Posted by Goddess on June 17, 2009
You know, I just cleaned out the spam filter in my email in-box. What a chore! Still, every once in a while, I like to look over the titles to see what the spam bots are up to, and what the trending topics seem to be.
The evergreen subject seems to be how to increase the size of my manly tool. That’s a big FAIL, seeing as I don’t have one. You’d think these bots would be a little more diligent in targeting their specific market. Actually, the only manly tool I have is a power drill. I consider the boyfriend’s manly tool on loan.
Another subject I see all the time is the best fat burner and most effective diet pill. First of all, the best fat burner I’ve ever experienced is a great romp between the sheets, if you smell what I’m cooking. As far as diet pills, I don’t know what’s in those things and I’m thinking it can’t be good.
I wonder if these un-targeted, virus- ridden, grammatical train wrecks of missives really net anyone any money. Are there people that really believe you can buy a bigger manhood/bigger boobs/thinner body/happier life in pill form for only $49.95 plus shipping and handling?
If only it were that easy.
Posted by Goddess on June 15, 2009
You know, not for nothing, but I am so sick to death of paying for cable. As a matter of fact, my daughter just dropped hers and I think I’m going to drop mine. Not only is television the Ultimate Time Sucker and Brain Drainer, it’s expensive.
In this economy, you have to trim expenses where you can. You have to evaluate priorities and adjust accordingly. Granted, I don’t have a fancy cable package, and when I first moved in to my new place, I didn’t have anything for a couple of weeks. I need the internet connection in order to work, and it seemed like a good idea to just take the whole package; phone, cable, internet.
I’m rethinking that since I’ve discovered a couple of sites that stream my favorite shows. I love “reality” shows like So You Think You Can Dance, and the Amazing Race etc. Thanks to Hulu.com, I’ve come across “Firefly”, which I thoroughly enjoyed. They have a ton of TV shows that have been canceled in an untimely manner, and shows that I used to like to watch but have sadly come to an end, like “The Pretender” or “American Gothic”. Hulu also has a stable of movies, although their choices aren’t that great…yet.
Full Episode TV is a fairly new site with an interface that’s similar to Hulu, and offers promos and websites in which you can view videos of shows from the original network. The advantage to this is everything is in one place, and although it’s fairly young, it shows a lot of promise and a variety of shows you can’t find on Hulu.
All in all, I think I’m cutting the cable loose. Not only will I save money, but I’m thinking it will cut down on the distraction of shiny things when I’m trying to get work done. And I’m a little happy about taking the fangs out of the cable company, to be honest.
Posted by Goddess on June 14, 2009
Warning: mini-rant.
Cruising around the blogosphere is similar to exploring the area when you’ve moved to a new place. Maybe I make this leap because I’ve just moved, but I’m always finding new places to visit, new information to gobble up, and new issues to get my panties in a twist.
When I’m looking for information, especially if it’s included on a health blog, I make sure to cross-reference and vet my sources before repeating what I’ve learned. If it’s a particular issue that’s got me on the hunt, I’ll check more than one source, read comments, and research my statements before I shoot my mouth off.
In this day and age, there’s a lot more of “civilian journalism” going on than ever before. The regular guy has a voice in ways that are unprecedented. Just because you’re a “regular guy” doesn’t absolve you of the responsibility of making sure your information is correct before posting, even if all you’re posting about is your opinion about Sarah Palin, product reviews, or what you think about the current state of the government.
Be a responsible internet citizen, and research. Otherwise, you just end up looking like a damned fool.
/rant
Posted by Goddess on June 13, 2009
Last summer, I had a nasty episode with a skin problem on the palm of my left hand. I finally determined it was a form of psoriasis, brought on by a truckload of stress. I tried everything — steroid creams, antibiotics, taking diet supplements like l-lysine, vitamins to promote skin health, borage and flaxseed oil — nothing helped. It oozed, blistered, cracked, and fissured. It was miserable, let me tell you.
Then I discovered the wonders of tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil is an oil taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, native to Austraila. It has been shown to have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It has a camphor-like aroma, with an undertone of woodsy. It’s very strong, so it needs to be diluted with another base oil to prevent irritation, but it really works against all kinds of infection. According to research, it even shows an activity against staphylococcus aureus, includng MRSA.
It wasn’t the only thing I used on my hand, but I’m fully convinced it was instrumental in clearing up the problem. In addition, I have used it against a vaginal yeast infection with great success. I mixed it with some personal lubricant and applied it with a tampon for two nights. Presto.
