The Original Wisdom of Jen

My plea to Barack Obama

2008-07-01T21:33:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I think our personal views and ideas get in the way of our professional obligations and duties.

While I believe that everyone is entitled to practice the faith of their choice as long as it harms no one else… I don’t think that any religion should be supported by the government.

I have a huge concern over any politician… and I hate to say that I now have to include Barack Obama in that disappointing group… wanting to use government money to support religious charities and organizations. We are asking for more internal problems then our country already has… and I have to ask, do we really need anymore problems?

If we are looking for ways to improve our country and where to we should allocate government funds… let’s focus on making our country self sufficient and make sure that our people have every opportunity to take the first few steps to achieving the American dream.

Let’s make sure that our children have excellent schools that are equipped with quality teachers and programs of excellence and this includes sports, music and art.

Lets start drilling here in America and produce more of our own oil so that families don’t have to chose between fueling their car, heating their home or feeding their children.

Our government should be supporting programs that will help anyone that walks through the doors… it shouldn’t be tied to who or what you worship and how you do it.

I understand that our money is labeled “In God We Trust,” that is fine… I understand that when pledge allegiance to the United States that we say “one nation under God…” I don’t have a problem with that. But our government dollars can be better spent in so many other ways.

If you are going to fund religious based organizations then I suggest you set up a fund, 5% of the money the government has and split it evenly amongst every religious organization and charity there is in the US. Not just the organizations that are tied to your religious beliefs.

Don’t let your obligation to the country be confused with what you feel your obligations to your religion and faith are. Remember that there is suppose to be a separation of church and state… that it part of what is suppose to make America such a wonderful place to live.

I have another plea to Barack Obama… I understand the need to bridge the gap between democrats and republicans and the need to bring as many voters your way as possible… but don’t become like every other politician that gets up there and says or promises what ever it will take to gain more voters. The people that have supported you so far supported you because of what you stood for… something new… something positive… someone that was going to make change a reality. Stick to who you are… what it is you really stand for… what it is you have said.

Let Down By the Supreme Court Again

2008-06-25T13:24:00.001-05:00

I wish that I could sit here today and say to the masses that our justice system has done us proud… but if you have read the news on the net or heard it on your local news channels, our justice system has yet again let us down.

The Supreme Court in all their wise thinking decided against the death penalty in cases of child rape.

There are currently five states that have the death penalty as punishment for rape of a child. Those five states are Louisiana (which is the state that is currently under fire) and Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas. According to Justice Anthony Kennedy “the death penalty is not a proportional punishment for the rape of a child.”

WHAT!!!! A rapist takes away the innocence of a child, damages them for the rest of their life and that is not punishable by death?! We will sentence a person that is guilty of treason or espionage to death, but not someone that steals so much more from a child!

As far as I am concerned death is not harsh enough for these people. Instead we send them to prison where they get three meals a day, enjoy cable television, a roof over their heads and clothes on their backs all paid for by you, me and the parents of that child.

So what the Supreme Court is basically saying is that for all of those parents that have children who have been raped by a beast, and I am sorry but people who hurt children are beasts, should have to pay for that beast to be kept alive for years because the Supreme Court doesn’t feel that what the beast did was proportional enough to punish them with the death penalty.

How do you like that? Not only do parents get to work through the trauma with their child, pay for counseling and try to repair what was taken away from their child… they also get to pay for the beast to live on their tax dollars.

I say that it’s time that the United States Supreme Court wakes up. If we really wanted to end crime in this country we would have harsher punishments. Instead we want to rehabilitate and give second and third chances. I ask you, what second chance does a raped child have? Do they get to go on with their life not bothered by what happened to them? Do they have the same enjoyment of life? NO, so tell me why the person that raped them gets to.

Please, America do you honestly believe that child rapists sit in prison and feel bad for what they did? Do you think they cry at night… that they are afraid to be alone… that they are unable to trust people… are they tortured day after day reliving what they did. No the sick beasts lay there at night and think about what they did and how much fun they had. Really, we want to rehabilitate those people? Can a person like that be rehabilitated? Sure, there is the rarity… there is that one person in a hundred that might change their ways, have remorse for what they did and never do it again.

Former State Representative and author of the Louisiana law, Pete Schneider said that even opponents of the death penalty told him they would kill anyone who raped their children. "When are you going to have the courage to stand up for what's right for all of the people — but especially the children under 12 that have been brutally raped by monsters?" Schneider said, directing his comments to the justices in Wednesday's majority.

The decision by our so called “high court” leaves Patrick Kennedy’s conviction in place, but there will be new sentencing. I have a suggestion, seeing as how the Supreme Court doesn’t want to do what is right. His punishment should be that for everyday he is in prison he is brutalized and raped like his 8 year old step daughter… and his sentence should last for at least the next 50 years. That might come close to being proportional for what he did.
The case is Kennedy v. Louisiana, 07-343.

Hektor, here we go again

2008-03-27T09:49:00.002-05:00

No Hektor, I wanted to be on level playing field with you, hence the lack of spell check for that post.

I live in the real world... Maybe you should step into it…

I find it hard to believe that such an educated person as yourself, would think that association with someone that has conflicting views from yours, means that those conflicting view points are then your own then as well. Based on your posts, you are obviously not a free thinking individual, but rather one that lets his mouth run off without the brain being engaged.

I don’t understand how you can look at the history of our country and not understand why people feel the way they do over issues of race and equality. Talk about living with your head in the sand… perhaps you missed US History in high school… oh wait, you were probably one of those people that I would argue with in US History, you were probably one of the people that thought the riots were insane, that the black community should’ve tried to resolve things peacefully… THEY TRIED THAT!!! It got them no where.

Unfortunately people do not want to step outside their own make believe worlds and see how it is for the person down the road, or across the street. Generally speaking the majority of people, such as yourself, would rather sit and cast accusations, call names, avoid the issues and say that any proof or argument against your rose colored vision is pointless.

What was the last thing you did to help this country?

What programs have you started to help the people around you that need help?

When was the last time you saw someone in trouble and DIDN'T think “Oh they must deserve it?”

Based on what you are saying… you must never have traveled anywhere…as that it would mean that you have become a chameleon and are never your true self...

I would also like to know what you know about the Muslim faith? Have you read the Koran… do you actually know what it says? I have to stop here because I would be willing to bet you have never even read the Bible… sure you have heard passages quoted and referenced, but I doubt that you have actually read the entire book.

I have read the Koran… and I have read the Bible… the Torah…(which incase you didn’t know is the old testament)… I have also studied Buddhism and Hinduism… I have read numerous books on Paganism… Wicca…

Yes actually read them, I know what they say… I know what the beliefs and practices of those followers are…

There are extremist in everything Hektor… extremist take a part of something and exaggerate it to the point that it really has nothing to do with what it was taken from and then they claim that it is in the name of God… Christians have done that for really long time…maybe you didn’t learn about the Holy Crusades… the persecution of innocent people that would not walk away from their own faith to become a Christian… Oh and another leader that persecuted people based on faith, Hitler!

Next time… study before you post. I have no problem debating with you… but atleast come to the field with an educated argument.

The Wisest Words to Share

2008-03-18T23:20:00.001-05:00

"I must learn to love the fool in me - the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries. It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom i also harbor and who would rob me of human aliveness, humility, and dignity but for my fool." -Theodore I Rubin, MD

Barack Obama's Speech on Unity in America

2008-03-18T20:54:00.004-05:00

The purpose here to print the speech given by Barack Obama on the issue of race and politics. I want to post it here, because I want the words to be read... the meaning understood. Also because there is going to be some less then intelligent person wanting to say that "Obama said...." when that was not what he said at all.

So please, take the time... read his speech... think about what he is saying. Understand that he is exactly what this country needs.

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Remarks of Senator Barack Obama: 'A More Perfect Union'Philadelphia, PA
March 18, 2008
As Prepared for Delivery

"We the people, in order to form a more perfect union." Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America's improbable experiment in democracy. Farmers and scholars; statesmen and patriots who had traveled across an ocean to escape tyranny and persecution finally made real their declaration of independence at a Philadelphia convention that lasted through the spring of 1787.

The document they produced was eventually signed but ultimately unfinished. It was stained by this nation's original sin of slavery, a question that divided the colonies and brought the convention to a stalemate until the founders chose to allow the slave trade to continue for at least twenty more years, and to leave any final resolution to future generations.

Of course, the answer to the slavery question was already embedded within our Constitution - a Constitution that had at its very core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law; a Constitution that promised its people liberty, and justice, and a union that could be and should be perfected over time.

And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part - through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk - to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time.

This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign - to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America. I chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together - unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction - towards a better future for our children and our grandchildren.

This belief comes from my unyielding faith in the decency and generosity of the American people. But it also comes from my own American story.

I am the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas. I was raised with the help of a white grandfather who survived a Depression to serve in Patton's Army during World War II and a white grandmother who worked on a bomber assembly line at Fort Leavenworth while he was overseas. I've gone to some of the best schools in America and lived in one of the world's poorest nations. I am married to a black American who carries within her the blood of slaves and slaveowners - an inheritance we pass on to our two precious daughters. I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents, and for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible.

It's a story that hasn't made me the most conventional candidate. But it is a story that has seared into my genetic makeup the idea that this nation is more than the sum of its parts - that out of many, we are truly one.

Throughout the first year of this campaign, against all predictions to the contrary, we saw how hungry the American people were for this message of unity. Despite the temptation to view my candidacy through a purely racial lens, we won commanding victories in states with some of the whitest populations in the country. In South Carolina, where the Confederate Flag still flies, we built a powerful coalition of African Americans and white Americans.

This is not to say that race has not been an issue in the campaign. At various stages in the campaign, some commentators have deemed me either "too black" or "not black enough." We saw racial tensions bubble to the surface during the week before the South Carolina primary. The press has scoured every exit poll for the latest evidence of racial polarization, not just in terms of white and black, but black and brown as well.

And yet, it has only been in the last couple of weeks that the discussion of race in this campaign has taken a particularly divisive turn.

On one end of the spectrum, we've heard the implication that my candidacy is somehow an exercise in affirmative action; that it's based solely on the desire of wide-eyed liberals to purchase racial reconciliation on the cheap. On the other end, we've heard my former pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, use incendiary language to express views that have the potential not only to widen the racial divide, but views that denigrate both the greatness and the goodness of our nation; that rightly offend white and black alike.

I have already condemned, in unequivocal terms, the statements of Reverend Wright that have caused such controversy. For some, nagging questions remain. Did I know him to be an occasionally fierce critic of American domestic and foreign policy? Of course. Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes. Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely - just as I'm sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests, or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed.

But the remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren't simply controversial. They weren't simply a religious leader's effort to speak out against perceived injustice. Instead, they expressed a profoundly distorted view of this country - a view that sees white racism as endemic, and that elevates what is wrong with America above all that we know is right with America; a view that sees the conflicts in the Middle East as rooted primarily in the actions of stalwart allies like Israel, instead of emanating from the perverse and hateful ideologies of radical Islam.

As such, Reverend Wright's comments were not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time when we need unity; racially charged at a time when we need to come together to solve a set of monumental problems - two wars, a terrorist threat, a falling economy, a chronic health care crisis and potentially devastating climate change; problems that are neither black or white or Latino or Asian, but rather problems that confront us all.

Given my background, my politics, and my professed values and ideals, there will no doubt be those for whom my statements of condemnation are not enough. Why associate myself with Reverend Wright in the first place, they may ask? Why not join another church? And I confess that if all that I knew of Reverend Wright were the snippets of those sermons that have run in an endless loop on the television and You Tube, or if Trinity United Church of Christ conformed to the caricatures being peddled by some commentators, there is no doubt that I would react in much the same way.

But the truth is, that isn't all that I know of the man. The man I met more than twenty years ago is a man who helped introduce me to my Christian faith, a man who spoke to me about our obligations to love one another; to care for the sick and lift up the poor. He is a man who served his country as a U.S. Marine; who has studied and lectured at some of the finest universities and seminaries in the country, and who for over thirty years led a church that serves the community by doing God's work here on Earth - by housing the homeless, ministering to the needy, providing day care services and scholarships and prison ministries, and reaching out to those suffering from HIV/AIDS.

In my first book, Dreams From My Father, I described the experience of my first service at Trinity:

"People began to shout, to rise from their seats and clap and cry out, a forceful wind carrying the reverend's voice up into the rafters....And in that single note - hope! - I heard something else; at the foot of that cross, inside the thousands of churches across the city, I imagined the stories of ordinary black people merging with the stories of David and Goliath, Moses and Pharaoh, the Christians in the lion's den, Ezekiel's field of dry bones. Those stories - of survival, and freedom, and hope - became our story, my story; the blood that had spilled was our blood, the tears our tears; until this black church, on this bright day, seemed once more a vessel carrying the story of a people into future generations and into a larger world. Our trials and triumphs became at once unique and universal, black and more than black; in chronicling our journey, the stories and songs gave us a means to reclaim memories that we didn't need to feel shame about...memories that all people might study and cherish - and with which we could start to rebuild."

That has been my experience at Trinity. Like other predominantly black churches across the country, Trinity embodies the black community in its entirety - the doctor and the welfare mom, the model student and the former gang-banger. Like other black churches, Trinity's services are full of raucous laughter and sometimes bawdy humor. They are full of dancing, clapping, screaming and shouting that may seem jarring to the untrained ear. The church contains in full the kindness and cruelty, the fierce intelligence and the shocking ignorance, the struggles and successes, the love and yes, the bitterness and bias that make up the black experience in America.

And this helps explain, perhaps, my relationship with Reverend Wright. As imperfect as he may be, he has been like family to me. He strengthened my faith, officiated my wedding, and baptized my children. Not once in my conversations with him have I heard him talk about any ethnic group in derogatory terms, or treat whites with whom he interacted with anything but courtesy and respect. He contains within him the contradictions - the good and the bad - of the community that he has served diligently for so many years.

I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother - a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe.

These people are a part of me. And they are a part of America, this country that I love.

Some will see this as an attempt to justify or excuse comments that are simply inexcusable. I can assure you it is not. I suppose the politically safe thing would be to move on from this episode and just hope that it fades into the woodwork. We can dismiss Reverend Wright as a crank or a demagogue, just as some have dismissed Geraldine Ferraro, in the aftermath of her recent statements, as harboring some deep-seated racial bias.

But race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now. We would be making the same mistake that Reverend Wright made in his offending sermons about America - to simplify and stereotype and amplify the negative to the point that it distorts reality.

The fact is that the comments that have been made and the issues that have surfaced over the last few weeks reflect the complexities of race in this country that we've never really worked through - a part of our union that we have yet to perfect. And if we walk away now, if we simply retreat into our respective corners, we will never be able to come together and solve challenges like health care, or education, or the need to find good jobs for every American.

Understanding this reality requires a reminder of how we arrived at this point. As William Faulkner once wrote, "The past isn't dead and buried. In fact, it isn't even past." We do not need to recite here the history of racial injustice in this country. But we do need to remind ourselves that so many of the disparities that exist in the African-American community today can be directly traced to inequalities passed on from an earlier generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow.

Segregated schools were, and are, inferior schools; we still haven't fixed them, fifty years after Brown v. Board of Education, and the inferior education they provided, then and now, helps explain the pervasive achievement gap between today's black and white students.

Legalized discrimination - where blacks were prevented, often through violence, from owning property, or loans were not granted to African-American business owners, or black homeowners could not access FHA mortgages, or blacks were excluded from unions, or the police force, or fire departments - meant that black families could not amass any meaningful wealth to bequeath to future generations. That history helps explain the wealth and income gap between black and white, and the concentrated pockets of poverty that persists in so many of today's urban and rural communities.

A lack of economic opportunity among black men, and the shame and frustration that came from not being able to provide for one's family, contributed to the erosion of black families - a problem that welfare policies for many years may have worsened. And the lack of basic services in so many urban black neighborhoods - parks for kids to play in, police walking the beat, regular garbage pick-up and building code enforcement - all helped create a cycle of violence, blight and neglect that continue to haunt us.

This is the reality in which Reverend Wright and other African-Americans of his generation grew up. They came of age in the late fifties and early sixties, a time when segregation was still the law of the land and opportunity was systematically constricted. What's remarkable is not how many failed in the face of discrimination, but rather how many men and women overcame the odds; how many were able to make a way out of no way for those like me who would come after them.

But for all those who scratched and clawed their way to get a piece of the American Dream, there were many who didn't make it - those who were ultimately defeated, in one way or another, by discrimination. That legacy of defeat was passed on to future generations - those young men and increasingly young women who we see standing on street corners or languishing in our prisons, without hope or prospects for the future. Even for those blacks who did make it, questions of race, and racism, continue to define their worldview in fundamental ways. For the men and women of Reverend Wright's generation, the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away; nor has the anger and the bitterness of those years. That anger may not get expressed in public, in front of white co-workers or white friends. But it does find voice in the barbershop or around the kitchen table. At times, that anger is exploited by politicians, to gin up votes along racial lines, or to make up for a politician's own failings.

And occasionally it finds voice in the church on Sunday morning, in the pulpit and in the pews. The fact that so many people are surprised to hear that anger in some of Reverend Wright's sermons simply reminds us of the old truism that the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday morning. That anger is not always productive; indeed, all too often it distracts attention from solving real problems; it keeps us from squarely facing our own complicity in our condition, and prevents the African-American community from forging the alliances it needs to bring about real change. But the anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races.

In fact, a similar anger exists within segments of the white community. Most working- and middle-class white Americans don't feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race. Their experience is the immigrant experience - as far as they're concerned, no one's handed them anything, they've built it from scratch. They've worked hard all their lives, many times only to see their jobs shipped overseas or their pension dumped after a lifetime of labor. They are anxious about their futures, and feel their dreams slipping away; in an era of stagnant wages and global competition, opportunity comes to be seen as a zero sum game, in which your dreams come at my expense. So when they are told to bus their children to a school across town; when they hear that an African American is getting an advantage in landing a good job or a spot in a good college because of an injustice that they themselves never committed; when they're told that their fears about crime in urban neighborhoods are somehow prejudiced, resentment builds over time.

Like the anger within the black community, these resentments aren't always expressed in polite company. But they have helped shape the political landscape for at least a generation. Anger over welfare and affirmative action helped forge the Reagan Coalition. Politicians routinely exploited fears of crime for their own electoral ends. Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism.

Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze - a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many. And yet, to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns - this too widens the racial divide, and blocks the path to understanding.

This is where we are right now. It's a racial stalemate we've been stuck in for years. Contrary to the claims of some of my critics, black and white, I have never been so naÃ¯ve as to believe that we can get beyond our racial divisions in a single election cycle, or with a single candidacy - particularly a candidacy as imperfect as my own.

But I have asserted a firm conviction - a conviction rooted in my faith in God and my faith in the American people - that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds, and that in fact we have no choice is we are to continue on the path of a more perfect union.

For the African-American community, that path means embracing the burdens of our past without becoming victims of our past. It means continuing to insist on a full measure of justice in every aspect of American life. But it also means binding our particular grievances - for better health care, and better schools, and better jobs - to the larger aspirations of all Americans -- the white woman struggling to break the glass ceiling, the white man whose been laid off, the immigrant trying to feed his family. And it means taking full responsibility for own lives - by demanding more from our fathers, and spending more time with our children, and reading to them, and teaching them that while they may face challenges and discrimination in their own lives, they must never succumb to despair or cynicism; they must always believe that they can write their own destiny.

Ironically, this quintessentially American - and yes, conservative - notion of self-help found frequent expression in Reverend Wright's sermons. But what my former pastor too often failed to understand is that embarking on a program of self-help also requires a belief that society can change.

The profound mistake of Reverend Wright's sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It's that he spoke as if our society was static; as if no progress has been made; as if this country - a country that has made it possible for one of his own members to run for the highest office in the land and build a coalition of white and black; Latino and Asian, rich and poor, young and old -- is still irrevocably bound to a tragic past. But what we know -- what we have seen - is that America can change. That is the true genius of this nation. What we have already achieved gives us hope - the audacity to hope - for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

In the white community, the path to a more perfect union means acknowledging that what ails the African-American community does not just exist in the minds of black people; that the legacy of discrimination - and current incidents of discrimination, while less overt than in the past - are real and must be addressed. Not just with words, but with deeds - by investing in our schools and our communities; by enforcing our civil rights laws and ensuring fairness in our criminal justice system; by providing this generation with ladders of opportunity that were unavailable for previous generations. It requires all Americans to realize that your dreams do not have to come at the expense of my dreams; that investing in the health, welfare, and education of black and brown and white children will ultimately help all of America prosper.

In the end, then, what is called for is nothing more, and nothing less, than what all the world's great religions demand - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us be our brother's keeper, Scripture tells us. Let us be our sister's keeper. Let us find that common stake we all have in one another, and let our politics reflect that spirit as well.

For we have a choice in this country. We can accept a politics that breeds division, and conflict, and cynicism. We can tackle race only as spectacle - as we did in the OJ trial - or in the wake of tragedy, as we did in the aftermath of Katrina - or as fodder for the nightly news. We can play Reverend Wright's sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words. We can pounce on some gaffe by a Hillary supporter as evidence that she's playing the race card, or we can speculate on whether white men will all flock to John McCain in the general election regardless of his policies.

We can do that.

But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we'll be talking about some other distraction. And then another one. And then another one. And nothing will change.

That is one option. Or, at this moment, in this election, we can come together and say, "Not this time."

This time we want to talk about the crumbling schools that are stealing the future of black children and white children and Asian children and Hispanic children and Native American children.

This time we want to reject the cynicism that tells us that these kids can't learn; that those kids who don't look like us are somebody else's problem. The children of America are not those kids, they are our kids, and we will not let them fall behind in a 21st century economy. Not this time.

This time we want to talk about how the lines in the Emergency Room are filled with whites and blacks and Hispanics who do not have health care; who don't have the power on their own to overcome the special interests in Washington, but who can take them on if we do it together.

This time we want to talk about the shuttered mills that once provided a decent life for men and women of every race, and the homes for sale that once belonged to Americans from every religion, every region, every walk of life. This time we want to talk about the fact that the real problem is not that someone who doesn't look like you might take your job; it's that the corporation you work for will ship it overseas for nothing more than a profit. This time we want to talk about the men and women of every color and creed who serve together, and fight together, and bleed together under the same proud flag. We want to talk about how to bring them home from a war that never should've been authorized and never should've been waged, and we want to talk about how we'll show our patriotism by caring for them, and their families, and giving them the benefits they have earned.

I would not be running for President if I didn't believe with all my heart that this is what the vast majority of Americans want for this country. This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected. And today, whenever I find myself feeling doubtful or cynical about this possibility, what gives me the most hope is the next generation - the young people whose attitudes and beliefs and openness to change have already made history in this election.

There is one story in particularly that I'd like to leave you with today - a story I told when I had the great honor of speaking on Dr. King's birthday at his home church, Ebenezer Baptist, in Atlanta.

There is a young, twenty-three year old white woman named Ashley Baia who organized for our campaign in Florence, South Carolina. She had been working to organize a mostly African-American community since the beginning of this campaign, and one day she was at a roundtable discussion where everyone went around telling their story and why they were there.

And Ashley said that when she was nine years old, her mother got cancer. And because she had to miss days of work, she was let go and lost her health care. They had to file for bankruptcy, and that's when Ashley decided that she had to do something to help her mom.

She knew that food was one of their most expensive costs, and so Ashley convinced her mother that what she really liked and really wanted to eat more than anything else was mustard and relish sandwiches. Because that was the cheapest way to eat.

She did this for a year until her mom got better, and she told everyone at the roundtable that the reason she joined our campaign was so that she could help the millions of other children in the country who want and need to help their parents too.

Now Ashley might have made a different choice. Perhaps somebody told her along the way that the source of her mother's problems were blacks who were on welfare and too lazy to work, or Hispanics who were coming into the country illegally. But she didn't. She sought out allies in her fight against injustice.

Anyway, Ashley finishes her story and then goes around the room and asks everyone else why they're supporting the campaign. They all have different stories and reasons. Many bring up a specific issue. And finally they come to this elderly black man who's been sitting there quietly the entire time. And Ashley asks him why he's there. And he does not bring up a specific issue. He does not say health care or the economy. He does not say education or the war. He does not say that he was there because of Barack Obama. He simply says to everyone in the room, "I am here because of Ashley."

"I'm here because of Ashley." By itself, that single moment of recognition between that young white girl and that old black man is not enough. It is not enough to give health care to the sick, or jobs to the jobless, or education to our children.

But it is where we start. It is where our union grows stronger. And as so many generations have come to realize over the course of the two-hundred and twenty one years since a band of patriots signed that document in Philadelphia, that is where the perfection begins.

taken from http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hisownwords (click the link to watch the speech)

Response to Hektor ~

2008-03-16T14:50:00.003-05:00

Hektor...

I am gald to debate with you, but again... we need to go with facts and not just our own version of what truth is... so here is my response.

If you were to take a look at all the words that you have spelled wrong in your comment you would see the reason as to why funding our education system is so important. What will be the point to continue to fund NASA when we continue to cut education so that the only animals that will be smart enough to go into Space will be monkeys... oh, and people from other countries where education is a priority.

I would also like to point out that Barack Obama was born in Hawaii, and last time I checked that was in America, so his homeland is America.

I agree with you on the fact that American comsumers are not the brightest and that we as Americans do not support our country buy buying products that are made here. And just so you know, I do NOT have a car that was made in Japan. Curious... how many things in your house were made in China and Japan?

Next, I want to talk about your comment about the people that "belong here." Unless you are a Native American Indian, then you don't belong here either. The majority of our ancestors came here from another country... and they were not turned away. I would rather that illegal immigrants have a drivers license and have to past a test to drive here rather then just getting in a car and driving. I would like to know if you feel the same about all the uninsured American drivers in our country. Perhaps you recall that amazing statue with a torch in hand... "They came here for several centuries for the same reasons – freedom and hope -- and then a Frenchman created a statue that embodied their hopes and dreams. And it embodied America's promise as well. "Give us your poor, your tired, your huddled masses longing to be free..."

I also agree with you on the fact that Americans are catching up with other countries in an effort to "Go Green" it is about time that we start to protect the planet before we need to find another planet to go and destroy.

If you read what Obama said about our troops... he isn't planning on bringing everyone home now, his time frame gives them plenty of time to stabilize thier government if they want to.

As far as not being brave enough to say what needs to be said, do you listen to what Barack Obama says at all? If you are looking for extreme comments to be made then you aren't going to find that with any candidate, perhaps the reason that you have such opposition to him is that he is saying what needs to be said and you don't like what you are hearing because if means change.

And flat tax... tax everyone 10% then... because 10% of 1 million dollars is more then 10% of 20,000.

Healthcare... our country will never fix our health care system, that is plain and simple. Insurance companies will not let that happen. But atleast what Obama wants to do it make sure that all children are covered and adults will have the option.

So Hektor, while I can agree with you on a couple of your points... I think that the foundation for your argument against Obama is inacurrate.

Barack Obama Quote of the Day

2008-03-11T23:05:00.001-05:00

We have an obligation and a responsibility to be investing in our students and our schools. We must make sure that people who have the grades, the desire and the will, but not the money, can still get the best education possible. Barack Obama

Barack Obama Quote of the Day

2008-03-11T23:04:00.000-05:00

We need to steer clear of this poverty of ambition, where people want to drive fancy cars and wear nice clothes and live in nice apartments but don't want to work hard to accomplish these things. Everyone should try to realize their full potential. Barack Obama

Barack Obama - This is for you Hektor

2008-03-11T14:06:00.003-05:00

I was going to let it go, the comment that I recieved to my post to raise money to help Obama.

But then putting an end to ignorance won me over. So as you see in the title, this is directed at the post author "hektor" who would rather call names, pass judgment and act radically instead of making informed comments.

Here is what Barack Obama says he will do about the ten most important issues that America is facing right now. I would like to point out that his plans are PROACTIVE. His plan is make it so America is able to get on its feet and take care of the American citizens without penalizing them and restricting thier freedoms and rights. I urge you to take a look at the mandates and restrictions that other candidates are saying they will make BEFORE you make statements.

Energy/Global Warming

Obama is calling for a cap and trade systen to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. He also plans to invest $150 billion over the next 10 years to advance clean energy technologies. He plans to double the fuel ecoomy standards for vehicles within 18 years.

Trade

Amend the North American Free Trade Agreement to better benefit US workers (gosh that is a novel idea... taking care of our own people). He plans to pressure the World Trade Organization to enforce trade agreements (gosh make people honor what they agreed to!) Update Trade Adjustment Assistance by extending it to indsutries and create flexible education accounts to help retrain workers.

Iraq

He was never for the war to begin with. He will bring out troops home, one to two brigades a month and his plan is to have them all home by 2009.

Foreclosures

Penalize predatory lenders and then use those penalities to help the victims of the predatory loans. He will also give a tax credit to struggling homeoners that would cover 10% of the interest on thier mortgages every year.

Abortion/Stem Cell

He not only supports Roe vs. Wade. He would like to see access to contraceptives expanded so that preventing unintended pregnancies. Obama also supports stem cell research.

Education

He plans to provide money to the states for early childhood development programs. He would like to have a new accountability system that is not so focused on standardized testing and extra pay for teachers who serve as mentors to colleagues. He also proposes a college education tax credit adn he would pay for many of his educational proposals by reducing funding for NASA.

Immigration

Obama supports a broad immigration reform that would help illegal immigrants become citizens as long as they met certain criteria. This criteria includes learning English, passing a criminal background check and paying any fines that they have. He is also in favor of giving illegal immigrants driver's license.

Social Security

Obama would increase the maximum amount of earnings which is currently $97500 to which the Social Security payroll tax applies. Obama will also work with Congress as well as the people of America to come up with a plan that would keep Social Security around for at least another 50 years.

Health Care

Barack supports a universal portable heatlh care plan. His plan would allow people to buy coverage similiar to what federal employees have. He would make the coverage mandatory for all children and optional for adults. Barack supports income related subsidies that would help with the cost of health insurance premiums. Costs would be contained by modernizing the health care system and focusing on PREVENTION.

As a former nurse I think this is outstanding! I can't tell you how many time I was on the phone arguing with insurance companies for my cardiac patients to have testing done that would save thier lives but were being denied by the insurance companies. Once the patient had the heart attack, or open heart then they would cover testing!

Taxes

Barack would reverese the tax cuts for the wealthiest taxpayers, end offshore tax havens and eliminate special interest loopholes and deductions. He would also implement a tax credit of up to $500 per person and $1000 per working family.

So, this is by no means everything that Barack Obama plans to do. This is just a highlighted list, and effort to educate the ignorant so that before they want to call names they atleast know what they are talking about.

Help My Barack Obama Fundraiser - GOT HOPE!

2008-03-05T20:57:00.001-05:00

As Americans, we dream of a President who is honest, personable, intelligent, and wise.

We want a leader with courage and integrity who has known the struggles of an everyday American.

A lot of people have stopped believing that may even be possible.

I haven't stopped believing. I support Barack Obama because he is that leader.

Join me in supporting Barack by making a donation to my personal fundraising page:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/GOTHOPE

This campaign for the presidency is unparalleled in history. Our need for an honest, fresh-thinking leader could not be more urgent.

Americans are hungry for change and Barack Obama will bring that change when he is elected.

Please take a minute to check out my page and make a donation of any size:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/GOTHOPE
Thanks.

Don't wait another minute! We need you! You can make a difference!

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/GOTHOPE

Keep Hope Alive!

