Consumer Product Safety #2

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued recalls this week for the following:

Release #08-039. Game pieces sold with "Cars" backpacks recalled by Global Design Concepts.

Release #08-040. Reynolds recalls bicycle forks.

Release #08-044. Children's metal jewelry recalled by WeGlow International.

Release #08-045. Dollar Tree stores recalls children's jewelry

Release #08-046. Bumbo Baby Sitter seats recalled.

Release #08-048. Fisher Price recalls Go Diego Go boat toys.

Release #08-049. Jo-Ann Stores expands recall of children's toy garden tools.

Release #08-050. DecoPac Inc. recalls football bobble head cake decorations.

Release #08-051. Family Dollar Stores recalls Halloween pails.

With Halloween coming up, please take a moment to read Simple CPSC Safety Tips Help Prevent Halloween Hidden Dangers

Disclaimer: This is in no way a comprehensive list. For full disclosure, descriptions and remedies click on the release # links. For a comprehensive and full list, join the CPSC subscription list at cpsclist to receive updates and recalls when they occur.


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Template by Andrea Gold; Disney Magic kit (c)Aisne Smith; Fonts: Disney Print

This Week's Events in Space

Living in the southern or western parts of the U.S. will garner you the chance to see the moon concealing Regulus on the morning of November 3.
"Moon to Block Bright Star Nov. 3" for more info.

Earlier this week, the Shuttle docked with the Space Station for the task of adding a new orbital room to the laboratory.
"Shuttle Discovery Docks at Space Station"

Misplaced your black hole? According to Space.com "Hundreds of 'Missing' Black Holes Found"

Want to help out scientist to understand the universe? Then check out the article on Cosmology at Home.

Make sure to stop by and check out NASA for their Image of the Day series. This week included a close-up of Discovery's tail section taken as it approached the International Space Station and a view of Discovery at the launch pad.

For real time tracking of the Space Station and shuttle, be sure to check out the National Space Society site.

On October 24, Chang'e was launched. To read more about China's first lunar mission, check out Planetary News here.

According to Go Astronomy's Events calendar Nov 1 will be the Last Quarter Moon phase while on Nov 4 Taurid Meteors will be on display and Daylight Saving Time ends in the U.S.

Somewhat nearer to home MSNBC tells us that "Scientists map near-Earth space bubbles."

Finally, make sure you check out This Week's Sky at a Glance by Alan M. MacRobert.

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Dreams of Tribulations

Fri 10/26 Blog Prompt: Let's do a little dreaming this Friday. Is there something that you dream about doing? Being a dancer? Traveling around the world? Learning a new skill? Have you taken any steps toward acheiving that goal?

I think my biggest dream has always been to be an astronomer. The steps I had taken were classes in college; but I never completed them. Will I ever? I don't know, but I might. Only the future will tell :)

I would like to visit Hong Kong and Germany again. I also would like to stop by for a visit in Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, Rome, Greece and Australia. The first three to visit the places of my or Pan's ancestors; the second two because of my fasination with mythology and the last just because I always wanted to.

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Classical Tribulations

Thur 10/25 Blog Prompt: I've been wanting to do a prompt about books, but couldn't think of a new one. So I borrowed this prompt from the Booking Through Thursday blog. When you're finished with the prompt, make sure you go back and post a comment on their post entitled 'Read With Abandon'. What books have you abandoned (without finishing) and why?

Oh, I know, I know. "Billy Budd" by Herman Melville. I couldn't get past the first page it was so boring. It was one of the books that was 'required' reading in my advanced English class in high school. We had to read a total of five 'classics.' But when it came time for the test, the instructor told us that we could eliminate one of the books from our test. The entire class chose "Billy Budd." This was not a class vote, so I don't think I explained that very well.

The test questions could apply to any book you read. For each question we had to give an answer for four of the books. When the instructor gave us our graded tests back she told us that none had chosen to include "Billy Budd." So what does that tell you about the book? LOL.

Wish I knew who decided what books are 'classics.' Because I think a classic is a book that most people enjoy reading. My two cents worth.

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I, huh, Tribulations

Wed 10/24 Blog Prompt: I'm back and ready to go. No theme for the rest of the week, we'll just play it by ear. Fill in the blank to make this old quote fit you: 'I _____; therefore I am.'

