Friday, August 31, 2007

Sentinel DVD

Ok, so I am in the finals for yet another DVD from whogets.com. Maybe, just maybe, I'll actually win something soon! For those of you who are counting...this is my sixth finalist spot in the last few weeks. I am, at this point, winning the Minority Report DVD...however, there are still six days for people to vote.....so anything can happen! Well, if you are bored, or you just want to help me out....vote for Rachel's Sentinel DVD and all the others!!!!

PS...you really, really should go to whogets.com and sign up and join contests of your own. Hey I keep entering into the finals....whose to say you wouldn't get into the final contests....they have a camcorder entry right now!!!!

Thursday, August 30, 2007

What I want for my Birthday

So this post is for my Mom!! She always wants to know what I want for birthdays and Christmas...so I just thought I'd let ALL of you know..just in case! :)

So, since I have a fairly low paying job right now, I am really interested in gift cards to the following:

* Vons (Safeway): So I can go grocery shopping
* Starbucks: So I can enjoy a good cup of coffee while reading free books at Barnes & Noble
* Walmart or Target: So I can stock up on essentials!

Granted, I am always open for tangible gifts too! I just wanted to give my Mom a heads up because my birthday is in a little over two weeks!

Tickets=Court?

So, I haven't admitted this to everyone! But I got a parking ticket my second or third night here in Oceanside!! Really, it wasn't a big deal, but hey, I got a ticket. Here in Oceanside they come through the neighborhoods with street sweepers...my car was still parked on the street at 7am (7am!!!) and therefore I had to fork over $50...what a scam. I'm sure that there are many of us who have gotten traffic tickets of some sort...and some really are worth fighting for. Or you might find yourself in traffic court one day! So if you do find yourself in this predicament....this town-court.com site helps you out with information about your local traffic court...I was able to look up (just in case!) the traffic court for California...if need be, I guess I'll be headed up to LA County...but I don't think I'm that busted....YET!!

This post sponsored by town-court.com

A little Seattle Trivia For You

What is widely believed to be the cause of the Great Seattle Fire of 1889?
    The tipping over of a glue pot.. There are many different stories of how the Great Seattle Fire started. Regardless of how it started, it destroyed, among other things, 29 city blocks.

Paul Allen and Bill Gates, who were both born in Seattle, were co-founders of what successful software company?
    Microsoft. Who would have guessed that two boys from Seattle would get together and form arguably the largest software company in the country?

All of these musicians were born in Seattle. Except...
    Kurt Cobain. It is a common misconception that Kurt Cobain was born in Seattle. In actuality he was born in Aberdeen, Washington, a good 50 miles south of Seattle. He did move to Seattle eventually.

Which company was founded in Seattle?
    Starbucks. Surprise, Surprise, Surprise! Seattle is generally accepted to be the coffee capital of the United States. Other companies founded in Seattle include Amazon.com, Nordstrom, and Rainier Beer.

Since 1981, what is Seattle's official nickname?
    The Emerald City. Did you think it was The Evergreen City? That's actually the nickname of Washington State. Seattle used to be known as The Queen City. In fact, we have a casino called The Emerald Queen Casino. The Empire just came out of my head.

Which of Seattle's skyscrapers was at one time the tallest building west of Chicago?
    The Smith Tower. Constructed on July 3, 1914, it held the distinction for 50 years. At the same time it was also the fourth tallest building in the world. And it still boasts the last manually operated elevator on the West Coast.

Seattle has many sister cities. Which is not one of its sister cities?
    Paris, France. Some of our other sister cities are Chongqing, China; Christchurch, New Zealand; Preah Seihanu, Cambodia; and Perugia, Italy.

Which of the following professional sports teams does not belong to Seattle?
    Silvertips. The Silvertips actually belong to Everett, a city about 30 minutes north of Seattle. The Seahawks are our NFL team, the Marniers are our MLB team and the Sounders are our USL team.

Seattle is the seat of what county?
    King County. In 1852 King County was named after William Rufus King, Vice-President under President Franklin Pierce. In 1986 it was renamed after Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thurston County's seat is Olympia, which is also Washington's capital.

What discovery helped put Seattle on the map?
The discovery of gold in Alaska. Thousands of prospectors traveled from all over the country in the 1800s to try and strike it rich in Alaska. People had to travel through Washington State to get there. There was a little town that provided everything that the prospectors needed. That little town was Seattle. Thanks in part to those prospectors, Seattle has become a thriving, melting pot of cultures.

