I'm Wearing My Pajamas to School

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

I must be getting old, because it wasn't considered fashionable to wear pajamas to school when I was in high school. These days, I see kids in pajama pants that are so long that they're stepping on them as they walk. This would have been considered sloppy and unacceptable in the schools that I attended. Now that I'm taking college classes online, it's my time to wear my pajamas to school, but this is alright since I don't have to leave the comfort of my own home. One of the main reasons I joined the Army years ago was for the Montgomery GI Bill. I recently discovered that I can use this money for online education at an accredited university. I can hear my mother's voice saying, "You worked hard to earn this money, aren't you ever going to use it?" I suppose I have put it off long enough, and now is the time to further my education in order to gain an edge on the competition. In these tough economic times, we need to take advantage of every opportunity to stand out from the sea of applicants who are interested in the same position.

Did you realize that you can earn an online degree, including a masters degree, while working around your current schedule? One thing that concerned me about taking classes online, was the fact that I thought I would be on my own. This couldn't be further from the truth. Online universities offer a tremendous support system to help you with any challenges you may face. There are also non-degree courses available for those who wish to improve their skills in a particular area or those who are interested in a refresher course before diving into a full-time schedule.

If finances are a concern, there are many options available including student loans, tuition reduction, and grants. With so many options available, don't let the cost of an education stand in the way of your success.

Need Help Keeping Up With WordPress?

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Trying to figure out how to use the features that WordPress has to offer makes me want to scream or pull my hair out! The majority of hosting companies use the WordPress platform, so it has become clear to me that I'm going to need help if I want to run a successful internet business. There are many features available with WordPress, but I don't seem to be able to access them properly. I realize that many features are designed for specific WordPress versions, and even when they should be compatible, I can't seem to get them to function as they should. If you've ever visited a WordPress forum, you know how frustrating it is to get a simple answer to your question. You'll get as many different answers as you get replies.

When you need help with a variety of WordPress issues, save yourself a lot of time and frustration by utilizing the services of an Austin wordpress expert. They not only offer expert website design services, they can assist you with Google AdWords, SEO and Web Placement, Social Media, and ECommerce and Coding. I already have a full-time job, and I quickly learned that trying to learn everything there is to know in order to set up a successful internet site is also a full-time job. I don't have time for a second job, nor do I want the frustration, so I'm leaving my website development to the professionals.

For Everyone's Sake, Wash Your Hands!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

"All employees must wash hands after blowing their nose!" Normally, I try to be polite, because I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. However, when it comes to personal safety and protecting my family, I'm not afraid to speak my mind. Many people are sick this time of year, and I realize that while the best advice is to stay home when you're sick, we all have to pay our bills, so many people go to work while they're sick. I respect the fact that they are trying to make a living, but if you're sick, please wash your hands!

The reason I mention this is because I was ordering a drink for my daughter, and one of the workers at the restaurant offered to get the drink for us because the other girl was busy. This would have been a lovely offer, except for the fact that I watched her blow her nose and proceed to grab my daughter's cup by the rim before filling the drink.

I'm not going to risk my daughter's health for fear of offending someone. If some people don't have the common sense to wash their hands, maybe it's a good thing that someone speaks up before more people get sick. I wasn't rude about it, I politely asked if we could get another drink, but my daughter was afraid that the girl was offended. It wasn't my intention to offend her, but hopefully it was a lesson learned, because I know there are people out there who wouldn't have been as polite about asking for a new drink!

Road Rules

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Traffic signs are there for a reason, and traffic laws exist for people's safety. I admit I don't always drive the speed limit on the road near my house, because it's a wide-open highway where you can see for miles, so it's really hard to stay at 55 mph. I do try to obey street signs, and I've recently been reminded of the importance of safety on the highway.

I live in a small town, but there's a major highway that runs right through town. It's a busy truck route that takes drivers across the country, and sometimes they get in a bit of a hurry and forget to slow down when they're getting closer to town. Recently, a semi truck decided to pass a vehicle in a no passing zone and couldn't see the oncoming van coming over the hill. The driver of the van was a women who had just called her son to let him know that she was on her way over to pick up her grandson. Sadly, she never made it there, because there was no time to get out of the way of the oncoming semi truck. Her son knew that she should have been to his house in a few minutes, because it was only a short drive down the road, but when she didn't arrive or answer her cell phone, he got in his car to see if she was alright. On his way to her house, he saw her van crushed on the side of the road. She was already dead.

