Charlene confirmed the Friendship of many Friends from High School, College, Past & Present Employers and Family Members.
Charlene has blocked the following Applications: Mob Wars, Farmville, Compare People, Scramble, Word Twist, Mafia Wars, Pieces of Flair, Bumper Sticker, Pet Society, Hatchlings, Barn Buddy, Whoopdeedoo and Hoopla.
Charlene ignored requests to take many ridiculous Facebook quizzes including, "Which Facebook Quiz Are You?"
***
Okay, so while I really do love connecting with friends and family on Facebook, I'm not a fan of the zillions of applications and quizzes which are splattered all over my wall every single flippin' day. Do I want to know which Harry Potter character I am? Seriously???
Thank goodness for the hide this quiz and block this application buttons. Otherwise, all that "be nice" preaching I just gave you would be purely theoretical.
That said, I have accepted a few virtual cocktails. A girl has her vices. What can I say?
There are a few other exceptions. This was one of them which my kids helped me complete:
FACEBOOK QUIZ: Kids Say The Funniest Things
Answered by: Miss M, age 9 and Spiderman, age 4
1. What is something mom always says to you?
M - Do your homework!
S -*shrug* *giggle*
2. What makes mom happy?
M - When I brush my teeth
S – When I eat dinner
3. What makes mom sad?
M - When we don’t get to snuggle
S – When you don’t eat your dinner
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
M - By tickling me
S – Poopie pants! (???)
5. What was your mom like as a child?
M – I don’t know – she never told me any of those stories (I didn’t want to scare her.)
S – She wore diapers
6. How old is your mom?
M - 40
S - 14
7. How tall is your mom?
M – 5’9”… oh wait, that’s taller than Dad (LOL)… 5’4”?
S - (arms stretched wide apart) THIS BIG!
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
M – Snuggle and have fun with her family!
S – Go to bed
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
M – Go to parties, go to work, see Daddy, go to lunch with her friends… lots of stuff!
S - Cry
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
M - Singing
S - Singing
11. What is your mom really good at?
M - Singing
S – Silly faces
12. What is your mom not very good at?
M – Mommy is good at everything
S – Wiping butts!
13. What does your mom do for a job?
M – Go to an office and make people happy or else her boss gets mad at her
S – Wipe butts!! (Some days that's not too far from the truth!)
14.What is your mom's favorite food?
M - Spicy stuff
S - *BURP*
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
M – That she’s awesome
S – Her smile
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
M – Wonder Woman… or a fairy.
S – Spiderman!
17. What do you and your mom do together?
M – Go to museums
S - Snuggle
18. How are you and your mom the same?
M – We both like to sing
S – We both have hair
19. How are you and your mom different?
M – I want more money than she does
S – I’m a boy and she’s a girl
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
M - Because she always tells me and always gives me hugs and kisses. And all mommies love their children.
S – Because I do silly things and mom loves it
21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
M – That he’s handsome and smart
S – Taking a bathtub (DOH!!)
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
M – Anywhere with her family
S – Burger King!
Consider yourself tagged...
Image Disclaimer: Facebook logo is the property of Facebook and its owners. This blog is not affiliated with Facebook.
——> Read more
It seems that every time I mention “Reality TV", I get an overwhelmingly negative response. Humans from a wide range of religious, political and socioeconomic backgrounds seem universally united in their hatred of this genre of television.
However, it’s simply not possible that my viewership is singularly responsible for the sustainability of shows like Top Chef, Project Runway, Survivor and American Idol.
I'm totally convinced that some of you out there are closet reality fans. You know too much to deny it. Oh - I can hear it now:
“I just saw that one episode.”
“I've only seen it because my girlfriend watches.”
“I just watch it for the girls in bikinis.”
Suuuurre. And my husband reads Playboy for the articles. Whatever dude.
At any rate, even folks who (quote, unquote) “hate” reality TV are probably familiar with the recurrent phrase, “I’m not here to make friends.”
Smarter and more talented people than I, have conducted in-depth analyses of the infamous phrase and the relative success (or failure) of reality contestants. Suffice it to say that there's a lot to support the theory that if you're "not here to make friends," you're not likely to win.
It's true in life as well, both personally and professionally.
In the past I've talked about three steps towards reaching your life balance goals:
1. Internal --> thoughts, feelings, words
2. External --> actions in line with goals
3. Support --> help, accountability, encouragement
The essence of step three is that you'll be much more successful by having other people in your corner.
Personally speaking, my childhood was such that asking for help made me feel far too vulnerable. Scary stuff. So, I tried to control everything. Going it alone was just safer. Perhaps also there was a feeling, or a fear, that I really was alone; that no one would want to be in my corner.
As I think about my life now, I can't lie -- there's still a shadow of that insecurity inside sometimes. It's something I work consciously to overcome. At the end of the day though, I know I'm always better for having the help of others, whether it's for practical needs, emotional support or whatever.
Furthermore, I feel extremely grateful for the wonderful people in my life. I literally say "thank you" about hundred times every single day.
