tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130132462024-03-12T20:21:32.906-04:00Quirky Kitsch Girl's ViewWelcome to my view of the world. I dabble in writing, travel and anything promising bragging rights. Every so often, I have something profound to say. I blog about travel at www.SoloTravelGirl.com. jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.comBlogger949125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-1161269011693430682022-01-10T20:07:00.001-05:002022-01-10T22:42:49.342-05:00When You Gotta Go...One of the most fascinating things about my <a href="https://solotravelgirl.com/2011/03/27/losing-my-body-fat-in-japan/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2004 stay in Japan </a>were the toilets. I think it was the variety and how they changed from basic holes in the floor to high-tech machines with techniques to tickle almost all of the senses. It's taken me two years to do so, but I finally wrote a story about <a href="https://solotravelgirl.com/2014/08/04/travel-to-japan-how-to-use-a-japanese-toilet/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">how to use a toilet in Japan.</a>jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-54339027098564922532019-02-01T00:10:00.003-05:002019-02-01T00:32:48.302-05:00Maybe the Snake Wanted to Pose for a #Snelfie?<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pQ729_25kk/XFPZMwCdHAI/AAAAAAAANJc/j3H56aI-Lh8lfqN1fR9sxTBrXWRdDl3FQCLcBGAs/s1600/QKG_Snake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pQ729_25kk/XFPZMwCdHAI/AAAAAAAANJc/j3H56aI-Lh8lfqN1fR9sxTBrXWRdDl3FQCLcBGAs/s640/QKG_Snake.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
A snake cozies up to my GoPro after I set the camera down to take a selfie under a gumbo limbo tree at the Calusa Heritage Trail in Pineland, Fla., in December. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
I used my iPhone to film this <a href="https://youtu.be/xZ6WtwIS1zw" target="_blank">quick video</a>. The snake, a black racer, is not venomous, and it did not do any harm to me. Although I didn’t record it, the way I resolved my predicament was to take a long stick and knock my camera off the tree stump. I’m not sure if the snake was protecting eggs around the stump or if it thought the GoPro was another snake.<br />
<br />
Maybe, the snake wanted to pose for a "#snelfie." 📷🐍🤣<br />
<br />
Although my GoPro was recording, the snake never made it in the frame.
Has this happened to you?<br />
<br />
Thanks for watching!<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xZ6WtwIS1zw" width="560"></iframe>jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-72918892293114725222019-01-27T20:50:00.001-05:002019-01-29T21:06:42.554-05:00A Viking-Themed Box for #BarkBoxDay!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7GlRYbu_OgM/XE4oxE6Gr9I/AAAAAAAANI4/AyEjEwZe6hs7Ynup-7k3tA0jugLSqglLgCLcBGAs/s1600/STG-BBY-Jan2109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7GlRYbu_OgM/XE4oxE6Gr9I/AAAAAAAANI4/AyEjEwZe6hs7Ynup-7k3tA0jugLSqglLgCLcBGAs/s640/STG-BBY-Jan2109.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How Did Radcliff React to his Viking-Themed BarkBox?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was #BarkBoxDay in my house a few days ago. Did my dog Radcliff like the Viking-themed box? You be the judge by checking out this video. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
I've been asked, is BarkBox worth it? It depends on what your budget it and your relationship with your dog. Any time I can reward my dog, it makes me feel good seeing him so happy.
Learn more about <a href="http://www.barkbox.com/r/FO3SRJQNK5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BarkBox</a> and Radcliff will receive a treat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iMmBcq2epTY" width="560"></iframe>jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-23224862468623727722019-01-07T07:39:00.000-05:002019-01-07T07:39:02.221-05:00Spotted in a Walmart Parking Lot: Something Squirrelly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m7_pOdm4QYE/XCWv1ZFqcaI/AAAAAAAANFM/bXLY8iHlosoR7PSmGAEJo-6HBaoXFZ4jwCLcBGAs/s1600/QKG-SQRLY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m7_pOdm4QYE/XCWv1ZFqcaI/AAAAAAAANFM/bXLY8iHlosoR7PSmGAEJo-6HBaoXFZ4jwCLcBGAs/s640/QKG-SQRLY.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Spotted in a Walmart Parking Lot: Something Squirrelly. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I love Walmart and wish I had began posting the random things I notice years ago. So, why not begin today? While visiting a Walmart in North Port, Fla., last week, I saw this truck with a "Nuttier than a squirrel turd" bumper sticker and "SQRLY" license plate. I love how quirky this is! </span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-9318640970666627252019-01-05T21:33:00.000-05:002019-01-05T21:33:24.850-05:00Jan. 5, 2019: Happy National Bird Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HhEFQcp1AZs/XDFnf5Qu9uI/AAAAAAAANHk/O10j7hngjh4s0EzlX3wroQoWrkewArAAgCLcBGAs/s1600/Peacock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HhEFQcp1AZs/XDFnf5Qu9uI/AAAAAAAANHk/O10j7hngjh4s0EzlX3wroQoWrkewArAAgCLcBGAs/s1600/Peacock.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
It's Jan. 5, 2019 which means Happy National Bird Day! Here's a gorgeous peacock I met during a trip to Everglades Wonder Gardens last year. Read about my visit in the blog post called, "<a href="http://solotravelgirl.com/florida-travel-flocking-to-everglades-wonder-gardens/" target="_blank">Flocking to Everglades Wonder Gardens" </a>over on Solo Travel Girl.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-86330909106152227092013-12-03T22:03:00.003-05:002013-12-03T22:10:20.833-05:00Singletons are People, Too #elfBelieve<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="568" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/he0IGWlnZC/embed/" width="489"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Singletons are people, too! Why should kids have all the fun? </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I was a kid way back when, a elf visited me one year. I'm talking about back in the '70s. His name was Elfie, he left me lovely notes and was a great show-and-tell topic at school.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I never saw Elfie but I knew he existed because we communicated by notes and leaving little tokens for each other. He would leave little non-edible pies baked in bottle caps but I don't remember what I would leave him. Probably something practical like a needle and thread.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>I grew up and Elfie faded away.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fast forward to today. I'm a forty-something-year-old singleton with no children, other than those who wear fur and walk on four legs. It's where the Universe thinks I belong at this point of my life. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6FFq_L2L68/Up6VmyejBeI/AAAAAAAAFJU/r5pdj8xxBVQ/s1600/Elf-Laptop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6FFq_L2L68/Up6VmyejBeI/AAAAAAAAFJU/r5pdj8xxBVQ/s1600/Elf-Laptop.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Elf Helped Me Write this Blog Post.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I read a blog post called <a href="http://www.blogher.com/why-we-love-elf-shelf-mom-rant" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why We Love Our Elf on the Shelf </a>today. To summarize, there appear to be two factions of family bloggers out on the Internets. One who posts about the adventures of their <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0976990709/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0976990709&linkCode=as2&tag=quikitgirsvie-20">Elf on the Shelf</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=quikitgirsvie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0976990709" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
and their kids and others who criticize those who post about the Elf on the Shelf.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Related:</b></i> <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/the-worst-christmas-gift-ever-received-693657.html" target="_blank">The Worst Christmas Gift I Ever Received</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>What is the Elf on the Shelf</b></i>? Some marketing person was smart to package the pixie-looking elf from the last century with a hard-covered book and sell it for about $30. The elf's mission is to watch over a household's children and report back to Santa. This is how Santa knows if you've been bad or good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I got thinking, why should all the Christmas magic be reserved for children and their parents? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My Christmas decor was sitting in my living room this morning and when I came home from work this evening to my surprise, my little elf dug himself out and left me a little note. It read:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Be good! Santa has everyone on a list.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm looking forward to the days leading up to Christmas and seeing what this elf has in store for me. Better yet, I'm looking forward to seeing if he's keeping an eye on me. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I suppose I need to find out what his name is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do you believe in the magic of Christmas?</span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Follow the elf adventures on <a href="http://instagram.com/jenniferhuber" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jenniferhuber" target="_blank">Twitter</a> with <b>#elfBelieve</b>.</span>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=quikitgirsvie-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0976990709&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-71349472727710598912013-12-02T21:13:00.002-05:002013-12-02T21:15:12.138-05:00Life of a Cat Mom: Sucking Up Cat Pee from the Bathroom Floor at 5 a.m.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJK75PccwNk/Up06qDzqU_I/AAAAAAAAFJA/gXZ0rNyjADs/s1600/QKG-InnocentCatSleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJK75PccwNk/Up06qDzqU_I/AAAAAAAAFJA/gXZ0rNyjADs/s1600/QKG-InnocentCatSleeping.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My Sweet, Innocent Cat China Napping on the Kitchen Table. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sucking up cat pee with a syringe off my guest bathroom floor at 5 a.m. isn’t exactly how I planned to begin my day but that’s where this story begins. My little gray tabby, a new addition to my home, sat outside the bathroom watching me cleaning up the mess. Her tail flip-flopped from side to side while wearing a Cheshire grin. If she had fingers I’m pretty sure she’d be flipping me the bird with both paws.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />I adopted my princess named China from the <a href="http://www.catdepot.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cat Depot in Sarasota</a> last month and part of the routine in adopting is introducing her to my veterinarian. The vet’s routine is to order up as many tests as possible which included a urine analysis, which was preceded earlier in the week with a feline leukemia virus vaccine, blood draw and an invasive temperature reading which took the vet tech at least six times.<br /><br />Ever since that visit only a few short days ago, she’s seemed a little angry. I suppose I would be too if someone had to shove a thermometer in me six times.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />My task today was to provide the vet with urine and stool samples. It’s not like I can ask my cat to pee in a cup so the tech provided me with a jar of what looked like sand, a syringe and a plastic vile with a mini spork attached to the screw-top lid. <br /><br />I was instructed to place the sand in a pile – rather than spreading it out – in the center of a clean litter box. (Yeah, that’s an oxymoron.) This litter box was to be placed in a bathroom with the rug removed. I figured I’d place her in there overnight with her food and water and would wake up to a pool of urine to easily extract and stool sample to drop off at the vet’s office on my way to work. <br /><br />Around 11 o’clock last night I said good night to this little sweet kitty and shut the door. My other cat, Sunny, opted to sit in the linen closest opposite the closed bathroom door rather than nesting in his usual evening spot. Some boys can be so loyal. <br /><br />Sometime during the night something loud woke me up but didn’t startle me enough to get out of bed to investigate. Around 4:30 this morning Sunny nudged me to wake up and per his usual routine, he stood on his hind legs in order to reach the painting above me and knock it against the wall to signal the beginning of his day. Despite showing him the time and telling him it was too early for breakfast, he relentlessly nudged me with his nose between knocking the painting. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enough! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Giving in, I rolled out of bed into the kitchen, turned on the light and was startled to what I saw sitting in front of me. China! Her look said, "nahnah nahnah nahnah.” Well, not really but I like to keep this blog at least PG. <br /><br />I went into the bathroom where the door was opened just large enough to let a small cat out. I gasped at what waited for me. Yup. There sure was a pool of urine waiting for me. It just happened to be all over the floor. Along with all the sand which was no longer in a nice little pile but was spread all over the floor. The litter box was flipped over. <br /><br />UGH!<br /><br />I had a <a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/metled-candles-in-death-valley-part-3-busted-and-relief/" target="_blank">dog lock himself in a bathroom</a> but have never had a pet get out of a bathroom. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Looking around and trying to figure out how the heck she was able to open the door I saw a little trail of sand leading to the toilet seat to around the sink’s edge and to the door knob which is at the sink's level. Looking closely I could see scratches on the knob.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Without the aid of opposable thumbs, somehow she managed to turn the knob just enough to get out. Should I change her name to Houdini? Maybe Sunny was on the other side pushing. He's become smitten with her although she could care less about him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />I suppose once she made the break she went back and intentionally flipped the litter box in an act of defiance.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My sweet little angel.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh, the life of a cat mom. </span>jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-61635594623600863922013-09-22T00:18:00.000-04:002013-09-22T00:18:22.843-04:00Is there a Conspiracy to Prevent My Time from Marching On?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ls58nfBwZ4/Uj0GctmBRPI/AAAAAAAAFGY/voZc1VdW76c/s1600/QKG-Watches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ls58nfBwZ4/Uj0GctmBRPI/AAAAAAAAFGY/voZc1VdW76c/s1600/QKG-Watches.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Just a few of my watches with dead batteries.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Is there a conspiracy to prevent my time from marching on? I <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&node=377110011&site-redirect=&tag=quikitgirsvie-20" target="_blank">love watches</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=quikitgirsvie-20&l=ur2&o=1" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. A watch featuring Snoopy playing tennis with a
yellow ball racing around as the second hand was my first timepiece, a Christmas gift one year when I was a kid. Although I have a thing for the time-keeping wrist jewelry I haven't
worn a watch in about 3 months because...I can't find a battery. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
For some reason, watch batteries are hard to come by or at least finding someone to install a watch battery is a dying art form. Is this driven by supply and demand? Are more people relying on technology for timekeeping therefore fewer batteries are being manufactured?<br />
<br />
Seriously, I'm blaming the smartphone industry. With the age of smartphones (and dumb
phones) and other gadgets, when asked "What time is it?", do you check
your wrist or electronic device? (Or maybe you reach into your pocket
for a pocket watch.) If phones are glued to us 24/7 why be redundant and wear a watch?<br />
<br />
<br />
My most recent pursuit for a watch battery led me to three places after which, I've given up for the time being. Wal-Mart won't install batteries in watches not purchased in one of their stores. They don't require a receipt but by looking at the watch they can tell whether it was purchased there or not. Why? If they break the watch they can replace it.<br />
<br />
I then visited the J.C. Penney jewelry counter where I purchased it but the clerk said she was too busy to assist me.<br />
<br />
*sigh*<br />
<br />
Finally, I visited the battery kiosk at the mall but nobody was there. <br />
<br />
Three strikes and yer out! It's probably cheaper to pick up a new watch than spend more of my time in pursuit of a battery.<br />
<br />
I wonder when technology fails how will we know what time it is? I mean, there are some situations when a smartphone won't be available and there have been power blips shutting down electronic devices. Remember that <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/nyc-blackout-10-year-anniversary-2013-8" target="_blank">blackout in the Northeast back in 2003</a>?<br />
<br />
In the meantime, time is marching on thanks to my iPhone. Maybe I can resolve this with an old school wind up watch. Hmm... <br />
