Monday, February 27, 2012

A little Random

So I have decided I do love my Note.  I figured I would in time.  It's weird to me how electronics grow on me. I am a little disappointed as to why my Amazon MP3 player isn't working.  That kinda bites, but other than that, it's a nice phone and I love the camera.  I also love how I can draw on pictures so easily with the stylus.

Topic #2 - Why oh why are there so many stomach problems in children today.  I know that my son is a rarity, but I'm always hearing about other kids with similar issues.  It would be so nice to go for a week without hearing I have a stomach ache.  Yeah so he's not eating again and well. . . He's so stubborn, and I know he's not feeling well, but I can't see how completely stopping food helps that.  He frustrates me so, and yeah, I just let him not eat when he doesn't want to with the whole idea being he won't let himself starve.  He does let himself dehydrate though, and so I do get a little upset with him about drinking.  Hell, I get upset about the eating, but I don't push it.  I do believe he gets worse as he doesn't eat, but he thinks that he needs to not eat to get better, so that's what he chooses to do.  I think more than anything, I'm tired.  I'm so tired of feeling helpless.  I can not do anything to MAKE it better; other than, call the doctor again.  Which is what I'm doing today.  Make a sooner appointment. As with any good specialist though, they're booked for like months so we'll see how that goes.


Friday, February 24, 2012

What is important. . .



Saturday one of my boys gets married.
Sunday my girl turns 18.

I first met David when he was 5, and Jennifer when she was 2.  Until I met those two, I didn't even want kids.  I thought all kids were extremely annoying.  Of course, I was 18.  Back then I would have to ask Dave to translate for me when Jenn would speak, because she talked like a chipmunk.  I remember teaching Dave to write his name for Kindergarten by making letters into bugs.  He was completely against it, until he saw the D bug.  When he learned to do it, he was so proud of himself.  He always has the sweetest smile and bright eyes.
I guess for a long time I didn't realize what I was to Jenn.  5 years old is young, but to me I hadn't realized that I'd been her "Mommy" for more than 1/2 of her life, she asked me one day driving down the road, when  I was pregnant with Zach, "Mommy, was it like that when I was in your tummy?"  Tears filled my eyes and I cried, not a small cry, because I realized at that moment, what I really meant to Jennifer.  I guess that was life altering for me.
David has had it a bit rougher then Jennifer, and I know it.  His dad was never all that nice to him.  I think his resentment towards David was about his age when David was born; he still wanted to be a teenager.  It was also harder for me to love David (don't take that wrong, because I love him more than life), but I stand by the fact that he made it harder.  He didn't love me like his sister did.  He had bonded with his biological mommy and he wanted to be with her.  I didn't blame him for that, but there were times when he'd get mad at me and specifically say things like, "Well, my other mom will do it for me then."  He also always craved the love of his father, and when I left their father, David was going into high school.  He didn't want his dad to be mad at him, so he pulled away from me.  It was more like he chose the side of not hurting his dad, so that he could get closer to him.  This worked until his dad found someone else to gain attention from, which didn't take long.  
I've said this before, and I'll say it again.  I didn't believe in love at first sight, until I met those two.  Instantly, I loved them, and I had a feeling that I would love them forever.  So, I married their dad.  (I know, not the right reasons)  Over the years, I grew to love them, more and more and their dad, less and less.  I missed them so much when they weren't around that I would fold clothes and cry, and then I decided I needed to have a child that ironically I would never have to share.  I have always had a bond with David and Jennifer that other people don't understand, and that is fine.   That really doesn't matter to me; it has to them at times.  Both of them have not wanted to hurt others in their lives by it, but both of them know that I will ALWAYS be there for them no matter what.  I love you David and Jennifer Shoop.  Millions and Millions.  



On a lighter note:

Okay so a colleague brought to my attention that Lugar pays taxes in Indiana on a family owned farm that has no house on it for him to stay in.
http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/01/lugar-aide-senators-family-owns-a-farm-in-indiana/
Fine! But. . . he's not a resident of Indiana and who would want someone to be our Senator that is trying to jump through Constitutional loop holes.  Really?  Seems strange to me that any conservative state (INDIANA) would be okay with this.  How can we elect someone when we KNOW that they are immoral and trying to get around a law to get elected?  If they will do that, what else would they do.  In my opinion this is worse than refusing to pay taxes or something like that.  Definitely worse then President Clinton having an affair in front of the nation.  Which we all cared way too much about.

