Site Title

LOL!

Time for laughter again!

Photo by Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto on Pexels.com

Once upon a time, in a land far away, a beautiful, independent, self-assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat, contemplating ecological issues on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her castle. The frog hopped into the princess’s lap and said, “Elegant lady, I was once a handsome prince, until an evil witch cast a spell upon me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dapper, young prince that I am and then, my sweet, we can marry and setup housekeeping in your castle with my mother, where you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel grateful and happy doing so.”

That night, as the princess dined sumptuously on a repast of lightly sauteed frog legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled to herself and thought: “I don’t @&%x think so!”

************************************************************

An old man goes to the Wizard to ask him if he can remove a curse he has been living with for the last 40 years. The Wizard says, “Maybe, but you will have to tell me the exact words that were used to put the curse on you. The old man says without hesitation, “I now pronounce you man and wife.”

************************************************************

During a first date a man and a woman were telling each other about their pasts. The man said, “A genie once gave me the option of becoming more attractive to women, or having an exceptional memory.”

“Which one did you choose?” the woman asked.

He replied, “I don’t remember.”

Just like a man!

Have an amazing day.

Jobs I’ve Had?

I’ve been very conservative about moving from job to job. If I liked a job, I would stay with it and I’ve been lucky enough to say that the jobs I’ve held have kept me there for a long time.

Writing has always been a first love but I didn’t get to concentrate on it fully until at a later stage in my life. Sure, I got articles published at an early age but a job it wasn’t. Just something I dabbled in because I loved writing and getting the word out.

I was in management at the university, both working and studying at the same time. It was tough but it wasn’t really what I wanted to do. However, I bit my lip and held on just long enough until I finished, met my ex and we moved to Europe. Still writing was sporadic to say the least. I published a lot of articles, wrote for magazines and kept my political side alive by writing online articles rubbing shoulders with the best of them. It wasn’t my dream job.

A few years later, I landed the job of Fashion Editor. It wasn’t exactly my cup of tea either. Basically I was involved with the celebrity world, what they wore, what they did and what was going on in their lives. Add the supermodels to it and I was right in the middle of what was happening. Still, I was getting tired of designers and the celebrity BS! After a few years of doing that, I got the opportunity to leave that world behind and to go it alone. Now, I write what I want, when I want and my time is mine alone. It’s a good place to be in and writing, well it is still my first and last love. I will always write and I’m hoping my book will be out later this year. Keeping fingers and toes crossed!

This Friendship Thing (Archives)

Photo by Vija Rindo Pratama on Pexels.com

“Sometimes you need someone to be there for you. Not to fix the problem or offer advice or do anything in particular, but simply to be there. To show up. To be present with what you’re feeling. To see what you’re going through. To see you, understand you.” Unknown

Can men and women just be friends? This is the question that popped up, “When Harry Met Sally,” and sent some of us scrambling for answers. The answer as far as I’m concerned is that it is next to impossible in most cases.

I used to be the proverbial tomboy in my younger days and as such I had some wonderful friendships with the boys I hung out with. It was nothing sexual but of the innocent variety. I had my pigtails tucked under my cap and my ensemble of shorts and t-shirt had seen better days but I was for all purposes one of the boys.

It all changed when I turned sixteen. I got asked out on my first date. He was cute and I accepted. It was also the first time that I had worn my long hair down leaving it brushed and shiny and I wore a dress for the very first time! Lo and behold, things changed after that. I was no longer “one of the boys” but someone they wanted to dance with and spend time with. However, this friendship thing was still there. I learned that boys and later men make very good friends. There is none of the bitchiness, envy or jealousy, it was just straightforward, “I’m your friend,” stuff and all that it entails.

Later during my university days “friendship” with young men was still going strong. I had lots of men friends and although some were happy to be just a friend, others wanted more and that became complicated and made things difficult.