First off, welcome back Glynis. Hope you had a good time... :)

'I posture, therefore I am.'

as in "A frame of mind affecting one's thoughts or behavior; an overall attitude." Yep I think that fits me pretty good and sounds a whole lot better saying posture instead of 'I behavior' or 'I attitude,' don't you think? Of course I could be totally off my rocker, but I think not.

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Embarassed by Tribulations?

Tues 10/23 Blog Prompt: Tell us--in glorious detail--about something you're embarrassed to admit you like...

The BeeGees?
Dollar Store fruitcake?
Chia Pets?
Having a tooth drilled?

'Fess up. Put it out there. Own it

Okay, no more torture, I admit, I freely admit it.........................

I like to listen to Barry Manilow. I like his soft, melodic, upbeat soft rock/pop style. It makes me feel good. It makes me happy.

So there now, are you happy? LOL.

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A Million Tribulations

Mon 10/22 Blog Prompt: No, money can't buy happiness. However. What is the first thing you'd go out and buy if someone handed you one million dollars? (that was supposed to sound like Dr. Evil from Austin Powers and yes, I have my pinkie by my mouth)

Well, Dr. Evil aka Sandra (btw thanks for hosting the prompts while Glynis is indisposed), what would I do with a million dollars? That is the question, isn't it?

First I would buy a new car for Pan and pay off Indy's medical bills. Then I would set up a trust for my mother's bills. Soon after I would finish paying off my house, both my boys homes and buy a house for my daughter. Next I would buy a home in Disney World (since we spend so much time there), big enough for the entire family.

Do I still have money left? Set up trusts for my and Pan's bills, a trust for each of the kids and finally make donations to charities which help children here. Better yet, set up a fund or trust that would help out single parents who are at that lower mid-income range with unexpected medical bills. One that takes into account what their annual income is as opposed to just six weeks.


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CSPS recalls #1

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued recalls this week for the following:

Release #08-019: Riddell recalls collectible mini racing helmets due to violation of lead paint standard.
Release #08-020: Bendable dinosaur toys recalled by Kipp Brothers for excessive lead.
Release #08-021: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store(r) recalls travel art sets due to violation of lead paint standard.
Release #08-022: J.C. Penney recalls Disney(tm) Winnie-the-Pooh play sets due to violation of lead paint standard.
Release #08-023: J.C. Penney recalls deluxe art sets due to violation of lead paint standard.
Release #08-024: J.C. Penney recalls Breyer Stirrup ornaments due to violation of lead paint standard.
Release #08-027: Formula Brake USA recalls disc brakes for bicycles due to risk of failure.
Release #08-028: Huffy recalls bicycles due to cranks falling off; riders can lose control of the bike.
Release #08-030: Dunkin' Donuts recalls glow sticks due to choking and strangulation hazards.
Release #08-031: Guidecraft Inc. recalls children's puppet theaters due to violation of lead paint standard.
Release #08-032: Antioch Publishing recalls additional bookmarks due to violation of lead paint standard.
Release #08-033: Albert's recalls Halloween skull pails due to violation of lead paint standard.
Release #08-034: Payless ShoeSource recalls girls' boots due to fall hazard.
Release #08-037: The Gymboree Corp. recalls toy swords due to breakage and laceration hazard.

Disclaimer: This is in no way a comprehensive list. For full disclosure, descriptions and remedies click on the release # links. For a comprehensive and full list, join the CPSC subscription list at cpsclist to receive updates and recalls when they occur.

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The Tribulations of Halley's Comet

For those of an astronomical bend, the articles 'Remains of Halley's Comet to Fall Sunday,' on MSNBC or 'Remains of Halley's Comet to Rain Down Sunday Morning,' on Space.com, both written by Joe Rao, will be of some interest to you.

In addition, Mars is nearby and the radiant of these meteors should somewhere between Mars and Betelgeuse. So here is your chance to see not only a meteor shower but our neighboring planet as well.

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Tongue Twisting Tribulations

Fri 10/19 Blog Prompt: It's Friday and we've almost made it through 'Creative Writing Week'! One last prompt and hopefully this will be challenging but fun... Write your own tongue twister.

Well here it goes:

Indy indicates intense enduring emotions.

