December 31, 2007
Loving Presence
Surround Yourself With Love
In our everyday life we are surrounded by a variety of people. Some of the people we deal with on a daily basis are a joy to be with, and their loving presence nurtures and encourages us. Others may have the opposite effect, draining us of our energy, making us feel tired and exhausted. Our well-being can be easily influenced by those around us, and if we can keep this in mind, we will have greater insights into the quality of our social interactions and their energetic effect on us.
Once we think more deeply about the people we interact with, it becomes easier for us to work toward filling our lives with people who help us cultivate healthy and positive relationships. Even though it might not always seem like we have much control over who we are with, we do. The power to step back from toxicity lies within us. All we have to do is take a few moments to reflect on how another person makes you feel. Assessing the people we spend the most time with allows us to see if they add something constructive to, or subtract from, our lives. Should a friend sap our strength, for example, we can simply set the intention to tell them how we feel or simply spend less time with them. We will find that the moment we are honest with ourselves about our own feelings, the more candid we can be with others about how they make us feel. While this may involve some drastic changes to our social life it can bring about a personal transformation that will truly empower us, since the decision to live our truth will infuse our lives with greater happiness.
When we surround ourselves with positive people, we clear away the negativity that exists around us and create more room to welcome nurturing energy. Doing this not only enriches our lives but also envelopes us in a supportive and healing space that fosters greater growth, understanding, and love of ourselves as well as those we care about.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Catching up on JJ
Spoke to my niece, Jules, just before Christmas, and told her I stopped blogging about JJ because he drives me nuts. Lives right next door and drops in at least every other day and at 25 years of age has all the arrogance and inexperience of youth. She pointed out that given that, he provides interesting material in a blog. She's probably right.
JJ has broken up with Tish at least ten times since the last time I wrote about them. She's the beautiful stripper he met while DJ-ing at a strip club where she's the virtual star stripper among a lot of scrawny strippers that do nothing for the audience of mostly men who drink too much and spend a lot of money tipping the girls for their pole dances or private audiences in side rooms where they allegedly do everything except provide sex. The club is called Lollipops and he tells me most of the dancers there have children but are single, and really need the money either for drugs or to support their children, or both. Tish is very tall, has hair down to her butt, and doesn't do any drugs except for pot, and has a little boy who's half black. As far as that particular club goes, she's the star dancer who the guys wait for whilst buying ridiculously overpriced drinks and getting snockered. When she finally appears, she can make around $300-400 per night in tips just for teasing the guys.
So now he's been seeing her for a few months with several breakups in between. He's seen other girls who are not strippers, and she's slept with other guys who mean nothing to her just 'cause that's the way it is. She's 21 and JJ is 25.
For some time he couldn't deal with her son being half black, but then all of a sudden he'd stop by and tell us how great she was for taking her pole dancing so seriously that she'd even spent money on DVD's that taught her specific dancing skills that would get her bigger tips, and apparently it worked. Suddenly he was praising her for taking her "work" seriously. I've always been blatantly honest with JJ, and asked him if he thought she was his dream woman, and as far as sexual desire, she was.
They broke up a zillion times because one or the other had sex with someone else, but eventually he said they'd gotten to a point in their relationship where they'd had deep feelings for one another and didn't know what to do with those feelings. It was obvious to me that he was falling in love with her and could no longer find fault with anything she did. Even her son, who he couldn't deal with for so long, was becoming acceptable and he was pointing out her virtues as a mother. I knew at that point that he was a lost cause.
They worked through those times and made some sort of commitment where they'd both stop sleeping with other people and remain true to only each other. I had to listen to his trumpeting of her sexual skills which I didnt' want to hear, and his frequent comments about women in general who he seemed to respect very little.
At this point he's done his usual schtick with her and gotten her to give up stripping and get a job in the Wing House where the waitresses (servers) wear short shorts and get great tips. He's gone through a thing with his dad who completely opposed his seeing a woman with a mixed-race child, and decided to forge ahead anyway. Tish bought a three-bedroom house in Clearwater apparently with money she was able to save as a stripper (which didn't take long) and we haven't seen him for weeks. I asked him if he would be moving in with her and he said that would never happen, although I'm not sure why he's still paying rent next door unless it's sort of a "safe house" for him when it doesn't work out with her.
Her son, Kai, is a beautiful little boy with no apparent social skills since he spends no time around any other children. He cries the minute she walks out the door and never quits until he falls asleep, unless he's with JJ who he's now gotten used to.
JJ bought Tish a diamond ring for Christmas which he says is definitely NOT an engagement ring. He also once said that he felt that a good sexual relationship was at least eighty percent of what was needed for things to work out, and I told him he was nuts. I tried to explain, with Steve in agreement, that sex was just a small part of any relationship's success, but that patience, understanding, communication and self-love were the greatest factors in the success of any relationship. He just plain didn't accept that.
He convinced Tish to give up stripping and he gave up his job at an exclusive high-end strip club in Tampa as some demonstration of their feelings for one another. I told him it reminded me of the show on Broadway called "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" and it wouldn't work. He did the same thing with his previous girlfriend who ended up having so many issues in her past that they crept up on her and blew up the situation. Tish, like most women who turn to stripping to earn money, has issues in her past that haven't reared their ugly head yet, but I'm certain they will.
JJ has broken up with Tish at least ten times since the last time I wrote about them. She's the beautiful stripper he met while DJ-ing at a strip club where she's the virtual star stripper among a lot of scrawny strippers that do nothing for the audience of mostly men who drink too much and spend a lot of money tipping the girls for their pole dances or private audiences in side rooms where they allegedly do everything except provide sex. The club is called Lollipops and he tells me most of the dancers there have children but are single, and really need the money either for drugs or to support their children, or both. Tish is very tall, has hair down to her butt, and doesn't do any drugs except for pot, and has a little boy who's half black. As far as that particular club goes, she's the star dancer who the guys wait for whilst buying ridiculously overpriced drinks and getting snockered. When she finally appears, she can make around $300-400 per night in tips just for teasing the guys.
So now he's been seeing her for a few months with several breakups in between. He's seen other girls who are not strippers, and she's slept with other guys who mean nothing to her just 'cause that's the way it is. She's 21 and JJ is 25.
For some time he couldn't deal with her son being half black, but then all of a sudden he'd stop by and tell us how great she was for taking her pole dancing so seriously that she'd even spent money on DVD's that taught her specific dancing skills that would get her bigger tips, and apparently it worked. Suddenly he was praising her for taking her "work" seriously. I've always been blatantly honest with JJ, and asked him if he thought she was his dream woman, and as far as sexual desire, she was.
They broke up a zillion times because one or the other had sex with someone else, but eventually he said they'd gotten to a point in their relationship where they'd had deep feelings for one another and didn't know what to do with those feelings. It was obvious to me that he was falling in love with her and could no longer find fault with anything she did. Even her son, who he couldn't deal with for so long, was becoming acceptable and he was pointing out her virtues as a mother. I knew at that point that he was a lost cause.
They worked through those times and made some sort of commitment where they'd both stop sleeping with other people and remain true to only each other. I had to listen to his trumpeting of her sexual skills which I didnt' want to hear, and his frequent comments about women in general who he seemed to respect very little.
At this point he's done his usual schtick with her and gotten her to give up stripping and get a job in the Wing House where the waitresses (servers) wear short shorts and get great tips. He's gone through a thing with his dad who completely opposed his seeing a woman with a mixed-race child, and decided to forge ahead anyway. Tish bought a three-bedroom house in Clearwater apparently with money she was able to save as a stripper (which didn't take long) and we haven't seen him for weeks. I asked him if he would be moving in with her and he said that would never happen, although I'm not sure why he's still paying rent next door unless it's sort of a "safe house" for him when it doesn't work out with her.
Her son, Kai, is a beautiful little boy with no apparent social skills since he spends no time around any other children. He cries the minute she walks out the door and never quits until he falls asleep, unless he's with JJ who he's now gotten used to.
JJ bought Tish a diamond ring for Christmas which he says is definitely NOT an engagement ring. He also once said that he felt that a good sexual relationship was at least eighty percent of what was needed for things to work out, and I told him he was nuts. I tried to explain, with Steve in agreement, that sex was just a small part of any relationship's success, but that patience, understanding, communication and self-love were the greatest factors in the success of any relationship. He just plain didn't accept that.
He convinced Tish to give up stripping and he gave up his job at an exclusive high-end strip club in Tampa as some demonstration of their feelings for one another. I told him it reminded me of the show on Broadway called "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" and it wouldn't work. He did the same thing with his previous girlfriend who ended up having so many issues in her past that they crept up on her and blew up the situation. Tish, like most women who turn to stripping to earn money, has issues in her past that haven't reared their ugly head yet, but I'm certain they will.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Another Reason Aging Sucks
Looking in the shopping mall for a cotton nightgown, I decided to try my luck in a store that was known for its hot lingerie. Well, to my delight, I found just what I was looking for.
Waiting in the queue to pay, out the corner of my eye I notice a young lady behind me, holding exactly the same nightgown I had picked.
Naturally, this confirmed what I had suspected all along: despite being the wrong side of 50, I still have a very 'with it' attitude.
"I see we have the same taste," I said proudly to the 20-something behind me.
"Yes," she replied. "I'm getting this for my grandmother."
Waiting in the queue to pay, out the corner of my eye I notice a young lady behind me, holding exactly the same nightgown I had picked.
Naturally, this confirmed what I had suspected all along: despite being the wrong side of 50, I still have a very 'with it' attitude.
"I see we have the same taste," I said proudly to the 20-something behind me.
"Yes," she replied. "I'm getting this for my grandmother."
Need some new comments?
1. Thank you - we're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
2. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
3. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
4. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
5. I have plenty of talent and vision; I just don't care.
6. I like you. You remind me of when I was young and inexperienced.
7. What am I - flypaper for freaks!?
8. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
9. I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
10. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.
11. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off.
12. Yes, he is an agent of Satan, but his duties are largely ceremonial.
13. No, my powers can only be used for good.
14. How about never? Is never good for you?
15. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to worship me.
16. Your idea seems reasonable... Time to up my medication.
17. I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter.
18. I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message...
19. I don't work here. I'm a consultant.
20. Who me? I just wander from room to room.
21. My toys! My toys! I can't do this job without my toys!
22. It might look like I'm doing nothing, but at the cellular level I'm really quite busy.
23. At least I have a positive attitude about my destructive habits.
24. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
25. I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
26. Someday, we'll look back on this, laugh nervously, and change the subject.
2. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
3. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
4. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
5. I have plenty of talent and vision; I just don't care.
6. I like you. You remind me of when I was young and inexperienced.
7. What am I - flypaper for freaks!?
8. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
9. I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
10. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.
11. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off.
12. Yes, he is an agent of Satan, but his duties are largely ceremonial.
13. No, my powers can only be used for good.
14. How about never? Is never good for you?
15. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to worship me.
16. Your idea seems reasonable... Time to up my medication.
17. I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter.
18. I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message...
19. I don't work here. I'm a consultant.
20. Who me? I just wander from room to room.
21. My toys! My toys! I can't do this job without my toys!
22. It might look like I'm doing nothing, but at the cellular level I'm really quite busy.
23. At least I have a positive attitude about my destructive habits.
24. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
25. I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
26. Someday, we'll look back on this, laugh nervously, and change the subject.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Always Break Your Resolutions?
Are you sick of making the same resolutions year after year that you never keep? Why not promise to do something you can actually accomplish? Here are some resolutions that you can use as a starting point:
1. Gain weight. At least 30 pounds.
2. Stop exercising. Waste of time.
3. Read less. Makes you think.
4. Watch more TV. I've been missing some good stuff.
5. Procrastinate more. Starting tomorrow.
6. Not date any of the Baywatch cast.
7. Spend more time at work, surfing with the T1.
8. Take a vacation to someplace important: like, to see the largest ball of twine.
9. Not jump off a cliff just because everyone else did.
10. Stop bringing lunch from home: I should eat out more.
11. Not have eight children at once.
12. Get in a whole NEW rut!
13. Start being superstitious.
14. Personal goal: bring back disco.
15. Not wrestle with Jesse Ventura.
16. Buy an '83 Eldorado and invest in a really loud stereo system.
17. Get the car windows tinted. Buy some fur for the dash.
18. Speak in a monotone voice and only use monosyllabic words.
19. Only wear jeans that are 2 sizes too small and use a chain or rope for a belt.
20. Spend my summer vacation in Cyberspace.
21. Not eat cloned meat.
22. Create loose ends.
23. Get more toys.
24. Get further in debt.
25. Not believe politicians.
26. Break at least one traffic law.
27. Not drive a motorized vehicle across thin ice.
28. Avoid transmission of inter-species diseases.
29. Avoid airplanes that spontaneously drop 1000 feet.
30. Not swim with pirhanas or sharks.
31. Associate with even worse business clients.
32. Spread out priorities beyond my ability to keep track of them.
33. Wait around for opportunity.
34. Focus on the faults of others.
35. Mope about my faults.
36. Never make New Year's resolutions again.
1. Gain weight. At least 30 pounds.
2. Stop exercising. Waste of time.
3. Read less. Makes you think.
4. Watch more TV. I've been missing some good stuff.
5. Procrastinate more. Starting tomorrow.
6. Not date any of the Baywatch cast.
7. Spend more time at work, surfing with the T1.
8. Take a vacation to someplace important: like, to see the largest ball of twine.
9. Not jump off a cliff just because everyone else did.
10. Stop bringing lunch from home: I should eat out more.
11. Not have eight children at once.
12. Get in a whole NEW rut!
13. Start being superstitious.
14. Personal goal: bring back disco.
15. Not wrestle with Jesse Ventura.
16. Buy an '83 Eldorado and invest in a really loud stereo system.
17. Get the car windows tinted. Buy some fur for the dash.
18. Speak in a monotone voice and only use monosyllabic words.
19. Only wear jeans that are 2 sizes too small and use a chain or rope for a belt.
20. Spend my summer vacation in Cyberspace.
21. Not eat cloned meat.
22. Create loose ends.
23. Get more toys.
24. Get further in debt.
25. Not believe politicians.
26. Break at least one traffic law.
27. Not drive a motorized vehicle across thin ice.
28. Avoid transmission of inter-species diseases.
29. Avoid airplanes that spontaneously drop 1000 feet.
30. Not swim with pirhanas or sharks.
31. Associate with even worse business clients.
32. Spread out priorities beyond my ability to keep track of them.
33. Wait around for opportunity.
34. Focus on the faults of others.
35. Mope about my faults.
36. Never make New Year's resolutions again.
Mind Over Matter
December 28, 2007
Culling Out The Weeds
Mind Over Matter
The power of the mind is a curious thing, because it is so powerful yet so difficult to control sometimes. We find ourselves thinking a certain way, knowing that this thought may be creating trouble for us yet we find it difficult to stop. For example, many people have the experience of getting sick at the same time every year or every time they go on a plane. They may even be aware that their beliefs impact their experiences, so continue to think they will get sick and then they do.
Sometimes we need to get sick in order to process something or move something through our bodies. But often we get sick, or feel exhausted, because we don�t make the effort to galvanize the power of our minds in the service of our physical health, which is one of its most important functions. We really can use it to communicate to our bodies, yet we often regard the two as separate entities that have little to do with one another.
Knowing this, we have the power to create physical health and mental health, simply by paying attention to the tapes running in our minds. Once we hear ourselves, we have the option to let that tape keep running or to make a new recording. We harness the power of the mind in our defense when we choose supportive, healing words that foster good health and high spirits. All we need to do is remember to tend the field of our mind with the attentive and loving hand of a master gardener tending her flower beds, culling out the weeds so that the blossoms may come to fruition.
Culling Out The Weeds
Mind Over Matter
The power of the mind is a curious thing, because it is so powerful yet so difficult to control sometimes. We find ourselves thinking a certain way, knowing that this thought may be creating trouble for us yet we find it difficult to stop. For example, many people have the experience of getting sick at the same time every year or every time they go on a plane. They may even be aware that their beliefs impact their experiences, so continue to think they will get sick and then they do.
Sometimes we need to get sick in order to process something or move something through our bodies. But often we get sick, or feel exhausted, because we don�t make the effort to galvanize the power of our minds in the service of our physical health, which is one of its most important functions. We really can use it to communicate to our bodies, yet we often regard the two as separate entities that have little to do with one another.
Knowing this, we have the power to create physical health and mental health, simply by paying attention to the tapes running in our minds. Once we hear ourselves, we have the option to let that tape keep running or to make a new recording. We harness the power of the mind in our defense when we choose supportive, healing words that foster good health and high spirits. All we need to do is remember to tend the field of our mind with the attentive and loving hand of a master gardener tending her flower beds, culling out the weeds so that the blossoms may come to fruition.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Got Duct Tape?
The next time you really need something to do and you happen to have duct tape, paper towels, a scissor and a cardboard box, you can make yourself a new purse! Think of the money you'll save! Who really needs a $300 Coach bag anyway? Check it out!
http://www.jfsdaily.com/2007/12/how_to_make_a_purse_out_of_ele.htm
http://www.jfsdaily.com/2007/12/how_to_make_a_purse_out_of_ele.htm
That's the way they all became...
TV show creator Sherwood Schwartz originally intended the title of "The Brady Bunch" series to be "Yours and Mine." Gene Hackman was the first choice to play Mike Brady, but Paramount turned him down as an unknown television actor.
For the life of me, I can't picture Gene Hackman as Mike Brady, even though I hated the show, and it probably wouldn't have made any difference anyway. The only person I liked on the show was Alice, their housekeeper. But then I'm no authority on old family TV shows -- I once had a huge crush on Bud of "Father Knows Best". Don't even ask me why now 'cause I can't remember.
I also had a crush on Tony Dow who played The Beaver's brother -- don't know why that was the case either! The biggest heartthrob was Paul Peterson on "The Donna Reed Show" and I DO remember why -- he was so cute and cute was very important back then. I still watch reruns of "Leave It To Beaver" sometimes when I'm depressed. I wanted to be part of the Cleaver family because they always had such sweet and totally unrealistic ways of solving all their problems as a family. And the boys were always saying "Gee Dad" and Mother Cleaver was always worried about the Beaver.
I read that the guy who played Eddy Haskell on that show became a cop somewhere around Los Angeles, and the actor who played Lumpy has a license plate on his car with that name -- cool!
For the life of me, I can't picture Gene Hackman as Mike Brady, even though I hated the show, and it probably wouldn't have made any difference anyway. The only person I liked on the show was Alice, their housekeeper. But then I'm no authority on old family TV shows -- I once had a huge crush on Bud of "Father Knows Best". Don't even ask me why now 'cause I can't remember.
I also had a crush on Tony Dow who played The Beaver's brother -- don't know why that was the case either! The biggest heartthrob was Paul Peterson on "The Donna Reed Show" and I DO remember why -- he was so cute and cute was very important back then. I still watch reruns of "Leave It To Beaver" sometimes when I'm depressed. I wanted to be part of the Cleaver family because they always had such sweet and totally unrealistic ways of solving all their problems as a family. And the boys were always saying "Gee Dad" and Mother Cleaver was always worried about the Beaver.
I read that the guy who played Eddy Haskell on that show became a cop somewhere around Los Angeles, and the actor who played Lumpy has a license plate on his car with that name -- cool!
Monday, December 24, 2007
British Trivia
The London Ambulance Service has put a special vehicle on the streets to help treat people who may have had too much to drink at their Christmas office parties.
The vehicle, which can hold up to five "celebrants," is referred to as the "Booze Bus" or "Vomit Comet."
The vehicle, which can hold up to five "celebrants," is referred to as the "Booze Bus" or "Vomit Comet."
Seasonal Trivia
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
Long before it was used as a "kiss encourager" during the Christmas season, mistletoe had long been considered to have magic powers by Celtic and Teutonic peoples. It was said to have the ability to heal wounds and increase fertility. Celts hung mistletoe in their homes in order to bring themselves good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Wish I'd known that before I went to the Wound Care Center!
Long before it was used as a "kiss encourager" during the Christmas season, mistletoe had long been considered to have magic powers by Celtic and Teutonic peoples. It was said to have the ability to heal wounds and increase fertility. Celts hung mistletoe in their homes in order to bring themselves good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Wish I'd known that before I went to the Wound Care Center!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Tragic Newsflash
Green beans are being recalled because of a risk of botulism! What'll I do? What'll I eat? Is it possible to have botulism for a couple of days, or just long enough to lose 50 pounds? Now, for THAT I'd eat tarnished green beans, for ONLY for that!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Cool Website
Got this via e-mail today, and I remember paying five bucks to get this at a state fair once! It's kinda fun.
http://www.jfsdaily.com/2007/12/the_year_you_were_born.htm
http://www.jfsdaily.com/2007/12/the_year_you_were_born.htm
Pitiful Statistic
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
Per the results of a three-year Christmas study performed by the Center for Lifestyle Management, an average of 10 hours are spent the last week of December arguing and bickering with family members about holiday-related activities.
Yeah, I believe it...
Per the results of a three-year Christmas study performed by the Center for Lifestyle Management, an average of 10 hours are spent the last week of December arguing and bickering with family members about holiday-related activities.
Yeah, I believe it...
Friday, December 21, 2007
Can't Help Myself
What do you call a bunch of grandmasters of chess bragging about their games in a hotel lobby?
Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.
Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Sleep Positions I Miss
I've always gone to sleep on my belly with Roly Poly Ole leaning against my head whilst I scratch her belly. Since my knee surgery I haven't been able to lay on my stomach until last night. My kneecap has to be perfectly placed before it can happen, and it only lasts for about two hours before it starts to throb, but that's a form of progress as far as I'm concerned. Can't sleep on my left side 'cause they must've snipped some muscle next to my knee that won't allow it, so for a full month I slept only on my right side. I never woke up because I was done sleeping, but because my right hip was getting tired of supporting my ultra-petite body -- not!
I can even walk without the cane sometimes now, although there's still somewhat of a limp, and I'd never try it in public 'cause I still don't trust that leg. The surgical wound is all healed except for being a little pinkish!
Called my doctor today to see when she wanted me to have my blood drawn for the blood thinner I'm still on. She told me to come and see her at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow --I responded, "Are you crazy? That's the middle of the night for me!" She wasn't very sympathetic. She's leaving for Peru on Saturday to see her family so I don't have much choice. She's one of the nicest and most concerned physicians I've ever had, and she also enjoys me as a patient. She probably has a lot of hillbilly-type patients in this county so it's probably a great thrill to see a person who can actually read!
I can even walk without the cane sometimes now, although there's still somewhat of a limp, and I'd never try it in public 'cause I still don't trust that leg. The surgical wound is all healed except for being a little pinkish!
Called my doctor today to see when she wanted me to have my blood drawn for the blood thinner I'm still on. She told me to come and see her at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow --I responded, "Are you crazy? That's the middle of the night for me!" She wasn't very sympathetic. She's leaving for Peru on Saturday to see her family so I don't have much choice. She's one of the nicest and most concerned physicians I've ever had, and she also enjoys me as a patient. She probably has a lot of hillbilly-type patients in this county so it's probably a great thrill to see a person who can actually read!
Birds on the Brain
There was an egret across the river again today just wandering in the mud at low tide. He appeared to be a little taller than yesterday's bird, and I'm wondering now if they live in gangs, sort of like the meerkats on "Meerkat Manor" where they also all look alike but are able to tell each other apart. What I don't get is why it's always just one bird, and not a few. Perhaps they like to leave the gang once in awhile and meditate in the mud or something. Or perhaps I need to cut back even more on my Vicodin!
I thought today's egret would look great with a red festive ribbon around its' neck, but that would be as challenging as trying to put a ribbon on a cat!
I thought today's egret would look great with a red festive ribbon around its' neck, but that would be as challenging as trying to put a ribbon on a cat!
Did you know...
... that today is Dogsled Mail Day? In 1928, the first international dogsled mail left Minot, Maine, for Montreal, Quebec. A regular 8' mushing sled weighing 200 lbs. was pulled by 6 blackhead Eskimo dogs, averaging 9 mph. The mail pouch
contained 385 letters. The sled returned on February 2nd, passing through 4 states and provinces and 118 cities, covering 600 miles.
It's important for me to keep you up to date on these important factoids.
contained 385 letters. The sled returned on February 2nd, passing through 4 states and provinces and 118 cities, covering 600 miles.
It's important for me to keep you up to date on these important factoids.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
From My Friend Karen
Christmas Eating Tips
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single- malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes.
Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single- malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes.
Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Nuts We Love Besides Relatives
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
The cashew is part of a fruit called a "cashew apple" that grows in
tropical regions. After harvesting, the cashew apple keeps for only
24 hours before the soft fruit deteriorates. The cashew apple is not
commercially important since it spoils quickly, but local people love
the fruit. To harvest the nut, the ripe apple is allowed to fall to
the ground where natives easily gather it. The apple and nut are
separated.
Who knew?
The cashew is part of a fruit called a "cashew apple" that grows in
tropical regions. After harvesting, the cashew apple keeps for only
24 hours before the soft fruit deteriorates. The cashew apple is not
commercially important since it spoils quickly, but local people love
the fruit. To harvest the nut, the ripe apple is allowed to fall to
the ground where natives easily gather it. The apple and nut are
separated.
Who knew?
On Government Mostly
"Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress.... But then I repeat myself." Tom Underwood
"I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle."
- Winston Churchill
"A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul."
- George Bernard Shaw
"A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money." - G. Gordon Liddy
"Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner." - James Bovard, Civil Libertarian (1994)
"Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries." - Douglas Casey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University
"Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys."
- P.J. O'Rourke, Civil Libertarian
"Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else."
- Frederic Bastiat, French Economist (1801-1850)
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.”
- Ronald Reagan (1986)
"I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts."
- Will Rogers
"If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free!"
- P.J. O'Rourke
"In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other."
- Voltaire (1764)
"Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you!
- Pericles (430 B.C.)
"No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session.
- Mark Twain (1866)
"The government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other." - Ronald Reagan
"The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery." - Winston Churchill
"The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin."
- Mark Twain
"The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools."
- Herbert Spencer, English Philosopher (1820-1903)
"There is no distinctly Native American criminal class...save Congress." - Mark Twain
"What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.” - Edward Langley, Artist (1928 - 1995)
"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."-Thomas Jefferson
"Talk is cheap...except when Congress does it."
- Thomas G Underwood
"I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle."
- Winston Churchill
"A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul."
- George Bernard Shaw
"A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money." - G. Gordon Liddy
"Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner." - James Bovard, Civil Libertarian (1994)
"Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries." - Douglas Casey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University
"Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys."
- P.J. O'Rourke, Civil Libertarian
"Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else."
- Frederic Bastiat, French Economist (1801-1850)
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.”
- Ronald Reagan (1986)
"I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts."
- Will Rogers
"If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free!"
- P.J. O'Rourke
"In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other."
- Voltaire (1764)
"Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you!
- Pericles (430 B.C.)
"No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session.
- Mark Twain (1866)
"The government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other." - Ronald Reagan
"The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery." - Winston Churchill
"The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin."
- Mark Twain
"The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools."
- Herbert Spencer, English Philosopher (1820-1903)
"There is no distinctly Native American criminal class...save Congress." - Mark Twain
"What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.” - Edward Langley, Artist (1928 - 1995)
"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."-Thomas Jefferson
"Talk is cheap...except when Congress does it."
- Thomas G Underwood
Curves and Control
December 18, 2007
Letting The Curves Take You
Control
Trying to maintain control in this life is a bit like trying to maintain control on a roller coaster. The ride has its own logic and is going to go its own way, regardless of how tightly you grip the bar. There is a thrill and a power in simply surrendering to the ride and fully feeling the ups and downs of it, letting the curves take you rather than fighting them. When you fight the ride, resisting what’s happening at every turn, your whole being becomes tense and anxiety is your close companion. When you go with the ride, accepting what you cannot control, freedom and joy will inevitably arise.
As with so many seemingly simple things in life, it is not always easy to let go, even of the things we know we can’t control. Most of us feel a great discomfort with the givens of this life, one of which is the fact that much of the time we have no control over what happens. Sometimes this awareness comes only when we have a stark encounter with this fact, and all our attempts to be in control are revealed to be unnecessary burdens. We can also cultivate this awareness in ourselves gently, by simply making surrender a daily practice. At the end of our meditation, we might bow, saying, “I surrender to this life.” This simple mantra can be repeated as necessary throughout the day, when we find ourselves metaphorically gripping the safety bar.
We can give in to our fear and anxiety, or we can surrender to this great mystery with courage. When we see people on a roller coaster, we see that there are those with their faces tight with fear and then there are those that smile broadly, with their hands in the air, carried through the ride on a wave of freedom and joy. This powerful image reminds us that often the only control we have is choosing how we are going to respond to the ride.
Letting The Curves Take You
Control
Trying to maintain control in this life is a bit like trying to maintain control on a roller coaster. The ride has its own logic and is going to go its own way, regardless of how tightly you grip the bar. There is a thrill and a power in simply surrendering to the ride and fully feeling the ups and downs of it, letting the curves take you rather than fighting them. When you fight the ride, resisting what’s happening at every turn, your whole being becomes tense and anxiety is your close companion. When you go with the ride, accepting what you cannot control, freedom and joy will inevitably arise.
As with so many seemingly simple things in life, it is not always easy to let go, even of the things we know we can’t control. Most of us feel a great discomfort with the givens of this life, one of which is the fact that much of the time we have no control over what happens. Sometimes this awareness comes only when we have a stark encounter with this fact, and all our attempts to be in control are revealed to be unnecessary burdens. We can also cultivate this awareness in ourselves gently, by simply making surrender a daily practice. At the end of our meditation, we might bow, saying, “I surrender to this life.” This simple mantra can be repeated as necessary throughout the day, when we find ourselves metaphorically gripping the safety bar.
We can give in to our fear and anxiety, or we can surrender to this great mystery with courage. When we see people on a roller coaster, we see that there are those with their faces tight with fear and then there are those that smile broadly, with their hands in the air, carried through the ride on a wave of freedom and joy. This powerful image reminds us that often the only control we have is choosing how we are going to respond to the ride.
Shaving Tip?
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
Amish men shave until they marry; then they grow a beard.
Wonder what marriage and facial hair have in common...
Amish men shave until they marry; then they grow a beard.
Wonder what marriage and facial hair have in common...
Monday, December 17, 2007
Guys -- Keep Those Razors Sharp!
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
Beards are the fastest growing hairs on the human body. If the
average man never trimmed his beard, it would grow to nearly
30 feet long in his lifetime.
Beards are the fastest growing hairs on the human body. If the
average man never trimmed his beard, it would grow to nearly
30 feet long in his lifetime.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
My Egret Research Continues
The tide of the river is low again, and there's an egret wading in the mud, but in a slightly different location than before. Either he/she has gotten more adventurous, or it's a different bird whose GPS isn't working too well. It's an ongoing quandry...
Every Breath I Take
Today's research finding on Fox News says that overweight people are at a higher risk for having bad breath. I think I already knew this subconsciously 'cause I always carry Tic Tacs in my purse...
Talk to the Animals???
One legend from Europe is that at midnight, as Christmas Eve turns into
Christmas Day, animals can speak for one hour. However, animals may not
choose to speak to people and the legend warns that people might not
always want to hear what the animals have to say!
