Thursday, December 31, 2009

New Years Alone? Not so bad....


Here we are just 2 hours away from a new year and a new decade. Want to know what else? I’m alone. And the surprise? I’m enjoying it. A single mom of a 17 and 22 year old, it was inevitable that the kiddos would not always be with me on this holiday. And it’s okay. I put everything I have into Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, my three favorite holidays. I swear it’s the fastest three months of the year. So by the time New Years Eve rolls around, I’m beat.

Never being my favorite holiday in the first place, I have learned to go with the flow and do what my heart wants to do on this night of new beginnings. I have had some fun parties and my night tonight didn’t go without invitations. I declined. I just really wanted to be home tonight.

First of all, I’m a Christmas junkie. Every inch of my home is decorated and I know my snowmen, trees (yes, plural) and gingerbread are on borrowed time. So here I sit, with Sex and the City reruns on, the house dark with the exceptions of my festive lights. Breathtaking. I have a cocktail beside me, my faithful Corgi at my side and am about to start a fire in the fireplace.

Earlier today, we had a snow storm. Now, at 10 PM, the night was still with only a quiet you can find only after the calm of such a storm. The corgi and I took a neighborhood stroll. It was so peaceful and it was fun to watch her take in the smells of the fresh deer tracks.
Yes, I am happy to put this decade behind me. Too many struggles that have since turned into great momentum headed into the next ten years. I’m ready. Bring it. In the next ten years, I will turn 50. I will continue to grow and become who I am supposed to be. I may remain single. I may not. My children will continue to find their own lives and I will continue to be here when they need a place to land. And there are many things that are yet to be answered. For now, a Siamese cat, a sleepy corgi and a beautiful tree before me are all I need. Oh yes, and that fire.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Meditation ~ Easier Than You Think


My daughter was just home over Christmas. What a perfect and wonderful Christmas it was. With one exception. My daughter was battling gall bladder issues that left her feeling less than 100% to fully enjoy her Christmas. As she is only 22 and not at all overweight it wasn't hard to conclude that the enourmous amounts of stress in her life had begun to take its toll on her young body. When I brought up the subject of meditation, you can imagine it was met with a great deal of resistance. Such is why we are where we are.

I spent time with her head on a pillow in my lap. I encouraged her to breathe deeply through her abdomen, making sure to relax her belly, shoulders and jaw. I felt tension melt off of her. I asked her to open her palms to be receptive the gifts and guidence the universe had to provide for her. All the while I placed emphasis on the pressure points in her back and neck.

Breathe in the good .... good health...good feelings....peace....

Breathe out the bad....bosses....stress...too much to do.....money...

Breathe in the good...love....balance...harmony....security....

Breathe out the bad... school...pressure...fatigue...bills...

It wasn't long before we had a wave of tears. Release. Letting all that had built up just slide away and to be glad for it's departure.

Manifesting. The envisioning of health and wellness in her body and what that would feel like. What substantial rest and cognitive thought could feel like. Feeling freedom and air in her lungs. Feeling her body without pain. And visualizing what that looked like on her and how it felt. Maintaining that vision for over a minute and another release. Another wave of tears. Good girl. Very good. Progress.

Then a yawn came. Then another. Smiles through tears from her mother. Peace was coming and release of the bad had occured.

Gratitude. Visualize at least three things that you are greatful for. Thank the universe for these gifts in your life. Keep breathing.

Five minutes. One minute. Half and hour. Breathe. Visualize. Gratitude. There doesn't have to be fanfare. There doesn't have to be incense or candles or chants. *In my best Seinfeld* Though there is nothing wrong with that, the overstressed can often feel intimidated by it. Feeling like they have to create an atmosphere to be worthy of meditation before they can do it. Not so.

In fact, in that realm of thought, you do yourself more harm than good by denying yourself the breath and benefits a simple five minutes in a chair with limited distraction can do for you. Identifying blocked chakras and releasing them is possible in the most stubborn host bodies in humble surroundings. My own daughter even realized her throat felt lumpy. Well we released that blocked chakra right now. But in being still she was able to identify that.

