Happy New Year

Another year passed and gone.

How was 2009 for you? Was it a good year? A bad year? Any major events in your life?
Every year for us is very eventful...whether we want it to be or not. lol I'm glad to see 2009 come to an end.

In 2009 we had some closure on some things and some new doors opened. 2009 brought us some good times and some bad times. And 2009 brought us strange events and very simple things.

I don't know what 2010 will bring us - more of the same I'm sure, but I am hoping that 2010 will bring us something much greater.

Happy New Year!

The Best Christmas Present Ever

I received the best Christmas present ever this morning.

I have not talked with my dad for a good 10 years. I took a chance this year and sent him a Christmas card with pictures of my son and my phone number. Earlier this morning my phone rang as it usually does on Christmas. I was downstairs putting wood in the wood stove and my son yelled down the stairs "MOM! The phone is ringing!" I asked who it was and he says he doesn't know. The number was unfamiliar. A few moments later, my phone beeps to tell me I have a voice message and so I listened. I didn't listen very far because as soon as I heard the voice, I hung up and dialed the number back.

It was my dad! We talked for a good 2 hours and caught up with each other. My son got to talk to him too. He has never gotten to talk to his grandpa because the last he saw him he was just a baby. It was really good to hear from him and it also offered me some closure - I was not sure if he was still alive because the last I had heard, he had surgery and his health was not so good. I am happy to hear that he's still alive and kicking and more importantly, I'm excited to have contact with him again!

I might not have the money to buy gifts, I might not have the money for vacations, but right now I feel like the richest person in the world. My dad and I got the best Christmas present ever! :D

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

A Coat for Poppy

I have seen so many cute sweaters for dogs, but most of them are for small to medium sized dogs. My dog, Poppy, she is actually still a puppy, is much too big for all these little sweaters. So I searched for some patterns so that I could make a larger sweater for Poppy. All I found were knitting patterns and I don't knit.

Then I came across a site that said "Make a sweatshirt for your dog". Unfortunately, the site was down. So I just thought - "Why not just put a sweatshirt on my dog??" I put one of my old sweatshirts on Poppy and it was too big. I tried one of my son's sweatshirts and it was too big. So now I'm thinking I will just find one of my son's smaller sweatshirts from when he was younger.

I think then, I will just cut the front of the shirt and add velcro to allow for growing room. Problem solved and now Poppy will have a coat to keep her warm in the cold winter! Now where did I put my son's old clothes??

Holiday Cheer!

A re-post for those who did not see it... LOL

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Good Things Will Come...

Woo Hoo! Just wait a teeny bit longer and things turn around!

My neighbor came up Saturday and helped me get my car started. I feel really silly now because all he did was crank the car longer than I had while keeping the accelerator to the floor. Low and behold it started! YAY! It's been starting fine every since. :D

I spent all day yesterday baking homemade sugar cookies. I made Christmas trees, Gingerbread men, and stars. Then I iced them with different colors of homemade icing and and sprinkles. They turned out rather cute I think! I share some with my neighbor too. :)

Speaking of gingerbread men...yesterday my son drew a very cute picture of a gingerbread man and house in a winter wonderland and I scanned it and sent it to my mother. My mother has been feeling not so good about things because things at work are just...not so good. Anyway, the picture has brightened her day and made me and my son feel good.

Oh and if I want a quick shot of happiness, all I have to do is watch my puppy Poppy go outside in the snow. It's hilarious! She comes back in covered in white- and she is black. LOL

After an extremely stressful week, I'm feeling much better. Much less stressed and much lighter. :D

Happy Holidays!

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

This Holiday season everything has just gone wrong.

• Hubby isn't home for the Holidays - he's a truck driver.
• My car won't start.
• It is so cold - our temps have been below 0. We warmed up to 15 yesterday.
  
• I don't have enough money for rent this month, let alone food or Christmas presents for my son.
• I miss my family.
  
• We had unexpected medical bills pop up.
  
• I miss my hubby.
• The list goes on...

But I'm not the Grinch. Though I have all these "not so good" things to deal with I appreciate and hold dear the things that I do have. It is the Grinch that steals one's Christmas spirit is the person that wants more, and not only wants more, but does whatever they can do to get more and they still are never satisfied. Sure, I'd like to have more, but that isn't really my whole goal in life. I feel the sense of family is much greater than the need for money and toys and luxury items.

So yes, I miss my family and hubby something terribly and a lot of times it makes the other things seem a lot worse than they really are, but instead of feeling low and rotten about it, I look forward to the next time I see them.

I'm not the Grinch who stole Christmas...are you??

Have a wonderful Holiday Season!

Plunged into Darkness

My son and I were sitting at our computers writing, reading, and playing games and watching movies when all of a sudden everything went dark. Darn power outage. My computer's backup power supply started to complain and I knew I only had about 5 minutes to save and shut down everything. I searched around for a flashlight and lit some candles and oil lamps.

Instead of complaining that he could not play computer games, he jumped up and down and said "Mom!! Let's play Uno!" Then, "Mom! Let's play Yahtzee!" He beat me at all the games we played. The power just barely came back on, and he said, "Ahhh! I wanted to play Mouse Trap!"

As soon as I am done posting this, I'm off to play Mouse Trap. I'm so glad my son is open to playing "old fashioned" games!

Everything You Do Matters

The Ripple Effect

In a world of six billion people, it’s easy to believe that the only way to initiate profound transformation is to take extreme action. Each of us, however, carries within us the capacity to change the world in small ways for better or worse. Everything we do and think affects the people in our lives, and their reactions in turn affect others. As the effect of a seemingly insignificant word passes from person to person, its impact grows and can become a source of great joy, inspiration, anxiety, or pain. Your thoughts and actions are like stones dropped into still waters, causing ripples to spread and expand as they move outward. The impact you have on the world is greater than you could ever imagine, and the choices you make can have far-reaching consequences. You can use the ripple effect to make a positive difference and spread waves of kindness that will wash over the world.

Should the opportunity arise, the recipient of a good deed will likely feel compelled to do a good deed for someone else. Someone feeling the effects of negative energy will be more likely to pass on that negative energy. One act of charity, one thoughtful deed, or even one positive thought can pass from individual to individual, snowballing until it becomes a group movement or the ray of hope that saves someone’s life. Every transformation, just like every ripple, has a point of origin. You must believe in your ability to be that point of origin if you want to use the ripples you create to spread goodness. Consider the effect of your thoughts and actions, and try to act graciously as much as possible.

