May 2010 be a year in which you allow yourself to be more of who you truly are.
May you play more, laugh more, dance more, love more, live more, give more, see more, receive more, know more, enjoy more, and celebrate more.
May you open to the vast possibilities and the boundless love and wisdom of your grander truer self.
May you know the full extent of your deserving, and open to allow more of all that you desire in all areas of your life.
May the doors to your brightest dreams swing wide open.
May gifts, synchronicities and solutions dawn in your world beyond the horizons of your imaginings.
May you and your life sparkle with merriment and magic.
May you connect to and experience more of the love, light and magnificence that you are.
May you create your 'Love-Life' - a life you truly love!
From Anonymous
Monday, December 28, 2009
Resolution Now!!
Many people are preparing to willingly gain two to three pant sizes over the holidays and justify this by telling themselves that everything's going to change in 2010 and this year the new years resolutions are going to stand tough. The problem is that this never works. Its called self sabotage.
There's a reason most gyms and fitness centers make 60-80% of their money in January and February. The problem is that 80% of those new members never make it back in by March or April.
If you are serious about personal evolution and a healthy mind, body and spirit, you need to start now! The key is to stay positive, gain clarity and make it happen. Wake up early, exercise, eat real-living whole foods and plan your day out the night before. Personal evolution is about daily conscious evolution and saying you are going to start later is the same as saying you will not do it at all. You have to change your metaphysics consciousness and that is a daily endeavor.
By JB Glossinger
"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness."
- HH The Dalai Lama
There's a reason most gyms and fitness centers make 60-80% of their money in January and February. The problem is that 80% of those new members never make it back in by March or April.
If you are serious about personal evolution and a healthy mind, body and spirit, you need to start now! The key is to stay positive, gain clarity and make it happen. Wake up early, exercise, eat real-living whole foods and plan your day out the night before. Personal evolution is about daily conscious evolution and saying you are going to start later is the same as saying you will not do it at all. You have to change your metaphysics consciousness and that is a daily endeavor.
By JB Glossinger
"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness."
- HH The Dalai Lama
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Happy Relationships/Is Your Home Happy?
Guy 1: Cecilia is so beautiful.
Guy 2: Oh yes. She looks like Demi Moore in Ghost. (Note: This conversation happened centuries ago.)
Guy 1: If given a chance, would you want to marry her?
Guy 2: Uh….no, not really.
Guy 1: Why not?
Guy 2: How should I put it? Cecilia’s uh…not a happy person.
Guy 1: You noticed that too?
Guy 2: She’s gloomy. She’s a negative person. She may be beautiful, but I don’t want to live with a negative person for the rest of my life.
Guy 1: So unlike Stella.
Guy 2: Now there’s a cheerful girl. I really like her. So kind. So friendly. Always has a lovely smile.
Guy 1: She’s not as beautiful as Demi Moore.
Guy 2: But she’s the kind of woman I’ll marry.
Guy 1: What? You have a crush on her too?
Guy 2: Hey, fall in line bro.
This conversation actually happened some twenty years ago between two of my single friends. In fact, we were all single. And believe me, Stella was like a guy magnet. Five of my friends had a crush on her.
Except for me, of course. I was immune to crushes. Because I looked at all females the way I looked at common furniture. Because my heart was focused on God alone. (And my nose is getting longer right this minute…)
Here’s a lesson for single people: I’ve learned that guys may lust after physical beauty, but when it comes to marriage, they’ll look deeper. One of the most important things they’ll look for is a happy woman.
Why? Because a guy knows that one of his roles is to make his wife happy. If he marries a happy woman, his job will be so much easier.
Because at the end of the day, we all want happiness.
Are Your Homes Happy?
After one of my talks, a very anxious mother approached me and asked, “Bo, can you help me? I have a problem with my 18-year old daughter. She’s like a bed spacer in our house. She goes home only to sleep. She’s always with her friends…”
I had very little time to talk to her, so I took my best shot. I asked her, “Is there happiness at home?”
Here’s my belief. I believe kids will love to go home if there’s love in the home.
Have you heard that great old song from 1964? (For your information, I didn’t hear the original version. I heard this song in a revival in American Idol.)
A chair is still a chair even when there’s no one sitting there. But a chair is not a house, and a house is not a home, when there’s no one there, to hold you tight, and no one there, that you can kiss good night…
Friend, is there happiness in your home?
I’ve noticed that the happiest relationships have a rhythm of celebration. In other words, they throw parties.
I don’t mean a party with balloons and clowns (though that’ll be great too), but putting a “party spirit” in your relationship.
I’ve got four fantastic suggestions.
1. Make The Family Meal A Party
I know of a man who has 11 children.
When he goes home from work, he does a very important ritual before entering his front door. He mentally unloads all his problems at the front porch. Because his kids need a happy Dad.
When he enters the door, he shouts, “Hi kids!” And 11 kids rush to him to give him a hug. He then wrestles them on the floor and they play together.
And when mealtime comes, he makes everyone laugh. He inspires everyone with his stories.
Alas, the typical family meal isn’t like this.
Jack And Jill Went Up The Hill
The typical family meal is where parents hold court and pass judgments and vent anger
Let me give you an example.
The father turns to his eldest son, Jack, and asks, “Pass the rice. By the way, how was your exam this morning?” He doesn’t allow him to answer. He answers for him, “I won’t be surprised if you got a zero. Because I don’t see you studying. The good news is that we can save money because we can sell your schoolbooks next year as brand new!”
He then turns to his daughter, Jill, (You know, Jack and Jill…) “Pass the gravy. By the way, where were you last night? With your ugly boyfriend again? Can you tell me what planet he comes from? I can accept earrings in the ear. But why does he have earrings on his nose? Is he a cow?”
He then turns to his youngest daughter, Hill. (You know, Jack and Jill went up the hill…) “Pass the salt. And you, were you born with a telephone in your hand? You already were with your obnoxious friends in school, why do you have to spend three more hours talking with them on the phone?”
And finally, it’s the youngest son’s turn, Pail. (Okay, they really like this Nursery Rhyme.) “Pass the cake. And you, what did you do today aside from wasting your time playing those crappy video games! And are you deaf? Your music is either very loud or extremely loud. Go to the doctor and have your ears checked!”
No wonder the family meal is an endangered species.
Parents, please. Make your meals happy!
Here’s a rule you should write on stone: Ban all sermons when you’re around the table. Instead, feed your children with dishes of laughter, platefuls of inspiration, and trays of encouragement. Make every family meal a joyful occasion.
2. Hold A Family Night Each Week
My kids love Family nights.
If they had it their way, it’ll be done every night.
Sometimes, we watch a movie at home, with a barrel of popcorn. (According to my son Benedict, a movie without popcorn is a horrific crime.)
Sometimes, we play games together. Monopoly, Charades, Pictionary, and Trivia.
Sometimes, we all play video games together. Obviously, the kids always win and the parents lose. But that’s okay. Instead of banning video games from our kids, we enter into their digital worlds. Doing so makes us able to guide them against violent games.
Sometimes, we go to a bookstore and eat ice cream.
I believe the weekly Family Night is a mini-party that you should never miss. Believe me, when you’re old and grey (or old and bald), you’ll look back at these times and thank God you had them!
3. Weekly Dates With Each Family Member
I date my wife each week.
I consider that a mini-party too.
Years ago, we had very little money.
So we had dates in our garage.
Sometimes, we took a quiet walk in our neighborhood.
One day, I thought of something crazy. We ate at home, dressed up really well, and went to a 5-Star hotel. We entered the hotel like we were millionaires. No one knew we had very little money in our pockets. And confidently, I ordered a glass of Coke. And for 2 solid hours, we enjoyed the violin music and beautiful ambiance—all the while sipping our Coke very slowly.
I date my kids each week, too. Those are mini-parties. Sometimes, it’s just donuts. Other times, we walk around a mall. Other times, we play a game together. The key is to make it fun.
I also date my mother every other week. This is such a simple thing, but it means the world to her.
I have regular dates with my friends, too. Our spiritual community, Light of Jesus, is organized around small groups called Caring Groups that meet weekly. Amazingly, I have four Caring Groups, so my weeks are pretty busy having fun times with my many friends.
One last suggestion…
4. Annual Family Celebrations
Create your own Family’s “Liturgical Calendar”.
Sit down and block off the most important dates of the year.
For example, plan everyone’s birthdays.
Many times, it’s very spontaneous. “Oh, it’s your birthday today? Let’s have dinner…” So why not plan a bit more? Go camping in the backyard, or visit an orphanage, or invite your child’s friends for a sleepover, or go out and have a mini-vacation together.
Mark off also your wedding anniversary, Valentines, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Grandparents’ Day.
One Valentine’s Day, I did something I cherish to this day. I set up two chairs and a little wooden table in our backyard. I scattered candles all over the grass, dressed in a coat and tie, and brought out my CD player to play Kenny G romantic music. I then ordered pizza. Finally, I got my guitar and sang an original song I wrote for her that day…
Ikaw ang awit ng buhay, Ang tinig ng langit
Ikaw ang himig at kulay, Ng pusong nagmamahal sa iyo
Refrain:
Biyayang galing sa taas, Anghel sa lupa’y naglalakad
Ikaw ang awit ng puso ko…
That happened a long time ago, but I still remember my wife’s tears that special night.
— 0 —
Look at the big Feasts of your faith—Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, etc. Example: During the entire Advent season, we light the Advent wreath as a family for 4 weeks straight before Christmas.
Other important days: First day in school. Last day in school. Graduation. First Job of the new Graduate. It could be Jimbo, the pet dog, giving birth to four puppies.
Hey, if there’s a reason to celebrate, throw a party!
3 Ingredients For Throwing Parties
Let me share three things to make these parties work.
Ingredient #1:
Gratitude
Someone might say, “But Bo, I’m a melancholic person. I’m not like you. I’m the loner and shy type. I really don’t like these party-spirit thing.”
Excuse me, but I’m melancholic too.
Every psychological test I’ve taken confirms without a shadow of a doubt that I’m melancholic. Remember that there are 4 personality types: Melancholic (that’s me), Sanguine (Bubbly, cheerful types), Choleric (Those with cholera), and Phlegmatic (Those with lots of phlegm).
I love being alone. I’d rather be quiet than talk. (Honest!) But I had to adjust. I had to do things that weren’t natural to my personality.
Here’s the truth: Celebrating your relationships doesn’t depend on having a bubbly or cheerful personality. It depends on your depth of gratitude.
You throw a party because you’re grateful to the person for being there in your life.
If you believe that the people in your life are your greatest gifts from God, then you throw parties often to thank them.
Even if we know it’s a lot of hard work.
Ingredient #2:
Hard Work
Have you ever prepared for a birthday party before?
It’s always hard work.
But who said love isn’t hard work? As I said before, love is about dirty hands, not just beating hearts.
Finally, the third ingredient is very important too.
Ingredient #3:
Creativity
Throwing parties requires some creativity.
Do you want to be more creative?
Copy. Get inspiration from others. It’s the secret of the greatest artists in the world: Leonardo de Vinci, Michelangelo, Picasso, Rembrandt, Bo Sanchez, etc…
You don’t know how to express your love in a playful way?
Ask others what they do. Do some research.
Through the years, I’ve given many cards to my wife. Let me share with you two of them today. You’ll notice that I’m not very original. I stole all these from various sources…
Guy 2: Oh yes. She looks like Demi Moore in Ghost. (Note: This conversation happened centuries ago.)
Guy 1: If given a chance, would you want to marry her?
Guy 2: Uh….no, not really.
Guy 1: Why not?
Guy 2: How should I put it? Cecilia’s uh…not a happy person.
Guy 1: You noticed that too?
Guy 2: She’s gloomy. She’s a negative person. She may be beautiful, but I don’t want to live with a negative person for the rest of my life.
Guy 1: So unlike Stella.
Guy 2: Now there’s a cheerful girl. I really like her. So kind. So friendly. Always has a lovely smile.
Guy 1: She’s not as beautiful as Demi Moore.
Guy 2: But she’s the kind of woman I’ll marry.
Guy 1: What? You have a crush on her too?
Guy 2: Hey, fall in line bro.
This conversation actually happened some twenty years ago between two of my single friends. In fact, we were all single. And believe me, Stella was like a guy magnet. Five of my friends had a crush on her.
Except for me, of course. I was immune to crushes. Because I looked at all females the way I looked at common furniture. Because my heart was focused on God alone. (And my nose is getting longer right this minute…)
Here’s a lesson for single people: I’ve learned that guys may lust after physical beauty, but when it comes to marriage, they’ll look deeper. One of the most important things they’ll look for is a happy woman.
Why? Because a guy knows that one of his roles is to make his wife happy. If he marries a happy woman, his job will be so much easier.
Because at the end of the day, we all want happiness.
Are Your Homes Happy?
After one of my talks, a very anxious mother approached me and asked, “Bo, can you help me? I have a problem with my 18-year old daughter. She’s like a bed spacer in our house. She goes home only to sleep. She’s always with her friends…”
I had very little time to talk to her, so I took my best shot. I asked her, “Is there happiness at home?”
Here’s my belief. I believe kids will love to go home if there’s love in the home.
