Crystal Clear

Good News to Share Regarding Robert Schindler

Last week Wesley J Smith posted news Robert Schindler (the belated Terri Schiavo's father) had suffered a stroke and was in an ICU. I didn't get around to posting it but have checked back to learn of his condition. I am so relieved and glad to see he posted an optimistic Update on Robert Schindler's Condition. Bobby shares the cards they have received have meant a great deal to Bob and all of the family. I am guessing Terri would be pleased and touched we all continue to reach out to her family. Send cards to

Robert Schindler,
c/o The Terri Schiavo Foundation
5562 Central Ave. # 2
St. Petersburg. FL 33707

God bless him and his entire family.

B List ain't Bad...

Check out this post from Kineda's blog. Pretty shocking for me considering the drop in quality of my posts over the past 6 months and the drop in readership and links from other blogs as I have continued to focus more on pay per post opportunities. Guess it is what the B designation says...my length of blogging counts for something.

Not My Munchkins

Although there really isn't anything mildly humorous about this piece, BlackBerry Orphans , from the WSJ, I am relieved to say things aren't like that in our household ...at least right now this year.

Last year and earlier this year during my time of ahem ... indentured servitude ...well it wasn't a "crackberry" for me but the same was pretty much true regarding the checking of email and harassing my kids through my favorite part of the day- story time, so I could get back to the computer to reply and write a neverending littany of emails. Many emails and much time seemed to be spent providing email proof I wrote something or said something or the auxillary... clearing up someone else's misunderstanding or misconstrued email or there were also an evil few who out right LIED about what I supposedly said or did.

Although the first outright "strike" in my eyes against that organization was being told I would not be able to attend Bryceton's Christmas recital at school for an inconsequential meeting, I didn't really grumble too much about being asked to spend my Christmas holiday writing the grant. After all I reasoned, that would pass and it was a serious and necessary responsibility. Of course it was replaced by other things supposedly very important and it pretty quickly became apparent, to me at least, that story time with the boys was being rushed through so I could get back to the computer. 12-15 hour days and 6-7 days a week may be the way to live if you want it and like it and thrive on it but it is definitely not a way of life for me or my boys. 
Things now are a great deal better. An element of stress in surviving financially in Hawaii for certain as most people here experience but last night found the three of us playing Candyland andLife.

I know my mom worries I spend a great deal of time on the computer. I too fret and have anxiety about the amount. However, compared to years in the past I would say my actual enjoyment of the computer has dropped dramatically and is actually very low. Using it for work is an absolute must. There is no getting around it and I am actually so terribly  grateful I can do a great deal of work at home when it is "convenient" and at really odd times. I also hate though that I haven't blogged and have not blogged several pay per post opportunities which I am relying on to supplement my other job. The freelance writing also requires time on the computer and since I am generally not spending time on the computer and trying my best to NOT be on the computer when the boys are around and available it means I need to be doing it at night... and frankly I am very very very tired and not feeling extremely well lately. Thus the predicament... and challenge. The boys take top spot and are my highest priority but the weight of bearing the financial responsibility is a heavy load and an awful one to bear alone.

Watch out for those organizational values when you consider a job...and be grateful when you have a good match. My new organization had the most awesome family oriented Holiday party I have ever been to...and unlike the last place... I didn't have to pay for it and I knew my sons were invited.

Viva Las Vegas

You may or may not know this or even care a hoot, but Las Vegas is one of the top destinations for Hawaii residents. It makes absolute sense if you think about it because the flights are always reasonable and the accommodations are available for all price ranges. And if they are hooking up with relatives or friends on the mainland, the same holds true for their friends and family. In fact, which was and is a bit strange to me, there are people who live here and have lived here their entire lives who actually dream of retiring to a Las Vegas home. For them Las Vegas real estate is an absolute steal of a deal. The amount of space a person can afford in Las Vegas as compared to Hawaii is almost beyond comprehension unless you see the places here that have five to seven or even more people crammed into them. Additionally, there are people who strangely enough enjoy the dry heat and find the desert preferable to paradise. For those individuals and families who choose to relocate now or in the future, they know their “Ohana” will always come for a visit or stay. For them a site such as Million Saver  which offers a large inventory of Las Vegas homes should be bookmarked. For you, I’d say retire in Hawaii…but of course, it takes all kinds to make this wonderful world go round and you too may find Las Vegas real estate is just your style. You definitely will find a great bargain.

