A dedication to a friend.....

One of my very dearest friends lost her beloved fur buddy today......

This blog is dedicated to her and in memory of her dear boy Symon......

I want to tell you about this dear lady... She has SUCH a good heart and takes such WONDERFUL care of her boys.... I have never known someone to care so deeply about animals as "D" does...

She is the ULTIMATE care taker and sacrifices so much for these guys....

As I told her earlier..... There is no doubt in my mind that she fulfilled Symon's life in everyway possible..... And there is no doubt that he knew that also.....

Anyone who loves animals can look at one and see if they are "happy", "sad" or just content..... With Symon, I NEVER saw one look of sad.... he was ALWAYS beaming, almost every picture I have of Symon he has a "smile" on (quite literally)..

"D" takes impecable care of her boys.... Air conditioning in the summer for them.... and warm snuggly blankets in the winter...... AND nothing less than memory foam bedding so they don't have to sleep on hard floors.

The last couple of months have been very difficult for her, yet not ONCE did she complain..... She hand fed Symon on the days her buddy simply did not feel like eating.... She cooked him extravagant meals, he loved her cooked sausages!

With his relapse this past week she made the ultimate sacrifice...... She put her pain of loosing him aside and knew that it was time for her boy to find peace..

"D" I love you, admire you and THANK YOU for being SUCH a good "mom" to your boys.....


The world would be a MUCH better place if there were more folks like you around.......

Rest in Peace my dear Symon..... KNOW that you were loved by many

"Oscar"

No *this* Oscar isn't an award..... But maybe he should be getting one.....

While doing reports for work tonight I took a break and found this lil ditty on Yahoo News.....

Interesting Read......

Oscar the cat predicts patients' deaths
By RAY HENRY, Associated Press Writer
Wed Jul 25, 7:25 PM ET



PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Oscar the cat seems to have an uncanny knack for predicting when nursing home patients are going to die, by curling up next to them during their final hours. His accuracy, observed in 25 cases, has led the staff to call family members once he has chosen someone. It usually means they have less than four hours to live.

"He doesn't make too many mistakes. He seems to understand when patients are about to die," said Dr. David Dosa in an interview. He describes the phenomenon in a poignant essay in Thursday's issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

"Many family members take some solace from it. They appreciate the companionship that the cat provides for their dying loved one," said Dosa, a geriatrician and assistant professor of medicine at Brown University.

The 2-year-old feline was adopted as a kitten and grew up in a third-floor dementia unit at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The facility treats people with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and other illnesses.

After about six months, the staff noticed Oscar would make his own rounds, just like the doctors and nurses. He'd sniff and observe patients, then sit beside people who would wind up dying in a few hours.

Dosa said Oscar seems to take his work seriously and is generally aloof. "This is not a cat that's friendly to people," he said.

Oscar is better at predicting death than the people who work there, said Dr. Joan Teno of Brown University, who treats patients at the nursing home and is an expert on care for the terminally ill

She was convinced of Oscar's talent when he made his 13th correct call. While observing one patient, Teno said she noticed the woman wasn't eating, was breathing with difficulty and that her legs had a bluish tinge, signs that often mean death is near.

Oscar wouldn't stay inside the room though, so Teno thought his streak was broken. Instead, it turned out the doctor's prediction was roughly 10 hours too early. Sure enough, during the patient's final two hours, nurses told Teno that Oscar joined the woman at her bedside.

Doctors say most of the people who get a visit from the sweet-faced, gray-and-white cat are so ill they probably don't know he's there, so patients aren't aware he's a harbinger of death. Most families are grateful for the advanced warning, although one wanted Oscar out of the room while a family member died. When Oscar is put outside, he paces and meows his displeasure.

No one's certain if Oscar's behavior is scientifically significant or points to a cause. Teno wonders if the cat notices telltale scents or reads something into the behavior of the nurses who raised him.

Nicholas Dodman, who directs an animal behavioral clinic at the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and has read Dosa's article, said the only way to know is to carefully document how Oscar divides his time between the living and dying.

If Oscar really is a furry grim reaper, it's also possible his behavior could be driven by self-centered pleasures like a heated blanket placed on a dying person, Dodman said.

Nursing home staffers aren't concerned with explaining Oscar, so long as he gives families a better chance at saying goodbye to the dying.

Oscar recently received a wall plaque publicly commending his "compassionate hospice care."

