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Poignant Pearls & Potbellied Pigs January 2003
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sheldene chant
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Jan 29, 2003 17:56 PST
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POIGNANT PEARLS & POTBELLIED PIGS
Vol. 4 Issue 1 January, 2003
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CONTENTS
- Hello there . . .
- Inside Story
- How to Improve Your Love Life with the
Power of Feng Shui
- eNonyMouse - with more useless facts
- A Good Memory Can Solve Our Problems
- 'Over There'
- What Have Your Got To Lose?
- 'Now he's meddling with the weather...'
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HELLO THERE . . .
…you with the stars in your eyes, a grasshopper brain and
thoughts without boundaries…
Unfortunately Griselda has seized the opportunity to lower
the tone of this ezine in Inside Story so to counteract that I'm
concentrating on pleasant things.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner Stephanie Roberts
writes about How To Improve Your Love Life With The Power of
Feng Shui - which is full of good advice even if you're not into
romance. I'm a firm believer in introducing a little law and order in
to a house, providing one has the strength.
I felt much better after reading Melvin Durai's article, A Good
Memory Can Solve Our Problems. It's always nice to be reminded
I'm not the only person who forgets birthdays and loses their
cigarettes, keys etc etc in out of the way places such as the 'fridge.
And while we're zooming in on being pleasant it seemed like a good
idea to give some thought to how our actions can affect other
people - see 'Over There'.
Finally - well almost - Helaine Iris will cheer you up if you're dreading
the approach of 40 (or worse) with What Have You Got To Lose?
While I was compiling this ezine I came across a news report about
my least favourite person, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, and although
nothing relating to this dictator could be described as appealing I
couldn't resist including it at the end of this issue. I allow this
dreadful man to spoil my start to each day (because that's when I
catch up on the details of all his latest excesses). Few of the news
stories emanating from Zimbabwe would make anyone's day - but
this one is just too ridiculous - even for him.
So if you've had enough sweetness and light check out 'Now he's
meddling with the weather...' - and see what you think.
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INSIDE STORY
by Griselda
OCCASIONALLY something happens that makes my miserable
working life worth living. Of course these happenings usually involve
things bizarre and ridiculous which affect Sheldene but its not
my fault she attracts these situations.
It started in November when she ordered, online, two books
called How To Write a Damn Good Novel and How To Write a Damn
Good Novel (Two) by James N. Frey. The first one duly arrived
around December 18 and she retired to bed, with chocolate, for
some uninterrupted reading. What bliss.
Unfortunately Sheldene reads quickly so on December 19 she was
waiting near the postbox for the second book. Checking the post
became daily more stressful and after a while she sent an email
demanding to be told the whereabouts of the missing book.
'Our records indicate your order was shipped on 11.10.02
by Standard US Postal Service Media Mail', was the somewhat
snooty reply. 'Normally this method can take anywhere from 4-15
weeks for delivery.'
Sheldene was charmed - particularly as shipping and handling for
that particular book had amounted to US$9.79 and she was
originally informed that delivery would take between four to eight
weeks.
Then there was the false alarm - a notification in the mail of a
parcel 'too big' to fit in the post box. She rushed to the post office
but came slinking back clutching a parcel of used clothing, which
her daughter in Zimbabwe wanted her to pass on to a friend who
had 'left them behind'.
By January 23 even Sheldene had run out of vitriol. Then
halleluyah - another notification from the post office. Quickly
loading the dogs into the car (for an outing) she drove away with a
flourish, dreaming of chocolate and a lazy rest-of-the-day in bed
no doubt.
What excitement when she returned with the prodigal book.
Ripping off the wrapping as she lurched through the door, she
began to inspect her purchase intently. Sheldene just could not
wait to get into that book.
Of course I heaved a sigh of relief at the prospect of a peaceful
day ahead, but then I noticed the body language wasn't quite right.
Sheldene was no longer lolling against the kitchen counter with her
nose in the book. Standing in martinet mode she was turning the
pages frantically, peering at the text, and looking totally bewildered.
'What the hell?', she snarled, once again inspecting the cover.
With marked unenthusiasm the page turning resumed, then the
dust cover was snatched off, revealing a plain white book entitled
'Super Sexual Orgasm' by Barbara Keesling Ph.D.
Well! I thought she was going mad and I cannot even begin to
describe the scene that followed. Sheldene was so incensed she
couldn't even send an email to the offending book seller until
the next day, when she wrote:
'Please will you explain why a book I never ordered - and never
would order - has been sent to me in place of How To Write a
Damn Good Novel 11 - by James Frey.'
(I'll spare you this paragraph which described how she opened
the book etc etc.)
'Needless to say I was not amused - I am not amused - and the
only reason I am able to write a fairly restrained email is because I
let 24 hours elapse before attempting to do so.
'This book was ordered in November - it reaches me on January
23 - and then I find it is a book I have absolutely no interest in,
skilfully disguised by the 'correct' dust cover.
'Please do not suggest that I return the book to you unless you
can arrange for it to be posted COD from here (South Africa) which
is doubtful.'
(And once again I'll spare you because the email only deteriorated
from here...)
The supplier never explained how it happened but apologised;
arranged a refund, and said the 'correct' book was no longer
available - which enraged Sheldene all over again.
To sum up. I can understand why she would be disappointed -
but why should the discovery of this simple error have sent her
into a screaming frenzy - for days?
I have come up with a theory. As you know Sheldene knows
everything and thinks she can do everything - perfectly. Did she
take this personally - a suggestion perhaps (by persons unknown)
that certain aspects of her performance, in any sphere, could be
improved upon?
If only I had been given the opportunity to peruse the offending
book...which was hurled into a filing cabinet to which Sheldene
appears to have thrown away the key.
It's all very interesting and I'll get hold of that book one day. She
won't be able to resist taking it out and showing it to some of her
friends - the ones who had the misfortune to listen to her
telephoned tirades when her rage was at its height.
(hmm...I've better things to do than read soft
porn. It's a pity about Griselda - Ed.)
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HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LOVE LIFE WITH THE POWER
OF FENG SHUI
by Stephanie Roberts
FENG SHUI (say "fung shway") is the art of creating a home
environment that supports the life you wish to live. A key element
of feng shui is creating a smooth flow of chi (positive energy)
through your space. Chi likes to move through your home as
though it were a gentle breeze or a meandering stream. Where it is
blocked, the energy becomes stagnant--like a pond choked with
algae and fallen leaves. You are likely to feel blocked in life, and your
energy and enthusiasm for matters of the heart will be low.
