Whatever it is you do, if you do your best, you should be proud. I've never believed that a person needs to have a fancy career or doctorate level education to be a great person and contributing member of society. If a person brightens the world, they are a success in my eyes. I think what we are responsible for achieving in this world is happiness. I'm really big on always moving forward and growing. Recently, I have lost track of what direction is forward and have found myself on a path towards pride without happiness.
Forward movement should be about happiness, not employment success. If employment brings a person happiness, or is needed to raise capitol to pay for what makes a person happy, that's great, but it should be about happiness in the end. Recently, I've been too focused on what is considered my the mainstream as success and lost track of happiness. I've been seeking happiness through educational success that could then be transferred to pride from career success. Problem is, my path over the past year has not been towards work that would bring happiness, it has been towards pride.
Time to recent the compass and get back on track!
Time to make my education and employment successes be tied to happiness. For me, this means no longer pursuing a career in corporate America. That path may work for many others, but for me, there is no happiness to be found in the corporate jungle, nor on the path leading to there. I've been cooped up in the house, banging away at the keyboard, communicating with people I've never met about corporate strategies and organizational structures. All in an effort to obtain, then prove I have obtained, knowledge that will make me a desirable employee in the corporate world. This week I realized two things.
1. Being a desirable employee in the corporate world will not make me happy.
2. Being on the path to becoming a desirable employee in the corporate world is not making me happy.
Soooo.... I'm not sure exactly where I will be going from here, but I will no longer be moving forward to achieve pride.
I will reset my compass on making a difference, being happy, creating happiness for others, and I will do my best at all I do, and be proud.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Writer's block
I suppose technically to have true writer's block one would need be a writer. That is something I am not. But I do write, and I do hit blocks, so maybe I could be experiencing amateur writer's block. Well, I'm not really even an amateur writer. In my mind, a writer is an artist that uses words as their medium. The words pull you into the writer's creation and engage you in an emotional experience. I am not using words to create art, but rather to convey thoughts to friends, family, classmates and professors. Maybe if I were writing to engage strangers I wouldn't be stuck by this not-really-a-writer's block. I'm working on two papers for school. Both are boring. I understand the material thoroughly. I understand the assignment. I just can't seem to get my fingers to type the papers.
Being a student is a large part of my life. I love learning. I'm a rather good student and teacher. It's a part of my life where I'm very confident. So why this lack of enthusiasm towards these paper? I think the answer may be deeper than I would like. I don't think I am headed in the right direction with my studies. I love business, but I have no desire to work in a large corporation. I'm tired of studying the big four - Walmart, Google, Apple, Amazon. Sure, they are great stories, but they are not stories I want to be part of. I want to be part of something much smaller. Big, but small. I want to see the faces of the lives my work touches, not a stock report or company form letter thanking myself and hundreds of my closest co-workers for achieving some corporate goal. I love small business!!! I don't want to write about the big four because even though I understand the material, and can contemplate it systemically, I'm tired of spending my energy doing so.
I think it is time to go 'major hunting' again. No sense wasting any more time. I've learned my lesson. Now to go finish these papers. Maybe if I know this will be the last time I write about one of the big four, the task wont seem so daunting and I'll be able to break through this block.
Being a student is a large part of my life. I love learning. I'm a rather good student and teacher. It's a part of my life where I'm very confident. So why this lack of enthusiasm towards these paper? I think the answer may be deeper than I would like. I don't think I am headed in the right direction with my studies. I love business, but I have no desire to work in a large corporation. I'm tired of studying the big four - Walmart, Google, Apple, Amazon. Sure, they are great stories, but they are not stories I want to be part of. I want to be part of something much smaller. Big, but small. I want to see the faces of the lives my work touches, not a stock report or company form letter thanking myself and hundreds of my closest co-workers for achieving some corporate goal. I love small business!!! I don't want to write about the big four because even though I understand the material, and can contemplate it systemically, I'm tired of spending my energy doing so.
I think it is time to go 'major hunting' again. No sense wasting any more time. I've learned my lesson. Now to go finish these papers. Maybe if I know this will be the last time I write about one of the big four, the task wont seem so daunting and I'll be able to break through this block.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
More than six years later....
Well, it's been nearly six years since my last post - and that was just a test. Imagine my surprise to find my old blog still hanging around. I'm a little bummed that all my cool colors and formatting have been lost, but since I didn't know any of this blog still existed, I'm quick to get over it and be happy with what is here. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of comments made
regarding my positive outlook on life. Several have suggested I begin to
blog. Hmmm.... wonder if any of them know I use to blog years ago.
Brain Swirls was created to give me a place to record and share the random stuff that swirls around in my head. It's not meant to be a journal of what is going in my life, Facebook and Twitter keep family and friends updated on those things. Brain Swirls is about what's swirling around in my head. I selected the falling leaves background because the way in which a leaf falls to the ground reminds me a little of the thoughts swirling around in my mind. There is nothing but a leaf on a tree, then suddenly, for what often seems like no reason, it lets go and floats freely, swirly and flying, until it lands to rest on the ground. My hope is to capture that fall, and share the thoughts - swirls - with you as they fall.
