When I am on Facebook I use an application called "My Daily Zen", because it can be quite inspirational and raise philosophical questions and start interesting discussions.
"We do not learn by experience, but by our capacity for experience"
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The Length Of Your Ring Finger May Say A Few Things About You...
I just came across this article on the National Geographic website that states that the length of your ring finger in comparison to your pointer finger can say a lot about your genetic traits. Read the article here! Aparrently more testosterone causes a longer ring finger and is most prevalent in males, of course. It relates a lot to agression and sexual drive, but also to greater likelihood of certain diseases and conditions. Another link refers to lack of fear and higher risk taking, especially in financial matters.
I checked my hands and it seems that I am one of those less common women with a ring finger just slightly longer than my pointer finger. LOL
As another article linked to in the former states: "Testosterone is the principle sex hormone in males, but it's also found in naturally varying levels in women. In both sexes, testosterone enhances competitiveness and dominance, boosts confidence, and reduces fear." (read that article, here, as well)
I guess it's true... your ring finger does something about you, indeed. Someone asked me to do something she wasn't courageous enough to do. I asked why? Her response: "Because you got balls!" I looked down at my privates and laughed: "Really?!" LOL.... I should have looked at my ring finger, I guess! Hahaha! Of course, I helped her out!
 |
| A typical male hand features a ring finger longer than the pointer finger. |
I checked my hands and it seems that I am one of those less common women with a ring finger just slightly longer than my pointer finger. LOL
As another article linked to in the former states: "Testosterone is the principle sex hormone in males, but it's also found in naturally varying levels in women. In both sexes, testosterone enhances competitiveness and dominance, boosts confidence, and reduces fear." (read that article, here, as well)
I guess it's true... your ring finger does something about you, indeed. Someone asked me to do something she wasn't courageous enough to do. I asked why? Her response: "Because you got balls!" I looked down at my privates and laughed: "Really?!" LOL.... I should have looked at my ring finger, I guess! Hahaha! Of course, I helped her out!
"Truth Or Dare"
I look at it this way: to come out and tell tell the truth can be quite liberating. Yes, it may involve some unexpected reactions and emotions, but it also helps your own self-realization and can re-define friendship relationships. In the dating world, it can help to get to know one another on a different and maybe deeper level than what transpires from an initial conversation. Motives can become clearer as well, if the proper questions are asked. You can almost look at it as a fun-based interview for relationship prospects. :P
I like to play it with random people, not so much for them to hear truths from me, but also for me to see what questions they ask. It tells me what they secretly think and want to know about me, but are afraid to ask in most cases. Here, I open up a door for them to find out more about me, and in turn I learn more about them, as well! What a great deal!! There is often more wisdom in (and in looking at) the question than in the answer to the question...
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Moving In Less Than 30 Days On A Small Budget
I was just told that my moving date will be in less than 30 days, basically more like 3 weeks. Great joy to me, but hectic times ahead! How does one accomplish a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchen and vehicle move in that short a time frame without over-stressing and over-working oneself?
1. Build Up That Motivation!
First off, the more pleasant the result of the move, the more motivated you will be to get out of the old place! Use that positive strong energy whenever it's there when packing up.
2. Get Free Moving Boxes
Why pay for moving boxes, when you can get them free from a lot of stores? Ask your local grocery in the morning when they are first unpacking products to score quite a number of sturdy boxes. I also have gotten boxes from local pet stores and even the thrift store, where people deliver donations in boxes that will be trashed once the donations are put on the store shelves. Some recycling places may also let you take some of the boxes they received if you ask nicely! Sometimes you can get free moving boxes on Craiglist as well. Do these things for a couple of days in a row and you'll have plenty of moving boxes free of charge!
3. Organize!
I am a little OCD when it comes to packing, but it helps me to put everything in the right spot and find my stuff once I get to my new place. First, I go room by room and item type by item type. Secondly I pack the things that I don't use much. That way, they are out of the way. The most used and daily use items will go in the last boxes I pack, just before and on the day of the move. What goes on the truck or trailer last comes out first and is right there when you need it!
