Saturday, December 5, 2015

Christmas Ornaments

Christmas ornaments may have a special in everyone's hearts depending on who you are.  As a child, I received a special ornament from a grade school teacher or from Sunday School. My grandmother would give me a special ornament as well.  I only have a few ornaments that I personally have bought myself.  Now, my mother has bought my son a special ornament each year for what activity he is in like baseball, football, scouts etc.  Many couples have an ornament that says First Christmas together. I know some people have a themed Christmas them with the special glass ornaments or with ribbons  or special colored lights.

What kind of ornaments does your tree have on it?

Friday, December 4, 2015

Christmas Songs ...

I enjoy hearing most of the Christmas songs that are out there.  It does bother me a little when they start playing non-stop Christmas music before December.  Christmas music is special because you only hear in during this time of year.  Those special Christmas hymns one may only hear on Christmas eve night at church.  Each singer has sung a song their own way even though it has been done before.

Away in a Manager --- I used to remember this song as one the little kids would sing in the Christmas program at church.

Silent Night --I remember learning to sing this song in German.

A few of my favorites: Where are you Christmas?,  Joy to the World, Do you hear what I hear,

Do you have favorite Christmas songs?

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

The Month of Christmas

December is all about Christmas.  To me, it is a shame that people and stores put up decorations before the month even starts. I do not purposely listen to Christmas music before the month starts either.  Why should we rush Christmas to get here?

Christmas is about so many things.  This month I will try to write a post each day about something related to Christmas and what it means to me maybe.


Thursday, November 26, 2015

Thanksgiving Day 11/26/2015

Today is Thanksgiving. I probably should be writing this later. But I have time now. We are going to my parent's house for lunch.  Today I am thankful for family those under my house and immediate family. Glad that everyone is safe and healthy at the moment. I thankful for my new job. I work tonight at 7pm.  I am thankful to be able toblog, and socialize on the web with other bloggers. I have become friends with other bloggers.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Thankful for Date Nights 11/24/15

Date are far and few for us.  We don't get out and do much anymore. We stay at home and watch television and hang out the neighbors.  Tonight is that night. Our son will be at a wrestling meet. So we are going for free Chicken chunks without him at the bar down the street. Plus cheaper without our son.  When we were dating we used to go bowling all the time. Time away together is a good thing.  Just be happy.  

Monday, November 23, 2015

Thankful for my husband 11/23/15

Ok, I know I maybe should have done this one already. I have been trying to do different posts than the ordinary ones.  My husband and I have had some rough patches. He can get on my nerves sometimes.  Lately, my husband has been different.  I guess it is because his new job.  He has off weekends now.  He actually has been fixing things around the house which normally I have to bug and bug him. Grateful for the fun times. He is funny and smart.  He sees things different than I do sometimes.   We enjoy playing certain video games together or watching television shows together. I have been with my husband for 17 years now.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Thankful for my Adirondack chair 11/19/15

This is my favorite chair. It is so easy to relax in it. I sit in it mainly when I let the dog outside. I take my phone and sit in my chair and relax.It is the perfect chair for me.  This is my second one. The other broke when I husband sat in it weirdly let's say.  This one I got for free along the street. It is a little broke I can still sit in it.  Do you like these chairs? 


Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Thankful for babysitting days

I love the opportunity to babysit. I get my baby fix that I need. I only have a 14 year old son. I still enjoy having a baby in my arms.  The best times is when they fall asleep in your arms. When I have a baby in my arms I feel like there is nothing in world is wrong. I am at peace with the world and myself.  

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Thankful for the television 11/14/15


It is crazy to say thankful for the television, but I am.  This picture is of a tv on a tv. We don't have cable in the living room. The top tv is what we watch Netflix on lately or play video games.  When children are young, there are so many great television shows that can teach them things even though the parents get tired of watching them.  Sometimes it is great to curl up in front of the television and marathon of shows all day just when you feel like being lazy or need a break from cleaning or blogging.  I do agree that some people can get addicted to the television.  What your favorite shows? Some of mine that I watch lately are NCIS, Law and Order SVU, Last Man Standing. I enjoy watching Hallmark movies as well. 

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Thankful for the Veterans 11/11/15

Today is Veterans Day.  On Facebook, there is many posts about Veterans or family members that are veterans.  I don't know where we would be today without Veterans that were in various services of the military.  I can remember Gulf Storm, I think it was that one.  My friend's brother was over there.  We were always so worried and watching the news for new details.  My cousin was also over in the war in Desert Storm.  After the fact, we did find out he was in that airport in Irag when it was being taken over I believe.  My grandmother would get letters from my uncle about where my cousin was, but not exactly he could not say.  My dad was in the Vietnam war.  He has never really talked much about that time in his life.  Thankful for those that did enter the military services. I definitely could not see myself entering the Army or any other military service.

Thank you one and all.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Thankful for a Sports loving Son 11/10/15

My son has enjoyed playing baseball since you start in T-Ball.  He has high ambitions of playing baseball in the major leagues.  We will have to see about that though.  He plays football and is in wrestling as well.  Personally I am glad he does not stay inside all day.  He is a kid that is able to find things to do.  He is an active kid.  There is a so many things that a kid that is in sports can gain like self confidence, friends, muscles, socialization and so many other things.  I have never had to push him to play sports. I am not crazy about wrestling because how they kids down onto the floor sometimes.  That is a mother though.

Sunday, November 8, 2015

November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month

November is Alzheimer's Awareness month.  Purple is the color for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is not easy to handle for anyone.  I have had family members that had the disease and I have worked in a Memory unit in a nursing home that had residents that had the disease.  It is a hard disease to understand.  Not one person has the same symptoms as another person that has the disease. There are 6 stages to the disease which can be hard to figure out which one a person is in.  This disease is hard because it takes the memories of the person then the person is unable to know who is family and who is not family.  So it can be really hard on the family.  Sometimes you will have individuals that know they are losing their memory.  I have seen family members make memory books for the individual so then continually look at it to remember and keep things fresh in their mind.  My advice is for the older people you know in your life, even if they do not have this disease---Spend time with them and remember everything they tell you. Don't regret the time you didn't get spend with your loved ones.

Thankful for my Mom 11/8

I have the pleasure of living only about 15 minutes from my parents.  I talk to my mom almost every day.  I talk to her about almost anything. I will call her about cooking questions.  She has taught many things I know about cooking and baking. I am much closer to her than I am with my dad.  Before marriage, my mom and I would go to craft shows. Now there is not much time or money to do that together.  My mom helped out so much this summer when I broke ankle between taking me places like the store or ball games or Dr appointments. I feel you can never tell your really how much you really appreciate her.  It goes beyond words. At least I hope everyone is able to feel the same way. 

