Welcoming The New Year

As the old year changes into the New Year, I want to wish you all a year filled with good health, prosperity, love that surrounds you, happiness, peace and light.

As 2007 began, I had decided to make this year one of positive change, put ideas into motion, accomplish goals, continue with self improvement and grow as a person.

The year had it's ups and downs. Days filled with good/bad and happy/sad times, successful experiences, mistakes made and many lessons learned. Those who are regular readers here, know that God called home loved ones which saddened me greatly, but working through the grieving process.

I have welcomed some wonderful people into my life and that has been an enriching experience. I have a special someone in my life who has brought more to me than he realizes. I have experienced pleasure in teaching others how to be successful and believe in themselves. This was one goal accomplished that I am proud of, along with having articles published.

Overall, I have to say, 2007 was a good year as far as my personal endevours and am thankful with what I have accomplished so far. My circle of friends, acquaintances and associates slightly changed. This was a necessary change for me to be successful within myself, business and in life in general. Sometimes change is a positive.

I had begun blogging in March (AC Associates Blog) which has brought so many positives into my life. Another blog emerged in May (A Circle of Women) which only brought more pleasurable experiences. Through support, friendship and others sharing their knowledge, I have gained inspiration, confidence, and motivation.

So many bloggers have touched my life and am grateful for their impact on my life.

I look forward to 2008 with optimism and just as I started 2007, I will continue on my quest to grow, learn, accomplish and improve.

We all have the ability to be successful. Create the life you wish for beginning with this New Year. You may want to review the Your Heart's Desire 9 part series I posted at AC Associates that began in August.

Here's to 2008 ~

And, Natalie (Hippie)...you aren't here to 'clink' glasses and toast with me as we did last year, but I will raise my glass and toast to friendship...later 'gator

Talking To Yourself CAN Be A Good Thing

How often do you find yourself talking to yourself? No, not talking out loud, but the inner voice that speaks to you? Most times I bet you’re hearing negative things…I look terrible today, Why did I wear this outfit? I look awful in this color, I made a mistake at work~I messed up, I can’t do this or that…

Every time you hear yourself talking in a negative tone, turn the negative into a positive. Break the habit of hearing only negative... break the cycle within yourself. Hear yourself saying how wonderful you look, how you’ve learned something new, how you were successful at work, how you CAN do this or that, how you are a good person. Replace the negative self-talk in your head with words of encouragement, happiness and support. Be your own cheerleader!

Learning and practicing positive self-talk, can improve your life, mental outlook and attitude. Repetitive positive phases that you hear will make a difference in your outlook, it will encourage you and it will make you believe in yourself.

Believing in the negative, will keep you in a negative state and you will share that tone with others around you. Start small if this is something new for you. If you can do this for a few days, you’ll find it will be easy to keep doing it.

Every time you hear a negative….STOP….and replace it with something positive. I bet if you pay close attention during the day to just how many times you hear yourself talking in negative phrases, you will be surprised.

Try it…for one day listen carefully and hear yourself talking. What are you hearing?

A Lecture From Mom

My Mom and I got into a conversation regarding life insurance. Her lecture on why I need to have this coverage at this time of my life is important, got me thinking I should consider it. And by the way, You're never too old to get a lecture from a parent!

For some reason, I never really thought about it. The whole insurance thing confuses me. All the different types of policies, terms, values etc...

I certainly don't want to leave a financial burden on my son or other members of my family. If you have experienced a death of a parent as I have, it is such an emotional time, with many other things to do which clouds your mind for days, weeks and months.

Turning to the Internet as I do for most things I research, the first site I came across was Advantage Term Life. I was able to read information regarding all the different types of policies in easy to understand language.
Information on:Term ,Whole Life ,Universal,Key Man ,Second to die ,Group Policies ,Mortgage,Smokers

I was interested in learning about the Whole Life Policy and the Mortgage Insurance policy. The Mortgage policy would pay off the mortgage in the event of death or become terminally/critically ill.

This site offers free quotes and the ability to compare rates, so I guess you can say I took my first step. Won't my Mom be happy!

Does anyone have knowledge in this area to help with my confusion?

It's All About Gratitude

I am against the war and probably shouldn't share my views here. I do think we should have ended 'the problem' immediately after 9/11, but...

I am proud and thankful of our service men and women who defend US....United States Citizens. Blessings to them, their family and loved ones.

Watch this video, it will touch you.

I just learned my friends 23 yr old son is going over to Iraq in February. I can only imagine the thoughts and fears as a mom she is experiencing, including her sons' fears and all that love them.

Please remember to pray for all involved. It means more than you know.



Thank you to my cousin Nancy, who brought this video to my attention.

While You Read, You Learn

One of my many favorites listed at Technorati is the AdesBlog. He provides great tips and resources about several topics and I have learned a thing or two from reading his posts. One post, EntreCard Performance brought my attention to the EntreCard site. Maybe I'm last in learning about this site, but after checking it out, I joined on 12/23.

I have to say, since joining, I have come across some great blogs that I otherwise might not have known about. This site offers you your business card to network with other bloggers, while bringing traffic to your blog. Mind you, this is all free. Go to EntreCard to learn more and how it all works. Additionally, I am noticing a change in my stats for Alexa, Real Rank, MBL and BC all for the better due to the new traffic which is definitely there.

Since 12/23, here are my stats for my blogs. As you can see, additional traffic is noted. Hopefully, I have gained some readers while bloggers are dropping their card at my blog.

A Circle of Women:
Quickstats
203 credits in your account
53 credits to advertise on your blog
150 cards you dropped
133 cards dropped on you
21 clicks via ads you placed
42 clicks from your blog to others
9 ads you bought
9 ads bought from you
150 clicks from entrecard.com to you


AC Associates Blog
Quickstats
34 credits in your account
46 credits to advertise on your blog
152 cards you dropped 117 cards dropped on you
82 clicks via ads you placed
37 clicks from your blog to others
10 ads you bought 8 ads bought from you
123 clicks from entrecard.com to you


A Contest You Should Consider:

While dropping my card on other blogs, I came across Big Pappa at The Big Bald Blog. I was immediately drawn to his blog. I like his style, humor, the information he provides...he's got soul.
Anyone who can admit in a post not knowing how to pronounce 'meme', is okay in my book. I was laughing out loud for I thought I was the only one that didn't know. Ok, there...I admitted it too. And, thanks to Big Pappa, I now know how to pronounce meme.

Big Pappa is running a contest and offering some cool prizes:
An 8 Gig iPod Touch
500 Entrecard Credits
A total blog review from Mike over at Bloggin-Ads
Some cool Big Pappa Worldwide gear

Check out his site for the rules. If you decide not to enter the contest, check out his blog anyway. You'll enjoy your visit.

After having said all that I did, last but not least,I want to thank all who have paid with their credits to spotlight their blog on my sites. I also want to express my appreciation for those bloggers who have allowed my advertisement on their blogs. I think I found a new fun addiction...

11 Year Olds on Birth Control??

On Christmas morning while I had some time to relax, I turned on the Montel Williams show. His guest was Judge Judy. I heard something that just got me upset. It concerns middle school aged children, grades 6 thru 8.

Judge Judy was saying that when parents sign those permission medical forms...you know giving the school permission to provide medical care to your child if the parents are not readily available, the school can give medical treatment to your child.

Here is the horrifying part: did you know that the permission form you sign, gives the school permission to give your daughter birth control pills or son contraceptives? Oh My God, imagine...11 year olds on birth control. Do 11 yr olds even know what to do at that age?! What judgement do 11 year olds have?

It seems in Maine a decision was passed, voted 7-2 to make this happen. What is worse is that this birth control (medication) is given WITHOUT the parents' knowledge.

