Did You Know There Is One Lady at Comcast Who Has Helped Us?

Did you know there is one lady at Comcast who has helped us?

I do just want to state for the record that one of the supervisors at Comcast has been responsive to us. Her name is Tanesha and she has returned calls and done what she can to help resolve our situation. I just wanted to be fair to her for her efforts.

There was actually one other customer support staff who really tried to help my husband a few weeks ago, but you know they can't do much. And one of the techs who has been here more than once, Anthony, hates coming back here. He said it makes him look bad and he doesn't like that. (Getting it fixed would really help him to look good!) So for what it's worth, out of four aggravating, frustrating, maddening months of problems, there are a couple of folks who are at least trying to do what they can...

Did You Know We Are Still Having Connection Problems?

Did you know we are still having connection problems?

At the moment, our internet connection is working. The time it works is about equivalent to or less than the amount of time it is out. We have been using Comcast since they took over for Roadrunner. We have not been really happy with their service at all. You can read back through my old posts to get some background as to why.

We continue to have problems. No one knows what the problem is and we continue to have "band aid efforts" applied until the next outage! For example, yesterday there were three line techs at our left side neighbor's house. They are scheduled for our right side neighbor's house today. And our house on Friday. Uh, this seems foolish to me. Why not take care of it all at once???!!! I know there are some there who have tried, and some who don't care, and one co-supervisor who even said that the customer support tech lied to me!

Needless to say, the loss of connection has indeed been an interruption to lifestyle. Yes, we love to play on the computer, but we also have necessary things to do online as well. For example, my son's AP History course has a mandatory website student's must access regularly. This is difficult when our internet is out. He has gone to friend's and neighbor's houses to get his homework done. We try to utilize the library when possible, but that is hard to do. My son also writes articles for a community newsletter. He writes them and then emails them in. This is also impossible with no connection. This last time he was scrambling around for some sort of memory card or flash drive so he could take his saved article somewhere to email it in!

My husband has been prodding me again and again to continue to blog about Comcast's poor quality and inept service. So, this is the latest vent!

Did You Know You Can Keep Spices Up to Two Years?

Did you know you can keep spices up to two years?

I was watching the Early Show yesterday and they were talking about how long you can keep spices in the pantry. She said most would keep well for a couple of years, but after that, it is time to throw them out. They lose their flavor and you can apparently tell a difference just by smelling the old one and a new one. I went through my spices and only have a few I need to replace and only one that I rarely use and won't replace.

Did You Know My Son Gets His License Next Month?

Did you know my son gets his license next month?

My son will be sixteen in just a few weeks. He is anxious to get his driver's license. We are anxious for many reasons! One of these reasons (though not really the biggest) is the amount our insurance will rise. But in getting the auto insurance quote for him as driver, we were surprised that it would be a little over half of what we expected. That is with him listed as a secondary driver and not a primary driver. We also are looking at all the discounts possible: the savings for the driver's ed. course, the savings for the drug and alcohol awareness certification and the good grades discount. Every little bit helps!

Did You Know About The Day the Earth Stood Still?

Did you know about The Day The Earth Stood Still?

We went to see this movie for my birthday this week. We did take both our kids. The movie was pretty good. We all enjoyed it though my 12 year old daughter thought it was a little scary and pretty weird. There were some weird parts but it was pretty good. My cousin said that he has asked several folks about it. In his "surveying" he has found that everyone who has seen the original movie did not like this one and that those who had not seen the original (like us) like the new movie.

I would say that it is a pretty clean movie. The violence was not over the top but the theme of the end of the world is pretty intense for some kids. I think the PG 13 rating is appropriate. My daughter found it more weird than scary, though during the movie was a little unsure.

Did You Know We Have Lived Most of Our Married Life Without Insurance?

Did you know we have lived most of our married life without insurance?

I am not bragging when I say that. I know that we have tempted fate quite often. We have been very blessed not to have any major catastrophes strike our family. We had insurance when I was pregnant with my son. I was very sick during that pregnancy and had to be hospitalized. The insurance did not cover any of it. So as soon as our son was born and we saw that he was healthy and everything was as it should be, we dropped our insurance.

We also have not had wind storm and hail insurance since we have lived in this house. When Ike blew over this summer, we knew that we were blessed with no damage. Too many around us had damage of some sort.

We know that we are living on the edge this way. It is just nearly impossible for us to see how we can afford these things every month. But for 2009 we are looking at resolving some of these things. Getting hail and wind, health and term life insurance quotes are very important steps for us to look into in the new year.

Did You Know I Ran Thirteen Miles Today?

Did you know I ran thirteen miles today!

I am so excited that I actually completed thirteen today! I was going to do 11 but when I decided to go ahead and do 12, I thought, well, I ought to go ahead and do 13! I did use the five minute run/one minute walk method and it worked out really well. I got pretty tired mile 11-12, but overall I am very happy with the way today's run went. Now I get to cut back on the mileage until race day!!

Did You Know You Have to Unscrew the Stem to Air Up Bike Tires?

Did you know you have to unscrew the stem to air up bike tires?

My husband said it was about time to air up my bike tires today. I told him that every time I try to, it never does any good. It doesn't seem as if any air is going into the tires. So he came out with me to look. I unscrewed the plastic cap and was trying to pump in some air. He told me to wait and showed me that the stem itself also has to be unscrewed! (I'd never heard of that before!) And, I had the pump applied wrong as well. So I really wasn't getting any air into the tires! He also reminded me to look at the imprint on the tire to see how much air to put in (the recommended PSI is printed on the tire.)

Did You Know I am Still Trying to Figure Out My Running Pattern?

Did you know I am still trying to figure out my running pattern?

Because I don't have a lot of time before my half marathon, I am still trying to figure out my running pattern. Some of my running friends told me to go with a five minute run/one minute walk plan. When I began to implement this on my six, seven and eight mile runs, I felt like it was too much starting and stopping. I tried a ten minute run/one minute walk and it was ok. But when I did that on my eight mile run, my legs got tight. So on my 9.5 mile runs this week I have tried both the 5:1 plan and today tried something new. I ran for three to 3.5 miles then walked for one minute. My legs were pretty tired and it really wasn't any less time than doing the 5:1 run/walk. So I guess I might as well stick with that and not be as tired. All I know is that for now, with all this running, I won't be taking a diet pill even though I am eating a lot more!

Did You Know About Bamboo Socks?

Did you know about bamboo socks?

I went to look for some new athletic socks last night. I went to the running store where I won a gift card. They did not have a large supply of socks, but the ones that caught my eye were bamboo and wool! They are made for "breathing", wicking away moisture and eliminating odor causing bacteria. That all sounds pretty good for sweaty feet! They also sport a Lycra band across the arch for extra support. And, there is no toe seam. They come in black/charcoal and tan/natural colors.

Did You Know How to Choose a Blog Host Site?

Did you know how to choose a blog host site?

My sister and a blogging friend of mine both recently started new blogs! They are both great bloggers already, maintaining quality blogs which many folks enjoy visiting regularly. Branching out in the blog world is quite popular, and when bloggers with good blogs want to expand what they already do, it’s always a good thing!

There are still many people out there who don’t have a blog, but are potential bloggers in waiting! And there are some who are using free blog space, but would love to host their own domain. For many of these people, they just don’t know where to start. It is important to do some homework when searching for website hosting. You have to find the support that will meet your particular needs. There are many things to consider. You have to find out just what your goal is with your self-hosted blog and then see which host you can afford and which will meet these objectives you are setting out to accomplish.

