One of the homeschooling group I belong to are fighting amongst themselves. They apparently had a policy of avoiding controversial, religious, and political OT (off topic) issues which caused one or two people to complain to the moderator(s). However, the moderator tried to enforce the "rule" but she herself is guilty of breaking the "rule". So, the obnoxious email exchange between the moderator and the individual mom, occurred and really caused quite a stir, (and quite entertaining), since it was a "joke". It's stupid in my opinion. This is the second occurrence of the same homeschooling parents openly, publicly complain against one individual.
As homeschoolers are a minority in a society that still cannot understand our choice to homeschool, I announced my opinion that this was a waste of everyone's time; that the perpetrator who was offended should have just "voiced" her opinion directly to that parent, rather than getting the moderator(s) involved with the whole homeschooling group. It's too bad there's all this negative energy over there.
Apr 29, 2010
Apr 25, 2010
An Excuse to do NOTHING
What's up with this weather?! I had such big plans today to go out and exchange a jacket at J. Crew Store, buy a new mascara, look at TVs, (since I haven't replaced the broken out yet) plus cook up a big meal for tonite and bake chocolate chip cookies.
The rainy weather, heavily overcast days are affecting my lower back. I feel like an old lady-- pretty stiff with pain. I tried stretching, heating pad, down some ibuprofen; and I still feel stiff. I can't even think of exercising today, not like this anyways.
Oh wait! It's a "sign" that I should do NOTHING! Order take-out? And enjoy tonite's Amazing Race and Celebrity Apprentice. :-) Now that sounds like a better plan.
Apr 24, 2010
Liquid Calcium with Magnesium and D
Only after one week of using the LIQUID version of the Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D supplements, it hardened up in the bottle. There was barely any liquid left. I only used the product for less than 7 days.
I took it back to the Vitamin Shoppe Store and showed the manager the solidified vitamins. He asked if I kept the solidifying form in the refrigerator. I followed the directions on the label of the bottle: "keep in a cool, dark place", which I stored promptly in my pantry.
I wanted to exchange it so the store manager and I began looking at the other brands of liquid Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D. Upon closely scrutinizing each bottle, I noticed that all liquid forms of this stuff, contained three-fifths thick mass, and the two-fifths liquid, like water. I shook a few of the bottles, and I saw the mixtures get thick. Since I already had a bad experience with the liquid version, and didn't want to go back to the store only to have the same problem and exchanging the bottles, I ended up buying the chewable version of this supplement combination. It taste OK, but the wafer takes forever to chew, a bit hard, and slightly chalky in taste.
I just wonder if I can add water to the liquid form after it solidifies. Anyone know if I can do this and still get the benefits? Is it safe to add water to it? I really liked the liquid version 'cuz it taste better.
I took it back to the Vitamin Shoppe Store and showed the manager the solidified vitamins. He asked if I kept the solidifying form in the refrigerator. I followed the directions on the label of the bottle: "keep in a cool, dark place", which I stored promptly in my pantry.
I wanted to exchange it so the store manager and I began looking at the other brands of liquid Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D. Upon closely scrutinizing each bottle, I noticed that all liquid forms of this stuff, contained three-fifths thick mass, and the two-fifths liquid, like water. I shook a few of the bottles, and I saw the mixtures get thick. Since I already had a bad experience with the liquid version, and didn't want to go back to the store only to have the same problem and exchanging the bottles, I ended up buying the chewable version of this supplement combination. It taste OK, but the wafer takes forever to chew, a bit hard, and slightly chalky in taste.
I just wonder if I can add water to the liquid form after it solidifies. Anyone know if I can do this and still get the benefits? Is it safe to add water to it? I really liked the liquid version 'cuz it taste better.
Sleepness Nights
Lately, I've been staying asleep for only 3 hours at a time. It's hard enough for me to get super tired so that I can easily fall asleep, but on most occasions, I wake up after only 3 hours of sleep.
I heard that sometimes, this is caused by our monthly hormones too. After a quick research on this subject online, I found an interesting article about sleeplessness and certain vitamins and minerals.
