The Best Things in Life Are No Longer Free

Once upon a time, there was this points program called, Mypoints that offered free points just for viewing an email. Well, no more it seems.

Today when I opened my email account to view what point emails they were offering, there were none unless you made a huge purchase. While this is a disappointment to me and I’m sure other Mypoints members, in reality it was bound to happen.

Big Wig companies can no longer afford to use these types of services for their advertising purposes because it’s just not cost effective enough for them. More and more people are trying to save as much money as possible by shopping yard sales, thrift stores, using their local library for books, movies, music and free internet access, building their own gardens and recycling from friends, families and even their neighbors. They’re getting SMART!

It’s a dog eat dog world and at this point and time it’s just not going to get any better, so I say we need to Invest in our Lives, ladies…before it’s too late! 

Hey What the Heck! Someone Moved to Independence, Kansas!

Just yesterday there was a moving truck delivering a family's life on the lawn of some apartment buildings not far from where I live. It's the first family I've seen moving in to Independence, Kansas in a very long time, so I was a little surprised and forgiving that the truck was taking up most of the road.

Usually, families are moving out of town to a better place, better job, without warning. No Moving Announcements, no letting their friends and family or neighbors (okay so maybe we're not all friendly) know that they've gone until it's either too late or someone through the grapevine has spread the word faster than driving through one of those blink and you miss it towns.Well, can't say that I blame them. We are after all just a quiet little town where sometimes celebrities secretly roam. 

5 Miles of Walking

Yesterday was a very busy day for my 14 year old son and I. What surprised me was that he wanted to go jogging/walking with me. But, instead of taking my usual route to the local track, we went walking around town instead.

First, we headed to the hair salon where my 14 year old was able to get his hair cut for free. Then, we headed to one of the schools across town to pick up school supplies, which unfortunately was a waste of time since they didn't have the grades we needed until Friday.

Next, we headed home for a quick bite to eat, but not before stopping at a local gas station to pick up some drinks and watch my son offer a dollar of his birthday money to a children's research foundation. The boy never ceases to amaze me! And then it was off to his first day on his new job, which we are both excited about.

finally, our last stop was boxing class and after retiring for the day, we managed to put in 5 miles of walking! What a day I tell you! What a day!


Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.


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I am Going to Run Like Hell and Let Any Fool Try and Stop Me

I have this sneaky damn feeling that someone is going to try to stop me, but just let them and see what happens. I'm going to start getting stronger and getting rid of the pain my body, heart, mind and spirit is experiencing right now. I've been doing some jogging on and off for the last several months and now I want to start really running.

I'll start out jogging slowly and increase it from there and try to leave my progress on here, but I guarantee nothing at this point. A friend told me today that I'm in fine shape and don't need to get in shape, but they don't live in my body. And what they do know of my mind, heart and spirit is only the tip of the iceberg.

I need to get stronger and I'm making those changes starting tomorrow.

Look out Nike because there's going to be a new spokesperson in this little town of Independence, KS.

Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.

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Screaming From the Inside Out

Blah, blah, blah. That's just how I feel right now. I'm not sure why, but hey! It's going to get to some people, I know. But, that's okay too because I've got enough pickles on my plate without adding to it. No one ever said I had to be Happy Hokey Hunky Dory all of the time and right now I just feel like screaming from the inside out.



Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.


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The Trust

Why do people lie? Is it for the attention or maybe they just want what they can't have? Or maybe they're afraid of telling the truth, afraid of the consequences. And why are people so selfish? Do they not care so much that they block out what they dare not see? Are their wants really much more important than everyone else around them? OR are they just that greedy?

Really, what is with people today? Do they not care how lies and selfishness can impact those nearest to them. those who care about them, those who love them. And if it's not lying or being selfish, they use people or they're in denial about their life. They use people for their own selfish purposes, never thinking of the consequences until it's too late. These are the people that surround me and you.

Reality is an illusion. One that we as people trust and believe in, only to learn that trusting someone can make us vulnerable. It can make us weak and cause us to lose track of who we really are.

So for many of us, we turn to stories and bury ourselves into a fantasy world through books and writing in hopes that we never have to face reality even if in truth it's for a few minutes or hours.

But, there will come a time when we to put down that book and look past the illusion. We have to find ourselves and move forward. We have to learn to trust once again.



Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.



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I Won't Be Myself in the Future

When I'm feeling down and need some kind of a pick me up, music is the greatest thing. It lifts you up, it soothes your soul, no matter if you listen to it on a ipod touch 3rd gen or whatever your choice of listening instrument may be. For me it's my Ipod, something I would have never bought for myself, but actually received for my birthday a few years ago in a drawing for a gift card. I love my little Ipod to an extent, but I wonder if music will soothe my soul in the future.

