It is being rumored that some old names will pop up on the live edition of TNA iMPACT! set for Monday, January 4. Sean Waltman, Scott Hall, Rob Van Dam and Ric Flair’s names are being tossed around.  (Emphasis on the word “old”)

Can’t wait.

My memories of Hall, and Flair are of them being old and fat.

Waltman… He was having sex with that he/she called Chyna.  Shudder.

Van Dam… Last seen on TV promoting marijana usage.  Positive image for the new TNA, Eh Hulk (“I wish I had killed my wife like OJ did”) Hogan…

And what about that female wrestler Roxxi who came back to TNA after being off wrestling somewhere else.  Got a big promo, then proceeded to break her leg the following week.  Sad.  This is how the promotion operates.  In WWE they would use her injury to get someone else over.  Here… Nope.

So Jan 4th, I’ll be watching… RAW.  Maybe switch over to see the old fogies ewvery now and then.  RAW has really sucked lately and I hate the lack of wrestling and short matches, but TNA makes me angry that they want to copy WWE.  They should copy ROH or the old ECW.

So, MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL just recently started doing a photo blog every Monday and today one of my photos (from Gonerfest 6) was featured… Cool::

http://maximumrocknroll.com/2009/12/20/monday-photo-blog-thee-ooooooh-seeeeeees/

Morning!  As I had mentioned in the last blog, I went to Opryland Hotel Saturday night. Minus not leaving the house till really late (I was starving) it was a great time. I got to hang out with both of my sisters, and their boyfriends tagged along also haha.

Like usual, the Christmas display at the hotel is fantastic. If you have not gone this year, or it has been awhile I recommend checking it out.  I took a decent amount of photos, but whenever I am out with people I usually forget to take more photos. It also was EXTREMELY crowded, which made it harder. I guess going on the Saturday night before Christmas was somewhat a bad decision.  Here are a few photos from the trip to the hotel. It was a great time, and even got to see some snow/not really. We only got lost I think 2 or 3 times also!!

The extremely large Christmas Tree

Picture taken outside under the wrapped trees

So many lights!!!

I will have the rest up later this week!! Not evough time to edit them. I still have to do my shopping.

2119 Saint Andrews Dr. Murfreesboro, TN 37128 Subdivision Evergreen Farms

MLS#1140926

Bedrooms 3

Price $187,000

Listing Agent Jamie Pierce-Bob Parks Realty

Phone 615-896-4040

Cell 615-337-8424

Want to see additional information on this great house or search for more homes? Visit www.jpierce.bobparks.com.

Here’s the clock hanging on the wall in the Union Station Hotel.

Santa Baby with Santa French Bulldog

This was a fun “Watch Baby Grow” photo session with her puppy french bulldog, about six months old.  Mykluv enjoyed dressing us as Miss Santa Baby, but really had the fun with her puppy also dressed as Santa Claus.  It’s not too late for your Chrismtas photos at TE Photos Studio, people and pets are always welcome.  Call for your appointment today at (865)300-8801.

Merry Christmas, St. Bernard dog with girl

Here is another happy girl with her St. Bernard dog, taken at the “free pet photos” event at My Pets Animal Hospital.  Our next free pet portraits event is Jan. 9  and 16, 1-5 p.m., at the new Pet Well Care Express at 10549 Kingston Pike, next to Bull Feathers Cafe.  RSVP at www.tephotos.com for a free duplicate print!  Hope to see you there!

Are you wanting to get rid of all unwanted files from your computer or pc , needs to clean up them, thinking of a reputable and supportive computer repair service to do the work for you.You came to the perfect place , we give 24 hours support , Just book online Memphis Computer repair

"Cans are my co-pilot."

It’s not often one gets to see a rolling episode of the A&E Channel’s series “Hoarders,” but here ya go. This is the premier installment of my Blackberry Curve 8310-captured photo essay of stuff you see at Wal-Mart.

“Hey, Mike,” you might say. “How can you take one photo on your cell phone at a Wal-Mart and assume it’s going to be a series?”

