Ok! I'm scheduling my first MIY day on Jan 17, at 2pm. The agenda? Bath Stuff. All the easy guys, so no worries. It is our first time after all.
Bath salts (of varying colors and scents)
Sugar or salt scrubs (those with ants may want to avoid the sugar)
Bath bombs (or bath fizzies) and their variant
Bath melts, and
Milk and honey bath mix
So fun so fun! and so luxurious! The point is to learn to make some really great bath stuff, without spending a ton of money. All the ingredients will be stuff you can pick up at the drug store, except perhaps the scents. I'll be splitting up the shopping list between everyone, so be sure to RSVP by Jan 10. And if there's a particular scent you would like, let me know so we can make sure its there.
Here's the details on each product:
Bath Salts can be made with any type of salt, though some are definitely better than others. We'll be using a mix of epsom salts, sea salt, and rock salt, as those are the easiest to come by, and are the base of all bath salts. Epsom and sea salts are the most theraputic for the skin and muscles. There are other types of salt that hold fragrance better, but as these don't need to sit on store shelves for two months, why worry about it?
Sugar/salt scrubs will simply involve mixing various oils good for the skin with our course ground sugar or salt. Sugar tends to be a bit gentler as an exfoliant, but as mentioned before, can be a disaster if anyone has ants, so depending on who attends, we may make both types, or just the salt scrub.
Bath bombs (fizzies) are so easy, but seem so mysterious. We're going to take the mystery out. Made with baking soda and citric acid, these are fun, and very impressive when you mention to someone that you made them yourself. You'll never pay $5 for a bath bomb again.
Bath Melts are the silky, oily cousin of bath bombs. We take the basic bath bomb recipe and add shea butter and cocoa butter, and if you like, even some dark chocolate. Instead of fizzing everywhere, they slowly foam and melt into your bath, creating a soft, moisturizing experience.
Milk and Honey bath mix is pretty simple too. There are a zillion variations on dry milk baths, and this is one. Dry milk, honey, oatmeal and some bubbles and viola! A milk and honey bath with yummy relaxing bubbles. If you want, leave the bubbles out, and just use the mix. Also works as a bath bomb, and hey! Since we've got the ingredients already, why not go wild. ;)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Indoor gardening
I haven't been to my community garden plot in ages. Between rain, cold, and the early sundown, there's been no opportunity. I'm looking forward to making up for lost time this weekend, but in the meantime, I've also been mulling around an idea of container gardening. Jeremy would never let me do too much, but two vegetables we like, buy a lot (and overbuy so they can rot in our fridge a lot) are lettuce and chard. And surprise! Both are extremely container friendly!
So I'm ordering some lettuce and chard seed and seeing what I have around the house for a container, or maybe picking up containers from a thrift store. Since both plants have shallow roots, I can use anything that is a foot deep, and at least a foot in diameter. Plastic storage containers, old pots and bowls, whatever. Drainage will be an issue, but if its a container I can't drill, then there are some creative ways to deal with drainage, starting with a thick layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot.
At some point I also want to try this. But that's another project for another day.
So I'm ordering some lettuce and chard seed and seeing what I have around the house for a container, or maybe picking up containers from a thrift store. Since both plants have shallow roots, I can use anything that is a foot deep, and at least a foot in diameter. Plastic storage containers, old pots and bowls, whatever. Drainage will be an issue, but if its a container I can't drill, then there are some creative ways to deal with drainage, starting with a thick layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot.
At some point I also want to try this. But that's another project for another day.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Good resources for frugal finances
Top 9 Good Habits for a Recession This is just a good article, with links to many other resources, including free financial planning software and a free excel spreadsheet to plan out a debt snowball.
12 Steps to a Prosperous New Year is also a great resource, linking 12 different articles, one for each of the 12 days of Christmas. The end of the year is a great time to plan out your goals for the new year and get your finances in order.
Jeremy and I are doing that this weekend (hopefully) and I can't wait. It makes me feel so much better when I know we are on a plan and that we are moving forward towards whatever goal we decide to set. This year it will be being debt free by the end of the year, with a good emergency account saved up, as well as saving something for a down payment on a house. (Those things might actually be affordable by the time we're ready to buy one!)