Have you heard that great old song from 1964? (For your information, I didn’t hear the original version. I heard this song in a revival in American Idol.)
A chair is still a chair even when there’s no one sitting there. But a chair is not a house, and a house is not a home, when there’s no one there, to hold you tight, and no one there, that you can kiss good night…
Friend, is there happiness in your home?
I’ve noticed that the happiest relationships have a rhythm of celebration. In other words, they throw parties.
I don’t mean a party with balloons and clowns (though that’ll be great too), but putting a “party spirit” in your relationship.
I’ve got four fantastic suggestions.
1. Make The Family Meal A Party
I know of a man who has 11 children.
When he goes home from work, he does a very important ritual before entering his front door. He mentally unloads all his problems at the front porch. Because his kids need a happy Dad.
When he enters the door, he shouts, “Hi kids!” And 11 kids rush to him to give him a hug. He then wrestles them on the floor and they play together.
And when mealtime comes, he makes everyone laugh. He inspires everyone with his stories.
Alas, the typical family meal isn’t like this.
Jack And Jill Went Up The Hill
The typical family meal is where parents hold court and pass judgments and vent anger
Let me give you an example.
The father turns to his eldest son, Jack, and asks, “Pass the rice. By the way, how was your exam this morning?” He doesn’t allow him to answer. He answers for him, “I won’t be surprised if you got a zero. Because I don’t see you studying. The good news is that we can save money because we can sell your schoolbooks next year as brand new!”
He then turns to his daughter, Jill, (You know, Jack and Jill…) “Pass the gravy. By the way, where were you last night? With your ugly boyfriend again? Can you tell me what planet he comes from? I can accept earrings in the ear. But why does he have earrings on his nose? Is he a cow?”
He then turns to his youngest daughter, Hill. (You know, Jack and Jill went up the hill…) “Pass the salt. And you, were you born with a telephone in your hand? You already were with your obnoxious friends in school, why do you have to spend three more hours talking with them on the phone?”
And finally, it’s the youngest son’s turn, Pail. (Okay, they really like this Nursery Rhyme.) “Pass the cake. And you, what did you do today aside from wasting your time playing those crappy video games! And are you deaf? Your music is either very loud or extremely loud. Go to the doctor and have your ears checked!”
No wonder the family meal is an endangered species.
Parents, please. Make your meals happy!
Here’s a rule you should write on stone: Ban all sermons when you’re around the table. Instead, feed your children with dishes of laughter, platefuls of inspiration, and trays of encouragement. Make every family meal a joyful occasion.
2. Hold A Family Night Each Week
My kids love Family nights.
If they had it their way, it’ll be done every night.
Sometimes, we watch a movie at home, with a barrel of popcorn. (According to my son Benedict, a movie without popcorn is a horrific crime.)
Sometimes, we play games together. Monopoly, Charades, Pictionary, and Trivia.
Sometimes, we all play video games together. Obviously, the kids always win and the parents lose. But that’s okay. Instead of banning video games from our kids, we enter into their digital worlds. Doing so makes us able to guide them against violent games.
Sometimes, we go to a bookstore and eat ice cream.
I believe the weekly Family Night is a mini-party that you should never miss. Believe me, when you’re old and grey (or old and bald), you’ll look back at these times and thank God you had them!
3. Weekly Dates With Each Family Member
I date my wife each week.
I consider that a mini-party too.
Years ago, we had very little money.
So we had dates in our garage.
Sometimes, we took a quiet walk in our neighborhood.
One day, I thought of something crazy. We ate at home, dressed up really well, and went to a 5-Star hotel. We entered the hotel like we were millionaires. No one knew we had very little money in our pockets. And confidently, I ordered a glass of Coke. And for 2 solid hours, we enjoyed the violin music and beautiful ambiance—all the while sipping our Coke very slowly.
I date my kids each week, too. Those are mini-parties. Sometimes, it’s just donuts. Other times, we walk around a mall. Other times, we play a game together. The key is to make it fun.
I also date my mother every other week. This is such a simple thing, but it means the world to her.
I have regular dates with my friends, too. Our spiritual community, Light of Jesus, is organized around small groups called Caring Groups that meet weekly. Amazingly, I have four Caring Groups, so my weeks are pretty busy having fun times with my many friends.
One last suggestion…
4. Annual Family Celebrations
Create your own Family’s “Liturgical Calendar”.
Sit down and block off the most important dates of the year.
For example, plan everyone’s birthdays.
Many times, it’s very spontaneous. “Oh, it’s your birthday today? Let’s have dinner…” So why not plan a bit more? Go camping in the backyard, or visit an orphanage, or invite your child’s friends for a sleepover, or go out and have a mini-vacation together.
Mark off also your wedding anniversary, Valentines, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Grandparents’ Day.
One Valentine’s Day, I did something I cherish to this day. I set up two chairs and a little wooden table in our backyard. I scattered candles all over the grass, dressed in a coat and tie, and brought out my CD player to play Kenny G romantic music. I then ordered pizza. Finally, I got my guitar and sang an original song I wrote for her that day…
Ikaw ang awit ng buhay, Ang tinig ng langit
Ikaw ang himig at kulay, Ng pusong nagmamahal sa iyo
Refrain:
Biyayang galing sa taas, Anghel sa lupa’y naglalakad
Ikaw ang awit ng puso ko…
That happened a long time ago, but I still remember my wife’s tears that special night.
— 0 —
Look at the big Feasts of your faith—Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, etc. Example: During the entire Advent season, we light the Advent wreath as a family for 4 weeks straight before Christmas.
Other important days: First day in school. Last day in school. Graduation. First Job of the new Graduate. It could be Jimbo, the pet dog, giving birth to four puppies.
Hey, if there’s a reason to celebrate, throw a party!
3 Ingredients For Throwing Parties
Let me share three things to make these parties work.
Ingredient #1:
Gratitude
Someone might say, “But Bo, I’m a melancholic person. I’m not like you. I’m the loner and shy type. I really don’t like these party-spirit thing.”
Excuse me, but I’m melancholic too.
Every psychological test I’ve taken confirms without a shadow of a doubt that I’m melancholic. Remember that there are 4 personality types: Melancholic (that’s me), Sanguine (Bubbly, cheerful types), Choleric (Those with cholera), and Phlegmatic (Those with lots of phlegm).
I love being alone. I’d rather be quiet than talk. (Honest!) But I had to adjust. I had to do things that weren’t natural to my personality.
Here’s the truth: Celebrating your relationships doesn’t depend on having a bubbly or cheerful personality. It depends on your depth of gratitude.
You throw a party because you’re grateful to the person for being there in your life.
If you believe that the people in your life are your greatest gifts from God, then you throw parties often to thank them.
Even if we know it’s a lot of hard work.
Ingredient #2:
Hard Work
Have you ever prepared for a birthday party before?
It’s always hard work.
But who said love isn’t hard work? As I said before, love is about dirty hands, not just beating hearts.
Finally, the third ingredient is very important too.
Ingredient #3:
Creativity
Throwing parties requires some creativity.
Do you want to be more creative?
Copy. Get inspiration from others. It’s the secret of the greatest artists in the world: Leonardo de Vinci, Michelangelo, Picasso, Rembrandt, Bo Sanchez, etc…
You don’t know how to express your love in a playful way?
Ask others what they do. Do some research.
Through the years, I’ve given many cards to my wife. Let me share with you two of them today. You’ll notice that I’m not very original. I stole all these from various sources…
Friday, December 4, 2009
Are You Eliminating Enough?
One of the self improvement training principles of Tim Ferriss' Four Hour Work Week is to eliminate.
Eliminate what? Well, eliminate unneccessary processes, tasks, and all around clutter.
Are you doing enought to eliminate? Here are some tips for "cleaning up" and adding to your own self improvement.
1. Clean your desk/work area. Do this today. Now. You need a clean and more importantly, welcoming area to work. I hate doing any amount of work at my desk when it's messy. Why not clean it up and at least make your work area welcoming if you have to be there, all day.
2. Eliminate "to-dos." Like JB talks about, go for a Sacred 6 or as Tim says in the book, 2 mission critical to-dos for a single day. Ultimately, the message is to not get bogged down in minutiae and creating 42 to-do items for one day, thereby ignoring those "mission critical" items. If you can only get one thing done today, what one thing will make you satisfied with your day? DO THAT, FIRST!
3. What are you doing that someone else can get done if you just let go of the reigns a bit? What are some things that someone else could get done in half the time, ten times the results, and better than you for just a small amount of compensation?
4. What payments can you automate? I cannot tell you the last time I wrote a check for anything or had the power turned off. Everything that can possibly be paid is done so, online, on a schedule, without me even thinking about it, including investing and savings.
5. How many blogs are you writing for? How many Twitter accounts? How many Facebook fan pages are you running? How many are really important? Are you doing one thing well or 10 things mediocre?
With all these tips, the key is to really examine what is necessary. What's mission critical?
This can carry over to your personal life, too. Is it really necessary to finish the food on that plate? Just because you always get popcorn at the movies, are you really even hungry or just doing it out of habit? Do you really need all those clothes or do they just result in more laundry (more importantly, more time to do laundry)?
Stop and think. What can you eliminate? Not just "stuff," but processes, tasks, and so on.
By: Tim jones
Eliminate what? Well, eliminate unneccessary processes, tasks, and all around clutter.
Are you doing enought to eliminate? Here are some tips for "cleaning up" and adding to your own self improvement.
1. Clean your desk/work area. Do this today. Now. You need a clean and more importantly, welcoming area to work. I hate doing any amount of work at my desk when it's messy. Why not clean it up and at least make your work area welcoming if you have to be there, all day.
2. Eliminate "to-dos." Like JB talks about, go for a Sacred 6 or as Tim says in the book, 2 mission critical to-dos for a single day. Ultimately, the message is to not get bogged down in minutiae and creating 42 to-do items for one day, thereby ignoring those "mission critical" items. If you can only get one thing done today, what one thing will make you satisfied with your day? DO THAT, FIRST!
3. What are you doing that someone else can get done if you just let go of the reigns a bit? What are some things that someone else could get done in half the time, ten times the results, and better than you for just a small amount of compensation?
4. What payments can you automate? I cannot tell you the last time I wrote a check for anything or had the power turned off. Everything that can possibly be paid is done so, online, on a schedule, without me even thinking about it, including investing and savings.
5. How many blogs are you writing for? How many Twitter accounts? How many Facebook fan pages are you running? How many are really important? Are you doing one thing well or 10 things mediocre?
With all these tips, the key is to really examine what is necessary. What's mission critical?
This can carry over to your personal life, too. Is it really necessary to finish the food on that plate? Just because you always get popcorn at the movies, are you really even hungry or just doing it out of habit? Do you really need all those clothes or do they just result in more laundry (more importantly, more time to do laundry)?
Stop and think. What can you eliminate? Not just "stuff," but processes, tasks, and so on.
By: Tim jones
Thursday, December 3, 2009
7 Tips for Healthy, Happy Holidays
7 Tips for Healthy, Happy Holidays By Kat Brown, R.D.
As if managing the usual juggle of working, meeting family obligations, eating a healthy diet, and squeezing regular runs into day-to-day life wasn't hard enough, the holiday season brings with it a dizzying array of other challenges: parties, baking, enormous holiday meals, travel, shopping and lots of sweets around every corner. All the festivities can create a recipe for a total nutritional disaster. But it doesn't have to. Armed with these tips, you can survive the holidays without having a cookie meltdown at the eleventh hour. Here's how.
Tip #1: Set a Realistic Goal
Be honest with yourself: Now is not the time to try to lose weight. Instead set a goal to maintain your current fitness level and body weight--and your peace of mind. Write down your goals and create an action plan for the week. Just as you would prioritize a social event, plan in time to take care of yourself--whether it's to exercise, pack a healthy snack to eat while shopping at the mall, or prepare a satisfying well-balanced dinner.
Tip #2: Indulge Frequently, and in Moderation
The question is not whether to eat holiday treats at all, it is how much we should eat. An attempt to avoid all sweets is a battle against biology. Accept it. We're hard-wired for taste. Mary Abbott Hess, R.D., writes in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, "Even singlecell protozoa in a petri dish will head straight for the sucrose (sugar) source." Some scientists think sweet tastes cause our brains to release endorphins, those feel-good chemicals also released during exercise.
So how can you stay in control of this attraction to sugar? Don't deprive yourself, or you may fall into the "last supper" trap, as described by Elyse Resch and Evelyn Tribole in the book Intuitive Eating. You fit into this all-too-familiar trap if you find yourself consuming an entire plate of macaroons at a party and think, "It's ok, I just won't eat anything tomorrow." The problem with the last supper mentality is it sets you up for a continuing cycle of deprivation and overeating. Instead, sprinkle a few rewards throughout your regular diet so you don't feel tempted to binge. If you have a few sweets on a regular basis, you may find you crave them less and won't go nuts when you're presented with a holiday spread of desserts.