4 years ago today.........

My oldest son turned 4 today and it's very hard for me to believe that time has gone by so quickly AND just how much our lives have changed within that time...

We celebrated today at none other than "Chuck E Cheese" (Gawd Help Me) I watched him as he climbed into the towers, crawled around into the tunnels and just in general had a blast!

I wondered if the next 4-8 or 12 years will go just as fast as these past 4 have... Honestly? It makes me VERY sad to think that they will.....

Happy Birthday lil buddy! I love you!

Fall Trends and Looking at Spring 08!

Warning "Girlie" Post Ahead

Well, believe it or not the "industry" is just finishing up Spring Summer 08 fashions and moving in to fall of 08 ALOT of the tradeshows were last wk in NY.... *WOW* is all I can say.... I see alot of *new* designers with some GREAT "NEW" ideas..... ESPECIALLY in children's wear! One to keep your eye on is Stacia Baby collection (Ok Stacia's been around for awhile (10 years) but Stacy's 08 collection is just BEAUTIFUL! ......

Ok enough about Spring 08 it's to far down the road so let's talk fall! :)

The GOOD news....

Fall Fashions for 07 look to be "earthy" tones....
Jackets are BACK!!!!! (YES!!!!!!) U know that 80's look ;) of oversized jackets?
Look for ALOT of "chunky knit" sweaters..... (they'll be plenty to go around their HUGE this fall)
Layers Layers Layers holds on for one more season!


The BAD news......
Those damn ankle hugging jeans are back...... "Skinny reverse angle hem"...... I really wish designers would realize that these are NOT "cute", "sexy", or any other flattering word! I thought for sure these would only last the 06 season but :sigh: DAMN!

Grey is back...... You'll see it everywhere! YYUUCCKK!

Lot's of 3 quarter length (bell) sleeve designs.... I'm not sure if I love or hate this one.... so until I decide it's going under "bad"

Keep in mind..... For (me) I *have* to keep track of the "hot" sellers (for work) .....

BUT I FIRMLY believe that YOU set your OWN trend.....

Ok, enough of that can we get to my favorite subject! HANDBAGS!!!!!

This is kind of off topic but I found it interesting and since it's my blog I'm posting it! :P

I just read the LBMA (Luxury Brand Market Analysis) that covered the *types* of consumers that purchase "name brands"

Who got the top spot?? Coach (ofcourse) 52% of "wealthy" consumers knew the name "Coach" or owned a "Coach".

The thing I found interesting about this is that as (income levels grew) so did the awareness of "Gucci" products..... For those that make over 300K per year Gucci went head to head with Coach......

THIS I just do NOT understand.... (Personally) I've never cared very much for "Gucci".... but then again I don't make 300K a year so maybe that's why! LoL

My poor Louis Vuitton didn't even come close to giving Gucci or Coach a run for their money..... Which I do NOT understand! Vuitton is a CLASSIC and SHOULD be a staple in EVERY woman's wardrobe..... But that's just my opinion :)

And ladies..... NEVER and I repeat NEVER pay full price for this stuff! If you do? your NUTS! :P

So what's hot this fall?

Coach (ofcourse)~ GREAT patchwork styles! LUV LUV LUV the Denim Pathworks!

Dooney (YUCK) that's all I'll say......

Kathy Van Zeeland has some GORGEOUS fall styles this year......

Calvin Klein- Believe it or not CK might just give Coach and KVZ a run for their money...... CK has re-launched it's line and has some GREAT new styles.......

Shoes..........

What's hot? WHO CARES! I absolutely REFUSE to wear ANYTHING else but my Crocs! LoL

Seriously guys...... If you haven't tried Crocs you have NO clue what you are missing! They are UGLLLLLLLLY as sin...... But my gawd are they comfortable!

Touching Lives......

What's $5.00 to you? (Seriously) It's a (cheapo) lunch @ McDonalds or a Gallon and a half of gas.... (if that)

Meaning that $5.00 is NOT much........ (to some) BUT to others it could actually change a life....

I had an interesting experience today that (I HOPE) changed 3 lil lives....

I dropped my mom off and while I was sitting in her driveway these 3 lil guys came up pushing a lawn mower.... They were around 6, 8 and maybe 9... They could barely PUSH the mower but were giving it their all.... They asked if they could cut mom's lawn, but it had just been mowed so she said no......

