Happy Leap Day 2008!

To all those people who were born on February 29th or on the off chance people got married on February 29th, I say, "Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!" You only get to celebrate once every 4 years so go big on the party and have 2 pieces of cake! :) In the case of leap birthdays, the good news is that you are waaaay younger than all the other people born that year! So hey, here's to the fountain of youth you've stumbled into! Of course, it will take much longer for your car insurance rates to go down because of your young age, but in the end, holding onto your youth is priceless, right? And now a game to entertain you! (or drive you batty, which it just might do, but I promise, it is solvable. I've done it!)

Wordless Wednesday - Optical Twister

Fond Muppet memories relived

Voila'! The Swedish Chef makes meatballs!

Heads or Tails - Wonder

Today's Heads or Tails brought to us by Barb, is Wonder or Wander. Our choice! So I choose to keep is simple and offer up a very addictive song and video from one of my favorite movies "That Thing You Do". The name of the band is the Wonders (as in 'one hit') and now, without further ado, crank it UP, clap along and sing out loug!

End of an era! Ode to Poloroid

Guess it's time to trade all those penny stocks on Polaroid! The company has decided to end it's production of this much loved icon of instamatic photographic wonder. So on that note I add this:

Ode to the Polaroid:

Polaroid, You were there
When I met Dweezil Zappa.
And always ready to capta’
Someone doing something they weren’t supposed ta’!

We will miss watching all the idiots
Fanning you around,
Trying to speed up a chemical process
Sealed inside and bound.

Thanks to you,
We will remember our trips to the zoo.
And all the other childhood places
We used to take you to.

We are sad to see you go,
Of this you surely must know.
It’s with a tear in our eye,
And a stack of old photos this high
That we shall say goodbye.

And now, a moment of silence for our fast acting friend of yesterday. With your help, may we always remember the good times of days gone by!

Give Me Five Monday Meme #15

Monday, February 25, 2008

The 'Give Me Five' Monday meme is designed to share fun information with each other in a simple short list! Here's how it works. Each week, I will put out a random topic from my list of topics and you share 5 answers of your choice on the given topic and link back here! You can add photos, links or stories or just a simple list of your own of 5 things that relate to the topic as it pertains to you and your life experiences. It doesn't have to be in any order of importance unless otherwise specified.
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Give Me Five favorite things to do in your favorite season of the year.

Here in St. Louis, the weather can go from cold to warm and then back to cold in the evening. It's a joke that you know you are in St. Louis if you have to use the furnace and the air conditioner in the same day :-) Lately, we have been experiencing alot of ice and snow, not like Antarctica but more than we have had over the past few years. So much for global warming, huh? Anyway, all this cold weather and ice scraping has given me the longing for spring. So I though I would give my answers for spring...although it is not my favorite, it's definitely in the top 3 and the one I'm most looking forward to today.


1. Flying kites-Admittedly not something I have done since I was a kid, but I still would if I had the chance!


2. Bike riding-I have a bike now that I need to have serviced and repaired so I could get out in the warm sunlight and feel the breeze in my face! Woo!! I can't wait and I could use the exercise.


3. Wear shorts-Ok, this isn't really something you 'do' per say but I definitely look forward to the weather permitting this wonderful enjoyment. I would live in shorts if I could, I love em'!


4. Visit parks and the Zoo-It's just too cold now and nothing is in bloom but springs offers a vast array of flowering beauties and a walk through the zoo here in St. Louis is perfect in the spring!


5. Washing my car-It's not like I can't wash it in the winter time or don't for that matter because I do. It's more that when I get it clean it looks great for a while and doesn't get snowed on and covered in gross salt residue.Give Me Five Participants

1. Irishcoda 2. Tamy ~ 3 Sides of Crazy 3. Stacey 4. Skittles 5. Misty Dawn 6. Mom Knows Everything

7. Comedy Plus 8. Anna 9. Natalie 10. maryt/the teach 11. Kwizgiver 12. Amanda

13. Penny Lane 14. forgetfulone 15. Karlana

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Heads or Tails - The Letter P

Every time I hear the words 'The Letter....' I think of the kids show on PBS called 'The Letter People." So here's a tidbit for fun (the song I want you to enjoy is only the first 17 seconds of this video).


But I don't want use this opportunity to just be silly and talk about childhood tv shows and fancy Baldwin pulls for your drawers, I'd like to take it to a more personal and spiritual level. I'd like to encourage you to Prayer journal! Have you ever considered keeping a journal of your journey with the Lord through this crazy life?! It's a spectacular outlet for you to track your trek with God, to look back and see how far you've come or to be reminded of times of strength when you are having times of need. You can record your prayers to God to look back over at another time to see how He has worked in your life. Often times we forget about the journey to where we are because we tend to focus our attentions to where we think we need to be. This is certainly a new venture I am seeking to incorporate into my life, so come on, let's do it together!