Now say that 6 times very fast. LOL

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Foresworn Weather & Tribulations

Thur 10/18 Blog Prompt: Let's do some more descriptive writing. Creatively describe the weather in your area right now.

As the rain steadily pounds the skylight, I can hear the wind whispering in the distance. It is 8 o'clock in the morning but it might as well be midnight as the sky is dark and gray. Soon I will have to leave for work and try to run in between the racing raindrops to avoid getting soaked. Oh, but listen the rain is slowing to a trickle, now just barely dripping from the leaves of the tree in front of my window. Yet will my luck hold and the rain be staved until I am safely ensconced in my cubicle at work? Or will I be forced to search for an umbrella to rescue me from a torrid storm? Only time will tell.

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Creatively Tribulant

Wed 10/17 Blog Prompt: Write one or more meaningful sentences where each consecutive word starts with the same letter as the word before it ends with. Example: Every year ripe eggplants .....

Every young girl loves someone everlasting.

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Objective Tribulations

Tue 10/16 Blog Prompt: More creative writing - Describe in detail an object you use every day, but don't tell us what it is.

In detail... something I use everyday... I enjoy the pillowy whiteness and the soft touch. Others I believe use it in a variety of colors, but I prefer just white. There is just something clean about white. And so many sizes too.... It's hard to decided which one.

UPDATE: Toilet Paper

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Environmental Tribulations

As Karooch reminded me in her blog that today is Blog Action Day and the topic is The Environment.

So what do I do to make a difference? I use the same towel at least twice before dumping it in the laundry. We only water the lawn about once a week. We just had an energy efficient a/c and appliances installed. I only turn on lights that are actually needed.

Not much, but every little bit helps.

Creative Foods and Tribulations

Mon 10/15 Blog Prompt: So one of my reasons for blogging is to help with my writing skills. So this week we're going to do some creative writing. I saw this as an application for a writing job and thought it was clever: In NO MORE than 30 words, describe your favorite food. Be creative!

I love the buttery texture and taste of a ripe one. My favorite way to eat it is with lemon, salt and tomatoes, but it is usually served with salsa.

UPDATE: As I sit here munching on chips and guacamole, yes it is an avocado.... And yes, sis, remind me when you get back so I don't tie up your email.


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Moonlight Tribulations

Do you know what Cruithne is? If not, maybe you should head on over to Space.com's Top 10 Cool Moon Facts and find out. While there you can also find out about moon trees, when the moon takes a vacation, and it's relationship to earth (is it more than a satellite?).

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Meaningless Meanderings and Tribulations

Have you ever stopped to think about what your face is doing when you are writing? I told you this was a meaningless meandering, LOL. But today when I was commenting on the various blogs that I visit, I noticed that while I was typing I would smile or laugh silently as if it would make it come across in what I was writing. I know the recipient can't see it, but I can hope, LOL. Maybe they can figure it out from my style of writing. I do use a lot of emoticon symbols to try and convey what my expression is at the moment.

Although when writing a compliant I do try to keep my facial features neutral, because I know it would come across in written form when I am angry. Don't always succeed there. Although it has gotten better since I don't have to correspond with the ex anymore. I always hated myself for stooping down to his level even in writing. :)

Okay, enough of that, hope you are all having a perfectly marvelous weekend (I know bug is and I have to get over and post something on her site), and this layout is the last of the Princess' trip to Disney World which we had given her as a Christmas present. One of the days we have to get back with her and with Indy now that he's gotten older.

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The Wonder of Tribulations

Fri 10/12 Blog Prompt: What would a week about travel be without a trip around the world?The Seven Wonders of the World were recently agreed upon. Have you been to any of them? Which one would you most like to visit? Here is a link to the National Geographic Photo Gallery of the 7 New Wonders vs 7 Ancient Wonders.

I admit it. I have traveled a lot of the world and have yet to see any of the "wonders." Though I have seen the Grand Canyon, the Redwood Forest, the Painted Desert, the Tiger Balm Gardens, the rice paddies of China and the Walled City, as well as various archecturial structions through Germany and Austria. That is probably more than a lot of people I know have seen, so I guess I'm lucky in that respect. But if I could see the New and Ancient Wonders, I would pick to see all of them.

