tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32351130417494294892024-03-13T01:59:11.342-06:00love your nontoxic lifesave green by going green and reduce your stress along the wayMaggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-51112006054437873832010-02-25T04:41:00.000-06:002010-02-25T04:41:00.574-06:00EcoSmart Natural Bug Killer Value Bundle Giveaway!Perhaps you remember my, ahem "<a href="http://yournontoxiclife.blogspot.com/2009/09/critter-journal-part-2-ecosmart-product.html">critter issue</a>"? I had lots of fun ants living with me, who would NOT go away. Finally, I got smart and used the EcoSmart Ant & Roach Killer, pictured below. It's the best <a href="http://www.ecosmart.com/shop/individual-products/insect-repellent.html">natural ant killer</a> I have ever used. Lucky for you, Ecosmart is giving away the insecticide value bundle of your choice to a yournontoxiclife reader!!!<br />
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Each person can enter up to 5 times by following the list below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDZ5VmU_g_oovDwmHAw7Uy507kSTWA4ALrYrx-J9RyqxRHr3dNLsyTk1xM_fNcueMVuwbSjW1jlZCzuhcOgtPnlLquk3Zt5tUWnMncRhqtdwBoK-qGtDVCSV4vjiFQrZg-Yy2u4ZTy3c/s1600-h/greenworks+005.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381087565033191666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDZ5VmU_g_oovDwmHAw7Uy507kSTWA4ALrYrx-J9RyqxRHr3dNLsyTk1xM_fNcueMVuwbSjW1jlZCzuhcOgtPnlLquk3Zt5tUWnMncRhqtdwBoK-qGtDVCSV4vjiFQrZg-Yy2u4ZTy3c/s400/greenworks+005.jpg" style="display: block; height: 301px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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To enter once: comment below, telling us why you need or want this <a href="http://www.ecosmart.com/shop/individual-products/insect-repellent.html">all natural bug spray</a> bundle.<br />
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Bonus entries:<br />
<ul><li>become a follower of this blog</li>
<li>blog about this giveaway and comment back with a link</li>
<li>tweet about this giveaway with @yournontoxiclif (that's without the "e")</li>
<li>become a fan of yournontoxiclife on facebook</li>
</ul>The giveaway will close one week from tomorrow, March 5th at midnight CST. I will randomly select a winner one week on Saturday, March 6. I will contact the winner by email, so please include your email in the email box of your comment.<br />
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Good Luck!!<br />
<script src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m" type="text/javascript">
</script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-72095153271226822072010-01-31T00:30:00.000-06:002010-01-31T00:30:00.759-06:00Stress Free VideoThis is a fun, amateur video done by students in a psychology class. Funny ending, too.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KonrhFFLdaU&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KonrhFFLdaU&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-16356780180379342542010-01-30T09:23:00.000-06:002010-01-30T09:23:06.989-06:00Focus on the positive outcome of goals | Psychology Today<a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dont-delay/201001/focus-the-positive-outcome-goals">Focus on the positive outcome of goals | Psychology Today</a><br />This is a great way to jump start any New Year's Resolution that may need fine -tuning at this point.<br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-52122729685232198522010-01-19T00:58:00.000-06:002010-01-19T00:58:00.063-06:00Top-6-mindless-money-wasters<a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/108573/top-6-mindless-money-wasters?mod=bb-budgeting">top-6-mindless-money-wasters: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance</a><br /><br />This is a good article on awareness of money wasters, which are:<br /><br />-->Convenience Stores<br /><br />-->Cell Phone Plans<br /><br />-->Soft Drinks at Restaurants<br /><br />-->Unnecessary Bank Fees<br /><br />-->Magazines at the Check Out Line<br /><br />-->Annual Credit Card Fees<br /><br />These are indeed BIG money wasters and worth checking out.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-6182635748708957052010-01-17T15:29:00.003-06:002010-01-17T16:12:19.686-06:00Seven Days To Stress Relief<a href="http://pillca.com/articles/seven-days-to-stress-relief.php">Seven Days To Stress Relief</a><br />I found this great article on relieving your stress in seven days. You are walked through the following aspects of stress:<br /><br />-->Acknowledge Your Stress<br /><br />-->Identify Your Stress Triggers<br /><br />--><a href="http://yournontoxiclife.blogspot.com/2009/01/cut-drama-queen.html">Avoid The Drama Queens</a><br /><br />--><a href="http://yournontoxiclife.blogspot.com/2009/06/5-quick-ways-to-relax-into-mindfulness.html">Learn to Breathe</a><br /><br />-->Think Positive<br /><br />--><a href="http://yournontoxiclife.blogspot.com/2009/08/closer-look-at-quality-sleep.html">Set a Sleep Schedule<br /></a><br />-->Take Cues From Those Around You<br /><br />This is one worth checking out!<br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-27468271561975008162010-01-16T08:44:00.008-06:002010-01-30T10:08:45.743-06:005 Tips to Get What You Really Want from GiftCards<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2885468787_6ab2d83a56.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2885468787_6ab2d83a56.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><br />
So, here we are. It's January and you probably have already burned through many of the gift cards you received over the holidays.<br />
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The ones you still have left are probably from somewhat obscure places or are for places that don't carry what you really want.<br />
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Bear in mind I use the term "general fund" a lot. The general fund is the fund I use for regular, household purchases: groceries, paper products, linens, health/beauty products, etc. These are the items that we use the most of and need replenishing regularly.<br />
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Cases in point:<br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tip #1</span></span><br />
I had a gift card for Target,but they didn't carry the vacuum cleaner I wanted. Walmart did. What to do? <br />
<a href="http://yournontoxiclife.blogspot.com/2010/01/5-tips-to-get-what-you-really-want-from.html">Read More</a><br />
