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Happy Thanksgiving

November 24, 2011 By 2 Comments

I wanted to take this opportunity to say Happy Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving is a day that we all share.  No matter or religious belief, no matter what we are all united as Americanson this day.  Many people have a tradition on Thanksgiving of saying what they are thankful for and this year I thought that I would share it with all of you.

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 26: Crowds watch the Than...

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  1. I am thankful for my family.  No matter what is going on they are always there.  While I know many people cannot spend time in a room with their families and in-laws I actually am lucky enough to enjoy their company.
  2. I am thankful for my babies.  I had been told when I was 20 that it would be near impossible to have children.  I remember feeling as if my life was over.  All I had ever wanted was to have a big family.  Having a Dr. tell you that your dreams could be shattered is never easy.  I showed them though.  I have 4 beautiful babies and the big family I had always wanted.
  3. I am thankful that god gives me the strength to deal with things such as bipolar and cerebral palsy on a regular basis.  I will admit that there have been days that I have been crippled by dealing with these illnesses.  I have resented god for giving my babies such challenges.  I have asked why me?  I have asked why them?  Now I accept it and we make the best of it all.  I would not trade them in for anything
  4. I am thankful for my husband who no matter what is always there by my side.  Again it is not always easy but love has shined in our lives and we give each other the boosts we need.
  5. I am thankful for my health.  In church there is a teen who has spent her life struggling with diabetes.  Recently it was discovered that she also has cancer.  As I pray for her each evening I also thank god that I am healthy, that my babies are healthy and that my husband is healthy.  There are so many things we take for granted.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to share what you are thankful for.  I know that some days it seems as if nothing goes right and that your life is terrible.  I think that what is important is that you put all of that into perspective.  Thanksgiving is a time to evaluate.  Thanksgiving is a time to truly look inward and discover your inner thanks.  What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Becca

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Occupy Wall Street: Occupy Oakland Raids

October 28, 2011 By 2 Comments
Wall Street

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Let me begin by saying that there are two sides to each and every story and somewhere in the middle lies the truth.  As thousands protested in Oakland it seems as if they were met with extreme force.  While some say that the entire Occupy Wall Street movement is a leaderless group with no clear goals, other say that there are clear demands and that no one is taking the time out to see what Occupy Wall Street is all about.  I have done some research and all I can say is THANK YOU!  I cannot go out and sit in the streets for months at a time, but for the people who can and are; around the nation and world, I applaud you.  As I watch video after video of the raid on Occupy Oakland movement I am saddened and disheartened.  We are all Americans.  We live in a nation in which we have the right to assemble and the right to stand up when we feel injustice is occurring.  All of us should be thankful that this brave set of individuals are bringing awareness to concerns that are decades in the making.

I have watched a lot of the videos of the Occupy Oakland Raid in the past day and a half.  Part of me keeps watching them to see if I see my brother, who has not checked in yet, and part of me watches because I am just in such disbelief.  These are not images of a free America.  These images closely resemble nations across the world.  Nations in which the people are suppressed.  Nations that are not build on democracy and freedom.   What have we done and how do we fix it.

I see a lot of the points Occupy Wall Street is making.  I agree with many of them.  As a family of 6 it is tough to make it.  Having grown up in middle class, I struggle to hang on to my class status. Each day it becomes more difficult.  There are so many things that our family is suffering through that many others, in this once great nation, are also suffering.  It is my understanding that Occupy Wall Street and All of the Occupy movements are looking for basic things.

  • Take the money out of politics.  Special interests and lobbyist have ruled this nation for too long.  It is time for the laws to be made by the people for the people once again.
  • Spreading of the wealth.  While some are against higher taxes for higher income brackets I am not.  The trouble is that the days of philanthropy are long gone.  The upper class and corporations have been ruled by greed.  People with money used to spread it around.  A CEO of a business would make sure that all of the employees of that business are able to survive before taking millions in bonuses.  They would give holiday bonuses to all of the workers.  It seems to me that in today’s society, the upper class keeps the wealth with no regard to the hardworking people who brought that wealth to them.
  • Health care… what a mess.  This is another matter of greed and money.  Even doctors are fed up with insurance companies.  11 years ago I had a baby and paid $20 for my entire pregnancy.  I paid for insurance and when I needed it… they covered me.  Now I pay three times as much to have insurance and they cover next to nothing.  This past pregnancy cost $12,000 out of pocket.  What American has that kind of money sitting around.  It almost totals the amount of my entire college education.
  • Jobs, jobs, jobs.  Where are the jobs?  As a nation we make nothing.  We have become a nation founded on service.  Machines and “convenience” factors such as Easy Pass, self check out in the stores and online banking have stolen our jobs.  As a nation we need to stand up and figure out how to fix this very real crisis.

While I do not feel as if this great nation needs to become a socialized nation, I do believe that we have to take a long, hard look at what capitalism is doing to us.  This nation post 9/11 is a utter mess. We have been stripped of our privacy and rights due to fear.  We have allowed corporations to run this nation.  It is time for something to change and it is my belief that the protesters of Occupy Wall Street are on a positive path.  Change is inevitable… let’s just pray that it is change for the better.

Becca

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Vintage Superhero’s by nopooh

May 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We all know that comic books have made a huge come back.  Even if you are no into the comic book reading you had to have noticed that they are everywhere from the movies to books and now also available on T-Shirts.  With Rob’s birthday coming I have been looking for an interesting gift that is also unique and I think that I have found just the thing.

Nopooh is a company that has examined an interesting time in comics.  The time before WWII in the 1930s and 1940s.  None of the Superhero t-shirts features made it past this era.  This is especially important because we know all men and boys alike enjoy their Superman shirts, but how many men do you know with a Spacehawk shirt from Target Comics?  I am sure that you cannot think of anyone.

Even better, I have discovered that nopooh is well known for its quality and attention to detail.  The nopooh Superhero series of tees is no exception.  The shirts are made in the USA.  Nopooh starts with quality tees from American Apparel.   These shirts are 100% cotton which makes them not only top quality, but also easy to wear.  Each Superhero Series tee from nopooh is then hand screened in New York City.  This means that for each color a new screen is used, lining the color lines exactly.  This assures that the artist’s design is perfectly executed.

Speaking of the artist… It is important to mention that these shirts are all individually designed by nopooh’s graphic artist, Rob Tanner.  Mr. Tanner assures that each design uses a collage of work from the comics of the past.  This is just another thing that makes these Superhero Series tees from nopooh unique.

So everyone do me a favor.  Check out the Superhero Series tees that nopooh is providing.  I would love to know which one you think that Rob would enjoy for his birthday this year.  The best part is that they are all unique, high quality tees with a fair price tag attached!  I will let you be the judge!

Becca

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Federal Government Shutdown: Is it About the Money or Abortion?

April 8, 2011 By 1 Comment
Official presidential portrait of Barack Obama...

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Rumors are swirling about the impending Federal Government Shutdown.  If an agreement cannot be reached by tonight millions of Americans will be effected!  I was completely shocked this morning to hear that the budget had strings attached.  According to Today on NBC, the budget is also being held up due to abortion laws.  I personally think that this is deplorable.  Why is it that nothing in Washington can pass without agendas playing a roll.  My vacation may be ruined and my passport may be stalled all because of an abortion debate?

Obama had a lot to say last night about the Federal Government Shutdown.  He stated that both sides continue to meet around the clock to assure that a government shutdown does not occur.  If abortion is the issue that is causing much angst I fear what will happen.  Who will give in?  I do not want you to worry too much.  It is just an abortion issue in the District of Columbia and the use of Federal money being used to support abortion programs. Other articles I am reading is that the hold up is over planned parenthood funding.

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On the other side there seems to be a lot of confusion as far as what will and will not be effected by a Federal Government Shutdown.  Here is a list of what my research has shown thus far.

What a Federal Government Shutdown will effect:

  • 800,000 families across the country will be effected with no job to report to and no paycheck to collect.
  • Millions of Americans will not be getting the services that they need.
  • FHA home loans will be halted.  This will cause the housing market to deteriorate further.
  • Military pay will be interrupted.
  • There will be an overall deterioration in the economic status of the nation.
  • Passport offices will be closed and passports will not be processed.
  • Tax return processing will cease.

What a Federal Government Shutdown will NOT effect:

  • Social Security checks will not be effected and will continue to come.  The Social Social Security Administration will continue to process new applications as well.
  • Medicare will continue to pay medical bills and process new applications.
  • Unemployment benefits will not be impacted.
  • Food around the nation available in stores will not be effected.

Obama stated that the differences between them are narrowing.  There are still some important things that they all have to work out.  All I know is that the clock is ticking.  It is looking more and more like the Federal Government shutdown will happen.  I will keep you all posted!

Becca

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Federal Government Shutdown?

April 6, 2011 By 3 Comments
Seal of the United States Internal Revenue Ser...

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The last time that this happened was 1995 and to be honest I was not at all effected!  I was graduating High School that year and then off to college. The Federal Government Shutdown was not a concern!  Making sure that I had gotten into college, Prom, the school play and my boyfriend were all I was really concerned about!

