NEW YEAR BUCKET LIST UPDATE

My friend Heather has actually made a list of 100 things she has done or wants to do in her life before she dies. I am following her example and making a list of my own.

These are things that I have done or want to do before I kick the bucket. Some of the things listed are not necessarily things I WANTED to do. They may be things that are out of the ordinary or things I find interesting enough to put on the list. At any rate....here they are...


Things listed in bold are done.
Those listed in maroon are still to be done.
Those listed in blue are in the process.

1. Go to Hawaii/Maui
2. Get married and stay HAPPILY married - 19 years this June

3. Shoot an oozie or any gun that blasts round after round. (dldldlldldldldl)

4. Give Birth
5. Adopt children
6. Live a year without television hook-up or any free channels (we had a vcr though)
7. Come very close to death
8. Break a bone - went a little overboard on that one
9. Walk and Play in the rain
10. Hold an alligator
11. Go to Disney World and stay on grounds and buy every picture available from every ride that offers a picture

12. Drive through a Redwood Tree and slow dance with Brian on the stump of one (Sequoias)

13. Attend a Luau
14. See Niagara Falls
15. Get pulled over by the cops
16. Graduate from College
17. Tour a Navy Ship

18. Ride a train overnight
19. See Paris

20. Swim in the ocean
21. Go deep sea fishing
22. Get baptised in a river
23. Be too skinny
24. Be too fat
25. Ride a bike with no hands
26. Be a church youth group director
27. Drive over 100 miles an hour with a police escort leading the way
28. Touch a stingray
29. Be a foster parent

30. Learn fluent sign language
31. Have a speaking part in a big screen movie

32. Homeschool my children
33. Be a Radio DJ (WKKS AM)

34. Be completely debt free

35. Learn to play an instrument - Clarinet
36. March in a school band
37. Ride in the bucket of a Backhoe
38. Confront a hooker and her john
39. Shoot a rifle, pistol, shotgun

40. Give a hard working low income family enough money to pay off their home
41. Write a novel
42. Visit the Great Wall of China

43. Teach a child to read (done a few times)

44. Invent something and patent it

45. See the Whales in migration (Beautiful! If this isn't on your bucket list, it should be. Head to Maui in January and you'll even be able to see them from the shore.)


46. Go to the airport one Friday with my husband, hop on a plane to a random place in a foreign country, eat there, see one of the sites and then hop back on the plane to come home on Saturday or Sunday.
47. Ride across America Coast to Coast in a huge, decked out RV with all of our children for a month or two.

48. Actually see the end of a rainbow - In Ky from our porch. It ended in the Ohio River and then expanded into Ohio. I also saw many Rainbows in Hawaii but I don't remember seeing the end of one per-se while there.
49. Fly first class

50. Visit Australia and see a Concert in the Australia Opera House

51. Go Skinny dipping

52. Be a member of a TV sit-com audience

53. Go horseback riding

54. Be on a jury

55. See a lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse
56. Ride down a Mountain on a sled in a drain ditch
57. Attend a Rock Concert (Cinderella, Winger and the Bullet Boys)
58. Watch a Broadway Musical (Les Mis..twice, Mamma Mia, Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera)

59. Shower in a waterfall
60. Visit a concentration camp
61. Step foot on all 7 continents (Antarctica?... maybe 6!)
62. Attend the Olympics

63. Hit a homerun
64. Make the game winning out
65. Be on TV - Mr Cartoon
66. Ride an Airboat in the Everglades
67. Publish a short story
68. Witness parents losing all rights to their children forever - I've seen this twice.
It's very hard to witness.
69. Live through a rollover car accident
70. Witness a car vs. motorcycle accident - That was a bad one
71. Tell a terrible employer where to shove it - I didn't say shove it but they got the picture
72. Speak with a woman who would later kill her own child. (TWICE! One woman was a parent at the school I taught in and the other was a vendor at a flea market where I worked on weekends)
73. Learn to rollerblade/ride a bike/ice skate/rollerskate
74. Ride a monorail/ski lift/skyrail
75. See a shooting star and make a wish
76. Ride a roller coaster (The Beast, Magnum, Space Mountain, Mouse Trap, Corkscrew, Big Dipper, The Racer, Vortex, Blue Streak, Gemini...I think there's more but that's what I can remember)

