DigitalPenny

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuBo4E77ZXo

The Amero
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amero

Posted by Digitalpenny at 03:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1540)

Posted by Digitalpenny at 06:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (3520)

The Mayo Clinic has described my life exactly as it has been on a decline since 1997. Here are my symptoms:

• Persistent sadness or depression


• Marked anxiety, feelings of being "keyed up" or "on edge"


• Mood swings often marked by periods of teariness


• Persistent or marked anger or irritability


• Decreased interest in usual activities


• Fatigue or lethargy


• A feeling of being overwhelmed or out of control


• Flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches, headaches and joint pain


• Changes in sleep patterns — problems falling and staying asleep or sleeping too much


• Changes in appetite — overeating, lack of appetite or specific food cravings

The only thing that the Mayo Clinic left out was...

Continue reading "She's a Bee-Otch" »

Posted by Digitalpenny at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Leaders function in many different contexts, i.e., formal organizations, informal groups, learning teams, etc. As you have read and assessed your ethical perspectives what do you think are the primary characteristics of an ethical leader? You may want to discuss this in the context of the leadership in your current organization or the city of Chicago.

As we continue our exploration of the influence of values and ethics in organizations, we need to examine the affects of organizational culture as it relates to leadership, ethics and critical decision-making. For example, describe the decision making process in your organization. Further, how do the elements of your organization’s culture, whether explicitly or implicitly, shape our perceptions on these key concepts? Provide your answer to this question.

Continue reading "Someone Sent This to Me | Its a Class Assignment" »

Posted by Digitalpenny at 04:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (2249)

Check out this video: Elmo Visits Iraq



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Posted by Digitalpenny at 06:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Wow!

You Are a Centaur

In general, you are a very cautious and reserved person. However, you are also warm hearted, and you enjoy helping others in practical ways. You are a great teacher, and you are really good at helping people get their lives in order. You are very intuitive, and you go with your gut. You make good decisions easily.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 03:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Someone sent me anothe question/answer email, asking me to reveal more information about myself. Here are the questions and my answers to them. This was done back on 11/6/06.

1. FIRST NAME? Aleshia
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No. My Aunt was taking Spanish at GSU, when she passed it on to my mom.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Saturday (11/4) watching the movie I AM SAM.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Maple turkey
6. KIDS? 1 boy, 2 girls (and they aren't fast. just the youngest)
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Sure I would. I'm one in a million.
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yes, but I don't always write to it.
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? A little.
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes, and I hope to have them removed. SOON!
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Hell no.
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Oatmeal.
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No.
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? No, not at all.
15. YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Vanilla
16. SHOE SIZE? 8
17. RED OR PINK? Red
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Weight.
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My husband and kids when they aren't around. Sometimes I miss other people, and wish I could see them more often, but such is life. When we do get together, we have a good time.
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Not if busy
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black shirt with blue jeans and green tennis
22. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? It's extremely quiet. There's a faint humming sound outside my window.
23. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Fuchsia
24. FAVORITE SMELL? The aroma of fresh baked bread.
25. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Mom
26. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Their Spirit (some call it personality)
27. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yea. "She real cool."
28. FAVORITE DRINK? Whisky Sour
29. FAVORITE MALE ACTOR? So many....
30. FAVORITE SPORT? none. If I were just watching, it would be gymnastics.
31. EYE COLOR? dark brown
32. HAT SIZE? donno
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No
34. FAVORITE FOOD? There are so many....
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Scary movies
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED AT THE MOVIES? Catch a fire... Derek Luke...!
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? black
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? winter
39. HUGS OR KISSES? Both.
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? There are so many... (Now, you know I like to eat!)
41. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Not sure
42. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Not sure
43. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Installation manuals
44. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Right now, my mouse pad is the kitchen table.
45. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Part of the news.
46. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Babies laughing.
47. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Neither. I just listen to whatever sounds good.
48. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Bahamas
49. Favorite Female Actor? Loretta Devine
50. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Michelle

Posted by Digitalpenny at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Happy b-day to you.
Happy b-day to you.
You are a little man now.
Happy b-day to you.

Now, straighten up that room!

Posted by Digitalpenny at 03:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

"Take Lunch and Get a Life" is an article written by a New Zeland journalist, Diana Clement. It's an interesting read.

I've posted her tips for avoiding overtime.

Tips for avoiding overtime

* Become more efficient and get your job done within the allocated hours.
* Try to ditch unnecessary tasks from your work day.
* Don't do other people's jobs. Learn to delegate.
* Ask for a reprieve from your boss.
* Document your work accomplishments and demonstrate them to your boss.
* Get help with learning to say "no" and valuing your time more.
* Look for ways your department could become more efficient as a whole and present these to your employer.
* Try to limit your overtime to blocks dedicated to specific projects and schedule time off in lieu to compensate.
* Don't let overtime creep up on you by accident. When it's time to go home, pack up and go. Save the task for tomorrow.
* If you regularly start early, let people know and don't feel guilty about going home equally early.
* When asked to take on an extra task you can't fit in, say something like: "I'm working on XYZ project. I'll let you know as soon as I am available to take on new work."
* Say what you can do: "I'm sorry I can't give you a written report by Monday. But I'd be happy to give you a verbal summary."
* Say 'no'. Try: 'Thanks for asking me, but I'm afraid I can't.' Or: 'I'm going to have to pass. Thank you for asking'.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 01:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (4397)

One of the best R&B singers of my generation is gone.

Lavert, I'll miss your charm, smile, and voice. May God welcome you into His loving arms!
This makes me feel sad.
Today is sad! ~AND it's raining!

Posted by Digitalpenny at 05:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (96)

This evening I watched House Hunters on HGTV. I love that show. It's high on my list of favorites. It's because I'm a dreamer and a wishful thinker. I'm always hoping that I'll be in a position both financially and mentally to be able to purchase a home and to decorate it. HGTV's House Hunter's gives me this undying hope. Since I've been watching the show, I've seen homes I liked and could possibly afford and homes that I liked, which were totally out of my price range. I also noted too, that I don't do nearly enough shopping. I should spend some time just going out to the stores to browse, rather than going out to make a purchase. You know. See what I like, and see what's available and out there. What things could I mix and match to make a place where I'd spend most of my time, a true reflection of my personality. The thing that I dislike about the show is that they never show the real problems people face when they are out there searching: home inspection, being pre-approved (how do you get there?), locating the mortgage plan that's right for you, where are the lawyers when the deal is made(?), how can I get out of my apartment rent when I've found the home I want, but still owe 6 months rent (?). Most of what I've mentioned, HGTV has found clever ways to remarket these questions into shows for television. Susie Orman can tell you how to clean up your credit for the pre-approval process. She's really good and entertaining. But what channel do I turn to to listen to a lawyer give good tips for stepping through the process of purchasing or selling a home, or getting out of the rent payment for that matter? Is there such a show? Come on lawyers! Get your act together. Get on reality TV. There's a class of folks, who are looking for good, free legal advice. Aside from that, it'd be great to see how you handle cases for those who seek your help. I mean, if they will put "Cheaters" on TV, surely, they can find room for real estate lawyers. Now, I need to get back to my paper.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 09:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (100)

When I blog good and even great things happen. I recently wrote two entries and lookee:

1. Won a Chipotle gift certificate, worth $25, and about 9 free shuttle passes from my job to the mall.
2. M-Jr's grades are on the rise. We've been struggling with that for some time. But I hope things are turning around.
3. Got good news about my home. Things are moving slowly right now, but I'll take all the good news.
4. Removed a really irritable callous from the ball of my foot before it turned into an ulcer. Nasty little thing.
5. Job seems to be secure for now, although I never hold my breath on these kinds of issues.
6. T moved up a letter grad in her gymnastics class: 1A to 1B. Hey, it's a start!
7. D. has gotten wider, kinda chunky. But she still loves to play the piano. She has a recital on Nov. 11.
8. M-Sr. is being treated for popping, breaking, rupturing (whatever word you can add here) his achilles tendon.
9. Finally rec'd my membership card from the church. Now when I put money in the envelope to tithe, I can use the number instead of my name. I'm happy about that.

Also, I have not forgotten to get you those files. I think about it every day (after I leave work).
Managing, managing, managing.

See, maybe I should keep this up.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Here's an email that I received from a friend. Now, let me put an X in the spaces provided.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Place an X by all the things you've done [think about your entire life], or remove the x from the ones you Have not, and send blog it to all of your friends.

( ) Smoked a cigarette...
( ) Drank so much you threw up
( ) Never been drunk, ever
( ) Crashed a friend's car.
( ) Stolen a car.
( X ) Been in love
( X ) Been dumped.
( ) Been laid off/fired
(X ) Quit your job
( ) Been in a fist fight
( ) Sneaked out of your parent's house [ I was extremely afraid of my mother.]
(x) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
( ) Been arrested
( )Gone on a blind date
(X ) Lied to a friend
(X) Skipped school
( X ) Seen someone die
( X ) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Mexico
(X ) Been on a plane
(X ) Been lost [and I still get lost; especially when driving in foreign territory.]
( ) Been on the opposite side of the country
(X ) Gone to Washington, DC
( X ) Swam in the ocean...
( X ) Felt like dying
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
() Played cops and robbers
(X ) Recently colored with crayons
( ) Sang karaoke
(X) Paid for a meal with only coins
(X ) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
( X ) Made prank phone calls. [I called people to ask if their refrigerator was running. Stupid huh?]
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue.
( x) Danced in the rain
( ) Written a letter to Santa Claus [There's no freaking Santa Claus!]
(X ) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about or love....
( X ) Blown bubbles
( ) Made a bonfire on the beach
() Crashed a party
( X ) Gone roller-skating
( ) Ice-skating....

Don't know what happened to questions 1 and 2.

3. Any nicknames? [I used to be called "APPLEHEAD".]
4. Mother's name? Broome
5. What is your favorite drink? Whisky Sour
6.Tattoos? 0
7. Body piercing? none
8. How much do you love your job? [I like it; I'm not in love with it]
9. Birthplace: Shreveport, LA
10. Favorite vacation spot? [Don't know yet. Haven't hade enough vacations.]
11. Ever been to Africa? no
12. Ever steal any traffic signs? no
13. Ever been in a car accident? no
14. A, B, C, D, DD cup size? [B and a half; probably some blubber left over from kids.]
15. 2 Door or 4 Door? 4
16. Salad dressing? Balsamic Vinegar and Blue Cheese mixed
17. Favorite pie? Apple
18. Favorite number? 21
19. Favorite movie ? The Chronicles of Riddick
20. Favorite Holiday? Any holiday when I get to spend time with my husband and kids.
21. Favorite food? I like lots of foods; If I have to choose, it would be rotisserie chicken.
22 . Favorite day of the week? Sunday
23 . Favorite brand of body soap? Caress
24. Favorite TV show? The Bernie Mac Show
25. Favorite ToothPaste? Crest anything
26 . Favorite smell? Bath and Body Works, Moonlight Path
27. Favorite way to relax? Playing video or computer games
28. Message to your friends reading this? Wish we could all get together talk, laugh, drink good wine, and eat.
29. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Blessed in grace and wealth.
30. What do you do when you are bored? Read something.
31. Furthest place you will send this message? Don't Know.
32. Who will respond the fastest? Don't know if anyone will.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 10:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Good morning. I'm up extremely early this morning. I couldn't sleep. I wanted to blog yesterday, and I should have, but as usual, I got busy. Now, I've forgotten what I wanted to say.

Anywho, I've been up sending enrollment forms and information to IIT. I need to get back into school. Like, it's not driving me nuts or anything, but I'd like to finish what I've started. So, at 5:00 this morning, I completed sending forms.

Now, it's about 6:12 am, and I've got to shower, get dressed and take care of the kids. M-sr is out on a job. He left at about 1:30 this morning. We're keeping it together, considering the circumstances.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 06:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's been so long since I've lived in an apartment I'd forgotten how things work. For example, if you locate a good parking spot, it's really not YOUR parking spot. That spot belongs to all of your other neighbors. If your kids decide to go out and play, all of the other apartment kids go outside too. Then they "the other kids" think that they know you because you've allowed your kids to play, so at the most inappropriate times, because you're on the first floor, they come knocking at the patio door asking, "Can T and D come out and play?" OMG! Can they eat lunch or dinner?Aren't you hungry too? I know that my children are friendly, and I really don't mind them playing with the other children, but for goodness sake, do you ever go home?

What's really great about living in an apartment is the fact that there's a central place for garbage, AND you can put as many bags out there as you want. There's no limit!

Now, the couple living above us. They must be in their late fifties. They are extremely nice. Between them, there are four children who live there too, two boys and two girls. The oldest two, one boy, one girl are in high school. After being in the apartment for about two weeks, the oldest girl wrote me a welcome letter, which not only stated that she was happy to have us in the neighborhood, but that she was a great sitter as well. Now that's friendly. What's really interesting about the couple is that they hop hump like rabbits. OMG, every morning at 9:30a and every night between 9:30p and 11:00p, they are at it. Rock squeak, rock squeak, rock squeak! Do they ever stop you ask? Yes, when she's attending to her woman business! It's nerve racking I tell you. They really need to give it a rest. They go at it more than I do. Way More!!

Anyhow, apartment living has been pretty good so far. If it were not for the rock squeaking over my head in the morning and again at night, it'd be better.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 06:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You know when I published my thoughts using the name I'd made up, "DigitalPenny", I felt really good about what I was writing, stating, whether it made sense or not. I feel that something good is about to happen in my life, so I'm not going to sit any longer and just wait. I'm going to enjoy the time that I've been given to be myself. So, I guess I'm back again. Yes, everyone living with me today are enjoying my mood swings too. I think.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 11:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I haven't posted in a while, and I haven't felt like posting on a daily basis, although I have thoughts. I'm not seeing any benefits to doing this, so I'm logging out for a while. I don't know when I will return.

Blog...Out...until further notice.

-spiced

Posted by Digitalpenny at 09:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, I'm back! The transport was difficult. We left on a night when it was snowing and icing going into Erie. My washer fluid froze, and I had no way of clearing the wet mud from my windows while driving. So, after stopping, I let M-sr drive my car, and I drove the truck. I felt at ease because he was driving, but I remained somewhat uneasy because we continued to move forward. I’m just glad that we arrived at our destination point safely.

I’ve been moving boxes, boxes, boxes. Putting items here and there and rearranging. We've moved into an apartment, which is too small (I'm finding) to hold all that we own. I'm finding too, that most of what we own are clothes, BOOKS, and kitchen ware. The children have settled into a good routine, and each is enjoying school. I don’t miss Syracuse, but I do really miss the people I met. I like where I am now, and don’t plan to move ever again, with the exception of moving into a home somewhere within this state. This is home for me, and I know it’s home for my children.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This morning I decided to perform the task of cleaning my junk drawers (I had two in my kitchen). I've dreaded cleaning them for some time. Apparently I am a poor organizer when it comes to putting away those items my family considers miscellaneous. Well here's a list of what I found.

1. pencils


2. pens


3. markers


4. highlighters


5. a few crayons


6. dimes


7. a ton of pennies


8. screws


9. nails


10. shower curtain hooks


11. rubber bands


12. guitar parts


13. eye glasses and case


14. MACE


15. dental floss


16. a toothbrush


17. wires


18. chords that you plug into something


19. nylon rope


20. cassette tapes


21. several jazz CDs


22. two DVD movies


23. loose photos


24. photos in an envelope


25. two thank you cards


26. a birthday invitation


27. written instructions and manual for installing a dishwasher


28. receipts from grocery purchases


29. a light bulb


30. chapstick


31. swim goggles


32. a bottle of Elmer's glue


33. several small brown paper lunch bags


34. several business cards


35. sugar packets


36. plastic gloves, used for cleaning


37. a nitted hat


38. four screw drivers


39. a hammer


40. a garage door opener


41. a set of walkie-talkies and it's charging base


42. a Downey ball


43. a pad lock


44. tweezers


45. a combination lock


46. several plastic knives


47. napkins


48. a protractor


49. a tape measure


50. a grip master (used for building finger strength)


51. expired coupons


52. several band-aids


53. thumb tacks


54. chalk


55. balloons


56. a Directv access card


57. bread ties


58. a small jar of Tiger Balm


59. a bookmark


60. a carpenter's knife


61. parts from that door we replaced, and


62. one of those peg board games from the Craker Barrel Country Store

Posted by Digitalpenny at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A child has been suspended for three days because of touching another child.

What's wrong with us? I'm totally not understanding what's gone wrong. Are we so morally constipated that we have to accuse 6 year old children of sexual harassment for rubbing the skin of another child? Was the touching in the genital area? Do we need to separate boys and girls at public schools? What's really going on? Is there a behavior problem? Is the child not learning or willing to be taught? Is there a language issue?

This is really sad. I'd hate to think that my 6 year old would be suspended for any amout of days for touching another student on their back.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 02:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

just as the year begins. I want to give a grand shout-out to my little brother, "Big Daddy". Yep, that's what we call him. And he wears it well.

HAPPY B-DAY AURB!!!

I know you will enyoy yourself at some point during the day today and all weekend long.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 03:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yea, that's me. I'm slackering. And yes, that's a term I'm coining. Dibbs. I called it first. I've been a busy little bee. Isn't it amazing how the month of January is rolling past us? I've been studying for two interviews that I've got lined up next week. For those of you who believe in dreams, wish me the best. For those of you who believe in prayer, pray that I land one of the jobs. I've been patient and prayful. It hasn't been easy finding anything to do around here unless you're into retail. I look at job ads all the time, and if I were holding an insturment that shows how much experience you need in order to fill one of the positions posted around here, it would be safe to say that the area between high school diploma and seasoned, qualified worker would be blank. In this town, you have to have no experience or just the right experience, there's no between, no grey--just black and white. I hate to use cliche's, but that was worth it.

As I look back on my choice this semester (whether I should return to SU to continue pushing myself lackadaisically through coursework or leave to look for work to help support my family), I'm happy with the decision I've made. Although I am feeling pauperish, I'm in good spirits. At first, I felt like I had let certain people down, not just a few choice folk at SU, but my family and especially my parents. But everyone has been extremely supportive; that makes me feel good. I've learned through all of this that no matter how your friends, family, and people you've allowed into your elbow space feel about the decisions you make, what's important is that you make the choices that you feel comfortable with. My children are happier, now that I'm home all the time; that I will cherish. Until I'm able to locate a job, I will stop complaining about what I don't have, which is income, and I will be thankful that I'm allowed to spend some quality time with my family. Thus, I return to my wonderful world of slackering.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 08:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

"If you think something's impossible, it will be, but if you think anything's possible there are many possibilities"

Remember that? Okay, so the saying may not be worded as such, but you get my point. Right?

Maybe it's something that I made up in my head. I know that it's one of those sayings that I have stored in my mind, but can't quite remember who said it, or why, but I've held on to bits and peices of the original saying because I knew someday that it would serve a purpose for me, or that it would mean something to me. Anyhow, I've purposely made it part of my repertoire for whatever reason.

Well, I'm always trying to think of the possibilities cause I believe that all things are possible through Christ, and I believe that "I can do all things through Christ..." (Philippians 4:13). This gives me that tiny bit of sanity and sustainability that I need to keep going. Just when I think I'm down, I'm not, nor am I alone. My GOD is good! (shout, shout) And whether you believe that or not, that's your opinion. But I know that when I pray, when I'm sincere, and when I'm patient, my prayers always come to pass. And when they do, I remember, and give thanks just because I Know that HE is looking out for me and my best interest.

Anyhow, I'm good and all is well in my world. Things couldn't be better! (shout, shout, jump, jump [repeat this line forever])....

Posted by Digitalpenny at 07:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How cliché is that? Well, I think that my honesty has been nothing but trouble for me since I've been in the Northeastern part of the country. When I talk with people, I'm always candid about my intentions and aspirations. I've apparently put my foot in my mouth, and am chewing. (Gross!) Anyhow, I've got to learn to be deceitful, hypocritical, and outright calumnious in order for folks to believe anything I say, to get over on them, and to have my way. These are the traits of politicians and successful business professionals, and I had hoped to never cross that line, but if that's what I've gotta do, then may it be written as done. It seems that there are more assholes in the world than people who are genuine and true to themselves and others.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 01:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

**I scheduled this to post yesterday. I'm just realizing that it didn't. Maybe I did something wrong?**
Today is my father's B-day! He's way older than those "Baby Boomers". He's intelligent, athletic, and can hold his own in a game of checkers. He's funny! He's my dad.

I've been trying to call him all day. I bet he's been out taking care of his dad.

Anyhow,

Happy B-Day Daddy!

I Love You!

Posted by Digitalpenny at 09:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today must be one of those days when I often decide to take charge of some project that I've been picking at and pondering over, but not really working on. Well, today I've decided that I'm going to finish it. Wish me luck.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 01:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hey, I don't claim to be an expert on caring for children, nor do I claim to be an expert on selecting a childcare provider, but what I do know is this:

While searching, what you want to look for is someone who has an open door policy, meaning that you can drop by anytime you like to check on your child. If they don't ask you for your child's immunization records, don't use that service. Also, you might want to try and schedule a visit and talk with them about an hour or so, just to see how they treat other infants. And most importantly, if you walk into a house or setting where you feel any tension or discomfort, between you and the provider, you shouldn't leave your child with that person. Trust your instincts. I know that everyone isn't perfect, and no one will take care of your child like you would, but you've got to trust someone, especially if you have no family members close by. Oh, and one more thing. Start your search early. The more you know about a provider, the better off you will be. Also solicit recommendations from other people who have children there.

Finding a good provider is difficult, but locating a great childcare provider is the best move you'll ever make, especially when it comes to children.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 04:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm still thinking about the hotel in Cleveland and all of the hotels I've ever been in. Although I travel with a can of Lysol, and I spray EVERYTHING in the room. Yes, everything! Right down to the TV buttons. Anyhow, how about we make a pact. Here goes.

When we are ready to check out of the room, let's wet the spread(s) and
blanket(s) in the bathtub or shower (leave them there). I mean we should soak them really well. That way, they'll have to either wash them or dry them (hopefully wash and dry them).

I think that if we can make this happen on a regular basis (like I travel a lot) or when we do travel and need lodging, then eventually we'll have clean sheets, blankets, and spreads in many hotels.

So, what are the repercussions? I don't know. The only thing I can think of right now is higher hotel rates due to the fact that the workers would have to wash extra laundry, which might lead to longer hours and slower service. At any rate, I think we should do it. Are you in? Does this sound like a doable pact?

Posted by Digitalpenny at 05:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Happy New Year!

I want to send a shout out to my nephew, Leroy. Today is his birthday. He was born a few minutes after mid-night on this date some years ago.

Happy B-Day Leroy!

Posted by Digitalpenny at 08:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hey Everybody! Merry Christmas!!