In doing your homework, be sure to check out the top ten best web hosts of this year M to do a comparison. Check out the free domain names, get tips, and read reviews of other users. Doing all this up front will help you choose the best web host site for your new blog!

Did You Know It Snowed Here Last Week?

Did you know it snowed here last week?

I know this is old news by now, but it's the first time I've had an internet connection since the big event!

And yes, this is a big event for us! According to the news, it was the seventh time it has snowed in December in Houston in the last 115 years! The kids were all thrilled, of course, but even our adult neighbors were out playing in the snow! When we got home from church, there was a big snow ball fight! And all the kids were out late at night enjoying the snow. There were snow fights, snow men and tracks to leave in the snow. We all enjoyed seeing the flurries come down, playing outside, taking pictures and the hot chocolate when we came in. I was also glad that it melted off by mid-morning!

It has been interesting to note that for many of the last years we have had major hurricanes, there has also been snow that winter. There were one or two exceptions, but generally speaking, folks around here are looking to see if there is a connection.

Did You Know Something Different for the Holidays?

Did you know something different for the holidays?

Do you ever get tired of doing the same things every year at the holidays? One year when our son was small, we traveled to Colorado during Christmas week. We spent the week relaxing and vacationing there. My husband even went and skied for a day. It was an enjoyable time.

I think many folks dream about doing something different at least some time during the holidays. Many hotels run specials and package deals. There are many places which have special events, decor and treats throughout the holiday season. So if you are dreaming of a Broadway play, las vegas suites, or a winter cruise, there are lots of ways you can spend your holidays doing something different.

Did You Know What We Saw in the Sky Yesterday?

Did you know what we saw in the sky yesterday?

No, not a bird, and not superman. Yes, it was a plane but it was a special plane!

We were on the way home from my daughter's play yesterday. She said "What is that supposed to be?" then "OH MY GOODNESS!" I glanced over and at first could not make it out either. Then I looked again and was so surprised to see the space shuttle being carried piggy back by the plane!!

We immediately pulled over and turned around to try to get pictures but we could not. We even headed out towards Johnson Space Center to get another look, but we could no longer see the shuttle and plane, so knew we would be too late by the time we got there.

I knew the shuttle was being carried back to Florida from El Paso that day but it was so cool to see it as it made a courtesy fly by at Johnson Space Center!

Did You Know Why We Haven't Dropped Comcast?

Did you know why we haven't dropped Comcast?

We have actually tried! If you read the last post, you will see why we are so frustrated and want to drop the Comcast service. We cannot keep an internet connection. This has been going on since the beginning of September!

I guess it was in October when I told my husband I wanted to try AT&T. He talked to them, since that is who our cell phones are with. He was told that their internet service is not available everywhere. And in the town we live, there has been a deal made with Verizon, so AT&T won't be coming in here!

So we kept waiting, being assured time and again that Comcast had us "fixed up for good". Yesterday my husband talked to Verizon. He was told that the speed for the regular package was "1" and the upgrade was "3". Comcast is "4", so not too different. But when my husband looked at the info online, he found that that the speed on the upgrade was only 1.5. That's a big difference so he called back to confirm. Well, the "3" is "in general" but the speed really depends on how far away you live. He told them that is false advertisement and we are not interested.

So, we are still waiting on Comcast to resolve the issue. They have been responsive, it's just that they don't know what's wrong and cannot get it fixed. At least they have not charged us in all this time...

Did You Know We are Unlucky With Computers?

Did you know we are unlucky with computers?

I don't what the deal is, but we have had really bad luck with our computers this year. It all started when Comcast took over RoadRunner. We had trouble with Comcast starting in Feb. By Sept. we had put in eight calls to them for trouble. Maybe not a huge deal, but it's at least once a month that there was trouble. Then, since just before the hurricane, we have had unstable internet connections. We have not paid Comcast since September and will not be paying for this last week either. They have no idea what the problem is (it's going on with our neighbors too, so it's not on our end.) Anyway, so right now I've got a connection for the first time in two days.

And, in the miidst of all that, my daughter's laptop gave out. We had even gone so far as to get their old school desks (ok, they are really office furniture computer desks) out of the attic for her to have someplace to set it up in the living room. And then, it fried. The internal circuit board shorted out. The guy said it would cost too much to fix it. So, we are just biding our time with our computer with intermittent internet service...

Did You Know I Signed Up for a Half Marathon?

Did you know I signed up for a half marathon?

In the past I was never too interested in running that much. My husband had wanted to do a marathon. It's just that most are on Sundays and we won't miss church to go do it. He has been a "bandit" in the Houston marathon by going up early and running as much as he could alongside the crowd, then dropped out and made it back in time for church! He even signed up for a marathon after that, but got injured and couldn't run it. This time, I found one on New Year's Day. I love the idea that it is on Jan. 1 (which is not a Sunday this year.) Also, it is a run/walk on a flat course with no time limit (other than having to be done by dark.) So I figured I'd give it a try. My friend Marathon Bird is going to run it with me. My other friend is on the waiting list (yes, registration is already full!) I have begun my training which is really compressed into a short time frame. But I am looking forward to it. I hope I can do the majority of it jogging, but know that if all else fails, I can walk it.

Did You Know There Are Different Types of Pearls?

Did You Know There Are Different Types of Pearls?

When I was in school, we read the book The Pearl. I have to say I did not appreciate it like I should have. And I had no idea that pearls were so beautiful, nor that there were a variety of types of Pearls .

I have since learned that pearls are valued based on their type. They even come in a variety of shapes and colors. To start with there are the freshwater pearls found mostly in lakes and rivers in China. These pearls do come in a range of colors, sizes and shapeswith the most common being oval or rice shaped. There can be ten to fourteen pearls found inside one mussel.

There is also the Japanese Akoya pearl found in saltwater oysters. These are known for their luster and brilliance and are known as the diamond of the sea. These are the most popular kind of pearls.

Next is the Tahitian black pearl. I had no idea that pearls came in any color besides the opaque whitish-pink color. These elegant pearls are one of the rarest and most valuable pearls. Their colors range from peacock green to silver and purple and the only naturally black pearl. These are some of the largest pearls available.
You can also find the South Sea pearls. These are among the most rare and valuable pearls because of their size and satiny luster.

The conch pearls come from the Queen conch of Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. These are known for their “flame structure” and give the appearance of a fire burning on the surface.

I'd have to say that a pearl necklace made out of any of these exquisite stones would be a gorgeous gift!

Did You Know Dr. Seuss was a WW II Political Cartoonist?

Did you know Dr. Seuss was a WWII political cartoonist?

I don't remember ever hearing this before. I got an email about some current exhibits at the Holocaust Museum Houston. One is the work of Dr. Seuss during the war years and the political cartoons he drew for the New York newspaper PM. He focused on the issues America needed to address at the time and how individuals could become aware and involved. He worked to inspire people to care about the fate of human beings. Theodor Seuss Geisel's exhibit runs through July 5, 2009. The exhibit is based on the book "Dr. Seuss Goes to War" by historian Richard H. Minear.

Did You Know We Are Stupid Parents?

Did you know we are stupid parents?