4. Pace yourself!
Don't overexert yourself on the last few days before the move! Instead, as soon as you know the approximate moving date, begin packing bit by bit, whenever you have a spare 15 minutes and the energy to do it! by the time the moving date comes around, you will have a pretty stress-free time, just moving boxes from one place to the next. Since you organized everything in first place, you may even be able to throw a little housewarming party the same day with friends who helped you move!
5. Label Boxes!
There are quite a few things you can do, when it comes to labeling. Most people designate boxes by room, like kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Others may label them by item type, like books, pans, DVDs, etc. You can also use a room and level of importance description, like "office-important" or "kitchen-miscellaneous". A less utilized, but effective method is to label boxes with numbers, and assign 3x5 cards with a detailed list of items to each numbered moving box. Label the boxes as you go. That way you won't forget what's in them!
6. Protect Your Valuables!
Keep valuables with you at all times, or pack them safely and know where they are. Label them with a code name, so that only you know what it is and in which box they are. That way they don't get lost or stolen!
7. Call Utility Companies Ahead Of Time!
Call utility companies like the power and phone company, the waterworks and post office ahead of time to transfer services to the new residence. You wouldn't want to get to your new home without being able to turn on the light, heat or a/c, take a shower or make a phone call! It's also nice to have TV and Internet at the end of moving day to relax.
8. Enlist Help For Moving Day & Confirm!
Now you know that everything will be ready for the move. But how many trips will it take to move all your possessions and furniture to your new place? Do you have a truck, a trailer, or a U-haul moving van? Of course you can hire professional movers, but most of the time it's less expensive and much more pleasant to have friends to help you move! Make sure to see who is available to help on the date of the move, for how long, and their lifting capabilities in regards to heavy items like living room furniture. Does anyone you know have a trailer or truck you can borrow free of charge or by paying for fuel alone? Are there any extra drivers available to move additional vehicles besides your car and truck?
Friends that help deserve lots of thanks! Maybe there are items you were planning to leave behind. Some of the friends helping you may appreciate a little token of thanks just like that!
9. Prepare Portable Food And Beverages The Night Before Moving Day!
Moving won't allow you to cook a lot of food and stop by a lot of places to get groceries without leaving your possessions alone temporarily. It is best to prepare an adequate supply of food, such as sandwiches, snacks and portable beverages for you, friends and movers. Have a cooler and ice on hand for when the fridge is no longer an option. It cuts down on time, and you won't go hungry or thirsty in all the excitement.
10. Get A Good Night's Sleep And a Good Breakfast!
You will need all the energy you can get on moving day. Go to bed early and have a plan laid out for the day of the move. It will take things off your mind that might otherwise keep you awake and restless. A good breakfast takes care of physical stress and cravings while moving your belongings right from the start.
Happy Moving!
1. Build Up That Motivation!
First off, the more pleasant the result of the move, the more motivated you will be to get out of the old place! Use that positive strong energy whenever it's there when packing up.
2. Get Free Moving Boxes
Why pay for moving boxes, when you can get them free from a lot of stores? Ask your local grocery in the morning when they are first unpacking products to score quite a number of sturdy boxes. I also have gotten boxes from local pet stores and even the thrift store, where people deliver donations in boxes that will be trashed once the donations are put on the store shelves. Some recycling places may also let you take some of the boxes they received if you ask nicely! Sometimes you can get free moving boxes on Craiglist as well. Do these things for a couple of days in a row and you'll have plenty of moving boxes free of charge!
3. Organize!
I am a little OCD when it comes to packing, but it helps me to put everything in the right spot and find my stuff once I get to my new place. First, I go room by room and item type by item type. Secondly I pack the things that I don't use much. That way, they are out of the way. The most used and daily use items will go in the last boxes I pack, just before and on the day of the move. What goes on the truck or trailer last comes out first and is right there when you need it!
4. Pace yourself!
Don't overexert yourself on the last few days before the move! Instead, as soon as you know the approximate moving date, begin packing bit by bit, whenever you have a spare 15 minutes and the energy to do it! by the time the moving date comes around, you will have a pretty stress-free time, just moving boxes from one place to the next. Since you organized everything in first place, you may even be able to throw a little housewarming party the same day with friends who helped you move!
