We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world. - Buddha
"The secret of getting ahead is getting started" - Mark Twain
I've been thinking a lot aboutmotivations (for the last 30 years or so, Ha!), which has to be related to procrastination (another interesting subject). Keeping in mind that motivation refers to the reason or reasons for engaging a a particular behavior, I know that it's where we have to start whenever we want to make any changes in our lives.
I recently read this online: "When you evolve and grow as a person you start with: 1) VALUES which create 2) ATTITUDES which create 3) BEHAVIORS."
But when you want to change, the process moves in reverse, making it this: " 1) NEW BEHAVIORS which will create 2) NEW ATTITUDES which will create 3) NEW VALUES. " and to me that's starting to make perfect sense. It tells me that the reward for changing behavior is often at the end, instead of the beginning. So that may be why we have to think a while (sometimes a long while) and visualize the possible results, before we start any new behavior. That's the way we get a good hold on what that reward at the end of the process will be.
The nice thing about dieting and exercise is that you begin to feel the rewards right away though. The key to accomplishing anything seems to be in finding a way to create a clear picture of exactly what it is we want to accomplish, and once that happens, everything else falls into place.
I agree with what Carol said the other day about taking small steps in the direction we want to go, and I believe that 'moderation' is one of the most important words in the English language. It's better to start out slow, and then as you start feeling the benefits, increase your workout and adjust your diet as/if necessary. My idea of a work out is going to be that new Yoga DVD I ordered (but haven't yet viewed). I may add aerobic exercise later on.
So what this is all leading to, is what we've been talking about here at the Swamp lately: Healthier eating habits, and a good exercise program. Thanks Solar for kicking it off!
I'm looking forward to hearing others ideas over the next few weeks on how we can accomplish these goals, at least I 'hope' that we continue in this direction. Spring is coming up, and it's the perfect time to begin new things. That's what Spring is all about!
“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” John F. Kennedy
167 comments:
" As for Chloe and me, we are only going to be a little cooler than we want."
Ha Carol, That could describe the whole winter for us.
.... and as for this Carol "I don't enjoy seeing people have their dreams of a lifetime crushed".... The fact that - that bothers you, says that you have a lot of empathy for others. The rough thing about that is you suffer their pain too. It's brave of you.
(.. there's that courage Ivy was talking about - another subject we need to discuss in detail one of these days)
Jan, Thanks so much for all the cold remedies and good wishes. It's the first cold I've had in quite a while, and isn't as bad as ones I've had in the past. Just bad enough to keep me complaining a little bit though, and I do. :)
"Solar, hope you aren't frozen to a snow shovel somewhere. Don't disappear now when we need to keep our eye on you."
Carol wrote that comment (I just quoted) on the last thread. Thought it was cute, and so brought it over here.
Listen to Carol, Solar! We need you here.
Blonde quoted this over on TM:
"Weather is what we experience, Climate is what we expect."
I like it.
Did you feel that tremor Solar:
Mild earthquake rattles Chicago area
(This farm field on Plank Road in Hampshire was the epicenter of an overnight earthquake in Illinois, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. (Stacey Wescott/Tribune)
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/02/quake-like-tremors-reported-in-western-suburbs.html
Very day is full of making decisions, that will effect your life; and those u love...this is the motivation, to keep going in the right direction...don't need budda to tell us that..
"The secret of getting ahead is getting started" - Mark Twain
I agree with almost everything that I have ever read about the understanding of life from Mark Twain....should have included him as one the most people that I would have liked to have met, and spent some time with....I think that he would have given me, or anyone the time...he was interested in absolutely everything, one of the biggest thinker that existed.!!
On of the reasons that I like this quote so much ( I have it on one of my walls-framed) is that this really applies to construction....I have known many, many people that just taking that first step in starting a new project is daunting to them....even other const. owners....
Im glad to say that I don't. Once that i understand what the end goal is , the end result...that is all of the motivation that i need to take that first step...everything else followers....I also know that I will make mistakes along the way. I try to learn..even write them down kick my self is the ass, and try to keep them at a minimum:
There are contractors and people that act like they don't make mistakes.....I have never done a project that was perfect,and did not have to correct something or other..usually one of my workers do most of the mistakes..but I make them mine...im the one that will face up to the client..so they are mine...that is where educating my workers come in...I have regular meetings, right out in the field, and teach them about the blue prints...the first step it to understand where you want to be...some people visualize this I guess,...I look at it as something that I have to do...and try to get it done....in this way of knowing that you are going to screw up; and that you need to completed something...you don't give up....if a worker ever tells me that he can't do something, t hat means to me that he did not understand what he wanted to accomplish...he just might be visualizing the wrong things along the what to visualizing the whole thing, completed without taking the necessary hard steps...so I do think that visualizing the end result of something, is important, but to me that's a given if u keep your eyes on the road getting there ...it is just the reward for doing the steps...that is how i see doing those exercises, or what ever you want to do...
Another thing to consider is; having the tools to accomplish that visualization..without that...forget it...I don't mean tools as in a hammer, and nails..I mean the education, of what u want to do...the ability to do it...and the money to get u the start that u need...
Chloe,
Forgtot, hope u r feeling better.!
looks like i forgtot, to spell forgot...I just post without checking, cos im on the phone so much...oh...forget it.!!
Sorry for another long post like that...but that short quote from M. T. is the most important thing to me...everyday, you have to take that first step toward something...so...from here.............................to here are a lot of steps to get where you want to be...by the time that u get there...u will need a beer or a peek at the swimsuit addition that someone threw away...or a big piece triple chocolate layer cake from cost-co...or what ever you want ..
prioritize, plan, and execute....YES that is perfect.....the rest of that,
"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world."- Buddha
Is just plain wrong.
"We are what we think" This is not what is actually correct, and does not explain the process of getting there; and is part of what is wrong with society.
Same with the other two thoughts in that quote.!!
"I recently read this online: "When you evolve and grow as a person you start with: 1) VALUES which create 2) ATTITUDES which create 3) BEHAVIORS."
But when you want to change, the process moves in reverse, making it this: " 1) NEW BEHAVIORS which will create 2) NEW ATTITUDES which will create 3) NEW VALUES. "
I agree with all of that. I remember that U posted for me to give an opinion about this sort of things, at tm..it was a being talked about at length...and I have also thought about this, and still do..it is part of our make up to do so......
I do think that two important things have to occur e in order for all of these to happen tho:
We need to have personal honor, that will give us the courage to achieve all of the rest...to me this is a daily thing, that we have to work on everyday..and when we fail to have them..it won't be to any degree that will dishonor us...just a minor slip..another thing that you have to take the first step to accomplish...can't just visualize, and have it...takes a lot of work...take a look at some of our politicians...they forgot to keep their own personal honor...and lost it along the way...that is what i think about when they lie to my face...they lost their honor...how much did they sell it for....what is mine worth???? ok that's enough....later
ps,
What Buddha might have been trying to say it this:
This is it, and I am it, an you are it, and so is that, and he is it, and she is it, and it is it....and that is that.!!!
"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world."- Buddha
Solar, You say that is completely wrong, and yet the way you described the way you do things is exactly what Buddha said. Those ideas and plans percolated inside your head (for you, maybe very quickly) and that's what moves you in that direction. I would even go a step further, and say that your thoughts are what drew the project to you in the first place.
Don't get hung up on the words, the end result is all the same. You s ee it one way and I see it another. Nothing wrong with that.
One thing I will never agree with, is that you say the end result is motivation Solar. Motivation is what makes us take action to begin with.
"We need to have personal honor, that will give us the courage to achieve all of the rest"
That may be an important ingredient for you, but that's a value. That's the way you see it, but it's not necessarily what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the way to get yourself going in the first place.
For you, it's honor and courage, but I may have different reasons. The one thing I have NO doubt about, is that everything begins with a thought. And that is all that quote (that bothers you) means.
I can't understand why you feel so threatened by someone else's idea. It's all just words anyway.
"What Buddha might have been trying to say it this"
Buddha said EXACTLY what he wanted to say, and I agree with him wholeheartedly.
If you want to change your life, there is only one way to do it, and that is to change your mind. All the other stuff, the feelings, the strength, the courage, the know how will follow.
Look at that kitten looking in the mirror picture again. It says it all!
One more thing Solar. I don't need anyone to agree with me, when I know I'm right. And in this particular case, I have no doubt, because I have worked with the idea over so many decades. I haven't mastered it, far from it. But I know it works.
I'm not a Buddha worshiper, or any other kind of follower. But you know that.
These are my thoughts, and I found quotes that I though said it better than I have.
Hi Chlo,
No I don't feel threatened...and I do understand what makes you feel that way. I guess that this is one of very few things that we disagree with..honor is a must..for all things..can't just visualize something and get to it...it is also about how u get to it...Courage... takes many, many forms. Like the courage that you have to live life your way.....To me that Buddha is selling something.. yew we are the world...we make the world...but since the beginning of time...nature hasn't changed and never will...the good, bad, and ugly will always be around...just the way that we are built.
I think that visualization helps us along the way.....but u don't get there by seeing it in your mind alone....there many many things that can happen along the way to change that visualize....so adaptation should be one of our strongest, maybe the most important thing...
Adaptation is one of the most important things in life. Without it, we'd be doomed. I agree with you, things change along the way. I'm not talking about visualizing the steps to move forward, I'm talking about visualizing the end result, and then consciously doing what is necessary to get there. You don't do that by wishful thinking - of course I know that. I'm not trying to simplify the end result Solar, just saying in order to begin, you have to know what your end objective is. When I say things fall into place, I mean that you 'find a way' to make them happen, because you're not going to take no for an answer.
The only thing you get out of the 'You are what you think' idea is that you have to think more of yourself, before you can become more. You have to believe you can do it, before you go out and actually do. You probably do those steps unconsciously Solar. I know how hard you work, and how hard we all must work to get where we're going. I'm not trying to discount that.
I'm really saying that we have to believe in ourselves, or no one else will. And we have to be clear about what we want, or we'll never get anything.
I don't believe in magic Solar. You must know that.
Chloe,
All correct, just tying to keep it in the reality zone...I can't stress enough that fact....I can see building a house in my mind each, and every step...but it becomes very real when I have to deal with the everyday problems....ok now im going to take that first step and shovel my drive....yesterday, was a perfect snow ball fight day...but I did not participate...learned my lesson last year....
Enjoy your snow shoveling workout Solar.
... and I just want to tell you, that Buddha at the top of this thread, was nothing more than a fortune cookie type of thing, for fun. That's all. I've always enjoyed those little Buddha statuettes, but I sure don't study Buddhism.