You could tell they were "defeated" and it broke my heart..... All 3 of them just started to wander back to the sidewalk so I yelled to them that I was PROUD of them for trying to work so hard to earn money.

That got a little bit of a smile from them but you could still tell that they really wanted to WORK and EARN $....

So I jumped out of my SUV and called them back over..... I told them that sometimes people notice when others are really trying (and I could tell they were)..... I told them (again) how proud I was of each of them and handed them a $5.00 bill.... My GAWD their eyes lit up like it was Christmas!

$5.00 is nothing to me but it was a HUGE thing to them..... It represented something that alot of inner city children don't have..... H-O-P-E

I am NOT "blogging" about this story to receive any type of "praise" or "you go girl" comments.... To be frank I won't publish those if you leave them....

I AM telling this story so maybe...... just maybe you will start looking around you and watch for these types of situations.

Honestly we never know just how a persons *kindness*, and *thoughtfulness* will effect someone elses life.... But it very well COULD change it.... & that my friends is what this life is about!

Lionel Richie Did WHAT?!?!?!!

Ok, I think my whole "80's" world just came crashing down around me.......



I was surfing the net, minding my own business looking for an MP3 of "Blood Runs Cold" A Lep song that I wanted to Blog about......



Well, I didn't find it but I did find...... "Mr. Dancing On the Celing" Lionel Richie doing a cover of one of Def Leppards songs!!!!!!!!



ANY of you that KNOW Lionel Richie KNOW that there is NO WAY IN HELL he can pull off a Lep song....



I thought at first.... What?!?!?! This has to be a joke! Sooooooo I click on the link............



Needless to say I think I now need counseling :) AHHHHHHHH CRIPE!!!!!!!



WHY WHY WHY Could he just NOT stick with doing his hoppy poppy songs and LEAVE my Leps alone!



If you'd like to be as traumatized as I have been feel free to click the link..... It's a clip of him DESTROYING my Leps song "Long Long Way To Go"



http://defleppard.snaggledworks.com/archive/audio/covers/lionel_richie_-_long_long_way_to_go.mp3



And here's the Leps doing it.... ::::::::Sigh::::: I think I'll live now that I've seen this.....



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAtJ48gvAqs



Seriously folks can you HEAR the difference?!?!?! Or is it just me?!?!?



It's Quality (my leps) vs. a recording that wouldn't even make it on American Idol's Bloopers and Bleepers show! And HEY! I LIKE Lionel Richie! I just can't believe he even TRIED to cover them! Lionel WTF were you thinking!!!!!!!

~Blood Runs Cold~

~Enjoy~



Written by Joe Elliott and Phil Collen (Def Leppard)



I heard this line one time 'bout tryin' to save the world

But have you ever tried to save yourself?

A wide-eyed suicide drive remains a fake

As if you'd ever, ever go and make the same mistake



Strung out as the night comes crawlin'

Your halo of thorns is fallin'

Blood runs cold

I feel it in my bones

But you don't know your time is up



Blood runs cold



Somebody somewhere is screamin' out the words

But do they ever ease the pain?

I guess what I'm trying to say is who's life is it anyway

Because livin', living is the best revenge you can play

This fall from graceI see your face, it's over



Blood runs coldI feel it in my bones

But you don't know your time is up

Blood runs cold



For you love was kind

Resolved, left scarred and blind

Wasted and naked in the wings

Denying twist of fate

Demanding Heaven's gate

Lying in wait above the wind



Strung out as the night comes crawlin'

Your halo of thorns is fallin'



Blood runs coldI feel it in my bones

But you don't know your time is up



Blood runs cold

Blood runs cold

Blood runs cold

Shirley Q Liquor

Is "she" a racist or just somone who is downright FUNNY.....

My vote? Shirley's simply FUNNY! (Then again I hate being politically correct) :)

Seriously tho folks, what's all the fuss about? Is it because "Shirley" is really a man? Or is it because "Shirley" is a caucasion man? Who the heck cares "Shirley" keeps me in stitches!

So who's behind Shirley? Well his name is Chuck Knipp he's a former priest, ordained minister, registered nurse, EMT, and a politician!

He attributes his "Shirley" character to his families housekeeper Miss Fannie Mae Turner. Shirley was actually "born" into character on Chuck's answering machine..... He would record daily "updates" on his machine and folks would tie up his phone constantly just calling to see what the outgoing message of the day was.....

