My church, Union Center Christian Church recently worked through this book as a congregation, and it had a tremendous impact on a number of people’s lives, and defiantly caused everything to see something in a new light or learn something they did not know before about the word of God. I would highly recommend everyone reading it at some point, makes for a really easy read and can have a profound impact on the rest of your life. If and hopefully when you do read it check out some of the resources available from our church at http://www.unioncenter.net they really help you take what is in each chapter to a whole new level and help make real world applications to your life where you are at now. You can also find all the sermons from each chapter on there, which will also enhance your experience.
In Summary this book is a summed up version of the Bible written in the form of one seemless story, rather than the traditional book and verse method. In doing so this book presents scripture in a very unique but complete way that brings pattern and structure to all the disconnected stories we tend to learn in church. Personally I found this books approach to scripture very helpful and very easy to get, it was innovative as it got you to think of scriptures in a much more holistic way that is typically left out of the pulpit. I found it very insightful and really helped spark a deeper love and appreciation for God and for the scriptures. Passages that I used to think were a real bore and had a hard time getting through I now actually enjoy as I see their deeper purpose. I used to not be so much of a fan of the whole Old Testament for example, certain parts more than others but the majority of it, but after reading the Story I began to relate to Israel in a whole new way. Yeah they were really stupid and continued to sin in the eyes of the Lord, but I finally got that I was no better than them. How many times have I witness the goodness of God and chosen my own gods ahead of him despite knowing what has happened in the past and despite knowing that God is a great and mighty king? So many, time after time I have repeatedly done exactly what they did. With different idols perhaps or having witnessed different miracles and graces but nevertheless I have known better and chosen to rebel.
The only really criticism I can make for this book is that it is not the Bible, and in some ways seems to over edit, but there isn’t too much you can do about that as it is trying to get the basics and allow the reader to grasp the bigger upper story of scripture and therefore some of the exact details are left out even some important events, so if you do read it please do so as a supplement to scripture rather than a replacement as it is not meant to be one.
Monday, May 30
The Story
The Story published by Zondervan (2007) ISBN-13: 978-0310936985 8.5/ 10 Stars =)
Memorial Day
First off I want to wish everyone a blessed Memorial Day particularly to all the loved ones of those who have perished protecting our freedoms. They have sacrificed so much for us and let us never forget how blessed we are today because of the men and women who have sacrificed to fight for the sake of our country and the freedoms presented to us. Secondly to all of those who have served or are currently served, Thank You!!! I am so blessed in what you are doing, and just want to honor you and offer my gratitude for all you have and continue to do for our country.
Now I wonder who really knows any of the history of Memorial Day, when and where it originated or why? Sadly not too much is known by the vast majority of people and it has become little more than a day off to picnic and enjoy the begging of summer. So let me reveal some facts for you.
So Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day originates back May 30th 1868, and was established in response to the loss of American lives in the Civil war. Although many places celebrated in a similar way 1868 was the first year that it was officially recognized as a holiday (was first declared a holiday May 5th 1868). The designated purpose of this holiday was to decorate graves of those that had died in defense of their country with flowers. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays).
Waterloo, NY, oddly enough has been declared as the “birthplace” of Memorial Day in 1966 by Congress and then by President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Although a number of cities, argue Memorial Day/ Decoration Day and it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead.
Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country. To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps." The Moment of Remembrance is a step in the right direction to returning the meaning back to the day. What is needed is a full return to the original day of observance. Set aside one day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country.
So in honor of our beloved soldiers, Thank you and thank you to all the friends and family for making our country so great. God Bless, and let us not forget those that gave there lives for our freedom nor the real reason for this Holiday.
Now I wonder who really knows any of the history of Memorial Day, when and where it originated or why? Sadly not too much is known by the vast majority of people and it has become little more than a day off to picnic and enjoy the begging of summer. So let me reveal some facts for you.
So Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day originates back May 30th 1868, and was established in response to the loss of American lives in the Civil war. Although many places celebrated in a similar way 1868 was the first year that it was officially recognized as a holiday (was first declared a holiday May 5th 1868). The designated purpose of this holiday was to decorate graves of those that had died in defense of their country with flowers. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays).
Waterloo, NY, oddly enough has been declared as the “birthplace” of Memorial Day in 1966 by Congress and then by President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Although a number of cities, argue Memorial Day/ Decoration Day and it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead.
Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country. To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps." The Moment of Remembrance is a step in the right direction to returning the meaning back to the day. What is needed is a full return to the original day of observance. Set aside one day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country.
So in honor of our beloved soldiers, Thank you and thank you to all the friends and family for making our country so great. God Bless, and let us not forget those that gave there lives for our freedom nor the real reason for this Holiday.
Sunday, May 29
Something Borrowed
Something Borrowed (2011) --- 5/10 Stars PG-13
So all in all I would say this movie was very much a take it or leave it kinda of deal, it wasn’t to the point I would recommend it nor would I warn anyone of watching it. I would recommend waiting to it is released on DVD first if you are going to watch it as I don’t think it is at all worth seeing in theaters.
The film deals with a lot of interesting and relatable relationship issues (at least for me) but doesn't come to a satisfying conclusion on any of them. To add it it the whole storyline was very redundant and expected. And seriously, considering Darcy and Rachel are longtime best friends, we know Rachel and Dex have seen one another many times in the ensuing years, and yet it isn't until Rachel's birthday that they suddenly realize they really love each other? Come on! Ridiculous. The rest of the movie is tennis game of rationalization and guilt with a few smatterings of clever witty one liners.. And Dex is a genuine jerk I hated him and think Rachel should have gone with Ethan instead. I do have to admit that up until the ending, I actually enjoyed the movie pretty well, because I kept hoping for Rachel to learn and grow. Instead, she took a huge leap backwards. Any sympathy I had garnered for her during her dilemma dissipated faster than mist in the desert.
As for the acting, John Kraszinski (Ethan) stole the movie. Charming and charismatic, his was the only character at the end I still liked. Ginnifer Goodwin was also fantastic in the role (not her fault the storyline is idiotic). Kate Hudson is annoying and almost unwatchable, nothing much there to relate to, until her last two scenes (discovering Dex's jacket, and seeing Rachel on the street). Colin Egglesfield is beautiful, though a bit stiff, and perfect to play the part of the swine Dex. As for some quotes there were some good ones so here ya go…
Darcy: You’re 30, you can’t afford to be pickyRachel: I first met Dex 6 years ago, at NYU. He was handsome… and charming… He was just…perfect… Then he met my best friend, Darcy.Dex: Have you ever gone down a road, far down and wondered, maybe it wasn’t what you want?Dex: You wouldn’t happen to have, like, 4 extra pens, do you?
Rachel: Oh, I do actually…Rachel: See what happens when you sleep with people you don't love?
Darcy: You are my bestfriend is the understatement of the century.
You're the sister I never had.
You're sometimes the mother I often need.
The reason why I can't stumble so furiously into adventures,
because she's always there.
She is always, always there.Rachel: Ah, there's an oldmaid in the window let's get her a cab.Rachel: He makes you the person you want to be,
instead of the person you are, and that,
the idea of life without him is,
not only unbearable, it's unimaginable.
Saturday, May 28
New Pages
Hey guys, So I am working on setting up some new pages for your enjoyment, one full of all of my favorite quotes from Bible verses, Nerd Quotes, Words of Wisdom, Pick Up Lines and everything in between. Then another page for all the movies I have seen- just starting on that one so bare with me as I have seen a least 10 ever week since I graduated college. And then another one for book reviews. I would love comments on things you like don't like as well as suggestions on if you want me to do a certain book or movie, and I will get one that, the pages should soon have pics as well. Just wanted to give you all a heads up on what I am up to. Also if you have further suggestions for possible pages or post in general I am open to suggestions as always and might just do it. Thanks again for reading. Oh in case you don't know, you can get to these pages simply by clicking on them (Quotes, Movie Reviews etc.) at the top left, and you can always go back to Home to see my most recent posts. Enjoy. Oh and P.S. For the movies and books I am also gonna be posting on each of them so you can read them all that way too at least the new ones as I read/ watch them, but also have them up on the page for easy reference.
Thursday, May 26
2 Years of The Life of Krista Marie
Hey guys, so it has no officially been 2 years since I starting this blog! In that time I have had over 16,000 hits and that doesn't count my own, that is admits my 138 random posts. I just wanted to say a big Thank you to all my followers. I very much appreciate it. Also please feel free to leave me any suggestions or suggestions for what you would like me to write about more or less. I am open to all of them so let me know and I look forward to many more exciting years to come.
From Bible Belt to Stroke Belt
For anyone that hasn't heard of it, the Bible Belt is an informal term for a region consisting primary of the southern, and some southwestern states of the U.S., where socially conservative evangelical Protestantism dominates the culture of these areas. For your reference, to your left is a map of what is typically deemed the "Bible Belt" determined based on Baptist population. 
Now compare that with the map on the right based on the highest percentage of strokes. Crazy right? It seems eating all that "good American food" very common in this southern portion of the country might just send us all to heaven sooner than we might think. New York Times reports that the Bible Belt, with its deep fat frying and bad eating habits could be renamed: Stroke Belt.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) age-adjusted annual rates of stroke mortality among adults 35 and older in the eight Stroke Belt states (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee) were on average, 125 per 100,000 individuals, compared to 96 per 100,000 Americans in the remaining 40 contiguous states and the District of Columbia (2000-2006).
Preachers name all kinds of sins and their congregations know they should repent. Lying, stealing, drunkenness, cheating, disorderly conduct... Seems like they might have been leaving out one BIG one, Gluttony. We pig out as though this privilege of eating and drinking is ours to abuse any way we want. Big greasy breakfasts,large and hearty lunches,huge buffets of appetizers, followed by a main course, and then how could we leave out dessert! And don't forget calorie-rich drinks to get it all down. Yup it is all delicious, don't get me wrong, but it is killing you. Also, we can't compare ourselves to others and say, "Better than they are!" I'm not looking at anyone's sins because I know how broken my own heart is in this and other areas. I too love to eat unhealthy foods, drink soda, and sit around in front of the boob tube. But there comes a time when we have to step away and not overly indulge in such pleasures. Just because the bible belt is against other such sins gives them no right to jump to gluttony instead. It too needs to come to a halt.
On another, yet similar news a recent study has shown that this same Bible/ Stroke Belt has also been linked to Cognitive decline. Researchers believe shared risk factors among members of this population are to blame. The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, led by Principal Investigator George Howard, DrPH, recruited over 30,000 U.S. adults aged 45 or older from 2003 through 2007 and is following them for stroke and cognitive decline. REGARDS participants included 56% from the Stroke Belt states and 44% from the remaining states in the continental U.S. including D.C. which researchers collectively termed "non-Belt" states.
