Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

I can still remember my mom reading to me as a little girl all of the Dr. Seuss books...One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish or The Cat in the Hat.  I can even remember having green eggs and ham for lunch in preschool. I thought that was the coolest thing ever! I even remember getting Oh the Places You Will Go as a high school graduation gift.

Well, today is the great Dr. Seuss's birthday and I can't think of a better way to help celebrate than to participate in Seussville Read Across America. Random House and the National Education Association encourage everyone to spend some time today and read to a child. Click here for more information and for some cool materials to help you celebrate this special day!

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on StumbleUpon Share on Delicious Share on Reddit

Share on Digg Share on simpy Share on Technorati Share on furl Subscribe to Feeds RSS

Non-Judgemental

Ahhh, Lent. Similar to New Year's Resolutions, except this one only lasts 40 days and you have the wrath of God to contend with. Yet, most cheat or fail or don't do anything at all. That's fine. I get it. Why make a change, either big or little, that isn't going to last longer than six weeks? I understand that Lent makes it attainable, but if you are giving something up, it typically isn't something that is good for you--drinking alcohol, eating sweets. You never hear of someone giving up exercise or saying "I'm gonna spend LESS time with my family." Those are things we strive to do more of.

When I was growing up, I would give up all sorts of stuff. TV, candy, the radio--I grew up in the  pre-PC era, so that wasn't an option. My Comodore 64 wasn't something that was give-up worthy! My mom never gave anything up. Still doesn't. She always said "I'm just going to try to be a better person." I would laugh. What a cop out. I remember thinking, she's already a good person.

Now that I'm, ahem, older, I get that. I didn't give anything up for Lent. I'm trying to be less judgemental. I don't think I'm all that judgemental anyway, but I wonder if that is akin to the person you meet who emphaticcaly says "I'm not hard to get along with." When, in reality, they are impossible to get along with!

I have personal circumstances that I believe make me more open to the when's and why's of things going on around me, but I still carry negative thoughts and judge, if even in my own head. A person dressed shabily meandering down the street. The young mother buying cigarettes with her baby in hand.

I'm trying to remind myself that we all have crap. A ton of crap at times, to deal with. And we all deal in different ways. Maybe the shabby dressed man is just that...not homeless, not a loser, just not as vain as the rest of us. Or maybe he is disabled. Maybe that young mother is trying to quit smoking and has cut back and on the brink of kicking the habit altogether. Maybe she isn't the baby's mother at all!

We automatically see a quasi-negative situation and think the worst. What would happen if we thought the best? Gave people the benefit of the doubt? I've learned in my life that I can't judge. I'm judged everyday on aspects that I try to append and make better, or on circumstances I have no control over. I dont' like it.

What gives me the power or right to bestow that judgment on someone else?

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on StumbleUpon Share on Delicious Share on Reddit

Share on Digg Share on simpy Share on Technorati Share on furl Subscribe to Feeds RSS

Bang Head Here

Stressed. Holy crap am I stressed. Day in and day out, things aren’t getting easier – but that’s what we get for growing up and becoming adults, right? More responsibility, more work, more duties and only so many hours in the day to meet deadlines and get things done. I’m stressed.

I probably don’t have any more on my plate than many of you reading this, in fact, some of you may be way more stressed out than me. But here I am, ready to rip my hair out. I need a break. We all need a break. We all deserve a few minutes (that’s all I ask) each day to have to ourselves. Whether we spend this “free” time exercising, reading, writing, crafting, napping (on and on I could go), we all deserve time to unwind.

But in this fast-paced world we live in today, is there any time to be anything other than stressed?

Next Thursday I leave for Captiva Island for 5 days. I need it. I deserve it. I work hard. A stress release – maybe? Or will I come back even MORE stressed, knowing I didn’t get any work done at home for five days. It’s a catch-22, but I sure as hell am looking forward to spending time with my BFF.

Life is stressful. Take a moment to yourself. You deserve it.

“Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them - work, family, health, friends and spirit - and you're keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls - family, health, friends and spirit - are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life.” – Brian Dyson

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on StumbleUpon Share on Delicious Share on Reddit

Share on Digg Share on simpy Share on Technorati Share on furl Subscribe to Feeds RSS

I Love a Good Deal & Freebies!

I have always been a thrifty shopper. My mom and grandma taught me the value of a sale and we rarely ever bought everything for full price. Once I got to college, there was a Gabriel Brothers store nearby and so that is where I would do a majority of my clothes and shoes shopping. I just can't stand pay full price for something that I know will be on sale eventually. However, I know my girlfriend Erica is cracking up right now.

I made her go boot shopping with me late last fall. Now, for those of you who don't know me, you know that boots are something I love, but own very few of. This is because they don't make boots with a big enough calf area for me (yes I am talking about the taller boots). I played soccer for a billion years, so yes, I have a calf muscle and it's not going away. So I always have trouble finding boots.

We ended up finding a pair that actually fit at Sears, however, they weren't on sale - just full price. I was really struggling to decide if I should buy them or not, but thank goodness for Erica and talking me into it. I have worn those boots enough times to pay for themselves. But would ya just know....I was at Sears the other day and those boots are now 75% off! AHHH I hate that! But guess what! I got another pair, just different color. Hehe.

I am also a freebie lover. My favorite website is www.spoofee.com. It is a great site that people share where the freebies reside. Sometimes it is just samples, which is cool, but other times it is the real deal. From spoofee I have received a box of 10 full size Take5 candy bars, post-it notes, razors, pens, tshirts, ahhhh the list could go on and on.

Spoofee also got me hooked to collecting Disney Movie Rewards and Pampers Gift to Grow points. Even if I never buy either product, there are enough free codes that I was able to get 2 DVDs from Disney and I entered a bunch of contests through Pampers (of course I haven't won yet, but maybe someday).

The point is, always look online for coupons, freebies and giveaways. You may be surprised what you are able to get!

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on StumbleUpon Share on Delicious Share on Reddit

Share on Digg Share on simpy Share on Technorati Share on furl Subscribe to Feeds RSS

Happy Birthday!

Apple fans across the world are recognizing what would have been the birthday of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. He passed away last October after a long battle with pancreatic cancer; leaving a lasting legacy. Jobs would have turned 57 today.

With the increasing use of Apple products, Steve Jobs became highly recognized over the past few years. He helped to transform digital communications and technology with a string of products like the Mac, iPod, iPhone and iPad. Instead of thinking of technology as a geeky hobby, he helped change most to view it as a modern life necessity.

In this day-in-age it is hard to think of what life would be like without technology – without knowing your friend’s every move in just a “slide to unlock” and a few fingertip taps. I just got my first Apple product this past Christmas and now I am not sure why it took me so long to make the switch.

A couple of Mac-obsessed fans plan to stage a birthday party outside of the company’s Fifth Avenue store. Putting aside any criticism that it may be too soon, and aside from the weirdness, dancers will gyrate (yes gyrate) to Bob Dylan songs all while vegetarian birthday cake is served. Black turtlenecks will be passed out to the hundreds of Apple fans.

The party planners have yet to notify Apple that this full-blown party will be taking place outside of their store – wonder how this will go over? In case you are interested in attending the event, it will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. I suggest arriving a bit early if you want one of the turtlenecks and the veggie birthday cake.

Three apples changed the world: Adam and Eve's forbidden apple, Newton's apple and finally, Steve Jobs's Apple. Happy Birthday Steve Jobs.

As a side note, a local teen is missing. Please click on the link to learn more.

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/02/22/penn-state-new-kensington-student-reported-missing/#.T0ZhDBfgZGw.facebook

Please share this information with your friends and family. If you see him, call the Frazer Township Police Department at 724-274-4204.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on StumbleUpon Share on Delicious Share on Reddit

Share on Digg Share on simpy Share on Technorati Share on furl Subscribe to Feeds RSS

Bizarre and Interesting...The HeadlinesToday!

