Blog Feed: Simple Sensibilities

I was trying to come up with something that would make myself and others feel good this Christmas. I thought of songs, hymns, readings, and quotations. In the end, a clip from A Charlie Brown Christmas, seem to sum up the true meaning o

A Different Kind of Christmas Gift

Published on 2012-12-20 18:02:59

For many years, I purchased a Christmas gift for every member of my family. When marriages started, we changed it to a Secret Santa type event. When children entered the picture, and family members moved to other states, we decided

Enough is Enough

Published on 2012-12-16 11:19:49

On a beautiful Friday morning, the world changed forever. In Newtown, CT, 26 sweet souls lost their lives in a senseless act of destruction. I have not been able to shed any tears. I think I am still in the shock of disbelief. I

Six Overused Words and Phrases

Published on 2012-12-07 12:25:48

Lately I have noticed a certain phrase being used by people in the media, politicians arguing their point, and others finding a way to point an exclamation on their idea. There are many words and phrases that over the years continue to

Lining Up for Powerball

Published on 2012-11-28 12:55:12

The Powerball Lottery has reached $500,000.00. By the time the drawing occurs, it will be above that amount. Taxes will take a significant chunk, but it will still be a huge amount of money for the individual who wins. People are l

Is Thanksgiving Becoming Thanksgetting?

Published on 2012-11-20 15:55:57

Donating an Old Car

Published on 2012-11-07 15:14:57

I finally did it. After 15 years, I put my old car out to pasture. It was a hard decision but the time had come when I determined it would take 2 to 3 thousand dollars to keep it going. After toying for months (ok years) with ide

This Time I’m Ready

Published on 2012-10-28 18:43:50

Here comes Sandy. Last year at this time, the northeast experienced a freak October snowstorm that took down trees, and knocked out power to many. My family went without power for 9 days. It was frustrating as everyone around us seemed to luck out, but a small group of homes were left in the [...]

September, October, November

Published on 2012-10-19 08:10:55

Some people love summer. Beaches, long days, hot weather, barbecues, ball games, and parades all add to their fun. Some people love winter. Skiing, ice skating, sledding, warm fires, holidays, and moments of celebration add to their memories. Spring is a favorite of most since it is viewed as a season of renewal. For me, [...]

Pushing Out Imagination

Published on 2012-10-10 12:54:36

My daughter has decided to be Red Riding Hood for Halloween. The only part of the costume we need is a cape. This is easy enough to make, but we decided to check a major toy retailer while we were out on a shopping trip. The only costume items displayed were full ensembles with no [...]

Don’t Mess with PBS

Published on 2012-10-05 15:38:08

“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor won’t you be mine, could you be mine……” Fred Rogers I remember sitting down at 5:30 in the afternoon to tune into Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. He walked into his house, put on his sweater, his sneakers, and proceeded to talk to [...]

Write What You Know

Published on 2012-09-28 12:13:13

The say write what you know. After letting my blog sit for a month, the most read topics have risen to the top. The top five are….parenting, children, media, women, and education. It really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as this what I am consumed with in my present life. So, I [...]

Taking a Break

Published on 2012-09-18 13:33:34

I know I haven’t written a post since August. It feels like I’m taking a vacation. What happens when you go on vacation? You relax, you clear your mind, and you usually come back refreshed. I need time to think up new ideas and what direction I want to take this blog. I’m thinking [...]

Shopping for School Supplies

Published on 2012-08-22 18:51:33

Every June, my daughters come home with a list of needed supplies for the next school year. An opportunity is provided to purchase these items through the school, but since I already have many, I opt out of the program. Here is where Target comes to the rescue. In order to avoid the last-minute rush, we usually [...]

A Magnificent Victory

Published on 2012-08-09 07:12:25

It was a wonderful moment of achievement. It took 10 years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. Countless hours were spent strategizing, analyzing, designing, and reviewing. All led up to one moment that would end up as an outstanding success, or a disastrous failure. There would not be a chance for a second try. [...]

One Story About Healthcare – Part II

Published on 2012-07-24 14:41:31

People tend to think about healthcare as a necessity when a serious illness arises. There are however times when having it can prevent something minor becoming serious. This not only eliminates pain, discomfort, or something debilitating, but it also cuts the cost that arise from having treatment or surgery. I had an experience last [...]

