Stand Your Ground - Thumbs Up or Down

Ok, so here we go.

I’m not a very political person. Don’t judge me but I don’t even vote. I know. I’ve heard it all. It’s my civic duty. One vote is better than no vote. What are you an extremist? Hippie?
No, not any of that. I live in a wonderful country and very blessed to have been born and raised here. I could have easily been born in a “third world” country. Living off of nothing or making a dollar a week.

I don’t vote for many of my own personal reasons. I have to live with whoever gets voted into office anyways. And no matter whom it is - I still have to pay taxes, pay the extreme gas prices, take my kids to school, go to work, etc. My life won’t change no matter who sits there. Republican or Democrat. I don’t even label myself as one of them. Does that make me ignorant? If you think it does – and you have your right to your own opinion – then so be it.

I believe in RIGHT and WRONG.

This brings me to my actual post… Trayvon Martin vs. Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law. I have attached an excerpt I borrowed from Wikipedia [below]

As of 28 May 2010 (2010 -05-28) 31 States had some form of Castle Doctrine or Stand Your Ground law. Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah,^[8] West Virginia and Wyoming have adopted Castle Doctrine statutes, and other states (Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Virginia, and Washington) are currently considering "Stand Your Ground" laws of their own.
Some of the states that have passed or are considering "stand your ground" laws already implement "stand your ground" principles in their case law. Indiana and Georgia, among other states, already had "stand your ground" case law and passed "stand your ground" statutes due to possible concerns of the case law being replaced by "duty to retreat" in later court rulings. Other states, including Washington, have "stand your ground" in their case law but have not adopted statutes; West Virginia had a long tradition of "stand your ground" in its case law before codifying it as a statute in 2008. These states did not have civil immunity for self-defense in their previous self-defense statutes.

My list of questions to you…

• Do you live in one of these states?
• What would have to happen to you for you shoot first and ask questions later?
• Do you think Zimmerman (the shooter) should be arrested?

• Would you walk in the Million Man Hoodie March?

My A's (because it's only fair)...

• Yes I do
• Well first I wouldn't walk up to them and start shiz in the first place. Someone would have to physically assault me or bust into my house before I could attempt to take someones life.
• Yes he should be arrested.
• Yes I would. Everyone deserves to have their rights protected and STAND OUR GROUND!

There is NO prejudice on my blog. All answers are treated with RESPECT and common courtesy. Be respectful to others’ comments.

Today’s Top 10 Negative Countdown & Versatile Award

Today’s Top 10 Negative Countdown

10. Slow ass drivers! Well first of all – they’re everywhere when you’re running behind. And second – I always seem to get that one guy who seems to have misplaced the gas pedal.

9. Common misconception that kids need to be perfect. Of course we all WANT perfect children but let’s face it – it isn’t reality. I love it when parents say “I have the perfect kids.” REALLY! Do you really have the perfect kids? And I’m not talking in the Biblical sense here. Of course we were all blessed with the kids that we were meant to have. I’m talking about the “Stepford wives kids” type. And don’t be expecting your kids to be perfect. They’re kids after all and only learn from what they are surrounded by.

8. People who are always happy. Ugh! Like gag me with a spoon! There is no possible way *rolling eyes* this person is happy ALL the time without a little help from a pill. Well – I guess it could be possible – but I don’t like it. “Oh hi! How is your day going?! Isn’t it wonderful to be alive?!” My first thought is I hope you’re enjoying your last moments cause I’m about to kill you. But I refrain and say “I know,” politely smile and walk away.

7. People who exhibit Eeyoreism. Oh woe is me. It’s dark and dreary and life sucks. Yadda, yadda, yadda. Can we please find a happy medium somewhere? Or maybe I need a new job?

6. Daylight Savings Time. I still haven’t caught up on that lost hour.

5. Too many books. They are piling up and I don’t know what to do with them.

4. People that hover. When I say “I’m gonna look at it and get back to you.” What I’m really saying is “Go the flip away and when I find some time I will let you know what you effed up.” Not “Please stand here and hover over me until you get the hint that I’m not looking at it at this very moment.”

3. When I say give me a minute, I really mean five.

2. When is someone going to build the damn Time Machine? I really don’t care about the time continuum. I have some people I’d like to see again and possibly pick the winning numbers to last weeks lottery.

And the number one negative today…

1. Time couldn’t move any slower when you have a vacation planned. This is where that blasted Time Machine will be handy.

On another note: Versatile Blog Award

Jeremy over at Geeky Tendencies awarded me a Versatile Blog Award. This is my 3^rd and I'm very appreciative for it. You can go here and here to check out the random facts about myself.

I will not be forwarding this on. Like the Lucky 7 Meme, this has also been going around the blogosphere and I have no idea who has already been tagged. But I would love to hear about your randomness. So please share!

Have a great Thursday!

Lucky 7 Meme

Thanks to Jackie @ Bouquet of Books for choosing me as one of the Lucky 7. She can write her a$$ off so check out her WIP!

Now for the rules for Lucky 7 Meme:

1. Go to page 77 of your current MS. (Or a fave book)
2. Go to line 7.
3. Copy down the next 7 lines - sentences or paragraphs - and post them as they're written.
4. Tag 7 authors.
5. Let them know.

My seven lines are from my current, YA Urban WIP, Occupiers. When I discovered what was on page 77, line 7, and so on; I was excited cause this is what depicts my characters to a T. Reese has lost someone close to her, however, this is not the only revelation in store for her. A few visitors show up to pay their respects but under false pretences What follows is how Reese and her friends feel after their initial encounter with the foreigners.

They turned and walked out.

“Those three gave me the creeps,” I muttered.

“Me too,” Jayde whispered.

“Did you see the look on her face?” Kirima asked.

“O.M.G,” Jayde said.

“Maybe it’s her sympathy face?” Kirima wondered.

“If that’s the case,” I stared at the strangers as they strolled away, “she needs to work on that. That has got to be the worst I’m-sorry-for-your-loss face I have ever seen.”

Sorry but I am not going to list 7 lucky bloggers. I have read and seen so many of the people I follow and the ones who follow me have this Lucky 7 meme everywhere. I have no idea who has not been selected yet. So if you are reading this and have not yet been chosen, PLEASE comment that you are going to do this and I will, most excitedly, come and read your excerpt!

Top 10 “Books I plan to read while on Spring Break” Tuesday

Unfortunately I will not be blogging all next week due to the fortunate event of our annual vacation. This year we decided on Spring Break week. (we uaually go to Vero Beach in June). Not sure how much computer time I will want to take away from the sand & surf... and family. But do not fear! I am taking some reading material!

The Rise of the Governor by Robert Kirkman

My Heart be Damned by Chanelle Gray (I won from her giveaway!)

Untraceable by S.R. Johannes (won in her giveaway!)

On the Bright Side by S.R. Johannes

The Book of Deacon by Joseph Lallo

The Harvest by Scott Nicholson

Shadow of the Sun by Laura Kreitzer

… and three Jonathan Maberry books…

Dead of Night

Rot & Ruin

Dust & Decay

… the Maberry books I’ve already read but they are so good I’m gonna bring ‘em along.

TWD Finale– “Beside the Dying Fire”

Where do I begin?

The car “chases”? Even though they weren’t really chasing anyone, more like mowing the zombies down or blowing off their heads. It reminded me of the wild wild west; back and forth on horseback poppin-a-cap in their asses brains. Smart move except it really didn’t put a dent in the horde of undead and it wasted valuable gas.

How Rick and Carl zigzagged their way in and out of the approaching zombies? Could you do it? Yes, yes I could. I would have to now wouldn’t I? And why would you set the barn on fire if you didn’t have an escape route? Thank goodness for Jimmy riding in on in his white horse RV. To bad the door was unlocked. May Jimmy rest in peace.

Then, the season and a half limp-a-long, performed by the zombie horde, which led directly to the farm. I’m starting to think these could be the unluckiest bastards known to the living race of humans. (It's the helicopters fault you know) Well technically the entire race is doomed, aren’t they? Dr. Jenner, that sneaky little devil, whispering to Rick the most valuable piece of information thus far.  They are all carriers of the virus and one stupid or smart move (depending on how you look at the Shane incident) can reanimate you. No wonder Dr. Jenner wanted to incinerate the entire complex. He didn’t want to be what he feared most. And if Rick knew this, then why did he turn his back on Shane. *rolling eyes*

Why doesn’t Lori or anyone else ever know where in the same hell Carl is? It is just the most precious thing in the whole wide world to her. Is it not? I think the theme this year is “Where is Carl?” Can someone find this boy a leash or hasn’t he ever heard of leaving a note? Also, why was she so pissed at Rick for killing Shane? Didn't the fickled broad ask for Rick to eliminate the problem? Ugh! Women!

How about that heroic save when Daryl swept in to save Carol? Can those two just get the deed over with already? All of this pent up sexual frustration is making me yawn. Daryl is hot – ok. I mean, what’s she waiting for?

And how-in-the-name-of-Pete did Andrea lose Carol so fast? Carol and Carl should both be put on lockdown. STAT!

And then we lose Patricia in the shuffle. Ripped from her sisters grip. R.I.P.

Favorite line all night… “Christ promised a resurrection of the dead,” … “I just thought he had something a little different in mind.” Could that have been any better? I seriously went “Damn Hershal!” (Getting all Revelations on us.)

When they finally did meet up… did they leave the blue truck there for Andrea? I hope so cause they could of syphoned the gas. ANDREA! Left in the woods, what seemed like days (not really people), killing every zombie chasing her, leaving a wake of dead – I mean really dead, in her path. Gun toting, rock bashing, badass hanging onto every thread of life. And just think – only last season a few months ago she wanted to kill herself.

*SPOILER ALERT!* - Hooded savior!

This brings me to the comic fan favorite – Michonne. Not yet revealed. Epic and true to the comic’s first exposure; except in the comic, she saves Otis, not Andrea. Yes, you saw right. Behind her swayed two zombies, chained, lacking their arms and jaws/teeth. Who are these two? Her boyfriend and his best friend. This brings us right on task with the beginning of Season 3 and the Prison.

Food for thought… after learning about what Jenner had told Rick and what has transpired. Who do you think the title The Walking Dead is referring to? The zombies or the humans?

Until next season my zombie lovin' friends!

Chewing Gum and My Son

For those of you that read about my son here. I have an update.

Last week at his therapist we learned all about the subconscious and how it interferes with everyday life.

You know the saying “think with your brain and not with your heart” or the round-about sayings referencing it? Well she explained your heart is your subconscious and this sick little pesk likes to eff your life up every once in a while. (Those were not her exact words) It makes you over evaluate things like tests. It also makes you think scary stuff or causes nightmares. Which most of this we know or have been told before. What I didn’t know is that you can train your brain with a “safe word”.

Yesterday was my sons’ second appointment and at this session he was hypnotized but not put all the way under. I missed the action due to me having all of my kids and waited in the waiting room.

This is how he explained what happened…. She told him to close his eyes and count down. He did. Then she said he didn’t need to pay attention to what she was saying because she was talking to his subconscious. She continues and says “you can think about what you’re having for dinner if you want”. He did. He said while she was talking he was trying to figure out is he wanted a half sandwich and soup or a full sandwich at the deli. He doesn’t remember what she was saying and when she told him to open his eyes, he felt happy and calm.

She explained that she told his “heart” to listen to him when he uses his “safe word”. For example: “My mom is not going to die in an accident. Purple.” (No my sons’ word is not purple.) You speak or think what is causing you your anxiety and you finish with your “safe word”.  And then you surround yourself with things that reflect your word. Purple – you go out and buy some grapes, eat them. Wear things that are purple, buy candles that remind you of purple. Lilacs for instance. Etc.

During test chew grape flavored gum. Also, did you know that while chewing gum, rolling a worry stone in your hands, etc, can help you perform better on tests? Yup, chewing the gives your subconscious something do instead of taking over your decision making. Neat, huh.

So next time you are worrying about something or taking a test or for us writers out there… chew that gum!

Hunger Games Premiere

BA-BAM! Hello sexy mama! Jennifer Lawrence (aka Katniss Everdeen) is a walking Oscar.

The love triangle...

Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark) & Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne)

Elizabeth Banks (Effie Trinket) smokin' in Capital-isk dress

Woody Harrelson (Haymitch Abernathy)

Wes Bentley (Seneca Crane) & Donald Sutherland - who looks like a wackadoo (President Snow)

Leven Rambin (Glimmer) & Jacqueline Emerson (Foxface) make a (Thresh) Dayo Okeniyi sandwich

Isabelle Fuhrman (Clove) & Jack Quaid (Marvel) I would have thought Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan would have had a cuter kid. I know, I know - harsh!

Alexander Ludwig (Cato) looking dapper!

Amandla Stenberg (Rue) & Willow Shields (Primrose Everdeen)

And then...

Why in the hell is he there?

Do you want more Hunger Games premiere? Check here Heather @ Into the Cuckoo's Nest is the best!

Top 10 Tuesday - My Weeks To-do List

10. Grocery shopping – with 6 family members; food/drink doesn’t stand a chance.

9. Work meetings – if it wasn’t for these important yet boring things I wouldn’t know what was going on. Yeah right. But hey, it pays for my groceries.

8. Netflix – this will be on my list every week. My one out of a list full of weaknesses is movies.

7. Play outside – it’s hasn’t been a rough winter in the Hoosier state but the spring is welcomed with open arms all-the-same. Cabin fever can take a toll on the spirit.

6. Work on WIP – I’m never gonna get to my well awaited NEW WIP if I don’t finish the one I’m on. Grrr…

5. Work on A to Z – Even though my themes are polished and I’ve made my banners, I still need to finish putting my blogs together. I’m at letter F.

4. Hair – My husband, oldest son, and I have a hair appointment this Saturday. I love getting’ my hair did!

3. Myrtle Beach – The week before A to Z starts; the family and I will be relaxing on the beach in South Carolina. Oh the joy of family! I need to start preparing now. New suits, trunks, sunscreen, clothes prepared, food, etc...

2. Birthday! – My BFF (Am I too old to use that term anymore?) is celebrating her 31^st birthday.

And…

1. ISSMA – My oldest has his first ISSMA concert on Friday. He’s nervous as-all-get-out but I’m sure more people are. I have no idea. I’ve never played an instrument in my life. Well… I take that back. I have played tons of instruments but never in tune.

This picture is a couple of years ago. He won't let me take any new ones claiming it's "awkward". Teenagers!

Have a great Tuesday!

Homeless people used as mobile Wi-Fi hotspots

Homeless people used as mobile Wi-Fi hotspots

The Walking Dead Has Plagued My House

Your head spinning yet?

Last week and last night’s episodes of THE WALKING DEAD left A LOT of my facebook friends and family baffled. I’m no expert by-all-means but I do have my own opinions and thoughts and I will try to address as many as possible. I wish I knew Robert Kirkman. Personally to get into his head but unfortunately, that is not the case.

So here we go…

What is up with them killing two big personalities off? Hmmm… well…. They both die in the comics regardless. However, Shane dies before Dale does. In the comics Shane dies similar to the way he did in last night episode; being shot down by Carl. The weird thing about last night’s episode is Carl raised his gun before Shane even reanimated and righted himself from his grassy knoll. *raises eye brow* Error in the actors part or was his initial target his dad? I doubt it. Carl had been watching the whole thing through binoculars; he had to have seen Shane drawing his weapon first. He had too!

And... why is that damn kid walking around like it's nobody's business. I mean, good thing cause Rick would be goner but come on!

Now on to the reanimation of Randall and Shane. These are the first two characters that we have seen come back from the beyond and threaten the survival of our beloved apocalyptic friends. How’s that possible without being bitten or scratched? This is where my opinion comes in. I have several thoughts but I’m more slated to the understanding that the disease must be airborne now and we, the survivors, are already infected. We just need to die before we succumb to the virus. Even though my “logic” might have some holes in it like: if that’s the case then how is a future baby born healthy? Maybe the womb protected him/her (I know which one but not spoiling it for you all)? I have no clue people. It’s all speculation.

The Walkers are evolving so that must mean the virus is too. Walkers are stronger, more calculating than we originally thought. Who would have thought a seemingly weak zombie would have the strength to rip open a rather healthy man’s chest? We didn’t. So why can’t the disease be airborne? It can!

Other reasons behind the reanimation without being bitten, scratched, or airborne?

~ It could be in the water. Hershal and several other survivors were pumping water out of an underground well. Seepage?

~ Randall’s wrists were cut from the handcuffs. Maybe they were contaminated from a previous handcuffed victim.

~ Shane was stabbed. Maybe the knife Rick used had also contaminated. Coincidence?

Do you have any predictions or opinions about the virus or the show in general? Please share.

Blogspiration #9 & Memorable Monday

Blogspiration is a weekly meme hosted by GrowingUpYA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING.

Plain and simple!



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Welcome to the first ever Memorable Monday meme at Escape In A Book! To celebrate this; they are giving away a book to one of this weeks participants.

Want to know more about this meme? Check out this post!

1. Share a quote that has captured your interest lately in a Memorable Monday post on your blog. Feel free to grab my logo (download it to your computer first).
2. Come back here and leave the link to your post in our inlinkz widget.
3. It would be nice if you visited one or two of the other participants.
4. If you tweet your posts then feel free to use the hastag #MemorableMonday

“To read is to fly: it is to soar to a point of vantage which gives a view over wide terrains of history, human variety, ideas, shared experience and the fruits of many inquiries.”

- A C Grayling, Financial Times (in a review of A History of Reading by Alberto Manguel) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~