Politics in a nutshell...

Democrats want to be your mommy and wipe your butt and make sure you eat your vegetables.

Republicans want to be your daddy and tell you how you should behave.

Libertarians expect you to act like an adult.

-I love this!! While it's funny, I also believe it's pretty damn accurate for a huge sweeping generalization. I wish I knew where I found this, so I could give the proper credit; but I apparently saved it over a year ago and found it this morning while cleaning out some files.

Blah...

I wish I had something good to write about, but I don't. Things in my life are yet again, hectic, confusing, and painful. I don't think the world wants to hear about my broken heart or my woe is me crap, so until I can think of anything else there won't be any new posts from the pink pooch.

Newest bag on my ever growing wishlist...

http://artsycraftybabe.typepad.com/artsycrafty_babe/2008/09/short-sassy.html?cid=131339486#comment-131339486

It's flippin adorable!

I gotta say, I love today's tidbit of knowledge...

Your Daily Tarot Reading:
The Nine of Wands card suggests that my power today lies in remarkable gratitude. I am not a victim. There are no lost causes. "I've been there, done that, and know suffering -- but it's all good." I'm still standing. "Can't touch this." Self-pity is an excuse to do nothing. To appeal to sympathy for pity's sake is to seek affirmation of the choice to do nothing. I am empowered by the spirit and support of meaningful experience and I transform with silent resilience.

Jealousy

I read many different blogs, but there is one that always seems to make those little tinges of jealousy creep in...Nina's blog, Ornamental is by far my favorite. Her newest post is filled with beautiful pictures, beautiful words, and one kick ass pair of boots that I must find! I promise you, you'll love reading about her artistic and adventurous life, even if it makes you a little jealous. ;0)

M.I.A (NOT to be confused w/ Mia the über cute pooch)

It's been quite a long while since I've posted anything on here, and I apologize to my 1 reader out there in cyberspace! Things have been very busy with work, home, school, art, new dog, etc... But I have been trying to get myself more organized, so I'll have enough time in a day to get all of the things I need and want to do completed, without bypassing those pesky hours needed for sleep. I have quite a few topics/ideas to write about, and once I get all of the thoughts unscrambled and cohesive, I'll write them down for all to read. Be back soon! Promise.

Thought to ponder

I had this little gem in one of my daily e-mails this morning...

"There is nothing more romantically isolating than self-righteous
indignation, blind trust, demanding proof of love, a victim mentality, jealousy or a desire for vengeance, unless it is the inability to get the connection between your convictions, words or behavior and the natural consequences. You get what you give. "

Eco-Art

During my morning blog reading session, I came across a post discussing one of the articles from the eco artware newsletter . This site was immediately saved in my favorites. They have some amazing images of recycled art; but my favorite so far has been the article about the recycled airplanes. Go directly to their site, right now! You won't be sorry, I promise.

Daily Love Tarot: I love reading these damn things...

The Three of Swords card reversed suggests that you can overcome
this hurt or loss once you get the hint about taking things too personally or
too much to heart. The worst may have already passed, but now it is up to you.
You can either see things clearly and let go or choose to let the pain consume
you. However, you are not alone. There are others who have had similar
experiences and are learning to trust or love again. Lean on these people for
guidance on confronting and overcoming heartbreak. Learn how to turn hurt into
self-empowerment and action by pledging 'never again' to intimidation, jealousy,
ignorance or blind trust -- and then move on. Lay low and objectively let go of
the emotional drama. Holding onto it only increases tension and puts you on the
defensive.

Even if it's purely for entertainment, they often give out some good advice, and stuff to think about...

Sure you were blocked...

Quite a coincidence, huh? Happy Friday! A really big change is needed, otherwise this is all just a big waste of time. You'd think I'd be use to all of this by now, huh?

Perfection...

If you are lucky enough to be in central/NW Maryland today, consider yourself lucky. The weather is what I consider to be almost perfection. The sky is a bright blue with a few white fluffy clouds, there is a nice breeze, and it's about 75 degrees. This is the type of weather that makes me think of evening BBQ's on the deck/patio, with a couple of drinks, and a couple of friends, you know having a "steak night"; or a nice long Friday night Happy Hour with a group at a bar with outside seating. The weather almost commands you to get outside and enjoy mother nature since "perfection" is rare and you don't know when you'll be able to enjoy it again...I have a feeling that from right now until I leave work is going to feel very s l o w...

