So one of my goals this year is to keep up on the news better. I've always kinda ignored the news. I know, I know....terrible. I just never paid much attention. Plus, sometimes they can really manipulate the news to get a certain reaction. Other times it's downright depressing, so why bother? I like my happy bubble!!! Anyway, so I'm aiming to look through the top news stories every now and then.
Today I went to a local news website and under the "Odds & Ends" link (bound to be something interesting right?) I read the following story. Something makes me think it was a rather slow news day....
Burning bagel empties Portland City Hall
January 27th, 2010 @ 6:49pm
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An overdone bagel forced the evacuation of Portland's City Hall. The Oregonian reported that City Hall emptied for about 20 minutes Wednesday morning while firefighters dealt with the burning bagel in the break room of Mayor Sam Adam's office. There's no immediate word on who burned the bagel in the toaster oven or what type of bagel it was.
Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com/
I find the last sentence particularly amusing. I hope they figure out whodunnit and especially what kind of bagel!!!!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
It was so bad that it's good!
"It was so bad that it's good!"
This is a phrase that has wandered into my mind recently.
In reference to one really bad relationship in particular, I've realized just how much appreciate the fact that it was SO bad it's actually GOOD! Thanks to those "bad" experiences, I can now enjoy the good so much more!
All that stress, anxiety, worry, heartache, lameness, confusion, miscommunication, misunderstanding, frustration as well as a few tears and a bunch of terrible blind dates (that felt like a huge waste of time)....All worth it. Kinda reminds me of that book by Sheri Dew: "If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard". Well duh....
More than once during some of those most troubling times in life I've been guilty of wishing I could have all the answers right then and there. Just when I felt as if I'd explode from the seemingly unbearable uncertainty, knowing the Whys, Hows, What-ifs what have been just the ticket. We can be such pansies sometimes, thinking to ourselves things like:
"It hurts!"
"Take it away!"
"This is too hard!"
"If I could just know everything at that very moment the pain would go away, right?"
Honestly, I'm glad things don't work that way. SO glad! It's a wonderful feeling to look back and see how all those experiences have added up to make me into who I am today (and hopefully that is a better person). How would we learn anything otherwise? To me it's yet another reminder of how aware God is of His children, and how everything is for our good and ultimately our happiness.
:)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Best Places to Die
In my death and dying class, our professor shared with us some interesting trivia, which I shall now pass along to you.
When you think of the best place to die (which I'm sure is something you've thought about quite a lot, am I right? hehe), what comes to mind? Why not paradise (Hawaii)? Or.....I dunno, maybe you've got your own idea.
Bet you never thought it would be.......UTAH!
According to Forbes magazine, here's the Top 10 List of Best Places to Die
The Top Ten
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| 1 | Utah |
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| 2 | Oregon |
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| 3 | Delaware |
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| 4 | Colorado |
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| |
| 5 | Hawaii |
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| |
| 6 | New Hampshire |
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| 7 | Iowa |
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| 8 | North Dakota |
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| 9 | Vermont |
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| 10 | Montana |
There you have it. Surprised?
They did look at several factors such as ship-in rate versus ship-out rate compared to other states (which very much correlates with quality of healthcare & hospice, which Utah rates pretty high ---considering we've got Huntsman Cancer Institute, Primary Children's Medical Center, and the Intermountain Hospital being among some of the top facilities in the nation--, number of cemeteries, etc).
To find out more go here:
Nickel & Dimed
So I parked at the meter today (because I was feeling lazy and not so much like walking clear across campus to my Biology class). Thinking ahead, I stuffed four quarters into my coat pocket as I left my house this morning to cover my 1 hour parking at the meter. When I went to drop my coins in the meter the quarter wouldn't fit.
"For real?!?!" I thought.
I'm not sure if it was just a ghetto parking meter or if the last person who took out the money didn't put it back together correctly, but I didn't have time to try and figure it out. So much for thinking ahead and being ready with my four quarters huh?
I scrounged my coin pocket and had enough nickels and dimes (which were the only alternatives that would fit into the slot) for 48 minutes worth of parking and skipped off to my 50 minute long Biology class, and hoped for mercy from the parking patrol.
Class, over. I stroll back to my car. Sure enough, the meter is blinking that my time has expired....and no ticket!
Yes!
Mercy granted. Thank you!
Lesson learned: I need to carry around more change! haha
The Tinglies
I have The Tinglies.
The good kind and the not-so-good kind.
The good kind:
Well, if we've conversed at all lately you know what that's all about so no need to expound. :)
The not-so-good kind:
Last Friday I started experiencing an uncomfortable pain in my right wrist. It kind of randomly would shoot up the rest of my arm and up into my shoulder. My shoulders get tense frequently...probably due mostly to bad posture. Today my right carpals, particularly my ring and pinky digits are tingly. Not sure what that means but I can't imagine it's great news... A friend told me it could be it could be the beginning of carpal tunnel, someone else told me it could be tendonitis....I suppose it's time to go see the professionals...ick. I hate going to the Dr. I have even admitted to people I'd rather have all my teeth pulled and shave my head than go to the Dr (fine, that might be a minor hyperbole). Stay tuned.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Always Check Your Eggs!