Tip #3: Eat like a Toddler
No, I don't mean you should smear sweet potato casserole on the wall, to your host's disbelief. Rather, learn to understand what your body really needs. Researcher Barbara Rolls, Ph.D., and her colleagues reported in 2000 in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association that three-year old children are able to eat just enough of their meal to fill them up, despite being offered larger portions. That valuable ability to self-regulate can wane with age and external influences. But a large body of research shows that as adults we still have an innate sense of knowing how much food we need, if we take the time to pay attention.
Do yourself a favor and check in with how your body is feeling before, during and after eating to allow that natural perception to kick in. Focus on chewing slowly and thoroughly and enjoying each bite. Before you get seconds wait awhile: It can take up to 20 minutes for your body to experience a sense of fullness. Notice your energy level and how your stomach feels (rather than what your taste buds want) before you reload your plate. Your body knows how to do this, it just takes some practice to learn to listen.
Tip #4: Fuel up Before a Party
I know you may be tempted to "save" some calories by skimping on breakfast and lunch before a party or holiday meal, but this strategy can backfire. Coming to the table starving will set you up for an overeating session. Remember that a ravenous person is rarely a rational eater. Plan on three meals and one to three healthy snacks each day to keep your energy level, mood and hunger on an even keel. This equation will help give you energy that sustains, and allow you to come to the holiday table with a reasonable appetite.
Tip #5: Have a Party Plan
You don't have to skip all the goodies at a party, but you should be smart about how you fill your plate. At a buffet-style gathering, proceed by choosing a small plate and then filling at least half of it with colorful, nutritious options such as vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. At a dinner, take the same approach, filling your plate with healthier options and choosing small portions of higherfat dishes.
As for desserts, as my dietitian colleague Kendrin Sonneville, R.D., says, "Know what you crave, and know what's worth it." Choose a treat that you really want and will enjoy--don't pick up the low-fat brownie just because it's there. Also keep in mind that some foods may sound healthy but are hidden sources of saturated fat and lots of calories, like that spinach dip loaded with cheese or green bean casserole pumped full of high-fat cream.
Tip #6: Make Your Own
To keep you on track, contribute to a holiday party by bringing a homemade, wholesome dish. Or offer to host a holiday meal, giving you the ultimate control over the menu. There are plenty of ways to reduce the fat and calories in a holiday recipe, from using fruit purees instead of butter to cutting the amount of sugar in a recipe by a quarter to a third. You may be surprised how little you notice the difference! Experiment with a few swaps to see what you can do without drastically affecting the taste. For help, visit the Mayo Clinic's "healthy eating" section at mayoclinic.com/health/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/MY00431.
Tip #7: Relax
Take some time for yourself, even if it's just five minutes listening to some soothing music or going for a walk. Here's another tip: get your legs above your heart. Yogis swear by letting gravity do you a favor; by reversing circulation you'll feel relaxed and revitalized.
Try this variation of viparita kirani, "legs up the wall:" Lie on the floor with your legs propped up at a 90-degree angle against a couch or wall. Breathe deeply, scanning your body to release muscle tension. Relax in this position for a few minutes.
Remember: The holidays aren't about obsessing over that pumpkin pie or plate of cookies. Keep perspective: Enjoy being with your loved ones, indulge in moderation, and celebrate the nourishing spirit of the season in health.
As if managing the usual juggle of working, meeting family obligations, eating a healthy diet, and squeezing regular runs into day-to-day life wasn't hard enough, the holiday season brings with it a dizzying array of other challenges: parties, baking, enormous holiday meals, travel, shopping and lots of sweets around every corner. All the festivities can create a recipe for a total nutritional disaster. But it doesn't have to. Armed with these tips, you can survive the holidays without having a cookie meltdown at the eleventh hour. Here's how.
Tip #1: Set a Realistic Goal
Be honest with yourself: Now is not the time to try to lose weight. Instead set a goal to maintain your current fitness level and body weight--and your peace of mind. Write down your goals and create an action plan for the week. Just as you would prioritize a social event, plan in time to take care of yourself--whether it's to exercise, pack a healthy snack to eat while shopping at the mall, or prepare a satisfying well-balanced dinner.
Tip #2: Indulge Frequently, and in Moderation
The question is not whether to eat holiday treats at all, it is how much we should eat. An attempt to avoid all sweets is a battle against biology. Accept it. We're hard-wired for taste. Mary Abbott Hess, R.D., writes in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, "Even singlecell protozoa in a petri dish will head straight for the sucrose (sugar) source." Some scientists think sweet tastes cause our brains to release endorphins, those feel-good chemicals also released during exercise.
So how can you stay in control of this attraction to sugar? Don't deprive yourself, or you may fall into the "last supper" trap, as described by Elyse Resch and Evelyn Tribole in the book Intuitive Eating. You fit into this all-too-familiar trap if you find yourself consuming an entire plate of macaroons at a party and think, "It's ok, I just won't eat anything tomorrow." The problem with the last supper mentality is it sets you up for a continuing cycle of deprivation and overeating. Instead, sprinkle a few rewards throughout your regular diet so you don't feel tempted to binge. If you have a few sweets on a regular basis, you may find you crave them less and won't go nuts when you're presented with a holiday spread of desserts.
Tip #3: Eat like a Toddler
No, I don't mean you should smear sweet potato casserole on the wall, to your host's disbelief. Rather, learn to understand what your body really needs. Researcher Barbara Rolls, Ph.D., and her colleagues reported in 2000 in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association that three-year old children are able to eat just enough of their meal to fill them up, despite being offered larger portions. That valuable ability to self-regulate can wane with age and external influences. But a large body of research shows that as adults we still have an innate sense of knowing how much food we need, if we take the time to pay attention.
Do yourself a favor and check in with how your body is feeling before, during and after eating to allow that natural perception to kick in. Focus on chewing slowly and thoroughly and enjoying each bite. Before you get seconds wait awhile: It can take up to 20 minutes for your body to experience a sense of fullness. Notice your energy level and how your stomach feels (rather than what your taste buds want) before you reload your plate. Your body knows how to do this, it just takes some practice to learn to listen.
Tip #4: Fuel up Before a Party
I know you may be tempted to "save" some calories by skimping on breakfast and lunch before a party or holiday meal, but this strategy can backfire. Coming to the table starving will set you up for an overeating session. Remember that a ravenous person is rarely a rational eater. Plan on three meals and one to three healthy snacks each day to keep your energy level, mood and hunger on an even keel. This equation will help give you energy that sustains, and allow you to come to the holiday table with a reasonable appetite.
Tip #5: Have a Party Plan
You don't have to skip all the goodies at a party, but you should be smart about how you fill your plate. At a buffet-style gathering, proceed by choosing a small plate and then filling at least half of it with colorful, nutritious options such as vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. At a dinner, take the same approach, filling your plate with healthier options and choosing small portions of higherfat dishes.
As for desserts, as my dietitian colleague Kendrin Sonneville, R.D., says, "Know what you crave, and know what's worth it." Choose a treat that you really want and will enjoy--don't pick up the low-fat brownie just because it's there. Also keep in mind that some foods may sound healthy but are hidden sources of saturated fat and lots of calories, like that spinach dip loaded with cheese or green bean casserole pumped full of high-fat cream.
Tip #6: Make Your Own
To keep you on track, contribute to a holiday party by bringing a homemade, wholesome dish. Or offer to host a holiday meal, giving you the ultimate control over the menu. There are plenty of ways to reduce the fat and calories in a holiday recipe, from using fruit purees instead of butter to cutting the amount of sugar in a recipe by a quarter to a third. You may be surprised how little you notice the difference! Experiment with a few swaps to see what you can do without drastically affecting the taste. For help, visit the Mayo Clinic's "healthy eating" section at mayoclinic.com/health/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/MY00431.
Tip #7: Relax
Take some time for yourself, even if it's just five minutes listening to some soothing music or going for a walk. Here's another tip: get your legs above your heart. Yogis swear by letting gravity do you a favor; by reversing circulation you'll feel relaxed and revitalized.
Try this variation of viparita kirani, "legs up the wall:" Lie on the floor with your legs propped up at a 90-degree angle against a couch or wall. Breathe deeply, scanning your body to release muscle tension. Relax in this position for a few minutes.
Remember: The holidays aren't about obsessing over that pumpkin pie or plate of cookies. Keep perspective: Enjoy being with your loved ones, indulge in moderation, and celebrate the nourishing spirit of the season in health.
You are the creator of your own destiny
You Are the Creator Of Your Own Destiny
By: Paul Lederman
Its only through our own free will, awareness spirituality and spiritual consciousness that we can start to openly determing our own destiny. This becomes largely relevant when we consider our psychological, emotional and spiritual readiness to live in a society where rapid change is the norm.
Are we ready to respond to new challenges and cooperate with others when our evolution and survival greatly depend on it? The majority of us seek predictability and routine in our lives. That being said, its almost impossible to imagine what world a newborn today will lie in 50 years from now.
Without self knowledge, clarity and sensibility to modern times, we may find ourselves unable to ride the wave that is blasting its way into the future. Clarity means setting and achieving goals. It is NOW time to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity that is before us.
-WE CAN EACH BECOME A CONSCIOUS AGENT IN CREATING THE FUTURE THAT WE DESIRE-
-THE TIME IS NOW-
By: Paul Lederman
Its only through our own free will, awareness spirituality and spiritual consciousness that we can start to openly determing our own destiny. This becomes largely relevant when we consider our psychological, emotional and spiritual readiness to live in a society where rapid change is the norm.
Are we ready to respond to new challenges and cooperate with others when our evolution and survival greatly depend on it? The majority of us seek predictability and routine in our lives. That being said, its almost impossible to imagine what world a newborn today will lie in 50 years from now.
Without self knowledge, clarity and sensibility to modern times, we may find ourselves unable to ride the wave that is blasting its way into the future. Clarity means setting and achieving goals. It is NOW time to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity that is before us.
-WE CAN EACH BECOME A CONSCIOUS AGENT IN CREATING THE FUTURE THAT WE DESIRE-
-THE TIME IS NOW-
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Three Spirituality Tips
The 3 spirituality tips are:
1. Have gratitude for life and the personal motivation to live it. Tie into thankfulness of this holiday and start your day with gratitude.
2. Remember others and learn to become a helpful giver. Look for ways you can improve the productivity of others while keeping your own personal growth training moving forward.
3. Practice mindfulness eating understanding you are what you eat and that this alone can change the way you view the world and even help you with your self esteem improvement.
Take the time to have gratitude wherever you are at in the world. In all these years of success coaching this is a key and make sure if physical weight loss is a goal of yours that you make use of exercise foods this holiday season.- JB Glossinger
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Quotes to think about:
Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. ~Edward Sandford Martin
We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder
A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.~Cicero
1. Have gratitude for life and the personal motivation to live it. Tie into thankfulness of this holiday and start your day with gratitude.
2. Remember others and learn to become a helpful giver. Look for ways you can improve the productivity of others while keeping your own personal growth training moving forward.
3. Practice mindfulness eating understanding you are what you eat and that this alone can change the way you view the world and even help you with your self esteem improvement.
Take the time to have gratitude wherever you are at in the world. In all these years of success coaching this is a key and make sure if physical weight loss is a goal of yours that you make use of exercise foods this holiday season.- JB Glossinger
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Quotes to think about:
Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. ~Edward Sandford Martin
We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder
A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.~Cicero
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thankfulness Is Power
by: Paul Lederman
Even when experiencing tough times, thankfulness is a powerful tool in helping to manifest change in your life. Its part of Metaphysics Consciousness. The act of developing self awareness and how it can bring about positive change is truly remarkable.
During tough times, many people find themselves battling thoughts of anger, depression, fear, etc. These thoughts do nothing to inspire you nor to move you in the right direction. In fact, they make matters worse. Thankfulness on the other hand, is a fast and powerful way to create a positive change in your circumstances. Gratitude raises you up to a new level of consciousness and provides an atmosphere for awakening spirituality. You are able to visualize new possibilities, recieve ideas on what steps to take next and realize a positive vision for the future.
What we feed grows and what we think is purely a matter of personal choice. We have to choose powerful thoughts that move us in a direction that serves our purpose. Powerful, positive thoughts bring us peace of mind and inspire us. They help us with smart goal setting as well as self improvement. Get out of a funk by changing your thoughts and following up with clarity and precise action.
"There are no mistakes. The events we bring upon ourselves, no matter how unpleasant, are necessary in order to learn what we need to learn; whatever steps we take, they're necessary to reach the places we've chosen
to go."
~ Richard Bach
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony"
- Ghandi
"The life and love we create is the life and love we live."
- Leo Buscaglia
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
- Dr. Seuss
Even when experiencing tough times, thankfulness is a powerful tool in helping to manifest change in your life. Its part of Metaphysics Consciousness. The act of developing self awareness and how it can bring about positive change is truly remarkable.
During tough times, many people find themselves battling thoughts of anger, depression, fear, etc. These thoughts do nothing to inspire you nor to move you in the right direction. In fact, they make matters worse. Thankfulness on the other hand, is a fast and powerful way to create a positive change in your circumstances. Gratitude raises you up to a new level of consciousness and provides an atmosphere for awakening spirituality. You are able to visualize new possibilities, recieve ideas on what steps to take next and realize a positive vision for the future.
