Life in the fast lane!

Wow! Life sure does have a way of flying by! I realized this morning that I hadn't logged in to my blog account in a while only to discover that it has been since January since I last posted!! How did that happen?!? Oh right... I decided that Supermom would be a great idea! Not only am I still in school, but I am also now the Co-PTA President at my girls' school! Like I needed another commitment! In all seriousness, I absolutely love filling this role. I am able to give back to the school, students, and staff that provide so much for my children. It truly is the best elementary school that we could have asked for.

Now, on to my schooling.... I am finally onto the dissertation portion of my degree. If you don't know what that is, I basically have to write a GIANT research paper in which I contribute something new or improved to the field of psychology. As of yesterday, I was five weeks into my dissertation process when I realized that I was going to have to change topics. Talk about a feeling of defeat. Nonetheless, I am going to pull up my boot-straps and I am going to carry on - I will now be researching and writing about the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in Washington State and how it affects teenage marijuana use and educational programs in schools. Talk about a mouth-full!

With that being said...it's time for me to get back to the research. Have a great day!

The way I see it...

           One of my favorite things about this country is my ability to have my own opinions and beliefs and to make my voice heard.  As most of you know, I am very passionate about certain subjects; many of them pertaining to the preservation of the very things that our Founding Fathers created for us and my ancestors fought and some died for.  As I look around today, I see that our rights that are guaranteed by our Constitution are slowly being eroded away by the very people hell-bent on changing the face of this great nation.
               Our religious freedoms are being restricted.  Kids are no longer allowed to even utter God’s name in school for fear of punishment.  We cannot have a Christmas Tree anywhere public as it must be a “holiday tree.”  The Nativity is viewed as offensive to those who don’t believe in the Glory of Christ Our Savior.  If I say “Merry Christmas” to someone, they might take offense to it; but I’m supposed to likewise accept all other beliefs and their “holiday” greetings.  You can’t have your cake and eat it too.  This country was founded on Christian beliefs when the Puritans left the oppressive rule of the King of England; so that their descendants could live in a country where they were free to practice their beliefs.  Now these very beliefs are almost oppressed in lieu of not hurting someone else’s feelings.  I’m not saying that everyone needs to be a Christian and follow Christian beliefs, but stop attacking my (and others’) beliefs for the sake of your own.  And before you tout your argument that you don’t want to live under certain Christian beliefs, take a moment to think that you’re forcing your beliefs on me.
               Now, what about “Obamacare?”  What a joke!  This law will fundamentally change America, and not for the better.  I have seen numerous reports recently that companies simply cannot afford the cost.  They will be forced to either pass-on the cost to consumers, reduce their workforce, or both.  And if companies, both big and small cannot afford it, how is the general public supposed to?  Now, I haven’t finished reading that missive bill – only a couple hundred pages of it; but what I have found so far is disturbing.  Here are some of the things that I have an issue with.

• The government has placed specific limitations on hospital readmissions.  This relieves doctors of the ability to use judgment for readmission following a discharge.  If they disregard this rule, they will be subject to a massive fine.
• Raised deductibles for employer sponsored plans – up to $2k for individuals and up to $4 for all others.
• Does not remove pre-existing conditions (a statement that was used to get the public to get on board with this bill) but instead labels up to 100 high-risk conditions.  Individuals will be labeled as high-risk at an increased cost.
• Allows the Department of Human and Health Services, the Secretary of DHHS, and other predetermined individuals access to our private information.
• A penalty will be imposed on those who fail to maintain coverage for themselves or their dependents (strictly in violation of our Constitution).

I’m definitely sure that these are not the only things that the American people have been duped by in this bill. I’m almost scared to finish reading it.
               What about Benghazi and Operation Fast and Furious?!?  People died in direct result of these situations – American Citizens!  Why aren’t people more upset about this?  In my opinion, certain individuals in our government should be held directly accountable for the deaths that transpired as a result of these events; instead this administration is sweeping it under the rug in the hopes that we (the American people) forget about it!
               Let’s move on to the recent “fiscal cliff” deal that was made.  What a load of crap!  I heard an interview with a congressman from Utah who stated that they had 6 minutes to read the bill before voting on it.  Another congressman from Kentucky stated that he never even saw the bill before he was supposed to cast his vote.  Please tell me how this is even feasible?!?  They didn’t even know what they were voting on.  This deal did not involve spending cuts.  How are we supposed to reduce our nation’s debt if we are spending out of control?  Oh, but we gave deals to NASCAR, Hollywood, and other crap that, frankly, doesn’t need it.  Oh yeah, and most workers, if you’re lucky enough to have a job in this horrible economy, will see a payroll tax increase of 2%!  I hate to see what happens when this good-for-nothing government has to vote on the debt ceiling.
               On that note, while this nation is in such great financial crisis, why did we give Egypt alone almost $1.6b last year?  Under the rule of the previous president of Egypt, our government made a deal to supply them with various weapons.  Now, that president is no longer in office.  Instead, Egypt is under the rule of a president (Morsi) who is a known member of the Muslim Brotherhood; a group that has been found by the FBI to support terrorism.  Now, this deal is being held up by the Obama Administration; to supply the Egyptian government with 10 F-16 fighter jets and 200 tanks (all brand new) for a cost of $213m; combine that with the other aid that will be given to Egypt and the total will be $1.5b in U.S. TAXPAYER dollars!  This is a government that expressly is against our ally – Israel!  Look up what constitutes an act of treason…
               What about gun control, you ask?  Flat out, it doesn’t work.  All it does is to make criminals out of law-abiding citizens and take away our right to defend ourselves.  Take a look at Chicago.  Aside from Washington, D.C.; it has one of the strictest gun control laws in the nation and simultaneously has one of the highest homicide rates.  Connecticut has very strict gun laws as well, but that didn’t stop the tragedy that unfolded at Sandy Hook Elementary.  Passing more gun control laws will not solve the problem.  In 2011, the UCR reported a total of 14,612 homicides; 8,583 of these are attributed to handguns.  A large number of these homicides are gang related.  Gang members are criminals and as we all know, criminals don’t follow the laws – that’s what makes them criminals.  Another large number of homicides are drug related.  All but one of the major mass murders in recent history have taken place in gun-free zones – which are targets for criminals intent on mass harm by nature.  Now, I have a few ideas to start combating these issues (these are just a few of my ideas).

1. Abolish gun-free zones.  They merely institute areas of unarmed citizens who cannot protect themselves and those around them.
2. Implement mandatory sentences for unjustified murder – i.e.: 25 years mandatory for any murder that is not the result of self-defense (or something to the like – implemented only after ample research).
3. Increase access to mental health services.  Help the general public to learn warning signs for at-risk mentally ill individuals.
4. Stop attacking the 2nd Amendment.  PERIOD.  I should not have to explain this one to you.  This right is non-negotiable.

               You know what else irks me?  This new-age idea that parents can no longer parent their own children and that somehow the government knows what’s best for my children!  Since when did it become wrong for a parent to spank their child?  Or wash their mouth out with soap?  (Obviously within reason – no, I’m not talking about using a belt or excessive spankings).  Since when did it become the job of the government to dictate what my children can and cannot eat?  How is it okay to teach the notion of evolutionism in school, but heaven-forbid we simultaneously teach the teachings of the bible?  I, for one, am not okay with any of this.  For example, a new federal mandate states how many calories (in each food category) that each child can have per meal/per week when they order their meals from school.  In our district, that translates (for one meal example) into what they call a “yogurt plate” – which consists of a half-size container of yogurt, a cheese stick, and a small graham cracker; plus up to 4 fruit/veggie sides.  How is that supposed to satisfy a child for a day of learning?  Let me tell you from experience, it doesn’t.  I feel sorry for the kids who rely on the schools for their meals because they must be starving.
               Now, I could go on and on about the nation that I see crumbling before my eyes; but I am going to stop now.  In the meantime, I will continue to make my voice heard through any outlet available – including the letters that I continuously write to my (and other) elected officials; and I urge you to do the same.  Educate yourself.  Follow what is happening in this country.  It is up to each and every one of us to preserve it.

Kimberly Williams

P.S.
These are my personal opinions and beliefs.  I don’t expect you to agree with them, but I do expect you to respect the fact that they are mine and I am entitled to them.  These beliefs are based on my own personal experiences and perspective.  Your arguments against them will not change how I feel.  As I said before, I feel very strongly about these issues.  If you feel you must delete me as a friend because of them, I will miss you; but I won’t be sorry for me.  Instead, I will feel sorry that you are so close-minded that you cannot maintain a relationship with someone who differs in opinion from you.  It is my belief that our differences are what make us, and this nation, so wonderful.

Teaching History

Last weekend I had the amazing opportunity to go to the local national cemetery to take pictures of the graves of the loved ones of those who requested it.  I was excited to go, but I didn't think it would touch and move me as much as it did.  To make it even more special, I took my two girls (and my mom) with me and was able to give them a little history lesson.  They got involved with helping me find the graves and felt like they were doing the biggest service helping someone else.  Words cannot describe all the feelings that were going through me that day.  To make it even more heartfelt, I come from a strong military family and I was surrounded by those who fought and and many who died for our wonderful country. I felt blessed to have had the honor to take pictures of the graves that I did and I look forward to taking my children on the next adventure there.


I encourage you all to check out www.findagrave.com if you are interested in doing the same thing.  It means a lot to many people and you will take something away with you in return.

Find-A-Grave

I know that some of you won't understand, but I am excited to share that I accepted my first "mission" to find the grave of someone's family member.  I signed up a few days ago after coming across the website findagrave.com during my ancestry research.  This website is awesome as it allows you to find photos of the headstones of your ancestors based on burial/cemetery records.  Now, if your ancestor's photo cannot be found, you can submit a request for a photo to be added.  That request is then sent on to members of the website in the area that have signed up to receive requests to go to their local cemeteries and take photos.  You may think this is morbid, but as someone who has family members who are buried out of state, or some who you never met but feel a kind of connection to, this is important information to have.  Sometimes, the photo of an ancestors headstone is the only photo that you will ever have.  


I will tell you, when I saw that someone had taken a photo of my dads headstone and I found it on that website, I almost cried.  Even though it is within driving distance and I do go there from time to time, the fact that someone took the time to take a photo of my loved-ones headstone is beyond measurable.


So, this weekend I will be heading to Tahoma National Cemetary to take some headstone pictures.  I will do so with pride, knowing that I will be making a difference in someones life.


I encourage you all to do something for someone else.  It eases the heart :)

James Mecham and the Civil War

As some of you already know, I have gotten into researching my family on Ancestry.com.  It has become somewhat of an addiction of mine as I feel like I really get to know some of my ancestors through the information that I find during my research.  This research has led me into a new direction.  I am writing a book.  That's right...you did hear me correctly.  I am writing a book.  The basis of the book will be the letters that my 4x great grandfather, James, wrote to his future wife ,Amanda, (my 4x great grandmother) while he fought in the Civil War.  We have the original letters as well as a lot of other personal items that belonged to them, and they make you feel like you really get to know him. We also have some letters written by 2 of Amanda's brothers, Charles and George.  I have been able to get their military records and do some extensive research on them.  What I am working on now is the specific battles and officers that James, George, and Charles mention in their letters.  James also explains that his brother, Sylvester, was killed in the Battle of Chickamauga and is buried in a mass grave on the battlefield.  I believe that this book will give a lot to people that they may not have had before, including a first hand account from a soldier laying on the battlefield while the bullets fly overhead.

