New Blog Layout!!

Ok. So I am sure you guys have noticed the GREAT new layout here in my blog! I am absolutely IN LOVE with it. I want to give a BIG shout out and THANK YOU  to ALIKAS SCRAPS. She did an absolutely AMAZING job on it. I CANNOT  thank her enough for making my blog so perfect for me!

38 Red Hair and Redhead Facts

1. Approximately 1-2% of humans, or about two in 100 people in the world, have red hair.
2. The ancient Greeks believed that redheads would turn into vampires after they died.
3. Otherwise dark hair may turn red or blond in cases of severe protein deficiency due to severe starvation.
4. The most rare hair color in humans is red.
5. During the Middle Ages, a child with red hair was thought to be conceived during “unclean sex” or during menstruation. In modern-day England, red haired children have been called “red-knobs” or “tampon tops.”
6. Red hair doesn’t gray as much as other hair colors. Red hair initially tends to turn blond and then white.
7. According to Hamburg sex researcher Dr. Werner Habermehl, women with red hair have more sex than women with other hair colors. He also postulates that women in a relationship who dye their hair red may be signaling that they are unhappy and looking for something better.
8. Because natural red hair holds its pigment more than other colors, it is harder to dye.
9. During the witch hunts of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in Europe, many women were burned at the stake as witches merely because they had red hair.
10. Lilith, the supposed first wife of Adam, is said to have had red hair. She was ultimately kicked out of the Garden of Eden because she refused to be subordinate to Adam.
11. Redheaded women report bruising more easily than other women of different hair colors.
12. People with red hair have twice the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease.
13. Because redheads have thicker hair than people with other hair colors, they have fewer strands of hair. For example, while blondes have on average 140,000 hairs, redheads have approximately 90,000.
14. Mark Twain once quipped that “while the rest of the human race are descended from monkeys, redheads derive from cats.”
15. Hitler reportedly banned the marriage of redheads in order to prevent “deviant offspring.”
16. According to George Chapman’s 1613 play Bussy D’Ambois, the perfect poison must include the fat of a red-haired man.
17. According to legend, the first redhead was Prince Idon of Mu who, upon discovering Atlantis, was imprinted with the island’s stunning red sunset and leaves in the form of red hair and freckles so future generations would be reminded of Atlantis’ first sunset.
18. Red hair is a recessive trait, which means that a child must inherit one red hair gene from each parent. Recessive traits often come in pairs, and redheads are more likely than other people to be left handed.
19. Some scholars speculate that because Adam was from “red earth” and the Hebrew word for “red” is adom, that Adam was a redhead.
20. According to Playboy magazine, “Redheads are like other women—only more so.”
21. Scholars note that redheads have influenced history out of proportion to their numbers. Famous redheads include Roman emperor Nero, Helen of Troy, Cleopatra, the ancient god of love Aphrodite, Queen Elizabeth I, Napoleon Bonaparte, Oliver Cromwell, Emily Dickinson, Antonio Vivaldi, Thomas Jefferson, Vincent Van Gogh, Mark Twain, James Joyce, Winston Churchill, Malcolm X, Galileo, and King David.
22. The sixteenth-century artist Titian (Tiziano Vecelli) painted so many redheads that his name became associated with a shade of red.
23. In ancient Rome, redheaded slaves were often more expensive than those with other hair color.
24. Satan is often portrayed as a redhead most likely because red was viewed as the color of sexual desire and moral degradation.
25. In 1995, Professor Jonathan Reese discovered that mutations of the gene MC1R on chromosome 16 were responsible for red hair (known as the “ginger gene”). The gene mutation responsible for red hair in humans probably arose 20,000-40,000 years ago.
26. According to a Clairol Color Attitude survey, 71% of redheads think that the word “bold” describes them, which is 24 points ahead of blonds.
27. While 49% of those polled in a Clairol Color Attitude survey think blonds are naïve, only 15% thought redheads were.
28. Some scholars postulate that the same gene mutation that causes red hair also affects the way redheads respond to pain and anesthetics.
29. In Egypt, redheads were buried alive as sacrifices to the god Osiris.
30. Scientists now report that Neanderthals had a version of the gene that causes red hair but not the same variant as in modern humans, suggesting they did not interbreed with each other.
31. There is a common perception that redheads could become extinct in 100 years. However, a National Geographic article states that while redheads may decline, barring a catastrophe, the gene for red hair will not likely become extinct.
32. While Scotland has the highest proportion (13%) of redheads (followed by Ireland with 10%), the United States has the largest population of redheads in the world, with between 6-18 million redheads, or 2-6% of the population.
33. The gene that causes red hair initially had the benefit of increasing the body’s ability to make vitamin D, which was important for people living farther away from the equator. However, today’s redheads are more likely to develop skin cancer and premature wrinkles.
34. Red hair is a mutation of the MC1R gene on chromosome 16.  The mutation blocks the production of eumelanin (dark brown and black pigment), which causes a buildup of the phaeomelanin (red and blond pigments). Some scientists believe that higher levels of phaeomelanin may produce more mutations and dangerous effects when exposed to UV radiation.
35. In Michelangelo’s Temptation and in St. Paul's Cathedral, Eve is initially depicted as having brown and blond hair, respectively. But in both artistic renditions, after she eats the apple and she and Adam are driven from the Garden of Eden, Eve is depicted as a redhead.
36. Ruadh gu brath is Gaelic for “Red heads forever!”
37. “Gingerphobia” is a fear of redheads. “Gingerism” is the bullying or prejudice of redheads.
38. Some common surnames in the British Isles reflect the frequency of red hair there, including Flanary (“red eyebrow”), Reid (“red-haired, ruddy complexion”), and Flynn (“bright red”).

