Residents of Ohio - Put Down Your Phones

Watch out Ohians: The texting ban went into effect today. As for minors, you can't even talk on the phone. I'm glad we're fixing real issues in the Buckeye state... Chances are if you need to be told to put your phone away because it's too distracting for you and you're not paying attention to the ton of engine and parts you're sitting in, then you probably shouldn't be driving. Sending a quick text or typing something out is no worse than eating while driving or changing the radio station. If you can't do it, don't. Why do you need the government to tell you not to? I guarantee my food has distracted me more than my phone ever has in the car. As I'm sure anyone who has tried to eat a taco on the go will agree with. Self monitoring caused me to not eat taco bell when I'm driving again because I now know I will be paying more attention to the toppings and sauce dripping than the car in front of me but then again maybe I won't stop, maybe I'll just wait for the eating ban.

Martin Luther King Jr.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I wanted to share my top three favorite quotes from him. He was for equality for all men and women, regardless of race or creed. He stood up for what he knew was right. A man should be known for his character and integrity and given a chance to prove that he has both of those. 

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - 1963

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." - 1963

"I do not determine what is right and wrong by looking at the budget of my organization or by taking a Gallup poll of the majority opinion." - 1967

Niagara Falls, NY

Lately I have been missing New York for some reason, feel like I need to take a trip out there! The falls are illuminated every night :) Here are a couple winter pictures:

What I Learned In 2012

For the past couple years now I have written a post sharing what I learned in the previous year and how it changed me or relates to how I will go forward in life. As I was thinking over the past year I realized it would be harder in 2012 than previously. So much has happened from major disappointments to shock, to joy. Trying to pick the biggest lesson from the year was difficult for me but I think I can sum it up to say that no matter what happens around you to stay strong and confident that the best is yet to come. Don't worry, I will spare you a lengthy melodrama or too many cheesy remarks. 
Hope is a powerful thing, always believe that your life can be improved. Whether it's your mental or physical health, happiness, or dealing with a tragedy, we must learn to take it in stride. Know yourself and process your emotions. Reach forward either by focusing on the future and what you're going to change or do, or reach out to others. No matter what is happening there is always someone going through something worse. There is always someone with less blessings, less family, less money, etc. All we have to do is remember the victims or Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy to understand this. 

We need to strive for peace, always. Whether it's local or abroad. A small or a large scale. Little things can make a big difference. No matter how chaotic things get in our lives, don't forget the big picture. It's worth working towards!
And lastly, I have learned to recognize those that are true friends. This past year, more than ever, I have appreciated those who stand with me and beside me. Those who have made me laugh in spite of tears, pray through the tears, and be to thankful through the tears. Those who have put me first when I needed it. Those who have read my blog hahaha even when there is nothing worth reading! Those who have tested my new recipes a.k.a. experiments. :) Those who I have spent so much time with and made so many memories with that I hope I never forget. Shows, concerts, dinners, movies, or just sitting and talking. 
I hope that everyone has at least one friend in their lives that they can list these things about, that they can count on. I know I have more than one and for that I am eternally grateful.
I am looking forward to an awesome 2013 and I truly wish you all the best that life has to offer!!
As always, thanks for reading and HAPPY NEW YEAR! 



And if you're really interested, here's look back at one of the last posts of 2010 and 2011:

2010 
2011

Happy New Year!

Here's to another year! 

Wishing you and your families all the best in 2013!

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!! I know I did! For those fellow travelers who go home for Christmas each year you know that the most fun is not opening your gifts, but "sorting the loot". That time when you get home and you're unpacking and finding new "spots" for everything. If your house is anything like my house, when opening gifts you don't really have time to LOOK at what you got or play with anything. There's always family you want to visit with, food to cook and then eat, clean up, catching up and playing games :) All the things that make the holiday special, not just "what you got". But I must admit last night when going through all my presents I realized that is one of my favorite times. Trying on the clothes I got, planning my week of new jewelry, playing with the Kindle Fire that I totally was not expecting, oohing and ahhing over my new cowgirl boots and thinking of all the things I'm going to wear them with.  Running around turning on all my Christmas lights and decorations, watching Elf, and generally just enjoying the Christmas spirit and being home. There's something about being "home". I think no matter how old you are, wherever home is for you or whether you go for the day or the afternoon, there's something nostalgic about being home on Christmas. I am so thankful for all I received and the things I was able to give, the time spent with my family and friends and that the snow held off until I was safely home. 

