Living Rural

It is official - I have completed the first leg of my journey … by completing my Associate Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Health-care Management. Whew, I did it. The next step began on Monday, July 21, when I began my Batchelors Degree.

As I traveled, the journey seemed long, now looking back it was a fleeting span of time. A time of hard work, new friends, late nights, “Hubby” taking over cooking, cleaning, and everything in between! Thank you, honey!! Anyway, this is a milestone for me, one I am proud of and wanted to share with you … *patting myself on my back*

If you have tried to get here over the past few weeks, you probably had trouble. The reason for the delays,“experiencing high load” message, and “unable to load page” is a change of server, upgrading the system, and upgrading software, etc. The inconvenience to each of us should be worth it once it is complete. That is my story and I am sticking to it! Insider humor, bear with me it has been a long, hot week. Thank you for continuing to try, it is good to have you here!

In honor of the Fourth of July, here is a salute to our freedom and those who protect it and a little history lesson from my long distance carrier, AmericanFone …

INDEPENDENCE DAY!

We declared our independence, our right to be free as a nation, 232 years ago this month. If there is one lesson we have learned in that time, it is that freedom and independence are not solid and eternal. They are slippery and constantly changing. You cannot put them in an air-tight viewing box, like the Declaration of Independence itself. If you do not watch carefully, if you do not tend them and keep them alive, they die out. They go away.There may always be people with less-than-honorable intentions ready to chip away at your freedoms and usurp your independence if you let them. But thankfully, America is also full of people who are fiercely protective of what our forefathers’ and patriots throughout the generations since have fought to protect. Not only in wars, but by writing, speaking out, voting and battling injustice in the courts. A salute to the courageous patriots who Keep the flame alive!

A SHORT HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE DAY  “Taxation without representation is tyranny!” That was the rallying cry of the American colonists rebelling against British rule. The colonists were being forced to pay taxes to England with no representation in British Parliament. They had no say about how much tax they would pay no say as to how their tax money was to be spent. With rumors of rebellion, growing, British troops went in to keep the colonists in line. The colonists tried to broker a peaceful solution, but their attempts were repeatedly rebuffed. On June 11, 1776, the colonist’s Continental Congress met to declare officially, in writing, that they were no longer willing to live under British rule.Thomas Jefferson, known for his great eloquence and statesmanship, was given the job of creating the document. In addition, a difficult job it turned out to be! More than 86 alterations were made to the document before it was declared complete. On July 4, 1776, the final version of the Declaration of Independence was signed and copies were sent out among the colonists. The Fourth of July has been celebrated in the United States every year since, but it was not until 1870 that Congress officially declared it a National Holiday. In 1938, Congress re-affirmed Independence Day, making it a paid holiday for all federal employees. Today, people across the country celebrate and acknowledge their priceless gift of freedom they enjoy with parades, picnics and glorious fireworks displays.

My goodness, it was just a trip to the Super Wal-mart to pick up medications from our friendly pharmacy staff and a few grocery items. Then waiting in the check-out line, “it” caught my eye - TIME 1968 - the flashbacks immediately started … because that was the best year of my life, I promise.

HOW MANY OF YOU REMEMBER …

The TET Offensive

Signs of the Times, LOOK - FEEL - STYLES - SMILES

Johnson will not, not run for President

REV. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. assassinated in Memphis, TN

BLACK NEIGHBORHOODS EXPLODE

Pop Music - RAP

The siege of the KHE SANH

HAIR!

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY TAKEN OVER BY STUDENTS

Senator Bobby Kennedy wins the California Democratic Primary … and is gunned down!

