MOLD

The last couple months have brought a couple bad rain storms for us in Redding. While the rain was nice to somewhat relieve the nearly desert like, parched land, the contents of our shed did not need watering. No. In fact it caused several of our camping things to grow...*cue dramatic music*...MOLD! Yes, the dreaded "M" word that all adults dread. Never fear mortals there is hope. There are ways to kill the mold that invades your life. Here are some ways to do so.

1. Bleach- This is an an ancient way of cleaning mold. Okay maybe not ancient but This is always how my grandmother and mother cleaned it. While doing a bit of research on this topic I found a few reasons why this may not be the best options for your cleaning task. We all know about the harsh smell and how it is harsh on your hands. However it doesn't penetrate porous materials well and it can leave the mold roots to grow back again. The chlorine will stay on the surface and the water will seep in and feed the mold. Not my favorite to use. 
2. Tea Tree Oil- While this is often used in medicine it is a great fungus killer though it is quite expensive. Making a solution of one teaspoon per cup of water and spraying it on mold will kill the invading trouble makers and keep it from seeking revenge, all with just a spritz and a scrub.
3. Vinegar- It is so easy to use this one. Spray it on without diluting it, leave it on for an hour, and rinse it off. Vinegar can kill about 82% of these bad boys species so it's not fool proof but it is simple
4. Hydrogen Peroxide 3%- Spray the affected area and let it sit for about 10 minutes. After it's sat then scrub it and remove all the nasty little buggers. Simple as that...

With these four techniques I hope you feel armed to fight the Moldy Masses. Good luck. Fight the good fight. 

I Feel Bad For Her

Today my parents and I were in Walmart and we looked at phones, lawn mowers, a kiddy pool for the dogs, Easter candy, and pants for Mom. As we were headed toward the candy from the clothes we passed booty shorts and I proceeded to tease my parents that I would wear them this summer (which I will not be doing). We were talking about it and as we passes the pharmacy area there was a minor traffic jam there was a blonde lady wearing a pink shirt, us and a woman wearing a very low-cut black top (to the point where her breasts were almost popping out) and a large skull necklace conveniently placed so you couldn't help but notice. 

She pulled out in front of is and said "Excuse me". We said "It's okay." And I continued my conversation with my parents about the booty shorts by saying "I have too much tact for that." 

The lady kept walking but said loudly "We all have our opinions and you should keep yours to yourself." 

Naturally I was shocked and confused. I had said two words to her and even smiled at her when she passed. Mom's protective nature kicked in and she yelled at the woman to come back and say that to us. All I could think is how poorly she must think of herself to think that even after I'd smiled at her that I would talk badly about a complete stranger? What could have hurt her so badly that she is so defensive? I pray that God finds a way into her heart and gives her peace. I think he may be the only one to be able to heal her hurt.

The Last 10 Years As Told By Songs

2005

This year I had established myself in the community as a performer. I was in the Drama Club, choir and I constantly sang in front of my Church

2006

This was my anthem for 2006. This was the year that I finally let a boy I liked know how I felt about him, got my driver's license, and took the risk of talking to my dad. 

2007

This was the year I graduated from high school and I had high hopes for my life. I was hoping for so much.

2008

This song describes how I felt for the first year of living in Redding, Ca after living in a small town for a majority of my life. People here claim to be cowboys but I know what a real cowboy is like. 

2009

This song is dedicated to the mistake I made of marrying my ex and all the gossip I know I caused.

2010

This was one of the songs he used to sing to me. Back in this year I would have believed every word of it. I was in love with him but he had other things in mind. 

2011

I chose this song because in 2011 I had been married for two years and I already knew that things were going to go bad.

2012

This is the year I started to realize that things weren't right in our marriage. He was controlling to the point that I wasn't allowed to have a job or go anywhere without him. I also started to suspect he was being unfaithful. I remember telling my mom that the marriage was over I just didn't know how to tell him.

2013

2013 was the final straw. Every word of this song happened every week at least twice. Not only did I find him cheating on me with 2 women and a man but he was abusive. In October of this year I had a heart surgery and the next day he had me up helping him get ready for work. 6 days after my surgery I kicked him out for the final time. 

2014

This year was spent trying to put my life back together and find myself again. I can't say it has been easy but I know that I can survive it. 

Jan-Mar 2015

So far this year has brought problem after problem including me getting laid off from my job but there's always an upside to everything

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden Review

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden first caught my attention as a young girl in high school when I first saw the screen adaptation of the novel. I must say that it was one of the first things that piqued my interest in Japanese culture. 

