For the better part of September I’ve been “away” from blogging due to a horrible misfortune in our family. My wonderful, loving father passed away on the 13th. The circumstances were totally unexpected and heart breaking.

After putting off a trip back east three times, my dad really wanted to get to Pennsylvania for his 60th reunion. He also really wanted to take a trip for the following week to Maine with my sister – he loved lobster! At 77, this incredible individual – totally self sufficient – in marvelous health (172 lbs., size 34′s, blood pressure ideal, walked 3-5 miles every day, ate perfectly balanced meals) – got on a plane here in Las Vegas. Less than 24 hours later I received a call (I won’t go into the details of HOW the message was delivered, but trust me forgiveness may be a long time coming) that he had had a heart attack and was gone.

Devastated at the loss of my father, the lone survivor in the “grandfather” category (already having lost my mom to ALS and both my husband’s mom and dad gone), it has been a rough September.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boost Mobile. All opinions are 100% mine.

Currently, I’m one of the few left on the planet that does not (apparently) own a cell phone. However, due to living arrangements around here, getting a mobile phone is moving higher and higher up on my list of “must haves”. My reason is simple… I no longer trust my car. Sad but true (and a whole other story).

So today when I came across Boost Mobile I jumped at the opportunity to see what programs and services they provide.

One feature I noticed right off the bat was the ability to manage my account online. Their other options also include paying in person or paying by phone, but I’m partial to online access. It’s easier to keep records that way (and if you run a business online that comes in very handy). Called Re-Boost, you can use either a credit card or your debit card, or just eliminate the “worry” completely and sign up for automatic payments.

That out of the way, in my brain, I wanted to see what types of phones are available. Of course, the ever popular Blackberry is one of many choices in phones, and also has a very attractive monthly plan.

What I love about the Blackberry offer in particular is the “unlimited” idea. I mean how in the world would anyone be able to guess how many minutes they will or will not use each month? Having unlimited, nationwide coverage is best. Being able to talk, text, browse the internet and check email… all critical features to me.

I just found another MUST HAVE feature to me… No contracts! Boost Mobile is looking better and better the more I look around their website, yeah!

So it comes down to price. Keep in mind, I’ve shopped around – both online and offline – and I like what I see at Boost Mobile (and I’m willing to bet you will, too). In fact, their Blackberry Unlimited is so attractive, I’m not even going to post the price – you’ll want to visit for yourself (it’s that good)!

Let’s face it, you’d have to be blind to not have noticed the wide-spread use of mobile technology. While I advocate strongly NOT talking and texting while driving, I do see real value in staying connected say via Facebook or Twitter, and especially checking emails, when one is not sitting at home on the computer. Heck, with unlimited everything, you can even take your Blackberry into the living room, and during television commercials, keep up with your social life and/or your business.

Sounds like real freedom to me!

Again, I’m shopping. But Boost Mobile’s Reboost program is looking like a clear winner to me

I’ve got to admit I’m not a huge fan of “opera”, however when I got this in my inbox I didn’t know what to expect.

Jackie Evancho, from Pittsburg, PA… well trust me even if you’re not a fan of opera, after listening to these, you won’t be thinking the same thing. (I still doubt I’ll run out and buy any records, but… WOW!)

Jackie advances to the Semi-Finals (of course):

We all plot our strategies for life. Some choose just to get by; others work their tails off to make it happen.

Family obviously means the world to Jackie, and the support she gets at home – well we’d all be happy to receive just a third

This is one little girl that should inspire you to always do your best – no matter what life throws at you!

Happy Labor Day!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

Consider that even though you may be gainfully employed, the numbers of unemployed are staggering. Why did, and do, some people keep their jobs while others have lost their income? Does continuing education account for the difference? And, more importantly, ask yourself, “Could this happen to me? Could I lose my job?”

If you’re questioning which above category you fall into – whether you keep your job or find yourself without a job – either way, one obvious solution is to pursue furthering your education. While numerous industries have taken a hit, there remain fields such as teaching, that will always need more educators.

However, setting yourself apart from the crowd is also an even better idea. This means selecting the best of the best when it comes to getting your Master’s degree.

Of course the challenge of time is a variable most people cannot afford to overlook. However, with the internet, nothing makes it easier to earn a Master of Arts in Education degree then doing so online. Which brings us to the USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC program, where you gain the advantage of highly-interactive learning along with field-based experience.

The USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC program information is easy to access (just click that link). You’ll find that their accelerated system allows you to complete your Master’s degree in just 12 months. Yes, one year from now and you’ve earned yourself a leading edge degree, and you open up another level, one where teaching positions pay more, sometimes much more.

Earning the AACTE Award for “innovative use of technology in education”, the MAT@USC program is, obviously, highly regarded. And, to make it easier for you personally to attend, they have developed assistance by way of a tuition reimbursement program.

Attaining your Master’s from a university ranked #22 in the country (and #9 in private universities based on a U.S. News and World Report), gaining access to the top USC faculty who are recognized for their contributions in education, and becoming one of the USC Trojan Family Elite are just a few of the many benefits MAT@USC provides its students.

Time and distance no longer matter, not since you can attend your classes online, and work at your own pace from the comfort of your home.

In addition, as a MAT@USC student, you have the identical full status and access to benefits just as those who attend via a campus setting receive. Yes, this includes commencement ceremonies and a lifetime free Alumni Association membership.

Enhance your job security, or switch professions, quickly and easily. Investigate what USC Rossier has to offer.