut BOUNTY (others get too soggy) paper towels in half with a serated knife and place into container.
Boil 2 and 1/2 cups of water, add 1/4 cup of bleach, pour over paper towels. Remove wet cardboard tube. To use, pull out wipes one at a time from center

2. Make your own Windex wipes.

Made much like the clorox wipes, except the mixture is
1/2 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
2 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
Use the other half of the paper towels for these wipes.

3. Add 1/3 to 1/2 water to your liquid soaps. I use a hand-soap dispenser for my dishwashing liquid, so i even do this in the kitchen. I really don't see a difference in the cleaning ability of it and i am saving a little bit by stretching it out!

4. Use coupons!! When i use coupons, i sometimes save as much as $20 on my grocery bill! Use coupons for anything you buy. I use coupons at Borders, Target, Walmart, Kroger, restaurants, Hancock Fabrics, etc. You can sign up for most places to be on their email list. If yo are worried about spam, make an email address that will be strictly for wheeling and dealin' on the net. Check restaurant websites before going and see if they have printable coupons. When buying online, check for any promotional codes (% off, BOGO, free shipping, etc.) by Googling "NAME OF PLACE promotional code".

Part of being frugal is also being frugal with your time. Here are some tips that i actually USE to make my life easier!

1. Use clorox wipes to quickly wipe down toilets, sinks & bathroom vanities. Use windex wipes for mirrors, glass and hardware. For tubs... fill with water, add a cap full of laundry detergent. Let it sit for an hour or so. Drain, wipe, rinse. For toilets, i do splurge on the flushable-type cleaning, but only because the kids can do it (and DO!) and it's the easiest i have found. Sometimes spending more is worth the time it DOESN'T take! It only takes 5 minutes to wipe everything down and cuts down on the deep cleaning that has to be done. Usually only have to deep clean every month!

2. To clean your microwave. Put a bowl of water (you can add some baking soda or lemon juice for a fresh smell, but not necessary) into the microwave. Set the timer for 5 minutes so that the water boils enough that it causes steam to accumulate inside. Be very careful removing the bowl of water, use a clean cloth/paper towel to wipe it clean. The steam will loosen anything stuck on and make for a very easy cleaning job.

3. I keep a mop close to or in each bathroom. It's much easier to and you are more likely to use it if it's right there at your disposal.

Now, i don't know if anyone will get any use out of any of this, but it sure was cathartic for me. I have ways to save money, and time... giving me more time to surf and blog!! *grins*

Who knew my life could be found humoruous?!

2009-02-03T08:43:00.011-05:00

i haven't had much time to sit down and put my thoughts into words, so my blog has been neglected. I know, I know... your entertainment has been deprived, and i promise in the future to be more diligent, but the past month or so has just been challenging, to say the least.

So, i woke up this morning feeling just as crappy as i did yesterday. Feeling a little sorry for myself, for sure... while not feeling well and just frustrated with anything and everything. There's really not anything wrong, but there doesn't seem to be anything right, either.

So, i got up... got my hot cup of tea... sat down at the computer to read and viola! There it was. I had SO been missing it. I couldn't believe it was so easy to find, yet i have been looking for it for a few weeks now. Searching and searching... sometimes searching and not realizing what it was that i was missing. Sometimes i knew, but no matter how many couch cushions i searched under, no matter how many ways i googled, no matter how much spice i added... i just couldn't find it.

My laugh.

You see... I read this certain blog on a semi-regular basis... there's just something about a mom after a six-pack (go read her, she's FABULOUS!). She's a military wife of a deployed Airman and seems so real in the way she's dealing with the deployment. She's funny and entertaining and more times than not, she's very inspirational. Truth be known, i crack-up while reading her and nod my head in agreement. She brings things to words in a way that i could never do. As a matter of fact, i feel like i should call my blog "Just one short of a six-pack."

She must have been having one of those days this past weekend, as well... cause her Monday post made me realize that i'm not the only one... you know, the old saying "misery loves company"? Yeah, well... in this case... misery loves to be cheered up! And she did it. So, to June Cleaver... thanks SO much.

To carry on the cheering up, i decided i needed to do a little montage myself. i hope if June ever reads this that she will be flattered and realize what an inspiration she was!

Just because it's Monday...

Because it's not a sexy job being a mom and maid and taxi and cook...

Because i will be 60 and still sitting on bleachers cheering for my child, hoping to avoid the question "Which is your grandchild?"

Because i run... run a hotel, run the kids, run to the store, run after Diva, run a tab... and never get any exercise

Because I have laundry to do

Again, just because it's Monday!

So... hopefully... you found a laugh, or at least a smile, from my "cuz-es." If you did... let me know!!

Tear Jerker ~ Will you give this to my dad?

2008-12-18T10:51:00.003-05:00

I received this in email from Roger (thanks!!) today. It was so moving and i have to share it. I am not sure where the email originated from, but wow! For the Soldier with the compassion to make a little girl's day... for all his brothers in arms... for the little girl and her mom, and all the families out there like the two of them... for all those fighting for my freedom, I wear red on Fridays... will you?

Will you give this to my Daddy?

As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays.'

Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed One of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and Cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our Service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi.'

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing.. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear
Something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever; certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is...We need your support and your prayers.

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.

Update!

2008-12-03T14:18:00.004-05:00

It's been a long time since i last posted. I have either been busy, or just did not have it in me to get my thoughts out in some type of order that would make sense enough to write.

Let's see... since we last met ...

Princess received her award from the J'town Optimist Club. It was a nice time. They served a spaghetti dinner before the ceremony. Mammaw went with us and we were all very proud of her. She also got another report card with all A's. I always talk about how great she is... i guess i should also say that she's been grounded twice for not wearing her retainers (which means no phone!!! OMG! no texting!). Yeah, probably not a big deal to most people, but she only needs to wear them for 4 months, then only at night. And after what we spent on her teeth!!!!, she's gonna wear 'em!!

Her 8th grade class has accepted USA Cares as the charity they will support for this year. They are first doing a veterans tree. They are selling red, white and blue ornaments for a dollar to the 6th, 7th & 8th grades and all the money will go toward USA Cares. In the 2 weeks before Winter Break, they will be collecting goods to fill backpacks with to send to USA Cares' Operation Backpack and Operation Brave Boxer. I'm so proud of them!

