Get your move on
petak , 30.07.2021.We have slowly been cleaning and moving into the new house. After the ancient-looking oven threw a tantrum and decided to remain locked when the self-cleaning mode was clearly over (solved quite MacGyver-ishly by Jason’s Dad and friend removing the locking mechanism – take THAT, stubborn cooking appliance!), we did an inspection of all the other appliances and deemed them adequate.
So don’t be getting any ideas, Mr. Dishwasher! Or you either, Ms. Microwave, with your sometimes confusing instructions in Spanish! Or especially YOU, Mr. Freezer, with all the black dog hair I cleaned out of you – seriously, did the previous owners eat their pets? But you, Ms. Washer and Mr. Dryer – I’m cool with you.
Wednesday we moved the gigantor CD shelf of Jason’s. At the time, I was inwardly thinking that this was the heaviest thing I had ever had the displeasure to move. Because it’s sturdy as hell, about 37 feet tall, and Jason insisted we could leave all the shelves in there. (He does stuff like this all the time, insisting on moving chests and drawers with the crap still inside because “it saves time,” while I am more of the camp to remove crap because “it saves my sanity, not to mention my weeny back muscles.”)
So we moved the CD shelf to the house, where I was surprised to see another newly purchased CD shelf downstairs, ready to be assembled. Our living room is going to resemble a CD store. I wish I were joking. (Total number of CDs I own: around 80. Total number Jason owns: approximately 750. Number of CDs we have in common: 2. Current CD storing capacity: 1500.)
After that, I figured my adventures in heavy lifting were over (hence the muscular friends with pickup trucks helping tomorrow). But no, someone that may or may not have been ME decided it would be nice to move the fish tank ahead of time. So we drained about 2/3 of the tank and despite all the advice ever written claiming, “DO NOT EVER, EVER MOVE FISH WHILE THEY ARE STILL IN THE TANK,” we kept the fish in the tank because: 1) These fish are HUGE and the portable tanks I own are laughably inadequate, 2) the last time I tried to put one of the fish in the little holding tank it lasted 45 minutes before it died, and 3) the last time I waited to move the fish until moving day, it was 90 degrees and we couldn’t get the water temp regulated in time, so as friends were stopping by to see the house, I had to make them avert their eyes so that they wouldn’t see fish doing the death spiral in the tank.
But as soon as I lifted the tank, I felt roughly 18 of my back muscles tear into 43 different pieces, sprinkling shrapnel down the length of my spine.
Oznake: LiveJournal entries, Miscellaneous
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Unimpressed
četvrtak , 29.07.2021.I’m attempting to write a press announcement today (literally – it’s an announcement about a press), when one of the Tuberculosis Twins™ receives yet another phone call from her husband. He calls approximately 32 times a day, which is just like the woman in my Glamour magazine who wrote in to say that because her husband “checks in with her” at work 7-8 times a day, they are so totally IN LOVE. Actually, I think it means he is a controlling STALKER, but whatever, Glamour lady. So, Tuberculosis Twin (“Form of a Germ Molecule!”) ends her conversations with her hubby the same way every time:
“Shut up! NO, you shut up! Shut up! OK. Bye.”
(Note: Due to graphic pretend violence, viewer discretion is advised.)
Apparently, she is 13. And annoying. Even my boyfriend Batista is annoyed.
In addition to Tuberculosis Twin, there is a woman here who sneezes violently every day. About 8 or 9 sneezes each time. After the first sneeze, I always automatically think, “Bless you.” (I’d say it out loud, but she sits too far away. But not too far away that I can’t hear her explosive sneezing. Because to NOT hear that would require me to live in, say, Iowa.) After the 2nd and 3rd sneeze, I think, “OK. Let’s wrap it up here.” After Sneeze 6 or 7, I think, “Oh come on. Stop milking this already.” And after Sneeze 9, I’m ready to go over there and throttle her myself. I mean, seriously – every day?