In return for being so blessed, I make it a point to extend as much positive energy as possible. Yeah, I know sometimes it makes me look like the crazy lady who smiles and says "hi" to everyone as she walks down the street. Sometimes the toll booth guy thinks I'm flirting with him. And the folks down at the coffee shop are just waiting for me to "stop the nice act" and pull a nutty. Well, that could happen. I do have my moments.
The life balance lesson being beamed to you today is quite simply, be nice.
Be here to make friends.
However, it’s simply not possible that my viewership is singularly responsible for the sustainability of shows like Top Chef, Project Runway, Survivor and American Idol.
I'm totally convinced that some of you out there are closet reality fans. You know too much to deny it. Oh - I can hear it now:
“I just saw that one episode.”
“I've only seen it because my girlfriend watches.”
“I just watch it for the girls in bikinis.”
Suuuurre. And my husband reads Playboy for the articles. Whatever dude.
At any rate, even folks who (quote, unquote) “hate” reality TV are probably familiar with the recurrent phrase, “I’m not here to make friends.”This week, in a "oh no he din't" moment, Nicolas from Project Runway inserted himself into the long tradition of this ridiculous sentiment.
My dear Nicolas, have you ever seen any reality television before? Saying that line is the kiss of death. One day you're in and the next day you're out. You just bought your ticket for the aufiderzein bus.
Smarter and more talented people than I, have conducted in-depth analyses of the infamous phrase and the relative success (or failure) of reality contestants. Suffice it to say that there's a lot to support the theory that if you're "not here to make friends," you're not likely to win.
It's true in life as well, both personally and professionally.
In the past I've talked about three steps towards reaching your life balance goals:
1. Internal --> thoughts, feelings, words
2. External --> actions in line with goals
3. Support --> help, accountability, encouragement
The essence of step three is that you'll be much more successful by having other people in your corner.
Personally speaking, my childhood was such that asking for help made me feel far too vulnerable. Scary stuff. So, I tried to control everything. Going it alone was just safer. Perhaps also there was a feeling, or a fear, that I really was alone; that no one would want to be in my corner.
As I think about my life now, I can't lie -- there's still a shadow of that insecurity inside sometimes. It's something I work consciously to overcome. At the end of the day though, I know I'm always better for having the help of others, whether it's for practical needs, emotional support or whatever.
Furthermore, I feel extremely grateful for the wonderful people in my life. I literally say "thank you" about hundred times every single day.
In return for being so blessed, I make it a point to extend as much positive energy as possible. Yeah, I know sometimes it makes me look like the crazy lady who smiles and says "hi" to everyone as she walks down the street. Sometimes the toll booth guy thinks I'm flirting with him. And the folks down at the coffee shop are just waiting for me to "stop the nice act" and pull a nutty. Well, that could happen. I do have my moments.
The life balance lesson being beamed to you today is quite simply, be nice.
Be here to make friends.
——> Read more
Recently I had a conversation with some friends about how the behavior of our children (and sometimes other people's) can affect our mental state and feeling of life balance.The reality-laced joke is that they all send their kids to my house to experience what they call, "Auntie Charlene's Boot Camp."
Consider me the sarcastic, overworked, intolerant version of SuperNanny. I get results, even without an interesting accent. I swear you can get anyone to do anything in America with proper English diction. (I'm sure I'd be corrected if I said "British accent.")
In my domain, manners are non-negotiable. When one of my children says something like, "I'm thirsty," they are likely to get a response from me such as, "That sounds like a big problem."
Child: "I want a drink." Me: "Good luck with that."
Child: "Can I have a drink." Me: "No, thank you."
I keep my demeanor calm and dismissive. I don't explain, "You need to use your magic words." Certainly you'll never hear a sing-song voice come out of me chiding, "What do you saaaayyyy???" Just typing it makes me want to throw up a little.
My kids know the rules and there are no second chances. It's a simple formula which any child will learn remarkably quickly as long as you're steadfast and consistent.
Lack of "please" = request denied. Period.
Okay, so I'm a little mean. (Don't tell my kids; they have no idea.)
Healthy life balance includes setting boundaries. Funnily enough, kids prefer to have boundaries. Oh, they won't admit it but it's true.
Positive reinforcement is also really important. Even though they must say "please" and "thank you," I'm sure to give praise every single time they do.
Lots of energy to the behavior I want and as little as possible for the behavior I don't want. (Yes, it works with spouses too.)
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Along those lines, we have another rule in my house which is, "When you whine, you get nothing." My kids know without a shadow of a doubt that they will never get what they want (i.e. wear me down) by whining. If they lose their minds for a minute and start whining, they know at best they will be ignored.
At worst, especially if we're in public, I will start singing. I've said it before and it's true. Amazing how just a few bars of "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy" in WalMart will make even the crankiest kids clam right up.
At worst, especially if we're in public, I will start singing. I've said it before and it's true. Amazing how just a few bars of "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy" in WalMart will make even the crankiest kids clam right up.
The axiom "when you whine, you get nothing" works for adults too. Life is so much more rewarding from the perspective of gratitude.
It's not always easy to live in a perpetual "no whining zone." Trust me, I know. But it's worth the effort.
Anytime you catch yourself being a Negative Nancy, just start singing "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandeeeee...". And, smile.
——> Read more
Given the influx of new readers (thanks all!), I thought it might be helpful to provide a quick review of my life balance perspective.
A lot of people make an immediate mental leap from "life balance" to "work/life balance." It's true I work in an industry which refers to itself that way. We even have dedicated conferences such as the upcoming "Work/Life Congress." I'll be there and I understand the perspective of employers who have only good intentions.
Still, calling it "work/life" balance somehow says that work and life are on the same playing field, vying for position. It implies what I call teeter-totter (aka "seesaw") energy. It assumes that when one side goes up, the other goes down and vice versa. There is a perpetual give and take... with parallel neutrality being the ideal scenario.
Personally I think this is neither realistic nor desirable.
First of all, I'm not sure I want my life to be "neutral." I want it to be exciting and ambitious. I want it to include hard work and I'm sure every boss I've ever had is happy I feel this way.
Furthermore, "work/life" balance is a misnomer. Yes, work is a part of life. But so is family, education, community and taking care of yourself so you can handle it all. Life is a juggling act, not a teeter-totter ride. Work is just one ball in the mix.
Here's the real secret: Life balance is not about keeping all those balls in the air in perfect rhythm at all times. Of course we try. It's important to have strategies around the "DO" in the BE -- DO -- HAVE model I've described before. That's why resources like The Get-It-Done Guy are so very valuable.
Still, the world is an unpredictable place and let's face it, we're human. Sometimes those balls are going to drop through some misstep of our own or with the help of others. We may even lose a ball for a while. Sometimes it feels like we are juggling bowling balls. They may turn into a little evil monster heads and try to eat our face. Like I said before, stuff happens.
The thing to remember is that true life balance is internal.
What's most important is the balance within you -- your physical, mental, emotional, spiritual self. When those things are in harmony, the objects of external life can explode into flaming stink bombs and you'll be just fine. More than that, a balanced internal foundation means you'll be strong enough to cope, problem solve, persist and overcome anything that comes your way. Including evil monster heads.
A lot of people make an immediate mental leap from "life balance" to "work/life balance." It's true I work in an industry which refers to itself that way. We even have dedicated conferences such as the upcoming "Work/Life Congress." I'll be there and I understand the perspective of employers who have only good intentions.
Personally I think this is neither realistic nor desirable.
First of all, I'm not sure I want my life to be "neutral." I want it to be exciting and ambitious. I want it to include hard work and I'm sure every boss I've ever had is happy I feel this way.
Furthermore, "work/life" balance is a misnomer. Yes, work is a part of life. But so is family, education, community and taking care of yourself so you can handle it all. Life is a juggling act, not a teeter-totter ride. Work is just one ball in the mix.
Still, the world is an unpredictable place and let's face it, we're human. Sometimes those balls are going to drop through some misstep of our own or with the help of others. We may even lose a ball for a while. Sometimes it feels like we are juggling bowling balls. They may turn into a little evil monster heads and try to eat our face. Like I said before, stuff happens.
The thing to remember is that true life balance is internal.
What's most important is the balance within you -- your physical, mental, emotional, spiritual self. When those things are in harmony, the objects of external life can explode into flaming stink bombs and you'll be just fine. More than that, a balanced internal foundation means you'll be strong enough to cope, problem solve, persist and overcome anything that comes your way. Including evil monster heads.
——> Read more
No surprise that getting quality sleep is important for healthy life balance. In addition to a direct link between sleep and quality of life, studies show that people who get seven or eight hours of shuteye per night actually live longer than those who get more or less.
So let's talk about sleep baby.I’m not a doctor of course. Thanks to a series of events in the 80’s, I don’t even play one on TV.
Still, I have an insomniac husband plus my own experiences and theories.
There's nothing worse than being tired all the time. In some cases, depression may be the cause. Difficulty sleeping and/or general fatigue can also be related to a number of other health problems. As some of you know, I'm in the midst of trying to figure out why my own little body thinks it has chronic mono. Those areas are slightly beyond the scope of this post so I'll move on. (No open can; no worms everywhere.)
From what I've observed, there are two primary problems in the world of slumber:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
The frequency of these issues may be why I get so much whining from people who say they don't have time to exercise when I suggest that they simply wake up earlier.
But I get it. If you're not falling asleep until 2:30am, the idea of getting up at 5:30am to do Yoga Booty Ballet is about as appealing as a Brazilian bikini wax. (Though I have done it. Yes, that.)
And then there's that joke, "I slept like a baby. Woke up crying every two hours!" *bahdoom-pha*
Personally, I struggle with occasional but severe "midnight anxiety." Usually it's when there's a lot of external craziness in combination with not taking care of myself. That practice what you preach thing can be a real biotch. If I go a couple of stressful weeks in a row without watching what I eat and drink plus not meditating or working out, sleep drama is almost guaranteed.
I guess it's common sense that if you're not taking care of yourself during the day, you're going to have some repercussions at night.
That said, I definitely notice that I sleep better when I exercise regularly. However, sometimes if I work out too late at night, I'm "revved" and can't sleep. So it's a bit of a catch 22 but that's why working out in the morning is the best solution for me, even if it means waking at 5:30am. And, as long as I get to sleep by 10:30pm, I'm still getting the requisite seven hours.
Also, instead of having the TV on or trying to fall asleep in complete silence, I recommend listening to a sleep CD or downloading some meditations onto your MP3 player. (Once when I did fall asleep watching TV, I had dreams all night about making money by putting little tiny ads in magazines. ACKK!)
My favorite meditations are by Shakti Gawain. She also has a great book, Creative Visualization which I've mentioned before and have read about 100 times in the past 20 years. The meditations (which can be purchased alone) aren't specified for sleeping but they still do the trick for me.
I also love the Meditation Station podcasts which I download free from iTunes. They are short though, so really best when I'm seriously tired and just need my brain to shut off long enough for sleep to set in.
My husband is not much of a "meditator" but he likes the music which is designed to get the brain into sleep mode. Even on a good night, he keeps his iPod next to the bed in case he wakes up in the middle of the night and can't fall back asleep.
If you have additional suggestions, do share!
The other tip I'll leave you with regarding falling asleep and staying asleep is to buy ear plugs and keep them next to the bed.
Sometimes noise (like somebody snoring) keeps me awake. Sometimes normal nighttime and/or household sounds wake me up. Ear plugs provide perfect quiet comfort.
I prefer the squishy kind as seen in the picture. Roll them lengthwise into a short skinny tube; don't try to "squish" them. Then, pull the top of your ear up and back and insert the plug. You'll know you did it right if it goes in easily and then expands to create total silence.
If you know someone in construction, they can probably get you a huge pack for free.
Sometimes at home I only wear one. I know it sounds weird but this way I can still hear if one of the kids wakes up barfing or something.
When traveling, I consider my ear plugs a sacred accessory. If I ever was a contestant on the show Survivor, ear plugs would be my "luxury item."
So... I might get eaten by a lion someday, but at least I'll be well rested.
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This may be my first RANT in the history of this blog. Uncharacteristic of me, I know. But here goes nuthin' on behalf of my nine-year old daughter, Miss M.
McDonald's Restaurant (and I use the term loosely) has decided to offer HappyMeals of gender. Yes - there's a "girl meal" and a "boy meal." The sex of the meals is of course defined by the toy which is haphazardly thrown into the paper bag. (BTW, what happened to the box?)
Today for example, the "boy" version included a matchbox car and the "girl" version included a Barbie comb and mirror.
As I ordered two meals and happened to have my son and daughter with me, the cashier loudly proclaimed that we were getting "one boy meal and one girl meal."
After some embarrasseed hesitation, Miss M. politely mentioned that she preferred cars over barbies. The cashier gave an impatient sigh, then yelled back to the Micky Dee crew more loudly than was necessary, "MAKE THAT TWO BOY MEALS!!"
Do you feel my pain?
We have a "you get what you get and you don't get upset" rule in my house. So it wasn't about my daughter getting or not getting the toy she preferred.
What bugged me is that she left feeling like "that weird girl who likes boy's toys" again.
How hard would it be to have a "car meal" and a "Barbie meal"? Why do these fast food chains find it it necessary to contribute to sex role stereotyping?
What if my son liked Barbies? O.M.G. - the horror! Ugh.
People are going to tell me I shouldn't buy their crappy food anyway. I know, I know.
Anyway, I'm done. But just had to get that off my chest.
McDonald's Restaurant (and I use the term loosely) has decided to offer HappyMeals of gender. Yes - there's a "girl meal" and a "boy meal." The sex of the meals is of course defined by the toy which is haphazardly thrown into the paper bag. (BTW, what happened to the box?)Today for example, the "boy" version included a matchbox car and the "girl" version included a Barbie comb and mirror.
As I ordered two meals and happened to have my son and daughter with me, the cashier loudly proclaimed that we were getting "one boy meal and one girl meal."
After some embarrasseed hesitation, Miss M. politely mentioned that she preferred cars over barbies. The cashier gave an impatient sigh, then yelled back to the Micky Dee crew more loudly than was necessary, "MAKE THAT TWO BOY MEALS!!"
Do you feel my pain?
We have a "you get what you get and you don't get upset" rule in my house. So it wasn't about my daughter getting or not getting the toy she preferred.
What bugged me is that she left feeling like "that weird girl who likes boy's toys" again.
How hard would it be to have a "car meal" and a "Barbie meal"? Why do these fast food chains find it it necessary to contribute to sex role stereotyping?
What if my son liked Barbies? O.M.G. - the horror! Ugh.
People are going to tell me I shouldn't buy their crappy food anyway. I know, I know.
Anyway, I'm done. But just had to get that off my chest.
——> Read more
It turns out my flight to San Fran is on Virgin America, not US Airways. It’s a sad tale I’m sure but these are the kinds of surprises you get when someone else books travel for you.
Come to think of it, I have no idea what hotel I’m staying at either. Is it Marriot or Courtyard by Marriot? Something like that. No worries. I have five hours to look at my Outlook calendar where I (albeit absent mindedly) cut and pasted the details under today’s date. There is also the email confirmation which I filed in my “Travel” folder and forwarded to my dear hubby so he’d have it too. Plus, I’m with the co-worker who booked the hotel... and the flight… and the car rental. Like I said, no worries.
Some of my old carny friends may be quite shocked at my laissez-faire attitude today. Just a few years ago, I would have spent a significant amount of time creating a detailed itinerary, formatting it to picturesque perfection, and printing it in triplicate. Additionally, I would have mapped my hour-by-hour plans and corresponding weather forecast to a wardrobe chart and packing list in Excel.
Oh yes, they used to laugh at me. They also used to borrow my packing lists for their own reference.
More recently I’ve learned that not every detail is worth the time or energy of obsessing over. I still do some mental “mapping” and yes, I do check the weather. Goodness knows I don’t want to arrive at a semi-formal event on a hot beach wearing my studded leather jumpsuit.
As in the rest of my life, I’ve learned to pick my battles. I’ve learned that some percentage of the stress in my life was wholly self-inflicted.
For a reward, some of the time which would have gone into obsessing over my itinerary went to doing a conga line with my kids last night. Yeppers. Nothing says happiness like a good conga line.
Next time you’re in a room full of miserable people, give it a try. Either it will be an immediate mood lifter or you’ll be tarred and feathered. In my book, it’s worth the risk.
Now that I am sitting here in seat 16C (with a foot repeatedly clunking into the back of me from seat 17C), I have no worries whatsoever about whether I'll get to my hotel or if I’ll go to my business dinner wearing a tutu.
I am so enjoying the memory of the conga line around my house, the raucous laughter and the cute little buns of my babies wiggling in time to the “dut-dut dut-dut dah DA!”
No regrets whatsoever.
——> Read more
It's difficult to say whether this will help or hinder my writing efforts.
Hmmmm... I have done some of my best blogging done whilst sitting in an airplane. Then again, depending on how my meetings go, I may be spending that time seeing if wine tastes as good from those little plastic bottles as it does at home. (And then again, I'm also an excellent multi-tasker.) Please let's pray that US Airways serves something better than Sutter Home. Blech.
At any rate, just in case I don't get back here for a few days and you need a little something to read, I thought I'd post some of my recent favorite blogs. You should check 'em out if you get a few moments. In all cases, you can enjoy them whilst
Coltin1948: A "Superior Scribbler Award" winner and deservedly so. Well-written and mature in both content as well as delivery; (mature as in "elevated," not in the "for mature audiences/x-rated" way. Sorry. Maybe he takes requests?) Bruce obviously spends a significant amount of energy developing each post. It makes me selfishly grateful he was recently laid off and has this kind of time.
Drawing In: Her profile describes it best, "Caroline Bender is the pseudonym of a 20-year career gal. Once a junior secretary, at a time when such titles were worn with pride, she broke into management and enjoyed a 7 year run before experiencing a spectacular professional breakdown. Miss Bender now observes the work world as a high-tech Mill Girl. Every day that she is not fired is like a little gift." Fun observational humor about life, the universe and everything.
just kickin it around: A multiple award winner! Trust me, there's no other blog quite like that of Babblin'bob which he describes this way, "the strange and not so strange things I encounter every day, some political, some personal, some funny and some not worth posting at all." Read his unique voice once and you'll be hooked. It's almost too hard for me to describe in a way that does it justice. Just go.
Life is just like that: Argentum Vulgaris has a bunch of good blogs so it was hard to pick just one. But this is updated often (if not everyday), very ecclectic and always entertaining. "...Warts and all, no holds barred." Okay, so I can't pick just one... AV also has a great review site / blog catalog at Blogger's Cafe. I swear that the 5 Gold Sovereigns Award he gave me has nothing to do with the recommendation!
Read Me Sometimes, Think of Me Often: This blog was created for friends and family to track this American native's observations, progress, flailings, and other notations as she makes her way in the city of Dublin, Ireland. Great photos and lots of fab reviews of various Dublin pubs and other sights. Oh yeah -- she's also my sister; the one who had the "theatre closet" I recently told you about. :-)
The Good Girls: This is a newer blog for me but I've really been enjoying it. It reads like a novel with each post being a distinctly descriptive chapter. Often told from the point of view of a young girl, one gets the feeling that there's a little therapy in there for all of us.
The Time Crook: Another award winner! I'm always especially excited when I see a new Time Crook post in my blogroll. This blog is about everyday experiences but so incredibly well-written and so effortless, it's literally a joy to read. Photos and poetry too which is a plus.
There are more favorites of course but I've got to get packing and catch my plane. I'll have to save them for next time I guess. Maybe I'll make this a routine when I travel. Let me know what you think...
In the meantime, if you're anywhere between Boston and San Francisco, look up in the sky and give me a wave!
——> Read more
This is what I saw when I looked out the side window of my front door last night. The light of my door lamp caught the little bugger just right so as to make me jump clear out of my slippers. Scared the bajeezes out of me as I flipped that switch!!
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Mainly I just thought it was a cool photo and wanted to share.
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But also, it got me thinking about irrational fears. How could such a small thing, clearly unable to do any harm to me whatsoever, almost make me have to change my big-girl pants?
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Life is funny like that. Sometimes we are afraid of things which only have power over us because we allow it. Nothing to fear but fear itself, right?
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What little thing are you afraid of?
——> Read more
It's been just over a month since I completed Kathy Freston's 21-Day Quantum Wellness Cleanse and I'm sure you're just dying to know how things have been since then. .
Well, looks like I'm going to tell you anyway. I'll try to make it brief. (For those who are new to my blog, you may want to start at my QW Introduction post.)
So, the two lasting changes have been that I'm officially (still) decaffeinated and vegetarian.
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I still find people's reaction to the vegetarian thing fascinating. Just yesterday I was discussing this while getting my brows waxed. The aesthetician asked me in a bewildered tone, "You don't eat meat? So you just live on vegetables??"
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Okay, seriously? People must know that there is more food in the world than meat and vegetables.
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I spouted out the list of possibilities. Granted, I expounded at greater length than was necessary just to prove a point.
.
I told her, "There's rice, rice noodles, all kinds of pasta, potatoes (including french fries and potato chips), beans (I like red beans, black beans, chickpeas and navy beans best), lentils, quinoa (it's considered the "perfect protein"; there's a red quinoa and a white quinoa and oh, you should try quinoa pasta - it's to die for), plus yes, so many different kinds of vegetables, legumes, fruit, cereal, cereal bars, pizza, various vegetarian asian dishes which are so tasty, vegetarian "meat alternatives" like veggie burgers and veggie sausage. Most desserts are vegetarian and thank goodness so is alcohol. Personally, I do dairy (which those who are vegan don't). I'll eat eggs as an ingredient but usually don't eat them as a main dish. And *take a breath* no, I don't eat tofu if I can help it."
Anyhoo...
Anyhoo...
Luckily my blood test came back negative for Celiac Disease so I've cautiously reintroduced some of the previously forbidden foods. That said, I have a follow up appointment on Monday to discuss the rest of my labs (ANA, EBV, RF & SED). The Doc may order more tests including another one for Celiac which doesn't sound very pleasant at all. My fingers (and intestines) are crossed. I can't imagine having to go back to justifying vegetarian AND gluten-free. Ugh.
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The QW Cleanse is generally advertised as a "diet." Though losing weight wasn't a primary goal for me personally, I've lost ten pounds; seven during the cleanse and three more since then. *Happy Dance*Although the formal restrictions are off, I'm just much more aware of what I eat/drink and am making much healthier decisions overall.
There was that one party last Sunday where I kinda tied on the feedbag. I also may have attempted to take a bath in Kendall Jackson. But that was an exception. Despite everything I preach, I never claim to be perfect. Besides, a girl can cut loose once in a while.
Bottom line, it's "all good." The Quantum Wellness Cleanse still has my quantum recommendation.
——> Read more
This caught my attention for two reasons:
One, because it feels like only yesterday that I first watched the dark comedy which some consider a cult classic. Heathers is known for such memorable lines as, "If you were happy every day of your life, you wouldn't be a human being; you'd be a game show host." And you know... the line about the chainsaw.
The second reason falls under the header category, "random overshare." See, I actually auditioned for a part in this movie. Seriously. I worked with a real casting agent, got professional photos done and read from the script in front of a test camera.
It's true, I actually believed I had a shot at being on the big screen. I thought it could have been me asking Winona Ryder, "Did you have a brain tumor for breakfast?"
I coulda been a contendah.
Okay, so I never even had a shot. I'm at peace with that now. Life lesson learned. Hollywood was not on my path. Clearly.
The second life lesson from this experience didn't come until much more recently.
I was sitting in my office one morning. I had been out for a few days so I was being held hostage by a backlog of emails and other work.
.
Mid-morning someone came in and asked if I had been around the rest of the office at all yet. Her cheshire grin made me suspicious. I stepped outside my office aware that my "friend" was stifling the urge to explode into laughter before the joke was even told.
As I turned the corner of the hallway next to my office, I saw that one of my more embarrassing and very `80's photos had been converted into huge Flashdance posters. They were everywhere. Dozens of them. Posters of me in all my circa-Heathers, big-haired, windblown glory. On every cubicle, office, bathroom and mailroom wall.
.
Naturally, everyone else was hysterical with laughter as I eventually stalked back to my office.