5. Label Boxes!
There are quite a few things you can do, when it comes to labeling. Most people designate boxes by room, like kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Others may label them by item type, like books, pans, DVDs, etc. You can also use a room and level of importance description, like "office-important" or "kitchen-miscellaneous". A less utilized, but effective method is to label boxes with numbers, and assign 3x5 cards with a detailed list of items to each numbered moving box. Label the boxes as you go. That way you won't forget what's in them!
6. Protect Your Valuables!
Keep valuables with you at all times, or pack them safely and know where they are. Label them with a code name, so that only you know what it is and in which box they are. That way they don't get lost or stolen!
7. Call Utility Companies Ahead Of Time!
Call utility companies like the power and phone company, the waterworks and post office ahead of time to transfer services to the new residence. You wouldn't want to get to your new home without being able to turn on the light, heat or a/c, take a shower or make a phone call! It's also nice to have TV and Internet at the end of moving day to relax.
8. Enlist Help For Moving Day & Confirm!
Now you know that everything will be ready for the move. But how many trips will it take to move all your possessions and furniture to your new place? Do you have a truck, a trailer, or a U-haul moving van? Of course you can hire professional movers, but most of the time it's less expensive and much more pleasant to have friends to help you move! Make sure to see who is available to help on the date of the move, for how long, and their lifting capabilities in regards to heavy items like living room furniture. Does anyone you know have a trailer or truck you can borrow free of charge or by paying for fuel alone? Are there any extra drivers available to move additional vehicles besides your car and truck?
Friends that help deserve lots of thanks! Maybe there are items you were planning to leave behind. Some of the friends helping you may appreciate a little token of thanks just like that!
9. Prepare Portable Food And Beverages The Night Before Moving Day!
Moving won't allow you to cook a lot of food and stop by a lot of places to get groceries without leaving your possessions alone temporarily. It is best to prepare an adequate supply of food, such as sandwiches, snacks and portable beverages for you, friends and movers. Have a cooler and ice on hand for when the fridge is no longer an option. It cuts down on time, and you won't go hungry or thirsty in all the excitement.
10. Get A Good Night's Sleep And a Good Breakfast!
You will need all the energy you can get on moving day. Go to bed early and have a plan laid out for the day of the move. It will take things off your mind that might otherwise keep you awake and restless. A good breakfast takes care of physical stress and cravings while moving your belongings right from the start.
Getting My Voice Back...
I used to work in a call center for almost 8 years, and my voice has been a mandatory asset in any job I have held so far. I also always loved to sing. However, back when I was a child, I caught a virus that caused my first case of laryngitis. Laryngitis affects your vocal cords and makes you lose your voice for several days, if not longer. It seems like I have been susceptible to inflamed vocal cords ever since, especially when I happen to get a cold. Recently I picked up a new hobby, karaoke. Well, in the beginning I was a little shy and didn't strain my vocal cords very much, but my new confidence often makes me sing all out 3 nights a week these days. My vocal cords thank me with a hoarse voice by Monday morning. Then the work begins. After all, I want my singing voice back by the next weekend lol.
I have tried many known remedies, some more and some less effective.
Some methods:
Drinking lots of water.
Water keeps you hydrated and keeping you vocal cords moist is essential to retaining their function.
Anti-inflammatories.
Anti-inflammatories as contained in many pain killers and cold remedies like Theraflu will indeed reduce inflammation of the vocal cords and sore throat pain.
Honey.
Honey is a natural antibiotic and healing agent that will also soothe the vocal cords. I usually let a spoonful slowly melt down my throat and add it to teas and milk.
Herbal Teas.
There are many teas that will soothe and shield the vocal cords. Some of the best ones are slippery elm bark, liquorice root and marshmallow root tea, due to their ability to coat the vocal cords. Other ones are honeysuckle flower and ginger tea. An old tea recipe made from lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper, sweetened with honey is also said to work well.
Steam.
A hot shower with inhalation of steam from the water will moisten and soothe vocal cords.