Entering the Vlogosphere

Last night I blogged about FreeVlog over at  Crystal Clear Reads. I was so tired though I forgot to mention I actually set up a new Crystal Clear Vlog. Not withstanding a bazillion disclaimers as it was a test and a demo and actually is Nethan with a very dirty face after we decorated sugar cookies... I am so intrigued and excited by Vlogging. My first interest was during the time of the Tsunami in 2004(?). I know people talked about the bandwidth costs being very prohibitive but now with places like Podbean, Crystal Clear this is no longer an issue. I am ready to jump in but a bit blocked...well anxious... fearful...of what? I don't know... My thinking right now is I will attempt a show a week. So there you go...Do you think, as I believe, the next big thing comparable to blogs is going to be Vlogs?

         

Hotel Reservations

The following is a proudly and gratefully  presented  review sponsored by Hotel Reservations.com.

As the Internet has grown, the number of travel sites and travel-related sites has grown with it. However, the plethora of travel sites does not always mean high quality or easy to use sites.  Searching and comparing different discounts and availabilities can be frustrating and time-consuming. Fortunately indeed there are sites such as  Hotel Reservations  helping both the Internet newbie and Internet savvy as well as  infrequent and frequent traveler alike.

The site is well designed and easy to use. For those of my friends and family who are not comfortable  with booking their air travel,hotels, or vacation packages on the Internet, there is the option to call in 24/7 to speak to a highly knowledgeable and helpful agent who will take care of all your needs with speed and professinalism. Amazingly enough they also offer a worldwide phone number which  is valid in UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland, and Australia.

The thoroughness of this site means this will always be a one stop shop for you no matter your travel need.  They offer everything from hotels and motels to the creme de la creme of luxury resorts around the globe. As the use of vacation rentals as another option has continued to increase in recent years, the site includes those as well. Including car rentals just further proves my point. Whether you know you are headed to Grandma's in Topeka or looking for a place for a great winter getaway, one stop means one stop! 

The site's pricing and rates reflect you have countless options on the Internet,the intense competition for your travel reservation dollars, and their sincere desire for your continued patronage for all of your current and future travel needs. Hotel Reservations truly stands out with their awesome discounts on world wide destinations and dedication to make certain you book with them every time you need to or want to travel.

Beach Wedding Invitations

As you can imagine, Hawaii is frequently chosen as a destination for weddings and for the renewal of vows.Weddings in Hawaii and other tropical destinations often opt for Tropical themed invitations. This especially makes sense when you think about how guests for such an important occassion need to come from all around the globe. Many people are excited and much more likely to come to a tropical destination than say the rust belt in the dead of winter.

Recognizing this trend and opportunity, brides and grooms are able to begin their theme and encourage excitement by selecting beach themed wedding invitations. The Beach Wedding Invitations site is a one stop site when it comes to having a lovely selection of invitations.
 

So whether your wedding event is happening by the beach in Hawaii or you are having a tropical theme, beach themed invitations can mix simplicity with an island feel. You will be making memories from the time the invitation is opened.

 

Tasty & Freaky

Check out And You Thought Rudolph Got Teased? I must agree with Liberty Just in Case -

There are some stories that simply HAVE to be read with a Southern accent, even when they occur in Wisconsin.

Content Rich for Those a bit Lacking the Green

I have blogged several times before about credit cards and these posts always seem to bring several interesting comment and personal emails to me. I always am quick to reply I think there is a place and a need for credit cards and even more so there is a need for information about them. This site provides both information and links.
Althought the site has a .uk in its name, don't let that stop you from clicking.

The site does a great job of taking on different aspects of credit cards and that nasty ol' credit card debt people love to hate and yet find themselves entertaining at this time of the year. For example, this article on how to manage department store credit card debt is worth noting and has tip top advice to use when you go to use that credit card to purchase those last minute gifts.  So if you don't read it now, please come back and review it in January 2007 when those last minute purchases come to you on your statement.

No matter your personal understanding or use of credit cards, this site is a well worthwhile stop. There is, as I have written here and in many emails to many readers, a time and a place for credit cards. Credit cards can absolutely spell trouble and disaster if they are used to live beyond one's means. However, I continue to believe there is a need for them and they can be a blessing. It is the abuse of them and not letting them work for YOU that can spell anxiety, stress, and disaster. This site is a reminder for those on all fronts that they need not be evil.

Christmas Came Early

Although I could definitely come up with a bazillion things I  want  and a few million  I actually "need", I , just as I was last year, thrilled to have my mom come out and help me this past weekend.  Having her here just totally blew my mind to see what she could get done in a day when I have had weeks. Her organizational expertise can not be matched. Her ability to not be overwhelmed and walk away ... wow was I blessed when it came to a mom , or what?!