I have used it on smaller infections, such as bug bites or cuts, and it really works well. Again, make sure you dilute it with a base oil or lubricant, because it can be irritating to the skin. This Intensive Body Butter is made with it, and I love it. I use this constantly. Good stuff.
I’m not against modern medicine, but I also think we have strayed very far from the bounties Mother Nature has to offer. I have a bottle of tea tree oil, purchased at WalMart, of all places, on hand always.
Sometimes, Mother knows best.
Posted by Goddess on
I’m a trivia hound (I KILL in Trivial Pursuit.) Several years ago we used to frequent a local restaurant across the street from us, in Charlotte, NC. We loved their weekly trivia contest. We were pretty good, if I do say so myself. We won two or three times and placed in the top three a couple of times. One night the last question, the bonus question, was “What state has the only active diamond mine that allows visitors to dig for diamonds?” Before we were even given the choices, my husband and I looked at each other and smiled, because we knew the answer.
Arkansas.
I grew up there and one of the attractions in the state is Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, south of Little Rock, just outside of Pine Bluff. It is the only place in the U.S. where you can dig for loose diamonds. Pretty cool, huh?
Believe it or not, I lived in the state most of my life and never visited. But I always thought it would be neat to dig for diamonds in the hopes of bringing home a beauty. And for those who think, “There can’t be any diamonds left to find.” Think again. The last diamond found was in May of this year—a 1 carat, 11 point diamond. And as a FYI, the first diamond was found in 1906.
So here is what you need to know. While there are places to stay around the state park, you might consider staying in lovely Hot Springs, AR at the base of the Ouachita (pronounced wash-a-tah) Mountains. There you can shop, visit spas and hey, take in the horse races (another way to make your vaca pay—hopefully.) Murfreesboro is roughly 1 1/2 hours away (60 miles.)
It should be noted, do not, under any circumstances, stay in Pine Bluff. Pine Bluff is where the state prison is located and is the armpit of Arkansas. It’s not a pretty place. Also, should you choose a stop-over stay in Little Rock (roughly 2 ½ hours away-120 miles, but it’s a beautiful city with lots to see and enjoy) please, stay away from North Little Rock. North Little Rock is akin to East St. Louis.
Admittance into Crater of Diamonds State Park is $7.00 for adults, $4.00 children 6-12 and children under 6 are free. Since the park plows the fields, many people find diamonds lying on top of the dirt. However, if you prefer to dig, you can bring your own bucket and shovel, or you can buy or rent an assortment of mining tools at the park for nominal fees, ranging in price from $2.50-$11.00 with deposits ranging from $10.00-$60.00.
The staff will be able to confirm that you have indeed found a diamond, but they cannot tell you the worth. Should you find a diamond big enough to have cut, they will provide you with a list of reputable diamond cutters.
So now, go forth and make your vacation pay for itself. *Fingers crossed*
Posted by Goddess on June 11, 2009
It’s estimated that over 1 million people are still not prepared for the switch from analog to digital viewing. As I don’t buy cable, I am already prepared, boxes and antennas ready to go. I actually did get and use my 2-per-household government coupons for my converter boxes.
Tomorrow the way we watch tv stands to bring the American public kicking and screaming into the 21st Century.
I don’t watch a lot of television to begin with. Mostly because I don’t have cable and I can’t get even the basic stations like CBS, NBC or PBS to come in. I’m honestly glad I don’t have cable, not only because I think the service is ridiculously high, but because as a recovering tv addict, I know I’d spend all my time in front of the Boob-Tube.
I remember, as a child and even into my early adulthood, being able to pick up all the stations to Channel 13. I don’t know what’s happened in the last decade that has made CBS, NBC and PBS weaken their signals. So I’m hoping that through this conversion I’ll at least be able to once again watch my favorite shows on all of the basic channels. I do so miss my PBS.
So how about you? Are you ready?
Posted by Goddess on
One thing I love about getting my own place is the opportunity to potter around the yard and grow lots of lovely things. My only problem is, I’m working so much right now I don’t have a chance to get outside as much as I’d like.
I visited my landlady, and I’m green with envy. I’ll admit it. Her yard is gorgeous. She’s got butterfly bushes, daises, tomatoes, peppers, bleeding heart, and a whole line of deer resistant plants like lavender, marigolds, and russian sage. We spent a lovely hour on a tour, and then sat in her swing and gabbed about gardening.