What we feed grows and what we think is purely a matter of personal choice. We have to choose powerful thoughts that move us in a direction that serves our purpose. Powerful, positive thoughts bring us peace of mind and inspire us. They help us with smart goal setting as well as self improvement. Get out of a funk by changing your thoughts and following up with clarity and precise action.
"There are no mistakes. The events we bring upon ourselves, no matter how unpleasant, are necessary in order to learn what we need to learn; whatever steps we take, they're necessary to reach the places we've chosen
to go."
~ Richard Bach
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony"
- Ghandi
"The life and love we create is the life and love we live."
- Leo Buscaglia
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
- Dr. Seuss
GRATITUDE AFFECTS ATTITUDE
by: Paul Lederman
It is said that gratitude is the memory of the heart. Its vital in our awakening spirituality to give thanks to everything and everyone that make us happy. One of the biggest precursors to consciousness evolution is the ability to be grateful as well as to forgive.
Below are a few ways that you can live a life of gratitude and as a result have a beautiful attitude.
- Surround yourself with the right people. Seek out characteristics such as; spirituality, empowered, intelligent, energetic and compassionate in your friends and acquaintances.
- Remain mindful. Its the little things each and every day that make life beautiful. Approach each moment with an attitude of awe and thankfulness.
- Be compassionate. which is akin to opening of your heart. Help others when they are in need, and then expand the circle of your comassion to include other creatures, nature and the inanimate world around you.
- Teach your children and all young ones the gift of gratitude. It will become ingrained in them and they will bring that beautiful trait with them as the grow older and wiser.
"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by
being shared."
- Buddha
"The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have
helped you."
~John E. Southard
"For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."
~Epictetus
It is said that gratitude is the memory of the heart. Its vital in our awakening spirituality to give thanks to everything and everyone that make us happy. One of the biggest precursors to consciousness evolution is the ability to be grateful as well as to forgive.
Below are a few ways that you can live a life of gratitude and as a result have a beautiful attitude.
- Surround yourself with the right people. Seek out characteristics such as; spirituality, empowered, intelligent, energetic and compassionate in your friends and acquaintances.
- Remain mindful. Its the little things each and every day that make life beautiful. Approach each moment with an attitude of awe and thankfulness.
- Be compassionate. which is akin to opening of your heart. Help others when they are in need, and then expand the circle of your comassion to include other creatures, nature and the inanimate world around you.
- Teach your children and all young ones the gift of gratitude. It will become ingrained in them and they will bring that beautiful trait with them as the grow older and wiser.
"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by
being shared."
- Buddha
"The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have
helped you."
~John E. Southard
"For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."
~Epictetus
You Are The Creator of Your Own Destiny
by: Paul Lederman
Only via awareness spirituality, clarity and self knowledge can we truly start to freely determine our destiny. This becomes incredibly clear when we begin to consider our emotional, psychological and spiritual readiness to live on a planet where the defining life condition is rapid and growing change.
Without awareness spirituality and sensitivity to the times we are living in, it might be hard to be able to ride this train that is carrying up at high speeds into the future. Or for that matter, to take advantage of a huge opportunity that is CLEARLY before us to become comscious agents in creating and manifesting the future that we truly desire. Mindfulness and setting personal goals are of great importance.
We ar living in quite interesting times and a great shift is upon us. Gain clarity and choose Conscious evolution over fear anger and oppression. Choose love as it is the highest vibration of all.
"Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls." ~David Thomas
"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention."
~Oscar Wilde
Only via awareness spirituality, clarity and self knowledge can we truly start to freely determine our destiny. This becomes incredibly clear when we begin to consider our emotional, psychological and spiritual readiness to live on a planet where the defining life condition is rapid and growing change.
Without awareness spirituality and sensitivity to the times we are living in, it might be hard to be able to ride this train that is carrying up at high speeds into the future. Or for that matter, to take advantage of a huge opportunity that is CLEARLY before us to become comscious agents in creating and manifesting the future that we truly desire. Mindfulness and setting personal goals are of great importance.
We ar living in quite interesting times and a great shift is upon us. Gain clarity and choose Conscious evolution over fear anger and oppression. Choose love as it is the highest vibration of all.
"Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls." ~David Thomas
"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention."
~Oscar Wilde
Monday, November 23, 2009
10 Meals for $50
Simplify your busy schedule by taking some time on Sunday to put together a week's worth of meals. Don't worry, we've done the legwork! Just follow our step-by-step guide to whip up 10 healthy meals for $50.
* Step 1: Use our easy grocery list to go shopping
* Step 2: Prepare your food on Sunday and store it in your fridge
* Step 3: Use the recipes in the chart below to make your prepared food into tasty meals
The Recipes
Lunch Dinner
Sun Hoisin Pork Tenderloin
Mon Pork Tenderloin Wrap Fresh Baked Salmon
Tues Stuffed Salmon Pitas BBQ Turkey Burger
Wed Turkey Burger Burritos Spice Rubbed Filet Mignon
Thurs Chipotle Caesar Steak Salad Rotisserie Chicken
Fri Chicken Veggie Wrap
Sunday Preparation
Pork Tenderloin: Marinate pork with 2 tbsp chopped garlic, 2 tbsp chopped ginger, 1/2 cup of green onions and 1 cup of hoisin sauce for 1 hour. Remove tenderloin from marinade and cook in a pan until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.
Turkey Burgers: Mix ground turkey with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup of finely diced onions, salt and pepper. Form into 6-ounce patties, cover and refrigerate. On Tuesday night, cook in a pan until juice runs clear.
Salmon: Rub salmon filet with 2 tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in the over at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes (or to desired doneness).
Steak Filet: Rub filet with steak rub and store in fridge. Pan sear or grill on steak night until internal temperature reaches 130 degrees.
Broccoli: Steam
Red Potatoes: Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper. Cook for 20 minutes at 425 degrees.
Asparagus: Toss asparagus with 1 tsp olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Cook for 7 minutes at 425 degrees.
Green Beans: Blanch green beans. On filet night, saute blanched green beans in olive oil, salt and pepper and toss in toasted almonds.
Rice: Cook according to directions.
Cinnamon Chile Yam "Fries": Slice yams into wedges, then toss with 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp chile powder, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.
Toasted Almonds: Toast almonds for 5 minutes at 350 degrees.
Chipotle Caesar Salad Dressing: Dice chipotle pepper and mix with 1 tbsp adobo sauce and 1 bottle of low-fat Caesar dressing.
Tomato Basil Relish: Combine 1 cup grape tomatoes with 2 tbsp fresh basil cut into strips, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp chopped garlic and salt and pepper.
The Grocery List
Make sure you have the staples, and then shop for the below list of groceries to complete your recipes.
* 1 1/2 lbs. pork tenderloin
* 1 1/2 lbs. salmon filet
* 1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey
* 6oz filet mignon steak
* Rotisserie chicken (by it on the day you'll eat it so it'll be fresh and hot)
* Brown rice
* High-fiber tortillas
* Whole wheat burger buns
* Whole wheat pitas
* Couscous
* 4 oz. sliced almonds
* 1 can chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce
* 1 bottle low-fat Caesar dressing
* 1 package dried cranberries
* 1 can fat-free re-fried beans
* 1 bag low-fat cheddar cheese
* 1 container hummus
* 1 container shredded Parmesan cheese
* 1 jar Hoisin sauce
* 1 bottle BBQ sauce
* steak seasoning or rub
* 1 bottle red wine
* 1 head broccoli
* 1 bag low-fat cole slaw mix
* 4 tomatoes
* 2 cucumbers
* 1 bag of baby greens and 1 bag of romaine
* 1 bag carrots
* 1 bunch asparagus
* 4 yams
* 2 lbs. red potatoes
* 1 avocado
* 2 russet potatoes
* 1 lb. spinach
* 1 lime
* 1 package fresh basil
* 1 knob ginger root
* 1 bunch green onions
* 1 carton grape tomatoes
* 3 fruits of your choice
**Grocery list was priced out at Safeway.com; doesn't include staple items**
* Step 1: Use our easy grocery list to go shopping
* Step 2: Prepare your food on Sunday and store it in your fridge
* Step 3: Use the recipes in the chart below to make your prepared food into tasty meals
The Recipes
Lunch Dinner
Sun Hoisin Pork Tenderloin
Mon Pork Tenderloin Wrap Fresh Baked Salmon
Tues Stuffed Salmon Pitas BBQ Turkey Burger
Wed Turkey Burger Burritos Spice Rubbed Filet Mignon
Thurs Chipotle Caesar Steak Salad Rotisserie Chicken
Fri Chicken Veggie Wrap
Sunday Preparation
Pork Tenderloin: Marinate pork with 2 tbsp chopped garlic, 2 tbsp chopped ginger, 1/2 cup of green onions and 1 cup of hoisin sauce for 1 hour. Remove tenderloin from marinade and cook in a pan until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.
Turkey Burgers: Mix ground turkey with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup of finely diced onions, salt and pepper. Form into 6-ounce patties, cover and refrigerate. On Tuesday night, cook in a pan until juice runs clear.
Salmon: Rub salmon filet with 2 tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in the over at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes (or to desired doneness).
Steak Filet: Rub filet with steak rub and store in fridge. Pan sear or grill on steak night until internal temperature reaches 130 degrees.
Broccoli: Steam
Red Potatoes: Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper. Cook for 20 minutes at 425 degrees.
Asparagus: Toss asparagus with 1 tsp olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Cook for 7 minutes at 425 degrees.
Green Beans: Blanch green beans. On filet night, saute blanched green beans in olive oil, salt and pepper and toss in toasted almonds.
Rice: Cook according to directions.
Cinnamon Chile Yam "Fries": Slice yams into wedges, then toss with 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp chile powder, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.
Toasted Almonds: Toast almonds for 5 minutes at 350 degrees.
Chipotle Caesar Salad Dressing: Dice chipotle pepper and mix with 1 tbsp adobo sauce and 1 bottle of low-fat Caesar dressing.
Tomato Basil Relish: Combine 1 cup grape tomatoes with 2 tbsp fresh basil cut into strips, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp chopped garlic and salt and pepper.
The Grocery List
Make sure you have the staples, and then shop for the below list of groceries to complete your recipes.
* 1 1/2 lbs. pork tenderloin
* 1 1/2 lbs. salmon filet
* 1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey
* 6oz filet mignon steak
* Rotisserie chicken (by it on the day you'll eat it so it'll be fresh and hot)
* Brown rice
* High-fiber tortillas
* Whole wheat burger buns
* Whole wheat pitas
* Couscous
* 4 oz. sliced almonds
* 1 can chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce
* 1 bottle low-fat Caesar dressing
* 1 package dried cranberries
* 1 can fat-free re-fried beans
* 1 bag low-fat cheddar cheese
* 1 container hummus
* 1 container shredded Parmesan cheese
* 1 jar Hoisin sauce
* 1 bottle BBQ sauce
* steak seasoning or rub
* 1 bottle red wine
* 1 head broccoli
* 1 bag low-fat cole slaw mix
* 4 tomatoes
* 2 cucumbers
* 1 bag of baby greens and 1 bag of romaine
* 1 bag carrots
* 1 bunch asparagus
* 4 yams
* 2 lbs. red potatoes
* 1 avocado
* 2 russet potatoes
* 1 lb. spinach
* 1 lime
* 1 package fresh basil
* 1 knob ginger root
* 1 bunch green onions
* 1 carton grape tomatoes
* 3 fruits of your choice
**Grocery list was priced out at Safeway.com; doesn't include staple items**
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Nine Crucial SAFETY Tips
1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do:
The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!
2. Learned this from a tourist guide.
If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse,DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you....chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy...The driver won't see you, but everybody else will.
4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS!)
The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head,and tell you where to go.
AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE...
If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you.If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.
5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
A.) Be aware: look around you,look into your car, at the passenger side floor,
and in the back seat
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door.
Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side... If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY.(And better paranoid than dead.)
6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)
7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN!
The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then,
it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!
8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP; It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late
and she thought it was weird... The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT
open the door...'
The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax
women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.
10. Water scam!
If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or
what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full ball so that you will go out to investigate and
then attack.
The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!
2. Learned this from a tourist guide.
If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse,DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you....chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy...The driver won't see you, but everybody else will.
4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS!)
The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head,and tell you where to go.
AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE...
If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you.If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.
5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
A.) Be aware: look around you,look into your car, at the passenger side floor,
and in the back seat
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door.
Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side... If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY.(And better paranoid than dead.)
6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)
7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN!
The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then,
it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!
8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP; It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late
and she thought it was weird... The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT
open the door...'
The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax
women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.
10. Water scam!
If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or
what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full ball so that you will go out to investigate and
then attack.
GUIDELINES FOR SELF-CARE
#1 Symptom: General Cold Symptoms
Home treatment: Drink 8 glasses of liquids; Plenty of rest. Abstain from vigorous exercise; Don't smoke; Humidify room w/ a vaporizer. Take warm, steamy showers. Wash hands frequently
Over the counter medicine:
Decongestant containing psudoephendrine (like Sudafed); Avoid using antihistamines for your cold symptoms. They may cause excessive drying and make secretions too thick for the body to eliminate.