As a mother, I would not want my 11 yr old son having sex, nor would I want the school to step in and give my son condoms without my knowledge. I have trouble putting sex in the same sentence with 11 year olds.
I remember as a single parent, having the 'talk' with my son at an early age, but I did not have to worry about him actually having or even thinking about having sex.

This brings up several concerns. Are parents educating their children to the best of their ability? If the children in Maine or in other states are becoming pregnant at the age of 11, something is seriously wrong.

If birth control is given to these children, are they aware this is not consent to go out and have sex, nor protect them from disease? Is this actually encouraging them to have sex?

And, think about the young, growing bodies of an 11 yr old little girl. Giving hormones to these girls? What does this do to the chemistry in their body?

I know times are changing. Young children are growing up way too fast. We allow them to wear certain clothing that really is suitable for older kids, we allow them to watch certain shows and movies that are really not for young children.

Is it the parents, society, peer pressure, celebrities who encourage? Who isn't teaching morals and values?

Why can't kids just be kids?

Video provided about Associated Press:
Students in Maine will be able to get birth control pills and patches at their student center

In Washington, another view on the subject.

Merry Christmas!

Today Christmas Eve day, I am finally done with all my baking. I think I gained a few pounds just from sampling the cookies I made, but I tell you...it was worth it! ha...You have to taste what you're baking, right!?!

I just posted on my other blog something you might find inspiring.
Teach The Children the Symbols of Christmas. In case some of us forget the 'true' meaning of Christmas.
Do you know what the Symbols of Christmas mean?

I hope all of you have a peaceful holiday, filled with Love, Happiness, Faith and Hope.

The Sky Angel Cowboy

Logan is a 13 year-old boy who lives on a ranch in a very small town in Nebraska. Logan listens to Christian Radio station 89.3FM KSBJ which broadcasts from Houston, TX. Logan called the radio station distraught because he had to take down a calf. His words have wisdom beyond his years.

Out of the mouths of babes we are reminded...out of the mouths of babes we are inspired.
Thank you Logan for sharing this with us and giving us a very special message.

I know what you had to do was extremely hard, but you did what had to be done.
Many Blessings to you and your family.




MERRY CHRISTMAS

Do You Fear Rejection?

My young co-worker has had his eye on a certain female for quite awhile now. We talk frequently about her and when I asked if he wanted to ask her on a date, he said...sure, but I'm not.
Why not I asked. His answer...because she might say no.

Well, I was blown away. Here is a confident young man in other areas of his life, but he's afraid he'll be rejected. I mentioned taking chances is what life is about. If you don't take a chance, you will live with the regret of never knowing...the what if's...

Rejection can come in many different ways. Rejection in romance, families, business, friends and even strangers. If the fear of rejection is such a big obstacle, what can you do about it?

Well, I think that if you have high self esteem, it isn't such a big deal if someone you asked out turns you down. If you have low self esteem, I think working on that area will help.You're still the same person you were before you asked. You actually gave the person you asked out a compliment just by showing you wanted to spend more time with them. You had the courage to ask someone out and if you get turned down, you're not going to die. Your life doesn't depend on the approval of this person.

If you get turned down once, twice or even more than that, there is certainly a chance that someone else will say 'yes'...so keep positive. Sure it can be disappointing or even discouraging, but if you try not to take it personally, you'll see you can live through rejection. Maybe a person says 'no' for other reasons and has nothing to do with you at all. Rejection can actually turn you into a stronger, more confident and determined person instead of being weak or afraid.

Its all in your state of mind and how you view rejection. Looking at rejection as a negative will cause you to have negative feelings. Letting yourself look at things in a positive manner will keep you strong and ready for the next time you are ready to ask someone out. Take a chance...you never know until you do.

If anyone has any tips, stories to share on this subject, please leave a comment.

A Linky Love Thank you ~ Round 1

Just wanted to say thank you for those in my blogging community. I truly appreciate each and every one of you.

I hope you have a peaceful, Happy Holiday and a New Year that brings much love, good health and all your dreams come true.

