Eloquent Redneck

Rodgers and Hammerstein Were Way Off

2008-11-19T20:57:00.002-05:00

So, here's the deal . . . today I was listening to the Me First & the Gimme Gimmes' rendition of "My Favorite Things" (you know - the song Maria sings in The Sound of Music). Whether you listen to their rockin' cover or Julie Andrew's singing it in the movie version, you know the chorus goes something like this:

"When the dog bites,
When the bee stings,
When I'm feeling sad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad."

I got to thinking about some low points in my life, and I began pondering the question: would merely thinking about my favorite things make me feel better? The answer I came up with was NO. When I asked a couple of folks if thinking of their favorite things when they feel sad makes them feel better, they too said NOPE. So, what made Rodgers & Hammerstein think, "hey, good lyric"?

One of my favorite things is Big E the Wonder Dog. Emmett (aka Big E) is my dog, and I just really dig that little dude. When I am having a bad day at work, I do wish I could just go home and squeeze on him. But, it doesn't make me feel better. It just makes me all the more ready to go home and snuggle up with the dude while we watch Guys and Dolls or Monster Quest. It makes me MORE irritated or sad.

So, maybe Big E is a bad example. He isn't really a thing but a living being that I interact with, so I would naturally not get a total benefit from merely thinking about his sweet, furry face. So, I thought about another situation: stress monkey time at the office. When I am a raging stress monkey, will thinking about a beautiful sunrise or music really make me feel better? No . . . not really. Usually during the most stress-filled office moments, I would much rather be at the beach watching a sunset or even sitting listening to my iPod. Thinking about what I am missing out on makes me even more pissy.

Maybe I just lack Maria's plucky attitude. Maybe I am a "glass half empty" kind of gal. Maybe I just needed something to write a post about.

Yeah

2008-11-13T17:47:00.003-05:00

So, here's the deal . . . I had my regular check up with the Big C doctor. I told him that I was feeling anxious - which I definitely am. He responded by saying that he thought I was only now really acknowledging my feelings about having cancer. He went on to say that he kept thinking (during my treatment), "This girl is not even phased about having cancer."

I am starting on my third year cancer free - just two more to go until I am officially "cured" or whatever the insurance companies call it. I guess Dr. A has a point . . . I didn't let myself feel anything during treatment. Maybe this is a sort-of post-traumatic reaction? I'm not heading for the psych ward or anything, but I have been feeling more stressed out lately.

The thing about being ill - family and friends don't want you to be sick. They love you and don't want you to be hurting. And, in the deepest parts of our minds, I think we all get freaked out seeing sick people because we realize, "That could be me!" So, sicko's like me just put on the brave face. It's too hard to face illness and the fear-filled faces of friends and family.

I guess I need to start allowing myself to own my feelings about what happened during treatment - thing is, I feel guilty doing that. Yeah, I had cancer, it sucked, I had chemo and radiation. BUT, there were a lot of people worse off than I was. It seems kinda like I didn't deserve to be a crybaby.

Maybe just the act of writing this post is helpful. I actually registered and voted this year - never did that before. All the talk about healthcare made me extremely anxious. What if they mess around with healthcare and I can't see my doctor anymore? What if they mess up everything and people die waiting for treatment? It's a crazy, crazy thing. Who would have thunk I would be worry about this stuff while in my 30s?

Take care of yourselves people!

For Your Next Knife Purchase, Visit Knivesinfinity.com

2008-11-12T20:18:00.004-05:00

Don't give up hope on finding wonderful people in the world . . . and on the Internet! The good folks at www.knivesinfinity.com recently contacted me about placing a link to their website on this blog. In exchange for the post, they donated to a cause that is near and dear to my heart, the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.

That was very generous . . . and above the call of duty with regard to a placement on this humble blog. I hope you will please search and shop their site this Christmas!

If you are seeking a charity to support, please consider American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. As a cancer survivor, I can tell you that it meant the world to me to have this event in my community. Support from individuals and business like www.knivesinfinity.com mean there is money for research, education, advocacy, and services for patients and caregivers.