Inside Every Woman

No it's nothing weird! Just a book written by a top-notch entrepreneur...Vickie L. Milazzio! She has written a book that has been an Amazon and Wall Street Journal best seller! The name of the book is Inside Every Woman, and talks about the 10 strengths you never knew you had to get the career and life you want know! The ten strengths (or Feminine Forces) are: Fire, Intuitive Vision, Engagement, Agility, Genius, Integrity, Endurance, Enterprise, Renewal and Female Fusion. I particularly like the strength of Fire as it talks about the passions within a woman....passion to pursue goals and dreams that we have. So many woman have dreams yet don't feel as if they can pursue those dreams....having passion about something makes a woman go after those dreams and desires! If you'd like a free "Inside Every Woman" bookmark email vickie@insideeverywoman.com! You can also find her book on Amazon.com. Enjoy!!


This post sponsored by insideeverywoman.com

Finally...

....I'm leaving my comfy chair at Barnes & Noble and start working again!! Yeah.....I am totally excited if only for the fact that I have been completely bored out of my mind the last few weeks. Let me tell you, living in a new city with only a handful of friends and not a whole lot of money doesn't exactly leave a girl lots to do! So I start at 9am tomorrow morning and work until 5pm....then I have to go back in on Saturday.....not sure if I am working in the morning/aft or aft/evening on Saturday (I told her I didn't care)....what is going to suck is that I haven't been going to bed until 2am or later every night and sleeping in...so I have to go to bed earlier tonight and up and at em early in the morning! And it is also weird thinking that I am going to be working retail...I have never really done that....so I have to get used to the fact that my job is open until night time and on weekends! Oh well!!! I'll let you all know how it goes tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Fun Blog to Visit

I, of course, like to roam through the internet...more specifically I like to roam through people's blogs. It is fascinating to read through the thoughts of a person and what makes that person tick! Some blogs are obviously WRONG, and some are in foreign languages (of course, I skip those!) but some blogs are actually worth looking through and reading. One blog that fits that description is Karl's blog by Karl Moore! He is funny and inspirational...making you think when you read some of his blog entries. He gives his readers a Random Act of Kindness encouragement....meaning he gives you an idea for a RAK and you go do it!! He also gives out random bits of trivia and information during his Friday Factoid posts! Hello....I love random trivia!!! Here is a bit he gave: "Based on the actual battles mentioned, it's calculated that gentle Melanie's pregnancy actually took 21 months -- as opposed the slightly more traditional nine." Hmmm...I might need to research that or use it as a fun fact in my social studies classes!!! So if you are looking for a nice clean blog to read that will encourage you and give you something to laugh about, check Karl's blog out!


Tuesday, August 28, 2007

I got a JOB!

Hey there! Just got a call from EverAfter Scrapbook Store....I got a job!!! I start training on Friday at 9am.....I don't make a lot (actually, I make minimum wage...that kind of hurts), but hey I have a job and God always seems to provide for me no matter what!! But hey it is a Scrapbook Store!!!

Owen Wilson

OMG.....I was reading the news over at Komoradio.com (it is the local online paper for Seattle!), and yesterday they had an article about Owen Wilson being in the hospital and that he was recovering...but didn't give the reason for his being in the hospital. However, today's article stated that the paramedics were there for an attempted suicide call. IF IT IS TRUE...how sad that someone who seemingly has everything...money, fame, girls, etc, etc.....would attempt to end his life. It goes to show that everyone...music stars, actors, politicians and your next door neighbor ALL need JESUS! It is a hard thing to think that famous people need to be given the message of salvation...some of us place people of that magnitude on a higher level thinking we will never talk to them. Well, someone has got to do it!!! I'm not saying that I am in a position to talk to all these people either, but if we were, would we? Hmmmm......can we even talk to the "normal" people around us! Just thought I'd give you something to think on!

LOVE YOU ALL!

Got a Hot Date?

Need a hot dress? The site Elegant Mart has a fabulous evening gown for you! Are you looking for long and elegant...some black tie affair that you have? Are you looking for short and flirty....some cocktail part that you are attending? You can find what you are looking for here!!!! Shop with ease and confidence, as Elegant Mart has free shipping and 120% guarantee on all their dresses. I'm sure you will find some fantastic gown for whatever occasion you have happening.

