Frankincense & Myrrh!

Nothing says Christmas like Frankincense and Myrrh! The scents that bring memories! And depending on your religious beliefs, where 2 of the scents that two of the three wisemen brought baby Jesus on the night he was born! So why not celebrate the "old fashioned" way by lighting the new fragrant scent of Frankincense and Myrrh! And as always half of the commission made will go to a charity, like Toys for Tots!


https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents/p/119/new-frankincense-and-myrrh/

Automatic 25% off!!

For the Scent of the Month, which is Christmas Wreath, get an automatic 25% off, No coupon code required. And Remember that half of my 30% commission will go to Toys For Tots foundation to help give a child in need something for Christmas! So give a gift to someone you love, and smile knowing you helped a child have a great Christmas.

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents/p/125:c:100/scent-of-the-month/new-christmas-wreath/

Give the Gift of Giving Back!!!

This is the season to give. So it has inspired me to give back to my community. So half of my 30% commission per sale will go directly towards Toys for Tots until Christmas is over. Then I will be donating to Joyful Heart Foundation, (because of my personal background) as well as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and Make a Wish Foundation. I'm sure you all know what the last two foundations are, but the Joyful Heart Foundation is for victims of abuse, whether it's physical, mental, emotional, sexual, rape, or economical (and yes there is a such thing as economical abuse). I want to give people hope. I want to help people in need, not just around the Holiday times but all the time. I hope that there is enough good in people to join me and help me give back to those that need it more then we do! You'll get a great product, plus a sense of peace that comes with knowing that every purchase you make will help someone in need. So don't wait. Make a purchase now and help someone who really needs it.


https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents

Why do you need to be in a "Giving Mood" to give back?

As I've stated in previous posts, I will be donating half of my commission (which is 30%) for each purchase, to the Toys for Tots foundation. That will be for this holiday season. And for some reason this still isn't inspiring people to help give a child a better Christmas! I guess maybe some people are too, cynical, or maybe they don't believe in the good in humanity anymore. This saddens me greatly. Because I am one of those genuine people who says what I mean, and means what I say. I don't bullshit people, I don't tell story's, and I don't tolerate bullshit. Apparently this is why I have so few friends! Which is actually fine by me because I prefer Quality friends, over a quantity of friends! Simply put, I want real, not fake. I respect others as I would want to be respected. And after all the crap I've been through in my life, from being molested as a baby, before I could even walk, by my birth parents, to being thrown in foster care, to being adopted, and beaten and then molested and raped by my adopted parents, to being thrown back into foster care, then having an ex try to sell me to some random guy on the street for money, to being beaten by an ex, having children young, and then most recently being attacked in my own vehicle by a man bent on hurting me or my children to get money, I'm still here people! I'm still standing strong, looking for the good in people. Hoping that I'm not the only one left. Through all this crap I've been through, I've never thought about suicide, or taking drugs, or any bullshit like that! I've earned a degree in Paralegal Studies, and one in Business Administration, and gained a lot of knowledge, as well as student loans, and still I'm here trying to do good in this world. But I'm finding that the good in people is hidden so deep they don't know how to bring it out anymore. They've been cynical, and doubtful so long, that they have forgotten how to believe in the good in others, they've forgotten how to look at someone without judging them by the clothes they wear, or what kind of car they drive. They see skin color as a barrier, instead of seeing a person. They see a person that could hurt them, instead of seeing the possibility of friendship. Now I'm wary of people. I learned a long time ago to trust my gut instinct. With all the crap I went through, I had to trust myself, and what I felt around people. If I got bad vibes, then I stayed away. Sometimes though, you just have to push through. But not everyone is willing to let go. To let go of their past so that they can begin to see their future clearly. And here I am talking about my past, because well, it's my past, it may have helped shape me into the person I am, but it in no way defines me, or my future. I help anyone I can. I see the good in people until they show me the bad, unless I get bad vibes. And you know what I'm talking about, that feeling of uneasiness you get when you are around a person, who doesn't care about anyone but themselves, who isn't in anything unless it solely benefits them, the person who does more harm then good in every situation, because they dont' care, the person who hurts people without a second thought, and then leaves them there after blaming them for what this person did. They are the people who leave you wondering what is this world coming to?!
So why did I tell you all this? Why did I divulge information about my past? Because one....it doesn't bother me to talk about it anymore. Granted I didn't go into detail, because well, if someone actually gave a shit, if they genuinely cared, they would have asked about my life. But the reality is no one cares. And giving freely of information of my past, can be "juicy gossip" for people, but the truth is I don't care if people talk about me. WHY? Because people talk about other people everyday. And that's a reality. They need to talk about someone else so that their problems can be avoided for a little while. And the second reason I talked a little about my past is because I want people to understand, that if I can go through all the crap I went through and still see good in people, still want to help others that need it, WHY CAN'T YOU??? Maybe you can, and maybe it's just that you don't want to help anyone. I don't know. But why wouldn't you? WHY wouldn't you help a child get a better Christmas? Maybe it's because you don't want to put any money in my pocket? Or maybe you find it better to just donate to Toys for Tots in person. But I don't think that's the reason. I'm challenging anyone who ACTUALLY reads this, to buy 1 candle, and wait for proof that I actually did donate a toy to the Toys for Tots Foundation! I will post pictures. I'm still holding onto the hope, the faith that there is still good people out there and that someone will be in a "giving mood" and actually take me up on my challenge. But the realist in me is trying to get me to doubt that there is any good left in humanity. Because why do you have to be in a "giving mood" to actually give? Why can't you just give for the sake of someone else? Why can't you just do it because they need it? Or because it will make another person smile? Before I post the link to my website, again I'll ask, if I can give just because I want to genuinely help, WHY CAN'T YOU???

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents

Half of my commission goes to buy an awesome toy to donate to Toys for Tots!

That's right half of my 30% commission on each purchase will go to buy then donate a toy to the Toys for Tots foundation! NO LIE!!! So the bigger your purchase the bigger the toy I buy then donate to Toys for Tots will be! So lets help make Christmas wonderful for all the children whose parents aren't able! I remember when I was being helped when I wasn't able to give my kids a Christmas, so I want to give back, and I'm hoping there may still be some kind people out there that want to help others more then themselves! So what do you say? Will you help me help the kids whose parents aren't able to give their children a Christmas? Or are you the selfish type???

I guess I'll find out soon enough huh!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents

Gift the gift that gives back!

A portion of my commission (which is 30%, so I'm donating 10%) will go to buy and donate toys to the Toys for Tots foundation. So every purchase made, will help a child in need, and give them an awesome Christmas! So follow my link, make a few purchases, because while you give someone the gift of a Jewelry in Candles Candle, you'll also give a child a reason to smile by giving them something to open on Christmas Day!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents

Help give a child a Christmas they deserve!

Jewelry in Candles

Where deliciously scented candles and stunningly gorgeous jewelry meet, to create one amazing gift.

A portion of each purchase made will go to buy toys to donate to Toys for Tots to help give a child the Christmas they deserve.

15% discount on all orders over $70

Each item you order comes with a piece of jewelry of your choice inside. Choose either a pair of earrings, a necklace, or a ring! (Rings are available in sizes 6-9)

Visit the website below to order:

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents

If you have any questions please click the contact me button on the top of my website and I will either call or email you and answer all your questions.