“Ha, ha,” I reply. “Shut up!”

How can I assume it will be a series? Have you been to Wal-Mart? This place is a mecca for silly crap like this. Wal-Mart has cornered the market. I mean, look at this photo, which, by the way, is of a truck in a handicap parking space whose owner SPRINTED into the store. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t trying to get his hands on that two-for-one deal on Right Guard. It was reminiscent, rather, of the “Family Guy” episode where Peter takes Chris to the library to learn about his heritage:

Chris: “What’s a library, dad?”
Peter: “Oh, it’s just a place where homeless people come to shave and go BM.”

The bungee cords holding the camper top are bad enough, but has anyone considered the feelings of that lonesome yellow Bojangle’s cup? It’s like some messed up “Where’s Waldo?” picture!

And can anyone remember when cable television really got going? And A&E Channel was the one way to stop your grandma from declaring that “Cable is the devil?” All you had to do was flip from MTV to A&E and suddenly some ducu-crap about how “talkies” replaced the silent movies captured her attention, and she was rapt because, for the love of God, SHE WAS THERE!

“Oh, how I loved Charlie Chaplin, but when Al Jolson spoke the first words in a cinema-kineto-chrono-graphological picture — well, I think that was the first time I had a ‘profound lady’s moment.’”

(gross)

Now, A&E has a series about people who are surrounded by crap, and they cannot stop surrounding themselves with crap. I guess something has to pay the bills for the “Biography” episode about LINDSAY LOHAN!!

Stand by for many more Wal-Mart posts to come.

Question: I have a business that I have started in the U.S. I am from the Philippines and my business partner is from Mexico. We would like to petition someone from Mexico and another person from Singapore. Can you give me an option of what needs to be done?

Answer: Prior to January 1, 2004 there was what was known as NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement.) While it still exists, there are some changes which have just gone into effect. This will answer your question on how to petition the person from Mexico. Mexican Nonimmigrants (“TN”) Professionals have newer, easier and faster procedures for coming in under this type of visa.

Under the new provisions of the NAFTA, the petition requirements employers wanting to hire Mexican professionals under the provisions of the NAFTA will no longer be required to obtain a certified labor condition application from the US Department of Labor or file Form I-129 with the USCIS. In many cases, this procedure would take six months to one year. Now, Mexican professionals desiring a free trade visa will apply directly to a US Department of State consular office in Mexico for the visa. This will allow you to petition for him/her much quicker as the application can be sent directly to the U.S. Consulate.

Question: What if one of the Mexican nationals I cam considering hiring is already in the U.S. on another status. Must he leave the U.S.?

Answer: No. Extensions and changes of nonimmigrant status for NAFTA professionals in TN classification will continue to be processed by the USCIS. Extension and change of status applications for TN nonimmigrant professionals must be submitted to the Nebraska Service Center for processing, accompanied by a letter from the US or foreign employer stating the activity to be engaged in, the anticipated length of stay, and the arrangements for remuneration.

Question: Do these new NAFTA provisions apply to my prospective worker from Singapore?

Answer: No. ‘TN’ visas under NAFTA apply only to persons from Mexico and Canada. However, there has been an implementation of New Chile and Singapore Free Trade Agreements as of January 1, 2004. Under the immigration provisions of these agreements, as approved by Congress in Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78, a new H-1B1 nonimmigrant category has been created for professionals from Chile and Singapore. For purposes of the trade agreements, a professional is defined as “a national of [Chile or Singapore] who is engaged in a specialty occupation requiring (a) theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge; and (b) attainment of a post-secondary degree in the specialty requiring four or more years of study (or the equivalent of such a degree) as a minimum for entry into the occupation.”

In addition, the two agreements allow for the presentation of alternate educational credentials in the case of certain Chilean citizens seeking admission as H-1B1 Agricultural Managers and Physical Therapists. Further, in the case of both countries, the two agreements allow persons seeking admission as Management Consultants to present alternative documentation reflecting experience in the area of specialization. By statute, Chile will be allocated a maximum of 1,400, and Singapore a maximum of 5,400 H-1B1 nonimmigrant visas annually for professionals from these countries.

Question: Where must the people from Singapore apply?

Answer: Citizens of Chile or Singapore must apply directly to the US Department of State overseas for an H-1B1 nonimmigrant visa to be eligible for admission to perform professional services for a US employer pursuant to the two trade agreements. As with the provisions of the NAFTA, the USCIS will only process requests for extensions and changes of nonimmigrant status to H-1B1 nonimmigrant professional for citizens of Chile and Singapore. USCIS will not accept initial requests for H-1B1 status under the two Free Trade Agreements.

http://apps.facebook.com/birthwatch/

How cool is this? An app on Facebook customized to the pregnant woman, with suggestions and tips for reading, providers, tips for comfort, etc!

The BirthWatch app allows you to:

• Share updates on your pregnancy with your friends, along with a visual ticker showing where you are in your pregnancy
• Receive timely emails containing tips and recommendations to prepare for your child’s birth
• You control how frequently updates are posted
• Don’t worry, we’ll keep things quiet in the first trimester if that’s what you want

This application was developed by Kim and Pat James. Kim James is a Lamaze International and ICEA certified childbirth educator and a DONA International certified birth doula who has helped prepare hundreds of parents for childbirth.

BirthWatch application content tends towards the practical and physiological. You won’t find a lot of fluff here, just sound information to help you prepare for the new addition to your family. We built this app because we believe effective parenting is one of the best ways to improve the world, and parenting begins with pregnancy and birth!

Get started by updating us with your due date and preferences on the Settings tab

Here is an example of a typical update that will be shared with your friends and appear on your Wall:

Zac Brown Band

Wow, what a whirlwind week !  Just got back from Nashville after an overnight trip to see Zac Brown team up with Jimmy Buffett at The Factory in Franklin, Tn. for the next Crossroads episode!  The Factory is a supercool, hip place that has shopping, dining, antiques and a live theater where the taping took place.  Half of the room is covered in brick, and the ceiling is all open ductwork…it’s absolutely gorgeous and a great place to see a show….it turns out that’s where they have taped many of the Crossroads (a show where a country star and an artist from another genre come together to perform each others songs and tell great stories!)

Zac performed all his biggest hits including Chicken Fried and Toes, which was perfect for the ultimate beach dweller, Jimmy Buffett.   I also got a chance to hang with new act The Harters…they are a trio made up of two brothers and a sister, set to make their debut very soon, so keep your eyes and ears open!

The Zac Brown/Jimmy Buffett Crossroads will air on CMT in March 2010.

While I was downtown on Saturday I walked across the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge.  Here’s a ‘greeting card’ from good ‘ole Nashville TN. 

Otis & Jolee

San Diego, CA to
Minneapolis, MN and Atlanta, GA
January 2 – 3 and 9 – 10, 2010

Otis was pulled from the Pasadena Humane Society on behalf of Wags & Whiskers in Minneapolis. He was extremely scared at the shelter but they worked with him a lot to bring him out of his shell. Now he is one playful pup – he loves being around other dogs! He needs to get to Minneapolis so Wags can help him find his forever home!

Otis

Jolee was red-listed at the North Central shelter in Los Angeles. A plea on Facebook helped find her a home in Atlanta, GA! The home has been screened and approved and now Jolee needs to make the trip to become a Georgia Peach!

Jolee

These kids will start the journey eastward together but then will head their separate ways after OK City. Can you help them get to their new beginnings??

Please, please, please – I need crossposting help from EVERYONE!! Many of these legs are for me!

Transport Coordinator:
PLEASE CONTACT DIRECTLY IF YOU CAN HELP
Kelly Gibson
mdgrrrl@msn.com

Please provide the following:
Leg offered:
First & Last Name:
Location (city/state):
Please provide full address if volunteering for an overnight.
Email:
Is email available from home or only work?
Home phone:
Cell phone:
Vehicle make/model/color/etc:
Name of coordinators or groups for whom you’ve driven before. If none, please give vet name and contact number.
Recommended meeting place, if any:

Passenger details are at the bottom of the post.

SATURDAY, JAN 2 – Otis & Jolee travel together

LEG 1: San Diego, CA to Yuma, AZ (I-8)
Time zone change, +1 hr
172 miles; 2 hr 40 min
7:00 AM – 9:40 AM PST
8:00 AM – 10:40 AM MST
Filled by sender (that’s me!)

LEG 2: Yuma, AZ to Gila Bend, AZ
117 miles; 1 hr 50 min
10:55 AM – 12:45 PM MST
Filled – thank you Cyndi!!

LEG 3: Gila Bend, AZ to Phoenix, AZ
77.4 miles; 1 hr 35 min
1:00 PM – 2:35 PM MST
Filled – thank you Carla!!

LEG 4: Phoenix, AZ to Cordes Junction, AZ(I-17)
66 miles; 1 hr 5 min
2:50 PM – 3:55 PM MST
Filled – thank you Elizabeth & Barry!!

LEG 5: Cordes Junction, AZ to Flagstaff, AZ (I-17)
78.7 miles; 1 hr 7 min
3:55 PM – 5:00 PM MST
Filled – thank you Elizabeth & Barry!!

LEG 6: Flagstaff, AZ to Sanders, AZ
143 miles; 2 hrs
5:15 PM – 7:15 PM MST
***NEEDED***

LEG 7: Sanders, AZ to Albuquerque, NM (I-40)
182 miles; 2 hr 30 min
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM MST
Filled – thank you Tiffany!!

OVERNIGHT IN / AROUND ALBQ
Filled – thank you Dave!!

SUNDAY, JAN 3 – Otis & Jolee travel together

LEG 8: Albuquerque, NM to Tucumcari, NM
176 miles; 2 hrs 30 min
7:00 AM – 9:30 AM MST
Filled – thank you Tonya!!

LEG 9: Tucumcari, NM to Amarillo, TX
Time zone change, +1 hr
114 miles; 1 hr 40 min
9:45 AM – 11:35 AM MST
Filled – thank you Tamy!!

LEG 10: Amarillo, TX to Elk City, OK
147 miles; 2 hr 12 min
12:50 PM – 3:00 PM CST
Filled – thank you Marjean!!

LEG 11: Elk City, OK to OK City, OK
117 miles; 1 hr 47 min
3:15 PM – 5:00 PM CST
Filled – thank you Marjean!!

ONE-WEEK LAYOVER IN / AROUND OK CITY
Filled – thank you Diane M!!

When leaving OK City the following week, Otis and Jolee split and head off in separate directions.

*************************************
“A” LEGS: OK City to Minneapolis, MN
Otis only
*************************************

SATURDAY, JAN 9

LEG 12-A: OK City, OK to Perry, OK (I-35)
64.1 miles; 1 hr 5 min
8:00 AM – 9:05 AM CST
Filled – thank you Diane H!!

LEG 13-A: Perry, OK to Wichita, KS (I-35)
96.3 miles; 1 hr 30 min
9:15 AM – 10:45 AM CST
***NEEDED***

LEG 14-A: Wichita, KS to Emporia, KS (I-35)
82.6 miles; 1 hr 15 min
10:55AM – 12:10 PM CST
Filled – thank you Penny!!

LEG 15-A: Emporia, KS to Lawrence, KS (I-335 / 70)
73.9 miles; 1 hr 8 min
12:20 PM – 1:30 PM CST
Filled – thank you Penny!!

LEG 16-A: Lawrence, KS to St Joseph, MO (I-70 / 29)
77.2 miles; 1 hr 14 min
1:40 PM – 2:55 PM CST
***NEEDED***

LEG 17-A: St Joseph, MO to Rock Port, MO (I-29)
62.7 miles; 1 hr
3:05 PM – 4:05 PM CST
***NEEDED***

LEG 18-A: Rock Port, MO to Omaha, NE (I-29)
63.5 miles; 1 hr
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM CST
Filled – thank you Linda G!!

OVERNIGHT “A” IN / AROUND OMAHA
Filled – thank you Jody!!

SUNDAY, JAN 10

LEG 19-A: Omaha, NE to Sioux City, IA (I-29)
96.7 miles; 1 hr 32 min
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM CST
Filled – thank you Jody!!

LEG 20-A: Sioux City, IA to Sioux Falls, SD (I-29)
88.7 miles; 1 hr 27 min
9:40 AM – 11:10 AM CST
Filled – thank you Linda W!!

LEG 21-A: Sioux Falls, SD to Jackson, MN (I-90)
91.2 miles; 1 hr 29 min
11:20 AM – 12:50 PM CST
Filled – thank you Rhonda!!

LEG 22-A: Jackson, MN to Albert Lea, MN (I-90)
86.6 miles; 1 hr 20 min
1:00 PM – 2:20 PM CST
***NEEDED***

LEG 23-A: Albert Lea, MN to St Louis Park, MN (I-35)
96.2 miles; 1 hr 29 min
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM CST
Filled – thank you Mark!!

*************************************
“B” LEGS: OK City to Atlanta, GA
Jolee only
*************************************

SATURDAY, JAN 9

LEG 12-B: OK City, OK to Henryetta, OK (I-40)
91.6 miles; 1 hr 28 min
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM CST
Filled – thank you Ethel!!

LEG 13-B: Henryetta, OK to Van Buren, AR (I-40)
99 miles; 1 hr 33 min
9:40 AM – 11:10 AM CST
***NEEDED***

LEG 14-B: Van Buren, AR to Russellville, AR (I-40)
73.5 miles; 1 hr 8 min
11:20 AM – 12:30 PM CST
Filled – thank you Luann!!

LEG 15-B: Russellville, AR to Little Rock, AR (I-40)
71.3 miles; 1 hr 10 min
12:40 PM – 1:50 PM CST
Filled – thank you Luann!!

LEG 16-B: Little Rock, AR to Brinkley, AR (I-40)
61.9 miles; 56 min
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CST
Filled – thank you Tracey!!

LEG 17-B: Brinkley, AR to Memphis, TN (I-40)
69.4 miles; 1 hr 5 min
3:10 PM – 4:15 PM CST
***NEEDED***

OVERNIGHT “B” IN / AROUND MEMPHIS, TN
Filled – thank you Beth!!

SUNDAY, JAN 10

LEG 18-B: Memphis, TN to Tupelo, MS (US-78)
105 miles; 1 hr 40 min
9:00 AM – 10:40 AM CST
Filled – thank you Beth!!

LEG 19-B: Tupelo, MS to New Hope, AL (US-78)
60.3 miles; 55 min
10:50 AM – 11:45 AM CST
***NEEDED***

LEG 20-B: New Hope, AL to Birmingham, AL (US-78)
71.3 miles; 1 hr 16 min
11:55 AM – 1:10 PM CST
Filled – thank you Stacy!!

LEG 21-B: Birmingham, AL to Heflin, AL (I-20)
73.5 miles; 1 hr 10 min
1:20 PM – 2:30 PM CST
Filled – thank you Andria!!

LEG 22-B: Heflin, AL to Atlanta, GA (I-20)
Time zone change, +1 hr
72.9 miles; 1 hr 10 min
2:40 PM – 3:50 PM CST
3:40 PM – 4:50 PM EST
Filled – thank you Kimberly!!

*************************************
PASSENGER DETAILS
NOTE: All dogs on the transport are UTD on shots and will be accompanied by a health certificate.
*************************************

SENDER:

Puggles & Pitties Pet Rescue
San Diego, CA

http://pugglesnpitties.petfinder.com

*************************************

RECEIVER A:

Wags & Whiskers
Minneapolis, MN
www.wagsmn.com

PASSENGER A:

OTIS
2 year old brindle Staffie
Approx 40 lbs
All shots UTD
Neutered
Very shy at first but very cuddly and sweet. Rides well, loves to sit in your lap.

*************************************

RECEIVER B:

Screened & approved forever home
Atlanta, GA
Contact info to be provided to drivers.

PASSENGER B:

JOLEE
2 year old blue & white Staffie
Approx 40 lbs
All shots UTD
Spayed
Very kissy and affectionate.
Will be coming with a crate; gets carsick.

I love taking pictures. It is a passion of mine. I have to capture every special moment in a photo. I like to see other people’s pictures as well. I also like to think what is behind the picture, why did they choose that place and what was happening at that moment.

I risk my life everyday just to capture a moment in a picture. You see, I take pictures while riding my road bicycle with the Cycling club. Did I mention that sometimes we are riding 35 MPH or more and If i see something that got my attention, I will reach behind my back where I keep my small Sonny HD 1080 Cybershot Camera in the right pocket of my cycling shirt and snap a picture of something cool like my fellow cyclists riding or urinating.
I warn them about my obsession before I take the picture, but I think they know that by now. I took the above picture without even looking. I was still riding and i heard them talking about the “pee stop”. They slow down and I immediately grabbed my camera from my back packet, put the camera on my right shoulder for stabilization and snapped, got my picture. Is been taking me few months of practice to be able to do that. I don’t recommend it unless you are willing to crash.
In fact, I don’t recommend taking pictures or eating bananas while you are riding your bicycle. That is a picture of one of our fellow cyclist who recently crashed while eating a banana on a rainy day. Who would have thought that eating a banana can be this dangerous!? He actually fractured his acetabulum (hip socket) in many pieces. He gave up on bananas, thank goodness!

How things have changed in the past 2-3 years.  It used to be that buyers snapped up homes in brand new developments and watched their values pop up while homes sprung up around them.  Now brand new developments are a bit scary for custom built homes or higher end homes in ndew developments.  Keystone in Franklin was developed in the late 1990’s and most homes built right before the big boom.  As a result, the development was completed and with low turnover, very few homes were purchased at market peak.  With very few distressed home sales, values have remained steady, yet the overall price point is still an excellant value.

Rare Find in Keystone

Example:  1716 Masters Drive, Franklin, TN 37064 in Keystone is listed for $625,000.  What do you get for this price?  Nearly one acre level lot that is fully irrigated, oversized 4-car garage, 4,722 square feet, a covered patio, large kitchen with stainless appliances, tile baths, sand/finish hardwood floors, TWO laundry rooms, 4 bedrooms with a master suite on the main level and a large recreation room.  The list goes on with a two story family room, office/formal living room, stone fireplace and two story foyer.  See the photos and more at www.FranklinElite.com  

Just Add Friends, Grill and Good Times!

Compare this to other developments and don’t forget that Keystone is zoned for the highly sought after Oakview Elementary and Williamson County Schools plus has a community pool and brand new pavilion and Keystone is the place to be.  It is located just 5 miles from downtown Franklin, TN and just 12 minutes from Cool Springs. 

Call Bruce Jones with RE/MAX Elite for more information regarding home vaules in Keystone, Franklin or in Williamson County.  Office – 615-661-4400 or cell # 615-429-0153.

Large Lots and Views for Miles in Keystone, Franklin TN

Enjoy a rockin’ holiday extravaganza at the Trans Siberian Orchestra Concert. With over five million Christmas albums sold over the past decade, this Trans Siberian Orchestra Concert will be an experience of a lifetime!

Next Shows:
Dec. 13, 2:30 PM: Albany, NY
Dec. 13, 7:30 PM: Albany, NY
Dec. 13, 3:00 PM: Milwaukee, WI
Dec. 13, 7:30 PM: Milwaukee, WI
Dec. 16, 4:00 PM: Memphis, TN
Dec. 16, 8:00 PM: Memphis, TN
Dec. 16, 3:00 PM: Pittsburgh, PA
Dec. 16, 8:00 PM: Pittsburgh, PA
Dec. 17, 7:30 PM: Lexington, KY
Dec. 17, 7:30 PM: New Orleans, LA
Dec. 18, 8:00 PM: Bossier City, LA
Dec. 18, 8:00 PM: Cincinnati, OH
Dec. 19, 3:00 PM: Cleveland, OH
Dec. 19, 8:00 PM: Cleveland, OH
Dec. 19, 3:00 PM: Little Rock, AR

Tickets Now On Sale at NationalShowTickets.com

It’s been 14 years since Trans-Siberian Orchestra debuted with the single “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo/1224),” inspiring generations of fans to rediscover the multi-dimensional art form of the rock opera. TSO has sold more than seven million copies of its first four rock operas — 1996’s CHRISTMAS EVE & OTHER STORIES, 1998’s THE CHRISTMAS ATTIC, BEETHOVEN’S LAST NIGHT in 2000 and 2004’s THE LOST CHRISTMAS EVE. On the road, meanwhile, they have become one of the world’s top touring acts, with a $20 million-plus production that by 2008 played to over 5 million people in 80+ cities, selling more than $230 million worth of tickets. And, oh yeah, there was that crazy beer ad with the insanely decorated Christmas house whose lights were synced to TSO’s “Wizards in Winter.” Now TSO is taking us to a bold and exciting new place — NIGHT CASTLE.

There are many ways to afford a doula..

1.  If you are not yet pregnant, start saving a little now!

2. Most doulas, myself included, ask for a deposit and then will arrange payment options. I ask for a deposit and then accept payments, with the full amount being paid in full by the end of the 37th week of pregnancy.

3.  Put it on your baby registry! Most registries now have a spot for “miscellaneous” or donations… ASK for a doula! Are multiple outfits the baby won’t even wear more important than having a doula for labor and birth, or postpartum?

4.  Let your friends and family know this is something you truly desire. They won’t know if you don’t tell them.

5.  Insurance — I have applied for my provider # to help you file insurance. Not all insurance covers doulas, or the full fee, but it’s worth a try! My capability to file insurance should be here by the beginning of 2010. While we are on the subject of insurance, go to your human resources department and see if doula services are covered. If they aren’t, let them know in writing that you want this service covered!

6.  Barter… do you offer a service that a doula could use?

7.  Determine having a doula is a necessity. In most cases, the cost of a doula is HALF of what an epidural costs.. and a mere fraction of what a surgical birth costs.

Have the birth you desire and deserve! If you have any questions, please email me at beautifulbirths2003@yahoo.com

I arrived in Cleveland, TN. on December 2, 2009 after flying into Chattanooga, TN. from Buffalo, NY.  At the airport in Chattanooga I was picked up by my friend Walter Bagrin, a friend I met twenty-two years ago in Union, New Jersey.  Walter and his family relocated to Cleveland, TN. from their home in London, Ontario where back in 1987 I was invited by him to speak in his church.  It was the first time I spoke publicly in a church other than the one in Seattle, Washington where I first asked Jesus Christ to forgive my sins and come into my heart and became a born-again Christian in October, 1986.

Walter drove me to the home of Sergey and Luba Gritsan,  good friends that I met in Seattle and have known for at least 15 years who also now live in Cleveland, TN.  While in Cleveland I spoke 3 times in their church before taking a Greyhound bus to Asheville, NC.  I’m grateful for the time spent at Sergey and Luba’s home, for their hospitality  and for being able to visit with them and Walter again since my last visit over two years ago.  Here are some video memories of my time there.  Part 1 & 2.

It’s Friday, which means it’s time for another Fix it Friday photo from Iheartfaces.These are so fun.

Original Photo

My fix – I loved all the dirt and tried drawing the eye there first.

Zoom Zoom