ITISTIMETOTALK.COM

Father's Day 2009

2009-06-18T00:45:00Z

It is time to talk about Father's Day which is a day honoring fatherhood.

It is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. In the United States some people
continue the tradition of wearing a red Rose if their Father is alive; however,
a white Rose is worn if their Father is dead. If you have not selected that
special gift yet for your Dad time is of the essence.

There are many services and products available to purchase while saving money
to fit almost any budget.

Passport Rules Change - June 2009

2009-06-11T01:01:00Z

It is time to talk about the Passport and the Western Hemisphere
Travel Initiative (WHTI).

Effective June 1, 2009 the travel documentation: U.S. Passport Book,
U.S. Passport Card, or other documents approved by the Department of Homeland
Security is required. It is important to read and understand the changes before you travel. You must know the country's entry requirements you plan to visit.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) include the following areas:

Canada

Bermuda

Mexico

The Caribbean region (includes 17 nations)

It is absolutely critical that you know what specific documentation is required for
entry or re-entry into the United States.

Air Travel
Land and Sea Travel

Here is a link to a YouTube video New Passport Rules

For more details go to Travel Government link on this site.

Family Vacations

2009-05-30T21:45:00Z

It is time to talk about family vacations.

The kids are out of school (of course this depends on where you live) and
ready for a great summer.

Vacation is a time to rest, relax, and enjoy your family. It is not a time to get in
debt and stressed out. It is a time of recreation and fun. You must decide when
and where to travel on your vacation. How much will your family vacations cost?

Thought
We really would like to travel to Europe but cannot afford it.
In times like these saving money is very important. What is the price?

If a European trip does not fit in your travel budget this year; that is ok, plan and
budget for it next year or sometime in the near future.

There are many other options to enjoy fun, wholesome, age-appropriate, and
safe family vacations - be creative.

For example, why not travel to the . . .

beach and enjoy a family picnic, snorkel or just relax at the beach
(don't forget the sunscreen)

park and have a picnic or enjoy some birdwatching

museum in a nearby city, etc.

Remember
Be safe and have fun on your family vacations!

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-25T18:09:00Z

It is time to talk about Memorial Day which is a legal holiday
observed on the fourth Monday in May.

On May 5, 1866 Waterloo residents first observed Memorial Day
to honor soldiers killed in the American Civil War. The United States
government in 1966 proclaimed Waterloo, New York as the birthplace
of this holiday. It is also called Decoration Day and is a day to
honor all Americans who gave their lives, in any war, for our country.

Thank You!

Here is a link to a YouTube video and this song really touches my heart.
The artist is Janet Paschal.

Time

2009-05-21T04:47:00Z

It is time to talk about "Time".

The Webster's New World College Dictionary defines time as
"indefinite, unlimited duration in which things are considered as
happening in the past, present, or future; every moment there has
ever been or ever will be."

Every human being on this earth has the same amount of time and
must decide how to effectively manage it.

Let us say it this way (unless I miscalculated):
each person has 24 hours per day or
each person has 1,440 minutes per day or
each person has 86,400 seconds per day

There are thousands of ways people choose to use their time.

For example; some people use their time to. . .

work, volunteer, take care of their families, and loved ones

study for subjects of personal interest or to get a higher education

travel on family vacations or take short weekend vacations

socialize with family, friends, or coworkers

complain and criticize others and situations

and the list goes on and on!

Time is very precious and valuable. Therefore, it is important for us
to remember as we travel through this life time management is absolutely critical.
Life is so precious and too short to waste "time". Time wasted is a high price
to pay. Once time is wasted and lost it is gone forever and we can not get it back.

It is time to ask ourselves some questions:

Do I use my "time" efficiently and effectively?

Identify areas in my life where I use good time management?

Identify areas in my life where I do not use good time management?

Determine how I can improve my time management skills and then list them?

How is my progress?

Remember:
As we travel through this life, it is vital to use our "time" wisely.