Link to online party!

https://www.facebook.com/events/584431681623928/?ref=22

BIG DISCOUNTS at my online party!!!!

I'm hosting an online party for Jewelry in Candles! I'll be talking about the products and pricing, and even talking about how easy it is to join up! Even offering BIG discounts! If you would like an invite to this online party please email me at

patientmotherof6@yahoo.com

I will not give away your email, or sell it, or any of that crap! That's not what I'm about! I'm just trying to gather a great team that is looking to make money and go far!

Trying ot make money for my kids Christmas gifts!

I've been posting links to my website in hopes that someone will help me make a little bit of money to help me get my kids Christmas gifts! But so far NO LUCK! What's up? Honestly I don't know what I'm doing wrong! The Jewelry in Candles make great gifts for anyone who loves candles and jewelry! But no one seems to be interested! It's kind of frustrating! I'm hoping that someone will be kind and buy something! So here's another link to my website! It's McAfee safe! I promise! NO scams!! This is a legitimate thing guys! So help me out would you?


https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents

Why waste time?

You hate wasting time right? So why are you wasting time sitting around reading posts when you could be making money? JOIN my team for FREE!!! Click the link, then click the "Become a Rep" button under my pic, Register for FREE, login to your eCommerce store (which is FREE) to activate your account and you are ready to sell! you are ready to advertise of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Blogger, anywhere! How about that!!!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scent

FREE until November 24th 2013!!!

Joining my team is FREE! It's simple, and did I mention FREE?? That's right, all you have to do is click the link, click on the "Become a Rep" button on my website, register to become a Rep, and then login to activate your FREE eCommerce store! And as soon as your are done you just share the link to your page and start making money! And if you want to sell face to face, then just order the $28.00 Rep starter kit and you'll be on your way to selling the best gifts around! Why are they the best you ask? Because they are TWO gifts in ONE!!! So click the link, and join my AWESOME team today!!!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents

You message me, telling me you're ready to order & I'll give you a discount code!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents
https://www.facebook.com/DorothyBakersDecadentScents

Don't forget Christmas is right around the corner! Get yours now before shipments are delayed!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents/p/78:c:96/fruit-scents/honeydew-melon-candle/

FREE??? Oh yeah! I love FREE!!!

NO FEES? Yeah right! No Startup cost? Really! No monthly quotas to make? Whatever!  All truth! At Jewelry in Candles, there are no start up cost, no registration fees, no monthly fees, no monthly quotas! Becoming a rep is absolutely free! Just click on the link, register and activate your new eStore (which is FREE) and find out how easy it can be to start making money right now! Cllick on my store link
https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents
OR check out my facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/DorothyBakersDecadentScents?ref=hl

Sometimes you just want that clean!

And with the Clean Cotton Scented wax tarts or candles you can get just that!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents/p/89:c:94/all-scented-wax-tarts/clean-cotton-wax-tarts/

Ladies, want a little more attention from your man?

Then try my Vanilla wax tarts or Candles. Vanilla is known to be a sensual turn on for men! This is the only food type scent that most men find irresistable! So this sensual scent is sure to inspire some intimate events for you!!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents/p/92:c:94/all-scented-wax-tarts/vanilla-wax-tarts/

Want to indulge in your favorite things, without the guilt?

The try my Guilty Pleasures Jewelry in Candles Trio. With Chocolate fudge, Birthday Cake, and Cinnamon Buns, this trio is sure to give you a scent-gasm!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents/p/65/guilty-pleasures-collection/

Do you prefer the wax squares that go in the melters? AWESOME!!!

Our wax tarts work with any melter you have! And they still come with your choice of jewelry! So if you don't want tto have to burn a candle but you want the scents to fill your home, these wax tarts are just for you!!!


https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents/p/85:c:94/all-scented-wax-tarts/birthday-cake-wax-tarts/

Mmmmm....Strawberry!!

I just love the smell of Strawberries! And now you can get it any time you light this candle! Have your whole house smelling like Starwberries and Cream! YUMMY!!!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents/p/58:c:96/fruit-scents/strawberry-candle/

Check out my Facebook page to see pictures and get even more info!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/DorothyBakersDecadentScents

Give the gift that will give more!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents

Love the smell of Baby powder, but hate the mess?

Well At Jewelry in Candles, we can solve your problem! With our Baby Powder scented candle! Let this candles smell take you back to when your kids were babies, and they all smelled like baby powder! When you light this candle its sure to bring up those happy memories.

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents/p/51:c:95/relaxing-scents/baby-powder-candle/

Need a day at the spa, but don't have the time, or can't afford it?

Then my Tranquility collection Jewelry in Candles set is perfect for you. With soothing Lavender, Sweet Vanilla, and our special blended scents of our Day at the Spa Candles are a relaxing combination to ease the nerves and give you the relaxation you need. Just add a hot shower or bubble bath, and you'll be right as rain! Know someone who would enjoy this just as much as you? Give them the gift of relaxation today! Click the link below and you can get a 20% discount by entering the one time use code "shopwithme" in at the checkout!




https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents/p/63:c:95/relaxing-scents/tranquility-collection/

Want a discount? Who doesn't?

The first 5 people who order from my site I will give a 20% discount to! Just email me and I'll give you the coupon code to get a 20% discount! But it only works one time! So hurry and get your orders in!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scent

Gentlemen...Can't decide what to give the lucky lady in your life?

Why not give her a unique gift? Jewelry in Candles is just that gift. With lucious scents and jewelry in every candle there's no reason not to give her something that will place that thousand watt smile on her face! And if you can't decide on a scent that you think she'll like, choose three different ones! Each one will have a gorgeous piece of jewelry in it! You can even choose a different piece of jewelry in each candle! A pair of earrings? Why not. A beautiful necklace? Sure! How about a ring? Of course! (just be sure to select her ring size!) And with the trio you can save money! So why not give her a gift that will have her smiling every time she lights the candle, or wears that piece of jewelry!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents

Two Gifts in ONE??? WHAAAAAT?? WOW

Yes that's right. Two gifts in one! Because Jewelry in Candles doesn't just sell ordinary scented candles! NO!! They sell amazingly scented candles with gorgeously stunning jewelry of your choice inside each candle! So when you give one of these unique candles to someone, you aren't just giving them the gift of a long burning, (100-150 hours) amazingly scented candle, but a reason to think of you every time they put on the piece of jewelry that came with the candle!! So why not make someone's day and give the gift of Jewelry in Candles today?

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents

BECOME A MEMBER OF MY TEAM!!! FOR FREE!!!!!

Become a member of my team today only! Just click on the Link and follow the instructions! Don't forget that you need to log in to your new store to activate it!!! And it's FREE but only for TODAY!!!!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents

Pumpkin pie? Nope Pumpkin Souffle!! OH YEAH!!!

You love pumpkin pie right? Maybe you're like me and like the smell but not the pie, or the hassle that it takes from making it from scratch? Then why not get one of these Pumpkin Souffle candles from Jewelry in Candles? At Jewelry in Candles they combine amazingly delectable smelling candles, with gorgeously stunning jewelry, to create a unique product that allows you to choose if you want a necklace, a pair of earrings, or even a ring, and you can select your size!! How bout that!! So go check it out! You won't regret it, and I bet if you order one, you'll make that someone special smile, because it's like getting two gifts in one! (Even if that someone special is you!!)


https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents/p/79/new-pumpkin-candle/

MMMMM.......who's cooking Cinnamon Buns?