So, if you're lucky enough to be in this area today, go outside and enjoy it.

The Complete Printmaker

99.9% of the blogs and magazines I read are related in one way or another to art. I'm not lucky enough (or talented enough) to be a professional artist, but I am a hobby artist. I dabble in quite a few areas, and am always looking for new techniques and projects. I have a large wishlist of books I want to read, and slowly but surely I've been getting books here and there. This past weekend, I found one of the books that was high on the list and a little pricey in the bargain book section of Borders.
The Complete PrintmakTechniques/Traditions/Innovations,2000 revised edition was $2.99. This book is originally priced at $40.00 . I was thrilled, and thought that anyone who might stumble upon my blog from one of the art sites I frequent, will find this info useful.

Monday 8/4/08 advice from beyond...LOL & an important UPDATE!!

UPDATE!
I'm pleased to introduce, to the cyberworld, Miss Mia
This evening, I was lucky enough to have a new family member join my household. She is beautiful, sweet, a little shy at 1st, has a slight stubborn streak, loves to cuddle, and I have a hunch that she's pretty damn smart.

WELCOME HOME LITTLE ONE!

Daily Couples Love Tarot Card Reading
The Three of Swords card suggests that dwelling on past pain, heartbreak or loss leaves you vulnerable to further attack or reopens old wounds. It can ultimately consume you, particularly if it is your own heart that has betrayed you. Thoughts of getting even will make things worse. Taking each betrayal or loss too personally becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy so that when you do finally let down your guard and trust again, you find yourself embroiled in the same emotional drama you vowed to avoid. Being on the defensive or carrying a chip on your shoulder practically ensures tension or wounded pride and your self-esteem may suffer as a result. Certain loss is irrevocable. The ensuing crisis can be a turning point for your relationship or love life, but only if you are willing to let go and take a chance.

Daily Horoscope

Although you are naturally comfortable in the non-rational realm of emotions, you may not be so competent communicating what you feel. Today, especially, actions speak louder than words. Instead of rambling on about some nuance of perception, just express yourself through a direct gesture that doesn't necessarily require any words at all.

Anyone who really knows me, knows that both of these "messages" couldn't have been directed to a more appropriate person... Cue the twilight zone music.

8/3/08 Chinese Rabbit Horoscope...

Artists will be revived by an especially strong creative draw: let the ideas fly. Suddenly, you will find yourself longing to be surrounded by friends. Reconnect with an old acquaintance, you may find an unexpected resource in someone from the past whom you least expect. Also, don't be afraid to search for new ones, either.

Post Secret-FINALLY!!

No, I'm not awake this early so that I could check out the new secrets that are posted every Sunday. I just tend to suffer from insomnia when home alone... However, I almost jumped up and down and screamed when I read it. One of the MANY secrets I've sent in has been posted online! No, I won't be pointing out which one; it is a secret after all...but being all alone at home and it being 7 something on a Sunday morning I couldn't really tell anyone in person, so I'm telling you, all of cyberspace! If you do know me personally, and send me an e-mail with the correct guess; I might tell you...but I might not.

Who knew???

I had no idea that a couple of hours at the batting cage, and the driving range could have such a big impact on some of my rarely noticed muscles. We went to the Family Rec Park in Boonsboro yesterday. It was as hot as I imagine it would be if you stood on the sun, but it was still a lot of fun; driving back in the Jeep with only the bikini top helped to cool us down, and is fun in it's own right, in my opinion. We got 7 tokens for the batting cages for $12 and equalled 140 balls to swing at between the 2 of us, and then $6.50 for my medium basket of golf balls, and $8.00 for C's large basket and those baskets really do hold a lot. I'm guessing we spent at least an hour at the range. So, for under $30.00, we got some exercise, sun and fresh air, had fun, and spent some very needed time together that didn't involve talking about our relationship, and wasn't spent cooped up inside our house. All in all, a great decision even if I'm very sore, and am having real difficulty typing this all out since my forearm muscles are so tight...

