A place to inspire, motivate and encourage by providing posts on self improvement, health, family, women (and men), life, prayer, poems, quotes of wisdom and share ideas about life.

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Monday, April 27, 2009

Can Social Networking Sites Affect Your Personal Relationships?

I hadn’t put too much thought into this until recently. There are so many ways on the internet to socialize with others. With the people you know, with people you don’t…you have so many options to connect with others , but can this harm your relationship with your significant other? There are networking sites, dating sites, social networking sites, reunion sites…to name a few categories.

I recently had a friend of mine join Facebook. She told me she was loving the fact she was connecting with some childhood and high school friends. She also made a comment that I found odd… She said her husband rejected her friendship request and he doesn’t want her on his page. Hmmmm…but why? That comment made me wonder if indeed these sites affects the relationship you have with your boyfriend/husband, wife/girlfriend. She did mention she asked her husband to at least see his page, which he gladly did, but he still doesn't want her to be part of his page.

What are your thoughts? If your significant other was on Facebook (or another site) and they denied your friendship, which prevents you from being included on their page, how would you feel? Would you wonder why? Would you think they were keeping something from you or hiding something? Maybe you would think they just didn’t want you to see what happens on their page and who they’re talking to?

If you were in a relationship and your significant other purposely kept you off their page, would this action affect your relationship in any way or create a trust issue?

Saturday, April 25, 2009

ENLIGHTENED PERSPECTIVE

If you will take the time to read these, you'll come away
with an enlightened perspective. The subjects affect us all on
a daily basis:

They're written by Andy Rooney, a man who has the gift of saying so
much with so few words.

Enjoy.......

I've learned .... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet
of an elderly person.

I've learned .... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned .... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my
day!' makes my day.

I've learned .... That having a child or a dog fall asleep in your
arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned .... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned . .... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned .... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have
the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned .... That no matter how serious your life requires you to
be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned .... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold
and a heart to understand.

I've learned .... That simple walks with my father around the block on
summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned ....That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer
it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned .... That we should be glad God doesn't give us
everything we ask for.

I've learned ..... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned .... That it's those small daily happenings that make
life so spectacular.

I've learned ... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants
to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned .... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned .... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are
only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned ..... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned .... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is
to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned .... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned ...... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned ... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned .... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take
the ones you miss.

I've learned .... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock
elsewhere.

I've learned .... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her
one more time before she passed away.

I've learned .... That one should keep his words both soft and tender,
because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned .... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned .... That when your newly born grandchild holds your
little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned .... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain,
but all the happiness, and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned .... That the less time I have to work with, the more
things I get done.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Careless Driving Causes Injury and Death

I was sick last week with a virus and when I was finally feeling a bit better, I got knocked down by sad news that someone I know was killed in a motorcycle accident.

I am sad. I am angry. I am upset. I am frustrated and aggravated. I am confused. This accident was not caused by the carelessness of my friend, who happened to be driving a Harley. His accident was caused by the stupidity of someone else behind the wheel of a car. Two years ago, My girlfriend died because someone ran her and her boyfriend off the road while on their Harley. Again, someone else’s carelessness.

Do you not realize that your carelessness can cause injury and even death to another? Let that sink in…

Turn the tables. If someone caused you pain by taking away someone you love because they were being careless or stupid behind the wheel….how would you feel?

What is it exactly that happens to people when behind the wheel of their car and/or while they are driving with motorcycles on the road? I can not understand. Do they forget how to drive? Do they not see a person on a motorcycle? Do they not hear the motorcycle? Have they made unfair judgments in their head about motorcyclists and could care less for their life? What is it?

My friend who waited for the light to turn green so he can make his turn, was sideswiped by a vehicle. Did you not see him on the motorcycle? Were you in a hurry? WHY? You gave him such a severe leg injury that he bled to death. You have taken a son, a brother, a uncle, a cousin and a friend.

His family and friends will never be the same and he is not able to live the rest of his life here with us. AND…your life will not be the same either because Now you must live the rest of your life knowing you caused his death.

Seems so senseless to me and this could have been prevented if only people would respect others on the road. We all have the right to be on the road, driving what we chose.