Chobani yogurt is splendid.  I would stay away from vanilla, honey and pomegranate (unless you like the seeds).  Vanilla and Honey are just not sweet enough for me.  All of the other 0% flavors that I have tried have been totally yummy.  Like a little piece of what my heaven will be like.  My personal favorite is the 2% Pineapple kind, but I really like 0% mango, blueberry, strawberry and lemon.  I even really enjoy the plain mixed in cooking.  I use it instead of milk or sour cream in lots of stuff now.  It adds zero fat and lots of protein.  So making real mashed potatoes now can be healthy instead of all carbs.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Why do, we the people, allow things like this?...

Seriously, Dick Lugar has been a Senator for Indiana since I was born, and we allow him to not even live in our state.  Come on.  This is part of the problem with our system.  A Senator of a state is to be a resident of that state otherwise think about it. . . . . . . how could he vote for what is right for the citizens of that state?
http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/21/richard-lugar-tries-to-live-down-not-living-where-he-said-he-lived/

Man I am so sick of feeling like people in America just don't care about the rich and corrupt individuals that we elect.  I'm also sick of my vote not counting (no one's really does here), and the fact that we're really called a democracy.  Get real people.  We live in this country where guess what, the government does control us and they do run the country and our voices are NEVER heard.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/us-sen-lugar-battling-attacks-from-conservatives-dems-who-allege-hes-not-a-hoosier-anymore/2012/02/15/gIQARDdaGR_story.html

The law states that in order to be a US Senator these things have to be true:
"No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen."
http://www.senate.gov/civics/constitution_item/constitution.htm  I figure he'll argue that he was an Inhabitant of the state when he was first elected thus keeping him for being charged with Fraud, but in my eyes he's a criminal.  That is CRAZY, and we just turn a blind eye at all this corruption.  I'm not sure how to make a huge change, but I'm pretty sure writing my Senator is NOT going to work on this one.

We need to figure out how to take our "democracy" back.  We need to have voices and stand up for our rights.

Jon Stewart - Run for president, please...

Monday, February 20, 2012

SMARGLET.....Samsung Galaxy Note...yes, I have one. .

That's right...I am a huge friggin' geek.  I don't care.

I got my Note this weekend, which I did name "Smarglet"...My reasoning..he's a smart phone and a tablet and I'm a little like Smeagol so I combined all three. If you say it like Smeagol would.."Shhmmmaaarrrggllet."

My quick review..
The screen is huge.  It really does seem tablet like.  I won't be able to take it with me to the gym unless I plan on reading a book.  I don't like how 'Sims Freeplay' doesn't work for it.  I was just getting into that game.  The screen is bright and beautiful and so far the battery life isn't seeming any worse than my Atrix really.  At first I thought it was an issue, but after shutting off some battery hogging apps like news, it seems better.  For whatever reason it works better in my car.  It allowed me to put a playlist as link on my home and my car automatically recognizes it.  I'm liking that.  The stylus is kind of neat, but I'm not sure how often I'll use it.  I did use it for "Color Pop" today - It's smaller than a finger tip obviously, so that worked well.  I also wrote a quick note to myself on the screen.  Like that too.  I really enjoy the camera on this device.  Seems much nicer and clearer than any I've had before.
I will update you more of anything I think is cool as I find it.

So by getting a new phone.  Jenn has my Atrix now, and Zacheriah has her iPhone 4.  It was a change all around.  For sure I know Zach is happy, but so far Jenn and I are well.. missing the old and liking but not loving the new.  It'll take a week or so.

Said goodbye again to someone wonderful today.  I will see her again soon, but for me that never seems soon enough.  Oh well, it was a wonderful weekend.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Did you know?????

The laws for insider trading do NOT apply to our government members.  SERIOUSLY...

If I found out that we were going to have some great new business venture at Wabash, and purchased a bunch of stock based on that I could and should go to jail.  

But if the government is passes a law that is going to benefit them financially in any way, it is NOT illegal for them to trade the stocks.  Insider trading DOES NOT apply to the government.  I am not making this up.

Please see this link..http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/wed-february-15-2012-louise-slaughter  Yes I get that this is a show from the Comedy Channel and YES i know that it's supposed to be crazy, but the information is TRUE.  How do we allow this to go on?

If you have trouble believing it from Jon Stewart...Here "The buying and selling of stock by corporate insiders who have access to non-public information that could affect the stock price can be a criminal offense, just ask hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam who recently got 11 years in prison for doing it. But, congressional lawmakers have no corporate responsibilities and have long been considered exempt from insider trading laws, even though they have daily access to non-public information and plenty of opportunities to trade on it."  How about CBS news?

I am so sick of this supposed "democracy" that we live in.  Geezzz..

Also get this, they keep rejecting laws to fix this ..  Hmm wonder why?  Why would I pass a law that wouldn't earn me money?  How frustrating?  Too bad we don't gather together and fix things like this.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

I'm an addict . . .

Okay..I have to confess a few things.
Android (Google) is so cool, but I am a little obsessed.
Seriously, my heart pitter patters with each new release, and even the news of something new.  You know that feeling you get when you just start dating someone, or the feeling you have when there is electricity in your touch.  I really really do have sort of the same feelings with Google.  I am going to look at the new Galaxy Note by Samsung.  Yes, I know that it's a 5.3" screen, and yes I know that is huge, but I also know that I did not buy an Android tablet.  I also am in love with the stylus idea, and why..I know it's crazy..It's new and I want one..and yeah, I'm obsessed and crazy, but I might hold it in my hand and think, "no this doesn't work for me," so we'll see.  The note releases in two days.  I'll update on my thoughts about it once I've held it in my hand.

I am a geek, and I can't help it.  Don't judge me.  So Nate sent me something cool again.  http://pocketnow.com/android/android-50-jelly-bean-coming-second-quarter-of-2012-report . . . . .I'm so so so excited for this. "Another strange bit reported is that Android 5.0 will support dual-operating system designs, meaning that a tablet or slate will be capable of running both Windows 8 and Android 5.0"  How awesome is that?  It means I can get my Slate and run Android or Windows...AWESOME..  How can that place keep making me so happy?
Also, Atrix users, there is an OTA update available.  (4.5.141)  I am not too excited about this one though.  Looks like mostly security fixes and memory functions.  Who knows? I'll check it out tonight and let you know if I find
anything awesome with it.

Some other exciting great news.  There is one person in the world that I feel most comfortable with.  She is like a carbon me a lot only much more beautiful, and she knows me more than any other person on earth.  Not the me that you all see all the time, but the me inside....I get to hug her tomorrow.  My Jenn is staying the weekend.    We talk every day, but that's not the same as being with someone.  Love you babes.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Strange thoughts . . .

Most people who know me, know that I'm a lover, not a fighter, but . . I have come to a decision after watching some MMA fighting and the movie "Warrior" that I would like to be punched in the face.  Just once, but hard enough to draw blood.  I actually would like to see what a punch that hard would feel like.  So I brought it up at lunch yesterday, and apparently it's rare for a person to want this.  So rare, that I figure I'll take money and set a date for when I want to be punched.  The person paying the highest, is the person that will get to take the punch (man or woman - no matter).  I also figured that other people should do this same thing, because I know I would pay to punch some people in the face or neck.  I've really always wanted to punch or kick someone in the neck and watch the reaction.

So boys and girls, I did get another orchid from Gary yesterday.  He's blue and I am not sure what I'm going to name him.  The other blue one is a girl and named blueberry.  This one is a boy and I was thinking "water".  My other one is pink and a boy named Punkin - he's pink, he doesn't mind the name.  I do love me some orchids, more than any flower ever.  I really would like a red one some day though.



See my cute little android charger, and a beautiful new couch with an oversized chair on the way.  Pretty exciting stuff, but I had to let the bag chairs go (that was kind of hard for me, but Gary didn't like them at all).


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

So much more than today . . .

I stared doing a list of people in this blog and why I love them...I can't do that  I'll forget someone.

I don't just love you all today, and I don't just express it one day a year anyway.  I am very happy to have all of you in my life.

Neo - I love you.  kids - I love you.  Parents - I love you.  Family - I love you.  Friends - I love you.  Acquaintances - I love you, too.  Everyone has a little piece of heaven in them...I love you all.  I know some of you express how that doesn't make you special to me, well you're wrong.  Each of you has something unique and special.  I hope by naming generals that I have covered everyone.

Jenn - I hope you're feeling better, cherub. xo



Sunday, February 12, 2012

Android Apps that I can't live without. . .

Today, like many days before today, I decided to clean up my phone of apps that I really don't use.  I download lots of apps weekly (usually free app of the day from Amazon), but anyway, every now and then I find one that is just GREAT.  Most of the time, I just use or play with them a few days and then get rid of them.
This blog, I'm going to tell you about some apps that you could never get on iPhone and why I think they're so awesome.  Actually, I accidently uninstalled one of them today and had to install it again when it disappeared off of my home screen.  


"Application Folder Pro" is that app..OH my gosh I love this app.  It allows you create quick links basically on your home screen to any app or contact.  For instance, I have a group for Work Contacts.  You click it and it brings up all their smiling faces, and it lets me have the choice once I click on them to call, text or email.  I highly recommend this app. I bought it while it was free, but Amazon has it for $1.30.



