What is Christmas?

Christmas is NOT about advertising.  It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Jesus is a gift from God. It is not about shopping or getting the best deals The true meaning of Christmas is the gift of a savior for all.  Christmas is also the time to enjoy with family and friends. The view of a number of people is that people should not spend time with their love ones, but instead go shopping for gifts and looking for the best sales in the stores.  Remember that the true meaning of Christmas is Christ. He is the reason for the season.  

Being a Friend

I am a friend to many of my friends. A friend is someone who you can tell a secret to and they keep it a secret. A friend will help you in time of need. A friend will be there when you need them. They will not bust you. A friend will make sure you have food to eat or buy you food when you are not able to afford it.

People Who I Have Met

There are many people who inspire me.  These people can and have made a difference in my life. 

 I had a friend who was visually challenged.  This friend started his own company.  He told me it was not easy, but he did it anyway.  

I had another friend who really inspired me to do what I do.  I will leave her nameless for the sake of this blog.  She had a disability.  She was not able to hear in one ear.  How did she inspire me, you ask?  I will tell you.  She was one of the best computer teachers I ever had.  This friend and mentor would come to my house  for two hours five days a week to teach me the computer.  She would also encourage me not to give up and as she would put it, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.”  To this day, I remember that statement.

Green

70's Party

There was a party which I went to today. The theme was 70s. It was an interesting party because it was one of those surprise parties.  There were many people there. There were people who were dressed in different clothes representing portions of that time.   I wore a vest to the party.   At the party there was music.  I liked the music. They played Christian music and other songs. 

My group brought signs.  The signs read:  “Love NOT war!,” “Let’s make peace!” and  “Love JESUS 1, EVERYONE!”  There was someone dressed as a hippy in my group. 

All and all the party was fun.  It was interesting to see all the different things of that era.  

Friends

What is a friend?

A friend is someone who will stick by you in any circumstance and try their best to help. Friends are good and come at different times in life. You can meet friends at work, school or on the way to places.

One time I met an individual on my way to work. It changed my life and today I've been involved in what I do because of him. I will not mention names for sake of blogging but you know who you are. Friends can also have an impact on a person’s life. 

Transportation Experience

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a peaceful ride to your destination?

Well, one day I was on a run on the way home from work and I had a peaceful ride home. No yapping in the car or music that put me to sleep. I did not need to use my phone to call a friend to chat with. It was very quiet.

What kind of music puts me to sleep you ask? Well I will tell you. There is this one artist who can put me to sleep very easily. His name is John Denver. I do not like his music because it is very, very boring to me. There was this one coworker at work who loves this kind of music. John Denver is his favorite music and this coworker, who I will leave nameless, brings John Denver CDs to work every day.

There was a day I rode on a public bus and it was not family friendly. There was a passenger who was cursing and it was a chaotic ride to the transfer point. It was so bad that the group that I was with decided to walk the rest of the way to our destination.

A calm ride would involve no fighting, no yelling, or no cursing. People should respect others and place into account others around them.

If you enjoy a certain kind of music, you have the right to listen to it , but be mindful of other individuals and give them the chance to listen to their music too. Remember that the van ride is a shared service and that we all have to share the radio. 

If a person yaps constantly in the car or on the public bus, it can be hard to focus

Parties!

Birthday parties are a lot of fun! Don’t you think? Speaking of birthday parties, I just went to one today!   It was entertaining I had an opportunity to eat Filipino food. I eat noodles called pansit lug lug , mini egg rolls, and fruit salad, that had coconuts, strawberries, bananas, and more.  The birthday party was for a family member of mine, he just turned one year old! The party was awesome because all my relatives were there.  The party took place at the Parsippany park.  I talked to many old friends of mine and shared my affiliate links  with them, affiliate links are websites with ads, blogs, or other information.

Work parties are also enjoyable and awesome, and you get to have fun with your co-workers! On a particular Friday, I recently went to a party for a co-worker at my job site during my work. I had the chance to eat pepperoni pizza, regular salad, and potato chips. After I ate, I danced to few radio songs, then the party ended.

Christmas parties are also the bomb! You get to spend time with your family and have fun with activities! There was a Christmas party, at my sister’s house! I had a conversation with my nieces and nephews and we played some board games. We had a feast with lots Filipino food! I ate roasted pork, pansit gisado it’s like pansit lug lug but with vegetables, and sum pelok it contained coconut, my favorite! We also watched Home Alone the first one, which is also my favorite movie! We opened gifts, I received an external hard drive and a flash drive. I also got clothes like brown shoes, grey slippers, and plain  yellow, green, and purple shirts. Parties are memorable and amusing for your free time, without parties life would be boring, so party on!

Overcoming My Disability

When I tell people that I have a visual impairment, I get a variety of reactions.  Some people are shocked that I do what I do.  Others do not even talk to me for awhile.  There are people who are impressed with what I do despite my vision loss.    

I started Internet marketing just recently. How did I start? Well, it all started when I met a fellow Internet marketer on my way to work. We got to talking and became friends right there in the taxi cab. He introduced me to some of his programs and that is why I am here today. I am part of a company, a team who is dedicated to making money online.

I go through a lot when trying to market to other people. Because of my handicap, it is hard for me to do what I need to do. Despite it all, I still try. I still try to have a positive attitude. I am learning to respond to prospects and suspects. I guess this will take time, but in time it will produce the results that I need. It takes time to get ahead in life.

I am a very sociable person. I talk with people in person all the time. I tell them what opportunities I am currently involved with. I am not afraid to try to talk with people. When it comes to all online interaction, there are times it is hard for me to express myself but I try and do it anyway.

Most people in my position would NOT even attempt to do what i have done.  But I am an overcomer and I will continue to try new things.

A Note to the Companies Who Create Websites and E-mail Progrrams

Accessibility is the right of any individual with a disability who wants to use or access the content on any website regardless of which screen reader or magnifier program they use. Companies should not limit the site content to just the sighted people in the community, but put into account people who are blind or visually impaired wishing to access information online in order to broaden their knowledge. People who use such software should not have to worry about accessibility to any e-mail website or server program.  They should be able to use ANY of the special software programs that they may have in order to compose or read their e-mail messages.

