Sunday, August 31, 2014

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR COLLEGE STUDENT IS REALLY DO...

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR COLLEGE STUDENT IS REALLY DO...: Here's another "real" day in the life of a college student that you may be surprised to know, at the same college which must s...

DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR COLLEGE STUDENT IS REALLY DOING?

Here's another "real" day in the life of a college student that you may be surprised to know, at the same college which must still remain anonymous.  Yesterday, between the hours of 11am and 11:43am, 52 students came into the dining hall to eat.  A few were on the phone upon arrival, but the rest started using those cells as soon as they sat down to eat.

What was really interesting is that the majority came in with friends, but they clearly ignored each other during the meal. Granted, some were speaking with parents, but many were sexting (no, they never tried to hide pictures of breasts and penises as I walked by, but dang it I wish they would have!), texting other friends who were apparently more important than the ones they were eating with, playing games, or on Facebook/Twitter.  Even better, two people had textbooks open in front of them while engaged in their phonecapades, making me scratch my head in wonder as to how any knowledge was actually being retained.

Let me also say that these kids provided access to all their friends (yes, that is still happening even though they aren't really paying any attention to them), while mom and dad foot the food bill for all their meals on a weekly basis.  What the heck?

Unable to keep my mouth shut, I asked one young man if he had ever lost his phone?  When he responded that he had lost it once or twice, I asked if it stressed him out?  Of course, he said he didn't know what he was going to do because all of his contacts and messages were there.  I asked if he ever considered writing his phone numbers in an address book, and I got that "look".  You know - the ones where your kids think you're clearly crazy or out of touch with reality.  Uh...ok.

One group kept passing their phones around to each other and giggling incessantly, while another felt that an African-American Spiderman had racist undertones because he was portrayed as automatically loving Jazz.  Huh?

There are lots of cones for ice cream, so perhaps you can explain to me why one young man felt the need to squirt vanilla ice cream into his hand as he and those non-important friends left the dining hall for their next adventure?

Before you panic, there are plenty of serious students who care about getting that all important college degree, but while they're eating breakfast, lunch or dinner, something clicks which causes them to revert to high school mode. Believe it or not, this pattern continued throughout the rest of the day. YIKES!

What happened to the days when you went somewhere to eat, and spent time having fun with the friends who were actually in front of you? I don't get it.


Hugs...

Friday, August 29, 2014

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: FRESHMAN IN COLLEGE ARE REALLY STILL IN HIGH SCHOO...

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: FRESHMEN IN COLLEGE ARE REALLY STILL IN HIGH SCHOO...: Recently, I've had the opportunity to spend time with lots of college kids - specifically freshmen, and most of them are great.  I see t...

FRESHMEN IN COLLEGE ARE REALLY STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL MODE

Recently, I've had the opportunity to spend time with lots of college kids - specifically freshmen, and most of them are great.  I see them in the morning when they'd prefer to not to be up at the crack of dawn, and I've spent some time with them when they're super hungry in the evening.  It doesn't matter if I have a headache, I smile any time of the day.

As much as I'd love to spill the beans on the name of this college, I'm contractually obligated to keep my mouth shut for once in my life, but no one said I couldn't blog about it!

If you think a kid who's a freshman has miraculously grown up now that he or she has left home for the first time, you'd be sadly mistaken, except in a few instances.  Most are still checking out young men and giggling, the men are fixated on young girls' butts, and I'm still surprised that very few are talking about anything remotely college related.

The group that is absolutely the worst when it comes to manners and respect to their elders has to be the football and basketball teams.  Now let me say that this doesn't apply to all colleges, certainly, but as I've been up close and personal with these kids on weekly basis, something is definitely a little off.

Sports stars tend to travel as a pack, and believe me, when this happens, they are much more difficult to reign in, but if you catch one them alone, you'd actually see a different person!

"John" is a gorgeous Social Services major who wants to work with kids, God bless him, and he has a clear career path, but once he sits with 2 or more people, he becomes "Johnny", that little kid who jumped on the couch when you told him not to, and pretends like you are the alien.

Surely, these kids cleaned up after themselves when they ate at home, so why in the world are they throwing paper from straws over to the next table, or using peas to make a trail on the floor, expecting someone else to be their maids?  The dining hall is open until 8pm, so if they arrive at 6:30pm, why is there a need to risk suspension from the team by trying to pile extra food in their pockets which hasn't been paid for?

As I tried to figure out this bad behavior, I realized that these kids feel a sense of entitlement because they are gifted, true, but more because women and men want to be their friends and they often get special privileges and perks that we can never imagine.  I don't think this gives a right for rudeness or dishonesty, and allowing the behavior to continue sends a mixed message to our young people who are preparing for adulthood.

My next pet peeve - college students who walk across the street all the time and NEVER look at other cars that are driving toward them.  What the heck?!

How come students can't keep track of their ID Card which allows all types of privileges and cool stuff?  If you forget this, there is no access into the halls of light or whatever.

Kids, do you know that you should probably wear clothing that doesn't totally expose everything we may or may not want to know about you?

Parents have paid a great deal of money to send their children to school, so why do kids feel it's okay to use their meal plan to give access for dining privileges to all of their friends?  I can see 1 or 2 times, but what are they going to do when the money from mom and dad runs out, and you're no longer able to eat in the dining hall?  Will these people still be your friends?

Ice cream cones are for ice cream, not guided missiles.

Don't get me wrong, some of these Freshman are perfectly well-mannered and fun to speak with, but it only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch.

Do you know what your child is really doing in college?  You may be truly surprised...

Hugs...

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: CELL PHONE OR DEODORANT - Which would you choose?

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: CELL PHONE OR DEODORANT - Which would you choose?: Some things in life never cease to amaze me, so imagine my surprise when a recent survey targeting people between the ages of 18-24 stated t...

CELL PHONE OR DEODORANT - Which would you choose?

Some things in life never cease to amaze me, so imagine my surprise when a recent survey targeting people between the ages of 18-24 stated they would rather have a cell phone instead of deodorant!

What in the heck?!  What was even more spooky was when I asked my husband , who is significantly older I may add, which he'd prefer and he responded the same way! YIKES!  He says he has to be available if someone he never knew has left him an unexpected fortune, or if he wins the lottery, and can simply use baking soda to keep any underarm odor at bay.

I chose the the deodorant because the idea of walking around the neighborhood smelling like an onion, just didn't sound that appealing, but maybe I'm wrong.  I feel like if you really need to get in touch with me, shoot me an e-mail, send me a message via Facebook, through my blog or call one of my friends who may know if I'm still alive.  Surely that's worth smelling good for the day, huh? 

Monday, August 25, 2014

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: GET A FREE BEER STEIN EVEN IF YOU HATE BEER!

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: GET A FREE BEER STEIN EVEN IF YOU HATE BEER!: Today's Freebie from Chelsea Rachelle is: Free Beer Stein from Sam Adams You MUST be 21 years of age or older to get your FREE B...

GET A FREE BEER STEIN EVEN IF YOU HATE BEER!

Today's Freebie from Chelsea Rachelle is:
Free Beer Stein from Sam Adams
You MUST be 21 years of age or older to get your FREE Beer Stein from Samuel Adams. Please Text STEIN to 30364, REPLY with your birthdate, then REPLY with your zip code. Then they will send you a  special link to fill in your shipping information. Before you know it, your FREE mug will be waiting to be picked up from your mailbox! 

Sorry, but this deal is void in Texas and California!

Great gift idea for someone for Christmas!

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: FREE 3 DAY PASS to 2014 PDRA DRAGSTOCK XI

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: FREE 3 DAY PASS to 2014 PDRA DRAGSTOCK XI: If you're a  racing fan, head on out to Rockingham Dragway in NC on September 5, 6, 7, and I'll supply the FREE Spectator passes! ...

FREE 3 DAY PASS to 2014 PDRA DRAGSTOCK XI

If you're a  racing fan, head on out to Rockingham Dragway in NC on September 5, 6, 7, and I'll supply the FREE Spectator passes!

All you need to do is e-mail or IM me via Facebook with your mailing address and put RACE in the heading. If you are one of the first 12 people to respond no later than Wednesday, August 27, 5pm, you're in!

Get ready, get set, GO!

Hugs...









Includes one FREE gate Admission, & Pit Access.  Must have ticket in hand along with hand stamped for re-entry, and paid parking is required for the event in approved parking lots.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & HOMELESSNESS

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & HOMELESSNESS: At some point, you've probably seen a homeless person. Some live out of their cars, others appear to be wandering around aimlessly, or...

Saturday, August 16, 2014

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: Green Beans, Hazelnuts and Shallots

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: Green Beans, Hazelnuts and Shallots: Another super simple recipe that's also low in calories! 1 1/2 Lbs Trimmed Green Beans 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter 2 Large Shallots, Th...

Green Beans, Hazelnuts and Shallots

Another super simple recipe that's also low in calories!

1 1/2 Lbs Trimmed Green Beans
2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
2 Large Shallots, Thinly Sliced
1/2 Cup Hazelnuts, Roughly Chopped (What in the heck does roughly chopped mean? I say just chop the dang things up and be done with it! (lol) )
1/2 Tsp Salt
1/8 Tsp Pepper
As always, if you like things spicy, add cayenne pepper to taste.

*  Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.  Add beans, returning to a boil and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until crisp-tender.  Remove to a bowl filled with ice water to cool, then drain and set aside.

*  In a saute pan, melt butter over medium heat.  Add the shallots and hazelnuts, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the shallots are softened.  Stir in cooked beans, salt and pepper.  Stir until the beans are warmed through and you're all set!

Yummy, Yummy!

Thursday, August 14, 2014

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: FREE Cat Food Sample

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: FREE Cat Food Sample: Today's Freebie is   Fancy Feast Broths – Free Cat Food Sample Thanks to Chelsea Rachelle once again for a cool FREEBIE.  If you...

FREE Cat Food Sample

Today's Freebie is
 
Fancy Feast Broths – Free Cat Food Sample
Thanks to Chelsea Rachelle once again for a cool FREEBIE.  If you love cats like I do, here's a great deal to take advantage of soon.

Hugs...

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: CRISPY PARMESAN CHICKEN STRIPS

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: CRISPY PARMESAN CHICKEN STRIPS: As you already know, I love to eat, but absolutely have NO intention of hanging out in the kitchen all day to make a good meal.  You'l...

CRISPY PARMESAN CHICKEN STRIPS

As you already know, I love to eat, but absolutely have NO intention of hanging out in the kitchen all day to make a good meal.  You'll love this super simple recipe that utilizes very little of your time and tastes wonderful.

1 1/2 Seasoned Crushed Croutons or use Panko Bread Crumbs
1/3 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 Teaspoon Dried Parsley
1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Salt
2 Eggs
1 Tablespoon Water
1 Pound of Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces (I don't think you really need to measure this to 1 inch do you? (lol) Cut what you like!
1/4 Cup Ranch Dressing
If you like a little spice, add cayenne pepper to taste.

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees, then combine croutons or Panko, cheese, parsley, and salt.  Whisk the eggs and water, then dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then into the crumb mixture.  Place on a baking sheet, baking about 14-16 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink inside.  Serve with your ranch dressing and enjoy!

Thursday, August 7, 2014

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: YOU'RE OUT OF THE ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP - NOW WHAT?...

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: YOU'RE OUT OF THE ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP - NOW WHAT?...: Kudos to you for gathering the courage to end what was a terrifying nightmare, but what's next? You're obviously still in love and...

YOU'RE OUT OF THE ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP - NOW WHAT?

Kudos to you for gathering the courage to end what was a terrifying nightmare, but what's next?

You're obviously still in love and quite vulnerable, so this can be the critical stage, making you want to go back into that situation volatile environment.  You feel lonely and empty, wondering what you should do next.

Be prepared for calls of undying love and willingness to change, and while this is good to hear, your focus at this time should be on YOU, and what you need and want to achieve in life.

Remember all those friends you were forbidden to see for fear that your abuser would be exposed?  This is the time to reach out and establish those relationships.  Have you wanted to attend a yoga, cooking or painting class?  Get out there and get it done!

Perhaps there is a job you've been wanting to pursue and didn't have the opportunity.  Now is your chance to jump into life with both feet to do all those things you've been wanting to do.  Expect the best and get it!

As painful as it may be initially, this is the time in your life to think about you and what you want to accomplish to be happy in your life.  You MUST believe in yourself and what you have to offer, despite your abuser's attempt to make you feel otherwise.  He or she tried to control you for days, months or years, but now it's all about assuming control over your own circumstances.  You got away - YAY!

When you feel worried, call a friend, pastor or someone else you can trust and who believes in you.

It's so exciting to see the changes that are coming and your ability to finally feel SAFE.

Be kind to yourself and remember that we applaud you and your efforts!

Hugs...

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: CRAZY HOLIDAYS

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: CRAZY HOLIDAYS: I n addition to being National Root Beer Float Day, did you know you can also celebrate National Fresh Breath today?  Wow! I had no clue y...

CRAZY HOLIDAYS

In addition to being National Root Beer Float Day, did you know you can also celebrate National Fresh Breath today?  Wow!

I had no clue you can have a Particularly Preposterous Packing Day on August 7, as well as hanging out with all of the Professional Speakers on their exclusive day.

On August 8, feel free to have a Happiness Happens Day, and cat lovers can enjoy International Cat Day.  As a cat lover, I'm happy to see that cats everywhere can be recognized for their cuteness.

If you are a bowler, you'll be proud to know there's a special day just for you on August 9, and you yard sale junkies can unite as well.

I feel truly honored to be sharing my birthday on August 12 with all the Middle Children of the world, any International Youth I may have the opportunity to meet, Sewing Machines, which I'll never use in a trillion years, Vinyl Records, ( a few of which I still have) and lots of Elephants throughout the country.  I'll keep these in mind as I head to Red Robin for my FREE cheeseburger.

BIG Hugs...

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: FREE STUFF - Really!

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: FREE STUFF - Really!: If you like free stuff and have a little bit of time to spend on the computer, you've got to check out  Chelsea Rachelle's site  - ...

FREE STUFF - Really!

If you like free stuff and have a little bit of time to spend on the computer, you've got to check out Chelsea Rachelle's site - FREEMANIA!

Get all kinds of goodies and surprises, just by clicking on http://www.freemania.net/.

You'll love it - I promise!


Hugs...