Warm Fuzzies

2006-06-21T12:23:00.000-05:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-06-08T09:41:00.000-05:00

Thursday Thirteen

Banner Courtesy of Chaotic Home

From a very early age, I was taught to be superstitious. I lived with my grandmother as a child, and she raised me. My grandmother believes hook line and sinker in the unknown, the mystical, and regards superstition as commonplace. I was raised to believe in many things that most people would laugh at, but was just normal for me. As a result, I am very in tune with the senses, know how to read the tarot, and have an open mind to anything not explainable. As a tribute to my grandmother, I am going to list 13 things that I am superstitious about.

Thirteen Things I am Superstitious About:

1. Black Cats. Never let a black cat cross your path...if you do, you are sure to have bad luck.

2. If a bird flies into your window, a death will surely follow.

3. When it is lightning outside, never talk on the phone or put your hands in water.

4. Never walk under a ladder is extremely bad luck.

5. Bad luck always comes in three's.

6. If you break a mirror, you will have bad luck for 7 years.

7. When it's a full moon, all the loonies are out.

8. Don't kill a spider, if you do, it'll rain.

9. Don't step on the cracks on the sidewalk, it'll break your mothers back.
(I know, a little OCD)

10. Never play with a Ouija board...Ouija always answers!

11. The number 666 is a baaaaaaddddd number.

12. If your ears are ringing, somebody is DEFINITELY talking about you.

13. I don't like the number 13. It's bad luck! Good thing this meme isn't called Friday Thirteen, or else I wouldn't have participated.

2006-06-07T09:45:00.000-05:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-06-05T20:19:00.000-05:00

Aririkushishifu Zukushikashite

Make your ninja name from the following alphabet:
A- ka
B- zu
C- mi
D- te
E- ku
F- lu
G- ji
H- ri
I- ki
J-zu
K- me
L- ta
M- rin
N- to
O-mo
P- no
Q- ke
R- shi
S- ari
T-chi
U- do
V- ru
W-mei
X- na
Y- fu
Z- zi

Share your Ninja Names and let's discuss in the comments section...it's lots of fun!

2006-06-01T09:14:00.000-05:00

The Warm Fuzzy Tale
The Original Warm Fuzzy TaleBy Claude Steiner

Once upon a time, a long time ago there lived two very happy people called Tim and Maggi with their two children, John and Lucy.

To understand how happy they were you have to understand how things were in those days. You see, in those happy days everyone was given, at birth, a small soft Fuzzy Bag. Anytime a person reached into this bag he was able to pull out a Warm Fuzzy.

Warm Fuzzies were very much in demand because whenever somebody was given a Warm Fuzzy it made him feel warm and fuzzy all over. People who didn't get Warm Fuzzies regularly were in danger of developing a sickness in their backs which caused them to shrivel up and die.
In those days it was very easy to get Warm Fuzzies. Anytime that somebody felt like it, he might walk up to you and say, "I'd like to have a Warm Fuzzy." You would then reach into your bag and pull out a Fuzzy the size of a little girl's hand.

As soon as the Fuzzy saw the light of day it would smile and blossom into a large shaggy Warm Fuzzy. You then would lay it on the person's shoulder or head or lap and it would snuggle up and melt right against their skin and make them feel good all over.

People were always asking each other for Warm Fuzzies, and since they were always given freely, getting enough of them was never a problem.

There were always plenty to go around, and as a consequence everyone was happy and felt warm and fuzzy most of the time.

One day a bad witch became angry because everyone was so happy and no one was buying potions and salves.

The witch was very clever and devised a very wicked plan.

One beautiful morning the witch crept up to Tim while Maggi was playing with their daughter and whispered in his ear, "See here, Tim, look at all the Fuzzies that Maggi is giving to Lucy. You know, if she keeps it up, eventually she is going to run out and then there won't be any left for you."

Tim was astonished. He turned to the witch and said, "Do you mean to tell me that there isn't a Warm Fuzzy in our bag every time we reach into it?" And the witch said, "No, absolutely not, and once you run out, that's it. You don't have any more." With this, the witch flew away, laughing and cackling.

Tim took this to heart and began to notice every time Maggi gave up a Warm Fuzzy to somebody else. Eventually he got very worried and upset because he liked Maggi's Warm Fuzzies very much and did not want to give them up. He certainly did not think it was right for Maggi to be spending all her Warm Fuzzies on the children and on other people.
He began to complain every time he saw Maggi giving a Warm Fuzzy to somebody else, and because Maggi liked him very much, she stopped giving Warm Fuzzies to other people as often and reserved them for him.

The children watched this and soon began to get the idea that it was wrong to give up Warm Fuzzies any time you were asked or felt like it.

They too became very careful. They would watch their parents closely, and whenever they felt that one of their parents was giving too many Fuzzies to others, they also began to object. They began to feel worried whenever they gave away too many Warm Fuzzies.

