A Brave Woman

I recently became aware of Heather Thompson, a domestic violence survivor. Heather has been in the national news recently because her ex-husband, who nearly killed her, was recently released from prison. Heather fears for her safety and the safety of her 17 and 19 year old daughters. The batterer made threats to kill all of them while he was in prison. That added 5 years to his sentence, but he is now out and about.

As some of you know, I volunteer at a domestic violence shelter and also recently took a mom/baby from the shelter into our home. They have been with us over six weeks now. I think we all need to do what we can to help those affected by domestic violence. To that end, I sent Heather two TASER C2's and accessories so that she could better protect herself and her family. Heather is an amazingly strong woman and she will be on the MSNBC show, Today, on Tuesday, June 9th. I hope you'll watch.

Lisa

Of Tears and Tasers...

This morning I went to a neighboring community to talk to realtors about safety at their monthly meeting. Immediately afterward, I went to the home of a dear 71 year old women who lived in the same neighborhood. "A" had called me yesterday, saying she had been at my neighborhood watch meeting in Dec. and that she wanted to buy a TASER. Her timing could not have been better, because this neighborhood is about 30 miles away.

I remembered "A" when she opened her door to greet me. She is recently widowed, having lost her beloved husband of 52 years only five months ago. We talked about him a bit and how she was doing. Although talking about "B" and her loss brought about some tears for her, I could tell she was glad to share with me about their wonderful, adventurous life together. "B" was a 30 year career Army officer and "A" a very proud Army wife. As she recalled their escapades and shared the details of his last day, there were both tears and smiles.

I spent quite a bit of time with "A" making sure she was very comfortable with her new TASER C2 (she chose the Fashion Pink color). By the time she shot a cartridge into the target, I knew she would not hesitate to use the TASER C2 if she needs to. Personally, I enjoyed the time together. With this new business, I find I am spending quite a bit of time with seniors, especially senior women, and I enjoy hearing their stories. This business is not all about TASERS and safety. It is about relationships with people.

As I was walking out the door, I felt the time "A" and I had shared was special and asked if it was ok if I hugged her. She responded with one of the biggest hugs I've gotten in awhile. Then she told me that if I ever needed someone to stand up for me and talk about the TASER C2 that she would be glad to do it. Then she said the words that make this all worthwhile, "I feel safer."

And, that my friends, is when the tears fell from my eyes.

WUZZ FUZZ

Yes, you read that right - WUZZ FUZZ. Wuzz Fuzz is a big organization (nation or worldwide I'm sure) for retired law enforcement officers. The local group meets monthly at Home Town Buffet for a breakfast meeting. I first spoke to the Wuzz Fuzz guys about seven years ago when I was the new commander for Barstow CHP. I was back this time to show them the TASER. It was cool because one of the guys told his favorite TASER story from back when he was working patrol.

I'm glad such a thing as Wuzz Fuzz exists. It's nice for these guys to get together with friends who understand. They did invite me to join because, after all, I am now a "Wuzz Fuzz", but then they said something about making me secretary. Um, thanks guys, but no thanks. I'll just come visit every few years or so.

Lisa

NEW ISSUE - Serious.Life Magazine

Check out the new issue. There are great articles and photos in this month's edition. Plus, our Readyaim.com ad is interactive!

Brent also did a product review on the TASER C2. We decided Michelle should have one with all the trips she is making to the hospital.

Lisa

Daily Press AD

This ad ran in Sunday's paper and will also run the next three Sundays. The ad design was inspired by our website, www.readyaim.com which was inspired by Brent Riggs. Thanks Brent! Also, Brent will be doing a product review on the TASER C2 and running an ad in the next issue of Serious.Life magazine. I'll let you know when it's out and time to link up!

In the meantime, please keep Abby Riggs and her family in your prayers. You can click on Abby's button for an update.

Lisa

Great season!

Kacie's team played a great game last night. It was very exciting with quite a few lead changes. Kacie actually scored the first 7 points for her team and ended up with at least 13. She played awesome both offensively and defensively.

Unfortunately, they lost at the very end, but they had a great season. Winning their league and making it to the quarterfinals of CIF is certainly something to be proud of and I am very proud of her.

Big Basketball News

Wow, it's been 10 days since my last entry, reminding me that I am that person who starts out like a ball of fire only to lull into a little flame. Oh well.

But, HEY, exciting news! My baby daughter (the 6' 1 and 1/2" Kacie) had a big game in the 2nd round of CIF playoffs on Saturday (for those of you not from California, even getting to CIF is a big deal). Although her team did not have their finest game, they managed to win 41-40 in a back and forth thriller of a game. They travel to Manhattan Beach on Wednesday to play in the quarter finals.

I would post pics, but I was busy running the video cam so I didn't take any. I will have to figure out how to edit out some audio, such as parents yelling at their kids/refs/etc. and my sweet little Aidan announcing (repeatedly) that he is, um, "tooting".

Hi/Lo Thursday

I'm playing along with the Rigg's Family Hi/Lo Thursday. You can click the button to the right of this post to go check out their site.

My high for the week. My high is hearing that Abby is doing better! You can click on her button for an update.

On a much shallower note, this has been an excellent week for my TASER business! I have got my new website up and running (if you wouldn't mind clicking on it to help build my optimization, I'd sure appreciate it--it's right there off to the right). I've also made many sales and have plenty of leads to follow up on.

One sale I made was important to me. It was two delightful, bright, and engaging women in their 80's. They had read the newspaper article about my business in November and decided to call. I went to "J's" house and met with her and another "J". I spent quite a bit of time in teaching them about the features of the TASER C2 and in training them with scenarios. When I left, I was confident that THEY were confident in how to use their C2.

I feel good about it, because I know they feel better about their safety. They deserve that.

My lo for the week.

Let's just say that I could use your prayers for someone I love very much. God already knows the circumstances, so I know I do not need to say more than that.

A Good Problem

My TASER business is taking off and I am having a blast (pun intended). This week, I visited five homes/businesses and sold many TASER C2's. It is very rewarding to sit with people and teach them how to defend themselves using this awesome technology. I especially enjoyed a training session with two delightful women in their 80's. Watching them fire the TASER and hearing their comments was great. Knowing they feel more comfortable with running errands and being home alone is a wonderful feeling.

With my growing business, I decided to upgrade my website to make checkout easier. In doing such, I made a mistake in that I did not ensure all the info from my old website would transfer to my new website. This mistake is probaby going to cost me dozens of hours and maybe my sanity. I consider it all part of the learning curve though and know what I won't do in the future!

Live and learn.

Lisa

Serious.Life Magazine -- FREE Subscription

I wanted you to know about this publication I’m a part of called Serious.Life Magazine. They just published the February issue today, and I am in their Featured Blog Directory. It’s a very high quality magazine… you’ll really like it.

The magazine includes a lot of great content from bloggers you’ll appreciate, as well as great features, photos and other content. The magazine is owned and published by a family who have seven kids, three adopted and one who has Leukemia (www.riggsfamilyblog.com). The magazine gives away a bunch of ads to charities and ministries. Besides great articles on interesting people, there is a lot about family, adoption, personal finance, spiritual life, humor… all sorts of “life” topics.

Again, the subscription is free, and I know you’ll enjoy the magazine, so take a minute to check it out and sign up to get future issues. www.seriouslifemagazine.com

I also have an ad in this magazine. I will donate $25 to Abby's family for every TASER C2 sold as a result of this ad. Plus, you get a FREE extra cartridge ($25 value).

Lisa

Victory!

What a game! It wasn't without some challenges as our satellite froze up in the third quarter and then my DH foolishly decided to root for a Cardinal (Larry Fitzgerald) to catch & run for a touchdown. Well, he did. So, icy stares from me followed and I went into a separate room to watch the game.