I'm not pushing any Eastern Philosophies here, or anything else (as a matter of fact, know very little about them). Just enjoying playing around with each others ideas, that's all. And I sure don't want to offend anyone.
Don't take me too seriously.
Chloe,
I haven't been able to get out to shovel.....I think that we are just discussing our thoughts as always and im sorry if I was to forceful of mine...I do like the eastern philosophies more than any other, the Vendetta is the one that I like...Buddhism is one that I like also...but a some of it, is like hallmark cards...U always post some interesting thoughts, and they are just that thoughts to make us think and talk about it...
Chloe and Solar, I have been reading your comments - and thinking about them. It reminds me of my very young life as a single mother of 2 small boys. I could not afford housing so for several months we had to live with my parents. I was a high school graduate with few skills which included some typing. When I was 21, I started work as a clerk in a small plumbing office. From there I found a job in a small medical office. After a couple of years I moved into a larger medical office and was doing medical transcription and some accounts receiving. It was then that I knew I needed an education. I never wanted to be in a situation again in which I could not take care of my children and myself. When I had the opportunity I began college. I did not stop until I had a PhD. For me, education was the way out of poverty and homelessness. My parents had money. But I was determined not take money from them. They helped me with my children when I needed them. That was enough for me.
I guess what I was trying to say above is that sometimes the motivation to do something comes from a 'hunger' or desire to get out of a bad situation or move into a better situation. I did not purposely start out to get a doctorate. That just sort of evolved because of a desire to have a job that I wanted.
Hi Mary, so happy to see you back. I am going to have to buy a computer soon. The ones I am using belong to the Univ. Are you happy with your new computer?
Jan,
That took a lot of determination, and the sacrifice needed to do it...
I know that what Chloe is talking about is correct....but not for everyone. I think that it can and does work for the ones that are in a place that lets them project a better life, and vision it..then reach it by setting goals, and finding motivation to achieve it.
The part that im talking about is the part that u just described...the adaptability to move to a better place, and time....sometimes u just go with it...and let it lead u as u take the opportunities that open up...while u open them up your self...u take the initiative and make it happen..the end result is never known...congratulations to your parents for instilling that tremendous sense of dependence...I bet your two sons have it also...that is if they watched, and learned.!!
Maria,
So sorry not to have welcomed U back....couldn't stay away from me Huh??? or my crummy jokes :-)
Solar, my 2 oldest sons (the 2 little boys I mentioned above) are fiercely independent. They both seem to have that ability to do whatever they want.
I feel I have lost some of that 'hunger' that was the motivation I once had. Maybe I am too comfortable now. I can see why some people literally give everything away because they have a need to begin again.
"I can see building a house in my mind each, and every step...but it becomes very real when I have to deal with the everyday problems"
Solar, that is what I do when I am working on a something I am going to teach students and also when I am making a quilt. That is beautiful, the way you said this.
Jan, your boys had two great parents, both motivated, ambitious and loving. And you were also lucky to have such great kids.
Nice post Chloe. I am quite partial to the Budda even though he doesn't look like he put much effort in his exercise program.
Now that we found Solar, we need to keep digging. It seems we have lost Coreen. Hope she has power up her way.
Jan,
I bought a new HP laptop. That's what I had before and it took so much abuse and kept on working. I really liked it. I'm not putting anything to drink anywhere near it.
Still here, not lost, just waiting out the storm. We lucked out again....the snow is only about 6", the 1 foot+ prediction hasn't happened, but it is still lightly snowing, nasty wind, blowing snow and everything that fell is freezing on the roads & the roads are again snow covered....Driveway was plowed this p.m., but pretty sure he will be back overnite again...
The local weatherman actually apologized for
the fact that the noreaster didn't leave all the snow that they were saying it would...
it is still pretty unpleasant, but could be a lot worse....
Coreen, If the weather were like that here in Alb. not much would be moving on the streets. Are you able to get around on your roads and streets?
Carol, I am missing hearing some of your stories about your days at work. Must be pretty quiet around there.
I taped Ophra today b/c she had Celine Dion on. Celine is a real talker and so spontaneous. I think for once, Oprah could hardly get a word in. She also had on the Canadian Tenors, a mens group, who sang my new favorite song, 'Hallelujah.' I sat and cried - it was so beautiful. Celine came out and joined them singing at the end of the song. Oh my Gosh, then I bawled.
Celine has a movie coming out in mid Feb. of her world tour. I will definitely go see it.
Jan,
Tonite there is very little traffic (not that I can see the road from my house) it is quite
treacherous....We have a local cable tv channel that gives the weather & shows I95
in Ffld County constantly...right now I95 is
snow covered, limited visiblity but there is
some traffic moving along....The CT DOT trucks
go in convoys cleaning the road, but the snow
is still falling & blowing so hard to keep up...I think thats why it has been so awful in
the MidAtlantic states, so much snow & they are
not prepared to handle it....
Hard to believe the federal govt in DC has been shut down since the weekend because of snow, but it is....
Have to say the State road crews have been doing a really good job keeping the main roads
open in CT....
Gather from your comments you are a Celine Dion
fan....
Jan, not quiet at all. I'm really aggravated by the job this week. It's an employee problem and it's been evolving for a while now. I don't control the employees and those who do don't seem to care. I don't see any solution to the problem at this time. It's complicated.
Jan, I found the Canadian Tenors singing Hallelujah on Youtube. I just love that song. They are good. I wish I could have heard Celine singing it with them.