This lesson could also apply to people. You want to always make sure not to judge someone based on outer qualities, because they might be "cracked" on the inside! ;)
Motivational Hoodie
This is my motivational hoodie.
My parents got this for me in Argentina a few years ago.
Apparently is had some kind of relationship with a soap opera or TV show
(Random, I know, but I like it!)
It also helps me remember what my blood type is.
Hmm. Useful!
I love the beginning of a fresh new year!
Although I can hardly believe it's 2010 (seems like a futuristic, science fictional thing),
I am looking forward to what's ahead and already it has started off quite well. ;)
Like many, I have often made my little list of goals (or what some call "New Year's Resolutions")
I've never really considered myself to be the "goal oriented" type exactly, and always kinda struggled with the whole process. I'm also kind of a perfectionist sometimes and expect a lot from myself. Sometimes even unrealistic things, and when I don't measure up I get very frustrated. So, what would often happen would be that I'd start out really excited about changing and becoming better, and then a few failures later I was kinda done.
Let's face it, checking things off a To-Do list feels wonderful.
Failure, not so much. Often it is not motivating.
But! I guess it all depends on how you're looking at it....
The first sunday at church we had an awesome, motivating little lesson on goals and goal making and I've decided that this year I want to have a different attitude. This year I'm going to focus on consistency and perseverance. Essentially.....enduring to the end.
So what if my goal is to not drink soda pop and by the end of the year I still drink it?
(and I really don't even drink that much but sometimes Coke just tastes so good to wash down pizza or pasta!)
Well then, the important thing is that at the very least I'm drinking less than I was before.
I have learned that it's ok if reaching a goal takes time. Even if it turns out to be longer than originally anticipated. (That is of course, as long as we are working on it) Just like they say, "Rome wasn't built in a day". What matters is taking it one step at a time, It just takes little steps day by day, improving bit by bit.
I like this quote:
"Perfection is a process and not an event, and you will come to appreciate that perfection is an internal matter, not external. It is a process by which you and I learn to eliminate the things in life that are not good, replcae them with the things in life that are eternal in nature, with the objective and thought that perfection is obtainable, but it must be earned."
Wish me luck! :) And best wishes to you and your goal making.
My parents got this for me in Argentina a few years ago.
Apparently is had some kind of relationship with a soap opera or TV show
(Random, I know, but I like it!)
It also helps me remember what my blood type is.
Hmm. Useful!
I love the beginning of a fresh new year!
Although I can hardly believe it's 2010 (seems like a futuristic, science fictional thing),
I am looking forward to what's ahead and already it has started off quite well. ;)
Like many, I have often made my little list of goals (or what some call "New Year's Resolutions")
I've never really considered myself to be the "goal oriented" type exactly, and always kinda struggled with the whole process. I'm also kind of a perfectionist sometimes and expect a lot from myself. Sometimes even unrealistic things, and when I don't measure up I get very frustrated. So, what would often happen would be that I'd start out really excited about changing and becoming better, and then a few failures later I was kinda done.
Let's face it, checking things off a To-Do list feels wonderful.
Failure, not so much. Often it is not motivating.
But! I guess it all depends on how you're looking at it....
The first sunday at church we had an awesome, motivating little lesson on goals and goal making and I've decided that this year I want to have a different attitude. This year I'm going to focus on consistency and perseverance. Essentially.....enduring to the end.
So what if my goal is to not drink soda pop and by the end of the year I still drink it?
(and I really don't even drink that much but sometimes Coke just tastes so good to wash down pizza or pasta!)
Well then, the important thing is that at the very least I'm drinking less than I was before.
I have learned that it's ok if reaching a goal takes time. Even if it turns out to be longer than originally anticipated. (That is of course, as long as we are working on it) Just like they say, "Rome wasn't built in a day". What matters is taking it one step at a time, It just takes little steps day by day, improving bit by bit.
I like this quote:
"Perfection is a process and not an event, and you will come to appreciate that perfection is an internal matter, not external. It is a process by which you and I learn to eliminate the things in life that are not good, replcae them with the things in life that are eternal in nature, with the objective and thought that perfection is obtainable, but it must be earned."
Elder Russell M. Ballard
We got this nifty little handout about making goals. I hope you'll find it helpful.
1. Get clear on a goal
2. Write it down (very important, so you don't forget!)
1. Get clear on a goal
2. Write it down (very important, so you don't forget!)
3. Asses your goal
Think of in present tense "I am....", not "I will...."
Be specific
Make sure it's achievable and measurable
Be positive, say "i can do it!"
Set a time limit
4. Break it down (start small, step by step)
5. Get help (family, friends, prayer)
6. Take action (Just do it! Don't wait.)
7. Keep your goal alive (nurture it, feed it, make visual reminders, etc.)
Oh, back to the hoodie, my goal this semester (inspired by a certain someone) is to get a 4.0. The last time I actually got a 4.0 was in high school I think.....This semester I'm taking 17 credits (which I also haven't done in awhile) and working 30 hours a week. I realize that to some people this is nothing, but for me it will be a challenge.