And then, and THEN, there is this woman who makes the weirdest noise ever. And every time, I say to myself, “What the hell IS that?” Because it sounds something like this:
Bwaaaaaaarpcoughhehsnorkblorgachkldjafksfksafkhiihgggggggggkkkkkkkk
I literally cannot decide if she’s choking, puking, coughing, barking, or all four. I can’t concentrate on writing dynamic copy about our company’s capabilities when I hear the equivalent of a sea lion gargling with a dying hyena, man.
Batista needs to take action.
These are young blogs, but I think they deserve attention. Liam Writes, Writer Ring, Shiskoza. I found some interesting topics for discussion in them.
Oznake: LiveJournal entries, Work
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World
srijeda , 28.07.2021.Romance has to have at least the HFN but it’s better to have the HEA. I want to live in a world where they get their HEA, if only for a little while. If I didn’t want that I’d just turn on the TV. It’s that feel good ending that gives you the buzz, this pair have been tortured within an inch of their lives and now they get to ride off into the sunset and live HEA. Makes you smile and feel satisfied, they worked hard to get where they are, they deserve it. It kind of gives you hope that if you work hard in real life you’ll get the HEA too.
As for other genres, well it better make sense and it better tie up all the lose ends. I hate untied ends! Unless we get a follow on book to tie them up, then I can live with them.
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Orion
utorak , 27.07.2021.Orion is the sort of kid who hates sitting down to learn but soaks the world up like a little sponge so we do a lot of learning as we go about our lives.
He is three and a half and has reached the “Why?” stage, and I make a concerted effort to answer his questions fully and honestly. For example, we were out in our friend’s car a couple of weeks ago and Orion piped up “Mummy, iss rainin’ outside! Why?” So I explained the water cycle to him in as basic a way as I could. He was thrilled and asked me to tell him again, paying rapt attention as I explained about condensation and precipitation.
He also has around 250 books, so many that I have opened him his own account on LibraryThing so I can keep tabs on them all! Reading books is a solid part of our night time routine; the last thing we do before he goes to sleep is to read a book. He has a massive toy wooden kitchen bought for him for his birthday, and the cupboard, fridge and oven parts of it are all being used as book cupboards, and it is quite usual for him to demand that I stop whatever it is I am doing to read a book with him. And I can’t really say no to that, can I?
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About toys
ponedjeljak , 26.07.2021.It reminds me of an occasion when I was in Woolworths (a large store which sells toys, confectionary, stationery) and I was passing by the jewellery counter. Woolworths only sell imitation jewellery but I overheard one young woman tell the little boy she was with (I don’t know if the woman was the child’s mother or not) ‘you’re not supposed to be interested in jewellery those are for girls!!!’ I saw the hurt look on the little boy’s face and my interpretation is this little boy was fascinated by the colours of the necklace. It didn’t matter to him that jewellery is for girls what did matter was the bright colors.
One other example – I was standing in a queue behind a man and boy aged approx. 8 or 9. The boy had a toy aeroplane which can be taken apart. Boy was playing with his toy but unfortunately one small part became detached from the plane. The boy tried to find the missing part but to no avail. What happened? Well, he began to cry because he had lost something valuable and what did the man say? He said ‘you shouldn’t cry.’ The woman behind the counter intervened and said a devasting thing ‘don’t you know big boys like you don’t cry.’ Okay so it was said not in a heartless way but already this boy was being told a ‘real man/boy never, ever shows his feelings and he must never ever cry.’ What child hasn’t lost their favorite toy or plaything and then been devastated because it was lost. This boy was only 8 or perhaps younger (I’m not a good judge of children’s ages). But in both cases the boys were being told certain things and emotions are not appropriate because they happen to be male and not female. Emotions are what makes us human and they are not divided into female and male despite what so many individuals imagine. We all feel hurt and pain and yes sometimes crying is the most appropriate emotion. But telling a boy it is wrong is just one example of many wherein both girls and boys are constantly taught certain actions and behaviors are supposedly gendered and who betide a girl or boy transgressing their supposedly appropriate gendered behavior.
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Thoughts on books for trans children.
nedjelja , 25.07.2021.In one of my recent links posts on my own blog, I linked to an article by Helen at Bird Of Paradox where she explored the possibility of trans-friendly books for children (which she kindly allowed me to cross post here at this very blog).