Diva Tot got really sick and ended up in the hospital. It was all i needed! She was so sick and so scared of everyone and everything about being in there, but luckily, she is well now, and hopefully i will never have to experience that again. It was scary for me, i can't imagine what her little 2 year old mind was thinking.

All this was happening while Conni was trying to get her house packed and the truck loaded to move to Florida. Yes, she's gone. I have cried and cried about it, and still, sometimes find myself moping around the house because she's not here. Maybe more on that later.

Little Man is back to playing only basketball. His nights and weekends are filled with chasing that big orange ball up and down the court, all the while trying not to smack some snot-nosed kids with an attitude problem in the nose... or at least make it look like an accident. And, like the tree in the forest falling (does it make noise?)... if the ref's back is to you, and you commit a foul, did the foul really happen? I digress... he's much more level headed than i am!

Thanksgiving was spent at my mom's this year. We had a great time. Visited my granny and my uncle and cousin. My other aunt and uncle came down and had dinner with us at Mom's. It was very relaxing and enjoyable.

i'm not feeling very poetic, so i am sure this post sounds like a bunch of ramblings... but soon i will post more.

Veterans Day

2008-11-11T21:09:00.004-05:00

Thank you.

Thank you to all the service members... those who have served and who are serving. My few words cannot express the gratitude and appreciation i feel in my heart.

I hope that thru my actions and my words that my children learn to give and show appreciation for those that sacrifice for us.

USA Cares & School

2008-11-07T13:39:00.004-05:00

I went today to talk to the teachers at Princess' school. i think i mentioned before that they (the 8th grade "team") was considering USA Cares at their community service project for the year. I spoke to them today and they all seemed very excited about it and are already coming up with some ideas about ways for the kids to be involved!!

It's not just that USA Cares will benefit from the help, but this is more about getting our youth involved and them knowing that they make a difference and can and should feel a responsibility in giving back.

A few ideas that were thrown around were having a Veterans Tree around the holidays, having "Wear Red on Fridays" days and making some blankets for the Operation Lap Wrap that USA Cares does. This is an idea that can be done by anyone, anywhere. This one happens to be taking place in a school, but it can be done by people in any setting. Just take a look at what these people are doing!

It warms my heart so much to know there are people excited about this organization like I am.

Crossposted at My Blog Cares

Yay for Kids!

2008-11-06T09:02:00.002-05:00

So... i have so much to update with the kids. Are you tired of my "proud momma" pieces yet? Well, that's what happens when you spend all day, everyday, with kids!! So... note to anyone that reads this... GET ME OUT OF THE HOUSE!! *grins*

First, football report. Little Man won his championship game 13 - 8! They played a great game and had no injuries. (That's what is important to a mom, just an fyi.) After the game, we had a guy that invited some of the kids to come and play on an "all-star" team for a tournament this coming week. So... again i say... FINALLY, the last week of football!! (Do you think THIS might be for real this time? One can only hope!)

2nd... the Princess. I just have to say... i haven't seen my daughter this happy. The old saying goes, "God works in mysterious ways"... and that couldn't be more true for us right now. Like i have said, i was very worried that pulling her out of Catholic School, her 8th grade year no less, would be a decision that i struggled with for years to come. I wasn't sure i would ever know that it was the right thing or not. But each month that passes, He shows me more and more that we made the right decision.

On Wed. 10.29.08, the Dude got a phone call. He came downstairs and was getting on Princess about not appreciating getting a phone call at 9pm at night from the school counselor. Both she and i were shocked ... he then broke into a smile and said... "but i guess when she's calling to tell us that you were chosen to receive the Youth Achievement Award from the J'town Optimist Club, i shouldn't be so upset." Her counselor said that when the Optimist Club approached her, she didn't even have to think about who she would choose. She said with Princess' grades, leadership ablilities, self-motivation, community service work, her manners and the way she carries herself, it was a given.

I AM SO PROUD OF HER! and this is going to look so great on her high school application. She's wanting to go to a school that you have to be accepted into. This couldn't have come at a better time for her. She is proud of herself and with her grades this year and her achievements already this school year aside from academics, her confidence and self-esteem has visibly grown.

I feel so blessed to have the great kids i have. I hope to do right by them.

Yay for Kids Moment

2008-10-22T13:23:00.005-04:00

Little Man will be going to the championship this year with his football team. They beat Lyndon in the playoffs and will meet up with Fairdale in the championship game. They play on Nov. 1st. Wish us luck!!! GO TIGERS!

Princess is 13. She will soon turn 14. Sometimes i look at her and i could just rip my hair out, then there are times that i look at her and get tears in my eyes at how good of a girl she is.

She IS a teenager. She has a smart mouth and she's messy, and for some reason, she thinks it's a good idea to park all her clothes in the floor as to not mess up the dresser and closet. Her hair is very important, but only the front of course (because she can't see the back). She thinks Mom is very uncool and dad hates her. But... with all that said...

She's smart (straight A student) and beautiful (blond hair, blue eyes) and funny (well, i did mention she is a blond, right?). She's her own person, doesn't try to fit in and is not embarrassed to say when she does or doesn't like something, even if it's against what's cool and the norm. She's ambitious and self-motivated. Most parents are sad to see their kids grow up, but not me. i am looking forward to the day that she makes a life of her own. i am anxious to see what she will do with the life lessons she's learned and to see how her father and i have influenced her life... good and bad. It's why we have kids, right? To turn them into productive, successful people for society. And well, i am anxious to see what she does with the information she has been provided.

How lucky am i that yesterday i was provided a glimpse into what kind of person my daughter really is.

About a week ago, she mentioned to me how she's not used to not having a service project to do each month. Having been in catholic school since kindergarten, this year she is in public school and this was one of the things she said she misses. She and i talked about what she could do and i mentioned some ways she could get her school involved as well.

Fast forward to yesterday. I got a call from her school counselor, Nancy. She said that Princess had been into her office and talked to her about doing a community service project to raise money for USA Cares. Nancy talked about how impressed she was with Princess for having the idea and coming to them to implement it.

Princess had gone to her teacher, Mrs. Peak, and told her of the idea for the students of the school to wear red on a Friday for a small amount (50 cents, a dollar, something small) and to take the money that is raised and give it to USA Cares. She was then sent to speak to Nancy about the idea.

