Open Discussion: Blizzard 2010

How is the snow treating you?   Did it reach the promised 20-30 inch mark? 

Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Hotel Horrors

As my friends and I were discussing the possibility of a girls’ getaway weekend, I decided that it was time to disclose one of my greatest phobias. Hotel Rooms!!!! The very thought of a sleeping in a hotel makes me cringe. You never know what has happened in that room, who has been sick, or what little critters they have left behind.


Generally, hotel maids leave rooms looking presentable and clean. But research has proven that looks can be very deceiving. Of course, most people are aware that a hotel bathroom isn’t as clean as home, but are they aware of where else the germs are hiding? While the showers and toilets are scrub after each patron’s stay, other surfaces are not so lucky. The sinks, floors, and light switches are seldom disinfected and can easily be carrying the last person’s flu germs on them. Even the simple act of walking barefoot in the bathroom could have you taking home a new case of athlete’s foot.


The sleeping area is not any better. Although the sheets are laundered after each person’s visit, the bedspread and comforters are seldom cleaned. And the mattresses, of course, cannot be cleaned. Therefore they are the home to many critters that you may or may not be able to see. Although the common dust mites are too small for our eyes to see, bed bugs are just big enough. If you pull down the sheets in your hotel room and look closely, you may be able to make out some tiny red or brown spots. Those are your friendly neighborhood bed bugs. If you suspect you see them, but aren’t sure, grab a hair dryer and point it at the mattress. Bed bugs are attracted to heat and as they cluster together they will be easier to identify.


When planning a vacation, it would be smart to include some disinfectant wipes to your packing list. The wipes may save you from picking up a virus that is lurking on the doorknobs, remote control, ice bucket, telephone, or lamps. A simple wipe down of the hard surfaces may prevent your vacation from being spoiled.

Quote of the Day

There is no remedy for love but to love more.   Henry David Thoreau

Useless Fact of the Day

A blue whale’s heart is the size of a ___________.


Take a guess....

Giving Back

Donating money is probably the first thing that pops in your mind when thinking of charity. And although most of us would love to give to help a good cause, the money is not always there. Over the last couple of years, I have discovered that time given is just as valuable as money. There are numerous places that are always looking for volunteers. The Salvation Army soup kitchen, for example, is always looking for help preparing and serving meals (especially at dinner). There are countless people depending on the Salvation Army and you could be the one to feed a starving child just by donating a few hours of your time. Habitat for Humanity is another important organization. It is intimidating to picture yourself “building” a house, but with a bit of instruction and a little perseverance, you could be the one to give a family their first home. Locks of Love is a special charity to me because I was able to share the experience with my daughter. Supporting Locks of Love takes nothing but your own generosity. You could be the one to give a little girl her self-esteem back.


This year Disney is attempting to open our eyes to the world of volunteering. As if volunteering wasn’t a big enough reward, now Disney is offering a free day at the park for anyone giving a day to one of their chosen charities. If you go their website, http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day , you can search for local participating charities. If there are none close to you, consider making a blanket for Project Linus. Most chapters are willing to accept mailed in blankets as long as comply with their chapter’s regulations.


If you have any questions about the charities listed above, please feel free to ask. I also am supporting Relay for Life. If you would like to make a donation or help raise funds, please email me at betweenthelines-kam@hotmail.com.


Happy Volunteering!

Open Discussion: Vacations

 Everyone is always looking forward to their next great vacation. Where to go? What to see? Ski, sunbathe, or explore??? Where are your favorite vacation spots?

Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion.