A Letter to Jimmy Haslem III and the Cleveland Browns

Another season has come and gone and this Cleveland Browns fan has a lot of thoughts and a lot of things to say.  It starts at the top of this organization.  For 14 years, the dreams of every Browns' fan have been stomped on and thrown in the garbage.  We ended this season a measly 4-12, our coach has been fired and yet again we are faced with 2014 being a "rebuilding" year.  When are you going to get it right?  When are you going to be willing to spend the money it's going to take to make this team a super bowl caliber team?  When is the NFL going to stop this vendetta against Cleveland and stop making it so obvious that they will do anything possible to keep Cleveland from the postseason?  These are questions that I have been asking myself for years, and I am likely not alone. 

Here is a rundown of what I know:

• I have been watching the Cleveland Browns since before I can remember.  My parents held season tickets until the imfamous Browns' departure from Cleveland at the end of the 1995 season.  
• Upon the Browns' return in 1999 - I like many other Clevelanders and fans around the world were hopeful for the rebirth of our beloved organization.  
• In the past 14 years we have had 7 coaches - Bud Carson, Jim Schofner, Butch Davis, Terry Robiskie, Romeo Crennel, Eric Mangini, Pat Shurmur and Rob Chudzinski
• You have given up on all of these coaches, blamimg them for the failings of the entire team. Need I remind you that Romeo Crennel and his "new" team, the KC Chiefs are in the postseason?
• Since 1999, we have had 21 starting quarterbacks - mostly because of injuries - injuries that possibly could have been avoided if you had and offensive line that knew how to block for the QB. - Tim Couch, Ty Detemer, Doug Pederson, Spergon Wynn, Kelly Holcomb, Jeff Garcia, Luke McCown, Trent Dilfer, Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, Ken Dorsey, Bruce Gradkowski, Colt McCoy, Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace, Brandon Weeden, Thad Lewis, Jason Campbell & Brian Hoyer.  
• You have repeatedly traded, released or loss through free agency countless players that could have taken this team to the playoffs (i.e. Josh Cribbs, Peyton Hillis, Kellen Winslow)
• As fans, we are made fun of, ridiculed, and joked about because our team just "sucks"

I have watched my beloved Browns for 37 years.  I remember the days of the "Kardiac Kids" and cringe when people bring up "The Drive" and "The Fumble".  I, like so many others, are sick and tired of the up and down, up and down of this team.  We are sick of the front office "giving up" on coaches and players before they have been given an honest shot.  

So what has to be done?  First, Mr. Haslem, you need to stand up to the NFL.  Stop allowing the NFL and it's team owners to put Cleveland in a position where they will only lose.  Second, you need to take a look at what you have this year, and capitalize on it.  STOP making these changes that are just proving to be dumb and of no positive result for the team.  

We have 5 pro-bowlers on this year's team and in response you have fired their head coach?  This proves to me that this team has A LOT of talent and it is not being utilized correctly.  This "prevent" defense that you have become so fondly of DOESN'T WORK.  And our running game looks the same as it did during the Kevin Mack days - all I can hear is "Mack up the middle - again".  

Look - I may not know the "business" side of things but I do know that I watch teams like the Packers, Patriots, Steelers, Ravens and Broncos dominate this league.  They always seem to have the tough, great players like Ray Lewis,  Rob Gronkowski, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, etc.  Where is our franchise quarterback and where is our franchise head coach?  When will we get our Bill Belichek?  

Stop the playing around - give us a winning team.  We need a new playbook for both offense and defense.  A GREAT quarterback who will be given and honest shot.  Keep Gordon, Cameron, Mack, Hoyer, Haden, Baker & Cooper for sure. Build on what we have - don't mess it up.  

I am tired of rebuilding - let's just build!  Let year 15 be the one where we actually make progress - not the same stupid mistakes that have been made for decades.  

Go Browns!

Extreme Couponing???

Evening y'all!  So I have been wondering for a long time now if people are really saving money by "extreme" couponing.  I have been a couponer for quite a while, but never considered myself to be "extreme" about it.  Jeff and I have been talking about all these things we would like to do and buy, but you need to have money to do that.  So, I have gone on a mission to try to figure out how and where we can save the most money without going without.  We have a habit of spending and spending, not thinking about all the other things that precious dollar could go towards.  I want to change that...so I need to know....how many of you are "extreme" couponers?  How much money are you REALLY saving?  I have a really hard time believing that you can buy $150 worth of groceries for $10.  $10 wouldn't even be the tax on $150 of groceries here in Nashville (we have a 7.25% sales takes on food and food ingredients).  I want to believe these people that are saving all that money, but the skeptic in me says there is no way. Maybe I just don't know how to coupon right.  Maybe I am doing something wrong.  I have set out to figure it all out and today I am embarking on the wonderful world of learning how to extreme coupon. 

Here's the thing though - I am not going to purchase crap that we ware not going to use just because I can get a deal...it doesn't work that way.  And quite frankly I shouldn't have to buy something I am not going to use in order to save money on something that I will use.  I also don't have the ability to "stock up" on the stuff that I will use.  Does that make a huge difference?  Ore should I start thinking about cleaning out our storage shed and our laundry closet in an effort to store the over abundance of canned goods I will probably end up with.  

Okay, I digress.  So last night I began searching for tips and tricks on how to become an "extreme" couponer.  I stumbled across a website.  The writer of the site has a free 8-week "course" on how to successfully save lots of money by couponing.  So I am starting this week.  

You can find her first lesson here: http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/beginners-guide-to-coupons/thebeginners-guide-to-coupons-2/part-one-how-to-start/

In a nutshell, Ruth says that we can't be successful couponers if we don't get organized and if we don't do a litle bit of planning.  So this weeks assignment is to start clipping coupons and to start getting them organized.  Well, I have a coupon app on my phone call Coupons 2 - I can scan the barcode of each coupon I clip and it will store and the coupon in the app.  So when I go to the store, all I have to do is open my little app, search for the product and it will show me if I have a coupon for it.  Well, I realized that this will only work if I have the coupons organized in some kind of coupon organizer.  So I purchased a binder and coupon wall from couponmon.com (Here's the link to the one I purchased: http://www.couponmom.com/-910 - I actually found mind at Super Kmart in Mentor, OH but I still paid about the same price as this costs including the shipping)

I have also decided that since I have like 6 or 7 different email addresses, I am going to make sure that I have a coupon account for smartsource, red plum and all the other coupon sites you can go to get printable coupons.  Oh how fun this is going to be!!!

The IMPORTANCE of Scrapbooking & Album Making

I have been going through old pictures and newspapers clippings, old greeting cards, High School Football programs, ticket stubs and all these momentos that I have kept over the years and that I have "stolen" from my mom.  I have been seeing people post old family photos of themselves and their parents and grandparents.  And I have been thinking --- I wonder if everyone realizes how important this stuff is.  I have a friend show just lost a very close family member to them.  They are going through all of that family members belongings to clean out their home.  In the process they are finding all these things that they had no idea the family member had kept stuffed in boxes all these years.  Some of the stuff has been damaged.  Some still in perfect "like new" condition.  But all of it, stuffed away in boxes - forgotten about.  Had my friend not chosen to go through those boxes - those treasures would be in a landfill somewhere.  I like to consider myself the "family historian".  I enjoy learning about my ancestors and I enjoy uncovering the stories that go along with how my family lived.  I know in my heart of hearts though that ALOT of my family history is gone because there were people who did not care enough to preserve those memories when our loved ones were here with us in the physical earth.  I get so passionate about the family history that I can't understand why doesn't everyone do this?  Is it because they don't have time?  Is it because they think they have to be "crafty"?  Do they realize how important it is to cherish all those things?  I have just about every newspaper clipping from the 1995 Cleveland Indians championship/world series run - I mean afterall - who knew that they would make it back to the World Series just two years later? It had been 41 years since the last time they had made it and nearly 50 years since they won it all.  I have old newspaper clippings of my mother sharing her weight loss story with the Painesville Telegraph back in the 70's - I kept it though she wanted to throw it away - because my mother looked like a star in the photo the journalist took of her.  

There are so many people out there that have no idea how much they are missing by not preserving all this kind of stuff.  Even today in this digital age - you still should print out those pictures and get them in a high quality, photo safe album.  Somehow, someway.  

Perhaps I should start taking photos of the scrapbooks that I do and post them here - to show how important it is to keep all these treasures safe. 

Sunday, August 11, 2013

As another week begins, it's time for me to sit back and think about the last week.  Aside from my normal job, I have been trying to think of other ways to make money and to help my family get to where we want to be in our lives.  We are finally settling into live here in Tennessee and though we miss our family and friends back in Ohio, things are starting to feel a little bit like home here.  I don't know what next year is going to bring, or the next 5 years, but I do know that I love my family and I am blessed to be where I am today. 

There are so many people in this world that have some many trials and tribulations.  Some days it's hard for me to remember just how far I have come.  But there are other days that I realize that I am not as far as I would like to be.  The best gift that I have been given is the ability to just live my life one day at a time. 

I do still have dreams and aspirations and one day I will get to realize some of those dreams.  Right now, I am focused on my husband and my daughter and the relationships I have with them.  They are my life.  I have realized that more and more everyday. I pray everyday for Jeff & Karey's happiness and well-being over mine.  And everyday that I get up and go to work and do all the things that I do, it's to try to help my family. When did I turn into this person?  10-15 years ago I would have never pictured myself to be a wife & mother, to live 500 miles away from my friends and family to have all the things that I have today.  

I am not rich financially and in fact, I am nowhere closed to where I want to be financially, but in truth what does it really matter?  I just have to trust the Goddess that she will continue to bless us with positive things in our lives.  I will get to where I want to be and Jeff will get to be where he wants to be and we will get to do it together.  That is the best gift of all. 

So as we start a new week, I have to get busy - I have to get busy working towards my short-term and long-term goals.  And get busy getting all the projects I want to get done, done. 

More Ramblings.....

It sure has been a while since I posted anything in this blog.  Well, a lot has been happening in my little world.  I am trying to remember to take time for me so that I can be the best mom and wife that God meant for me to be. 

Karey started 6th grade today!  I can't believe that we are at the halfway point.....6 years until she is out of school and off to college.  I love my darling daughter and she makes me so happy.  She has been having struggles lately, but I pray that we can work them and things will return to normal. 

I have decided to start another blog for my family recipes.  You will have to make sure you follow it.  It's called "Homemade Hunky ~ Recipes from my Family Tree"  Right now I don't have a lot of recipes posted, only because I am still going through all of my recipe cards and books to pull out the ones I would like to post.  But I will be posting periodically and sooner or later I will have a pretty good blog going there. 

I can't believe it is already August 5th!  Where has the summer gone?  Before we know it, Christmas and New Year's will be here and we will be embarking on a whole new year, a whole new beginning.  Time is just flying by way too fast.

Speaking of time flying by ~ the Annual Holiday Open House & Craft show to raise money for Toys for Tots is Nov. 9th in Perry, OH.  I will be traveling to Ohio to be there for the show and can't wait to get to spend some time with some of my dearest friends while I am home.  Some days I feel really homesick and miss everyone so much, but I know that they are always there in my heart.

Until another day....

Ramblings

It's been quite a while since I posted in the blog. Guess I am not a good blogger. I haven't shared a lot about the chapter 11 bankruptcy that Creative Memories filed back in April. I think part of me did not want to believe that it was happening again. Now, they are discontinuing the entire product line including our digital line to make way for a "new and simplified" line of memory preservation products. I am torn about what my future holds with Creative Memories and my scrapbooking hobby as a whole. It saddens me that CM is changing so drastically. I am actually in a turmoil over what the future holds. I need to build a strong part-time business to generate additional income to the family. I have debts to pay, a daughter to send to college in 6 short years and dreams for my family that all depend on any additional income that I can generate. Do I continue to put my efforts in Thea failing direct sales businesses or do I step out and start my own business (officially, not just as a hobby)? For now, all I can do is pray.

White Bison ~ Elder's Meditation of the Day ~ Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Elder's Meditation of the Day - May 15
"We must have respect and understanding for women and all female life on this Earth which bears the sacred gift of life."
-- Traditional Circle of Elders. ONONDAGA
At a gathering of Native Elders we were told that many men of today had lost their ability to look at the Woman in a sacred way. They said we were only looking at Her in a physical sense and had lost the ability to look at Her sacredness. They said the Woman has a powerful position in the Unseen World. She has the special ability to bring forth life. They told us to start showing Her respect and to look upon her in a sacred manner. We must start this today.

Grandfather, show me how to see in a sacred way.

(To sign up for the daily meditation by email: www.whitebison.org)

Creative Memories - Items No Longer Available

The following is a list of the items that are no longer available through Creative Memeories. These items have been discontinued and are no longer in stock.

While Supplies Last Out of Stock – Not Returning:

Flowers & Swirls Doodling Templates (2/pk)
12x12 Clay Cardstock (10/pk)
RCM-7S White Scrapbook (12/pk)
12x15 Page Protectors (15/pk)
Memory Mate Tool Organizer
Nancy O’Dell – Mom in My Words Simply Said Book
Rewards Club – Scrappin’ Bin
Rugged Baby Boy Celebrate 12x12 Additions
Daisy Memory Mate Project Tote
Daisy Memory Mate Messenger Bag
Rugged Photo Album Accents
Fabulous Photo Album Accents
Cheerful Valentine 12x12 Additions
12x12 Spring Additions
Achievements Jumbo Stickers
Fabulous Baby Girl Celebrate 12x12 Additions
Monkey Business Display Accents
Reminisce Storybox Paper (96/pcs)
Primary 12x12 Extreme Sports Addition
8x8 Nancy O’Dell Love Scrapbook Kit
12x12 Nancy O’Dell Love Additions
Reminisce Charm Photo Album Accents
Click & Fill IV Content Collection CD
Click & Fill III Content Collection CD
Cakes and Candles Photo Album Accents
Just Because Card Set (24/sets)
Click & Fill II Content Collection CD
Fabulous 8x8 Baby Girl Kit
Monogram Stickers – Sophisticate White (2/pk)
12x12 Metallic Cardstock – Green Apple (10/pk)
12x12 Summer Additions
12x12 Metallic Cardstock – Indigo (10/pk)
12x12 Cardstock – Butter (10/pk)
12x12 Cardstock – Brick (10/pk)
12x12 Metallic Cardstock – Merlot/Black (10/pk)
12x12 Metallic Cardstock – Orange/Black (10/pk)
Rustic Fence Border Maker Cartridge
Cheerful Tone-on-Tone Paper (16/sht)
RCM-11S White Scrapbook (15/pk)
Creative Cuts Tool – Replacement Blades (2/pk)
Scallop Circle Maker
RCM-12S White Scrapbook (15/pk)
Page Protectors 8 1/2x11 (15/pk)
Fabulous Tone-on-Tone Paper (16/sht)
Rugged Storybox Paper (96 pcs)
Rugged Designer-Print Paper
Rugged Tone-on-Tone Paper
Cakes and Candles 12x12 Additions
Jumbo Rugged Title Stickers (3/pk)
Reminisce Spring 12x12 Additions
Primary & Jewel Content Collection CD
Deep Blue 12x12 Cardstock Pack (10/pk)
Fabulous Power Palette
Fabulous Power Palette - Simple Set
Fabulous Storybox (96pcs)
Reminisce Power Palette System
Reminisce Power Palette - Simple Set
Reminisce 12x12 Tone-on-Tone Paper
Rugged Power Palette – Enhanced Set
Rugged Power Palette – Simple Set
Rugged Power Palette System
Cheerful Power Palette – Simple Set
Cheerful Power Palette System
Cheerful Storybox Paper (96 pcs)
Winter 12x12 Additions
Square Maker
Cheerful Tone-on-Tone Paper
Nancy O’Dell Ashby Baby Boy 12x12 Quick Album
Baby Boy 12x12 True Coverset
Destination 12x12 Quick Album
Wedding 12x12 Quick Album
Baby Girl 12x12 True Coverset
Shine 2012 Content Collection CD
Shine Paper and Photo Mat Pack
Shine Embellishments (24/pk)
Rewards Club – Color My World 12x12 Stack Pack
Shine Photo Album Accents
Mocha Outdoors 12x12 Expandable Photo Album
Sweet Heart Maker
Shine 12x12 True Coverset

Creative Memories Discontinued Products ~ March 2013

PRODUCT DISCONTINUATIONS MARCH 2013

Cheerful Tone‐on‐Tone Paper
Cheerful Designer‐Print Paper
Cheerful Storybox
Cheerful Title Stickers
Cheerful Decorative ABCs
Cheerful Paper Ribbon
Cheerful Paper Buttons
Cheerful Paper Tags
Reminisce Tone‐on‐Tone Paper
Reminisce Designer‐Print Paper
Reminisce Storybox
Reminisce Title Stickers
Reminisce Decorative ABCs
Reminisce Paper Ribbon
Reminisce Paper Flowers
Reminisce Paper Frames
Rugged Tone‐on‐Tone Paper
Rugged Designer‐Print Paper
Rugged Storybox
Rugged Title Stickers
Rugged Decorative ABCs
Rugged Paper Ribbon
Rugged Paper Frames
Rugged Paper Tags
Fabulous Tone‐on‐Tone Paper
Rugged Designer‐Print Paper
Fabulous Storybox
Fabulous Title Stickers
Fabulous Decorative ABCs
Fabulous Paper Ribbon
Fabulous Paper Buttons
Fabulous Paper Flowers
Product Descriptions
Photo Album Accents‐Reminisce Charm
Photo Album Accents‐Cheerful Everyday
Photo Album Accents‐Fabulous
Photo Album Accents‐Rugged
Photo Album Accents‐Baby Girl
Photo Album Accents‐Baby Boy
Rugged 8x8 Kit Baby Boy
Fabulous 8x8 Kit Baby Girl
Rugged12x12AdditionBabyBoyCelebrate
Rugged12x12AdditionBabyBoyArrival
Fabulous12x12AdditionBabyGirlCelebr
Fabulous12x12AdditionBabyGirlArrival
12x12 Addition ‐ Rugged All Boy
12x12 Addition ‐ Fabulous All Girl
ODell‐Love‐8X8 Scrapbook Kit
ODell‐Love‐12x12 Additions
ODell‐Love‐Photo Album Accents
12x12 Additions‐Cakes and Candles
Photo Album Accents‐Cakes and Candles
12x12 Additions‐Autumn
12x12 Additions‐Winter
12x12 Addition ‐ Spring
12x12 Addition ‐ Summer
6x6 Stack Pack ‐ Achievements
Achievements Title Stickers
12x12 Cardstock‐Deep Blue
12x12 Cardstock‐Taffy
Simply Said Book‐Odell‐Love
Creative Cuts Custom Cutting System Red Tip
Ceative Cuts Sandpaper Disc Replacements
Creative Cuts Replacement Blades
Starburst Pocket Punch
Circle Maker
Tag Maker
Puzzle Maker
Scallop Circle Maker
Postage Stamp Place 'n' Punch
Blossom Place 'n' Punch
Star Place 'n' Punch
Hexagon Place 'n' Punch
Stork's Delivery Cricut Cartridge
Black Stamper Ink Cartridge
Chocolate Brown Stamper Ink Cartridge
Cheerful Power Palette System
Cheerful Simple Set
Cheerful Enhanced Set
Cheerful Decorative Set
Reminisce Power Palette System
Reminisce Simple Set
Reminisce Enhanced Set
Reminisce Decorative Set
Rugged Power Palette System
Rugged Simple Set
Rugged Enhanced Set
Rugged Decorative Set
Fabulous Power Palette System
Fabulous Simple Set
Fabulous Enhanced Set
Fabulous Decorative Set
Enchanted Simple Set
Enchanted Enhanced Set
Enchanted Decorative Set
Divine Simple Set
Divine Enhanced Set
Divine Decorative Set
Reflections Simple Set
Reflections Enhanced Set
Reflections Decorative Set
Nancy O'Dell Love 8x8 Album Set ‐ Natural Pages
Nancy O'Dell Love 8x8 Album Set ‐ White Pages
Nancy O'Dell Love 8x8 Album Set ‐ Black Pages
Nancy O'Dell Love 8x8 Album Set ‐ Spargo Pages
Nancy O'Dell Love 8x8 Album Set ‐ Side‐Loading Sleeves

Grow with Whom you Know - Lemonade Lady

Grow With Whom You Know

Feel free to forward or copy this article to your direct sales friends as long as the ENTIRE article is left intact, without any editing.

A new Direct Sales consultant phoned my office to inquire about participating in a street fair in her city to display her company's products.

As we visited, I discovered she's a brand new Direct Sales consultant. She's had her kit less than two months and has yet to hold a party. Instead, she's been looking for places to advertise, shows to exhibit, and network groups to join.

These are all venues to find customers, but Party Plan people should first begin by inviting their personal "thirsty" friends to a party at the consultant's home.

Why host a Direct Sales party first?

Your "thirsty" friends get to experience your new business rather than depending on you to explain it over the phone or Internet.

When people touch, taste, smell, and experience something...they want it! You'll sell product at the home party, which means profit in your pocket.

Thirsty" friends can bring their friends to your home, which begins to expand your Direst Sales business base right away as you meet friends of friends.

When your friends experience your new business, they are more eager to become hosts because they want your products and the party plan gifts. Now they'll introduce you to more of their friends while they earn host gifts.

This first home party gives you experience in hosting a party. This is one of the best reasons to hold a party in your home. You'll understand the entire process of creating a guest list, inviting friends, reminding guests, and feeling anxious when you wonder if anyone will show up--the biggest fear hosts have about Direct Sales.

**Share from: http://lemonaidlady.com/Finding-Customers/Grow-with-whom-you-know.htm** 

Each Day a New Beginning ~ January 5, 2013

Instead of concentrating on why we can’t do a thing, we would be wise to change our “Yes, but . . . ” attitude to a more positive one. Saying “yes” means I really do want to change my life for the better.

—Liane Cordes

Most of us look at the whole task and feel overwhelmed. Instead, look at the tasks in parts. By taking the task one piece at a time, I can accomplish anything.

Making a todo list will help me to prioritize and keep track of my progress on completing the bigger task. Just like my recovery requires me to take 1 step at a time. Life is much less overwhelming this way.

Today, I will do one small task that will contribute toward the achievement of a life goal.

Each Day a New Beginning ~ January 4

Once I knew that I wanted to be an artist, I had made myself into one. I did not understand that wanting doesn’t always lead to action. Many of the women had been raised without the sense that they could mold and shape their own lives, and so, wanting to be an artist (but without the ability to realize their wants) was, for some of them, only an idle fantasy, like wanting to go to the moon.

—Judy Chicago

There are probably not many of us, in this recovery program, who grappled with life as straight on as Judy Chicago did. It is likely we didn’t understand that we could mold and shape our lives. How lucky we are to be learning that now with the help of the Twelve Steps and one another. Each day we are confronted with many opportunities to make responsible choices, reasonable decisions. These choices and decisions are the molders, the shapers, of who we are becoming. Our identity as women is strengthened each time we thoughtfully make a choice. The action we take through making each choice gives our identity more substance—our wholeness as women is guaranteed through these choices.

Many opportunities to make choices will arise today. I can be thoughtful and make choices that will lead to my greater wholeness.

January 2, 2013

"I believe that true identity is found...in creative activity springing from within. It is found, paradoxically, when one loses oneself. Woman can best refind herself by losing herself on some kind of creative activity of her own." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Creative activities allow us to emerge ourselves in something that allows us to be in the here and now. We are able, if only for a moment, to not think about who we are.

Spirituality and creativity go hand in hand. We are able to find ourselves and our higher power through the loss of our self-conscious selves while creating.

For me creativity is scrap booking, photography, reading, crocheting, candle making, baking and candy making. I am also able to lose myself when fully engulfed in a genealogical quest.... Family history is so intriguing.

Creativity is a given. It is another dimension of the spiritual presence guiding us all.

January 1, 2013

"We don't always understand the ways of almighty God - the crosses sent us, the sacrifices demanded...But we accept with faith and resignation the holy will no looking back, and we are at peace." -Anonymous

Today is about acceptance. Acceptance of my past, acceptance of the conditions presently in my life and acceptance that I cannot change everything. Each day is in fact a new beginning. I must remember always that I can look to my higher power for guidance in making my own life decisions.

I must remember that the past is gone. The possibilities that I face today are endless.