Summer Is Almost Over

Today is Monday, July 26 and I can't believe that summer is almost over. I got over Walmart selling back-to-school items July 1 a couple years ago. But I feel like I had so many plans for this summer and got nothing accomplished. I never made it to Allentown Farmer's Market or Rice's flea market in New Hope. I still haven't painted the foyer or mopped my floors. (Although I did see an ad in Better Homes and Gardens magazine for Minwax hardwood floor reviver that I might try.) I didn't go camping because we were so busy. My mom will be here with my sisters next Wednesday. The week after that is a family picnic and a trip to Hershey Park with Bill and Lauren. The Warren County Farmer's Fair starts on Sunday. I've only been to the beach once. With only one month left before the official end of summer, let's see how much I can get accomplished. It's one of those reasons I wish I could either work from home, or run my own business, or at the very least have a flexible schedule.

Germany Has the 5th Highest Number of Millionaires

According to an MSN Money arcticle, Germany has the 5th highest number of millionaires in the world. The United States, not unexpectedly, has the most.

The article states that "As the number of wealthy Germans increased, the group’s collective sense of public duty also grew. According CNBC, a group of German millionaires and billionaires founded a Club of the Wealthy and proposed to Chancellor Angela Merkel that they give 10% of their income for 10 years as a "rich tax" to help address the nation's budget problems."

In 2007, the United States was #26 at 60.8% of the GDP (gross domestic product: measure of a country's overall economic output. It is the market value of all final goods and services made within the borders of a country in a year.) So in simple terms, the US owes 60% of all income to public debt. This does not include foreign debt. Even simpler, if you make $1000 a month, $600 of that is owed to debt. (Most mortgage companies don't want your mortgage to take up more than 20% of your monthly income.)

Now don't get me wrong. I believe that people who have earned their money should be able to keep it, without having to pay exorbitant taxes. I also understand that many of the wealthy avoid paying other taxes because of loopholes in the tax code. (I consider this a form of cheating, but I know that everyone makes mistakes and the taxes are written by humans.)

But wouldn't it be great if our country's millionaires created their own "Wealthy Club" that willingly donated a percentage of their incomes toward the national debt. I agree that most of these millionaires probably do a ton of philanthropist work, but it's usually in third world countries. Yes, we should be taking care of the poor and the needy, but we had a 9.7% unemployment rate in May. That's 9.7 people per 100. I think they should be helping those in their own country before pouring the cash into a country that can't even show responsibility for it's own citizens.

Tastefully Simple Fundraiser for Makaeya Wheeler

Join me as I team up with Delitha Caleca of Tastefully Simple to raise money for local two year old Makaeya Wheeler, who suffers from Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, or MLD, a rare, genetic brain disease. You can learn more about Makaeya on Facebook at or by Googling "Makaeya Wheeler."

I am also selling raffle tickets, 1 ticket for $1, 6 tickets for $5. The prize is chosen based on Tastefully Simple product sales. My goal is to raise at least $700 in product sales so that I can offer the Servin’ Up Sunshine gift basket valued at $89.95. All ticket sales proceeds go directly to Makaeya and her family.

Product orders will be placed on a weekly basis. Please make checks payable to Delitha Caleca. Cash and credit cards are also accepted. If you prefer, I can also send you an e-mail invitation so that you can shop online. Please let me know if you’d like to do this.

New Haircut

Tonight after work, I'm going to get my haircut. Now I'm not going to cut everything off: I love it long. However, I do think I need a new style and some bangs. I love Mandy Moore's long waves



but I'm not sure about the heavy center part bangs going on.

However, I do love Vanessa Hudgens' side swept bangs.


So I printed out both of these photos to take to my stylist tonight and see if she can work some magic with my straight locks.

Wish me luck!!

The Garden

For the past two years, my husband and I have had a yard where we can actually plant a garden. Last year, we had a modest 10 foot by 15 foot fenced garden. This year, DH decided to double it, and we now have a 10 foot by 30 foot fenced garden.

We planted sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, broccoli, and peppers. We also unsuccessfully tried peas and a strawberry plant.

As we approach the end of the summer, (already?!) we've harvested our hard earned veggies daily. When I pick 7 cucumbers at a time, I have to get rid of them somehow. This is where an office full of dieters and marathon runners comes in handy: they're always looking for fresh produce.


These are the fruits of our labor.

My Love Affair with Harry Potter

I love the Harry Potter series. I have read the entire series twice in the past year. My husband got me the entire series this past Christmas and I was finished reading it by March. Needless to say, when I pick up one of those books, DH (Dear Hubby) just rolls his eyes and ignores me for the rest of the night.

What intrigues me about Harry Potter is his complete humanness. He grieves for his dead parents, gets angry and bottles up, hates homework, and deals with his own "inner demons." He is also loyal and modest. In fact, all the characters in the series have the same mortal tendencies. Harry even attributes his near-death experiences to good luck, not exceptional wizardry skill. He battles with evil, not because he wants to be a hero, but usually because his life is at stake and he has no choice.

I guess maybe it's time to pick up the first book again and entertain myself for the summer.


By the way, DH has the same reaction to Glee...

My First Post

There is so much going on in my life right now that it seems hard to write about just one thing. I've been married for 3-1/2 years to my wonderful husband, Dan, and we've been together for a little over 5 years. We live in a lovely little neighborhood in Phillipsburg. We have a cockatiel and a leopard gecko. Eventually, I will get my cat.

I have lots of dreams for the future.......

Rebekah