Feeling free-"er"

...a friend made a comment about feeling much freer since moving away from the states and I must say that thought has crossed my mind quite a lot lately. Not only do I feel MORE free but also way less stressed.

I don't have cable tv so I'm not bombarded by news 24/7 nor do I watch much news for that matter, and if I do it tends to be either ABC or SBS, which seem to be less influenced by politics or wanton bids for ratings. I think it might be the ratings thing that happens in the USA that makes all those news channels go on and on and on forever ad infinitum about every trivial little thing they can use to grab more ratings and more headlines. I think this is one of the biggest reasons for people feeling so scared and stressed. They're constantly bombarded by not only what IS happening but what is GOING to happen or what MIGHT happen. Scare tactics seem to be the driving force behind keeping Americans under control.

One person made a comment on FB about France. Hunh. Well, here are my thoughts on France. Of course, don't take my words for fact but simply my theory based on what I've observed in the news (French news, btw). France's gov't seems to be slightly afraid of its people. Demonstrations, riots in the streets, strikes...hell, Frenchmen and women seem to strike at the drop of a hat. They also tend to get what they ask for, too. What government wouldn't give in to its people if the whole country threatened to shut down? I can only imagine (this makes me chuckle slightly) what would happen in the states if half the country (why not ALL of it, for that matter) just stayed home on Monday. What if they also stayed home the rest of the week too? Well, I can tell you that no one would lose their jobs, for sure.

Losing a job. How well I remember the days of being scared of opening my mouth at work for fear of not having a job the next day. Few workers have any rights at all in the US. Why is that? How did it get that way and why do Americans put up with it? What about demonstrations? Well, few Americans get off their bums to vote, why should they bother to demonstrate? What would happen if they DID, though? I'll bet fewer problems than most would think...especially if the entire country got together and started demanding what they see as their rights.

The way I see it, Americans truly have very few rights, privileges, and freedoms. They only think they do. If they DID have them, why are they afraid to use it to their advantage? Why not demand not only Universal Health Care, but also better work conditions, better education, better wages. Many would say it's laziness, I think it is fear.

I'm certainly not advocating large scale anarchy or even demonstrations on a large scale...I'm only suggesting what might happen if people actually started demanding better treatment.

More to think on and perhaps add to later.

Surprisingly, I have never really considered myself to be one for speaking out...unless an injustice has been done to someone. What better time than now? Especially when the greatest injustice of all is being perpetrated against the people of my own country. Perhaps leaving it has made me see how much better things really CAN be.

Loss of Freedoms?

Just last night I was on Facebook and happened upon a poll about whether or not Americans believed that Universal Health Care should be adopted in the USA.

I was just floored at the amount of responses voting "No". I mean, WHY wouldn't someone want their health care provided out of their own tax dollars that they are already paying? One of the reasons I came across is (that for some strange reason) Americans seem to be very afraid of socialism and many wrote that giving the US government the right to set up a UHC system is tantamount to "starting a slide down the slippery slope to socialism" OR they are afraid of losing their "freedoms".

What is it about socialism that is so very bad? According to Wikipedia, socialism is defined as: Socialism refers to any one of various theories of economic organization advocating governmental or whole community ownership, and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, and a society characterized by equal access to resources for all individuals with a more egalitarian method of compensation.

To wit:

In 1989, at Stockholm, the 18th Congress of the Socialist International adopted a Declaration of Principles, saying that

Democratic socialism is an international movement for freedom, social justice, and solidarity. Its goal is to achieve a peaceful world where these basic values can be enhanced and where each individual can live a meaningful life with the full development of his or her personality and talents, and with the guarantee of human and civil rights in a democratic framework of society.^[40]

The objectives of the Party of European Socialists, the European Parliament's socialist bloc, are "to pursue international aims in respect of the principles on which the European Union is based, namely principles of freedom, equality, solidarity, democracy, respect of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and respect for the Rule of Law." Today, the rallying cry of the French Revolution – "Equality, Liberty, and Fraternity" – now constitute essential socialist values.^[41]

In 1995, the British Labour Party revised its political aims: "The Labour Party is a democratic socialist party. It believes that, by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone, so as to create, for each of us, the means to realise our true potential, and, for all of us, a community in which power, wealth, and opportunity are in the hands of the many, not the few."^[42] Cabinet minister Herbert Morrison said, "Socialism is what the Labour Government does."^[38]

Now, why would that be so bad? It achieves so much for so many, and considering that the vast majority of Americans are living at or below the poverty level, especially in light of all the recent lay offs, why would universal health care be terrible. Why would a small form of socialism be a bad thing?

