A Prairie View

He’s Back

Ethan and crew got home alot earlier than planned. Good call on the sponsors part. With all the rain and flooding that is going on here in Kansas, and this particular part of the state, he wasn’t comfortable driving roads he wasn’t familiar with, after dark. He said if it had just been him, then maybe. But the fact that he was responsible for 20 kids — well, it made him decide to leave some 12 hours earlier than orginally planned. I thought Ethan would be tired — and he probably is. But when he heard there was a “poker night” at his cousin’s house — and that David was going, he perked right up and was ready to go. It’s almost 11:30 and they aren’t home yet, so they must be having a good time. This week went by way to fast!!!

Her Fab Life

You’re Young. Hip. Trendy. You love the latest fashion styles, the newest restaurant or bar. Looking for a spa, a salon, retail store openings. You want to know about any uncoming events/concerts coming to your town. HerFabLife.com is a new social lifestyle community that pulls all of this together, and more. Be able to voice your opinion, or vote on content that you like or don’t like. You want to be in the know, and this is the place. It is made up of a divulge group of woman — freelance bloggers, aspiring writers, stay at home moms, students — and many many more tap into the expert lifestyle contribute to the site. Sounds like the place to be!

That Was Easy

I have my Explorer back. And we didn’t have to take out a bank loan to pay for all the “fixes”. David was thinking $1000; but when it was all said and done, it was less than $400. The bolts had come loose in the shifter is what was causing part of the problem. And a thermostat was going bad was the other. And there was even a few recalls on the books for it that they did for us. Its good to have it back though. The first day, David took me to work, picked me up and then we went on out to the office. I was pretty much at his mercy to when I could leave. Yesterday, I drove his work truck, which is an automatic. His personal truck is stick shift, so that wasn’t an option. Either way, though, I’m just glad to have MY vehicle back.

Projectors For The Midwest

Living in the Midwest, you often think about the expensive of trying to get the right equipment to your presentation or trade show. If you live on either coast, or in New York, its a given those companies are already there, to serve you. With Projector123.com, you have the priviledges of getting that special equipment just like the “big city” people do. Whether its a Denver projector rental that you are needing, or maybe you are in Utah. You then would need a Salt Lake City projector rental. Further out from Denver, you could take advantage of Colorado Springs projector rental. It doesn’t matter where you are, you will be take advantage of high quality 24/7 technical service and support. Projector 123.com rentals are there to supply you with portable LCD projectors on a short term basis. They also have video projector rentals, movie projector rentals, DVD projector rentals, or DIY projector rentals. Their equipment selection includes over 2000 lumen projects — ready to get your the right equipment on time, every time.

Paradise Kona-Style

I know when we think of Hawaii, we think of beaches and white sand. Snorkeling, and surfing. But there is a history there, that we sometimes tend to overlook. The history of Kona-Kailua, on the Big Island of Hawaii, includes royalty, missionaries, and Captain James Cook. The great captain was killed at Kealakekua Bay — which today is a site of excellent snorkeling and diving. But. Snorkeling and diving not your cup of tea? Thats the beauty of Kona and all the Hawaiian Islands. They have waterfalls, volcanoes, luaus, a seahorse farms, whale and dolphin sightings, sea turles and — would you believe — Kona coffee?

Hawaiian Beach Rentals offers an amazing selection of vacation rentals. Who would love to venture out and experience life at its best. I would love to set up a Hawaii Travel blog, capturing each day of this paradise experience. Hotels are fine, and I know there are many luxurious accomodations out there; but if we ever ventured out and found ourselves on a vacation of a lifetime in Hawaii, then kona hawaii vacation rentals is what we would have to do. All the luxuries of home. Away from home. Imagine adding a sunset photograph like this to your scrapbook of memories.

Registry Of Life

For the longest time in my life, I was pretty much “untouched”. Yes, people I knew had died, but none were close family members or friends. And then. My world came crashing down. My mom died suddenly. I knew intellectually, that that day would come; but I wasn’t ready for it — emotionally. It took months — maybe even the better part of the year to come to terms with it. I know alot of people go to the cemetary to be closer to their loved ones. I couldn’t do it. I joined a grief support group. And I dealt with everything that is involved in the grieving process.