One Story About Healthcare – Part I

Published on 2012-07-13 18:44:55

This is an election year. One of the major issues that is analyzed and discussed every day is healthcare. President Obama’s health care plan was approved, only to have it questioned. The Supreme Court has determined that it is not unconstitutional, but it continues to be challenged by those who do not believe that it is [...]

The Freedom Granted by July 4th

Published on 2012-07-03 12:13:52

The Fourth of July is here again. People celebrate with barbecues, going to the shore, fireworks, parades, and family gatherings. But what are we celebrating? Do we take time to remember the meaning of the day? It is the day when America declared its independence, but it also serves as a reminder of a [...]

Welcome to Summer

Published on 2012-06-23 13:13:08

It’s summertime. The days are long, warm, and full of sunshine. The grass is full and green. The lakes and oceans warm up, and the beaches become populated with people enjoying the season. What makes us love summer so much? Most likely it reminds us of what we did when we were kids. Is it the same [...]

Equal Pay for Equal Work is Overdue

Published on 2012-06-08 19:17:36

This week, the senate rejected a bill that would have guaranteed equal pay for equal work. Naturally it wasn’t a major headline in the news. The reasoning by some is that employers will have a hard time making up the difference, or that there will be an onslaught of lawsuits filed against business owners. It is [...]

Rachel, the Credit Scammer

Published on 2012-06-02 09:59:32

Hello! My name is Rachel. There is nothing wrong with your credit card, but…… Who is Rachel and why does she keep calling? Yes she will lower my credit rate as soon as I hand over all my personal information. This woman gets around too. She has called from numerous locations and phone numbers. She is [...]

Loving Vinyl Records

Published on 2012-05-23 13:42:06

After 64 years, Cutler’s Record Shop in New Haven, CT is closing. It follows many other little stores that sold vinyl, and CDs. The internet and digital downloads have changed the way we search and purchase music. It is easier, quicker, and in some cases, cheaper. Since I am not an owner of an ipod, I [...]

Being an Older Mom

Published on 2012-05-14 13:14:25

The nurse’s office in the school that my daughters attend called last week. My almost 8-year-old had a minor incident on the playground. During the course of the conversation, I was asked if I was my daughter’s grandmother. I stated I was her mother. At first I thought that it was because I had a [...]

The Disturbing Theme of Reality Television

Published on 2012-05-06 08:18:48

The cost of television shows has increased to the point of being too costly to produce. This is hard to swallow since about one-third of air time is now consumed by commercials. In order to fill the numerous hours of viewing, reality television has taken over. Talk shows, court dramas, and game shows now fill most [...]

The Lorax on Earth Day

Published on 2012-04-24 12:45:29

It wasn’t planned, but I took my daughters to see the movie The Lorax on Earth Day. I was somewhat leery of seeing it because I was afraid that the story would get lost in the film version. A lover of Dr. Seuss, The Lorax is beautifully written as a reminder that we are all [...]

What Happened to the Neighborhood Grocer?

Published on 2012-04-17 14:48:38

Growing up, there were a number of small grocery stores spread out across the town. They were located within 1 to 2 miles of most residents which made access relatively easy for most. They all provided dairy, produce, meats, and deli. They had cereal, condiments, snacks, and cleaning products. They provided the basics and were [...]

Pink Slime, Growth Hormones, and Sugar

Published on 2012-04-05 14:12:57

Over the past year, I have had 3 distinct revelations regarding the food that is produced in the United States. It is an understatement to say it has been alarming and eye-opening. The good thing is that I have made significant changes in where I shop and what I eat. This is all due to [...]

Trayvon Martin….He Just Went for a Walk

Published on 2012-03-26 12:25:59

The nation is stunned by a story of a young man who went for a walk and never made it home. A young man who went to a store, in the early evening, bought a soda and Skittles, and ended up being shot and killed. George Zimmerman is the man who caused the death of [...]

What Students Need to Succeed

Published on 2012-03-20 13:01:25

The past few weeks have been filled with articles and media reports concerning the education reform package presented by Governor Malloy. Much of the focus has been centered on teacher preparation, certification, tenure, and salary. It is not within reason to want to examine these areas along with the curriculum standards that are now in [...]

Letters from Mr. Reilly

Published on 2012-03-13 15:59:18

When I was 18, my aunt took me on a three-day bus trip to Washington, D.C. It was impressive as we visited the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and toured the White House. We visited Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian, and the National Archives. One night, we met my aunt’s former boss from RCA in New York City, Mr. Reilly. He was [...]

An Opinion on Bullying

Published on 2012-03-04 08:18:46

This week, a tragedy unfolded at a high school in Ohio. It has left many questioning the motive of a young man who violently took the lives of 3 innocent victims. Questions might never be answered for many who wonder why such acts occur, and why so many young people are turning to such drastic measures as a method [...]

Late Teens, Early 20s are Years of Transition

Published on 2012-02-25 14:03:52

Whitney Houston’s passing brought an onslaught of media reports reflecting on her meteoric rise to fame, as well as the demons that caused her much sorrow. What stood out to me was just how young she was when the recording, touring, magazine covers, talk shows, and papparazi became part of her daily life. Regardless of her [...]

A Child Sees the Glass Half-Full

Published on 2012-02-17 16:09:06

It is said that children can often teach adults a lesson or two. This week, that revelation came to me regarding my own daughter. She has reached the age of 10, and suddenly seems filled with infinite wisdom. She is at that age where she envisions her life as an adult, and sees a pathway with no obstacles [...]

Searching for a New Car

Published on 2012-02-13 12:42:34

Article first published as Searching for a New Car on Technorati. My 1997 Honda CR-V has logged 175,000 miles. It is 14 years old and although it is still running, its age has started to cost money. Parts are rotting out, it rattles off and on, and there are numerous drops of oil all over [...]

People in New York City are Friendly

Published on 2012-02-02 19:05:34

Travel and Leisure Magazine came out with the results of survey categorizing the rudest and friendliest U.S. cities. New York City was ranked number one for rudeness. Having lived close to Manhattan for most of my life, I have had a number of opportunities to travel into the city for a show, shopping, museums, or other special events. I am not a well-traveled person, [...]

Teen Girls Eventually Become Women

Published on 2012-01-28 16:51:00

Article first published as Teen Girls Eventually Become Women on Technorati. Pick up any magazine dealing with popular culture and no doubt there will be a story judging the weight of a young female celebrity. She is either starving herself, or has gained a few pounds which now classifies her as fat. While experts go on talk shows and profess that women need [...]

Toddlers, Tiaras, and Fame Seeking Moms

Published on 2012-01-13 11:42:21

I saw a report on GMA this morning featuring young children competing in pageants. Within 2 minutes, I saw enough to make my skin crawl. Here were girls, barely out of diapers, parading around in costumes and makeup that was absurd. This has been a controversial issue for years, and yet it continues to grow [...]

Attendance Is Down at the Box Office

Published on 2012-01-07 08:41:38

It was reported this week that movie attendance for 2011 dipped to a 16 year low. Many speculate re that people grew tired of sequels. This may be true as Part 2 and 3 of blockbusters seem to be made immediately after their success. It used to be that sequels would come out a few [...]

A Wallet Bursting With Rewards Cards

Published on 2011-12-29 15:18:56

It used to be that when you went out shopping, you needed only a few things. A driver’s license, keys, some money and one or two credit cards were all that was required. Now it seems you need to load yourself with an arsenal of cards and coupons before you head out the door. Rewards are being [...]

The Trend of K Cups

Published on 2011-12-23 07:29:55

The size of many grocery items have been shrinking at a steady pace. While the ounces go down, the price stays the same. I began to wonder how much smaller these containers can become before they are considered individual servings. That is when it dawned on me that the coffee industry has already achieved this. K [...]

Continuing the Support of Our Troops

Published on 2011-12-19 18:27:23

The war had been declared over in Iraq. After 9 long years, the troops are withdrawing and coming home. This is a welcomed holiday gift for the service men and women, and their loved ones. Close to 4,500 died, and 30,000 were injured in a country most cannot even locate on a map. A place so far [...]

Shopping During the Holiday Season

Published on 2011-12-10 05:20:21

Article first published as Shopping During the Holiday Season on Technorati. This is the time of year when people flocked to retail stores in search of presents for family, friends, and co-workers. Tokens of appreciation are bought for individuals who have aided or provided us with service. Malls and major retailers attract the largest number [...]

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