A comment from Margie questioning the benefit/risk of the idea:
Don’t you think offering “trans-friendly” books to CHILDREN is a bit like offering pro-plastic-surgery books, or pro-limb-lengthening-surgery books, or gastric-bypass-friendly books to kids? I mean we’re talking about major pharmaceutical dependence, the long-term consequences of which aren’t yet known, and major surgical intervention against what is in actuality healthy flesh. Are none of these trans-advocates concerned at all about children being indoctrinated and influenced to do themselves bodily harm, when they might under less woman-hating circumstances simply be lesbian women or women who otherwise do not adhere to societal gender roles in style or behavior?
My response to this is, I admit, straight from my head as I’m not an expert on transsexuality or transgenderism. However I’d like to invite readers to give their own reasons why they agree/disagree with Margie, because this is an interesting opinion and I think the dialogue could be important.
My thoughts:
Firstly, a child who reads a book containing a trans person and then decides/realises he or she is trans, is not going to immediately be put on hormonal treatment or given surgery. The only transitioning options available to children, as far as I know, are social and ‘appearance’ based i.e. the option to use the other pronoun, go by a different name, wear different clothes and live in their desired gender.
Secondly, children’s books containing say, lesbian couples, aren’t designed to turn children gay. To imply that children will be ‘indoctrinated’ wanders dangerously close to the “I don’t want my kids to have books containing gay characters because they turn children gay/are part of the ‘Gay Agenda’ etc.” line of thinking, which is clearly sensationalist and untrue.
As a corollary to the second point, we advocate books containing lesbian/gay/bisexual characters as a method not of turning children gay but to encourage tolerance and to show children from minority families “people like us”. A child with lesbian parents may well feel validated by seeing a character in a children’s book with two mums. Likewise, it may reduce the likelihood of her being bullied for her family situation, because it is more normalised. In turn, it may help raise children into more accepting adults because they haven’t grown up seeing non-heterosexuality as ‘different’ or ‘other’. Added to all that, it helps children who are troubled by their own sexuality to realise that non-heterosexuality is valid and acceptable.
Books containing trans characters would have the same benefits – not to turn children trans but to give validation to children of trans people, reduce bullying as a result of other kids seeing trans parents as ‘other’, therefore raising more accepting adults, and helping children who are already having gender issues to resolve some of the feelings of ‘weirdness’ and despair by showing them people just like them.
Thirdly, the last paragraph of the comment mentions that trans people “might under less woman-hating circumstances simply be lesbian women or women who otherwise do not adhere to societal gender roles in style or behavior?” This appears to relate to FTM trans people but doesn’t address what might under less woman-hating circumstances become of MTF trans people? Does this comment mean that it doesn’t matter if we turn boys trans, only girls? Or is there something deeper at work here?
So there’s my (admittedly basic) take on this. Readers, I’d love your input because I’m sure there are far more articulate arguments for both sides of the coin. Over to you.
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Tips on Finding Good Language Schools
subota , 24.07.2021.any people choose to study the English as a 2nd Language. There are many reasons why; some are looking for a better occupation/job, some opt to learn during a holiday & others may be planning to begin a new residence abroad in an English-speaking country. It's no matter what your reason is for studying English, you want to make certain that you find one of the greatest language schools for your needs. Language courses are not only restricted to the English language but are available for various other languages such as Spanish, Italian, German, Arabic, French and Portuguese.
Good language school can create a world of a difference in your English learning experience. Every school has their own language courses to offer & makes use of its own teaching systems, while some may appropriate you better, others might be of no help for you at all. Selecting from several of the best language schools you will be sure to not only study English quickly but also acquire a balanced set of language skills.
The location of school is important, allowing you to combine your activities outside the classroom with your course, sightseeing & leisure. Many good schools are located in larger cities which have many cultural & historical points of interest, while others are in the smaller towns. Certain destinations will allow for visits to the mountains, beach, or national park. Even several schools offer courses that combine local sports & hobbies like diving, surfing, golf or skiing with English courses.