This has been a good X-mas. M-sr and I drove for hours from central New York all the way to O'Fallon, MO. There were times when I did think that I was going to make it, being all cramped in the car and all. T** was her usual self--loud, not wearing a seatbelt, taking off her shoes and pants, and fighting with D** and M-jr. We didn't drive straight through. We stopped at the Residence Inn in Cleveland, OH to spend the night. The room was huge; it was a two bedroom suite with a full kitchen (although I didn't cook) and two full bathrooms. It reminded me of being in the Roney, which is in South Beach, FL. Anyhow, there were two things wrong with the room. First, I could tell that the blankets and bed spreads were not clean. They looked dingy, and one of the blankets had blood stains on it. Second, the room we stayed in was on the 7th floor. From that height, you'd think you'd be able to see some of the downtown area (cause that's where we were). But Noooooooo. We were surrounded by other buildings, and the only sights that you could see out the windows were tunnels of steel roofs and bricks. It was horrible. What made it worse was the fact that the sun wasn't shining. That's okay though.

I called my mom this morning after we came home from church. M-sr's father gave the sermon. He's a minister, you know. Anyhow, my little brother answered the phone. We chuckled at the fact that when he was little, he kept a fish tank outside the house (in Louisiana, of course). In the fish tank, he had captured a single fish. It wasn't any fish, it was a brim (from the lake, not the pet store). Anyhow that brim lived for some time. At least until he added a catfish (from the lake, not the pet store). So a few days went by and then, my brother found both fish belly up in that pool of slimy dark colored water. It was a good conversation. Anyhow, my mom was great, but I didn't get a chance to talk with my father. He had slipped out and gone to their other home.

I also wanted to note that today I thought about Madeline and Brian, and their kids, Becky and BP (my grandparents away from home). Hello all! Hope that you are having a wonderful holiday too!

Posted by Digitalpenny at 07:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Isn't it funny how your best ideas come to you when you are doing something (like not writing, but brushing your hair)?

You'd think that we should all walk around with microphones and recorders.

Damn, I can't remember what I was thinking, but I know that it was a brilliant thought!

Posted by Digitalpenny at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Digitalpenny at 05:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Today I received mail from my prof, who let me know that she couldn't post a comment on my blog. That's disturbing because I seem to have established appropriate settings so that anyone can post a comment. Now I've gone through the trouble of "authenticating" my site, and truning on "trackback", which I hate. But it these things make it so that people can post comments, I guess I'll have to leave them enabled.

I'm entering this post as a test to see what happens. Cross your fingers.

I hope this works.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 09:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There are so many different things that affect the direction in which our lives move...people, objects, events, activities. They all count. I guess we have to locate those things that make us feel ardent and complete. We have to even locate places whether they are spiritual, physical, or emotional where we are comfortable enough to be ourselves. Jacqueline Royster acknowledges that

Afrafeminist ideologies acknowledge a role for caring, for passionate attachments.... [They] include concerns centered as well in our disciplinary and transdiciplinary needs to know in keeping with typical scholarly practices and pursuits. (2000)

Posted by Digitalpenny at 03:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today it is cold and wet outside, and inside it's cold too. When I awoke this morning I had a bad feeling. I wanted to take everything I knew and owned and pack it under a rock. Often I feel like a rock, sitting in the middile of nothingness; as time goes past me, everything surrounding me changes, but I'm not changing, I'm just a rock, sitting there waiting for someone or something to pick me up and throw me so that I might feel alive.

Being alive is feeling the warmth of the sun on your face and the rays of sunlight all over your body, especially while walking along a beach front where the temperature is just right. The sound of the waves rolling back and forth along the shore and the sound of the seagulls flying overhead or nearby is what I want to hear. I want to be in a place where I can have peace mind and a tranquil spirit. I want everything to just stop stop for a moment, and I want to breath...to exhale. And I know that sounds cliche, but that's what I want. Often I refer to this as my needing a calgon moment, but I only shower; I don't take baths.

I just needed to tell somebody what I was feeling. This frustration is looming over me, and I just want to push it away. I really hate when I feel like this, but writing it down helps in more than one way.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 02:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This morning or should I say today is a good day. I was able to import all of my MT entries from a different blog into this one, AND my comments imported as well. I'm so happy that I didnt' lose anything. Isn't that wonderful?

I have been working on this off and on for the past two or three weeks. It's hard to get in computer time when you've got homework, reading, your kids homework, washing clothes, house cleaning, paying bills, and afterschool activities to do....oh, and did I forget, taking care of the husband. None of this includes taking time for myself.