One thing I'm quite convinced of is the loss of this ethereal idea that Americans (in general) have of "freedom" is very wrong. What freedoms do Americans have that citizens of other first world countries do not. Well, we're once again back to the battle cry of the French: "Equality, Liberty, and Fraternity". Or "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", if you will. Pretty much the same thing for the average Joe. Could it be the loss of gun ownership? Well, I can see problems with that one, considering how many people in America own guns...but is that what it is all about?

Or is it simply propaganda that is perpetuated by the American press? Again, back to the "ethereal ideal" business. Sure, I can see how most Americans have this idea in their heads about freedom and it is simply fear of losing something they feel is precious to them.

But see, Americans don't have to fear bands of roving, angry, hungry, and drugged children armed with guns shooting everything in sight because they've been told to and are afraid not to shoot. Americans don't have to worry about their homes being taken and given to government or party officials, or being forced to live in ghettos, nor even do they need to fear persecution for their religious beliefs.

So, what are they really afraid of?

I shake my head as I ponder this problem. Perhaps one day I might have an answer...perhaps it is just unanswerable.

Feeling blue

I just got finished reading a bit of another blog. It made me a little sad. It's a young woman living with her BF. Apparently the 'rents are pressuring them to get married.

All I can say is, "Don't do it!". Never EVER let anyone pressure you to do something so life changing. It is one of the easiest things to do and one of the hardest to UNdo.

In many ways I'll always regret getting married when I was 23. It wasn't so much my age, but I was pretty naive and immature. I just wasn't ready for it, but I did it because that is what a young woman in the south DOES, isn't it? Hrmph I say. I WASTED 12 years of my life because of that one single mistake.

Oh sure, I did love my ex...until he changed. When did he change you might ask. I knew within 24 hours (on our honeymoon) that I had made the biggest mistake of my life. He had me where he wanted me and as far as he, and many other people, was concerned I was stuck. For life. I was screwed.

Oh yeah, he actually told me that the reason he married me was because I was a fantastic cook, he wanted a maid (and live in cook), and someone he could get pussy off any time he wanted it. Yeah, those were his exact words. Charming.

Ok, I learned many things from being married. The biggest lesson I learned, though is to never, ever allow any adult (meaning parents or relatives or friends) to pressure you. Emotional Blackmail is probably the fastest way they can get you to go along with them. It isn't worth it. What if you are with the right person. But what if this just isn't the right time for either of you. You get married, you get unhappy, you get divorced OR you stay miserable for the rest of your life. Marriage should be for life. You must be certain. This is your life not theirs. They've no right to tell you what to do or try in any way to influence your decisions. They cannot live vicariously THROUGH you, either. Tell 'em to get a life and let you get on with living yours. Be free. Just be. Revel in being yourself with only yourself to answer to.

My situation is probably nothing like this woman's but the end result could be the same. Years of heartache. Oh, and once the parents figure out that their little weapon works like a charm, they'll use it anytime they want you to do something, say something, or act a certain way. Been there done that with rellies on BOTH sides, plus the ex, Mr. Not So Charming. The trifecta of guilt.

Ain't I lucky to have gotten out?

Irritated...

I am today (my Yoda impression for the day). Well, still irritated from yesterday in point of fact.

I was sent a picture. Of my ex-husband. It has me a little muddled, to say the least. I'm not sure why though. My feelings about it and my ex are varied right now.

I think that I'm mostly relieved. Relieved because I'm not still married to the jerk. On a much shallower level, I'm relieved because my ex looks closer to 60 than the 45 he is now. His hair is white. WHITE!!!! Yeah, ok. I'm no spring chicken, but most people consistently mistake me for being in my early to mid 20's. So sure that makes me feel good. I got CARDED the last time I went to the liquor store, so that's something.

So, what bothers me about this picture.... it contains my ex and his girlfriend and her two sons. Hrmmmm. See, he can't have children of his own. He refused to even consider adoption because he said he could not see himself raising "another man's" kids. Ok, fine. AI then? Nope. He wanted them to be HIS children. Well gee buddy, that ain't gonna happen with no live swimmers, now is it?