I must admit, I cried like a baby when Santonio Holmes caught the go-ahead touchdown pass. I feel so protective of him, as if he is one of my children. He was raised in some tough circumstances and has made some mistakes as recent as this year. I pray that being named Super Bowl MVP will bring about a new maturity in him and that he will use his story to help others.

Yes, I am happy. DH is in the penalty box, but his stay there will be abbreviated since the Steelers did win.

As you can see in the photo above, Aidan is on my side as are all my children. Being a Steeler fan is pretty much mandatory in my family.

Sweet dreams!

So Sentimental

I was watching some NFL highlights from the past, specifically the Steeler's 2005 season. It was super cool because they include quite a bit of sideline and locker room chatter, things you don't see while watching the game in person or on TV. I actually got goosebumps and a little choked up.

Later on today, I'm going to watch a replay of Super Bowl XIV where the Steelers beat the Rams to win their fourth Super Bowl. Thank goodness for the NFL channel to help addicts like me through the long off-season.

Would any of you think me insane if I considered moving from Southern California to Pittsburgh just so I could go to all their home games?

Tomorrow is the big day. Here we go, Steelers, here we go........

Is it possible?

Me loving on my baby boy.

My baby girl loving on my baby boy.

My baby boy loving back.

That my "baby" girl is 17? We spent the weekend with Kacie celebrating her not being a "stupid 16 year old" (for all you 16 year olds, those are her words, not mine) anymore. We watched her play basketball with her high school team, went bowling, and hung around. One of my favorite parts was playing Catch Phrase with my big kids and some friends while Aidan played with his little friend Nathan.

So, in other news. I have finally accepted that I am not going to the Super Bowl. This year that is. Have you all heard the new buzz --- "On the Road to Sixburgh"? Gotta love it.

If only.......

Ah, in less than two weeks, my Steelers will be playing in the Super Bowl. The last time they went to the Super Bowl, I was able to go to the AFC title game in Denver, but not to the big game because tickets were too expensive. Let me tell you, the economy has apparently not affected the price of Super Bowl tickets because they are way more than last time.

So, I sit. Looking at ebay auctions and travel sites. Pretending there is a chance I can go. I've even thought of offering to do a wife swap like the show on tv. The only catch is that my new "husband" would have to have tickets to the game and his real wife would have to like camping.

I can dream..........

Nice thing about the Steelers is you know they'll be there again. I guess I will start saving.

Things I've Actually Done

Ok, I was tagged by my friend Emily to do this. I would, in turn, tag someone else to do it, but my blogging skills do not extend that far. Yet.

So, the instructions were to cut and paste this list and then somehow mark the ones you have actually done. I've bolded and italicized those. Here we go:

Started your own blog
Slept under the stars
Played in a band
Visited Hawaii
Watched a meteor shower
Given more than you can afford to charity
Been to Disneyland/world
Climbed a mountain
Held a praying mantis
Sang a solo (sixth grade, one and only time)
Bungee jumped
Visited Paris
Watched a lightning storm at sea
Taught yourself an art from scratch
Adopted a child
Had food poisoning
Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
Seen the Mona Lisa in France
Slept on an overnight train
Had a pillow fight
Hitchhiked
Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
Built a snow fort
Held a lamb
Gone skinny dipping
Been to a Broadway show in NY
Ran a Marathon
Been in three states at once (Maybe)
Ridden in a gondola in Venice
Seen a total eclipse
Watched a sunrise or sunset
Hit a home run
Been on a Cruise
Seen Niagra Falls in Person
Visited the birthplace of your Ancestors
Seen an Amish community
Taught yourself a new language
Had enough money to be truly satisfied
Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
Gone rock climbing
Seen Michelangelo’s David
Sung karaoke
Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
Visited Africa
Walked on a beach by moonlight
Been transported in an ambulance
Had your portrait painted
Gone deep sea fishing
Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
Kissed in the rain
Played in the mud
Been to Grace Kelley’s grave in Monaco
Gone to a drive-in theater
Been in a movie
Visited the Great Wall of China
Started a business
Taken a martial arts class
Swam in the Mediterranean Sea
Visited Russia
Served at a soup kitchen
Sold Girl Scout cookies
Gone whale watching
Gotten flowers for no reason
Donated blood, platelets or plasma
Gone sky diving
Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
Bounced a check
Saved a favorite childhood toy
Visited the Lincoln Memorial
Eaten Caviar
Pieced a quilt
Stood in Times Square
Toured the Everglades
Been fired from a job
Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
Broken a bone
Been on a speeding motorcycle
Seen the Grand Canyon in person
Published a book
Visited the Vatican
Bought a brand new car
Walked in Jerusalem
Had your picture in the newspaper
Read the entire Bible
Visited the White House
Killed and prepared my own meat
Had chickenpox
Saved someone’s life
Sat on a jury
Met someone famous
Joined a book club
Lost a loved one
Had a baby
Seen the Alamo in person
Swam in the Great Salt Lake
Been involved in a law suit
Owned a cell phone
Been stung by a bee

I still have some things on this list I need to do. I am embarrassed to say I have never paid for a stranger's meal in a restaurant. I will fix that this weekend.

Lisa

Diaper Cake anyone?

Last Saturday, I co-hosted a baby shower for a sweet couple who, after 13 years of infertility, are expecting their first baby! I made the invitations and my first diaper cake. They are super easy and very cute!

Laughter Lives Tuesday

This post is part of "Laughter Lives! Tuesday" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check our their blog to read everyone else's "Laughter Lives!" posts.

Ok, I am joining in the Riggs Family, Laughter Lives Tuesday. (Look at the bottom for the Praying for Abby button. Abby is their precious daughter and is battling leukemia).

While there is plenty of laughing material courtesy of my 5 year old son Aidan, I'll share a recent conversation about his behavior at school.

Aidan apparently was a bit rambunctious following the long Christmas break in which he was allowed a bit of freedom (meaning he's been running amok), and had to turn his card from green to yellow to red, all in one day. Now, for those not familiar with the card program, green is good, yellow is misbehaving enough to get the teacher's attention, red is a second violation in the same day, and blue a third violation. Blue card violations get you a trip to the office to see the principal. Blue is not good, even the Kindergarteners get that.

Just so you don't lose hope, please know that life is full of second chances. Cards get turned back to green every morning to give the little darlings a fresh start.

Everyday, upon arriving home, Aidan is quizzed on the status of his card color. There is a reason for this. He is a bit chatty, so a turn to yellow is not uncommon. On this day in question, he experienced his first "red" card and was a bit hesitant to cop out to his crime(s). Finally, he admitted the turn to yellow was for talking too much to "M" in the morning and the second turn (to the dreaded red) was after lunch because he and "M" were laughing at a girl classmate "I" who was making "tooting" noises. I admit I didn't see that one coming.

I didn't laugh. I swear I didn't. At least not yet. Then, my delinquent-in-the-making looked me right in the eye with those baby blues and said something that I think should make me nervous. Very nervous. With a straight face, he said it was ok if his card got turned to blue, as long as it happened in the afternoon. I asked him what that theory was based upon and he calmly said, "The office is closed in the afternoon."

Well, ok then. Office closed, no principal available, therefore no visit to the principal. Logic. I like logic. Logic is good. Note to self: only commit major offenses in the afternoon.

Not to worry. I have it on good authority that his source of info is faulty and the office is, in fact, open in the afternoon and the principal is almost always there.

I think I'll let him find out that one on his own.

Lisa

Finally

I am finally taking the step from obsessive blog reader to blog author. Here I will capture some of our adventures and try to not embarrass my kids too much.

Lisa