My daughter said meditation was never her thing for the very reason that she just didn't have the time. People she knew who practiced this lifestyle would go to weekend retreats and meditate for days and hours and fast. This was not for her. But three days of a few minutes of breathing, manifesting and gratitude made a huge difference in how she felt and looked.

Myself, I notice a huge difference in my day if I can spend a few moments at this in the morning before I begin my day. Stress happens. Can't always change that. But if I take this time for myself, it significantly changes how I deal with what comes my way during the day.


Monday, November 23, 2009

Tribal Moose Holiday Cranberry Mandarin Sauce




A great recipe for anyone who is looking for an alternative to tradional cranberry sauce or the canned jellied kind. This is fantastic!






1/2 Cup canned mandarin oranges


1/2 Cup blackberries


1/4 Cup juice from mandarin oranges


2 T. cinnamon (or to taste)


1/2 tsp. allspice


1/2 tsp. nutmeg




Simmer for 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally until fruit breaks down. Serve over sliced turkey or turkey sanwhiches! Deeeee LISH!


Sunday, November 15, 2009


Wow! Okay. Here's the deal. It is no secret I am a publicist. I am proud to represent the businesses who trust in me to get the word out on their products. But I am here today as a consumer as well as a publicist to tell about my experience tonight.

I represent Tribal Moose BBQ Sauces. I have to be honest. I am not a huge BBQ fan. I don't go out of my way to eat at BBQ restaurants and don't use a lot of sauces like that when I cook. But as a publicist of Tribal Moose, I got a sample pack and I have to say I was really excited to try it.

Tonight (because where I live its already winter) I broiled boneless, skinless chicken breasts in my oven with steamed veggies and mashed potatoes. Good ol' comfort food. I put the Tribal Moose Spicy BBQ Sauce on half and Tribal Moose original in the others. Um. Can I say FANTASTIC???? I had a Spicy piece of chicken and it was flavored very well but I found I liked the sauce so well I put an additional amount on my plate to dip it in. Wonderful! My son had one of each and liked the Spicy best but liked dipping his broccoli in the original sauce!

It was amazingly good! From a girl who usually finds BBQ "okay" at best, I wanted to announce it to all of you that its worth having in your home, in your campers, in your tailgate and picnic kits! Don't leave home without it.

My son and I found ourselves discussing other uses for it. He admitted he was thinking something different at Thanksgiving might be fun. I agree. Though we like it hot, our guests may not. But we plan to baste our turkey this year with the Tribal Moose Original BBQ Sauce. If you know me at all, you know I don't mess around with my traditional dinner but I can hardly wait to do this. In fact, I have told my son to stay out of he Original Sauce until then so I am sure I have enough. The fact that it is infused with cranberries, this will be a perfect change to zing up my Thanksgiving turkey. I'll let you know how it is! In fact, I'll do you one better. Get a bottle and try it, too! We can compare recipes!

On another note, I have a huge family. No. I mean huge. Every Christmas I send a big package to my mother and I try to have something in it for everyone. As you can imagine, it gets expensive. I have two brothers who fish and hunt in SW Oregon. Guess what they are getting? I can't wait to send a bottle of this sauce off to them. I think they will have a great time adding it to fresh fish and game along with any other meats they may have. I think you will find prices are beyond resonable as well.

On yet one more note? I have seen a real movement in our country lately (I'll blog more about his later). Everyone is more socially aware and willing to help their fellow man. Did you know that every bottle of Cranberry Ketchup you buy from Tribal Moose, 100% of the proceeds go to the Salvation Army? As a publicist, you don't see that too often. Great products and a ketchup you can feel good about!

When you come up with a great recipe, pass it on to me! We love to hear your ideas! christy@tribalmoose.net!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Care, Share and Give a Pair!