As I sat alone and stared at my waste bin overflowing with crumpled pieces of myself staring back from oversized glossy paper, something just sort of clicked. (Maybe snapped?) A smile turned into a giggle which turned into a laugh. I became utterly engulfed in amusement at both the clever prank and my ridiculous reaction. What the heck was I mad about? It was really funny.
.
.
It's still funny; amazing how much comic relief those silly posters are still able to spark in a flash. (Or rather, in a "flashdance." *bahdoom-pah*)
Today's life lesson sponsored by the 20th anniversary of Heathers: Don't take yourself too seriously. The next time you find yourself getting your panties in a bunch... look in the mirror at your twisted face (or twisted knickers as the case may be) and crack a smile.
Laugh and the whole world laughs with you. Sometimes also at you. But that's okay too.
——> Read more
One of my favorite treats in the life balance pantry is made from mindfulness, focused gratitude and being in the present.
That said... as I examine my current state of mind, there's a big part of me that just doesn't want to focus. I don't want to think about the present. I want to be someplace else. I need a break.
There's always "liquid escape" and trust me, I'm holding onto that as an option.
.
In the spirit of pure health though, I thought I'd suggest alternative paths to mindlessness which work just as well, minus incriminating photos and hangover.
Please feel free to share yours too. (Paths to mindlessness that is; we'll save the incriminating photos for later.)
.
1. Music: Whether you like to listen, sing, dance or all of the above - make sure no one is watching and pump up the volume! Personally, I have really ecclectic taste in tunes. Mozart, Bach, Journey, Black Eyed Peas, Kate Bush, Gap Band, Bette Midler, Mika, soundtracks from Grease, Les Miserables or Chorus Line. The old "party central" songs which are most complete with a room full of drunkards shouting choice lyrics. Anything which wipes my mind slate clean as soon as the volume knob is turned to the right. ("But this one goes up to 11." - Spinal Tap)
I recently had this experience reading the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. Someone suggested these books to me a long time ago but I resisted, not usually one to get sucked into the hoopla of pop teen lit. But sucked in I became. Make that embarrassingly addicted. I highly recommend the audiobooks in this case. They are so well read by Ilyana Kadushin et al, that they give you the escape of a movie with line-by-line integrity to the book (since it, um, is the book.)
If you like the Twilight books, go ahead and read The Host by Stephenie Meyer. I know you're holding off because you think it can't be as good. Afraid to kill your Twilight buzz, right? Go for it. It's just as captivating in a completely different way. You won't be disappointed.
3. Tickle fights: Not a suggestion you might find on a list in SELF Magazine but it's one of my favorites. For me, there is just nothing better than rolling around with someone I love, playing and laughing to the point of possible incontinence. (Hey! Get your minds out of the gutter!)
4. Running: A lot of people tell me this a great way to escape stress. (Also a great way to escape a crime scene for example, but that's a different blog.) I'm trying to get into it, I really am. The theory is nice -- wind in your hair, just you and the road, complete freedom, etc. But honestly I'm just not there yet. I have a hard time clearing my mind when I run except to think, "I hate running. I hate running. I hate running." That's just me though. Maybe my ZenRunner friend will comment.
5. #3 but with my mind in the gutter.
Related Posts:
Wanna Get Away
Paying Attention
That said... as I examine my current state of mind, there's a big part of me that just doesn't want to focus. I don't want to think about the present. I want to be someplace else. I need a break.
There's always "liquid escape" and trust me, I'm holding onto that as an option.
.
In the spirit of pure health though, I thought I'd suggest alternative paths to mindlessness which work just as well, minus incriminating photos and hangover.
Please feel free to share yours too. (Paths to mindlessness that is; we'll save the incriminating photos for later.)
.
1. Music: Whether you like to listen, sing, dance or all of the above - make sure no one is watching and pump up the volume! Personally, I have really ecclectic taste in tunes. Mozart, Bach, Journey, Black Eyed Peas, Kate Bush, Gap Band, Bette Midler, Mika, soundtracks from Grease, Les Miserables or Chorus Line. The old "party central" songs which are most complete with a room full of drunkards shouting choice lyrics. Anything which wipes my mind slate clean as soon as the volume knob is turned to the right. ("But this one goes up to 11." - Spinal Tap).
2. Books/Audiobooks: In order for this to be a successful "getaway" it has to be a book which completely transports you. So much so that if you stop reading, you picture the characters frozen in position where you left them. Impatiently waiting for you to get back to the story so they can get on with their lives.I recently had this experience reading the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. Someone suggested these books to me a long time ago but I resisted, not usually one to get sucked into the hoopla of pop teen lit. But sucked in I became. Make that embarrassingly addicted. I highly recommend the audiobooks in this case. They are so well read by Ilyana Kadushin et al, that they give you the escape of a movie with line-by-line integrity to the book (since it, um, is the book.)
If you like the Twilight books, go ahead and read The Host by Stephenie Meyer. I know you're holding off because you think it can't be as good. Afraid to kill your Twilight buzz, right? Go for it. It's just as captivating in a completely different way. You won't be disappointed.
3. Tickle fights: Not a suggestion you might find on a list in SELF Magazine but it's one of my favorites. For me, there is just nothing better than rolling around with someone I love, playing and laughing to the point of possible incontinence. (Hey! Get your minds out of the gutter!)
4. Running: A lot of people tell me this a great way to escape stress. (Also a great way to escape a crime scene for example, but that's a different blog.) I'm trying to get into it, I really am. The theory is nice -- wind in your hair, just you and the road, complete freedom, etc. But honestly I'm just not there yet. I have a hard time clearing my mind when I run except to think, "I hate running. I hate running. I hate running." That's just me though. Maybe my ZenRunner friend will comment.
5. #3 but with my mind in the gutter.
Related Posts:
Wanna Get Away
Paying Attention
——> Read more
I've described several defining moments so far; both childhood and adult experiences involving a smorgasbord of change, sadness, dysfunction and the kind of sick humor which is only obvious in retrospect.
It's about time I share a happier tale. (I have no idea why the line from Monty Python and the Holy Grail comes to mind, "Let's not bicker and argue about who killed who.... this is supposed to be a happy occasion!")
It's a quick story but I think it provides some insight. It reminds me of qualities I had as a kid which have never changed despite the decades and any craziness I may have experienced. Maybe it will spark similar memories and reflection for you?
As a side note -- now that I have my own kids, I find myself analyzing things they do and wondering how reflective those actions/interests are of what they'll eventually be when they are "all growed up." So far the good money is on Spiderman (my four year old) being an actual superhero of some kind and Miss. M (almost ten) being either an actress or a CFO. We'll see!
Anyhoo....
One day when I was maybe nine years old, Ange and I decided to create a full scale theatrical production.
To us, it also made perfect sense that if you're going to go through the trouble of creating a play, designing costumes and converting a closet into a theatre, you need to sell tickets. Of course.
This part of the memory is actually more fun when Angela's mom (my step-mom and aunt) tells the story. She clearly remembers the doorbell ringing and a line of people at the front door.
They told her simply, "We're here for the play."
Then after seeing the confused look on her face, they clarified, "We have tickets." As if that was going to help. I don't remember how many people she actually let in, but I know from the pictures we did have an audience. Not a bad gig at all.
As I write this, I'm reflecting on my motivations behind Personal Strategic Management and this blog. I'd like to think it's mostly altruistic. Yet, there's definitely an entrepreneurial angle and yes, some ego.
No denying that now of course.
.
It's about time I share a happier tale. (I have no idea why the line from Monty Python and the Holy Grail comes to mind, "Let's not bicker and argue about who killed who.... this is supposed to be a happy occasion!")
It's a quick story but I think it provides some insight. It reminds me of qualities I had as a kid which have never changed despite the decades and any craziness I may have experienced. Maybe it will spark similar memories and reflection for you?
As a side note -- now that I have my own kids, I find myself analyzing things they do and wondering how reflective those actions/interests are of what they'll eventually be when they are "all growed up." So far the good money is on Spiderman (my four year old) being an actual superhero of some kind and Miss. M (almost ten) being either an actress or a CFO. We'll see!
Anyhoo....
Some of you know my "three-quarter" sister, Angela. For those that don't know, we're "three quarter" sisters because we have the same dad and different mothers but our mothers are also sisters. Go ahead and read that again if you need to. I'll wait. Hello Jerry Springer, I know.
Ange was a great companion for creative pursuits. Make that co-conspirator. We didn't just write and draw and play and sing together the way most siblings might do. We almost always had an angle. Sometimes it was altruistic. Sometimes entrepreneurial. Sometimes just plain ol' ego; a deep desire to be on stage.
.
One day when I was maybe nine years old, Ange and I decided to create a full scale theatrical production. .
The "stage" was a long walk-in closet in Angela's bedroom. It wasn't that deep but the width scaled the length of the room and had bright green bi-fold doors on each side which functioned perfectly as "curtains."
We created a script which I remember as a slightly twisted version of Frosty the Snowman. Mind you, it was the middle of summer. (That's me with the bright pink scarf.)
To us, it also made perfect sense that if you're going to go through the trouble of creating a play, designing costumes and converting a closet into a theatre, you need to sell tickets. Of course.
This part of the memory is actually more fun when Angela's mom (my step-mom and aunt) tells the story. She clearly remembers the doorbell ringing and a line of people at the front door.
They told her simply, "We're here for the play."
Then after seeing the confused look on her face, they clarified, "We have tickets." As if that was going to help. I don't remember how many people she actually let in, but I know from the pictures we did have an audience. Not a bad gig at all.
As I write this, I'm reflecting on my motivations behind Personal Strategic Management and this blog. I'd like to think it's mostly altruistic. Yet, there's definitely an entrepreneurial angle and yes, some ego.
No denying that now of course.
.
——> Read more
