redhotz's Blog

I wasn't sure where to post this as it doesn't necessarily fit any one category perfectly.  So I chose news because it's newsworthy to find a place you can walk into when you're shopping, junkin, tiquin, whatever you call it, and meet some really neat people who live in a rural Kansas town that welcome you like they've known you all their lives!

The husband and I were off today and took off in the car headed nowhere in particular.  We decided to make a stop in Rantoul Kansas at the Rock House Market.  Every time we wander down that way, the Market has more unique and interesting items.  New and used, antique and unique!  Some of the finds they had today were dated plates, glassware, new fleece throws, new Chinelle (? spelling) toe socks and gloves.  They had some small appliances a wolfgang puck convection oven, microwave oven, antique bed frame, baby bed.  We actually walked away without blowing too much $$$ but seriously, I think everyone should hop off the couch, get outta the house and go check this place out!  You never know what you'll find.  And if you don't spend any $$, or find something you can't live without, you're sure to meet some really neat ladies.  (and ya might see a man or two doing some work here and there).  This is inside a place that will soon become the Soft Rock Cafe.  Take the time, get outta town, and if you make it down there, tell them you saw this blog.  I told the ladies I was going to blog about it, and I'm not real sure they took me seriously! 

I wonder how many of the parents who oppose these changes attended the meetings held during the time the district was making this decision?  And perhaps people should base a home purchase on many aspects versus just where their child will attend a certain school.  I would be thankful the district officials were concerned about the overcrowded classrooms my child was in.   As well as I would be upset if my child was in an overcrowded classroom.  My nieces district recently underwent reorganization, if the people in Liberty think they have problems, be thankful  3 schools in 2 small towns isn't where you live.  Some of these children live right across the street from the elementary school in one town and are bussed to another town about 10 miles away.  It can always be worse people.  So if your concern is bus safety, change your schedule and drive them yourself, or stay home and home school them.   As I always say get involved in your child/childrens school.  Let your voice be heard, and in a positive way.  You ca make your point without being overbearing.   Unless there is more to the story (which there could be) then it's time to act like adults  Did you think child rearing would be easy?  And what if your job were to take you somewhere that you didn't have the chance to choose the perfect location for the perfect school?  You and your child would adjust.  Interested to see the outcome.

http://www.myfoxkc.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?cont
entId=8197675&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pa
geId=3.2.1

After reading the post about the converter box coupons, I felt compelled to write this post.  I wonder if my family is the only one that feels this way and lives life according to keeping our standards where we can manage.  It is extremely frustrating to hear people talking (as opposed to words I'd rather use) about how it's this ones fault or this is the reason for the economy going to hell, blah blah blah...

At least in our area, I've sat back and watched and listened to the ones who are complaining.  Do it sometime and see what you can learn.  Seems to me there are 2 categories.  Those who seem to have to live above and beyond their means and are trying to keep up with others.  And those who don't work, live off the system and have luxuries.  So why is it they are complaining?  Did they not put themselves in the situation they are in all by themselves? 

There was a time when we both worked full time well paying jobs.  We lived in a brand new home, drove nice vehicles, kids wore name brand clothes, and I rarely told them no.  There have also been times we've had $7.50 a week for groceries when we just had one child.  We had (key word HAD) credit card debt, personal loans, department store credit cards, you name it.  When times got tough, we tightened down the reigns.  Was I happy about it?  No way, are you kidding?  Did we survive?  Yes, we most certainly did.  Did we have to borrow money from others just to get by, get state aid, go to food pantries?  No, we changed our way of living.  Now there's an awesome concept.

Let me tell you that when the times got tough, it was the best times of our lives.  We learned to cook differently, entertain differently, and tell the kids no.  Getting out of the dumps didn't  happen overnight.  The kids saw the struggles, and yes, we involved them in certain aspects of our struggles.  Some would disagree with that, however now, 10 years later, through conversations with our 16 and 12 year old,  you would be amazed at the lessons they have learned.  And how much they appreciate what they had then and what they have now.

I'm thrilled to say I work part time so I can be at their beckon call.  My husband works full time, and while we aren't packing a six figure yearly income, we don't live paycheck to paycheck either.  Why is that?  It's because we paid our bills off, slowly but surely, cut up all the cards, and didn't get any more.  We don't feel like we have to impress anyone, or keep up with anyone else.  If times get tough, I will go back to working full time.  Yes, there are circumstances that can be beyond a persons control.  However, for those who can control their circumstances, quit complaining, make some changes. 

Spend time with your children playing cards, board games, eat supper at the table every night, and on the weekends, breakfast and supper.  Lunch may not always happen, you're on the run, and have to grab something out?  How about the dollar menu and water?  When my kids friends ask why they have to be home at dinner time and the kids say because we have supper together, their friends look at them like they're aliens.  They really get the looks when the other kids find out we actually spend time together playing cards and board games.  Such sadness if you ask me that so many children aren't afforded the opportunity to have a sit down meal with their family.

Maybe this economical recession will bring families together and parents will start raising their children like they were meant to.  I don't think my family is the model family.  We aren't some weird, flaky, freaks.  My husband and I have always felt like it was important to instill values and morals in our children so they aren't out running the streets and getting into trouble.  At some point will they get into mischief?  Probably....we're not stupid and naive. 

Sorry for the novel, I just felt as though I had to get this off my chest.  The cycle of the above categories of people I mentioned needs to be broken.  I believe the children being raised in said categories are part of the cause for what's been a long time coming.   How do people expect their children to be productive citizens if they are not showing them there is a different way of doing things?

In Rantoul, Kansas this weekend there is going to be an Open House at the 1867 Rock House Gift Shop.  It is located inside the "Soft Rock Cafe" which will be opening soon.  We happened upon this little shop last weekend, and found some unique gifts, ornaments and collectibles.  Not only will you find interesting knick knacks, but excellent conversation and good ole down home folks.  You will find hand crafted items, antiques, china, Christmas decor, trees, and ornaments.  There are many items that are too numerous to mention.  This is a must see!  This building doesn't look like a rock house from the outside, a building was built around the rock house.  So, when you roll up on it, you see what is the Soft Rock Cafe.  When you go inside, that's where you'll find the Rock House Gifts.  Get out of the house and off the couch this weekend and if you have to....google or get that GPS rolling and find Rantoul, KS on your map.  They even have furntiure items that are unique, some old, some new.  I think you'll enjoy the drive and you'll find something for everyone on your list!  They are there from 9 am until evening!

So, apparently I must have been banned from posting a comment to any of  Adrenochromes blogs, OR maybe Fox4 isn't working right tonight.  So, I've decided to post my response here.  In fact, my response to this post isn't negative or condascending.  So, I hope you've read the article regarding the middle school boy who is wanting to wear make up that Adrenochrome posted as that is what my post is about.  Thank you for reading, and if I am banned, it's too bad we can't all participate as mature adults and if nothing else, agree to disagree.  One more thing I wish to add.  It appears that there have been 11 comments posted to this blog, and only 3 are showing.  Soooo Adrenochrome, who else have you deleted and why?  Such sadness pours from heart for folks that are willing to blog yet not willing to consider others input.  If you don't want both sides to a story, why blog?

  If I'm not banned, than I am sorry for thinking that I was.  It's just that I tried several times to post my reply.  Thank You and read on....

 

Sounds like the reason this kid has issues is because the mother has issues.  And maybe her #1 issue is she wanted a daughter.  Ok, all sarcasm out of the way, I have to agree with the school district on this one.  It is not typical for a male to wear make up.  Plain and simple, that's it the end.  So, now we have mom who supports her son who apparently wants to be a chick.  (or whatever freakish reason he wants to use).  So now they're going to threaten with a lawsuit (big shocker) unless he gets his way.  What lesson is really going to be learned here?  Society has gotten disgustingly sick with their "we'll just hire an attorney and sue" attitude.  Why in the world can't this mother step up and realize that this might be ok in her eyes, for her child, but it is not normal, and it is distracting.  I could go on and on about all the other things that distract kids at school that should be against the rules, but that wouldn't pertain to this post, or get anywhere.  Hopefully the district comes out ahead on this one, and next years handbook will stipulate male students shall NOT wear any type of make up.  Thus, being covered for any future problems.  One last thing with regards to acceptance and rules and school appearances.  It has always been a thought in my mind that all schools should adopt a uniform policy.  Just this year a relative of mine had to purchase PE uniforms for her high schooler.  There were many reasons the school went to this policy.  I'm hoping this is just a tiny step towards an all school uniform change.  So far, the change has already proven positive.  They have had fewer discipline problems, less problems with participation, and some of the kids are happy with it.  Comments from students have been that they feel like everyone is treated the same, noone is talking about how they have big name t's or shorts, etc., the boys don't have the sides cut out so their bodies are half shown.  The school also implemented that if there was someone who could not afford the $13 dollars, the student would have a uniform regardless, so there would be no excuse for not purchasing them.  What a great idea!

Ok, so I watched the Oprah show today in which she presents Online Sex predator safety.  While so many people are frustrated with her over politics, I am beyond frustrated with her and it's not over politics.  She spends so darn much money in Africa, and on so many other issues she is passionate about, and then she does a show on sex predators where she appears to be utterly disgusted and says something needs to be done.  She also says that the reason only 2% of online sex predators are being found and prosecuted is because of funding, so my question is this.  If she is so wealthy, high and mighty and wanting to help in other countries, then why the hell doesn't she step up to the plate and offer up some of her $$$ to assist in finding and prosecuting these disgusting people?  If she mentioned during her program that she is going to, then I missed it.  However, I did not miss her reaching out and asking us, the working class people to help out.  I agree that more needs to be done.  And I encourage everyone to do their part.  Be it attend city commission meetings, go to your Police/Sheriff departments, whatever it is you can do.  However, in our small community, where I attend city and county commission meetings, I see every time, where money is tight.  As it is in any financial situation.  I did notice on the map that Kansas seems to be one area that is not affected as severely as the East coast, southern and western coast.  That I am thankful for, but we are still affected people.  One thing we can do that is not costly at all is to protect our children.  Is it just me or should there be more celebs keeping their monies in the USA?  Did anyone else watch this program?  How did you feel about it?  Please weigh in and tell us how you felt?  As always I am open to constructive discussion about my post. 

Ok, so here's the deal...I simply reply to a post a couple times, and now I'm banned from that persons post.  That's ok, no harm no foul.  Doesn't hurt my feelings.  Only shows ignorance, juvenile behavior of what I thought was a mature fellow blogger who could participate in a conversation without having to block someone.  If anyone saw my responses, you'd know I was not inappropriate.  So, to Kodiak, it's sad  you can't partake in an adult conversation.  I wish you well on your way and path to self destruction.  To everyone else, I hope this doesn't have to happen again.  If you are here to blog and comment, you should be here to accept, participate and take in just as well as what you give out.  It's just too bad some take it personal, and some don't.  I am not always sugar and spice, but I've never deleted a post, reply, or blocked anyone.  I will continue to blog, and if there are those who have problems, let me know, don't take the juvenil approach.  It works out much better if we act as the adults we are!

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.

Has anyone heard any more about the woman whose vehicle was destroyed by the fallen tree at Ronald McDonald house?  I thought Fox4 would have done a follow up story on this situation.

Once again, I feel it is time for parents to be more proactive in what their children are doing. 

I have been keeping watch on the story of Brooke Bennett.  She is the 12 y/o whose body was just found after missing for several days.  This is yet another tragedy that shouldn't have happened.  There are so many things gone wrong in this poor girls situation.  The one thing I would like to know is this...You have to be (I believe) 14 to get a myspace site.  This girl was 12, and had a site.  So, my question is this...did she fake her age or did someone do it for her? 

I've also read with much interest about a 23 y/o facing rape charges against him.  The charges stem from a 12 and 15 y/o girl who claim had different types of relationships with him.  Long story short, they met him at a skating rink.  (I know, what was a 23 y/o doing at a skating rink) So, they give him their cell numbers, and ask for his, which he reciprocates.  (which he shouldn't have done)  At one point, the 12 y/o begins texting this man.  Getting to my point, yes, a 23 y/o man should know better, he claims he didn't know her age until he was questioned by law enforcement.  And he also claims he was under the influence of alcohol.  Even at that, any 23 y/o adult would know better than to do anything with someone who is under legal age.  I'm guessing that this 12 y/o could not look under 18. 

So, I have several points to my post.  First, this man is going to face charges, and more than likely go to jail over this.  I'm sure my opinion will cause great rebuttals, but I'm putting it out there.  If these girls initiated the contact, even though this man utilized poor judgement, what repercussions will they face?  None most likely, while he will face jail time.  I don't disagree that he will face time.  He should have been smarter.  However, had the parents been checking their phones, known where their child/children were, would this have happened to their child? 

It is my firm belief that if you allow your child a myspace site, a cell phone, e mail, etc. that you should be well informed of everything that is going on within that technology.  At our home, if you are afforded those priveleges, mom and dad have total access to them all.  Everything that requires a password, mom and dad have the password.  You change the password and mom and dad can't access it, you lose it.  It's time for parents to take more interest in their childrens whereabouts.  I pick up my childrens cell phones and read their text messages.  I read their e mail, and look at their myspace sites.  I am even on their friends list.  If they don't like that, then what are they hiding?  And you know what?  They have not once complained.  Why?  Because they know we are caring parents that are taking an interest in their lives, and they know we want what is best for them.  We have their best interest in mind.

These stories don't necessarily have alot in common, but they do in that it reminds us to be mindful of where our children are, what they are doing, and who they are doing it with.  I pray that Brookes biological father can find some healing in this situation.  From what I can take away from the reporting, her mother wasn't exactly taking the best of precautions to ensure her daughters safety.  So sad her father had to find out this way.

I appreciate constructive comments and replies.  I do not delete comments unless they are rude, vulgar and ridiculous.  I welcome constructive feedback.  And I wish one and all a happy and safe 4th of July holiday.

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 must admit that I'm not an avid AI watcher.  However, tonight I happened upon the program and sat down to watch.  David Cook is incredible.  Anyone who talks trash on him should be ashamed.  While I don't know all that much about him personally, just from tonights performance, he ROCKED the stage!  I hope that he goes on and wins this competition. 

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