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Thankful for family Days 11/7/15

Thankful for the days the family is together and does things together.  There are days when we are all home, but in different rooms doing our own thing.  There is not many days we go out and just do something. My husband is now off on the weekends. I am off this weekend. I found something for us to do. We stopped by a chili cook-off.  We were all getting along which is great.  Soon our son will be doing is own thing. He is 14 right now.  Growing up way too fast.  As there will days he will not want to go with us or we can't make him go either.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Thankful for 4-H 11/5/15

I am thankful for my years in 4-H. I was in 4-H for 11 years.  There was a great deal of learning and fun in those years. I took a cooking/baking class practically every year.  So that is how I learned to cook from scratch.  I still enjoy cooking to this day.  I did a great deal of public speaking while in       4-H as well. My club did a great deal of volunteering as well. I wish I only had the time now to volunteer somewhere.  It is weird to me some people do not know what 4-H is.  Many people think 4-H is just for people who live on a farm.  4-H would be great for any child growing up as they can learn about cooking, leadership, pet care, babysitting, citizenship and many more things.  My mom is still a 4-H leader.

Do you know someone who was in 4-H?

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Thankful for Blogging world 11/4

Thankful for the blogging world as big as it may be.  Some people may not understand what I talking about with the blogging world.  There are so many blogging groups that a person can be a member of. This groups a person is able to share posts or even ask questions.  They are able to gain blogger friends for support.  It is great to be able to have blogger friends for support to lean on or ask questions to. They understand the ups and downs of being a blogger.  Being a blogger I have found so many blogs out on the internet I would never have found if was not a blogger today.  I love reading what others have to say on various topics.  The blogging world also have many possibilities to be able to gain a following or even make money.

I am a blogger and proud to be one.

Wordless Wednesday --Computer



This picture is my computer area.  This area speaks so many words.  I sometimes start and end my day here. As you can see I tend to drink a glass of milk here at nighttime.   
What do I do here? 
I share a post on Advowire so I earn points to get a gift card.  I do this right away in the morning and about every 4 hours as allotted for me to do if I am home.    
I log on to Swagbucks.com and get my daily swagbucks that I am allowed to get.  I try to earn Swagbucks to get gift cards here as well.  
Blogging on my various blogs is the majority of my time spent at this computer area each day.  I blog here at Midwest Lady Thoughts, Frugal and Coupon Crazy and 2 Chicks Blogging.  I link any new blog post to linky parties almost each day so people can see the new posts I  write about.  Linking on to social media sites for my blogs is part of blogging.  
My computer is where I print out coupons to save my family money.  
I have a book on my desk which I am reading--Money Making Mom by Crystal Paine.  I hoping to get some inspiration for myself as in my blogging or my future business of Pampred Chef.  

There are days that I spend too much time here in this part of the house.  

My computer is part of my life.  There is not too many days I am not on my computer at some point in the day.  

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Employment Thanks 11/3

Today I would like to give thanks for my job.  I am thankful to even have one.  Some people are unable to have one.  I presently work on one location. I will be starting a new job at a hospital on the 16th.  I am not very happy at my present location due to being short staffed many days.  When you are short staffed it can make a person very stressed out.  I could easily work some more days until I start the new job and stay PRN there.  Just don't know if it worth the stress. I could also work as substitute teacher aide when needed as well along with the hospital job. Much less stress in a school vs. my job now.  But that is my opinion some may think differently.

I will be working night shifts on 12 hours at a time at the hospital job.  I will be able to learn new tasks which I am looking forward to doing.

I also could say that blogging is my job as well.  I love to blog as it is writing.  It would be better if I made a little more money with it.

What kind of job do you have that you are thankful for?

Monday, November 2, 2015

November month of thanks 11/2/15

So many people are posting what they are thankful for this month.  Don't get me wrong this is a great thing to do but shouldn't we be thankful all the time and not just November.  Sometimes it can be hard to be thankful when we are having hard times.  Think about the simple things you are thankful for not just your family and such.  Be happy and thankful you have a house or food or a bed as some may not even have that at all.

What could you be doing this month maybe to help others to be thankful for something?
Give some food for thanksgiving dinner or help somewhere
Donate some food or clothes for those that need it because it will be cold soon enough.
Give needed items to some nursing home residents.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Bloggers can Get Books For Free

Do you enjoy reading books?  I like to read when I have the time.  That is the key point though when I can find the time.  Sometimes I make the time because reading is just time to yourself.  Reading a book, a person can be exploring a new world and be a different while reading the book.  That's why we tell kids they can travel anywhere when reading books.

 If are a blogger, you can get books for free.  One place I go through is Blogging for Books. One must choose a book to review. After you read it, post a review on your blog then post on their site.  Then you can pick another book to read and review.

If you like Christian based books, you can join the Family Christian group on Facebook.  She post various opportunities to review books or other things. Sometimes you may just post a review on your blog or also on their site as well.  Sometimes you may receive a gift certificate to the store in exchange for reviewing the book or item.

I love the opportunity to read the books.  It gives me the opportunity to tell others about the books I read whether they are good or not.  I just pass on how I feel.


Thursday, October 8, 2015

My Life as a Certified Nurses Assistant

Let me tell you a story.  It started around 2007 or so.  I started doing home health.  I was caring for people in their homes.  I then figured I might as well get my certification as a certified nurses assistant because they basically do the same I was doing in home health.  I have worked in a fair number of nursing homes in the area. I thought I wanted to be in home health or be a CNA because I couldn't help my grandmother at home or my great great aunt. Nursing homes are similar to one another from a worker's perspective.  Although from a family's perspective, each may be different based on what each nursing home may provide or their rankings.

A certified nurse's assistant (CNA) may get up residents in the morning to get them dressed.  One may help feed them at meal times.  A CNA make assist them with their toileting needs.  This person may take their vitals for nurse which will include blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.  Each day a CNA will have document what they did for the residents they were in charge of for the day.

A CNA can be a hard job.  Some people think it is not a hard job.  One's feet and back may hurt by the end of the day because of the lifting, bending over or walking all day. It may be a rougher day when state surveyors are in the building.  They watch you making sure you are doing thing correctly. This job can be more stressful when people call off which will mean you have more in your group of residents to take care of for the day.  This position to tell you the truth does not get paid very well at all.

In May of this year, I broke my ankle. I was off work all summer. I started back to work in late August.  I am 40 years old and now a messed up ankle.  I am not sure about being a CNA any longer.  My foot or feet at times can be killing me by the end of the work day.  I am always one of older CNA's at a job.
I would love to be able to make more money writing, blogging and staying home. I stay pretty busy when I am home from working on the computer to working around the house.  Only time will tell what the outlook for my job situation in my life will be.

Your Daily Brain Book Review

Your Daily Brain 24 hours in the Life of your brain with Garth Sundem 

This book I received I thought would be interesting.  I thought it would have activities for the brain which it didn't.  It talked about what your brain thinks about throughout the day.  How it maybe is hard to wake up in the morning when the alarm goes off.  This book was not very enjoyable for me to read.  Some people may be interested in it. The book talks about what makes you think about certain things like which radio station to listen to.  Or what will you do before bed.  


Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Michael Symon's 5 in 5 for every season Book Review



This cookbook is written by Michael Symon, who is a Iron Chef on the Food Network and a host on the television show The Chew.  I personally love the show because of the host and all the cooking.  
5 in 5 for every season Cookbook is full of recipes that are from scratch so you don't spend a lot of time in the kitchen. There are recipes for dinner, side dishes, and more. They are dishes with simple directions.  My only thing with the cookbook is some of the ingredients, at least with family this would be a problem.  There are ingredients that my family or maybe the ordinary family on a budget does not always buy or even some may not be familiar with if they do not cook all the time.   Some of these ingredients I am talking about are the following: 
Fennel   Favas  Lamb (some may not buy this all the time)
Ramps    Goat cheese   Swordfish 
Salmon     Anchovy 

This is just my opinion as some may use these ingredients all the time.  


Friday, September 18, 2015

The 80's Blog post challenge

September Saphire Blog challenge
Talking about the generation we grew up in. I would say I grew up mainly in the 80's.  There was big hair with lots of hair spray.  There was Madonna.
Perms
Leg warmers
warm up pants/slickers with zippers at the bottom
rolled up jeans

I love 80's although my husband does not so much.
I graduated 6th grade in 1987.


Thursday, September 17, 2015

9 Writers To Read Book Review

I received this book to read because I am a writer and I wanted to read it.  I wanted to learn more as a writer.  A writer can continue to learn the more they read. A writer cannot be a writer without reading books along the way.  A writer will learn how to write from other writers.  The author of the book told a little bit about each writer as each one had their own chapter.  What I especially liked about the book was in each chapter it recommended what you should read from each writer.  I would recommend this book to any writer learning about the process of becoming a writer or learning to write.  This would be great for an English classroom even.

The writers it tells about are the following:
G.K Chesterton     H.L. Mencken    P.G. Wodehouse    T.S. Eliot
J.R.R. Tolkien     C. S. Lewis    R. F. Capon   M. S. Robinson   N. D. Wilson


Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Review of a Blood Pressure Cuff

I had recently received an Ozeri Blood Pressure Cuff for the purpose fo trying it out and giving the company a review on it.  This is a needed item in my field of work.  If you didn't know, I am a Certified Nurses Assistant at a nursing home.  One of our duties as a CNA is to take vitals which includes the blood pressure.  When using this type of machine, it makes the job much faster and easier.  With this device, one is able to set it to remember a blood pressure that you have taken.  Once in a while, you make take a blood pressure that me a little higher than normal.  That is one of the problems with these types of devices.  Other than that I have liked this product. It comes in very handy at my job.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

St. Louis and Metro East local events for week 9/8-9/12

Sorry I was late putting this out, I have been busy with work and family events.

Great Godfrey Maze has opened and will through Halloween 12+: $6, 6-11 $4, A maze cut into seven acres of corn.

Sept. 11 Food Truck Friday Tower Grove Park in St. Louis, 4-7:30

Sept. 12 Pere Marquette Rendevous 10 am to 5 pm Step back in time to the days when frontier fur trappers met with fur traders and buyers during this reenactment festival at Pere Marquette State Park. The Second Annual Pere Marquette State Park Rendezvous will be a traditional Pre-1840 event with buckskinned re-enactors portraying primitive traders and campers. There will be period demonstrations, black powder and longbow shoots, camp music and food common to days on the Illinois frontier. The public is invited to attend and admission is free. 

Sept. 12 American Indian Education Days at Cahokia Mounds 10 am to 4 pm FREE 

Sept 12 Bunker Hill Fall Fest 10am to 8 pm Car show and chili cook off 

Expedition Days : Blog challenge

September Saphire Even days Blog Challenge

This day we are to talk about places we have traveled to.  I was in a church choir for four years. Each summer we traveled in a charter bus and went to various churches and performed a presentation for them.  I even had my birthday on tour a few years.  Many pictures were taken of the people we visited or the places we saw.  I can say I have seen Niagra falls. I will never forget those great years traveling. Many of days I slept so easy on the bus.

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Upcoming St. Louis and local events 8/30-9/5

Upcoming St. Louis and local events

August 30 Festival of Nations St. Louis Tower Grove park info  10 am to 6 pm

August 30 Meet Author of Captain Underpants Dav Pilkey St. Louis County Library Headquarters Branch 6:30

Sept. 2 Concert in the Park Steve Davis Elvis 6-7:30 Glazebrook park Godfrey, IL

Sept. 4 Lynrd Skynrd Concert 8:00 Liberty Bank Amphitheatre Alton, IL

Sept. 5 Lewis and Clark Music Festival 10-4:00 pm Lewis and Clark State Historic Site Hartford, IL Traditional music of the late 1700s and early 1800s will be performed by musicians playing fiddles, dulcimers and flutes. Watch, listen, and participate in this wonderful dance and music festival.  FREE 

September 5 Free Movie in the City Park Edwardsville, IL 7:15 Cinderella 

Sept 5-6 Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Gardens Admission $15 for Adults 13 and older $5 

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Jobs and working

I do not like getting into conversations with my mom about my jobs.  I have had multiple jobs, some the same field and position just different company.  She says why can't stay at one place and get seniority.  In my field, it doesn't really matter.  I can't find a job that I am qualified for and that I like which also makes decent money.

I have been off work all summer due to my broken ankle.  Now I have to go back to work to make some money.  I am going back to the field that have been in before my broken ankle.  This morning it hit me that I did not want to go back to work especially in this field.  It does bother me some that I am 40 years old and doing this kind of job that I am doing.  Someone has to do this job.  It is just like when you are on vacation too long from a job, you just don't want to go back.  It was feeling too good to be home everyday.  I enjoyed getting up with my husband for work.  Now that school is in session and my son will be gone all day, it will be even better.   I enjoyed working on my blog more intensively.  Just recently I had started myself into a routine of cleaning certain things each day.

I do have some ideas up my sleeve of possible money makers of a job.  I just need to assert my self in working on them.

September St. Louis Cardinals Theme Nights

St. Louis Cardinals Theme Nights

Sept. 2 Grateful Dead Night --Receive a specially designed Grateful Dead Cardinals T-shirt

Sept. 8 Outdoors Night by Cabela's--Receive a Mossy Oak Camo Hat

Sept. 9 Career Day -- College Fair and presentations

Sept. 22 College Night -- Receive a 80's themed Cardinals Long sleeved t-shirt

Sept. 23 Halfway to St. Patrick's day ---- Receive a limited edition St. Patrick's day Paddy cap. Irish music and dancers

Sept. 24 Billikens night  --- Receive a Cardinals themed Billikens hat



Monday, August 24, 2015

Free Books in Exchange for a Review

Are you a blogger? Do you like to read? Did you know there are companies that you can apply to and get free books?  All you need to do is read the book then post a review on their site/Amazon or also on your blog. I think it is pretty cool to save money on all I need to do is write a review on what I thought about the book.  It is basically what you tell your friends. I am sure you find yourself telling your friends what book you are reading and what it is about anyway.  Right now, I have two books I need to review. Although I can only read one at time. Right now I am reading Freedom's child by Jax Miller.