Gargling hard alcohol.
This is something that was recommended to me, but is to be used with caution. Apart from the fact that you don't want to be horribly drunk when you sing, alcohol can adversely affect the vocal cords when you are dealing with virus-caused laryngitis. However, the short-term effect of gargling hard alcohol is the ability to numb your vocal cords and temporarily improve their use.
Non-use of your voice.
Like a doctur put it to me bluntly when I was a kid with a first time occurrence of laryngitis, "you just need to shut up for a while!" This is probably the hardest thing to do, but resting your voice is very important!
Reflexology.
This method amazed me quite a bit, as it appears to be very effective. It basically consists of massaging a pressure point located on the top of your foot, right above the area between the big toe and pointer toe periodically throughout the day. The 2nd diagram on this page shows where it is located (46).
Click here for more home remedies you can try.
I have tried many known remedies, some more and some less effective.
Some methods:
Drinking lots of water.
Water keeps you hydrated and keeping you vocal cords moist is essential to retaining their function.
Anti-inflammatories.
Anti-inflammatories as contained in many pain killers and cold remedies like Theraflu will indeed reduce inflammation of the vocal cords and sore throat pain.
Honey.
Honey is a natural antibiotic and healing agent that will also soothe the vocal cords. I usually let a spoonful slowly melt down my throat and add it to teas and milk.
Herbal Teas.
There are many teas that will soothe and shield the vocal cords. Some of the best ones are slippery elm bark, liquorice root and marshmallow root tea, due to their ability to coat the vocal cords. Other ones are honeysuckle flower and ginger tea. An old tea recipe made from lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper, sweetened with honey is also said to work well.
Steam.
A hot shower with inhalation of steam from the water will moisten and soothe vocal cords.
Gargling hard alcohol.
This is something that was recommended to me, but is to be used with caution. Apart from the fact that you don't want to be horribly drunk when you sing, alcohol can adversely affect the vocal cords when you are dealing with virus-caused laryngitis. However, the short-term effect of gargling hard alcohol is the ability to numb your vocal cords and temporarily improve their use.
Non-use of your voice.
Like a doctur put it to me bluntly when I was a kid with a first time occurrence of laryngitis, "you just need to shut up for a while!" This is probably the hardest thing to do, but resting your voice is very important!
Reflexology.
This method amazed me quite a bit, as it appears to be very effective. It basically consists of massaging a pressure point located on the top of your foot, right above the area between the big toe and pointer toe periodically throughout the day. The 2nd diagram on this page shows where it is located (46).
Click here for more home remedies you can try.
Protecting My Friends
Some people may think I am crazy for loving my fiends like I do. But I have been more heartbroken about losing a friend than a significant other. Nothing can replace true friendship! Men and women come and go, but true friends stick around! When I have a friend who I feel I can trust, I am there for them and have their back. When someone harms them emotionally or physically, I will be there with the promise to become the attacker's worst nightmare, if needed. I am the type of person that is a great observer and very intuitive. I smell trouble way before it happens, usually. I cant always prevent it, but I do whenever possible. When trouble happens, anyway, even if no severe action is taken, I always have time to give, advice to share, a shoulder to cry on, a hug to comfort, a place to sleep and food to eat!
If you get on my bad side, though, don't expect me to come hold your hand while you put down and disrespect my friends... I won't stand for it! Liars only deceive themselves, disrespectful people don't earn respect and cheaters just cheat themselves out of a happy life with the one that is willing to love them exclusively and unconditionally! Remember it's your own insecurities and baggage that keep you from growing. Keep to yourself, hypocrites and fakes, until you can straighten out your life BEFORE becoming part of someone else's, causing discomfort and grief down the road!
However, if you still can't get a grip on yourself.... remember.... I'll be there, too!
If you get on my bad side, though, don't expect me to come hold your hand while you put down and disrespect my friends... I won't stand for it! Liars only deceive themselves, disrespectful people don't earn respect and cheaters just cheat themselves out of a happy life with the one that is willing to love them exclusively and unconditionally! Remember it's your own insecurities and baggage that keep you from growing. Keep to yourself, hypocrites and fakes, until you can straighten out your life BEFORE becoming part of someone else's, causing discomfort and grief down the road!