The Changing Rock (Part 6)

Two evenings later, Ruby visited Yummyland again.  It wanted to know what May wanted to do.  Ruby knocked softly and asked, “May, are you in there?” May was inside the restaurant cleaning when she heard the voice and the knocking sound.   “Yes, I will be right out” said May as she finished cleaning.  Steve was with May.  He had come back to accompany May.  Two minutes later, May opened the door and stepped outside.  Steve decided to stay inside the restaurant while May and Ruby talked outside.  He would be filled in on certain details later. 

“Hi Ruby” said May.  “I have decided to go with you under one condition” she added.  “What is that?” asked Ruby.  “My friend Steve will come too. If that is ok with you” said May.  “Sure, that is fine.  The more friends the better” said Ruby. 

Steve was inside.  He was waiting for May to come in.   “Ok, I will tell Steve” May said.  “That will do” said Ruby.  “I will be right back” said May as she headed inside the restaurant.  Ruby waited outside. 

After ten minutes, May opened the door and she and Steve stepped outside to meet Ruby. Steve looked at Ruby for the first time.  He was surprised to see that Ruby was a rock with a face.   May said, “Ruby, this is my friend Steve”  “Hi” said Ruby. 

Steve asked, “Where do you live?”  “I live in a town called Rocktown” said Ruby. “Where is that?” asked May.  Ruby replied, “It is five towns from here”  “Ok” said May.  “How will we get there?” asked Steve.  “I will fly us all there” said Ruby.  With that, the square rock suddenly grew bigger so that it became a rectangle. 

Steve said, “I thought Ruby was a square rock” “So did I” May agreed.  Ruby said, “I am a special rock”  “What?  How are you different from any other stone?” Steve questioned.   “You see, not only am I a mother rock, but I also can turn into other shapes” Ruby explained.  “How do I know this is not a trick?” asked May looking at Steve then moving her eyes to Ruby and then back to Steve. 

Steve said, “Come on May.   Let us just give Ruby the chance to prove its case”  “If this creature is playing a trick, then I can take care of it and vanish it.  That is if it came to that” he added.  Ruby said, “Come, May and Steve, let us go” “Ok, here goes” May said as she got on Ruby.  Steve followed May and sat behind her. 

As soon as Steve was on Ruby, it began to move upward.  After a few moments, they were flying.  Five minutes later, they reached Ruby’s town.  Ruby landed on top of a rock which looked like a mushroom.  It let May and Steve off of its body.

Ruby said, "This is my town”  “You may walk around, if you like” it added.   “Ok, let us do it” said Steve in an eager tone.  He wanted to see more rocks.  May walked along side Steve.

 Ruby was walking with them on its way to a nearby cave.  Ruby led the group to her cave.  Inside the cave, there were many small rocks.  These small stones were identical to those of the ones that May had on her restaurant door.  “Hey, these rocks look similar to your rocks on your restaurant door” said Steve to May as they looked around.

 The walls of the cave were covered with round shaped rocks.  “Hey Ruby, this place is cool” said Steve.  “Yes, it is” agreed May.  “Can we visit again?” asked May.  “Of course” said Ruby.  “Now, May and I believe you.  We had to see for ourselves” said Steve. 

“What do you eat?” asked May.  “I eat rock candy” said Ruby.  “I have some right next to me” it added.  The rock candy was round and had a whole in the middle of it.  The candy was small and grey. Ruby showed May and Steve the food it ate.  Steve asked, “What do you drink?”  “I drink lavawater” Ruby replied. 

“Wow! This is very interesting” said Steve.  “I have never seen so many rock-looking eggs” he added.    “Yes, there are lots of eggs here” said Ruby as it moved to an empty corner in the cave.  Suddenly, Ruby shifted into a nest-like shape.  It grabbed a few rock eggs and placed them under it, so that the eggs were under it. 

After a few minutes, Steve and May heard a cracking sound.  “Uh oh” said May.  “Ruby was right” she added. ”It is alright” said Ruby.  Steve said, “I think we should leave Ruby”  “No” said May.  “We should try to help” she added. “Ruby, where can we find rock candy and lavawater?” asked May.  “You can find lavawater in a lake.  The lake is outside this cave.  You can find rock candy on a tree.  You also find that outside this cave” Ruby responded.   May said, “I am leaving this cave to get some food and drink for Ruby”  “Ok, I will stay here and keep Ruby company” said Steve.  “That will be fine” said May as she walked toward the cave opening. 

Now outside the cave, May looked around and saw that there were trees nearby.  She walked to the closest tree and saw that the fruit looked like rock candy.  May decided to pick some fruit off of the tree.  She placed the rock candy in her pants pocket.  May walked on a little farther and spotted a lake full of lavawater.  “This is different” thought May as she saw a round like container by the lake.  She picked it up and filled it with lavawater. May wanted to walk farther on, but thought better of it.  She walked back towards the direction of Ruby’s cave, carrying the container.  It was full of lavawater.  

Moments later, May entered the cave.  She gave the container and the candy to Ruby.  Ruby ate and drank.  Steve, May, and Ruby became the best of friends.  May and Steve both learned not to judge by appearance.  Just because Ruby looked like a monster, does not mean it was.

The Changing Rock (Part 5)

The next day, May went to Yummyland to work her usual shift, but she felt disturbed.  She tried hard, but could not concentrate.  Her mind was on the previous evening’s events. 

A few hours later Steve came to visit May.  He entered the restaurant and sat at an empty table.  The table was near a window.  Ten minutes later, May came to Steve’s table.  Steve looked at May with a concerned look.  “What’s wrong?” asked Steve.  “We have to talk” said May in a whisper.  “Ok” said Steve not knowing where this conversation might end up at. 

“Well, let us just say Ruby stopped by last night” said May in a trembling voice.  “And?” said Steve, looking at May trying to calm her down to talk.  “Ruby wanted me to go with it” said May, the words coming out in a rush.  Steve was quiet for a moment as he thought of what to say.  He said, “It will be alright.  Now tell me exactly what happened”  

“Ok.  Here goes” said May, trying to stay calm.  “As I was saying, Ruby was here last night.  It wanted me to go to where it lived” May went on.  “Ok.  What’s so bad about that?” asked Steve.  “I think it is a trick” said May.