Tyndale Blog Network
Family Christian Bookstore  (Facebook group)
Blogging For Books
Booklook Bloggers Harper Collins

Some of the books I have read are the following:


Sunday, August 23, 2015

St. Louis and Metro East Illinois Events 8/23- 8/29

St. Louis and Metro East Illinois Events

8/23 Festival of the Little Hills St. Charles, MO 9:30 to 5 pm  Crafts and food
8/23 Tri County Olden Days 7 am to 5 pm Dow, IL entertainment, antique tractors and engines, flea market and food

8/28-8/29 Alton Gospel Musicfest at Main street United Methodist Church, Alton, Car Cruise Saturday 4-9 Food, events and entertainment
8/29   Alton Labor Day Parade 10 am  Begins on College Ave at the Alton Middles school and to Gordon Moore Park
8/29 Alton Food Truck Festival  4pm to 8 pm at the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater 12 food trucks are to be there
8/29 Car Cruise Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower Hartford, IL 4 to 7 pm

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Upcoming St. Louis and local events 8/16- 8/22

Local events for family

August 18 Free Concert in the park Glazebrook park, Godfrey,IL  Steve Davis as Elvis 6:30-8:30
August 18 Food Trucks in Frontier Park, St. Charles, MO 5-8 pm, Food trucks and live music
August 21 FREE Family Night at the Magic House 5:30 -9:30 pm
August 22  Tri County Olden Days Dow, IL 7:00 - 5:00 pm Come out and enjoy a family oriented event that has something for everyone in Dow, Illinois! A steam, gas and threshing show will feature antique tractors, engines and heritage demonstrations, along with an antique tractor pull. There will be live entertainment both days, with Cowboy Church on Sunday. Shop the large craft & flea market and enjoy lots of good "old-fashioned" food.  Admission is $4 children under 12 FREE 
August 22 Bull Riding Bonanza at the Beverly Farms Equestrian Center, Godfrey, IL Starts at 2:00 pm Includes Pro Bull riding, junior rodeo, mutton bustin, face painting and more $12 for adult and $8 Children Under 5 FREE 
August 22 Classic car Cruise Edison Entertainment Complex, Edwardsville, IL 6 - 9 pm 
August 22/23  St. Paul's Kirchenfest, St. Paul's Catholic Church, Highland, IL 7 am -12 am Kirchenfest, which is German for "Church Festival," is one of the largest church festivals in Southern Illinois with the event spreading over six acres on the grounds of St. Paul Parish. Beginning in 1970 the festival has a German theme, as the Highland community is primarily Swiss and German heritage. This two-day festival offers something for everyone - food (including a Bavarian skillet dish prepared by a 500 pound skillet and a sit-down chicken dinner), live music, games, live auction, flea market, a competitive run, bike ride and much more!
August 22 26th Annual Maternity and Parenting fair Belleville, IL Memorial Hospital, 9 am -12 pm FREE

Saturday, August 15, 2015

The Old Family Barn fire

So I told you the other day, that we would be burning down the barn. It happened today.  It was weird for my mom to not be there to watch it come down as she was so interested in it and as it was part of her whole life.  Many of us took many pictures for her to see later.  It started small inside the barn then I turned around and was a major and very hot.
This is how it started before the fire started.
And it is gone now for the wood to smolder for few days.

When you live in the country the little things we get excited about -- watching a barn burn.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Goodbye to the Family Barn

Goodbye to the family Barn 




These are two pictures of the family barn that I have.  It doesn't look like this right now.  More wood has come apart from the frame of the barn.  This is on my grandparent's property.  My grandparent's house was buildt in 1867 or so.  It is unknown exactly when this barn was built, although there was always a farm here.  My grandparents are no longer living. My brother's family is now living on the property and taking care of the farm.

This Saturday, the barn will be burned to the ground.  We do not use the barn for any farm purposes anymore.  I can remember times when I was young as we cattle that used the barn.  I remember hearing the noises when they butchered the cattle inside the barn.  In the past years, I had ventured in the barn to see what kind old, and interesting things I could find.  My son enjoyed climbing on the second floor, although my parents were worried because none of the boards were very stable any longer.    I had found old darts with real feathers on them that my grandfather used as practiced dart ball in the barn for the church league.  I found 2 old horse bridles.  We did find a old two hand plow.

It will be a piece of history to watch it go up in flames.  I have to take pictures because my mother will be able to watch.  She is a little disappointed that she will be unable to see it happen. She grew up with this barn in her life.

Goodbye to a part of history.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Upcoming St. Louis Blues Promotions Calendar

Are you a St. Louis Blues fan? If you live in the St. Louis area, I am sure you are.
I am sure you like to know what kind of promotion they are doing before you buy tickets right? Well here is the calendar they have put out so far.

Single game tickets go on sale August 20, 10 am.
To order tickets go here 

Bobblehead Nights
  • Oct. 29 vs. ANA - Kevin Shattenkirk
  •    
  • Dec. 10 vs. PHI - Chris Pronger - 2015 HHOF Inductee
  •    
  • Feb. 16 vs. DAL - David Backes
  •    
  • March 25 vs. VAN - Alex Pietrangelo
Apparel night 
  • Nov. 16 vs. WPG - Camo Jersey (first 12,500 - 13 & over)
  •    
  • Dec. 13 vs. COL - Kids Home Jersey (first 5,000 - 12 & under)
Must have Promotions 
  • Oct. 1 vs. CHI - Magnet Schedule (all fans)
  •    
  • Oct. 8 vs. EDM - Team Calendar (all fans)
  •    
  • Oct. 27 vs. TBL - Beer Stein (first 10,000 - 21 & over)
  •    
  • Dec. 5 vs. TOR - Team Poster (all fans)
  •    
  • Dec. 8 vs. ARI - Blues Yearbook (all fans)
  •    
  • April 9 vs. WAS - Fan Appreciation Scratch-Offs (all fans)
Ticket promotion nights
       
  • Student Nights - Present a valid student ID and get a Mezzanine Level ticket for just $19.50 or a Plaza Level ticket for just $49.50 for select games. Tickets can also be purchased online with a valid college e-mail address. 
  •    
  • Military Nights - All active, reserve and retired military can purchase tickets as low as $28.50 with a valid military ID. ..
  •    
  • Family Packs - Purchase a four-pack of Blues tickets and get four hot dogs, four sodas and two boxes of popcorn. Packages start as low as $99. 
  •    
  • Other Promo Nights - More details on great theme nights will be available soon, including Mizzou Night, Star Wars Night, Scout Nights, Union Nights and more!