So.... since I last maintained this blog a lot has changed. I've gone from a single mother living on Cape Cod, MA, to a wife living with her husband in south western PA. My son has grown into quite an impressive young man. He's on his own, doing quite well for a young man his age. During these years, I have earned a BS in Business from Penn State. My husband is finishing up working on his BA in Administration of Justice, and I've continued onto working towards an MBA in Social Media Marketing. We are rather low income, but we are happy. There's much more to share, but it will all come in time. I couldn't be more pleased with the direction life has taken over the past several years and I look forward to what is yet to come.
Thank you for stopping by.
Brain Swirls was created to give me a place to record and share the random stuff that swirls around in my head. It's not meant to be a journal of what is going in my life, Facebook and Twitter keep family and friends updated on those things. Brain Swirls is about what's swirling around in my head. I selected the falling leaves background because the way in which a leaf falls to the ground reminds me a little of the thoughts swirling around in my mind. There is nothing but a leaf on a tree, then suddenly, for what often seems like no reason, it lets go and floats freely, swirly and flying, until it lands to rest on the ground. My hope is to capture that fall, and share the thoughts - swirls - with you as they fall.
So.... since I last maintained this blog a lot has changed. I've gone from a single mother living on Cape Cod, MA, to a wife living with her husband in south western PA. My son has grown into quite an impressive young man. He's on his own, doing quite well for a young man his age. During these years, I have earned a BS in Business from Penn State. My husband is finishing up working on his BA in Administration of Justice, and I've continued onto working towards an MBA in Social Media Marketing. We are rather low income, but we are happy. There's much more to share, but it will all come in time. I couldn't be more pleased with the direction life has taken over the past several years and I look forward to what is yet to come.
Thank you for stopping by.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Random thoughts
Today, a new acquaintance asked me, "What is sushi?" Her question brought to the front of my mind just how lucky I am. See, although intelligent, this person is poor. Poor in the true sense of the word. She was never given the opportunities I've had. I'm not rich, my parents aren't either. Still I grew up in a safe neighborhood, and had enough money to eat at restaurants more than once a year. Access to news papers and the internet were/are not beyond my means. Although my parents couldn't afford a four year college, I was able to get some education at a very nice community college. This woman's family couldn't afford the car or gas to get her to a community college. I would suspect the application fee alone would have been tough on them. She grew up poor, still is poor, and doesn't have a clue what she's missing. Truth is, I'm not sure she missing much.
See, at the same time I realized how fortunate I am, I also realized that she is a very happy person, surrounded by love, with nothing.
This brought me to my final point. I may not be wealthy, overly educated, or highly successful, but I have two fortunes. I wasn't raised in suppressive poverty, AND I'm happy. What ever woes I had this morning are gone from mind.
See, at the same time I realized how fortunate I am, I also realized that she is a very happy person, surrounded by love, with nothing.
This brought me to my final point. I may not be wealthy, overly educated, or highly successful, but I have two fortunes. I wasn't raised in suppressive poverty, AND I'm happy. What ever woes I had this morning are gone from mind.
Wednesday, August 4, 2004
Oh Well....
The new puppy didn't work out. He's found a good home where he should fit in nicely.
A quick update:
The job is great.
The kid is good.
I'm actually doing things I like to do - just because - on a regular basis.
I have many funny sign shots to post some day.
I miss waves...... A LOT.
New friends are still being met regularly.
I miss being able to see my friends back home. Thank goodness for computers and phones.
In short, life is pretty good.
A quick update:
The job is great.
The kid is good.
I'm actually doing things I like to do - just because - on a regular basis.
I have many funny sign shots to post some day.
I miss waves...... A LOT.
New friends are still being met regularly.
I miss being able to see my friends back home. Thank goodness for computers and phones.
In short, life is pretty good.
Saturday, June 26, 2004
Saturday, June 19, 2004
This and That
Tom has a new quirk. He insists upon leaning his head up against something to sleep. Sometimes it's cute. Sometimes it's a pain (he sleeps in my bed). And then sometimes it's just plain weird looking...
Coffee doesn't taste the same when it's not in this mug :(
The weather around here is crazy! When it rains it REALLY rains! A storm you would only see in New England during a hurricane hits here near daily. The cool part? It lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. Lightening looks really cool on the mountains! This road was dry just a few minutes before this picture was taken, and again an hour later.
In more personal news, I start my new job Monday. It might be okay. I'm a bit concerned by the three weeks of training, and thirty days probation, for a job I could likely figure out without assistance in just a few hours. Still, I'm not dreading the job itself.
I'm still loving it here.
Coffee doesn't taste the same when it's not in this mug :(
The weather around here is crazy! When it rains it REALLY rains! A storm you would only see in New England during a hurricane hits here near daily. The cool part? It lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. Lightening looks really cool on the mountains! This road was dry just a few minutes before this picture was taken, and again an hour later.
In more personal news, I start my new job Monday. It might be okay. I'm a bit concerned by the three weeks of training, and thirty days probation, for a job I could likely figure out without assistance in just a few hours. Still, I'm not dreading the job itself.
I'm still loving it here.
Wednesday, June 9, 2004
Two sisters and their adventures in fabric, ice cream, cows, and a thunderstorm
Tonight was great! After a long day with lots of kids and temps in the 90's, Kim and I decided we needed some therapy. So, being aware of the newest and greatest forms of therapy available, we hopped in the car and went fabric shopping!
The therapy session was just what the doctor ordered! We found everything we were looking for and more. We found the perfect fabric to make something for just about every one we know, and new curtains for every room of our house. We stayed until the store closed. In the end we walked out of the store without purchasing a single item - and feeling much better now thank you.
Not far from the fabric shop is a dairy farm with wonderful homemade ice cream. I'd never been there, and my sister felt that was a horrible sin that needed to be rectified right away. While standing in line, in a light drizzly rain, my sister explained that the cows are just around back. Naturally, after getting our ice creams in hand, I wanted to go see the cows.
It was only raining a little. Our ice creams were already melting rapidly, and neither of us was concerned about getting our hair wet, so we set off on a short walk around back to see the cows.
Eating rapidly melting ice cream, in the heat, in the dark, in the rain, while walking seamed like a sport. Several jokes to that fact were being made between licks, and we were both laughing and enjoying ourselves.
Just as we approached the cows, there was a huge flash of lightening, the sky opened, and the rain poured down like someone turned on a faucet in the sky above us.
Getting completely drenched, our shoes squishing, ice cream being rinsed off our cones, and laughing our asses off, my sister and I casually made our way back to the car where I took this picture.
We stood in the rain to finish our ice cream, then returned to Kim's house where we lied about why we were so drenched, and started barking orders at the children to get to bed.
Everyone should try this new form of therapy every now and then. It really works.
The therapy session was just what the doctor ordered! We found everything we were looking for and more. We found the perfect fabric to make something for just about every one we know, and new curtains for every room of our house. We stayed until the store closed. In the end we walked out of the store without purchasing a single item - and feeling much better now thank you.
Not far from the fabric shop is a dairy farm with wonderful homemade ice cream. I'd never been there, and my sister felt that was a horrible sin that needed to be rectified right away. While standing in line, in a light drizzly rain, my sister explained that the cows are just around back. Naturally, after getting our ice creams in hand, I wanted to go see the cows.
It was only raining a little. Our ice creams were already melting rapidly, and neither of us was concerned about getting our hair wet, so we set off on a short walk around back to see the cows.
Eating rapidly melting ice cream, in the heat, in the dark, in the rain, while walking seamed like a sport. Several jokes to that fact were being made between licks, and we were both laughing and enjoying ourselves.
Just as we approached the cows, there was a huge flash of lightening, the sky opened, and the rain poured down like someone turned on a faucet in the sky above us.
Getting completely drenched, our shoes squishing, ice cream being rinsed off our cones, and laughing our asses off, my sister and I casually made our way back to the car where I took this picture.
We stood in the rain to finish our ice cream, then returned to Kim's house where we lied about why we were so drenched, and started barking orders at the children to get to bed.
Everyone should try this new form of therapy every now and then. It really works.
Monday, May 31, 2004
This sign made my day!
There are two companies in the area that put random sayings on their signs. I didn't have a camera on me to take a pic of my favorite so far. It read "My boss told me to change this sign so I did"
This one just made my day!
This one just made my day!
Friday, May 28, 2004
Forgot to mention
In that last post I neglected to point out I do NOT live in a rural area. I live in the downtown area of a rather large town (not quite a city but close). For those of you who can understand the reference, the area I live in is far more city like than anywhere on Cape Cod. It's sort of a mix between Plymouth and Quincy.
This makes my brain cramp a little bit more.
This makes my brain cramp a little bit more.
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Ouch!
That just hurt my brain.
Yesterday I spotted an ad in the paper for two air conditioners. I called the number, got voice mail, and left a message.
It appears I got the number wrong. The 'wrong number' person called the paper, gave them my name and number, and let them know I was looking for air conditioners.
This morning I received a phone call from a woman who works in the classified department of the paper. She wanted to let me know I had the number wrong, and she would help me find air conditioners.
I am definitely NOT in New England anymore.
Yesterday I spotted an ad in the paper for two air conditioners. I called the number, got voice mail, and left a message.
It appears I got the number wrong. The 'wrong number' person called the paper, gave them my name and number, and let them know I was looking for air conditioners.
This morning I received a phone call from a woman who works in the classified department of the paper. She wanted to let me know I had the number wrong, and she would help me find air conditioners.
I am definitely NOT in New England anymore.
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Finally
It was loaded with unexpected twists and turns, but the move is complete. I do not feel like I've moved 650 miles away. I feel perfectly comfortable here.
The unpacking process is underway. My phone, cable, and internet are up and running. The kid, dog, ferrets, and snake are all settling in quite nicely.
The only thing really catching me off guard is how at home I feel here. I believe when I start hunting for a house to purchase I will begin by looking further into the hills (I'm in a small city valley now). My mother made a joke that next thing ya know I'll be buying a goat. I think that's a swell goal... not to actually buy the goat, but buy a house where I could have a goat if the mood struck me.
