Leavetakings

*Sigh. I wrote mid-last year that I was sad about good friends leaving the company for their own individual reasons. Well, 3 have moved on and, pretty soon, one more will. I am sad again, not that I ever stopped. But now I am back to remembering vividly. One of my favorite students said goodbye to me today. It was his last class. He was movie to another company, a sudden piece of news for me since it was the first I had heard that he was even considering this step. I estimate that my sister-in-law will be leaving for New Zealand by the first quarter of this year. It seems I can't really escape goodbyes, or even get a brief pause from it! I suppose I should really start teaching myself how to handle it better. *Sigh

Oh no! Oh no! Oh no!

I am generally not superstitious but when there are warnings of bad things to come, I get scared...no matter how based in science or not these warning are. I got an email from Livi telling me about Mercury Retrograde. Enter notes from Carmina Burana. Here is what she found:

PRECAUTIONS:

During Mercury Retrograde, electronic gadgets are especially prone to disaster.
If possible, resist buying anything involving communications technology during this time.
Never sign contracts during Mercury Retrograde.
Don’t sign up for cell phone service, health club memberships, car leases or insurance policies.
Don’t even think about buying a house. If you must, triple check everything.
Try to delay putting your name on any document until after Mercury Retrograde is over.
Never make a major purchase, especially a car during Mercury Retrograde. Even if things seem fine at the time, there’s a good chance a defect will appear during a later retrograde.
Recheck your work and always double-check your messages. Hesitate to press the SEND button on your e-mails until you read them over.
Write down information when playing back voice messages – don’t rely on your memory.
Leave early to all appointments when possible and don’t be surprised if you arrive late.

ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE, MERCURY RETROGRADE IS A GREAT TIME TO:

Review your life and the decisions you’ve made.
Readjust your priorities.
Retreat to give yourself the space you need.
Recommit to the goals you believe are worth-while.
Reflect on who you are and where you’re going.
Recharge your batteries.
Repair any damage you may have caused to objects or relationships.
Renew your sense of purpose.
Revise your attitudes and routines.
Return to your core set of values.
Reward yourself for success.
(courtesy of this site)

OK, so great for the positives but the negatives...aaahhh!I am hoping that my non-superstitious nature will kick in just so I won't stress or worry, but, based on experiencing Mercury Retrograde last year... I AM AFRAID!

Bette Davis Eyes

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Bette!

You are a Bette -- "I must be strong"

Bettes are direct, self-reliant, self-confident, and protective.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Stand up for yourself... and me.


• * Be confident, strong, and direct.


• * Don't gossip about me or betray my trust.


• * Be vulnerable and share your feelings. See and acknowledge my tender, vulnerable side.


• * Give me space to be alone.


• * Acknowledge the contributions I make, but don't flatter me.


• * I often speak in an assertive way. Don't automatically assume it's a personal attack.


• * When I scream, curse, and stomp around, try to remember that's just the way I am.

What I Like About Being a Bette

• * being independent and self-reliant


• * being able to take charge and meet challenges head on


• * being courageous, straightforward, and honest


• * getting all the enjoyment I can out of life


• * supporting, empowering, and protecting those close to me


• * upholding just causes

What's Hard About Being a Bette

• * overwhelming people with my bluntness; scaring them away when I don't intend to


• * being restless and impatient with others' incompetence


• * sticking my neck out for people and receiving no appreciation for it


• * never forgetting injuries or injustices


• * putting too much pressure on myself


• * getting high blood pressure when people don't obey the rules or when things don't go right

Bettes as Children Often

• * are independent; have an inner strength and a fighting spirit


• * are sometimes loners


• * seize control so they won't be controlled


• * figure out others' weaknesses


• * attack verbally or physically when provoked


• * take charge in the family because they perceive themselves as the strongest, or grow up in difficult or abusive surroundings

Bettes as Parents

• * are often loyal, caring, involved, and devoted


• * are sometimes overprotective


• * can be demanding, controlling, and rigid

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

True Love from Paolo Coelho

Paolo Coelho said in his Plurk, "True love allows each person to follow his or her own path, aware that doing so can never drive them apart." I am 'wow-ed' again. I mean, really. Wow. Imagine the confidence in yourself and each other to be able to go, full steam ahead, and pursue your dreams. And to know that you will never be apart from your significant other, no matter how much or less time you are able to spend together, that you will be together in heart and sprit regardless. Wow, indeed. The romantic in me coming out again.

Blogthings is Backing Me Up

You Should Make 7 Resolutions

Lose Weight Save Money Get Fit Eat Right Reduce Stress Overall Take a Trip Spend More Time With Family and Friends

What Should You Resolve to Change Next Year?

Resolutions and Rediscovery

I've been telling myself that I would write this post ASAP but, funnily enough, it took me 6 days to get it done. OK, 2 days because I had no Internet access before the 5th. But, I could have gotten it done sooner if I had really wanted to. What is the cause of my seeming procrastination? I guess I am a bit wary about writing down what I think I want to get done this year. It feels so...final that way. And scary. But, I am remembering all my holiday reflections and I have decided to bite the bullet!

Here they are:

1. I resolve to "rediscover" myself- to find out what I love, like, dislike, hate; what I stand for; what is important and what I can do away with; what I want the rest of my life to be like.
2. I resolve to make my 30's what I think my 20's should have or could have been. I have very few regrets about the decisions I made in my 20's and, honestly, I don't want to think about them. I've realized that they are dangerous breeding grounds for discontent and very unfair on reality. How can you do battle with 'what ifs?' right? But I do think that there was much I could have done in the way of improving myself that could have benefited not only me but people close to me as well. So I am on a mission to make this decade worth it- in every way possible. This year is the beginning. I want to live life to the fullest, to take risks, to stop being afraid. (Some support and encouragement is very welcome).

And that's it. Corny? Well, I figure, these are pretty tough tasks and I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. OK, on a lighter note:

1. I want to read a book a month, at least.
2. I want to save 10% of my pay every month.
3. I want to get a facial and a new blouse or article of clothing once a month.
4. I want to go to the gym regularly.

Much easier huh?

Well, cheers everyone! Wish me luck.

Happy New Year! Welcome Year of the Ox.

Happy New Year everyone! I know, it's late. But I had no Internet access over the long break so I am only able to post now. I think this was a good thing, in fact. I was able to de-stress and recharge. I was also able to purchase some new clothes, get a facial and a haircut (long overdue), and put away some old maternity clothes. I feel like I'm all ready to start the new year. The cynic in me is kicking in too though, becuase I don't want to be too optimistic especially since this is supposed to be the year we ride out the financial crisis. According to my Chinese horoscope:

GOAT/SHEEP: 32% (5 neutral and 7 unfavorable months)

This may not be as favorable as a year that you desire. Coming off the year of the Rat, you may be seeking relief from the difficult year. Don't give up now. The Goat/Sheep is artistic in nature and you may have difficulties finding a way to express your creative passions. It will take an extra effort to rely on the help of others to make it through these times, but if you keep a steady focus on your goals and display painstaking efforts, you will be pleased to see the fruits of your labor arrive next year. Don't fret, as you may learn a lot about yourself in the process. You may learn that you are more versatile, as well as resourceful, than you ever imagined. (courtesy of this site).

Anyway, plans and resolutions saved for another post.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!