Blogging... with a purpose!

Life should be exciting.. I need excitment in my life. I have applied for a second job. I want to buy a home by mid-year next year so I need to start saving more. This will also keep me IN from spending money while OUT. Logical? I think so..

On to exciting! I was finally able to sit, relax, drink a glass of wine and watch 'Julie & Julia'. I was very intrigued (and impressed) with Julie's accomplishments. With that said, I thoroughly weighed pros and cons of me doing the very same thing with Rachael Ray (aside from Marilyn Monroe and Monica "Mons" - from Ace & TJ, Rach is my woman crush).

I love to cook. Every part of throwing new "stuff" together to see how it will turn out is captivating. Am I always good at it? (lol) No, but I do get a thrill out of it.


Now... what I have come to realize is that ALMOST all families (especially single mothers) don't have time to prepare and cook for an hour or two. Unless, of course, you are that perfectly manicured soccer mom that married "up" in life (no offense to anyone, I swear). My younger sister actually inspires me with my objective because I have two very beautiful nieces that are almost 4 and 7, and she cuts it really close just to get home for dinner-time and pop open that can of raviolis before it's time for homework! I'm sure most of America is this same way because most families I know, both mom and dad work - or single moms..

Ok, I will get to my brainiac idea momentarily, but first I must touch base on Rach so you guys understand the plan... Rach doesn't really spend a massive amount of time in the kitchen so she mastered 30-Minute Meals (to cook not bake... we don't bake..) Ingenious, informal and great fun. Rach likes to use pricy ingredients, though (and some things I still can't locate in the grocery store.. but not often!) She also likes to use large amounts of onions and peppers. I have found that I now use onions in cooking - and i don't tell anyone - because the flavor is amazing! This is my secret so no one figures me out: grate it on a Fine Cut long grater - it almost liquifies it for you so you get all the wonderful juices and flavors and leave the chucky bits behind! *squirrel*

Located on her website, you can also find "Budget Meals", as well.

http://www.rachaelray.com/food/collections/budget/index.php


I tell you guys all of that to say this: I'm simplifying. Beginning October 8, 2012 I Wwill begin blogging about fast and easy recipes the entire family will love (this includes those tiny picky eaters)! This provocation, of course comes from the movie 'Julie & Julia'. I am going to piggy back her idea and utilize Rachael Ray, you know, instead of Julia Child.. I have Rach's 30 minute meals at home and will incorporate Budget Meals into the mix to save some money for you folk. I will also improvise. Keep all the recipes simple and short. The less ingredients, the better for those working families to deal with after a long day in the office, or in a truck... or on a field site... or atop a roof... you get the picture.

Exciting times and I am whole heartedly looking forward to this. I don't have anyone at home to really cook for so my meals will be sent to my sister, brother-in-law and nieces for taste testing, feedback and the infamous gremlin approval (or not...) I will commit to one recipe a week for now (but I'm sure I will post more than this). No disappointments, I want!

Blogging sub section titles are still TBD - I need some creative juices... We will chat soon, kids!

Customer Service Crisis By Chelle ( x3) ...

I work for a company that wins awards for their Customer Service Department. In turn I do believe I have set every other company that I will ever have to deal with up for complete and utter FAILURE. It was a very warm, sunny day in Charlotte, NC.......

I have been a TWC customer for over 8 years so you could imagine my disbelief when supervisor, Vanessa tells me, "you've been paying for it, meaning you knew you had it.. " OR "there is nothing that will justify me crediting your account for this." Ok, cancel my service "No problem, ma'am, I will get that taken care of today." I was floored, one, by the fact there wasn't ever one "let me help you with that". Also her attitude with a customer and lack of willingness to help. Background: about two years ago I noticed Sports Pass for $3.95 on my account. I had no clue what it was, didn't order it so I cancelled it. They took care of it (so I thought). Unfortunate for me, I never check my bills. I have paperless billing so I never get them. I call to make my payment over the phone because I don't write checks. Shame, on me. Last Tuesday I logged in online to see about service in the area because the internet wasn't work. I pull up the bill "just because" and realize not only am I still being charged the Sports Pass, I'm being charged $12.95 since May for VOD. I didn't order VOD, I don't watch it - haven't since it was ordered "by the remote" at the end of April and couldn't even find it when I went back through the channels! I asked if they could see if it's been utilized because that's over $50 over the past few months. Additionally, just over $50 for the Sports Pass. I suggested pulling my call from when I called in a couple years ago (because I NEVER, EVER call customer service) she said that was ridiculous, she doesn't have time for that and that's when things went down hill. I was seeing RED by this point, I refuse to pay my last bill (and will dispute on credit), turning in HD box tomorrow and moving to AT&T Uverse and DirecTV.

I would never, ever recommend TWC to another individual. whew - now that my vent is out, everyone have a wonderful and safe week before Labor Day :)

Olympics, anyone?

This is my first year of watching, recording, watching and recording some more of the Olympics. 2012 was quite a year for the United States! 46 gold, 26 silver and 26 bronze! WOO HOO! I had various different things going on so I had to record, sometimes 7 hour stints, just to keep up. Swimming and Track & Field were HANDS DOWN my favorite. Watching water polo and any of the volleyballs was like torture - and I would like to know why synchronized swimming is in the Olympics. I don't get it..

Vin Diesel told me 2020 was going to be in New York... but don't tell anyone... shhhhhhhh..

Ramping up for my Cowboys on Monday night football. Who is excited about preseason football being here? This girl...

It's already February 2012?

Holy Cow - it's been a year since I've been on... I can't believe this..

So - since my last post, I have broken up with the same man three times (don't worry, it is now 'for real' over), the love of my life, Sugar Belle passed away, my parents divorced, my mother...well, nevermind... and I got a raise.. To follow suit with my facebook post for what I have learned in the past weeks (reality: few months)- ""has learned over the past couple weeks: "someday" never comes; jealously is the human race's most useless emotion; drink more water; low calorie does not mean "diet" - it's not healthy and you're not doing yourself any good; friends really do come and GO; everyone lies - you have to learn to trust anyway; you don't learn anything if you don't make mistakes; the ability to 'shake my groove thing' in 6" heels is impressive, yet painful the next day; you live by choices - if you support the right to freedom, you support the right to abortion and gay marriage; there isn't any "good" or "bad" luck - you make your own paths in life. “Everyone is broken in life, but some people are stronger in the broken places.” – Earnest Hemmingway ""

Let's break this down.. I had SUCH a great time this weekend with family and friends. and I one lucky gal to be surrounded by everyone that I have in my life!



I have a tad too much to drink and want to dance to every song? NO BIG DEAL - they let me do it! The next day? My feet are so swollen I can barely fit them in my shoe. lol We were out celebrating my birthday and my lovely sister, Stephanie that just turned 30 last week! Huge milestone :)




Caloric intake - now, I am NO expert but theory is burn more calories than you take in to lose weight. This does NOT mean substitute every meal with a shake, kids. You have to still remain healthy on the inside to look and feel healthy, otherwise. Such a misconception. You WORKOUT (yep, it takes work - blood, sweat and tears to get off all those fat cells you let accumulate over the years). People are just so lazy these days, they think they are going to drink a miracle serum that will "poof!" make it all disappear! smh...

Freedom... of CHOICE. Society drives me absolutely BONKERS. The exasperation I feel when someone tries to justify the fact that abortion is killing a human being is unmeasurable. This is MY blog so this is indisputable. I think... I THINK that everyone that wants to stop someone from abortion should be made to raise that child. That's what I THINK. Shit happens.. get over yourself.

I need more water in my diet, less carbs. I have back-fat I'm trying to get rid of and it's annoying.

Speaking of getting rid of fat, I'm doing big things! I'm training for a 10k at the end of March. Fun times, for sure.






This will be my first run so I'm extremely excited. A bit anxious because I'm still not in the best running condition, but I have over a month to go :)













Want to know what else happened last week? Duke won... again:) It was a GREAT GAME and I had the pleasure of watching it with my Shelby, Rob, Dara, Papa Joe and Jennifer.
ON MY BIRTHDAY.




We led almost the entire first half - then trailed almost the entire second half. I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure Zellers played for UNC - however, I'm down for him tipping the ball in for us. Tough move, kid...


and then... My Austin Rivers hits the three to beat UNC 85-84.



UNC fans though are almost, ALMOST as bad as Redskins fans... just take the loss and keep moving. Always have to make an excuse for something. Always have to BLAME something. Basketball is all about luck and how lucky your skills are. Yes, we probably would have lost if Zeller wouldn't have tipped it in. However, we didn't. Take it like a champ and keep moving.

That's right, Cook- pop that jersey.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011... BIG GAME DAY

DUKE, UNC 79-73






so.. after it's all said and done, very very good game by both parties last night. I couldn't believe Smith took it home for Duke...











career night for the little fella! Singler just couldn't get it together to really make a difference. Duke trailed the game at one point by 16 points! Don't get me wrong, I was VERY worried that we wouldn't pull through... but sometime during the half our team woke up and decided that they were, indeed there to play a basketball game and took it home. GO DUKE!

As Life Goes On...

Things change.. a lot.. and people change too. I have learned most changes people make in your life are for the worst.. for you - of it course it may be bettering them in the short or long run but doesn't provide you with any benefit. Now, I'm not reflecting on other's lives.. I'm reflecting on my own and the personal changes it forces ME to deal with (not necessarily make myself)...