 “What if I go with you?” suggested Steve.  “Ok I guess” said May in a reluctant voice.  “When will Ruby come back to the restaurant?” questioned Steve.  “Two evenings from last evening” May responded.   “Alright then” said Steve.  “I will make plans to meet you at this restaurant the evening that Ruby will visit” Steve added.  “Ok” May agreed.

“Do you want anything to eat or drink?” asked May.  “No thank you” said Steve, knowing that May was busy.  “Ok, I will get back to my work” she said.  With that, May went to a nearby counter to review some orders.   Steve sat alone for two minutes and left the restaurant. 

The Changing Rock (Part 4)

Once inside the restaurant, May began to think aloud, “What do I tell Steve? It would be impossible to explain because I do not fully understand”  “Oh, how I wish Steve was here.  I could think more clearly if he was” said May aloud to no one. 

After a few moments, May decided to lock up the restaurant for the night and go home.  May lived in a yellow house in ShortWood.  It was four houses from Yummyland.  The house had one floor.  It also had three windows, a door, and one bedroom. 

When May got home, she went to the bedroom.  In the bedroom, there was a bed, a chair, and a table.  May wanted to get some rest, so she lay down and tried to sleep, but sleep would not come.

 May kept thinking of the encounter with Ruby.  It was a restless night.  “What if this was a trick?  What if Ruby was really going to bring destruction to her restaurant? What could I do?” thought May. 

The Changing Rock (Part 3)

            When Steve and May got to the second room, May was amazed at the variety of stones she saw.  There Once inside the restaurant, May began to think aloud, “What do I tell Steve? It would be impossible to explain because I do not fully understand”  “Oh, how I wish Steve was here.  I could think more clearly if he was” said May aloud to no one. 

After a few moments, May decided to lock up the restaurant for the night and go home.  May lived in a yellow house in ShortWood.  It was four houses from Yummyland.  The house had one floor.  It also had three windows, a door, and one bedroom. 

When May got home, she went to the bedroom.  In the bedroom, there was a bed, a chair, and a table.  May wanted to get some rest, so she lay down and tried to sleep, but sleep would not come.

 May kept thinking of the encounter with Ruby.  It was a restless night.  “What if this was a trick?  What if Ruby was really going to bring destruction to her restaurant? What could I do?” thought May. 

The Changing Rock (Part 2)

            When Steve and May got to the second room, May was amazed at the variety of stones she saw.  There were many kinds of stones there.  There were a few small rocks, colored rocks, and stones which looked like glass.  There were many more rocks. 

“Hey May, look at this!” said Steve in an excited voice as he spotted a stone similar to the stones on May’s restaurant door.  May came over to where Steve was and said, “Wow! You have done it again”  “Thank you” she added.   “Not a problem”, said Steve. 

The rock that Steve showed May was colorful.  It was a small stone.  The rock was beautiful.  Steve placed the rock in a small case and gave it to May.  May carefully placed the case on a nearby table. 

After a few minutes, Steve asked, “Do you love me?”  May looked at Steve in shock and replied, “Yes, I do” “I want to live with you” added May.  “Ok. As long as you do not mind having plenty of rocks in the house” Steve said.  “No, I do not mind” May said with laughter in her tone.  “Good” said Steve. 

May picked up the small rock carrying case and smiled to herself.  “Well, it is time for me to get going.  Thanks again for the stone replacement” said May as she exited the room and walked to the front door.  “You are welcome” Steve called out after her.  “I love you” he added.  “I love you more.  Bye for now.  Until next time” May shouted back with enthusiasm in her voice. 

Now outside Steve’s house, May could not stop thinking about Steve.  She could not wait to see him again.  After an hour of standing outside May decided to leave Steve’s town and walked home.  

Four days after Steve visited May at Yummyland, Ruby returned to the restaurant to claim the last of the rocks on the door.  May was busy cleaning the restaurant when she heard the knocking on the door.   Ruby came knocking at the front door as it demanded “Where is my missing stone?”  May responded, “This is my restaurant.  I am in no position to give you what you demand.  You do not demand anything from me.  I still have one stone and it is the most powerful one.  Please leave or I will be forced to use it”.  Ruby began to move back as it realized that it could do nothing to convince May to give in.  Ruby was hopeless and at May’s mercy. 

After Ruby recovered from being shocked at May’s words, it demanded, “What do you mean?  The rock has no power”  “Why do you want it back then?” May asked.  “They belong to me” said Ruby “The rocks that you have are my own eggs” Ruby added as it lunged forward to enter the restaurant.  May said, “No, I will not give you the missing stone.   In fact, I want you to give me back the stones I gave you.  You cannot convince me that the stones are yours”. “And you can’t convince me that that last stone has any power” said Ruby getting more and more aggravated with May. “Listen here Ruby; let’s just call it a truce.  Will you? I mean after all; you have in your possession most of the rocks so, I will keep this one rock because it was on my property.   Therefore, it and the others that I graciously gave to you belong to me.”  May went to shut the door in Ruby’s face, but it came with a quickness and lunged out at May trying to grab hold of her arm, but she felt something pulling her back.

As Ruby turned frantically, it realized that all hope of ever recovering the rock was lost.  Ruby was powerless and was forced to leave.   Ruby desperately wanted the rock.   “How can I convince May that the rock is really my egg?” thought Ruby.  “There must be a way.  I will get the last rock eventually.  No one or nothing will be able to stop me”, it said aloud.  

Despite Ruby’s failure to obtain the last of the stones, it continued to visit Yummyland for seven more times.  During the seventh time of Ruby’s visit, Ruby tried a more friendly approach.  It knocked on the door softly.  “Can I come in?” asked a soft voice.  May was busy closing down the restaurant when she heard the voice.  It seemed pleading and May could not resist. 

May opened the door just a little and recognized who it was.  “Maybe I will let you in” said May from one side of the door.  “Please, I want to talk” said the voice on the other side of the door.  May debated whether or not she should let this stranger in. 

After five minutes, May finally reached a decision and decided not to let Ruby in.  She would talk to it outside.  “No, you may not come in” said May in a firm voice.  “We can talk right here” she added.   “Ok fine” said the voice. “What do you want?  Why have you returned?” asked May as she stepped outside closer to where Ruby was.  “I want the rocks” said Ruby desperately. 

“You see May, I am only a mother rock” continued Ruby.  At those words May was silent for a moment.  She was trying to determine whether Ruby’s words had some truth to them.  May finally asked, “Can you prove it?”  Ruby said, “Let me show you.  Come, May, let us go to where I live and I will prove my case” 

“Wait” said May.  “Is this a trick?” asked May.  “No, it is not” said Ruby.  “If you want, I can give you time to think about it.  I will return two days from now” Ruby continued.  “Ok, I will give it some thought” said May as she turned toward the restaurant door.  “Ok, that will do” said Ruby.   “I will be on my way” it added.  “Bye” May called out as she opened the restaurant door to let herself in. 

The Changing Rock ( Part 1)

One evening as May was closing down the restaurant there was a loud knock on the front door.  “Who could that be?” thought May as she walked toward the door to open it.  As May opened the door, she saw a strange figure which looked like a square rock.

The square creature was red.   It had a face with blue eyes, a pointed nose and a triangle mouth.  The monster looked like a rock.  It spoke, “I demand that the rocks on the door be returned to me at once”  “wait” May said.  “Why do you want them back?   Who are you?” May questioned   “I am Ruby” the figure answered.  “I have come to take all that is mine” it added.  “Ok, but you must be mistaken” said May.  “Perhaps there was a misunderstanding” she added.   “There is no misunderstanding.  The stones belong to me.  If you do not give them to me, I will destroy this restaurant” Ruby responded.  “Alright, I will give them to you” said May in a shaky voice.

May left the creature and headed to the right side of the restaurant where she kept supplies.  She was looking for a rock cutter but could not find one.  After what seemed forever, May decided to use scissors to cut the rocks off of the door.   She returned to where the door was and began to cut out the rocks. 

After two and half hours May successfully removed all the rocks.   Ruby accepted all the rocks   that May give the creature and disappeared immediately.  “Wow! I did it this time” said May.  In the mean time, Steve had returned to GreenMountain.  He had not been informed of what May did.

Ten days later, May and Steve met at Yummyland to discuss some personal stuff.  He wanted more than just a friendship from May.  As Steve entered the restaurant, he noticed that there were only a few people in the restaurant.  May saw Steve and stopped what she was doing.

 “Hi Steve” said May as she walked over to meet him.   “Hey, do you have a minute?” asked Steve.  “Sure, what’s up?”  “I was wondering what happened to those rocks on the door”, said Steve. 

“Well, it is a long story, one that I cannot tell you”  “Oh, why not?  Is there something that you wish to keep from me?” Steve asked with surprise in his voice.  “Yes, there was a creature that stopped by here about ten days ago who demanded of the rocks.  I knew you were a rock collector so I chose to withhold this information from you” said May in a reluctant voice.  “I am sorry” she added.    “That is fine” said Steve.  

“I need help” said May.  “The creature might come back if it finds out that I did not give it one rock” May continued.   “I can help” said Steve.  “Do you have a plan?” asked May.  “Yes, I was thinking if Ruby shows up demanding of the missing rock, then you can just give it another rock.  Hopefully, that will work” Steve replied.  “Ok, let’s do it” said May.   

“Where will we get the rock?” asked May.  “I have a rock at home that I can let you have.  You can give it to Ruby when it comes knocking at the door.” Steve said.  “Good plan” said May.  "What do you say we take a walk to my house and I will give you the stone?” asked Steve. ”Ok” May agreed.

“Tonight when I close the restaurant, I will meet you outside the front door of this restaurant” May said. “That is fine” said Steve. “Good” said May. Four hours later, May closed the restaurant and met Steve by the front door. They said their greetings and Steve led the way as they walked to his house. Fifteen minutes later, Steve and May reached Steve’s house.

The house was light brown with four windows on it.  It was a small house.  Steve reached into his pants pocket for the house key. As he inserted the key into the door lock, he said, “I have plenty of rocks. It is a matter of choosing the right rock” “Ok, but I do not know my choices” said May. “Do not worry. I will tell you” said Steve.

Once Steve and May were inside, they found two chairs and a table nearby.  Steve and May sat on the chairs to talk.  “Where are you keeping your special rocks?” asked May as she looked around.  The inside of Steve’s house had three small rooms and a small hallway which ran across the doors of the rooms.  There were lots of colorful rocks on the walls of each room. 

“I keep them in another room” Steve replied.   “Ok, can I go to the other room with you?” questioned May.  “Sure” said Steve as he got up from his chair.  “Follow me” Steve added.  May got up from her chair and began to walk towards Steve.  Steve was walking down the hall to another small room where he kept his special rocks.

When Steve and May got to the second room, May was amazed at the variety of stones she saw.  There were many kinds of stones there.  There were a few small rocks, colored rocks, and stones which looked like glass.  There were many more rocks. 

“Hey May, look at this!” said Steve in an excited voice as he spotted a stone similar to the stones on May’s restaurant door.  May came over to where Steve was and said, “Wow! You have done it again”  “Thank you” she added.   “Not a problem”, said Steve. 

The rock that Steve showed May was colorful.  It was a small stone.  The rock was beautiful.  Steve placed the rock in a small case and gave it to May.  May carefully placed the case on a nearby table. 

After a few minutes, Steve asked, “Do you love me?”  May looked at Steve in shock and replied, “Yes, I do” “I want to live with you” added May.  “Ok. As long as you do not mind having plenty of rocks in the house” Steve said.  “No, I do not mind” May said with laughter in her tone.  “Good” said Steve. 

May picked up the small rock carrying case and smiled to herself.  “Well, it is time for me to get going.  Thanks again for the stone replacement” said May as she exited the room and walked to the front door.  “You are welcome” Steve called out after her.  “I love you” he added.  “I love you more.  Bye for now.  Until next time” May shouted back with enthusiasm in her voice. 

