Horse Tip-Bringing Horses In With Just A Rope

Do you bring your horse in from the field or take him out with just a rope around his neck?

Many people do and I used to, but I don’t anymore and I haven’t in a long time. I’ll tell you why I stopped doing it.

I have always insisted that my horses have good ground manners and listen to me both on the lead and loose. They get so well mannered that I tend to get complacent and forget sometimes that things can get out of hand in a blink of an eye. Let me share a story of an incident that fortunately didn’t happen to me, but I witnessed.

At this one stable I was boarding at a woman was bringing in her well mannered horse like she had done countless times before. She just had the rope around his neck as usual. He wasn’t rushing or pulling her. He was walking calmly as usual when all of a sudden something fell behind him. Though this horse wasn’t one that spooked at everything, this did scare him. He lunged forward and because she didn’t have control of his head she wasn’t able to turn him. This scared him more and he knocked her down. It gets worse. Now the horse is running back to his stall. Her 3 year old son was standing off to the side by some buckets and a wheel barrow. He was not in the way, but it didn’t matter. The horse headed straight for him as the direct line to the stall.

The horse ran full tilt into the area the little boy was in. Buckets, wheel barrow and what seemed like the little boy went flying in all directions. Thankfully the little guy wasn’t hurt, just terrified. We think the buckets and wheel barrow hit him, but the horse missed him. It could have been a lot worse, but to me and all who witnessed it, it taught us all a valuable lesson. Always spend a little extra time to put a halter and a lead rope on when leading your horse. It only takes a few seconds and it is ultimately safer. If she had a halter on her horse she may have been able to get him turned and slowed before he would have bolted and picked up any speed causing the horse to run blindly through the barn.

Now I understand the accident could have happened anyway even with a halter on, but we all know you have no control whatsoever with just a rope around the neck. So please, for everyone’s safety in the barn, including your own, don’t fall into a lazy habit. Spend the extra few seconds it takes to put a halter on and lead your horse in properly. I do now.

Movies/Shows/Music Videos/Commercials Showing Someone Driving While The Car Is In Park

Have you ever noticed this?
I was just watching a movie where they showed the actor in the front seat “driving” down the road. You see the background going by in the back window. But have you ever looked at the steering wheel and the area surrounding it? Nine times out of ten they show the gear shift in the “park” position. I hate this. Either the director doesn’t realize this or they think we are too stupid to notice. If they pay such attention to details in a show, how can they overlook this seemingly obvious mistake? You would think someone on the staff would notice this. This is of course more so in older shows where the they show older cars with automatic transmissions where the gears shift is on the column.
Next time you’re watching, notice if it’s a car with a column shift and if so, what gear is it in?

Could you use some extra money?

That’s kind of a dumb question, isn’t it? Like how many people would say no, they couldn’t use any extra money. But it’s a question I like to ask. I know I can always use extra money.

One of the ways I like to make extra money is helping others and one of the ways I help others is to introduce them to good nutrition and non toxic household cleaners. I introduce them to Shaklee. Products that have helped me improve my health tremendously. Not to mention the money I save!

In the midst of our financial uncertainty I like to tell people about a great opportunity available right now and offer my help to those who are interested in making some money right away.

Shaklee is the #1 natural nutrition company in the United States. Shaklee is strong, doing great and growing as we offer products that people want and continue to use during this economic downturn. They are products people use every day. We have grown in every recession since the company was founded in 1956 and now is no different. We are growing and showing people how to SAVE money and how to EARN money now.

Would you or someone you know be interested in learning what a plan to earn money in Shaklee would look like? How it works? How quickly you can expect to earn? Would you (or someone you know) like to learn how to earn enough money to cover a car payment, your rent or mortgage?

I like working with those who want to create a different financial future for themselves. And it would be such a privilege for me to help you achieve what you are looking for from your life and work.

We have a path; a process that works. Since you own your own business, you don’t have to worry about being laid off and losing that income as you would with a job.

If you are interested in taking a few minutes to chat, let me know via email at youtobehealthy@yahoo.com. I can send you some details. Or you can check out our website at www.shaklee.net/tobehealthy. If you are not interested for yourself, please take a few minutes and think of someone who might be able to benefit and pass this message on.

Thank you!

Money Saving Tip – Hanging Clothes To Dry

Do you hang your clothes up to dry or do you just throw them into the dryer straight from the washer? If you do the latter you may be wasting a lot of money.