Registry of Life is an online website where you can create a living memorial to those freinds and family ones that have died. I think this is a wonderful idea, and would like to do one for my mom. I couldn’t have done that that first year; but now, almost 4 years later — I am dealing with her death in a more functional way. Wanting to preserve thos e memories, in any way I can. Registry of Life provides a way for you to interact and share with other friends and family members, a special website dedicated to the one who has died. They have customized designs. Quick setup. You can add music. A Life timeline. And a 14 free trail. After that, you will bill a one time fee of $49.95, and it will be archived on the internet forever. The site also has informative articles and resources on how to deal with grief, coping with the loss.

Share your loved one — forever — with Registry of Life.com

No Calls

And this is a good thing. He must be having a good time. I did see ONE thing he forgot; but he should be able to work around it. He has contacts — but he only wears them for special occasions, and for when he’s on stage. Hmmmm…. I think this whole week is about being on stage. Although, they, themselves, will only be on stage for 30 minutes tomorrow. So, either he’ll wear his glasses, or he doing his part semi-blind, and not wear them. But, I’m pretty sure, he didn’t take them. And I can see why he would forget. Its not part of his daily routine. And quite honestly, I’m glad he didn’t take them. We have to assume he’ll come home with everything he took. But, we’ve already been through that, and he doesn’t always. Contacts are small and easy to “misplace” or forget. And they are expensive. So, I’m kinda glad he did forget. He’ll make do. And next time, maybe he should make a check off list everything he needs to take. If that’s the only thing he forget, he’s doing good.

Medical Travel Insurance

I never really thought about this — we don’t have insurance (health), and we don’t travel much, so this wasn’t something I was really familiar with. But, it is good to know. You would assume if you have insurance, its going to cover you for most everything, most everywhere. But, apparently that is not so. And so, if you are going to travel and you are going to be doing a variety of things that could be considered “dangerous”, then you need extra insurance. Activities that are considered dangerous are: Archery, White Water Rafting (up to Grade 3), Golf, Scuba Diving (up to 7 days cover, limited to 30 metres depth, must be accompanied by a qualified instructor), Cycling, Motor Cycling (up to 125cc with helmet worn and correct licence available), Rambling/Trekking/Hiking, Parascending Over Water, Water Skiing, Wind Surfing, Snorkeling, Hot Air Ballooning (must be pre-booked with a UK tour operator), Deep Sea Fishing, and the list goes on.

Cover My Travels offers medical travel insurance. Some insurers have high premiums for those with medical conditions, and in some cases, refuse coverage completely. At Cover My Travels, they assess pre-existing medical conditions to establish if the condition has been under control for the last 12 months. They don’t just look at the form you filled out, see “diabetic” and automatically boot you into a “high risk” category. They take the time to see if the condition has been dealt with, and you have been in control of it. In most cases, they then can offer travel insurances without any additional costs. Their website holds a wealth of information, about all kinds of medical conditions, and what they can and can’t offer. If you are traveling soon, and have health issues, this is a good site to go to for information as well as possibly finding the lowest travel insurance offered.

Its Going To The Doctor

Our Explorer. Its been doing some weird things; but David just looks at me like “yeah. right”. Because of course, when HE drives it, nothing happens. But. Guess What. What I described to him today, it did it 3 times to him. So, he is now totally on board with me when I say “it needs to go to the doctor”. So, he made some phone calls today, and is now on his way to Emporia to leave it at the shop. I don’t need to go with him … he needs to pick up a truck (semi) that they had in the shop up there any way, and he knows I’m not a huge fan of riding in the big trucks with him. So, he’s on his way — and I’m going to be without a vehicle for a couple of days. But thats OK. There are something you can “put up with” , and eventually get it fixed. What it was doing today, I say we shouldn’t wait, and apparently David agrees. Finally.

Leisuretime

Because I am feeling overwhelmed right now, I am thinking there is no time like the present to analyze our schedule, our finances, and just plan on going away. I can’t help but feel that if we planned more leisuretime holidays in our life, some of the stress and feelings of being overwhelmed woudln’t be there. It just seems like its go-go-go, from the time we get up until the time we go to bed. And maybe not physically, going from place to another, but most definately, mentally, and sometimes emotionally. Going from one job and set of responsibilities to another a few hours later … only to come home to deal with the duties being a wife and mother present, and well as the computer responsibilities I have.

But. I signed up for this life, some 23 years ago; and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. We are a team. A family. Who just needs to get away for a couple days at very least!!

Feeling Overwhelmed

If it weren’t for the newsletter that I need to work on for the church today, I would probably call in and take the morning off.  I don’t do that very often; but I am feeling very overwhelmed right now.  Too much to do in too short of a time.  But, I’ll do what I can do, and just do my best, and thats all I can do.   Organize what needs to be done, and just bit off the list on step at a time.  Just focus and don’t dawdle, don’t spend time just mindless doing nothing.  I’ve been overwhelmed before — I will be overwhelmed again.   I can deal with this.  Just can’t let it get the best of me!

Wheat Harvest In Full Swing

Its harvest time here.  For us, its a two fold thing.    My husband’s dad farms, and so very often, we are pulled in to help. But also, as I have mentioned numerous times on this blog, we also manage a trucking company.  The trailers have hoppers, and we haul various commodities, but mostly grain products.  So harvest time is our busy busy time.  With all the rain we had this spring, though, the wheat harvest was questionable to what kind of yield it would have.  The local newspaper is reported “better than expected”.    Whether the yield is normal or low, the farmers knew what to expect, and however it turns out, they will continue doing what they love, which is farming.  That is what this area of the country is all about.  Farming.  I wouldn’t want to live any othe place!

Camper For Rent

Hmmmm.  This is odd.  We bought a camper this spring, pretty much sight  unseen.  After getting it, its “OK”, but needs some work.  But, when you take into  consideration that we probably won’t go camping but 2 or 3 times, if that, this summer — we don’t need anything fancy.  Granted, for no more than we camp, a tent would suffice.  But, when we camp, I have 2 requirements.  A bathroom.  And A/C.   I know, I know.  Thats not camping.  Thats just moving your home away from home.  But.  Thats just the way it is, and thats the only conditions I’ll camp under.

But, because we aren’t avid campers, going every weekend, spending several thousands of dollars or more on a camper, just doesn’t seem like a good idea.  David’s brother-in-law paid more for his camper than we paid for our house.   But, they literally lived in theirs for awhile, so there again, different reasons, different circumstances.

Anyway.  We have a camper.  Not in great shape, but it will serve its purpose.    In the last week, we have had 2 offers to “rent” the camper, and one offer to buy (but on payments).   The first renter is David’s brother — the one who is gearing up for firework season.    He has several stands around the county, and it just makes it nice to have a camper there to sleep in, and be able to stay with the stand.    The 2nd person was asking about it for the end of July — during fair week.   So, that will be doable as well… if the neighbor who came over to see if our camper was for sale actually IS interested.  If he comes throw with the money, then I guess we won’t rent it during fair week.  But, I told her that, and told her we would touch base next week to see how it survived firework week, and also if the neighbor was truly interested in buying it.

Kinda odd though.  All this interest in a “not so great” camper.   Works for me, though.  Someone might as well be using it.

Call #1

Ethan called this afternoon to let me know they got there OK.   There wasn’t any doubt in my mind that they woudln’t, but I still appreciated the call (and no, I didn’t tell him to.  That’s just Ethan).   Instead of sending cash with him, we went to the bank Monday and got him Travel’s Checks.  So, he is to call me and let me know when he cashes on it.  That way I have all the important paperwork that went along with it here at home, instead of him having it, and possible losing it.  Not that he would [grin] — but, he is a teeanger, after all — one that gets easily distracted.   This seemed to be the best solution all the way around.

Looking at their schedule, it looks like they have some busy days ahead of them.  But, I think it is a great experience for Ethan (and the rest of the group), and just solidifies his love for drama and acting just that much more.   He will be seeing the best of the best.

Stair Lifts

When, in the course of events — my aunt moves here to live close to my mom, and then my mom dies suddenly, and my aunt’s care was then shifted to me — my eyes were open to a whole different world. The world of someone who had major health issues. Who was legally blind. Who got around, but it was a slow process. And towards the end of her life, she was pretty much wheelchair bound.

We were still in our old church, with many many stairs. There was many events and services she wanted to attend, but couldn’t, because of the many many stairs the church building had. Ultimately, we have built a new building — all on one level. But, if we had stayed there, again, this stair lift would have been something we could have looked into. Value Stairlifts provides a number of models, allowing the consumer to choose just the right one for their home — allowing them to move around the home with ease and confidence. Or, as in our case, in a church building. The stair lifts are very adaptable and designed to meet specific requirements.

Hit The Road Jack

I tried to not be the hovering mom. Most of these kids drove themselves. There were a few of us moms … hovering. He didn’t give me a hug good-bye. But I have to remember. He’s a Junior in High School. It most definately was an “ahhhh Mommmmm” moment. And I didn’t want to embarass him. Just being there was probably embarrasment enough. He was calm and ready to go. One of his good friends, was running around “I know I forgot something, I know I forgot something”. So I said “Money?”. He said “Check”. I said “Costume?” He said “check”. Clothes and toiletries for 5 days? “check”. I told him I thought it was good to go. Just hope they have a good time, no personal problems (like slosing cell phone, money, etc). And that they do great!! Its a great group of kids, and I’m glad Ethan is a part of them.

To Whom It May Concern….

I’m Sorry.

And its been removed.

He’s Leaving …

…on a jet plane.

Ok. Maybe not. A bus. And only going 5 hours away. But, he is going away. For the whole week. Back in January, the One-Act that Ethan and his team mates performed at the State Thespians Conference qualified to go to Internationals. I know. That sounds …”impressive”. Like they will be going to .. England, or Switzerland … or someplace else “International”. And, it truly is an “international” conference … there will be thespians from all over at this conference. But, our guys only have to travel 5 hours to get there. To Nebraska. The school is paying for all lodging and meals. Cool. Course, we went ahead and did some “school shopping” ahead of time, so he had new clothes to take on this trip.

And now he’s ready to go. He has to be up at the school at 6:30 am tomorrow. And they return at 2:00 am Sunday morning. I will take him up to the school in the morning, but I think we will take his car up there Saturday so he can bring himself home. I would just as soon not have to be up in the parking lot at 2:00 am waiting on him. There are advantages to him having a drivers license. And this is one of those times I’m glad he does!

Slacker

When we went clothes shopping for Ethan to go on this week long trip he is going on with the Drama club, he bought several T-Shirts as well as good clothes. One of the T-shirts he bought says “Genuis by Birth, Slacker by Choice”. I hate to admit it, but it does “fit” who he is sometimes.

But in his own warped sense of humor, he has taken a piece of black tape and covered up one of the letters. NOW its says:

Genius by Birth
S acker by Choice

(He sacks groceries at the grocery store this summer.

Funny, Ethan.

Song Leader

I was nice to Ethan today. Actually, it wasn’t all that nice, but just common sense. The main song leaders will be out of town next week; and they called to see if Ethan would lead singing for church next Sunday. He leaves Tuesday to go to Nebraska for Forensics Internationals — their 1-Act was chosen to go on to Internationals. He’ll be gone the whole week. The first plan was they would be get back sometime Sunday afternoon; and thats what he requested off from work.

But a letter we got this week said they would get back at 2:00 am … Sunday morning. So. Physically, he would be here in town to be able to do it. But, after spending a week away from home. Getting home at 2:00 in the morning …. assuming they get home at said scheduled time … I still didn’t think it was a good idea to schedule him to be in such a position as leading music. And she understood and agreed. I did mess with his head though, and told him Suzonne called and that I told her that he COULD and WOULD lead singing next week. After all, he would be home after all. He wasn’t really happy with me, and I didn’t mess with him too much, and came clean of what I really did tell her. I’m sure he’s going to be one tired puppy when they get home.

The Perfect Getaway

After this past week, I really need to get away — mentally and emotionally, if not physically. Physically, I would love to take the opportunity to go on a true vacation. I know what I have in mind is more of a vacation that needs to be well thought out, and not just a whim at the moment kind of get away.

In my perfect little world, I would like to continue to lose weight — to where I wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen on the beaches of Hawaii. I would love to whisk David away from the pressures of his job, check into Hawaii home rentals to see what was available. Imagine. Hawaii. Fun. Sun. Relaxation. No pressures from the jobs. No phone calls. Just David. And Me.

Hawaiian Beach Rentals offers thousands of Hawaii vacation rentals, vacation homes, villas, condos, hotels, resorts, cottages, and apartments and bed and breakfasts. They offer them on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Instead of trying to plan such a wonderful vacation by yourself, they can help you coordinate the perfect trip. We have a 25th wedding anniversary coming up in a couple of years. Maybe they can help arrange our travel plans and we can have that perfect get away a couple years from now.

Up and Running Again

OK. I think I’m up and running again. I hope. Keep your fingers crossed. I wasn’t totally dead in the water with the paid blogging. But, it was frustrating to see an opp, and then not be able to take it because you need your own domain. Having your own domain is a good thing in the paid blogging world; At least I was able to run at 1/2 speed, having those other “Free site” blogs. I talked to the guys at PU2B, another awesome set of people, and they transfered everything they had assigned me this week to A Prairie View to the other 2 blogs. Its been a week, let me tell you. And now I have another “week” ahead of me, with lots on the table because I haven’t done much with the paid blogging, and I have assignments that really need to get done. Ethan has a trip ahead of him, so its going to be kinda quiet around here. Life goes on!

Health Insurance Quotes

We have not had health insurance for quite some time now. We have been lucky. I had an episode with my heart and a 6 day hospital visit, but other than that, we have been relatively healthy, not even a lot of trips to the doctor. But. There the day is going to come that we will wish we had insurance. But where do we begin to even look for insurance. Is there someone out there who provides Health Insurance Quotes ? 2Insure4Less provides free health insurance quotes to consumers nationwide. Maybe we should start with them. I can see where checking online like this would save time and money. Just fill out one quick, easy to use form, and in just moments you will be able to compare multipe insurance policies from hundreds of insurance companies. By doing this, you also make the insurance companies compete for your business. Instead of being a “stand alone” company out there where its them or nothing and they can do whatever they want, going through a website like 2 Insure 4 Less, the companies have to be fair and reasonable, and be in line cost wise with other competing companies. With health insurance costs sky rocketing, something has to change. Maybe this will get those health insurance costs back in line!

No Time

Its been quite the day. I rescheduled my Topeka trip. Until he checks into what is wrong with my Explorer, I’m not taking it out of town. There is something wrong, but he can’t pinpoint it — or take the time to try and check it out. So, in the meantime, I wait. Thats just one of many things going on. I will get it all sorted out, but in the mean time, its been a real trip. Hopefully, within a few days, I can put it all behind me. Thats the plan. Just need to refocus.

Car Troubles

OH, did I mention that we are also coping in the non-computer world with our Explorer running hot. Yesterday was Father’s day, and the plan WAS to go to Emporia or Topeka, nice lunch, and he was wanting a photo printer like what his brother has, so I pulled enough money from my account to get it for him. (Ethan also helped — first year with a job, you know). But, in true “David-fashion”, he took a nice family day, and turned it into work trip. He drove a semi to Emporia, we drove the Explorer. We ate lunch, went to Walmart; and then they dropped me off at Hastings (I brought my laptop), and they headed to Florence to leave the semi there to be fixed. Only, my Explorer started running hot, even though it had water. He’s not sure what’s wrong with it; but that made/makes for a few anxious moments as well. I hate it when our vehicles start having problems. You never know when to trust them or not, esp. to go out of town. Hopefully, he’ll get some time to look at it this week, or at least have someone look at it.