5. Get help (family, friends, prayer)
6. Take action (Just do it! Don't wait.)
7. Keep your goal alive (nurture it, feed it, make visual reminders, etc.)
Oh, back to the hoodie, my goal this semester (inspired by a certain someone) is to get a 4.0. The last time I actually got a 4.0 was in high school I think.....This semester I'm taking 17 credits (which I also haven't done in awhile) and working 30 hours a week. I realize that to some people this is nothing, but for me it will be a challenge.
Wish me luck! :) And best wishes to you and your goal making.
Make 2010 the best ever!!
Paper cuts
Can you spot my paper cut?
OUCH.
How is it that such a tiny little cut can
hurt sooooo much???
Especially when it's right on a crease.
Those are the worst.
But isn't is so cool how your body can just heal itself?
Pretty amazing.
Rubber Thimble
This is my "rubber thimble".
I use it at work all the time.
Sometimes I forget I even have it on and it becomes a part of me.
Every now and then I panic looking for it, only to realize it's ON my finger.
It helps me flip through papers faster.
I sure like my rubber thimble.
It is neat.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The Chili Cookoff
This was forwarded to me today, haha.
New Mexico Chili Cookoff
If you can read this whole story without laughing, then there's no hope for you. I was crying by the end. This is an actual account as relayed to paramedics at a chili cook-off in New Mexico .
Note: Please take time to read this slowly.
If you pay attention to the first two judges, the reaction of the third judge is even better.
For those of you who have lived in New Mexico , you know how true this is. They actually have a Chili Cook-off about the time Halloween comes around. It takes up a major portion of a parking lot at the Santa Fe Plaza . Judge #3 was an inexperienced Chile taster named Frank, who was visiting from Springfield, IL .
Frank: Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table, asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native New Mexicans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy; and, besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted and became Judge #3.
Here are the scorecard notes from the event:
CHILI # 1 - MIKE'S MANIAC MONSTER CHILI
Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.
Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.
Judge # 3 (Frank) -- Holy crap, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These New Mexicans are crazy.
CHILI # 2 - EL RANCHO'S AFTERBURNER CHILI
Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.
Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.
Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me theHeimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.
CHILI # 3 - ALFREDO'S FAMOUS BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI
Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick.
Judge # 2 -- A bit salty, good use of peppers.
Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting sh*t-faced from all of the beer.
CHILI # 4=2 0- BUBBA'S BLACK MAGIC
Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.
Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the beer maid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. This 300 lb. Woman is starting to look HOT ... Just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?
CHILI # 5 - LISA'S LEGAL LIP REMOVER
Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Jalapeno peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the jalapeno peppers make a strong statement.
Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted, and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really ticks me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw them.
CHILI # 6 - VARGA'S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY
Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spices and peppers.
Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, garlic. Superb.
Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I crapped on myself when I farted, and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my butt with a snow cone.
CHILI # 7 - SUSAN'S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI
Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. **I should take note that I am worried about Judge #3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.
Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing. It's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.
CHILI # 8 - BIG TOM 'S TOENAIL CURLING CHILI
Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor fella, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot chili?
Judge # 3 -- No report.
If you can read this whole story without laughing, then there's no hope for you. I was crying by the end. This is an actual account as relayed to paramedics at a chili cook-off in New Mexico .
Note: Please take time to read this slowly.
If you pay attention to the first two judges, the reaction of the third judge is even better.
For those of you who have lived in New Mexico , you know how true this is. They actually have a Chili Cook-off about the time Halloween comes around. It takes up a major portion of a parking lot at the Santa Fe Plaza . Judge #3 was an inexperienced Chile taster named Frank, who was visiting from Springfield, IL .
Frank: Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table, asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native New Mexicans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy; and, besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted and became Judge #3.
Here are the scorecard notes from the event:
CHILI # 1 - MIKE'S MANIAC MONSTER CHILI
Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.
Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.
Judge # 3 (Frank) -- Holy crap, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These New Mexicans are crazy.
CHILI # 2 - EL RANCHO'S AFTERBURNER CHILI
Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.
Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.
Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me theHeimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.
CHILI # 3 - ALFREDO'S FAMOUS BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI
Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick.
Judge # 2 -- A bit salty, good use of peppers.
Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting sh*t-faced from all of the beer.
CHILI # 4=2 0- BUBBA'S BLACK MAGIC
Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.
Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the beer maid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. This 300 lb. Woman is starting to look HOT ... Just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?
CHILI # 5 - LISA'S LEGAL LIP REMOVER
Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Jalapeno peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the jalapeno peppers make a strong statement.
Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted, and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really ticks me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw them.
CHILI # 6 - VARGA'S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY
Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spices and peppers.
Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, garlic. Superb.
Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I crapped on myself when I farted, and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my butt with a snow cone.
CHILI # 7 - SUSAN'S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI
Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. **I should take note that I am worried about Judge #3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.
Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing. It's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.
CHILI # 8 - BIG TOM 'S TOENAIL CURLING CHILI
Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor fella, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot chili?
Judge # 3 -- No report.
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