Gold Fish are Dangerous Pets

I will preface this post with - this was an organizational speech given for a class I am taking, it tickled me so much, that I wanted to write it out and post it. It is tongue in cheek for sure - 

Gold Fish are Dangerous Pets!

My name is “Fish-Killer.” I have come by it honestly, it runs in my family. It’s not that I hate fish, but it seems I have a knack for killing them. After some research though, it turns out – being a fish killer may not be a bad thing. I have learned through my many years as an attempted fish-owner that Gold Fish are dangerous pets to have. They can be emotionally damaging, dangerous for the environment and even physically dangerous! I know this is a shocking statement and this may have some reeling, but as a reformed fish killer, I do find it my responsibility to inform you!

Imagine a child’s joy of owning their first pet, maybe it was won at a fair and carried home in a plastic baggie, or maybe it was chosen after an entire afternoon at the pet store. Either way, the Gold Fish came home and soon there was a bowl and rocks! It is fed a little, it is fed a lot, before too long that beloved Gold Fish is found belly-up and it has to be flushed. Devastating -

I know that is the cycle of life…but what, just what if a child has a pet Gold Fish and goes on vacation and the parent says, “Let’s let Goldie go swimming with the ducks in their duck pool.”

What do ducks like to eat? Gold Fish!

This small child gets back from vacation and runs across the lawn to catch their precious Gold Fish only to come up empty netted – emotionally damaged for life! (The parent referred to in this scenario has since been forgiven!)

What happens to all these Gold Fish (besides the ones that are eaten by neighbor’s ducks)? Are they flushed, thrown out? How are they bad for the environment? Gold Fish excrete massive amounts of ammonia and changing the water creates toxic waste that needs to be disposed of safely. How many of these deceased fish end up in the landfill, or thrown out in the back year – just the ammonia alone has to be processed by the sewage plants or absorbed into the environment somehow…but, what about the unwanted Gold Fish that are released into the wild?

Monster Gold Fish found in Lake Tahoe have formed a colonies, some as large as 1.5 feet and weighing in at 5 pounds. These Gold Fish have proven to be a very invasive species of fish that can take over the ecosystem, eating everything in their path and growing at accelerated rates. (Arciero, 2013) It is not just a problem here in the United States but, but it is happening in the UK as well and Anglersnet.co.uk warns reader to make sure to dispose of their pet Gold Fish in an appropriate way. (Elton, 2007)

So this innocuous little Gold Fish can be damaging emotionally for a small child, or even an adult like me and even how it can be bad for the environment, but how is it physically dangerous. Since 1939 at parties, for jokes and even for frat challenges, live Gold Fish swallowing has been a popular challenge  (Meyer, 2011). Today there are YouTube that can be found with individuals swallowing live Gold Fish. Back in 1939 doctors warned of parasites, tape worms and food poison, but the warning apparently has gone unheeded. These days it is even more dangerous to swallow live Gold Fish due to the chemicals used to treat them, chemicals like Malachite Green, is used to treat fish for parasite and diseases; this chemical is a known carcinogen. I repeat, Malachite Green is known to cause cancer. Gold Fish are not intended for human consumption. (Boyle, 2010)

But, what if the average person is not intending to swallow the Gold Fish and this said person is a happy Gold Fish owner. Just imagine what happens if this unsuspecting owner changes the toxic ammonia water, slips, falls and cracks their head open in front of their child?! It is a two-fer! The child is emotionally damaged and the parent is physically hurt – Gold Fish are dangerous pets!

This cold water, ammonia producing scaled fish can be emotionally damaging, bad for the environment and physically dangerous. After many years, I have graduated from a fish killer to a happy tropical fish owner. I have a 30 gallon tank with 25 different aquatic creatures, but I will NEVER have another Gold Fish. I am truly too emotionally scarred and I would never want to put my seven year old through the kind of trauma that I have experienced.

(and yes, I am OCD enough to do a little research!)

Arciero, R. (2013, Febuary 21). Monster Gold Fish Found. Retrieved from Examiner.com: http://www.examiner.com/article/monster-goldfish-found-giant-goldfish-lake-tahoe-invading-a-real-danger

Boyle, J. (2010, Feb 14). Don't Eat Goldfish, it can Cause Cancer. Retrieved from Gold Fish Care Information: http://www.goldfishcareinformation.com/2010/02/dont-eat-goldfish-it-can-cause-cancer-and-make-you-sick.html

Elton. (2007, May 9). Anglers.co.uk. Retrieved from Dangerous Goldfish: http://www.anglersnet.co.uk/News/dangerous_goldfish.html

Meyer, A. (2011, January 12). National Museum of American History. Retrieved from The Year of the Gold Fish: http://blog.americanhistory.si.edu/osaycanyousee/2011/01/1939-the-year-of-goldfish-swallowing.html

Tomorrow is another day ~

Good night world...Live it, Laugh it, and Love through it all! There are Hugs for All, Love to be shared and Prayers to offer up. Tomorrow is another day and if He brings you to it, He will bring you through it - even if it is a tight squeeze, trust the one who lifts you up!

I have been snowed under with classes, work and family, but I am still collecting fortunes and Bible verses!

More to come....Thank you for checking in with me!

Yours ~
Vanilla Mama

Fortune of Light

Fortune of Light - 

“You should be able to undertake and complete anything you desire.”

From my fortune cookie to God’s ears…umm, eyes. 

I have undertaken many things in my life – some I have completed, some I have not. The key word there is SHOULD.

I SHOULD be able to undertake and complete anything I desire. 

I SHOULD be able to keep up with posting on my blog, finishing my novel (that I have been working on for literally YEARS!), finishing my classes, keeping my house organized and cleaned.  I SHOULD be able to do a 2 mile walk every day, get my Yoga in, keep up with two jobs, three kids and a husband, and my shows on Food Network….I have undertaken all of this. Should, could, would…

Deep breath, everyone…Haha! 

Life gets better, I always does. (Believe me I have learned NOT to say…”It can’t get any worse!”)

I really do see the light at the end of the tunnel – could be the train…at least I have a sense of humor still. Really I do, I gotta! Without a sense of humor, the night falls to fast. 

 I see the daylight, not a daylight so bright that I need to wear shades or cause a mind splitting migraine….but a softly breaking dawn that is embracing me in warmth and love.

“You should be able to undertake and complete anything you desire.”

I have things I am looking forward to – the Next Food Network Star, losing my last 20 pounds…okay, maybe 30, the end of my classes, seeing my sons grow into men, the start of a new chapter of my life, the new Despicable Me movie coming out next year. Guess what my ring tone is….if you have gone back through and read some of my blog, you know I love Despicable Me and I love my Minions. I digress... 

And – with that, I am off to bed. It’s been a pretty long week…my littlest one had his tonsils out and we are medicating around the clock for a weird headache, my sleep is on the low end of the scale right now and unfortunately the bright daylight that won’t let me hit snooze on it will come much too soon! 

As always –

Live, Laugh, Love ~

Your Vanilla Mama

PS – Lucky numbers could help my Breaking Dawn (and NO, I don’t think much could help that movie, maybe better basting for Bella? I digress…) 2, 31, 37, 39, 40, 42.

Intelligent Fortune

“You Will Attain the Highest Levels of Intelligence.”

Since I am considering going back to school and taking some classes to try to put myself in a better position for a lifelong career, that would be good news.

Looking back on my life truly I do not have many regrets…everything I have done, everything I have been through has made me who I am today. Today, I think I am an okay person.  I make mistakes, I’m not perfect – but I am pretty happy with who I am. There are certainly areas of my life that bear improving – but show me a person that is not a work in progress and I will show you a person that is likely six feet under.

The one true regret that I have, not finishing my college education. At the time it was the right decision for my health, and I kept telling myself I would go back. Then I got pregnant and the family years began. There just never seemed to be enough time with raising kiddos, then going through a divorce, being a single parent, getting remarried, having another baby, working two jobs…well. Somehow it just never has seemed the right time.

Here’s the bottom line – I ain’t getting younger. The clocks a ticking, I’m pushing 40. Yes, ladies and gentleman Vanilla Mama is going to hit 40 this year. I have the college freshman and the grey hair to prove it.

“You Will Attain the Highest Levels of Intelligence.”

My advice to my kids, to friends of my kids, to random teenagers I meet – Finish school, go to college, get a degree! The job market is so competitive out there, you need that piece of paper. I am a prime example, I have plenty of experience, but without that slip of parchment showing I stuck it out for four years and got my degree – I am looked over. Many careers/job opportunities do not even want you to apply without a degree.

I have learned the hard way, I am not good at online classes and self study. Tried that – once I set down at the computer to do the classes I get distracted by the millions of other tasks I have waiting or the phone rings. It’s kind of the same thing with exercising at home – we’ve all been there! How many of us have a treadmill that has become a catch all for hanging laundry (please chime in and tell me I am not alone!), a stationary bike that doesn’t move at all, or a yoga mat that serves as a rug? I need the structure of a classroom environment.

“You Will Attain the Highest Levels of Intelligence.”

It’s way past time for this Vanilla Mama to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up! My ultimate dream – I would love to write full time. My reality at this point…I work two jobs, have three kids and barely find time to post a blog (yes, I checked it has been exactly ONE MONTH since my last post!). My wonderful hubby asked, “you are stressed to the max already, doing two jobs, keeping us all on track, how on earth are you going to take classes and go back to school?” My answer was, “I know that at the end it will be worth it. I will be reaching a goal and helping our family!”

I do believe the sacrifice will be worth it – I need to strive to attain the highest levels of intelligence and further myself, my eventual career and set an example for my kiddos.

On a completely unrelated topic – I CUT my hair this week! I don’t mean a little – I am talking Jamie Lee Curtis short. I had her cut off EVERYTHING that was dyed, since I have decided as my New Year’s Resolution…of which I only have one…I am not going to color my hair. I was worried that I would end up looking like a man, but I have been told it is very feminine and flattering.  Not quite ready to share a picture, if you know me on Facebook, you can find me there.

So…anyway, I promise not to be a month between posts next time. I may even try to get on a regular schedule…who knows posting regularly may get my on a path to higher intelligence!

Live, Laugh, Love ~

Vanilla Mama

PS – There are no lucky numbers on Panda Express’ fortune cookies – the turkey butts! Thanks Camille for sharing your fortune with me. BTW – Miss you!

Richest Fortune

“The secret of vast riches begins with a single penny.”

Seems slightly overstated, but then again aren’t all classic Fortune Cookie Fortunes? 

I have a secret inner coupon diva that is dying to climb out and start getting groceries for free, but for the life of me I can’t seem to wrap my head around it. Have you seen this new show, “Extreme Couponing”? I have 5 episodes on my DVR just waiting for me to watch…why haven’t I? I want to take NOTES!!! Not only that, but after I watch it I know that I will never really want to grocery shop again until I undertake the couponing…and honestly, my family would GO HUNGRY!

How on earth can a reasonable human being save money? One penny at a time?

“The secret of vast riches begins with a single penny.”

Saving money is a difficult thing for me, typically I am pressed for time and don’t have time to organize a huge binder full of coupons that are cross-indexed by brand and stores. Realistically how can I save money – I have a loyalty card at the stores I shop at, I use coupons from the Sunday paper only for the items our family uses, if we go out to eat it is a place I have a coupon for. Am I the thriftiest person ever? Of course not, I waste a lot of money on things I don’t really need, or end up not using because I got it for a great price! 

Example, in my closet I have 10, yes 10 photo boxes that I bought for $1 each. GREAT DEAL – they were on SALE!! Guess what, they are in MY CLOSET STILL wrapped in PLASTIC NEVER USED! Great deal on sale, NEVER used, in my closet taking up space that I could use for other things! Another example…I found extremely CUTE shadow boxes on SALE 75% off, where are these shadow boxes now? In yet another closet still with their tags on, never used. I think I need to dust off my Ebay account and get busy!

“The secret of vast riches begins with a single penny.”

The best way that I have learned to save money is to resist the impulse to buy things on sale.  Especially things that are project related…photo boxes, shadow boxes, fabric for covering a table, YARN to crochet with that is, in yes, another CLOSET! 

It is a truth that I have learned about myself and I try to embrace…if I undertake the Extreme Couponing show and take notes, I will share with you the details, but you are probably way ahead of me and can share your tips with me! 

If you have a dirty little secret where you waste money and feel guilty, share it here. Let’s get it out and own it, then we can take control of it. Are you a Starbucks fiend (my hand raises), do you buy things in bulk that end up not being used, do you have a collection that you love and spend money on it? Where does your money go? My confession here is light hearted and a little silly, but it is nonetheless true – I have to be honest with myself and where my money really goes before I can take it buy the horns and wrestle it.  Start saving those pennies to build up vast riches!

Thanks for letting me guest post on your wonderful blog, I hope you enjoyed! (Yes, wow, I was asked to guest post at Makobi Scribe - check it out here!)

Live, Laugh, Love~

Vanilla Mama

Ooops…almost left off the lucky numbers, because wouldn’t it be sweetness to win the lottery and not have to worry about money anymore?

19, 23, 27, 29, 35, 38

(One disclaimer I will make, I do not play the lottery on a regular basis, in fact probably only once a year, I do happen to really believe that it is a waste of my money – but if you play and you win from these numbers, please remember your Vanilla Mama!)

Frugal Fortune

Frugal Fortune

“You shouldn’t overspend at the moment. Frugality is important.”

As our country dives deep, deep, deep into debt with numbers that if my 5-year old would ask if possible, I would say – of course not…that will never happen to you! But, it is. It is happening to all of us.

We are raising the debt ceiling, our credit rating is falling…does any of this sound familiar? Is this happening to you?

Is the United States government finally facing the reality that most Americans face every day?

Too many finical obligations….too little cash.

Where do you make cuts? Where do you choose not to spend your money? (as I sit here with acrylic nails that are desperately in need of a fill, unpainted toe nails and gray roots showing…store brand staples in my cabinet and Groupon pinging off the roof…) Small changes are happening here. A coupon diva I am not – post about that later.

The government choices are much harder. But, I think that if some of the trust fund babies that can afford to get elected would give up some of their benefits…it might make a difference, a small one.

We live in an entitled society. From the Congress Man who is entitled to a lifetime of benefits and retirement for his service, to the poor who are entitled to health care (– and as a member of the uninsured for a couple of years – I DO NOT say this lightly!), to the 16 year old who is entitled to a new car, to the 4 year old wanting a cool toy with his Happy Meal. (and Apples Fries!)

“You shouldn’t overspend at the moment. Frugality is important.”

On a more personal level…I have a son going into college. Thank God for Pell Grants, for scholarships, for parents working together to put him through college, for grandparents offering an amazing amount of support. But – all the same, it is an expense. He is moving…moving…(getting into emotional territory with no tissue available) to another state. There are expenses. Being frugal is very important, overspending must be avoided, we need to try to set an example.

I want my son to grow up without debt, without unnecessary financial obligations. I want my children to not rely on our government for their welfare, I want them to be financially independent.

The same with everything…I have to try to set the example, and I will admit, I am not always the best, our government is not the best, but I pray that they learn from example. In some cases, we all must learn for the example of what NOT to do! I always stress the importance of education to my kiddos…I never finished college, did not finish medical transcription training…at this point, I am where I am. I am entering a new phase in my life, I want to write…but have little time raising 3 kiddos, being a wife, having 2 jobs – I feel like my house will never come together, I am not spending enough time with my family, my parents, my spouse, my friends, on my jobs, on my writing, on myself…I am overspent. Overspent finically, emotionally and physically…I need to learn to be more frugal. Smarter about my time, smarter about my money, pay more attention to politics and turn my air up to 80 to avoid the rolling blackouts that may happen here in Texas.

“You shouldn’t overspend at the moment. Frugality is important.”

How do you try to live this fortune? How are you frugal and avoid overspending? Tell me, I want desperately to find the balance I need.

Live, Laugh, Love ~

Vanilla Mama

Cannot forget the lucky number…is it the path to financial independence or just another unnecessary expense? I promise to let you know, if you do!

16, 17, 20, 26, 29, 30

(as a side note…all of these are AGES I have passed…SIGH!)

Coming up will be a money saving post, and hopefully a couple of book blurb posts…

Book Blurb #9 - Down by the Water

Down by the Water

18 years ago before she went away to college, something magical happened down by the water, Emily saw Carlos. She was resentful that someone else had discovered her secret place, her own escape, until she saw he was crying.

Without a single word, she walked through the shallow water at the base of the gentle falls and held him while he cried. When the tears were finally spent, she walked away in silence.

Carlos knew that he had to find that girl, she held his heart while it was breaking after his father died. Who was she, how did she know about this place? Why can’t he find her?

Each time he returns, he hopes to see her, but in the years since that moment he has not.

Now, after a bad divorce Emily has moved back to town…will Carlos and Emily find each other again Down by the Water?

What is Book Blurb Friday? Why am I playing catch up? Have fun, click through and find out, and join in ~

Vanilla Mama

Book Blurb #8 - Reflection

The Reflection -

Kayla knew that something was wrong when she found Miles’ aviator sunglasses laying by the pool, but she had no idea that another world existed in the reflection.

Picking up the discarded glasses and looking at her own reflection, the world tilted and Miles was there to catch her.

Kayla and Miles must race against the clock to discover the source of power that turned a simple mirror image in a pair of sunglasses into a nightmare to escape. In a topsy-turvey world where nothing is what it seems, they must not lose track of sunglasses that brought them there.

As the only normal people in an opposite world, how can they make their way back through the looking glass? Or will they chose to stay and embrace the wildness that ensues?

What is Book Blurb Friday? Why am I playing catch up? Have fun, click through and find out, and join in ~

Live, Laugh, Love ~
Vanilla Mama

The Lost - Book Blurb #7

Book Blurb #7 –

(Speaking of Finish Lines – I think this one is going to keep moving!)

The Lost

The statue was missing from his mother’s yard. A silly stone statue that she had purchased at a local craft fair…gone.

Then pictures of it began arriving in the mail, one a week, every Friday.

A 250 pound solid stone statue. Pictures every Friday…then one Friday it was back in the yard, wearing a baseball cap with a note attached.

“Where have I been? Find out and collect your prize.”

Stephen and his mother, Jean, are totally puzzled. Pulling out the photos they realized there were subtle clues left for them to follow.

“Mom, I’m on this.” Stephen has no idea the crazy quest he has undertaken, fueled by his desire to claim an unknown prize for a mother he has put through hell, he is blind to the challenges ahead. With nothing but a series of photos and two years of sobriety under his belt, he is off.

Wanna read more? Me too – I am saving all these blurbs, some will make really cool short stories, others will blossom a little more.

What is Book Blurb Friday (the ever moving finish line) all about, click here and find out!

Live, Laugh, Love~

Vanilla Mama

Book Blurb #6 - Now What?

Now What?

I found my husband with my best friend on my 40^th birthday. There was not enough alcohol served at my party to help me forget it.

The next day I was on a plane to Italy.

Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do? Life crises, road trip?

I wasn’t counting on them following me and her turning up dead in Florence less than 72 hours later.

Stuck in a foreign country with an adulterous soon to be ex-husband and a dead body, what am I supposed to do now?

Somehow the romance novels I used to read never covered this!

A comedy and tragedy, my life in a nutshell. Will I find love while finding the killer with a mysterious stranger? Will I murder my miserable excuse for a husband or rediscover the spark while trying to find the real killer?

What is Book Blurb Friday, and WHY is Vanilla Mama SO far behind?! - Click here to find out...

I also have to say THANK YOU for a Blog award....From the - http://www.thewritingnut.com/

She has a really neat blog that I loved reading while she was traveling! - Check it out!!

I will pass this award onto - Lisa Ricard Claro at Writing in the Buff! She is the host of the Book Blurb Friday and supplies the photos that we write to. I love reading her blurbs...and she is patient with me playing catch up!

Live, Laugh, Love~

Vanilla Mama



Book Blurb #5 - Blood Flower

Book Blurb #5 (#4 for me!)

The Blood Flower

For every victim there is a flower tied to a tree in the yard…

Red.

For Blood.

And once the Blood Flower has been tied to the tree – there is only 72 hours.

When Detective Margarita Olivera discovers the red bouquet tied to the oak tree in her yard, she knows her investigation has turned personal. She is too close.

After six years of digging into these crimes, now she has become a target herself.  

With her life on the line, only 72 hours left, and a mystery that has been brewing for 6 years…how will Detective Margarita find the killer with a rookie partner?

Margarita will have to put aside her emotions and think like the cold calculating maniac who is stalking her…can she and Harry Turner, her partner, solve the puzzles left for her in time? Or will the Blood Flower Killer leave his mark on her grave.

What is the Book Blurb Challenge - (From the Source!)
Here are the details of Book Blurb Friday. I hope you'll join the challenge!

A "blurb" is the story summary on the back of a book (usually 150 words or less) written to entice you to read the book. Think of your visits to a bookstore or library. A book's front cover may catch your eye, but if the blurb doesn't interest you the book goes back on the shelf; if it resonates with you, you bring the book home.

The goal of this meme is to: Write a book jacket blurb (150 words or less) so enticing that potential readers would feel compelled to buy the book. 

Every Thursday evening I'll post a photo that we'll pretend is the cover of a book, along with my 150 words-or-less blurb to match. You are invited to post the photo on your site along with your own 150 words-or-less blurb, and I encourage you to leave your link in the Mr. Linky widget that will be available on this blog.  A link from your site back to this one would also be nice as it will encourage your readers to visit the other Book Blurb participants via Mr. Linky.

Your book blurb is entirely your own creation. Based on the photo, you create the plot and characters, genre, fiction or non-fiction, etc. Think of all the story ideas you will craft! Also, it will be fun linking to other sites to read the various twisty plots and inspired characterizations generated by other participants.

I hope you'll opt to participate in Book Blurb Friday! If you have any questions, please shoot me an email:  writinginthebuff@hotmail.com.

Live, Laugh, Love ~Vanilla Mama

BTW-You will have to at the end of all this figure out which one is the REAL Book Blurb! Which one of the many I am posting is going to be the real one....you will have to stay tuned!

The Admirer - Book Blurb #4

(#3 for me, because I know you are counting!)

Okay – Here it is, the blending of the Fortune Cookie with the Book Blurb!

The Admirer

Melinda read the Fortune Cookie paper she found tucked underneath the door of her hotel room door and began to cry.

“A secret admirer will soon send you a sign of affection.”

The suspense was too great and the running was wearing her out. What kind of twisted game had she gotten caught up in?

What began as a silly internet role playing game with some flirting, had become a deadly obsession. Lines between virtual life and reality had been blurred by one player and “The Admirer” was unwavering in his desire to have and destroy her.

She knew “The Admirer” was out there and had found her, hidden away in a strange city, and time was running out for her.

Beneath the tears, her anger builds and she determines that she is not hiding anymore…Melinda takes out her laptop and a plan begins to form.

-          I was really torn between going creepy or lovey dovey with this one, but honestly…I am not much of a lovey dovey kind of person.

Live, Laugh, Love ~

Vanilla Mama

Lucky numbers: 14, 16, 24, 28, 30, 43. I think Melinda is going to need all the lucky numbers she can get.

What is Book Blurb (Friday), check out my previous post and find out!

Book Blurb #3 - Last Call

(#2 for me if you are counting!)

Last Call

Last Call 

“Last call!” That’s the last thing I remember hearing. 

My world was already spinning and I did not need that last drink, but the lure of ‘Last Call’ was too great. It’s like a sale, it’s like the only chance…it’s the LAST CALL. For some people its shoes or the latest designer fashions on a sale rack at TJ Maxx, coupons at the grocery store, ‘Last Call’ does that to me every time!

As I finished that final shot, a double…it happened. Or did it? That man in the white shirt, did I really see it, the gun or was it knife? Where did the body go?

I saw it.

I think.

Can I trust what I saw, that last moment of lucidity? In a bar full of smoke and mirrors, with a mind hazed with alcohol, did that really happen? How did I get home?

Told you I was playing catch up - headed to bed...will have a new fortune and blurb tomorrow, maybe I can combine the two! 

What is Book Blurb (Friday), check out my previous post and find out!

Live, Laugh, Love~

Vanilla Mama