Now, I’m finding out that men are not as simple as they seem. There is a thing called, “friends with benefits,” and it is not my thing and never has been. I’m seeking the pure friendship variety like I used to know when life was simple and innocence was front and center. The problem is no matter how hard I try to make it clear right from the start it never fails before it starts heading in an unwanted direction. Not too long ago, I had this conversation with a male friend. We’ve known each other for quite some time and we’ve done walks, lunches and dinners but nothing more. Well, just a hug or a peck on the cheek as friends do. Here’s how the conversation went.

Me: Wouldn’t it be nice to have a Pyjama Party? We can watch some movies and just talk?

Him: I would like some snacks.

Me: Sure, I can get that.

I was thinking this is going great. Just some company with no hassles whatsoever!

Him: I don’t think I can do that!

Me: Why not?

Him: I CAN’T!”

Hmm…does everything have to be sexual? He was honest and that was a good thing but I wanted my good old days back and the reality is, those days have flown the coop!

Let me ask you:

“Can men and women ever just be friends?”

“Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer.” Ed Cunningham

Have an amazing day.

Learn to Care Less

“Life is 10 percent what you experience and 90 percent how you respond to it.” Dorothy M. Neddermeyer

Caring less about things maybe the easiest way to acquire happiness but how many of us do that? How often do we obsess about things we cannot change? More times than I can remember. How often do we let someone trigger something in us and we carry it around for days mulling over every word and detail to the point that nothing else matters but that one little problem but only by this time, it isn’t a small problem anymore but had morphed and become unsolvable! How many times have we let someone bring us down just because something hurtful was said and we take it to heart, handle it like a precious thing and let our self-esteem go to pieces? More times than I can count on my fingers.

Here’s the thing:

“The less you give a damn the happier you will be.” Unknown

Something happened yesterday and I took what was handed to me, went to my corner as I usually do and let it do a number on me! Happiness was nowhere to be seen and my piece of mind was in shambles at my feet. Even then, I refused to let go. I was like a dog with a bone until I stopped and decided to let go of what I was holding within and told myself that there was nothing I could do about the situation. No amount of anger, sadness and wishing, yes wishing was going to change it for the better. I took a deep breath and let it go….

“Stop asking why they keep doing it and start asking why you keep allowing it.” Unknown

That’s the problem isn’t it? We keep allowing things to happen and to hold us in its grasp. If only we could take away the power from the problem at hand and learn to look at it with detachment versus with both feet smack dap in the middle! Learning to care less takes practice especially if you’re the type who cares too much about anything and everything.

LET IT GO……and learn to relax. Problems do have a way of righting themselves out and sometimes with very little help from you. Give it some time, give it some space but most of all, don’t hug it close to your heart. Learn to care less and you’ll be less stressed at and with life. This doesn’t mean being a less caring person it just means picking your battles carefully and when you do, be prepared to look at them with less emotion. Step back and go to work but not with guns blazing! I have to remind myself of this too.

ONE DAY IT JUST CLICKS

“You realize what’s important and what isn’t. You learn to care less about what others think of you and more about what you think of yourself. You realize how far you’ve come and you remember when you thought things were such a mess that you would never recover and you smile. You smile because you are truly proud of yourself and the person you’ve fought to become.”

Have an amazing day.

Religion

My early days as a young girl was all about religion. I couldn’t get away from it even if I had wanted to! Dad was a Bible-toting believer and mom was right behind him getting us in line to do as we were told and the uncle was head of the churches. I really didn’t have a choice.

It meant evenings of Bible study with all of us gathered in the living room listening to dad drone on about some verse he had painstakingly picked out. Then followed gratitude. I learned this one early, there was no escaping it! Each one of us would have to say what we were grateful for and SOME of us had a long long list! Most kids my age were watching TV or relaxing but that wasn’t our way.

I remember when I was 18 I had to teach Bible study and Sunday school. Not that I wanted to but it was a must as far as my parents were concerned. I did do that like an obedient girl but inside I was ready to throw the mantel off and take off to less familiar places. University gave me a reprieve. I became my own person and I had a chance to really figure out what I wanted in life. Religion was still a big part of my life and learning to live the way my parents had taught me was never far away. It still is even after all these years. I guess once it is instilled in you, it never leaves. Not a bad thing really but it was a tough upbringing.

I am learning to let my son decide for himself as to religion and his beliefs. Unfortunately, he is choosing to go a whole different direction! God is the last thing on his mind but perhaps that is normal for young people these days.

Yes, I practice religion but not in the way I was told to do so. I believe there is a higher power and I do turn to prayer when times get tough. I don’t go to church as often as I used to but that is okay. I can talk to god anywhere and whenever I want to. Oh, and I don’t read the Bible as I used to either but I don’t need to because some of those scripture versus are still ingrained in my mind!

Daily writing prompt

Do you practice religion?

View all responses

Disrespect (Archives)

It is defined as “insulting someone or displaying rude behavior by showing a lack of respect.”

Have you experienced it? I have and it is not a nice thing when faced with such behavior. There are three forms of disrespect. These are known as the passive, subtle and the blatant variety.

Passive disrespect is when someone is condescending, makes insulting insinuations, gives you the silent treatment, is sarcastic and doesn’t care if it is hurtful or not. How do you deal with this kind of disrespect?

Don’t take the bait and address the issue immediately.

Subtle disrespect is when someone mocks you, when they talk behind your back and they will pretend to have forgotten things you agreed on.

Show that it doesn’t affect you or decide if you want to engage. Name the disrespectful behavior you have observed and call them out on it. Have a conversation about it but do not lecture.

Blatant disrespect is the no holds barred variety. They go out of their way to deliberately undermine or demean you. Their actions are obvious and they don’t give a hoot if it hurts you.

Here again stay calm but it is hard to do. Use “I” statements when addressing the issue and ask for clarification. You can react with kindness but since that is almost impossible to do, call the person out on his or her behavior and set boundaries as to what you will or won’t tolerate.

If all else fails, you have the option of walking away and closing the door behind you. No one should put up with disrespect. Disrespect basically says, “You are not important and your feelings don’t matter to me.” The truth is, you are important and your feelings do matter. Do not tolerate disrespect of any kind.

Here are some quotes that speak to the heart of the matter:

“The best way to end disrespect is by not giving them a chance to do it again.” Unknown

“Disrespect is the weapon of the weak.” Alice Miller

“Wasting somebody’s time may be the highest form of disrespect.” Unknown

I like the next one a lot.

“Never let your heart be so forgiving that it gets comfortable with disrespect.” Unknown

“Don’t put up with disrespect just to keep them in your life.” Sonya Parker

“Be careful what you tolerate, you are teaching people how to treat you.” Unknown

This last one needs a plaque of its own!

Detox Your Life in 4 Easy Steps

Eliminate anyone who:

Lies to you

Disrespects you

Uses you or

Puts you down.

Have an amazing day.

Life Before the Internet

Honestly, I don’t recall a time before the internet! It seems like it has been there forever and ever, AMEN!

I do know that life without it would be unbearable for someone like me because I use it a lot to get the information I need. However, the problem I have with the internet is something else. Just when I think I’ve got it down pat as to how everything works, they, the tech Gods, go and change it on me! I am not tech savvy so I find this to be a big problem. However, I’ve been keeping up with the changes as they come and when once I would have run to the friend who passed away for help, I am finding that I am fully capable of doing things on my own now.

No, I can’t remember a time without the internet at my beck and call. I do recall several times when my internet and telephone company were doing some work on the lines and I was without “internet” and phone connections for a few days and it drove me up the wall! When it came back, I was ready to embrace it “tech Gods” and all!

Long live the internet!

Daily writing prompt

Do you remember life before the internet?

View all responses

IT WORKED?!!

I’ve talked about a girlfriend who is known for being tardy. If truth be told, tardiness should have been her first, middle, and last name! Her idea of showing up for a meeting is to never show up on time!

We are two opposites as far as being punctual is concerned. I make it a point to show up 10 to 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled time and hers is to show up 20 t0 30 minutes late, but this last time about three weeks ago she was a no show altogether! Her excuse after a 45 minute wait was, “Oh, so sorry! I completely forgot!” It was the straw that finally broke the camel’s back and this camel has a strong back I must say! I told her in a no-nonsense way that her behavior was unacceptable and let it go at that.