                                           James Mecham

My hope is to have this done within the next 1-2 years.  Hopefully closer to one.  I will be traveling next year to the various battlefields and locations that James mentions in his letters so that I can get pictures.

I will be updating about this progress as I go along.  I hope you enjoy.

I know I say it all the time, but to say that life is hectic is an understatement.  I recently had surgery and am still recovering from that....it's a longer road than I thought it would be. School is coming to an end (for my children, not me).  And life is just barreling on as I stand there and watch.  


I don't remember if I've mentioned this yet, and I honestly don't feel like checking at the moment, but back in February I was diagnosed with Celiac.  That has also added to making life crazy.  TALK ABOUT A LIFE CHANGER!  Everything seems to have been turned upside-down!!!  With a diagnosis like this, you have to change your eating habits, read every single label, buy new kitchen utensils and cookware, be careful when you eat out and watch where you go, explain to all your friends why you suddenly can't eat all the things that you have been for years....I know it may not sound like all that much...but it can get overwhelming sometimes.  Not to mention that my doc officially took me off caffeine, so I can't even have it every now and then.  Do you know how hard it is to get up at 5am to get ready to sub at a middle school without a cup of coffee?!?  


Fortunately I have been able to fill  my time with my love of crochet.  I've finally done what I've been talking about doing and opened my etsy shop.  No sales yet, but I am confident that I will get one soon.


Well, it's time for me to wake up my children so they can get ready for school.  


Ta-ta for now!

Check this out...

I just entered to win a Diamond Candle at Give Oh Giveaway!!  If you don't know what it is, it is a soy candle with a ring hidden in it.  The ring is worth anywhere between $10 and $5000!!!  With my luck, if I won, it would be a $10 ring...but that's okay!  It's still fun and the candles look amazing!  No, I haven't had a chance to actually smell them yet, but you can bet that I will be ordering one, even if I don't win :)  So, head on over and enter for your chance to win!


Happy Winning!

Well, it's been a while since I posted.  Life has been hectic and kept me on my toes.  Spring break was a few weeks ago, and while I had all these plans to get stuff done, they were a bit overwhelming and I didn't even come close to completing them all.  That's okay though...it's life.  At the end of spring break, my youngest stepped on a nail...while running! The poor thing had to miss another week of school after already being off for spring break.  She was so happy to return this week! 


I'll be having sinus surgery in a few weeks, so when that happens, you may not see me for a while while I recover.  Apparently I'll be staying in the hospital for at least one night.


In my last post I mentioned my ancestry search.  I'm telling you...if you haven't had a chance to check into your ancestry, DO IT!!!  It is so amazing to discover information that you never knew before.  I have so far found a relation to royalty in England, as well as a relation to the captain of a slave-trade ship; who was later knighted by the Queen of England!  Even the little things, like an emmigration date, is interesting to me.  At least give it a try!


Other than that, I am now the newest member of Vocalpoint.com.  I am excited to receive my first product to try and review!  Check them out if you're interested :)


Ta-ta for now! 

A little of this....

I'd like to say that my life is super exciting and that I have done so many things since my last post, but the truth is that I haven't.  I know that sounds lame, but it is what it is.  I have gotten quite a bit of new information from Ancestry.com, which is very exciting.  Tomorrow I will have access to the information made available from the 1940s Census, and you don't know how happy that makes me.  This will give me just one more piece to my family's puzzle.  Other than that, I've been working and creating more wonders with yarn. 

Speaking of yarn, I FINALLY got my Etsy store set up.  Unfortunately, there isn't anything listed in there yet.  That's because I haven't had the time to do that.  I am hoping to be able to get to that this weekend as I have quite a few things to post, and a few more things that I am working on that will be ready in the next week or so.  I wish I could keep them all, but I just can't :)

The other thing I can't do is keep writing.  Unfortunately, I have statistics homework to do and against my wishes, it just won't write itself.  

Until the next time...