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Simple, I used the Target gift card for groceries, thus giving myself a credit in the general fund toward the vacuum cleaner, which I bought the following week.<br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tip #2</span></span><br />
I had a general "pick-a-gift-card" to a grocery store that I do not like to shop at. However, this was the kind of gift card where I could use to buy another gift card, so I thought I was in the clear. I really wanted something from Amazon. Alas, they didn't sell Amazon gift cards. What to do?<br />
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This is a little complicated. DH had given me a "verbal" gift card to Kohls ("Honey, just go ahead and spend $50 at Kohls.") so I bought Kohls gift cards and shifted my verbal giftcard to Amazon. Another option would have been similar to Tip #1 where I could have put the card toward the general fund, by shopping at the grocery store, but I really HATE that grocery store.<br />
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<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3258378233_46ac9b316d.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3258378233_46ac9b316d.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 402px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Tip #3</span><br />
I got a crisp $100 bill from my dad and wanted to apply this also to an online purchase. What to do?<br />
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I could have gone to the trouble of putting it in the bank, but instead I used it at Walmart toward my biweekly purchases, thus entering it into the general fund. Now I have a "virtual" credit anywhere I want.<br />
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Tip #4</span><br />
My kids got a gift card to a big toy store, that I think is way overpriced. (Apparently, I am the only one who thinks this, as this toy store is hugely popular with my friends and family.) I was kind of stuck in that they don't sell things I could use toward the general fund. What to do?<br />
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I gave the gift card away for the first kid's birthday party we were invited to. I then put cash into my kid's envelope toward a future purchase.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Tip #5</span><br />
A few years ago, I really had my eye on a new "fancy cell phone", but it was a lot of $. What to do?<br />
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I got on my bank's website and signed up for their rewards program. I switched some things around, so we are now only using our bank cards for purchases and paying all our bills online, thus maximizing our rewards, or points. Now every few months, we get a $25 MasterCard Gift card, which I saved until I had enough for the phone.<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Note: I did lose some money because the older cards had had deductions from the bank for not being used. Next time, I will be aware of this and use them toward the general fund before the monthly fees kick in.<br />
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</span>So I have just listed 5 tips for using gift cards. I have also heard, but not verified, that there are websites where you can exchange your gift cards for one store to another you want. Use these sites with caution, however, as I have also heard stories of people trading out used or invalid cards.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
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(photo credits: </span> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25103209@N06/" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL" title="Link to robinsonsmay's photostream"><b property="foaf:name">robinsonsmay, </b></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dborman2/" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL" title="Link to borman818's photostream"><b property="foaf:name">and borman818,)</b></a><script src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m" type="text/javascript">
</script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-76698887475015022232010-01-01T00:01:00.000-06:002010-01-01T00:01:01.300-06:00Happy New Year!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4219923214_11671894e2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 306px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4219923214_11671894e2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/optical_illusion/" title="Link to Optical illusion's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">Optical illusion</b></a>)</span></div><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-4862792470095399612009-12-31T00:31:00.000-06:002009-12-31T11:08:51.144-06:008 Secret New Year's Resolutions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/4214306390_d9f3fa811b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/4214306390_d9f3fa811b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />After Christmas, instead of asking everyone, "How was your Holiday?", I would like to ask, "Did you find what you were looking for?"<br /><br />This year, I was looking for a little companionship and fun. And to be honest, I didn't really get either.<br /><br />I have realized that I need more fun and friends in my life. That is why my New Year's Resolution reflects that. I plan on socializing more in 2010. Or how about just socializing at all?<br /><br />I think this is somewhat the way others determine their New Year's resolution. Every year many get their hopes up. It's called Holiday Spirit. People try to get "into" the meaning of the holiday. Others look to family and to a lesser extent, friends, to fulfill their Holiday Spirit needs.<br /><br />I believe our secret New Year's Resolutions reflect, what deep down inside, we realized we were missing after the Holiday.<br /><br />So we move on to improve things. We figure the new year is the answer for what we missed at the holidays.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The following are 8 well-known New Year's Resolutions and their secret counterparts:</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/4222532649_69f9853104.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/4222532649_69f9853104.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />1. The most popular not-so-secret New Year's Resolution's is to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> lose weight</span>. With similar secret resolutions being: to look younger, wear more fashionable clothes, apply make-up more professionally, and of course, have more good hair days.<br /><br /><br />2. Probably the next most favored resolution is regarding <span style="font-weight: bold;">money</span>. Something along the lines of spend less, and/or make more. The connected secret aim is to get a new car, bigger house and more toys.<br /><br /><br />3. There's the infamous <span style="font-weight: bold;">career advancement</span>, which really means <span style="font-style: italic;">I want the boss to like me</span>.<br /><br /><br />4. Of course, another attractive intention is to have <span style="font-weight: bold;">closer relationships, companionship and understanding</span>. These people secretly want love or just better sex.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2418870652_aa79d0ac85.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 371px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2418870652_aa79d0ac85.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />5. I've also heard a lot about <span style="font-weight: bold;">spirituality</span>. People really want inner peace, change, a fresh start/clean slate, less stress, hope, relief, freedom, or just an easier life.<br /><br /><br />6. Another leading declaration is to be more <span style="font-weight: bold;">organized</span>, which translates to having a clean house or just more time in the day.<br /><br /><br />7. The people who wish to be smarter, declare themselves to want to <span style="font-weight: bold;">go back to school</span>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1095/699188879_dcadbf9ea6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1095/699188879_dcadbf9ea6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />8. The resolution to quit smoking is sometimes about health, but most often about <span style="font-weight: bold;">control.</span><br /><br /><br />In my mind there is nothing wrong with trying to improve your life through a resolution, as long as one is committed and can sustain the momentum all year. My 2009 New Year's Resolution was vague, but I think I (barely) managed to sustain it. It was to put more effort into yournontoxiclife. How'd I do?<br /><br />There may be more to come on the 2010 New Year's Resolution. I may use yournontoxiclife as an online diary of how well I do with making more friends and having more fun. Stay tuned.<br /><br />Happy New Year!!!<br /><br /><br />(photo credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62418070@N00/" title="Link to Abigail Silvester's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">Abigail Silvester</b></a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alancleaver/" title="Link to alancleaver_2000's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">alancleaver_2000</b></a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dasqfamily/" title="Link to Qfamily's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">Qfamily</b></a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dorkjr/" title="Link to DorkJr's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">DorkJr</b></a>)<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-81712188872082203102009-12-23T08:45:00.005-06:002009-12-31T10:36:25.460-06:00Running Alone<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/3108972984_cc2c36254f.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/3108972984_cc2c36254f.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />On most days, I like to get up before the world and go running. I try to slip out of my house as quietly as possible, lest I hear "Mommy?" and have to be her.<br /><br />Rather, I like to get out there and have my "alone" time. As I start out, in the dark, though, I often find myself anything but alone. Even at that early hour, there are others. As I run near the main arteries, I am always surprised to see how many people are already rushing to get places.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/4195068142_3f2247e6a4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/4195068142_3f2247e6a4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />However this is a different rush than I see if I run in the evening. In the evening, the rush is more plaintive, more acute and people are more likely to make noise: the squeal of tires, squeaking to a stop, and honking out of frustration. There is actually more anger in the evening traffic. Perhaps people have run out of patience by that time in the day. Perhaps people are so close to home that any delay causes a tantrum.<br /><br />The morning traffic keeps their tension to themselves. However, when they see me on a cold, snowy morning, I can feel their surprise. They are not expecting to see a runner. But I digress.<br /><br />Running in the early hours gives me my time, but even with the opportunity to be one with my thoughts for 30 minutes, I still find myself trying to connect. I always greet any other runners with a wave a nod. (We have a secret handshake, but it's hard to run and shake at the same time.)<br /><br />But what I spend most of my time on is: spying.<br /><br />I spy the yards of my neighbors. I check out the holiday lights that are still blazing at that time. I observe the well kept houses versus the run down houses. I see who's lights are on in what rooms; I know who leaves early for work and who comes home really late.<br /><br />The thing I am most obsessed with, however, is who has come before me. After a snow, I always notice the foot prints in the snow and am surprised when mine are not the first ones. I mean who could come out before ME? I follow the prints to see if I can determine who the person is. Where did they come from and where are they going? Most importantly, was it a fellow runner?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2253/2225731699_e545f00d73.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2253/2225731699_e545f00d73.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I used to run on a crowded path, where no matter how early I would get out, I would find myself dodging cyclists and dogs. I wasn't the only runner, either.<br /><br />I very much like my new running route where I make it as much about other people as I want, which, as it turns out, is very much.