This post sponsored by elegantmart.com

Monday, August 27, 2007

Man on Fire DVD


Yep, another contest for me over at whogets.com....sheeshh...that is five that I am in right now...and I am winning one at this point (Minority Report with Tom Cruise). So the latest contest is for the Man on Fire DVD starring Denzel Washington. Hello, that man is um, hot!!! If you help me win, I'll let you watch it with me one night!! :)

2nd Interview

So I had a second interview today with Marriott, and it was a group interview. You know I really don't like group interviews. Anyways, we introduced ourselves, worked in partners to sell a Marriott Ball point pen and played the "Guess which name is on my back game"! UGH! I get why they have us do this...they want to see how we interact with other individuals, as these are the people who will be making up a brand new team for this hotel. However, I still don't like them. There were about twelve of us in the group, and I was part of the six that was told, "We aren't saying No, but we aren't quite sure yet!" She said that they had more specific questions for some of us and were trying to figure out where the best fit would be for everyone. Needless to say I didn't walk away with the greatest feeling in the world about this interview. However, as I was driving home I simply prayed, "Whatever your will for my life God. I will be ok with a closed door just as I will be ok with an open door." My checkbook is screaming for an open door somewhere; however, where does that get a person? No where!!! You have got to life your life in FAITH that God is doing the right thing. Maybe Marriott isn't right for me. Maybe it is and God is just wanting to test my faith a bit more! One way or the other I will find a job that is right.....I'm just praying that it is sooner rather than later!

PS....I'm still waiting to hear back from the Scrapbook store as well. That interview sounded so much more promising with the exception of the pay....but then again....GOD knows!!!

Wedding Dance....Hilarious

I was perusing blogs today and came across this wedding dance video...hilarious! And since Rodney and Holly's first anniversary is Saturday, September 1st, this is for them....enjoy

Christmas Shopping

"What!" I can hear all the frantic screams from everywhere here in CA!!! Yes, Christmas shopping! I know, I know....it is only August, not even the end of summer yet and I am talking about Christmas shopping. I'll have you know that I've already bought Christmas gifts for some of my family!!! I try to buy gifts from August thru December so I don't have to spend all my money at once!!! However, like any girl with a nose for deals....I like to go shopping the day after Thanksgiving.....known as "Black Friday"! You can get some killer deals on those days....especially at Walmart! So the only downfall to Black Friday shopping is that you have to get up at like 3am and be in line by like 4am in order to rush into the stores frantically....and you MUST know what that particular store has on sale--but those circular ads don't come until Thanksgiving day or the day before--and who really wants to check out ads during Thanksgiving Day??. No use going to the store and just browsing...come on people this is a major shopping day!!!! And not going until after 10am? Might as well forget it!!! Now wouldn't it be nice if you could see all those ads before the came out in the paper? Well, now you can!!! There is a site that gives you updates on all the sales that are going to happen on Black Friday! Cyber Monday allows you to find what is on sale, where and if you can purchase it online or not--so you don't have to stand in all those pesky lines!!!! The site already has ads up for retailers right now (yes, it still is only August, but they know what they are going to be selling!!!)...I have Walmart linked above....$3.44 DVDs, TVS, Games, etc....and Target is going to have a digital camcorder for $98....maybe, just maybe, I'll buy myself an early Christmas
present...hmmmm. Really, if you want to hit all the sales on Black Friday but either have to work, or don't like getting up early, or don't like lines....then shop online using the information off this site. Or if you are a crazy shopper use the information to locate everything that you want to buy that day and go out with a strategy!!!

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Happy Birthday Mason!!!


Oh, I so wanted to put this up early this morning; however, I haven't been able to access the Internet all day...dang wireless!

Today is Mason's 4th Birthday!! Yeah, Mason! I keep asking him, "Whose birthday is coming?" and he answers, "Masons!!!" I love this boy!!!

This picture of him on the Slip 'n Slide is probably one of my favorites right now!! That is pretty much how he lives life...Full Steam Ahead!!

Mason is probably one of the smartest, funniest little boys that I know! When I was in Moses Lake during his accident, he was riding in the back seat in his car seat and not fully buckled or sitting down. I told him to turn around and sit or the cops were going to stop me and he would be in TROUBLE! He didn't miss a beat and said back to me, "I'm not the one who is driving! You'd get in trouble!" Sheesh...where do kids come up with this stuff



I always have to beg to have him take a picture with me!!! Usually, it ends up like this one where someone quickly snaps a picture while he is trying to get away!!!! Slippery little kid!

And for all of you who prayed for him when he was attacked by a dog...thank you from my family to you!! He has recovered amazingly...some scarring, but you'd never be able to tell that it happened except for some scarring around his eye. And he is having a bit of a time liking dogs (other than his own).

Mason, I love you so much!!! Love Auntie!

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Entertainment Search

I don't know about you, but I like to search the net for information on movies and music...especially once I watch a movie and like it...I want to know more about the movie....who made it, who starred in it and more (yes, Susana and I are those people who sit and watch the ENTIRE movie until the last credit rolls by). There is a new site that helps you quickly find all the entertainment that Amazon has available. The site is called Rapid Search...and you can find anything!!! Ok, so I had to do some searches and see how my favorites popped up!!! When I searched Hairspray, not only did the original Rikki Lake movie show up, but the new soundtrack and the Broadway soundtrack popped up as well...I'm thinking I need to listen to the Broadway soundtrack! Of course my favorites are Goonies, Girls Just Want to Have Fun and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers!!!! These are movies I look for all the time....I love these good old fashioned movies and want to see if anything new pops up....like soundtracks, special editions and such!!! Lots of good stuff on this site...check it out!

Update on Life

So, I have been here in Oceanside, CA, for just about two weeks. Let me tell you....it has probably been two of the most boring weeks I have ever endured. Yes, it is a new place with new things to explore...and I have done that to some extent. However, I think I lost my vim and vigor for going to new places by myself. It is one thing to go and do things all the time by yourself when you are familiar with the area and such...and your friends are just plain busy. It is another thing to go do things by yourself because there is NO ONE to go do anything with!!! I have been spending lots of time at Barnes & Noble drinking coffee and reading books....I have to say KUDOS to B&N for supplying nice chairs to sit in while you read their books.

Plus, it is driving me crazy not having a job....I've been searching and I've actually had a couple of interviews....so I feel like I will have a job in a matter of weeks (if not sooner). I had an interview at Starbucks on Monday...went well, but the pay is crappy. The benefits are great, but still I have to pay bills!!! On Wednesday I had an interview with Marriott Hotels....they are opening a brand new hotel here in Oceanside....and I have a 2nd interview with them on Monday. It is for the front desk person, pay isn't great but it will pay most of my bills, plus they also have some great benefits. You know it would be nice to visit a doctor every once in awhile, but alas, I don't have insurance so I tend to leave the medical office alone! Then last night I had an interview at a Scrapbook store!! A scrapbook store, can you believe it? LOL.....my kind of place to work!!! They don't pay a whole lot either, but you get discounts and it is just a great environment....one I am very comfortable with. The store is hiring full-time and part-time, so I asked if I got a full-time job elsewhere if it was possible to pick up some part-time hours at the scrap store....she said sure. I talked with the lady who interviewed me last night for almost an hour.....she is a scrapper, a teacher and a Christian...sound familiar?!!! They of course are interviewing others, but I felt good about it......So hopefully by the middle of next week I should know about a job or jobs!!!! Maybe that will make me feel a bit more connected here to Oceanside!

Church is good....more people are coming down, and I think September will bring a large increase of Washingtonians to Oceanside. We meet on Wednesdays and Sundays while Shannon teaches us about the church vision, cell groups and how it is all going to work. And as I sit here and tell you about this at 12:37pm, I just realized I was supposed to be at their house at 8am this morning to review some make up lessons! CRAP!!!! Oh well, life goes on!

School is well, I have a few more assignments to finish for my last class of the term and then I don't start classes again until November 1st. I'll spend time between now and then reading text books and working on work that I know is coming up. I am doing really well, and my mentor is surprised about how quickly I am getting things done. Little does she know, I'm not even going at a fast pace....if I was going quickly I'd really be getting things done!!! Thankfully I have been given an amazing aptitude for school and so it really does come fairly easy! I'm actually scared for when I have to take my State Endorsement test (a social studies test) and when I have to Student Teach...even though I have been subbing for a few years, I will finally be responsible for lesson plans, creating homework and tests, grading all that homework and tests and actually responsible for my students learning new information!!! AHHHHH...what have I gotten myself into? No, seriously, even though I'm nervous I"m totally excited to be in reach of a real career.

So that's it in a nutshell....my life right now in Oceanside, CA!!!

PS...My birthday is in a few weeks...just in case you miss the big birthday count down on the side bar! I'm a HUGE fan of birthdays and I'm a little sad that I probably won't have the kind of birthday that I am used to back home with all my friends and family! Oh well....I guess that at some point in time, birthdays need to take a back seat!

Friday, August 24, 2007

Road Trip to Cyprus

Well, actually it will have to be a boat trip or plane trip....I don't think we can drive there! So me and Susana have a list of places we want to travel to someday (and someday is closer than we think, heh Susana!!!) This time I want to go to Cyprus! Doesn't that sound exotic and tropical? And the best part of checking these places out to visit makes me want to buy property and stay there forever!!! Cyprus property is HOT right now!!! Just think a home on the beach with water everywhere!!! Oh, it sounds like heaven....sign me up!!!! I want to be financially independent one day so that I can have properties all over the world!

This is a sponsored post

Tom Petty Contest


Yep, I'm in another contest from WHOGETS.COM....this time for a Tom Petty CD! I know that many of you don't probably go to my contest links and vote for me, but just in case....I'd be honored if you did. Click on Rachel's Tom Petty Link and vote for me! Maybe, just maybe, I'll finally be able to win one of the whogets contest! Come on people, this is my 9th entry for contests here and I REALLY, REALLY want to win......please, pretty please!

