My 14 month old has started sticking his hands down the back of his diaper when he has pooped. He pulls out a handful and proceeds to spread it all over everything he touches!
The first time he did this the other day he held out his hand to hand to me what I thought was a toy. Instead he handed me a handful of poo! He had it on both hands and now I had a handful of it. He also had smeared it on his legs. He refused to walk with me to his room where the diapers and wipes were or to the bathroom. How do you pick up a child with poo all over him and you? With your wrists! I didn’t think I would have the strength, but with your adrenaline pumping due to your horror you can lift anything! Even a screaming toddler!
He seems to notice when he’s wet so I have been slowly introducing the potty to him and trying to catch him when he’s going to encourage the potty use. But for now I have been only finding out about the #2’s afterwards.
I guess there is no hope for this, but are there any suggestions out there? I’ll take any advice you may have. I bet this post will start a firestorm of funny times when your kids did something similar or even worse. I am afraid the worse is yet to come for us. I have to laugh sometimes and I am sure there is a funny story in there somewhere. Now, if I could only make money off of this situation…………Oh crap! (pun intended) I have to go – he did it again!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Swine Flu Info
If you are as concerned as I am about all the latest news concerning the Swine Flu outbreak here is the link to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention - http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
Information changes almost daily. There you can find useful information about what it is, where it is, how to prevent it, and how to seek care if you suspect it.
I do not believe it is time to panic, but we should remain cautious.
I may be going overboard a little by keeping my son away from large public areas where there are large groups of people, but I am doing what I feel is best. Our area has a lot of travelers coming and going and therefore I feel it is a good practice for now until this thing stabilizes.
I cannot emphasize this enough - IF YOU ARE SICK, THEN STAY HOME!!
I hate it when someone who is terribly ill shows up to work or school and manages to infect everyone around them.
Everyone needs to do their part. Stay home if you are ill with flu-like symptoms, cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough and don't cough into your hands - cough or sneeze into your elbow. You touch everything with your hands. Wash your hands frequently and contact your doctor if you have the flu-like symptoms, you have traveled recently or are part of a high risk group and want to be tested.
Stay well.
Information changes almost daily. There you can find useful information about what it is, where it is, how to prevent it, and how to seek care if you suspect it.
I do not believe it is time to panic, but we should remain cautious.
I may be going overboard a little by keeping my son away from large public areas where there are large groups of people, but I am doing what I feel is best. Our area has a lot of travelers coming and going and therefore I feel it is a good practice for now until this thing stabilizes.
I cannot emphasize this enough - IF YOU ARE SICK, THEN STAY HOME!!
I hate it when someone who is terribly ill shows up to work or school and manages to infect everyone around them.
Everyone needs to do their part. Stay home if you are ill with flu-like symptoms, cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough and don't cough into your hands - cough or sneeze into your elbow. You touch everything with your hands. Wash your hands frequently and contact your doctor if you have the flu-like symptoms, you have traveled recently or are part of a high risk group and want to be tested.
Stay well.
Change Your Thinking
It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking.
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end.
They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats.
Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days, weeks and months passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed. It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.'
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end.
They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats.
Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days, weeks and months passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed. It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.'
Friday, April 24, 2009
High Speed Police Chases
Here locally we had a police officer who was critically injured recently while putting down stop sticks in an effort to stop a suspect who was being chased by police. This officer was actually hit by another police officer during that maneuver. It is a dangerous maneuver where the police throw these stop sticks or spikes on chains to blow the tires out of the suspect being chased in an effort to slow them down.
The suspect being chased was wanted for robbing a pharmacy of OxyContin. He didn’t kill anyone or molested a child. He stole a prescription drug for pain. My question is, was it worth chasing him down the highway at a high rate of speed to catch this guy? Was it worth endangering countless lives and critically injuring a police officer in order to catch someone who stole drugs? How do you feel about these high speed chases?
We all have seen them on TV. They look exciting and I know the police train for them. I just do not feel they are justified. In my opinion, the end truly does not justify the means.
Picture this if you will: I am in my car with my young son coming home from the park when suddenly, while going through an intersection we are t-boned by an idiot who is high and being chased by police at a high rate of speed because he wouldn’t stop for a traffic violation. I am critically injured and am unconscious and my 14 month old son is killed – crushed by the impact. This hasn't happenned, it's just a what if scenario, but I ask again, was it worth it? Was it worth my young son’s life to catch a person who may have run because he knows he’s in trouble; because he has a warrant out for his arrest for too many traffic tickets or has drugs on him and doesn’t want to get caught?
The answer is NO!!!!!! It is never OK to put the public in danger to catch a thief.
Many people say well, “You are in danger if they don’t chase them and they get away, because they are still out there”. Yes, I understand the importance of catching the bad guy, but this is not an acceptable way of doing it. Just like a trained police officer would not fire at a suspect from a distance when there are innocent people and children in the way. Why is this any different? Why do the police feel it is justified to risk so many lives chasing the suspects in cars? This is a practice that needs to be stopped and stopped now. We need to explore other methods using modern technology as tools to get these guys without risking others.
Thankfully the police officer who was hurt is improving, but his life is forever changed. Our prayers are with him and his family as well as with the officer who hit him which I cannot imagine how bad he feels.
Next time though, it could be you and your children who get injured or killed. Are you willing to take that risk?
The suspect being chased was wanted for robbing a pharmacy of OxyContin. He didn’t kill anyone or molested a child. He stole a prescription drug for pain. My question is, was it worth chasing him down the highway at a high rate of speed to catch this guy? Was it worth endangering countless lives and critically injuring a police officer in order to catch someone who stole drugs? How do you feel about these high speed chases?
We all have seen them on TV. They look exciting and I know the police train for them. I just do not feel they are justified. In my opinion, the end truly does not justify the means.
Picture this if you will: I am in my car with my young son coming home from the park when suddenly, while going through an intersection we are t-boned by an idiot who is high and being chased by police at a high rate of speed because he wouldn’t stop for a traffic violation. I am critically injured and am unconscious and my 14 month old son is killed – crushed by the impact. This hasn't happenned, it's just a what if scenario, but I ask again, was it worth it? Was it worth my young son’s life to catch a person who may have run because he knows he’s in trouble; because he has a warrant out for his arrest for too many traffic tickets or has drugs on him and doesn’t want to get caught?
The answer is NO!!!!!! It is never OK to put the public in danger to catch a thief.
Many people say well, “You are in danger if they don’t chase them and they get away, because they are still out there”. Yes, I understand the importance of catching the bad guy, but this is not an acceptable way of doing it. Just like a trained police officer would not fire at a suspect from a distance when there are innocent people and children in the way. Why is this any different? Why do the police feel it is justified to risk so many lives chasing the suspects in cars? This is a practice that needs to be stopped and stopped now. We need to explore other methods using modern technology as tools to get these guys without risking others.
Thankfully the police officer who was hurt is improving, but his life is forever changed. Our prayers are with him and his family as well as with the officer who hit him which I cannot imagine how bad he feels.
Next time though, it could be you and your children who get injured or killed. Are you willing to take that risk?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Happy Earth Day!
Five Easy Ways To Go Green
Thought going Green was too hard or expensive? It really isn’t and we have five easy ways to do it.
Going green doesn’t need to be difficult or complicated. Even small steps count, and what you do every day can help keep your family and the planet healthy.
In honor of Earth Day which is April 22, 2009, here are some small steps for you that add up to a big impact.
1.) Clean Up Your Cleaning Products
Some conventional cleaning products can contain questionable chemicals like phthalates, butyl cellosolve, sodium hydroxide, ammonia, or formaldehyde. Why would you endanger your health or the health of the planet with harsh chemicals and toxic substances when you can choose natural and healthier alternatives?Switch to Get Clean®. Get Clean offers choices that are safe, nontoxic, and natural, and they work wonderfully. Many Get Clean products are formulated using sustainably sourced ingredients from natural sources, like activated enzymes or biodegradable cleaning agents derived from corn and coconuts. When you welcome Get Clean products into your home, you’re not exposing your family to many of the dangerous chemicals found in conventional cleaners.
Learn More>>>
2.) Start Using your Dishwasher!
Using the dishwasher is actually better for the planet than washing dishes by hand. The average energy-efficient dishwasher uses just 4 gallons of water per cycle, saving nearly 5,000 gallons of water per year compared with hand washing—as well as $40 in energy costs and 230 hours of washing time, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.Make sure to use a phosphate-free detergent. Phosphates spur algae blooms and are a major source of water pollution.Get Clean Dish Wash Automatic Concentrate is one of the first phosphate-free automatic dish wash detergents.
Learn More>>>
3.) Ditch the Anti-bacterial Hand Soap
Triclosan, a common ingredient in antibacterial soap that kills microbes, ends up in our water sources and, at specific levels, is acutely and chronically toxic to aquatic life. Moreover, overuse of antibacterial and antimicrobial soap can help create antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which may weaken the effectiveness of currently useful antibiotics. Antibacterial soap doesn’t offer any better protection against illness than vigorous hand washing with plain soap and warm water.
Get Clean Hand Wash Concentrate is a great antibacterial-free alternative. It’s soap free, pH balanced, hypoallergenic, and has biodegradable surfactants.
Learn More>>>
4.) Bring Your Own Bag
Okay, we’ve all heard this one, but it’s true. Neither paper nor plastic is the ideal choice. Paper is accepted in more recycling programs, but only approximately 20% is recycled, and most bags can end up in landfills. Plastic bags not only can take a thousand years to decompose and but use up nonrenewable resources. The best choice? Bring your own reusable bag. A sturdy, reusable one can take the place of hundreds or maybe even thousands of single-use bags over its lifetime.
Get Clean offers lightweight, sturdy, reusable shopping bags in a bright green color with the Get Clean logo, so you can spread the word while you shop. Let me tell you, these bags hold a lot and are tough!
Learn More>>>
5.) Buy from Socially Responsible Companies
Use your consumer power to support companies that are environmentally responsible and offer products that are safe for you and the environment. Shaklee has a long history of environmental responsibility, including introducing one of the first biodegradable cleaners in 1960.Shaklee is the first company in the world to obtain Climate Neutral™ certification and totally offset its greenhouse gas emissions.
Learn More>>>
That’s it. Not too hard is it? Most people do not need to take giant leaps to help the environment. Small choices made everyday all add up to big changes.
Shaklee can help you save the environment, save your health and save you money all at the same time. Nothing could be greener than that!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Drag Racing Association of Women (D.R.A.W.)
Drag Racing Association of Women (D.R.A.W.)
DRAW provides financial and emotional support to individuals injured in drag racing accidents. Since 1985, this volunteer organization has provided over $2.25 million in financial assistance to more than 500 racing families.
Membership is open to everyone and most of the professional racers are members and participate in the fundraising.
I highly recommend looking into them when considering a charity. Though their website isn’t top of the line (remember, all their operations are by volunteers) they do a lot of good in the racing world.
Check them out here > D.R.A.W.
DRAW provides financial and emotional support to individuals injured in drag racing accidents. Since 1985, this volunteer organization has provided over $2.25 million in financial assistance to more than 500 racing families.
Membership is open to everyone and most of the professional racers are members and participate in the fundraising.
I highly recommend looking into them when considering a charity. Though their website isn’t top of the line (remember, all their operations are by volunteers) they do a lot of good in the racing world.
Check them out here > D.R.A.W.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
French’s Elle Magazine Amazing No-Makeup Issue! :0
Believe it or not this magazine has some of the top models on the cover with no makeup and claim no photoshop or air brushing touch ups were done. Though when I look at the pictures they do look like they have some makeup on. Not very much, just enough to look “natural”. Of course, perfect lighting helps, too.
Here’s a quote from the article I read. “Judging from the images that have been leaked so far (the entire issue hits newsstands later this week), this title could not be more apt. Model Herzigova, 36, and actresses Marceau, 42, and Bellucci, 44, all look refreshingly natural, relaxed, and vulnerable in a way American stars are seldom seen.”
These are not 18 year old models either! Now, of course they have a natural beauty to them. You know the kind. The ones who look great when they first get out of bed in the morning. This does not describe me. I don’t leave the house without some makeup on so as not to scare small children. It’s a close to natural that I’ve seen in fashion magazines so far, however. It is so refreshing to see this and I wish American magazines would do more of this.
I am so sick of seeing perfect models in magazines. I also hate seeing 18 year olds selling me wrinkle cream! The skinny, beautiful “girls” you see in magazines and on TV do not represent the majority of us. I can’t help but feel a little inadequate when I see these pictures even though I know they aren’t realistic. That is why it’s nice to see this. Now, if they would just show models that have a more realistic weight to them.
It’s a start though. Let’s tell the American magazines we want to see more of women like “us”.
Check out the full story that I read here > Yay! French Elle's amazing no-makeup issue (and why American mags need to step it up)
Here’s a quote from the article I read. “Judging from the images that have been leaked so far (the entire issue hits newsstands later this week), this title could not be more apt. Model Herzigova, 36, and actresses Marceau, 42, and Bellucci, 44, all look refreshingly natural, relaxed, and vulnerable in a way American stars are seldom seen.”
These are not 18 year old models either! Now, of course they have a natural beauty to them. You know the kind. The ones who look great when they first get out of bed in the morning. This does not describe me. I don’t leave the house without some makeup on so as not to scare small children. It’s a close to natural that I’ve seen in fashion magazines so far, however. It is so refreshing to see this and I wish American magazines would do more of this.
I am so sick of seeing perfect models in magazines. I also hate seeing 18 year olds selling me wrinkle cream! The skinny, beautiful “girls” you see in magazines and on TV do not represent the majority of us. I can’t help but feel a little inadequate when I see these pictures even though I know they aren’t realistic. That is why it’s nice to see this. Now, if they would just show models that have a more realistic weight to them.
It’s a start though. Let’s tell the American magazines we want to see more of women like “us”.
Check out the full story that I read here > Yay! French Elle's amazing no-makeup issue (and why American mags need to step it up)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Drag Racing Tip – Tire Pressure
Think tire pressure is an overinflated point? Sorry, bad pun there.
Tire pressure in drag racing is very important if you want consistent numbers.
Watch regular racers. They are constantly adjusting their tire pressure in the staging lanes right before a run. Why? Because in drag racing, especially in bracket racing consistency is what wins. Once you have the optimum tire pressure your car wants you want to run the same pressure from run to run. Now in order to find the right tire pressure, you have to do some experimenting. This may mean sacrificing a few race nights in an attempt to do so.
You will want to make sure your experimenting is done under very controlled conditions so as to make sure it’s the tire pressure changes causing the change in performance. As always, only change one thing at a time so you know where your performance drops or gains are coming from. Now of course temperature and track conditions can change so take all of that into consideration. Try going to the track a couple of times and run at the same time of day. Make sure to be diligent about staging the car in the same way and in the same spot on the track. Track your changes in your log book noting not only the changes in tire pressure, but time of day, lanes, weather conditions, etc. so you can get a feel for what truly caused the changes.
Check first what the manufacturer states is the optimum range. I’ll use my car for example. I have 9” slicks on a 7” rim. Not the best combination I know, but hey, I run what I can afford and that is all I have right now. I run radials and I run 13 lbs. of air pressure in them. Not a lot for radials. Radials tend to run more air pressure and some people who run the same size tire I do run upwards to 20 lbs in theirs. That’s a big difference, but I have a small rim. I came to run 13 lbs by trial and error. I lowered my pressure down in 1 or 1/2 lb increments all the way down to 10 lbs. At that low of air pressure my back end was getting loose on the top end. Not a good thing. So then I went the other way on the scale all the way up to 15 lbs. I ended up just spinning more off of the line. I played with the air pressure and studied the time slips till I found the best numbers at my current pressure. I compared 60 foot times, 1/8 and ¼ e.t. times and even mph to see where it changed. The 60 foot times would tell me if I was spinning more and I paid attention to how the car felt at the top end; like was the car drifting, getting loose, etc?
If you are currently running a certain tire pressure and feel it’s working for you try adding a pound and see what your 60 foot times do. If they get worse, try it again to make sure it was the tire pressure that caused any spin. Keep adding a pound at a time till you see the numbers get worse. Track your changes. Then go back to your original reading and then start taking air out 1 lb at a time. Track those times too including your e.t. Don’t go over or below factory recommendations for safety’s sake. Once you start to see consistent times that is where your tire pressure should be.
The other benefit of doing this experiment is you have a plan for if track conditions change or you are at a track that may not be hooking the same as your normal track. If you find yourself spinning, try lowering the pressure a pound or so and see if your 60 foot’s improve.
Some people say you should do more drastic change in tire pressures to see results. I don’t believe you need to especially in the smaller tires. If you run large slicks you can try 2 lb increments, but I don’t think you need to do much larger than that of increments to find your range. I believe most people are not that far off their optimum tire pressure. More like they just need to tweak it a little.
Once you find your optimum pressure don’t forget to check it right before a run. Heat causes expansion and you may need to take some out. Just don’t do that too soon as there may be a delay in your next run and you don’t want to have to run back to the trailer to get your air tank!
Also, don’t forget your front tires. They are very important as well and adjusting them can be a great asset as well. Some people who may be red lighting just a little can drop their tire pressure a pound or more giving them more rollout and help their lights. Just don’t go too low for safety’s sake. I see some guys in an effort to keep from red lighting take way too much air out of the front tires. They almost have flat front tires. I believe that to be too dangerous. If you are red lighting that much you need to find other ways of bringing the car to you.
Try adjusting your tire pressure as your experiment this month and see what changes in performance it causes. If you find you are right back where you started from, don’t think it was a waste of time. You now know more about what your car likes and it’s one less thing you have to wonder about. Again, keeping everything the same run after run is what consistency is all about and consistency is what wins in bracket racing.
Remember to have fun.
Tire pressure in drag racing is very important if you want consistent numbers.
Watch regular racers. They are constantly adjusting their tire pressure in the staging lanes right before a run. Why? Because in drag racing, especially in bracket racing consistency is what wins. Once you have the optimum tire pressure your car wants you want to run the same pressure from run to run. Now in order to find the right tire pressure, you have to do some experimenting. This may mean sacrificing a few race nights in an attempt to do so.
You will want to make sure your experimenting is done under very controlled conditions so as to make sure it’s the tire pressure changes causing the change in performance. As always, only change one thing at a time so you know where your performance drops or gains are coming from. Now of course temperature and track conditions can change so take all of that into consideration. Try going to the track a couple of times and run at the same time of day. Make sure to be diligent about staging the car in the same way and in the same spot on the track. Track your changes in your log book noting not only the changes in tire pressure, but time of day, lanes, weather conditions, etc. so you can get a feel for what truly caused the changes.
Check first what the manufacturer states is the optimum range. I’ll use my car for example. I have 9” slicks on a 7” rim. Not the best combination I know, but hey, I run what I can afford and that is all I have right now. I run radials and I run 13 lbs. of air pressure in them. Not a lot for radials. Radials tend to run more air pressure and some people who run the same size tire I do run upwards to 20 lbs in theirs. That’s a big difference, but I have a small rim. I came to run 13 lbs by trial and error. I lowered my pressure down in 1 or 1/2 lb increments all the way down to 10 lbs. At that low of air pressure my back end was getting loose on the top end. Not a good thing. So then I went the other way on the scale all the way up to 15 lbs. I ended up just spinning more off of the line. I played with the air pressure and studied the time slips till I found the best numbers at my current pressure. I compared 60 foot times, 1/8 and ¼ e.t. times and even mph to see where it changed. The 60 foot times would tell me if I was spinning more and I paid attention to how the car felt at the top end; like was the car drifting, getting loose, etc?
If you are currently running a certain tire pressure and feel it’s working for you try adding a pound and see what your 60 foot times do. If they get worse, try it again to make sure it was the tire pressure that caused any spin. Keep adding a pound at a time till you see the numbers get worse. Track your changes. Then go back to your original reading and then start taking air out 1 lb at a time. Track those times too including your e.t. Don’t go over or below factory recommendations for safety’s sake. Once you start to see consistent times that is where your tire pressure should be.
The other benefit of doing this experiment is you have a plan for if track conditions change or you are at a track that may not be hooking the same as your normal track. If you find yourself spinning, try lowering the pressure a pound or so and see if your 60 foot’s improve.
Some people say you should do more drastic change in tire pressures to see results. I don’t believe you need to especially in the smaller tires. If you run large slicks you can try 2 lb increments, but I don’t think you need to do much larger than that of increments to find your range. I believe most people are not that far off their optimum tire pressure. More like they just need to tweak it a little.
Once you find your optimum pressure don’t forget to check it right before a run. Heat causes expansion and you may need to take some out. Just don’t do that too soon as there may be a delay in your next run and you don’t want to have to run back to the trailer to get your air tank!
Also, don’t forget your front tires. They are very important as well and adjusting them can be a great asset as well. Some people who may be red lighting just a little can drop their tire pressure a pound or more giving them more rollout and help their lights. Just don’t go too low for safety’s sake. I see some guys in an effort to keep from red lighting take way too much air out of the front tires. They almost have flat front tires. I believe that to be too dangerous. If you are red lighting that much you need to find other ways of bringing the car to you.
Try adjusting your tire pressure as your experiment this month and see what changes in performance it causes. If you find you are right back where you started from, don’t think it was a waste of time. You now know more about what your car likes and it’s one less thing you have to wonder about. Again, keeping everything the same run after run is what consistency is all about and consistency is what wins in bracket racing.
Remember to have fun.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Were You Ever Drugged By Your Parents?
Now before you think of something really awful, please read on and see what I mean by the word “drugged”.
I cannot take credit for this story. It is something someone sent me and it is something I wanted to share with you all in case you have not seen it.
“The other day, a friend in my town read that a Meth lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county.
He turned to me and asked me a rhetorical question: "Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?"
I told him that I did have a drug problem when I was young:
I was drug to church on Sunday morning.
I was drug to church for weddings and funerals.
I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.
I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity.
I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields.
I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's kids had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.“
Do you agree with this statement? I do in part.
Though I do remember being “drugged” to do some things I don’t remember always having to be made to do something. Sometimes I just knew it was the right thing to do or just realized it needed to be done so I went ahead and did it on my own without the necessary dragging out to do it. But that also came from being brought up “right”. The way I was taught helped to prepare me for being the responsible, law abiding person I am today. It was no accident. It came from the strict upbringing I had.
There is no illusive reason as to why there is so much crime and drugs today.
Most all of it stems from the upbringing these kids have had.
We need to bring back the strictness in raising children both at home and in schools. Of course, I’m not talking about beatings. Though I do believe in some spanking, I believe there are far better ways of punishing a child I’m sure I’ll master better as my child get older.
We do however need to bring back the strict upbringing so many of us had. I had a great deal of respect for my parents and the adults in my life – teachers, police, neighbors. That respect went hand in hand with a healthy dose of fear. Yes, fear of my parents. Not the fear of someone who is abused, but the fear of knowing the consequences of my actions. Actions I knew were wrong. That is a healthy fear. The kind of fear that teaches you the valuable lesson of, “I’ll never do that again!”
I want my son to grow in part the same way I did. Not in all ways, but I would like to teach him the one thing my parents taught me. That is, “You better be more afraid of me and what I’m going to do to you than by what the police (or teachers, etc) will do to you if you break the law and do that’. Whatever “that” was at the time. See I knew that if I was to get caught, and I knew you always end up getting caught eventually, that if my parents ever found out I was “dead” so to speak. I was afraid of the consequences of my actions. It kept me out of trouble and allowed me to stand up to my peers who may have been trying to pressure me into doing something I knew was wrong. That “fear” allowed me to tell them to forget it, leave me out of it. Good thing too because sometimes when I bowed out my friends got caught and were in trouble big time. I’ll I could say to myself was, “WHEW! Glad I didn’t go with them!”
Do you want your children to grow up being afraid of the consequences of bad actions? If you do, then pull out one or two ways you may have been brought up and apply them. Don’t have any good memories of your upbringing? Then look to people who have well behaved children. I’ll bet in addition to a lot of love in their house you will also find a healthy dose of discipline. Ask them how they do it.
I have to go now. My son is doing something he knows he’s not allowed to do and it’s time to show him the consequences of his actions with a little age appropriate discipline. A one minute time out. ;)
I cannot take credit for this story. It is something someone sent me and it is something I wanted to share with you all in case you have not seen it.
“The other day, a friend in my town read that a Meth lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county.
He turned to me and asked me a rhetorical question: "Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?"
I told him that I did have a drug problem when I was young:
I was drug to church on Sunday morning.
I was drug to church for weddings and funerals.
I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.
I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity.
I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields.
I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's kids had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.“
Do you agree with this statement? I do in part.
Though I do remember being “drugged” to do some things I don’t remember always having to be made to do something. Sometimes I just knew it was the right thing to do or just realized it needed to be done so I went ahead and did it on my own without the necessary dragging out to do it. But that also came from being brought up “right”. The way I was taught helped to prepare me for being the responsible, law abiding person I am today. It was no accident. It came from the strict upbringing I had.
There is no illusive reason as to why there is so much crime and drugs today.
Most all of it stems from the upbringing these kids have had.
We need to bring back the strictness in raising children both at home and in schools. Of course, I’m not talking about beatings. Though I do believe in some spanking, I believe there are far better ways of punishing a child I’m sure I’ll master better as my child get older.
We do however need to bring back the strict upbringing so many of us had. I had a great deal of respect for my parents and the adults in my life – teachers, police, neighbors. That respect went hand in hand with a healthy dose of fear. Yes, fear of my parents. Not the fear of someone who is abused, but the fear of knowing the consequences of my actions. Actions I knew were wrong. That is a healthy fear. The kind of fear that teaches you the valuable lesson of, “I’ll never do that again!”
I want my son to grow in part the same way I did. Not in all ways, but I would like to teach him the one thing my parents taught me. That is, “You better be more afraid of me and what I’m going to do to you than by what the police (or teachers, etc) will do to you if you break the law and do that’. Whatever “that” was at the time. See I knew that if I was to get caught, and I knew you always end up getting caught eventually, that if my parents ever found out I was “dead” so to speak. I was afraid of the consequences of my actions. It kept me out of trouble and allowed me to stand up to my peers who may have been trying to pressure me into doing something I knew was wrong. That “fear” allowed me to tell them to forget it, leave me out of it. Good thing too because sometimes when I bowed out my friends got caught and were in trouble big time. I’ll I could say to myself was, “WHEW! Glad I didn’t go with them!”
Do you want your children to grow up being afraid of the consequences of bad actions? If you do, then pull out one or two ways you may have been brought up and apply them. Don’t have any good memories of your upbringing? Then look to people who have well behaved children. I’ll bet in addition to a lot of love in their house you will also find a healthy dose of discipline. Ask them how they do it.
I have to go now. My son is doing something he knows he’s not allowed to do and it’s time to show him the consequences of his actions with a little age appropriate discipline. A one minute time out. ;)
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Drag Racing Tip – Letting Other Drivers Get To You
So, if you have raced recently, how did it go? How many rounds did you go? If you didn’t win the race, why do you think you lost the round you did? Was it mechanical failure? Was it because you redlit? Was it you judged the stripe wrong? So many things can go wrong can’t they? I mean we are in a sport where you and your vehicle almost have to be perfect to win. And every round is a race in itself. You really have to be on your game to make it consistently into the money rounds week after week. There seems to be an endless amount of ways though on how to blow a run. One of the ways I’m going to talk about can totally be avoided. That is, how you perceive your competition and how that perception of them affects your own driving.
I have observed many drivers get so worked up over other drivers and their cars. Now, I’m not talking about getting upset over the suspicion of someone cheating. I’m talking about letting other people and their performance affect your strategy. In drag racing it can be very easy to beat yourself just by the way you think. In this sport it is extremely important to run your own race and not worry so much about what the other driver is doing. When I race, I often times could not tell you when asked, who I ran the last round. I may be able to tell you the color or make of the car, but not always. Why? Because the only thing I cared about the other car was the dial in. I want to know the dial in so I know who’s leaving first and how much to expect the difference to be. That’s it.
This is going to sound like bragging, so please forgive me, but I want to share my experiences with you for a moment to make a point. I am no professional racer by any means and lately my life has not allowed me to get out there as much as I have wanted to, but I have known my best success when I take the attitude of I don’t care who I’m running. I have beat many of the best racers we have around here. I’m talking frequent winners, track champions, divisional winners, etc. Not because I am so much better, but mainly for two reasons. My car was running consistent that day and I had the attitude of just running my own race. I didn’t care who was in the other lane. I didn’t let their status affect me. Heck, when I first started beating these guys I didn’t even know who they were! People would come up to me afterwards and say, “Do you know who you just beat?!” I was like, “No, does it matter?” They would often be amazed at my nonchalant attitude about it. But let me tell you, that really helps.
I have witnessed other drivers get so worked up over running a particular person. They are either intimidated by them and say things like, “Oh no, I have so and so in the next round. I’ll never beat him.” Or they will say things like, “That guy beats me every time we run against each other. I guess I’m going home early tonight.” Of course one of my favorite whines that I hear from immature drivers is, “That guy is picking on me! He always tries to get up next to me so I have to run him!” That one just cracks me up and we have been accused of that before. I can assure you, we don’t pick on anyone. Do you see though, with this kind of attitude you have already lost the race? When you let this kind of thinking come into your racing it sets up the losing scenario in your mind already and I can guarantee you won’t run your best. Even if you happen to win the round, it may be more of because the other guy screwed up worse than you did. Rarely do I see drivers win rounds with thinking like this.
The other scenario I see is jealousy. They see a driver they don’t particular care for. Often times because that driver is winning a lot and it causes jealousy and suspicion. So they rush through their pit routine so they can get up there next to that other car in the hopes of getting him. They want to prove that they can beat them. They are so hell bent on beating that guy no matter what. What happens though most of the time in their rush to beat them they overlook things. Like they forgot to adjust their tire pressure. They rush staging and may stage too deep causing them to redlight or be so mad at the other guy they blow the finish by breaking out by too much. They let their emotions blow the race for them. You see this attitude even in the pro divisions. I have seen top fuel and funny car drivers redlight, essentially giving it away because they were up against a well known team. They felt the pressure as too strong and they screwed up.
My husband (we were just friends at the time), in trying to help me, started filling me in on other drivers right before I was to run them. He would say things like, “This guy always cuts lousy lights.” or “This guy can’t judge the stripe.” or “This guy cuts killer lights.” or “This guy bags a lot.” In the effort to help me it ended up hurting my performance because it caused me to think too much about the other driver and what he may or may not do. I couldn’t focus on me and my car at the same time as focusing on him and his car. In drag racing you don’t have that kind of time.
See, if you focus on just your own performance and not the other driver’s you tend to drive better. Don’t let someone else intimidate you or upset you. I have proven they can be beat just as easily as anyone. I do that by not caring who the other driver is. So just run your own race and by summer time it may well be the other drivers who are intimidated by you because you are always going rounds.
Good luck this season
I have observed many drivers get so worked up over other drivers and their cars. Now, I’m not talking about getting upset over the suspicion of someone cheating. I’m talking about letting other people and their performance affect your strategy. In drag racing it can be very easy to beat yourself just by the way you think. In this sport it is extremely important to run your own race and not worry so much about what the other driver is doing. When I race, I often times could not tell you when asked, who I ran the last round. I may be able to tell you the color or make of the car, but not always. Why? Because the only thing I cared about the other car was the dial in. I want to know the dial in so I know who’s leaving first and how much to expect the difference to be. That’s it.
This is going to sound like bragging, so please forgive me, but I want to share my experiences with you for a moment to make a point. I am no professional racer by any means and lately my life has not allowed me to get out there as much as I have wanted to, but I have known my best success when I take the attitude of I don’t care who I’m running. I have beat many of the best racers we have around here. I’m talking frequent winners, track champions, divisional winners, etc. Not because I am so much better, but mainly for two reasons. My car was running consistent that day and I had the attitude of just running my own race. I didn’t care who was in the other lane. I didn’t let their status affect me. Heck, when I first started beating these guys I didn’t even know who they were! People would come up to me afterwards and say, “Do you know who you just beat?!” I was like, “No, does it matter?” They would often be amazed at my nonchalant attitude about it. But let me tell you, that really helps.
I have witnessed other drivers get so worked up over running a particular person. They are either intimidated by them and say things like, “Oh no, I have so and so in the next round. I’ll never beat him.” Or they will say things like, “That guy beats me every time we run against each other. I guess I’m going home early tonight.” Of course one of my favorite whines that I hear from immature drivers is, “That guy is picking on me! He always tries to get up next to me so I have to run him!” That one just cracks me up and we have been accused of that before. I can assure you, we don’t pick on anyone. Do you see though, with this kind of attitude you have already lost the race? When you let this kind of thinking come into your racing it sets up the losing scenario in your mind already and I can guarantee you won’t run your best. Even if you happen to win the round, it may be more of because the other guy screwed up worse than you did. Rarely do I see drivers win rounds with thinking like this.
The other scenario I see is jealousy. They see a driver they don’t particular care for. Often times because that driver is winning a lot and it causes jealousy and suspicion. So they rush through their pit routine so they can get up there next to that other car in the hopes of getting him. They want to prove that they can beat them. They are so hell bent on beating that guy no matter what. What happens though most of the time in their rush to beat them they overlook things. Like they forgot to adjust their tire pressure. They rush staging and may stage too deep causing them to redlight or be so mad at the other guy they blow the finish by breaking out by too much. They let their emotions blow the race for them. You see this attitude even in the pro divisions. I have seen top fuel and funny car drivers redlight, essentially giving it away because they were up against a well known team. They felt the pressure as too strong and they screwed up.
My husband (we were just friends at the time), in trying to help me, started filling me in on other drivers right before I was to run them. He would say things like, “This guy always cuts lousy lights.” or “This guy can’t judge the stripe.” or “This guy cuts killer lights.” or “This guy bags a lot.” In the effort to help me it ended up hurting my performance because it caused me to think too much about the other driver and what he may or may not do. I couldn’t focus on me and my car at the same time as focusing on him and his car. In drag racing you don’t have that kind of time.
See, if you focus on just your own performance and not the other driver’s you tend to drive better. Don’t let someone else intimidate you or upset you. I have proven they can be beat just as easily as anyone. I do that by not caring who the other driver is. So just run your own race and by summer time it may well be the other drivers who are intimidated by you because you are always going rounds.
Good luck this season
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Recalls
There seems to be more and more recalls especially dealing with items for infants and children. My favorites are the ones that still have lead paint. Why are we allowing these things to be sold in this country? Mainly because they are cheap. Most all toys (that are priced reasonably) are made in China. Yes, you can get some American made toys, but they are not the popular toys and they tend to be expensive. Sad.
Check the CSPC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) for the latest recalls. You may want to check monthly.
Check the CSPC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) for the latest recalls. You may want to check monthly.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Want To Change Your Luck?
Think that some people seem luckier than others? Does it appear that bad luck follows you everywhere? Are you like I was – saying, “That’s just my luck”?
Why is it that some people are successful at almost everything they do, while others seem to continually fail? Is it luck, or something else?
Want to change your luck for the better? Well, if you do there is a secret I am willing to share with you.
If you want to change your luck, you first have to change your thinking. You see, what you think about comes about. Our thoughts are extremely powerful and must be mastered. They can shape our lives in ways we can only imagine.
In order for you to create anything – health, finances, career, relationships, etc. you have to attract those things with the way you think. So if you want a successful career, you have to think successfully. If you want a great relationship in your life, then you have to think about what you want and what you see in a person and yourself that would make for a great relationship.
So how do you change your thinking when it seems like everything bad is happening? Well, I have to first ask this question. Is everything that has been happening to you really bad? I mean is it really or does it just appear that way? Come on, think about it. There has to be at least one good thing going on in your life. Take a minute and think of a few. Still have your job? Are you and your kids healthy? See where I’m going with this? Before reading any further take a minute and think of the things that are going right in your life.
Ok, so now that we realize that not everything happening right now is bad, how do I take a few good things and make more of them show up in my life? First we focus on what we have instead of what we don’t have. I know you have heard this before, but it bears repeating. Being grateful for all the things we have and always saying thanks is the one sure way to feel good and get those good thoughts flowing. When you start adding up all the blessings you have in your life then the things that aren’t going so well tend to slip into the background don’t they?
Next take stock over what you have control over. You may not have control over the economy, but you have control over your own spending. You can’t control how other people react to things, but you can control how you react. You also can control your thoughts.
Never waste your time thinking about something you do not want. Concentrate only on what you want to happen. Does it always work out the way you plan? No, of course not. But a lot of times it does and the reason it does is because when you focus on what you want instead of what you don’t want the things you need to succeed start showing up. Like, the materials you need to finish that project suddenly become available and at a good price; the right people you need to meet to get the job start showing up out of the blue. In drag racing your car is running consistent and for some strange reason your opponents keep red lighting making it appear you are “lucky” that day. You get the picture?