Supposedly, taking calcium with magnesium supplements will help you fall asleep. I purchased the liquid version, which contained calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. The vitamin D helps your body absorb the calcium more efficiently.
My verdict: Yes, it works; it helped me fall asleep as well as get a better nights' sleep. I even gave it to my son. We can both use the calcium.
I heard that sometimes, this is caused by our monthly hormones too. After a quick research on this subject online, I found an interesting article about sleeplessness and certain vitamins and minerals.
Supposedly, taking calcium with magnesium supplements will help you fall asleep. I purchased the liquid version, which contained calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. The vitamin D helps your body absorb the calcium more efficiently.
My verdict: Yes, it works; it helped me fall asleep as well as get a better nights' sleep. I even gave it to my son. We can both use the calcium.
Apr 21, 2010
Seasonal Allergies
For many years, I'd go to the doctor complaining of a stuffed up nose, sinus headaches, feeling miserable, coughing. My doctor would prescribed antibiotics, and tell me that it's a precaution so I don't get worse. However, many times, the symptoms didn't get better; just stayed "sick" for weeks and weeks.
Until last year..........
The Service Technician from Sears, (who was fixing my washer), told me about an herbal remedy that worked for her. Like me, she was sick for months; she tried over the counter products, prescribed meds, and other herbs. Her new Herbalist/Nutrition Doctor gave her Rainbow Light's SupraClear Sinus and Chest.
Whenever I start to get a sinus headache, a sore throat and I don't have a fever, I start taking these pills. I know it's my allergies coming on. This product is safe, with no side effects, all-natural, and it doesn't affect other current medications you are taking. I recommend it to friends and family.
These are my own opinions and experience using this product. Please use common sense and consult your doctor before taking any medications or herbal products. I'm not a health expert, just someone who takes this product that was recommended to me, and it works!
Until last year..........
The Service Technician from Sears, (who was fixing my washer), told me about an herbal remedy that worked for her. Like me, she was sick for months; she tried over the counter products, prescribed meds, and other herbs. Her new Herbalist/Nutrition Doctor gave her Rainbow Light's SupraClear Sinus and Chest.
Whenever I start to get a sinus headache, a sore throat and I don't have a fever, I start taking these pills. I know it's my allergies coming on. This product is safe, with no side effects, all-natural, and it doesn't affect other current medications you are taking. I recommend it to friends and family.
These are my own opinions and experience using this product. Please use common sense and consult your doctor before taking any medications or herbal products. I'm not a health expert, just someone who takes this product that was recommended to me, and it works!
Apr 17, 2010
Root Canals for 5 yr olds?
A friend of mine told me that her dentist wanted to perform a root canal on her daughter. Her daughter is 5 years old. The little girl had a toothache and saw the dentist and found out she had a cavity. Upon taking the x-ray of her tooth (which took the Dental Assitant an hour to get because the little girl couldn't stop gagging with the film in her mouth) the dentist said she needed a pulputomy. At five years old, this is her baby teeth which will eventually fall out and be replaced with the adult teeth.
I have never heard of these newer procedures being done on such young children, so naturally I googled it. What I read was startling as some of the youngest victims of this horrific procedure are being performed on two-year olds! Are they kidding me?!
The following day, a pediatric specialist was consulted and again they tried to get another xray since the copy was too blurry for him to agree with the dentist. Unfortunately, they were not able to get a picture of the tooth since she kept gagging and crying. So, immediately, they wanted to give her an injection so they can "hurry up" and do the procedure. They held her down and the little girl cried and scream during the injection and finally her mother said, "enough", and told them to stop as she was overwhelmed with emotions for her child. The mother couldn't take it anymore either, and she left.
It makes me angry to think that little children have to go through this procedure. I had a few root canals done myself, and I couldn't stand all the pain, the time it takes, the money, the shots! And I was in my teens when I had the 1st root canal done.
When did dentists/specialists start doing these procedures on very young children anyways? Who oversees the guidelines? Not only that, but they are putting kids to sleep (by anesthesia), giving them Valium to help them relax, or laughing gas, so that they can do this horrific procedure.