You need to select from language schools which focus on not only spoken English but the written English as well. Parts of the language courses will focuse on English in the typical conversational fashion; this is good if you are planning a short vacation to an English speaking country but if you want to live there, you'll need to be able to write and read English as well. In this case, the best course will combine writing and reading skills with conversational and comprehension skills.
If the sizes of the class in the language schools are small, it is very helpful. If there are so many students, the teacher will not be able to give you individual attention when you need help. Moreover, some people may feel that they are intimidated when asking question or clarify doubts in front of many people. Language courses with small group of student are beneficial because the environment becomes friendlier & you will receive more support from the teacher.
The good language schools typically have good reputation & this is reflected by the reviews of former students. A comprehensive selection for reviews can be found in internet, rating not only abut the teaching methods, but the benefit of the course according on its price. You can also obtain reviews about the quality of the school’s installations & classrooms, accommodations and extra-curricular activities offered by the schools. The internet offers a great forum for these reviews & allows for fair comparison. Together with the price comparison & several researches on your preferred destinations, it will be easy to find a course which fits to your needs & provides the language training & cultural experience that you are looking for.
Then what are you waiting for? Have a look at the various language courses reviews available in the many language schools that you could find right in your area!
Oznake: education
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Mama Love
petak , 23.07.2021.It is her birthday today, my Mama. And also, Elvis’s.
I always have to do the math. Mom had me when she was 30… I am 43… that makes her 73 today.
73 years is a long time to be loved unconditionally, and yet my Mom has always been up to the task. We may not have had much materially when we were young, but Carrie and I were loved and cherished with abundance. Our Mom, she never skimped on that.
Here’s what I remember from my childhood:
Trips to Ernie’s on payday to restock the Cheerios, the Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, the ground beef. Anxiously watching the total tally on the cash register, fingers crossed, hoping there would be enough money left over for Twinkies.
Hanging out at Anderson Family Practice while she finished the day’s work. Watching her meticulously balance the books, punching buttons on the adding machine, careful to ensure every number was perfect.
Special occasions when we went out to dinner — to Jim Dandy, the Brandywine, the Suhr’s — and splitting a meal amongst the three of us.
Accompanying her to the beauty salon to watch David work his magic.
Resting my head on her lap, breathing in the scent of her lotion and shampoo while we watched “Happy Days,” then “Laverne & Shirley.”
Watching her morning beauty routine: a simple, magical mix of Dove soap, dime store lotion, blush, mascara, and lipstick.
Winter and summer vacations at Lake Tippecanoe with the Tosicks.
Black hair dye in the bathroom sink.
Listening to the stories of her childhood: eight kids, one bathroom, shaving her legs on the side of the tub while simultaneously bathing her baby brothers.
Evenings spent in the company of her life-long best friend, Kay, and Charlie the Worm.
Brown County weekend road trips in the Chevette, Carrie and I stretched out on blankets and pillows in the backseat, Granny eagerly awaiting our arrival.
The abundant laughter and love of her large and loyal circle of friends.
Standing bedside while she battled pneumonia, praying with all my Catholic-girl might for her quick and complete recovery.
Ironing my white St. Michael’s blouses in the hallway while Carrie curled her hair at the make-up mirror on the kitchen table; Mom scurrying around, preparing for another day at work.
Hamburger Pie and tuna casserole and cherry chip birthday cakes.
The undisputed blanket of her love wrapped around me, and the abiding fear of losing her to some unknown, unseen tragedy. Daily post-Communion Mass prayers to keep the three of us together forever.
Her wicked dance moves and a smile that illuminated everything in her orbit.
Helping me bake hamster treats for Hinky Jo in my Easy Bake Oven.
Elegant fingers gripping a Merit Ultra Light; flakes of tobacco stuck to the gum in her purse.
A baby doll under every Christmas tree.
Loud, loving family gatherings with our grandparents, her seven siblings, our cousins.
Finding her asleep on the couch in the morning, paperwork from her third job scattered on the floor beside her.
Watching her (and Aunt Mimi) earn their black belts with Master Yoon.
The parade of male admirers that courted her, fell in love with her, asked for her hand in marriage.
Basking in the light of her beauty; wishing my round, freckled face would magically turn into her stunning, angular, olive-colored one.
Her wicked sense of humor that would bring my cousins to their laughing knees.
Walking to the Robaks every Christmas Eve; spending Christmas day with Aunt Janie, Uncle Charlie, David, and Matt.
The arrangements she made with my sweet Uncle Chuck so I had a date for the father/daughter Brownie dance.
Her brave, hard-working, uninhibited spirit.
Neil Diamond, John Denver, Carole King, Willie Nelson, and Kenny Rogers.
Her face in the crowd at every basketball, volleyball, or softball game I played — even if she didn’t understand any of the rules.
Ice skating in the field behind our apartment, at Lake Tippecanoe, at the Coliseum.
Her requests for private concerts: “Just sing that one for me one more time, Trinks.”
Here’s what I remember from my childhood:
Not nearly enough.
And everything that mattered.
Oznake: my mom, a mother's love, black belt in karate, Brown County, Chevrolet Chevette, Easy Bake Oven, elvis, family reunions, hamburger pie, Happy Days, John Denver, Kenny Rogers, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Lake Tippecanoe, Laverne & Shirley, Neil Diamond, St. Michael's School, The Coliseum, tuna casserole, Twinkies, Willie Nelson
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A Letter to the North Pole
srijeda , 21.07.2021.I've wanted to publish this letter for a long time. I know it's late, but I'll do it anyway.
Dear Santa,
I know it’s January 5th. And I know you tend to get most of your mail in December. And typically, it all comes from those in the 0-8 age range. But here’s the thing… none of my kids wrote to you this year, so I feel the need to bridge that gap. They’re 16, 13, 12, and 10 now, Santa, and they don’t believe in you anymore.
Don’t be upset! It probably sounds a bit harsh to hear that someone doesn’t believe in you. It’s hard enough to believe in yourself, to persevere, to continue down the path you were destined to traverse. But when others start doubting? It’s brutal. I know. I’m a writer, after all.
But I digress.
We had a unique Christmas this year, St. Nick. It was the first time in our lives that we celebrated solely as a family unit of six. No extended family, no fancy holiday parties, just us. We didn’t go back to Indiana this season, and it felt a bit off-kilter. It rained here on Christmas day. It rained a lot. I told the kids it was “warm snowing,” but they didn’t buy it. They’ve become such cynics in their old age.
We prepared food like we were hosting a holiday party of epic proportions, but we ate most of it ourselves. (Don’t worry, SC, Chris and I started South Beach again today, so we’re righting all our holiday wrongs. Stretchy pants only stretch so much.) We enjoyed a Mexican feast on December 26th with Starkville friends and drank ourselves silly on December 27th with another beloved Mississippi family. Interestingly enough, we ate Mexican there, too. I’m sensing a margarita-based theme.
For New Year’s Eve, we didn’t don black velvet and bow ties and party till we dropped. Instead, we traveled to Jacksonville to watch MSU play Northwestern in the Gator Bowl. We met up with some Zionsville friends for a lovely dinner, and then we drove back to our hotel. We stopped at a gas station on the way to buy ice cream and cheap red wine. When midnight hit, we were still in the car. We sang and yelled and Mary Claire flipped chocolate ice cream on George’s head. There were fireworks in the distance, the kids were all wearing shorts, palm trees swayed in the balmy breeze, and it was strange and unfamiliar and perfect all rolled into one.
So, why am I writing to tell you this? Because I still believe in you. Because I know that whether or not you ride around in your red suit and deliver presents on the 24th is beside the point. George will argue till his face turns purple that it’s scientifically impossible. He was Starkville Science Club’s “Scientist of the Year” last year, you know. And he really likes to debate. Especially with Gus. But I know — and I think my kids know — that sometimes you just have to believe in things you can’t see.
Love, friendship, peace, serenity, God… we can’t see any of those things, and yet, there they are. Always. They’re in Indiana, in Mississippi, in Jacksonville. They fill our hearts and warm our souls if we take the time to acknowledge and honor and share them.
