Well, hum.... I'd like to say.... something.....

My wife was due for her monthly checkup at the obstetrician last Thursday, so being the good, supportive husband through this pregnancy, I took her to the appointment and walked with her to the exam room.

While somewhat uncomfortable being in that particular kind of office, I thought to myself, "There can't be anything too weird around here...."

But no matter how much I tried to get comfortable with my surroundings, I couldn't help but get the same feeling I do when I'm asked to dig something out of her purse.

As the nurse opened the door to the exam room, I was greeted by this.

I'm trying to find something profound, funny, or interesting to say, but I'm stumped.

Amazon Books

The Buy.com bookstore offers a wide variety of Amazon books at up to 50% off the cover price of best sellers, everyday! Valentine’s Day is approaching and now is the time to order a book for your special loved one. Books give people a chance to escape from reality while at the same time letting them relax and catch a breather.

Superbowl

A man had 50 yard line tickets for the Super Bowl. As he sits
down, a man comes down and asks the man if anyone is sitting in the seat
next to him.

"No", he said, "the seat is empty".

"This is incredible", said the man. "Who in their right mind
would have a seat like this for the Super Bowl, the biggest sport event
in the world, and not use it ?"

Somberly, the man says, "Well... the seat actually belongs to
me. I was supposed to come here with my wife, but she passed away. This
is the first Super Bowl we have not been together since we got married
in 1967."

"Oh I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible. But couldn't you
find someone else - a friend or relative or even a neighbor to take the
seat?"

The man shakes his head , "No. They're all at the funeral."

Beanies

Are you looking for a stylish head covering that will keep your scalp and ears warm this winter? If so, beanies may be exactly what you are looking for. Visit today to see the wide assortment of colors and styles. Everyone is sure to find something here that will fit your personality, style, and budget. Use the head size information chart to make sure its a perfect fit.

Texas Ice Storm

The Metroplex had its first, and hopefully only, big ice storm of the year the other day. While its fun, because its simply entertaining to watch everything get covered in white ice, its also a nightmare at the same time.

Ninety percent of people don't show up to work, so those that do are left with carrying the burden of an otherwise full staff. And getting to work is simply horrifying, as there are the people who can't drive when its dry trying to navigate a vehicle on the slippery ice.

Then the temperature never stays low for any length of time, so the ice melts, then when it does get dark again that night, you now have super hard, super slippery, "black ice" that is difficult to see and people don't bother to watch out for.

Then the next day it jumps back up to a sunny 75 degrees! So what happens? All the sand and gravel they spread over the highways turns to a sandblasting carwash as you drive down the highway, and the dust makes it impossible to breathe for several days. The news said it would take up to two months for all the sand to disappear from the streets.

Why can't Texas just have normal weather?

Vacation Outer Banks Rentals

While vacationing, you can have the opportunity to stay in a beautiful Outer Banks rentals property on the beach. Visit other points of interest, or maybe you just wan to tuck away and relax, its all up to you. One thing is certain, it will be a vacation and time of your life you will never forget. Reserve yours today, the summer season is fast approaching.

Walking to Nowhere

My wife enjoys working out and taking walks through the neighborhood. I used to work out regularly, and though I could probably handle doing it again, the time it takes each day I just don't have. Of course I could prioritize, but who would put exercise above TV and blogging?

As far as walking goes, occasionally - weather permitting - I'll take a walk with her and we'll see the sights. Its amazing what you can find in your own backyard when you really stop and look. The trees, home decorations, and other things you see each day will shine in a whole new light. Your neighborhood will really come to life.

But walking on a treadmill? I just don't see the point. Good exercise or not, it is the most miserable experience I can imagine, short of having a kidney removed.

Why would anyone want to look at the wall and walk to nowhere for hours on end? Its the same view, the same smell, the same everything, every day and every step.

