NastyMcT : Alaskan Blogger

Went star gazing last night, and to take some pictures of the northern lights. What I wasn’t expecting was a full blown meteor shower that was amazing! Check my flickr page for a shot or two.
My Flickr Page

I’m bidding a very happy fare-thee-well to 2008. Not a very good year for me, and not very good for a lot of people. Unfortunately, I think the economic situation is going to get way worse. If you haven’t noticed your dollar buying you less and less yet you will. Aside from the declining economic climate, things haven’t been very swell for me personally. Losing my job this year, and going through a period of unemployment was really difficult. I’m thankful for the job I do have, but it’s certainly not my life’s goal. I didn’t accomplish much this year. I’ve spent a majority of the year alone, which in and of itself isn’t all bad, but I don’t prefer it, and will be making changes to rectify that. I had a lot of disappointment in December. Beginning with the failing health of my Grandmother leading to her passing, and ending with my girls not being allowed to come visit over their Christmas vacation. Top that off with a Christmas notice in my mailbox that my wages were garnished for child support, beginning with my December 26th paycheck, and I didn’t have much left emotionally.

Overall this year has been full of heartbreak and loneliness for me, and it’s something I don’t wish to repeat… and hopefully I won’t have too. Regardless, the past few months I’ve sunk into a depression.

The highlights of my year, were seeing my girls in May, and by the grace of my friend Sean, being able to travel to Europe.

My theme for 2009 is reassessment and revamping… and hopefully a more positive outlook. I won’t lie, I’m struggling. Financially and emotionally. I know a lot of people are. I’ll start digging out of this depression as soon as I can, and hopefully we’ll all have a better 2009.

I don’t really believe in “resolutions”. But in 2009 I would like to eat more raw fruits and veggies, do more yoga and meditating, take some great pictures, laugh and love a lot, enjoy my friends and family, do more random acts of kindness, and make some radical changes subtly.

Peace,
Laura

This could be one of the coolest things ever.

My Stringin It Light Show on Flickr

When I was a kid, I always thought it would be cool to travel by train. I’m not talking from Jersey to Grand Central, I’m talking about a long haul. Seeing the sites. As I grew up, I honestly forgot that Amtrak still existed, and in my frustrating quest for holiday travel arrangements, I looked them up for fun.

Man was I blown away. I checked the price of travel from Kansas City to St Louis… $30 each way, with a LOT of ways to get discounts. AAA, Student discounts, military, AARP… you name it. It’s almost like they insist on giving you some kind of break. I could be wrong, but I think it’s just as cheap or cheaper than greyhound. How the heck do they do that? Is it subsidized by the State? Anyway…

Next time you’re thinking of going from one spot to another, and want to leave the car at home, see if Amtrak can get you there.
Amtrak Website

Daylight : 10:12 AM - 3:41 PM

This subject has become particularly interesting to me again, as my employer believes they can mandate flu shots to all employees, or be subject to termination. I’ll keep that part short and sweet. Suffice it to say, I’ve done more research and wanted to share it here.

This is a listing of 717 *reported* flu shot incidents, that did not result in death, but disability. I say reported, because I’m sure there are uncountable unreported cases of problems. This website is available for anyone to file a report who believes they’ve had an adverse reaction to any vaccination:

medalerts.org

Play with the criteria, and find out the stats for other vaccines as well.

VAERS.ORG Reporting System

Autism Stats

April 2008 List of Vaccine Ingredients
Russell Blaylock MD Download His Published Papers

How to Assert Your Right to Refuse Vaccination

Flu Stats and Facts

I’ll leave you with those for now…