Can We Handle the Truth?

A look at where we are.

It never ceases to amaze me how things never seem to change; they just sort of shape-shift with the current environment. What surprises me even more is how we have become so saturated with deception, lies, misrepresentations and untruths that we don't even see the truth when it's staring us in the face. Or maybe we do see it but it's so ghastly, we shut it out.

My Son Is Graduating From Marine Boot Camp!

Terminology to learn for
San Diego MCRD Graduation


Watch Your Step!
Respect the Marine Corps grounds during your visit to the Depot. Please do not walk on the grass. Please do not walk across the Parade Deck.


Family Day
The day prior to graduation with activities planned for families of graduating Marines. Your new Marine will escort you with his left arm to reserve his right hand for saluting higher-ranking Marines.

The (Online) Dating Game

They Mean Well...

I'm sure there are many of you who thought you were perfectly content in your singleness. You come and go as you please, and can be sloppy for days at a time because you only have yourself to answer to. Life is good. 

Marbled Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies

INGREDIENTS
1 package of traditional fudge brownie mix -
1 3-oz pkg. cream cheese
3 tbsp. butter or margerine
3 tbsp. granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. vanilla exptract


BAKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350F (325F for dark or non-stick pans) Spray 13x9 pan with baking spray with flour.
2. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth in medium mixing bowl.
3. Stir in sugar, egg, flour and vanilla and beat until smooth; set aside.
4. Prepare brownie mix according to pacakge directions for cake-like brownies. Spread half of the brownie batter in prepared pan. Spoon and spread cream cheese mixture over batter. Spoon remaining brownie batter over top. Take a knife and make swirls in the brownie and cream cheese batter.
5. Bake at 350F (325F for dark or non-stick pans) for 25 to 30 minutes or until center is set (cream cheese swirl will be slightly browned) Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares.

Book Review of Success Acceleration by Tony Jeary

I have read many so-called self help books over the years, but none have impacted me as much as Success Acceleration by Tony Jeary. Even though it was written nine years ago, I find myself referencing it more now than ever due to the economy, unemployment, and life in general. 

Autism Symptoms-What To Look Out For

Consult Your Doctor Early

My son, Matthew.

I am writing this because I am the mother of an autistic child. Even though you may have heard it all before, I am writing from my own experience of twenty-one years, and I have written other articles on autism as well. So if I sound like a book, it's because I've been through pretty much the whole gauntlet. Please be assured, you're not the only one. Autism can be found in children of all ages, in every corner of the world and among all ethnic, and economic groups. No parent wants to think something is wrong with their child, and many think that it's their fault is something is wrong, even though a lot of children suffer from this hard to diagnose and puzzling disorder. Often well-meaning family members and friends will tell you that it's just a phase the child is going through and it will pass, causing us to adopt a 'wait and see' attitude. As the parent, you know your child better than anyone. Keep an eye out and check the progress charts. If you suspect something is amiss, don't hesitate to contact your child's pediatrician.

I admit it, I confess... (the true story of a facebook addict)

Hello. My name is Sylvia's Thoughts, and I am a facebookaholic.....