Wait no one's cooking? But you can have the smell of sweet sticky Cinnamon buns anytime you want?
YOU BET YOU CAN!! With this delicious smelling Cinnamon Jewelry in Candles Candle!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents/p/55:c:86/home-sweet-home/cinnamon-candle/


And there are so many more to choose from! And the best part is you get to pick what kind of jewelry goes into your candle!

(all candles burn clean, are environmentally safe all natrual soy candles that burn for 100-150 hours! That's a lot of hours!!)

Who LOVES Birthday Cake? Then check this out!

If you love birthday cake, you'll love this candle! It smells just like you are baking a birthday cake! And the best part, (as if the smell of birthday cake wasn't enough) every candle product you order, even if it's just the wax tarts comes with jewelry inside, just for you!!!
So stop on by, pick a candle or two or three! They are cheaper when you get three or more! And help me give my kids a better Christmas, and all the things they need.


https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents/p/53:c:97/dessert-scents/birthday-cake-candle/

NEW!! Gift idea, special gifts! (I'm trying to help my family supplement our income)

Hey all, it's getting to be that time of year again. You know the time where kids ask for every toy they see of TV and all the electronics they see advertised, or that they know their friends have. And in this time we do what we can to give our children the best Christmas possible. So that is what I am trying to do here. I've started up a business that may help me supplement my families income to help with normal expenses (because having 6 kids and only one working parent is really getting rough.) and even help with Christmas for my kids. If I can make enough money!
Last year my children received toys and clothes that were given to us by helpful strangers. I was very blessed last year to have people help me give my children a decent Christmas. And again this year my family is trying to give our children a good Christmas, not just an okay one. Yes I understand that my family is blessed to have each other, but if you have children, and you have ever had to see that sad, look, the tears and the hurt of waking up on Christmas day thinking that Santa must have come last night, even though there weren't any presents anywhere near the small tree that was in the corner of the dining room next to the table, only to find that there is only one present for you, and not the five things you asked Santa for.

You see, my children get to write a list of five and only FIVE things that they would like most for Christmas, and none of them can be electronics. So when you see the hurt in your children's eyes (even though we told them Santa didn't have a lot of money but he would try his best) it hurts your heart.

The business is called Jewelry in Candles. And you pick your scented candle, then either select earrings, necklace, or ring, and if you choose ring, you can specify your ring size! Then once you get your candle, just burn the candle and out will pop your foil wrapped jewelry. This candle is safe and non toxic, made from soy, so it burns clean and has a longer burn time, and is environmentally friendly!

This is very different then any other candle out there, because although there are other companies that put jewelry in the candle (and they are more expensive too!!) we are the only company that allows you to select your ring size! So your ring fits perfectly when you get it!

It makes a perfect gift for the special someone or someone's in your life. They are beautiful, and the surprise makes it all the better.

So if you would, please click on the link, it is McAfee safe and secure, and browse my selection, and maybe if you want to help my help my family, you can order something!

Thanks so much!!

https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/dorothy_baker_decadent_scents

Valuable lesson!

So tonight I learned a valuable lesson. No seriously I did.....

Tonight I learned what NOT to do.

Do not EVER ask a serious question, one that you really want a serious answer to, yeah that kind, don't ask a drunk person to answer a serious question. A serious question, one where the answer means a lot to you, is not something that you should ever ask a drunk person, or even a person that has had even one more drink then you have. And here are a few reasons why:

#1 You will never get an actual answer. The conversation will start to delve into things that should never be talked about or old shit that should never be brought back up.

#2 The conversation will last a good 3 hours, and again nothing will come of it, especially not an answer to the only question you asked.

#3 When the conversation does end, it will not end on a good note, nor will you have an answer to your question. You'll have talked about everything that has ever happened between you two, everything that they think you have done wrong, and no matter how many times you try to go back to the original topic, you'll fail.

#4 Here's the kicker, the person will not remember anything they have said or done, and can reserve the right to be pissed off for no apparent reason whatsoever.

I really learned something tonight guys. Now normally I stay away from serious topics with people who drink. I have about 1 or 2, when I do actually go out. And tonight was no different, I had a total of 2, yes TWO drinks, and they spanned about 3 hours apart. So I wasn't drunk when I made the mistake of asking my B/F a serious question. And I even tried to end the conversation several times. I apologized for making the mistake of asking him a serious question, while I was sober, and he was drunk. But that did no good. Needless to say, I will probably never get the answer to my question because I won't be asking him anything like that again! LOL

So moral of the story, don't be the sober one, apparantly drunk people have more fun, and they never remember SHIT!! LOL Have a great one people!

P.S. please drink responsibily! :)

UPDATE: Ran over Attacker with Van

I just wanted to update everyone on my attack back in June 2013. The case will go to trial. The attacker (Ismael Martinez) is looking at 25 to Life because this is his third offense. The trial date hasn't been set as of yet, but it will go through proceedings in about 6 months (they are really backed up in court!!!) Then the trial will start in about a year or so. 

This has been a horrendous experience for myself and my family and especially my two young children who were with me at the time. And this will not end now. Maybe when the trial is over, and I really don't know how long that could take, then we can officially heal. I know until this is all over, I will continue to glance back out of paranoia whenever I hit that part of the street when he popped up in the back of my van. I will continue to see his face in my rear view mirror looking around to make sure we aren't followed. I will still hear his voice telling me to do what he says or he'll hurt my children. I may always have reservations about it. I know that I am more aware of my surroundings, and even more wary of people. But if I've learned anything from this, it's to stay calm, be aware of the details, because you never know what may be needed or how they can affect the situation, and always, always check your vehicle before getting in.

Weight loss update #2

I thought about adding this in a comment on my last update, but I figure what would it hurt to have a fresh post!

I have gone down another pound! Which doesn't seem like much, but I will say I've lost several inches! I haven't actually kept up with it but honestly going from a juniors size 13 down to a size 9 is absolutely wonderful for me! I am happier, I feel better, and I'm looking in the mirror and thinking, wow you are starting to look great Dorothy! I'm feeling more confident about myself, about my abilities, about the dreams I've been wanting to accomplish! I know that if I can accomplish my weight loss goals, then I can accomplish all my other goals as well! I am on my way to becoming a happier, healthier, more confident me! And that is the best part of all!
And you can do it too! I'll tell you, besides my regular workout routine, I add two more routines into it. They are on youtube.com and total about an hour of a workout! Here  a couple of routines if you are interested in getting a great workout that doesn't really feel like a workout!


1.) Hip hop tabata workout! Keaira LaShae

2.) Reggae Dancehall workout also by Keaira LaShae

Her page is Superherofitnesstv

I use both of these plus my regular workout routine I mentioned in my previous blog, and eating healthy! All this has helped me lose weight! So from 165lbs to 158lbs, and down from a 13 to a 9! That's awesome  right!

Update on Weight Loss and Exercise plan!

So today is the 17th of Oct. 2013 and this will mark Day 4 of Week 4 of my plans! I have weighed in about twice a week, and if you follow me, then you know when I started I weighed 165lbs, and on the 8th of Oct 2013, I weighed 161lbs, and when I weighed in this morning I was at 159lbs pounds! For a grand total of 6lbs lost! Pretty good for 4 and a half weeks, but I want to do better. So, I've decided to change a few things about my plan. As I know not all plans are fool proof, and I will need to make changes accordingly, here's what I've changed thus far:

1) My carb intake is low, but I only incorporate good carbs. Mostly from eating fresh fruits and Veggies, and limiting my bread intake.