Researchers assessed brain function using the Six-item Screener (SIS)—a test of global cognitive function that includes item recall and temporal orientation. SIS scores range from 0 to 6 with a score of 4 or less representing cognitive impairment. Results indicate that 8.1% of participants showed cognitive impairment at their most recent assessment, over a mean of 4.1 years following the initial assessment. Stroke Belt residents had a greater likelihood of cognitive impairment than non-Belt residents (odds ratio=1.18); all demographic factors and time independently predicted impairment. Risk of cognitive impairment was 18% higher in residents of the Stroke Belt than in those living in non-Belt states after adjusting for the influences of age, sex, race, and education level.
I think this goes to show that the Bible Belt has much to fear, Damnation, Stroke, and Now Retardation. Yikes. Maybe I won't use my deep fryer tonight after all.
Now compare that with the map on the right based on the highest percentage of strokes. Crazy right? It seems eating all that "good American food" very common in this southern portion of the country might just send us all to heaven sooner than we might think. New York Times reports that the Bible Belt, with its deep fat frying and bad eating habits could be renamed: Stroke Belt.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) age-adjusted annual rates of stroke mortality among adults 35 and older in the eight Stroke Belt states (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee) were on average, 125 per 100,000 individuals, compared to 96 per 100,000 Americans in the remaining 40 contiguous states and the District of Columbia (2000-2006).
Preachers name all kinds of sins and their congregations know they should repent. Lying, stealing, drunkenness, cheating, disorderly conduct... Seems like they might have been leaving out one BIG one, Gluttony. We pig out as though this privilege of eating and drinking is ours to abuse any way we want. Big greasy breakfasts,large and hearty lunches,huge buffets of appetizers, followed by a main course, and then how could we leave out dessert! And don't forget calorie-rich drinks to get it all down. Yup it is all delicious, don't get me wrong, but it is killing you. Also, we can't compare ourselves to others and say, "Better than they are!" I'm not looking at anyone's sins because I know how broken my own heart is in this and other areas. I too love to eat unhealthy foods, drink soda, and sit around in front of the boob tube. But there comes a time when we have to step away and not overly indulge in such pleasures. Just because the bible belt is against other such sins gives them no right to jump to gluttony instead. It too needs to come to a halt.
On another, yet similar news a recent study has shown that this same Bible/ Stroke Belt has also been linked to Cognitive decline. Researchers believe shared risk factors among members of this population are to blame. The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, led by Principal Investigator George Howard, DrPH, recruited over 30,000 U.S. adults aged 45 or older from 2003 through 2007 and is following them for stroke and cognitive decline. REGARDS participants included 56% from the Stroke Belt states and 44% from the remaining states in the continental U.S. including D.C. which researchers collectively termed "non-Belt" states.
Researchers assessed brain function using the Six-item Screener (SIS)—a test of global cognitive function that includes item recall and temporal orientation. SIS scores range from 0 to 6 with a score of 4 or less representing cognitive impairment. Results indicate that 8.1% of participants showed cognitive impairment at their most recent assessment, over a mean of 4.1 years following the initial assessment. Stroke Belt residents had a greater likelihood of cognitive impairment than non-Belt residents (odds ratio=1.18); all demographic factors and time independently predicted impairment. Risk of cognitive impairment was 18% higher in residents of the Stroke Belt than in those living in non-Belt states after adjusting for the influences of age, sex, race, and education level.
I think this goes to show that the Bible Belt has much to fear, Damnation, Stroke, and Now Retardation. Yikes. Maybe I won't use my deep fryer tonight after all.
Wednesday, May 25
If I were
If I were a month, I'd be March (In like a lion out like a lamb), because I can’t quite make up my mind, and something awesome is just around the corner, the darkness of winter is nearly over.
If I were a day of the week, I’d be a Tuesday- I love Tuesdays, they are still productive days but not Mondays and not super awesome like a weekend but still cool
If I were a time of day, 10:10pm- cause its pretty sweet
If I were a planet, ---Mars, I feel like I would fit in there
If I were a sea animal, Dolphin- would be super fun
If I were a direction, East---towards the Ocean
If I were a piece of furniture, Crotch Hair Couch ……HAHAHAHAHA
If I were a liquid,---Diet Dew DUH!
If I were a gemstone, ---- Emerald, I love green….life, happiness, spring and money xD
If I were a tree----prolly a Banyan Tree just cause they are super awesome
If I were a flower, I’d be a Snapdragon, I am a prankster that loves to make ppl laugh
If I were a kind of weather, I’d be sunny and 75 =) with a giant thunderstorm for a few hours of the day
If I were a musical instrument, I’d me a banjo xD
If I were a color, I’d be green xD
If I were an emotion, I would be Joy
If I were a fruit, ---Banana
If I were a sound, I would be Thunder
If I were an element, Technically I am mostly Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen, but if I could pick I would be Plutonium caz it is rare, radioactive, and super cool. If you mean the whole spiritual element thing I would prolly be Earth- tend to be pretty calm cool and collected…kinda goes against the whole Plutonium idea but oh well
If I were a food, ----PIZZA!!!! DUH
If I were a place, ----That’s a hard one Africa, am I allowed to be a whole Continent?
If I were a material---- Flannel :P
If I were a taste---- Mint =)
If I were a scent----Freshly Baked Bread
If I were an object---- and iPod touch
If I were a body part------hmmm not sure gonna go with an eye
If I were a facial expression, :-P most deff
If I were a song, oh man only one ….drats…gonna go with what faith can do by Kutless
If I were a pair of shoes, slippers !
If I were a day of the week, I’d be a Tuesday- I love Tuesdays, they are still productive days but not Mondays and not super awesome like a weekend but still cool
If I were a time of day, 10:10pm- cause its pretty sweet
If I were a planet, ---Mars, I feel like I would fit in there
If I were a sea animal, Dolphin- would be super fun
If I were a direction, East---towards the Ocean
If I were a piece of furniture, Crotch Hair Couch ……HAHAHAHAHA
If I were a liquid,---Diet Dew DUH!
If I were a gemstone, ---- Emerald, I love green….life, happiness, spring and money xD
If I were a tree----prolly a Banyan Tree just cause they are super awesome
If I were a flower, I’d be a Snapdragon, I am a prankster that loves to make ppl laugh
If I were a kind of weather, I’d be sunny and 75 =) with a giant thunderstorm for a few hours of the day
If I were a musical instrument, I’d me a banjo xD
If I were a color, I’d be green xD
If I were an emotion, I would be Joy
If I were a fruit, ---Banana
If I were a sound, I would be Thunder
If I were an element, Technically I am mostly Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen, but if I could pick I would be Plutonium caz it is rare, radioactive, and super cool. If you mean the whole spiritual element thing I would prolly be Earth- tend to be pretty calm cool and collected…kinda goes against the whole Plutonium idea but oh well
If I were a food, ----PIZZA!!!! DUH
If I were a place, ----That’s a hard one Africa, am I allowed to be a whole Continent?
If I were a material---- Flannel :P
If I were a taste---- Mint =)
If I were a scent----Freshly Baked Bread
If I were an object---- and iPod touch
If I were a body part------hmmm not sure gonna go with an eye
If I were a facial expression, :-P most deff
If I were a song, oh man only one ….drats…gonna go with what faith can do by Kutless
If I were a pair of shoes, slippers !
Tuesday, May 24
Thor
Thor (2011) --- 7/10 Stars PG-13
So Action isn’t typically my go to movie, but this was way better than anticipated for me. They surprisingly were able to effectively pull of a great balance between the real world Marvel Universe and the Norse mythology. Hatts off to Marvel once again for a job well done. It’s bewildering at times, condensing nearly 50 years of comic history with a speed that can mean characters are paid scant lip service. You suspect there’s a lot of material on the cutting-room floor. Hats off to Chris Hemsworth as well staring as the Norse god Thor who although New to acting, pulled it off terrifically, plus he is super cut, so if anything I guess you could go see if for that. But I can almost guarantee he will be starring in a lot more in the future. Intelligent comic-book popcorn epics are rare and I gotta say this one set a new bar for the rest to attempt to meet.
In quick summary the plot is a good one and I am not gonna spoil it but Thor is a god, the Son of Odin who is about to inherit the throne when due to his raging temper he attacks Asgard and sparks on a war, in direct rebellion of his father’s orders. Odin then sentences him to Earth to learn a lesson, meanwhile his “brother,” Atum is taking over and Odin falls ill. You can watch to see the rest for yourself and I would recommend it. Regardless of if Action Adventure is your thing it has a great story line and I found it very intriguing not merely fighting scenes as many of them are now a days. So I would say go or at least get it on Netflix when it is out. Here are some of my favorite lines of the movie…
Darcy: You know, for a crazy homeless person... he's pretty cut.
Thor: For the first time in my life, I have no idea what I'm supposed to do...
Agent Phil Coulson: It's not easy to do what you did. You made my men - some of the most highly trained professionals in the world - look like a bunch of minimum-wage mall cops. In my experience, it takes someone who's received similar training to do what you did to them. Why don't you tell me where you received that training? Afghanistan, Chechnya? No, you strike me more as the soldier of fortune type. Who are you?
Odin: You are a vain, greedy, cruel boy.
Thor: And you are an old man, and a fool!
Odin:Yes... I was a fool to think you were ready.
Thor: This mortal form grows weak. I require sustenance!
Thor: [taking coffee for the first time] This drink... I like it! More! [smashes the cup]
Darcy: This is going on Facebook!
Thor: I have no plans to die today
100 Ways To Improve Your Happiness
Do you want to be happy? Of course you do, who doesn’t?! Here are 101 easy ways to achieve a better, happier life! Keep in mind of course that it is not not things that make us happy but our experiences.
1)First off Travel more, I am an avid traveler and love love love it, but travel really can have a profound effect on us by taking us out of our comfort zones and opening our eyes to some of the different places and lives that were unknown to us. It’s also just fun!
2) Take a weekend trip. It doesn't have to be anything costly or extravagant, even a weekend or day long break from home can make you happier.
3) Spend time by the ocean. There’s nothing like sand between your toes and fresh sea air. I make it a point to get there at least twice a year....already gone 3 times this year....maybe a good reason why I have had such a great year thus far
4) Go camping. Commune with nature closer to home—the food will taste better and you’ll sleep deeper in the great outdoors, plus it is just a lot of fun.
5) Go skydiving. Face your fears and reap the benefits of this exhilarating extreme sport—you’ll be euphoric for weeks. I can't wait to go!
6) Go stargazing. Find a spot relatively free of unnatural light and marvel at the beauty of the night sky. Love stargazing make it a point to pretty much ever clear night. xD
7) Sit in front of a beautiful view. Find a spot close by with a nice view that you can visit when you need a break. I highly recommended a nice spot on a hill to watch the sunset/sunrise.
WORK---We all gotta do it but make it fun!
8 ) Make enough money to meet your basic needs. Studies have shown that anything beyond that amount will not necessarily make you happier, plus you will not get to do everything else on this list if you work too much.
9) Avoid financial hierarchies. For a new job, choose a place where everyone makes a similar amount. People feel better when they feel equal to their co-workers.
10) Find satisfaction in the job you have. Don’t expect to find one job that will make you happy—instead focus on the positive aspects of your work instead of blaming a job for your unhappiness.
11) Take initiative at work. You’ll gain professional respect, self-fulfillment and feel more in control in the workplace.
12) Keep plants in your workspace. The LA Times found that employees who decorate their office space are more satisfied with their jobs.
13) Bake cookies and bring them to work. You’ll enjoy the baking and making your co-workers happy.
HEALTH
14) Get enough sleep. Sleeping for 8 hours per night can elevate your mood and better prepare you to greet the day. As much as I don't sleep I have to admit that it can make a world of a difference when I get some sleep.
15) Take vitamin C. Keeping your immune system happy will keep you happy. But not too much as it is fat soluble and may come out in the form of ulcers if you have too much of it.
16) Laugh out loud. Laughing releases endorphins and lowers levels of stress hormones.
17) Cook with more garlic. Garlic not only adds delicious flavor to meals, it also keeps blood pressure down to keep you relaxed and healthy.
18) Get more fresh air. Fresh air is invigorating and alters the levels of serotonin in your brain—the stuff that makes you happy! And especially when there is sunshine... I know it is rare around here but it makes a world of a difference in my mood.
19) Eat more foods with tryptophan. It has an amino acid needed to make serotonin, the chemicals that make you happy. Try more bananas, dairy products and poultry.
20) Work out. Exercising can not only make you feel better about yourself, it also releases endorphins in your body to give you a natural high. If you are like me and not a huge fan of working out try DDR, lots of fun and you still get that exercise in.
21) Eat chocolate. Besides releasing endorphins and stimulating serotonin production in your brain, chocolate releases phenylethylamine, the chemical that causes feelings of love. I am not a huge fan of chocolate but that doesn't mean you can enjoy it and tell everyone I told you it was good for ya.
22) Meditate. According to the Dalai Lama as well as several medical studies, meditation not only decreases stress, but also triggers a neurological response that makes you happy. Practice being still and knowing God is God and you are not....it is a tough one but so peaceful once you finally come to except it.
23) Do yoga. Learning to control your breathing through yoga practice helps you control your responses to stress and fear.
24) Get a massage. Besides its relaxing properties, the touch involved in massage creates warmth in your body and releases the chemical oxytocin—also known as the cuddle hormone.
25) Eat chickpeas (or other beans). Chickpeas have an amino acid that makes you happy, and beans keep your sugar levels steady throughout the day.
26) Have sex. Numerous studies show that a healthy sexual intimacy with a caring partner can have tremendous physical and emotional benefits. Please save this one for marriage, it will be worth it.
27) Install more windows in your house. Getting enough exposure to the sun has been proven to be crucial to happiness and well-being.
28) Put full-spectrum lights in your home or office. If you live in a wintry climate that doesn’t get much sun, you can replicate the effect with light bulbs that mimic the sun’s rays.
29) Drink coffee. Studies in Brazil showed that people who drink coffee every day are less likely to suffer from depression. Coffee is the world’s most popular mood-enhancing drug, but remember to drink in moderation, or if coffee isn't your thing you can try Tea or Dew like me...the dew might end up killing you but it sure lightens my mood xD
30) Eat more spinach. Popeye’s favorite green is packed with folic acid, an important vitamin that boosts serotonin production.
31) Eat foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Certain kinds of fish like salmon or sardines have Omega-3, which is known to elevate mood levels—high doses are even used to treat depression.
32) Eat more colorful fruits and vegetables. They contain antioxidants which help remove toxins
from our bodies that cause stress and aging.
33) Put some strawberries in your breakfast. The smell of strawberries is known to invigorate and energize. Yummmy!!
34) Drink hot mint tea. The scent of fresh mint is energizing and the steam will perk you up.
ATTITUDE
35) Smile. It takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown. Plus it is proven that people that smile more are happier xD and Smiles are contagious....if you don't believe me just go a head and try it, I guarantee it will spread...
36) Make a grateful list. Focus on all the great things in your life to enhance feelings of joy and attract more good things. With this forget the icky things....focus on the positive there are a lot more of them then you may think.
37) Break outside your comfort zone. Being comfortable doesn’t make you happy—challenging yourself does.
38) Follow your gut. Most of the time your first instinct is not only correct, but the best choice.
39) Don’t regret your decisions. If it turns out you were wrong, don’t waste time worrying about it, instead make the next best decision and move forward. What is done is done, and can worry add anything to your life? Nothing good that's for sure.
40) Accept that you can’t be happy all the time. Focus on being content and the truly happiness will be all that much sweeter.
41) Try to see from others’ perspectives. Much of our unhappiness comes from our frustration with other people not understanding us. Try to imagine how they see the world and the frustration will ease.
42) Let the little things go. There’s no sense in wasting your energy and inhibiting your happiness by worrying about things you can’t change.
43) Make the decision to be happy. Happiness is an attitude, not a physical state.
44) Don’t take things personally. So often, anger and frustration directed at us is a result of someone else’s misplaced stress. Recognize that it’s not necessarily about you and you’ll remain calmer and happier.
45) Savor the small moments. People who take longer to enjoy small moments and then reflect on them later in the day show significant increases in happiness.
46) Avoid comparing yourself to others. It’s damaging to self-esteem—focus on your own achievements. There is always going to be someone better out there stop trying to beat them out...instead compare yourself to yourself a year ago.
47) Make meaningful goals. Harvard scientists say humans need a sense of purpose to thrive and that people with dreams and aspirations are happier than those without.
48) Embrace spirituality. Research suggests that people who participate in a religious community or explore alternate sets of beliefs are happier and better adjusted in life.
49) Have a good cry when you need it. Allowing yourself to break down completely is cathartic and you’ll feel better after you let it all out.
50) Learn to forgive yourself. Focusing on your past mistakes serves no purpose besides keeping you from moving on.
51) Maintain perspective. When life starts to feel out of control, remind yourself of the positive things in your life and how lucky you are.
52) Define what happiness means for you. Don’t worry about what other people define as happy, find what makes you happy and go for it.
RELATIONSHIPS
53) Stay close to friends and family. Moving far away from networks of support can take a toll on your level of happiness—even if you have moved in order to make more money.
54) Get a dog, preferably a puppy or two so you can give one to me... The studies showing the positive effects man’s best friend can have on your psyche are numerous: better emotional and physical health and a wagging tail.
55) Give more hugs. Hugging releases the same chemical as massage and is always free! And after all everyone loves a hug ...even if it is only secretly.
56) Make time for your friends. Personal connections are so important and making even a little time to be with people who make you smile can keep you happy.
57) Make new friends. Meeting other people is exciting and finding a new person with whom to connect can only enhance your fulfillment.
58) Write thank-you notes. Expressing gratitude makes you and the recipient happy.
59) Call your mom. Or your dad, or your grandma or anyone you haven’t talked to in a while and surprise them with a chat. If it doesn't make you happy I am sure it will make there day.
60) Get a cat. If you’re not a dog person, cats make wonderful, loving, stress-reducing housemates and bed-warmers. And if you are not a cat person you can always take out your anger on the cat...that ought to cheer ya up.
61) Cuddle up with someone you love. Enjoy time with your kids or your partner for instant happiness.
62) Babysit for a friend. Being around children’s infectious optimism is sure to boost your mood.
63) Hold a baby. They’re cute and cuddly and without a care in the world—you’ll feel instantly uplifted.
ACTIVITIES
64) De-clutter. A clean home is a clean mind, and you’ll feel better in an orderly environment.
65) Donate to charity. Giving to those less fortunate than you will make you appreciate what you have.
66) Rent a comedy. Take an hour and a half out of your day for pure laughing entertainment and you’ll feel instantly boosted.
67) Watch kittehroulette.com. If watching nonstop videos of playful kittens doesn’t lift your spirits, nothing will.
68) Take a nap. A quick power nap, especially on a sunny afternoon, is luxurious and will help you make it through the day.
69) Change one thing in your daily routine. You’ll stave off boredom and might discover something new that delights you.
70) Take a walk. Taking a quick walk, even just around the block can clear your mind and raise your mood.
71) Surround yourself with smells that make you happy. Smell is a much overlooked sense that greatly affects our mood—try a coconut shampoo that reminds you of a vacation or bake cookies that remind you of childhood.
72) Listen to upbeat music. Even just a few minutes of a hip-shaking tune gets your blood flowing and makes you feel more positive.
73) Set your alarm early on a day you know you get to sleep in. When you wake up you’ll get the pleasure of realizing that you don’t have to get out of bed—then rolling over for some more satisfying zzz’s.
74) Paint a room in your house yellow. Looking at the color yellow has been proven to improve moods.
75) Make a home cooked-meal. You’ll get not only tasty food, but the pride of having made it yourself.
76) Dress up for no reason. Putting on clothes that make you feel good increases your self-esteem and your mood.
77) Add some soft blue to your bedroom. Light blue has been shown to be the most calming color and can set the mood for a restful night’s sleep—essential to a positive attitude.
78) Do something you loved as a kid. Riding a roller-coaster or going sledding can help you connect to your inner child and remember simple thrills.
79) Wear red. Red can make us feel confident, powerful and strong.
80) Splash on some perfume/aftershave. Studies show that floral scents can make you happier.
81) Volunteer your time. Selfless acts and helping others is a fast route to genuine contentment.
82) Decorate your home for the holidays. Preparing for holiday celebrations is always fun and a great excuse to invite friends and family over.
83) Take time for yourself. Go to a movie, or a museum or a walk around town by yourself to re-connect.
84) Perform random acts of kindness. Hold open a door for a stranger or leave some money in the vending machine, for no other reason than doing something nice for your fellow man.
85) Send snail-mail. Rediscover the pleasure of old-fashioned communication.
86) Make time to curl up with a good book. It can be either a thought-provoking tome or a guilty pleasure.
87) Invest in fancy bedding. Be cozy and happy drifting to sleep and wake up to a happy morning.
88) Go bowling or mini golfing with friends.
89) Dance. Alone or at a club, dancing is fun and stress-releasing.
90) Pay off your credit card debt. Debt can be a major source of stress and you’ll feel great when you eliminate it from your life.
91) Clean the house. Even if you don’t like cleaning, a clean home can drastically improve your attitude.
92) Volunteer at a local animal shelter. You’ll get the pleasure of knowing you’re lending your time and brightening the day of some furry friends.
93) Find a hobby. Painting, singing, tai chi—it doesn’t matter as long as you have an outlet to express yourself.
94) Turn off your phone for a day. Let people know in advance that you are taking a personal day and can only be reached in case of emergency. Savor the silence.
95) Sing in the shower. It doesn’t matter what you sing, just make sure you belt it as loud as possible.
96) Stash some money in a secret place so you can discover it later. Pick a spot you’re likely to forget so you get a thrill weeks or months later when you stumble on it.
97) Enjoy a guilty pleasure TV show. Make some popcorn and banish the guilt—we all need a cheesy escape sometimes.
98) Go for a walk or jog in the rain. The high produced by exercise will be heightened by the cool rain on your face.
99) Enjoy a cold beer or chilled wine on a hot day. Need I say more?
