21 Suggestions for Success by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

1. Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.

2. Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talent.

3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.

6. Be generous.

7. Have a grateful heart.

8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.

9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.

10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.

12. Commit yourself to quality.

13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.

14. Be loyal.

15. Be honest.

16. Be a self-starter.

17. Be decisive even if it means you’ll sometimes be wrong.

18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

19. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.

20. Take good care of those you love.

21. Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your Mom proud.

The World Reduced

If we could reduce the world’s population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all existing human ratios remaining the same, the demographics would look something like this:

60 Asians

12 Europeans

5 North Americans

8 Latin Americans

14 Africans

49 of them would be female

51 would be male

67 of them would not be Christians

5 would control 32% of the entire world’s wealth, and all of them would be US citizens

80 would live in substandard housing

24 would not have any electricity(And of the 76% that do have electricity, most would only use it for light at night.)

67 would be unable to read

1 (only one) would have a college education.

50 would be malnourished and 1 dying of starvation

33 would be without access to a safe water supply

7 people would have access to the Internet

If to take a look at the world from this condensed perspective,the need for acceptance, understanding and education becomes evident.

If you have never experienced a war,
a loneliness of an imprisonment,
an agony of tortures
or a famine
You are happier, than 500 million persons in this world.

Let us not be stopped by that which divides us but look for that which unites us

Relationship Quiz

Recently my brother in law and his fiance sent me this quiz which appeared in the New York Times titled "Questions Couples Should Ask (Or Wish They Had Asked) Before Marriage".
I actually quizzed my husband and had a great discussion about some of the questions. It is a really good quiz so give it a try! Put your relationship to the test !

Relationship experts report that too many couples fail to ask each other critical questions before marrying. Here are a few key ones that couples should consider asking:

1) Have we discussed whether or not to have children, and if the answer is yes, who is going to be the primary care giver?

2) Do we have a clear idea of each other’s financial obligations and goals, and do our ideas about spending and saving mesh?

3) Have we discussed our expectations for how the household will be maintained, and are we in agreement on who will manage the chores?

4) Have we fully disclosed our health histories, both physical and mental?

5) Is my partner affectionate to the degree that I expect?

6) Can we comfortably and openly discuss our sexual needs, preferences and fears?

7) Will there be a television in the bedroom?

8) Do we truly listen to each other and fairly consider one another’s ideas and complaints?

9) Have we reached a clear understanding of each other’s spiritual beliefs and needs, and have we discussed when and how our children will be exposed to religious/moral education?

10) Do we like and respect each other’s friends?

11) Do we value and respect each other’s parents, and is either of us concerned about whether the parents will interfere with the relationship?

12) What does my family do that annoys you?

13) Are there some things that you and I are NOT prepared to give up in the marriage?

14) If one of us were to be offered a career opportunity in a location far from the other’s family, are we prepared to move?

15) Does each of us feel fully confident in the other’s commitment to the marriage and believe that the bond can survive whatever challenges we may face?

Happy Baby

Laughter is the best medicine! I saw this video and was compelled to share it. Absolutely adorable.

Unique Photos

As my other half pointed out my blogging has had a serious tone to it lately. And looking at some of my more recent posts, he is right. I have been in a serious mood lately. So I thought I'd lighten up a bit and share some very interesting photos. Enjoy!

I Resign

I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult.

I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities of an 8 year old again.

I want to go to McDonald's and think it is a four star restaurant.

I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle and make ripples with rocks.

I want to think M&Ms are better than money because you can eat them.

I want to lie under a big oak tree and run a lemonade stand with my friends on a hot summer day.

I want to return to a time when life was simple.

When all you knew were colours, multiplication tables and nursery rhymes,
but that didn't bother you, because you didn't know what you didn't know and you didn't care.

All you knew was to be happy because you were blissfully unaware of all the things that should
make you worried or upset.

I want to think the world is fair.

That everyone is honest and good.

I want to believe that anything is possible.

I want to be oblivious to the complexities of life and be overly excited by the little things again.

I want to live simple again.

I don't want my day to consist of computer crashes, mountains of paperwork, depressing news,
how to survive more days in the month than there is money in the bank, doctor bills, gossip, illness, and loss of loved ones.

I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, justice, peace, dreams, the imagination, mankind and making angels in the snow.

So... here's my checkbook and my car keys, my credit cards, and all my responsibility.