2) My fat intake is low, but I still eat fat. Our bodies need it to keep our insulin levels at a normal rate. Sugars aren't good for you. Did you know that orange juice can have up to 42 grams of sugar in it? Yes, that's right, I said 42 grams of sugar. So I rarely drink orange juice! I eat the oranges! Less sugar, and healthier too.

3) Low sugar intake! Very LOW!! Almost all the sugar I consume I get from eating all my fresh fruits and veggies, and nuts. This ensures that I read all labels and nutrition information, and ingredients. I have found that a lot of "HEALTHY" foods aren't actually healthy at all. Either the sugar content is higher, or the contain a lot of processed ingredients! No High fructose corn syrup, to fructose, no aspartame, or any other processed sugars.

4) I am limiting then eliminating the processed foods in my diet. I don't want to continuously put things in my body that are more chemical then they are actual nutrients. When food and ingredients get processed they basically get turned into a chemical equivalent of the ingredient. (I don't know all the ins and outs because obviously I'm not a scientist so really I can't adequately describe the whole entire process) Hence the term "processed" foods.

5) I drink a bottle of water with fresh squeezed lemon juice into it! Yes 16.9 ounces of water with a full lemon freshly squeezed into the bottle! This helps kick start my digestion, my metabolism, and helps the detox process the water does for my body! I also drink about 6 bottles of water a day! Sometimes I forget, but I ALWAYS remember to drink at least 4 bottles of water a day! That equals my 8 glasses.

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST #6

6) I've stopped counting calories. Yes, you read me right. I've stopped counting calories. Instead I'm counting my servings. So I'm only eating 32 carbs a day and most of those are from fresh ingredients, like fruits and veggies, and un-processed grains like Quinoa. I make sure I get at least 4 servings of fruits and veggies a day, and then make sure I get at least 20 grams of protein a day. So I eat a lot of fish, eggs and beans. I also only use real butter, not margarine and fake butter, or vegetable oils. I also eat a lot of raw nuts or nuts roasted with sea salt. Because they have plenty of protein, good fat, low salt, good carbs, and almost always 1 gram of sugar! So it's a WIN WIN all around. Just remember that you have to make a plan to fit you. I started off counting calories, really to find out what I was taking into my body!

I still do my regular workout routine, and I think that this will help me reach my goal weight! And then maintain it!!

I'll check back next week to let you know my progress!

Weight Loss Diet and Exercise Plan!!!!!

So I started my weight loss diet and exercise plan on 22. Sept. 2013 That day here's my stats!
I'm 5'3", 165, 30 year old mother of 6 children. My goal weight is 125 pounds!

Today 8th Oct 2013 marks 3 weeks and 2 days into my weight loss plan. So far, I've been going good.  I've been eating about 1200 calories a day. I have eliminated all white products, so no white rice bread or potatoes. I eat fresh fruits and veggies, low fat dairy, eggs every morning, but I take out the yolk, and I eat lean meats, fish, and lots of beans! I limit myself to 1or 2 alcoholic drinks a week! Always on Sunday when my husband and I go to the sports bar to watch the game! Alcohol isn't good, except in moderation, and I take Sunday to relax and since I still eat healthy and do 2 of my top 3 exercises, I splurge on 2 drinks, and they are almost always Bloody Mary's! (see how I incorporated the V8 juice in there! LOL Got my veggie serving too! LOL)

I weighed myself this morning and I weighed....Drum roll please.......161 pounds! AWESOME RIGHT!!!!

Here's a usual day: I don't always eat the same thing, except breakfast because I love eating high protein breakfast! It's a great way to start my day! This is just what I've done today!

1/2 Hour Before breakfast I drink 1 bottle of water or 16.9 fluid oz

Breakfast:
2 egg whites scrambled
3 oz fresh mushrooms sauteed in 1/3 tsp butter ( I use country crock plus calcium)
Freshly grated Gruyere cheese (applewood smoked) (3 swipes on a grater)
Top with 1 tbsp (tablespoon) of salsa, I use whatever I have handy.
1 Turkey sausage patty.

Morning snack: 3 oz (or approx 10 med size) Baby carrots.

1/2 Hour before lunch I drink another bottle of water (16.9 oz)

Lunch:
3oz of fish (I eat either catfish or salmon) Today was Salmon
I put 1 tsp of extra Virgin Olive oil in a pan and seasoned my salmon with Mrs. Dash Table blend and 2 twists of freshly ground sea salt.
1 6oz container of Yoplait Light Yogurt.

Afternoon snack: 1/4 cup of mixed nuts roasted and lightly salted.

1/2 hour before dinner I will Drink another bottle of water (16.9 oz)

Dinner today will be:
2 oz of Beef roast Shredded
3oz of fresh baby carrots (again approx 10 med size)
1 can of green beans drained and cooked with 1/4 tbsp of butter (again Country Crock with Calcium)

Evening snack will be: 2 squares of Dark chocolate
and right before I go to bed I will drink another bottle of water (16.9 oz)

Now I don't limit my water intake. Usually I will drink about 6 bottles of water or more everyday. You are actually supposed to drink about half of your body weight in water everyday and at 12 ounces for every 30 minutes you workout! This help eliminate toxins from your body, helps with metabolism, as well as helping to circulate blood flow, and digest your food. So right now I weigh 161 pounds. I would take my weight divide by 67% and Boom: I have 107.87 oz of water daily! Now trust me when I say that may sound like ALOT but if you stick to drinking bottled water, or even carry a reusable bottle of water and continuously refill it, you'll down that and more easily! I know I do! heck 6 bottles of water at 16.9 oz is actually 101.4 oz of water! So I was only 8 oz away from my goal! NICE right!! YUP!! And maybe you're thinking about water weight....I know I did too when I was starting out, but I've noticed that I use the bathroom more, so I don't really retain the water! it just flows through me! LOL

If I don't want water in between when I actually drink it, (which is very rare now) I stick with green tea, or regular un-sweet tea! I know I know, you may be thinking un-sweet tea....YUCK! But you don't want that sugar causing your insulin levels to spike, and help you store fat! You are trying to lose it, not gain it!

On top of eating right, I exercise regularly, and workout is pretty intense. Here's what I do:

I choose 2 of the 3 below to do EVERYDAY!!! Even Sunday!!!!!!!!

1.) 20 Min of Stretching as a way to warm things up.
2.) 20 Min of dancing, doesn't matter what kind of dancing you do, I like hip hop and rock, So I tend to do a lot of wiggling and hip moving, kinda like bellly dancing I guess.
3.) 20 Min of jogging.

Then I do ALL of the following. 6 Days a Week!!! I exclude Sundays for now!!!

4.) Sumo Jumps. 10 Reps.
This is where you have legs shoulder width apart, and get into a squat position, making sure your knees are still behind your toes, with your hands fisted together and jump off the ground (kinda explode I guess lol) bringing your hands still fisted up above your head, then return to the starting position. You repeat this for 30 seconds, then take a 30 second break. Trust me when I say you will feel the burn after just 30 seconds! So don't push it!