77. Build a foundation for young adults who are aging out of foster care
78. Become a Psychologist in my later years of life

79. Surround myself with children and laughter

80. Have sex 30 days in a row, in a different location every day
81. Have sex outdoors

82. Learn to cook an authentic Italian dish
83. Plan and Host a Homeschool Prom Cruise!

84. Chat with a couple of Authentic Rockettes
85. Ride an elephant
86. Own my own business

87. Help my children get a college degree before they turn 18
88. Help a hooker get out of that lifestyle
89. Foster a teenager

90. Learn to drive a Stick Shift
91. Own a 15 passenger van as a family car

92. Go somewhere where nobody knows me and dress up however I want and hang out and watch everyone else live as if they are someone else also.

93. Snorkel where the locals snorkel in Maui - My family had the beach all to ourselves!

94. Convince 90% of Americans that Human Life begins when the sperm and egg unite, thus it is human, thus worth saving even if the mother is poor and may raise the child differently than we would raise our own.
95. Have a backyard that is an oasis to relax, BBQ, play games and enjoy the family easily and privately
96. See all of our children happily married and making a living following their bliss
97. Go to Italy with Brian
98. Ride the London Eye
99. Raise Twins

100. Feed a giraffe a carrot


There's more but that's a start....and also some of the reasons I Can't Beleive My Life. :-)

MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG

This song is my favorite Christmas Song of all time. It never fails to touch me. It's been ringing through our home throughout this season and today so I want to share it with you in the hopes that it will ring through your home also.

Merry Christmas from our home to yours. :o)

TO THE PERSONALITY TEST PEOPLE: YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A MAN TO BE STRONG

You know, I used to think these online personality tests were a joke. The more I take them, however, it seems that the general consensus for EACH AND EVERY ONE I TAKE is the same every single, dog-gone time! Look, I'm strong. Okay. I have an intense personality...alrighty...But I'm Not A Man! Good Gravy!!

The tests say...

1. I'm a leader - Okay well duh. I'm the first born child. I'm the first born daughter. My dad didn't treat me like a pansy and I had to work after school from the time I was 13 years old until I was able to stop working to care for my children at home. (helloooo still working) Okay. I'll admit it. I'm a leader.

2. I Don't have much sympathy for problems people bring on themselves - Okay, I admit this too. Look, I grew up poor but not so poor that I lost my dignity. My parents worked their BUTTS off to give my brother and I a great life with a secure home and food on the table. They showed us what love and hard work can do for the soul and I take that very seriously. The only time I can remember my dad not working was when my father hurt his back terribly when a hole caved in on him during a construction job. He was lucky to come out alive. Did my parents go out asking every Tom, Dick and Harry for food and money when that happened? NO! My mom worked, and my dad got back on his feet within a few weeks, even though he should have stayed in bed for a few months, and he worked in pain for years! So, the tests are right. I don't give out much sympathy for those who can work, refuse to get a job and then sit around whining that they have no money because God isn't providing it. If you can say, "May I take your order" you can work to bring money into your home to feed the children God blessed you with!!