SEE them, HEAR them, RESPECT ALL DRIVERS. Stop being in a hurry. S l o w down. Trust me, you will get to where you need to be. Don’t let your travel cause injury or death to another. Life is precious, treat it as such.

My deepest and heartfelt sympathy for his family and friends.

Jeff…..ride with the angels.

And as I dedicated this poem to my girlfriend, I now post it for Jeff

I saw you ,,,but you didn't see me

THE BIKER (author unknown)
I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line.But, you didn't see me, put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.
I saw you, pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But, you didn't see me, playing Santa at the local mall.
I saw you, change your mind about going into the restaurant. But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.
I saw you, roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But, you didn't see me, riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.
I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children.But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.
I saw you, stare at my long hair. But, you didn't see me, and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.
I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather jackets and gloves. But,you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.
I saw you, look in fright at my tattoos. But, you didn't see me,cry as my children were born and have their name written over and in my heart.
I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But,you didn't
see me, going home to be with my family.
I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.
I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car. But, you didn't see me, pat
my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.
I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But, you
didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.
I saw you, race down the road in the rain. But, you didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.
I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right.
I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in.But, you didn't see me, leave the road.
I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there.
I saw you, go home to your family.But, you
didn't see me. Because, I died that day you cut me off. I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family.
But, you didn't see me.
I hope you never loose someone that rides.
EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE US, RESPECT OUR RIGHTS TO RIDE WHAT WE CHOOSE AND TAKE A
FEW EXTRA SECONDS TO BE SURE WE'RE NOT IN 'YOUR' WAY - LIVE TO RIDE
. . . . RIDE TO LIVE

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Alittle Wednesday Humor

I guess I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. I've been home sick and the weather here is awful. Been raining for days, which isn't helping with my mood.

I came across this joke and it brought a smile...maybe someone else out there needs a smile today.

The Italian Secret of a Long Marriage?

At Saint Mary's Catholic Church they have a weekly husband's marriage seminar.. At the session last week, the Priest asked Mario, who was approaching his 50th wedding anniversary, to take a few minutes and share some insight into how he had managed to stay married to the same woman all these years.??

Mario replied to the assembled husbands, 'Wella, I've a-tried to treat-a her nicea, spenda da money on her, but besta of alla is that I tooka her to Italy for the 25th anniversary!'?

The Priest responded, 'Mario, you are an amazing inspiration to all the husbands here! Please tell us what you are planning for your wife for your 50th anniversary.'??

Mario proudly replied, 'I'm a-gonna go get her.'

Friday, April 10, 2009

Swimming With Dolphins

Back in February I posted about “My Bucket List”. This list contained some things I wanted to do or get done this year. With my recent trip to Mexico, I did get to cross off a few items on that list: My first plane trip, visiting an island (Cozumel), seeing something majestic and one of my favorite things I was able to do while in Mexico was to swim with dolphins. What made it more special was being able to experience this with my guy.

Oh boy it was amazing! We were in the water at least an hour. At first I was taken back because I didn’t know the dolphins would swim so close to you. Like a cat, they rubbed up against you…looked you in the eye…and as if they’re smiling at you they’re saying….I want to play! Before getting into the water, we received instruction on what to do and what not to do. They told us that you couldn’t touch a dolphin on the top of their head and they really don’t like their fin to be held onto. I was being so careful as to not hit those spots.

To me, a dolphin felt ‘fake’….like rubber or vinyl. Very Smooth and silky. I did get to experience some of their power because as the trainer stood on the platform above us, he threw a fish to our dolphin who was just swimming around in front of me. As the fish hit the water, a bird came swooping down to try to snatch it up and that made the dolphin swim faster. As our dolphin came around, her tail hit my leg. Wow…that moved me in the water! Such power! I can imagine the power and strength this aminal has. My leg stung for a bit, but I was so excited to be playing with dolphins, I forgot all about it. Hopefully you can make all that out in the picture below…..the bird is the blurry spot on the right hand side.


I have gotten my first “kiss” from a dolphin and below is the picture when she came up and landed in the palm of my hand.


After a little play time, the trainer showed us some of her tricks…My guy and I locked arms and the dolphin danced in front of us, splashed us in the face and then laughed at us, jumped over us and swam so fast around us, we were stuck in a whirlpool with waves! It was great ... That was the best hour spent! Truly an amazing experience.

