Is this what World Peace looks like?

For a few minutes, it seems as if this man brought happiness to thousands of people in the world. Not sure of the whole story but I like the premise! Pretty cool stuff. Enjoy

Wisdom from a piece of chocolate...

Yesterday I opened up (delicious)piece of Dove chocolate. The wrappers always have little messages on the inside.

My message was " Happiness is in the heart, not in the circumstances."

It made me think of Antione Ste. Exepury's book, The Little Prince. There is a part of that book where the fox tells the prince that it isn't with they eyes that we see what is essential, but with the heart. I don't recall the specific quote, but you get the idea.

Such a timely quote, where we seem to be blind-sighted by materials and destinations at this time of the year.

Wisdom from a piece of chocolate.... who knew?!

100 things you (now) know about me

Got this from Sara's blog & decided to play along as well!

1. Started my own blog (and you visited it)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Attended a live play starring a family member
4. Visited Springfield, MO
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disney World
8. Held a baby only hours old
9. Climbed a mountain
10. Sang in front of people
11. Tried a new food
12. Reunited with an old friend via the internet
13. Watched a lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Gone on a blind date
16. Cried yourself to sleep
17. Been to the top of the Gateway Arch
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Helped a stranger
20. Learned sign language
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a piglet
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Walked for a good cause
28. Ridden a horse
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Scored a goal in soccer
32. Been on a cruise
33. Drank beer with a nun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Slow danced with a stranger
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Saw a crime committed in front of you
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Thanked a teacher (after 30 years)
41. Sung karaoke (sober!)
42. Seen the birth of a child
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Washington D.C.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your Wisdom teeth pulled
48. Gone fishing
49. Seen the Red Square in person
50. Been to Leningrad
51. Have had your heart broken
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Stayed up til midnight on NYE
57. Been so poor you sold a prized possession
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Have taken a CPR/First Aid course
66. Visited the place of your birth
67. Bounced a check -not proud moments
68. Flown in an airplane
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Touched a shark
74. Betrayed a friend's trust
75. Been fired from a job
76. Held a live starfish in your hands
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Liberty Bell in person
80. Have an autograph from a celebrity
81. Have a living will
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked the Liberty Trail
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Have written your name in the sand
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Read to a child
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Changed a flat tire
96. Climbed a 20 foot wall
97. Have shot a bulls-eye with a bow & arrow
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Play along!

Would you? Could you?

If you had to give up one of your 5 senses for the remainder of your life, which would you choose & why?

I am fond of all of my 5 well-functioning senses, but I think I would sacrifice my sense of taste (but I could still smell, I'd hope). This would help with weight management since I could not taste the delicious culinary creations. Definitely a deterrent to eating. The closest I have come to experiencing this sensation was when I was sick. I really didn't miss the taste sensation, but kinda remembered what certain foods smelled. Since I enjoy cooking, I would be at a disadvantage of tasting my creations, but providing food for others to enjoy would make me happy within the process.

Since I am visual person, I would have a hard time giving up sight. I enjoy photography and reading, things not easily translated into other modalities. Scrapbooking is an appealing hobby for me and the visual memories trigger other senses (mostly sounds). Also, today's environment is not user friendly to those with visual impairments (lots of corrective options, though).

I think olfactory (smell) senses are tied closely to memory banks within the brain. I mean, we have the reactive (eew! the milk is bad) or(uh, fire?!?) senses built within to keep us from harm. I am thinking more of, how I can walk into my grandmother's home after a decade absence and be inundated with memories just by smelling the air when opening the wooden door that leads to her home of over 60 years. Memories that are illuminated as I burn scented candles when decorating the family Christmas tree. There are memories still tucked away in my mind that have yet to be unleashed. Remember the concept of smell-o-vision ? I'm thinkin', a bit CrAzY, but I see where they were going with that!

Nor could I surrender the aural calm created by listening to music like Acoustic Alchemy or Dave Koz in stressful times. I couldn't bear missing opportunities to hear my son sing. These past 4 years, his voice has developed into this rich tone that just amazes me every time I hear him sing (serious music).Although I dislike having to LISTEN and be on alert throughout the day, I do like when I can be a passive rather than active listener.