The unpacking process is underway. My phone, cable, and internet are up and running. The kid, dog, ferrets, and snake are all settling in quite nicely.
The only thing really catching me off guard is how at home I feel here. I believe when I start hunting for a house to purchase I will begin by looking further into the hills (I'm in a small city valley now). My mother made a joke that next thing ya know I'll be buying a goat. I think that's a swell goal... not to actually buy the goat, but buy a house where I could have a goat if the mood struck me.
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
As everyone who needs to be told in person (or at least with a personal email) has been told, I can now publicly announce I'm moving about 650 miles away from home to south western PA.
It's a big move. I'm leaving the only place I've ever called home (Cape Cod). I know I should be nervous or scared or something, but I'm not. I'm excited (and so is my son).
There is a bunch of reasons for the move, but two stand out more than the rest. The biggest reason - I like the people down there. Every cashier, waitress, and stranger is so nice that it was shocking to someone like me who is accustom to the unfriendly New England attitude. The other reason - money. I'm tired of struggling to barely survive on this overpriced over crowded peninsula.
I have adopted family down there that are all unbelievably wonderful to me and just plan nice to be around. I also have two friends (also with adopted family ties) that are both considerate, supportive, helpful, and great to just be around.
It just "feels right" when I'm down there.
So, I'm loading up the kid, pets, and stuff and heading off on a new adventure.
I'll miss a lot of things. I'll miss seeing familiar faces every time I leave the house. There are fellow Cape Codders I know I will never see again. That makes me sad. I know I'll miss the water (ocean). While I was down there a couple weeks ago I missed the water at least a dozen times.
More than anything else, I'll miss being close enough to my sister to visit on a regular basis. My sister, her husband, and her children are by far my favorite people on the planet. Not being near them is going to hurt everyday.
Even though there will be people and places I'll miss, I will not miss my over all life on Cape Cod. I do believe I can honestly say "it's a beautiful place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there."
It's a big move. I'm leaving the only place I've ever called home (Cape Cod). I know I should be nervous or scared or something, but I'm not. I'm excited (and so is my son).
There is a bunch of reasons for the move, but two stand out more than the rest. The biggest reason - I like the people down there. Every cashier, waitress, and stranger is so nice that it was shocking to someone like me who is accustom to the unfriendly New England attitude. The other reason - money. I'm tired of struggling to barely survive on this overpriced over crowded peninsula.
I have adopted family down there that are all unbelievably wonderful to me and just plan nice to be around. I also have two friends (also with adopted family ties) that are both considerate, supportive, helpful, and great to just be around.
It just "feels right" when I'm down there.
So, I'm loading up the kid, pets, and stuff and heading off on a new adventure.
I'll miss a lot of things. I'll miss seeing familiar faces every time I leave the house. There are fellow Cape Codders I know I will never see again. That makes me sad. I know I'll miss the water (ocean). While I was down there a couple weeks ago I missed the water at least a dozen times.
More than anything else, I'll miss being close enough to my sister to visit on a regular basis. My sister, her husband, and her children are by far my favorite people on the planet. Not being near them is going to hurt everyday.
Even though there will be people and places I'll miss, I will not miss my over all life on Cape Cod. I do believe I can honestly say "it's a beautiful place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there."
Sunday, April 18, 2004
Random Acts of Kindness Can Be Fun
I pulled into line at the ATM. Read the bumperstickers of the car in front of me. The car pulled away. I pulled up to the ATM machine - just in time for the machine to give me her credit card.
I didn't think on this long at all. I dropped my wallet and her card on the passengers seat, and took off in what became my first car chase around town in a good many years.
The weather was just warm enough that I could keep the windows down. The radio was playing a rather obnoxious 'gotta love it' pop song. Traffic was heavy, but moving. The owner of the card was just far enough ahead of me to add a bit of a challenge to the chase.
In the end, I caught up with her on a quiet back road just a few miles away. She was so grateful she nearly cried. I didn't tell her, but the chase was far cooler than the random act of kindness. I almost felt like a kid again.
I didn't think on this long at all. I dropped my wallet and her card on the passengers seat, and took off in what became my first car chase around town in a good many years.
The weather was just warm enough that I could keep the windows down. The radio was playing a rather obnoxious 'gotta love it' pop song. Traffic was heavy, but moving. The owner of the card was just far enough ahead of me to add a bit of a challenge to the chase.
In the end, I caught up with her on a quiet back road just a few miles away. She was so grateful she nearly cried. I didn't tell her, but the chase was far cooler than the random act of kindness. I almost felt like a kid again.
Monday, April 12, 2004
Found in my email box
I believe-
that we don't have to change friends
if we understand that friends change.
I believe-
that no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you every
once in a while and you must forgive
them for that.
I believe-
that true friendship continues to grow,
even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I believe-
that you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.
I believe-
that it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.
I believe-
that you should always leave loved ones
with loving words. It may be the last
time you see them.
I believe-
that you can keep going long after you can't.
I believe-
that we are responsible for what we do,
no matter how we feel.
I believe-
that either you control your attitude
or it controls you.
I believe-
that regardless of how hot and
steamy a relationship is at first,
the passion fades and there had
better be something else to take
its place.