Are compassionate dentists and dental specialists out there who are against doing these procedures on our young children? If so, please advertise that fact so that parents are aware and can easily seek your services. I'm sure there are safer and gentler alternatives.
The week
It's been a long week and I have been feeling very tired too. Somehow, I managed to squeeze in aerobic exercises and short walks. I think our crazy weather has alot to do with this, since it was in the 80s a few days ago to cold, breezy days; as a matter of fact, in Illinois we are under a Frost Advisory for tonite.
Today, I forced myself to meet up with my ESL student at the library today. I almost called her this morning to cancel, but felt guilty since she looks forward to our meetings on the weekends. She is from Mexico and today, we concentrated on words with consonant blends: the RL, BR and WH sounds.
Today, I forced myself to meet up with my ESL student at the library today. I almost called her this morning to cancel, but felt guilty since she looks forward to our meetings on the weekends. She is from Mexico and today, we concentrated on words with consonant blends: the RL, BR and WH sounds.
Apr 12, 2010
Leftover Chips and Salsa?
Make Chicken Tortilla Soup - It's super EASY
Ingredients:
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 can Campbell's Healthy Request Cream of Tomato Soup
2 cups chicken stock - any brand
1cup cooked chicken (more or less)
Leftover Salsa and Tortilla chips (ex. Tostitos, Doritos)
Fresh Lime
Directions:
Saute garlic, onion, chicken in olive oil for about 7 minutes. Add the salsa, soup, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then, cover and simmer for 20 minutes to blend the flavors. To serve, put soup in a bowl, grab a handful of tortilla chips and crush with your hands; add to soup with a squeeze of lime. That's it!
Options: You can also use leftover Fritos chips!
You can also add:
homemade or canned red kidney beans
chopped cabbage- about 1 cup
hot sauce, if you like it hot!
Ingredients:
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 can Campbell's Healthy Request Cream of Tomato Soup
2 cups chicken stock - any brand
1cup cooked chicken (more or less)
Leftover Salsa and Tortilla chips (ex. Tostitos, Doritos)
Fresh Lime
Directions:
Saute garlic, onion, chicken in olive oil for about 7 minutes. Add the salsa, soup, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then, cover and simmer for 20 minutes to blend the flavors. To serve, put soup in a bowl, grab a handful of tortilla chips and crush with your hands; add to soup with a squeeze of lime. That's it!
Options: You can also use leftover Fritos chips!
You can also add:
homemade or canned red kidney beans
chopped cabbage- about 1 cup
hot sauce, if you like it hot!
Construction on 290
Budget talks in Illinois? Then why, oh, why, does Chicago have to create such a headache on our expressways already? I mean, they start blocking the lanes with cones and forcing the drivers to inhabit one or two lanes all the way to their destinations. Do you wonder, just maybe, they have some kind of "cut" with the oil companies? After all, I sat in traffic for an hour on the Eisenhower Expressway (IL 290) last Saturday. I was in idle mode, practically that whole time and for what? There was NO construction going on, whatsoever. I saw two workers driving on the shoulder, quickly measured the ground and drive off! It took them literally 2 minutes.
I didn't think the road conditions were bad at all. Does the city have a commitment every summer (so it seems) to the lowest bidder to mutilate our roads? I can understand if it was in horrible condition, but it's not that bad. Folks, I wish the Mayor would use that money somewhere else this year. Like, education, crime prevention. Seems to me, there are more important things to spend Illinois' money on that the Eisenhower Expressway this year.
I didn't think the road conditions were bad at all. Does the city have a commitment every summer (so it seems) to the lowest bidder to mutilate our roads? I can understand if it was in horrible condition, but it's not that bad. Folks, I wish the Mayor would use that money somewhere else this year. Like, education, crime prevention. Seems to me, there are more important things to spend Illinois' money on that the Eisenhower Expressway this year.
Apr 8, 2010
Tiger Woods madness
I can't believe I was actually watching the Masters today, uh, I mean, Tiger Woods. A few months ago, I was disappointed with Tiger Wood's despicable double-life that was unexpectedly unveiled.