The school is very receptive to the idea. i am going to give them some more intensive information about USA Cares, but i feel very positive about this. Nancy said that she would be interested, once finding out more, in making this the service project that the 8th grade will adopt for the school year. Which means... it's not only a one time thing, it could possibly be all school year long that the students will be involved in working toward helping USA Cares.

This is something that could be done by any child. Not only would they be helping out a great charity... but think of how good they will feel about themselves. This could really be something that could go very, very far.

I am so proud of Princess. If this is any indication of what kind of adult she will be, then i have done my job well.

I'm so proud... of both of them. It's definitely a Yay for Kids day!

Cross posted at My Blog Cares

Update

2008-10-22T13:04:00.004-04:00

i haven't been around much lately.

First, i had the flu. i was so excited about getting to go to the VA hospital with Cheryl from USA Cares, but i got sick and didn't get to go.

At the same time, my grandfather was admitted to the hospital. His hemoglobin was 7.2 (supposed to be 12-14 i think). He had some internal bleeding somewhere. So they transferred him to a hospital here in Louisville and my mom has been in town, staying with me while he's been there. After tests, we have found out that it appears to just be a bleeding ulcer. Stomach cancer has not been completely ruled out, but it's unlikely.

i think i need to get a job, just so i can have some time to relax.

Accomplished to Stupid?

2008-10-15T17:04:00.005-04:00

It's a "yay for kids" day!

Diva Tot, in all her 2 years of intelligence, decided today that the Big White Throne in the powder room wasn't as scary as once believed and put it to use.

Laying in the floor coloring, the notion hit her. She jumped up with a deer in headlights look and says... "i needa go potty! i needa go potty!"

And sure enough... she did! Of course, i did all the normal (embarrassing) milestone rituals... took a picture of her on the potty, called Daddy and Grandma *grins*. Things she will be so glad of when she's grown!! right?!

Things like this make me feel SO accomplished!! i AM doing something right!!

Then... i turn the TV on ... Fox News just happened to be the last channel on... and what do i see?

Obama makes a comment about how if it weren't for Fox News, he would be 3 or 4 points higher in the poles, and that if he watched Fox News, he wouldn't vote for him either!

Now, i am not the most intelligent person in the world, but i do consider myself to be educated.

Educated enough to be pissed that someone (Obama) would think that i am shallow enough to pick my presidential choice by watching Fox News and taking them at face value.

I enjoy learning in all aspects, and with a decision that affects my family as big as the one that we all make on November 4th, i have ensured i can read, research and learn as much as i can, from all angles. I watch Fox News, and i watch CNN. I listen to opinions from both sides, because regardless of what party affiliation i am, i am voting for the person i find best suited for me and my beliefs and who will put forth the best effort for my childrens' future.

To assume that my thinking can be swayed by a channel on my television not only is demeaning to me and my intelligence, but allows me to see Obama in a light that is not very favorable. How dare he, or anyone, make themselves out to be better than me because of the television station i choose to watch!

Am i supposed to feel stupid because of watching a certain news? Am i to believe that my intelligence is lowered because of channel 44?!

Days of Our Lives...

2008-10-14T14:44:00.005-04:00

It's difficult to run a family. All those stay-at-home moms and dads out there know exactly what i am talking about. It's repetition to the extreme with the mundane things, and never a dull moment with all the spontaneity that comes with 3 children. You wash, you clean, you disinfect, you wipe down, you put away, you organize, you bathe (never yourself... no... no time for that, you just ensure that everyone ELSE can), you yell, you console, you praise, you cook, you read, you write, you answer, you question... shall i continue? Point is... sometimes that is all before noon, and it's more often than not.. EVERY SINGLE DAY! (just how many times a week can we vacuum the same floor?)

Now, knowing what others must endure during their day, i am sure i have no place to complain, and God knows i am so very grateful and feel blessed to be able to stay at home with my children.

But... really... do i have to endure it all with a migraine?... Really?!!

UGH... 3 days and i am ABOUT done. Now, i am not one to challenge mother nature, but for Pete's sake... enough is enough already!

Upcoming events for USA Cares

2008-10-14T14:41:00.002-04:00

Golf Tournaments!

If you are going to be in the Los Angeles area or in the Las Vegas area in November... check out this post and this post.

Army Knowledge

2008-10-13T13:16:00.002-04:00

I keep saying that because i have no military background, i am really ignorant to the ways of the military... but after taking this quiz... maybe i am not as think as i stupid i am? At any rate, everything i answered correctly on this test is because of the patience of all those i spent last week with. They answered all my questions, sometimes twice and really took it easy on this "grunt", so to speak. But, in the same sense, it's all their fault that i missed the ones i did, too! (welllllll... i have to blame SOMEBODY!)

Your result for The 'How Army Literate Are You?' Test ...

The Army Brat / Veteran

You scored 90 points on Knowledge out of 110! Very Good!

You were nearly there. You got most of the answers correct, there were only a few you didn't know. This makes me think you either grew up around the army (and followed your family from one duty station to another) or that you used to be in the military and you're just a little out of touch with the newer military vocabulary. You've proved that you're very familiar with most of the army lingo though. Well done.

Take this test at Hello Quizzy

AUSA Annual Meeting 2008

2008-10-13T11:39:00.007-04:00

I was honored to get to go to DC from Oct. 4th to the 8th with USA Cares. Yes... yes... i got to be an adult for 5 whole days, with no Dora or Diego, apple juice or diapers!! We left on Saturday and drove to DC, stayed until the last day of the conference and then drove back home.

I had never seen anything of this size. The Convention Center itself was huge, but the exhibit hall and all the exhibits were simply amazing. I imagine this is equivalent to Disney for a child for a military buff! *grins*

Helicopters and Bradleys and vehicles and machines that i don't know the name of... all on display in the "booths" of these companies. I use the word "booth" lightly, because they all ranged from 10' x 10' to probably 100' x 100'. Some were 2 stories and had conference rooms and meeting areas. One had a theater! Companies i have never heard of that are some of the biggest defense contractors in the world were there. Did you know that Osh Kosh makes military vehicles? I thought they make cute little overalls for children and matching outfits, but instead, i learned that they make a vital vehicle for our forces... and part of it is made right here in Louisville!!!

I got to meet so many different people.

I met and shook hands with all kinds of different people... I met Generals and Colonels and Lt. Colonels... i met enlisted soldiers of all different ranks... i met female and male soldiers... i met military wives and children... i met government workers and employees of some of the vendors... i met Directors and Presidents of companies and volunteers of others.
I was honored to meet Steve Wilkos and Dennis Miller. They are both Spokespersons for USA Cares. Mr. Wilkos came on Monday and was very nice. He's just a regular guy... nothing like his big, bad persona on TV. He talked about his family and was very gracious. Linda, his Manager, i think, was fun and interesting to talk, too. Steve walked around to a few booths and some folks got their pictures taken with him. Mr. Miller came on Tuesday and did a 2 hour autograph and photo session. He spoke personally with every person that came through line and was very personable. He had flown in the night before, got up early and did his radio show from DC and then came to the Convention Center. As tired as i am sure he was, he took time to get on a personal level, even if only momentary, with each person and his smile never showed any sign of tiredness in any of the 140+ pictures he took with them.
Michelle and Jennifer from Thumbs Up, Johnny!, Tania from Operation Life Transformed, the people from Battlemind, USO... these were some of the vendors around us. Very nice people that all believe in what they are doing and passionate about helping Service Members and their families. I even got to listen to some soldiers sing at the booth (Very good singers!) at the end of our section, the Army Installation Management Command.
I got to see General Petreaus and Secretary of the Army, Pete Geren.

Most of all, though, i got to spend 5 days with some amazing people that have a passion for the jobs they do with USA Cares. Just watching them interact and discuss the organization with passers-by was almost an emotional experience everytime. You could hear it in their voices and see it in their eyes. They not only believe in what they do, but they know, most of them, from personal experience. 5 of them are ex-military, one grew up a military brat... they are very knowledgeable about their work and how it will best help.

I have been asked most, since being home, what the best part was. And while meeting Dennis Miller was a treat and there were a few surprising moments, my favorite part was watching the soldiers that i got to speak to, or one of the other people from USA Cares was speaking to, and watching their eyes and their body language when they learned about how USA Cares and what they are doing to give back to those that are sacrificing so much. They really were very appreciative and gracious with their words of support and thanks. Imagine that... they are thanking us?! There were many that talked about how they know of people this could help, or how they will definitely be giving to this organization this year thru CFC because of it being such a worthwhile cause.

Once people learned what we were all about, they were so recpetive to engage in conversation and were eager to learn more. I think the biggest thing was learning that USA Cares gives grants, not loans. Most organizations that give money to military families for bills and everyday living expenses expect to be paid back. And when people learned that USA Cares was not like this, they were not only surprised but grateful... and this was across the board, not only by Service Members but also by those that wish to support them.

I know i keep saying it, but i feel so blessed to be a part of something that does so much good, with people that believe in what they do and have a passion for not only the cause but for the people the cause supports.

I didn't get to see much of DC... well, i did get to see Embassy Row, that was pretty cool. I have to remember to thank Jack for that little detour. The entertainment was so good though (thanks to Jack and Bill for that, too!!) that i feel like i missed a few Embassies. I was there to work, so i didn't mind not seeing DC, but i am SO anxious to go back now and take the kids. It was such a busy city and so lively... and the food was good, too! And i feel like after 5 days, i could have done the Metro all by myself!

I had an amazing time... i learned SO much about the USA Cares. AND!!! Did i mention, i got to be an adult (no Dora or Diego to fill my conversations for the day) for 5 whole days?!

Crossposted at My Blog Cares

Home, Sweet Home

2008-10-09T17:43:00.003-04:00

I'm back home from DC.

What an exciting trip. I got to see very little, but i did experience the Metro many times!! At the end of the trip, i did get to see a few neighborhoods that i didn't expect to see (Embassy Row... so cool!), but since that is a sore spot (we were going completely the wrong way!!), i won't say too much about that.

I had such a wonderful time. We spent about 10 hours a day in the booth... got to talk to SO many people. Everyone was very receptive and was quite taken with USA Cares. A lot of positive feedback, which was so nice. I got to walk around a few times... see all the gadgets and gizmos and all the amazing technology. So much of it was above my head, but wow... what a display!!!

We were next to a few booths with some really nice people that we talked with and joked with. It was fun and accomplishing.

I have so much to write about it, but right now i am so tired... but i will say just these few other things before signing off today... Steve Wilkos was such a normal guy... Dennis Miller is so humble and real... the people that make up USA Cares are amazing... USA Cares is an amazing organization... don't get up at 6:00 am, work all day, then drive 13 hours thru 3 states, mountains and fog and expect to feel normal!!!

more soon!

Today's To-Dos

2008-10-03T10:10:00.002-04:00

Ever notice how that's an everlasting topic in life? The "to-dos" never cease.

So, today i am preparing my people and myself for leaving!!!

i still am shocked and coming to terms with getting to be an adult for the next 6 days! AND i get to involved in a great organization... doing what i love!

So, i didn't get my clothes packed yesterday... i did finish the laundry, but no ironing, no packing of the clothing. So, to make myself feel as if i had accomplished something... i made a detailed list of exactly what clothing. Sometimes i crack myself up... go ahead, you can laugh, too.

So, today... i have to iron, pack, gather and stuff. *grins* That's the packing part.

I have to get a list of all the kids' activities and times so that Hubby can keep it all straight. Put all the clean laundry away and straighten up the house a bit.

All this by 2:30pm, so that we can pack for the game tonight. St. X vs. Trinity. Anyone in my area will know this, but for those of you who aren't, it's one of two big high school rivalries in our area. We are tailgating. The one time in the year the kids really get to partake in tailgating festivities and we don't have to worry about drunks and inappropriate behavior. It's a family night out. Diva Tot is still too young to participate, only because this mom just can't deal with a 2 year old at a football game for 6 hours! *grins*

So, full day today... and what i am doing? Avoiding it all by playing on my blog!

Just wonder what you are avoiding while reading it! *laughs*

Eating Crow

2008-10-03T09:55:00.004-04:00

Okay, i have to eat some crow this morning for breakfast.

I think Gwen Ifill did a good job on the questions and being very non-biased. The questions were equal and were relevant.

Today, i eat crow.

oh my!

2008-10-02T20:28:00.002-04:00

Is anyone watching The O'Reilly Factor?!

He is SO going off on the Rep. from Massachusetts.