Friday, August 7, 2015

St. Louis and Metro East Local Events 8/9 - 8/15

St. Louis and Metro East Local Events 8/9 - 8/15 


August 7-9 --Sales Tax Holiday for Missori

August 9 --Amazing Animal Encounters at the World Bird Sanctury 1:30 pm FREE 

August 9 --Family Fun Day at Ballpark Village, St. Louis, MO. Theme: Water. Noon to 4 pm. Activities and attractions include: Fredbird & Team Fredbird, the St. Louis Blues inflatable Slap Shot Game, St. Louis Rams Kick-Pass Game, sidewalk chalk creations, a rock climbing wall, racing fun house, an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, a bounce house, the home plate game and lots more.

August 9 -- 8th Annual Peach Festival at Pere Marquette Lodge (Grafton, IL) 11:00 - 3:00 pm, Visitors can enjoy a cruise on the Hakuna Matata boat, kids activities, crafts, wine tasting, and vendors. Also historic lodge tours. FREE 

August 9 -- Gateway Bridal Show at the Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville, IL 1:00 - 4:30 pm. Free for Brides – Brides who preregister get one free guest pass – General Admission $5

August 10 -- Free Movie at Ballpark Village St. Louis, MO Little Rascals FREE

August 13 -- Grafton Music in the Park, Grafton, IL 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Mars Needs Guitars (High Energy Classic Rock)  FREE 

August 13 -- E.T movie at the Wildey Theater in Edwardsville, IL $2 tickets can be only bought the night of the show. 7:00 pm

August 14 --  Movie Night at the Park, Glazebrook Park in Godfrey, IL 8:15 Lego Movie FREE 

August 15 -- Monarchs 101 at the Audubon Center at the Riverlands, West Alton, MO Join us for an introductory program on the beautiful monarch butterfly! You will learn the basics of this iconic organism, including current efforts to conserve it. A portion of this program will be outdoors. Families with young children are encouraged!  FREE 

August 15 -- Market Street Community Block Party and Health Fair, Alton, Il 11:00 -3:00 pm. Come and enjoy health fair and medical screenings, a series of bounce houses, games, fun activities, arts & crafts, music, food, face painting, school supply give away, safety awareness and more. FREE 


Monday, August 3, 2015

St. Louis Cardinals Promotions Coming up


St. Louis Cardinals

August 11 Budweiser Bash night--Purchase a ticket for this night and receive a Bobblehead of Ken Dayley

August 13 -- Runners Night Ticket Purchasers get a Cardinals Technical T-shirt

August 14 Red Schoendienst Hall of Fame Red Jacket Statue 16 years and older receive this statue.
                  Outdoors Autograph Night --Get free autographs from current and former Cardinals players, courtesy of Academy Sports + Outdoors! Two current Cardinals players will sign 100 autographs in Ford Plaza for fans 15 years old and younger from 5:45-6:15. Two former Cardinals players will sign autographs for fans of all ages from 6:15-7:00.

August 15 Cardinals Hall of Fame inductee Plaque --Fans can celebrate the second class of the Cardinals Hall of Fame inductees with this unique item that highlights the players selected by the fans. 25,000 fans 16 and older will receive this collectible plaque, courtesy of Edward Jones.

To Buy Tickets 

Saturday, August 1, 2015

St. Louis and Local Events 8/2 - 8/8

St. Louis and Local Events

August 2 Grafton Towboat Festival at the Loading Dock in Grafton 11-4 pm  Free Tours of Working Towboats

August 4 Amtrak Train Day, Alton, IL -- 10 am till 2 pm  Learn about train safety and train travel.  Children will receive a free conductors hat and coloring book

August 5  Garden of Eatin' Tour & Wood-Fired Pizza Dinner 5:00 pm     Lewis and Clark Community College, Godfrey Please email: kamayfield@lc.edu to make your reservations for this free one-of-a-kind garden tour and dinner delight. Free 


August 6 Meet Fredbird at the Cookie Factory Alton Square Mall 1:00-2:00 pm 




August 7 Discover the Nina and Pinta Replicas of the Christopher Columbus ships, at the Loading Dock in Grafton, IL 9:00 am - 6:00 PM Admission $8/adults, $6/students (5-18) 

Augusst 7 National Night Out 5:30 - 8:00 Liberty Bank Amphitheater Alton, IL, Includes bounce houses, music, K9 demonstration Free 


 Frozen at the Tower at the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower, Hartford, IL 10:00 -  2:00 pm Everything Frozen event,  Bounce house, face painting 



August 7-9 Back to School Sales Tax Holiday for the State of Missouri, for clothing, school supplies and computers are exempt from sales tax 

August 8 Fredbird will be at Eckerts Farm in Belleville  12:30-1:00 pm



Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Who am I? and What is this blog about?



Hello. I am a wife and mother that lives in the Midwest, very close to St. Louis, MO.  My son is 14 and entering high school. I am sure we will be busy due to him in football and other sports.  My family are big fans of the St. Louis Cardinals so we like to go to a game when we can.  I enjoy cooking and baking from scratch.  I try to find things to help my family save money.  I enjoy writing when I have the time.  I also blog on Frugal and Coupon Crazy which is about frugal living, and coupon/deals.  Come visit me there too.

What will I be posting on this blog and on my Facebook page?  I may be writing about what is on my mind as a mother. I will be posting events in the St. Louis and Metro East area.  I am hoping to do some reviews on local places soon as well. So if you are anywhere near the St. Louis area this blog is for you.


Monday, July 27, 2015

Upcoming Special Cardinals Events at Busch Stadium

Cardinals Events 

Dynamic Deal 
Julyl 28 and July 29 Field Level seats $19 against the Reds Tickets here 

July 29 Star Wars Night with a purchase of special theme night ticket get a Star Wars t-shirt 

July 30 Cancer Awareness night--Fans purchasing this special ticket get a Cancer Awareness hat with StL logo in different colors of cancers in the area.  

July 31 Lou Brock Bobblehead Day ages 16 and older get  a Bobblehead 

August 2 Jewish Community Day Fans will receive an exclusive Cardinals Yarmulke 

Sunday, July 26, 2015

St. Louis and Local events July 26 - Aug 1


July 26 - August 1

July 31 -- Kid'Cation Scavenger Hunt 9:30 -5:00 Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower Hartford, Il. This occurs from July 31-August 9.  $1 for children and $2 for adults for tours of the tower.

July 31 --Family Night at McPike Mansion, Alton, IL 7:00 - 9:00 pm Includes games for all ages and tours of the mansion grounds.  $15 for Adults $10 for ages 13-18, 12 and under $5

August 1--Nature Detectives  11-12:00, ages 5 to 12, Free At the Audubon Center at the Riverlands, West Alton, MO  Please RSVP by emailing Julie Watson at jwatson@audubon.org .