Coreen, do you have to get out to go to work tomorrow?
Don't have to go to my office, after I cleanup
& assuming the driveway is done, I may drive down, otherwise I can wait til Friday....I can
do some work here, I have programs that are on both home/office computers that I use for various work...
Carol, not to be to intrusive, have you given
any thought to retiring? It seems that your
work is very stressful & takes a big toll...
I keep thinking that sooner than later I will
close my office, it gets harder & harder to keep it going....But I just don't know what else I would want to do with my time....
Remember Coreen, I lost a good bit of my retirement funds. I also need to work. I do usually love my work but I wish other did also. For many, it's just a paycheck and that attitude can be dangerous when people in my profession feel that way.
Even though the buck stops with me, I can't change or fix the cash register. Not talking about money here.
There might be an answer in Chloe's post today but often when I need to be able to focus to find it, it most eludes me. The four days off I have coming up will at least get me a little farther away from it for a short time.
Which is one of the reasons that I work alone...I can rely on a couple of other attorneys who will help out if I need it, but when I was 'partners' with another attorney, her problems interfered with how I wanted an office to run & I am sure my way of doing things was not how she wanted to work & I decided that I was better off as a solo....
Wish I could offer some words of wisdom on how to cope with others that create conflict, seems the way you find comfort at your
'camp' is the equalizer for the stress...& you know all of us are here too, when you want to vent.....& even laugh too...
My driveway just got plowed again.....
I tend not to 'think' to much about things, rather just act...I don't analyze 'why' something happened, just doesn't work for me....that is one reason I rarely comment on
discussions like Solar & Chloe today....
Again my motto has always been...only the strong survive...& you just do what you have to....
It's getting late here, so better just say good nite....take care...
I enjoy most of Celine Dion's music. I love watching her sing because she puts so much of herself in her music. Some music really moves me. The soundtrack to the movie "The Mission" is some of my favorites music too.
Carol, I knew I had heard the song, Halleluja before. Jason Castro sang it last year on Idol. Leonard Cohen wrote the song. Jason Castro was one of my favorite idol contestants. He had such a sweet voice and a very humble manner.
Carol,
They have the video of Celine Dion singing "Allelujah" with the Canadian Tenors on the Oprah show on You Tube. I just watched it and it was good.
The snow shoveling was a little more than I wanted to. was about 10" and then I went and did my neighbors also...It wasn't too bad, cos it was not the heavy kind of snow...it was by the street, where the plow truck pushes it back onto the drive...I shovel that part to t he middle of the st..piles up if you don't.
Only problem that i had this am is in the spine area...thats where i have the disc disease...not bad today..lots of sun, and not so cold...
Chloe, U around, I have to take some of that back; b/c I know that I have visualized some things exactly as you said...that was in the sports that I played...and in some relationships..so i guess that it is a little bit of both...
Solar, That is so sweet of you to say that.
I have felt pretty bad, because I think what I said may have been misinterpreted. I know that we're all people with real problems, and I wasn't meaning to say that we can solve our problems with wishful thinking. If you look back at what I said in the post, it was really a post about mustering up a enough motivation to start exercising - nothing more.
The most important thing that will happen to me today, is having you say what you just said. The fact that you were trying to make feel better is all that matters. All the rest of the stuff is just talk.
All I can say Solar, is thanks for being you. You're one of a kind, and I feel so lucky to know you.
Chloe,
I know you were, maybe I wasn't on the best of moods when I posted that....yeah that's my excuse..but I would never set out to hurts u or any one else here...
The thing to remember for me, about getting the motivation for doing my exersice, is the way that I feel after it...and the way that it takes me into myself...I am to the point that I use some meditation, sometimes I feel really refreshed after a good work out..mentally, i do go into the past....how I felt running in the rain, on the track, at the our park...had lights and it is a great feeling to remember the silver, and gold rain as it fell....or some great game of football that we won, so I guess one of my motivations is to feel those times again??
I went to visit my neighbor just now to see how she was doing...Mary has a full time live in care taker, and I check up on her, just so she knows that Im around looking in on things....until I get to know her a little better....
From one of my favorite sites:
Home repossessions soar to 14-year high
The number of people who lost their home soared to a 14-year high during 2009, as the recession continued to take its toll, figures showed today.
Around 46,000 people had their property repossessed during the year, the highest level since 1995 and 15% more than in 2008, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders.
Home repossessions soar to 14-year high
/">Home repossessions soar to 14-year high
Carol, Mary and anyone else interested in hearing this version of Hallelujah by the Canadian Tenors with Celine Dion joining them at the end. The amazing thing about this song is that it was created for the movie "Shrek"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tubL9EaiztM
An addendum to the above. These guys are absolutely gorgeous too.
Music is a universal language and has the power to inspire and move us more than any words can do.
Ivy,
Just saw the Sports swim addition. Definitely going to be a collectors item...give it back.!!!
Lets see....in it were twins from a Southern State, a little farmer from Texas, an Alambama mama, a, poet, I think the one of them was even an atty.....all of them bird lovers they were....gonna keep this one.!!!
He is really going to like that article on.........on......be right back, I forgot what that article was about....going to have to read it again..!! (~_*) (~_*)
(~_*)
Bill Clinton has stents placed in coronary artery
"Former President Bill Clinton had two stents inserted in one of his heart arteries after being hospitalized with chest pains, an adviser said Thursday. Clinton, 63, "is in good spirits and will continue to focus on the work of his foundation and Haiti's relief and long-term recovery efforts...