Stitching tube (c)Corel; Font: Cuckoo, Cataneo

Brain-Dead Tribulations

Oh Roses, I was going to write about the memory thing, but what happened today far surpassed even that (and if you haven't read it, head over to All Hail Google at ACK! THBBBT!)

A call came in from a woman we'll call Mad Mom. Rest1 answered the phone and this is the conversation I heard:

"I'm sorry The Boss isn't in right now. Would you like to leave a message?"
"Huh? You want me to do what? Ma'am I can't do that. Maybe you should just drive over and check it out?"
"Mmmmm, ma'am, this is a busin... Yes ma'am I understand you know The Boss."

Normally I just ignore calls so I can concentrate on money, since that is my primary reason for being there, but this really caught my attention. So after Rest1 got of the phone I asked her what the problem was.

It seems Mad Mom couldn't get a hold of her daughter's school and didn't want to take the time to drive over. She wanted us to call them for her. **blink blink** (a bou and roses blink). HUH? What the? While going over what procedures needed to be taken, Mad Mom called again to give us the correct phone number. She had given us the wrong one.

Anyway, I called the school and guess what, they answered. I told them who I was, that I was with the newspaper and that Mad Mom wanted us to call because the school wasn't answering the phone when she called. The woman who answered and I had a good laugh about it and decided that was really a first for both of us.

Rest1 called Mad Mom back but at that point my job was done with regards to the phone call and I have no idea how she handled her. I think I would have told her to jump off a bridge.

Tribulations of Traveling with Companions

Thur 10/11 Blog Prompt: We're still traveling....Who is your favorite traveling companion? Or is there some historical figure or fictional character with whom you would like to share a trip?

Pan is my favorite traveling companion, most of the time. Still there is lots to be said about traveling alone. Oh I know the dangers and what not. But the serenity, the not having to come up with something to talk about, the airing out of the brain. Years ago Pan was having to work in another state or two over and was gone for a month or so. On the weekends I would drive to whatever town he was at and spend the weekend with him. I really enjoyed just leisurely driving to get there.

There is also a lot to be said about having a travel companion and Pan is one of the best, most of the time (I know I'm repeating myself, LOL). He interesting to listen to (when you can hear him), while allowing me some time to read or cross stitch while on the road.

I can't really think of a historical or fictional figure I would like to travel with, okay, maybe Minerva McGonagal. I like her character in the books and the way Maggie Smith portrays her. I think she would be interesting to talk to and the mode of transportation would be different (BG).

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Planes, Trains or Tribulations, Oh My!

Wed 10/10 Blog Prompt: Planes, trains, autos or boats -- which is your preferred method of travel?

Well, considering I have never traveled by train nor have I taken a boat other than our boat from the dock to the island or a ferry, I cannot really comment on those two. I would like to be able to one day though.

So I guess I have to choose between automobile (and after typing it out I can't get out of my head how Tony Curtis pronounced it in "The Great Race," LOL) and an airplane.

For short trips, the car wins out. But for those longer trips, I love to take a plane. Growing up there were plane flights, some of which I remember and some I don't. The ones I recall are from Nebraska to Guam, Guam to Hong Kong and back, and from Guam to Illinois.

I loved flying to Germany on a nearly empty plane and I even liked flying back although it was stuffed to capacity. Then there was the trip to Chicago to see Nuke graduate from boot, and the flight to Las Vegas so we could take in the Star Trek Experience. There was also a short hop home from Tampa once. The last flight was to Hawaii to visit Scamp, Honey and Ballerina. That one was the best so far.

I love flying and normally don't have a problem sleeping (unless I am just to excited to sleep, LOL). Although I would like to try flying first class some time, :)


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And so the Travel Tribulations Commence

Tue 10/9 Blog Prompt: This week's theme is "travel". Let's start off with the bad news about travel. Everyone has at least one travel 'horror' story. Share your worst experience(s) with us.

It has a hot and stormy night. We had been on the road for hours with no lights of the city ahead of us. How much worse could it get....

Okay, that's not how it started, LOL. Actually we drove to Birmingham for a weekend or a couple of days as Pan had to be there for a technical briefing and I was just tagging along as usual. Started out okay. Got there and all settled in. Drove about to see the sites and meet a friend of Pan's for dinner. You know all the good stuff.