Give Me Five Monday Meme #14

Monday, February 18, 2008

The 'Give Me Five' Monday meme is designed to share fun information with each other in a simple short list! Here's how it works. Each week, I will put out a random topic from my list of topics and you share 5 answers of your choice on the given topic and link back here! You can add photos, links or stories or just a simple list of your own of 5 things that relate to the topic as it pertains to you and your life experiences. It doesn't have to be in any order of importance unless otherwise specified.
Sign up for weekly reminder emails @ beccagirl@charter.net


Give Me Five positive traits or accomplishments you admired in a person or persons that you aren't getting along with or have hurt or offended you in the past.

Over the past few years, I have gone through some personal changes as I've grown closer in my walk with the Lord. In that time, there have been more than a couple of friends, and I mean long time-there-by-your-side kind of friends, who I have begun to clash with. Some have gone away from me completely and others I have attempted to reconcile with on some level.

Part of my growth has been to see how I really was to other people...to discover the err of my ways, not just what other people do to me. As it turns out, it's a two way street and I was just as guilty as they were!!! So, something I have tried to do when looking back and evaluating things, is to try and remember positive things about them and not just the bad things at the end of the friendship.

I really have gained much healing through this process and thinking positively about people who have hurt us is a great step in a Godly direction. Everyone sins against God, sometimes we get hurt in the process too. Adding positive thoughts to the equation can help the healing process and add closure to the situation even if it's only on our end.


1. B.G. - A childhood friend that I am no longer even in contact with: she was always there for me in certain ways. When I got my 4 wisdom teeth pulled and when I had my tonsils out (all as an adult) she took me and stayed with me afterwards to help me. Definitely not the kind of person who would mind her pocket watch worrying about how long you are taking with a story.


2. T.H. - A lover from my past who truly broke my heart, twice: he was a great outdoorsman and companion who could always make me laugh.


3. T.B. - Another childhood friend that I am no longer in contact with: she was so strong and smart! I always enjoyed her company.


4. B.G. - A wonderful Christian man I dated briefly who left without saying goodbye: he showed me that there are great men still out there and reinforced my desire to be equally yoked.


5. K.H. - A friend I am no longer in contact with: I always enjoyed her strength, her company, her loyalty and the hours of laughter shared.Give Me Five Participants

1. Kwizgiver 2. Gabrielle 3. Stacey

4. Tamy ~ 3 Sides of Crazy 5. Karlana 6. Forgetfulone

7. Bethany

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1,5,3...2,4...5,7,3...1,6,7...2,7...7,7,SEVEN!!!

To all those who have a sweetheart today on Valentine's Day,

Have a happy, fun and safe February 14th!!!

I hope you weren't sucked into the hype that has become Valentine's Day. I believe Hallmark-type stores have become a franchise just to make money from 'holidays' like this. Why is it even considered a holiday anyway? No one is off work and the banks are open.

When you are a child, Valentine's Day is cute and fun and you get candy and sweets. Maybe it's because I've never had a Valentine on Valentine's Day but I just don't get it. It's supposed to be two people who are in love celebrating that love but correct me if I'm wrong but isn't that what anniversaries are for? If you pay attention to all the jewelry store commercials and the many other commercials around this time, you would think it's a day designed for men to have to go out and buy stuff to make the women happy! And women who put any expectations on this day are just setting their own stage for disappointment. Hello, love and gift buying should go both ways!!!

I think you can celebrate love any day of the year (especially your specific special day of love remembrance also called your anniversary). I fully believe you can show someone you love them in little ways that don't cost a bunch of money too. I just don't get this extra day for everyone to celebrate something so personal to you and your lover. Well, like I said, maybe it's because I have lived all '25' of these years without celebrating Valentine's Day, I still don't get it. LOL

Clarification-for all those who might think I speak from bitterness:
What I don't get is the commercialization of people's affections for monetary gain. It's fine to celebrate love! Don't read more into this than what I am saying right here. It falls in line with how over-commercialized Christmas and all the other actual holidays have become as well. "Oh, it's a holiday, let's all run to the mall with our credit cards" instead of draw closer together and give of ourselves and our time. Not interested! I'm not saying giving a gift is bad or wrong or that I'm bitter about not receiving any particular gifts, I get lots of gifts! I find treasure in the company and affections of my friends and loved ones. I show them I care in other ways as well as small gifts, if I see something. I just disagree with going out and overspending and climbing further into debt on people for the sake of a holiday tradition that's gotten way out of hand or because society puts pressure on us to give as much or more than we can to show our love....it's asinine and ludicrous to be a poor steward of your money just because society wants you to! People will remember you for what you bring to their lives...not what you bring for under their tree or in a card and chocolate.