The driver of the truck is now in jail, and the trucking company he worked for is being sued. Many lives are destroyed or changed forever because of a senseless accident. Don't get in such a hurry that you put your life or the lives of others in danger. Nothing is so important that it's worth risking your life just to get somewhere a few minutes faster. If something is that important that you must get there right way, make sure you get to your destination by driving safely, or you may not make it there at all.

What is Hypnosis

“Hypnosis is a state of intensified attention and receptiveness to an idea or to a set of ideas.” – Milton Erickson, leading practitioner of medical hypnosis

That statement neatly sums up the main principle of modern hypnosis. However, it is a neutral concept and despite the wealth of documentation stating it’s usefulness as a therapeutic tool, the keyword “receptiveness” leads many unknowing people to fear the power of hypnosis. As a result there are several common myths concerning hypnosis or hypnotherapy (therapeutic application of hypnosis). Let’s explore some of these and separate fact from fiction.


Myth #1 – If you can be hypnotized, you have a “weak” mind.

Hypnosis is actually a state of deep relaxation. It is the level of relaxation wherein your brainwaves are operating at the “alpha” level. Alpha states are conducive to hypnosis and meditation, heightened creativity and physical relaxation. This is one of four primary brainwave patterns and all are measurable on the electroencephalograph (E.E.G.). Having a “weak” mind has nothing to do with the ability to relax or reach an alpha state. In hypnosis, the person being hypnotized maintains full control over how deeply they choose to relax.


Myth #2 – People who are in a hypnotic trance will reveal secrets or say things they will regret.

When one is in a hypnotic trance (deep relaxation) they can hear every word the practitioner is saying and they can choose how they want to respond. The person in trance always remains in full control. When you see “show hypnosis” on television and audience members are jumping about the stage clucking like chickens – remember that they volunteered to do that in full knowledge that they would be expected to do something “crazy”. Sometimes hypnotherapy is used for purposes of revealing repressed memories or information. Persons undergoing hypnosis for those reasons choose to reach deeper trance states than normally used in hypnosis. They are actively seeking to reveal the repressed information. Under ordinary conditions, a hypnotherapist cannot make someone reveal any information against their will.


Myth #3 – You can be hypnotized against your will.

All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. A French pharmacist named Emile Coue made that statement in the early 1900’s. Today every student and practitioner of hypnotherapy knows this as a core truth. You have to want to be hypnotized before a trance state can be achieved. There are methods for inducing a trance (deep relaxation) in resistant subjects; however, even those methods are not effective unless you intend to be hypnotized.


Myth #4 – “I didn’t get hypnotized, I heard every word!”

A state of deep relaxation means that you are relatively free of the usual busy thought-traffic that bombards your mind in everyday consciousness. Without all the usual distracting clutter, your mind is able to direct itself and focus much more clearly. As you achieve relaxation, the hypnotherapist might suggest that you imagine yourself in your favorite place, at your favorite time of year. In a relaxed state, you are able to do this ease and believability. In other words, you can hear the birds around you or feel the warmth of the midday sun. The hypnotherapist merely guides your journey. When hypnosis is used for therapeutic purposes such as to stop smoking, the therapist uses phrases (suggestions) based on what you have stated as a desired outcome (“you enjoy breathing deeply”, “you feel calm throughout the day”, etc.). You will hear these phrases with a depth of focus not normally accessible in the ordinary waking state.

Hopefully you now have a better understanding of hypnosis. Remember – “all hypnosis is self hypnosis”. You are always in control.

1800flowers: Capture the Romance

Calling all Twilight fans! Considering the phenomenon that this series has become, there must be millions of dedicated fans throughout the world. I think I'm one of the few remaining people who have never seen this movie. Female fans seems to have very distinct opinions on whether they are Robert Pattinson or Taylor Lautner fans. In my younger days, I would have probably been a Robert Pattinson fan. Hollywood has definitely tapped into the romance of the vampire world, and now you can do something romantic by ordering the Twilight Valentines Day Flowers. You can also choose from packages that include a Blockbuster online free trial.

