Random Musings of a Curious Mind

Fix Quix Meal and Snack Solutions

2009-11-14T15:44:00.001-07:00

The news is filled with articles and stories about Americans' weight issues and an, almost, global obesity problem. It's easy, with everything else we have to do in a day, to grab what we can, when we can. With virtually no time and no thought for nutrition, we develop poor eating habits and pack on the pounds.

We are huge fans of quick meals at our house. One of our favorites is, according to Mark, a chef's salad. I call it a kitchen-sink salad, because it has everything but the kitchen sink in it. Carrot, onion, green pepper, celery, tomato, hard-boiled egg, at least 2 kinds of cheese, and usually 3 kinds of meat. Oh and lettuce, too. Sadly, we're often at the mercy of whatever leftover meat, if any, is in the fridge.

What if there was an easy way to add protein to that favorite salad, or a quick pasta or casserole meal? And what if it was not only tasty, but heart-smart? Well, I may have found just what that salad needs: ready-to-eat chicken, turkey, or ham.

It's from Buddig and it's called Fix Quix. With no trans fat, no MSG, and no artificial colors, this is a healthy addition to any main dish, or meal. Or a great, on-the-go snack. With Mark's low-carb, no sugar diet restrictions, this may be the perfect answer to that late-night "Honey, what can I eat?" problem.

And if Grilled Chicken, Oven-Roasted Turkey, and Smoked Ham doesn't sound tempting enough, how about $1.00 off? That's right! Just download, print, and save $1.00. But Buddig didn't stop there - they've put bonus coupons on the Fix Quix packages, too.

Like most new products, Fix Quix isn't available everywhere. At least, not yet. For now, you can find it in Arizona, Texas, and St. Louis. If, like us, you're lucky enough to live in one of these areas, check out the where to buy details. And be one of the first to try this healthy meal solution.

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God Bless!

Jules

Test Post

2008-10-07T21:36:00.002-07:00

Now that I've changed webhosts, nothing is posting right again.

The new host uses a totally different ftp process from the previous host. Nothing I try seems to work right. Beginning to upset me. Ya know!?

Happy Updates!: I managed to finally update all of the stuff that had to be updated - and, as you can tell, we are posting again! WooHoo!!

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God Bless!

Jules

Blogging Nightmare

2008-08-08T16:55:00.002-07:00

I have been battling with Blogger and Thingamablog for almost 4 months now. It is absolutely driving me crazy! If - and this is a big one - I can get something to post on one, I can't get it to update on the other.

So, I am doing another test: to make sure that I can post on blogger AND that I can update Thingamablog. I'm still not certain exactly which format I prefer. The individual post format on Blogger is much nicer; I have much more control. But I have to admit, I really like the overall format that I have set up on Thingamablog.

Sadly, in the midst of all these trials (and tribulations) I've misplaced an archive file (or 3) with many of the posts that I made in May and June. Needless to say, I am seriously not happy.

We'll see how this latest test goes, and then maybe I can get everything in one place -- at least going forward. Wish me luck!

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God Bless!

Jules

Theater Seating

2008-04-15T23:15:00.005-07:00

Have you ever played "If I hit the lottery, I'd . . ."? It's a game we play alot and each time we come up with something else that we'd do or buy, if we had the chance. But the one consistency is - we want a true home theater.

We currently have what the electronics industry laughingly calls a home theater system - an amplifier and a bunch of speakers. What I'm talking about is a large room with a giant TV, surround sound, theater seating, and a popcorn machine! Just imagine settling back in a leather recliner, complete with cupholder, and watching whatever you want on a screen so big you can see the pores on the actors' faces.

Hey, if you're going to dream - Dream Big!

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God Bless!

Jules

High Risk Life Insurance

2008-04-13T01:03:00.005-07:00

Given Mark's health - liver cancer and transplant, lung cancer - his only option is high risk life insurance. This is not generally an inexpensive policy, to say the least. What I didn't know is that there are companies out there that have a different outlook.

It's the underwriting process, which determines the financial risk to the insurer, that sets the policy premiums. By using outdated, 30-year-old mortality tables, insurance companies blindly decide that people with serious health problems are a much higher risk than they actually are. Because they take into account medical advances and treatments, which allow cancer patients or diabetics to live longer than they did 30 years ago, some insurers actually have premium rates that are similar to those for people in 'perfect' health.

All I can say is - It's about time!

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God Bless!

Jules

7th Heaven Book

2008-04-10T10:37:00.005-07:00

I am a voracious reader - romances, mysteries, mystery-romance, suspense, and thrillers. Not every book in every genre is a keeper, so I tend to stick with the authors that I know I'll consistently enjoy. One of my favorites is James Patterson.

Although I regularly read the "Alex Cross" series, I didn't realize that there was another Patterson series - "The Women's Murder Club." With characteristic attention to detail and palpable tension from the opening line, the excerpt from the 7th Heaven book promises another can't-put-it-down read. I can't wait to get a copy and curl up under my cozy afghan for an evening with new 'friends', murder, and nail-biting suspense.

Keep 'em coming, Mr. Patterson!

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God Bless!

Jules

China Alleges New Olympic Terror Plot

2008-04-10T09:06:00.016-07:00

Now, I'll admit to being a bit of a cynic and stories like this one just don't help. Given China's history of prevarication, do we really believe that this is actually more than a protest against government restraints and abuses? Or is it something manufactured to make them look like they're taking care of business?

On the other hand, it's not exactly a comforting PR stunt - making up a serious threat to foreign journalists, athletes, and visitors. It makes me wonder if this is just an excuse to increase Chinese persecution in Tibet and the surrounding regions. I suppose it would be a valid reason, if it really was terrorism.

I've never believed in throwing political issues into the Olympics, but this year - I just don't know. Many world leaders have chosen to 'miss' the opening ceremonies. Maybe it is time to talk about boycotts.

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Jules

Death Claims the Great 'Ben Hur'

2008-04-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

Sadly, we learned yesterday that the world has lost another great actor. Seeing the headline: Film legend Charlton Heston dead at 84, was quite a jolt. He and his movies were so much a part of my life and the lives of my generation.

A well-done, in my opinion, fansite is in contact with Mr. Heston's personal assistant. They have been given permission to collect and forward condolences to the family. If you would like to share your feelings, this looks like a good place.

"I've played three presidents, three saints and two geniuses - and that's probably enough for any man." ~ Charlton Heston

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Jules

Futures Broker

2008-04-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

Years ago, in an effort to manage my 401K, I did some investing. It was quite simple. Buying and selling stocks, as prices went up and down, didn't require much more knowledge than keeping an eye on the market. Since I had a serious aversion to risk, most of my investments didn't exactly yo-yo.

A much more, potentially, volatile market is futures. I recently did some serious reading on the topic, including what a futures broker actually does, how to invest in futures, and the financial risks involved. Given my income situation, I don't think that this is something with which I would be comfortable. However, if things change, I now know exactly where to get in-depth information and reliable investment assistance.

It's nice to have options.

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Jules

Third Paternity Test?

2008-04-05T16:17:00.003-07:00

I read this story earlier and was absolutely floored. Obviously, men who father children out of wedlock, as we used to say, need to step up and take responsibility. When DNA testing proves fatherhood, that's really all the impetus necessary to document a legal obligation.

However, when not one, but two DNA tests confirm that someone did not father a child, that should also be sufficient documentation. Not for this woman!

The first DNA test in 2005 was negative. With the legal agreement that this [crazy?] woman would leave him alone, Michael Jordan submitted to another test that same year. It was also negative. Enough proof, right? Oh, no!

Now, three years later, Ms. Miceli is asking for a third paternity test. And that's not all! You're gonna love this -- she is also requesting that the judge lift a temporary restraining order, issued after Mr. Jordan filed a harassment suit against her.

It may be time for Ms. Miceli to take a test - to determine whether or not she's actually sane!

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God Bless!

Jules

Weight Loss

2008-04-05T15:59:00.002-07:00

I never thought I'd have to worry about weight loss. Then, I turned 47 and - boom! None of my clothes, which were previously too big, fit anymore.

Being a fairly lazy person, I took my weight for granted. After all, I had weighed the same 125-130lbs., not counting pregnancy weight, for over 20 years. At 6-feet tall, I was happily thin with a metabolism that let me eat whatever I wanted and never think twice.