Next can't live without SwiftKey X.  What an GREAT keyboard.  I love that it learns me and knows what I'm going to type.  Seriously, I've never seen any as good as this, so don't try to tell me that there is a better keyboard out there.





Handcent is my favorite for a texting app by far.  I love the skins, and it's such a nice app with tons of preferences. This is again something Android allows you to be flexible with and iPhone's pail by comparison.



Circle Launcher is another one that I would never want to give up.  It's another app that is really a widget and allows you to add any app you want to a circle button.  You press the button and whaaalaaa..you see all 10 of you favorite games or whatever, and they don't have to have extra space.













As far as games go, I'm a tower defense junkie.  Right now, I have about 5 tower defense games.  GRave is probably the favorite.  I like Jelly Defense and Fieldrunners a lot, too though.  I have the Living Dead Defense right now also, and it is very similar to GRave.





Flixster is yet another app I would never want to live without.  (And it's FREE) This app you can find on iTunes, too for all you Applers.  It tells you current and upcoming movies at theaters close to you.  You can set up favorite theaters, and also it tells you current DVD/BluRay releases.  Good stuff.  I would say that I use that app at least once a week just to see what's out there.  






My weather channel widget is really cool, too.  It keeps me up to date on the current weather, just with the icon.  Also though, by clicking on it, you can get details. 

Shazam will be a keeper for me also.  I love being out somewhere, hearing a song, Shazaming it and it telling me what I'm listening to.  It will even take me to the song in Amazon to purchase straight away.  How great is that?  Oh and guess what - - - It's free too..and Applers can have it, too.  And yes sometimes while it's thinking after it's done listening, I do say "SHAZAM"..






Lately I've been using Audible a lot, which is cutting out the need for my iPod.  I like the iPod for working out, since it's smaller and can clip on to me, but in the car, I've been sticking to the phone.  

Personally, I like Amazon MP3 and Google Music Apps about the same.  I have different music now on either cloud, and sometimes I combine them, but . . . I care for each very much.  Some of my other favs are: Google Talk, Plants vs. Zombies, Pixlr-o-matic (I could do a whole camera app blog), Paper camera, Huntington Bank, Chase (if someone gives you a check, you can deposit it by taking a picture), Fruit Ninja, Facebook, Google +, circle batter widget, car locator (don't get to use that very often), and of course angry birds.

Maybe you could let me know, if there are some that are GREAT that I'm missing.




Saturday, February 11, 2012

Starting again. . .

I have once again started writing.  This time I'm going to try to dedicate time to it every day.  It's hard when time is what I lack, but I'm going to try to keep up this blog, since so many of you read it. (weird but cool) Also though, I think I've found my book idea.  Not prepared to share it just yet, but some of you luckies will get to hear all about it.  Anyway, I needed a poem by a famous author to go into my book, and I stumbled upon this.


Whatif by Shel Silverstein
Last night, while I lay thinking here,
some Whatifs crawled inside my ear
and pranced and partied all night long
and sang their same old Whatif song:
Whatif I'm dumb in school?
Whatif they've closed the swimming pool?
Whatif I get beat up?
Whatif there's poison in my cup?
Whatif I start to cry?
Whatif I get sick and die?
Whatif I flunk that test?
Whatif green hair grows on my chest?
Whatif nobody likes me?
Whatif a bolt of lightning strikes me?
Whatif I don't grow talle?
Whatif my head starts getting smaller?
Whatif the fish won't bite?
Whatif the wind tears up my kite?
Whatif they start a war?
Whatif my parents get divorced?
Whatif the bus is late?
Whatif my teeth don't grow in straight?
Whatif I tear my pants?
Whatif I never learn to dance?
Everything seems well, and then
the nighttime Whatifs strike again!
Seriously I love Shel Silverstein, but this made me think of so many people I know.  I'd point you all out, but I might hurt feelings in the process.  I offer this bit of advice, and it's hard for even me to follow at times, Whatifing everything just makes you crazy and scared of everything.  Life is so much more fun when you live it without fear of everything.  To those I'm talking to, and you know who you are, *SMILE*, you really do choose how you want to live.  I do realize that everything is not fun and games, but . . . everything does not have to be scary either.  There are times when I start doing "whatif's" and Gary will say, "and what if alien's take over tomorrow".  This is his way of telling me to stop it and live in the moment.  It always makes me think, "what if tomorrow doesn't even come, shouldn't I enjoy right now."  Okay, love you.  Off my soap box now.
Watched my first MMA fights last night.  I must say, I kind of enjoyed myself.  Shout out to Steve Ames, who is gonna try again in a few months.  I would have liked to see a little more blood though.  I'm a bit strange like that, but another thought I had this morning is why do people get cuts on their face in their eyebrows and such.  I think I want someone to put a boxing glove on and hit my face hard enough to do that, because it really doesn't look like the hits hurt that bad.  Anyone want to hit me with some gloves on?  Don't line up all at once, I'm thinking it needs to be the right person, and I get to choose.