A smile directed at a stranger, a compliment given to a friend, an attitude of laughter, or a thoughtful gesture can send ripples that spread among your loved ones and associates, out into your community, and finally throughout the world. You have the power to touch the lives of everyone you come into contact with and everyone those people come into contact with. The momentum of your influence will grow as your ripples moves onward and outward. One of those ripples could become a tidal wave of positivity.

http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2009/21194.html

Call Center Calls

Caller: "Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?"
Operator: "I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand who you are talking about".
Caller: "On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and telephone Jack before
cleaning. Now, can you give me the number for Jack?"
Operator: "I think it means the telephone point on the wall".



Caller: I can't make outbound calls on my cell phone.
Rep: Do you have the phone with you?
Caller: Yes, I'm talking on it right now.
Rep: The phone is working just fine. You just called me.
The embarrassed caller quickly hung up.



Caller: 'I deleted a file from my PC last week and I have just realized that I need it. If I turn my system clock back two weeks will I have my file back again?'.


Tech Support: "I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop".
Customer: "OK".
Tech Support: "Did you get a pop-up menu?".
Customer: "No".
Tech Support: "OK. Right-Click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?"
Customer: "No".
Tech Support: "OK, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point?".
Customer: "Sure. You told me to write 'click' and I wrote 'click'".


Tech Support: "OK. In the bottom left hand side of the screen, can you see the 'OK' button displayed?"
Customer: "Wow. How can you see my screen from there?"



Operator: "Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?"
Caller: "Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect."
Operator: "What sort of trouble??"
Caller: "Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away."
Operator: "Went away?"
Caller: "They disappeared."
Operator: "Hmm. So what does your screen look like now?"
Caller: "Nothing."
Operator: "Nothing??"
Caller: "It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type."
Operator: "Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out??"
Caller: "How do I tell?"
Operator: "Can you see the C: prompt on the screen??"
Caller: "What's a sea-prompt?"
Operator: "Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?"
Caller: "There isn't any cursor: I told you, it won't accept anything I type."
Operator: "Does your monitor have a power indicator??"
Caller: "What's a monitor?"
Operator: "It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on??"
Caller: "I don't know."
Operator: "Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??"
Caller: "Yes, I think so."
Operator: "Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the wall.
Caller: "Yes, it is."
Operator: "When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one??"
Caller: "No."
Operator: "Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable."
Caller: "Okay, here it is."
Operator: "Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer."
Caller: "I can't reach."
Operator: "Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is??"
Caller: "No."
Operator: "Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over??"
Caller: "Oh, it's not because I don't have the right angle - it's because it's dark."
Operator: "Dark??"
Caller: "Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window." .
Operator: "Well, turn on the office light then."
Caller: "I can't."
Operator: "No? Why not??"
Caller: "Because there's a power failure."
Operator: "A power.................................. .... A power failure? Aha, Okay, we've got it licked now. Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff your computer came in??"
Caller: "Well, yes, I keep them in the closet."
Operator: "Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from."
Caller: "Really? Is it that bad?"
Operator: "Yes, I'm afraid it is."
Caller: "Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them?"
Operator: "Tell them you're too stupid to own a computer."

A Little Holiday Cheer...and Laughs

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Happy Thanksgiving!

Being the wife of a truck driver, we often celebrate major holidays early or late. Most of the time it's later. My husband's schedule is *always* unpredictable. Holidays take on a new meaning when you're a trucker's wife. You end up celebrating when you are all together rather than on the "official" date.

This year is no different. Today, Thanksgiving has been just a regular day for my son and I. My husband arrives later tonight and we will have our Thanksgiving later this weekend. Christmas will be late too, but guess what? That's okay because I will get to hit the 75% off sales before we celebrate! Yay!

So I will say my Happy Thanksgivings to everyone, and while you are all off shopping for Christmas on Black Friday we'll be chowing down on turkey and stuffing, pies and cakes, and sleeping all day long. ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Being Happy

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope you have all enjoyed your time with your families. I love these articles from Daily OM... not only are they insightful, but most of the time, it's exactly how I feel! Enjoy this bit of wisdom!


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Finding Unqualified Happiness
If Only

Since most of our experiences are rooted in cause and effect, we naturally want to justify our contentment. We envision grand circumstances, stating that if only we could achieve this goal or obtain that possession, we would finally be in a position to attain happiness. As a result, satisfaction is always just out of reach and the very notion of grabbing hold of it seems like nothing more than a pipe dream. But the truth is that sincere contentment and fulfillment are never wholly the result of external events or situations. Though life’s joyful moments can ignite the spark of contentment within us, that spark is fueled by serenity long established in our souls. When we forget this, it is easy to become stuck in "if only" patterns of thought. If we concentrate on the natural serenity that exists within us, however, we can move forward unimpeded by disappointment.

The circumstances you live through each day have the potential to bring both joy and despair into your life. Relying on the reactions they awaken within you to create an emotional foundation means living on a roller coaster of feeling whose course is determined by chance. Though you may yearn for the object of your desire—be it a new job, financial health, a spouse, or some other symbol of success—you have within you the power to be happy without it. Letting go of your "if only" thinking patterns can be as easy as recognizing that inward emptiness cannot be dispelled with outer world solutions. Try creating a list of your “if only”s. Then literally and figuratively let go of the items on the list by tearing it up or burning it. This simple action can help set in motion the intention to set you free, enabling you to make a fresh and balanced start in the present, unencumbered by regrets and unfulfilled desires.

There will likely be periods in your life in which you find yourself tempted to seek a magic formula for fulfillment that is centered upon a single goal or achievement. But the ingredients that come together to form the seeds of happiness that can sustain your spirit throughout the triumphs and trials of existence come from within rather than from without. When your search for satisfaction is focused on your soul, you will never fail to find the joy you seek.

http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2009/21091.html

Wisdom of Self-Containment

I just love Daily OM, such inspiring and motivating articles, but also so many that can really help to create a more harmonious well being.

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You may feel righteous as you express your opinions with zeal. While your outspoken manner could attract like minded people, you may also notice others drifting away from you. Although sharing your opinions with others can stimulate lively discussions, you may also want to consider applying the wisdom of self-containment. If you focus more time on listening rather than speaking, you will gain a deeper understanding of the people around you. One way to do this is by challenging yourself to not share your opinion unless someone specifically asks for it. Although it may be difficult to hold back at the beginning, you will eventually realize the benefits of simply observing and listening to others.

By making an effort to listen more than we speak, we establish a deeper level of communication with others. Most of us connect more with the concept of verbalizing our thoughts, but the larger part of communication involves listening to others and hearing the messages they wish to share. As we learn to contain our need for attention or validation and simply focus on being receptive to others, we realize that our understanding of them deepens. At the same time, our willingness to listen without interrupting makes others feel closer to us, encouraging the perception that something meaningful was exchanged during our conversation. By holding back your comments and listening to others, you give yourself the opportunity to create more valuable interactions with others.