Admittedly, I don't eat three-squares-a-day and never really have. This may account for a seriously slowed metabolism and the subsequently enlarged abdomen and hips. My body refuses to burn calories, since I'm not putting back in enough to keep it going.

Guess it's time to rethink my diet and exercise non-regime. In the words of my favorite red-headed singer/sitcom mom - "Crap!!"

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Jules

International Children's Book Day

2008-04-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

This is one that I've never heard of, but I just love the idea.

The goal, since 1967, has been to bring books and children together. Each year, on the anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen's birthday - April 2nd - the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) chooses one of its National Sections to host the celebration. IBBY's Board decides on a theme for the year, and invites a prominent author (from the host country) to write a message to the children of the world and a well-known illustrator to design a poster.

For 2008, Thailand has been chosen to host Children's Book Day, write the message, and design the poster. Rest assured, there are events planned in many countries and communities around the world, designed to encourage the love of books in children.

Don't wait for a special day - buy your kid(s) a book and read to them, as often as you can.

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God Bless!

Jules

National Donate Life Month

2008-04-01T10:41:00.001-07:00

Obviously, this is a subject near and dear to our hearts.

Tell someone: The need is great and growing.

* More than 95,000 people are in need of an organ for transplant.
* Each day, about 77 people get the organ transplant that gives them a second chance, but 17 to 19 others die because they did not receive an organ transplant.
* More than half the people on the waiting list for a donated organ are racial or ethnic minorities. Chances of getting a transplant increase if donor and recipient share the same racial/ethnic background.
OrganDonor.gov "April is National Donate Life Month"

Since 2003, April has been designated as Donate Life Month. There are 30 days in which you, your company, and your school can make a difference in the lives of people who need organ transplants. Programs exist for a myriad of applications.

Decision Donate is an instructional program for high schools, that helps students make informed decisions about becoming an organ donor.

The Workplace Partnership provides information about businesses that make donation information available to their employees. Find out how to get your company/employer involved.

Participate in National Donate Life Month events sponsored by an organization in your area. Help them spread the word!

As harsh as it may sound - when you're dead, you're dead. How incredible is it that from one death, the life of at least eight (8) people can be improved/saved? Don't think about death, think about life. Commit to Donation

What if You were on The List?

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God Bless!

Jules

Favorite Zazzle Products

2008-03-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

These are some of our favorite, fun products on our pages at Zazzle.com. Won't you come by and check them out?

2008 Arizona Scenery Calendar
by JMarkAfghans

Get this custom calendar at Zazzle

Each month has one of our favorite Arizona photographs. Why not spend a year in Arizona?!

I don't have to choose paper or plastic.

by JMarkAfghans
Get this custom bag at Zazzle

Living Green? Use these recyclable bags, instead of adding more trash to your local landfill.

Of all the things I've lost . . .
I miss my mind the most!

by JMarkAfghans
Get this custom mug at Zazzle

This morphing mug is a nondescript black when cold. The magic happens when you add a hot beverage and the image appears.

Relax Like A Cat

by JMarkAfghans
Get this custom card at Zazzle

Front: "If Humans could relax like this. . ."
Inside Top: "There would be no wars and no need for anti-depressants.
Of course, the price of catnip would skyrocket!"
Inside Bottom: "Wishing you Peace and Relaxation!
(You'll have to get your own catnip!)"

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God Bless!

Jules

Family Lawsuit Against MySpace.com

2008-03-31T14:25:00.003-07:00

I don't recall an original story about this lawsuit, but this 'new round' definitely grabbed my attention. After some serious thought, I had to side with the courts. This is, in my opinion, an attempt by parents, who were unaware of / not monitoring their child's behavior, to blame MySpace for what happened to their daughter.

MySpace has guidelines and does monitor, to the best of its ability, the users who have pages. I know, personally, that many IDs and pages have been removed for violating policies. But this little girl, also violated MySpace policies by lying about her age in order to acquire a login and create the page.

At that young age, in a place as potentially dangerous as a social networking site, parents need to closely monitor what their child is doing on the computer. They need to - repeatedly - talk to their children about how to safely use the Internet. Many experts recommend keeping computers out of kids' bedrooms, so that it's easier to keep an eye on surfing habits.