How To Have A Relationship With A Redhead

How To Have A Relationship With A Redhead   By: Jennifer Brown

So you’ve found that special someone, your soul mate, ‘the one’. The only problem you find is that ‘the one’ is a redhead. Before you throw in the towel and quit because you think you can’t deal with a redhead, take a moment to learn how a relationship with a redhead is actually possible — if you know these secrets.

The Ginger Secrets: 

1. Most Redheads Don’t Want To Be The Center of Attention: Since birth redheads have been singled out as adorable, cherubic, and have to constantly hear, “oh that hair!” Most red haired children have grown up with little, old blue haired women telling them how much they want their hair and this leads many redheads to want to keep a low profile.
2. Say The Right Thing: If you get in a fight with a redhead, or any woman for that matter, don’t call her crazy. It will only infuriate her more and you don’t want to make a redhead mad!
3. Gingers Are Great in Bed: This isn’t much of a secret, but many don’t understand why redheads are so good in bed. Gingers are great in bed because their hair has preceded them.  A redhead didn’t choose to be a redhead and yet they are given a weird kind of credit for having beautiful hair, as if they had something to do with it. Redheads are competitive and really want to be special for a talent they have actually developed themselves.
Most gingers will try just about anything once. If you want to walk on the wild side, a redhead is just the one for you. If you prefer the weekly missionary poke then skip the redhead.
If, after reading this, you still want to embark on a relationship with a redhead then by all means have at it. In addition to being wildly awesome in bed, redheads are about as loyal as a person can be. If you can pass muster with a redhead you will have a friend for life. You will have someone you can count on, someone who will come to your rescue and to your defense. As friends go, as well as lovers, you couldn’t do better than a redhead.
Just don’t piss them off.

September 20, 1985

 

LCPL Kevin Adam Lucas

20 Sep 1985 - 26 May 2006

26 years ago today God gave our family a little boy. A son for my dear parents and a brother for my sister and I. I celebrated his birthday today without him, as we all have done for the past almost 6 years. Why? You ask.My brother is an United States Marine. And almost 6 years ago on May 26, 2006 he was taken from us while fighting for our country in Ramadi Iraq. Some days it doesnt seem real like I could just pick up the phone and call him. But I cant, so I go on with my life. He remains in my heart everyday. I like to sometimes think that he is there watching over me and my family. Talking to my children when I am not watching. Like when I look and see Kevin laughing at nothing or Kaity talking to her "friend". I just want to say today as you celebrate your 26th Birthday from heaven, Happy Birthday Adam. I hope that you know I am thinking of you, miss you more everyday, and Love you so much. 

New Halloween Layout!

As you may have noticed I have a fantastic new Halloween Layout that my friend Kristina made for me. You can find her blog Here . Thank you Kristina! It looks Awesome!

Thrift Store Mama

Ok so I know I have been neglecting my blog. BAD TOAD. But I have an update on my thrift store find and what I made from it. So I saw this tutorial over at Happy Baby Designs. I thought I can do that. So I went out on a mission. I got this plain old lamp and ugly shade:

 But decided that I did not like the lamp shade with this lamp. So I bought another one with a different shade. 

So I stripped the lamp shades and took the lamp apart. I did not need the cord and electric voodoo of the lamp so too k it all out and spray painted it white.  

 

After 2 coats of paint I put it back together. Added some pretty ribbon and a hand made bow. And Voila!

 I think it turned out Great! It now sits in my daughter's bathroom. I have added alot more bows since this picture as well. I am also going ot convert the other small lamp as well. :) Yes I have alot of bows! 

Thrift Store Mama

So I have recently became obsessed with thrift store shopping. I have found SO many great finds along my journey of thrift store shopping. I was able to buy my oldest all the clothes she wanted for school. Name brand clothes she wants that I could not possibly afford had I bought them out right. I have also found several items for my home as well. So I thought to myself; I should blog my finds. :) So I think I will be doing just that. I dont have a certain day in mind for my posts for this. This will be random and could be an every day thing. I will post my first pictures tomorrow. So enjoy reading and seeing my finds and good luck with finding your own.

The Original Sex Symbol Turns 100

Lucille Désirée Ball

 August 6, 1911 – April 26, 1989

Lucille Ball was an American comedian, film, television, stage and radio actress, model, film and television executive, and star of the sitcoms I Love Lucy, The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour, The Lucy Show, Here's Lucy and Life With Lucy. One of the most popular and influential stars in America during her lifetime, with one of Hollywood's longest careers, especially on television, Ball began acting in the 1930s, becoming both a radio actress and B-movie star in the 1940s, and then a television star during the 1950s. She was still making films in the 1960s and 1970s.

Ball received thirteen Emmy Award nominations and four wins. In 1977 Ball was among the first recipients of the Women in Film Crystal Award. She was the recipient of the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1979, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center Honors in 1986 and the Governors Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in 1989.

In 1929, Ball landed work as a model and later began her performing career on Broadway using the stage name Dianne Belmont. She appeared in many small movie roles in the 1930s as a contract player for RKO Radio Pictures. Ball was labeled as the "Queen of the Bs" (referring to her many roles in B-films). In 1951, Ball was pivotal in the creation of the television series I Love Lucy. The show co-starred her then-husband, Desi Arnaz as Ricky Ricardo and Vivian Vance and William Frawley as Ethel and Fred Mertz, the Ricardos' landlords and friends. The show ended in 1957 after 180 episodes. Then, some minor adjustments were made to the program's format - the time of the show was lengthened from 30 minutes to 60 minutes (the first show lasted 75 mins), some new characters were added, the storyline was altered, and the show was renamed from "I Love Lucy" to "The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour", which ran for three seasons (1957–1960) and 13 episodes. Ball went on to star in two more successful television series: The Lucy Show, which ran on CBS from 1962 to 1968 (156 Episodes), and Here's Lucy from 1968 to 1974 (144 episodes). Her last attempt at a television series was a 1986 show called Life with Lucy - which failed miserably after 8 episodes aired although 13 were produced.