Balancing and correcting the chi of your bedroom helps encourage
and invigorate romance. Here are some quick and easy ways to
improve your love life by improving the energy of your home:
1. Clean up your bedroom. When your bedroom is cluttered and
untidy, the energy in there will be low and slow. Clutter is a sure sign
that chi is stuck, so roll up your sleeves and clean the place up if you
want to jump-start your love life. Ring a bell, shake a rattle, or clap
your hands loudly around the room to clear out old, stale energy.
2. Make room for love. If you want to attract a new romantic
partner - or move a casual relationship closer to commitment -
make sure there is space for that person in your home. Look at
your closets, shelves, and dressers, especially in the bedroom; if
they are all filled to capacity with your own stuff, make clearing
some room for your current or future partner a priority. Aim to free
up 25% of the space in your bedroom for someone else's things.
When you are done, take a moment to visualize your loved one's
belongings finding a home there.
3. Don't work out in the bedroom. When you exercise in the
bedroom, or store your sports equipment there, you bring the
energy of hard work and exertion into your romance space. Do you
want your relationship to feel like a tough workout? If not, move
your workout stuff somewhere else; your relationship is likely to
move along more smoothly.
4. Remove old relationship energy. Go through your home -
especially your bedroom - and remove anything that reminds you of
past failed relationships; this could be an ex-boyfriend's old sweater
you find in the closet, photographs of you with a previous partner, a
gift that reminds you (unfavorably) of a giver with whom you are no
longer in love - anything that reminds you of a love that went bad.
No matter how incurable a romantic you may be, do NOT keep old
love letters anywhere in your bedroom unless they are from
someone with whom you are still blissfully paired up.
5. Remove inappropriate imagery The images with which you
surround yourself can have a powerful effect on your love life. Feng
Shui clients who complain of difficulty finding romance often have
surrounded themselves with images of a person alone. Inappropriate
imagery includes anything that represents solitude, loneliness,
aggression, hard work, conflict, or disagreement in any way. That
old photo of your Dad when he was in the army may be a treasure,
but the wartime energy it carries doesn't have any place in the
bedroom; find another place to keep it.
6. Open the door to love. Make sure both the front door of your
home and the door to your bedroom open easily and completely.
Doors that stick, squeak, or that only open partway because of all
the stuff stored behind them are blocking the flow of romantic
energy and opportunity into your home. A loose doorknob on your
bedroom door could mean you're having a hard time 'getting a
handle on' romance; get out your screwdriver and tighten it up.
7. Create a path for chi. Walk slowly from your front door to your
bedroom, pretending that you are a gentle river of chi. Look for any
areas where furniture or other belongings are stopping or slowing
the flow of chi, or where chi is diverted away from the bedroom to
other areas of the house. Clear a path so fresh chi can find its way
to your bedroom and nourish your love life. Make sure all the lights
along this route are working, replace any burned-out bulbs, and be
alert for dark or dingy corners where you can increase the energy by
adding more light.
8. Move your bed. If one side of your bed is against the wall, the
person who sleeps on that side may feel confined or disempowered
in the relationship. If possible, place the bed so there is equal space
on either side, so you and your partner can find equal enjoyment in
the relationship. The ideal position of the bed will be on the opposite
side of the room from the door, but not directly in line with it. If you
can't see the bedroom door from the bed, hang a mirror where it
will provide a reflected view of the entry.
9. Bring romance chi into the bedroom. Be sure to place romantic
imagery in these two key places in the bedroom: the wall opposite
the foot of the bed (where you naturally look when lying in bed),
and whatever area of the room you first see when you enter.
Beautiful, romantic artwork is always good, as are fresh or silk
flowers and anything in pairs (such as birds, cherubs, candles, or
decorative pillows). A round mirror is also good for the bedroom, as
the shape signifies completion and unity. Look around your home for
whatever says 'romance' to you, and find a good spot for it in your
bedroom.
10. Clarify your intention. Make a collage of images that symbolize
your perfect relationship, and place it where you will see it every
day. If you are already in a relationship, invite your partner to make
a collage with you, to represent your intention to build a joyful and
loving future together.
Copyright © 2002 Stephanie Roberts
_____________________
This article is based on information in the book Fast Feng Shui for
Singles: 108 Ways to Heal Your Home and Attract Romance (Lotus
Pond Press, Kahului, HI, ISBN 1-931383-04-9), also available at
Amazon.com.
Stephanie Roberts is a feng shui consultant in Maui, Hawaii, and the
author of the best-selling 'Fast Feng Shui' books (rated 5-stars by
Amazon.com readers). To find out how you can use contemporary
Western feng shui to help you achieve greater success and
happiness in your life, please visit the Fast Feng Shui website at
http://www.fastfengshui.com
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eNonyMouse
... more useless facts you don't need to know...
If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days you would have
produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee.
(Hardly seems worth it.)
The human heart creates enough pressure when it pumps
out to the body to squirt blood 30 feet. (O.M.G.!)
Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour,
(Do not try this at home...... maybe at work.)
The male praying mantis cannot copulate while its head
is attached to its body. The female initiates sex by ripping the
male's head off.
('Honey, I'm home. What the....?!')
The catfish has over 27,000 taste buds.
(What could be so tasty on the bottom of a pond?)
Elephants are the only animals that cannot jump.
(OK, so that would be a good thing....)
An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
(I know some people like that.)
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A GOOD MEMORY CAN SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS
says Melvin Durai
MY wife, Malathi, has lost her favorite pair of earrings.She doesn't
remember where she left them. She asked me if I've seen them
anywhere. I don't remember.
Memory seems to be a growing problem in our household. Malathi
has trouble remembering a number of things, including where she
left her keys, whether she paid her credit card bill, when she visited
her dentist last, why she married me.
I have trouble remembering things too, including appointments,
anniversaries, and birthdays. Someone recently asked me when the
anniversary of 9/11 was, and I couldn't remember.
My poor memory leaves me with many questions. For example:
---What did Michael Jackson look like before his plastic
surgeon started partying with Robert Downey Jr.?
---What happened to Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls and
why is there a slow guy on the Washington Wizards with the
same name?
---How did George W. Bush become president? Did it have
something to do with the millennium bug?
My memory got me in big trouble last year: I couldn't
remember the exact date of my wife's birthday. She was
really upset, giving me no credit whatsoever for remembering
the exact month.
As if that isn't bad enough, I also have trouble remembering
people's names. They introduce themselves to me and two
seconds later I have no idea what to call them. 'Hey you!'
doesn't seem to please anyone, not even my sister.
I wish everyone would wear name tags. Even better, perhaps
they could tattoo their names somewhere visible, such as on
their foreheads. That way, even strangers could address them
by name.
Perhaps I need to take lessons from the contestants at the
recent World Memory Championship in London, who had to
remember not just unfamiliar names and faces, but also long
numbers, quotations, and dates. The winner, Andi Bell of
Britain, is so amazing, he even recalls the names of Jennifer
Lopez's ex-boyfriends.