I keep waiting for his head to spin and green stuff to come spewing out!

Check this out!

2008-10-02T10:55:00.002-04:00

While folding clothes, i ran across this article at fthoodherald.com

USA Cares seeks Iraq-Afghanistan vets for housing
Something struck me about this. Maybe i am just too much of an advocate for USA Cares (is there such a thing?), but i really liked that USA Cares reached out to find people to help, and didn't just wait and see if those needing "a hand up" would come to them.

That's just classy. A thumbs up to USA Cares.

On another note... i have read a post at one of my favorite blogs... A Soldier's Perspective , about Books For Soldiers. You can read about their call for help here.

It's sad to hear about a group of do-gooders that have gotten together with a common purpose and they don't have the ability to continue in their good work. I hope they find some corporate sponsorships to help. Wouldn't you think that a company like Barnes and Noble would step up to the plate and support an organization like this? Maybe a few emails wouldn't hurt?

Today's To-do

2008-10-02T09:46:00.000-04:00

So... it's official... i am going to DC for the AUSA Annual Meeting!

i'm not sure what i am in for *laughs*... but i am sure the 5 days that i am there will fly by as i have been told we will be busy and working the whole time.

i have to say, after being home all day, every day with Diva Tot (for the last 2 years)... i am so excited to be out there amongst adults and have conversations about "grown up" things, instead of my daily topics of diapers, apple juice and Dora (anyone out there feel my pain?!). i have not ever been away from my people all at once... and i can't recall a time when it was for 5 WHOLE DAYS! If i am away from the kids, i am with Hubby, and if i am away from Hubby, it's with the kids! Not that i don't love my people, but momma needs some time away!!!

i am really looking forward to learning more about this organization. I have been doing some "research" online to find out what people/media/etc. are saying about USA Cares. I have been so pleased to find that there hasn't been a negative word written. Even the press loves them!

We will arrive in DC on Sunday... i guess that will be set-up day. Then we will be in the booth from Monday - Wednesday working. Well... i think we do get to go back to the hotel and sleep at some point... um... maybe?! *grins* On Tuesday, Dennis Miller will be in the booth... that's very exciting. I'm anxious to get to meet him. If you are going to be in DC on October 7th, come by the USA Cares booth and say hello to him!

Today is laundry, ironing, packing and getting my nails done *preens*. It's my one pampering thing i try to do for myself... but i usually only get to do it once a month! So i love it when things come up that make me go do it.

i have a list going of things to take... so that my packing will go more smoothly (we won't mention my anal-ness is the reason for the list making!). But i think my list is bigger than my suitcase! (If anyone from USA Cares reads this... calm down, calm down... my OCD will take over and ensure i only have ONE bag! even tho i really think my shoes should have a bag of their own! *grins*).

I'm going to try and have all this done and the kids settled and fed, all that, before the debate tonight. Can i just say... what a mess i think this debate will be with the moderator being who she is? One of the blogs i read has a great post about it! i don't think anything i say could be better said, so i will just leave you the link to go read it.

Anyway... off to start the laundry. Please leave me a comment if you are going to be in DC!!! And... well... even if you are not!

Going Postal

2008-09-29T09:46:00.000-04:00

Ever have one of those days that you pass by a mirror and wonder who the heck you are?

Yeah, i had one of those days yesterday. Miserable. For me and my people. Downfall of a Pisces. Let it build and build until i explode.

i went postal and well, let's just say... when momma ain't happy and all that. Momma wasn't happy, made my people not happy... BUT... in the end... things got done *laughs*. Whatever it takes, right?

i don't recommend going postal for everyone, but yesterday, it worked. i was just so fed up with everyone dropping as soon as they come in... their belongings and themselves. i had my little fit, stayed pissy most the day... but some things finally got done around here! LOL

Let's see if it lasts longer than a week!

I'm SO Excited (Again)... And I Just Can't Hide It (Still)

2008-09-26T14:27:00.001-04:00

SO! This really has been a good week for me.

First, yesterday the Princess tried out for cheerleading to cheer for her school and made the team.
Then today, she got her braces off and she looks absolutely BEAUTIFUL. We saw pictures of her before and then looking at her now... wow... she's changed so much because of just getting older, but the shape of her mouth and face changed! She's just gorgeous. Blond hair and blue eyes... and a beautiful smile worth $%#&^% (let's just say, it was a bunch) bucks!!

Today is definitely a Yay, kids! day.

But what i really wanted to post about was USA Cares. I went to Radcliff yesterday and met with Cheryl. What a great person! She handles the volunteers for USA Cares and was SUCH a joy to meet and talk with. She's not without her own hardships in life, but seemingly a very positive and optimistic person. She shared her story with me about how she came to be involved with USA Cares, and it was a story that made me smile, albeit bittersweet. I hope to one day share that story... but not until i have her permission to do so. But i am sure i can safely share that she came to know about USA Cares by way of their organization offering a loved one of her's a lap wrap. A couple of years later, Cheryl is "paying it forward" by being the one to give love and support in the way of a blanket (and her time and heart and soul and time *laughs*), knowing what an impact it had on her to have been the receiptient at one time. I really look forward to working closely with her.

I got to meet the director, founder, PR persons, business mgr. and unsure of one title but i know her name and that she's got an excuse for eating LOTS of junk! LOL

I have been invited (how LUCKY am i?!) to join them at the AUSA Convention in Washington, D.C. during the first week of October. Can you believe it? I feel SO privileged to be a part of this and really have some hands on volunteering. It really makes me feel good about myself, in more ways than one. Maybe that's the catholic guilt being soothed, but whatever it is... i'm blessed to have it quenched! Regardless... if you happen to read this post... and happen to be planning to visit the Convention, please please... stop by and see me and introduce yourself. I will probably be hanging back a bit, but i will be the one with the name Jenn on! If you have trouble finding us... Look for the red shirts... maybe come buy one of your own!

More on this soon, too, but there is a reason for the RED shirt... can you guess why red?!?!

I'm just very very excited to be a part of this organization. More soon on the great things this organization does... how i am involved... maybe how you can be involved, if you feel so inclined, how companies and organizations can give back and help out.

i know i just met these people, but i did spend a few hours with them... and will know more after a 10 - 12 hour drive to DC with them in a week or so *winks*, but what impressed me most was the passion and love they all seemed to have about the work they do and the work they want to do and the work that they see themselves doing.