I wonder if they swear as much as their people...
Christmas Day, animals can speak for one hour. However, animals may not
choose to speak to people and the legend warns that people might not
always want to hear what the animals have to say!
I wonder if they swear as much as their people...
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Something to Believe In
I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process.... It may not be true, but do I dare take the chance?
Unknown
Unknown
Regarding Kindness
Kindness Quotes
Posted: 12 Dec 2007 12:40 PM CST
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
~ The Dalai Lama
In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.
~ The Dalai Lama
It is difficult to make a man miserable while he feels worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him
~ Abraham Lincoln
“Kind words, kind looks, kind acts and warm handshakes, these are means of grace when men in trouble are fighting their unseen battles.”
~ John Hall
It’s your unlimited power to care and to love that can make the biggest difference in the quality of your life.
~ Anthony Robbins
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.
~ Mother Teresa
Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.
~ Blaise Pascal
Posted: 12 Dec 2007 12:40 PM CST
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
~ The Dalai Lama
In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.
~ The Dalai Lama
It is difficult to make a man miserable while he feels worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him
~ Abraham Lincoln
“Kind words, kind looks, kind acts and warm handshakes, these are means of grace when men in trouble are fighting their unseen battles.”
~ John Hall
It’s your unlimited power to care and to love that can make the biggest difference in the quality of your life.
~ Anthony Robbins
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.
~ Mother Teresa
Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.
~ Blaise Pascal
Running Away from Home
Had to get out today just for the sake of getting out, so we went to Walgreen's to pick up stocking stuffers for each other. Using a shopping cart as a walker, I did pretty well for someone who just got a new knee one month ago today. By the time I managed to get up the steps back home I was sweating like a marathon runner! It really felt good to get out though, and we bought lots of wonderful silly things for each other. We wrapped stuff in opposite bedrooms with no peeking allowed.
It's obvious that Mom gets out a lot more than me lately -- well, not out of her building, but out and about nonetheless. Tried to call her twice yesterday and got no answer -- she was at various social or church events, and today she was helping her vision-impaired neighbor, Irene, write Christmas cards to family members. Irene sent checks to relatives -- Mom would write out the checks and Irene would sign them. Told Mom that if she were a truly evil person, she could've spent Christmas in the Bahamas!!!
My nurse, Deanna, is coming for the last time tomorrow and will then discharge me from home care. She's been doing my weekly blood tests for me and faxing them to my doctor to adjust Coumadin (blood thinner) levels for me. Deanna has a son in Iraq and we've talked about that a lot -- she's a nice person and a very good and caring nurse and I'll miss her.
It's obvious that Mom gets out a lot more than me lately -- well, not out of her building, but out and about nonetheless. Tried to call her twice yesterday and got no answer -- she was at various social or church events, and today she was helping her vision-impaired neighbor, Irene, write Christmas cards to family members. Irene sent checks to relatives -- Mom would write out the checks and Irene would sign them. Told Mom that if she were a truly evil person, she could've spent Christmas in the Bahamas!!!
My nurse, Deanna, is coming for the last time tomorrow and will then discharge me from home care. She's been doing my weekly blood tests for me and faxing them to my doctor to adjust Coumadin (blood thinner) levels for me. Deanna has a son in Iraq and we've talked about that a lot -- she's a nice person and a very good and caring nurse and I'll miss her.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A Different Take on Boredom
December 12, 2007
Fanning The Creative Flames
Boredom
The human mind thrives on novelty. What was once a source of pleasure can become tedious after a time. Though our lives are full, boredom lurks around every corner because we innately long for new experiences. Yet boredom by its very nature is passive. In this idle state of mind, we may feel frustrated at our inability to channel our mental energy into productive or engaging tasks. We may even attempt to lose ourselves in purposeless or self-destructive pursuits. While this can be a sign of depression, it can also be an invitation issued from your mind, asking you to challenge yourself. Boredom can become the motivation that drives you to learn, explore the exotic, experiment, and harness the boundless creative energy within.
In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, boredom is perceived as a pathway to self-awareness. Boredom itself is not detrimental to the soul—it is the manner in which we respond to it that determines whether it becomes a positive or a negative influence in our lives. When you respond by actively filling the emptiness you feel lurking in yourself, you cultivate creativity and innovation. If, when in the grip of boredom, you have difficulty acknowledging the merits of any activities you might otherwise enjoy, generate your own inspiration. Before you find yourself beset by boredom, create a list of tasks you can consult when it feels like there is simply nothing to do. Referring to a list of topics you want to learn more about, projects you’ve yet to begin, or even pending chores can spark your creative energy and reawaken your zest for life.
When we are troubled by boredom, it is not that there is nothing to do but rather that we are not stimulated by the options before us. A bored mind can be the canvas upon which innovation is painted and the womb in which novelty is nourished. When you identify boredom as a signal that you need to test your boundaries, it can be the force that presses you to strive for opportunities you thought were beyond your reach and to indulge your desire for adventure.
Fanning The Creative Flames
Boredom
The human mind thrives on novelty. What was once a source of pleasure can become tedious after a time. Though our lives are full, boredom lurks around every corner because we innately long for new experiences. Yet boredom by its very nature is passive. In this idle state of mind, we may feel frustrated at our inability to channel our mental energy into productive or engaging tasks. We may even attempt to lose ourselves in purposeless or self-destructive pursuits. While this can be a sign of depression, it can also be an invitation issued from your mind, asking you to challenge yourself. Boredom can become the motivation that drives you to learn, explore the exotic, experiment, and harness the boundless creative energy within.
In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, boredom is perceived as a pathway to self-awareness. Boredom itself is not detrimental to the soul—it is the manner in which we respond to it that determines whether it becomes a positive or a negative influence in our lives. When you respond by actively filling the emptiness you feel lurking in yourself, you cultivate creativity and innovation. If, when in the grip of boredom, you have difficulty acknowledging the merits of any activities you might otherwise enjoy, generate your own inspiration. Before you find yourself beset by boredom, create a list of tasks you can consult when it feels like there is simply nothing to do. Referring to a list of topics you want to learn more about, projects you’ve yet to begin, or even pending chores can spark your creative energy and reawaken your zest for life.
When we are troubled by boredom, it is not that there is nothing to do but rather that we are not stimulated by the options before us. A bored mind can be the canvas upon which innovation is painted and the womb in which novelty is nourished. When you identify boredom as a signal that you need to test your boundaries, it can be the force that presses you to strive for opportunities you thought were beyond your reach and to indulge your desire for adventure.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
More than you wanted to know about Tea
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
Tea was discovered in China more than 5,000 years ago. Tea is the most
popular drink beverage in the world – next to water. The tea that graces
tables in virtually every country around the globe comes from the same
plant: Camellia sinensis, a member of the evergreen family. From the
leaves of this one plant spring three basic types of tea: black, green,
and oolong, and more than 3,000 varieties.
Tea was discovered in China more than 5,000 years ago. Tea is the most
popular drink beverage in the world – next to water. The tea that graces
tables in virtually every country around the globe comes from the same
plant: Camellia sinensis, a member of the evergreen family. From the
leaves of this one plant spring three basic types of tea: black, green,
and oolong, and more than 3,000 varieties.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Christmas Factoids
The average American takes six months to pay off holiday credit-card bills.
Pogonophobia: the fear of beards.
There are currently 78 people named S. Claus living in the U.S. -- and one Kriss Kringle.
December is the most popular month for nose jobs.
Weight of Santa's sleigh loaded with one Beanie Baby for every kid on earth: 333,333 tons.
Number of reindeer required to pull a 333,333-ton sleigh: 214,206 -- plus Rudolph.
Average wage of a mall Santa: $11 an hour. With real beard: $20.
To deliver his gifts in one night, Santa would have to make 822.6 visits per second, sleighing at 3,000 times the speed of sound. At that speed, Santa and his reindeer would burst into flame instantaneously.
Pogonophobia: the fear of beards.
There are currently 78 people named S. Claus living in the U.S. -- and one Kriss Kringle.
December is the most popular month for nose jobs.
Weight of Santa's sleigh loaded with one Beanie Baby for every kid on earth: 333,333 tons.
Number of reindeer required to pull a 333,333-ton sleigh: 214,206 -- plus Rudolph.
Average wage of a mall Santa: $11 an hour. With real beard: $20.
To deliver his gifts in one night, Santa would have to make 822.6 visits per second, sleighing at 3,000 times the speed of sound. At that speed, Santa and his reindeer would burst into flame instantaneously.
Low Tide Phenomena
When I'm sitting in front of my computer, I have a clear view of the river flowing in from the Gulf of Mexico past our building. When the tide is low I've noticed a white egret wading in the mud on the other side of the river pecking at unknown things on the ground. For awhile I thought it was the same egret who just had a penchant for that particular spot on the riverbank, but now I'm wondering if perhaps it's a different egret every day. Do they have meetings where they vote for the egret who gets to wade in the mud that day? It's a quandry because they really all do look alike -- is that racist?
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Holiday Trivia
Just in time for the Holiday Season, I found this little useless fact:
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male
and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer
drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November
to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers until after they
give birth in the spring.
Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's
reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to
be a girl.
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male
and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer
drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November
to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers until after they
give birth in the spring.
Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's
reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to
be a girl.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Food for Thought
Sending Yourself Sunshine
Good Thoughts For The Day
When things go wrong, it is easy to get into a bad mood, and that bad mood has a way of spiraling out and affecting our life for days to come. In the same way, when we feel badly about ourselves, we tend to act in ways that have repercussions, again creating a negative vibe that can negatively influence the next several days. While it is important that we allow ourselves to feel what we feel, and to be genuine, we do not have to completely surrender to a dark mood or feelings of self-doubt. In fact, the more we simply allow and accept our darkness as one part of the picture, the more easily we can also allow and accept our light. In this vein, we can temper our grey moods with an injection of sunshine in the form of sending good wishes to ourselves for the next 24 hours.
If you feel a bad mood coming on or find yourself plagued with negative feelings, take a moment to acknowledge that. At the same time, recognize that things can and will change, and that you can still have a good day, or a good week, especially if you take the time to visualize that for yourself. This is a great way to support yourself when you are working through tough times and hard feelings. When you visualize good things for yourself, you are sending yourself love and warmth, as well as encouraging yourself to keep going.
Before you even get out of bed in the morning, you can take the time to send good wishes to yourself all the way through to the next morning. As you picture your day, take the time to fill in the details where you are going, who you will see, what you will do and send love and good wishes ahead to yourself, as well as everyone you encounter. It will be like arriving in a new place and finding that an old friend has sent a bouquet of flowers from back home to welcome you and remind you that you are loved.
By the way, I didn't write it, but it says a lot.
Good Thoughts For The Day
When things go wrong, it is easy to get into a bad mood, and that bad mood has a way of spiraling out and affecting our life for days to come. In the same way, when we feel badly about ourselves, we tend to act in ways that have repercussions, again creating a negative vibe that can negatively influence the next several days. While it is important that we allow ourselves to feel what we feel, and to be genuine, we do not have to completely surrender to a dark mood or feelings of self-doubt. In fact, the more we simply allow and accept our darkness as one part of the picture, the more easily we can also allow and accept our light. In this vein, we can temper our grey moods with an injection of sunshine in the form of sending good wishes to ourselves for the next 24 hours.
If you feel a bad mood coming on or find yourself plagued with negative feelings, take a moment to acknowledge that. At the same time, recognize that things can and will change, and that you can still have a good day, or a good week, especially if you take the time to visualize that for yourself. This is a great way to support yourself when you are working through tough times and hard feelings. When you visualize good things for yourself, you are sending yourself love and warmth, as well as encouraging yourself to keep going.
Before you even get out of bed in the morning, you can take the time to send good wishes to yourself all the way through to the next morning. As you picture your day, take the time to fill in the details where you are going, who you will see, what you will do and send love and good wishes ahead to yourself, as well as everyone you encounter. It will be like arriving in a new place and finding that an old friend has sent a bouquet of flowers from back home to welcome you and remind you that you are loved.
By the way, I didn't write it, but it says a lot.
Back in the Human Race
Bad Steve has gone back into his pod, and good Steve has come out, thankfully. If you ever want to truly test your relationship, one of you should be nearly totally helpless and need everything done by the other person, and neither one of you should be allowed to go out for a full week. Not only will you have cabin fever, you'll start to detest the sight of one another. We survived it and are back to whatever normal is for us.
It hasn't even been a month since my surgery and I'm already walking with a cane! So I'm not terribly steady with it, but it's coming along. I have to do icky leg exercises three times a day or more, but it really makes a difference in terms of range of motion.
My very limited Chrismas shopping is all being accomplished via the internet this year, and it's been kind of fun. By the time stuff comes in the mail, I don't remember what I ordered!
It hasn't even been a month since my surgery and I'm already walking with a cane! So I'm not terribly steady with it, but it's coming along. I have to do icky leg exercises three times a day or more, but it really makes a difference in terms of range of motion.
My very limited Chrismas shopping is all being accomplished via the internet this year, and it's been kind of fun. By the time stuff comes in the mail, I don't remember what I ordered!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Drivel
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
Dating back to the 1600s, thermometers were filled with brandy instead of mercury.
Dating back to the 1600s, thermometers were filled with brandy instead of mercury.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Taking Steps
I'm still here -- actually made it down the steps of our building yesterday to go to the doctor's office. I can almost bend my leg 90 degrees now and they were quite pleased. Coming back up the stairs when we got home took a little longer, but wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated. Today I feel like I ran a marathon!
I use ice packs on my knee at least three times a day for the swelling. Actually, they're not ICE packs, but usually a bag of frozen corn or blueberries wrapped in a towel. Hey -- whatever works! Don't have to go back for a month! She gave me a referral for outpatient physical therapy which I'm not going to arrange for awhile since I'm not charged anything for the PT who comes to our apartment, but will have a co-pay once I go outpatient.
Went through several days of nasty depression which I feel was probably from the meds I've had to take for pain. It's better now though. I even suggested to Steve that he go to NY and stay with his mom for a week or two just 'cause he was driving me nuts!
Can't sit on this computer chair for very long at a time since the muscle in the back of my leg really starts to throb. Will try to be more consistent in the future. It's also a form of online therapy for me.
I use ice packs on my knee at least three times a day for the swelling. Actually, they're not ICE packs, but usually a bag of frozen corn or blueberries wrapped in a towel. Hey -- whatever works! Don't have to go back for a month! She gave me a referral for outpatient physical therapy which I'm not going to arrange for awhile since I'm not charged anything for the PT who comes to our apartment, but will have a co-pay once I go outpatient.
Went through several days of nasty depression which I feel was probably from the meds I've had to take for pain. It's better now though. I even suggested to Steve that he go to NY and stay with his mom for a week or two just 'cause he was driving me nuts!
Can't sit on this computer chair for very long at a time since the muscle in the back of my leg really starts to throb. Will try to be more consistent in the future. It's also a form of online therapy for me.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Skin Conditions
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
The average person's total skin covering would weigh about 6 pounds
if collected in one mass.
In my case, it would cover about an acre!!!
The average person's total skin covering would weigh about 6 pounds
if collected in one mass.
In my case, it would cover about an acre!!!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The Therapist from Hell
A nurse from a home health agency showed up yesterday as ordered by my surgeon. She's great, gentle, experienced and concerned. She'll be back tomorrow to draw blood since I'm back on the blood thinners again.
Later yesterday the Nazi physical therapist showed up. I knew immediately that he was going to be one of "those" therapists who lumps all his patients into one, has no sympathy at all, and really doesn't care about my pain. He's built like Arnold Schwarzenegger and uses intimidation and guilt to get what he wants. He pushes and pushes and pushes to the point of nearly making me either cry or scream, and then told me I'll never get anywhere by trying to baby myself. I didn't get any sleep last night at all because of pain brought on by the exercises he forced on me. I called the agency today and asked them to send someone less aggressive, and explained that I've been dealing with physical therapists since my first knee surgery in 1983 and I've never met anyone like this guy. I'm more than willing to work to strengthen my leg, but not with this guy. With any kind of therapist, whether it be mental health or physical health, I've always done better with more nurturing types who have a sense of humor.
The agency called again to assign a new and improved therapist who'll come by tomorrow. They didn't seem surprised to hear that I found the first guy to be a bit overly aggressive.
Later yesterday the Nazi physical therapist showed up. I knew immediately that he was going to be one of "those" therapists who lumps all his patients into one, has no sympathy at all, and really doesn't care about my pain. He's built like Arnold Schwarzenegger and uses intimidation and guilt to get what he wants. He pushes and pushes and pushes to the point of nearly making me either cry or scream, and then told me I'll never get anywhere by trying to baby myself. I didn't get any sleep last night at all because of pain brought on by the exercises he forced on me. I called the agency today and asked them to send someone less aggressive, and explained that I've been dealing with physical therapists since my first knee surgery in 1983 and I've never met anyone like this guy. I'm more than willing to work to strengthen my leg, but not with this guy. With any kind of therapist, whether it be mental health or physical health, I've always done better with more nurturing types who have a sense of humor.
The agency called again to assign a new and improved therapist who'll come by tomorrow. They didn't seem surprised to hear that I found the first guy to be a bit overly aggressive.
Item from History
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
On this day in 1863, President Lincoln traveled out from Washington,
D.C., to Gettysburg, Pennsylvannia, to help dedicate a cemetery.
Just five months earlier, the battle that turned the tide of the
Civil War had been fought there. Lincoln spoke for less than two
minutes. Some in the crowd missed it. "The world will little note,
nor long remember what we say here," Lincoln said. Yet the
Gettysburg Address is one of the most treasured reminders of liberty
and human dignity in any language.
Go Abe!
On this day in 1863, President Lincoln traveled out from Washington,
D.C., to Gettysburg, Pennsylvannia, to help dedicate a cemetery.
Just five months earlier, the battle that turned the tide of the
Civil War had been fought there. Lincoln spoke for less than two
minutes. Some in the crowd missed it. "The world will little note,
nor long remember what we say here," Lincoln said. Yet the
Gettysburg Address is one of the most treasured reminders of liberty
and human dignity in any language.
Go Abe!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Home Again, Home Again
Well, I'm once again home with the help of MedFleet, a team of four huge Pasco County firefighters who managed to get me up the steps on a stretcher. These were not guys who would be confused with wimps. Doubt that I'll find myself in that situation ever again (sadly). One of the guys was 31 years old, and the others referred to him as the "old man".
I found out yesterday before I was discharged that when the surgical drainage tube was removed from my knee, I bled like a stuck pig. Guess I was really mentally confused with the blood loss and they gave me two units of blood to replace what I lost. The surgeon was even a little shook up about it.
The home health nurse came by yesterday and was concerned about a very hot area on my lower leg, but it seems better today. I stepped on the wrong leg yesterday and I'm certain that the scream you heard was probably me. I've never felt that level of pain in my life and I couldn't stop crying. Today the back of that leg is all black and blue. We are now waiting for a call from the physical therapist who'll be coming by soon.
I move really carefully and my marathon days have been put on hold. Don't look behind you though -- I might be there. Not sure how often I'll be blogging, but at least it gets me into another room, another view.
I found out yesterday before I was discharged that when the surgical drainage tube was removed from my knee, I bled like a stuck pig. Guess I was really mentally confused with the blood loss and they gave me two units of blood to replace what I lost. The surgeon was even a little shook up about it.
The home health nurse came by yesterday and was concerned about a very hot area on my lower leg, but it seems better today. I stepped on the wrong leg yesterday and I'm certain that the scream you heard was probably me. I've never felt that level of pain in my life and I couldn't stop crying. Today the back of that leg is all black and blue. We are now waiting for a call from the physical therapist who'll be coming by soon.
I move really carefully and my marathon days have been put on hold. Don't look behind you though -- I might be there. Not sure how often I'll be blogging, but at least it gets me into another room, another view.
A Little Cat-ti-tude
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
Since housecats are clean and their coats are dry and glossy, their
fur easily becomes charged with electricity. Sparks can be seen if
their fur is rubbed in the dark.
Since housecats are clean and their coats are dry and glossy, their
fur easily becomes charged with electricity. Sparks can be seen if
their fur is rubbed in the dark.
Monday, November 12, 2007
All Systems Go
Tomorrow I get my new knee which I'm both looking forward to and dreading. Saw the cardiologist again today and all was well heart-wise so he gave me the final clearance for takeoff. Just wish I could beam up to about a week from today when the initial pain is over, and the real work begins. Maybe by this time next year I'll be ready for the Ironman Competition! Wish me luck!
Talk About Timely!
I got this via e-mail today from a site that sends me a daily motivation which often fits as well as this one:
Stronger Than You Know
Getting Ourselves Worked Up
Our capacity to cope successfully with life's challenges far outstrips our capacity to feel nervousness. Yet in the weeks, days, and hours leading up to an event that we believe will test our limits, we can become nervous. While we may have previously regarded ourselves as equal to the trials that lie ahead, we reach a point at which they near and our anxiety begins to mount. We then become increasingly worked up, until the moment of truth arrives and we discover that our worry was all for nothing. We are almost always stronger and more capable than we believe ourselves to be. But anxiety is not rational in nature, which means that in most cases we cannot work through it using logic as our only tool. Reason can help us recognize the relative futility of unwarranted worry but, more often than not, we will find more comfort in patterns of thought and activity that redirect our attention to practical or engaging matters.
Most of us find it remarkably difficult to focus on two distinct thoughts or emotions at once, and we can use this natural human limitation to our advantage when trying to stay centered in the period leading up to a potentially tricky experience. When we concentrate on something unrelated to our worry—such as deep breathing, visualizations of success, pleasurable pursuits, or exercise—anxiety dissipates naturally. Meditation is also a useful coping mechanism as it provides us with a means to ground ourselves in the moment. Our guides can aid us by providing us with a focal point wholly outside of our own sphere.
The intense emotional flare-up you experience just before you are set to challenge yourself is often a mixture of both excitement and fear. When you take steps to eliminate the fear, you can more fully enjoy the excitement. Though you may find it difficult to avoid getting worked up, your awareness of the forces acting on your feelings will help you return to your center and accept that few hurdles you will face will be as high as they at first appear.
Stronger Than You Know
Getting Ourselves Worked Up
Our capacity to cope successfully with life's challenges far outstrips our capacity to feel nervousness. Yet in the weeks, days, and hours leading up to an event that we believe will test our limits, we can become nervous. While we may have previously regarded ourselves as equal to the trials that lie ahead, we reach a point at which they near and our anxiety begins to mount. We then become increasingly worked up, until the moment of truth arrives and we discover that our worry was all for nothing. We are almost always stronger and more capable than we believe ourselves to be. But anxiety is not rational in nature, which means that in most cases we cannot work through it using logic as our only tool. Reason can help us recognize the relative futility of unwarranted worry but, more often than not, we will find more comfort in patterns of thought and activity that redirect our attention to practical or engaging matters.
Most of us find it remarkably difficult to focus on two distinct thoughts or emotions at once, and we can use this natural human limitation to our advantage when trying to stay centered in the period leading up to a potentially tricky experience. When we concentrate on something unrelated to our worry—such as deep breathing, visualizations of success, pleasurable pursuits, or exercise—anxiety dissipates naturally. Meditation is also a useful coping mechanism as it provides us with a means to ground ourselves in the moment. Our guides can aid us by providing us with a focal point wholly outside of our own sphere.
The intense emotional flare-up you experience just before you are set to challenge yourself is often a mixture of both excitement and fear. When you take steps to eliminate the fear, you can more fully enjoy the excitement. Though you may find it difficult to avoid getting worked up, your awareness of the forces acting on your feelings will help you return to your center and accept that few hurdles you will face will be as high as they at first appear.
Strange Website
Check out this website when you have nothing better to do. Pick how you're feeling right now and then get taken to a random website. Pretty cool.
If you get taken to a cool site, leave a comment and let me know about it!
http://www.bored.com/moodsurfer/index.php
If you get taken to a cool site, leave a comment and let me know about it!
http://www.bored.com/moodsurfer/index.php
The Truth about Root Beer
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
Root Beer was invented in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1898 by Edward Adolf Barq, Sr.
No wonder Barq's root beer is so good!
Root Beer was invented in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1898 by Edward Adolf Barq, Sr.
No wonder Barq's root beer is so good!
Grumpy Meets Angst
Contemplating major surgery, trying to quit smoking, and getting flack about my weight causes me just a tiny bit of angst. Steve was really grumpy today for many of the same reasons, but from his standpoint. He knows what to expect from my surgery from his own point of view, he's on Chantix and is still smoking (although a lot less), and he doesn't have a clue how hard it is for me to lose weight. I am truly an emotional eater, and when I eat, it's usually something sweet. Chocolate soothes my soul like nothing else can do. He'll point out how he was once 15 pounds heavier and how hard it was to lose that extra weight. Fifteen pounds to lose would seem like nothing to me! I'm certain that I've lost and gained 1,000 pounds in my lifetime. I've been through enough relationships by this time to know that it's just not worth it NOT to express myself if I have something to say. Suppressing it and then resenting having to hide my feelings has never worked for me.
One way or the other, this too shall pass.
One way or the other, this too shall pass.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Strange Stuff
42 Weird Things You Would Never Know!!
1.) A shrimp's heart is in its head.
2.) The 'sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick' is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.
3.) Rats multiply so quickly that in 18 months, two rats could have over a million descendants.
4.) Wearing headphones for just an hour will increase the bacteria in your ear by 700 times.
5.) If the government has no knowledge of aliens, then why does Title 14, Section 1211 of the Code of Federal Regulations, implemented on July 16, 19 69 make it illegal for U. S. citizens to have any contact with extraterrestrials or their vehicles?
6.) In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere.
7.) A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.
8.) 23% of all photocopier faults world-wide are caused by people sitting on them and photocopying their butts.
9.) Most lipstick contains fish scales
10.) Like fingerprints, everyone's tongue print is different.
11.) If you sneeze too hard you can fracture a rib. If you try to suppress a sneeze you can rupture a blood vessel in your head or neck and die. If you keep your eyes open by force they can pop out.
12.) In a study of 200,000 ostriches over a period of 80 years, no one reported a single case where an ostrich buried its head in the sand.
13.) It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.
14.) A pregnant goldfish is called a twit.
15.) More than 50% of the people in the world have never made or received a telephone call.
16.) Horses can't vomit.
17.) Butterflies taste with their feet.
18.) In 10 minutes, a category three hurricane releases more energy than all of the world's nuclear weapons combined.
19.) On average 100 people choke to death on ballpoint pens every year.
20.) On average people fear spiders more than they do death.
21.) Ninety percent of New York City cabbies are recently arrived immigrants.
22.) Thirty-five percent of the people who use personal ads for dating are already married.
23.) Elephants are the only animals that can't jump.
24.) Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older.
25.) It's possible to lead a cow upstairs... but not downstairs.
26.) Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
27.) It is physically impossible for you to lick your elbow.
28.) The Main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building.
29.) A snail can sleep for three years.
30.) No word in the English language rhymes with 'MONTH.'
31.) Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.
32.) The electric chair was invented by a dentist.
33.) All polar bears are left handed.
34.) In ancient Egypt, priests plucked EVERY hair from their bodies, including their eyebrows and eyelashes.
35.) An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
36.) TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters on only one row of the keyboard.
37.) 'Go,' is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.
38.) If Barbie were life-size, her measurements would be 39-23-33. She would stand 7 feet, 2 inches tall.
39.) A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.
40.) The cigarette lighter was invented before the match.
41.) Americans on average eat 18 acres of pizza every day.
42.) Almost everyone who reads this email will try to lick their elbow.
1.) A shrimp's heart is in its head.
2.) The 'sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick' is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.
3.) Rats multiply so quickly that in 18 months, two rats could have over a million descendants.
4.) Wearing headphones for just an hour will increase the bacteria in your ear by 700 times.
5.) If the government has no knowledge of aliens, then why does Title 14, Section 1211 of the Code of Federal Regulations, implemented on July 16, 19 69 make it illegal for U. S. citizens to have any contact with extraterrestrials or their vehicles?
6.) In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere.
7.) A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.
8.) 23% of all photocopier faults world-wide are caused by people sitting on them and photocopying their butts.
9.) Most lipstick contains fish scales
10.) Like fingerprints, everyone's tongue print is different.
11.) If you sneeze too hard you can fracture a rib. If you try to suppress a sneeze you can rupture a blood vessel in your head or neck and die. If you keep your eyes open by force they can pop out.
12.) In a study of 200,000 ostriches over a period of 80 years, no one reported a single case where an ostrich buried its head in the sand.
13.) It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.
14.) A pregnant goldfish is called a twit.
15.) More than 50% of the people in the world have never made or received a telephone call.
16.) Horses can't vomit.
17.) Butterflies taste with their feet.
18.) In 10 minutes, a category three hurricane releases more energy than all of the world's nuclear weapons combined.
19.) On average 100 people choke to death on ballpoint pens every year.
20.) On average people fear spiders more than they do death.
21.) Ninety percent of New York City cabbies are recently arrived immigrants.
22.) Thirty-five percent of the people who use personal ads for dating are already married.
23.) Elephants are the only animals that can't jump.
24.) Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older.
25.) It's possible to lead a cow upstairs... but not downstairs.
26.) Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
27.) It is physically impossible for you to lick your elbow.
28.) The Main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building.
29.) A snail can sleep for three years.
30.) No word in the English language rhymes with 'MONTH.'
31.) Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.
32.) The electric chair was invented by a dentist.
33.) All polar bears are left handed.
34.) In ancient Egypt, priests plucked EVERY hair from their bodies, including their eyebrows and eyelashes.
35.) An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
36.) TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters on only one row of the keyboard.
37.) 'Go,' is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.
38.) If Barbie were life-size, her measurements would be 39-23-33. She would stand 7 feet, 2 inches tall.
39.) A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.
40.) The cigarette lighter was invented before the match.
41.) Americans on average eat 18 acres of pizza every day.
42.) Almost everyone who reads this email will try to lick their elbow.
Non-Fattening Food for Thought
A Matter Of Priorities
Letting Go Of The Little Stuff
We experience numerous disappointments each and every day. Our expectations go unmet, our plans are blocked by circumstance, our wishes go unfulfilled, and we discover that our lives are subject to a myriad of forces beyond our conscious control. In some cases, our response is powerful because we must invest ourselves and our resources to overcome genuine hardship. In others, our reactions are far more passionate than our circumstances likely warrant. The tension that permeates our bodies and minds when we are late for an event, interrupted at work, or sitting in traffic is not inappropriate, but it can interfere with our well-being in profound ways. When we stop worrying about relatively unimportant matters, we can be at peace and devote so much more of ourselves to what is truly important.
The small frustrations and irritations wield such power over us because they rob us of the illusion of control. But every problem is a potential teacher—a confusing situation is an opportunity to practice mindfulness, and difficult people provide us with opportunities to display compassion. There is a natural human tendency to invest copious amounts of emotional energy in minor dilemmas and frustrations in order to avoid confronting those more complex issues that are largely outside the realm of our control. The intensity of our response provides us with a temporary sense of personal power that helps us cope with challenges that might otherwise overwhelm us. But it is only when we let the little stuff go that we discover that the big stuff is not really so devastating after all.