But the last night there was truly the night from hell. We didn't have anyone break in as poor Loony did (and this is probably where she got her moniker); nor did I have to sit by a noisy engine as Jennifer did; I also didn't have the car problems Stephani encountered; nor does it involve the bus Tammy was forced to endure.

It was a television. A very loud television in the room next to us. We called the front desk numerous times and their solution was to call the room. Lot of good that did since no one was answering the phone or sending someone up to knock on the door (thank goodness no one had fallen and hurt themself, they would have died before help actually came). It was sometime around 3 or 4 in the morning when they finally had the firemen come out to break open the door (guess they got tired of us calling). And they found a drunk couple in the room. I don't have anything against drinking and I'm all for doing it somewhere where you don't have to be driving, but if you are going to do it in a hotel room, turn the tv off or the sound down.

But I think what got me the most was the hotel offered no apology or anything. A discount on the cost of the room would have been nice. And believe me we aren't going to be staying there again.

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Tribulations of the Marauding Illness

Sorry I didn't make it here yesterday. I barely got out of bed and when I did, it wasn't to sit in front of the a computer screen. I'll be back a little later today with both of Glynis' Blog Prompts from yesterday and today. :)

But if you have a moment run over to One Happy Dog's place and wish Tot a very Happy 4th Birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOT!
It's hard to believe how much you have changed in the last year and a half.

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50 years and counting, with some Tribulation

Did you know that yesterday, October 4, marked the 50th anniversary of Spaceflight? Do you know or remember the first object launched into the space? How about the first man in space or the first men to walk on the moon? To find out answers to these and more check out Space.com's "50 Years of Spaceflight: Astronauts Ponder the State of Exploration." Then click on over to "Timeline: 50 Years of Spaceflight," which begins sometime in the 11th century and brings us forward through the 50th anniversary. And if you want sometime more visual check out the video interview "50 Years in Space" with Scott Hubbard of SETI Institute.



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Honestly, there are No Tribulations in my Purse

Fri 10/5 Blog Prompt: Okay, it's Friday and I think I've saved the most telling thing for today. You can tell a lot about a woman by her purse (and its contents). What do you think?

Okay Glynis, you have had me admit several times this week I am a packrat and now you want to know the contents of my purse? You sadist you, LOL. (hey do you notice a recurring theme in my life, besides the pack rate I mean?)



Shot with Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi at 2007-10-05

Don't say you haven't been forewarned. I carry a wallet with no pictures in it except for what is on my driver's licence; two pens, that keep getting swiped; a small notebook, for those moments that I keep forgetting to write about even with the notebook and pen at hand; my two sets of keys; Tylenol (since I can't take Excedrin right now); a coupon for Linens 'n Things; deposit slips; and it looks like the Princess slipped some little chocolate bars in there; deep down in the recesses you might find a bink and normally 3 or 4 weeks of payroll checks because I keep forgetting to deposit them. Not this week though because I remember, HA.

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A Laughter a Day Keeps the Tribulations Away

Thur 10/4 Blog Prompt: Let's have a good laugh today! I think you can tell a lot about a person by their laugh. Do you agree?

See I knew I was going to miss Thursday's prompt. Well no matter I will answer it now, okay?

I would like to say yes, you can tell someone by their laughter. I have a rather reserved laughter. I don't normally chortle aloud, but my eyes will twinkle and water; you can hear the beginings of a very silent laugh if I see anything exceptionally funny. The only real exception is if one of the grands start really laughing. Those are just so contagious.

But I'm going to go down my pessimistic alley and say No. I have known too many people who can laugh loud, infectiously and seem very ernest in their joy; only they have been very bad people. Very bad. Well I guess they are ernest in their joy if some of the things they did bring joy to them.

I am going to assume that we are talking about the laughs of family and friends instead of strangers. In that case, it is pretty reasonable to assume you can tell something about them. Then again I may just be rambling to make for the fact that this post hasn't actually been posted on the correct day.

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Today, I'm wishing for this tribulation

What should you be doing for a living?!created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Ninja Assassin You are MADE to be a ninja!! Quit your job immediately!! You are ready to kill people for money...they'll never even know you're there. Stay low so as not to be detected!! Ninja Assassin 80% Pirate Captain 75% Cowboy Outlaw 58% Mafia Boss 53% Drug Lord 50% Pretty Princess 38% An Old Prospector 35% Break-dancing Machine 35%

Packrats Rule the Tribulations

Wed 10/3 Blog Prompt: Okay, here's another one: You can tell a lot about a person by the state of their desk/workspace. What does your say about you?

Okay, I was seriously going to ignore this one. Mainly because I would just be repeating what I said about my keyring. But as I sit here resting for a few minutes before I have to go after KFKAP again (more about that in a moment), I realized that if I don't do it today, I probably will come up with an excuse tomorrow (though tomorrow's would be a real excuse).

So for better or for worse, my desk will tell you I am a packrat. I have 3 cameras sitting here, maps to Disney, a telephone, the computer (of course), a printer that needs servicing, headphones, a margaritta glass full of water (what did you think I was going to be drinking at one in the afternoon?), Q-tips, highlighters, pens, an airplane, card readers, lotion, cotton balls, a brush, a glass full of receipts, cd's and pictures that need to be filed. Do you feel better now? LOL.

And for Michael at The Wonderful World of Nothing Worthwhile, I give up. Every time I try comment to your "Can the Perfect Post be Written," my phone rings (isn't that scary). So here is my comment: If you are going to write the perfect post, leave out the teary stuff. I won't read if it is going to make me cry. There, I've commented now.

And with regard to your podcast (and yes I did listen VBG), I would suggest you don't give up your day blog just yet, LOL.

Now about KFKAP. I don't know whether to kill him or have his IQ tested. I really hate cats on counters or tables. So where do you guess he goes when I'm not looking? Right, the counters. I have chopping blocks and cookie sheets balanced on the edge of my counter so that if he jumps up he will fall and make a terrible racket. Took me a couple of times to get it just right, but I think it is working to keep him off. I hope.

That's the kill stuff, but the genius stuff, well. KFKAP doesn't meow much. He's a pretty quiet cat so when he does, Pan or I check up on him pretty quick to make sure he hasn't hurt himself (he does have a tendency to fall off beds and over things when he is playing). So when he meowed yesterday I really took off as he sounded like he was in terrible pain. Down the hall I go when out of nowhere he jumps me then runs like heck to the bedroom, peering around the door to see if I am chasing him. Guess I better read him the story about "Peter and the Wolf."



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Nailbiting Tribulations

Tues 10/2 Blog Prompt: You can tell a lot about a woman by how she grooms her fingernails. Tell us how yours look today.

Not all the same length, that's for sure. But they are nicely clipped. I do not use fingernail polish or have the professionally manicured, except for special occasions. I have seen what constant manicuring can do, and I want no part of it. Sweet and natural, that's me, lol.

It also helps that my fingernails grow nearly as fast as my hair (BG). So I don't have to put a lot of effort into them. Which is a good thing for me, as I would really rather be doing other things, like taking pictures of the kids, spending time with Pan, reading and so the list goes on.

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My Keys of Tribulations

Mon 10/1 Blog Prompt: Morning, ladies! I'm excited to bring you this month's blog prompts. (this month's blog prompts brought to us by Ordinary Days). The theme this week is 'You can tell a lot about a person by...' You can tell a lot about a person by the keys they carry. What do yours say about you?

Do we really want to go there, LOL.... I have two main key rings. On each of these are several other keyrings that actually hold the keys. (ImageShack isn't cooperating today, otherwise I'd post a picture.) The one I use the most holds a Tinkerbell tag, a picture of the Princess, my W/D card, a key to the deadbolt and two other keyrings; one of which has a key to the mailbox, a key to my in-laws house and a key I have no idea what it is for. The other keyring hold my house key, my daughter's house key, my mother's house key, a Tinkerbell charm and another key ring, attached to which is my truck key and truck's alarm. So far so good.

The other keychain hosts a Marine Corps emblem, work keys, Pan's truck key and a ton of other keys that I have no clue about. I'm afraid to take them off as I may discover I need them.

So what does this tell you about me? Well for starters I guess it indicates that I am a packrat, LOL. Organized packrat, but packrat nonetheless. I also think it indicates my memory is going, (BG). Now if I could just be a organized packrat at home.