From birth, we grow older and want to walk. Its so we can get from HERE to THERE more efficiently. So why would anyone want to walk to the same place they started out? If babies knew that is what they would be doing, they'd just keep crawling or sitting in the same spot. Maybe children, even babies, are smarter than adults in a way.

I guess its time for me to walk now. To the frig for a snack.

Weight Loss Pills

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Stars Move From Last Place

The Dallas Stars have finally crept their way out of last place in their division, hovering one point above Los Angeles. Even better news is that they have played one game less. Its not a lot to say, but at least it beats anything we've been able to praise this entire season.

San Jose, coming out of nowhere is still in the top slot in the Pacific Division, with no end in sight to their domination.

The Stars are running out of daylight if they hope to make the playoffs again this year, and considering the heightened quality of playoff performances, they will need to make a major turnaround if they do make it- or it will be another early exit for them.

New York Yankee Tickets

Watching the New York Yankees play has been an exciting time for family and friends since the early 1900s. That tradition still is strong today and there is no better place to save on New York Yankees tickets than here. Visit today to purchase your tickets and save on your next visit to the stadium.

Favorite Pen Website?

Does this ever happen to you?

You find an ink pen you really love, and for however long you use them, and you really enjoy it because it seems to fit your hand perfectly.

Then one day you run out, so you head to the store, and BAM- no pens like it!

This has happened to me countless times over the years, and its as frustrating as it can get. I buy a pack of pens and fall in love with them, but then when I go to replace them, they've changed the style and they are no longer available.

Even if I don't feel super fond of a pen, if its decent I will get used to it, so when I go back for more, it would be nice if I could get one like it. But that never happens. Each and every time they've modified them, so I'm stuck trying to guess which ones I want, and even then I know if I like it, once its gone I'll never get another.

I've thought about making a website, where people could register their favorite pens. Then, if they return to the store to get more and they are no longer being made, maybe if enough people complained to the manufacturer they might start making them again.

Right now no one says anything, because one person really doesn't make a difference. But imagine returning to THE PEN REGISTER DOT COM and seeing that 1,000 other people are as mad as you are about the same model of pen being discontinued.

Memory Upgrade

Running the latest in software takes a lot more memory if you want it to run efficiently. That is why now is the time for a memory upgrade to your system. Without it programs can lag, even crash. This can cause you lots of wasted time, money, and even corrupt files so you have to start from scratch, and nobody wants to do that.

Ever Had One of Those Days?

Have you ever had one of those days where you drop everything? And I'm not talking about stopping doing things- I mean literally DROP things.

Today was my day for this.

It started out this morning when I opened a Dr. Pepper, and after one sip down to the floor it went, splattering out the top and all over me and everything in the kitchen. Then came dinner. I was cooking tacos and I nearly dropped the tray of shells when I took them out of the oven. Then after making the tacos, my plate slipped and down to the floor went a ton of Mexican food.

I was so frustrated that I needed some relief, so I decided to make some chocolate chip cookies. Yep, you guessed it! As I was pouring in the flour/salt/soda mix into the eggs and sugar, I dropped the container and POOF, flour everywhere.

So my wife, being her kind self, made a new mixture and then I put the dough on the tray and cooked the cookies. But then guess what happened when I took them out. The tray slipped and crash, down went my cookies.

Luckily the whole tray went, so I just picked it up and everything was fine.

I guess I better stay away from breakable family heirlooms and babies today.

Insurance Quote

The economy is going crazy and that is why saving every penny you can is so important. One of the best ways to do that is to review your auto insurance and see where you can save. Visit today to get an auto insurance quote and see how much less you could be paying. Competition lowers prices and is the best way to save you money.

Plastic Cards

Does your business need customer plastic card solutions? Anytime your business will provide things such as gift cards, loyalty cards, or even a membership card to customers and employees, the answer has to be yes. But many places don’t know where to turn for great cards for a reasonable price. Now you do, whether you need 500 or 500,000.