12 Steps to a Prosperous New Year is also a great resource, linking 12 different articles, one for each of the 12 days of Christmas. The end of the year is a great time to plan out your goals for the new year and get your finances in order.
Jeremy and I are doing that this weekend (hopefully) and I can't wait. It makes me feel so much better when I know we are on a plan and that we are moving forward towards whatever goal we decide to set. This year it will be being debt free by the end of the year, with a good emergency account saved up, as well as saving something for a down payment on a house. (Those things might actually be affordable by the time we're ready to buy one!)
Following in Japan's footsteps?
Great article in the Wall Street Journal today comparing our crisis to the crisis Japan had in the 90's, referred to as Japan's lost decade. They had a paired crash of both their real estate and stock market, and a decade of recession as a result. During that time, Japan's government made stimulus payment and bailout after bailout. Lots of public works. They didn't make a dent, and ended up putting Japan $1.35 trillion further into debt.
In fact, despite multiple examples in history and around the world showing otherwise, we are still convinced that the government can borrow, tax and print more money, and pay enough to stop any sort of economic crisis. Sorry, but no. Its never worked. Ever.
"Not to spoil the party, but this is not a new idea. Keynesian "pump-priming" in a recession has often been tried, and as an economic stimulus it is overrated. The money that the government spends has to come from somewhere, which means from the private economy in higher taxes or borrowing. The public works are usually less productive than the foregone private investment." - Barack Obama-san, WSJ
Honestly, we are seeing a "cleaning out" of our markets bad and inflated investments. Unfortunately, we're also seeing some deflation happening, which, if it catches momentum, could spell real trouble for us long term, economically.
As individuals, its pretty great. The ratio of debt to income in America has lowered for the first time in 52 years!! (We've been borrowing more and more and more for 52 years....and now we're surprised to get the check. We have been so spoiled) The amount of dollars saved per person actually raised and is close to being a positive number. (That's right, we've borrowed so much that even when every person's savings in America is added all together, we're still in the red!)And with deflation, it means things are more affordable, and cash savings are easier to hold onto.
All in all, yes, its painful, but this is a step in the right direction. Its like when you go on a diet after eating McDonald's for years. The first couple days you are starving and feel really crappy. And here's your Uncle Sam trying to hand you another Big Mac so you don't feel so hungry. Gee thanks.
In fact, despite multiple examples in history and around the world showing otherwise, we are still convinced that the government can borrow, tax and print more money, and pay enough to stop any sort of economic crisis. Sorry, but no. Its never worked. Ever.
"Not to spoil the party, but this is not a new idea. Keynesian "pump-priming" in a recession has often been tried, and as an economic stimulus it is overrated. The money that the government spends has to come from somewhere, which means from the private economy in higher taxes or borrowing. The public works are usually less productive than the foregone private investment." - Barack Obama-san, WSJ
Honestly, we are seeing a "cleaning out" of our markets bad and inflated investments. Unfortunately, we're also seeing some deflation happening, which, if it catches momentum, could spell real trouble for us long term, economically.
As individuals, its pretty great. The ratio of debt to income in America has lowered for the first time in 52 years!! (We've been borrowing more and more and more for 52 years....and now we're surprised to get the check. We have been so spoiled) The amount of dollars saved per person actually raised and is close to being a positive number. (That's right, we've borrowed so much that even when every person's savings in America is added all together, we're still in the red!)And with deflation, it means things are more affordable, and cash savings are easier to hold onto.
All in all, yes, its painful, but this is a step in the right direction. Its like when you go on a diet after eating McDonald's for years. The first couple days you are starving and feel really crappy. And here's your Uncle Sam trying to hand you another Big Mac so you don't feel so hungry. Gee thanks.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Someone Else's Junk
So, prior to today's major happenings (see Miss Piggy moment below) I was excited to write about yet another amazing trip to the Salvation Army. thrift stores are such an under-utilized asset. (yes! triple word score!) Recently, Jeremy and I were talking about getting a bread machine, so we can make our own bread, pizza dough, etc.
