Itty Bitty Hooves

Are You Secure?

Well, it finally happened. The friend I have that has been in and out of court fighting the foreclosure finally lost after a 2 year battle. It was a brave fight I suppose although I have to admit I didn’t agree with it, they knew they hadn’t paid their mortgage, and they knew they deserved to lose. Of course they justified their actions a million ways from Sunday, even to the extent that the particular mortgage company they were in battle with was well known for its own deceptive practices… well, yeah, but that does not make their actions right just because the company did things wrong with other people. Well, they lost, finally. Justice does prevail.

I know that may seem mean of me, but really, how should it make someone who pays their mortgage every month–and believe me, it’s not easy, who doesn’t dream of what life would be like if they didn’t have that huge albatross around their neck every month? It’s not right that someone should skate free by some legal loophole which is what they were attempting to do. They KNEW when they signed the papers for the loan that they couldn’t afford it, they KNEW that the deal ‘wasn’t in their best interest’ (to say the least)… they signed ANYWAY. I’m sorry, I do care about my friend, and I don’t wish bad on them, or anyone, but come on people… think before you sign. Just because you WANT something (loans) doesn’t make it a good IDEA.

If you are looking into getting secured loans, check them out good, and know what you are getting into, you could lose that piece of property, or item you are using to secure the loan if you don’t. It’s not a joke! You really can lose everything you have worked for.

For smaller amounts that you want to use for things like maybe a much needed vacation, personal loans can be a better option because they’re not usually secured by big ticket items–but still, BE CAREFUL. Research the company, study the contract, don’t be pressured into signing something at the last minute. Make sure you really understand it, and if possible have your own legal representative explain it to you, the loan officer for the lending bank can be a good source of explanation, but they have THEIR interests at heart when they are telling you about the loan, remember that.

Your financial security is what you make of it, and how seriously you take it can make a big difference in how your life turns out as far as security is concerned.

How Do They Do It?

SPAMMERS! Ugh. I get so tired of moderating the comments on all of the web blogs, but this one gets hit the most. What is it? How do they do it? It’s generic and you know they’re doing thousands at a time, not one then another, it’s annoying. I keep most of them from ever appearing on the blog by having them put in moderation–sorry for anyone who actually wants to comment, but it’s the price to keep all that spam from ever actually showing up on the blog itself. Still it takes me a half hour to get rid of the junk. It wouldn’t take so long except that I can’t bring myself to do it more than once a week. They must be making money on it, or they wouldn’t bother, but you’d think by now people have become jaded to the links they see like that. I know I do. I certainly don’t bother with them either on blogs or in emails. The email product I use now the most ‘gmail’ (yes, Google still makes great products) is great for their spam filter. I never see them in my actual box and a simple click gets rid of them in the spam folder as well. I wish it were that easy on here.

Ringing In the Twenty Fifth

Bob and I have been looking for a new set of wedding bands for a long time. Neither of ours fit anymore. Besides that, we’d like different styles than the ones we originally had. We’re both thinking that for our 25th anniversary next year it would be nice to find the perfect set. Now that I’m losing weight again, however, it may have to wait a little longer. I don’t want to find the perfect ring and have it not fit again, although going down in size with a ring is easier than going up.

Extra Income

There are lots of home based business for women but many of them limit their thinking to things like makeup and plastic ware. You have to think ‘out of the box’ sometimes to find extraordinary opprotunities. You have to look for the great deals in things that everyone wants, but not everyone is selling. Things like the great fashion jewelry you can sell from home, on line, at flea markets, and craft shows. The options are unlimited and you can do it on your own time, around your own schedule. If you love jewelry and need a little extra income, or a lot, it’s something to think about seriously.

New Furniture

Bob and I went ‘window shopping’ last night. We were walking through the department stores and oogling home furniture. There were some awesome easy chairs. He has a new one but I need a nice new easy chair. Mine is really old, and was second hand when I got it. It’s as comfortable as can be, but showing it’s age, and beginning to creak, and act it as well, so it’s time to look around. We also saw some terrific new breakfast sets. That’s something else I really want to get. Now that the kids are gone the huge table we have just isn’t necessary and I’d like something more intimate for Bob and I. A nice round table with chairs would be perfect, and free up a lot of space in the kitchen, although it’s a pretty big kitchen, still it would make more room yet.

We didn’t buy anything although came close on the easy chair. I don’t want to jump into anything. Furniture has to last a long time with us, and be what we REALLY like, not just ‘okay’. So I’ll keep looking a bit.

Not Smart, but Cute

Oh my goodness this morning I got woke up to a loud raucus racket outside. I thought my daughter had come by with the grandkids and one of them had broken a leg, or arm, it sounded like a child bawling and crying. I ran to look out the window and saw it was one of my Nubian baby goats ‘caught’ in the fence and struggling so I ran outside. Turns out the silly thing wasn’t stuck in the real sense. She ‘thought’ she was stuck. Her head was free but she had her horns hooked through the fence, and instead of putting her head down and pulling them out, she kept lifting ‘up’ and to her, it seemed like she was stuck, and she was bawling to beat the band. Goofy goat. I went in and made her put her head down and she came right out. Looked up at me like, hey, I wasn’t REALLY stuck. Yeah, no kidding, stupid goat. And they say goats are smart… yeah, sure–but they are cute.

In The End

Being on the diet I’m on now, and knowing that in the end there will probably be lots of things to deal with as a consequence, like a lot of excess skin, I’ve thought a lot about plastic surgery. I have time to save up for it because it will take awhile to get to where I want to, need to be, and it’s important to loose the weight first before trying to surgically get rid of the skin, so I’ve been checking out a lot of information on surgery costs, benefits, effects, and such everywhere I can.

Cosmetic Surgery has become quite mainstream now thanks to all the reality tv shows about it. You can learn a lot just like that, but sites like MYA help tremendously because they answer important questions from experienced surgeons. In the end, cosmetic surgery is not just about vanity either, it’s about mental and physical well-being.

Aggravated and Agitated

It’s been a long day. First I got ripped off royaly. It was my own fault. I didn’t follow my own advice. Never pay someone to tell you what they are offering, even if it seems like a good job prospect. If you have to pay for it - THAT’S how they’re making their money. I’m tired too, and well a woman so this particular time of the month is not a good one for me, everything aggravates me. A friend of mine gave me a hard time last night, and what might have been passed off as just one of those things made me more angry than it should have. What do you do at times like that? Not much I suppose. I told my daughter this morning when she called me crying over something that really was nothing at all–you have to learn to laugh.

Moonlight Beauties

Getting a new dog, whether you want to show or not, is a huge step, and comes with a lot of worries over if the breeder is reputable, or not. It is if you know enough about dogs to know that just because an animal is ‘purebred’ does not mean it’s WELL bred. If care hasn’t been taken in producing the best quality animal, you really never know what you are going to be in for in terms of health, and temperment. Each breed has its own temperment, but you want to be sure to get the best that each breed offers when you select a particular one. I have always loved Miniature Schnauzer puppies. My dad had a Miniature Schnauzer when I was growing up and I thought she was just terrific. She was a shining example of the best that breed had to offer. Now that my aged dog is getting on, I’m thinking more and more about the dog that I’d like to have in my life when the end comes for her. I could get one now but I think it would be a bit much for her to take. She’s the nervous and shy type and a yapping, playful puppy might send her over the edge. I have had large breeds for years now, but when it comes right down to it, I think the Miniature Schnauzer will be the perfect choice for me when the time comes. I need a loving lap dog with just enough energy to enjoy long walks, and playtimes too.

What’s really great about Moonlight Kennels and their yorkies and min schauzers is that they breed for TRUE quality. They show, and have a successful show record with their dogs and also pay strict attention to the many possible health problems that can crop up in their breeds. These are things all breeders SHOULD think about, but do not always. The health problems themselves are not the fault of the breeders, they happen, but if the breeder isn’t diligent about keeping their lines clean of them, then that IS their fault.

Moonlight Kennels has a terrific website that highlights their animals and the pride they take in them, AND also is packed full of wonderful information on health related issues that are relevant to their breeds so that you, the prospective owner can be informed and know what to look for and look out for as well.

Here is a picture of one of their awesome Miniature Schnauzer winners:

Isn’t that stunning? What a beauty. I adore that coloration too. It’s my favorite of all the schnauzer colors. Yep, I’ve definately made up my mind, this is one link in my favorites I will be keeping track of for the very near future.

20 Minutes!

Okay, I’ve always known the diet ‘tip’ about eating slowly. Taking the time to really digest the food and even realize you’re eating it. It always made sense, but I just read something that really floored me–an important reason for eating very slowly at meal time, even putting your fork down between bites, is that it takes the stomach TWENTY MINUTES to know it is full. I’m not sure what that says about our stomaches, lol, kind of slow I guess… downright stupid, but at the same time, it makes even more sense to really take your time eating. I’m not sure what part of our survival instincts are brought into play with that delayed realization, it must have served some purpose at some point in time but it sure isn’t necessary any longer.

Chew slow and lose weight. LOL