Time For Go-Go Juice! - How Much Coffee is Too Much?

“Have faith in your dreams and someday your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true.”
- Cinderella, Disney 1950

Well, I’m pooped. I know – it’s Sunday, not Saturday. I totally skipped yesterday. Here’s why…Did you have your Go-Go Juice yesterday? I didn’t. Racing out yesterday morning to whisk my daughter out the door to acquire her prom dress, I left my Go-Go Juice behind. What an atrocity! How neglectful, shameful, careless…how sad. But, we took the bull by the horns anyway. And, now, with the dress and its accessories, Cassy has proudly pranced around to show off how she will be transformed into Cinderella for her upcoming Prom. An all day event that turned successful. Hundreds of young senior girls were out this weekend with the same goals in mind. But of course, it came with compromises – and leaving you alone for a day with no posts was one of them. So hence, with Go-Go Juice in hand this morning, I’m here to say a warm hello and will try not to go another day without the juice! LOL.

Here is some trivia…while I thought I was one of the few psychotic coffee drinkers, I learned something of interest. It appears I’m not alone. Did you know based on data collected ten years ago, (you say, “what the heck, ten years ago? What’s the point?” Well, I couldn’t find anything more current – probably because those who did the test died from over caffeinating themselves), however, back then, there were over 108 million consumers of coffee in the US alone who spent approximately $17 billion dollars on coffee in both retail and food sectors spending approximately $165.00 annually in grounds. Hmmm…I know I spend about $240 yearly when I buy two large canisters monthly at about $9.00 per can, unless it’s on sale (the difference from stats is probably inflation). Now, last night, the History Channel quoted one of our submarine sectors, the USS Kentucky, buys approximately 5,000 pounds a year in coffee grounds currently, averaging about 1 pot of coffee per sailor per day consumed. I’ve never given that any thought before? Can you imagine? I did a little more research. As found online at through Chief of Naval Operations Submarine Warfare Division with a web address of http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/faq.html - I found unless under specific orders, subs go out to sea for weeks at a time but are equipped to store foods and goods for up to 90-days of sail time. Most submarines employ 14 Officers, 18 Petty Officers and approximately 109 enlisted men. Now, the reality is, submarines are designed to attack or defend – so here we have approximately 140 people living in tight quarters, no sunlight, no moonlight, no windows and their only means of seeing the outside world is through a peep hole of a periscope, their bedrooms are 15 square feet of space for sleeping and personal stuff, they get about 6 hours of sleep a day based on assigned work projects that basically contribute to the common goal of maintaining a roving machine that carries ballistic missiles, fleet missiles, and yes, nuclear weapons – and these guys are strung up on a pot of caffeine a day each? Hmmm, maybe it’s not such a good idea. Go-Go Juice here, takes on a whole new meaning. Whew! Join me tomorrow for another week of family, trivia, ideas, employment and whatever else pops up. Enjoy your Sunday!

A Moment of Remembrance - To Love Lost in West Virgina...

I am but a loss for words, however compelled to reach out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in West Virginia’s mine explosion. For those who are not aware, the explosion occurred Monday April 5th, at Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch Mine, 30 miles south of Charleston, killing approximately 25 people with 4 still missing currently. Today, thanks to the family of 25 year old Josh Napper, (father, son and fiancé) one of the killed miners, went public with a note he’d written a day before the explosion. As quoted from AP news, the note read:

"Dear Mommy and Jenna," Pam Napper recalled. "If anything happens to me, I will be looking down from heaven. If you take care of my baby girl, watch over (her), tell her all the good things about her daddy. She was so cute and funny. She was my little peanut. And Jennifer, I know things have never been the greatest sometimes, but I just want you to know I love you and I care about you."

Most of the mine workers had a sick sense of something wrong with the mine when the company sent them home early that prior Friday of April 2nd having issues with the ventilation systems. However, the issues were obviously not identified fully or resolved.

So many Americans lose their lives in various dangerous job functions, but we know the risks and those who take those risks are amazing people. To our mineworkers, firefighters, law enforcement, drillers, construction workers, manufacturers, automakers, assembly line people, and all those not mentioned who face dangerous obstacles everyday while keeping America going and making a living to boot – we are humbled, we are grateful, we are honored at your drive, tenacity and courage.

To the family and friends of the WV mine disaster, our hearts and prayers are with you. May all your loved ones rest in peace and may all the survivors of those lost, find peace within as well.

Time For Go-Go Juice! - The End of 12-Years is Near!

Hey – we made it! It’s FRIDAY!!! Nearing the end of the day from another long exhausting week – thank heavens for our Go-Go Juice as it keeps us going each and every day. Tomorrow, being Saturday – you know I posted how I love to sleep in on Saturdays? Well, not tomorrow – Cassy gets her Prom dress tomorrow! It’s already that time. Good Grief! Now time is going to fly! Her last day in school is May 26th and graduates June 6th! Wow…where has the time gone? I still remember her in pigtails and jumping up and down to ride the school bus back in 2nd grade. The world will be her oyster now. She has extreme talent in arts and design. I once thought she was going to become a fashion designer as she’s been creating her own dresses and outfits since younger than 5 years old – on the computer even. She’s amazing with her unique ideas. Then, a couple years ago, she got interested in architecture, where she swore she was going to get into interior design. I had her help me with some ideas with my last hotel. However, this year, you know what she said? She now has interest in becoming a teacher for kids under age 10. She explained that she loves kids – I have to admit she’s wonderful with her baby sister Melissa and she’s been doing some babysitting lately, but I wonder where she got her inspiration. I have a feeling she may be changing her desires a few more times. She’s heard our analogies of how people get college degrees then get into careers that have nothing to do with the degrees or academics they studied for. How many of you can say the same? That’s the tough thing when choosing a college or area of study. So many young teens choose so early in life – not to say it’s bad, but so many don’t have practical knowledge or hands on experience to truly decide what they want to be when they grow up? But then, how many of us reach 40 and still don’t! LOL. I’ve encouraged her to just get started no matter what – so many basic classes can get behind her so she can excel later when she’s ready. But for now, I know she’s not thinking classes. She’s thinking freedom…freedom to choose, freedom from 12 years of homework, studies and reaching for top grades as best as she can. She’s looking to find herself where she can make her mark in this world. And I know she can’t wait ‘till she can say to her siblings, “Ha, you have to go to school, but I don’t!” Plus she’s also stated she’s looking forward to getting employed. She worked in my hotel part time and enjoyed having a bank account and going shopping. What teenager doesn’t? Life is good! The employed part? I don’t know. As bad as the economy is, I would think (or at least hope) that kids fresh out of school are easier to get an entry level job (as someone starting fresh with no experience) than those of us who’ve been around the block a few times. So, here’s to you Cassy – just 34 more days of school! My baby…where’s the tissue? Top off your Go-Go Juice and have a great Friday night!