Old Magazines

In my busy life, I don't get much time to sit around and read. On the rare occasion that I can sit and watch TV, on even more rare occasions I will grab a magazine and flip through it while I watch a show.

On my last trip out of the country, I knew I was going to be in airports and on fights for over 25 hours, so I gathered all my magazines together, then laid them out on the bed and sorted them by date.

I was shocked to realize that some were over two years old. And since most of them deal with technology, that is nothing less than ancient!

But I decided I'd take the older ones with me and start reading them first, then try to catch up to the current times. Both ways, I'd have over 60 hours in the air or in layovers, and even I can only sleep so much.

So I glanced through them, reading things that would still be interesting at such a late date, then I'd toss them to the side. At one point the lady sitting next to me stated, "I've got to take the speed reading class you must have taken!"

If you go dig through your magazines, what is the oldest one you've ever kept? And what is the oldest you haven't read, but "will when you get time"......

Insurance Watchdog

Everyone needs car insurance, but it can be difficult knowing the coverage you need, then finding a place to get it at the best price. But now with this watchdog on your side, you can learn about insurance as well as compare and find rates that are right for your budget. Get a quote today, you’ll be glad you did.

Tuxedo

Dressing appropriately hasn’t gone out of style and never will. For formal dinners, weddings, and other occassions, you need a tuxedo to be dressed appropriately. But no one wants the experience of getting one to be difficult, and unfortunately many times it is. But not now, you can find a tuxedo at a price you can afford and without the headaches associated with the typical purchase.

How Things Change

A relative sent me this picture, and looking at it, I couldn't help but laugh and think of myself.

As our technology makes things smaller and thinner, as a society we are getting bigger and thicker by the year. The statistics on obesity are overwhelming, and all indicators say it is the number one health hazard facing us today.

As far as TVs go, many homes are now built with theater rooms, so it makes me wonder if these theater rooms will not be the standard for our dens in the near future. And if so, how big will the typical screen be? Will people, as a general rule, not see anything odd about a huge 72, 96, or maybe 144 inch TV plastered on the wall in their den?

I guess only time will tell.

Here is an example, taken on our latest shopping trip to Best Buy.

Luggage and Traveling

Experienced travelers know the importance of having good luggage and how the right bags can help your trip go so much more smoothly. But good luck finding a local shop that sells quality luggage for the right price. I know we never found one where we live, so thank goodness there is the Luggage Source! And you even get free shipping on orders over $50.

Donuts

This morning after we did a few things around the house, Annie Lou decided she wanted to have some donuts. She'd been craving them since Christmas, when we went to a friends donut shop, but she was too busy helping out to ever eat.

So we wrapped up, threw on our coats, and off to the donut shop we went.

Between the two of us, we put away two glazed, two chocolate, a dozen donut holes, and a chocolate covered twist. Toss in a bottle of water, and we were full as could be when we got done!

PayingPost

In today’s world economy, its always a great idea to have at least a little extra income coming into the home, because you never know what might happen to your primary job. Or maybe you are like my wife, who enjoys working from home while socializing and working her own hours without having to commute to work.

If either working from home for a living or just earning extra income sounds like its for you, there’s no better way than blog advertising to get the money you desire and the financial security you need.

After several months of blogging and placing sponsored ads on her post, my wife introduced me to the same thing, and its been great earning a few extra dollars that are very much needed.

At first I thought it was going to be difficult, or there would be lots of hidden fees, costs, and ripoffs. But oh how much I was wrong. Especially when she introduced me to a company she just located called Payingpost.

Its a very simple process that most people who use the internet could do with minimal training and effort. All you must do is visit the registration page to sign up, and let them know about your blog. Once you’ve done that, and your blog is approved, you pick the available opportunities and write about the company your sponsored post is about.

Its not difficult work but you must put in effort- remember nothing comes from nothing. But for those interested in running quality blogs, you can pick up extra income quite easily by doing sponsored posts. And Payingpost is a great company to use!