And, for those who don't know, there are two kitchen appliances you are almost guarnteed to find at any decently sized thrift store: ice cream makers and bread machines. (If you don't see any, wait a couple weeks...they'll show up) They always seem like good ideas at the time, and then get used maybe twice and put away. And then someone finds a dust covered "thing" and donates it.
So, instead of spending $200 on a solid bread maker, we spent $4.
Our Salvation Army is good for a lot of other stuff too. I bought a ton of Christmas decorations this year from them. When I needed new work clothes, they were totally there for me. And creative plates, baskets, bowls etc to put homemade goodies in for Xmas? Yup, they set me up.
I used to think that they never had anything good, and then I took more than two seconds to think about it. Seriously, what do I see the people in my life donate? What do I donate? Its usually clothes slightly out of style, working but unused electronics, and other cool sundries.
So maybe I don't want the sweater that doesn't fit anymore, but someone will. And that street goes both ways. The prices are rediculous (especially on 50% off days - check your local thrift store to see if they have these) and you can find some seriously awesome stuff. Just plan enough time to sift through all the ungl bridesmaid dresses and julienne french fry cutters.
Oh, and awesome tip for those into brand name bling. Thrift stores based in rich areas like Beverly Hills will carry pricier items, at pricier prices but still way below retail. Milano Blahnik's for $50, anyone?
And, for those who don't know, there are two kitchen appliances you are almost guarnteed to find at any decently sized thrift store: ice cream makers and bread machines. (If you don't see any, wait a couple weeks...they'll show up) They always seem like good ideas at the time, and then get used maybe twice and put away. And then someone finds a dust covered "thing" and donates it.
So, instead of spending $200 on a solid bread maker, we spent $4.
Our Salvation Army is good for a lot of other stuff too. I bought a ton of Christmas decorations this year from them. When I needed new work clothes, they were totally there for me. And creative plates, baskets, bowls etc to put homemade goodies in for Xmas? Yup, they set me up.
I used to think that they never had anything good, and then I took more than two seconds to think about it. Seriously, what do I see the people in my life donate? What do I donate? Its usually clothes slightly out of style, working but unused electronics, and other cool sundries.
So maybe I don't want the sweater that doesn't fit anymore, but someone will. And that street goes both ways. The prices are rediculous (especially on 50% off days - check your local thrift store to see if they have these) and you can find some seriously awesome stuff. Just plan enough time to sift through all the ungl bridesmaid dresses and julienne french fry cutters.
Oh, and awesome tip for those into brand name bling. Thrift stores based in rich areas like Beverly Hills will carry pricier items, at pricier prices but still way below retail. Milano Blahnik's for $50, anyone?
My Miss Piggy Moment
I am so pissed. Jeremy practically kills himself trying to get everything done for these people. (student film) They don't feed him well, they constantly ask for him and the crew to be okay with less than 12 hours to rest, and they treat him with no respect on top of it. And now, weeks after he hurt his foot, after he finally was seen limping be enough people to get attention, he goes to the doctor and his foot is fucking broken.
Not only is it broken, but its broken in a way that he can't walk on it at all for two months. And if it doesn't heal correctly, which sometimes happens with these breaks, then they may have to do a bone graft from his hip. We're not there yet, but I hate that the doc even felt he had to mention it.
They (the student director's school) are paying for the initial doctor's appointment, and should be paying for all the follow up as well, so at least they are doing that. But I am having a serious Miss Piggy moment. I thought about reporting to the union or talking to the producer directly, but didn't for Jeremy's sake. (It made me happy to think about though) and now, I am so ramped up. "You hurt my Kermie!!!! Hi-YAH! Hi-YAH!"
Either they will pay for worker's comp or we will file unemployment. And they are covering the doctor's bills, so that's good. At least they aren't total scum. But that protective energy is on full blast baby. So watch out. I am NOT a happy camper.
Not only is it broken, but its broken in a way that he can't walk on it at all for two months. And if it doesn't heal correctly, which sometimes happens with these breaks, then they may have to do a bone graft from his hip. We're not there yet, but I hate that the doc even felt he had to mention it.
