redhotz's Blog

Interesting that my comments/replies too were deleted.  Hmm...someone doesn't like feedback that hits home in her own backyard.  Well, what I said was basically what others have chimed in on.  The foster family may not be able to afford name brand shoes, and that may not be a big deal to some.  However, I can remember when I was younger,  not having name brand anything.  My parents were still married, and we survived, we had love, and family.  But the one time I went to school with NIKE shoes on, OMG, you wouldn't believe the attention I got that day, and from then on. 

Secondly I'd like to address deenlee...It saddens me that you are a foster parent.  Do you want to know why?  Because if you are seriously that illiterate (as your grammatical errors show) then you have absolutely NO business raising any children let alone fostering them.  It goes to show the general public that apparently, the system isn't doing much to screen perspective foster parents.  Now then, take your whiney, cry baby, no good for nothing, post deleting butt, and *itch on someone elses shoulder.  You sound as if you're jealous someone isn't doting over and filling your basket.

With another school year nearing its end, and myself starting a part time job, the thought came to me "what will my kiddos do while I'm gone 20 hours a week?"  I know what my almost 12 y/o will be doing, she'll be spending a lot of time with my mom.  My 15 y/o, he'll be at home some of the time, he'll be doing summer school and drivers ed for a while.  No summer vacation plans because dad has 81 days left in the Navy.  No yardwork as our property owner has someone hired out to do that. 

So, what are your Summer plans?  What will you and your children be doing?  I am hoping for a lighter side of things post.  Time to brighten this place up.  No more cranky posts about all the bad things going on in the world.  Let's be creative!

You know what simply amazes me?  How so many people want to complain and belly ache about todays youth, and how they are this, or that, how they act, or should act.  After a year of being on this site, I have sat back and evaluated my experience.   I enjoy blogging here, I've learned alot.  My mom got interviewed for a  segment, that was neat.  For the most part, it's been a positive outcome.  So why am I posting this blog?

Have any of you ever done a reality check and realized at the pessimistic, negative vibe that comes from so many of the posts?  Now I realize that some blogs are a good place to voice your problems, vent, get the word out.  However, has it ever occurred to any of my fellow bloggers that people of all ages read this/visit this site?  How do we expect todays youth to make any changes if they are exposed to such hatred, vile remarks, negativity?  I myself am guilty, I am not perfect, and have never claimed to be.  I do my best to remain positive, even when I don't want to.

So, I am challenging each and every one of you...The next time you respond to a blog, post a comment that instead of being negtive, throwing out sarcastic remarks (as I have done sometimes way too often), or being just plain mean.  Try turning it around, you can reply with the same comment and get your point across without being rude, ignorant and mean.  Consider constructive criticism.  Consider this...your child, grandchild, niece or nephew waltzes in and is checking out what you are doing.  Or you have left this site open, and they are reading not only what you have written, but what others have.  Is this what you want them to see you as?

That's my challenge to myself and others.  I realize we can't change the world overnight.  But we can start here.  What do you, my fellow bloggers think?

I posted this last week under Entertainment and didn't get any responses.  Maybe noone watched it.  Just wondering if I would get any response by putting it under news.  Now that the program is over, maybe you've all had a chance to let it sink in and decide how you really feel!  My favorite episode was the very last night!

Just curious as to how many watched/are watching the program on PBS titled "Carrier" this week about Navy Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz?  I have been watching it, and so far, am fairly pleased with it.  I have learned some things that I wasn't familiar with, didn't know, and saw parts of a ship I didn't get the chance to before.  For the most part, the Nimitz isn't much different than the might G Dub that my husband is a part of.

I have to admit though, I am a bit disappointed that there was so much coverage about aviation and aircraft.  I realize that these ships are floating runways, and aircraft carriers are mainly about aviation.  And if it were not for the fact for me having a direct connection, perhaps I would know no different.  I just thought there would be more coverage about other shops/departments, and so on.  I am enjoying the program though, and plan on purchasing the entire set as my children don't get to stay up that late to watch it.

I hope you have had a chance to see it.  I do think that PBS will re play it.  So, if you've missed it, please check your local listings and watch the program. 

If you've been watching, please weigh in your comments!  I'd love to hear what you think!