Every day I like to check out the news headlines and see what’s happening around the world.  This morning I was on yahoo.com going through the captions and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.  Here were some of this mornings “important” news topics on yahoo.com…

1.       Team’s Costly Shaving Violation

2.       Scuba Diver’s Surprise Sign

3.       “Terrifying” MLB Bobblehead

4.       Man Jailed Over Messy Yard

Hysterical right?  It’s not until farther down on the page do they list the more serious news topics like the crazy price of gas, the GOP debate and what’s happening overseas.  But I think the most interesting story today online has the title “Water World” Discovered 40 Light Years Away.  Apparently, scientist working with the Hubble Space Telescope discovered a new type of planet that they are describing as a “water world.”  Located in a constellation 40 light years from Earth, they say that the planet is smaller than the planet Uranus, but larger than Earth.  They believe the average temperature of the planet is 450 degrees Fahrenheit and because of these high temperatures and the pressures, exotic materials like “hot ice” or “superfluid water” are created. 

Is it just me or is this just fascinating stuff?

First of all, I find it amazing that the Hubble Telescope can see something 40 light years away.  I also think it’s amazing that something exists 40 light years away.  I can’t even fathom that distance and yes, I realize that space is all about distance because everything is ridiculously far away but, when I start thinking about it…I mean really thinking about it…it kind of freaks me out.

I have no idea why I’m talking about this today.  I guess the overall news headlines of the day I found humorous and I found the discovery of a new planet to be interesting so I decided to share.  I do have one question for everyone reading this though…

Do Aliens exist?  I mean...with a space so big as space...don't you think something else has to be out there beside us?  UGH!  I'm freaking myself out again!

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on StumbleUpon Share on Delicious Share on Reddit

Share on Digg Share on simpy Share on Technorati Share on furl Subscribe to Feeds RSS

Dear Me

Ever wish you knew then what you know now? What would you tell yourself?

Dear high school me,
You are so pretty. You look good in your swim suit. Your boobs aren't too small. Your thighs aren't too large. Someday you are gonna look back at those photos and think, "Damn, I really was hot."

Don't get so wrapped up in boys. The guy you are dating now you won't marry. Enjoy his company, but not at the expense of losing yourself.  Enjoy your time with your friends. Don't be friends with the girls who like drama. You'll end up losing them as friends anyway, so just bypass the hassle. These actually aren't the best years of your life. It gets even better!

Don't try to act so mature. You are going to spend the rest of your life chasing your youth.

Dear college me,
Don't be so upset about not going to school where you wanted. It all works out in the end. Study more. You will need a good GPA more than you will need memories of late-night drinking binges. Some friendships last, some don't. Move on. It's all a learning process. Love your roomates. It's tough, I know, but they are who you will remember forever when you look back on your college days. And some of them won't be around anymore by the time you are married with kids. Enjoy them. Flaws and all.

Start exercising. You think you are so busy...and you are, but napping is not busy, it is wasteful. If you start working out now, it will become part of who you are the rest of your life. You body will thank you!

Don't smoke. You look stupid, not cool. And don't go tanning. Again, stupid, not cool.

Dear pre-kids twenty-something me,
If you hate your job, quit it. This is the time to be selfish. No kids, no mortgage. Find what you love now. You will thank me later.

Travel more. Visit friends. If you think life is busy now...keep reading.

Dear post-kids twenty-something me,
You are still so pretty and put together, though you feel like you are forever falling apart. The kids, the house, the husband.  Enjoy it. It's gonna fly by. Don't get so upset about the toddler throwing a fit. Laugh at it. So, you didn't get into grad school. There is a reason. You don't know it yet, but there is. Don't worry so much about getting everything done.  Eventually, what needs to be done, gets done!

Dear thirty-something me,
Read the other letters I wrote to my past you. It still all holds true. The characters may have changed, but the lessons haven't.

And the best years of your life...you are living them! Enjoy it!

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on StumbleUpon Share on Delicious Share on Reddit

Share on Digg Share on simpy Share on Technorati Share on furl Subscribe to Feeds RSS