Take control of the one thing you do have control over – your thoughts. There it is, the secret to better luck – our own thoughts.
So, if you want to be lucky, then start thinking like a lucky person.
Why is it that some people are successful at almost everything they do, while others seem to continually fail? Is it luck, or something else?
Want to change your luck for the better? Well, if you do there is a secret I am willing to share with you.
If you want to change your luck, you first have to change your thinking. You see, what you think about comes about. Our thoughts are extremely powerful and must be mastered. They can shape our lives in ways we can only imagine.
In order for you to create anything – health, finances, career, relationships, etc. you have to attract those things with the way you think. So if you want a successful career, you have to think successfully. If you want a great relationship in your life, then you have to think about what you want and what you see in a person and yourself that would make for a great relationship.
So how do you change your thinking when it seems like everything bad is happening? Well, I have to first ask this question. Is everything that has been happening to you really bad? I mean is it really or does it just appear that way? Come on, think about it. There has to be at least one good thing going on in your life. Take a minute and think of a few. Still have your job? Are you and your kids healthy? See where I’m going with this? Before reading any further take a minute and think of the things that are going right in your life.
Ok, so now that we realize that not everything happening right now is bad, how do I take a few good things and make more of them show up in my life? First we focus on what we have instead of what we don’t have. I know you have heard this before, but it bears repeating. Being grateful for all the things we have and always saying thanks is the one sure way to feel good and get those good thoughts flowing. When you start adding up all the blessings you have in your life then the things that aren’t going so well tend to slip into the background don’t they?
Next take stock over what you have control over. You may not have control over the economy, but you have control over your own spending. You can’t control how other people react to things, but you can control how you react. You also can control your thoughts.
Never waste your time thinking about something you do not want. Concentrate only on what you want to happen. Does it always work out the way you plan? No, of course not. But a lot of times it does and the reason it does is because when you focus on what you want instead of what you don’t want the things you need to succeed start showing up. Like, the materials you need to finish that project suddenly become available and at a good price; the right people you need to meet to get the job start showing up out of the blue. In drag racing your car is running consistent and for some strange reason your opponents keep red lighting making it appear you are “lucky” that day. You get the picture?
Take control of the one thing you do have control over – your thoughts. There it is, the secret to better luck – our own thoughts.
So, if you want to be lucky, then start thinking like a lucky person.
Monday, April 6, 2009
It Was Just A Break
It’s been a while I know. I haven’t added anything new for a while because of a few reasons. One, I took a break from the computer – a long break. I was just sick of it. Ever get that way? And you know what? Part of me missed it and part of me didn’t. I missed writing and talking with family and friends via email, but overall I did fine without it. Boy did I get a lot of emails! Then calls to follow up why I didn’t email back! So I have a lot of catching up to do.
The second reason is because the teething is back. My 13 month old is now getting molars I believe. Just when you think you have them sleeping good through the night the teething returns. Ugh!!!!
He’s been getting up at night and needs help getting back to sleep. Then I can’t seem to get back to sleep. On top of it all he only wants to take one nap a day most days and since I haven’t been getting much sleep lately I find myself napping then too. His naptimes are the only times I get to do any computer work. So if I’m spending my time napping myself, I can’t get anything done!
I also have been super busy. I have been de-cluttering for the past year or so and I am back at it. I really believe less is more especially when it comes to stuff. I like the more room we have and less stuff to clean. But it takes a lot of time. It is something though I highly recommend. I’ll go into more details about de-cluttering later.
Racing season has also started and my husband has been hard at work trying to get his car back together in time. I can’t seem to find the time to get mine going. He got the motor back in his and took it out this past Saturday only to have too high of crankcase pressure and blowed out the seals on the second run. So that ended race night pretty quick. He thinks he knows what the cause is and will work on it some this week, but boy what a mess he has under the hood. We were going to stay and watch our friends run, but my son’s headphones broke. Since I didn’t want to chance ruining his hearing we went ahead and left. Oh and I promise I will have more on racing coming up in further posts.
Hope you all are as busy as we are. It’s hectic, but at least life is definitely not boring!
Later.
The second reason is because the teething is back. My 13 month old is now getting molars I believe. Just when you think you have them sleeping good through the night the teething returns. Ugh!!!!
He’s been getting up at night and needs help getting back to sleep. Then I can’t seem to get back to sleep. On top of it all he only wants to take one nap a day most days and since I haven’t been getting much sleep lately I find myself napping then too. His naptimes are the only times I get to do any computer work. So if I’m spending my time napping myself, I can’t get anything done!
I also have been super busy. I have been de-cluttering for the past year or so and I am back at it. I really believe less is more especially when it comes to stuff. I like the more room we have and less stuff to clean. But it takes a lot of time. It is something though I highly recommend. I’ll go into more details about de-cluttering later.
Racing season has also started and my husband has been hard at work trying to get his car back together in time. I can’t seem to find the time to get mine going. He got the motor back in his and took it out this past Saturday only to have too high of crankcase pressure and blowed out the seals on the second run. So that ended race night pretty quick. He thinks he knows what the cause is and will work on it some this week, but boy what a mess he has under the hood. We were going to stay and watch our friends run, but my son’s headphones broke. Since I didn’t want to chance ruining his hearing we went ahead and left. Oh and I promise I will have more on racing coming up in further posts.
Hope you all are as busy as we are. It’s hectic, but at least life is definitely not boring!
Later.
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