Personality Quiz

Ok...so when I am bored at night I LOVE to go online and take all those personality quizzes that are out there! You know the ones I'm talking about! What kind of M&M are you, etc!! :)

There is a great site that has tons of personality and trivia quizzes for you to take. Quizzes on dating personality, religion, office character, fashion, culture and more. Once you take a quiz advertisements are given based on your answers (I kind of like that, see if the ads are connected to your personality, hmm....) and you get a badge that you can post on your blog or on MySpace! That way you can tell everyone in the world your personality type!!! So let's get to it....


This post sponsored by quizrocket.com

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Toby Keith Contest


Here we go again....(for all you country fans, that is the beginning of a country song!)...the guys and gals over whogets.com entered me into another contest! This time it is for Toby Keith's Big Dog Daddy CD....I have most of Toby's CDS; however, this is one of his newest and I don't have it yet!!!! Will you please go to my Toby Link and vote for me!!!!????!!!! Come on I have to win something someday!! Toby is probably my biggest country favorite...I love his in your face attitude. He doesn't take crap from anyone and sings what he wants to sing! Love him.....I've seen him in concert quite a few times too and he is just plain down to earth! Thanks for helping...I appreciate it!

PS....if you are going to vote at whogets anyway...will you take the time to vote for fourtiesandfun in her contest? Thanks!

Alzheimer's Memory Walk


Many of us support charities in some form or fashion....in fact the majority of my friends support more than one charity. We support charities because of the work they do, the people they touch and more importantly because a charity supports something that has touched our lives in some way. I personally have not had a close family member succumb to the trials and tribulations of Alzheimers; however, I have worked with people whose parents and grandparents suffer from Alzheimers. This is a disease that is so life altering for an entire family, that at times a person isn't sure what exactly happened. The person suffering from Alzheimers, do they understand everything happening to them? Probably not, and we as observers don't understand everything either. However, doctors are constantly striving to figure out how Alzheimers works and how it effects the men and women who have this disease. Even though I don't personally have a loved one suffering, I know that this charity is definitely one I want to support throughout my life. Besides simply donating money to the charity, men and women can participate in the Alzheimers memory walk for charity. This event is one of the largest events to raise awareness and funds for this disease. To date they have raised over $225 million dollars to support Alzheimers.....$225 million!!!! What can you do help this charity? You can become a Team Captain for the Memory Walk!!! As a team captain you help recruit members for the walk and funds for the charity!!! You can make a big difference in the lives of men and women who have this disease, and they men and women who help these people.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Save the Last Dance for Me

So I was perusing youtube.com tonight....and WOW there are so many fun videos to watch. My favorite singer at the moment is Michael Buble, so I thought I'd share this video with you! Enjoy!!!


Monday, August 20, 2007

Blog of the DAY at...

Check it out! I am blog of the day over at fuelmyblog.com!!!!

I got home and checked my email and there was a message from Sylvie Dixie about me being the blog of the day...what an honor...THANK YOU!!! For those of you who are here visiting my blog because of it....WELCOME....stay awhile...have fun looking around.

I have a fairly random blog....my life, my family, funnies, LOTS of pictures, blogging for money (yeah!) and all sorts of things to check out! I also have lots of fun friends...check them out too! Also if you came to visit via fuelmyblog you are probably aware that they are doing a SUPERBOWL CONTEST right now! If you're not aware of it, here is a shameless plug....go vote for ME...PLEASE!!!???!!!

Anyway thanks fuelmyblog! Have a fantastic day!

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Whogets DVD Contests

Ok, since I am not going to win the Superbowl contest....I have like 14 votes and someone has over 300 votes (Thanks Mom for faithfully voting for me every day even though I don't stand a chance!).....here are some other contests you can help me win. Remember whogets? Well, I've entered into two finalist entries over there, click on the links below to vote for me:

Minority Report Contest

Enemy at the Gates Contest

Thanks for helping me out, it is greatly appreciated. I'm hoping that one day I'll finally win one of these contests I keep entering. I'm beginning to think I don't like contests where you have to have people go and vote for you!

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Teen Rehab

I know that this can be a sensitive subject; however, I know that is a subject that is very rampant in today's society. If you know a teenager or have a teenager that is suffering from drug addiction, alcohol addiction, mental health and behavioral health issues then you need to check out this site for a teen rehab center called Echo Malibu. You can contact them confidentially and have all your questions answered. The picture here is called Helping Hands and that is just what they want to do for those children who are battling addiction and health disorders.
This post sponsored by echomalibu.com

HSM 2

And what exactly is HSM 2? Well, before I tell you I have to let you know that this post if for Chipo (and Noah!).....

