Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Oklahoma Joe's

I was catching up on my People Magazine (my guilty pleasure) and in the July 27th issue there is an article on The Travel Channel host, Anthony Bourdain's top picks for local joints and he includes Kansas City's Oklahoma Joe's!!! I just LOVE that place. There are currently two locations but I have only gone to the original, in the gas station! I like to refer to it as the "gas station bbq" and I've taken many a visitor there and have had NO complaints!!! My brother (who lives in St Louis)gets jealous of it every time I mention it!

Way to go KC!!!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

YOUR OWN MENTAL ATTITUDE IS YOUR REAL BOSS.

This was the thought for the day sent by my broker Lisa (aka, my boss). I really enjoyed it and hope you do too!

While your time and your labor may be subject to the demands of your employer and others, your mind is the one thing that cannot be controlled by anyone but you. The thoughts you think, your attitude toward your job, and what you are willing to give in exchange for the compensation you are paid are entirely up to you. It is up to you to determine whether you will be a slave to a negative attitude or the master of a positive one. Your attitude, your only master in life, is entirely within your control. When you control your attitude toward events, you control the eventual implication of those events.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Meth....

Home Buyers Should Be Wary of Meth labs
Methamphetamine residues, left behind by sellers who manufactured the toxic drug, is an increasing problem for home buyers.

As many of you know, I always "joke" that you need to watch out for a Meth House...but I'm also pretty serious. It's been said before that you can't "get rid" of the affects of Meth on a home. Below are a few things to look for courtesy of Realtor Magazine.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency says clandestine meth labs have been discovered in 46 states.

Home inspector Wes Kelley offers these signs that meth may have been manufactured in a property:
Yellow discoloration on walls and other surfaces.
Taped off fire detectors.
Experiencing burning eyes, an itchy throat, or a metallic taste in the mouth while in the property.
Strong odors similar to solvent, cat urine, or ammonia.
Presence of security cameras or other surveillance equipment.

Buyers shouldn’t rely on the seller’s assurances or an inspection by someone who isn’t knowledgeable because suing after the fact is unlikely to net results. The seller will be either long gone or in jail, experts say.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

10 Ways To Be A Green Homeowner

This information is courtesy of the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC)

10 Ways To Be A Green Homeowner

1.Conserve Energy – Homeowners can conserve energy and reduce water usage in a variety of ways:
a. Select Energy Star-rated products when purchasing or replacing household appliances or fixtures.
b. Contact your energy provider about incentives and rebate programs
c. Conduct an energy audit. The Kansas City Home Performance Network helps homeowners identify ways to lower energy bills and make their existing homes more comfortable. Learn more by contacting the Metropolitain Energy Center

2.Build and Maintain Green – Whether you’re just painting a room or remodeling your house, do it the green way. Ask for environmentally friendly products at your local home supply store. Several organizations and resources in the area can help you make the right choices.
a. Green Remodeling Idea Book
b. Habitat ReStore locations – Sell used and surplus building supplies - MO & KS
c. United States Green Building Council Kansas City Chapter: A nonprofit community of leaders working to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation.

3. Properly Dispose of Hazardous Materials - Metro area residents have access to household hazardous waste (HHW) programs that accept paint, lawn chemicals, automotive fluids, batteries, and cleaners. These programs are free for most residents.

4. Recycle

5. Protect Outdoor Air Quality - Many everyday activities pollute the air we breathe: driving a car, moving the lawn, using hazardous chemicals, etc. For simple steps you can take to improve air quality, contact the MARC Air Quality Program.

6. Protect the Air You Breathe Indoors - Mold, pet dander, chemical fumes and radon can all negatively affect your indoor air quality and your health. For ways to prevent these and other indoor environmental problems, contact the Healthy Indoor Environments Coalition of the Heartland.

7. Grow A Native Yard - Growing native trees, plants and gardens will save money, time and the environment. Native species require less moving and lawn chemicals. Planting trees can reduce your energy bills.

8. Eat Local, Eat Organic - Eating organically produced local foods positively impacts your health and the environment. Consider planting a home garden to grow your own vegetables and herbs. Visit your local farmers market and patronize local restaurants that utilize locally grown good.

9. Give Your Vehicle A Break - Carpool or take the bus to work. Ride a bike or walk to the store or school You'll get to know your neighbors and your neighborhood better by driving less - and you'll help keep the air clean. to explore your transportation options, contact MARC's RideShare program.

10. Get Involved - Once you've settled in and have begun practicing some of these green behaviors, take these next steps:
a. Volunteer - You and your family can find many great ways to volunteer to help the environment. For more information, contact Bridging The Gap.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Staycation 2009 - Starlight

Well, I had so much fun on my Staycation 2008 that I decided I need to continue it this summer. I have not been as good but I have had a few firsts! (recall previous posts about the new Royals Stadium and the Wizards game!) I had another first last week. I went with my friend Jen & Chris Nelson to Starlight Theatre to see Legally Blonde the musical. It was awesome!! I had a great time and it was a great night!

Monday, July 6, 2009

This will make you smile!

A friend posted one of the songs from the PS 22 Chorus on his facebook page...and it was awesome. Someone else posted a different song so of course I had to go to their website. They are great. It's sure to make you smile!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Cute Lessons

I got this as a forward and thought it was cute enough to send out!

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 44 lessons life taught me.
It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.. But don't worry; God
never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger..
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is
up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no
for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
23. The most important sex organ is the brain.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will
this matter?
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32 Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did
or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd
grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Its estimated 93% won't forward this. If you are one of the 7% who will,
forward this with the title '7%'.

I'm in the 7%.

Stupid People

Well, since Jay Leno isn't on the air right now, I thought I'd do a little "shout out" to him and what he for sure would have talked about in the last few nights! I don't if anyone else has seen how many news stories have been on stupid people lately, but it's funny and sad all at the same time.

So a few days ago, there was a story about a guy who called 911 b/c he got a burger at McDonalds and they owed him $8. When 911 told him that wasn't an emergency, he continued to call back. Needless to say, he was arrest for the misuse of 911 (or being stupid!)


Then yesterday (I believe) it was on the news that ANOTHER guy had called 911 wanting a ride. He was sick and wanted to get to a rap concert. They said they don't give rides and he asked for helicopter transportation. They said they don't give that either. He later confessed to having smoked pot (duh) and he too was arrested for the misuse of 911.


And our third (idiot) person was a lady who was at the police station about a crime. She was talking to police and he noticed a squirrel coming out of her shirt!!! She acted like nothing was wrong so he did as well. (I would not have been able to keep a straight face!!!)

Hope you enjoy these as much as I did. I miss Jay Leno!!!