Quotes

“There never was a time when, in my opinion, some way could not be found to prevent the drawing of the sword” Gen. Ulysses S. Grant
“I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants” Sir Isaac Newton
“The doors of wisdom are never shut” Benjamin Franklin
“In this life we cannot always do great things, but we can do small thing with great love”

Mother Teresa
“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles have strengthened me…you may not realize it when it happens, but at kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world the world for you” Walt Disney
“The time is always right to do the right thing” Martin Luther King, Jr.
“There is only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give everything. I do and I demand that my players do” Vince Lombardi
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony” Gandhi
“Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently” Henry Ford
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are” and also “I care not what other think of what I do, but I care very much about what I think of what I do. That is character”

Theodore Roosevelt
“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorry, but only saps today of it’s strength”

A.J. Cronin

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used to create them”

Albert Einstein
“The point is not to pay back kindness but to pass it on” Julia Alvarez
Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone elses
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
“When one door of happiness closes, another one opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us” Helen Keller
“I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be” Groucho Marx

Melbourne - Brevard Zoo

One of my favorite places is the Brevard Zoo. We were lucky enough to have it built right here in Melbourne in 1994. Since then they have added new exhibits and remodeled some areas to accommodate the growing number of guests. The BZ has modeled the enclosure to resemble the environment the animals would be found in, no cages or bars, just all natural. Each area is named for the area where that particular group of animals is from: Florida, Australia, Africa, and South America. Each vicinity houses their native species spread out over a loop walkway, except Africa. You can see gators, otters, deer, and lots of birds in the Florida section. They have a feeding time for the gators, so if you are interested you should check to see when it is scheduled. In the Australia loop you enter an enclosure to see fruit bats and then further in for the aviary. You can purchase nectar to feed the colorful birds, warning – birds will be all over you so if you do not like this do not enter. My favorite section is Africa.

After going over the bridge and up the walkway you are now eye to eye with the Giraffes. For a small price you can feed them biscuits. It is a great photo opportunity and they are soooo cute! I would recommend going there first, and then returning before you leave. This way you are giving yourself 2 chances to see them.

The BZ has a “Paws On” park, but is currently under construction. I can’t wait for it to reopen because before I thought it was great for kids. The zoo also has kayaking through Africa and Florida. When the remolding is done they will offer snorkeling as well. The cost is not much; you can bring your own food or purchase it there. Other cool animals include red wolf, fox, and jaguar. If you live in the area you should consider a zoo pass that lasts for a year. BZ is right off the 95 Wickham Road / Viera exit. http://www.brevardzoo.org/

An anteater trying to sleep

Steve & Me

“Steve & Me” by Terri Irwin
I checked out several books to take on my NC trip, this was the last one I picked up because I thought “what will I read that I haven’t already heard?”
On our 11 hour trip home I couldn’t get into another book I had so I started to read this one. Now a few days later I am done. Terri Irwin told about the Steve she fell in love with, not the Crocodile Hunter we knew from TV, sharing stories of a side of him that was her protector, the Steve that grieved for his “mum” when she died in a car accident and of a man who didn’t think he would live many years. He lived life to the fullest and did things many of us wouldn’t even dream of. I remember the day he died, how sad many of us were. Hard to believe it will be 3 years this September. Not only were my kids fans of his, even owning Steve & Terri talking dolls, but I was a fan too because he made wildlife interesting and so far from the PBS way of teaching (nothing against PBS). I think it would be a good read for someone who is familiar with Steve Irwin because Terri refers to different situations you probably saw on TV.

NC Trip - Linville

Linville Caverns – was not a far drive from Beech Mt and a cool side trip. The caverns have an average year round temp of 52* and are 2,000 feet below Humpback Mt. The caverns hid Civil War deserters and also has the signature of William Earl Hidden who was sent by Thomas Edison to search for platinum. We paid $24, the prices recently went up $1 per ticket. I do feel like we were rushed through the caverns while on our tour but I believe that had more to do with our guide who spent at least ½ the tour talking to one guest as though she was the only one there. Either way it is a neat place to check out.
http://www.linvillecaverns.com/

a bat inside

Linville Falls – we found this scenic place while lost looking for the caverns. Im so glad we decided to drive further to check it out. What a hike…I was out of breath quickly, as was the rest of my crew, but the walk was so worth it. We could hear the falls which was a good sign but you have many options for trails. The view was awesome and the falls were very pretty. I can only imagine how much better they look when the trees have color. It's free and that's nice.