Can i just say... i am SO excited!!!

Making Memories... again

2008-09-22T09:21:00.000-04:00

Looooong weekend. Lately, all my weekends seem to be long. Think it's just getting older?

It was the Gaslight Festival this weekend. The main square of our small community shuts down from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening. There are booths that sell things, vendors that try to get their name out, beer gardens, contests and teenagers that need to be home in BED!

It all starts on Thursday with a parade and ends Sunday with everyone tired, but feeling a sense of "doing good" for having given some of the extra cash they don't have to the community, albeit in a round about way.

We did the parade. Diva Tot LOVED it. Little Man missed it, because of football practice. I was upset that he couldn't be there, but i understand. Having missed so much with his broke ankle, i guess he really did need to be at practice. We took the kids Friday night to look around and "hang out" for a bit. Met up with the Big Love Collective and as a unit, the kids all went off on their own... for the first time. The Princess and Little Man, Lefty, Caity, EiEiO, and Big Mac. Diva Tot toddled around with the parents and we walked the booths, ate greasy food and at 9:30, they, and we, were all packed up and ready to come home.

We did an adult night on Saturday and had a really good time. Got home too late, up too early, but all in all it was a good weekend. It's time now, tho, to buckle down and spend weekends doing the "owning a home" things that need to be done, i guess. Things that will be nice to do while it's not as hot anymore.

Little Man had a great game this weekend. Because of the power outages and damage around the City last weekend, the game was postponed from Saturday to Sunday. We won 28 - 0. I was very impressed with LM's return. He didn't complain once about his ankle hurting. I guess winning gives that extra boost! *laughs* The team is really coming together as a team, learning to play well with one another. That now brings out record to 2-4. As long as we win our last 3 games, we will be in the playoffs.

First Steps

2008-09-20T13:16:00.000-04:00

i called Cheryl back at USA Cares. We have a meeting on Thursday. I am really anxious and nervous!!

I'm SO Excited! and i just can't hide it!

2008-09-18T14:03:00.000-04:00

i know, i know... am i geek or what?!

but i just have to share... in the midst of getting hit by hurricane Ike (yes, i live in Kentucky, and YES! we got hit!... got hit on Sunday and we still have 100k + without power. Schools have been closed all week due to power outages and downed power lines... it's crazy! i didn't even deal with this when i lived in Florida!) I GOT AN EMAIL FROM USA CARES!

i am SO excited. i can't wait to have a chance to call the person and set up a meeting. They said there were some volunteer opportunities in Louisville, so i am SO psyched!

Will update what i find out when i make the call!

September, 11th ~ Patriot Day

2008-09-11T18:28:00.001-04:00

Sadness and a sense of being lost overwhelmed me today. But i also found motivation in the remembrance of today.

I submitted my application to volunteer with USA Cares. It's based near where i live and i am hoping to get some hands on volunteering. I am very excited and motivated. I will keep updated how my journey goes in becoming involved!

I also adopted a soldier and sat down and wrote a letter to them. These are small things... nothing like what our men and women are doing overseas, fighting a war. But i am hoping my little contribution will be a smile to someone's face. Maybe even inspire someone else to give back a little of themselves, as well.

Today is a day of remembrance, of gratitude and of reflection. May God bless our Men and Women fighting this war, literal or figuratively. May He bless the victims of the tragedy of 9-11, each and every one that has died because of the acts of that day. May families, friends, and loved ones find comfort in Him. and may God bless America.

Update

2008-09-09T09:17:00.000-04:00

The wedding is over! Everything went off without a hitch and it was simply perfect. Not one thing went wrong, at least that we know of. I haven't watched the videos yet, so that may show a flaw or two, but the fact is, no one noticed. It was such a sweet ceremony and really reflected who the two of them are. All the decorations were beautiful, the bride was exquisite and the groom was handsome.

My grandmother got the results from the pathologist and it was in fact cancer. It hadn't reached the lymph nodes that they removed, so that is a plus. The Drs. do want her to do a round of radiation and take the chemo pill for the next 5 years. My grandmother isn't sure she wants to do that, which, while i understand, kinda makes me realize that she realizes that she's old and doesn't want to live her remaining years sick from all that. It's ultimately her decision, and i would support her in any decision, but i don't want her to give up.

Little Man's ankle is healed... or so we think. He got sand in his cast a week after he got the cast on, so i had to take him back to get it changed. While there, the Dr. had LM walk on his ankle and she was very impressed that he could do so. So she put him in a boot, instead of another cast and said that he had to wear it until this past weekend and then, if he could jump on his ankle 20 times without pain, he was fully released to go back to football, running, etc. Well, he's able to do that so went to football practice yesterday and hurt it. It's not bad, don't think it's broke, or even sprained but it's sore for him to walk on. He was limping last night, so we will see how he's doing today after school. Guess that will determine his week of practicing!

Princess is doing wonderful. She has been very helpful this last few weeks with so much of my time being taken up with the wedding decor preparations and all that. Just last night, she did 4 loads of laundry without me having to ask. She's loving her new school and i just couldn't be happier for her. She's signed up for cross country and cheerleading. She's going to go out for student council and she's very excited about being in the Health program.

Then there is Diva Tot. She's hit the terrible 2's. She's not terrible yet... more like the threatening 2's... but i know the terrible is coming!! She woke up in the middle of the night 2 nights ago, so put her in my bed. I closed the door so that if she were to climb out of bed, she wouldn't be able to get near the stairs, and that made it very dark in my bedroom. She started screaming "turn the dark off! turn the dark off!". she comes up with some of the wildest things now that she is talking so much. i love it. i just can't remember to keep it all recorded!

As for me... i am anxious to get some work done on my house. It needs to be painted, and the landscaping trimmed and cut out and mulched. Need to get the carpet replaced. It's 10 years old now and time for an overhaul, i think. it's going to be hard to committ to doing some of it because of Diva Tot, but i guess we just put a paint brush in her hand, too!

A Story Worth Reading... Twice

2008-08-28T23:25:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite blogs has a post up that i have to post here, even if no one reads this, it will be here for me to refer back to.

If you are reading this, please follow the link and read the post at Blackfive.

http://www.blackfive.net/main/2008/08/the-reason-to-d.html

A Long Hot Summer...