If everybody worked on their memory, the world would have
fewer problems. For example, the divorce rate - growing faster
than my bald spot - would be curtailed. A married man who's
tempted to have an affair would be able to remember what the
ring on his finger means. And he might also remember his wedding
vows.
A convicted felon wouldn't break the law again, because he'd
remember what prison was like. And I would floss my teeth after
every meal, because I'd remember what my dentist was like.
Husbands would remember wedding anniversaries and wives
would remember not to go into labor during the Super Bowl.
Of course, having great memory has its disadvantages. When
others hurt us, we would perhaps forgive, but we couldn't
possibly forget.
At family reunions, we'd be bored too soon, after recalling
every last detail of Uncle Mike's adventure in the Amazon,
which he has recounted only 189 times. So what if he met a
tribe of tall women? Wouldn't it have been easier to go to a
WNBA game?
Great memory would also ruin our enjoyment of prime-time TV,
because half the shows are reruns. Forgetting the plot is
crucial.
My wife can watch an episode of 'Law & Order' five times and
still enjoy it. She used to have a better memory, but I can't
remember when.
© Copyright 2002 Melvin Durai. All Rights Reserved.
_______________________
Melvin Durai is an Indiana-based writer and
humorist. A native of India, he grew up in Zambia
and moved to the U.S. in the early 1980s. Read his
previous columns at http://www.melvindurai.com
For a free subscription to his columns, send a blank
mailto:join-funn-@relay.netatlantic.com
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'OVER THERE'
- a story which is true for many guide dog users
by Cathy Anne Murtha
AS my guide dog and I stood in line at the checkout of the River City
Market at CSUS, I asked the cashier what I considered a simple
question. 'Where are the napkins please?' Her response was
hurried, but sincere, 'Over there.'
Emerging from the light rail for the first time, I managed to catch the
attention of a passer-by. 'Please sir, can you tell me where I might
catch bus 63?'
A kind voice offered a pleasant response before disappearing into to
the cacophony of the early afternoon, 'You can catch it. 'Over
there.'
So many things reside over there - napkins, bus stops, pencils, pens,
clothing racks, department stores and even my shoes! A never
ending supply of important and indispensable items and locales all
reside in this place which is shrouded in mystery and intrigue.
I stand in perplexed silence after learning that something is over
there. It is a place I have never been and have no hope of finding on
my own. My guide dog is quite skilled in finding chairs, stairs,
elevators, escalators, helping me cross streets, and can even find
me the Diet Pepsi display at Food Town; however, when I tell her to
find 'over there' her little bottom hits the floor and a small whimper
tells me that she is as confused as I.
We will not be going 'over there' today.
Over there has caused me a bit of vexation, a lot of confusion, and,
on occasion, made my heart race.
I have discovered that 'over there' can be a dangerous place. One
day, while crossing a street, I heard a driver's irritated voice shout
out a warning of a truck bearing down on me from over there.
Shadow artfully dodged the oncoming vehicle and pulled me to the
safety of the curb. Our hearts were both racing as we took a few
moments to compose ourselves. Close encounters with over there
can be frightening experiences.
Although many blind people have wondered as to the exact location
of 'over there', few have dared to venture forth in an actual
exploration of the mysterious place.
One day, while standing in line at the supermarket, I asked the clerk
where I might find the aspirin. With a cheery smile in her voice, she
informed me that the aspirin was located 'over there.' With a weary
sigh, I decided that I would take the extra step that would unravel
the mystery, which had vexed my compatriots since the beginning
of time.
Taking a deep breath, and attempting to look nonchalant, I smiled at
the clerk. 'Where,' I asked, 'is over there?'
I imagined the girl's shocked expression.I felt her sharing
condescending and concerned looks with her fellows in the store.
The silence grew palpable as they mulled the possibility of
allowing a blind person access to the forbidden land.
She had no choice; she would have to tell me how to find 'over
there!' I had won! Exhilaration swept through me as I waited in
breathless anticipation. A victorious smile crept to my lips, my hand
tightened on the handle of Shadow's harness, we would soon be
going over there!
The clerk's voice reeked with resignation as the decision was made.
'That way,' she said.
________________________
Unfortunately I don't have any contact details for Cathy Anne
Murtha. This story was forwarded to me by a subscriber, who
is also blind, and she doesn't know Cathy Anne. As the story is
already in the public domain I am using it without the author's
permission. I'm sure Cathy Anne won't object - particularly if
it makes some of us stop and think, a little.
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WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE?
by Helaine Iris
'You gotta dance like nobody's watching, dream like you will live
forever, live like you're going to die tomorrow and love like it's
never going to hurt.' -Meme Grifsters
THE summer I turned 40 was a summer I'll never forget. As I reflect,
it was when I truly started living my life.
It all started the week before my birthday. I was driving home from
the airport with my husband. We had just dropped our youngest
child off for a month long bicycle expedition, and I was looking
forward to a glorious, leisurely month of time together. I had a full
agenda of projects I was excited to complete. I was ready to play.
As we were driving down the highway this seemingly innocent
thought popped into my mind.
'You are about to turn 40. How will it be when you get to the end
of your life and you look back? How will you feel about the life you
lived?'
The thought passed. I was distracted by the next moment and I
continued on. That night I woke up in a cold sweat, with my heart
pounding and my mind racing with crazy thoughts. Could this panic
attack have been triggered by the simple thought I had in the car
that afternoon?
You bet it was. Over the next several months I proceeded to spiral
into waves of anxiety and depression so powerful that I almost lost
the ability to function. Not only was I in a state of internal panic
but also I was also confused because my life had felt so good. I was
happy, had a successful marriage, two wonderful kids, and a job I
reasonably enjoyed. What was my problem?
My problem was I was hitting my head against my own 'glass
ceiling' and not realizing it. I was poised on a precipice of knowing
there was more and not knowing how to break through and access
it. What's more, I had let my 'practical' and fear-based side convince
me that my passion and dreams had died.
In retrospect the whole painful experience was a profound wake up
call.
I did wake up. Today, five years later my life looks similar on the
outside but on the inside it has profoundly changed.
These are my top ten shifts in perspective that helped me move my
life to the next level. I invite you to consider them to assist you
in breaking through your own glass ceiling to create the life you
really want.
1. Give yourself permission to dream. You probably had no problem
dreaming as a kid. Where is that now? What happened to your
ability to imagine and dream about what you want and who you
want to be? When was the last time you caught yourself
daydreaming and appreciated it?
2. Stop looking outside yourself for happiness. Look inside. Increase
your self-awareness. Get curious about who you are at the core.
Cultivate and nurture a relationship with yourself.
