Being The Only Gal

     Today at work was frustrating.  I'm one of 4 educators in a classroom consisting of a teacher and 3 para-educators.  3 of us have bachelor's degrees, one is working towards one.  3 of us are males and one is female (guess who?).  In my naiive days that meant fun.  I would have the attention of 3 men and since I am the only woman, I would be able to rely on those gentlemen, so capable at their jobs, to be gallant and help me with the workload in a classroom such as ours. I'm not saying do more than their share, but just have my back and do as much as I do.  Oh, by the way, the class is all boys ages 13 - 21, of various intellectual disabilities and behavioral issues ranging from autism to dyslexia and other more serious things.  (Thank goodness, for the one girl, age 17, who sometimes aligns with me, depending upon her mood. More often than not, however, she likes to try to show her own dominance with me, the only other female.)  

      I have found, however, that being the only female educator in that environment is sometimes a pain.  I find that since I am instinctively more nurturing than my male counterparts, I am the one that seems to be doing much of the talking, reasoning, helping, soothing, listening and  tutoring.  Granted, when it comes to disruptive behavior, a big, gruff male is the best way to stop it.  And in a classroom like mine, that male dynamic has to be there.  All of the students have caught on to this and they know that I've got a soft spot.  So they are always calling upon me.  In some ways, this is very fulfilling to me.  I love to help these kids, many of whom have not been given a fair shot in society and in their own homes.  Many of them are living in foster care or group homes for various reasons.  But they are so needy and it wears me out.  ESPECIALLY since the guys in the room are all standing around in a little group talking about the latest sports news, the latest cool 'You Tube' video or the Swimsuit Issue of Sports Illustrated and any other guy thing you can think of.  If they aren't doing that, they are on their laptop or one of the student computers or the iPads issued to the classroom.  What are they doing?  Gaming.  Oh, and don't get me started now that March Madness is here.  They are going to have 3 computers playing 3 different games so that they can make sure to get the scores immediately so that they can make sure they win their game predictions. 

     Don't get me wrong, I love them.  They're great.  I am so appreciative when they help me, because when they do, it's amazing and a lot gets done.  I think so much more could be done though.  These kids really need all of us to give our all.  I understand, too, that each one of us has burn-out phase.  Like I did today.  I actually had  it up to here (pointing to neck).  I  said, "Hey, I've got a dental appointment today.  I'm out.  See you later."  I left.  Checked out.  Gone.  I came home and took a long, deserved nap.  Maybe daylight savings time really got to me.  More than I thought.  

     Tonight me and my co-workers are getting together at our local 'Burger Supreme'.  It'll be great.   But I'm so over being the only gal in the room. 

Can I Stick To My Weekend Schedule?

Tomorrow, I plan on getting up super early (for a Saturday) to go on a 5 mile run/hike in the foothills with my Border Collie, Evee, who lives for those kinds of outings.  Although my metabolism has slowed down considerably since I turned 29 (lol), I still can look forward to dropping about 2 lbs. after I finish my outing.  I have a little secret weapon that I use for performance enhancement and weight loss benefits.  It's called Access from Melaleuca.  It is a small 130 calorie candy bar with special ingredients that I take about 15 minutes before I exercise.  This bar has patented technology (actually 2 U.S. patents and 40 patents or pending patents across the globe) which allows my body to use fat for pure energy at an accelarated rate and also keeps my muscles from getting really sore and stiff after strenuous workouts.  I love it!  I have been using these bars for at least 10 years.  I love them.  (Feel free to contact me for more info here or e-mail me!  I'd love to share it with you!)

I will then come home and do some light housework before leaving for my volunteer hours at the Campaign Headquarters of Mitt Romney.  I've become a political junky of sorts because I feel that this year's election is the most important election of my lifetime because of the high stakes involved. The wrong president will take our country down a very dark path.  The right president will save our country from economic, moral and even possible physical destruction and change the course of history.  It's that important.  The Michigan and Arizona Primaries are this next Tuesday and I feel like I want to do all I can to help Mitt do well there.  I think he is the one who can beat Barack Obama. Definitely anyone who has any kind of interest in a small business or  being an entrepreneur should definitely go for Mitt.  Another year of Barack Obama will kill the American dream as we have previously known it, forever.  The only dream we will have then is to try and qualify for as many entitlements as we possibly can before the financial system all caves in permanently.   The end. 

