Mailbox

I have been looking at new mail boxes & this site has some pretty cool ones. We need a new one pretty badly. The flag is about to fall off of ours & we have trouble with the mail person & UPS man finding us. I would like to have a mail box that has our house # displayed very largely. And possibly our last name, I'm not sure about the name though. I have never thought buying cbu mailboxes before, so it's kinda of exciting to pick one out.

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Life In The Desert

I have been to Arizona a few times. Some of those were for actual visits to Phoenix & others were just passing through on my journey somewhere else. But every time I have had the honor of passing through that state, I also enjoy it. I really love the desert. Sure it is hot out there, but it is a completely different thing from the humidity of the South. One thing I love to make sure to take a look at is the different architecture. The Scottsdale real estate, is incredibly beautiful, with stucco & tile roofs. It is something to definitely experience.

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Moving To Orlando?

Of all the places in Florida that I would like to live, if given the chance, is Orlando.
Orlando real estate, has a lot to offer, in a wide variety of price ranges. Can you imagine living there? I bet you would never get bored, that is for sure. Sea World, Epcot, Hard Rock Cafe, Disney World, Flea Markets, tons of spas & countless places to shop, how could you go wrong? The first place I think I would go is to have dinner at my new neighbor, Cinderella's castle.




~C

Baby Wearing

I found this top 10 reasons for using baby slings & I thought I would share it.

1. Wearing a baby is convenient.

When we carry a baby in a sling, we can walk around freely and not have to worry about negotiating steps, crowds or narrow aisles with a stroller. Plastic "baby buckets" and removable car seats are heavy and awkward for parents, babies often look uncomfortable, and they are kept at knee level. A sling can block out excess stimuli when breastfeeding a distractible baby, and it allows for discreet nursing in public places. A sling can also double as a changing pad, blanket, or cushion when away from home. I've found my sling especially handy when negotiating busy airports with a small child and several bags!

2. Wearing a baby promotes physical development.

When a baby rides in a sling attached to his mother, he is in tune with the rhythm of her breathing, the sound of her heartbeat, and the movements his mother makes – walking, bending, and reaching. This stimulation helps him to regulate his own physical responses, and exercises his vestibular system, which controls balance. The sling is in essence a "transitional womb" for the new baby, who has not yet learned to control his bodily functions and movements. Research has shown that premature babies who are touched and held gain weight faster and are healthier than babies who are not. Mechanical swings and other holding devices do not provide these same benefits.

3. Babies worn in slings are happier.

Studies have shown that the more babies are held, the less they cry and fuss. In indigenous cultures where baby-wearing is the norm, babies often cry for only a few minutes a day – in contrast to Western babies, who often cry for hours each day. Crying is exhausting for both the baby and his parents, and may cause long-term damage as the baby's developing brain is continually flooded with stress hormones. Babies who do not need to spend their energy on crying are calmly observing and actively learning about their environment. Baby-wearing is especially useful for colicky or "high need" babies, who are far happier being worn, but placid, content babies and children will also benefit greatly from the warmth and security of being held close.

3. Babies worn in slings are happier.

Studies have shown that the more babies are held, the less they cry and fuss2. In indigenous cultures where baby-wearing is the norm, babies often cry for only a few minutes a day – in contrast to Western babies, who often cry for hours each day. Crying is exhausting for both the baby and his parents, and may cause long-term damage as the baby's developing brain is continually flooded with stress hormones.3 Babies who do not need to spend their energy on crying are calmly observing and actively learning about their environment. Baby-wearing is especially useful for colicky or "high need" babies, who are far happier being worn, but placid, content babies and children will also benefit greatly from the warmth and security of being held close.

4. Baby-wearing is healthy for you!

It can be challenging for new mothers to find time to exercise, but if you carry your baby around with you most of the day or go for a brisk walk with your baby in her sling, you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking and "weightlifting". A long walk in the sling is also an excellent way to help a tired but over-stimulated child fall asleep.

5. Toddlers appreciate the security of the sling.

Slings are usually associated with infants, but they can be very useful for toddlers as well; most slings accommodate children up to 35 or 40 pounds. The world can be a scary place for toddlers, who feel more confident when they can retreat to the security of the sling when they need to do so. Toddlers often become over-stimulated, and a ride in the sling helps to soothe and comfort them before (or after!) a "melt-down" occurs. It can be very helpful in places like the zoo, aquarium, or museum, where a small child in a stroller would miss many of the exhibits.

6. Baby-wearing helps you and your baby to communicate with each other.
The more confidence we have in our parenting, the more we can relax and enjoy our children. A large part of feeling confident as a parent is the ability to read our baby's cues successfully. When we hold our baby close in a sling, we become finely attuned to his gestures and facial expressions. Many baby-wearing parents report that they have never learned to distinguish their baby's cries – because their babies are able to communicate effectively without crying! Every time a baby is able to let us know that she is hungry, bored or wet without having to cry, her trust in us is increased, her learning is enhanced, and our own confidence is reinforced. This cycle of positive interaction enhances the mutual attachment between parent and child, and makes life more enjoyable for everyone.