This kind of disease is progressive. It's not a one-time event, so it really points out the need for constant surveillance" and treating risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure..." http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100211/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_bill_clinton
Just in case anyone is curious to see which models are in the new Sports Illustrated mag., here they are. You click on the model if you want to see the magazine pics:
2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
Chloe,
Love that link....NOW I have played a few games, answered some questions that were a little embarrassing, and took a cpl of test.....Now it's the Pinks turn.!!!
Pick out the model that u all look like the most.........OK...GO.!!
GO.!!
Will tell U the truth...all of them are a little skinny.!! ad about 10lb s to them.....
Leave it to you to find other things on that site Solar. I went back to take a look, and all I saw was that you could download the models pics onto iphone.
Haven't you ever heard you can't be too thin?
Haitian judge poised to release US missionaries
"The 10 U.S. missionaries charged with kidnapping for trying to take a busload of children out of Haiti should be released from jail while an investigation continues, a Haitian judge said Thursday, giving the Americans their best news since their arrests nearly two weeks ago."
US missionaries
Afternoon folkes. I did find that Youtube of the Tenors and Celine this morning. It wasn't there last night when I looked but I found it this morning. It was a great way to wake up. Beautiful music, beautiful song, and beautiful people is a good way to start the day. The rest of the day was better. What also made it better is that I decided to take tomorrow off so that adds an extra day to my 4 day Mardi
Gras holiday. I needed a get away.
Not great weather for a long weekend. It's cold and rainy here. Down right nasty and headed your way Ivy. This might be what turns into snow for you. Their expecting snow just north of my parish. Are you getting any of the white stuff Chloe? I think you might be a little north of me, as the crow flies.
Carol,
My little Radio Shack weather radio is sporting a "red alert" for winter storm warning. Some schools are already announcing closings for tomorrow. Of course, it doesn't take much snow to get people all excited around here.
Sure Solar, we looked like some of those chicks 30-40 years ago. What do you think they will look like at our age?
I will take one of Emma's and gammies pic's over these skinny pinks anytime....
My Radio Shack weather radio is one of the conditions I set to Hubs for moving me back to the South. The other was a basement shelter which eventually morphed into "the Man Cave." lol
Just pick one I can do the age process, just like the scientist do...they just add a little here, and a little there......about 10 years ago, they showed how the real Jesus would have looked like....it is an amazing art.!!
Ivy, is hubs going to get home before the snow starts flying, whether it be from the white stuff coming out of the sky or the swimsuit edition accidentally falling in the shredder.
Solar,
I'm not hiding the magazine from Hubs. It's his to find in the pile when he gets to it. He hasn't been home all week. For all I know, he already perused a copy at the airport. Actually, the first thing he'll want to see when he gets home is his Tivo of "Jack Bauer."
Solar, just use your imagination. I'll bet it's pretty good and I'll settle for that. We ARE what you THINK!
Carol,
He will be home any minute. The dogs will be the first to know and will set up an alert. They can distinguish his car coming down the street from all the rest!
I think that is so cool Ivy, how dogs can hear the sound of their pet's vehicle even a ways down the road.
Ivy, Aren't dogs funny about that. Lobie is the same way, she knows when John is a block away. I bet you are happy he is coming home too. I suppose we should not be looking for you on here for a while. Have fun!
I'm glad he's getting home before the weather gets bad.
Carol said...
" Solar, just use your imagination. I'll bet it's pretty good and I'll settle for that. We ARE what you THINK!"
WHAT I THINK.!! Well here U go.....every one of U is much prettier than any on of those skinny wanna be movie stars...cept that Maris keeps falling down......hope she doesn't dance with her new lap top...hahahaaaaa
Coreen, how are you doing?
John's daughter lives in a Virginia town close to DC. Everything has shut down there due to the snow.
That's a good start Solar.
I took a peek at the pics of the swimsuit models. Solar, I have never looked like that. For one thing, at my tallest (which has been a while) I was 5-2. Those girl's legs go on forever. When I was young, the women we aspired to look like had large breasts and small waists. I had the waist but not the breasts - so I have missed out all the way around.
I know the Winter Olympics starts tomorrow, but Monday and Tuesday is the 134th Westmintster Kennel Club Dog Show. It is the second-oldest sporting event in the U.S. Only the Kentucky Derby is older (by two years).
Although there are no "predictions," the winningest dog in the country this year is a four-year-old female Scottie named Sadie. I will be arroo-rooting for her.
Ch Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot aka Sadie
oops- Maris= maria
Don't worry about fixing those mistakes Solar. Most of the time we can read your mind and sometimes we try not to.
Chloe, and Don If U R around. I have my pc working a lot better now, but have to clear to often..keep getting a script stopped error...what is the java that u are running,and what are the java add on's ??? thanks
"Don't worry about fixing those mistakes Solar. Most of the time we can read your mind and sometimes we try not to."
Glad that I wasn't drinking anything....like Tony Baloney say's "U so funny" hahaha
"My cat, Scabby, could beat the c rap of of (sic) this dog with two paws tied behind his back."
rotflmao...a commenter posted this comment on the dog-story page I linked above. Typos nothwithstanding, this is too true. Miss College's cat can take on all three Scottie dogs at once and come out the winner! lolol
Carol,
The Eagle has landed.