Daily OM

Trust in Relations

My husband and I were talking on the phone the other day and somehow we got on the discussion of trust. More importantly, what would break one's trust in one's spouse enough to break them up. As I thought about what my husband could do to break my trust I could not think of anything.

What about cheating?

I'm not worried about that at all.

Lying?

Nope, not worried.

Drinking? Drugs? Alcohol?

Again... nope.

I don't really want to brag, but I have such a great relationship with my husband that there is nothing that I need to worry about. It is such a blessing to have a close relationship that the relationship is actually effortless! We can even sit in silence and enjoy each others company.

I only wish that he wasn't a truck driver! lol

Hide and Seek

Can you find me?

I will give you to the count of 100!

Ready or not!

I find lame attempts to hide oneself pretty humorous. Especially when one is all over the internet, what is the purpose of trying to hide? Changing the spelling of one's name does not hide one's profile when one's profile can be found by one's email address. lol Using one's maiden name or previously married name also does not hide one from the public.

It is pretty comical.

As for me... I have nothing to hide. ;)

Owning Your Emotions

Another great article!

**********************

Owning Your Emotions
Name It and Claim It

Our feelings can sometimes present a very challenging aspect of our lives. We experience intense emotions without understanding precisely why and consequently find it difficult to identify the solutions that will soothe our distressed minds and hearts. Yet it is only when we are capable of naming our feelings that we can tame them by finding an appropriate resolution. We retake control of our personal power by becoming courageous enough to articulate, out loud and concisely, the essence of our emotions. Our assuming ownership of the challenges before us in this way empowers us to shift from one emotional state to another—we can let go of pain and upset because we have defined it, examined the effect it had on our lives, and then exerted our authority over it by making it our own. By naming our feelings, we claim the right to divest ourselves of them at will.

As you prepare to acknowledge your feelings aloud, gently remind yourself that being specific is an important part of exercising control. Whatever the nature of your feelings, carefully define the reaction taking place within you. If you are afraid of a situation or intimidated by an individual, try not to mince words while giving voice to your anxiety. The precision with which you express yourself is indicative of your overall willingness to stare your feelings in the face without flinching. Naming and claiming cannot always work in the vacuum of the soul. There may be times in which you will find the release you desire only by admitting your feelings before others. When this is the case, your ability to outline your feelings explicitly can help you ask for the support, aid, or guidance you need without becoming mired in the feelings that led you to make such an admission in the first place.

When you have moved past the apprehension associated with expressing your distressing feelings out loud, you may be surprised to discover that you feel liberated and lightened. This is because the act of making a clear connection between your circumstances and your feelings unravels the mystery that previously kept you from being in complete control of your emotional state. To give voice to your feelings, you must necessarily let them go. In the process, you naturally relax and rediscover your emotional equilibrium.

http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2009/20963.html

Homemade is Best

I love those hearty home cooked meals. There is just something about them that really warm you up. Maybe it is knowing that it has been carefully made with loving hands. When I was little, my grandmother used to prepare these HUGE meals for us when we visited. There was always some thing like Hackbraten or pot roast, lots and lots of potatoes, veggies, breads, rolls, and of coarse she made awesome deserts! We're talking triple layer German Chocolate cake! Mmmm!

Today I baked a bread and made some homemade potato cheese soup for me and my son, but while cooking, I remembered how wonderful my grandmother's house smelled and what a great time we always had. But mostly just how full we were after eating that we spent the rest of the day talking on the porch swing.

Mmmm, my bread is almost finished! ;)

Is it meant to be??

My life has always been full of challenges and none of them easy. I don't think there has ever been a time in my life that was "easy going". Sometimes people would tell me that what I was trying to do is "not meant to be" because it was hard and there were many obstacles. That frustrated me to no end. I like to think that it's an obstacle that I have to overcome in order to grow. So in my email came this article, and I wanted to share with everyone, especially those who always told me not to follow my dreams because "it wasn't meant to be."

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Not Always Easy
Meant To Be

Some of our goals and dreams come to fruition so easily that it is as if an unseen hand has done much of the work for us. When this happens, we say it must have been meant to be. On the other hand, when dreams and goals require a tremendous amount of effort, we may interpret this to mean that our dream is not meant to be. However, difficulty is not necessarily a sign that our hopes and plans are ill-fated. On the contrary, difficulties and challenges along the path can be important parts of the project’s overall meaning.

When everything goes smoothly, we feel blessed by the universe, as if a fleet of angels is guiding and supporting our every move. When things are rough or ambiguous, we sometimes feel that we have been abandoned. And yet, the truth is that we are blessed in both cases. Our angels and guides are always present. They may choose at times to back off and let us figure something out for ourselves, and this is when things seem difficult. But when things are difficult, we learn and grow in specific ways. There is a unique satisfaction that comes to us when we succeed at something that has been a challenge. Our sense of self-reliance expands, and our ability to endure and keep the faith is stronger for having been tested. We learn that we are capable of confronting and overcoming the obstacles in our path, and this empowers us to dream still bigger dreams, knowing that we will not be daunted by the challenges inherent in birthing them.

When we find ourselves facing difficulties with a particular plan or project, the chances are we know already whether we are meant to continue on or let it go. We simply need to look within ourselves for the answer. When an idea is meant to be, it comes back to us time and time again. Then we know we can go forward, no matter what challenges arise, knowing that it is meant to be.

http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2009/20875.html

The North Idaho Process of Home Ownership

Most people look for a new house, get approved, move in, and live happily ever after. Not in North Idaho. There are several steps to getting a home in North Idaho just like in any other place, but not exactly what you might think.

Step one: Acquire land. However you do this is up to you.

Step two: Set up tent. When the land and the tent are paid off, then proceed with step 3.

Step three: Bring in the trailer. While paying off the trailer, start digging a large hole for your basement. You might start to feel excited getting the trailer paid off.

Step four: Line hole with cement.

Step five: Throw plywood over the top of hole and move in while spending the rest of your life trying to build your house.

My Beautiful Home

I see lots of neighbors and friends with very lovely homes. They are wonderfully styled and warm cozy furniture. When I come home, I see the old ugly house we live in and I start to feel down because I haven't been able to get a nice stylish home. After reading this article from Daily OM, I feel so much better about my house. It might be old, it needs a lot of repair, but it has character and I feel at peace in my house - even with it's quirkiness. Since this article helped me feel better about it, I thought I would share.

Have a great week and Happy Veteran's Day!

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A Living Dwelling
Creating a Beautiful Home

The homes we occupy are seldom ideal. A space that satisfies our basic needs may nonetheless leave us wanting where location, décor, or style are concerned. Yet every home has the potential to be beautiful. When we fill our homes with love, we transcend worldly factors such as market value and design. Our conscious, loving intentions can literally transform the spaces in which we live, dispelling any lingering unharmonious energy and replacing it with an ethereal beauty that is felt rather than seen. Our homes become spiritual dwellings that feel soulful and alive. Regardless of their outward appearances, they radiate love, making all who enter, including ourselves, feel instantly welcome.

Turning a space into the beautiful outward expression of your inner warmth is as easy as projecting love into it. When your intentions are sincere, you can infuse the walls of your home with your energy, your emotional sensitivity, and your generosity of spirit, turning it into a haven of affection, joy, laughter, and togetherness. It is up to you, whether you want your personal spaces to be peaceful and quiet or lively and inspiring. Begin by cultivating awareness within yourself. This will allow you to see your home as an integral part of your existence rather than somewhere you simply return to at the end of each day. Consider how you relate to each element of your space, and remind yourself that every room in your home can serve a purpose in your life and the lives of your loved ones. Finally, lovingly thank each room for providing for your needs. As you become more mindful of the manner in which your home contributes to your well-being, you will discover that, more and more, you want to love and be loved by it.

Appearance and other superficial qualities can be deceiving. An aesthetically beautiful home can prove unwelcoming. And a home that seems mundane in every characteristic can be as comforting and cozy as a beloved relative or friend. When you nurture and care for your home as if it were a loved one, it will absorb your tender intentions and project a love so touching you will soon come to feel a great affection for it.

http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2009/20873.html

Blog Block

This morning I felt like blogging and quite a few ideas came to mind, but when I sat down to blog, everything went blank. I couldn't think of anything! Ugh! It is terribly frustrating.

Well since I have a blog block, I think I might just write a to do list and maybe it will help jog my blog. LOL

1. Order alternator for car - Car is about to die and I have no money, so how is this going to happen??

2. Write outline for novel - Hubby and I are planning on writing a collaborative novel.

3. Clean kitchen - Need I say more.

4. Bake cookies - So I can clean my kitchen again.

5. Paint wall - I started a little home improvement project in September and paused while we had company.

6. Give Poppy a bath - I doubt this will happen since she is wiggly, I will be the one getting the bath.

7. Pay insurance - Didn't I just do that?

8. Clean computer - Cookie crumbs every where clogging up the system.

9. Call family - I'm on the phone as I type. :D

10. Start laundry - Again??

Okay, so my list isn't as long as I thought it would be. I think I might just forget about blogging for a few days and enjoy the weekend. :D

Wizard School

Dustin was just accepted into Wizard School...

He had fun trick or treating this year. I think he makes a pretty good little wizard! :D

Home Sweet Home

Birthday Memories

Every year when it gets close to my son's birthday he always tells me about his past birthdays. He can tell me every little detail about it. What kind of cake he had, what wrapping paper was on the gifts from Nana, what wrapping paper was on the gifts from Grandma, what he got of coarse, and what he was wearing. He's got a great memory! Why is it that I can't remember every little detail about my birthdays? Oh... too many birthdays I guess. haha!

Well, it's that time of year again for my son's birthday. It's Monday. He is getting very excited. But we're low on money and I still haven't gotten him anything. He heard me tell Daddy this over the phone. When I got off the phone he says "Mom, I know there isn't much money to buy birthday presents. You can go to Dollar Tree and get me a rubber chicken."

WHAT???? Did I hear him right? He is okay with me getting some cheap toy at Dollar Tree? And a rubber chicken at that?? Why a rubber chicken??

I thought to myself, NO WAY! I can see it now - ten years from now he will be telling everyone about his 11th birthday when mom got him a cheap rubber chicken. I don't think so. I'm getting my son something better than that.

It's the End of the World!!

Planets lining up, meteor showers, and the galactic equator causing polar shifts - is it the end of the world?!?! I won't even go there.

I happened upon an article about a meteor shower that has been happening for the past couple of days and it peaked my interest seeing as how I enjoy anything astronomy. The Orionid Meteor shower peaked just before dawn this morning, but can still be seen Thursday before dawn, though not as brilliant. Unfortunately, we had cloud cover this morning. I'm going to try to catch it tomorrow. Where is the Orionid shower going to come from? Close to Orion's belt of coarse. But where is it?? In our sky it is usually southwest and can only be seen in the fall and winter. To verify where it was going to be, I pulled up the website called Sky and Telescope which has a nice interactive sky map that shows you what will be in your sky at what times. It's pretty handy. So I was looking through tomorrow morning at 5 am I happened to notice that 4 planets will line up. At 6 the sun will line up as well. The moon and Jupiter appear to follow the same path during our day time today. I don't think it is an exact alignment because there would have been a big story about it, but they are really close. Is it some kind of universal event? Who knows. I just think it was really very interesting to see how close the planets were lining up.

Maybe it is time to get out my telescope and camera!

New Layout

I just installed a new layout... I was getting rather tired of the plain old normal Blogger layout and felt like something new. It's fresh and clean - though I will probably end up changing it again because I'm not really much of a pastel person. Maybe I should find some chocolate layouts! LOL

Anyways, there's not much else happening around here...just trying to survive and getting ready for winter.

Have an awesome day!

Technology for Country Folk

Not everyone knows technology...

LOG ON:

Making a wood stove hot.

LOG OFF:

Too much wood on fire.

MONITOR:

Keep'n an eye on the wood stove.

DOWN LOAD:

Gitten the farwood off'n the truck.

MEGA HERTZ:

When yer not keerfull gitten the farwood.

FLOPPY DISC:

Whatcha git from tryin to tote too much farwood.

RAM:

That thar thang what splits the farwood.

HARD DRIVE:

Gitten home in the winter time.

WINDOWS:

Whut to shut when its cold outside

SCREEN:

Whut to shut when its black fly season

BYTE:

Whut dem dang flys do

CHIP:

Munchies fer the TV

MICRO CHIP:

Whut's in the bottom of the munchie bag

MODEM:

Whatcha do to the hay fields

DOT MATRIX:

Ole Dan Matrix's wife

LAP TOP:

Whar the kitty sleeps

KEYBOARD:

Whar you hang the dang truck keys

SOFTWARE:

Dem dang plastic forks and knifes

MOUSE:

What eats the grain in the barn

MOUSE PAD:

That's hippie talk fer where the mouse lives

MAINFRAME:

Holds up the barn roof

PORT:

Fancy flatlander wine

ENTER:

Notherner talk fer "C'Mon in y'all"

CLICK:

Whut you hear when you cock yer gun

DOUBLE CLICK:

When you cock the double barrel

REBOOT:

Whut you have to do right before bedtime when you have to go to the outhouse

Artwork by Dennis Cox at

www.djart.com.

B-b-b-b-r-r-r-r-r-r-rabbits!

I don't know why I say that but I always do, especially when it is really really really cold! Well, it is really really really cold here. We had such nice warm weather then all of a sudden...BAM...we are freezing. And not only just freezing, it is like 10 degrees Fahrenheit. I have noticed that in October we usually get a cold snap like this where it is just insanely cold, but it soon warms back up to seasonable temperatures. But still, when you are in a very old house that has hardly any insulation and you have to heat the house with a fire, it is NOT fun. I sit here at my computer dressed in thermal underwear, sweats, 3 pairs of socks, warm fuzzy slippers, wrapped in two fleece blankets, gloves, a mug of hot tea, and I am still freezing. How on earth do my animals stand this with just their fur??

I finally start defrosting and my husband calls me and tells me that it is 80 degrees and sunny where he is. Add insult to injury why don't you?! haha!

Coping with People You Dislike

Another great article from Daily OM... how to deal and live with people that we dislike. I know there are a few people who dislike me, and I hope that by miracle they read this, they can learn that their dislike for me stems not from me, but from their own insecurities. But if not, then so be it...it is their life, not mine. ;)

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As much as most of us wish we could exist in harmony with the people we encounter throughout our lives, there will always be individuals we dislike. Some simply rub us the wrong way while others strike us as deliberately unaware. We may judge others as too mean or abrasive for us to interact with them comfortably. Yet no person should be deemed a villain because their beliefs, opinions, mannerisms, and mode of being are not compatible with your own. You need not embrace the rough traits they have chosen to embody. There may be times in which the best course of action involves distancing yourself from someone you dislike. But circumstances may require that you spend time in the company of individuals who awaken your aversion. In such cases, you can ease your discomfort by showing your foe loving compassion while examining your feelings carefully.

The reasons we dislike some individuals are often complex and, at first, indecipherable. Often, we are automatically averse to people who are different because they compel us to question our values, spirituality, culture, and ideologies, threatening to undermine our self-assurance. Realistically, however, those you dislike have no power to weaken your life’s foundations. In fact, your aversion to specific individuals may actually be your response to your fear that specific qualities you see in them also exist within you. Their presence may force you to face internal issues you would rather not confront. If you meet someone who inspired an intense, largely negative response in you, ask yourself why your reaction is so laden with powerful emotions. Remember that you control your feelings and, if necessary, you can minimize this individual’s impact on your well-being by choosing how you will respond to them.

Though you may not have an immediate breakthrough, your willingness to consider your dislike rationally can help you better understand the root of your feelings. Your aversion to certain individuals may not wane over time, yet the comprehension you gain through reflection can help you interact with them sympathetically, benevolently, and with a greater degree of kindness. There is nothing wrong with recognizing that you are incompatible with some people. You may never achieve a shared harmony with those you dislike, but you can nonetheless learn to modulate your reactions to these individuals and, ultimately, to coexist peacefully with them.

http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2009/20525.html

Going Abroad

I have always wanted to visit the country of my ancestors since I was a young girl. My grandmother was from Germany and told me many stories and cooked so many different foods from there. If I did not know, being in my grandmother's house was almost like being in Germany. But then again, I have never been there before, so I can't really compare. lol

So recently I decided that I am going to plan a trip for my son and me to visit Germany! I am very excited about it. I have many friends there and some of them even stayed with me recently. We had a lot of fun learning about each others cultures and languages. It is very exciting hosting foreign visitors and showing them your country.

I know I won't be able to visit in 2009 - it will take much longer just to plan everything. LOL But I have hopes to make it there in 2010! :D

Ich hoffe gerade, dass mein Deutsch genug gut ist!

Silverwood

Silverwood Theme Park is a nice little park located in North Idaho complete with roller coasters and classic rides like the Tilt a Whirl, Scrambler, and the famous log flume ride. It's great family fun! Ever since we have gone to Silverwood, they have a "Community Appreciation" month in September where people who live locally (or not) can help the communities food banks by donating cans of food for a half price ticket into the park! Combine that with my son's free ticket from the reading program, and a family of three can have fun for less than $50!

Yesterday we went to Silverwood. You could not ask for a more perfect day! Sunny - very sunny as in NO clouds sunny, warm temps - about 83, and a nice breeze to keep you cool. And I can't forget to mention that there weren't very many people there. Lines for rides were not long. YAY!

Last year my husband convinced me to try a roller coaster.


Since I have been 4 years old, I have been scared of roller coasters. But I went...reluctantly. It was awesome! I rode it again and again and again. This year I wanted to go, and my son was scared to go on it! And that was AFTER he said he wanted to go on Aftershock.


I don't need to tell you that my son decided NOT to ride Aftershock. After going on the Corkscrew roller coaster, he wanted to ride one of the big wooden coasters. I did NOT go on those however. I'm still too chicken to face their height! LOL

*BTW, sorry about the cloudy pictures of the coasters, they are from last year. I didn't get any new pictures of the coasters this year... too busy having fun! :D

Leap of Faith

I don't know how many times I've taken a "Leap of Faith". I think the biggest leap of faith for me was moving from California to Seattle with a newborn in 1999. We had NO job prospects lines up, NO housing lined up, nothing.

I don't like the idea of not knowing what lies ahead of me - it stresses me out because I always think the worst of things just so I can be prepared for it. Then I came across this article at DailyOM. Reading it helped remind me that I shouldn't stress out about the unknown because it would just hinder me from making that leap of faith. Then I thought I should share it with others that might not be getting Daily OM in their email. :)

Have a great weekend!

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Many people, in heeding the guidance of their souls, find themselves contemplating goals that seem outrageous or unattainable. In the mind’s eye, these individuals stand at the edge of a precipice and look out over the abyss at the fruit of their ambition. Some resist the urge to jump, paralyzed by the gap between their current circumstances and the life of their dreams. Others make a leap of faith into the unknown, unsure of what they will encounter but certain that they will gain more in their attempts than they would bowing to self-protective instincts. This leap can be exceedingly difficult for individuals with control issues because the act of embracing uncertainty requires them to trust that surrender will net them the rewards they seek. Yet when you make a leap of faith, believing without a doubt that you will land safely on the other side, you can accomplish almost anything you set out to do.

There have no doubt been times in your life when you chose to go where the universal flow took you. Yet you may encounter instances in which your objectives require you to step outside of the boundaries of your established comfort zone so that you may freely and actively jettison yourself into a new phase of your life. While you may fear what seems to be the inevitable fall, consider that in all likelihood you will find yourself flying. A successful leap of faith requires your attention, as it is the quiet and often indistinct voice of your inner self that will point you toward your ultimate destination. Understand that the leap across the chasm of ambiguity may challenge you in unforeseen ways but you will make it across if you trust yourself.

If your mind and heart resist, you can dampen this resistance by building a bridge of knowledge. The more you know about the leap you are poised to take, the smaller the gap between "here" and "there" will appear to be. Your courageous leap of faith can lead you into uncharted territory, enabling you to build a new, more adventurous life. Though you may anticipate that fear will be your guide on your journey across the abyss, you will likely discover that exhilaration is your constant companion.

http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2009/20395.html

A Squash Isn't Always A Squash

but a pumpkin... or is it a gourd?

This is a follow up on my post, Name That Squash.

My strange squash plant produced three more of these "squashes" and I kept flip flopping back and forth thinking it was a gourd or a honey dew melon. I left it on the vine until last week, so a good 2 1/2 months. Then I noticed that this plant was producing about4 more of these strange things, so I decided to pick one and open it up and see what it was.

I kid you not when I say I had to take a chain saw to open up this thing!! When I did though, it had huge pumpkin seeds inside and it smelled strongly of pumpkin! As I researched, I found there *is* a white pumpkin called a lumina pumpkin. But it wasn't as big as they described it.

I still have no idea what it is, but one thing is for sure... it isn't a yellow crookneck squash!

My Little Genius

My son took one of those tests that school's make your children take that determine if they are getting the education they are supposed to be getting and they determine where your child is.

I have to take a moment to brag about my son. My 10 year old has scored in the 10th and 11th grade levels! He is in the top 1% of students in the entire NATION! I am SO proud of him!!!

A Boy and His Dog

I seem to be blogging about Poppy a lot lately. That's okay, she's a great companion and funny blogging material. lol

Poppy has taken to my son so well - they are the best of friends and now I only wish that I had gotten a puppy sooner! Every morning Poppy launches herself on his bed and licks my son in the ear to say "Good morning!!!" Then the giggling and playing starts. It's great to wake him up in such a good mood.

Later in the day, my son and Poppy go outside and run - and I mean run! My son is fast, but Poppy is faster! They chase each other around the house for several minutes, then my son gets tired!! HAHA! I never thought he would be tired! LOL

In the evening Poppy will follow him around all over the house while he plays, does chores, or watches a movie. Sometimes she will sit next to him and watch the movie too. When it is time for bed, Poppy gets ready for bed herself and crashes, just like my son.

Ahhh, a full day of energy spent playing and adoring each other! It's so great to have a puppy for my little boy, they are so happy and having so much fun together that it makes me smile and feel warm and fuzzy. :D
Got a boy? Get a puppy! LOL

Super Star!

Someone once accused me of being a super model. Someone once asked if I had ever thought of modeling.

Wow.

I am flattered. By both. Though I know the first person did not intend it to do so. And no, the second was not a friend or family member - they were a complete stranger! I never really thought of myself as a model. A ROLE model sure. But a model? How hard can it be?

If it is anything like photo shoots with my husband, it is more difficult than just standing there looking pretty. Lean this way, turn a little to the left, don't move! DON'T MOVE! Sometimes it is very difficult to keep a pose and when asked to move your left shoulder just a hair without moving anything else... sheesh! Good thing I have worked on shoulder isolation when belly dancing! LOL

Maybe I should start a portfolio and see if I can get some modeling gigs, sure sounds fun.

Stress - How Do You Deal?

Stressed? Get a puppy!

Everyone has stress in their life and everyone deals with it differently. Some people go to bars, some stuff chocolate in their mouth, some get depressed and mope around. What do you do?

I recently got a puppy. I tell you, puppies are awesome stress relief! Dogs are wonderful - always there to offer you a loving look, a reassuring lick on your face, a happy little bark of encouragement. Having a puppy has been so great for me - any time I feel a little down, she's there to make me feel so much better. Of coarse, having a dog will only work with people who actually like dogs.

I was not planning on getting another dog any time soon and Poppy just happened to "Fall into my lap". I did not understand why at the time, but the more I think about, I think there was a major reason why Poppy has come into my life, and I needed her more than I thought. I needed stress relief for the major stress coming down the pipeline due to pay cuts and rising cost of living. At the time I didn't understand, but now I do. We got an 8% cut in pay two weeks ago. Now that doesn't seem like a whole lot, but when you are already having a very hard time making ends meet, it hurts horribly.

Yes, I'm still stressed out and worrying about everything, but one loving look from Poppy really makes me feel so much better. It's great to have a dog! :D

Kids Say the Darndest Things!

A while back we went to our town's best Mexican restaurant, okay, our town's ONLY Mexican restaurant. The waitress handed us our menus and my son got a kid's menu. When we were ready to order, my son went first.

"I'd like the cheese quwesa-deee-la with beans...but I don't want the small beaver-age."

My husband and I looked at each other, then at him and started laughing.

"What?" My son asked looking confused.

"That's Quesadilla." Pronounced the right way mind you. "But what are you talking about a beaver?"

He points to "small beverage" and says "That. Beaver-age. I don't want to eat a beaver!!!!"




Another time we were driving around and he saw a Porsche and said "Dad! That Porsky looks like a cool car!"

"Porsky?" My husband shook his head with a grin.

"Yeah, it's a cool car look!"

"Oh, you mean Porsche." Pronounced correctly.

"Yeah that."



He has said lots and lots of funny things over the years, but I think the most funniest thing he read was before he was even in kindegarten class. He got a children's dictionary and encyclopedia. He pronounced it "Inky Clop It Die Ah"!

Kids are so funny!

Balance and Well Being

I had another blog I was going to write about today about how I save a person's life on a daily basis, but it just wasn't the time to post it yet - the words are there, just not flowing very nicely. Or maybe it's not time for that person to know yet. As I sat here racking my brain to try to make the words flow a bit better, I received my Daily OM in my email. I read it and knew that I had to share it today. So here you go!

Have a most wonderful weekend!

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Whole-Self Well-Being
How the Body Clears Energy

Whole-self well-being is, in part, the result of a harmonious flow of energy between our physical and mental selves. When this flow is thrown out of balance for any reason, the body and mind react to one another rather than act cooperatively. Ongoing stress, sadness, anxiety, excitement, and fear can overwhelm the cerebral self, causing traumatic energy to be channeled into the body. The body then responds by taking steps to organically dispel the energy that has burdened it and expressing it by means of physical symptoms such as illness, fatigue, or disease. In some cases, these symptoms can simply be allowed to run their natural course and recovery will come about naturally. In most instances, however, health and wellness can only be restored by a dual course of treatment that acknowledges both the physical manifestations of energy clearing and the underlying emotional causes.