Have any of you swam with dolphins? Such beautiful, friendly and loving creatures of the sea. Did you know the dolphin is a descendant of the wolf? That’s pretty crazy right? But, that’s what we learned.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Our Sense of Scent is Powerful

While in Mexico, I noticed a certain Scent among the men. Both my guy and I commented on it. It was a bit sweet, but powdery. Not sickening sweet, not floral. Clean. It was almost comforting and relaxing. The men working at the resort, the men in town, the taxis....all had the same scent.

Is it the only men's cologne they have in Mexico? Apparently it is the most popular if it isn't. I kept forgetting to ask what it was they were wearing.

It got me thinking how powerful our sense of smell is. When you 'smell' something, does it bring back a happy(or not so happy) memory? Does it remind you of someone? an ex? your husband, boyfriend or family member?

I know scents do remind me of things and certain scents affect me differently. The scent of the men's cologne "joop" gets my hormones roaring...haha...can't explain why, but my boyfriend learning this, went out and purchased some.

As a young child, I was always sick with croop. I would break the blood vessels in my throat from all the coughing I did. My mother on the advice of the doctor, gave me ipecac. For those who do not know what that is, it's a liquid medicine to make you vomit. The thought was to get rid of the phlegm, so I wouldn't cough, choke and break anymore blood vessels. Anyway, to this day, if I smell anything that remotely smells like ipecac, I gag.

Back to more pleasant scents....How many of you wear different scents in Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer? I do. I'm known at work for the scents of spring/summer. I usually wear vanilla all year round, but once it gets warmer, my coconut perfume comes out. It just reminds me of the beach. My co-workers all tell me they look forward to smelling that perfume. In winter, I stick to the more muskier scents.

Well, now I can add a scent memory to the mind bank. If and when I smell something similar to that certain scent the men wore in Mexico, it will always bring back wonderful memories of our first trip together.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

The People of Mexico

I have arrived back home from Mexico, safe and sound. First let me say that the media had installed some fear into us regarding the violence going on there, but we had found nothing but friendly, happy people. Yes, the policia were visible, but that only made me feel safer.

I now have a new appreciation for the people of Mexico. They are extremely hard working. They are always smiling and seem happy as they work long hours, which is usually consisting of hard labor. They work everyday…no days off. As I look around me here in New Jersey, I don’t see many people who are happy going to work. How about where you live?

Along one of the highways we traveled on, if you look past the concrete yards, you will see poverty. At first, you think you are looking at abandoned shacks…no windows or doors, surrounded by garbage. We were told people live there. That gave me a heavy feeling. But, these people who live like this, are also “happy”. Is it because they do not know any other way?

In the short time we were there, we spoke to many residents and we were told that the people appreciate what they do have and are grateful. Their families and friends mean the world to them. Man, does that say a lot about the people here. It immediately made us think how greedy we can be…how people here want more and more and we are hardly ever satisfied. Trying to outdo their friends and neighbors. We just don’t seem to appreciate and know how to be grateful. Things in your life can be much worse and I saw first hand how living situations can be hard for some.

When we went into town, we saw much of the same thing. Some of these shacks looked like they were going to fall over any second. Made of scraps of wood, garbage and anything else they can find to put together. And yet, as I said…these people were still happy and enjoying life. Some of the lucky ones had jobs where the tourists were. At the resorts, the restaurants, the stores etc…One spot we visited, showcased the talents of the many who are excellent crafters. Throughout the time we were there, we observed the landscapers and masons. We were so impressed with their knowledge and quality of work. It made me think about the Mexicans who are here working with landscapers and are being paid peanuts for their long hours and hard work. I can not help but feel that we are terrible people to take advantage like that. Is it our greed? Our need to pay out a small amount, so we have more money in our pockets?

I had such a great time on this trip and I also feel blessed to have learned a few lessons. Seeing things from a different perspective. Happiness is not brought about by how much you have or how much you want…it is about being happy, appreciative and grateful with what you DO have. We make our own happiness. I have always felt money does not bring you happiness and this trip confirmed it as I saw it through the residents of Mexico.

More about our trip in my next post...

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