August 1-- Grafton Towboat festival 11-4 pm, at the Loading Dock in Grafton, IL Admission is $1, Free tours of working towboats, live music, giveaways

August 1--Alton Hauntings Walking Tour 7pm First Unitarian Church Alton, IL Tour is 3 hours long at $25 per person. 

August 1 --Family Day at World Chess Hall of Fame events for ages 5-12, St. Louis, $5 per child for non members  Sessions 11 - 1 pm 

August 1 -- Archaeology Day Collinsville, IL at the Cahokia Mounds State Site. Various demonstrations, 10 am - 4 pm 

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Saturday Thoughts

Today is Saturday.  Not much going on here. I am trying to look for things that I can sell to make some extra money.  I am now able to drive.  It feels great.  Tonight we are getting a new washing machine (not new actually used).  Being able to wash clothes is a necessity.  There are so many things on my list that need to be fixed in this house. Next will be the toilet which we bought a few months ago and the kitchen faucet.  Like people say, when you own a house there is always something that needs to fixed or improved

Monday, July 20, 2015

St. Louis Restaurant Reviews Possibility

In a few weeks, I should be starting a new job.  I will be driving all around the St. Louis area.  So I thought what a better opportunity to try new restaurants and post a review about them on this page.  I can't wait to try new places.  If you have one that you think I should try let me know.

St. Louis and local events 7/20 - 7/25

July 20 Fosterburg Concert in the Park Series -- Gene Maynard country  on Main street at Township park
July 20 Movies at the Ballpark St. Louis Space Jam 7pm . Free for more info go Ball park village
July 21 Jerseyville Farmers market 4 pm to 7 pm every Tuesday
July 21-July 26 Madison County Fair in Highland, IL
July 22 Alton Farmers Market 4 pm to 7 pm. every Wednesday and Saturdays
July 23 Wood River Farmers Market every Thursday from 4 pm to dusk parking lot at Madison Avenue
July 23 Pee Wee's Big Adventure Movie at the Wildey theatre 7:00 only $2 tickets
July 25 Hummingbird Festival Hartford, IL  9 am to 12 pm

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Local Events for 7/13 -7/18

Local events in the area

Jersey County Fair July 11-19 Jerseyville, IL
St. Jacob Homecoming July 17-18
Archaeology Day July 18 --Kampsville, IL
Blessing of the Fleet July 18 --Portage De Sioux and Grafton
Patsy Cline Always --July 16-July 19 Wildey Theatre $25 tickets

Getting to work on this blog.

I really haven't worked on this blog lately at all or even for a while.  I have two other blogs I also write on.  I do post different things on the Facebook page for this blog though.

I really need to start writing more on this blog.  I should post events that are going on in our area.

I live in Wood River, Il. I will be posting things that are within a decent area from me.  Everyone likes to drive a little bit if they have to.


Thursday, April 23, 2015

Work--A Job Who chooses they work

Who chooses really the job they have?  Some are experienced so they apply and get it. Some jus apply and are there for many years.  For many, a job is just that.  A job that provides money to pay bills and get what we want or need.  If I had the choice, I would not work at my job now.  I wish I could make money blogging.  Soon, I will though.  I can tell you I do have future payments coming to me.  Then I can say I am making money off the blog. When I am home, I able to spoil my son by making him a good breakfast instead of toast or cereal.  If I was home more, I would more effort into the house maybe.

My job now  is just that, a job, I told someone. I put my eight hours in.  I care for the people that I am working with for they may not have anyone else to care for them.  I am not there to make friends with the coworkers. I would appreciate if they help me with the residents that I need assistance with.

I did apply for a different type of job recently.  The deadline for submitting your resume is not till May 6. I am not getting my hopes up but I can wish can't I.

Sunday, April 12, 2015

My First Blog Conference--LadyBlogger2015

Yesterday, I went to my first blogging conference.  It was great to go somewhere and people know what you are talking about.  We were able to choose what classes we wanted to go to.

The Keynote speaker was Dixie Gillaspie.  She was a very motivating speaker. She spoke to all of us in our hearts at least I believe.  No such thing as can't. Yes, I believe in this. Many bloggers hit resistance with family and friends because they are told they can't make it as a blogger or make money as a blogger.    I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur.  She said the definition is anyone undertakes so I guess I undertake the blog.  The conversation you have with yourself is the most important.
 
The next class I went to was about Photography on the blog.
Compel the Reader to click. Convince the reader to click. Captivate the reader to stay.  Pictures should be story tellers for your blog post.

The next class was about social media.  One must share from your blog post asap.  Share that post on twitter 2-3 times a day then throughout the week then repost in the future on twitter. You are getting different audiences each time.  For instagram, take a picture of the post then share to instagram.

The 10 best practices of business blogging.  One must know what your objective is, who is your audience.  Create a plan for yourself is important.  A blogger must post consistently.  Use original content.  List posts are very popular.  Always remember to promote your posts.  Review your posts and change them a little when sharing them.  The only thing blogging cost you is your time.

How do you get traffic? How do you grow your blog?  We heard about many resources such as hootsuite to share your posts. Mailchimp to send out email subscriptions. Crowdfire or tweepi to manage your twitter account.

I am hoping that I can grow my blog from what I learned at the conference.  I am hoping to go to more blog conferences in the future.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Midwest Weather

I live in the Midwest, near St. Louis.  Weather is very unpredictable.  One day you can be wearing a jacket then the next day it will shorts that some may wear.  It has been raining here that last couple days. We get a lot of tornado watches in the area.  It rained hard this morning. We have a had a break in the rain this afternoon. Severe storms are supposed to coming through again this evening. Our dog hates when there is bad weather.    I have seen a number of pictures on Facebook today about flooded roads.  When I was growing up, I lived in the country.  We had a big back yard with a ditch at the back.  If it rained a fair amount the water would come up into the back yard a ways. Then we could not mow the yard until it dryed up.  The ground is very muddy right now so I don't think we are doing the garden quite yet.

I hope the weather is good for you.  

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Who is the Midwest Lady?

I am a wife and a mother of a teenage son.  I live about 20 minutes or so from St. Louis, MO --in Illinois.  I have another blog I work on and that is called Frugal and Coupon Crazy.  I love finding things to help me save money.  I believe in cooking from scratch.  I am CNA in a nursing home.  I would love to be able to work less hours than I do now and work more at home.  I have a dream to write freelance on the side.  I have written two articles in the paper recently.  I am stuck right now on another one.  The editor says he has some freelance opportunities for paid articles for me in the future.

I am about to start my garden.  I grew up in the country with a garden so it is in my genes to have a garden.  There is something special about home grown vegetables that taste different.

My goal for this blog is for myself to be able to write sort of like journal with writing prompts. I want to be able to share things about the St. Louis area.  This will be about me about being a parent or whatever may be on my mind.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Neighbors--Who are they?