And since this is the weekend, I will try to have some down time by either reading my latest book choice, 'The 13th Tale', by Diane Setterfield or watching some of the TV Shows that I've recorded.  I have got one new guilty pleasure. (Meaning, I wouldn't exactly watch this with my family all in the room because there are some definite adult themes)  I watch 'Braxton Family Values'.  I get a kick out of all 5 of Toni Braxton's sisters and their mom, Evelyn.  What a feisty, free-spirited bunch of ladies. You should go to WE TV on Thursday nights, "'cause Thursday night is Braxton night!"  Another show I sorta put up with ('cause my husband likes it) is 'Grimm.'  It's about our human world that is also comprised of creatures disguised as humans so that they can actually prey on humans.  Only the Grimms are able to sniff these creatures out and kill them.  Like I said, not my favorite but...I put up with it and sometimes it is rather interesting in a grotesque kind of way.  I really like 'Person of Interest'.  The star, Jim Caviezel, talks like Clint Eastwood in the show.  If you haven't followed it from the start, though, it may be harder to follow some of the more recent episodes.  But I love it because Reese's style of espionage is fun and I love the fighting choreography.  For family comedies, I love 'The Middle'  and 'Last Man Standing.'  My guilty pleasure comedies are 'Suburgatory' and 'New Girl.'  So there you have my T.V. recommendations for what that is worth!  Shows that I've abandoned this season are 'Survivor', 'American Idol', 'Biggest Loser', and 'Glee'.  After all, you can't watch everything.  You have to pick and choose. A show that I'm thinking about checking out is 'Smash' because of all the star power in the show. 

On Sunday, after church, I really need to fly up I-15 about 30 miles to see my Dad.  He is 83 and still trying to go strong.  He lives by himself by choice, although 3 of his 4 children live pretty close.  It's just that we all lead really busy lives and so we don't get in to see him as much as we'd like to.  Between the 3 of us we are able to keep tabs on him fairly well.  He deserves it, he has been so faithful all of his life.  We need to do the same for him.

So there you have it, my precious weekend and what I plan to use the time for. It's time that I want to make the most of.  There is precious little of it...  Have a wonderful weekend!

The Meaning of Absence, Retreating into The Room and A Secret Life!

Maybe some of you have noticed that I've been absent for about a month.  I can't believe it has been that long! 
  I only have so much leisure time in the day when I come home from work and lately, the blog has been neglected due to my renewed obsession with reading.  I became a bit weary of the whole technology thing, along with Facebook, Twitter, smart phones, laptops, iPads, and even computers.  Hence, the public library became my new best friend!  I'm convinced that winter is the best time to read.  I love to lay on my bed, snuggled up in a warm blanket,with the dim lamp by my bed giving me light and my reading glasses giving me sight.  My books of choice have been eclectic.  I have read 'The Meaning Of Night', 'The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake', 'The Room',  'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Pie Society', 'Olive Kitteridge', and now, finishing up 'The Secret Life of Bees', among some others.  It has been so much fun!  I've loved it and I don't know if I'm ready to give up my beautiful books and come out of hibernation.  But at some point I will be ready to start tweeting, blogging, doing giveaways and waxing opinionated. Until then, like me, enjoy your end-of-winter activities.  I hope they make you happy and renewed and ready to meet the Spring when it comes around again!

Tips On How To Recruit For Your Favorite Presidential Nominee

I've been volunteering at the campaign office of my favorite Presidential Nominee for awhile now.  It's just that I feel that this election is such a crucial election for our country and so many things are on the line.  No matter who gets the Presidency, it won't be easy for us.  It's gone too far downhill for that.  But maybe, just maybe, our country will be able to have a chance at gaining back some ground after all that we have lost.  I really don't want to live in a European Socialist State.  I really like Capitalism and I love Freedom.  Here are a few things I have learned since volunteering at Mitt Romney For President.  If you'd like to join me, please feel free.  It's fun and it's a great feeling to know that you're helping your country. 