Template by Melinda Staley; Vintage Artistry Papers (c)Carrie Stephens; Fonts: SF Cartoonist Hand, Aftershock Debris
Template by Melinda Staley; Vintage Artistry Papers (c)Carrie Stephens; Fonts: SF Cartoonist Hand, Aftershock Debris

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONTAGION

Almost forgot today was Contagion's birthday and he wanted nothing better than a Blogcrawl from one Bad Example Family to another.

So dear Contagion, I lift a shot or two (or more) of Corazon tequila in your honor. Have a grand day and I hope you remember it tomorrow. And if I survive the night I'll post my survivor pin in the side bar. :)

For those who want to participate Harvey has the rules (and to quote Pamibe "yes, there are rules).

p.s. Thanks Pamibe for the pins.

Namely Tribulations

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) – Princess 150 Ford

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fav ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) – Bushwacker Oatmeal Raisin

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) T-Dae

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) - Grey Lion

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) – DaeTi

6. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink put “The”) - The Periwinkle Green Tea

7. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)- Henry Clyde

8. STRIPPER NAME : ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne, favorite candy) – Navy Jelly Belly

9.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) – Marie Franklin

Blatently stolen from Love2Scrap

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Community Pool Tribulations

Just playing around to see how this works. This is a day at our community pool and taken with my Sony Cybershot camera, so the quality is not going to be great. If this works maybe I can get some of KFKAP at play.

Designer Tribulations

Fri 9/28 Blog Prompt: Here we are at the end of another month. Where does time go? But on the prompt. What designer do you think best represents your current fashion style? (You can find a list and look at some of the designers at Fashion Net)

This means actually looking at designers so give me a minute.....

Okay, after about an hour of looking I think I have decided that Phillip Lim best represents my fashion style. Loose and comfortable. Granted he has some outrageous outfits, but for the most part seem wholesome and comfortable. Do you detect a theme here? Comfort. I like the loose dresses, lightly cinched with belts, the cardigan dresses and the summery, billowy slacks, blouses and skirts. Now if I could just pull off wearing them, LOL.....

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Nightwear & Tribulations

Thu 9/27 Blog Prompt: Cotton or silk? Pajamas or nightgown or nothing at all? How does your night time fashion affect your day?

Many years ago I would have said nothing at all, LOL. But times do change and right now lightweight cotton or t-shirt material wins out hands down. And once upon a time I would have preferred nightgowns. As I have gotten older I decided I didn't like getting all tangled up in them at night on those nights I couldn't get comfortable and would toss and turn all night. So pajamas win again. I find that with the lightweight material and more form fitting pajamas that I sleep better and wake up more refreshed (as long as something else didn't keep me up all night) So how about you?

Sketch by Pencil Line Sketches; Beauty kit (c)Cinzia Loosemore; Stitching (c)Lisa Carter; Fonts: Porcelain, A Yummy Apology

Sketch by Pencil Line Sketches; Beauty kit (c)Cinzia Loosemore; Stitching (c)Lisa Carter; Fonts: Porcelain, A Yummy Apology

The Tribulations Will Never Cease

I'm po'd. Totally. Especially with our welfare system in place now. My daughter who is a single mother with 2 children and works exceptionally hard and tries not rely on anyone for anything was denied help with daycare expenses today because she made too much money the last six weeks. She has to work overtime to pay her rent, car payment, food, doctors bills (because she can't get help for that either) and utilities.

They told her to come back when she wasn't working overtime and they could help her. She explained that if they would help her she wouldn't have to work overtime. So what we have here is a catch 22. She's damned if she does, she's damned if she doesn't. And all they used was six weeks of pay stubs. No expenses. How can you figure out if help is needed if you don't know what they are having to put in expenses. AND she is in the food business. The amount you make is not only determined by how good you are, but the season and a multitude of other factors. It should be based on an actual annual income, not six weeks added together then averaged as a weekly basis. Thing is if it was just a matter of six weeks we could help out during that time, but it isn't. It took her four months to get this appointment. Four months would be stretching even us since we just had to replace nearly all our appliances.