Break the Chain® Apparel (BTC) has teamed up with Hannah’s Socks to bring new socks to shelters in Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky. The companies formed an alliance through the micro-blogging phenomenon called Twitter. BTC and Hannah’s Socks have the mutual mission to help those in need. BTC recognized an opportunity in Hannah’s Socks and will now donate $3 (the approx. value of a pair of socks) for every t-shirt ordered from these three states until Dec. 31, 2009.

BTC works toward ending domestic violence, abuse and other social issues by producing Clothing with a Voice®, clothing that “speaks against the unspeakable” so the person wearing it can make a statement without saying a word. Displaying such messages as Make a Stand Against an Angry Hand and End Hunger Now, BTC creates a voice for social change.

BTC founder Tammi Burns is thrilled to have this opportunity to give back to Hannah’s Socks. “By purchasing one of these t-shirts this holiday season, you will ensure a pair of socks goes to one of these Midwestern shelters for the winter ahead,” says Burns. Burns was also touched by the video about Hannah’s story. “It really makes you think about the small things we can do for each other.”

To see a full selection of t-shirts that are available, please visit www.breakthechainapparel.com. If you are interested in participating in this program but live outside Ohio, Kentucky or Michigan send an email order to tammi@breakthechainapparel.com and $3 will be donated to Hannah’s Socks.

About Break the Chain® Apparel
Break the Chain® Apparel was founded in 2006 by domestic violence survivor Tammi Burns. Tammi formed a team of people who aspired to make positive changes in the lives of others by creating “clothing with a voice,” clothing with messages that would inspire social change. Tammi’s vision is twofold: to use apparel as a tool to help fund social programs, and to inspire change by making messages against violence and addiction in-style. “These messages speak so you don’t have to,” says Tammi. “It allows the person wearing the clothing to speak out while remaining non-invasive.” For more information, visit www.breakthechainapparel.com or call CEO Tammi Burns at 503.859.5555.

About Hannah’s Socks
Hannah's Socks is a non-profit organization focused on providing clothing necessities to the less fortunate in Toledo, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; and their neighboring communities. Hannah's Socks collects donated materials in the form of men's, women's and children's socks and undergarments, then leverages partnerships with local shelters for distribution to both the homeless and to victims of domestic violence. In addition, we support programs serving under-privileged children. Hannah's Socks firmly believes that in a country as prosperous as the United States, no man, woman or child should want for something as basic as a warm pair of socks.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Grande Ronde Med Spa Now Offers Medical Weight Loss Program


Grande Ronde Med Spa is pleased to bring Medical Weight Management to you!

Dr. Michael H. McQueen has researched various weight loss programs and has developed this particular hybrid that is low carbohydrate, high fiber and high protein that keeps you satisfied and able to stay on course. Emphasized in this program is the importance of excercise and getting your 10,000 steps in a day for success! Dr. McQueen stresses the importance of not making a change just for a better look, but a lifestyle change to adopt for a healthy you for life.

This 16 week program provides you with all the materials you will need to make this final attempt at weight loss successful. Follow up appointments are included to ensure you have the support that you need. Here's how it works.

On your first visit, you will join others in a seminar to thoroughly explain this program. You will receive a jounal, food book, pedometer and your personal booklet to help you stay on course. Your labs will be drawn if you haven't had blood work done within the last 90 days.

You will receive 3 follow up appointments with Dr. McQueen and 5 follow up appointments with Jacqui Kleeman, R.N.. Weekly weigh in appointments are available at no additional fee.

The cost of this program is currently at an introductory price of $399 for 16 weeks. The only items not included in this price are prescriptives you may need, food and supplements which are available at a great price at Grande Ronde Med Spa.

Aren't you ready for a new you? Call us today at 541.963.3772 or visit www.grmedspa.com for more information. Grande Ronde Med Spa gladly accepts Care Credit, MasterCard, Visa and Discover.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Friday, September 18, 2009

T Shirts for Fun or Fundraisers for DMVAM


Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to make many people aware of domestic violence and the havoc it can wreak on families and communities. I’d like to introduce you to Break the Chain® Apparel, a clothing company that has created a way to take the message beyond October, creating social change every day of the year.