So, in this picture is a man who now looks old enough to be my father and his girlfriend (who is at least my size - which is to say a little on the not-so-skinny side). He said he'd never ever date another "large" woman again. Huh. All men seem to have this absurd notion about women they'd date or marry but reality bites them in the ass most days when it comes to not what they'd accept (they being men), but what woman will accept them.

I'm pretty thankful that I'm married to C~ and not my ex. C~ is wonderful. He's good to me AND good for me. My ex probably thinks I should be killed mercilessly and cut into a zillion pieces for gator bait. Then again, his opinion of me was never all that high to begin with.

Now I can add glad, thankfull, and happy that I'm not still in that place.

It's addictive....

http://www.freeworldgroup.com/games8/gameindex/entangled.htm

Beware!!!!!!

Massage Therapy School

Oh. My. God. I love it! I hate it! I cannot wait to be finished with it! Technically, I'll be finished in 2 days. But, I've only finished the Cert IV training. That allows me to work as a massage therapist and bill a few insurance companies, but not all of them. The vast majority require a Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy.

This is what Western Sydney University has to say about Remedial Therapy:

What is Remedial Massage?
When muscles become knotted and tense or damaged, remedial massage provides a healing
treatment that can be gentle or strong, deep or shallow. Remedial massage holistically treats
the body. The massage therapist endeavours to identify the original biomechanical
dysfunction, thus healing the cause of the disorder, as well as the symptoms.
Remedial massage uses several specialised techniques to locate and repair damage to
muscles, tendons and joints. Massage therapy supports and speeds up the body's own repair
mechanisms. A lubricating medium (usually oil) is applied directly on the skin. This ensures
that the muscles associated with the disorder are deeply penetrated. Passive joint stretching
moves are also used.

Here is what I'm "supposed" to be doing now that I have a Cert IV:

What is Relaxation Massage?
Relaxation or Swedish massage is a smooth flowing style that helps reduce:
• stress
• improve circulation and range of movement
• eases and tones muscles
• provides the deep relaxation that allows our minds and bodies to recharge and rejuvenate.


However, I also do Neuromuscular Techniques, rigger Point Therapy, Sports Massage, Range Of Motion, and PNF and MET Stretches.

So, yeah I can get in there and work on stuff that hurts but I'm not always able to completely get rid of all knots and so forth. Basically, I know enough to be dangerous. LOL!

Not that I don't give a good massage, I do. But there's a hell of a lot more to be learned and even after I finish Remedial, I'll still need to keep on learning. In 10 weeks I have learned the basics. In 10 more weeks I'll know more basics (basics of Remedial Therapy, that is).

So, for now I suffer from extreme fatigue from giving 18 massages in the last week and a half. I had a small idea how hard it was, but this is ridiculous. Now, I'm certain I'll never do more than 4 massages per day and most likely no more than 3 days most weeks. Some weeks I could probably do 4 days but not too many. I now need a massage worse than I've ever needed one.

Water, water, all around, and not a drop to drink...

Lazy Sundays at home

I'm having one today. Haven't had one of those in a long, long time. I tend to spend them catching up on all the missed housework, homework, and other stuff I haven't had time for during the week.

It's also raining. And cool. And, well, just one of those days you just want to snuggle up under the covers with a fire...except I don't have a fireplace, so I have to make do with a tv instead.

The picture to the left if what it's been looking like around here. It's been flooding....you don't say?

Hah! The storm drains in Brisbane just can't keep up with all the rain we've been having. Now, it doesn't really rain here like it rains during Summer storms in Louisiana or Texas but since the drains aren't equipped to handle it, then we get flooding that looks as bad, if not worse than, flooding I've seen elsewhere.

It's rained so much (200 mm of rain in just 3 days this week = 7.8 inches) that you get the flooding seen above. The power's gone out all over the place, though thankfully not mine, and people are freaking out! Schools have closed and businesses too! Though not my school lol.

Anyway, thought I'd give you a pic of what it's been looking like around here. Oh yeah, and we've had a few landslides as well...too cool to look at.

I am so annoyed...

...Have you ever have one of those conversations with someone in your family? I had one with my dad last week. He actually blamed me for my sister not answering her phone when I call her.