Here’s a funny little insight for you, Santa. Our 16-year-old has never uttered the words, “I don’t believe in Santa Claus.” Perhaps it’s because we always told him, “If you don’t believe, you don’t receive.” He might very well be ensuring the continued delivery of his ridiculously expensive Christmas day golf clubs and the all-important, uninterrupted XBox Live access, but I think it’s something more. I think he Gets It. I think he understands that the spirit of the holiday manifests itself in our family, our friends, the ones we love most.
I wrote this letter to say thank you, Santa. Thanks for being there even when I feared you might not be. Thanks for a season filled with grace and laughter and abundance. And rain. Even rain. Yes, I missed my family and friends in Indiana. Sure, there was a bit of FOMO. And that snow? Oh, what I wouldn’t have given to wallow in that snow! But we were here and we were together and we were loved and gave love in return. That’s pretty special.
I just wanted you to know.
XOXO, Katrina
P.S. While I’m thinking about it, I’d like to plant a bug in your ear for 2013. Size 8 jeans that actually fit? And a checkbook with a few more zeros at the ends of the numbers instead of the beginnings? Pretty please? Thanks, Big Guy.
I believe.
Oznake: believing, Christmas, family fun, FOMO, Gator Bowl, ice cream, jacksonville, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, new friends, new traditions, New Years, Northwestern, red wine, Santa Claus, snow, South Beach
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Guest Grace Elliot
utorak , 20.07.2021.Please welcome my guest Grace Elliot as she wraps up her fabulous book tour for Hope's Betrayal, book #2 in the Huntley Trilogy! Grace is here to talk about finding something to read. Welcome Grace!
How Do You Find Your Next Read?
Hi there, and a big thank you to Kat for hosting me. I've had such fun, visiting so many different blogs, soaking up their style and chatting about books. I love it when people leave comments, it's an honour to hear what readers are thinking. So, I thought it might be fun on my last stop to chat about how you find your next great read.
I vividly remember seeing a poster for the first eReader (a Sony 550). I was sooooo excited! As an avid bookworm it seemed the answer to the piles of books that line the walls of my bedroom like wallpaper. Luckily my husband took the hint (perhaps he was thinking we might have more room!) and gave me the Sony as a birthday present. In those days (hmm, three, maybe four years ago?) there were relatively few eBook retailers and the choice of books was limited. So I searched for classics by Dickens and Austen, and my favourite authors such as Gaelen Foley and Lisa Kleypas. In short, I tried to transfer my DTB (Dead tree book) library onto an electronic device - but without discovering new authors.
But with the revolution brought by Kindles and Kobos, the wonderful world of Indie books opened up. Now I browse the category lists on Amazon, pick up a book buzz on facebook or read excerpts via twitter. Perhaps I see a great cover, or a banner catches my eye - then it's just a click to investigate further, and another click to download. And the result? I've made some truly great finds; authors with fresh new voices and very different stories to tell - so much so, that for me, traditional published books can seem safe and uninspiring.
Which brings me back to my original question - how do you find your next great read? What makes you take a risk on a new author? Please leave a comment - I'd love to know.
*****
Hope's Betrayal (#2 The Huntley Trilogy.)
One wild, winter's night two worlds collide.
Known for his ruthless efficiency, Captain George Huntley is sent to stamp out smuggling on the south coast of England. On a night raid, the Captain captures a smuggler, but finds his troubles are just beginning when the lad turns out to be a lass, Hope Tyler.
With Hope as bait, the Captain sets a trap to catch the rest of the gang. But in a battle of wills, with his reputation at stake, George Huntley starts to respect feisty, independent Hope. Challenged by her sea-green eyes and stubborn loyalty Huntley now faces a new threat - his growing attraction to a sworn enemy. But a love where either Hope betrays her own kind, or Captain Huntley is court-marshaled, is not an easy destiny to follow.
