Finding Hope

Today I took some of our kids to visit Hope For Life Rescue, Inc. We've had a hole in our hearts since our Duke had to be put down last month, so we're keeping our eyes out for the perfect companion. Finding the right one is so important, since there are so many of us!  A few months ago I was sent to Hope, because I was interested in getting a feline friend.

On my first visit I fell in love with a handsome gentleman named Smokey. After leaving, I found myself going back to my phone to look at a picture of him. Within 48 hours I went back to get him. We renamed him Mr. O'Mally from my son's favorite move The Aristocats, and he has proven himself to be a keeper!

I took pictures today of some of their candidates, and got to know them a little. Wouldn't it be neat if one of my readers found their long lost soul mate here!

Rocky is a larger Chihuahua. He is very loving, and seemed to be happy with my kids. Probably older children would be best. He has so much personality, and is very vocal with his grunts and growls for attention. 

 Wesley is an older Dachshund. He'd prefer a quiet environment, with humans that are calm and like to cuddle!

These two are a bundle of fun and they need to be homed together. They both are about a year old. They love each other and love to play! 

This guy is lover! He was an alley cat, but he is so very loving. He's funny too, when he's getting a good petting he sticks out his tongue! 

Among my obvious favorites, they have lots of kittens!

Hope For Life is a no-kill shelter. All the animals are free fed, and seem to be happy, most of the time, to co-exist outside of their rooms. They get fixed, vaccinated, or if need be they even pay for surgeries and heart worm treatments!

Of course ALL of this cost money, and they could always use your help! If you are looking for a new friend, would like to volunteer, or contribute with donations, you can contact them by:

Phone: (757) 491-4609
Email: hopeforliferescue@gmail.com
Website: http://www.hopeforliferescue.com
You can also find them on Facebook, just click the link... Hope For Life Rescue, INC

Or just stop by and see for yourself!

• 610 Jack Rabbit Road, Suite #1
• Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

Hours

Mon: 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Tue: 12:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Wed - Thu: 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Fri: 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Sat: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Sun: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

HUGZZ!!

A message from Dr. Bill Cosby

I hope Dr.Cosby does not mind. 

They're standing on the corner and they can't speak English. 
I can't even talk the way these people talk: 
Why you ain't,
Where you is,
What he drive,
Where he stay,
Where he work,
Who you be...
And I blamed the kid until I heard the mother talk.
And then I heard the father talk.
Everybody knows it's important to speak English except these knuckleheads. You can't be a doctor with that kind of crap coming out of your mouth.
In fact you will never get any kind of job making a decent living.

People marched and were hit in the face with rocks to get an Education, and now we've got these knuckleheads walking around.
The lower economic people are not holding up their end in this deal.
These people are not parenting. They are buying things for kids.
$500 sneakers for what?
And they won't spend $200 for Hooked on Phonics.

I am talking about these people who cry when their son is standing there in an orange suit.
Where were you when he was 2?
Where were you when he was 12?
Where were you when he was 18 and how come you didn't know that he had a pistol?
And where is the father? Or who is his father?
People putting their clothes on backward:
Isn't that a sign of something gone wrong?
People with their hats on backward, pants down around the crack, isn't that a sign of something?

Isn't it a sign of something when she has her dress all the way up and got all type of needles [piercing] going through her body?
What part of Africa did this come from??
We are not Africans. Those people are not Africans; they don't know a thing about Africa .....

I say this all of the time. It would be like white people saying they are European-American. That is totally stupid.
I was born here, and so were my parents and grand parents and, very likely my great grandparents. I don't have any connection to Africa, no more than white Americans have to Germany , Scotland , England , Ireland , or the Netherlands . The same applies to 99 percent of all the black Americans as regards to Africa . So stop, already! ! !
With names like Shaniqua, Taliqua and Mohammed and all of that crap ......... And all of them are in jail.

Brown or black versus the Board of Education is no longer the white person's problem.
We have got to take the neighborhood back.
People used to be ashamed. Today a woman has eight children with eight different 'husbands' -- or men or whatever you call them now.
We have millionaire football players who cannot read.
We have million-dollar basketball players who can't write two paragraphs. We, as black folks have to do a better job.
Someone working at Wal-Mart with seven kids, you are hurting us.
We have to start holding each other to a higher standard..
We cannot blame the white people any longer.'

~Dr.. William Henry 'Bill' Cosby, Jr., Ed..D. 

Justice Is More Than Blind, It's Deaf And Dumb Too

A woman defending herself from being beat, 9 days after having a premature baby, uses her legal gun to fire a warning shot. She is given a 20 years sentence. I guess the only warning shot that works, is one to the head. She would've gotten less time for that!

Please take a moment to sign her petition for release. It only takes a moment. Let Marissa Alexander get back to her babies!