5.) Lunge jumps. 10 Reps
This is where you get into a lunge position, doesn't matter which foot is in front. Then you jump (or explode lol) off the ground and switch your leg position in the air. So if you had the right foot in front, then when you land your left foot would be in front. Do this for 30 seconds, take a 30 second break then start again. You'll feel the burn on this one too!

I take about a 30 minute break, and eat lunch then proceed with the next 2.

6.) Hop overs. 10 reps
For this you will need a chair or bench. Then you lean down onto it with both hands, place both feet on one side and hop over it to the other side. So, if I start on the left side, and hop over to the right side then back to the left, I consider that one rep.

7.) Plank jacks. 10 reps.
These things are fierce! I love them! They work your core and legs! Basically, I get into plank position, and do the lower half of jumping jacks. I start with legs together, moving only my legs, out, then together, out then together. I consider 2 out/togethers 1 rep.

After this I have an afternoon snack.

Then I rest up for an hour or so! And finish up my day! Whatever I need to do! If I have errands to run
I do all the workouts in my house besides the jogging, which I do with my 2 youngest children. I put them in the stroller and jog away! They get a fun ride (lol) and I get my 20 min jog in! It's great!

So yeah. This is my typical day! And I think the results in the long run are going to be well worth it!

New update on my attack.

So in case anyone who follows me was wondering, I have the latest update on my attack.

I talked to the Assistant DA for Harris County. Very nice lady. But I'll go out on a limb here and say that she isn't nice if you are on the wrong side! Anyways, she had called me and left me a message. I got in touch with her and she told me that Ismael Martinez was in fact out of the hospital, but not in custody. Which put me in a state of panic actually. Which was in the message itself. I couldn't sleep at all the other night. As opposed to any other night where I can only seem to get about 4 hours sleep. The rest of the night I'm either getting up to check the locks on the doors, trying to find out what a specific noise was in the house, or just lying there staring at the ceiling. or squeezing my eyes shut hoping that I will eventually fall back asleep. Right...back on track. So she asked me to tell her about what happened. First I asked her if it was being recorded. Then I asked her what side she was on. Cause sometimes the Prosecutor has certain feelings about the defendant, and in his case some might feel sorry for him. IDK, but I know it has happened before. So, then she told me that he wasn't in custody at the moment, but they were working on getting him into custody. Since he is permanently paralyzed and is confined to a wheel chair they had to have a special task force apprehend him.

I was still shaking when I hung up with her. Because she wasn't sure when they would get him into custody. Needless to say I didn't go anywhere Wednesday. Of course I've been avoiding having to go anywhere unless I absolutely need to. I still don't like to drive my van, I've even taken to talking to non-existent persons' in my car, (and I know they are non-existent, because I've checked my van and there was no one in it but me) and told them that if they didn't want to end up like the last guy that got into my car and attacked me, I'd advise them to exit now. Of course my brain is arguing with itself, one side is saying "hey you know there's no one in the car idiot" while the other side is saying, "what if you didn't check well enough and someone pops up in your car again?" So I'm constantly at war with myself thinking that I'll get attacked again, continuously looking over my shoulder, leery of people who smile to wide at me, or stare at me or my kids too long for my taste. I mean I think I'm really bordering on freakin paranoia and I can't stop it. It sucks. But right back to the update.

Then I received an email yesterday telling me that he was in custody. The DA said she would try and get this to trial as soon as possible. I asked her why it would go to trial and she told me that this is his third offense and he is looking at 25 to life. And that she will push for the longest sentence possible. And the soonest trial date, because she is sure it's going to go to trial. And yes I will have to testify. Which is freaking me out more then I already am. I've had crap happen to me, my father molested me, among other things, but I didn't have to go to trial for him, because he confessed after 6 months in jail, and got out for time served. Can you believe it, after 7 years of  my going through hell, he got 6 months. UGH anyways. I don't really want to see this man again, but in order to put him in jail, I will have to put a brave face on and tell my story! And then hope that the Defense Attorney doesn't try to eat me alive. But I'll handle it when that happens, just like I handle everything else in my life. I mean If I can handle being molested and beaten, then adopted, and supposed to be protected, then molested, raped, treated like a prostitute, beaten, thrown into foster care, an ex who tried to sell me to some guy on the street for $10 bucks when I was 19 and pregnant with his kid, almost dying in child birth TWICE, and being beat up by previous b/f's AND being attacked by this guy, I think I'll be able to handle the Defense Attorney. Right?? 

But it makes me wonder, if God only makes you deal with what he KNOWS you can handle.......does he think I'm freaking super woman? Or is there some kind of lesson I'm missing and I just keep getting handed this shit? I mean if I absorbed the message, and learned from it, then I really wonder what else he will throw at me and say "HERE CATCH THIS SHIT!" 

I also wonder, when is my breaking point?

Racism and Intolerance

Note: These are my beliefs, my thoughts, the way I feel and not to be mistaken for anyone elses. If you agree great if not that's fine too. I know I have friends who have a variety of preferences as well as religious beliefs, so if you are easily offended please DO NOT READ.

I wrote this after I read an article on how gays were intolerant, and how they were destroying the "sanctity of marriage". It pissed me off if I'm being honest! I was frustrated at how my children were treated. How I was treated because I was dating a black man, then the schools didn't honor Martin Luther Kings birthday. I had had enough. So I wrote this and sent it to the editor of the Sidney Sun, our local newspaper at the time. The editor called me and told me they wanted to publish it, it was perfect, and since Martin Luther Kings birthday was the following week it would be a great time to publish it. This article reached people from all over Nebraska, and all the way to Denver Colorado. I am very proud of this. It was longer, but they shortened it so that they could publish it in one print. So you are getting the edited version!