Fast forward 16 years and a Federal Government Shutdown will have vast impacts that I am concerned about.  The list of federal jobs, perks, and services that will be effected is long and far reaching.

  1. There is sure to be an economic downside to the federal government shutdown.
  2. Government parks and federal museums would most likely close until a budget could be reached.
  3. The IRS could hold all pending refund checks (luckily I filed early and have already spent my refund)
  4. Border Patrol Agents in Afghanistan may be ordered to return to stateside.
  5. Closure of the national zoo.  Although the animals will be fed they oo will not remain operational.
  6. Nonessential Federal employees may be “laid off” because during a shutdown there is no access to the money that pays them.
  7. Government smart phones that are nonessential will be shut off.
  8. Debate over whether or not government websites will continue to operate.
  9. Delay is passport processing.

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Now I will be honest… most of the items have minimal impact on my personal life.   But there are of course a few things that I am very concerned about.  I have planned a trip to my parents house in Chincoteague, VA for next week.  The only beach there is would be Assateague National Seashore.  I am only assuming that the Beach and the park would be closed to visitors!  Without the beach and wildlife trails I am unsure of what I should do.  Do I stay home and let the Federal Government ruin my vacation or do I go and hope that there is a resolution in time.

I am also sitting here wondering if the Federal Government is willing to refund me the cost of my trip?   They are not providing a service that I have paid for.  I thought that this is against the law.  Oh yeah… the laws do not apply here!

The other thing that has me concerned over the impending Federal Government Shutdown is stalling of passport processing.  Rob and I have been saving for years for passports.  It was a goal for us to get our passports this year.  So about a month ago we went to the passport office with our $300 and applies for passports.  Now I would like to be clear here.  We have no plans to travel right now.  The trouble is that this is a goal we have had and we spent a lot of money for this “product”.  Should we really have to wait?  Will we get a refund for the delay?

All in all I would have to say that the federal government shutdown is our fault!  We never should have planned to vacation near a federal park and applied for passports all in the same year!  I just wanted to have a vacation before the baby comes.  I just wanted to be able to escape for an international trip once he comes.  I guess that I was asking a lot!

Becca

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Harry Potter: The Exhibition

April 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Harry Potter, uma grande magia!

Some exciting news for Harry Potter fans just came off of the presses.  The Associated Press reports that “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” is opening in Discovery Time Square’s this week.  “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” will be a magical experience for fans both young and old.  There will be original artifacts from J.K. Rowling‘s seven part series as well as from the movies.

So what can one expect to see?  Rumor has it that you will be able to sit in Hagrid’s chair and even see how you would fair in a Quidditch competition!  Who would not think of that as a good time?  You will be able to take a stroll through the halls of Hogwarts and try on the Sorting Hat to see which house you belong to!  Of course “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” will have some of the original clothing worn by cast members young and old.

“Harry Potter: The Exhibition” has already been to many cities across the United States.  Those cities include Chicago, Seattle, and Boston.  I hear that even Toronto had the magic of Harry Potter brought to Canada.  While you have time to see “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” you do not want to wait too long!  “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” will be moving on to its next city on September 5.

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Online MBA Rankings

September 28, 2010 By 1 Comment
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I have been thinking about going back to school for quite some time now.  It seems as if each time I look into it I have another kid on the way!  I am sure that you will all then understand my hesitation in writing this review.  While looking into career options that are viable and worth the time invested I ran across a a great website called Online MBA Rankings. This site is a wonderful pit stop for anyone considering returning to school for their MBA (Masters in Business Administration).

As the economy has declined I know that I am not alone in my search to increase my families income.  It is becoming harder and harder in this economy to have one parent stay home.  Online MBA Rankings offers not only articles with some answers but also helps you to find the graduate program that is right for you.  I think that the best section of this site in my personal search is the section that compared online college vrs. traditional schools.  I know that when online colleges first started to appear they were looked down upon.  This is no longer the case.  So many people complete their degree online for so many reasons.  Whether it be juggling work and home or just fitting it in when you have time, so many people are online graduate students.

The other feature of this site that I also found to be quite helpful is their breakdown of the various MBA programs that are out there these days.  It used to be a basic program but you now have the ability to break down a focused area.  I know that for me personally I would never want to enter into an accounting MBA program but I was quite interested in the executive leadership MBA.

I will continue to search for a career.  Either way Liese is off to school in just two years and I am anxious to get my professional life on track.  Which is better, teaching elementary school or getting an MBA and working in the buiness world?  It is so hard to choose which direction to go but this site certainly offered a great deal of insight.  If you are considering furthering your career with an MBA, I highly suggest you visit Online MBA Rankings ;today!  Your future can start now and they can help you figure out how to start it!

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September 11th, We Still Remember

September 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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September 11, 2010

It has been 9 years since so many of us lost loved ones in the 9/11 attack.  I can still remember what I was doing as if it was yesterday!

September 11, 2001

I was sitting talking to my sister in law in the living room.  Abigail was watching Barney on the TV.  We had heard a plane that sounded as if it was flying too low but had thought nothing of it.  All of a sudden the phone rang.  It was a women reminding me to vote in the democratic primary.  She asked if I was watching TV.

Without hesitation I told a complete stranger that I was watching Barney with my 1 year old.  She said, “Oh no… you have to turn the news on.  There was just a terrible plane crash.”  I said thank you to her for letting me know and just as I hung up the phone I saw the first live shot of the first plane crash.  I sat mesmerized.  It was unreal.  It was as if I was watching a movie.  Then it happened.

Another plane crashed into the second tower.  At this point the media said that it was a terrorist attack.  I scooped up my baby and continued to watch as history unfolded before my eyes.  I cried as people ran out of the buildings in fear.  I wept as people jumped out of the windows. I could not believe that this was happening.  Not here, not now.

As the day continued I tried to reach loved ones who worked in New Jersey.  My mother in law could see the towers from her job.  Cell phones were not working and all my sister in law and I could do was wait.  Wait to see if everyone was safe.  Wait to see why this was all happening.

My husbands family lost a loved one that day.  Greg Atlas was a fireman who truly was a hero.  Witnesses said that they saw him running into a burning building.  He helped to save many lives on that day.  He gave his life for us.  He left behind his daughter and son.  Please include him in your prayers today.  Please also remember all of those hero’s who are paying the price.  So many are fatally ill after responding to this tragedy!

September 11th remains fresh in our minds just as Pearl Harbor stuck in the minds of our grandparents and parents.  It is an event that we will never forget.  It is so important that we remember this event with open hearts.  Many Americans were lost on 9/11.  In honor of them I am asking you not to live in fear.  That is what the terrorists want!  Live as we did before and we will come out on top of this tragic event in American History.

Becca

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Weight Loss Journey: New Year’s Resolution

January 1, 2010 By 6 Comments
(Week 16) Day 108/366 - Pride - I'm proud of m...
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I am ready.  Today is the first day of 2010.  It is the first day of a new me.  I have done a lot of sole searching in the past week to determine if I am really ready to loose weight.  It has required a lot of thought.  The first thing I decidecd to do was to list all of the things that my weight is holding me back from.  Although it is very personal I decided to share.  I figure that in sharing it perhaps it will help someone else stay motivated.  So here it is:

  1. I am in pain.  It is preventing me from living the way I want to day to day.
  2. I cannot hike with the kids.
  3. I am uncomfortable sitting in the movies because my butt is too big.
  4. Everything hurts… Sitting, walking, climbing the stairs, shifting in bed, and yes I mean everything!
  5. I cannot walk  without becoming winded.
  6. I cannot fly in a plane comfortably.
  7. I cannot go on roller coasters.
  8. I cannot dance with my girls.
  9. I cannot get off of the floor easily when I play with the kids.
  10. I cannot buckle comfortably with a coat on.

I will be beginning to cut calories today, tomorrow I will ease into exercise and in two weeks I will be joining weight watchers.  I have been successful before with the program and am looking forward to structure.  Until that point I will finish a jar of HerbaLife I have left over.  While HerbaLife will be a good jump start I have not found that I am able to stay on it for more then about a month.  Mixing things up should help!

I am sure that there are many more things that are not on my mind right now.  I need to do this for me.  I need to be alive again.  My weight is killing my body, my mind and most of all my spirit.  This will be the year that I take charge of me.  Who is with me?

P.S.  The scale picture is not me.  I am going to take on… but I will not post it until I am ready emotionally to put it out there!

Becca

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Micheal Jackson: Funeral Arrangements Have Been Made

June 30, 2009 By 2 Comments

Today funeral announcements were made for the late Micheal Jackson.  It has been five days since his passing and many are waiting to find out when they join with others and morn his loss.  It is said that his body will be returned to the Neverland Ranch for a public viewing on Friday.  Come Sunday the family will have their own private funeral.  I understand that there is still some debate as to where his body will lie by the end of it all.  It is rumored that he will be returned to Gary Indiana where he started his life.  I am sure that it will be covered by the media on Friday and those wishing to watch from a distance and remember the king of pop will be able to do so.

Becca

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