I am officially resigning from adulthood.

And if you want to discuss this further, you'll have to catch me first... because

"Tag! Your it."

-Author Unknown-

I Hope You Dance

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance

Lyrics to Leanne Womacks "I HOPE YOU DANCE"

The Tooth Fairy

Working in an elementary school, and having daily conversations with youth, I find immense amounts of joy sharing in their excitement and bewilderment for life. The story below is a TRUE story about a boy who had some very serious questions to ask me. -Kiran

Last Thursday as I was walking down the hall to my office with my good buddy Darrin (who is 7 years old) I could tell that he was worried about something. I thought it would be best to leave him alone for a couple of minutes to gather his thoughts. Out of the blew Darrin turns to me, with a very concerned look on his face and says "Mrs. K can I ask you a question"? I turned my head sideways and said "Sure Darrin. What's on your mind?" "Well, I was wondering... the tooth fairy is going to visit me... but I have cavities. Will the tooth fairy still want my tooth? I mean does she care if there are cavities?" Darrin looked so serious as he waited for me to respond. We both stopped walking. I took a deep breath and crouched on the floor so I could be at the same eye level as Darrin. I looked at him and said Darrin the tooth fairy loves teeth. She will just be happy that you have one for her!" This put a smile on Darrin's face. So I stood up and we continued on our journey down the hallway past the kindergarten classes. After a few moments Darrin looked up at me and said "Cavities are bad. Do you think the tooth fairy will pay me less because it isn't as good as a regular tooth?

Plastic Surgery

A middle aged woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she had a near death experience.

Seeing God she asked "Is my time up?" God said, "No, you have another 43 years, 2 months and 8 days to live". Upon recovery,

The woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a facelift, liposuction, and a tummy tuck. She even had someone come in and change her hair colour.

Since she had so much more time to live, she figured she might as well make the most of it. After her last operation, she was released from the hospital. While crossing the street on her way home, she was killed by an ambulance. Arriving in front of God she demanded, "I thought you said I had another 40 years? Why didn't you pull me from out of the path of the ambulance?

God replied,

"I didn't recognize you."

STOP THE VIOLENCE

Today I am ashamed to be an Indo-Canadian. My heart breaks for the injustice that traditional Indian values inflict on women. Stop teaching your daughters that their life is no life unless they are married. Stop teaching your daughters that they should be subservient wives and do as their husbands family says even when she is being abused. Stop teaching your daughters to be martyrs. Start teaching your daughters about independence, self respect, and dignity. Educate them. Empower them. I hang my head in shame as three women are murdered. Three mothers are murdered. What will it take for cultural norms and values to change? The answer isn't simple. We need to change the mentality that many South Asians have about women being less worthy then men. We need to change thought processes of those men and women who find power living in ignorance. We need to teach men how to deal with feelings of anger or frustration without causing physical pain to another person. We need to stand up for those who are not strong enough to defend themselves. We need to teach and preach our young children so they can look forward to a future without the fear of abuse. If someone you love is being abused or harmed mentally or physically please stand up, speak up and make it your problem. Advocate for them. Teach them about the cycle of abuse. Report it to the police. Report it to the ministry. If there is a child involved, that child is in more danger living in a home with violence. Save a life. Stop the violence. If she can't, you can.

Portrait Of An Achiever

Failed in Business - Bankruptcy, 1831

Defeated For Legislature, 1832

Failed in Business - Bankruptcy, 1834

Sweetheart - Finance Dies, 1835

Nervous Breakdown, 1836

Defeated in Election, 1838

Defeated For U.S. Congress. 1846

Defeated Again For U.S. Congress, 1848

Defeated For U.S. Senate, 1855

Defeated For U.S. Vice President, 1856

Defeated Again For U.S. Senate, 1858

ABRAHAM LINCOLN
ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.A., 1860

Corruption in the Justice System

Stress

Living in an expensive city where life truly can pass you by with all its chaotic greed and pollution it is very important that once a day you stop dead in your tracks and take a time out for yourself. Forget about work, the bills, the gas, the rush hours, the kids, family demands, the "drama", the errands and the endless chores. And if once a day is too much to ask than at least make the weekends your own. There are hundreds of classes and hobbies just waiting for you to take them up. Here are some to try.