"Dear Editor,

I was reading the newspaper Dec. 26 and found the article called “The Gay Community is Intolerant, Too” interesting. It was well written to say the least. Kudos to the writer!! It also got me thinking about the things that I have had to go through. I am a white women married to a black man. Our children are mixed race. My family moved here for peace and quiet, but the people here make me want to move. I have never experienced more disdain, contempt and outright hatred and racism as I have here in Sidney. Now, not all of the people here are like that. There are many who have not treated us like we are beneath them, they have treated us like “ordinary people.” Then there are those who have told my daughter they don’t want to be her friend because she is not “white” enough. Six-year-old children are telling my daughter this. There are those who know my husband is black and still have the audacity to use the “N” word around my family, thinking we will be OK with it. I have been called “N” lover, and my children have been called “negrites,” – a word for those of the bi-racial background. In Sidney, where black people are few are far between, people still have the nerve to use the “N” word! People are being taught that blacks are an inferior race, one beneath whites. Here in Sidney – where there are more whites then there are any race – shouldn’t National Black History Month and Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday be celebrated just they are in the other 49 states? Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was supposed to be observed in ALL 50 states in 2006! And yet here, it is not celebrated? Just because there are few black people in Sidney does not mean they should not learn about their background. Don’t you think that white children have the right to know what their race put others races through?  Don’t you think that our children need to know what their ancestors did because they thought the darker-skinned were less of a people? No matter where we go, there will be people who can’t stand that my family is of mixed ethnicity. But to come to a small town that says it prides itself on family values and then teaches its children its okay to hate black people and that it’s okay to use the “N” word is not family values at all. That is racism. However small people may think it is, it is still racism, and it still hurts. I have written that to say this: Intolerance is not just for the religious or the gay or lesbian. I am intolerant of racism. I am intolerant of ignorance. Ignorance is not bliss. It is handed down from generation to generation. It can be fixed by education, education of history – all history. Intolerance, on the other hand, is not easily overcome. It is something that we have to live with. Some people do not tolerate liars, sexual predators, thieves, or murderers just as some people don’t tolerate religious people, and some people don’t tolerate gays and lesbians. We all have something that we do not tolerate, and if your preference is the same sex, or if you prefer black men to white men – or black women to white women – or if you believe in something or not doesn’t make you right or wrong. It just makes it your preference or your opinion. It is not a standard that has to be won or lost. You cannot force someone to believe or think the way you do. You can only state your opinion and let them state theirs. If in the end you do not agree, then you agree to disagree!! When the (Dec. 26) column’s writer stated, “someone’s standard has to win,” I believe he was incorrect. Being gay or lesbian is not a standard. It is a choice for some – something they may feel they need to be. Just as being religious is a choice that you can’t force on an individual! Being gay is not contagious, nor is being religious. By being gay or religious you live by different standards, yes, but neither one has to win. The gay and lesbian community is not trying to “hijack” anything. They just want to be treated fairly, just as the African Americans did during the slave days and the civil rights movement. Just because they want to be viewed as equals and have the right to marry who they wish does not make it right or wrong!! It does not mean that they are trying to steal something sacred. Let’s be honest – about 95 percent of the people that get married end up divorced in the first five to 10 years anyway, so what would they really be “hijacking”? The fact they are able to carry the same last name for however long they are able to stand each other? Or maybe the very religious are afraid of change in their own group and don’t want to incorporate the people that don’t think, act, walk, talk, and believe like them? I just don’t think that you are hurting anyone by being religious – or by being gay or lesbian. That is a personal thing. There is just a lack of communication here! Like I said, intolerance is not something you get over. It is handed down from generation to generation, just like ignorance! Just like racism. And while your writer has his opinion on the intolerance of the gay community, these are my opinions on the article he wrote and racism in Sidney."

As you can see, I was frustrated! Although any feedback you would like to give me would be great! And try to be contructive with the criticism! :) Thanks all!

Daughter needs help making sales for school fundraiser! Anyone interested in helping?

Okay my friends and Google familia, I know someone can help my daughter out! Please! She is trying to raise money for the fundraiser at school. She is really excited to be given an opportunity to help her school raise money. Plus she can earn prizes and even get invited to the "Party of the Year" at her school. 

You can help her out by clicking on the link and buying something, anything! They have lots of stuff under $11.00! So please, click on the link, buy something and help her out!  I would forever appreciate your help! Thanks!! 
(All orders have to be paid for by the 21.Sept.13)

https://www.cherrydale.com/go_shopping.php?refid=89497

Society's Judgmental views on Parents Disciplining their own Children

I wrote this article back in May of 2008 when I had only 4 kids! LOL I posted it on Helium.com and it stayed at number 1 in it's category until April 2012 where someone submitted a new article! I am very proud that this article had stayed at Number 1 for so long! It means that I got through to people, it means that my words rang true for many parents out there! It has had over 3 million views. As always please feel free to give me feedback! It is always appreciated! 

When it comes to disciplining our children society has had a say in it for quite some time. Being a mother of 6 children I should know. Now a days there are more laws banning and or restricting parents from disciplining their children then there are laws for stealing.
California passed a law about 6 years ago that states that parents do not have the right to discipline any child under the age of 6 years. They are not allowed to hit their child's hand for touching something in a store that may break and cause their child to hurt themselves or someone else, the parent is not allowed to even look like they are going to discipline their child or the parent can end up spending a year in jail,and after they are let out they are only allowed supervised visits with their children. Meanwhile, the child gets forcibly ripped away from the only parents they have ever known and thrown into the foster care system. Where there, they'll be lucky to find a family that will care more about them, then they do about the money. I know I was raised in the foster care system of California, but that is another story all together. I wasn't there because of my behavior I can tell you that. But I digress.
All this happened because a child was smacked on the hand for touching something breakable. Yeah, a lifetime of trauma for the parent and child versus a small sting of the hand that may last 5 minutes at most and a lesson that may last 20 minutes!
So if you have a child 6 years old or younger you are not allowed to discipline him/her. I say it's a load of b.s.. How does a parent expect to keep a child under control without a little discipline? Uh, yeah you don't. How does a parent expect to keep a child out of jail without some form of discipline. Again I say, Um....you don't. I have seen first hand what happens to a child that has no form of discipline. I dated a guy for 2 years that most people would consider a "mama's boy". His mother allowed him to do whatever he wanted to do all his life, no discipline for hime because he has ADD and Bi-polar disorder, so she let him get away with everything, plus he was the youngest as well. See where I'm goin with this? Yes he had some psychological issues, but if anything this meant he needed order, structure, and discipline, not a lack of all of the above. Now this man is 30 years old, no job, addicted to drugs, been to state prison for 8 years, and since he's been out (around 2 years now) he has been back in jail at least 5 times. All the other children in the family are thriving, full time jobs, with steady history, because they had the discipline that the youngest didn't.