In one summer, my life has been, in my opinion, completely turned upside down.. I said in my original March blog it's been a stressful year and couldn't wait to see how summer turned out.... well... I take it back... because I would like to do it all over again, please!

As a result of complete discombobulation, my holidays will be separated and shared; many nights home 'alone'; constant worry; constant stress (I'm pretty sure I have an ulcer); more importantly, I will need to get off my lazy ass and start working out again because, who knew I was a stress-eater?

Most nights I just feel like crying myself to sleep but I'm not a big crier. Unfortunately, even when I'm alone, I don't succumb myself to weakness. It's sick, actually because everyone needs a release, yes? I know this.. I just choose not to level. I think because I know if I do, I won't stop. I don't have time to feel sorry for myself because I have far too much to take care of in the meantime. So, until all of this mess gets cleaned up, I will try not to fall into depression and effectively learn to take care of myself....

"Free Puppies" BUYER BEWARE

I can't even being to explain how sad it is that people fall for the internet scam artists selling free puppies... THAT'S RIGHT your free puppies are FOR SALE. Get it?

It's a scam!

Any pure bred dog that is "free" you should be leery of... along with anyone saying they live in Charlotte but are in Africa for a Christian Missionary, or transferred for work for 4 months to Santa Monica CA.

freepuppylistings.com -steer clear.

kellybulldogpuppies.com - steer clear.

Albert Demaano - steer clear.

HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES OF WHAT I HAVE RUN ACROSS OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS:

On Tue, Jul 20, 2010 at 10:41 AM, Roy Baiden "mailto:roybaiden@yahoo.com" wrote:
Hello Thanks for your interest in adopting this my lovely puppies for they are still available and just to let you know more, they are by name called (Della and Ottis) and 12 weeks old.i am just so concerned about their welfare and hope you can assure me of that.They are home raised, potty trained and well socialized and gets along perfectly with children and other pets.they are pure breed puppies and registered. They just had their shots and will comes with a year health guarantee. They love to be carried around and cuddled and full of caressing and kisses. They come alongside the following - A year health guarantee -AKC registration papers -Pedigree papers -An air conditioned crate -Vet record -Food samples -Puppy toys I am giving them out for adoption because of my newly acquired Job as an auditor which demands a lot of my time and entails a lot of traveling. As such, i have little or no time to spend with them.They are really in need of a home where they will be provided with all the love, care and attention they are being deprived of here. Cost is $270 each with delivery inclusive.I am currently on a 4 months auditing assignment in Seattle ,Washington (U.S.A) which is the more reason i am giving them out . however, i can have any of the puppy delivered to you if you can assure me that you will take proper care of them by answering to the below questions What state are you located..................? Do you have other pets........................? Do you promise to take proper care of them...............? To provide pictures so i see how they are doing.........? Let me know if you need a male or female or both ……. ?
Thanks so much and get back to me if you think you can provide agood home.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
sure, buddy..........
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On Tue, Jul 20, 2010 at 11:22 AM, Albert Demaano wrote:
Hello, I am happy to know that you are interested in providing a home for abulldog puppy. We still have 3 puppies available so pleasesee them on out web page www.kellybulldogpuppies.com Jack, Jerry andBrendy are the last three i have left, Jack is very sweet,laid back and cuddly.He has been hand raisewith children and has a great energy to play from AM to PM.He is thickand has a beautiful walking style.His vaccinations are all up to date& he is health guaranteed. On most occasions he would rather sit inthe lap of his owner than join in the play of other dogs. If a pricewhere to be awarded for companionship, the winner would surely beJack. he is totally forgiving and loving when it comes to humans. heis actually a great boy. Jerry is outgoing,playful and happy to make friends.More than withany other puppy dog, his character and personality is oftenmisunderstood. Even his intelligence is sometimes questioned. Hisnatural protectiveness is probably most manifest in his behaviortowards small children or animals. His natural Propensity to defendthe smaller ones makes him sometimes intervene even when any of mykids get told off by me or my partner. Of course, like in all litters,individual pups differ greatly, he is not lazy couch potatoes ofbreed. His faithfulness, his stubbornness, his protectiveness anddevotions to his loved ones is what you will like him for. Brendy is not only from a home where she is very use to kids but sheis also extremely healthy and has a great nature lovelypersonality.She has great conformation with her rose ears,lowset,spike tail,beautiful shape head,flashy coat and wonderful thickbody type.It's no doubt that her excellent quality and type is aresult of her outstanding personality which stands the best of all ourpuppies. she tend to be a little aloof or disinterested with otherdogs but crave the attention and approval of her owner and family.Part of her charm is that she looks so tough but aren't at all. She isbrave to the extreme and will try to guard and defend her owner if shethinks he/she is being threatened. There are a few issues which I will like to make you understandbefore we proceed;1st. I do NOT place our puppies in homes where they will just bebreeding and making money without love and care giving to them likewhat I do or even more. 2nd. we do NOT let our puppies go to homes where they would live outside! 3rd. We will NOT place our puppies with anyone who has any history of child or animal abuse!! 4th. All of our new puppy owners must take time to educate themselveson how to properly care for their unique new puppy. 5th.Last but not the list, we will probably turn down homes that havea large number of other dogs. As long as you can make us understandthat you will share the love in your homes with these puppies, we willconsider placing the puppy of your choice to your home, regardless ofyour location, even if you are not located within a drivingdistance,we do consider shipping as an option. About the general temperament of all three puppies They Conveysimpression of determination, strength and activity. Alert, bold,loyal, dependable, courageous, fierce in appearance, but possessed ofaffectionate nature. Courageous (not vicious or aggressive), anddemeanor should be pacific and dignified. These attributes should becountenanced by the expression and behavior. Please get back to mewith your choice of puppy amongst all three and i shall advice you onthe next step to take towards getting the puppyin your home as soon as possible.The are all 11-12 weeks old.Eachpuppy will cost $460.00.Where you located as well.Thank you once againand have a wonderful time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I actually found a complaint about Kelly Bulldog Puppies online... of course when I emailed the guy about himself, he didn't respond. Who wouldn't blame him?!
check it out for yourself: http://www.ripoffreport.com/dog-breeders/kelly-bulldog-puppie/kelly-bulldog-puppies-com-albe-653c9.htm">http://www.ripoffreport.com/dog-breeders/kelly-bulldog-puppie/kelly-bulldog-puppies-com-albe-653c9.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

((secretly, these are my favorite because the pups are listed as free))

--- On Wed, 7/21/10, wrote:
From: Elaine Smith "mailto:elaine.smith281@gmail.com"
Subject: Re: English Bulldog Puppies - 94384
Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 4:22 PM

Hello.The little puppy is still very much available for adoption She is 11weeks This little girl is House and Potty Trained and friendly with children She fit in the palm of your hand.She is AKC registered puppy .Adorable and sociable with great Personalities and very good bloodlines.She vet-checked, up to date on shots and deworming,and are health guaranteed..All the papers will accompany the puppy,But right now I am in Africa on a Christian mission with my wife and we have the puppy right here with us.we are going to ship to you via express delivery on next day delivery after shipment through a shipping agent,so if you are interested in having the puppy, I want you to get back to me with your full name, address including the nearest airport to you. Please if you know that you are not going to take very good care of my baby, do not reply me because I am giving her on adoption because of bad condition or anything I am only giving this puppy out because wedon't have time to takecare of the puppy again due to the mission work before us here. She will be going for $200 including the shipping.And i want you to promise me that you will take Good care of the puppy and you will be updating me with pictures every month..if that is okay by you? so I will like you to get back to me with your full name and full address including your nearest airport and your contact phone number so that I can carry out shippment as soon as possible.The lovely puppy will come along with all Her necessary like.......Akc/Nkc/Fci Registered PaperTwo Years health Guaranteehealth Insurance PaperVet RecordBirth CertificateShot BookToys And Foods If you are really interested in having my puppy as part of your family,I want you to get back to me with the following. Full Name................Home Address...............Phone Number............City................State......................Zip Code..............Nearest Airport.................
On Wed, Jul 21, 2010 at 1:06 PM, wrote:
I wanted more info on the free english bully - where are you located in NC?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
--- On Wed, 7/21/10, Serena Jhonson wrote:
From: Serena Jhonson Subject: Re: English Bulldog for free
Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 5:57 PM

Hello,Thanks for your interest in my lovely puppy. The little puppy is still very much available for adoption. she is potty trained and very friendly with children she fit in the palm of your hand.she is AKC registered puppy Adorable and sociable with great Personalities and very good bloodlines.she is vet-checked, up to date on shots and deworming, and health guaranteed.. All the papers will accompany the puppy,But right now i am in West Africa on a Christian mission with my husband and we have the puppy right here with us.we are going to ship to you via express delivery on next day delivery after shipment through a shipping agent,so if you are interested in having the puppy, i want you to get back to me with your full name,address including the nearest airport to you. Please if you know that you are not going to take very good care of my baby, do not reply me because i am giving her on adoption because of bad condition or anything i am only giving this puppy out because we don't have time to take care of the puppy again due to the mission work before us here.. she will be going for free so i will like you to get back to me with your full name and full address including your nearest airport and your contact phone number so that i can carry out shipping.Price: FreeShipping Fees:$150.00UsdTotal cost:$150.00Usd Hope to read back from you soon..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's pretty bad when you have to put a "buyer beware" stamp on a PUPPY!