True story: Picture this...

It's a nice summer day on the river in some remote county in the country. You've gotten up way too early and suffered those early hour low temperatures just to enjoy the opportunity for some sunrise fishing on the water. It's just you and your man out on the boat, relaxing, catching up and casting out. You've packed a lunch and some snacks and drinks because you've come this far away from home, you'd might as well stay for the day!

Running up and down the river, you're searching for *just* the right spot to catch a nice bass or two when all of a sudden, your whole world is changed. You are not quite sure what happened but suddenly you are thrust forward crashing into the inside front of the boat. The boat stopped but you didn't. There's pain, there's blood. Apparently we've hit an unforeseen underwater obstacle! You look over and see that your man has hurt his legs and knees but he will be ok. You are not so lucky. You see him trying to get to you and then he wraps his t-shirt around your head. The next thing you know, you wake up in an ambulance.

This is a true story that happened to my dad and his girlfriend on an unassuming summer day 2 years ago. They were out boating and fishing and they had a terrible accident. There was no help around and their cell phones had no signals in that place. Luckily some nice people came along and helped them tow their wrecked boat and got them to their vehicle. His girlfriend had a huge gash across her forehead and needed immediate attention. Other people tried to call for help to no avail due to the fact that they were too far away from any cell towers. In the end, they got her to a hospital and her blood loss wasn't fatal.

I fish with my dad in these remote type places all summer long! We take the boat and all the cousins on floating trips in these places when they come to visit. We also like to go riding on the 4 wheelers out in the woods. We all have cell phones but they are rendered useless without a signal! There are 2 different places on my regular routes alone where I have a loss of signal for a brief time. I could really put a universal cell phone booster to good use!

Not only would it be useful for the initial road trip to the woods or river or lake but it is also easily taken from the car right on board the boat or in the 4 wheeler pack to take along! The universal cell phone booster from 'Powerful Signal' boosts the signal with 3 watts of power making it sensitive enough to detect even the faintest signals even from shadowed cell towers. It works on all North American carriers for cell phones and with laptop data cards.

The benefits of having this handy helper go beyond extending cell phone battery life, which it does as well. They also offer many accessories to compliment the booster kit and utilize it in many ways which makes the kit priceless in most situations! I can think of a ton of great uses for this kit and would love the opportunity to put it to good use. It sure would offer some peace of mind in more ways than one! Emergency help can only respond if they are alerted to.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

She has always been a strong spiritual staple in my life and for that I am so grateful! She worked so hard when we were young to pay for Christian private school for 5 years. Probably 5 of the most impressionable years of my life. That education laid a foundation for my life that has proved to hold me up under all the stresses and changes that have come along. I wouldn't trade those years of God in my curriculum for any amount of money. It really became the standard for which all others have been compared. I know it was hard for her to take on that responsibility since I know my father did not have an interest in making it a priority for him.

My father made it very hard and at times literally unbearable for her in so many ways. He was a violent alcoholic and didn't seem to have lasting benefits from alcohol and drug rehabs. She never deserved any of that harsh treatment and controlling of her life, even down to not allowing her to drive! She had to take the bus or walk to work even in the snow and ice and storms! After their divorce, she was 47 when she got a driver's license for the first time. I remember her driving away from the house that first day, my brother and I were standing and waving good bye from the front porch. I was so happy for her new found freedom!

I love my mom and I hope I have many more years to enjoy her company and learn from her. I have worked with my mom here in our office for the past 10 years and now she even lives with me temporarily, but I'm still not tired of her! As one lady in a store who overheard us cackling, "You guys are a hoot!" LOL I will miss working with my mom and having lunch with her. I think it will make me appreciate just that much more, the time I spend with her! So here's to you, mommacita, I love you...MORE!!!

Heads or Tails #25 - Love

This week on Heads or Tails from Barb over at Skittles' Place has chosen the topic of LOVE. Well, I don't have a husband or boyfriend so when I think about the love I have, I can imagine no greater love than the love of my heavenly father! So here's a nice video I found over on Godtube.com. Please take a couple of minutes to watch it:


You may have to turn up your volume considerably in order to hear it. It seemed a bit quiet.

Give Me Five Monday Meme #13

Monday, February 11, 2008

The 'Give Me Five' Monday meme is designed to share fun information with each other in a simple short list! Here's how it works. Each week, I will put out a random topic from my list of topics and you share 5 answers of your choice on the given topic and link back here! You can add photos, links or stories or just a simple list of your own of 5 things that relate to the topic as it pertains to you and your life experiences. It doesn't have to be in any order of importance unless otherwise specified.
Sign up for weekly reminder emails @ beccagirl@charter.net


Give Me Five hints, tips, tricks, advice or any other stories related to resumes or succeeding in the great job hunt!