Last week, she wrote asking to meet again. I decided to give her another chance and so I showed up at the cafe today, 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled time. I fully expected Ms. Tardy to come prancing in 20 minutes late as usual.

Lo and behold! She walked in a few minutes after I had walked in, a big smile plastered on her face! My first thought, “It worked! She’s mending her ways.” We had a good talk and nothing was said about her tardiness.

Folks, I don’t know if the leopard can change its spots that easily so it’s a wait and see approach for now. We’ll be meeting again sometime next week and I’m hoping she makes it a priority to show up on time.

But then again…..

PUNCTUALITY

“Consistently being on time is the product of proper planning, personal discipline, and a respect for other people’s time.

Making a habit of being late demonstrates none of these things and is often a sign of patchy priorities and selfishness. Habitual lateness says, “My time is more valuable than yours.”

Learn to be reliable and a person of integrity by adopting the discipline necessary to be on time.” Unknown

Her stance is…..

“I don’t feel tardy.”

And that right there is the problem.

Have an amazing day.

I’m Good at….

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.com

I’m really good at having my head somewhere in the clouds! I love day dreaming and that is my current preoccupation. Spending time in the garden watching the clouds roll by is a nice thing to do. No worries, no headaches, no hassles and no stress! It is a good way to relax as well.

However, seriously, I’m very detail-oriented. I pay attention to detail and love getting assignments finished on time. The Daily Prompt can attest to my diligence of getting a post out everyday and this is a goal I have in mind and I get it done. It is not only good for my mind but it helps to bring my scattered thoughts in line. Sometimes things I had forgotten about and put away in the farthest corner of my mind emerge and I don’t know if that is a good thing but sometimes it helps to give clarity to the whole picture.

The other thing I am good at is organizing. I detest clutter both at home and in the office space. Paperwork is another thing altogether but all the other stuff I’ve got a pretty good handle on. I know where to look for things I need and usually have them within a few minutes of looking. I find that to be a good thing and it saves time and some unwanted frustration.

Lastly, I think I’m a good friend. I tend to be dependable, loyal and someone you can trust. Add being punctual and you’ve got a good friend who is always on time and one who will listen when you need to get something out and one who will give you a shoulder to cry on if it is needed.

I THINK I am good at other things too but they’ve gone hiding because I can’t think of anything else. Oh well, enough already. Time to go day dream and watch the birds in flight!

Daily writing prompt

What are you good at?

View all responses

LOL!

Sam always wanted a pair of authentic cowboy boots. Seeing some on sale one day, he buys them, wears them home, walking proudly. He walks into their room and says to his wife, “Notice anything different, Bessie?”

Bessie looks him over,”Nope.” Sam says excitedly, “Come on Bessie, take a good look. Notice anything different about me?” Bessie looks again. “Nope.” Frustrated Sam storms off into the bathroom, undresses, and walks back into the room completely naked except for his boots. Again he asks, a little louder this time, “notice anything different?” Bessie looks up and says, “Sam, what’s different? It’s hanging down today, it was hanging down yesterday, it’ll be hanging down again tomorrow.”

Furious, Sam yells, “And do you know why it is hanging down, Bessie?” It’s hanging down because its looking at my new boots!!” Bessie replies, “Should’a bought a hat, Sam.”

The same couple with a LOT of time on their hands!

*************************************************************

“Mr. Clark, I have reviewed this case very carefully, “the divorce court judge said, “And I’ve decided to give your wife $775 a week.”

“That’s very fair, your honor,” the husband said. “And every now and then I’ll try to send her a few bucks myself.”

😂😂😂

************************************************************

Once a month, women go completely crazy for about 30 days.

Get it? Looks like someone who knows women well!

************************************************************

A man was waking up from anesthesia after surgery and his wife was sitting by his bed. He opened his eyes and said, “You’re beautiful. Then he fell asleep again.

Later he woke up again and said, “You’re cute.” His wife responded, “What happened to beautiful?”

The man replied, “The drugs are wearing off.”

***********************************************************