Merry Christmas

Kindle vs Nook

My daughter wants a Nook Color for Christmas and I have to admit, I know nothing about ereaders except they exist. I have friends who have a Kindles and absolutely loves it. But other than that I have no knowledge, so if your like me and want to know what others think to help you make a decision for yourself in the future. Here is what I found out.(The information I found is from ireaderreview.) It also has not been updated since August and the Nook Color is out now so some of the information I found is a little out dated but still I found it helpful.

This Kindle 3 vs Nook review compares Kindle 3, Nook based on what we know so far. The Kindle 3 is $189 and available for preorder at Amazon (it ships August 27th).
Doing a Kindle 3 vs Nook post is a bit unfair because a Nook 2 is in the works and we really should compare Kindle 3 with Nook 2. Will update this post when it comes out.
Kindle 3 vs Nook – Areas Nook Wins
The Nook clearly beats the Kindle 3 in a few areas -
LendMe – When Publishers allow it B&N books have a LendMe feature that lets you lend an ebook once to one person (it’s basically like a single 14 day rental).
ePub support – Nook supports ePub including DRMed ePub. This is important since most major ebook stores (except Kindle Store) sell ePub books with DRM.
Library eBooks - The majority of libraries use Overdrive and lend out ePub books with DRM. Since Nook supports ePub and DRMed ePub you can read library books on it. Do check with your library to confirm ePub support and to get an idea of its ebook collection.

There are a few other Nook benefits and features you might value -
B&N Stores – When in B&N stores you are free to read any ebook for up to an hour (it’s an hour a day so you can keep going back to finish the book). B&N also has periodic promotions in its stores.
Transfer your Sony Reader library – If you’re switching from Sony Reader you can download all your purchases in ePub format and they will work on the Nook.
Transfer your eReader.com and Fictionwise.com books – Nook supports pdb format which these two bookstores use (B&N bought these two sites).

Kindle 3 vs Nook – Areas Kindle 3 and Nook are very close or in a tie
The Kindle 3 vs Nook contest is constantly evolving with software upgrades and new releases and there are lots of areas where they are basically in a tie -
eInk – They both have eInk screens (though of different screen contrasts, more on that below). eInk is easy on the eyes, readable in sunlight, and great for reading.
Price – Kindle 3 is $189 and Nook is $199.
Apps for a variety of platforms – Both Kindle and Nook have a variety of apps that let you read your books across different devices. These include Apps for PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, and Android.

The Christmas letter

Every year I get a Christmas letter from someone that reminds me of just how ordinary I am and how I didn't do anything really exciting to brag about again this year. In turn I never send out a christmas letters like others but this year I've decided to change my ways and send one out. Here it is.

Dear friends and family;

You will not believe what happened this year, while my husband was busy doing geneology we found out that he is related to the Queen of England. We informed the monarchy at once to claim our royal titles and to be put on the Christmas lists of the family. They quickly responded by sending us a letter, welcoming us into the family and inviting us over for a family get together. We fly out next April. We are so excited as you can imagine.

However, that is not the amazing part of our year. Larry and a friend decided to buy an Idaho lottery ticket on a silly whim. Next thing we knew his friend called and declared they had won 56 million dollars to split between the two of them. So needless to say my husband and I after picking up our check went to an investment banker secured some money for our childrens future (College is paid for. YAY!) And then we procured ourselves two new vehicles. I went for the more sensible car and bought a Jaguar it was hard the Mercedes almost won out, but the Jaguar I think will fit our needs better. Now Larry on the other had went for the splurge and bought a McLaren. Pictures posted below. After those purchases we decided that our home garage did not fit the needs of our new vehicles so we bought a new home. I know we were impulsive but the kids seem to love our new home and don't mind only being seen every couple of days. I hope this letter finds you happy and healthy. We are!

The Benson's

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It's your right and priviledge, so get out and vote. Tuesday, Novemeber 2, 2010.

Some fun facts about voting.

1-Compared to 2000, young voters have more than doubled their turnout in the 2008 primaries and caucuses. For example, in Texas, the number of 18-29 year old voters grew 301%.

2-Research shows that young voters with college experience are much more likely to vote than their non-college counterparts. Although ½ of young Americans ages 18-29 have never enrolled in college, 79% of the young voters on Super Tuesday attended college.

3-Why do we vote on a Tuesday, and in November? Because the harvest was over and the weather wouldn't be bad enough to prevent people from traveling.

4-80% of all votes in America are counted by only two companies: Diebold and ES&S.

Sound off! Did you Vote.

the stupid things I say.

I made a delivery today for my husband to a friend of ours. He came around the corner and said my name and said, "I heard you were looking for me." And I said. Oh yeah, here it comes word vomit. I said, "What you didn't smell me." What! I took a shower before I left, did my hair, put make-up on. And I said that. Really what is it about methat makes me say the stupidest things. I couldn't even believe I had said it I smiled, our friend laughed gave me a hug took the delivery and started talking about something else. Heaven bless nice people who over look my dumb replies.

This is not the first time I've said something stupid. Oh no, it happens on weird bases, like I met one of my husbands clients once and I was looking forward to meeting this man. My sweet husband introduced us, we shook hands and and his client said to me, "It's very nice to meet you." And I said, "I bet it is." Possessed. I'm pretty sure that's what my husbands client thought. Yep he's married to a certified loon. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't even come up with some quick wit to cover my faux pas.

I need help. Please tell me you have said some wonderfully weird and horribly unexplained things at some of the most inopportuned time.

Are you ADDICTED to COMPLAINING?!

I recently talked to a friend of mine who decided to take a challenge of not cmplaining for one day and then turning that day into a week of no complaining. I smiled at the thought I don't really consider myself a complainer (so I thought.) On Tuesday morning I decided to take the challenge of not complaining for one full day. Now my friend told me that when he took this challenge it actually took him five weeks before he accomplished his goal and then it took him seven weeks before he made it a full week without complaining.

Back to me, so on Tuesday, I tried to go a full day without complaining. I made it a whole three hours before I stopped mid sentence and said to my friend. "I'm complaining."

She looked at me surprised and said, "It's okay it just me. I don't care."

I ended up explaining my new challenge I was undertaking. With greater effort I started over and made it another couple of hours before I did it again.

I have noticed since I'm trying to do this is; most conversations actually begin with a complaint of some sort. I think as a society we are addicted to the process of telling people are gripes and thrive when we get support and people agree with our complaints. The problem I can see is we don't talk about positive things 90 percent of our day is spent on complaints and negative thoughts and only 10 percent on the positive.

So take the challenge and see how you do and let me know how long it takes you to go a full twenty-four hours without a complaint. Good luck. I'll let you know when I accomplish my own goal.

If something went wrong and you were asked to evacuate your house in ten minutes of less. What would you take?