Don't be fooled by advertisers that claim to offer the best prices on Valentine's Day gifts. When you read the fine print, you'll often find that there are hidden fees added to your total purchase price. 1800flowers.com was recognized in an article by MSNBC for their honest advertised prices. Their prices are clearly displayed on their website, so what you see is what you pay. I might have to break down and watch the Twilight movie just to see what all the fuss is about. Who knows, maybe I'll be the next fan of this movie!

MythBusters Results

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

"Don't put that money in your mouth, you don't know where it's been!" I cringe every time I see someone put money in their mouth to hold it while they dig through their bags or purse. People always say that money is one of the dirtiest things you come in contact with throughout the day, and Mythbusters put it to the test. It didn't rank number one, but after completing a series of three tests, here are the final results.

1.kitchen sponge (most dirty)
2.money
3.computer keyboard
4.toilet seat
5.light switch (least dirty)

Mikhail Baryshnikov

My daughters have taken dance lessons for several years, and their classes have always consisted of all girls, expect for one boy who has to take dance class because his sister is in the class and their grandparents felt it would be easier if they took a class together. My daughters think it's strange to see a boy in class, and they don't believe me when I tell them that one of the most famous ballet dancers in the world is a man.

Mikhail Nikolaevich Baryshnikov is a Soviet-born Russian American dancer, choreographer, and actor. In 1964, he entered the Vaganova School, in what was then Leningrad. While on an excruciating tour in Canada with the Bolshoi Ballet in 1974, Baryshnikov defected, requesting political asylum in Toronto. He also announced to the dance world he would not go back to the U.S.S.R.. While still in the Soviet Union, he was called by New York Times critic Clive Barnes "the most perfect dancer I have ever seen". His first performance after coming out of temporary seclusion in Canada was with the National Ballet of Canada in a televised version of La Sylphide. He then went on to the United States.

He worked with the New York City Ballet, with George Balanchine and as a regular guest artist with the Royal Ballet. He also partnered with Gelsey Kirkland from 1974 to 1978, where he was the principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. Baryshnikov performed in his first film role soon after arriving in New York. He portrayed the character Yuri Kopeikine, a famous Russian womanizing ballet dancer, in the 1977 film The Turning Point, for which he received an Oscar nomination. He also co-starred with Gregory Hines and Isabella Rossellini in the 1985 film White Nights, choreographed by Twyla Tharp. In addition to his successful film career, he has made guest appearances in several sitcoms including an appearance in the last season of Sex in the City.

As for his personal life, he has a daughter, Aleksandra Baryshnikova, from his relationship with actress Jessica Lange. He is in a long-term relationship with former ballerina Lisa Rinehart, and they have three children together. In an interview with Larry King, he stated that he didn't believe in marriage because the commitment that people make to each other didn't have anything to do with a legal marriage.

What is Modest?

When it comes to what we wear, is it possible to define modesty? There are many factors that determine a person's definition of what is considered modest. Depending on where you live, you may be wearing something that would be considered by most to be modest, while in other areas of the world, the same outfit would be seen as shameful. For instance, the picture in this post, the girl's outfit could be viewed as cute by some, and way too short by others.

For many people, religious beliefs play a large role in determining what is perceived as modest. For others, its a personal preference. There are also different standards of modesty between men and women.

While there will always be varying opinions of what is modest, many people agree that the latest trends are not as modest as they could be. I don't see anything wrong with wearing something comfortable on a hot day, I just wish some people wouldn't dress in a way that draws attention to specific parts of the anatomy and then wonder why people are staring at them. It's good to leave something to the imagination!

Give the Gift of Dark Chocolate to Support the Haitain Relief Fund

Now, there's another reason to feel good about eating Dark Chocolate. When you order from Intentional Chocolate, they'll donate 100% of the profits to the Haitain Relief Fund until Valentine's Day. Many people want to donate to help the people of Haiti, but were waiting for an opportunity to help in a way that will truly be beneficial. Intentional Chocolate is a company that donates 50% of all net profits to a new charity every season. This is a company that cares about humanity and financially supports organizations committed to the benefit of humankind.

