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Friday, June 9, 2006
What's Up Doc.....
HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION
Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!!.... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have hadabout food and diets.
And remember:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming
"WOO HOO, What a Ride"
God's gift to us ,are the people who love us.
Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy
barbaramck at 8:07:31 AM PDT
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Friday, May 19, 2006
If you are having a bad day, remember it could be worse...
barbaramck at 12:28:10 PM PDT
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Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Working Full Time ..... Who Me?!
Who would have thunk it?
Yep, you heard it right, I'm working full time (this week) at the "local" Major Supermarket just down the street from me. Lucky Me! (Really)
It has been great for my mind and spirit, and, I'm sure, my Physical will catch up in no time (Hope Hope, Yikes!) -My dogs have been barking on overtime since the end of my first shift at 8:00 pm, Monday night.
I'm truly sorry I haven't gotten back to my journaling as I wished. "Quickly Quickly Quickly" has been my motto in the last week, and "Be There, Be Square" will be my new theme for the day working towards my promotion -Better Sooner than Later. My body will be so grateful *wink* I'm too old for this Manual Labor stuff. But! It's a great opportunity to drop a few pounds. I think I lost two belt sizes on that first shift. Yahoo me ..... Not!
This Little Piggy went to Market......
And, she left screaming We We Weeeeee all the way home!!!!
LOVE YOU GUYS! BE BACK SOON,
Barbie
XXOOXOX!!!!
barbaramck at 9:09:00 AM PDT
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Not The Po Po? IMPORTANT 411 !
FW:
I knew about the red light on cars, but not the *677. It was about 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon, and Lauren was driving to visit a friend. An UNMARKED police car pulled up behind her and put his lights on. *Lauren's parents have always told them never to pull over for an unmarked car on the side of the road, but rather to wait until they get to a gas station, etc *
Lauren had actually listened to her parents' advice, and promptly called 677 on her cell phone to tell the police dispatcher that she would not pull over right away. She proceeded to tell the dispatcher that there was an unmarked police car with a flashing red light on his rooftop behind her. The dispatcher checked to see if there were police cars where she was, and there weren't, and he told her to keep driving, remain calm and that he had backup already on the way.
Ten minutes later 4 cop cars surrounded her and the unmarked car behind her.
One policeman went to her side and the others surrounded the car behind. They pulled the guy from the car and tackled him to the ground. The man was a convicted rapist and wanted for other crimes.
I never knew about the *677 Cell Phone Feature, but especially fo r a woman alone in a car, you should not pull over for an unmarked car. Apparently police have to respect your right to keep going to a safe & quiet place. You obviously need to make some signals that you acknowledge them (i.e. put on your hazard lights) or call *677 like Lauren did.
Too bad the cell phone companies don't generally give you this little bit of wonderful information.
*Speaking to a service representative at **Bell** Mobility confirmed that *677 was a direct link to OPP Dispatch. So, now it's your turn to let your friends know about *677.
This tale is considered a hoax. HOWEVER, see below from an URBAN Legends site... a bit long, but bottom line use 911 and donot pull over for an unmarked vehicle (unless Viggo is driving).
Origins: We have no way of telling if this is an "actual true story and not one of those Internet stories that are passed on and on": the details given in the account aren't sufficient to assist us in confirming
the tale, and searches through online news databases based on what little is included (that the incident happened in Virginia in the last week of December 2001) don't fetch any articles about an arrest made or charges laid in such a case. And some of the details in the story give us pause: Why didn't the fleeing woman speed up, flash her lights, or honk her horn to attract the attention of the police car in front of her? And how did the real police car fail to notice the warning lights of the phony, unmarked police car?
Whether this particular tale is true or not, women driving alone have been sexually assaulted by rapists pretending to be patrolmen (and in certain rare cases by actual police officers), so the advice it gives about not pulling over in deserted areas when signaled to do so by unmarked police vehicles is well worth heeding. Throw on your flashers, slow down, and keep driving until you get to a well-lit area where there are others about. Though you might subsequently be charged for failing to heed a police officer's commands, you will avoid the potential for harm. Call 911 and tell them what's happening, asking them to relay to the officer in pursuit your intent to continue traveling until a populated has been reached. (Although in some U.S. states, #77 on a cell phone will immediately connect you to that state's highway patrol, that code is not universal. Some states use #77, but others use *55, *47, or *HP, and some don't have any special code at all. Rather than frantically try to figure out which one will work in the area you're in, get around the problem by going straight to 911.)