Friday, February 10, 2012

My life is sometimes in hyper drive.  These classes I'm taking are tough sometimes.  It's really finding the time and energy to keep going with that, along with Zach and all of his stuff.  I have trouble keeping a watch on his grades, and personality, while trying to deal with the weird sickness he's trying to overcome, and now the play (which I have a much greater part in this year). I get so tired sometimes.  It is hard to stay positive through the muck some days.
My life is pretty great though, and I love (yeah that's right...LOVE) the people that are in it, so I guess that's really all that matters.  There are days, when I get overwhelmed.  There are times when it feels like the walls are closing in around me and I would just like to break out.  I figure it's been a few days since I worked out, so that's why I'm feeling like this.

On a positive note, I rode to work this morning listening to music for the first time in a while, instead of listening to an audio book.  Need to switch off more often.  I love music, and I love my new car stereo.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

All of the answers to my problems. . .

I do believe that the Samsung Slate 8 might be the answer I needed.  Thanks to Nate, if he even reads this.  I have been doing some thinking lately.

First let me explain an issue that I have going on.  iPads, yes iPads...So as many of you know I am a Support Center Manager in IT.  We buy all equipment for our entire organization, and iPads and iPhones are plaguing us daily.  Well a while ago, we decided that pocketcloud (first rdp) was awesome, because you could vpn in and then your ipad could look just like your desktop.  (WINDOWS desktop)  This has it's issues because without rooting the ipad you can't get a mouse to work, which means you have a sucky virtual mouse.  Well anyhow...I've had a few really prominent workers at Wabash ask me to no longer have laptops but instead want to travel with their iPad alone.  I love this idea, except, well it's not ideal.  The iPad isn't really a good PC replacement.  Sorry, but it isn't.

Well....a few weeks ago at lunch, I was talking to someone (Nate) about what I geek I am, and he sent me a link to a video about the Samsung Slate 8.  They have a 7 too, but it's no where as cool as the 8.  I am really really excited about this.  It comes loaded with Windows 8 (microsoft, so guess what...guess what...computing power).  I know people think I'm crazy and I'm not a microsoft lover by any means, but I do love a solution that works for business with less complaints.  So, this is a TABLET and it docks when you set it in it's stand that comes with it, and it has a bluetooth keyboard and mouse.  Did you get that...??? Keyboard and mouse..
http://www.winrumors.com/samsung-planning-modified-windows-8-series-7-slate-for-late-2012/
I will be piloting one of these devices for work as soon as it's officially released, only wish I could get on a list somehow and get them ahead of the curve.

On a side note, been in Wisconsin with mom for a few days.. She is up here for training, and well isn't extremely well traveled, so i came up to get her settled.  She's up here for two weeks. Yuck.  I fly back tomorrow though, and I'm pretty excited to hug my boys.
Anyone that reads this and knows my family well, knows how unhappy mom was with her last job, well she's really loving this place so far.  Also, Roy...He's loving his too.  I'm really happy for both of them.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

What the words mean. . .

For me it's really simple to say what I mean.  I know that people struggle with that, and I feel sorry for them.  I have no problem at all expressing myself, and honestly (and candid), if you're around me more than a few moments, you know how I feel about you.  I don't even think I'm hard to read.  There is no mystery here, I wear it on my sleeve.

I know I've hurt a few people and continue to do with my "put it all out there" attitude, but I don't try to be inconsiderate.  Actually, I've gotten really a lot better about how I handle myself professionally in the last few years.  I've worked hard to THINK before I speak, and to be courteous with my speech.

Lately, I have been trying to get to know what makes people around me tick.  How do I get them to open up or how do I get them to maybe shut up?  While doing this, I learned something very valuable about myself though, and that wasn't intended.  It's not that I don't have an open mind, and it's not that I don't "love you" when I say I do.  I just really get annoyed by people that I don't feel are as intelligent as me, or rather people that think if they hover I will fix their problems sooner, or people that complain all the time about everything.  And guess what...I don't really like annoyance.  I'm gonna work on it.

Well - Love you..all..unless I don't.