I actually got a book for my kids for Christmas with the title Stupid Parents. I like the premise of the book. It is written to teens and tells them basically how to get their parents off their back. Things like honesty, talking, and building trust are big issues the book approaches. It does eventually tell the kids that their parents really aren't stupid, but love them and want the best for them and don't always know how to do that. The end of the book does actually deal with parents who are being stupid-using drugs or have alcohol problems-and tells the kids how to find help for that situation. All in all I think the book does a good job of helping kids and parents both to keep the relationship moving in a linear motion. Moving the parent/child relationship forward into adulthood is a tough job for us all!

Did You Know What You Can Learn From a Panda?

Did you know what you can learn from a panda?

We just rented Kung Fu Panda tonight. We were not sure it was something we would all enjoy, but we ended up liking it in spite of some inappropriate language and even some pretty silly moments. However, we saw a few things we could learn from this panda. My son brought out Shifu's advice about "meeting your destiny on the very road on which you try to avoid it" and how this was played out in the movie. I liked the idea that "there is no special ingredient." It's about you and what you are. There is no ancient secret or special energy, it's just you. And you gotta do with you the best you can.

Did You Know About the Ultimate Hunter's Package?

Did you know about the ultimate hunter's package?

I found out on Thanksgiving that my sister in law and her husband have now decided to go vegetarian. I am not surprised really, as she works for a vegetarian naturopath, so this is really in step with their lifestyle. She did mention that she would not be opposed to eating say wild deer cooked in a stew, which they had done not too long ago.

Due in part to this fact and also the fact that none of us are really keen on all the gorging done on Thanksgiving, the amount of leftovers, and what it takes out of my mother in law, we decided we will do something different for Christmas. I am not sure exactly what this means. But if it means my father in law needs to go hunting to get a deer, he should take a look at the Nikon Black Friday Promo. Yes, I know "Black Friday" is over, but the promo lasts all weekend! (through Dec. 1) The package includes ProStaff 3-9x40 Riflescope with BDC Reticle, ProStaff Laser Rangefinder, Silent Technology Rangefinder Case, Mastering a Long-range shot with BDC DVD, and $50 NikonProGear Gift Card offering a $144 savings!
I don't know if we really will be having deer stew at Christmas, but this sounds like a great package deal for all those hunters out there!

Did You Know I Set My Personal Record This Morning?

Did you know I set my personal record this morning?

We got up to do a small local 5K run this morning. It was the first event put on by the local running club. My husband ran right along with me and kept me encouraged and helped me with my pace. As we neared the turn around, I realized that no girls had passed us yet. There was a teenaged girl in front of us and another girl. At first I did not think I could catch them, but when I saw the teenager walking, I thought I could do it! I told my husband we needed to catch the girls in front of us. He helped me to increase my pace and stride and helped me to regulate my breathing. If not for his encouragement every step of the way I don't think I would have been able to set my PR this morning. As we passed the last girl ahead of me, I was really feeling the hurt in my stomach. But we kept on and pulled a little away from her. I finished the race at 27:12 which also put me as the top female finisher of the race!! And since this is the first annual turkey trot, it also means I hold the course record!! So now my 15 seconds of fame will last for a whole year!!

The whole thing is really unbelievable to me!!

Did You Know About the Crash at Crush?

Did you know about the Crash at Crush?



Last week my husband was watching a program that featured this tidbit of information. I found it rather interesting. In September of 1896, there was a man named Crush who staged a train wreck near Waco, TX. He had witnessed a wreck earlier and even though it had taken place far from any towns, within an hour he noticed a crowd had gathered. So he took it upon himself to stage a wreck just for the "show" of it! He worked for the Katy railroad and so had access to a couple of old engines-one red and one green-which he placed facing each other on the tracks. Excitement was in the air as folks gathered to make a day of it, bringing along their kids and picnic lunches. Upon the crash there was a huge explosion and several people were killed by flying debris. This did not stop other onlookers from gathering bits of debris as souvenirs! The songwriter Scott Joplin heard about this event (if he wasn't there to see it) and even wrote a song about it! Crush was fired from the railroad, but as this was one of the biggest money makers the railroad had seen, he was later reinstated!

Did You Know I Have Been Trying to Plan Menus Each Week?

Did you know I have been trying to plan menus each week?

I have gotten myself into the habit of making a menu for the week before grocery shopping. It helps to keep me to the list and helps keep me sane when it’s time to make dinner! We are always so busy that I don’t usually have time to wonder what’s for dinner and try to plan it out that afternoon. But if I make a menu, I can have all the ingredients on hand for meals for every night. I don’t necessarily plan which night will be which dinner, though sometimes circumstances demand a quick meal, a crock pot meal, or one that takes more prep time. Over all, even though it can seem drudgery, planning a menu each week has really helped me out.

Did You Know How to Make Caramel Sauce?

Did you know how to make caramel sauce?

We love caramel apples. I don't like the artificial colors and flavors in caramel candies. So I looked around on line to find a good caramel recipe. I found several easy ones. The one that I have been using makes more of a sauce. I don't think it would work to dip an apple on a stick in, I don't know if it would "set up" enough as it is more like a caramel sauce. But it is so sweet and yummy! It really does have a good flavor. We like to mix some up and slice our apples to dip into it. It might even be good over ice cream!

Caramel Sauce:

3/4 C brown sugar

3/4 T butter

3 T milk

1/4 t vanilla

I think you are supposed to use a special method for making caramel, but I have found it easy to just mix this over low heat til bubbly. I sometimes lift the pan up off the burner so it doesn't over heat. I stir continuously until it is bubbly and a little bit thickened. Then I let it cool for a few minutes before dipping the apples into it. It is a great fall treat!

Did You Know How To Use the APC?

Did you know how to use the APC?

I had never used the Automated Postal Center in the post office lobby before. But yesterday I had some packages to mail and the line at the post office was rather long. Since I had an appointment and did not want to come back by the post office, I decided to try the APC. It is really simple to use. All the instructions are written out for you to follow. The tools are provided and you simply answer the questions. You do have to have a credit or debit card to use the APC. But it ended up for me being so much better than waiting in that line!

Did You Know You Can Post Your Resume' Online?

Did you know you can post your resume' online?

On Sunday I heard there are several people at church who have lost their jobs. There are others whose jobs are hanging in the balance now as well. It is difficult times for many people. I came across a website where those looking for advertising and marketing jobs can post their resume' online for potential employers to find them! There are also some listings available to browse through. There are articles to read through to stay up to date on information. You can also sign up for job opening email alerts. This might be another tool for all those people who are being affected by the financial crises and down sizing going on across the country.

Did You Know How to Crack an Ice Cube Tray?

Did you know how to crack an ice cube tray?

We grew up making ice in trays. So I found it rather funny today when my daughter was working on her science lab. Earlier this week, she had to make ice in preparation for the lab. Today when it was time to use the cubes, she yelled out "how do you get the ice out of the tray?!" We told her just to twist both hands in opposite directions. It took a few minutes, but she got it figured out!

Did You Know It's Two Weeks til Thanksgiving?

Did you know it's two weeks til Thanksgiving?

Looking at the calendar, it's almost here! I have been pleasantly surprised that arrangements have already been made in our family! This is unusual, it's usually never made before a week away, and last year, we got a call on Thanksgiving Day itself! This year, I don't know what my shopping list will look like, since I won't be doing the biggest part of the cooking. I do know that I may need to go ahead and stock up on fat burner pills as I intend to eat a hearty meal!!

Did You Know There are Certain Dates to Hunt Certain Animals?

Did you know there are certain dates to hunt certain animals?

That tells you how little I know of hunting! There are certain dates that you can hunt certain animals. These dates vary by region. You can look up your states hunting season dates. For example, I found dates for hunting birds, deer, turkeys, javelina and even alligator in Texas. There are even special dates for youth hunting (that is, for youth to go hunting, not for us to hunt down our youth! ha!) I found it kind of funny that there is really no closed season for hunting squirrels!

Did You Know About Hunting Season?

Did you know about hunting season?

I am not into hunting and don't know much about it at all. My friend said her husband is taking their two daughters hunting this year. They both seem to enjoy it! For those who hunt, it is a big deal and the opening of certain seasons is like opening day for baseball or football! I have friends who hunt with rifles and one that is really into archery hunting. They spend time getting all their gear in working order for opening day. Cleaning the rifle, making sure their Nikon rifle scopes are working properly, getting their ammunition and supplies and many other little details are imperative to take care of before opening day arrives. Then, we are all thankful if we get to sample some of the meat they bring back!

Did You Know About Sync Swim?

Did you know about Sync Swim?

This is a seminar for parents of teens and others who work with teens. It helps to define the youth culture of our day. It shows what our teens face today, especially with so much media input. It enables parents with tools and resources to better communicate with their teens. The seminar is a ministry of Harding University. You can invite them to come speak to your group. Check out the website for contact information.

Did You Know About Post Election Blues?

Did you know about post election blues?

It's not that I really thought the guy I voted for had any real chance of winning. I just did not want either of the other two to win! I actually was praying for some sort of "miracle"! But we went to bed with Obama as the president elect. I think he scares me more than Clinton (Bill I mean, Hillary, about the same!) As I fear the kind of place we are handing down to our kids, I cannot think of anywhere far away to run to that doesn't have its own problems/issues/downfalls. I know that is the nature of this world. I guess I just need some sort of get away. Maybe a cruise or time in the mountains or Orlando vacations are just what I need to cure these post election blues!

Did You Know It "Pays" to Wait Til Voting Day?

Did you know it "pays" to wait til voting day?

I got an email today letting me know about all the available treats local merchants are offering for voter's tomorrow! Starbucks , Krispy Kreme and Ben & Jerry's are all giving away treats to folks who vote tomorrow. I think you have to have an "I Voted" sticker for Krispy Kreme and the others I guess you can just tell them, though the sticker might be a good idea too. Check out their offers and be sure to pick up your treats after voting!

Did You Know About My Grandpa's Yard?

Did you know about my grandpa's yard?

My backyard is rather plain. You might even call it "blah". It is large enough for us to enjoy. We have even had a small garden in the past. I wish we were able to have a larger one this next year. I would love it if I could have one like my grandpa.

His whole yard is nothing but garden areas. The backyard is a vegetable garden. The side and front (he lives on a corner) are filled with hundreds of plants and flowers. They are all beautiful! Around the edge of the house is more garden area. He’s got poinsettias and lilies and even flowering okra next to the house. Even his front walk is lined by carrots! But one of the most beautiful sights in his yard are the areas around the birdfeeders! I am not sure how many feeders he has, at least two. But he attracts a great many birds each day!

We all love sitting and watching the antics of the birds that come to feed in his yard. Among our favorites of course are the cardinals and the hummingbirds. I think the hummers are my very favorites! It is a lovely way to spend a relaxing afternoon!

I found some really unique hummingbird feeders today that would really spruce up my own backyard. I've never seen these mobile types and I would love the see the hummers in my own backyard!

Did You Know My Halloween Costume?

Did you know my Halloween costume?

I came across some really great costume ideas, from a cereal killer, brain donor, the ocean, the floor of a movie theater and smarty pants. But one that I really liked is what I decided to try-a stick figure. I glued Glo Sticks to black clothes and hung the circle off a baseball cap bill. It looked really great in the dark and I got lots of compliments on it!



this is me dressed up as a stick figure last night; click on the picture to enlarge and get a better idea of how it looked

Did You Know About Pumpkins?

Did you know about pumpkins?

I found lots of good "pumpkin facts" at The Pumpkin Patch . Did you know a pumpkin is a squash? It is filled with lots of good enzymes, potassium and vitamin A. I just read this week how to make a great facial scrub using pumpkin! In colonial times, pumpkins were apparently used for "removing" freckles and "curing" snake bites! Pumpkins are abundant in the U.S. Eighty percent of the American pumpkin crop is available in October. Immigrant Irish brought the custom of pumpkin carving with them to the States. Go to the Pumpkin Patch to learn more about pumpkins!

Did You Know About Fractal Geometry?

Did you know about fractal geometry?

I watched a very interesting show on it today. I first heard about fractals about four years ago. They fascinated me then and today's program really intrigued me again. Fractals are all about self-similarity in design. Seeing fractals in nature in objects from broccoli and trees to coast lines and the human systems is fascinating. The scientists in the show talk about "evolution hitting upon a design that works". But to me, fractals really point to a Creator. I mean, how can you have a design without a designer? And the fractals are such simple patterns. They look intricate upon first sight, but when looked at closely, you can see how the same design is just repeated upon itself multiple times. It is a very interesting new math/science/art that I hope will be taught more in our schools.

Did You Know You Can Get a Free Taco Today?

Did you know you can get a FREE taco today?

Between 2pm and 6pm, Taco Bell will give a free taco to folks because of the stolen base in last night's World Series Game. This offer is good for one crunchy taco per person and is good in the US. This offer is good for the day following any World Series game in which there is a stolen base!

Did You Know About the Play Blitzen?

Did you know about the play Blitzen?

I have not seen it before, but my friend was telling about it. Her girls performed in it a couple of years ago, and it sounds like something that is happening to our area this year. The play is about life in South Carolina after a hurricane has hit. It is Christmas and damage is still prevalent in the area. This is exactly how our area seems to be faring this year.

There are still many people waiting for repairs to be done to their homes damaged by Ike. It looks like they may still be waiting at Christmas. When there is so much to be done, that is a really likely scenario. From new roofs, sheet rock, paint, home lighting and flooring, the damage repair is really extensive for some, making their holiday wish list one of a list of home repairs.

Did You Know I Swam With the Coast Guard Today?

Did you know I swam with the Coast Guard today?

Well, ok, it was actually Coast Guard trainees undergoing a PT test.

As I swam my laps at 24 Hour Fitness this morning, a whole group of guys came in. There were maybe ten in all. I was kind of surprised and knew they had to be some kind of class or group training or something. There is just not that much room in the pool.

They began to pair up in the lanes (thankfully the instructor left me a whole lane to myself!) They were having to do certain timed swimming. I don't know what all was required but I do know it had to be done in a certain time limit.

When I was done I got into the hot tub for a few minutes. I asked one of the guys what they were doing and he told me they were there taking there PT test for the Coast Guard!

Did You Know How Wedding Rings Reflect a Relationship?

Did you know how wedding rings reflect a relationship?

In many marriage ceremonies, you will hear the minister talk about the ring being a symbol of never ending love. I like this analogy and believe in it too. But my engagement and wedding ring really reflect the true relationship of my marriage.

My rings are no longer exactly round in shape. After wearing them for over twenty years, they are a little bent and the engagement ring and wedding band are not even shaped the same as each other anymore! I think this represents the real relationship in which we live. Our marriages do indeed go through changes, they even take a few beatings. But like the rings, they can remain in tact. They can still represent the idea of unending love and devotion, through both the good and the bad times. When I see my rings, it gives me a new idea of how wedding and engagement rings really do reflect the true nature of a relationship that lasts "til death do us part".

Did You Know How to Dispose of Electronic Waste?

Did you know how to dispose of electronic waste?

I guess right now there is a lot of electronic waste in our area due to damage caused by hurricane Ike. So Nasa is hosting an "e-waste" event. Most people don't know how to properly dispose of e-waste or realize its importance. Here is the email I received about the event:

"On November 15th, 2008 there will be a large electronics waste (e-waste) collection event in the parking lot at Space Center Houston. This is part of a larger event sponsored by Sony Electronics; put on by Waste Management and Recycle America as well as CompuCycle. These companies will be participating in four simultaneous e-waste collection events happening around the Houston area. The one I am organizing is serving the greater Clear Lake Area and is by far, going to be the biggest of the four events.

The greatest thing about this event is that it is open to the public and it is free, free, free!!

Usually there is a fee attached to the recycling of electronics, which subsequently defers people from properly disposing of their electronics. This is an incredible opportunity to educate people about not only how to properly dispose of their electronic material, but why it is so important to recycle through an ethical recycling
company; including both environmentally and protection for human rights. Many times e-waste ends up in developing nations where workers, often times children, are exposed to harsh chemicals and heavy pollution.

Our main sponsor, Sony Electronics, is an EPA recognized "e-cycle" partner, ensuring proper ethical treatment of all materials and people involved. It is truly a unique experience to be part of an event like this."

Did You Know How to Get Your Own Domain?

Did you know how to get your own domain?

This past year, my sister and I have talked about getting our own web sites to host a blog. We love having blogs on free hosted sites, but we have thought that it would be even better to have a blog on our own domain. For folks like me who are not too internet savvy yet, this can seem like a daunting endeavor. Fortunately, I have some cyber-friends who have made this easier. There are also web hosting information sites that can provide a lot of good information. It is important to do some homework before jumping into hosting your own site.

A web hosting blog like Web Hosting Geeks has can be a one-stop wealth of information. I like how the daily blog provides information on current events and how they relate to the internet, as well as providing tips on getting your own domain and the potential web hosting sites available. One of the first reads would be "What kind of hosting do you need?" I also like the post "Three Web Hosting Mistakes to Avoid."

We have since gotten our own domains. It is pretty cool having a blog with its own domain name! I think if anyone is interested in it, it’s a good thing. And getting the information you need before you take the plunge is easier than ever.

Did You Know I am Putting Together my Christmas Shopping List?

Did you know I am putting together my Christmas shopping list?

Yes, I like to have it done early! I always try to order books from Scholastic for all the cousins, and I am a little behind on that this year. I bought some shirts for the boys on my list-nephews, son, husband and dad. I got season passes to Broadway Across America for my daughter and she picked out a hoodie she wants. My son will likely get an in-ground basketball goal to replace the one blown down by Ike and probably a new bike, since his got stolen that week too. As for my husband, no idea! Nephews are still into toys (but I did my the older one laser tag for his upcoming 9th birthday!) Mom and my husband's family, no ideas yet either. Maybe lots of cooked/homemade items again. Now, just don't go telling them their gifts, please!

Did You Know Buying Shoes Is So Hard?

Did you know buying shoes is so hard?

You would think with the millions of shoe choices available, it would not be that hard. But when looking for shoes for me or my daughter, it seems to be hard! She is so picky and my feet often hurt, so it just makes it that much more difficult. And there are so many weird styles available. Sometimes I just want a good plain shoe! I have never tried Dansko before, but I do like the look of some of their shoe styles.

Did You Know How To Make Maroon?

Did you know how to make maroon?

Most folks know how to combine colors to make another color. Red and yellow make orange, yellow and blue make green and red and blue make purple. But as my daughter and her team mates were making a banner for their Varsity's homecoming volleyball game, they wanted to make maroon, since that is their team's color. One of the girls thought she remembered hearing how to do it. Combine red and brown. So they tried it and the color turned out to be the shade of maroon they were looking for!

Did You Know About Extra Dime?

Did you know about Extra Dime ?

Right now, everyone I know is pinching pennies. And saving that extra dime is pretty important. With the holidays coming up, many people are worried how to trim their holiday spending while still providing their kids the gifts they want. With a site like Extra Dime , it's a little easier! This forum is all about hot deals! You can find coupons for some favorite shops, find bank sign up deals and credit card cash back offers. These will be a real boon to this year's holiday shopping!

Did You Know About the Recycle Ike Program?

Did you know about the Recycle Ike program?

No, it is not an effort to recreate the storm, but an effort by the City of Houston to recycle all the debris left by Ike. We are talking about 8,000,000 cubic yards of green debris. This is a mixture of trees found in the area, including sectioned trunks with bark. The mayor is trying to keep as much of this debris from taking up space in the landfills. Right now, much of it is being ground to make mulch and compost. But the city is looking for ideas from environmental-conscious folks to put as much of the debris to good use as possible. The contest is open to anyone (except those related to the judges) and there are cash rewards for the top three ideas. There are some stipulations the ideas must meet, but I know there are many folks out there with some good ideas. I am really hoping that my friend Montucky , my father-in-law and my brother-in-law will come up with a winning idea each! These guys are full of great ideas and here is an excellent place to put them into practice!

Did You Know We Finally Got Our Internet Fixed?

Did you know we finally got our internet fixed?

I know, I may be jinxing myself by saying that! We heard that about a week ago, a debris truck had clipped the cable line on one of the streets causing an outage of all cable services. This lasted several days, but then Comcast seemingly thought all was working again (even though several of us kept calling!) Apparently, one side of the street had been fixed but the other side still wasn't working. When a tech came out to my neighbor's house, he walked up and down the street and finally found that the line had been pulled away from the pole behind someone's house. He called some helpers and they had it fixed by that evening! Now all seems to be working fine and we didn't have to switch carriers, buy memory, or upgrade our computer!

Did You Know It's Been One Month Since Ike Blew In?

Did you know it's been one month since Ike blew in?

It has been one month since Ike came to visit. There is much work still to do in many areas. Yesterday, we drove to Baytown to my cousin's birthday. As we drove over the Fred Hartman bridge, we saw a row of several boats washed up on the shore. They looked like some toy boats a kid had dropped in the yard. As we came back across Kemah, we saw more boats washed up on the shore as well as the damage to the board walk. Today in Seabrook, we saw many people whose homes are still in a mess. All their stuff is still out in the yard awaiting clean up and home repairs. Although much has been done, and folks are working hard together, I saw today that there is still much to be done.

Did You Know About Our Hurricane Relief Dinner?

Did you know about our hurricane relief dinner?

It has been one month since hurricane Ike blew ashore. Today our church provided lunch to some folks in one of the hardest hit areas outside Galveston. We took spaghetti, bread and cookies to hand out to those who are still cleaning up their homes. I chose to make some of my favorite cookie recipes like snickerdoodles and sugar cookies. I figured if I had been living off of handed out food for a month, I'd want some homemade cookies. Our lunch went over really well, with plenty of food left over to share with a woman's shelter, some relief workers, as well as church members!

Did You Know Today is the First Day It's Rained in Three Weeks?

Did you know today is the first day it's rained in three weeks?

That means it has not rained since the day after Hurricane Ike struck land. This is significant for many people in the area; a real blessing in some ways. It has meant that clean up has been made a little easier without the rain. Some folks, like one of our neighbors, have even been able to get their new roof on in time before the rain came again.

I just found today on my camera some photos my son had taken the day after the storm moved out. We had no real damage in our area, thankfully.




