Chain Emails

Lately the topics on Loose Women haven't been comment worthy in a major way. I still suggest people watch the clips but nothing discussed has made me want to voice my opinion, so this post is going to be different.

Tonight a friend of mine IM'd me telling me about his aunt. She's recently retired and thanks to her new found time, has nothing better to do than send chain emails. Haha oh the things I really want to say about that hobby.... I will say that there are a few chain emails that I find okay. Pictures of animals or pictures of amazing views. Some of the ones where 5 year olds are quoted as saying something can be cute too, but as a general rule I pretty much hate them. What bugs me the most is the fact that, essentially, chain emails are chain letters. Remember those? Yeah how well did those work out? Why would these be any different? Doing those "grab a blank piece of paper and number it 1-10" things and sending it to 10 people then pressing "alt" "ctrl" "square" and "q" isn't going to make the love of your life's name pop up on screen. And forwarding the special "friendship angel" isn't going to make blah blah blah company donate $10 to some young cancer striken patients cause.

The best part is about these emails is when you see them again months later. And you look at who else got it this time and the person you received it from has sent it to all the same people. Really y'all come on now? Let's get serious.

www.youtube.com/x7tinkerbell7x

Happy Birthday Melanie C!

So today, January 12 is Melanie C's birthday! She's such an inspiration and not only because she was Sporty Spice and I'm a tomboy. She writes such amazing songs and she really speaks to me with her music! Happy birthday to her!

It really stinks when you're doing a blog and the topic you're doing it on you can't really comment on. That and it gets a little discouraging when you think no one is reading. Whatever.

I actually like the first topic from today's show. Test driving new boobs! I'm actually quite content with what I've got. I know when I have kids I'll get a little bigger but hopefully not too much. I don't think I'd want to be quite as big as Coleen. I really feel for her. Those things looks like they hurt. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QtZZ20xAqs

Now this next topic makes me cringe. I absolutely HATE ultimatums! They're childish in every way. To have to deliver an ultimatum makes one seem like a dictator and the one receiving the ultimatum gets left feeling like a child. Also, to push someone into giving an ultimatum makes one look childish. My mom still tries to deliver ultimatums. I guess they're supposed to scare me? I'm 21, how does that make her look? Anyway, everyone on the panel seems to agree that ultimatums are ridiculous and I 100% agree. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_CW6S0e9RY

This last topic I really can't talk about. I'm not a mom and won't be for a pretty long time so my opinion really is no good here. So I guess just watch the clip for fun. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2coQrby0jUU

Welcome to good burger home of the good burger can I take your order?

Oy Monday already. Back to the daily grind. Wait a minute, I don't have a job. What am I on about? Wish I had one though. Anyway, since it's late on Monday think of this week as pretty much over. On today's Loose Women we had Kate, Coleen, Zoe and Sherrie. I find that on this show, I don't care who is on. I know I'm guaranteed a laugh each time I watch. Today is no exception.

We start with sing songs. Glee just premiered in England tonight and with it's premier it brought the question of "Do you embrace sing songs?" I can proudly admit that I do, however, it depends on what the song is. Also, I'm not big on the whole over-production aspect people do when they sing something from a musical or something along those lines. If one is not trained they shouldn't really try. There are exceptions. Like look at Susan Boyle, she wasn't trained and she opened her mouth to sing and we were all blown away. But let's be honest, someone and something like that only happens every now and then so I'm really with Kate on this one. And what the hell is Zoe talking about? What part of America are poeple doing this? I need to be there! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5xTDYz5nGg

This next topic really makes me laugh because it seems to be a pandemic. Why oh why oh why on this, God's green earth, would anyone want to have fake looking lips? I can understand wanting fuller lips, but people need to learn to draw a line. Honestly, it's like people have swaped big hair for big lips. Are we trying for the motto that goes along with it? The bigger the lips the closer to God? Just ridiculous. People need to learn to appreciate what they're given. The glorious thing about nature is that it's untouched. No one tries to make the snowfall on a branch looks better. It fell that way for a reason and that's how it should be. We were given the features we were given for a reason and that's how it should be! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P43yJ7NDf5E

