Abracapocious: A fault in reality

I Know You ...

2009-04-06T03:34:00.000-07:00

All About the ...Lincolns? ...

2009-03-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

My heart sincerely goes out to anyone suffering at the hands of the recession. The matter has affected home life here as well. I knew it was bad but not this severe. Over the course of three and a half months, I have had two, two, interviews. I've been applying for any jobs which I remotely qualify but it's difficult to find many. It's simply mind boggling. Yes, I know. I know I'm lucky to have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in the cabinets. That's a lot more than what many have, so I have no room to complain.

Speaking of complaining, hubby and I seem to argue more. We both realize that the source of contention is the current financial constraint and job loss rate. Despite the situation, we're able to recognize and appreciate the fact we're coping with it from a reasonable (and sometimes humorous) perspective. The constant job search is beginning to take a physical and emotional toll. I have this mental picture of swinging on a rope and yelling, "Wheeeee!" :oÞ

Ropes. With that thought, I can think of a few people who should be strung up by their nether ... *ahem* ..toes. I feel for the laid off auto workers but have no sympathy for the officials holding their hands out for bailout funds. They have the audacity to do such a thing while so many people suffer.

The eyes are beginning to grow heavy, so off I go.

Dew come in ...

2009-01-23T22:35:00.000-08:00

I'll be updating as time allows. The fishbowl was feeling a bit cramped. In case anyone would like to use the template, it can be found at FinalSense. Amazing graphics at this site which I highly recommend.

A belated happy new year to one and all. May it be a prosperous one. <3

No Christmas for You ...

2008-12-21T02:32:00.000-08:00

Gotta love Foamy. LoL!

Warning: Contains adult subject matter and language which may be offensive to some viewers.

Cheap And Simple Meal For You and Yours ...

2008-12-21T01:03:00.000-08:00

Cheap and simple dish to make anytime. I like to fix a pan of southern fried potatoes on the side, too.

---------------------------------------------

Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

1 tube croissant rolls
1 lb. sausage
6 eggs, beaten
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
non-stick spray
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray. Brown sausage in skillet. Unroll croissant dough and lay flat in bottom of 9×13 dish. Add sausage, then pour eggs over sausage. Top with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Analogies, Schmanalogies ...

2008-12-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

After logging onto blogger, I noticed my keyboard is rather dusty. I suppose that's what happens when one bypasses the personal confuser more often. *sheepish grin*

A lot has been going on the home front. Nothing new there, actually. I've been on tenterhooks more than usual, mainly due to the lack of a job. I have been at the pc, perusing the local employment ads and local job recruiting agencies online. Nothing else has been able to keep my attention. I was hesitant to log onto blogger for that period of time, afraid I'd become mired down in self pity while rambling on about the unemployment predicament.

In relation to the situation, it wasn't easy to come to terms with the notion we needed financial assistance. I've never been one to ask for help. Period. I knew I wasn't going to go alone, feeling dh and I needed one another in order to apply for food assistance. Surprisingly, people were very helpful. It's just a matter of swallowing the pride, realizing it's better to swallow something more flavorful and sustaining to the body.

I kept hedging while trying to apply for unemployment insurance, thinking, "I'll have a job before resorting to this." Yes, I'm rolling my eyes at that statement. The jobs simply aren't there. The realization finally sunk in that the recession has struck much harder than expected. I finally broke down and applied. I haven't received my first weekly payment yet, but part of me still doesn't want it. I suppose it's stubbornness, pride, and the lingering sensation of independence which are attempting to prevail over my sense of rationalism. It's a temporary solution while searching for employment.

Just as one breaks a leg, the crutch is there to help until the injury heals.

Listening to: MZ Disco by My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult

Image courtesy of Harlan's Portfolio .