Nonetheless, there's an aura that surrounds him, a cloud of fascination. I guess Nike knew it all along, since they stuck by him throughout that awful ordeal. The ticket sales were high and in demand, the Man of Golf was making a comeback. It's the continuance of the Tiger-madness!
Nonetheless, there's an aura that surrounds him, a cloud of fascination. I guess Nike knew it all along, since they stuck by him throughout that awful ordeal. The ticket sales were high and in demand, the Man of Golf was making a comeback. It's the continuance of the Tiger-madness!
Apr 6, 2010
24 Season 8 on FOX Channel
Did anyone watch 24 last nite? It was an exciting and nerve-wrecking episode again. My heart was beating during the search for President Hassan, and that crazy Dana and Cole story.
My DVR stopped recording the last five minutes of the show, due to storms. I frantically went online to see if I could find out what happened, texted and called a few people, when finally, a friend of mine, woke up her husband (he just went to bed) and asked him to brief me on the ending! Isn't she a TRUE and GOOD friend?
Anyways, after 8 seasons, FOX has cancelled 24. It was too good to be true to continue on; after all, it is the same story line season after season. Each season was always exciting, even though it was somewhat predictable.
My DVR stopped recording the last five minutes of the show, due to storms. I frantically went online to see if I could find out what happened, texted and called a few people, when finally, a friend of mine, woke up her husband (he just went to bed) and asked him to brief me on the ending! Isn't she a TRUE and GOOD friend?
Anyways, after 8 seasons, FOX has cancelled 24. It was too good to be true to continue on; after all, it is the same story line season after season. Each season was always exciting, even though it was somewhat predictable.
Apr 3, 2010
Gift Bags
The prices for gift bags are expensive! The bags I looked at ranged from $1.99 to $8.99 at stores like Walmart, Target, grocery retailers, etc. That's too much money for just an empty bag to put gifts in.
I found a fair price for gift bags at the Dollar Store. They had a wall full of pretty designs, colored, or plain gift bags in various sizes. "It's a good thing".
I found a fair price for gift bags at the Dollar Store. They had a wall full of pretty designs, colored, or plain gift bags in various sizes. "It's a good thing".
Apr 2, 2010
Visionworks HD Lenses
Part Three: Visionworks- HD lenses
The Visionworks Clerk said it took her 2 weeks to get used to the High Definition Lenses! She also said that her vision was so sharp, she had headaches the first couple of days. Does that make you want to try them now? Here's why they give customers the option for HD lenses vs. polycarbonate lenses:
The Visionworks Clerk said it took her 2 weeks to get used to the High Definition Lenses! She also said that her vision was so sharp, she had headaches the first couple of days. Does that make you want to try them now? Here's why they give customers the option for HD lenses vs. polycarbonate lenses:
- It cost extra $70 approximately for the upgrade, for people who really care about their eyes, want to see sharply and can afford it.
- If you're tight on cash, then just go with the regular polycarbonate
- For people with small/weak prescriptions, HD may not affect your vision much or worth it
Visionworks High Definition Lenses
Part two: Visionworks--
The salesperson gives you a choice to upgrade from the normal polycarbonate lenses to their High Definition Lenses. They have the two lenses side by side so you can compare the quality and more importantly, look thru them. The HD glasses don't have distortion, provides a sharp image. While the polycarbonate lens (the kind most of us wear) had distortion on the side, and the image of the lines were somewhat crooked on the page. Really, how stupid is this concept of selling.
I said to her,"what kind of craziness is this?", "who'd want to buy the distorted lens?", and "why even bother giving people this choice?"
If the newer technology is the HD lenses for eyeglass wearers, why not offer only the HD lens if it's better than the polycarbonate lens. I wonder sometimes how some companies today even make it.
The salesperson gives you a choice to upgrade from the normal polycarbonate lenses to their High Definition Lenses. They have the two lenses side by side so you can compare the quality and more importantly, look thru them. The HD glasses don't have distortion, provides a sharp image. While the polycarbonate lens (the kind most of us wear) had distortion on the side, and the image of the lines were somewhat crooked on the page. Really, how stupid is this concept of selling.
