Saturday, April 30, 2011

Z... Zodiac

I've always found the zodiac signs amusing and entertaining. Do I think they totally rule a person and dictate the way that they will be? Nope. But I do find it amusing that, many times, the zodiac traits tend to be rather accurate.

Me? As I mentioned earlier, I'm a Gemini.

And a "pretty good" Gemini at that!

Don't know much about the Gemini? Google can land you some fun and... interesting... sites!

From here: The Gemini-born are intellectually inclined, forever probing people and places in search of information. The more information a Gemini collects, the better. Sharing that information later on with those they love is also a lot of fun, for Geminis are supremely interested in developing their relationships. Dalliances with these folks are always enjoyable, since Geminis are bright, quick-witted and the proverbial life of the party. Even though their intellectual minds can rationalize forever and a day, Geminis also have a surplus of imagination waiting to be tapped. Can a Gemini be boring? Never!

Since Geminis are a mix of the yin and the yang, they are represented perfectly by the Twins. The Gemini-born can easily see both sides of an issue, a wonderfully practical quality. Less practical is the fact that you're not sure which Twin will show up half the time. Geminis may not know who's showing up either, which can prompt others to consider them fickle and restless.

They can be wishy-washy, too, changing their mood on a simple whim. It's this characteristic which readily suggests the Mutable Quality assigned to this sign. Mutable folks are flexible and go with the flow. Further, the Twins are adaptable and dexterous and can tackle many things at once. It's a good thing, too, when you consider their myriad interests. The downside of such a curious mind, however, can be a lack of follow-through. How much can any one person do, anyway?

Although they talk a great game, they also love to listen and learn. With any kind of luck, the Twins will find themselves in interesting company, because if they don't, they are likely to get bored and start fidgeting. Any social setting is a good one for a Gemini, however, since these folks are charming, congenial and love to share themselves with their friends. While their effusiveness may be misconstrued as scheming by some, Geminis generally have their hearts in the right place. It's that ample energy which can also paint them as scatterbrained and unfocused, but behind all that zipping around, the Twins are busily filing all that good data away.

The element associated with Gemini is Air. Air signs are the thinking person's signs, and the Twins don't disappoint. Those born under this sign prize intellect and consider it the key to all things. At work, they are the clearest of thinkers, looking at a project from all (well, at least two) sides and putting forth some logical and well-thought-out ideas. This quality makes Geminis an asset to any team, and while these folks are not inclined to take the lead, they are a most valuable component. It's also the Gemini's literary bent that allows them to offer a useful perspective on most any situation. The Twins also enjoy bringing their objective reasoning and big-picture ability into their personal relationships. While some may perceive all this logical thought as cold and unemotional, it's simply how these folks tick. They want to connect, they just do it their own way. Luckily for Geminis (and their pals), their lightness of spirit and youthful exuberance help them to appear forever young. In keeping with that skip in their step, Geminis enjoy short road trips -- and their agile minds and nimble hands ensure that they could change a tire (if needed) in no time flat. Is all of this Twin-energy more than any one person can handle? Ah, maybe that's why they are two.

When it comes to sports, Geminis would seem a natural for doubles tennis -- and they are. They love the camaraderie of games and play, which is why they excel at team events. A book club would certainly stimulate their literary minds. In the game of love, Geminis are playful, flirtatious and endless fun. Physically speaking, Gemini rules the nervous system, which is why Twins should practice yoga or deep breathing techniques. Layering themselves in soft yellows and blues will also calm their mood.

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So, there ya' go! If you know me, you know that's pretty accurate. If you don't... trust me, it is!

Take THAT! A-Z Challenge! This fickle, blow where the wind blows Gemini finished the challenge.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Y... Yummm

I had a hard time with Y today.
I was going to write about "Yellowstone National Park", how we honeymooned there and want to go back because the kids have been begging to go but I didn't feel like scanning my photos. Then I was going to write about "yuck" because it's just been that kind of day, but I couldn't find a way to do it without sounding horrible. Then there was "yellow" but again, I decided to use better judgment so tonight I'm just going to leave it up to one word: yum.
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and the clean-up can't be beat!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

X... Xylitol

Low in calories. Tooth friendly. And fun!

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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

W... Wacky Weather

It's not wacky.
It's wet.
Weather in Washington is wet on a weekly basis. While we wish we weren't waterlogged, we are. And while we are waiting for a weekend without wain we will wrap our arms around wet, muddy wee ones!

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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

V... Vacation

Vacations are, by definition, supposed to be a time of freedom from any activity; rest; respite; intermission - a period of rest and freedom from work, study, etc. Trust me, it's right here in my Webster's dictionary.

It's been a few years since I've had a real vacation - the kind that you return from and actually feel rejuvenated. I blogged about it back in June and July of 2009. We had a real family vacation. The four of us. No staying with parents or in-laws, no working around anyone else's schedule, just us. And we had a blast. It's not something that we would have chosen to do on our own, there would have been excuses reasons why we shouldn't or couldn't, but because of a very generous friend of mine, we did. I am so thankful that the older kids were old enough to remember it and enjoy it. It was also a great break from everything else going on. I had a few "moments" thinking about things that were really at the forefront of my awareness but at the same time, I was able to relax and soak in everything.

All that to say, I think vacations are crucial to mental well-being.

Whether a vacation from work; vacation from stress; vacation from self loathing or sabotage or from something that's weighing you down... it needs to be done. It doesn't mean that you need to pack up and take off but perhaps, unplug, recharge, explore, sleep in, eat out. Do something different and good with that time.

Anyway, I'll step off my soapbox now but yes, I think vacations are important. And I'm going to try to take my own advice sometime soon!

Monday, April 25, 2011

U... Unconditional

...without regard to qualities or actions...
Absolute. Total. Certain. Clear. Complete. Unequivocal. Genuine.
Unconditional Love.

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In honor of Free Love Day... a day to promote awareness of suicide and depression, as well as to advocate a LIFESTYLE of unconditional love.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

T...This Time

This time, last year, this is what I was writing about.
I can hardly believe it's already been a year...
...and only been a year.

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I know... you all are probably getting tired of hearing about my "one year old".