Visit one of the links above to find out more about these terrific opportunities, and see if writing sponsored posts on your blog is right for you. I bet in the end it will be, and your wallet and bank account will appreciate you for it!

The Economy

Once again today the stock market tanked. Personally, I am down about 65% in my savings and 401K, and I know others are suffering just as much. Fortunately for me, and I thought I'd never say this, but we're quite poor so our losses dollar for dollar don't add up to much. But for those that do have money, especially older individuals that are having to live off of their 401Ks and IRAs, these times can be a nightmare.

There is a lot of talk about how to fix it, but I think we need to understand what caused it before it can be reversed. Putting a bandaide on it and trying to rebound, only to continue the same habits, won't do a bit of good over the long term.

But what caused it? I can't help believe that most of it was caused by greed and impatience. Banks were passing out loans to anyone with a pulse, and people were running up debt knowing they couldn't afford it. There was no common sense being used by anyone, it seems.

Hopefully with the injection of the billions of dollars the government is wanting to spend will at least get things back on the right track. But, after that, its up to us to keep it on the track. A lot of people are going to have a lot of hard habits to break.

Stereo Cabinets

Visit Standsandmounts.com to browse through the huge assortment of TV stands, audio racks, or even take a look at a stereo cabinet that would fit great into your own living room or bedroom. Free shipping is provided on every order placed on their easy to navigate, user friendly website. Don’t leave your TV sitting on that crumbling cart another day! Visit and save now!

Blogging For Money

Over the last few months, I've seen a lot of dialog on a few message boards about blogging for money.

For those that don't like the practice, unfortunately I'm one of the ones that does so its probably frustrating to you. But just as there was those that used to think everything on the internet should be free (email, hosting, domain, everything!), there are going to be those that don't like when someone uses their blog for income. For some reason, they've made up their mind that its wrong and they won't be swayed, even though I've never met one that can explain WHY they don't like it.

But what is wrong with it? For a blog with good content, does selling ad space or writing sponsored ads take away from the quality? Of course not. Its no different than TV or radio. Yes, it would be nice if actors worked for free, and directors, producers, newscasters, and everyone else that works together to create programming we watch and hear. But unfortunately that is very unrealistic. Much of blogging is the same way.

While these "ad-free" blog pushes might be an emotional reaction by some that do have the time and want to volunteer to post material, for a large majority of people they don't feel the same way. And yes, unfortunately some junk blogs slip through the cracks, but its no different that junk TV shows, or radio nonsense. You simply flip the station when you don't like what you see.

Digital Signs

If you’ve looked around lately you’ve certainly noticed all the digital signage around you. This popular method of getting the word out will work great for your business or other needs. Use it to encourage certain behaviors in your employees or customers, and increase productivity, sales, and even the fun! Visit today to see how this will help you.

The Wicked Witch

What did the Wicked Witch of the West write in the sky over Emerald City?

The Alligator

"Don't insult the alligator until you have crossed the river."

New Furniture

With the housing market at its lowest point in years, maybe its time you fixed yours up and made it nicer to live in with some new furniture. Or, if you are needing to sell, the nicer your home looks to prospective buyers the better off you will be.

But what if you don’t want to spend a fortune? If are you looking for discount furniture visit today to see all that Boyles has to offer.

My Walmart Experience

I just had to share this!

A couple of weeks ago we purchased four seat pillows from Walmart, and while we were shopping the other day we noticed they had been reduced 50%. So we decided to get the price difference back, since they will take them back within 30 days and then we could purchase them again at the sale price.

Sounds simple, doesn't it? You'd think we would simply be able to take them the receipt and let them refund the difference to our credit card, give us the cash, or even a gift certificate. The company I work for does this all the time, we have a 30 day price guarantee and if it goes on sale within that 30 days we simply give you an allowance for the difference.