I know I have to make a living. But I think I need to get out and put my hands in the dirt. There’s something so rejuvenating and satisfying about gardening and tending to the yard, and I think I’m not doing myself any favors by being so consumed in work I forget there’s benefits to spending time away from it.
I’m planning on planting lavender (I’ll dry it and store it for potpourri and sachets) and tomatoes. Maybe some coneflowers. And dill. I love dill.
Any other suggestions? It’s a very shaded property, in the midwest, and I hope I’m not too late to plant for the season.
Just thinking about planting makes me feel better. 
Posted by Goddess on June 9, 2009
In our recent newsletter, Netta covered some vacation ideas, or more accurately, staycation ideas. Staycations are places close to home. A few advantages of staycations are saving travel money, like airfares, gas, car rentals, and cutting down the length of stay and therefore cutting the hotel bill.
If you’re lucky and live just an hour or so away from your destination, you can cut out the hotel all together. For instance, I live just 45 minutes from Orlando and five minutes from the port. The area has many options for Orlando vacations. I can visit amusement parks, shop in city districts like Winter Park, visit restaurants I’ve always wanted to visit, and be back home in the same day.
And Orlando isn’t my only option. All I need do is a short hop skip and a jump to the Gulf Coast and I have a myriad of places to stay and adventures to be had.
So look around your area. In mountainous areas a weekend getaway can be quiet and relaxing. If you live close to a border, hop over to another country for a day or two. If you live outside a large city, spend a few days in the city. If you live in the city, spend a few days in the country.
Ways to shave a few bucks:
Rent a cabin. You’ll not only have privacy, but you’ll be able to save money by taking and preparing your own food.
Look for a quaint bed and breakfast. You’ll save on at least one meal a day.
Take your own cooler (or two). Even if you’re staying in a hotel, icing down your own drinks and snacks can save a few bucks.
Consider an extended stay. Extended stay hotels have mini kitchens. Again, you’ll save money by taking and preparing your own food at least for a fraction of your meals.
Look for discounts. If possible save your vacation for off-seasons when room rates and sometimes attractions are discounted.
Also, now is a wonderful time to take a cruise. Because of the economy, cruise lines are slashing their rates, and they offer 3-7 day cruises. Just don’t be drawn in by the “on board spending.” That’s how they make their money. Forget room service, stick to their buffet, limit your alcohol, and save your souvenir shopping for the shore excursions.
Mix family with pleasure. Nowadays, at least in the U.S. so many people live quite a distance from their relatives. Plan a trip to see family. For a few days, you’ll be able to stay with relatives. Then choose a destination along the way that you’ve always wanted to visit, and plan a two or three-day stop when you make your way back home.
When thinking about vacations, often we don’t see the forest for the trees. With all the beauty, attractions and activities each and every state and country has to offer, a great getaway is sitting unnoticed and unloved in your own backyard.
Posted by Goddess on June 6, 2009
There are many issues we face when hitting the menopause stage. We know the drill: hot flashes, mood swings, loss of libido, just to name a few. But one also has to consider that as our hormones change and decrease, there is the possibility of acne.
As I grow older, I like to look for more natural treatments for everything. Natural and holistic treatments are better than attacking our bodies with chemicals which can often be harsh and cause further problems down the line.
So I set about looking for a natural acne treatment. Luckily, I found several.
Of course the first order of business is prevention. Yes, my darlings, as always, watching what we eat is the best defense. Isn’t that always the way? Stay away from processed foods. Fresh is always better. Limit fat and carbohydrates. That’s not to say do away with them completely; just be sensible about it. Eat foods high in beta carotene. And yes, water, water, water. 8-8 oz classes a day is the recommendation.
Exercise! Exercising not only helps to keep hormone levels consistent in the body from day to day, but working up a sweat pushes oil and dirt from the pores.
Wash your face twice a day with a mild soap. Dove is supposed to be one of the best, but I’ve heard a few women complain that it dries their skin. This process is a trial and error one. Try a soap for a couple of weeks and if you see no improvement in skin quality, move on to another.
Here’s a few natural ways to cleanse your face (once you have acne)
Wash your face with chick pea paste (mix one teaspoon of chick-pea flour with a little water). Dry with a clean towel.