Still there are those with too much starch in their underwear that view this skit as racist.... To those Chuck says this.....

"I am a firm believer that comedy is a way to heal past injustices, prejudice and hate. Laughter is healing and in my attempt to make people laugh, I think I can work just as hard as any social activist to make this world just. I have seen prejudice and hatred and know it well. My hometown is in the heart of hatred. I commuted with black students to and from Lamar University."

"My character Shirley Q. Liquor was created in celebration of, not to downgrade, black women. Like most characters, she is a composite woman from a person I know and my own creativity -- and also a composite of reverse stereotypes and cultural differences. Shirley Q. Liquor is just one of many characters that I do, but she has caught on because of her unique view of the world."

"My comedy isn't racist, nor am I. More than anything, my comedy makes fun of whites' views of blacks. My comedy pokes fun at everything, including myself. That's what comedy is about, making us escape form everyday life and seeing the funny side."

"Shirley" will be appearing on "The View and Nightline" in August & YES I will be watching..... How could I not?!?!?! LoL

Here's a (sample) clip of "her" :) http://www.bourbonrocks.com/clips/Greyhound.mp3

Obama

On Tuesday this "lovely" *senator* told Planned Parenthood that.............

"Sex education for kindergartners, as long as it is "age-appropriate," is "the right thing to do."

What?!?!? Sex Ed for KINDERGARTNERS?!?!? (Someone please tell me what this man's speech writer is smoking!) OR is this actually HIS idea?!?!? Good Gawd!

Now, after the damage has already been done and the country begins to get it's panties in an uproar the Obama camp realizes what a STUPID mistake it's made and releases this ditty.....

"Barack Obama supports sensible, community-driven education for children because, among other things, he believes it could help protect them from pedophiles. A child's knowledge of the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching is crucial to keeping them safe from predators."

Good God I've never seen anyone back petal so fast in my life! Now, Mr. Obama goes on to add that those parents who don't feel comfortable with this can choose to opt out....

Opt Out? WTF we are NOT talking about a promotional offer here, we are talking about our CHILDREN'S LIVES and EDUCATION.....

<<<<<>>>>>

If "opting out" is an option for this then WHY wasn't OPTING out offered to those parents that didn't want their children participating in the Pledge, or Prayer?!?!? Instead of "Opting Out" they just REMOVED it..... (Which I'm still pissed over, but that's ANOTHER blog)

Back to Dr. Hillary and Mr. Hyde errr Obama

So lemme get this straight, Obama wants MY tax dollars that go to public schools for EDUCATION to now be used for SEX ED for KINDERGARTNERS?!?!

Uhhh can I get a HELL NO.....

You know, this is actually a REAL shame..... Other than the above (ditty) my biggest problem with Obama is the abortion issue..... (he supports it I don't).....

And I will NEVER..... I repeat NEVER vote for ANYONE who does.....

I've read his background and actually admire the man for *some* of the things he's done.... I truly believe that when he was younger he had a dream and he ACTED on it.... He actually SERVED other folks and did all he could to help those less fortunate than him......

Then..... politics stepped in and spread the seed of poison...... :sigh:

Michael Vick Indicted

"One is left wondering," ........"Who are the real animals: the creatures inside or outside the ring?" ~Senator Robert Byrd

For those of you that don't know........... Michael Vick is the 130 MILLION dollar quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons.....

Let me repeat that.... One HUNDRED THIRTY MILLION dollars..... Who has or should I say had endorsement deals with such companies as Nike.... (That still remains to be seen)

As has been pointed out in various news sources this isn't Vick's first *run in* with problems....

Last year Vick settled a lawsuit filed by a woman who claimed the player knowingly gave her herpes. Then there was the AirTran *fiasco* and let's not forget how he thank's Atlanta fans when loosing a game.....

http://www.smithappens.com/smit_cms/content/1164594727.jpg

Lovely eh?

Now, because he has not been convicted and only indicted I'm not going to comment on what a PIG I think this guy is....

Instead I'll just talk about the indictment and what the allegations are...........

The indictment maps out how "Bad Newz Kennels" was purchased and various purchases of Pit Bulls (Adult and Puppies) came about...... It goes on to list conspirators........

Then it talks about their initial "test" of a few of their Pit Bulls, they did not do well in the ring and were executed by being (a) Shot with a 22 caliber AND electrocuted.......