Website Angst

2008-08-14T12:02:00.002-04:00

So, I'm working on my company's corporate website - rewriting the copy for it, that is. This is a process so steeped in angst! I may need a couple of Prozac or Paxil in order to finish . . . or just a good, stiff drink anyway.

The company I work for is not too bad . . . I've been there since 1995. Many of my fellow coworkers have at least 5 years or more under their belt. We are like a family. And, like most families, we have sibiling rivalry, fights, criticism, moments of wonderful love and compassion . . . and criticism. Did I mention criticism?

OK. So, there is nothing wrong with constructive criticism, and I can always use guidance on what the best message is for the website. But, for fudge sake! This is a group of deeply, personally invested people. This is a group of people with different styles of communicating. This is a group that you can never please for the reasons listed above.

It just makes getting to the end product so anxiety filled for me. Everybody works their own stuff together and says, "what about this?" Or, "why didn't you mention this?" Then, navigating through the mire of words is such a chore. I try to take everyone's thoughts into account then go back and try to distill the compiled info into a consumable, website-sized bites.

ARGH. Prayers and well wishes for this project are welcome!

You Know You're Getting Older When You Need Longer Arms

2008-08-12T18:47:00.003-04:00

Yeah, so I finally found the most awesome contacts in the world that don't dry my eyes out. I tested them on a weekend when I didn't do a lot of reading. I get my prescription filled and wear them to work today. Funny thing . . . I found that I suddenly need longer arms in order to hold pages far enough away from my face in order to read them.

How the heck did that happen?

I guess (I know) I have developed a happy of looking over the top of my glasses to read things and look at my computer. I wasn't fully conscious of it until today when I realized the awful truth: I have middle age eyes!

Today I went and bought my first pair of reading glasses. I am wearing them right now in fact - I can't see the stupid words on the screen without them while wearing these contacts.

So, here I am middle age! Come and get me!

Where's the Hollywood Telethon?

2008-06-20T17:31:00.000-04:00

So, do you remember how Hollywood did a big telethon for Hurricane Katrina survivors? You know . . . the one where Kanye West stood by a seemingly uncomfortable Mike Myers and told the country that “George Bush hates black people.” Yeah . . . well, I don’t know what George Bush’s true heart of hearts is, and that’s not why I am writing this (I didn’t vote for him, but I don’t think he hates black people – he had Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell on his staff for goodness sake).

My question is this: does Hollywood hate farmers and regular, heartland Americans? Ted Webb, filling in for Todd Schnit on the Schnitt Show yesterday, brought up a great point: where’s Hollywood? Where’s the big telethon? We did them for Katrina and 9/11 victims/survivors – as we should have. We need to help our fellow Americans when the chips are down. But, where’s the love for our neighbors in the flooded areas of Iowa and other states? I heard that thousands of jobs have been lost. People have lost their homes and possessions. According to an article on the Time.com, “In Iowa the cost mounts: 20% of the corn crop has drowned, 38,000 people have been displaced, and Cedar Rapids alone may need $1 billion to recover.”((Source: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1816495,00.html accessed on June 20, 2008).

So, since Hollywood (except the good folks at Farm Aid) sits silently, I challenge everyone else to get involved.

This is my official start of the Great American Blog-a-thon, which I just made up. Now, I am not setting up a way to collect money (although I will have links to charities). I am asking that you donate to the Red Cross, Farm Aid’s Family Farm Disaster Fund, or other organizations serving these people. The Red Cross has been meeting the needs of survivors, but their supplies are depleting (read http://www.redcross.org/article/0,1072,0_281_7859,00.html). Let’s face it: it’s hard to give money when gas is $4.00/gallon and food costs are rising. But, there are ways we can pull together to help:

Car Pool for a Cause: if you and some coworkers/friends carpool for one week, you each will save some money. Donate all (or a portion) of that money for a donation to the Red Cross or other organizations serving these flood victims.
Homemade Help: if you usually eat out during the week, skip it – just for one week – and give that money to charity. It’s just week of your life to stay home and make dinner or prepare your lunch to bring to work/school.

I would love to hear about your endeavors to donate to relief funds - or about your own blogging efforts for the cause. Please send me your stories about how you will help our friends in the Midwest! I will link to anyone's blog who donates/writes to encourage helping the cause.

When I receive my next pay check on July 1, I will be donating to the Farm Aid Family Farm Disaster Relief Fund and the Red Cross.

Where to Donate to be part of the Great American Blog-a-thon (nothing official - I just made it up):

Farm Aid Family Farm Disaster Relief Fund (the only entertainer-affiliated group that I have seen doing something)

American Red Cross (choose “Disaster Relief Fund”)

University of Iowa Flood Relief Fund (read their blog then donate online)

Coralville/Iowa City Area Flood Relief Fund (click here to learn more) All contributions to this Fund are tax-deductible and should be sent to Community Foundation of Johnson County, 325 East Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240 - Note "Flood Relief Fund." For more information, contact Mike Stoffregen, Executive Director, at 319.337.0483.

I'm Going to Jail for Good!

2008-06-05T14:37:00.004-04:00

One of my friends or co-workers - I haven't figured it out yet - has decided to have me "arrested" for a good cause. The Muscular Dystrophy Association will be coming to haul me away from work at noon on June 25, and won't let me go until I meet my bail of $2,500! I need your help to make bail - any amount great or small is a big help, not just to me - you are helping a great cause, too.

This year, I have the honor and pleasure of participating in MDA's 2008 Palm Harbor Lock-Up to help "Jerry's Kids®". To reach my goal I need your help!

I'd like to include you or your company on my list of contributors who are helping me reach my goal. Your donation would help MDA continue the important fight against muscular dystrophy. Check out my web page by clicking on the link above. There you'll find all kinds of information about MDA, and be able to make your tax-deductible donation on-line using your credit card.

MDA serves people in our community with neuromuscular disease by providing clinics, support groups, assistance with the purchase and repair of wheelchairs, braces and communication devices, and summer camp for kids. MDA also funds research grants to help find treatments and cures for some 43 neuromuscular diseases that affect people of all ages, right here in our community.

I sincerely hope that you'll take the opportunity to support MDA. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

On behalf of the families MDA serves, thank you!

Warmest Regards,

Stacy

If you prefer, you can copy and paste the link below in your browser to visit my donation page:
https://www.mdaevent.org/ParticipantInfo.aspx?j=f6552568-f7b6-4cc2-90d6-65e5b61892fe

Scrubs Finale: What the . . . ?

2008-05-09T16:01:00.004-04:00

Image via WikipediaUmmm . . . yeah. Did anybody else watch the Scrubs series finale? What the fudge was the Bob Kelso character doing on that episode when he had quit his job a few episodes ago? And, what's up with Keith popping randomly back into the picture. I just didn't get that at all.

Is there going to be another season of Scrubs on ABC? I have seen rumors about that online, but I can find no confirmation of that information. I hope there will be because that season finale was random, scattered, and whack!

Compact Flourescent Light Bulbs

2008-04-24T20:45:00.002-04:00

I had the following comment on my Earth Day posting this past week. I never thought about the fact that these new compact fluorescent bulbs contain mercury. I had heard that the big fluorescent lights had nasty stuff in them, but I didn't put two and two together regarding the smaller bulbs.

Something to think about people! When we think we might be doing something good for the environment, it could be that we are helping in one way (energy conservation) but hurting in another (potential contamination of soil).

Do your own research . . . don't take it from me or Johnny 5. Johnny brings a more informed opinion than mine, but it's just one opinion. Go out there and research it for yourself so that you make the right decisions. I know I will

Thank you Johnny 5 for your post! It's great when we can get conversations started.

Johnny 5 said...: As someone who sells light bulbs for a living, I am less enthusiastic than most about compact fluorescent bulbs. This is due to the fact that the ones currently available contain significant amounts of mercury. If one of these bulbs should break inside of a person’s home, it could cause a challenging disposal situation. It is my belief that the technology should progress to a point at which the mercury levels are low or nonexistent before people changeover their entire homes. Another consideration is that as these bulbs burn out, they will most likely be thrown away as though they are normal rubbish and landfills will have incredibly high levels of mercury in their soil as a result.