....HSM 2 is High School Musical 2....it premiered on Disney last night and we had a little viewing party over at the Kapp's house. If you aren't already aware of it...High School Musical was probably the largest watched showed on Disney...EVER! And the soundtrack was the biggest selling OF ALL cd's last year (in all genres of music)....that should tell you a lot about the tweeners impact on today's culture....they want, but they can't buy so mom and dad shell out the money!!! Amazing.

So, yes, I went over and watched it. One--I own HSM (Yes, I admit it ok?) and Two it has my secret crush Zac Efron in it!! LOVE that boy! Anyway...in case you haven't watched it...my advice? Go for it...you know you're going to watch anyway!!!

Friday, August 17, 2007

Missionary Travel Agency

Calling all men and women who feel that they have been called by God to be missionaries...at some point in time that should be every stinkin' one of us that calls ourself Christian. Whether you are a short-time missionary or a life long missionary, one thing that you will always need is a way to get to your missionary destination. As an individual who has been on many missionary trips and has seen the process of organizing airline flights for 30+ people, working with a Christian travel agency who specifically deals with missionary travel would be a delight!! The Golden Rule Travel Agency strives to find the best missionary travel fares for all people who are traveling. They use alternative routing through airports, special contracts with airlines and coupons to get you the best deal! The staff at this agency are all solid Christian men and women and some who have been missionaries themselves, so they understand what you are going through. To get a better idea of how much work they have done for people visit their site and read the testimonials that men and women have written them...some from Directors, Pastors and Missionaries. Where is God calling you to go and how are you going to get there?

Job Interview

Yuck. I haven't had to go to a job interview for quite a while now....in WA I was established at a couple of schools, plus I had a few part time jobs that I had been at for years. But now that I am somewhere new and I need to pay my bills, I have to go job hunting again!!! Yuck, Yuck, Yuck. So anyways...I have a job interview at an office today for a part-time receptionist job. The hours are Noon-5pm...don't know any other details yet, but I will definitely let you know. I have also signed up with a temp service, and I am going to go into Starbucks on Monday--they have open interviews on Mondays! I'll be honest...trying to find something that pays enough, but is part-time or temporary is hard. Why the part-time and temporary? Well, remember I am in school and in a year or so I have to student teach! So no working for me during that time. But then again, God has everything under control!

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Electronic Mortgage Closings

As a WA State Notary whose biggest source of income as a notary I have notarized quite a few mortgages and refinances for people. However, there is excitement building for those who are in the mortgage business as they are moving more and more toward electronic closing instead of tons and tons of paperwork! I have seen the amount of paperwork that is printed for each and every mortgage that is signed...it is a lot....and then it all has to be stored somewhere. It makes so much more sense to move this type of business into the electronic storage field. Can you imagine how much easier it will be for mortgage lenders and those consumers (that is US) who use an electronic closing? No worries about standards being met and kept...many of today's leading companies have been working on maintaining standards for quite a few years now....they are not about to come out with such great technology that would end up hurting consumers!

This post is sponsored by encomia.com

Celebrate Post #700



What a better way to celebrate post #700 by remembering my favorite singer!

Elvis Presley

I know I was only 3, thirty years ago; however, I am a true fan of Elvis Presley. Yes, I know he screwed his own life up and that he died too soon due to his own stupid decisions.....BUT I still find him a fascinating man. I love all the dorky movies he has made....Blue Hawaii, Kissin' Cousins, Jailhouse Rock, etc.....and I LOVE his
music...recently the song In the Ghetto keeps rolling through my mind but that is because I have been rolling through a few ghetto places! He has sang gospel, rockabilly, rock-n-roll.....traveled with greats such as Johnny Cash!!!!!

So, let's have a moment of silence for today the 30th anniversary of his death!



Green Energy

So my friend Marcie has started a new blog about being earth friendly! I found out that the UK is striving for green energy and zero carbon left by you the consumer! Not only are we striving to be green in our own neighborhoods, but this is a goal that is being strived after throughout the entire world!! They are working on this goal with individual consumers, but also with schools throughout their area...just think what could happen if individual consumers, schools and businesses get in on this!


Here is the actual press release about this:

BRITISH GAS LAUNCHES GREENEST ENERGY TARIFF

9 August 2007: British Gas has announced it is launching two new green energy tariffs, Zero Carbon, which will be the greenest tariff available on the domestic market and Future Energy. British Gas has launched the tariffs, in response to the increasing demand for green energy products.