In the stress of a singularly tense incident, differentiating between an inconsequential annoyance and a legitimate challenge can seem a monumental task. Ask yourself whether the emotions you are feeling will be as vivid in a year, a day, or even an hour. As focused as you are on this moment in time, your reward for letting go of your emotional investment may be the very happiness and harmony of being whose loss you are lamenting. Needless aggravation is seldom worth the cost it exacts. You cannot distance yourself from life's inconsistencies, irritations, and upheavals, but you can relinquish your desire for perfect order and gain peace of mind in the process.
Letting Go Of The Little Stuff
We experience numerous disappointments each and every day. Our expectations go unmet, our plans are blocked by circumstance, our wishes go unfulfilled, and we discover that our lives are subject to a myriad of forces beyond our conscious control. In some cases, our response is powerful because we must invest ourselves and our resources to overcome genuine hardship. In others, our reactions are far more passionate than our circumstances likely warrant. The tension that permeates our bodies and minds when we are late for an event, interrupted at work, or sitting in traffic is not inappropriate, but it can interfere with our well-being in profound ways. When we stop worrying about relatively unimportant matters, we can be at peace and devote so much more of ourselves to what is truly important.
The small frustrations and irritations wield such power over us because they rob us of the illusion of control. But every problem is a potential teacher—a confusing situation is an opportunity to practice mindfulness, and difficult people provide us with opportunities to display compassion. There is a natural human tendency to invest copious amounts of emotional energy in minor dilemmas and frustrations in order to avoid confronting those more complex issues that are largely outside the realm of our control. The intensity of our response provides us with a temporary sense of personal power that helps us cope with challenges that might otherwise overwhelm us. But it is only when we let the little stuff go that we discover that the big stuff is not really so devastating after all.
In the stress of a singularly tense incident, differentiating between an inconsequential annoyance and a legitimate challenge can seem a monumental task. Ask yourself whether the emotions you are feeling will be as vivid in a year, a day, or even an hour. As focused as you are on this moment in time, your reward for letting go of your emotional investment may be the very happiness and harmony of being whose loss you are lamenting. Needless aggravation is seldom worth the cost it exacts. You cannot distance yourself from life's inconsistencies, irritations, and upheavals, but you can relinquish your desire for perfect order and gain peace of mind in the process.
Friday, November 9, 2007
DOES the Beat Go On?
Had the nuclear stress test today -- kind of a strange experience. Since I'm unable to test on the treadmill because of my rotten knee, they first injected me with a radioisotope, took a scan, then hooked you up to some kind of EKG machine and started an IV with a vasodilator (medication that opens up the blood vessels) and rapidly see how the heart works when stressed. That part was weird and I felt like I was going to stop breathing! My whole body felt really hot and my face was really flushed -- kind of like an induced hot flash. Spooky, but the doctor checked my blood pressure about six times during that part and I think I passed, but won't know until Monday. I'm just glad it's over.
Shortly after I got home, the surgeon's office called to let me know that my bloodwork was normal, but I have a slight urinary tract infection. I asked the nurse why I don't have any symptoms (burning, peeing a lot, etc.) and she said it happens all the time. Now I have to start on an antibiotic for that!
It seems like I'm encountering lots of road blocks on my way to this knee surgery. Is there some kind of message in that? Perhaps I'm supposed to limp the rest of my life and eat Vicodin like jellybeans?
Shortly after I got home, the surgeon's office called to let me know that my bloodwork was normal, but I have a slight urinary tract infection. I asked the nurse why I don't have any symptoms (burning, peeing a lot, etc.) and she said it happens all the time. Now I have to start on an antibiotic for that!
It seems like I'm encountering lots of road blocks on my way to this knee surgery. Is there some kind of message in that? Perhaps I'm supposed to limp the rest of my life and eat Vicodin like jellybeans?
Are you Marathon Prepared?
Read in the St. Pete Times today that the Ironman World Championship will be in Clearwater starting Saturday. 1,500 triathletes are expected to compete -- if you can do the following and finish first, you win:
A 1.2 mile swim on Clearwater Beach
A 56-mild bike course
A 13.1 mile run, mainly through Clearwater
Let me know if you'd like to sign up -- I'll let them know.
A 1.2 mile swim on Clearwater Beach
A 56-mild bike course
A 13.1 mile run, mainly through Clearwater
Let me know if you'd like to sign up -- I'll let them know.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Heartbreak?
Saw the cardiologist today -- the EKG said I have a "nonspecific ventricular block and bradycardia" -- bradycardia (slow heart rate) I've been told I've had for 20 years. As for the block, I'm scheduled for a stress EKG tomorrow, although not the kind on a treadmill because my rotten knee couldn't do it. It's called a Thallium stress test where they inject radioactive isotopes and then take nuclear scans of the heart. If it goes well, I may still be able to have my knee done next week. Won't know until Monday when I see this guy again for results. Wish me luck!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Limping A Little Longer
Went to the hospital for pre-op testing today -- it took a couple of hours. By the time we got home, there was a message on the machine that my doctor wanted me to call her. Finally reached her and she informed me that my EKG was abnormal, so I'd need cardiac clearance before I could have the knee replacement. Got an appointment with a cardiologist tomorrow, but his nurse said it was doubtful that they could finish all the required testing for clearance by Tuesday when the surgery is currently scheduled. Bummer -- I have more time to be anxious.
Seems that as I get older, medical stuff becomes a little more complicated. Because of my history of infections, I'll be started on IV Vancomycin the morning of surgery. Vanco is a really powerful antibiotic that has to be closely monitored via one's blood so it doesn't become toxic.
Personally, I'd like to just get this done and plan to request a one-month induced coma during which time I'll receive physical therapy, and be able to walk when I awaken in December!
Seems that as I get older, medical stuff becomes a little more complicated. Because of my history of infections, I'll be started on IV Vancomycin the morning of surgery. Vanco is a really powerful antibiotic that has to be closely monitored via one's blood so it doesn't become toxic.
Personally, I'd like to just get this done and plan to request a one-month induced coma during which time I'll receive physical therapy, and be able to walk when I awaken in December!
Money Fact
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in U.S. coins without being able to make change for a dollar.
If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in U.S. coins without being able to make change for a dollar.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Facts you might not want to know
Human body facts:
The largest cell in the human body is the female egg and the smallest is the male sperm.
-A full bladder is roughly the size of a soft ball
- It takes the food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach.
-One human hair can support 3 kg.
- Human thighbones are stronger than concrete.
-The attachment of human muscles to skin is what causes dimples.
-The average man's penis is three times the length of his thumb.
- A woman's heart beats faster than a man's.
- If the average male never shaved, his beard would be 13 feet long when he died.
-There are about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet.
- Side by side, 20,000 cells from the human body could cover about one inch.
- Women blink twice as much as men.
-The average person's skin weighs twice as much as their brain.
- When you are looking at someone you love, your pupils dilate. .
. . ..they do the same when you are looking at someone you hate!
- It takes twice as long to lose new muscle if you stop working out than it did to gain it.
-You're ears secrete more earwax when you are afraid than when you aren't.
-Your body uses 300 muscles to balance itself when you are standing still.
- If saliva cannot dissolve something, you cannot taste it.
-The average woman is 5 inches shorter than the average man.
You checked out the length of your thumb.. Didn't you?
The largest cell in the human body is the female egg and the smallest is the male sperm.
-A full bladder is roughly the size of a soft ball
- It takes the food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach.
-One human hair can support 3 kg.
- Human thighbones are stronger than concrete.
-The attachment of human muscles to skin is what causes dimples.
-The average man's penis is three times the length of his thumb.
- A woman's heart beats faster than a man's.
- If the average male never shaved, his beard would be 13 feet long when he died.
-There are about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet.
- Side by side, 20,000 cells from the human body could cover about one inch.
- Women blink twice as much as men.
-The average person's skin weighs twice as much as their brain.
- When you are looking at someone you love, your pupils dilate. .
. . ..they do the same when you are looking at someone you hate!
- It takes twice as long to lose new muscle if you stop working out than it did to gain it.
-You're ears secrete more earwax when you are afraid than when you aren't.
-Your body uses 300 muscles to balance itself when you are standing still.
- If saliva cannot dissolve something, you cannot taste it.
-The average woman is 5 inches shorter than the average man.
You checked out the length of your thumb.. Didn't you?
New Toy!!!
Steve got me a new computer today and I'm having a great time trying to figure it out. We went to Circuit City where the guy was obnoxious; then we went to Best Buy and got a good deal on a Gateway with a 19" monitor. What fun! Now I just have to figure out Windows Vista which I really didn't want, but if it ends up too yucky for me, I'll just re-install my old XP. Haven't started using the digital camera yet, but it's coming soon. We're getting so hi-tech!!!
Surviving Each Other
The last two days of both of us quitting smoking have been really rough. Steve's the one taking the medication and he's got a nasty cold on top of it. He has been doing really great, but today he was complaining about the cats making a mess, all the cleaning that needs to be done (although I have no idea what he's talking about), blah, blah, blah. I dealt with it by lying down on the bed with a good book and ignoring him. I truly believe now that the key to a good relationship is learning how to effectively ignore one another at the right times. Remembering to be kind to one another can often be a huge challenge.
Last night I looked in every crevice where I ever hid a cigarette in the past but couldn't find any. Had to stop at Walgreen's today and gave serious thought to buying myself some "secret" smokes, but I don't want to be the one to blow it this time.
Last night I looked in every crevice where I ever hid a cigarette in the past but couldn't find any. Had to stop at Walgreen's today and gave serious thought to buying myself some "secret" smokes, but I don't want to be the one to blow it this time.
Tidbits
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
In the blockbuster hit, E.T., the Extra Terrestrial (1982), Harrison
Ford was cast as the school principal, but his only scene was cut.
Director Steven Spielberg decided his presence in the film would be
too distracting. Ford's wife Melissa Mathison wrote E.T.'s screenplay.
In the blockbuster hit, E.T., the Extra Terrestrial (1982), Harrison
Ford was cast as the school principal, but his only scene was cut.
Director Steven Spielberg decided his presence in the film would be
too distracting. Ford's wife Melissa Mathison wrote E.T.'s screenplay.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Quote
"We're here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark."
~ Whoopi Goldberg
~ Whoopi Goldberg
Breaking Bad Habits
I have so many bad habits, but smoking is probably the worst, as well as the most difficult to stop. I stopped once before and started up again after 12 years! The blame fell on New York City at the time for being stressful. Now there's nothing to blame but myself.
I got a prescription for Chantix, the new wonder drug for smokers trying to quit, and we decided that since I was able to quit once before without medication, Steve would use the prescription and if he gave it up, I'd give it up too. So far , so good, but not without complications.
We're both a little edgy, but we expected that and have kept ourselves busy doing little things for the past couple of days. He's lost his taste for cigarettes and just chews on a cigar without lighting it when the need arises. He's also lost his sense of taste so food doesn't taste very good at the moment. We woofed a huge bag of sunflower seeds today mostly to keep our hands busy.
Keep your fingers crossed -- this is a tough one.
I got a prescription for Chantix, the new wonder drug for smokers trying to quit, and we decided that since I was able to quit once before without medication, Steve would use the prescription and if he gave it up, I'd give it up too. So far , so good, but not without complications.
We're both a little edgy, but we expected that and have kept ourselves busy doing little things for the past couple of days. He's lost his taste for cigarettes and just chews on a cigar without lighting it when the need arises. He's also lost his sense of taste so food doesn't taste very good at the moment. We woofed a huge bag of sunflower seeds today mostly to keep our hands busy.
Keep your fingers crossed -- this is a tough one.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Polish Invention!
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
Q-TIPS Cotton Swabs were originally called "Baby Gays." In 1922, Leo
Gerstenrang, an immigrant from Warsaw, Poland, who had served in the
U.S. Army during World War I and worked with the fledgling Red Cross
Organization, founded the Leo Gerstenrang Infant Novelty Co. with his wife. They sold accessories used for baby care. After the birth of the couple's daughter, Gerstenrang noticed that his wife would wrap a wad of cotton around a toothpick for use during their baby's bath. He decided to manufacture a ready-to-use cotton swab. Gerstenrang developed a machine that would wrap cotton uniformly around each blunt end of a small stick of carefully selected and cured non-splintering birch wood, package the swabs in a sliding tray type box, sterilize the box, and seal it with an outer wrapping of glassine (later changed to cellophane). The phrase "untouched by human hands" became widely known in the production of cotton swabs.
Q-TIPS Cotton Swabs were originally called "Baby Gays." In 1922, Leo
Gerstenrang, an immigrant from Warsaw, Poland, who had served in the
U.S. Army during World War I and worked with the fledgling Red Cross
Organization, founded the Leo Gerstenrang Infant Novelty Co. with his wife. They sold accessories used for baby care. After the birth of the couple's daughter, Gerstenrang noticed that his wife would wrap a wad of cotton around a toothpick for use during their baby's bath. He decided to manufacture a ready-to-use cotton swab. Gerstenrang developed a machine that would wrap cotton uniformly around each blunt end of a small stick of carefully selected and cured non-splintering birch wood, package the swabs in a sliding tray type box, sterilize the box, and seal it with an outer wrapping of glassine (later changed to cellophane). The phrase "untouched by human hands" became widely known in the production of cotton swabs.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Hello Surgery!
Steve and I went to see Jennifer Cook, MD, today after being referred to her by a nurse who works with her in surgery. Interestingly, I met the nurse at the wedding in NJ, she's from Minnesota, her husband's a chiropractor here (who I plan to see in the future), and she works right around the corner from where we live!
Dr. Cook was first a mechanical engineer trained at MIT and then became an orthopedic surgeon at Harvard. Quite the underachiever! She's young, really sharp, and answered my myriad questions in a very straightforward manner which I appreciated. She'll be doing my left total knee replacement on 11/13/07! I can't believe I'm having this done so soon!
After seeing Dr. Cook and getting the surgery scheduled, I started having major angst, mostly because I still have not-so-fond memories of the pain after this surgery in my other knee four years ago. She claims I'll be in and out of the hospital in three days and then have RN and physical therapy visits at home. I told her we live on the second floor of our building with lots of steps but she seems to think I'll be able to do the steps.
When I had my right knee done, I remember the therapist coming into my room the day after the surgery and telling me to use the walker to get to the restroom. I told him he was out of his mind, but I did it although I didn't think I'd ever be able to get up off the can afterwards.
I'll try to focus on a few months from now when I can stop taking Vicodin hopefully. When Dr. Cook looked at my knee xrays, she said she didn't know how I was walking at all!
Wish me luck! You might want to wish Steve luck too since he'll be taking care of me for the most part. He was a good nurse for me last time, and he's really happy that I'm finally going to have this done. I wish I could feel happy about it, but that'll come later.
Dr. Cook was first a mechanical engineer trained at MIT and then became an orthopedic surgeon at Harvard. Quite the underachiever! She's young, really sharp, and answered my myriad questions in a very straightforward manner which I appreciated. She'll be doing my left total knee replacement on 11/13/07! I can't believe I'm having this done so soon!
After seeing Dr. Cook and getting the surgery scheduled, I started having major angst, mostly because I still have not-so-fond memories of the pain after this surgery in my other knee four years ago. She claims I'll be in and out of the hospital in three days and then have RN and physical therapy visits at home. I told her we live on the second floor of our building with lots of steps but she seems to think I'll be able to do the steps.
When I had my right knee done, I remember the therapist coming into my room the day after the surgery and telling me to use the walker to get to the restroom. I told him he was out of his mind, but I did it although I didn't think I'd ever be able to get up off the can afterwards.
I'll try to focus on a few months from now when I can stop taking Vicodin hopefully. When Dr. Cook looked at my knee xrays, she said she didn't know how I was walking at all!