2008-03-05T16:24:00.004-05:00

For the life of me I can't even begin to understand what happened in Rhode Island, Ohio and Texas yesterday.

Now we are forced to wait until June before we know who our democratic candidate will be. Obviously my greatest hope is that our next President is Barack Obama. Long before he ever said that he would run for office I knew that he was just what this country needed. For the first time in a long time we have a candidate that wants changes, will work for change and work to make the lives better for the people in the United States.

He will be a President that will deliver on his campaign promises.

It drives me up a wall that other candidates complain about Barack Obama's lack of experience. You know what, I think that plays in his favor actually. It is a great benefit to us all that he has not spent the last 20 years wrapped up in Washington, jaded by the lobbyist and the games that are played amongst the other politicians in Washigton. He is one man that when he speaks about his plan and what he wants to do that I don't sit there and fear that there is really and ulterior motive behind what he says.

He reminds me alot of JFK. What I mean by that, is that he is inspiring a nation to care. He is encouraging us all to believe that we have the power to change our country. He can only do so much and he can't do any of it with out our support. Our President should be inspirational. Our President should be someone that we look forward to hearing what he has to say and we are engaged when he delivers a speech instead of flipping the channel and thanking God for the invention of cable and satellite television so we are not stuck listening to someone that simple likes to hear himself talk and believes that his decision and his thoughts are all the matter.

While I know that I am not the only one that feels this way based on the huge support base that Senator Barack Obama has, but people we are not doing enough. We need to get out and make our voices be heard. We the people need to rise to the challenge and make our voices heard! I beg of you to get up, get off your butt and do something!

Whether you write to your local paper, write your own blog, IM all of you friends, start on a forum on a social network get up and make your voice heard. This is one election where each and every vote counts and it counts is a big way.

I also encourage you to donate to Barack Obama's campaign. It doesn't matter if all you have to donate it a dollar, it is one more dollar that will help back the wave of change our country and our people so despereately need!

Please visit http://www.barackobama.com/ and get linked with your state's webpage for Barack Obama! Don't waste another minute! Whether your state has already had it's primary or not you can still get involved and help Barack Obama win the candidacy!

Got Hope?

I do!!!!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-08T08:35:00.000-05:00

I want to start by wishing everyone a very blessed New Year. I know that this comes a week late, but better late then never. My new year has started off very busy and really quite amazing. I am very excited about all that this year has to offer me and my family, not only personally but professionally. 2008 will be a year for the record books!

This being the Wisdom of Jen I would like to give you my wise thoughts for the New Year and what I learned from last year.

First, pay attention to the way you are with the ones that you love. Just because you think that your actions are right or just does not mean that is how they are taken by those around you.

While you can not control how people perceive what you do or say you can control how you put it out there.

Second, no one is perfect… even those that you think you know very well will surprise you, they may even hurt you… and that will be a test of strength of the relationship you have with them.

Third, there isn’t anything worth having that isn’t worth fighting for. I say this because there are times in life, when you least expect it, that life will challenge you to see if you are true to your words and your feelings… Whether you fight or walk away will tell you all you need to know about you as a person and the truth of your own claims.

Fourth, Family is everything so cherish them. I am not talking about only blood relatives, but those that you consider to be family.

Fifth, you can never take back the words that you say. So think before you open you mouth and let them come out. The bridge you burn today may be the life line you need tomorrow. What will you do now that it is gone?

Sixth, take risks no matter how huge the risk seems… there are times that you will find the risk that could cost you the most gives you the most.

Seventh, there is no greater man in this world then my husband. I say this because it is true. I am not telling you that he is perfect, for neither am I. But he is truly the most amazing man I have ever known, and the strength of character that he has… well… it just takes my breath away.

Eighth, our children are the most precious things in the world to us. They make us proud everyday as they grow and become independent little people. They are not who they were five years ago, but the people they are becoming are incredible.

Ninth, do not expect more from others then what you are willing to do or give yourself.

Tenth, no matter how bad things get… before you make a drastic decision… and act out of haste and emotion… breathe. Just breathe, and look at things from outside yourself… what you are going through … it has a purpose… are you strong enough to see it through or will you break under the pressure and throw it all away.

These are just my ten bites of wisdom. This last year… well, I saw a lot of things… experienced things that I never thought I would have to… but I learned a lot… and I believe that it is all about how you handle a situation and less about the situation that defines us as people.

Time to Organize and Promote!

2007-12-17T17:04:00.000-05:00

I am starting a new set of blogs. Each blog will have a purpose, and the first one that I am building is all about Relationships.

Each post will have to do with the good, the bad and the ugly of what no one ever tells you about relationships but we all experience.

My adivse is based on my life, what I gone through, lived through and am here to talk about. It is also about the things I have seen in other people's relationships.

I am here to tell you that Dr. Phil has nothing on me.

Here is the link: http://soulsearchin.wordpress.com/

A Really Good Song

2007-12-15T11:25:00.000-05:00

IN THE AIR TONIGHT

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, Oh Lord
I've been waiting for this moment, all my life, Oh Lord
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, Oh Lord, Oh Lord
Well, if you told me you were drowning I would not lend a hand
I've seen your face before my friend
But I don't know if you know who I am
Well, I was there and I saw what you did I saw it with my own two eyes
So you can wipe off the grin, I know where you've been It's all been a pack of lies
And I can feel it corning in the air tonight, Oh Lord
I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, Oh Lord
I can feel it in the air tonight, Oh Lord, Oh Lord
And I've been waiting for this moment all my life, Oh Lord, Oh Lord
Well I remember, I remember don't worry
How could I ever forget, its the first time the last time we ever met
But I know the reason why you keep your silence up, no you don't fool me
The hurt doesn't show but the pain still grows
It's no stranger to you or me

Just What I Needed Today... Thought I Should Share This

2007-12-05T13:36:00.000-05:00

When I woke up this morning it occurred to me that the most important thing I could do today is remind you that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Because if you are like most women, you dont hear it enough!

I want you to take a breath here and really drink this in:
You are a beautiful woman!

Why would a total stranger take a moment to tell you that? Because like you, I am a woman who yearns to hear those words more often.

I know how it is. You go about your day, crossing things off your list, YEARNING for the beauty in your heart to be seen and appreciated by someone. And its often so rare, that as women, we consider ourselves lucky if we experience it even once a year. Its so sad.

Whats more, the media is always telling us we arent pretty enough, young enough, skinny enough. Well enough is ENOUGH.

To be totally honest with you, woman to woman, Im really troubled by it. Every commercial billboard and print ad is trying to get us to buy some wrinkle reducing, shiny hair gel or cream. Like were not complete without it, or beautiful just as we ARE. They always want to sell us more!

Twenty years ago you had to be a size six. Now you have to be a size two to be considered beautiful and attractive. God forbid you have hips or grey hair or even one little wrinkle. Weve gotten so self-critical!

Let me ask you, how did you feel the last time you looked in a full-length mirror? Be honest with me now.

I know the feeling. Ive been there too. Wishing certain body parts were different. Secretly considering what to do to change them. A private war on your hips or your belly. For me it was my thighs.

But I want you to know thats the MEDIA speaking. Its not who you really are at all. It doesnt matter how old you are, or how much you weigh, either. Your heart is the beauty that shines through.

Im going to prove it to you, just in case you have doubts.

Im going to tell you a story right now that could change your life FOREVER. Keep reading.

I was at a sidewalk cafi yesterday with one of my closest girlfriends where I live in Los Angeles, and we were people watching. After about ten or so women walked by, we each observed how not one of these women were particularly attractive. They seemed dull and tense and unkempt. None stood out. None were memorable.

Until another woman walked by who was TOTALLY DIFFERENT from the rest.
She flowed like water when she moved, and her smile lit up the sidewalk. She just had a glow about her. The men outside the cafi all turned their heads.

What did she have?

First let me tell you what she DIDNT have.

She didnt have a perfect body. She was at least, and Im not kidding you, twenty pounds overweight.

She WASNT young either. She was probably about fifty, with long silver hair that swept past her shoulders. Whats more, she wasnt even wearing make-up!

And not only was she NOT dressed in designer clothing, she was actually wearing a T-shirt and sweatpants with flip-flops!

How could this be?

Listen closely here, because what Im about to share is perhaps the BIGGEST BEAUTY SECRET EVER KEPT, and I want to let you in on it. Its what the media doesnt want us to know. Its the TRUTH.

At home, when we look in the mirror, we tend to see everything wrong with our bodies and wish those body parts were different. And yet, when we go out in public, what other people see is our posture and our energy. No one is looking at the size of your thighs or your belly. No one.
What? !!

Its true. If you dont believe me, do the cafi people watching experiment yourself and you will see exactly what I mean.

You could be wearing sweatpants with no make-up on, and if you are conveying love and warmth to the world around you, you are instantly the most beautiful woman in the room.

Why?

Heres the key: Because you are GLOWING.

The truth is, that you are beautiful, right now, as you are. You have an innate glow as a woman that makes you unique and special. You are a light the world was meant to see.

I know. Maybe you arent feeling the glow today. Sometimes our lives are really hard, and it can be really challenging on those days to find all that warmth inside.

But the good news is, you can cultivate it. You can literally cultivate your beauty like you would build a fire in the fireplace, starting with the small flame until it becomes warm enough to heat the whole room!

But HOW?

To inspire women everywhere, women like you, I decided to start a revolution. I call it the You Are A Beautiful Woman Campaign.

Girlfriend to girlfriend, I want you to be a part of it. Because we need a new answer to what the media is selling us. We need a way to feel beautiful that is natural and not just cheap, but FREE!
Its time to stop waiting. You deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and loved for your true beauty right now!

And the best news is that as part of the You Are A Beautiful Woman campaign I am giving away oodles of totally FREE beauty tips on how to cultivate your glow and your beauty in my online newsletter. Theres no obligation to buy anything.

Just go to:www.TheBeautyPromise.com

Theres no catch. Im a woman just like you who wants to see our world become more beautiful, one woman at a time.

And before I go, please forward this email to three of your best friends who will be so happy to see the words You Are a Beautiful Woman in their inbox. We all need to be reminded of our beauty. It feels so GOOD to remember.

I genuinely look forward to meeting you, and celebrating your beauty.

I leave you with my favorite quote from Grace Kelly:
You dont love a woman because she is beautiful. She is beautiful because you love her.

Your friend,
Kaia
www.TheBeautyPromise.com

A Chain Letter To Share

2007-12-01T07:17:00.001-05:00

Ok, here is my point about chain letters. This is the one I just received. How can you not cry and then want to share it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name.

Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down.

It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.

That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.

On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and, "I didn't know others liked me so much," were most of the comments.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.

Several years later, one of the students was killed in VietNam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature.

The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin. As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded: "yes." Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot."

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.
"We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.

"Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said.! "As you can see, Mark treasured it."
All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home."

Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album."

"I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary"

Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the ! group. " I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists"

That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.

The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.

So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.

And One Way To Accomplish This Is: Forward this message on. If you do not send it, you will have, once again passed up the wonderful opportunity to do something nice and beautiful.
If you've received this, it is because someone cares for you and it means there is probably at least someone for whom you care.

If you're "too busy" to take those few minutes right now to forward this message on, would this be the VERY first time you didn't do that little thing that would make a difference in your relationships?

The more people that you send this to, the better you'll be at reaching out to those you care about.

Remember, you reap what you sow. What you put into the lives of others comes back into your own.

Chains of Hope

2007-11-30T11:00:00.001-05:00

When is it enough? You know what I mean. You get the nice little chain email that talks about being a true friend or how much you mean to someone and you are suppose to send it back and to all your other friend. So you send it out… then you get it back… do you have to send it back to those people that sent it back to you or are you good and the message received that you are both great people?

Really do you run the risk of not sending it back to the people you sent it to and hurt their feelings, or do you resend it to them to confirm and then they have to send it back, so it becomes a never-ending barrage of chain emails.

Then I have to ask, myself and those that send me the emails… if you really cared about someone that much… do you really need to send them those cute little chain letters. I mean shouldn’t you let them know everyday that you value them as people? Plus, should you really be sending those chain letters and cramming peoples’ email boxes with them. Is that really anyway to show you care?

Now, it isn’t that I mind getting them. Some are really nice, and I am not perfect and I know that there are people in my life that I forget to let know that they matter to me. Some of the chain letters are important as that they spread a message of hope for a good cause, many are reminders that we are not alone in life and that we are all humans and need to care for one another. Some are funny and provide the pick me up you just might need on one of those days…

I guess what I am saying is, if you get them send them, if you don’t get it back don’t take it personal… just know that you made someone’s day.

Words of the Wise

2007-11-28T15:32:00.000-05:00

If you sell things on eBay or Craigslists or other places like that I highly advise that you only accept credit cards or paypal for payment. Why you ask, oh well let me tell you.

There are slimy people out there that are giving fraudulent cashier checks and money orders. Do not think for one minute that just because you ask the bank teller if they are legitimate and they think they are and you make the deposit all will be hunky-dory.

Obviously you can tell that I am a writer… well, maybe you can’t. That is besides the point. I accept payment from clients through my paypal account, I do this for protection really. I have been ripped off by enough people that owe me money and have not wanted to pay, have paid with a bad check or a money order that I am as cautious as I can be and still make a living being self employed.

Though paypal and I have had our differences they do what they can to help make sure that fraud is not being committed with their service. My bank advised me that if you do anything on line, with eBay or paypal they recommend setting up a second and separate checking account because of all the crap they have seen. So we did just that.

My husband received two checks. We thought that they were cashier checks, the bank said they were international money orders. Anyway, to be safe, we deposited them and had a hold put on them to make sure that they cleared and all was peachy keen.

Last night I log into our account to see where we are at and if those items had infact cleared… well they didn’t. Turns out that they were fraudulent. As that I trust few people I wasn’t surprised really, that is the point of that separate account. What I was surprised about was that the bank not only took the credit that they had given for the deposit, which was held for 7 days to make sure it cleared, they then charged us the amount of those two checks in the new account as well as froze our personal account and charged us that amount on that account as well. In the end what the Loss Prevention Department at our bank was trying to tell me that we owed them almost $4000 because the deposit we had made was returned.

No matter how many times I went over it with this woman she kept telling me we owed that money because we got a credit for it. When the deposit came back they had to take that away. Ok… I got that, I was good with that. But to be triple charged for something that I never had access to, never spent, never took, never touched NO I was not good with that!

She decided to transfer me to a “manager”. What she did was send me to another department to this poor man that tried to help me, but is wasn’t his department. In the end I think he was as upset as I was and he said, “You have to call Loss Prevention back.” While the phone rang and I prayed to not get the same woman as I held back the tears and tried to not drop the phone because I was shaking so bad this wonderful woman named DeeDe answered that phone… and she helped me… she understood what I was saying, and she fixed the problem. What had been done never should’ve been done and all will be okay. We are of course out $70 for overdraft fees that we shouldn’t have but because of what they did we ended up with them, but she couldn’t return them, I have to go to the branch where the account was opened and talk to the manager and explain what happened and ask for the fees back.

I think I will let my husband take care of that. I am done dealing with the bank for now.

BUT.. the purpose here is that I want to educate you on your banking and what is allowed and what isn’t.

First, when you make a deposit at your bank, you become financially responsible for that deposit. So if you are in doubt over ANY deposit that you EVER make ask them to place a hold on that deposit to make sure that it clears. The hold is usually five or seven days. It may seem like a lot, but it will save you a lot of money.

If you don’t place the hold and you spend that money and it comes back, you have to make up that money and all fees that are associated with that money. But only for the amount of the deposit.

So in my case, I got the “credit” but we had the hold in it. So when it ended up coming back all the bank should’ve done was take away that credit. All the “money” was there so it should’ve put our account back to the balance that was there prior to that deposit.

What they tried to do was take the credit, which they should’ve and then charge me that amount as well. Which they SHOULD NOT have done. Then on top of that they looked at our personal account we had with them and then charged that account the amount as well. Which they SHOULD NOT HAVE done.

Now, had I not been on top of our finances and called the bank until I got someone to listen to me and go through it with me, we would’ve ended up owing the bank almost $4000 erroneously. And do you think that they would’ve called and said, “I am so sorry for our f**k up here is your 4 grand back.” Ummmm… no. I like our bank, I think they are great… let’s be realistic.

So my advice to you is this:

Have a separate account for anything that you do on the internet.

Have a hold placed on ANY deposit you are not sure of – I don’t care if it is check from your Uncle.

Stay on top of your finances. – That is what online banking is for!

Do not let up until you find someone that will listen to you!

Thoughts of Gratitude

2007-11-20T10:52:00.001-05:00

It is that time of year once again, when we all need to stop and take a moment to look at our life and be thankful for where we are, who we are and for those that have helped to put us here. While I truly believe that this is something we should every day, it seems that around the holidays the feelings are even greater… So here is my list of truly heartfelt gratitude to those that mean more to me then life, to those that have had an influence on my life, those that have helped me be the person I am right now, to those that have that are helping me get to where I want to be and to those that presented challenges that I have over come.

First I thank my husband for being the man that he is and choosing to be with me when he could be with anyone in the world. For giving me unconditional love and support faithfully and loyally.

To our children I thank you for being the individuals that you are, and the good people you are turning out to be. I may not say it enough but there is not a day that goes by that I am not proud of you and truly glad that they universe could’ve given you to anyone but gave you to me.

To my mom, thank you for giving me life, being an inspiration and loving me unconditionally. I know that you sometimes wonder if I am ok or if I miss you, I am and I do. You raised a strong woman and I thank you.

To my sister… it is you I miss the most.

To my brother in law and nephew, next to being having me for a sister you are the greatest things that have ever happened to her and I am so thankful that you are a part of our family. I wish that we got to see you more, but we are looking forward to Christmas.

My brother I love you and hope that you and your family are doing well. Hopefully we will see each other soon.

The Critters… especially Trish, I am so grateful that you are more then friends but you are family. It is hard to remember what life was like before we were friends and I know I can not see a day when we will not be a close and you will not mean as much.

To the Arendts for taking us in and treating us like family.

My heterosexual lifemate, we have traveled an interesting journey together, one that I know will never end. I am incredible grateful to the universe for blessing me with your friendship.

Antonio, I am grateful that you have seen my talents and believe in them and I foresee great things in our working relationship. Truly you are the LOA in action. Thank you!

The Flannerys, I can not even begin to put into words how grateful I am that I have been blessed with your friendship. Michelle if angels walked on Earth I would believe that you are one of them. Know that we all love and appreciate you and your entire family. We have built a lifelong friendship.
The Forrests, thank you for wanting to become friends and knocking on the door to introduce yourself. May distance not hinder the growth of our friendship.

Pam, thank you for giving me the compliment of being “force of nature,” and being the person that you are.

The Stupid Woman and her Inconsiderate Man I thank you for proving that it takes all kinds of people to make up the world, and it is possible live in a dark house with no windows and mirrors so that you can even fool yourself about the type of person you really are. I hope that one day the Inconsiderate man truly becomes a man for the sake of his children and becomes an honest person because his wife deserves better. May the stupid woman open her eyes and realize that she deserves better.

I am grateful to the universe for all that it has provided me and all that it continues to provide.

I know that I have not named every person I am grateful for, but know that there isn’t a person I have come into contact with that had not taught me something and for that I am grateful.

To the loved ones that I have lost, while you may be in the afterworld I am grateful for the memories of you I still hold.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

I am BACK!

2007-10-29T12:23:00.000-05:00

For anyone that has been checking in trying to figure out what in the heck is going on, well... there apparently was a problem with the littel robots that scan the blogs at Blogger.

It has taken a couple of weeks to get this straightened out and that led to the birth of the Wisdom of Jen 2 page. While I will continue to run both I will try to keep the content as different as possible.

If you are looking for the Stupid Women! post it has been moved to http://wisdomofjen2.blogspot.com

The post was modified slightly and as I stated before if you would like the link to where the Inconsiderate Man and his Stupid Woman wife found a new home send a post and I will give you the link.

Well I am glad to be back! Not that I ever really left, I just added a new page.

Thoughts Continued

2007-10-10T15:27:00.000-05:00

You will notice that there have been a few changes to the webpage since your last visit. I have moved a few of the posts to another blog that I have as that I am tired of playing games with the inspiration for those four post. I have decided that no matter how many cosmic smacks upside the head some people get, instead of opening their eyes and acknowledging their own actions they instead continue to want to put the blame elsewhere. While there are two sides to every story… real people at least admit their part in that story.

That is fine. It is really not responsibility to help or fix those people. You can lead a horse to water but can’t make him drink even if you hold his head under the water. You can open all the curtains in a dark room, but if a person keeps their eyes shut it is still dark. While I like to remain optimistic and want the best for people, there are some that are just plain lost causes. As sad as that is, it is a fact I have come to learn and will deal with it on my own.

Karma, whether you believe in it or not, it is real and it will get you. Karma will give you a nice wake up call when you least expect it. At some point we all pay for what we have done, right or wrong. While you can pretend you are perfect the universe knows the truth. Karma…

I have to tell you that I again am surprised by people. Well maybe surprised is not the correct word as that really anymore nothing surprises me. I guess really it is disappointment. Part of that disappointment comes from expecting everyone in the world to do what I would do… knowing that isn’t realistic but still.

I do have some promising posts coming. For the first time in a long while there will be daily post here on the Wisdom of Jen. I think they will be interesting. The first one or two will be definitions. Yes, definitions… they are needed for the story that will follow. I am thinking that the story itself will probably take seven days. Should be fun, I am looking forward to posting it. So for those that check in regularly, you will not want to miss the next 14 days here at the Wisdom of Jen. For those that are new to the page, you are coming at just the right time.

If you would like to know where Stupid Women and the 3 Inconsiderate Man posts went leave a comment and I can give you the link. J

Thought for the day

2007-08-08T07:57:00.000-05:00

In the last few weeks I have been amazed by some of the people I know. Keep in mind that I don't mean that in positive way in all the time.

I am a true believer in the fact that if you give a person chance, they will surprise you. I have one person who agreed to do something that no one that knew him thought he would. I never doubted it. Of course there was an angle as to why he agreed to do it, which I expected but he agreed. I look at it as him finally doing something that isn't selfish and he is thinking about two other little people that he often forgets about anyway.

Then I have friends, that I thought would be friends of ours for a lifetime, and yet the last time we saw them... it was the strangest and most uncomfortable environment I have been in in many many years.

I understand people change. I know I have and maybe it is just that my expectations have changed, my husband and I and our children have gone through alot in the last year. We all have changed, for the better, we are all more greatful and successful in what we are doing.

Maybe that is what is causing the tension. You want your friends to be happy for you... but maybe when they are not happy it is hard to be happy for someone else.

I am a firm believer in accepting people for who and what they are. No one is perfect. That would make them boring.

I may not always be the greatest friend in the entire world, but no matter what has ever been going on in my life good or bad or I have always taken the time to celebrate the good things going on in my friends' lives.

Just a thought for today.

Writing Web Content

2007-07-23T11:20:00.000-05:00

Things to Bear in Mind While Writing Content for the Web

When you are sitting and contemplating what to write for content for your web page, or if you are a writer and you have a request from a client for web content there are certain things you need to keep in mind.

Obviously writing for the web is different then writing a book you are going to have printed and published, much as a term paper for college is going to be more in depth then an article for the web on the same topic. Web content needs to be shorter. Why you ask, because reading on the web is more difficult then picking up a book or newspaper. Reading from the computer screen puts a greater strain on your eyes. The fuzziness that the computer screen gives makes a person read slower and makes the brain process the information slower.

Secondly you may want to consider the old adage, “Less is more”. This is especially true when writing for web content. Think about it, we live in a world when we want the information that we want now! Not after reading through pages of information, heck we will find another site in less time that will give us what we want quicker. So if you can cut out words, be more precise and concise you will be more successful.

Paragraphs, hmmmm this one will depend on they style of writing. Generally speaking though, if you browse over web articles you will find much shorter paragraphs then in a book. As long as the paragraph does not drag on forever, I don’t really think there is a right or wrong paragraph size. Use your best judgment and keep all of the points I am mentioning in your head while you are writing.

Probably the most important thing to keep in mind, more so then keyword optimization, write for the reader not for your self. You want to write in a way that the reader is going to get what they are looking for, in a comfortable conversational tone with out big words. Trust me on this one if you don’t believe anything else I am saying.

Another important key that ranks right up there with writing for the reader is that you need to be direct. What do I mean by this? Know what you are going to talk about, start at the beginning and work your way through to the end in way that makes sense and flows nicely. Don’t skip all over the place, you are going to give your reader a headache, they are going to get frustrated and there goes your hopes of being an acclaimed web writer.

When it comes to word choice, make powerful word choices. Don’t just say that the steak was good. Say it was bursting with flavor that filled your mouth with the sensation that your taste buds were standing up and applauding. Paint a picture and put your reader there. You want them to taste that steak, or be on that beach, or empathize with the victim. They need to become part of what you are writing.

To use sub headings or not? I say it depends on what you are writing about. If the content is lengthy and there are many topics you need to cover to have it complete then yes use them. As far as I am concerned that is when they are needed. The only other time I believe they are necessary is if you are talking about different things that aren’t really related to one another. If you are going to use them, make sure that they make sense and that they grab the reader’s attention.

These are only a few of the things that you need to keep in mind while writing for web content. You can be successful with your writing, and make money if you follow these simple guide lines.

Kids Can Be Green Too!

2007-07-13T09:50:00.000-05:00

I think that we need to include our children in our efforts to save the world. Maybe really, it is them encouraging us to help them save the planet.

I have been a tree hugger for as long as I can remember. I have raised my children as well to respect mother nature and take care of her. When we would walk through the woods, my son used to like to whack the trees and pull the branches. I told him, one day, those trees would get him back. How would he like it if those trees pulled his hair and smacked him around. He looked at me like I was insane. He was five. That same day, I kid you not, as we were walking back a tree branch flung up and hit him in the shoulder. Believe me, well all just stood there. He didn't know if he should cry or what. I told him, "I told you they would get you back." He never pulled or smacked another tree. He hugs them now when he needs to feel grounded. Makes me proud.

Now my children are slightly older, 12 and 9. My daughter now does the dishes. I remind her daily, to not keep the water running as she is rinsing. To wait until the sink is full of clean dishes or to fill that sink with water and then dip the dishes into that water to rinse.

They do not use toothpaste pumps, because they supply to much waste. They don't leave the water running the entire time either.

My son is clever, he doesn't flush... I yell at him... it's gross... he says that he is conserving water. While I know people do that, and that it is smart.... that one, I can't do. Flush... please... it is a viable alternative to pollution caused by the smell left behind and building in the potty.

We don't use paper towels or cups. We do use water bottles that we refill.

My son and his friends get together to swap toys they no longer want instead of throwing them out. If a toy isn't traded and not wanted, we donate it to the homeless shelter or to good will.

My daughter swaps clothes. She loves it. It is a new wardrobe to her... and to her friends.

There are ways they can protect the environment and you can help. Going green doens't have to be expensive. It can really be done for free. It is the small things that make the biggest impact.

Hug a tree... plant a flower.... stand bare foot in the dirt... recycle....

Another Great Quote

2007-07-13T09:20:00.001-05:00

I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity.

Einstein Quote

2007-07-11T10:15:00.001-05:00

"Never do anything against conscience even if the state demands it."

So said Albert Einstein

Soap Box Time

2007-07-10T16:29:00.000-05:00

Well, there is one thing that is very near and dear to my heart that I have yet to blog about. Shame on me for this!

The environment, mother nature, the green earth and the blue waters. We need to be taking care of these very precious commodities. While you may think that this blog is due to the big Earth concert this past weekend, it isn't. Those that know me, will laugh while they tell you that I do in fact hug trees and they have seen me do it. They think I am insane when I tell them to hug one as well. Hey, until you have done it, don't knock it. It is a truly energizing experience.

There are times that I have journeyed into the middle of the forest, just to sit and listen to the trees. As I pointed out to my husband the last time we walked through the woods, have you ever noticed that not all trees sway a breeze. Have you ever stopped to listen to them talk? You should, part of the problem with our society is that we are not intune with mother nature.

There are simple little things that you can do to "go green" and not totally change your way of life, so there goes that excuse.

For example, when you shower, brush your teeth during your shower. Try to keep that shower to three minutes. Do you realize that the water you use in a 3 minute shower is more water then a person in Africa uses for an entire day for all their needs. Stop and think about that.

What's her name, Tyra Banks, believes in only flushing when needed. Which I assume means after going number 2 or multiple times of number 1. Ok, sorry Tyra, that is just nasty. Because the smell that is created is toxic enough, please flush.

Use refillable water bottles. Even if you are recycling, refill them.

Check out and up and coming website all about the going green and the funny stories that go along with it. www.beturtle.com!

I highly recommend it, and who knows I may become a writer for them as well. I hope anyway.

Oh! Speaking of writing. I gave up the note book and went to the laptop. Even though I used recycled note book paper.... I still used to much of it. So now, Word is my friend and it all gets saved on the computer. Mistake = delete!

Be kind to mother nature!

Paypal Update

2007-07-05T16:30:00.000-05:00

My paypal frustrations have come to an end. I now have access to my money.

I have been issued a warning though, that I better not use paypal in association with 6 x 6 million. Whatever! As I stated, I never did use them.

But the website that caused such a problem is disabled so they don't have to worry.

Frustration with Paypal Continues!

2007-07-05T08:04:00.000-05:00

I have to tell you that I am still incredibly frustrated and very unhappy with paypal.

After finally getting a response on what to do to resolve the issues and have my funds released. Well... I have tried to go in and follow what they adivsed doing. Which was having the paypal information removed from the website that is causing the problem and I needed to accept the Acceptable User's agreement online.

Well, after your paypal account is set up initially and you accept all of thier terms, when you go back in to your account there isn't a way to re-accept the agreement. You can read it, but that is the extent of it. I have tried contacting them three times asking them how to accept the online agreement when it does not give me the option to accept it and they have not responded. Nor are they releasing my money to me.

Now, let me explain the website that caused this problem. Five months ago, I spent six dollars and got a 6x6miilion business. It was six dollars to see if it worked. They put up your website for you with payment information, paypal is one of the options a person has to make a payment.

Ok, you may be sitting there thinking why would I waste my money. Well, part of what I do for a living is investigate internet scams and report about them on one of my other blogs so that YOU don't have to waste the money to find out on your own. So that is why I did it. It was only six dollars, one of the cheapest sites I have investigated and no I have not made one penny from them. Which is pretty much what I expected.

If I was to post my paypal account, you would see that there has never been any money sent or recieved from that website. Never, not one. As I said the other day all my funds come from the clients that I write for.

Paypal doesn't care it seems. They state that the 6x6million website is a MLM. Using paypal then to send or recieve payments from such sites is considered a violation and they can then close your account and hold your funds for 180 days. Which is precisely what they are doing.

I have contacted the website designer and asked that not only my information be removed but that they deactivate my site. Which is one term to have my paypal account restored. The second of course is accpeting the Acceptable Use Agreement online. Which there is no option when you go in, to re-accept it.

Paypal though I have contacted them three times trying to understand how to accept and agreement that there is no option for, they seem to have better things to do then respond.

Seeing as how I can not live with out being able to get paid, I went into one of my other paypal accounts... I had to go through my paper work, I knew I had other accounts but couldn't remember the information for them, one had a zero balance and the other had a balance of .65. One of them I closed and the one with the .65 I went in and updated and gave that information to my clients.

So paypal wants to play games so though I said it was to big of a hassle to set up another account, it wasn't that big of a deal to up date an older account.

This would be my adivse to you. Always have atleast two paypal accounts. It simply requires you to have two email addresses. Yes you can only assign a bank account to one and only one paypal account, the way around this is to have your checking account on one paypal account and the savings account on the other. This is precisely what I did and I am now able to get paid while I wait for my funds from my other paypal account to be released from prison.

I suppose what makes me the most angry is that I never "used" my paypal account to send or recieve money from the 6x6million website. The money that they are holding was not generated from that site, and they know that. Therefore, if they want to limit my account or close, fine but there is no reason for them to hold my funds for 180 DAYS! Does holding money for that long make it come from somewhere else? I don't get it.

So if paypal decides to repsond and tell me how to accept thier agreement I will have to let you know. As it stands right now, they aren't. And I am going to go through thier agreement again and get out my legal books and challenge what it is they are saying.

Upset with Paypal

2007-07-03T09:08:00.000-05:00

Did you read your paypal user agreement and guidelines.

Well I skimmed over them, I have been a paypal member for five years. I have never had a problem with them up unitl today. I get up this morning to get an email that states my account has "limited access" and I am advised to login to my paypal account and see what I can do to fix the situation.

I login only to find that my account has actually been closed and my funds are being held captive for 180 days. I am sure that you are wondering why in the world this would happen. I am going to tell you.

A number of months ago, I signed onto a website in an effort to supplement income that as far as paypal is concerned is an MLM site. This is a violation of paypal terms and usages. I would have to say in all fairness that this was five months ago. FIVE MONTHS AGO.

Even more astounding is that not once have I recieved money through the MLM website to my paypal account nor have I sent money in regards to the website through paypal. Not once. Not one penny. My account history will show that the only money I recieve is from my employer, where I am a staff writer for their company. Which is NOT an MLM. I also recieve money from a couple other clients that I write for. Paypal made all of our lives easier and allowed me access to my money quicker then waiting for a paper check. Also I have two clients that will only send your payment through paypal.

So while I can't not work, and jeopardize my position as a writer, I also am left with a nice chunk of change being help hostage by paypal and I will not be able to receive the payments that I have coming this week.

I know, you are thinking why not create another account. Well, that requires a new email and that I have to have a seperate bank account. Because did you also know that if your bank account is tied to another paypal account it will not let you use the same bank account for another paypal account.

It is a pain in the ass!

So I called paypal this morning trying to get things worked out. I was given an email address so that I could contact a different department that would actually be able to help me resolve this issue. No phone number for them. So I now sit and wait for them to respond in hopes that I will be able to get paid for my work, and get MY money that paypal is holding captive.

I am not very happy with paypal as you can see. There was no warning, even sent me a new debit card and then the next day closed my account. Lovely isn't it...

I could understand if I had actually used paypal against the rules. But I didn't.I t just so happens that there is a website where my information for payment includes paypal. Though no funds have ever entered or left my paypal account in regards to that website.

I will have to let you know how this is resolved. Meanwhile, I will figure out how to receive my money for writing.

Another Way to Find Me

2007-06-28T15:42:00.001-05:00

Apparently if you do a search for Jennifer Shakeel, my writer resume will pop up.

Just thought I would add that for you as well. :)

My Professional Blog

2007-06-28T15:25:00.001-05:00

I have been asked how someone can go and find my work on the web. My husband has been trying, which I think is great.

So this is how you will find me on the web. Do a search for jen shak. That is my pen name. If you do that the first three or four pages that will pop up are mine. Going to these sites you can then link to my other work.

My professional blog, where there are samples of articles that I have written for clients can be found at http://soitwillbe.blogdrive.com (my pen name on that site is WillowSpeaks)

My blog where I write my own articles for my self can be found at http://timeswellspent.blogspot.com.

There is also a link to all my blogs on this page.

I wanted to make sure everyone knew how to find me!

PLR for Content

2007-06-28T09:55:00.000-05:00

I've been doing a lot of reading lately about Private Label Rights (PLR) content. I used to think that it was only for lazy people who didn't want to do their own writing. But as I learn more, I've come up with lots of great ways I can use PLR in my own business.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, PLR is content that you get from the original author along with their permission to use it as your own. So you can get a great report, put your name on it and have your own product to sell or give away!

The first couple of products I created using PLR only took me about half an hour. There have been a few sales so far from them so that was definitely time well spent.

When searching for PLR content to use, I found there were a lot of different types of sites available. Some offered monthly memberships and others offered just one time purchases. So be sure to look around before you decide where to buy.

The site I found that was by far the best was PLRWholesaler. Not only do they have an unbelievable amount of content, but it's completely FREE. Most sites charge an arm and a leg for the amount of content that this guy is giving away.

And although I haven't been through everything yet, what I have read is very good quality. It's stuff you would actually want to use as your own.

Since it's free, I highly recommend that you check out PLRWholesaler and see if they have anything that you can use in your business. There just may be an ebook or audio recording that you could quickly brand with your information and start selling to your list.

Check it out and let me know what you think...
http://plrwholesaler.com/download/clk.php?pid=2&a=7351

My Girlie Girl

2007-06-18T15:12:00.001-05:00

My daughter has just returned from her very first cross country travels alone. She has come back a different person. Which is good and bad. She isn't the same little twelve year old I put on the plane, she came back a more grown up, and more of her own person. It is a beautiful thing to see, but also sad because she is my baby girl.

The point of this, is that she came back with a book idea and she really wants to write. That is a part of her that wants to take after me :), so I have set up another blog specifically for her.

It is called Book Train and you will be able to check it out for book reviews that she has written, as well as her own creations. She is a very talented artist and her writing has really improved. So I am proud to be able to help her get her writings out there.

Please view her blog!

Time Away for Doing What I Love

2007-06-06T16:51:00.000-05:00

I must apologize for my time away. I have been very busy writing and making money at it.
It has been a very liberating experience to be able to do what I love and make money at it consistently.

There are plenty of places on the internet, that if you enjoy writing you can write and get paid for it. Granted you may not always being doing the most creative writing on the planet, half the time you are writing various forms of research articles but it pays.

I would recommend to anyone that wants to make a living at writing to check a couple freelance sites. Two of them that are really good, and free are online-writing-jobs.com and freelancer.com. Both of these sites post jobs daily for freelancers to bid on. Project range from data entry, transcribing, web page design and so on. Really it is worth you spending ten minutes to sign up and check out what they have to offer because you never know where it will lead.

That is actually how I ended up with both of my paying writing jobs that are consistent. There were two different projects posted asking for writers and if you were a good writer and reliable and could perform consistently it may lead to full time work. That was what I was looking for. I don't mind having to bid on jobs and wait for the job to close and the posting client decide what bid to accept and then you find out if you got. You can make more money that way, but it isn't consistent and it takes time. So I recommend finding the ones that offer steady work while you are bidding on the rest.

There are some sites that you can go to and apply to be a writer such as www.letterRep.com, www.suite101.com, www.PreschoolRock.com. I am in the process of checking these out now and I will update you on what I found.

You can check out Need-An-Article.com, they are very good, reliable and helpful. You have to submit a writing sample and follow thier guidelines and then they decide whether or not to put you on staff. They don't pay "big money" but they offer consistent money. You set what you make based on how much you write.

Check back tomorrow to see what I have to say about those three sites.

Sound Advice

2007-05-29T15:43:00.000-05:00

I am here today to offer you sound advice on what I have learned. I have written about this in various ways on my other blogs, but I am hoping that here and now you will listen and take it to heart.

I have spent the last few days writing and researching articles. I am happy to tell you that on top of being a published poet, I was taken on as a writer on an internet site. It may not always be the most creative writing, but it pays. So I get to build a reputation in the writing world and make money. Which I love, I am doing what I love and I make a living at it. Not many people out there can honestly say that. And that is why I am writing this.

Most people would love to have their own business, the idea of being their own boss, work when they want, flexibility and so. So they get on the internet and scour for hours trying to find the perfect business out there that they are going to be millionaires at. I will be the first to tell you that there are hundreds, if not hundred of thousands of businesses that you can operate from your home. There are businesses out there that you can acquire that won’t even cost you much money up front, there is one that I know of that you can actually attain for free and then how much of a monetary investment you make is up to you.

So my word of caution to you is this, don’t pay for something if you don’t have to and are not in a position to do so. There are “gurus” upon “gurus” out there that want you to believe that you will not be a success without what they have to offer. You don’t need them really, and you definitely don’t need them before you know what it is that you want to do. Understand this before jumping into an online business, or any business, KNOW what you want to do. Be realistic about how much time, money and effort you are going to put into this business. Remember it is NOT a job, it is a business.

There is not a successful business out there that did not have a framework to build from, with the person creating it no knowing what they wanted to achieve and how they were going to do it. Outside of winning the lottery, there isn’t anything out there that is going to make you a millionaire over night.

If you are going to buy a product online from a guru, make sure that there is a money back guarantee and that you will be able to get your money back if it doesn’t work out. I have seen people write programs off as scam just because once they got they realized it required them to work at it. That doesn’t make a program a scam, it means that it is legit. But also know that all the information you need is out there, and you can get it for free. It will only cost you your time. It is always better to do the research yourself, so you know what you are looking at and what you are looking for, make an informed decision.

Take this from someone that started out as a hostess, worked data entry, became a nurse, ran a successful home based real estate business and now is what she should’ve been from the beginning, a writer. Check out my other blogs for more information on businesses and scams. The links are on this page…. But here they are just incase you don’t want to look for them. J

http://protectyourselfnow.blogspot.com

http://timeswellspent.blogspot.com

I am a Writer

2007-05-20T10:20:00.000-05:00

For the first time yesterday, when I was asked what I do. I responded, "I am a writer." It was really kind of an empowering statement. I said it, and believed it. It was neat. I followed up with telling them that I had a few poems published, that I have done a few Internet ads and I author a few blogs on the net. The response was better then what I thought it would be.

Usually I am asked if I am a stay at home momor do I work. Well, most any stay at home will tell you that it is work. Clothes don't fold themselves, houses don't clean themselves, bills don't pay themselves...and the list goes on. And yes there are those people that then say,"OK well that is one days work, what do you do with the rest of your time." After a deep breath to calm myself I explain. I run two Internet businesses, as well as trying to get a fundraising program in order for our school systems here. But I always forget what it is I really do. I write.

My business is writing and publishing these blogs that I have, that yes are decorated with ads to help make money off what I am doing. I have a couple poems published, I have always written stories for various reasons. But basically what I do is I write, and I love it! I found a couple of sites for freelancers, and that made my day. I don't know why I never thought of it before, or tried looking for anything like it before. So I got incredibly excited! See, I have bought the course for data entry, and data entry today isn't what you think it is. It's blogging and promoting your blog. It is researching products and programs to put the ads on your page so that you make money. It is driving traffic to your site so that those ads are seen. Yes there are also data entry positions where they give you the info, tell you the format you do the ad, they pay you. Mindless activity really, but it pays the bills.

I have found a couple other sites that pay you to write. There is Helium. Which is a nice site. They circulate your writing and you earn money on what you write about. There are tons of topics and if you don't find one you want to write about, you submit your own topic. It's free to join, it's free to write, there is no promoting, there are no ads to research and upload. It is writing, and it is great.

I have also found "The Legend of Mernac", this is a truly amazing site and community. They are a very supportive community and all are welcome. The have a mission and a purpose, and those two things are why I joined. I haven't submitted to them yet, because I want to make sure that it is a really good story and that I don't let them down. Again, this site is free, you have the potential to make money with them down the road, but really their purpose is why I joined. I am really excited about them.

Of course, potentially getting paid is not what really pays the bills, and dreaming isn't what pays the bills. BUT being able to combine the dreams, the writing, loving what I do, and being able to pay bills all in one is what takes the cake. Writing to me is freedom for the soul. It is a way out, it is a way in, it is a way to sort things out, to figure out why, to celebrate all that you have, and make real all that you want.

So yesterday when I was asked what I did and to be able to say first, "I am a writer," and get the compliment that "Being a mom is job enough, I can't imagine being creative enough to write a poem and get published." Was the nicest thing that I had heard all day. The truth is, that anyone can do it. You just have to try, and believe that you can do it. We only ever think we can't until we actually try to do it.

Remember the first time you climbed a tree... you didn't think that you could do it either. Being a new parent for the first time, I have never met anyone that thought they could do it. But you did. So give your hand and mind a test drive.. and create! It is a wonderful experience.

Time To Get Serious

2007-05-15T20:18:00.000-05:00

It is time to get down to business. I was excited to recieve in the mail today another notice...I believe that this is my fifth...that one of my poems is going to be published. It is a big deal to me. My first poem was published when I was 11 years old. I wrote it after my grandmother died. It was my way of healing. I remember writing it at her wake after the funeral. I read it to the family, of course everyone thought it was great. I found a poetry contest and entered it. That poem won three awards and was published.

I have always loved to write. It used to be a way to escape my life, to help heal the wounds. It was a way to get through. As I grew up it was still a way to escape whatever it was that was going on, and a way to celebrate moments of my life. I would write stories where I could be someone else, and poems to talk about how I felt.

Now I write to celebrate life moments and journeys. I write to express what I feel at a particular moment. I write for myself, and I write for other people. When I say that I mean that I write so that the person out there that feels alone or stuck or depressed knows that they really aren't alone. I have been through enough in life to be able to share alot.

I have written twice about my husband and once in honor of my sister's wedding and those three were published. My most recent poem struck me at a moment of feeling lost. We all have those moments whether we want to admit it or not. But I got the announcement in the mail today that it was going to be published. So I wanted to share that great news with all of you. I will be supplying more samples of my work on this blog. As I said it is time to get serious. :)

Blessed Be~

Blog Log

2007-05-08T16:04:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to recommend another site realy quick for everyone to check out and join. It is mybloglog.com.

It is a great community to join if you like to blog and want to get exposure and meet others that are blogging also. Check them out!

Silly Me

2007-05-08T11:36:00.000-05:00

I keep forgetting to give you guys the most amazing link that I have found out there.

For everyone that likes to write, and would like to make a difference I suggest that you click on this link and check it out. It is really a rarity and it is beautiful.

http://www.mernac.com?referenceid=1172

Why should you go?
Well if for no other reason then to read why the creator of the site is doing it. In the world that we live in, we all are to easily distracted from helping those around us. Yes we complain about the state of the world, but what are we doing about it?

So what if the first step is you checking out that link above? And what if the next step is simply writing a blog entry? And the nest step is spreading the word.

http://www.mernac.com?referenceid=1172

This site is not what you are thinking it is. It is very different. It is a warm, supportive and welcoming environment. They aren't going to sell you anything, preach at you, nothing of the sort. It is a creative place to go to help mold the world into what it should be.

Do enjoy it!

Blessed Be!

Moving in the Right Direction

2007-05-08T11:26:00.000-05:00

My most recent endeavor to do good is to spread the word about this really great business I have that really benefits everyone that gets involved.

I am trying to get the schools here locally to use it. Today was a vote about a new levy to help our schools get the money the need to operate. It's funny, we will shell money out to help children everywhere but here.

I am tired of programs being cut from our schools, and I am tired of all schools not being equal and I am tired of our children suffering. I am tired of our schools barely being able to maintain forget about improving.

So with this little endeavor that I have we all win. Yes I make money off of it, but so will every single person that participates as well as the school.

All it takes is for the school to sign up, then each teacher sign up and then the parents in each teachers class. It is free to join, it doesn't require anyone to spend anythign extra then what they spend in a month anyway. The same $50 at Walmart or Target in your town, buying the same products that you buy anyway.... just using this program to do it.

Of course I had a parent the other day tell me that shipping and handling is extra. and I pointed out that the natioanl gas prices right now are over $3/gallon. Plus the time it takes you to drive to your store and drive home, really it all equals out to be the same. It might even save you money doing it my way instead of the usual way.