Police advise motorists to immediatelypull over when signaled to do so, suggesting those concerned about their safety keep their doors locked and crack their windows to speak with those presenting themselves as officers of the law. They suggest sidelined drivers who are suspicious of their detainers demand to examine the officers' photo IDs and ask where they work, then place calls to 911 to verify their identities. While this would certainly be the right way to handle genuine police officers making bona fide traffic stops, this method fails to protect motorists from the ill-intentioned. The real bad guys carry guns, so locked car doors and cracked windows would avail little by way of protection.
The instance of rapists and murderers pretending to be police officers is not of epidemic proportions, but enough incidents of this nature have occurred that precautions are warranted.
In 1948 in Los Angeles, Caryl Chessman successfully robbed couples and sexually assaulted a number of women in California after first fooling them into believing he was a police officer by flashing a red light at their vehicles. (Though often he approached parked cars this way, in at least one case he managed to pull over a car that was driving on Pacific Coast Highway.) His method of approach earned him the nickname of "The Red Light Bandit." Chessman was executed on a kidnapping charge in 1960, but only after gaining fame for writing three books while in prison (most notably Cell 2455 Death Row) and becoming the focus of the then nascent movement to abolish the death penalty.
Since then others have used similar ruses to isolate their victims. More recently, in 1997 Arkansas was plagued by its "blue light rapist" who assaulted three women after first luring them to the side of the road with the help of a police-style blue light mounted on his car. Robert Todd Burmingham was sentenced in 1998 to 80 years in prison for rape, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery.
In 2000, a Tampa woman was sexually assaulted by a man who had put a flashing blue and red light atop his car and motioned her off the road as if he was a police officer. After she admitted she had been drinking, he offered to drive her home; she got into his car, and he took her to an isolated location where he raped her. That case is still open.
Someone who has taken to impersonating a police officer for nefarious purposes is counting upon his intended victim's unquestioning cooperation. Because he appears in the guise of a trusted authority figure whose commands must be obeyed, he expects automatic reaction to kick in even if it overrides common sense. That could prove a fatal error to make.
In 1996 Governor Pataki of New York issued an executive order to prevent unmarked state police cars from stopping motorists for routine traffic violations, citing "a growing number of cases around the country in which criminals trap their victims by posing as police officers." If he's worried about it, you should be too.
barbaramck at 8:51:35 AM PDT
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Wednesday, April 26, 2006
All Dressed Up With Nowhere to Go
It really sucks being single on your birthday!
Can I get a witness?!!
LOL, Happy Birthday to Me!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM TAROT.COM
Self: Seven of Coins 
POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Your personal power is growing and others are taking notice.
The card in the Self position reveals aspects of how you perceive yourself right now.
The Seven of Coins in this position indicates your efforts toward being a self-made person are finally being realized. This card represents the slow and steady application of energy, season after season. You have kept at it, and your dedication and focus are bearing fruit.
You can understand the magic of compound interest. Thinking like a farmer, you have patiently tended your crop, trusting time and letting natural law multiply your harvest. The results are no surprise to you, but other people are beginning to notice. Keep at it and you will be known as a gifted person who produces value rather than just another consumer.
Situation: Ace of Swords 
POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Your unique comprehension of the situation can help clear up confusion, which may jeopardize progress.
The card that lands in the Situation position refers to social or circumstantial factors which could be affecting your life at this time.
With the Ace of Swords in this position, circumstances indicate that the path to your destination twists and turns in a bewildering way. Your insight, however, can penetrate and make sense of the confusion.
You possess an outlook or vision that can harmonize whatever competing interests and needs present themselves. Ultimately, it is up to you to reveal the big picture, point out the middle path, and reconcile the polarities. You are aware of what the next step is. Continue to focus solely upon it without letting yourself or others be distracted.
Challenges/ Opportunities: Nine of Swords 
POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
What brings sorrow may also give rise to feelings of liberation.
The card that lands in the Challenges/Opportunities position refers to ways that you can turn obstacles into stepping stones.