<br />jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-19227885224826693012013-09-15T22:44:00.000-04:002013-09-15T22:44:53.629-04:00Sarasota's Cat Depot Arranged a Purr-fect Event with "Cat Daddy" Jackson Galaxy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hqV3Mlp41mA/UjYZBbz2WXI/AAAAAAAAFFg/8t7CPudPMSs/s1600/QK-JacksonGalaxyBW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hqV3Mlp41mA/UjYZBbz2WXI/AAAAAAAAFFg/8t7CPudPMSs/s400/QK-JacksonGalaxyBW.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jackson Galaxy Signs His "Cat Daddy" Books Following His Speaking<br /> Engagement in Sarasota, Fla., Benefiting The Cat Depot, Sept. 14, 2013</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ever since I was a kid I knew I was an animal person and my world was crushed when my cousins told me a dog was man's best friend. I reasoned a cat must be a woman's best friend but they corrected me in saying, "No, a diamond is a woman's best friend."</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl7xdpV7mKo/UjYZCYJBqBI/AAAAAAAAFFk/C1AWcYWaFn0/s1600/QK-JacksonGalaxy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl7xdpV7mKo/UjYZCYJBqBI/AAAAAAAAFFk/C1AWcYWaFn0/s1600/QK-JacksonGalaxy.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Following His Talk Jackson Galaxy Signed Books at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.<br />The Talk Benefited the Cat Depot. Sept. 14, 2013</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dogs, cats and briefly goats, fish, rabbits and a tropical bird, were part of my life growing up. Living in national parks I didn't have other pets until I met my now <a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/about/essays/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">former, deceased husband </a>who had one of the coolest dogs I've ever known. We later adopted a cat while living in Death Valley (and that's a story upon itself!) and when I moved to Sarasota in 2001, I was once again fur-child free. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But alas, in 2008 I became a cat momma again and today I am happy to embrace being a cat person. According to <a href="http://jacksongalaxy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jackson Galaxy</a>, who spoke to about 550 cat enthusiasts Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, I probably should have at least two or maybe three kitties sharing my home. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What about having 12 cats? </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QF9Dcxh_LAM/UjYZBlg9bhI/AAAAAAAAFFc/ysty-Xf36o0/s1600/QK-JacksonGalaxy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QF9Dcxh_LAM/UjYZBlg9bhI/AAAAAAAAFFc/ysty-Xf36o0/s1600/QK-JacksonGalaxy3.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cat Daddy" Jackson Galaxy Marks 10th Anniversary of <br />Cat Depot, Sarasota, Fla., Sept. 14, 2013</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Call it a day," Galaxy, a cat behaviorist and star of Animal Planet's "My Cat from Hell," said. <br /><br />In case you're wondering, yes, there were people in the room who claimed to have more than 12 cats. <br /><br />Galaxy was in town marking the 10th anniversary of Sarasota's <a href="http://www.catdepot.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cat Depot</a> by speaking and attending a fundraising dinner. He told the audience cats fall into three categories, the Mojito, Napoleon and Wallflower and the goal is for every cat to be the Mojito cat. That cat is the one greeting visitors at the door with a tray of mojitos, has confidence and is one happy feline. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have a long way to go with my Wallflower who is comfortable with me but hides under the bed or in the closet when most visitors come a knocking. Thankfully he's not a gruff Napoleon cat, one that's always on edge and ready to rumble. I still need to "catify" my home by creating places for him to climb. <br /><br />Following the talk, Galaxy signed copies of his book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399163808/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399163808&linkCode=as2&tag=quikitgirsvie-20">Cat Daddy: What the World's Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=quikitgirsvie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399163808" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. </span>jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-44740974925701775092013-08-25T21:53:00.001-04:002013-09-03T19:39:33.003-04:00Hand Up or Hand Out? Should Organizations Work for Donations?<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0goMjZsO_I/UhpqFcC1ITI/AAAAAAAAE_A/gMBR5GUvQVQ/s1600/Money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0goMjZsO_I/UhpqFcC1ITI/AAAAAAAAE_A/gMBR5GUvQVQ/s1600/Money.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Should People Need to Work for their Donations? </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Running in and out of Walmart this morning I was almost tackled by players of a little league football team. About a dozen had their little hands gripping their helmets and asking if I wanted to donate to their league. Good thing I've been working out to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QZ1RS6/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002QZ1RS6&linkCode=as2&tag=quikitgirsvie-20">Shaun T's INSANITY Workout</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=quikitgirsvie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002QZ1RS6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> because I used my football feet to run away without dropping a penny.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yes, call me scrooge because I'm sure others couldn't resist dropping a dollar or ten into their helmets after looking into their big, innocent eyes. These days, it's not just the homeless asking for money, seems as though non-profit organizations are using this tactic for their fundraising efforts, too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Hand Up or Hand Out?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whatever happened to the days of selling overpriced popcorn, cheese or candy bars? Back when I was a kid, our fundraising efforts required us to put in a little elbow grease. My field hockey team made and sold apple pies to raise funds for our annual banquet. We took shifts standing outside a grocery store selling them. They weren't very good - we were field hockey players and not home economics experts - but they were something. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Maybe I'm old fashioned (or old!) but I don't get these organizations standing outside stores with hands extended asking for money. I have so many questions:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shouldn't these organizations have a strategy on how
to raise funds? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When it comes to youth organizations is this begging teaching kids to be lazy and dependent upon others? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If they need to earn their money, such as by selling something tangible or offering a service such as lawn cutting, weeding the flower bed or walking the neighbor's do, isn't that teaching them life skills such as marketing, money management, being resourceful and interacting with others? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Is it a time deficit issue? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How are they different from someone who's asking for
money to eat? </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This all reminds me of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1605294764/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1605294764&linkCode=as2&tag=quikitgirsvie-20">The Blue Sweater</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=quikitgirsvie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1605294764" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Jacqueline Novogratz. She was tasked at helping women in Africa. Rather than funneling donation money from the U.S. to various organizations she worked with African women to build businesses. She taught them a trade and showed them how to run a business so they could be sustainable. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's also like American Deborah Rodriguez who provided <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/american-opens-opportunity-women-kabul-186013.html?cat=69" target="_blank">opportunity to Afghanistan women at the Kabul Beauty School.</a> She taught women a trade so they didn't need to depend on men which also improved their quality of life. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Maybe I should just take the easy way out and stand outside a store on a Saturday morning asking for donations for my <a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">travel blog</a>. I'm guessing I'll collect more than the two cents I currently earn. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Chime In</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What are your thoughts on handing money over to organizations begging for them? Should they offer something in exchange other than a smile?</span>jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-83874087611845853322013-08-20T07:36:00.000-04:002013-08-25T21:54:17.808-04:00Do I Feel Like Iron Woman after an Iron IV?<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIlGWcDH1hs/UhFjTLxTiNI/AAAAAAAAE-I/zrhleP7c_rg/s1600/IronInfusionTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIlGWcDH1hs/UhFjTLxTiNI/AAAAAAAAE-I/zrhleP7c_rg/s1600/IronInfusionTree.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Drawing of My IV Tree - That Thing with Wings is Placed in My Hand to Let the Iron In</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do I feel like iron woman after an iron IV? No, not really. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The downside of avoiding annual physical exams for oh, let's say a decade or so, is eventually facing the "what if" scenarios. What if that lump is cancerous? OMG, is that a leprosy rash? What if that cough is really the beginning of that fatal cough in Stephen King's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307947300/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0307947300&linkCode=as2&tag=quikitgirsvie-20">The Stand?</a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yes, I know. A little far-fetched but it could happen, right? Well, maybe. </span><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I confess, if my employer had not establish an incentive program my medical woes would have been minimal over the past couple of years yet at the same time, I'm extremely grateful. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>The Joy of Getting Old </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Over the past 18-months I've dealt with a breast cancer scare (the MRI-guided biopsy was negative), <a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/appendicitis-honey-badge-dont-care/" target="_blank">appendectomy</a> (I realize nothing could have prevented that and REALLY grateful I no longer need to worry if that pain in my right side is my appendix ready to burst), fibroids, cysts, high cholesterol and lastly, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes almost a year ago.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Oops! I guess this is the messy part about life you're not supposed to blog about but oh well, life is too short to be concerned about such matters. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All the while, I've had blood work done for almost two years which showed an increase in blood platelet levels. I was instructed to take a child's aspirin everyday yet the platelet count didn't decrease. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Tested for What??? </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I ended up at a hematologist whose office is in a cancer center. I thought I was sent to meet with him about blood clotting but later found out they were testing for leukemia and lymphoma. (And lupus.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The good news is I don't have leukemia or lymphoma yet as it was explained to me, there's a protein in my blood which is an indicator for one of those diseases. My bone marrow is producing this protein but everything else in my blood is OK indicating everything is fine as frog hair, kind of. I need to have my blood tested every three months to make it doesn't develop other indicators. I'm not sure for how long I need these tests, whether for the rest of my life, for five years or until something bad develops. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But onto the not-OK side...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My iron level was low, as in 8-something when it should be in the 20s. My options to get the iron up were either a bazillion weeks of iron shots or (hopefully no more than) two intravenous injections of iron. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I opted for the latter, I don't have time to come in for a boatload of shots! As long as insurance paid for it, I was in for the Feraheme injection, in human-speak, an Iron IV. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>I Am Iron Woman, Hear Me...Yawn?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-152662-Feraheme+IV.aspx?drugid=152662&drugname=Feraheme+IV" target="_blank">Feraheme</a> treats iron deficiency anemia (and now that I'm researching, it's given to people with chronic kidney disease - is there something else I'm not being told???). I had no idea I was anemic. Aren't you supposed to be tired when you have anemia? Or have little white dots on your fingernails? I thought the only reason I'm tired during the week is because I get about six hours of sleep!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All I could think of was how a nice plate of fried liver and onions would be for lunch or maybe some clams (they're an <a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/sunrayvenusclams/" target="_blank">awesome source of lean protein</a>). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Anyway, I was escorted to the cancer center's treatment room where I saw men and women at least two decades older than me hooked up to IV bags and curled up on recliners. Some were covered in blankets, some read while other napped. Most were receiving chemotherapy and I felt guilty being there. I was "just" there for a shot of iron and 45 minutes later would be on my way to lunch while most everyone else would be there for one to two hours or longer. They were fighting for their lives. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At the time I didn't, and almost a week later I don't, feel different, which I guess is normal. The deficiency making me tired is lack of sleep! I've been able to keep up with <a href="http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/insanity.do" target="_blank">Shaun T's Insanity</a> (kind of; I haven't thrown up although I came close last night), my lawn, my blogging (well, sort of) and the day job so I don't understand how I will know if it's doing its thing. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If the last 18 months dealing with medical professionals has taught me anything it's to take control of my health and educate myself about the issues and options.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Have you had an iron IV? Did you feel better? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hope you enjoy the above drawing - photography, especially from cell phones, is not permitted at the cancer center - so I drew the above IV tree from memory. The IV was placed in my hand vs. my arm, which is what that pink blob represents.</span><br />
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=quikitgirsvie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0307947300" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-53124429779387291552013-08-19T22:25:00.001-04:002013-09-15T22:47:31.121-04:00"Cat Daddy" Jackson Galaxy will be in Sarasota, Fla., Sept. 14, 2013<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFEu7kotP-U/UhLDQ2EeWxI/AAAAAAAAE-c/qmWJm4VL6ZM/s1600/JacksonGalaxyCatDepot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFEu7kotP-U/UhLDQ2EeWxI/AAAAAAAAE-c/qmWJm4VL6ZM/s1600/JacksonGalaxyCatDepot.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Jackson Galaxy, "Cat Daddy" Will be in Sarasota, Fla., September 14, 2013</span></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm two cats shy of being the single, crazy cat lady but that isn't stopping me from attending the lecture and book signing by Cat Daddy himself, Jackson Galaxy. The <a href="http://www.catdepot.org/events/cat-daddy-comes-to-sarasota.aspx" target="_blank">Cat Depot is arranging his Sept. 14, 2013, visit to the Hyatt Regency Sarasota</a>.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZsIW0pYNuU/UhLSH0MXuDI/AAAAAAAAE-s/At5-484AO4U/s1600/FB-Sunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZsIW0pYNuU/UhLSH0MXuDI/AAAAAAAAE-s/At5-484AO4U/s1600/FB-Sunny.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Sunny Watching a Rocket Launch on NASA TV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.catdepot.org/about-us.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cat Depot's</a> mission from their website is to:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Save lives, find loving homes, and provide the resources and education to improve the destiny of homeless cats. </blockquote>
For all you non-crazed feline fans, <a href="http://jacksongalaxy.com/" target="_blank">Jackson Galaxy</a> is a cat behaviorist and host of Animal Planet's <i><a href="http://jacksongalaxy.com/my-cat-from-hell/" target="_blank">My Cat from Hell</a>.</i> He speaks cat and for the most part is able to calm the most out of control feline into a purrrr-fect pet. (Okay, if you're like me, your cat is more than a pet and part of your family.)<br />
<br />
Here are the deets:<br />
<br />
<b>Date </b> <br />
Saturday, September 14th, 2013<br />
<br />
<b>Where</b><br />
Hyatt Regency Sarasota,<br />
1000 Boulevard of the Arts<br />
Sarasota, Fla. 34236<br />
<br />
<b>Time </b> <br />
3 p.m. Ticket and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399163808/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399163808&linkCode=as2&tag=quikitgirsvie-20">Cat Daddy</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=quikitgirsvie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399163808" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Book Sales, Will Call opens<br />
4 p.m. Speaking Engagement<br />
5 p.m. Cat Daddy Book Signing<br />
<br />
<b>Cost </b> <br />
$50 VIP seating - First 3 rows, no assigned seats<br />
$20 General seating - no assigned seats <br />
<br />
Seating is limited so if you want to attend, reserve your space now through one of these three ways:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Visit Cat Depot to purchase your ticket. (2542 17th Street, Sarasota, Fla. 34234) </li>
<li><a href="http://www.catdepot.org/events/cat-daddy-payment-page.aspx" target="_blank">Reserve Online</a> (Person reserving ticket must bring printed payment receipt to pick up all tickets at Will Call at event) </li>
<li>Call Cat Depot to reserve your ticket at 941-366-2404. </li>