Pop Artist, Andy Warhol is shot in NYC Studio, called THE FACTORY…

“In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes.” AW, 1968

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY

The Graduate

Screen Scene 1968:Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?; Rosemary’s Baby; Night of the Living Dead; Barbarella; Funny Girl; Planet of the Apes

Czechoslovakia freedom for one brief moment …

Chicago Riots - 7 Tried

DISSENTERS: Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin Yippees, Tom Hayden

OLYMPICS

Sport Greats: OJ Simpson :(, Jean Claude Killy, Peggy Fleming, Arthur Ashe, Detroit vs St. Louis - World Series, Vince Lombardi, Mohammed Ali

FAREWELL CAMELOT: Jackie Kennedy and Onassis

TV: Laugh In - “Sock it to me!”; The Mod Squad; Elvis; 60 Minutes; The Andy Griffith Show; The Prisoner

LAW, ORDER, NIXON? Nelson Rockefeller, George Wallace

Julie Nixon weds David Eisenhower

Ronald Reagan

THE BEATLES: “Hey Jude” and “The White Album”

Norman Mailer, Author

Destination: HELL - North Korea seizes US spy ship

Borman, Anders, Lowell - First Generation Astronauts

Year’s End - New Perspectives - Where were you in 1968?

Courtesy of Time, Inc. “Specials: 40th Anniversary Special, TIME 1968″

whatever THAT is! For me, it is a total lack of things to say … no energy to research to FIND things to say … and feeling totally DETACHED about the whole thing. This is not good for someone responsible for fulfilling a contract. If anyone has an answer for this ailment, please pass along. I am tired of being “stuck’ with nothing to say!

POLITICS - Primary in Indiana and North Carolina on May 6

EDUCATION - Schools will be out for the summer soon. Most colleges are out already.
GRADUATES - Class of 2008 - Degrees, what is next?

MOVIES - Summer fluff, but the popcorn is always good!

TV - HDTV - February, 2009 - no cable for me since 1993, not going to change much at my house.

FAMILIES - Can be very cruel.
GRANDCHILDREN - None… and not any in the picture any time soon.

Gee, still thoughts in my head, now to get them on paper. Here is a website that might help … The Owl at Purdue

Has it affected you, a family member, friend, co-worker, or an acquaintance through one of the aforementioned?                                            Chances are that it has, or will. My father-in-law suffered from MS for over 30 years, passing in 1982. He was a brilliant man that could not voice or make his brilliancy known, as his ability to communicate was slowly taken away. Oh, but those eyes!  How they could talk!  For those of us privileged to be close to him, we knew what he meant - each sparkle, each blink, every tear.  I feel privileged to have known him and loved him …. here, it comes …. BUT, I would not wish his life with MS on anyone. 

Official PR Announcement:        

The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (MSRC) www.msrc.co.uk and cre8Buzz http://cre8buzz.com/ announce the launch of a unique and inclusive Multiple Sclerosis Community on the Internet, providing not only up to date MS News and Stories, but a place where those affected by Multiple Sclerosis can communicate with others affected by the disease, and the wider public, by means of Online Blogs, Discussion Forums and Net-based social interaction.

To find out more please visit the cre8Buzz Multiple Sclerosis Community at: http://www.cre8buzz.com/multiple_sclerosis

 About the cre8Buzz MS community:

The place for families and friends affected by Multiple Sclerosis to Connect, Share, and Promote.

Connect:

Connect with others with MS. Talk, befriend, engage.

Share:

Share your stories, pictures, ideas experiences, give a little of yourself to others

Promote: 

Promote the wonderful community of MSers, family, friends, and supporters who are all fighting this disease

By partnering,

cre8Buzz/MSRC will create THE single “HUB” for family, friends and those affected by MS to come together and drive public awareness of the disease. By leveraging the power of social networking MSRC and cre8Buzz are excited about the ability to give a voice to those with MS and empower them to interact with others with the disease in a safe and supportive environment, breaking down the barriers of isolation which can occur for those suffering from a chronic disease.

 About cre8Buzz:

cre8Buzz is a social network, designed to connect and promote the voice, talents, and ideas of people and communities to the world. cre8Buzz wants to change the world by bringing people together over common interests, and ideas to provide information, interaction, and entertainment.

About MSRC - Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre:

Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (MSRC) is a proactive and innovative charity, passionately committed to supporting anyone affected by Multiple Sclerosis through access to unbiased information and advice. Our approach is to encourage  make choices that are appropriate to their daily lives, empowering them to   potential.

