Rapid Gunfire In My Home Office This Morning

Yeah... that got your attention, didn't it?

We live in NE GA and this morning, after several hours of freezing overnight rain, many roads are impassable and as such, many schools in the area are closed today.

So why is it that on a regular school day, it nearly takes an army of angry villagers to wake my son and get him moving, but today he is up and at it by 8:00? And, within a half hour of waking he is hanging out in my office waging a full out war on some game on his PSP. Yeah, today is gonna be a fun one!

Photo Courtesy Of: CookingHabitBlogSpot.com

Actually, I mostly enjoy the snow days - although there's not one flake on the ground here. Snow days are a gift. The whole family is here... and stays here. It's like a rainy Sunday, when all you HAVE to do or want to do is just hang out together, inside, and stay comfy.

I see a huge batch of homemade chicken and dumplings in my future today... and  maybe some cookies too!

Jus' Sayin'

9/11

What other title would I give to a post I would write on this day?

Nine-Eleven: it's now an article of vocabulary that no matter who you are, no matter where you live or what language you speak, you understand what it means.

But, it has many meanings. One need only to utter the phrase and several definitions come to mind.

Terror. Hatred. Bravery. Grief. Disbelief. Belief. Heroes. Sadness. Anger. Coward.

Every year on this date, as with many Americans, I seethe with anger. Anger toward a coward I can not see. Anger toward the act that changed America forever. Anger that nearly 10 years later we have still not reigned in the enemy, or enemies of America.

It takes a lot of effort to sustain anger.

With the legacy of 9/11, as with so many day-to-day things, if we, as a nation, and as individuals could embrace the idea of forgiveness, with the velocity that we dedicate toward anger, perhaps our enemies would take our strength as a nation and as a people seriously.

I do not, and never will, condone the acts of terrorism. I support American troops and efforts towards eradicating terrorism on our homeland and worldwide, where we can, and where our troops are welcomed to do so.

As a human, I struggle each day with the ideology behind forgiveness and fight against it more than I embrace it when I've been "done wrong". Guilty as charged.

For me, I am not ready to forgive the events of 9/11. I have to start on a smaller scale.

What about you?

Jus' Sayin'

Will Work For.... FREE!

That’s right… I would like to work for your organization, for 30 days, unpaid.

In a tight job market and precarious economy, I’m willing to set myself apart from millions of other job seekers by working for you for free. I want to prove my value to your organization. If I prove myself in 30 days, I’d like an opportunity to join your organization permanently on a paid, full time basis.

I am currently under-employed and am seeking a full time, long term position with a proven organization. I'm a team player, unafraid of hard work, long hours or tight deadlines, and willing to prove myself from the bottom up if necessary. I'm ready to add value to your team in a lead or supportive role. I can be your ball of clay - mold me your way.

I have an extensive background in Marketing/Advertising, with core strengths in Print Production, Writing (content for web, ad copy, WordPress Blogs/Social Media, scripts for TV and Radio spots and Press Releases), Customer Relationship Building and Management, and Creative Project Management, including procurement of goods and services. My skills and talents are easily transferable to any industry.

During my years as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor I have honed my teaching, coaching, leadership and volunteer skills. These are also valuable and transferable assets to bring into any position or industry for which I may be considered.

I am immediately available for an in person interview and am able to start work as early as necessary.

I'm hopeful that you'll request a copy of my cover letter and resume and see that I'm a creative thinker and an engaging team player.

I need 9 and 20 for 10

Hello Friends, Family and Supporters!

I want to give everyone an update on my participation in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure.

Many roadblocks have arisen for me since I first started this journey. My husband fought his own battle with cancer - successfully!!! I suffered a lay off at my job. I broke my ankle and couldn't train for about 8 weeks. But none of that has broken my spirit in making this journey.

In recent weeks I've ramped up my training again and hope to continue making progress toward my goal of raising $2300 in order to be able to walk in October. I can't believe there's only 10 weeks left to do so!

So, I've done the math and thus the title of this post. I need 9 people per week to donate $20, over the course of the next 10 weeks to make my goal. Everyone knows 8 people!!! 
I can hardly wait to hit the road with the thousands of other women and men who are joining together for this common cause.

Everyone, it seems, has been affected by this disease, or knows and loves someone who has. And that's why I walk - for those in my life that have been affected. My cousin; my stepmother; friends; and relatives of friends - survivors and angels alike - I walk for them.

There is still time for you to support my efforts with a donation. Net proceeds from the Komen 3-Day for the Cure are invested in breast cancer research and community programs.