When I was a child, I was taught to say "yes ma'am, no ma'am, yes sir, no sir, please, thank you" etc. (by the people that adopted me before I was taken away for sexual abuse) If I didn't the result would be a smack to the face or butt. Now if I did something wrong that I knew was wrong then I was whooped for it. My mother or father took a belt and spanked my butt until it hurt for me to sit down. I was whooped on several occasions and here I am alive and well still able to tell about those whooping's.
Now I know that there is talk about "other ways" to discipline your kids, but reality folks it works about 15-20% of the time. I know because I've tried them I've tried the "Johnny please don't do that, no Johnny stop, I said stop Johnny, Johnny please stop screaming, No johnny don't climb on that, No johnny, don't touch that, it can hurt you, Please stop screaming Johnny, mommy is just trying ot make you safe". This doesn't work, you are constantly talking and telling him to stop, instead of making him stop. He is a 21 month old child. You can talk to your child and tell them the thing's that are right and the things that are wrong. I mean seriously you can talk and talk until you are blue in the face and unless your child has the attention span that you do your child heard about 15 to 30 seconds of what you said. Most kids learn by showing.  I show my kids everyday. I get up make my bed, clean my room, brush my teeth, the start breaskfast. My kids get up, make their beds brush their teeth then eat breakfast.You show your child what will happen if he or she steals from a store then your child is less likely to do so. My son who was 3 years old at the time, was caught stealing some gum from the store. He had already asked if he could have it and I said no, so he decided to steal it. I saw him, and after I finished paying for our things I made him go talk to the manager of the store. I told him to give the gum back to the manager and apologize. I asked the manager to explain what would happen if he stole again. The manager did, he had the secruity person, which looked like a cop to my son, come over and explain that they would have to take him to jail if he did it again. My son hasn't stolen since. If you show your child what will happen if he or she has sex before they turn at least 25 then he or she is less likely to do so. With the birth of my 6th child my oldest was there. My only girl  (age 11) out of 6 children, I wanted her to know the experience of giving birth. She was able to ask all the questions she wanted, and watch as I gave birth to her little brother. She saw me in pain, she saw what I had to go through to bring her youngest brother into the world. So, now she knows the answer to how does the baby come out. She was shocked, but all in all she thought is was a very educational experience. She knows how a baby is made. She has also stated that she isn't going to be making a baby anytime soon. Which is probably good at least until she discovers boys, then I will figure out another way to reinforce the consequences of sex. I have no doubt that my children will probably have sex before they graduate high school, which is sad, but I will make sure they know the consequences of having unprotected sex. I never sugar coat things with my children. I answer them honestly.
I believe that the key to most successful parenting is honesty, and the fact that your child fears. Fears not you but the consequences of his or her wrong doing. You need to teach your child to fear what may happen if he or she does something that they know to be wrong.
Now I know that this may not always happen the way you may want it to. But for the most part if your child fears what will happen then they won't do the wrong thing more then once!
Disciplining your child is easier said then done. Back in the 50's and 60's parents beat the crap out of their kids and their kids lived to see another day. Now parents don't do a darn thing to their kids, because we the parents are afraid.
Just what are you going to do? Wait until you have to call the police on your child because he or she came after you with a baseball bat or worse a gun? And then what are you going to tell the officer when they look at you like your crazy? Because they will look at you like your crazy. Are you going to say "oh I'm terribly sorry officer, I couldn't do anything to control him/her because of the laws prohibiting parents ability to properly discipline their children so that this won't happen" How in the world are you supposed to keep your child from becoming a career criminal if you don't discipline them and start at a young age?
Now a days kids use the law to get out of trouble with their parents. I am sorry but that is just the most ridiculous thing that I have ever heard. My 6 year old daughter told my 4 year old son that if mommy or daddy doesn't give you what you want we can call the cops because that is child abuse. Yes my 6 year old said that! Let me emphasize that. she is 6 YEARS OLD! So I sat down and explained to my 6 year old the benefit of her calling the cops if she didn't "get what she wanted". I told her that she could call the cops, and the cops would come and take her away her brothers away, and even her new baby brother away, they would take mommy and daddy to jail, and she would go to one home while her brothers would go to a different home and the baby would go some place else, and they probably wouldn't be able to see each other for a long time. My 6 year old started crying saying that she didn't want to go anywhere. Now I know this may sound cruel to some of you reading this, but sometimes you have to be cruel to get a child to understand the consequences of their actions.
I am so sick of society trying to dictate to us what is the proper way to discipline OUR children. Next thing you know the government is going to be installing hidden cameras into our homes to make sure we don't hit our children. It's not just disciplining our children in public that is the concern here. You as a parent are responsible for your child's actions. You know what your child is going to attempt to do, as a young child or even as a teenager, because hello you were once their age too. You should discipline your child the way your parents did. Whoop your child or spank may be a better term for some people, for the things that you were whooped for. And use other forms of discipline such as time out (which I can tell you from experience does not work) or maybe even take something that your child loves to play with or do away from them. This method usually works on younger children not teenagers. Me, myself, I whoop my kids. It didn't kill me and it will not kill my children. My children go out into public and my 2 year old doesn't touch a thing in the store. They all stand next to the cart and hold onto a part of it. They can talk and ask for things but they know that if their father or I say no that is what we mean. Now at home they are a totally different story! They don't listen, and they scream and fight all the time. But they still get the same form of discipline I received when I was a child, only I and their father aren't as severe as our parents were.
There is nothing wrong with spanking your child as long as it is done as a form of lesson out of love and not in a fit of anger. In public society has come to restrict what parents can and cannot do to their children. And what happens to society. They blame the parents because some kid shot 45 people at a school in a fit of rage. They blame the parent because your child stole something and ended up in jail. THEY BLAME THE PARENT. What can the parent do about it? Not a thing. If you ask me it is the parents fault but it starts with society. The U.S. has to build more jails to be able to house all the criminals. It is my opinion that if parents were allowed to whoop/spank their children there wouldn't be as many criminals. Kids now a days do not respect their parents. Why? If you ask me I'd say it's because they don't fear their parents. When I was growing up kids feared their parents, and not so much their parents but what would happen to them if they got caught by their parents for doing something they knew to be wrong. Kids feared and respected their parents and the law, and there were far less criminals then, then there are now. Why because of the discipline they had back then, and the lack of it now.

Book rewrite............... and Poetry Night

So here I am blogging.....instead of continuing to write my book. I've noticed lately I am lacking the inspiration I need to continue this paranormal book I am writing. I've become so discouraged that I am thinking of starting all over, and creating a whole other world instead of writing the story with characters on a damaged Earth. Seems like the ideas in my head aren't really co-existing with this damaged Earth I have pictured in my head. So maybe the best thing to do is to start over. I don't know.

While I ponder that, here's a story for you. lol

 I was talking with an acquaintance of mine about starting a poetry reading at the local coffee shop thing they have here in Baytown. It's called Cork Grinders. They have live music, and great coffee, and wine's and other delectables. I think it would be a good way for avid writers, fans of poetry, lovers of lyrics, to be able to express their emotions, views and opinions. Especially if they aren't musically talented.

And as I am thinking of this, I'm trying to envision a poetry reading atmosphere. It's not hard really. I'm a writer, I can invent all kinds of scenarios for books, real life shouldn't be that hard, right? Wrong. As I contemplate the type of things that would be needed to make the person at the mic comfortable, I am at a loss. I mean I know what would make me comfortable if I was at a mic, but then what is good for the goose isn't necessarily good for the gander. So I stumble with this. Which only makes me frustrated. I really despise being frustrated or upset. I try to remain calm in all situations, but I guess when it's personal, or means a lot to me it tends to bother me rather quickly. But maybe it's that way for everyone.

So since we are talking about poetry this blog, here is a little piece that I wrote that was published in a local newspaper in Nebraska, I thought about reading it if they ever do decide to have the poetry reading at Cork Grinders. Give me some feedback if you would! I'd appreciate it! And follow me for more poetry!

THE MASK

You crawled into my mind, 

and stayed there like a shadow, 

You slithered your way into my life, 

Making it seem like I chose you, 

funny how you could disguise yourself, 

when I have x-ray glasses, 

But they couldn't see through your facade, 

or hear the lies you carefully planted, 

The mask you wear has grown into your face, 

making it impossible for you to tell what is real, 

You walk around like the king of the world, 

Thinking that everyone is in the wrong, 

You can wear that crown of dirt and grime, 

Just so you can feel in control of my mind, 

You see visions bouncearound my head, 

Bold colors of red and the passions of purple, 

life full ofbrilliant greens and dull grey, 

you can see my heart but know not how to proceed, 

here are the directions to the destination you want to obtain, 

make a left at the corner of I don't think so, 

and then try going north on not on your life, 

then take the road that says get the hell outta here, 

Will I ever be this foolish again, 

as to think that love is a precious thing, 

between two people who try to be what they are not, 

to think that no matter what my circumstances are, 

that it can be allowed to enter into the doorway of another's life, 

While My mind has colors galore, 

My heart tends to be laying on the shore of where do I go now, 

waters of tomorrow are lapping at my feet, 

while I contemplate the life's lesson, my defeat, 

Crystallized skies and over powering moons, given time, 

will come to find no appreciation on this world, 

the creams and pinks and gorgeous purple hues, 

are blinding my heart and tearing up my life, 

I tried to help but all I can see is that, 

You let it eat up the love you had inside you, 

You let it take you and give you up to the rain of ice, 

Your heart has been shielded from the love that I gave, 

I watch, with silence on my lips and yelling in my soul, 

I listen, to the tattered voices and the screaming pain, 

I hear, all the whispers of the life going on around you, 

I feel, the seasons of the years gone by, 

I know, that no matter how hard you try, 

The mask you put on a long time ago, 

Won't give up its place, It won't give up your soul. 