3. I Am Loyal To My Family to the Point that I will fight for them - Well, let's see. When I was a teenager, a pre-teen boy was throwing nails at my little brother. The next thing I knew that kid was dangling off the porch and promptly falling from a height that should have at least sprained an ankle. I didn't even know it was possible to carry a kid nearly my height with one hand. hmm... I had a nice little cushy job as a receptionist once. I was making $13.00 per hour answering phones and chatting with clients. My dad got a job there and had to have by-pass surgery just before his one year of employment was up. They let him go the day after his surgery over the phone. I let them go that day too...over the phone. hmmm... One time a hooker had picked our street to hop into a john's car. My kids were on the sidewalk when I saw it happen and I ran out there, freaked out on her hiney and told the John that I had better not see his car near my kids again or he'll see the end of our shot gun. hmmm... I might be a tad-bid loyal to my family. Honestly, if someone says one thing against my husband...at all...in any way, shape or form...they're not my friend anymore. They can never come back from that. It's just something those who care to know may want to keep in mind.

So, I'm thinking that these little online personality tests may be on to something. Though, I'd have to grow a beard and do some heavy explaining to believe that I should be the person the following test says I should be. Why can't they just say...a very loyal, strong mom? Is that so hard to believe?

There you have it. So, sue me. This is the way God made me...AS A WOMAN!

You Are the Father

You are a strong, powerful figure in the lives of your friends and families. In general, you value justice and fairness. You appreciate structure and rules. At your best, you protect and guide those close to you. You are a born leader. You are good at establishing order in chaotic situations. At your worst, you are a tyrant who rules through intimidation and criticism. You are quick to condemn other people as pathetic losers not worth your time.

What Family Role Do You Play?

MEDICALLY ADDICED TO CHOCOLATE? The show HOUSE Has me thinking..hmmm

It all started innocently enough. I was relaxing last night, after a wonderful family night full of birthday party fun and watching "It's A Wonderful LIfe" with my husband and sons. After all was said and done, Brian fell asleep, the kids were snoozing and I was awake, of course. I am almost always the last one to fall asleep. I'm usually tired all day and by the time midnight rolls around I'm wide awake and ready for the day to begin. All was just as normal as punch when I flipped on the television to watch my favorite show, "House."

I had never seen this particular show. It highlighted a woman who had once been obese. She had a gastric-bypass and began experiencing whacked out symptoms after she lost a lot of weight. We all know how long and drawn out House can be so let's cut to the diagnosis shall we? She was "diagnosed" with an enzyme deficiency that is hereditary. The deficiency apparently makes people become extremely depressed, moody, exhausted and shaky if they don't have carbohydrates and sugar in their system. What is the perfect food to cure this problem? Chocolate Cake! Why? Because it is high in carbs and sugar. So she was cured with chocolate cake. Voila!

Well, I know that television is to be taken with a grain of salt, so I did a little research this morning. Are you someone who wakes up moody to the point that you try to avoid family so you don't bite their head off? Do you get shaky and tired to the point that you could lie right down on the floor and sleep right there in your office? Do you get brain fog to the point that you can't make sense of words you are reading? Do you sometimes look at people while they are talking and wonder why they are moving their lips and making sounds that do not resemble words?

Apparently, these can be symptoms of an enzyme deficiency! Who knew!?

I tried to Google the disease. It doesn't have a name and some of the information is old. I had to copy a cached version of one article because the link was all highlighted with colors and what-not. Anyway, here is one version of information. The others basically say to each carbs every few hours in very small portions accompanied with lots of protein is the best medicine.

hmmm.... this explains a lot about my extended family if it turns out to be true. I shall continue my research and report back as I learn more.


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Don’t Be A Slave To What You Crave - Chocolate
Positive and Negative Aspects of Chocolate and Sweets

by Bette L. Hall CMA. NHC

You aren’t going to be told to give up the chocolate. Chocolate can be good for you. There are, however; some things you need to know about the chocolate and sweet cravings you experience.
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When blood sugar levels drop below 65 milligrams, a sweet tooth and sugar craving is the result. If the blood sugar level is allowed to continue below the 65 mg., headache, weakness, and even heart palpitations can occur. Thinking becomes slowed and confused which leads to grouchiness and irritability.

Many scientific studies have shown that well being and a positive disposition result when the blood sugar levels remain above the fasting level.