Householders signing up to the Zero Carbon tariff will:
• reduce their household energy carbon emissions to zero through Kyoto compliant offset schemes which will meet the new Defra requirements
• help fund a direct increase in investment in renewable energy generated in the UK
• contribute to the new British Gas green fund which will:
o invest in developing new renewable technologies such as wave power
o oversee a programme to help schools in the UK reduce their CO2 emissions

Gearóid Lane, Managing Director British Gas New Energy said,”Our new tariff responds to consumer demand for truly green energy solutions. It is essential that customers have confidence in green energy tariffs and that their credibility is not damaged by tariffs that claim to be green but in reality do not deliver any incremental environmental benefits. Green tariffs are moving from niche to mainstream products and we’re leading the industry by offering a tariff that will do more for the environment than any other product currently available.”

Under the government’s Renewables Obligation (RO), electricity suppliers in the UK are already required to produce an increasing percentage of their electricity through methods such as wind farms which, unlike traditional power plants, produce zero carbon emissions. For 2007/2008 this figure is set at 7.9%.

In a recent report, the National Consumer Council (NCC) raised concerns that some energy suppliers are packaging electricity which is produced under the RO scheme as “green”, yet it delivers no additional environmental benefits. The NCC called on energy suppliers to take steps beyond their legal requirements and offer green energy tariffs that provide genuine additional environmental benefits, in particular CO2 emissions reduction.

British Gas worked with Global Action Plan and The Climate Group’s “We’re in this Together” campaign to develop Zero Carbon which goes further than any other green tariff in meeting these requirements offering consumers the only zero carbon option on the market.

The tariff carries a premium of £84 per year, reflecting the higher cost of producing energy through lower carbon emission schemes.

Virginia Graham, Chair of Global Action Plan, said, “The British Gas Zero Carbon tariff delivers on all three of the essential requirements of a green tariff which are: additionality, transparency and verifiability. As such it is a very welcome new offering in the market. Consumers signing up to the tariff can be confident that they are getting 12 per cent more renewable energy than they would otherwise have got. The carbon emissions from their electricity and gas will also be offset with emissions reductions from projects accredited by the United Nations.”

Zero Carbon is one of the first initiatives launched through the ‘We’re in this Together’ campaign, which was launched in April 07 as an alliance of some of the UK’s biggest brands who are all working to help their customers reduce their impact on the climate.

Dr Steve Howard, CEO of The Climate Group and founder of ‘We’re in this Together’ said, “We’re committed to offering people ways to make a real impact on climate change through Together.com. We’ve worked with British Gas to ensure that Zero Carbon is a genuine step forward in delivering more environmental benefits than any other tariff currently available.”

British Gas’s second green energy tariff, Future Energy, offers an alternative green electricity tariff at a premium of just £20 per year. Customers signing up to this tariff will contribute to a green fund which will provide solar panels and other renewable energy technologies to UK schools. Money from the fund will also be invested in development of future renewable technologies and sources.

To sign up customers can call British Gas on 0845 604 0055 or visit www.britishgas.co.uk

This is a sponsored post

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Fishies, Auntie, Fishies

Just before I left for Cali my sister Camille and I, along with cutie patootie Dajia, went up to the South Hill Mall and Petco. Once in the store Dajia ran straight for the fish tanks totally excited...tapping on the fronts, yelling at her Mom to come look and just in awe of all the fishes. My batteries were dying; however, I did manage to get a few cute pictures of her and the fishies.


This is her running toward the tanks...."Come look Momma!"






One of the rare moments that she granted me a cheese smile before turning right around and looking at the fishes again!

"Sheesh, Auntie haven't you taken enough pictures of me?"







This picture of Camille and Dajia, with her arm around her Mom, looking at the fish tank is probably my favorite.

"I like this one, oh and that one. Come closer Mom and see this one!"

OH the innocence of childhood...how sweet it is!

Super Bowl Contest

Remember that I would tell you all when the voting opened for my HUMPTULIPS picture? Well, it's open:

Click here on Rachel_Ann's Superbowl Link

This contest is won purely by others voting for me!!! SO please vote!

PS...You can vote ONCE a DAY!!

My Robot

So those lovely folks over at PPP (that is Payperpost...where I blog for cash) has asked their posties to write up a blog post about designing our own personal robot. I've been thinking about this and I don't need a maid (no house of my own), I don't need a replacement husband (I would need a husband to replace!), I don't need a lawn maintenance robot as I have no lawn....so what exactly do I need?

I need a robot to be me! Not a clone, but a robot to do my everyday life so I can sit back read a book and blog more! Seriously, how nice would it be for your robot to know when to run errands, when to pick up the mail or go to the post office to mail packages out? How 'bout a robot that does your homework for you (you see I am a graduate student who should be doing homework right now and not blogging!)....could I even send it to work and collect the paycheck on my personal robot? Oh, I think so! And as it is doing my job and taking care of my life...I will just vacation around the world, drink and be merry!