</ul>
Proceeds will benefit Cat Depot's "Friends Like Me," a program to help sick, injured and special needs cats. <br />
<br />
Will I see you there?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.quirkykitschgirl.com/p/disclosure-policy.html" target="_blank">Disclosure:</a> This post contains an affiliate link to support my traveling habit. jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-30200946462176684712013-08-17T20:25:00.000-04:002013-09-15T22:47:45.699-04:00Clean-Out-the-Fridge-Before-I-Hit-the-Road Pizza<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdL2sydZMIc/Ug_wkRg7ILI/AAAAAAAAE94/SaZ4goaluRQ/s1600/QKG-CleantheFridgePizza-R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdL2sydZMIc/Ug_wkRg7ILI/AAAAAAAAE94/SaZ4goaluRQ/s1600/QKG-CleantheFridgePizza-R.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clean-Out-the-Fridge-Before-I-Hit-the-Road Pizza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm about to the hit the road next week and with the exception of a few appearances at home so my cat Sunny doesn't hate me, I'll be gone through mid-October. In order to prepare, I started cleaning out my refrigerator this weekend and decided to make a "clean-out-the-Fridge-Before-I-Hit-the-Road" pizza.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
My previous blog post was a recipe for <a href="http://www.quirkykitschgirl.com/2013/08/recipe-lemon-basil-cheese-pizza-from.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lemon Basil Cheese Pizza</a> so you know I'm a pizza fan. This time, I opted to make something heartier using up most of my veggies but the secret was the sauce - barbecue.<br />
<br />
When I worked in Yellowstone I remember a pizza place opened in the gateway community of Gardiner, Mont., and they served a delicious chicken pizza with black beans, onions and barbecue sauce so I didn't think topping my pizza with it would be any different.<br />
<br />
Here's what I put on my <b>Clean-Out-the-Fridge-Before-I-Hit-the-Road Pizza:</b><br />
Chicken (from a chicken I roasted in the crock pot earlier in the week)<br />
Onions<br />
Fennel<br />
Green Pepper<br />
Portobello Mushrooms<br />
Kale<br />
Mozzarella Cheese<br />
<br />
I made the pizza dough in my bread maker and sauteed the veggies in olive oil. I spread the barbecue sauce on the dough, topped with veggies, chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese.<br />
<br />
I baked it on a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001598UC/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0001598UC&linkCode=as2&tag=quikitgirsvie-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pizza stone</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=quikitgirsvie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0001598UC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
at 425 for about 18 minutes when the crust and cheese were brown.<br />
<br />
I realize pizza defeats my sweat and tears invested in working out to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QZ1RS6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002QZ1RS6&linkCode=as2&tag=quikitgirsvie-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shaun T's Insanity Workout</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=quikitgirsvie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002QZ1RS6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - despite my eating habits, I'm seeing results, albeit small, and I'm 100 percent stronger - but I reasoned as long as I made the pizza dough, that kicks it up a notch on the healthy scale, right?<br />
<br />
What do you top your pizza with?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.quirkykitschgirl.com/p/disclosure-policy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Disclosure</a>: This post contains affiliate links with optimism they'll support my traveling habit. jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-68616102380607062762013-08-04T15:11:00.004-04:002013-09-15T22:48:24.240-04:00Recipe: Lemon Basil Cheese Pizza from Pies & Plates in Punta Gorda, Fla.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-am445eYPC5k/Uf6faSYtC3I/AAAAAAAAE7Y/JYWYZMOquFE/s1600/QKG-LemonBasilPizza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-am445eYPC5k/Uf6faSYtC3I/AAAAAAAAE7Y/JYWYZMOquFE/s1600/QKG-LemonBasilPizza.JPG" height="400" width="365" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My Homemade Lemon Basil Cheese Pizza - Not Pretty but Refreshingly Delicious</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A lemon pizza? You betcha! How about a lemon basil cheese pizza for a quirky recipe? Last week I participated in a hands-on cooking class at <a href="http://www.piesandplates.com/" target="_blank">Pies & Plates</a> in Punta Gorda, Fla. In addition to having a culinary academy, the place is a restaurant for breakfast and lunch as well as a terrific place to pick up nifty kitchen gadgets, such as a spritzer to place in lemons and limes. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nkel34TvmOU/Uf6faBZh8-I/AAAAAAAAE7U/wASA94pLvnI/s1600/QKG-LemonBasilPizza-PiesPlates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nkel34TvmOU/Uf6faBZh8-I/AAAAAAAAE7U/wASA94pLvnI/s1600/QKG-LemonBasilPizza-PiesPlates.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is What Lemon Mozzarella Pizza Should Look Like Before Going in the Oven.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of the items made during the class was lemon pizza and it was deliciously refreshing especially on a warm summer Florida day. I decided to make this over the weekend but modify it with basil, one of the few herbs I've been able to grow successfully on my back patio.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This pizza is really easy to make and trust me, it's yummy!</span><br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Recipe for Lemon Basil Cheese Pizza</span></b></u><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pizza Crust Dough</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One Lemon </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Handful of Basil Leaves</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pound of Mozzarella Cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Olive Oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ground Black Pepper </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Instructions:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Heat oven to </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">425⁰ F.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you're not into making your own pizza crust dough head to the grocery store to pick some up. I made my dough in the bread maker (a wedding gift received in 1998!) and ended up using half the dough now and freezing the rest for another day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Spread and stretch the dough onto a pizza pan. But, if you're like me, just make it as round as possible and place it on a cookie sheet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Slice the lemon as thinly as possible or if you're brave, use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FB59LS/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001FB59LS&linkCode=as2&tag=quikitgirsvie-20">Mandoline Slicer</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=quikitgirsvie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001FB59LS" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">for paper-thin slices. Evenly place on top of dough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Arrange basil leaves on top of the lemon slices. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Grate the cheese and sprinkle evenly on top of basil and lemon slices. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Drizzle olive oil on top of cheese. (Maybe between 1 and 2 tablespoons.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sprinkle ground black pepper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Place in heated oven and back 15 - 20 minutes or until crust and cheese are golden. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8gVsjg4N-w/Uf6faeUDEDI/AAAAAAAAE7c/MhCX6uMK-Ck/s1600/QKG-LemonBasilPizza-PiesPlates2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8gVsjg4N-w/Uf6faeUDEDI/AAAAAAAAE7c/MhCX6uMK-Ck/s1600/QKG-LemonBasilPizza-PiesPlates2.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Slice of Lemon Mozzarella Pizza but Jazz it Up with Basil!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you'll be in Southwest Florida be sure to check out <a href="http://www.piesandplates.com/" target="_blank">Pies & Plates</a>. Either join a cooking class, stop in for lunch (try their famous Gooey Butter Cake!) or shop for those unique culinary gadgets. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.quirkykitschgirl.com/2007/07/disclosure-policy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Disclosure:</a>This post contains an affiliate link to support my quest for quirky and the kitsch. </span>jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-42560784438206990852013-01-17T21:40:00.000-05:002013-08-04T16:05:40.182-04:00Ew! I Need a Shower After Dipping My Toes into Online Dating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bilIPctWlcU/UPi1ZNO5mII/AAAAAAAAErk/O38WchaR6t8/s1600/QKG-Heart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bilIPctWlcU/UPi1ZNO5mII/AAAAAAAAErk/O38WchaR6t8/s320/QKG-Heart.JPG" height="320" width="317" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm not sure what possessed me to do it but I uploaded a profile on a free online dating site this week. (OK, <a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/she-said-i-looked-nice-in-red-i-cried/" target="_blank">this had something to do with it.</a>) After dipping my toes into the online dating pool, I really need a shower.<br /><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
