Living Rural

not in our household! Oh we thought this year would be ‘THE YEAR’… hahaha - the joke is on us. The housing market is in a steady decline which for baby boomers thinking about downsizing is causing a longer selling time of homes and at a lower price! This changed the projected figures in most portfolios; however, this was offset by the purchase of a smaller home at a stealdeal. For some, the economy has taken homes, lifestyles, and dignity. Retirement is changing for lots of “Boomers”. Many are finding they will work longer than planned. Some will retire, but find the need to work ‘filler’ jobs to make ends meet. Many will be offered packages to retire early … and will take them. Somehow this picture does not look, feel, or seem right. Is it because the news is filled with another bail-out by the government of another huge financial corporation, in my opinion, that mismanaged their business. Everyone says it is a direct result of our economy, probably … but, at some point - sooner, rather than later - these corporations need to operate within their means … a balanced budget for business and government would be wonderful! Does any of this affect retirement?

Possibly. Especially if your retirement account/plan/pension is associated with one of the companies about to declare bankruptcy. However, the Government continues to bailout these companies, the latest, AIG. Please follow the highlighted link and read the full story which tells the figure has reached $900 billion! Impossible to truly comprehend. And happening in an election year. “Baby Boomers” need to research how this may affect them and their retirement - Will the retirement accounts, 401Ks, IRAs, pension plans and bank accounts be there when they are needed? Retirees hope so. One of the best organizations offering help with all aspects of retirement is The Lure of Money

With the cost of gas and the state of the economy - vacations are not a priority this year; however, vacations can be Enjoyable AND Affordable! Living in the country adds to the decision simply because we are a minimum of  twenty miles from everything. Here are some ways we have saved money yet still considered ourselves having a vacation.

STAY CLOSE: Research your state or region for attractions and accommodations that are CHEAP!

PICK THE RIGHT DAY: NO holidays or weekends. Hotels and flights are cheaper during the week.

MAKE THE DRIVE: To larger airports where flights might be flexible with times, carriers, and price. Don’t forget to figure in gas, time , and parking for your car.

PACK LIGHTLY: Check with airline for restrictions, rules, and regulations.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Bus and rail systems are designed to get you where you want to go and cost much less.

LOAD UP AT LUNCH: Eat your largest meal at lunch. This time of day, also, lets you sample local fare at a reasonable price.

PACK A SNACK: Request a refrigerator in hotel room, shop at local grocery store, and save $$$.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS: Take advantage of free museums, historical sites, go for a hike, swim, park, or beach for a “thrifty” way to spend the day.

GO HOME EMPTY HANDED!: DO NOT GO HOME WITH OVER PRICED SOUVENIRS - PICTURES AND MEMORIES ARE FREE!

PHONE WISELY: Use a calling card, limit cell phone use while roaming..

“SMART TRAVEL MAKES for SUCCESSFUL TRAVEL.”

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

Not much going on this week - resting. Not sure if it is recovering from surgery or just an awfully L. O. N. G. week, but I am thrilled the week-end is here . I never knew resting could be so exhausting! I have found a photo I really like and it reminds me of “my little piece of heaven” here on our wonderful earth. I am going to use it for until I tire of it! It is peaceful, it reminds us - we are not in control … but a much higher power, our Heavenly Father, and all the glory goes to Him!

A lot going on in the news - politics, are YOU ready for November 4th?
Election Day “>

Oops, time sure flies when you’re having FUN!

Remember,“Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Most of us know all about “social media” - myspace, facebook, twitter, and of course, blogs. These are only a few of what is available under the heading “social media.” If you are lucky enough to have adolescents, tweens, and teenagers, you are familiar with this term, the time spent using it, the cost of the opportunity, and the infamous number of choices of the gadgets that support this new pass-time. I must interject that this does cross the generation gap and just as many twenty-somethings, thirty-somethings, and EVEN senior citizens partake of the ”goodies” found on social media . A form of what I am speaking of will be found through this link … a new format, a great topic, fantastic people voicing their opinions.

I hope you understand now what social media is, who is attracted to the format, and how it affects their lives. Now, do YOU think we need it? If so, or if not, why?

My personal opinion is a huge, resounding, YES! My reasons can be characterized by the photo above. If you study it, you will see the earth world, what appears to be a business man thinking, and a growth chart showing a huge growth in business, sales, income, clients, whatever YOU want it to be … in my mind, the thinking was the most important step to reaching this goal. Then sharing the thought with fellow “like thinkers” (easier to bring on board, :)!), gaining their support and moving forward to the end product … again, whatever YOU want it to be!  You may be wondering - how does this have anything to do with social media?  I feel it has everything to do with it! Every idea could have been started by something seen, heard, or read on the Internet. It was then discussed online through IM, email, comments, and friends on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Friendfeed, and the many other “connections” available to mingle, share, and learn from one another. Still think there is no correlation between the “thought” and the “product” to social media? 