And once I am graduated from grad school? Oh yes, my robot will be correcting Social Studies papers, quizzes, tests and projects! I'll just go in to teach my students (as I truly do enjoy that part) and the robot can be my assistant!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Christmas Gifts

No, you're saying it is too early for Christmas thinking? Well think again! I have already bought Christmas presents....four to be exact. Buying early means that you aren't swamped right at Christmas time and you don't have to be stressed. That is why I'm letting you know about a website that deals with gifts for him...husband, father, boyfriend, son....whatever guy is in your life, this is the site to go to! Since I am usually anally organized...especially with my scrapbook stuff, I would go the extra mile and buy my hubby totally cool garage cabinets...preferably these red ones since they just pop out at you and look sharp. Just think...tools, stuff, tools (what else do boys keep in the garage?) and even more tools can be keep neatly organized (and outta sight) in these nifty storage units. What would you buy for your guys Christmas gift?

This post sponsored by cargarageguy.com

WHEN YOU'RE FEELING STUPID, READ THIS!

Thank you Charlie for sending me this via email...he sends me some of the funniest things:

(On September 17, 1994, Alabama's Heather Whitestone was selected as Miss America 1995.)
Question: If you could live forever, would you and why?

Answer: "I would not live forever, because we should not
live forever, because if we were supposed to live forever,
then we would live forever, but we cannot live forever,
which is why I would not live forever,"

-- Miss Alabama in the 1994 Miss USA contest .

`````````````````````````````````
"Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids
all over the world, I can't help but cry. I mean I'd love
to be skinny like that, but not with all those flies and
death and stuff."

--Mariah Carey

````````````
"Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very
important part of your life,"

-- Brooke Shields, during an interview to become
Spokesperson for federal anti-smoking campaign .
`````````````````````
"I've never had major knee surgery on any other part
of my body,"

-- Winston Bennett,
University of Kentucky basketball forward .

`````````````````````````````````````````````
"Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the
lowest crime rates in the country,"

--Mayor Marion Barry, Washington, DC.
```````````````````````````
"That lowdown scoundrel deserves to be kicked to death
by a jackass, and I'm just the one to do it,"

--A congressional candidate in Texas .
````````````````````````````
"Half this game is ninety percent mental."

--Philadelphia Phillies manager, Danny Ozark

``````````````````````````````````
"It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's
the impurities in our air and water that are doing it."

--Al Gore, Former Vice President

And ..
"We are ready for an un foreseen event that
may or may not occur."

-- Al Gore, Former Vice President

Teens and Investing

Do you have teenagers? I don't; however, I have nieces and nephews whom I want to know are responsible with their money and who understand how money works. Unfortunately, I wasn't one who was smart with my money when I was an older teen/young adult and I want my nieces, nephews and future children to understand how money works, how to use it wisely and how to invest for their futures. There is a great new blog on teen investing that you and your teen should look at together. This is very informative on how to invest and what to invest in....go ahead give your teenager a few dollars (at least a $100...believe in them!) to invest in stocks and see how they do...who knows they may surprise you! I bet that they will find it interesting to invest and will keep up the habit throughout their lifetime! Even though this is a blog to help parents discuss with their children the hard topic of money, parents will begin to enjoy educating their children!

This is a sponsored post

Monday, August 13, 2007

Place to Live

I found a place to rent tonight and I can move in tomorrow. It is just a room within a house, so nothing fancy right now...I don't even have furniture. I have to go buy an air mattress tomorrow and look around for a desk and chair....yippee...

The house...big, in a nice neighborhood that has kids, there are three other women living there. The two ladies I met are around my age and Korean. She said they aren't home much, so it is nice and quiet there! I will take a picture soon and put it up!

More Pictures

So I'm assuming you all realized that I was at an amusement park this weekend? Alissa and I went to Universal Studios on Saturday and Sunday. It was nice to go two days in a row because we didn't have to feel rushed going on all the rides and stuff. I vant to suck your blood.....ok, yeah...he kinda scared the crap out of me! I was expecting him to do something, but he blew a big breath of air on my neck and freaked me out!

This is me and Alissa just hangin' out in Hollywood! No, really this is a backdrop in the park that we got our picture taken in front of!

This was the movie set of War of the Worlds on the backlot tour of Universal. This set was mammoth! Really unbelievable!

For you Julia Roberts fan you will know that I am about to enter the bookstore from her movie Notting Hill. Too bad they aren't real books, I haven't picked up a book to read in almost a week and I'm going a bit batty. I think one of my priorities is finding a used book store soon.

And of course no Universal backlot tour would be the same without a glimpse onto Wisteria Lane from The Desperate Housewives set. You do know that houses used on Wisteria lane have been famous houses in other television series? Like Leave it to Beaver. And who knows who livs at 1313 Mockingbird Lane? Yes, their house is one of the regulars on Wisteria Lane.