If you don't see your blog below, don't worry...I haven't forgotten you. Round 2 will be coming soon. Many blessings...

Merry Christmas

Peopleized Revellian Book Project My Life Starts at fortytwo and to think Interesting Observations
Feel Happy The Thinking Blog Egotastic Money from Scratch The Wrong Advices Wonderland or Not
Santa's Community Blog Jackal Outfit Inspirations Virtual Entrepreneur My Life is Murphy's LawBloggers Blog Your Wisdom of Total Happiness Climate of Our Future Acquire Wisdom and Live with Passion A Week in the Life of a Redhead Looking Beyond the Cracked Window...Who is Zubli Zainordin Blog Cave Make Money With Kassper ProBlogger Midlife Perspective FreshBlogger Jeanine's Bits and Pieces Million Dollar Challenge She Walks in Beauty Reflections of Time Blog Elf Simon's Money Notes Blog Dune Visionwiz
The MyBlogLog Blog A Blog About Money Online Personal Development Personal Touch Health & Fitness Angie's Organic Reviews Self HypnosisProgram.com NAFASG Laketrees PayPerPost Blogging Den
The Painted Veil Strategic Internet Marketing Language Trainers UK Blog Full Plate The Spirit Knows Best Photos from Northern Norway Daily Blessings MichiganFSBOhomes.com A Parent's Blog mickiberthelot.com Doing it the Tiny Bellows Way MariucaLife to Success What is going on, blog
Journey with Water Learner Sharmini's harmony everyday should be Christmas Adsense Tracker
15 Minute Dating Blog Just a girl in short shorts Life is Just around the corner My escape
Spirituality and Religion Feeling Flirty Winehiker Witiculture Footsteps Awesome Blog Listing
The Radula in cinq Mommy loves diamonds The Views of the all seeing eye TexasRealtyBlog
John Cow Steven Wilson Marketing MyWayOnNow Potpourri Yahoo Develper Network
Mommy's Make money News you need Cell Tech Hub She's got so much to say Abhishek Tiwari
This is a Miracle Local Mortgage Ad Resources A worn out woman's journey Lifehacker Voice of Bragg
New England Lighthouse blog Chessnoid Internet Safety-Keeping our children safer online
Music, Movies and TV shows Skittle's Place woman: Gods Masterpiece Polliwog's Pond
Emma Alvarz Blog Justin Stanley's Web Blog Z money Birds Guide Hot girls 4 you FatBoy Slimming
Nothing to see here, move along Feline Warrior Stormdrane's Blog Your Caring Angels
Speedcat Hollydale Page Sharmini's harmony Rainbow after the storm Survival Wytch
Home Improvement Tips CornerstoneContracting This is a Miracle She's got so much to say
Abhishek Tiwani Stuck in Customs:Photography Blog SiteLogic Web Development

The Golden Compass: Is This Atheism For Kids?

With the new movie The Golden Compass hitting the theaters, many parents will be taking their children to see the movie.
I do not have any young ones and this type of movie doesn't interest me, but after a friend of mine sent me a review of this movie, it got my attention.

The movie has been described as "atheism for kids" and is based on the first book of a trilogy entitled "His Dark Materials" written by Phillip Pullman. Pullman is a militant atheist and secular humanist who despises C. S. Lewis and the "Chronicles of Narnia." His motivation for writing this trilogy was specifically to counteract Lewis' symbolisms of Christ portrayed in the Narnia series.

Both the book and the movie introduce atheism to children. The story ends with Adam and Eve killing God

Clearly, Pullman's main objective is to bash Christianity and promote atheism. Pullman left little doubt about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview, "my books are about killing God." He has even stated that he wants "to kill God in the minds of children." It has been said of Pullman that he is "the writer the atheists would be praying for, if atheists prayed."

While "The Golden Compass" movie itself may seem mild and innocent, the books are a much different story. In the trilogy, a young streetwise girl becomes enmeshed in an epic struggle to ultimately defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God. Another character, an ex- nun, describes Christianity as "a very powerful and convincing mistake." In the final book, characters representing Adam and Eve eventually kill God, who at times is called YAHWEH. Each book in the trilogy gets progressively worse regarding Pullman's hatred of Jesus Christ.

Hmmm...and this movie premiered in December. A coincidence?

I recently read a review by Cooper. Read her review and comments by clicking HERE

Please give me your thoughts and if you have seen this movie, what did you think?

Time Just Flies By...

I can't believe it's been 5 or 6 days since my last post. Time is just flying by. Having been busy with Christmas, friends and just my life...time hasn't allowed for my regular posting. Have you all been busy with Christmas approaching?

All my Christmas shopping is done and today I wrapped every single present...whew...it took hours, I can now get back to a regular schedule.

Although I will be baking this coming weekend. My family looks forward to the assortment of cookies I bake. I guess I started a tradition without realizing it. If I fail to make a certain cookie, I hear...where's this or that. My son certainly lets me hear it if I don't make these peppermint cream candies. A cinch to make, but last year I forgot and he couldn't believe I didn't make them. Soooo, there I was on Christmas eve making the candy.

I have a new man in my life and he's already told me that he loves chocolate chips. You can be sure I'll be including those on baking day!

Do you have a favorite cookie or one that just wouldn't be Christmas without them? If you'd like to share a favorite recipe, please do. I'm always looking for new and delicious cookies to make.

You can get 100's of cookie recipes from northpole.com. Click Here and be directed right to Mrs. Claus kitchen. No kiddin...there's hundreds of recipes on this site.
Enjoy!

Some Inspiration

Children help create who you are.

Your spirit is renewed when you connect to a soul that you feel to be a part of you.

Not until you know how to be true to you, not until you know how to speak kindly of you, will you ever learn how to live correctly in the world of man.

To live kindly, be…

true,
wise,
humble
understanding,
abundant,
compassionate,
accepting.

When life feels like a struggle, it is because you are being led instead of you being in the lead.


Exercise: What you need from life:

Imagine that you are given four different things you could become. You could become a waterfall, a large tree, a river, or a mountain. Which one of these four, would you want to become?


Tree – You need freedom, flexibility, and for life to be more simplistic.

Waterfall - You need structure, but you need the tools in order to help you build the foundation.

Tower – You need a purpose. You feel lost.

River – No more conflict, just someone or somewhere to escape in order for you to regroup and reenergize.

Mountain – You want peace, safety, and no more obstacles or hurdles for you to overcome.

Perfume Can Harm Us?

I love to wear perfume. I have certain fragrances for spring/summer and ones for fall/winter. I'm an earthy type, so fragrances for winter include musk, vanilla...anything woodsy, if you know what I mean.

I recently read something that certainly has me looking at perfumes alittle differently.

According to a report published by the National Academy of Sciences, the following chemicals are commonly used in perfumes and can cause various reactions:

propylene glycol, which is considered to be a chemical that damages the immune system

cyclohexanol, which has a depressive action on the central nervous system

linalool, which has been shown to cause an irregular gait, depression and respiratory problems

methyl ethyl ketone, which can cause unconsciousness, emphysema, and congestion of the liver and kidneys

formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen with many damaging traits.

There's a problem though because perfume companies are not required to list their ingredients. Why? Because chemical formulas of fragrances are considered trade secrets!

The good news is that organic perfumes are slowly emerging into the marketplace and I'll be trying one of these.

Has anyone tried one of these organic perfumes? If so, can you give us your thoughts.

Do You and Sweeney Todd Have Revenge in Common?

I just came across a promo for the new Tim Burton film, Sweeney Todd which opens on December 21st.

This movie is a Thriller about a man who is unjustly sent to prison and vows to seek revenge for not only the cruel punishment he received, but for what happened to his wife and daughter.

When out of prison, he returns to become the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Men seem to disappear after having their heads shaved at the Barber Shop. Apparently Sweeney Todd didn't forget or forgive, huh?
Visit the official Sweeney Todd movie site to watch the trailer, get updates and downloads.

...revenge...primarily retaliation against a person in response to a perceived wrongdoing. In forcing the wrongdoer to suffer some pain that was inflicted. Some believe that the injury inflicted in revenge should be greater than the original one as punishment. What are your thoughts on revenge?

Well, this promo included a site you can visit and discuss acts of revenge. Are you guilty of revenge? Here you can offer your own "Dashboard Confessional". To confess and get it off your chest. Call in, write or even submit a video. Read what others are confessing.

Sweeney Todd is making waves. You can even visit Sweeney Todd on MySpace, request to add him to your friends and in doing so, have a chance to meet the hunky Johnny Depp.

Adults Like To Play Games Too!

Simone at Outfit Inspirations has been extremely busy working on the Great Christmas Scavenger Hunt. This idea of hers enables the blogger community to join in some fun.

The Christmas Scavenger Hunt has officially begun!



Children can’t have all the fun! We adults like to play games too!

Now here’s your chance to put your intuitive, investigative nature to work and have a chance to win an IPOD.

Simone is definitely feeling the Christmas Spirit and wants to bring cheer to others.

To take part in the Christmas Scavenger Hunt, you must download the official entry form. You can click here

The objective of this online scavenger hunt is to collect a bunch of hidden Christmas Letters using the clues on the Entry Form. The catch? These Christmas letters are scattered throughout different sites on the web. When you find the answer to the clues, you will also see a clickable button. When you click on it, it will bring you to the next site.

That's it! Have fun and meet some friends along the way. If you are the lucky winner, you will receive an IPOD to enjoy and always remember you received it through the Great Christmas Scavenger Hunt made possible by Simone.

Thank you Simone for all your hard work!

Free eCards To Help Toys For Tots

Have you ever heard of the Marines Toys for Tots? This has been an ongoing tradition in the United States Marine Corp. Reserves for 60 years now! Toys for Tots delivered an amazing 19.2 million toys to over 7.6 million children.

But, there are literally over 13 million children living in poverty and Toys for Tots is asking in the name of the Holiday Spirit in each of us to help out this year.

If you are sending eCards this holiday season, here is a great way to raise money for Toys for Tots by simply sending free eCards to your friends and family. Here’s the scoop: Month2Month.com is a totally free, high quality eCard web site that has joined with Toys for Tots and will make a contribution for every holiday card that is received. Their site has no advertising, doesn’t require subscriptions, sign-ups or downloading toolbars. And the cards are great…better than what you’d find on those other sites that charge for subscriptions. This is what the holiday spirit is all about... giving. So let’s all take advantage of this and PLEASE!!!! Pass this along to everyone you know.
Here's where to find Toys for Tots free eCards

Speaking to Customer Service Rep

I received this email the other day and I found it not only extremely funny, but True! Have you ever had to call a customer service representative with a question, problem etc...regarding your credit card account? My Gosh it can be so draining, time consuming and down right aggravating.

Hope this brings a chuckle...

Now some people are just plain stupid!!!!

Be sure and cancel your credit cards before you die. This is so priceless, and so, so easy to see happening, customer service being what it is today.
A lady died this past January, and Citibank billed her for February and March for their annual service charges on her credit card, and added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been $0.00, now somewhere around $60.00. A family member placed a call to Citibank.

Here is the exchange:

Family Member: "I am calling to tell you she died in January."

Citibank: "The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply."

Family Member: "Maybe, you should turn it over to collections."

Citibank: "Since it is two months past due, it already has been."

Family Member: So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?"

Citibank: "Either report her account to frauds division or report her to the credit bureau, maybe both!"

Family Member: "Do you think God will be mad at her?" (I really liked this part!!!!)

Citibank: "Excuse me?"

Family Member: "Did you just get what I was telling you - the part about her being dead?"

Citibank: "Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor."

Supervisor gets on the phone:

Family Member: "I'm calling to tell you, she died in January."

Citibank : "The account was never closed and late fees and charges still apply." (This must be a phrase taught by the bank!)

Family Member: "You mean you want to collect from her estate?"

Citibank: (Stammer) "Are you her lawyer?"

Family Member: "No, I'm her great nephew."

Citibank: "Could you fax us a certificate of death?"

Family Member: "Sure." (Fax number is given )

After they get the fax:

Citibank: "Our system just isn't setup for death. I don't know what more I can do to help."

Family Member: "Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her. I don't think she will care."

Citibank: "Well, the late fees and charges do still apply." (What is wrong with these people?!?)

Family Member: "Would you like her new billing address?"

Citibank: "That might help."

Family Member: " Odessa Memorial Cemetery , Highway 129, Plot Number 69."

Citibank: "Sir, that's a cemetery!"

Family Member: "What do you do with dead people on your planet???

Love

Love is experienced in many different ways.

Referring to romantic love, Does any of this sound familiar?

New found love or when you realize you are in love ...it makes you glow. Don't you feel more healthier when in love? I mean...your skin glows, your eyes glisten, you smile more, your energy is up, you feel more 'alive', you're bursting with excitement, your heart and soul is awake feeling full of happiness.

Once a love attachment is made, it's a deep appreciation of another. An intense feeling that can grow with time. As you spend time together, you are learning and understanding about each other. Creating memories, sharing joy and sorrows. A strong bond, feelings of closeness, warmth and intimacy.

According to Wikipedia, love is characterized by three elements: intimacy, passion and commitment.
Here's 7 examples:
1. Liking includes only one of the love components - intimacy. In this case, liking is not used in a trivial sense. Intimate liking characterizes true friendships, in which a person feels a bondedness, a warmth, and a closeness with another but not intense passion or long-term commitment.

2. Infatuated love consists solely of passion and is often what is felt as "love at first sight." But without the intimacy and the commitment components of love, infatuated love may disappear suddenly.

3. Empty love consists of the commitment component without intimacy or passion. Sometimes, a stronger love deteriorates into empty love, in which the commitment remains, but the intimacy and passion have died. In cultures in which arranged marriages are common, relationships often begin as empty love.

4. Romantic love is a combination of intimacy and passion. Romantic lovers are bonded emotionally (as in liking) and physically through passionate arousal.

5. Companionate love consists of intimacy and commitment. This type of love is often found in marriages in which the passion has gone out of the relationship, but a deep affection and commitment remain.

6. Fatuous love has the passion and the commitment components but not the intimacy component. This type of love can be exemplified by a whirlwind courtship and marriage in which a commitment is motivated largely by passion, without the stabilizing influence of intimacy.

7. Consummate love is the only type of love that includes all three components--intimacy, passion and commitment. Consummate love is the most complete form of love, and it represents the ideal love relationship for which many people strive but which apparently few achieve. Maintaining a consummate love may be even harder than achieving it.

Of course we are all searching for the ultimate...to love and be loved in return

Believe in Fairy Tales

I am a big fan of Grey's Anatomy and if you listen carefully to what the characters say, you might hear something worthwhile.


You know how when you were a little kid and you believed in fairy tales, that fantasy of what your life would be, white dress, prince charming who would carry you away to a castle on a hill. You would lie in bed at night and close your eyes and you had complete and utter faith. Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, Prince Charming, they were so close you could taste them, but eventually you grow up, one day you open your eyes and the fairy tale disappears. Most people turn to the things and people they can trust. But the thing is its hard to let go of that fairy tale entirely cause almost everyone has that smallest bit of hope, of faith, that one day they will open their eyes and it will come true.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the end of the day faith is a funny thing. It turns up when you don't really expect it. Its like one day you realize that the fairy tale may be slightly different than you dreamed. The castle, well, it may not be a castle. And its not so important happy ever after, just that its happy right now. See once in a while, once in a blue moon, people will surprise you , and once in a while people may even take your breath away.