Links to information for kids and parents about Internet Safety (alphabetically):

Parental Guides and Information for Kids on BOTW.org

Internet Safety for Kids and Teens on DMOZ.org

World-Wide-Web Safety on Yahoo!Kids' Directory

Yahoo!Safely Internet Guide

The rules for virtually all interactive websites are the same - no one under 13, don't give out personal information, and don't physically meet someone you only know online. Even sites designed for kids, and there are some great ones out there, require parental approval before kids under 14 can create accounts/logins. But no site account set-up includes a lie detector.

If kids don't tell the truth, the website certainly can't be held responsible. And, personally, I'm getting a bit weary of people making everyone, but themselves, responsible for the misbehavior / behavior of their children.

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God Bless!

Jules

Environmental Phase Out

2008-03-30T00:02:00.001-07:00

Bush to Phase Out Environment by 2009 This 'article' is posted in the Humor section of Yahoo!News. As with all good humor, there is a grain (in this case a silo-full) of truth running through it.

Species after species, habitat after habitat, this administration has acted in the worst interests of the country and the planet. It's easy to tell from where Bush and Cheney come. Big business and the oil industry, in particular, have their full support and concern.

Who needs clean air and water? Apparently, not Americans or the rest of the world, since the administration refuses to sign Kyoto. What value are animals that can't be found in the meat department of the local supermarket? Obviously no value, especially if their natural habitat happens to exist within 5 miles of 5 gallons of oil.

They are good little autocrats who deserve the disdain of all Americans. The world already sees them for the fools that they are.

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God Bless!

Jules

Earth Hour

2008-03-29T22:04:00.001-07:00

What an interesting, global idea! Did you turn off your lights at 8:00pm? Or, like us, did you hear about 'Earth Hour' about 2 hours too late?

As they say, it's not like one hour without lights is going to reduce global warming or seriously reduce a city's, or country's, carbon footprint. But it is an amazing show of concern and a willingness to get involved, all around the world. Made me wonder if this was something that could be seen from space.

Can you imagine watching whole sections of the world go dark, one hour after another? Now that would be something to see.

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God Bless!

Jules

Cell Phone Amplifiers

2008-03-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

Now, here is something - cell phone amplifiers - that Mark and I have been wanting for a very long time. Over the years, we have spent a great deal of time in hospital rooms, doctors' offices, and ER waiting areas. There is nothing more frustrating, at 3:00am, than being unable to sleep and unable to distract yourself by surfing the 'Net on your phone.

I remember, more than once, sleeping in the waiting room that was down the hall from the ICU. Unlike the wards, I couldn't stay the night with Mark, so I had to use a really old reclining chair in a brightly lit room. No matter how tired one gets, it's nearly impossible to sleep when someone you love is in a coma.

Reading is a wonderful option and, believe me, I have worked my way through dozens of novels since 2004. One amazing thing about the VA are the kiosks, all over the place, with a huge selection of books. Believe it or not, a few months ago I picked up a book to keep me entertained while we waited to meet the oncologist, only to find I had read it before Mark's transplant in 2004.

Still, nothing beats being able to send and receive emails, IM your family and friends, and surf the web when you are desperately trying to not think about where you're at and why you're there.

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God Bless!

Jules

Give Me Strength!

2008-03-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

Did you ever have one of those days where you throw up your arms, turn your face to the sky/ceiling/heavens and cry Give Me Strength!? If not, I want your life! Otherwise, you know what I'm talking about.

You are faced with or being bombarded by situations that are just too much. It's not that they - individually - are that difficult. Not at all. The problem is, they've all been waiting in the wings, chatting amongst themselves, and biding their time until your guard was down. Then all of the insanity jumps out at you - at the same time.

Or maybe you've had a situation here and a situation there that has weakened your immunity to craziness. You aren't really poised over the sanity precipice, waiting to fall into the dementia abyss; you're just a little stressed. Suddenly, several crazy happenings appear out of nowhere, waving their arms, screaming wildly, and charging directly at you and you realize the only direction you can go is . . . over the edge.

Welcome to My Life! Not just today or this week, month, or year - but for nearly 5 years! I actually counted - in 61 days, my grip on sanity will have been attacked, sometimes from several directions at the same time, for 1,825 days.

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God Bless!

Jules

House Hunting

2008-03-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

Just the other day, I saw a cute little house for sale. The location was perfect: within walking distance of several local stores, a heartbeat from Michael's school, and about 1/2 block from the freeway. It had a huge paved area in front, nice yard in back, and chain-link fence surrounding the property.

Before I even called the realtor, I was imagining teak patio furniture, desert landscaping, tearing off the hideous 'lean-to' on the south side, and getting a puppy for Michael and Mark. My imagination saw a huge kitchen with tons of counter space, 2 bedrooms, and - blissfully - 2 bathrooms. Then, I talked to the realtor.

Suffice it to say, the patio furniture and puppy are not in our immediate future and that is one delusional property owner.

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God Bless!

Jules

Possible Identity Theft

2008-03-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

I got an interesting letter in the mail this week. It seems that the company I worked for, back in 2003, got hacked recently. Still investigating the extent of the incursion, they wrote to warn me that my personal information may have been stolen.

If that were the extent of the letter, it probably would have been sufficient to alert me and I could have taken steps to monitor my credit records. But my former employer went far beyond a simple notification. They set up a free, one-year credit monitoring account for me - on their dime - that includes $25,000 identity theft insurance and a team of fraud resolution representatives, should there be a problem.

One of the reasons I really liked this company was the way they treated employees. It's nice to know that hasn't changed.

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God Bless!

Jules

Faucet

2008-03-28T12:57:00.002-07:00

I have got to find out where our apartment complex buys their fixtures. We have had, at least, 4 different shower handles installed in the 4 years that we've lived in our unit. For a couple of reasons, they have to be buying really, really cheap.

First, the average price of a quality bathroom faucet would almost prohibit them from affording so many frequent replacements. Second, if they were buying quality, they wouldn't be doing so many replacements. Mike is tough on shower handles, but come on!

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God Bless!

Jules

Bodybuilding Supplements

2008-03-28T12:08:00.002-07:00

Years ago, my younger brother grew up - really, really grew up. Seemingly overnight, he got tall and very muscular. So, after high school, he decided to get into bodybuilding.

I remember that he took bodybuilding supplements, some sort of protein powder to help him build muscle. Heaven only knows what was in it, but it certainly made a difference. Of course, he lifted weights and worked out constantly, too. At one point, his biceps were about as big as my thighs.

After all this time, I don't recall if he ever competed. I do know that buying a suit became a real challenge.

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God Bless!

Jules

Swan Loses New Love, Returns to Old Love

2008-03-27T08:51:00.003-07:00

Well, ladies and gents - it appears that our lonely, lovesick young lady has been jilted. These fickle white swans. I tell you! It's just not right! Get a woman's hopes up; start her thinking about a nest and little cygnets - then, poof!

Luckily, the zoo in Muenster still had the 'address' of Petra's former love, who was faithfully 'pining' away on the lake where they met. The two 'lovers' will be reunited on Friday.

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God Bless!

Jules

Man Flees Mouse

2008-03-26T16:26:00.003-07:00

Years ago, living in a small apartment with zero closet space and a huge kitchen with zero counter space, I acquired a number of non-rent-paying roomies. It's funny. I'd always thought that mice, in a cage nibbling on a piece of carrot, were really cute.

They tend to become less adorable when they're sharing your pillow and pulling at your hair. Not my personal preference for an alternative wake-up alarm, especially since the little critter had been crawling around in the wall with the fiberglass insulation. I spent days trying to get the fiberglass out of my arm and the side of my face.

An urgent call to my landlord garnered me very, as it turned out, useless advice - "Get a cat!" The little black fur-ball with the angry gold eyes had only one phobia. He was terrified of mice! Just the sound of scratching under the sink would send him flying in the opposite direction.

Briefly, I went the mousetrap route. Yecchh!! You've not lived until you've heard that 'snap' and 'squeak' at 3:00AM. Trust me - it is not conducive to sleep or peace of mind!

At a friend's suggestion, I crammed steel wool in every gap, around every pipe in my kitchen - to no avail. (Probably, given my luck, just trapped them all in the apartment.) After spending an entire summer (without air conditioning) sleeping with the oven and burners on high to discourage my 'roomies' from wandering in, and watching my feline protector cower in a corner or cry to go outside - I moved.

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules