cute baby names

viviana- lively, italian
cara-love, italian
gianna-italian
luciana-italian
mia-italian

phillip-lover of horses, irish
giovanni-italian
leonardo-italian
aaron- hebrew

Being the Best

There was a girl who was getting an injury taken care of. The doctor told her of course she would live, but she would probably carry a scar for her life. The doctor did tell her to be careful, as the scar would need to heal properly in order not to become infected.  She understood.
The next month, the girl came back to the doctor. She thought her injury had healed...but it did not heal ninety nine percent like it should have... and yet she came back with not one but two injuries. The doctor gave her a new warning after giving her the tools to fix herself. She understood and left again....


What does this mean to you? hmm? Of course it seems like a stupid and repetitive story... One that makes no sense, that you wasted time reading. but did you?

If the girl would have given her heart break a chance to heal, she would not have broken it so soon again. Because not having the first wound heal, then making another one, only makes it harder in the end.
The injury happens. Someone breaks up at least once everyday.
Hearts can heal. For every heart that is broken in a dayy at least one more heart is healed or pieced back together.
But, if you cannot give yourself enough time to allow that to happen... even though it can be IMMENSELY DIFFICULT AND STRENUOUS.... even requiring PATIENCE and SELF CONTROL.... I know you can do it.


You, yes you right here reading this at the coffee shop, bookstore, bedroom, dormroom, kitchen table while eating soggy cereal,  or beach house... you can overcome this. With time you will be back to normal.


Your tools are your friends.... your family.... your animals.... your occasional credit card use for hair/nails and or shopping sprees for that new wardrobe you know you'll look like a knockout in....


Let your other who isnt any longer... let them miss you. Obvs they didnt deserve you.


Or, be bad and go where they go after a breakup....... wear your best.... and make the jealous ;D for what they lost............ *THEN* let your heart fix itself up


chocolate and band-aids <3

Female Sex Slaves in New Jersey?!

Ok, I like to think that we are all humans here.... Im not getting into the "baby/pro life or pro choice debate" [ even though my views are clearly pro life]

But please read this, pass it onto your friends... and prove that Planned Parenthood is out to harm young girls and not help them!

Aiding the Female Slave Sex Ring in New Jersey

Words of Wisdom to Men :)

(1) "Fine" - This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) "Five Minutes" - If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) "Nothing" - This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in "fine."

(4) "Go Ahead" - This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it.

(5) "Loud Sigh" - This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are in idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing.

(6) "That's Okay" - This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) "Thanks" - A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (Unless shes says "Thanks a lot" - pure sarcasm. In this case do not say you're welcome.)

(8) "Don't Worry About It, I Got It" - Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking "What's wrong?". For the woman's response - see #3.

Places to go around.... Favorite cottages, etc.

Hello :)

Today i will start adding places to stay

Ireland
-BallyBunion Cottage

Templer's Lodge

An Grianan

The Bungalow

Prince Edward Island-

Chrissy's Cottage

Darnley Beach House

Thorneberry Cottage

thoughts on personality

You know,
of all the things in the world, i feel as if i have always been somewhat criticized for my desire to travel.

I know it is not everyone's cup of tea, so to speak... but i think that to each his own. I would love to go out and do things- i love being active!
I know i might not seem like the type to just pick up and leave for a week or two, but i believe that within everyone's personality lies the desire for different things.

For instance: some may enjoy being around people all the time.
others may prefer quiet nights at home
some may like everything planned to the minute
others prefer to just "go with the flow"

it all depends on our personality and our mood, etc. i do not believe one of these is worse or better than another, i just feel that sometimes it is difficult to understand another's wants over our own.

we need to learn to be open. more engaging. more accepting of others' ideas. this in no way means being all for a view that is against your religious views, etc. however.

soon i  will have a post with some good hotels in different areas. stay tuned :D
<3

on the narrow path

i remember once upon a time

not so long before-

this feeling of crossroading

i could take no more

i could not walk the lonely road

guided without the sun-

i felt as if i were blind

with no where to run.

the rocks felt rough

the wind? it whipped my face

i shouldn't endure this alone!-

as i seek someone's embrace.

i was told to start the road

meeting strangers along the way

however hard it was- i was

Told to continue every day.

the road has not gotten easier

But the clouds will someday clear

i feel like my Father is watching

His presence, very near.

just about to give in

and turn from off this path

i feel a light, a warmth, a care

my soul, it seems to laugh.

a little nudge, a little push

nothing short of grace

i have the perseverance 

Now to continue on this way.

Hardly

I hardly knew your eyes

I hardly knew your smile

I hardly knew that I 

Would fall in love after a while.

I didn't know your laugh

I didn't know your voice

I didn't know my heart

Would leave me with no choice.

I knew that i was smarter

I knew that it wasn't right

I knew everything ...

But I thought "like me"... you might.

I tried not to care

I tried not to see

I tried not to think

About the jerk you could be.

You thought I knew you

I knew you didn't know me

Because alot of pretty words

Can be seen as shallow- like a creek.

A poem for my short story that is coming...

Waiting for the clock,
To begin to mock-
As I sit at the dock
Trying not to be in shock
*
Sitting and working here
Needing no emotions of cheer
I believe it all came in clear
When I heard him call me "Dear"
*
Now i dont know
I think it was all for show-
Perhaps pretty low,
For him to let me go.
*
But there are
Bigger
Better
and the possibility of Forever.

The Paper Doll

Every night, Elisa sits in her chair like a doll. Cheeks with so much blush. Of course highlighting her very pronounced cheek bones. Oh, and her eyes. Sooo much mascara on her eyes it would be impossible to not see her blue ocean eyes from across the room...

She stands up suddenly. Her bohemian chic covers the most of her; flowing as she arrives at her destination: The Snack Table.

Chocolate fondue fountain- check.

Lemon Squares with powered sugar- check.

Succulent fruit drizzled in a rum based liquid- check.

and so many other goods that were not only of the best quality, but pleasing to the eye. 

Elisa doesn't take a moment to think- she instantly stretches her stickly arms across the array of food for a strawberry. 

She returns to her chair, and consumes it with such small bites... such small bites a mouse could have eaten five pieces of cheese in the 2 minutes it took to eat one large strawberry. It was the perfect one of course: red- almost rotten colored it was so deep a shade. Juicy too, one nick and sugary sweetness broke free from the bumpy and leathery skin. No one seemed to notice, however, that the girl eating the strawberry was devastated. 

She broke her will. 

She tried not to take anything, her goal and mind was set. 

"It's okay," she consoled herself, " i can run it off tomorrow."

*****

Elisa, the average female highschool student, carried herself well. A gorgeous smile could win her a million dollars if she wanted it. But money couldn't buy her happiness- neither could her quarterback boyfriend who swore to propose to her after graduation.  That is, before he left her alone to suffer through her strange new eating habits. She wasn't what she used to be anymore, and he wasn't going to watch her kill herself.

After losing over 30 pounds, her boyfriend couldn't handle seeing her wither away any longer. Elisa was furious. She couldn't undo every little thing- all that hardwork and severe goal setting!- that she worked so, so very hard for. What would she have if she didn't have her backbone sticking out? or her ribs playing "seek" through her tank top in the summer? 

"Girl you lookin good, got some of that left to loose, huh?" the comment from one of the upper classmen that pushed her to break. Suddenly, 30 wasn't enough. she had to lose more. It was never going to be good enough. When was the stopping point? 

There was none. 

It was like a car going 100 miles down a highway...

*****

Months later, weighing in at 74 pounds, Elisa is riding somewhere. Her head is spinning faster than a pinwheel in a hurricane. Where is she going? Who are these people in white talking as if she can't hear them?!

"My God. There isn't anything left of her."

"How has she survived this long?"

"Doctor, what can we do? She looks half dead already!"

Too many things to think about. Too many people, barging so rudely into her business!  The needle goes through her arm, and she draws back- it pinches. 

The IV goes in, and Elisa rests her head on the stark white, ice cold pillow case. 

****

The next two days were different. Different...as consciousness was not a state Elisa remained in for long periods of time.

It wasn't until half way through the week she was well enough to walk around the hospital. 

After returning, she saw a beautiful spring arrangement of flowers at her bed side. 

"Spring brings new changes in its season, I hope we can start over too."

It's been well over 2 years now... Elisa still knew the handwriting on the card, though. 

She was asked to accept a call the next day, and there he was. 

She was ashamed he would see her as she was. She didn't want him knowing any more than he had to. 

But he didn't say anything at all. He went over to her bed, took up her frail hand in his strong hand, and kissed it. 

Elisa burst into tears. Being accepted wasn't what she thought it was. The world never accepted her when she followed the eating suit. They always pushed for more.

He, on the other hand, reached over and held her- fragile as she was, just like a doll. 

Her eyes were sunken in, her cheeks were not made up with shimmer and pink pigment - but the natural glow in her eyes took over, and her cheeks became rosy at the touch of his hand. 

She had been accepted all along, no changes needed. 

If it's not like the movies- is that how it should be?

Katy Perry says it all in her new song "Not Like the Movies." 

"...they say you know when you know..."

Do you really believe that people trick themselves into believing someone isn't for them because of various reasons? Do people think they know what they want but really they don't after all?

"...when he's the one i'll come undone, and my world will stop spinning..."

Doesn't the infatuation make this happen? I don't know. Does you world stand still sometimes when you know he or she is there with you? I think it would. Maybe you will fight, but they could also be the one to-

"...finish all your sentences..."

So, does some cupid shoot you bloody and let you know it's your turn to finish a sentence, a thought, or a whispered dream?   Or does this happen through growing together with someone, learning all about them, and figuring out who they really are? 

"...someday my prince will come..."

So, what does this mean? We all have some gorgeous creature waiting in a corridor for us? mmmmi i think no. I mean, someday is a long day- or a short day. It doesn't (hardly ever ) mean today. But if it never means today....and it never means yesterday [of course]...then it must be tomorrow- but tomorrow is forever tomorrow..... we cant rely on someday.
"...cinematic and dramatic.."
When you meet him.... when you meet her.... it's going to be just like the movies. you will have those moments were you are in awe of each other, and nothing in the whole world matters. 

and that, my dear friend, is a fact of life.   

             muah! xoxo

One of those curious little chain things...

2010 RELATIONSHIPS

IN 2010 DID YOU...

1. Have A Best Friend?
Yes! :)

2. Gain/Lose Any Best Friends?
I dont consider a best friend someone who talks behind your back.. so nope! i didn't lose any best friends :)

3. Start A Relationship?
Yes.

4. End A Relationship?
Yes, that too

5. Meet Anyone New?
Of course!

6. ...Anyone Great?

Everyone is great in their own way so yes!

7. ...Anyone Terrible?
No way!

8. ...Anyone That Changed Your Life?
Ummm not particularly....

9. Fall Out Of Touch With Anyone?
Yes, probably

10. Get Closer To Anyone New?
No i dont think so...

11. Find Out Who Your True Friends Were?
Yes, as usual lol

12. Take The Next Step In A Relationship?
Nope!

13. Break A Heart?
I guess i did... but i didnt try to.

14. Have Your Heart Broken?
Sort of... but not really at the same time lol!


15. Disappoint Someone Close?
No Im glad i didnt!

16. Lose Anyone Close?
Family friends, yes.

17. Break A Promise To Someone?

I dont think so...

18. Miss Anyone?
Yes :)

19. Have Anyone Miss You?
Besides my family? im not sure, probably not! haha

20. What Are Your Relationship Plans For 2011?
All the Single Ladies! ( If you like it... put a ring on ittttt :)


2010 HOLIDAYS

1. How Did You Spend Your Birthday?
At School- class...

2. Did You Have A Valentine?
Nope. But my dog loves meee

3. How Did You Spend Spring Break?
Dyed my hair, got some bangs, and had some wine :)

4. Did The Easter Bunny Visit You?
Well yes he did!

5. What Did You Do For The 4th Of July?
My family had a party and friends came over!

6. How Did You Spend Columbus Day?
Gosh i have no idea!

7. What Did You Do To Celebrate Halloween?
I dressed up and went about the town :)
 8. How Many Thanksgiving Dinners Did You Attend?
One- mine!

9. What Was Your Favorite Christmas Gift?
My new iPod... or sockmonkey... or karaokee machine!

10. How Do You Plan To Spend New Years?
I spent it at my house!

LIFE 2010

IN 2010 DID YOU...

1. Do Well In School/At Work?
I think so?

2. Get A Tattoo?
No ooooo

3. Get Something Pierced?
Nope!

4. Move?
No

5. Get Sick?
Once or twice..

6. Become A Parent?
HAHA no no no

7. Change Up Your Style?
I dont think so...

8. See Any Band/Artists Live?
Goo Goo Dolls and the Spill Canvas

9. Do Something You Regret?
No!

10. Cry Yourself To Sleep?
Once i think?

11. Break A Promise?
No i dont think so..

12. Lie?
No.

13. Hide A Secret?
No.

14. Sleep Under The Stars?
No :(

15. Learn Something New About Yourself?
Yes :)

16. Try Something New?
Yes :)

17. Stay Up Over 24 Hours?
No way

18. Go On Vacation?
Sadly, no !

19. Change?
Probably..

20. Will You Change In 2011?
Im sure I will

2010 FAVORITES

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE..OF 2010?

1. Movie
Salt?

2. Beverage
Water or Kefir 

3. Song
Song? too many!

4. Color
PINK

5. Band/Artist
i dont know that one...

6. TV Show
Criminal Minds!

7. Class
Uhhhhh Research Methods? Maybe? ? ?

8. Month
thats hard... i dont know!

9. Food
Pickles!!

10. Memory
TOO MANY :D

WRAP UP 2010

Was 2010 A Good Year?
Yes :)

Best Part Of 2010
That's tough! my internship ?

Worst Part Of 2010?
My dad losing his job :'(

Do You Think 2011 Will Top 2010?
YES! I hope!

The Pursuit of Happiness... or Lack There of!

Hello,

My my... it has been forever since we have chatted... hasn't it? I have received a few emails, met a few people, and Catholic Match updates are few and far between. But with my recent exposure to unhappy people in the world... I wanted to ask you a question:





Can we be happy here?

I mean, I would love to think we live in a gum drop forest, but we do not. Unfortunately we can't live like birds with our heads in the sand. I know and fully understand ( to the best of my knowledge that is haha- which is little i assure you!) that we can't be totally and perfectly happy on earth.
BUT! but but but. we CAN be joyful in what we are given, and live every day finding something to be happy about, right?
If you are getting engaged- you would be happy. If you werent... I would have to say your marriage wouldnt be pleasant either! haha
If you were praying alot about something, or someone- and things worked out- wouldnt you be happy?

Can we not be happy with the little imperfect happinesses that life brings? or do we only stay joyful for the sake of our good fortune when work is canceled or we get an A on a quiz? I thought joy and happiness were related?

Next topic.

So, I was talking to a friend of mine, I do consider him a brother to me.... told me something that I thought was fascinating. Want to hear? of course you do!! One because i said my friend told me something... or because you are sick bored and want something to do. lol!
Well, ok- he told me that guys are lower in nature, i think he was equating them with animal like tendencies when it came to sexual desires.

Do you believe this?

Do all guys really not care who you are or what you are... they only want the "final chapter" so to speak ....?

I dont believe it. I think it is a bunch of ridiculousness concocted as an excuse for when guys decide to let go of their inhibitions and do things that are supposed to not be done.

But that is my point, taking it or leaving it wont make me feel happy or sad.

Ill give you one more thing to think about:

My one acquaintance asked me something yesterday-

What is love to me?

I wasnt prepared to answer that- But i want to also ask you what you think before i rant about my own thoughts. :)

I will be posting some comments to my past posts I was emailed, and hopefully we can make clear some things that seem to be miss communicated =]

peace, love, and huge-swirly-lollipops,
<3

As Sand Falls

As Sand Falls from the Hour Glass
I watch, half in awe- half in boredom
The end is incomprehensible,
But the time?.... it feels running short.
Sometimes the frame is frozen-
The Sand is corked.
But when it starts to fall again,
It leaves an empty feeling.
The glass may be half full,
But it can easily be felt as half empty,
Can it not be both
At the Same Time?
Can I know that the sand falls -
but one grain at a time,
and I learn something at the drop
of Each Grain?
Not one is wasted,
I have none to regret.
But everyone else's sand turns
Into the engulfing waters...
Mine keeps going-
it has yet to change for ever.
I wait to catch the right wave,
Waiting. . . still. . .
But i suppose there is some good
in proving the Patience of the Impatient
in being the Believer, the Optimist,
the Strong One, against the Mirage.
Nobility is commendable,
it feels Sensational in the day-
but in the Night that feeling of somewhat dolefulness
Creeps, Seeking to be repressed.
Training the mind to see only the good-
the Prevalence of optimism in my voice
Deep down i know is the art of Persuasion.
But whatever it takes to keep the happiness,
Reminding the crowd --
That there are enough stars in the sky...
Somehow, that is reassuring enough for me <3

There is a Someone for Everyone

H e a d O v e r H e e l s
LoVe aT FiRsT SiGhT
iloveyou
You Had Me At Hello
you're beautiful
et. cetera...............................................................

***************************

out of all of the things in the world, i believe that there is one person for everyone. 

i do not believe it is "situational" ..... whatever that means.

and i don't believe in things being temporary.... if you are meant to be together- you will be together.

you know what they say.......... l o v e f i n d s a w a y

sometimes that love needs time to grow- sometimes you try to make a shoe fit when you know it doesn't.

sometimes you think there isn't anyone left to be with.... everyone is used, broken, or not for you- but out of 6 billion... or more... people in the world, i am telling you right now there is the perfect man out there for you.

if you are not H e a d O v e r H e e l s in love with someone 99% of the time- you shouldn't be with them.

if you find that you are not attracted to the person you are with- it is also time to reevaluate.

if he says "You'll never find anyone like me " "I have things no one else has" "We both know that you letting me go means you losing everything... and we dont want that to happen"
    then your response is:

' THANK GOD! I hope i never find someone like you again!"

if he starts reminding you of all the "nice" "thoughtful" things he has ever done, remind yourself it probably wasnt out of love that he is telling you.....

if he pulls out the "i have always loved you but ive been burned by girls before and i dont want it to happen so i dont want to say i love you first...."

you remember that is is the guy's job as the gentlemen to put a hand over the flame first....

if he doesn't get it-

you can tell him you are SINGLE.   and if he still wont leave you alone- ambush him with paint ball guns. no- i kid.

( unless you want to.... then be my guest :)

i guess this is food for thought..... take it or leave it.... pass it onto a friend mentioning the purple pen pal.....

keep holding out-- the brightest star is yet to shine <3

Thanksgiving!

Because Thanksgiving is quickly approaching- I would be delighted to hear suggestions on what your family traditions are during the holidays, special dishes you cook, etc! Some of them may end up on The Purple Penpal!

Sooo you can email me at: princesspeachy512@gmail.com, telling me some of your faves and ill be sure to share some of my family traditions!

:)

Proper Presentation Means so MUCH

people and body weight is a touchy subject- and much effort is done to exploit those who are above the "norm" by offering Wii Fit games that show a frowning Mii if you are overweight, or have not very good coordination (which i can assure you I don't have good coordination all the time! HAHA)

these are the same people who post blogs, opinions in the paper, and create stories for useless rag mags about people that are under the "norm".      I know before this used to fall mainly on teens and adults who felt (many times without reason) their body was not right for what clothes were being shown, or reflecting a comment their idol said on yesterday's MTV [garbage] show. 

Well, the 13 year olds and up are not the only ones who have poor self esteem and body issues planted..... now it is happening to the children young enough to eat.

You may say "Well DUH! That has already been happening for years now. We all know this."  but what you do not realize is that San Francisco is using McDonald's Happy Meals to enforce the "healthy eating agenda"

Let me explain:

According to the LA Times , 

          "A Happy Meal containing a cheeseburger, small order of french fries, and a Sprite racks up 640 calories"

Obviously, there are ways for McDonalds to fix up their griddle and grease rack loving menu.... adding fruit, water or a light juice, etc. can cut down from 640 calories to somewhere in the 500 range ( i am approximating here)....

I think that, IF PRESENTED IN THE PROPER LIGHT 

i.e.    Helping children make good food choices

rather than

         Helping fight obesity in children

will be much more well received. obviously people cannot tell you what to eat or what to do for your child, but in my opinion, if fruits and veggies are being made more available and chain fast foods like McDonald's - support it!  Of course the ideal is not go there at all- but at least in 2011 you'll be able to go to San Francisco and get some crispy CARROTS and a juicy APPLE.... instead of fries and a double burger all the time. 

Do not let this become something to "fight obesity" ..... okay everyone knows what that word means, and it is not a pretty word to say. "good food choices" makes a much better message.

The focus shouldn't be on body image..... if they want to save money- get rid of the stupid toys all together! and put it towards better quality. 

My stand? yes. take this for what you will. However, i do believe that we have more important things to be doing other than worrying about children's toys... at least improve the quality of that food. 

THAT will be a good choice, for family, and food

<3

November 3rd: National Sandwich Day

Sandwiches can be fun!

Sandwiches can be for serious..

 For those of you who did not know, today is National Sandwich Day!

In honor of this interestingly yummy day to celebrate our first "food of convenience," i want to give you some sweet sandwich facts!

Sandwich Facts:

1. The most expensive sandwich in the world is at Berkshire, England- $197 (or 100 euros), this sandwich can only be purchased in all of it's Iberico hammed- white truffled- poulet de Bresset- quail eggs- Italian tomatoed- layered on Sourdough bread- glory from Cliveden's Waldo Resturant in Berkshire. This was destined to be the top 5 star hotel club sandwich.... and boy is it ever!

2. Subway, working through over 16,000 sandwich shops in over 70 countries, uses over 60 million.... yes MILLION pounds of lunchmeat every single year. But is this really alot- considering there are approximately 2 million (2,000,000) different sandwich combos you can make from the menu?

3.Quizno's Large Tuna Melt is possibly one of the most caloric sandwiches - at 1740 calories,  135 grams of fat. A little on sandwich now and then tastes fabulous, but slapping more than a cup of this stuff on your bread, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles is sure to discredit the good of the otherwise healthy meal!

Smorgastarta

4. Sweden has a sandwich unlike any other....the "Smorgastarta" has over 10 sandwich ingredients, and is eaten like a dessert! Fresh White Bread makes the base, with an creamy egg and mayo to separate the many layers. Shrimp, Ham, Caviar, Olives, Salmon, Eggplant, Swiss Cheese, Cucumber, Salami, Tomatoes, etc. The more "traditional" recipe calls for seafood, however many other ingredients can be used.

and when it is molded to perfection, and topped with some cold shrimp and caviar, it is cut as a cake would be- served with a white wine or beer. It almost looks too pretty to eat!

    HAPPY EATING!!

Sandwiches can be for kids.

A Friend in Need- is a Friend Wanting to Talk

Today my girlfriend (my friend who is a girl, and yes i am a girl, and no i am not a les.) approached me. She asked me about her boyfriend who is super sweet. He buys her things, he dresses respectably, he is courteous to his family, but- i quote- "[she] doesn't know if [she] really misses him."

So we sat down at a lunch table and ordered some food. I ordered a bowl of wedding soup and breadsticks, with a small Diet Coke. She ordered a Burger with tomato, lettuce, and mayo with Baked Lays on the side- and a Diet Coke also.

"How long have you been dating?"

"almost 6 months"

"Do you think about him alot of the day? Do you wish you were with him when you aren't? Do..."

"Well yeah- not really- i can't be positive. I used to, I just don't know."

" Is it that you spend more time being aggravated by little things and not being able to bring yourself to enjoy the relationship?"

"Not really, I don't get irritated and annoyed too much.... I do sometimes, but I try not to all the time..."

Drinks. After taking quite a large "sip" of my glass, and she of hers, we continued unraveling what she couldn't seem to say...

"What annoys you? Gimme the first thing off the top of your head."

"Indecisive. Always.... back and forth, back and forth. I can't get angry at that- it's who he is. But it is very annoying to be on the waiting end!"

"Yeahhh i bet. Well, I know you said this before, can you still see yourself maybe marrying him?"

"Uh, some days, yeah. Some days, not really. I think I'd spend so much time making decisions for him I would never have time to make any for myself!"

Of course she chuckled when she said that, I picked up on the sarcasm in her voice.

But, alas, another breach of communication driven by--- soup and burgers and breadsticks and Coke refills. 

**

After breaking from Boy Talk and catching up on the rest of the day and weekend plans, the conversation rolled around to him again...

" At first, I loved talking. I loved it because it was so easy to talk to him. It was never awkward or weird... we could talk for an hour or more! Now, i feel like I have to force myself to call him and talk- but I am busy, and when he doesn't have anything to say, what am I supposed to do? Sit there on the line and listen to him talk to his fish?"

"Well usually people who are crazy in love just like listening to the other person ramble about nothing.... sometimes that isn't true, but you are busy and that makes sense...."

" I mean, I want him to be fun! He is a shy kind of fun, a little spontaneous, but not too much. But I want someone who is outgoing and fun like me! Who would love to have fun at a dance with me, and not stand around waiting to be offered to dance... I mean he is great with my family and i like his.... I just can't see myself marrying him"

"Well perhaps you are slowly answering your own question...."

" I don't even really miss him all the time..... people in love miss each other. I don't miss him like i think i should. "

" Sometimes we have to do what is best for our own judgment, not what the right thing is for someone else's feelings.... not that we have to be rude or pugnacious, but we do have the right to say when we dislike something."

"Yeah, i mean, he is the sweetest, and I think he really does like me alot, I just really feel bad I don't like him back... I think I need to not see him anymore so he can find a girl that will appreciate him in more of a way than in friendship."

**

Conversation over. 

What do you think?  I left the rest blank, because I want to see what you would say to her. Please address emails with the subject line "Friends"  or comment your response :)

<3

Gummi Bears are from Germany?!

Geez....someone needs to tell me to start opening my eyes up... i had no idea that the first Gummi Bears were seen in Germany during the early 20's.  Gummibärchen  or "little rubber bear" was the first name of the Gummi Bears created by Hans Riegel.

Of course it wasn't til later-much later- like 60 years after (around the early 1980's) that Americans caught onto the gummi wave. This interest was sparked when Riegel made the first American Gummi Bear from his German Candy Shop.

After discovering that a mix of gelatin (did you know gelatin has been used since Pharaoh time in Egypt?) can be used to create different patterns of Gummi Bears with several different flavor and color combinations- Trolli, a second German company, decided to make something called the Brite Crawler- or the Gummi Worm. (which, by the way, is the most purchased Gummi candy in the world) 

Trolli History in Native Language (German)

Facebook Relationship Ties Pushing the "Stalking" Evelope A Little Too Far?

Well, i got one of those little facebook profiles in 2007.  it was great; mostly because i was able to stay in contact with the people i went to grade school with... while finding some of my new college friends on there too. i'll tell you what- it was one of those "why couldn't i have thought of that?" moments. HAHA

Of course Facebook has gone through several changes in the following years..... the updated and far less cluttered profiles with wonderful little tabbies to keep Bumper Stickers (bumper what? lol) and Info about you separate from "Places I Have Been" and "Mafia Wars".... to me, i love the tabs. Good organization for what was a discombobulated area. 

Now, we come to another change...... "Relationships"

                                                                             *   *   *

So. Today. i log onto Facebook and see some pics of someone. Clicking their profile led me to see "Mutual Friends" which led me to another's profile. i saw the roomate of the guy write on his wall and i looked directly under the comment and it said:

  

                                              Comment.       Like.        Relationship.

i was so curious to see what "relationship" meant.... so i clicked on it. What do you think came up?

"__*name of Guy 1*__     and ___*name of Guy 2*____"

Friends on *network name*

Then there were displayed many wall posts between the two, how many photos the two had together, Mutual Friends, Events both attended, and Common Interests.....

This was all displayed at the click of a mouse..... i cannot lie and say it was NOT weird that two people i knew had all of their information displayed linking them to one another posted at once like this. 

Rather, i thought the whole thing was quite odd...... this would be a stalker's dream for sure... but can we be sure that the advantage will outweigh the disadvantage? It somewhat concerns me to think that whatever i have posted on my Facebook ( even though i am well aware that everything posted is already given up to the public) can be attached to one of the people i am friends with. Mutual Friends isn't so bad...i mean, that is how the majority of us find out who to befriend in the first place. 

Most people i am sure have good privacy settings and will not be concerned for the safety of their information. However, if you do not have privacy settings, i would highly advise you to look into these settings on your Facebook. 

*Account *

*Privacy*

and then check or fix the settings to what you believe is appropriate. 

Just wanted to fill you in on what is going on, and what is coming......

<3

Blackout in a Can

I want to be the first to show you such an adorable family photo:

                                                             Charge- Joose-Sparks
pretty much the small time evolution of energy infused alcoholic beverages common and cheap today. the newest addition to the family not pictured yet? Four Loko.

Three Ohio State Alums made the drink with the usuals: Alcohol, Caffeine, and a good flavor to keep people drinking.  But what makes this Four Loko so incredible? The alcohol content is over 3 beers' worth.

Four Loko combines several strong cups of coffee with a high alcohol content. Why the heck do you need caffeine in an alcoholic drink? Caffeine makes you "dulled" to the effects of the typical drunkenness. So you see? It allows you to drink much much more than you would otherwise- without feeling the effects til later. (more like when you are kneeling in front of the toilet vomiting your poor brains out)

It is said ( i haven't had personal experience with these drinks because of the sometimes hospitalizing consequences) that drinking four Four Lokos will provide the same experience as being high on drugs. Others say it takes three... I would say it depends on how much tolerance you have.

Did you know it becoming outlawed in places like New Jersey? or that the alcohol content has a range in different states? Yes, it's true.Within 6 months of the "Four"s being on local shelves in Ohio, it spread like fire to Illinois, California, and Florida. 

Four Loko has several "nicknames" [if you would call them that].  "Blackout in a Can" and "Legalized Liquid Coke" are just two. Comments associated with the drink are...

"if you're afraid to talk to a girl, drink a four [loko]"

"they are easy to get underage and give the perfect 'buzz'"

" [...] the inexperienced [drinker] should proceed with caution [...]"

Four Loko Caffeinated Booze gets FDA...

Time Magazine's Online Article: "Did Four Loko Send Washington Student to the Hospital?"

I am urging you, please beware what you drink. Do not ever just look at packaging... or think that it won't affect you. Part of being drinking age is having the mature level of thought needed to make good decisions.

<3

Caffeine ....

it's practically snowing outside. it's freezing cold, with a light and airy mist coming from overhead. with the gloom of winter comes the wonderful smell of fresh brewing coffee to give you the little "boost" as a consolation for getting out of bed this morning :)

coffee beans came from arabia....but coffee was apparently being consumed by people in the early 1000

        Like those wonderful people who drank it daily.....
Of course, what we see most about those who are "coffee drinkers" is that they need a cup a day to make them more awake. If they miss that cup of joy in the morning, it may have an effect on the way they are for the day.

But we have to look at not just the wonders of coffee ingestion, but what makes coffee so valuable for those who crave it: this would be, of course, the caffeine.

Some people say coffee makes them sick.... this may be true, but it is also the high amounts of caffeine in the coffee type they drink. For instance, some people think that drinking Decaf has no caffeine at all. Wrong! It has about 4- 7 mg of caffeine.

Regular filtered coffee (not instant) has the most, with  200-250 mg of caffeine.

Health Topics on Caffeine   was the main source for this blog post. I encourage you to read it.

Also, be aware of the upcoming post about Four Loko....for those of you who are familiar with it!

<3

Do you feel like this when you have to make a decision? You knowwww.... the life changing kinds. I bet you do... because sometimes I feel like that too! 

When you really feel like this is when you are looking for *that* someone.   Boy or Girl, it takes more than good looks to become a part of someone's life.... at least, it should take more than that!   

Anyways, one of my friend's friend's friend's cousin- i think- made this up. But the cool thing is that you get to write down anything you want. No quizzes to give you forced options, no anonymous statuses to say what you should and should not want. Just your opinion. 

At least, it is just your opinion on half of the folded piece of paper.... number lines 1-20 with numbers in order from 1-20. hahah I know that was confusing! 

Then, fold the paper in half so the numbers are on the side you will write on ( which would be the margin side of the paper) and write down the first 20 things that come to your head..... of course, these 20 things have to be things you want in a future spouse... i'm not giving any answers here- because whatever you think up is what is important to you :)

Once you are finished with your 20, give it to someone you trust and that knows you well. Roomate, Friend, Cousin, anyone. And have them write 20 things on the other half of the paper you folded down. 

AFTERWARDS.....

Chances are, you were truthful about what you want in a spouse.... you didn't just think "Like, OMG!, the guy I want right now has big biceps, so like, i'm going to write down "Muscular" on my list!" or "My last girl friend was a brunette, rude, and a cheater. So i am going to write "Anything but Brunette" on my list."

Well, if you did write that down, keep in mind that those are not qualities; they are physical attributes. 

So, once your trusted person is done and returns the list to you, open it up and see what you have. 

You should hopefully see a number of similar responses...like....

"Respectful/Gentleman"

"Aware/Attentive"

etc. between yours and your other's list. 

Then , whenever you are looking for someone, see how well they match up to that list there and if they don't- it's moving on time!

<3

Halloween

Black Cats, Ghost Hunters, Piles and Piles of Unchecked Candy.....

Sounding like Halloween right? I think so....

Of all the holidays, alot of people are freaked out by Halloween- the once-holy-holiday, now turned into a fear fest by many.  Goblin-Vampire-Werewolves coming to the same door step (cordially, mind you) to get a Reese's Cup or a pack of Mini M&Ms. Or the new Vampire craze? what about the ones who believe, in their heart of hearts that they are , in fact, vampires by birth. Come on now. Let's try not to be freaks of nature here....

If vampires are around us, and you are desperately searching for your Edward (OMG!) then maybe you should look at the fact :

• If every vampire bit one person a month ( like they are "supposed to do") and that person then became a vampire also: in 2 and a half to 3 years the whole human race would be one consumed by blood and fangs....and there wouldn't be anyone "normal" or for the vampire fans... "average"...left in the world as we know it. 

 But aside from some people thinking they need a little vampirism to live on Halloween, I think what everyone needs is a little candy.....

Of course this doesnt mean that you have to consume a full bag of pop corn balls plus the caramel apples and rootbeer float that is put in front of you. No of course not! haha  *BUT*  You do have some scrumptious options open to you for the Hallow's Eve celebration......

The 3 Musketeers Mint Bar is a good choice- nougat and creamy chocolate... with MINT! Yummy!

York Peppermint Patties are another good one.... especially frozen!

Twizzler Bites

Bubble Gum

Skittles

Some Hershey kisses

Dum-Dum lollipops

Candy Corn

Starburst

Lemonheads!

Peeps Pumpkins :)



ok im done with my few ramblings of the night!

Wake up and smell.... the 6 month old McDonald's meal

Everyday we are out and about, something new comes our way. Maybe we subconsciously hear an ad for "the smoking new grilled chicken sandwich" that just happens to be served at a fast food joint not far from the building complex where you work.

Maybe you are just looking for a cheap meal that can keep the hunger bug quiet when you go into another meeting with the council or hit the road for a few hours' drive to deliver a package...

Either way, what we eat is going to have an effect on us.  

McDonald's 6 month Happy Meal was put out by a woman determined to win a bet.    The only difference 6 months  after putting the patty, bun, and fries out on her counter ? They became shriveled. Not a fuzzball of mold, nooooo. Just the simple shrinkage of the size of the food, almost looking as it it was dehydrated.

Of course [probably, i hope] filled with multiple "bad bacteria" by now, why on EARTH should we be eating this food?!

Normal food... this category extending from the organic foods we purchase to the "run of the mill" Giant Eagle or Piggly Wiggly or Food Lion patties.... would develop at least the horrid stench of rotting, decomposing food.
Why, oh why, do we not make the connection that McDonald's food, etc. is not only unhealthy but also unnatural? 
Check out Mc.Spotlight.org   for the facts about McDonald's. I could go on and on, but the writers of this guide say it much better than I could.

Hoping for a healthier environment <3

Sometimes I...

Sometimes humanity gets the better of me.

Sometimes I get angry

Sometimes I get caught up in gossip

Sometimes I l a b e l someone as "a little weird" because they might not bE liKe mE.

Sometimes I feel I am not smart enough to be successful in academics

Sometimes I feel too uncomfortable in my skin 

Sometimes I forget to *praise* God for everything He has given me

AND SOMETIMES-

I smile at my enemies, j.u.s.t to make them more agitated than they were in the first place :)


hehe <3

A few words about Autumn

Look up to the right

See that colorful sight.

Leaves that are colored

Chilling winds- to make one shutter.

Listen to the words the wind speaks

As the coming of winter it leaks.

Watch it pick up the growing leaves...

Taking them away from their parent - like trees.