NC Trip - Grandfater Mt

Grandfather Mt – going here was on my agenda from the start and I was looking forward to walking across the suspension bridge. Our first attempt didn’t end so well because we were told the weather was bad on the top of the mountain, which meant the bridge was closed. We only had to pay ½ price and if we came back on another day we could just pay the other ½.
We ended up at the museum just because we wanted to get in a safe place from the thick fog and wind. We left with not much seen and a pound & ½ of fudge (it was on sale).

The 2nd time, which was the following day and I had to talk the rest of my group into it, was much better. We did not realize how much you can see since it was all hidden away by clouds. Grandfather Mt is just tremendous! Of course the way up is in typical NC fashion, a back and forth winding steep road. We went straight up as far as we could by car. The suspension bridge was a little intimidating and my walk across was quick without looking down but on my way back it was easier to do so.

They have many areas to picnic even some grills, areas to see native animals and a little shop. The 360* view is breath taking; any other comments will sound silly. Just check it out if you are in the area.
www.grandfather.com

NC Trip - Snow Tubing at Jonas Ridge

Snow Tubing – since we were so close to Beech Mt Ski Resort we knew we would go tubing there. The days before we had not looked at the new run for tubing but when we finally did we were not impressed and at $20 each it just didn’t look worth it. The day before we stopped for directions at a place and decided to head back there to check it out. “Snow Tubing at Jonas Ridge” was a simple place but what a money maker. The price was $25 for 2 hours, they had a longer run, and 5 lanes moving fairly quick so we paid for the kids and even gave the riders a lift up the hill. They had a blast and after an hour had most of the place to themselves. The staff was friendly and I found out the owner also has a campground down the road that they run on the off season for tubing. Adam and I had a good time watching our children do something together…and get along. I was pleased with our choice to go away from the resort. I would recommend later in the day, we went on a Sunday. http://www.steelecreekpark.com/ is the camp grounds they own, click on the link under local links for tubing. This place is also in the general area of all things I will post about my North Carolina trip.

inside they sell candy/soda, have a fireplace

NC Trip - Banner Elk

Banner Elk – is at the bottom of Beech and a quaint town. Huge snowflake lights were displayed for a wintery look. I can only comment on one thing there – Dunn’s Deli. Nothing fancy, just a good place for sandwich type meals including hot ones like Reuben’s. Staff was friendly, food was tasty and the price was nice. http://www.dunns-deli.com/

NC Trip - Ski Beech

Ski Beech – is an area centered around Ski Beech Resort. The drive up the mountain has an awesome view for miles, but also is steep with a back and forth pattern, including hair pin turns. Both of our kids felt nauseous at separate times. I was relieved to be at the top and after a few times got use to mountain driving, well as a passenger because I didn’t drive at all. The town does not have convenient things that we are use to but nice Mom & Pop shops. Fred’s Mercantile offers a variety of things that you may need, and some you may just want, everything from milk, sleds, postcards, home made jams, Christmas ornaments and books about the area. That is also where we got our cracked corn. The Brick Oven Pizza was at the top of our steep climb and we ate there the first night. It was a friendly atmosphere, great people but I have to say it was pricey. We spent about $50 just for pizza and 2 kids spaghetti. The Chamber of Commerce offers free sledding on a little hill, they add snow when needed but you will have to bring your own sled. Ski Beech is not far from many places that offer other stops you should make with your time in the area. We also realized you do not have to stay on Beech Mt to enjoy the skiing.
http://www.chamberdata.cc/ccao/wc.dll?Mem~VisitWebSite~&Org=nchigh&MemId=1030 – it is the highest elevation resort

NC Trip - Cozy Cabin

Cozy Cabin – after endless searching that got us no further than we were prior to our plan we were about to give up when I clicked a link for Beech Cozy Cabin. Adam quickly gave his ½ of the okay and a call was made. Immediately I felt comfortable with the owner, who also lives in Florida, and was at ease renting her place which was so far away. The transaction was easy and all business was basically done on line. I cannot say enough positive things about the cabin; it had so much more to offer than listed. As soon as we arrived it the cabin surrounded by trees said “rustic cozy mountain” which is what I wanted. Sound of the stream was so calming and it ran the length of the property giving my son plenty of areas to explore. Stone and wood complimented the surroundings blending in well. The space is well thought out and just right for the 4 of us. Two fireplaces put out enough heat to warm everyone up on the cold days and nights. My son braved the outdoor hot tub after a day of skiing, but no one else was that daring. Adam bought a bag of cracked corn from Fred’s General Mercantile (http://www.fredsgeneral.com/) and spread it around. Within a few hours we had deer peacefully feeding on 2 sides of the cabin…that is until I opened the door with my camera!