The average American begins the day with high sugar content foods. Think about it. You’re running late for work. You skip having breakfast. You stop at the nearest 7-11 or QT on your way to work and what do you buy? Sugar laden coffee and a couple of donuts! Or maybe you drive through Winchell’s Donut Shop or Krispy Kreme for your morning donuts and sugar-laden coffee.

If you are in a big hurry but not that late, your breakfast consists of the quick and easy. How about pop tarts, toaster strudel, frozen waffles, or coffeecake? And sugar-laden coffee, of course.

All that sugar that’s consumed in the early morning hours causes the blood sugar to skyrocket, but in an hour or so it drops to a low level again. The result? Inefficiency and fatigue! The real function of sugar is to efficiently produce energy not fatigue.

The key to maintaining an even blood sugar level for hours after consumption is by adding protein to your breakfast. Drink a glass of milk or eat some yogurt or cottage cheese with breakfast. Another name for cottage cheese is curds and whey. There have been some excellent studies performed recently on the benefits of whey including increased hormone levels and lowered body weight. By adding milk, yogurt, or cottage cheese to your morning meal, you’ll be taking a healthy step in the right direction.

If you feel you need a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, eat a protein bar. I didn’t say to skip the chocolate. The important point is to add some protein.
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Mrs. A was bragging, "I can eat chocolate and still lose weight." It was learned that Mrs. A skipped breakfast and had only a chocolate candy bar for lunch.

She went on to say, "I have to have my chocolate. I would rather starve myself all day than to give up my chocolate."

Studies have shown that chocolate consumption is healthy because of its polyphenol and anti-oxidant properties. "Chocolate is a mild stimulant and mood elevator."

1. It tastes good too. In fact, chocolate is delicious. According to a study at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania, five out eight women crave sweets. The most prevalent craving being the craving of chocolate.

2. Mrs. A would be functioning at a more efficient level by replacing the candy bar with a protein bar. The craving for chocolate and sweets disappears or is at least diminished when the blood sugar level is kept high. That is accomplished by eating protein foods - NOT sugar foods.

What Mrs. A didn’t realize is that when a craving becomes so intense that you think you can’t live without it, it’s become an addiction.

Many women crave chocolate every month during either PMS of their menstrual cycle. In addition to a blood sugar level, this craving could also be the result of a nutritional deficiency. Many "chocolate-addicts" crave chocolate because of a chromium and magnesium deficiency. Chromium helps stabilize blood sugar levels and makes better use of insulin. This action lessens the urge to indulge in those delicious tempting morsels of chocolate.

Another supplement that helps to naturally suppress chocolate and sugar cravings is the amino acid L-Glutamine. Glutamine is known as the essential "non-essential amino acid." It is known to alleviate hypoglycemia.
In summary, chocolate and other sweets can become an addiction for these reasons:

* Low Blood Sugar Levels
* Nutritional Deficiency

Supplements that help curb the craving:

* Chromium
* L-Glutamine

The best way to curb the craving:

* Add Protein Foods to Your Meals
* Eat Protein Foods for Your Snacks
* Take Supplements

References

* Zand, Janet, Allen J. Spreen, James B. LaValle. Smart Medicine for Healthier Living. New York, Garden City Park. Avery Publishing Company. 1999 p. 449
* Studenmund, Gabrielle. Fitness Magazine May 2001. "Retrain Your Appetite" G & H USA Publishing, A Garner and Jahr Company. New York, N. Y. p. 55

HARVESTING THE ENERGY OF YOUTH

Finally, somebody has harvested the energy of youth. This is an amazing way to generate electricity for hurting countries around the world. I'm happy to see this becoming a reality. Just imagine the revolution this could become. Not only will the children of third world countries have a PLAYGROUND but they will have clean water and food! Where can I donate!?