Now outside Steve’s house, May could not stop thinking about Steve.  She could not wait to see him again.  After an hour of standing outside May decided to leave Steve’s town and walked home.  

Four days after Steve visited May at Yummyland, Ruby returned to the restaurant to claim the last of the rocks on the door.  May was busy cleaning the restaurant when she heard the knocking on the door.   Ruby came knocking at the front door as it demanded “Where is my missing stone?”  May responded, “This is my restaurant.  I am in no position to give you what you demand.  You do not demand anything from me.  I still have one stone and it is the most powerful one.  Please leave or I will be forced to use it”.  Ruby began to move back as it realized that it could do nothing to convince May to give in.  Ruby was hopeless and at May’s mercy. 

After Ruby recovered from being shocked at May’s words, it demanded, “What do you mean?  The rock has no power”  “Why do you want it back then?” May asked.  “They belong to me” said Ruby “The rocks that you have are my own eggs” Ruby added as it lunged forward to enter the restaurant.  May said, “No, I will not give you the missing stone.   In fact, I want you to give me back the stones I gave you.  You cannot convince me that the stones are yours”. “And you can’t convince me that that last stone has any power” said Ruby getting more and more aggravated with May. “Listen here Ruby; let’s just call it a truce.  Will you? I mean after all; you have in your possession most of the rocks so, I will keep this one rock because it was on my property.   Therefore, it and the others that I graciously gave to you belong to me.”  May went to shut the door in Ruby’s face, but it came with a quickness and lunged out at May trying to grab hold of her arm, but she felt something pulling her back.

As Ruby turned frantically, it realized that all hope of ever recovering the rock was lost.  Ruby was powerless and was forced to leave.   Ruby desperately wanted the rock.   “How can I convince May that the rock is really my egg?” thought Ruby.  “There must be a way.  I will get the last rock eventually.  No one or nothing will be able to stop me”, it said aloud.  

Despite Ruby’s failure to obtain the last of the stones, it continued to visit Yummyland for seven more times.  During the seventh time of Ruby’s visit, Ruby tried a more friendly approach.  It knocked on the door softly.  “Can I come in?” asked a soft voice.  May was busy closing down the restaurant when she heard the voice.  It seemed pleading and May could not resist. 

May opened the door just a little and recognized who it was.  “Maybe I will let you in” said May from one side of the door.  “Please, I want to talk” said the voice on the other side of the door.  May debated whether or not she should let this stranger in. 

After five minutes, May finally reached a decision and decided not to let Ruby in.  She would talk to it outside.  “No, you may not come in” said May in a firm voice.  “We can talk right here” she added.   “Ok fine” said the voice. “What do you want?  Why have you returned?” asked May as she stepped outside closer to where Ruby was.  “I want the rocks” said Ruby desperately. 

“You see May, I am only a mother rock” continued Ruby.  At those words May was silent for a moment.  She was trying to determine whether Ruby’s words had some truth to them.  May finally asked, “Can you prove it?”  Ruby said, “Let me show you.  Come, May, let us go to where I live and I will prove my case” 

“Wait” said May.  “Is this a trick?” asked May.  “No, it is not” said Ruby.  “If you want, I can give you time to think about it.  I will return two days from now” Ruby continued.  “Ok, I will give it some thought” said May as she turned toward the restaurant door.  “Ok, that will do” said Ruby.   “I will be on my way” it added.  “Bye” May called out as she opened the restaurant door to let herself in. 

Once inside the restaurant, May began to think aloud, “What do I tell Steve? It would be impossible to explain because I do not fully understand”  “Oh, how I wish Steve was here.  I could think more clearly if he was” said May aloud to no one. 

After a few moments, May decided to lock up the restaurant for the night and go home.  May lived in a yellow house in ShortWood.  It was four houses from Yummyland.  The house had one floor.  It also had three windows, a door, and one bedroom. 

When May got home, she went to the bedroom.  In the bedroom, there was a bed, a chair, and a table.  May wanted to get some rest, so she lay down and tried to sleep, but sleep would not come.

 May kept thinking of the encounter with Ruby.  It was a restless night.  “What if this was a trick?  What if Ruby was really going to bring destruction to her restaurant? What could I do?” thought May. 

The next day, May went to Yummyland to work her usual shift, but she felt disturbed.  She tried hard, but could not concentrate.  Her mind was on the previous evening’s events. 

A few hours later Steve came to visit May.  He entered the restaurant and sat at an empty table.  The table was near a window.  Ten minutes later, May came to Steve’s table.  Steve looked at May with a concerned look.  “What’s wrong?” asked Steve.  “We have to talk” said May in a whisper.  “Ok” said Steve not knowing where this conversation might end up at. 

“Well, let us just say Ruby stopped by last night” said May in a trembling voice.  “And?” said Steve, looking at May trying to calm her down to talk.  “Ruby wanted me to go with it” said May, the words coming out in a rush.  Steve was quiet for a moment as he thought of what to say.  He said, “It will be alright.  Now tell me exactly what happened”  

“Ok.  Here goes” said May, trying to stay calm.  “As I was saying, Ruby was here last night.  It wanted me to go to where it lived” May went on.  “Ok.  What’s so bad about that?” asked Steve.  “I think it is a trick” said May.

 “What if I go with you?” suggested Steve.  “Ok I guess” said May in a reluctant voice.  “When will Ruby come back to the restaurant?” questioned Steve.  “Two evenings from last evening” May responded.   “Alright then” said Steve.  “I will make plans to meet you at this restaurant the evening that Ruby will visit” Steve added.  “Ok” May agreed.

“Do you want anything to eat or drink?” asked May.  “No thank you” said Steve, knowing that May was busy.  “Ok, I will get back to my work” she said.  With that, May went to a nearby counter to review some orders.   Steve sat alone for two minutes and left the restaurant. 