BCC was centrally located near all things “Beech” and a nice place to spend our vacation.
We did see many other places that were available and just as welcoming, just keep in mind how many people you are vacationing with, how much you want to spend and availability
http://www.beechsvacationcabins.com/

NC Trip - Winter Clothes

Snow Clothes
When visiting a resort you can rent winter clothes. Living in Florida we sure didn’t have even as much as a decent jacket. Added up all the costs for enjoying our trips the rental of clothes just seemed ridiculous. Thank goodness I am married to the EBay king. Soon Adam was shopping. Jackets, snow bib pants, boots, and gloves arrived in enough time for us to pack and cost way less than if we rented. Another bonus of having our own was that the kids could wear it off the slopes and not have to worry about returning it.

I think you need good boots for traction and warmth. Snow pants are great to have because they keep you dry. Since winter clothing takes up so much room I packed all of it in a Rubbermaid container, not attractive luggage but it was a good idea I think. It will all go in our attic for the next winter vacation.
*for a great item to have, check out the label “Take me out to the ball game” and then “Cold Days at the Game”

NC Trip - Preparing

Preparing
To prepare for our mountain/snow trip Adam put new tires on my vehicle, which we were grateful for. You really need a very dependable car/truck, because you do a lot of excelling and braking while going up and down the winding roads. You cannot have any fears of this type of driving because there are not many places to pull over and get your bearings. The few times we were able we did pull over to allow the locals to cruise by us. I know if some mountain person is reading this they may be laughing, but have you ever been to Florida? It’s flat!
I read on several sites, do not trust your GPS in the mountains…well we found that to be true from day one. On our way we were making good timing, real good timing, shaving 2 hours off the projected length of the trip, even after 4 stops. We were about 45 minutes away from our destination when the path got rural and rugged. I for one did not like it at all (flashbacks to my childhood vacations to NH and upstate NY) and was nervous, but when it had us heading straight up a very rocky road that was narrow in certain areas I begged Adam to turn back. Being the great husband he is, he knew I was uncomfortable, so was our son. Not only did he have to go back to where we came from, he had to do it going in reverse because he didn’t have somewhere to turn around. When we finally came to a gas station / store we found out that many people have done the same thing that follow GPS. It was attempting to take us the “fastest” or “shortest” route; I believe it fell under the category of “dangerous”, but that is not listed on a Tom Tom.
Once we were given directions from a local we were on track and Tom Tom never let us down again, recognizing all the roads but this time we were on the other side of Beech Mountain. After that I really didn’t feel as nervous on any other road, I guess because we already drove the worst one on our trip. So I recommend using your GPS but when further in the mountains have written directions until you are on track.

North Carolina Winter Trip

North Carolina Winter Trip to High Country
For the past year our kids have been asking to see snow and finally we just decided to go. My husband picked the area and we went back and forth as to what mountain; Beech or Sugar. The final decision was based on a few things but visiting now I think either would have met our “wants” for the vacation. The mountains of NC were perfect, not too distant of a drive but far enough from Florida to see snow and experience all it has to offer; skiing and tubing. I was excited to ski, see mountains and enjoy winter with Adam and the kids. Once we picked a mountain my next task, which took the longest, was finding a place to stay keeping in mind several things that we wanted; a place to ourselves, kitchen and for it to look like we were in the mountains…and the plan started.
This area has a lot to offer from away from theme parks of the Sunshine State. Great place to take a vacation during the winter, and I imagine other times of the year as well.
http://www.mountainsofnc.com/ you can request a vacation planner that includes coupons

We Are Soldiers Still

“We Are Soldiers Still” by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (USA Ret.) and Joseph L. Galloway The first thing I should have done was return this hardback to the library and get “We Were Soldiers Once…and Young” not realizing I checked out the sequel…but I was hooked after reading the Forward by Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf. The account is the journey remembering the battlefields of Vietnam, mainly focusing on Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang. I have to admit I never realized how much hand to hand combat took place in Vietnam, what an ugly war that resulted with the loss of so many lives on both sides. Gen. Moore travels back to come face to face with his enemy and in the end the become friends with a mutual respect. Much of this book had immense stories.
The description of noises, smells and the scene give such a painting of what this place was like. We should all thank the men (and women) who had to endure the hardships of this war, during and after. Gen. Moore shares lessons in leadership and spoke about how war should be the absolute last card any national leaders should play, and that if these decision were made by leaders in the military they would guard that war card to the end. In chapter 12 “On War” he writes that no one is more cautious that an old soldier about war. The end of the book had me grieving for people I don’t even know but who were truly heroes: Rick Rescorla and Julie Moore – look them up, you’ll see why.
I would recommend this book to anyone old enough to understand and know I will have much more respect for the Vets of Nam when I go to the Moving Wall.
As said in the book, the greatest lesson learned from war is to cherish peace.

King Center Melbourne

The King Center http://www.kingcenter.com/ located at the Melbourne BCC this is a smaller venue to see some big names. I can honestly say the King Center does not have a bad seat. I have seen Sesame Street Live in the front row and Chris Daughtry in the last. Over the years we have gone to see Howie Mandel when he did stand up, Randy Travis crooning his top tunes, and David Cooperfield making cars appear on stage. The kids go on field trips with school to see things like the Chinese Acrobats or science shows. Warning – do not use a laser pointer, the older people there who work as ushers have great eyes for spotting the culprit and will embarrass you with their own lights!

Loved this show!!

Cooperfield

David Cooperfield – I have now seen his show locally at the King Center in the last 10 years. Several years ago when my daughter was around 6 we took her for her birthday because she enjoyed entertaining us with cheap tricks she learned. I was puzzled how he did the things he did, like make a motorcycle appear and a group of people disappear. My daughter loved it and was in awe. We recently went when our family of 4 received tickets for a Christmas gift. My son, who is 9 and into magic now my daughter no longer is now that she is 13, loved the show. From the first time David Cooperfield did a trick to the very end. The rest of us on the other hand were bored. Don’t get me wrong, if you have not seen this show you will be entertained, but if you have, be prepared you will see the same things. Nothing was new in this last show, and we hadn’t been to a show in a few years. The stories were the same, illusions were the same and even the rapping duck the interrupts the show was the same. I was highly disappointed, especially since the tickets cost over $200 for our family. I do not feel the need to go again, too bad because I would if he had new magic.

Things to Send

Ironically as I was compiling this list, one was sent out through the FRG, so I added to it from suggestions they gave.

When sending a package to a solider, whether you know him or not, you may be at a loss figuring out what to box up. Of course if you know the solider you probably have some ideas of things they would love to receive.

Suggestions: photos, favorite magazines or one geared towards male/female, neck coolers, small fan, extra batteries, hand heaters (found in camping section – also under label ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’), a book, new towel or pillow case – Im sure Army issued ones are not the greatest, drink mix in’s like Crystal light / Gatorade, soft toilet paper (you never know), Under Armour might be good, thick socks, gel inserts, camera case and lens cleaner, chapstick (I love Bert’s Bees), eye drops (we sent cases donated from an a local Ophthalmologist last time my brother went to Iraq). Razors, non-perishables; granola bars, put certain things in a zip lock incase you think they may leak, single serving microwave things – mac & cheese / popcorn, chocolate is probably not a good idea, neither is alcohol, porn or pork. Other things; gum, coffee creamer (I would want that), Pop-tarts, beef jerky, wipes, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, local newspaper to read what’s going on back home, hot sauce, spices, calling cards – look into the best ones, unlocked GSM cell phone (thank you to a military connection for this one), sunglasses, hand held games, computer screen wipes, cards, DVD’s & CD’s, flash drives, MPs player, USB hubs, do not send fruit or things that are contrary to the belief in the land they are in. Keep in mind they might have a PX with lots of things like cookies and candy, but maybe they have a favorite from home. Sending food (cookies) and scented products (deodorant) together might result is something not good to eat, especially when your box travels for 10 days in 100* heat. No thanks to your “fresh breeze sugar cookies”…
Things found on the FRG list:
Foot powder, Glade stick ups, Sheets/Pillows (twin), Blanket from home, Fly Traps/Bug Spray, Nose Saline, Instant coffee/tea, calendar, Record their favorite shows on DVD (I thought this was a nice idea), Disposable cameras, Theme packages, Cordless electric razor (buy a DUAL Voltage one - voltage is different over there), Sun block the spray or stick kind, Eye glasses cleaning wipes, shaving cream
I would also recommend Left, Right, Center (look under games)

because it is cheap, compact and fun

02/09/09 - Im adding another item. I spoke with my brother today, who is in Iraq. His request: a camping shower, the kind that hangs from a tree and holds water. I think many items of use can be found in the camping section.