I believe-
that heroes are the people
who do what has to be done
when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.
I believe-
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I believe-
that my best friend and I can do anything
or nothing and have the best time.
I believe-
that sometimes the people you expect
to kick you when you're down,
will be the ones to help you get back up.
I believe-
that sometimes when I'm angry
I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me
the right to be cruel.
I believe-
that just because someone doesn't love
you the way you want them to doesn't
mean they don't love you with all they have.
I believe-
that maturity has more to do with
what types of experiences you've had
and what you've learned from them
and less to do with how many
birthdays you've celebrated.
I believe-
that it isn't always enough to be
forgiven by others. Sometimes you
have to learn to forgive yourself.
I believe-
that no matter how bad your heart is broken
the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I believe-
that our background and circumstances
may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.
I believe-
that just because two people argue,
it doesn't mean they don't love each other
And just because they don't argue,
it doesn't mean they do.
I believe-
that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a
secret. It could change your life forever.
I believe-
that two people can look at the exact
same thing and see something totally
different.
I believe-
that your life can be changed in a matter of
hours by people who don't even know you.
I believe-
that even when you think you have no more
to give, when a friend cries out to you
you will find the strength to help.
I believe-
that credentials on the wall
do not make you a decent human being.
I believe-
that the people you care about most in life
are taken from you too soon.
that we don't have to change friends
if we understand that friends change.
I believe-
that no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you every
once in a while and you must forgive
them for that.
I believe-
that true friendship continues to grow,
even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I believe-
that you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.
I believe-
that it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.
I believe-
that you should always leave loved ones
with loving words. It may be the last
time you see them.
I believe-
that you can keep going long after you can't.
I believe-
that we are responsible for what we do,
no matter how we feel.
I believe-
that either you control your attitude
or it controls you.
I believe-
that regardless of how hot and
steamy a relationship is at first,
the passion fades and there had
better be something else to take
its place.
I believe-
that heroes are the people
who do what has to be done
when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.
I believe-
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I believe-
that my best friend and I can do anything
or nothing and have the best time.
I believe-
that sometimes the people you expect
to kick you when you're down,
will be the ones to help you get back up.
I believe-
that sometimes when I'm angry
I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me
the right to be cruel.
I believe-
that just because someone doesn't love
you the way you want them to doesn't
mean they don't love you with all they have.
I believe-
that maturity has more to do with
what types of experiences you've had
and what you've learned from them
and less to do with how many
birthdays you've celebrated.
I believe-
that it isn't always enough to be
forgiven by others. Sometimes you
have to learn to forgive yourself.
I believe-
that no matter how bad your heart is broken
the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I believe-
that our background and circumstances
may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.
I believe-
that just because two people argue,
it doesn't mean they don't love each other
And just because they don't argue,
it doesn't mean they do.
I believe-
that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a
secret. It could change your life forever.
I believe-
that two people can look at the exact
same thing and see something totally
different.
I believe-
that your life can be changed in a matter of
hours by people who don't even know you.
I believe-
that even when you think you have no more
to give, when a friend cries out to you
you will find the strength to help.
I believe-
that credentials on the wall
do not make you a decent human being.
I believe-
that the people you care about most in life
are taken from you too soon.
Wednesday, April 7, 2004
Just Plain Ol' Cool!!!
Not only did the Bruins just win the first game of playoffs. They were playing the Canadians at the Fleet Center. Even cooler? It was a Shut Out!
Oh, and just to really frost the cake - we had a rookie goaltender, Andrew Raycroft, in net. It's the first time since 1929 a rookie goaltender has gotten a shut out in the playoff debut!
I'm so happy!
Oh, and just to really frost the cake - we had a rookie goaltender, Andrew Raycroft, in net. It's the first time since 1929 a rookie goaltender has gotten a shut out in the playoff debut!
I'm so happy!
Tuesday, April 6, 2004
The Purple Jungle Potty
Okay, this isn't my bathroom, and Tracy does have her own blog to put pictures of her bathroom in, but I can't resist!
Check this room out! I Love It!!! It's so over the edge! It's great!
Check this room out! I Love It!!! It's so over the edge! It's great!
Monday, April 5, 2004
Sunday, April 4, 2004
Very Happy Things
It is so cool to open my email, see a picture of these two amazing girls, and know I'm their auntie-jungle-gym.
Saturday, April 3, 2004
Random Happy Things
You take the first sip of the tea you just made, and realize - it's perfect!
You run into the cutest little newborn in a store - and the mother lets you hold her.
Just as you realize you miss someone - they call.
You receive a package/gift you had no idea was coming.
You hold the door for someone, they look you right in eye, smile, and say Thank You.
A chipmunk waits a few seconds before running away when it notices you. (this applies to all small wild animals)
Your child's school calls, out of the blue, to tell you how cool your kid is.
A plant you thought was surely dead, suddenly perks up and grows.
At the checkout, you realize you forgot your wallet, but find you have just enough to cover the tab with money you forgot you put in your pocket.
You unexpectedly get a *really* high score on your favorite game.
You check the mail and the *only* thing in there is a card from a friend.