I don't want to spend too much time on the next topic because it's one that really gets to me. It's about retirement. Working past the retirement age really. It would be nice to have the option when that time arrives for me, as I'm sure it is for people at that stage now. However, there isn't enough pension money to live off of it and it doesn't seem like anybody is doing anything to eradicate that. I feel that the way things are going, my generation won't have a retirement age and that's really scary to think about. So I'm not going to. I'm 21 years young and I'm going to enjoy myself. I think we all need to do that. Stop worrying and just live. Easier said than done, but we could all at least try. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH43pQuwJfc

Last but not least, being proactive when looking for love. As Kate mentions, there's a new gadget thing that'll alert you if someone has similar interests and tastes based on DNA... what the hell ever happened to meeting in the produce section of a grocery store? Though old, those jokes are still funny when holding certain items of fruit! I know I'm not one to talk given my age and the fact that my phone is never out of sight, but we have gotten so bonkers over technology it's ridiculous. We're all staying up later at night to surf the internet and read stories on line. We're obsessed with facebook and twitter (@amber_bigelow) and text messaging. We all feel the need to be constantly connected and look what it's doing to us. Remember the days when you sat around a fire in someone's backyard and told stories? Now you do right? We need those days back. As for looking for love, everyone just needs to stop being so picky. We're putting to much effort into the qualities a person needs to have, rather than qualities they already have. We make ourselves seem shallow then bitch and moan when we're all alone. Can't have it both ways folks. One or the other. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDc-uTpvh4g

Forget the fact that they never called, they removed the hyphen from my name. It's not "amberlyn" it's amber-lyn" the hyphen is crucial

So yesterday I was quite sick. Been plagued by sinus headaches which always knock me down so today's blog is double duty.

First up on yesterday's show was the subject of haggling. Personally, because of my age, I've never had to haggle. That's always been up to my mom, however, now that I'm growing up I am finding myself trying to always get a bargain. I generally only buy things that I need when they're on sale. I am very good about separating a need from a want. I usually only buy facial cleaners, makeup, deoderant, toothpaste, etc. That stuff I need. Every now and then if I see a shirt that's marked down I might get it, but when I go home, I'll search for a shirt I know I haven't worn in ages and I'll put it somewhere so I can donate it later. The only time I catch myself making an issue with haggling is when something is marked a certain price and comes up wrong. Now, because I used to work in a grocery store I understand that maybe something was in the wrong spot or mismarked or was on sale the week before, but, because I did work in a store I know that a store's policy is to give me the price indicated on a sticker. I try not to make a big fuss in the line if there are people standing behind me but I will say something just so people are made aware of the mistake. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SQCROwqlRs

Next up was respect for your elders. I was brought up to just do so automatically but I always want respect given to me by them as well. I'm always fascinated by stories from people older than me. Because so much happened before my time I almost feel like life didn't exist before me. Kind of a selfish thing to say but I didn't get to experience all of that cool stuff so it's hard to imagine that it actually happened. But, I've noticed while working with the public that although I give respect and certain people expect that respect, those same people aren't so quick to dish it out themselves. I would have tons of elderly people complain because the only cashiers open were young kids and maybe I had checked my phone for the time and they would go off on a tangent about how we're always connected to our phones... blah blah blah. For the most part I would just let them go, but if there was a problem when it came to not understanding something, I'm sorry I would let them know if they were wrong. Apparently, they don't like that and then the "you young kids today don't know anything, you have no manners, you need to learn respect"... and it would be at that moment that I would stop their tirade and point out that before I learn respect they need to learn how to dish it out themselves, not automatically expect it, and not be hypocrites. Sorry but if you want my respect, you'll have to earn it and give me some as well. I don't give my services for free. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8E7Pmq7aY8

Thirdly, and really my territory, was about DIY. Being a tomboy I always want to prove that I can do something myself. I'm man enough to figure it out but I'm also woman enough to read directions. I like that aspect of me. Granted I wouldn't go about putting up shelves in my house without proper research but I know I could do it and properly at that. I can't really comment to too much about this subject since I don't have an apartment or a house, but I can say that since my father has passed away, my mom depends on me to do some of the things he would normally do. Like if something breaks she always looks to me to know how to fix it. Thank God I spent time with my father learning that stuff because I know when men are taking advantage of the woman situation. Also, I agree with Sherrie. Wish we could all twitch our noses and everything would be the way we wanted. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeWEheZAd90

Lastly on yesterday's show was the topic of weight.The question was, does weight affect your self esteem? It most certainly can affect self esteem but not always negatively. There is nothing wrong with looking in the mirror and wanting to lose weight or tone up to be healthy, but, we need to know when to draw the line. Just because one has a muffin top or love handles doesn't mean one has to be depressed. Especially in the winter time, unless you're going on holiday, who is going to see you? Embrace the fat because it'll help keep you warm. However, no one
wants to look like a beached whale so maybe come March the weight loss can begin. People just need to do their research and understand that a successful weight loss program includes a proper diet and exercise. And not just moderate walking. Sweating burns calories as does an increased heart rate, the more one sweats the more calories and fat are burned. Experts say at least 30 minutes of cardio a day should be enough to get moderate results. However, I think that should be changed to an hour. Half hour for cardio and the other half for muscle toning. Also, sweat suits need to be emphasized. If done properly, wearing a sweat producing suit can increase the loss of water weight which is a huge factor is a person's weight. Half the time we're all just bloated. I don't really want to spend too much time, as I am not certified, but I do want to say that I agree with Denise there's no happy medium. We as people shouldn't obsess over being skinny but we shouldn't condone obesity either. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9gnx_cKFwY

Okay so now for today's show 1.8.2010

First up, concerning the big freeze that's gripping the world at the moment, is how to stay warm in the cold weather. I just want to say that Carol McGiffin looks like Obi Wan Kenobi meets the Emperor in that thing and as much as I hate the idea of a snuggie, I'm sure it works. It looks like it works.I say the best way to stay warm is to not go outside at all. My hands are always cold. Hands, feet, nose and toes are always FREEZING! But, when I go to bed I'm always kicking off the covers. I don't have a lot of covers on the bed but I always end up kicking them off. Don't know what Jane's talking about with the whole milk and honey thing but a bath sure would be nice but the water always gets cold and who the hell has time for a bath really. We're in a recession we need to work work work. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIHD2-Hy4Mg

Next up is fitness goals. Not just for us, but for our men. I don't have one but I like my men to be muscular. Not just cut, but muscular. I like the fact that I'm short and that men are always taller than me so I like that protected feeling. Nothing too Arnold Shwarzenegger like but I do like muscle. Just something about a guy flexing and the right muscle's bulging ooh I quite like that. Plus if the right muscle is flexing, ooh got to stop myself. To be serious though I think Ruth is right. Her fiance Eamonn isn't exactly the most slim man but she loves him for him and we need to not worry so much about a man's physical appearance. Not to say physical attraction isn't important but it needs to not be the basis because if it is, that relationship will NOT last. And as one gets older they might be lonely and no one wants that. People need to pick themselves up by the bootstraps and embrace what God and Nature have given us. It is what it is and it was meant to be that way! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGmZHBxtUPQ

Now it's time for my favrotie topic from today's show. How hard do you find it not to be too nasty during arguments? HAHA! Oh where to being? For those who don't know me, my mouth is a powerful weapon. A powerful, powerful weapon and I use it very often. However, I'm finding that as I'm getting older I'm not saying quite as much as I used to. I think it's just because people are way too sensitive and take everything to heart and I don't want to hear the crap that people say in retaliation. However, there are some people that I have gotten into arguments that absolutely need to be told nasty things so they know how I feel about them and how they come across. This is a very heated topic for me and I don't have the space on here to get too into it but I'll just say that I am not one to cross when it comes to arguments. But this thing about not yelling at each other in France is just ridiculous. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onrGx-rfvgA

Lastly is something that I find as a seal when it comes to love. Seeing a man's vulnerable side. It's hard enough getting a man to admit his feelings so when a man feels comfortable enough to reveal his vulnerable side well then that's just fantastic. I think if I saw that side of someone all the time I would get sick of it, it would be nice to know that he's not as strong as he thinks he is and that I might have to pick up his pieces. Maybe because I truly am a caring person, though some might not think so, I want to be everyone's rock. I know it's not the sensible thing but so far so good. I can just handle a lot and I deal with things in my own way that help relieve some of that pressure to take care of everybody and I actually gain pleasure out of it. So to see someone in the light I think is a beautiful thing that can only strengthen a relationship. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnUwaAZSi7w

Sorry for not being so specific tonight still dealing with the headaches and can't think clearly. I promise the next blog will be better. Have a great weekend!

Oh E Oh Killer Tofu!!!

I'm sitting here trying to come up with some clever, non-idiotic way of saying "hey" and everything that I come up with makes me sound like a douche so I'll just keep it simple. Yo. For those who haven't read the last blog, what I'm doing is taking the topics discussed on the show Loose Women and offering my opinion. Since I'll be referring to the panelists by first name only, I'm adding the link to the video so you can all see who I'm talking about and what those women had to say.

Just a little premise for those who don't know, Loose Women is the UK version of The View only better. The women on The View always seem hesitant to me and that shows when they're getting into arugments over politics or men or what have you, but on Loose Women the panelists seem to forget that they're on camera. In fact, some of them have even stated that they forget the cameras are there and they just go on having a gab session with other women. I like that. Makes me feel like I'm in the room with them. Also, the LW's aren't afraid to discuss their home life to a certain extent. I feel I know more about their kids, husband, and boyfriends than I do my own family. So anyway, I encourage everyone to watch other clips and become familiar with the show and tell me what you think.

The first topic today was overeating at christmas. Personally I totally agree with Jane. It's that time of year, shove it in. We have 350 days to worry about our figures and health, I think for 2 weeks we can all pile it on. Besides, it's winter, we all could use a bit more insulation especially with the arctic blast that's gripping the world. And with all our heavy jackets, turtle necks, and thick pants who's gonna notice the fat? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCLG_-KDVFA

Next up was being afraid of heights. Hell freaking yes I am. The topic was mentioned because pictures of the world's tallest building were featured on www.dailymail.co.uk as a cleaning company put a bid for window washing. This building is more than 2,000 ft high and has more than 1m sq ft of windows. Let me say that again, TWO THOUSAND FEET HIGH! I can't even climb a tree without freaking out. You know those stairs that have slots in them. Like wooden stairs up the side of a house, I honestly cannot do those. I've always had a fear of having my foot slip and me falling through and dying. I know there is no possible way by body with fit through the space but that thought always crosses my mind and I MUST grip the railing or I'll shit myself. And anyone who enjoys heights or gets a thrill, Jane McDonald, is nuts in my book. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuhcpRS2hzM

Based upon a picture of humpback whales during feeding time, anchor Kate Thornton asks the girls how they feel about being caught with a mouthful. I personally am very self conscious when it comes to eating around people. Especially if I'm on a date or with people I've just met. I don't want to look like a pig. No one does really and I've always struggled with ways to make my eating look somewhat presentable. Afterall, you're hungry so you order something that's going to be filling which is never something light and easy to eat. I used to be so self conscious that I did the same thing as Kate. Especially if I were eating in class and I didn't want the teacher to hear me. I'd suck on something till it was mushy enough to chew without making a noise. And I also agree with her, I don't want to hear you eating while talking to me. It's rude number one, you called me or I called you to talk, not to listen to that, and two that's just nasty. All I can picture is someone spitting food onto the receiver of their phone and the next time I see that phone that's all I'm gonna think. And on a final note for this topic, thanks to Jane for making me seem like an idiot. Her suggestion of eating something small before a dinner date is so simple and so "DUH!" yet I never would have thought of it. That's my blonde moment for the day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWbv3RPAmn0

And finally, clearing out clutter. Just throw it all away I say. If you haven't worn it, played it, used it for decoration in years, you don't need it. Obviously if there are things you know you have stored away that hold sentimental value, take the time to sort through those things. But if you've got a box full of crap you haven't touched since 1994, throw it out. Yes I know some of the toys I can give to my kids to play with and the same can be said for clothes but I highly doubt my future children are going to want to play with a sega gamegear and wear la gear shoes or neon bike pants from when I was 7. I'd rather just throw something out or donate it to chairty rather than wonder, if on the odd occasion, if I'll ever need that item again. And if it's an item that can be bought at a later time if needed, I'd rather do that and know I'll need it again, rather than think I might need it again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr4L_8yDE3c

New Blog Idea!

So I just had this idea and I think it's brilliant! There's this show that I watch on youtube called Loose Women. It's the UK version of The View only better, at least in my opinion. Anyway, and I don't know why this just popped into my head, I'm going to take the topics they discuss and offer my own opinion. I'll basically be the silent 5th member of the panel LOL! I'm also going to, with the uploaders permission, either embed the video of the discussion or offer the link so that people know who I'm talking about when I say "I agree with Lynda" or something like that. Any-who, I'm off to try and make this thing happen!