Anyhow, if you are moving from MT to MT, what MT claims is that you only have to "transfer your export[ed] file to a directory called import in the MT application directory." Well, what they don't specify is that you should:

1. Create the categories that you want to import in your new weblog, before you import anything.
2. Ensure that the file you are importing is a text [.txt] file.
3. Break the import file, if necessary into several different category files.
4. Upload or FTP your text files to the import directory in your MT weblog. (Ok, so they do specify this one.)
5. Once you've uploaded the text file(s) into your import directory, check to ensure that the first line of each file does not have some kind of funky ascii text infront of the word "Author". If this is the case, delete the text, then save the file. Even if you don't separate the text files, this is the most important thing to check to ensure the files import properly.
6. On your MT publishing platform, import the files.
7. Rebuild your entire set of entries.

This is not a bible for exporting/importing from one MT place to different one, but it was what I did, and it worked.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 01:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, I don't have my laptop, and quite frankly, this sucks. Since I've been using Homebase, the new name for the family computer, things have been slow going. It's a drag to actually try and check email or write while I'm in the basement (kinda creepy). Although I must admit, it's quiet down here.

So, in order to work around the situation, I've had to remove a few programs, attempt an install of more RAM, and store a few of my personal files here.

I could use my laptop because I haven't officially shipped it-I'm still awaiting funding-but, I don't want to use it cause something might go wrong. You know...Murphy's Law might kick in. So, this time, I'll play it safe.

Anyway, I'll be around, somewhere, posting in spurts.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 09:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

My computer is glitching, so I need to send it out for repairs. Customer service tells me I'll have to fax over a receipt to show proof of purchase (guess the barcode, model number and pc type isn't enough). They also tell me that I need to use a given REM number in the deliver address or the processing plant will not receive it. They've also informed me that reparis will take about two weeks. (Yea right.) I've got to send the PC out to Fresno. Good thing I don't have to ship it outside the U.S. AND (my last little detail here) it's going to cost me about $40 to ship it. This is my protest against that shipment fee:

Why should I pay to have it shipped? I've already PAID for it.

Well, I'm not too upset. I might get a new PC out of the deal. AND I don't have to pay the return fee. So, maybe it's okay that I have to pay this small fee up front. Thing is, I won't have a local computer until the computer company returns mine. Now, I'll have to fight for time on the *family* computer or spend more time on campus.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 04:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

"The number of people in the world is expected to increase 50 percent, to 9 billion, by the middle of this century. Much of that growth will come in Asian countries where rice is the dietary staple" (Washington Post 8/11/2005).

Facts about Rice
The International Year of Rice has some interesting facts about rice. What stood out most for me was the fact that:

• "...rice provides 27% of people's energy intake and 20% of their dietary protein".


• "Thailand exports the most [rice] - about 7.6 million tons a year. Viet Nam is second, with 3.7 million tonnes, followed by the USA is second, with 2.6 million tonnes".


• "Rice and its by-products are used for making straw and rope, paper, wine, crackers, beer, cosmetics, packing material, and even toothpaste." And don't forget vinegar.

It freaks me out that we have to find ways of feeding the growing population instead of finding ways to slow or reduce the growth. I guess onsets of AIDS, STDs, other diseases and even birth control aren’t discussed much in "Asian countries".

Since this genome research is an extremely important break through, I will have to find out if there's a way to invest in rice, since it's an apparently much needed commodity.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 09:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

John Hewitt over on PoeWar.com Writer's Resource Center has posted two entries about Print-on-Demand: lulu and iUniverse. Print-on-Demand is one way to self-publish without having to go through "legitimate" publishing houses.

With lulu, no one has to submit a proposal. There's no major editiing involved, unless you do it yourself. There's no copyright infringement to protect referenced works, if any. You don't even have to obtain an ISBN number or barcode for your publication, unless you want them to; and they will for a small fee.

On the other hand, iUniverse is a subsidiary of Barnes & Noble. So books printed via this service will more than likely appear on the shelves at B&N. AND unlike lulu, your material is edited, ISBNed, and incurs cost.

John probably offers a better explanation.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am so sick of those g*&$%mned trackbacks!
Will someone please make them go away?!!

Posted by Digitalpenny at 04:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I'll be with you in a minute.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 04:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, I've been playing around with my blog a little, trying something different. It's in need of a bit more work, but all in due time.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 08:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Derek, I downloaded Firefox, and I'm loving it!

Posted by Digitalpenny at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Well, yesterday started off strange.

After breakfast, I dumped food in the disposal as I normally would. And the disposal stopped. I thought it was the disposal's run-of-the-mill way of saying, "Please force a broom down my throat, so I can eat again." Well, it completely stopped. I reset the button, screwed it with the wrenchette, removed it from the sink, put it back, unplugged it, plugged it, cleard the residue of food left over from it's last run, and repeated the process, but I couldn't get it to eat.

So, this morning after I dropped T at school, I drove over to Home Depot. As I walked to the isle of kitchen sink contraptions, I tried to look like a handywoman, confident and sure of myself. I located the erators, and carefully read the descriptions and prices, looking for one that was within my budget.