Then YOU are my target for the upcoming posts. I hope to show you, teach you and convince you that social media plays a huge part in all assets of our lives …

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

Yep, I did it! I am now a graduate of AIU with a degree - ASSOCIATE ARTS BUSINESS - HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION … 11:00 AM, July 26, 2008.  It was a \”virtual graduation”\ - sounds strange, but it was very nice! Our speaker, John Woods, was excellent. If you are interested and want to view it, take the link above and sign in with your last name and password: aaba720085 and celebrate for me!

Now, it will be filling out my resume and applying for JOBS!

There must be someone looking for a new graduate with actual work experience in their chosen field of study … anyone … come on people … at least leave me a comment and let me know I am not alone!

Alone?  Ha!  My location, the SC coast … never alone during June, July and August. The tourists are everywhere! Tourism is a major source of our income; therefore, the natives have a love-hate relationship with all of our summer visitors. This is not whining … the more the merrier! Y’all come on to sunny SC and spend, $$$, spend!

As you can see, today my thoughts are on MY special day …

GRADUATION … JULY 26, 2008 … AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY … ASSOCIATE of ARTS in BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION … ME!

Well, I am off to celebrate. Remember, “Y’all come back! Ya’ hear!”

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.

What a hoot! Yesterday I spent an hour watching people at the airport in the baggage claim area while waiting for my daughter’s flight to arrive. The hour was much better than prime time TV - the best Reality Show yet!

If the young pregnant woman in polka dots is reading this, did you make it home without having the baby? She is so ready to DROP that baby. I wanted to follow her just in case someone needed to catch it(baby)!

And of course, there were ten or more of the cutest babies ever … in strollers, in ‘Snuglis’, on shoulders, in bouncing arms, crying, laughing, smiling, and some sleeping! I so want a little tiny baby to hold! *hint-hint*

Cell phones … every single person had one and was talking on it … amazing! What did we do before cell phones? Duh, we conversed face to face and exercised self control, patience, manners, and paid attention to our surroundings and our human acquaintances. The ring tones - music, sounds, loudness, rudeness … someone make them stop! But, stop they will not … newer, faster, and smaller ones will come with even more irritating ring tones!

To read about other people and their travel check out the link. My daughter’s flight arrived, ON TIME, the hugs came next, then the bag (one, a really BIG one), and the walk to the car and the hunt for food at 10:30 in a NC city on a Sunday night … another blog.

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

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″

 Mother’s Day, May 11, Best Mother’s Day of all …

Wow, my very first game of online tag! How COOOL is that?I was tagged by Jean Lockwood at Parenting and Religion  and now I will tag five other people … and the beat goes on … you get the picture, right?   H ere are the questions:

*How long have you been blogging?
*What inspired you to start a blog and who are your mentors?
*Are You trying to make money online, or just doing it for fun?
*Tell me 3 things you LOVE about being online.
*Tell me 3 things you STRUGGLE with in the online world.          

Answer #1: I started blogging in May, 2007 with 451Press.com.  Answer #2: My daughter, Leslie, is awonderful writer. She is my inspiration and who brought me to 451 Press.    Answer #3: Am I writingto make money? You mean we get paid! JK. Of course, I would like to make money … have I, yet? Notenough to report to anyone, not even “Uncle Sam”. But I am not giving up!  Answer #4: I adore thepeople I have met. I like the good feeling I get when someone leaves a good comment on a post. I lovelearning something new everyday - through my research or through reading a fellow blogger’s post. Answer #5: It is hard finding the time needed to have a great post every time. It keeps me up waypast my bedtime! Not getting many comments on my posts.  OK, now to tag 5 lucky people!!!Heather at WatchingVH1    Sandra at Globally Green Living     Jason at AnimeFansOnline   Jaime at FictionScribe   Elizabeth at Rachel Ray  Have fun and remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

is important to me in my Christian walk with my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is a day of celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from death, which forgives the sins of all people who repent and believe in Him. Yes, I am a Christian. I walk in faith everyday, trusting my Lord that He has my life in His control. Without this faith, my life would be meaningless, as in materialistic and humanistic, i.e. of this world.

 What does Easter mean to you?    The King James Version can be found   here.

 I hope you know the Lord. I hope you will be with family and friends today in the church of your choice worshiping because HE IS RISEN.

 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.(John 3:16-17) 

a picture tell is all.   John works at the Cargill plant in Eddyville, Iowa. 

Wouldn’t it be fitting if this went completely around the world!…..    John Gebhardt’s wife, Mindy, said that this little girl’s entire family was executed.  The insurgents intended to execute the little girl also, and shot her in the head…but they failed to kill her.  She was cared for in John’s hospital and is healing up, but continues to cry and moan. The nurses said John is the only one who seems to calm her down, so John has spent the last four nights holding her while they both slept in that chair. The girl is coming along with her healing. He is a real Star of the war, and represents what America is trying to do.This, my friends, is worth sharing.  Go for it!!   Please keep this going.  Nothing will happen if you don’t, but the American public needs to see pictures like this and needs to realize that what we’re doing over there is making a difference.  Even if it is just one little girl at a time. James Gates U. S. Navy   

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!”