Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Last Entry
This semester has been great. It has been challenging, but also rewarding. I have been in school for a few years now, and honestly I should be graduated. I call my self a super senior, even though I'm not yet. It is a little pitifull, but I must say I am still proud of myself. I haven't always chose the easy paths in life. Obviously, I have two children and I'm not married yet. However, I have my reasons for the choices I 've made and frankly I'm satisfied with them. This semester has proven to me that no matter what the circumstances are, I can still do anything I put my mind through. My grades have improved and I have learned a lot more. It has prepared me to do even better next semester. It also teaches my sons that mommy is strong and sets a good example. I still have a few years to go, but no matter what, I'm not quiting school. I understand that life will be difficult over the next couple of years, but I know I don't want to stay at my job (not saying anything bad about it because it is a great job and it has been great to me) for too much longer. I am preparing myself for a career. Something I will exceed in and will also enjoy. I am ready to finally finish college and have that degree in my hand as a symbol of something great that I have accomplished.
Going Out
I often wonder if I am too old to go out. I am a very social person and I enjoy getting together with my friends, drinking a little, talking about old times and just having fun. The enjoyment I get from going out is because I get to dress up in clothes you can't wear every day and hang out with friends. We can be as loud as we want and dance all night if we feel like it. My boyfriend, however, has a problem with me going out. He doesn't understand the fact that I am not out there trying to meet new guys. He doesn't realize that the sole purpose to hang out with my friends is just that, hang out. Since being in a relationship for the past two years and having my second son, I have changed. I understand that I can't go out very much and I am fine with that, but I wonder if once a while is fine. Working, going to school, carrying on a relationship, keeping up with the houswork, and most importantly being a good mother to two precious sons is tough work. I enjoy, but every once in a while, I like to get out and be around my friends. I call it MY TIME. Other people may want to read a book or go to the spa. I enjoy going out. I ran into an old friend a while ago and she works at a club. She is similar to me. She has two kids and isn't married (I'm pretty close to it though). She works at a club as a shot girl. She dresses in skimpy clothes and passes around drinks, and that is one of her three jobs. Now, I don't want to have to do that. I want to be married and happy and have a great life with my husband, my kids, and everything that comes along with marriage, but I still want to be able to have MY TIME every now and again. I just hope my boyfriend and I can agree on it one day.
Clothes
I love to shop. It is one of my favorite things to do. Sure, I love to shop for jewelry or shoes or even house accessories, but my favorite thing to shop for is clothes. I love clothes. To some people clothes aren't that important. Like my mom for instance. She could care less for clothes. She is extremely frugal, that is a nicer name for cheap I guess. She has enough money to buy nice things for herself, but she never does. She always brags that she has money in her pocket because she chooses to save her money or use it to purchase other things. She will even shop at a thrift store because she cares so little about what she wears. She doesn't dress ragitty of anything like that she just dresses very plain, which is fine for her. She was that way growing up too and that is why I think I have such an obsession for clothes. We weren't poor growing up, but we didn't have a ton of money. There were 6 people in our household living off of a staff seargents pay, which isn't very much. So the money we did have we had to use for other things. I can remember saving up my allowance to buy a pair of shoes that I thought were so cool. It was nice learning about saving money for a particular item I wanted, but it also kind of sucked. I remember getting into an argument with a girl and one of her cutdowns was at least I don't have to wear the same clothes over and over again. That really hurt my feelings and I still remember it to this day. Since all of that I have grown up and been able to use my own hard earned money on other things. I have chosen to have nice, cute trendy clothes for my sons and I. They will never go without. Not saying they will get everything they want, but when it comes to clothes, they will have all of the nice clothes they need and they will always look good. People will comment to them about their nice shoes or trendy shirt. It isn't that I am vain or materialistic when it comes to clothes, but because of the way I was raised growing up, I know I don't want my kids to ever feel bad because someone is making fun of what they are wearing.
American Gangster
Good evening everyone. A couple weeks ago I along with my boyfriends went to see American Gangster (a movie based on the true story of a Harlem drug kingpin who goes by the name of Frank Lucas). Going into the movie I heard mixed feedback from a couple of my friends who were able to see the movie before I could. So I was extremely excited to see it for myself so I could form my own opinion. As I sat through the previews with a large fruit punch in one hand and my boyfriends hand in the other, all I could think about was how this movie was going to affect my sleeping habits over the next couple of nights. Lately I have been having a hard time sleeping after seeing really intense movies, my boyfriend is always teasing me about it. The movies opened up to a really graphic scene. By the time the scene concluded a couple of movie goers left the movie at which time I turned to my boyfriend and asked "Why did they even come to see the movie, didn't they know that it was rated R?" His only reply was for me to be quiet and watch the movie. About 15 minutes into the movie during a particularly quiet scene my boyfriend took it upon himself to fart. I was so embarrassed about the situation that I laughed about it on and off for a good 10 minutes or so. When I finally got back interested in the movie it turned out to be a very good movie. It was so good that at as we walked out of the theater I joked that I now would like to become a drug dealer.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Pod Cast #2
Good morning, this is your 88 second news update for Wednesday December 3rd on 88.1 Weber FM.
A man was arrested for fleeing the scene of an accident after he hit a 15 year-old girl on I-15 in Layton. The girl snuck out of her house to go to the mall and was struck by a car and killed while trying to cross the highway. Officials found him by his license plate which was left at the scene of the accident.
Four suspects were indicted and charged with aggravated burglary and first degree felony murder in the death of Sean Taylor. One of the suspects is a minor and the other three are on suicide watch. In local sports, the Jazz lost to Sacramento last 107 to 117.
A suicide bomber rammed his car into a minibus on Tuesday in Afghanistan killing 13 people and injuring 20 others. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.
A pair of storms that swept through the Pacific North West left five people in Washington and Oregon dead and thousands of others without water or power. The storm also shut down major highways due to flooding and mudslides.
Debra Lafave, the teacher who was convicted with having sexual relations with a 14 year old boy was rearrested for having in appropriate but not sexual conversations with a 17 year old coworker.
I’m Jenelle Green, that was your 88 second update. Join us again in an hour.
A man was arrested for fleeing the scene of an accident after he hit a 15 year-old girl on I-15 in Layton. The girl snuck out of her house to go to the mall and was struck by a car and killed while trying to cross the highway. Officials found him by his license plate which was left at the scene of the accident.
Four suspects were indicted and charged with aggravated burglary and first degree felony murder in the death of Sean Taylor. One of the suspects is a minor and the other three are on suicide watch. In local sports, the Jazz lost to Sacramento last 107 to 117.
A suicide bomber rammed his car into a minibus on Tuesday in Afghanistan killing 13 people and injuring 20 others. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.
A pair of storms that swept through the Pacific North West left five people in Washington and Oregon dead and thousands of others without water or power. The storm also shut down major highways due to flooding and mudslides.
