Apr 30, 2006

Relaxation and reflection

Today my friend Amanda hosted a spa party at her home and invited a few of us over. I wouldn't normally accept such an invitation, however I am hosting a candle party at the end of May and I am expecting Amanda to be there, so I couldn't really decline this invitation now could I?

I went with the thought that I could use something for my very dry hands and cuticles, and figured I'd probably make a small purchase. The company is called BeautiControl. I had never heard of them before, despite the fact that they've been around for twenty-five years! Anyhow they have some gorgeous stuff. We did a mini manicure, mini facial and mini pedicure, and now my face hands and feet are as smooth as a baby's butt. I would have bought more stuff, but with the hand products alone I ended up spending almost 80 bucks, so I thought I'd stop there. It would actually be a fun way to spend an evening with the girls, but I think I'm pushing it by trying to get my friends to come to a spa party AND a candle party, so for now I'll pass.

Now I'm back at home with absolutely no ambition whatsoever. I've got a zillion things that need doing around here, but I am not in the least bit motivated to do them.

Instead I'm going to goof off on the computer Stumbling around on Mozilla. I found and did this really cool quiz to determine my ideal career. To view my results, go here.

Interesting! I have been struggling lately with my decision to follow an HR career path. I really enjoy writing, and have often wondered if journalism is something I should be pursuing instead. Here is more information on my Myers Briggs type. Funny, but the first time I did this test I was rated more of an introvert. Guess my true nature is finally coming out.

Apr 19, 2006

Check it out

If you haven't already done so, check out Skype. It allows you to talk to anyone else in the world for free over the internet. The drawback is they have to be a Skype member as well, but it is still worth a look.

Did some stumbling on Moz today...

Would it interest you to learn how to have a 36-hour day? Check out this blog entry. I have no idea who this guy is, but what a lot of great ideas he has. One day when I have extra time in my day I'll read the full post. Argghh - a paradox!!!!

I found a site that shows you how to properly taste wine. This was very serendipitous, as my new friend and I were pondering this very subject recently over a couple of glasses of cabernet. Learn how to sound like a grape connoisseur here, and impress the pants off your next date! :)

And speaking of dates, ladies check out this site, and learn what Bizzy knew all along: geek guys are not only HAWT, but they are the best dates you could ask for!

B.G. ;)

Apr 9, 2006

Random Sunday evening musings

I bought my very first electric toothbrush yesterday...and I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! Why didn't I get one ages ago??? I can't believe the difference - there is no comparison. I'll never go back to a manual toothbrush again.

I have been away from the gym all last week following an injury I sustained Monday during my lower body workout. I believe I damaged my ab muscles. They are still very tender. Do I continue to stay away from the gym for another week, or do I go back and work everything BUT abs for the next while?

Is this person really interested in me? Are we as compatible as it seems? Will he tire of the distance between us and self-select out, or will he be in for the long haul? What is going on inside that adorable head of his??? I wonder when I'm going to see him again...

It is so nice to come home to a clean house...or at least a partially clean house. My house is never completely clean - by the time I get around the entire place the room in which I started has become dirty again. I am not a great housekeeper, and lack the motivation required to keep a house spotless, or near spotless. Clutter and cat hair abounds in my home. Do I have the money to hire a cleaning lady once or twice a month?

I have agreed to rent my basement to two students who will split the rent costs. A significant financial burden has just been lifted. I can now relax and sleep a bit better at night.

And speaking of sleep...it is eleven o'clock, and I should be in bed!

-Biz

Apr 2, 2006

What is Love?

It's an age-old question. For those of us who have to ask, chances are we have never found it. I imagine that it smacks you in the face when you happen upon it, and it can be so profound that it scares you.

At least that's what I've been told.

It's no wonder that many of us are so uptight with our guard up so as to protect ourselves from those who would break our hearts. However the very same shield we brandish can also prevent safe, attentive and caring love from entering. How are we ever to realize this gift if we are not willing to risk heartbreak to find it?

I should be a very jaded woman, with all I've been through. I have never been 'in love' ( unless you count being in love with the hope of a bright future with someone), but rather just controlled and taken for granted. I have been pursued by people that I was not interested in; I have been completely in awe of and excited by someone, but I have never had that experience of finding someone with whom I can be myself and don't have to feel as if I have to act a certain way with them. I have never had that kinship, that feeling of the other person being an extension of me...having so much in common with someone that you are almost the same person. I can see it in my mind's eye, and it is hard to describe in mere words.

I have had that euphoria that you experience when you meet someone whom you think is really cool...when you just can't stop thinking about them...when you just want to do everything you can to make them happy in every possible way.

What is also desirable is that everything you are feeling is being reciprocated by the other person. You are getting back what you are giving out, and there is no one-sidedness. It's about both of you wanting to and trying to make each other's dreams come true. It's about feeling 'safe' with that person.

I think that last statement really hits the nail on the head. I have been in so many relationships in which I didn't feel safe, and I just didn't think to even question it. Now I know better, and if I'm faced with that feeling I'll know what to do.

I remember when my ex-husband and I were engaged and attending premarital counselling with the pastor who was going to officiate at the wedding. He asked us point blank why we wanted to get married. We answered it was because we loved each other of course, however we weren't being honest. We really didn't have an answer, so we just said what we thought he wanted to hear. The truth be told, we had been dating for years and just thought that it was the thing to do. I was twenty-three and wanted desperately to be a wife and mother, and he was pushing thirty and felt he'd invested four years in our relationship by then and didn't want to have to start over again with someone else. We didn't even know what love was. We were idiots.

Why don't the schools have lessons on love and relationships in addition to sexual education? Why aren't more strides being taken to assist young people to go within and learn to understand themselves? Then when they finish high school they are a little bit wiser and understand better the repercussions of choosing an unsuitable partner. I personally don't think this would have helped in my case, but it could conceivably help many other young people.

My eight-year-old was invited over to his 'girlfriend's' house today to hang out with her family. My oldest son reports that he really likes this girl a lot and talks about her all the time. When the time comes, I plan on being there to coach my kids along so they don't make the same mistake their parents did.

B.G. ;)