Ivy, we always try to watch the Westminster Dog Show. Our neighbor across the street has a brother of a dog that won best in show last year(I think it was the Westminster Dog Show - the Dog's name is "Stump" The woman that sold Stump to the owner lives in Chicago and is our neighbor's daughter, and our neighbors have Stump's brother, Sam. I can't remember the breed, but the dog has a reddish brown coat and short legs. He looks sleepy all the time.
http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/2009/results/bis/
Here is Stump. I found it. He is a sussex spaniel.
Sam looks just like Stump. His owner, Joe, walks him every morning. Sam and Lobie are good friends.
That's a cute dog Jan. I love Scotty dogs also even though I've never personall known any. I fell in love with Bush's Barney and Ms Beasley.
Carol, What was the name of your dog when Steve and I visited you in 1979 or 1980? Was he a cocker spaniel? He was a really cute dog.
I think we have lost Ivy to Hubs.
Jan,
I remember Stump! He is the reigning champ...came out of "retardment" to become the oldest-evarrr winner of "The Show." lol
Our "Mr. Gus" is the great-grandson of the previous Scottie BIS whose name was "Peggy Sue."
No, Jan, Ivy's lost Hubs to Jack Bauer.
Carol,
Barney was my favorite Bush.
My Cocker was Rocky. He lived to be 15. He had a seizure disorder after being hit by a truck out at mom's one day. It was the last time I ever let a dog off a leash. I would get so distressed when Rocky had a seizure I had to take a valium.
Ivy, that is great. I will have to look up Peggy Sue. How old is Mr. Gus now? I hate to admit ignorance,but who is Jack Bauer?
Carol, LOL - Barney is a cute dog - I would have to ditto
We used to take our dogs to weekly training camp where we got to spend time with all the breeds (and their parents). We fell in love with the "Newfie" even though they are way too large in my book for a house pet. Also, the Clumber Spaniel which closely resembles the Sussex. These are "hard to get" dogs, and very expensive if you can find one.
I am partial to pure breed dogs even though I know most people campaign for rescuing shelter dogs. I prefer to work on reducing or eliminating the need for dog shelters...neutering and spaying (my dogs are done).
The "best dog" we ever had (they're all the best), was a mixed breed that looked like a border collie. He was a smart and well-trained dog, except for his habit of eating pies, pie-pan and all.
Yes! Rocky. 15 is a ripe old age for a dog. Did you get him as a puppy?
That was one aspect of George Bush I really liked. He won my heart when I saw him with his two dogs.
I just love dogs - whether pure breed or rescue. Most make such wonderful companions.
Off to get something to eat. John is about to eat his computer.
Jan,
Jack Bauer is the main character on "24" starring Kieffer Sutherland. I have never seen a single episode, but I know all about it because Hubs, my brothers, and even Bear Woman talk about nothing else when they are together.
For Christmas, I bought them all tee shirts that say 'Jack Bauer can choke you with a cordless phone," and "If you woke up today, thank Jack Bauer."
I had nothing but health problems with my pure bred dogs. Mostly serious skin disorders. Maggie, knock on wood, has been pretty healthy.
One of my friends was told by one of the Vets at the LSU Vet school that these rescue, mixed breed dogs are usually much healthier than many pure bred dogs. I'm sure it depends on who the breeders are.
Jan,
Angus ("Mr. Gus") is seven years old now...a so-called "Senior Dog." He has always believed himself "senior" even when he was a puppy. Although the new puppy, Miss Lillie, is challenging him for the spot of "top dog."
Carol,
We've had a lot of health problems with Miss Meg, including skin problems. Still battling those. In addition, I am awaiting the results of a lab report on cells taken from a new soft lump on her neck. The vet was concerned because it's near the thyroid.
Speaking of Bear Woman and "24," she has survived the northeast blizzard, and that was about how many inches of snow she got. She said her bee hives were covered up by snow, so she had to battle the winds and drifts to uncover them, as they must have air circulation. She says, in the winter the bees go into a ball like a soccer ball, and keep rotating the warmer bees to the outside of the ball and moving the colder ones to the inside. They are very efficient. Nature is ingenious.
The bears, of course, are asleep for the winter. They are not foolish like the groundhogs who pop their heads up too early. Bears already know it's pointless.
I was reading about Scottish Terriers and their health problems Ivy. Scottish Terriers.." From bleeding disorders to joint disorders to autoimmune diseases to allergies and skin conditions, Scottish Terriers are risky in the health department.
Found this site that talks about cooking your dogs food.
Scottish Terrier Health
Maggie has eaten homemade dog food since that dog food scare. I wonder if my other dogs would have had so many problems if I had cooked their food. I use either chicken or ground chuck, squash or carrots and whole grain pasta. I cook up a batch twice a week and it really isn't that much work.
But sometimes when it's the day to cook the Maggie food and I'm tired, she will eat healthier than I will. I only buy the Tyson, no hormone, steroids or antibiotic, chicken for Maggie's food. Not so particular for my chicken.
And I figure I might can use some of those hormones and antibiotics.
You are a good dog mom, Carol. Maggie is lucky to have you, and vice versa, as I'm sure she reminds you.
love to watch the westminster, my favorite is the bedlington terrier...looks like a lamb...
don't know how the judge can choose the best in show from the best in breeds though....
have always been a cat person, not a dog person, one of my friends has
a jack russell (but they changed the name...always forget what they call them now) & another has always had pitbulls...not my favorite, though she treats them like children
she has 2 & a gordon setter, and a samll collie type...