2008-08-22T11:49:00.002-04:00

is not always a bad thing, if you are surrounded by loved ones *smiles*.

Luckily, i was... and it was very nice.

We spent the summer at the lake most every weekend. We made memories.

Since my last post, my grandmother has made an almost 100% recovery. She's an amazing lady and her strength is amazing. Tho, we have been struck with yet more bad news. She has breast cancer and is having surgery on the 28th. There will be chemo but as of right now, no radiation. The prognosis is good, so we are all being positive about it.

My mom had a spot removed from her face about 2 years ago. It's now returned, so i am kinda worried about that, but one thing at a time. Hopefully she will take care of it, sooner rather than later, and all will be well and soon forgotten.

I looked into the USO idea for Ft. Knox, or even for Ft. Campbell, but to no avail. It seems the money is not there to start up new locations because of the resources all being spent on the deploying, deployed and returning soldiers, as it should be. The lady i spoke to gave me some other avenues i am going to pursue and was very kind to spend almost an hour with me on the phone talking about some different options. i am still excited about finding a way to give back, i have not given up, but things have been on hold for the time being, with summer and some family things going on.

Diva Tot is growing quickly. Her vocabulary expands everyday, and she's a little mocking-bird, so we have to be careful of the vocabulary we expose her to *laughs*.

Little Man has broke his ankle playing football. There is a crack right in the growth plate, from one side to the other. He's out for 4 weeks, at the least, and is already, just 4 days with the cast on, asking to please find a way to get it off. It's not very easy to have your child plead like that, and not be able to help him find a way to be more comfortable.

Princess started her new school this year and is loving it. She's motivated and excited and loves having the new opportunities. She's not usually a self-motivated person, as far as social situations go, and this new school has brought out a side of her that i am very happy to see.

Then, there is my Conni. She dropped a bomb on me a few weeks ago that she and her husband are going to be moving to FL. As an adult, i should be happy for her, and handle this in a mature and grown-up manner, but i am having such a hard time with this. It's not that she's leaving, friendships don't suffer if you are dedicated to them, and she and i both are very dedicated to our relationship. But i feel that i am losing the ability to be as connected to her. i have never met someone that i am can so relate to and that relates so well to me. The good, the bad, the pretty, the ugly, the happy, the sad... we have so many parallels in our lives, and yet, still have the differences to keep us interested and challenged. She unlike anyone i have ever met and i cry every time i think of her leaving. i don't think about it. it's too difficult and too upsetting.

So, right now we are just consuming ourselves with the wedding. Conni's oldest daughter is getting married the first weekend in Sept., and we are diligently working to tie up the loose ends and get everything done. This is so right up my alley, so it's a great distraction to what is going on ... and not going on LOL.

i still haven't gotten my house painted inside. Maybe that will be my next distraction.

Hope, Inspiration & Motivation

2008-06-13T10:31:00.000-04:00

Quick update about this week. My grandmother had a stroke on Sunday, June 8th. She was moved to the Jewish Stroke Center from a small hospital there in the small town she lives in. She's, amazingly, doing better now at the end of the week than we thought she would in 3 months! The stroke affected her speech and her ability to understand causing confusion, but after giving her Heparin, she's made an amazing reversal. On Monday, June 9th, my dad, who is almost 66 years old, had knee replacement surgery. He got to go home on Wed., which was a day earlier than planned, so He's doing very, very well. Tho, even with all the "doing goods", i am still stressed as ever!

After the week i had, i was so pleased to see another email from Paulette. She made a suggestion in her reply to me that maybe i could look into starting a USO location here in KY, since we don't have one. The closest one is in Indy and while i could make that drive, it would be harder and harder as gas prices increase. At her suggestion, i visited the USO website
and looked for a location nearest me and called the phone number. After only being passed to one person, i have someone helping me to find out what can be done to help the bases here in KY. I'm SO excited and i'm so motivated! i can't wait to email Paulette and let her know what i find out.

You know, i am not sure people that give us hope, inspire us and motivate us know how very impressionable they were on our lives. I think the 3 go together... we need hope to be inspired, and we need inspiration to be motivated... in very simple terms. But how blessed we are when we find, and recognize, that we have found hope in one place, inspiration in another and motivation in yet another.

Today is a good day. I feel very hopeful, inspired and motivated. Thank you to my kids for giving me the hope that there is good in the world... to Michael for inspiring me to find it... and to Paulette for motivating me to be it.

Kindred Spirit

2008-06-04T09:43:00.000-04:00

Yesterday... i slept the day away. i was so worn out, i guess, that i just didn't have the energy to get up and walk across the floor to the bathroom... sooooo, i read blogs yesterday, in between sleeping all day long, and ran across this one ... My Rambling Mind ... written by Paulette. If you have some time, please make a trip over there and read her "ramblings".

within the first 2 posts, i felt like i was looking into a mirror. she's real and she's not fluffy with her writing. she speaks of what she is feeling and you can almost feel her heart through the words on the page. i can honestly say... she's who i aspire to be. i want to be involved in other people's lives selflessly... i want my family, as a family, to be a part of something bigger than us.

so... i IM her in yahoo. i hope she doesn't think i am some kind of crazy stalker type LOL. but i just felt such a pull to her and her words, i couldn't pass it by. so... i wake up this morning to.... A REPLY! i am so exited to talk with her.

i have been reading blogs for a long time... more than a few months now... and i am amazed that i just now ran across her's. But glad i did, so i won't look a gift horse in the mouth. anyway, i have been reading and finding that i can relate to most of the bloggers, but always felt as if i were on the outside looking in... but not with Paulette.

In one of her posts, she wrote:

"While working my USO shift at the airport recently I was asked by someone if my husband was in the military, my reply was no. Then they asked if my dad was retired military again my reply was no. "So..then why do you do this if you don't have to?" they asked..If I don't have to??? Of course I don't HAVE to! Idiot!! I looked at them and said, "First of all..I don't HAVE to do this. I love doing this. It is my choice to donate my time. It's the least I can do for what our troops do for us. And second I do this because I never forogt how I felt on 9/11. THAT'S why I do this, because I'm damn grateful." As they turned and left my booth I knew they didn't get it. Sadly most people don't get it."

Well, Paulette... here's to you... i get it. And i look so forward to talking with you!

Infestations

2008-06-01T10:51:00.000-04:00

yes... Diva Tot has been inducted into childhood.