Even though they found a Warm Fuzzy every time they reached into their bag, they reached in less and less and became more and more stingy. Soon people began to notice the lack of Warm Fuzzies, and they began to feel less warm and less fuzzy. They began to shrivel up, and, occasionally, people would die from lack of Warm Fuzzies.

More and more people went to the witch to buy potions and salves even though they didn't seem to work.

Well, the situation was getting very serious indeed. The bad witch didn't really want the people to die (since dead people couldn't buy salves and potions) so a new plan was devised.
Everyone was given a bag that was very similar to the Fuzzy Bag except that this one was cold while the Fuzzy Bag was warm. Inside of the witch's bag were Cold Pricklies. These Cold Pricklies did not make people feel warm and fuzzy, but made them feel cold and prickly instead.
But they did prevent people's bag's from shriveling up. So, from then on, every time somebody said, "I want a Warm Fuzzy," people who were worried about depleting their supply would say, "I can't give you a Warm Fuzzy, but would you like a Cold Prickly?"

Sometimes, two people would walk up to each other, thinking they could get a Warm Fuzzy, but one or the other of them would change his mind and they would wind up giving each other Cold Pricklies. So while very few people were dying, a lot of people were still unhappy and feeling very Cold and Prickly.

The situation got very complicated. Warm Fuzzies, which used to be thought of as free as air, became extremely valuable. This caused people to do all sorts of things in order to obtain them.
Before the witch had appeared, people used to gather in groups of three or four or five, never caring too much who was giving Warm Fuzzies to whom. After the coming of the witch, people began to pair off to reserve all their Warm Fuzzies for each other exclusively. People who forgot themselves and gave a Fuzzy to someone else would feel guilty because they knew that their partner would probably resent the loss. People who could not find a generous partner had to buy their Fuzzies and they worked long hours to earn the money.

Another thing which happened was that some people would take Cold Pricklies.....which were limitless and freely available..... coat them white and fluffy, and pass them on as Warm Fuzzies.
These counterfeit Warm Fuzzies were really Plastic Fuzzies, and they caused additional difficulties. For instance, two people would get together and freely exchange Plastic Fuzzies, which presumably should have made them feel good, but they came away feeling bad instead. Since they thought they had been exchanging Warm Fuzzies, people grew very confused about this, never realizing that their cold, prickly feelings were really the result of the fact that they had been given a lot of Plastic Fuzzies.

So the situation was very, very dismal, and it all started because of the coming of the witch who made people believe that some day, when least expected, they might reach into their Warm Fuzzy Bag and find no more.

Not long ago, a lovely, strong woman with big hips and a happy smile came to this unhappy land. She seemed not to have heard about the witch and was not worried about running out of Warm Fuzzies. She gave them out freely, even when not asked. People called her the Hip Woman and some disapproved of her because she was giving the children the idea that they should not worry about running out of Warm Fuzzies.

The children liked her very much because they felt good around her. They, too, began to give out Warm Fuzzies whenever they felt like it.

The grownups became concerned and decided to pass a law to protect the children from using up their supplies of Warm Fuzzies. The law made it a criminal offense to give out Warm Fuzzies in a reckless manner, without a license.

Many children, however, seemed not to know or care, and in spite of the law they continued to give each other Warm Fuzzies whenever they felt like it and always when asked.

Because there were many many children...almost as many as grownups...it began to look as if maybe the children would have their way.

As of now it is hard to say what will happen. Will the forces of law and order stop the children? Are the grownups going to join with the Hip Woman and the children in taking a chance that there will always be as many Warm Fuzzies as needed?

Will Tim and Maggi, recalling the days when they were so happy and when Warm Fuzzies were unlimited, begin to give away Warm Fuzzies freely again?

The struggle spread all over the land and is probably going on right where you live. If you want to, and I hope you do, you can join by freely giving and asking for Warm Fuzzies and by being as loving and healthy as you can.

2006-06-01T08:35:00.000-05:00

Banner Courtesy of Chaotic Home

In Winnipeg, my hometown, we are considered the Slurpee Capital of Canada. We only have approximately 4 months of Spring/Summer if we are lucky. The rest of the year we are subjected to below zero temperatures, with extreme windchill and record breaking lows. It is not uncommon to wake up to -35 degrees Celsius while we shudder at having to warm up our vehicle and dress up our kids! Many people wonder how there could be a large city in such harsh weather conditions-I think a better question would be, why do we love Slurpee's so much! We must all be addicted to the cold, however, whether it's -35, or +35 we still line up for Slurpee's! If a visitor would like to know how we know spring has arrived, all one needs to do is drive by the local 7-11 and look for the line extending all the way out the door with people holding Slurpees! They are in line in business suits, jeans, shorts, skateboards, dresses-with Slurpee's there are no boundaries! So my Meme today celebrates the Slurpee!

13 Flavors of SLURPEE

1. Pepsi

2. Coke

3. Sprite

4. Orange

5. Grape

6. Cream Soda

7. Dr. Pepper

8. Root Beer

9. Electric Blue

10. Gatorade Lime

11. Bubble Gum

12. Cherry

13. Cotton Candy

My personal FAVE-a Mix of Dr. Pepper, Pepsi, and Grape!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

2006-05-31T11:09:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2006-05-30T20:38:00.000-05:00

I took the road less traveled, and that has made all the difference.- Robert Frost

It is so important to have motivation in all areas of life. Without being motivated, the simplest tasks would fall to the wayside, making our life not as pleasant to live. The more important things in life would never be realized without motivation. We would have no food, no clothes, or wouldn't be motivated enough to even get dressed or showered. We most certainly wouldn't be motivated enough to make an income for ourselves. Motivation can make or break you. All to often in my line of work, I have seen this, and it is extremely tragic for all family members involved.

You see, motivation is not a given gift, I believe it is something learned and cultivated. Through our daily chores, boundaries and rules, we are taught from a very early age to have motivation. Motivation to complete a task, earn praise, or a reward for having achieved your goal. If this is not achieved, we are reprimanded and disciplined. Unfortunately not everybody is taught this way. Some are raised with little or no boundaries.

This prepares us for the next large step, which is school. They teach you more about motivation through learning how to create goals for yourself, and how to have the motivation to achieve those goals. That is the biggest lesson I believe that is taught in school. I used to believe school was just about Mathematics, or History, but the lessons taught go much deeper.

Where boundaries, chores, and discipline are lacking...usually motivation is lacking as well.
If you keep your eye on the end result, it drives you to succeed. Motivation is the thing that drives you forward, and helps you achieve your dreams. Never lose site of the pot at the end of the rainbow, and never lose site of your motivation-it will carry you forward to achieve all of your dreams!!!

2006-05-30T14:20:00.000-05:00

Tackle it Tuesday-My Dishwasher

Special Thank You to Janice over at 5 minutes for mom for the fantastic meme idea! I'm sure many will thank you for this theme! From one paper collector to another!

My Project this week was to tackle is the top of my portable dishwasher, which has many uses and purposes, in our kitchen including my kids craft center which attracts paper, food and any kind of junk that doesn't have a home.

DISHWASHER BEFORE:

DISHWASHER AFTER:

Join Us For Tackle It Tuesday!

Find out more about it here.

I will link to any of you who are also playing along, so add a comment and/or email me.

The project can be little or big – whatever you want. Basically, Tackle It Tuesday is about giving ourselves incentive, deadlines and satisfaction in getting our household tasks done.

This is raw, blogging vulnerability.

Some publish intimate details about their personal lives on the internet – but we are going to do something far more terrifying. We are going to photograph and publish the very corners, closets and piles of clutter and chaos that we are most ashamed of – the very places we work so hard for no one to ever see.

I want us to celebrate together the little steps of victory as other Tackle It Tuesday participants and I tackle each project, one by one.

Add your URL, so that we can share our Tackle it Tuesday Projects!

Thanks for the incentive Janice! Can't wait for us all to share!

2006-05-25T19:32:00.000-05:00

Banner Courtesy of Chaotic Home

Thirteen Things That Inspired Me Today
In no particular order

1. My 5 year old daughter Courtnay singing at the top of her lungs to "When the Night Feels My Song" by Bedouin Soundclash.

2. Taylor Hicks, the Newest American Idol. Yaaaaaaayyyyyy Soul Patrol!

3. Purchasing the coolest Birthday Present for my 3 year old...the Six Flags Three in One Activity Slide/Pool. Imagining the look on her face when she opens the gift inspired me!

4. I have just been employed with Child and Family Services, and the thought of working with foster children inspired me to redeem my Airmiles for free movie passes.

5. A kind man who was hearing impaired and down on his luck wanted to give me a pen in exchange for a donation. I gave him $10.00 and told him to keep the pen. He inspired me to always be generous.

6. Janice from 5 Minutes for Mom inspired me to Tackle it Tuesday, and clean an area of my house that I've been procrastinating about for ages, even though it isn't Tuesday today.

7. My husband inspired me to count my blessings today. He gave me time to myself on the computer while he took the two girls out for a walk to the Bird Sanctuary, a place we all love.

8. My 23 year old sister was preapproved for a mortgage today! She made me so proud!

9. My husband who weighs 140 lbs soken wet forgot his lunch today, which inspired me to bring him a Big Mac and Supersized fries to work so he doesn't whittle away!

10. Stuart Little inspired me in "Call of the Wild 3" when he single handedly took on the beast in the forest and won! He taught me that even when the odds are against you, anything is possible!