First let me tell how I grew up. I grew up in the country with fields on all sides of our house. There were two houses which had my grandparents and individuals who I later called my grandparents as well.  The other neighbors a ways down the road. If there were no crops you could see their houses.

I hate when we drive through some neighborhoods and see houses so close together that maybe you could see inside their bathroom.

The house my family lives at has a decent back yard. We have lived here for over 10 years. There is an open yard that is part of one of the neighbors behind us.  For many years, we have walked through that yard to walk to another neighbor's house.  We spend a great deal of time at that neighbor's house. My husband drinks beer, we chat about many topics and sit around a fire. I come over there often to share a new recipe I have made.  Recently, the neighbor who has the open yard next to his house has put up a fence.  He put in this fence because he has an expensive dog he wants to keep in the yard.  One of the discussions I heard was that there would a gate at both ends so we could still walk through to the neighbor's house. Well, instead he put a gate which a key lock. The neighbor that lives next to us has a key and the neighbor behind us has a key.  I am a little perturbed with this whole situation.  They say don't trust the kids in keeping it closed so they went with a key lock.  The neighbor that put this fence in knew very well that we walk through there all the time.   Well, now the neighbor's house that we spend so much time at, I won't be going there very often now.  The only way we can get there is to drive there which is only less than block because it is behind us. Or I could walk, which most days I get home from work and I want to stay off my feet.  My husband has been bugging the one neighbor to put a gate in so we can just walk into his yard instead of walking around.

Sometimes people know the neighbors that live around them. Some people do not socialize at all.

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Healthcare today --my thoughts

I thought I would write about healthcare in general. I know this is a very wide topic. Everyone has an opinion on it though.

First, let me say I started in the healthcare field in 2008 in home health. I basically took care of people in their homes called a homemaker or companion.  Sometimes this was for safety reasons to stay in the house at night time.  Many times all I worked for people that had dementia problems.  I assisted people with using the toilet or making their meals.

I had later decided that because what I was doing is close to being a CNA, I took the CNA class and was certified.  I have worked at few local nursing homes in the area.  One will find most nursing homes are the same in some ways.  Working as a CNA can be tough on a person's back I am definitely finding out at this new location I am working at.  This position is not very well paid, but it can depend on the area that one lives in.  Some places do not care very much if a resident hit a staff member like a CNA, but they care if they hit another resident then they feel the other residents are not safe. What about the CNA that does the daily care of the resident.

Working in a hospital, every CNA would love to achieve that job.  A hospital environment is seen different than a nursing home environment.

But I must say about nursing homes, I do not want my mother, father or myself/spouse to go into a nursing home.  My grandmother was in one. But I did not have much decision in that situation.  Most nursing home food is bland.  A person will not get to eat their favorite foods much anymore.  A person is highly encouraged to come to all meals or come to activities. They are made to get up by 6 or 7 am, this is not very good for those that like to sleep in.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Painting and Drinking Wine

Do you enjoy painting?  I never paint because I didn't think I had a talent for it.  On March 20, I attended a Blogger Lounge in St. Louis sponsored by Midwest Influencers Network. There were various businesses and or companies there networking with bloggers.

Pinot's Palette was there and doing mini painting classes.  Individuals could do a mini painting right there.  The instructor told us how to paint with our creativeness put into the painting as well.  The instructor makes you feel at ease when painting. It does not have to be perfect.  One will be surprised how it turns out.

Try something new with a friend and drink some wine and paint a new picture.

Visit Pinot's Palette in Webster Groves. The picture below is similar to one I painted myself.  Each one is not the same.


Thursday, March 26, 2015

Don't forget about special people

If you leave a job, and there were special there don't forget about them.  Keep in contact with them in some way.

I left my nursing home job for another one.  There was one lady that was oh so special to me.  Because I have no grandmother's left. She was like one. She didn't belong in the memory unit, I believe.  When I left, I got her daughter's phone number. Today, the daughter, the lady and me are having lunch. This morning I am making banana bread for her.  When I was there, I would bring home baked goods for her. I would spoil her you would say.  I made my recipes in the unit instead of the other things. People liked my recipes.

I don't know how often I will see her. I don't if she will continue to remember always.


Saturday, March 21, 2015

The VIP Blogger Lounge--St. Louis

Yesterday, I attended my first blogger related event.  It was the Blogger Lounge sponsored by the Midwest Influencers Network and Alive Magazine. It was located at the Boo Cat Club in St. Louis.  This event was for bloggers and brands to socialize with each other.  My husband could not understand why they did not do this online because most things are.  Brands need to develop a relationship and know who the blogger is in person.  The blogger may very well be sponsoring their company and product.   Explore St. Louis was there looking for a blogger to become 2015's Ambassador to basically spread the word about St. Louis.

Some of the companies that were there were:
Aquarius Wellness as they provided massages. I wish I would have received one.
Pinot's Pallette did small paintings with people as they would do a regular class. It was fun as I did a painting myself.
Sara's social booth was there and people could use various props and share the pics to twitter or Facebook.
Jord Wood Watches--they gave bloggers the opportunity to design a watch.
Hiro's Asian Kitchen presented an appetizer for us to try.

It was a different environment for me compared to what I am used to.  A blogger needs to be outgoing. One regret is that I do not have business cards yet.  Bloggers shared their blogs with other blogs.  Bloggers are hoping to be able to be able to do a collaboration with a company that was present there.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Umm, What do I say?

I don't really have much on my mind right now. I just can't wait for my day at work tomorrow to be over.  I am excited to go to the Blogger lounge tomorrow night.  It should interesting to connect with others. I am going with another blogger from the area I have met. It will be good to get to know her on the way over there.  I am hoping I make some good impressions. Worried because my one blog does not always fit into the area of most things.  I hope to get this one better to cover a wider topic for the area instead of just frugal things.  I am hoping this event can help me move my blog in the right direction. I will also be attending a blogging conference in a few weeks. My mind is ready to learn and I am ready to make changes. I am ready, motivated and determined to make an income from my blogs.  I need to be successful for myself.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

A New Adventure

So I had recently started this blog. It doesn't have many posts on it.  I am trying to expand it little by little. It may be hard work to do two blogs, but I think this one may be better to cover local things that have nothing to do with frugal living and such. I am hoping somehow to reach out to local and St. Louis area business and people to give them the ability to advertise or highlight what is going in their neck of the woods.

I am very excited as I get to attend a special blogger's event on Friday night. This will be my opportunity to spread the word at one or both blogs.  There will be various St. Louis companies there looking to network.
 

The Garden has started

So is about that time to start the garden.  Fairly soon we should plant the peas.  Today, I used a shovel and turned over the dirt in most of the area of where the garden will be.  I am sure my feet will feel it later because of putting them on the shovel.  My arm muscles feel it that is for sure. As I picked up the dirt and flipped it over.  Our son came out to see what I was doing. I told him he needed to do it  too so he can work on his muscles. He literally jumped on the shovel each time. It was kind of funny to watch him though.  It still needs more work though. I received the comment through facebook stating it would be better with a roto tiller. But with our ground, it needs to be worked first, especially with the type of grass we have here.