They (the student director's school) are paying for the initial doctor's appointment, and should be paying for all the follow up as well, so at least they are doing that. But I am having a serious Miss Piggy moment. I thought about reporting to the union or talking to the producer directly, but didn't for Jeremy's sake. (It made me happy to think about though) and now, I am so ramped up. "You hurt my Kermie!!!! Hi-YAH! Hi-YAH!"
Either they will pay for worker's comp or we will file unemployment. And they are covering the doctor's bills, so that's good. At least they aren't total scum. But that protective energy is on full blast baby. So watch out. I am NOT a happy camper.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Biggest Loser: Spray Family Edition - Week 6
So, three posts for today. Sorry bout that, but this way, you can read about what you want, and skip what you don't. :)
So Sunday was our final weigh-in for the CoreGym informercial to show the results. I wasn't so sure about whether we would do well enough, but wow. Looking at the "Before" pictures, its really stunning. Final total: Katy lost 13 lbs and 16 inches, Jeremy lost 10 lbs and 13.5 inches.
Winner: Katy! Though its not quite fair, cause he's injured and his job made it much harder to workout and eat healthy. But still. Woo!!!
We filmed testimonials about the CoreGym and how awesome it is. (It is btw, I'm not lying) and the whole time I was still just blown away by the difference in the before and after pics. I was so gross looking! I'll post the before and after pics when I get them. I asked for an email with them, but who knows how long that'll take.
Jeremy and I are still going to keep up with our CoreGym workouts, but I'll stop the weekly updates. I still want to get down to 135, but now that there's no timeline, I've decided it'll be healthier and longer lasting if I do it slowly. So no more big goals, just happy happy Katy and Jeremy. Happy, thinner, sculpted and hotter Sprays. Woot!!
So Sunday was our final weigh-in for the CoreGym informercial to show the results. I wasn't so sure about whether we would do well enough, but wow. Looking at the "Before" pictures, its really stunning. Final total: Katy lost 13 lbs and 16 inches, Jeremy lost 10 lbs and 13.5 inches.
Winner: Katy! Though its not quite fair, cause he's injured and his job made it much harder to workout and eat healthy. But still. Woo!!!
We filmed testimonials about the CoreGym and how awesome it is. (It is btw, I'm not lying) and the whole time I was still just blown away by the difference in the before and after pics. I was so gross looking! I'll post the before and after pics when I get them. I asked for an email with them, but who knows how long that'll take.
Jeremy and I are still going to keep up with our CoreGym workouts, but I'll stop the weekly updates. I still want to get down to 135, but now that there's no timeline, I've decided it'll be healthier and longer lasting if I do it slowly. So no more big goals, just happy happy Katy and Jeremy. Happy, thinner, sculpted and hotter Sprays. Woot!!
Do-gooding for the holidays, and beyond....
So on Saturday I went to an orientation for School on Wheels, an organization that puts volunteer tutors together with homeless kids in LA, Ventura, and Orange County. I went with my little bro, and sometime in January, we will be matched up with homeless kids in the Pasadena area (that's where my bro is) to tutor for one hour a week.
The whole orientation I was on the verge of tears for these kids. Pulled from one school to the next to the next as shelter space becomes available. Some, in domestic abuse shelters, can't even go to school, cause its too dangerous. And the simple things that make so much difference in their lives, like a little bit of stability and someone believing in them, those things just aren't there.
So that's what Ryan and I are going to do. We are going to be there every week for them, and to say yes, you can do it and we're going to help you.
I'm really excited, and especially happy that in this organization, unlike other volunteer groups, they feel really strongly that no matter how motivated you are, you should not take on more than one or maybe two kids. Cause to commit to too much, and then bail on the kid, that is the last thing they want.
I see more and more homeless people on my bus ride to work. Normal, adjusted people who are just down on their luck and don't have anyone they can lean on. I felt like I had to do something. And to do something to break the cycle. Giving these kids support, a chance at a better life. That's something I can really believe in.
The whole orientation I was on the verge of tears for these kids. Pulled from one school to the next to the next as shelter space becomes available. Some, in domestic abuse shelters, can't even go to school, cause its too dangerous. And the simple things that make so much difference in their lives, like a little bit of stability and someone believing in them, those things just aren't there.
So that's what Ryan and I are going to do. We are going to be there every week for them, and to say yes, you can do it and we're going to help you.