WOW

I love this house:

http://www.lostrivermodern.com/about.aspx

I will be adding this to my list of places to go. It's in West Virginia so it's practically next door!

Election/Candidate Info

Google has a new Elections Gadget that you can add to your iGoogle home page; for up to date news, blogs, maps, videos, photos, and more on all of the 2008 election candidates.
I know in the past, one of my biggest complaints/issue about election time was finding general information about each candidate, where they stood on issues that were important to me, and knowing if the info we did find was from a reliable source. Having this all compiled in one place is very helpful, and I wish someone had thought of this a long time ago (maybe they had but I didn't know about it). I have voted in every election since my 18th year, and I consider it a right, a duty, and a privilege to live in a country where I have a voice and a hand in electing our political leaders. I don't really think a lot of Americans, especially younger people, and women, fully appreciate how lucky we are to have this right, and as a result; power. By just the random genetic lottery I was born in this country, but there are many places in this world where this right isn't made available for everyone, and where it's definitely not as simple as walking in, giving your name, and selecting your choices without fear, intimidation, or even risk of bodily harm. While I am not and have never been the type who eats, breaths, and lives politics, I do try to keep myself informed. Some years, I read and learn more than others, but again the fact that how involved I do or do not become is totally and 100% my choice; and is something I am extremely thankful for. Just something to think about, and a neat and convenient tool you might want to check out.
I can hear the conspiracy theorists already squirming around... Wondering who I or Google are linked with, and in whose special interest we're providing this info for... ;0)

My daily advice from the "Higher Powers"

I REALLY only read these things for entertainment, and while I'm not so arrogant that I can say with absolute certainty that things like, psychics, ghosts, God, etc...don't exist but I'm pretty certain that the daily horoscopes and tarot card readings that you can sign up for online, and pop up in your e-mail are the most reliable source for this type of info. That being said, lately I've been very surprised at how accurate some of the topics and specific messages have been in relation the things that are happening in my life....

Here is your Chinese Daily Rabbit Horoscope for Wednesday, July 16:
"Focus on your home life today, and you will be rewarded. This is a day of new beginnings. It could be a birth or marriage in your family. Embrace it today and feel the positive energy flow through you. Try to spend as much time as possible with this new family member, and you'll be surprised at how rewarding it will be for you."

-AND-

Dear Michelle,Here is your couple's love horoscope for Wednesday, July 16: "A misunderstanding with your sweetheart today could have comic results. Try to be extra clear when you're speaking to them, or prepare yourself for the makings of a hilarious anecdote you'll be repeating for years."

While my sweetheart and I most definitely had a few misunderstandings in the past 24 hours, they were absolutely NOT comical. Thankfully, I think we were able to get those misunderstandings cleared up. I do still worry a little about the whole misunderstanding thing and assumptions. I really wonder how many times my words or actions have been totally misunderstood but never brought to my attention? I have a tendency to get flustered and have a hard time verbally expressing myself, especially when it's about something emotional, or upsetting. I also have a fairly odd sense of humor that can be very dry and sarcastic. I know people who said that when they first met me they thought I was a bitch because of it. With most people (mainly the ones who aren't in my very close circle) I try to pay more attention to what and how I say certain things. With the people who I'm very close to, I don't monitor myself as much. Due to some recent events and things that I've been made aware of, it really worries me that the most important person in my life, has quite possibly misunderstood a LOT of things over a very long time period, and I didn't really have a clue. I can only imagine if that's true, that over time they probably assumed that I had many more negative feelings and thoughts towards them than I actually do, and over time they have formed some negative feelings towards me and about my personality that I was oblivious to, and didn't have much control over. Add that to the frequent often incorrect assumptions about my views and expected reactions to certain things, people, events, and values just makes me totally ill.

