Are You Fed Up With Political Views on Personal Blogs?

I am confident that 99.99% of the bloggers in the worldwide blogosphere have made on-line acquaintances of varying descriptions.  In the 'real' world, we may have a variety of friends but on-line ones are completely different......... yet very much the same!

We can be extremely intimate with our on-line friends, but may never meet them.  They may be from every corner of the globe - from India to Africa to North America, Australia, Europe and everywhere in between.  The possibilities for relationships are endless.

How Can Dumb Criminals Get Away With It?

When you have been married for a couple decades or more, you tend to know exactly what to say and when to say it -- to your spouse. You understand how they think and also what irritates them.  You also learn when to keep your mouth shut. It may get easier over the years but there are those moments you simply must  take the plunge.

Hubby was complaining about something insignificant.  In fact, I can't even remember what it was; but after he finished, I calmly said, "Would you like to switch jobs?"

Dead Silence.  Nothing.  Then a big smile, "No, that's O K.  I've seen your job.  I don't want it. You are awesome at all you do."

Guess that's one way to draw out a compliment!

How Do You Say Goodbye to Your Furry Friend of 13 years

Each day we live with our furry friends, we love them more. Every day we grow to appreciate them more. Yet, in the back of our minds, we are fully aware that they have a short lifespan compared to ours and that the day will come when we need to say goodbye. It is never easy. No matter how many times we have to go through it, it never gets easier.

I have been rescuing dogs for many years and also have adopted some who have not been abused. Louis Vuitton was one of those. He came into our lives when he was a puppy. He was a gift to our daughter, Rochelle, for her 17th. birthday. The young man who gave Louie to Rohelle is now our son-in-law. She and her hubby have also rescued numerous dogs. I have shared many of their stories here. When Louie came into our lives, we had our beloved black Lab, Mercedez. Louie adored Mercedez as he did all the rescues we brought home.

Are You the Same Person You Were a Year Ago?

Are you the same person you were a year ago?  Have your views or opinions changed? 





There are often times in our lives when we feel like the world is crashing in around us and are overwhelmed with the drama in our lives.  There are other times when we may feel that life just couldn't get any better.  I have experienced both as many of you have as well.  

Someone dear to me jokingly often said,  "One thing is certain: If things don't change they will stay the same."  But I think you will agree that that is not true.  Everything changes. People. Circumstances. Everything.  One thing that must remain constant in our lives is our focus and our positive attitude.  This is crucial.  

How Do You Motivate Yourself?

We all experience many types of external motivation which can look nothing like a motivational pep talk. 

Actually, most of the motivation we receive is not obvious. We rely on friends, books, family, luck, achievements and social pressures to tell us what to do and to keep us doing it.

Do You Want Your Kids To Follow Your Example?

Whether we like it or not, our lives are mirrors to our children. Often their actions are a direct reflection of the example they see in us.  When they say or do something that makes us smile inside, we know the message we have tried to instill in them has taken root.

Thomas' first day of school.  I was surprised that four-year-olds now went to school for the WHOLE day.

Daughter Rochelle was at the bank with 4-year-old Thomas and baby Aubrie.  As he does in every public place, Thomas introduced himself to the bank teller, who was a woman of color.  In the small town where they live, Thomas rarely sees anyone with a different color of skin.

"Hi, my name is Thomas.  What's yours?"  Smiling the teller replied and Thomas proceeded to introduce the rest of his family....which he does every time.

"This is my mommy and my little sister, Brie."  Then with an intent look at the teller, he continued.  "Brie likes all people."

Anyone within hearing distance smiled and nodded.

Made My Month!

What Are Your Top 11 Pet Peeves?

Pet Peeves.  We all have them. They make us go GRRRRRR.

The Difference Between... 

What is the difference between things we hate and pet peeves?   An example:  I hate to see people smoking in a car with a dog inside.  I want to run over and smash their windows.  It is now against the law to smoke with children in the car but not animals. Don't they have rights too?