MSRC Services

Personal MS Support

24 Hour Telephone Counselling within the UK on 0800 783 0518 (Option 1)

Specialist MS Advisor

New Pathways Magazine

MS Discussion Boards

 Live MS Chat Room

 MS Information Leaflets  

MSRC Insurance Services

Please Contact Us:

Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre,

7 Peartree Business Centre,

Peartree Road,  Stanway, Colchester, Essex. CO3 0JN

Telephone 01206 505444 Non UK - +441206505444    Fax 01206 505449

Website: www.msrc.co.uk  Email: info@msrc.co.uk    

Special thanks to Antman for buzz’n this info and being a huge part of our world at cre8Buzz.                              Remember, “Ya’ll come back, ya’ hear!”

Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that
nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.
– Oprah Winfrey

We must be the change we want to see in the world.
– Mahatma Gandhi

The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life. - Einstein

Triumph often is nearest when defeat seems inescapable. -
B. C. Forbes

A few of the quotes that I have read over the past few days that have stayed with me. I kept a ‘Book of Quotes’ in my youth, what fun it would be if I could find the book now! If I ever find it, we will read it together …

Until then, check out Wisdom Quotes. Quotes for every one.

This has nothing to do with quotes, but it made me laugh!

“Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Yes, February is National Heart Health Month. I am a member of the Advocacy for the Cure campaign. AHA has made tremendous strides in making the public aware of heart disease and stroke. Our area, the Pee Dee and surrounding counties in South Carolina, have one of the highest death rates due to heart disease and stroke in the nation, yes, in the NATION. This is the reason I have chosen the AHA as my focus this year for volunteerism. “You’re the Cure” as one campaign is known has been instrumental in a letter writing campaign to all legislators, keeping them aware of bills in our legislature concerning these diseases. It has been very successful. We have met with the legislators in our state for breakfast, sharing and getting to know one another.

Now, the AHA is looking for actual stories of how heart disease and/or stroke has impacted lives. I received this letter asking for my help or the help of people in my circle.

Share Your Story of Heart

Dear Pamela:

Our advocacy efforts can make a greater impact with legislators when the message comes from the heart – from people whose lives and families have been touched by heart disease or stroke, or have a personal stake in this fight to save lives. Are you one of these people?

Please share your story with us. Submit your personal account of how heart disease or stroke has affected your life or that of a loved one.

We have been working nonstop during American Heart Month to raise awareness about what can be done to beat heart disease and stroke – and your story is a powerful tool in this fight.

Why do you advocate for the cure? Did you or a loved one survive heart disease or stroke? Are you concerned about the toll cardiovascular disease is taking on our country and the affect it will have on the next generation? We could use your story as part of a future campaign to help fight cardiovascular disease – the No. 1 killer in the U.S.!

There are people just like you, living right in your community, who have already shared their story. Won’t you do the same?

It’s these kinds of personal accounts that really hit home and bring the facts to life for your lawmakers. By sharing your experiences, you’ll help encourage more people to get involved in the fight against cardiovascular disease – so please, share your story with us!

Thanks for your support this American Heart Month … and for all you’ve done to help the American Heart Association save lives.

Sincerely,

Clarissa Garcia
American Heart Association

P.S.- Do you know someone with a great story to share as well? Forward this message on!

Heart Disease and Stroke. You’re the Cure.

Sign our “ballot”, simply a contract with yourself to do what YOU can for yourself and your loved ones, you ARE THE CURE!

Healthy Heart!

“Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

cre8BUZZ, BugLady58

A nice place for a “bug”,

“Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

So far, it is terrific! It will be fun learning what is new, where things are and if my blog content improves! JK, I know the blog content is MY responsibility. And today there is very little because I have been surfing from one link to another here at 451Press, exploring and learning. I wonder if my Professors will understand in class tonight when I am not prepared? Probably not … maybe, if I show this post I might get extra credit for the advertising!They liked the plug, but could not justify extra credit. That is okay … but it was worth a try. Anyway, back to WordPress 2.3.2. I like what I have seen so far and I look forward to using the new fixtures … only time will tell if they improve my writing skills!