Sheesh, she not only had to put up with me in my funk and bad hormonal headache on Saturday, but she managed to pull off dealing with the boys with an awesome amount of grace as well! Lest we jump to the conclusion she is not of this earth, the woman was very stressed by being here, and rightly so, and STILL managed to leave me speechless besides uttering as many THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOUs I could manage to get out. Of course there are NOT enough thank yous to give her. I know she is disappointed in me and the disarray of our home and yet I benefit. Think about that next time you talk to your mom, think of the disappointment you are to her and yet all she does for you. That has to be in the definition of motherhood somewhere, or it needs to be.

I am Such a Giver

Yep..with a capital "G" here or rather would it be "C" for Christmas or "H" for Holiday for those looking to be extra careful and politically correct? So we are down to DAYS until the big fat jolly man makes his yearly appearance. To help you out, back to my title here, I have to share with YOU my few but highly appreciated readers, a great and plentiful site of Coupons!

This place like the others I have shared with you are updated on a daily basis with numerous offers .Unlike some of the others,  the site's layout is really  simple and you can quickly locate coupons so you can then sit back and ponder how far you and I have come from the meaning of Christmas.
Have no fear though, because once you realize how sweet your little one's smile is going to be when they open something from  Lillian Vernon you will be patting yourself on the back. Don't stop there though because Tiger Direct  will also have something either for YOU or that other really hard to please recipient as well. Don't let your mom tell you spending time on the Internet is useless... we know differently, don't we?

That Time at that Time of the Season

No not female time but a weird crazy thing that happens as we get a week or so close to a holiday or one of the boy's birthday parties. I get close to a stressful time and suddenly I get this crafty bug up my  butt and come up with a gift or a party favor idea I want to do... usually entails a great idea but a great idea difficult to execute... Right now it has to do with videos and pics from our Disney Cruise... and/or pics and other pics and videos about my grandma who I miss so much it continues to break my heart every single day. So I end up looking on the Internet to find what I want to make the "Gift" and get lost in all sorts of places. This is NOT a good time for that to be happening..Well it never is a good time but least of all NOW...Well there, now I feel better... Thanks for listening. I will at least sleep on it to determine what it would entail and what I would need to purchase. In the mean time please don't hesitate to

Not Nice

Writing pay per posts is a mixed bag and a changing environment as I was just reminded. With Christmas (yes we celebrate the birth of Christ although we are not Christians) preparations, life and the real job taking more time over the past week or so, I have not been blogging as I need to or like. So this morning I log on to discover that Pay Per Post which I have raved about as a great opportunity and experience have lowered the number of opportunities you can post to 2 a day. One of their competitors had earlier changed their requirements to necessitate 2 regular posts between paid posts. So as you can see, things are changing on this scene. Fortunately I have both Crystal Clear and Crystal Clear Reads submitted so I can post a total of 4 opportunities if I find them worthwhile and interesting. Unfortunately I have a feeling there are more restrictions and limitations just around the proverbial corner...

LifeSize for the Organization's Stocking!

I remember the first time I participated in a Video Conference. That time and many other times, my experience reminded me of what it was like watching the astronauts on the moon and everyone else back on earth. Althought it was an amazing and impressive situation, there certainly were some technical and oddities to it. Sometimes things went off without a hitch and other times it was terribly frustrating.

As I now have two people I am supervising through webcam/videoconferencing, I am excited and will continue to watch developments such as those found at LifeSize. The demonstration is awe-inspiring and I look forward to using this type of quality on the homefront and  would definitely suggest  organizations take a close look at the high quality equipment and top notch service.

How Bryceton's Christmas is Shaping Up

and then there is also the special paper notebook for it and a module on writing I found available at Wal-mart. Then we have from Grandma and Grandpa

  From me as well as the Spin Master LIPO Battery sold separately so the parent only partially realizes he is buying a $100 toy likely to break apart the first few times used. So whaddaya think? Nethan's bike still rules!

Bike of His Dreams or Mine?

Yep- I thought I was going to be the one getting my dream bike but as of right now it looks like Nethan is getting this little hot rod...They had it in pink but since it was only 16" ...it wasn't for me. I also really am holding out for a retro one... Is he not going to just DIE when he sees this Christmas morning? I don't know if he will be as excited as I am... I am just giddy! Bryceton is going to be jealous...but he will be surprised because I went a little wild on Amazon last night and have an extra goody coming for him! Just shows though the earlier I start my Christmas shopping the more I end up spending....

Like This only in a Circle

THAT is how I feel sometimes when I am at home with the boys trying to unpack and/or clean. Which of course reminds me of the ol' Phyllis Diller saying-

"Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing"