Monthly Archives: June 2008

Help Wanted! Are You Overqualified For That Job?

Posted on June 27, 2008 by | Leave a comment

If you search the “main” career websites such as CareerBuilder, Monster.com, or Jobing.com, you will find a plethora of job opportunities. If you are a person with a Masters Degree, do you think you are qualified to be a receptionist? Most people would say “yes” you are qualified. In fact, you are more than qualified to be a receptionist.

It is very discouraging when you are looking for work and you read a job posting that states “Experienced Veterinary Receptionist.” Translation, if you do not specifically have veterinary receptionist experience do not bother to apply. So, the people running the office feel that it takes a very special talent to pick up the phone and say “Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening, Dr. Soandso’s office, how may I help you? Yes, Dr. Soandso has 9:00 am this Saturday available. Would you like to schedule an appointment?” You get the picture. Yes, you will have to know how to use a computer, provide great customer service, and have a love of animals. If you are applying for the job not only do you have a strong interest in the position, you most likely possess other qualifications that would benefit everyone in the office.

Employers wonder why employees are disgruntled. The government of the United States of America wonders why its people have a lack of faith in the establishment. Could it be the fact that our jobs are shipped overseas even though reports will say that “x-amount” of jobs were created. Congratulations to the people who were hired in those jobs.

It can be very aggravating and frustrating when you have yourself or a family to support. Employment search engines seem to “pop-up” each day. Yet, many people are having a difficult time of finding employment. Maybe there is something in the air. Will it change? Hopefully things will start to improve. Of course, one way to improve your situation is to keep the faith!

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Revelations! The Key to Your Salvation is in the Desert!

Posted on June 24, 2008 by | Leave a comment

How many people go through life asleep? They just live from day to day going through the motions of life. Many people “wake up” when a crisis occurs such as the death of a parent or sibling. Perhaps a marriage breaks up or you lose your job of 20 years. Maybe you were addicted to drugs or alcohol and realize that you could no longer live that life. Or did you accept that you cannot change your past and it’s time to put your “story” to rest? It’s unfortunate, but sometimes it takes some type of drama before a person realizes that life is passing them by in the fast lane.

Brian “Head” Welch, formerly of the band Korn found Jesus in the desert. In 2006 as he was writing an album in a Best Western in Phoenix, AZ, Brian heard a message from God to sell his real estate in California and move to Phoenix, AZ. To quote Brian, “God called Israel, Moses, and Jesus to times of preparation in the desert.” Visit the Phoenix New Times to read the article about Brian Welch.

Links to Soulful Inspiration

    For inspiration for your soul, visit Hay House Radio. You will find a wide variety of radio programs that will uplift you and your soul.

    Create your own library of music from the iTunes Store Music. Pick the music that moves you today, feel inspired tomorrow!

    Visit Joel Osteen for a daily dose of inspiration. Sign up today, receive inspiration tomorrow!

I can relate to Brian Welch. In September 2007, I moved from OH to AZ. It’s been one heck of a journey. Like so many in the world, I had a rough start in life. The details are unimportant. What is important is that it took me 15 years to “see the light.” I guess I had to go through the darkness to find the light. It is now June 2008, and I think I finally got it. Better late than never!

Part of me feels as if my time in the “desert” is coming to an end. The winds of change are in the air. This can be scary. It’s kind of ironic because change was something that did not bother me or I thought it did not bother me. Guess what? It’s not that easy, especially when it affects you! Will I stay in the desert? I’m not sure. On the other hand, I feel as if I have more to learn so that I may continue to grow as a person. This translates to more time in the desert or does it? My “ego” could be talking me out of moving forward with my life. It’s easier to stay in the desert which has become familiar to me versus the unknown. Perhaps meditation will clarify the path that I’m to follow.

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Warning! Best Buy Charges a Restocking Fee

Posted on June 21, 2008 by | 5 Comments

The next time you make a purchase from Best Buy it will behoove you to inquire about their restocking fee policy. Too bad I did not know about this before I purchased my laptop and software a couple of months ago. Personally, I was not always fond of Best Buy. I cannot place my finger on it but my “gut instinct” made me shop somewhere else before I would go to Best Buy. But that’s just me.

Apparently, the restocking fee varies from purchase to purchase. Check out this email that I received. It was verified on SNOPES.

BEST BUY, MY FOOT

Best Buy has some bad policies….

Normally, I would not share this with others, however, since this could happen to you or your friends, I decided to share it. If you purchase something from, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, JC Penny, Sears etc. and you return the item with the receipt they will give you your money back if you paid cash, or credit your account if paid by plastic. Well, I purchased a GPS for my car, a Tom Tom XL.S from ‘Best Buy’. They have a policy that it must be returned within 14 days for a refund!

So after 4 days I returned it in the original box with all the items in the box, with paper work and cords all wrapped in the plastic. Just as I received it, including the receipt. I explained to the lady at the return desk I did not like the way it could not find store names. The lady at the refund desk said, there is a 15% restock fee, for items returned. I said no one told me that. I said how much would that be. She said it goes by the price of the item. It will be $45.00 Dollars for you. I said, all your going to do is walk over and place it back on the shelf then charge me $45.00 of my money for restocking? She said that’s the store policy. I said if more people were aware of it they would not buy anything here! If I bought a $2000.00 computer or TV and returned it I would be charged $300.00 dollars restock fee? She said yes, 15%. Continue reading →

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Posted in All Business

5 Secrets to Prevent Your Kitten From Biting!

Posted on June 17, 2008 by | Leave a comment

If you just purchased or rescued a kitten, good for you! Depending on how active your kitten is he or she may be a biter! To be fair its normal for kittens to claw and bite. But, it hurts like hell when your precious little one is climbing up your leg or gnawing at your foot! OUCH!

Kittens and cats are predators so its instinctual for them to bite. Even though you provide your kitten with toys, food, and water its instinct is to hunt. Your kitten requires an outlet as it hones its hunting skills. Play time is necessary. Your kitten may like play time to last from 15 minutes to a half hour, three times a day. Do anything you can to burn up the kittens energy. The “fishing” toys are popular. You can drag it in front of your kitten so he can “stalk and play attack” the toy. Consider sock puppets. This way your kitten can distinguish between “flesh” and “non-flesh.”Shop at PetSmart.com for all your kitty toys.

    5 Secrets to Your Kitten Biting Less

  1. Teach your kitten to enjoy being handled or petted. Scratch your kitten behind the ears. Pet your kitten gently on its head.
  2. Redirect the kitten’s attention. Have many toys on hand.
  3. Yell OUCH and stop playing!
  4. Hire a pet behavior specialist. Visit Web Trail-Pet Behavior to learn more.
  5. Get another kitten! If your kitten has a playmate, he will leave you alone. This is the best solution and it always works.

Useful Links

  1. Perfect Paws. A great resource on how to train your kitten. Good luck!
  2. Pets.ca. “Pet forum for dogs, cats, and humans!”
  3. Cats.About.com. Good information on how to stop your kitten from biting.
  4. KittyKind. Is a not-for-profit, no-kill, all volunteer rescue located in NY. Offers advice on how to curb your kitten’s biting.

On a personal note, my kitten is very active. Forget about three 15 minute sessions, he can play morning, noon, and night! He likes to run around my apartment. He begins in the living room, runs to the bedroom, goes into the bathroom, and out the other door that leads from the bathroom; it’s a “Jack and Jill” bathroom.

Trying to get him to go to sleep is a challenge. Yes, I know cats are nocturnal creatures. I began to leave the bedroom door open so he can go out into the living room and climb on his “kitty condo.” I’m glad I bought the kitty condo. He loves his “fishing” toys. I have the one attached to his kitty condo and he plays with it. The other “feather” toy on a stick is the one I use to “tickle” him and have him chase it. Also, he loves paper! I give him napkins which he rips apart. He loves his “crumpled” up paper towel which he kicks around like a soccer ball. I did buy him two “spongy” soccer balls which he kicks back and forth. He would probably make a good mascot for a soccer team!

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Waistline Quiz. How Does Yours Measure Up?

Posted on June 14, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Listen up Americans, Japan has implemented mandatory measuring of Japanese waistlines. Japan is not known as an “obese” nation such as The United States of America. In the USA smokers are “berated” as the waistlines of Americans continue to “expand” each year; not for long. Some USA companies are implementing mandatory NO SMOKING policies along with HEALTH REQUIREMENTS. Employees can receive compensation such as bonuses for quitting smoking and losing weight.

Matsushita (known in the USA as Panasonic) has to measure the waistlines of its employees as well as their families and retirees. NEC, Japan’s largest makers of personal computers could face up to $19 million in penalties if the company fails to meet its targets. Ouch! Visit the The New York Times to read the article “Japan, Seeking Trim Waists, Measures Millions.”

If “mandatory measuring” was implemented in America, most people would say it’s a violation of their constitutional rights. Perhaps they have a point. However, with soaring health care costs, corporations would probably welcome the guidelines if it helps to control and cut costs.

Websites that will help you trim your waist!

On a personal note, as a former smoker and woman who carried an extra 100 lbs., I know that it can be difficult to lose weight and throw out the cigarettes. First, make sure you lose the weight for the right reasons! Do it for yourself and your health. Losing weight to please another will not work. Also, you may have deeper issues as to why you are carrying around those extra pounds. Maybe you “subconsciously” view those added pounds as protection from the outside world. Perhaps you had a horrible childhood, a marriage that ended in divorce, or some other traumatic experience. Work on the inside which will reflect the way you look and feel on the outside. This way the weight will stay off for good. So many people “yo-yo” because they did not take the time to work on their inner self. I was one of those people but I’m not anymore!

As for smoking, my new fitness regimen does not allow me to smoke. I made a “new years resolution on January 1, 2007 to quit smoking. Eighteen months later, I’m smoke free! To hike South Mountain Park in Arizona requires me to be in good shape. Those trails are not easy! And, I like the way I look and will do what I have to in order to maintain my weight!

Here’s to your health and shrinking waistline!
~ Rebecca

American Diabetes Wholesale - Free Nova Max Meter

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7 Ways to Break Free of Attachment in Your Life!

Posted on June 12, 2008 by | 1 Comment

Many people are consumed by their thoughts and are too attached to things and people! To break free from your thoughts, practice meditation each day. Meditate in the morning and at night for 10 minutes. That’s all you need. When you become comfortable with meditation, you can increase your sessions to 30 minutes. For more information, visit the Meditation Expert.

In his book “A New Earth,” Eckhart Tolle describes “how our attachment to the ego creates the dysfunction that leads to anger, jealously, and unhappiness.” Awaken now and follow your path to a more fulfilling life!

7 Ways to Break Free

  1. Meditate each day.
  2. Live in the NOW! Stay out of the past and future.
  3. Practice yoga.
  4. Walk in nature.
  5. Take 10 deep breaths.
  6. Give to others.
  7. Have an Attitude of Gratitude!

Links to Freedom!

Visit Barnes and Noble and pickup your copy of a “A New Earth” and “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle.

Inspirational books, audios, kits, and gifts from Hay House. You will find authors such as Doreen Virtue, Sonia Choquette, Peggy McColl, and many others.

Shalom Place. Learn the four “R’s” of breaking free.

Buddhism. A personal website that shares information on the philosophy, practice, and history of Buddhism.

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Posted in Healthy and Well, Motivation and Inspiration

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Stop! Are You Ready For a Kitten? Better Think Twice!

Posted on June 9, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Check out the response from Halo Animal Rescue in Phoenix, AZ:

“We are unable to take your pet in at this time. If you need a home for them immediately, you’ll need to take them to the AZ Humane Society or Maricopa County Animal Control but unfortunately they may be euthanized due to the overwhelming number of dogs and cats brought to the shelters daily. We highly recommend you consider consulting with a pet behaviorist such as petbehaviorsolutions.com if you are having any sort of behavioral issue to see if there is the possibility of finding a solution that makes you able to keep your pet. We can post your pet on our website with a few photos and a write up to help you find a home for him/her if you’d like but the pet would need to be spayed/neutered first. If you’d like information on free spays and neuters, please visit http://www.halorescue.org/spay.html or call 602-265-SPAY. Once the pet is fixed, please email up to 3 photos in a JPG format and a paragraph about the personality, likes, dislikes and the ideal home for your pet including your contact information you’d like posted to courtesylisting@halorescue.org if you’d like us to put your pet on our website. Please ensure you properly screen applicants and charge some sort of adoption fee. We would be grateful if you sent HALO Animal Rescue a donation for posting your pet (suggested donation is $10).”

Not only is the temperature rising in Arizona but so is the cat population! Why do people have pets without having them spade or neutered? Duh! Is not enough for that one. A pet is a responsibility just like a child. But then again most people cannot discipline or take care of their children!

If you are new to the state of Arizona, good luck trying to find a “no-kill” shelter. Apparently, they do exist but trying to locate one is like looking for a “needle in a haystack!” When you do stumble upon an animal shelter, the people who work there act as if you are bothering them. They must be understaffed and underpaid. In Arizona, there is much emphasis on “rounding up” all of the illegal immigrants that come into the state from the Mexican border. You can solve the border issue by temporarily closing the borders of the USA! This way the USA can take time to straighten herself out, but that’s an article for another time. How about focusing on the out-of-control pet population? Furthermore, make it mandatory that your pet is spade or neutered. If not, then you pay a fine! And, if you are a breeder, then you better have a permit. If that law does not exist, it would be a good idea to implement it.

The bottom line is a kitten is like having a newborn baby, who knew! If you adopt a young kitten or rescue one from somewhere, make sure you are up for the responsibility. Patience and time are two key factors when training the kitten. Love and attention are required as well! Avoid reading everything on the internet because no two kittens are the same.

You may consider hiring a pet behavioral specialist. If you live in Arizona, please visit Pet Behavior Solutions. Sometimes a little professional help is necessary. Believe me, I know. Sam Kabbel, the president and owner of Pet Behavior Solutions came to my home and “enlightened me about kittens and cats. The information I received has been a tremendous help. I never had a kitten as a pet. Plus, I received personalized instructions to help me train my kitten. He was a stray and had a rough start in life like so many others. So far so good. Thanks to Sam at Pet Behavior Solutions, Salem and I are doing much better!

If you are in the market for a pet, please do your research. It is not fair to the animal or you if it’s not a good match. All pets, like children, deserve a caring and loving home. Be sure that your “new addition” is the right one for you!

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Warning! Natural and Organic Food is Not Necessarily Healthy!

Posted on June 5, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Many people have jumped on the “natural and organic” band wagon. However, you must still read the ingredients. Just because food is labeled natural and organic does not mean healthy. Furthermore, if you love the rain forest and wildlife then you better read the ingredients in organic peanut butter. Palm Oil or “cruel oil” is an ingredient found in organic peanut butter which comes from Borneo, Malaysia and Indonesia. Unfortunately, the environment of the orangutans in these areas are being decimated for the harvest and planting of palm oil plantations. Before you dig into that peanut butter, you may want to make sure you will be able to “stomach” it.

If a package is labeled 100% organic, this means the product is completely organic or made of all organic ingredients. An “organic” label means that product is at least 95% organic. If the package is labeled “made with organic ingredients,” the food contains at least 70% organic ingredients. Visit the Mayo Clinic to learn more about organic food.

Links to Healthy Living

Eat Well & Be Happy with Genisoy. If you love soy products then you will love Genisoy. They offer a variety of products that really do taste great.

Find high quality vitamins and supplements at Vitamin World! For all of your vitamins and supplements to healthy living.

GNC is giving away $2000 each month through December. Visit GNC for all of your nutritional supplements, weight loss maintenance, and other health products.

Remember to read labels carefully. Just because something is labeled as natural does not mean it’s good for you. Arsenic is a natural substance but it’s poisonous! Here’s another tip. Those packages of 100 calorie snacks are not necessarily “healthy” alternatives. Please read the ingredients in the 100 calorie snacks. Some of the products contain ingredients that sound disgusting! What exactly is beef plasma? Yeah, that sounds healthy and tasty!

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Posted in Green Corner, Healthy and Well

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The Secret Healing Power of Pets

Posted on June 4, 2008 by | 3 Comments

Oprah’s Soul Series can be the first step you take to begin your journey of personal transformation. Each week, Oprah will sit down with leaders in the area of spiritual thinking. Various spiritual teachers and authors share their insights about matters of the soul. Oprah shares her own insights into her own life with listeners who are encouraged to “reflect on their own spiritual journeys.

Recently, Oprah sat down with Eckhart Tolle author of “The Power of Now” and “A New Earth,” to speak about “the power of living in the moment and about discovering your life’s purpose.” Eckhart mentioned how millions of people love their pets. He said this “is the only area where people realize they can relate and communicate to another being and that being is not judging them.” Pets will love you unconditionally. Eckhart is correct, pets love you know matter your circumstance or look. It does not matter if you are tall, short, thin, or fat. Your race and religion is not a factor. Whether you are rich and famous or not so rich and famous is of no concern to your pet. The list is endless. A pet is one the greatest and truest friends a person can have.

According to Tolle “people communicate and relate to their pets and experience a sense of freedom because they are not being judged. Animals are at a state prior to thinking; they are a simple, natural presence. When a human being is there, the human has moved beyond thinking and that’s the state of awareness. Both states are free of definitions and judgments.” Isn’t this the truth!

When we are with our pets we can be ourselves. No need to “wear a mask” or “false persona” to win over your pet. You do not have to flaunt how many degrees you hold, the kind of car you drive, or that you live in a multi-million dollar home. Of course, there is no reason that you have to do any of those things when you are around people. You could choose to be yourself. But, the ego likes to make its presence known.

Alas, in the end it does not matter how many material things you possess or how many times your written work was published. All of the egos out there are in for one rude awakening! Make a decision today to experience your awakening sooner than later. To purchase Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth” or “The Power of Now” visit Barnes and Noble. Purchase a copy today, start living tomorrow. While you’re at it, you may want to show your pet how much you love him or her by visiting Only Natural Pet Store. Fido may not need a new toy, but perhaps an all natural diet will benefit him!

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Posted in All Animals, Healthy and Well, Motivation and Inspiration

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