House Hunting NIGHTMARE!!!!

Well, to say this is somewhat of a disaster would be an understatement. Baytown TX has little to offer in matters of legality, and honesty when it comes to searching for a house to rent. Oh people are honest enough about the reasons they don't want to rent to you, but those reasons aren't always legal. I mean you could take them to court under the Fair Housing Act, and bring up the housing laws, but then why would you want to rent to someone who is biased about the number of children you have, or racist about the nationality and racial background of your spouse or child?

My family and I have 6 children, many who read my blog will eventually become tired of my repetition of this aspect of my life. But it is necessary to make my point. Our children are bi-racial. And I know that this was a problem back in Sidney Nebraska where we used to live, didn't think this would be a problem in the south. But apparently it is.

Not only is the racial background of my children and husband a problem, so is the amount of children we have. Legally, according to the Housing Laws a family of 8 can rent a house that has 4 bedrooms, and 2 baths, and not violate any housing laws.

But apparently no one who rents the houses we need are wanting to allow us to rent their home. We pay our rent on time, my children are decent kids, and don't tear up things. We take care of house we are currently in (despite the many maintenance problems our current landlord won't bother fixing) but we will get to that fiasco later.

Is it too much to ask to be able to rent a house, that is in good shape, has adequate insulation, nothing leaks, and has 4 beds and 2 baths? I mean hell, we'll even settle for a carport instead of a garage. We'd like a yard so our kids can play, preferably fenced, but hey if not we'll fence the yard ourselves.

But this is hard. Everyone wants to rent a huge 4 bd house to people who don't need that much room. Or to people with 1.2 kids, ya know?! Whereas, my family and I are trying to make due in a small, 3 bd house that is around 1200sqft. Not a lot of room at all. No car port, no garage, and we have a hole in our ceiling where the A/C leaks. And when I say leak, I mean I have a 2.5 gallon bucket underneath it, and I have to empty the thing 2 times a days. Not to mention the mold growing around our air vents, and not being able to use half the stove because the ceiling is falling down onto it. Don't want to be cooking and have plaster in my dinner ya know?!!

So, we've been searching for a house for going on 4 months now. We have a set price we can afford and so far everything we have looked at, I've either gotten, I rented it to someone else, or I don't want to rent to you because of how many kids you have. WTH? We are dealing with a hole in the ceiling, mold, black mold at that, and it's only a matter of time until the entire ceiling in the kitchen falls down. Our electric bill is over $500 a month for the past 3 months because of the hole, and the fact that the roof and attic aren't properly insulated.

I hate complaining. I really honestly do, but when you have mold growing on your ceiling, around the air vents in the kitchen bathroom, master closet and the wood on the attic, and a hole in the ceiling, plus massive leakage, and you have little children, you don't want to live in the house anymore. For safety and health issues. And does our landlord care? No, he came to "fix" the ceiling, and the A/C so that it wouldn't leak, and all he did was put a bigger pan next to the smaller pan in the attic to catch the leak, which didn't do a thing for the leak. He didn't patch the ceiling, but he did give us a piece of like flat insulation, that you would put I guess next to a window or a/c, to nail to the ceiling after it dried out. And that was his idea of "fixing" the problem, he said he would come back to take another look at it, but I haven't heard anything. And I haven't seen him, that was two weeks ago, and 3 days after the ceiling fell to the floor. We've been dealing with the leak for about 6 months now, and it's only gotten worse.

So we look for a house. Our credit isn't the best, so we avoid Realtors. We always pay our rent between the 1st and the 5th of each month. We take care of the yard, and try not to bother the landlord much, unless there is a serious problem. Our kids help take care of the house, they don't write on the walls, or punch holes anywhere, the blinds are a different story, but those are easy to replace. Kids are steady looking out the window, and I don't mind replacing the blinds. Almost everywhere you look you'll see those cheap plastic blinds that cost about $5 bucks, in the windows.

The only thing stopping us from being able to move are the people who are renting the houses. I've seen I know at least 20 houses. First I started with 3 bedroom houses, because all the 4 beds were out of our price range! I mean c'mon 4 bd 2 bth but only 1600sgft, and rent is $1500 a month? That's almost a dollar a square foot! Jeez! But I mention 6 kids and people scurry like roaches when the lights come on. So I said find I'll say four kids, (I hate lying, I'm not good at it at all, but we need to move, so necessary evil). Even then people scurried, although not a fast as they did when I said 6. I even called the same lady twice about one house, and changed the number of my kids, and she still said it was too many!! I mean c'mon people, they are KIDS, not freaking criminals or sex offenders. I mean you don't mind them living next to you, or renting your house, but a family, who works hard, has adequate income, not the best credit, and 6 kids you won't let rent your house?? Seriously, am I the only one who sees something wrong with this?

Okay, after about 7 houses turning us down because of our child ratio, we decided to finally move on to 4 bed houses. But finding one in the $900-$1200 price range.....not so easy. Trulia has houses galore, but most of the are from $1400-$3200 a month! Who can really afford $3200 a month now? Certainly not my family.

So just recently, like yesterday actually, I looked at a 4 bed 2 bath house here in Baytown. The lady who showed it to me, rushed through the house, and didn't really care to hear what I said. The rent was a great price, apparently they were professional landlords. Okay not a biggie, but when I asked her about the application process, she told me she shows the house to several people, and picks the one she likes best! What is this a popularity contest? I mean shouldn't you rent to people based on the ability to pay the rent? Or rent to the person able to give you the deposit first? So again I heard I'll make a decision this evening, and she had me write my name and number down on a paper, and when I did, I saw she has a big star next to the only other person on the paper. I figured she must have really liked this lady, so I knew then and there I wasn't going to get the house because even though she showed it to me, she didn't talk to me, ask me any valid questions to get to know the type of person I was, other then to ask how many kids I had, and I knew she had made her decision. When I didn't hear from her I gave her a call and left a message. She called me back and said that someone else rented the house. I thought okay you made your pick before I even saw the house. So I thanked her for her time and hung up. Even more disappointed then when I saw the star on that damn paper. Because I thought maybe just maybe she might pick my family to rent her house. Because we are in desperate need of a house, the price was right, but it just wasn't meant to be.

It's funny how people will say good things to you when you are in a bad situation, or try to be nice when you are feeling bad about something not going through. They always say, it wasn't meant to be, or something better will come along. And you sit there and look at them like, really? WHEN??? And how do you know? It gets irritating after hearing it for 6 months. Really irritating. As a matter of fact so does the continual disappointment of not being able to rent a house because of my family's race or the amount of children we have. So what we have 6 kids, all of whom are half black and half white? So what my husband is black and I am white? Who are you to judge us??? But that's what renting is about right? They either judge you based on the color of your skin, or the amount of children you have, or your background, or your credit score. It's all a matter of being judged, just each potential landlord has their own particular way of judging you.

I get frustrated enough to throw my hand up and say "Fk it" but I don't. I keep pushing, keep searching, keep praying that we will find a better house, a bigger house, and soon. So really what else can we do but continue, and maybe even sometimes complain?

Happy HUNTING!!!! *yeah right*