I read so many comments about how "Not to United Way"...all they do is keep the money. Now, can you really prove that? Do they really just keep the money? Afterall, with all the organizations they help and the programs that have been implemented by United Way because of their "Giving", can you really keep up the "They just keep the money" mentality?
Let's say for argument's sake, he gave the money to the humane society? What in the world are all those animals going to do with the money? LIVE another day, EAT, get their SHOTS, or get SPAYED OR NEUTERED?
With so many charities looking for funds and not enough "Movie Stars" to help fund them, where are they supposed to get money to support their views or to help their group?
Everyone should have a passion; everyone should have something they try to better by either donating time or throwing money at it.
Instead of making comments, why don't you buy an extra bag of non-perishable groceries and take it to a homeless shelter? It won't cost you much...just an extra $20. And, after you go to that homeless shelter and you see that people who actually need a hand up are grateful, your heart might soften up a bit.
Better yet, spend an afternoon helping at the Humane Society. Cuddle up to some of those animals and tell me they aren't grateful for your help.
Afterall, God doesn't care how you tithe your 10%, it can be time, it can be money, it can be supplies, but he does ask that you give and give with a cheerful heart. It doesn't have to go to your Church, even though that is a good place. It can be tithed anywhere, even to the next door neighbor that is facing foreclosure and wondering when everything is going to cave in for them.
So to wrap up my rant, to the man that donated his lottery winnings (money he didn't have in the first place)....Koodos!
To everyone that had time to comment about where he gave the money....Get OFF your backside and donate your time or money to something you believe in instead of complaining where he gave his money.
If you have a comment or an addition, please let me know. Thanks for your time today, Janine.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Living With A Child With Diabetes
Recently, my daughter was diagnosed with Diabetes. After the roller coaster of emotions on both my part and my daughter's part, we have some advice for those that are facing the same diagnosis.
On the first visit to the doctor, we had our official diagnosis and all I could do was cry. I couldn't believe my little girl was going to have to live the rest of her life with this disease. When we got to the doctor's office, her blood sugar was over 440. They gave her insulin to bring it down and all it did was shoot it higher to 488.
They gave her more insulin in her arm this time, and told us to go walk around. I wish they had told us that walking would help her metabolize the insulin the first time and we could have had a shorter visit. We left the doctors office three hours later with her blood sugar being in the 200's and a bunch of prescriptions to go have filled.
She had a bunch of blood work done the next day. She had x-rays of her stomach and a sonogram of her kidneys done a few weeks later. Thankfully, the x-rays were fine and the sonogram was inconclusive but still not to the point where we were being rushed to the hospital for complications associated with Diabetes.
Diabetes causes problems with the hormones and auto-immune system. We were told she might even have Lupus because her blood work came back abnormal. We haven't had the Lupus panel done yet because of the cost of the bloodwork. We have insurance but a very high deductible and I wanted her doctor's appointments to get paid first.
She has been taking Metformin for the last 6 weeks and her sugars are stable in the 100's. Her A1C hemoglobin count has come down from 10.9 to 9 in just 6 weeks time.
We finally got the appointment for the Pediatric Endocrinologist (approximately 7 weeks waiting time), and after seeing him, she has been given a good report. She's not out of the woods just yet, but she has lost 30 pounds and is doing a lot better with monitoring her foods that affect her sugars.
Things to remember when diagnosed with Diabetes:
1. It's not a death sentence.
2. Blood sugars can be controlled.
3. Type II Diabetes has a lot to do with weight. If you are overweight, start working on lowering that number with proper diet and exercise, even if it's just a short walk every day.
4. The first few weeks of diagnosis, make sure you get to a dietician or refer to your pamphlets from the doctor on the best foods and combination of foods to eat to lower your blood sugar.
5. When meeting a doctor for the first time, have a list of questions for him/her. Check the doctor's creditials, and ask their staff questions about what to expect from the doctor.
6. Don't OVERREACT. You will go through a range of emotions from denial to guilt. I won't say that it isn't your fault, but a lot of people are diagnosed that inherited it from their family. Therefore, it's more than just your diet that could have caused the Diabetes. You need to see the disease for what it is. With the right medicines and the right doctor's advice, it is a controllable disease.
So, after hearing our story, let us know what trials and tribulations you are having with the disease.
The following are some products that can help with diabetes:
Diabetes Products
On the first visit to the doctor, we had our official diagnosis and all I could do was cry. I couldn't believe my little girl was going to have to live the rest of her life with this disease. When we got to the doctor's office, her blood sugar was over 440. They gave her insulin to bring it down and all it did was shoot it higher to 488.
They gave her more insulin in her arm this time, and told us to go walk around. I wish they had told us that walking would help her metabolize the insulin the first time and we could have had a shorter visit. We left the doctors office three hours later with her blood sugar being in the 200's and a bunch of prescriptions to go have filled.
She had a bunch of blood work done the next day. She had x-rays of her stomach and a sonogram of her kidneys done a few weeks later. Thankfully, the x-rays were fine and the sonogram was inconclusive but still not to the point where we were being rushed to the hospital for complications associated with Diabetes.
Diabetes causes problems with the hormones and auto-immune system. We were told she might even have Lupus because her blood work came back abnormal. We haven't had the Lupus panel done yet because of the cost of the bloodwork. We have insurance but a very high deductible and I wanted her doctor's appointments to get paid first.
She has been taking Metformin for the last 6 weeks and her sugars are stable in the 100's. Her A1C hemoglobin count has come down from 10.9 to 9 in just 6 weeks time.
We finally got the appointment for the Pediatric Endocrinologist (approximately 7 weeks waiting time), and after seeing him, she has been given a good report. She's not out of the woods just yet, but she has lost 30 pounds and is doing a lot better with monitoring her foods that affect her sugars.
Things to remember when diagnosed with Diabetes:
1. It's not a death sentence.
2. Blood sugars can be controlled.
3. Type II Diabetes has a lot to do with weight. If you are overweight, start working on lowering that number with proper diet and exercise, even if it's just a short walk every day.
4. The first few weeks of diagnosis, make sure you get to a dietician or refer to your pamphlets from the doctor on the best foods and combination of foods to eat to lower your blood sugar.
5. When meeting a doctor for the first time, have a list of questions for him/her. Check the doctor's creditials, and ask their staff questions about what to expect from the doctor.
6. Don't OVERREACT. You will go through a range of emotions from denial to guilt. I won't say that it isn't your fault, but a lot of people are diagnosed that inherited it from their family. Therefore, it's more than just your diet that could have caused the Diabetes. You need to see the disease for what it is. With the right medicines and the right doctor's advice, it is a controllable disease.
So, after hearing our story, let us know what trials and tribulations you are having with the disease.
The following are some products that can help with diabetes:
Diabetes Products
Friday, April 10, 2009
Yeah, Kids Are Home For The Holiday
I always love the holidays. Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas or this time, Easter. My kids get a few days off from school, I get a break from running them back and forth to their extra curricular events, and my house gets clean (because they need something to keep them busy).
I own three businesses. My life is extremely busy (when I want it to be), and sometimes I want to pull my kids out of school just so I can spend a little time with them.
Granted, they drive me insane when they are bored and wanting something to do. That's when they start fighting between themselves. I'm not too wild about them fighting, but they are with me, and that's what matters most to me.
So, what keeps kids entertained during their breaks. Depending on the age, you could schedule a "craft project" for the afternoon, or you could schedule an outting that is age appropriate. My son loves fishing (a man after my own heart), and my daughter loves shopping, even if it's just window shopping. They both love to draw and color even though they are teens.
Since we own a Karaoke/DJ company, we have an extra system available most days so the children can practice DJ'ing or singing which can keep them busy for hours. I prefer they don't spend all day on the couch watching tv.
Bragging time, My daughter has a lovely singing voice and you can see her on www.Youtube.com.
Anyway, back to topic. What would it take for you to enjoy spending time with your children? Do you go to a job because you have too or because you want to get away from your family? Are your children "The Joy of Your Life" or the responsibility you took on? I hope these were thought provoking questions to get you focused on what should be important...your family. God will provide the rest. I'm not saying quit your job, I'm just saying, maybe don't work so hard and have more faith.
Till next time...Hug your child! You'll be glad you did.
I own three businesses. My life is extremely busy (when I want it to be), and sometimes I want to pull my kids out of school just so I can spend a little time with them.
Granted, they drive me insane when they are bored and wanting something to do. That's when they start fighting between themselves. I'm not too wild about them fighting, but they are with me, and that's what matters most to me.
So, what keeps kids entertained during their breaks. Depending on the age, you could schedule a "craft project" for the afternoon, or you could schedule an outting that is age appropriate. My son loves fishing (a man after my own heart), and my daughter loves shopping, even if it's just window shopping. They both love to draw and color even though they are teens.
Since we own a Karaoke/DJ company, we have an extra system available most days so the children can practice DJ'ing or singing which can keep them busy for hours. I prefer they don't spend all day on the couch watching tv.
Bragging time, My daughter has a lovely singing voice and you can see her on www.Youtube.com.
Anyway, back to topic. What would it take for you to enjoy spending time with your children? Do you go to a job because you have too or because you want to get away from your family? Are your children "The Joy of Your Life" or the responsibility you took on? I hope these were thought provoking questions to get you focused on what should be important...your family. God will provide the rest. I'm not saying quit your job, I'm just saying, maybe don't work so hard and have more faith.
Till next time...Hug your child! You'll be glad you did.
Monday, April 6, 2009
More Info on Total Transformation Program.
The Ripple Effect of Defiant Behavior: When Parents
Pay the Price
by James Lehman, MSW
James Lehman, creator of The Total Transformation Program, examines the effects of acting out behavior on parents and the family, and reveals how to calm the storm in the home.
Q: A child’s behavior problems can cause disturbances in a family beyond the relationship between the parent and the child, can’t they? I’ve had friends whose marriage suffered when their child started acting out. Is that common?
To see the answer to this question and many more articles, go to:
The Ripple Effect of Defiant Behavior: When Parents Pay the Price
Pay the Price
by James Lehman, MSW
James Lehman, creator of The Total Transformation Program, examines the effects of acting out behavior on parents and the family, and reveals how to calm the storm in the home.
Q: A child’s behavior problems can cause disturbances in a family beyond the relationship between the parent and the child, can’t they? I’ve had friends whose marriage suffered when their child started acting out. Is that common?
To see the answer to this question and many more articles, go to:
The Ripple Effect of Defiant Behavior: When Parents Pay the Price
Teens In Trouble
Today's post is about Teens in Trouble. A few months ago, I had the honor of participating in Jury Duty. I say "honor" because as a law abiding citizen, we should all do our part to make sure that a person's bad actions aren't rewarded.
Anyway, I had Jury Duty, and was assigned a Juvenille case. I listened to the attorney's pick members all day and I was Number 39 out of 50. Well, after listening to the questioning and hearing the charges, I let the attorney's have it when they got to me.
I told them I was ashamed to even be in that court room for that reason. If it had been my child, they would not have had the chance to even come close to hitting a security officer at school. They would have had the switch waiting for them at home in addition to Home Schooling if they couldn't behave at school around their friends.
Normally I don't hit my children for anything, but I do have a paddle with their names carved in it for the purpose of getting their attention and making sure they understand what is acceptable behavior and what is NOT. Hitting a security officer at school IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. I don't care who you are or what the circumstances were.
I told the Judge that I know the names of all my children's teachers and the facility and I make a habit of being at the school on a regular basis to meet with the teachers to make sure my children are behaving and not falling behind. I want my children to know that they are safe at school and that any one of the teachers can call me to let me know something has happened to my child. Therefore, I felt that I would not be a good candidate for that particular jury. I have no tolerance for misbehaving teens. They are old enough to know the difference between what's right and wrong and should be held accountable.
So, essentially, I had already tried the teen and blamed the MOTHER wholeheartedly. She was sitting there looking smug and dressed in her "hoodrat" attire instead of looking ashamed and dressing sensibly for a court room. I was embarrassed for her.
If I could have handed down a sentence, it would have been for the parents and child to go to counseling and recommended they take part in the The Total Transformation Program that is acredited for helping parents get their happy, healthy children back as contributing family members without taking drastic measures such as Boot Camp.
With so many parents not being available for their children because of work and other commitments, more children are taking the "WRONG" path through life and choosing to misbehave in order to their parent's attention.
Now honestly, you can disagree with me if you want, but I feel that if you aren't spending time with your children....Who Is? Do you know where your children are today and what they are supposed to be doing?
Let me know what you think and if you want more information on the Total Transformation package. I will have a monthly parenting tip from that program posted on this blog to make you better informed.
Anyway, I had Jury Duty, and was assigned a Juvenille case. I listened to the attorney's pick members all day and I was Number 39 out of 50. Well, after listening to the questioning and hearing the charges, I let the attorney's have it when they got to me.
I told them I was ashamed to even be in that court room for that reason. If it had been my child, they would not have had the chance to even come close to hitting a security officer at school. They would have had the switch waiting for them at home in addition to Home Schooling if they couldn't behave at school around their friends.
Normally I don't hit my children for anything, but I do have a paddle with their names carved in it for the purpose of getting their attention and making sure they understand what is acceptable behavior and what is NOT. Hitting a security officer at school IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. I don't care who you are or what the circumstances were.
I told the Judge that I know the names of all my children's teachers and the facility and I make a habit of being at the school on a regular basis to meet with the teachers to make sure my children are behaving and not falling behind. I want my children to know that they are safe at school and that any one of the teachers can call me to let me know something has happened to my child. Therefore, I felt that I would not be a good candidate for that particular jury. I have no tolerance for misbehaving teens. They are old enough to know the difference between what's right and wrong and should be held accountable.
So, essentially, I had already tried the teen and blamed the MOTHER wholeheartedly. She was sitting there looking smug and dressed in her "hoodrat" attire instead of looking ashamed and dressing sensibly for a court room. I was embarrassed for her.
If I could have handed down a sentence, it would have been for the parents and child to go to counseling and recommended they take part in the The Total Transformation Program that is acredited for helping parents get their happy, healthy children back as contributing family members without taking drastic measures such as Boot Camp.
With so many parents not being available for their children because of work and other commitments, more children are taking the "WRONG" path through life and choosing to misbehave in order to their parent's attention.
Now honestly, you can disagree with me if you want, but I feel that if you aren't spending time with your children....Who Is? Do you know where your children are today and what they are supposed to be doing?
Let me know what you think and if you want more information on the Total Transformation package. I will have a monthly parenting tip from that program posted on this blog to make you better informed.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Comment on Child Support
I received the following email a few days after this post. If you are having problems with getting Child Support, please help Sylvia help you by joining her Blog. Have a terrific day!
Janine,
Please check out the blog I have started http://texassingleparentscoalition.blogspot.com/. I am working on getting people to join our group and spread the word. Changes are happening without our input. The blog is still under construction and needs alot more work and information to be added which I am working on. I am a single parent, divorced since 1989, never remarried, my ex husband recently passed away in 2007 owing $80,000 in back childsupport. The AG's office did not do alot to help me back when I first got divorced so I had not choice but to work 2 jobs, 7 days a week for 9 year because he changed jobs as a contractor and then became disabled. I have never relied on state assistance. I asked them to put a lien on his bank account which held $2500, but they refused, not much to ask considering he owed $80,000. Although I am out all this childsupport, my kids are now 27 and 20, but it was not easy raising them myself as you know. Now I have a daughter who has finished college and now I have a grandson. I am now watching my daughter struggle because her ex-boyfriend does not pay his support, she gets a $19 check from the AG's office every two weeks. For some collection is a real problem depending on the type of work the non-custodial parent does. I am looking for ideas and comments on any changes to help custodial parents. Most importantly we need members. I worked for a lobbying firm for 19 years and now work for myself doing campaign fiance reports. I am currently reviewing the list of bills on the blog to let everyone know how they will impact the lives of many of their families, keep parents informed and ask for their help should we need to contact legislators by phone, fax, mail or email. If you are interested let me know and I wlll add you to our distribution list for action alerts. Time is short so please spread the word. I am glad things worked out for you.
Sylvia Fenstermacher (email me for her email address to contact her)
Janine,
Please check out the blog I have started http://texassingleparentscoalition.blogspot.com/. I am working on getting people to join our group and spread the word. Changes are happening without our input. The blog is still under construction and needs alot more work and information to be added which I am working on. I am a single parent, divorced since 1989, never remarried, my ex husband recently passed away in 2007 owing $80,000 in back childsupport. The AG's office did not do alot to help me back when I first got divorced so I had not choice but to work 2 jobs, 7 days a week for 9 year because he changed jobs as a contractor and then became disabled. I have never relied on state assistance. I asked them to put a lien on his bank account which held $2500, but they refused, not much to ask considering he owed $80,000. Although I am out all this childsupport, my kids are now 27 and 20, but it was not easy raising them myself as you know. Now I have a daughter who has finished college and now I have a grandson. I am now watching my daughter struggle because her ex-boyfriend does not pay his support, she gets a $19 check from the AG's office every two weeks. For some collection is a real problem depending on the type of work the non-custodial parent does. I am looking for ideas and comments on any changes to help custodial parents. Most importantly we need members. I worked for a lobbying firm for 19 years and now work for myself doing campaign fiance reports. I am currently reviewing the list of bills on the blog to let everyone know how they will impact the lives of many of their families, keep parents informed and ask for their help should we need to contact legislators by phone, fax, mail or email. If you are interested let me know and I wlll add you to our distribution list for action alerts. Time is short so please spread the word. I am glad things worked out for you.
Sylvia Fenstermacher (email me for her email address to contact her)
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- MomAdvice
- Mom of two teenagers and co-owner of three businesses. Life is full and I love it!