Hi!
I've really been exhausted since starting back to school last Wed. Talked with my general doctor & she says it is not surprising since I have not been doing much for 6 weeks in a cast & crutches by themselves is exhausting. She warned me not to push it too much that I would just make it worse. I'm to rest as much as I can...Ha! Just takes times she said. Ugh! Not good for a person who is use to running around & getting so much done in a day! Maybe it is true? There is a story which says God has a number & it is the number of breaths you have in your life. If you are stressed all the time & taking fast shallow breaths then that meter clicks off those numbers fast, but if you take deep long breaths then it goes slow. Maybe I am slowing down those numbers right now? :-)
I wanted to share with you a story which I first heard Dr. Dyer recite in one of his videos. He called it "The Teddy Story" but it is now a book called "The Braclet". You'll find online! I received it in an email recently so if you click here you'll be able to read it!
I hope you enjoy it!
Been watching Brooks & Dunn on CMT tonight! I love them! My sister took me a few years ago for my birthday to their Neon Circus & Wild West Show Concert with Cledus T. Judd & Dwight Yokham (correction...my sis says also Trick Pony & Gary Allen (who I also love!). I had a blast!!! Man does Dwight have hips like Elvis! Wow! 
Their new album "Hillbilly Deluxe" comes out Tuesday!!! You can pre-order on their website for a very low price! You can listen to a few samples on the link also! You can watch their video "Play Something Country" WOW! Man I want to dance! Dr. Z. better get this foot fix FAST! It is not healthy to keep my "spirit" from moooving! ;-) Anyone says they can't compete with Montgomery Gentry or Big & Rich they are nuts! (Yes, my professional opinion...ha!)
They will be on Good Morning America Monday & they have a IMAX live via Satellite Night also!
Some of my favorites (links to hear sample!)
I Can't Get Over You
Ain't Nothing Bout You
That's What It's All About
The Long Goodbye
My Heart Is Lost To You
Can't Take the Honkey Tonk Out Of The Girl
It's Getting Better All The Time
Only In America
If You See Her/If You See Him
You'll Always Be Loved By Me
The Last Thing I Do
I Fall
Unloved
Every River
My Maria
You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone
Boot Scootin' Boogie
Rock My World (Little Country Girl)
She's Not the Cheatin Kind
Anyone else like them?
Ok, Patrick, here is my answers to your Saturday Six!
1. What is your current desktop picture? What made you select it?
I thought is was BEAUTIFUL! She (or he) is such a cutie pie! So innocent, sweet, loveable. You just want to take this precious thing & hug it so tight & plant a 1,000 kisses on it! :-) Now don't go freudian on me! Although I'm not one to generally refuse...well depends but...
2. A close friend who you consider to be up to date on fashion suggests that you should update your look and offers to pay for a session with an experienced hairstylist you've never dealt with before. Knowing that it's free, would you go?
Well, can't be any worse than what I do! Ha! Actually, just recently I went shopping with friends & they told me an outfit I picked out for school was "too old"! I'm like what? I mean granted I'm usually (pre-foot injury!) very energetic & fun & most don't guess I'm as old as I am but man it was just something for teaching not for personal fun time! Ugh! I suppose it would depend what my friends fashion & hair was like. And I would watch the people leaving the hairstylist to see if I would like it. Some of those on tv I'm like "man they looked better before!" Ha!
3. When you do look in a mirror, what is the first thing you usually look at?
Oh God...my hair...no contest. When I was in line for God to give me hair I must have been looking at some cute guy & left too early or something! I'd love to have thicker longer hair!
4. Take this quiz: Which Bugs Bunny character are you?
Bugs Bunny but I didn't like all the questions. They didn't let us pick Comedy, which would be my 1st choice! Many things depends on setting etc. Ya, like it is a REAL test! Ha!
5. What label seems to describe you the best as a whole?
HA! Well that depends! Right now TIRED! Ha! I guess it may depend on who you ask and the setting I'm in. My students alwasy think I'm extroverted & I really am more introverted. Depending on who I'm with I can get real quiet. I think it depends how comfortable the person makes me feel with them. Other times I can be wild! HA! They just are so fearful of getting up in front of people & talking. I am at times too but not usually. I would have to say...?...something that would convey trying to improve the world. Not an activist...maybe someone else can think of it? I mean other than "educator"...I do it more than just to learn knowledge...to improve people's lives.
6. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #60 from Stacy: Is there a specific person that you credit with your successes? and HOW did they help you?
Wow! That really may not be only 1 person! I think sooo many have contributed. Certainly my folks, many of my teachers, even those who were not great! I talked about many before & Dr. A. quite a bit!
The September/October issue of Breathe Magazine has Kevin Bacon as their cover story! Read the article here! You know, he never really did it for me before. Footloose...nope! Now...it just must be that "older" look I always like...I mean all these guys are turning out quite attractive now. Ha! Deep blue eyes!
I liked these comments:
"What is the greatest thing that Kyra has taught you in your life?
She deals with things in a much more immediate way. I will hold things in. I've learned from her that you can let stuff out, get through it and move on. I try as much as possible nowadays--and this is something I'm still working on--if I have hurt feelings or I'm angry or fearful, I try to E express it in some way, get it the fuck out. I do believe that some of those things can make a person sick. My mother died of cancer and there was a lot of stuff that she didn't let out. A lot of stuff. Even though she was involved in protests, there was another side of her that was, "Don't stir the pot. On an emotional level, don't say when you're angry." And I think that can be detrimental to your health."
I feel the same way! If it is a personal I love dearly & I feel hurt by them I usually can't talk, I can't think, I just feel the hurt. Then after a bit of time it comes out. And I need it to come out so I can move through it.
""In life, there are rules that you live by without emotion, regardless of whatever mood you're in--what's good is good, what's bad is bad. Kevin lives by the rules...We have dinners together three times a week where we all sit down and talk. To me morality is a question of trying to teach your children to be honest and straightforward and not to lie and cheat people and to be nonviolent. Other people, their idea of morality is that you have to say "God" in school, and your dress can't be a certain length, and Janet Jackson's breast can't come out of her top. Censorship is a very slippery slope. We look at Elvis now and it's like, "That's quaint." They wereflipping out over Elvis! They were flipping out over the song lyrics to "Louie Louie"--the FBI was involved in that.
It seems we're heading back in that direction. [As a society] we're getting more and more puritanical. It's off the charts. Starbucks is not going to carry Springsteen's record because it has a song about a hooker on it. Starbucks is supposed to be all groovy and young. "
I love the idea of sitting down as a family & talking! You know sometimes I see families on the trails & they all have their walkman's on. What a missed opportunity to talk and explore things...bugs, trees etc! I also agree their is a big difference between spirituality & Religion. I am concerned with censorship but I think what is happening is when things move faster than what people are ready for. They don't know how to handle it so they just retreat or they swing the opposite way as a reaction.
Let me know what you think!
Weekend Assignment #74: Got the Wants
There are things in this world that people need to have. This week's Weekend Assignment is not about those.
Weekend Assignment #74: Forget about the things you need -- Tell us about something you want. Preferably something useless and/or expensive. In other words: Toys! Something fun and/or sparkly and/or indulgent that you don't already have but wouldn't mind getting, if someone were offering.
Extra Credit: Do you really think getting that toy would make you happier?
Ok, John here is my want...not useless but expensive...atleast for me. I guess it is indulgent in some ways since it is so expensive & a cheaper one can be fine but...as far as sparkly...I think my smile would sparkle because I would be so relaxed & happy!
It is the Select Comfort 9000 Bed in California King! Just about $4,000. My folks have one of the beds (not sure what # & smaller) & I know it would just be so much better for my back & with my foot injury! After paying off my new SUV, I think this would really be my first purchase if I won the Mega Millions! :-) I mean then I can lie in my nice comfy bed & dream about how else I want to use my money! :-) 
I think it would really make me happier... I KNOW I would feel so much better getting a better night sleep. My back would feel better. I wouldn't wake up in pain during the night or in the morning. I tried it out in the store once...I could not get up! Then when I did I was so relaxed I could not even walk! I know my cats would love it also!
See I don't need diamonds! Just make me comfy & relaxed! :-)
Well, a great excuse to use another Brosnan photo! Ha! Seriously, I just read this editorial by Ross Werland in the Chicago Tribune. (You have to register to view but it is FREE!)
Mr. Werland discusses a study conducted by Cornell University researchers who found that as men feel more & more insecure in their masculinity they tend to swing "Ultra Male" or "Super Macho". They found these men to get more homophobic, wanting to purchase more & more masculine vehicles (explains Monster Trucks!) and more willng to be agressive (support war etc).
Ahhh..now this is interesting when you combine Dr. Deborah Tannen's research on gender communication styles. She states that men tend to be more & more competitive in conversation. I love the example she gives of little boys who keep topping each other & say their ? balloon...hmm something went so high & the final boy tops them all & says mine when all the way to God. Also, this mom who told her she was driving a bunch of boys in her van & once said he was going to Disney for 3 days, the next said 5 days & her own son said, "We're moving to Disney!" Ha! She didn't know what to do...tell her son not to lie in front of his friends or what. She told her "no, the boys know it is a game & your son just won that round!" Ha! Men also like to tease...women too...isn't that funny & we thought women were the tease...well maybe other ways but they like to poke fun, play fight etc. Explains a lot to me! I can't stand it & I can think of some prime examples in the past that I would like to get a few of those men back! Ha!
Well, Mr. Werland does an AWESOME job taking this research & applying it...talking about bullies in school etc. I love the following:
"...let me suggest more ways that I think a real pansy might overcompensate. He might:
Hit a woman; scream at a woman; hit another man; scream at another man; humiliate and browbeat his own children; torture pets; cut people off in traffic; chase people who have the nerve to cut him off in traffic; call people names; drink too much and blame any of the previous behaviors on the booze. This is just off the top of my head.
If I had ever had a daughter, I would have explained that it's the overcompensating male she should avoid, that if she wanted a real guy, she should look for the one who doesn't necessarily hang with the pack, who can find more constructive ways to spend his time rather than check the testosterone dipstick of every male around him.
It's the guy who believes he has nothing to prove who has already proved it.
Look for the loner in the pink Mini Cooper. That's got to be a real man."
Just AWESOME! Now wait...makes me think...maybe I've been looking for the wrong man? I mean I don't recall 007 in a pink Mini Cooper! Ha!
Ok...well you had to see this coming...
Maybe this is president Bush's problem...too many people calling him a Wuss! Hmmmm! Well, no one will mistake him for 007! Ha!
So what do you all think?
Ok, obviously too much time...well, I just had fun so! One needs a bit of relaxation! Here you go John...do I get some extra credit for the Monday Photo Shoot?
Hugs & Kisses!
I thought of these two pictures right away. I had made my little niece a book, sorta scrapbook, on Zebra's for her birthday. I found information on the internet about them to help her learn about zebra. Just tidbits of what they weigh when they are born, life expectancy, what they eat, where they come from, that they love to hug, kiss etc! ;-)
2 1/2 HERE! :-) Had to plug March of the Penguins again! So much Affection...ya I'm a
"touchy-feely" spirit.
Ones someone sent to me! 
Sam & Ella! 
Must be an animal theme here...not sure why? Maybe my spirit is just there now. This is one of my favorite pictures! SoulMates! So comfortable with each other! And very protective! 
Brookfield Zoo many years ago! 
My favorite Best-Friends picture! 
Chihuly exhibit! I loved it! And Mom's roses! 
And for the gross...my lovely archless free foot which will be casted again tomorrow! That was pointing my toes! Can you see that long scar! Ick! And the doctor said my left foot had a better arch than my right this past spring! All gone now! Can you imagine if I was walking more than the 20 min/hr! (Shake head!)
P.S. What color cast should I get tomorrow? Mind you I'm leaving about 10am! I think I havechoices of purple (again), pink, blue, orange, plain white...not sure if more than that.
I was watching Anderson Cooper tonight with my mom & a small segment on Libby Roderick's song "How Could Anyone" just touched my spirit & I wanted to share it with all of you. Well I may be the only one the planet who hasn't heard this song since it is like wildfire! The segment talked about how MANY organizations and groups are using this 22 second song! It is just Beautiful though I wish it was longer. I think there could be more expressions/situations for this idea.
Here are the lyrics:
Ok, I'm going to try to get this finished before the electricity goes off. Lots of "Boom, Booms" and there is really nothing on the map for us in my area...which is really not making me feel too confident! You know when those storms come so quickly they can't warn...ugh! There is a whole bunch coming in the area but....
I should go to bed. I sleep better during thunderstorms. I'm not sure why? Well, not the ones that rattle everything and make you want to grab the person next to you...that is if you have someone! :-)
Did you all see this about employees getting nasty with customers? Wow! I'd say I can't belive it, but unfortunately...I can! So Sad though! The problem is that so many get so upset & do swear etc that some don't understand there are times it is reasonable to be upset. There are times one has every right to be upset about something. Like these cases, they do have the right to be upset about what these employees did. It is just how you handle it or express it which makes the difference. Yelling back or becoming aggressive etc is certainly not the correct choice. Oh & apparently, "freaking" is not a swear word? I guess I'm getting old?
I have been also contemplating the word "rude" lately. I'm wondering if the definition has changed. Seems some find telling someone they can't have what they want is rude today. For example, telling someone you ran out of an item, they are speeding (like in my previous entry!), the due date has passed etc. is being rude now. I don't know, but I didn't think that was being rude. I thought it is was more on how you said something, for example swearing or saying something like, "Well, that is what you get for always thinking you are better than everyone" or something like that...even if you think it is true. Merely stating a policy or fact to me doesn't qualify. Seems everyone agrees with a policy/law until it hurts them in some way. When they can't speed or still get an item, or turn something in. How is it a bank is rude for closing on time? Now if they are closing early then I agree that is rude!
Well what do you think?
Well Jodi has done it again! If you recall, I recently suggested her entries on her children! Well, you just have to check out her most recent one "I Believe." I love it! There is so many parts which I have said to others. I don't know if there is anything I disagree with!
Love to hear what you think! Tell Jodi too!
Ok, I just had to journal about this! It just outrages me when one thinks they are above the law or when someone just "doesn't say" etc. I'm not saying I am perfect! I'm sure there are things that I may think later I should have done better, because certainly there are some things I do wish I had in my past...everyone does! That is what life is about as you get older & wiser! And I'm sure there are things others may disagree on what I have done. There is that "fudge factor" on just one's opinion of what is right for an individual person etc BUT some things do not require a whole lot of intelligence to figure out right away! Just yesterday someone left some change in the automatic machine at the register. The previous person was gone already. Did I take it? Heck no! I gave it to the girl at the register. Now ya, people say, "You could use it more than the huge store" but the girl said, "Ya, if someone comes up short a penny etc." I'm thinking make change of the quarters to pennies & give all of them to others who are short....there are just ways you can "do right."
Now why am I bringing this up & there is an officer picture? Check out this article today in the Washington Post on Officer Wendell Cunningham. This wonderful officer (well at least on this issue!) is using his own time to make sure the streets where he lives are safe for children & others. As someone who has teens screwing with mail & ringing door bells at 2am. I would love this! (NOTE: Door bell ringers were caught thanks to our wonderful officers...those who are having fun with the neighborhood mail...you have given everyone a challenge & we will get you!)
So what is the problem with Officer Cunningham? He caught an Asst. Chief doing 46 mph in a 25 mph...and not just once but twice! Was he headed to a call with lights &/or sirens or even had to quietly go to a call? Apparently not! Seems it has caused an internal affairs stir & get this, Officer Cunningham is of course getting some flack! UGH! I love this comment below (note my sarcasm!):
"During a recent afternoon rush hour, Cunningham returned to Branch Avenue to catch speeders on his own time. He clocked one driver going 45 mph and another going 47 mph in a 25-mph zone. Then he received a page to call a commander. The supervisor told Cunningham to stop, because someone had complained that he was slowing traffic."
As my older niece would say, "HELLO!" God forbid we should want to slow down traffic to actually make sure people do the speed limit! I mean heck those signs don't mean anything? Everyone knows you do 15 over what the sign says! Kids shouldn't be on the streets anyway right! UGH!!! Sorry but it just gets me. I know we all make mistakes in areas where we don't live or your mind is somewhere else & there will be consequences...hopefully just a ticket & not hurting someone, but I'm sorry this officer should know what the speed limit is. And the commander telling him to stop because people are complaining...who is complaining...the speeders! I think something needs to be done about that commander! Who are we serving & protecting...the speeders? The officers who think they are above the law? Sure when someone gets killed then what? What if it is that commanders or asst. chief child, parent or spouse? I guess they don't seem to care about their own life?
Now I'm not saying Officer Cunningham is perfect or perhaps he didn't get all permissions etc, but then do that & get him back doing what he is doing! What a heart to use his own time to protect EVERYONE! Maybe I'm just getting old? I mean I do have all the college students whizzing past me on the highway now and I don't care. The "Zoom, Zoom" may not be as it use to be, but you know what...somehow I value people's lives much more than the adrenaline rush or being at my destination 2 minutes sooner!