Debra Lafave, the teacher who was convicted with having sexual relations with a 14 year old boy was rearrested for having in appropriate but not sexual conversations with a 17 year old coworker.
I’m Jenelle Green, that was your 88 second update. Join us again in an hour.
Pod Cast #1
Good Morning, this is your 88 second news update for Monday November 3rd on 88.1 Weber FM.
Baby Grace has been identified after her grandmother recognized the made profile from television. Her mother has admitted to killing the little girl.
In local news Lisa Paiola, a Utah woman who was on the cruise ship that began to sink in the Antarctic Ocean returned home safely yesterday. She doesn’t have any plans to go on vacation again anytime soon.
Sean Taylor of the Washington Redskins passed away Tuesday after sustaining a critical gunshot wound from an apparent intruder. He was shot on Monday while he, his girlfriend, and their daughter were in his Miami home.
Great Britain is attempting to save a British woman teaching in Sudan from lashes. The woman is facing the punishment because she allowed students to name a teddy bear “Muhammad.
In entertainment news, the Jackson five have decided to get together again. Te reunion will include all the original Jackson five including Michael.
I’m Jenelle Green and that’s your 88 second update. Join us again in an hour on Weber FM.
Baby Grace has been identified after her grandmother recognized the made profile from television. Her mother has admitted to killing the little girl.
In local news Lisa Paiola, a Utah woman who was on the cruise ship that began to sink in the Antarctic Ocean returned home safely yesterday. She doesn’t have any plans to go on vacation again anytime soon.
Sean Taylor of the Washington Redskins passed away Tuesday after sustaining a critical gunshot wound from an apparent intruder. He was shot on Monday while he, his girlfriend, and their daughter were in his Miami home.
Great Britain is attempting to save a British woman teaching in Sudan from lashes. The woman is facing the punishment because she allowed students to name a teddy bear “Muhammad.
In entertainment news, the Jackson five have decided to get together again. Te reunion will include all the original Jackson five including Michael.
I’m Jenelle Green and that’s your 88 second update. Join us again in an hour on Weber FM.
Citi Press Release #2
For more information contact:
Tamara Smith, assistant to the site director
Citibank and Verizon Partner Up To Help Those Affected By Domestic Abuse
Citibank employees have answered the call to help survivors of domestic violence by donated old mobile phones and other phone accessories to the Verizon Wireless HopeLine Phone Recycling Program.
A three week collection drive aimed at recycling old cell phones took place at Citibank offices in the New York City area. The drive ended on Nov 17 during Citibank’s annual Global Community Day after 29 employee volunteers collected the devices and prepared them to be delivered to Verizon.
The event was led by Citibank CIO Marv Adams.
"We are very proud to be able to make this important contribution to local agencies that combat domestic violence. This event is special because we are reusing assets in a way that is good for the environment and good for the community we live in," said Adams.
Verizon Wireless is the first wireless carrier in the nation to collect and recycle old cell phones and has done so since January 1999. The equipment is refurbished or recycled in an environmentally sound manner and the proceeds used to provide wireless phones and service and cash grants to local organizations and shelters that provide direct services to victims of domestic violence.
The Verizon Wireless HopeLine Program has collected nearly 4.2 million wireless phones and given more than $4 million in cash grants to domestic violence prevention organizations.
Tamara Smith, assistant to the site director
Citibank and Verizon Partner Up To Help Those Affected By Domestic Abuse
Citibank employees have answered the call to help survivors of domestic violence by donated old mobile phones and other phone accessories to the Verizon Wireless HopeLine Phone Recycling Program.
A three week collection drive aimed at recycling old cell phones took place at Citibank offices in the New York City area. The drive ended on Nov 17 during Citibank’s annual Global Community Day after 29 employee volunteers collected the devices and prepared them to be delivered to Verizon.
The event was led by Citibank CIO Marv Adams.
"We are very proud to be able to make this important contribution to local agencies that combat domestic violence. This event is special because we are reusing assets in a way that is good for the environment and good for the community we live in," said Adams.
Verizon Wireless is the first wireless carrier in the nation to collect and recycle old cell phones and has done so since January 1999. The equipment is refurbished or recycled in an environmentally sound manner and the proceeds used to provide wireless phones and service and cash grants to local organizations and shelters that provide direct services to victims of domestic violence.
The Verizon Wireless HopeLine Program has collected nearly 4.2 million wireless phones and given more than $4 million in cash grants to domestic violence prevention organizations.
Cit Press Release #1
Jenelle Green
Press Release Story
Citibank
Citibank is beginning to get into the Holiday spirit as they do every year. Around the building people are beginning to decorate their cubicles with lights or little Christmas figurines. Decorating isn't the only way Citi celebrates the holidays. Every year since the center has been open they hold various fund raisers to give to people who are less fortunate.
For starters the center holds its annual food drive to help fight hunger. The food drive begins Oct. 20 and continues on thru the day before Thanksgiving.
"We want to be able to provide a good meal to people who may be less fortunate," said Linda Hanor one of the representatives at Citibank who helps collect the food.
"Everyone should have a good Thanksgiving."
Citi bank collects the food at their Layton location and gives it to the Family Connection food bank on hwy 93. They gather everything from baby food to canned goods but of course around the holidays they focus mainly on Thanksgiving foods like stuffing and green beans. Citi also collects non food items such as baby wipes and feminine hygiene products.
Around the holidays many families struggle trying to save up for Christmas. The Family Connection allows those who don't have as much as others to come and get what they need.
After the annual food drive the fund raising committee within Citi bank begins to prepare for Christmas activities. They participate in buying presents for foster children which range in age from 2 years old to 17 years old. The children pick two to three items they want or need and the list is then given to the employees at Citibank to choose amongst the items. They are then wrapped and delivered to the kid’s right before Christmas.
"This is my favorite activity to do during the year," said Sonia Magana, a Citi employee who has been there for nearly 10 years.
"The only thing is I wish we could see their faces when they receive the gifts because I know it means so much to them.
During the holidays isn't the only time the company gives to the less fortunate. Throughout the year they participate in raising money for other companies such as the United Way. They constantly hold fundraisers to give to the local community.
"Citi is a great company to work. Not only do I have a great job, but as a team we help others who need stuff," said Ashley Taylor, an employee of Citi.
Press Release Story
Citibank
Citibank is beginning to get into the Holiday spirit as they do every year. Around the building people are beginning to decorate their cubicles with lights or little Christmas figurines. Decorating isn't the only way Citi celebrates the holidays. Every year since the center has been open they hold various fund raisers to give to people who are less fortunate.
For starters the center holds its annual food drive to help fight hunger. The food drive begins Oct. 20 and continues on thru the day before Thanksgiving.
"We want to be able to provide a good meal to people who may be less fortunate," said Linda Hanor one of the representatives at Citibank who helps collect the food.
"Everyone should have a good Thanksgiving."
Citi bank collects the food at their Layton location and gives it to the Family Connection food bank on hwy 93. They gather everything from baby food to canned goods but of course around the holidays they focus mainly on Thanksgiving foods like stuffing and green beans. Citi also collects non food items such as baby wipes and feminine hygiene products.
Around the holidays many families struggle trying to save up for Christmas. The Family Connection allows those who don't have as much as others to come and get what they need.
After the annual food drive the fund raising committee within Citi bank begins to prepare for Christmas activities. They participate in buying presents for foster children which range in age from 2 years old to 17 years old. The children pick two to three items they want or need and the list is then given to the employees at Citibank to choose amongst the items. They are then wrapped and delivered to the kid’s right before Christmas.
"This is my favorite activity to do during the year," said Sonia Magana, a Citi employee who has been there for nearly 10 years.
"The only thing is I wish we could see their faces when they receive the gifts because I know it means so much to them.
During the holidays isn't the only time the company gives to the less fortunate. Throughout the year they participate in raising money for other companies such as the United Way. They constantly hold fundraisers to give to the local community.
"Citi is a great company to work. Not only do I have a great job, but as a team we help others who need stuff," said Ashley Taylor, an employee of Citi.
Obesity
Jenelle Green
A new government study shows that being overweight by a few extra pounds won't necessarily kill, however for those who are obese aren't as lucky. The study was released just a few weeks right before Thanksgiving saying that it is ok to be fit and fat. Overweight people still need to watch out for diabetes and kidney diseases.
Obese people, those who are at least 30 pounds overweight, have a variety of diseases that they need to watch out for such as different types of cancer and heart disease.
In Utah up to 40 percent of women and 58 percent of men are overweight or obese. Almost 50 percent of Utah adults don't get enough physical activity during the day. Out of the entire state, 5.2 percent of the state is obese.
"I just don't have enough time to work out. My husband and I have a membership to Golds Gym, but we just don't have time to go. We make plans, but something just seems to come up," said Annette Messerschmidt.
Annette is like many Utahns. She works full time and on her of time, she likes to relax and watch television. Annette isn't obese, but she is overweight and she wants to lose weight. She attempts to get some physical activity in by walking to work.
"I walk to and from work every day, unless it is too cold, but I figure that gives me a little exercise," she said.
Diet and exercise are key to being fit and not becoming obese. Only one in five Utahns get enough fruits and vegetables a day. Eating the daily recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and staying away from fats and sweets can start you on the right track to losing weight.
According to the study done by the government, having a little extra weight actually seemed to help people survive some illnesses. Having a BMI between 5 and 30 didn't increase the risk of dying from heart disease or cancer. Overweight people were up to close to 40 percent less likely than normal-weight people to die from several other things such as emphysema pneumonia and injuries sustained from various types of infections.
When Lucy Sosa-Orozco was told of the study, she was excited.
"I love to eat. I like the fact that I don't have to be overly concerned with what I eat. I know I have a little leeway,"she said.
Utah is ranked the 6th healthiest state in the nation. The study included 20 health and well-being factors including poverty, violent-crime, and obesity.
The study given from the government said the age group that seemed to benefit the most was people ages 25 to 59 however older people had reduced risks of heart disease and cancer, too.
Although the study is now showing that being overweight isn't the end of the world, people shouldn't throw caution to the wind about being overweight because being a few pounds overweight can lead to obesity if not watched carefully.
A new government study shows that being overweight by a few extra pounds won't necessarily kill, however for those who are obese aren't as lucky. The study was released just a few weeks right before Thanksgiving saying that it is ok to be fit and fat. Overweight people still need to watch out for diabetes and kidney diseases.
Obese people, those who are at least 30 pounds overweight, have a variety of diseases that they need to watch out for such as different types of cancer and heart disease.
In Utah up to 40 percent of women and 58 percent of men are overweight or obese. Almost 50 percent of Utah adults don't get enough physical activity during the day. Out of the entire state, 5.2 percent of the state is obese.
"I just don't have enough time to work out. My husband and I have a membership to Golds Gym, but we just don't have time to go. We make plans, but something just seems to come up," said Annette Messerschmidt.
Annette is like many Utahns. She works full time and on her of time, she likes to relax and watch television. Annette isn't obese, but she is overweight and she wants to lose weight. She attempts to get some physical activity in by walking to work.
"I walk to and from work every day, unless it is too cold, but I figure that gives me a little exercise," she said.
Diet and exercise are key to being fit and not becoming obese. Only one in five Utahns get enough fruits and vegetables a day. Eating the daily recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and staying away from fats and sweets can start you on the right track to losing weight.
According to the study done by the government, having a little extra weight actually seemed to help people survive some illnesses. Having a BMI between 5 and 30 didn't increase the risk of dying from heart disease or cancer. Overweight people were up to close to 40 percent less likely than normal-weight people to die from several other things such as emphysema pneumonia and injuries sustained from various types of infections.
When Lucy Sosa-Orozco was told of the study, she was excited.
"I love to eat. I like the fact that I don't have to be overly concerned with what I eat. I know I have a little leeway,"she said.
Utah is ranked the 6th healthiest state in the nation. The study included 20 health and well-being factors including poverty, violent-crime, and obesity.
The study given from the government said the age group that seemed to benefit the most was people ages 25 to 59 however older people had reduced risks of heart disease and cancer, too.
Although the study is now showing that being overweight isn't the end of the world, people shouldn't throw caution to the wind about being overweight because being a few pounds overweight can lead to obesity if not watched carefully.
Fires
Jenelle Green
Fires are reported in the U.S. approximately ever 16 seconds according to the National Fire protection Association. With that in mind people need to be prepared. How prepared are you?
Thursday November 1st, the company Masterguard hosted a Fire Safety Seminar at Ruby River on Riverdale road in Ogden that included a free dinner. The seminar lasted about two hours which included giving the guests time to eat, speaking about fire safety, showing the video "When Seconds Count," and finally giving their spiel about the products they offer.
Master guard has been around since 1971 and was started in Dallas Texas. They are the leader in the direct selling industry of residential fire protection. They have educated millions of people and saved thousands of lives. York Hayes is the area safety advisor for Masterguard and is the person who brought Masterguard to Utah.
The presentation began with everyone filing into the top portion of Ruby River. There was quite a large group about 60 people attended the seminar which was great because they usually don't have this big of a turn out. After settling down, the guests were given a choice of chicken, salmon, or steak, which most chose steak. The guests were given time to eat and then the actual seminar begun.
Hayes explained how important fire safety is and how most people are ignorant towards it. They learn it back in grade school but then as they get older aren't too concerned with it.
"People think the fire alarms that come with the house are all the protections they need. Even the newer houses aren't immune. People don't realize when the houses are made most contractors use the cheapest material possible, which is highly flammable," Hayes said.
