Wednesday, April 27, 2011.....
At the beginning of this month, I decided to say hi, how are you to everyone who crossed my path. Well, I haven't.
Actually, it was very eye opening to me. I would remember that I wanted to do this AFTER I passed most people. I became conscious of the fact that I much more shy than I realized and look down a lot when I walk (in fairness to me, I am somewhat klutzy and trip quite a bit). However, when I remembered, the reactions were interesting.
I think the more interesting reactions came from people who were either service people (parking attendants) or people that were a different race than me. They responded with more zeal than others and put a smile on my face. It was nice seeing how one polite salutation made a difference.
I never really realized how much this experiment would impact me, but it has. It has made me aware I need to stop being so timid and how I saying something so simple can make a person smile.
I liked doing this experiment and will continue to do so. I'm hoping it becomes second nature and I don't have to remember to say it. Until then, I will make the conscious effort to remember.
I'm curious, has anyone tried an experiment like this? If so, I'd love to hear your results.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Great Easter Egg Hunt of 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011.....
This past Sunday was Easter and tradition in our family is to have an Easter egg hunt. Granted, my 24 year old nephew is the youngest participant, but sometimes traditions should have no age limits.
The weather was something we worried about. It had been raining for several days and the weatherman predicted rain showers on-and-off for the day so we were a little leery if it was actually going to happen. I'm glad it turned out to be sunny because there was a fair amount of smack talk going down on the phone, twitter and facebook. My family has a hardcore competitive spirit (we also like to pull pranks on one another)and to gloat for one entire year is priceless.
My nephew arrived and showed me his bruised and bashed up ankle. It looked bad, but found it funny it was the first thing he showed me as he came through the door. It's nice to know he gets in the spirit of the hunt and knows we're pretty serious here in LMBville on Easter day.
We did mix it up a bit. In addition to hiding small chocolate eggs, we hid 4 Cadbury eggs. One Cadbury egg counted as 5 eggs and out of the 4 hidden eggs, I found 2 of them.
Was there shoving? Yes. Was there people jumping on others once a patch of eggs were found (my dad hides the eggs in bunches, so 12 eggs could be in one area? Yes. However, I don't think that's the question you want answered.
You want to know if I won....Well, I believe in creative liberties as I am the author of this blog, so my response is YES.....However, it's just wrong to lie on a holy holiday and have to tell you YogaGirl won and got to wear a tiara for the remainder of the day (this is something new I added into the mix). Like the Masters' blazer, YogaGirl gets possession of the tiara for one year and passes it along to the next winner. My husband has already announced he won't wear the tiara next year and wants a crown. However, I don't think I have to worry about finding him a crown because YogaGirl is going down next year.
This past Sunday was Easter and tradition in our family is to have an Easter egg hunt. Granted, my 24 year old nephew is the youngest participant, but sometimes traditions should have no age limits.
The weather was something we worried about. It had been raining for several days and the weatherman predicted rain showers on-and-off for the day so we were a little leery if it was actually going to happen. I'm glad it turned out to be sunny because there was a fair amount of smack talk going down on the phone, twitter and facebook. My family has a hardcore competitive spirit (we also like to pull pranks on one another)and to gloat for one entire year is priceless.
My nephew arrived and showed me his bruised and bashed up ankle. It looked bad, but found it funny it was the first thing he showed me as he came through the door. It's nice to know he gets in the spirit of the hunt and knows we're pretty serious here in LMBville on Easter day.
We did mix it up a bit. In addition to hiding small chocolate eggs, we hid 4 Cadbury eggs. One Cadbury egg counted as 5 eggs and out of the 4 hidden eggs, I found 2 of them.
Was there shoving? Yes. Was there people jumping on others once a patch of eggs were found (my dad hides the eggs in bunches, so 12 eggs could be in one area? Yes. However, I don't think that's the question you want answered.
You want to know if I won....Well, I believe in creative liberties as I am the author of this blog, so my response is YES.....However, it's just wrong to lie on a holy holiday and have to tell you YogaGirl won and got to wear a tiara for the remainder of the day (this is something new I added into the mix). Like the Masters' blazer, YogaGirl gets possession of the tiara for one year and passes it along to the next winner. My husband has already announced he won't wear the tiara next year and wants a crown. However, I don't think I have to worry about finding him a crown because YogaGirl is going down next year.
Monday, April 25, 2011
April: The Month of Odd Dreams.....
Monday, April 25, 2011.....
Since the beginning of April I have been having odd dreams. For example, I had a dream where I rented a house in Italy on the Mediterranean coast. It was decorated all in soft white, but the pillows were blood red and white. There is more to this dream, but nothing like the dream I had right before waking up Saturday morning.
The last dream I had before getting out of bed involved a German Sheppard. It wasn't my dog, but it was following me everywhere (gradually moving closer and closer towards me, but staying at a 5 foot distance from me). This dog just wanted to be with me and I didn't know why. In my dream, the dog warden came to take the dog from me, but when I explained that dog never left my side, he said he didn't care and had to take the dog. There was more back-and-forth conversation between us and the dog warden finally agreed that the German Sheppard could stay with me if it could dance to country music.
{Note: I have seen country music artists in concert, but it is not the music station I first select -- so I haven't a clue where this came from.}
I couldn't get the warden to budge from this compromise and let him put on his country music cd. As soon as the music started, the German Sheppard started doing the 2-step. It was impressive (I know I can't).
The dream ended with the warden leaving and the German Sheppard following me, but now began walking right next to my side.
I got up and searched the Internet for the dream interpretation for German Sheppards and this is what I found:
To see a German shepherd in your dream represents your protective instincts and alertness. To dream that you are training a German shepherd suggests that you are easily influenced or open to new ideas.
Since the beginning of April I have been having odd dreams. For example, I had a dream where I rented a house in Italy on the Mediterranean coast. It was decorated all in soft white, but the pillows were blood red and white. There is more to this dream, but nothing like the dream I had right before waking up Saturday morning.
The last dream I had before getting out of bed involved a German Sheppard. It wasn't my dog, but it was following me everywhere (gradually moving closer and closer towards me, but staying at a 5 foot distance from me). This dog just wanted to be with me and I didn't know why. In my dream, the dog warden came to take the dog from me, but when I explained that dog never left my side, he said he didn't care and had to take the dog. There was more back-and-forth conversation between us and the dog warden finally agreed that the German Sheppard could stay with me if it could dance to country music.
{Note: I have seen country music artists in concert, but it is not the music station I first select -- so I haven't a clue where this came from.}
I couldn't get the warden to budge from this compromise and let him put on his country music cd. As soon as the music started, the German Sheppard started doing the 2-step. It was impressive (I know I can't).
The dream ended with the warden leaving and the German Sheppard following me, but now began walking right next to my side.
I got up and searched the Internet for the dream interpretation for German Sheppards and this is what I found:
To see a German shepherd in your dream represents your protective instincts and alertness. To dream that you are training a German shepherd suggests that you are easily influenced or open to new ideas.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sometimes You Have to Laugh...
Wednesday, April 21, 2011.....
Job searching can be hard, but every now-and-again, I get a good chuckle. Today I received this reject letter:
Hello LMB,
Thank you for your interest in our XYZ position. We have had a chance to review your resume and compare it against other people who have expressed an interest in this position as well.
Unfortunately, we have decided to pursue other candidates who appear to match (skills and experience) our requirements more closely at this time.
Should something change on our side (or we get another job opening that matches your background better), we will not hesitate to contact you.
Thank you again for your interest in an employment opportunity with ABC Company, and we wish you the best in your current job search.
Thanks for sharing your background and for your interest in ABC Company. Our team has reviewed your resume. Although you have good qualifications, we've decided to pursue other candidates who fit our requirements more precisely.
We will keep your resume on file for future possibilities. If you have applied for another opening at ABC Company, your application will be considered separately.
I have to admit, I appreciate a company that notifies its candidates either way (many don't), but am thinking it's overkill to tell me twice I'm not qualified. I got it the first time.
Job searching can be hard, but every now-and-again, I get a good chuckle. Today I received this reject letter:
Hello LMB,
Thank you for your interest in our XYZ position. We have had a chance to review your resume and compare it against other people who have expressed an interest in this position as well.
Unfortunately, we have decided to pursue other candidates who appear to match (skills and experience) our requirements more closely at this time.
Should something change on our side (or we get another job opening that matches your background better), we will not hesitate to contact you.
Thank you again for your interest in an employment opportunity with ABC Company, and we wish you the best in your current job search.
Thanks for sharing your background and for your interest in ABC Company. Our team has reviewed your resume. Although you have good qualifications, we've decided to pursue other candidates who fit our requirements more precisely.
We will keep your resume on file for future possibilities. If you have applied for another opening at ABC Company, your application will be considered separately.
I have to admit, I appreciate a company that notifies its candidates either way (many don't), but am thinking it's overkill to tell me twice I'm not qualified. I got it the first time.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
My Superstition: Omaha Steaks
Tuesday, April 19, 2011.....
According to Wikipedia, a superstition is a credulous belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge. My superstition, Omaha Steaks, definitely fits the Wikipedia definition.
It started in August 2001. I went to a local Omaha Steaks' store and bought a lot of food to stock my freezer. The next day, I was let go from my job (the company actually folded a couple months later).
In March 2003, I go to Omaha Steaks again, fill my freezer with yummy foods, and the next day am laid off (another company that went under).
It is then I notice the connection of Omaha Steak visits and my layoffs. I share my theory with sister YogaGirl and tell her I'm never going to the Omaha Steak store (lucky for me, it closed down). I can't really remember YogaGirl's response to my theory, but I'd like to believe that my logic behind my theory was enough to convince her my theory is rationale and grounded (hey, a girl likes to dream).
May 2008, I take a Friday off. In Saturday's mail is a boatload of Omaha Steak coupons and Monday I get a call from my boss laying me off (I, along with several of my co-workers were supposed to be laid off on Friday, but they couldn't lay off my co-workers because I had taken the day off). I blame the Omaha Steak coupons for the layoff (not the fact that my company was downsizing like no one's business).
So...why am I retelling my tale...because I watched the Celebrity Apprentice and the task involved Omaha Steaks. I'm hoping the curse is over and just watching Omaha Steaks being promoted will land me a job.
Note: I really do love Omaha Steaks' products, but my superstition will not allow me to buy another of their products for fear of never getting a job.
According to Wikipedia, a superstition is a credulous belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge. My superstition, Omaha Steaks, definitely fits the Wikipedia definition.
It started in August 2001. I went to a local Omaha Steaks' store and bought a lot of food to stock my freezer. The next day, I was let go from my job (the company actually folded a couple months later).
In March 2003, I go to Omaha Steaks again, fill my freezer with yummy foods, and the next day am laid off (another company that went under).
It is then I notice the connection of Omaha Steak visits and my layoffs. I share my theory with sister YogaGirl and tell her I'm never going to the Omaha Steak store (lucky for me, it closed down). I can't really remember YogaGirl's response to my theory, but I'd like to believe that my logic behind my theory was enough to convince her my theory is rationale and grounded (hey, a girl likes to dream).
May 2008, I take a Friday off. In Saturday's mail is a boatload of Omaha Steak coupons and Monday I get a call from my boss laying me off (I, along with several of my co-workers were supposed to be laid off on Friday, but they couldn't lay off my co-workers because I had taken the day off). I blame the Omaha Steak coupons for the layoff (not the fact that my company was downsizing like no one's business).
So...why am I retelling my tale...because I watched the Celebrity Apprentice and the task involved Omaha Steaks. I'm hoping the curse is over and just watching Omaha Steaks being promoted will land me a job.
Note: I really do love Omaha Steaks' products, but my superstition will not allow me to buy another of their products for fear of never getting a job.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Some Days I Just Lose It.
Monday, April 18, 2011.....
Yesterday was one of those days that I just lost it. I mean I had an emotional vomit session and my husband was the toilet. It wasn't anything he said or did, it was totally me. I can't explain why (having had a womanly cancer, I've eliminated the option of PMS) and it was extremely frustrating to me.
I could feel a variety of emotions building up and brewing inside of me and it was though I could feel my blood boil. I hadn't a clue why I was so angry and when asked what was wrong, I just began to weep.
The weird part is that I really wanted to stop. I really wanted to know why I was so mad, but couldn't.
All day I was like this. In fact, I wish I could have left my own body and hung out with someone else, but I was trapped with me.
I finally calmed down by nightfall (I wonder if I'm like a vampire) and today is a good day.
There are reasons why I'm so off my rocker at the moment and I know I'll find a way to handle the stress. In the meantime, my husband sent me an email this morning with something he knows I'd love to do. He gets amazing specials on plays and dinners in NYC and I love going into NYC, but can't right now. He offered to take me. It is a sweet idea, but I believe this is as fun to him as a root canal.
Although I appreciate the gesture more than you can imagine, I don't want to go with someone who wouldn't enjoy the experience the same way.
Yesterday was one of those days that I just lost it. I mean I had an emotional vomit session and my husband was the toilet. It wasn't anything he said or did, it was totally me. I can't explain why (having had a womanly cancer, I've eliminated the option of PMS) and it was extremely frustrating to me.
I could feel a variety of emotions building up and brewing inside of me and it was though I could feel my blood boil. I hadn't a clue why I was so angry and when asked what was wrong, I just began to weep.
The weird part is that I really wanted to stop. I really wanted to know why I was so mad, but couldn't.
All day I was like this. In fact, I wish I could have left my own body and hung out with someone else, but I was trapped with me.
I finally calmed down by nightfall (I wonder if I'm like a vampire) and today is a good day.
There are reasons why I'm so off my rocker at the moment and I know I'll find a way to handle the stress. In the meantime, my husband sent me an email this morning with something he knows I'd love to do. He gets amazing specials on plays and dinners in NYC and I love going into NYC, but can't right now. He offered to take me. It is a sweet idea, but I believe this is as fun to him as a root canal.
Although I appreciate the gesture more than you can imagine, I don't want to go with someone who wouldn't enjoy the experience the same way.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Sister Act
Friday, April 15, 2011......
For people who have been reading my blog for awhile, know I participated in my first triathlon last September with my two sisters. We participated as a team and my part was the 5k run.
I knew I was going to walk it, set a goal, and hit my goal. Although I was happy, I knew that my sisters really pulled their weight and had killer times in the swim and bike portion of the event.
My oldest sister, Science Girl, is the one with the competitive sports bug. She participates in century rides (100 mile bike rides), marathons (26.2 mile runs) and sprint triathlons. It is a passion of hers and like other siblings in my family, has a competitive streak -- always striving to do better.
I know this year I plan on running my portion of the triathlon. Walking will not suffice this year. I also know I need to set a decent goal for self for fear of being kicked off the Sister Act team (which I don't want to happen). So for the fear of getting kicked team Sister Act, I am now trying to go to the gym at 5:50 a.m. during the week and have been slightly successful, but plan on kicking it up a notch.
I have about 4 and 1/2 months until this race. I wonder, will I become a morning person by the time the event rolls around with the a.m. training schedule? Hmmmmm.....probably not unless miracles happen.
For people who have been reading my blog for awhile, know I participated in my first triathlon last September with my two sisters. We participated as a team and my part was the 5k run.
I knew I was going to walk it, set a goal, and hit my goal. Although I was happy, I knew that my sisters really pulled their weight and had killer times in the swim and bike portion of the event.
My oldest sister, Science Girl, is the one with the competitive sports bug. She participates in century rides (100 mile bike rides), marathons (26.2 mile runs) and sprint triathlons. It is a passion of hers and like other siblings in my family, has a competitive streak -- always striving to do better.
I know this year I plan on running my portion of the triathlon. Walking will not suffice this year. I also know I need to set a decent goal for self for fear of being kicked off the Sister Act team (which I don't want to happen). So for the fear of getting kicked team Sister Act, I am now trying to go to the gym at 5:50 a.m. during the week and have been slightly successful, but plan on kicking it up a notch.
I have about 4 and 1/2 months until this race. I wonder, will I become a morning person by the time the event rolls around with the a.m. training schedule? Hmmmmm.....probably not unless miracles happen.
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