1.  Maintain a calm tone and demeanor, even though people are yelling at you that you are the millionth caller for the elections, and that they are NOT going to vote for your candidate simply because you are calling.  Statistics show that those calls do make a difference and in all probability, those same people yelling at you will end up voting for your candidate just because of name recognition alone.

2.  If they are polite, thank them profusely!  

3.  If they say that they will be voting, thank them profusely, regardless of who they are voting for.

4.  Scripts are there for those who are unsure.  If you know that something you are doing works well, do it.   

5.  If they say they are undecided, ask them to give your candidate a 2nd look and give them ONE specific reason why.

6.  Give them some validation as an individual for doing the right thing (especially if they switch their vote to your candidate). I tell them that the campaign loves and appreciates them for their support. People seem to appreciate that so much!  I've had people tell me that they were changing their minds just because I said that.  People love to matter.

7.  Don't say anything if it isn't sincere.  People can tell if you're for real.

8.  Have a light-hearted approach to your calls.  Let folks know that you enjoy talking to them.  If you are calling into different states, let them know how it is in your state!

9.  Be aware that time is important.  Sometimes you get people who want to get in a spirited debate about politics and how the country is going to hell in a hand basket.  Try to keep moving because it's your job to reach as many voters as possible in the time you have. 

10.  Always try to get in a mention of who you are campaigning for, even if it's only a "this call was paid for by Mitt Romney For President!"

I'm Determined To Stay Well This Year!

The Flu Bug

I haven't heard a whole lot this year about pandemics or runaway flus.  That's a great thing because I am trying to keep up my good fortune and I don't want it to run out.   I haven't been seriously down-in-the-bed sick for well over 3 cold and flu seasons.  And  I'm around some of the worst carriers around--teen-age kids-- who come to school sometimes on their deathbeds just to be with friends, keep their grades up (this one, not so much), or sadly, just because there isn't anywhere better to go.  Furthermore, I'm probably the most careless person around for putting hands on face during the day and/or not washing my hands as regularly as I could. I DO wash after going to the restroom, but then I may negate the whole process by opening the door without the aid of a paper towel.  So, what has been the difference between me and others, who seem to get 1 or 2 contagious illnesses every year?   I checked out an article in Prevention Magazine and I checked myself against the 10 check points they gave for staying well during this time of year. 

1.  Don't Stay Away From Others - Recent studies show that the ones who are most apt to get sick are the ones who isolate themselves from the outside world, whether it is because they are afraid of getting sick or are just not able to socialize.  The most healthy individuals are those who have at least 6 social interactions daily!  So, yes, I pass that test.  I'm talking to many different people each day because of my job at Independence High School! 

2.  Get Enough Sleep - Adults need between 7 - 9 hours of sleep per day.  OK, this is my absolute essential ritual.  I crave sleep.  I love sleep.  I am selfish with sleep.  People know that if they want to get along with me, they need to let me have my sleep.  If I miss my sleep during the night, I will come home and take myself a lovely, afternoon nap.  Actually, it's one of my favorite things to do.  Incidentally, less than optimum sleep will lower your immune system.  You can either get enough sleep now, or get the needed sleep as you are recuperating from an unwanted, uncomfortable illness...you choose. 

3.  Be More Of An Optimist - Apparently, and I do know this, those who are going around like Eeyore rather than Tigger are going to have more illnesses.  Basically your brain power is a powerful partner to your immune function.  How do I rate? I must admit, some days are better than others with this one.  I'm actually going through some really hard things right now that can make me very sad if I dwell on it at any length and sometimes the only thing I can do is cry about it.  (I miss you, Eddie and Joseph)  Thankfully, I'm a generally happy person and when I psyche myself up, I'm able to handle things.  I think the best way to get into that happy state of mind is to always remember that whatever you are going through, there is always someone else who has it way more difficult than yourself and to reach out to others (See #1).