At the time this slaughter house was *busted* they had 54 American Pit Bulls on their grounds,

To view the indictment go here http://msn.foxsports.com/id/7035302_37_1.pdf

Now, I've N.E.V.E.R. liked one word that has came out of Senator Robert Byrd's mouth.....

(that is until today) when he went on this rant on the floor of the Senate.....

"Barbaric!," he yelled. "Let that word resounding from hill to hill, and from mountain to mountain, and valley to valley across the broad land. Barbaric! Barbaric! May God help those poor souls who'd be so cruel. Barbaric! Hear me! Barbaric"

Finally, the Senator gets something right!!!!!

So where are the dogs now? Well, they are being housed in several shelters throughout the state.....

Don't worry tho TAX PAYERS are paying up to 25K for their care until the case is over...

NO I am NOT upset that these "fur buddies" are being taken care of..... I am BEYOND pissed off that VICK is NOT paying this!

Now, the other extremely sad point to this is most if not all of these dogs will have to be euthanized simply because they were used for "fight" dogs and have no chance of rehabilitation.

(I disagree with the Humane Society's Stance on that) BUT it's their call.....

IF it were up to me I think Vick should be forced to pay to house these dogs for the rest of their natural life and provide them with luxuries, training, exercise, and LOVE"

It would be extremely expensive but a lesson this piece of crap needs to learn.....

IF convicted of this charge and the Falcons do not release Vick from his contract I have a feeling that the Cleveland Browns will be gaining ALOT of fans....

~ Steve Clark~

I've been wanting to do a blog or article on Steve for a looooooooong time.

For those of you that don't know Steve was a member of Def Leppard for 13 years (January of 1978 to his death in 1991) I grew up listening to Steve (and the band) and his untimely death devastated me.

Steve had a very distinct style in his playing and that can be heard in several of Def lep's songs, one of those songs "Gods of War" is one of my all time favorites from the Leps. I've found a beautiful tribute to Steve on YouTube and if your interested in seeing some "life" shots of him and learning a little more start here....... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-QwCM6JZKs

The song used in the "tribute" is sung by Def Leppard (after Steve's death) the band has never attributed this song to Steve but I thought for (the fans) this song is highly appropriate. (and no I did not make the youtube video) :)

The song that the band does state IS associated with Steve and was done in his memory is White Lightning (one of steve's niks) The guitar riffs at the beginning of the song remind me soooooo very much of Steve..... And the lyrics tell a tale of a beautiful soul who was surrounded by love but ultimately didn't realize it.

Such a lonely road you ride

It's not easy when you don't know why

Such a heavy load you hide

You never leave no matter how you try

Steve's struggles were documented in the VH1 biopic Hysteria-The Def Leppard Story

My biggest problem with all of the documentaries and stories that are told about Steve is I don't want him to be remembered for being an Alcoholic, although that is eventually what killed him and scarred his life.

He had and gave SO much more during his short stay on this earth and that is what I WILL remember.

My absolute favorite memory of Steve occurred during the Hysteria Tour (late 80's), It was my 2nd or 3rd Def Lep concert and I had 2nd row tickets. (I snuck to the front row tho) LOL and Steve and Phil were playing on my side of the stage. He took the time to "slap" a few hands in the audience but when he got to mine he actually grabbed it and gently shook it, & said "pretty eyes" I'll NEVER forget that and from what I've read that was totally out of character for Steve & to be honest with you probably MADE my "teen years" LoL

I'm not the type to take that as any more than an entertainer (entertaining) his fans, (now) but as a teen that one act of *kindness* boosted my ego to where it needed to be and gave me a memory I'll never forget.

Steve, thank you for making my "teen" years a little more tolerable with your beautiful style of music, your entertaining shows and your KINDNESS..... and that is what I pray you will be remembered for....

May he rest in peace.....

**Scents**

I'm much to serious in alot of my *posts* on the net so my goal for this blog is to be atleast 90% "Fun"...... IE Shopping and "Girlie" Stuff :)

There have been a ton of books and studies written on how different smells can elicit memories. And I think it's safe to say that most of us have experienced that.......

This alone is one of the MOST important reasons to choose the RIGHT perfume for you.....

Now PLEASE do society a favor and wear perfume (or any scent) for that matter SPARINGLY..... There is NOTHING worse than walking by someone who smells like they just left a french brothel..... :)

How do you *know* what perfume is right for you? Well it's a science...... (literally)

Base your perfume scent on your SKIN TYPE.....