They have a large selection of products to choose from, so you can send a gift to someone you love while donating money to a worthy cause. In addition to dark chocolate, you'll find beautiful jewelry available from intentionalchocolate.com. So, if you're thinking of the perfect Valentine's Day gift for someone special, visit intentionalchocolate.com to share even more love than you may have thought possible.

A Taste of Things to Come

If you've ever been to the grocery store with young children, you know how frustrating it can be when they want everything in the store. Of course, they're not the only ones who like to do a little impulse buying. I've been known to come home with a few extras that weren't on the list. Sometimes, in my hurry to get in and out of the store after a long day, it's easy to forget a few things or buy the wrong things when there are too many distractions. I had never even thought of buying food such as steaks by mail, but it's a great way to order high-quality food from the comfort of your own home.

At a recent visit to my mother-in-law's house, she served a terrific dinner including kobe beef that she ordered online. I would have never imagined that you could get such tender, juicy meat when you buy steaks online. She told me that this is the only way she ever buys meat anymore, and now I know why! It was so much better than the meat they sell in our local grocery store, and the prices are reasonable. This is a perfectly safe way to order meat that is delivered right to your door. I'm starting to do as much of my shopping as possible online, because I find it to be much more relaxing. When I'm in the grocery store and there are people waiting for me to move because they're also waiting to make their selection, it's hard to think. Now I can take my time ordering online and find what I really want for the best possible price.

Imagine What You Would Do if You Had More Money

Saturday, February 6, 2010

When you're short on money, the last thing you need is a loan with an outrageous interest rate that you know you won't be able to repay. If you're eligible for a military pension buy out, firefighter pension buy out, or a police pension buy out, why not use your money when you need it. Right now! It's your money, and you can use it for whatever you want. You don't have to explain what you're going to use it for, and then have someone make out a check to that company to ensure the funds get to their required destination. Take control of your finances by using the money that you worked hard to earn.

You may have many questions about this financial option, and I won't pretend to have all the answers, but if you do a little research on the internet, you may find that it's easier than you thought to use your money now instead of waiting for it to be distributed over many years. Why shouldn't you be able to do what you want with your money? The possibilities are endless. Imagine taking the dream vacation that you never thought you could afford, or have some money to make improvements on your home, or maybe even buy a new home. Children usually need some financial assistance when they get out on their own, and it would be nice to ease their burden by having something to offer them when they need a little help. In as little as three to six weeks, you could be enjoying the money that you thought you might not see for years!

More Than Flowers From 1800 Flowers

When you want to send flowers but you're looking for something unique, try this bouquet of purple roses. I had never seen purple roses before, and they look beautiful in this picture. Red roses are typically sent as a symbol of love, but why not start a new trend by sending flowers in someone's favorite color. Your bouquet can also include other flowers in addition to roses. 1-800-Flowers has an arrangement that includes roses, lilies, waxflower and more. It comes in a red vase with a red cord that has hearts on the ends to give it a special touch.

I found the gift that I would love for my husband to send me. It's a box of strawberries hand-dipped in dark chocolate. All he would have to do is order them online, so he wouldn't even have to leave the house to do something special for me. Of course, doing the dishes and the laundry would also be a nice way to say, "I love you" without having to leave the house. Since I don't see that happening anytime soon, maybe I'll leave the 1-800-Flowers website open on our computer, and he'll get the message. They say the best gifts are the ones you weren't expecting, but sometimes it doesn't hurt to offer a little encouragement.

You Can't Escape the Green Police

Who wouldn't enjoy busting a police officer? Check out this Green Police video I found on youtube. It always looks like so much fun to ride a Segway. Hopefully, the Green Police officers are in better shape than some of the police officers in my town. I would hate to see them wearing those shorts! After watching this video, I'm going to have the song "Dream Police" by Cheap Trick stuck in my head!

Take it From Someone Who Knows

When you're considering ordering a product online, but you're not sure which brand to choose or which style would best suit your needs, visit amazon.com to read reviews from other people who have already tried the product that interests you. For instance, when I was looking for a wireless n router, I simply entered the particular model that I was interested in and read what others had to say about the pros and cons of that model. You'll get unbiased opinions from people who have nothing to gain by sharing their comments. If you've purchased something from amazon.com, take a moment to share your thoughts on the product. Your reviews could help someone else make an educated decision.