Wish me luck! You might want to wish Steve luck too since he'll be taking care of me for the most part. He was a good nurse for me last time, and he's really happy that I'm finally going to have this done. I wish I could feel happy about it, but that'll come later.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Black Cat Blues
Our fat black cat, Roly Poly Ole, looks quite depressed today. It's probably my fault -- I've been pressuring her all week to get ready for her big act on Halloween. Thus far she has refused to go along with my plan to have her arch her back and poof up her tail; she won't even hiss! Our other cat, Beanie (Lena), is the Queen of Hiss and sometimes I think she hisses just 'cause she likes the sound of it. What's a feline owner to do?
I spent at least two weeks trying to get Beanie to speak for her treats. Never try to teach a cat to speak -- it won't work. She prefers to speak at night after we're in bed so we'll get really irritated. When she discovers she's alone in a room, she starts ranting and raving until one of us calls her so she knows she's not alone. She must've gotten that from Steve.
I spent at least two weeks trying to get Beanie to speak for her treats. Never try to teach a cat to speak -- it won't work. She prefers to speak at night after we're in bed so we'll get really irritated. When she discovers she's alone in a room, she starts ranting and raving until one of us calls her so she knows she's not alone. She must've gotten that from Steve.
Trivia Stuff
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
A full moon rarely shows up on Halloween, although Halloween is often associated with full moons. Full moons on Halloween over the past century have occurred in 1925, 1944, 1955, and 1974. The next full moon on October 31 will occur in 2020.
If you're still alive in 13 years, don't forget this.
A full moon rarely shows up on Halloween, although Halloween is often associated with full moons. Full moons on Halloween over the past century have occurred in 1925, 1944, 1955, and 1974. The next full moon on October 31 will occur in 2020.
If you're still alive in 13 years, don't forget this.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Real Women
I hate petite women on sight -- can't help it. I also hate women with perky breasts who don't have to wear bras. I hate bras, but I'll never be one of those women who can go without one. The way I see it, my boobs will hit my kneecaps by the time I'm 70! Isn't that a lovely vision?
Slug and I have always referred to ourselves as "Voluptuous Women" -- doesn't that sound much better than "Plus-Size Women"? There's no question that the men in our lives have something to grab, no matter where that may be on our bodies with several choices.
If I am to be friends with a petite woman, they have to work very hard to win me over with a delightful personality, or perhaps expensive gifts.
What got me started on this was looking at Last Minute Auction on the internet. There are so many bras in a size 34B that I just don't get it. Why would you even bother?
Slug and I have always referred to ourselves as "Voluptuous Women" -- doesn't that sound much better than "Plus-Size Women"? There's no question that the men in our lives have something to grab, no matter where that may be on our bodies with several choices.
If I am to be friends with a petite woman, they have to work very hard to win me over with a delightful personality, or perhaps expensive gifts.
What got me started on this was looking at Last Minute Auction on the internet. There are so many bras in a size 34B that I just don't get it. Why would you even bother?
Impress your Friends
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
The original name of Goofy was Dippy Dawg. He first appeared in the
1932 cartoon "Mickey's Revue." Pinto Colvig was originally the voice
of Goofy. He was also the voice of Pluto and the original Bozo the
Clown (1949). Pinto also provided the voice to one of the Munchkins
in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz and Sleepy and Grumpy in the
1937 Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs.
Now you can wow your friends at the next cocktail party! You're welcome!
The original name of Goofy was Dippy Dawg. He first appeared in the
1932 cartoon "Mickey's Revue." Pinto Colvig was originally the voice
of Goofy. He was also the voice of Pluto and the original Bozo the
Clown (1949). Pinto also provided the voice to one of the Munchkins
in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz and Sleepy and Grumpy in the
1937 Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs.
Now you can wow your friends at the next cocktail party! You're welcome!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Who Knew?
Here's your totally useless fact of the day:
A cluster or bunch of bananas is called a hand.
Individual bananas are called fingers.
Now you can proceed with a life of total nirvana.
A cluster or bunch of bananas is called a hand.
Individual bananas are called fingers.
Now you can proceed with a life of total nirvana.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
On Loathing Cookie Jars
Who'd have thought that when I asked Steve to let me pick out a cookie jar on EBay for Christmas, I'd get more than 6,100 hits on my search? Guess what I've been doing all day? Did you know that it's quite possible to spend $300 on a cookie jar? The cookies I make would never qualify to live in a jar that expensive.
I simply want an interesting jar with some cobalt blue on it -- nothing resembling M. Monroe, Wizard of Oz, or Disney figures, etc. Yup, I searched the whole dang thing and ended up saving only three! I'm not even sure I still want a cookie jar anymore. Bah!
I simply want an interesting jar with some cobalt blue on it -- nothing resembling M. Monroe, Wizard of Oz, or Disney figures, etc. Yup, I searched the whole dang thing and ended up saving only three! I'm not even sure I still want a cookie jar anymore. Bah!
Headaches and Guacamole
Saw my doctor again this week to review my systemic reaction to the blood thinners which I'll be on for another four months. My blood level of the drug was good, although I've been having really, really nasty headaches since I started taking this med. The Vicodin does absolutely nothing for headaches, so she prescribed a med that includes a barbiturate. I sure sleep well now!
Our landlord gave us two gigantic avocados from his tree and today I made guacamole for the first time. It turned out pretty good, but since we didn't have Doritos or corn chips to dip, we used just plain old saltine crackers. Works for me and Steve even liked it and he's anti-Mexican food! When I get a craving for Mexican, I usually go to the drive-thru at Taco Bell or make my own tacos at home. Yum.
Our landlord gave us two gigantic avocados from his tree and today I made guacamole for the first time. It turned out pretty good, but since we didn't have Doritos or corn chips to dip, we used just plain old saltine crackers. Works for me and Steve even liked it and he's anti-Mexican food! When I get a craving for Mexican, I usually go to the drive-thru at Taco Bell or make my own tacos at home. Yum.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The Games People Play
For my birthday, Slug got me a renewal of my subscription to Pogo, which she'd initially gotten for me the previous year. I think this is perhaps her way of making sure I'll always have to take psychotropic medication. I'm truly a computer game junkie, thus Pogo is the place to be.
There's a game I play called Poppit; the idea is to pop as many combinations of balloons possible. I'm very addiced to Poppit and sometimes the computer tells me I've won, but I don't know why it's considered a win! If it weren't for the evil intermissions Pogo puts on this game, I'd probably be on it all night long.
My new quest for a higher score goes to the Action version of Bejeweled. Seems like a simple game, but my neighbor has gotten over one million points and I really need to top her since she's just being way too superior about it. So far I've gotten just over 800,000. Slug plays this too, although she's not doing very well --big shock there!
There's a game I play called Poppit; the idea is to pop as many combinations of balloons possible. I'm very addiced to Poppit and sometimes the computer tells me I've won, but I don't know why it's considered a win! If it weren't for the evil intermissions Pogo puts on this game, I'd probably be on it all night long.
My new quest for a higher score goes to the Action version of Bejeweled. Seems like a simple game, but my neighbor has gotten over one million points and I really need to top her since she's just being way too superior about it. So far I've gotten just over 800,000. Slug plays this too, although she's not doing very well --big shock there!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Fat Sucks
I'm sitting here eating candy corn like I'm going to the electric chair tomorrow! I sort of AM because I'm starting another diet in the morning. I've spoken to a lot of people who tell me the point system with Weight Watchers is a really good system. I found the point listing on a website so I don't have to join and pay money to lose weight.
In the year 2000 when my leg blew up, I was so sick that in the year that followed that I lost 140 pounds! If it wasn't diarrhea, I was continuously throwing up, either from the morphine, the antibiotics, or the hospital food -- take your pick. I got down to what I weighed in college and felt great! Of course, I gained the bulk of it back because evil retailers insist on putting chocolate on their shelves and I have no resistance. In Florida, hair and weight are a real problem; hair frizzes in humidity and I'm the queen of frizz so I cut it short; weight is a problem because you get rashes under your boobs when it's really hot and humid, and ill-fitting clothes are miserable.
In my next life, the man I live with will be fat, rich and maybe sick and he'll put me in his will. Steve can eat like a horse and never gain a pound, mostly because he's always burning it off with constant movement. Wish me luck -- I'll need it.
In the year 2000 when my leg blew up, I was so sick that in the year that followed that I lost 140 pounds! If it wasn't diarrhea, I was continuously throwing up, either from the morphine, the antibiotics, or the hospital food -- take your pick. I got down to what I weighed in college and felt great! Of course, I gained the bulk of it back because evil retailers insist on putting chocolate on their shelves and I have no resistance. In Florida, hair and weight are a real problem; hair frizzes in humidity and I'm the queen of frizz so I cut it short; weight is a problem because you get rashes under your boobs when it's really hot and humid, and ill-fitting clothes are miserable.
In my next life, the man I live with will be fat, rich and maybe sick and he'll put me in his will. Steve can eat like a horse and never gain a pound, mostly because he's always burning it off with constant movement. Wish me luck -- I'll need it.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Wedding Saga Part II
At the reception the couple's first dance was to the divine Etta James, "At Last"; when the new bride danced with her father, it was to the song, "What a Wonderful World" sung by, I thought, Louie Armstrong. When I looked over at the band, there was a smallish white guy doing an imitation of Armstrong singing! He also did Sinatra and several others.
Towards the end of the reception as folks began leaving the dance, bottles of Sauvignon Blanc with raffia and leaves once again, and a tag with the date and name of the bride and groom were presented to each guest. Nice touch...
The newly marrieds appeared the next morning where they provided a buffet breakfast for their wedding guests. Lots of really nice touches. The following day the couple left for Italy for a honeymoon provided by the groom's parents. Steve, his mom and I went back to Bobby and Maryanne's house where Maryanne regularly checked to see where the kids were on their flight. It was neat to watch when the plane landed in Rome on the screen.
The next day our hosts started to relax a little and Bobby shared his collection of didgeridoos (a wooden handpainted instrument made by the aboriginies in Australia) -- very unique collection. Maryanne is very gifted at so many things, but her painting truly stands out. She painted ivy on the walls in the master bathroom; the kitchen was beautifully done in blues; on and on and on. A really warm and beautiful showplace and home.
Towards the end of the reception as folks began leaving the dance, bottles of Sauvignon Blanc with raffia and leaves once again, and a tag with the date and name of the bride and groom were presented to each guest. Nice touch...
The newly marrieds appeared the next morning where they provided a buffet breakfast for their wedding guests. Lots of really nice touches. The following day the couple left for Italy for a honeymoon provided by the groom's parents. Steve, his mom and I went back to Bobby and Maryanne's house where Maryanne regularly checked to see where the kids were on their flight. It was neat to watch when the plane landed in Rome on the screen.
The next day our hosts started to relax a little and Bobby shared his collection of didgeridoos (a wooden handpainted instrument made by the aboriginies in Australia) -- very unique collection. Maryanne is very gifted at so many things, but her painting truly stands out. She painted ivy on the walls in the master bathroom; the kitchen was beautifully done in blues; on and on and on. A really warm and beautiful showplace and home.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Ain't Love Grand?
Steve's got two nieces and one nephew; I have six nieces and one nephew, and five great (grand maybe?) nephews and one great (grand?) niece. His niece, Jennifer, who just got married in NJ is the only child of his brother, Bobby and his wife Maryanne. She's a beautiful girl who looks very Italian with dark features and that gorgeous Mediterranean skin tone.
Jen dated several guys before she met Dan, the groom, on a cruise she took with her best friend who is her cousin Sabrina, and a few other single girlfriends. Dan is an undercover cop in Union City, NJ, and he's very Irish with very blue eyes, blondish hair and light skin. Jen is a chemist for Revlon and has already received a patent for a kind of moisturizer added to lipstick.
Dan took Jen to Ireland last year and proposed to her -- her parents knew about it; Jen didn't know it was coming, but she was hoping... He asked her to marry him on the property in Ireland where his grandfather had a farm at one time. Cool.
The theme of their wedding was autumn leaves and I've never been to a "theme" wedding before. There was a filmy covering on their wedding invitation with a leaf on it, and their wedding programs each had a tiny felt leaf on them. Dan has a 7-yr-old daughter from a previous relationship and they included her in the wedding as flower girl. After they exchanged their vows, they each took one of Daniela's hands as they walked to the statue of the Virgin Mary.
Sabrina, Jen's cousin, was her Maid of Honor, and Dan's father was his Best Man. He said he was told that the groom's best friend should be his Best Man, and that person was his dad. The rest of the groomsmen were his brother-in-law, another close friend, his cop partner and another cop friend. What a handsome group of guys! The bride and groom left the church in a horse-drawn carriage with the driver in full beard and a period costume complete with tophat.
After the wedding we drove to the motel where we were staying for the night to drop off our luggage; each person with a reservation was given a goody bag from the bride and groom which had raffia and autumn leaves on the handles. We took a shuttle to the Crystal Tower in Livingston, NJ for the reception which started with a cocktail hour. The bride's father, Bobby, is currently taking jazz guitar lessons and his teacher played during this time. He was amazing! There was a bar set up just for martinis, another for mixed drinks. There was a long table with a woman making whatever kind of fajita you wanted; another table had only seafood; another table had just fresh fruits. Waiters mingled about with trays of wonderful appetizers, and I think I probably ate 30 coconut chicken balls (no, not actual chicken balls).
The doors were at last opened for the reception/dance and dinner was served -- guests had several menu options from which to choose. There were chocolate desserts, creme brulee (one of my personal favorites -- I told Maryanne that she'd better keep an eye on me or I'd be stealing from other tables). Then came wedding cake which was a sumptious carrot cake. Needless to say, we didn't starve at this affair!
To be continued...
Jen dated several guys before she met Dan, the groom, on a cruise she took with her best friend who is her cousin Sabrina, and a few other single girlfriends. Dan is an undercover cop in Union City, NJ, and he's very Irish with very blue eyes, blondish hair and light skin. Jen is a chemist for Revlon and has already received a patent for a kind of moisturizer added to lipstick.
Dan took Jen to Ireland last year and proposed to her -- her parents knew about it; Jen didn't know it was coming, but she was hoping... He asked her to marry him on the property in Ireland where his grandfather had a farm at one time. Cool.
The theme of their wedding was autumn leaves and I've never been to a "theme" wedding before. There was a filmy covering on their wedding invitation with a leaf on it, and their wedding programs each had a tiny felt leaf on them. Dan has a 7-yr-old daughter from a previous relationship and they included her in the wedding as flower girl. After they exchanged their vows, they each took one of Daniela's hands as they walked to the statue of the Virgin Mary.
Sabrina, Jen's cousin, was her Maid of Honor, and Dan's father was his Best Man. He said he was told that the groom's best friend should be his Best Man, and that person was his dad. The rest of the groomsmen were his brother-in-law, another close friend, his cop partner and another cop friend. What a handsome group of guys! The bride and groom left the church in a horse-drawn carriage with the driver in full beard and a period costume complete with tophat.
After the wedding we drove to the motel where we were staying for the night to drop off our luggage; each person with a reservation was given a goody bag from the bride and groom which had raffia and autumn leaves on the handles. We took a shuttle to the Crystal Tower in Livingston, NJ for the reception which started with a cocktail hour. The bride's father, Bobby, is currently taking jazz guitar lessons and his teacher played during this time. He was amazing! There was a bar set up just for martinis, another for mixed drinks. There was a long table with a woman making whatever kind of fajita you wanted; another table had only seafood; another table had just fresh fruits. Waiters mingled about with trays of wonderful appetizers, and I think I probably ate 30 coconut chicken balls (no, not actual chicken balls).