For no reason, your kid walks over and hugs you.
You are absolutely certain you lost something, turn around a find it.
You come across a childhood photo album you'd forgotten all about.
The check engine light on your car suddenly turns OFF.
At the checkout you find out half the things you bought are on sale.
You come home, realize you've forgotten your house key, but also forgot to lock the door.
You're car is complete dead! You know you wont be able to fix it! The mechanic calls - you only need a ten dollar part!
I'm certain there are many more 'Happy Things'. It would take a lifetime to learn (or list) them all. Still, if you have any things you'd like to add, I'd love to hear about them (use the comment link below).
You run into the cutest little newborn in a store - and the mother lets you hold her.
Just as you realize you miss someone - they call.
You receive a package/gift you had no idea was coming.
You hold the door for someone, they look you right in eye, smile, and say Thank You.
A chipmunk waits a few seconds before running away when it notices you. (this applies to all small wild animals)
Your child's school calls, out of the blue, to tell you how cool your kid is.
A plant you thought was surely dead, suddenly perks up and grows.
At the checkout, you realize you forgot your wallet, but find you have just enough to cover the tab with money you forgot you put in your pocket.
You unexpectedly get a *really* high score on your favorite game.
You check the mail and the *only* thing in there is a card from a friend.
For no reason, your kid walks over and hugs you.
You are absolutely certain you lost something, turn around a find it.
You come across a childhood photo album you'd forgotten all about.
The check engine light on your car suddenly turns OFF.
At the checkout you find out half the things you bought are on sale.
You come home, realize you've forgotten your house key, but also forgot to lock the door.
You're car is complete dead! You know you wont be able to fix it! The mechanic calls - you only need a ten dollar part!
I'm certain there are many more 'Happy Things'. It would take a lifetime to learn (or list) them all. Still, if you have any things you'd like to add, I'd love to hear about them (use the comment link below).
Friday's Post - take three
I've come here two other times today to make my daily post. Now it is technically not Friday anymore, but oh well. I haven't enough time at the moment to make a proper post, but have plenty in mind to write about later.
Thursday, April 1, 2004
Time Killers
When I wake up, at the end of the day, when things get crazy, or when I'm simply bored, I like to get lost in brain numbing computer games. You know, the kind that require just enough brain function to be able to space out for a few minutes.
Here are some of my favorites:
At HTS Games you can find two really good games, Barrel Drop, and Puzzle Me This (which is on sale if you're curious).
Barrel Drop is a tetris-like game. The play is a touch different, and the graphics are far better. My favorite part about Barrel Drop is the two games modes, each with three levels of difficulty... so I can make it to level 24 no matter how tired I am.
Puzzle Me This also has a couple slight twists on the average puzzle game, as well has multiple play modes and difficulty levels. Again, no matter how functional my brain is, I can complete a puzzle.
At PopCap you can find a neato game called insane aquarium. The first few times you play you earn new creatures and friends. Then, you get to customize your tank and play 10 minute rounds. I must confess to spending WAY too much time on this game!
GameHouse has a great collection of card solitaire games. My favorites are Addiction Solitaire, and Turbo Solitaire.
And who can forget Snood. The game itself is great, but I like the custom level builder a lot! A friend and I use to build levels and send them back and forth to each other.
If you've only got a couple minutes to kill, Tap Down is a great way to do it! Quick click play, but requires thought and accuracy!
On a non-game related note:
A friend of mine has come up with the cutest, and most affective, cat toys - Misty's Mittens . They can be found on eBay, or by dropping me a note.
Here are some of my favorites:
At HTS Games you can find two really good games, Barrel Drop, and Puzzle Me This (which is on sale if you're curious).
Barrel Drop is a tetris-like game. The play is a touch different, and the graphics are far better. My favorite part about Barrel Drop is the two games modes, each with three levels of difficulty... so I can make it to level 24 no matter how tired I am.
Puzzle Me This also has a couple slight twists on the average puzzle game, as well has multiple play modes and difficulty levels. Again, no matter how functional my brain is, I can complete a puzzle.
At PopCap you can find a neato game called insane aquarium. The first few times you play you earn new creatures and friends. Then, you get to customize your tank and play 10 minute rounds. I must confess to spending WAY too much time on this game!
GameHouse has a great collection of card solitaire games. My favorites are Addiction Solitaire, and Turbo Solitaire.
And who can forget Snood. The game itself is great, but I like the custom level builder a lot! A friend and I use to build levels and send them back and forth to each other.
If you've only got a couple minutes to kill, Tap Down is a great way to do it! Quick click play, but requires thought and accuracy!
On a non-game related note:
A friend of mine has come up with the cutest, and most affective, cat toys - Misty's Mittens . They can be found on eBay, or by dropping me a note.
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
It shall survive!
I do not have the creative time or energy to make this blog what is was originally intended to be, but I do have the time and energy to make it be something.
Today I shall set a goal - I will make at least one post a day for the next ten days straight!
No guarantee on the quality of the posts, but ten days of posting should be enough to remind my sieve of a brain that it has a blog. Not to mention my vast fan base (Michael and Erica) who are craving a peak at the swirls that reside in my brain.