Items are shipped right to the person's house, no one has to drive to the school to pick it up. No one has to donate time to package ans sort. It is all done already.

It is truly a wonderful program. If you are interested in using it for your self or to help the world around you check out my other site: www.mypowermall.com/Biz/Home/2641

Let me know what you think!

An Effort to Do Good

2007-05-01T16:06:00.000-05:00

Good

I have spent the day reflecting on the word "good" and what it means to me. Part of that time I was thinking about what it meant to DO good and if I did that enough. I try, honestly I do on a daily basis.

I look around at the world, our society, my neighborhood. There are so many chances for a person do something to help the fellow human being, and half the time it goes undone. It makes me sad at times, I still have not figured out the philisophy behind that mentality. Lets face it, when your time comes and you need help aren't you going to be wondering why no one is helping you. It doesn't take much.

I look at our schools, we just left Indiana because of my husband's job and moved to Ohio. the school system we left was the best in the area academically but there were not any sports, music or art programs for the kids. Budget cuts. And now here, we are in the one of the top two school systems here and luckily they have band and art and the gym classes offer cool things like archery. But we are facing loosing those programs due to not enough money in the budget from the state. Which set me into motion. Our children are the future of this world and if they do not have all the oppurtunties that we had how can they be prepared to make this world better.

So I came up with a solution. One of my businesses that I run on the internet will allow me to set the each school up individually to make money to support the programs they have and add more if needed. It has the potential to bring the school over $4000 a month. Each school in our system. It doesn't require anyone to do anything different then what they do already, just to adjust how they do it. And it helps the school. Most of the people around here are complaining about the levy that is being voted on because the school doesn't know where else to get the money they need to operate, so with my program they don't need to spend any extra. I am hoping that it works and we get the school the money they need.

Another project of mine is to build a playground in our neighborhood for all the kids. We live in a nice neighborhood, and there are tons of kids here. Our community has a pool, but nothing else for the kids to do. There are still a few vacant lots around and one of then could be used for a playground. With benches and trees, a nice community family place. I talked with another parent in the community last night and she was really excited and offered her assistance and ideas. I am really looking forward to this project. I am hoping that we can get it done this summer. And this project just makes my heart soar I tell you. It will make my day when it is done.

I was a nurse, and I went into nursing to make a difference in peoples' lives. A postivie difference. I think most of the time I succeded. I know that I had a number of patients that made a very big difference on mine.

To me that is what "good" is. It is making a positive difference in the lives of the people around you. It doesn't take much. Smile at people, hold the door, help carry groceries, offer your ear or shoulder to someone that needs it. I used to laugh at the fact that total strangers would come up to me an pour thier hearts and souls out to me, now it makes me humble. There are times when the best thing you can do to help someone is to listen to them. Hear what they are saying. That is the greatest good you can do, listen.

Fantasy

I use to write fantasy stories all the time. Great rich love stories with a hero and tragedies and successes. So that you read them and went "Wow". Fantasy becuase they weren't real, and I didn't believe that they could be. My grandparents had a fantasy love story. They literally lived and died for one another. I spent my life looking for that, my mom always telling me that it wasn't real, and I was going to be greatly disappointed. I was the first time around.

And then... I met a truly amazing man. I wasn't looking for anyone. Had gotten divorced, never planned on doing it again. Notice I say divorced and not married. And then he came along.

Our situation at first was not ideal or perfect by anyone's standards, but it required trust and understanding. Societal and cultural differences and demands. We were honest with one another from the start, and it brought about this fantasy of a marriage and relationship into reality.

My husband is the first person that I can honestly tell you that I need. He completes me. I know that I would be lost with out him. I also know that he feels the same way about me. For though I have only said it once, he has told me on different occassions. It is enlightening to love someone so much and so completely. There is a peace that comes with it.

He is my hero, we have struggled through our tragedies and have arisen stronger then we were before. He is my knight in shining armour. For me, the sun rises and sets within him. And though I am not christian in faith, the one thing I pray to the universe to ask for is that if this is a fantasy... that it never is dissolved by reality.

He makes me feel good enough. Real. Loved.

Getting It Right

2007-05-01T13:50:00.000-05:00

I spend the better part of my days blogging. I blog to make money. I blog to help people. I blog to share my life with others. Why? Because I have made enough mistakes and incorrect judgements in this life that I urge you to do what I told my parents I couldn't do, "Learn from my mistakes," my answer was always, "I have to make them myself to learn from them."

Ok... maybe on some mistakes that is true. But on others, share in the wealth of experience around you and save yourself the agony.

Now this is not to tell you that all my decisions and choices have been bad. Quite the contrary, over all I would tell you that for ME about 88% were right and the other 12% were... poor, and not right at all. But I learned from them, so I can not say that they were bad. There are no bad life experiences as long as you have learned something from it. Sure they might hurt alittle, but pain fades and you must move on. Burn your hand once on a hot stove, you are less likely to do it again.

So, you may be wondering what is the point of this today. I am going to restructure this site alittle bit. Move some of the adds to my different blogs, and make it look less commericial.

What brought this about? Trying to get my blog accepted at blogcatalog. I know you are raising your eyebrow, but they seem to think that this is solely for commericial purposes, and it isn't. And the only reason I can think that they get that impression is because of the amount of adds here. Sometimes I look at it and think it looks great, other times I look at it and try to figure out how to cut back.
I have to pay the bills, so I can't be add free.

I also want to stress the fact that the ads I have one here are for products and companies that I know will do right for you. They aren't going to rip you off or scam you. Because that I have been victim of myself to many times and I want to help you avoid that. I have a blog solely dedicated to telling you what is scam and what isn't. It is listed in my blog links, http://protectyourselfnow.blogpsot.com.

I also have a site that is dedicated to life and journey of following The Secret, the law of attraction. That site is very special to me, very personal. The Secret is something that I completely believe in. I have bought so many copies of that book to give to my friends, because it is simple truth, Life is EXACTLY what YOU make it. http://lifeimprovingline.blogspot.com

Check that one out, you'll either decide to change your life or you'll think that I am completely out of my mind. You wouldn't be the first... and you won't be the last.

There is something else that I ask you all to do. Which is check out another blog that I read today, there is a really cool contest that they are doing, and yes you have the chance to win $500, but the reason I am doing it and recommending it is because of WHY they are holding this contest. Here is the link to the blog:

http://siberlee-mernac.blogspot.com/2007/04/written-word-blogging-contest.html

And then if you want to look at it more, try MySpace and search Legends of Mernac. i think it is absolutely amazing. If for no other reason, go to the website and read the general perspective and the creator's perspective. Actually on MySpace all you have to do is type in "Mernac" and a few sites pop up for you to check out.

So as you can see, I am going to talk more about what I am doing and what I recommend for you to check out. I am going to cut back on some of the ads. And make this site more beneficial, which was my intent anyway. :)

Oh, before I hit post, I want to encourage you to read the article below on "Own the Internet", go sign up for this it is free and you are on the net anyway, why not get paid for your time. www.agloco.com/r/BBDN6861

Again, I am grateful that you took the time to read this today. Thank you!

A Free Way to Find Someone

2007-05-01T06:51:00.000-05:00

It is time here at Wisdom of Jen to pay the bills. So I wanted to let you in on new little place that you can go and meet people. And the best part is that it is completely free.

The name of the page is "Just Say Hi" located at http://www.justsayhi.com .
This is an online dating service that is FREE to everyone. They never ask for a credit card, there is no monthly membership dues. It is free.

Just Say Hi boast all the same services that the paid online dating services open. It offers an online community board for everyone to chat on. There is a tab where you can compare Just Say Hi ( http://www.justsayhi.com ) to the other online dating services so that you can see the similiarites and the differences that this FREE site offers.

What do you have to loose? Nothing, it is risk free and you get to meet the type of person you are looking for... for free.

Check them out http://www.justsayhi.com !

Own the Internet!

2007-04-30T13:19:00.000-05:00

AGLOCO: The Internet's First Economic Network

Today’s hottest Internet businesses are all about the power of social networks. Companies like MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube have become worth billions because businesses have realized that these social networks are generating huge advertising and marketing opportunities. As these social networks grow, the economic potential for its owners – and the advertisers who target the site’s users – is remarkable.

At AGLOCO, we asked a simple question: The users created the community, where’s their share of the profit?

It was from this question that AGLOCO set out to create the Internet’s first Economic Network, harnessing the power of Internet-based social networks to directly benefit the Members who help to create the community.

Becoming a member of AGLOCO is as simple as completing a brief sign-up page (name, age, location and email address.). Once you’re a Member, you will be asked to then download the Viewbar™ software. (Note: the Viewbar™ software is currently unavailable, as it is in closed testing. It will be ready for public download in a few weeks, and members will be notified when it is available.)

AGLOCO makes money for its Members in many ways:

Search: Every time you use the Viewbar™ to do an Internet search, AGLOCO earns money from the search engine providers. (For example, Google pays as much as $0.10 on average for each search that is directed to its search engine.)

Advertising: The Viewbar™ itself displays ads that are targeted based upon the websites you’re visiting. When you click on an ad and make a purchase, AGLOCO receives a referral fee, which we pass on to our Members. (Please note: Individual members do not receive any compensation for clicking on ads in the Viewbar™, and the Viewbar™ can detect if someone is clicking ads in a fraudulent manner.)

Transaction commissions: Many major retailers pay commissions when you refer customers who make a purchase. AGLOCO collects that commission and passes it on to our members. (For example, Amazon pays an 8.5% commission to most websites who refer customers, and has cut deals for even larger percentages. The bigger the AGLOCO community, the better commission we can negotiate for our Members.)

Software distribution: Numerous software companies pay websites to encourage the download of new software releases (for example, Adobe’s Flash and Acrobat Reader software), and trial versions of new programs. AGLOCO members not only get access to the latest and coolest software, they get paid for it.

Service distribution: Many online service providers will look to the AGLOCO community as a source of new and active users for their services. (For example, eBay, Skype, and PayPal, among others, all pay fees to people who help them recruit new active users to their services)

Product distribution: When Members agree to use a product, such as cell phones, high-tech gadgets, office supplies, new credit cards or financial services, AGLOCO can collect referral fees. Some companies even offer special rebate and cash-back programs.

AGLOCO Members make money in four ways.

Members earn a monthly share of the AGLOCO revenue based on the use of the AGLOCO Viewbar™ that month.

Members earn part of the company based on the use of the AGLOCO Viewbar™ that month (currently a maximum of five hours are rewarded). See Below for details.

Members who use our referral system to help build the AGLOCO network will earn more. (AGLOCO only has significant value as a large network and people who help build it should be rewarded. – We also feel that the early users who told friends about YouTube or MySpace or even Google probably deserved something too, but no referral system was available to record their work).

Members will also get a share of any commissions AGLOCO gets when a Member purchases a product or service from an AGLOCO Sponsor company.

Why should I join now?
First, it costs nothing to Join and takes less than one minute.

Second, you can help build the AGLOCO community by recruiting new Members TODAY.

Right now, inviting your friends to join AGLOCO is as easy and productive as it will ever be – but you need to invite your friends before someone else beats you to them.

Remember, the bigger the AGLOCO community, the more attractive AGLOCO is to potential business partners and advertisers.

Recruit your friends and family by contacting them through email. (But remember we have a strict anti-spam policy.)

Use your blog and your existing social networks, such as MySpace and Facebook, to contact your friends and encourage them to join a new community that will actually let them earn money.

Be a part of the Internet’s first Member-Owned Economic Community.
Join AGLOCO - Own the Internet!

JOIN: www.agloco.com/r/BBDN6861

HOW WE ARE PAID

Earn Shares in the Company

You accumulate hours in your account for your use of the Viewbar™ software, up to the maximum monthly hours (which is country-specific). These hours can be convertible into shares of AGLOCO™ stock See below the country specific restrictions on conversion. You can also accumulate hours in your account for the usage of Viewbar™ by your direct referrals and extended referrals. You become eligible for the shares when your account reaches your country's minimum payout limit.

See the current listing for hourly rates, hours and minimum payout limits on the Global Earnings Table.

As a new company, AGLOCO™ is a private company that is not traded on any stock exchange. We are exploring public offerings of the stock on various major global stock exchanges as a means to facilitate the issuance of shares to Members.

Country Specific Restrictions

Currently AGLOCO™ is open for Membership to anyone worldwide. However, due to different regulatory requirements in each country, it may become necessary for AGLOCO™ to restrict certain countries from Viewbar™ downloads or Viewbar™ use.
In some countries, for Member participation, AGLOCO™ may have to qualify for share issuance prior to offering shares to Members. In all countries prior to share issuance, Members' hours will be accrued and shares will be issued when the AGLOCO™ board of directors approves them.
Some countries may be too small or legal requirements too complicated, for shares to be issued to Members in that country. (As a Member owned company it may not be prudent to incur the excess expenses for all Members, just to distribute shares in the countries so affected). In this case, AGLOCO™ reserves the right to exchange hours for cash, once there is a public market for AGLOCO™ stock.
Earn Cash

As AGLOCO™ grows and the company generates positive cash flow, we will be distributing the excess cash to Members and shareholders of the company. In addition, Members can earn cash directly in their accounts for certain transactions with AGLOCO™ sponsor sites.

Remember, the company is 100% owned by the Members, so we will put the cash to work to best reward the Member/shareholders of the company. The cash will be used for payouts based on hourly Viewbar™ usage, cash dividends to Member / shareholders and/or share buybacks of the company's shares.

Members Do Not Earn Hours / Shares / Cash for:

Signing up as a new member.
Referring new members who do not become active members.
Clicking on ads. There is no incentive or requirement to click on ads.
Changing your online behavior in any way. Just download the Viewbar™ software and use the Internet how you always have.

Another Idea

2007-04-28T08:52:00.001-05:00

Ok, though I usually am talking about home business ideas on my other blog "Time Well Spent", I use that more as a site to educate you on what and how to do the different business and what one's to stay away from. In my last entry here I talked about my two sites (see last entry)which are free to join. Absolutely positively free to join. And they are absolutely great programs. I want to add another one to that.

The reason I add this program is for very simply reasons, it is free and it is loaded with free ways to market, and places to go for free to join networking groups. I can not stress the importance of networking. Finding people that are like you in the fact that they have thier own businesses or are starting one, and they share ideas on how to make it work for you. They offer help, they offer advice. It's wonderful. Just when I was ready to rethink internet business I got a phone call from the gentleman that works this program. And even though at the time I was not supporting his program he helped me. He offered me links and explained what to do, not just with his program, but with ANY program you decide to do. And that phone call right there turned me around and revamped my excitement about branching out and making money online.

The site to check out is http://www.profitwildfire.com/jenwise
It is free, and it could help you turn your life around and get your business where you think it should be.

I also want to give you the link to the networking site, which is also free. I make nothing off you going there and signing up, it's free. I joined the free program purposely for the info and not the money. I highly recommend going and using it to your benefit. Anyway that link is: http://www.directmatches.com/jenwise

If you go through my site for Profit Wildfire it will take you through all the needed links to promote your program/business. If you would rather just find other people like you and start networking just use the second link. It is worth your time, and time is all it will cost you.

Best of luck to you all! And THANK YOU for checking in today!

Make Money

2007-04-26T14:10:00.000-05:00

We are all looking for ways to make money. And we are all looking for ways to do it and it not have it cost us a fortune.

Well, I have two places that I want you to check out. The first one is COMPLETELY free! You make money off what you do everyday. That website is:

http://www.mypowermall.com/Biz/Home/2641

It is possible to make enough money and not do anything and be able to be at home with your family or do what ever you want!

The other place I want you to check out is free. But there are other programs to join with it that are not free. You do not have to join these other sites to make money, but they help to increase your profits. They aren’t expensive, and they have a 30 day money back guarantee. Again a great way to make money! And it is fairly easy!

http://www.3StepSecret.com/jenannshak

The Power Mall is fairly new, but amazing. The 3 Step Secret has been around for a while and has been duplicated successfully by many people out there to make very good money. Neither are scams, they are for real!

