Jamie's Journal and What-Nots

... but I'm a "Good" Republican!

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:33:00 +0000

So, I'm a Republican in the state of Kentucky. From that sentence, how many stereotypes just popped up in your head?

1. I'm white (okay, you can tell by my profile photo that I am)
2. I'm religious
3. I have a rebel flag in my rear window
4. I'm uneducated
5. I'm missing my front teeth
6. I live in a trailer
7. I love George W. Bush
8. I'm pro-war
9. I have an arsenal in my linen closet.

Okay, nine is enough, but there are so many more! So what gives?

Well,

I'm an atheist (gasp!! burn the pagan!!)
I'm a Yankee born in Michigan
High school graduate still working on that 'someday' degree
I own a modest home
I have all my teeth (although since I'm terrified of the dentist that could change someday)
I "like" W and H.W. and Reagan, but I LOVE Teddy Roosevelt.
I am definitely not pro-war, but I am thankful to those that serve and protect
I personally do not own a gun, but my husband has a few. And, by the way, my husband doesn't beat me into submission either.

So why is it unfashionable to call yourself a Republican these days? What are folks afraid of? On the internet, primarily, there is a heavy youth audience which is liberal. Any time you throw an opinion out there that leans to the right then you are insulted and spotlighted as a moron. Guess what folks? There are African-American Republicans! There are homosexual Republicans! There are atheist/agnostic/pagan Republicans! It is true, shout it out to the world!

Personally, I think Republicans are the liberals, not the Democrats or the extreme left. Why do I say that? Because Republicans believe in liberation. They believe that the less a person is dependent on their government, the more FREE they are.

So the next time you come across a Republican (or Kentuckian) online don't make assumptions. You don't have to agree, but give a listen. There might be something in there you can agree with.

I'm always on, always connected.

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 01:50:00 +0000

We asked for it, and now we have it. A constant connection to the rest of the world. I write to you now on a small Palm handheld that connects via Wi-fi. Likely when I am too far from this type of connection, I am probably in my truck and my handheld becomes my GPS unit.
If I'm not at home, or in my truck, or even at the local Panera bread, I am at work. At work is where I would be connected to the server for e-mail, printing and copying, and yes, the internet.
There are very few places in which I would not be connected. I always have my cell phone with me (attached at the hip no doubt), the handy GPS, and the little Palm. Somehow, some way, something of mine is communicating with a satellite orbitting our globe, and you know what, I love it!
Sure I'll need a vacation from all this someday, but I could never complain about it. It keeps us all together and makes the world so much smaller. I can pay my bills quicker, say HI to my sis in Michigan for free. I can even write to my silly blog laying in bed in the dark with a handheld and a stylus. (Hey at least I'm using handwriting...so old school). Although it seems like you just can't get away, this is what we wanted. This was meant to make life easier. And it has to a point. When you are working two jobs to pay for all this technology then you might want to step back some. If your life is more complicated because of it, then you might want to shut something off.
Me? I will likely be the first guinea pig for an all-in-one 1Tbit, always connected brain chip, but for others the only escape will be somewhere in the locale of the Peruvian Andes.
Alas, this is what we thought we wanted or even needed. And there is so much yet untapped. While we learn all this new gadgetry, we should always remember one important thing; how to turn it all off.

Why I'm Not "With Fred" Anymore...

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 15:51:00 +0000

I'm a Republican, it took me a long time to figure out that was what I am, but I yam what I yam. Why? It is my personal belief that a human fetus in the womb is alive, and once a Man and Woman has created this human, they need to take responsibility for this human. Not destroy it. Democrats don't seem to understand that. I am a big believer of personal responsibility. It is not the government's job to take care of me and make sure that I am safe. Neither Democrats or the majority of Republicans understand that either. It is my job to take care of me and my children. The bigger the government is, the less freedom I have.

Before the last election I was exasperated with the current administration, and I do not adhere to the standard beliefs of Democrats, so I was looking for an alternative party to follow. The closest I had was Libertarian. I wasn't, however, ready to bite that bullet just yet. There was many things that Libertarian's must follow that I cannot swallow. Since they believe in following the Constitution to the letter, they, of course, believe in upholding the woman's right to have an abortion. Something I am clearly against. I, of course, would never go up to a woman and tell her she can't do it. As it stands, it is within her legal right. End of story. No debate. I don't HAVE to be pro-choice though (it is about personal responsibility folks, remember?).

So back to why I'm not "With Fred". I should have never been "With Fred" in the first place. He is just another one of those Republican bullies that just crawl under my skin. I'm tired of the war that is killing our soldiers, I'm tired of the boycott on Cuba, I'm tired of American military posts in other countries not our own. Why are they there? How many foreign countries have military posts in our country? Hmmm.. lemme see... NONE.

The world is not our enemy and I'm tired of those bully politicians making me think that it is.

So that is why I'm still going to vote Republican IF it is Ron Paul runnin'.

Update: Here's some links if you are new to Ron Paul...
Ron Paul on MySpace
Ron Paul on YouTube
Ron Paul Meetup Groups (that is how I found out about him)
And his campaign site http://www.ronpaul2008.com

My Favorite Photo Collage

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 17:54:00 +0000

I have just tons of photos on my PC. Some are duplicates of duplicates of duplicates. It is insane. I was playing with Picasa and I discovered the collage setting. So I picked a bunch of my favorites and ran with it. Tons of fun. So here is the pic I created.

Hi Ho Hi Ho Its Off To Work I Go

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 22:42:00 +0000

I think I like my job. No seriously, I THINK I do. The problem is, I worry too much. I haven't been fully trained on all the equipment I use, yet I have been put into the job with some expectations of already knowing how to do it. They know I've never used the type of software we're using, and they did give a 2 hour training course on it, but nothing we're doing NOW has anything to do with what I have learned so far.

The fog is slowly lifting and they are planning additional training for me, but it has been a little tense on my part. Everyone else seems to be letting it all roll off their back like it is no big deal. I just know, though, that if I did that, it would bite me in the ass hard.

As a whole though, I do like my job. I enjoy the environment. It is a two person team and my teammate is a pretty cool guy. He's my supervisor, yet not completely my boss, which is fine because it allows for some comradery with the needed professional behavior. We can joke and kid around and still get the job done appropriately. I like that. I'm a lot older than he is, but he is quite qualified for his position and I respect that.

The hours are awesome since I'm not much of an early riser, but I don't like working late either. I call it a happy medium which is 9-6 M-F. Is that not awesome? Yeah, I like it. My only gripe is that all the parking spots are gone by the time I get in. It is a tough, but fit, sacrifice I have to make :-P.

So, it has been nearly 3 weeks. I'm still there and I don't plan on leaving. I hope they will continue to put up with me.

She Got Hitched Without A Hitch

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:13:00 +0000

My sister got married on Saturday and everything went so perfectly well. What a great day it was and I am so extremely happy for her. Me and my son David traveled up to Michigan on Friday, picked up my daughter Stephani that night and stayed at the motel that my sister Geri works at. The kids only stayed with me on Friday night since they plan to spend the summer with their Dad. Well, Stephani lives with him, but she decided she didn't want to spend the summer with me in Kentucky because "she hates Kentucky" (she has issues).

So, after an awesome Star Wars marathon on HBO Friday night, we got up Saturday morning to start the big day. First on the agenda was to get my son's hair cut. His hair was past his shoulders, now, well... it is still touching his shoulders. He didn't want to get it cut short. I felt like I wasted $18, but that is another story. Next, pick up some cheap $5 pizzas at Little Caesar's because it will be a while before we eat at the reception.

Then on to my sister Kim's house to help her get into her wedding gown. I was lucky to be chosen as the one to help out. And that is not sarcastic, I really felt special to have an important role like that. Me and Stephani helped Kim into her gown and she was just beautiful. After that was finished we had to go to the reception hall for photos.

It is now 3pm and we're getting Wedding party and family photos taken outdoors of the reception hall, and then more individual family photos indoors along with the wedding couple getting photos at their table and such. The reception hall was decorated just beautiful. Photos went real well, but our Mom who has Alzheimer's was a little hard to get into the shots. I believe the photographer was very professional though and did a great job. By the way, my Mom looked real good and my Dad was real handsome in his tux.

After photos it was time to move on to the wedding chapel. The wedding ceremony was scheduled for 5:30 and we got there by 5. Easy cheesy. The chapel was just the cutest thing ever. It was small, but only a few were invited to the wedding, the rest were invited to the reception. We had a few giggles before the ceremony began because Mom was cussin' like the dickens! My Aunt Penny was doing the cross-over the chest thing and she isn't Catholic. We just didn't want to get struck by lightning. Except for the littlest kids getting restless, the ceremony itself went very well. The couple was just beautiful and it was very sweet.

After the wedding some family decorated their truck and my Aunts followed them back to the reception hall honking all the way. They had quite a bit a fun with it.

A lot of family showed for the reception but some were noticeably missing. A few had to work and some had scheduled some vacations of their own. Since the wedding was somewhat short notice it is understandable. All the same, it was awesome seeing family I hadn't seen in years.

I was thrilled to see my Grandpa, of course. And then my Aunts who I just adore. They are the best Aunts a girl could ask for. Aunt Penny, Cindy and Bev, I love ya'. Aunt Penny helped Kim out so much that when Kim did the toast at the reception and thanked Aunt Penny we all started crying. See, Aunt Penny filled a void because of our Mom's illness. Saying she is great just doesn't do her justice. She's more than spectacular. Aunt Cindy held the bridal shower and Aunt Bev made all the flowers, bouquets and boutonnières. How cool is that?

All in all, the whole day was just perfect. It only rained for about 5 minutes while we were inside the hall doing photos. After that, perfect. When they came out of the chapel we blew bubbles and had tons of photo opportunities of our own. The sun was shining and all my photos came out so perfect. I love them! I'll be sure to post some of my faves.

So congrats to Kim and Mike, I love you both.

Hold the Phone!

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Thu, 24 May 2007 23:58:00 +0000

Perhaps I don't have to lower my expectations when it comes to employment and my qualifications. I have interviewed and been offered another job! Oh glorious of days this is and it isn't even my birthday.. yet. Matter of fact, my first day will be the day after my birthday.

Now I'll have to go back to the retailer in which I just had orientation with and let them know that I can't work with them. I feel bad, of course, but this is the way of things. The new opportunity gives me much better pay and much better opportunities for the future and much better environment that I would feel comfortable in. Who can argue with all those much-betters?

Well, I'm just completely and utterly excited. Called my sister, called my husband at work, now I'm posting in my blog. I'm not useless! I have qualifications! I can get a job!

Life is grand.

Back To Work

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Tue, 22 May 2007 15:15:00 +0000

For the past 6 months I have been putting in applications left and right. At first I thought I would have a job in no time. Easy cheesy. Then I realized that after being a SAHM (stay at home mom) for so long, the years of experience I had once had mean absolutely nothing.

First, it was an interview with a major game trading store (name withheld, but we know there is only one major company). I interviewed with one district manager, and the store openings they had were too far of a drive for me. So he recommended I interview in another district that was opening a store near my home town. So two months before the store even opened, I interviewed with its district manager. The interview went great, I thought I was a shoe-in.

A month plus goes by and I called the DM to inquire about the job, she asked that I meet with the store manager for another interview. I did, and the interview didn't go so well. No fault of my own, I must say. The guy had no experience interviewing anybody and he didn't have my resume or application in hand. He fumbled for questions to ask and I fought hard not to take control of the interview myself. It was a disaster and as I was leaving, when they said they would call me, I knew I had lost the opportunity forever. I was more than disappointed.

So I moved on and lowered my expectations ten fold. I applied at the local grocery store. Yeah, another major chain name withheld. I had an interview last week, went well, did the drug test stuff and all that jazz. I received a call this morning and I start orientation tomorrow. The pay is weak and the hours part-time. But it is a new beginning that I will have to build upon. I'll keep searching, keep putting in applications and keep putting in my resumes. I don't want to settle with something I know I will hate. Wish me luck.

Cleaning What??

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Sun, 06 May 2007 17:22:00 +0000

So it is 'seis de Mayo' and the so called spring cleaning may have gotten done then, but the house is still a mess! Now there is a hole in my bedroom wall where the bath plumbing is, but nothing has been fixed. Our lawn looks like the Congo. I keep waiting for a wild animal to give chase and lunge for my neck. I did, however, manage to plant 10 Colorado Blue Spruce in the yard. We'll see how that goes. Since you can't find them right now, they may get chopped down before their first branch. I did buy them some small fencing to protect them, but guess what? That is right! Ding ding ding! I am procrastinating about putting them out. I saw a small snake while planting them and ever since I've been paranoid. Going to get the boy to help me today :-).

And! Our kitchen sink has a major leak. We bought the sink a few months ago, and he's had a new faucet for it for well over a year now.. maybe even two. Is that just terrible!? Goodness gracious.

Well, at least the family is well, the dog is healthy and we're all happy. Just, man!, can we get one thing done? Grrrrrr

Spring Cleaning Bulk Finished

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 22:55:00 +0000

Believe it or not, Miss Procrastination has finished what she planned to do for the inside Spring cleaning. I can say with confidence that I am finished because I never planned to do everything else that should have been done. Since I didn't plan it, then I'm safe.

I did get that dreaded bedroom corner cleaned out. I had to do that though. That corner wall shares the wall with the bathroom with the plumbing running between. Since we have to replace the bathtub fixtures, we'll have to cut into the wall from the bedroom side. I can't wait until that whole project is finished, but I've done my part of it. Wow, what a mess that was. We're talking years and years of buildup. I found journals that belonged to my husband's mother back when he was just 7 years old.

That was my Spring cleaning project. Now I'll have to make plans for summer. I bought some pruning tools for the trees and shrubs in the yard. Yeah, we'll see how that works out. My biggest reason for wanting to do it is because I have a brand spanking new 2007 Silverado, and I don't want the tree limbs over the driveway scratching it. I'm so selfish :-).

I wonder if we'll mow the lawn this summer. Hahahaha... I know, everyone mows their lawn, but man oh man do we procrastinate on that. Terry has a lawnmower older than man and he may decide to buy a new one this year. I won't hold my breath, but my gosh I hope so. This old one is dangerous just to stand next to when it isn't running! I'd love to have a yard to be proud of, but that might get put off another year. Oh it will get mowed no matter what, just not as often as I would like.

C'est la vie.

It's Spring! (in the northern hemisphere anyways)

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 17:49:00 +0000

The first day of spring and there isn't a cloud in the sky. It will be over 70 degrees today and just perfect.

I have so much to do around the house and I just have to procrastinate one more day. I just can't imagine doing dishes, cleaning out the corner of my bedroom or even doing any laundry today. It is just too perfect of a day. I want to go out driving with my windows down. That is what I want to do.

What I will actually do is sit here, typing away on the keyboard and clicking away on the mouse. Surf the net until there is nothing more to search for. Basically, waste my entire day doing this kind of crap. Sad really.

... and back again with a wedding to boot.

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 18:47:00 +0000

I suppose Gatlinburg was such an experience that we had to go back. Instead we stayed in Pigeon Forge/Sevierville and not once saw Gatlinburg as we took the by-pass to get to the Smoky Mountain National Park. But I digress.. where we were at is not the issue at hand, it is what we did while we were there. And that is... WE GOT HITCHED!

I know, I know... I am so sorry to disappoint all the men out there on the net, but I am now a married woman.. (AGAIN) and can no longer impose myself as available without fraud (who really talks like that?).

Anyhew... we found us a nice cabin (Hearthside Rentals!!! Highly recommended) with a jacuzzi, hot tub, pool table and fireplace and cozied up for a 7 night stay. We were married on the Monday of our stay by Reverend Bill and he was just the nicest man you could ever meet. It was simplicity at its best and the most relaxing vacation I have ever had. It really tore us up to leave. And now it is business as usual for at least another year. We can't wait to get back and celebrate our anniversary which is (EDIT: whenever Terry says it is....).

Smoky Mountain Getaway

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 18:46:00 +0000

We had to decide at the last minute how to spend a week vacation. I tried to plan something of a dream vacation for my boyfriend Terry, but there just wasn't enough time to get all that traveling in. So, instead, we decided on something that I haven't done and that is gone to the Great Smoky Mountains.

I have driven by or near them on my way to Bristol to see a race, but I had never really gone into them. Our first place to stay was at the Rocky Water Motor Inn in Gatlinburg. At the entrance of town, it was a bit quieter than the others I imagine, but still so close to traffic you really couldn't enjoy the sounds of the bubbling creek flowing just under our balcony. We did, however, enjoy the stay there very much. We had a fireplace and the evening cooled off good enough to actually make use of it. It was very cozy and a nice treat.

We did walk the streets of Gatlinburg, and a lot of walking it was. We were on one end of town and the good dining hot spots were on the other. We had a hard time finding our first restaurant, The Peddler, and we made a couple of trips back and forth on the main drag before we realized it was on another street parallel to where we were walking. It was then decided that if the food wasn't good we would have to burn the place down. LUCKY for them it was absolutely delicious and worth every step and penny.

The next day we went to Ripley's Aquarium and it was so much fun. I had never been to an aquarium before so it was a real treat for me. I very much enjoyed the underwater tunnel going through what is coined as the largest tank in the world (who's going to contest?). The sharks were just amazing as were the stingrays. The pirate display was also a fun learning experience. I can imagine all the kids were just having a blast there and I felt like quite the youngin' myself.

Our third day we checked out of the Inn and made our way through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The views are just amazing! We had a cloudy day, but watching the low-lying fog roll its way down the mountainsides was so beautiful and spectacular. I couldn't get enough of it on film. It is so sad that a camera just cannot do it justice. You really must see to believe.

We stopped at a quaint little farm just outside the park, and for the life of me I can't remember what it is called, but it basically told a story on what life was like living in the rustic mountains a century and more ago. After Terry left his territorial mark in the barn and I got chased by a rooster, we made our way through the Blue Ridge Parkway. There was some great lookouts there and quite a workout for Terry's truck. We began to wonder if it would make it. It is kind of a long story. The truck is actually quite fine, but it was a gasoline slach cleaning mixture that caused quite a bit of hesitation in little Red. We made it though! And alas, we were in North Carolina on our way to Ashville and the Biltmore Estate.

We first found a room in Ashville before we went to investigate the cost of mosying through the estate. Wow! 50 bucks a piece to walk through a really rich guys house. I had always thought it belonged to the state of North Caroline, but actually it is still owned by the Vanderbilt family. So they are making a pretty penny on ole granddads master planning. We decided that for that much money we will make a full day of it and bought tickets for the next day.

Terry had already seen the house before, but it had been a while for him and some things he didn't remember, but some he did and those things were also the same things that really stood out for me. One was the trophy room with all the hunting trophies, plus images, of all different kinds of animals found in the area and around the world. Quite the spectacle and likely something very interesting for those who enjoy the hunt. The next thing that really stood out for me was the library. The spiral staircase that led to the library's second floor was so awesome, and the fireplaces in this house you could make into an average person's bedroom they were so huge. I was impressed with the staff's quarters as it seemed they had a comfortable existence compared with the average joe and jane of their time. I do have to say though that some staff members had more comfortable quarters than others. There was quite a difference between the upstairs staff rooms and the basement staff rooms.

Speaking of basement. The indoor swimming pool was spectacular. Modern pools such as the one at my motel could not compare to this one. So incredible. You just imagine the men and women in their striped swimwear and caps diving off the hardwood balcony made for the deep end of the pool. When you consider when it was built, the indoor plumbing of this house is really ahead of its time.

We visited the winery and I got to enjoy some wine tasting. Terry stood back and declined some grape juice. He says it makes him feel like a kid when he is asked if he'd like some, but I say they are just being polite. Besides, I like grape juice better anyways, just doesn't give you the buzz you enjoy from wine. Hey, I'm a plain jane and prefer my wine sweet, cold and over ice if need be. I miss wine coolers. LOL

After our day at Biltmore, we went up to Black Mountain and spent the night. I thought it would be more interesting than it was and we didn't linger there once we woke up Friday morning, our vacation day. So we headed on home using a scenic route through the Cumberland Gap. Some spots weren't so scenic, like the folks that decided to put two school buses together and make it a house, but then there were some spots, like the lake between two mountains that just take your breath away.

It was a rough ride home though. Once we got into Kentucky and back onto I-75, all hell broke lose. First, we had a flat going 75 in the fast lane. Fortunately we were able to park on some paved area where there was construction going on so no worries about getting hit by a car. Then, second, we had another flat tire! We had one last spare and it was time to cross our fingers at that point. The second flat happened again in the fast lane, going 85 while Terry was on the cell phone and there was no where to go but up against a concrete wall. Needless to say, I was a freak at that point and about close to tears. A state trooper pulled up to help keep traffic off of us while Terry changed this one (in record time I might add) and we were on our way again. I was more paranoid than ever and yelped everytime he got over 60mph. I just wanted to get home in one piece and the rain wasn't helping either.

We stopped in Lexington and had dinner at Outback. Gathered our wits and made our way home. The last lag was quite simple, easy, clear and hazard free. We made it home safe and in one piece.

All in all, it was a great time. It was the end that almost did us in. Careful planning for next time will really make the vacation run a lot smoother. I'm already planning the next getaway for us and it won't be likely for another year. You really can't plan too far ahead.

New Sample Logos Created

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 18:45:00 +0000

I've created a couple more sample logos for businesses in the automotive and pet industries. You can check them out at the Net Petal logo samples page. I keep all sample logos in basic black and white (for the most part) because I believe colors are dependent on the business and the person(s) who own it. I just like to draw things up to use as building blocks towards an unique logo exclusive to your business.

Call Miss Dig!

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 18:44:00 +0000

It is simple folks; In the front of your friendly local yellow/white pages is a number you are supposed to call before you dig. Anything. Unfortunately our local water company, who should really know better, failed to do so and I was without phone and internet service for a day and a half. Very short time in the whole realm of life, but, if it is all the same, I'd rather decide when not to use these services than some guy with a beer belly on a bobcat. Know whatta mean?

Obviously, all is well now and I am back online. Yay!

New Blog Smell

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Joyce) — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 18:40:00 +0000

Ahhhhh, there is nothing like the smell of a new blog. Crisp, clean and full of optimism. I have great intentions on using this blog to update everyone on my newest web brochure and logo designs, latest deals on domains and hosting and just ordinary blah that I like to type about.

Since this is my first blog entry, I will introduce myself. My name, well, if you can't tell, it is Jamie. I enjoy building web pages more than anything. I spend most of my time thinking of ideas for websites. When I finally began to get thin on new ideas for my own sites, I decided to offer my experience to others who desire web pages as well. Primarily small businesses, but others that might find a custom 'web brochure' would be non-profit groups, religious organizations, fan clubs/groups and hobbyists. I say web brochure because I, as an individual, create custom pages/templates consisting of 1 to 10 pages of uniqueness for your business, but if you desire more, such as a shopping cart, ssl certificates, etc. then you should check out my Hosting/Domain service Net Petal. It has all that fun stuff to get you going online.