Ball met and eloped with Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz in 1940. On July 17, 1951, at almost 40 years old, Ball gave birth to their first child, Lucie Désirée Arnaz. A year and a half later, Ball gave birth to their second child, Desiderio Alberto Arnaz IV, known as Desi Arnaz, Jr. Ball and Arnaz divorced on May 4, 1960.

On April 26, 1989, Ball died of a dissecting aortic aneurysm at age 77. At the time of her death she was married to her second husband and business partner, standup comedian Gary Morton, and had been married for twenty-eight years.

Happy Birthday to Lucille Ball! 

Top 25 Famous Redheads : Week 5

Redheads 21 – 25

 

21. Sir Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965) – British politician who served as the indomitable bulldog Prime Minister during World War II. His inspiration and tenacity served to solidify British willpower during the German bombings of 1940.

22. Vladimir Lenin (1870 – 1924) – Russian revolutionary politician and statesman, born Vladimir Ilrich Ulyanov. Lenin was the architect of the Soviet Union following the Russian Revolution of 1917, and he was the first Soviet premier until his early death. His preserved body is still on display at his mausoleum in Red Square in Moscow.

23. Malcolm X (1925 – 1965) – African American spiritual leader of the Nation of Islam during the American Civil Rights movement. Born Malcolm Little, he converted to Islam while in prison and became a powerful activist for black Americans until his unsolved assassination in 1965.

24. Elizabeth I (1533 – 1603) – English queen and daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. She was the last Tudor queen, and her reign included the contributions of William Shakespeare and Francis Drake. [Pictured above]

25. King David (1037 BC – 967 BC) – King of Israel who succeeded Saul, and slayer of the Philistine giant Goliath. David was an accomplished lyre player and is credited with composing the majority of the Book of Psalms.

My "Really?!" Moment of the Day

This actually happened to me yesterday BUT I got busy and forgot to post it. (I also fell asleep SITTING UP on the couch lol!)

Alex and I decided to go see HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 and were on our way to the theater. We are driving down Kamehameha Hwy and were singing along to the radio. We stopped at a red light and Alex looks over and sees this:

 

REALLY!?

This guy was standing there with a short top on. And his big belly hanging out. UGH! Alex said, "Mom some people should really think about what they wear." LOL I could not believe this guy. Standing at the bus stop with all his glory. Flip Flops and all. I swear people on this island are weird. VERY weird.

Reggie

An AMAZING story please read.

Copied from my friends facebook.... So no idea if its a true story or not.

Someone posted this on Craigslist down in Fort Hood. I just had to share it....

They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie, as I looked at him lying in his pen. The shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people were really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves as you pass them on the street.

But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt…..give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after it played, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people, whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.

At first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new, tennis balls, his dishes and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.

In the process of unpacking, his stuff (except for the tennis balls --- he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff because I'd planned to get him new things once he settled in. But it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to settle in.

I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name --- sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth or fifth time I called “Reggie,” but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.

It became apparent this just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and I could tell he resented it. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the initial two week trial to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cell phone lost amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes in the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "damn dog probably hid it on me."

Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter. I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he sniffed it and wagged his tail, some of the most enthusiastic I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction --- maybe "glared" is more accurate and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down....with his back to me. Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number. But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope the shelter had given me. I had completely forgotten about that, too.

"Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice."

__________________________________________

To Whoever Gets My Dog:

Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong....which is why I have to go to try to make it right.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.

First, he loves tennis balls! The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hoards them. He usually has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there but he hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.

Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones --- "sit," "stay," "come," "heel." He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down --- I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business. I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing ‘opens his ears’ like little pieces of hot dog.

Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand. He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours. They'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car. I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time. I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.

Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new. And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you....

His name's not Reggie.

I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. But I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well ... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.

His real name is "Tank". Because that is what I drive.

Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with ... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq , that they make one phone call to the shelter …. in the "event" ... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.