Today I shall set a goal - I will make at least one post a day for the next ten days straight!
No guarantee on the quality of the posts, but ten days of posting should be enough to remind my sieve of a brain that it has a blog. Not to mention my vast fan base (Michael and Erica) who are craving a peak at the swirls that reside in my brain.
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Thursday, January 22, 2004
More Junk Email
You know those really dorky survey type emails that run ramped from time to time? The ones that ask you if you like chocolate or vanilla, and what your favorite color is. I think it's time for a new one. One that asks the daring questions we really care about the answers to.
Notice I used the work "we". That means I need your help. Think of a question or two you think should be included in the New And Improved Survey and send them to me ( suz@divamind ). I wont make public who sent in what questions, but I'll put them all together and send them out.
Just think, five years from now, when you're bored enough to read junk email, and the New and Improved Survey has found it's way to you for the seventy ninth time, you can say to yourself "Hey, I wrote that question."
Notice I used the work "we". That means I need your help. Think of a question or two you think should be included in the New And Improved Survey and send them to me ( suz@divamind ). I wont make public who sent in what questions, but I'll put them all together and send them out.
Just think, five years from now, when you're bored enough to read junk email, and the New and Improved Survey has found it's way to you for the seventy ninth time, you can say to yourself "Hey, I wrote that question."
Saturday, January 17, 2004
Random Things To Waste Brain Power Thinking About
Can anyone disprove any of these facts? They showed up in my email box, and there must be at least a couple that aren't true.
A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.
A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.
A crocodile cannot stick out its tongue.
A dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours.
A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.
A "jiffy" is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.
A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.
A snail can sleep for three years.
Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer.
All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5 bill.
Almonds are a member of the peach family.
An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.
Butterflies taste with their feet.
Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds. Dogs only have about 10.
"Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt".
February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.
In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.
If the population of China walked past you, in single file, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.
If you are an average American, in your whole life, you will spend an average of 6 months waiting at red lights.
It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.
Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors.
Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable.
No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.
On a Canadian two dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament building is an American flag
Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.
Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite.
Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.
"Stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand and "lollipop" with your right.
The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.
The cruise liner, QE2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns.
The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.
The sentence: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter of the alphabet.
The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid.
The words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (palindromes).
There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.
There are more chickens than people in the world.
There are only four words in the English language which end in "dous":
tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous
There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: "abstemious" and "facetious."
There's no Betty Rubble in the Flintstones Chewables Vitamins.
Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.
TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.
Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.
Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks; otherwise it will digest itself.
A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.
A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.
A crocodile cannot stick out its tongue.
A dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours.
A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.
A "jiffy" is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.
A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.
A snail can sleep for three years.
Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer.
All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5 bill.
Almonds are a member of the peach family.
An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.
Butterflies taste with their feet.
Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds. Dogs only have about 10.
"Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt".
February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.
In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.
If the population of China walked past you, in single file, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.
If you are an average American, in your whole life, you will spend an average of 6 months waiting at red lights.
It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.
Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors.
Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable.
No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.
On a Canadian two dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament building is an American flag
Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.
Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite.
Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.
"Stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand and "lollipop" with your right.
The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.
The cruise liner, QE2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns.
The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.
The sentence: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter of the alphabet.
The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid.
The words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (palindromes).
There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.
There are more chickens than people in the world.
There are only four words in the English language which end in "dous":
tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous
There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: "abstemious" and "facetious."
There's no Betty Rubble in the Flintstones Chewables Vitamins.
Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.
TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.
Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.
Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks; otherwise it will digest itself.
Friday, January 16, 2004
Back up - and almost running
The new puter is home, and connected. Much left to do to get it 'running', but it's nice to be back in touch with the outside world again.
Saturday, January 10, 2004
Don't Worry, Be Happy
I always wondered what they looked like from behind. Actually, I hadn't given it a second thought, but I couldn't think of anything else to say.
Friday, January 9, 2004
80's Music Quiz
My sister sent me this fill in the blanks 80's Music Quiz. I haven't completed the quiz yet (it's 100 fill in the blank questions), but I was rather surprised by how much came whirling back into my mind. I need to go now. I need to dig out some old tapes and get a few songs out of my mind.
Wednesday, January 7, 2004
Tuesday, January 6, 2004
It's Intro Time
My Zoo:
Tom, a Border Terrier, is our newest addition.
Baby + Big Boy Bandit are the resident pains in the butt.
Sam the Sucker.... I'm not sure what he is.
Nick - the worlds lamest turtle. We love him anyway.
Sammi Snake - every boy needs a snake.
Scabbers - left over Sammi Snake food.
It's a cute story for another time.
And finally, the human zoo, er... I mean family.
A Mom, a Dad, their kids, and their kids' kids.
There is another addition since this picture was taken.
Tom, a Border Terrier, is our newest addition.
Baby + Big Boy Bandit are the resident pains in the butt.
Sam the Sucker.... I'm not sure what he is.
Nick - the worlds lamest turtle. We love him anyway.
Sammi Snake - every boy needs a snake.
Scabbers - left over Sammi Snake food.
It's a cute story for another time.