It is to your benefit to check them out!

Simple Joy

2007-04-16T11:28:00.000-05:00

I had to write about my weekend. I was awake most of the night thinking about exactly what to say and why... so that it appeared organized. Sorry, didn't have much success with that.

This weekend was a simple joy. I was able to spend it with my 12 year old daughter. Just the two of us, because my husband and son were out on a dad/son campout with thier "tribe".

I was most impressed to begin with by how excited my daughter was for the weekend. She is twelve and I don't really think that spending a weekend with your mom is something that you get excited about at that age. I am thankful though... she is not a typical 12 year old and well, typical is something I have never been.

She couldn't get them out of the house quick enough. Now, I fully expected this to be a weekend of Orlando Bloom movies, as that he decorates her walls and her dad isn't found of Lord of the Rings, and he can only take so much of the Pirates. So I was prepared. But what did she want to watch? The DaVinci Code... yes, my 12 year old. I had already seen it with my husband, there really wasn't anything in the movie that we would object to her seeing, so I put it in.

This lead to a very indepth conversation about God, religion and whether or not I believed the DaVinci Code. Well, to spare you my beliefs and spirituality I asked her what she thought. My children were both baptized catholic, and not at birth. I am not catholic... you can't even call me christian. But I was at a point in my life, where I felt lost. I had walked away from what I had been believing for reasons that I won't go into and decided to try the way most people think you should be... catholic, church, confession and such. I was looking for answers, and I felt it important for my children to have a better basis then I did as a child to start thier journey. Hence they were baptized at 2 and 5.

In the beginning church and prayer was VERY important to my daughter, I am sure that she condemned me to hell every time we missed church. It was very important to her, and I was supportive. On that journey I realized that what I had believe my whole life was actually what I believed and I couldn't buy into organized religion. I tried, I read the Bible, entirely, took classes, I tried... it isn't for me. But I didn't stop going because my daughter was still involved and it was important to her.

That lasted until she was in third fourth grade and the new preacher that came to her school and our church told her, as well as the school, that Muslims were killing Catholics and that they were bad people. My daughter came home in tears, her dad is Muslim, from Pakistan... why would her preacher tell her that. I am thankful that the day she came home upset, her dad was on a business trip and wasn't there. So it lead to a long talk between her and I, and my going to the prinicipal the next day.

I just want to interject that my son was never fond of church and has no desire to go. He is more interested in going to prayer with his dad.

Anyway, after this talk this weekend with my daughter I asked her what she believed. She didn't know, and she didn't know what to do. So I told her to read. Read the Bible, read about Islam, read about Hinduism and such. Read about every religion that she has questions about and figure out what she believes in and why. I will guide her, and her dad told her the same thing this weekend when he came home and she wanted to have the conversation with him. But it had to be her journey, we were only guidepost, and that the best thing for her to do was educate herself. She wants to start with reading the DaVinci Code. I told her that she needed to understand that it was looked at as a book of fiction by most... but if that was were she wanted to start, then she could.

Of course she asked me if I thought it was a book of fiction, and I said this, "The story of the characters are just that, a story, but I believe the basis for it."

The rest of the weekend she did girlie, 12 year old stuff. Shopping... we spent HOURS, yes HOURS in the malls here. We have two very large inside malls here in Dayton, and we went through one, we had to drive to the other. Had it not been cold and rainy I am sure that I would've entertained her at the outside mall called The Greene, whic is my favorite if I have to have one, the hae an amazing bookstore there.

I think she told me how awesome I was about 15 times, which made me laugh. I bought her a book, and Bertie Bots, she is a Harry Potter fan... she is slightly obessed, she shopped for shoes, and movie star sun glasses, she had to have the chocolate dipped strawberries at the chocolate shop. We lived on popcorn and pretzels all weekend, (yes I know), she got hooked on the TV show The Unit, we rented the DVDs because I was missing something and now she is hooked.

But the simple joy I had of getting to know my daughter. We have always had a good relationship and I thought we were close anyway, but rebonding with her this weekend was priceless. She is 12 and I know my time with her where she wants to be with me is limited, and I am not looking forward to the time that she gives me the "Do I Have to.." when I tell her that she and I are together for the weekend again.

I hope it is far away... I hope that she knows how much I love her and how amazing she is to me.

Enjoy your children, get to know them for who they are... not who you think they are.. you might be surprised and what you find.

A Great Way to Make Extra Money

2007-04-13T10:10:00.000-05:00

I wanted to send a quick note to everyone reading this blog.

If you didn't blog already, you may want to consider it. Other then writing being a great release, you can make money doing it.

I recommend using a site called blogvertise.com, they can be found at http://www.blogsvertise.com. Not only is it a way to make extra money, but they also help get your blog out there to the world. So for all the links that you have on your site to help generate money, because let's face it that is why you have the ads on your site, this will help get your blog seen by more people. Which means more people see your ads, which means more money.

I recommend using blogvertise, and once you sign up, you should recommend it as well. They more people that we have using this great service the better.

And did I mention it is FREE!

Check it out!

Our Society - What is the Deal?

2007-04-11T09:34:00.000-05:00

I was watching the Today Show this morning, as I usually do, and I was bothered by something. I have a problem with our news anchors, our media, our society as a whole.
I am going to tell you why and I ask that you hear me out and listen to what I am saying and why.

America is a wonderful country. We the people have rights and privileges that people in other countries envy. I am proud to be an American citizen, however I am not always proud of America.

My first grip, the big new today is who is the real father of Anna Nicole’s baby Danny Lynn. I am thankful for that child that she will know who here biological father is. I feel sympathetic for the family and all that they have gone through in the last few months, but is it really national news? Should it be?

I look at all the things going on in our nation that could be being reported about and taken care of, yet never are. We would rather spend air time talking about American Idol, Anna Nicole, who is Justin Timberlake dating, is Brittany in rehab? They all have their own lives, let them live them and we really don’t need to know about it. I do hope them all well, but I don’t think it helps any of them if it makes national news.

Ok, now let me turn to the shock jock with the inappropriate racial slurs. First I have to ask, are their appropriate ones? No there isn’t. While I think that yes, we as a nation should be paying attention to this, and people are calling for him to be fired for what he said. He of course is telling people what a wonderful and nice person he is and this was a mistake and he is apologizing for it.

This is what I have to say to him, an apology doesn’t make it go away. Maybe if you were telling people how wrong what you said was, and offer a way to show people that you are truly sorry it would make a difference. I tell my kids, that if you say you are sorry and you truly mean it then you will not repeat the behavior. Correct me if I am wrong, but this is a repeated behavior for this man. Lastly, if you were genuinely a nice person, you wouldn’t have to be proclaiming it all over the place the people would already know that and defend you on that. I have not heard anyone defending him.

I believe it was Matt Lauer interviewing a very intelligent woman about this matter and she made a comment that some are saying that this is just the way society is, and she has a problem with that. So do I. Just because that is the way things are doesn’t mean that it is right. We here in America are a passive society when it comes to taking care of things here at home. We are ready to take on the world and tell them how to live, and fight battles that are not our battles, but we can’t fix what needs to fixed here.

In college, I fought with my professor in one of my law classes over why it was illegal to walk into a crowded building and yell fire, but not illegal to stand outside and throw racial slurs at people starting a riot. His response is Freedom of Speech. My argument, both situations spark fear, anger and violence. The later of the two situations I believe even more intentional then the first. To me they both should be illegal.
We need to remember that Freedom of Speech is a privilege, not a right. Privileges can be taken away, they can be altered, they can be changed and if they are being abused then they need to be re-evaluated. There is a punishment that happens when a privilege is used incorrectly. People need to think before they open their mouth. I preach this to my daughter daily, she is 12 and likes to say things without thinking. I ask her why she said that, and her response is almost always “I don’t know” or “I’m sorry”. My question is “Why?”

Maybe if we all could take a deep breath the next time we start to open our mouth and say something that we actually think before it comes out our society would be a better place.

So hear is my advice, Mr. Shock Jock should be sent to an inner city school and made to volunteer his time to help improve the education of the children there. He should write a letter to the nation and it should printed in every major newspaper about how wrong what he said was, how he abused his right to Freedom of Speech and his position in broadcasting.

We should stop being such a passive society when it comes to injustices here at home. There should be no double standards.

My wish is that for one year, the United States brought all their troops home to protect our borders here. Allow the brave soldiers to protect home from within and be with their families. Let healing begin. I know with all of our troops here, we would be safer and more protected then what we are now with them scattered all over the world.

For that year, I want our borders shut down and I want our government to tell the world that we need to take care of home right now and fix what ails us to make this country the great country that it proclaims itself to be. We can not help anyone else for those 365 days, they world will have to take care of itself. Lead by example not war. Stop telling other countries how to run and treat their people, show them how to do it.

With all the money that would be saved if we did that, we could be out of debt. Our schools could be properly funded and our children’s education would be what it should be, complete. They would have art and music and athletics. All children would be getting the education that they needed.

Go to the homeless shelters and help those people get on their feet by teaching them a trade, or getting them an education and showing them a way out. Don’t give them welfare, don’t make it impossible for them to keep their dignity and pride, help them. Make sure those children in the shelters are getting a good education to break the cycle, don’t make them doomed to be in the same place 30 years from now.

Then when we are on the road to recovery and life here is improving for EVERYONE, look at the world and ask who needs help. Don’t assume that we need to go into every country and fight a war or a battle to make that country run the way we think it should, protecting our interest in what ever that country has to offer us. Because we will have taken care of what should be our greatest concern and national interest, OUR PEOPLE.

My Mom

2007-04-04T12:56:00.000-05:00

I thought it only appropriate to write about my mom. Because, I would also not be who I am today if it was not for her as well.

My mom ended up pregnant with me at a very young age. She and my father were 16, and they had me when they were 17. My mom coming from a very different family life then what my dad had growing up, becoming a pregnant teenager was not looked upon with loving eyes. She had the opportunity to give me up for adoption or to get an abortion, and she chose to have me instead. Her and my dad got married young and had me young. I have been told repeatedly through my life that the standing joke in the family was to see who was going to grow up first, me or my parents. For fairness sake, we grew up together.

My parents did not have a great marriage. My father was abusive and an alcoholic and enjoyed having affairs with the girls that worked for him at the various jobs he had. My mom worked, did what she could, trying to meet his demands and lived in fear. She wanted to leave, but when I was a baby he had held me by the throat over the toilet and told her that if she ever left him he would kill me. So she stayed and endured what he did to her for the sake of me, and then my siblings.

I remember us leaving him in the middle of the night fleeing to my grandparents for safety. I remember my grandparents rallying to protect us all and us going back. I remember her pain, and trips to the ER for broken bones, deeps cuts and my father screaming that she deserved what she got. She stayed to protect us, because it was safer. The old adage keep your friends close and your enemies closer I decided was what she lived by.

Growing up watching her, she taught me strength and courage. She taught me to stand up and take what ever it was life was throwing at me no matter what. She taught me that nothing in this world is more important then my children and that sacrificing myself to save them was not just what parents were suppose to do, but what my mom did. Selflessness…Determination…. Unconditional love…

My mom still til this day doesn’t realize just how strong she really is and how much she has taught me. And there are times that I wonder if my siblings are aware of what she taught them, if they way they remember our father is the same fragmented eyes that they look at our mom through.

I am grateful for my mom, and I appreciate all that she has done for me and I wish there was a way for me to even begin to repay her for just a fraction of her sacrifice.

I love you mom, and I thank you for model of what strength it takes to be a mom and a woman.

Another reason for Prepaid Legal

2007-03-28T15:52:00.000-05:00

I am again on my bandwagon for PrePaid Legal simply because I feel that it is important. If for no other reason then to get your affairs in order before it is to late. I have two stories to share with you on this matter, one personal and one from an associate.

The first story is about my dad.

He was taken before his time, and he was taken leaving things in utter disarray. He had a girlfriend, and ex wife, and estranged wife and us three children. As I stated in another entry, I fought for his funeral, in which I honored his wishes according to what he had told us our entire childhood. His girlfriend wanted to go against those wishes because she stated that he no longer believed that way and he should be buried. The estranged wife objected to anything above the bare minium because she hated him and was responsible for paying for the funeral as that they never legally divorced eachother. Niether of them wanting to pay for it. He had a pention, and life insurance and three kids that according to his divorce from our mother should been the beneficiaries, however the estranger wife that had not seen him in over two years and was glad that he was dead ended up with everything. He owed my mom over $36K in back child support for my two younger siblings.

Had he had a will prepared, everything could have been addressed as he wanted it to be, instead the state decided what was going to happen, and then my mom fought for atleast part of what was owed in back child support. The estranged wife will recieve money for the rest of her life because of his death and there being no will, and the girlfriend kept all of his belongings. It was a mess. I BEG of you to NOT do this to your family. Make sure that your wishes and wants are heard and followed. Have a will prepared, have your advance directives taken care of.

My associates story:

The importance of a will

John Denver went out for a routine plane ride when the unexpected
happened. He crashed into the bay and died. What was he thinking?
Probably not about the fact that he had left three children and no will,
with no directive about the disposition of his $20 million estate.

Jackie O. on the other hand, left an explicit will detailing the handling of
her $200 million estate including specific bequests to her children, gifts
for her friends, and 36 pages of directives on the distribution of her
property including her Fifth Avenue apartment in New York City and an
autographed copy (signed by Robert Frost) of JFK's inaugural address.
While you may not have $200 million (yet!), it is important that you take
control of your legacy and write a will.

Seven out of 10 Americans die "intestate," meaning without a will. In fact, each state has its own rules regarding the distribution of property as well as laws that dictate what
constitutes the elements of a valid will. Just like any other area of
financial planning, knowing the basics can go a long way. Unfortunately,
most of us don't like to think about writing a will, but the best way to
provide for your heirs is to do proper planning in life, while you can!

What's a will?

A will is a document that transfers your property at your death to
designated persons. It is revocable, which means that it is subject to
change until your death. It becomes effective only upon your death. The
goal of your will is to distribute your property to whom you wish, like your
diamond engagement ring to your favorite daughter-in-law or your coin
collection to your grandson. A will also provides for your assets to be
managed or for the care of your children by naming guardians for them.

You -- the "testator" if you are a man, or "testatrix" if you are a woman --
are the main player in writing your will. You must be of sound mind and
of majority age in your state. You must declare it to be your "last will and
testament." It must be in writing and signed by you, and two witnesses.
It should be revised when you have a change in your family situation like
a birth or a divorce, or when there is a change in the tax law. It is
essential to name a personal representative, who is known as an
"executor" or "executrix."

"The executor is charged with a fiduciary duty to carry out the terms and
conditions of the testator's will as well as settle all debts. The role is
shaped by the size and complexity of the estate," says Judd Kleeger, an
attorney in New York City. Being an executor or executrix is a job which
requires competency and some financial knowledge. Upon the death of
the testator, the executor will have to take an inventory of and collect
assets, pay debts and taxes, and manage assets.

"An executor of a large and complex estate will have much to do.
However, they will be rewarded handsomely by receiving a fee, generally
a percentage of the estate's value," Kleeger says.

Related tax issues

There are several tax issues that you should be aware of when preparing
your will. Our government imposes an estate tax from 18 percent to as
high as 55 percent! Yes, 55 percent -- that is more than half of your
accumulated estate upon your death. Fortunately, we are all entitled to a
credit against this tax. In 1998, the "applicable credit amount" was
$625,000 increasing annually until it reaches $1,000,000 in 2006.
For estates larger than the applicable credit amount, there are several
strategies that can be employed inside a will to take advantage of this
credit -- because if you don't use it, you lose it. For example, a provision
can be made in both spouses wills for "Credit Shelter Trusts." This way,
the decedent's estate shelters their credit in a trust. This trust is one to
which the surviving spouse has the right to income but which will be out
of their estate, and upon their death, would not be taxed with their
remaining assets. Trusts are prepared at a 25% discount through the
Pre-Paid Legal family plan.