However, if you still can't get a grip on yourself.... remember.... I'll be there, too!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Our Authentic Self
I have gained a lot of life experiences for being only 34 years old. Life has taught me many things, but one of my greatest achievements has been becoming my true self again after long years of struggle. I learned is that being authentic is essential to loving ourselves and being loved! Being authentic means always being true to yourself and others. It also means being unique and standing up for yourself, no matter what!
Zig Ziglar says: "You cannot consistently act in a manner that is inconsistent with who you really are!", and it's so true! Why lie to yourself and about yourself? Someone will eventually find out, and trust will be lost.
Yes, truth can hurt sometimes. However dishonesty will cause chain reactions of unknown magnitude that carry from you to friends and on to their friends. Suddenly you find yourself with a bad reputation that affects your life and even your work. When I say "bad reputation" I mean a reputation of being dishonest in your dealings, being two-faced, and suffering from lack of "backbone". "I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I am not!" is another favorite quote of mine. Even if you are feared or disliked, truth and authenticity always demand respect, at the very least!
Lack of authenticity reflects itself in our family life, friendships and in our work. My family and friends know that I am authentic. I say what I do and do what I say. I have their back! That's how it should be. If I commit to something, I usually do it, unless there are unwanted or unexpected circumstances that force me to do otherwise. Work is a little bit of a different story. Most people work jobs that they don't really like. They do it for the money and benefits, and because it somewhat fits their talents. I feel that you're really only authentic in your work as long as you love at least part of it. I am much into the healing arts and while I am quite talented in being a Developmental Therapist, lately I have found that it isn't a 100% perfect fit for me. Believe it, or not, I have been told that I am too kind! Well the healing professions have many facets and I will remain within that professional niche. But I will look further into Massage Therapy, Reiki, Crystals and Herbalism, while continuing to write. These are my "true to myself" talents. The creative arts are just as much part of myself, however, to chose beauty over healing would be foolish. Even though my many talents can be used in different ways, only the healing arts would really make for an authentic "Petra-Profession". Only when the profession matches your authentic self, will you truly love your job!
There is so much more I could say, but for now, in conclusion:
Acting in accordance to your authentic self is liberating! And I love it!
Zig Ziglar says: "You cannot consistently act in a manner that is inconsistent with who you really are!", and it's so true! Why lie to yourself and about yourself? Someone will eventually find out, and trust will be lost.
Yes, truth can hurt sometimes. However dishonesty will cause chain reactions of unknown magnitude that carry from you to friends and on to their friends. Suddenly you find yourself with a bad reputation that affects your life and even your work. When I say "bad reputation" I mean a reputation of being dishonest in your dealings, being two-faced, and suffering from lack of "backbone". "I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I am not!" is another favorite quote of mine. Even if you are feared or disliked, truth and authenticity always demand respect, at the very least!
Lack of authenticity reflects itself in our family life, friendships and in our work. My family and friends know that I am authentic. I say what I do and do what I say. I have their back! That's how it should be. If I commit to something, I usually do it, unless there are unwanted or unexpected circumstances that force me to do otherwise. Work is a little bit of a different story. Most people work jobs that they don't really like. They do it for the money and benefits, and because it somewhat fits their talents. I feel that you're really only authentic in your work as long as you love at least part of it. I am much into the healing arts and while I am quite talented in being a Developmental Therapist, lately I have found that it isn't a 100% perfect fit for me. Believe it, or not, I have been told that I am too kind! Well the healing professions have many facets and I will remain within that professional niche. But I will look further into Massage Therapy, Reiki, Crystals and Herbalism, while continuing to write. These are my "true to myself" talents. The creative arts are just as much part of myself, however, to chose beauty over healing would be foolish. Even though my many talents can be used in different ways, only the healing arts would really make for an authentic "Petra-Profession". Only when the profession matches your authentic self, will you truly love your job!
There is so much more I could say, but for now, in conclusion:
Acting in accordance to your authentic self is liberating! And I love it!
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