Mostly, branches down,







a few trees down (thankfully not on any houses),



lots of fencing down








and many folks lost a lot of shingles.





My son did lose his prized possession-a basketball goal.





Our neighborhood has also been blessed by the clean up crews having passed through already. I wish I'd have taken a picture of the street lined up with debris, but I never did. As for many folks just south and east of us, the clean up is still going on...

Did You Know About Reverse Phone Lookup?

Did you know about reverse phone lookup ?

I could have used this service just the other day! I had missed a phone call from a number I did not recognize. It worked out all right when I decided to go ahead and call the number back. But there was a time two years ago when I wish I would have been able to use a service like this. There were some family issues going on and we were receiving harassing phone calls. As I did not want to get into a fight with someone, I chose not to answer any calls from an unknown number. As it turned out, my sister overseas was also trying to call. Because I did not recognize the number, I did not answer. This put added stress on the situation as she could not get through to talk to me since I would not answer! I could have used the look up to find out exactly who was calling, from the U.S. or Canada. Using a reverse phone lookup is easy. No one will be contacted to let them know you've searched their number.

The reverse look up can be helpful in other areas too. If you have unknown numbers on your phone bill, or keep getting annoying or prank calls, or just want to check a missed call, the reverse lookup can be an easy way to find the information you need.

Did You Know Oct. 6 is the Last Day to Register to Vote for this Election?

Did you know Oct. 6 is the last day to register to vote for this election?

That's tomorrow. So if you find yourself needing to get registered, do it tomorrow! Information for those displaced by hurricane Ike can find it here . And if you want to, (in Texas) you can get an application online or check your post office, library and DPS office.

Did You Know About the RC Helicopter Sale?

Did you know about the rc helicopter sale?

As I love to get my Christmas shopping out of the way ASAP, I don't think it's too early to start thinking about Christmas gift ideas. My kids each got an rc helicopter last year. It's a fun idea (for dads too!) and this month you can save during the October sale.

Did You Know about Simple Beauty Secrets?

Did you know about simple beauty secrets?


I read last night in Reader's Digest that even superstars like Queen Latifah use simple secrets for enhancing beauty. She said that her grandmother had beautiful skin and taught her to use baking soda with a little warm water to wash her face. Keeping it simple and taking steps for healthy beauty is much more attainable for the average person.

Did You Know About Mobile Routers?

Did you know about mobile routers?

I guess I am behind the times, because I did not know what a mobile router is. But this looks like something my husband would like when he travels. It might have even come in handy just after the storm! The mobile router allows you to create a WiFi hotspot area using an aircard for multiple user anywhere your broadband service is available! This allows you to share your connection with others throughout your home or office! There are even compact, pocket sized ones!

Did You Know We Still Have Intermittent Service?

Did you know we still have intermittent service?

Our internet service is still coming and going, mostly going. I was finally able to talk to someone today. Things are still in repair from the recent hurricane. There are so many lines that are having to be replaced with brand new ones. We do understand it and have tried to be patient. It is just that we don't get very reliable service from Comcast anyway. And when I need to do work online, and my kids have homework to do using the internet, it gets rather frustrating. I understand that we are not the only people in this situation and that there are many folks who are much worse off than we are. But there was a certain commercial that caught my attention tonight. Verizon claims that they have all lines in working order and have since the hurricane passed. I am going to have to check out their website!

Did You Know About Trivial Pursuit, The TV Show?

Did you know about Trivial Pursuit, the TV show?

I'd not seen it before and I only saw a few minutes of it today. My sister and I used to spend lots of time playing Trivial Pursuit (as well as other games) so I just had to watch it. I also thought it would give me some ideas of items to post on here. Nothing great came on in the few minutes that I watched (some that I thought were just too easy!) and even one or two that I have already included in this blog! It is a bit boring on TV, but I might watch it again. After all, this blog is pretty much a pursuit in trivia!

Did You Know About Barge Boards?

Did you know about barge boards?

My husband has always like watching "This Old House" on television. I have sometimes watch it with him. I especially like the history side of it. Today's episode was set in New Orleans a few months (maybe a year) after Katrina. They were helping to rebuild a home located just off the Mississippi River. I learned that many years ago, families would build barges, float down to New Orleans and then disassemble the barge and use the boards to build a house! The particular house featured today had barge boards just off the kitchen area. The current owner wanted a "pass through" installed, meaning they would have to cut a large window out of the barge-board wall. I loved how they reused these boards. They made a dining room table out of the boards that were cut out from the wall! The flooring in this house was also recycled wood. The work done on this house was gorgeous. Another fascinating piece of history this owner had displayed in her home was a 16 page letter her grandmother had written to a sister describing her experience following Hurricane Betsy.

Did You Know I am Happy When I Get in a Good Work Out?

Did you know I am happy when I get in a good work out?

I was happy to be able to get in some good exercise today. It's been rather hard over the last two weeks to get in a good work out, unless you stacking limbs, raking and sweeping and moving furniture-which on several days I did count! I think I'd rather find a way to get in good work outs than have to stay on a strict diet with stringent eating plans every single day or even prescription weight loss pills. I know eating right is important, but I like the working out better!

Did You Know One Of The Most Sold Out Items After the Storm?

Did you know one of the most sold out items after the storm?

If you guess generators or gasoline, that would be a great guess. But those items are coming back in stock. I went today to find a particular item. A common, everyday item. My husband had told me that the news mentioned that the stores were sold out of this. I kind of laughed him off. Until I went to one grocery store and could not find it...because they were sold out. I did find some at another grocery store, but there were lots of them sold.

If you guessed that this item is baking soda, you are right! I guess when two million people all clean out their fridges at once and then get to re-stocking, there isn't enough baking soda to go around!

Did You Know Some Companies are Waiving Fees Because of the Hurricane?

Did you know some companies are waiving fees because of the hurricane?

I have gotten several emails about companies in the area who are waiving some of the monthly fees and some overdue fees due to the damage caused by hurricane Ike. I think this is a really nice gesture and will help lots of folks out. I talked to a lady today who was telling me about some people who are staying in tents because of the damage to homes. It's good to know that companies can be reasonable in times of emergencies and unforeseen circumstances. I would hate for anybody to be turned over to debt collection agencies at this time.

Did You Know How We Are Getting Back to Normal One Week After Ike?

Did you know how we are getting back to normal one week after Ike?

A friend of ours was attending college in Galveston. They have been transferred out and are getting set up on another campus this week. He emailed me today and asked if things are getting back to normal. Well, somewhat. Many traffic lights are still out, not everyone has electricity and phones and internet are still unreliable. School won't start back for another week.

It has been a bit "weird" going to the grocery stores. This is such a common event that when you don't have any around you open, it seems weird. And then when they do open, seeing all the cold and frozen cases completely empty seems a bit strange. Many of the stores have done a great job of getting supplies in. Now most common items are available; bread, ice, some milk, some meat and even some "local" ice cream. But it is a weird sight to see such empty shelves and freezers throughout the store.

Did You Know About Working Out of the Office in an Emergency?

Did you know about working out of the office in an emergency?

Even though power was out most of last week, my mom still had to make sure to somehow get her work done. She was able to find a few places with electricity and used her laptop to work from those places. It helps to have information stored on flash drives and micro sd cards in cases like this. Working out of the office is not always fun and being able to have your information in hand helps out.

Did You Know Marshall's is giving a discount?

Did you know Marshall's is giving a discount?