Alligators Don't Make Good Pets

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Wild animals deserve to live in their natural habitat, and trying to keep them as pets usually ends in disaster for the animal or owner. The most recent example is an alligator that was found dead in my town's local lake. This is an area where alligators are not normally found, and is also an area that people tend to dump their unwanted pets. This alligator had no chance for survival in this area, and it died needlessly due to human cruelty. The following article explains why it's not a good idea to try to keep alligators as pets.

Keeping an alligator as a pet is a very bad idea, my friend.

Keeping an alligator as a pet may seem like an exotic and exciting thing to do, but the fact is that alligators just don't make good pets. They require a large wet habitat to live in and live prey to eat. They can be aggressive and dangerous at times. They can grow to 12 feet long and more. All these factors can make alligators hard to maintain as captive animals, especially away from their natural habitat.

EcoFlorida has received several e-mail messages from people protesting this advice. All of them seem to be from people who have baby alligators telling us what a wonderful pet they have. But interestingly enough, they don't mention what they're going to do with the alligator once it grows to 4 feet or more.

Because we love wildlife (emphasis on the wild) and because we believe in the ethical treatment of all pets, we don't advise keeping an animal captive that you will later have to release. Releasing an alligator that has been held captive puts other people in jeopardy as the alligator comes into contact with people it happens upon -- because the alligator has become too used to people and lost its natural fear, increasing the chance of attack. Unless you are prepared to care for a non-domesticated animal for the rest of its life, then do a favor for the animal, yourself and the potential wild lands it would be released into -- and just don't do it. One person even indicated keeping an alligator in his/her house during the cold winter in a central state. This is a far cry from the subtropical wetland that alligators are intended to live in. We don't think living in a house is the best life for an alligator. Wildlife live the best life when they are allowed to live wild.

Before you think about taking an alligator from the wild, you should be aware that's regulated, too. Removing alligators from their natural habitat is against state law. In fact, there are also state laws against harassing and feeding alligators.

If you are truly interested in reptiles, why not learn about them and then purchase a lizard at your local pet store? You can always visit alligators in the wild at various natural areas throughout the southeastern states.

Does Television Rot Your Brain?

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Some people are against having their children watch television because they don't want them wasting their time. Others say that there are too many inappropriate shows, and they don't want their kids being exposed to such things.

There is a lot of trash out there, but there are also plenty of good, family-oriented programs. We home school our children (which is another subject), and they've learned a lot about animals from Animal Planet, and found ideas for science projects from the National Geographic channel.

We do need to take responsibility for what our children watch, and if you take the time to look, you will find quality shows that help children realize that other kids are dealing with the same issues they are, and they may even learn a lesson from the program without having to learn it the hard way.

Spending too much time in front of the tv isn't good for anyone, regardless of age. We do need to get out and enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise, and do something productive. But, who says that watching television has to be a time for mindlessly staring at the screen? Sometimes, my favorite time of day is snuggling up with my kids and watching a movie that we can all enjoy together!

Zenni Optical Provides Affordable Eyeglasses

After reading a rave review from examiner.com, I checked out a company that makes their own brand of high-quality, inexpensive eyeglasses. They're called Zenni Optical, and they sell complete prescription glasses from only $8.00. These are great glasses that come in a variety of materials including, titanium, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, memory titanium, and plastic or acetate.

Everyone wants to feel confident while wearing their eyeglasses, and children are no exception. Zenni offers a great selection of children's frames, and they come in an assortment of colors. I try to teach my children to take care of their posessions, but accidents happen. The eyeglasses from Zenni don't cost a fortune, so if something does happen to them, you don't have to save a few hundred dollars to buy another pair. Children's glasses range in price from $8.00 to $29.95.

Single vision glasses are typically delivered approximately two weeks after you place your order. Bi-focal and progressive glasses may take 2 and a half to 3 weeks from the date of your order. Additional options including tinting or anti-glare may be purchased, however, these glasses will add several days to shipping time. In order to bring customers these glasses at such great prices, they are shipped directly from the manufacturer overseas. So, if you want a great pair of eyeglasses and you're able to wait a couple of weeks for them to arrive, check out the beautiful frames from Zenni Optical.