There was a short news broadcast that was shown which talked about an Iowa man losing his entire family (wife and 2 kids) because of a fire. The man went off to work and came home to his home up in flames.
Hayes explained, "You are ultimately responsible for getting your family out of the house alive. The fire fighters are there to fight the fire. They will do all they can to save you family, but most times they arrive too late."
When a fire starts you have three minutes to get your family out safely. Children die twice as fast as adults because they are small.
There are several misconceptions about fires. The first is that most people think that the fire can't happen to them. Fires don't discriminate. The can affect anyone. The second misconception is that there is plenty of time to escape. Of course this isn't true; once again you only have about three minutes to get out safely.
The third misconception is that only large fires kill. All fires kill. There are two different types of fires; smoldering fires and free burning fires. The most common and most deadly is the smoldering fire because it happens so often and sometimes your fire alarms aren't able to detect these. With smoldering fire the toxic gases are what harm you. The second type, the free burning fire, is dangerous because of the amount of heat and the speed of the fire. With free burning fires the smoke alarms a lot of times won't go off because they aren't made for free burning fires. The heat from the flames melts the detectors in some cases before they have a chance to go off. That is why they are called smoke alarms. That leads into the last misconception which is the smoke alarm will go of in time.
The most common place for a fire to start is in the kitchen. Many fires start in the kitchen because people are negligent with their cooking. They turn the stove and begin to cook and forget they have it that way. Also the basement and the bedroom are other common places.
There are five things to do every six months. First, change batteries and test all smoke alarms. Next clean under and behind the refrigerator and the stove. Third, clean out the dryer hose. Next, maintain fire extinguisher. Last but not least practice a safety plan to get out of the house safely.
After Hayes went over some eye opening information he showed us the video "When Seconds Count." The video stated that in fires children and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Children aren't able to escape on their own and the elderly have a slow reaction time. In the video they did a fire demonstration. They took a home that was going to be demolished and set up cameras in fire proof boxes. The started the fire in a waste basket in the living room. Thirty minutes into the smoldering fires, the smoke detectors still hadn't gone off. After the 911 call it took four minutes for the fire engines to arrive. It was so smoky and dark that the fire fighters had to fight the fire in the house in total darkness.
The reason the smoke detector didn't go off is because they don't always detect the ions that come from smoke. Regular smoke alarms are set off by ions coming from the smoke flowing through the detector however not all detectors can catch the smaller ions that come from smoldering fires.
After viewing the video they had one last thing to discuss, their products. Masterguard said their products worked better than regular smoke detectors. They offered smoke alarms that use an optical camera that takes pictures so that it can recognize the smoke as it is happening. It won't miss the smoke like to Ion smoke detectors. They also offer fire detectors so that if the fire happens to be a free burning fire it will go off, the fire won't just melt the alarm. They last products they offered was a carbon-monoxide detector. Most carbon-monoxide detectors are plugged in, which is incorrect. They need to be at eye level because carbon is lighter than oxygen.
Most people were interested. The main question everyone had was," How much do they cost?"
"Does the cost matter? We are talking about safety here," said Michelle Smith one of Hayes' co workers.
After setting up several appointments, the customers filed out of the restaurant. Some satisfied while others weren't so happy.
"I don't like how they won't give us the price until they come out to our houses. Then its like they are already there and we feel obligated to buy something," said Mike Edwards of Clearfield.
"I think it’s a great idea. They are right, for the assurance of safety, there is not cost," said Emily Parkinson of Ogden.
The seminar itself was very informative and gave great ideas. It is ultimately up the the customer to decide what choice is right for their family.
Fires are reported in the U.S. approximately ever 16 seconds according to the National Fire protection Association. With that in mind people need to be prepared. How prepared are you?
Thursday November 1st, the company Masterguard hosted a Fire Safety Seminar at Ruby River on Riverdale road in Ogden that included a free dinner. The seminar lasted about two hours which included giving the guests time to eat, speaking about fire safety, showing the video "When Seconds Count," and finally giving their spiel about the products they offer.
Master guard has been around since 1971 and was started in Dallas Texas. They are the leader in the direct selling industry of residential fire protection. They have educated millions of people and saved thousands of lives. York Hayes is the area safety advisor for Masterguard and is the person who brought Masterguard to Utah.
The presentation began with everyone filing into the top portion of Ruby River. There was quite a large group about 60 people attended the seminar which was great because they usually don't have this big of a turn out. After settling down, the guests were given a choice of chicken, salmon, or steak, which most chose steak. The guests were given time to eat and then the actual seminar begun.
Hayes explained how important fire safety is and how most people are ignorant towards it. They learn it back in grade school but then as they get older aren't too concerned with it.
"People think the fire alarms that come with the house are all the protections they need. Even the newer houses aren't immune. People don't realize when the houses are made most contractors use the cheapest material possible, which is highly flammable," Hayes said.
There was a short news broadcast that was shown which talked about an Iowa man losing his entire family (wife and 2 kids) because of a fire. The man went off to work and came home to his home up in flames.
Hayes explained, "You are ultimately responsible for getting your family out of the house alive. The fire fighters are there to fight the fire. They will do all they can to save you family, but most times they arrive too late."
When a fire starts you have three minutes to get your family out safely. Children die twice as fast as adults because they are small.
There are several misconceptions about fires. The first is that most people think that the fire can't happen to them. Fires don't discriminate. The can affect anyone. The second misconception is that there is plenty of time to escape. Of course this isn't true; once again you only have about three minutes to get out safely.
The third misconception is that only large fires kill. All fires kill. There are two different types of fires; smoldering fires and free burning fires. The most common and most deadly is the smoldering fire because it happens so often and sometimes your fire alarms aren't able to detect these. With smoldering fire the toxic gases are what harm you. The second type, the free burning fire, is dangerous because of the amount of heat and the speed of the fire. With free burning fires the smoke alarms a lot of times won't go off because they aren't made for free burning fires. The heat from the flames melts the detectors in some cases before they have a chance to go off. That is why they are called smoke alarms. That leads into the last misconception which is the smoke alarm will go of in time.
The most common place for a fire to start is in the kitchen. Many fires start in the kitchen because people are negligent with their cooking. They turn the stove and begin to cook and forget they have it that way. Also the basement and the bedroom are other common places.
There are five things to do every six months. First, change batteries and test all smoke alarms. Next clean under and behind the refrigerator and the stove. Third, clean out the dryer hose. Next, maintain fire extinguisher. Last but not least practice a safety plan to get out of the house safely.
After Hayes went over some eye opening information he showed us the video "When Seconds Count." The video stated that in fires children and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Children aren't able to escape on their own and the elderly have a slow reaction time. In the video they did a fire demonstration. They took a home that was going to be demolished and set up cameras in fire proof boxes. The started the fire in a waste basket in the living room. Thirty minutes into the smoldering fires, the smoke detectors still hadn't gone off. After the 911 call it took four minutes for the fire engines to arrive. It was so smoky and dark that the fire fighters had to fight the fire in the house in total darkness.