I'm really excited, and especially happy that in this organization, unlike other volunteer groups, they feel really strongly that no matter how motivated you are, you should not take on more than one or maybe two kids. Cause to commit to too much, and then bail on the kid, that is the last thing they want.
I see more and more homeless people on my bus ride to work. Normal, adjusted people who are just down on their luck and don't have anyone they can lean on. I felt like I had to do something. And to do something to break the cycle. Giving these kids support, a chance at a better life. That's something I can really believe in.
New addition to the family
No, its not that. Its our new dog, Topper! (Sorry Dad) Topper is a chihuahua, dautshound (wiener dog) mix, or as we like to call it: a chihueenie! He is the sweetest, calmest, mostly lovey dog and he was at his no-kill rescue for 8 months!!! WTF? Maybe he was too calm and not excitedly affectionate enough? No idea, but he's perfect for us.
He and Max get along really well, though it'll take a while before they really gel as a pack. And he's doing well with the cats. :D Last night, while watching movies, Topper just curled up on my lap and fell asleep. He is so adorable, and I can't wait for everyone to meet him.
The rescue we got him from, Pet Orphans of Southern California, are very responsible, and had us talk with a behavior specialist for two hours before we could take him home. She told us how to acclimate him to the new place, and to the cats and Max, how to ensure he would bond with us versus Max as the pack leader, and how to train him about various things. Topper was on the street before being in this kennel, so he's never had a consistent pack leader or family to look to or bond with. Very different than a puppy from a breeder, who's born into home dynamics. So he's still kinda skitish, cause he's not quite sure how long things will last. Nor is he used to this kind of living as "normal." With that in mind, we were advised to not introduce Topper to anyone until Wednesday, so he has time to adjust. Make sense, but sorry to all our friends who want to meet him. We'll have to have you over later in the week.
She also said that he's gonna want to run, cause the street, awful as it is, is known to him, versus a home that's all weird and new, so no taking him to anyone else's place for a couple weeks. He needs to learn where home base is first. And they told us to keep him a leash in the house the first few weeks, so he's connected to us and knows who's in charge, the other animals in the house know if he's annoying they can walk away, and he knows that there's someone else in control and that he only needs to deal with a 6' circle of territory at a time. Its something I would never have thought of, and a lot of rules, but I have to say this is the smoothest adoption of a shelter dog I've ever had, and my family has always adopted from a rescue or shelter. So, I guess it works. He's calm, the other animals are calm, its great!
Can't wait until Topper feels like he's really part of the family.
He and Max get along really well, though it'll take a while before they really gel as a pack. And he's doing well with the cats. :D Last night, while watching movies, Topper just curled up on my lap and fell asleep. He is so adorable, and I can't wait for everyone to meet him. The rescue we got him from, Pet Orphans of Southern California, are very responsible, and had us talk with a behavior specialist for two hours before we could take him home. She told us how to acclimate him to the new place, and to the cats and Max, how to ensure he would bond with us versus Max as the pack leader, and how to train him about various things. Topper was on the street before being in this kennel, so he's never had a consistent pack leader or family to look to or bond with. Very different than a puppy from a breeder, who's born into home dynamics. So he's still kinda skitish, cause he's not quite sure how long things will last. Nor is he used to this kind of living as "normal." With that in mind, we were advised to not introduce Topper to anyone until Wednesday, so he has time to adjust. Make sense, but sorry to all our friends who want to meet him. We'll have to have you over later in the week.
She also said that he's gonna want to run, cause the street, awful as it is, is known to him, versus a home that's all weird and new, so no taking him to anyone else's place for a couple weeks. He needs to learn where home base is first. And they told us to keep him a leash in the house the first few weeks, so he's connected to us and knows who's in charge, the other animals in the house know if he's annoying they can walk away, and he knows that there's someone else in control and that he only needs to deal with a 6' circle of territory at a time. Its something I would never have thought of, and a lot of rules, but I have to say this is the smoothest adoption of a shelter dog I've ever had, and my family has always adopted from a rescue or shelter. So, I guess it works. He's calm, the other animals are calm, its great!
Can't wait until Topper feels like he's really part of the family.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thoughts on the economic panic
So, I know the technical definition of what's a recession versus a depression, but I'm starting to get a glimpse of what may be a more usable definition to those of us actually living it. A recession seems to be characterized with the economy contracting and inflation going crazy, while a depression would be the same, but with deflation taking the spotlight. I know economists might disagree with me, but I'm reading all this panicky stuff about how inflation would be bad, but the deflation we're seeing is really bad, cause it'll stretch this recession out much futher. And I'm thinking, so its the deflation that is putting us in danger of a depression then?
Anyway, reading all this stuff has got me even more inspired to do MIY days. I've been googling "Make Your Own XYZ" all over the place. I am now excited to make my own laundry detergent (when we run out), yogurt, ricotta and soft farm cheese, pizza dough, bread, bath salts, shampoo, and who knows what else. :)
I know we'll be saving money with prices deflating, but I also know how bad that is long term for the economy, and want to save as much as I can now, while I can, just in case. It'll also help us pay off our debt anyway, so saving is good.
Actually, I also just have to put this out there: Thank God this is happening. I know its really painful right now, and scary, but check it out. People are actually being responsible with their money! The amount of credit applications and credit purchases has dropped dramatically. Luxury items that people can't afford are not being bought. Even with the holiday season here! Its like our country is finally waking up! Its a great silver lining to this cloud, and I hope people's lifestyles actually change long term, instead of just while things are tight. Its very inspiring, seeing people learn to live sustainably on the money they make, rather than always spending more.
A little statistic to show you what I mean: in 2007 it was estimated that consumers in the US spent $2-$3 TRILLION more than they made. (its just an estimate, and clearly has a wide margin of error, but STILL!) There's no estimate for 2008, but I bet its gonna be way lower. :)
Anyway, reading all this stuff has got me even more inspired to do MIY days. I've been googling "Make Your Own XYZ" all over the place. I am now excited to make my own laundry detergent (when we run out), yogurt, ricotta and soft farm cheese, pizza dough, bread, bath salts, shampoo, and who knows what else. :)
I know we'll be saving money with prices deflating, but I also know how bad that is long term for the economy, and want to save as much as I can now, while I can, just in case. It'll also help us pay off our debt anyway, so saving is good.
Actually, I also just have to put this out there: Thank God this is happening. I know its really painful right now, and scary, but check it out. People are actually being responsible with their money! The amount of credit applications and credit purchases has dropped dramatically. Luxury items that people can't afford are not being bought. Even with the holiday season here! Its like our country is finally waking up! Its a great silver lining to this cloud, and I hope people's lifestyles actually change long term, instead of just while things are tight. Its very inspiring, seeing people learn to live sustainably on the money they make, rather than always spending more.
A little statistic to show you what I mean: in 2007 it was estimated that consumers in the US spent $2-$3 TRILLION more than they made. (its just an estimate, and clearly has a wide margin of error, but STILL!) There's no estimate for 2008, but I bet its gonna be way lower. :)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Quantum biology?
I just finished reading a really intriguing book: The Biology of Belief. Written by a former cell biologist, it explains the issues with our current theories of how biology works, based on Newtonian physics (which we now know to be gross oversimplifications which only prove out in large scale, macro type reactions). What is amazing is that, when you apply quantum physics to biology, not only does it make about a million times more sense (especially when you spent hours and hours and hours in lab trying to get molecules to behave, like I did), but it also explains how alternative, energy based medicine works, and why it works, AND allows us to recognize the amazing power we have over our own bodies.
The thing I love the most is the science (which he backs up with multiple studies done over the last decade) the shows that our cells and bodies are extremely reactive to energy fields, even the weak ones we create with various emotions. AND he shows how emotions aren't so much an affect of our brain, but rather are an effect from our bodies, caused by some outside stimulus. But it explains why emotions are so illogical. And then he goes through the ways (actual pathways with hormones and stuff) that people can makes themselves sick or heal themselves, through emotions and mindset.
Its things that I came to believe after studying genetics for several years (not to popular with the co-researchers), so I was already primed to get this, but its really neat to read about the science behind it, and what we are finding out.