Ancestry

This may seem a little different, but lately I have been hooked on researching my family's ancestry.  Let me tell you, I am hooked on using Ancestry.com.  In fact, I am officially an Ancestry Ace :)  This means that I'll be one of the first on the site to have access to the new information becoming available with the release of the 1940 census!  I am so excited about this as it means that I can now find even more information about my family, possibly some new tidbits that I didn't even know about.  If you haven't had a chance to research your history, I HIGHLY recommend it!  For me, it has been both mind-opening and addicting!  And lets face it, there are worse things I could be doing.  If you want more information, check it out here: http://www.ancestry.com/1940-census  I promise, you won't be disappointed!

Long time!

Well...it's been a while, but here I am.  I am going to make an honest attempt to keep up on this blog again.  


As of today, I am not only caffeine-free, but also gluten-free!!! And I have been doing this for about a month now!  Let me tell you, it wasn't easy!  I went into my doc to discuss some other issues and he informed me that due to some recurring hits in my bloodwork, that he wanted me to cut gluten, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners (which was fine because I didn't consume those anyway).  Cutting the gluten from my diet has been one of the hardest things I have ever done....yes, even harder that quitting caffeine!  Though the withdrawal headaches/migraines SUCKED!!!  


With that being said, I am finding that it isn't so bad now.  I miss bread, but I am going to be doing some baking this week, so hopefully that will help to curb some of my cravings.  My hope is to use this blog to just catalog  my journey and share my story.  With it you will probably get some tidbits about my crocheting, and maybe a little bit about school.  Speaking of school, I am in Advanced Statistics and Psychometrics right now and let me tell you, I HATE IT!!!  


Well, that's it for confessions for now!!!

Day 5

Well...here I am on day 5.  I REALLY WANT COFFEE.  I would say it's a coffee kinda day, but that would just be cruel.  What's even more cruel is that while I was driving my kiddo's to school this morning, I heard an ad on the radio for a Pumpkin Spice Latte!  Let's just go ahead and rub it in!!  Talk about cruel and unusual punishment!  If I felt that I could get only one, without fear of consistently consuming caffeine, I would go order a tall Pumpkin Spice, but I just don't trust myself that much.  I really did pick the wrong time of year cut caffeine out of my diet!  My mouth is watering just thinking about all the yummy goodness of coffee this time of year :(  Okay, new topic.

Yesterday was a full moon.  Yesterday and the day before were killer on the attitudes and listening skills of my children.  They didn't want to listen, didn't want to clean, just didn't want to do anything that I asked of them.  Either it was REALLY awful, or the lack of caffeine is affecting me more than I thought. I would like to think it was the moon because if not, I have more problems than I know of lol.

Once I am through with the caffeine hump, I have decided that I will be cutting red meat out of my diet, except for on special occasions.  Why you may ask?!?  Because like the caffeine, it will be a better choice for me.  It will probably be really hard as well, but at least I won't have to deal with headaches.

I think I am done for now.  I have to get my day going...too much to do (as always) and not enough time to do it in.

~Kimberly

Day 4

Hello there!  My name is Kimberly and I am a caffeine addict!  I gave up all caffeine intake 4 days ago...4 VERY LONG DAYS AGO!  Wait, that sounds strangely like I should be somewhere else. 

Researchers can't seem to figure out whether or not caffeine is really addictive, but in my experience, I would say that it is.   I honestly don't know how it happened.  I guess it's just easy to fall into the routine to have a cup or three of coffee in the morning (you know, to get the day going?), a little water here and there, and a Coke or other caffeinated beverage later in the day (because if you don't, you'll surely crash).  Needless to say, I haven't been happy with it.  So, here I am.  On day 4 of no caffeine.  It sucks...at least for right now.  I know in the long run it will get better, but these headaches are killer.  And I am edgy!  Listen to me...now I'm whining!  Enough of that!  I will be here - likely once a day to help myself get through this treacherous journey that I have embarked upon!

Anyone else out there quit drinking caffeine?  How did you do it?

Thanks for listening :)

Kimberly