We just received our gas and electric bill. We heat with gas and our dryer is electric. We have a three bedroom split level and a lot of laundry. (Doesn’t everybody?) Your house may be smaller or larger and there may be more in your family so of course your usage may be different. But still, you will save a lot of money if you choose to hang dry your clothes. You also save money in not wearing out your clothes as fast. You will find clothes don’t fade or wear as bad when hang dried.

Last month’s bill had about a week and a half of hang drying clothes on it and it was $270. Less than we thought it would be as it had been very cold. This month’s bill was a shocker though - $167! More than a hundred dollars cheaper! We had a very cold month so that wasn’t it. I’m home more so you think that would drive it up even more.
What was done differently? I only used the dryer to fluff the clothes once they were dry on the line.
Now I know February is short a day or so, but wow what a savings a few extra minutes equals to!

I know what you are thinking. You are thinking I don’t have time or space to do that. I bet you do.

Let’s first tackle the time. I don’t have a lot of spare time either, but for this kind of savings I’m making time. And it really doesn’t take that long. Being that’s it winter and I don’t have an outside clothes line up yet I am hanging mine in the laundry room. It’s easy and cheap to string a few lines across the ceiling and get some plastic hangers. I hang shirts and use clothes pins to fasten clothes, towels, etc to hangers and hang up to dry overnight. I can usually hang two to three loads up at a time. Then the next day I take a load down, toss it in the dryer with a dryer cloth for about five minutes and they are soft and wrinkle free. Just like they were when they were dried in the dryer. And you don’t even need to set them on the hot setting either. I can be fluffing one load while I’m hanging another to dry or folding a load I just fluffed. I’m figuring it may be taking me about two minutes of extra time per load. So not a lot of time.

Now as far as space – I bet if you think about it you have more hanging space than you think. A laundry room, basement, bathroom. Don’t want to stretch a clothes line? Then get a portable clothes rack or two and hang them to dry there. There are lots of different racks out there. Check the Internet, stores and see what works best for you. And don’t forget the clothes pins. I recommend the wooden spring type. Don’t get the plastic ones – they break too easily. The old wooden ones are the best and they are really cheap.

Think you can’t dry sheets on hangers because they are too big? All you need are about three hangers and six wooden clothes pins. Just hang each end on a hanger, gather up the middle and hang on a third hanger. Don’t worry about “pockets” They will dry without any problem.

Still don’t want to hang inside? It doesn’t have to be warm and sunny outside to dry clothes. It can be cold, just as long as it’s dry obviously. Yes, they may dry stiff, but that’s where just a few minutes in the dryer will soften them up.

So start saving money today. Besides if you haven’t noticed – frugal is “in” now.

March is Children’s Health Month

How healthy is your child?

Click Here for ways that supplements can help you improve your child’s health today!

Do You Shop Online?

If you do and most of us have at one time or another, then you just have to check out Big Crumbs & Ebates.

These are online sites that offer cash back when you make online purchases. You log into their site, find your store, and then click on the link. It will then take you to the EXACT store you could have gone to on your own. BUT, they give you a percentage back for clicking thru their site first.

Don’t pass up on free money when shopping online!

What kind of stores? Most every one you currently shop at. Old Navy, WalMart, Sears, and Ebay just to name a few!

Big Crumbs has Ebay, but Ebates does not. It does have other stores that Big Crumbs does not. And, the surprising thing...some stores give a higher percentage back on Big Crumbs, and other stores give a higher percentage back on Ebates.

So start now. First sign up for Ebates and Big Crumbs. You will need a PayPal account if you don’t already have one. Then when you ever buying ANYTHING online...log into your Big Crumbs and Ebates accounts to see if your store is listed and who is giving a higher percentage back. Then, click on your site and shop!

It’s that easy! Wow, imagine that! Getting paid to shop!

Click Here to take you to Big Crumbs
Click Here to take you to Ebates

Driving

OK, today I am tackling driving.

This is such a sore subject amongst those who commute or just do a lot of driving in general. See if you can relate to this one.

You know, people who drive like idiots used to just make me angry. But now that I have had a baby I realize how angry it makes me they are jeopardizing his little brand new life. When you have a child you really start to notice how bad people's driving has become. Their disregard for others' safety and how their rudeness so affects other people's day.
Their carelessness or it's all about me attitude could at the very least ruin someone's day and at the very most take away what they and others hold most dear. The precious life of someone they love.
What's more important? Getting there first or helping to make sure you and others get there safe?

Ok, now that I have made you all melancholy again and hopefully a little ashamed over how you may have treated people on your way in this morning. Let's go over the drive most of us face every day.

When people treat me like I don't exist on the roadways it helps if I remind myself that today must be my turn to be invisible.

It amazes me of how much power one person has over a large amount of people when put behind the wheel of a vehicle. This one person has the ability to start or end someone's day very badly. Let's start by driving to work.

You're driving along, going the speed limit, and coming to full stops. You are just generally minding your own business and not bothering anyone. You're courteous when you change lanes or by signaling your turns and not cutting anyone off. You generally feel good Karma out there for the other drivers or at least indifference towards them. When out of nowhere comes this.............idiot.

At the four-way stop in your neighborhood there are certain rules that everyone must follow right? You know the rules. The first car there goes first. If two cars arrive at the same time it is the car on the right that goes first or the car going straight goes before the car turning. Everyone knows these rules, but there is always the one who thinks, the rules don't apply to them because it's all about them. So when it's your turn the other driver turns in front of you. The idiot.

Then while going past the McDonalds the next driver pulls out in front of you when there is no one behind you. Why couldn't he have waited till you got by? Because it's all about them. You steam because the idiot gets through the light, but you don't.

Then you finally get through the light that a person ran a red on. You mumble, "idiot" and glare at them as they go by wondering why they are in such a hurry. It's because it's all about them.

On the to the entrance ramp to the highway, after waiting through two traffic lights you get to finally turn on the green arrow. It's your turn, right? Not according to the oncoming driver trying to enter the same ramp. You have the green arrow, he has the yield sign, but he doesn't understand the word yield. Why? Because it's all about them.

Then while ramping on, you are supposed to be up to close to highway speed so you can safely merge into traffic. But inevitably you are stuck behind this person who thinks 40 mph is plenty fast enough to merge into 65 mph + traffic. You mumble "idiot" to yourself and decide to wait your turn to merge which of course ends up being he gets in front of the dump truck and you are stuck behind it as it flails rocks down onto the roadway which dance up to meet your car.

You laugh disgustingly as you read the sign on the back of truck that says, "Not Responsible For Objects Thrown From Road." So they are not responsible for that rock that falls off their truck and happens to bounce once on the ground before rising back up to meet your car? They are not responsible because it touched the ground first? What do they think we are? Idiots?

Ironically enough the car behind you shoots over into the lane instead of waiting his turn to merge behind you making it hard for you to slip in right behind the dump truck that is going 35 mph and is so graciously showering you with its load. You mumble "idiot" and feel alone because it's all about them.

Finally after 40 cars pass you and your paint is now chipped down to the primer, you get around the dump truck only to have your doors blown off by the multi-taskers. They apply their makeup, shave, read papers, reach for things that have fallen on the floor and of course they talk on the phone. All the while going at speeds you try and estimate. 75? 80? 85? Wow.
There is no need to rant about driving and talking on cell phones here. So many else already have. You've seen these "idiots" and have learned it's all about them.

Then things spread out, you are finally on your way and you think you might just get there on time. While you are enjoying this little illusion when of all of sudden, brake check! Everyone comes to almost a stop on the highway. Crap.

The lanes inch by ever so slowly. You see cars go from lane to lane. Now there is a law in a traffic jam. No matter what lane you are in, no matter how many times you change lanes, the other two lanes will always, and I mean always move faster than the lane you are in. The same law applies to grocery checkout lanes.
You grit your teeth as that same dump truck just now passed you in the other lane. Finally when you get up to the scene of the traffic jam you shout, "idiots!" as you pass by two people arguing over the little fender bender that has caused you to sit for the past 15 minutes dashing all hope of arriving on time. They can do it because it's all about them.

You are finally on your way and passing that dump truck yet once again. He forgot to chip your front headlight the first time you passed him, so he got it this time.

You finally make it to your exit. You get over in your "exit only" lane in plenty of time and who do you meet there? Two types of people. The first type are those who either can't or refuse to read road signs that say, "exit only". They wait till the striped lines are outside their door to dash over back onto the highway. You mumble, "idiot" in harmony with the other driver in the car on the highway they just cut off. You both know it's all about them.

The second type, well do you have to ask? They are the line jumpers. You know the ones that feel they are given the birthright of not having to wait their turn in line. They would never jump in front of you in line at the grocery or atm, because they know they would get pounded, but they have no problem darting in at the last second with no turn signal and come to an abrupt stop two feet in front of your bumper. They know better to look in the mirror at your glaring face and moving lips that are mouthing the word, "idiot". They don't because it's all about them. And oh by the way, they of course get through the light at the end of the exit and you don't.

Once through the light and back onto regular streets you notice a looming presence in your rear view mirror. It's the tailgater. You are going 5 mph OVER the speed limit! What is their problem you shout internally? You can't go faster than the car in front of you and you know they can see that. So why do they feel the need to ride your backside? I want use another description, but of course I can't.

You so want to jam on the brakes to teach them a lesson, but you realize this "idiot" has kids in the car with them. So you choose to take the high road and don't. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back for that one. You deserve it. You are smarter than they are. Because this time it's all about the kids they have in the car and not all about them.

By the way, did you know that the majority of people who tailgate me are women? I would say about 99% of them are. I wonder why? Is it because they think it's all about them?
So idiots, I mean people, back off, because next time if I see it's just you in the car I may not be so nice. You just may end up having my rear bumper become your hood ornament.

Finally, once you get to turn into work and realize you just might make it right on time only to find the place you have parked in everyday since the beginning of time is taken over by the boss's new boss. You know the one that just graduated college last week, makes more money than you could ever hope for and drives a car that costs almost as your first house. It's all about them remember.
This change in routine requires you to park a 1000 feet away dashing all hope of arriving on time. When asked by your supervisor about your tardiness in front of his new boss you angrily describe the car that took your "spot" but not before you realize it's the new boss's ride and say, "The idiot". Oops.

Guess what? It's only Monday and you get to repeat it all over again on your way home.

You know, when asked most people think they are above average drivers.
The idiots.

Children's Bill Of Rights

This was sent to me a long time ago and I stumbled upon it this morning.
This is for those who have teenagers or have already raised teenagers, or have children who will soon be teenagers or those who will be parents someday OR ANYONE WHO'D JUST GET A LAUGH!
It is very funny and I know it's something my parents would have said to me if I had tried something like this with them.
I do hope though it's a conversation I never have to have with my son!

Children's Bill Of Rights

My son came home from school one day,
With a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough,
To put me in my place.

"Guess what I learned in Civics Two,
that's taught by Mr. Wright?
It's all about the laws today,
The 'Children's Bill of Rights.'

It says I need not clean my room,
Don't have to cut my hair
No one can tell me what to think,
Or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion,
And regardless what you say,
I don't have to bow my head,
And I sure don't have to pray.

I can wear earrings if I want,
And pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read & watch just what I like,
Get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me,
I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges,
With the marks on my behind.

Don't you ever touch me,
My body's only for my use,
Not for your hugs and kisses,
that's just more child abuse.

Don't preach about your morals,
Like your Mama did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control,
And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these children's rights,
So you can't influence me,
Or I'll call Children's Services Division,
Better known as C.S.D."

Mom's Reply and Thoughts

Of course my first instinct was
To toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson
Made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully,
I couldn't let this go.
A smile
crept upon my face,
he's messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping
At the local Goodwill Store.
I told him, "Pick out all you want,
there's shirts & pants galore.

I've called and checked with C.S.D.
Who said they didn't care
If I bought you K-Mart shoes
Instead of those Nike Airs.

I've canceled that appointment
To take your driver's test.
The C.S.D. Is unconcerned
So I'll decide what's best."

I said "No time to stop and eat,
Or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn
To make your own sack lunch.

Just save the raging appetite,
And wait till dinner time.
We're having liver and onions,
A favorite dish of mine."

He asked "Can I please rent a movie,
To watch on my VCR?"
"Sorry, but I sold your TV,
For new tires on my car.

I also rented out your room,
You'll take the couch instead.
The C.S.D. Requires
Just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won't be trendy now,
I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get,
Will buy me something neat.

I'm selling off your jet ski,
Dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights',
It's in effect today!

Hey hot shot, are you crying,
Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out,
Instead of C.S.D.?"


MOM (Mean Old Mother.)

Is there anything more annoying than growing out your bangs?

I mean what the heck do you do with them when they get too long, fall into your eyes and make your eyelids and nose itch? You end up scratching off all your eyeliner and eye shadow because they are tickling you eyelids. Or you worry that you think someone will think you have a fetish with your nose or think you are picking your nose because the hair tickling your nose makes you scratch it constantly. Funny how we start to get paranoid over things like that.

But what do you do when those stupid pieces of hair are too short to tuck behind your ear?
I have ended up pulling them back and securing them on top of my head with a hair clip. You know what kind of clip I'm talking about? The cute new type that is little. I think they made them for children's hair since they don't hold much. I know it looks dorky, but what else can I do? I have tried the stylish barrettes and pulling them over to the side only to have half of them not make it and fall out and straight down. I mean come on I'm 40 not 15! Nothing looks "cute" on me anymore.

