Get updates

Saturday, February 28, 2009

AmeriaMex ... combining countries into world regions now? Psst, NWO in progress!~

(Ariticle from Washington Post..)
In my opinion, for what its NOT worth, is that we are witnessing the obvious propaganda of the unfolding of the NWO. Hang on folks, we are in it now.....
Soon our kids will be singing: "Amerimex, Amerimex, God shed his grace on thee.... "
Sorry for the 'pasted article, but, this one I couldnt resist......
Bandita.

,.."You may have heard the rumor that, as a result of a bloody drug war that has claimed more than 7,000 lives since January 2007, Mexico is on the verge of being declared a "failed state."Drawing a lot of its oxygen from cable demagogues and talk radio, the chatter intensified several weeks ago when the Pentagon issued a report warning that our neighbor -- along with Pakistan, no less -- could face a "rapid and sudden" collapse because "the government, its politicians, police and judicial infrastructure are all under sustained assault and pressure by criminal gangs and drug cartels."

How's this for pressure? The police chief in Ciudad Juarez resigned last week after drug traffickers began to make good on their promise to kill police officers in that city until the chief stepped down.The Mexican drug war is the real deal, and so is the threat to both Mexico and the United States. The casualties are mounting. The killings are becoming more brutal, and now include the beheading of soldiers.The cartels are essentially terrorizing the Mexican people in the hopes of convincing them to put pressure on the government to relent in its efforts to put the bad guys out of business.
Take it from someone who has known Mexican President Felipe Calderon since before he took the job -- back when we were in graduate school together nearly a decade ago -- that's not going to happen.Calderon was brave enough to take on the drug cartels by arresting their leaders, confiscating their product, and -- most importantly -- seizing the large shipments of cash that they need to operate. And he's smart enough to know that letting up on the pressure before the task is done would only make matters worse and basically hand Mexico over to the drug lordsMeanwhile, there is no question that Americans will pay a price if the drug violence spills over the border.
Just a few days ago, the U.S. State Department issued a blunt travel advisory warning Americans with plans to travel in Mexico to be extra careful."Recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades," the advisory reads. "Large firefights have taken place in towns and cities ... and during some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area.

"Firefights will put a crimp in the tourist industry. But, Mexicans are quick to point out the irony. Here Americans are worried about their safety in Mexico when one of the reasons the Mexican government is having such a difficult time fighting the drug cartels is because the enemy has plenty of money and guns. And both are coming from the north.According to most estimates, about 90 percent of all the cocaine flowing into the United States comes from Mexico and about 90 percent of the guns seized in drug-related violence come from the United States.
Former President George W. Bush and Congress deserve credit for pushing through $400 million in emergency aid in the Merida Initiative to help the Mexican government fight the cartels.And even though Mexico is still waiting for delivery of most of those funds, there were signals this week that the Obama administration understands the stakes involved.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced new measures to prevent the violence from spreading to this side of the border and told Congress that the issue demands the "utmost attention." Attorney General Eric Holder called the drug cartels a "national security threat" to the United States and said Americans "simply can't afford to let down our guard."Even so, this business about Mexico on its way to being a "failed state" is just a lot of hot air.

The rumors of our neighbor's demise have been greatly exaggerated.A country of 110 million people, Mexico is still a functioning democracy with press freedoms and bold leaders, like Calderon, who are tackling the issue of drug violence head on. There is plenty of reason for optimism.Frankly, one reason the doomsday talk about Mexico catches on is because it distracts Americans from our own problems. (NOT!!..its media propaganda...)

I learned a long time ago that, for many of my countrymen, Mexico serves a purpose in tough times by providing something to which we can feel superior.Even with the banking bailouts, mortgage crisis, a plummeting stock market and rising unemployment, the thinking goes, we can at least be grateful that we're not Mexico.For Mexican-Americans like me, that's cold comfort. I expect a lot more of my country -- the United States -- than I do the country that my grandfather left behind a hundred years ago when he legally immigrated north.

And right now, what I expect is for all Americans to realize -- and for the Obama administration to never forget -- that it's impossible to feel safe when there is a wildfire in the neighborhood.The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ruben Navarrette.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Online Monkey business...


I do have a life other than being 'Online. I clean my house, do dishes, wash clothes, make lunches and dinners, walk the dog, take in the mail, greet other inhabitants of the house as they pass by, and generally live the basics of a mom and housewife.

Isn't that just exciting!

Other than all the above, I have found some spare time to delve into this online monkey business. I am up to my ears, or should I say eyes, in anything and everything to do with being 'online.


Its not such a bad thing really, and I have read a thousand websites and blogs and posts where others seem to be making it their entire life.. but I cant help but wonder, how healthy is it to be sitting at this desk, staring endlessly at this screen, with electronic typed words, and rearranging my body every now and then when I feel the strain of one position too long.

I suppose if one found a really lucrative and meaningful reason to keep on with that ritual, like making vast amounts of money or something, I suppose its justifiable....but, would I really want to spend my life, making money that way?

Its very isolating. You never meet 'real people, or hear real voices, other than when fancy websites blurb on with a preset voice that booms out at you, from some electronic looking person that is animated on the screen.

I think that being 'online can be constructive in limited measures...but then, you would be going against all the voices of the online guru's that imply you have to put in the time, to make the dime..... hmmmm.

So, it all boils down to choice.

Do you want to put in the time, staring at a screen and hitting at a keyboard, or make your dime at someone else's whim, or dictation of how to spend your glorious 8 hours a day?

Does it really matter at all?


The mind justifies everything we do in this life... and right now, mine is saying, just give it a try.

Ok.


Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Make Money Online...and so it goes...

OH my Goodness....
I have never seen so many advertisements, blogs with advertisements, and just plain ole hoopla of making money online!
In my time of February Research, which by the way, is quickly coming to an end as we near the 28th, has been mind boggling to say the least.

One particular little guy, a supposed 13 year old kid has become quite the online blogmoney maker. I decided to narrow my research down to a few successful bloggers, and freelancers.
And, mind you, that has not been an easy task either. To narrow down a few choices out of millions that are to be found on good ole Google is monumental.
But, narrow down I did, and I am happy to say, I am learning more in this little adventure that I have in just about any other adventure I have taken.

This Internet, which should be second nature to me by now, isn't.
I am reading about RSS feeds, T3 leads, SEO, on and on and on.......
And then there is the 101 affiliate programs you can buy, that all promise to make you a millionaire in 30 days. That for sure is a laugh, because any one with a half way reasonable mind would be doing that!

All in all, it has been interesting to read what people all over the world are doing on this internet, and I am coming away with a distinct feeling that others are utilizing this tool far more than I ever have. I almost feel stupid that I haven't done more with this, other than frivolous emails and the like.
So, on to my final days of research....
Yawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwn, and some sleep to REFRESH and UPLOAD more info tomorrow.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Freelance Writing? What...?


Well, with February dragging on, and the full 28 days that comprise this month, I decided to take all the free and open time that my life currently possesses and check out some of these annoying Google Ad sense advertisements that keep looming around on just about everything, everywhere on the internet.

One entire week, I searched, followed links, read and read, and cross linked a thousand different web sites and .com's, and Blog webs, and Vlogs, and you name it, I read it.

I now have a certain condition called; Internet Overload.

I feel myself drawn to this computer screen, knowing that just a few typed words will open the huge never ending vista to another online world.

What I have found is millions, trillions, and more trillions of bits of encrypted information flowing across my screen. Enough information to help even the dullest of people succeed at something!

It actually befuddles my mind, and I am trying desperately to stay afloat in this online sea of information.

What I have decided to do, is to try to narrow down what I think interests me the most, and to focus on learning about that topic, inside out.

This may take some time, because it now seems that I am having a very hard time in the narrowing down process. There is just too much on here that tempts a person to go take a look, and see what this new website offers.

I am beginning to wonder if any of them work at all?


But, in the course of this investigation, I have read where people are actually making a 6 figure income by freelance writing. Of course I realize that it took some time for them to be in that realm of figures, but, I wonder, why not me?

Everyone has to start out somewhere. All life's journey starts with a step, albeit, for me it will be a very little baby step, and very hesitant at that. But, as I mentioned in my last post, February doesn't have a whole lot to offer me anyway, but a home bound existence, so I may as well be learning something with all this free time.

Of course, this is a mere experiment that all my free time is affording me at the moment, and knowing how life is, it may all change overnight. That has been my luck. But for now, I am safe in studying and learning all that I can about free lance writing.

What seems to be frustrating, is that not all web sites that you can join up to post your work on is as easy as 1,2,3. Some sites actually want you to enter Html, or add hyperlinks, or add an embedded tag........ and in my mind, I say .............WHAT IS THAT?

So, I admit, I go back to some site I found and follow along what another person has done. I look up the portfolio on the author and read that she has a Masters degree.....and I almost give up with thoughts that I am no where near that .......

But, since its only me using up free time, and it is February, I decide that I may as well bear with this for a while, and just see what I can do.

Now, I am not promising ANYTHING!!! I may throw up my fingers in dismay, and just get a normal job, but, for now, I am a student of freelance writing. That sounds fun! And a bit concocted, but if other freelancers on the web actually have a Masters degree and are working on their PH..then I am in good company.

Wish me luck as I enter yet another adventure in this thing called life!

The maze continues.

Disclaimer: The logo on top is copied from another website, and is not an original from the author of this site.

Behind the Scenes during February...

~OH February!~
Its becoming a month I love to hate. Long, dreary, chilly, teasing of spring, and disappointing you with a rainstorm. The only lively thing about February is Valentines Day, and even that is cheesy. I have come to realize that February for me, is one long month, and thankfully its only 28 days long. I have also come to realize that taking a winter break to such places as South Mexico where the sand is warm and the Sun is hot, is not such a good idea.
Its great while you are there, but unless you intend to stay there permanently, and unless you live in a very warm climate, the coming home part of such a vacation is just plain disappointing, and in a very short amount of time, one finds oneself day dreaming away about all the fun in the sun just a short time ago.
So, February for me has, is and probably always will be just one long dreary month!
Coming home in early January from South Mexico left Chuy refreshed for his days back at his job. For Julieanna, freshly tanned and relaxed, she found solace in returning to her routine of school, school, and school. As for me, I became an official home bound and bored person.
I took my break from blogging ( a pleasant pastime to while away the hours) and realized it was too soon for Spring cleaning, and with not much desire to be outdoors in the drear...I tried my best to stay occupied at something!
I did find a few things, and I am almost ashamed to admit that they are very elementary things. Stuff that should occupy a child's mind. However, occupy myself is what I did, and I suppose I will share them with you, for the sake of my neglected Blog.
Here goes my late winter, not yet spring confessions of February.
First of all, I start out my day by hearing the early morning weather report on TV, in Spanish. Chuy is usually the first awake, (that counts for the Spanish news channel) and is out the door before 6:00am. I await the dawn, as it is still dark out. At first glimpse of a sunrise, I look out the window to surmise for myself what the day looks like. And, for a long time now it has been much the same. I see a rather dreary, dead looking bunch of tree trunks and branches with no leaves, or with dead leaves still clinging on them, that somehow didn't fall off last autumn when they were supposed to.
That view is nothing new, and unless there was an unexpected snowfall, of which has only happened once this year, there is nothing remarkable to wake up to. Or at least to want to venture outside to investigate.
So, after the daily visual of the same ole, same ole, I change the channel of the TV off of the irritating and annoying Spanish chatter. I have come to really enjoy an old TV series that used to air when I was a little kid. You might remember the show. Its called: "The Beverly Hillbillies"...
Well one morning, as I almost skimmed past it, something made me hesitate. This particular segment was about "Granny" and her being manic about her housecleaning, so "Jed" makes it his business to find a housekeeper for Granny. Of course at first Granny objects ferociously, and is offended by the thought of her not doing the cleaning, but, after Jed and his banker figure out a scheme to trick Granny, she obliges. Well, the story went on, and it was funny and hilarious, and I became compelled to watch another segment and then another one after that.
I was feeling happy, and comfortable, and something felt so familiar with that show, and then I realized what it was.... Granny was reminding me of my Grandma Hazel. I had to smirk at all the similar oddities of the two. My Grandma Hazel was also always cleaning something. And, when her house was in a state of perfection, she would go on to someone else's house. I have enjoyed that show so much, and now have made it a permanent part of my early morning routine. It is funny how we can find comfort in something so silly as an outdated TV series.
Well, I am always a little disappointed when that show is over each morning, because I realize that I have hours and hours to try to find something "Constructive" to do with myself. So, usually by the time the show is over, its time to let Chivas outside for her morning routine.
Lately, that has been a chore in and of itself because if Chivas gets even one little glimpse that the grass is cold and wet from rain, she doesn't want to go outside. I try to nudge her with my foot, I call her in a high pitched voice, (that she usually responds very well to), and I have tried walking out the door before her in hopes that she will follow. Nope, she wont. So, we are still working on that one.
I have hopes for Chivas that one day she will be trained to perfection, and I wont have to be dreaming of calling Cesar Millan (the Dog Whisperer) to come and help me out with my stubborn little Jack Russell.
In between Chivas morning routine, and thinking about that pot of coffee I need to brew, I glance outside the window again, just in case something has changed in the past 30 mins or so. And, usually its just the same. Sometimes, I catch sight of a squirrel running around doing something... and I think of the old adage about "squirrelling things away for winter".... and I ponder on old wise sayings... like; 'The Early Bird gets the worm". Those sayings just make me feel guilty for some reason, so I stop thinking about them.
With the coffee brewed, I of course grab a mug of it and walk past the window again, and again I look out, just in case there is something I missed the last time I walked past. And, usually there is nothing new, or changed. That is a great past time of mine now days. Looking out windows.
I think many deep things about life, while looking silently out cold paned windows that fog up with my breath until I have to back away and find something else to do.
As I head thru the house, there is Chivas trailing right behind me. Sometimes I think, what a life. I have all day to myself to do anything I want to do, and I cant seem to find anything that I really want to do. Then, I look down at Chivas, who is looking up at me, and I grab a cracker and proceed to make her do her routine of tricks. Chivas becomes instantly enlivened and happy, and starts in her little jumping and dancing and doing about 5 tricks at once, until I take control of the situation and calm her down to perform in a more orderly manner.
So, I admit, I have used some of my days in February teaching new tricks to Chivas retinue.
She can sit, lay down, rollover, stand back up, walk on her feet, dance around on her back feet in a small circle while I say, "Dancy Dancy".... I think I have a circus dog in the making!
And, for February, we came up with a couple new tricks.
Chivas can now climb into the small opening of a poncho (that is laying down on a bed) and make a small turnaround once she is inside the poncho, and stick her head back out the opening and it looks like she is wearing a poncho. She does this on command, and it is hilarious.





The other grand new trick, is that Chivas will jump up on my chair, while I am sitting in it at the computer, and make her self wedged between me and the back of my chair, and she will just sit there until I say, "Cracker?" At the sound of "Cracker" she stands up on her hind feet, placing her paws on the back of my shoulders, and just stays there until I pass a cracker over my shoulder for her.


So, with emails read, and Blog posts made, and Internet news read, and the "Beverly Hillbillies" over, and the coffee done, I get up to go check out the window again.

Nothing much has changed since the last time I checked, except that this time, I think I see a green bud on the end of 0ne of the dead looking branches. And, at the sight of that small speck of green, I suddenly feel great. I look around the surrounding woods, and see more green, and suddenly the day is not so bad. Funny how such a little thing as a green budding branch can give one a surge of hope. Winter doesn't last forever. And, thank God so doesn't February.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Cpl Chris Mason KIA .... War on Terror was real for him...

*Cpl Chris Mason KIA November 28 2006 ~

* Fallen but not for forgotten.*


Cpl Chris Mason KIA - Speaks 16 Days Before his death.
This video at one time was posted all over the net, picked up by FOX News and others, even President-elect Barack Obama viewed it and remarked in this email to David J Van Deusen: From: senator_obama@obama.senate.govDate: June 25, 2007 5:47:52 PM CDTTo: mailto:%5E%5E%5E%5E@earthlink.net

Subject: Message from Senator Barack ObamaDear David:Thank you for writing about the war in Iraq and for shari More..ng a video by Cpl. Christopher E. Mason. Cpl. Mason's death is a tragedy, and he will be remembered as a hero. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.-----------------------------Here is the Original unedited Video of Cpl Chris Mason speaking... PRCA Cowboy / Cpl Chris Mason spoke these words while standing in the sand Nov 12, 2006. He was ambushed and killed 16 days later by Al-Qaeda terrorist near FOB Summerall in Iraq.

At the time of his death Cpl Mason was "holding tight and standing firm."In this video Cpl Chris Mason speaks the flollowing words...

"This is the time in our life that we are making history, this is our moment. We chose to come into the Army knowing that we would probbly be sent over here, but we chose that anyway, because we choose to believe that the American flag we wear on our right shoulder stands for something that's greater than Ourselves, greater then where we are from, we're the fabric that holds the flag together."He also ask the question:“You need To Ask Yourslf...What would the world be like without the influence of America in it? Because of America this world is a better place"and then goes on to say:“If you think the influence of America has not played apart in history for the greater good of the world...than I feel bad..."Because of America this world is a better place, and the people of this world are given better opportunities with each day that pasts"-CplMason 12Nov2006- KIA 28 Nov 2006.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

February...time to contemplate~


To be honest, it feels really good right now just to be thinking of daily life in the month of February. It was quite a LONG chore making all the posts to this Blog about our trip to Mexico. I can promise you, that won't be happening again for a lonnnnng time~!
When we first got home, which ironically was on the eve of the 31st that turned into the 1st as we were driving home......(so we didnt have much of a New Years Celebration...) I could see the relief in Julieannas face, actually it was a collective sigh of relief. Ahhh, home sweet home. We all just plopped down our suitcases and kinda flopped for a day.. there was only one little looming problem left to solve. Yep, you guessed it. CHIVAS~! There still needed to be a 5 plus hour drive to Atlanta Georgia (and back) to retrieve the little mutt from her baby(dog) sitters.
The only consolation about that, was we got to see Chuys sister again.`
We did wait a few days, and headed out.
Needless to say, Chivas was extatic to see her long lost owners again, and so were we happy to see her. Its rather wierd how a little mutt can grab your heart and make a place there.
It was good to be back home in Fayetteville. Chivas,and all of us settled in to face the rest of the winter...and it was alot colder than Mexico.
Julie resumed her second semester at school, Chuy went back to work, and ME, well, I had the Blog to attend to.
So, its back to normal life. February is here...the cold chill is in the air, and I dont really have much to 'Blog about any more~!
Ok...a collective sigh ya all~!

Maybe something will pop up now and then? We will just have to see about that.
For now, taking a break.
Thanks for following along....
Hope everyone is coping with '09 so far, and all the political nonsense of "YES WE CAN~!
I just see this country as becoming one FAT mess ... more and more each day .....
What really gets my political GOAT...is that the statement has been made (on Yahoo) that this Presidential Administration is parting with the "WAR ON TERROR" statement.
All I can say is..."OH REALLY"....
so, if there is no more need of worrying about this 'war on terror, or if there never was a need in the first place (which I am inclined to believe) then can someone answer me WHY so many great young American men and women are now dead and in the grave over that statement.?
It was so very real for them! And, it has become so very real for all the familys that have lost a child, mother, father, grandaughter, grandson, to this WAR ON TERROR.... I feel that this Administration first needs to apologise to all the DEAD Americans, that fought hard, trained hard, and gave their lives, for the now defunct verbiage: "War on Terror".... after that, and when all our troops are safely back on American soil, then I suppose they can just trash the WAR ON TERROR... verbiage.....
(...very rude so far in my book....)

I say our new man in charge had better watch his words...... the American Blood that was so genuinely spilled for those words still speaks.
So, enough for now.... But, all in all, if there is no more verbiage about the WAR ON TERROR, then I suppose I am now free to make any statement about it I so chose, without the fear of being labeled a 'terrorist?
Crazy world we live in........ getting crazier every day I say.

I vote for Rush Limbaugh for President. I think he could set a few things straight around here.
'enough for now..
!~ Have a good day. !~
Dedicated to the thousands of DEAD Americans that did their best to fight the "WAR ON TERROR" and to them, it was TERROR..... plain and simple.
Gone, but NEVER forgotten.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

...at last

It was finally DECEMBER 31st 2008....

We had arrived in Mexico City from Cuernavaca early in the morning. We took a whirlwind tour thru the Templo Mayor area near the magnificent Cathedral that inhabits the uttermost downtown center of Mexico City. This huge Cathedral and Zacalo takes up blocks and blocks of space.... and is very enthralling once you enter it and see all the ornate decorations.... its mind boggling.
What I was amazed at was all the different representations of Jesus Christ. He was a long haired Jesus in one area, then a Black Jesus on the cross in another area, and in some pictures he was simply the typical White Jesus with Mary hovering around him. I don't understand all the different representations but it was interesting. We heard a little bit of sermon in Latin, and some Christmas hymns....(OH COME ALL YE FAITHFUL)and we heard the Huge pounding Church bells ring. We talked to poor little begging Indian women, and Chuy managed to get her to laugh and smile...... and we walked around ALOT!
We knew we didn't have much time to fit this all in, so it was done in a rush.....
but, it was a very nice ending to our visit to Mexico.
We turned in the Rental Car without much trouble as to the accident we had been in... (thank God for the insurance). And, we caught the rental car shuttle over to the airport...checked our bags in...... and hasta luego..we were off for home.
What a wonderful trip.
Ahhhhhhh.
I hope you enjoyed reading along with me on all these posts.... and I hope the photos and little narrations were interesting for Gramma and Grandpa and anyone else that has followed along!
See ya around...(probably North Carolina for a while). \

All our love,

Valerie, Jesus and Julieanna.
December 16th thru December 31st 2008



Finally, on the plane, kick off the shoes, and enjoy the ride....
I beleive that Chuy finally sighed a huge breath of relief... he succeeded in safely getting two American women all across Mexico and back, in ONE piece.


Yep, we were all done in by now.

Julie has a bunch of glass pottery in her backpack that she is going to carry on the plane.....
I guess it was getting pretty heavy!



Cathedral in downtown Zacolo of Mexico City.

Inside is very ornate, and it is heavily guarded by obvious policia everywhere.....









































Ancient remains of an old temple, that was constructed by Indians long before the Conquistadors arrived and built the Cathedral.














Our little Hotel in Mexico City..... only a block or two from the main downtown Cathedral and Templo Mayor....
For being so near to historical sights...it was only $24.00 dollars a night.




Cathedral in background...














I took this picture for Gramma Sherrill.... dont ya just love this door?





























Chuy standing amongst his ancestors....... the original inhabitants of Mexico City.












Goverment building of all Mexico, right here in Mexico City.




Followers