Many of the ailments we experience over the course of our lives can be indicative of the body’s attempts to process intellectual and emotional energy. Swollen glands, for example, can signal that you are going through a period of emotional cleansing. Even something as simple as a pimple can indicate that your body is ridding itself of toxins and old energy. In Chinese medicine, intense emotions are held in the body’s organs as a matter of course. Grief lurks in the lungs, anger inhabits the liver, fretfulness lingers in the heart, worry is held in the stomach, and the kidneys harbor fright. Particular illnesses and symptoms represent the body’s attempts to clear emotional energy. Coughs or bronchitis can signify that the physical self is clearing away grief while a loss of appetite may signal that worry is being actively addressed.

When you feel ill or imbalanced, treating your whole self rather than treating the physical self alone can empower you to determine the root cause of sickness. Since you understand that your physical symptoms may be an expression of emotional discomfort, you can establish a balanced treatment regimen to ensure that you quickly recover your good health.

http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2009/19626.html

Gardening A Greater Gift

It feels great to get your hands dirty and in the soil to plant some seeds. It feels great to see your efforts grow into a seedling and then into a plant. It feels even greater when you harvest and can enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Helping someone is the same way. You feel good about yourself when you offer seeds of encouragement to someone else. You feel good about yourself when you watch the progress someone makes while you help them. And you feel even better when they are successful at their task in which you helped them.

To help someone is the greatest gift one can give, even if it is as simple as baking some cookies for your neighbors, or picking up a friend from the airport, or donating a toy or other item to charity. The experience, though it may not be seen right away, can be a satisfyingly high. You will always know in your heart that to help another is a selfless act.

So let's get out there, roll up your sleeves, and get to digging and planting those little seeds of wonder.

Transforming a Misperception

Many of us have a preconceived idea of what to expect out of life because of how we grew up. Some people grow up thinking that they should pay for their childrens' college, cars, etc because that's what their moms and dads did. Some of us had to grow up thinking that you had to work very hard to get what you wanted because nothing was handed to you on a silver plate while growing up.

Today I read another Daily OM article that I thought I would share. And if you're wondering how I can be happy with my life and still "poor", then this article might help you understand that. I can think of a couple of people though, that won't believe a word of it because they are so caught up with themselves. LOL Like many say, but hardly believe, true happiness comes from within. Anyway, on to the article.

Have a great weekend!

Transforming a Misperception
We all know what it feels like to want something we don’t have. It may be a pair of expensive jeans, a romantic partner, or rent money; it may be a certain attitude, a car, or a savings account. This is part of life, and in the best-case scenario, we experience a constant flow of money and material possessions, companions and experiences, in and out of our lives. However, many of us linger in a state of wanting and not having, a state of lack that never seems to subside. We consistently perceive ourselves as not having what we need or not having what we want. This is an energetically draining state to be in. It is also self-perpetuating because how we feel about ourselves determines what we are able to create for ourselves.

How we feel profoundly influences how we perceive our reality. When we feel we are lacking, we look around and see what is not there. On the other hand, if we feel abundant, we can look at the very same situation and see a completely different picture, one full of blessings and advantages. The more we see the blessings, the more abundant we feel, and the more blessings we attract. Similarly, if we see lack, we tend to create and attract that energy.

If you find yourself habitually residing in a feeling of lack, it may be due to a core belief formed in your childhood or even in a past life. It may be because you are out of touch with your inner divinity, which is the source of your abundance. In any case, know that your perception of lack is a misperception that can be corrected with awareness and effort. It can be as simple as taking 10 or 15 minutes each day to quiet your mind and imagine yourself in a state of unlimited abundance, handling the financial demands and others in your life with total ease, drawing from an endless supply of resources. Know that it is your birthright to be fully supported in the fulfillment of your needs and desires.

http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2009/19413.html

Postal Puppy

Postal Puppy guarantees that your packages will get delivered swiftly!*

*Postal Puppy does not guarantee that your package will be delivered safely.

Poppy the Puppy

Poppy is the newest addition to our family. I went to Walmart to buy food yesterday, and ended up bringing home a 10 week old puppy.

I got lucky... really lucky. I have been wanting a puppy for a long time... especially after our beloved Copper died in September. But I didn't want to spend a ton of money - seeing as I don't really have much to begin with. LOL The shelters always had big dogs. I don't mind a big dog, but if I'm going to have one, I want to raise it myself. So I went to Walmart and there was a lady and her kids sitting outside with a basket full of puppies. Naturally, I had to go and look. They had Blue Heeler / Black Lab mixes. I have never had a lab before. I've had Shelties, Cocker Spaniels, and some others that I wasn't sure what they were, but they weren't very big.

As I sat there petting this little puppy, ok BIG puppy, with hubby talking in my ear. I wear my headset while driving and shopping folks. LOL He asked what I was doing.

"You wouldn't mind if I brought home a puppy would you?"

I could hear it now! It's YOUR dog! Blah blah blah.

The Walmart manager told the lady she had to leave and couldn't sell the puppies at Walmart, but I told her I would like one and we decided to meet later at the fairgrounds.

I went shopping and mulled over whether or not I should really have a puppy. Another animal to feed, and a big one at that. I could still change my mind. Then I was in the pet aisle getting cat food. "My cats are going to HATE me! Maybe I shouldn't get a dog. But we have had a dog before and the cats didn't mind. It's only been the past year that there hasn't been a dog around. Then I'll have to potty train it, keep it from chewing, train it to go for walks." The next thing I knew, I had a basket full of puppy items. LOL I guess that made my decision for me.

So I met the lady - still at Walmart. LOL I got out the new collar and leash for the puppy and wrapped it around and set her down. She walked a little, and we left. When I got her in the car, she immediatly lay on the floor in the back! We got home, and she went potty outside! Brought her in and the cats ran off, naturally, but she was very good and didn't chase the cats. We have already had lots of potty breaks and little walks around the house. Amazing that she has already had some good training!

So yes, now I have a puppy named Poppy. lol

Name That Squash

In early spring, I planted some yellow crook neck squash. I had planted them in those little 6 pack things you normally get flowers in, and I kept them inside the house because it's freezing usually until June. Well, in June I planted them in my garden. One plant in particular came right up, really fast. It is taking up almost 1/3 of my garden! It has tons of huge flowers on it too.