The reason the smoke detector didn't go off is because they don't always detect the ions that come from smoke. Regular smoke alarms are set off by ions coming from the smoke flowing through the detector however not all detectors can catch the smaller ions that come from smoldering fires.
After viewing the video they had one last thing to discuss, their products. Masterguard said their products worked better than regular smoke detectors. They offered smoke alarms that use an optical camera that takes pictures so that it can recognize the smoke as it is happening. It won't miss the smoke like to Ion smoke detectors. They also offer fire detectors so that if the fire happens to be a free burning fire it will go off, the fire won't just melt the alarm. They last products they offered was a carbon-monoxide detector. Most carbon-monoxide detectors are plugged in, which is incorrect. They need to be at eye level because carbon is lighter than oxygen.
Most people were interested. The main question everyone had was," How much do they cost?"
"Does the cost matter? We are talking about safety here," said Michelle Smith one of Hayes' co workers.
After setting up several appointments, the customers filed out of the restaurant. Some satisfied while others weren't so happy.
"I don't like how they won't give us the price until they come out to our houses. Then its like they are already there and we feel obligated to buy something," said Mike Edwards of Clearfield.
"I think it’s a great idea. They are right, for the assurance of safety, there is not cost," said Emily Parkinson of Ogden.
The seminar itself was very informative and gave great ideas. It is ultimately up the the customer to decide what choice is right for their family.
Wine
Jenelle Green
Extra Credit Story (just a news story)
Red Wines Benefits and Consequences
Red wine is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermentation of grape juice. The grapes have a natural chemical balance in them so that they can ferment without adding sugars, acids, enzymes, or other nutrients. The wine is produced by fermenting crushed grapes using various types of yeast which consume the sugars found in the grapes and converting them into alcohol. We get the different colors and flavors by using a variety of grapes and different strains of yeast.
There are several types of red wine. Red wine is best described by its “body-type.” You have a light-bodied red wine such as Beaujolais Noveau which is best described as having fewer tannins (less pucker punch) and leaving less substance on one’s palate. A medium-bodied red wine would be Merlot, Shiraz, and Chianti; these contain more tannins. The last description is a full-bodied wine which include wines from California’s key cabs or Italy’s Super Tuscan. This particular wine packs a powerful punch.
Although red wine is great with dinner or to have in front of a nice campfire on a cold night, it also has health benefits if it is drank in moderation.
The first benefit is its connection with cancer prevention . The red wine seems to minimize DNA mutations that lead to cancer, inducing cell death in cancer cells, and blocking the formation f new blood vessels that feed tumors.
Another benefit from red wine is the antioxidants that have been shown to provide certain benefits. The antioxidants have shown evidence of preventing the oxidation process in which free radicals cause damage to healthy cells. For a moderate drinker a glass or two daily will offer some protection of heart disease due to the antioxidants.
These students aren’t concrete. They aren’t suggesting people to drink more. Although it seems red wine can help prevent certain things, when taken advantage of (just like with anything else), red wine can be harmful.
One of the harms too much alcohol can cause is cirrhosis of the liver. This directly results in alcohol abuse and is one of the ten leading causes of death in the United States. Alcohol when drank in excess also has been linked to insomnia, heartburn, and high blood pressure. Drinking erratically has also been linked to increased levels of triglycerides in the blood that can lead to heart disease
Besides the long term effects of drinking too much, there are also short term effects such as the infamous hangover. Alcohol is a diuretic and dehydration almost always accompanies excess drinking.
The bottom line is that drinking in moderation is fine and can come with some benefits however drinking in excess have consequences.
Extra Credit Story (just a news story)
Red Wines Benefits and Consequences
Red wine is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermentation of grape juice. The grapes have a natural chemical balance in them so that they can ferment without adding sugars, acids, enzymes, or other nutrients. The wine is produced by fermenting crushed grapes using various types of yeast which consume the sugars found in the grapes and converting them into alcohol. We get the different colors and flavors by using a variety of grapes and different strains of yeast.
There are several types of red wine. Red wine is best described by its “body-type.” You have a light-bodied red wine such as Beaujolais Noveau which is best described as having fewer tannins (less pucker punch) and leaving less substance on one’s palate. A medium-bodied red wine would be Merlot, Shiraz, and Chianti; these contain more tannins. The last description is a full-bodied wine which include wines from California’s key cabs or Italy’s Super Tuscan. This particular wine packs a powerful punch.
Although red wine is great with dinner or to have in front of a nice campfire on a cold night, it also has health benefits if it is drank in moderation.
The first benefit is its connection with cancer prevention . The red wine seems to minimize DNA mutations that lead to cancer, inducing cell death in cancer cells, and blocking the formation f new blood vessels that feed tumors.
Another benefit from red wine is the antioxidants that have been shown to provide certain benefits. The antioxidants have shown evidence of preventing the oxidation process in which free radicals cause damage to healthy cells. For a moderate drinker a glass or two daily will offer some protection of heart disease due to the antioxidants.
These students aren’t concrete. They aren’t suggesting people to drink more. Although it seems red wine can help prevent certain things, when taken advantage of (just like with anything else), red wine can be harmful.
One of the harms too much alcohol can cause is cirrhosis of the liver. This directly results in alcohol abuse and is one of the ten leading causes of death in the United States. Alcohol when drank in excess also has been linked to insomnia, heartburn, and high blood pressure. Drinking erratically has also been linked to increased levels of triglycerides in the blood that can lead to heart disease
Besides the long term effects of drinking too much, there are also short term effects such as the infamous hangover. Alcohol is a diuretic and dehydration almost always accompanies excess drinking.
The bottom line is that drinking in moderation is fine and can come with some benefits however drinking in excess have consequences.
Cancer
Jenelle Green
Interview # 2
Media Writing
Finding out you have cancer can be some of the worst news you might ever hear. Your whole world changes right after you here the doctor give his diagnosis. For Diane Tubbs and Dawnell Briggs those frightening words had them in disbelief. They were afraid of what the future was going to hold for them.
Breast cancer is the No. 1 cause of death worldwide for women who have cancer. In the United States it is the most common cancer and the second most common cause of death, the first being lung cancer. Women in the U.S. have a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer and a one in 33 chance of breast cancer causing their death. A study done by the Society of Women’s Health research found that breast cancer is the most feared disease even though heart disease is the number one killer of women.
Tubbs had a thought something was wrong for a while when she found she had a lump in her breast. She kept asking her doctor to do checkups to detect any type of cancer in her body, but nothing was found. Finally her suspicions came true when the lump turned out to be breast cancer.
"I was 44 years-old and I was devastated. Initially I was surprised and then I became optimistic. I had a good family support system," Tubbs said.
Doctors found the cancer in Diane’s body early enough that the they were quite optimistic and had faith that she would beat the cancer with no problem. There are several different stages of the cancer from one to five with one being the lowest risk; Tubbs's breast cancer was just barely into stage two.
She began chemotherapy treatments and the doctors removed her lymph nodes however she was lucky and the lymph nodes didn't contain cancer in them. Once cancer goes into the lymph nodes it spreads throughout the body a lot easier. When going through chemotherapyTubbs was lucky enough not to lose her hair. She had a complete mastectomy on her left side.
"The surgery took three days," she said. "I also had six chemo treatments that weren't too bad. I felt like I had the flue for three or four days and then I healed."
After fighting breast cancer and winning the battle, Tubss has a different outlook on life.
"I appreciate life better and enjoy the good things. I take one day at a time and I live today like there may not be a tomorrow," she said with a smile on her face.
She said she still gets paranoid and the fear of the cancer coming back never fully goes away, but every day gets better
Why is breast cancer so feared among women? One reason is that almost everyone knows of someone who has had breast cancer and many know someone who has passed away from breast cancer. Also being a woman, you hear new findings from studies done on cancer every day. There was a study that came out a little earlier this year connecting drinking alcohol with having a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
With all the issues concerning breast cancer, there are ways to detect breast cancer in its early stages. Yearly checkups with the gynecologist and regular self breast cancer tests allow a woman to be more in control and aware of what’s going on in her body.
Another type of cancer that is becoming more popular and plagues women today is cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the malignant cancer of the cervix. There are usually no symptoms until the cancer is in its more advanced stages but in some cases vaginal bleeding can be a sign. Once again, regular pap smears and visits to the gynecologist can help early detection.
Treatment of cervical cancer can consist of surgery in the early stages and chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the advanced stages. There is also a preventative against certain types of cervical cancer now. A vaccine for two HPV strains is being recommended for teenagers and adults in their early to mid-twenties up the age of 26 who are sexually active. The two strains for HPV is said to cause 70 percent of all cases of cervical cancer.
Dawnell Briggs didn't have one of the two strains that are caused by HPV. However, she was lucky enough to catch it in its early stages. Dawnell found out she had cervical cancer about 10 years ago when going to a yearly check up.
"I was extremely lucky because I hadn't been to a yearly pap smear in over three years, "she said.
When doctors found the cervical cancer they advised her she would need to have a full hysterectomy. The entire process took about three weeks. Dawnell was also lucky enough to not have to undergo chemo therapy. The cancer didn't spread through her lymph nodes either. After the initial discovery and treatment of the cancer she had to go back to the doctors every three months for a checkup. It is said after five years you are pretty much cancer free.
"My son was 8 at the time of my cancer and every time the phone would ring and it would say Mckay Dee hospital on the caller ID he would get worried and ask me if I was going to die,” she said. "He is 19 now and even today if the doctor’s office is on the caller ID, he still gets paranoid."
Dawnell said the cancer has completely changed how she looks at things.
"Whenever I get depressed, I think of how lucky I am," she says.
Both Dawnell and Diane are extremely lucky and living cancer free today. They have both been through cancer and survived. Not everyone does and it is a harsh reality in the world we live in today. All any of us can do is take each day at a time, but if the opportunity and resources are there to detect and prevent cancer, we would be stupid not to take them.
Interview # 2
Media Writing
Finding out you have cancer can be some of the worst news you might ever hear. Your whole world changes right after you here the doctor give his diagnosis. For Diane Tubbs and Dawnell Briggs those frightening words had them in disbelief. They were afraid of what the future was going to hold for them.
Breast cancer is the No. 1 cause of death worldwide for women who have cancer. In the United States it is the most common cancer and the second most common cause of death, the first being lung cancer. Women in the U.S. have a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer and a one in 33 chance of breast cancer causing their death. A study done by the Society of Women’s Health research found that breast cancer is the most feared disease even though heart disease is the number one killer of women.
Tubbs had a thought something was wrong for a while when she found she had a lump in her breast. She kept asking her doctor to do checkups to detect any type of cancer in her body, but nothing was found. Finally her suspicions came true when the lump turned out to be breast cancer.
"I was 44 years-old and I was devastated. Initially I was surprised and then I became optimistic. I had a good family support system," Tubbs said.
Doctors found the cancer in Diane’s body early enough that the they were quite optimistic and had faith that she would beat the cancer with no problem. There are several different stages of the cancer from one to five with one being the lowest risk; Tubbs's breast cancer was just barely into stage two.
She began chemotherapy treatments and the doctors removed her lymph nodes however she was lucky and the lymph nodes didn't contain cancer in them. Once cancer goes into the lymph nodes it spreads throughout the body a lot easier. When going through chemotherapyTubbs was lucky enough not to lose her hair. She had a complete mastectomy on her left side.
"The surgery took three days," she said. "I also had six chemo treatments that weren't too bad. I felt like I had the flue for three or four days and then I healed."
After fighting breast cancer and winning the battle, Tubss has a different outlook on life.
"I appreciate life better and enjoy the good things. I take one day at a time and I live today like there may not be a tomorrow," she said with a smile on her face.
She said she still gets paranoid and the fear of the cancer coming back never fully goes away, but every day gets better
Why is breast cancer so feared among women? One reason is that almost everyone knows of someone who has had breast cancer and many know someone who has passed away from breast cancer. Also being a woman, you hear new findings from studies done on cancer every day. There was a study that came out a little earlier this year connecting drinking alcohol with having a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
With all the issues concerning breast cancer, there are ways to detect breast cancer in its early stages. Yearly checkups with the gynecologist and regular self breast cancer tests allow a woman to be more in control and aware of what’s going on in her body.
Another type of cancer that is becoming more popular and plagues women today is cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the malignant cancer of the cervix. There are usually no symptoms until the cancer is in its more advanced stages but in some cases vaginal bleeding can be a sign. Once again, regular pap smears and visits to the gynecologist can help early detection.
Treatment of cervical cancer can consist of surgery in the early stages and chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the advanced stages. There is also a preventative against certain types of cervical cancer now. A vaccine for two HPV strains is being recommended for teenagers and adults in their early to mid-twenties up the age of 26 who are sexually active. The two strains for HPV is said to cause 70 percent of all cases of cervical cancer.
Dawnell Briggs didn't have one of the two strains that are caused by HPV. However, she was lucky enough to catch it in its early stages. Dawnell found out she had cervical cancer about 10 years ago when going to a yearly check up.
"I was extremely lucky because I hadn't been to a yearly pap smear in over three years, "she said.
When doctors found the cervical cancer they advised her she would need to have a full hysterectomy. The entire process took about three weeks. Dawnell was also lucky enough to not have to undergo chemo therapy. The cancer didn't spread through her lymph nodes either. After the initial discovery and treatment of the cancer she had to go back to the doctors every three months for a checkup. It is said after five years you are pretty much cancer free.