And finally, the human zoo, er... I mean family.
A Mom, a Dad, their kids, and their kids' kids.
There is another addition since this picture was taken.
Monday, January 5, 2004
Tracy and Suz watching hockey
Sent to me by Tracy
There are benefits to having friends that don't 'do' hockey. One night while Tracy and a few other friends where over hanging out, a Bruins game came on. Tracy being the wonderful friend she is, decided rather than beg me to turn off the game (and watch me pout all night), she'd make it fun for all of us. Tracy made up a drinking game to go along with the hockey game. I picked a players name, and every time the commentators said the name, we all drank. As we all got into both the drinking and hockey games, we began taking turns picking players names. Everything was going along fine until it was Tracy's turn to pick. Being a complete non hockey fan, the only name she knew was Ray Bourque. There is a reason most non hockey fans know the name Ray Bourque. He was just that damn good. This also means he touched the puck (therefore having the commentators say his name) every few seconds. The game ended with a bunch of drunk people trying to remember how many drinks they still had to take. It was fun.
There are benefits to having friends that don't 'do' hockey. One night while Tracy and a few other friends where over hanging out, a Bruins game came on. Tracy being the wonderful friend she is, decided rather than beg me to turn off the game (and watch me pout all night), she'd make it fun for all of us. Tracy made up a drinking game to go along with the hockey game. I picked a players name, and every time the commentators said the name, we all drank. As we all got into both the drinking and hockey games, we began taking turns picking players names. Everything was going along fine until it was Tracy's turn to pick. Being a complete non hockey fan, the only name she knew was Ray Bourque. There is a reason most non hockey fans know the name Ray Bourque. He was just that damn good. This also means he touched the puck (therefore having the commentators say his name) every few seconds. The game ended with a bunch of drunk people trying to remember how many drinks they still had to take. It was fun.
Sunday, January 4, 2004
Have a tissue handy
Just before my late brother was moved from the funeral home to the church, the funeral director, Dennis, read a couple poems to a small group of family. This was one of them.
I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says, 'There she goes!'
Gone where? Gone from my sight ... that is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says, 'There she goes!' there are other eyes watching her coming and their voices ready to take up the glad shouts 'Here she comes!'
Corey did some quick looking and discovered there is one more line to this poem:
And that is dying.
She also discovered the author is Henry Van Dyke
I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says, 'There she goes!'
Gone where? Gone from my sight ... that is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says, 'There she goes!' there are other eyes watching her coming and their voices ready to take up the glad shouts 'Here she comes!'
Corey did some quick looking and discovered there is one more line to this poem:
And that is dying.
She also discovered the author is Henry Van Dyke
Saturday, January 3, 2004
Oh Crap These Guys Are Big
(Globe Staff Photo / Matthew J. Lee)
Maple Leaf Bryan McCabe is held back by linesman Kevin Collins as he goes after Bruins Martin Lapointe.
I wonder if Kevin Collins in questioning his decision not to wear a helmet?
Baby's First
It seams a good idea to make the first picture on this blog be a picture of "my" baby enjoying his first Oreo on the first day of the new year. He seams to have figured out exactly what to do with it!
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Clear The Bench
Check it out! Jason sent me this link. Not too shabby for a minor league brawl.
ESPN NEWS
ESPN NEWS
Sunday, December 28, 2003
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Mission Statement
Hello all, and welcome to the first non-test post of Brain Swirls.
This blog, or my intentions for it anyway, will not be an ongoing story of a life or love. Nor will be used to update friends and family on recent events. Hopefully it will become a collection of photos, links, poems, sayings, and brief posts to amuse, inform, stimulate thought, or generally entertain those who stumble upon it.
More than having the opportunity to post whatever I want to because "it's my blog damn it!", I'm excited about being able to play with the design and layout of the page. I 'left' the computer biz right around the time that web design became the new big thing, and I've always wanted to be able to play with a web page. Now I can! So it is likely that the page will change in appearance now and then as I learn, and hopefully improve, in page design.
One of my first tasks is going to be learning how to add a link to email me (I don't want help Corey - I'm gonna figure it out). In the meantime, please take advantage of the comments link (below every post) to add any tidbits or comments you'd like to share!
Thanks for stopping bye. Come back in a few days - maybe I'll have posted something neato.
This blog, or my intentions for it anyway, will not be an ongoing story of a life or love. Nor will be used to update friends and family on recent events. Hopefully it will become a collection of photos, links, poems, sayings, and brief posts to amuse, inform, stimulate thought, or generally entertain those who stumble upon it.
More than having the opportunity to post whatever I want to because "it's my blog damn it!", I'm excited about being able to play with the design and layout of the page. I 'left' the computer biz right around the time that web design became the new big thing, and I've always wanted to be able to play with a web page. Now I can! So it is likely that the page will change in appearance now and then as I learn, and hopefully improve, in page design.
One of my first tasks is going to be learning how to add a link to email me (I don't want help Corey - I'm gonna figure it out). In the meantime, please take advantage of the comments link (below every post) to add any tidbits or comments you'd like to share!
Thanks for stopping bye. Come back in a few days - maybe I'll have posted something neato.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
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