Where am I going & what is with this handbasket?

Starting Over

2007-06-13T07:50:00.000-04:00

I am ready to leave the past behind and take with me the lessons I have learned along the way. I am leaving the handbasket and starting a new blog called "I am Me". It is not very structured, organized, decked out, but it is what it is and a part of me. Just as in life, I will figure things out as I go.
I hope to see you along the way.

All things come to an end

2007-02-27T08:01:00.000-05:00

Well I see my little game did not go over too well. That just tells me that it is time for me to stop blogging.
It was fun while it lasted, but all good things come to an end sometime and that time is now.
Thanks for all the comments and insite, I appreciate it all and definately will walk away a better person.

Cherish every day for you may not get another to cherish.

Movie Quote Game

2007-02-22T07:54:00.000-05:00

Ok, I figured since I will be away from posting for a few days again, I would try something out that worked really well for a friend of mine when he posted on a regular basis. You can check out what he has been doing at 13shirts.com

The point of this game is to quote a movie and use the next number in sequence. For example..."ONE may smile and smile and be a villain" (JFK). Then the next comment would have the #2 (two) in it such as "Are you TWO having a killer time?" (Napoleon Dynamite). Write the quote and name the movie then try and keep it going. The person with the most posts wins. Now be careful, cause if someone else is entering a quote at the same time, and beats you, you will be disqualified. And there is one big rule...YOU CANNOT POST 2 COMMENTS IN A ROW!

If you have played this before, try to come up with new quotes and not go back to previous posts....you know who you are.

Let's say we play till Tuesday...have fun!!

Gratitude and a whole lot more

2007-02-21T07:35:00.000-05:00

Well it is Wednesday and I missed gratitude Tuesday imagine that. It was a long but wonderful weekend. We did well at the tournament and had a great time with all of our friends. It is one of those things that you are glad it is over and you can rest but you hate to see it end becuase it is not too often that you have that many friends in one place.

I am busy at work trying to get things done so that I can go to another tournament this weekend and to get ready for my transition into my new job, so the posts are going to be few and far between for awhile but I will try to comment as much as possible.

Some of the "g" words that I am greatful for:

Grass - Fresh cut grass on a warm summers day, lying there watching the world go by.

Gram - Even though she is not with us any more I will always be greatful for all that she did for me and the love she shared.

Gas - Fuel that is, even though the price is high, we still have the ability to drive our cars, fly our planes and heat our homes.

Gum - what is not to love about gum, I love the smell, the taste, and blowing bubbles

Gratitude - For being able to express my gratitude towards others

Greeting Cards - For that little surprise waiting in the mailbox

The list is short but I am greatful today and everyday.

Gone darting

2007-02-15T07:56:00.000-05:00

It is a dart weekend and even though the tournament is close to home, we will stay the weekend and have some fun. This is by far one of my favorite tournaments. I have always done well here and hope that will ring true this year and I love the people. This is one of the tournaments that I know the most people at, mostly becuase I see them every weekend or they live close enough that I see them in between tournaments. There are quite a few people that I am excited to see and hang out with this weekend. I know it seems more like a social event than a tournament, but when it comes down to it, the competitiveness in all of us will shine.

So today is my last day of work for the week and I will soon be heading home to get ready to leave tomorrow. Now if I told you how close the tournament is and what all I am taking you would think that I am nuts, but you can never be too prepared for these things.

This is the first year that I will be sharing a room with friends and I can't wait as we always have a great time. I just have to remember to keep the nuts away from.....well you know who you are, and no ice by the suit cases or drinks on the bed.

So I am off, have a great weekend all.

Gratitude Tuesday

2007-02-13T07:46:00.000-05:00

I am greatful for a lot of things, but I know that I am not greatful for the snow and snow we got or are getting. 4-8 inches with freezing rain, so the ride home should be fun.

I have a lot of work to do this week so my list is going to be just that, a list as I need to post this and get to work. So what I am asking you to do is pick one or more words from my list and write why you are greatful for it/them.

Fairies Food/Fruit

Fairy Talkes Football

Faith Foundation

Family Fountains

Fantasy Friends

Fear Fridays

Feet Future

Ferris Wheels Fall

Festivals Fish

Fingers Fabric

Fire

Fireflies

Fire Place

Fire Works

Flirting

Flowers

Much about nothing

2007-02-12T16:11:00.000-05:00

Well I had to finally switch over to the new blogger and it is not so bad, but I am having a bit of trouble posting comments to other blogs. No matter how is try to sign in, to post my comment, it tells me my pass word is wrong. So if I have not commented for a while you know why.

It was a pretty good weekend, spent all day Friday with my son doing various things, played darts Friday night and have a good time and took 4th place, laid on the couch all day Saturday and did nothing...love those days, played darts Saturday night, did not win anything but had a great time seeing all that were there, did nothing Sunday but laundry and some reading.
This coming weekend is a dart tournament here in PA, it is only about 20 minutes or so from the house but it is a nice little get away weekend as I always stay. The tournament used to be states but not for quite a few years, it is starting to get big again so I think they may make it states again if they have not already. This is one of my favorite tournaments as there are so many people there and I know a lot of them. I am sure a good time will be had by all.

This morning when I can in, I had originally planned on a Valentines Day post and how much that I hate it and that everyone should let their loved ones know how special they are all of the time and not just on this one day, but I decided against it as I thought that maybe I felt so badly about it this year more so than any other year since I have no one to tell me that I am special not do I feel special. And that is all I have to say about that.

It is funny, last week we were at below zero temps and it was freezing in here, now that we are in the 20's it seems like the heat has decided to work and it is a hot house in here, there is never any happy medium with the tempatures at work. Now we are preparing for snow and freezing rain...just what I wanted. I really need to consider moving to a warmer climate where it does not snow, then again with the freaky weather these days, is anywhere safe?

For Christmas I bought my son a MP3 player, but my computer was not up to date to download WMP 11 so I ordered the XP service pack 2 to install. When I got it and tried installing it the first time I got an error stating that it would not load one of the files....needless to say I gave up. Yesterday I sat down again and everything went smoothly and I loaded the MP3 player with a bunch of songs he wanted. I was very excited about this accomplishment, more so than he was about having his MP3 player that has been collecting dust since Dec 25th. Now I really want one or maybe even an ipod, so I think I will sometime this month.

Well it seems that I have rambled on long enough, got to get ready for Gratitude Tuesday. Have a wonderful evening.

Gratitude Tuesday

2007-02-06T07:38:00.000-05:00

Tuesdays seem to come so fast, maybe it should be Gratitude Fridays that way the weekends would seem to come faster. Then again, I guess that would fall under the category of "wishing your life away", and by all means I do not want to do that as I still have not found my place in this world.

Do you ever wonder how important you really, who would really miss you if you were not here, where do you really belong, and if you are someone that you should not be? I guess after life changing events we start to wonder those things and a whole lot more, I know that I do and have been for a while now. I guess what is really important is that you like who you are and protray yourself to be, as long as you are true to yourself you are heading in the right direction. I think that I am heading in the right direction, I just need someone to give me a little push to get the momentum going.

Gratitude Tuesdays are a good way to look at things differently than you normally would. I do not recall all of the lists that I read last week, but I thought of a "d" word that I am thankful for and that is dirt, with out it we would not have green grass, produce, food for our livestock, mud puddles, dirty kids and a whole lot more. Not to many people would think to be thankful for something so insignificant, but in reality it really is not.

Gratitude Tuesday "E"

Ears - For the ability to hear, hear the voices of my friends, the soothing sound of a comforting loved one, a childs joke.

Earphones - For allowing me to listen to my music and not disturbing others, sometimes I wish this worked the other way as well.

Earth - For all the wonder and amazing things it holds. This is a far too big of place to list all of the things that I am greatful for.

Education - For being there for me to learn a trade, an occupation, and for teaching me about the past and all the wonderful things that I missed.

Electricity - I am very thankful for this, but sometimes wish that we would not have it as we rely too much on it and do not read or find other things to do like we would if we did not have it.

Elevators/Escalators - For giving me the means to go up many floors without having to use the stairs when my knees hurt.

E-mail - For allowing me to keep in touch with my friends who are far away.

Embrace - Have you hugged someone today? Hugging is a great source of affection and it shows that you really care about that person. Also, it is a great feeling to receive a hug from someone as that means they care about you too.

Emotions - I wear my heart on my sleve and cry at the sappy movies, books, commercials, conversations. I love emotions as they are the greatest part of who we are, sometimes I wish I could shut them off for a bit.

Employement - For giveing me the ability to live and provide. Money is not everything and does not buy happiness, but it is a necessity.

Eraser - For allowing me to erase the mistakes that I made. If it were only that easy to erase the mistakes we make in our daily lives.

Eucalyptus - I love walking into a craft store and smelling the eucalyptus.

Evergreens - For giving us something green in the drabby winter time where everything is dirty and blah. Also for the wonderful smell they give us at Christmast time.

Extension Cords - For when the cord is just a tad short.

Eyes - For giving me the abitity to see, see all the beauty around me, for looking into someones eyes, for seeing my son grow up, for seeing all that I can.

BRRRRRRR!!!!

2007-02-05T07:55:00.000-05:00

All I have to say is...."IT'S COLD"!!!!! I sure do not want to hear people in FL today complaining that it is only 62 degrees because when I left the house this morning it was -3 degrees and colder than that with the wind chill factor. These cold temps have been going on since Saturday and are suppose to last till Wednesday when it will reach a high of 25 degrees. My car did not want to start this morning and then after it did, it was strange, almost like it was stiff. I am pretty sure that I did not sign up for this.

Well here are the answers to the Friday questions.

1. Alabama - I guess it is a cool thing to carry ice cream cones in your back pocket there
2. Colorado - I guess people feel a lot of aggression towards rocks, who knew
3. New York - I have nothing to say here
4. Rhode Island - So if you are stuck in a crazy marriage, you may consider moving here
5. Indiana - I hope showers are not out as well
6. Wisconsin - Yeah, will not be visiting here any time soon
7. Utah - Please see #6

It is always interesting to read these little fun facts, I hope that you enjoyed them as much as I did.

Say what...Friday Quiz

2007-02-02T07:53:00.000-05:00

In what state are these things illegal? You might be a law breaker and not know it.

See if you know the answers to these questions below, I will post the answers on Monday.

1. In what state is it illegal to carry an ice cream cone in your back pocket?
(yeah, because that is where I always keep mine)

2. Where will you go to jail for mutilating a rock in a state park?
(do they do this often)

3. The penalty for jumping off a building is death in what state?
(doesn't it usually end that way, unless the building is 2ft tall)

4. Any marriage where either of the parties is an idiot or a lunatic is null and void in what state?
(this could come in handy)

5. Baths may not be taken between the months of October and March in what State?
(ok, ewwwww)

6. Women are not allowed to wear anything red in public where?
(I could not live here, I love wearing red)

7. It is illegal not to drink milk where?
(Once again I would be in trouble)

If you know any strange state facts please feel free to share them.

Gratitude Tuesday

2007-01-30T07:29:00.000-05:00

After last week, I have decided that I need to stop and make time to do my post for Gratitude Tuesday on Tuesday. You know, it is like stopping to smell the roses, I need to stop and reflect on the things that I am greatful for.

Dairy - What can I say, I love cheese and with out dairy we could not have cheese

Dartboard/Darts - Sometimes I think that getting involved in darts has saved me. With out darts, I would not have the wonderful friends I have today and would have not have the experiences that I have today.

Date(s) - This one can go a lot of different ways, I picked it mainly becuase it made me think of first dates and the magical feeling you get getting to know someone new.

Day - There are many special days and to name them all would mean another whole post, but some of the things that I think of are lazy days, warm summer days, rain days, and those days that are special to us.

December - Ah, my birthday month and the month that we celebrate Christmas.

Delight - the feeling of delight is a feeling like no other, one that can be so overwhelming that it can make you cry. Emotions are a part of who we are and are special.

Den - to the one that I will have some day to hold all of my cherished books, a warm fire place and a comfy chair where I can sit and start an adventure

Derik - My son, without him I am not sure where I would be today.

Devotion - For caring about something so much that you are devoted to it, what an amazing feeling.

Diary - for holding all my personal thoughts and feelings. Sometimes it is better to write things down and clear your mind before having that one conversation that could change your life.

Dictionary - Probably one of the best books I own, it has a world of endless possibilities and has helped me more than not.

Discovery - I love to discover things, like the beautiful shell I found at the beach when I was younger, all the things we have in common with another person, thus discovering a new friendship.

Dogs - Just another of the many animals that I love.

Dolphins - what amazing and beautiful creatures, I could sit and watch them for hours

Doors - for allowing me to shut mine when I just want to be alone.

Dragonfly - warm summer day, sitting by a pond with a good book, sun shining and the beautiful colors of the dragonflies reflecting off of the water...need I say more?

Drawing - I love to draw, I am not that great at it but it is part of me, my expression of myself and how I perceive things. Sometimes even a great emotional relief.

Driver's License - for giving me the freedom to come and go as I please.

Dad - I am very greatful that he is still with us, but we are not close. He has always just been a figure to me, not a father or a friend, and for that I am sad.

Daydreamer

2007-01-29T13:18:00.000-05:00

A daydream is a fantasy that a person has while awake, often about spontaneous and fanciful thoughts not connected to the person's immediate situation. While saydreas may include fantasies about future scenarios or plans, reminiscences about past experiences, or vivid dream-like images, they are often connected with some type of emotion.
(takend from Wikipedia)

Daydreamer, that is me. I do it all the time, even when I got to bed. I guess you would say that is my bed time story, but sometimes they carry over into my dreams. I have a mind that never quits thinking and find myself drifting off into a daydream state a lot. Now only if I could find the words to write these daydreams down, I could be quite the writer.
SometimesI think that I often set myself up for a let down by daydreaming how things will be at certain places or events in my life. Always fantasizing about how great they will be or what will happen, which leads up to high expectations and usually a let down in the end.
It is great to wonder off into a fantasy world as long as you remember to come back and are able to separate reality from fantasy. I apparently need more practice.

Gratitude Tuesday a day late

2007-01-24T07:57:00.000-05:00

I know, we are only on "c" and I am a day late already. I am not usually one to make excuses, but I was sick Monday and there was a death in the family so I have been busy.

I want to thank Shephard for joining in on Gratitude Tuesdays, so thanks Shephard.

Here is my list, remember that just because it is not listed below, does not mean that I am not greatful for it, I just can not list it all.

CeeCi - for all the wonderful, inspiring person that she is and for bringing us Gratitude Tuesdays

Calculator - for giving me the numbers that I need when my brain will not

Calendar - for all the it represents and for holding all of the days that are special to me

Camera - for giving me the ability to freeze in time the special moments in my life

Candles - for the aroma, the light and the tranquility they give

Candy - for those days where you want something sweet

Carnivals - for the joy and excitement, I love carnivals

Cat - I am an animal lover, I have 3 cats and I think the world of them, they are my everything
and are always there when I need them

CD's - for the wonderful music they hold

Celebrations - for letting us all know that life is something to celebrate and letting us know that
we have family and friends who care enough to celebrate with us

Cheese - I love cheese, and that is all I am going to say about that

Chicago - for the beautiful city, the people, the food, and hosting the world champion dart
tournament

Children - for the joy they bring, the smiles, the laughter, they are our future teach them well

Clothing - for giving us endless possibilities to express who we are

Clouds - for being there on the days that I just want to watch them go by

Clover - for the sweet smell on a hot summers day

Colors - for making everything so bring and alive

Colts - GO INDY!!!!!

Computer - where would we be with out them

Costumes - for allowing us to dress up and be someone else for a day

Couch - for those lazy days

Crayons - becuase I love to color

Credit Cards - for allowing me to buy all the things that I do not need but all the things that I want

Superstition

2007-01-19T08:43:00.000-05:00

Opening an umbrella in the house, walking under a ladder, and a broken mirror, superstitions, we have all heard of them, some of us even have them. By definition Superstition is an irrational belief that an object, action, or circumstance no logically related to a course of events influences its outcome. I think irrational is a harsh word, don’t you? Now it is widely know that we do not all believe in the same things, and rightfully so, but to say that someone’s beliefs are irrational is a little much.
I don’t know, maybe people who do not think outside the box do not have superstitions for they only believe what they can see and know is true. Maybe it takes those of use who believe that there is something more to have superstitions. Maybe I am over thinking this as I usually do.
When a black cat crosses my path, I do say “1…2…3…lucky on me” something that I have done since I was little thanks to the influence of my mom. I also throw salt over my shoulder when spilled, I smear my name when it is written on a birthday cake, and I put money in a purse or wallet when given as a gift. These are just a few of the things that I do that fall under “superstitions”, but through out the world there are many, here are some examples.
And accidental cut on the right finger means on will be married in 4 days time.
Entering a house left leg first is sometimes thought to bring bad luck.
In the Middle East (notably Egypt), some people believe that cutting the air with scissors brings about animosity.
It is a common superstition that using a white lighter is bad luck
Some believe that it is bad luck to advance your calendar before the new month has arrived
The first person who enters you house on New Year’s Day should be a man for good luck. (any takers??)
In Poland, if you see a traditionally dressed chimney sweep you should grab one of your buttons and keep it until you see a man in glasses
In some countries an owl is a bad omen; in others it is a good sign because owls make their sounds when a dangerous animal is near.

The list could go on and on, but instead tell me about your superstitions.

They are every where....

2007-01-18T07:59:00.000-05:00

Commercial's....they are every where. Some are good but usually they are just bad and when they are bad they are really bad.
When my son was younger, he would come running into the room, "mommy, mommy, we have to get this shampoo, it makes your hair really soft like that ladies one T.V.". Kids, they are so impressionable. But so are we as adults and consumers.
According to Business Week, the commercials fo 2006 were The Year of at Least Trying.
Sony got top grades for the Bravia paint cannons and blowing million of gallons of paint into the air with the idea that celebrating color can take many forms.
VW got mentioned for bringing us the best Heidi Klume reference this year via "Auf Wiedersehen Sucka", and Harley Davidson for taking the overused Going Your Own Way and spinning it back on itself with their delightful "Black Sheep" spot.
In the Bless Them for Trying category was Smirnoff for their making fun of the cliches of rap videos.
One of my favorites falls under The No Focus Group Would Ever Approve This in a Million Years category and that would be Skittles'. Their and I quote, "weirdly pervy "Beard" spot where, to say the least, the product is merely a brief afterthought to all the spooky facial hair."
I have always loved the Skittles' commercials even though I caught my son trying to plant them out in the yard thinking that when it rained it would rain Skittles'...taste the rainbow.
I am a channel changer when I comes to commercials, I do not watche them if I can prevent it. From time to time there have been a few that have caught my attention, not so much for the product but the content of the commercial.
These are just a few examples of commercials that were mentioned in the article "Most Memorable Ads of 2006". Commercials are a big part of television and will continue to be, the question is, can the ad agencies and product developers keep coming up with commercials that will keep our attention long enough to not change the channel or will we as consumers be sucked in to buying a product just because that is the trend.

What are some of your favorite commercials?

Gratitude Tuesday

2007-01-16T07:52:00.000-05:00

It is amazing how fast Tuesdays come. I think that I need to start preparing my list for the next week over the weekend, that way I will have more time to prepare.

Backseat – for allowing me to have passengers in my car, and to experience my first kiss
Backyard – for giving me the space to spend time with family and friends on those warm summer days
Bags – for holding all the things that I can not in my hands
Balloons – for being so vibrant and flowing, I love balloons
Bananas – for the nutrition they give us and how great they taste
Bank/Banker – for giving my mom a place to work and a place for me to keep the money I do have safe
Bar – for giving me dart leagues
Basil – for the great flavor it adds to food
Baskets – for holding all of my treasures
Bubble Bath – for letting me soak and relax when I have had a rough day
Beach – for the beautiful site, sounds and smell
Beads – for allowing me to make beautiful jewelry
Bed – for giving me a warm and comfortable place to sleep
Bees – for creating honey and pollinating all of the beautiful flowers
Beets – for the nutrition and the great taste
Berries - *see Beets
Birds – for their beauty and their beautiful sound
Birth/Birthday – for giving me all of the wonderful people in my life
Blankets – for the comfort and warmth they give
Blinds- for keeping the sun out on the days you just want to stay in bed
Body – for being mine, it is not beautiful but it is mine and I love it
Bonfire – for the warmth and atmosphere they create
Books – for all of the great information and adventure they provide
Boss – for letting me know that I have a job
Bouquet – for the beauty they provide, and letting me know someone is thinking about me
Boyfriend – for all that they are
Bra – for all of the support it provides, and making me feel sexy
Brain – for giving me the ability to think and do for myself
Brakes – for allowing me to stop when I need to slow down
Breeze – for the cool rush of air on a warm summer’s day
Brother – for all that he is, even though we do not talk much
Brush – for giving me the ability to at least make my hair look presentable
Bugs – for all that they do for our plants and crops even though they can be annoying
Bull’s Eye - for letting me know that I am not perfect and that it is ok not to be (see previous post)
Butterfly - for the beauty they bring

Remember, every day is a blessing. Stop and think about at least one thing your are greatful for.

Hodgepodge of things...