Another thing an Army mom said travels well:

pound cake, then add a can of frosting

Paul in his Kuwait tent 1st tour in 07

Care Packages

As soon as Paul started his journey to the other side of the globe I started collecting items to be sent to him. I keep 2 flat rate boxes on hand so I can have one ready to go. Flat rate is the best because you can load it up and pay one price. Last tour I sent some boxes that cost me around $30, not this time, I’m smarter now. I have an area where the boxes wait, along with items I think he may need or want. When an address is given off it goes. The boxes take a little while to get to the Middle East so trickling in letters / postcards is probably appreciated between boxes. Chocolate in not a good idea and of course they have some “don’ts” like pork, so check with your soldiers unit for a list. I try to remember that whatever I send he may have to take to the next location or even leave it behind. I look at is this way, if he can’t use it, I’m sure someone can, and I let Paul know that. I know many soldiers get nothing so ask yours if he or she knows of someone in need of something or who could use something to cheer them up. By the way, who doesn’t love Girl Scout cookies?

Paul on his 1st tour with his Iraq fan club

The Journey

Being a scrapbooker, if that is a title, I wanted to try & keep up with my brother’s travels while in the Army. Of course I didn’t have many photos to use but I had lots of email and updates to create a journal scrapbook. While we were in SC for his basic graduation I took random shots of things most people wouldn’t waste their time on. The door to his dorm was painted with a skull and they all had a not so nice nickname for their Sergeant, I took his photo as well during “family day”. Paul talked about how much walking they had to do in their Army boots, so I took a picture of those when he wasn’t paying attention, his bunk made up neatly like a good soldier, his locker when he was showing it to all of us, and even the mail he got in a pile. Another thing I did was take one of his letters and reduce it on a copy machine, and then put it in the scrapbook. When Paul returned from his first tour in Iraq I sat with him and looked at each picture. I asked him for more details on each. Then I looked up the images on line for more information. Many places are shown when they were newer – no current photos, like Mosques in the 70’s, but I still was able to print additional information to put in the book with Paul’s photos. I found facts about the Tigris River and about the Sword Sculpture that he took photos and video of. Most guys are not good with detail and/or memories so this was a way for Paul, years from now, to have something to look back on when he was a young soldier.

Paul at the Tigris 07

Leaping Lizards

When you come to Florida be prepared to meet our state mascot…the lizard. They are everywhere and we have different varieties but mostly all the same size. I use to freak out when I first moved here because they are fast, plus the fact that in NY we didn’t have them, just locusts! Over the year I have grown to think some are cute, and accept them…even in the house. They eat smaller bugs which can be helpful inside but I feel bad when they are trapped so I recruit my daughter to free them. Watch out if you have a cat, they may bring you one, and it will not be pretty! Another warning, their tails detach, don’t worry, they grow back.
Notice I did not put this under "pests" because they are not :)
Most lizards are Anoles

Help Our Troops Call Home

Wow an idea to be green and help out our Soldiers? Recently my husband received an envelope with this website on it, being my brother is currently in Iraq serving in the Army I checked it out.
What a great idea this is. You can recycle your old cell phone and the proceeds are used to purchase prepaid calling cards for our troop.
Most of us don’t even know what to do with our old phones so go on this site and get a postage paid envelope to mail yours.
http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/

The Super Bowl, I guess it Can Be Called a Holiday

Superbowl Stuff

It’s the most watched TV broadcast of the year

2nd largest US food comsuption day (Thanksgiving is 1st)

First game was 1/15/67 as part of agreement between the NFL and AFL

They use Roman numerals rather than the year since the season extends beyong New Years Eve

Superbowl XLI was the 1st to feature rain
Snow is unlikly since the NFL doesn’t schedule games in open air stadiums in the North

No team has posted a shutout
In Superbowl VII the Redskins scored their only point by a touchdown off a blocked field goal

No team has had a home field advantage. Lots of games are played in Miami and New Orleans but neither of the teams have played during these games.

Closest to overtime plays were: Baltimore kicking a game winning field goal with 05 left – Superbowl V, Tennessee being stopped 1 yard short of a tying touchdown as time expired in Superbowl XXXIV, Patriots kicking 2 game winning field goals in the closing seconds – Superbowl XXXVI as time expired and Superbowl XXXVIII with 04 left.

Considering how popular the game is videotapes of the first 2 games are not known to exist.
Prices for commericals have increased each year some. Many people tune in to the Super Bowl solely to watch commercials.

Earlier Super Bowls featured halftime show consisting of marching bands from schools, but as the popularity of the game increased, so did the potential of exposure. This has led to trend where a number of popular singers and musicians have performed during its pre-game ceremonies, the 1/2 time show or even just singing the national anthem of the United States.
Unlike regular season or playoff games, one hour is allocated for the Super Bowl halftime.
One especially memorable performance came in 2002, when U2 performed. During their second song, "Where the Streets Have No Name," the band played under a large projection screen which scrolled through all the names of the victims of 9/11.

The halftime show in 2004 generated controversy with Justine Timberlake and Janet Jackson...need I say more. The NFL, embarrassed by the incident, permanently banned MTV from doing another halftime show in any capacity.

Except for Super Bowl XXXIX, the famous "I'm Going to Disney World!" campaign took place at every Super Bowl since it started at SB XXI. Typically, Disney ran the ad several times during the game showing several players from both teams practicing the catch-phrase.

Most of the Super Bowls have been played in one of these cities: New Orleans and Miami. Other hosts to follow are Tampa and San Diego. Miami Gardens has been selected to host Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. The location of the Super Bowl is chosen by the NFL well in advance, usually 3 to 5 years before the game. Cities place bids to host a Super Bowl.

The designated "home team" alternates between the NFC team in odd-numbered games and the AFC team in even-numbered games

Since SB XIII January 79, the home team is given the choice of jerseys, colored or white.

The NFL is vigilant on stopping unauthorized commercial use of its trademarked terms "NFL," "Super Bowl," or "Super Sunday"; as a result, many events and promotions timed to the game but not sanctioned by the NFL are forced to refer to it as "the Big Game", or with other generic descriptions.

In 06, the NFL made an attempt to trademark "The Big Game" as well. However, it withdrew their application in 07 due to growing commercial opposition to the move.

Valentines Day

Valentines Trivia
At work people like to participate in overhead trivia and I like to find fun facts, but Valentines Day doesn’t give too much of a selection as far as questions. Well name that (love) tune is fun but I cannot really post that.

1. What profession receives the most Valentines Day cards?
2. What is the most popular candy given out on Valentines Day?
3. The peak selling season for conversation heats only lasts about 6 weeks, how many months do you think it takes for the company to prepare all that candy?
4. Steven Spielberg wanted to use M&M’s in the movie ET but was turned down by the company. What candy did he end up using?
5. What is the number one gift given to women on Valentines Day?
Answers
1. Teachers
2. Conversation Hearts
3. 11 months
4. M&M’s
5. Red Roses

Name the Artist Who Made these Love Songs Famous, see if you can name the year:
1. Let's Get It On
2. Love Me Tender
3. Let’s Stay Together
4. You’re the First, The Last, My Everything
5. I’ve Got You Babe
6. Wonderful Tonight
7. Faithfully
8. I’ll Always Love You

Answers
1. 1973 Marvin Gaye – one day before his 45th birthday, Marvin’s parents were arguing. His attempt to intervene ended when he was killed by his father after being shot. His father was given just 6 years of probation because it was discovered he had a brain tumor.
2. 1956 Elvis – did you know he was an identical twin? Elvis’s brother, Jesse Garon, was stillborn.
3. 1972 Al Green – Al’s girlfriend, who was married, became upset when he refused to marry her. Later that night she dumped hot grits on him causing 3rd degree burns on him, she then fatally shot herself with his gun.
4. 1975 Barry White
5. 1965 Sonny & Cher (hey, I like that name)
6. 1978 Eric Clapton
7. 1983 Journey
8. 1992 Whitney Houston – this song was originally sung by Dolly Parton