"My son was 8 at the time of my cancer and every time the phone would ring and it would say Mckay Dee hospital on the caller ID he would get worried and ask me if I was going to die,” she said. "He is 19 now and even today if the doctor’s office is on the caller ID, he still gets paranoid."
Dawnell said the cancer has completely changed how she looks at things.
"Whenever I get depressed, I think of how lucky I am," she says.
Both Dawnell and Diane are extremely lucky and living cancer free today. They have both been through cancer and survived. Not everyone does and it is a harsh reality in the world we live in today. All any of us can do is take each day at a time, but if the opportunity and resources are there to detect and prevent cancer, we would be stupid not to take them.
Soy
Jenelle Green
Paper #3
How Beneficial is Soy?
Soybeans come from a subtropical plant that is native to southeastern Asia. It grows on a plant that can get up to five feet tall and comes in a pod with about three to five beans per pod. Soy has been a staple in Asia for at least 5000 years. It was invented in second century China. Soy was introduced to Europe in the 1700s and was introduced to America in the 1800s. Currently half of the world’s supply is grown in the Midwest.
Studies are showing now that Soy may not be as healthy as we have assumed it is. Information we now have is suggesting soy may increase the risk of breast cancer in some women. It may also affect the brain function in some men. The studies have also suggested it can lead to hidden developmental abnormalities in infants.
The concerns are in the chemical makeup of soy. Although it has a lot of healthy substances to it, it contains a chemical that mimics estrogen. In some studies, it has been shown to alter sexual development in animals. Two glasses of soy milk a day is said to be enough to alter a woman's menstrual cycle.
Critics have pointed out that soybeans are not suitable for human consumption until after fermentation for an extensive amount of time to be able to be digested properly. They also contain an anti nutrient called phytic acid which is in all beans, but has higher levels in soybeans. Phytic acid is said to block the absorption of certain minerals.
"I like soy," said Stephanie Palmer a 21 year old mother of two. "I give it to my oldest daughter and she drinks it up great and she is really picky."
Although there are negative things related to the consumption of soy, it also holds some beneficial value.
Soybeans also contain phytochemicals which are biologically active components that come from plants. One of the chemicals is called Isoflavones. Isoflavones are being studies in the relation to the relief of certain menopausal symptoms, cancer prevention, and slowing or reversing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of heart disease.
In 1999 the FDA began allowing soy products to claim they decreased cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Since then, sales have skyrocketed. Americans began eating more tofu instead of meat and adding soy to their diets regularly.
Leena HIlakivi-Clarke, a Georgetown University professor who has studied the link between soy and breast cancer says, "Soy is a low fat protein that's beneficial in a balanced diet."
So basically soy does have benefits, but many have been blown out of proportion. For example, the claim that soy prevents heart disease isn't true in all people. The stipulation is that it helps prevent heart disease in post menopausal women because it has isoflavone which again, mimics estrogen. Post menopausal women are lacking a lot of estrogen so in their case it helps. For healthy young women who have plenty of estrogen, it does nothing.
The suggestion is do alternate between meat and soy or tofu. It can be beneficial if you are eating a healthy balanced diet on a regular basis.
Paper #3
How Beneficial is Soy?
Soybeans come from a subtropical plant that is native to southeastern Asia. It grows on a plant that can get up to five feet tall and comes in a pod with about three to five beans per pod. Soy has been a staple in Asia for at least 5000 years. It was invented in second century China. Soy was introduced to Europe in the 1700s and was introduced to America in the 1800s. Currently half of the world’s supply is grown in the Midwest.
Studies are showing now that Soy may not be as healthy as we have assumed it is. Information we now have is suggesting soy may increase the risk of breast cancer in some women. It may also affect the brain function in some men. The studies have also suggested it can lead to hidden developmental abnormalities in infants.
The concerns are in the chemical makeup of soy. Although it has a lot of healthy substances to it, it contains a chemical that mimics estrogen. In some studies, it has been shown to alter sexual development in animals. Two glasses of soy milk a day is said to be enough to alter a woman's menstrual cycle.
Critics have pointed out that soybeans are not suitable for human consumption until after fermentation for an extensive amount of time to be able to be digested properly. They also contain an anti nutrient called phytic acid which is in all beans, but has higher levels in soybeans. Phytic acid is said to block the absorption of certain minerals.
"I like soy," said Stephanie Palmer a 21 year old mother of two. "I give it to my oldest daughter and she drinks it up great and she is really picky."
Although there are negative things related to the consumption of soy, it also holds some beneficial value.
Soybeans also contain phytochemicals which are biologically active components that come from plants. One of the chemicals is called Isoflavones. Isoflavones are being studies in the relation to the relief of certain menopausal symptoms, cancer prevention, and slowing or reversing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of heart disease.
In 1999 the FDA began allowing soy products to claim they decreased cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Since then, sales have skyrocketed. Americans began eating more tofu instead of meat and adding soy to their diets regularly.
Leena HIlakivi-Clarke, a Georgetown University professor who has studied the link between soy and breast cancer says, "Soy is a low fat protein that's beneficial in a balanced diet."
So basically soy does have benefits, but many have been blown out of proportion. For example, the claim that soy prevents heart disease isn't true in all people. The stipulation is that it helps prevent heart disease in post menopausal women because it has isoflavone which again, mimics estrogen. Post menopausal women are lacking a lot of estrogen so in their case it helps. For healthy young women who have plenty of estrogen, it does nothing.
The suggestion is do alternate between meat and soy or tofu. It can be beneficial if you are eating a healthy balanced diet on a regular basis.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
My Saturday Night
My boyfriend and I decided to catch a movie after my work party on Saturday. Work parties are always so akward because you feel obligated to speak to people that you wouldn't necessarily speak to at work. For less social people who don't get out a lot, it can be a great opportunity to meet new friends. It is always uncomfortable for my boyfriend because he is quite tall and people always ask questions or make comments about his height. We have had people get up from dinner, walk over to our table and ask how tall he is. He simply gives them a generic smile and a fake laugh and answers the same redundant question. Anyway, we were debating on what we were going to see. Either This Christmas or The Mist. We decided on The Mist. I won't give away any huge details or tell how the movie ended, but I must say it didn't end the way I thought it was going to. It was a long but surprisingly good movie, until the end. There wasn't really any well know actors or actresses but there was some recognizable faces. We decided to go to the movies in North Ogden, which we have been to before. There was quite a different crowd this time. They were a bit too loud and obnoxious for my taste, but it did add a little flavor to the movie. I did not however enjoy the woman about five rows up from me hacking her lungs out. It is quite uncomfortable to know you could be getting sars while enjoying a movie (just kidding). All in All it was a great Saturday night.