These clips are really hard to use because they are small. I can't tell you how many times I have sent one flying across the room as I try to squeeze the ends together to get it to open wide enough to encompass all the hair I want it to hold. Then only to have that stupid clip fly out of my hands, bounce off the mirror, bounce in the sink a few times and go right down the drain that the stopper is out of because you broke it the last time you tried to get your earring out you dropped.

Now you are still holding your stupid bangs back against the top of your head as you stare down the sink drain looking at the shiny plastic staring back up at you. You try and decide what is more important at the moment, securing your bangs back out of your eyes or fishing the clip out of the drain before someone spits toothpaste all over it. You decide your bangs are more important because of two reasons. One, you can't see with them down in your eyes anyway and two, if you have to deal with them one minute longer you are just going to pull them out by the roots. Then if you do that you'll be too upset to do any drain fishing because you now look like a dork that got into a freak accident.

So now you find yourself fishing through the mess of hair stuff in the drawer looking for another clip all the while still holding back your bangs against the top of your head. After you have managed to drop on the floor a ponytail holder, two bobby pins (No, don't use them you will REALLY look dorky if you do) and a comb you finally find one clip left. A dusty one and not in the most flattering of colors. You sigh as you try again. Once you have the clip in you fight back a tear as you look at how dorky you think you look in the mirror. Then you notice the hair isn't laying quite right as it enters the clip. Do you dare try it again? Oh, and now you're late for work. Sigh.

How Well Does Your Baby Sleep?

Wow, what a loaded question to ask a sleep deprived parent.

My munchkin is turning 1 year old soon and we are back to night awakenings yet once again.
Just when you thought you could finally get a full night’s rest, wham! In comes teething.

He’s been teething for months, but he’s really having a time now. Hence the night wakings. So in I go, one, two even the occasional three times a night to sooth him and help him fall back to sleep. These episodes don’t last long, but they sure can take a toll on your energy level the next day, can’t they? Is the Zombie, unkempt look still in style?

Of course some people say I am spoiling my baby by not letting him “cry it out”. They tell me to ignore him and he’ll learn. I can’t think of too many more things other than physical abuse that can be more cruel than ignoring your child.

I thought I was the only one in the world who didn’t believe in letting a baby scream by himself in his crib in order to “teach” him to learn to sooth himself and go back to sleep on his own. It just felt wrong. It’s nice to read that others share the same feeling and is being backed up by health professionals.

There is a great article by Dr. Sears on how babies sleep and why they wake so often especially in the early months. Their waking is nature’s way of helping to ensure their survival.
Click here for that article. I highly recommend reading this article regardless of your opinion as it helps explain babies sleep patterns.

I am reminded of the one story I heard about a mother who believed it was wrong to let her baby cry by herself, but after countless nights of frequent waking she let someone convince her to let her baby “cry it out”. That night she ignored her baby’ cries. The baby died of SIDS that night. Her cries went unanswered forever. I can’t imagine the guilt and anguish that mother felt to find her baby dead the next morning. I know myself I don’t think I could have gone on living. I vowed right then and there not to let anyone else tell me how to handle my baby if I feel it is wrong.

Now of course I’m not saying that all babies will die of SIDS if you let them cry it out. Many parents do and their children do learn to sleep eventually. But at what the cost? I never want my baby to feel abandoned, to feel unwanted or unloved. And isn’t that what they feel when they are left to handle things themselves at too young of an age? Wouldn’t you if you were sad, hurt, scared and you cried out to a loved one only to be ignored?

Babies don’t understand why they wake up anymore than we do. They just know they are awake, alone, uncomfortable and scared. They may be hungry or hot or cold or in pain. If we leave them alone and never answer their cries what does it really teach them? It teaches them they are unimportant, that they can’t trust anyone especially their mother to comfort them, to protect them. It teaches them to self sooth, maybe, but it also means that the world is a scary place.

Research has proven over and over that babies who are comforted when they cry no matter what time of day do not grow up clingy and dependent like some think, but quite the contrary. They grow up happy, independent and self assured for they know they have someone in their life they can count on to be there if they need them. This gives them the confidence to go boldly forward into that big world. And isn’t that our goal as parents? To raise happy, healthy, kind and self assured children.

What if you had a great support system of people who loved you no matter what? Who loved you even if you made mistakes and always made you feel loved and wanted? Wouldn’t you feel more confident to pursue your dreams, to try new things, to boldly go forward into the world knowing that no matter what happened you had a safety net of love to fall back on? Don’t we want our children to feel that way and to teach their children the same? I do.

I can’t tell you how to raise your child. I can only tell you how I will try to raise mine and what I am NOT willing to do just because many other people do.

My advice is in all situations follow your own instincts. You have instincts for a reason. Don’t ignore them.