Two evenings later, Ruby visited Yummyland again.  It wanted to know what May wanted to do.  Ruby knocked softly and asked, “May, are you in there?” May was inside the restaurant cleaning when she heard the voice and the knocking sound.   “Yes, I will be right out” said May as she finished cleaning.  Steve was with May.  He had come back to accompany May.  Two minutes later, May opened the door and stepped outside.  Steve decided to stay inside the restaurant while May and Ruby talked outside.  He would be filled in on certain details later. 

“Hi Ruby” said May.  “I have decided to go with you under one condition” she added.  “What is that?” asked Ruby.  “My friend Steve will come too. If that is ok with you” said May.  “Sure, that is fine.  The more friends the better” said Ruby. 

Steve was inside.  He was waiting for May to come in.   “Ok, I will tell Steve” May said.  “That will do” said Ruby.  “I will be right back” said May as she headed inside the restaurant.  Ruby waited outside. 

After ten minutes, May opened the door and she and Steve stepped outside to meet Ruby. Steve looked at Ruby for the first time.  He was surprised to see that Ruby was a rock with a face.   May said, “Ruby, this is my friend Steve”  “Hi” said Ruby. 

Steve asked, “Where do you live?”  “I live in a town called Rocktown” said Ruby. “Where is that?” asked May.  Ruby replied, “It is five towns from here”  “Ok” said May.  “How will we get there?” asked Steve.  “I will fly us all there” said Ruby.  With that, the square rock suddenly grew bigger so that it became a rectangle. 

Steve said, “I thought Ruby was a square rock” “So did I” May agreed.  Ruby said, “I am a special rock”  “What?  How are you different from any other stone?” Steve questioned.   “You see, not only am I a mother rock, but I also can turn into other shapes” Ruby explained.  “How do I know this is not a trick?” asked May looking at Steve then moving her eyes to Ruby and then back to Steve. 

Steve said, “Come on May.   Let us just give Ruby the chance to prove its case”  “If this creature is playing a trick, then I can take care of it and vanish it.  That is if it came to that” he added.  Ruby said, “Come, May and Steve, let us go” “Ok, here goes” May said as she got on Ruby.  Steve followed May and sat behind her. 

As soon as Steve was on Ruby, it began to move upward.  After a few moments, they were flying.  Five minutes later, they reached Ruby’s town.  Ruby landed on top of a rock which looked like a mushroom.  It let May and Steve off of its body.

Ruby said, "This is my town”  “You may walk around, if you like” it added.   “Ok, let us do it” said Steve in an eager tone.  He wanted to see more rocks.  May walked along side Steve.

 Ruby was walking with them on its way to a nearby cave.  Ruby led the group to her cave.  Inside the cave, there were many small rocks.  These small stones were identical to those of the ones that May had on her restaurant door.  “Hey, these rocks look similar to your rocks on your restaurant door” said Steve to May as they looked around.

 The walls of the cave were covered with round shaped rocks.  “Hey Ruby, this place is cool” said Steve.  “Yes, it is” agreed May.  “Can we visit again?” asked May.  “Of course” said Ruby.  “Now, May and I believe you.  We had to see for ourselves” said Steve. 

“What do you eat?” asked May.  “I eat rock candy” said Ruby.  “I have some right next to me” it added.  The rock candy was round and had a whole in the middle of it.  The candy was small and grey. Ruby showed May and Steve the food it ate.  Steve asked, “What do you drink?”  “I drink lavawater” Ruby replied. 

“Wow! This is very interesting” said Steve.  “I have never seen so many rock-looking eggs” he added.    “Yes, there are lots of eggs here” said Ruby as it moved to an empty corner in the cave.  Suddenly, Ruby shifted into a nest-like shape.  It grabbed a few rock eggs and placed them under it, so that the eggs were under it. 

After a few minutes, Steve and May heard a cracking sound.  “Uh oh” said May.  “Ruby was right” she added. ”It is alright” said Ruby.  Steve said, “I think we should leave Ruby”  “No” said May.  “We should try to help” she added. “Ruby, where can we find rock candy and lavawater?” asked May.  “You can find lavawater in a lake.  The lake is outside this cave.  You can find rock candy on a tree.  You also find that outside this cave” Ruby responded.   May said, “I am leaving this cave to get some food and drink for Ruby”  “Ok, I will stay here and keep Ruby company” said Steve.  “That will be fine” said May as she walked toward the cave opening. 

Now outside the cave, May looked around and saw that there were trees nearby.  She walked to the closest tree and saw that the fruit looked like rock candy.  May decided to pick some fruit off of the tree.  She placed the rock candy in her pants pocket.  May walked on a little farther and spotted a lake full of lavawater.  “This is different” thought May as she saw a round like container by the lake.  She picked it up and filled it with lavawater. May wanted to walk farther on, but thought better of it.  She walked back towards the direction of Ruby’s cave, carrying the container.  It was full of lavawater.  

Moments later, May entered the cave.  She gave the container and the candy to Ruby.  Ruby ate and drank.  Steve, May, and Ruby became the best of friends.  May and Steve both learned not to judge by appearance.  Just because Ruby looked like a monster, does not mean it was.