As I have blogged before, we moved back to the midwest last summer.  I blog here to keep up on what's going on where the many friends we made are still living.  I blog on the local myfox4 site in KC.  The action there is crazy compared to this site, so I'm wondering why there isn't much action on the Hampton Roads site.  I blog for many reasons, and wonder if perhaps it hasn't caught on there, or if there are other reasons.  Just curious!  So, if you have any thoughts, let me know!  Visit  our myfox4 site and click on blogs to check out how busy our site is.  I think you'll be surprised!  Sometimes our site can be real fun, other times it gets hectic and horrible, but as with anything, you have to take the good with the bad.  Here is the site  http://www.myfoxkc.com/myfox/pages/News;jsessionid=FD9
41B48311991ED3D437732C9F0EF12?pageId=3.1 

Looking forward to your comments!

redhotz

I receeived the link below, and am wondering if anyone knows any more about this?  It appears this was about 2 weeks ago or so.  I am interested to find out more, but not sure how to or where to look am coming up at a loss via cnn, other than this video.  I would appreciate anyones help!

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/03/24/kay
e.walmart.lawsuit.cnn?iref=24hours

My consultation went well.  However....my weigh in was off, and it is definitely time to buckle down, and get this done.   If only I can get the 2 consultations out of the way, then I will have my surgery date on the books!  Just wanted to let you all know how my appointment went yesterday!  Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!  Will keep you posted!

Redhotz

A while back, I posted a blog requesting  general feedback on the lap band procedure.  I received great response, and I thank everyone for that.  I wanted to update you all that I go in Monday for my initial consultation!  I am so excited.  I am not entering this lightly.  I have done a ton of research.  I have tried many other avenues, and failed.  I am not doing this so I can become lil miss skinny.  I want to be healthy.  My current height is 5'8" and my weight is 260# .  I am sure you are all asking why I am throwing up all this info.  Well, many reasons.  One reason is it is my hope that I can encourage others that there is nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to fear, and no reason to hide behind who you really are.  I know there will be many changes take place in my life as I endure this adventure.  To look at me, I've been told that there is no way I need weight loss surgery.  The great thing for me is that I carry it very well.  Thanks to my height, and my build I would say.  Genetics I am sure too.   I also am putting this out there as a way to start the process for ME.  As I embark on this journey, I am going to document each and every step I take.  I want to look back on this and see how I progress.  I also want to help anyone I can and be a tool (if you will, so to speak).  So, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.  My mother will be following me through this as her and my father will be helping me out as needed.  As I've said in so many blogs before, my husband is still serving in the Navy, until August.  So, he will not be here to take care of me and help out as needed.  I have a huge support system to stand behind me.  Thank You each and every one!  I look forward to your support and positive feedback!

REDHOTZ

A while back, I posted a blog requesting general feedback on the lap band procedure. I received great response, and I thank everyone for that. I wanted to update you all that I go in Monday for my initial consultation! I am so excited. I am not entering this lightly. I have done a ton of research. I have tried many other avenues, and failed. I am not doing this so I can become lil miss skinny. I want to be healthy. My current height is 5'8" and my weight is 260# . I am sure you are all asking why I am throwing up all this info. Well, many reasons. One reason is it is my hope that I can encourage others that there is nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to fear, and no reason to hide behind who you really are. I know there will be many changes take place in my life as I endure this adventure. To look at me, I've been told that there is no way I need weight loss surgery. The great thing for me is that I carry it very well. Thanks to my height, and my build I would say. Genetics I am sure too. I also am putting this out there as a way to start the process for ME. As I embark on this journey, I am going to document each and every step I take. I want to look back on this and see how I progress. I also want to help anyone I can and be a tool (if you will, so to speak). So, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. My mother will be following me through this as her and my father will be helping me out as needed. As I've said in so many blogs before, my husband is still serving in the Navy, until August. So, he will not be here to take care of me and help out as needed. I have a huge support system to stand behind me. Thank You each and every one! I look forward to your support and positive feedback!