100) Go to hear live music. Hearing music live puts you in the moment in a way an iPod can’t.
1)First off Travel more, I am an avid traveler and love love love it, but travel really can have a profound effect on us by taking us out of our comfort zones and opening our eyes to some of the different places and lives that were unknown to us. It’s also just fun!
2) Take a weekend trip. It doesn't have to be anything costly or extravagant, even a weekend or day long break from home can make you happier.
3) Spend time by the ocean. There’s nothing like sand between your toes and fresh sea air. I make it a point to get there at least twice a year....already gone 3 times this year....maybe a good reason why I have had such a great year thus far
4) Go camping. Commune with nature closer to home—the food will taste better and you’ll sleep deeper in the great outdoors, plus it is just a lot of fun.
5) Go skydiving. Face your fears and reap the benefits of this exhilarating extreme sport—you’ll be euphoric for weeks. I can't wait to go!
6) Go stargazing. Find a spot relatively free of unnatural light and marvel at the beauty of the night sky. Love stargazing make it a point to pretty much ever clear night. xD
7) Sit in front of a beautiful view. Find a spot close by with a nice view that you can visit when you need a break. I highly recommended a nice spot on a hill to watch the sunset/sunrise.
WORK---We all gotta do it but make it fun!
8 ) Make enough money to meet your basic needs. Studies have shown that anything beyond that amount will not necessarily make you happier, plus you will not get to do everything else on this list if you work too much.
9) Avoid financial hierarchies. For a new job, choose a place where everyone makes a similar amount. People feel better when they feel equal to their co-workers.
10) Find satisfaction in the job you have. Don’t expect to find one job that will make you happy—instead focus on the positive aspects of your work instead of blaming a job for your unhappiness.
11) Take initiative at work. You’ll gain professional respect, self-fulfillment and feel more in control in the workplace.
12) Keep plants in your workspace. The LA Times found that employees who decorate their office space are more satisfied with their jobs.
13) Bake cookies and bring them to work. You’ll enjoy the baking and making your co-workers happy.
HEALTH
14) Get enough sleep. Sleeping for 8 hours per night can elevate your mood and better prepare you to greet the day. As much as I don't sleep I have to admit that it can make a world of a difference when I get some sleep.
15) Take vitamin C. Keeping your immune system happy will keep you happy. But not too much as it is fat soluble and may come out in the form of ulcers if you have too much of it.
16) Laugh out loud. Laughing releases endorphins and lowers levels of stress hormones.
17) Cook with more garlic. Garlic not only adds delicious flavor to meals, it also keeps blood pressure down to keep you relaxed and healthy.
18) Get more fresh air. Fresh air is invigorating and alters the levels of serotonin in your brain—the stuff that makes you happy! And especially when there is sunshine... I know it is rare around here but it makes a world of a difference in my mood.
19) Eat more foods with tryptophan. It has an amino acid needed to make serotonin, the chemicals that make you happy. Try more bananas, dairy products and poultry.
20) Work out. Exercising can not only make you feel better about yourself, it also releases endorphins in your body to give you a natural high. If you are like me and not a huge fan of working out try DDR, lots of fun and you still get that exercise in.
21) Eat chocolate. Besides releasing endorphins and stimulating serotonin production in your brain, chocolate releases phenylethylamine, the chemical that causes feelings of love. I am not a huge fan of chocolate but that doesn't mean you can enjoy it and tell everyone I told you it was good for ya.
22) Meditate. According to the Dalai Lama as well as several medical studies, meditation not only decreases stress, but also triggers a neurological response that makes you happy. Practice being still and knowing God is God and you are not....it is a tough one but so peaceful once you finally come to except it.
23) Do yoga. Learning to control your breathing through yoga practice helps you control your responses to stress and fear.
24) Get a massage. Besides its relaxing properties, the touch involved in massage creates warmth in your body and releases the chemical oxytocin—also known as the cuddle hormone.
25) Eat chickpeas (or other beans). Chickpeas have an amino acid that makes you happy, and beans keep your sugar levels steady throughout the day.
26) Have sex. Numerous studies show that a healthy sexual intimacy with a caring partner can have tremendous physical and emotional benefits. Please save this one for marriage, it will be worth it.
27) Install more windows in your house. Getting enough exposure to the sun has been proven to be crucial to happiness and well-being.
28) Put full-spectrum lights in your home or office. If you live in a wintry climate that doesn’t get much sun, you can replicate the effect with light bulbs that mimic the sun’s rays.
29) Drink coffee. Studies in Brazil showed that people who drink coffee every day are less likely to suffer from depression. Coffee is the world’s most popular mood-enhancing drug, but remember to drink in moderation, or if coffee isn't your thing you can try Tea or Dew like me...the dew might end up killing you but it sure lightens my mood xD
30) Eat more spinach. Popeye’s favorite green is packed with folic acid, an important vitamin that boosts serotonin production.
31) Eat foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Certain kinds of fish like salmon or sardines have Omega-3, which is known to elevate mood levels—high doses are even used to treat depression.
32) Eat more colorful fruits and vegetables. They contain antioxidants which help remove toxins
from our bodies that cause stress and aging.
33) Put some strawberries in your breakfast. The smell of strawberries is known to invigorate and energize. Yummmy!!
34) Drink hot mint tea. The scent of fresh mint is energizing and the steam will perk you up.
ATTITUDE
35) Smile. It takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown. Plus it is proven that people that smile more are happier xD and Smiles are contagious....if you don't believe me just go a head and try it, I guarantee it will spread...
36) Make a grateful list. Focus on all the great things in your life to enhance feelings of joy and attract more good things. With this forget the icky things....focus on the positive there are a lot more of them then you may think.
37) Break outside your comfort zone. Being comfortable doesn’t make you happy—challenging yourself does.
38) Follow your gut. Most of the time your first instinct is not only correct, but the best choice.
39) Don’t regret your decisions. If it turns out you were wrong, don’t waste time worrying about it, instead make the next best decision and move forward. What is done is done, and can worry add anything to your life? Nothing good that's for sure.
40) Accept that you can’t be happy all the time. Focus on being content and the truly happiness will be all that much sweeter.
41) Try to see from others’ perspectives. Much of our unhappiness comes from our frustration with other people not understanding us. Try to imagine how they see the world and the frustration will ease.
42) Let the little things go. There’s no sense in wasting your energy and inhibiting your happiness by worrying about things you can’t change.
43) Make the decision to be happy. Happiness is an attitude, not a physical state.
44) Don’t take things personally. So often, anger and frustration directed at us is a result of someone else’s misplaced stress. Recognize that it’s not necessarily about you and you’ll remain calmer and happier.
45) Savor the small moments. People who take longer to enjoy small moments and then reflect on them later in the day show significant increases in happiness.
46) Avoid comparing yourself to others. It’s damaging to self-esteem—focus on your own achievements. There is always going to be someone better out there stop trying to beat them out...instead compare yourself to yourself a year ago.
47) Make meaningful goals. Harvard scientists say humans need a sense of purpose to thrive and that people with dreams and aspirations are happier than those without.
48) Embrace spirituality. Research suggests that people who participate in a religious community or explore alternate sets of beliefs are happier and better adjusted in life.
49) Have a good cry when you need it. Allowing yourself to break down completely is cathartic and you’ll feel better after you let it all out.
50) Learn to forgive yourself. Focusing on your past mistakes serves no purpose besides keeping you from moving on.
51) Maintain perspective. When life starts to feel out of control, remind yourself of the positive things in your life and how lucky you are.
52) Define what happiness means for you. Don’t worry about what other people define as happy, find what makes you happy and go for it.
RELATIONSHIPS
53) Stay close to friends and family. Moving far away from networks of support can take a toll on your level of happiness—even if you have moved in order to make more money.
54) Get a dog, preferably a puppy or two so you can give one to me... The studies showing the positive effects man’s best friend can have on your psyche are numerous: better emotional and physical health and a wagging tail.
55) Give more hugs. Hugging releases the same chemical as massage and is always free! And after all everyone loves a hug ...even if it is only secretly.
56) Make time for your friends. Personal connections are so important and making even a little time to be with people who make you smile can keep you happy.
57) Make new friends. Meeting other people is exciting and finding a new person with whom to connect can only enhance your fulfillment.
58) Write thank-you notes. Expressing gratitude makes you and the recipient happy.
59) Call your mom. Or your dad, or your grandma or anyone you haven’t talked to in a while and surprise them with a chat. If it doesn't make you happy I am sure it will make there day.
60) Get a cat. If you’re not a dog person, cats make wonderful, loving, stress-reducing housemates and bed-warmers. And if you are not a cat person you can always take out your anger on the cat...that ought to cheer ya up.
61) Cuddle up with someone you love. Enjoy time with your kids or your partner for instant happiness.
62) Babysit for a friend. Being around children’s infectious optimism is sure to boost your mood.
63) Hold a baby. They’re cute and cuddly and without a care in the world—you’ll feel instantly uplifted.
ACTIVITIES
64) De-clutter. A clean home is a clean mind, and you’ll feel better in an orderly environment.
65) Donate to charity. Giving to those less fortunate than you will make you appreciate what you have.
66) Rent a comedy. Take an hour and a half out of your day for pure laughing entertainment and you’ll feel instantly boosted.
67) Watch kittehroulette.com. If watching nonstop videos of playful kittens doesn’t lift your spirits, nothing will.
68) Take a nap. A quick power nap, especially on a sunny afternoon, is luxurious and will help you make it through the day.
69) Change one thing in your daily routine. You’ll stave off boredom and might discover something new that delights you.
70) Take a walk. Taking a quick walk, even just around the block can clear your mind and raise your mood.
71) Surround yourself with smells that make you happy. Smell is a much overlooked sense that greatly affects our mood—try a coconut shampoo that reminds you of a vacation or bake cookies that remind you of childhood.
72) Listen to upbeat music. Even just a few minutes of a hip-shaking tune gets your blood flowing and makes you feel more positive.
73) Set your alarm early on a day you know you get to sleep in. When you wake up you’ll get the pleasure of realizing that you don’t have to get out of bed—then rolling over for some more satisfying zzz’s.
74) Paint a room in your house yellow. Looking at the color yellow has been proven to improve moods.
75) Make a home cooked-meal. You’ll get not only tasty food, but the pride of having made it yourself.
76) Dress up for no reason. Putting on clothes that make you feel good increases your self-esteem and your mood.
77) Add some soft blue to your bedroom. Light blue has been shown to be the most calming color and can set the mood for a restful night’s sleep—essential to a positive attitude.
78) Do something you loved as a kid. Riding a roller-coaster or going sledding can help you connect to your inner child and remember simple thrills.
79) Wear red. Red can make us feel confident, powerful and strong.
80) Splash on some perfume/aftershave. Studies show that floral scents can make you happier.
81) Volunteer your time. Selfless acts and helping others is a fast route to genuine contentment.
82) Decorate your home for the holidays. Preparing for holiday celebrations is always fun and a great excuse to invite friends and family over.
83) Take time for yourself. Go to a movie, or a museum or a walk around town by yourself to re-connect.
84) Perform random acts of kindness. Hold open a door for a stranger or leave some money in the vending machine, for no other reason than doing something nice for your fellow man.
85) Send snail-mail. Rediscover the pleasure of old-fashioned communication.
86) Make time to curl up with a good book. It can be either a thought-provoking tome or a guilty pleasure.
87) Invest in fancy bedding. Be cozy and happy drifting to sleep and wake up to a happy morning.
88) Go bowling or mini golfing with friends.
89) Dance. Alone or at a club, dancing is fun and stress-releasing.
90) Pay off your credit card debt. Debt can be a major source of stress and you’ll feel great when you eliminate it from your life.
91) Clean the house. Even if you don’t like cleaning, a clean home can drastically improve your attitude.
92) Volunteer at a local animal shelter. You’ll get the pleasure of knowing you’re lending your time and brightening the day of some furry friends.
93) Find a hobby. Painting, singing, tai chi—it doesn’t matter as long as you have an outlet to express yourself.
94) Turn off your phone for a day. Let people know in advance that you are taking a personal day and can only be reached in case of emergency. Savor the silence.
95) Sing in the shower. It doesn’t matter what you sing, just make sure you belt it as loud as possible.
96) Stash some money in a secret place so you can discover it later. Pick a spot you’re likely to forget so you get a thrill weeks or months later when you stumble on it.
97) Enjoy a guilty pleasure TV show. Make some popcorn and banish the guilt—we all need a cheesy escape sometimes.
98) Go for a walk or jog in the rain. The high produced by exercise will be heightened by the cool rain on your face.
99) Enjoy a cold beer or chilled wine on a hot day. Need I say more?
100) Go to hear live music. Hearing music live puts you in the moment in a way an iPod can’t.
Shamrock Update 2011
Well now that the shakes are getting mighty scares round here I guess I gotta do my final count for the 2011 season.... Wait for it Wait for it.... I had a grand total of 62 SHAKES (That is 4 smalls, 6 larges, and 52 mediums, I am a medium kinda gal what can I say)!!!!!! That is 24 more than last season xD. Deff one for the record books!! My highlight was most deff shakes number 50 and 51. As both ended up being free, 50th because I told them of my accomplishment and then 51st because they put a cherry in the 50th and I asked for no cherry!!! =) Was a super awesome night. I will have to check to see how much weight I have put on in these last 3 months....super long season this year too thanks to them ordering so much ....love love loved that too!!!!! Till next year ....
Monday, May 23
Blessings- Laura Story
So a few months ago I absolutely fell in love with Laura Story's song "Blessings" The message it carries is just so awesome and still gets me every time I hear it. I hope you are blessed by it as I was.
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise
Sunday, May 22
Bridesmaids in Review
Bridesmaids (2011) ---- 8/10 Stars R
So I would have to say this is a must see, for all the ladies out there anyways, definitely a chick flick but a really funny one. The first scene was in my opinion completely uncalled for and raunchy as well as the ending scene in the credits, I personally did not care to see any of that and any one going to see this, I highly recommend coming 10 minutes late and being sure to leave before the credits come. You will miss nothing other than raunchiness and I feel your experience will be all the better for it. Nevertheless, other than those scenes and some other uncalled for raunchiness in a few instances I really loved this movie. I absolutely loved the whole bathroom scene, but then again that is right up my since of humor. It is defiantly a movie to get you laughing. I have to say my favorite character of the movie was Melissa McCarthy, who played Megan, the groom’s sister who was forced into the bridal party. Her witty temperament almost stole the show from Wiig, as pretty much everything she said or did was grounds for amusement.
This is by no means a Shutter Island, an engaging, must-see-twice film. You get the point fairly easily in this one. However, if you’re a fan of movies like Bride Wars or No Strings Attached, this is definitely one to see. Call it a Judd Apatow-for-chicks comedy or his laugh factory's finest effort since 2007's "Knocked Up" or a girl version of the Hangover, either way as a woman, I liked it much better than those. I would say if you are a women and you need a laugh or a fun night out with the girlies this is a must see, you could also be like the group of 50+ year olds that sat in front of my mother and I who brought their own liquor to pass around. There were several amazing quotes in this movie to list a few…
Megan: [belches loudly] "I'm sorry. I won't apologize. I'm not confident which end that came out of."
Megan: "I'm glad he's single, 'cause I'm gonna climb that like a tree."
Annie: "I'm gonna leave this [curtain] open! Cause... It's called civil *rights*. This is the '90s!"
Annie's roommate: At first I did not know it was your diary... I thought it was a very sad handwritten book.
Lillian: You remember my cousin Rita. Rita just bought a new house. It is gorgeous.
Rita: I wouldn't know, I only see the kitchen and the laundry room, and the ceiling in my bedroom.
Rita: [after pause] Sometimes the floor.
Annie: You are going along with your life and you look around and you notice like Ohh. I am in my 30's, I am 40,000 dollar in debt. I live with a weirdo.
Lillian: You have a super creepy roommate.
The End of the World....
6pm Saturday May 21st, 2011, has now come and gone and guess what, Harold Camping was wrong yet again. To all those out there that may have fallen for his lies and predictions I what to urge you to seek out the truth and not be so easily swayed by people especially some one with a track record like Camping. He obviously has no authority on predicted such things and should not be taken seriously.
Please do not allow people such as Camping and other corrupt "Christians" sway your opinions and trust in God and his word. These individuals are not representing Christ and are not speaking truth and I would hate to see you forming skepticism of Christianity because of these individuals. They are confused and not following or reading what is really in Scripture. Those false billboards and messages plastering that "the Bible Guaranteeing it" are straight up lies. The Bible actually says,
Matthew 24:44 I plead with you do not let the lies of these people tell you other wise for they are lies. What now for you disillusioned followers of this most recent end times cult? By God’s grace wake up! (Revelation 3:2). Now is the time to face the truth: Your trust should have been in what Christ has said in His Word, not in what Camping was foisting upon the words of the Bible.
Let us not forget that God's word and his promises are flawless unlike that of Camping and as Proverbs 30: 5-6 reads
Yes Camping his followers and the like have been deceived and been wrong as they have caused others to be deceived and lead a stray but let us not be so quick to judge and condemn them. Condemn there sin yes, but not them for we too are deceived in many ways and it is God alone that has the authority to judge on such matters. May we instead pray for the healing of those who have been devastated and shaken, and let us not be. Do not be so quick to elevate yourself above such people but let us use this situation to further humble ourselves and rely on God's truth not the truth dictated to us by society or even other Christians. Let us pray for Mr. Camping, that he would confess his sin and arrogance and resign from the radio, resign from “public” life. I say this in adherence to the words of Paul, who told Timothy, “command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies” (1 Timothy 1:3-4).
Lastly, when all is said and done, Christ will return, the Day of Judgment will one day arrive, and when that happens, there will be no escaping.
Just Because Camping's prediction has come and gone does not now mean we are safe from any future non-since, in fact I fell that this is going to become rapidly more and more common as more and more false prophesies come about, and our eagerness to leave may make us more susceptible to falling for such non-sense. For this reason we must now more than ever stay true in reading God's word and trusting in him completely so we may see the absurdity of such teaching when it is taught to us.
And as for the whole end of the world, in December, 2012, that too is false, so please don't fall for such things. Here’s the deal, my friends. Live life every day as if it were your last day. That doesn’t mean spend the mortgage money on that new Jaguar convertible so you can tool around town repo man comes and collects on the unpaid car loan. That sets up the scenario where Mr. Wells Fargo will knock on your door and politely tell you that the house you love is his, and he wants it back. No what this means is do not leave what ought to be done today till tomorrow. It means make sure that if Jesus did come back tomorrow that you would have everything done that you wanted to do done before then. It means sharing Christ's love to one another rather than holding grudges and hating each other. It means being quite to forgive and slow to anger. Learn to get along. It’s true – everything you DO need to know about life, you probably did learn in kindergarten.
Maybe the Apocalypse predictors should take a lesson from kindergarten. Now, more than ever, we need to learn to stick together. All of us. If it is the end of the world, we’ll be way less frightened if we’re holding hands and facing it together. And if it’s not, we’ll all be a whole lot happier. Now let us stop trying to calculate when and set a date but let us get ready for there is so much to do and so many relationships to build and repair why are we all wasting our time debating when its going to happen when we are not even ready for it. Go for we have been blessed to be a blessing and let us start acting like it is really the End of the World let us actually think about all the things we would wish we had done and let us do them today!
“Those prophets are prophesying lies while claiming my authority! I did not send them. I did not commission them. I did not speak to them. They are prophesying to these people false visions, worthless predictions, and the delusions of their own mind” (Jeremiah 14:14, NET)
Please do not allow people such as Camping and other corrupt "Christians" sway your opinions and trust in God and his word. These individuals are not representing Christ and are not speaking truth and I would hate to see you forming skepticism of Christianity because of these individuals. They are confused and not following or reading what is really in Scripture. Those false billboards and messages plastering that "the Bible Guaranteeing it" are straight up lies. The Bible actually says,
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Fatherin Matthew 24:36 and
....The Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect himin
Matthew 24:44 I plead with you do not let the lies of these people tell you other wise for they are lies. What now for you disillusioned followers of this most recent end times cult? By God’s grace wake up! (Revelation 3:2). Now is the time to face the truth: Your trust should have been in what Christ has said in His Word, not in what Camping was foisting upon the words of the Bible.
Let us not forget that God's word and his promises are flawless unlike that of Camping and as Proverbs 30: 5-6 reads
Do not add to his words or he will rebuke you as a liarCamping obviously missed this verse as well as
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book(Revelation 22:18), admits his faulty calculations as he has now been exposed as the liar he is, just as he was in 1994. Harold Camping’s predictions have been the delusions of his own mind, stories he has made up. They have been the ramblings of a foolish old man. Christ said that many would come “to deceive the elect—if that were possible” (Mark 13:22). False teachers, false brothers, and false philosophies will come to deceive us, but it appears the deceptions will not stick, for they lack truth like the truth that is in the word of God, which with stands from generation to generation. And God will not allow truth to be mixed with falsehood forever. He will shake things. He will shake us to the core, if the core is true and the core is Christ!
Yes Camping his followers and the like have been deceived and been wrong as they have caused others to be deceived and lead a stray but let us not be so quick to judge and condemn them. Condemn there sin yes, but not them for we too are deceived in many ways and it is God alone that has the authority to judge on such matters. May we instead pray for the healing of those who have been devastated and shaken, and let us not be. Do not be so quick to elevate yourself above such people but let us use this situation to further humble ourselves and rely on God's truth not the truth dictated to us by society or even other Christians. Let us pray for Mr. Camping, that he would confess his sin and arrogance and resign from the radio, resign from “public” life. I say this in adherence to the words of Paul, who told Timothy, “command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies” (1 Timothy 1:3-4).
Lastly, when all is said and done, Christ will return, the Day of Judgment will one day arrive, and when that happens, there will be no escaping.
In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, 'Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.' But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men2Peter 3:3-7
Just Because Camping's prediction has come and gone does not now mean we are safe from any future non-since, in fact I fell that this is going to become rapidly more and more common as more and more false prophesies come about, and our eagerness to leave may make us more susceptible to falling for such non-sense. For this reason we must now more than ever stay true in reading God's word and trusting in him completely so we may see the absurdity of such teaching when it is taught to us.
And as for the whole end of the world, in December, 2012, that too is false, so please don't fall for such things. Here’s the deal, my friends. Live life every day as if it were your last day. That doesn’t mean spend the mortgage money on that new Jaguar convertible so you can tool around town repo man comes and collects on the unpaid car loan. That sets up the scenario where Mr. Wells Fargo will knock on your door and politely tell you that the house you love is his, and he wants it back. No what this means is do not leave what ought to be done today till tomorrow. It means make sure that if Jesus did come back tomorrow that you would have everything done that you wanted to do done before then. It means sharing Christ's love to one another rather than holding grudges and hating each other. It means being quite to forgive and slow to anger. Learn to get along. It’s true – everything you DO need to know about life, you probably did learn in kindergarten.
Maybe the Apocalypse predictors should take a lesson from kindergarten. Now, more than ever, we need to learn to stick together. All of us. If it is the end of the world, we’ll be way less frightened if we’re holding hands and facing it together. And if it’s not, we’ll all be a whole lot happier. Now let us stop trying to calculate when and set a date but let us get ready for there is so much to do and so many relationships to build and repair why are we all wasting our time debating when its going to happen when we are not even ready for it. Go for we have been blessed to be a blessing and let us start acting like it is really the End of the World let us actually think about all the things we would wish we had done and let us do them today!
Saturday, May 21
Open Season 2
Open Season 2 (2008)---- 7/10 Stars PG
Okay so I am not usually a huge fan of sequels, and I can't even say I was a huge fan of the first Open Season. Perhaps I was just overly tired when I watched this, but I was presently surprised by it. Then again I do have a little kid since of humor, and love animated movies for the most part. There were a lot of one liners in this movie that made me love it. In its own right it is a very fun movie with some hilarious moments, mainly involving the white furball poodle type dog with the most amazing voice actor for the character. Fifi alone could keep me entertained for a few hours. The animation is OK, there are points where it is great, and others where it looks more like something I would do. The story is simple but effective. It tells the story of a daschund called Mr Weeny who was with the "gang" after escaping from his owners, which are an over loving woman and a guy that wasn't concentrated on very much. Basically Mr Weeny gets found by her again, and Elliott sees her pick Mr Weeny up and he thinks she is hurting him, and the movie starts on their journey to find Mr Weeny. There are other sub stories as well, but I don't want to spoil the movie, because although it isn't brilliant, it is still good enough to stick on for a few laughs, and is worth seeing. And just for kicks here are a few of my favorite lines….although there are many more...
Roberto: How long do you think it'll be till we stop? 'Cause I gotta poop. Seriously, I gotta poop really bad.
Fifi: I said that it was going to be a long ride, but you never listen. Just like when I told you not to eat that leftover burrito grande.
Roberto: Come on, Fifi. I think a bald spot makes you look more sophisticated. Singe is the new pompadour.
Elliot: Weenie,... When did you get here?
Mr. Weenie: Don't you see. Boog, McSquizzy, Giselle. They'll all be torn to pieces.
Elliot: Torn to "pizzas"?
Mr. Weenie: Pieces, you strudelkopf.
Fifi: I have had it! No more! The wild animals have pushed me too far! The next Wild I see crawl out of that forest, if they don't have their papers, they are getting a full-Fifi-smackdown! This... Is... War!
Elliot: [when Boog asks where are the toilets in the forest] Don't look now, but I see a little bush with your name written all over it.
Boog: A bush? Are you serious?
Elliot: Go on. Its just like riding a bicycle, only... you're crapping on it.
Elliot: Show us your GRRR face, nature boy!
Friday, May 20
100 Ways to Simplify Your Life!
You see, when we’re born we see the world in an uncomplicated way. We know what we need, and we ask for it. We like nice people, and we don’t like mean people. We sleep when we’re tired, we eat when we’re hungry, and we stop eating when we’re full. As we grow older, we eat and drink to console ourselves, rather than addressing what’s bothering us. We overwork to avoid close relationships, rather than finding people we can trust to form strong bonds with. We hold grudges, play games, spend more than we make, want things we don’t need, and we get too far away from our basic human needs. In other words, we complicate things.
Here are 100 ways to uncomplicate it... And yes this is a list I have yet to master myself, someday, perhaps.
1. Don’t try to read other people’s minds
2. Get up 30 minutes earlier so that you don’t rush/get a ticket while driving too fast/have to explain why you’re late/get fired
3. Get 8 hours of sleep per night so that you think more clearly
4. Stick to your budget
5. Start saving and investing every week, no matter how little you can spare
6. Balance your checkbook
7. Don’t try to be friends with everyone. Cultivate closer relationships with fewer people.
8. Don’t try to do business with everyone. Identify your target client and take very good care of them.
9. Before getting angry, ask yourself if it will really matter in 20 years
10. Focus on being a good person, not on pleasing others
11. Stay home this Saturday, and finish off that nagging chore that you need to finish
12. Kiss and make up
13. Make a weekly menu, and shop for only those items at the market
14. Ask your grandparents the best way to uncomplicate life, and try it for a month, there really is a lot of wisdom in years
15. Fill up your gas tank when it’s half full
16. Don’t drink alcohol when you’re tired, sad or mad
17. Pay your bills on time
18. Get an annual physical examination
19. Say “I love you” to your significant other and to your children. Studies show that more marriages last, and fewer kids use drugs, when these words are spoken every day.
20. For just one day, imagine everyone’s intentions are good because most people’s are
21. Give away clothes that haven’t been worn in two years
22. Throw out clothes that are in disrepair, and can’t be mended
23. When you have a conflict with someone, talk it out. Don’t let it turn into more than it is.
24. Know what your priorities are in life, and act as if they are your priorities
25. Tell the truth
26. Don’t cheat
27. Don’t steal
28. If you’re holding on to a ridiculous grudge, let it go
29. Clean your house weekly, so that it doesn’t become too large a chore
30. Do your best at work, or at school
31. Don’t eat when you aren’t hungry
32. Eat when you are hungry
33. Be yourself
34. Say no unapologetically
35. Cook simple meals
36. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses
37. Pay off your car before buying a new one
38. Organise your desk at the office
39. Change your smoke alarm batteries when the clocks spring forward, and again when they fall back
40. Organise your important paperwork
41. Take only half the clothes that you planned to take with you on holiday
42. Help your children with their homework every night, and have an open dialogue with their teachers
43. Have white sheets and white towels in children’s rooms/bathrooms, because they’re easily bleached
44. Spend your time with nice people
45. Avoid drama
46. Don’t text or talk on the phone while driving
47. Turn off the television/video games/computer; they’re time consumers
48. Don’t engage in office politics
49. Refuse to gossip, or talk behind other people’s backs
50. Do the dishes right after dinner
51. Never go to sleep angry
52. Ask nicely for what you need and want
53. Walk 10,000 steps per day to help your heart
54. Do 20 push-ups before speaking in anger
55. Leave work at work
56. Don’t befriend anyone that isn’t trustworthy
57. Don’t envy others
58. Have your oil changed
59. Take vitamin C BEFORE you catch a cold
60. Don’t work more than 8 hours per day
61. Weed your garden weekly
62. Wash your car weekly
63. Have a spring cleaning month every year, and do one room at a time
64. You don’t need to be best friends with work colleagues, but build respectful partnerships
65. Don’t drink and drive
66. Don’t look for reasons to be angry or sad, look for reasons to be happy. You’ll always be able to find plenty of each.
67. Be friendly with your neighbours
68. Return emails and phone messages promptly
69. Schedule in free time
70. Don’t procrastinate
71. Do what you say you’ll do, when you say you’ll do it
72. Be more flexible when you’re able to be
73. Forgive and forget. End of story.
74. Break the consumerism habit…put a three month moratorium in place on buying anything not deemed a necessity
75. Start your diet on September 1, rather than January 1, so that you won’t also have holiday pounds to lose
76. Take care of any health issues or concerns
77. Have your tires rotated
78. Have your brakes checked
79. Have your eyes checked
80. Don’t let your imagination run away with you
81. Let go of perfection in others
82. Let go of perfection in yourself
83. Don’t try to help those that refuse to help themselves
84. Find a way to reduce your commute to work
85. Have an alloted amount of worry time per day/week, that you strictly abide by
86. Drink more water
87. Eat more salmon
88. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill
89. Wear your hair in a classic, easy to care for style
90. Finish what you start
91. Wear classic clothes and shoes that never go out of style
92. Create a daily routine
93. Have a 1, 5, 10 and 20 year plan for your financial and life goals
94. Slow down
95. Eat out less often
96. When you ask your husband which outfit looks best, thank him for his answer and wear the one he liked rather than focusing on why he didn’t like the other one
97. Allow your children to grow up
98. Clean out your garage, and donate anything that hasn’t been used in the past year
99. Stretch every day
100. If a relationship is over, let it go
Here are 100 ways to uncomplicate it... And yes this is a list I have yet to master myself, someday, perhaps.
1. Don’t try to read other people’s minds
2. Get up 30 minutes earlier so that you don’t rush/get a ticket while driving too fast/have to explain why you’re late/get fired
3. Get 8 hours of sleep per night so that you think more clearly
4. Stick to your budget
5. Start saving and investing every week, no matter how little you can spare
6. Balance your checkbook
7. Don’t try to be friends with everyone. Cultivate closer relationships with fewer people.
8. Don’t try to do business with everyone. Identify your target client and take very good care of them.
9. Before getting angry, ask yourself if it will really matter in 20 years
10. Focus on being a good person, not on pleasing others
11. Stay home this Saturday, and finish off that nagging chore that you need to finish
12. Kiss and make up
13. Make a weekly menu, and shop for only those items at the market
14. Ask your grandparents the best way to uncomplicate life, and try it for a month, there really is a lot of wisdom in years
15. Fill up your gas tank when it’s half full
16. Don’t drink alcohol when you’re tired, sad or mad
17. Pay your bills on time
18. Get an annual physical examination
19. Say “I love you” to your significant other and to your children. Studies show that more marriages last, and fewer kids use drugs, when these words are spoken every day.