Hoping you and yours enjoyed just as wonderful of a holiday :)

Newtown, CT School Shooting - Remember the Victims (12/14/2012)

As tragic and as heartbreaking as what happened in Connecticut on Friday was, I am baffled by some people's response that gun control is the answer. As long as the world has been, there has always been evil. There has always been mentally disturbed individuals, individuals with a twisted outlook on life and those who they view as responsible for what has happened to them. Individuals who are selfish, spiritually with no guidance or accountability to other human beings or a sense of morals. This is devastating to me that we, as a society, would glorify these individuals by parading them across our T.V.s and news feeds and then that we would blame the guns and wonder "How could this happen?"

When a drunk driver goes the wrong way on the highway and kills a dozen people, we do not turn around and try to take away every one's right to drive or own a car. We punish that individual. We grieve for the lives lost and families suffering, those who can send money to help with funeral costs or volunteer with charities who raise awareness of the severity of driving under the influence and what can happen when we act selfishly. It would be ridiculous to blame the car or all drivers because of the minority of people who only think of themselves and become murderers. 

Let us stay focused on the victims.

Let us not be blinded by our pain and shock into believing that this can solved by stripping away our Constitutional right to gun ownership and the right to protect ourselves. 

You can click  here to read about where to send donations to as well as a number for those who would like to volunteer. You can also go directly to the Newtown Parent Connection, Inc. site and make donations there as well as see about trauma support sessions for those in the Newtown area. 

You can participate in honoring the victims today by wearing blue and yellow/gold in their memory.

As always, thank you for reading.

Tis the Season - Online Shopping and The Greater Good Network

I wanted to take a minute to share this site for those who do some of their Christmas shopping online. I just placed my first order with them and am very excited for my stuff to arrive! If you're already planning on purchasing gifts, why not have a portion of that money go to a great cause? Please check it out and consider placing an order!


The Greater Good Network


The above link will take you to the Breast Cancer Site Store but along the top of the page you can choose another cause from the Greater Good Network of options that's important or special to you!

Had to Share!

"The budget should be balanced, the treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed, lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work instead of living on public assistance." - Cicero, 55 BC

 

I think this is the best quote I have come across in a long time!!

For those patiently waiting...The McRib is said to be making it's next appearance state-wide in just a couple weeks! It won't last long so make sure you're watching your local McDonald's for it's return!

Oh yes. It's that serious.

I had a dentist appointment this morning and I am very disappointed to share that I have my first cavity! AND the starting of another cavity. So a filling and some paste to try to correct the second one and this will be me, 3 times a day from now on:

Disclaimer: I don't own this photo, I found it in an internet search. I have no clue who this person actually is... Just that it was extremely fitting to my post and feelings.

Yikes

Well, I got a speeding ticket. First one in a long time. First one ever not on the highway. 

53 in a 35.

I thought about asking the policeman if he'd buy that I was dyslexic, then thought better of it.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Find out more information, donate, or find a Making Strides Walk near you by clicking the link below:

Making Strides 2012

I go to McDonald's a lot. I love their caramel mocha lattes and when they're in season, the broccoli and cheddar soup and the peppermint mocha lattes as well as, OF COURSE, the McRib. 

I hadn't however, realized just how often I went there until this morning when instead of the usual "Thank you, please come again." while being handed my orange juice the woman stated "See ya next time!" 

Hmmm. Not sure if this is good or bad...

This is why I think Romney is a better man than Obama. I am big on government office being a public service position. It should never have been turned into a career or way to work a few years and be paid for your entire life. In the country's infancy these positions were considered a sacrifice. Those seeking a position in politics should be doing it for the betterment of the country. Because you believe in making a difference for the better. Nothing more and nothing less.