3. Cover the basics. Take the time to address your personal needs.
How can you focus on thriving in your life if you are in survival
mode? Set up that meeting with a financial advisor, get your space
organized, clean up the details that are sapping your energy.
4. Embrace your past and move on. Shift from 'why it happened' to
what I want to do about it now. Asking 'why' is not a very
empowering question. Asking what or how I want to proceed can be
much more powerful and produce forward movement.
5. You're not alone. It's so easy to feel overwhelmed with life. Seek
support. It's amazing to realize that most of us are struggling with
similar challenges. 'Hold hands and stick together', wrote Robert
Fulgham in his popular bestseller, 'Everything I Need to Know I
Learned in Kindergarten'.
6. Remember gratitude. Count your blessings. What IS working well
in your life? Make a list. Set aside a bit of time everyday to
acknowledge what or who you are grateful for. The more you
practice gratitude, the more you attract into your life things to be
grateful for.
7. Court your passion. Yes, you have passion even though it's been
a while since you may have felt it flow. When are you the most alive
and joyful in your life? If time and money weren't a factor what
would you do, who would you be? Who do you most admire and
what do they inspire in you?
8. Take action. Take a risk. What's the one small thing you could do
right now that could super charge your inspiration? All the inspiration
in the world won't move your life to the next level. It takes inspired
ACTION to do that.
9. Keep breathing. You probably forget to take deep full breaths. We
have all learned to constrict our breathing in response to stress.
According to many experts we not only need oxygen to stay alive,
we need oxygen to give us energy and keep us healthy. Right now
take five deep, full breaths.
10. Have fun. When was the last time you played? Call a friend, take
a bubble bath, take yourself to an art museum or schedule a whole
day out in nature. Put on some great music and dance till you drop.
How will you feel when you get to the end of your life and look
back? There is so much opportunity and support out there to live
your life with passion and purpose. You can do it, I did.
What have you got to lose?
It's your life. Imagine the possibilities!
© 2002 Helaine Iris
*************************************************
Helaine Iris is a Certified Life Coach She works with individuals,
entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders who want more out of life.
People, who want to lead successful, balanced lives filled with love,
passion and purpose. Are you ready to take a step that could
change your life? For a complimentary session visit her website
http://www.pathofpurpose.com or call her 603-357-8546 or email
her mailto:hela-@pathofpurpose.com
oÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖoo
MUGABE SEIZES WEATHER SERVICE
By Philip Sherwell
London Sunday Telegraph
HARARE, Zimbabwe - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe,
who has clamped down on the Opposition, driven white farmers off
their land and banned foreign journalists, now has turned his
attention to the weather forecasts.
The president's office took control of the forecasting service last
week after learning that the drought-affected country is facing two
more years of low rainfall.
'The government does not want any information on the weather
to be leaked,' an official from the Meteorological Office said. 'All
our forecasts are to be sent to the president's office, and only
then can they be released.'
The president's office is expected to remove the most negative
aspects before authorizing their release, the official said.
Informed sources said Mr. Mugabe feared that the revelation that no
early end to the drought was in sight would heighten discontent at a
time when nearly half the country's 13 million people are going
hungry. Food riots have already erupted in the capital, Harare, and
the southwestern city of Bulawayo this month.
The development came as the World Food Program said the harvest
of the staple food of maize would be poor for the next two years.
'The government and humanitarian agencies need to begin preparing
for serious and widespread food insecurity for 2003/2004,' it said in
a report.
The impact of the regional drought has been compounded by Mr
Mugabe's crude land- redistribution program, which has crippled the
country's agricultural sector and left swathes of fertile land
unplanted. James Morris, a U.N. special envoy on southern Africa,
yesterday lamented the loss of the country's white farmers. 'A
highly productive part of the agricultural community is no longer
engaged in agricultural production,' he said during a visit to Harare.
Nearly all of Zimbabwe's white commercial farmers, who numbered
4,500 three years ago, have had their land seized by the
government.
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<b>POIGNANT PEARLS
& POTBELLIED PIGS<br><br>
</b>
Vol. 4 Issue 1 January, 2003<br>
:<br>
öÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöo<br><br>
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<b>CONTENTS<br><br>
</b> - Hello
there . . .<br><br>
- Inside
Story<br><br>
- How to
Improve Your Love Life with the<br>
Power of Feng Shui<br><br>
- eNonyMouse
- with more useless facts<br><br>
- A
Good Memory Can Solve Our Problems<br><br>
- 'Over
There'<br><br>
- What Have
Your Got To Lose?<br><br>
- 'Now
he's meddling with the weather...'<br><br>
<br>
öÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöo<br><br>
<b>HELLO THERE . . .<br><br>
</b>…you with the stars in your eyes, a grasshopper brain and<br>
thoughts without boundaries…<br><br>
Unfortunately Griselda has seized the opportunity to lower<br>
the tone of this ezine in Inside Story so to counteract that I'm<br>
concentrating on pleasant things.<br><br>
With Valentine's Day just around the corner Stephanie Roberts<br>
writes about How To Improve Your Love Life With The Power of<br>
Feng Shui - which is full of good advice even if you're not into<br>
romance. I'm a firm believer in introducing a little law and order
in<br>
to a house, providing one has the strength.<br><br>
I felt much better after reading Melvin Durai's article, A Good<br>
Memory Can Solve Our Problems. It's always nice to be
reminded<br>
I'm not the only person who forgets birthdays and loses their<br>
cigarettes, keys etc etc in out of the way places such as the
'fridge.<br><br>
And while we're zooming in on being pleasant it seemed like a good<br>
idea to give some thought to how our actions can affect other<br>
people - see 'Over There'.<br><br>
Finally - well almost - Helaine Iris will cheer you up if you're
dreading<br>
the approach of 40 (or worse) with What Have You Got To Lose?<br><br>
While I was compiling this ezine I came across a news report about<br>
my least favourite person, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, and although<br>
nothing relating to this dictator could be described as appealing I<br>
couldn't resist including it at the end of this issue. I allow
this<br>
dreadful man to spoil my start to each day (because that's when I<br>
catch up on the details of all his latest excesses). Few of the
news<br>
stories emanating from Zimbabwe would make anyone's day - but<br>
this one is just too ridiculous - even for him.<br><br>
So if you've had enough sweetness and light check out 'Now he's<br>
meddling with the weather...' - and see what you think.<br><br>
öÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöo<br><br>
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<b>INSIDE STORY<br><br>
by Griselda<br><br>
</b> OCCASIONALLY something happens that makes my miserable<br>
working life worth living. Of course these happenings usually
involve<br>
things bizarre and ridiculous which affect Sheldene but its
not<br>
my fault she attracts these situations.<br><br>
It started in November when she ordered, online, two books<br>
called How To Write a Damn Good Novel and How To Write a Damn<br>
Good Novel (Two) by James N. Frey. The first one duly
arrived<br>
around December 18 and she retired to bed, with chocolate,
for<br>
some uninterrupted reading. What bliss.<br><br>
Unfortunately Sheldene reads quickly so on December 19 she
was<br>
waiting near the postbox for the second book. Checking the
post<br>
became daily more stressful and after a while she sent an
email<br>
demanding to be told the whereabouts of the missing book.<br><br>
'Our records indicate your order was shipped on 11.10.02<br>
by Standard US Postal Service Media Mail', was the somewhat<br>
snooty reply. 'Normally this method can take anywhere from
4-15<br>
weeks for delivery.'<br><br>
Sheldene was charmed - particularly as shipping and handling
for<br>
that particular book had amounted to US$9.79 and she was<br>
originally informed that delivery would take between four to
eight<br>
weeks.<br><br>
Then there was the false alarm - a notification in the mail of
a<br>
parcel 'too big' to fit in the post box. She rushed to the
post office<br>
but came slinking back clutching a parcel of used clothing,
which<br>
her daughter in Zimbabwe wanted her to pass on to a friend
who<br>
had 'left them behind'.<br><br>
By January 23 even Sheldene had run out of vitriol.