About 2 weeks ago it started to produce a squash. Every day I would run outside and check on it. Now this squash is really strange! It isn't growing like a crook neck squash normally does. It looks more like a honey dew melon! Now I have looked all over the internet to find out if maybe it's a different squash - like maybe a stray seed got into my seed packet or something. I have found plenty of ornamental squashes that are round. And plenty of green ones too, but it is still a pale yellow. See picture below...

I'm really interested in seeing what my "weird squash" will do over the next few weeks. Anyone have an idea what it is, let me know! :D

Have a marvelous and sunny day!

Confessions of a Hypocrite

The other night, my neighbor had a "Girl's Night" at her house. We watched a movie called Confessions of a Shopaholic. Now, I'm not much of a shopper. I really don't like trying on clothes and not really finding anything I want, but this last week I found some really great buys at Kohl's and I think I might go back someday, but I will never be anything like the girl in the movie. LOL

Anyway, though the movie was about a shopaholic who is in debt and she ended up writing articles on how to manage your money in a financial magazine. Ironic.

That got me thinking... do you realize how many people out there are giving advice on the very subject that *they* too need to work on?? You would be surprised as to how many people are dishing out advice, yet not taking it and living a lie. There are TONS!

I would like to say that I am not a hypocrite, but that's not true. I am. And so are you. Everyone is a hypocrite to some degree, but that's a blog entry on it's own. lol

The movie ended happy, the girl got out of debt, got the guy and lived happily ever after, but that is hardly the case in real life. I suppose the thing you must do is follow what you feel is right for you.

I know it's not much of a blog but it was just a little something that was on my mind late at night. lol

Happy Monday and if you're a shopaholic - Happy Shopping!

It's All About Me!

My son has left to go on a long summer trip with his daddy leaving me all alone.

That's right, I said ALL ALONE!

I still have chores to do around the house, we have animals to feed and water to haul after all, but I chose a day each week that my son is gone that is going to be all about me. This week, it was today.

I treated myself to some new clothes - I was in desperate need of some. Kohl's had an awesome sale! I got three shirts that were $1.80 each! Gotta love those 90% off sales! I picked up a pair of capris that were comfy AND made me look good. Then I went to the fabric store to look at fabric to make another costume and what do I see? 75% off sale that day only! WOOT! Then while I was in the city, I stopped at a favorite restaurant that they don't have up where we live and treated myself.

When I got home, I fixed up a huge bowl of ice cream loaded with chocolate and crunchy toffee pieces. MMMMmmm! Tonight I will soak in the jacuzzi tub with candles and music.

Ahhh, it's good to be all about me! LOL

The Outdoors Come Indoors - The Intelligence of Animals

What do you do when the outdoors come indoors? We have a rogue squirrel that has discovered insulation in the basement, and that insulation makes a nice warm nest for winter. So this squirrel is stealing our insulation, or maybe it is even making a nest somewhere in the basement who knows!

I set a live animal trap so I could relocate it. It is one of those traps that look like a cage with two doors on either side and a pressure sensor plate in the middle. You put the bait on the plate and when the animal takes the food off the plate, the doors close and it's trapped. My plan was to catch it and take it far away from the house and release it.

I tell you that squirrel is very intelligent. It KNEW what the trap was and managed to get into the trap, get the bait, and get out without setting the trap off the first time. I decided to set it again, maybe it didn't work properly the first time.

This morning I went down to the basement to check the trap again. The squirrel is sitting there outside the trap munching on the bait staring at me like "Hey what's up? Thanks for the food!" The doors still open. I stood there to watch it, and it didn't even run off. It stared at me until I flipped a light switch. I wanted to see where it was going and hopefully by it running of, it would show me how it was getting into the basement.

It ran off into one direction, and I quietly took a few steps in that direction. I am on the other side of a wall by the way, it can't see me, but I'm sure it can hear me. Immediately, I heard it run back the other way - like it was misleading me purposely. I quickly stepped back the other direction and it stopped to stare at me again for a long time. This time it was saying "HAHA! I'm not telling you how I'm getting in! Na na na na boo boo!"


Then suddenly, it jumped to a shelf and behind some storage boxes and disappeared. I have to give the squirrel credit! You can't say animals are stupid! I think I will let another highly intelligent creature scare it out of the basement. My cat would love to have some play time!

Insecurities

I'm not a very insecure person, but every now and then it helps to re-secure myself. This article from Daily OM is really great!

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There is an innate awkwardness to being human. With each decision we make, there is the potential for self-doubt and it is this-self doubt that forms the root of insecurity—a complex emotion that is a mix of equal parts inadequacy, isolation, fear, and hopelessness. Yet these feelings of insecurity that prevent us from fulfilling our potential by inducing us to abide by arbitrary self-limitations are nothing more than erroneous perceptions. We feel unconfident and unsure of ourselves because we judge ourselves to be so. Banishing insecurity is often simply a matter of challenging ourselves in order to prove that we are indeed intelligent and able.

When we feel insecure, we not only perceive ourselves as incapable of meeting life’s challenges but also fraudulent and unworthy of true happiness. We move through life plagued by a sense that others have judged us and found that we are lacking. As a result, we are robbed of our personal power and rendered unable to feel positive about the choices we make. Everyone feels insecure from time to time because each of us is born into the world with unique strengths. If you should find yourself with feelings of insecurity, however, endeavor to understand its source. Perhaps you were repeatedly berated as a child or seldom receive positive reinforcement in the present. A tendency to withdraw from risk or uncomfortable situations can amplify feelings of insecurity. When you have pinpointed the origin of your insecurity, focus on your abilities. The more you utilize your personal power—by taking risks, boldly facing challenges, and acting decisively—the stronger it will grow.

Remember that insecurity is not objective. Rather, it is an emotional interpretation of your value unconsciously based on doubt, shame, and fear. As you overcome those underlying emotions through courageous action and copious self-love, you’ll discover that you are capable of achieving more than you ever thought possible.

http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2009/18931.html

My Hero

Someone asked me who my hero was. I can't choose any one person to be my hero, so I chose three...my husband, my mother in law, and my own mother. Why are they my heros? Read on and find out.

My husband...he's been through everything imaginable (and then some)and keeps a positive outlook on life. He stands up for what is right - I can't tell you how much crap he has gotten because of it, but he still stands his ground, he's a fighter. He is the most honest man I have ever met, you can count on his word. He is a wonderful role model and I am glad to have him in my life.

My husband's mom...she is a breast cancer survivor and an awesome woman. She always finds the good in people, even if there isn't any. She is always helping other people and really enjoys it.

My mom...she had the courage to raise my sister and me by herself in the worst possible situations and did an excellent job of it. To this day, I thank my mom for what she has sacrificed and consider her one of my best friends. :D