2007-01-11T07:44:00.000-05:00

Well my two bosses are in, today could be a rollercoaster ride that I do not want to take, but I will try to look on the positive side of things...like they are leaving tomorrow.

I usually read my horoscope every day, some days it fits and some days I find my self wonder where these people get these things. It so happens that today's could turn out to be some good advice, it is as follows:

When you're put into a situation that involves delicate egos today, trust judgement and play to fairness, not to politics. You have the strength of supporting your actions, so do not try to anticipate what the 'right' answer is, if you think something is a bad idea, say so--even if it's your boss's idea! Playing favorites won't get you far today. It's all about setting an example of honorable behavior. Impressionable eyes will be watching.

Ok, moving on... it has been a whirlwind season for our Wednesday night dart team. Due to the separation of Al and I the team has been through a lot and surprisingly has finished on top...well almost. Last night we were playing the first place team and need to win 10-5, at one point it was 9-3 (us) and they came back and won 2 more games, which meant we went into the last game in a tie for 1st. We needed to win to be the best.....and I blew it. All I needed was a simple bullseye to take the game out and secure 1st for out team and I missed it, and they won. Like it was said last night "you can not be on the pro list and miss a bulls". I still really feel bad about it, I should have never missed, they are my favorite to throw at and I am usually right on. I know my team does not look at it like that, as there is no "I" in team, but I still feel that I let them down. We still have the playoffs and hopefully the turn out is a better one, but all in all we have endured a lot this season and where we are shows that we are a stong team with bonds that could last a life time. I guess that is what is important here, not the wins or where we finish but how we stand by each other and the bonds we create doing it.

Gratitude Tuesday - A

2007-01-09T07:33:00.000-05:00

I have always said that when the people who participated in Gratitude Tuesdays would start over I would participate. I am going to try to keep up and publish a list every Tuesday, but I can't promise anything. Even if I do not publish a list, it does not mean that I am not greatful for anything, infact that day, I would be greatful that I was too busy to publish a list as it means that I have a job that provides for me and my family.

I am a rookie at this, but they should get better and more organized as I go along, at least I hope.

Starting with "A" has gave me so many possibilities. I know that I have not listed all of the words that being with "A" that I am thankful for, but it is a start.

Abode – for giving me shelter

Abundance – for being more than enough for someone not to want or need

Accelerator – for giving me the ability to go really fast

Accessories – to give me the ability to accessorize on the days that I am feeling less than perfect

Accountant – so I do not have to do my own taxes

Aches – for letting me know that I am a live and can feel

Achievements – for allowing me to set goals and achieve them

Acquaintances – for teaching me so much

Al – for all the he was and always will be to me

Amusement Parks – for the smell, the sights, the sounds and the thrill

Ancestors – they have taught us a lot and leave a lot behind for us to discover and explore

Angels – for everything they are and represent

Answering Machine – for those days that you just do not want to talk

Apologies – for the times that you have said the wrong thing at the wrong time

Aquarium – for the beauty and peacefulness they bring

Archaeologist – for exploring and finding all the great things our ancestors leave behind

Architecture – for the beautiful designed buildings

Arms – for the ability to do just about anything, especially throwing darts

Aroma – to be able to smell homemade Italian cooking and the foods of the world

Art Galleries/Artists – to be able to see the magnificent talent of other people

Astrology – for everything it offers

Attic – for being a place to store all the junk that is collected over the years and you just do not want to throw away

August – for giving me so many great people in my life

Automobile – for giving me the ability to get out of the house when I can’t take it anymore

A little bizarre, crazy, silly information

2007-01-08T11:16:00.000-05:00

I know this is not the first time that I have posted about crazy observances though out the year, but I just like reading about them so much and thought that I would share some more with you.

January Monthly Observances:

Book Blitz Month

Celebration of Life Month - one should always celebrate life

National Be On-Purpose Month - not sure I get this

Oatmeal Month - Bet there will be a demand for oatmeal now that I let the secret out

Jump out of bed month - yeah, I don't see this happening

January Weekly Observances:

Diet Resolution Week -his only lasts a week because the is about how long the diet does

Someday we'll laugh about this week - I have those on a daily basis

Cuckoo Dancing Week - now this I have got to see

Hunt for Happiness week - also a dailiy basis task

Women in Blue Jeans Week - I wounder if this could be a daily thing

No Name calling Week - yeah right...try working with the idiots I do

January Dailiy Observances:

Happy Mew year for cats day (2) - hmmm did not know about this one

55-MPH Speed Limit Day (2) - I am sure that no one does this

National Chocolate Covered Cherrie Day (3) - for all you chocolate lovers

Dimpled Chad Day (4) - What?

National Second hand wardrobe day (5) - ummm ok

Fruit Cake Toss Day (6) - now that is what I am talking about

National Job Germ Day (8) - anyone?

Appreciate a Dragon Day (16) - anyone have one I can borrow?

National Hugging day as well as Squirrel Appreciation Day (21) - Have you hugged a squirrel today?

Answer your cats questions day (22) - yes, yes, yes but you can't use the toaster

Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day (23) - I am game

Thomas Crapper Day (27) - once again, anyone?

Freethinkers Day (29) - I want to meet the one who has to pay to think

Back but not ready....

2007-01-04T09:37:00.000-05:00

Well I hope everyone had a nice holiday, as for me, I am glad that they are over.
I took the week between Christmas and New Years off, the first week that I have had off from my job in over 5 years. I usually take a day here or there but never a week.
It was nice but lonely at the same time, for as I was lounging on the couch thinking of things to do, everyone was at work. That just goes to show that I could not be a home based person as boredom and laziness would set in after about two weeks and I would become a good for nothing, nothing.
After returning to work on Tuesday, I really wish that I had another week. Things are not off to a good start here at work, but I guess that is the case when you work in the corporate world...expect the unexpected. No sense in going into deatil, but let's just say that I am caught between a power strugle between two bosses and can not break free. The worst part of it all is that they will both be here next week. Yes, I am already thinking of things that could possibly put me in a hospital bed for a day or two just to miss thier visit. Ok, I would never do something like that but after these past few days, I have day dreamed about it. Nothing wrong with streatching the imagination now is there?
I am waiting for a new position to be created in another department so that I can get myself away from the power strugle and the fueding female egos but it is a slow process. Until then I will try to stay below the radar and stand my ground as not to be pulled in either direction.

Hopefully I will have something exciting to talk about someday soon, until then I will keep writing if you keep reading...or I will keep reading if you keep writing.

Bring on the New Year

2006-12-20T09:17:00.000-05:00

I am not sure about you, but I am very much so looking forward to the New Year. This past year has been full of it’s ups and downs and some very low points for me, and I am just looking forward to a new year and a happy medium. Now don’t get me wrong, I know that life is full of ups and downs, but I plan on taking what I have learned this past year and the years before and pushing forward to another year with endless possibilities.

Some people believe that our New Year’s Eve celebrations can be traced back to ancient Roman observance around the time of the Winter Solstice in December call “Saturnalia”.
This is a pagan holiday known for totally letting go all discipline and rule for behavior and was known to get out of hand. Apparently this tradition has not changed much as New Year’s Eve celebrations still are this way.
Some people attend midnight masses at their church or synagogue on New Years Eve, but the biggest celebration is in New York City’s Time Square. People gather by the hundreds of thousands for the annual celebration and the famous ball drop.
In London, people gather in Trafalgar Square or Piccadilly Circus where they eagerly wait for the chimes of Big Ben to announce the New Year. In Sydney, people gather for the annual midnight fireworks in Sydney Harbor. The Dutch celebrate New Years by burning their Christmas trees in the streets in big bonfires. In Spain they eat twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight to ensure twelve good months for the year to come.
There are many New Years traditions and superstitions throughout the world. In my house no candle goes unlit on New Years Day as it is thought to be bad luck.
No matter how you celebrate New Years, take a moment to reflect back on the year past and look forward to a new year with endless possibilities.

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year!!!

Cubical Etiquette

2006-12-18T10:55:00.000-05:00

Well I was going to stick with a holiday theme all month but after the morning I had, I thought this would be a more appropriate post.

There are not one but two people that sit near by that are in the habbit of cutting their nails at work. This does not only annoy me but it makes me sick...literally. I have made comments to both of these people explaining that the work place is not the place to do that and have asked them politely to be more considerate and take care of their personal needs at home. Apparently I have a better chance at winning the lottery than that happening, as they were both grooming themselves this morning.

Other than common courtesy, there are ground rules that should be followed by cube dwellers.

Here are a few:

*Don't "praire-dog" over the tops of cubes or peek in as you walk past each one. - you could be the one that is sorry for this one, especially if you have co-workers with bad habits...and we all do

*Never read someone's computer screen or comment on conversations you have overhead. - A big pet peve of mine

*Limit the use of speaker phones. If you must use one, keep the volume at it's lowest audiable level - this goes on all of the time... I have heard more conversations about things that I have never wanted to know in the first place

*Never leave your cell phone behind in your cube with out tuning it off or to vibrate first.

*Be aware that your neighbors can hear your end of your personal calls. - It would be more interesting if the conversations were in English

*Use your "libary voice" - this one is a big pet peve of mine, I often have a hard time hearing my business conversations due to other people talking loudly

*Play radios at low volumes or use head phones - I get quite the variety of music, which all blended together is not music to the ears

*Advoid gum popping, humming, singing, pen tapping and slurping - I wish the lady that sings at the printer would read this one

*Avoid yelling across the cubes when having conversations with your co-workers. - Ok, I am guilty of this sometimes..but only because if I go over there I will get stuck in a longer, meaningless conversation

*Keep your shoes on! - just thinking about this has made me lose my appetite.

*Do your personal grooming, like clipping your nails at home!!!!!!!!

Cubicles can give people strong sense of community, but can also lead to interpersonal clashes. Use common courtesy and show some respect for your neighbors.

Celtic Christmas

2006-12-12T16:22:00.000-05:00

Searching for the roots of today’s Christmas, I found my way back to the ancient Celtic festival of Alban Arthuan, a Druid fire festival. Alban Arthuan is held during the Winter Soltice on December 21. Alban Arthuan is also know as Yule, and marks the celebration of both the shortest day of the year and the re-birth of the sun.
The custom of burning the Yule Log is a tradition that is familiar to most people today. On the eve of the solstice the log is lit using the remains of the log from the previous year for 12 hours and is believed to bring good luck.
Another Pagan custom was decorating the Yule tree, usually pine. Brightly colored decorations would be hung to symbolize the various stellar objects which were of significance to the Pagans. This is where the practice of gift giving also originated, Pagans would put gifts on the Yule tree as offerings to the various Pagan Gods and Goddesses.
Some other Irish traditions include the candle in the window. A lit candle would be put in the window on Christmas eve and was a symbol of welcome to Mary and Joseph as they traveled looking for shelter, it also represented a safe place for priests to perform mass at times it was not allowed.
The Laden table, after the meal on Christmas eve the table would be reset and placed on it were a loaf of bread filled with caraway seeds and raisins, a pitcher of milk and a large lit candle. The door was left unlocked so that Mary and Joseph or any other traveler could avail of the welcome.
A ring of Holly being places on doors also originated in Ireland, as it was one of the main abundant plants at Christmas time and the poor means to decorate their houses.
Decorations are taken down on January 6th (Little Christmas) as it is considered to be bad luck to tae them down beforehand.
The Gaelic greeting for ‘Merry Christmas’ is:
‘Nollaig Shona Duit’ pronounced ‘null-ig hun-a dit’
If you have a Christmas Tradition that you would like to share, I would love to hear it.

Say that again...

2006-12-08T15:42:00.000-05:00

We are made up of a world of many divers people who some have become very near and dear to us, which is what prompted this post.
I have been reading a lot about how Christmas is celebrated in other countries around the world. Below are how they say "Merry Christmas" in other countries.

Australia - Merry Christmas
Belguim - Zalige Kertfeest
Brazil - Feliz Natal
China - Shen Tan Kuai Loh
Denmark - Glaedelig Jul
England - Happy Christmas (makes me think of the movie "Love Actually")
Finland - Hauskaa Joulua
Germany - Frohliche Weihnachten
Greece - Eftihismena Christougenna
Ireland - Nodlig mhaith chugnat
Indonesia - Selamat Hari Natal
Italy - Buon Natale
Japan - Kurisumasu Omedeto
Mexico - Feliz Navidad
Netherlands - Hartelijke Kerstroeten
Norway - Gledelig Jul
Poland - Boze Narodzenie
Portugal - Boas Festas
Romania - Sarbatori vesele
Russia - Hristos Razdajetsja
Croatia - Bozic
Slovenia - Screcno Novo Leto
Sweden - God Jul
United Stated - Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays (so I do not offend anyone)
Wales - Nadolig Llawen
Yugoslavia - Cestitamo Bozic

So wish your friends and family a Merry Christmas in their native language, let them know that you really care.
And no matter how you spend your holiday, I hope that it is a happy, healthy and safe one.

Answers and more...

2006-12-07T07:31:00.000-05:00

Here are the answers to the Holiday Trivia

1. Uncle Billy

2. Traffic Cop

3. Dasher

4. It is too commercialized

5. Clara

6. We Wish you a Merry Christmas

7. Myrrh

8. God Rest you Merry Gentlemen

9. Stocking Stuffers

10. none

11. Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Clause

12. It's A Wonderful Life

13. Coca-Cola

Thanks Ceeci for playing along.

A few fun facts:

-Over 3 billion Christmas Cards are snet out each year in the United States

-Artificial spiders & webs often adorn Ukranian Christmas trees. Findind a spider web on Christmas morning is thought to bring good luck.

Holiday Trivia

2006-12-06T11:07:00.000-05:00

Here is a little Holiday Trivia to get you in the spirit. The answers will be posted tomorrow. (no cheating)

1. Who lost $8,000 in It's a Wonderful Life?

2. Who yelled "Stop" to Frosty?

3. What is the name of the first reindeer Santa calls in The Night Before Christmas?

4. What is Charlie Brown's complaint about Christmas?

5. What is the name of the little girl in most versions of The Nutcracker?

6. What carol demand figgy pudding?

7. What gift did Caspar bring?

8. What song doe a caroler sing outside of Scrooge's office?

9. What are tiny, inexpensive gifts usually called?

10. How many times is the name of Santa Clause used in "The Night Before Christmas"?

11. What Emmy Award winning cartoon was based on a newspaper editorial?

12. What holiday film annually appears on television more than 300 times?

13. What cola company was known for its ads featuring a big, smiling Santa?

Stress and dreams

2006-12-04T14:16:00.000-05:00

Stress at this time of year...who would have thunk it? With the holiday season fast approaching, we tend to put ourselves under a lot of stress, wether it be shopping, decorating, cooking, financial, planning and the all dreaded visit from the in-laws.
According to Laura, the dream Lady, your dreams are built in strees meters and here is what she has to say:

Drowning: This dream means you're in over your head,you're drowning in responsibilities, you're having a hard time keeping on top of things. Sometimes this dream can even mean you are going down into a depression! This dream is telling you that you've got to find time for yourself, you've got to find time to breathe!

BLEEDING: - Blood in a dream - no matter who is bleeding - represents YOUR energy. Dreaming of blood means something or someone is draining you. Ask yourself what you are wasting your energy on. Sometimes this dream means you are bleeding financially. Whether it be energy or money, this dream is telling you that you've got to stop the flow!

HOUSE ON FIRE: A house in a dream symbolizes you. If your dream house is on fire it almost always means your nerves are frazzled and you could be headed for a breakdown. If you're getting this dream, you MUST find a way to calm yourself: lighten your work load, get a massage, or enjoy a glass of Pinot Grigio! ;-).

CAR OUT OF CONTROL: Cars in dreams symbolize the direction you are headed in life or in a particular situation. Not having control of your dream car means you feel like you have no control over what's happening in real life. This dream is a warning that you are headed for an emotional crash if you aren't careful. In my research, I've found that this dream is about trying to control something you have no control over, such as somebody else's behavior or world events. If you're getting this sortof dream, it may mean you need to just let go. Put the breaks on your need to control everything. Life can be a lot more fun if you just allow yourself to go along for the ride sometimes.

MISSING A PLANE OR BUS: What a frantic dream this is!! Perfectionists often get this dream and it is usually caused by deadlines... especially self-imposeddeadlines. This dream will run rampant this season as we prepare for all those holiday gatherings where we must look perfect and all that we prepare must be perfect...and completed in time for the guests to arrive! You can free yourself from this dream if you keep in mind that this season isn't about the food, or the decorations or the perfect gift... it's about the company. If things aren't fully prepared by the time people start showing up, get them in on the fun! Great conversations can happen while mashing potatoes!

Your dreams are an excellent built-in stress meter
It's always important to pay attention to your dreams, especially during times when there is so much to do. Your dreams will keep you in check, they'll warn you when you're about to "lose it," and they'll pat you on the back when you're handling things well. Your dreams are an excellent built-in stress meter so please don't disregard them; you'll be a well balanced, happier person for it.

Another year...

2006-11-30T07:49:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I will be another year older and I would like to think that I will be another year wiser. It has been a rough road for me these last few months and I look forward to starting a new year with a whole world of possibilities.
I will take my lessons learned over the year and the years before and try to apply them as best I can, keep my chin up and be proud of who I am.
I have learned a lot about myself this year through experiences and believe it or not from blogging, reading and writing. I have learned that there are good people out there who see the world with an open heart, I have learned that I am a strong person, and I have learned that it is not always good to wear your heart on your sleve.
Birthdays have always been special to me, they are a day to celebrate life. This year I will be celebrating a new begining, to what I am not sure but that will come one day at a time.
The best gift that I can receive this year is for you to celebrate life with me, celebrate who you are and what you believe, know that you are worthy and strong, and be happy.

Easy to see

2006-11-27T16:35:00.000-05:00

As we go through every day life our paths cross paths with many people of many different races, ethnic backrounds, and beliefs. These are people just like us, they have families, thoughts, emotions, and feel things. Even though these things may not be what we believe in or feel they are just as important to them as yours are to you.
Why is it so easy to see the faults in other people and we can not see our own faults, ones that are right there in front of us. Are we too proud to notice that we have faults, which we all do or are we too caught up in society to be the person we want to be or should be.
I am just as guilty as the next person, I find myself picking apart someone new to me. I know that is just my defense in a situation that I am feeling insecure. I have taught myself to catch me when I am doing it and then see one of my own. This helps me to let go of the insecurity that I may be feeling and really connect with the person.
When I was growing up, I was told that kids pick on other kids becuase there is something about themselves they do not like. It may not be the only reason, but I believe this to be true and have taught my son the same thing. I was also told that white cows produce white milk, brown cows produce brown or chocolate milk and spoted cows produce soup. This I have not taught to my son as I was picked on at a very young age when I told my friends where soup came from. Now that I am older and wiser, I can even see the lesson that there is to be taught with the cows. Even though the cows were all different they had something to provide to society just like all the different people we have in our society today. It could be a trade, a story, a belief, food, words of wisdom, a point of view, a fasion trend, what ever it is, it is important and life would be rather dull with out them.
So instead of looking for the faults or differences in someone, see all the great things they have to offer, you'll never know when one will change your life.

Wondering mind..

2006-11-16T14:56:00.000-05:00

My mind has been wondering away this week to no where special and every where it should not be. I am not sure if it is the lack of sleep or a combination of things. I am sure the drunken call that was left in my voice mail last night has something to do with my mind not staying put today. I do know is that it is very hard to do my work, let alone try to put a post togehter. At one point I was not even sure what I was talking about in the post I started to draft I can only imagine what you as a reader would have thought.

It is funny, the time passes by in the evenings but I have no idea where it goes. Can one's mind wonder that far and that long to actually lose track of hours? Well maybe I should restate that as I know people, well ok women that have been gone for hours because their minds wonder when they are shopping. Wondering from one store to another that is. Do men do that?

Wow do I have a lot of questions about men, but I guess if there were answers to all of them we would not have anything left to draw our attention. The same goes for women though. Although, some of the clothes I see on women do not let a lot for the mind to wonder about. Does that really turn people on? Oh, the horid mental pictures I get just thinking about it.

You know, I think that I have used this pic before, I think. Apparently I liked it then and I like it now. I guess my taste does not change even if it is only after a few months, let a lone 3 years.

Putting me back together

2006-11-14T13:33:00.000-05:00

We do not always realize what is best for us at the moment, our hearts hang on longer than they should. Some times it takes a heart wrenching event to realize this, but in the end it is usually for the best.
This past week, I realized that I need to let go of the past, to stop holding on to something that was no longer there and start putting myself back together.
Over the past few weeks I have learned a lot about the people that I consider friends. I am sadened by the fact that it sometimes takes a life altering event for you to see who your friends truly are. I am greatful for all of the people who have passed through my life at some point, but it is nice to know who your true friends are. I have also realized that I am the only one that holds the pieces of me and can put them back together.
It is a slow process, but I know in time I will be whole again and feel like the person I once was. The tears do not flow as often as they use to, the depression is being held at bay, and the light is slowly shining through.

Goodbye for now...

2006-10-30T07:40:00.000-05:00

I am not one to air my personal life, but I felt that I owe it to the few readers that I do have to explain why I will not be posting anymore...at least for a while.
After 3 years of what I thought was an amazing relationship, Al came home from bowling Thursday night and told me that he did not want to be with me anymore. I was shocked, we had a great realationship, or so I thought.
My whole world has been ripped away from me, he was my best friend, my partner, my confidant, my shoulder, my rock, my air, my everything. I have nothing now and have lost my will to do anything. I just do not understand how someone can walk away from 3yrs just like that, but he did. What is wrong with me, what did I do to deserve this? How do you cope with "it is not you, it's me", how do you cope at all?
So goodbye for now, thanks for your support and comments over the months.

This is Halloween....

2006-10-26T10:07:00.000-04:00

Released in 1993, Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas is definately a must see. It is a motion animated musical film about inhabitants of Halloween Town who take over Christmas one year.
Jack Skellington (The Pumpkin King), gets bored with the repetitiveness of his Halloween festivities and feels there is something unknow to him that is missing from his life.
I could go on from there but do not want to spoil the movie for you. I highly suggest that if you have not seen this movie to do so over the Holiday. Although I do not recomend it for young children.

Here a catchy little tune for you from the moves as well as a peak at some of the characters.

The 101 most influential people who never lived:

2006-10-25T08:09:00.000-04:00

Dreaming that you can fly after hearing the story of Peter Pan is something that most kids do, but have you ever thought how many people there are that have never lived that have influenced us throughout our lives? The list below is from the U.S.A. Today.

1. The Marlboro Man
2. Big Brother
3. King Arthur
4. Santa Claus (St. Nick)
5. Hamlet
6. Dr. Frankenstein's Monster
7. Siegfried
8. Sherlock Holmes
9. Romeo and Juliet
10. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
11. Uncle Tom
12. Robin Hood
13. Jim Crow
14. Oedipus
15. Lady Chatterly
16. Ebenezer Scrooge
17. Don Quixote
18. Mickey Mouse
19. The American Cowboy
20. Prince Charming
21. Smokey Bear
22. Robinson Crusoe
23. Apollo and Dionysus
24. Odysseus
25. Nora Helmer
26. Cinderella
27. Shylock
28. Rosie the Riveter
29. Midas
30. Hester Prynne
31. The Little Engine That Could
32. Archie Bunker
33. Dracula
34. Alice in Wonderland
35. Citizen Kane
36. Faust
37. Figaro
38. Godzilla
39. Mary Richards
40. Don Juan
41. Bambi
42. William Tell
43. Barbie
44. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
45. Venus and Cupid
46. Prometheus
47. Pandora
48. G.I. Joe
49. Tarzan
50. Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock
51. James Bond
52. Hansel and Gretel
53. Captain Ahab
54. Richard Blaine
55. The Ugly Duckling
56. Loch Ness Monster (Nessie)
57. Atticus Finch
58. Saint Valentine
59. Helen of Troy
60. Batman
61. Uncle Sam
62. Nancy Drew
63. J.R. Ewing
64. Superman
65. Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn
66. HAL 9000
67. Kermit the Frog
68. Sam Spade
69. The Pied Piper
70. Peter Pan
71. Hiawatha
72. Othello
73. The Little Tramp
74. King Kong
75. Norman Bates
76. Hercules (Herakles)
77. Dick Tracy
78. Joe Camel
79. The Cat in the Hat
80. Icarus
81. Mammy
82. Sindbad
83. Amos 'n' Andy
84. Buck Rogers
85. Luke Skywalker
86. Perry Mason
87. Dr. Strangelove
88. Pygmalion
89. Madame Butterfly
90. Hans Beckert
91. Dorothy Gale
92. The Wandering Jew
93. The Great Gatsby
94. Buck (Jack London, The Call of the Wild)
95. Willy Loman
96. Betty Boop
97. Ivanhoe
98. Elmer Gantry
99. Lilith
100. John Doe

101. Paul Bunyan

Who that has never lived has been a big influence in your life?

Welcome to the Corporate World

2006-10-24T09:45:00.000-04:00

According to Wikipedia, Office Politics is a term for both the productive and counterproductive human factors present between coworkers in any office environment.
Office politics differs from office gossip in that people participating in office politics do so with the objective of gaining advantage, whereas gossip can be purely social activity.

Some aspects of office politics:
* Social alliances often form between colleagues of similar interests, and thy may team up
against other perceived competitors.
* Personal factors may divide the groups, often including age, gender, or ethnic background.
* Perceived or real romantic affairs often unbalance relationships.
* Competition for favour between two executives striving for the top may create cliques or
or teams within the organization.
* Those using office politics are nearly always the same people who deny its workings can be
revealed and taught.
* Office politics are involved with information and mis-information. This bears on the formula
for the power: Information with authority permits the exercise of power.

Just because you are paranoid does not mean they are not out to get you. Imagine that you walk into your office one morning to find some of your coworkers giving you the cold shoulder..welcome to the world of office politics. Word has spread that you do not like the local football team, or thatyou perfer your coffee black. That you are comfortable enough with your manliness that you wear pink, this is the begining makings of political allies and enemies in the office.
People will always have prejudices, big and small. It is not easy working in an environment where coworker are out to get you, weather it be work load dumping, complaining to the boss, gossip, rumours, they all seem childish for a bunch of adults, but it is there in every office every where, weather you see it or not.
Yes most people say the way to deal with these frustrated, grumpy, angry, resentful coworkers is to kill them with kindness, but I do not believe that is the solution or the only solution. I can still be mad at someone that is being kind to me, can't you? Coming to the office has become a game of 'Survivor', you need to out wit, out last and out play the next person to survive...somedays I just hope that I can keep my head above water.

The Faeries' Oracle

2006-10-17T08:08:00.000-04:00

Since I posted yesterday about tarot cards, I thought today that I would share with you the cards that I have and have been learning how to read as I am new at this and have a lot to learn.
It is no secret that I love faeries and Brian Froud along with Wendy Froud are two of my favorite authors/illustrator. When I got home with my tarot cards I instantly fell in love with the amazing art work on each and every card. It was so incredible.
There are 66 cards in the deck and each card features Froud's signature faery pictures. Some of the card have a specific faery on them, like the naked leaping "Spirit Lancer"--a feminine card that represents "self-expression, freedom, and exploration".
The cards call upon sylphs, pans, gnomes and of course faeries to lead you on a delightful journey of adventure, discovery and enlightenment.
This is my first set of tarot cards and I love them, but I can assure you that this will not be my last set.

History of Tarot

2006-10-16T08:02:00.000-04:00

I wanted to do a post of Tarot cards because of their popularity, but have been so busy at work and do not have time to write my own post. So I am posting an article by M.J. Abadie on the history of Tarot cards.

The history and theories below may not necessarily that of this blogger.

History & Mystery of Tarot

by M. J. Abadie

The Tarot has experienced a resurgence in the past two decades and has become especially popular recently, with newly minted modern Tarot decks coming out frequently. There are now dozens of decks from which to choose, representing themes from Egyptian and Celtic to Native American and Feminist.

Over time, the Tarot cards have had their ups and downs, falling from popular interest only to be once more resurrected by those in search of the deeper meanings behind their complex symbolism. As the saying goes, "Truth will always out."

The earliest known "book" of Tarot cards still in existence are those from 1840-42, of which seventeen remain. The first entire deck still in existence was painted by the Italian Bonifacio Bembo for the Duke of Milan.

Many theories exist about the origins of the Tarot. During different periods of history, occult (the word means "hidden") studies were either freely available to all or deeply secret, depending upon the prevailing authorities of the culture's attitude toward occult knowledge.

One theory is that in the great library of Alexandria in Egypt, whose female librarian Hypatia was world-renowned for her wisdom and learning, there existed scrolls (which was how books were made in those days) containing all of the wisdom of the ancient world.

One of these "books" was supposedly based on the legendary Book of Thoth, derived from the mystery schools of Egypt. The allegorical illustrations on the Tarot cards are said to contain these secret teachings, which in the Major Arcana represent a course in personal development. The esoteric teachings were hidden in the seemingly innocent pictures.

Gypsies are said to have carried the cards to Europe and "gypsy" is considered a corrupt form of "Egyptian." Considered by the Church to be "the devil's picture book", the cards were quickly condemned by the Catholic Church as heretical. Just to possess them was a dangerous act.

There seems no doubt that the cards were a means for preservation of ancient knowledge that the Church considered dangerous, or heretical, at a time when it was literally a danger to your life to believe anything other than the established Church dogma.

Though we can only speculate on its origins, the Tarot images are inextricably linked to ancient beliefs, mythologies, and religious systems such as the Hebrew Cabala. Others, notably Pythagoras, believed that letters and numbers are in themselves divine beings possessing extraordinary powers; the Greek neo-Pythagorean school taught these ideas.

No matter the origin of the Tarot, it is clear that its motifs refer directly to fundamental human psychological and spiritual experiences. The more one studies them and practices their use, the deeper one's understanding becomes, and the more they resonate to the inner life, as well as to events in the outer life. They are primarily meant to be used for enlightenment, for discovery of the authentic Self.

Number cards are believed to have been added at a later date, around the time of the first known deck in the fourteenth century. This theory suggests that they derive from an Italian card game known as tarrochi.

Though we will never know their true history, that needn't prevent us from using their wisdom, for the Tarot cards do indeed tell a powerful story: the story of the development of human life. It is an adventure story, like the hero's journey, filled with challenges, obstacles to be overcome, lessons to be learned, reconciliations to be achieved, honor to be protected, goals to be formulated and reached. In this universal story, each of us undertakes his or her own Way, following whatever symbolism speaks to us at the moment of a reading. It is this amazing flexibility that has allowed the Tarot and its marvelous symbols to endure through long and tumultuous centuries in order to come down to us today.

The Soul of the World

In the view of the alchemists and mystics, the universal significance of such symbols as the Tarot presents and preserves was thought to spring from the anima mundi, or soul of the world, which was seen as a vast repository of knowledge, like a universal library, that was filled with the memories and wisdom of the entire human race-past, present, and future. Sometimes called the "Akashic records", this source of knowledge could be accessed by anyone willing to make the effort of deep contemplation.

Within this collective pool are all the basic figures found in religions, myths, legends, and fairy tales. Taken together, these figures encapsulate a magical storehouse of profound esoteric knowledge. For example, The Empress symbolizes the essence of femininity as represented by the great mother Goddess of the world's most ancient religion. She can be seen as the representative of what Goethe called "the eternal feminine", in both myth and psychology.

Thus does each figure of the Tarot call forth from the individual's unconscious a deep resonance. Contact with these images in a conscious, intentional way allows their hidden counterparts -- denizens of the deepest layer of human collectivity -- to surface and become integrated into a person's life.

Properly conducted, a reading is a story -- the images on the cards meld into a meaningful pattern that can clarify the issues confronting the person for whom the reading is held. In a profound sense, if taken rightly, a reading can act like a vivid, enlightening dream or a moment of the flash of inspiration-the "Ah-ha" experience. "So, that's how it goes!"

Tarot cards are wonderful for meditation, as well as for divination, or the answering of questions. They act to stimulate the intuition, which is the key to the gateway of the unconscious. They act to illuminate the hidden factors in a person's life that bear on the situation at hand. Often, the person him- or herself may be unaware of these inner issues that are secretly shaping the course of his or her life. The Tarot, by contacting what is inside the person, reveals them

Wishing Well

2006-10-11T16:44:00.000-04:00

When we are children we are very impressionable. I use to believe that white cows gave white milk, brown cows gave chocolate milk and spoted cows gave soup, as my grandmother would tell me this every time we would see cows on one of the few road trips we had together.
I also believer that if I threw a penny into a wishing well or one of those little bodies of water at the mall that my wish would come true. It did not matter how tight I closed my eyes or how hard I wished, nine times out of ten I was let down. I think it is human nature to wish for the impossible and expect just that.
Today I was reading something and thought about all the wishes I have made over the years and wondered where the idea of a wishing well came from.

The following was taken from Websters:
A wishing well is a term from European folklore to describe wells where it was thought that any spoken wish would be granted. The idea that a wish would be granted came from the idea that water contained deities or had been placed there as a gift from the gods, since water was a source of life and oftentimes a scarce commodity.
Water was seen to have healing powers and therefore wells became popular with many people drinking, bathing or just simply wishing over it. People believe that the guardians or dwellers of the well would grant them their wish if they paid a price. After uttering the wish, one would generally drop coins in the well.
The tradition of dropping pennies in ponds and fountains stems from this. Coins would be placed there as gifts for the deity in thanks.

Other wishing traditions would include cutting a birthday cake, blowing out the candles on a birthday cake, smearing your name on a birthday cake and breaking a wish bone.
The act of making a wish is a magical operation but theories suggest that Wells tend to be more effective than all of the rituals listed above.
Next time you see a "wishing well" close your eyes and make a wish. They may not always come true, but it is sometimes nice to feel like a kid again.

Two wrongs don't make a right

2006-10-10T07:48:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know that I have not been a good bloger, but I often wonder how many people really have missed it. After all I really have anything to say and do not post too much about my personal life, as I like to keep it that...personal.
But to be honest, I love sharing things that I have learned and learning things about what I have posted. I sometimes wonder if journalism would be for me, that is with a little schooling as I know my writing techniques are not the best.
But that is neither here nor there, as todays post is aobut Karma.
Most people have bad days, maybe bad weeks, but I seem to be having a bad month. Here we are into the second week of the month and things are not getting any better, and it seems that I am in for a long ride.

Karma is a law in Hinduism which maintains that every act done, no matter how insignificant, will eventually return to the doer with equal impact. Kind of like the law of motion, you know...for every action there is an equal or greater reaction.
Karma is sometimes referred to aqd a "moral law of cause and effect." Karma is both and encouragement to do good and to avoide evil, as well as an explanation for whatere good or evil befalls a person.
So basicall you reap what you sow, your actions create that which you do live out now, whethere this relates to a past/future life situation or to the present date.
Many people believe in karma and it is part of may cultures and the psyches of many people. People with out religious backgrounds or with a Christian upbringing become convinced of the existence of Karma. It is the same concept as virtue is rewarded and sin is punished.
I have not even to begin to touch the basis of karma, but the idea is there. Nor will I touch base on removing or cleansing karam as I am not sure that I am on to the whole concept. Yes, I believe that we are responsible for our own actions and with those actions may come a consequesnce, but we may not always be able to undo what has been done.
I am not sure what actions I have taken to be having a bad month, maybe it is not that at all and I am reading too much into it. Does it all boil down to what to believe in and what not to, and do we really have to believe in only one culture or can we believe in many things from many different cultures? No one truly has the right to decide that, we must make that decision for ourselves.
As I ponder the events of my life, I can readily point our the mistakes I made, the actions that I have taken that may have led me to not so good times. But I have to wonder, how much good does one have to do to turn karma back around in their favor.

"....good and evil fortunes fall to the lot of pious and impious alike...."---Spinoza

Featured Writer

2006-10-02T08:42:00.000-04:00

I am featuring Chris Kizneski today not only because he just came out with a new book and that I loved his first book but also because he is from PA.
Chris grew up in Indiana, PA and was voted Class clown of his senior class at Indiana High School. He attended the University of Pittsburgh where he played football while working on his B.A. in writing. A foot injury would end his football career a while later. While studying at Pitt, he wrote for The Pitt News, the Indiana Gazette, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. From 1992 until 1998, Chris taught English and coached football. After bein selected to Who's Who Among Ameriaca's Teachers, Chris realized that he still was not doing what he wanted to do and quit his job to become a writer.
The Lesson, the first book that Chris finished in 1999 was 1000 pages and did not get good feed back and was told to write a second book that was 600 pages or shorter. With that advice, Chris finished The Plantation less than a year later.
In 2004 Chris moved from Pittsburgh to the Gulf Coast of Florida. He new book, Sign of the Cross came out on September 26, 2006.

It was by chance that I found out what a great author Chris is. I was at Boarders just wondering around and seen The Plantation on a discount table and thought that I would give it a whirl without even reading the back, I mean who does not love a bargin. And from then on I was hooked and have been waiting anxiously for his new book to come out. I have purchased and started reading it, I must admit that I was hooked after the first chapter and can not wait to go home to pick it back up.

Weird but true facts

2006-09-29T09:20:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I wake up to the sound of Al trying to start my car so that he can move it to go to work since he leaves before me, but to no avail. So started the long process of getting a tow, finding a place to take it and getting prices. Needless to say, it was not a cheap day but I guess that comes with the luxury of having a car.
Being out yesterday has put me behind at work (as if I need help) and also a little behind with my blog and commenting on your blog. I do see the light at the end of the tunnel and will welcome it with great joy when it get here Monday, only to start the trip all over again.

WEIRD BUT TRUE FACTS

People say "bless you " when you sneeze because when you sneeze, your heart stops for a mili-second

The male praying mantis connot copulate while its head is attached to its body. The femal initiates sex by ripping the male's head off. (no wonder they are endangered)

Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning

A duck's quak does not echo and no one knows why

You can't kill yourself by holding your breath

Most lipstick contains fish scales (ewww..now I know why I do not wear it)

It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open

More that 50% of the people in the world have never made or received a telephone call

In every episode of Seinfield, there is a Superman somewhere

You share your birthday with at least 9 million people

The electric chair was invented by a dentist

The cigarette lighter was invented before the match

Every time you lick a stamp, you are consuming 1/10 of aq calorie (do they even sell these anymore)

Banging your head against the wall uses 150 calories per hour (I would like to meet the person who made it past the 1st hour)

China has more English speaking people than the United States (this one did not surprise me)

The worlds youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910 (I hope they are not teaching this in school)

The sound of E.T. walking was made by someone squishing her hands in jelly

If you have any weird/interesting true facts, feel free to share them.

Hello...are you listening

2006-09-26T07:58:00.000-04:00

"The selective hearing process in the human auditory system is the ability fo the brain to tune into audio cues and tune our unwanted audio cuse in the listener's environment. Selective hearing means listening only to audio cues that the listener want to hear and not those he/she does not want to hear, all at the same time. Selective hearing can be conscious or subliminal."
www.audiocybernetics.com

There is a new study out from the U.k.'s University of Scheffield that suggest that men's brains hear women's voices first as music.
Men use the auditory part of their brain that processes music when listening to a woman speak, therefore they have to work harder at deciphering what woman are saying. It is not the pitch of the woman's voice, it is the vibration and number of sound waves that couse the problem.
Due to the differences in the size and shape fo the vocal cors and laryx between men and woman, the female voice is more complex. Woman have a greater natural 'melody' in their voice and create a more complex rand of sound frequencies that men hear in a male voice.
Men do not have trouble hearing other men becuase they use a simplier mechanism at the back of the brain to dexipher another man voice and recognze it as speech. Men hear a males voice and use the part of the brain wehre people compare their experiences to themselves, so they are technically comparing this new voice to themselves.
Based on these findings, it is said that people who suffer hallucinations usually hear male voices. It is too hard for the brain to create a false feminine voices as accurately as it can create a false masculine voice.
*reasearch finding were published in the journal Neurolmage

I did not go as far as to investigate if the study was done by a man or a woman and what the ratio to men and women was in the study, but I can form my own opinion on that and will not let this be an excuse for my honey to claim that he did not hear me. If I have to write it out for him, so be it.
So it is not that men can not figure out women it is that they can not hear what we are saying. Makes you wonder when they are staring at Janet Jackson or some other beautiful female singer on TV if they are hearing what they are singing or are they really just being themselves and staring at their clevage.

Musical Monday

2006-09-25T08:16:00.000-04:00

I was a great but busy weekend. Saturday, we attended a friends surprise 30th birthday party. It was one of the best parties I have ever been too. It was a themed party "Poker Night", and although I do not play, I had fun playing roulette, catching up with friends, and meeting new people.
Sunday it was off to our yearly dart banquet. Despite a few mishaps, it turned out to be one of the better banquets that I have been to for a while. It is nice to kick back and really enjoy people that you have developed a friendship with through the different leagues we play in over the years and let the competiveness fall to the curb side for a day.
And that leaves me to today. I am pretty sure it is the 3hrs of sleep that I got last night, but I am feeling emotionaly in tune with the world today. That is why I decided to do Musical Monday. I chose a song that touches me everytime I hear it, it is "Truly Madly Deeply" by Savage Garden, after all is there really any other way to love someone?

History & Halloween

2006-09-21T10:56:00.000-04:00

I love Halloween, it is one of my favorite holidays and have a few posts that I would like to do as we come close to this magical time of year.
The origin of Halloween dates back to the ancient Celtic fire festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). This is the biggest and most significant holiday of the Celtic year.
2000 years ago, the Celts who lived in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France celebrated their new year on November 1st( this day marked the end of summer and the harvest). They believed that on the night before the new year that the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became thin and the dead could communicate with the living.
“During this interval the normal order of the universe is suspended, the barriers between the natural and the supernatural are temporarily removed, the sidh lies open and all divine beings and the spirits of the dead move freely among men and interfere sometimes violently, ion their affairs” (Celtic Mythology, P.127)
The Celts did not have the concept of heaven and hell, the Christian church later brought that into the land, instead they believed that when people died, they went to a land of eternal youth and happiness.
According to Christian criticism from many sources, Halloween did not originate as a Satanic festival, but was religious in nature by the Celtic faith of the ancient Druids. Celts were pagan (believe in more than one god), they celebrated holidays containing fairies and elves, not Satanists (rebellion against God) who sacrifice children to the devil.
Contrary to belief, there is no evidence of costumes derived from the Druids or that they were part of the Samhain festival. There are records of costumed processions in a much later time(Christian times), but these costumed procession were not limited to Halloween but appear much more frequently at Christmas.
“Trick or Treat”, the phrase is not only American but the practice is too. In the late 1800s and early 1900s there was a custom of playing pranks on Halloween. This custom appears to have come from Ireland and Scotland where they had a practice called Mischief Night. Out houses would be over turned, fence gates would be unhinged, and so forth. This is the “Trick”. The “Treat” is described below by Jill Perderson Meyer:
“By the turn of the century, Halloween had become an ever more destructive way to “let off steam” for a crowded and poor urban dwellers. As Stuart Schneider writed in ‘Halloween in America’(1995), vandalism that had been limited to tipping outhouses; removing gates, soaping windows and switching shop signs, by the 1920s has become nasty—with real destruction of property and cruelty to animals and people. Perhaps not coincidentally, the disguised nighttime terrorism and murders by the Ku Klux Klan reached their apex during this decade. Schneider writes that neighborhood committees and local city clubs such as the Boy Scouts then mobilized to organize safe and fun alternatives to vandalism. School posters of the time call for a “Sane Halloween.” Good children were encouraged to go door to door and receive treats from home and shop owners, thereby keeping troublemakers away. By the 1930s, these “beggar’s nights” were enormously popular and being practiced nationwide, with the “trick or treat” greeting widespread from the late 1930s.”

*Information is accurate to the best of my knowledge, please feel free to correct and or add any information you may have.

What???

2006-09-20T08:36:00.000-04:00

I do not normally stray to political topics but when I read about this on our local news site this morning I thought that I would share what is going on in another part of our country.
(Information below was taken from an article by Robert Edmond)
On July 19th, 2006 Las Vegas city council passed the first U.S. oridinance to explicitly make sharing food with the poor a crime. What???? This is a city where millions of dollars are spent demolishing perfectly good buildings and now it is against the law to share food with poor people.
Ordinance LVMC 13.36.055 prohibits: providing food or meals to the indigent for free or a nominal fee in city parks. Indigent is defined as a"person whom a reasonable ordinary person would believe to be entitled to apply for or receive assistance" from the government under state law. Anyone who is caught breaking this ordinance is punishable by six months in jail and $1000 fine.
Oscar Goodman, Las Vegas Mayor, is a advocate of cracking down on hte homeless in city parks and have been quoted "I don't want them there. They're not going to be there. I'm not going to let it happen. They thing I am mean now; wait until the homeless try to go over there."
This is the man who in Nov 2005 suggested that those guilty of graffiti have their thumbs chopped off as well as canin or whipping teen offenders. WHAT???

To read the rest of this article go to: http://www.envirolink.org/external.html?itemid=200608171249230.31533

To read more about the Homeless in the US:

Illegal to be Homless: The Criminalization of Homelessness in the United States
http://www.nationalhomeless.org/civilrights/crim23003/narratives.html

With the changes in our economy and the higher gas prices, the number of people who can not afford transportation to and from work are growing. Who are we to judge the less fortunate than us. It is true some choose the life style they have but there are others who it was chosen for them. There are so many things that we as a society can do to help out. Below are a few sites I have read about.

Food not Bombs
http://www.scfoodnotbombs.org

National Coalition for the Homeless
http://www.nationalhomeless.org

Sunflowers and handy little tid bits

2006-09-19T07:36:00.000-04:00

Things have been pretty busy here at work and I have not had a lot of time to put posts together, but I wanted to share a few things today.
I just love sunflowers, they are so vibrant and full of life. When my son was little he did an art project at day care, it was a silk sunflower taped to a pen and then the tape was colored green with a magic marker. I have never used the pen for fear of having green fingers but also to preserve it as it was the first day my son gave it to me. I have it here at work and I look at it often for it is a glimps of color in this drabby grey cubicle world of mine and it gives me hope that there is more than what are behind these four walls.

Some Handy Little Tid Bits:

*A sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed. (hmmmmmm...)

*Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to

*For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze.

*To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.

*Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).

*Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.

*Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. Now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get 'sharpened'' this way

*Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time! (Now, where to put the body?) LOL

*Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don' t wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.

*Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.

*Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.

*Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.

*To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!

*To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soa p and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.

*Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.

*Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

*When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness

*Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.

*Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces ........ Left over wine? What's that?

*To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will e xperience instant relief.

*Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for your self.

*Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.

*When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.

*Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer........ Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China.

*Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.

*Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.

*Clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).

*Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, and then run the hot water.

Have you ever...

2006-09-18T07:34:00.000-04:00

I got this from Kate's - Someone Elese Horoscope.

It reminds me of "Is there anyone who", which I have done here a few times. It also reminds me of all the things that I still want to do and have not done, giving me a new found motivation.

Bold=YES

(I would like to know if you could do 3 things on this list that you havent already done, which would they be?)

1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink

2. Swam with dolphins

3. Climbed a mountain

4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive

5. Been inside the Great Pyramid

6. Held a tarantula

7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone

8. Said "I love you" and meant it

9. Hugged a tree

10. Bungee jumped

11. Visited Paris

12. Watched a lightning storm at sea

13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise

14. Seen the Northern Lights

15. Gone to a huge sports game

16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa

17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables

18. Touched an iceberg

19. Slept under the stars

20. Changed a baby's diaper

21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon

22. Watched a meteor shower

23. Gotten drunk on champagne

24. Given more than you can afford to charity

25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope

26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment

27. Had a food fight

28. Bet on a winning horse

29. Asked out a stranger

30. Had a snowball fight

31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can

32. Held a lamb

33. Seen a total eclipse

34. Ridden a roller coaster

35. Hit a home run

36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking

37. Adopted an accent for an entire day

38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment

39. Had two hard drives for your computer

40. Visited all 50

41. Taken care of someone who was shit faced

42. Had amazing friends

43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country

44. Watched wild whales

45. Stolen a sign I still have it!

46. Backpacked in Eurpoe

47. Taken a road-trip

48. Gone rock climbing

49. Midnight walk on the beach

50. Gone sky diving

51. Visited Ireland

52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love

53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them

54. Visited Japan

55. Milked a cow

56. Alphabetized your CDs

57. Pretended to be a superhero

58. Sung karaoke

59. Lounged around in bed all day

60. Posed nude in front of strangers

61. Gone scuba diving

62. Kissed in the rain

63. Played in the mud

64. Played in the rain

65. Gone to a drive-in theater

66. Visited the Great Wall of China

67. Started a business

68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken

69. Toured ancient sites

70. Taken a martial arts class

71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight

72. Gotten married

73. Been in a movie

74. Crashed a party

75. Gotten divorced

76. Gone without food for 5 days

77. Made cookies from scratch

78. Won first prize in a costume contest

79. Ridden a gondola in Venice

80. Gotten a tattoo

81. Rafted the Snake River

82. Been on television news programs as an expert

83. Got flowers for no reason

84. Performed on stage

85. Been to Las Vegas

86. Recorded music -not my own of course

87. Been on a motorcycle

88. Eaten fugu (pufferfish)

89. Had a one-night stand

90. Gone to Thailand

91. Bought a house

92. Been in a combat zone

93. Buried one/both of your parents

94. Been on a cruise ship

95. Spoken more than one language fluently

96. Performed in Rocky Horror Picture Show

97. Raised children

98. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour

99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country

100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over

101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge

102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking

103. Had plastic surgery

104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have

105. Wrote articles for a large publication

106. Lost over 100 pounds -

107. Held someone while they were having a flashback

108. Piloted an airplane

109. Petted a stingray

110. Broken someone's heart

111. Helped an animal give birth

112. Won money on a T.V. game show

113. Broken a bone

114. Gone on an African photo safari

115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced

116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol

117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild

118. Ridden a horse

119. Had major surgery

120. Had a snake as a pet

121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon- does the mule count?

122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours

123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states

124. Visited all 7 continents

125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days

126. Eaten kangaroo meat

127. Eaten sushi

128. Had your picture in the newspaper-well ok, it was in magizines

129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about

130. Gone back to school

131. Parasailed

132. Petted a cockroach

133. Eaten fried green tomatoes

134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey

135. Selected one important author who you missed in school, and read

136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

137. Skipped all your school reunions

138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language

139. Been elected to public office

140. Written your own computer language

141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream

142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care

143. Built your own PC from parts

144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didnt know you

145. Had a booth at a street fair selling

146. Dyed your hair

147. Been a DJ

148. Shaved your head

149. Caused a car accident

150. Saved someone's life

Froud and Faeries

2006-09-15T09:06:00.000-04:00

I am sure by now it is no secret that I love faeries, after all I have used many pictures of them through out my posts.
One of my favorite illustrator and writed or faeries is Brian Froud.
Froud was born in 1947 in Winchester and graduated with honors from Maidstone College of Art in 1971 with a degree in Graphic Design. Froud started working in London on different projects including boook jackets, magazine covers as well as illustrating serveral childrens books. He later moved to Devon and continued to illustrate children books and soon found time to create and publish his own artwork.
Froud's works has been uses as inspiration for creatures in films such as The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth (one of my favorites). He has also collaborated on a number of books about faeries and goblins, including Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book, "Goblins" and "Good Fairies/Bad Fairies". One of Froud's most famous art books is tilted "Faeries", in collaboration with Alan Lee and has recently created a deck of tarot cards entitled "The Faerie's Oracle".
Over the years, Froud has created some of the most respected and highly acknowledged folklore/mythic artwork of our time. He has won numerous awards, including the ASFA bEst Interior Illustration and the Hugo award for Best Original Artwork in 1995.
He has summed up the philosophy of his life and work by his own word. 'Each book or story is like a journey, there is a beginning, a middle and an end. My paintings are the same...I am always thinking waht is over the hill? What will happen next? There is invariably a character in my pictures who is the viewer, sometimes its me, and no situation is too monumental for that character to overcome.'
May Brian continue to enchant us and continue to create visual, spiritual and poetic tales that will last many years to come.

Information taken from: Brian Froud-Fantasy art byEnchanted Artists and Art of Brian Froud

You spin me round...

2006-09-14T08:10:00.000-04:00

Who can resist the smell of homemade pizza cooking in the oven, loaded with fresh toppings from the fall harvest, I know that I can't.

Did you know:

There are many theories and speculations about the history of pizza, but there is an agreement that it was developed by peasants in Naples, Italy, therefore people considered it a peasants meal.
In 1889 to honor a visit by King Umberto I and Queen Margherita, Raffaele Esposito created a special pizza, one that resembled the Italian flag. Basil (green), Mozzarella (white), and tomatoes (red) were used in this special pizza and sets the standard for our modern day pizza.
Later in the 19th century, pizza was sold in the streets in Naples at breakfast, lunch and dinner. As pizza became more popular, stalls were set up where the dough was shaped as the customer ordered. Eventually the stalls developed into pizzeria’s, open-air patios which encouraged people to congregate, eat drink, and talk.
In the latter half of the 19th century, pizza migrated to America. A peddler introduced pizza to Chicago by walking up and down Taylor Street with a metal washtub of pizza on his shoulder, crying his ware at two cents a chew.

Some pizza facts:

1905 – Gennaro Lombardi claims to have opened the first United States Ouzzeria in New York City. Lombardo is now known as America’s “Patriaca dela Pizza.”

1943 – Chicago-style deep-dish pizza was created by Ike Sewell at his bar and grill.

1945 – With the stationing of American soldiers in Italy during World War II came a great appreciation of pizza.

1948 – The first commercial pizza pre-mix, “Roma Pizza Mix,” was produced in Worcester, MA by Frank A. Fiorello.

1957 – Frozen pizzas were introduced and found in local grocery stores.

Today pizza is everywhere and you can get it anywhere. I am not sure if it is America’s favorite but it sure is mine. I would take a hot slice with green peppers, onions, mushrooms, black olives, tomatoes and banana pepper rings over a hot dog any day.

Sixty-two percent of Americans prefer meat toppings on their pizza, while 38% prefer vegetarian.
What do you like on your pizza?

A random act

2006-09-13T09:21:00.000-04:00

Ok, I know that I missed musical Monday by a few days, but at least I know that I did this time. But with all the different post that I have read about 9/11 and all of the different shows news casts that were on about it, I was reminded of one of my favorite songs and wanted to share it.
The events that took place on 9/11 were a shock and a tragedy for us all. As we as a nation sat back and watched the events unfold after the horrifying act of terrorism that day we came together for the first time in a long time. It was so heart warming to see the acts of compasion in such a sad time in history, it is a shame that it took a tragedy like that to bring us all together. There is so much hate in the world we live in, what happened to the days that people got a long and did things for one another not expecting something in return? Why do we feel the need to put people down and to commit acts of violence? I blame a lot on our government and the media but that is another day.
Youtube.com did not have this song for me to download, but the lyrics are below and I encourage you to go listen to it when you get the chance.

A Random Act of Senseless Kindness

by South Sixty Five

I picked up the morning paper

The headlines were no surprise

A random act of senseless violence

Was committed again last night

It seems the whole world has gone crazy

And something needs to be done

So starting to day im gonna find a way

Im gonna re pay someone

With a random act of senseless kindness

Unexpected hand to help remind us

A little bit of love is a cure for hate

Its easy to give up, but its never to late

A single step in the right direction

Person to person making a connection

We can change the world thats become so violent

With a random act of senseless kindness

How I long to live the simple life

When neighbors were still friends

And the sidewalks heading downtown

Were safe to walk back then

Oh the classrooms and the schoolyards

Were havens for our kids

Well thats a long way back

And we can get on track

Its a good day to begin

With a random act of senseless kindness

Unexpected hand to help remind us

A little bit of love is a cure for hate

Its easy to give up, but its never to late

A single step in the right direction

Person to person making a connection

We can change the world thats become so violent

With a random act of senseless kindness

A new chapter in my book of life

2006-09-12T08:03:00.000-04:00

As we go through life, there are many chapters that open for us. Like the day we graduate high school, a new chapter begins with us going out into the world and starting our lives as an adult. We have more responsilbilities and a whole lot more to learn.
I have had many chapters to my book of life, not all of them good but all a learning experience.
Today I start another chapter in my book, today I start my life with my boyfriend as we will be moving in together. It is a chapter that I have waited for, for a long time. I have finally found some one that completes me, someone who I want to share the every day inns and outs with and someone who I feel is my soul mate. We have had a trying 3yrs with the different obstacles that life had thrown at us but we have made it though them all and have grown stronger together.
Every day will be a new page in our book together, good or bad I am gald that I will be sharing it with him.

Pittsburgh, the city and the team

2006-09-07T16:37:00.000-04:00

Tonight is the NFL season opener and we are so lucky to be playing it here in Pittsburgh. We have such a beautiful city and some of the greatest fans.
It was such a wonderful feeling for our team to win the SuperBowl last season and as much as I would like for them to do it again, I would also like to see a team that has not won it to win it this year.
You can bet your bottom dollar that I will be out with friends watching the game and cheering our team on to a victory tonight(I hope).

Have a great weekend all!!

Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday

2006-09-06T07:10:00.000-04:00

Yep, it is Wednesday all right. It the is middle of the week, well the work week any way. With the holiday on Monday, I seemed to lose a day. I posted Musical Monday on Tuesday and was wondering why everyone else was early with their Gratitude Tuesday lists. It took me a bit to realize that I was the one that was off...imagine that, me off. Now that is funny.
Today is one of my busiest days of the month here at work so instead of putting together some great post, or one that I thought was great, I thought that I would try to convince myself that it is Wednesday. Like I could do a whole post on Wednesday, oh but I could. Do you realize how many important things have happened on a Wednesday in history? Well let me just share a few with you.

* Wednesday September 6, 1901 - President McKinley Shot
* Wednesday September 13, 1994 - Assault weapon bar signed
* Wednesday September 20, 1850 - Compromise of 1850 Approved
* Wednesday September 27, 1964 - Report of Warren Commission issued

In 1985, Wednesday May 1st is Unternational Labor Day, Wednesday June 19th is Last day of Ramadan, and Wednesday Septemember 25th is Day of Tasooaa.

Wednesday is just not the middle of the week or hump day as many call it, it is a historical day as they all are. Wednesday is a day in history that something could have taken place that has made the world the way it is today, a day that may have taught the nation a lesson, and a day not to be forgotten.

Musical Monday

2006-09-05T11:20:00.000-04:00

It was hard for me to find a song today or to even post for that matter.
You know how people say that sometimes you have to take a step back before you can go forward, well I feel as though I have fallen and can not see the step in front of me. Hopefuly one day soon that step will appear and I will know my way again, I just hope it is where I want to be.
That is why I have chosen this song.

You've found hope

You've found faith,

Found how fast she could take it away.

Found true love,

Lost your heart.

Now you don't know who you are.

She made it easy, Made it free,

Made you hurt til you couldn't see.

Sometimes it stops,

Sometimes it flows,

But baby that is how love goes.

You will fly and you will crawl;

God knows even angels fall.

No such thing as you lost it all.

God knows even angels fall.

It's a secret no one tells;

One day it's heaven,

one day it's hell. It's no fairy tale;

Take it from me,

That's the way it's supposed to be.

You will fly and you will crawl;

God knows even angels fall.

No such thing as you lost it all.

God knows even angels fall.

You laugh, you cry,

no one knows why

Behold the thrill of it all...

You're on the ride

You might as well

Open your eyes

You will fly and you will crawl;

God knows even angels fall.

No such thing as you lost it all.

God knows even angels fall.

Even angels fall

Do you want fries with that

2006-09-01T13:06:00.000-04:00

Who does not like french fries? They are probably one of the top selling food, after all they come with almost every meal. I love them, but I know they do not love me. I can almost fell the fat storing up on my bottom as I endulge in an order of fries at one of my favorite french fry places.
Listed below are a few of the top places to get these incredible treats, so sit back and let your mouth water.

Original Hot Dog Shop -- Pittsburgh

Franks aren't the only legendary junk food on the menu at this Steel City institution, known simply as ''the O'' among its devotees -- there are also the fries, twice-cooked in peanut oil and perfectly golden. A small order can easily feed two people; take on the mountainous large order and you could be there all day.

Bette -- New York

The only bona fide restaurant in owner Amy Sacco's nightlife empire, Bette is better known for its scene than its food -- with one exception: the truffled french fries. No one can resist their decadent charms, from palate-fatigued restaurant critics to the celebutantes who come here to debunk rumors of anorexia.

In-N-Out -- Las Vegas and elsewhere

There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who love In-N-Out french fries (100 percent potato, 100 percent farm fresh), and those who don't (a little limp, not ''McFried'' enough). Decide for yourself by trying them ''animal style.'' It's not on the menu, but it is yummy -- fries with melty cheese, grilled onions and loads of special sauce.

Bistrot du Coin -- Washington, D.C.

The steak frites at Bistrot Du Coin are the culinary equivalent of finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The steak -- that's the rainbow part. But the fries are pure gold, crispy and expertly browned with just the right amount of sea salt shaken over them. You'd swear Dupont Circle was on the Left Bank of Paris.

The Fire Dog -- San Antonio

Healthy? French fries? It's true: Sub the yucca root for the potato, and you have a guilt-free fry that still pleases the palate. Unlike traditional fries, The Fire Dog's cholesterol-free thick-cut pieces are full of vitamin C and iron -- and, most importantly, they're just as flavorful as their greasy potato cousins, served with spicy-hot oil- and mayo-based dipping sauces.

Frites -- Seattle

This enigmatic snack parlor is something of a french fry urban legend, with its irregular hours and unlisted phone number. But if it's authentic Belgian frites you want, these are the real deal, twice fried -- once to slowly cook the inside, and another time to gently crisp the outside -- and served with a variety of homemade hot and cold sauces

Ishkabibble's -- Philadelphia

Ishkabibble's isn't much to look at -- the entire place is smaller than your office cubicle. But there's always a line, even in the pouring rain. It's thought that the chicken cheesesteak was invented here, but as far as most people are concerned, the menu consists of two items: fries... and cheese fries.

I bet you are thinking "Fries for dinner". What is your favorite way to eat your fries?

Fire, Earth, Air, Water

2006-08-29T12:58:00.000-04:00

I have been reading a lot about Astrology and loving it. I have always known that I am a fire sign and what that means but I never knew where all of the information came from or how Astrology came about. There is a lot to learn and by no means am I going to pretend that I know it all because I am far from an expert. But what I have learned so far is fascinating and I will probably post a lot about it.
Astrology is the study of how events on earth correspond to the positions and movements of astronomical bodies, which include the sun, moon, planets and stars. Depending on the position of these bodies at the exact moment of a person’s birth, Astrologers believe these bodies and their movements reflect that person’s character. This knowledge of the person’s character and their relation to the bodies enables astrologers to predict a person’s destiny.

Earth
The earth is considered the center of the solar system, when forecasting a horoscope. Therefore, all heavenly bodies in relation to the earth can reveal a person’s character and future.
Planets
Astrologers believe planets influence a person more than any other heavenly body. The sun and moon are considered planets in Astrology.
Zodiac
The Zodiac is a band of stars that encircles the earth. These stars are divided into 12 equal parts called signs. Each sign of the Zodiac had certain characteristics, which are determined by a particular planet and other factors.
Houses
The earth is divided into 12 parts, called houses. These houses represent characteristics of an individual’s life. Astrologers believe houses determine how planets and the signes influence a person’s daily life.

There are 4 different Elements:
3 are Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) outgoing, action oriented, impulsive, and “fiery”
3 are Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) Physical, sensual, and material
3 are Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) mental perceptions, thought, communication, and abstract ideas
3 are Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) sensitive, feeling, empathic and healing

This does not even begin to scratch the surface, but it is a start and hopefully has got your attention, leaving you wanting more. There is no doubt that Astrology is a controversy. It is a controversy that has been spanning over millions of years. This controversy has greatly influenced its popularity and survival as a whole.

"Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see the beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." ~Louisa May Alcott

School Days

2006-08-28T08:22:00.000-04:00

My son started back to school today, he is in the 8th grade. Ahh, I remember those days. I was always excited to go back to school even though it meant that the summer was coming to and end and that the long days of haning with your friends riding bikes, playing in the creek, exploring the woods or what ever came along that day were over. I looked forward to seeing the friends that I did not see on a regular basis during the summer at school and catching up with them and what they did over the summer. And the excitement that I had thinking about what I was going to wear out of all the new school clothes that I got. I would always try everything on one more time the night before so I could pick out just the right thing and then most likely change my mind in the morning. I was never on for picking my clothes out ahead of time, which is probably why I pack so much when I go away, I like a variety. After trying on my clothes, I would sit and organize all of my new school supplies and get them all ready for the new year. I always talked my mom into buying a bunch of things that I wanted but knew I would never use. I could say that I just wanted to be prepared but I am pretty sure that was not it.
Unfortunately my son does not share in the same joys that I had going back to school. He definately was not a happy camper yesterday while getting his new clothes, shoes and school supplies in order. And the thought of getting up earlier than he has been over the summer, leaving the kittens and cats home alone, and not playing with his new found summer friends were not helping his mood at all.
I wish that I was going back to school today instead of coming to work with no new clothes, even if it was just for a day. I loved being in school and the experiences that I had and I hope that my son experiences the same.

When good things come to an end

2006-08-24T08:32:00.000-04:00

Party like it's 1499, was the theme to last years Renaissance Festival and very well could have been their theme in years past. Last year marked the 12th annual Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival and I was there. For 11 years this festival has been around and last year was the first year that I went. I am not sure why I have never went before, I guess I just had not found the right person to go with, a lame excuse I know.
Al, my son, a friend of his and I made our journey to the 16th Century amusemet park, a 7-stage theater, an 8-acre village, crafts fair, a food festival, and a jousting tourney. There are no words to describe how I felt once I steped through the gate, it was like entering another world. One that I wanted to be part of and never ever leave. To me it was just the most amazing experience, the smells, the sounds, the sights, the people who worked there and played or protrayed themselves. There was just something so magical about that village tucked in amongst the trees that was captivating. I could not imagine why I had never been there before.
And now, it is sad to say that last year was the last year at least for now I hope. Due to the lack of supporter and financial reasons they have shut down this magical world. I can only hope that there are enough investers out there that see what a great experience this is/was for people of all ages and they will be back again next year to spread some more magic and captivate someone else as they did me.

Bad Habits

2006-08-23T07:05:00.000-04:00

Here is another tid bit about the Astrological signs. I posted this one because it fell true to both myself and my sweetheart.

Bad Habits by Sign by Stephanie Dempsey

Nobody's perfect - all signs have their vices. Fortunately, astrology provides valuable clues for breaking bad habits. Ending these patterns will help you realize your full potential. Here are some tips for conquering those negative behaviors that get in the way of your ultimate happiness.

• Aries Out in Front
Rams have a habit of pushing to the front of the line, both literally and figuratively. And while this quality has helped Aries get ahead, it can also compromise their relationships. Putting an animal, child or plant in their care can correct the problem. As soon as this sign's nurturing qualities are cultivated, their selfishness will diminish.

• Taurean Trash
Bulls love clutter. Being surrounded by all their possessions gives them a sense of security. It also creates headaches, confusion, and chaos. Storage systems that keep their stuff on display will prevent this sign from strewing their stuff all over the house. Stacking baskets, glass jars, and open shelving can promote organization.

• Nerve-Wracking Twins
Geminis are the nail-biters of the zodiac. Twins are self-conscious about their hands, and need to keep them busy at all times. Activities like knitting, carving, or bead work provide welcome distractions. Weekly manicures will also keep temptation at bay. Twins are less likely to gnaw their cuticles when they've just paid for their upkeep!

• Cancers and the Candyman
If you've ever wondered how Cancers stay so sweet, take a look at their sugar intake. This sign loves cookies, candy, and ice cream. An occasional indulgence is fine, but too much dessert can take a toll on waist lines and energy levels. What Crabs are really seeking is oral gratification. Sugar-free gum or dried fruit provides a healthy distraction from candy crunching.

• Lavish Leos
The guy who's sitting next to you in the elegant restaurant, shouting to his personal assistant on his cell phone? Probably a Leo. It's only natural that a sign that is blessed with creativity, charm and wit feels tempted to show off. Actually, this desire to brag is rooted in insecurity. The sooner Lions learn to compliment others, the quicker they'll receive the praise they crave.

• Virgos Fear Filth
These nit-pickers sometimes compromise their own pleasure for the sake of perfection. Deep down inside, these folks are really sensualists at heart. They need to learn that it is better to feel good than to look good. Allocating a few minutes each day for fun but messy activities like baking, painting, or sculpting can cure Virgos of their fear of filth.

• Libras Love to Shop
Librans gave birth to the term "shopaholic". These folks have every credit card known to man. And while their taste is undeniably impeccable, it can get them in trouble at bankruptcy court. What's really at stake here is a quest for beauty. Enjoying simple but inexpensive pleasures like nature walks and museums can quell the urge to splurge.

• Strictly Scorpios
Nobody carries a grudge better than this sign. Unfortunately, hanging on to resentments has a way of crowding out love, happiness, and trust. In order for a Scorpio to let go of anger, they must first practice self-care. Getting a massage every month or writing in a journal each day will soften this sign's heart and enable forgiveness.

• Brutally Honest Sagittarius
Archers have a bad habit of telling the truth. And while these folks have the best intentions, that doesn't take the sting out of comments like, "Gee, those pants make you look fat!" or "Were you drunk when you wrote this report?" The best way for Archers to cultivate tact is through prodigious study. Etiquette books will definitely help!

• Capricorns Can't Quit
This sign is the original workaholic. Many Capricorns fear that poverty will set in the moment they stop toiling. Keeping a gratitude journal can break this terrible habit. The more Capricorn becomes aware of their non-material blessings, the healthier their behavior will become. No more cutting vacations short for the sake of work!

• Antisocial Aquarius
Water-bearers get into the habit of creating completely self-sufficient lives. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for them to achieve intimacy. Basically, Aquarians are afraid that relationships will compromise their independence. Fortunately, these folks love to experiment. By treating intimacy as an exercise, this sign can relinquish control for the sake of loving relationships.

• Pickled Pisces
As a water sign, it's only natural that Pisceans find comfort in liquids. When those liquids have a high alcohol content, problems can ensue. Naturally, a twelve-step program can be of enormous benefit here. Meditation and yoga can help, too, as they allow Pisces to achieve a healthy sense of nirvana. That's all these Fish are really seeking.

Blinded by the Light

2006-08-22T07:11:00.000-04:00

I had this spread all planned out for yesterday and in the mist of me getting everything that I wanted to say together, I got called into a few meetings and before I knew it, it was time to go. So I did not get my Musical Monday post posted on Monday...wow, say that 5 times really fast.
Any way, it is not secret that I am not all that knowledgeable when it comes to blogging and I can not figure out how to post a song(I probably could if I had more time to play around with it, but do not think it such a good idea being that I am at work), so this is my version of Musical Monday.

I do not have many good memories of my day or being with my dad, actually I really do not have that many memories at all. He was and is an alcoholic and sometimes physicaly and verberally abusive. He never went on family vacations with us, in fact he rarely went any where with us. A normal outting with my dad consisted of a bar and a roll of quarters to keep my brother and I busy at the bowling machine while he got his fix. When I was older I tried to have a relationship with him, but it turned out to be onesided and I felt as though I was 6 again and had an imaginary friend.
For some reason every time I hear"Blinded by the Light" by Manfred Mann's Earth Band, it brings to me a good feeling about my dad. I vaguely remember being in a car/truck with him when I was little and singing this song. It may be the one good memory that I have with my dad, but it is mine all the same. This song has been my favorite for a very long time and I suspect that it will stay that way.

Blinded by the Light was written and originally recorded by Bruce Springsteen in 1973, but it was not until Manfred Mann's Earth Band released it did it have it's greatest success and went to #1 on Billboards hot 100 in 1977.

BLINDED BY THE LIGHT

Bleinded by the light

Revved up like a deuce,

Another runner in the night

Blinded by the light,

Revved up like a deuce,

another runner in the night

Blined by the light,

Revved up like a deuce

Another runner in the night

Madman drummer brummers,

Indians in the summer with a teenage diplomat

In the dumps with the mumps

As the adloescent pumps his way into his hat

With a boulder on my shoulder, fellin' kind a older,

I tripped the merry-go-round

With this very unpleasin', sneezin' and wheezin

The calliope crashed to the ground

The calliope crashe dto the ground

But she was..

Blinded by the light

It goes on from there, but if you know the song keep on singing, I know I will.

Autumn Equinox

2006-08-17T13:47:00.000-04:00

I have been learning a lot about a lot of different cultures, rituals, celebrations and practices. And since the Autumn Equinox or Mabon is coming up on September 23rd , I thought that I would share some information about it. It sometimes falls a little earlier in September depending on the actual Astrological event. The Autumn Equinox like the Spring Equinox divides day and night equally. This is the time of the year when we notice that the days become shorter and the nights longer, the leaves start to change and there is dew in the morning grass. Also called Harvest Home, this holiday is a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth and recognition of the need to share them. Some other names for Autumn Equinox include the Fall Equinox, the Second Harvest Festival, Festival of Dionysus, Wine Harvest, Cornucopia, Feast of Avalon, Equinozio di Autunno (Strega), and Alban Elfed (Caledonii, or Druidic – which celebrates the Lord of the Mysteries).
Some symbols that represent Mabon are wines, gourds, acorns, wheat, Indian corn and horns of plenty. Sounds a lot like a traditional Thanksgiving table setting, hun?
Mabon marks the end of the second of three Harvest Festivals and is considered a time of the Mysteries. Most of the crops have been gathered and it is considered a time of balance, a time of dark overtaking light. The principal key is to give thanks and is a wonderful time to stop, relax and be happy, and a time to stop and survey the harvest that each of us has brought in over the season.
We should all remember to give thanks to the earth for is has given us many great and wonderful things.

Birthdays Galore

2006-08-16T08:10:00.000-04:00

August is a busy month for me as most of my loved ones were born in August. All but, me who just had to be different and then my son who followed in my footsteps to that point and got lost somewhere along the line because he is nothing like me.
I love birthdays, they are very special in many ways, without birthdays we would not be here.
There is evidence of birthday observances that date back before the rise of Christianity. Astrology focuses on the positions of the sun, moon, and stars at the moment or day of one’s birth. It teaches that the position of the sun, moon and starts at the time of ones birth determines their future, destiny, their character, their personality, talents, health and so on. This is where the horoscopes or birthday charts come from.
In pagan cultures people believe that evil spirits were more dangerous to a person when they experienced a change in their daily life, like turning a day older. Because of this birthdays were a merry occasion celebrated with family and friends who surrounded the person with joy, laughter, positive thoughts, and happy wishes for the up coming year. This was believed to protect them from evil during their day of change.
Putting candles on the cake goes back to ancient Greece. They worshipped many gods and goddesses. Artemis was the goddess o the moon and her birthday was celebrated once each month by special cakes that were round like a full moon. Because the moon glows with light, the cakes were covered with lighted candles.
All around the world birthdays are celebrated in one way or another. When a child turns 1 in Egypt, the parties are filled with dancing and singing. Flowers and fruit are used to decorate as a symbol of life and growth. In Saudi Arabia, birthdays are not celebrated due to spiritual beliefs. In Hong Kong, the birthday child is served special long noodles, which it so symbolize a long life. Sending birthday cards is a custom that begin in England about 100 years ago.Just about everyone today celebrates birthdays. Around the world people hold birthday parties, giving gifts and wishing happy birthday to the one whose birthday it being celebrated. No matter what your beliefs or customs it is a special day indeed.

Starting the week easy

2006-08-14T08:53:00.000-04:00

I had a wonderful weekend and now I am slow getting the week started. I seen this little meme on Caterpillars blog and thought it would be a good way to start off the week. I did not realize how long it was until I started to answer the questions, but I managed to finish them all and hope that you enjoy it. If you post this on your blog, please let us know so we can come and enjoy yours as well.

And now, the meme:

1. How old do you wish you were?
As an adult I do not wish I was older like I did when I was a child. When I was young, I always wanted to be older so that I could do all the things that a grown up did, but now it is almost the opposite. I sometimes wish I could go back and do things a little different still knowing what I know now.

2. Where were you when 9/11 happened?
I was at work. I remember that day clearly, not only for the horrific tragedy that happened to our country but for the great distress that I had not being with my son who was at school at the time. They were not letting us out from work at the time as the whole building was in lock down, so I had to wait to go and get my son to take him home where we would be together and could sit and morn the days events.

3. What do you do when vending machines steal your money?
I do not usually use vending machines, but if this happens I usually look for another machine and try it. I try not to fret over the little things.

4. Do you consider yourself kind?
Yes. But I also can put up a wall and come off very cold when meeting new people. It takes me awhile sometimes to be comfortable with someone new. The trust needs to be there and I do not always trust right away and that is when my persona changes.

5. If you had to get a tattoo, where and what would it be?
I have a tattoo, it is a tribal sun done in mostly black work with a swirl of orange, yellow and red in the middle on my upper left thigh. I got it there because I work in the corporate world and wanted to be sure that it would be concealed when I was at work, I like to keep my professional life separated from my personal life. I always wanted a tattoo and I told myself that if I still wanted one when I as 30, that I would get one and that is what I did. I love my tattoo and do not regret it one bit.

6. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be?
I took French when I was in High School and I hated it and in return I have forgotten much of what I learned. I have always wished I would have taken Spanish instead, but will get a chance to learn with my son this year as that was his language of choice.

7. Do you know your neighbors?
Yes, and most of them pretty well. But there is one neighbor that I have known since I was a child and am very close with, Joe. We all would hang out at his place from time to time and he always welcomed the company. Now as I look out across the street to his house, there seems to be a new set of kids that hang out there, including my son and Joe does not seem to have aged a bit.

8. What do you consider a vacation?
Being away from work is always a welcome vacation. I do not necessarily have to go some where. Having time off from work and spending time with my son and sweetheart no matter what we do is always a great vacation.

9. Do you follow your horoscope?
There are many people who write horoscopes on a daily basis and they usually all do not write the same thing. I do read them on occasion but do not try to fit my daily life into what is written.

10. Would you move for the person you loved?
Absolutely, that is part of commitment, standing by each other through come what may.

11. Are you touchy feely?
I am with the people I am close with and my friends. I always hug and some times kiss the people who mean something to me when I or they leave. I think it is important for those people to know that I care about them. Sometimes life does not go they way we anticipate and you do not know when your paths will cross again.

12. Do you believe that opposites attract?
Yes, and I have often been attracted to people that are totally opposite than me. It has not always worked out but the attraction was still there. I think we want to live a little like that person but out mind set will not let us.

13. Dream job?
I would love to own my own business, a little shop of some sorts. I have thought about this for a long time now, but have not come up with any ideas that I think would be prosperous at this time. I would also like to work in the art filed, weather it be advertising or something like that.

14. Favorite channels?
People actually have favorite channels? I really do not have a favorite channel, I watch what ever channel that has something that appeals to me on.

15. Favorite place to go on a weekend?
I do like to go out from time to time, but I also like to stay home and just enjoy the company that I am with. But my favorite thing to do on the weekend is to get on the bike with my sweetheart and just ride.

16. Showers or bath?
Showers. I do take an occasional bath but then get up and rinse off in the shower. There is just something about sitting in dirty bath water that does not appeal to me.

17. Do you paint your nails?
I paint my toenails. I am not a big feet person and feel that they are more appealing when the nails are painted. Now only if I could convince my boyfriend of this.

18. Do you trust people easily?
Not really. With all of the crime and what not in the world today, it is hard to give trust that easily. It seems when you let your guard down, it is that one time that you get burned by your decision.

19. What are your phobias?
Snakes, spiders, dieing alone, drowning, fire.

20. Do you want kids?
I always did and I do have one, but I do not want anymore.

21. Do you keep a handwritten journal?
No, and I never did.

22. Where would you rather be right now?
At this very moment I would like to be lying on a blanket near a body of water or a stream in the arms of my sweetheart looking around and watching the day go by.

23. What makes you feel warm and safe?
Different things, it depends on the situation.

24. Heavy or light sleep?
I am a light sleeper, but I guess that is because I have a child. Even though I do not have to worry about him as much any more, I still wake up when I hear things.

25. Are you paranoid?
I do not think that I am a paranoid person, I do sometimes let my mind race and tend to think about all the bad possibilities of a situation before I realize that I am being silly.

26. Are you impatient?
I can be. I do not like to be late for anything and can become impatient while waiting for some one to be ready to go.

27. Who can you relate to?
I try to relate to everyone and put myself in their shoes. I try to find the things that are similar between me and a person instead of trying to find the things that make us different.

28. How do you feel about interracial couples?
Love is blind and so am I. I do not see two people that come from different ethnic backgrounds, I see two people that are in love.

29. Have you been burned by love?
Yes. I know that is the part of loving sometimes but that does not make it easier when it happens.

30. What's your life motto?
I would not say that it is a motto, but I try to find the good in people and treat them as I would want to be treated. Live, learn and laugh often.

31. What's your main ringtone on your mobile?
My Humps, it started as a joke and I just never changed it.

32. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Sleeping

33. Who was your last text message from?
I do not participate in text messaging but the last one I received was from Connie.

34. Whose bed did you sleep in last night?
Our bed

35. What color shirt are you wearing?
Teal and black

36. Most recent movie you watched?
Hardball

37. Name five things you have on you at all times?
Cell phone, keys, sunglasses, purse, chap stick

38. What color are your bed sheets?
cream and different shades of earthy greens

39. How much cash do you have on you right now?
$1 and some change

40. What is your favorite part of the chicken?
I love chicken so I really do not care what part it is as long as it is cooked right.

41. What is your favorite town/city?
I love Chicago, but then again I have not traveled as much as I would like so I will leave the “favorite” spot open for now.

42. I can't wait till...
I can wait. I love where I am right now and am going to enjoy it instead of wishing for things to come. They will come, in time and when the time is right.

43. Who got you to join Blogger?
No one really, I have a friend that has a blog and from that I started reading a lot of other blogs and now I have my own to share.

44. What did you have for dinner last night?
Stuffed banana peppers

45. How tall are you barefoot?
5'8"

46. Have you ever smoked crack?
No and never will

47. Do you own a gun?
No, I do not believe in guns other than for hunting.

48. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Diet Pepsi

49. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex?
Just being me, I am sure some of the physical attributes help as well.

50. Do you have A.D.D?
No.

51. What time did you wake up today?
5:30 a.m.

52. Current worry?
Financial of course, don’t we all worry about that?

53. Current hate?
I do not hate, hate is a disease.

54. Favorite place to be?
Just being with people I care about.

55. Where would you like to travel?
Every where, I would like to see so many different places for different reason.

56. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years?
Where ever life takes me. I can only hope that I make good decisions and am in a good place, happy and healthy.

57. Last thing you ate?
Sausage biscuit, I try to eat something for breakfast every morning

58. What songs do you sing in the shower?
I do not sing in the shower, only in the car.

59. Last person that made you laugh?
My sweetheart, he always makes me laugh. He has such a positive attitude and a fun way about him.

60. Worst injury you ever had?
I was always active growing up and had a lot of breaks, but I think the worse for me was breaking my collar bone. That was definitely the most painful.

61. Does someone have a crush on you?
I don’t know. I know that I am loved but a crush is not love.

62. What is your favorite candy?
I am not a big sweet eater not do I care much for chocolate.

63. Favorite errogenous zone?
Pretty much anywhere when it is with the right person in the right situation, it is the sensation of touch. But I do love to have my hair pulled.

Going the wrong direction

2006-08-10T16:10:00.000-04:00

I started typing my post this morning, I was in a great mood, one of those moods where you feel that you are just going to burst out laughing at any minute. You know one of those days where you are going to laugh so hard milk will come out of your nose. But then the co-workers started to show up, the two that are in my department and I started to feel that great mood take a turn. For a year or more now we have had an employee in my office taking advantage of the system. We work four 9hr days and one 8hr day and then four 9hr days and we are off every other Friday. Well she has been coming in late taking a 2-3hr lunch and still taking her days off and has more vacation than anyone. We do not have a supervisor in this building but we have on in another building in another state. Well she has been made aware of the situation and is trying to correct it, but by doing this she is making everyone feel like they are being baby sat. There are times when I feel like I should be raising my hand to use the restroom. Now I know that there are times when you are going to be late coming back from lunch due to traffic, slow service or what not and the same thing with coming to work in the morning, but when you start taking advantage of the system on a daily basis someone has to put their foot down. Now that she has been tagged, and the finger was never pointed directly at her, she has been making rude comments about the situation. Come on now, you were wrong and got busted deal with it. It alwasy takes that one person to ruin it for everyone, now we are being questioned about what time we come in, what time we go home, what time we take lunch, what time we get back. I do not have anything to worry about as I have been working 45-50hrs a week, but the situation is getting a little out of hand. We are all adults here, at least I thought so.

HHNT!!!

Have a great weekend, I am off tomorrow.

Flying on the wings of emotions

2006-08-08T07:47:00.000-04:00

I consider myself to be a strong person, I speak my mind, I am bound and determined to do things myself, I am very stubborn, I have broad shoulders, and I am a woman. But today I seem to be flying on the wings of emotions. It started with a post I read that talked about human laws and people being blind to their true beliefs and following others. This post turned on an emotional valve today and from there is just kept flowing. I went on to read other post that also hit that emotional valve today in one way or another. It has been quite a ride this morning for me. But you know it is so great to feel all of these emotions becuse I know that I have a heart, that I feel things, that I have beliefs and compasion for others, that I am a live. The emotions that we feel may not always be good ones, but they say a lot about us. It is ok to be a strong person but it is also ok to be intouch with your emotions.

I've been tagged

2006-08-07T07:35:00.000-04:00

I know that I have not been very good at posting lately and for that I appologize. I only have access at work, which is why I do not post or comment on the weekends, and have been really busy at work the past week.
So this morning when I was trying to catch up on everything that I have missed, I noticed that CeeCi had taged me for a little meme about myself, so here it goes...

Once you have been tagged, you have to write a post with 8 facts/things/habits about yourself and say who tagged you. In the end, you will need to choose the 6 people you tag and list their names. No tag backs.

1. I do not like to talk about myself nor do I take compliments very well. I would much rather sit and ask a totaly stranger a ton of questions then to have someone ask me one. I know my story, I want to know everyone elses and live vicariously through them.

2. I often think the worst of things and then spend time reconstructing my thoughts to be positive. Most of the time, my worst fear is me.

3. I love to write and draw even know I am not very good at it. My dream is to go back to school and do something in the art field.

4. I despise my father but so badly want him to want to have a relationship with me and my son. Every day, week, year that goes by and he does not call makes me resent him all the more.

5. I would go in debt to help a friend out and have.

6. I am probably the worlds worst speller.

( this is hard)

7. I love playing darts and one day hope to be one of the top woman competitors. I know that I do not practice enough, but that would be my down fall. I want and dream about things but I am not a go getter.

8. I have saved the best for last, I do not like chocolate. I know this is probably a shock to you, how could anyone not like chocolate, but I don't. I may have a piece every once in a while, but if I had to choose between chocolate and something else, I would pick the something else.

I am going to tag:

Whom ever wants to play

I know you are suppose to tag 6 people, but I do not have 6 people to tag and do not want someone to feel that they have to do this. So if you want to do this, then post a comment and let me know, I would love to read it and if you do not want to do this then thanks for stopping and I hope that you have a wonderful day.

Road Warrior

2006-08-02T16:52:00.000-04:00

Which Signs Are the Best Drivers? And the Worst?by Nancy Fenn

Please don't shoot the messenger, but Suncorp Metway, Ltd., a multi-faceted Australian Financial Service, ranked car accident claimants by Sun sign in a study of 160,000 accident claims over the previous three-year period. This is what they found.

• Restless Geminis Behind the Wheel
The number one worst drivers were Geminis, "typically described as restless, easily bored and frustrated by things moving slowly," explained Warren Duke, Suncorp's national manager of personal insurance. "They had more car accidents than any other sign."
No astrologer would argue with that description of the sign of the Twins and probably this isn't very surprising news. But who's the best?

• And the Winners Are...Capricorns
Capricorns. Duke says, "Capricornians [ sic ], who came last on the list, [are] typically described as patient and careful."
No argument with that from the professional astrologer. It's no surprise Caps are the safest behind the wheel. They're the safest at everything! Their patience and sense of responsibility are legendary.

We've told you about the absolute worst and best, now for the complete list of all 12 signs. From worst to best, this is how they ranked:

Worst to Best:
#1 Gemini
#2 Taurus
#3 Pisces
#4 Virgo
#5 Cancer
#6 Aquarius
#7 Aries
#8 Libra
#9 Leo
#10 Sagittarius
#11 Scorpio
#12 Capricorn

• Bad Bulls
Yes, Taureans can be obstinate and inflexible, but they are also the most introverted and self absorbed of all the signs. Their natural path in life is to think about their own body - its immediate comfort and needs - and to deal with only the most tangible and immediate of realities.
At a very fundamental level, the world outside may not exist at all.

• Dream On Pisces
Pisceans are the gentle dreamers of the zodiac. They may spend many hours a day in fantasy worlds, escaping the painful realities of life on the physical plane and, more often than not, the pain of being in a physical body.
This detachment from the physical can lead to unconscious feelings of invulnerability or invincibility. If you are momentarily deluded into thinking you don't have physical limits, and that your life is but a fleeting moment in the eternal life of the soul, you can respond to situations of physical danger in illogical ways. Or, at the very least, be slow on the uptake.

• Safe Sagittarius
Sagittarians may stay safe in their cars the same way they do in life, by having superbly developed higher minds. Another name for this mind is intuition. The highly developed sense of flow and good timing characteristic of Sagittarians is what makes them the lucky sign. Furthermore, their minds are right at home dealing with traffic patterns, flow and spatial relations.

• Intuitive Scorpios
Scorpios, on the other hand, may stay safe because they are intimately involved with the inner lives of others in the same way their opposite sign Taurus is defended against this information. Scorpios are sensitive to energy - whether it is a foot away or thousands of miles away-and can feel someone " coming up from behind " at many different levels. Scorpios know if you've had a fight with your wife the night before or if you're thinking about embezzling or having an affair with your best friend's husband. That's why we always feel like they can see right through us. They can.

I always love these little tidbits, as Sagittarians are not the best they are usualy far from the worst in all of these little clips. Yes, I can hold my head high once again as I am a safe driver (knock on wood).

Don't dance so fast

2006-07-31T07:31:00.000-04:00

I am sure many of you have seen the poem posted below, I know that I have seen it several times. It has touched me everytime I read it, but for some reason today it has touched me the most. That is why I decide to post it. I am not sure if it because I have serveral people that mean a lot to me who are having health issues right now or if it is becuase that I need to be reminded to slow down a bit and enjoy life.

I remember when I was little that I would wish that I was older. I wanted to sit with the grown ups and be a part of their converstation. I wanted to be able to drive, to go places on my own, to go to bars and clubs. Now that I am grown and growing older, I wonder where the time went. There are so many other things that I want to do in my life time that I have not yet done. I have so many other responsilbilities now that it is hard to find the time to do the other things that I have always wanted. It is like I wished so hard to be grown up, that it happened and I can not go back and get that time. I know , well at least I hope that I still have time to fulfill some of those dreams that I have had, but at least now I know that I need to slow down and not wish for something so far in the future that I miss the present.

SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
!
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,"Hi"
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Is there anyone who...(part II)

2006-07-27T13:20:00.000-04:00

Sense this seemed to be somewhat of a hit the first time around, I thought that I would try it again. These questions are simply that and are not meant to offend anyone. So have some fun and let loose a bit.

Is there anyone who has written a song?

Is there anyone who is a practicing priest, minister, etc..

Is there anyone who believes in faeries?

Is there anyone who believes in love at first sight?

Is there anyone who believes in reincarnation?

Is there anyone who has a special talent and what is it?

Is there any one who has more than their ears pierced?

Is there anyone who has been invited on stage at a concert?

Is there anyone who has won a prize/award
something they created?

Is there anyone who has won the lottery?

Is there anyone who is in love with someone and has not told them?

Is there anyone who wishes upon stars?

Is there anyone who has worn two different shoes to work?

Is there anyone who is afraid of roller coasters?

Is there anyone who is afraid of the dark?

Have a great weekend!!!

The Expression of Music

2006-07-26T07:14:00.000-04:00

Music is every where, for most of us it is part of our daily lives. As a human activity, music may be used for artistic or aesthetic, communicative, entertainment, or ceremonial purpose. Artists use music to express their feelings, and we in turn express our feelings through their music. Music is such a big part of our lives that there is even a study of the music of non-human animals know as Zoomusicology. Hey, what may be considered music to one person, may not to another, but that does not mean it is not music.
For a lot of us, we relate to songs and their lyrics from various experiences we have had, but for some, they find themselves in the music. Feelings arise while listening to music that some people have never felt before.
One of the songs that I can realate to most is "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield. Sometimes when I am listening to that song, I think that there is someone out that knows me so well. I am so motivated and touched by this song.

Natasha Bedingfield

Unwritten

I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined
I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
Oh, oh, oh

I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines
We've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way

What song best realates to you or you to it?

General Ramblings

2006-07-24T08:11:00.000-04:00

It is Monday and it is one of those days where my mind is going in all different directions and I can not seem to organize one particular thought to post about, so for give me for my ramblings.
Friday I got home from work only to find that one of our little kittens had passed. It was the runt of the litter and I did all I could to make sure that it was eating while I was home, but my efforts failed. I know that these things usually happen and that it is all a part of life, but I was very sadden by the turn of events as the little creamy orange fellow had become my favorite of the bunch. Later that night Al and I went out with some friends that he works with. We always have a good time with them. Al and JB played a round of "Name that Tune" at one place we stopped at. It seems as though Al gets stage fright, as he played better standing back with me than he did on stage. Then we went to the "Wicked Witches", they had a band playing that was not so good but in the back room they had a tarot reader, which Al and I both had a reading done. It was more like fortune telling than a tarot reading and that is really not my style.
Saturday was a lazy day, I took my son to my moms for a visit and then did much of nothing.
Sunday was cleaning and laundry. I love the lazy weekends where we do not run around doing various activities and just enjoy each others company. Now it is back to work and I am lagging that "get up and go" that I usualy have. I am truly not motivated yet today and am wishing for the tranquility of home.

Is there anyone who.....

2006-07-21T07:08:00.000-04:00

They play this little bit on one of the local radio stations here called "Is there anyone who..." and I love to listen to all those who call in and their stories. Now the radio station only does 3 but I am going to list more than 3. It is a fun little game and a good way to get to know your fellow bloggers.
The questions are random and are meant to be fun. You may answer more than one of these questions.

Is there anyone who is related to someone famous?

Is there anyone who has had something published?

Is there anyone who had been caught making love in a car?

Is there anyone who is in a band?

Is there anyone who has had a near death experience?

Is there anyone who has been arrested?

Is there anyone who has played a joke on someone and never told that person it was them?

Is there anyone who has met a famous person?

Is there anyone who believes in magic and other worldly possibilities?

Is there anyone who had a weird fetish?

Is there anyone who does not like chocolate?

Is there anyone who can play a musical instrument?

Is there anyone who laughed so hard a beverage has come out of your nose?

Is there anyone who has went to work drunk?

Is there anyone who is obsessed with Reality T.V.?

Is there anyone who has tattoo's?

Since I was the one who started this, I will be the first to answer. I mean who would want to play along if the originator does not.

Balance

2006-07-20T07:50:00.000-04:00

bal·ance
Function: nounEtymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *bilancia, from Late Latin bilanc-, bilanx having two scalepans, from Latin bi- + lanc-, lanx plate
1 : an instrument for weighing: as a : a beam that is supported freely in the center and has two pans of equal weight suspended from its ends b : a device that uses the elasticity of a spiral spring for measuring weight or force
2 : a means of judging or deciding
3 : a counterbalancing weight, force, or influence
4 : an oscillating wheel operating with a hairspring to regulate the movement of a timepiece
5 a : stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis b : equipoise between contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements c : equality between the totals of the two sides of an account
6 a : an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements b : the juxtaposition in writing of syntactically parallel constructions containing similar or contrasting ideas
7 a : physical equilibrium b : the ability to retain one's balance
8 a : weight or force of one side in excess of another b : something left over : REMAINDER c : an amount in excess especially on the credit side of an account
9 : mental and emotional steadiness - bal·anced /-l&n(t)st/ adjective - in the balance or in balance : with the fate or outcome about to be determined - on balance : with all things considered

It is so hard to keep balance in my life. I am not talking about balancing all the different activities and what not that I have going on, I am talking about the balance between good and bad. It seems that I can not keep the scales blanaced lately. Just when you think that you have got it all to the point where everything is ok, the scale starts to tip in the wrong direction. You get one thing fixed or taken care of and you have balance for a little while and then the scales start to tip and you are off again. It just seems that everything can not just be good, there always has to be that one thing or many things thrown onto the bad side of the scale. I can not think of a time when the good out weighed the bad. Not devistating bad, just your car not starting or something simple, but just enough to make life a little more complicated or as some would look at it, more interesting.
Sometimes I think that the earth uses the unbalanced scales of the world to rotate and that if there were complete balance in the world, the earth would stop spinning and we would all fall of.
I would like just one day when the scales do not tip in either direction, just one day when all is right with the world. Then again, if my theory is correct, hang on to your hats it is going to be a long ride.

Wednesday's Featured Writer

2006-07-19T07:26:00.000-04:00

How is one to live a moral and compassionate existence when one is fully aware of the blood, the horror inherent in life, when one finds darkenss not only in one's culture but within oneself? If there is a stage at which and individual life becomes tryuly adult, it must be when one grasps the irony in its unfolding and accepts responsibility for a life lived in the midst of such paradox. One must live in the middle of contradiction, becacuse if all contradiction were eliminated at once life would collapse. Tehre are simply no answers to some fo the great pressing questions. You continue to live them out, making your life a worthy expression of leaning into the light. ~Barry Lopez-Artic Dreams

I decided to make Wednesday's "Featured Writers" day. I have posted about books before, but I have such a great compassion for them and the writers that I wanted to share some of the great books and or writers that I have come across and hope that you will do the same. There is nothing better than a book that captivates you, makes you think or takes you to another world. I have discovered so many great things in the books that I have read. And no matter how many I read I just can not seem to get enough and am always looking for another great story or adventure.

I choose Barry Lopez this week because I came across the quote above and was captivated by it. I have to admitt that I have only read bits and pieces of Mr. Lopez's books at this point but have them on my list for my next books purchase. Mr. Lopez writes nonfiction as well as fiction and he has won many awards. You can read more about Mr. Lopez and his writings at www.barrylopez.com.

"I would ask you to remember only this one thing," said Badger. "The stories people tell have a way of taking care of them. If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive. That is whey we put these stories in each other's memory. This is how people care for themselves. One day you will be good story-tellers. Never forget these obligations." ~ Crow and Weasel

Where does the time go?

2006-07-18T07:43:00.000-04:00

Well I am back to it, work that is. It is amazing how time works or seems to work. When you are having a great time, time seems to fly by but when you are not haveing a good time, wishing what ever it is you are involved with would be over, time seems to stop.
This weekend went by so quickly, it seems as our friends had just got here and they were leaving already. We had such a wonderful time with them, I only wish it was more. I know that we will see them again, wether it be at our place or up where they live, but what if. Some times I let my mind get the best of me and think of every possible scenario of how things can and will go wrong. I am a worry wart, I guess I always will be. I guess I should start wishing that away instead of wishing the hours at work away like I always do only to realize that I am wishing my life away. However boring it may be, I am still wishing a part of my life away where there could be something wonderful waiting around the bend for me. I do not want to be one of those people who wish they had just one more hour, one more minute, one more second, I want to be one of those people who look back and say "Wow, I really had a full life". Stop and think the next time you are wishing for the time to go by, think that you are wishing your life away and that there may come a day when you are wishing you had those seconds, minutes, hours back. Time is precious, no matter what we are doing.

Friends

2006-07-13T09:49:00.000-04:00

We have friends coming in this weekend from up state PA and I am so excited yet very nervous. I met Shannon and John at a dart tournament a few years ago and they are great people. We always talked at the tournaments but really never kept in touch between events until this year. We finally exchanged e-mail addy's and telephone numbers and have been chatting ever since.
It is weird how different people come in to your life, some stay and become very dear to you and some are just passing by. If you think about it we have a different variety of friends. We have social friends, work friends, friends of friends, internet friends and close friends. When we were younger is was a lot easier to make friends and get into a group, but now as we are older, it is not easy making new friends and being accepted into their circle of friends, why is that. Are we affraid that they will not be accepted and liked by our other friends, are we so set in our ways that we are unable to let someone new, with new ideas, hopes and dreams in? And if that is true then are they really a friend to your or just an acquaintance? It is strange how the different social circles work. But yet is it amazing to meet someone, a complete stranger and 16yrs later that person still means the world to you. And I am not talking about a family memeber or a significant others, they hold a different part of our hearts in different ways. Lori and I have been friends for 16yrs, I met her one day when I went to her house with another friend. Lori and I stayed friends all these years yet neither of us still keep in touch with the friend that had introduced us. Lori is like the sister I never had, we have been through so much and yet I know that she is there when I need her and I am here when she needs me. I could not imagine what it would be like with out her, how I would be, where I would be. She has been my stepping stone and I hers. She is a part of me of who I am, but it is just not her, it is all the people that I have met along my way, they have all become a piece of me in one way or another.
So as you take this journey through life, be sure to stop and make some friends a long the way. Take with you a piece of each one of them, keep them close to your heart for with in them you may find what you are looking for.

A to Z Quotes (Part two)

2006-07-12T07:43:00.000-04:00

MYTH
What a man believes upon grossly insufficient evidence is an index into his desires -- desires of which he himself is often unconscious. If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way. ~ Bertrand Russel

NATURE
There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story. ~ Linda Hogan

OPPORTUNITY
Freedom is not merely the opportunity to do as one pleases; neither is it merely the opportunity to choose between set alternatives. Freedom is, first of all, the chance to formulate the available choices, to argue over them -- and then, the opportunity to choose. ~ C. Wright Mills

PURPOSE
This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. ~ George Bernard Shaw

QUOTATIONS
I love quotations because it is a joy to find thoughts one might have, beautifully expressed with much authority by someone recognizably wiser than oneself. ~ Marlene Dietrich

REALITY
To understand reality is not the same as to know about outward events. It is to perceive the essential nature of things. The best-informed man is not necessarily the wisest. Indeed there is a danger that precisely in the multiplicity of his knowledge he will lose sight of what is essential. But on the other hand, knowledge of an apparently trivial detail quite often makes it possible to see into the depth of things. And so the wise man will seek to acquire the best possible knowledge about events, but always without becoming dependent upon this knowledge. To recognize the significant in the factual is wisdom. ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

SPIRITUALITY
The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed. ~ Albert Einstein

TRUST
The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

VISION
Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens. ~ Carl Jung

WORTH
Know that although in the eternal scheme of things you are small, you are also unique and irreplaceable, as are all your fellow humans everywhere in the world. ~Margaret Laurence

Well that is it. I know there are a few letters missing but I did not find quotes for those letters as of yet, but I must get to work. Hope that you have a wonderful day and that music of the world enters your heart and leaves you with a smile on your face.

A to Z Quotes (Part one)

2006-07-11T07:51:00.000-04:00

There are so many things that inspire us, movies, music, people, words and many other things throughout our life's journey. I was reading some quotes the other day and thought that I would post some of the ones that touched me in one way or another, ones that I believe in and try to live by. Along the way I have found so many other inspiring people and words and have enjoyed this greatly as I hope that you do to.

AWARENESS
We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are. ~ Anais Nin

BOOKS
The greatest gift is a passion for reading. It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites, it gives you the knowledge of the world and experience of a wide kind. It is a moral illumination. ~ Elizabeth Hardwick

CHARACTER
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved. ~ Helen Keller (Character)

DIVERSITY
If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place. ~ Margaret Mead

EXPERIENCE
You must learn day by day, year by year, to broaden your horizon. The more things you love, the more you are interested in, the more you enjoy, the more you are indignant about, the more you have left when anything happens. ~Ethel Barrymore

FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves. ~ Sidney and Suzanne Simon

GOOD
If I have been of service, if I have glimpsed more of the nature and essence of ultimate good, if I am inspired to reach wider horizons of thought and action, if I am at peace with myself, it has been a successful day. ~Alex Noble

HAPPINESS
There are as many nights as days, and the one is just as long as the other in the year's course. Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word 'happy' would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. ~Carl Jung

IMAGINATION
I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge -- myth is more potent than history -- dreams are more powerful than facts -- hope always triumphs over experience -- laughter is the cure for grief -- love is stronger than death. ~Robert Fulghum

JUDGMENT
Good judgment comes from experience, and often experience comes from bad judgment. ~Rita Mae Brown

KNOWLEDGE
We have a hunger of the mind which asks for knowledge of all around us, and the more we gain, the more is our desire; the more we see, the more we are capable of seeing. ~Maria Mitchell

LIMITATIONS
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. ~ Helen Keller

Monday Blah's

2006-07-10T07:31:00.000-04:00

I have to admit, I have the Monday blah's. You know, one of those days where you just want to stay in bed and pull the covers up over your head and hope that when you pull them back down on Tuesday everything will be all better. The do nothing, talk to no one and watch a bunch of crapy movies on TV day.
Ok here is the scoop, we were having problems with our fridge, and I mean problems. Everything was soaked on the inside from all of the condensation and the freezer would build up frost faster than I could get rid of it. So a friend of ours had one that he said that we could have, which was great. So Saturday he brought it over, and it was a beauty. It was bigger, it had a place for ice cube trays, it has glass shelves, it is a really nice fridge and I was very excited. I get all the food put back in the new fridge, read the lables on the inside to make sure that I have it set right and I do and then leave it to do it's thing. Well Sunday morning, the items in the fridge are not all that cold and the stuff in the freezer is not all that frozen, so we move the settings a bit, fill some ice cube trays and go to a party. Well this morning, all I have in those ice cube trays is some pretty cold water. Great, now what. Yes, the easy solution would be to buy a new one, but right now that does not fit into our budget. So I will sit back and let him make a decision. Boy do I wish we still had the old one, a bunch of wet food is better than a bunch of warm food, that you should be affraid to eat. That just goes to prove the grass is not alwasy greener on the other side. Be happy with what you have because what you get may not always be good.

Lesson Learned

2006-07-07T07:53:00.000-04:00

Oil and chips. I am not sure if they put this burden on any one else in the world, but here in the lovely state of PA, they oil and chip the roads every summer. Now I guess this would not be such a bad thing but they can not just slightly cover the road with these chips, which are actually tiny pebbles that I am sure they went back and swept from the side of the road from last years event, but they over load the roads with them. I have been on dirt roads in the country that have less pebbles on them. Ok back to the point, I am on my way to work this morning and the road had just been oiled and chipped. Now from past experience I have learned not to get to close behind the car in front of you becuase they have a habbit of kicking up these wonderful little pebbles they put on the road to entertain themselves every year. But apparently I have not learned that I need to slow done on these back somewhat country roads when going around the bend, because I gave the guy coming the other way the wake up call of his life this morning. As I am going a little over the speed limit around a somewhat windy road, my car spins. Now I can only imagine the look on the gentleman's face coming the other way, but I know the look that was on my face, it was a look of complete and utter surprise followed by a chuckle of relief. So my lesson learned for the day is to slow down on the freshly oiled and chipped roads, but I would really like to know why in the world do they do this annoying process to begin with, what purpose does it serve, inquiring minds want to know.

Inside Looking Out

2006-07-06T07:53:00.000-04:00

Did you ever have one of those days when you want to do something, something creative and you just do not know what. One of those days when you have all the words in your head but you just can not organize them enough to put them on paper. One of those days where you feel like there is this other person trapped inside of you and you just can not let them out. Some one who has great ideas, thoughts and creativeness but is just stuck below the surfaces. I have a lot of those days, days where I have so much that I want to do but fight off letting that person that is struggling, to get out. Why is that, what are we affraid of? Is it because we are affraid to be who we are and let the real person show or is it just undevloped talent? I personally like to think that it is undevloped talent and that when I get it all together it is just going to pour out of me. I know that I am here for a reason, that I have something to give to this life I am just not quite sure what it is yet. Yes, I share my thoughts and beliefs with complete strangers with the hope that just one thing that I have blogged about will touch them and open their eyes to a whole new world but there is more to it than that. There is someone in there that is dying to get out and do something great. I can feel it, I know it is there, but I am not sure what it is or what I am suppose to do with it. And as I sit here looking at the work on my desk, I know that this is not it, I do not want to be stuck in the corporate world for the rest of my working days. But yet, as I stare out the window to the world below, I have to wonder what is really out there for me, what is it that I can do that will make me happy and support my family. Do I stay here because it is comfortable, becuase I have been here for 13 yrs and have worked hard to get where I am, but know that in this company I can not go any further. What about that person that is stuck inside with all the great ideas? Who am I, what do I want to do, what do I want to be, where am I going? In the end, the only thing hold me back is me.

Truth or Fiction

2006-07-05T15:27:00.000-04:00

I know that we have all gotten those e-mails about getting something free if you just forward that e-mail to 10 people. We have all gotten those e-mails with the students that planted cacti in the clown planters for science class, the 70lb cat, the 8ft tall woman and one can only imagine what others are floating out there. Well I was just made aware of a site that will help you determine what is truth or fiction, it is www.truthorfiction.com. I just could not imagine some people believing some of the e-mails that I have seen, but hey there is a sucker born every day. Sorry to disappoint you, but Donald Trump is not going to send you money, Damon's is not going to send you any coupons and no one is going to donate $.01 to any charity for everyone who signs that e-mail. It is a shame that we have to be aware of all the different scams in the world today, just remember if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Happy 4th of July

2006-06-29T16:26:00.000-04:00

As we enter this 4th of July weekend, let us all remember what we are celebrating. Although we complain about the increasing taxes, immigrants, the war in Iraq, our president (oh come on you know you do), and the other things we as Americans complain about, remember it is becuase we can. It is our freedom of speech that gives us this right. As things may not be as they were 20 yrs ago, we are still a free country and have many men and women fighting for us and our freedom that we should be thankful for. Yes, we all do not agree that they should be there, but they are because they choose to be part of a service that stands and protects our nation. So as you stand there with your family and friends watching fireworks light up the night sky, stop and remember those who could not be with their families and be thankful for our freedom.

Hope that you have a safe and happy 4th of July.

Celtic Woman

2006-06-29T09:35:00.000-04:00

Sometime at the end of last year while channel surfing, Mustang came across a woman singing on one of the local stations. It just so happens that he loves woman's voices and stopped to watch a bit. That is when we fell in love with the Celtic Woman. The concert they were playing on T.V. was to promote their concert here in Pittsburgh. Evey time it was on we watched it and found out selves looking for it to be on again. So I bought Mustang tickets for the show for Valentines Day. The show was nothing short of sensational, I never wanted it to end.
Below is a little clip I pulled from the net that would explain a little more:
The five-member group known as Celtic Woman gained an enthusiastic audience when they sold out two shows at the Orpheum last October. They will return to the Orpheum for an encore performance April 5. Celtic Woman features 5 beautiful women; 4 gifted vocalists – Chloë, Lisa, Deirdre and Orla; and Máiréad – a brilliant fiddler. Their individual talents are featured in ensemble as well as solo performances. The women are led by the talents of David Downes (Musical Director, Conductor, Composer and Arranger). Downes, who is a prodigious young Irish star, had previously worked as musical director of Riverdance. The show is the realization of a dream for Sharon Browne, Managing Director of Celtic Collections, one of Ireland's most successful independent record labels. Celtic Woman will perform unique renditions of Irish songs such as: “Danny Boy,” timeless classics like “Ave Maria”, contemporary songs such as Enya's “Orinoco Flow” and Clannad's “Harry’s Game”, in addition to original works arranged by David Downes.
Also here is a website that you can listen to a few of their songs: www.manhattanrecords.com/cwplayer/player.html
If I was a little bit more talented I could upload it to my blog but I am not, at least not yet.
If you ever get the chance to see them in concert, I would very much advise that you do. I have even started collecting their individual CD's and can not wait for them to release more.

See with your ears

2006-06-28T07:09:00.000-04:00

Have you ever stopped, closed your eyes and listened to the sounds of the life, the world around you? Do you only hear what is there and what you can see? So many take for granted the power of sight that we do not use our power to hear. We often listen to everything around us but we do not hear them. Close your eyes (finish reading the post first) and listen, what do you hear? Listen to the rain tapping against the window, the wind whistling though the leaves, the birds talking with one another. We hear all of these things but not the way we should. A blind persons sense of hearing is so much greater than a person who can see. They have to use their sense of hearing to compensate for their loss of sight. They appreciate what they hear because they can not see it. Imagine sitting in a field as the sun goes down, the warm red, orange and yellow sky as the sun slowly disapprears below the horizon, it is a beautiful sight. Now close your eyes and picture the same sunset but listen to what is around you, it make the sunset all that more beautiful doesn't it.
We all take so much for granted in our lives, stop and smell the roses, stop and listen to life and the world around you, you never know when you might not be able to hear it anymore.

Numbers and human personality

2006-06-27T07:29:00.000-04:00

About Numeric Analysis and Numerology
The following information is from section 7, chapter 17 in Your Love Life and Reincarnation by Stephen Petullo with contributing author Scott Petullo
Numeric Analysis--Understanding Human Character and Identifying Cycles of Time
Copyright © 2001 Scott A. Petullo / S. A. Petullo Corporation
Please note: The following information can provide the numerology novice with a beginning and basic understanding of the science and help him or her gain awareness about life, relationships, and the lives and relationships of others. This awareness will help you more easily understand, have compassion for, and accept yourself and others. However, because of the depth and detail of advanced numerology, the information in this section can’t provide a complete analysis. It is not meant to replace a thorough reading by a professional numerologist.
When I tell people I’m a numerologist, those familiar with numerology may say “Oh, I’m a '5'" (or some other number). The number they usually refer to is their Life Path number, the most important aspect of the several hundred in an advanced numerology chart. What they usually don’t know is that this number only gives a glimpse of the overall personality and timing energy. It’s similar to trying to describe a person's looks from a picture of the eyes alone. A study of one aspect gives a few insights; a thorough analysis of the whole numerology chart provides much more.
How can numbers describe personality or even future events? The “why” and “how” of numerology is a mystery. A numerologist can’t explain why certain types of events transpire time and time again under identical numerological aspects. A numerologist also can’t explain how matching patterns of numerological personality aspects (in different charts) repeatedly and accurately reflect human motivations, abilities, or challenges--they just do. The only reasonable explanation as to why numerologists can make predictions and discern personality through numbers relates to the idea that there exists a divine order in the universe and that we are all intimately connected to it.
Numerology is a science by definition, since results are consistently drawn from the same sets of circumstances. Science is based on observation, not theory. Science also has nothing to do with common sense. Much of today's cutting-edge scientific thought appears unusual to the average person. For example, physicists suspect that the universe is somewhat oval in shape, so it’s faster to travel in space on a curved line. Psychologists believe that we attract those who have qualities we need for balance or who exhibit our own repressed undesirable personality traits. Their theory is that we are all mirrors for each other to help us resolve our personal issues. How do we “prove” the validity of these types of observations? It’s difficult to do, but it’s easy to see the truth in them through objective analysis.
Numerology allows you to know more about the meaning of your life, to understand the various levels of your personality, and to identify the why, how, what and when of your relationships. It also allows you to have one of the keys to relationship success: timing. Quantum physicists have long hypothesized that there exists a harmony between all things and that there is order instead of chaos in the universe. We witness the order every single day in how we can predict when the tides will rise and fall, how many months a woman will carry a child in pregnancy, how an apple tree will bare apples and not oranges, and when changes of season are expected to happen. You don’t have to be a quantum physicist, though, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your character or to know about the best times for beginnings and endings. All you have to understand is how numbers symbolize our existence.
Definition of Numerology
Numerology is the philosophical and scientific study of numbers and their connection to human personality and time cycles. It is based on the idea that numbers reflect a divine order in the universe and that everything that is named or numbered is cyclical in nature. Numerology uses the energy of the qualities and characteristics of each of the numbers 1 through 10: all numbers are made up of these ten numbers. All dates and times are numbered. Names and places are also numbered through gematria, the science of relating words to numbers (each letter of every alphabet is numbered) where words with the same number totals have equal or similar meanings. One of the more well-known and ancient forms of gematria is the Hebraic number system called Qabala (QBLH). Other ancient forms of the science of numbers include Chaldean, Pythagorean (not to be confused with modern or western numerology), Phonetic and Hindu. Modern numerology is a direct descendent of these sacred codes. The Chinese “Circle of The Heavens,” the Indian “Vedas,” ancient Egyptian texts and records from Sumeria - this planet’s first recorded civilization, all feature coded number systems. The term numerology was created in the early 1900’s in response to growing interest in this ancient science.
Advanced Numerology
Numeric analysis - better known as advanced modern numerology – is a body of work that includes most published and many unpublished deeper aspects of modern numerology. These aspects are validated by numeric analysts over years of applying this scientific approach to many subjects. Numerology is a science based on empirical rules; observation is the key to understanding.
The majority of published numerology books in the western world only scratch the surface of the topic, leaving readers with a nice introduction but failing to provide any thorough depth of understanding. Part of the reason is that advanced numerology isn’t considered a best-selling topic—most readers demand lighter subject matter. Perhaps such simplifying contributes to numerology being falsely considered as only entertainment.
Another reason for the lack of thorough information about numerology is that it takes a certain type of aptitude and desire, perhaps even obsession, to dig deeper into the hundreds of numeric timing and personality aspects in an advanced chart. It then takes months and years to discern which are essential and how to effectively use them. Because of the limited amount of published advanced numerology information, very few people have explored the deeper side of the science, or at least have wanted to make public their findings. Many analysts who have studied numerology in-depth realize that there is a responsibility that goes with the extraordinary knowledge gained. Some knowledge translates into power and it is sometimes best kept private.
Regardless of how numerology is presented, any sort of insight can be helpful to the beginning student or lay client. However, it needs to be understood that the shorter the reading, the more incomplete is the information, and therefore the more likely the possibility of someone being mislead or misinformed. A short reading may include two or three different timing or personality aspects, while an extensive analysis can include hundreds of aspects and require hours of interpretation. Additionally, the accuracy of any numerology reading depends on the depth of understanding of the analyst.
Reincarnation and Numerology
The more we know ourselves and the more we understand timing opportunities and challenges in relation to character, the closer success and goal attainment becomes. Most numerologists believe in reincarnation; they recognize the cyclical nature of life and time and understand how numbers represent universal truths. Numerology, like other metaphysical sciences, indicates that we reincarnate over and over again until we learn and experience all that we need to for our highest growth. According to this philosophy, most of us will be coming back again and again to get it right—if we’re here on Earth, it means we still have some lessons to learn.
The key to understanding reincarnation is that a person must take full responsibility for everything that happens in his or her life—that means eliminating the concept of blame.
We can embrace the circumstances of our lives with compassion and gratitude, or reject them with misery. Karma is our teacher, not our punisher. Reincarnation research indicates that many circumstances in life are predestined, such as whom our parents and family members will be, the type of environment in which we begin life, the kinds of personality traits that will likely emerge or be repressed, and the kinds of people we will attract to learn our lessons. Numerology informs us about these and other conditions. It symbolizes the orderly rhythm of the mathematical exactness that permeates all creation.
It’s unnecessary to believe in reincarnation to benefit from numerology, but the concept does help to explain the why and how of this science. The following information includes some of the more important personality and timing aspects that numerologists use today.
Zero, Qualities, Fadic Addition and Multiple Numbers
Zero isn’t a number; it is a cipher. It is nothing, but it is all. When attached to a number such as 1, the 1 and 0 become 10; the 0 magnifies the 1, making it a more powerful energy than the 1 alone. 10 is more intense than 1 and 100 is more powerful than 10. Consider the 0 an intensifier that amplifies the number next to it. Additionally, numbers represent qualities, as the statement “she is a 10” shows. Figures, far different than numbers, display quantities, as in “party of 5.” It’s easy to see the contrast between these two distinctly different concepts. Numerology addresses the former, giving full meaning to the qualities behind all numbers.
In order to simplify this introduction to numerology, only the numbers 1 through 9 are covered here. For the sake of simplicity, double and multiple digit numbers will not be discussed nor will master numbers (11, 22, 33…) or karmic numbers (13, 14, 16, 19). In modern numerology, all numbers other than master numbers and karmic numbers are ultimately reduced to a single digit through fadic addition. This is known as Jaffar, the system of numbers reduction (for example, reducing 17 to 8 by adding the 1 and the 7) that was shared by the Chaldeans, Egyptians, Arabians, Hebrews and by Moses. Pythagoras then gave this technique of “final digitting” to the Greeks, and it’s used today in modern numerology. The single reduced number of any double or multiple digit number is more important than the other numbers, but it’s the sequence and the order of the original numbers (from left to right in importance) that makes the full number unique and provides for advanced understanding.
The Life Path
Before we move on to the meanings of numbers, I’ll help you calculate some of your own numbers to refer to. The most important aspect of a numerology chart is the Life Path. This number is found by adding the numbers of the full birth date together as shown in the following example. Reduce each number to a single digit before adding:
December 5, 1955
12 (December is the twelfth month) + 5 + 1955 =
(1 + 2 = 3) + 5 + (1 + 9 + 5 + 5 = 20) =
3 + 5 + (2 + 0 = 2) =
3 + 5 + 2 =
10 =
1 + 0 =
1
This person has a 1 Life Path. Volumes of information exist regarding the number found in the Life Path position in the chart.
The extent of a rewarding or difficult life in relation to the Life Path is found through a study of the remaining personality and timing aspects; all parts of the numeric blueprint harmonize together to create one’s full identity and fate.
Different forms of the number 1 exist. For instance, the number thirty-seven (3 + 7 = 10, 1 + 0 = 1) is recognized as a great deal more fruitful than the number nineteen (1 + 9 = 10, 1 + 0 = 1) in most positions in the chart because the number 19 is most often viewed as karmically challenging.
To get an idea of what the number 1 stands for in the Life Path position, read the summary below and pay particular attention to the over-balanced and under-balanced sections. Of course, the energy is modified by all of the other numbers found in the other positions in the chart (as noted above), and so it’s important to get a sense for all the numbers. Until the person is well into maturity, they usually won’t be using the most constructive (balanced) energy of the number in the Life Path position on a consistent basis.
The Life Path: What a Person Must Learn
The true definition of the Life Path is that it represents what a person must learn. Correct application of a distinct group of associated energies sets the person free and allows for faster completion of his or her earthly mission. The Life Path also represents the strongest energy in the personality chart, so the focus is on this aspect to identify the person’s most significant strengths and weaknesses.
The Numbers 1 Through 9 Defined/Love and Time Cycles
First of all, there is no such thing as a bad number. All numbers have positive energy behind them. The problem is when there is too much (over-balanced) or too little (under-balanced) of a particular number/energy. Ultimately, in a spiritual sense, nothing symbolized by numerics is viewed as unpleasant; all situations allow for growth and development. Then again, many occurrences are justifiably interpreted as negative due to the earthly truth that pain - physical, mental and emotional - is unpleasant.
Every number has three main sides: balanced, under-balanced and over-balanced. Each number also has a distinctive set of vibrations linked to it, as described in the following definitions.
In addition to information about the various forms of each number 1 through 9, insight about how each number relates to time cycles in regards to love and relationships is provided below. The numbers relate to love through the timing aspects such as Life Path Periods, Personal Years, and Pinnacles (described later in this text). Love in connection to personality aspects (for example: Main Challenge, Life Path, and Day of Birth) will not be covered here.
Please Note: For absolute accuracy, all numbers in a timing or personality chart must be interpreted in association with each other, and that some positions in the chart carry more importance than others. For example, if you have a 5 Life Path, reading the definition for number 5 below will provide you with a good idea of some of your more important lessons in this lifetime. However, by itself the Life Path number is only a piece of the entire picture and will not give you a complete summary of your personality. Taking into consideration your Life Path, Main Challenge, other personality aspects and timing aspects such as your current Personal Year and Month will give you a better idea of the general trends and probabilities at this point in time. Even though a seasoned analyst must carefully weigh and scrutinize hundreds of numeric aspects to yield an accurate personality profile and overall direction of present and future time cycles, you will be able to gain at least some important insight by applying the calculations and definitions provided in this section. The balanced, over-balanced and under-balanced descriptions of each number relate mainly to the personality aspects (such as a Life Path), but they can also be connected to time cycles.
*For the definitions of the numbers 1-9 and how they relate to love and romance and additional numerological aspects, calculations and information, refer to chapter 17 in Your Love Life and Reincarnation. Included in chapter 17 is information about (and how to calculate) long, medium and short-term time cycles such as Pinnacles, Challenges, Life Path Periods, Personal Years, Personal Months and Personal Days and how these time cycles symbolize the circumstances of our lives.
Relationship Compatibility
One of the most beneficial uses of numerology is determining relationship compatibility. The timing and personality aspects of people’s numerology charts symbolize the duration and meaning of their bonds with others; all personal bonds have time limits. Some relationships are destined to last a lifetime and some for only a day. Two people may still remain in a relationship or friendship long after the emotional or mental connection has transformed.
Although most people would like to find their ‘perfect partner’ for life, their karmic blueprint and level of self-awareness often dictate otherwise.
Relationship compatibility and timing is an area of study in advanced numerology. Hundreds of aspects must be considered in relation to the entire advanced chart for complete accuracy. For a complete and extensive numerology reading, it’s best to consult an expert.
Advanced Interpretation
The three numbers that comprise the full date of birth are also used to derive over 100 other personality and timing aspects. In a complete advanced numerology chart using both the full date of birth and legal birth name, over 400 aspects must be considered for a comprehensive, thorough analysis. This includes the aspects within aspects and cycles within cycles. There are also different levels of each number to read, from the multiple digit number down to the reduced single digit. Each number has similar energies associated with it, but each position in the chart has a different influence. The various aspects in the numerology chart can be grouped into sections such as dominant character traits and timing cycles, modifying agents, ‘directors’ of the overall flow of energy, and outer appearances that, for example, sometimes reflect a facade that is at variance with the true personality. In short, it is best to consult with an expert to get the complete energy at play in the character and timing blueprints for maximum insight.
Personality aspects including the Life Path, Birthday number and Main Challenge and timing cycles including the Life Path Periods, Pinnacles, Challenges, Personal Years, Personal Months and Personal Days comprise an adequate foundation of aspects to begin studying numerology. At least a couple years of serious study, starting with the fundamentals, is required to begin to see the full scope of numerology’s validity. An objective disposition and many charts are essential for the process of study, application and observation. If used wisely, the insight provided through numerology allows for significant strides towards self-actualization.