Cancer Links

2008-04-23T17:26:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I saw a lady who works at Countryside Cancer Center. She said she kept thinking she knew me, but I looked too well to have come to the office. Well, I did use to go to that office for radiation two years ago. It's been two great years full of annoying tests and exams that have proved, hallelujah, that I am cancer free!

The sad thing to me, though, is that so many people I know or run into talk about experiencing cancer in their lives (usually because a family member has it). I just want to share my link list so that if you are experiencing cancer, from the patient or caregiver perspective, there are resources out there to help you.

This link list has information resources, links to support groups, and product information especially for cancer patients. For instance, did you know that if you are going through radiation, one of the only creams you can use on your irritated skin is udder cream? Yes, UDDER cream . . . stuff they rub on cow's teats. There are also Queasy Pops for chemo-related nausea.

I hope this helps. If you are facing a diagnosis and aren't too keen on how to find information online, please email me. I am glad to help you during your cancer journey. Our stories are all different, but there is a thread of sameness in all of our experiences with the Big C.

Happy Earth Day!

2008-04-22T23:04:00.003-04:00

Hi Gang . . . I just wanted to wish you a Happy Earth Day. You don't have to be a tree hugger to appreciate the beauty of our natural surroundings and to desire a clean, unpolluted environment. Plus, some green initiatives actually help you save money. For example, try using the compact fluorescent light bulbs. Based on a national average, they can save you $50 on energy bills and $20 more by not having to replace incandescent bulbs. I use them in my home!

I thought I would share a link to my blog posting that I wrote for work today, too. Please visit the link, and hope you had a great Earth Day (now, get a hair cut, hippy!).

Answers Systems Inc.: Happy Earth Day!

Jerry Springer . . . What Is Up with That Show?

2008-04-18T16:33:00.003-04:00

Image via WikipediaSo, I came home today to find the dogs watching Jerry Springer. Yes, they watch TV. Mainly, we make them watch TV all day to distract them from the noises of the apartment complex. They bark at every little thing!

Anyway . . . so, Jerry Springer is on. What is up with this show? I know it's been for years, and I know it's been a fairly idiotic show for years. But, it's even more of a freak show than I remember watching. What is up with those puppets in the background? On today's episode, the guests are sitting on a car and revealing their incest crimes and what not. It's just not right!

I remember ten or more years ago when Jerry used to have a "straight" show. I even remember an episode about hate crime . . . it was a serious show. How did it devolve into this trash. And, while it's trash, I find myself still watching it. I am thoroughly amazed at what these folks are revealing. I am amazed that this has an audience. I won't watch it again by choice, but I am fascinated and disgusted at the same time.

Wow.

Answers Systems Inc.: Announcing Casual Friday . . . Meet Greg Hilton

2008-04-11T15:48:00.000-04:00

So, as you might know, I write my company's blog (a chunk of it, anyway). I decided to start a series on Fridays called "Casual Fridays" where I interview employees/management about things they do. I figured it might be a nice way to keep it "casual" and interesting rather than all this strictly business boringness.

Don't get me wrong . . . Casual Friday is definitely business oriented. The interviews are going to be crafted to underscore what an awesome company we are to work with. They are just more fun and open than the general "marketing speak."

Give it a read . . .

Answers Systems Inc.: Announcing Casual Friday . . . Meet Greg Hilton

Idol Gives Back

2008-04-09T20:49:00.006-04:00

OK. I know I will come off like a jerk, but the whole "Idol Gives Back" thing kind of makes me want to gag. I can't quite put my finger on why I want to gag, but I do.

Yes, I know this raises money to help people that really need help. I thought I was going to choke up when Annie Lennox started crying. It was very sad seeing those children in Africa that had no one to take care of them because their entire family was lost to AIDS. But . . . I think that's why it makes me feel icky.

Now, stay with me here before you let me have it with both barrels . . .

It just seems to me that American Idol started this whole "Idol Gives Back" as a way for Idol to "get back" some viewers who were getting tired of the same-old same old. I feel a bit exploited . . . they suck me in to watch their show and say, "look how socially conscious we are." That's not to say that some of the people on the show aren't totally, wonderful people. I think Bono and Annie Lennox really want to help people, for example.

I had been a loyal Idol viewer every year the show has been on, but last year I thought was lackluster. This year is kind of BLAH, too. I used to call and vote a zillion times for my favorite - Clay was ROBBED by the way - but now it's just "who cares?" for me. Sure there are some great singers, but we've seen this crap before, haven't we?

OK . . . Simon was just on with a family that doesn't have health insurance. He's being all nice and what not. It's just not right. Now, I'm not saying that he isn't nice. I am sure he is. He gave money to charity on Celebrity Apprentice. But, I don't watch American Idol to see him be a loving, caring teddy bear. I watch it to see what brutal truth he is going to serve up . . . and, he is almost always right.

I don't know. I don't mean to offend if you like "Idol Gives Back." I do think it is absolutely wonderful that money is being raised to help needy people. But, this medium makes me feel all "gaggy" inside. Maybe my real "gagginess" is that people must not give enough under ordinary circumstances. If people were really generous and caring, would we need "Idol Gives Back"? I don't think so . . . it would be just a nice, low-key, additional fundraiser.

That's my two cents. All my time and money go to the American Cancer Society and my church (sometimes ASPCA and the World Wildlife Fund, too). So, sorry Simon . . . I gave in my own community. But, I applaud the effort made by FOX in spite of the sense of icky-ness it inspires in me.

My Favorite Charlton Heston Movie

2008-04-07T17:34:00.006-04:00

Image from WikipediaSo, Charlton Heston died. That's sad. Whatever your politics about guns and what all the NRA stands for, you gotta admit that the dude had some kick butt roles in his film days. He parted the Red Sea as Moses, he was the Omega Man (the original screen adaptation of I Am Legend - I think he overacted a bit and it was kind of campy, but I still liked it). But, his most awesome, kicking, rocking, spectacular movie of all time is Planet of the Apes. I bet he is rolling his eyes right now at the mere mention of that.

I remember watching that movie with my dad when I was little. Anytime it has come on television since that point, I have almost always opted to watch it. I just love the ending . . . even though it's no longer a surprise. "Damn you! Damn you all to Hell!"

Here's to you Bright Eyes!

By the way . . . I thought this article about Mr. Heston was kind of cute. Enjoy.

Save Jericho!

2008-03-31T19:12:00.005-04:00

Image from WikipediaOK. Normally I would just give in when the network cancels the show, but what the heck. If you love Jericho, give it a shot with a letter to execs about why you love the show. Maybe enough people writing can get the show picked up on another network. You can find the appropriate addresses at this link: http://www.jericho-kansas.com/Community/Forums/tabid/74/forumid/27/postid/2148/view/topic/Default.aspx

Plus, check out

www.savejericho.info
www.jericholives.com
www.radiofreejericho.com
savejericho.blogspot.com
Save Jericho - Again on MySpace
Tv.com Save Jericho Once Again Topic

Just a few sites I found about saving the series

Answers Systems Inc.: ContractPro Release 3.3.1 . . . An Interview with Shawn Cady

2008-03-31T13:37:00.002-04:00

I did this little interview with Shawn Cady, Product Development Manager for Answers Systems Inc. He and I work together, so this is on my company's blog. If you are interested in application service providers, contract/trade spending management, or foodservice, you might find this article interesting. Otherwise, you might think it's a snooze. Shawn and I are pretty awesome folks, though, so you might just want to read it for the sheer pleasure of being cool via reading our banter.

Read on and rock on.
Answers Systems Inc.: ContractPro Release 3.3.1 . . . An Interview with Shawn Cady

Check Out My Latest Submission on Helium.com

2008-03-30T19:55:00.000-04:00

Image from WikipediaIs coffee a health benefit or a health risk?

By Stacy Jackson

Coffee is definitely a health benefit . . . for the coworkers of coffee addicts. Until the coffee addict has had his or her cup of morning joe, an office full of innocents are in peril. The power of a decaffeinated soul is pure evil. The most chipper person is left cowering in the caf-fiend's icy glare. There have been reports of panic attacks, shortness of breath, heart attack, and stroke ...
read more:
http://www.helium.com/items/955333-coffee-definitely-health-benefit

See more Food & Drink articles at:
http://www.helium.com/channels/22-Food-Drink