You can make a donation and show your support for my walk in several ways in the coming weeks.

First, you can visit my personal fundraising Web page and make a donation.

Second, attend one of our upcoming team events - if you're in the Atlanta area, of course. We will be having our annual Fashion Show in early October and by purchasing a ticket you can help the both my fundraising goals, and our team as a whole. Please leave a comment on this blog or Tweet me at LAGraham if you would like to purchase tickets to this event, and I will make sure you get one before it sells out. This has proven to be our team's most successful fundraiser over the years, and it is very well attended, so contact me to reserve your tickets early!

Third, you can attend a fundraising event of mine! You WON'T want to miss this if you're in Atlanta. But, even if you are not, you can still support this event. Myself and a fellow teammate will be hosting a wine tasting. Details are being finalized now, but it will be in September. This was not only a very successful fundraiser for me in 2007 when I last walked, but it is also very fun FOR EVERYONE! So, I hope you will attend. Again, leave a comment here, or Tweet Me at LAGraham if you would like to come. If you'd like to support it but can't attend, contact me and I'll tell you how.

Fourth, ask your employers to make a matching donation to yours. This is a simple way to offer your company or organization an opportunity to show their support for this cause. All my corporate sponsors will be recognized across my social media landscape - my blog, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. and I will be sporting a very fashionable T-shirt thanking my corporate sponsors during my walk in October.

And lastly, please continue to keep me and my fundraising efforts in your thoughts and prayers, but more importantly, the cause and the men and women who are affected by this disease.

Thank you for your support.

Walking with a purpose,

Lisa Graham

Exhausted From Not Working...

Yes, you read that correctly. I am exhausted by NOT working... I'm exhausted by looking for work. My new full time job has become looking for a full time job.

I can honestly say I am feeling panicked and depressed... not feelings that are usual for my otherwise optimistic spirit and personality.

I am fortunate to have a vast network of friends and family who continue to encourage me and network on my behalf as well. Without them, I'm sure I'd be headfirst and full throttle into depression overdrive.

After all, I do still have some great clients and projects to work with through my own little business... www.atlantaprinter.com. That will keep me going next week too!

I'm going to use the fact that today is Friday, and the weekend is creeping all over my enthusiasm to continue the job search, as my excuse to put an end to it for the week.

It's a good thing I still have enough cash in the bank to afford some fine tequila which will make for a nice poolside margarita this afternoon.

For now, it's bottoms up, poolside, on the rocks, no salt, with a twist of lime!

Jus' Sayin'.....

HMMJS&JC, Kathleen!!!!

Wondering about the title of this post? Well, don't. It's an inside joke between myself and my friend Tracy.

And, we're brewing up a girl's night out to enjoy one of our faves.... check it out here and grab some chuckles with us!

It's gonna be a wild night..... Jus' Sayin'!!!

Am I A Leader?

Being partially employed has left me generous amounts of time to self reflect. Actually, having a broken ankle and being limited in my mobility and physical activities is really what has left me with generous amounts of time. I'm sure it's good for me to have this "zen" time, but honestly, I'd rather be working - for the obvious financial benefits, of course, but nor do I want my mind, skills and experience to atrophy in the absence of full time employment. Next Friday can't come soon enough - off with the cast and back to life as I love it!

I do love what I'm doing now, part time. Keeping my mind and my hands engaged in two of my greatest passions is therapeutic. As a part time design assistant for a local interior decorator, I get to keep my creative juices flowing; and managing our home based print production boutique agency keeps me engaged professionally within marketing and advertising circles. I'm compelled to throw myself into both of these part time endeavors because I enjoy them and because I need to be generating some income, but mostly because they are the shields that protect me from falling into a funk over my current short-fall of employment.

Honestly though, I miss the work of my last position. As a Social Media Manager I was blending my love for research and writing with my quest to achieve additional skill sets and experience in the emerging industry of Social Media and Social Media Marketing. I yearn to return! In case you haven't noticed, Social Media and Social Media Marketing is sweeping business and industry as THE method of choice for brand recognition and consumer engagement. It's grown beyond being the vehicle for broadcasting the latest jokes.

I want to be immersed in this emerging marketing phenomena. I was on the wave of it all in my last position, and I'm grateful for the most valuable thing I learned while there - I learned that just having a presence on the Social Media Landscape does not an ROI or monetization make. There's so much more.... like studying the level of engagement to determine what drives a consumer to that level of engagement and more so what drives them to a brand. Infinitely more important, what binds them to that brand... how do we keep them as brand ambassadors? I wasn't getting that at my last position. It was quickly turning into a production writing gig, in a sweat shop environment with tyrannical management philosophy at play.

I want to hop back on my Social Media surfboard, ride this wave, not be crushed by it. For those of you who know me, you know I will succeed. My passions are my purpose and my purpose is my passion. Case in point - my quest to work with horses and special needs individuals. Had I not done my research, and found out about Therapeutic Riding I wouldn't be enjoying my involvement in that as well. And, I wouldn't have a broken ankle either, I guess... HA! Small price to pay for the rewards it brings.

My hope and my wish is with Social Media/Social Media Marketing continuing as a strongly emerging industry, that somewhere out there is an agency that wants a fresh ball of clay like me to mold into a Social Media Guru for their team and their clients. I AM a leader, but right now I want to be a follower. A pro surfer follows the wave's crest, curve and current and in doing so, masters the ride. To get too far ahead without building strength, endurance and momentum through watching and reading the wave carefully and accurately, the big kahuna will only hammer me back down.

I'm an eager learner. I enjoy a challenge. I'm ready to get my knuckles dirty, digging and building my way on the Social Media Landscape.

There's a fit for me somewhere. I know it.

..... Jus' Sayin'!

(photo credits here)

How To Destroy America

A friend shared this interesting piece with me and now I share it with you.... with tears in my eyes, I share it with you. Read on....


We know Dick Lamm as the former Governor of Colorado .. In that context his thoughts are particularly poignant. Last week there was an immigration overpopulation conference in Washington, D.C., filled to capacity by many of America 's finest minds and leaders. A brilliant college professor by the name of Victor Hansen Davis talked about his latest book, 'Mexifornia,' explaining how immigration - both legal and illegal was destroying the entire state of California . He said it would march across the country until it destroyed all vestiges of The American Dream.

Moments later, former Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm stood up and gave a stunning speech on how to destroy America.
The audience sat spellbound as he described eight methods for the destruction of the United States. He said, 'If you believe that America is too smug, too self-satisfied, too rich, then let's destroy America. It is not that hard to do. No nation in history has survived the ravages of time. Arnold Toynbee observed that all great civilizations rise and fall and that 'An autopsy of history would show that all great nations commit suicide.''

'Here is how they do it,' Lamm said:
'First, to destroy America, turn America into a bilingual or multi-lingual and bicultural country... History shows that no nation can survive the tension, conflict, and antagonism of two or more competing languages and cultures. It is a blessing for an individual to be bilingual; however, it is a curse for a society to be bilingual. The historical scholar, Seymour Lipset, put it this way: 'The histories of bilingual and bicultural societies that do not assimilate are histories of turmoil, tension, and tragedy.'


Canada, Belgium, Malaysia and Lebanon all face crises of national existence in which minorities press for autonomy, if not independence. Pakistan and Cyprus have divided. Nigeria suppressed an ethnic rebellion. France faces difficulties with Basques, Bretons, Corsicans and Muslims.'

Lamm went on:

'Second, to destroy America, invent 'multiculturalism' and encourage immigrants to maintain their culture. Make it an article of belief that all cultures are equal; that there are no cultural differences. Make it an article of faith that the Black and Hispanic dropout rates are due solely to prejudice and discrimination by the majority. Every other explanation is out of bounds.

'Third, we could make the United States an 'Hispanic Quebec' without much effort. The key is to celebrate diversity rather than unity. As Benjamin Schwarz said in the Atlantic Monthly recently: 'The apparent success of our own multi-ethnic and multicultural experiment might have been achieved not by tolerance but by hegemony. Without the dominance that once dictated ethnocentricy and what it meant to be an American, we are left with only tolerance and pluralism to hold us together.' Lamm said, 'I would encourage all immigrants to keep their own language and culture. I would replace the melting pot metaphor with the salad bowl metaphor. It is important to ensure that we have various cultural subgroups living in America enforcing their differences rather than as Americans, emphasizing their similarities.' 

'Fourth, I would make our fastest growing demographic group the least educated. I would add a second underclass, unassimilated, undereducated, and antagonistic to our population. I would have this second underclass have a 50% dropout rate from high school.'

'My fifth point for destroying America would be to get big foundations and business to give these efforts lots of money. I would invest in ethnic identity, and I would establish the cult of 'Victimology...' I would get all minorities to think that their lack of success was the fault of the majority. I would start a grievance industry blaming all minority failure on the majority platoon.' 

'My sixth plan for America's downfall would include dual citizenship, and promote divided loyalties. I would celebrate diversity over unity. I would stress differences rather than similarities. Diverse people worldwide are mostly engaged in hating each other - that is, when they are not killing each other. A diverse, peaceful, or stable society is against most historical precept. People undervalue the unity it takes to keep a nation together. Look at the ancient Greeks. The Greeks believed that they belonged to the same race; they possessed a common language and literature; and they worshipped the same gods. All Greece took part in the Olympic games.. A common enemy, Persia , threatened their liberty. Yet all these bonds were not strong enough to overcome two factors: local patriotism and geographical conditions that nurtured political divisions.Greece fell. 'E. Pluribus Unum' -- From many, one. In that historical reality, if we put the emphasis on the 'pluribus' instead of the 'Unum,' we will 'Balkanize' America as surely as Kosovo.'

'Next to last, I would place all subjects off limits. Make it taboo to talk about anything against the cult of diversity.' I would find a word similar to 'heretic' in the 16th century - that stopped discussion and paralyzed thinking. Words like 'racist' or 'xenophobe' halt discussion and debate. Having made America a bilingual/bicultural country, having established multi-cultum, having the large foundations fund the doctrine of 'Victimology,' I would next make it impossible to enforce our immigration laws. I would develop a mantra: That because immigration has been good for America, it must always be good. I would make every individual immigrant symmetric and ignore the cumulative impact of millions of them.'

In the last minute of his speech, Governor Lamm wiped his brow. Profound silence followed. Finally he said, 'Lastly, I would censor Victor Hanson Davis's book 'Mexifornia.' His book is dangerous. It exposes the plan to destroy America .. If you feel America deserves to be destroyed, don't read that book.' 

There was no applause. A chilling fear quietly rose like an ominous cloud above every attendee at the conference. Every American in that room knew that everything Lamm enumerated was proceeding methodically, quietly, darkly, yet pervasively across the United States today. Discussion is being suppressed. Over 100 languages are ripping the foundation of our educational system and national cohesiveness. Even barbaric cultures that practice female genital mutilation are growing as we celebrate 'diversity.' American jobs are vanishing into the Third World as corporations create a Third World in America. Take note of California and other states. To date, ten million illegal aliens and growing fast. It is reminiscent of George Orwell's book '1984.' In that story, three slogans are engraved in the Ministry of Truth building: 'War is peace,' 'Freedom is slavery,' and 'Ignorance is strength.'

Governor Lamm walked back to his seat. It dawned on everyone at the conference that our nation and the future of this great democracy is deeply in trouble and worsening fast. If we don't get this immigration monster stopped within three years, it will rage like a California wildfire and destroy everything in its path, especially The American Dream.

If you care for and love our country as I do, take the time to pass this on just as I did for you.

NOTHING is going to happen if you don't!

It's My Blog and I'll Soapbox If I Want To!

I have no problem whatsoever in sharing my convictions and beliefs... religious, social, political and otherwise. I always try to be aware of other viewpoints, but I will not cower or back down from my own in order to "be sensitive" or "be tolerant" of an opposing viewpoint. I can, and will, respect another's right to voice their own viewpoints, as I expect others to do the same for me.

One topic I am RABID about.... Illegal Immigration. No, not immigration... ILLEGAL immigration. There is a difference, you know.

The issue... NO, PROBLEM.... has now gone beyond just the over taxing of our social systems, schools, job losses to LEGAL Americans, etc. This is now a battle for EVERY American's life.

You think I'm being over dramatic? I'm not. Consider this... our broken immigration system is an open door policy for terrorists entering this country.

Please view these videos - part one - and part two. This is reliable reporting from our local news station.

No matter  your stance or political affiliation, you should be concerned about America doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to prevent another 9-11, or worse.

Jus' Sayin'!

Book of Faces Being Replaced's?

There have been so many "soundbites" and protests lately, about various policies and functions of Facebook being changed or revoked. I've been a little scattered in my understanding of it all, and trying to weed through the hype in order to find the facts.

Here's a site I've been following that makes it all a little more understandable for me.

I'm pretty sure I can survive any changes FB doles out.... heck, I could probably live without them all together.... EEEEKKK!!!!! Did I just say that out loud?

Jus' Sayin'!

It's Horsin' Around Time!

Well, maybe not so much for me.... at least not right now, with the broken ankle and all, but probably by June 12th, which is the date YOU need to save!

Join me and a great group of people for a day of fun at Bella Terra Stables in Winder, GA. Our Summer Open House will have tons of fun for all. This event is sponsored by our friends and supporters at Pageants of Georgia.

Find out more info here and get directions to the facility here.

YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!!!


Jus' Sayin'!

Boredom, Defined

OK... if you've been on my Facebook page today, you probably have a great idea of how terribly bored I am.
I can think of a thousand things I want to do, need to do, but simply cannot do because of this bloody cast on my leg.


I am about to crawl out of my skin!!!!


I am a "go and do" person, more so than I am a "sit and be" person. Of course, there are tons of things I can be doing while sitting around... reading, researching, blogging (uh, duh, I am).... but, I have been engaged in activities of that nature since Saturday, when I broke the freakin' ankle! I'm ready for some "go and do" stuff now!


Guess it's time to crawl up the steps with my garbage bag, shuck it around my leg and grab a shower... woo-hoo!!! Highlight of my day.


Welcome to my pity party... grab a cup of pout and join me, won't you?


Jus' Sayin'

Self Defense for Women

I don't know about you, but everyday the world becomes a scarier place.

If you haven't thought about taking a self defense course, you might want to re-think that now.... especially if you're a woman.

There are so many resources in your local area that provide this type of education and skill training.

Here's a quick demonstration from one such training professional.

Don't get caught off-guard.... protect yourself today.

Jus' Sayin'!

Pictures from Lisa

Click here to view these pictures larger

REALLY???!!!!

Forgive me readers, for I have sinned. It's been several weeks since my last confession... uh, er.... blog post, I mean.

Being partially employed since my UNJUST AND UNCALLED FOR LAYOFF IN FEBRUARY (I'm not bitter), has left me with too much time on my hands to do stuff like ride my horse, eat lunch at school with my son, play more with him, hang out more with my daughter on the weekends that she's home from school and overall just take a break from travelling across my own social media landscape. I mean, if you're going to be mediocre, why bother, right?

Speaking of mediocre.... I'm no Harper Lee or J.D. Salinger, but I'm no hack writer either. It amazes me what I find on blogs and other sites that are SUPPOSEDLY written by professional writers, or at the very least, NOT written by a third grader.

Here's a perfect example of what I'm talking about... go ahead... take a look... make sure to peruse many of the pages and posts on this blog. And someone is PAYING for this???

This writer should be doing 90 Hail Mary's for this!!!

I'm Jus' Sayin'

Finally.... Life, Explained

Two Wolves

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

"One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

"The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."


Which Wolf Are You Feeding?


Jus' Sayin'

Hello Beautiful!

Gosh.... what a gorgeous day we have here in metro Atlanta today! Finally!

I'm headed out for a power training walk as part of my "loose your fat rear, NOW!" initiative, and in preparation for my 2nd 3 Day Walk for the Cure, in Atlanta, in October.

Then, over to the barn to rub noses with my horses for a little while. As the famous Will Roger's once said, "There's nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse."

Yeah, I think taking a mental health day today is exactly the plan.

Jus' Sayin'!

What are going to do today?

We All Need A Little Closure

Closure. An over-used, yet under-rated word and concept.

We all want it. We all need it. Questions left unanswered lead us to fill in the blanks ourselves and when left to our own imaginations, we usually fill in those blanks with either the worst possible scenarios, or at best, inaccurate guesses.

Losing a much loved job recently, without an explanation as to why, has left me yearning for some closure myself.

A group of my friends are searching for closure and answers over another friend's recent choice of suicide.

Families all over the planet whose loved ones have gone missing or worse, with no answers about the circumstances or hope for capture of those responsible are haunted by a lack of closure with every breath they take.

Those are just a few of life's heaviest moments deserving closure. But even on the smallest and most mundane levels it's good to experience closure.

I love the Winter Olympic Games. Summer Games are fun too, but I really prefer the Winter Games each and every time. I'm actually one of the few who probably really enjoyed the Opening Ceremonies (except for that little moment where the torches malfunctioned.... uh, yeah, little moment, right?), so you can imagine how I was looking forward to the Closing Ceremonies.

Talk about a lack of closure. I didn't stick around for it, did you?

Maybe next time.

Jus' Sayin'

When A Dog Meows

For all you American Idol fans who long to see Simon speechless, this one's for you.

Enjoy!

Jus' Sayin'!

Kinda Freaky.... Jus' Sayin'!

I guess now that I'm unemployed, my subconscious has more time on its hands as well. At least that's what my REM sleep would suggest.

We all wonder what those funky dreams mean.... given that you can remember them in the AM.

Online calendars; online mortgage calculators; online dictionaries and thesauri (HA! Plural for thesaurus.... look it up); online fill____ in_____ the_____ blank_____

Now there's online dream interpretation. I entered in "cat in my pajamas" just to see what would come up. It was fun.