Then<br>
halleluyah - another notification from the post office.
Quickly<br>
loading the dogs into the car (for an outing) she drove away with
a<br>
flourish, dreaming of chocolate and a lazy rest-of-the-day in
bed<br>
no doubt.<br><br>
What excitement when she returned with the prodigal book.<br>
Ripping off the wrapping as she lurched through the door,
she<br>
began to inspect her purchase intently. Sheldene just could
not<br>
wait to get into that book.<br><br>
Of course I heaved a sigh of relief at the prospect of a
peaceful<br>
day ahead, but then I noticed the body language wasn't quite
right.<br><br>
Sheldene was no longer lolling against the kitchen counter with
her<br>
nose in the book. Standing in martinet mode she was turning
the<br>
pages frantically, peering at the text, and looking totally
bewildered.<br>
'What the hell?', she snarled, once again inspecting the
cover.<br><br>
With marked unenthusiasm the page turning resumed, then the<br>
dust cover was snatched off, revealing a plain white book
entitled<br>
'Super Sexual Orgasm' by Barbara Keesling Ph.D.<br><br>
Well! I thought she was going mad and I cannot even begin
to<br>
describe the scene that followed. Sheldene was so incensed
she<br>
couldn't even send an email to the offending book seller
until<br>
the next day, when she wrote:<br><br>
'Please will you explain why a book I never ordered - and
never<br>
would order - has been sent to me in place of How To Write a<br>
Damn Good Novel 11 - by James Frey.'<br><br>
(I'll spare you this paragraph which described how she
opened<br>
the book etc etc.)<br><br>
'Needless to say I was not amused - I am not amused - and
the<br>
only reason I am able to write a fairly restrained email is
because I<br>
let 24 hours elapse before attempting to do so.<br><br>
'This book was ordered in November - it reaches me on
January<br>
23 - and then I find it is a book I have absolutely no interest
in,<br>
skilfully disguised by the 'correct' dust cover.<br><br>
'Please do not suggest that I return the book to you unless
you<br>
can arrange for it to be posted COD from here (South Africa)
which<br>
is doubtful.'<br><br>
(And once again I'll spare you because the email only
deteriorated<br>
from here...)<br><br>
The supplier never explained how it happened but apologised;<br>
arranged a refund, and said the 'correct' book was no longer<br>
available - which enraged Sheldene all over again.<br><br>
To sum up. I can understand why she would be
disappointed -<br>
but why should the discovery of this simple error have sent
her<br>
into a screaming frenzy - for days?<br><br>
I have come up with a theory. As you know Sheldene
knows<br>
everything and thinks she can do everything - perfectly. Did
she<br>
take this personally - a suggestion perhaps (by persons
unknown)<br>
that certain aspects of her performance, in any sphere, could
be<br>
improved upon?<br><br>
If only I had been given the opportunity to peruse the
offending<br>
book...which was hurled into a filing cabinet to which
Sheldene<br>
appears to have thrown away the key.<br><br>
It's all very interesting and I'll get hold of that book one
day. She<br>
won't be able to resist taking it out and showing it to some of
her<br>
friends - the ones who had the misfortune to listen to her<br>
telephoned tirades when her rage was at its height.<br><br>
<i>(hmm...I've better things to do than read soft<br>
porn. It's a pity about Griselda - Ed.)<br><br>
</i>öÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöo<br><br>
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<b>HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LOVE LIFE WITH THE POWER<br>
OF FENG SHUI<br><br>
by Stephanie Roberts<br><br>
</b> FENG SHUI (say "fung shway") is the art of creating a
home<br>
environment that supports the life you wish to live. A key
element<br>
of feng shui is creating a smooth flow of chi (positive
energy)<br>
through your space. Chi likes to move through your home as<br>
though it were a gentle breeze or a meandering stream. Where it
is<br>
blocked, the energy becomes stagnant--like a pond choked with<br>
algae and fallen leaves. You are likely to feel blocked in life,
and your<br>
energy and enthusiasm for matters of the heart will be low.<br>
Balancing and correcting the chi of your bedroom helps
encourage<br>
and invigorate romance. Here are some quick and easy ways to<br>
improve your love life by improving the energy of your
home:<br><br>
1. Clean up your bedroom. When your bedroom is cluttered and<br>
untidy, the energy in there will be low and slow. Clutter is a sure
sign<br>
that chi is stuck, so roll up your sleeves and clean the place up if
you<br>
want to jump-start your love life. Ring a bell, shake a rattle, or
clap<br>
your hands loudly around the room to clear out old, stale
energy.<br><br>
2. Make room for love. If you want to attract a new romantic<br>
partner - or move a casual relationship closer to commitment -<br>
make sure there is space for that person in your home. Look at<br>
your closets, shelves, and dressers, especially in the bedroom; if<br>
they are all filled to capacity with your own stuff, make clearing<br>
some room for your current or future partner a priority. Aim to
free<br>
up 25% of the space in your bedroom for someone else's things.<br>
When you are done, take a moment to visualize your loved one's<br>
belongings finding a home there.<br><br>
3. Don't work out in the bedroom. When you exercise in the<br>
bedroom, or store your sports equipment there, you bring the<br>
energy of hard work and exertion into your romance space. Do you<br>
want your relationship to feel like a tough workout? If not, move<br>
your workout stuff somewhere else; your relationship is likely to<br>
move along more smoothly.<br><br>
4. Remove old relationship energy. Go through your home -<br>
especially your bedroom - and remove anything that reminds you of<br>
past failed relationships; this could be an ex-boyfriend's old
sweater<br>
you find in the closet, photographs of you with a previous partner,
a<br>
gift that reminds you (unfavorably) of a giver with whom you are no<br>
longer in love - anything that reminds you of a love that went bad.<br>
No matter how incurable a romantic you may be, do NOT keep old<br>
love letters anywhere in your bedroom unless they are from<br>
someone with whom you are still blissfully paired up.<br><br>
5. Remove inappropriate imagery The images with which you<br>
surround yourself can have a powerful effect on your love life.