What I got back were scientific matches with guys with names like "durtbag" and "sexypasta" (OK - names have been changed to protect the innocent yet creepy. But, these names are close to actual ones) and winks with notes attached saying, "I hope you know CPR because you take my breath away," and "I'm single and ready to mingle."<br />
<br />
Really??? Guys actually say these things and think it impresses someone?<br />
<br />
My main concern with posting a dating profile was I work in the public and feared of running into someone I know or work with online. That concern became reality when I stepped in the elevator at my employer (which I rarely do) and saw a guy who viewed my profile yesterday. (The dating site sent me a message this person viewed my profile and I recognized him from his profile photo.) Ugh!<br />
<br />
I realize you get what you pay for and whether you meet someone online or in person, dating can be awkward. It's difficult putting yourself out there knowing there's a good chance you'll be rejected. Even if you know you're not a match, rejection is still hard. Just watch "The Bachelor."(Yes, the show is one of vices.)<br />
<br />
Although I have my lonely moments, I'm not sure if I have the time or energy for it right now.<br />
<br />
I deactivated my account tonight and put my faith in the hands of the universe. Or if you know of anyone...I'm single and ready to mingle...jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-28251535117893126522012-08-12T22:32:00.000-04:002013-01-17T21:41:55.130-05:00Grammy Winner Allee Willis to Wow with "Badeya Baby" Show September 21 & 22, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwh38T7Nqeo/Sq74C8Z02lI/AAAAAAAADp4/TVudrund_po/s1600/AlleeWillis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwh38T7Nqeo/Sq74C8Z02lI/AAAAAAAADp4/TVudrund_po/s320/AlleeWillis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you've ever grooved or sang along to Earth, Wind & Fire's hit <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00136RUWG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00136RUWG&linkCode=as2&tag=quikitgirsvie-20">September</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=quikitgirsvie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00136RUWG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
then thank Grammy winning songwriter Allee Willis, the Queen of Kitsch. I've<a href="http://www.quirkykitschgirl.com/2009/09/got-kitsch-allee-willis-museum-of.html" target="_blank"> introduced you to Allee before</a> and here's more exciting news...<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
She wrote that song and to celebrate the hit, she's performing a one-of-a-kind performance called "Badeya Baby" September 21 & 22, 2012, at the North Hollywood Performing Arts Center in California. These shows will probably sell out so book early! Tickets begin at $45.99 and can be purchased on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_185727701" target="_blank">Brown Paper Ticket</a><a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/258274" target="_blank">s.</a><br />
<br />
"Badeya Baby" is a greatest hits performing arts concert, sing-along, party game extravaganza promising to offer fan interaction unlike any performance before. The audience will be treated to a feast for the eyes and ears with Willis’ chart-topping collaborations while taking a walk down greatest hits hall of fame by hearing stories and watching behind-the-scene snippets of songs written by Willis and performed by performers as Earth, Wind and Fire, Patti LaBelle and Pet Shop Boys.<br />
<br />
Who's in?<br />
<br />
Learn more about Allee Willis by visiting <a href="http://www.alleewillis.com/" target="_blank">her website</a> or check out the Allee Willis Museum of Kitsch at <a href="http://awmok.com./">AWMOK.com.</a><br />
<br />
Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link to support my travel habit. <br />
<br />
Don't forget to check out <a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/" target="_blank">Solo Travel Girl</a> to see where I've been!jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-20715999697885244862012-05-22T17:53:00.000-04:002013-01-17T21:42:27.713-05:00Adventures in First-Time Home Buying: Ponying Up the Money<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-On6_-cWs9-o/T7wKN8XxeYI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/x9mPX0krP-s/s1600/DollarBill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saving My Money to Buy a Dream" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-On6_-cWs9-o/T7wKN8XxeYI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/x9mPX0krP-s/s320/DollarBill.jpg" title="Saving My Money to Buy a Dream" width="287" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_528934628"></span><span id="goog_528934629"></span></div>
<br />
<br />
I'll be honest, when I decided to purchase a house I knew about having money for a down payment and closing costs, but was naive about other expenses. I've never been good with managing my money nor have I been good at saying "no" to others who ask when it comes to fundraisers - raising funds to provide wigs for bald squirrels? If you asked, I probably donated to your cause.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
I've also had to pay for work-related expenses out-of-pocket. Sometimes I was reimbursed and sometimes I wasn't. Many times, I ended up building interest on the charges. (I've blogged about <a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/part-1-four-ways-business-travel-dug-me-deeper-into-debt/" target="_blank">10 Ways Business Travel Has Dug Me into Debt o</a>ver on my solo travel blog.) <br />
<br />
<b>I Need a Magnifying Glass </b><br />
To save money, I did something really stupid. About three years ago I opened what I thought was a savings/retirement account in which I've been banking $400 a month with hopes I'd use it either to: pay off my credit card debt, use it for a home down payment, or use for retirement in addition to my employer retirement account.<br />
<br />
When I reached out to my realtor, I had assumed I could tap that money but my heart sank with the account executive told me the only way I could liquidate it was due to economic hardship. Apparently, rent increasing $120 with a salary smaller than when I started my job four years ago didn't constitute economic hardship. (Now I'm paying $220 a month more in rent because I'm going month-to-month.)<br />
<br />
I'm not sure when I can ever tap that money and that's for another day, but I was in a situation of coming up with funds for a down payment.<br />
<br />
<b>Ponying Up Closing Costs and More</b><br />
By chance, I learned about <a href="http://www.quirkykitschgirl.com/2012/05/adventures-in-first-time-home-buying.html" target="_blank">U.S.D.A. loans</a>, a 100 percent U.S. government loan which took care of the need of a down payment. Working with the mortgage company, he was able to secure one of these for me - since the area where I'm buying is considered rural. Does this mean I can raise some chickens? Hmm...<br />
<br />
Anyway, it was determined how much I would need for closing costs and I thought I was done with funds needed to buy a house.<br />
<br />
Nooo....<br />
<br />
To date, I've spent just under $1,700 for:<br />
Home Inspection<br />
Termite Inspection<br />
Roof Inspection<br />
Appraisal<br />
Septic Inspection<br />
Water Inspection <br />
Well Inspection <br />
<br />
The kicker is, financing is dependent upon multiple things including water quality. I haven't received the results yet and if it fails and the sellers don't do anything to fix the problem, I'm out all that money, which has been making sick! When I gamble, I play the penny slots. Losing $1,700 is a big chunk of change for me. <br />
<br />
I still have to pay for a survey and another termite inspection - because it needs to be done within 30 days of closing.<br />
<br />
So, sorry if I didn't donate to your fundraiser to raise awareness about blindness in snipes, I've been saving for my dream and watching my pennies. Which reminds me, I have $7 worth in pennies to cash at the bank.<br />
<br />
What financial advice do you have for first-time home buyers?jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-69035886542276574242012-05-06T22:51:00.002-04:002012-05-06T22:51:28.814-04:00Adventures in First-Time Home BuyingI've been meaning to gather my thoughts since March on this topic to share my adventures in first-time home buying. Yes, at 42-years-old, I have not had the pleasure of owning my residence and going through the process of becoming a homeowner honestly scares me. Both from a long-term commitment and financial perspectives. A 30-year mortgage means I'm tied to it 'til I'm 72???<br />
<br />
Since leaving home for college, I haven't lived in one place for more than four years, right now I've just hit my four-year anniversary with both my employer and residence. Am I ready to plant some roots? <br />
<br />
I'm in the inspection and assessment process right now of a Southwest Florida home. Since I'm seeking a <a href="http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/sfh/brief_rhguar.htm" target="_blank">USDA loan</a> (yes, the United States Department of Agriculture offers 100 percent loans for those looking to live in what they consider "rural" areas), the process is a little more "regiment" (i.e.: nerve-wracking!) compared to if I was a cash-buyer or conventional loan. Since the Southwest Florida real estate market is hot, I was lucky to have an offer accepted. <br />
<br />
Stay tuned for cheers and tears from this first-time home buyer. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-5061095569569268812012-04-09T20:37:00.000-04:002012-04-09T20:37:29.710-04:002012 Blogging from A to Z April ChallengeHeidi-hoe! During the month of April I'm posting a different letter of the alphabet over on <a href="http://solotravelgirl.com/">SoloTravelGirl.com</a> as part of the 2012 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. Pop on over and see what I have to say about each letter.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="85" src="http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/Jeremy-iZombie/A-to-Z-April-Challenge-zebra-002.gif" width="400" /></a></center>jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-19149522803330534102012-04-07T11:00:00.001-04:002013-08-04T16:01:18.569-04:00*CLOSED* Ice Cream Anyone? Giveaway for a $10 Ben & Jerry's Gift Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/BJGiftCard.jpg?9d7bd4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/BJGiftCard.jpg?9d7bd4" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*This Giveaway has Ended* </div>
<br />
Happy Spring! To celebrate, I'm <a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/ben-jerrys-gift-card-giveaway-april2012/" target="_blank">hosting a giveaway </a>for a $10 gift card valid at participating Ben & Jerry’s® Scoop Shops in the United States. Better hurry, you have until the end of April to enter. Head on over to my <a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/ben-jerrys-gift-card-giveaway-april2012/" target="_blank">SoloTravelGirl.com blog for deets.</a> <br />
<br />
Good luck!<br />
<br />jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-48891641417181543802012-02-19T15:42:00.003-05:002013-08-04T16:00:06.756-04:00I've Been Enjoying the Golf Balls of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AlG64TXcKzc/T0FekF4nidI/AAAAAAAAEW4/n5AsVN_H2OE/s1600/GolfBalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AlG64TXcKzc/T0FekF4nidI/AAAAAAAAEW4/n5AsVN_H2OE/s320/GolfBalls.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Howdy! Yeah, it's Feb. 19, 2012, and this is my first post on this blog of the year. Can I still call it the new year? <br />
<br />
Yeah, I still have something to say, however, I'm finding managing multiple blogs, maintaining a full-time (with health benefits - which I'll elaborate how important that is in a future post), freelance gigs and a social life is well, hard. My mom forwarded me an email this morning that reminded me it's OK to go out and enjoy life.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
I've been crafting a lengthy post and am taking care in what I'm saying so when I have the time (the day job has been consuming my days off, too), it'll be posted. Hopefully before the end of the month. You can always catch up on my travel-related life at <a href="http://solotravelgirl.com/">SoloTravelGirl.com</a>. <br />
<br />
In the meantime, enjoy this email. You've probably received it, too, but it's a good read. <br />
<br />
And Mom, just remember this when you and Dad come visit later this month. This is why my apartment is still a little "cluttered," I'm enjoying the golf balls of life...<br />
<br />
<b>Mayonnaise Jar & Two Beers....</b><br />
<br />
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.<br />
<br />
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full.<br />
<br />
They agreed that it was.<br />
<br />
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full.<br />
<br />
They agreed it was.<br />
<br />
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.<br />
<br />
The students responded with a unanimous 'yes....'<br />
<br />
The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed..<br />
<br />
'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.<br />
<br />
The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.<br />
<br />
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car..<br />
<br />
The sand is everything else---the small stuff.<br />
<br />
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.<br />
<br />
The same goes for life.<br />
<br />
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.<br />
<br />
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.<br />
<br />
Spend time with your children.<br />
<br />
Spend time with your parents.<br />
<br />
Visit with grandparents.<br />
<br />
Take your spouse out to dinner.<br />
<br />
Play another 18.<br />
<br />
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.<br />
<br />
Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter.<br />
<br />
Set your priorities.<br />
<br />
The rest is just sand.<br />
<br />
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented.<br />
<br />
The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.'<br />
<br />
The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-66990064918620359432011-11-05T07:00:00.000-04:002013-08-04T16:02:27.266-04:00What's Been Cooking in My Kitchen? Candied Chinese Chestnuts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k3Q6o33Gjyo/TrSNH2V0rGI/AAAAAAAAETg/xmxhXUzEtAg/s1600/QKG-ChestnutsPumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k3Q6o33Gjyo/TrSNH2V0rGI/AAAAAAAAETg/xmxhXUzEtAg/s200/QKG-ChestnutsPumpkin.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Chestnuts and Glass Pumpkin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Fall is my favorite season. A native of Western New York and now a Floridian, autumn just isn't the same down here. <br />
<br />
A few weeks back my mom sent my favorite fall treat - Chinese chestnuts from the family backyard. It's always a game picking them up before the squirrels and deer do.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
I'm not too versed in what to do with them other than slice the shell and roast em in the oven (on 350 F degrees) until the shells have peeled back and the exposed nut is lightly browned. Peel them (little pieces always get underneath my fingernails and cut up my fingers - ouch!), dip in melted butter, sprinkle with salt and savor.<br />
<br />
Yum, yum!<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />I did that with some but wanted to try something different so I found this recipe for <a href="http://frenchfood.about.com/od/desserts/r/candiedchestnuts.htm" target="_blank">Candied Chestnuts</a> which basically consists of chestnuts, water, sugar and vanilla. Apparently, this is a popular delicacy in France. Ooo, la, la.<br /><br />Now, what the recipe doesn't explain is what to do with the chestnuts first. It discusses boiling them but doesn't say whether in the shells or not. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JbdIDwG4kj8/TrSdeY5RMRI/AAAAAAAAETo/n1kyBHAsPhE/s1600/QKG-Chestnuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JbdIDwG4kj8/TrSdeY5RMRI/AAAAAAAAETo/n1kyBHAsPhE/s320/QKG-Chestnuts.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Chestnuts Boiling in their Shells</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Having made the recipe I'm thinking I should have roasted them then boiled them because it was a heck of a time getting them out of the shells after being boiled. I ended up breaking about half of them. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ncl5J34BahE/TrSeJo865MI/AAAAAAAAET4/hbcqKmhu3JA/s1600/QKG-ChestnutsBoiled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ncl5J34BahE/TrSeJo865MI/AAAAAAAAET4/hbcqKmhu3JA/s320/QKG-ChestnutsBoiled.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Chestnuts De-Shelled</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The <a href="http://frenchfood.about.com/od/desserts/r/candiedchestnuts.htm" target="_blank">Candied Chestnuts recipe</a> then calls for boiling the chestnuts in the water, sugar, vanilla solution. Okay, fine.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But then, the nuts are stored in the fridge between 12 and 24 hours then boiled again and the process is repeated for a few days. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSls3j89-bQ/TrSg-E_3vpI/AAAAAAAAEUA/icKMzuuwIjE/s1600/QKG-ChestnutsSugarBoil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSls3j89-bQ/TrSg-E_3vpI/AAAAAAAAEUA/icKMzuuwIjE/s320/QKG-ChestnutsSugarBoil.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Chinese Chestnuts Boiling for the Fourth Time</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Once the nuts have absorbed the sugary sweetness (or as the French call it, "</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">marron glacé"),</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> to your liking, place them on parchment paper on a cookie sheet in a 275 F degree pre-heated oven and turn off the heat. The nuts should dry until, well, until dry on the outside.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oPxpNgFWELw/TrShpqPf6tI/AAAAAAAAEUI/AGqBhvmlTaw/s1600/QKG-ChestnutsCandied.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oPxpNgFWELw/TrShpqPf6tI/AAAAAAAAEUI/AGqBhvmlTaw/s320/QKG-ChestnutsCandied.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Candied Chinese Chestnuts</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Honestly, I don't think the </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">marron glacé</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> penetrated all the way through the nut but the exterior sure is sweet. The center is still soft and holds the nutty flavor.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've sealed them up and have them in the freezer, waiting to share them at Christmas. I'll probably pop them back in the over to firm up a little. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do you have a favorite recipe for Chinese chestnuts?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Note: The glass pumpkin in the photo at the very top is from the Glass Market at <a href="http://glassmarket.cmog.org/" target="_blank">Corning Museum of Glass</a> – thanks, Mom!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And remember, see what else is new with me over at <a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/">www.SoloTravelGirl.com</a>.</span>jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-62835092560590391682011-11-04T19:07:00.001-04:002013-08-04T16:03:55.393-04:00Busy, Busy, Busy as a BeeSorry I haven't had much to say over here lately, or over on <a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/">www.SoloTravelGirl.com</a>, life is moving at 1,000 mph and I'm catching what I can. I do wish there was a way to tap my brain with some kind of USB cable and download my thoughts while I sleep into a blog post. There's so much up there waiting to be shared.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
In due time, you'll be reading more either here or <a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/" target="_blank">there.</a><br />
<br />
Guess I can share yesterday was a good mail day, received a $5 survey check, $4.98 rebate check from Bissell Stomp 'n Go Pads (they work okay, especially for kitty throw up; I'm buying another pack), coupon for a free Tai Pei entree and couple of photos on Canvas via <a href="http://canvaspeople.com/" target="_blank">Canvas People.</a> See, I'm trying to spend my money smarter and I found these deals via <a href="http://freebies4mom.com/" target="_blank">Freebies4Mom.com</a> and <a href="http://time2saveworkshops.com/" target="_blank">Time2SaveWorkshops.com</a>.Check 'em out.<br />
<br />
I also saved more than $12 on groceries today with things I needed. I didn't save 90 percent on my bill but every bit helps. <br />
<br />jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-27666688994195440322011-09-19T21:51:00.010-04:002013-08-04T16:04:43.871-04:00Having Fun with My New Zoku Quick Pop Maker!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--woE0n5nhgE/Tnf4kQkDU0I/AAAAAAAAERg/ztxyQleq5jo/s1600/Sept2011%2B086.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--woE0n5nhgE/Tnf4kQkDU0I/AAAAAAAAERg/ztxyQleq5jo/s320/Sept2011%2B086.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654261158992106306" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>When I attended the Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) conference in Vancouver last June, attendees received admission to EAT! Vancouver, a consumer foodie show also taking place at the convention center.<br />
<br />
It's there I was introduced to the <a href="http://pre-prod.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U9ZCRO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=quikitgirsvie-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B003U9ZCRO">Zoku Quick Pop Maker</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://impression-recorder-master.amazon.com/e/ir?t=quikitgirsvie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003U9ZCRO&camp=217145&creative=399373" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - a quick and relatively easy way to make gourmet frozen treats on sticks. The gals giving the demonstrations made it look so easy.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Zoku Quick Pop Maker - So Simple</span><br />
<br />
All they did was pour juice into the little box and within minutes, frozen treats popped out. I thought it'd be fun to own one and experiment with my own concoctions, until I saw the price tag, just under $50.<br />
<br />
Over the weekend I headed up to Sarasota to use a <a href="http://www.surlatable.com/browse/storeLocator/storeHome.jsp?storeId=065">Sur La Table</a> gift card. Having NEVER shopped the store, I had no idea what I wanted until (insert angels singing) I glanced over to a corner and saw the Zoku on display.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbUO49Xc68A/Tnf5K_7AajI/AAAAAAAAERo/fQjyAGcUjc4/s1600/QKG-Zoku.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbUO49Xc68A/Tnf5K_7AajI/AAAAAAAAERo/fQjyAGcUjc4/s320/QKG-Zoku.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654261824539879986" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">I'm the Kid</span><br />
<br />
It's something I wouldn't purchase on my own and really, it's not very practical but it's loads of fun! The clerk asked if I had kids because "kids just love it."<br />
<br />
"No," I told her and quickly added I would have to try it with my niece and nephew. I said this because I was embarrassed to admit this was for my own personal enjoyment - and any of my visitors. I also rationed I'd make healthier desserts.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Strawberry Lemonade with Hint of Basil Pop</span><br />
<br />
My first (and only) experiment has been making strawberry lemonade pops with a hint of basil. Basically, you freeze the unit at least for 24 hours, then when ready, make your mixture (there's a <a href="http://pre-prod.amazon.com/gp/product/0615391206/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=quikitgirsvie-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=0615391206">Zoku Quick Pops recipe book</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://impression-recorder-master.amazon.com/e/ir?t=quikitgirsvie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0615391206&camp=217145&creative=399373" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> available for purchase, too, which I picked up), place the special sticks in the unit, pour and wait. After about 5 minutes, my pops were ready. Use the handy dandy orange screw thing to pull out the sticks then place the drip cups on and enjoy.<br />
<br />
Zoku makes three frozen pops at a time and since I won't (admittedly) eat three pops in a sitting, I placed the other two in the freezer. Of course, there's a special freezer container to store the pops, along with a host of other accessories. Well, this will make Christmas gift buying for me easy.<br />
<br />
I tried to make a second batch by adding limoncello but they didn't freeze. Either the unit wasn't cold enough or I had too much alcohol in the mixture.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qLu0DEzqvfc/Tnf7BQnvEfI/AAAAAAAAERw/VUDhUs29ydA/s1600/QKG-Zoku2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qLu0DEzqvfc/Tnf7BQnvEfI/AAAAAAAAERw/VUDhUs29ydA/s320/QKG-Zoku2.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654263856247017970" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /></a>Simply, my new Zoku is fun and I'm looking forward to trying some of the recipes in the book and inventing my own flavors. I don't have exact measurements but this is what I did for the strawberry lemonade with a hint of basil:<br />
<br />
Mashed four strawberries with four sliced basil leaves and about 1 Tablespoon of lemonade.<br />
Poured it all into a measuring cup and added more lemonade to equal 3/4 cup.<br />
<br />
That's it! The photo at the top of this post is my creation.<br />
<br />
Have ya tried the Zoku yet? What's your favorite recipe?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.surlatable.com/browse/storeLocator/storeHome.jsp?storeId=065">Sur La Table</a> in Sarasota is located at 22 N. Lemon Ave. Tel: (941) 365-0380<br />
<br />
And don't forget to check out <a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/">SoloTravelGirl.com</a> to see what else I've been up to!jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13013246.post-30614212798464002772011-09-11T11:27:00.006-04:002011-09-11T11:35:22.630-04:00Remembering Sept. 11, 2001<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/sept11.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 454px; height: 325px;" src="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/sept11.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Still remembering. Are you?<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I've posted more thoughts about today on my <a href="http://www.solotravelgirl.com/september-11-2001-ten-years-later-i-havent-forgotten-and-never-will/">Solo Travel Girl blog</a>.<br /><br />Peace.<br /></div></div>jhuber7672http://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0