Miss Meg didn't have allergies until we moved to B'ham, and neither did I. Now we both have to take shots. lol
And today turned out to be a pretty good day here, started out with some snow cover, but by afternoon, just wet roads....by tomorrow most
roads will be dry other than the piles on the side....everything is back to normal...
Coreen,
The Jack's new name is "Parson Russell Terrier." The originator of the breed was Parson Jack Russell.
Pit bulls are not "bad dogs," unless they fall into the clutches of "bad people."
Maggie could use a good doggie Shrink though. She is a strange dog at times. Her drama queen behavior is something I've not seen before in my other dogs.
Thanks, for a second, I thought you were talking about '24' Ivy....
By the way, 24 is not bad, any particular reason you never watched it... I watch it for a few minutes (back & forth with 2-1/2 men)just to get the storyline...most are pretty out there...but as with all heroes Jack Bauer is the only one who can get out of any situation...I know that the show has caused
a right/left love it/hate it, but since I like
heavy body count action movies & the good guy always wins....it works for me...he can take a beating, poisoning, whatever the bad guy can dish out & he keeps on winning....
My friend has always had pitbulls...the 2 she
& her husband have now are like her children...
One Petey actually lays on a raft in her pool
with her....I am not afraid of them but all 4 of them will run to greet you when you are there & the girl pitbull jumped up towards me
once & hit her head on my nose...they are so very strong...my thought at the time was what if she smelled my cats & wasn't greeting me....so I am somewhat leary now...& really don't go over there often....
Carol, you cook more for your Maggie in a week than I cook in a year. Maggie does look very healthy. You know what they say about dogs, they pick up the personalities of their human companions. Lobie and John both nap much of the day. They are both pretty laid back - neither gets too disturbed about anything.
I have only known one pitbull and he scared me.
But I'm not a drama queen Jan. She did spend a long weekend with Mary right after I first got her......They bonded and Maggie just loves Mary. She used to cry for a while when Mary would come over a leave. If I tell her that Aunt Mary is coming to visit, she runs to the window and waits.
My oldest son loves 24 - I should have known the guy's name. We watch 2 1/2 men despite seeing every episode cazillion times. The writers are amazing. Been reading about Charlie Sheen. He apparently is a mean drunk. Sometimes I think I should not watch 2 1/2 men-because of Charlie's alleged domestic violence - but I can't seem to help myself.
Carol, very true - I don't recall you ever being a drama queen. I just had to tease you a little bit.
"Parson Jack Russell"
Ivy, how interesting,John has a friend who is an Epis priest - and his name is Jack Russell.
Jan,
Programming note...Celine Dion on Larry King
Monday...
I watch 2 1/2 men too....reruns as well...I think if we knew about most of the actors we
enjoy we probably wouldn't like them....
Did you see that they had the fiance leave this
week...I hope she is gone, since the show has
not been funny with this storyline....
Coreen, when my sister and I get together and pick out a movie, she always picks an action movie with a heavy body count. By the end of the movie my heart feels like a Jumping Jack inside my chest and then I have to do some bio feedback to get it to stop.
I don't know why they have to keep changing the names of things for no reason. The first name was perfectly useful. They are always doing that with bird species. Perfect example was the Marsh Hawk which they went and changed to Northern Harrier. Who the heck knows what a "harrier" is?, but when you see a marshy area by the side of the highway, and a hawk is hovering like a hummingbird, you know immediately, it's a Marsh Hawk. I think it must be so they can sell new editions of the field guides. No need, we die-hards will buy the new field guides anyway.
Coreen, I agree about Charlie's fiance. It just didn't work well. I missed their usual funny antics. I think they need to leave Charlie like he is - being a good guy in a relationship just does not work for him (probably in real life too).
Thanks for the tip about Celine. I will be sure and tape it.
Miss College used to bring her BF's pit bull here to visit. He was sweet and harmless, but he sure made the Fed Ex guy shrink back when he came to the door. His reputation preceeded him. I think their proper name is American Staffordshire Terrier.
Ivy, speaking of hawks, I tried to get a pic
of two up in a high tree, but the detail is
not good. Not sure what type they are, but they are always around...they were both side by side....I know the are waiting for my little guys who I leave bird seed for...don't like the idea, but I know its the way it is....I have seen one on the roof, really big & strong looking, but never 2 together....
Wish we had some marshes here so we could see one of those marsh hawks. We do have cranes here. I saw a huge bunch of them in an open field about 20 miles west of here just yesterday.
The pit bull and Miss College's Cat used to live together. When MC'sBF had to move to a place with no pets, he went looking for "temporary" homes. That's how we got Miss College's Cat. We had to say no to "Ace," so he went with a relative of MC'sBF's. Miss College's Cat will eventually go with them (wherever they end up), but Ace's new mom says no way, Ace stays with her.
Coreen, did you read that Elizabeth Edwards is threatening Andrew Young, who wrote that book about John Edwards, with an alienation of affection law suit?
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/John_Edwards_Scandal/elizabeth-edwards-threatens-husbands-aide-lawsuit-andrew-young/story?id=9802774&page=1
Jan,
I would love to see those cranes. I'm guesing they are Sandhill Cranes.