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-09T21:53:00Z

It is time to talk about Mother's Day.

Since this special day is approaching quickly, we have a limited
amount of time to talk about Mother's Day and the purpose of it
is to honor motherhood.

Miss Anna Jarvis is recognized as the founder of Mother's Day in
the United States. President Woodrow Wilson was a strong supporter
and in 1915 he proclaimed Mother's Day as a national annual event.
It is celebrated on the second Sunday of May.

In the United States, some people continue the tradition of wearing a
red or colored Carnation if their Mother is alive; however, a white
Carnation is worn if their Mother is dead.

There are many products and services to purchase as a gift for
Mother's Day. However, keep in mind if you do not have the money
to purchase a gift for your Mother. There are many alternatives and
one suggestion would be to sit down and write a handwritten note to
thank your Mother, tell her how much you love her, and just spend
some time with her on Mother's Day.

Alaska, Part 3 - Anchorage

2009-05-08T06:00:00Z

It is time to talk about Anchorage, Alaska.

It is time for us to travel to Anchorage, Alaska. Let us start
by reviewing some information about this interesting place.

Official Name: "Municipality of Anchorage"
Nickname: "The City of Lights and Flowers"
Motto: "Big Wild Life"

Currently, Anchorage is the most populated city in Alaska.
There are many summer and winter attractions available to experience
while on vacation. Of course, beware the activities available to enjoy
will depend on when (summer or winter) you travel to Anchorage.

Fishing
Glacier
Kayaking
Wildlife viewing
Museums
National Parks and Monuments

This is a partial list of the summer and winter activities available
to enjoy while on vacation. Remember, as always when you travel be safe.

Now, are you excited and ready to travel to Anchorage, Alaska?

Alaska, Part 2 - Bald Eagle

2009-05-06T18:29:00Z

It is time to talk about the Bald Eagle the national bird of
the United States of America.

In 1782 the Second Continental Congress officially declared the
Bald Eagle (not the wild turkey) as the National Emblem of the
United States. This species is unique to North America.

I was watching a video the other day and saw Bald Eagles flying
with such grace, power, and splendor. In my opinion, the Bald Eagle
is an absolutely remarkable bird. They mate for life. They symbolize
freedom, strength, spirit, courage and more, etc.

When you travel to Alaska you will probably see more there than
in other place in the United States. They tend to dwell near coastlands.
Their diet primarily consists of fish; however, they do feed on other
things. It is against the law for a person to harm the Bald Eagle and
could result in that person paying the price of being imprisoned.

Currently, the Bald Eagle is our country's most recognized symbol
and the dominant figure on the Official Seal of the United States.

Alaska, Part 1

2009-05-02T20:22:00Z

It is time to talk about Alaska.
It is time for us to travel to Alaska. Let us start by reviewing
some information about this beautiful state. Some people may
think that Texas is the largest state in the United States; however,
Alaska (49th state) is the largest state by area.

State Capitol: Juneau
State Nickname: "The Last Frontier"
State Motto: "North to the Future"
State Flower: Forget-Me-Not
State Song: Alaska's Flag
The flag was designed by 13 year old Benny Benson.

Imagine meeting some new people, seeing some of the breath-taking
scenery, tasting the delicious cuisine, etc. These are just a few things to
experience while taking your family vacation in Alaska. There is so much more!

Now, are you ready to travel to exciting and interesting Alaska?

Click to watch a Youtube video: Travel

Links:

Alaska

Family Vacations

Tasty Treat

2009-05-02T01:49:00Z

It is time to talk about a "Tasty Treat".

There are so many tasty treats I enjoy.
However, the one I would like to share at this time is a warm
croissant with real butter and honey. I really prefer the honey made
in a particular area. I enjoy this tasty treat sometimes in the morning,
afternoon or in the evening. This is not something I eat daily (too many calories).