Well, this letter is getting downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for Tank. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family ... but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.

And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me. That unconditional love from a dog is what I take with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things ... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I have to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He is my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that's enough.

I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll say another goodbye to Tank though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night –from me.

Thank you,

Paul Mallory

____________________________________

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope.

Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies.

Flags had been at half-mast all summer.

I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.

"Hey, Tank," I said quietly.

The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright. "C'mere boy."

He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months.

"Tank," I whispered. His tail swished.

I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.

"It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball?"

His ears perked again.. "Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?"

Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room.

And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

If you can read this without getting a lump in your throat or a tear in your eye, you just ain't right.

Top 25 Famous Redheads : Week 4

Redheads 16 – 20

 

16. Thomas Jefferson (1743 – 1826) – Third U.S. President from 1801 to 1809. A native Virginian, Jefferson was the chief author of the Declaration of Independence. He was primarily an agrarian-minded president, and would serve as an inspiration to a generation of secessionist Southerners. He negotiated the Louisiana Purchase with fellow redhead Naplolean Bonaparte, and died on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

17. Vincent Van Gogh (1853 – 1890) – Dutch post-Impressionist painter who lived in relative obscurity, yet, his paintings routinely fetch the largest sums at auctions. Probably best known for Starry Night, he was beset by a myriad of mental disturbances, and famously cut off the lobe of his ear in 1888.

18. James Joyce (1882 – 1941) – Irish 20th Century writer, best known for Ulysses and Finnegan’s Wake. Joyce was an expatriate, living in Paris and fleeing the Nazi invasion in 1940 to find safety and death in Switzerland.

19. Mark Twain (1835 – 1910) – Pen name of American humorist and author Samuel Langhorne Clemens. Many of his stories are about the 19th century American riverboat culture (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn), and his pen name was taken from a common call by a riverboat leadsman.

20. Galileo Galilei (1564 – 1642) – Italian astronomer and physicist, perhaps best known for advancing the use of the telescope to verify the theories of Copernicus and describing the laws of motion for falling bodies and projectiles. Galileo was forced to recant his astronomical findings by the Church, and lived the remainder of his life under house arrest. [Pictured above]

26 Things

26 Things is a photographic scavenger hunt. Each month I will go out and take 1 photo to represent each item on the list.  I will post pics as I take them thru out the month. The list will be completed  by the same day of the next month.

July 10th - Aug 10th

love
you
food

new
animal
scape
sound

construction

home
time
transport
light
water
colour
signage
numbers
authority
symmetry
empty
sunset

weather
communication
little things
footwear
money
monument

Sing Along Sunday

At an End

So I have been so behind on my Project 365 that I have decided to stop. I will however try again in 2012. So from now on I will be just blogging. Posting pics from time to time. I hope your not too disappointed. I will continue my REALLY?! moments and song of the the week. :) You will just have to watch and see what I post.

Project 365 - Day 74 & 75

Day 73

The picture Kaity drew for me. It has from right to left: Daddy, Kevin, Kaity, Alex, Mommy, and of course Chopper Dog. :) We are in front of our castle house.

Day 74

Kaity's Dinosaur she drew. Love it! Its a long neck. :)

Back in the day, today...

1800: King George III survives a 2nd assassination attempt 

1933: 1st voice amplification system to be used in US Senate
1942: Gasoline 1st rationed in US (17 Eastern States)
1951: AT&T becomes 1st corporation to have one million stockholders
1968: 1st American League game played in Milwaukee, is a 4-2 California win against Chicago
1970: Elizabeth Hoisington & Anna Mae Mays named 1st female US generals
1974: Walter Scheel succeeds Heinemann as president
1975: Emmy 2nd Daytime Award & Emmy News & Documentaries Award presentation
1989: US Basketball League cancels its summer schedule
1991: Edith Cresson becomes France's 1st female premier
1991: Nepal premier Bhattarai resigns
1991: President Bush takes Queen Elizabeth to Oakland A's-Baltimore Oriole game

Project 365 - Day 73

 

Day 73

The toads we have here in Hawaii are HUGE!

Sing Along Sunday

Princess Ka'iulani, "the Peacock Princess"

Princess Ka'iulani, "the Peacock Princess" & the film of her life 

 

For those of you who dont know, the film was based on a true story. Its an amazing movie. And really opened my eyes on how the Hawaii people where treated and why some still have animosity toward Americans to this day. Especially the military. BUT, on the other hand, the Hawaii must also understand that we are not here to treat them bad. The majority of us are here on orders. Treating us bad is not going to gain your rights back in being an independent country again. Treating us bad is not going to change the course of history and what happened all those many years ago. Before any of us today were even born. The sooner these Hawaiians learn this, the better off they and everyone around them will be. 

I will step down off my soap box now. 

Please read below the brief history of this story and I highly recommend watching her movie. :)

Victoria Kaʻiulani Kalaninuiahilapalapa Kawēkiu i Lunalilo Cleghorn (1875–1899) was heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi and held the title of crown princess. Kaʻiulani became known throughout the world for her intelligence, beauty and determination. Her royal status, talent and double-ancestry (Hawaiian-Scottish) kept her frequently in the press of the day, and newspaper accounts of her comings and goings throughout her life are extensive, often parallel or interconnected with those of Queen Liliʻuokalani. After the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, Ka'iulani overcame her personal reluctance to become visibly involved with politics (or be seen as usurping her Aunt's (Queen Liliʻuokalani's) primary role as leader of the Kanaka ʻOiwi people) by traveling from England to America to lend support to her Aunt efforts to call America to account for its overthrow of the Hawaiian nation. She never wanted her people to be able to say that she, as next in line to the throne, made no effort on their behalf. The most notable (and well-known) instance of this took the form of an unofficial visit with the then U.S. President Grover Clevelandʻi's independence. Her role as representative of her people's rights and wishes was understood. Despite this and the Crown Princess' strong personal statement to the press (published widely in American newspapers) about the wrong done her country, and the subtle influence of her presence at various public and private gatherings (as a guest generally, not a speaker: the Princess never was given an opportunity to speak before Congress, as some commentators have claimed), ultimately Ka'iulani, her Aunt, and the Hawaiian political societies could not undo the injustice of the overthrow. The Princess returned to Hawaiʻi in 1897 to share her people's sorrows firsthand, and continue her role as a beloved Aliʻi until her death in 1899. and his wife. While there was no direct political discussion (and no meal shared, as depicted in a recent film) during this short White House meeting, without doubt the Princess' grace and dignity impressed the Clevelands greatly, increasing the President's already existing sympathy for the Kingdom of Hawai

Update on Stairway to Heaven

If you are driving on the windward side of the H-3, you will see hidden in the beauty of the lush green foliage a trail of steps on the side of the mountain. This is known as the Stairway to Heaven or Haiku Stairs. Built in 1942, by the US Navy for a VFL antenna, 3,992 wooden steps were built to access the antenna. They were replaced with metal ladder steps and railings in the 1950's. Unfortunately, over the years, it has deteriorated with the environment and it is officially closed.

 

 

Mother's Day

Project 365 - Day 72

Day 72

 

Alex decided to put a fruit rollup on her face. LOL We thought it was CHEESE!

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

RANT

So it has been a really long week since I last posted on Tues the 26th. Tuesday night was one hell of a night. LOL

Tuesday night was ball practice for Alex's baseball team. I was talking to a friend of mine and we said that there was some bitches there. Never mentioned any names. AT ALL. Well some little snot nosed kid over heard us and assumed we were talking about his mom bc she was sitting across from where we were. So he tells her that red headed lady called you a bitch. Well it hit the fan from there. I started taking pictures like I always do at practice. This lady comes over and starts running her mouth. I casually look over at her said shut up and walk away. She CONTINUED talking! So I said again, Shut up and walk away only louder this time. She still kept TALKING!! ugh. So I told her to get away from my son and shut the F up and walk way! By this time Mike came over. She was STILL FREAKING TALKING!! Well It escalates until Mike is screaming. Then this other chick walks over and puts her two cents in by saying that if I wasn't holding Kevin that she would hit me in the face. Bc I deserved it. WTF! They don't f*ing know me! I never met the two. She should teach her kids to mind their own damn business and stop eavesdropping and stop assuming things. Bc that makes an ASS out of THEM and HER! UGH! 

End RANT!

Sing Along Sunday

My "Really?!" Moment of the Day

Ok so as most of you know we recently moved to beautiful Hawaii back in August. Well we had the military move us of course. And if your a military wife then you know what a freakin headache that can be. We we had so long to get our claim in for damages in before the deadline. Our deadline was November 29, 2010. Well I made sure all was done and turned in BEFORE I went into the hospital to have Kevin. In fact I emailed it all to him on the 27 of October. The day before I gave birth. Anyway. So we assumed that everything was done. But you know what they say about being assumed. It makes a ass out of you and me. Well here it is almost May and we had not heard anything from them. PLUS they told ME to take the pictures of everything that is broke and to look it up on the net for prices. I dont think so. I didnt break the stuff. They did. So I think they should be the ones to take pictures, look up the stuff and get prices. NOT ME. Well anyway.  I called and had to leave a message bc he was no there. He called back and was like Oh well we havent been able to process anything bc you are missing the DD1844 form for your claim. 

REALLY?!

It has been 5 months since I sent you the last email and you didnt find it pertinant to let us know we are missing a form!!!

REALLY?!

So the Dumbass waited 5 months and ME to call him to let us know this. I cannot believe this. So we have a month and 15 days in order to get all this done. So he's like maam I am so sorry. I said I did not ask for character reference. You need to do your damn job. So he was like yes maam. I will forward you the email that you sent so that you can transfer everything to the form and send it to me so that I can get ur claim done. So now I have to do the shit all over again and email it back to him. This whole thing is so stupid! He makes me want to punch him in the face. UGH!

The Pain of Being a Redhead

By TARA PARKER-POPE

 

Nobody likes going to the dentist, but redheads may have good reason. 

A growing body of research shows that people with red hair need larger doses of anesthesia and often are resistant to local pain blockers like Novocaine. As a result, redheads tend to be particularly nervous about dental procedures and are twice as likely to avoid going to the dentist as people with other hair colors, according to new research published in The Journal of the American Dental Association.

Researchers believe redheads are more sensitive to pain because of a mutation in a gene that affects hair color. In people with brown, black and blond hair, the gene, for the melanocortin-1 receptor, produces melanin. But a mutation in the MC1R gene results in the production of a substance called pheomelanin that results in red hair and fair skin. 

The MC1R gene belongs to a family of receptors that include pain receptors in the brain, and as a result, a mutation in the gene appears to influence the body’s sensitivity to pain. A 2004 study showed that redheads require, on average, about 20 percent more general anesthesia than people with dark hair or blond coloring. And in 2005, researchers found that redheads are more resistant to the effects of local anesthesia, such as the numbing drugs used by dentists.

The mutation in the MC1R gene also occurs in brunets, although it’s less common. In the latest study, the researchers tested for the MC1R gene variant, finding it in 65 of 67 redheads and in 20 of 77 people with brown or black hair. The participants were surveyed about dental-care anxiety, fear of dental pain and whether they avoid going to the dentist.

People with the MC1R gene variant had more dental care–related anxiety and fear of dental pain than those without the gene variant. And they were more than twice as likely to avoid dental care.

Dr. Daniel I. Sessler, an anesthesiologist and chairman of the department of outcomes research at the Cleveland Clinic, said he began studying hair color after hearing so many colleagues speculate about redheads requiring more anesthesia. 

