REAL TALK ON IGNORED FEMALE VETERANS

Typically veterans are recognized on November 11, so to me, that kicks off the Holiday Season.  I haven't figured out yet why no one notices them the rest of the year. We receive free food, free oil changes, and discounts on many services.  But did you know that during the rest of the year, Golden Corral, Food Lion, Family Dollar and other well known stores don't offer deals to those who have served in the military?  Even worse, Wal-mart doesn't ever provide military discounts! 

It's wonderful to see the spirit of giving during November and December,  and so many families are being helped. Yet I can't stop thinking about all of the female veterans in the United States who are homeless or victims of domestic violence. Women have come home from the service with PTSD, no limbs, divorced, abused and more.  Then they have to fight like mad to get disability, because they have no funds to live on.  They're afraid, lonely and frustrated.

Despite being a veteran for years, I had absolutely no idea until 2015 of what goes on behind the scenes with women who have no place to call home.

In the state of North Carolina, Volunteers of America is one of the most used agencies for veterans who are homeless, and they will pay rent, which is fantastic.  For those who are unfortunate enough to not have found a job at the end of 9 months, those women are then unceremoniously kicked out of the program with less than 30 days notice.  Never mind that in addition to having no income, she is now once again on the road to homelessness, told to seek community resources.  Incredibly, this woman never hears from Volunteers of America again.  This happens with Family Endeavors as well! For women who may have an illness, addictions, loss of income, or simply chronically homeless, there is a government program called HUD-VASH. This program  pays rent forever unless the veteran's circumstances change.  It sounds simple, but I assure you, it's not.  Single women are authorized to receive rent of $700 per month with no more than 2 bedrooms.  If they are already living in a home that happens to have more than 2 bedrooms, that veteran must vacate the premises and find a new place. WTF! Now the landlord is pissed off because his rent isn't being paid, and the tenant is in danger of eviction through no fault of her own. He has no desire to wait while she finds a new home. She has a certain amount of time to find a new place and to have it inspected, yet no new homes are available.  

Even worse, most landlords don't accept housing vouchers for veterans despite receiving guaranteed monthly payment.  Before we know it, this woman is living out of her car, in a roach-ridden shelter or on a relative's couch - again.  I don't get how these processes are helping to end homelessness. How can we have such positive resources at the beginning that end so horribly for these women?

It's almost 2017, and we may assume that everyone has access to various forms of communication to get help.  The reality is that many women may not  have computer access, or can't use one at home for fear of being discovered by an abusive spouse.  They're embarrassed to visit the library because they haven't showered in days, or don't have laptops or android phones. There is a tremendous amount of research needed to get assistance that is totally unbelievable! If these women are able to use Internet or phones for brief periods, this is what happens:

*  Websites that are broken
* Unreturned telephone calls or emails
* Passing the buck to someone else
* Closed Programs
* Frequent Lack of Communication

How dare  anyone state that the homelessness rate is decreasing. These women are on the street and so frustrated, that no one hears from them to get an accurate picture of what's really going on. They don't have Christmas trees or gifts, their families are ready for them to leave that couch, and they are living in their cars at night hoping that no one will bother them while trying to sleep in the cold.

Someone you know is crying silently, praying for a miracle.  A woman at work with is ashamed to tell you that she can't find a place to live.  Their credit is ruined, and they owe everyone money. Surely there are landlords out there who have homes to rent, giving these women the chance they deserve to be safe and secure.There is a success story waiting to be told that can help the next group of women.  These women served their country and shouldn't have to live like this. 

What the world needs now is more love, and love and love.


Volunteers of America    919-831-9042   Raleigh
                                        252-985-0230   Rocky Mount
                                        919-477-9005   Durham

Housing/Job Assistance:  https://www.hudexchange.info/housing-and-homeless-assistance/

www.nchousingsearch.org,  www.passagehome.org, nchfa.com, http://www.nchousing.org/

www.militarywomeninneed.org

Durham VAMC/HUD-Vash  919-286-0411, ext 7065

Sometimes they'll support with funds, but it's difficult to reach these people, and I can't say they are 100% reliable.  But it may be worth it to check with the DAV (Disabled Veterans) in various areas.  They may have some funding to help with housing or utilities.

Benita Koeman - Founder - Fantastic Advocate!

http://www.operationwearehere.com/FinancialAssistance.html

http://www.operationwearehere.com/WoundedWarriorFinancial.html

http://www.operationwearehere.com/HomelessVeterans.html

National Home Military & Veteran Family Hotline  1-800-313-4200

www.nchv.org - upper management doesn't respond by phone or email (National Colation for Homeless Veterans)

HOOKING UP WITH A FACEBOOK/TWITTER FRIEND & ELLEN'S GIVEAWAY

I have two friends who interacted regularly because of their posts on Facebook, and eventually they met in person.  Two years later,and they're living together with a 1 year old daughter. Ironically, most of his friends happen to be women, so you already know this has been a serious bone of contention in their relationship.  

We're not Facebook friends, but he says some very crazy things on his pages, and they have often been disrespectful. This couple are also still friends on various Social Media platforms, so each can see what the other is talking about with other people. I wouldn't call this a toxic relationship, but it's not a Hallmark movie either.  I should also mention that they are 25 and 20. 

I'd like to think that we can get a fairly accurate portrayal of most of the people we meet via Social Media, or at least what we're expected to believe.  

Keeping it real though, we don't always get what we see.

But it's one thing to meet a blogger that you have things in common with, but another thing entirely to get tied up romantically.

Then again, some people may simply consider this as a FREE Match.com. What are your thoughts? Would you get connected or have you hooked up via the pages of Social Media?  Did it work out well?

ELLEN'S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY
I'm a fan of the Ellen Show, but I always make a point of watching her 12 Day Giveaway.  If you look at the audience when they receive these gifts, they are over the top with glorious glee and appreciation.

So you can imagine my surprise when she put some people on blast during her program for selling things on Craigslist and eBay that they won last year.   BUSTED!  Click below to see the Youtube video.

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Adam Investigating

If you won gifts from Oprah, Ellen, The Talk or Wendy Williams, or any program on television, would you re-sell some of the merchandise?

HOMEMADE PUMPKIN COFFEE CREAMER & CATHERINE COULTER

Pumpkins and pumpkin spice can be found just about anywhere during the holidays, so if flavored cream is a must, (I can't drink coffee without some type of yumminess) you can save plenty of time and money by making your own.  It's also a great way to get rid of leftovers.

One recipe is from Better Homes & Garden, and the other is from AllRecipes.  What's neat about each of these is that you can change things up a little by using other flavors like vanilla, mint or chocolate.

• 14 ounces heavy whipping cream, divided
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
  Hungry Jack® Original Syrup Microwaveable
  The only syrup in a microwaveable bottle with an easy-pour cap. 
• 3 Tablespoons Pumpkin Puree

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  
  

1. Whisk 4 ounces cream, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat pumpkin mixture in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals, until heated through and completely blended, 1 to 3 minutes.
2. Pour sweetened condensed milk, remaining 10 ounces cream, and pumpkin mixture into a container, cover the container with a lid, and shake until completely mixed. Store in the refrigerator, and use when ready.      

1. OR

2 Cups Heavy Cream, Half and Half or Dairy/Nondairy Milk
1 Can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
3 Tbsps Canned Pumpkin 1 Tsp Pumpkin Spice
1 tsp Vanilla

In a 1 qt canning jar combine all of the ingredients, then seal.  Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Shake very well before serving.

You can also substitute the pumpkin for other flavors that you like by using the ingredients below:

Caramel Coffee Creamer, add 1/4 cup Caramel Flavor Ice Cream Topping

Chocolate - add 3 Tbsps Chocolate Syrup

I decided to go over the top by taking a bottle of Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino, then melting some hazelnut spread, and adding it to my drink.  I heated up my cup in the microwave to get my coffee super hot, and voila.  Such decadence!  Play around with different recipes for more fun treats at your home for the holidays. 

I've been reading Catherine Coulter's books since the 90's, and love her FBI Romantic Suspense series.  It took awhile, but I've managed to collect all of her books except for Nemesis, released in 2015, and Insidious, which she released this year.  It's clear she's done some amazing research to write such believable stories, and the romance is totally fun!

Www.fbi.gov has information on  a lot of people that you may not expect, but is very interesting.  

Visit the  FBI Vault, which is an electronic library that anybody can check out. The name of that website actually sounds sort of spooky, right? (lol)

Ebay has been around since 1995, and during that time, users have sold over 3 billion items.  Items worth a lot of money go in waves, and have no consistent pattern.  Sometimes, Star Wars items that you have collecting dust in the attic can be worth thousands, or those Beanie Babies you spent all that time hunting for may be worth  just $1.00.  You may have even seen your collectible on-line. If you want to know how much someone may be willing to pay for an item in your closet, comparison shop via Ebay and Amazon

HAVE YOUR PARENTS EVER EMBARRASSED YOU?

The answer to this question is a resounding YES! During my teen years, one could say that I was the popular kid, getting involved in tons of activities, and always the life of the party.  None of that mattered however when friends came to visit who ended up being entertained by a mom with absolutely no rhythm, yet still insisted on dancing.  To make matters worse, my dad jumped in doing a crazy dance called the Mashed Potato.  

Uhhhh... Why are you moving around proudly with a dance that's something we actually eat, Dad?

My friends laughed uproariously and loved my parents, but all I wanted to do was slink off into a tiny and very invisible corner to hide.

Fast forward  a zillion years later to those modern teenage years of my son who happened to be a track and football star, with a ton of friends.

They usually spent the night at our house, and by the time they left the next day, it surely seemed as if the pantry and refrigerator had been raided.  Every hot dog, bags of chips, fruit drinks and candy had all magically disappeared, yet no one could explain it. If you've heard this before, raise your hand.  In fact, we used to call our son The Silent Ninja during that phase of his life.

 All your kids' friends thought you were the cool mom, right? (lol)   My son NEVER understood that, and to make matters worse, if they danced, I happily jumped in, to the embarrassment of my son.

You'd think I would have learned from my parents, right? But I couldn't seem to stop as my feet glided across the floor every single time. And every single time, my son turned the music off once I started dancing, hoping I'd get the message to just leave the room.

The other thing he really hated - I couldn't give relationship advice to any of his friends, no matter how many times they asked.(They asked a lot)  It was only safe for me to say hello and goodbye, but only if he was in the room. (lol)  Apparently, he didn't trust me to not break out into The Electric Slide.

Oh, I almost forgot.  He didn't really want anyone to know he knew me, so other than a half-hearted wave, I was pretty much ignored if we ever showed up to the mall at the same time.

Inquiring minds are wondering if you've ever done something that had your kids cringing inside, and wishing you could just leave the face of the earth?  Did you do something so over the top as an adult that you embarrassed the entire family?

Are you into fishing, and need some new places to visit?  Check out this site Ultimate Fishing Site. which give some new places to visit and other tips.

My son is an avid sports enthusiast, and can quote stats on just about any sports star.  My dad also used to be hooked on sports, specifically baseball.  If you want to get all your sports news from one place SB Nation is a great site to visit.

GARTH BROOKS CONCERTS & COUPON/PROMO CODES

Are you looking for some great deals and bargains? Do you have more fun shopping from home? December is definitely your month!

Malcom Jones is brilliant and has created http://www.techcouponcode.org to provide comparison info and better rates for those who are thinking about using AT & T, Direct TV or Verizon.  

Here's the codes to use for December: http://www.techcouponcode.org/verizon-fios-promotion-code/, Directv coupon and AT&T U-verse Coupons

I just love, love, love Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood! A ticket to one of their concerts can range from $75.00 all the way up to$1183.00 using www.ticketnetwork.com. Here's the place for a bargain, then when checking out, add in your PROMO code of GARTH to get even more savings. Garth Brooks at the FedEx Forum in Memphis. Feel free to check out www.ticketdown.com for more info on other concerts like New Kids on the Block and Cher.

For just about every other gift you need, these sites cover a lot of ground: https://www.coupons.com/coupon-codes/ and https://www.retailmenot.com/

Yes, we've seen this before on television, VHS, DVD and the big screen, but don't you just  want to grab your tickets now to see Emma Watson play Belle in this new rendition of Beauty and the Beast this March?