The doors were at last opened for the reception/dance and dinner was served -- guests had several menu options from which to choose. There were chocolate desserts, creme brulee (one of my personal favorites -- I told Maryanne that she'd better keep an eye on me or I'd be stealing from other tables). Then came wedding cake which was a sumptious carrot cake. Needless to say, we didn't starve at this affair!
To be continued...
Buddha Quote
Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
-The Buddha
-The Buddha
Post-Vacation Frenzy
Steve and I got back from NY/NJ on Tuesday and we decided to use Wednesday as a just plain "do nothing" day to recover. I'll fill you in on our trip soon.
Steve had to bring a ring his brother gave him to a jeweler in Palm Harbor (where my sister and husband formerly lived) to have the stone changed, so we stopped at the Salvation Army Thrift Store on our way back. We're thrift shop junkies and enjoy finding anything unusual or useful at a lower-than-bargain price. It's awesome how many Lincoln Town Cars and Cadillacs are parked outside the store -- retirees looking for something or other I guess. Sometimes it amazes me what people donate, and often items look new, and sometimes they ARE new! We found some great nautical decor for our lighthouse-themed half bath; also got some antique-looking Christmas decorations, and some great Halloween decorations. This particular store in Holiday, FL is huge and also sells used furniture. We found a nice lamp for our Southwestern/Western second bedroom, and I found a brand new royal blue blouse for myself for $2.00! It was fun and these stores are always changing since people constantly drop off donations. A few years ago we got an excellent SLR camera for $10.00 and have been using it ever since; this will soon be replaced by the digital camera Jules is sending our way.
We still haven't readjusted to the humidity here, and it was really great to actually have real goosebumps up north!
The wedding was totally unreal but I'll go into that later. It's almost 2 AM here and I have to be at the lab for bloodwork early tomorrow. Hope all is well out there. What's with Britney anyway?
Steve had to bring a ring his brother gave him to a jeweler in Palm Harbor (where my sister and husband formerly lived) to have the stone changed, so we stopped at the Salvation Army Thrift Store on our way back. We're thrift shop junkies and enjoy finding anything unusual or useful at a lower-than-bargain price. It's awesome how many Lincoln Town Cars and Cadillacs are parked outside the store -- retirees looking for something or other I guess. Sometimes it amazes me what people donate, and often items look new, and sometimes they ARE new! We found some great nautical decor for our lighthouse-themed half bath; also got some antique-looking Christmas decorations, and some great Halloween decorations. This particular store in Holiday, FL is huge and also sells used furniture. We found a nice lamp for our Southwestern/Western second bedroom, and I found a brand new royal blue blouse for myself for $2.00! It was fun and these stores are always changing since people constantly drop off donations. A few years ago we got an excellent SLR camera for $10.00 and have been using it ever since; this will soon be replaced by the digital camera Jules is sending our way.
We still haven't readjusted to the humidity here, and it was really great to actually have real goosebumps up north!
The wedding was totally unreal but I'll go into that later. It's almost 2 AM here and I have to be at the lab for bloodwork early tomorrow. Hope all is well out there. What's with Britney anyway?
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Parenting Sons
You can find out some interesting things when you have a son. For
instance:
* A king-size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2,000 sq. ft.
house four inches deep.
* If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with
roller blades, they can ignite.
* A 3-year old boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded
restaurant.
* If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42-pound boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape.
* It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread
paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room.
* When using a ceiling fan as a baseball bat, you have to throw the
ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a
baseball a long way.
* The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.
* When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh," it's already
too late.
* Brake fluid mixed with chlorine tablets makes smoke, and lots of it.
* A six-year old boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year old man says they can only do it in the movies.
* Certain Legos will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old boy.
* Play-Doh and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.
* Super glue is forever.
* No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool, you still
can't walk on water.
* Pool filters do not like Jell-O.
* VCRs do not eject peanut butter sandwiches even though TV
commercials show they do.
* Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.
* Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.
* You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.
* Always look in the oven before you turn it on. Plastic toys do not
like ovens.
* The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms
dizzy.
* It will, however, make cats dizzy.
* Dizzy cats can throw up twice their body weight.
* 80% of Women will pass this on to almost all of their friends, with or without kids.
* 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the chorine tablet and
brake fluid.
instance:
* A king-size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2,000 sq. ft.
house four inches deep.
* If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with
roller blades, they can ignite.
* A 3-year old boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded
restaurant.
* If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42-pound boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape.
* It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread
paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room.
* When using a ceiling fan as a baseball bat, you have to throw the
ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a
baseball a long way.
* The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.
* When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh," it's already
too late.
* Brake fluid mixed with chlorine tablets makes smoke, and lots of it.
* A six-year old boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year old man says they can only do it in the movies.
* Certain Legos will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old boy.
* Play-Doh and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.
* Super glue is forever.
* No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool, you still
can't walk on water.
* Pool filters do not like Jell-O.
* VCRs do not eject peanut butter sandwiches even though TV
commercials show they do.
* Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.
* Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.
* You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.
* Always look in the oven before you turn it on. Plastic toys do not
like ovens.
* The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms
dizzy.
* It will, however, make cats dizzy.
* Dizzy cats can throw up twice their body weight.
* 80% of Women will pass this on to almost all of their friends, with or without kids.
* 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the chorine tablet and
brake fluid.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Spooky, but it worked!!!
Docs bathe Fla. woman in bleach to kill flesh-eating bacteria
Tammy Cox is being consumed by flesh-eating bacteria. The Florida mother is in a medically induced coma at Orlando Regional Medical Center, where WKMG-TV says doctors are soaking her body in raw bleach in the hope that this will kill the deadly bacteria.
"It just kept eating away at her," Cindy Cox, her sister, said. "So, they kept taking more and more and her whole backside is gone."
No one knows how she contracted the infection, the station says. The prognosis isn't good. One out of four people with necrotizing fasciitis (nek-roe-tie-zing fah-shee-eyetis) doesn't make it. If the bleach works, doctors say Cox will spend six months in the hospital and undergo at least 18 surgeries.
Tammy Cox is being consumed by flesh-eating bacteria. The Florida mother is in a medically induced coma at Orlando Regional Medical Center, where WKMG-TV says doctors are soaking her body in raw bleach in the hope that this will kill the deadly bacteria.
"It just kept eating away at her," Cindy Cox, her sister, said. "So, they kept taking more and more and her whole backside is gone."
No one knows how she contracted the infection, the station says. The prognosis isn't good. One out of four people with necrotizing fasciitis (nek-roe-tie-zing fah-shee-eyetis) doesn't make it. If the bleach works, doctors say Cox will spend six months in the hospital and undergo at least 18 surgeries.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Frequent Flyers We're Not!
Knowing that packing and getting ready to go away can cause stress, Steve and I agreed to be agreeable today and it seems to have worked. We're so different though -- he worries about each item he'll wear for every kind of situation, and I could really care less as long as everything matches and I have earrings to go with whatever it is I'm wearing.
I'll be among the non-bloggers until the 17th so wish me luck as I meet the entire Aliano clan! We'll be staying with Steve's mom until after his niece's wedding next Friday, and after that we'll stay at his brother Bobbie's and leave from Atlantic City to come back here. Back atcha soon!
I'll be among the non-bloggers until the 17th so wish me luck as I meet the entire Aliano clan! We'll be staying with Steve's mom until after his niece's wedding next Friday, and after that we'll stay at his brother Bobbie's and leave from Atlantic City to come back here. Back atcha soon!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Pre-Travel Chores
We spent today doing all those pre-travel chores we put off until now. Got two cartons of smokes (they're over six bucks a pack in NYC), Werthers for the plane ride, picked up my prescriptions, tried to print our boarding passes (which Sister Slug informed me I can't do until tomorrow), stopped at the lab to have my weekly blood drawing (required when you're taking a blood thinner), got 15 cans of the ONLY cat food my fussy Fuzz Family will eat, etc.
JJ came by a couple of times today which is an indication that he's not doing well living alone with no current girlfriend. I've been forced to conclude that he's at a very self-centered stage in his life, and that he has a very distorted sense of himself. Seems there are so many people who spend money and hours perfecting their outer selves, but no time whatsoever figuring out how to be a better person, calm down, have patience and compassion, etc.
JJ came by a couple of times today which is an indication that he's not doing well living alone with no current girlfriend. I've been forced to conclude that he's at a very self-centered stage in his life, and that he has a very distorted sense of himself. Seems there are so many people who spend money and hours perfecting their outer selves, but no time whatsoever figuring out how to be a better person, calm down, have patience and compassion, etc.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Good News for those with a Conscience
Being a "conscientious" person may protect against Alzheimer's disease, finds a new study of more than a thousand older nuns, priests and brothers. The personality trait is characterized by being goal-oriented, self-disciplined, able to control impulses and purposeful. Subjects in the study tended to agree with self-descriptions such as this one: "I am a productive person who always gets the job done." The study was reported by Reuters, Associated Press, Medical News Today, HealthDay, Science Daily and Psychiatric Times.
Okay, so I don't have a lot of self-discipline. For me, it should say: "..who always gets the job done eventually."
Okay, so I don't have a lot of self-discipline. For me, it should say: "..who always gets the job done eventually."
Friday, October 5, 2007
Alianos in Flux
Steve's last name is Aliano, and this past week his family has undergone some pretty big changes. His brother's only child is getting married in NJ next Friday; his sister has a son and daughter, Louis and Sabrina -- we just learned that Louis and his long-time girlfriend got married in Mexico, and his niece is pregnant with a boy! For a guy with only three nieces and nephews, that's a lot of activity!
My family is just about the opposite of Steve's as it gets. Our family is real laid-back and I can't remember when we've even been mad at each other for anything! We seldom argue or raise our voices. These characteristics are both good and bad since we're probably all pretty bad at expressing negatives or having confrontations. When I was a clinic manager, one of the social workers used to call me a "Steel Marshmallow" 'cause I'd try to be tough and nobody would buy it.
Steve's family is extremely talkative and I think they actually enjoy arguing sometimes. They're all pretty high-anxiety types and are prone to panic attacks with what seems to me little provocation. With Steve I've learned to be more outspoken (or I'd never get a word in edgewise) and he's the first man I've lived with who I've actually yelled at!
Having survived two divorces, I've learned that in-laws are a big part of relationships and they can make or break you. Steve's family is great and I like how different we are. Keeps things interesting!
My family is just about the opposite of Steve's as it gets. Our family is real laid-back and I can't remember when we've even been mad at each other for anything! We seldom argue or raise our voices. These characteristics are both good and bad since we're probably all pretty bad at expressing negatives or having confrontations. When I was a clinic manager, one of the social workers used to call me a "Steel Marshmallow" 'cause I'd try to be tough and nobody would buy it.
Steve's family is extremely talkative and I think they actually enjoy arguing sometimes. They're all pretty high-anxiety types and are prone to panic attacks with what seems to me little provocation. With Steve I've learned to be more outspoken (or I'd never get a word in edgewise) and he's the first man I've lived with who I've actually yelled at!
Having survived two divorces, I've learned that in-laws are a big part of relationships and they can make or break you. Steve's family is great and I like how different we are. Keeps things interesting!
Freebie from my Favorite Niece!
My favorite niece, Jules, wrote in her blog that her boyfriend gave her a new digital camera for her birthday. Within two minutes of reading that, I e-mailed Jules to find out if she'd consider selling me her old digital camera. To my delight, she's GIVING it to me! I have absolutely no idea how to use a digital camera, but I will definitely figure it out. Just think how exciting this blog would be with pictures! Too bad I didn't have one earlier though 'cause I could've shared photos of my leg wound! Darn!
On Calling Mom
My sister Slug and I have an agreement as to when we'll each call Mom -- Slug's in Texas and calls Mom on Sundays and I call her from Florida on Thursday nights at 8PM. If for any reason I'm 20 minutes late calling her, she calls me wondering what's wrong with my leg. Then Slug usually calls me over the weekend and always asks what Mom had to say. When your mother is 86, you're nearly always wondering how she's doing. Happily, she's doing well, enjoying crocheting, reading lots of books, watching the news, etc. We're all proud of the way Mom's handling living alone with close neighbors.
Before I call Mom I go into the website for the hometown newspaper and check out the local news, as well as the obituaries so I can get a jump on her. She's always telling me about people who died, are sick, have moved, have their kinfolk visiting, etc., whether I know these people or not. I started checking the obits in the NY Times while I was working at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 'cause I got to know several of the patients. If I ever wondered why I didn't see them anymore, the obits would often answer my questions. Now I even check them in the St. Pete Times even though I probably know only 50 people in the entire Bay area! Maybe I'm like Archie Bunker and like knowing that my name's not there.
Before I call Mom I go into the website for the hometown newspaper and check out the local news, as well as the obituaries so I can get a jump on her. She's always telling me about people who died, are sick, have moved, have their kinfolk visiting, etc., whether I know these people or not. I started checking the obits in the NY Times while I was working at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 'cause I got to know several of the patients. If I ever wondered why I didn't see them anymore, the obits would often answer my questions. Now I even check them in the St. Pete Times even though I probably know only 50 people in the entire Bay area! Maybe I'm like Archie Bunker and like knowing that my name's not there.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
A Shrink Bites the Dust
Went to see my shrink (actually she's a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in Psychiatry) today even though I have no intention of ever seeing her again. I decided it would be therapeutic for me to tell her why I'm angry and why I won't be coming back. I'm glad I did.
First I told her about the MD shrink I saw in NYC for more than ten years. He was a psychopharmacologist, and was therefore, very knowledgeable about medications and their side effects and also the effects drugs have on other medications. I trusted him and he taught me a lot, both about my illness and what to do in a crisis. Since I've been in Florida, I have referred two people in NYC to him and they've been very satisfied.
I informed Tia (the NP) that I had the same sort of expectations with her. I was in a hypomanic crisis recently but she didn't even returned my call. I had to take things into my own hands but I don't like doing that since I'm not a professional. Tia claimed that she didn't get my message and that she had fired that answering service. I don't believe that and told her I didn't. I also told her that if I'd gone into a full-blown manic episode and had gone to an ER, I would've had grounds to sue her, even though I'm not the suing type. My own physician even tried to call her and didn't get a response! I asked her for a referral to another psychiatrist and requested three months of medications which she gave me. Then she actually charged me for the visit, and I told her that she should be paying ME for coming in at all! I have to wonder if she's on some kind of medication 'cause she looks a little out of it all the time. I'm glad I won't be seeing her again. She's done nothing for me except provide my meds.
First I told her about the MD shrink I saw in NYC for more than ten years. He was a psychopharmacologist, and was therefore, very knowledgeable about medications and their side effects and also the effects drugs have on other medications. I trusted him and he taught me a lot, both about my illness and what to do in a crisis. Since I've been in Florida, I have referred two people in NYC to him and they've been very satisfied.
I informed Tia (the NP) that I had the same sort of expectations with her. I was in a hypomanic crisis recently but she didn't even returned my call. I had to take things into my own hands but I don't like doing that since I'm not a professional. Tia claimed that she didn't get my message and that she had fired that answering service. I don't believe that and told her I didn't. I also told her that if I'd gone into a full-blown manic episode and had gone to an ER, I would've had grounds to sue her, even though I'm not the suing type. My own physician even tried to call her and didn't get a response! I asked her for a referral to another psychiatrist and requested three months of medications which she gave me. Then she actually charged me for the visit, and I told her that she should be paying ME for coming in at all! I have to wonder if she's on some kind of medication 'cause she looks a little out of it all the time. I'm glad I won't be seeing her again. She's done nothing for me except provide my meds.
Monday, October 1, 2007
The JJ Beat Goes On
Finally I'm back to JJ and his ever-changing love life.