Waiting for an Ordinary Day

“Waiting for an Ordinary Day” The Unraveling of Life in Iraq by Fassihi Farnaz
Fassihi is The Wall Street Journal's Middle East correspondent who, in this book, goes to Iraq before the invasion and then after, getting to know the average citizens of this war torn country. This book is like a journal that describes life in Iraq that we do not know about. I had to read and re-read some parts of the book because the Middle Eastern names of people and places seemed to mesh and I didn’t quite understand (I’m blonde). Other parts of the book had me a little mad, especially because my brother is a solider in Iraq, where the citizens and even the author voiced certain negative opinions about the Americans. But in the end I realized, from what I read, that this country has a long way to go whether we are there or not and they are just waiting for an ordinary day.
I would recommend this to anyone who has a solider in Iraq and for someone wanting to learn more about life in Iraq

Headaches Part 2

One of the biggest steps I had to take to help ease some of my headaches was to quit smoking. I was raised in a house where a parent smoked and married into a smoking family. I enjoyed smoking. Luckily about the time I had to stop so did a few others in the family for their own health reasons making it a little easier since I wasn’t suffering alone with no nicotine. My husband, who is prone to Pleurisy, quit very quickly and we implemented the “no smoking in the house rule” following. My quitting was a little more of a struggle but wanting children in the near future was my motivation. I am not a smoker who can tell you the day I had my last cigarette, I could about how many years it’s been, but I am a terrible ex-smoker because I can’t stand it now at all. Quitting has help with my headaches. Did you know that smoking and 2nd hand smoke (now they say 3rd hand…ever heard of that?) can contribute to a headache because the nicotine causes the blood vessels in the brain to constrict. Many articles will tell you that during a migraine the blood vessels on the brain expand. This may cause sensitivity to noise and light as well as feeling nauseous.
Okay so what if you are not a smoker and you still get these headaches? Know that being around the smoke will more than likely make them worse.
My headache nightmare certainly didn’t end when I quit smoking but I’m sure it helped.


What is Pleurisy? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleurisy

Headaches

I have been a migraine sufferer for years, and fortunately they are much better since I had a hysterrecomy at the age of 29. Not that I recommend that as a way to get rid of your headaches but that is how the cards were delt for me since I had other health problems as well. Anyway, I am married to a man who is healthy and maybe only had a hangover headache, making it hard for him to understand how debilatating this pain is. Over time my headaches turned into a 2-3 day event with projectile vomiting and me not being able to function at all. On the other hand I am blessed to be married to that healthy man, because he has had to really step up during these days while keeping up with his own normal routine as well. Let me tell you a person going through a bad migraine is not pretty! Honestly though, you care about nothing because the pain can be that bad and for me it was.
Many people say they have a migraine, assuming that is what their headache is, but you should be diagnoses first before you treat it as such. Headaches come in many forms and names; tension, stress, hangover, your typical headache, migraine. I made the assumption I had migraines until my first neurologists rudely questioned me “who made that diagnosis?” After doing tests that looked the ones to a person pulled over for a DUI, I was sent on my way and told I had tension headaches and to stop stressing myself out. I was in my early 20’s. I continued to see him for about 4-5 more visits, requesting an appointment following a 2-3 battle with head pain. The last time I went he scolded me for being 5 minutes late and then proceeded to give me pamphlets on how to relax. I never went back.
The headaches continued and seemed to be worse then ever. One day I invited my sister’s 2nd son to stay the night. I had this great plan of things we would do; rented movies and bought fun food. Within 2 hours I was standing in the bathroom completely upright vomiting uncontrollably. My husband was shocked, I remember him saying “you were just fine, what happened?” Well I didn’t want to scare my nephew, although he had seen his mom with headaches as well. We had him picked up and off to the hospital we went. Headaches are often misunderstood and many people think the patient is to blame. Who would wish this upon themselves or take steps to cause this?
We sat in the ER for the longest time; I was finally taken back and given an IV. I truly do not remember what else they did but I think we were there so long it finally went away on its own. Following that incident my husband pushed me harder to find a new doctor. It is one of those things that you do not think about until you are going through it. If you are suffering from headaches, do not put off taking care of it because let me tell you from experience….it is a LONG process!
I luckily found a great neurologist who had such a kind bedside manner, much different then my previous quack. He ordered many tests to be done, some in his office and some at the hospital. After, what seemed like a long time, I was given the diagnosis of having migraines. That was the easy part, the hard part was figuring out how to treat it.