With screen-printed messages such as “Make a stand against an angry hand” and “Sticks and stones may break my bones but sometimes words are worse,” Break the Chain® Apparel speaks out against domestic violence, abuse and addiction. Their t-shirts “speak” so the person wearing it doesn’t have to.

For October, Break the Chain® Apparel is offering a special purple t-shirt with a design for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I thought your team members would be interested in wearing these purple anti-violence t-shirts during your October events, or to use as a fund raiser for your shelter throughout the month. We will offer these shirts to you at a discounted price of $12 each.

Would you like to order these special purple domestic violence awareness t-shirts? See the image below. For more information on Break the Chain® Apparel, please visit our online media kit or contact me at 541.786.1613. I will be honored to take your call. Also, feel free to email me at christy@breakthechainapparel.com.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Menu Planning Business Offers Families Time and Much More


More and more information comes out every day on the benefits of family dinners on children of school age. But it's such a catch 22. Yes. We are learning it is important. But with double income working families so necesarry and time of the essence, what are we to do to make this happen? I have a suggestion! Take a second and learn about Superwoman's Secret. This menu planning business provides healthy menus, grocery lists and recipes that will help you have a healthy family around the dinner table.
Try one week free of charge and see what a difference it makes in your health, your attitude and your time with your family. Are you still doubting? Read below and see if this isn't worth your time.


WHY FAMILY MEALS MATTER.

Family Meals Fact Sheet Compiled by Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RD

Family Meals Matter . . . by improving academic performance:

• Improved vocabularies and reading skills A study by Dr. Catherine Snow at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, followed 65 families over 15 years, looking at how mealtime conversations play a critical role in language acquisition in young children. The conversations that occur around the family table teach children more vocabulary and forms of discourse than they learn when you read to them. Improved vocabularies lead to better readers. Better readers do better in all school subjects.

• Improved achievement test scores A University of Illinois study of 120 boys and girls age 7 – 11 found that children who did well in school and on achievement tests were those who generally spent large amounts of time eating meals with their families.

• Greater academic achievement A Reader’s Digest survey of more than 2,000 high-school seniors compared academic achievement with family characteristics. Eating meals with their family was a stronger predictor of academic success than whether they lived with one or both parents. Share that with families who may not have money or education or a spouse, but do have it in their power to eat with their kids!

• Higher grades Research by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), and others, has found a striking relationship between frequency of family meals and grades. In 2003, the percent of teens who got A’s was 20% of those who ate with their families 5 or more times per week compared to only 12% of those who ate with their families 2 or less times per week. by lowering risk-taking behaviors:

• In a research project coordinated by Dr. Blake Bowden of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, 527 teenagers were studied to determine what family and lifestyle characteristics were related to good mental health and adjustment. He found that kids who ate dinner with their families at least five times per week were the least likely to take drugs, feel depressed or get into trouble.

According to CASA surveys:
• Teens who eat dinner with their parents twice a week or less are four times more likely to smoke cigarettes, three times more likely to smoke marijuana, and nearly twice as likely to drink as those who eat dinner with their parents six or seven times a week.

• Teens who eat frequent family dinners are also less likely than other teens to have sex at young ages and get into fights; they are at lower risk for thoughts of suicide; and are likelier to do better in school. This is true regardless of a teen’s gender, family structure, or family socioeconomic level.

• Teens who have frequent family dinners are more likely to be emotionally content, work hard at school, and have positive peer relationships, not to mention healthier eating habits. by improving family relationships and emotional health:

• According to CASA surveys teens who have frequent family dinners are more likely to be emotionally content, work hard at school, and have positive peer relationships.

• A study by the Kraft Company found that American families who eat together are happier in many aspects of their lives than those who don’t. Children and teens who eat family meals together experience improved family communication, have stronger family ties and a greater sense of identity and belonging. by improving dietary quality and promoting healthy weight: • Dianne Neumark-Sztainer and her colleagues at the University of Minnesota, published the results of the EAT study (which stands for eating among teens) in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Their findings showed a dramatic relationship between family meal patterns and dietary intake in adolescents. Their study involved nearly 5,000 middle and high school students of diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. They found that family meals were associated with improved intakes of fruits, vegetables, grains, calcium-rich foods, protein, iron, fiber, and vitamins A, C, E, B-6 and folate. Family meals were associated with a lower intake of soft-drinks and snack foods.

• The Project EAT survey also found that girls who ate more frequent family meals exhibited less disordered eating including dieting behaviors, extreme weight control behaviors, binge eating, and chronic dieting.

• Consistent mealtimes allow children to feel secure that they will be fed; regular meals prevent grazing and promote coming to the table hungry but not “starving.”

• At family meals parents can role model healthy eating behaviors and a healthy relationship with food and eating.

• At family meals eating can be a focused activity if other activities such as television viewing are not taking place; therefore hunger and satiety cues can be attended to and respected.

• Family meals promote a feeling of belonging when family members come together and lower risk for loneliness-induced eating for comfort. Help families and our entire community . . . Make mealtimes a priority:

• Encourage parents to avoid evening work hours and multiple evening meetings • One night a week or one night a month have no school activities • Encourage afternoon practices and activities to end before 5:30

• Encourage evening activities not to begin before 7

• Host events that include sit-down meals for families

• Celebrate Family Day in September, or more often! Make mealtimes a reality by planning ahead:

• Family and Consumer Sciences classes and after school programs can teach children and teens basic cooking skills and involve the whole family in putting meals on the table.

• Feature web sites, meal planning ideas, and recipes on school menus and employer newsletters. And, create a positive atmosphere at the table:

• Encourage families to turn off the television and focus on one another instead. For more information on Family Mealtime visit the Purdue University Center for Families’ Promoting


Family Meals Project: www.cfs.purdue.edu/CFF/promotingfamilymeals

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Please Vote!


I've nominated my friend and client Tammi Burns of Break the Chain Apparel in Lyons, Ore. for a $10K grant through a company called Nau. They are giving one "Grant for change" and I think Tammi's "Project Change Reaction" is the perfect fit. Nau's first annual Grant for Change supports those who instigate lasting, positive change in their communities, and that's Tammi's Project Change Reaction.

Project Change Reaction is a youth-based program that tackles social issues. Students design artwork around abuse; a winning design will be chosen and developed into a professional graphic design produced on t-shirts that will sell nationally as the company’s latest apparel design. It's a way for youth to find their voice and stand up against issues such as dating violence, underage drinking, pharm parties, gang violence and more.

Would you be willing to take just a moment to go online and vote for her project? Rate the stories you like at http://www.nau.com/collective/grant-for-change/, and spread the word about Tammi's grant nomination to everyone you know. Nominations are open 'til August 17th, the voting 'til August 31st.


About Break the Chain Apparel

Break the Chain Apparel was founded in 2006 by domestic violence survivor Tammi Burns. Tammi formed a team of people who aspired to make positive changes in the lives of others by creating “clothing with a voice:” clothing with messages that would inspire social change. Tammi’s vision is twofold: to use apparel as a tool to help fund social programs, and to inspire change by making messages against violence and addiction in-style. “These messages speak so you don’t have to,” says Tammi. “It allows the person wearing the clothing to speak out while remaining non-invasive.” Break the Chain Apparel donates to a different nonprofit each month. For more information, visit www.breakthechainapparel.com or call CEO Tammi Burns at 503.859.5555.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Call for Entries: Looking for Oregon Youth to Design Shirt Promoting Sexual Violence Prevention


SALEM, ORE. 22 JULY 2009 – Break the Chain® Apparel and the Oregon Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force (SATF) are sponsoring “Roots of Change” to seek design concepts and slogan ideas related to sexual consent. Oregon residents between the ages of 14 and 21 are eligible to participate. “Our goal is to curb sexual violence,” says SATF prevention specialist Ethan Young.

Roots of Change is a two-part contest in which young Oregonians submit one or both of the following:
· A slogan promoting consent and healthy relationships
· A design concept promoting consent and healthy relationships

Entries may be submitted by mail, fax or e-mail no later than Mon., Sept. 14 to:
Mail: Attorney General's Sexual Assault Task Force
859 Liberty St NE
Salem, OR 97301
Fax: 503.990.6547
E-mail: ethanyoung@oregonsatf.org

The winning design is selected based on concept, not artistic talent. The winner will receive a free hooded sweatshirt with the final slogan and design. The shirt will be unveiled at the Roots of Change: Men, Sex and Justice conference October 28-30 at Portland State University.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Competitive Intelligence


Competitive Intelligence
gloMinerals vs. Other Mineral Make Up Lines

gloMinerals

All gloMinerals products contain and exclusive blend of antioxidants that offers added protection against environmental conditions and stresses.
o Vitamin C – an antioxidant to reverse free-radical damage and strengthen the immune response to antigens
o Vitamin A – an antioxidant that conditions the skin keeping it soft and supple
o Vitamin K – an antioxidant with calming and anti-inflammatory properties
o Vitamine E – an antioxidant that delivers moisture binding benefits and promotes skin healing
o Green Tea Extract – anti-inflammatory and antibacterial

Each product in the gloMinerals product line is talc-free. Each product also offers broadspectrum UV and antioxidant protection.

gloMinerals is a professional make up line sold only through skincare professionals. Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, spas and medi-spas are the primary retail outlets.

gloMinerals utilizes micronized, triple milled particles. This means minerals will:
o Lay smoother on the skin
o Feel silkier when touched
o Provide continuous coverage
o Show less shine and/or sheen on the skin

Triple milled mineral particles will not be absorbed into the skin, but rather lay smoothly on the skin’s surface.

gloMinerals delivers a semi-matte finish that works perfectly for photography and HDTV.

gloMinerals is cruelty free.

Popular Mineral Make Up Product A

Mineral Make Up A does not contain skin care benefits. No vitamins and/or antioxidants are added to their make up formulas. It will not improve the health and condition of the skin.

Mineral Make Up A claims that their product is talc-free, oil free, fragrance free, paraben free and contain SPF 15. However, only 5 products of their collection are actually paraben free. They claim not to need preservatives in their products.


Mineral Make Up A is sold on a televised shopping network and is the #1 selling beauty informercial product. They are retailed through their own standalone stores as well as department stores, making them classified as mass-market, and not a professional line.

The size of Mineral Make Up A particles are 10 microns or higher. This is a larger particle that does not lay as smoothly on the skin or look natural like gloMinerals. Mineral Make Up A says they don’t want their mineral broken down any smaller because it will be absorbed into the skin. Nano-technology is the only size of minerals that can be absorbed into the skin.

The larger particle size of Mineral Make Up A results in a higher sheen and added shine. This means it delivers a less desirable finish for photography and HDTV.

For more information on how you can benefit from gloMinerals and other gloProfessional products, visit http://www.grmedspa.com/ or call 541.963.3772.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Waitressing is the Answer


What is the question? The question is: How am going to make rent this month? Or maybe: How am I going to get those new shoes for my child? Or even: How can I afford groceries? The economy has done what it's done. We have suffered. Or we haven't. For some of us, getting by is just something we must do, be economy bad or good.
Faced with the scary decision of possibly having to sell my beloved horse for the greater good of my family, I decided to look at whatever other choices I had with my time as an alternative. I got a job at Mamacita's International Grill late last August. I had never waitressed before. I thought it might be something I could do and this particular restaurant had a great atmosphere. I love it.

I love it for a number of reasons. The first is, lets face it, I got lucky. I work for the nicest family who treat their staff as family. Our own family come first. So much so, that my son was just hired as a lunch time busser! I have been invited to family celebrations and I fear I have been ruined for other waitressing jobs forever.

I always have cash on hand. Sometimes its a lot. Sometimes its a little. It's hay money. Its shoe money. Its what my son needs money. It's tuck it away for a road trip money. I look at the tip money that I make as my income. My bimonthly paychecks are the bonus.

Its generally short shifts. My longest shift is 5 hours. And that is rare. I get in a good cardio, get a little money in my pocket and I go home.

Its readily available. For such a lack of jobs in this economy, most restaurants are always hiring. Especially during the summer. And your chances are better if you are over 21 with a liquor license. If you want a job as a server and your not unkind and have something between your ears, its not hard to do.

Now with that in mind, this is not a job for you if you lack compassion for your fellow man as you will be challenged. The rule I stick by is this...treat people as you would want to be treated. Isn't that what we should do anyway? If I have a difficult table (and by difficult I mean non talkative, won't look at your or smile) my job is to win them. And it can be done. Never lose your temper and when things get busy, as Dori would say, just keep swimming.

Some of you may think waitressing is beneath you. I can see where you would get that. In fact, in my search for a photo for this blog, I went to Google and typed in "waitress". Okay. Not what I was looking for. So I typed in "high class waitress". Nope. Not any better. And for a good laugh, go type in "classy waitress". "Server" gets you computer pictures. It's not wonder it has such a stereo type since most of us old enough to remember picture Flo from Alice and her "kiss my grits" when we think of waitresses. Interestingly enough, when you type in "waiter", the results are vastly different.

Once in awhile I have someone ask me why I'm doing it. Assuming it's any of their business in the first place, I smile and say, "where else can you get paid to do your cardio workout?" That gets them on board!

It's just a suggestion. But for 3-4 nights a week, I have grocery money, horse money and just a little pocket change. It feels good. And when I have what the other girls call a grouchy client hug me after her meal and tell me I'm her favorite, well, it's all worth it.

Monday, February 2, 2009

The Best in History


As I'm just now starting to catch my breath...I am in complete awe and adoration of my Pittsburgh Steelers. They have done it again.

And it was definately different than I expected. I hoped for a good game but I felt it would be fairly comfortable game to watch. I hoped it would not be a runaway for the Steelers because that would make it kind of sad. But I sure didn't anticipate what I got.

In talking to my daughter before the game, she said it was like the varsity team playing the freshmen and that the Steelers should just let the Cardinals win. Not a chance was my response. But it was not as she feared it might be either.

I can't watch a Super Bowl that my Steelers are in with other people because I make a complete and total ass out of myself every time. I'm an outloud thinker and it only gets worse when I get excited.

A rollercoaster ride it was. Winning all but the last quarter and ultimate winning the game, my team of 33 years aged me tremendously in the last 5 minutes of the game and again I questioned why I do this to myself year and after year. I can't quit. I'm a Steeler junkie.

And why the Steelers you might ask. I'm not from Pittsburgh. The answer I'll give you is integrity. Owned by the same family for the entire length (or close to) of their franchise, the Rooney family has done well by it's citizens of Pittsburgh and seemed to keep their heads about them once free agency became such a huge part of the game. Not giving it out to one player but always doing what is best for the entire team, the Rooney's have not jepordized the well fare of an entire team for the sake of one player.

Also, look at the Rooney's year in and year out. They give as much back to their blue collar community as heart and soul it's fans pour back. And this does not look to change. As Art Rooney passed it down to his son, Dan, Dan looks to pass it down to his son, Art. And the dynasty will live on.

Could anything make me not love my Steelers? Yes. Sell the team to Jerry Jones and watch how fast I become a Bears fan. I don't see it happening. I think my love affair is safe. Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers and their loyal fans everywhere.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Seriously, Kathie Lee?


I used to be a fan. I used to watch Regis and Kathie Lee before I worked like a maniac. I cried when she left the show. And now I couldn't want her to shut up more.

Really Kathie Lee? Really? I have been a faithful watcher of the Today Show for years. Since Bryant Gumbel (gasp). Yes, that long. Sickly, these people who come in to the show actually enter my life and I enjoy them. I adore Ann Curry and Hoda Kotb. But what the hell is Kathie Lee doing there?