After he split with Gina, he stopped by to tell us about the most gorgeous woman he'd ever seen. Her name was Tish and she had hair down to her butt and, according to JJ, a body that just didn't stop. He started "dating" Tish and then found out that she had a two-year-old son who was half black. You can imagine how JJ accepted him! We always knew when Tish was visiting 'cause we'd hear the little boy yelling continuously. When JJ quit working at the strip club he broke up with Tish, stating that she just had too much baggage. Imagine a stripper with too much baggage!
Now JJ met a "real" girl on the internet and they hooked up in St. Pete last week. He was amazed that she had an education, a job, and no kids! They got together again last night but now he thinks she's too inexperienced at sex to make him happy. I suggested that perhaps he could be patient and teach her a few things, but I don't think he wants to continue the relationship. He says there's no chemistry. He also stated that he felt sex was at least 85 percent of a relationship. Steve and I both pointed out that maybe that's true when you're 25, but it sure doesn't stay that way. JJ has no concept of a give-and-take relationship where there's also something in it for the woman. He just doesn't get it. I told him he needs to get his brains out of his balls and get real, but he doesn't seem to know what I'm talking about. Steve said we should just save our breath with JJ until he's older. He may be right.
After he split with Gina, he stopped by to tell us about the most gorgeous woman he'd ever seen. Her name was Tish and she had hair down to her butt and, according to JJ, a body that just didn't stop. He started "dating" Tish and then found out that she had a two-year-old son who was half black. You can imagine how JJ accepted him! We always knew when Tish was visiting 'cause we'd hear the little boy yelling continuously. When JJ quit working at the strip club he broke up with Tish, stating that she just had too much baggage. Imagine a stripper with too much baggage!
Now JJ met a "real" girl on the internet and they hooked up in St. Pete last week. He was amazed that she had an education, a job, and no kids! They got together again last night but now he thinks she's too inexperienced at sex to make him happy. I suggested that perhaps he could be patient and teach her a few things, but I don't think he wants to continue the relationship. He says there's no chemistry. He also stated that he felt sex was at least 85 percent of a relationship. Steve and I both pointed out that maybe that's true when you're 25, but it sure doesn't stay that way. JJ has no concept of a give-and-take relationship where there's also something in it for the woman. He just doesn't get it. I told him he needs to get his brains out of his balls and get real, but he doesn't seem to know what I'm talking about. Steve said we should just save our breath with JJ until he's older. He may be right.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Bringing the Up Down
I don't think I'm hypomanic anymore, although when I opened the medicine cabinet earlier it looked like it needed to be cleaned. I've seen a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (her name is Tia) in the past to get my medications, so I called her when I knew for sure that I was going into a hypomanic episode. It was Monday morning when I left a message with her service to please call me, and also told her it was important.
When I lived in NYC and I called my shrink at any time, he knew I wouldn't contact him unless I was in trouble. He always called me back within an hour, and if I was hypomanic, he'd order Haldol and Cogentin to be taken together for a few days until it ended. If I couldn't get those meds (if it was late and no pharmacies were open), he'd tell me to take 100 mg. of Benadryl until I could get to a pharmacy. If a hypomanic episode is not treated, it can progress into a full-blown manic episode and I'd have to be hospitalized to stop it. That never happened when he was treating me.
Now it's late Tuesday night and I still haven't heard from Tia. I had an appointment with my regular doctor today, and when I told her Tia hadn't returned my call, she got on the phone to Tia herself and left a message. I told my doctor that I felt strongly that if a person chose to specialize in psychiatry, they really needed to respond to their client's calls and she agreed. I'll never go back to Tia again except to tell her what I think of her.
Took 100 mg of Benadryl on my own last night and finally got a few hours of sleep. I'll probably do the same tonight just to make sure.
If you or someone you care about has a bipolar disorder, please ask them to contact me. I know that in my case it was very upsetting when I learned I was bipolar, but with good professional help, I came to understand and accept the illness even thought I'm not delighted to have it. It's really frightening to find yourself completely out of control of your own thoughts, and acting in ways that aren't normal for you. I haven't had an episode like this in nearly six years and it's my first time having one when I haven't been drinking.
I learned from my NYC shrink that 85% of people who are diagnosed as bipolar also have a substance abuse problem. I used booze to control the mood swings, but eventually it catches up with you anyway. It's not as scary now that I understand it as a chemical imbalance, and it really helps to talk to others dealing with the same thing. Don't be afraid to talk about it -- it's a disease as much as diabetes is a disease, and it's generally controlled well with medications.
When I lived in NYC and I called my shrink at any time, he knew I wouldn't contact him unless I was in trouble. He always called me back within an hour, and if I was hypomanic, he'd order Haldol and Cogentin to be taken together for a few days until it ended. If I couldn't get those meds (if it was late and no pharmacies were open), he'd tell me to take 100 mg. of Benadryl until I could get to a pharmacy. If a hypomanic episode is not treated, it can progress into a full-blown manic episode and I'd have to be hospitalized to stop it. That never happened when he was treating me.
Now it's late Tuesday night and I still haven't heard from Tia. I had an appointment with my regular doctor today, and when I told her Tia hadn't returned my call, she got on the phone to Tia herself and left a message. I told my doctor that I felt strongly that if a person chose to specialize in psychiatry, they really needed to respond to their client's calls and she agreed. I'll never go back to Tia again except to tell her what I think of her.
Took 100 mg of Benadryl on my own last night and finally got a few hours of sleep. I'll probably do the same tonight just to make sure.
If you or someone you care about has a bipolar disorder, please ask them to contact me. I know that in my case it was very upsetting when I learned I was bipolar, but with good professional help, I came to understand and accept the illness even thought I'm not delighted to have it. It's really frightening to find yourself completely out of control of your own thoughts, and acting in ways that aren't normal for you. I haven't had an episode like this in nearly six years and it's my first time having one when I haven't been drinking.
I learned from my NYC shrink that 85% of people who are diagnosed as bipolar also have a substance abuse problem. I used booze to control the mood swings, but eventually it catches up with you anyway. It's not as scary now that I understand it as a chemical imbalance, and it really helps to talk to others dealing with the same thing. Don't be afraid to talk about it -- it's a disease as much as diabetes is a disease, and it's generally controlled well with medications.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
And the Manic Beat Goes On
Another day of cleaning, although when I first got up (after just two hours of sleep) I thought that perhaps the hypomania was over. Then I went in to take a shower, and while doing that I started to clean the shower walls and doors, so I KNEW I was still manicky. My hypomanic cleaning isn't like the surface stuff we all do from time to time to give the impression that we're clean, but it's serious cleaning. Like yesterday -- I took everything out of the three drawers in my computer desk (haven't done this in two years), washed out the drawers, and neatly arranged everything so I'd know where it was.
In doing the above task, I discovered that I had three calculators! I don't know where they came from! Do these things multiply in the night or something? Also had a ton of bubble wrap that had come with various things we'd ordered, and I just can't stand to toss it since it can be so handy for future mailings. At least that's the rationale for keeping it at the time. It's two years later and I haven't used any of it! I'm still keeping it anyway just in case of whatever.
Does everyone who has a computer also have miscellaneous cables stuffed away somewhere? I must've found ten different cables -- parallel cables, printer cables, unknown cables -- and I'm afraid to toss them! So in my hyperstate, I rolled up each and fastened them with twisties. Sure looks better but I now have a drawer with unused bubble wrap and cables!
In doing the above task, I discovered that I had three calculators! I don't know where they came from! Do these things multiply in the night or something? Also had a ton of bubble wrap that had come with various things we'd ordered, and I just can't stand to toss it since it can be so handy for future mailings. At least that's the rationale for keeping it at the time. It's two years later and I haven't used any of it! I'm still keeping it anyway just in case of whatever.
Does everyone who has a computer also have miscellaneous cables stuffed away somewhere? I must've found ten different cables -- parallel cables, printer cables, unknown cables -- and I'm afraid to toss them! So in my hyperstate, I rolled up each and fastened them with twisties. Sure looks better but I now have a drawer with unused bubble wrap and cables!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
North vs. South = Bipolar?
No, "Bipolar" doesn't mean you summer at the North Pole and winter at the South Pole. It means you have a chemical imblance that was formerly known as Manic Depression. I was diagnosed with it in 1990 and 98% of the time it's controlled with medication. When the medical community messes with my medications, I have what is known as an "episode". I've been what's known as "hypomanic" since I got out of the hospital. You are about to get educated regarding this illness.
So what is bipolar disorder? It is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. It causes intense mood swings in two extreme directions: mania and depression.
Although no one is entirely sure what causes it, evidence suggests that it has to do with the chemicals in the brain. Changes in the levels of these chemicals can cause parts of the brain to become either overstimulated or understimulated, thus resulting in the two behavior extremes. When you are exhibiting symptoms of either mania or depression, you are considered to be in an episode and are not stable. During those times, I need to focus on getting the chemicals back in balance, generally with the help of a professional. The most important thing to keep in mind about bipolar disorder is that it is NOT something your loved one can control or fix on their own. It is passed on genetically in families, so there's nothing you can do to prevent it or to make it happen. My dad was bipolar but didn't know it until I was diagnosed and he learned about and identified with all the symptoms.
When I'm experiencing "hypomania" which is essentially a move toward a full-blown manic episode, I feel energetic, creative, extremely talkative, need very little sleep, and for me personally, I try to get my life organized because I think it makes me feel like I'm still in control. If I could I would choose to stay hypomanic forever, but it just doesn't work like that. If I didn't take Lithium and Paxil, I'd either become fully manic or so depressed that I wouldn't be able to function. Hypomania is in the middle and it's great. If I could bottle it and sell it, there would be no drug abuse 'cause everyone would feel this good.
The change in moods doesn't come about quickly for me at all, but rather slowly and it sneaks up on me. I notice that I'm suddenly spending two hours cleaning the kitchen, organizing drawers that have needed it for months, writing a lot (like now), and in my case, making lists constantly -- things I need to do, people I need to call, blog ideas, anything I can think of that would comprise a list. I start using copious amounts of Post-Its as reminders to myself, can't read much since I can't stick with anything for very long (a sort of short-term Attention Deficit Disorder), don't have to to eat or watch TV 'cause I'm much too busy with goofy projects, and Steve's always telling me to call my sister 'cause he's tired of listening to me talk -- seems to me that's called poetic justice since he's the talker in this relationship.
My hypomanic episodes last until the chemicals are back to normal, usually one to two weeks. If it doesn't get back to normal, I'll go into a depression that makes a black hole look welcoming. That's the catch with feeling great right now -- the fear that it will be followed by the abyss where I take to the bed, hide from the world, avoid the phone, become totally listless, and just want to forget the whole thing. In the past, I'm not proud to report that I've had two suicide attempts although I'm not sure how serious they were, or if I was screaming for help.
In addition, the wonderful and extremely competent psychiatrist I had in New York City for almost 12 years helped me learn how to recognize and attempt to control these episodes when they occurred. If I called him and explained my symptoms, he'd ask me what I thought I should do and would then educate me on taking care of my own illness. That has proved invaluable to me. I had horrible separation anxiety when I moved to Florida, and I've never found another shrink that could hold a candle to him.
When you read about or see people in the news who are bipolar and have committed some horrific crime, it probably means they were in a full-blown manic episode and not on medication. Even when I was in a full-blown episode (probably 4-5 times in the past 17 years), I never once experienced violent tendencies. The shrink said that if I'd never been violent in my regular state of mind, I'd probably never be violent when manic. Good to hear.
I have to stop rambling -- another symptom. I could go on forever but won't, thankfully.
So what is bipolar disorder? It is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. It causes intense mood swings in two extreme directions: mania and depression.
Although no one is entirely sure what causes it, evidence suggests that it has to do with the chemicals in the brain. Changes in the levels of these chemicals can cause parts of the brain to become either overstimulated or understimulated, thus resulting in the two behavior extremes. When you are exhibiting symptoms of either mania or depression, you are considered to be in an episode and are not stable. During those times, I need to focus on getting the chemicals back in balance, generally with the help of a professional. The most important thing to keep in mind about bipolar disorder is that it is NOT something your loved one can control or fix on their own. It is passed on genetically in families, so there's nothing you can do to prevent it or to make it happen. My dad was bipolar but didn't know it until I was diagnosed and he learned about and identified with all the symptoms.
When I'm experiencing "hypomania" which is essentially a move toward a full-blown manic episode, I feel energetic, creative, extremely talkative, need very little sleep, and for me personally, I try to get my life organized because I think it makes me feel like I'm still in control. If I could I would choose to stay hypomanic forever, but it just doesn't work like that. If I didn't take Lithium and Paxil, I'd either become fully manic or so depressed that I wouldn't be able to function. Hypomania is in the middle and it's great. If I could bottle it and sell it, there would be no drug abuse 'cause everyone would feel this good.
The change in moods doesn't come about quickly for me at all, but rather slowly and it sneaks up on me. I notice that I'm suddenly spending two hours cleaning the kitchen, organizing drawers that have needed it for months, writing a lot (like now), and in my case, making lists constantly -- things I need to do, people I need to call, blog ideas, anything I can think of that would comprise a list. I start using copious amounts of Post-Its as reminders to myself, can't read much since I can't stick with anything for very long (a sort of short-term Attention Deficit Disorder), don't have to to eat or watch TV 'cause I'm much too busy with goofy projects, and Steve's always telling me to call my sister 'cause he's tired of listening to me talk -- seems to me that's called poetic justice since he's the talker in this relationship.
My hypomanic episodes last until the chemicals are back to normal, usually one to two weeks. If it doesn't get back to normal, I'll go into a depression that makes a black hole look welcoming. That's the catch with feeling great right now -- the fear that it will be followed by the abyss where I take to the bed, hide from the world, avoid the phone, become totally listless, and just want to forget the whole thing. In the past, I'm not proud to report that I've had two suicide attempts although I'm not sure how serious they were, or if I was screaming for help.
In addition, the wonderful and extremely competent psychiatrist I had in New York City for almost 12 years helped me learn how to recognize and attempt to control these episodes when they occurred. If I called him and explained my symptoms, he'd ask me what I thought I should do and would then educate me on taking care of my own illness. That has proved invaluable to me. I had horrible separation anxiety when I moved to Florida, and I've never found another shrink that could hold a candle to him.
When you read about or see people in the news who are bipolar and have committed some horrific crime, it probably means they were in a full-blown manic episode and not on medication. Even when I was in a full-blown episode (probably 4-5 times in the past 17 years), I never once experienced violent tendencies. The shrink said that if I'd never been violent in my regular state of mind, I'd probably never be violent when manic. Good to hear.
I have to stop rambling -- another symptom. I could go on forever but won't, thankfully.
A Relative Scores!
Chris is my only nephew, although I also have five grandnephews. He's my brother's only son and I think it's probably true (although I'm not 100 percent sure) that he's a good kid. He's a graduate of Bemidji State University (as is his fiancee, Katie) and he finally got the job he really wanted at Hearth & Home in the Twin Cities! When Mom told me this news over the phone I asked her, "What will his job title be?" She said he'll be their computer person. Chris -- when you get a business card on the job that says: Christopher Tack, Computer Person, please send me one. Just tell those people at Hearth & Home that your grandma said you're their Computer Person. Kudos and salvoes.
Ultra-Frightening Lawyer
Did any of you happen to see the O.J. hearing a few days ago when the judge agreed to let him out on bail? The news media pointed out Marcia Clark (the prosecutor at the OJ murder trial in '95) in the courtroom, and it's good that they DID 'cause she looked too scary for life! Her hair was peroxide blonde, her cheekbones seem to have leaped up an inch (hiss hiss). Her eyes were the only thing left of her former self!!! Nothing like a strong sense of identity I always say. Maybe she's sick of being recognized in public as the Lawyer Who Really Blew It.
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