In the book Arthur Golden brings out the voice and story of one of the most renown geisha in Japan, Nitta Sayuri. She (then known as Chiyo) was sold by her elderly father and ill mother to a geisha house when she was 9 years old along with her sister Satsu. She grew from being a maid to a free geisha by the time she was 18 years old. Her story was so captivating that at times I couldn't put the book down though my eyes kept closing for minutes at a time in the wee morning hours.

The character of Sayri (Chiyo) was written amazingly and I felt connected to her story as if it were my own at times. I could feel her heartbreak and her triumphs as if they were happening to me. It is a must read for anyone who loves a good story and a must watch in general. The movie is my favorite of all time and I think this book is right there with it.

My Top 5 Favorite Movies

My Top 5 Favorite Movies

Everyone loves a good movie and I am no exception but my favorite movies may surprise you.

#5-A Knight's Tale

This movie starring Heath Ledger (one of my all time favorite actors) is about a young child who was sold to a knight to be his squire. When he grew up the knight died leaving 3 peasants to fend for themselves. Heath Ledger's character bands them together, while bringing a couple others to the team and attempts to fool the nobles into believing he is a knight to provide for his friends.

Why I love it: I love movies about changing the social norm for the better. I love the heroes conquering their trials and coming out victorious.

#4-Divergent

Divergent is based off of a book series by Veronica Roth. I am a HUGE fan of the series and can't wait for the second movie in the series "Allegiant" to come out this month. It is about a girl named Tris and her journey to find herself. She leaves her family and joins the Dauntless but there she runs into nothing but trouble.

Why I love it: This movie is about overcoming obstacles and finding yourself despite resistance.


#3- Brave

This movie is about a Scottish princess named Merida who, in defiance of tradition refuses to take a husband. While her parents are trying to sort out the chaos this causes, she is granted one wish and discovers it is more of a curse than a blessing. She goes on an adventure of self discovery and growth with her mother (now turned into a bear by her wish) in order to make things right.

Why I love it: Merida shows young girls that you don't need a man to be happy.


#2 The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

This is a touching movie directed by and starring Ben Stiller is about a man named Walter known around the office of Life Magazine as a daydreamer and space case. He has a special relationship with a great photographer and loses the best picture he's ever taken. He goes on an amazing adventure to find the photographer to get the negative from him and thus ends his daydreaming.

Why I love it: Mixed in with the amazing message of "Make life an adventure" is comedy that still has me laughing when I think of it.


#1- Memoirs of a Geisha

Memoirs of a Geisha is an exotic movie set in Japan and played by all Japanese actors. It is inspired by the book of the same name by Arthur Golden. It is narrated by a geisha named Nitta Sayuri who was born as Chiyo in a small fishing village. She was sold to an okiya (geisha house) by her elderly father and deathly ill mother along with her sister. She grows from a maid and becomes one of the most popular geisha in Japan.

Why I love it: You are more than what you were born into. You can change your circumstances with hard work.


Did any of these surprise you? What are your favorite movies? Please leave a comment and tell me or make suggestions of movies for me to watch.

March 2015 Mental Health Monday (Suicide)

Everyone has been affected by suicide or knows someone who has been. My family has been especially tormented by this tragedy. Certain members of my family have committed suicide and I have attempted 4 times.

Suicide leaves it's true victims with so many questions and so few answers. People who take their own lives feel alone and isolated. They feel there is no hope for them and no way for things to get better. It's like being caught in the gravitational pull of a black hole with no way to get out of it. When you are that low you can't see any light even if someone throws you a flashlight. It's hard to get out of something that deep. Take it from someone who knows.

No one is immune from this. Even the most beloved people can feel alone and unloved. Robin Williams is a prime example. To say I was shocked by his suicide was an understatement. I looked up to him as a role model, actor, and comedian. His comedy could always make me laugh even on my dark days. He was mourned by me as if he was a friend. If someone like that can be susceptible to this kind of torment, anyone can.

People often call those who commit suicide selfish, weak, or cowards. Those people couldn't be more wrong. Suicidal people need help. They may not feel like it but they WANT help. They are not weak or cowardly. They have often been too strong or brave for too long. they just need someone to reach out to them and help them (sometimes forcefully) get help.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/madeline-ruoff-/stop-calling-suicide-vict_b_5045441.html