February 26, 2010
February 24, 2010
ways to be happier....
there's an interesting article on what scientists found make us feel "happier". it seems like sound advice.
the 5 things that might-could make you feel happier:
1. Be grateful - Some study participants were asked to write letters of gratitude to people who had helped them in some way. The study found that these people reported a lasting increase in happiness - over weeks and even months - after implementing the habit. What's even more surprising: Sending the letter is not necessary. Even when people wrote letters but never delivered them to the addressee, they still reported feeling better afterwards.
4. Use your strengths - Another study asked people to identify their greatest strengths, and then to try to use these strengths in new ways. For example, someone who says they have a good sense of humor could try telling jokes to lighten up business meetings or cheer up sad friends. This habit, too, seems to heighten happiness.
2. Be optimistic - Another practice that seems to help is optimistic thinking. Study participants were asked to visualize an ideal future - for example, living with a loving and supportive partner, or finding a job that was fulfilling - and describe the image in a journal entry. After doing this for a few weeks, these people too reported increased feelings of well-being.
3. Count your blessings - People who practice writing down three good things that have happened to them every week show significant boosts in happiness, studies have found. It seems the act of focusing on the positive helps people remember reasons to be glad.
5. Commit acts of kindness - It turns out helping others also helps ourselves. People who donate time or money to charity, or who altruistically assist people in need, report improvements in their own happiness.
i'm going to try my best to do these things. i'll have to go buy a new moleskin journal for this.... and new markers too. yes, a happiness journal requires some shopping!!!
February 22, 2010
February 21, 2010
February 20, 2010
February 17, 2010
February 16, 2010
perspective (about a hero...)
i just read an article/ interview with roger ebert in esquire. if i ever bitch about having a cold for 7 days again, remind of this guy.
"I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn't always know this, and am happy I lived long enough to find it out."
in the news... (barbie is a nerd & monster crab)
barbie makers took a poll and asked what type of job she should have. the results are in and "barbie nerd" is the winner!
per the press release: The winner of the popular vote is Computer Engineer. Computer Engineer Barbie®, debuting in Winter 2010, inspires a new generation of girls to explore this important high-tech industry, which continues to grow and need future female leaders.
"All the girls who imagine their futures through Barbie will learn that engineers - like girls - are free to explore infinite possibilities, limited only by their imagination," says Nora Lin, President, Society of Women Engineers. "As a computer engineer, Barbie will show girls that women can turn their ideas into realities that have a direct and positive impact on people's everyday lives in this exciting and rewarding career."
To create an authentic look, Barbie® designers worked closely with the Society of Women Engineers and the National Academy of Engineering to develop the wardrobe and accessories for Computer Engineer Barbie®. Wearing a binary code patterned tee and equipped with all the latest gadgets including a smart phone, Bluetooth headset, and laptop travel bag, Computer Engineer Barbie® is geek chic.
click here to read about a giant crab in the UK. horrible.
February 15, 2010
omnichord practice...
my goal for this long end-of-winter/ when-will-it-be-spring??? season is to learn how to play this damn thing!
pit bull info...
i've learned some interesting things since we got gilly. she was rescued from the cleveland kennel and we can only guess at her breed, but everyone who knows dogs seems sure that she's some kind of pit bull mix. our vet has told us not to tell anyone this, and to call her a "boxer mix".
when i looked up articles on "breed specific legislation", i understood why the vet said this. in ohio, a dog that even looks like a pit bull is considered viscous, even if they never hurt a fly.
so gilly is a boxer mix. here are some facts about the kind of dog gilly is not:
- there's no such breed as a "pit bull". there are american pit bull terriers, american stafforshire terriers, and staffordshire bull terriers.
- in 2002 these type of dogs were rated very highly in american temperment testing. they are search & rescue dogs, therapy dogs, as well as competitive agilty dogs.
- can you spot the "pit bull"? take the test here! (there are 26 dogs and only 1 is an american pit bull terrier. i guessed right the first time, which means i've watched a lot of animal planet shows about dogs.)
February 14, 2010
February 12, 2010
February 10, 2010
February 9, 2010
my dewey color system analysis- no big shock
Best Occupational Category: You're a CREATOR
Keywords: Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional
These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.
CREATOR OCCUPATIONS
Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.
CREATOR WORKPLACES
Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.
Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.
2nd Best Occupational Category
You're a SOCIAL MANAGER
Keywords:
Tactful, Cooperative, Generous, Understanding, Insightful, Friendly, and Cheerful
This very social type enjoys working in groups, sharing responsibilities, and being the center of attention. Fields of interest are instructing, helping, nurturing, care giving and instructing-especially young people. They discuss and consider feelings in order to solve problems, lead, direct, persuade, guide, organize and enlighten others.
yet another dog video.....
this video cracks me up. gilly gives griffin the stare down, they fuss and play the "stop touching me" game, then take a nap. the song fits perfectly...
February 8, 2010
ugly on the inside.....
"How's that hope-y, change-y stuff working out for you?"
i watched part of palin's speech and just thought she sounded mean. she's full of herself, not very bright, and that's a bad combo.
i prefer this version (tina fey rules!):
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