Additional advice:
Avoid dairy products as they increase mucus and congestion. Sherbet & Popsicle are ok. Do not use decongestants containing psudoephedrine at bedtime- they tend to wake you up. Nicotine paralyzes the protective cells lining the respiratory tract. Carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke reduces the oxygen content in the blood, contributing to fatigue; If you are prescribed an antibiotic, be sure to take it until it is all gone, not just until you feel better.
-------------------------------------------
#2 Symptom: Fever
Home treatment: Cool sponge baths. Cold liquids. Rest
Over the counter medication: Take Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Avoid aspirin if you have the flu or the chicken pox.
Additional advice: Always dress lightly with a fever. Bundle up only if chilled.
--------------------------------------------
#3 Symptom: Mucous producing cough
Home treatment: Drink plenty of clear liquids (water is best). Humidify your room with a vaporizer. Take warm, steamy showers. If you are a smoker- stop!
Over the counter medication: Take a cough syrup with an expectorant of Glyceryl Guiacolate (Robitussin)
Additional advice: Don't try to suppress a mucous producing cough. It is a natural healing aid. Avoid milk & milk products. Avoid antihistamines. They tend to make secretions thicker.
--------------------------------------------
#4 Symptom: Frequent, dry, hacking, cough
Home treatment: Humidify room w/ vaporizer. Take warm, steamy showers. Drink plenty of fluids.
Over the counter medication: use throat lozenges. Use a cough syrup with a cough suppressant such as Dextromethrophan (Robitussin DM)
Additional advice: Dextromethorphan may cause drowsiness and constipation. Avoid aspirin if you have the flu or chicken pox or if you are taking an Ibuprofen medication.
----------------------------------------------
#5 Symptom: Headaches & body aches
Home treatment: Drink plenty of clear liquids. Rest
Over the counter medication: Take Tylenor or medications containing Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin)
Additional advice: Avoid Ibuprofen if you have diabetes or kidney problems. Take Ibuprofen with food.
-----------------------------------------------
#6 Symptom: Sore throat, hoarseness
Home treatment: Rest vocal cords. Don't whisper, it strains the cords. Gargle w/ salt water (1/4 tsp. salt to 8 oz. warm water). Put honey & lemon in tea. Use a vaporizer. Drink fluids.
Over the counter medication: Use throat lozenges, lifesavers or cough drops. Any medicated lozenge will work. Throat sprays such as Chloraseptic may be helpful.
Additional advice: Keep your throat continously moist by drinking fluids, garglging, and using the lozenges recommended.
-------------------------------------------------
#7 Symptom: Stuffy nose
Home treatment: Humidify with vaporizer and take steamy showers.
Over the counter medication: Avoid nasal sprays unless prescribed. Prolonged use may cause rebound nasal membrane swelling and make the symptoms worse.
Additional advice: Remember- decongestants for a cold, antihistamines for an allergy!
Home treatment: Drink 8 glasses of liquids; Plenty of rest. Abstain from vigorous exercise; Don't smoke; Humidify room w/ a vaporizer. Take warm, steamy showers. Wash hands frequently
Over the counter medicine:
Decongestant containing psudoephendrine (like Sudafed); Avoid using antihistamines for your cold symptoms. They may cause excessive drying and make secretions too thick for the body to eliminate.
Additional advice:
Avoid dairy products as they increase mucus and congestion. Sherbet & Popsicle are ok. Do not use decongestants containing psudoephedrine at bedtime- they tend to wake you up. Nicotine paralyzes the protective cells lining the respiratory tract. Carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke reduces the oxygen content in the blood, contributing to fatigue; If you are prescribed an antibiotic, be sure to take it until it is all gone, not just until you feel better.
-------------------------------------------
#2 Symptom: Fever
Home treatment: Cool sponge baths. Cold liquids. Rest
Over the counter medication: Take Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Avoid aspirin if you have the flu or the chicken pox.
Additional advice: Always dress lightly with a fever. Bundle up only if chilled.
--------------------------------------------
#3 Symptom: Mucous producing cough
Home treatment: Drink plenty of clear liquids (water is best). Humidify your room with a vaporizer. Take warm, steamy showers. If you are a smoker- stop!
Over the counter medication: Take a cough syrup with an expectorant of Glyceryl Guiacolate (Robitussin)
Additional advice: Don't try to suppress a mucous producing cough. It is a natural healing aid. Avoid milk & milk products. Avoid antihistamines. They tend to make secretions thicker.
--------------------------------------------
#4 Symptom: Frequent, dry, hacking, cough
Home treatment: Humidify room w/ vaporizer. Take warm, steamy showers. Drink plenty of fluids.
Over the counter medication: use throat lozenges. Use a cough syrup with a cough suppressant such as Dextromethrophan (Robitussin DM)
Additional advice: Dextromethorphan may cause drowsiness and constipation. Avoid aspirin if you have the flu or chicken pox or if you are taking an Ibuprofen medication.
----------------------------------------------
#5 Symptom: Headaches & body aches
Home treatment: Drink plenty of clear liquids. Rest
Over the counter medication: Take Tylenor or medications containing Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin)
Additional advice: Avoid Ibuprofen if you have diabetes or kidney problems. Take Ibuprofen with food.
-----------------------------------------------
#6 Symptom: Sore throat, hoarseness
Home treatment: Rest vocal cords. Don't whisper, it strains the cords. Gargle w/ salt water (1/4 tsp. salt to 8 oz. warm water). Put honey & lemon in tea. Use a vaporizer. Drink fluids.
Over the counter medication: Use throat lozenges, lifesavers or cough drops. Any medicated lozenge will work. Throat sprays such as Chloraseptic may be helpful.
Additional advice: Keep your throat continously moist by drinking fluids, garglging, and using the lozenges recommended.
-------------------------------------------------
#7 Symptom: Stuffy nose
Home treatment: Humidify with vaporizer and take steamy showers.
Over the counter medication: Avoid nasal sprays unless prescribed. Prolonged use may cause rebound nasal membrane swelling and make the symptoms worse.
Additional advice: Remember- decongestants for a cold, antihistamines for an allergy!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
U.S. Stupidity
> Only in America ......do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front. ?
> Only in America ...do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.
> Only in America .....do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.
> Only in America ...do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.
> Only in America .....do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.
> EVER WONDER?
> Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens
> our skin?
> Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
> Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?
>
> Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?
>
> Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
> Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
> Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
>
> Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
> Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
> Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
> You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!
> Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
> Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
> If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
> If flying is so safe, ?why do they call the airport the terminal?
> Only in America ...do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.
> Only in America .....do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.
> Only in America ...do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.
> Only in America .....do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.
> EVER WONDER?
> Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens
> our skin?
> Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
> Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?
>
> Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?
>
> Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
> Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
> Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
>
> Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
> Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
> Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
> You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!
> Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
> Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
> If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
> If flying is so safe, ?why do they call the airport the terminal?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps can be practiced
1. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water or Listerine. *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive, and powerful preventative method.
2. Blow the nose hard once a day and swab both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water. This is very effective in bringing down viral population.
3. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamins C and D. If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
4. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
Advice from the University of Kansas Hospital to Prevent Swine Flu
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps can be practiced
1. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water or Listerine. *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive, and powerful preventative method.
2. Blow the nose hard once a day and swab both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water. This is very effective in bringing down viral population.
3. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamins C and D. If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
4. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
Advice from the University of Kansas Hospital to Prevent Swine Flu
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Michelle's Random Wishlist
- good quality knife (IKEA knife causes much frustration)
- circular saw
- staple gun
- straight-edge saw
- circular saw
- staple gun
- straight-edge saw
'Musing' written Sept 2004
-MUSING-
Scratching his chin
Thinking
Discerning of creating
Beats, rhythm & rhyme
Of images pulsating, transforming, & merging
Like infused cloves of fresh smelling thyme
Relaxing to each and every meshing throb, pounding hammer, & fascinating stroke
The orb of intoxication
Brings to him a straight form of remedial meditation
A natural form of concoction
To this he profusely drinks
He becomes filthy and well absorbed in his drunken state
To this he has become the finely tuned bait
To a well huge alarming estate
No, I am not referring to emerald arctic cash
Like those that yearn to make a quick dash into the riches-
to round a gripload of smelly repulsive malodorous bitche*
Itches of unscrupulous niches
Rather, a house encompassing a world of notable notes,
Imperative instrumentals, lovable lyrics
This man continues to be captivated, fascinated,
Immersed, un-reversed to his charismatic notions
With one heavy sigh, musing mesmerized eyes
Slowly closes one by one
Calls it a night and faintly tells his group, "PEACE."
by Michelle
Scratching his chin
Thinking
Discerning of creating
Beats, rhythm & rhyme
Of images pulsating, transforming, & merging
Like infused cloves of fresh smelling thyme
Relaxing to each and every meshing throb, pounding hammer, & fascinating stroke
The orb of intoxication
Brings to him a straight form of remedial meditation
A natural form of concoction
To this he profusely drinks
He becomes filthy and well absorbed in his drunken state
To this he has become the finely tuned bait
To a well huge alarming estate
No, I am not referring to emerald arctic cash
Like those that yearn to make a quick dash into the riches-
to round a gripload of smelly repulsive malodorous bitche*
Itches of unscrupulous niches
Rather, a house encompassing a world of notable notes,
Imperative instrumentals, lovable lyrics
This man continues to be captivated, fascinated,
Immersed, un-reversed to his charismatic notions
With one heavy sigh, musing mesmerized eyes
Slowly closes one by one
Calls it a night and faintly tells his group, "PEACE."
by Michelle
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Law of the Garbage Truck
For those of you that haven't read it.. always a good read
One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.
My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly. So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you.
Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.
The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.
Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!
One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.
My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly. So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you.
Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.
The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.
Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Immediate Release: Beverage Consumption a Bigger Factor in Weight
From John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
For Immediate Release: April 2, 2009
Beverage Consumption a Bigger Factor in Weight
When it comes to weight loss, what you drink may be more important than what you eat, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Researchers examined the relationship between beverage consumption among adults and weight change and found that weight loss was positively associated with a reduction in liquid calorie consumption and liquid calorie intake had a stronger impact on weight than solid calorie intake. The results are published in the April 1, 2009, issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
“Both liquid and solid calories were associated with weight change, however, only a reduction in liquid calorie intake was shown to significantly affect weight loss during the 6-month follow up,” said Benjamin Caballero MD, PhD, senior author of the study and a professor with the Bloomberg School’s Department of International Health. “A reduction in liquid calorie intake was associated with a weight loss of 0.25 kg at 6 months and 0.24 kg at 18 months. Among sugar-sweetened beverages, a reduction of 1 serving was associated with a weight loss of 0.5 kg at 6 months and 0.7 kg at 18 months. Of the seven types of beverages examined, sugar-sweetened beverages were the only beverages significantly associated with weight change.”
Researchers conducted a prospective study of 810 adults aged 25-79 years old participating in the PREMIER trial, an 18-month randomized, controlled, behavioral intervention. Caballero along with colleagues from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute; Duke University; the Pennington Biomedical Research Center; the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research; the University of Alabama; and Pennsylvania State University measured participant’s weight and height using a calibrated scale and a wall-mounted stadiometer at both 6 and 18 months. Dietary intake was measured by conducting unannounced 24-hour dietary recall interviews by telephone. Researchers divided beverages into several categories based on calorie content and nutritional composition: sugar-sweetened beverages (regular soft drinks, fruit drinks, fruit punch, or high-calorie beverages sweetened with sugar), diet drinks (diet soda and other “diet” drinks sweetened with artificial sweeteners), milk (whole milk, 2 percent reduced-fat milk, 1 percent low-fat milk, and skim milk), 100 percent juice (100 percent fruit and vegetable juice), coffee and tea with sugar, coffee and tea without sugar and alcoholic beverages. They found that at 37 percent sugar-sweetened beverages were the leading source of liquid calories.
Consumption of liquid calories from beverages has increased in parallel with the obesity epidemic. Earlier studies by Bloomberg School researchers project that 75 percent of U.S. adults could be overweight or obese by 2015 and have linked the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages to the obesity epidemic, which affects two-thirds of adults and increases the risk for adverse health conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Researchers recommend limited liquid calorie intake among adults and to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption as a means to accomplish weight loss or avoid excess weight gain.
“Among beverages, sugar-sweetened beverages was the only beverage type significantly associated with weight change at both the 6- and 18-month follow up periods,” said Liwei Chen, MD, PhD, MHS, lead author of the study and a Bloomberg School graduate. “Changes in the consumption of diet drinks and alcoholic beverages were inversely associated with weight loss, but were not statistically significant. Our study supports policy recommendations and public health efforts to reduce intakes of liquid calories, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages, in the general population.”
“Reduction in Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages is Associated with Weight Loss: The PREMIER Trial” was written by Liwei Chen, Lawrence J. Appel, Catherine Loria, Pao-Hwa Lin, Catherine M. Champagne, Patricia J. Elmer, Jamy D. Ard, Diane Mitchell, Bryan C. Batch, Laura P. Svetkey and Benjamin Caballero.
