Happy 4th of July to Everyone!
A day of independence from British rule, a federal holiday celebrated here in the United States commemorating July 4, 1776. This day is usually filled with parades, flag waving and lots of fireworks.
This morning when I woke up, it occurred to me that this being a day of independence, how did I want to celebrate it in order for it to have meaning in my life? This doesn't take away from the fact of how important the men and women that serve our country in the military are to us. In fact, it is the opposite....it is to look within ourselves to see how we can individually stop the suffering of the world by beginning with our own suffering. If everyone of us started working on our own issues, wouldn't that have an impact on world peace....well you get the picture don't you?
Simply put, if something in our lives makes us sad or unhappy....what do we do? Well I don't know about you, but I think about it and think about it....then brood about it....sometimes even beating myself up about it.....UGH! Enough already!
So today I am choosing to just let it go. I am choosing to do something different. I am declaring my independence from all that worry, and fretting that only leads me to more worrying and fretting!
Instead, I am choosing to stop feeling sorry for myself and learn to let it go. It's funny how this has been coming on recently and the telltale sign has been in my recent choices of books to read.
In addition, it is thanks to a man that I am so grateful to, who at this stage in our friendship showed me why I repeatedly went back for more of the same verbal abuse from him. I didn't recognize it as abuse. I really thought it was because he cared about my future. It was he that started me on the path of self-awareness. It was he that helped me to realize that I was just numbly going through life.
However, I am now declaring my independence from him today. I realized that I was buying into all the negative thoughts he had about me. Just a form of self-abuse on my part. I pray for him....because at this stage in his life he is angry and battling for more time. Something that is beyond his control. I wish him Peace, much Love and Appreciation.
According to the book....The Complete Idiot's Guide to Zen Living by Gary R McClain and Eve Adamson, as mentioned in my earlier blog article, NOW is what it is all about. I am choosing to make NOW very precious to me. Not worrying about the future, not regretting about things in the past....but NOW.
How can I make NOW more wonderful? Little things like planning what to eat for lunch makes every day more meaningful. I'm finding that I enjoy my home more when I am at home. I'm finding that I enjoy my work more when I am at work. I'm finding that I enjoy meeting friends when I am with friends. I am in the NOW more now and finding that I am savoring all of it NOW!
I invite you to become more aware of your NOW....now.
Happy 4th!
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
YIKES....It's a Scorcher!
There's no doubt that summer has arrived here in Las Vegas! We are experiencing temperatures over 100 degrees. Today's high was 114 degrees according to the weather forecasts.
Imagine getting off work and going into your car and driving home. First I have to put on gloves just so that I can touch the steering wheel.
Normally, I don't like turning on the A/C in my car because I love driving with the windows down, my hair blowing in the wind and my favorite radio station playing those oldies but goodies music. I love singing at the top of my lungs to the music! I pity the people in the other cars that have to hear me singing....but oh well....it is so much fun singing along to my favorite songs.
Well, not even 5 minutes in the car....now picture this, I have my gloves on, the windows down, the A/C off......believe it or not, my ankles were on fire!!! They were burning up from the heat! Now how can my ankles be burning up? How is that possible?
I had to give in and turn on the air conditioning in my car. I drove past some people that still had their windows down....those brave souls.
Well....it is time to hunker down and stay indoors this weekend because the temps are supposed to go even higher. I'm told that the record for this part of Las Vegas is 117 degrees. We are expecting these temps over the weekend.
One year I forgot and left a small plastic bottle of hand sanitizer in my car and that darned thing melted! Or, how about when you burn your fingers from your car keys when you remove it from the ignition? Don't even mention the metal part of your seat belt. These are all hazardous items in scorchers!
Everyone plans to go out early tomorrow and get their business done and then come home to their A/C cooled home. My co-workers talked about their power bill being over $300 a month. Now having your A/C go out can be life threatening to some who live here. Those companies that service air conditioners are just raking in the cool cash! Did I just say "cool"?
This is certainly the time to wear the skimpiest clothes or better yet.....just go "au naturale."
Oops.....my bad....sorry for using this poster....Barenaked Ladies Alanis! It just seemed so appropriate! No plagiarism intended! All in fun!
Imagine getting off work and going into your car and driving home. First I have to put on gloves just so that I can touch the steering wheel.
Normally, I don't like turning on the A/C in my car because I love driving with the windows down, my hair blowing in the wind and my favorite radio station playing those oldies but goodies music. I love singing at the top of my lungs to the music! I pity the people in the other cars that have to hear me singing....but oh well....it is so much fun singing along to my favorite songs.
Well, not even 5 minutes in the car....now picture this, I have my gloves on, the windows down, the A/C off......believe it or not, my ankles were on fire!!! They were burning up from the heat! Now how can my ankles be burning up? How is that possible?
I had to give in and turn on the air conditioning in my car. I drove past some people that still had their windows down....those brave souls.
Well....it is time to hunker down and stay indoors this weekend because the temps are supposed to go even higher. I'm told that the record for this part of Las Vegas is 117 degrees. We are expecting these temps over the weekend.
One year I forgot and left a small plastic bottle of hand sanitizer in my car and that darned thing melted! Or, how about when you burn your fingers from your car keys when you remove it from the ignition? Don't even mention the metal part of your seat belt. These are all hazardous items in scorchers!
Everyone plans to go out early tomorrow and get their business done and then come home to their A/C cooled home. My co-workers talked about their power bill being over $300 a month. Now having your A/C go out can be life threatening to some who live here. Those companies that service air conditioners are just raking in the cool cash! Did I just say "cool"?
This is certainly the time to wear the skimpiest clothes or better yet.....just go "au naturale."
Oops.....my bad....sorry for using this poster....Barenaked Ladies Alanis! It just seemed so appropriate! No plagiarism intended! All in fun!
Monday, June 24, 2013
I'm in Korea
Lately my friends that love to watch Korean dramas as much as I do....well the code phrase is "I'm in Korea."
What that means is that we are glued to our computers or televisions and don't bother us.
We've all come to agree that in order to have a successful drama series, the utmost important ingredient is.....the leading man MUST be handsome!
We swap movie titles.....and when we know what movie the other person is watching....we relive the story. Some of us re-watch the movie several more times.
This past Saturday, my friend Danna and I were having a sushi buffet lunch. We were at the Makino Restaurant here in Las Vegas and stayed there for 3 hours eating, talking, and laughing. The table next to us changed guests 3 times.
We laughed because her friend was watching Secret Garden. This is the Korean TV series, not to be confused with the movie or the classic novel. It is a beautiful series. The actor in this movie is
Hyun Bin.
What that means is that we are glued to our computers or televisions and don't bother us.
We've all come to agree that in order to have a successful drama series, the utmost important ingredient is.....the leading man MUST be handsome!
We swap movie titles.....and when we know what movie the other person is watching....we relive the story. Some of us re-watch the movie several more times.
This past Saturday, my friend Danna and I were having a sushi buffet lunch. We were at the Makino Restaurant here in Las Vegas and stayed there for 3 hours eating, talking, and laughing. The table next to us changed guests 3 times.
We laughed because her friend was watching Secret Garden. This is the Korean TV series, not to be confused with the movie or the classic novel. It is a beautiful series. The actor in this movie is
Hyun Bin.
What is amazing about this actor is not only his good looks, but how he draws you in with his facial expressions.
He also starred in My Lovely Sam Soon, Snow Queen and Ireland.
Being in Korea has no boundaries. Women and men of all ages and ethnicities watch these dramas. My friend Shirley has a Jehovah Witness church member that watches. His wife says that he watches all day! Danna is Samoan. My aunt in Hawaii is Portuguese.
That's the danger about Being in Korea. You have to pace yourself otherwise chores don't get done. The day passes and it's night....way past your bedtime.
There is a newly coined term or neologism that depicts this rapid growth in popularity of the South Korean culture since the 1990's. It is called Hallyu. This flow of culture could serve to prevent anti-Korean sentiment, perhaps re-unify Korea and who knows.....achieve world peace and prosperity.
Some of us are afraid to start watching these dramas because we know that nothing else will get accomplished. It is a really serious Drama Fever. Now that is where I tune in....at www.dramafever.com.
Watch at your own risk!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
How to Be a Gracious Bitch
Someone shared this funny story with me today and I want to share it with my friends all over the world!
How to be a Gracious Bitch
Jennifer's wedding day was fast approaching. Nothing could dampen her excitement - not even her parent's nasty divorce.
Her mother had found the PERFECT dress to wear, and would be the best-dressed mother-of-the-bride ever!
A week later, Jennifer was horrified to learn that her father's new, young wife had bought the exact same dress as her mother!
Jennifer asked her father's new young wife to exchange it, but she refused. "Absolutely not! I look like a million bucks in this dress, and I'm wearing it," she replied.
Jennifer told her mother who graciously said, "Never mind sweetheart. I'll get another dress. After all, it's your special day."
A few days later, they went shopping, and did find another gorgeous dress for her mother.
When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer asked her mother, "Aren't you going to return the other dress? You really don't have another occasion where you could wear it."
Her mother just smiled and replied, "Of course I do, dear.....I'm wearing it to the rehearsal dinner the night BEFORE the wedding."
(NOW I ASK YOU - IS THERE A WOMAN OUT THERE, ANYWHERE, WHO WOULDN'T ENJOY THIS STORY?)
Women are like phones: They like to be held, talked to, and touched often. But push the wrong button and your ass is disconnected!
Women are Angels: And when someone breaks our wings.....we simply continue to fly....on a broomstick. We are flexible like that.
OKAY, NOW IT'S YOUR TURN TO SEND THIS TO ALL YOUR WOMEN FRIENDS WHO DESERVE A GOOD BELLY LAUGH. YOU COULD ALSO SEND IT TO SOME MEN WHO WOULD APPRECIATE THIS.
Here it is....hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! Go in Peace!!!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Reading Books
My new work schedule allows me a chance to read during lunch. I'm not your basic cover to cover reader....unless it is a Danielle Steele quick read. I've been a fan of her books for many years. Except for the fact that she takes a different picture of herself for every book, that's the only way I can remember whether I've read a particular book she has written. A couple of times I've even purchased a duplicate book because I failed to check out the back cover picture. Oops.
Another secret about my reading habits.....most of the time I don't remember what I've just read. I hate that! I take notes, I re-read, I even have my favorite phrases pasted to the wall above my computer. In my next life, I would love to have a better memory....or would I? Hold that thought. I'll get back to this later.
But anyway....back to my new faves in reading. I've just completed reading The 18 Rules of Happiness by Karl Moore. These kinds of books call out to me on Amazon.com.
The next book is more like a reference book. When I was a full time student two years ago, art history courses opened a whole new world for me. Asian art history and Medieval to Renaissance art history courses seemed like travelling the world, something that is on my bucket list of things to do.
In keeping with that, I am reading The Handy Art History Answer Book written by Madelynn Dickerson. It is a book filled with quick summaries of art facts. Things like...How can you recognize "a Michelangelo"? Or What is the significance of the recumbent Buddha? Now this is my kind of reading....short and sweet.
The third book that I am dabbling with is called....The Complete Idiot's Guide to Zen Living by Gary R. McClain, Ph.D., and Eve Adamson. When it comes to Zen....I am, no doubt....the ultimate idiot! Is it any wonder that I purchased this book?
An excerpt from page 6 goes like this...."Although many say Zen defies all definitions, we would define it with one simple, short word: now. Now? What about it? you ask. Exactly."
It goes on to explain....."Yet despite the wealth of guidance, inspiration, and philosophical suppositions Zen has inspired throughout history, it still comes down to this: now, right now."
There is a small box to the left of the above paragraph that is labeled: Caution Monkey Mind. It goes on to state....."What's so bad about thinking? Nothing at all. Yet becoming so engaged with your thoughts that you forget to live in the moment or allowing your thoughts to cause you suffering are surefire ways to miss the truth bus. How can you fully manifest each moment of your precious existence if you are letting your thoughts or feelings torture you?"
So getting back to my desire to return in my next life with better memory.....Hogwash...Bull Cookies!
NOW.....ONLY NOW!
As the song goes...."Ooo...precious moments."
I rest my case!
Another secret about my reading habits.....most of the time I don't remember what I've just read. I hate that! I take notes, I re-read, I even have my favorite phrases pasted to the wall above my computer. In my next life, I would love to have a better memory....or would I? Hold that thought. I'll get back to this later.
But anyway....back to my new faves in reading. I've just completed reading The 18 Rules of Happiness by Karl Moore. These kinds of books call out to me on Amazon.com.
The next book is more like a reference book. When I was a full time student two years ago, art history courses opened a whole new world for me. Asian art history and Medieval to Renaissance art history courses seemed like travelling the world, something that is on my bucket list of things to do.
In keeping with that, I am reading The Handy Art History Answer Book written by Madelynn Dickerson. It is a book filled with quick summaries of art facts. Things like...How can you recognize "a Michelangelo"? Or What is the significance of the recumbent Buddha? Now this is my kind of reading....short and sweet.
The third book that I am dabbling with is called....The Complete Idiot's Guide to Zen Living by Gary R. McClain, Ph.D., and Eve Adamson. When it comes to Zen....I am, no doubt....the ultimate idiot! Is it any wonder that I purchased this book?
An excerpt from page 6 goes like this...."Although many say Zen defies all definitions, we would define it with one simple, short word: now. Now? What about it? you ask. Exactly."
It goes on to explain....."Yet despite the wealth of guidance, inspiration, and philosophical suppositions Zen has inspired throughout history, it still comes down to this: now, right now."
There is a small box to the left of the above paragraph that is labeled: Caution Monkey Mind. It goes on to state....."What's so bad about thinking? Nothing at all. Yet becoming so engaged with your thoughts that you forget to live in the moment or allowing your thoughts to cause you suffering are surefire ways to miss the truth bus. How can you fully manifest each moment of your precious existence if you are letting your thoughts or feelings torture you?"
So getting back to my desire to return in my next life with better memory.....Hogwash...Bull Cookies!
NOW.....ONLY NOW!
As the song goes...."Ooo...precious moments."
I rest my case!
Monday, May 27, 2013
Jab Tak Hai Jaan (As Long as There is Life)
I just finished watching Jab Tak Hai Jaan directed by Yash Chopra and written and produced by his oldest son, Aditya Chopra. It is an Indian romantic drama which became Yash Chopra's "swan song" gift to the world of films. It is believed that swans who are silent all of their lives, sing a beautiful song moments before their death...this was Yash's beautiful song, he died less than a month before this film was released.
The film features Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma in lead roles. I believe....and correct me if I am wrong....this was also the first movie in which Shah Rukh Khan actually kissed his leading lady. Dubbed as the King of Romance, and after 20 years in the business, this film is the first time he has kissed in a movie? Now that has got to be really good acting.
In interviews Shah Rukh Khan stated that he broke his rule about kissing on screen because he was forced to do it....the script called for it. His close friends knew that this would be very awkward for the actor. Having watched so many kissing scenes in movies, yes Shah Rukh was a bit awkward in these kissing scenes, but knowing the background....it speaks to his ability to still provide a kind of innocence to a scene that could easily have gone to R rated in nano seconds.
Veer Zaara, another classic from Yash is a beautiful film as well and one of my favorites. Films that leave something for the imagination, to me, are more romantic than a film that has explicit love scenes.
Perhaps that is also why Korean romantic dramas appeal to me as well. It is amazing how in a Korean love scene, the male lead is pouring his heart out and gives his leading lady a hug....and for the most part, the leading lady doesn't hug back....not for lack of wanting to....but perhaps somewhat more of a custom in Korean movies. Can what's left to one's imagination be more of a movie's popularity secret ingredient? Personally I think so.
Now, giving you a short recap would not do this film justice....you have got to see it and witness it and judge for yourself.
The film features Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma in lead roles. I believe....and correct me if I am wrong....this was also the first movie in which Shah Rukh Khan actually kissed his leading lady. Dubbed as the King of Romance, and after 20 years in the business, this film is the first time he has kissed in a movie? Now that has got to be really good acting.
In interviews Shah Rukh Khan stated that he broke his rule about kissing on screen because he was forced to do it....the script called for it. His close friends knew that this would be very awkward for the actor. Having watched so many kissing scenes in movies, yes Shah Rukh was a bit awkward in these kissing scenes, but knowing the background....it speaks to his ability to still provide a kind of innocence to a scene that could easily have gone to R rated in nano seconds.
Veer Zaara, another classic from Yash is a beautiful film as well and one of my favorites. Films that leave something for the imagination, to me, are more romantic than a film that has explicit love scenes.
Perhaps that is also why Korean romantic dramas appeal to me as well. It is amazing how in a Korean love scene, the male lead is pouring his heart out and gives his leading lady a hug....and for the most part, the leading lady doesn't hug back....not for lack of wanting to....but perhaps somewhat more of a custom in Korean movies. Can what's left to one's imagination be more of a movie's popularity secret ingredient? Personally I think so.
Now, giving you a short recap would not do this film justice....you have got to see it and witness it and judge for yourself.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Leadership
This week I had an epiphany about the topic of leadership. Granted, what may be an epiphany for me may not be one for others. I've always shied away from becoming a leader of others. I would literally beat myself up because I felt less than, I questioned my reasons why, was it fear? Perhaps.
But I got my answer when I was writing an email. My phrase went something like this. I don't want to be a leader of many, just a leader of self. WOW! The flood gates really opened up on this one!
I am my own worst student! What a challenge to wake up everyday with the intention to be honest - have integrity and compassion for others (myself included). This is not an easy task...especially when you're dealing with a bunch of knuckleheads! (yes, me included).
At the end of the day...so to speak....it is a lead by example situation. Well shucks! That is a darn good goal...don't you think?
When you spend a lot of years seeking answers to questions about your life....can the answer come to you just because of a trivial thing such as sending an email? You betcha! Why now?....that's my next question. Where do I go from here?
Concentrating on working on me and my own issues...well that may seem like an easier task....NOT! These age old idioms - remember this one?...."I am my own worst enemy"....... that's me!
Butt..... (it's my ass speaking again).....No ifs, ands or butts!
My alarm just went off....time to start the day....a new day.....one more thing to be more cognizant of....I am on the path!
But I got my answer when I was writing an email. My phrase went something like this. I don't want to be a leader of many, just a leader of self. WOW! The flood gates really opened up on this one!
I am my own worst student! What a challenge to wake up everyday with the intention to be honest - have integrity and compassion for others (myself included). This is not an easy task...especially when you're dealing with a bunch of knuckleheads! (yes, me included).
At the end of the day...so to speak....it is a lead by example situation. Well shucks! That is a darn good goal...don't you think?
When you spend a lot of years seeking answers to questions about your life....can the answer come to you just because of a trivial thing such as sending an email? You betcha! Why now?....that's my next question. Where do I go from here?
Concentrating on working on me and my own issues...well that may seem like an easier task....NOT! These age old idioms - remember this one?...."I am my own worst enemy"....... that's me!
Butt..... (it's my ass speaking again).....No ifs, ands or butts!
My alarm just went off....time to start the day....a new day.....one more thing to be more cognizant of....I am on the path!
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