Thought of the Day - 4/7/09

The Christian principles of acceptance, charity, and helping those in need should not be revoked at the very moment that someone needs them most.

On Behalf of the Planet, We Thank You

Earth Hour 2009 was an amazing success.

Lights went out in 4,085 cities in 88 countries in what is being described as the largest demonstration of public concern about climate change in history.

Check out this amazing view of the world going dark at:
www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/earth_hour_2009.html

Thought of the Day - 4/6/09

Poverty cannot deprive us of many consolations. It cannot rob us of the affection we have for each other, or degrade us in our own opinion, of in that of any person, whose opinion we ought to value.
~~ Ann Radcliffe ~~

Make Me Laugh Monday - Blog vs. Food

Join me in the fun and giggles of making Mondays a better day by sharing some laughs. Add your link to your Make Me Laugh Monday post to Mr. Linky below. (All links not leading directly to your post will be deleted. All posts should be funny in some way. Yes, this is up to interpretation. Ideas include riddles, comic strips, jokes, silly graphics, funny lyrics, etc.)

Create Your Own 1001 Day Project

The Mission
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria
Tasks must be specific (i.e., no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (i.e., represent some amount of work on your part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past. The most common list-making is the simple goals of a New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Goal Setting Tips

1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.

2. Stay Focused. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.

3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.

4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.

5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.

Unconscious Mutterings #5

Nina says, and I think . . .

Log :: fire, fireplace.
Plaything :: toys, kids, get organized, too much stuff.
Broom :: sweep, mop floor.
Heels :: No reason to wear them anymore. I don't go anywhere but doctor appointments.
Smoke in :: smoke out, no more smoking, I quit. I still crave a cigarette most days.
Guests :: I love company. Come visit me soon.
Attraction :: I believe in love at first sight. Most people don't know the difference between love and lust.
Shiny :: Bright Christmas ornaments.
Risked :: I used to love the strategy game of Risk. I haven't played it since my divorce eleven years ago.
Velvet :: Smooth, soft, luxurious.

Go see the mutterings and thoughts of others by going to Subliminal.

Thought of the Day - 4/5/09

The true and lasting source of our happiness comes from the joy that fills our hearts and overflows into the paths of those around us.

Locking Lips Boasts Health Advantages

We've all heard things like kissing burns calories (2 to 3 per minute), and generally boosts our self esteem (how could a smooch or two not?). But consider this:

Muscles
Did you know that we use 30 facial muscles when kissing (or furthermore, that we even have 30 facial muscles)? Say goodbye to baggy cheeks.

Dental
The extra saliva produced during a kiss helps break down oral plaque.

Cardiovascular
Kissing creates adrenaline, which prompts your heart to pump more blood through your body. Allegedly, frequent kissing has been scientifically proven to decrease blood pressure and cholesterol, too.

Nervous System
Kissing is said to calm your mind by increasing levels of oxytocin, a calming hormone, which creates a "peaceful feeling."

That said, what are you waiting for?! Grab your loved one and help give each other a little lift of health (and love)!

Thought of the Day - 4/4/09

Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.
~~ Dr. Suess ~~

100 Things To Do

I am constantly amazed when I hear people, adults and children alike, say they are bored. Who has time to be bored? There is always things to do, some fun things, some mundane things, but things to do. Jokingly and to just to prove my point, I said I could come with a list of 100 things to do . . .

1. Read emails.
2. Reply to emails.
3. Write new emails.
4. Create a new blog.
5. Write a blog entry for current blog(s).
6. Go blog hopping.
7. Call friends.
8. Call family.
9. Play Solitaire.
10. Do puzzle books.
11. Play card games with kids.
12. Play board games with kids.
13. Read a magazine.
14. Read a book.
15. Read a book with kids.
16. Do flashcards (math facts) with kids.
17. Clean bathroom.
18. Clean kitchen.
19. Clean laundry area.
20. Clean living/family room.
21. Clean bedroom.
22. Clean second bedroom.
23. Clean third bedroom.
24. Clean basement.
25. Sweep front porch.
26. Sweep back porch.
27. Clean out garage.
28. Wash laundry.
29. Dry laundry.
30. Fold laundry.
31. Put laundry away.
32. Scrub walls.
33. Vacuum.
34. Clean out refrigerator.
35. Go for a walk.
36. Go for a walk with kids.
37. Do stretches (from OT and PT).
38. Exercise.
39. Ride a bike.
40. Go bicycling with kids.
41. Go bowling.
42. Write a letter.
43. Write a poem.
44. Write a list of things to do.
45. Write goals.
46. Write up a budget.
47. Learn something new.
48. Attend local community class on topic of your choice.
49. Create cards.
50. Create scrapbook pages.
51. Create ATCs (artist trading cards(.
52. Send RAK (random acts of kindness).
53. Organize scrapbook supplies.
54. Scan cards, scrapbooks pages, and other art.
55. Upload art and photographs to online site.
56. Scrapbook with kids
57. Draw or do other art.
58. Draw or do other art with kids.
59. Read a newspaper.
60. Listen to the radio.
61. Watch TV.
62. Watch TV with kids.
63. Watch a movie.
64. Watch a movie with kids.
65. Record new outgoing message for cell phone.
66. Record new outgoing message for house phone.
67. Surf the Internet.
68. Play games on the Internet.
69. Read mail at groups.
70. Find Internet groups to join.
71. Bake cookies, brownies, etc.
72. Bake with kids.
73. Cook.
74. Cook with kids.
75. Go grocery shopping.
76. Go to the local park.
77. Go to school playground.
78. Go to the store, any store.
79. Go to the post office.
80. Take pictures.
81. Upload pictures to computer.
82. Make phone calls for appointments.
83. Write in journal.
84. Write in kids' daily activity notebook.
85. Pray.
86. Pray with kids.
87. Do meditation.
88. Do meditation with kids.
89. Do research to find a new church home.
90. Read the Bible.
91. Read the Bible with kids.
92. Update kids' chore charts.
93. Organize papers.
94. Find new clients/customers for Usborne Books and Memory Works.
95. Find new clients for advocacy work.
96. Volunteer.
97. Clean windows.
98. Wash the dishes.
99. Dry the dishes.
100. Put the dishes away.
101. Send a text message.
102. Plant a garden.
103. Go on a nature hike with kids.
104. Go on a scavenger hunt with kids.
105. Go on a picture scavenger hunt with kids.
106. Give kids a hug.
107. Give kids a kiss.
108. Snuggle with kids.
109. Take a shower.
110. Take a bath.

I was pretty proud of myself for being able to come up with over 100 things to do in less than 5 minutes. Now write your own list of 100 things to do so next time someone says, there is nothing to do, you can tell them to read your list.

Drink More Water

Why drink more water?

The following will probably amaze and startle you.

One glass of water shuts down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University study.

Lack of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen.

Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

Are you drinking the amount of water you should every day?

Water - The Beverage Your Body Needs Most

Drinking water is so important for good health. When you were a kid in school, you learned that each molecule of water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. You may also have learned that it was great fun to fill up your squirt guns with water, at least until the principal caught you. What you may not have learned, however, was how much water you needed in order to be a healthy human being.

Why You Need to Drink Water

Your body is estimated to be about 60 to 70 percent water. Blood is mostly water, and your muscles, lungs, and brain all contain a lot of water. Your body needs water to regulate body temperature and to provide the means for nutrients to travel to all your organs. Water also transports oxygen to your cells, removes waste, and protects your joints and organs.

Signs of Dehydration

You lose water through urination, respiration, and by sweating. If you are very active, you lose more water than if you are sedentary. Diuretics such as caffeine pills and alcohol result in the need to drink more water because they trick your body into thinking you have more water than we need.

Symptoms of mild dehydration include chronic pains in joints and muscles,lower back pain, headaches and constipation. A strong odor to your urine, along with a yellow or amber color indicates that you may not be getting enough water. Note that riboflavin, a B Vitamin, will make your urine bright yellow. Thirst is an obvious sign of dehydration and in fact, you need water long before you feel thirsty.

How Much Water do You Need to Drink?

A good estimate is to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. That gives you the number of ounces of water per day that you need to drink. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink at least 80 ounces of water per day. If you exercise you should drink another eight ounce glass of water for every 20 minutes you are active. If you drink alcohol, you should drink at least an equal amount of water. When you are traveling on an airplane, it is good to drink eight ounces of water for every hour you are on board the plane. If you live in an arid climate, you should add another two servings per day. As you can see, your daily need for water can add up to quite a lot.

Twenty percent of your water need will come from the foods you eat. The rest of your water need should come from the beverages you drink. Water is the best choice. Sodas have a lot of sugar in them, so if you drink sodas, you may take in more calories than you need. Herbal teas that aren't diuretic are fine. Sports drinks contain electrolytes and may be beneficial, just look out for added sugar and calories that you don't need. Juices are good because they have vitamins and nutrients.

Caffeinated beverages will also add to your daily water need. Even though caffeine is a diuretic, if you regularly consume caffeine, your body will regulate itself to that diuretic effect.

Drink Enough Water

It may be difficult to drink enough water on a busy day. Be sure you have water handy at all times by keeping a bottle for water with you when you are working, traveling, or exercising. If you get bored with plain water, add a bit of lemon or lime for a touch of flavor. There are some brands of flavored water available, but watch for extra calories.

Thought of the Day - 4/3/09

I'm a pretty successful guy, but when I go to an occasional reunion at my prep school, in ten seconds I'm not the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. I'm back to feeling like a clumsy nerd everyone else had fun picking on. Crazy, isn't it?
~~ Father of a Former Patient ~~

Thought of the Day - 4/2/09

Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
~~ St Francis of Assisi, 1197-1253 ~~

Thought of the Day - 4/1/09

Once upon a time when people made more of their own things, they created more stories about their life experiences. They told these tales to each other... to celebrate, mourn, worship, and mostly to connect with each other. Sharing real-life stories was an essential element in forging friendships, alliances, families and communities. It brought individuals a greater intimacy with each other and, simultaneously, a stronger sense of self.
~~ Jack Maguire ~~