A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in
front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very
large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students, if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the
jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas
between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
Next, the professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the
jar.Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more
if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table
and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the
empty spaces between the sand. The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to
recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the
important things - family, children, health, friends, etc. ˆ things
that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life
would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter: like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else --the small stuff.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued, 'there is no
room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.'
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will
never have room for the things that are important to you.
'Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled.
'I'm glad you asked'.
'It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Green Goes With Everything
Just like that a simple enough statement.
Green is a colour
Green is a movement
Green is a lifestyle
Blue and green should always be seen.
Sometimes I just like sharing, learnt that in kindergarten.
Peace out.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Death of the Clock: Reclaiming Your Time
Wish I wrote this but yeah, I didn't. Enjoy!
Death of the Clock: Reclaiming Your Time
Article by Zen Habits contributor Jonathan Mead
We live our lives around the clock. We wake up at a certain time, work on a schedule and base our performance on the amount of time it takes us to do things. More things done in less time = good. More time needed? Deadline not met? Unacceptable.
Article by Zen Habits contributor Jonathan Mead
We live our lives around the clock. We wake up at a certain time, work on a schedule and base our performance on the amount of time it takes us to do things. More things done in less time = good. More time needed? Deadline not met? Unacceptable.
But it’s not just the clock that gives us anxiety; it’s basing our worth on how productive we are. We have this false belief that if we just finish everything on our to do lists, we’ll be done. After that, we can finally be happy, right? Unfortunately, that time never comes.
We always find more things to do, more projects to work on, more ways to improve and optimize. But when we base our happiness on achievement, we’ve joined the cult of productivity. Being productive is no longer a means to an end. It’s the end entirely. And it’s a sickness.
Here are some signs you’ve contracted the productivititis:
Part of the reason for this obsession with productivity is we think time is money. But time is not money. Time is life.
Now, I’m not trying to throw the baby out with the bath water (actually, I don’t want to throw any babies anywhere — I’ve always thought that was a morbid expression). There is certainly a need for productivity and accomplishing goals. Without them, we would probably be pretty damn bored. But the problem is that we think more is the answer.
We want bite-sized happiness and short bursts of satisfaction. We go to theme parks and insist on going on every ride. We take trips and vacations, where we require that every attraction and monument be visited. We schedule our weeks trying to fit as many appointments and tasks in it as possible. All of this is done with the thought that someday, far away, we can relax.
We always find more things to do, more projects to work on, more ways to improve and optimize. But when we base our happiness on achievement, we’ve joined the cult of productivity. Being productive is no longer a means to an end. It’s the end entirely. And it’s a sickness.
Here are some signs you’ve contracted the productivititis:
- Inability to sit still for prolonged periods of time while playing games or spending time with friends.
- Accidentally leaving your planner at home causes you to break into a cold sweat.
- Lack of a highly-detailed action plan induces blurred vision, lack of ability to focus, and severe anxiety.
- You feel that saving time is a serious accomplishment. Clearing your inbox in 40 seconds less than yesterday is cause for a monumental celebration.
- Painting, laying out on the beach, and other non time-based activities are considered a horrendous sin against productivity.
Part of the reason for this obsession with productivity is we think time is money. But time is not money. Time is life.
Now, I’m not trying to throw the baby out with the bath water (actually, I don’t want to throw any babies anywhere — I’ve always thought that was a morbid expression). There is certainly a need for productivity and accomplishing goals. Without them, we would probably be pretty damn bored. But the problem is that we think more is the answer.
We want bite-sized happiness and short bursts of satisfaction. We go to theme parks and insist on going on every ride. We take trips and vacations, where we require that every attraction and monument be visited. We schedule our weeks trying to fit as many appointments and tasks in it as possible. All of this is done with the thought that someday, far away, we can relax.
If doing more isn’t the answer, maybe it’s doing less. Maybe it’s slowing down enough to actually enjoy the experience. Maybe it’s slowing down enough to remember what the hell you did two days ago, without having to look to your day planner.
With technology, we can get more done quicker than ever before. So isn’t that supposed to result in more free time and increased happiness? If so, why is it that most of us feel that when we’re not doing something productive, we’re uneasy? Why is it that when our time isn’t structured, we feel guilty?
In this article, Leo gave some good advice for how to break free from the clock. I think it’s important that we reject living our lives based on an arbitrary measurement. But I also think it’s important we question the values that brought us to this place. I think it’s possible that our search for happiness in productivity is largely due to a lack of being able to find satisfaction in the present moment.
Here are some suggestions for regaining the control of your time:
1. Keep a balance. There are bound to be sacrifices that we must make in life for the future. Sometimes we have to use stepping stones to build our way to success. Sometimes we have to work a job that we don’t necessarily like, in order to make connections to move our way up. Sometimes we need stepping stones. Just try to keep a balance between goals that are long term, and doing things that make you happy now.
2. Stay in perspective. Sometimes we need to drop goals that are no longer serving us. Having the courage to quit a goal that’s no longer aligned with you is okay. What matters most is that you stay authentic.