I've been pondering this very thought all day since we had a fire in my area and 1600 homes were evacuated and some of the residents got less then five minutes to leave. First, I would get my family and animals out, which retrieving my animals may take me more than five minutes in itself. (I have two dogs, two bunnies and a turtle. The last three roam free in my backyard so it would be a game of hide and seek for me to find them.) However, if I had more time I would take my legal documents and my 72 hours kits (which by the way I will be updating since this happened and making sure they have fresh food.) And why I am rounding up kids and animals, kits and documents I'm sure my sweet and helpful husband would be taking apart his computer reassuring it the whole time that everything will be all right. His computer is infact his life, and you may think I'm making fun, but I'm not. We own our own company and my husband is a graphic artist and his computer is the very thing we make a living on. So really that piece of modern technology is coming with us. I'm sure at the cost of some other precious things, but none the less you can't rebuild if you don't have a job and a way to make money.

So have you thought about it? What would you grab if you had ten minutes or less. Would it be sentimental or pratical?

The constitution had a birthday.

The constitution had a birthday it was September 17th. It most likely passed without you or I giving it much of a thought or for some even knowing it happened at all. I work in a school and I was surprised that for the most part this is not even mentioned. The very documents that makes us a country and we should hold dear is not celebrated. In school we celebrate Dr. Suess and don't get me wrong I'm all over this. But hey, should we really ignore a document that gave us rights and makes this a great place to live and gives us the freedoms other's are jealous of.

These very words we're prayed over before they put them on paper and where would we be without them?

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

I'm feel so lucky to be an American and I'm am grateful to live in a country that gives us writes to believe what we may and vote for who we may.

Rumbi Island's Voodoo chicken salad

I love the Rumbi Island's Voo Doo salad and I wanted to know if I could remake it for my family. (I found this recipe on line, the chef at Rumbi's gave the recipe out on Good Things Utah a few years ago.) It's really quick and easy, if you have all the ingredients to the dressing.
For the salad you need: lettuce mix, feta cheese, tomatoes, (I used canned but you can by and cut fresh) tortilla chips, chicken and the dressing.
For the dressing you need: dijon mustard, lime juice, chili paste, crushed red pepper, lite mayo, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, white sugar, minced garlic, and pureed ginger.
To make the dressing you combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl, except for the ginger. Mix with your hand mixer for about 2 minutes. Using a whisk, stir in the ginger until blended.

Enjoy here is the recipe.

Lettuce
Feta Cheese
Diced Tomatoes
Crushed Tortilla Chips or Homemade Strips
Voodoo dressing
Cooked chicken (diced, shredded, etc.)
For the dressing: (you may want to cut this recipe in half if you don't want tons of leftovers)
1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
1/4 cup Lime Juice
1/4 cup Chili Paste (found in the asian food section)
2 TBS. Crushed Red Pepper
3/4 cups Lit Mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups Sesame Oil
1 cup Rice Wine Vinegar
1/2 cup Soy Sauce
1 1/2 cups White Sugar
1/4 cup Minced Garlic
1/3 cup Pureed Ginger (found in the produce aisle)
Directions: Mix all of the dressing ingredients, except the ginger, in a bowl with a hand mixer for a couple minutes. Add the ginger and stir with a whisk until well blended. Top your salad with the chicken, tortillas, feta cheese, tomatoes, and the dressing.
My family loved it. I hope yours will too.

To read, to write or to blog?

To read, to write or to blog? Whew, I don't know how to get it all done. I love to read. I have a stack of books five deep by the side of my bed just begging me to read. And oh, how I want to, but there is not enough time to read and write, which I also love to do. I have got to finish writing this book, I know how it ends and so therefore I've got to get the words down. They're screaming at me from inside my head, "just type us out and we will leave you alone." But in the corner there is a book taunting me because I'm dying to know how it ends. Its a vicious intertwined cycle of should I read, write or blog.

How to get it all done? I can't keep up. I start a blog and then I'm running through cyber space trying to see what every one else is doing in the world. Not to mention this is how I know what other writers are doing like myself, and its how I stay up on the book conferences coming my way. So see I need to be out there, but then two hours of my day is chuncked away and then my precious time is dwindled to only thirty minutes before the kids get home from school and I must write or should I read? Sheesh, I can't remember.

Pit falls

The book world is changing at such a quick pace that it is hard for some of us dreaming to be authors to catch up. With the new e-books going crazy and leaving books on the shelves self publishing and self editing seems to be what some are leaning towards.
This is what I'd like to blog about today. Self editing can be a pit fall for some authors. If your someone that has all the skills a writer needs to self edit, congratulations and I am completely jealous. I know that I am not objective enough to edit or critique my own stuff. In fact when my writing group tells me what they are envisioning my novel doing after reading the first three chapters. Sometimes I'm left scratching my head and saying; "that's not what I meant at all." We all perceive things different and I feel (again this is my personal opinion) you need to know what that is as an author.
Asking others question's is not a weakness, its a strength, because everyone of us has had life experiences that shape us and as we read books we attach to those characters we have something in common with. As authors we reach into corners and crevices of the world that we may know nothing about, but we may have someone in our critique group or friend or someone who knows someone that does. That kind of information is invaluable. So reaching out to others and letting them read something that is so personal, that it feels like you've ripped out your guts and are displaying them on a table to be examined. I know this is hard but in the end those things that are the hardest sometimes are worth it.

The best advice

What's the best advice you've ever recieved?

I don't know if this advice came from one of those sit down conversations where your discussing with your parents all of life's up and downs. But I do remember my parents saying to me, "well what do you think?" They never really ever told me after a certain age what I should do, but what did I think. This became really some of the best unspoken advice. It taught me to believe in myself and to rely on, "what did I think? I ask myself this question to this day when making big decisions. It's never what will other's think of me, will I be popular or will this make me friends. I always come back to the same sage advice, what do I think. This advice has never steered me wrong. I've always been able to live with the decisions I make because I trust myself to do what is right for me and for other's that may be affected.

Please tell me what's the best advice you've been given?

Is the glass half full or half empty

Is your glass half full or half empty with regrets?

I was out to lunch with my girlfriends when the question came up. "Do you have any regrets?" I thought and thought. My girlfriend quickly came up with her answer. She lost a brother at the age of fifteen. He was hit by a car while skateboarding. He was supposed to go the movies with her, but never showed up so they left him. This is her biggest regret. Again, I thought and thought what do I regret or wish I could change. There are so many things that I wish I had done and didn't. However, at the same time if I had done them it would changed the course of the way my life has turned out thus far. I have regrets sure. And I would like to think that I can still change things if I want.


Here's what I would do if I could go back in time. I would ask my father's advice on stocks and bonds and starting a retirement portfolio, before he passed away. I would have finished college. One day I'll go back. It's something I think about all the time. But for now those are my biggest regrets. And I guess if those are the biggest then I haven't done half bad.


So tell me what's your biggest regret?

Can it be!!!

The e-book is out selling hardback and soft covered books according to Amazon. Now, I believe this to be true. That's not what's so hard for me to believe, but what I'm hearing from other's is that they think the printing industry for books will slowly become obsolete. Can it be? I just can't imagine holding a child on my lap with my kindle in my hands and reading to them. Now, I realize the important part is the reading to the child and broadening their imaginations. But what about the pictures that you looked at as a child that took you places as you read the words. The book Where the Wild things Are would not have been the same without the pictures and a myriad of others for that matter. The visual as a child is just as important as the words, I think.

So do you really think that we are going the way of electronic books only? What about holding in your hands a tangible item? Or the smell of ink wafting off of thin paper, or the feel of the spine cracking open on a freshly bound book. I will miss it. Won't YOU? I need the smell, the sound, and the feel of a book in my hands.

Now don't get me wrong there is absolutely a place for e-books but we can not give up on the printed word. It holds magic, mystery, escape, and romance. Okay, so this same argument can be said for an e-books. However, there is one place an e-book can not go where a printed book can at that is where I like to read the most, the bathtub. Now argue that!

A perfect day

I had the most perfect day recently. I was sitting on the beach with my two best friends next to me, with food on my lap, and a book in my hand watching my children and husband playing around in the crystal blue surf. It was perfect. And I was actually so lucky to have two of these days in a row. I'm not sure who to thank for this, God, my husband, my friends, but someone should most definetely be told thank you for these beautifully precious and rare days that I had. So Thank you to all.

To be or not to be?

Every few months I have a conversation with my husband about my flat as a pancake chest. Out in public you would call my figure on top boyish at best or prepubescent, if you get what I am saying. Now, my husband lovingly assures me that there is no problem with the way I am built. And for the most part my figure does not bother me until I am stuck in the summer heat, wearing a bathing suit.
I think this may bother me because I am completely lost without—what I call “my false advertising.” This is the padding in my bra. Hey, where ever I go, it goes, we’re buddies, pals, simpatico as one. I know what you’re thinking because it’s been said to me before. “You can buy pads for swimsuits, you can even buy blow up pads to stick in suits that have a specially designed pocket. For some reason I just can’t do it. I have dreams that they fly out in the middle of swimming or water skiing and they pop some guy in the eye. Then being extremely embarrassed I would end up trying to explain and rendering myself verbally challenged. See this would be disastrous. This is silly, I know especially since I wear padding every day of my life. I know. I just can’t seem to help it.
My other hang up is I work as an aerobics instructor. Some of these woman play, for keeps in my classes. They mean business in keeping their bodies from going, south and in some causes north and east. The reason I mention this is because I have seen some pretty bad headlights in my years of working at a gym. There are also other things I’m not willing to mention, here today.
I guess it comes down to this. I’m okay with my shape and build, I actually do like my body and if I’m only uncomfortable with it on the few occasions I wear a swimsuit, I guess I’m just going to have to learn to be okay with it. Right?

Today, eighteen years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful four pound baby girl, eight weeks early . And although, she came earlier than expected I couldn't have been more elated to meet my first child. Now eighteen years later as I reflect on her life intertwined with mine I realize that I have learned more from her, being my daughter than I'm sure she has learned from me, being her mother.


Happy Birthday baby girl.

Glory be: My first published article

... where real dreams can come true!by Leslee B. Benson

Bright eyes and enthusiastic laughter surround the new West Jordan SME Steel Field of Dreams Park. It was built with special children in mind to fulfill a need, a need the community felt could be met. What the community didn’t expect was they would be the ones to benefit from such a wonderful investment into the lives of those who laugh and love and give everything they have with their hearts. To them this is a field of dreams–where real dreams can come true. In June of 2005, Rotary International’s Centennial Convention invited members of the West Jordan Rotary Club to Chicago. One event changed their lives and eventually changed the lives of those who live in West Jordan. They attended a hospitality night hosted by the Rotary Club of Roselle, Illinois where it was explained that they would be attending a special baseball game. They traveled by bus to a “Miracle League” field that had been a project of the Roselle Rotary Club, and sponsored by the Chicago White Sox Baseball team. As Stuart and Sharon Richardson, and Doug and Janice Schmidt watched this game, tears filled their eyes. They looked at each other and said, “Can we ask our club to build a field like this in West Jordan?” Ask they did, and after much thought, debate and consideration they decided that it could be done and put the project in motion. Research told the West Jordan Rotary Club that in Salt Lake County alone there are over 25,000 disabled children, teenagers, and young adults from the ages of 3 to 25 that needed a field to play on without traveling a long distance. From that first game in Chicago in 2005, the field was on their minds and put into full swing where the steps to fundraise and to find those who could help fulfill their goal began unfolding. There are heros that contributed to the project, SME Steel to name just one. When the field of dreams project was proposed to Craig Moyes, President of SME Steel, he got excited and became the title sponsor for the project. They are honored by the Field of Dreams sign bearing their name. When the economy went bad, a phone call was made to SME to make sure funding was going to be possible. West Jordan was assured they would be able to make their original donation, it was just going to take some time. Over 30 businesses have become partners with us to make this great project a reality and a valuable part of our community. The economy became a big issue for everyone that contributed. It held up progress for those donating time and man hours on a volunteer basis. While committing to build the field they needed to also ensure their own companys’ well-being. The process took longer than originally planned but the outcome was what everyone dreamed it would be. Those overseeing the project wanted to make sure that they had the money before they spent it. More than anything they wanted to be fiscally responsible with the money that was donated to such a worthy cause. After all the donations had come in and been spent, there was a shortage of funds. They needed $25,000 to finish the project. Then an amazing thing happened; the West Jordan Rotary club—20 members strong—came up with an idea. They came up with I.O.U’s to raise the money. Each member decided how much money they could raise and signed an I.O.U. By the end of the evening, a promise of $25,000 had been made by these very optimistic members. However, none of the I.O.U’s had to be collected. ABC Channel 4 evening news came to do a story on the field and was told about the money shortage. They told their viewers about the short fall, and by the next day a private donor came forward with the remainder of the money needed, and a few weeks later the field finished. Once again, the Field of Dreams received its miracle. On behalf of the West Jordan Community and the West Jordan Rotary club—without them none of this would have been possible. We’d like to thank and honor each of our prestigious sponsors for their help and dedication to the project—none had to join, but all did. Thank you! Finally the field was completed on August 12, 2009 and dedicated by the Governor of the State of Utah, Gov. Gary Herbert. “I’m so honored and pleased that my first official public outing is here at this field of dreams,” he said. “By the power vested in me as the governor of the greatest state in America. I hereby dedicate the SME Steel Field of Dreams to the enjoyment of the players, to the enjoyment of the spectators, and to the proud parents and family members who are going to enjoy hours and hours of wonderful time here today in associating with family and friends to the good of all of us.” The saying from the movie still holds true today—‘If you build it they will come,’ and come they did to partake in an experience some had waited a lifetime for. Enthusiastic parents stood on the sidelines and cheered for the moment when their son or daughter got a turn at bat. Each opportunity filled a special need and place in both child and parent. For this field is rare. There are over 130 fields nationwide, but only one resides in Utah, and it can be found in West Jordan. For children everywhere who have trouble running and those in wheelchairs can now have a chance to play like others they’ve only been able to watch before. The new “Miracle League” sponsored by Salt Lake County will play on this new field, which comes with a special rubberized surface that is used for track fields. This special surface accommodates wheelchairs, walkers and those who are visually impaired. If you find yourself at a “Miracle League” game there are some differences for players and fans alike. • Every player bats once each inning • All players are safe on the bases • Every player scores a run before the inning is over (last one up gets a home run) • Community children and volunteers serve as ‘buddies’ to assist the players • Each team and each player wins every game The field comes with striping for softball or baseball, but it can also accommodate soccer and basketball with temporary goals. The hope is to use this new field to the best of the county and Gene Fullmer’s abilities. To register and join one of the adaptive youth baseball leagues contact Gene Fullmer Recreation Center, 8015 S. 2200 West, 801-563-8440. On September 12, 2009, the first ball was thrown and connected with a bat sending baseball season into full swing on the new field. The “Miracle League” slogan is, “Every child deserves a chance to play baseball.” The West Jordan Rotary Club and West Jordan City agreed. Building the field was not without its problems, but overcoming them and seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces has made it all worth it. Come take a minute to enjoy a warm spring day with earth’s angels rounding first, then second, then on to third and then all the way to home base with more enthusiasm then anyone’s seen for a long time. Come participate in a wonderful experience and the great blessing of being touched by real love, laughter and an overwhelming sense of true happiness.

five launguages of love

I just read the book The Five Love Languages by; Gary Chapman. I have to say, this was a very fun book to read and a great night spent with my spouse and kids. I gave everyone their test sheet of thirty questions including myself. We all sat down around the dinner table and filled them out. We added up points and found out which love language we are. I found this quite entertaining and interesting as my children talked to one another about the questions on the test once it was over. The five love language categories are:

1-Words of Affirmation

2-Quality Time

3-Receiving Gifts

4-Acts of Service

5-Physical Touch


I was completely surprised and speechless when all of us had the same love language. Maybe the apple really doesn't fall far from the tree. Some of us had two Love Languages that tied for first place. I found this very fascinating. I spent the next hour reading about expressing love in their language. This is actually a fun activity if you haven't done it. My friend who gave me this book swears this has helped improve one of her relationships in her own life. Again I find this fascinating. Any hoo, I love reading books and trying new things and this was actually fun for the whole family. Check it out you might want to try it.

A memory from an amazing life.

Since we just had Father's day I thought I would share an amazing moment from the life of an amazing man; my father.
My dad left work at 1:00 every Wednesday to take Jerry, a man who lived nearby to the doctors. None of us knew why, except for my mom. After a few months my father was diagnosed with colon cancer and now was unable to take Jerry to the doctor’s. Jerry, we found out had AIDS and his family had disowned him. My father felt that no one deserved to be alone and others around us felt the same and when my father could no longer take care of Jerry we as a family and neighbors began to help him out. With both of them dealing with their illnesses they kept in touch weekly.
At the beginning of November my father’s condition worsened, we all knew that he only had a few weeks left. A week before his death I had the privilege to hear a conversation between Jerry and my father. (I had him recount Jerry’s side of the conversation when he got off the phone.)
Jerry: “How are you?”
My dad: “I have felt better. I don’t think it will be long now.”Jerry: “I’m really scared to die. Are you?
My Dad: “I’m not. I’m comforted in believing that my family and Father in Heaven await me, when I go.
Jerry: “You didn’t give yourself cancer, but my actions gave me AIDS.” My Dad: “Jerry I believe that your Father in Heaven has already forgiven you.” Jerry: “I don’t know; I just don’t know if I have enough faith to believe that.” My father: “I know you’re scared, I’ll tell you what…I will go first, I’ll check it out and then when it is your time I will come and get you and take you home to our Father. I know that he has forgiven you and that he loves you. Jerry I will come back and get you, have faith and believe.” My father passed away on, Thursday, November 28, 1991 at 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon. Jerry passed away a week later, Thursday, December 5, 1991 at 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon. Was this just a weird coincidence, I don’t think so. After hearing this conversation take place and talking to my father afterwards, I truly believe my father gave Jerry a gift that day. A gift of love knowing that someone who cared about him would come and take him home to his father. And I think the Lord gave us a gift by taking Jerry a week later.

Where have I been?

I'm sorry, I've been missing in action. I hope to be better really I do. I have just been caught off guard by how much time it would take to have a daughter graduate from High School and prepare to leave in the next four weeks for college. No one told me this was going to be a full time job along with planning a family vacation before she goes, because it could be the last with just the five of us. So I truly aplogize. Please hang in there with me I will be back. I miss you all and your comments.

Boys will be boys.

I expect two things when I give my husband and son a project on a sunny Saturday: Someone will be wearing a bandaid by the end of the project, and there will be lots of laughter. However I did not expect what happened. Here's the story.

I asked my husband and son to take down a fort we had built when the kids were little. It was old and ratty and the kids are now teenagers and no longer interested in playing on it. So I gave the men in my life the task of destroying it. Things went well for the first hour. They both worked diligently with a sawall and axe. Then out of the corner of my eye I saw my son roll to the grass writhing in pain and my husband rushing over to his side. I walked to where my son was laying. My husband looked up face pail and asked me to go get a clean rag. I ran into the kitchen brought out a dishtowel. My husband pulled down the waist band of my sons shorts and exposed an open wound the size of a quarterand a deep enough to need stitches. Blood spilled out from the corners. My son lifted his head and said, "Hey you can see my fat cells." "Why yes you can." I replied, "It looks like we're going to the ER." My sons head hit the grass covered ground and said, "It's not that bad just superglue it together." First of all, what is it with men and them thinking superglue can fix everything? "Not going to happen," I said, Let's go."

My husband and I took him to the emergency room where I found out exactly what happened as my husband was explaining it to the nurse. He was swinging the axe at one of the four wooden legs on the fort. As he struck the wood with the axe the wood splintered and the axe slipped out of his hands and hit my son who was standing eight feet away with the blade of the axe on his right hip and split him open. Sixteen stitches later we left the emergency room with photos and a story to tell.

My favorite things.

Today's my birthday. A lady never tells her age, but I will share with you a few of my favorite things.

Just a few of my favorite things. (When I wrote that I totally heard Julie Andrews singing in the back ground.)

1-Reading a book in the bathtub.

2-Eating and smelling grapefruit in the morning.

3-Sitting outside and sharing a meal with my family.

4-Kissing the man I love.

5-Talking to my best friend on the phone.

6-Hearing my favorite song on the radio.

7- Listening to a good rainstorm with thunder and lightning.

8-Snuggling deep into a blanket while I watch a chic-flick with my girls.

9-Laughing with friends and family

10-A clean and organized house.

These are some of my favorite things.

By the way they are in no particular order.

I only listed ten things, but this list would not be complete without chocolate. I eat it every day and love, love, love it so much. And all of these things are much better when you do them eating chocolate.

Example: Reading a book in the bathtub and eating chocolate. See better.

What's your favorite things?

THe LDS Storymakers Conference

I'm saddened that I missed the LDS Storymakers Conference last weekend. A few months ago I decided to be a county delegate. I wasn't pleased with the way things were going and I wanted to make a difference, so I decided I would ask my constituents in my district if I could represent them. They voted and I became a delegate. Little did I know that becoming a delegate would be like cutting off my nose. UGH! I hate it when you try to do something good and then it comes back to bite you in the cheeks.

Anyway, as you can probably guess I was unable to attend the conference. I've been surfing everyone's blogs and hearing and seeing what I missed and I feel nauseated.

My only consolation in missing; is that I did vote at the delegate conference and the people I wanted to win-did. I think they will be good candidates to represent us in the next election. This is still not totally making me feel better, so everyone please keep writing about the conference and telling me what I missed. I'm learning a lot by you all being there.

A new day has dawned

The other day as I prepared another meal for my family. I yelled, "dinner is ready," and then I realized the boy was at baseball, the oldest at work, and the youngest was hanging out with friends. So I sat down with my husband right-wrong he was on a long distance business call and so I asked myself. Why do I do this? The answer; because this is what a good mom does. So I placed things in the microwave to be warmed and waited for all to return home. We ate around eight thirty that night.

The oldest came home and said, "I'm not really that hungry. I ate late."

The boy came home, I placed his food before him and with nose wrinkled. He said, "We're having this again."

Next was the youngest, "I'm not eating that. You know I hate that stuff."

That's it!" I said reaching for a notebook and pencil. "Your job is to make a healthy food menu for dinner this week. One in which each one of you will take a turn making and cleaning up."

Their eyes went wide, but they reluctantly agreed thinking they were going to make a menu of take out and drive throughs.

"Oh no, no." I said wagging a finger in the air. "This will be a menu of home cooked meals not ready made chicken nuggets and ardery clogging materials."
Let's be real for a minute it wasn't going to be the healthest menu, but it was going to be homemade. Our first family meal was Monday. The oldest cooked spaghetti. Tuesday was blueberry pancakes, sausage and scrabbled eggs.

Right now, I am doing the happy dance. I haven't had to cook, or clean up in two days and this has made me very happy. Do I care whats for dinner? No, because I don't have to cook it and no one right now is complaing because their cooking. YAY! This moment isn't going to last but please let me revel in it while it does.

Some days are just harder than others.

Today has been a very hard and trying day. Most days are not like this at school but today was just one of those that make you thankful for your wonderful blessings and breaks your heart in two. First thing this morning I was met by a teacher who has a new student. He leaned in and whispered, "I have a new student who gets easily irritated. If he explodes hit the panic button the office will come running."

Luckily, I didn't have to hit the button. The new student seemed to be fine while I was there. I left and returned less than an hour later to watch him being hauled out of class. He had, had an episode. (He is exibiting signs of schitophrenia) I entered the class while his teacher took care of the students needs and I tried to settle the others down. Next, I read with my kids and then was off to the next class where my teammate asked one of her students where he was yesterday because she missed him. The child broke down into tears. The teacher came over and dismissed him to go to the bathroom for a minute, then filled us in. He was beaten yesterday by his mother with a belt. She was taken out of the home and isn't expected to return for a while.

These are the kind of days some of these kids go through and my biggest complaint is I don't have enough time in the day to do everything I want.

This was just my day. I can only imagine what the school councelors and principals day is like.

So tell me how was your day? My prayers are with both these kids.

PC verses Mac.

Sorry I haven't written in awhile my computer got a virus from a facebook app and it's been at the computer doctor for over a week. Today's its first day back and my fingers are finally happy and feeling at home plunking on the slippery black keys to type my next blog.

This brings me to the actual subject of this blog which is PC verses Mac.

I chose to buy a PC because I thought it would be easier to work in the writing world with one. My thinking was that most people I know own a PC. The only people I know that own a Mac are graphic artists and designers. So naturally I felt as if I should buy a PC-- which I did. I have sucessfully written six novels, a couple of short stories and a magazine article. However, amongst all my writings I have had the occassional virus and not being computer savvy myself I have to rely on others to fix it and get me running again. Whereas if I owned a Mac my husband would be able to fix it. (I know what was I thinking.) Well here it is. I was thinking that when I sent in a query letter that the publishing companies would have an easier time reading my ms and my formatting would not get messed up in the electronic transfer which all of this is very important when your trying to impress the pants off a publishing company.

Mac side; If I had a Mac computer I would not have gotten a computer virus from facebook. I would not have been without a computer for over two weeks which has put me behind on writing, emails and keeping up with other varies callings. My husband works on Macs and could have fixed my computer. And lastly I would not have had two viruses in the last six months. Yes two so as you can see I'm tired and a little cranky that I keep getting these dang viruses and from facebook no less.

So, today Mac's win! ( I still love you my little computer pal.)

Tell me what's your opinion PC or Mac?

Just a few quick tips.

Here are a few quick tips to keep you healthy, wealthy and wise. Okay I don't know about the wealthy or wise part, but I do know about the healthy.

1 cup of butter is 1600 calories
1 cup of sour cream is 800 calories

But 1 cup of yogurt or greek yogurt (Which is thickier. I only like to cook with it. I don't like it by itself as a yogurt but it is great to make dips with.) is 120 calories.

Bad oils: Palm oil, Seasame oil

Good oils: Canola, olive, and grapeseed. Canola and grapeseed oil have a higher flash point to fry or saute in. Olive oil is best in dressings or to roast with.

Bad Starches: White rice, and enriched flour pasta

Good Starches: Quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta (Check the ingredients on the back of the box. I've ran into wheat pasta looked on the back and the first words are enriched. Yikes! There is your sign all good stuff taken out and your left with most of the bad and processed.)

Now you probably already new these things but I thought a reminder wouldn't hurt since were moving into spring. But to make your visit worth it I thought I'd leave you with a Quinoa recipe.

Quinoa Muffins
1 C quinoa, rinsed
1/4 C canola oil or safflower oil
2 C flour
3/4 C brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 C raisins or craisins
3/4 C whole milk
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla

In medium saucepan bring 2 c water and quinoa to boil. reduce to simmer, cover and cook until water has been absorbed and quinoa is tender (11-13 minutes) I use my rice cooker.
Meanwhile brush a standard 12 cup muffin pan with oil and dust with flour. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt raisins and 2 cups cooked quinoa, reserve any leftover for another use. In a small bowl whisk together oil, milk, egg and vanilla. Add milk mixture to flour mixture and stir until just combined. Divide batter among prepared muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25 - 30 minutes.
These are also good with banana and chocolate chips. Adjust the mild and vegatable oil a bit and add a smashed banana and choc chips instead of raisins.

Enjoy!

The who, the when, and the why of the Health Care Bill

Let’s talk about how all this got started or the reason they say all of this got started. I’m talking about the Health Care Reform Bill. Currently, there are 32 million without health insurance. The new health insurance coverage expansion begins in 2014. When fully phased in, 95 percent of eligible Americans would have health insurance coverage, compared with 83 percent today. I have to admit I thought there was a wider gap between insured and uninsured. The difference here is twelve percent and yet it will cost $871 Billion. (Chump change.)
There are several expletives I’d like to use as I watched Washington these last few days. (I’ll leave what they are to your capable imaginations.) However, I thought I’d like to know the who, the when, and the why of the health care bill. Maybe you’re not as curious as I am, but here is a small run down of what I found out.
Thursday afternoon the Senate passed the reconciliation portion of health care reform. The vote was 56 to 43, with all Republicans and three Democrats voting against it.
Included in the no votes were Democrats Ben Nelson of Nebraska, both Arkansas senators, Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln, and both of Maine's Republican senators, Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, who Democrats had once hoped would vote for the bill. Georgia Republican Johnny Isakson missed the vote due to illness.
Among The Republican amendments were defeated Wednesday those amendments defeated were Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) to prevent convicted child molesters and rapists from getting reimbursed by the government for drugs to treat erectile dysfunction; an amendment from Sen. George LeMieux (R-Fla.) to require all members of Congress to enroll in Medicaid; a measure from Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) to certify that no households earning less than $250,000 will see increased taxes as a result of health care reform; and an amendment by Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) to certify that Americans will not have to change their health insurance as a result of the bill if they do not want to. However the Senate parliamentarian, Alan Frumin, ruled in favor of Republicans on two objections to portions of the student loan reform section, a decision that changes the text of the reconciliation bill and thus requires the House to vote again. When did students loans become a health care issue? Weather you believe in the health care plan or not or your Republican or Democrat can we both agree that student loans has nothing to do with heath care. Isn't this a streeeeeetch even for government? At least they are going back to vote on this again. I would encourage you to write your senators and house representatives on this matter because it will come up again and soon.
Health insurance mandate - Almost everyone is required to get health insurance or else pay a fine. There is an exemption for low-income people. This exemption though is for households who will earn less than $25,000 a year. The Mandate takes effect in 2014.
In 2014, the IRS penalty of $750 per individual or 2% of income – whichever is greater – kicks in for those that choose not to purchase health insurance. No one can be denied access to insurance for pre-existing conditions, and annual caps on benefits are banned altogether. In addition, the temporary high risk pools are now done away with as states will have to have exchanges put in place.

Pheew! Did you get all that. I hope you learned something and I'm hoping that whatever your opinion is that you will take a moment and get involved. We really do live in the best country in the world--The United States of America. We are truely blessed.

I found my information at: Politics Daily—written by; Patricia Murphy, Health Bill 2010 Info; CNM News Network

What you learn when you talk to your children

These are the things I've learned from talking to my daughter today. But first I would like to say that I couldn't believe that I am this out of touch with society and the teen population. I've always thought of myself as being a realist and knowing what's going on in the world of teenhood. However, I also realize that I shelter my kids as much as possible and in fact I shelter myself as well since I don't have to navigate my way through things I don't want to by choice. But still some of what she told me I found a little shocking.

Today she found herself having a conversation with five people, four girls including her and one guy. They are all graduating from high school this year. She can't remember how the conversation got started but surfice it to say. She found out that--out of all five of them, she was the only one that has never had sex, two; had never had a miscarriage along with the boy, (of course) All three of the girls had miscarriages in the last year and one of them has had three and still does not use birth control while engaging in sex. Yikes, have these kids not heard of sexually transmitted dieseaes. None of them used any precautions what so ever. I thought we had spread the campaign about using birth control and condoms. Or I know how about abstanace that seems to be a new one.

Off to her next class she sits behinds this boy who proudly turns around and shows her his freshly black inked flesh. He has gotten his first tattoo a japanese characters. Then he proceeds to rub lotion on it. My daughter, My daughter says, "Don't do that it will make it smear." Excuse me how does she know that. So I ask. "Mom, everyone knows that. Besides there are lots of kids with tattoo's at school.

Now I realize that yes, there are lots of kids with tattoo's, but how many is a lot. My daughter in forms me she thinks it's probably seventy percent has some form of tattoo. Again excuse me. I was thinking it was probably in the twenty-five percent range had a tattoo. Evidently I was wrong. Again don't you have to have parental permission to get a tattoo if your under eighteen. Who are these parents. Or is it just me but tattoos are permanent things. They cannot be easily removed should we not talk about this, maybe have a wait and see period, before we all jump off the cliff and do what everyone else is doing. I found this all a bit nauseating. I guess I'm showing my age here, but tattoos were on military personnel when I was young and they meant something to these men that wore them. Yes men. ( I never saw a woman with a tattoo until years later.) My grandfather had one on his forearm and I always thought it was kind of cool. However, it was mostly because of the story that went with it. My grandmother however, said, "It was a foolish and stupid moment in my granddad's life." You guessed it. She didn't like it.

See what you can learn when you talk to your children.

Let's talk... shall we. (Just for your information this is not my fingernail)The other day I was visiting my step-mother-in-law when she noticed my finger nails...they have horitzontal lines in them. She said, "you are allergic to gluten. Lines in your fingernails is a sign of Siliac's diesea's. I came home and looked on my trusty computer for lines in the fingernails. this is what it gave me.

fingernail lines are in the texture of the nail. Because the changes in nail texture are gradual you may hardly notice them to begin with. When you see ridges in your nails check a list of symptoms of low B12; so being dutiful I checked the list on symptoms. There is about a hundred different kind of problems that stem from the lack of B12. Some admittedly are down right frightening. I was going to post the list, however it was so long I didn't even read it all.

Next I tried to do more research. I came up with that ridges on nails can mean you have a serious health problem. I have to admit I know several people with ridges on their nails and they seem to be completely fine.

So HELP! Has anyone ever heard of ridges on fingernails meaning they're allergic to gluten?

I don't know what got me thinking about this today, but... maybe it's the earthquakes happening around the world and the tsunamis they are causing, or the people I know that are too young to be struggling with diabilitating horendous illnesses. In any case it got me thinking about planning my funeral.



I have only one request so far. When I was a senior in high School I was one member of twelve in Seminary Council. We did two sacarament meetings a month. At every sacrament meeting we sang Because We Have Been Given Much. I would like those who are still around from the council to sing at my funeral the song we sang together. And if there is no one left and I out live them all. I would like my family to sing it.

Today is Dr. Suess Birthday and read across America day.

I don't know about you, but as a child I could not get enough of Dr. Suess books and I don't think it has changed much for children all over the world. He made reading fun, silly and something you experienced. No one has ever been able to write quite the way he did and make nonsensicle things make perfect sense. I'm grateful for those moments when I read his books when I was a child, but I'm extremely grateful that I got to share his books with my kids.

So heres to you Dr. Suess, I raise my glass and celebrate your uniquness and down right clever verbage that made kids every where go ahh.

This is one of my favorite quotes by Dr. Suess; "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

Who else do you know made words and make believe characters famous with names like these; Sneetches, Floob-Bobber-Bab-Boober-Buds, Fiffer-Feffer-Feff, Dinwoodie, Grickily-Gractus-Grox, Horn-Honkers-Hopp, Soup-Snoop-Group, Long-Legger-Kwong. Just to name a few.

Green Eggs and Ham is the 3rd largest selling book in the English language of all time. He wrote over 54 children's books and continued writing up until his death in 1991.

I think we owe alot to Dr. Suess. No one has ever said things the way he did; "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than you."

He made my childhood one of wonderment as I turned the pages of each and everyone of his books. Thank you for those moments and for the memories.

This was sent to me by a friend of mine and I thought I would share. It's a good laugh. And right now when things are tough. I thought we could use a some cheering up, so I thought I would share.

This year, we taxpayers will again receive another 'Economic Stimulus'payment.

This is indeed a very exciting program, and I 'll explain it by using a Q & A format.

Q. What is an 'EconomicStimulus' payment?

A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.

Q.Where will the government get this money?

A. From taxpayers.

Q. So the government is giving> me back my own money?

A. Only a smidgen of it.

Q. What is the purpose of this payment?

A. The plan is for you to use> the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.

Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China ?

A. Shut up.

Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the U.S. economy by spending your stimulus check wisely:

I f you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart, the money will go to China or Sri Lanka .

If you spend it on gasoline, your money will go to the Arabs.

If you purchase a computer, it will go to India , Taiwan or China

If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to Mexico , Honduras and Guatamala.

If you buy an efficient car, it will go to Japan or Korea .

If you purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan.

If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will go to management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.

I instead, keep the money in America by: 1) Spending it at yard sales, or 2) Going to ball games, or 3) Spending it on prostitutes, or 4) Beer or 5) Tattoos.

(These are the only American businesses still operating in U.S.)

Conclusion: Go to a ball game with a tattooed prostitute that you met at a yard sale and drink beer all day ! No need to thank me, I'm just glad I could be of help.

Dreams or the likes there of.....

The other night I went to bed like most of us do. And for me going to bed is like leaving this world to become part of another. Dreams free me from the confines of the world I live in and make everything and anything possible. I love going to bed and dreaming it like yoga for some, or a great massage for others. Dreams are where I can experience things I've always well....dreamed of. But the other night, as I quickly fell asleep I began to dream or going grocery shopping. WHAT!!Grocery shopping at not only did I go grocery shopping once I did it over and over again. By the time I woke up I had grocery shopped in my dreams four times. Four times are you kidding me. What happened to going sailing in the ocean in a bikini and looking fabulous or going sky diving with your own abilities because you can fly in your dreams. Oh no none of that on this night. I grocery shopped. So my question is this. What does that mean going grocery shopping in your dream.

I've been told that if you dream your teeth are falling out its because you are over worked or under alot of stress.

Now if you tell me that I dreamt of going grocery shopping because I was hungry I might yell and throw a small four year old kind of temper tantrum. Not that you will hear me but I will. Seriously, I would love to know what you all think it might mean to go grocery shopping in your dreams.

As a side note, I went grocery shopping the next day to ensure I would not dream about going grocery shopping again.

Words...

Words, words, words, it’s all about the words we use, what they mean and how we say them. I watched a movie recently Love Happens with Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart where Jennifer Aniston’s character writes obscure words poppysmic and quidnunc behind two different paintings.

Poppysmic -- produced by smacking ones lips together.
Quidnunc -- means a nosy or gossipy person, a gossipmonger.
You’re supposed to find her writing on the walls endearing and not what it actually is vandalism. Still it got me to thinking about how much I love words. My mother has always used big words and would make me look them up, if I didn't know what they meant. I wish now I could remember them all.

I thought it would be fun to find some words of my own. Feel free to let me know some fun words that you have found and have heard of or use. I like learning new words and if you can find a way to put them into a conversation—then think just how much smarter will you sound and be. So let’s improve our knowledge and our vocabulary.

obacerate v
1656 -1658
to stop one's mouth
When he swore onstage, several audience members obacerated themselves.
noscible adj
1654 -1654
knowable; well-known
It is noscible that no amount of training can make up for experience in the field.
fallaciloquence n
1656 -1761
deceitful speech
Your fallaciloquence, though charming, will not convince the jury to acquit.
impigrity n
1623 -1721
quickness; speed
The impigrity of the contract's signing led to vexing legal wranglings.
eternitarian n
1746 -1746
one who believes in the eternity of the soul
Though she held to no particular faith, she remained a hopeful eternitarian.

I think I will obacerate at the moment and never fallaciloquence for fear of being judged by impigrity because I am an eternitarian after all. And with that said I hope you will share words that you have seen, looked up, heard or discovered.

I found all these unusual words on the Phrontistery website.

What's on the menu?

Yesterday and the day before were spent preparing for Super bowl Sunday. Saturday I bought and ran around to three different stores making sure I had everything to make our evening a success. Sunday morning bright and early we prepped the turkey for roasting made queso dip, homemade salsa. Then we took a break, headed to church, skipped out early and came home to prepare the rest. So what was on the menu? Here's our list.

Turkey, rolls and condiments to make a sandwich if you wanted.
Cubed steak bathed in barbeque sauce and wrapped in bacon.
Chicken walnut lettuce wraps, vegetable and fruit tray.
Queso sauce with taco seasoned hamburger meat mixed in and tortilla chips along with fresh salsa. Plus two bags of sun chips and barbeque chips
Black bean salsa, stuffed mushrooms, potato skins dripping with cheese and bacon bits.
Artichoke heart and spinach dip with whole wheat crackers (The whole wheat part makes me feel better) Garlic hummus and toasted pita bread.
Baked fresh French bread cut and slathered in butter and mozzarella cheese to dip into marinara sauce.
Now for the baked goods; We had a sheet cake from Costco, chocolate covered marshmallows, rice krispie treats, mini chocolate bars, sand dollar cookies, Oreo’s, jolly ranchers, pretzels covered in white chocolate and ice cream.

I hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating the most watched game on TV or should I say commercials. We had over thirty guests to our party and loved every minute of the game and spending time with our friends and loved ones. The goal of this blog was to actually figure out the calorie count for each item, but now that I've listed what was on the menu. I'm down right frightened of what it might be. So suffice it to say, I think maybe Super bowl Sunday over took Thanksgiving on the calorie index by a lot. If we were talking in boxing terms I'm pretty sure it was a knock out for the Super bowl.

So whether your team won or not -- I hope you had a good time eating and spending time with the ones you love.

February 4th Thank your Mailman Day.

When : Always February 4th

Thank a Mailman Day is your chance to say thanks to the guy, or gal, who delivers your mail. After all, they are there six days a week come rain or shine. The reliable postal worker is always there doing their job, regardless of the weather.

Did you Know? Pony Express riders were the most famous early American "mailmen". Their motto was " Neither rain, nor snow, nor death of the night, can keep us from our duty". This motto is believed to be taken in part from a motto dating back to ancient times. Among the most popular variation is "Through rain or snow, or sleet or hail, we'll carry the mail. We will not fail".

I know I am completely grateful when they do there job. Aren't you?

Make it a point to catch your mail carrier enroute today and say thank you or if your like me I have no idea what time my mail carrier comes around so put a thank you in your mailbox for them. Give him or her a great big smile if you happen to see them or visit your local post office. But try and acknowledge those who serve us faithfully. Everyone likes to be noticed and thanked for a job that most people take for granted.

Then and Now.

I love the movie Pride and Prejudice like every other girl on the planet. And I don't know why hearing these lines come out of Kiera Knightly mouth gives me such great joy, but it does.
The scene that I have chosen is when Lady Catherine shows up late at night. To ask Elizabeth if she has accepted a proposal of marriage from her nephew. I decided to show you the real dialogue and then show you my interpretation of how it would be said today. I'll let you read and see for yourself. Enjoy.

``I will not be interrupted. Hear me in silence.'' Lady Catherine said, ''My daughter and my nephew are formed for each other. They are descended, on the maternal side, from the same noble line; and, on the father's, from respectable, honourable, and ancient -- though untitled -- families. Their fortune on both sides is splendid. They are destined for each other by the voice of every member of their respective houses; and what is to divide them? The upstart pretensions of a young woman without family, connections, or fortune. Is this to be endured! But it must not, shall not be. If you were sensible of your own good, you would not wish to quit the sphere in which you have been brought up.''
Lady Catherine: "You do not belong on the same planet as my nephew."

``In marrying your nephew, I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's daughter; so far we are equal.''
Miss Bennet: "Oh, I believe I am." That's none of your business."

``True. You are a gentleman's daughter. But who was your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition.''
Lady Catherine: "Pleassse."

``Whatever my connections may be,'' said Elizabeth, ``if your nephew does not object to them, they can be nothing to you.''
Miss Bennet: "If he doesn't mind...then why should you."

``Tell me once and for all, are you engaged to him?''
Lady Catherine: "I want to know...are you engaged to him?"

Though Elizabeth would not, for the mere purpose of obliging Lady Catherine, have answered this question, she could not but say, after a moment's deliberation,

``I am not.''
Miss Bennet: "No"

Lady Catherine seemed pleased.

``And will you promise me, never to enter into such an engagement?''
Lady Catherine: "Promise...you won't."

``I will make no promise of the kind.''
Miss Bennet: "No, I won't."

``Miss Bennet I am shocked and astonished. I expected to find a more reasonable young woman. But do not deceive yourself into a belief that I will ever recede. I shall not go away till you have given me the assurance I require.''
Lady Catherine: "I am not leaving until you tell me you won't marry him."

``And I certainly never shall give it. I am not to be intimidated into anything so wholly unreasonable. Your ladyship wants Mr. Darcy to marry your daughter; but would my giving you the wished-for promise make their marriage at all more probable? Supposing him to be attached to me, would my refusing to accept his hand make him wish to bestow it on his cousin? Allow me to say, Lady Catherine, that the arguments with which you have supported this extraordinary application have been as frivolous as the application was ill-judged. You have widely mistaken my character, if you think I can be worked on by such persuasions as these. How far your nephew might approve of your interference in his affairs, I cannot tell; but you have certainly no right to concern yourself in mine. I must beg, therefore, to be importuned no farther on the subject.''
Miss Bennet: "Get the hell out of my house."

``Not so hasty, if you please. I have by no means done. To all the objections I have already urged, I have still another to add. I am no stranger to the particulars of your youngest sister's infamous elopement. I know it all; that the young man's marrying her was a patched-up business, at the expence of your father and uncles. And is such a girl to be my nephew's sister? Is her husband, is the son of his late father's steward, to be his brother? Heaven and earth! -- of what are you thinking? Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?''
Lady Catherine: "I am not through here. don't think I don't know about the affairs of your family."

``You can now have nothing farther to say,'' she resentfully answered. ``You have insulted me in every possible method. I must beg to return to the house.''
Miss Bennet: "I'm done. Get out!"

And she rose as she spoke. Lady Catherine rose also, and they turned back. Her ladyship was highly incensed.

``You have no regard, then, for the honour and credit of my nephew! Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not consider that a connection with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?''
Lady Catherine: "You are a tramp and not worthy of him."

``Lady Catherine, I have nothing farther to say. You know my sentiments.''
Miss Bennet: Crosses her arms against her chest and glares.

``You are then resolved to have him?''
Lady Catherine: "I know you want him?"

``I have said no such thing. I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.''
Miss Bennet: "I will do whatever I damn well please."

``It is well. You refuse, then, to oblige me. You refuse to obey the claims of duty, honour, and gratitude. You are determined to ruin him in the opinion of all his friends, and make him the contempt of the world.''
Lady Catherine: "So your just going to ignore everything I've said. You will ruin his life."

``Neither duty, nor honour, nor gratitude,'' replied Elizabeth, ``have any possible claim on me, in the present instance. No principle of either would be violated by my marriage with Mr. Darcy. And with regard to the resentment of his family, or the indignation of the world, if the former were excited by his marrying me, it would not give me one moment's concern -- and the world in general would have too much sense to join in the scorn.''
Miss Bennet: "Don't concern yourself.I'm pretty sure the worlds population won't die if we choose to get married."

``And this is your real opinion! This is your final resolve! Very well. I shall now know how to act. Do not imagine, Miss Bennet, that your ambition will ever be gratified. I came to try you. I hoped to find you reasonable; but, depend upon it, I will carry my point.''
Lady Catherine: "I thought we could talk, but I was wrong."

In this manner Lady Catherine talked on, till they were at the door of the carriage, when, turning hastily round, she added, ``I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. I send no compliments to your mother. You deserve no such attention. I am most seriously displeased.''
Lady Catherine: "Go ahead and ruin both your lives."

Today's speach is alot shorter, but it sure lacks the luster of the way people spoke back then. What do you think?

Little tips and things you might want to know.

Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store.
If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.



Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil.
It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!

Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating.
Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef.
It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of
spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up.



To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2' with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away