<br /><br />(Photo credits; <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidcoxon/" title="Link to davidcoxon's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">davidcoxon</b></a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_benson/" title="Link to ibm4381's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">ibm4381</b></a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shward/" title="Link to _Shward_'s photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">_Shward_</b></a>)<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-66141914924221772462009-12-21T01:06:00.000-06:002009-12-21T01:06:00.474-06:00Happy Winter Solstice!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/3143974748_78f0995040.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 332px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/3143974748_78f0995040.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/itzafineday/" title="Link to ItzaFineDay's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">ItzaFineDay</b></a>)</span></div><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-86459108235891899582009-12-18T00:52:00.000-06:002009-12-18T00:52:00.455-06:00Can I Apply For A Job As A Rich Woman?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1406/1182138940_b0b36d843d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1406/1182138940_b0b36d843d.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here is my application:<br /><br />Name: Magda Madison<br />Contact Information: magsmadisonATyahooDOTcom<br /><br />What experience do you have being rich?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/3008469382_a47e48948a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 348px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/3008469382_a47e48948a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><ul><li>Flew first class to the west coast. I handled myself quite maturely when I realized Bonnie Hunt was seated two rows behind me.</li></ul><ul><li>Searched online for Mercedes cars.</li></ul><ul><li>Know someone who has a Rolex.</li></ul><ul><li>An avid watcher of <span style="font-style: italic;">Santa Barbara</span>.</li></ul><ul><li>Experience trying on diamonds.</li></ul><ul><li>Cleaned a house in a gated community.</li></ul><br />How do you plan on keeping a high profile?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/79/206595116_3c9b540366.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 467px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/79/206595116_3c9b540366.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ok. That's easy, I will make sure to have plastic surgery, eat at Taco Bell and break windows with golf clubs.<br />I will volunteer for a reality show, where I will go bra-less and adopt some kids from another country.<br />I will change my name at least twice, change my hair at least weekly and only wear red--it will be my trademark.<br />During slow times, I will be prepared to go commando.<br /><br /><br />What causes will you champion?<br /><br /><ul><li>Anything remotely related to an illness<br /></li><li>the Beverly Hills Public Library<br /></li><li>the Association for Hybrid Bentleys.</li></ul><br /><br />How will you maintain your lifestyle?<br /><br />Simple. I will hire someone to maintain it for me.<br /><br /><br />Who will your friends be?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2499/3993588359_77a546bd44.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 468px; height: 275px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2499/3993588359_77a546bd44.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><ul><li>Sally Struthers<br /></li><li>Bob Saget<br /></li><li>Meridith Baxter (she's all the rage, ya know!)</li><li>Carol Burnett</li><li>Perez Hilton (I just love her!)</li></ul><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(photo credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/char1iej/" title="Link to char1iej's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">char1iej</b></a>,<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/swamibu/" title="Link to Swamibu's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name"> Swamibu</b></a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/funnytivoface/" title="Link to FunnyTivoFace's photostream"><b property="foaf:name">FunnyTivoFace, </b> </a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdtoes/" title="Link to birdtoes' photostream"><b property="foaf:name">birdtoes</b></a>)<br /></span><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-76227992201492142132009-12-16T00:26:00.000-06:002009-12-16T00:26:00.576-06:00Happy Wordless Wednesday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4182473276_57faac348a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 454px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4182473276_57faac348a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">(photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweetclementine/" title="Link to sweet clementine's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">sweet clementine</b></a>)<script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script></div>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-83465605983541126502009-12-14T00:39:00.001-06:002009-12-14T00:39:00.268-06:00Getting Your Inner Light Relit<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3326/3526717615_c08a3571bd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3326/3526717615_c08a3571bd.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />No matter what your religion, this is a time of spirituality for many.<br /><br />It seems to be everywhere. I hear it in the Holiday music. I see it on the street corners. I even feel it, deep down inside.<br /><br />This is also a time for questioning. Where do I fit in? How do I matter this Spiritual Season? Do I even care?<br /><br />It's hard for many of us to confront the issue head on. It's an existential question about our future, that is rooted firmly in our past.<br /><br />How we were brought up, religious or not; spiritual or not; open minded or closed; all combine in a unique recipe of our present reasoning.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3306/3243811299_5343107a1d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 385px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3306/3243811299_5343107a1d.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />It is through this reasoning that we find ourselves here. With questions, doubts or apathy.<br /><br />Sometimes our inner light simply needs to be re-lit. But to do this, we have to let go of some of our reasoning. We have to let go of the guilt. Once we let go of the guilt there is a space for our Inner Light. It's not a perfect light. Our Inner Light does not have all the answers. Perhaps our inner light is full of questions. It can Seek and Find the right answers for our unique recipe.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4182300856_56e5b9397d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4182300856_56e5b9397d.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Where can you get your Inner Light re-lit? It can be a place of worship. It can be an AA meeting. It can simply be seeing a good deed. The key is we have to allow what we feel to come inside and in it's basic, pure form, relight us. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(photo credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tvquiero/" title="Link to Francisco Javier Martín's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">Francisco Javier Martín, </b> </a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/publicdomainphotos/" title="Link to Photos8.com's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">Photos8.com, </b> </a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22280801@N07/" title="Link to Lighthelper :) Offline due to heavy workload!'s photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">Lighthelper :) Offline due to heavy workload!)</b></a></span></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tvquiero/" title="Link to Francisco Javier Martín's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name"> </b></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-57753106898503607622009-12-07T00:07:00.002-06:002009-12-07T00:07:00.959-06:00Wisdom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1215/923930487_06fb6f47e1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1215/923930487_06fb6f47e1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><br />"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts."<br />Bertrand Russell<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />As I approach my next birthday, I am reflecting on the decades before. In my teens I found myself to know it all. I had everything figured out and didn't worry about anything. I was confident, even if I didn't have any experience at life.<br /><br />In my twenties, I found the reality of life crushing. I didn't' know anything at all. Worse, as I learned of the things I didn't know, I found I didn't even have an opinion on them. Opinions were what I always counted on in my teens. I was lost.<br /><br />My father promised that my thirties would be better. More balanced, he said. He was right--to an extent. I have now found my thirst for knowledge drowned by my utter lack of time to study and learn. I now have the drive I wished I had in college, but without the seemingly stretches of hours I had back then for nonsense. There is so much to learn and too little time to do it.<br /><br />What will my forties bring? My dad doesn't really have an answer for that--except I do remember his "mid-life crisis" starting about then. But that's another post.<br /><br />What I do hope my forties will bring is some wisdom. I feel I have tasted a little of that recently. A colleague of mine came to me in a panic, feeling he had utterly blown it in a crisis. I listened and listened. I sympathized with his concern. He had gotten awfully emotional.<br /><br />However, in the end I felt he had followed the procedure and not let his inner panic keep him from the overall goal of safety. But his chief complaint of himself had been that he had not handled it as I would have--calmly and reasonably.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/3022526713_344a8dc60e.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 344px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/3022526713_344a8dc60e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I reminded him I had been through very similar crises many times and that experience had taught me how to handle things with an inner calm. But was this true wisdom? Does wisdom come from experience?<br /><br />I don't really believe it does. I imagine the assembly worker who can put together a gizmo in record time because he has done it thousands of times. But there is no real wisdom there. Just a great knowledge of gizmo assembly.<br /><br />If repetitive experience doesn't bring wisdom, then what does?<br /><br /><dl><dt style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">"Good people are good because they've come to wisdom through failure."<br /></dt><dt style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">William Saroyan</dt><dd><br /></dd></dl>Ah, failure! Of course, that I have plenty of. With some of my failures, I have gotten up, dusted myself off and tried again--this time with some additional skills I didn't have before. And it helped.<br /><br />Of course, something else I have been realizing is my great thirst for knowledge really does mean one thing--I mustn't have known very much at all before. It's clear to me now, that I am not as smart as I thought I was. I know less now than I used to. I suppose I should be checked by a neurologist.<br /><br />But really, at least I am bright enough now to know how dumb I am.<br /><br />(photo credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zest-pk/" title="Link to Zest-pk's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">Zest-pk</b></a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wonderlane/" title="Link to Wonderlane's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">Wonderlane</b></a>)<script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-70678546867457367072009-12-02T00:47:00.000-06:002009-12-02T00:47:00.440-06:00Realize Your Potential This Wordless Wednesday!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/4145450010_4e9d4b9351.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/4145450010_4e9d4b9351.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lostinmiami/" title="Link to lostinmiami's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">lostinmiami</b></a>)</span></div><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-73296184404364878952009-11-27T03:11:00.000-06:002009-11-27T11:13:57.250-06:00Top 10 Signs You Drive People Crazy and What To Do About ItYou either fall into the "popular camp" at work; the small group camp or no camp. If you are reading this, you know who you are. Maybe you even<br />know someone you can forward this to.