Through one of my blogging buddies blogs (see the mini pics on the left), I found a contest to win a new Blogger Template! I'm hoping to update my blog site to be a bit brighter and lighter and have some nice features. Wish me luck - it's a random drawing, so I'm crossing my fingers. Some of the templates I like are:
What do you think?
Today I picked up my bike from Marty's Bike Shop. Two unfortunate incidents occurred last year that put the bike out of commission: flattening of the tires and an attempt to steal it. When it was stolen, it was ridden down the block and then dumped in a neighbor's yard because the tires were flat. Now there is a new wheel and it's tuned up and ready to go.
With my Cateye bike computer, I can keep track of ... my bike riding (as soon as I learn how to use it!). I also found a great site for logging everything I do: figuring out mileage of my rides, looking at maps - it works for walks and hikes, too. MapMyRide will even find riders in your area! It's almost as fun as riding! So far, I've been taking easy rides. Slight hills are work for me right now. Trips down the street to the drugstore, etc. are now made on my bike. I will save drops of gas by the gallon!
If you are thinking about or just want to read about riding, my inspiration came from Zen Habits: Commuting by Bike. (one of my favorite blogs). Happy Trails!
I'm working on my thoughts about the 30 Essential Truths according to Dr. Gordon Livingston, author of Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart, posted recently on Alex Blackwell's great blog The Next 45 Years. Some of them hit very close to home. This post is about the Fourth Truth. From Alex's blog:
4. The statute of limitations has expired on most of our childhood traumas. For some, childhood was pleasant, almost idyllic. But for others, when there has been serious physical, sexual or emotional abuse it is important to recognize this and process this with a trained professional. No matter your past, change is the essence of life. In order to move forward in life we need to learn to live in the present.
This one hit closest to home for me. How long can a situation that existed 30 years ago haunt someone? Oh, about 30 years or so. A professional can guide the process of recognizing past traumas. To recognize is to identify the event(s). This is different than describing - most of us know what happened to us. In order to explain our past, we need to look at it through the eyes of an observer. Why? Because our vision is clouded by memories and stuck on rewind, playing the same tape over and over without alteration. There are many other facets and by looking at them, we start to break up our tape. Once the past is recognized, we are supposed to process it. (put it in the blender and hit whip)
Progress; passage: the process of time; events now in process. To gain an understanding or acceptance of; come to terms with: processed the traumatic event in therapy.
An example: Mom has schizoaffective and bipolar disorders. She has been hospitalized and medicated, received shock treatments and therapy, attempted suicide numerous times and spent days if not weeks in deep depression, locking herself in her room. We were kids. I was the oldest. Sometimes she was manic, staying up all night playing the piano or rearranging the furniture. On other manic occasions, she would go out drinking and playing cards (for money). I remember feeding her, calling an ambulance when (and only if) she was unconscious, having holiday meals in the psych ward, seeing her restrained with leather straps, trying to take care of the four of us kids when she couldn't and having babysitters, nannies and grandma come before I was old enough. I grew up picturing her funeral. Every day. For the next 30 years or so. My psychologist pointed out many things that never entered my mind such as mom being extremely manipulative. My dad would tell me that there was nothing I could do, releasing me from the burden of the responsibility I felt to make everything better. A self-help book said that people learn good coping skills (as well as poor) growing up in an unhealthy environment. When I began to hold on to ideas such as these, my mental recording that had been stuck on the previous description started to break up. Just when I noticed that I was feeling better....
After living on her own and being stabilized as much as possible, mom fell and eventually had to stay in a nursing home. When I go to see her, she is angry and says many of the things I heard as a child: you kids don't care about me; I don't want to live anymore; I'm in so much pain, etc. This took me back so fast, I physically felt the rush to the past. Only this time, I wasn't a child who didn't understand. Now I see much more and know that things will not change and that I should not feel guilty. What I know and what I feel are quite different. But this time, I know how to get help processing.
I ran across the 30 Essential Truths according to Dr. Gordon Livingston, author of Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart, on Alex Blackwell's great blog The Next 45 Years. Some of them hit very close to home. This post is about the Third Truth. From Alex's blog:
3. It is difficult to remove by logic an idea not placed there by logic in the first place. By nature, we are emotional creatures. Often we live and react based on feelings, not logic. Feelings are wonderful, but when we become tied to a particular thought or belief we tend to ignore the fact that change might be necessary. If a negative behavior is driven by an emotion, then we must find a way to still satisfy the emotional need while putting an end to the destructive behavior.
Have you ever had an idea, feeling, past hurt, resentment, envy or emotion that you just couldn't shake? Are you still mad about something? Is your reaction to an event or person different than the reaction of others? A very common example is former significant others. For example, because you hate/hated the fact that your ex did _________, you dislike anyone else who _________. Envy creates ideas that are not logical. My ex would not visit a BrandX gas station because I had had a boyfriend that owned a BrandX gas station. Now realize that we crossed the country a few times and he refused to stop and get gas there no matter what. That's an extreme example, but to test your logic, try it on someone else. Picture a friend having the same negative behavior that you experience based on your logic. Seems silly, doesn't it?
But how do we satisfy the emotional need that drives this thought or belief? First, identify the original event. What feeling or thought is tied to this event? What caused these ideas? Let's say the event was a perceived slight and the feelings are embarrassment and hurt. What emotional needs drive those feelings? A need for self-esteem, comfort and understanding. How can these needs be fulfilled in order to remove this idea? Identifying requirements that satisfy these needs varies from individual to individual, but an example will help:
Leave a comment on how you've overcome a negative thought or behavior! I would love to hear from you!
The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library's Children's Department has been nominated for TWO Parents Picks awards: Best little kids Public Library and best big kids Public Library. Here's the info:
What does it all mean? Well, from May 19 - June 30, your business--along with all of the other ParentsConnect.com Parents' Picks Nominees--will be featured as our "top picks". All of our members will be encouraged to vote to determine who wins the official Parents Picks Awards! Visit ParentsConnect.com/ParentsPicks and select a city to see a list of the nominees.
Not only do we have a great library, but our online resources are great too. Visit the SMFPL website and check out the Children's Department! Go to ParentsConnect.com and vote - I did and so far the results show SMPFL in the lead!!
Our French Bulldog Mattie is our baby. She follows us around, sleeps with us and loves us a lot. Frenchies are ugly to the point of cute and are often mistaken for pugs for those who are not familiar with the breed. Here's a look at the colors: First is Mattie, who is brindle, then a black/white frenchie, fawn, and white.
French Bulldogs are becoming more well-known. Martha Stewart has had hers on her show and the cover of magazines. A white frenchie costarred appeared in the movie Secondhand Lions(which I highly recommend not for that reason alone). Patty Hearst's (yes, that Patty Hearst) Frenchie won Best of Breed in 2008.
No offense to French Bulldogs or the AKC, but Mattie is not very intelligent nor a good watchdog. She has a very limited number of things she can do and things that she knows. She will bark at unfamiliar sounds, but make fast friends with anyone who speaks kindly and will pet her. If you are thinking about adding a Frenchie to your family, please use the links in this post to see if they are for you. If so, congratulations! you are about to own one of the most cute, funny and friendly dogs. They are great lap dogs, love to play and go for walks and/or nap whenever you do - in fact, Mattie will insist on a nap if I am home during the day.
I ran across the 30 Essential Truths according to Dr. Gordon Livingston, author of Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart, on Alex Blackwell's great blog The Next 45 Years. Some of them hit very close to home. This post is about the Second Truth. From Alex's blog:
2. We are what we do. We are not what we think, or what we feel, or what we say, we are what we do. Actions do indeed speak louder than words. If you are unhappy with a particular part of your life, take a strong look at what you are doing to be happier.
As someone who has bipolar disorder, I need to remind myself that I am not what I think or feel. Thoughts and feelings become distorted by an unhealthy mind. For example:
FALSE | True |
| My life sucks. | My life is good and I have been blessed. |
| I hate this. | This is not bad. |
| Things are hopeless. | Things are never hopeless. |
| Fear | This will not kill me. |
| Sadness | Sadness is only a symptom of depression. |
| Despair | There are an infinite number of things that are worse. |
| I am so alone. | I am never alone. I have family, friends and God. |
| People are critical of me. | I don't know what people think of me, nor should I base my happiness on others. |
| No one knows how I feel. | Many others have depression and suffer the same feelings. |
One the other side of the coin, I tend to go on about making positive changes, referring to myself as kind, honest, wise and a general all-around goody goody. Those words do not necessarily mean that's how I act. It's how I want to act. But what do I really do?? What did I do today that was kind? Did I tell the truth today or try to hide something that I don't like about myself in order to look good? Have I helped anyone using what I know? Do I use any wisdom that I think I have to build others up or put them down by pointing out what they don't know? Can I be helpful with humility? My goal: to include on my daily task list actions that back up my words.
1. If the map doesn’t agree with the ground, the map is wrong. We are given mental maps as children. Our parents and other adults tell us what is right and what is wrong – sometimes they don’t always get it, well, right. Now as adults, when we find the maps we have relied on for so long can get us lost, we need to recalibrate and create more reliable guides based on what we now know to be true and where we want to go.It took me a very long time to realize that changing my map would be good for finding my way. For example, a 'good guy' according to mom was someone who bought you nice things, had money, and treated you well. The goal: have someone, be dating, get married - anything else: failure. According to dad, a brain surgeon was the best job a person could have. He often told me that I could be a brain surgeon. When I became a college student business was the best major. When he told me the facts of life, he drew two squares: one home; the other work. He drew a line from home, saying 'you go to work' then going back the same way, 'and then you go home' You go to work, go home, work, home, work...and those are the facts of life.
My map says: A 'good guy' accepts your authentic self; cares about your needs and dreams; loves you. My map says: a relationship is not a requirement for life; you are responsible for your own happiness; in order to love you must love yourself first. My map says: follow your dreams; do what you love; don't forget to have fun. I'm not as cynical or practical anymore. I can look back and see the how and why of poor choices in relationships. My map will keep changing and improving my journey. How about yours?
The Internet is full of lists. Apparently some people will only read things that are in a numbered list. Some of the lists are really good. Some are really funny. Here's my list of my favorite lists:
Those words keep playing over and over in my head. These are the words that are true. Holocaust survivor Primo Levi: "It has happened once, and it could all happen again."
'Never again' is the rallying cry for all who believe that mankind must speak out against genocide.
Jon Corzine
I hope that the German people will never again make the mistake of believing that because the American people are peace-loving, they will sit back hoping for peace if any nation uses force or the threat of force to acquire dominion over other peoples and other governments.
James F. Byrnes
“The Security Council has today said that in the 21st century, the world will not tolerate genocide or crimes against humanity.” Nicola Reindorp
Never again should the international community’s response to these crimes be found wanting. Rwandan President Paul Kagame
"On occasions such as this, rhetoric comes easily. We rightly say 'never again.' But action is much harder. Since the Holocaust the world has, to its shame, failed more than once to prevent or halt genocide." UN Secretary General Kofi Annan
“Never again must we be shy in the face of the evidence” of genocide...Bill Clinton
Burma Project/Southeast Asia Initiative
We wish to remember.
But we wish to remember for a purpose, namely
to ensure that never again evil will prevail. ...
Only a world at peace, with justice for all,
can avoid repeating the mistakes and terrible crimes of the past.
.John Paul II, Yad Vashem, March 23, 2000
This little pea is Avah and this little pea is named Rae
The best meatloaf I've had is my mother-in-law's. The recipe survived on a post-it note for about three years. It is no longer in my recipe folder since how easy would it be to lose a 2 x 3 post-it? For about one or two meatloaf meals, I went by memory which created somewhat non-standard results. So I finally requested she email me the recipe again, which she promptly did and here it is! I usually double it since the male species in my household has a nice sized meatloaf appetite.
Meatloaf with Piquant Sauce
2/3 c. dry breadcrumbs
1 c. milk
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 c. grated onion
1 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1/2 t. sage
Piquant Sauce
3 T. brown sugar
1/4 c. catsup
1/4 t. nutmeg
Mix meatloaf ingredients, then place piquant sauce on top. Bake @ 350 degrees for 1 hour.
World Cafe, April 17, 2008 - Ranging in age from 72 to 88, the members of the
Young@Heart chorus don't let age interfere with their passion for performing youthful music. Originally formed in 1982, the group began in a housing project for the elderly in Massachusetts.
In this segment, host David Dye interviews Stephen Walker (director of Young@Heart), as well as chorus director Bob Cilman and members of the group. The film, in theaters this week, follows a chorus of elderly singers with a real passion for life.
Young@Heart's repertoire is like a set list of rock's greatest hits. The group sings songs by Lou Reed, The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Sonic Youth, The Clash, and OutKast.
Its debut album, Mostly Live, was recently released.
On Good Friday, with three generations gathered around the hospital crib of Camryn Jakeb Wilson, the 2 1/2-month-old baby's mother made the hardest decision of her life.
She and her family were told by doctors at Akron Children's Hospital that Camryn had no brain function, could not survive on his own and would be on a feeding tube the rest of his life.
So, Crystal Wilson authorized ending Camryn's life support.
A picture of Camryn:
Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
AT&T
Bank of America
General Motors
The Home Depot
Here twelve tips for how to act like a true friend:
1. Be supportive when your friend has bad news. This is perhaps the most critical duty of a friend.
2. Be supportive when your friend has good news. This is trickier; surprisingly, it’s sometimes harder to be supportive when someone gets a promotion, gets engaged, or enjoys other good fortune, than it is to be supportive when someone is going through a hard time.
3. Don’t gossip. It’s not nice. (reminder to self-see #6 and #7) Also, although it may be fun to gossip about Pat with Jean, Jean is probably going to feel wary of being your friend—you’re not trustworthy. Along the same lines…
4. Keep a secret. One of the most satisfying aspects of friendship is that it allows two people to confide in each other. Spilling secrets will destroy that. Ah, it’s so delicious to disclose a secret—but you have to resist.
5. Exchange favors. Along with the feeling of intimacy, one of the best parts of friendship is the feeling of support it provides. And while getting support is important, giving support may be even more important for boosting happiness.
6. Don’t criticize a friend’s sweetheart or spouse (or children)—and, at the other extreme, don’t flirt with a friend’s sweetheart or spouse.
7. Be kind to a friend’s children. (especially a spouse's, which I've failed at)
8. Be friendly to a friend’s friends. In fact, in a phenomenon called “triadic closure,” people tend to befriend the friends of their friends – and this is very satisfying. Friendships thrive on inter-connection, and it’s both energizing and comforting to feel that you’re building not just friendships, but a social network. ("social network" is a buzzword that somehow takes away from "friendship" in my opinion)
9. Show up. Sometimes a friend wants you to show up someplace when you’d really rather not: a wedding in Topeka; a surprise party that falls on New Year’s Eve, when you’d rather be doing something else. Recognize a command performance, and don’t miss it.
Bonus activities:
10. Remember birthdays. (I am really bad at this)
11. Be nice to their pets.
12. Help a friend think big. Nothing is more encouraging than a friend throwing out some huge goal and saying, “You should do that!” “You should write a book, you should start your own firm, you should run for office, you should join the Council on Foreign Relations.” You never know, sometimes one encouraging comment can have extraordinary effect on someone’s life.
In protest of the actions of the Chinese government, I am boycotting products and services of the corporate sponsors of the 2008 Olympics.Tomorrow I'll start working on the Partners level of sponsorship.
I will stop my boycott when your company withdraws it's sponsorship or the situation in China is resolved.-- Stephanie C.
Ragamala Indian Painting
ntly crazy other:
We live on a planet pollinated primarily by bees. Bees fertilize most of our
favorite flowers, and pollinate a third of the plants we eat. Bumblebees are
important pollinators of tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, melons, raspberries,
blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, and many other crops, and are the only
known pollinators of potatoes worldwide.
I'm not a big fan of global warming and whatever did happen to the ozone, but this seems like a legitimate problem that can be solved by those in the know. I found it interesting.
While working at Goodyear, we caught a rare glimps of all three blimps together in Akron out of the windows of the headquarters building. 
I'm able to adapt to change easily.
I feel in control of my life.
I tend to bounce back after a hardship or illness.
I have close, dependable relationships.
I remain optimistic and don't give up, even if things seem hopeless.
I can think clearly and logically under pressure.
I see the humor in situations, even under stress.
I am self-confident and feel strong as a person.
I believe things happen for a reason.
I can handle uncertainty or unpleasant feelings.
I know where to turn for help.
I like challenges and feel comfortable taking the lead.
Credits: Based on the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Connor K.M., Davidson J.R. ©2003. Adapted by Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
Since I have bipolar disorder IMHO he hit the nail on the head for people who are not mentally ill. Reading the plentiful comments, I ran across the Ten Greatest Lies About Bipolar Disorder on Bipolar Central:
Lie #1:
You can survive without medication.
Lie #2:
You can’t control bipolar disorder.
Lie #3:
You only need the right medication and a great psychiatrist to be stable.
Lie #4:
Bipolar disorder is not a real illness, and not that many people have it.
Lie #5:
All people who have bipolar disorder are violent.
Lie #6:
People who have bipolar disorder can’t hold down a job.
Lie #7:
There is a machine or software program to scan your body or brain and determine if you have bipolar disorder.
Lie #8:
Someone with bipolar disorder will never get better.
Lie #9:
All psychiatrists are the same and give the same quality of care.
Lie #10:
There are natural proven cures for bipolar disorder that big business is hiding.
My new pointy-toe high-heeled boots I brought to wear with a skirt out to dinner. I had to wear slacks with my scruffy shoes.
Bathing suit - meaning no swimming for me in the heated indoor/outdoor pool.
Books to be read: The new Preston/Child book and a fantasy Snow White novel.
Guide books that I had borrowed from the library for Paris and Luxembourg so that we bought one for Paris at a used bookstore in Paris, which was kinda cool.