11. My Nanny inspired me today. She agreed to subscribe to Lifeline even though she really doesn't want it. She inspired me to have humility, and grab life by the tail!

12. I tried on last years bathing suit, which inspired me to consider rejoining weight watchers (I am not a lifetime member, but have been a member for life).

13. My 5 year old inspired me to enjoy life. She pranked me by hiding in the closet today, jumped out at me which made me hit the roof. (Her favorite show is Prank Patrol)

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

2006-05-23T11:00:00.000-05:00

Last evening, I had the pleasure of watching Oprah's Legends Weekend. I found it interesting, because Oprah has already become a legend in life, and there couldn't have been a more perfect host for such an event. Oprah is the most inspiring, amazing woman of our time. The Legends weekend really touched the heart, with famous african american women being celebrated like Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Cicely Tyson, Shirley Caesar just to name a few. These legends paved the way for us all, through segregation, and oppression but also strengthened women's rights everywhere. I don't believe anybody who watched the Legends weekend had a dry eye within the first 15 minutes of watching. I had chills during the Luncheon when the young'uns recited each of the legends names and repeated, We Speak Your Name, We Speak Your Name. Oprah gave a gift at the luncheon of beautiful diamond earrings that were just breathtaking in Oprah style. It was so generous, but that is Oprah's nature, she touches lives.

The highlight for me, had to be on the Sunday morning, at Brunch when they had the church of Oprah! There were gospel singers, and with so much talent in the room, it was inevitable that the microphone would be passed around to the greatest gospel legends like Dionne Warwick, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Dianna Ross, and Gladys Knight just to name a few.....

It was a celebration of the women who paved the way for us to be free, and live in a free society as strong free women. Thank you Oprah for sharing such an amazing event for all of us women to say thanks!

2006-05-22T12:34:00.000-05:00

I must admit, I am a little behind the times, with reading literature. Having a 5 year old, and a 3 year old has made reading anything other than Robert Munsch, Dr. Seuss and Adele Faber next near to impossible. However, I have just began reading the DaVinci Code, by Dan Brown; it was something I just couldn't resist.

Due to all of the coverage it has been receiving, I usually stay away from literature that has been talked about to pieces, but it looks so intriguing, I just couldn't resist. Since purchasing the book, I have not been able to put it down. I was very impressed about how Dan Brown engages his readers into action right from the first page to the last.

I'm one of those people that need to read the literature, before hitting the movie theatre. The novel always seems to be better at filling in the blanks, than the movie. I hope I am going to be pleasantly surprised. So far, the novel is living up to the fanfare. If the movie lives up to the novel, this will be a must see movie at the box office.

2006-05-15T14:49:00.000-05:00

I am a huge Weight Watchers fan, having been a member off and on for , well, let's be honest, most of my life. I have many weaknesses, but one of the biggest weakness I have is for Cheesecake! I was so excited to see a recipe from the Weight Watchers website for Mini Cherry Cheesecakes!

POINTS® value 3 Core Recipe
Servings 12
Preparation Time 20 min
Cooking Time 15 min
Level of Difficulty Easy
Desserts

No lie! You'll cut down on calories in these luscious cherry treats if you use fat-free and light cream cheese and light pie filling.

Ingredients
8 average graham cracker(s), mashed into crumbs
2 Tbsp reduced-calorie margarine, melted
4 oz fat-free cream cheese
4 oz light cream cheese
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 large egg white(s)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup sugar
20 oz light fruit pie filling, cherry, warmed

Instructions
Place 12 cupcake liners in a cupcake pan. Combine graham cracker crumbs and margarine; mix well. Spoon 1 tablespoon of crumb mixture into bottom of each liner and press down gently. Refrigerate until ready to fill.

Beat cream cheeses until fluffy and add lemon juice, egg whites, vanilla extract and sugar; beat until smooth. Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly into crumb cups. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Cool.

Top each cheese cake with 1 tablespoon cherry pie filling.

(Source from Weight Watchers.com)

I must say, when I saw this, I was a little skeptical...after all, most recipes never taste exactly the same when you skinny on the ingredients, but this one was heavenly! And I usually prefer the kind of cheesecake that are "no bake." (I am a no fuss, no muss kind of baker LOL)

Enjoy!

2006-04-15T16:18:00.000-05:00

Welcome Everybody!

This is Sherry Berard, founder of Curves and More. I'm very excited to start posting Warm Fuzzies! A Warm Fuzzy either a story, a compliment, or anything that warms the heart. At Curves and More, it is my goal is to have that warm fuzzy feeling after visiting. This blog was created for the plus sized woman. For myself, there is nothing better than sharing inspiring stories, and create a community of strong independent women. I can't wait to start sharing and meeting others with the same interests in mind.

Cheers!

Sherry Berard, Founder of Curves and More