I anguished with her when she had to publicly deal with Frank's infidelity and it has obviously taken a toll on the marriage. Where she once boasted on "Frank the Human Love Machine" she now states regarding their age difference, "it seemed like a good idea at the time".

Its not even this that bothers me. It's her rude behavior towards Hoda and the guests on the last hour of the Today Show that have me cringing and almost ( I said "almost") unable to watch. I don't bash people who don't deserve their behavior to be pointed out but her behavior crosses over from rude to almost sad. It is simply bad and impolite on an extremely public forum. You don't let your children do this. Why is she exempt?

She steps on Hoda and their guests on the show hardly ever letting anyone complete a thought without interrupting with some sort of unnecessary interjection . She seemingly cannot stand to have anyone else in the limelight.

I had a great laugh when Saturday Night Live picked up on the vibe I had been feeling and did a spoof on just this very thing ending with the Hoda Kotb character punching the Kathie Lee character! It was dead on and I for would one would love to see Hoda do just that. For the love of God, Kathie Lee, shut up.! Know when to hold em and know when to fold em!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Resolutions and New Beginnings


I'm sure some of you are thinking...yeah...she invites us to read this blog that she does not write on! You are a partially right. But don't think for one second that it's because I don't have anything to say. And those of you who know me know that that is never the case.

The year got off the ground with a bang but all in a positive way. I am working full time at the Med Spa now and loving it. But with that position came a lot of first of the year bookkeeping that kept my mind spinning. And as always, with the creative team there...the ideas never stop. Also, one of my dearest friends got engaged over Christmas and asked me to be a her bridesmaid. This is a huge honor and I am so excited to be a part of it and the planning has begun and well, the wine drinking too!

The biggest thing thus far in January for all of us is the oath of our new President, Barack Obama. This was a magnificent day for all of us and, like my president stated, it will take all of us.

It is time that each and every one of us ask ourselves what can we do to help get this country on track. There seems to be an awareness that I haven't seen in this country in the past 8 years. People seem anxious and excited to do what they can to help.

It's not foreign to our parents and grandparents. During WWII, it took everyone and their time and talents. If you weren't serving in the war itself, you were heading up rubber drives and bottle drives. Or you were sewing for the Red Cross and any other number of things you could pitch in and do to help each other through these tough economical times.

With the 80's came the ME generation and it was all about getting all you could. No more. It's time to get back to the 40's and roll up our sleeves and give of our time and talents just as our President is asking us to do.

Now I can hear your question. What am I doing. Well here you go. First of all, early this fall I teamed with my business, Grande Ronde Med Spa to be the drop site for Union County Youth in Transition. Working closely with Pam Dodds at La Grande High School, there are currently over 140 homeless or couch hopping youth in my county. The Med Spa continues to receive blankets and coats for these kids during this tough winter and we have made it know that our business will continue to be a drop site for your donations.

Grande Ronde Med Spa is also joining forces with Habitat for Humanity New Orleans and Voice of the Wetlands to aid the rebuilding process in Southern Louisiana post Hurricane Katrina. On February 24th, which is Mardi Gras, for any paid procedure you receive on that day, 10% will be donated to the charity mentioned above that you choose. This is a great opportunity to assist in a worthy cause that costs you no more out of pocket money. Look for these opportunities and support businesses that team up with other charities.

Also, my son and I are doing the Walk for Warmth on Valentine's Day. Walk for the Warmth is part of my area's Community Connection to assist with heating bills for people and families who are struggling to stay warm during this very hard winter. As I write this, it is currently 17 degrees outside and windy. I am lucky enough to be warm but there are so many others who are not. If you are interested in sponsoring me or my son, please email me at Christy.Barber@hotmail.com.

We can all do this. We can answer the call of our President and the people around us that we see everyday. Like it or now, we are all in this together and we will get out of it together. But it will take all of us. It's time to put away childish things as President Obama said and part of that is ending the blame game. Let's get together, do what we can and help our brothers and sisters out.