Some people prefer biscuits and that is okay, I prefer croissants.
Nevertheless, I do enjoy this "Tasty Treat" sometimes.

Also, I eat croissants with other items as well. There are many different
tasty ways to eat croissants. For instance, they can be filled with chocolates,
almonds, cheeses, vegetables, or meats, etc.

Can you tell us one "Tasty Treat" you enjoy?

Rainy Day

2009-05-01T22:44:00Z

It is time to talk about a Rainy Day.

Oh what a rainy day. It is so cloudy and dark. I can not see the beautiful blue sky
or sunshine.

We are thankful for a rainy day because farmers really need the rain for their
crops. This is good for us, as consumers, because we will save money when we
purchase the farmers' products. Today, many of us want saving tips.

There are some activities we can do on a rainy day: such as cleaning and organizing
a closet or garage. Well, to some of us this may or may not be a fun task. However,
there are many indoor fun activities with our family and friends such as board
games, etc.

This is another opportunity to work on the plans for upcoming family vacations or
weekend vacations.

We are thankful for a "Rainy Day" because we need it as well as the sunshine.

London

2009-04-23T03:05:00Z

It is time to talk about London, England.

While viewing some photos; I was reminded of a delightful experience while
in London. It was a beautiful day (of course some traveling companions
thought it might rain) and so many people were gathering trying to get in the
right position to see, video, or take photos (or a combination) of the event
about to take place.

Some people were on their family vacation. There were people of all ages
present at this event.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and excitement.
What was the event?

The event was seeing the "Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Place".
In my opinion, it was an absolutely wonderful experience.

If you plan to travel to London and interested in seeing the "Changing of the
Guard at Buckingham Place", I suggest one travel saving tip is that you view
their schedule and include this as a "must experience" while in London.

Here is a link: Changing the Guard

In my opinion, here is a link to an interesting You Tube video which briefly
discusses "Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace".

Thrive

2009-04-19T18:53:00Z

It is time to talk about the word "thrive".

I am not the original author of this phrase and do not know who is.
However, I have heard different variations of this phrase on countless
times particularly these last few months.

"We will not only survive but THRIVE!" - Author Unknown

Today, as we were driving we heard another variation of this phrase
on the radio. I was particularly motivated to look up the definition
of the word "thrive" in my dictionary upon returning home.

Webster's New World College Dictionary defines thrive as "to prosper
or flourish, to be successful, etc."

When things are going good it is so much easier to "thrive".
The real challenge comes when times are difficult and you are
continually surrounded by negative or bad news.

I do not know about anyone else, but I like this definition. In my
opinion, it is worth repeating to "thrive means to prosper or flourish,
to be successful, etc." This is really encouraging to me.

I hope this is encouraging to those who are discouraged because of
the economy.

Questions to think about and ask ourselves . .
What are some wholesome and positive ways to "thrive" during these
difficult economic times?
Also, how can I encourage someone else?

"By the grace of God I will not only survive but THRIVE" by . . .
__________________ - (Visitor please fill in the blank for yourself)

Remember: This too shall pass!

The Beauty of Spring

2009-04-18T21:07:00Z

According to my calendar Spring begins in March and ends in June. Of course, this
may depend on where you live.

Spring is the season where I see plants begin to grow after being inactive from winter.
I hear various birds flying and singing. I see flowers begin to bloom with rich and
beautiful colors.

Next, I see the amazing butterflies moving about with its brilliant colors for anyone
who would stop, look, and enjoy their God-given beauty.

There is one thing I do not like about Spring that I must mention, and it is the weeds
and grass that grow. This requires regular maintenance.

However, the positives things of the Spring season far outweighs the negatives for me.
These are just a few things I wanted to take time to talk about. But, there is so much
more to share; for example, vacations and saving tips.

I am an optimistic person and Spring is a beautiful season to enjoy if we choose to
take the time. I hope you will enjoy some of "The Beauty of Spring" this season.

Welcome

2009-04-13T19:06:55Z

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.