7. Slings are a bonding tool for fathers, grandparents, and other caregivers.
Slings are a useful tool for every adult in a baby's life. It makes me smile when I see a new father going for a walk with his baby in a sling. The baby is becoming used to his voice, heartbeat, movements and facial expressions, and the two are forging a strong attachment of their own. Fathers don't have the automatic head-start on bonding that comes with gestation, but that doesn't mean they can't make up for this once their baby is born. The same goes for babysitters, grandparents and all other caregivers. Cuddling up close in the sling is a wonderful way to get to know the baby in your life, and for the baby to get to know you!

8. Slings are a safe place for a child to be.Instead of running loose in crowded or dangerous places, a child in a sling is held safe and secure right next to your body. Slings also provide emotional safety when needed, so that children can venture into the world and become independent at their own pace.

9. Slings are economical.Slings cost far less than strollers, front-carriers or backpacks. Many mothers consider the sling to be one of their most useful and economical possessions.

10. Baby-wearing is fun.
Who doesn't love to cuddle a precious little baby? And when your baby is older, having her in the sling makes conversations easier and allows you to observe her reactions to the wonders of the world around her. It's also fun for baby, because when she is up at eye level, other adults notice and interact with her more. Your child will feel more a part of your life when she is in her sling, and you will find yourself becoming more and more enchanted with this special little person.



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~C

Interesting Stuff

I am sure Mom is going to like learning about this item, since she is a closet nurse. Hahaha. Do you know what a pulse oximeter is?

It is a medical device that measures the amount of oxygen in a patient's blood and changes in blood volume in the skin, producing a photoplethysmograph (big word, huh?). It is often attached to a medical monitor so someone can see the patient's oxygenation at all times. Most of the monitors also display the heart rate.

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Charlie the Talking Budgie

Charlie the Talking Budgie -Take 2

Auzzie's English Cousin!

Making The Yard Nice

I was really getting into making my yard look nice. I cleaning out some of the flower beds, planted a few things & then it got hot. And we have been in a stage 3 draught for pretty much the entire Summer. Water the plants & yard, was put on hold. We give the plants a drink twice a week, but I'm not someone that is selfish enough to let me sprinklers run for hours, when I know that our water tanks are low. So, I hope to get the yard into shape, when the weather cools off. And one thing I would love to add, would be some landscape lighting. I think they add such charm to the look of a home.

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~C

Announcements

I always think it is fun to receive announcements & invites in the mail. Not necessarily because I am invited to something, but because I like to see the creativity of the stationary. Some people don't put much time into them. While others go all out.


D & I did not send out engagement announcements or wedding invites, because we weren't engaged very long & got married only 5 months after meeting. But if I were to send out something this is one that I really like.


Since we had such a small wedding & none of my family, except Mom came to it, we have talked about renewing our vows, on our 10th wedding anniversary or something. We would have a grand shin-ding.

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~C

Old School

I don't know what the latest & greatest tennis shoe are now. I guess I am just outta that loop, but I do remember when everyone & their Momma had to have Air Jordans. I never had a pair, but I would be lying if I said I didn't want a pair back in the day. They made their debut in 1985. There was one time, that Keith wanted a pair really badly & I guess Mom was wanting to win some brownie points with him. So, she took him to the mall & he came back a $150 pair of them! I was in utter shock & very jealous. To this day, I still haven't owned a $150 pair of shoes. Air Jordans are now considered collector items. I wonder how much Keith's would be worth now?

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~C

Life Insurance

Life insurance, is not something that any of us want to have to think about. But death is apart of the cycle of life, no matter how devastating it is. But think about how much more stress, it would be to leave your family, with all the cost of a burial. It is not cheap. And it is always better to be prepared. You may want to save your loved ones from the thought of death, but what a gift you would giving them to have all your affairs in order for that sad day.

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~C

Rehab

Drug rehab seems to be in the news a lot lately. Everyday it seems another celebrity is in need of some guidance. Makes you wonder, why people who have fame and fortune, the things most people strive for, want to throw it all away. Thankfully there are centers out there, that provide care & rehabilitation. The key to it all, is wanting to change. That's what makes the difference. It's not just for the rich and famous, it's for anyone who needs help.

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~C

BEST PART OF SUMMER!

My most favorite thing and probably my ONLY favorite thing about summer is the wonderful produce. I can't seem to get enough watermelon and grapes.

Danny and I bought groceries yesterday and the grapes were so sweet (the reason I know this is because I will eat one before I buy them) and I couldn't decide between the black, green or red so.........I bought all three.

Later that evening Mercy came to spend some time with her Poppa and I and we had a grape tasting. We decided to put one of each ( red, green and black) in our mouth and once to see what it tasted like. WOW!! It was sooooo good. The black ones were very soft, the red with their crunch and the big juicy green ones in one bite was so GOOD!!!!! Mercy was handing them to her Poppa and I as well as feeding them to herself as fast as she could pick them.

A Good Cleaning

I have heard great things about getting a colon cleanse. From just feeling better physically, to loosing weight. I have a friend that owns her own colon cleansing spa. I also have other friends that have gone to get them done before. It's something that I have thought about having done. Have you had a colon cleanse? Is it something you would do again? If you haven't had it done, would you?

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~C

Need Some Cash?

Have you ever needed some extra cash before your payday? Maybe your car broke down? Someone got sick, had to go to the doctor & needed prescriptions to be filled? Something at the house needed some maintenance, unexpectedly? Have you ever thought about getting a payday loan? I know we have had to get one from time to time. And they have been true life savers. I don't know what we would have done without them.

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~C

AUZZIE & HARRIETT

Auzzie is the one on top of the cage. He is a English Budgie and Harriett is inside the cage and she is a Australian Budgie.

Auzzie is the one doing the talking. Harriett only churps.
If you listen closely you can hear him say (These are just the few things I was able to pick out in this video.):"See Auzzie?", "Hey Harriett!", "Happy Birthday Auzzie!", "Be a good boy!" and.... "You drive me crazy!".

Gotta Pack

Seeing as how, I'm apparently doing all of this traveling & moving all over the country, I think I need some luggage. I really do need some good luggage, I have a bunch of mismatched stuff, that I've collected over the years. The last few times, I've gone on a trip, I've borrowed Mom's luggage. To be honest, it's another thing, that I tend to look at while out wondering the stores. It catches my eye, especially if it's a fun or different color/pattern. I found this Samsonite luggage & you sure wouldn't loose this as easily as the normal black bag. I like it!



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~C

Let's Take A Trip

I saw a special the other day about the best theme park food in the nation. Dollywood, in the Great Smokey Mountains, was one of the highest rated. As I sat there watching my mouth was drooling & I was longing to take a trip there. It's like so much fun. And they have tons to offer, including a Veggie Tale show. Instead of always going to the beach, why not take a trip up to Tennessee? I looked into some Pigeon Forge vacation rentals. These places are super nice & an added bonus, my "kids" can go too, since it's pet friendly.

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~C

On The Move

While taking a nap today, I had a dream that D decided that we were moving. There was no reason, he just wanted to go. He hired a moving company, but had no idea where we were going. All I knew is that it wasn't back to California. I was extremely upset in the dream. I was crying & confused as to his decision. D ended up waking me, to watch Big Brother & the first thing I said to him was, "Thank you for waking me from that awful dream!" Later I told him about it & asked him, if he decided to just up & move us, where would it be. Colorado was his pick (I already knew that, but wanted to see if it had changed). So, I looked at some real estate out there. If he moved me to this house, I wouldn't cry or be confused.

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~C

Got Golf

Another golf cart parts post. I found a picture of a pink golf cart this time! I would totally have me one of these if I had some land to ride it on. That is a dream of mine, to own a good piece of land, with a big farm house & a barn. I would have lots of pigmy goats & 1 pot bellied pig named Talullah. She would wear a pink tu-tu & a princess crown. I would also have a huge inground pool. Oh....I hope it comes true.

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~C

North Carolina

I have been through North Carolina a couple of times, on my way to New York City. I spent one night there at my friend, Staci's house. But it was 10 years ago & it wasn't for a vacation. My brother & his family lived in South Carolina, but vacationed at Myrtle Beach. My cousin Donna now lives in North Carolina. I think it would be a pretty place to maybe consider living one day. I'll have to find us some NC waterfront property.

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~C

Financial Software

This stuff is completely way over my head. But if you are a business professional, then this would be something that would, most definitely interest you. After I looked over the website, I realized that the financial consolidation software, would make your job so much easier. And that's always a good thing, isn't it? You should check it out. And give it a whirl!

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Hoodia

I did not realize this, but...Scientists over the years have found that hoodia contains a natural botanical that has the ability to suppress a person's appetite and promote weight loss. It is a cactus like plant! And it is cool looking. I would plant it, just for how it looks. I just learned something new! I think that it is pretty neat.

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Golf

I really don't much about golf, I guess I should have called my brother Kieth to ask his opinion on what I should write about. I think I will send him the link to Callaway golf, so he can do some window shopping or get some ideas for things he may want for his birthday & Christmas. I am sure he can find many things he will want.

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Clean Water

I am a major water drinker. You never really see me without a bottle of water. At home, I fill up my large mug of ice water as soon as I get up & refill it over & over again. I hate to be out of the house & not have a bottle of water. And drinking out of a water fountain, just kinda freaks me out. So what a great idea, Portable Water Filters are? This is definitely a must have in my book!

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Going To The Beach

Well, not in reality, but in my daydreaming I am. My favorite time to go to the beach is in the Winter. I'm not a fan of the Summer. So, the beach in the Summer, is not my idea of a vacation. Plus in the Winter, the prices are cheaper & there aren't the crowds. It's much more peaceful I need to look into having me a cool weather Florida vacation. That sure sounds nice.



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Making Some Money

This is Crystal here...Mom signed up for PayU2Blog, but forgot she had gotten approved. When I asked her about it tonight, she checked her account & realized she has 10 assignments due in the next 2 days!!!! So, I will be doing her assignments & pocketing the money. *big smile*