Also, he has a tail end about a new type of psychology called psych-k, which uses this new research to alter the way your body reacts to things, like phobias and self-esteem issues, extremely quickly (like 15 minutes quickly) by bypassing the brain and going straight to the body. Sounds pretty awesome.
I highly recommend the book, (the science is very simplified for laymen, so no worries), and if you haven't seen it, you might want to see "What the #@#$% Do We Know?" before you read the book. It's a bit like an intro, though it was made a few years earlier.
The thing I love the most is the science (which he backs up with multiple studies done over the last decade) the shows that our cells and bodies are extremely reactive to energy fields, even the weak ones we create with various emotions. AND he shows how emotions aren't so much an affect of our brain, but rather are an effect from our bodies, caused by some outside stimulus. But it explains why emotions are so illogical. And then he goes through the ways (actual pathways with hormones and stuff) that people can makes themselves sick or heal themselves, through emotions and mindset.
Its things that I came to believe after studying genetics for several years (not to popular with the co-researchers), so I was already primed to get this, but its really neat to read about the science behind it, and what we are finding out.
Also, he has a tail end about a new type of psychology called psych-k, which uses this new research to alter the way your body reacts to things, like phobias and self-esteem issues, extremely quickly (like 15 minutes quickly) by bypassing the brain and going straight to the body. Sounds pretty awesome.
I highly recommend the book, (the science is very simplified for laymen, so no worries), and if you haven't seen it, you might want to see "What the #@#$% Do We Know?" before you read the book. It's a bit like an intro, though it was made a few years earlier.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Survivng by Thriving
I am very moved by this weekend, by the conversations I had with my parents, by what I hear and read about what my friends are going through, and by what I see around me. The world is changing, and the same old, same old is just not going to cut it anymore.
We are being called to step beyond what we thought we were capable of, beyond the limits of who we thought we were. To not do so is to flounder. But to do it, there will be major challenges and upsets.
So far, I've used this blog to keep people up-to-date with what's going on in our lives: little comments, a few thoughts here and there, but mostly just "this happened, and then that happened." I'm not going to stop that completely, but it doesn't satisfy me anymore. More needs to be said, and more done. And with that, I declare my blog as place to come to be inspired, to be educated, to be challenged, and occasionally, just to enjoy life.
And as my blog changes, so does the title. This is theme: to feel complete we must thrive. Survival is simply not enough...and frankly, I never feel like I'm "surviving" when I live like that. I always feel lost, and panicked, and like the slightest thing will topple my house of cards. So my only other option is to thrive, and this is where I'm gonna put anything that helps me do that. Hopefully it'll help everyone else too.
We are being called to step beyond what we thought we were capable of, beyond the limits of who we thought we were. To not do so is to flounder. But to do it, there will be major challenges and upsets.
So far, I've used this blog to keep people up-to-date with what's going on in our lives: little comments, a few thoughts here and there, but mostly just "this happened, and then that happened." I'm not going to stop that completely, but it doesn't satisfy me anymore. More needs to be said, and more done. And with that, I declare my blog as place to come to be inspired, to be educated, to be challenged, and occasionally, just to enjoy life.
And as my blog changes, so does the title. This is theme: to feel complete we must thrive. Survival is simply not enough...and frankly, I never feel like I'm "surviving" when I live like that. I always feel lost, and panicked, and like the slightest thing will topple my house of cards. So my only other option is to thrive, and this is where I'm gonna put anything that helps me do that. Hopefully it'll help everyone else too.
Weekend Update
Lots happened this weekend. Saturday was pretty normal: cleaning, bike riding, etc. But Sunday was a whole other story. My sister (in-law), Donna, broke her foot pretty badly when coming back from my bro's holiday concert. Slipped in the street and caused a huge ruckus. Apparently there were two fire engines, two paramedic teams, and four police cars out for her lil old foot.
The paramedics did a great job and saved her about six months of extra physical therapy by immobilizing the foot and saving the tendon from snapping. (Go EMTs!!) But she still had to have surgery to get the bones placed correctly, with two plates and six screws.