You see, lately it's been one thing after another that has caused my life to spiral downhill. They are things that couldn't be avoided and came out of nowhere. Family and close friends with terminal cancer at the same time and with the same life expectancy, family in car wrecks, friends getting stabbed, financial problems after problems and now unforeseen issues with the only real mode of transportation, among other things. I wonder when will it all end and will music really soothe my soul.

Write Me a Love Story

I wonder, can someone please write this insane writer a love story and give it a happy ending? For the past few weeks it seems my life has been nothing but drama for the most part. And, if it's not drama, it;s one big mess that's landed in my lap and spiraling out of control.

I wonder, can I runaway to the islands, or Florida maybe? Sip on a cold fruity drink on a beach somewhere and just enjoy the ocean view, while I write my life away as the kids play along the shore. Or maybe I'll find myself on some adventure, riding a motorcycle around the world, spending my days in the jungles of the world.

What do you think? Want to write my life into a love story for the entire world to enjoy?


Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.


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Time Does Not Heal All Wounds

Some say that time heals all wounds, but I say differently. As a writer, we tend to express our emotions in our writing and sometimes more. I know for me, I've found that experiences from the past still continue to haunt me. However, that does not stop me from pushing forward in my life, but it does stay in the back of my mind, something some say I need to just get over. Umm, hello. Unless you've been there, it's not that simple.

But, there have been a few things I've done to push forward one step at a time. The first thing I did was confront my past head on. Yes, it gave me butterflies like you wouldn't believe, but I did it.

So yes, one step at a time. Now, I'm off to tell my story as a writer and help others who have experienced wounds from the past with a blog I've started. What about you?



Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.



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So What Now When You Can't Make it as a Freelance Writer Alone

Many financial advisers will tell you that you can find a way to cut costs and make it on one budget. Well what happens if you cut all costs that you can, and have minimized everything you can, and you're still struggling? That's currently our situation at the moment. We have no extra splurges, no spending money on cigarettes, no funds on entertainment or dining out and only a $50.00 a week grocery bill. So, what now?? There is nothing more to cut costs on. No allowances for anything. Our entertainment is free stuff around here. We have utilities we pay, a mortgage payment that's fixed, and spend $25 per week in gas. So again, I ask what now?

People automatically assume that you can still cut costs and I'd like to know where. We don't qualify for government assistance and it would cost more in daycare for me to take another job outside of the home. I'm thinking I really need to look into more writing jobs so we can make it in this crappy economy.

And to tell you the truth it does irk me when people say they're barely getting by and can't afford regular expenses, yet they manage to pay big bucks for entertainment and dine out a fancy restaurants on a weekly/monthly basis.


Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.

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Seriously, Really?

It utterly amazes me that I haven't lost it yet due to all of the current negative events. First, my last place of employment causes problems that could very well to a lawsuit for their company, then a tornado that hits home for me, then some very worrisome news yesterday about family and now my kidney is giving me trouble again and won't go away. I wonder, what's next?

Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.


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I Cannot Believe.....

...I am so far behind with a lot of things. It's not that I'm procrastinating on things like posting to my blog, it's just that I'm always so busy with everything else at the moment. I saw that one of the bloggers I frequently visit, Momfiles to be exact... Uses schedules/lists to get things done. I'm thinking it's really time I started to do the same!


Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.


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Doing Some Serious Thinking

I've been doing some serious thinking and now wondering if my job away from home is really worth it after an incident I had yesterday at the end of my shift. And this is not the first incident.

It really takes a lot to get to me and after being told I needed to change my appearance and doing so, and still not being up to standards with the company, I'm thinking the job may just be too much, especially when I was on the verge of tears yesterday at the end of my shift.

Some are telling me I should consider legal action over the matter, but I just don't know. I guess for now it will be more of my stubbornness and a wait and see kind of thing.
Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.


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And Then One Thing Leads To Another

Ever had one of those bad days where one thing leads to another? And even though you might try to keep reminding yourself, this day will be great after the negative event, it just doesn't work?

My day started with being extremely tired, but I managed to get a small nap in after I took the kids to school. Then it was off to work or so I thought. My van's battery was dead due to a quick and hasty exit from one of the kids and my lack of knowledge and knowing better. 2 minutes before work and I was catching a ride from my husband thanks to that darn dead battery.

So once I got to work I suddenly realized I wasn't working with the scheduled manager, but one of the top dogs. Surprise! What an impression I must have made! Then our system went down to accept checks. Another Surprise! Next, I forgot to take a few security sensors off of the merchandise for one of our customers. Surprise again! And on the way home, I realize my kidney pain is back or maybe I should say, never really went away. And finally, I discovered we have a lot less money than what was originally thought. Hmmm. Don't we all!

So now that this day has ended I'm left with the kidney pain and extra hours at work, which out of it all can be a positive event. I just hope my day goes better, tomorrow.
Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.