3. Future goals. Are the sacrifices you’re making now a part of a larger purpose? Our long term goals should enable us to have more free time to do what we want in the future, not create more stress. If the stress outweighs the benefits, it’s likely that your goal is not authentic and is mostly ego-based.
4. Say no. How often do you say yes to a commitment when you really want to say no? A lot of our freedom is stolen simply because we are unable to selfishly claim ownership of our time.. Realize you can only do so much. There’s no point in helping a hundred people if it’s making you miserable. That’s not a very good example to set for others.
5. Is increasing your productivity increasing your happiness? If you’re getting more done, but not making more time for the things you want to do, something is wrong. The point of getting things done is not to have more time to get things done. It’s to have more time for the things you truly enjoy.
6. Slow down. You’ll enjoy your time much more if you’re not constantly in a hurry. Something that’s helped me greatly is pretending as if what I’m doing is the only thing that exists at this time in the universe. This highly focused state doesn’t just make me enjoy what I’m doing more, it also makes me more effective.
7. Just be there. We enjoy the time we spend much more when we’re “in the zone.” That is to say, we have completely lost track of time. We’re not judging what we’re doing, we’re just doing it. We’re not thinking about it, we’re just flowing.
8. Follow your natural rhythms. We tend to try to force ourselves to be productive when we feel like relaxing. Doing this, we end up working against ourselves. Try to pay attention to your natural rhythms. When you feel like being productive, go with it.
9. When you feel like relaxing, don’t hold yourself back. Doing nothing is not a crime. It’s essential.
If we can learn how to be more content, our productivity can have more meaning. Our productivity can be the result of our happiness. Not the other way around. Cultivate meaningful productivity and start to re-claim your time.
Remember, time is not money. Time is life.
This article was written by Zen Habits contributor Jonathan Mead of the Illuminated Mind blog.
With technology, we can get more done quicker than ever before. So isn’t that supposed to result in more free time and increased happiness? If so, why is it that most of us feel that when we’re not doing something productive, we’re uneasy? Why is it that when our time isn’t structured, we feel guilty?
In this article, Leo gave some good advice for how to break free from the clock. I think it’s important that we reject living our lives based on an arbitrary measurement. But I also think it’s important we question the values that brought us to this place. I think it’s possible that our search for happiness in productivity is largely due to a lack of being able to find satisfaction in the present moment.
Here are some suggestions for regaining the control of your time:
1. Keep a balance. There are bound to be sacrifices that we must make in life for the future. Sometimes we have to use stepping stones to build our way to success. Sometimes we have to work a job that we don’t necessarily like, in order to make connections to move our way up. Sometimes we need stepping stones. Just try to keep a balance between goals that are long term, and doing things that make you happy now.
2. Stay in perspective. Sometimes we need to drop goals that are no longer serving us. Having the courage to quit a goal that’s no longer aligned with you is okay. What matters most is that you stay authentic.
3. Future goals. Are the sacrifices you’re making now a part of a larger purpose? Our long term goals should enable us to have more free time to do what we want in the future, not create more stress. If the stress outweighs the benefits, it’s likely that your goal is not authentic and is mostly ego-based.
4. Say no. How often do you say yes to a commitment when you really want to say no? A lot of our freedom is stolen simply because we are unable to selfishly claim ownership of our time.. Realize you can only do so much. There’s no point in helping a hundred people if it’s making you miserable. That’s not a very good example to set for others.
5. Is increasing your productivity increasing your happiness? If you’re getting more done, but not making more time for the things you want to do, something is wrong. The point of getting things done is not to have more time to get things done. It’s to have more time for the things you truly enjoy.
6. Slow down. You’ll enjoy your time much more if you’re not constantly in a hurry. Something that’s helped me greatly is pretending as if what I’m doing is the only thing that exists at this time in the universe. This highly focused state doesn’t just make me enjoy what I’m doing more, it also makes me more effective.
7. Just be there. We enjoy the time we spend much more when we’re “in the zone.” That is to say, we have completely lost track of time. We’re not judging what we’re doing, we’re just doing it. We’re not thinking about it, we’re just flowing.
8. Follow your natural rhythms. We tend to try to force ourselves to be productive when we feel like relaxing. Doing this, we end up working against ourselves. Try to pay attention to your natural rhythms. When you feel like being productive, go with it.
9. When you feel like relaxing, don’t hold yourself back. Doing nothing is not a crime. It’s essential.
If we can learn how to be more content, our productivity can have more meaning. Our productivity can be the result of our happiness. Not the other way around. Cultivate meaningful productivity and start to re-claim your time.
Remember, time is not money. Time is life.
This article was written by Zen Habits contributor Jonathan Mead of the Illuminated Mind blog.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Everything has Changed
I was inspired by my friend's blog today. She wrote about the lead singer of the Barenaked Ladies, Steven Page, and his recent arrest for drug possession.
Here is my letter to Steven:
Dear Steven
The Sound of Your Voice has always been Easy to listen to. Today I find my thoughts Adrift and Everything has Changed.
I hear Angry People speaking of you with only Half a Heart. Oh I know in One Week there will be The New Sad and I Can I Will I Do think you may be Down to Earth and not as guilty as a man running from a Bank Job but still you have me confused you should be at Home, a Celebrity in your condo with oceanfront views, instead you're most wanted on the 6 o'clock news.
Pinch Me, it can't be true. It's All Been Done before but never by Some Fantastic member of BNL. I'll Be That Girl that listens to your Box Set and I Live With It Everyday in the Old Apartment and maybe begin to think now you are only Second Best (Ed, What a Good Boy you are).
In the end I hope The Wrong Man Was Convicted and the ladies you were with were not Alternative Girlfriends and they will simply say "Blame it On Me". You will Go Home, get the Alcohol In The Car, and find The Humor of the Situation.. Afterall, that's Life in a Nutshell and really you are only Falling for the First Time. Soon enough The Flag will be waved on yet another proverbial Brian Wilson, the paparazzi will Leave, and Everything Old Is New Again.
Next Time, fight the War on Drugs. Remember what they taught you in Grade 9 and don't be so Crazy. You know...If I had $1000000, and I were you, I would be Vanishing for a while.
This is Where it Ends, I am Running Out of Ink, I think I will just go Shopping...Who Needs Sleep? Except perhaps Intermittently.
For now, I need a Gin and Juice. I know in the end you will write a Little Tiny Song, it will be Off the Hook, and it will Sell, Sell, Sell.
For you it may be all Fun & Games but for me Everything has Changed. Am I the Only One?
Here is my letter to Steven:
Dear Steven
The Sound of Your Voice has always been Easy to listen to. Today I find my thoughts Adrift and Everything has Changed.
I hear Angry People speaking of you with only Half a Heart. Oh I know in One Week there will be The New Sad and I Can I Will I Do think you may be Down to Earth and not as guilty as a man running from a Bank Job but still you have me confused you should be at Home, a Celebrity in your condo with oceanfront views, instead you're most wanted on the 6 o'clock news.
Pinch Me, it can't be true. It's All Been Done before but never by Some Fantastic member of BNL. I'll Be That Girl that listens to your Box Set and I Live With It Everyday in the Old Apartment and maybe begin to think now you are only Second Best (Ed, What a Good Boy you are).
In the end I hope The Wrong Man Was Convicted and the ladies you were with were not Alternative Girlfriends and they will simply say "Blame it On Me". You will Go Home, get the Alcohol In The Car, and find The Humor of the Situation.. Afterall, that's Life in a Nutshell and really you are only Falling for the First Time. Soon enough The Flag will be waved on yet another proverbial Brian Wilson, the paparazzi will Leave, and Everything Old Is New Again.
Next Time, fight the War on Drugs. Remember what they taught you in Grade 9 and don't be so Crazy. You know...If I had $1000000, and I were you, I would be Vanishing for a while.
This is Where it Ends, I am Running Out of Ink, I think I will just go Shopping...Who Needs Sleep? Except perhaps Intermittently.
For now, I need a Gin and Juice. I know in the end you will write a Little Tiny Song, it will be Off the Hook, and it will Sell, Sell, Sell.
For you it may be all Fun & Games but for me Everything has Changed. Am I the Only One?
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Hakuna Matata
Always a favourite song for everyone...and these guys do a great job with it.
Just a happy song for you on a Friday morning...TGIF!!
Just a happy song for you on a Friday morning...TGIF!!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
13 Random Health Facts You Never Knew
shared from health ranker blog
I love sharing lists like these that are both educational and entertaining. Well, some of these “health facts” are more like “un-health facts” (especially #6), but they’re interesting nonetheless.
1) Motorists who talk on cell phones are more impaired than drunk drivers with blood-alcohol levels exceeding .08.
2) Banging your head against a wall burns 150 calories an hour.
3) In some parts of the world, they protect their babies from disease by bathing them in beer.
4) The word ‘gymnasium’ comes from the Greek word gymnazein, which means ‘to exercise naked.’
5) Sleeping can help you lose weight! Compared to an eight hours of shut-eye, each one-hour decrease in sleep duration was linked to almost 3% more body fat.
6) The average American eats at McDonald’s more than 1,800 times in their life.
7) There are more bacteria in your mouth than there are people in the world.
8) According to U.S. FDA standards, 1 cup of orange juice is allowed to contain 10 fruit fly eggs, but only 2 maggots.
9) You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television.
10) It is possible to go blind from smoking too heavily.
11) Right-handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people.
12) You are about 1 centimeter taller in the morning than in the evening.
13) During your lifetime, you’ll eat about 60,000 pounds of food -- that’s the weight of about 6 elephants.
Sources:
health ranker blog
I love sharing lists like these that are both educational and entertaining. Well, some of these “health facts” are more like “un-health facts” (especially #6), but they’re interesting nonetheless.
1) Motorists who talk on cell phones are more impaired than drunk drivers with blood-alcohol levels exceeding .08.
2) Banging your head against a wall burns 150 calories an hour.
3) In some parts of the world, they protect their babies from disease by bathing them in beer.
4) The word ‘gymnasium’ comes from the Greek word gymnazein, which means ‘to exercise naked.’
5) Sleeping can help you lose weight! Compared to an eight hours of shut-eye, each one-hour decrease in sleep duration was linked to almost 3% more body fat.
6) The average American eats at McDonald’s more than 1,800 times in their life.
7) There are more bacteria in your mouth than there are people in the world.
8) According to U.S. FDA standards, 1 cup of orange juice is allowed to contain 10 fruit fly eggs, but only 2 maggots.
9) You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television.
10) It is possible to go blind from smoking too heavily.
11) Right-handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people.
12) You are about 1 centimeter taller in the morning than in the evening.
13) During your lifetime, you’ll eat about 60,000 pounds of food -- that’s the weight of about 6 elephants.
Sources:
health ranker blog
Friday, April 4, 2008
Simplifying Shaklee and Your Life
If you have stopped by my site or if you know me then you already know that I am a Shaklee distributor. So you may be asking, why, or maybe you don't really care. Anyhow...I had someone recently ask me to simplify Shaklee for them and this is what I wrote:
Why Start With Shaklee?
Because Shaklee offers us products that are everyday that’s why!
Now you are thinking…what is she talking about?? Okay I will simplify…
First of all, where do you shop for your toothpaste, shampoo, household and laundry products, skincare, makeup, plus vitamins and food supplements you may use in your home?
Consider what it could mean to you to re-direct your spending by simply changing your brand and your “store”. Instead of buying those products from your regular big-box store, you purchase them from your own Shaklee store. Not so difficult of a concept right? If you did indeed have your own store or even if your best friend had their own store you would be buying from that store.
You decision is to change brands to products that are just as good, or most likely better than what you currently using from “Big Box” store or your favorite supermarket. Pretty easy so far right?
Okay, now you are buying your $135 - $150 dollars in products (100 point value of product) you used to buy anyways but you are buying them from your store. Keep in mind that you do not have to buy this amount every month to remain active with Shaklee, you just need this amount to collect commission. There are NO minimum requirements with Shaklee.
Now that we have that all figured out... Do you think you can tell 6 people about Shaklee and get them to do the same…change their buying power, their brand power?
Basically, here is an example of how easy it is to make it work.
You now have 100 in points value and you have found 6 other people who also understand the concept, see the great value and benefits to the Shaklee products, and are also purchasing 100 in points value. Take your 100 points and add it their 600 (100 each) for a total of 700. You just earned your $150 bonus. So you spent $150 on everyday products and you just earned $150. If you did this in your first month, your products could be free from then on.
We can of course expand from there…those 6 people tell 6 people and you now have 43 in your group including yourself (because your points count too). If they continue with their buying power and purchase their 100 points, you just made yourself a whopping $2000 in bonus! Pretty sweet.
What did you do to earn that income? You redirected your spending, your buying power.
The scenario I described is just the tip of the iceberg in my opinion. Think of the potential. Think of the fact that you can be on vacation or home playing with your kids, and your downline team (associates and customers) will still be doing their laundry, cleaning their house, taking their vitamins, washing their hair, and brushing their teeth…so you will still be earning.
Now that is buying power! Are you feeling powerful? I know I am!
Business Opportunity Info
Project MAHMA (Moms At Home Making A difference, and a lot of money)
So, in a nutshell, that's why!
Or maybe you are thinking who cares, just let me shop:
USA or CANADA
No pressure, no problem, all the power to ya!
Why Start With Shaklee?
Because Shaklee offers us products that are everyday that’s why!
Now you are thinking…what is she talking about?? Okay I will simplify…
First of all, where do you shop for your toothpaste, shampoo, household and laundry products, skincare, makeup, plus vitamins and food supplements you may use in your home?
Consider what it could mean to you to re-direct your spending by simply changing your brand and your “store”. Instead of buying those products from your regular big-box store, you purchase them from your own Shaklee store. Not so difficult of a concept right? If you did indeed have your own store or even if your best friend had their own store you would be buying from that store.
You decision is to change brands to products that are just as good, or most likely better than what you currently using from “Big Box” store or your favorite supermarket. Pretty easy so far right?
Okay, now you are buying your $135 - $150 dollars in products (100 point value of product) you used to buy anyways but you are buying them from your store. Keep in mind that you do not have to buy this amount every month to remain active with Shaklee, you just need this amount to collect commission. There are NO minimum requirements with Shaklee.
Now that we have that all figured out... Do you think you can tell 6 people about Shaklee and get them to do the same…change their buying power, their brand power?
Basically, here is an example of how easy it is to make it work.