Now I better watch my speed...you know after writing this it would be just like it for me to get a ticket! Ha! But if that is the case...then I deserve it! :-)
I thought some of you might enjoy this link on Hot Air Balloons.
I didn't fly in an airplane until I was out of college amazingly. I think it was just cheaper for the family when I grew up to pack everyone into the station wagon, dog & all! :-) I loved flying the first time. We sat on the runway & revvvvved up the engine & then the brake was taken off & we catapulted! AWESOME! It was like Top Gun to me! Ha!
Since that first time, all my flights have been the boring slow climbs, and I think since 9/11 I just don't care for flying so much anymore either. Interestingly though, I still would love to fly in a hot air balloon someday. I think because it would be more like a bird & the peace in the air etc. I love watching hawks gliding in the air! For some reason my spirit is attracted to them. Maybe it is also because I think it would be lovely to do with someone! ;-) I know it is goofy, I mean if it goes down, I'm not going to do too well either, just like a plane but...I won't bungee jump but I'd love to take a racecar around the track. I have no clue how that makes any sense but...
Here is the description on the site!
"Today (Aug 17th) marks the twenty-seventh anniversary of the completion of the first transatlantic balloon trip by three Americans, Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson and Larry Newman. The trio set out from Presque Isle in Maine in the Double Eagle II on August 11, 1978, landing in Evereux, France 137 hours later. The crew endured the 'Big Drop;' atmospheric conditions caused the balloon to drop a staggering 19,500 feet before the sun warmed the envelope and the balloon recovered. In addition to the record-breaking flight, you'll find all sorts of information about balloons, how they work, how they're used, the different parts and a brief history of hot air ballooning. There is information on famous flights as well as a description of a Typical Flight, just what you need to get you in the mood for your own ride! Happy flying!"
Anyone been on a hot air balloon before? How did you like it? Pictures?
Take a look at this website called Interactive Dad! I received it today & it looks pretty good. Their idea is interesting. It also remind me of John's Entry on how men & women's entries are different...men preferring more serious colors, straighter lines & more serious typography. It is much more serious, very few visual pictures etc. Interesting!
"Gone are the days of Ward Cleaver. Today's dad has new priorities. He wants a satisfying career and time with his family. He wants to be an equal partner. Not just a paycheck." The mission of Interactive Dad is 'to be the premier source of information for fathers on issues relating to family and finance; to connect dads worldwide; and to advocate for today’s dads who struggle to balance fatherhood and career.' Here's an online magazine for dads focusing on what dads care about most, family and finance. The site is constantly updated with new, original articles on just about every subject on which a dad might need information. Come browse the articles; you'll be amazed at the resources available to help dads, whatever their particular situation, be better Dads!"
Ok dads, let me know what you think of the site. Let others know if you found something useful.
Well, this article in the NY Times states only about 1/2 of those entering college have the reading skills they need to succeed in college. The results from ACT found out of 1.2 million who took the test 1 in 4 are ready for college in all four subjects: reading, english, math & science.
The results showed:
51% reading
26% science
41% math
68% english
Now only 40% of those who graduated took the ACT. One would think those who took it are those who are thinking college & most likely because they are doing well in school. I wonder what the percentage would be then if more took it? Illinois & Colorado requires all students to take the ACT, even if you do not plan to go to college.
Only 56% of who took the ACT completed the core curriculum which is recommended for college bound students. Interesting 56% of those who took the ACT were also women!
Students then expect to do so well in college & do not realize they are not coming in with the skills to succeed. It is frustrating for them & their professors as well.
I thought I'd share with you this Flash of Dr. Wayne Dyer's "10 Secret's To Success and Inner Peace." I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Dr. Dyer a few years ago & really like this particular video. I have given the book to many as gifts. They are not shocking ideas, but rather things we really forget or can find challenging in the moment to put into practice.
I also enjoy his Inner Peace Cards! One can focus on one idea each day....sometimes for a week! ;-)
Hope you find these resources useful! Let me know if you have already or if you do in the future how you like them.
~ When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, pee in it, and serve it to the people that piss you off
~ I'm tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin-deep. That's deep enough. What do you want...an adorable pancreas?
~ The problem with is stupidity, now I'm not saying there should be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the safety labels off everything and let the problem solve itself?
Anyone have some to add?
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