Snow bizzznezzzzzz-snort-zzzzzzz

2008-11-28T19:08:00.000-08:00

It's safe to say that this time of the year is hibernation mode. If you're prone to studying the backs of your eyelids when cold weather sets in, you may possibly wake to a soft layer of peach fuzz across your bum. ;o)

After a meal of Thanksgiving leftovers, I fought to keep my eyes open while watching Hancock. Much to my chagrin, the fluttering of eyelids could be likened to Morse code. Prior to starting the movie, dh stepped out (in shorts and a t-shirt) onto the front porch to see how much snow had fallen. "Looks like we've got about an inch and a half of snow," he called out. To affirm the chilly report, he walked back inside with a brick-sized amount of snow and took a bite. I grinned and shook my head. "Baby, that's nasty. You ever hear of fallout?" He offered the brick to me and asked, "Didn't you ever eat snow as a kid?" With a raised eyebrow, I replied, "Of course I did but if I was a kid in the present day and time, I wouldn't eat it." Despite the playful chide, he finished the majority of the cold brick, tossing the remnants in the kitchen sink.

I don't think much affects his immune system. LoL! I do believe his stomach has a steel lining. I only know of one account in which he's had food poisoning (from a local restaurant some years ago). Seldom does he ever suffer from indigestion, acid reflux, or other stomach ailments. I'm definitely no stranger to any of it. I've learned to moderate, eating whole wheat breads, more fruits and vegetables while limiting fried or spicy foods. The change in diet has made a big difference, that's for certain.

Turkey Day ...

2008-11-27T23:14:00.000-08:00

This gives new meaning to the phrases "A bird in the hand beats two in a bush" and "Get stuffed." :oÞ

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello? Is it me you're looking for? ...

2008-11-24T21:27:00.000-08:00

As a result of last Wednesday, I've found myself listening more closely for the phone. We have a device on our phone called a telemarketing call screener. The contraption is handy but it can be bothersome. It's set to kick in after one ring. If it's a friend or family member calling, the screener device will ring in such a tone that it sounds a bit like a digital alarm clock - not quite as loud though. I really have to listen in case a call comes through. It's good for the fact that I don't have to listen to automated telemarketers on the answering machine. On the flipside, we can't hook our answering machine up through the screener. It simply won't pick up.

I do realize that telemarketers are human. LoL! For a brief period of time, I was a "research assistant" for a company which valued public opinion on different products and issues. We weren't promoting anything whatsoever. We would call people throughout the nation and ask for their opinion. The only cost to them was a few minutes of their time. Despite the fact that I wasn't selling anything, my ears nearly turned black and fell off due to being called everything but a white woman and screamed/cursed at in such a manner that a sailor would blush. I'd smile to myself, knowing full well I wasn't the crux of the anger. It's just a matter of timing.

Regardless, I don't want to listen to the spiel. In an attempt to abate the barrage of calls, I added our number to the National Do Not Call Registry. It could be my imagination but it does seem much quieter - or I'm going deaf. LoL!

Robots, Kung Fu, and the Popcorn ...

2008-11-21T23:41:00.000-08:00

If you like animated movies but haven't seen Kung Fu Panda or Wall-E, you really should. Dh and I watched both of the films earlier tonight. I won't go into great detail and spoil it for other movie lovers.

KFP (Kung Fu Panda) portrays its main character, Po (Jack Black), as a panda who faces a few challenges on his path to discovering his inner strength. There have been a few animated movies which bear a strong resemblance to this premise. KFP differentiates in regards to diversity and camaraderie. Various walks of life are able to work together, gaining respect for one another in the quest for peace.

Wall-E opens with a solitary robot, Wall-E, who goes about compacting and organizing trash which has taken over the world (due to humans, naturally). After Wall-E encounters a robot sent to Earth, his life takes a 180 degree turn. With more encounters along the way, he inadvertently changes the course of the planet and others lives.

Humor abound in both movies, I have to say. Impressive graphics and effects were duly noted as well. Both movies definitely fit the "feel good" category. If you need a good laugh, Kung Fu Panda and Wall-E will surely satisfy the funny bone crave.

Quite quiet ...

2008-11-19T23:40:00.001-08:00

After a game of phone-tag, it appears that I'll be going in for an interview and an update of my personal information with an employment agency I've used in the past. I was asked if I preferred office/clerical or light industrial work.

me: "I prefer office/clerical but at this point, I'm not choosy. Either area of employment is more than okay with me."

recruiter: "I regret to say it's really quiet in office/clerical. You'd have a better chance in light industrial."