Apply a paste made by mixing a teaspoon of almond powder with a cup of goat’s milk. Let this paste dry on your face for a few minutes before washing it off.
Apply a single drop of tea tree oil directly to the blemish after cleansing. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic. It is gentle to the skin and speeds the healing of blemishes.
Vitamins and Suppliments:
30 - 50 mg Zinc supplement daily - Zinc may help contribute to reducing the inflammation and heals the damaged skin.
Chromium supplements - Chromium helps boosts the body’s ability to break down glucose.
Vitamin E - an antioxidant (200 to 400 IU a day)
Vitamin B-6 50 mg per day. This vitamin aids in the metabolism of hormones
If you have itchy acne, try taking Kali bromatum 6X three times daily until you notice an improvement.
If you have pus filled pimples, take a 6X dose of Antimonium tartaricum, 3 times daily until you see an improvement.
Diet and a Herbal Tea
Acne is believed to be from Pitta dosha aggravation. So, the treatment includes a diet that includes plenty of bland foods such as oatmeal, apple sauce, basmati rice and eliminating fried foods, spicy foods and citrus fruits.
Drink a tea made by combining 0.5 teaspoons of cumin, coriander and fennel in a tea ball and steeping it in hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink the tea after breakfast, lunch and dinner.
*some treatments and advice from holisticonline.com
Posted by Goddess on May 27, 2009
Ooooh, who didn’t see THAT coming?
I had no desire to ever watch “Jon and Kate Plus 8″, however, when I stayed with my daughter last summer, she tied me to a chair and made me watch it. (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.)
The kids are adorable. The parents…not so much. But, you know what? I remember when my kids were small — my first two kids are fourteen months apart, and the second and third child are eighteen months apart, so it was almost like having triplets the stupid way. It was quite stressful at times. We were young, we were broke, and we were overwhelmed. The marriage didn’t survive, although there were many more issues and the kids were the least of it. Still, having a lot of kids I think adds tremendous stress to an already situation (marriage) that is predisposed to stress in the first place.
Jon and Kate have EIGHT children, all the same age (six are sextuplets; two girls are older and twins.) I can’t even imagine the stress element, and it makes my stomach roll to think about it. Even still, I’d watch that show and cringe, because Kate seemed to be a control freak and really hard on Jon. Then, I’d think of when my kids were small and you know, no matter how involved the father is, the bulk of the responsibility of child raising falls on the mother. I’m sorry, but it’s true. Go ahead and fall on the floor and foam at the mouth — that’s my opinion and you’re not going to change my mind.
I think being responsible for eight children all the same age would probably make most women nuts and put an amount of strain on a marriage that’s hard to handle. That being said, I was really aghast at some of the things these two said to each other. In a marriage, it seems like you need to be each other’s biggest fans — watch each other’s back. I guess I’m naive that way.
I feel bad for them, as a family unit. I think the whole idea of putting their family under the microscope of the camera was probably a bad one, and I also think they only way their marriage stands a chance of being saved means TURNING OFF the damned camera and put that energy into trying to fix what’s gone so horribly wrong.
I saw part of the big premiere of the new season of their show last night. (It wasn’t my fault — my daughter called me and MADE ME turn it on.) Apparently there are allegations of infidelity on both sides (holy shiz-niz, with eight kids who would have the time, much less the desire??) which both denied, and the rift between husband and wife was huge and very painful to watch. I actually felt bad for Kate. She seems genuinely heartbroken, and apologized for past behavior and expressed regret. Jon pretty much sat there like a lump of mashed potatoes and said, I’m just here for the kids. He seems very resentful of the fact Kate wrote a book and has been traveling on speaking engagements and he’s been home taking care of the kids.
This is where I lose any sympathy for him. Sure, Kate can be a cast-iron, control-freaky bitch, but she stayed home for 4 1/2 years with the kids — now that she’s out and about and HE’S the one “stuck” at home, he’s angry. It’s okay for her, not okay for him.
I feel so bad for the kids. First of all, for having a camera stuck in their face 24/7 from the moment they were born and without their consent, so that now, their life probably feels unnatural without a lens following their every move. Wonder what kind of long-term damage that’s doing and what happens when the cameras and electronics stop. Second, I feel bad for the kids because their parents, two ADULTS, can’t pull the plug on the show in an attempt to put the pieces of their marriage together.
And, I feel bad my daughter got me hooked on this mess in the first place.
Reflections on Spam