I took my son to Marshall's today. I'd told him before the storm I'd buy him some jeans. And this morning, his church pants were too small too. So we went this afternoon. There is a sign on the door, and the checkout clerk told us, that Marshall's will be giving a 10% discount through Sept. 27 to help out a little after the hurricane. It is a nice gesture and I think a lot of people will appreciate it.

Did You Know About the Slingbox?

Did you know about the Slingbox?

I'd not heard of this before, but it may have come in handy for folks who evacuated during Hurricane Ike. The Slingbox is a device that allows you to watch your home television from your laptop or mobile phone. This could have been really useful to people who traveled to places like Austin, Dallas and San Antonio to flee the storm. Keeping up with information in your own area during such a time is vital.

Did You Know to Take Photos before Storm Damage Clean Up?

Did you know to take photos before storm damage clean up?

I did not, or at least did not think about it. We did not have damage (thankfully, as we have neither flood insurance nor hail & windstorm!) Many of our neighbors remembered to take photos of the damage they had. We all pitched in to clean up an elderly ladies' yard. I did not think to take photos of her yard. There seemed to be no damage, but I just hope that her insurance did not need any photos!

Did You Know About the Damage Done by Ike?

Did you know about the damage done by Ike?

As we sat without electricity for a few days, I wondered what was going on in the "outside" world. And I wondered how our neighboring cities had fared. Once we were able to turn on the TV and use the internet, we saw some images of how much damage had been done, especially to places like Galveston, Kemah, Seabrook and the smaller towns of San Leon and Bacliff. Although I was anxious to see the pictures, these are certainly not the images I would want scrolling in a digital frame

Did You Know What I Will Do Differently for the Next Hurricane?

Did you know what I will do differently for the next hurricane?

No, not leave (necessarily-I am glad we stayed this time.) There is a list of things I want to remind myself to get before the next storm, so I thought I'd jot myself a little note here.

Be sure to stock up (more) on certain items before hand:

1. disposable plates and plastic ware

2. trash bags

3. gloves

4. even more water

5. cell phone car charger

6. board up every window and back door

We have not decided if a generator is really worth the investment. We do not have one. You still cannot run the AC, but can run a fan. It is expensive, loud and costly (gasoline-which is not always available.) We have a gas stove and had water so we were actually ok even with the electricity off. Of course, the weather cooled down so that helped.

I did like being here to begin clean up immediately after. It was scary listening to the wind. I do like how all the neighbors helped each other out.

I am glad we stayed this time and think I would do it again...

Did You Know About Our Modern Day Barn Raising?

Did you know about our modern day barn raising?

We will likely be visited by hurricane Ike within the 24-30 hours. Many people are choosing to stay and "hunker down" through this one. Nearly all of our neighbors have decided to stay. My husband and another neighbor worked putting up boards over the windows today.




Then a few other neighbors decided to as well. One lady’s husband had to work a full day today, so all the guys pitched in and helped her as well as finished up a couple of other family’s homes as well.






It was just like an old fashioned barn-raising! But instead of us women frying up some chickens, we actually found a pizza delivery place open so we all pitched in and ordered about ten pizzas, added some fruit and brownies and had a regular hurricane party!

Everyone was so pleased by the camaraderie and the pulling together to help each other out. One man said he’d never seen a neighborhood pull together like that. My son said he hopes to live in a neighborhood like this when he gets to that age. It was really great to see everyone working together (although there were a couple of moments when it seemed as if there were "too many cooks in the kitchen"!)




I am sure that the feeling of community and counting on each other and helping each other along is what those old fashioned barn-raisings were all about!

Did You Know That Today is the Historical Peak of Hurricane Season?

Did you know that today is the historical peak of hurricane season?

I heard that on the news this morning. I was surprised. Hurricane season lasts from June to November. I guess when I think back over the last several years, September has been a busy time for hurricanes. And we are under a hurricane watch as I type. Ike is likely headed pretty near us. We will determine whether to board up and run or stay tomorrow or Friday.

Did You Know About PayPerPost's Newest Move?

Did you know about PayPerPost's newest move?

PayPerPost has been paying bloggers to blog. I have enjoyed a stint with them, but got word today that three of my four blogs listed with them are no longer eligible for ads (this one, places to go and family night.) I know that many folks will be glad to hear that! PPP is doing some upgrades to the way they work with their advertisers. They say they will spend the next thirty days manually inspecting each blog and informing bloggers whether they will be allowed to continue working within their system.

Did You Know What a Quadrille Notebook Is?

Did you know what a quadrille notebook is?

I had never heard of this, but my son needed one for chemistry. Since I never took chemistry, I had no idea what we were looking for. We were told it was like a composition book, so that is what I originally sent. But what was meant is that the quad book is bound like a composition book, but inside the pages are all graph paper. This is to do formulas and labs on. I was confused though, since there are actually 5 squares per inch it is not really a "quad" book. We did find a proper "quad" book, but it's pages are perforated and therefore not appropriate for this class. We were able to find both notebooks at Office Depot.

Did You Know Angelina Jolie is Jon Voight's Daughter?

Did you know Angelina Jolie is Jon Voight's daughter?

Well, I know I am not with the times, but I did not know this until today. Neither did my husband. For some reason, when he came home today, we saw this "entertainment news" and learned that Jon Voight is Angelina's dad.

Did You Know About Smart Credit Choices New Credit Card Blog?

Did you know about Smart Credit Choices new credit card blog?

There seems to be a blog for anything and everything. And now there is a place for you to go to find the best credit card to fit your needs. Learn about 0% APR credit cards, balance transfers, cash advance credit cards, rewards cards and student credit cards. Read about finance charges, transaction fees, and interest rates.

Did You Know About Ichibon?

Did you know about Ichibon?

My husband had a birthday this weekend. No, I am not allowed to tell how old he is, but he is older than me! :) We had a really fun evening out with his mom. We tried a hibachi restaurant in the area. We had not been there before and the kids had never seen anything like it. We had a great time! We were concerned at first when our "Japanese" chef was named Jesus, but he did a great job and kept it fun for us. We all liked the onion volcano and the rice catching. The food was really good! My daughter got shrimp, my son and I had shrimp and steak. My husband and his mom got shrimp, chicken and filet mignon. We all got fried rice and veggies. YUMMY!

Did You Know How to Get Rid of Acne?

Did you know how to get rid of acne ?

There are many myths out there about how to get rid of acne. Have you tried giving up coffee, greasy foods and chocolate? Have you tried yoga? Have you heard that sexual intercourse causes acne?? Well, if you are tired of myths and old wives' tales as acne treatments and remedies, you can find product reviews to help you find the best acne treatments.

Did You Know Rivers Flow in Different Directions?

Did you know rivers flow in different directions?

My daughter has a question to answer about the directional flow of rivers. She has been doing some research online to help answer this question. She won't tell me about the rivers in Texas just yet, I have to wait til Friday. But I heard her reading about how rivers on different sides of the Continental Divide flow in different directions. I had known this, but hadn't thought much about it. She also knows that the Rio Grande does not empty where she thought it would. Again, I am waiting til Friday for her to share her new knowledge with me! (Kids just love it when they know something you don't know!!) :)

Did You Know How To Set Up Your Site To Accept Credit Cards?

Did you know how to set up your site to accept credit cards?