I said to her,"what kind of craziness is this?", "who'd want to buy the distorted lens?", and "why even bother giving people this choice?"
If the newer technology is the HD lenses for eyeglass wearers, why not offer only the HD lens if it's better than the polycarbonate lens. I wonder sometimes how some companies today even make it.
VisionWorks
After spending much time looking around and picking frames at Visionworks, we were finally ready to speak with one of their salesperson. She explained the specials ranging from $199-$299 and she never stopped talking! She's worse than a used car salesman! She tried so hard to up-sell and get us to buy the $299 package, played with her little calculator.
Twenty-five minutes later, after getting our personal info, measurements, etc., she offered an un-advertised "sales promo" called "BOGO" which stands for "Buy One Get One". We get 2 pairs of eyeglasses with all the A/R coating, UV protection, upgrade to their, get this-- High Definition lens. (I'll talk about that later). It would cost $235, instead of the $299; so she got to sell us 2 pairs after all.
Guess what? She finished inputting the new order (another 10 minutes), then went to the backroom, came out, and told us they didn't have the lens in stock and it would take 2 weeks for our glasses to be ready.
We walked out, somewhat upset, 'cuz she wasted our time. Who wants to wait 2 weeks when you can get them in an hour? I should have insisted or demanded her to check for the lenses first.
Twenty-five minutes later, after getting our personal info, measurements, etc., she offered an un-advertised "sales promo" called "BOGO" which stands for "Buy One Get One". We get 2 pairs of eyeglasses with all the A/R coating, UV protection, upgrade to their, get this-- High Definition lens. (I'll talk about that later). It would cost $235, instead of the $299; so she got to sell us 2 pairs after all.
Guess what? She finished inputting the new order (another 10 minutes), then went to the backroom, came out, and told us they didn't have the lens in stock and it would take 2 weeks for our glasses to be ready.
We walked out, somewhat upset, 'cuz she wasted our time. Who wants to wait 2 weeks when you can get them in an hour? I should have insisted or demanded her to check for the lenses first.
Lesson Learned from going to Visionworks- Always INSIST they check FIRST if the lenses you'll need are in stock so you can have your eyeglasses in about an hour!
Apr 1, 2010
The Catholic Church and the Boy Scouts of America Scandals
Catholic Church:
Did the Pope know about the secret hidden life of their priests? Is he in denial?
How many more times do we have to keep hearing about the awful news going on in the Catholic Church again?
Boys Scouts of America:
The Boy Scouts of America too? Who approves the Scout Leaders? That person should also be held accountable for not getting a thorough background on the "Leaders", the one who is guiding our sons.
Did the Pope know about the secret hidden life of their priests? Is he in denial?
How many more times do we have to keep hearing about the awful news going on in the Catholic Church again?
Boys Scouts of America:
The Boy Scouts of America too? Who approves the Scout Leaders? That person should also be held accountable for not getting a thorough background on the "Leaders", the one who is guiding our sons.
Walmart
Why do I seem to get into the shortest line and then wait in line forever??!! What is up with that?! There was only one person ahead of me and of course, this woman had to ask about every single item. The cashier rang up an Alvin and the Chipmunk DVD for $15.96. The woman asked for a lower price because the same DVD was on sale at another store for $14.99 which also comes with a Hershey chocolate bar and a box of microwave popcorn. She also brought in a few ads from last Sunday's newspaper and compared 5 other items she was buying and then asking them to match the prices! Urgh!! I had NO idea that people can bring in as many newspaper ads they want and ask Walmart to match the price.
Just a note here: There was only one other check-out lane open and of course, it's on the other side of the store, with a longer line of customers. I wish Walmart would change their policy and maybe create a separate Customer Service area for super savvy shoppers! I mean, would you like to be stuck behind a customer who asks about the prices on almost every single item she's buying?
Just a note here: There was only one other check-out lane open and of course, it's on the other side of the store, with a longer line of customers. I wish Walmart would change their policy and maybe create a separate Customer Service area for super savvy shoppers! I mean, would you like to be stuck behind a customer who asks about the prices on almost every single item she's buying?
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