Yes, Yes, Yes. I did have a few choice words to say to her about what she should tell her husband. She cheated on him. After he left her. He left because he thought she was cheating, she wasn't, she wanted to. Then he left.

I told her she should tell him when, though I didn't know if it would make any difference. She says she wants her marriage to work but then she went out and committed the most foolish of errors. Her husband deserved to know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Anyway, dad skewered me and said that I abandoned my family by moving to Australia. It was my choice, yes indeed it was, but I certainly did NOT move here to abandon my family. I moved here to marry my Aussie hubby. This is where he lives and so now I do too. I don't consider that abandonment at all.

So, back to dad. He told me that the reason no one calls me, answers my calls (somewhat bs since my mother and sister (E~) call me on occasion...I do happen to be the one that calls most often. 1) I call E~ because she truly cannot afford international calls on her cell phone, and it's the only phone she has; and 2) my mom can't remember her own purse when she leaves home.

My family is strange. I accept that. If I didn't then, well, let's not go there. I accept it. They expect me to call, write, stay in touch, etc. They always have. *slightly Gallic shrug* No problem.


What I do not accept is the "abandonment theory" dad has hit me with. He is the one who feels abandoned because life is all about him as far as he's concerned, therefore, he takes it out on me. I'm annoyed. Well, more like pissed off, but I'm getting to be merely annoyed now.

Someone please tell my dad that it's NOT all about him. Maybe if someone else tells him he'll get the picture before he dies, when it really will be all about him and then it will be over for good.

Rotisserie Style Chikkin in a pot...

...Crock Pot, that is. It was beautiful! Tender, juicy, and quite lovely. I made mashed taters and gravy with the drippin's and steamed some asparagus to go along. All in all a totally smashing dish and one I'll certainly make again. Before I give out the recipe let me just say that I got it from Stephanie's Blog and here's the recipe: (I have included her entire page with pics as she is the owner of this recipe and I want to be sure to give her ALL the credit! Thank you, Stephanie!)

The Ingredients.

--1 whole chicken, skinned (4-5 pounds)
--2 tsp kosher salt (if you'd like it as salty as the ones in the store, add another 1 tsp.)
--1 tsp paprika
--1 tsp onion powder
--1/2 tsp dried thyme
--1 tsp Italian seasoning
--1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
--1/2 tsp black pepper
--pinch of chili pepper (probably not necessary)

--4 whole garlic cloves (optional)
--1 yellow onion, quartered (optional)

The Directions.

I used a 6 quart crockpot for a 5 pound bird. It fit nicely.

Skin the chicken and get rid of the neck and other stuff from the cavity. This takes a while, and is gross. Keep small children away so you don't freak out about salmonella. I skin whole chickens because I hate the idea of the chicken fat simmering all day in the crock---it also looks disgusting when the chicken is cooked because it's all slimy and icky.

I get it that I'm weird. If chicken skin makes you happy, then by all means, ignore me.

In a bowl, combine all of dried spices. Rub the spice mixture all over the bird, inside and out. Plop the bird breast-side down into the crockpot.

If desired, shove 4 whole garlic cloves and a quartered onion inside the bird.

Do not add water.

Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours, or on low for 8. The meat is done when it is fully cooked and has reached desired tenderness. The longer you cook it, the more tender the meat.

****
Me again!

I did mine for 3 1/2 hours as I had a smaller 2 pound bird, made it skinless and most certainly put it upside down on it's breast. This seems to keep the breast moist since there's no skin for that and what juices are released (about 1/4 cup or so for mine - I kept them to make gravy) and it also keeps the breast bathed in it's own juices while cooking. Please visit Stephanie's blog and try some of those awesome recipes! I can't wait to try more.

It's Sunday...

and it's one of those days where the Winter chill is in the air in the mornings and evenings. It's the kind of night where I want to settle in with a bowl of Cream of Tomato soup and a grilled ham and cheese sammy.

Alas, hubby is sick and craving pizza so we ordered from Eagle Boys. Loveliest pizza we've had from there yet. BBQ meat lovers, a margarita style on thin crust, and a pepperoni pizza are what we ordered. Good Lord a'mighty! We'll be eating pizza all week! I think we had 3 small pieces each.

Now I'm off to check out the new show Merlin, then Masterchef. I'm hooked on Masterchef!