4.  Express Myself  but do it positively - Whew!  I need some work on that one.  When something bothers me, I can express it, but it sometimes comes out more like a freight train roaring by instead of feeling like a spring breeze wafting through the trees.  That's why a lot of times I just don't express myself at all and that's dangerous because I'm bottling it in.  OK, I need some more help on self-expression.  I want to able to express myself asseertively yet not come off as hard core or angry.  I think that it takes a certain skill, if not an inborn talent to do that.  

5.  Stress - Is it possible to not be under stress these days?  It seems like they're saying, though, that the ongoing stress is the bad one. If you can leave behind your day at work and come home and relax, then there's nothing wrong with that.  But stress that is present day-in and day-out is really hard on the immune system. Grieving is a form of stress that takes its toll..  I recently went through about four months of grieving when my son moved out of our house. Empty nest syndrome is no picnic. But I'm OK now.  I still get to see him once a week and I have been able to move on a bit. 

6.  Using My Own Stuff - Do you use your own keyboard?  Your own pen?  Things that pass from hand to hand are really dirty!  Me?  Yep, I use my own pen, but people come along and swipe it and then either put it back or never return it.  I used to get a little irked when people swiped my pens.  Maybe I should just be grateful they took it, and their germs, with them. 

7.  Exercise - People who don't exercise get sick more than those who don't.  OK, I'm about 50-50 on that one.  I like to put my feet up after work and don't like to get out much after that.  It's especially hard in the winter, when it's so darn cold.  But my dang dog is going to save me yet.  I come home and she is waiting for me in the backyard, looking so dejected and forlorn.  I know that she wants to go on a walk so badly that she can barely stand it.  If I even look like I'm headed toward the door again, she will quietly start crying, hoping I'll pick up on her subtle hint.  That's why I say 50-50. Half the time, I'm a real softie and will go get the leash and we'll head out for an adventure.  The other half, I say, sorry girl, not this time, Mama's toooo tired!

8.  Pollution and Ciggies don't help - first or secondhand smoke is bad for you.  So stay away from it if possible.  Your immune system will thank you for it.  Ummmm....no problem.  We have a no-tolerance policy for smoking or drugs in our High School.  We don't smoke at home either.  What we do have is bad air quality.  In the winter, the Utah Valley gets clogged with smog, trapped in until a storm clears it out.  Not the greatest to be out in, for sure.

9.  Don't Know How To Use Antibiotics -The thing that is so scarey about using antibiotics w/o just cause is that it puts a strain on the whole community of antibiotic users and potential users, rendering many of them ineffective because the germs they were meant to kill now are resistant to them.  Only use antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection and use the whole course.  I haven't used antibiotics for years.  

 10.  You've gotta laugh!  This is going to really help boost those pheromones and immune assisting chemicals in your brain.  Fortunately, I have a husband who is a big goof and he makes me laugh more often than not.  I'm not saying that he never falls flat.  And I let him know.  I think it's his mission to try out his running comedy routines on me and if I give it a thumbs up, based on my laughter, he knows he's onto something.  I wonder if fake laughing counts?  I do a lot of that as well over at the high school, where kids think they are the funniest things since Bob Hope and I play along with it sometimes,albeit sometimes they are good too. 

Really?  Is that it?  Wow!  I think I do OK on most of those points.  Not excellent, but OK.  So what is it that has brought me such luck with the colds and the flus?  Could it be genetic?  I don't think so...Is it the fact that I take some really, really great vitamins and have done so for, get this, 20 years?  Yep, I take some supplements that have been backed by and I'm thinking that they are pretty amazing as far as vitamins go. 

But for whatever reason I have been spared, I'd like to go for another healthy year.  

What are some things that you think make the difference when it comes to the cold and flu season?  How do you do on the 10 points of prevention?  

This article was written by me with no cash or other incentives.  

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How Much Should I Pay For Pants?

