Security Risks and Copy Machines

This video opened up my eyes into the world of copy machines and the data that is stored. If you have ever photocopied your social security card, or any kind of private information you must watch!

No Phone Zone!!!

I was commenting on blogs and found that Oprah had the new Eclipse trailer. I watched it and then went to my Facebook page to share the link with my fellow Twilight Saga reader friends. As I began to type I hear a voice (I have my headphones on) talking about her child who was killed because he busy looking for his phone while driving. I clicked back to that tab and watched about 3 more stories. These stories were devastatingly sad and really painful to hear!

One lost her parents, because of the other driver texting. She too, was severely injured in this crash. It was her college graduation day.

Parents lost their daughter, because she was busy texting and lost control of her truck. She was really a beautiful girl, who had her whole life ahead of her. Not only did these parents lose their daughter, but she had a sibling that also has to deal with the loss of her sister.

I hear these stories and I really feel it should be common sense to not use your phone while driving. I live in California and the only way you can even be on your phone is if you have a hands free device. That means no texting or talking on the phone. That is not to say I never did this. I admit it. I used to. I never did it when I had my kids in the car though. I thought that since I was alone it didn't matter. How stupid was I?! I may not have had my own children in the car, but what would happen if I crashed into a car with children in it? What if they were killed? I would never be able to forgive myself.

Honestly, is there a call or text that is that important to put your life, your children's life, or even a complete stranger's life in jeopardy? Some may say, "What if this an emergency call?"
To that I reply with, "Well if you feel that in your gut then pull over, so you not only keep from being distracted and causing another emergency, but you can also give whoever is calling your undivided attention." Okay that is me being nice. What I really want to say is, "Well then call 911 not only for the emergency call you are taking, but also for the emergency you may cause while taking this emergency call."

When I am out and I see someone cut me off, or swerve a bit and they are on their phone I get extremely angry and would really like to yell at them. They are putting my kids in danger!!! They are putting themselves in danger! And all because of a call or text they had to take!!!

Please join Oprah and sign her "No Phone Zone" pledge by clicking the picture at the top of this post. If you do take the pledge please leave a comment and tell me you did so.

Always remember when you reach for your phone while driving, "Is this call or text worth my life, the life of my children, or even the life of the innocent ones out there?"

A part of life?

When it comes to news I sometimes live under a rock.

I don't watch the news (too depressing).

I don't read the newspaper (would rather be reading a book).

What I do see is from my Yahoo! home page when I click on my web browser, or from when I am at the grocery store and gaze at People Magazine.

People Magazine is exactly where I learned about Phoebe Prince who committed suicide, because she was being bullied.

When we think of people getting picked on in school, we think that it is a part of life.

Why should being bullied be a part of life?

When I was in junior high school I was bullied, and it was more of taunting because I was a little overweight, and didn't look the part of the "popular crowd". I would get things thrown at me, and when they walked by me in class I would get slaps on the back of my head.

Did my teachers know? Probably, but what teacher gets voluntarily involved. Plus this was circa '92, '93, '94.

I am glad I am not a bullied child these days. Now we have social networks, instant messaging, emails, and text messaging. I was just bullied at school. These days it never ends at school, it follows you home.

When I hear stories about Phoebe Prince and others who commit suicide because they are bullied my heart breaks yet again.

No child deserves to live like this. They should be able to go to school and go through their day, without worrying if they wore the right thing, or said the right thing. Bullying IS NOT a part of life. I am one of the lucky ones who got through it.

If you are a parent please make it a point to be more aware of your child and their moods. That can be a big indicator!