Let me explain....... Each component of our skin binds the chemical makeup of the perfume differently..... and WILL release the scent differently.. Look at it this way........ If you owned a Lincoln Navigator you wouldn't follow the maintenance procedures for a Volkswagen would you?

The first step in selecting the right scent for you is to KNOW your skin type........

The second step is selecting a different scent for each season.... Now before you go and tell me just how ridiculous this is, think it through...... Your skin type CHANGES during seasons.... (atleast mine does)

Winter, my skin becomes somewhat dryer than spring/summer months.... Fall I pretty much can get away with anything because my skin is normal...... Spring Summer (Oily months) for obvious reasons.....

So I always select a scent to wear each season, actually I have a few for each season :) But that's just because I LOVE perfume ;)

Here's what works for me.......

During the Summer Months I always choose "Clean Scents" My Summer Collection looks like this....

Summer

1. Jessica McClintock

2. Liz Claiborne (The OLD Liz *Triangle Bottle)

3. Estee Lauder ~Beyond Paradise <---Evening Scent

4. Bath and Body Works ~ Japanese Cherry Blossom

5. Freesia

Fall

1. Ralph Lauren (Ralph) ~ Evening Scent

2. Ralph Lauren (Romance)

3. ALL Summer Scents (above) except Freesia

4. Moonlight Paths (Bath and Body Works) ~ Evening Scent

5. Clinique (Happy)

6. Bath and Body Works (Pumpkin Spice)

Winter

1. Kenneth Cole (Black) YUMMMMM Luv this one in the winter!

2. Calvin Klein (Obsession)

3. Vera Wang

4. JLo (Glow)

The BEST approach to picking out scents that are right for you is to start collecting scent samples...... (Macy's, Dillards, (Dept. Store's) Try to stick with CLEAN (light) scents during the summer months and move to spicy scents during the fall and winter months.

Defying Age.... Let's give it a Spin.....

I remember being in my early 20's thinkin Gawd I'm getting old

(I think this is where I roll my eyes)

Now, that I'm in my late 30's I've decided that I'm NOT getting old, it's just my skin that is!~ LOL

Sooooo like most other 30 somethings I've began this "trek" of finding the "fountain of youth".

Heeeeeeeeello Ponce De Leon where are you!??!?!

Anyway, my adventure ends with a $46.00 cream by Estee Lauder.... I've only been using it for a couple of days and guess what? I SEE A DIFFERENCE and so do people around me... My Skin is actually SO much softer ......... I'm really not sure if I'll continue using it after this bottle is gone but for those of you that are "desperate" this might be the trick for you......

The other thing I've been using lately (just as a body cream) in general is something called "Hempz" WOWWWWWWWW is all I can say! The smell is INCREDIBLE...... VERY light, and VERY clean....... and it makes my skin BEYOND soft..... I LOVE this stuff! (Amazon sells this 2 bottles for $18.00) Cheapest I've seen it..... and WELL worth it!

Some of the other things I've used in the past.....

Oil Of Olay..... "Ok" but I always felt "greasy"

Ponds...... "Yuck" that's all I'll say!

Adrienne Arpel ....... "LOVE" this stuff..... Why I quit using it is beyond me!

Now, there are "natural" things you can do to help your skin......

1. Drink LOTS of water...... (uhhh NOT for me) but good luck! LOL

2. Cucumber masks (cheap and feel GREAT)

3. Sleep

4. Less Stress

(Feel free to add your own)

Tax Breaks In Ohio for Seniors

Don't get to excited (yet) but it's a start........

Ohio just *released* an announcement that it will be giving it's senior citizens an additional tax break on their real estate taxes (regardless of their income)

Here's how it works.....

You must be 65 (or) disabled, the new law allows you to shield the first 25,000 of the market value of your home from property taxes. The average savings is equaling out to about $400.00 BUT really depends on your homes value.

You MUST apply in order to take advantage of this... It will NOT be automatically deducted from your real estate taxes. County auditors must receive applications by Oct. 1 in order to ensure the exemption is applied to the first property tax bills payable in 2008. So make sure to contact your local auditor's office!

Here's the "official" qualifications taken from the Ohio.Gov site......