The End    

The Rock That Saved the Day

 One warm summer day Steve Stone went for a walk in search of rare rocks. As he walked along the shore of a lake, he spotted a nearby restaurant. '' I wonder what kind of food they have here'' he thought as he got closer to the door.  Steve Stone was a rock collector who use to go on walks to look for unique rocks.  The door of the restaurant was decorated with beautiful rainbow colored rocks.  "I have never seen such colorful rocks.  Oh how I wish I could add this to my collection" Steve Stone said as he touched the door handle to let himself in.  The restaurant was called Yummyland.  There were many people there.  They were sitting and eating food.  Yummyland was located in a town called Shortwood.  Steve Stone lived in a town called GreenMountain.  GreenMountain was near Shortwood.  He loved taking walks and collecting rocks.  One day May Gems was working her usual shift at Yummyland when she saw Steve Stone for the first time.   May Gems worked as a waitress at the restaurant.  She also was the manager.  May Gems came to Steve Stone's table and placed a menu in front of him.   Steve Stone was sitting at the table closest to the door where he could see those rainbow colored rocks.  "Would you like anything to drink?" said May Gems as she stared at him for a minute.  Steve Stone said "I would like a cup of coffee. That will be all"  "Ok I will return with your drink" said May Gems.   With that, she went towards the left side of the restaurant where she processed all the orders.  A few minutes later, May Gems returned to Steve Stone's table carrying a coffee mug.  The mug was filled three quarters of the way full.  "Here is the coffee you ordered" said May Gems as she placed the mug near him on the table.  "Thanks" he said as he continued to search for what he wanted to order.  After a few more moments, he could stand it no longer.  Steve Stone asked "Where did those stones on the door come from?"   May Gems was so shocked at the question that she did not reply.  In all the years May Gems had managed and worked at Yummyland, no customer had ever asked her about the rocks on the door of the restaurant.  She had managed the restaurant for five years without anyone asking about the rocks.  After May Gems recovered from being shocked, she said, “I do not know where those stones came from.  I have no additional info about them”  “Maybe I can help you gain more info about those stones” said Steve Stone. “Ok, you can try to help me.   I have been very curious about what those rocks can do” said May Gems.  “What do you say we explore the possibilities together?” suggested Steve Stone.   “Ok you got yourself a deal” said May Gems.  After I close down the restaurant for the night, we can talk”, she added.  “I look forward to our conversation later on”, said Steve Stone.  “Have you decided what kind of food to order?” May Gems asked.  “I would like a small cheese pizza with mushrooms” said Steve Stone.  “I will be right back with your pizza.  Is there anything else I can get you?” May Gems asked as she headed back to the counter where she looked over the orders.  Steve Stone said, “No”    After five minutes she went back to Steve Stone’s table carrying a plate containing the pizza with mushrooms he had ordered.  After a half hour, Steve Stone finished his food and decided to stay for a little while before leaving Yummyland.  He wanted to learn more about the stones on the door.   Suddenly, there was a loud crashing sound coming from the back of the restaurant.  “Hmmm” said Steve Stone as he stood up to find out what had caused the loud colliding sound.  He walked toward the back of the restaurant.  When Steve Stone got there, he discovered that there was a hole on a nearby wall and a rock had cracked.  From the hole in the wall, water began to flow inward and flood the restaurant.  “May Gems, there is a flood!” shouted Steve Stone. May Gems came to where Steve Stone was and saw that water was dripping inward.  “Uh oh!” May Gems said in a frantic tone.  “We have to get everyone out of here before it is too late” she added.  “Wait a minute.  All may not be lost.  I have an idea” said Steve Stone. “What is it?” questioned May Gems.  “What if we take one of those colored stones and use it to plug the hole?” Steve Stone offered. “That is a great idea.  Let’s do it” said May Gems.  “Ok I will grab the rock” said Steve Stone as he made his way toward the door to take a stone from it.  Steve Stone carefully picked out a rock that would not alter the door design too much.  He took out his rock cutter from his carrying case and cut the stone out. After a few moments, Steve returned to the flood sight and began to set the rock in place.  Minutes later, the water ceased dripping and the restaurant was saved.  May Gems thanked Steve Stone for his help.  They became best friends.       

                                                                        THE END     

A Strange Discovery

      There was a place called Brickstation in a town called Moscrop, where every fun game could be found.  Every day the place was full of people who wanted to have fun and a good time.    Many of the visitors would play games for hours.  They would play games like Pop Cam Ball, Dart Ball and many others.  Many people went there to hang out, while others went just to watch the games that were being played.

      One day Jamie and her friend Chris were walking home from school.  They wanted to visit Brickstation and check out the games for themselves.  "What an interesting place" said Chris.  I sure would want to play some games, I can't wait until we go'' Chris added.    ''Me too, I heard about this place, but have not gone there myself'' said Jamie, as they neared the street where they lived.  As Jamie and Chris walked on towards home, they spotted an unusual object in the middle of the street.   ''What is that?'' Jamie said in a shocked voice as she pointed to a spot on the road a few feet away.  ''I have never seen it before.   What should we do?'' Chris asked.   "I say we take it home with us.  Whatever it is, we can try to figure it out," Jamie answered.  Jamie went towards the object and tried to pick it up.  She was unsuccessful at the task of picking up the object.  ''Chris, can you help me?  This object is a little heavy,’’ said Jamie as she walked towards where Chris had been standing.  ''Sure'' said Chris.  Chris and Jamie walked towards the mysterious object and together they lifted the object off of the ground and carried it home. 

      Jamie and Chris lived in a blue and yellow house on Bark Street in a town called Mellowcol.  They lived in a multiple dwelling.  Now as Jamie and Chris neared the door to their house, the strange object began to shake.  "Why is it shaking?" asked Chris.  Jamie replied, "I do not know."  Suddenly, the object grew larger and larger until it became a large box that looked like a golden brick.  ''Look!  There it is!  It is a gold brick.'' said Jamie.   "I wonder what this brick is capable of doing'' said Chris as he reached into his pocket for the house key.  ''I cannot tell you what it can do'' said Jamie.   ''I guess we will have to find out'' said Chris.

      A few minutes later the brick expanded into a doorway, ''Uh oh!  It is a door'' said Chris in a frightened tone.  ''What do we do?''  "I think we ought to check it out" said Jamie in a calm voice.  With that, she went through the door and left Chris behind.  Now on the other side of the door, a new world lay in front of Jamie.  She started to walk around and explore the new environment she was in.   While Jamie was exploring, she saw another strange object which was identical to what she saw only moments before.  "Another brick perhaps" she thought, ''If there is more than 1 doorway, where does it all lead to anyway?" Jamie said aloud. 

      As Jamie continued to walk toward the object, she looked around and saw that there were many colorful objects around her.  She jumped as she saw a blue box near her current position.  Jamie decided to look at the blue object more closely.  As Jamie watched with amazement, the object began to change shape.  It was now a blue triangle. 

      Back at the multi dwelling complex which Chris and Jamie shared, Chris wondered if Jamie would ever come back, but she never did.  ''What would happen if I find another object similar to what I saw only moments before my friend disappeared?  How am I suppose to deal with this?'' Chris said as he made his way towards his designated section of the building.  Chris wondered aimlessly as he thought hard of what to do. 