Coreen,
I will make an uninformed guess you have a mated pair of Red Shouldered Hawks. Could be Red-Tailed, but my money would be on Red Shouldered for the sake of the wager.
Are you sure those weren't Egrets in that field, Jan?
Egrets
No Carol, didn't see that, will look it over,
but my feeling about the entire sordid mess, is
they all should probably get out of the public's eye & try to get on with their lives... I actually liked John Edwards, he said the right things, but wondered about their
marriage, my cynical nature, he was a good looking guy with lots of opportunities....& well, that basic flaw in just about all guys
usually shows up given the chance....& my instincts were right...he turned out to be a huge disappointment & a pretty shabby person...
Jan,
The Sandhill crane-guess is not hard to make. The only other possibility would be the Whooping Cranes. They are the most endangered birds in the world. If you have them, your flock would be out-numbered by the flocks of bird-watchers. If you do have them, shhhh, don't tell anybody.
Carol,
I think Jan's cranes are cranes. I know of other sightings of them in her area.
Sandhill Crane photo
Carol, Just read the abc edwards piece...you know, if you were writing a novel, it wouldn't be believed...those sex tapes that the aide
turned over...do you really think there aren't any more copies with someone...though what value they have now since the entire sleazy
mess is really old news, I am not sure....
It's hard to believe that a man running for president would make a sex tape or allow it to be made. If there is such a tape, I wonder if he knew about it and if he didn't why he would still be interested in someone who could set him up like that.
Oh, I think they have value Coreen. Anything sleazy like that, involving a well known person, has value.
I just saw an item on Yahoo about movie werewolves' transformations...who's the best and scariest? Surely to advertise the new movie coming out...I'm going to have to skip it...We saw the werewolf movie trailer when we went to see "Sherlock." Looks compelling, but we decided then, no way. It's an "R" ... Twilight's werewolf is my speed.
When I think of fields Ivy, I think of Egrets. You can't pass a field down here without seeing a field full of Egrets.
Where's Jan, a line from 2-1/2 men fits edwards & most guys in these cases....he was thinking with his little head....Jake looking at charlie at the kitchen table says, uncle charlie's head isn't little, mom says he thinks with his little head...i don't get it....
Coreen, I think Elizabeth could win a lawsuit like that if a jury is involved. She is now a pretty sympathetic figure.
Maybe Carol, though CT doesn't have that type lawsuit, I think it is generally targeted at the person who stole your spouse....a bit of a stretch to sue the aide who covered/assisted
the infidelity....
They would try to portray her in a very negative light, I think some of the book Young
wrote contains some very unflattering accounts
of Elizabeth Edwards....But I agree that a jury
would likely be sympathetic toward her....just not sure what the benefit is to pursue it...
Well Coreen, Young may end up spending most of his book profits defending against lawsuits. Karma.
I read a quote today attributed to the late mayor of Atlanta, William Hartsfield. He said it a lonngg time ago - shortly after the camera was invented - you'd think politicians would have taken heed by now.
"Never do anything wrong that they can take a picture of."
Ivy, I will ask around about the cranes. I am sure they were cranes. I had a student with me and she saw them first. It was a large flock.
Went off to take a bath. Am back.
Coreen, I remember the episode you are talking about.
I like that saying "never do anything wrong...picture of" The problem is that in today's world, every electronic defice takes pictures.
Carol, I don't think they were egrets. They had long legs and very "crany" necks.
Ok folks, here it is. I have heard of the Bosque del Apache cranes. This area is very close.
http://www.friendsofthebosque.org/crane/
Well, the piece I just posted here talks about this festival in Nov and the Bosque is pretty far from here - about 200 miles I think. But the cranes we saw were greyish and looked like the ones in the 2nd picture.
Well, guess everyone has left. I will talk to you guys tomorrow.
Chloe & Solar, where did you go? Come out, come out, wherever you are. Carol & Ivy & Coreen & Jan want to play.
Jan,
They must've gone to brush their teeth. Thanks for that crane festival link. Looks like a nice event. Have you ever attended? Your cranes' colors could look different depending on the light.
Jan,
Cameras everywhere is all the more reason to "never do anything wrong..."
Our snow is supposed to get here after midnight. Mississippi already has some on the ground, they say.
Just checking in before I shut this down....Ivy
hope you don't get snow that causes a problem,
will the temps go up pretty fast even if it does snow....
Jan, like you I went into the whirlpool, I feel like someone beat me up from shoveling snow today...
Carol have you & Maggie gone out for a walk, hope you relax on your extended weekend....
Solar probalbly passed out, he shoveled a lot more snow than I did....Not sure where Chloe wound up tonight...
And where or where is Don....hard to believe he just dropped out of sight so suddenly....that is why I am not so comfortable with the internet thing....you don't ever really know what happens when someone just stops....
Take care for now...
I too am checking in before bed.
Ivy, I have not been to the bosque when the cranes are there, but now I will plan to do that. I have heard others talk about it.
Coreen, be careful shoveling that snow.
A warm bath or getting in warm water after strenuous activity can help relaxation for sleep. I have an older tub that is large. I often fall asleep in it - the tub is not long enough that it is dangerous. This relieves any joint pain or headaches.
Coreen, I was just watching the NY governor on Larry King's show. I don't keep up with the latest political scandals usually. He was saying he has not been guilty of cheating, etc. He certainly seemed sincere. What do you know or think about it?
Good night.
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