A peeve leans more toward an annoyance experienced by many people.

We all have things in our lives that drive us nuts but we don't always want to admit it -- it sounds like we are whining.  

It is difficult to put them in order of most annoying to least as pet peeves are usually equally annoying!  

  

People Who are Always Late  To be late once in awhile is acceptable.  To be late every time. No. Excuse. NONE.  Get a clock that works.


People who say "No Worries  I have never figured this one out.  A waitress can take your order and then say "No worries."  Is she preparing me for something I may have to worry about?  I hear it so often, it makes absolutely no sense.  It only shows a lack of vocabulary. Or they will say "No worries" instead of "Thank you" or "You're welcome"  What the heck does "No worries" MEAN?

People who say "like" all the time.  Valley girls in the 80s said it; yet, some of them still like 'live' there.  Drives me like bonkers.  Take the word "like" out of their like vocabulary and they could like say their like piece in like half the time.

Slow people.  It has nothing to do with being in a hurry, it is the inconsiderate behavior that makes me go insane. Driving in the left lane, too slow, and maintaining the same speed as the person in the right lane. Consequently, no one can pass on either side.  They dawdle beside each other either completely oblivious to what is going on behind them or they just don't care.  

The same scenario happens in hallways, grocery store aisles, or on the sidewalk. You want to pass the two people in front of you who are taking up the entire space and not allowing those behind them to pass. Oblivious?  Rude?

Cashiers who say "Altogether that will be...."  and you only bought one thing.  Can they not count?  I often want to say something but figure that if they can't count, they would not get it.
  
Answering a business phone with a long spiel -- "Good morning, you have reached AA Company, your home for all your xxx needs. We appreciate your business.  My name is Carol.  How may I help you?" When you call a business, you are obviously going to tell the person who answers the phone why you are calling and it really doesn't matter who answers as you will be redirected elsewhere anyway. 

People who say OMG to everything  I have made a conscious effort to never, ever say it.  

SLOW cashiers.  SLOW drivers.  SLOW walkers.  SLOW......

When people spend more time on their phone than interacting with you and you are sitting in front of them.  People who spend ANY time on their phone when they are in a conversation with you.  (Unless it is a phone call that can't wait)

And, drum roll please.....when you call a service provider such as your cell phone or credit card company and you have to go through a series of prompts for 5 minutes to find out they are CLOSED.  Or, finally speaking to an agent who is in a foreign country who cannot understand you nor can you understand them.

And Last But.......

People who don't know which way to hang the toilet paper on the roller!  C'mon, people - really! There is only one way.  

Now, It Is Your Turn.....

Remember these are pet peeves which fit the description above for annoyances. Here is your chance to air those frustrations.  I can't wait to read them.

photos courtesy of yugetripped.com, pinterest.com, download.cnet.com, ehamt.m.com

16 Reasons or More to Enjoy This Season

What is your favorite season? To me, Spring is scary because it means summer is not far behind and I LOATHE summer.

"Why?" you ask.  "What's to like?" I answer. Click here to read 10 Reasons to Skip Summer or....5 Reasons Why I hate Spring.

Before you start screaming at me about how crazy and delusional I may be, read my reasons and you may even agree with some of them.

But, I digress.  Let's talk about Autumn.  I love this time of year.  The dreaded summer has passed, winter is close at hand (YAY) and it is time to wear clothes again.  Real clothes. Sweaters.  Long sleeves. Pants.  And jackets.  Dark colors instead of pastels.  YES!

I realize we (hubby and me) are a bit weird.   Living on the West coast of America is perfect for us.  We ALMOST never turn the heat on in our home.  When it is really blistering cold outside -- well, it rarely gets too cold in this climate -- we turn on the fireplace in the morning and maybe keep it on for a few hours.  But come early evening, it gets turned off and we sleep with windows open and a fan on to keep the air flowing.  Of course, this is much healthier and provides for a better sleep.  

Don't Laugh - I've Considered It