Feng<br>
Shui clients who complain of difficulty finding romance often have<br>
surrounded themselves with images of a person alone. Inappropriate<br>
imagery includes anything that represents solitude, loneliness,<br>
aggression, hard work, conflict, or disagreement in any way. That<br>
old photo of your Dad when he was in the army may be a treasure,<br>
but the wartime energy it carries doesn't have any place in the<br>
bedroom; find another place to keep it.<br><br>
6. Open the door to love. Make sure both the front door of your<br>
home and the door to your bedroom open easily and completely.<br>
Doors that stick, squeak, or that only open partway because of all<br>
the stuff stored behind them are blocking the flow of romantic<br>
energy and opportunity into your home. A loose doorknob on your<br>
bedroom door could mean you're having a hard time 'getting a<br>
handle on' romance; get out your screwdriver and tighten it up.<br><br>
7. Create a path for chi. Walk slowly from your front door to your<br>
bedroom, pretending that you are a gentle river of chi. Look for
any<br>
areas where furniture or other belongings are stopping or slowing<br>
the flow of chi, or where chi is diverted away from the bedroom to<br>
other areas of the house. Clear a path so fresh chi can find its
way<br>
to your bedroom and nourish your love life. Make sure all the
lights<br>
along this route are working, replace any burned-out bulbs, and be<br>
alert for dark or dingy corners where you can increase the energy
by<br>
adding more light.<br><br>
8. Move your bed. If one side of your bed is against the wall, the<br>
person who sleeps on that side may feel confined or disempowered<br>
in the relationship. If possible, place the bed so there is equal
space<br>
on either side, so you and your partner can find equal enjoyment in<br>
the relationship. The ideal position of the bed will be on the
opposite<br>
side of the room from the door, but not directly in line with it. If
you<br>
can't see the bedroom door from the bed, hang a mirror where it<br>
will provide a reflected view of the entry.<br><br>
9. Bring romance chi into the bedroom. Be sure to place romantic<br>
imagery in these two key places in the bedroom: the wall opposite<br>
the foot of the bed (where you naturally look when lying in bed),<br>
and whatever area of the room you first see when you enter.<br>
Beautiful, romantic artwork is always good, as are fresh or silk<br>
flowers and anything in pairs (such as birds, cherubs, candles, or<br>
decorative pillows). A round mirror is also good for the bedroom,
as<br>
the shape signifies completion and unity. Look around your home for<br>
whatever says 'romance' to you, and find a good spot for it in your<br>
bedroom.<br><br>
10. Clarify your intention. Make a collage of images that symbolize<br>
your perfect relationship, and place it where you will see it every<br>
day. If you are already in a relationship, invite your partner to
make<br>
a collage with you, to represent your intention to build a joyful
and<br>
loving future together.<br><br>
<b>Copyright © 2002 Stephanie Roberts<br>
</b>_____________________<br>
<i>This article is based on information in the book Fast Feng Shui
for<br>
Singles: 108 Ways to Heal Your Home and Attract Romance (Lotus<br>
Pond Press, Kahului, HI, ISBN 1-931383-04-9), also available at<br>
Amazon.com.<br><br>
Stephanie Roberts is a feng shui consultant in Maui, Hawaii, and
the<br>
author of the best-selling 'Fast Feng Shui' books (rated 5-stars by<br>
Amazon.com readers). To find out how you can use contemporary<br>
Western feng shui to help you achieve greater success and<br>
happiness in your life, please visit the Fast Feng Shui website at<br>
<a href="http://www.fastfengshui.com/" eudora="autourl">http://www.fastfengshui.com</a><br><br>
</i>öÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöo<br><br>
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<b>eNonyMouse<br><br>
</b> .<i>.. more useless
facts you don't need to know...<br><br>
</i> If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days you would
have<br>
produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee.<br>
(Hardly seems worth it.)<br><br>
The human heart creates enough pressure when it pumps<br>
out to the body to squirt blood 30 feet. (O.M.G.!)<br><br>
Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour,<br>
(Do not try this at home...... maybe at work.)<br><br>
The male praying mantis cannot copulate while its head<br>
is attached to its body. The female initiates sex by ripping
the<br>
male's head off.<br>
('Honey, I'm home. What the....?!')<br><br>
The catfish has over 27,000 taste buds.<br>
(What could be so tasty on the bottom of a pond?)<br><br>
Elephants are the only animals that cannot jump.<br>
(OK, so that would be a good thing....)<br><br>
An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.<br>
(I know some people like that.)<br><br>
öÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöo<br><br>
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<b>A GOOD MEMORY CAN SOLVE OUR
PROBLEMS<br><br>
says Melvin Durai<br><br>
</b> MY wife, Malathi, has lost her favorite pair of earrings.She
doesn't<br>
remember where she left them. She asked me if I've seen them<br>
anywhere. I don't remember.<br><br>
Memory seems to be a growing problem in our household.