1. Blogging :)
2. Painting
3. Bike Riding
4. Library
5. Dancing
6. Drama
7. Walking
8. Photography
9. Scrapbooking
10. Videography
11. Learning an Instrument
12. Swimming
13. Pottery
14. Tai Chi
15. Yoga
16. Attend Seminars
17. Go out for dinner
18. Spend time with your friends
19. Go to the Park
20. Karaoke
21. Tennis
22. Batting Cage
23. Driving Range
24. Baking
25. Board Game Nights

At the end of the day there are so many things to try. You have to make time for yourself . Do what you love. Cut a little stress out of your life. Remember stress can cause a whole slew of health problems, including high blood pressure, eczema, migraines, ulcers, back problems and depression. So take care of yourself! Go ahead and be a little selfish... for at least one hour a day.

Attitude

LIFE IS :

10% WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU

90% HOW YOU REACT TO IT

SO IT'S YOUR CHOICE. WE ARE IN CHARGE OF OUR ATTITUDE.

The picture above is about a woman named FRIDA. If you dont know her story research her on the web. She was a woman who defied norms, and had extraordinary strength.

Children Learn What They Live

By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte

The Nasty Flu Bug

You know about lady bugs, beetles and bees,
There are other bugs, very much smaller than these,
Called bacteria, viruses, microbes and germs,
As microscope viewing so clearly confirms.

They do not have wings.
They do not have legs.
They do not have stingers.
They do not lay eggs.
You can not see them, but still they are there,
Much tinier yet than the dust in the air.

How small, can be difficult to understand,
If sand was piled up high in your hand,
Then that many germs, too tiny to spy,
Could dance on the dot on the small letter i.

The bugs come from bathrooms and sick rooms and such.
They are passed on by hand to the things that you touch,
Like door handles, desk tops and key boards and phones.
The bugs make you sick, right down to your bones.

They cause fever and tummy aches, earaches and flu,
Sniffles and coughing and sore tonsils, too.
Doctors have syrups and pills full of drugs,
For some of the nastier sick-causing bugs.

But not all of the bugs can be stopped by a pill,
Viruses say: "I will spread where I will!
I will keep on infecting whomever I please.
No one can stop me with measures like these!"

And too many drugs soon can lose their effect.
On diseases against which they ought to protect.
The bacteria bugs that survive say with glee:
"Now I am immune…you can not stop me!"

Do bugs need drugs? You need to know,
More often than not, the answer is no!
Washing your hands with plain soap and water,
Are best to protect every young son or daughter.

A boy left the bathroom, not using the sink,
And stopped at the fountain for water to drink.
Some of the germs on his hands stayed behind,
On the tap for other young drinkers to find.

He left some more bugs on a phone in the hall,
And more on a video game in the mall.
And everywhere people touched things that he had,
They got fevers and aches and were feeling quite bad.

A girl went to visit a friend with the flu,
Then went on to visit one more friend or two,
Without washing her hands, and her friends all got ill.
And they took to their beds with a sniffle and chill.

But another young child touched a bathroom stall door,
And picked up the bugs, like many before.
The child lathered and rinsed for the length of a song,
And no one got sick 'cause the bugs were all gone.

Life Lessons

HUMANS HAVE A TENDENCY TO BE HARD ON THEMSELVES... GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK AND READ ON...

You will receive a body.You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period of this time around.
You will learn lessons.You are enrolled in a full-time, informal school called Life. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them irrelevant and stupid.
There are no mistakes, only lessons.Growth is a process of trial and error: experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately "works."
A lesson is repeated until learned.A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can then go on to the next lesson.
Learning lessons does not end.There is no part of life that does not contain its lessons. If you are alive, there are lessons to be learned.
"There" is no better than "here."When your "there" has become a "here," you will simply obtain another "there" that will again look better than "here."
Others are merely mirrors of you.You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects something you love or hate about yourself.
What you make of your life is up to you.You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.
Your answers lie inside you.The answers to Life's questions lie inside you. All you need to do is look, listen, and trust.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN.

EXCERCISE

Exercise not to lose weight. Exercise to be healthy. Exercise to live longer. Exercise to live.

BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Reduce risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis
Boost immune system
Promote healthy blood sugar level
Sleep better

More Energy
Burn Fat
Improve mood reduce chance of depression
Heart muscles grow stronger
Reduce stress
Reduce some effects of aging

Above Tips researched from various websites:
http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk
http://siri.uvm.edu/ppt/health/sld006.htm
http://familydoctor.org/059.xml