With the Nine of Swords in this position, you are facing the paradox that what is cause for grief and sorrow can also produce a great release. Sometimes the catastrophe you fear the worst is actually the end of an impossible situation; this may be one of those times.
Consider the possibility that binding obligations to an old situation are now ended. You are now free to choose your own direction, to explore and grow beyond circumstances that used to hold you in. The very fact that this is happening indicates your readiness to make this transition. Somewhere beneath the distress and loss is a reserve of strength that has been building for this kind of opportunity. Point yourself toward healing, release from bondage, and freedom from suffering. Focus on the positive. Collect visions and ideas that will help you rise above feelings of hopelessness.
Foundation: Nine of Wands 
POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Give your expectations a rest. Be generous to yourself.
The card in the Foundation position points to influences from your personal history, your roots and background.
The Nine of Wands in this position points to a background of hard work in which there were no acceptable alternatives but to carry the load by yourself and strive against all odds. This attitude invariably leads to extremely high expectations for yourself that are sometimes even inhumane.
Try relating to yourself as your own best friend rather than as a taskmaster. Give your expectations a rest and be generous to yourself. Fight a tendency to be tyrannical; let go of the "shoulds" you put on yourself.
Recent Past: Page of Wands 
POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Your routine has been suddenly shattered; regain equilibrium using an impartial outlook.
The card in the Recent Past position refers to events that are just departing, recently influential but now diminishing in power.
This card is traditionally entitled a Page, but in some modern decks as a Princess. In this position, this card indicates that a complacent routine has been interrupted by a messenger whose arrival and message accelerates change.
Your patterns are transforming rapidly and you are struggling to grasp how profoundly different everything suddenly seems. You're still adjusting to the ramifications of the messenger's news. Separate your perceptions of the emissary from your feelings about the news itself; such a tactic will help you come to terms with what has happened as objectively as possible, so you can establish a new inner balance.
Higher Power: The Star 
POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Let the blessings of heaven rain down upon you and rejoice.
The card in the Higher Power position reflects the broader perspective and influence of your conscience, Guardian Angel, inner wisdom.
The Star in this position is about being in tune with the spiritual dimension of life. The light you cast helps others awaken to their spiritual identity too. This is not necessarily a conscious effort if one simply lets the heart be the lodestone, the source of guidance.
Things run smoothly for those who are on or influenced by this wavelength. Synchronicities crop up. People understand each other better. This card signifies all the blessings that flow to and through you from the heavens above. Realize that you are being spiritually cultivated by Life itself.
Near Future: Ace of Wands 
POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
You are narrowing in on your goals for this time, and are ready to pick up your tools and get to work.
The card in the Near Future position indicates which way the wind is blowing with regard to your situation. If you follow the Advice card, however, you can improve on or neutralize tendencies.
When the Ace of Wands is in this position, your choices are narrowing and coming into focus, allowing you to define what you really want to do and how you are going to accomplish it. Like water surging through a funnel, your energy needs to narrow down upon itself and penetrate to the core. Proceed with single-mindedness and concentration.
Your opportunity may be imminent, so get rested and organized. If you cannot act with full focus, you may not be able to do the work necessary to reach your objectives. Maintain a state of readiness and wellness about you.
Blocks & Inhibitions: The Fool 
POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
You are too attached to a need for self-control.
The card in the Blocks position points to self-undermining tendencies, areas where you could be in denial, where you could get stuck -- unless you examine yourself and make some corrections.
When the Fool comes up in this position, lack of trust in your authentic, original nature causes you to resist spontaneity and freedom. Without trust in your essential nature, you can't afford to move in any direction, take any steps, make any decisions. Without trust, you are riddled with fears and insecurities.
Don't inhibit yourself by the fear of what might go wrong. Determine what you would like and how to get it to happen. Look at your current situation as an opening rather than a trial. It's a chance to go where you have never been before and experience new dimensions.
Allies: The High Priestess 
POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Take advantage of spiritual role models.
The cardin the Allies position points to people who can be supportive or helpful to you at this time.
The High Priestess in this position points to a mentor or role model who exemplifies true objectivity. This person is skilled in the high art of intuitive receptivity.
Like a camera, the High Priestess can enter a situation and take an impression of all it contains without needing to project personality into it. Such cultivated neutrality and openness to the bigger picture is the foundation of wisdom.