"With all of the recent tax law changes regarding gifts and estates made
by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 and the IRS Restructuring and Reform
Act 1998, effective tax planning by a tax practitioner can save taxes both
during life and for your heirs," says Alan Levine, a tax attorney in New
York City.

Remember, your will is your last word. Don't let someone else, like your
state or the federal government, utter it for you! You can either pay a
high dollar estate planning attorney to prepare your will or you can get
one at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE through your Pre-Paid Legal
Membership! The value of the Will alone will pay for your family
membership for years! Don’t procrastinate! Get your will prepared
TODAY!

The will alone is worth the membership fee!
www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/jennifercassady

Reflection on my dad

2007-03-27T15:58:00.000-05:00

There was no other man in the world like my dad. He was what he was, evil to some and wonderful to others... and not neccessarily either one of those things to the right people.

He was the dad that all my friends wanted, and at times I didn't. As I sit back and look at it, it was probably an equal split of the time whether I wanted him as my dad or not. He wasn't perfect, but he had moments of perfection... and some of the hardest things he ever said or did to me or my sister and brother and my mom, my mom especially are what has made me the woman I am today... and I am thankful.

I will tell you now that depending on who you talk to in the family, it will give you a different picture of him. And not that any one picture is right or wrong, but who he was to that person, and it is important to remember that each picture is a piece of the whole, that he wasn't any one of those versions without the next or previous version. I choose to remember him as the whole, because to me only remember the parts that I want to remember is cheating. It may make easier to sleep at night, but it is cheating.

When I tell my kids about him, I tell them the good and the bad, the perfection and the utter evilness. I want them to know and understand who people are for what they are, not what they want them to be, and that goes for the ones that are dead and gone and the ones that they have yet to meet. I make the mistake all to often of only wanting to believe the good in people, it isn't that I don't know the bad parts of them, but I am always hoping that good prevails over evil... I have to say that good has not won many battles, but it has won the important ones.

Back to my dad... it took 6 months of intense therapy for me to be able to talk about him and not feel responsible for him. In those 6 months despite the pleadings and arguments of my therapist, I dissected him into three parts. My dad, my father and Jim.

I preface this with the explanantion that any man can be a father, it only takes sperm donation, it a real man to be a dad and to be a dad you don't have to have had a part in the conception.

For me, the only way to deal with my life with my dad was to look at him completely and seperately. When he was my dad, he was perfection. We hiked in the woods, made bark boats, played GI Joes in our made up world... we had snow ball fights, we worked on yards and roofs together. He was awesome, he looked at the world differently then my friends parents, not always the right way, but his way. He taught my to tell time and do multiplication tables before I went to kindergarten. We listened to music together, he taught me to box and throw knives. We would find the perfect staff for ourselves on our hikes. We played Monopoly on Friday nights drinking Coke and eating O'Grady's potatoe chips. He was charming and good looking and he had a laugh that was infectious. You wanted him to notice you, you wanted to be around him.

When he was my father, he was more distant, more mean. He told my sister and I that no man would ever want a fat woman, and would not talk to us through puberty until we lost the weight. He drank, he had a short temper he was abusive but not evil.

When he was Jim, he was someone that I didn't even want to know. Nothing was ever his fault, the world was out to get him and he was evil. He sent my mom to the hospital on numerous occassion... I called the police to come arrest him for beating her and pretended to be asleep when he stormed up the stairs to come after to me, so that he wouldn't know for sure that I had called them. He cheated on my mom, repeatedly, lost all thier money, took me with him to buy his girlfriend a gold necklace.

There were nights I would lay in bed a pray that he would fall off the roof at one of the job sites the next day so that we didn't have to live in fear anymore. He made me feel responsible for everything. It was my fault they got married and it was my fault that they got a divorce.

I remember at 25 crying because I couldn't understand why my own father wouldn't want to be a part of my life. It was never about anyone but him.

But I have to tell you, that I wouldn't go back and ask for a different person to be my dad or my father. I wouldn't be who I am if I did.

Whether he knew it or not, whether it was his intention or not, he made me strong willed and unrelenting. I believe that I am able to step abck and look at things for what they are and not what I want them to be. I am not going to argue with family members over who is was or wasn't, he was everything that anyone said about him. It's the truth, people want to remember the good in him, for some people there was no good about him.

Do I miss him.... yes... I should tell you that about 5 years ago he was hit and killed by a car. He had been drinking all day, it was pouring in rain at 11pm and he chose, yes chose, to walk out in front of a car and end it all. He forever changed the life of the poor 19 year old kid that hit him on his way home from work. But after not seeing him for 5 years, it was me fighting for his funeral and asking all those that attended that if that couldn't get up and play "Let's Remember" and be nice then I asked that they not get up and say anything at all. Outside of my siblings and myself only two other people spoke. And you could tell that the over all feeling in the room was not one of sadness or lost, but of relief.

Would I have him back? No. If he was back and lived around the corner from me I wouldn't make another attempt to have him in my life. While I would want to believe that he would never hurt my kids... I know who and what he was... and that is a gamble that I would not want to loose. And a person would be foolish to think otherwise.

I loved him, I don't believe no matter what anyone has said that he loved me though. He might of whenI was little, but not much after that. I was his way in, a way back... because he knew I was always going to give him another chance.

Do I wish my children knew him... I wish that they could've known a part of him... when he was my dad... that part of him would've made an awesome grandfather... but again, you can't take a part with out the whole. So I tell them about him, and sometimes it makes me cry and sometimes it makes me mad... and sometimes it just is an is...

I thank him though, for teaching me to have an open mind and a free spirit, to make my own way and that sometimes, there are times, when all you have to depend on is yourself.

His life wasn't easy, I know that, and he didn't think our life should be easy either, so he didn't let...We knew when he was disappointed, and I knew when to stay away...and to stand in the way...

Well... that is enough for today...

Protect Yourself

2007-03-27T09:27:00.000-05:00

I decided to share a story with all of my readers, basically in hopes to prevent you from falling victim to scam.

I say a story simply because it is easier for me to bare telling it then to let you know that this is in fact a biographical story.

As it stands right now, we are in the middle of litigation over this with the very obvious reatlty that even with our winning we will never see the money we lost again, and that these people and their counterparts will continue to do business illegally and take more money from more people. And let me tell you now, jail does not scare them. They have been in jail and they are not afraid of going back.

I will also tell you the point of this story is to get you to go to a webpage and investigate coverage for yourself and your family. It is coverage that we did not have at the time but wished we had, and now we do, and we will never not be protected again.

We had a home based business, we still have the business but we are at the starting over point, that dealt with seller financing of homes that created a real estate note, and facilitating the sale of that note. Actually, our preference then as it is now, is to come across a note that is already created with payment history and that is legitimate. I went out one afternoon to all the realtor offices that were in our area and delivered personal invitiations to all realtors and firms for a seminar I was putting on, about the benefits to the realtor for learning about seller financing and promissory notes.

One "business" that I went into that portrayed itself as a real estate office dealing specifically with seller financing, and rehabbed homes and helping people not rent but own a home. They were very interested in what I did, and I thought the "service" that they offered was great and it seemed to be a great fit with the potential of alot of business for our company as well as theirs'.

I gave them the requirements of my investors to purchase a note, I explained what a note is, how it is created, what would need to happen in order for a note to be created and what my investors were looking for when deciding whether to buy or not. We had two meetings prior to the first deal that we attempted to do. I needed to understand what they were looking for and they needed to understand the procedure and what I could do and what I could not do.
With the promises of they were legitimate, they were in the business to help people not hurt people, we started out first deal.

Right here I want to interject that there was no contract between our company and thier company, and I could not be paid unless a deal closed, and I was never paid by them, I was paid by my investors that were buying the notes. But I stress to you, get a contract, put it in writing. When ever you are consulting, get a contract, have it reviewed by an attorney that is looking out for your interest.

Well, the start of the first deal went well, they were able to create a note, we closed with a title compnay, I had most of the needed documentation for my investor and we were waiting on an appraisal to back up what they had sold the house for so that my investor knew that the house was atleast worth more then what he was paying for the piece of paper. It took two months to get an appraisal, and when we finally got it, it was for half of what they "sold" the property for. I should've been worried then, but they reassurred me that it was a one time thing, they had other deals to work on. I advised them of what to do in order to be able to get anything out of that note, which was basically make sure all payments were on time and try to work on the house. Well, that isn't what they were interested in.

So after that, they began innodate me with purchase contracts, and demands. With out closing one I was up to 22 properties that I was trying to collect from them the needed documentation, getting quotes from my investors and trying to get a deal closed. Working 40 hours a week, week after week with no pay is not a way to live. I had to let my other clients sit on the back burner, which eventually cost me a few clients, just to try to get any of these properties taken care of. My investors were getting irritated because it shoudn't take more then 4 weeks start to finish once a seller accepts an offer and we were going on months for some of these.

I didn't stop working with them when I shoud've because we had made a mistake of becoming friends with them. Not that you can't be friendly or even friends with people that you do business with, but I recommend KNOWING who you are doing buisness with.
In an effort to try to expedite the process, we had three dinners that our company paid for to have all of thier investors(sellers) and all of thier home buyers as well as their enitre office over to go over the requirements, the legalities and what a note was, and what was needed to get a sale completed and that it could not happen without all the needed documentation.
During this time, the owner of the company was in a tight spot and asked for our help. He needed a loan until a set of properties that he was partnered in closed in Texas. We loaned him $25,000.00 with the promise to return the $25K as well as an additional $10K interest, and that it would be returned within 45 days. Again, did we get it in writing? Yes and no, the cashier check that we gave them stated that it was in fact a loan, and who the loan was to. As that the owner wanted it made out to the company.

Why did we do this? We were looking at purcahsing rental properties through them, I had 22 of their properties with seller financed notes that I was trying to get the paperwork to close, we had a relationship with them. Or so we thought....

It all started coming apart when appraisail after appraisal wa below purchase price, when my investors would order BPO's and there were items to be fixed they never fixed them my investors were yelling at me, I was yelling at this "real estate company" to try to salvage anything. We started asking for our money back that we had loaned them and we got delay after delay. It got to the point where they were bankrupting us. I was loosing commissions, they had our money and it was all becoming very clear. We met and talked with one of their investors that was having problems with them as well. He had bought 12 properties, and had mortgages on those 12 properties that they were suppose to be managing for him and they were destroying the properties and not paying him his collected rents. He was in for over $780,000 just with what the balances on the mortgages were, not including penalties for late payments or early payoff.

Though alittle late in some aspects, we walked into their office and handed them back the mess that they had given to me, told them the had 14 days to pay us back the loan and that I could no longer do business with them as that I worked in the legal and legitimate world and the worked in another world. I walked out of thier office and into my attorney's office.

We presented all of items to the attorney and then we were let in on a little secret. That these people and their so called "real estate office/management firm" was a scam. They were part of a county wide scam that was going on and that the FBI was in town running that investigation. We were also told that depsite the fact that we had a better then good case, we would never see our money again. That is the way these "companies" work. And our attorney gave us a list of people that were fraudelent and scamming people in real estate. It was disheartening. Apparently what these companies do is set up a bunch of phony companies that are LLC's with bank accounts that never have money in them. So even with winning a court case, there is no assets for you to attack to get your money back.
We decided to go after them, and we talked to the investor that they had suckered for over $780K and had him go talk to our attorney as well. And we joined forces in the federal case against them.

I tried to help this investor, I read his mortgages over, the broker that worked with this real estate fraud company had brokered the mortgages, and he must of looked for the worst interest rates and most brutual prepayment penalties that he could, because if this investor woudl've tried to pay off earlier he owed far far beyond what all the properties togethere were worth. But we tried to bundle them, and I approached some of my real estate buying investors with the package. Well after we looked at the properties, there was just no way to sell for what was owed, as that the appraisors that did the appraisals over valued the properties. As we found out later, those appriasors were in the pocket of this real estate fraud company.

My purpose as I stated in the beginning is to urge you to protect yourself. Don't think it can't happen to you because it can. It can happen to someone you love. Unfortunately, there are alot of scam artist out there and they know how to work the system, and they are not afraid of jail.

Our attorney fees right now are in the thousands, if it goes to trial we are looking at tens and twenty thousands of dollars. Had we had Prepaid Legal then we wouldn't be in this position.
You get the best law firms in your state at your beck and call, 24 hours a day, for one flat monthly fee. Protect yourself now, so that you aren't in the same boat we are saying "If only..." We have the protection now, and as I told you in the beginning, we will never not have it again. It is nice to say, "I'm calling my lawyer.." and knowing that they are there, and I don't owe them an hourly fee, I paid my monthly membership fee and I am covered.

There is no contract for you to sign, it is month to month. But what they offer is priceless and you will not want to be without this protection ever again. They will even prepare your will for you, that is included in your memebership.

Please take the time and check it out, for yours and your family's sake.
www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/jennifercassady

Work from Home Programs

2007-03-01T11:14:00.000-05:00

I have to let everyone out there know that you need to be cautious when looking for a home based business. I have tried just about everything out there. Some work, some are to good to be true and some are not what they seem.

I have bought Russ Dalbey's course on Real Estate notes, now this is a legitimate career, but the course is not enough to get you through the business. It basically gives you a rough idea of what you are looking for and a way to find it. It takes alot more work and alot more education then he leads you to believe. He offers a mentoring program, which is very expensive, but if you don't want to take the time to search for the information you need then it may be worth the expense. But really, all you need to do is find an investor to work with that will mentor you for nothing, and pay you for bringing in notes. I have worked many hours for no money at all in the note business, but I have also not to work hard at all to make a nice commission from "brokering" a note.

Then there is the enevolope stuffing... SCAM! I have not found one legitimate "stuffing" program.

Data entry... that would be how I came blogging actually. There are free sources out there to use to learn more about data entry in today's world... research those first. That is my advice. I ha prucahsed a program that said it would help get the data entry job and show you how to make the most money at it. It didn't promise overnight success, it said that it would take time and hard work, sounded safe... going through the program however, it was more like a referral program, each step there was another way to do it and get more money, after you spent another $97 on another product. I asked for a refund of the $97 I had paid to start with for the program and so far they have not charged my account for it. I will have to keep you updated.

Affilate programs - no who and what you are referring people to before signing up for these programs. An affilate program shouldn't cost you anything to do as far as signing up for it. However you have to promote and advertise and that can cost you money. Depending on the company and the product it really is a good way to make money. Again you aren't going to be able to retire overnight but it does work.

The Zaken Corporation - the offer a liquidation program and a referral program, that offer nice commissions and a money back guarantee. And there programs actually give you all the information that you need to run your own home based business. You can very easily make a couple thousand dollars per transaction. There have been criticisms over their customer service area for the "agents", which is you when you work for them, they are alittle slow to respond but they do respond.

Prepaid Legal - best program out there. I recommend this one to everyone actually. Whether you just buy the product for yourself and your family or if you decide to "sell". They have a great training program, you up line is there to help you whenever you need it, compensation is really good. They offer services that everyone should have, and that most people in Europe do have. They have been around for years, and they are great to their representatives and their cusotmers.

My advice to you is simple, investigate...research...understand and enjoy it. If you are looking for a home based business idea look for something that you are going to enjoy doing. Know that it takes alot of work, unpaid work I might add, to get started. You have to build your client base, no one is going to give it to you. You need to advertise and you need to know what you are offering to people. Whether it is a service or a product know what you are talking about.

Network with people, talk to people. Whatever business you decide to go with tell everyone and be excited about it. If you aren't exicted or knowledgable about what you are doing, why would anyone contact you.

I have my own home based business, I have mentored people for free... but there is work involved, there is time involved and there is a committment that is required.