That was a snippet of yesterday's conversation at the employment agency. I received a call this morning which led me to believe that I'd have an easier time being paid to tap dance in a bikini while on the street corner (it's feeling like winter here, so that would be quite a sight). Today's call was from a different recruiter with the agency. It appears the recruiters use the catch phrase "it's really quiet in _fill in the blank_". I've had this mental image of employment recruiters ducking behind potted plants and wearing sunglasses as a prospective employee walks in the door. I didn't see but two job seekers yesterday, so it appears that not very many are hurting for employment here.

Off to bury my cold nose in a mound of blankets. G'night!

Bollywood at its finest ...

2008-11-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's Bollywood. Watch and see what you think. This tune is featured in the movie Ghost World, by the way. Great movie and great music.

What Goes on Behind Stall Doors ...

2008-11-18T21:20:00.000-08:00

When you have to visit a public bathroom, you usually find a line of women, so you smile politely and take your place. Once it's your turn, you check for feet under the stall doors. Every stall is occupied.

Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the stall.

You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter, the wait has been so long you are about to wet your pants! The dispenser for the modern 'seat covers' (invented by someone's Mom, no doubt) is handy, but empty. You would hang your purse on the door hook, if there was one, but there isn't - so you carefully, but quickly drape it around your neck, (Mom would turn over in her grave if you put it on the FLOOR!), yank down your pants, and assume 'The Stance.'

In this position your aging, toneless thigh muscles begin to shake. You'd love to sit down, but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat or lay toilet paper on it, so you hold 'The Stance.'

To take your mind off your trembling thighs, you reach for what you discover to be the empty toilet paper dispenser. In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying, 'Honey, if you had tried to clean the seat, you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper!' Your thighs shake more.

You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday - the one that's still in your purse (Oh yeah, the purse around your neck, that now, you have to hold up trying not to strangle yourself at the same time). That would have to do. You crumple it in the puffiest way possible. It's still smaller than your thumbnail.

Someone pushes your door open because the latch doesn't work. The door hits your purse, which is hanging around your neck in front of your chest, and you and your purse topple backward against the tank of the toilet. "Occupied!", you scream, as you reach for the door, dropping your precious, tiny, crumpled tissue in a puddle on the floor, lose your footing altogether, and slide down directly onto the TOILET SEAT. It is wet of course. You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late. Your bare bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ and life form on the uncovered seat because YOU never laid down toilet paper - not that there was any, even if you had taken time to try. You know that your mother would be utterly appalled if she knew, because you're certain her bare bottom never touched a public toilet seat because, frankly, dear, 'You just don't KNOW what kind of diseases you could get.'

By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, propelling a stream of water like a fire hose against the inside of the bowl that sprays a fine mist of water that covers your butt and runs down your legs and into your shoes. The flush somehow sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the empty toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged in, too.

At this point, you give up. You're soaked by the spewing water and the wet toilet seat. You're exhausted. You try to wipe with a gum wrapper you found in your pocket and then slink out inconspicuously to the sinks.

You can't figure out how to operate the faucets with the automatic sensors, so you wipe your hands with spit and a dry paper towel and walk past the line of women still waiting.

You are no longer able to smile politely to them. A kind soul at the very end of the line points out a piece of toilet paper trailing from your shoe (Where was that when you NEEDED it??). You yank the paper from your shoe, plunk it in the woman's hand and tell her warmly, "Here, you just might need this."

As you exit, you spot your hubby, who has long since entered, used, and left the men's restroom. Annoyed, he asks, "What took you so long, and why is your purse hanging around your neck?"

This is dedicated to women everywhere who deal with public restrooms (rest??? you've GOT to be kidding!!). It finally explains to the men what really does take us so long. It also answers their other commonly asked questions about why women go to the restroom in pairs. It's so the other gal can hold the door, hang onto your purse and hand you Kleenex under the door!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This funny was e-mailed to me. Hoping it gives you a chuckle, too.

Pick yourself up, dust yourself off ...