Monday, March 16, 2015

Success....

You control your own success. What is it worth?  What do you want your success to be in your life? Right now, I want success to be that I a paid freelance writer.  I want to be a decent income from my blogs. I want to be able to stay more instead of working in a nursing home where I know this kind of job will not help my life.  A nursing home job will not help my job as freelancer or my blog.  Maybe I do need to put more time into my blog than what I do. But how does one do such a thing with a family.

I need to concentrate on that first phrase I wrote. You control your own success. How badly do I want my own success?

My Next article is .....

I was told that I could submit articles to the paper anytime I wanted.  I have the possibility to do some freelance articles in the next few months for money.  So I feel I must continue to submit articles so he knows I am still writing and looking to do these future paid articles.

We took a family drive to a local park yesterday. We then did a little hike there. I figured that I will write my next article about the many things in the area that are free that a family can do together.
I am sure many kids do not know about the statue of Robert Wadlow a man that had a record of being the tallest person.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Sickness with men vs. women

Have you ever noticed how when a woman gets sick and when a man gets it is totally different?  A woman gets a cold or sinus thing, a few things may get a little messier than normal.  But she is a mother and a wife she must continue with everything around the house. A man gets sick, and it is woe is me.

I had a cough, then it got better. Then I got it back plus sinus related cold. Well, I had gone to the doctor with the first cold, so I had received my inhalers and an asthma pill.  I have asthma/COPD.  So when I get a cough it will go into overdrive without regular inhalers. Then this past week my husband caught the cold. He is coughing and has sinus issues has well. I have been catering to his needs when he asks for something. He called off work Tuesday and now today.  The whole time I was sick, I did not call off work. I even sounded like a goose or some animal when I coughed. I even had extra issues when I coughed and I still went to work through it all.

Now he says he wants to go the doctor this afternoon. Ugh. On my day off he decides to stay home sick.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

What I shouldn't do I am about to do


I was always taught by my parents to give a two-week notice when leaving a job. I have done this before if I had the opportunity.  I am about to start a new job. I already gave my two-week notice. It officially ends next week on Wednesday.  The orientation for the new job in this Thursday morning.  I figure the sooner I can start work the better. I will be making more money than where I am at now.  So what am I about to do, you ask? I am working tomorrow and will be telling them that tomorrow is my last day.  Why am I doing this, besides the fact that I can start work earlier?  Tomorrow is the last day of the pay period. I will be receiving my vacation and PTO time on the next check.  I have close to another paycheck's worth.  I really could you use that money on the 20th instead of waiting until April 6.


Saturday, March 7, 2015

I am a wife, mother and a blogger

This weekend I am off work from the nursing home.  The weather is to be in the 50's, hopefully the snow melts.  I have things to do today around the house.  I must do dishes, which is normal.  I have to put away clothes that just folded this morning.  I want to make some brownies today as well.  I have to go to the store to get things I forgot.  I am sitting at the computer now although I want to watch more television --Criminal Minds.  I was up by 6:30. I saw my husband off to work.  I made son a good breakfast.  Now I really get to work doing something meaningful before the day passes by too fast.  Sometimes we want the weekends to just relax.  A mother and wife can never relax really because there is always things to do around the house.  There is always things to do if you are a blogger also.

I have the idea that I would also like to make some pancakes and freeze them for my son.  He can then just and eat in the mornings for breakfast. This would  be cheaper than going through the pop tarts or bread so fast.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Blogging and the Real world

I have a full time job as a CNA at the moment.  It is very hard to work a job with a family and do a blog among it all. There is always something to do in the house whether it is laundry, cleaning, cooking or just being with the family.  There are days that I spend hours on the computer doing many things related to the blog. It is surprising how time flies so fast when you are busy.  A blog takes a great amount of commitment and time  spent on it.  I can easily see how a person can not have a job and work on the blog.

There is a blogger event coming up in St. Louis.  I would love to go to mingle and learn new things.  I am not sure if I am working that night at the new job or not.  I don't want to go asking for that off too. I am already hopefully going to get off April 10 so I can be fully awake to go to a Blogging conference in St. Louis.

My full time job is getting in the way of my blog. Some people would consider my blog a hobby because I am not making any money from it. It takes time to make money. It takes time to get followers to your blog.

Freelance writing is the process

I submitted another article for the local paper. Most likely it will in Wednesday's paper.  When I sent him my article via email, I told him I would be willing to do any other articles on topics/or cover events.  I said that I hope to branch off from the unpaid articles to a paid writing gig.

I received his email back fairly fast which I was shocked.  The email stated that there very well may be some freelance opportunities in the next couple months.  The articles are in the lifestyle area (cooking, health, gardening, etc).  These articles would be paid articles.  He said he will keep me in mind.  My dream of being a freelance writer is coming true.

Friday, February 27, 2015

My writing continues

About a week ago, I submitted a article to our local paper about the truth of being a CNA.  I did not get paid for it. It was exposure I say.  I sent an email to my contact there now about another idea for an article. He changed it around. So now I am working on another article about frugal living, saving money in the area.  I figure the more I write, it can be added to my portfolio of my writing. It may also lead me to a paying writing gig too. You never know.  Wish me luck.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Reminders about this blog

I need to remind myself that this blog is here. I tend to forget to write on it.   So I can post more things on it. Or just write.  I do not advertise the blog really at all. I feel when I have something to really share I think I will just share it on my other blog Facebook for those to read.

This blog I made just for mainly personal writing.  I wanted to be able to post things that were not about being frugal or couponing like my other blog is.  Although I have been told that people will read it if they want to. So if I do post something there it is online someone will find if they are looking.

Special Moments with the Husband

Last night, was very unique.  First was the text message that said u want to dance.  I was shocked so I went downstairs.  He had music on the Xbox360 playing. Then I had to ruin it by being funny and talking. We just kept looking for songs to play. We talked about all kinds of things. He was not drunk.  He said he is trying to not drink as much.  It was special. He was being sincere, romantic.  It was about 1 am when I decided to finally go to bed. There is not many times when we are both awake, and together at that time of time.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Would you recommend someone for your job?

Would you recommend a friend go to school for the job you have? Think about that real hard.  Do you like your job?  I personally would not recommend someone become a CNA.  A Certified Nurses Assistant is not well appreciated job. CNA's are not paid well at all.  Some people that have these jobs will call off work and not think about what is going on.  The hall then is short staffed while you deal with alarms going off because a resident is getting out of bed, taking people to the bathroom.  Sometimes CNA's have to deal with residents that hit or kick you.

I believe a person should only be a CNA when passing through to become a nurse.  I don't want to be a CNA for the rest of my life.  I am almost 40 years old.  I am only making $9.38 an hour.