If our relationship becomes permanently harmed because of something that I really had no control over, and from inaccurate assumptions and wrong interpretations that would quite possibly be one of the most tragic things I could ever imagine. I wonder what this person really thinks in regards to how I feel about them? If they thought I was frequently being bitchy, and pissed off at them all of the time then they are totally wrong. Maybe this will help them and me to understand why I've been so confused lately, and so caught off guard by recent events. Truth be told, it was VERY RARE that this person ever made me angry, or did/said things that pissed me off. I always enjoyed their company, talking to them, basically doing everything with them. That wouldn't have been the case if I was pissed all of the time. This does explain a little bit though, why this person always said that we argued and didn't get along, a LOT and on a frequent cycle. I've always disagreed with that assessment, and was baffled at the frequency in which they said this occurred. I wonder how many times I was just totally blind and under the impression that everything was just peachy keen, while they were angry/hurt and just privately stewing and not saying anything in order to avoid further confrontation? Oy, all of this is making me head spin, and I pray that this person will see how many things have been misunderstood and interpreted and assumed incorrectly... I'm just going to have to say an extra prayer today and hope we can learn to communicate our feelings and thoughts to each other accurately, and before any permanent damage is done.

Ugghhh...

My 33rd birthday is in 11 days and I typically get excited about my birthday, but this year I'm dreading it. I only want 1 thing and I'm pretty sure I won't be getting it so I'm already bummed. Oy, this sucks.

I'm SORRY!!!

That I haven't written anything for a while... I'm going to make a conscience effort to write something every day, even if it's just a link.

This link is to a blog that I read almost daily. She is celebrating 31 years of marriage and has written a really good piece on how to stay happily married. I agree with virtually every thing she wrote, but I have 1 more thing to add to her list.
#11 Every day will not be like your honeymoon. All relationships, (yes even marriages) have their ups and downs. Typically those ups and downs are only for a day or two, but they can last longer; weeks, months, etc... as long as the couple is committed to their commitment ;0) they can work through anything. You just have to remember that marriage isn't a Disney production, but it can be totally rewarding and fulfilling when 2 people connect, love and respect one another and are working towards the same goal(s) together as a team.

http://voodoonotes.blogspot.com/2008/06/how-to-stay-happily-married.html

That's all for now, folks.

UPDATE: School Post

I have my appointment to see a counselor on Tuesday to discuss my options, and make a plan to finally get my degree!
I'm VERY excited!! Graduating is something that I'm sure everyone gets excited about, and feels good about doing, but I've been attending college off and on part time for 14 damn years! This is going to be it, I'm not going to "take the semester off" or dick around like I've done before. My excitement is indescribable, and when I finally get to "walk" and receive that diploma I'm positive it's going to be the 2nd best day of my life!

*The #1 spot for "best day of my life" was May 5, 2004.

School

I have finally decided what I want to be when I grow up! ; )

I have made the decision to go back to school, and to finish pursuing my Sociology degree. It's weird that I was such an "early bloomer" for a LOT of things, but when it came to the really important life decisions, I've been ridiculously slow. I have a lot of interests in many areas, and I think that has always been one of the reasons I rarely stick to a decision. I will decide on something, and then I'll get distracted by something, or something will happen in my life, and things fall to the side and don't get completed. Or, I'll just change direction mid course if something becomes mundane or really hard. However, when I do make a FINAL decision and promise to myself, I keep it. This is one of those decisions. The school I'll be attending has a really awesome new feature on their website. You select the degree you're going after, and they have these really detailed lists of areas the degree can be applied, what type of employers hire for it, and strategies such as volunteering/internships/certificates/other skills that will be helpful in getting the type of job you want. In addition they also have a page of links to online resources, and professional organizations. It is really a great idea; it's helpful to someone already working towards their major, and for people who are undecided and need more information about the different educational fields, and career opportunities.

It's a really good feeling to have this decision made, and to have an idea of where my career life is headed. Plus it's always nice to be excited about something, and to have new things to look forward to.

Part Deux :The Pink Pooch Blog...

The Pooch was in desperate need of a make-over. She was entirely too depressing and "doom and gloom". While the issues in my life have not been resolved, and really are quite depressing, I don't need everything I touch or am associated with to be in the same blue mood. I hope to have things set up and running smoothly by the end of the week, so check back soon!

Oh, and the most recent quote, or expression to move me was seen on the billboard of a church I pass on a daily basis:
"Turn the other cheek, not your back"

I have recently started becoming just a wee less skeptical about, "signs", and "premonitions". It's possible that the mind has the ability to read into things when it is in need of guidance, but I'm not able to 100% dispute the possibility of the occasional, authentic "sign", or "message" from a higher power...