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The Road Less Traveled

There comes a time in life when you really have to sit down and think about what you want to hold onto and what you should be letting go of. But it's also hard to just let go when you've been holding on for so long.

There are so many things in my life that I know I should be letting go of and then there's so many things in my life that I know I should be holding onto, and while they're still a lot of things I need to work through, I also know I have a long road ahead of me. It will take some time, but someday I will be where I've relieved to be in life. And I know part of that will involve my babies, the love of my life and the things I'm passionate about, like my writing.

But even my writing will change because what I'm really passionate about is writing stories. That's where my heart lies. And while I've really like being a freelance writer and learning about so many subjects such as marketing, entertainment, health, investments and beauty, it's just not where I want to be, but for now it is fascinating and it does pay the bills.

What about you? Is there another road you should be taking, instead of the one you're traveling now? I mean really, how many of us are traveling the road we are meant to be traveling on and how many of us are walking a path that we have been forced down? I think it is time we take the path, road or what ever you may want call it that we are meant to be on, don't you?


Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.


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Liver Dumplings and that Overwhelming Feeling I Get When I'm Doing Nothing

I've been trying to write a blog post at least once a day, but it's not working. And sadly, it's not because I don't have enough time. I worked 2 hours Monday and haven't worked since then. Yet, I really did nothing over the last few days, except write one article. I feel like I'm overwhelmed with too much on my plate, yet in reality I'm not. And it certainly didn't help that when I woke up this morning I felt like I slept too much, when I had my usual 8 hours.

Maybe I'm just bored and want to be doing what I love the most, which I am just a little and I'm thankful for my boss for that, or maybe I'm just plain lazy and have given up on everything. Or maybe it's depression setting in because I haven't seen my kids in so long. Or maybe it's my body out of whack or my monthly PMS cycle due to start in about a week. Who knows.

Whatever it is, I need to be fighting it and fast. Yesterday my body reminded me of my anemia and my iron level plummeted so badly that I was really weak and I mean really weak. So I took two iron pills and made liver dumplings for dinner, which really surprising, was delicious!

One thing I do know is that when I make a schedule, I tend to get things done and I haven't made a schedule in a while now. I think I will do that when I get home from work today. After all, I'm only working 2 hours, so I should be able to accomplish a lot and get out of this ho hum drum feeling. We'll See.



Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.




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Time to Rethink

I've been doing a lot of thinking today and sometimes that can be a good thing and somethings it can be a bad thing. Today it's a good thing, although I don't think everyone will absolutely love my decision. But what happen was this. I started out having a great day and before I knew it, it plummeted into a sad day. I know that not every day of my life will be a great day, but when there's no reason for a sad day to even be involved, it's time to rethink what I'm doing with my life and I'll just leave it at that for now. And of course there will be some who will assume and their assumption will be wrong, but that's okay too. :)


Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.


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No Other Option

I haven't worked on my novel, "The Generation" in about two weeks now and I know if I don't do something with it soon, it may be a very long time before I will be able to do something with it again. I'm hoping to at least get a paragraph or two written of it, tonight. But for now, I've been trying to increase ways to bring more income into the household again since my job away from home isn't bringing in much money for now.

Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing by not working nights and just dealing with the major health issues that I was experiencing from my last job. I certainly hope not. But, I believe things will work out in the end. After all, they have to. There is no other option.



Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.



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Years Ago

My uncle who was married into the family, had a nephew who could have benefited from an acne scar removal product had it been as available 19 years ago as it is today.

I remember him well because his scars were very bad and I often wondered how much it affected his social life. I know I remember one of my cousins whispering behind his back about his acne problem and how gross it looked, so I can only imagine how hurtful strangers were to him.

I know I'm thankful I don't have acne scars, even though I can admit to the occasional crazy pimple breakout, thanks to work. I just hope for those who are suffering through those teenage and even adult hormone scars today, that you'll keep your head high no matter how bad the situation seems.

Have a Little Faith in Me

Exactly how I am feeling right now.....

"Have a little faith in me" by John Hiatt

When the road gets dark
And you can no longer see
Just let my love throw a spark
And have a little faith in me
And when the tears you cry
Are all you can believe
Just give these loving arms a try
And have a little faith in me

Have a little faith in me
Have a little faith in me

And when your secret heart
Cannot speak so easily
Come here darling, from a whisper start
And have a little faith in me
And when your back's against the wall
Just turn around and you, you will see
I will catch you, I will catch your fall
Just have a little faith in me

Have a little faith in me
Have a little faith in me

Cause I've been loving you, for such a long, long time
Expecting nothing in return
Just for you to have a little faith in me
You see time, time is our friend
Cause for us, there is no end
And all you gotta do, is have a little faith in me
I will hold you up, I will hold you up
And your love, gives me strength enough to
Have a little faith in me
Hey hey
All you gotta do for me girl
Is have a little faith in me






Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter and you visit her official website at www.theinsanewriter.com.



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