Kat's Review of Hope's Betrayal
If you love historicals especially the Regency Era, Hope's Betrayal is a story you will enjoy. This rich story gives a view of the time period from a different perspective than the usual, that of the minor gentry, people who generally live outside of the highly-social ton. But that is not where the perspective ends. The story premise concerns the issue of smuggling and explores it from the desperate acts of smugglers who smuggle to survive to the wealthy people who are able to purchase smuggled goods at reasonable prices. Despite the premise, the story is not one of edge-of-the-seat tension, although there are scenes that are intense. The main enjoyment of this story is the thorough development of each character. Ms. Elliot has developed wonderful characters who care deeply about the people around them and who willingly sacrifice their own desires to do what is right. You will root for them especially when they make decisions that prevent their own happiness. The dialogue is also wonderful and brings out the sense of the period in delightful ways. This is a book that you should take your time with, to savor every scene and drink in the deep passions of the characters as they are forced to shake off their initial perspectives and live with the circumstances that are forced upon them by society. This was my first taste of the Huntley Trilogy and I'm intrigued enough to head off to get a copy of the first book and see what else Ms. Elliot has written. I'm also looking forward to the final book of the trilogy.
Buy a copy of Hope's Betrayal today!
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Smashwords
Kobo
Author Bio.
Grace Elliot leads a double life as a veterinarian by day and author of historical romance by night. Grace believes intelligent people need to read romance as an antidote to the modern world. As an avid reader of historicals she turned to writing as a release from the emotionally draining side of veterinary work.
Grace lives near London and is addicted to cats. The Elliot household consists of five cats, two teenage sons, one husband, a guinea pig - and the latest addition - a bearded dragon!
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Fear Of Chickens
ponedjeljak , 19.07.2021.I don't know what's wrong with me but I'm scared of chickens. I don't know when I started fearing them and what event caused my phobia. When I was a child I was not afraid of these feathery animals, I grew up in a farm with my grandmother and there are always chickens there, they are everywhere. I even had a pet chicken; it was a home economics project in grade school. We need to raise a chick until it is fully grown. I like my pet chicken because it was clean, I even named it cheeky. Sadly my father wanted to cook it because he finds it preposterous to call a chicken a pet. I really protested the idea of having my pet as a meal, but they cooked it anyway. That day I never ate, but I got over it because I hate being hungry.
Maybe that's the reason why I'm so afraid of chicken, it must be my pet haunting me because I let them cook her. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating things and the idea is stupid (totally!) but who knows? I hate it when chickens come near me now, those beaks and claws sends me goose bumps every time I see it, I had to throw a pebble at them just so they get away from me. I am not totally afraid of them because when they are cooked, they sure taste delicious.
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Protecting Works in a Computer
subota , 17.07.2021.My aunt’s work involves around the computer. She is a blog designer for this matter and this is her source of survival financially. She is earning more than anyone on her age bracket. She has bought all her stuff from this kind of work. In fact, she has now acquired a house and lot which she is paying in a monthly installment basis and is almost through it.
Aside from designing, she also accepts thesis writing and other related writing masterpieces which makes me feel proud. I feel very much rewarded by her accomplishments. Every time I read comments concerning her write-ups and designs, I felt big being her nephew.
One time I asked her to save all her outputs in a hard and soft copy so as to support and to store up all her impressive designs. Without her knowing, I gifted her dvd and cd labels for her to organized and for easy access in the future. I bought her labels with thermal transfers, embossed seals and self-adhesive.
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Gender and Anything that Goes With It
petak , 16.07.2021.Many are still not open about homosexuality that often lead to confusion for teenagers. Everyone should learn accepting the facts that people have the right to sexual preferences. Choosing a member of the same sex doesn’t mean it’s bad. We all have the freedom to choose what we want and need in our life. But what if the parents are against homosexuality? How can they help their child understand what it means or how can they understand if their child is in the state of confusion about his/her gender?
Parents should be the first one to teach their children about almost everything. It is better that kids must learn everything first inside their home and not from anyone else. If a child is in the state of confusion, talking is one of the best things that we can do. They need someone who can explain them what is going on and what to do. Forcing them to focus on their sexual orientation will only bring too much damage. If a boy wants to wear lingerie corsets or a girl wants to wear snickers instead of stilettos, let them.
Both parents and kids have to understand fully everything in order to accept things and be positive because there are always people who will say bad things about this and we can’t stop them since they don’t understand a thing.
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