It's a zoo out there...

2006-06-26T08:08:00.000-04:00

It was a wonderful day for the zoo on Saturday. We actually got to go after hours since Mustange works for a company that is a big contributor to our zoo, and only the employees of this company and their families were allowed in at this special time. Now I thought that we would not get to see much figuring that they were just all probably fed and were hiding out napping some where, but that was not the case. It was just awesome, we are big animal lovers. It is sad to see them in a area that is not even close to what they would be in the wild, but without the zoo's we would not get to be so up close and personal with the animals that we love so much. It is one of those "no win" situation. Being that there are so many animals at the zoo it is very hard for me to pick a favorite, but I do have to say this Sea Dragon pictured here is deffinately at the top of my list. I probably stood there and watched them for about 15 minutes and often thought about trecking back to see them one last time before we left, but the kids (my sone and his friend that is a girl..yes I am in denial) were tired and hungry of course, so I did not make it back. There was just something about these Sea Dragons that were magical, it is hard to put into words. All in all it was a great trip and I can not wait to do it again, maybe in September when the new Polar bears will be out.
Happy Monday!!

What day is it????

2006-06-23T07:57:00.000-04:00

With all the different cultures that are spread across the United States, there are many different special days and holidays that are celebrated, but did you know that Feb. 4th was Create a Vacuum Day? If you get the right calendar, you'll see that nearly every day is dedicated to celebrating somehting. Jan. 16 is Appreciate A Dragon Day, did you buy a card? Speaking of which, that gives me an idea, a card store that has cards for all of these special days. Anyway, Oct. 10 is National Kick Butt Day, April 16 is National wear your pajamas to work day and one of my personal favorites is June 22 Stupid Guy Thing Day, sorry guys but this one leaves it open for one to use their imagination and I did. Now I have seen a little more variety in the greeting card department but I am pretty sure that I have not seen a card for any of these. It is just amazing to think that someone some where celebrates one of these different days. I mean they would have to right, or there would not be a "National" day of anything. I would like to know which village idiot it was that proclaimed Feb 9 Toothache Day or Feb 5 Disaster day. And as I have not done a whole lot or research into this, I have to wonder if you look at different sites would these days be different. There is really no the point to this, it is just realizing that every day is something more than what we think, at least to someone.
Carnival time in Rio, a celebration of all desires of the flesh that becomes, for a short time the center of every hedonistic excess know to man...and a few new ones that are invented every year. If you are the sort who likes to walk around nekkid to tease the neighbors, you'd be disappointed here. Walking around unclothes is de rigeur, although some body paint or glitter is recommended just to add to the municipal canvas. However, Rio's been out done by the small Brazilian town of Espertantina, where a Monday in May was Orgasm Day. Wonder if they get the day off for that, and if not I bet there are a lot of people that call in sick? What does one wear for that special day, as we as Americans dress in red, white and blue for the 4th of July, is there special atire for Orgasm Day? Do they have a parade and what would the floats look like? Yes, I am sure there is a lot of people reading this that their imaginations are running wild, trust me, been there. I even bet there is someone that is planning a trip to Brazil next May and I only have one thing to say to that...."Take Me!!!".

Could it be farewell?

2006-06-22T07:45:00.000-04:00

Last night we went to a meeting at a club that we belong to, to try and come up with ideas to bring more people or more money in. Now this is a memebers club, but as far as I know, they have not denied anyone..well unless they knew that they did not have a good track record, but for the most part everyone that filled out a membership got one. Now I have been going here for about 3 years now, this is the club that Mustang took me to on one of our first dates, this is the club where we gather to watch football and NASCAR, this is the club that we go to for most holiday parties, this is the club where we play darts, this is the club that we have loved. To hear about something that means a great deal to you could be closing its doors is never easy to handle. Now there are about 160 memebers (membership is down) and about 40 of them showed up last night. No one came up with a long term fix there were a few ideas thrown out to get at least the gas turned back on and maybe pay for the beer order. But as I sat in this meeting, I realized that pretty much every idea was pushed aside for one reason or another. After about 1 1/2 hours of this I had enough and went to the front room, but of course what ever it is that drives me to try to be the one that solves the problems all of the time talked me to going back. I had suggested a donation jar, why not, it would be like tipping the bar tender..a dollar for her and one for the jar. If the people that belong to this club are really concerned about it closing, then they would put money in it..right? Well after being denied that idea, I proceeded to the kitchen and grabed a basket for donations...must be the German in me..stubborn. Well I collected a decent amount of money from the people that were there, I think the chairman was a little suprised. After all the time we spent in the back room for this meeting, I am not sure if anything got resolved or that any of the ideas will be put into place. It is a sad thing to think of a place you have been going to for years could be closing, it happens I know but change is not always easy. But in the end if we do say farewell to our club, I will always have the memories and the friendships that I have made over the years and nothing can change that.

Everything happens for a reason

2006-06-20T08:09:00.000-04:00

Last night Mike (who I have know since I was a wee thing and a good friend of the family) went out to a Luck of the Draw dart tournament that they had in our area. Sometimes I am not sure which I love more, playing darts or the people, I am such a people person. Anyway, Mike drove as he usually does, so when we got there I put my keys in the consul of his car that way I did not have to worry about them lying around at the bar. Drunk people tend to pick up other peoples keys by accident and take them home, I am not quite sure why this is but hey who am I to judge. Well when we go to the bar, Mike had to get some things out of the back seat and for some reason while doing this he put his keys in the consul and picked up mine. Now I did not see this event take place, so I was clueless. After about a hour to a hour and a half of being there Mike got a call, his wife's sister had passed and he needed to leave. I would have just went with him and let his partner and my partner pair up, but being the guy he is, he made sure that I had another way home before he left. A few minutes after he left, someone was walking around holding my keys up inquiring who's they were. Of course I claimed them because they were mine and had my life of keys on it. So now the question was, where are Mikes keys. Of course I thought that he had locked his in the car, and that we would have to call his distraught wife to bring him the other set, which I would have made a call and worked around that, but the thought did cross my mind. So out to his car I went only to find that the doors were unlocked (he naturally could not lock his car with my keys as he tried to do) and his key were in the consul. So you see if he would have not placed his keys in the consul and picked my keys up instead, I would have never thought about my keys being in his car when he left, therefore leaving me stranded from everything as my life keys were on that key chain and he would have been on his way to VA. Things do happen for a reason, it is just figuring out what that reason is and using it to learn and grow.

I want to send my deepest sympathy to Mike and his family on their loss.

In the Movies

2006-06-19T08:06:00.000-04:00

First off I would like to apologize for not posting for a while, I have been really busy ar work and for some reason I can not get my blog to come up right on my home computer. I am not sure what the problem is, but I assure you that I have just begun the battle and will not give up until I will the fight. I refuse to let something that can not think for it's self defeat me.

People like different movies for more than one reason. Some may like them for what they are, a drama, a comedy, a documentary, I do like movies for those reasons but one of the reason that stands out most to me is that I like the movies that make me thing out side of my box of reality. They are the movies that you watch and start to think "could that really happen, could that really be true". These are the movies that I find that I am drawn to. What if vampires or people that have special powers existed, that would not be so far fetched from reality, would it? I do not think so. There are so many things going on in the world around us that we refuse to see or believe that they do not make it in to our reality box. Sure everyone loves a great love story, but what makes you think that is reality? How may people have axtually lived one of those love stories that we see in the movies? I know that I have not, but that does not mean that it is not part of reality. Just because you have not experienced it does not mean it is not real. Below are some movies that I love to watch, ones that have made me think outside my box of reality.

Armageddon

Constitine

Underworld

Matrix

X-men

The Craft

The Skelton Key

Van Helsing

Practical Magic

Ok, so by now you think that I live in this fantasy world, well that is not ture. The point of this post is to get people to open their minds, to use their imaginations and step outsitdeof their box of reality for a change and see what is out there. Tehre are so many different people, cultures ans wonderful things to discover. So step outside and play a little, broaden your reality box.

On the road again...

2006-06-08T08:05:00.000-04:00

Well I am off again, tomorrow we leave for the Pocono's for the ARCA and Nextel Cup race and I can not wait. We also have pit passes for the whole weekend. It will be about a 4 hour drive, that is if I do not get us lost or Mustang does not have to stop to use the restroom as he usually does. Mustang was actually the one who got me into NASCAR, he is a big fan and when we first started dating he explained a lot to me and I have been hooked ever since. Well everyone has to have a driver, and being new to this NASCAR thing I just picked one, it so happened to be Kasey Kahne, who was a rookie that year. I have stuck with him ever since, and I have to say that he has held his own and is doing very well. There are not too many drivers that I do not like, just umm maybe 4, but I will be nice and not mention names like Stewart, Gordon and the Busch brothers...oops did I say that out loud..is my mike on?

So anyway this will be my first time at an actual race, I am very excited but at the same time hope that I like being there as much as I like watching it with all the comforts of home. Who am I kidding I know that I will love it, the sound of the cars as they go racing by 180 mph, the sound of the crowd, the thrill of the chase.

So have a wonderful weekend all...TTFN!!

A little under the weather...

2006-06-06T16:10:00.000-04:00

Yes I have been slacking a bit today, I usualy post in the mornings but did not feel like it this morning. I have a lot that I want to say but nothing I want to say would form into a complete paragraph today. I will chalk that up to not feeling so well today. I have no one to blame but myself and Mother Nature, well ok just myself. I went with my best friend and her family to flea market on Friday and it rained the whole time we were there and I did not have an umbrella. Now this is a huge flea market and they have several buildings that vendors see out of as well as the outside area, as you can imagine there were not many outside vendors. But you had to walk outside to get to each building and by the time that we got to the vendor that was selling umbrella's it was too late, I was already soaked down to my panties. So this little trip is what I chalk my sore throat up to, but I would have to say that it was worth it, I got some really hot banana peppers that I made stuffed banana peppers out of and I got spend time with people that I really care about and have been a big part of my life for a lot of years. But in the same sense I am a little bummed about not feeling well since I am leaving Friday morning for the Pocono's for a NASCAR race. I know we all get sick that is just the way it is, and I would gladly be sick at some other time, but unfortunately is does not work that way. Tomorrow is another day and I am bound and determined to feel better and to have better things to talk with you about.
Oh, one point that I wanted to make was I see a lot of this Happy Half Nakid Thursday, why can't all the days be Half Nakid and what day is the day that you get all Nakid? I guess I am missing something somewhere.

Lazy Monday

2006-06-05T09:20:00.000-04:00

Well it is Monday and another week has started, unfortunately I think that I left the most important part of me home in bed...yes ladies and gentlemen I left my brain at home this morning.
So with that being said I took this from Shephard's site and thought I would use it to fill the void this morning.
I dream ... of owning a horse ranch
I cannot stand ... people who do not let the people off of the elevator before they get on
I'm sorry ... I do not try harder to have a relationship with my dad
I stopped ... to smell the lilac's my grandmother planted
I could ... do more with my life, but it is easier to leave it the way it is.
I would ... not have spent that year in college if it hadn't been for my horse. (this is actually Shephard's answer, but I laughed so hard at this I had to leave it....Lewis Black is hysterical)
I don't understand ... Why there is so much hate in the world.
I yell ... as little as possible
I'm shocked ... by the behavior of people
I get aggravated ... when people drive and talk on their cell phones
I dislike ... some one that I work with
I blame ... my dad for our family not talking
I miss ... my grandmother very much
I wish ... he could see inside my heart and know that I would never hurt him
I sense ... there is a big change coming soon
I love ... believing in something
I guess ... things will get worse before they get better
I hope ... we can learn to live in peace
I hear ... the sound of Celtic Women
I always ... think that there is something more out there, you just have to open your mind and heart to see it
I'm grateful ... for everyone that has touched my life in one way or another
I promise ... to keep an open mind, live, learn and love with all that I am
I tag ... anyone who wants to.

Dream a Little Dream

2006-06-01T08:12:00.000-04:00

It is not a secret that we all dream, some may remember their dreams and some may not. Dreams actually serve two purposes, one is a natural and necessary function of the brain and the other is the mind relyaing messages to us, this is the subconscious mind. Our subconscious mind is always working, observing everything we do, think, feel or say in our daily lives and stores it away. Our conscious mind slips away when we go to sleep and our subconscious mind comes to the surface and begins to play. This is why we sometimes dream unusual things, like riding on a pig down the city streets. No matter how strange our dreams are they are reflections of our daily lives or how our subconscious sees it. Our dreams are brought to us in symbolic terms, in metaphors. Take the pig for example, a pig represents rude and boorish behavior, selfishness, so to this you may figure out that you are acting this way towards someone or about something or vise versa. Even though the scenarios are ridiculois, it help us see our situation in a different way and we can learn from them. We should all pay closer attention to what we dream; they are our tools to self-discovery and a way for us to learn.
If you have trouble remembering what your dream, try keeping a note book beside the bed as as soon as you wake up write down what you remember even if it is only bits and pieces of it. The more you do this the more you will remember from each dream. Your dreams are a gift from you to yourself, use them.

Information take from "So, What did you dream last night?" by: Lauri Quinn Loewenberg

Nothing better....

2006-05-31T08:38:00.000-04:00

Well I am back from Chicago and I did not come home a loser by any means. I just want to say that there is nothing better than spending 5 days with friends that mean more to you than they will probably ever know. I had a great time with them, enjoyed every moment and would not change a thing not ever the part where I did not shoot well. We did win the PJ shoot out so we did not come home total losers, but we did not fair well in the other events. One would be on and the other off and...not a good combination. But all in all it was a wonderful trip and I would not change a thing.
We (my b/f and I ) drove this year, and I am glad we did. I always love a good road trip, but having the car in Chicago was great. We go to see and do somethings that we would not have got to do with out it. Yes, we could take the "L" and do things but driving through the towns and seeing the different sites were much more appreciated from the car. We even got out one night to find a Sushi place to eat. As it was a little different than what we get here in Pittsburgh, it was very good. We also go to go out and get burritos at this place that is open 24/7...they were very crowded at 2:30 a.m. but it was worht the wait.
We did make it to Navy Pier this year and it was amazing to see, well what we could see of it, it was really foggy that day and could not see much of anything past the docks. But the pier has a lot of other attractions to see as well, like Bubba Gumps. "Stupid is as stupid does"...yes we ate at Bubba Gumps and it was very entertaining to watch the wait staff and the food was good. We also found a Harley store in town as two of the people that were with us are big fans. It was neat to see how the store was set up compared to the other ones that I have been.
It seems that every year the group of us that go from Pittsburgh gets smaller and smaller for one reason or another. Even though a great time was had, those that could not be there this year were truly missed. All in all it was a great trip and I can not wait to do it again next year.

Do you Believe...

2006-05-24T13:46:00.000-04:00

Do you believe there is something more to life than what we see everyday? Do you believe that there is a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow, in fairies, in spirts of the dead, in psyhic ability? All these things are of great wonder, but do they really exist? There are so many things in society that make us use our imanigination do we sometimes get confused between reality and fantasy? Do we believe in things because we want them to be true?

I was raised Catholic, not strict Catholic but Catholic. I would go to church with my mom Saturday nights so I could ride on the bus to a Baptist church. What can I say I just wanted to ride the bus. So I grew up believing what I was taught all those years but now that I am older I find myself wondering if there really is something more out there. I do believe that there are spirits of people that have pasted, weather there are visiting or are trapped here for one reason or another. But can we and do we believe in something that is so different than what we are taught to believe in growing up. I think I do, but I am not sure. I think the values we are taught growing up have a bigger impact on our lives than what we think they do. It is what we do with those values that make us who we are. Yes, we do grow, learn and change from experience but behind all of that are the values we are taught growing up. With all of the different cultures we have here, we are open to other peoples beliefs and values, is it ok to change what we believe? Are there so many choices that people get confused as to what they believe in? Is it wrong to believe in something different than someone else? People are different and believe in different things, that does not make them a bad person as long as they let other people believe in what they want. There is so much judgement in todays society, we are separating our country by fighting over the different beliefs that we have. When you meet someone new, keep an open mind...live, learn, love.

Have a great weekend all, I will be back sometime next week.

Being a part of it all...

2006-05-23T08:44:00.000-04:00

This is the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont, Il, and it is the most beautiful hotel that I have every stayed in. Yes, I do not get out much. Ok, well I travel a lot but can not afford to stay in the upper class hotels, this is the closest I have come.

I have played on a few different sports teams growing up but I have never felt so content being a part as something as I do the being a part of the darting community. I am not even sure how to explain it, it is just an overwhelming feeling. The people that I have met over the years have all touched my life one way or another and being able to go to and play in the World Championship's you get to me a lot of people from a lot of other countries. Yes, I did say World Chanpionship's and yes I am playing, but do not get too excited, I am a good dart shooter but this is a whole nother world. To get into the tournament, you have to qualify in one of the many other state and regional tournaments that they host across the counrty throughout the year, I usually qualify here in Pittsburgh. Anyway the first year I went I was pretty confident that I was going to at least place in the money, little did I know. The shooters here are like no other, I am good but they are so much better. Needless to say I did not fare well that year. The next year I went, I knew what to expect and I did much better, my partner and I were one out of the money. But I did not care becuase we beat out one of our area's top competitors who had just been inducted in to the Darting Hall of Fame. That was a great accomplishment and I was very happy with how we shot. This year I hope for the same, I do not mind not getting into the money, I would like to, but the most important things to me is that we shoot well and have a great time. There is nothing wrong with losing if you do your best and have fun while you are doing it. You can always tell which teams are more serious than other, Japan for instance file all of their matches and then go over them to see how they can imporve their game. Yep, somewhere in Japan there is a film of me shooting a match against them...and losing to boot. It is a great time win or lose, the people are great, Chicago is a beautiful city, and I love being a part of it all.

Mass Confusion

2006-05-22T16:28:00.000-04:00

Did you ever notice that when you think that you have everything organized and under control, the world comes flying at you and you have to start all over again? That has been my Monday. Of course I have come to expect the unexpected on Mondays and I let me guard down today. I have been working extra hours to have everything done that I need done before my trip on Thursday, which I did or at least I thought that I did until today. All of the sudden there are people crawing out of the wood work that want something and I have 3 meetings the day before I leave which will take up most of the day. (Takes a big breath...ok all better now)

Usually on the way in to work I think about what I want to post that day, but for some reason this morning I could not come up with anything. Ok, it is not that I could not come up with anything but that I didn't for one reason or another. And now it is 4:30 and I still really have not put a thought together for my post even though I was really inspired by all the other posts that I read today. I have plenty to say, it is just putting it all together in to a complete post.

With that I am going to leave you with a quote, I am not sure who's it is but it is one that I have referenced for a lot of years (which would be why I can not remember who's it is).

"No one can over come those who over come themselves"

Books, Books and more Books

2006-05-18T07:44:00.000-04:00

I love to read. I love to collect books, all sorts of books. Fantasy, Fiction, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Non-Fiction, I love them all. I love the covers, the smell of the book, but I especially love what they have to offer. I am one of those people who invision what they are reading, so while I am reading the words, I am standing there watching the story take place. Who would have thought that our imaginations could take us as far as inside the pages of a book. It is a great excape, an adventure that life my not be able to give us. I wish the everyone could take an adventure reading a book, but with all the technology they are busy playing video games, surfing the net, and watching T.V. I am guilty of this, not doing all of those things but letting my son do those things and not making sure that he is reading. Don't get me wrong, he gets his share of books at Christmas time and for his Birthday, I see to that. But I have also purchased PS2 for him and that is what he spends his free time doing. I can only hope that one day he will discover the world inside a book and be hooked just as I am.
Ok, what started me thinking about books this morning was the radio. The question: "If you wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?" Now being the optimistic that I am, I thought this would be great, I could not wait to hear the awesome titles people would come up with. To my dismay, they were awful and depressing. Doesn't anyone ever reflect on the good things in their life, do they all replay the bad things over and over? And who would want to read a book about all the bad things that happened to this lady on Wednesdays? Now that is an adventure that I do not want to take. Yes, I have read "Angela's Ashes" and a few others that were not so uplifting, somehow that was different that listening to these depressing people on the radio this morning. Stand up people, stretch and smile, you are alive today and have a chance to make a happy memory...take a chance and let the sunshine in.