REDHOTZ

After having read so many blogs about todays youth and the many things that go on in todays world, I was compelled to share this story.  Last night I was online at the Slingo game site, playing a game I regularly play.  There were several players of different ages, and 2 of which were 15 and 17.  Now, in this game, there is an area which you can chat while you are playing.  Things are going along pretty good, and then these two youngsters begin getting to know each other.  Not a big deal.  Until they start discussing how one had been kicked out of school (she was an army brat to which she was bragging about) and the 15 y/o, well, he asked why.  To which she gladly reported because of getting caught with "weed" at school.  They found this quite humerous.  I had been conversing with these two and it was going quite well, until this came up.  Well, that's when the conversation took a turn.  Of course, my disapproval did not go over well.  To sum it up, I was called things to which I am sure that the army daddy would probably not have approved of.  These two youngsters were saying things that even most adults do not say.  Or at least in an open forum/chat would not find appropriate.  Come to find out, army brat as she calls herself was home alone, grounded, while mom and dad were in Oklahoma at the casino.  Yes, she told everyone this.  She also broadcasted she was in Wichita.  The 15 y/o I might add also came forth and broadcasted he too was in Wichita.  Now, forgive me if I am strict, overprotective, naive, whatever, but I have brought my kids up to not give out any personal information on the net.  Then again, my children are not allowed to chat online, nor get involved in any game site which allows that.  My children are 15 and 11 and yes I do leave them home alone.  They are not perfect, I do have my problems.  I do not ground them, and then leave them home alone either.  When they are grounded...I am grounded.  On one occasion, my son was overheard speaking vulgar language at a sporting event at our high school, and yes, I was told.  He was reprimanded.  So, is it me, am I being too hard on my kids?  Or are there too many kids being raised by themselves?  Are they seeing inconsistencies and that is perhaps the reason for lack of respect?   I do give my children room to grow, they have priveleges, but they do have chores, they obey the rules of our home.   These are just 2 children I observed that were out of line.  Granted it was only online, and they do not know me.  However, there were several other ladies in the room.  I hope I don't get responses about parents who can't be home because they have to work, or this or that.  You know, that is such a hot topic for me.  I could go on and on.  I think it's time to revert back to a day when we didn't live beyond our means, moms were home to raise the children, and dads worked, came home and the family spent quality time together.  Does my family do that?  Well, currently, my husband is serving the country, I am a stay at home mother, and yes we do have supper at the table.  My children are involved in community service organizations.  They are not sports oriented.    I hope for positive feedback, I am open to constructive criticism.  Thank You to all!  Have a great week!

This doesn't exactly fall into any exact category, so I'm posting in news, as once my decision is final, it WILL be news! 

I have been trying to decide on getting the kids a pet.  Of course I'd love to get them our dream dog, a golden retriever, however, we are currently renting a new place, and it isn't the right time for us to take that plunge.  So I've come across an ad that has miniature schnauzers and Scottish Terriers.  I am working on my homework about each of these breeds.  However, I am looking to my fellow bloggers to see what you think.  One plus I have found is that either would work well for us as both my children suffer from allergies, and one website I read that the mini schnauzer is a great choice for such persons. 

So, everyone, tell me what you know about these breeds, and any advice you have.  A small breed dog  seems right for us right now, I do not work, so I am able to be home and devote time to the new addition.  I appreciate all input you can give!  Thank You!

Redhotz

Well, first I wasn't sure where to post this topic.  I am glad to see our topics expanding with the addition to faith.  I wonder if MyFox4 would consider Health as a Topic as well.  Since there is not a health topic, I decided to post here as Lap Band is also in the news somewhat with it fast becoming the new and popular way to lose and keep off that extra weight.

So, in thinking about what I would write here, and knowing this could become very controversial.  I realize I am stepping out there, and while I am hoping for positive and constructive feedback, I will prepare myself for whatever comes my way.

I am interested in hearing from people who have had the procedure done.  Not who performed the procedure, as everyone is going to have a different experience that way.  I am considering the operation.  I will not go into great detail about my personal situation, except to say that of course there is always something else I probably could do or try.  However, (yes, there is a but) for me personally, I have exhausted what I feel are the options, and am ready to commit to this option.   I don't need anyone telling me to eat healthy and exercise.  I know all about that.  I know what my thyroid is doing, how my hormones are, etc. 

I'm just interested in what the general comments are from people who have had this done, and followed their doctors orders.  As I heard a surgeon say, he is the doctor, he does the procedure.  After he's done, it's up to the patient to do the rest.  And I agree wholeheartedly. 

All I ask is for positive feedback and constructive comments.  Most of us have been told "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."  I think we should practice this more.  Yes, even in an open, public forum.  And I too am going to practice that more myself!

Back in November I blogged about our experience with the Shriners Hospital in St. Louis.  Our daughter had both knees operated on there.  We went back this past Tuesday for a post op appointment and things are going very well.  In fact, so well that they have scheduled her for taking out the plates in 3 months.  She has gained 2 inches in height since the operation 3 months ago.  Her growth is great, her healing is outstanding.  When we return, they will do x rays and if things are as they are expected, they will take her right in to surgery to remove them. 

We want to again extend our sincere gratitude to the Shriners everywhere for all they do for the children.  Each time we travel to St. Louis, we are fortunate enough to have drivers who are attentive and kind.  They treat us as if we are a part of their own family.  I encourage everyone to support the Shriners.  Any time you see them, thank them.  The Shriners are wonderful people who deserve to have a big pat on the back.  Once again, we thank you so much for all you have done for our daughter.