So Sunday, we moved her and Dirk downstairs to my parent's rented room and moved their renter upstairs (he was awesome to say yes to moving, Thanks Davy!) I got there about 3 in the afternoon to help with the unpacking, and by the evening that little space looked so homey and welcoming. I was kinda jealous! ;) I hope she likes it. She's closer to everyone, and on the first floor, so that should help a bunch.
Before I got to my mom's to help with the move, I had to get the laundry done, which is where issue number two happened: my purse was stolen. I thought for sure I had accidentally thrown it in with the laundry, but when the machine finished, I searched and there was no purse. I figure it must've happened when I was wrestling with our duvet cover and mattress pad. Nothing of any value in the purse, but its damn inconvenient.
I had to buy a day pass for the bus and then go to Union Station on my break to pick up a replacement for my monthly pass (thank god for electronic passes. They can cancel my old one and give me a new one without me having to buy anything!) And I lost my office key (though thankfully not my car keys. That would've been nasty) I canceled all my cards, and put fraud alerts on all my credit reports, and ordered a new license. So everything's taken care of. Its just so...annoying! grrr.
I get that people are feeling the pinch, and may be getting desperate. But grrrr anyway.
Thank goodness for family. Any negative feelings I would have had melted totally away when I was with mom and Greg helping move. I had such great talks with them about all sorts of cool spiritual stuff, and about nothing. It was AWESOME! I love my family. :)
The paramedics did a great job and saved her about six months of extra physical therapy by immobilizing the foot and saving the tendon from snapping. (Go EMTs!!) But she still had to have surgery to get the bones placed correctly, with two plates and six screws.
So Sunday, we moved her and Dirk downstairs to my parent's rented room and moved their renter upstairs (he was awesome to say yes to moving, Thanks Davy!) I got there about 3 in the afternoon to help with the unpacking, and by the evening that little space looked so homey and welcoming. I was kinda jealous! ;) I hope she likes it. She's closer to everyone, and on the first floor, so that should help a bunch.
Before I got to my mom's to help with the move, I had to get the laundry done, which is where issue number two happened: my purse was stolen. I thought for sure I had accidentally thrown it in with the laundry, but when the machine finished, I searched and there was no purse. I figure it must've happened when I was wrestling with our duvet cover and mattress pad. Nothing of any value in the purse, but its damn inconvenient.
I had to buy a day pass for the bus and then go to Union Station on my break to pick up a replacement for my monthly pass (thank god for electronic passes. They can cancel my old one and give me a new one without me having to buy anything!) And I lost my office key (though thankfully not my car keys. That would've been nasty) I canceled all my cards, and put fraud alerts on all my credit reports, and ordered a new license. So everything's taken care of. Its just so...annoying! grrr.
I get that people are feeling the pinch, and may be getting desperate. But grrrr anyway.
Thank goodness for family. Any negative feelings I would have had melted totally away when I was with mom and Greg helping move. I had such great talks with them about all sorts of cool spiritual stuff, and about nothing. It was AWESOME! I love my family. :)
Biggest Loser: Spray Family Edition - Week 5
Well, we're working on it, but life has really interfered with our exercise program. Jeremy broke his CoreGym, and we picked up a new one for him yesterday. He's decided to use his down time at work to workout, cause all week he's wanted to workout, but been exhausted after working 12-14 hour days. So working out at work will (hopefully) work better than working out after work.
He did lose a pound this week, putting him at 187 lbs. currently. (Woo!)
I am having a hard time telling what my weight should be. PMS related bloating and water retention have totally messed up my weight. One day I was 149, the next 152, then 153, then 148 (at least that was normal!) and on and on this week. I weighed in as 147 this morning, but who knows if that's accurate. For now, lets say that's my current weight, just for kicks. ;)
So with that, it means we both lost a pound this week. Moving in the right direction! Now, we just need to get some momentum going!
He did lose a pound this week, putting him at 187 lbs. currently. (Woo!)
I am having a hard time telling what my weight should be. PMS related bloating and water retention have totally messed up my weight. One day I was 149, the next 152, then 153, then 148 (at least that was normal!) and on and on this week. I weighed in as 147 this morning, but who knows if that's accurate. For now, lets say that's my current weight, just for kicks. ;)
So with that, it means we both lost a pound this week. Moving in the right direction! Now, we just need to get some momentum going!
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