Try to emulate this archetype. Develop clarity and humility in your own personality, and use these qualities to improve all your interactions and relationships.
Advice: Two of Cups 
POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Reach out to the people you care about so they know you are thinking of them.
The card in the Advice position suggests a course of action which will harmonize what you want with what is currently possible.
The Two of Cups in this position advises you to speak your heart. It may be that the person you are trying to connect with feels the same. Still everyone you care about needs to hear this more fully. So why not make it clear to them now?
The Two of Cups is the image of the heart making a vow. This card advises that you pledge yourself to this relationship and put your heart on the line. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Life is a relationship game. It's a great privilege to share with others who are so complementary and compatible.
Long-term Potential: Three of Wands 
POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
The seed has been planted and will grow into a powerful force for good.
The card in the Long-term Potential position points to unknowns still taking shape. It is the "wild card" yet to be played.
The Three of Wands in this position signifies that a small beginning has within it the power to grow into something big that lasts a long time. You are building the ground floor now.
Use creative passion and intuition to create an avenue of gain and growth that others can follow. Passionate pursuit of an enterprise can develop into a powerful force that will serve many.
barbaramck at 10:05:00 AM PDT
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Thursday, April 20, 2006
Pics & Promises
WELCOME BACK!
As I promised, here's the/some pics of my new digs. You all know that I'm not the best photographer in town, my apologies. Please put on your rose colored glasses and imagine these shots if I were. The view is breathtaking with a hint of salt air. The house isn't the older single level I wrote about but, the other place didn't have half the view. The shots I took make the beach seam miles away but, what you do see is actually Carlsbad State Beach with public access to the right and left of the strand. If I were a Biker I could be there in ten -walking is out of the question for this lazy person. I would rather jump in the Pathfinder and have my feet in the sand in five. *wink*
My family have all gone home. Spring Holiday is over and the Brits are back to school. We had a lovely *wink* visit. We are all so sad to see it end. Everyone will be back in August for a grand family reunion to include every family member and then some spanning over a three week period. I'm so looking forward to it. It's not far away and will be as if they never have left.
My sister's service was intimate, beautiful, and something I will never forget. She was a silent soul who was overwhelmingly loved by so many. Thank-you all very much for all of your kind words. "And, that's all I have to say about that." God Bless
It has been the most busiest, and most precious, of months I've had in my life. My promise to you is that I will work harder to make times to return to your lives by reading and commenting in your journals. I miss you all very much. I feel sad and selfish that I've been away so long. Next up, a job. ugg! I still have no idea what I want to be when I grow up. I would really love to go to The San Diego School of Design. Can anyone say, "*Cha-Ching*!!" My house hasn't sold. The market is slow. I'm hoping it will sell soon but, in the meantime, I will look for a job with a florist. Wish me luck?
Love to All,
Barbie @>--------
barbaramck at 9:46:30 AM PDT
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Thursday, April 13, 2006
A Quickie and Heavy Breathing
Hey-ho!
Just a quick update to let you all know that I'm still standing but, just barely *wink*
My sweet sister passed on March 19; just two days after her 50th birthday. She will be missed dearly. She is never far away. I hold her close to my heart and talk with her daily.
My move to the beach has been a giant success. I have a panoramic view of the ocean from my living room and bedroom windows. It's lovely; I'm a very lucky girl! (pics coming soon) The old house hasn't sold, but I have had two more offers -It seams some have bigger dreams than pocketbooks, ugg! Please cross your fingers and toes for me, okay? Pretty please with sugar on top. My twin sister and nephew are here from up north and staying with me. My sister and family are in from London and we will be doing a Easter thing Saturday at my other sister house where my "other other" sister will be. hmmm.. that's a lot of sisters. Did I get them all? One, Two, Three, Four, Five (I miss and love you, Lise!)
Tootles All.
I'll be back to my Regular Programing soon.
Love you, Be Good!
Barbie
barbaramck at 5:45:19 AM PDT
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Saturday, March 11, 2006
Taking Some Time
Hi Guys!