THAT CHRISTIAN FISH IS PRETTY DEEP

Have you ever wondered where that Christian Fish symbol came from? I don't know why but I always thought that it had something to do with feeding the multitude....you know...the whole "two little fishes and five loaves of bread" scenerio. Turns out, It goes WAY DEEPER than that. It has root in ancient Theologic geometry that predates the cross. (Yes! I know! Wow is right!)

KAZZ'S FIRST CAR

Who likes to scrape snow off their windshield? A 16 year old boy who just got his first "new" car. Granted it's used but you know what I mean. Brian found a great deal on a 2005 Ford Focus so we went out and got it for Kazz. He didn't have much of a 16th birthday because 2 of his dear, close friends moved out of state that month. We've been looking for a truck for Brian so Kazz could have Brian's old car but trucks are way too much to handle right now financially so, we opted for the economical Ford Focus for our eldest son.

Needless to say, Kazz was pretty excited. He had no idea we were buying. Honestly we didn't know until 3 hours previous to driving it home! The dealership closed the deal in no time flat and we drove it home at 9:00 pm! Kazz had just gotten home from college. He saw me drive up in our 15 passenger van. Then he looked out the window a little farther to see a dark car drive up and park near our curb. I motioned for him to come outside. He did, and asked who was here. When he saw that Brian was driving the car he got in. He looked around and said, "Hey, is this a Focus?! Is this a Ford Focus." Brian said yes and I asked him if he thought it was a nice car. He said, "So, who's is this? Cause...if it's mine that would be way cool!"

Brian and I laughed and told him the good news. He was on the phone lickety-split to call his friend PJ to come over to see it. He drove him and Brise over to the corner store and back. He was excited to say the least. So the video is of Kazz scraping the snow from the windshield the next day. He walked out and realized he didn't have a scraper. He found one and was smiling away as he swished the snow away. Now I know the answer to who would possibly be happy to scrape the snow off a vehicle in freezing weather. A teen who just got a car, that's who!

HOME EDUCATION VS PUBLIC/PRIVATE EDUCATION

I've been asked repeatedly for some hard data regarding Homeschooling vs. Public/Private schooling. I have posted the findings below. I believe that it all comes down to one-on-one teaching versus mass teaching. Somehow, humans just learn better when they are given all the attention they need to succeed. One of the things my friends who were teachers agree upon is that mo matter how wonderful the public or private school teacher is, they will always have this hurdle to overcome.

Here are the stats:

Because Homeschooling Works If it's not broken, why spend money to fix it?

How do homeschoolers measure up?

Home school students do exceptionally well when compared with the nationwide average. In every subject and at every grade level of the ITBS and TAP batteries, home school students scored significantly higher than their public and private school counterparts (Figure 1).

Because home education allows each student to progress at his or her own rate, almost one in four home school students (24.5%) are enrolled one or more grades above age level (Figure 2). It should be noted that home school scores were analyzed according to the student’s enrolled grade rather than according to the student’s age level. In other words, a 10-year-old home school student enrolled in 5th grade would have been compared to other students in the 5th grade, rather than to his age-level peers in the 4th grade. Thus, the demonstrated achievement of homeschoolers is somewhat conservative.

On average, home school students in grades 1–4 perform one grade level higher than their public and private school counterparts. The achievement gap begins to widen in grade 5; by 8th grade the average home school student performs four grade levels above the national average (Figure 3).

Another significant finding is that students who have been home schooled their entire academic lives have the highest scholastic achievement. The difference becomes especially pronounced during the higher grades, suggesting that students who remain in home school throughout their high school years continue to flourish in that environment (Figure 4).

Differences were also found among home school students when they were classified by amount of money spent on education, family income, parent education, and television viewing. However, it should be noted that home school students in every category scored significantly higher than the national average.

No meaningful difference was found among home school students when classified by gender (Figure 5). Significantly, there was also no difference found according to whether or not a parent was certified to teach (Figure 6). For those who would argue that only certified teachers should be allowed to teach their children at home, these findings suggest that such a requirement would not meaningfully affect student achievement.Source