The holidays have taken a toll on my hips and thighs and so I went a-browsing to see what I might find in the way of some new pants. I happened to remember a really trendy site, which I remembered had lots of options for the above-mentioned.  I love looking at clothes! I'm not much different from the majority of the female sex when it comes to that.  A few years ago, when I was even more on a budget than I am now, I had a Singer sewing machine and I became obsessed with going to WalMart and looking at all the Simplicity, Butterick, McCalls, Vogue and other sewing patterns in the craft section.  I would then pick out the patterns and material that I thought were so cute and sew my own clothing and even make clothing for my son.  I rationalized that I was saving money.  I was actually paying about the same price as I would if I were just buying my clothes from WalMart.  But I had a little bit of the designer going on in me and it satisfied the OCD/ADD in me which needed to obsess on something.  I wish I saved some of my creations because there were some real doozies!  And I wore them with pride because I had created them.  Anyway, back to the site that I was visiting.  I won't name any names because I'm not out to hate on any sites or for that matter, promote any.  But seriously, would you pay this much for a pair of bloomers? And I don't fault you if you would, 'cause sometimes you just gotta have it!  But for realsies, while I think some of these creations would be just the ticket to hide my surge in poundage due to the holidays, would I be willing to plunk down this kind of lettuce?  Take a look:

Let's start with these red beauties

 at $253

These are a bit more flashy, so $425

I can tell you that I'm liking these pants - plenty of room for disguising my more-than-ever generous hips. No one would ever know.  I think I could even hide a small child in there as well.  Is it worth it, I ask?  Here are some more options:

Pretty gorgeous, no?  $845

These would be my skinny pants 

later - $895

Maybe I... should make it a theme in

blue and get two pairs.  One pair for now and one pair for later when I'm much, much thinner!

Reflection - Things Look Brighter After Today

We passed Winter Solstice today and thank goodness!  The days will get a little longer from here on out!  The Winter Solstice occurred early this morning, marking the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year.  There is only one place I want to be during the shortest day of the year and that is in front of my fireplace in the den, watching T.V.  I know, I should be out doing last minute Christmas shopping and getting those last minute deals, but it's just too cold and dark after about 5:30 p.m.  But at least I don't live in Alaska, north of the Arctic Circle.  For people who live there, it's dark 24-7.   I'm also glad that I am off for the Christmas Break.  I work about 38 hours a week at a high school as a special education para educator.  So this was my first day off for a 2-week vacation!

I actually look at Winter Solstice maybe a little differently than some.  I know that it is an ancient Celtic celebration and even some traditional Christmas symbols can also be traced to the ancient celebrations of Solstice.  For instance, lights and candles were put out to ward off the darkness and encourage the coming of Spring during Solstice.  I love the Celtic influence in Christmas celebrations.  I have Scottish ancestry and very much appreciate watching the 'Celtic Women' Christmas PBS Special each year. For me, it is one of the things I look forward to every year. 

Since we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ very soon, I look at today, this most dark of days and ask myself what it was like for the world before the Savior was born.  The world's inhabitants had no way to save themselves from their own sins.  We are taught that nothing can dwell in the presence of God that isn't perfect.  And since all of us sin, man was doomed to live outside of  Heaven and dwell in their sins forever, spiritually dead.  How dark was that?  I'd say it couldn't get much more.  How much it meant to the world when finally the Savior was born, the only one who would be able to save the world from its sins.  Because of His birth, the world came out of darkness and was given hope.

"Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.

Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.

Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.

Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.

Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life."    -Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 And so, Winter Solstice is a very fitting preliminary event to Christmas, reminding me of how dark the world was before Christ's birth and how much brighter the world was, after His birth.  May you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy it in the ways that are special to you!  Thanks for letting me share!  

$25 to MyBabyClothes.com {Giveaway} #Rafflecopter

I was so excited to work with MyBabyClothes.com.  I have a sister who just had her 3rd sweet little boy!  He came in October and is just so adorable.  He had the most amazing head of hair right out of the hospital.  Now, little nephew #3 is the proud owner of the Mud Pie Little Angel Lounge Set (I love the little angel wings on the back)! 

I think that she should enjoy him while he is little, sleeping and cooing and adoring her.  Before long, he'll be into everything, making messes, throwing things, and pitching fits.  Then it would probably be more fitting to suit him up in a little devil's outfit.  But for now, the angel label is more than fitting!  He also got the Baby Deer Taupe Suede Shoes!  I got them just a tad large, 6 - 9 months, so he could wear them later on.  But they are actually not that big on him.  He'll be wearing them really soon.  Probably before spring!

At any rate, we both were thrilled with the quality of the items.  I was really happy with how quickly the baby clothes were shipped and delivered.  My sister was happy with the quality of the items.  She did say, however, that the items run small.  The little angel outfit was for 3 - 6 months.  Angel boy has got a few more days before he hits 3 months and he probably won't fit into the outfit by 5 months.  (Of course he was 8 lbs. 15 oz. when he was born, so quite a big fellow). 
Just a word, too, about the little girl section of this great store!  They have the most adorable things, like Tutus and Baby Headbands!  For instance, if I had a little girl, I'd want to put her into this little outfit!  I think that for $29.99, it's a great bargain! 

The Mud Pie Chiffon Tiered Dress

And for both little boys and little girls, check out their baby hats!   

So funny and cute!  Makes me smile!

One final thought--do you have a cute little one who would be oh, so cute in front of a camera?  You should enter the Cutest Baby Photo of 2011 Contest!  You could win $150 to MyBabyClothes.com!  Submissions run until December 31st and voting begins on January 1st of 2012!  Just go to MyBabyClothes on Facebook and enter!

It was Alex Liz Robinson's lucky day!  Entry # 156 - Congratulations!  Thanks, everyone, for entering!  Stop by after New Year's for more great giveaways and fun!

Simply Eden Bath & Body Christmas #Giveaway #Rafflecopter

 When I am looking for a great gift, I look for something that won't end up in the re-gift pile the week after I give it to someone.  And for that to happen, the gift needs to be unique, useful and beautiful. This year, I think I've found that in Simply Eden Bath & Body!  Simply Eden is a Bath & Body Delight!  It is for the discerning soap connoisseur and for the budget-conscious luxury lover.  It is for those with the most sensitive skin and for those who simply love sumptuous suds.   And that is why it is such a great fit for many people.  I'd tell you all about the benefits of goat milk soap but I think Athena does it best on her site.  I WILL tell you, however, that I now know a bit of the history of soap that I didn't know before.  It is quite fascinating. 

I counted no less than 37 different fragrances of soap in the soap section!  The names intrigue my scent imagination--Apples & Oak, Mistletoe & Ivy, Orchid Rain, Cucumber Melon, Georgia Peach or Spiced Rum!  And the soap is so beautiful!  It is swirled with colors that match the particular scent! 

I was also able to try the Black Raspberry Vanilla Body Butter, the Simply Radiant Face Cream, the Holy Goat Soap (with Frankincense and Myrrh)  and the Hair Sculpting Wax.  I was so impressed and wowed with each of these exceptional products.  So much so, that I made another order for Christmas for my 2 sisters and 2 nieces!  I know they will definitely love the body butter!  It definitely won't be going in the re-gift pile! 

Simply Eden and A GAL NEEDS... are teaming up to bring you a great giveaway, either for yourself or a fabulous Christmas gift for someone you love!

One reader will receive their choice of  2 soaps, a body butter and lotion!  (ARV $40)  You can enter to win in the Rafflecopter form below!  

Congratulations to the winner - entrant #42, Kasee Johnson!  

#Win Gourmet Gift Baskets Christmas Classic Gift Basket! #Giveaway

 I love Gourmet Gift Baskets because it makes it so easy to convey a special message to someone special!  Last March I got to take the Snack Classic Gift Basket ($59.99) to school and had my class rate it.  You just know they loved sampling all the yummies in it.  It got a thumbs up! 

Some others I'd love to try are:

Soups and Crocks Gift Basket $79.99

The Holiday Sweets & Treats Gift Basket $49.99

Day In Paris Gift Basket $99.99

Chocolate Gift Basket Premium $99.99  Sweet Decadence!

But enough day dreaming and on to business! A lucky winner will receive a Christmas Gift Basket Classic ($59.99)!  It has some great food in it, like Almond Pecan-dy Crunch by Morley Candy Makers (so good, I've tasted it!), Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies by J & M Foods and Buttered Peanut Crunch by Old Dominion Peanut Company!