For many people, setting up an e-business is a dream. And for internet shopping consumers like me, being able to make a purchase securely online is important. That is where service merchant accounts and payment providers can help. Using Merchant Focus and authorize.net you can set up a secure, easy and economical way to accept all major credit cards. That will make your online business even more consumer friendly!

Did You Know About Biodegradable Bags?

Did you know about biodegradable bags?

Some time ago, Montucky had mentioned his surprise that we don't have biodegradable bags yet. I just read an article that states these type bags have actually been around for nearly ten years! I wonder why we have not seen more of them? There has apparently been some controversy over these bags. It was stated that biodegradable bags and plastic bags take nearly the same amount of energy and resources to produce. If these bags get mixed together, sorting them can be a nightmare and will also cause many batches of plastic bags to be discarded rather than recycled. Also, for kinesthetic learners like us, many of these bags may be tossed out to test their ability to decompose (yes, we tried it with a biodegradable plate!) People may just toss the bags out thinking it will break down, but it takes about 18 months for one to decompose. More seriously is the impact that these bags can actually have on the environment. Compost can become leached with chemicals mixed with the biodegradable bags. Oxygen depletion can also result which in turn causes algae blooms and death of marine life. I find this to be interesting and hope that some of these issues can be resolved, as I like the idea of biodegradable items.

Did You Know About webhostingrating.com

Did you know about webhostingrating.com?

My sister has been thinking about doing some things with her own website for some time now. Since I just decided to purchase two of my own domains this summer, we have been talking more about website hosting. The funny thing about it is that she knows much more about it than I did and still does. She has some good ideas and knows how to go about implementing them once she decides on a website host. Using a site like webhostingrating will help her to make a better, more informed decision. She can learn about the Top Ten Web Host Providers and the Top Providers of 2008. She can get the info she needs about cheap hosting and tips for choosing a domain.

Did You Know How To Make Columns on a Word Document?

Did you know how to make columns on a Word document?

Yes, I know I am slow to learn things sometimes! I just learned today how to make a double, triple, or quadruple column Word document. And it's so easy! On the tool bar there is an icon, fourth to the left of the "zoom" box. It allows you to choose from 1-4 columns for your document. Simply click the one you want!

Did You Know My Parents Took a Holiday?

Did you know about my parents took a holiday?

My parents just got back from a mini-vacation. I am so glad they had a chance to go. They don't get to do that often enough. I was able to see some photos of the place they stayed. I asked if it was a resort, a condo, or a hotel. It actually ended up being a sort of "condo hotel"! They really had a great time! They even took a float trip down a local "lazy river"! A great time for both of them.

Did You Know How To Save Money on Lunches?

Did you know how to save money on lunches?

I was reading an article today about saving money by packing lunches using reusable containers as opposed to one time use throw away convenience packaging. I admit that I am guilty of this, especially with my teenager. It is hard for him to carry a "lunch box" filled with reusable containers; he has so much already to carry every day. He is good about reusing his brown bags though!

I have seen some really cool reusable lunch boxes that I think younger kids would really like. Although they seem expensive when you first buy them, you can think of the money you will save in the long run. Over the course of a year, you can save nearly $250 per child by not packing "disposable" lunches. For example, buy large containers of yogurt and applesauce and pack in reusable containers. Use thermoses, reusable bags and napkins. Waste generated by disposable lunches is second only to office paper waste generated by schools.

For more ideas you can read the article here .

Did You Know About Cleaning Up After a Storm?

Did you know about cleaning up after a storm?

Living on the Gulf coast means learning to live with hurricanes and tropical storms. They are not fun and often times it is a guessing game whether one is headed your way or not. But when storms come, and they will, there is often lots of cleaning up to do. Whether you live in South Texas or Mississippi or Florida, you know that after a storm, there will be lots to do to return to your former way of life. From moving limbs in Texas to landscaping in fort lauderdale , there is a lot to clean up after a storm. After this latest storm, Fay, makes her way out, there may be lots of folks looking for fort lauderdale landscaping, roof repair or flood insurance.

Did you know about Amazon's "4 for 3" Promo?

Did you know about Amazon's "4 for 3" Promo?

I didn't know about this til I was making an order today. Any time there is a new baby born, I like to give My Little Bible as a gift. It is one of the favorite things my baby received and now I love to give it as well. So in order to replenish my "stock" that I keep on hand I ordered five of these bibles. That is when I learned that Amazon is running a "4 for 3" deal. If you order four of the same thing, it's like getting one free! So instead of ordering five, I ordered eight and got two free! Plus I got free shipping, so I did pretty good today!

Did You Know Bible Power Hour Ended Today?

Did you know Bible Power Hour ended today?

Each summer for the last three years we have been running a summer bible reading club, based on the pattern of many public libraries' summer reading clubs. This summer along with our reading club, we met each week for a Bible Power Hour . This was a mini Bible hour or vacation bible school. We met for one hour. There were Bible songs, a Bible story, puppets, a craft and a snack. The kids were also able to pick up their prizes for the reading they had done through the week. Today was our last day and we look forward to next summer!

Did You Know I Rode Through a Cloud This Morning?

Did you know I rode through a cloud this morning?

This morning as I rode my bike home from the gym, the fog was a little thick. Not dangerous, but I guess I've not ridden in fog before. I was surprised when I blinked my eyes to feel moisture against my face. I looked down and there were water drops along my arms and on my dri fit shorts. About fifteen minutes later, the sun had burned the fog away and the water droplets disappeared with it.

Did You Know I Got a New Bike?

Did you know I got a new bike?

My old bike was about 13 years old. I have had continuous problems with the gears. And every time I ride it, I got grease from the chain on my legs and clothes. And it was heavy and slow.

We went to the bike shop on Friday. I looked at road bikes, but they start at about $1000, too much for me! When the guy looked at my old bike, he showed me a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. Kind of like a road bike with straight handle bars.

I love it! It's shiny and red. It was half the price. He let me take it for a test ride! I came home with this:



It's much lighter and faster than my old bike. I had smaller tires put on it for an even faster ride. I did buy CO2 and an inflate kit, just in case !

Did You Know It's Time for Back to School Shopping?

Did you know it's time for back to school shopping?

School starts here in two weeks. I am in no way ready! My mom gave the kids some money so they could go buy whatever they want. They were thrilled! I took them clothes shopping. This is the first time I have taken my daughter to the "juniors" section. We still had a hard time finding pants and/or jeans for her. She did find one pair of pants in a size 1 that she loved. I have never, ever worn a size 1! Not even if I took a diet pill!! When I was her age I weighed as much as I did when I graduated high school!

Did You Know Today is an Auspicious Day?

Did you know today is an auspicious day?

I was hearing about today's lucky day (08/08/08)on the news this morning. Many of the things they were saying clicked my brain!

The number eight is a lucky number for the Chinese because the way you say "eight" in Chinese sounds like the way you say "prosperity" so the number has come to be lucky for them. I have eaten in restaurants called 888 in both Singapore and here in Texas. Now I know why that is such a good name for their establishments!

So today seemed the perfect day to begin the Olympics in Beijing. I know many athletes will be hoping that this auspicious date will bring luck to them!

Let the games begin!

Did You Know I Love to Watch the Olympics?

Did you know I love to watch the Olympics?

Starting today, I will be transported to Beijing and the Olympic games. We always like to tune in to see what the athletes have accomplished. I am sure this year will be no different. I love seeing the different events and the performance of these athletes. I bet some folks are even going out to get new plasma TVs and even a TV wall mount just for the momentous occasion! If I can't be there in person, I at least want to see all the action on TV.