“The reason we studied redheads in the beginning, it was essentially an urban legend in the anesthesia community saying redheads were difficult to anesthetize,” Dr. Sessler said. “This was so intriguing we went ahead and studied it. Redheads really do require more anesthesia, and by a clinically important amount.”

After publishing research on the topic, Dr. Sessler began hearing from redheads who complained about problems with dental pain and fear about going to the dentist. He said that when someone with red hair is considering a dental or other procedure requiring an anesthetic, they should talk to their doctor about the high probability that they are resistant to anesthetics.

“Because they’re resistant, many redheads have had bad experiences,” Dr. Sessler said. “If they go to the dentist or have a cut sutured, they’ll need more local anesthetic than other people.”

Project 365 - Day 71

Day 71

 We are eating dinner and Mike managed to stand a coke can on its edge. It did still have coke in it. The many talents of my wonderful husband. :)

Sing Along Sunday

Project 365 - Day 70

Day 70

 

Today was Easter Sunday. Kevin's first Easter. :-) The kids had a blast. The whole neighborhood got together for a potluck lunch and HUGE egg hunt. It was really great and alot of fun.

Project 365 - Day 69

Day 69

So Saturday we went to the ballpark and played a Sandlot game. The kids had a blast. Everyone played ball. Even me. :-) Thats right. I got my butt up there to the plate, batted, actually HIT the ball, and ran the bases. LOL But it was great fun.

Project 365 - Day 68

Day 68

So today we went to our neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt here at AMR. The kids got to "hunt eggs" in the field beside the Community Center. This was how the eggs were hid. Now there werent just kids out there to hunt. NO! The parents of some of those kids were there. And let me tell you they were trying to get more than the kids. And they wanted to RUN over the others. I had to drag Kaity out of harms way bc they were like a herd of buffalo. I mean I can understand parents helping the little ones ( 3 and under), but 8 and 9 year olds. It was plum crazy out there. People!

Project 365 - Day 67

 Day 67

Yesterday my friend Angela came by with her son Mark, so that him and Kaity could play. We dyed and decorated Easter Eggs. We mad them look like little monsters. Then we took the kids to the park to play. They had a blast. :)

Recipe of the Week: Sooo good!!

Sour Cream Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

 

• Prep Time: 30 min Total Time: 1 hr
•  16 Servings0 30

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 pounds red potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch slices
• 1 (16 ounce) container Fat Free Sour Cream
• 3/4 pound VELVEETA Cheese 2%, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 8 ounces OSCAR MAYER Smoked Ham, chopped
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions

• Heat oven to 350°. Cook potatoes in boiling water in large covered saucepan 10 to 12 minutes or just until potatoes are tender; drain. Remove 3/4 of the potatoes; place in large bowl. Add sour cream; mash until smooth. Stir in VELVEETA, ham and onions. Add remaining potato slices; stir gently.
• Spoon into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; sprinkle with Parmesan.
• Bake 30 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 16, 1-cup servings.
  
  Purchasing Potatoes: Look for firm, smooth, well-shaped potatoes that are free of wrinkles, cracks and blemishes. Avoid any with green-tinged skins or sprouting 'eyes' or buds.

Nutrition Information: 1 serving equals calories: 342, total fat: 22.2g, cholesterol: 38mg.

Project 365 - Day 66

My wonderful husband is now an official CYS Baseball Coach. He is really enjoying it. Here he is helping the catcher with his pads.  :) Alex is on his team as well.

Sing Along Sunday

!UPDATE!

Ok. So I ended up taking a little break. So instead of trying to make up all the last days I missed in my 365, I am going to start from here with the last day I left off. Since I last did a blog post my oldest daughter has turned 13. We finished our family pictures. And have all been back and forth to the dr and dentist. Pretty boring. But hopefully I can stay caught up from now on. Continuing my Really?! post as well as; Sing along Sunday and other exciting things.  So sit back and enjoy. :)

Sing Along Sunday