The research was supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; National Institutes of Health; the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Center for Human Nutrition; and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
For Immediate Release: April 2, 2009
Beverage Consumption a Bigger Factor in Weight
When it comes to weight loss, what you drink may be more important than what you eat, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Researchers examined the relationship between beverage consumption among adults and weight change and found that weight loss was positively associated with a reduction in liquid calorie consumption and liquid calorie intake had a stronger impact on weight than solid calorie intake. The results are published in the April 1, 2009, issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
“Both liquid and solid calories were associated with weight change, however, only a reduction in liquid calorie intake was shown to significantly affect weight loss during the 6-month follow up,” said Benjamin Caballero MD, PhD, senior author of the study and a professor with the Bloomberg School’s Department of International Health. “A reduction in liquid calorie intake was associated with a weight loss of 0.25 kg at 6 months and 0.24 kg at 18 months. Among sugar-sweetened beverages, a reduction of 1 serving was associated with a weight loss of 0.5 kg at 6 months and 0.7 kg at 18 months. Of the seven types of beverages examined, sugar-sweetened beverages were the only beverages significantly associated with weight change.”
Researchers conducted a prospective study of 810 adults aged 25-79 years old participating in the PREMIER trial, an 18-month randomized, controlled, behavioral intervention. Caballero along with colleagues from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute; Duke University; the Pennington Biomedical Research Center; the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research; the University of Alabama; and Pennsylvania State University measured participant’s weight and height using a calibrated scale and a wall-mounted stadiometer at both 6 and 18 months. Dietary intake was measured by conducting unannounced 24-hour dietary recall interviews by telephone. Researchers divided beverages into several categories based on calorie content and nutritional composition: sugar-sweetened beverages (regular soft drinks, fruit drinks, fruit punch, or high-calorie beverages sweetened with sugar), diet drinks (diet soda and other “diet” drinks sweetened with artificial sweeteners), milk (whole milk, 2 percent reduced-fat milk, 1 percent low-fat milk, and skim milk), 100 percent juice (100 percent fruit and vegetable juice), coffee and tea with sugar, coffee and tea without sugar and alcoholic beverages. They found that at 37 percent sugar-sweetened beverages were the leading source of liquid calories.
Consumption of liquid calories from beverages has increased in parallel with the obesity epidemic. Earlier studies by Bloomberg School researchers project that 75 percent of U.S. adults could be overweight or obese by 2015 and have linked the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages to the obesity epidemic, which affects two-thirds of adults and increases the risk for adverse health conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Researchers recommend limited liquid calorie intake among adults and to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption as a means to accomplish weight loss or avoid excess weight gain.
“Among beverages, sugar-sweetened beverages was the only beverage type significantly associated with weight change at both the 6- and 18-month follow up periods,” said Liwei Chen, MD, PhD, MHS, lead author of the study and a Bloomberg School graduate. “Changes in the consumption of diet drinks and alcoholic beverages were inversely associated with weight loss, but were not statistically significant. Our study supports policy recommendations and public health efforts to reduce intakes of liquid calories, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages, in the general population.”
“Reduction in Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages is Associated with Weight Loss: The PREMIER Trial” was written by Liwei Chen, Lawrence J. Appel, Catherine Loria, Pao-Hwa Lin, Catherine M. Champagne, Patricia J. Elmer, Jamy D. Ard, Diane Mitchell, Bryan C. Batch, Laura P. Svetkey and Benjamin Caballero.
The research was supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; National Institutes of Health; the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Center for Human Nutrition; and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Friday, March 27, 2009
MZ Personality Test: INFJ Profile
Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging
by Joe Butt
Profile: INFJ
Revision: 3.01
Date of Revision: 6 Mar 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beneath the quiet exterior, INFJs hold deep convictions about the weightier matters of life. Those who are activists -- INFJs gravitate toward such a role -- are there for the cause, not for personal glory or political power.
INFJs are champions of the oppressed and downtrodden. They often are found in the wake of an emergency, rescuing those who are in acute distress. INFJs may fantasize about getting revenge on those who victimize the defenseless. The concept of 'poetic justice' is appealing to the INFJ.
"There's something rotten in Denmark." Accurately suspicious about others' motives, INFJs are not easily led. These are the people that you can rarely fool any of the time. Though affable and sympathetic to most, INFJs are selective about their friends. Such a friendship is a symbiotic bond that transcends mere words.
INFJs have a knack for fluency in language and facility in communication. In addition, nonverbal sensitivity enables the INFJ to know and be known by others intimately.
Writing, counseling, public service and even politics are areas where INFJs frequently find their niche.
Functional Analysis:
Introverted iNtuition
Introverted intuitives, INFJs enjoy a greater clarity of perception of inner, unconscious processes than all but their INTJ cousins. Just as SP types commune with the object and "live in the here and now" of the physical world, INFJs readily grasp the hidden psychological stimuli behind the more observable dynamics of behavior and affect. Their amazing ability to deduce the inner workings of the mind, will and emotions of others gives INFJs their reputation as prophets and seers. Unlike the confining, routinizing nature of introverted sensing, introverted intuition frees this type to act insightfully and spontaneously as unique solutions arise on an event by event basis.
Extraverted Feeling
Extraverted feeling, the auxiliary deciding function, expresses a range of emotion and opinions of, for and about people. INFJs, like many other FJ types, find themselves caught between the desire to express their wealth of feelings and moral conclusions about the actions and attitudes of others, and the awareness of the consequences of unbridled candor. Some vent the attending emotions in private, to trusted allies. Such confidants are chosen with care, for INFJs are well aware of the treachery that can reside in the hearts of mortals. This particular combination of introverted intuition and extraverted feeling provides INFJs with the raw material from which perceptive counselors are shaped.
Introverted Thinking
The INFJ's thinking is introverted, turned toward the subject. Perhaps it is when the INFJ's thinking function is operative that he is most aloof. A comrade might surmise that such detachment signals a disillusionment, that she has also been found lacking by the sardonic eye of this one who plumbs the depths of the human spirit. Experience suggests that such distancing is merely an indication that the seer is hard at work and focusing energy into this less efficient tertiary function.
Extraverted Sensing
INFJs are twice blessed with clarity of vision, both internal and external. Just as they possess inner vision which is drawn to the forms of the unconscious, they also have external sensing perception which readily takes hold of worldly objects. Sensing, however, is the weakest of the INFJ's arsenal and the most vulnerable. INFJs, like their fellow intuitives, may be so absorbed in intuitive perceiving that they become oblivious to physical reality. The INFJ under stress may fall prey to various forms of immediate gratification. Awareness of extraverted sensing is probably the source of the "SP wannabe" side of INFJs. Many yearn to live spontaneously; it's not uncommon for INFJ actors to take on an SP (often ESTP) role.
Famous INFJs:
Nathan, prophet of Israel
Aristophanes
Chaucer
Goethe
Robert Burns, Scottish poet
U.S. Presidents:
Martin Van Buren
James Earl "Jimmy" Carter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Fanny Crosby, (blind) hymnist
Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Fred McMurray (My Three Sons)
Shirley Temple Black, child actor, ambassador
Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader, martyr
James Reston, newspaper reporter
Shirley MacLaine (Sweet Charity, ...)
Piers Anthony, author ("Xanth" series)
Michael Landon (Little House on the Prairie)
Tom Selleck
John Katz, critic, author
Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul and Mary)
U. S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL)
Billy Crystal
Garry Trudeau (Doonesbury)
Nelson Mandela
Mel Gibson
Carrie Fisher
Nicole Kidman
Jerry Seinfeld
Jamie Foxx
Sela Ward
Mark Harmon
Gary Dourdan
Marg Helgaberger
Evangeline Lilly
Tori May
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introverted iNtuiting Feeling Judging
by Marina Margaret Heiss
INFJs are distinguished by both their complexity of character and the unusual range and depth of their talents. Strongly humanitarian in outlook, INFJs tend to be idealists, and because of their J preference for closure and completion, they are generally "doers" as well as dreamers. This rare combination of vision and practicality often results in INFJs taking a disproportionate amount of responsibility in the various causes to which so many of them seem to be drawn.
INFJs are deeply concerned about their relations with individuals as well as the state of humanity at large. They are, in fact, sometimes mistaken for extroverts because they appear so outgoing and are so genuinely interested in people -- a product of the Feeling function they most readily show to the world. On the contrary, INFJs are true introverts, who can only be emotionally intimate and fulfilled with a chosen few from among their long-term friends, family, or obvious "soul mates." While instinctively courting the personal and organizational demands continually made upon them by others, at intervals INFJs will suddenly withdraw into themselves, sometimes shutting out even their intimates. This apparent paradox is a necessary escape valve for them, providing both time to rebuild their depleted resources and a filter to prevent the emotional overload to which they are so susceptible as inherent "givers." As a pattern of behavior, it is perhaps the most confusing aspect of the enigmatic INFJ character to outsiders, and hence the most often misunderstood -- particularly by those who have little experience with this rare type.
Due in part to the unique perspective produced by this alternation between detachment and involvement in the lives of the people around them, INFJs may well have the clearest insights of all the types into the motivations of others, for good and for evil. The most important contributing factor to this uncanny gift, however, are the empathic abilities often found in Fs, which seem to be especially heightened in the INFJ type (possibly by the dominance of the introverted N function).
This empathy can serve as a classic example of the two-edged nature of certain INFJ talents, as it can be strong enough to cause discomfort or pain in negative or stressful situations. More explicit inner conflicts are also not uncommon in INFJs; it is possible to speculate that the causes for some of these may lie in the specific combinations of preferences which define this complex type. For instance, there can sometimes be a "tug-of-war" between NF vision and idealism and the J practicality that urges compromise for the sake of achieving the highest priority goals. And the I and J combination, while perhaps enhancing self-awareness, may make it difficult for INFJs to articulate their deepest and most convoluted feelings.
Usually self-expression comes more easily to INFJs on paper, as they tend to have strong writing skills. Since in addition they often possess a strong personal charisma, INFJs are generally well-suited to the "inspirational" professions such as teaching (especially in higher education) and religious leadership. Psychology and counseling are other obvious choices, but overall, INFJs can be exceptionally difficult to pigeonhole by their career paths. Perhaps the best example of this occurs in the technical fields. Many INFJs perceive themselves at a disadvantage when dealing with the mystique and formality of "hard logic", and in academic terms this may cause a tendency to gravitate towards the liberal arts rather than the sciences. However, the significant minority of INFJs who do pursue studies and careers in the latter areas tend to be as successful as their T counterparts, as it is *iNtuition* -- the dominant function for the INFJ type -- which governs the ability to understand abstract theory and implement it creatively.
In their own way, INFJs are just as much "systems builders" as are INTJs; the difference lies in that most INFJ "systems" are founded on human beings and human values, rather than information and technology. Their systems may for these reasons be conceptually "blurrier" than analogous NT ones, harder to measure in strict numerical terms, and easier to take for granted -- yet it is these same underlying reasons which make the resulting contributions to society so vital and profound.
http://typelogic.com/infj.html
by Joe Butt
Profile: INFJ
Revision: 3.01
Date of Revision: 6 Mar 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beneath the quiet exterior, INFJs hold deep convictions about the weightier matters of life. Those who are activists -- INFJs gravitate toward such a role -- are there for the cause, not for personal glory or political power.
INFJs are champions of the oppressed and downtrodden. They often are found in the wake of an emergency, rescuing those who are in acute distress. INFJs may fantasize about getting revenge on those who victimize the defenseless. The concept of 'poetic justice' is appealing to the INFJ.
"There's something rotten in Denmark." Accurately suspicious about others' motives, INFJs are not easily led. These are the people that you can rarely fool any of the time. Though affable and sympathetic to most, INFJs are selective about their friends. Such a friendship is a symbiotic bond that transcends mere words.
INFJs have a knack for fluency in language and facility in communication. In addition, nonverbal sensitivity enables the INFJ to know and be known by others intimately.
Writing, counseling, public service and even politics are areas where INFJs frequently find their niche.
Functional Analysis:
Introverted iNtuition
Introverted intuitives, INFJs enjoy a greater clarity of perception of inner, unconscious processes than all but their INTJ cousins. Just as SP types commune with the object and "live in the here and now" of the physical world, INFJs readily grasp the hidden psychological stimuli behind the more observable dynamics of behavior and affect. Their amazing ability to deduce the inner workings of the mind, will and emotions of others gives INFJs their reputation as prophets and seers. Unlike the confining, routinizing nature of introverted sensing, introverted intuition frees this type to act insightfully and spontaneously as unique solutions arise on an event by event basis.
Extraverted Feeling
Extraverted feeling, the auxiliary deciding function, expresses a range of emotion and opinions of, for and about people. INFJs, like many other FJ types, find themselves caught between the desire to express their wealth of feelings and moral conclusions about the actions and attitudes of others, and the awareness of the consequences of unbridled candor. Some vent the attending emotions in private, to trusted allies. Such confidants are chosen with care, for INFJs are well aware of the treachery that can reside in the hearts of mortals. This particular combination of introverted intuition and extraverted feeling provides INFJs with the raw material from which perceptive counselors are shaped.