I dream of being good enough to do something like that, but unfortunately I'm not.

I missed the Fish Market Episode so I'm trying to catch up as I write this. I'm in a huffy, LOL!!! Next episode begins in an hour and Merlin is on NOW!!!! grrrr.

Week 3!!!

I'm at week 3 and can now give a "1 Hour" massage in 1 hour and 20 minutes. I can't believe I can do an entire full body massage in that time. It is very hard, too! With the back issues it's been a stretch but I can just do it without falling over dead... barely *grin*.

I've got a pretty terrific class. There are 12 of us, of which 11 are women and 1 man. I'm also not the oldest person in the class, either. That shocked me, too. I thought I'd be surrounded my tall, skinny teenagers, but I got lucky I guess. I'd forgotten how much I actually knew (somewhere in that mushy brain of mine) about anatomy and physiology....or perhaps I should say how much I've forgotten? I dread origins and insertions of muscles - that was always my weak point. I know muscles, bones, and physiology of the human body like now tomorrow, though. Now I must learn mechanics...though that doesn't really come until the 11th week.

The first 10 weeks encompasses a Cert IV in massage, the second 10 weeks will give me a Diploma in Remedial Massage. Basically, I learn Swedish, Deep Tissue, MFR, Sports Massage, NMT, ROM, and assessment of dysfunctions to "fix" the dysfunction within the scope of remedial massage. It's sort of like Physio therapy to an extent, and certainly a lot more than most physical therapists in the US do.

Anyway, I'm wrecked! Long day at school, punctuated by giving and receiving a 1 1/2 hour full body massage. OH! I've also lost a little over 2 kgs, too! Hope I can keep it up...lots of veggies on the plate for dinner, but I love veggies so no problem.

Oh yeah, and we're (the whole class) are going to Blue Smoke for lunch tomorrow...it's 50 cent wings on Wednesdays. I've been dying to go since it's the only (American) Southern BBQ restaurant in Brissy.

Ya'll take care now.

Oh Hai der ya'll

I wish I felt this way today. Some days are just so blah, aren't they? I'm not a morning person and to be honest there have been very few mornings in my life where I've woken up and thought, "Hey! I feel GRRRRRRRRR EAT! Let's get shakin my bakin!". I wonder why it is some of us love mornings and others need a caffeine infusion before we're even civil.

Truly, I like mornings when I'm on holidays at the beach and I get up early to watch the sunrise over the ocean. Other than those times...I suck in the ayem. In the meantime I'm just going to smile and fake it til I feel it.




see more dog and puppy pictures

Susan Boyle - Singer - Britains Got Talent 2009 (With Lyrics)

This woman is so amazing!

I'd love to post more, but I'm so wrecked from school. My brain is truly fried.

Back to Skool!!!

Oh. My. Gawd.

I spent all day in a classroom. With other people in it. And I didn't lose my mind!!!

Ok, Yeah I am happy to finally get started with classes but the first day spent on my ass, granted it WAS a very nice leather swivel chair that leans back, but, but, but.... I sat in that same chair from 9 am til 4 pm!!!!!! Ok sure, there were a few breaks...but ALL FREAKING DAY!!!!! I was craving a drink when I got home, but made do with some chips and salsa thanks to C~ who lovingly gave me some really cool salsas with cute dip dishes in the shape of a cactus and a coyote. Cool, huh?

Anyhoo, time to relax with some tv and a nice Kathy Reichs book.

Ciao!

Gotta show off!!!!

I've got some gorgeous new pics of Henry. He's my newest addition to our family. He's such a lovely boy, he never raced, and even though he's still a mischievous 3 1/2 yrs old he and Tiger get along like a house on fire.

Well, without further ado....I present HENRY!

I just love that cheeky little tongue licking the tip of his extremely inquisitive nose...sometimes I think he's as much a scent as sight hound.

I've done it!

Yes, I've gone and done it. I've linked FB to my blog. I'm still scared witless by it, too.

Face Book

Good heavens! I'm another person addicted to Face Book...well, perhaps addicted is the wrong word. Let's just say that I check FB updates when I check my email...but only if I've received an email from FB with an update and only if I really feel I MUST check it out.

It's the first time in 20 years that I have connected with a number of high school friends and even relatives I grew up with, so that's pretty cool.

I just don't know if I want to let my "friends" on FB know I have a blog. That's kind of scary. I mean it's scary in the way that I'm trying not to think about it too much. I'm trying to be objective and rational and find I can't be. I'm scared shitless, if I'm to be quite honest with myself.

Like Scarlett O'Hara said, "I'll think about it tomorrow".

Welcome back to my blog roll

Just a quick aside to welcome back my blog rolls. YAY! I finally did it! This morning I've accomplished very little other than taking my car to the air conditioning shop, taking a taxi back home and reading (that's VERY important in my daily life) and WAITING!!! ARGGG! Yes, waiting, waiting, waiting.

I have added new blogs to my list and some old blogs that I still love very much. I've also renamed the categories, which I might change again, but just to make things easy I've separated them into Foodie Blogs and "regular" blogs. I guess that's what I should call them lol. I dunno how to label them right now.

I am still in the re-building stages, trying to make the blog look a little less dated and freshen things up a bit...still not sure about going to a 3rd party xml blog style as I'm afraid of losing my archives. Any suggestions for that? I know zilch about html, so I can only follow directions if they are pretty clear. I would dearly love to have a different style from what is offered by blogger and I have downloaded several, but I just can't bring myself to hit that change button!!! I'm so afraid of losing it all! Help?

PS: I did edit some of this post as it wasn't particularly germaine to the header.

Blogroll - Fail!!

I'm working on the blog roll. I know it's lacking from the sidebar. Just gimme a little more time, I promise I'll have it up soon as I can.

Phil Collins "Gorilla Drummer" Cadbury Ad (Dairy Milk)

I love this commercial for many reasons. Mostly it reminds me to close my eyes and FEEL the music in my soul.

My other favorite commercials are the Citroen ones. Check out youtube for those as well. Love the transformer ones the best.

Buying shoes

I have been so VERY annoyed at all of the shoes I've bought since I've been to Australia. These are shoes I've had to buy specifically for work.

Gone are the days of wearing scrubs and tennis shoes to work. Here, one wears a uniform that looks more like a flight attendant and shoes that are dressy...which, to me, means damned uncomfortable. They're DRESS shoes for crying out loud. No one makes a dress shoe that's meant to be worn all day every day and not only be comfortable ALL day but also keep back problems at bay.

At the heart of this is workplace health and safety which maintains that shoes must be leather, fully enclosed, the heel should be covered, and the tops should come within 2 inches (or thereabouts) of the ankle. Also, the heels should be no more than 6 centimetres high. The height is generally ignored by most women and they wear high heels and get away with it....but I can't wear shoes that slip on with no backs, ie "mules".

Now that I'm going to be starting massage therapy school, I must buy new shoes. Firstly, the shoes I wear to classes must be the same as above, though I can get away with regular tennis shoes until clinics start and then I've got to wear the same as above. It's disgusting!! Come ON! As someone who will be on my feet all day, I need shoes that will keep me comfortable and keep my back from hurting.

Not only have I had back surgery but I also have congenital bunions. I had surgery on my left foot when I was 15 in an attempt to correct the worst of the two, but it's now the same as the right foot, which has never gotten any worse.

So, the hunt is on...AND I fully intend to challenge those workplace health and safety rules, too. It seems that the laws are open to interpretation and it depends on who one works for as to what is appropriate for that particular clinic or office.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do just yet, but for now I'm busily trying to find a Dansko dealer here in Oz.

Wish me luck!!!!

Cheers, Kimmie

This is my family

I had forgotten just how hard I can laugh at some of the antics my family can get up to. In this clip is one of my cousins children and the peanut gallery you hear laughing is the rest of the family. To be honest, I don't know who all of them are, but I could tell from a quick view, that it looks like cousins and an aunt and uncle.

Let the spoon fights begin!!!

A continuation...

I have not given up blogging, I have apparently taken a bit of a break. Now I fully intend to start writing again.

I feel much better and I'm glad that I'm finally back. The past year has not been easy and I thank all of my friends and family for their support. I couldn't have done it without you all.

Stay tooned, more later :)


Please bear with me as I attempt to redo the blog. I'm playing with widgets, colours, etc and the look may change a bit over the next few weeks as I doodle. If you have any suggestions I'm up for it! As for blog links...I'm restoring them slowly. I've had a bit of work to do to repair broken links and such and rearrange stuff.