20. For just one day, imagine everyone’s intentions are good because most people’s are
21. Give away clothes that haven’t been worn in two years
22. Throw out clothes that are in disrepair, and can’t be mended
23. When you have a conflict with someone, talk it out. Don’t let it turn into more than it is.
24. Know what your priorities are in life, and act as if they are your priorities
25. Tell the truth
26. Don’t cheat
27. Don’t steal
28. If you’re holding on to a ridiculous grudge, let it go
29. Clean your house weekly, so that it doesn’t become too large a chore
30. Do your best at work, or at school
31. Don’t eat when you aren’t hungry
32. Eat when you are hungry
33. Be yourself
34. Say no unapologetically
35. Cook simple meals
36. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses
37. Pay off your car before buying a new one
38. Organise your desk at the office
39. Change your smoke alarm batteries when the clocks spring forward, and again when they fall back
40. Organise your important paperwork
41. Take only half the clothes that you planned to take with you on holiday
42. Help your children with their homework every night, and have an open dialogue with their teachers
43. Have white sheets and white towels in children’s rooms/bathrooms, because they’re easily bleached
44. Spend your time with nice people
45. Avoid drama
46. Don’t text or talk on the phone while driving
47. Turn off the television/video games/computer; they’re time consumers
48. Don’t engage in office politics
49. Refuse to gossip, or talk behind other people’s backs
50. Do the dishes right after dinner
51. Never go to sleep angry
52. Ask nicely for what you need and want
53. Walk 10,000 steps per day to help your heart
54. Do 20 push-ups before speaking in anger
55. Leave work at work
56. Don’t befriend anyone that isn’t trustworthy
57. Don’t envy others
58. Have your oil changed
59. Take vitamin C BEFORE you catch a cold
60. Don’t work more than 8 hours per day
61. Weed your garden weekly
62. Wash your car weekly
63. Have a spring cleaning month every year, and do one room at a time
64. You don’t need to be best friends with work colleagues, but build respectful partnerships
65. Don’t drink and drive
66. Don’t look for reasons to be angry or sad, look for reasons to be happy. You’ll always be able to find plenty of each.
67. Be friendly with your neighbours
68. Return emails and phone messages promptly
69. Schedule in free time
70. Don’t procrastinate
71. Do what you say you’ll do, when you say you’ll do it
72. Be more flexible when you’re able to be
73. Forgive and forget. End of story.
74. Break the consumerism habit…put a three month moratorium in place on buying anything not deemed a necessity
75. Start your diet on September 1, rather than January 1, so that you won’t also have holiday pounds to lose
76. Take care of any health issues or concerns
77. Have your tires rotated
78. Have your brakes checked
79. Have your eyes checked
80. Don’t let your imagination run away with you
81. Let go of perfection in others
82. Let go of perfection in yourself
83. Don’t try to help those that refuse to help themselves
84. Find a way to reduce your commute to work
85. Have an alloted amount of worry time per day/week, that you strictly abide by
86. Drink more water
87. Eat more salmon
88. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill
89. Wear your hair in a classic, easy to care for style
90. Finish what you start
91. Wear classic clothes and shoes that never go out of style
92. Create a daily routine
93. Have a 1, 5, 10 and 20 year plan for your financial and life goals
94. Slow down
95. Eat out less often
96. When you ask your husband which outfit looks best, thank him for his answer and wear the one he liked rather than focusing on why he didn’t like the other one
97. Allow your children to grow up
98. Clean out your garage, and donate anything that hasn’t been used in the past year
99. Stretch every day
100. If a relationship is over, let it go
Sunday, May 8
May 2011
So I just came to the realization that it has been forever, quite possibly literally forever since I just gave a random update on my life, so I figured you are due for a fill-in. However since it has been so long I really donno where to start. Hmmmm.....
Well One year ago today as a matter of fact I graduated from Houghton College, with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a B.A. degree in Psychology. It was touch and go for a while there and I had to stay after the ceremony to finish some papers, to anyone out there that is about to graduate or will in the near future avoid doing that at all cost it was miserable. Yeah they give you a week, well a few days between end of finals and graduation where you really have nothing. Except those are you last few days with everyone and they are all off having fun while you are working the trillion shifts you agreed to and trying to finish writing all those papers you put off till the last second. Take my word for it, don't do it! Have fun instead. One year out and that is whay I regret the most from my college experience that I did not take nearly as much time as I wish I could have to simply enjoy myself in the company of some awesome people. I mean I still loved college and wouldn't trade my time there for anything but I really wish I could go back take a few less courses get a few more B's instead of A's drop some shifts and just sit and under the stars and laugh with my friends. Okay enough of that.
Following graduation I panicked for a few weeks not having a clue what I wanted to do and who was going to hire me, applied a trillion and one places and ended up working at Agro Farma in New Berlin, NY. It was a hall, but I really didn't mind for a long time I loved taking the time to try new routes and loved having something to do with my time and get away from my house. I basically ended up staying with my friends the Whites virtually the whole summer as it was somewhat closer to work and I loved being with them. I got a lot of free Chobani Yogurt while I was there and have to admit that it is still the only yogurt I can eat. I loved working there with everyone as it was really fast paced, always busy, and there were just some really funny characters to work with :). I also got to work all kinds of crazy shifts, which I found fun, and even had some fun with fire hoses ;) I also got a lot of hands on experience in my field none the less!
Unfortunately the driving took a toll on me as I first flipped my Honda several times down an embankment one afternoon on my way home. I was helicoptered to Cooperstown although I was so heavily drugged that I didn't really get to enjoy much of it at all :(. A few weeks latter I was driving my dad's van home while they were in Mexico and totaled that going to fast on gravel and ran into a ditch. Then in September I ran into a Semi at work while pulling out of the parking lot. In between there I also got a lot of speeding and other traffic tickets and was in deep jeopardy of losing my license. I could add a bunch of other stuff in there but I don't want to go that personal, plus then I would have to write a whole book on here and IDK if I could finish any time soon. Lol. So I figured I needed to move close to work or find something really close to my parents house so I could avoid the whole driving thing and prepare for my license suspension. Before losing it I went on a mini vacation to Ocean City with Brandon and my family and right when we go there my Alternator went Ka-put. I wanted to take it as a sign that I was supposed to stay there forever and not come back. Unfortunately the Hotel wasn't all that agreeable with the idea. Praise God I brought a mechanic though as he fixed it all up and we got home as scheduled. As I was starting this whole process I got a random job offer from Binghamton University as a laboratory technician in there Neuroscience department. I jumped at the offer and absolutely loved every moment of it as it was a perfect combination of my interest in psychology and biology and I got to do all kinds of awesome things like play with rats, preform brain surgeries, perfusion, ELISA's and a whole mess of other nerdy things like HPLC, Microdyalysis, Immuno Assays, Stereology, Brain slicing, staining and mounting, and more! It was an awesome job and loved it plus it was way closer to home.
Shortly after I started at BU around thanksgiving time I started working nights as a Home Care Provider for an elderly couple with Alzheimer's/ dementia Alfredo and Mimi. I have fallen in love with them and they have with me, it is a pretty awesome job as most of the time I am just getting paid to sleep or watch movies or play on facebook. Although some nights Mimi or Alfredo with make up for all that by having a kick boxing party and throwing my across the room or screaming bloody murder like I am trying to kill them. But all in all it is a lot of fun and they are really sweet. In mid-December my Suby, Freddy decided to die on me while I was driving home on a twisty turning road. The cops stopped I could even get my phone out to call for help...lol I swear they follow me around every where. But my car was shot... I still don't know what was wrong with it exactly just that it would not run, and I was sick of him so thanks to the Whites for loaning me a car I was able to get a new car in less that a week....craziness as it took me months to find the Suby in the first place...but I bought a 2006 Chevy Cobolt (Coby). He is a stick which I thought I would hate but actually makes makes me drive so much better, go figure. I love him!!!! So glad I got him.
The day I got him was Ironically my grandparents 50th Wedding Anniversary!!! And since my grandma was persistent on not having a big party my uncle from VA, aunt from ND and cousin from DE all came out and surprised them at a little Italian place and we all had a blast and they totally loved it! We had time after enjoying all the memories and pictures and made up games and gifts. I am so proud of them and love them more every day. Both of them have turned 70 in the last year as well my grandpa in November and grandma in February. It is weird Because I used to think 70 was so old, but now I donno and I hope they make it to 100. I turned 23 last month, ironically the age I have long since deemed OLD. So I guess I am officially old I ended up celebrating with friends by going bowling, playing apples to apples then laughing hysterically and acting like 3 year olds it was a BLAST! Actually even despite working every day pretty much all day and night I have had a lot of fun and gotten to meet and hang out with a lot of awesome people, from church, my small group, old friends in the area and various other friends. I also got to visit Jenn in DC which was a blast....and am soon going for our yearly reunion in MD, ocean city....lol hopefully Coby does a lot better for me then my Suby did. Oh and with that car thing I didn't lose my license yet anyways, although I got a ticket on April fools that I have to try and get reduced next month. I haven't had any more wrecks, and have instead switched to locking my keys in the car all the time...I have AAA on speed dial and love them to death for saving me, but I will take that over crashes any day.
As of last week, my job at BU ended due to the ending of funding so I currently have a lot more time on my hands although I still work at nights with Mimi and Alfredo. I still keep really busy as you can expect if you know me I have cropped down over 50 trees and cleared out the forest we have for a yard as well as my neighbors yard. I have also been doing a lot of job hunting and research into possible relocation....hopefully Colorado, but we shall see what happens... I feel like I have applied a trillion places and I feel that I am doing it so much I don't even care anymore and I just apply without really thinking so I am not sure that is helping me at all. At the same time I am giving it all to God and I know he will make ti clear what be doing next and where I should be, I have a lot of peace about that right now and am very glad for that.
Lets see, I think that mostly sums it up. Thanks for keeping tune. Hopefully I will be better at keeping you all up to date from here on out.
Well One year ago today as a matter of fact I graduated from Houghton College, with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a B.A. degree in Psychology. It was touch and go for a while there and I had to stay after the ceremony to finish some papers, to anyone out there that is about to graduate or will in the near future avoid doing that at all cost it was miserable. Yeah they give you a week, well a few days between end of finals and graduation where you really have nothing. Except those are you last few days with everyone and they are all off having fun while you are working the trillion shifts you agreed to and trying to finish writing all those papers you put off till the last second. Take my word for it, don't do it! Have fun instead. One year out and that is whay I regret the most from my college experience that I did not take nearly as much time as I wish I could have to simply enjoy myself in the company of some awesome people. I mean I still loved college and wouldn't trade my time there for anything but I really wish I could go back take a few less courses get a few more B's instead of A's drop some shifts and just sit and under the stars and laugh with my friends. Okay enough of that.
Following graduation I panicked for a few weeks not having a clue what I wanted to do and who was going to hire me, applied a trillion and one places and ended up working at Agro Farma in New Berlin, NY. It was a hall, but I really didn't mind for a long time I loved taking the time to try new routes and loved having something to do with my time and get away from my house. I basically ended up staying with my friends the Whites virtually the whole summer as it was somewhat closer to work and I loved being with them. I got a lot of free Chobani Yogurt while I was there and have to admit that it is still the only yogurt I can eat. I loved working there with everyone as it was really fast paced, always busy, and there were just some really funny characters to work with :). I also got to work all kinds of crazy shifts, which I found fun, and even had some fun with fire hoses ;) I also got a lot of hands on experience in my field none the less!
Unfortunately the driving took a toll on me as I first flipped my Honda several times down an embankment one afternoon on my way home. I was helicoptered to Cooperstown although I was so heavily drugged that I didn't really get to enjoy much of it at all :(. A few weeks latter I was driving my dad's van home while they were in Mexico and totaled that going to fast on gravel and ran into a ditch. Then in September I ran into a Semi at work while pulling out of the parking lot. In between there I also got a lot of speeding and other traffic tickets and was in deep jeopardy of losing my license. I could add a bunch of other stuff in there but I don't want to go that personal, plus then I would have to write a whole book on here and IDK if I could finish any time soon. Lol. So I figured I needed to move close to work or find something really close to my parents house so I could avoid the whole driving thing and prepare for my license suspension. Before losing it I went on a mini vacation to Ocean City with Brandon and my family and right when we go there my Alternator went Ka-put. I wanted to take it as a sign that I was supposed to stay there forever and not come back. Unfortunately the Hotel wasn't all that agreeable with the idea. Praise God I brought a mechanic though as he fixed it all up and we got home as scheduled. As I was starting this whole process I got a random job offer from Binghamton University as a laboratory technician in there Neuroscience department. I jumped at the offer and absolutely loved every moment of it as it was a perfect combination of my interest in psychology and biology and I got to do all kinds of awesome things like play with rats, preform brain surgeries, perfusion, ELISA's and a whole mess of other nerdy things like HPLC, Microdyalysis, Immuno Assays, Stereology, Brain slicing, staining and mounting, and more! It was an awesome job and loved it plus it was way closer to home.
Shortly after I started at BU around thanksgiving time I started working nights as a Home Care Provider for an elderly couple with Alzheimer's/ dementia Alfredo and Mimi. I have fallen in love with them and they have with me, it is a pretty awesome job as most of the time I am just getting paid to sleep or watch movies or play on facebook. Although some nights Mimi or Alfredo with make up for all that by having a kick boxing party and throwing my across the room or screaming bloody murder like I am trying to kill them. But all in all it is a lot of fun and they are really sweet. In mid-December my Suby, Freddy decided to die on me while I was driving home on a twisty turning road. The cops stopped I could even get my phone out to call for help...lol I swear they follow me around every where. But my car was shot... I still don't know what was wrong with it exactly just that it would not run, and I was sick of him so thanks to the Whites for loaning me a car I was able to get a new car in less that a week....craziness as it took me months to find the Suby in the first place...but I bought a 2006 Chevy Cobolt (Coby). He is a stick which I thought I would hate but actually makes makes me drive so much better, go figure. I love him!!!! So glad I got him.
The day I got him was Ironically my grandparents 50th Wedding Anniversary!!! And since my grandma was persistent on not having a big party my uncle from VA, aunt from ND and cousin from DE all came out and surprised them at a little Italian place and we all had a blast and they totally loved it! We had time after enjoying all the memories and pictures and made up games and gifts. I am so proud of them and love them more every day. Both of them have turned 70 in the last year as well my grandpa in November and grandma in February. It is weird Because I used to think 70 was so old, but now I donno and I hope they make it to 100. I turned 23 last month, ironically the age I have long since deemed OLD. So I guess I am officially old I ended up celebrating with friends by going bowling, playing apples to apples then laughing hysterically and acting like 3 year olds it was a BLAST! Actually even despite working every day pretty much all day and night I have had a lot of fun and gotten to meet and hang out with a lot of awesome people, from church, my small group, old friends in the area and various other friends. I also got to visit Jenn in DC which was a blast....and am soon going for our yearly reunion in MD, ocean city....lol hopefully Coby does a lot better for me then my Suby did. Oh and with that car thing I didn't lose my license yet anyways, although I got a ticket on April fools that I have to try and get reduced next month. I haven't had any more wrecks, and have instead switched to locking my keys in the car all the time...I have AAA on speed dial and love them to death for saving me, but I will take that over crashes any day.
As of last week, my job at BU ended due to the ending of funding so I currently have a lot more time on my hands although I still work at nights with Mimi and Alfredo. I still keep really busy as you can expect if you know me I have cropped down over 50 trees and cleared out the forest we have for a yard as well as my neighbors yard. I have also been doing a lot of job hunting and research into possible relocation....hopefully Colorado, but we shall see what happens... I feel like I have applied a trillion places and I feel that I am doing it so much I don't even care anymore and I just apply without really thinking so I am not sure that is helping me at all. At the same time I am giving it all to God and I know he will make ti clear what be doing next and where I should be, I have a lot of peace about that right now and am very glad for that.
Lets see, I think that mostly sums it up. Thanks for keeping tune. Hopefully I will be better at keeping you all up to date from here on out.
Happy Mommy's Day!!!!!
So I just have to wish all the mommy's out there a super happy mothers day! Moms are by far the most underappreciated, over worked, and influential people in all of the world. There is no telling what any of us would have lost if we didn't have our moms. Yes moms are not perfect how could they be, after all they are human, but they have a love like no one else and work so hard. Lets be sure to honor our moms today and let them know how much we truly love and appreciate them for all they have done for us throughout the years. I personally wanna thank my mommy! I love her so much, she is always there for me no matter what, and no matter how much gets thrown at her she is always there to help me out and teach me how to live. She always puts a smile on my face and I know I would have never gotten this far with out all her help. Thank you mommy, I love you more than you will ever know!
Your arms were always open when I needed a hug. Your heart understood when I needed a friend. Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson. Your strength and love has guided me and gave me wings to fly.
Monday, May 2
By now most of us have heard the big news of Osama bin Laden’s death, in fact if you are just finding out from reading my blog of all things you should prolly seek psychological help. I am a psychologist just FYI. But anyways, Osama bin Laden was killed Sunday May 1st (most likely), (also ironically the communist holiday). Something else you might not have known is that Twitter was the first to break the story of bin Laden’s death, soon after it was full of fake photos that are still all over the web. Crazy how much things can spread in today’s technology inclined society. Another interesting side note is that within two hours of the announcement that bin Laden was dead, more than 145,000 people had joined a Facebook group called "Osama bin Laden is dead 5/1/11."
I would also like to point out that it was roughly 20 -25 trained U.S. Navy SEALs who took him out in under 40 minutes. U.S. Navy Sea, Air and Land Teams, commonly known as SEAL Teams, are the best of the best. Their creed is to be "a special breed of warrior ready to answer our nation's call." God Bless our SEALS!!! In Obama’s words, "We may not always know their names, we may not always know their stories, but they are there every day on the front lines of freedom and we are truly blessed."
I have to give props to Obama’s speech, and his efforts to drawn the American people together, it was excellent and quite moving at times. Today, I hope that we can move forward. So much money has been squandered, lives taken unjustly. One of my friends said it perfectly: “The froth of news reporting with the hysterical crowd scenes are indicative of a deeper problem; years of many lives wasted and finances depleted that could have been pressed to the service of our society. All beg to address the yearning cry of our democracy's greatest need: civic stewardship.”
Now that Osama is officially no more, we need not go run out and start celebrating like all our problems are over, in fact this may likely mark only the begging of what is to come as a result. Barack Obama, in his pitch-perfect address informing the nation that bin Laden is as dead as communism — never mind the cadaverous Cuban and North Korean regimes — rightly stressed that this is “the most significant achievement to date” against al-Qaeda, but that it “does not mark the end of” our effort to defeat that amorphous entity. There remains much more to al-Qaeda than bin Laden, and there are many more tentacles to the terrorism threat than al-Qaeda and its affiliates. So “the long war” must go on. However we can rejoice in knowing that some justice has been served.
Although ought we really be rejoicing over someone’s death? Even someone who has brought about so much death and evil in his life time; I mean we are marking the life of a man being sentenced to an everlasting life in hell one that we all deserve. Something for us to be thinking about, I suppose. I cannot comfortable celebrate the death of a human being no matter how corrupt they might be but I do rejoice in the lives that may have been saved from Osama’s future plots and rejoice in the hope for an end of the destruction brought on from al-Qaeda in our country as this marks a significant step towards their defeat.
Now for some thought provoking, Osama Bin Laden is dead or is he? After all there has been 8 other major announcements made by the head-of-state or high-ranking governmental official to have announced bin Laden’s death in the last 10 years. How do we really know who to believe? As experts have been saying for a while, Bin Laden’s heath and kidney problems would have likely killed him years ago. I have a lot of faith in our government but do we really know that the body they barred in the ocean less than 12 hours following his supposed death was in fact Bin Laden?
I am sure they have visual evidence and the body, for one. But to be certain it's not a look-a-like, the government has taken steps above and beyond to make sure they've got who they think they have: DNA analysis. Now, I'm not entirely sure what DNA analysis has been done, but I can say this for certain - whatever method they used could be completed in a matter of hours given a lab ready to go and focused solely on this. Using commonplace PCR methods Bin Laden could easily be ID'd faster than you'd think. So you don’t have to freak so quickly that they destroyed the evidence before having confirmation, but it is defiantly something to think about.
Of course, to ID Bin Laden in this way, they would have to have some Bin Laden DNA lying around to compare it to. I don't know if they had some from some inside source, or not. What they do have is brain tissue from Bin Laden's sister, who died in the US. They can compare his genetic signature to hers and determine if they are related - which is as close as you can get to guaranteeing it's Bin Laden without a sample of his actual DNA from prior to his death. So it is definitely possible that they could have obtained the proof, but did they? Or might this be one of the biggest publicity stunts in our history….dun dun don
Sunday, May 1
Shamrock Update
Hey guys so this has been the most deliciously amazing shamrock shake season here in upstate New York anyhow. They apparently ordered way too much shamrock shake, although if you ask me they simply never ordered enough before. Either way the shakes are still around although they won't last much longer and are starting to dwindle :(. But it is May so I can't complain too much and I have so far gotten in a tasty 48 (That is 3 smalls, 4 larges, and 41 mediums)!!! If all goes well I should make that a nice 50 by the official end of the season xD. But just thought I would keep you updated and let you know that last years record (38) was clearly blown out of the water, although I must admit it was harder to blow away then I thought and I am certainly setting my self up for a challenge for next year. Of the information I was able to obtain I discovered that there was a 30 cent price difference among the 13 McDonald's that I went to for this season all in Broome/ Tioga Areas. Oddly enough Binghamton was home to both the most expensive and the cheapest that I found. The winner for best Shamrock shake maker in the area after several comparisons was the McDonald's right in Endicott on Maine Street they made it perfect just about every time and with a perfect swirl props to them xD. Worst makers in the area was Vestal McDonald's on 434, they would mix in chocolate at the bottom or strawberry or just fail, pretty consistently, they made it right once or twice but by far the worst makers I came across. As far as outside the Southern Tier I unfortunately did not get too much info this year if you know any please pass it on I would love to know. I am hopefully moving soon and it would be a big help if I knew all the info. I did get a few sources from Western NY Buffalo and Rochester area and it seems to be nearly identical prices as here except they did not oder. nearly as much so they ran out a while ago. But in Connecticut they have them on the dollar menu!!! How sick is that, pretty much half the price as the average for a small here was $1.99. That was quite depression to here and Connecticut
is deff on the moving list for next march.
is deff on the moving list for next march.
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