Introverted Thinking
The INFJ's thinking is introverted, turned toward the subject. Perhaps it is when the INFJ's thinking function is operative that he is most aloof. A comrade might surmise that such detachment signals a disillusionment, that she has also been found lacking by the sardonic eye of this one who plumbs the depths of the human spirit. Experience suggests that such distancing is merely an indication that the seer is hard at work and focusing energy into this less efficient tertiary function.
Extraverted Sensing
INFJs are twice blessed with clarity of vision, both internal and external. Just as they possess inner vision which is drawn to the forms of the unconscious, they also have external sensing perception which readily takes hold of worldly objects. Sensing, however, is the weakest of the INFJ's arsenal and the most vulnerable. INFJs, like their fellow intuitives, may be so absorbed in intuitive perceiving that they become oblivious to physical reality. The INFJ under stress may fall prey to various forms of immediate gratification. Awareness of extraverted sensing is probably the source of the "SP wannabe" side of INFJs. Many yearn to live spontaneously; it's not uncommon for INFJ actors to take on an SP (often ESTP) role.
Famous INFJs:
Nathan, prophet of Israel
Aristophanes
Chaucer
Goethe
Robert Burns, Scottish poet
U.S. Presidents:
Martin Van Buren
James Earl "Jimmy" Carter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Fanny Crosby, (blind) hymnist
Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Fred McMurray (My Three Sons)
Shirley Temple Black, child actor, ambassador
Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader, martyr
James Reston, newspaper reporter
Shirley MacLaine (Sweet Charity, ...)
Piers Anthony, author ("Xanth" series)
Michael Landon (Little House on the Prairie)
Tom Selleck
John Katz, critic, author
Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul and Mary)
U. S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL)
Billy Crystal
Garry Trudeau (Doonesbury)
Nelson Mandela
Mel Gibson
Carrie Fisher
Nicole Kidman
Jerry Seinfeld
Jamie Foxx
Sela Ward
Mark Harmon
Gary Dourdan
Marg Helgaberger
Evangeline Lilly
Tori May
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introverted iNtuiting Feeling Judging
by Marina Margaret Heiss
INFJs are distinguished by both their complexity of character and the unusual range and depth of their talents. Strongly humanitarian in outlook, INFJs tend to be idealists, and because of their J preference for closure and completion, they are generally "doers" as well as dreamers. This rare combination of vision and practicality often results in INFJs taking a disproportionate amount of responsibility in the various causes to which so many of them seem to be drawn.
INFJs are deeply concerned about their relations with individuals as well as the state of humanity at large. They are, in fact, sometimes mistaken for extroverts because they appear so outgoing and are so genuinely interested in people -- a product of the Feeling function they most readily show to the world. On the contrary, INFJs are true introverts, who can only be emotionally intimate and fulfilled with a chosen few from among their long-term friends, family, or obvious "soul mates." While instinctively courting the personal and organizational demands continually made upon them by others, at intervals INFJs will suddenly withdraw into themselves, sometimes shutting out even their intimates. This apparent paradox is a necessary escape valve for them, providing both time to rebuild their depleted resources and a filter to prevent the emotional overload to which they are so susceptible as inherent "givers." As a pattern of behavior, it is perhaps the most confusing aspect of the enigmatic INFJ character to outsiders, and hence the most often misunderstood -- particularly by those who have little experience with this rare type.
Due in part to the unique perspective produced by this alternation between detachment and involvement in the lives of the people around them, INFJs may well have the clearest insights of all the types into the motivations of others, for good and for evil. The most important contributing factor to this uncanny gift, however, are the empathic abilities often found in Fs, which seem to be especially heightened in the INFJ type (possibly by the dominance of the introverted N function).
This empathy can serve as a classic example of the two-edged nature of certain INFJ talents, as it can be strong enough to cause discomfort or pain in negative or stressful situations. More explicit inner conflicts are also not uncommon in INFJs; it is possible to speculate that the causes for some of these may lie in the specific combinations of preferences which define this complex type. For instance, there can sometimes be a "tug-of-war" between NF vision and idealism and the J practicality that urges compromise for the sake of achieving the highest priority goals. And the I and J combination, while perhaps enhancing self-awareness, may make it difficult for INFJs to articulate their deepest and most convoluted feelings.
Usually self-expression comes more easily to INFJs on paper, as they tend to have strong writing skills. Since in addition they often possess a strong personal charisma, INFJs are generally well-suited to the "inspirational" professions such as teaching (especially in higher education) and religious leadership. Psychology and counseling are other obvious choices, but overall, INFJs can be exceptionally difficult to pigeonhole by their career paths. Perhaps the best example of this occurs in the technical fields. Many INFJs perceive themselves at a disadvantage when dealing with the mystique and formality of "hard logic", and in academic terms this may cause a tendency to gravitate towards the liberal arts rather than the sciences. However, the significant minority of INFJs who do pursue studies and careers in the latter areas tend to be as successful as their T counterparts, as it is *iNtuition* -- the dominant function for the INFJ type -- which governs the ability to understand abstract theory and implement it creatively.
In their own way, INFJs are just as much "systems builders" as are INTJs; the difference lies in that most INFJ "systems" are founded on human beings and human values, rather than information and technology. Their systems may for these reasons be conceptually "blurrier" than analogous NT ones, harder to measure in strict numerical terms, and easier to take for granted -- yet it is these same underlying reasons which make the resulting contributions to society so vital and profound.
http://typelogic.com/infj.html
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Quick Tip: Good Sleep Habits Reduce Diabetes Risk
Quick Tip: Good Sleep Habits Reduce Diabetes Risk
Skimping on sleep can increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by impairing your body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. A recent study found that three nights of sleeping badly is the equivalent of gaining 20 or 30 pounds in terms of your diabetes risk! Not only that, but being chronically under-rested can increase your appetite and cause you to overeat and gain weight. The good news? The damage can be undone by adopting better sleep habits.
Skimping on sleep can increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by impairing your body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. A recent study found that three nights of sleeping badly is the equivalent of gaining 20 or 30 pounds in terms of your diabetes risk! Not only that, but being chronically under-rested can increase your appetite and cause you to overeat and gain weight. The good news? The damage can be undone by adopting better sleep habits.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Imagine living in a world like MARIA SUAREZ
Maria Suarez:
Synopsis: Maria was 16; her captor, a 65+ year-old-man, told her he had bought her for $200, and she was now his slave. Entrapped in the house, Maria was abused physically, sexually, emotionally, and mentally. As though this experience weren't bad enough, after five years of this torture, a neighbor entered the small house and killed her captor. Falsely accused of the murder, Maria was imprisoned for more than 22 years until recently pardoned by the Governor of California. Now Maria works two days a week at the National Council of Jewish Women and three days a week at About Face where she leads support groups.
In better detail:
Sixteen-year-old Maria Suarez was very excited when she arrived in the United States to live with her sister. She had watched her father and mother struggle to survive on their small farm in Mexico as she grew up. It was now her hope that she could find a good job and provide all the things for them they had never been able to afford.
She didn’t speak English and didn’t know how to even begin her search for employment, so she considered it her good fortune to meet a woman on the street who spoke her language and told her she could find a job for her.
The woman took her to a tiny house and introduced her to an older man about 65 or 70. The woman told her she would meet his wife later and that she was to stay there that evening. She was told they would take her home the next day. Maria was very uncomfortable with this, but they convinced her.
There was no wife and she was not taken home the next day! Instead the man told her he had bought her for $200 and she was now his slave. He terrorized her, telling her he could read her mind and she was to do whatever she was told or he had the power to kill her parents. He claimed to be a brujo or witch.
She was to be entrapped in that little house, suffering terribly, for five years. The man beat and raped her regularly. Every day he abused her mentally, physically and emotionally. Her hopes and dreams evaporated as they were replaced by fear. She rarely saw or spoke to anyone during this time and was so paralyzed by terror that she made no attempt to escape or communicate her dilemma.
As though this experience wasn’t bad enough, after five years of this torture a neighbor entered the small house and beat the man to death. Maria was naively compliant when the neighbor told her to place the murder weapon under the house.
The result? Maria was convicted of the murder and sentenced from 25 years to life in prison despite the statement of her co-defendants that she was not involved in the killing.
She was released 22½ years later after a pardon by the governor of California. The Board of Prison Terms had investigated her record and found her conduct while in prison to be exemplary. Maria said she chose to use her time productively there; she chose to become a better person. She served as a mentor for younger prisoners, studied hard and acquired her high school GED (General Educational Development) credential, took college classes and conducted counseling and therapy groups.
Today, Maria Suarez is studying to become a social worker and works with The Coalition Against Trafficking (CAST) based in Los Angeles, California. She says she wants to help people who need the benefit of what she has learned through her experiences.
You may view a video featuring Maria entitled Dreams Die Hard in which she personally recounts her experiences at http://freetheslaves.net/store/dreams-die-hard/. This short documentary was produced by Free the Slaves, a nonprofit organization working to end slavery worldwide.
Vision contributor Bill Butler interviewed Maria about her experiences with slavery, prison and her life today.
BB Maria, how are you adjusting to life since being freed from prison?
MS I’m doing very well. I’ve been out of prison for two years, and I’m working as a counselor for About Face, a nonprofit domestic violence organization in Los Angeles. I exercise a lot by running—I’ve run the marathon twice in Los Angeles. I’m still spending time getting reacquainted with my family after all these years.
BB What was the time like in prison?
MS I did my best to make my time profitable and to be a model prisoner. I was involved in a number of volunteer activities. I ran marathons; I conducted support groups and took college classes.
BB Have you resumed your college education?
MS Yes, I’m enrolled in a local college here and have been taking classes, although I’m not taking any at the moment. I am trying to focus on my work, now. I plan to re-enroll at some point, and I would like to become a social worker eventually.
BB How are your parents and family doing?
MS Very well. My mother is elderly, over 80 years old. One of the things she wanted was to see me freed from prison, which she did, and to see me before she died which also happened. And obviously I wanted to see her before she passed away, which I have been able to do. My family is happy to have me back after all this time and that everything is working out so well for me. They don’t want me to work so much so they can spend more time with me and make up for the many lost years.
BB What are your feelings toward the woman who sold you into this condition of enslavement and the man who enslaved you?
MS I don’t have any bitterness toward anyone. I believe in justice and that good things will happen to you. I am a very optimistic person and I always have hope and believe that good things are going to happen.
BB What advice would you give to someone who is trapped in a situation like you experienced?
MS I would say don’t give up. Believe that you are strong enough to endure it and always believe there is hope of getting out of the situation if you keep trying.
BB What would be your advice to parents to help a daughter who might find herself in a situation like you were in?
MS I was actually able to talk to my family members and the police during the time I was being held captive by this man, but I was so scared and frightened that I didn't tell the truth—I didn't say what was really happening. My advice to the parents would be the same as for the girl, don't give up hope and keep trying to free yourself of the situation.
Synopsis: Maria was 16; her captor, a 65+ year-old-man, told her he had bought her for $200, and she was now his slave. Entrapped in the house, Maria was abused physically, sexually, emotionally, and mentally. As though this experience weren't bad enough, after five years of this torture, a neighbor entered the small house and killed her captor. Falsely accused of the murder, Maria was imprisoned for more than 22 years until recently pardoned by the Governor of California. Now Maria works two days a week at the National Council of Jewish Women and three days a week at About Face where she leads support groups.
In better detail:
Sixteen-year-old Maria Suarez was very excited when she arrived in the United States to live with her sister. She had watched her father and mother struggle to survive on their small farm in Mexico as she grew up. It was now her hope that she could find a good job and provide all the things for them they had never been able to afford.
She didn’t speak English and didn’t know how to even begin her search for employment, so she considered it her good fortune to meet a woman on the street who spoke her language and told her she could find a job for her.
The woman took her to a tiny house and introduced her to an older man about 65 or 70. The woman told her she would meet his wife later and that she was to stay there that evening. She was told they would take her home the next day. Maria was very uncomfortable with this, but they convinced her.
There was no wife and she was not taken home the next day! Instead the man told her he had bought her for $200 and she was now his slave. He terrorized her, telling her he could read her mind and she was to do whatever she was told or he had the power to kill her parents. He claimed to be a brujo or witch.
She was to be entrapped in that little house, suffering terribly, for five years. The man beat and raped her regularly. Every day he abused her mentally, physically and emotionally. Her hopes and dreams evaporated as they were replaced by fear. She rarely saw or spoke to anyone during this time and was so paralyzed by terror that she made no attempt to escape or communicate her dilemma.
As though this experience wasn’t bad enough, after five years of this torture a neighbor entered the small house and beat the man to death. Maria was naively compliant when the neighbor told her to place the murder weapon under the house.
The result? Maria was convicted of the murder and sentenced from 25 years to life in prison despite the statement of her co-defendants that she was not involved in the killing.
She was released 22½ years later after a pardon by the governor of California. The Board of Prison Terms had investigated her record and found her conduct while in prison to be exemplary. Maria said she chose to use her time productively there; she chose to become a better person. She served as a mentor for younger prisoners, studied hard and acquired her high school GED (General Educational Development) credential, took college classes and conducted counseling and therapy groups.
Today, Maria Suarez is studying to become a social worker and works with The Coalition Against Trafficking (CAST) based in Los Angeles, California. She says she wants to help people who need the benefit of what she has learned through her experiences.
You may view a video featuring Maria entitled Dreams Die Hard in which she personally recounts her experiences at http://freetheslaves.net/store/dreams-die-hard/. This short documentary was produced by Free the Slaves, a nonprofit organization working to end slavery worldwide.
Vision contributor Bill Butler interviewed Maria about her experiences with slavery, prison and her life today.
BB Maria, how are you adjusting to life since being freed from prison?
MS I’m doing very well. I’ve been out of prison for two years, and I’m working as a counselor for About Face, a nonprofit domestic violence organization in Los Angeles. I exercise a lot by running—I’ve run the marathon twice in Los Angeles. I’m still spending time getting reacquainted with my family after all these years.
BB What was the time like in prison?
MS I did my best to make my time profitable and to be a model prisoner. I was involved in a number of volunteer activities. I ran marathons; I conducted support groups and took college classes.
BB Have you resumed your college education?
MS Yes, I’m enrolled in a local college here and have been taking classes, although I’m not taking any at the moment. I am trying to focus on my work, now. I plan to re-enroll at some point, and I would like to become a social worker eventually.
BB How are your parents and family doing?
MS Very well. My mother is elderly, over 80 years old. One of the things she wanted was to see me freed from prison, which she did, and to see me before she died which also happened. And obviously I wanted to see her before she passed away, which I have been able to do. My family is happy to have me back after all this time and that everything is working out so well for me. They don’t want me to work so much so they can spend more time with me and make up for the many lost years.
BB What are your feelings toward the woman who sold you into this condition of enslavement and the man who enslaved you?
MS I don’t have any bitterness toward anyone. I believe in justice and that good things will happen to you. I am a very optimistic person and I always have hope and believe that good things are going to happen.
BB What advice would you give to someone who is trapped in a situation like you experienced?
MS I would say don’t give up. Believe that you are strong enough to endure it and always believe there is hope of getting out of the situation if you keep trying.
BB What would be your advice to parents to help a daughter who might find herself in a situation like you were in?
MS I was actually able to talk to my family members and the police during the time I was being held captive by this man, but I was so scared and frightened that I didn't tell the truth—I didn't say what was really happening. My advice to the parents would be the same as for the girl, don't give up hope and keep trying to free yourself of the situation.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Your information & photographs may be in jeopardy when posted on Facebook!
Updated 2/18/09- PROGRESS!
"Terms of Use Update"
Over the past few days, we have received a lot of feedback about the new terms we posted two weeks ago. Because of this response, we have decided to return to our previous Terms of Use while we resolve the issues that people have raised. For more information, visit the Facebook Blog.
If you want to share your thoughts on what should be in the new terms, check out our group Facebook Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.
------------------------------------------------------------
2/17/2009
Based on the article from DailyTech, the Terms of Service agreement have changed. This means that your information, which includes photographs, videos, etc- MAY be in jeopardy should you decide to cancel Facebook. They can legally (yes, I said LEGALLY) KEEP all your personal info and do what they want to do with it. Before the revision, all your personal info would be terminated in a timely manner. Not the case any more people. For your sake, I would not suggest uploading too much pictures or videos on there. Facebook is not the place to do it. The article is below. Warm Regards- Michelle
Facebook's TOS Changes Anger Some Users
A recent change in Facebook's TOS has left some Facebook users rather disgruntled
The previous Facebook terms of service (TOS) stated that if a user closed his or her Facebook account, rights to original content posted on the profile would eventually expire. The recent TOS changes, however, give Facebook the ability to use uploaded content any way they see fit through an unending and irrevocable license.
Bloggers and Twitter users discovered the new TOS earlier this morning and a mini-uproar has taken place by a number of Facebook users.
According to The Consumerist:
You hereby grant Facebook an irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, transferable, fully paid, worldwide license (with the right to sublicense) to (a) use, copy, publish, stream, store, retain, publicly perform or display, transmit, scan, reformat, modify, edit, frame, translate, excerpt, adapt, create derivative works and distribute (through multiple tiers), any User Content you (i) Post on or in connection with the Facebook Service or the promotion thereof subject only to your privacy settings or (ii) enable a user to Post, including by offering a Share Link on your website and (b) to use your name, likeness and image for any purpose, including commercial or advertising, each of (a) and (b) on or in connection with the Facebook Service or the promotion thereof.
The previous TOS had legal wording that essentially said content would expire at some point after user content is removed from Facebook.
"You may remove your User Content from the Site at any time. If you choose to remove your User Content, the license granted above will automatically expire, however you acknowledge that the Company may retain archived copies of your User Content."
Facebook has more than 175 million active users, gaining around 25 million in about one month. The world's most popular social networking web site may have to answer angry complaints once a larger number of Facebook users become aware of the TOS changes the Palo Alto-based company recently made.
"Terms of Use Update"
Over the past few days, we have received a lot of feedback about the new terms we posted two weeks ago. Because of this response, we have decided to return to our previous Terms of Use while we resolve the issues that people have raised. For more information, visit the Facebook Blog.
If you want to share your thoughts on what should be in the new terms, check out our group Facebook Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.
------------------------------------------------------------
2/17/2009
Based on the article from DailyTech, the Terms of Service agreement have changed. This means that your information, which includes photographs, videos, etc- MAY be in jeopardy should you decide to cancel Facebook. They can legally (yes, I said LEGALLY) KEEP all your personal info and do what they want to do with it. Before the revision, all your personal info would be terminated in a timely manner. Not the case any more people. For your sake, I would not suggest uploading too much pictures or videos on there. Facebook is not the place to do it. The article is below. Warm Regards- Michelle
Facebook's TOS Changes Anger Some Users
A recent change in Facebook's TOS has left some Facebook users rather disgruntled
The previous Facebook terms of service (TOS) stated that if a user closed his or her Facebook account, rights to original content posted on the profile would eventually expire. The recent TOS changes, however, give Facebook the ability to use uploaded content any way they see fit through an unending and irrevocable license.
Bloggers and Twitter users discovered the new TOS earlier this morning and a mini-uproar has taken place by a number of Facebook users.
According to The Consumerist:
You hereby grant Facebook an irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, transferable, fully paid, worldwide license (with the right to sublicense) to (a) use, copy, publish, stream, store, retain, publicly perform or display, transmit, scan, reformat, modify, edit, frame, translate, excerpt, adapt, create derivative works and distribute (through multiple tiers), any User Content you (i) Post on or in connection with the Facebook Service or the promotion thereof subject only to your privacy settings or (ii) enable a user to Post, including by offering a Share Link on your website and (b) to use your name, likeness and image for any purpose, including commercial or advertising, each of (a) and (b) on or in connection with the Facebook Service or the promotion thereof.
The previous TOS had legal wording that essentially said content would expire at some point after user content is removed from Facebook.
"You may remove your User Content from the Site at any time. If you choose to remove your User Content, the license granted above will automatically expire, however you acknowledge that the Company may retain archived copies of your User Content."
Facebook has more than 175 million active users, gaining around 25 million in about one month. The world's most popular social networking web site may have to answer angry complaints once a larger number of Facebook users become aware of the TOS changes the Palo Alto-based company recently made.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Save Money: Make your Own Energy Bars
Here's a flexible recipe that you can vary according to your preference or the ingredients you have on hand. (originally published by Elizabeth Quinn on About.com:
-3 cups puffed wheat or other puffed grain cereal
-3/4 cup chopped dried fruit (raisins, figs, pitted dates, cherries, cranberries, etc.)
-1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, peanuts, almonds, etc.)
-1/3 cup peanut butter
-1/4 cup honey
-1/4 cup light corn syrup
-1 pinch salt (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 and spray a 9x9 brownie pan with non-stick cooking spray. Mix cereal, fruit, and nuts in a bowl. Combine peanut butter, honey, and corn syrup in a small pan and bring to a boil. Boil for one minute, stirring constantly. Pour peanut butter mixture over cereal mixture and stir until combined. Press mixture into pan and bake 10 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars. Makes about 10 bars.
Here's a link to lots more recipes for different styles of homemade energy bars: recipezaar.com
-3 cups puffed wheat or other puffed grain cereal
-3/4 cup chopped dried fruit (raisins, figs, pitted dates, cherries, cranberries, etc.)
-1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, peanuts, almonds, etc.)
-1/3 cup peanut butter
-1/4 cup honey
-1/4 cup light corn syrup
-1 pinch salt (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 and spray a 9x9 brownie pan with non-stick cooking spray. Mix cereal, fruit, and nuts in a bowl. Combine peanut butter, honey, and corn syrup in a small pan and bring to a boil. Boil for one minute, stirring constantly. Pour peanut butter mixture over cereal mixture and stir until combined. Press mixture into pan and bake 10 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars. Makes about 10 bars.
Here's a link to lots more recipes for different styles of homemade energy bars: recipezaar.com
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Filipino Tests Positive for Ebola, Experts Worried
Filipino Tests Positive for Ebola, Experts Worried
Jan. 23, 2009
MANILA (Reuters) - At least one person has tested positive for the Ebola-Reston virus in the Philippines, where the disease has broken out in pigs at two farms north of the capital, the government said on Friday.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque told a news conference that there was little immediate health risk but experts warned the virus' jump to humans was a concern. "This presents a negligible risk to human health," Duque said. Experts from the World Health Organization, World Organization for Animal Health and the Food and Agriculture Organization, all U.N. agencies, ended a 10-day field test at the two farms over the weekend after Ebola-Reston was found there last year. It is the first time the virus has been found outside monkeys and the first time it has been found in pigs. The virus had previously jumped from monkeys to humans but it is the first case of a jump from hogs.
Duque said at least 50 workers in the two farms were exposed to the virus, but only one person tested positive. This person had not shown any symptoms, he said. Experts said the jump was a concern even if the Ebola-Reston strain of the virus is not as deadly as other strains of the disease, which can cause incurable hemorrhagic fever and have a mortality rate of 25 to 90 percent.
"Viruses jumping across species is always worrying," said Lo Wing-lok, an infectious diseases expert in Hong Kong. "If it continues to do so, the virus will adapt to the human body or may mutate to become more transmissible among humans." Although human cases of Ebola Reston in the past have been mild, Lo warned against any complacency. "We can't say for sure that it is not dangerous to man, we have to follow developments very closely," Lo said. "In the past, the infections happened to a very small number of people. "But this virus may get magnified in swine and we could get a higher-density virus in the environment and more cases of human infection can occur," he said.
(Reporting by Manolo Serapio Jr. and Manny Mogato)
(Additional reporting by Tan Ee Lyn)
(Editing by Sanjeev Miglani)
For full article, visit: http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE50M29F20090123
Jan. 23, 2009
MANILA (Reuters) - At least one person has tested positive for the Ebola-Reston virus in the Philippines, where the disease has broken out in pigs at two farms north of the capital, the government said on Friday.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque told a news conference that there was little immediate health risk but experts warned the virus' jump to humans was a concern. "This presents a negligible risk to human health," Duque said. Experts from the World Health Organization, World Organization for Animal Health and the Food and Agriculture Organization, all U.N. agencies, ended a 10-day field test at the two farms over the weekend after Ebola-Reston was found there last year. It is the first time the virus has been found outside monkeys and the first time it has been found in pigs. The virus had previously jumped from monkeys to humans but it is the first case of a jump from hogs.
Duque said at least 50 workers in the two farms were exposed to the virus, but only one person tested positive. This person had not shown any symptoms, he said. Experts said the jump was a concern even if the Ebola-Reston strain of the virus is not as deadly as other strains of the disease, which can cause incurable hemorrhagic fever and have a mortality rate of 25 to 90 percent.
"Viruses jumping across species is always worrying," said Lo Wing-lok, an infectious diseases expert in Hong Kong. "If it continues to do so, the virus will adapt to the human body or may mutate to become more transmissible among humans." Although human cases of Ebola Reston in the past have been mild, Lo warned against any complacency. "We can't say for sure that it is not dangerous to man, we have to follow developments very closely," Lo said. "In the past, the infections happened to a very small number of people. "But this virus may get magnified in swine and we could get a higher-density virus in the environment and more cases of human infection can occur," he said.
(Reporting by Manolo Serapio Jr. and Manny Mogato)
(Additional reporting by Tan Ee Lyn)
(Editing by Sanjeev Miglani)
For full article, visit: http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE50M29F20090123
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
President Obama Inauguration
"Yes, we can, Yes we will, Yes, we did!"
As I was driving to work this morning eagerly waiting to watch the Inauguration festivities, many emotions came through me. I was choked up holding in tears. As I watched the festivities at work on two small windows on my computer, I was drawn listening to President Obama's speech.
I am eager to see the positive changes that he will make. I have faith in him & I honestly, I have a good feeling about him. I hope someday I will meet him...
It's Obamalicious time!
As I was driving to work this morning eagerly waiting to watch the Inauguration festivities, many emotions came through me. I was choked up holding in tears. As I watched the festivities at work on two small windows on my computer, I was drawn listening to President Obama's speech.
I am eager to see the positive changes that he will make. I have faith in him & I honestly, I have a good feeling about him. I hope someday I will meet him...
It's Obamalicious time!
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