My Kids
I love my kids. They are the cutest kids in the world and I know everyone says that, but my kids are. First I have Nautus. He is going to be six January 15th and he swears he is grown up. He thinks because he has a little brother that he can stay up way later than him and do whatever he wants to do. When my mom and stepdad come around, that is when he acts out the most. He thinks he has no bed time. He thinks he can eat and drink whatever and whenever he wants. He throws tantrums. It's crazy. But of course, that is how grandparents treat their grandchildren, they spoil them. He is in kindergarden at Layton Christian Academy. He loves going to school. I sometimes have a problem being tardy and he is quick to let me know when we are going to be late. He hates being late. He has asthma, but luckily other than that, he is quite healthy. He eats pretty well and isn't too picky which is great. Nautus is also extremely well behaved. Compared to other children that I have seen or even babysat, he is the best and I am not just saying that because I am his mother. He truly is a great kid. My younger son will be one in about two weeks. He is a little stinker. He is the cutest kid and also quite smart. He started crawling and walking early. Hopefully he will be talking soon. When he walks, he doesn't have his balance all the way and he somewhat resembles a monkey. It is really cute. Tyrin (the younger one) can eat like I have never seen any one it. He is like a garbage disposal. They get a long really well and I hope they will be close when they get older. I love my kids!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Halloween With the Kids
Halloween is always such a fun holiday, especially when you are a child. I have a 5 year-old son who attends Layton Christian Academy so this year for school he couldn't dress up because they don't allow costumes during school hours. He decided he wanted to be Venom from Spider Man 3. When we bought the costume, he couldn't wait to get home and try it on. He was so excited. My other son is 10 and a half months old and didn't care one way or the other what he was going to be. He had no clue what was going on. We bought him a pumpkin outfit, but then my grandma sent a Chewbaca outfit that was too cute. The venom outfit consisted of a black and grey mask and full body outfit. It was very realistic. Nautus (my 5 year-old) wore his black jordans with it. Tyrin's (the baby) outfit consisted of a brown suit with fur at the bottom and a brown hat with fur on it. Surprisingly he didn't try and pull it off the entire night. He did however try and eat the hair from the costume. It was nice this Halloween because it wasn't freezing cold like it was last year. Last year Nautus wasn't even interested in trick or treating because he was so cold. They had an interesting concept in my neighborhood. They sent out fliers saying there was a block of houses that would be passing out candy. They barracaded the houses off and people from all over came and parked their cars to trick or treat in the block. It was nice because we weren't out there for too long and Nautus got a lot of candy. Tyrin of course didn't eat any, he is too little. After trick or treating for about 45 minutes we visited my grandmother while she was getting dialysis. She and my great grandmother were so delighted. It felt good to see them smile. We ended the night a little early because Tyler had a meeting that lasted way too long. All in all we had a great night and the kids had fun. Halloween this year was great.
Monday, October 29, 2007
30 Days of Nigt was a great movie
Last weekend my fiance and I went to the movies the see 30 Days of Night on it's opening weekend. We had both been anticipating the film since we seen the previews from another horror movie flick a while ago. We both love scary movies. The movie had not received the best reviews, so I was a little skeptical, but we both wanted to see it any way. I actually don't like to listen to the movie critics because their taste in movies is usually different from my own. Bug was a great example of that. They actually liked that movie whereas I thought it was one of the worst movies I have ever seen and I was upset with myself for picking it out. So, back the 30 days... We got to the movie theater and we were able to watch the previews. I love previews they are my favorite part of the movie. The problem that night however was that we had drank a couple of beers that night and so throughout the movie I had to keep running back and forth from the theater to the bathroom but luckily it was right by our theater. The movie started out a little slow but quickly caught up to speed. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I had hold of my fiance's arm almost the whole movie and my body was tensed up. Although there is some gory parts to the movie, it isn't overly gorry. The vampires look disgusting because their faces are all contorted a certain way that makes them all resemble each other, it was awesome. The ending is a little surprising because it isn't what you are expecting, but it was a really good movie. The problem with scary movies, for me is that I can't get them out of my head. So for the rest of the night that is all I keep thinking about. Even though I know that vampires don't exist, I still look around after I turn off the lights and hurry and jump into bed once I get in my room. Childish isn't it, but I guess that is one of the best things about a good scary movie is that it makes you second guess reality.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
My thoughts on the movie Bug
We wanted to rent a movie this weekend but the original movie we wanted to watch, the Reaping, wasn't out yet. I decided to pick up Flicka for my five year old and Bug for my fiancee and I. We began to watch it later on that day while the kids were napping. It started out really slow. Now I swear I have a slight case of narcolepsy so I immediately began to get sleepy. My fiancee decided we should take a nap and watch it later. He said he wasn't that interested in watching it and that the I won't be picking out movies without his ok again (it was my third strike). After finishing the rest of the day I told him we had to watch it because it needed to be returned the next day. Reluctantly he finished it with me. We watched and waited for it to get better, but it never did. The movie just dragged on and on and I was really confused about what was going on. You would think with and actress like Ashley Judd and an actor like Harry Connick Jr that the movie would turn out at least ok. I didn't. I thought the movie was going to be scary, but what it seemed to be about was two meth heads thinking that they were being attacked by bugs. It was really insane. So in my opinion it was an awful movie and I wouldn't never rent or watch it again. I should have watched Flicka with my son.
My Birthday Night Out
I had been anticipating going out for weeks.l I thought this night was going to be the best. I bought a cute new sequence dress and invited all of my friends. I got a baby sitter for the kids for the night so I could go out and have a ball! I even picked up a delightful array of liquor for my guests and I but the night wasn't as fun as I had hoped it would be. I am almost always late for everything so of course this night was no exception. We were all supposed to meet for dinner at El burrito (not my first choice) at 7:00pm however due to some scheduling conflicts I didn't arrive until around 7:30. After finishing a mediocre meal, we headed back to my house to continue the festivities. Now I have all types of friends black, white, older younger, up tight, liberal and sometimes these friends clash. So at one point during the hang out session it was a little bit uncomfortable. However we kept the night going. We all began to drink a grand refreshment called a green demon and awaited for our designated driver to arrive. She finally got to my house and after taken a few to the head I was ready for the night. After arriving to the club my friend and I jetted to the bar so that she could by me a birthday drink. At that point all of us were separated and we stayed that way for most of the night. So for good portion of the night, we were all in different groups and that isn't what I had planned. I wanted all of us to hang out together, but instead of dealing with attitudes I just hung around my one friend the whole night. I also started a confrontation with one of my friends exes. I threatened him by stating my fiancee was jack him up. He didn't like that very much and cowardly backed off. We danced quite a bit and before you knew it the night was over. I was nervous because my fiancee was coming in town early the next morning. I rushed home, ate some leftovers and attempted to sleep however I wasn't able to due to the anticipation of him coming home. The point is I will always love going out it is one of my favorite past times. You get to dress up in trendy, cute, little clothes and drink and be as loud as you want to, but the next time I do go out (which won't be for a while because I am getting older), I will have fun and not worry about whats going on with the rest of our group.
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