When I approached the customer service desk, I was greeted by a young lady, who said that wouldn't be a problem, but that I'd have to make the new purchase first, then I could get a refund on the old pillows. Easy, right? Wrong.

Instead of just typing in the numbers off the receipt, she told me I'd have to go out to the store, get the other pillows, then check them out and then return them up to the desk. I thought it was ridiculous, but there was no explaining it to her. But, my fear was this- if I went out and purchased four new pillows, then walked up and tried to get a refund with the original receipt, they would think I was trying to steal something. It just didn't look prudent, and seemed quite criminal.

But I was at her mercy- she was the only one working there, so I did as she instructed, but only after tracking down my wife who could hopefully act as an alibi after I got tossed into the pokey.

Worried that it would look inappropriate, when I went to the cashier to check out the pillows, I explained to her that I would be immediately taking them to the return desk for a refund. She looked puzzled, so I explained why. Of course she thought it was as ridiculous as I did, but she rang me up and I paid, then off to the customer service desk I went as she chuckled.

When I arrived, the young lady I'd been talking to was gone, of course, but there were two others there. And of course, after seeing me purchase the pillows at the register right in front of them, questioned why I had a receipt that was two weeks old and was trying to return the pillows I just bought for a lower price.

I explained it to them, but they were as confused as the first girl. Can't blame them really, it made no sense. So finally I explained it like this:

"Pretend I bought these, left the store, and have now gone home, swapped them out with the original pillows, and am now returning the ones I bought two weeks ago. These, in essence, are the pillows from two weeks ago."

They still weren't sure of themselves, you could tell by the look in their eyes, but I guess I seemed convincing enough that it was enough for them, at least if nothing else than to get rid of me.

So the young man gave me my refund by doing a credit to my card, then he handed me the receipt. But he wasn't done. Then he pushed the pillows toward me for me to take them.

I told him it was that girl's idea for me to go through all of this, and that I would *NOT* take them all the way back to the back of the store and put them on the shelf for them. She wanted them up there, let HER go take them back.

But that was not his intent.

"You paid for these" he told me.

Then I realized he was wanting me to take the pillows home. So I explained that yes, I had paid for them, but I had returned them as well. But he insisted that those weren't the ones I returned, it was the "other" pillows. Which technically it was, but the pillows on the counter were only representing the pillows I was returning.

I explained the other pillows were still at my home, and if I took those, I would have 8 and only paid for 4. He was still confused. And by this point, so was I. Even I wasn't sure if what I was saying was correct. Grrrrr!

So finally I just told him I wasn't taking them and I walked off. I don't feel its right to take something I didn't pay for. But, I never thought I'd see the day I had to argue with a merchant that I didn't want something given to me for free.

The entire ordeal could have been avoided had the first girl put on her thinking cap and used some common sense. At my job I'm a trainer, and it just so happens the next couple of weeks are on logical and critical thinking. Needless to say, this story is going to be used as an example of what I hope my training will prevent.

Scrapbooking

For years my kids have done scrapbooking as a hobby, creating their own designs and other times using templates for both artwork and pictures.

But after meeting my wife and starting a journal, I found that scrapbooking could be fun by adding in ticket stubs of places we’d been, as well as postcards, pictures, and more.

Visit today to this site to look over the wide selection of products available to make your scrapbooking hobby fun.

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Police are cracking down on speeders heading into DFW, for
the first offense, they give you two Cowboys tickets. If you get stopped
a second time, they make you use them.

Q. What do you call 47 millionaires around a TV watching the Super Bowl?
A. The Dallas Cowboys!

Q. How do you keep the Dallas Cowboys out of your yard?
A. Put up a goal post.

Q. Where do you go in DFW in case of a tornado?
A. To Texas Stadium - they never have a touchdown there!

Q. What's the difference between the Dallas Cowboys and a dollar bill?
A. You can still get four quarters out of a dollar bill.

Q. What do the Dallas Cowboys and possums have in common?
A. Both play dead at home and get killed on the road.