Malathi<br>
has trouble remembering a number of things, including where
she<br>
left her keys, whether she paid her credit card bill, when she
visited<br>
her dentist last, why she married me.<br><br>
I have trouble remembering things too, including
appointments,<br>
anniversaries, and birthdays. Someone recently asked me when
the<br>
anniversary of 9/11 was, and I couldn't remember.<br><br>
My poor memory leaves me with many questions. For
example:<br><br>
---What did Michael Jackson look like before his plastic<br>
surgeon started partying with Robert Downey Jr.?<br><br>
---What happened to Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls and<br>
why is there a slow guy on the Washington Wizards with the<br>
same name?<br><br>
---How did George W. Bush become president? Did it have<br>
something to do with the millennium bug?<br><br>
My memory got me in big trouble last year: I couldn't<br>
remember the exact date of my wife's birthday. She was<br>
really upset, giving me no credit whatsoever for remembering<br>
the exact month.<br><br>
As if that isn't bad enough, I also have trouble remembering<br>
people's names. They introduce themselves to me and two<br>
seconds later I have no idea what to call them. 'Hey you!'<br>
doesn't seem to please anyone, not even my sister.<br><br>
I wish everyone would wear name tags. Even better, perhaps<br>
they could tattoo their names somewhere visible, such as on<br>
their foreheads. That way, even strangers could address them<br>
by name.<br><br>
Perhaps I need to take lessons from the contestants at the<br>
recent World Memory Championship in London, who had to<br>
remember not just unfamiliar names and faces, but also long<br>
numbers, quotations, and dates. The winner, Andi Bell of<br>
Britain, is so amazing, he even recalls the names of Jennifer<br>
Lopez's ex-boyfriends.<br><br>
If everybody worked on their memory, the world would have<br>
fewer problems. For example, the divorce rate - growing
faster<br>
than my bald spot - would be curtailed. A married man who's<br>
tempted to have an affair would be able to remember what the<br>
ring on his finger means. And he might also remember his
wedding<br>
vows.<br><br>
A convicted felon wouldn't break the law again, because he'd<br>
remember what prison was like. And I would floss my teeth
after<br>
every meal, because I'd remember what my dentist was
like.<br><br>
Husbands would remember wedding anniversaries and wives<br>
would remember not to go into labor during the Super
Bowl.<br><br>
Of course, having great memory has its disadvantages. When<br>
others hurt us, we would perhaps forgive, but we couldn't<br>
possibly forget.<br><br>
At family reunions, we'd be bored too soon, after recalling<br>
every last detail of Uncle Mike's adventure in the Amazon,<br>
which he has recounted only 189 times. So what if he met a<br>
tribe of tall women? Wouldn't it have been easier to go to a<br>
WNBA game?<br><br>
Great memory would also ruin our enjoyment of prime-time TV,<br>
because half the shows are reruns. Forgetting the plot is<br>
crucial.<br><br>
My wife can watch an episode of 'Law & Order' five times
and<br>
still enjoy it. She used to have a better memory, but I can't<br>
remember when.<br><br>
<b> © Copyright 2002 Melvin Durai. All Rights Reserved.<br>
</b> _______________________<br>
<i>Melvin Durai is an Indiana-based writer and<br>
humorist. A native of India, he grew up in Zambia<br>
and moved to the U.S. in the early 1980s. Read his<br>
previous columns at
<a href="http://www.melvindurai.com/" eudora="autourl">http://www.melvindurai.com</a><br>
For a free subscription to his columns, send a blank<br>
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</i>Ööº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöo<br><br>
<b>'OVER THERE'<br>
</b> <br>
<i> - a story which is true for many guide
dog users<br><br>
</i>
<b> by Cathy Anne Murtha<br><br>
</b>AS my guide dog and I stood in line at the checkout of the River
City<br>
Market at CSUS, I asked the cashier what I considered a simple<br>
question. 'Where are the napkins please?' Her response was<br>
hurried, but sincere, 'Over there.'<br><br>
Emerging from the light rail for the first time, I managed to catch
the<br>
attention of a passer-by. 'Please sir, can you tell me where I
might<br>
catch bus 63?'<br><br>
A kind voice offered a pleasant response before disappearing into
to<br>
the cacophony of the early afternoon, 'You can catch it. 'Over<br>
there.'<br><br>
So many things reside over there - napkins, bus stops, pencils,
pens,<br>
clothing racks, department stores and even my shoes! A never<br>
ending supply of important and indispensable items and locales all<br>
reside in this place which is shrouded in mystery and intrigue.<br><br>
I stand in perplexed silence after learning that something is over<br>
there. It is a place I have never been and have no hope of finding
on<br>
my own. My guide dog is quite skilled in finding chairs, stairs,<br>
elevators, escalators, helping me cross streets, and can even find<br>
me the Diet Pepsi display at Food Town; however, when I tell her to<br>
find 'over there' her little bottom hits the floor and a small
whimper<br>
tells me that she is as confused as I.<br><br>
We will not be going 'over there' today.<br><br>
Over there has caused me a bit of vexation, a lot of confusion,
and,<br>
on occasion, made my heart race.<br><br>
I have discovered that 'over there' can be a dangerous place. One<br>
day, while crossing a street, I heard a driver's irritated voice
shout<br>
out a warning of a truck bearing down on me from over there.<br>
Shadow artfully dodged the oncoming vehicle and pulled me to the<br>
safety of the curb. Our hearts were both racing as we took a few<br>
moments to compose ourselves. Close encounters with over there<br>
can be frightening experiences.<br><br>
Although many blind people have wondered as to the exact location<br>
of 'over there', few have dared to venture forth in an actual<br>
exploration of the mysterious place.<br><br>
One day, while standing in line at the supermarket, I asked the
clerk<br>
where I might find the aspirin. With a cheery smile in her voice,
she<br>
informed me that the aspirin was located 'over there.' With a weary<br>
sigh, I decided that I would take the extra step that would unravel<br>
the mystery, which had vexed my compatriots since the beginning<br>
of time.<br><br>
Taking a deep breath, and attempting to look nonchalant, I smiled
at<br>
the clerk. 'Where,' I asked, 'is over there?'<br><br>
I imagined the girl's shocked expression.I felt her sharing<br>
condescending and concerned looks with her fellows in the store.<br>
The silence grew palpable as they mulled the possibility of<br>
allowing a blind person access to the forbidden land.<br><br>
She had no choice; she would have to tell me how to find 'over<br>
there!' I had won! Exhilaration swept through me as I waited in<br>
breathless anticipation. A victorious smile crept to my lips, my
hand<br>
tightened on the handle of Shadow's harness, we would soon be<br>
going over there!<br><br>
The clerk's voice reeked with resignation as the decision was
made.<br><br>
'That way,' she said.<br>
________________________<br>
<i>Unfortunately I don't have any contact details for Cathy Anne<br>
Murtha. This story was forwarded to me by a subscriber, who<br>
is also blind, and she doesn't know Cathy Anne. As the story
is<br>
already in the public domain I am using it without the author's<br>
permission. I'm sure Cathy Anne won't object - particularly
if<br>
it makes some of us stop and think, a little.<br><br>
</i>Ööº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöo<br><br>
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öÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöo<br><br>