Just a quick pop-in to tell you I'm fine. My sister is home now (as of last night) and in hospice care. She hasn't given up but has given in to a life that has been well lived and happy. Her cancer has spread to her brain and her body is tired. She is loved beyond comprehension and has a family who will never forget the joy she has brought into our lives. I will go to her today to say my goodbyes. I cannot tell you how beautiful she is and how sad I am for my Daddy Do; it is never right to have to bury a child. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
My house was sold in five days and went into escrow Monday morning, only to fall out Tuesday evening because the couple didn't qualify for the "special program" or something-or-other. ?? Welcome to the joys of selling a home, ugg! I completely freaked when they asked for a 30 day escrow and started looking for a place to live right away. I think I found that place not a half a mile from the beach. Keep your fingers crossed that I get it (it's "older", single level, and has a ocean view). "Looking" is a huge pain in the ass for me -too many decisions, lol. I Need to be settled. (Rent now. And, worry about selling later, eek! *wink*) Tis The Season. Come a month or two, and all the Good Places -at the beach- will be gone. My dream is to be in the mountains. One day that dream will come true. But, for now, the beach isn't a bad place to be.
There is so much going on right now, and so many emotions running in and out of me, that I hardly know what to think or do. To remain calm and uplifting is very important to my sister's easy passing. And so, that is exactly what I'll feel and do. My boys are fine. My babies are fine. Life is a wonderful gift. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I'll be back when things are less stressed and confusing -hopefully with new beach digs and salt and sand in my hair.
I LOVE YOU!
Barbie @>--------
barbaramck at 6:17:41 AM PST
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Tuesday, February 28, 2006
The Ifs, Ands, and Whys
(Connie, Conzo, Thank-you!)
The truth is, I'm scared.
I'm scared because my sister is dying. I'm scared because I'm selling my home. I'm scared because I have no idea where I'm going or where I'll be living. I'm scared because I can't get a job. I'm scared, most of all, because I don't have that special someone who will hold me at night and tell me everything will be alright. This is All so new to me and very hard to accept.......
::sigh::
I will.
I'm Scared.
But... I WILL be Okay. Please don't worry.
-I don't know when I will be back to my journaling self -whatever, whomever, that is/was. My writing/commenting has suffered. I won't leave you permanently, I promise. I'll be back when I find the words. Please know, my dear friends, I love, and miss, all of you.
Be good. Be well. Godspeed,
Barbie @>-------
barbaramck at 6:33:37 PM PST
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Sunday, February 26, 2006
What A Surprise... The Saturday Six
Too Funny Preamble to The Saturday Six -on Sunday. Again:
White House Breakfast
Dick Cheney and George W. Bush were having breakfast at the White House. The attractive waitress asks Cheney what he would like, and he replies, "I'd like a bowl of oatmeal and some fruit."
"And what can I get for you, Mr. President?"
George W. replies with his trademark wink and slight grin, "How about a quickie this morning?"
"Why, Mr. President!" the waitress exclaims. "How rude! You're starting to act like Mr. Clinton, and you've only been in your second term of office for a year! ''
As the waitress storms away, Cheney leans over to Bush and whispers...
"It's pronounced 'quiche'."
The Saturday Six -Episode 98
1. Whatis the most difficult aspect of your current job?
A. Yeah, Forced Retirement is a bitch. *wink*
2. What is the easiest aspect of your job?
A. The fact that I don't have one.
3. How many keys are there on your key ring right now? Are you able to recall exactly what every key on your key ring actually unlocks?
A. 5. And, yep!
4. Take this quiz (if you haven't already!): What kind of an elitist are you?
Name the era, and you can name every artist from it. You've got an eye for design and a knack for feng shui. Color schemes, architecture, and objt d'art - these are all your forts.
What people love: You're the perfect person to shop with.
What people hate: They have to clean their house whenever you come over.
1512 other people got this result!
This quiz has been taken 9006 times.
17% of people had this result.
5. What is your least favorite ethnic food, and what makes it your least favorite?
A. Wow, what a stumper! I've never met a food I didn't like. Suffice to say, I'm not a big fan of the Curry.
6. If you were a different person, but were to meet someone identical to who you are and how you behave right now, would you likely be friends with that person? Why or why not?
A. Of course "I'd" be friends with me. But! If I were another person, how the heck would I know how that "other person" would feel? LOL! I'm just Joshin' ya, Patrick. Actually, I'm a pretty alright chick; I'm up for grabs, any takers?
barbaramck at 7:48:07 PM PST
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