I'm just so frustrated and would like someone to explain to me why a young woman, who is doing her best to be contributing member of society should be ostracized; while there are people out there sitting on their hind ends just taking my tax money. I want my tax dollars to help those who are willing to help themselves. So if you know the answer; please, please, please explain it to me. If you don't, please take a moment to write your congressmen and senators and ask them why.

And don't comment it that it is the Democrats or Republicans causing the problems, we all know full well that this transcends parties and has been a problem for both.

Old Tribulations Made New Again

Wed 9/26 Blog Prompt: Bring back the oldies. What fashion would you like to see make a comeback?

Me, the fashion guru, the queen of swing (NOT, ROFLOL) bring back a fashion? Actually I think I would bring back those shirt dresses from the 40's. I loved those with the wide belts and pointed collars and just general, oh so cool look like this one from Main Street Vintage:

Still do, even though I can't wear them now.

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Earrings and Necklaces and Tribulations, Oh My!

Tue 9/25 Blog Prompt: Treasure Chest. Which piece of jewelry that you own, do feel is indispensible?

Guess I ought to clue you in... I'm not a jewelry type person. Other than my wedding ring and the 18k gold hand etched band I wear with it, I don't own a lot of other jewelry. Though I am awfully partial to my black pearl ring and necklace. You are so right there is a story behind at least one.

I love black pearls. Can't remember when I didn't. It was shortly after we moved to Guam and my birthday rolled around. Mom and dad bought me the most beautiful black and white pearl ring. I was in heaven, I loved it so much. I wore it all the time.

Then many years later I got married and suddenly the ring disappeared. I found out that my ex had taken it and sold it along with my fire opal necklace and a few other pieces I had. I was devastated. The guy he sold them to sent them to California so I couldn't get them back. I never forgave him for that. Never.

Pan had heard the story and then one year for my birthday surprised me a black and white pearl ring. I couldn't believe how thoughtful, kind and generous my new husband was. (I still can't, lol). Even though it was not the ring my parents had bought, it was the thought he put into it so that I would have a reminder of one that I had lost.

Years later the white pearl fell out so the ring was put until Pan again surprised me with the ring now with two black pearls in it. What can I say, I married a gem. Then one Christmas, to compliment the ring he bought me a beautiful single black pearl necklace on a gold chain. They are not indispensable, but I sure would be lost without them. Thank you Pan.



Other than my wedding rings, gold band, pinkie ring and the strand of pearls my sister gave me when she got married, the above comprises all of my jewelry. White pearl and rubies necklace and earrings, a gift from Pan. The beloved black pearl ring and necklace. Mother and Child cameo a gift from my MIL for mother's day one year. The Koa necklace, bracelet and earrings from NavyNuke. And the rose again from my sister as a symbol of the Marine Corps.

So while I do not have much, each has their special place in my heart as they were gifts from the hearts of those I love.

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Dinner Cruise Fashions and Tribulations

Mon 9/24 Blog Prompt: Fashion Guru. What is the proper attire for a dinner cruise? High heels? Flats? What kind of jewelry, if any? Colors?

So romantic, watching the sun set over the gentle rippling waves of the ocean and listening to the music playing softly in the background. A nice time to dress up in your best; a dress, some pearls, hair soft and silky, a natural scented perfume with a light sprinkling of make-up and a mistake.... wearing high heels. Wasn't as bad as I thought after I first got on board, but getting up and down those steps, LOL.

Pan and I went on a dinner cruise in Hawaii and we had a fantastic time. The couple seated next to us were amusing and fun (she was a jeweler so I got lots of tips, lol). And it worked out so well. Her husband and I liked everything on the dinner, but she and Pan were a little more reserved. She did not care for steak, he did not care for lobster. So they traded, ROFL.

Oh yeah we are talking about fashion and dress. I wore a sleeveless burgandy dress that had a light weight quilt pattern knee length jacket that went with it. (you know which one Mom and ddpup). I wore my hair down but pulled back away from my face. Though I did not wear the pearls. I forgot to take them with me. But next time the black pearl necklace will have center stage. And, yes, I wore heels. I will have to look around to buy a pair of shoes that are comfortable, classy looking and low heeled for the next dinner cruise we partake of. :)

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Template by CanuckNicole; SNL #29 Papers & Elements by Tink2Zoe, Mars Olsen, Paula O'Neil and Showme; Font: Rickles