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Geenie's Blog - Page 3

A QUICK Hello

Hey folks! I am not dead but just battling a horrible virus. At the moment, I am feeling very sleepy, congested, my throat is sore, my head feels like I have a jack hammer inside of it and I am extremely lethargic. I hope this virus leaves me eventually. All viruses and colds just love me. I am like a walking magnet for them!

I have been trying to check my International discussion emails and I have noticed something very weird. Every time I click on the link, I am receiving a white screen. Instead of bringing this to the attention of the Administrator, I decided to put on my private eye cap and investigate the matter further. Since I could not access the emails, why not take a peek on the board itself? I did this and was stunned to see that I was logged on. Initially, I thought that at some point in time, I must have logged in and forgotten to log out. This is the third time that this has happened to me! I figured that someone cleverly got my password. Well I changed it now so hopefully, when I log out, it will remain so unless I log back in. I did make an interesting observation though. While logging in, there is a feature that allows you to choose to be automatically logged in and "yes" was the selection. So I changed this to NO and hopefully, that will be the end of that peculiar problem.

I am looking forward to Christmas! My favourite time of the year. I always love to watch my nieces and nephews, tear off the wrapping paper that I took ages to carefully wrap. Although I love to wrap gifts, I am a bit of a clumsy wrapper. But each year, I am getting better and better! It is always a pleasure to see the look on my nieces and nephews faces, when the gift is unwrapped. Priceless! They sometimes squeal with delight and after the shock wears off, they begin to experiment or play with their new toy.

Christmas day seems like about one hour though. Time flies so quickly. We spend so many days or even weeks, preparing for the big day and it just passes like one minute or hour! I believe that we must all remember the significance of Christmas. It is not the expensive gifts, the food we have on the table or what exciting countries we visit but being thankful for all that we have: our health, strength and being surrounded by our loved ones. Most importantly, we should never forget those who are less fortunate than we are!

Blog Geenies

SLOWLY RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR!

Well I am very upset that I have been MIA (missing in action) for a long time...Too long if you ask me! But you know the old saying, "When it rains, it pours!"

In my last blog, I complained about having a terrible virus. Eventually I recuperated but unfortunately, my spouse got the virus from me. So poor fella, it was not nice seeing him feeling lousy and knowing that you are responsible. Well I did not intentionally give him the virus. I just hate to see my loved one suffer. It is enough to make me cry. The most I could do is provide moral support which may be a bear hug, a kiss, home made chicken soup or allowing him to have the remote and switch channels to his hearts content...Without me saying a word about it! Well the new year takes a turn for the worse. While providing my hubby with TLC (Tender Loving Care) and medication from the doctor, what happens? I get a relapse! Well I really had to laugh! So the two of us are curled up in bed and we take turns in getting each other water or juice. I try to do some light cooking but there are moments when I feel too dizzy to stand for long periods.

I recently went to the pharmacy and I decided to try something called AIRBORNE. It is an effervescent tablet that is supposed to boost your immunity system. I am curious...Has anyone on the forum ever tried this? My biggest gripe is the price. Imagine the cost of 12 tablets is $80.00? For that price I expect to have protection from all viruses for the rest of the year! So far, I think it is working. My hubby and I are no longer having bouts of fever. But unfortunately, our voices seem to be disappearing. We hardly cough, (yes that is good news) but our throats are feeling like someone slashed them with a hunting knife. Our eyes burn and sometimes we are very weak. But life goes on right?

I hate dedicating this blog to my virus woes. I would prefer to be typing something more optimistic and profound for the new year. But I guess we are only human! Anyway, enough of my germs, I hope everyone had a peaceful new year that is filled with love and joy and germ free!

Geenie's Blog Blogs Member Public

IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?

Well done Dr Phil! Once again, you have successfully turned attention away from a certain individual who is plagued with serious mental issues and made yourself the victim of circumstance! I am referring to Dr Phil's latest woes concerning the Britney Spears ordeal.

When Britney was hospitalized earlier on this year, against her own will, the Spears family decided to ask the no nonsense guru, to chat with their daughter Britney. His attempt proved to be futile and he successfully managed to enrage the Spears family, by making a public statement after his visit with Britney. A spokesperson for the Spears family indicated that they considered Dr Phil's comments to the media as uncalled for and she choose to paint Dr Phil as an opportunist. Well Dr Phil allowed time to assist him in dealing with the matter. But mind you, he did break his silence on the Britney Spears matter, on his show which took place on Monday 18 January 2008.

His show was appropriately titled "Real Life Gossip Girls." Before he began to explain what the show was all about, he seized the opportunity to do some damage control of his own. He solemnly began to speak about visiting Britney Spears in hospital and how everything was misconstrued by the tabloids. Oh shame on you members of the media, for portraying the great Dr Phil as the bad guy!

He slowly began by saying that gossiping can be dangerous especially if you are caught in the middle of it. Then he humbly stated how he privileged he felt to be on a forum to educate the public on a daily basis. He even went as far as saying that he did not mind people criticizing him but he resented when the facts were distorted.

He innocently painted a picture of a warm, blossoming friendship, when Lynne Spears had reached out to him and his wife, Robin in December 2006. He cleverly incorporated the fact that the Spears family and his own family had so much in common, since they were both exposed to the media on a daily basis. Then he mentioned how Lynne and Robin spent a lot of quality time together discussing about their children. Yep, Dr Phil used the oldest trick in the book. He appealed to the audience maternal instinct. After all, 99% of his audience are females! Great use of psychology Dr Phil! Then he emphasized the fact that he chose to use his forum as a way of raising awareness on mental health issues, family, parenting, drug abuse and other diseases.

Dr Phil also casually mentioned that he had planned to do a show about Britney's current situation prior to her unfortunate hospitalization. He even mentioned that Lynne Spears agreed to participate in the show. The good old dr also took this opportunity to make his audience aware of the fact that, Lynne Spears had complimented him on how he demonstrated sensitivity, while doing a show on Britney Spears last year. And she was looking forward to doing another show on Britney this year; of course, he added that Britney was not scheduled to appear in this show..........

Next he tackles the controversial visit to the hospital. He makes it very clear to the audience that it was not his own decision to visit Britney. He highlights that Britney's parents, were the ones to contact him and request his visit to Britney. Of course Dr Phil, you would never go to Britney on your own and stand the risk of being named an opportunist! No, your mission is to exclusively help people and not promote your show! Dr Phil also stated that he did not intend to treat Britney but to merely chat with her, to see what was on her mind. Of course, we all know how that turned out: Britney fled as soon as she saw him enter her room. And the whole world thinks that this girl is stupid! Why she saw through Dr Phil's motives long before the media!

He firmly claims that he will never apologize for trying to help anybody. He did show a glimmer of humility by admitting that he made an error in judgement, by making a statement to the press, right after his visit to Britney. However, he portrays himself as a man of honour, since he never divulged anything about what happened in the hospital room. But Dr Phil, we all know what happened....Absolutely nothing! Britney ran as if she saw the devil himself, so if you think about it, there is nothing really for the doctor to comment on. He was adamant that he had the best intentions and unfortunately, his comments came back to haunt him.

Then the good doctor addresses the issue with his Psychological license to practice psychology. He claimed to have retired his license. What a strange way of saying that you gave up your license. I guess by saying, "I gave up my license" fuels speculation that there was some form of misconduct, forcing him to give up his license. Anyway, he indicates that his license was only valid in Texas and he is currently a resident of California. Since he has chosen not to be involved in a private practice for over 15 years, he decided that it would be best to give up his license since he chose another career path.

He gravely ends his show by switching the focus on poor Britney and his hope that she gets help very soon.

I must admit, this speech was excellent and well written. It can be compared to the same speech that Ms Barbara Walters made, after Rosie O'Donnell hastily left "The View." He used full eye contact, which is extremely important since direct eye contact, suggests sincerity and it shows that he is not afraid to face the music. His tone was very solemn and only chose to prod fun at himself and not spread any levity about the Britney Spears ordeal. At times, he chose to portray himself as the real victim here and not Britney. That mean old media, twisted the truth and made the no nonsense guru appear evil! He brilliantly appeals to the women's emotions by incorporating how his wife, Robin and Lynne Spears both shared their private moments concerning their children. And he paints himself as the good old saint Phil who "retired his license" to spread joy and help others in the world. And not acquire wealth by exploiting others. Well done Dr Phil, you should take a bow for your Academy award winning performance. You almost had me convinced that you were the one who was being terrorized by the media and not Britney............

Page 3 Blog Geenies

IT'S A MAD, MAD WORLD!


Food Shortage

Things seem to be going downhill in this country. The latest problem here was a food shortage. I was surprised when I recently heard on the news about a flour shortage. But bit by bit, the problem was unravelled right before our very eyes. We have two local manufacturers and distributors of flour: National Flour Mills and their competitor, Nutrimix. Apparently, the flour shortage began when one of Nutrimix's machinery was in dire need of repairs; so the owners of Nutrimix were forced to shut down their factory for one week, to repair the machinery. Now pray tell, why on earth, would someone shut down for a whole week, just to repair machinery? Common sense would dictate that the owners should have been assigned competent men to the problem and work feverishly for one day, to rectify the matter! To shut down a factory for a whole week is madness! But of course, you will find that only here in Trinidad! When this happens, people are going to panic and when the flour is on the shelves once again, consumers will begin to hoard and soon, the shelves in the supermarket will be empty! But naturally, the supermarket owners would not mind one bit and why should they? The more goods they sell, the higher the profits!

It is very sad that inflation is rising everywhere. People are being killed almost everyday violently by criminals, accidents, suicides and now, we are in a position where we will slowly starve to death! Food prices are going up along with fuel. I read that article online about a lady struggling to make ends meet. She considers meat to be a luxury and will only buy ham and other meat, only on special occasions. It brought tears to my eyes when I read that she felt so dejected, when she forced herself to ignore certain items that she was accustomed buying, before the increase in food prices. What is so interesting, why aren't people salaries increasing along with the food prices?

Too Expensive to be Sick these days

Here in Trinidad, to visit an ordinary physician will cost you $150.00! Interesting that doctors believe that they should charge patients so much! But what amazes me even more is, why don't the insurance companies recognize that all doctors' fees have increased? My spouse submitted a medical claim form and the insurance company provided a refund for the doctor's visit as $80.00, even though the cost of the visit is $150.00 I seriously doubt that you can find any doctor who will charge so cheaply. Unless he is a charlatan! My advice to people in Trinidad, as long as you are not suffering from a serious disease like Dengue Fever, resort to home made remedies. Take a lot of fruits, juices and vegetables, after all, an apple a day, keeps the doctor away! Not to mention, it is so much easier on your pocket!

Good heavens! Don't get me started on specialists. One particular gynaecologist in Port of Spain, previously charged $200.00 for a visit. One day, when I went in for a check up, I was stunned to see a notice in her office indicating that due to the increase in lab costs, she was forced to increase her fees from $200.00 to $400.00! Why in the world would a gynaecologist charge so much?! Apparently, many of her patients objected because when I returned to collect a report from her, she changed her fees to $300.00. Unbelievable! I suspect that doctors forget their oath, which stipulates that a patient's health should be there number one priority and to ensure that they receive the best medical attention. But here in Trinidad, doctors prefer to just financially bleed us dry.

BEETHAM ESTATE

I was very disgusted to read in the Express newspapers this week that the residents in Beetham estate, attacked a truck driver, who was transporting flour and rice to Arima. After beating up the poor truck driver, the Beetham residents began to steal as much flour and rice that they could pull off the truck! This is so ridiculous! Why are people so immoral? And what irks me even more, the Honourable Prime Minister gave these same individuals new roofs for their homes, free of charge! Anything these residents want, the government gives them without hesitation. Perhaps this may explain their behaviour. They believe that they could do whatever they want because they are accustomed getting anything they want! Perhaps, these truck drivers should hire police vehicles to escort them whenever they have to pass by the Beetham area! As if this was not bad enough, while the badly beaten truck driver (the one who was transporting flour and rice) lodged his complaint with the Besson Police station, they received another report from someone being robbed. A truck was transporting juice and milk and the Beetham residents were stealing these goods right off the truck! As a child, I have often wondered why adults referred to the residents of Beetham Estate as "human vultures!" But now, the answer is obvious. These people can be equated to vultures because they swoop on unsuspecting individuals and will strip them of everything! Whatever happened to having respect for others?

Blog Geenies

WHEN LIFE IS NOT A BOX OF CHOCOLATES

I am exhausted and hardly posting but there is a reason for this. At present, my hubby is gravely ill and I am currently looking after him. His mother, such a dear, offered to buy groceries, run errands or purchase medication for him. I politely refused and thanked her for thinking of us. The medication that my spouse is taking seems endless. He groans and complains about taking them and of course, I usually listen to the stories about, "when I was younger, I never took medication whenever I got sick"...... There are moments when I worry so much that I am unable to fall asleep. I suspect that I am secretly afraid that something terrible may happen, like his health may deteriorate very rapidly. So I stay awake, like a modern day Florence Nightiningale, watching my spouse throughout the night. I whisper a little pray, while I watch him sleep and eventually, I close my eyes when I hear him rising from the bed, in the morning.

VIOLENCE AMONG TEENS

I could not believe what I saw on the news recently. A group of high school teenaged girls, inviting an honour student who is also a cheerleader to one of the girl's home and beating her up. What is so amazing about this is, these teenagers even had the audacity to videotape themselves, beating up the poor defenseless girl. I am happy that their stupidity may cost them their freedom. I am fearful that these girls may receive a slap on their wrists, since it is their "first offence." I am disgusted that these girls have absolutely no remorse for their actions. One girl asked the detective, if she would be discharged in time for her cheerleading practice the following day. Another girl joked about not being able to go to the beach this weekend. Where are these girls conscience? I really hope that they get at least one year in jail. If they don't this is going to set a very bad precedence. A lot of "copy cats" out there will be watching this latest crime and if they notice that the girls are not punished, this will give them the incentive to do the same. So much for girls being "Sugar and Spice."

Geenie's Blog

WELCOME TO THE TWILIGHT ZONE!

I was recently told that there are certain countries in the Caribbean that refer to Trinidadians as "Tricky-dadians." Well, recently, I learned the hard way why we are given this negative label.

My husband and I do not eat fast food as regularly as before, due to the rising cost of food. However, every now and then, we like to "treat" ourselves to some junk food. This Saturday, my hubby asked where I would like to go and eat. I immediately said, "Long John Silvers!" I selected this particular fast food outlet because I love the way they prepare their grilled fish sandwiches. Anyway, we drove to Long John Silvers in Movietowne, parked our car and headed for the fast food outlet. We were starving but I always considered the service in here to be very fast and good.

My hubby chose the grilled fish sandwich combo which includes a large drink, a grilled fish sandwich and a side order. Much to our amazement, we were informed by the cashier that, Long John Silver apparently had no bottle water or soft drinks available. WHAAAA TTTTT? My hubby politely asked what would be given as a substitute for the drink that is included in the combo. The cashier hesitated and eventually answered very meekly that, we could get everything else except the drinks. At this point, my hubby was beginning to get irritated (after all, a hungry man is indeed an angry man!) and asked to speak with the manager. The cashier informed him that they did not have a manager on the premises Add a Comment for Geenie

Geenie's Blog - Page 3

OUT OF SIGHT BUT NEVER OUT OF MIND!

Hello everyone! I just thought I should say a quick Hello before retiring for the night. I have been away from this website for a very long time. But in spite of my absence, I still think of all the great topics and individuals here. I really miss coming in, reading and responding to the topics. But sometimes, life gets in the way! I hope everyone is well and all the fathers are having a wonderful, restful and terrific Father's Day!

I have so many things to write about but right now, my eyes are closing down and I am typing half asleep. I recently received this in an email and I thought I should share it with everyone; I call it, The Garbage Theory! I felt very happy and nodded my head in agreement with the message the email conveys; here it is:

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the
airport. We were driving in the right lane when
suddenly a car jumped out of a parking space right
in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his
breaks, skidded, and missed the other car by just
inches! The driver of the other car whipped his
head around and started yelling at us. My taxi
driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean
he was really friendly.

So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy
almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!'
This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now
call 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage
trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of
frustration, full of anger, and full of
disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they
need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump
it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile,
wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their
garbage and spread it to other people at work, at
home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let
garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too
short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...
'Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the
ones who don't.'

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety
percent how you take it!

Geenie's Blog Public Member Blogs - Page 3

NEVER SAY GOODBYE

Hey Folks! I just thought I should pop in and update my blog. Right now, my life can be compared to a tornado: everything is turned upside down and I am struggling to hold on until the chaos is over. I am feeling rather exhausted these days but I now that every cloud has a silver lining. I am just having problems finding the silver lining these days...

I am grateful for many things in my life: I have a wonderful husband; we have a roof over our heads; there is always food on the table; we have never been kidnapped or assaulted; we have good friends and not the fair weather ones and most of all, we have health and strength! So I am keeping my head above water although, there are times when the tide rises and it becomes more challenging to survive. I refuse to give up on my philosophy, "All things happen for a reason" and my personal favourite, "this too shall pass!"

Anyway, I know that I am speaking in riddles but I guess that's just the way I express myself sometimes...Well I do have some very bad news: I will be offline for a while since my internet will be disconnected very soon. I am not looking forward to this but hopefully, this should be a temporary road block for me. I will missing checking my emails and reading all the delightful topics here. And most of all, I will miss throwing in my own two cents. I read somewhere that once 200 days elapse, a person's account will be deleted. I am hoping to return long before that. But you never know what tomorrow may bring...

Well folks, I will try to post later on this week if time permits. But in the meantime, I won't say goodbye but see you all around very soon!