I noticed that neither of the erators had a power supply plug (for the outlet under my sink). Now I was confused because the one at home had one. And when I looked on the internet, I saw a few that seemed to have an attached plug.

At first, I thought I'd wait until M comes home, so he can fix it. But then I'd have to wait too long. So I selected a 1/2 power erator, and placed it in the cart. (Didn't really know whether this choice was good or bad. I thought to myself, "Hopefully, I'm making the right decision.")

As I walked away, I looked back and saw several power supply cords hanging on the wall. I took one, believing that the directions would not be poorly written. That I would be able to read the directions and install the damned thing myself.

Got home, followed the directions for both the plug and the erator. Woohoo, I installed the contraption!!! It's working, and I'm happy! Oh, And yes, it's grounded.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Well, as I was gearing up to come to Syracuse, making sure that I had my immunization record complete and up to date. I ran into something that struck me as odd.

I needed a copy of my immunizations from birth up through say age twenty. This was necessary because my primary physician, who was at the time in IL, did not have this information on file. I guess this was my fault, but I hadn't needed an immunization record since I had been an incoming freshman (undergraduate). And even at that time, my mother had taken care to send the information to the school I had attended.

Since I've seen my childhood physician, who used to practice in LA (now he's too old, probably dead), I've gotten married, had three children, had several jobs, and I've obtained a Master's degree (without needing a record of immunizations). That's been over a period of about twenty years.

Anyhow, as I gathered the paper work, I called my old doctor's office in LA:

Office person: Good afternoon, Dr. X and X's office. How can I help you?
Me: Hi, I used to be a patient of Dr. X, and I know that Dr. X has taken over his patient records. My last name was Thompson. Is it possible to get a copy of my medical records? I'm particularly interested in getting a copy of my immunizations.
Office person: Well, we should have that on file. What was your name?
Okay. Please hold.

. . .

Office person: Dr. X says that Dr. X's patient files are archived in a database that's no longer in this office. Can we call you back after we've gone to storage to retrieve your files?
Me: Sure, that's not a problem. You may reach me at 630....

. . . (2 days later)

Office person: Hello, Mrs. Jefferson.
Me: This is she.
Office person: Dr. X says that your records are no longer available.
Me: What's wrong? You told me two days ago that you needed to retrieve the records from the database.
Office person: Well, your files were deleted from the system.
Me: What! Well, why didn't you tell me that when I called. You mean to tell me you have no record? I have no medical history? You destroyed the files! There must be some mistake.
Office person: Well, Mrs. Jefferson. There's nothing more we can do on this end…

Now, what do you make of that? I felt utterly invisible. I immediately thought--poor slavery records (not kept, destroyed); same with medical records (not kept; destroyed). I thought, with technology being what it is today, they really could have archived those records. What the hell! is wrong with people. They really don't care about the well-being of other folk.

I hope that all doctor's offices don't practice erasure of medical records. I hope that somehow they've caught up with technology and archived, if nothing else, the immunizations.

To make this long story even shorter, I called the university where I received my undergraduate degree, and they had a copy of my immunizations on file. They faxed them to me. I was relieved and amazed at the same time.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 08:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

My left tonsil seems to have a knack for insulting my ear and voice. I hate it! And when it becomes inflamed after I've eaten nuts, rice, oatmeal, popcorn, rice cakes, and any other granular food, it lives. Yes, it lives. It has its own personality too.

Today not only is my left tonsil moody, but he's irritating my ear, my sinus, and the left side of my tongue. If I'm not careful, there goes my voice. I know. I know. Go to the doctor, right? Nope. No can do. They only want to shove antibiotics down my throat, which don't help. It's only a band-aid for what's really ailing me. If only they'd wise up and remove them, especially that left one.

You'd think that my primary physician would really read my "historical" patient records and locate this information. I've been dealing with this since age 14. And every time I complain or ask for surgery, my physician either says that I'm too old or that the insurance company needs me to complain more so that they will have a record of illnessess. So, complaining to a doctor is out of the question. Besides, do you realize how much that would cost me? The money for a doctor's visit certainly adds up.

Guess I'll have to do the usual peroxide, needle, chant, Benadryl, bed. Oh, I feel the Benadry starting to work already.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 07:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Picked up this cool link. Where you can create your own South Park image.

Here's the image I created:

The only negative thing is that you have to copy and paste the image from the South Park site.

Posted by Digitalpenny at 08:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

"Mama, are you going to blog that?"

Posted by Digitalpenny at 04:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Never thought I had it in me. This was a quiz I stumbled on, but it didn't list my favorite color, so I'm somewhat disappointed.

find your inner PIE @ stvlive.com