<b>WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE?<br><br>
by Helaine Iris<br><br>
</b>'You gotta dance like nobody's watching, dream like you will
live<br>
forever, live like you're going to die tomorrow and love like it's<br>
never going to hurt.' -Meme Grifsters<br><br>
THE summer I turned 40 was a summer I'll never forget. As I
reflect,<br>
it was when I truly started living my life.<br><br>
It all started the week before my birthday. I was driving home from<br>
the airport with my husband. We had just dropped our youngest<br>
child off for a month long bicycle expedition, and I was looking<br>
forward to a glorious, leisurely month of time together. I had a
full<br>
agenda of projects I was excited to complete. I was ready to
play.<br><br>
As we were driving down the highway this seemingly innocent<br>
thought popped into my mind.<br><br>
'You are about to turn 40. How will it be when you get to the end<br>
of your life and you look back? How will you feel about the life
you<br>
lived?'<br><br>
The thought passed. I was distracted by the next moment and I<br>
continued on. That night I woke up in a cold sweat, with my heart<br>
pounding and my mind racing with crazy thoughts. Could this panic<br>
attack have been triggered by the simple thought I had in the car<br>
that afternoon?<br><br>
You bet it was. Over the next several months I proceeded to spiral<br>
into waves of anxiety and depression so powerful that I almost lost<br>
the ability to function. Not only was I in a state of internal
panic<br>
but also I was also confused because my life had felt so good. I
was<br>
happy, had a successful marriage, two wonderful kids, and a job I<br>
reasonably enjoyed. What was my problem?<br><br>
My problem was I was hitting my head against my own 'glass<br>
ceiling' and not realizing it. I was poised on a precipice of
knowing<br>
there was more and not knowing how to break through and access<br>
it. What's more, I had let my 'practical' and fear-based side
convince<br>
me that my passion and dreams had died.<br><br>
In retrospect the whole painful experience was a profound wake up<br>
call.<br><br>
I did wake up. Today, five years later my life looks similar on the<br>
outside but on the inside it has profoundly changed.<br><br>
These are my top ten shifts in perspective that helped me move my<br>
life to the next level. I invite you to consider them to assist you<br>
in breaking through your own glass ceiling to create the life you<br>
really want.<br><br>
1. Give yourself permission to dream. You probably had no problem<br>
dreaming as a kid. Where is that now? What happened to your<br>
ability to imagine and dream about what you want and who you<br>
want to be? When was the last time you caught yourself<br>
daydreaming and appreciated it?<br><br>
2. Stop looking outside yourself for happiness. Look inside.
Increase<br>
your self-awareness. Get curious about who you are at the core.<br>
Cultivate and nurture a relationship with yourself.<br><br>
3. Cover the basics. Take the time to address your personal needs.<br>
How can you focus on thriving in your life if you are in survival<br>
mode? Set up that meeting with a financial advisor, get your space<br>
organized, clean up the details that are sapping your energy.<br><br>
4. Embrace your past and move on. Shift from 'why it happened' to<br>
what I want to do about it now. Asking 'why' is not a very<br>
empowering question. Asking what or how I want to proceed can be<br>
much more powerful and produce forward movement.<br><br>
5. You're not alone. It's so easy to feel overwhelmed with life.
Seek<br>
support. It's amazing to realize that most of us are struggling
with<br>
similar challenges. 'Hold hands and stick together', wrote Robert<br>
Fulgham in his popular bestseller, 'Everything I Need to Know I<br>
Learned in Kindergarten'.<br><br>
6. Remember gratitude. Count your blessings. What IS working well<br>
in your life? Make a list. Set aside a bit of time everyday to<br>
acknowledge what or who you are grateful for. The more you<br>
practice gratitude, the more you attract into your life things to
be<br>
grateful for.<br><br>
7. Court your passion. Yes, you have passion even though it's been<br>
a while since you may have felt it flow. When are you the most
alive<br>
and joyful in your life? If time and money weren't a factor what<br>
would you do, who would you be? Who do you most admire and<br>
what do they inspire in you?<br><br>
8. Take action. Take a risk. What's the one small thing you could
do<br>
right now that could super charge your inspiration? All the
inspiration<br>
in the world won't move your life to the next level. It takes
inspired<br>
ACTION to do that.<br><br>
9. Keep breathing. You probably forget to take deep full breaths.
We<br>
have all learned to constrict our breathing in response to stress.<br>
According to many experts we not only need oxygen to stay alive,<br>
we need oxygen to give us energy and keep us healthy. Right now<br>
take five deep, full breaths.<br><br>
10. Have fun. When was the last time you played? Call a friend,
take<br>
a bubble bath, take yourself to an art museum or schedule a whole<br>
day out in nature. Put on some great music and dance till you
drop.<br><br>
How will you feel when you get to the end of your life and look<br>
back? There is so much opportunity and support out there to live<br>
your life with passion and purpose. You can do it, I did.<br><br>
What have you got to lose?<br><br>
It's your life. Imagine the possibilities!<br><br>
<b>© 2002 Helaine Iris<br><br>
</b>*************************************************<br>
<i>Helaine Iris is a Certified Life Coach She works with
individuals,<br>
entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders who want more out of
life.<br>
People, who want to lead successful, balanced lives filled with
love,<br>
passion and purpose. Are you ready to take a step that could<br>
change your life? For a complimentary session visit her
website<br>
<a href="http://www.pathofpurpose.com/" eudora="autourl">http://www.pathofpurpose.com</a>
or call her 603-357-8546 or email<br>
her <a href="mailto:hela-@pathofpurpose.com" eudora="autourl">mailto:hela-@pathofpurpose.com</a><br><br>
</i>oÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖöº*°*ºöÖööÖoo<br><br>
<b>MUGABE SEIZES WEATHER SERVICE<br>
</b>By Philip Sherwell<br>
<i>London Sunday Telegraph<br><br>
</i>HARARE, Zimbabwe - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe,<br>
who has clamped down on the Opposition, driven white farmers off<br>
their land and banned foreign journalists, now has turned his<br>
attention to the weather forecasts.<br><br>
The president's office took control of the forecasting service last<br>
week after learning that the drought-affected country is facing two<br>
more years of low rainfall.<br><br>
'The government does not want any information on the weather<br>
to be leaked,' an official from the Meteorological Office said. 'All<br>
our forecasts are to be sent to the president's office, and only<br>
then can they be released.'<br><br>
The president's office is expected to remove the most negative<br>
aspects before authorizing their release, the official said.<br><br>
Informed sources said Mr. Mugabe feared that the revelation that no<br>
early end to the drought was in sight would heighten discontent at a<br>
time when nearly half the country's 13 million people are going<br>
hungry. Food riots have already erupted in the capital, Harare, and<br>
the southwestern city of Bulawayo this month.<br><br>
The development came as the World Food Program said the harvest<br>
of the staple food of maize would be poor for the next two years.<br>
'The government and humanitarian agencies need to begin preparing<br>
for serious and widespread food insecurity for 2003/2004,' it said in<br>
a report.<br><br>
The impact of the regional drought has been compounded by Mr<br>
Mugabe's crude land- redistribution program, which has crippled the<br>
country's agricultural sector and left swathes of fertile land<br>
unplanted. James Morris, a U.N. special envoy on southern Africa,<br>
yesterday lamented the loss of the country's white farmers. 'A<br>
highly productive part of the agricultural community is no longer<br>
engaged in agricultural production,' he said during a visit to Harare.<br>
Nearly all of Zimbabwe's white commercial farmers, who numbered<br>
4,500 three years ago, have had their land seized by the<br>
government.<br><br>
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