2008-11-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

Much has been going on in the past few days, I have to admit. My brain has been reeling with the phrases, "suck it up ... don't complain ... other people have it worse ... square the shoulders and smile ... you'll be fine ... no one likes a whinger ... keep going." You see, my mom died a couple of years ago during this time of the year. I'm not accustomed to talking about her death with anyone, much less writing about the loss, so this is a first. Putting it to "virtual paper" could possibly prove to be cathartic. That remains to be seen.

I do recall my final Thanksgiving at the "ol' homestead" four years ago. As usual, mom loaded me up with tons of leftovers, being sure to double check that nothing was left behind and ask me if there was anything else I needed (tp, canned goods, paper towels, soft drinks, etc.). She never wanted me to go empty handed. With a word of reassurance that the leftovers were more than enough, I gave her a hug then headed back to my place. It didn't sink in until I was on the outskirts of my hometown, about to turn onto the highway, that I realized we just celebrated our final Thanksgiving in the house I grew up for the majority of my young adult life. I had to pull the car over on the side of the road because I couldn't see. Thankfully, there was no traffic as I sat there bawling like a baby. After a few minutes, I was able to compose myself for the hour and fifteen minute trip back to my place. That was such a long drive. After putting the leftovers away, I called mom to let her know I was safe and sound.

I think what keeps me going is remembering how she kept going. She was a fighter with a sharp mind and great sense of humor. Never once did I ever see her downtrodden. She was never over the top with her humor, kindness, or outlook on life. She had a big heart but didn't overdramatize/gush. She was the epitome of sincerity and simplicity. I was extremely blessed to have such a loving and understanding mother. Yes, I know every single one of us has at least one enemy; however, I can't think of anyone who didn't like her. When she initially became ill, there was such an abundance of community support that it was a bit overwhelming. Since I live so far away now, it's difficult to remain connected. I do have one older sister who resides in a neighboring state but have only talked to her a couple of times since mom died. That's another issue for a potential future post. LoL!

In the midst of all of the emotion this past week, I've been sending in job applications. Since dh's hours were significantly cut, job hunting has proven to be more stressful. There's only so much a person can do/control. For some reason, the term "batshit" comes to mind. I sure don't want to get to that point, and really, I can't see that happening. I think of what mom would tell me. She would say, "You're doing the right thing. Keep applying and something will happen. Whatever you do, I just want you to be happy."

And, I quote ...

2008-11-06T23:49:00.000-08:00

"We don't accomplish anything in this world alone ... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something." -- Sandra Day O'Connor

"Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect." -- Chief Seattle

"Don't be concerned about others not appreciating you. Be concerned about your ability to appreciate others." -- Confucius

Jokin' ...

2008-11-05T23:12:00.000-08:00

Hell Hath No Fury

She spent the first day packing her belongings into boxes, crates and suitcases. On the second day, she had the movers come and collect her things. On the third day, she sat down for the last time at their beautiful dining room table by candlelight, put on some soft background music, and feasted on a pound of shrimp, a jar of caviar, and a bottle of Chardonnay. When she finished, she went into every room and stuffed half-eaten, caviar-dipped shrimp shells inside the hollow section of all the curtain rods. She then cleaned up the kitchen and left.

When the husband returned with his new girlfriend, all was bliss for the first few days. Then, slowly, the house began to smell. They tried everything - cleaning, mopping, and airing the place out. Vents were checked for dead rodents, carpets were steam-cleaned and air fresheners were hung everywhere. Exterminators were brought in to set off gas canisters, during which they had to move out for a few days. In the end they even paid to replace the expensive wool carpeting. Nothing worked. People stopped coming over to visit. Repairmen refused to work in the house. The maid quit.

Finally, they could not take the stench any longer and decided to move. A month later, even though they had cut their price in half, they could not find a buyer for their stinky house. Word got out, and eventually, even the local realtors refused to return their calls. Finally, they had to borrow a huge sum of money from the bank to purchase a new place. The ex-wife called the man, and asked how things were going. He told her the saga of the rotting house. She listened politely, and said that she missed her old home terribly, and would be willing to reduce her divorce settlement in exchange for getting the house back. Knowing his ex-wife had no idea how bad the smell was, he agreed on a price that was about 1/14th of what the house had been worth, but only if she were to sign the papers that very day. She agreed, and, within the hour his lawyers delivered the paperwork. A week later the man and his girlfriend stood smiling as they watched the moving company pack everything to take to their new home, including the curtain rods.