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Exercising in the South!

Thanks, Sally for the humor!

chewing gum, exercise, South, humor, Balance Ball

Our GOP Primary in South Carolina today, Saturday, January 19th.

In previous years, the candidate that wins SC wins the election in November … talk about pressure!

My personal choice is Mike Huckabee. Please check out his web site, http://www.mikehuckabee.com and see what you think. I had the honor of greeting Mr. Huckabee in Florence on Thursday at our airport for a short press junket stop. I must admit I was undecided. However, he represented all the characteristics of the man I want in the White House and his issues are my issues. My decision is now one of pride to be casting my vote for the next President of the United States in 2008, Mike Huckabee!

If you are a registered voter in the US, please exercise this special privilege and vote in your primary and then in the election in November, 2008! EVERY VOTE DOES COUNT.

Election 2008, GOP, Mike Huckabee President 2008, South Carolina GOP Primary, SC, vote

If you have knowledge of the meaning of MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant- Staphylococcus aureus), then you will appreciate this very simple sheet of facts from the CDC.   MRSA  The most important thing is washing your hands as often as you can. Follow the guidelines on the fact sheet and you and your family should be fine. The reason this has been on my mind  … a family member in the health care field has had several outbreaks. Health care workers need to be especially careful due to contact with patients, bed linens, door knobs, phones, fixtures, etc. Thank goodness, if treated by a physician in the early stages with a series of antibiotics, then recovery is possible. Can it reoccur? Unfortunately, YES ! Be diligent with hygiene, avoid contact, and seek medical attention at first sign of symptoms. (Another good reason for livingrural … not exposed to lots of people and their germs contact, LOL, JK!). I hope you are enjoying 451Press and that you read all (OK, the ones of interest to you) our blogs. The list and links appear at the bottom of each blog page and at 451PRESS . We have professional writers and bloggers who are dedicated to informing you of the very best information possible from art to yoga!  Also, support the writer’s strike! Those writers deserve their fair share of the profits being made because of their writing skills. Can you see my soapbox?  Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

MRSA, CDC, health care, Staphylococcus, medical treatment, 451PRESS blogs, writers’ strike

This is a first for Myrtle Beach, SC and the entire resort town and surrounding beach towns are going above and beyond to make this memorable event go smoothly. The MB Convention Center were the debates will be held is making last minute preparations for tonight’s debate. Our local ABC affiliate will be covering it on their news shows.

Yes, it is a huge sand sculpture of the faces of the candidates debating tonight! Only in the SOUTH!

FOX News will have the debates beginning at 9:00 pm. You Decide 08! » Home

Please watch. We will be watching, too! Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ here!”

politics, Republicans, debate, Myrtle Beach, SC, tourism, sand sculpture, MB Chamber of Commerce, government, Elections, You Decide 2008, WPDE TV News

Well, Friday was the day we took our youngest to the airport to fly back to school in the frozen tundra, Maine. Now with the security systems in place, you can no longer watch the plane take off, which somehow makes a mom worry just a bit - I liked seeing the plane disappear safely into the clouds . It is reassuring . Now, I wait for the phone call that she is safely back in her “home-away-from-home” .

The traffic was awful. Naturally we did not allow enough time for Friday afternoon traffic in a large southern city and arrived at the airport 40 minutes before take-off - not good, but it all worked out. Thank goodness!

So, once again our “nest” is EMPTY.

I miss the laughter immensely, but school starts again on Monday for me. I am looking forward to studying, writing, research - brain growth!

It is almost morning. I must get some sleep now.

Remember, “Y’all come back ya’ hear!”

Do you feel like that, too? This week was very long and somewhat depressing after the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Children will be returning to school (moms, too!), time to think about the end of 2007, get that tax information in order, cleaning (?), and whatever else needs to be done!

Leftovers … some ways to use them … Rachel Ray 

Taxes … help … IRS

Cleaning … help … Cleaning 

 Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”