I have decided to attempt an upgrade!! No, I won't be heading out to my local discount furniture store to upgrade my abode, a career upgrade!!! So I need all the advice I can get!


1. Monster.com-I am still new to this one. I threw on a resume there a week ago and so far have received 2 phone calls from it. They were both from local agencies who can help place me, so I'm happy about that! Give it a try, can't hurt anything!


2. Do some research online for how to build a great resume. I still need to work on that one. If it has been a while since you have tended to your resume, might I suggest getting it out, dusting it off and updating it? I can't believe how much I have forgotten about where I've worked and such from before...I wish I would have kept better records from back then.


3. It's ok to be nervous on an interview, that's just natural! Try not to let your emotions and nerves overrule the point of your interview, which is to turn on your professional ad so they can get a feel for who you are as an employee. I once had an interview that went so badly, the man actually told people at his office I "had no skills." Duh, I was so emotional and nervous, I forgot to even tell him about my qualifications for the position!!


4. Don't apply for jobs you don't want. Ok, I know what you are thinking...this sounds silly, but when I was young, I kept thinking, "Gosh, I really hate working at fast food and this and that." Well, why would I go apply there then? I am really happy to have a Monday through Friday job and working on a weekend brings extra compensation...as it should be!


5. Last but not least, pray about all of it! Give your anxiety and worries about the job hunt to Him and He will take care of you. I have faith that God will lead me to the position where I should go. He knows my wants and my needs and better than that, He knows my future and where I am going! I have every faith in Him to get me to the places I need to go and I will be blessed because I know it is right when I get there. No worries!!!

I Peter 5:7 "Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you!"Give Me Five Participants

1. Comedy Plus 2. Misty Dawn 3. Mom Knows Everything 4. The Gal Herself

5. Kwizgiver 6. Penny Lane 7. forgetfulone 8. Tamy ~ 3 Sides of Crazy ~

9. Bethany 10. Karlana

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Human Tetris

This is seriously entertaining and nerve racking at the same time!

Soooo cool!

Thinking Thursday

After receiving my W-2 for 2007, I realized that my income (box 1) has gone down for the 3rd year in a row. I haven't gotten a raise in about 4 years and I am quickly finding myself in the same position I was a few short years ago when I came to the conclusion of filing bankruptcy. All of my bills are getting paid, sorta, but there's no money left over for food and gas not to mention the extras! There will be no Jaeger watches to give on Valentine's Day from me! My mother's birthday is next week and I won't even be able to celebrate it with her. Enough is enough.

I took the suggestion of my dear darling cousin to put a resume on Monster.com just to see what's out there and if anyone seems interested. That was Sunday. On Wednesday I received 2 different calls from local agencies to inquire. The first one is an agency I am familiar with and is a commonly accepted company. The second one is an agency hired to find employees in the accounting and financial world only. I had a meeting with them today and they are waiting to hear from me but already have 2 positions I would basically qualify for...one of which doesn't sound too shabby, actually. So this is what I'm thinking on Thursday.

Quick Cash

Quick, help me think of a way to raise about $170.00! No, it's not to pay for my car insurance!

In today's mail, I got a catalog from Jessica London. I don't remember every purchasing from that catalog or online before, so I'm not sure why I get it, but I found 4 things in there I really *really* want!

A white long sleeved jacket with 3 buttons - $44.90

A red empire waist trench coat with bell sleeves - $49.90

A scoop necked jersey cotton knit top with cap sleeves (in white) - $29.90

A white and black print jersey cotton knit top with cap sleeves - $29.90

I could live without the last one...but I'd really like to order the other ones! Maybe I should see if there's some extra-extra overtime I can work! Maybe my blogging friends would like to donate to my cause...............cause I would like to have them! LOL

It's hump day!

Ah, another Wednesday is upon us. Usually around this point in the work week, I'm in need of some jumper cables to give me a burst of 'umph' to keep going. This week, on the other hand, I seem to be moving along at full speed! Maybe it has something to do with having worked 6 days a week for the past few weeks with no end in the new schedule in sight.

This time of year (tax time) is when I begin to work a very hectic schedule. You'd think that having only 1 day off a week will make you so tired but for me, it really doesn't. Sundays are always busy with church and visiting friends. So there's always something going on, it's good to be active! I dislike being bored anyway LOL It certainly makes the time pass more quickly and I am all too ready to earn the extra income.

So happy hump day from me to you!

Crossing your bridge