I love a happy ending. Don't you? LoL!!!

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Cardiologist Funeral

A cardiologist died and was given an elaborate funeral. A huge heart covered in flowers stood behind the casket during the service. Following the eulogy, the heart opened, and the casket rolled inside. The heart then closed, sealing the doctor in the beautiful heart forever.

At that point, one of the mourners burst into laughter. When all eyes stared at him, he said, "I'm sorry, I was just thinking of my own funeral. I'm a gynecologist." That's when the proctologist fainted.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Teacher's Pest

There's a teacher in a small Arizona town who asks her class how many of them are John McCain fans. Not really knowing what a McCain fan is, but wanting to be liked by the teacher, all the kids raise their hands except one boy, Johnny.

The teacher asks Johnny why he has decided to be different. Johnny says, "I'm not a McCain fan." The teacher asks, "Why aren't you a McCain fan?" Johnny says, "I'm a Barack Obama fan."

The teacher asks why he's a Barack Obama fan. The boy says, "Well, my mom's a Barack Obama fan, and my Dad's a Barack Obama fan, so I'm a Barack Obama fan!" The teacher is angry, so she asks, "What if your mom was a moron and your dad was an idiot? What would that make you?"

Johnny says, "That would make me a 'McCalin' fan."

Take a dip ...

2008-11-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

Since "Turkey Day" is around the corner, I've already begun to compile the shopping list. At the mention of red fish of any kind, dh will wrinkle his nose; however, I've managed to cajole him somewhat. LoL! I made dill salmon dip last year. Surprisingly, he inhaled nearly every bit of the appetizer. For those of you preparing for the holiday season ahead or simply craving a delectable snack, here's the dill salmon dip recipe:

Ingredients:

1 package (8 oz.) softened cream cheese
1 package (7-8 oz.) salmon - boneless/skinless
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated onion
1 teaspoon horseradish
1/2 teaspoon dillweed
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon of Liquid Smoke

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Directions:

Mix cream cheese and mayonnaise together. Add remaining ingredients and stir. Chill in refrigerator for an hour. Enjoy.

**You can serve this with vegetables and/or crackers. It goes well with celery, carrots, and/or Keebler Club crackers. If you have difficulty locating the Liquid Smoke, it may possibly be in the condiment aisle at your local Wal-mart store.

Don't dream it's over ...

2008-11-03T19:16:00.000-08:00

Considering the massive amount of smear campaigns in the media over the past few weeks, I've been quite ready for this election to come to an end the moment it began. Car salesmen and politicians belong in one group, the blowhards. When their mouths are moving, they're lying.

I admit that I haven't voted in an election for at least 10 years. My basis for this conscious choice is rooted in the fact the electoral college exists. While surfing, I found an interesting article which demystifies the process and clarifies the apathetic perception some of us exhibit during election time.

Bratek states, "if large states that have many votes in the college all vote for one candidate, even if that candidate won only by a small majority, the voting process is weighed down by votes that may not reflect everyone’s views."

She also points out this has occurred more than once. This is how George W. Bush became the "resident-in-thief".

Personally, I think the eradication of the electoral college would be an affirmation of being on the right democratic path. Yes, I know it sounds like an oxymoron but I can't help but think the act might mold some into honest politicians.

Get rid of the Electoral College

Not a "Saturday Love" ...

2008-11-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

I admit that I was a nerd growing up (obviously, I still meet the criteria). :oP

You Are Monday

Like this day of the week, you are ruled by the moon.

More than anything, you are flexible.

You are moody and impressionable. You are easily influenced by the world around you.

And while you can be temperamental, you eventually adjust.

While Mondays tend to be the hardest day for people, you don't mind getting back to regular life.

You're the one waking up early and making the coffee while everyone else complains.