<br /><br />Don't panic, there are things can be done. It's like marketing or damage control. Remember, if Hugh Grant and Richard Nixon can do it, so can you.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. People seem to have a quick excuse to leave your company</span></span><br />Problem: Everyone seems to be really busy around you, even during the off-season.<br />What you can do: Stick to short, relevant conversations with peers. If you must go off topic, inquire in a friendly way about your colleague's families.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >2. Your phone calls always go to voice mail<br /></span>Problem: It's amazing because it happens even when you KNOW they are there.<br />What to do: Keep the vmails short and email when possible.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/138/413474322_fbe943b00a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/138/413474322_fbe943b00a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. No one stops by or even walks by your office, cubicle, etc.</span> </span><br />Problem: People take the long way around instead of walking by you.<br />What to do: Don't tackle anyone who does come along. Just smile at them, and don't start any conversations. If they talk to you, be friendly and don't complain about anything.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. You frequently eat lunch alone.</span> </span><br />Problem: Though you tell yourself it's by your choice, you know it's really everyone else's choice.<br />What to do: Start eating in the cafeteria, and don't bring any reading material. Be open to conversations, but don't dominate them.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/4008750068_e7aa462674.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/4008750068_e7aa462674.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >5. If you are talking to someone, suddenly another person always seems to come by needing that person.<br /></span>Problem: It's the classic "save" technique and this means people have a plan in place in case they get stuck talking to you.<br />What to do: People are doing this because you are annoying to talk to. Try to improve your social skills. Listen empathetically and let them ask you about yourself.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. You are never consulted for office parties or gatherings.</span> </span><br />Problem: Things just seemed to get decided when you are not around.<br />What to do: Offer to help take down decorations. No one wants to do this, but it will show you are a team player.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >7. You don't have a best friend at work.<br /></span>Problem: In fact, when you really think about it, you have no friends at work.<br />What to do: This will take a lot of hard work. Your best bet may be to help mentor a new hire. Talk to your boss about helping new employees learn the ropes. Try to bring in treats for everyone regularly. Bake or buy. Even a veggie tray during the holidays is really appreciated.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >8. No one inquires about your holiday plans.<br /></span>Problem: The sad truth is, people just don't want to know if you will be alone, as they don't want to have to invite you.<br />What to do: Politely ask about your coworkers plans. They will most likely feel obligated to ask you about your plans. Keep your answers positive and short.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >9. No one shares family photos with you.<br /></span>Problem: When your coworker returns after maternity leave, she doesn't approach you to show pictures of the new baby.<br />What to do: Ask her in a friendly way when you first see her. Gush and say really nice things about the baby. Don't give advice or talk about your cousin's kids. Offer her your help with any catching up she needs to do.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >10. Your boss has stopped teaming you up with others.<br /></span>Problem: Most of your job duties are solitary and your committee work is minimal.<br />What to do: Talk to your boss about helping out more and volunteer whenever possible. Try to do considerate things like go on lunch or coffee runs whenever possible. Buy birthday cards for everyone in the office.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/2216079655_53666eec87.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/2216079655_53666eec87.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />These are good steps to take. They will prove you can collaborate, you can be a good friend and you can play nice with others.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jlastras/" title="Link to jlastras' photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">jlastras</b></a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/halfaloafoftofu/" title="Link to archie4oz's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">archie4oz</b></a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hagengraf/" title="Link to cocoate.com's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">cocoate.com</b></a>)<br /></span><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-24417823780723707332009-11-18T00:31:00.000-06:002009-11-18T00:31:00.319-06:00It's Wordless Wednesday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/55/184597320_30f2125aaa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/55/184597320_30f2125aaa.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solution_63/" title="Link to solution_63's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">solution_63</b></a>)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"> </span></div><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/CARHART/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/CARHART/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-12690695723188373622009-11-17T18:41:00.000-06:002009-11-17T21:01:24.711-06:00Boundaries Anyone?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/4113628630_2c9a472af5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 438px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/4113628630_2c9a472af5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Do you say no?<br /><br />Do you take time for yourself?<br /><br />Who do you live your life for? Your kids? Your spouse? Your work? Your blog?<br /><br />Are you a super hero?