Last weekend, i had the whole thing planned... I had the baby packed... 2 older ones were well on their way to packing the kitchen sink *ha* ... so i sat down to do the "good mom" job of brushing and fixing the littlest one's hair.

WHAT??!!

There were "things" in Diva Tot's hair... but what is it? brown specks... could it be lice???

A good leg-over-the-body-hold-down to pull one out of her hair and a google later... confirmed.

Lice.

Princess was clean, but Little Man was in good company with the Diva... yep... they both had it.

My well planned weekend... one without the kids, paint on the way to the walls weekend... was now changed.

What had been planned days of home improvements now became a whole day of cleaning and vacuuming and washing and pesticides.

I'm glad to report... the infestation was easily enough rid... but my home-improvements are still in waiting!

Angry

2008-02-28T19:14:00.000-05:00

i am so angry lately... not at one particular thing, it seems it's about everything.

Morpheus

2008-02-20T18:06:00.000-05:00

In light of my current predicament, i found this to be freakishly odd... just ... wow.

?? Which Of The Greek Gods Are You ??

Valentine Angel

2008-02-14T13:49:00.000-05:00

To go along and not derail that last post, i wanted to write more so i am starting a new post.

i was on my way home from Wal-mart after shopping for Valentine goodies for the kids and i suddenly noticed the car was quiet. Diva Tot had fallen asleep and it was just eerily quiet. So i turned on the radio... and the words i heard were:

"But then a kind old man took my hand and led me home. Mama couldnt see him, but he was standing there. And I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers."

a chill ran over me (and no, not because it's cold outside). everything started to come together today. Corny? Probably, but at this point, i don't care because it's pulled me from my funk and given me a renewed sense of power and i feel like, for the first time in about 2 years, that i can breathe.

i knew something today drew me to watch that movie... a higher being? a protective spirit? an inner voice? something. Maybe i am looking at the universe as guiding something it's not able to give, but for me, today was not coincidence. Today, someone took me by the hand... someone that no one could see, not even me, and showed me what i was supposed to be doing and how i was going to do it.

i don't have all the answers, but i do believe as the song says. "Oh I believe there are angels among us. Sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours. To show us how to live, to teach us how to give. To guide us with a light of love."

Angels Among Us
Sung by Alabama
Written by Becky Hobbs

I was walking home from school on a cold winter day.
Took a shortcut through the woods, and I lost my way.
It was getting late, and I was scared and alone.
But then a kind old man took my hand and led me home.
Mama couldnt see him, but he was standing there.
And I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers.

Chorus
Oh I believe there are angels among us.
Sent down to us from somewhere up above.
They come to you and me in our darkest hours.
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.
To guide us with a light of love.

When life held troubled times, and had me down on my knees.
Theres always been someone there to come along and comfort me.
A kind word from a stranger, to lend a helping hand.
A phone call from a friend, just to say I understand.
And aint it kind of funny that at the dark end of the road.
Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope.

Chorus

They wear so many faces, show up in the strangest places.
To guide us with their mercy, in our time of need.

Chorus
To guide us with a light of love.

Antwone Fisher and Me

2008-02-14T13:28:00.001-05:00

i woke up this morning to a movie i normally wouldn't have ever turned on.

The Antwone Fisher Story

i think it's been around a few years, and it's about the Navy... not really something that would catch my attention. But i was being lazy... and yes, i guess i have to admit, feeling a little sorry for myself because i didn't get a lot of sleep, i was in pain and i knew i had to face the day of being mom and dealing with things i just didn't want to have to deal with.

by the 2nd set of commercials, i was no longer laying in bed to avoid the day, but instead because i was locked to the TV. This was a great movie. Not only was the acting well done, the script well written and storyline well told, but the underlying message for me today gripped a hold of me and didn't let go.

i'm not sure what was more compelling for me... the fact that Antwone Fisher found a way to come back from a desperately hopeless childhood and become a contributing part of society, or the fact that he was able to overcome his anger about it and accept it, and use it to his advantage in life.

Regardless... i had never been abused as a child (quite the contrary, i was very loved and encouraged and protected), i had never been sexually abused, i had people come and go into my life, but there were always constants that i could trust would always be there and none of the important relationships were not there where i felt abandoned.

i wanted to smack myself. THIS was my wake up call. Pain or no pain, i have every right to feel bad, but i don't have a right to wallow in self-pity and blame others for what doesn't get done. If i want it done, i better find a way to do it, and if i can't do it today, i will keep my eyes focused on what needs to be done... what i want to be done... and do it when i can. Pain, people, emotions, guilt... i won't allow these things to keep me down any longer.

there was a confrontation with my husband and me this morning. i normally keep my mouth shut, or sugar coat things. Not this time... no, this time, i said it like it was. And the most important part was, i really don't care if he was listening or not. As i said... i am going to live my life and i am going to become the strong woman i know i am. i will no longer lower myself to be weak so that anyone around me can feel like more of a person, feel stronger of a person, at my expense. No! i am done with that. From now on, i will lead my way. People can make the choice as to whether or not they would like to come along and join me in my life.

i felt empowered by this movie. How strange. but i will not question it. Instead, i will only be glad for what has come.

Introduction

2008-02-12T16:09:00.000-05:00

Well... where to start.

I am a 35 year old woman, will soon be 36, but i really like the number 35... think i might stay there. i will be married 15 years (give or take a few months... more on that maybe in future posts) in May.

I currently live in Kentucky, where I grew up. I have lived in Florida, Ohio and Tennessee.

I have 3 kids... Princess is 13... Little Man is 10... and Diva Tot is 1.

I am a stay at home mom... not working outside the home. I have an online business with one of my best friends.

I love my friends and am a social butterfly. I like to read, but have had little interest in it lately... i can't seem to concentrate and wrap my mind around relaxing alone time. *laughs* My passion is volunteer work, yet since Diva-Tot, i have had little time to do those things. But i will again, in due time.

My biggest focus lately has been the Military and the War. I hope thru blogging and self-reflection that i can find a cause to be passionate about once again... one that my People can also learn to give back to the community with as well.

I have decided to blog as a way to have a record my life. Small things that seem trivial to make a permanent record of seem to be exactly what blogging was made for.

Please be sure to leave your comments here... i love to converse and will carry the conversation after an initial hello if you don't know what to say.