What Day of the Week Are You?

Boo!

2008-10-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

Considering how the past month has unfolded, it's no wonder I haven't written. During that time, I was setting my alarm quite early, varying between the hours of 2 to 4 a.m.. Working nine to ten hours per day was rather challenging. Oftentimes, I'd feel as if I was on "automatic pilot". Shower, eat, work, eat, and sleep - that was the routine. LoL! Oh, and the repetitive packaging motion which utilized my upper body didn't help whatsoever. My palms were often bruised, forearms would seize up, and fingers cramped often. A coworker, "S", told me that it sounded as if the beginnings of tendinitis. Who knows. It could simply be that I've been a pansy and never really exercised those muscles before. Overtime was definitely earned. We were told to anticipate working Saturday mornings for six hours. Only one such of a day occurred.

Monday morning, my supervisor walked up to me and said it was my last day for the season. That's how it works for seasonal employees - always last minute notices so you're never really prepared. Keeping my head about me, I can only think to go to the local employment agency next week and fill out applications to substitute with the local school districts, too.

G'night!

Happy Halloween ... Happy Samhain!

Listening to: Corinne Bailey Rae - Call Me When You Get This

First Class ...

2008-09-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

This weekend flew by in a flash. During the week, the daily routine definitely appears to be on automatic pilot until Friday afternoon suddenly looms up. At a much younger age (early to mid 20's), I thoroughly enjoyed going out on the weekends; however, in my 40's, even when the economy was on an even keel, I never found shopping that appealing. Anytime I go with dh to the store, I hurry with the list in hand. From time to time, he will ask me if I'd like to go with him and I'll relent, shamefully realizing that I don't spend a lot of time with him outside of the house. The majority of the time I'm traveling back and forth to work during the week. As soon as I arrive home, shoes and clothes are flying as I quickly don the comfy lounge pants and one of dh's old frayed t-shirts, with no intent of leaving the cozy retreat for the evening. While I'm settling in, dh already has dinner on the stove (or about to begin). Yep, he definitely needs a grand Christmas gift for all he does. LoL!

Dh doesn't seem to blink an eye in terms of helping in the kitchen. He's a rock when it comes to responsibility. If I was still single, jeez, there would be no "square" meal. Well, there would be one in a manner of speaking - a sandwich. LoL! The majority of the time I'd prepare microwaveable meals or sandwiches, unlike dh, who always fixes meat and vegetables. He's actually making chili for the first time tonight. After asking me how I've prepared it before, I heard him bustling about in the kitchen. Yes, I can cook. There are certain meals I'll prepare from time to time on the weekends that dh may not feel comfortable fixing. I admit that it's nice to be spoiled for a change. LoL! As much as dh helps out, he definitely deserves to be spoiled rotten. Looking at the clock, I suppose it's about that time, so I'm off like a dirty shirt.

Vidmeow :oP ...

2008-09-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

Too funny!

Red Light, Green Light Cat

You Finally Get It ...

2008-09-27T23:57:00.000-07:00

A time comes in your life when you finally get it. When in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. Like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and through a mantle of wet lashes, you begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening.

You realize that it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that he is not Prince Charming, you are not Cinderella, that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you. In the process, a sense of serenity is born of acceptance. You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are. That's OK (they are entitled to their own views and opinions). You learn the importance of loving and championing yourself. A sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you). You learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.

You learn that people don't always say what they mean, mean what they say, not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. In turn, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself. A sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance. You stop judging and pointing fingers. You begin to accept people as they are, and, overlook their shortcomings and human frailties. A sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness. You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is a culmination of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. You begin to sift through all the crap you've been fed about how you should look, how much you should weigh, what you should wear, where you should shop, what vehicle you should drive, how and where you should live, what you should do for a living, who you should sleep with, who you should marry, what you should expect of a marriage, the importance of having and raising children or what you owe your parents.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing. You begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into in the first place. You learn to go with your instincts. You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive, and, there is power and glory in creating and contributing. You stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life. You learn that you don't know everything. It's not your job to save the world and that you can't reach a pig to sing.

You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility, and, the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love - romantic love, family love, how to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. You learn not to project your needs or your feelings onto a relationship. You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man (or woman) on your arm or the child that bears your name. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn that just as people grow and change, so it is with love. You learn that you don't have the right to demand love on your terms just to make you happy. You also learn that alone does not mean lonely. You look in the mirror and come to terms with the fact that you will never be a size 5 or have a 32 waist, or be a perfect 10. You stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing over how you "stack up". You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK, it is your right to want things and to ask for the things that you want, and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands. You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won't settle for less. You allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you to glorify you with his/her touch. In the process you internalize the meaning of self-respect.

You learn that your body really is your temple, so you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise. You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear, so you take more time to rest. Just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul, so you take more time to laugh and to play. You learn, that for the most part, in life you get what you believe you deserve and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen. Most importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone and that it's OK to risk asking for help. You learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time - FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your terms. You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom. You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions you learn not to personalize things. It's just life happening. You learn to deal with evil in its most primal state - the ego.

You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about - a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, and, a long hot shower. Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself so you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never ever settle for less than your heart's desire. You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind. You make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting and to stay open to every wonderful possibility. Finally, with courage in your heart, you take a stand and a deep breath while you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can. I hope this helps in all you think about and all you do.

--Submitted by Pat Vincent as Food for Thought

**An inspiring clipping from an old newspaper which my mother passed onto me.

Slumber Lumber Land ...

2008-09-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

Seldom does it occur but every now and then, I have difficulty nodding off at a decent hour. I have to admit that I'm slightly envious of my dh for that matter. He clearly possesses the ability to nod off quicker than you can say 'insomnia'. There is one drawback for the both of us. We snore. LoL! I admit that I'd try to convince myself the guttaral cacophony was due to an ailment or being overworked. In actuality, I definitely snore more frequently now as opposed to my young adult years.

I think I inherited a trait from my mom as well. Settling into her cozy spot on the couch, she'd clearly be excited about watching a good movie. Engrossed in the plot, it never failed that approximately fifteen minutes into the viewing, I'd hear her snort. Glancing over, she would bolt upright and her eyes would widen as she asked, "What was that?" LoL! She was simply quite comfortable that sleep overtook her. Up until about a couple of years ago, I've caught myself relenting to watching the backs of my eyelids, only to be woken up with a light snore resonating through my nose. I know what's going on, so won't even venture to ask my dh. LoL! We have a couch which has a recliner at both ends. Lifting the footrest is second nature. I dare to say that snoring is becoming part of that exercise. Due to the rapid decline in temperature, autumn has clearly begun in the Northwest. Blankets have been brought out of storage and washed, ready for use on the couch - another cozy comfort for the cooler months ahead. LoL!

At this point, I think I'm relaxed enough to retire for the night. Off to snuggle and place my cool feet on dh's legs a.k.a. The Heaters. ;o)

Just joking ...

2008-09-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

There are never enough good jokes to go around. Here are a couple of my favorites which always evoke a chuckle and a smile. ;o)

~~~~~

Three female cats were bragging about their kittens. The first cat said, "My kittens are part Persian. Their father was a pure Persian cat." The third cat said nothing. The second cat said, "Well, that is nothing. My kittens are part Siamese. Their father was a pure bred Siamese." The third cat still said nothing. Then the first two cats asked her, "What are your kittens?" She replied, "Oh, I don't know. I had my head stuck in the tuna can at the time."

~~~~~

A bus carrying only ugly people crashed into an oncoming truck, and everyone inside died.

They went to meet their maker. Due to the grief they have experienced, he decided to grant each one of them one wish before they entered Paradise.

After they were all lined up, God proceeded to ask the first person about their wish. "I want to be gorgeous." God snapped his fingers, and it was done.

The second one in line heard this and said, "I want to be gorgeous, too." Another snap of his fingers and the wish was granted.

This went on for a while but when God was halfway down the line, the last guy in line started laughing.

When there were only ten people left, this guy was rolling on the floor laughing.

Finally, God reached this guy and asked him what his wish will be.

The guy calmed down and said, "Make 'em all ugly again."