      Suddenly, Chris had an idea.  "I wonder if I go out in search of a similar object, would it take me to the same place." Chris said.  As time passed, Chris became more and more worried about his friend.  He decided to leave his section and ask for some much needed help.  As Chris was walking around, he spotted his friend Mary.  He decided to ask her if she knew about a strange object.   Mary said, with surprise in her voice, "No, I have no info about strange objects.  Sorry I am unable to help."  "Wait a minute!  Please do not leave me to fend for myself" said Chris desperately as he tried to convince his friend to help him.   "Oh, alright I will help" Mary said reluctantly.  "Ok, let us go" said Chris.  As   Chris and Mary walked around in search of strange objects, they caught sight of a green box a few feet to the right of them.   "Let's just check it out" said Mary.   ‘‘Ok'' Chris agreed and with that, they moved toward the box.  A few minutes later, the green box expanded into a door.  "Look!  It is a door!" Chris said.  "Let's go through the door” said Mary.  ''Perhaps we may find Jamie on the other side" she added as the two of them went through the door.

      Now on the other side of the door, Mary and Chris entered a new world.  They looked around and found a person wandering aimlessly.   "Hi, I just got here'' said Chris.  "We are looking for a friend" Mary added.  The person stopped walking to listen.  "Hello" he responded, "My name is Jack.  I have seen someone go through here moments before and I can take you to her if you want me to".  "Ok, let's hope this is not a trick" said Chris.  "It will not be a trick'' Mary reassured Chris, ''I know Jack.  He will not stir us wrong."  "Ok, if you say so" said Chris as they both followed Jack into a nearby room.  In the room, Chris and Mary looked around and found Jamie sitting near a table.  "Hey Jamie" Chris said in a relieved tone.   ''It is so good to see you again after being away for so long.'' he added.  While Chris talked to Jamie, Jack left the room to give the 2 friends some time alone.   Mary however remained with Chris.  Jamie, after hearing Chris's words, turned to face them to respond.  "Hi Chris, I know that it has been awhile since we last saw each other."  ''I am sorry I left you behind'' she added.  ''That's ok'' said Chris, "What do you say we go to Moscrop now?" Jamie suggested.  "Alright, I think that that is a good idea" Chris said. With that said, Chris, Mary and Jamie left the room seeking Jack.  They wanted to ask him if he knew anything about Moscrop. 

      Jack was in the fourth room in the complex. He was busy cleaning the room he was in when the group entered.  "Hey Jack, do you have a moment?" Mary questioned.  Jack stopped what he was doing to reply, ''I have some time to talk, what's up?" ''Do you know about Moscrop? , asked Chris. "Yes, I do" said Jack in a tone that clearly expressed excitement. "Cool", said Mary. "Can you take us there?” asked Chris.  "Yes, I can", said Jack. After a few moments, Jack decided to take the group of people to Moscrop. He stayed with them as they walked around the town, playing games and having a good time.

 THE END

My Handicaps & Hardships

I am legally blind and I wear glasses. My vision is corrected with glasses, but there are things I am not able to do such as drive a car or handle tiny parts. I wear a pretty high prescription. I think it's +400 or something like that.

I also have difficulty with typing on my computer keyboard. I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking to say what I need to type.  It converts what I say into text that can be shown on the screen.

My hands have a problem gripping things, but I manage to do things on my own. It does not stop me from doing the things I love to do.

In school, it takes me longer to learn new things. I take the time to try and do not give up. I learn a little slower than the average person, but in time, I understand.

There was a day that I could not open the house door with the house key, but as time went on, I learned how to eventually open my own house door with the key.

Getting back to my visual impairment, I am not able to see font size 8 or 10. It is too small for me. What do I do you ask? I make it work by increasing the font size within my document or I put my ZoomText on to read the screen for me. For those who are asking, ZoomText is a screen reader/magnifier program that I use to get around on this computer. There are times I do not need it, because I have ways around things

At the present time it is hard in this economy to have a job. I work at a company in Morristown.  They gave me salaries starting as low as $3.33 to as high as $29.00 every two weeks.  This is very hard on me because I have little to no income for myself and for my family. I presently work there five days a week and get that check. Money is hard to get these days. So that is why I am involved in a few programs.

There was a day when I was at work and I had no lunch. On that day, I decided to improvise and eat turkey burger without bread for lunch.  The next day, I still had NO bread in the house.  As a result, I bought lunch.  One of my co-workers offered to pack me lunch.  When I got to work the next day, I got in trouble for having no lunch.  The staff asked me,”where was my lunch?” I chose not to say anything because I was too embarrassed to say anything.  The staff at work would make such a big deal out of nothing. I talked with my co-worker days before and she said it was ok to do this.  Why should I or anyone be in trouble for doing something nice for another person?

Is it illegal for a person to clock in and out at their job?  I am only asking because I got in trouble for doing that at the workplace. I thought that it was allowed at work. 

It is hard for me to go places because I have no transportation to go places.  I ask a friend of mine to drive me to work every day which I work.  I requested this in an effort to earn more money.  This has helped a little, but not much.

There was an evening when my mom and I went for a walk.  As we were walking I saw something in a distance.  I asked mom, “is that a wallet?”  She said, “Yes” I decided to pick it up and we went back home.  When mom and I got home, we looked through the wallet.  We found the person’s ID and read it.  I told mom that we should return the wallet to the person who lost it.  She said it was a good idea.  Mom and I set out in search of the house according to the address printed on the ID card.  It turns out that the address was not too far away from where I live.  Mom and I went as far as the person’s lawn.   A few minutes later, the wife if the owner of the wallet came out to see why we were there.  Mom asked “Did someone loose a wallet? “ A few more minutes pass and the guy who lost his wallet came out of the house. He did not know that he had lost his wallet.  What a pain that would have been for him if I had not returned it!  He was so grateful that his wallet was returned to him that he gave me a reward.  I was so surprised.   I accepted the $10.00 reward that he gave me.  I thanked him and we went back home.  This just goes to show how I LOVE to help others.  

Despite my disability and hardships, I love to help people. This is another reason why I have joined a few programs which I am currently involved in. .