Losing the sense of touch would make me feel dehumanized. In my profession (I am a child care manager), I am deluged with hugs, pokes and squeezes throughout my hectic day. These are some of the brighter parts of my day & remind me how important my job is to these little ones. I am not so inclined to give up something that is rewarding. I have not had many physical relationships in the past few years & I miss the caress of my neck, arms. I find that sense comforting & grounding, that perhaps allows for some inner peace.

Here's hoping I keep my senses with me for quite a while!

Modern-day Cheapskates

After reading this article, I thought of my budget and how I try to monitor my spending. I certainly do not have a social life that empties my wallet. Heck, just traveling 80 miles round trip to work is enough to make me cry at the end of the day!

These are things I do as a practicing cheapskate:

* Visit the library often to get my literary fix.
* Enjoy creating home-made goodies that are far less pricier than bistro menu items.
* Have learned the value of Redbox (also library) rather than the box office ;we're talking big $$ these days.

* I print or e-mail my own photos to family & friends. Love the quality, but I have yet to take a professional caliber photo worthy of the $

* Keep the technology simple & up to date as possible. Seeking bargains, my laptop was a floor model, software discounts through graduate school program.

* Coupons, use them, it is surprising how much $ you save in a month. Be smart about it though.

* I love candlelight. I use candleight in the evening to save energy, make the house smell good & relax in the aroma that surrounds me.



After reading this article, I want to challenge myself, yet not put a burden on others to cover the check. As much as the economy is in a slump, I don't feel the need to spend the last of my savings on holiday gifts. I think that handmade gifts is the route I will be taking this year. I've tacked up many ideas on my inspiration board in my home office that I have yet to explore. I still think handmade gifts can be functional, not just that kitschy crap that ends up in garage sales in the spring. Not sure what the end result is going to look, but it will be worth trying!
Watch this space ...

Let's play... 20 questions!

1. If you could take more control of one aspect of your life, what would it be?
I would like to control how much time/energy I use at work. I come home exhausted and too tired to enjoy being at home.

2. If you were to state the difference between the male soul and the female soul, what would it be?
The male soul seeks pleasure, the female soul,harmony

3. If you had to give control of your destiny to any one person, who would get it? Not sure I am ready to give up control to anyone in my life.

4. If after you die your spirit could protect anyone in the world, who would you pick? My brother

5. If you were to name the most comforting thing for you to hold in your hands, what would it be? Chloe, my dog, gives me comfort

6. If you were to leave instructions for what music would be played at your funeral or wake, what would it be? Oh, I've thought this out before.... I would have smooth jazz playing throughout the service, but fun stuff. I want people remembering the love I had for music in my life.


7. If you could learn one thing (but only one thing) about your own death right now, what would you want it to be? Was I with my family?

8. If you made a very big mistake of some kind, who, of the people you know, would you first confess it to? I guess I'd tell Ana (hopefully it wasn't with her)

9. If you were to describe your attitude toward sin, what would you say? Sin is succumbing to desire because of one's own weakness.

10. If you could ask a psychic one question, knowing you would get a true answer, what would you ask? Will I be with my soul mate through my sunset years?

11. If there was one primary law or principle you lived by, what would you say it was? Those who say it can't be done need to get out of the way of those doing it! (I read this in a magazine & was amazed at its honesty!)

12. If you had to name the best thing about getting older, what would you say it is? Hmmm, that you pawn off housework on your children?

13. If you were to select a person whose persona does not fit their body type, who would it be? Me - 100%

14. If you were to name three people throughout your life that helped to complete you as a person, who would they be? Sr. John (teach from the heart), Leo Buscaglia (keep the child inside you alive & playing), RT (making me a complete parent, which is what I guess is how it was supposed to be all along).

15. If you were to say there is a person who truly practices what they preach, who would it be? Hmmm, gotta get back to this one

16. If you were to name the most comforting place to be touched by another's hands, where would it be? My shoulders

17. If you were to name the one thing you have the most compassion for, what would it be? children... they are so vulnerable!

18. If you had to admit the most selfish thing you do on a regular basis, what would you say? Closing my door to be alone when I should be with my family.

19. If you were to design a room for contemplation, what would it look like, and what would be in it? Breezy, water falls, lots of fabrics in earth tones (moss, sand,chocolate) and candles, music (smooth jazz/new age/Celtic)

20. If you had to pick one dream you've had that came closest to coming true, which was it? Raising a child (although at times it may seem like a nightmare!)

In a need of a thunderstorm!

We are a thunderstorm

individually,

we are single drops of rain,

falling silently into the dust,

offering scant promise of moisture thirsty land.



but together,

we can nourish the earth

and revive its hopes and dreams.



together,

we are a thunderstorm.

Poem by Amity Gaige

I was first introduced to this poem in college. In its simplicity, I find the message encouraging. After 20 years of life experience behind me, I revisit this work in a new light. Not only in a dynamic period in society, but also as a manager of people.

How does one foster the flame within them to want to help "nourish" the Earth, or their environment? Who will help you want to revive your hopes and dreams? No one will do it for you, that is certain.

I protect my flame daily & turn my back to the harsh wind of resistance. I refuse to allow my flame to die out, in fear that it will not re-light.

I am tired of feeling thirsty!

Leader of the pack? I think not!

You want to run out in front, prepare to be tripped from behind. ~S.A. Sachs


Those who choose to be in the spotlight may get their opportunity, but not without a bit of poor footing on the way! I see that you study your script & play the role, but you are transparent,unfortunate & so predictable! I have watched your rehearsals from behind a curtain as you polish your skills.

It is time for a new script with a role that is less dramatic, that allows your intellect shine. Please redeem yourself, before it is too late.

Delish!!

Thought about sharing the wealth of my Chili recipe. It is in high demand when Fall comes.

I have only entered this once in a chili cook-off, thinking of trying it again, for laughs.


The Goods..
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (lean)
1 pkg smoked sausage (I use lite/turkey)(sliced/quartered)
1 10 oz jar salsa (pick your heat level)
1 16 oz can V-8 (vegetable juice)
1 can tomato paste
1 8 oz can diced tomatoes
1 medium/large onion chopped
1 green pepper chopped
1 large can chili beans
1 medium can kidney beans
1 medium can black beans
2 Tbsp Cumin
4 Tbsp Chili Powder

For Toppings Bar:

scallions
sour cream
shredded cheese (cheddar & pepper jack are our faves)
salsa
guacamole
tortilla chips

The game plan...

In a large stockpot, combine salsa, V-8 juice, tomato paste & diced tomatoes. Allow to heat to a low boil.

Meanwhile,brown the ground beef with the onions (drain off fat). Saute the peppers with the sausage pieces. Season with Cumin & chili powder. Add to tomato mixture, stir well.

Simmer for 90 minutes on med-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Drain/rinse black & kidney beans. Add to chili. Put the chili beans into the mix without draining (to retain flavoring). Stir well, simmer an additional 30 + on low until ready to serve.

In the last 1/2 hr before serving, prep your toppings bar (or put all the bowls of stuff on a lazy susan in the middle of the table for ease of access).

Gather up spoons & bowls and enjoy!

** This chili is best if it is chilled overnight (if it can last that long!)

Just wasting time...

50 Random Questions

1. Where were you 3 hours ago?

At the store getting Chloe food

2. Who are you in love with?

no one @ present

3. Have you ever eaten a crayon?

Not that I can recall

4. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?

My computer, printer, bookshelf & radio. Big box of papers that need to be recycled (too cold to go outside!)

5. When is the last time you went to the mall?

Last weekend with Tony for an ice cream fix

6. Are you wearing socks right now?

Yes, black fuzzy & warm!

7. Do you have a car worth over $2,000?

Yes, but trading it in next year.

8. When was the last time you drove out of town?

In June, road trip to Springfield

9. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days?

No

10. Are you hot?

kinda personal, huh?

11. What was the last thing you had to drink?

A really crappy beer!

12. What are you wearing right now?

Black sweater& jeans

13. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it?

I like the sweat equity in warm weather!

14. Last food that you ate?

My fabulous chili with all the goodies! (Too bad the beer was lousy)

15. Where were you last week at this time?

Home, doing laundry!

16. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?

Gloves

17. When is the last time you ran?

chased the dog yesterday! My knees are not set on "run"

18. What's the last sporting event you watched?

Hockey game with my dad

19. What is your favorite animal?

my puppy!

20. Your dream vacation?

A cabin by a lake, fireplace, live band, open bar & a fully stocked kitchen. When can I check in!?

21. Last person's house you were in?

You know, I really have NO idea

22. Worst injury you've ever had?

That crazy bladder infection that put me in the hospital last December the week before Christmas! That really sucked!

23. Have you been in love?

Yes,

24. Do you miss anyone right now?

My Baba. Sure wish she could be here for the holidays.

25. Last play you saw?

Arsenic & Old Lace at Marquette High school. It was AWESOME

26. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex?

Wouldn't YOU like to know!

27. What are your plans for tonight?

Clearing off my desk & getting a couple of albums done for Cardinal Glennon

28. Who is the last person you sent a MySpace message or comment?

Sherrie

29. Next trip you are going to take?

Probably a college visit with Gabe

30. Ever go to camp?

OMG... lived at camp for 7 summers! So many memories!

31. Were you an honor roll student in school?

hahahahahahahahahahaha....no

32. What do you want to know about the future?

How much Gabe's college tuition is going to cost me!

33. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?

just deodorant

34. Are you due sometime this year for a doctor's visit?

I am. I better get that appontment scheduled!

35. Where is your best friend?

I would guess she is at home taking a nap, she is super prego!

36. How is your best friend?

Knocked up!

37. Do you have a tan?

no

38. What are you listening to right now?

my mp3 player has Life in the Tropics by the Rippingtons

39. Do you collect anything?

dust bunnies!

40. Who is the biggest gossiper you know?

Let's not go there...

41. Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over?

2 years ago. I am on a path to recovery for my lead foot

42. Have you ever drank your soda from a straw?

In take out cups

43. What does your last text message say?

I have a book on hold @ library

44. Do you like hot sauce?

on chicken, eggs & chili

45. Last time you took a shower?

This morning

46. Do you need to do laundry?

yes

47. What is your heritage?

Lithuanian

48. Are you someone's best friend?

I think so...

49. Are you rich?

yes.

50. What were you doing at 12AM last night?

Working on a photo album for Cardinal Glennon

Amatokin Wrinkle Cream

Top Ten List - Best Myspace Quizzes

Improvement Plan

Don't spend your precious time asking "Why isn't the world a better place?" It will only be time wasted. The question to ask is "How can I make it better?" To that there is an answer.

a quote from Leo Buscaglia. I came across a journal I kept in high school that had quotes from him jotted in the margins.(I guess a blog is a new way of journaling?!)

The world has changed so much in my lifetime (some for the good, sometimes not). I find it hard to comprehend what people who are much older than I, are feeling in this moment. History has unfolded right before us! This planet has gone through quite a transformation this week. I saw an article in the WSJ with a photo of a newspaper headline in Italy that read "Il Mondo Cambria" (the world changes). I am energized by the changes, yet cautiously optimistic that those who hold different views will keep their minds & heart open for the new leadership.

Closer to home, I have recently tried to brighten the world through my own actions. Within the past 2 weeks, I have brought magazines to the senior supported living complex, brought my neighbors paper to their doorstep to avoid going out in the cold air, given anonymous gift cards to brighten someones day, and helped a parent load their car with groceries so they could get their child who was in major meltdown mode into their car seat. Today, I visited a gallery exhibit opening of my grade school gym teacher. He was thrilled that I still remembered him. He made my world brighter many years ago just by being the kind, talented soul that he is (and I told him that!)

Although the movie "Pay It Forward" was kinda goofy, the concept of doing a good deed in hopes that it will be passed on is heart-warming. This time of year is popular for people to go good Samaritan work by helping in a food pantry, donating coats and the cash donations. The act of giving feels rewarding enough to feel the energy year round. Try it, you'll like it!

There are lives I can imagine without children but none of them have the same laughter & noise.

I work with children daily. The giggles, shrieks & sobs are part of the daily acoustics at my job (along with the telephone, keyboard & printer). However, the sounds of children are comforting to me. I enjoy the incessant "why ?" questions of preschoolers, the emerging language of toddlers, and the stories of the"big" kids with larger than life details of storytelling.

Without this soundtrack, my life would seem less colorful, less rewarding, and much more serious. Children bring levity to so many conversations and situations. Don't just listen to the children, HEAR them. All to often, I have my "grown up moments" where I smile and dash off the the next task at hand. But sitting in the classroom with my little buddies in the two year old classroom this morning, brought it all back into focus. Thanks, guys, I needed that!

It's Showtime, folks

We have finally arrived at the big day. The flow of all the articles, interviews, debates, awful endorsements, and parodies will trickle down to a mere drip (not the candidate!).

I am awed by the passion that people have for their respective candidate or position. I hope that in the booth, people really take a serious look at the issues they support rather than the hoopla that either party brings to this campaign. In the past few months, I have observed actions and heard comments that seem disturbing when supporting their choice. I won't get into the details but I feel some people voting may not be fully informed on the candidate's issues or qualifications.

This election is undoubtedly a historic event on several levels, and I look forward to opening a history book & sharing with my grandchildren the passion that was brought out in people because of this election. The right to vote is a privilege in this democratic country & I hope people are SMART about their vote & be adult about the results, since they had a direct say in the outcome (in a small way, that electoral college thing still drives me crazy!)

Now go out and vote! Please....

Help our Mother (Earth)

The United States is resident to many well educated people. It does baffle me that another country was able to not only redevelop land that was once used as a landfill into the amazing structure that plans for erosion, but was eco-savvy enough to have the bio gas that is released from the decomposition of the landfill converted into electricity. How cool is that!? While here @ home, there are people who are not willing to compromise on more efficient ways to support our struggling mass transit system. We shut down a major artery into the city for 3 + years & they still don't see the "forest for the trees."... jeez!

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/10/24/waf2008.energy.waste.recycling/index.html

Educating the community on Autism

Today was the Walk Now for Autism in Forest Park. The event had over 20,000 people participating. It was great to see the array of colored shirts that represented the walking teams, which were dedicated to someone affected by Autism. I was struck with 2 feelings simultaneously. First I thought wow, such a great turnout, then doing some calculating how many affected individuals were represented in one group today. So many people with stories of hope... progress... frustration.. fear... and PRIDE.

Walking for Tony today, I was filled with a bubble of gratitude for the professionals researching this disorder and families willing to try anything, in hopes that it may flip the switch. I remember the trips to the Spitz Clinic in Media, PA where we met with top names in the field back in the 80's. Tony's brain surgery. Days filled with patterning exercises that my parents & I did with him throughout each day. The glimmer in Tony's eye when he remembers the good stuff. The moments that I shared with Tony that he spoke to me, ever so briefly, and the moment vanished.

Then,my thoughts drifted to the people in my life who are affected as well. Their children are significantly younger than Tony. How lucky they are (in relation to the under educated 70's era) to have the resources & support of professional agencies. Legislatively, we still have a ways to go with the financial & medical support that is needed. After the walk, I met up with the local radio station & thanked them for spotlighting & sponsoring the event and giving autism a voice in the community. This was not a heavily covered media event but the station did a nice job of discussing issues throughout the week & the morning show team stayed through the event. I was able to share Tony's story and describe growing older & the continued challenges. It wasn't a sad story to tell, because Tony has benefited so much from caring staff members, local community members who allow him to enjoy life (like Doc's Harley's in Kirkwood) and a family (including the crazy pup who does her part to keep him in line) that pulled together to make it work.

Canine Parenting

Dog ownership: This is not for the weak or timid! We brought Chloe Simone into our home about a year & 4 months ago at the young age of (roughly)8 weeks. She was just this tiny black fluff ball that was at our mercy. She has certainly grown this past year. We have had free romps through the subdivision, close encounters with wildlife (squirrels & rabbits are FUN to chase) and some great times playing in the water in the hot summer sun. This past weekend, however, we had a "first" (at least that we are aware of) that wasn't such fun. I see Chloe stretched out comfortably in the living room mouthing something. Then I see it is shiny & long, like a pin or paperclip. As I do my best to have her trade me for a piece of bread I see her "successfully" swallow the object. I watch her for any ill effects, read up on emergency vets in the area to do an x-ray (not in the current budget) & get to over see her eliminations for signs of blood. 24 hours from the ordeal, she has YET to show any ill effects from her shiny treat. Needless to say I have swept through the house & checked to ensure mini objects are well contained. And the waiting continues!!!

Fall is here

This weekend was a wonderful outdoor time. Lots of yardwork & tree trimming was on the to-do list. Seems as though when the weather gets cooler, the world becomes a more cozy place to exist. Our senses get a jolt from the warm cinnamon aroma from apple cider, the crunch of the leaves as we walk in the woods, juicy apples with sticky caramel await after supper.

Looking forward to cooking chili, pumpkin soup, carrot cake & G's favorite loaded baked potato soup.