You now have 100 in points value and you have found 6 other people who also understand the concept, see the great value and benefits to the Shaklee products, and are also purchasing 100 in points value. Take your 100 points and add it their 600 (100 each) for a total of 700. You just earned your $150 bonus. So you spent $150 on everyday products and you just earned $150. If you did this in your first month, your products could be free from then on.
We can of course expand from there…those 6 people tell 6 people and you now have 43 in your group including yourself (because your points count too). If they continue with their buying power and purchase their 100 points, you just made yourself a whopping $2000 in bonus! Pretty sweet.
What did you do to earn that income? You redirected your spending, your buying power.
The scenario I described is just the tip of the iceberg in my opinion. Think of the potential. Think of the fact that you can be on vacation or home playing with your kids, and your downline team (associates and customers) will still be doing their laundry, cleaning their house, taking their vitamins, washing their hair, and brushing their teeth…so you will still be earning.
Now that is buying power! Are you feeling powerful? I know I am!
Business Opportunity Info
Project MAHMA (Moms At Home Making A difference, and a lot of money)
So, in a nutshell, that's why!
Or maybe you are thinking who cares, just let me shop:
USA or CANADA
No pressure, no problem, all the power to ya!
Friday, March 7, 2008
International Women's Day March 8, 2008
Tomorrow is International Women's Day.
We should take some time out tomorrow to toast our "sisters" that came before us and ensured that we were able to do what we want, when we want, so that we will never WANT.
In North America, women have been empowered, we want that for our sister's around the world as well.
Read more about gender inequality here: Gender Inequality
Where your white band tomorrow for all women.
"The fight against poverty requires justice and equality for women. Around the world, women and girls are more likely to face violence, have fewer rights and receive less education than men.
And because women are often denied fair compensation for their work, poverty rates among women are much higher.
Gender equality is a key part of making poverty history. Policies that promote the health, education and rights of women make huge contributions towards alleviating poverty. Any serious attempt to eradicate poverty must work towards gender equality....
...Take action online
Our friends at Oxfam Canada have a petition to the Prime Minister calling for him to support gender equality and an end to violence against women. Sign the Oxfam petition here"
Quoted from www.makepovertyhistory.ca
We should take some time out tomorrow to toast our "sisters" that came before us and ensured that we were able to do what we want, when we want, so that we will never WANT.
In North America, women have been empowered, we want that for our sister's around the world as well.
Read more about gender inequality here: Gender Inequality
Where your white band tomorrow for all women.
"The fight against poverty requires justice and equality for women. Around the world, women and girls are more likely to face violence, have fewer rights and receive less education than men.
And because women are often denied fair compensation for their work, poverty rates among women are much higher.
Gender equality is a key part of making poverty history. Policies that promote the health, education and rights of women make huge contributions towards alleviating poverty. Any serious attempt to eradicate poverty must work towards gender equality....
...Take action online
Our friends at Oxfam Canada have a petition to the Prime Minister calling for him to support gender equality and an end to violence against women. Sign the Oxfam petition here"
Quoted from www.makepovertyhistory.ca
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Emptying the Nest
One down, two to go.
No seriously, I love my children with all of my heart and soul but I am not one of those parents that hopes they will stay forever and dreads the day they fly the coop, leave the nest, yada, yada, yada.
Our first child fled the coop this past summer. Let's get real folks, I miss him dearly, I repeat, I miss him dearly. What I don't miss is the laundry, the cooking, and the cleaning for him.
I love you my boy and you can stop by for dinner whenever you want...just call first...or better yet, have us over for dinner!
Give 'em wings.
No seriously, I love my children with all of my heart and soul but I am not one of those parents that hopes they will stay forever and dreads the day they fly the coop, leave the nest, yada, yada, yada.
Our first child fled the coop this past summer. Let's get real folks, I miss him dearly, I repeat, I miss him dearly. What I don't miss is the laundry, the cooking, and the cleaning for him.
I love you my boy and you can stop by for dinner whenever you want...just call first...or better yet, have us over for dinner!
Give 'em wings.
You know you are getting older when...
Okay...I am not quite here yet but I can see it happening...yikes!
You know you are getting older when...
You're asleep, but others worry that you're dead.
You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
You can live without sex, but not without glasses.
Your back goes out more than you do.
You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
You buy a compass for the dash of your car.
You are proud of your lawn mower.
Your best friend is dating someone half their age... And isn't breaking any laws.
Your arms are almost too short to read the newspaper.
You sing along with the elevator music.
You would rather go to work than stay home sick.
You enjoy hearing about other people's operations.
You consider coffee one of the most important things in life.
You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
People call at 9 pm. And ask, "Did I wake you?"
You answer a question with "Because I said so!"
You send money to PBS.
The end of your tie doesn't come anywhere near the top of your pants.
You take a metal detector to the beach.
You wear black socks with sandals.
You know what the word equity means.
You can't remember the last time you laid on the floor to watch television.
Your ears are hairier than your head.
You talk about "good grass" and you're referring to someone's lawn.
You get into a heated argument about pension plans.
You got cable for the weather channel.
You can go bowling without drinking.
(author unknown)
You know you are getting older when...
You're asleep, but others worry that you're dead.
You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
You can live without sex, but not without glasses.
Your back goes out more than you do.
You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
You buy a compass for the dash of your car.
You are proud of your lawn mower.
Your best friend is dating someone half their age... And isn't breaking any laws.
Your arms are almost too short to read the newspaper.
You sing along with the elevator music.
You would rather go to work than stay home sick.
You enjoy hearing about other people's operations.
You consider coffee one of the most important things in life.
You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
People call at 9 pm. And ask, "Did I wake you?"
You answer a question with "Because I said so!"
You send money to PBS.
The end of your tie doesn't come anywhere near the top of your pants.
You take a metal detector to the beach.
You wear black socks with sandals.
You know what the word equity means.
You can't remember the last time you laid on the floor to watch television.
Your ears are hairier than your head.
You talk about "good grass" and you're referring to someone's lawn.
You get into a heated argument about pension plans.
You got cable for the weather channel.
You can go bowling without drinking.
(author unknown)
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
15 Ways to a Better Life
Well, I don't know if they really work but my life is pretty good thus far. So, here they are:
1. Eat real food, eat more raw foods (nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruit), don’t eat too much, eat more plants. Not that I don’t like a good steak or anything…just eat less of it.
2. Eat fibre. Eat it whenever you can, sneak it in if you have to. You CAN find yummy ways to at fibre. Don’t be afraid.
3. Avoid partially or fully hydrogenated oils. Guess what, they lied to you about margarine. Don’t eat it. Butter really is better – just don’t eat the whole stick. Use cold pressed and unrefined oils (extra virgin olive oil, macadamia nut oil).
4. Omegas. Take some. 3, 6, 9, they are all good, even better when you get them all. Look for good supplements preferably certified organic-cold pressed and unrefined. Eat fish more often.
5. Do not eat fried foods, no really, stop it. Bake your foods instead.
6. White is bad. No I am not racist, I am talking about food. Avoid white foods (white potatoes, refined white flour, white sugar, white pasta etc.).
7. Try to eat unprocessed foods. Shop on the OUTSIDE aisles at your local grocery store. Dangerous high-glycemic foods lurk in the middle aisles. Stay calm and stay away.
8. Eat your beans. They are good for you!
9. Eat smaller meals and eat snacks but choose healthy snacks.
10. Drink water. Just water…don’t add “stuff” to it.
11. Avoid artificial sweeteners. Use natural sweeteners: honey, maple syrup, or stevia. If you really want to use sugar, find raw unprocessed sugars. They actually taste better.
12. Lower your salt intake – hide that saltshaker, well at the very least keep it off the table.
13. Your mom was right about taking your vitamins – find a good one and take it. Do your research. Educate yourself.
14. Walk, cycle, run, LIFT WEIGHTS, do something.
15. Enjoy yourself. Do things you love to do. Spend time with people that make you happy. Avoid the negatives in life. Laugh. Love. Live.
Disclaimer: The above statements have not been evaluated by any governing agencies nor will they ever be evaluated by any governing agencies. Heck, I don’t even care if you evaluate them. I just thought they sounded good when I wrote them.
1. Eat real food, eat more raw foods (nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruit), don’t eat too much, eat more plants. Not that I don’t like a good steak or anything…just eat less of it.
2. Eat fibre. Eat it whenever you can, sneak it in if you have to. You CAN find yummy ways to at fibre. Don’t be afraid.
3. Avoid partially or fully hydrogenated oils. Guess what, they lied to you about margarine. Don’t eat it. Butter really is better – just don’t eat the whole stick. Use cold pressed and unrefined oils (extra virgin olive oil, macadamia nut oil).
4. Omegas. Take some. 3, 6, 9, they are all good, even better when you get them all. Look for good supplements preferably certified organic-cold pressed and unrefined. Eat fish more often.
5. Do not eat fried foods, no really, stop it. Bake your foods instead.
6. White is bad. No I am not racist, I am talking about food. Avoid white foods (white potatoes, refined white flour, white sugar, white pasta etc.).
7. Try to eat unprocessed foods. Shop on the OUTSIDE aisles at your local grocery store. Dangerous high-glycemic foods lurk in the middle aisles. Stay calm and stay away.
8. Eat your beans. They are good for you!
9. Eat smaller meals and eat snacks but choose healthy snacks.
10. Drink water. Just water…don’t add “stuff” to it.
11. Avoid artificial sweeteners. Use natural sweeteners: honey, maple syrup, or stevia. If you really want to use sugar, find raw unprocessed sugars. They actually taste better.
12. Lower your salt intake – hide that saltshaker, well at the very least keep it off the table.
13. Your mom was right about taking your vitamins – find a good one and take it. Do your research. Educate yourself.
14. Walk, cycle, run, LIFT WEIGHTS, do something.
15. Enjoy yourself. Do things you love to do. Spend time with people that make you happy. Avoid the negatives in life. Laugh. Love. Live.
Disclaimer: The above statements have not been evaluated by any governing agencies nor will they ever be evaluated by any governing agencies. Heck, I don’t even care if you evaluate them. I just thought they sounded good when I wrote them.
Friday, February 1, 2008
The Italian Mother
I am Italian. My parents are first generation Italian-Canadian immigrants. They are proud to be Canadian but they are also proud to be Italian, proud of the heritage, proud of their family, and ultimately proud of their homeland, the motherland. They should be proud, period.
I also married an Italian man. Along with my Italian husband came a large Italian family. Lucky, hey? Actually, I am. Growing up, there were five of us, my parents, myself, and two brothers. My parents left everything back home in the “old country”, including the relatives. I admire them for leaving everything to take a risk such as that just for our future, their children’s future (despite the dang cold weather we have here, really dad, what were you thinking? You lived in the Mediterranean?!).
Along with this sacrifice came the lack of big family dinners, lots of aunts and uncles, more cousins than you can count, and of course, a Nonna (grandmother). Nonna is the hierarchy of the Italian family. Oh, I know you have heard the Italian man is the head of the household, the king of the castle, the Godfather, blah, blah, blah. Try to tell Nonna that. In reality, as I quickly learned through the courting years with my husband, the Nonna is the supreme leader of any Italian household.
Funny though that the typical North American woman has always felt that only here in the free country will a woman be considered an equal to a man or perhaps even superior. Not so, in an Italian family, the woman is the ruler. Outwardly, you would not think so and it would never be publicly displayed because, really, what would the neighbours think? But, if Pappa made the wrong decision while at an outing together you would be sure that Mamma would be pulling his ear when they got home and telling him how things will be and the next day Mamma would get her way of course, all the while convincing everyone that it was Pappa’s idea. The only one that can change Mamma’s mind is Nonna. If Nonna said it was so, then so it was, no one questioned, and no one went against her wishes. Her importance in my husband’s family was so vital that upon her passing the togetherness and closeness was never the same. Perhaps, it had now been handed down to the Nonnas next in line (our generation’s mothers) that now each family had its own tightness. Or perhaps the family just got too big and family get-togethers became too difficult, whatever it was it was never the same without Nonna.
Having seen this first hand at many a family gathering with my husband’s family, I began to question and observe what was really happening in our house. Was Dad really in charge as I had thought all these years? I would watch and I would listen. My mother always seemed as thought she respected my father’s words and decisions with such high regard and to this day I don’t doubt at all that she did but somehow I could see she really did have and still has something else. She has meaning and conviction. She believes in the family, the strength of its closeness, the importance of its love. Perhaps there was so much more to her words, “Your father thinks…”.
The Italian woman holds her head up high. She walks with honour. Her husband also walks with his head high and with honour for he has a strong wife, and she tells him “Stand up straight and be proud!” And he listens.
I also married an Italian man. Along with my Italian husband came a large Italian family. Lucky, hey? Actually, I am. Growing up, there were five of us, my parents, myself, and two brothers. My parents left everything back home in the “old country”, including the relatives. I admire them for leaving everything to take a risk such as that just for our future, their children’s future (despite the dang cold weather we have here, really dad, what were you thinking? You lived in the Mediterranean?!).
Along with this sacrifice came the lack of big family dinners, lots of aunts and uncles, more cousins than you can count, and of course, a Nonna (grandmother). Nonna is the hierarchy of the Italian family. Oh, I know you have heard the Italian man is the head of the household, the king of the castle, the Godfather, blah, blah, blah. Try to tell Nonna that. In reality, as I quickly learned through the courting years with my husband, the Nonna is the supreme leader of any Italian household.
Funny though that the typical North American woman has always felt that only here in the free country will a woman be considered an equal to a man or perhaps even superior. Not so, in an Italian family, the woman is the ruler. Outwardly, you would not think so and it would never be publicly displayed because, really, what would the neighbours think? But, if Pappa made the wrong decision while at an outing together you would be sure that Mamma would be pulling his ear when they got home and telling him how things will be and the next day Mamma would get her way of course, all the while convincing everyone that it was Pappa’s idea. The only one that can change Mamma’s mind is Nonna. If Nonna said it was so, then so it was, no one questioned, and no one went against her wishes. Her importance in my husband’s family was so vital that upon her passing the togetherness and closeness was never the same. Perhaps, it had now been handed down to the Nonnas next in line (our generation’s mothers) that now each family had its own tightness. Or perhaps the family just got too big and family get-togethers became too difficult, whatever it was it was never the same without Nonna.
Having seen this first hand at many a family gathering with my husband’s family, I began to question and observe what was really happening in our house. Was Dad really in charge as I had thought all these years? I would watch and I would listen. My mother always seemed as thought she respected my father’s words and decisions with such high regard and to this day I don’t doubt at all that she did but somehow I could see she really did have and still has something else. She has meaning and conviction. She believes in the family, the strength of its closeness, the importance of its love. Perhaps there was so much more to her words, “Your father thinks…”.
The Italian woman holds her head up high. She walks with honour. Her husband also walks with his head high and with honour for he has a strong wife, and she tells him “Stand up straight and be proud!” And he listens.
Listen Up!
I multitask..doesn't every mother...but because of this, I think I may have a really short attention span. You see, I finished writing that sentence and then I stopped. What was I going to write after that? I am never really sure so then I make something else up and hope that I will remember what I was really going to say before everyone stops listening to me and walks away. It doesn’t always work.
In my family, if you stop to take a breath someone else starts talking and if you are like me you won’t remember what you wanted to say when they finally give you a chance to speak. I have three older children and a self-employed husband. They always have so much more to talk about than me it seems. Or maybe it is just that as a mother I have assumed the role of listener over the years.
I work from home, handling the administrative side of the business my husband and I have built up over the last 15 or so years. I have worked out of the home as well when the children were school aged but we have always had our business to run so I was never working full time away from the home. This has allowed me the privilege, although I sometimes may have questioned that description, to be here for everyone. I am here when someone needs a ride, when someone needs some food, or when someone needs an ear. Mostly, I am here, and they have all learned to count on that. Unfortunately, on the flip side, it seems to have taken away my ability to be anything but The Listener. I work alone all day and speak on the phone very rarely. When I do, I am listening to customers. When my family comes home, I am listening to them.
Here is how it typically plays out: Imagine a table at dinner, the food is home cooked and the house has been cleaned, the family sits around talking about their respective days. They all seem to be talking to me. Or maybe I just feel that way and I have the desire to listen to everyone talking. I try to listen to one, then the other, then another, now the first is clamoring for my attention again, “I didn’t finish”, throw in a parent or an in-law or two, they demand respect, oh dear, oh no, who was I listening to in the first place? I think you get the picture. See I maybe really do have a short attention span.
How do I treat this developed affliction? How do I get others to listen to me? Wait, I sound pathetic. When I attend a party or a get together at a friends’ home, they listen, they even tell me I am entertaining sometimes. I do get invited again so this is a good sign, right? Well then, what is the problem? Why is it that at home I am The Listener? I am fun, I am intelligent, I have things to say. Really.
Now my children will read this and end up saying “But sometimes you don’t listen. Sometimes you just LOOK like you are listening”.
Err, umm, yes, I do that too.
Remember I work from home and many a days I have been busy doing my work and the school bus arrives, the kids let themselves in, sit down in the empty chair near my desk that awaits there arrival and proceed to tell me about their day. I tried really hard to listen all those times but I really needed to finish what I was doing so I could make you all some supper!
Talk to me, then but wait for your sister to finish her story first.
In my family, if you stop to take a breath someone else starts talking and if you are like me you won’t remember what you wanted to say when they finally give you a chance to speak. I have three older children and a self-employed husband. They always have so much more to talk about than me it seems. Or maybe it is just that as a mother I have assumed the role of listener over the years.
I work from home, handling the administrative side of the business my husband and I have built up over the last 15 or so years. I have worked out of the home as well when the children were school aged but we have always had our business to run so I was never working full time away from the home. This has allowed me the privilege, although I sometimes may have questioned that description, to be here for everyone. I am here when someone needs a ride, when someone needs some food, or when someone needs an ear. Mostly, I am here, and they have all learned to count on that. Unfortunately, on the flip side, it seems to have taken away my ability to be anything but The Listener. I work alone all day and speak on the phone very rarely. When I do, I am listening to customers. When my family comes home, I am listening to them.
Here is how it typically plays out: Imagine a table at dinner, the food is home cooked and the house has been cleaned, the family sits around talking about their respective days. They all seem to be talking to me. Or maybe I just feel that way and I have the desire to listen to everyone talking. I try to listen to one, then the other, then another, now the first is clamoring for my attention again, “I didn’t finish”, throw in a parent or an in-law or two, they demand respect, oh dear, oh no, who was I listening to in the first place? I think you get the picture. See I maybe really do have a short attention span.
How do I treat this developed affliction? How do I get others to listen to me? Wait, I sound pathetic. When I attend a party or a get together at a friends’ home, they listen, they even tell me I am entertaining sometimes. I do get invited again so this is a good sign, right? Well then, what is the problem? Why is it that at home I am The Listener? I am fun, I am intelligent, I have things to say. Really.
Now my children will read this and end up saying “But sometimes you don’t listen. Sometimes you just LOOK like you are listening”.
Err, umm, yes, I do that too.
Remember I work from home and many a days I have been busy doing my work and the school bus arrives, the kids let themselves in, sit down in the empty chair near my desk that awaits there arrival and proceed to tell me about their day. I tried really hard to listen all those times but I really needed to finish what I was doing so I could make you all some supper!
Talk to me, then but wait for your sister to finish her story first.
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