To qualify for the new Homestead Exemption, homeowners must live in their
home as their primary residence and be either:

At least 65 years old or turn 65 in 2007 or,
Certified totally and permanently
disabled as of Jan. 1, 2007, or
The surviving spouse of a qualified
homeowner who was at least 59 years old on the date of their spouse’s death.

Shhhh 4th Quarter is coming!

Ahhhh my favorite time of year, it really is a (love)/(hate) relationship! I love the challenges of 4th quarter but HATE the attitudes of most shoppers....

I am a "Visual Merchandiser / Visual Marketing"...... (In layman's terms) I'm the one that goes in to different Dept. Stores and *Pretty's* things up....

(IE) I make displays and windows attractive so you *want* to buy my clients products.....

This is SUCH a fun job! I absolutely love it....

I remember when I was a very small child and Mom and Grammy would take me to Polsky's Dept. Store at Christmas time and we would walk the streets and look at the Window Displays.... I was mesmerized! Those memories are what keep me going in this business! (especially at 4th quarter)

Set Ups for Christmas begin in Sept. so I'll update the blog some more with Pics around then.....

Til then when your in stores during the holiday month REMEMBER why your there and be nice..... I know it's difficult but I'm so tired of seeing a bunch of "Grinch's" running around with packages :)

To Veg, Or Not To Veg..... That is the question....

For about a year now I've been really *thinking* about becoming a vegetarian...... I *tried* a lighter version of the concept awhile back and cut out all red meat...... Then I "back slid" so to speak.

Seeing the leps this past wknd has really inspired me again..... I look at Phil and he flipping looks GREAT for his age! (He's a very outspoken vegetarian)

I'm begining to think he might be onto something with his vegan stance......

I think I'll give it another whirl..... 1/2 vegan is better than no vegan.....

I don't think I can or (will) ever give up my eggs and I can't see me taking it any further than the "dietary" vegan. Although, I don't even think I will or could be classified as that since I'll (for now) still be eating chicken and fish.....

Any Vegetarians out there wanna comment?

Jerry Scott & LaidLaw

If your reading this blog then you know that the second most important thing to me is MUSIC.....

I've ran into alot of *nice* folks on the net and have had the pleasure of talking to a few musicians one of those people is "Jerry Scott" . I don't think I've ever spoken with someone who is SO down to earth as Jerry.

Out of the blue I msgd. him on myspace a few months back and he was beyond nice.... Great Sense of humor and just in general a GOOD soul!

If you are going to be in any of the following places I urge you to take the time and go check Laidlaw out! (The band he is currently touring with)

Jul 17 2007
8:00P
Laidlaw with Lynyrd Skynyrd
@ Jackson County Fair

Jul 18 2007
8:00P
Laidlaw with Lynyrd Skynyrd
@ McMenamins Edgefield Ampitheatre

Jul 20 2007
8:00P
Laidlaw with Lynyrd Skynyrd
@ Shoreline Amphitheartre

Jul 27 2007
8:00P
Laidlaw with Lynyrd Skynyrd
@ Greek Theatre

Jul 28 2007
8:00P
Lainlaw with lynyrd Skynyrd
@ Tims Toyota Center

Jul 29 2007
8:00P
Laidlaw With Lynyrd Skynyrd
@ Santa Ana Star Casino

And make sure to check his Myspace page!

http://www.myspace.com/basslave

Keep Rockin Jerry! And stay a Sweetie!!!!!!

I Had The Time Of My Life!!!!!!

Ok, you *know* it's my blog when the second thing I ever talk about is a Def Leppard Concert! LOL

The Leps were at Blossom Music Center on Friday (13th) Eeeeeek!

Hubby and I had excellent seats and I still am KICKING myself over not taking a *better* camera.


Anyway!

The opening act was Styxx, I wasn't too excited over that when I first heard it and to be honest until they started playing I was just "there". But once they started? Eh it was a different story! I honestly thoroughly enjoyed myself and would LOVE to see them again!

Next Up...... The Leps!

It was actually REALLY funny, I had snuck out to get my nicotine fix and had just made it back into my seat when I heard......

GUITARRRRRRRRRRRRR DRUMSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

And *poof* I was up OUT of my seat screaming LOL (Yah I felt like a kid again!)

The concert was simply put one of the best nights of my life!

Now, if I can just figure out who all of these middle aged folks were that were around me! Did they NOT get the memo I did that said DO NOT GROW UP! *Sheez*