<br /><br />Wrong answers.<br /><br />There's something I just noticed myself doing. I was having another family over for a BBQ and instead of telling them 3pm, which would have been better for me, much better for me, I found myself saying 2:00pm, out of some fantastical theory that that time was better for them, although I had nothing to base that on. Why didn't I just say come at 3?<br /><br />Since that BBQ, I have been much better with my boundaries. I have even said, "No." a few times (even though I felt mean doing it). I have called in sick when sick, even. I am on a roll. But...<br /><br />Enter the Holidays.<br /><br />I received an e-vite for a birthday party. It's for the weekend before Thanksgiving and really NOT what I want to do that weekend. I thought about it. Felt like maybe I could do it. Maybe I could just stay up really late the night before Thanksgiving and get everything done I would've done over that weekend.<br /><br />But then, my peoples, I got real. I said no. I said, "That's the last weekend before Thanksgiving so I'll have to pass." And I felt pretty bad.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/31/66651844_1312046127.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/31/66651844_1312046127.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />But, get this: I think they actually understood. I felt bad, but they were pretty cool about it. Maybe I was on to something?<br /><br />Then there was another challenge to my "boundary sobriety". My kids' school sent out information on the Holiday Fair. They wanted volunteers. My kids REALLY wanted me to do a 3 hour shift (that's right--THREE hours). And they said, "Please, please, puuuhhlleeezzzzee?" They gave me that look, too.<br /><br />But I had to say, "No." Just like that. I told my kids I'd rather spend the extra time with them and that we could stop by the Holiday Fair, but that we would spend time together afterward,<span style="font-style: italic;"> at home.</span><br /><br />Now I realize I am on a roll, but will soon need to face the biggest holiday, guilt-ridden challenge of all: my mother.<br /><br />Wish me luck.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />(Photo credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/groenesint/" title="Link to Groene Sint's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">Groene Sint</b></a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tostie14/" title="Link to Tostie14's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">Tostie14)</b></a></span>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-86671219111805706462009-11-11T19:02:00.001-06:002009-11-11T19:02:27.651-06:00Happy Wordless Wednesday!<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kacos2000/4096970554/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2584/4096970554_f49bf7072c.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kacos2000/4096970554/">Berlin Zoo & Aquarium</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/kacos2000/">kacos2000</a>.</span></div><p></p>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-63988442627289304162009-11-05T00:10:00.001-06:002009-11-06T20:01:57.444-06:0011 Red Flags that you're Friends with a Psycho<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2931410567_cf603e0573.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 463px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2931410567_cf603e0573.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Are there rules to friendships?<br /><br />Some would say no. They would say true friendships come naturally and if everyone plays well with others, rules aren't necessary.<br /><br />But, others...Others would say yes, friends need to treat each other a certain way. <span style="font-style: italic;">Their</span> certain way. Now the specifics are a little tricky. It seems of those who have friendship rules, each has their own, unique set of symptoms, uh, I mean rules.<br /><br />If you are concerned one of your friends may be pushing things a little too much with you or you find yourself on the receiving end of one tantrum after another, look below.<br /><br />You may be friends with a psycho if:<br /><br /><br />1. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">You must return their calls the same day. </span></span><br />Their thinking: <span style="font-style: italic;">If they are a true friend, they will always prioritize my call.</span><br /><br />2. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">You must return texts within an hour.</span></span><br />I have seen this one with possessive boyfriends, too.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">You must reciprocate communication exactly. </span></span><br />This is classic "score keeping" and they are the only ones keeping tally marks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2118/2102680967_643b596635.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 493px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2118/2102680967_643b596635.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />4. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">You must remember all birthdays, holidays, etc.</span> </span>This one keeps card shops in business and can be a nightmare for those of use with bad memories.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">You must assume all Friday nights are Friend nights.<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">It's the assumption that is the red flag here. Why not ask?</span><br /></span><br />6. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">You must take turns buying lunch</span></span>.<br />This may sound like common courtesy, but I'm talking about when pennies are counted and someone brings up you ordered one more drink than they did.<br /><br />7. <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Your closet is their closet.<br /></span>I know this sound so junior high, but this thinking can be expanded to include tools and kitchen appliances.<br /><br />8.<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Your friend feels invited to all of your parties, automatically</span> </span>This can be really tricky if you want a party <span style="font-style: italic;">just for family.</span> Some "rule following" friends consider themselves to be <span style="font-style: italic;">just like family </span>and will feel VERY rejected if they are not welcomed at all events.<br /><br />9. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Your friend tells you everything. And by everything, I mean EVERYTHING.</span> </span>Just a warning that this includes confessions of the illegal and immoral kind.<br /><br />10. <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >You must drop everything and stay over if they get dumped.<br /></span>OK, what once was automatic, has now changed as you are not single and have witnessed your friend get dumped by half of Boston. But they may still consider it your duty.<br /><br />11. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">They are your only best friend.<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">This one is pretty self-explanatory. It means no one else can have a personal joke without them.<br /></span></span><br />Now some of these may seem perfectly normal to you non-rule followers. However, notice that most of them fall into two categories: possessiveness, and score keeping. I don't know about most of you, but to me, that's a little too first grade to be normal adult behavior.<br /><br />And the thing is, many people who have rules of friendship, follow like close to ALL of these rules. I think that is where the rest of us get into trouble.<br /><br />One, we don't really think about all this with our friends. And two, going into a potential friendship with rules that are basically invisible to one person, is a set up for a let down. And a fight.<br /><br />You might be wondering what would happen if someone with rules became friends with someone else with rules?<br /><br />Think mutual restraining orders.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(photo credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/evenz/" title="Link to e v e n's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">e v e n, and </b> </a></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/modestospeed/" title="Link to ClevelandSGS' photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name"><span style="font-size:78%;">ClevelandSGS,)</span> </b></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-37633785407396562172009-11-04T15:13:00.003-06:002009-11-04T15:14:37.404-06:00Happy Wordless Wednesday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2117/2238321481_b8c40c6ca1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 297px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2117/2238321481_b8c40c6ca1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/protectorrr/" title="Link to protectorrr's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL"><b property="foaf:name">protectorrr</b></a>)</span></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-43775732033691713852009-11-02T00:48:00.000-06:002009-11-02T00:59:16.551-06:00A Life Without Debt: Procrastination Is The Enemy - SavingAdvice.com Blog<a href="http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2009/10/06/105278_a-life-without-debt-procrastination-is-the-enemy.html">A Life Without Debt: Procrastination Is The Enemy - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SavingAdvice</span>.com Blog</a><br /><br />True, so true. The more you put off little repairs or savings plans, the more it ends up costing you.<br /><br />Currently, I am procrastinating in turning in child care receipts for reimbursement through the IRS. The amount I would get would almost cover the small credit card debt I have. The small credit card debt I have will start to grow exponentially next year, when the low interest deal we got runs out.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hmmmm</span>. Guess I need to actually turn in those <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">receipts</span>. Well, no better time than the present-hold on a sec. Okay, that took me one hour to sort, fill out forms, make copies and fax off 11 pages to the IRS.<br /><br />By this time next week, I will have almost paid off my credit card balance! And without using my tax refund! Yeah, me!<br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-56432791998833495962009-11-01T19:17:00.001-06:002009-11-02T20:28:38.467-06:00Wholesome Guide to Misbehaving | Psychology Today<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200908/wholesome-guide-misbehaving">Wholesome Guide to Misbehaving | Psychology Today</a><br /><br /><br /><br />I love any ideas that mischief can be good for us!<br /><br />This article discusses how breaking societal or personal norms can be healthy, even good for us.<br /><br />People need to give themselves a break from their lives occasionally. They need to sometimes allow that impulsive inner child to take over, within reason.<br /><br />The article even talks about doing something rather daring, like going to bed <span style="font-style: italic;">early!</span><br /><br />I may print out this article to show some certain peoples I know.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-4924545225354983982009-11-01T14:44:00.000-06:002009-11-01T14:44:31.525-06:003 Tasty, triple-certified coffees — all with an extra 4th cause with a kick | green LA girl<a href="http://greenlagirl.com/3-tasty-triple-certified-coffees-all-with-an-extra-4th-cause-with-a-kick/">3 Tasty, triple-certified coffees — all with an extra 4th cause with a kick | green LA girl</a><br /><br />Here is a great guide to fair trade month coffees, with a guide at the end for those of us who still don't know the difference between organic and fair trade.<br /><br />Now I know.<br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235113041749429489.post-2958585558757899552009-10-30T00:00:00.000-06:002009-10-30T00:00:00.503-06:00Strategies can save you money on printer ink -- baltimoresun.com<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-ink-savings-1005,0,3343420.story">Strategies can save you money on printer ink -- baltimoresun.com</a><br /><br />I really like the ecofont idea and will download it and see if it really saves money.<br /><br />I also will try refills. This requires planning skills that I sometimes lack. But I figure if I keep a spare empty cartidge around, it'll get refilled eventually, especially if I keep it in an obvious spot.<br /><br />In sum, I think everyone can find some tip to try here and I'd love to hear comments or opinions on how this worked.<br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/js/networkbadge/yournontoxiclife?showadd&icon=m"></script>Maggie Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05944610454486027594noreply@blogger.com0