March 30, 2007

TT #5

Thirteen Things that drive me nuts!!

1. People in the grocery store (with a full cart) that wont let you go ahead of them and you only have 2 items.

2. People that cut you off and then drive slower than you.

3. Someone that can't count back proper change without a cash register.

4. A battle of the wits with an unarmed partner.

5. Children/People that forget how to put a new roll of toilet paper in the dispenser.

6. Stupidity

7. People that don't know when to shut up.

8. People that talk on cell phones while driving.

9. People that constantly talk during a movie when they know your trying to watch it.

10. Hormonal Teenagers

11. Skinny people that say they're fat.

12. Busy signals and voice mail.

13. Calling to talk to my bank and having to push 20 prompts to get the info I need or talk to a Representative.


Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!


Welcome to Lake Havasu Spring Break...


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting



Have a wonderful weekend everyone!! Im off to Lake Havasu, Arizona for a few days. Im going to visit my sister and enjoy the 95 degree weather. Im hoping to get rid of the ghostly white glow on my legs:) For those of you who have never been there, you should really visit some day. It gets pretty hot in the summer. Last year I believe the highest temp was 128, so dont go in July or August but this time of year is great. Its tons of fun. Hope to see you there sometime!!

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting



My boys having fun at Lake Havasu..

Wordless Wednesday


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


March 28, 2007

Thursday Thirteen #4


13 things I am thankful for:

1. I have 2 beautiful children that are healthy.
2. My oldest son is stationed (Navy) in Spain and not Iraq.
3. Great sex
4. My family
5. My job, even though it isn't the easiest thing to deal with sometimes.
6. Men that can cook.
7. My friends, who are always there when I need them.
8. Mexican food, especially tacos and chili rellenos.
9. Xanax
10. Movies that make me laugh.
11. Hot coffee first thing in the morning.
12. Music that makes me dance.
13. The ocean breeze on a warm summer's day.
Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!


Wordless Wednesday

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

March 27, 2007

Supportkids Update

Well, its been a while since I've given everyone an update on the company (Supportkids) that has been ripping me off for the past 5 years so I thought Id let you know how its going. According to a former post, they heard what I said and are trying to improve the system. HOWEVER, I received 2 checks on time and now my checks are running late again. Id like to know what they do with the thousands of dollars they have collected from me over the past 5 years? The 34% of my child support should go into the development of a direct deposit system. This is 2007 and all the companies I know do it, including my employer. Supportkids would like you to believe this is a system that has yet to be invented...HELLO!!!....I think they like to sit on the money to collect the interest before sending it out. If the DA's office sent them a payment on 3/12, why don't I have it yet? This is ridiculous and I want all of you single parents out there, in search of hiring a third party to collect your money, to think again before hiring SupportKids. They are crooks and their customer service sucks!!!


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


March 26, 2007

The alternative to sticking your foot in your mouth:)


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


Too funny.....


IF MY BODY WERE A CAR...
If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model.
I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish and my paint job is getting a little dull, but that's not the worst of it. My headlights are out of focus and it's especially hard to see things up close.
My traction is not as graceful as it once was.
I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather. My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins. It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently. But here's the worst of it -- Almost every time I sneeze, cough or sputter.....either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires!

A poem for the girls......

I shave my legs,
I sit down to pee.
And I can justify any shopping spree.
Don't go to a barber, but a beauty salon.
I can get a massage without getting a hard-on.
I can balance the checkbook,
I can pump my own gas.
Can talk to my friends about the size of my a$$.
My beauty's a masterpiece and yes, it takes long.
At least I can admit to others when I'm wrong.
I don't drive in circles, at any cost.
And I don't have a problem admitting I'm lost.
I never forget an important date.
You just gotta deal with it, I'm usually late.
I don't watch movies with lots of gore.
Don't need instant replay to remember the score.
I won't lose my hair, I won't get jock itch.
And just cause I'm assertive, don't call me a bitch!
Don't say to your friends, Oh yeah, I can get her.
In your dreams, my dear, cause I can do better!
Flowers are okay,
But jewelry's best.
Look at me you idiot...
Not at my chest !!!
I don't have a problem,
With expressing my feelings.
I know when you're lying,
You look at the ceiling.
DON'T call me a GIRL ,
a BABE or a CHICK .
I am a WOMAN.
Get it? you DICK!?!




March 22, 2007

Thursday Thirteen #3

The 13 Most Dangerous Places To Live In the U.S.

1. Nevada
2. New Mexicao
3. Arizona
4. Maryland
5. Tennessee
6. South Carolina
7. Alaska
8. Florida
9. California
10. Louisiana
11. Michigan
12. Texas
13. Arkansas

Morgan Quitno’s annual rankings of crime in states, metro areas and cities are considered by some in the law enforcement community as controversial. The FBI and many criminologists caution against rankings according to crime rates. They correctly point out that crime levels are affected by many different factors, such as population density, composition of the population (particularly the concentration of youth), climate, economic conditions, strength of local law enforcement agencies, citizen’s attitudes toward crime, cultural factors, education levels, crime reporting practices of citizens and family cohesiveness.


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

March 20, 2007

Education Statistics

According to the laws of the land, People are required to attend school until the age of 16-18, depending on the state. Many more states now require people to attend school until the age of 18. Some states have exemptions for those 14-18. Students may attend public, private, or home schools. In most public and private schools, education is divided into three levels: elementary school, junior high school, and senior high school. Grade levels in each vary from area to area. The United Nations assigned an Education Index of 99.9 to the United States, ranking it number 1 in the world, a position it shares with about 20 other nations. 76.6 million students were enrolled in the study. Of these, 72 percent aged 12 to 17 were judged academically "on track" for their age (enrolled in school at or above grade level). Of those enrolled in compulsory education, 5.2 million (10.4 percent) were attending private schools. Among the country's adult population, over 85 percent have completed high school and 27 percent have received a bachelor's degree or higher. The average salary for college graduates is $45,400, exceeding the national average by more than $10,000, according to a 2002 study by the U.S. Census Bureau. I'm sure its a bit higher now due to the cost of living but maybe not. That depends on the company you work for.
The country has a reading literacy rate at 98% of the population over age 15, while ranking below average in science and mathematics understanding. The poor performance has pushed public and private efforts such as the No Child Left Behind Act. In addition, the ratio of college-educated adults entering the workforce to general population (33%) is slightly below other developed countries (35%) and rate of participation of the labor force in continuing education is high. I can't believe in today's society that kids would chose to drop out of school, given the statistics, but they do. The Baby Boomer generation was able to get by without a college degree, and still make decent wages. Those days are long gone. Bottom line, push your kids to stay in school and be the best they can be. The military is another option but not for everyone.

March 15, 2007

Thursday Thirteen #2

Here are 13 things about myself:

1. I have 2 boys, ages 18 & 15- the oldest is in the Navy stationed in Spain.
2. I'm in love with a wonderful man, Michael, that makes me very happy and cooks for me all the time.
3. I want to travel to Hawaii and Italy someday.
4. I'm afraid of heights.
5. I'm claustrophobic.
6. I love to dance.
7. My eyes are almost the same color as my birthstone-topaz
8. I'm a Scorpio.
9. I wish I had the body of a model only WITH boobs.
10. My favorite food is Mexican.
11. I love to be around people that make me laugh.
12. I graduated from Redlands High School in 1984.
13. I love rock-n-roll music and I dont like Jazz.


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

March 13, 2007

Computer Dating....friend or foe.

Being a single parent is hard enough, add dating to the mix, and it can make your life pretty stressful. I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be that way. Give yourself enough time to heal from a failed marriage and/or relationship and then its time to get back out there. I know a lot of people are wary of online dating but it’s the only way to go. There are a lot of great sites you can explore (Match.com, Eharmony, Date.com, Personals.yahoo.com, Plentyoffish.com, Myspace.com, Tagworld.com). Most of the sites cost money, some don’t. The thing I like about computer dating is that you can get to know the person before you go out with them. Back in the day, you’d go out with friends and hope to hook up with someone decent in your local bar or dance place. 9 times out of 10, it didn’t happen. You either wind up with a one-night stand or a relationship heading for nowhere with a person you wished you hadn’t given your number to. On dating websites, you ask the questions. You put on there what you want and you don’t bother with the ones you don’t. Talk on the phone, exchange e-mails and photos and then set up the first date. After a view exchanges, you can tell if that person is someone you are interested in. A couple suggestions:

1. Give them your cell number, not your home number. Anyone can do a reverse look up and get your home address.
2. Meet in a public location.
3. Call this person at different times of the day. If they are only available during the day or they only e-mail you from work, that may be a warning sign that the person is married or in a relationship.
4. Wait a while before disclosing where you live. There is no hurry, get to know them first.
5. Ask alot of personal questions. Likes and dislikes. Do you have anything in common?? If not, move on. No need to waste your time on someone you dont click with.
6. How do they feel about kids? Do they want them or have them? Do they like them? This is very important. You need to let them know you are a devoted parent first a foremost. If there is going to be a jealousy issue because you have kids, that person isnt the one for you. (voice of experience). Your kids come first, remember that.

It’s my suggestion that when kids are involved, don’t introduce them to the person your dating right away. You have to make sure this person is a potential permanent fixture before you take that step. Keep your parental life and single life separate. It gets way too confusing for kids when there are a lot of people in and out of their life, especially if they are little. Wait 3 to 6 month’s, if everything is going great, then introduce them into your children’s life. Good luck and never give up. The perfect person is out there. I know, I found the right man for me on-line. You can too!!

March 8, 2007

Thursday's 13


Thirteen Things That Teen-Agers Lie About


1. Drugs - Stupid is as stupid does.
2. Sex - Those stains on your sheet were caused from what?? Ya right!!
3. Smoking - Parents can smell no matter what you think.
4. Parties - Ya, Mom, we're going to the movies. Hello, I was young once...I know the drill!!
5. Alcohol consumption - It doesnt matter how much gum you chew, we know!
6. Trouble at school - I usually dont find out until the day before I need to talk to someone.
7. Broken anything - From household appliances (dont put tin foil in the microwave) to broken screens from sneaking out too much.
8. Tall Tales - He hit me first, really....
9. Heartache - Whether its their own or something they have inflicted on someone else. Mom is on a need to know basis, even if there is tears involved.
10.Anger - Thats what slamming doors and blue hair is for.
11. Confusion - Teenagers think they know everything, even when they dont.
12. Need for Parental guidance - See line above.
13. Curfew - No really Mom, I was home on time. You just looked at the clock wrong.


Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)
Michael at The Cabinet


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



March 6, 2007

How do you know if your Teen is on drugs?

I went thru a period with my oldest son for about 2 years that slapped me in the face, bringing me to a reality I wasn't ready for. This was a child that got straight A's in school, never talked back, and did what he was told. Then, out of the blue, my son changed. I had no idea that I was about to begin a roller coaster ride that would take me thru depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, endless worrying, and the worst heartache I would ever experience in my life. We both survived (barely) but here are some signs that your teen may be in trouble:

Problems with friends. Normal teens focus on their friends. In fact, their peer group often becomes more important than their family. When a teenager is a loner, it may be a sign that something is seriously amiss.
Difficulty with school. Refusing to go to school is an unmistakable sign that something is wrong. The same goes for a marked change in school performance.
Behavior that doesn't fit in. If your child is considered "weird" or "odd" by peers, it should be cause for concern. Not only is it painful for an adolescent to be an outsider, but it could signal a serious mental disorder.
Trouble with alcohol or drugs. For many teens, experimentation with alcohol and drugs is part of growing up. But if this experience is accompanied by a drop in grades or becomes a regular occurrence, it's time to seek help.
Depression and anxiety. Children who are consistently sad, anxious, moody or negative may be experiencing the symptoms of an emotional problem. "A preoccupation with death should always be taken very seriously by parents," says Steinhoff. "Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents."
Destructive behavior. When a child hurts himself or others, it's a red flag he or she needs help. "This includes violent temper tantrums, fighting, threats, hurting animals, vandalism, setting fires and being fascinated with weapons," says Steinhoff. If your child has a run-in with the law, it's a clear call for help.

Other Warning Signs:

• Preoccupation with obesity even if body weight is normal or below normal
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Inability to cope
• Many complaints about physical ailments
• Dramatic mood swings

Whatever you do, don't give up and don't back down. I found myself dealing more with issues pertaining to his friends and lack of discipline from their parents, than with anything else. Parents are afraid of their children and I think that's wrong. We brought these kids into this world, when did we lose control?? Kids need guidance, discipline, truth, patience, but most of all, they NEED parents not a best friend. I am a single Mom that took on a 16 year old and lived to talk about it. Now, he is in the military serving our country. He calls me on a regular basis from Spain just to tell me he loves me and talk about life. He has thanked me for not giving up on him and apologized for everything he put me thru. You can accomplish anything, just be unrelenting and always let the child know who is in charge. That's the bottom line!!

March 2, 2007

Child Support Guidelines

I was browsing through some information on child support and came across this article/website. I thought it may be helpful:

SupportGuidelines.com is the comprehensive resource for the interpretation and application of child support guidelines in the United States. It is designed to be an aid primarily for attorneys who wish to research the law of child support in general and child support guidelines in particular. Because the law of child support depends heavily on the construction of child support guidelines, this site provides access to the actual text of the child support guidelines for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. This is the only site that provides access to all on-line child support guidelines. Links to other legal research resources are also provided. In addition, available on-line child support calculators are linked, as well as resources for laypersons.

Happy Hunting!! Oh, and BTW, Dont hire Supportkids.