Free Marissa Alexander

The Good, The OK's, And The STAY AWAYS!

Get by with a little help from a friend! If you are not sure where to go, and not to go, while you are here with us in Virginia Beach, here's a my recommendations

Good:

Tautogs and Doc Taylors 23rd and Pacific Ave at the ocean front. Doc Taylors is open for breakfast and won't leave you penniless. A casual atmosphere makes shorts and sandles acceptable. My personal favorite is the "Heart Attack" with the flat iron steak. But coming in second, which will probably be my new order since I'm sticking to a lighter diet, will be the Parmesan Tomatoes and Grits (ala carte)!

 Tautogs (sister restaurant to Doc Taylor's), is open for dinner, they are family friendly, but are a little pricey. I myself have never eaten there, though I hear a lot of good things about them from the locals!

To find out more about this restaurant, or to make reservations visit their website @ http://www.tautogs.com/ .

The STAY AWAYS!

Fish Bones, not to be confused with Bonefish! Location: 1211 Atlantic Ave. Virginia Beach, Virginia. This place is a tourist trap. I haven't been able to find a website for them, but you'll find their little fliers in all the hotels. Unless you are drunk and can't really taste the food, don't go here! Here's a review I wrote on Trip Advisor last month, while on my honeymoon.

“Not Worth The Money!”

Reviewed June 12, 2013

Not worth the money!! I'm not one who usually complains but in the price vs. quality and competence, I give this place a 2 star rating. The crab legs were very salty (with no other signs of seasoning), a sign that the water had not been changed in a while. Tuna salad in the sushimi...I can't even explain that. If you like sweet tea, which is a common must-have in the restaurant industry....sorry they don't have it! Don't believe the hostess in the front, either she doesn't know what's going on or she likes to lie to people. You can not have lobster and buffet, even if you are willing to pay extra for it (Oh unless you have a mysterious coupon, in which you get a FREE Lobster tail). The desert choices are a joke, all while you sweat because it feels as though you are in a sauna. I'm already missing the 75 buckeroos that my husband paid for that hypocrisy. BAH!!

As you can tell, I was a little more than upset and disappointed, I would take a lot of caution before spending your hard earned bones at Fish Bones!

Half The Girl

I'm telling you the world is full of sabotage and trickery. I was doing very well yesterday. Didn't feel as I was starving, food really wasn't on my mind. I had resolved to eat yogurt, fruit, and vegetables. Dad comes in from Maryland, and before you know it we're off to Cheeseburger In Paradise! 

Not today my friends! I am going to hold my resolve with food. As for smoking, I'm starting to waver. It has been about 8 hours since my last cigarette. I can feel the cravings in my teeth. Within the hour, I will be gritting my teeth and feeling like my skin is crawling. I really feel like NEWPORT's bitch. 

As soon as it is light outside I will take a walk. No matter how short or long, I'm getting off this couch and out of this house today, for no reason except change! I can do all things through Chr'st, who strengths me!

Enjoy your day today, live like it was your last! Only take time for the important stuff, the rest isn't worth it!

HUGZZ

A Change For The Better

Riots For Justice

The internet is flooded with the riots stirred by the Zimmerman trials. I lose more confidence in our popcorn society everyday. Rally, voice your opinion, but don't prove yourself to be reckless, crazy people. Florida waiters were stiffed specifically because they were white, a white man beat by several teens because he was white, a grandmother trying to get her sick grandchild to the hospital was refused by protesters on the highway...because they were white. 

Racism. A story that is so over played!  It is so sad that it seems to always resort to this. To those who don't know the facts and want to keep bringing them up: Black people in Africa sold other black people into slavery, at a time in the world when slavery was common, prevalent, and acceptable. Slaves were not just Africans...it was EVERYWHERE, and anyone without a distinguished name, without parents, or on the wrong side of a war could be enslaved.

I am not condoning slavery, nor am I a racially biased person. I am just saying, get the story straight, rise up out of the ashes and move on.  Take your anger and do something positive with it. Be the bigger person, extend the olive branch. I know that my words will either fall on deaf ears, or someone will read this and become angry, but I stand with my words. 

Our Week At The Beach

Town Fair at Town Center:

Location: Town Center222 Central Park AveVirginia Beach, VA

Local artists, good eats, and a desirable atmosphere.  Saturday July 20th from 3 pm til 6.

Ynot Wednesday:

Location: Sandler Center Outdoor Plaza

201 Market St  Virginia Beach, VA 23462

This week Snackbar Jones will be playing. This band is known to play a variety of genres including but not limited to 80's, 90's,classic rock, disco, and oldies! There is to be lots of yummys for purchase, games and more! 
Wednesday, July 24th from 5 pm til 9

Half The Girl

Yesterday the family and I went to the beach. My overall bad health was VERY apparent as I hauled my big butt down the sand towards the water. I love the beach and for it to take so much effort was embarrassing. I huffed and puffed. My chest was tight and I had sweat pouring down my face.

I wasn't so worried about how I looked, I was devastated with my overall condition. The worst part was leaving the beach. I felt like "The Little Train That Could!" It didn't stop there, when I woke up this morning I felt like I'd been in a car wreck.

This tyranny of slow suicide ends today! I have a vapor cigarette, but I'm choosing to stop without it. Solely because I want no crutch except J'sus. I am giving it to him. All of it. I do have some anxiety medicine, to help preserve my family. So starting tonight when I lay my head down, I will lay it all down. 

I'm not a morning eater, and I have been told by many people this is bad. I still couldn't force myself to eat but I did drink two big glasses of water.

New Guidelines For A Better Me:

*Yogurt and fruit for the next few days

*Drink water like it's my job

I would love to juice, but I just can not afford it!

We are going back to the beach Saturday. I don't have hopes that it's going to be much better, but I will not stop! I'm hoping that more activity will help with the stress of not having a crutch.

Zechariah 4:6... It's not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit says the L'rd

I hope that everyone that reads today not only finds themselves blessed but enlighten and encouraged.
Hugzz

The Day After

It's a day after the Zimmerman trials, and I am relieved it is over. Already I am seeing a decrease in Facebook post, and starting to see other news that otherwise would have been ignored. I am Switzerland when it comes to this trial. I see both sides, both in the wrong, both in the right. I have neglected to comment on any part of it until now., and in the words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I got to say 'bout that."

Last month I married a wonderfully imperfect guy, which is wonderfully perfect for me. Our wedding was small, but meaningful. I teared up during our vows, but the gut wrenching moment of seeing how big I was in the pictures is haunting me. I had vowed to lose half of me by our 1st anniversary. So every blog will have a section called "Half The Girl," as I endure trying to quit smoking and lose half of my body mass.

Throughout my life I have had mostly some kind of customer service job. I have a little peeve about getting your money's worth. I am a very frugal person. I would rather keep the $20 in my pocket, and find something in the fridge. I love to have my nails done and pretty, but will settle for painting/filing my own. In the inspiration of knowing I could help someone make good choices, that make them a satisfied customer I will have a section call "The Good, The OK's, and The Stay Aways"

The Good, The OK's, and The Stay Aways

OK: First on that list is Brookstone in Lynnhaven Mall. As soon as I laid eye on the chair, I had to try. I plopped myself down and and began the process. A few seconds later the sales attendant, Jason, was there by me. I would have to say that I would have preferred to be greeted and then had time to assess the product.  The whole time I was there, Jason was hovering by me, while at least 10 other customers came and left the store, unassisted.

The possible "holy chair" that I was sitting in, because if I'd  had the chance to relax, it probably would've sent me straight to heaven comes with a price tag. It's steep, and I will probably never own it or the likes. The OSIM uastro 2 can be yours for a meager $3,299.00, almost the cost of a soul. I paid less for the last 7 vehicles I bought, which by the way is all I've ever owned!

Stay Away: Pizza Express

5004 Ferrell Pkwy #102
Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Buyer beware. I felt robbed after ordering delivery from here. It took an hour and 15 minutes to get to us, the food was not even appetizing in appearance and even worse going down! I called to appropriately offer my opinion (appropriately=nicely) and was merely brushed off as if to say "No worries mate, we have your money." The chicken tenders were ridiculously dry and small, nothing like their online menu. My son ordered a double bacon cheeseburger sub. The meat was not even in patties, it just fell apart when you picked it up! The taste was good though, I will give them that! Then I ordered a Carolina Pulled Pork Sub with coleslaw. My sub meat looked like it came out of a prepackaged item from the grocery store, not homemade as they boast in their menu. Overall disappointment and I immediately missed the $40 that  it cost!

I have many ideas for this blog like local artist tributes and maybe some poetry contests. We'll see how far we can get this! It has only just begun, and everything takes time.

Hugzz, to all who have read! Good night!

The Beginning Of Something New

I have blogged before, and though it was for a short time it became quite successful. So, I thought I might try my hand at it again. I want to offer great ideas, free things to do, buyer bewares for Virginia Beach, and neat recipes. I have have a very opinionated mind and conscience. So, in the rare case that I may offend you remember everyone has one!

I am a mother of 7. I recently remarried, and am so in love with my guy. I have an entrepreneurs heart, so I have many tried and failed ideas. I'm not a genius, nor suffer from perfection. I do love life, get inspired by creativity, and have a passion to not give up.

So as I have a storage room full of items I have no where to put, a house that needs to be cleaned, and kids that need to attend to, I will be as faithful to this blog and as truthful as I can!

HUGGZ, Michele