I am not Half and Half

You know how some people really like half and half (for those who don't know, this is half-milk and half-cream usually) with their Starbucks or Seattle's Best coffee? I'm not one of them. See, I like whole cream or whole milk. I think half of one and the other is odd- somehow incomplete even if they make one whole liquid. I find myself thinking the same way about myself. I can't be half something and half the other. I think this is where my problem with sugarcoating and being not-so-transparent lies. I also know that I cannot have friendships or relationships or connections, however you want to call it, where only the parts of me that fit what is wanted or needed, is accepted. It makes me feel unimportant and unappreciated because, for me, it seems like I am not wanted for every part of me, thus, who I am as a person, and only wanted for those things that are the current focus. Even those traits lose their value because they can be changed and exchanged depending on the need and the mood. It is fascinating to me how others can treat people like half and half, and even more fascinating how others are comfortable receiving this treatment. I know I would be stuck seriously questioning my worth to the other person, if it were me. An observation I thought was worth pondering.

Tips for a Better Life

I got this from Lizza's post on Facebook and I thought it was interesting.

Tips for A Better Life

1. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.--> this works in cheering you up, but not all the time. And it also depends on what's bringing you down.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.--> this works, definitely.
3. Sleep for 7 hours.--> aah yes.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.--> hard, hard, hard.
5. Play more games.--> huh?
6. Read more books than you did the previous year.--> trying.
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.--> oh god. ok, fine. Prayer.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.--> I think they should have made the '&' an 'or'.
9. Dream more while you are awake.--> haha! All the time.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.--> uh-oh
11. Drink plenty of water.--> ok.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.--> I think I can manage this...
13. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.-->HUWAAT?
14. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.--> hmmm
15. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.--> this is like telling water not to be wet.
16. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.--> really? no wonder! I suck at being a student. Does that mean I suck at life too? hahahaha.
17. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar. --> good idea.
18. Smile and laugh more.--> trying.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.--> again, water.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.--> really.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.--> I'm getting better at this.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.--> no comment.
23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about. Don't compare your partner with others.--> ok, this looks easy.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.--> I AGREE.
25. Forgive everyone for everything.--> huh?
26. What other people think of you is none of your business.--> we are not islands!
27. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.--> ok, if you say so.
28. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.--> indeed.
29. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.--> this reminds me of Livi.
30. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.--> ok.
31. The best is yet to come.--> I HOPE SO!
32. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.--> sigh, ok.
33. Do the right thing!--> I second the motion.
34. Call your family often.--> I do.
35. Your inner most is always happy. So be happy.--> Your inner most what is always happy.
36. Each day give something good to others.--> give or do? big difference there.
37. Don't over do. Keep your limits.--> I agree again.

For more on wonderful happiness ideas, please join the group "The Happiest Day of Your Life"
http://groups.to/happiness

Now isn't this list giving you things to think about?

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?