Spa day, anyone?

spa + wellness assignment
Originally uploaded by ★ mewot ★

I have been craving a trip to a spa today. I have never ever been in my whole life, but that is what I'm wanting more than anything right now. While I was packing my lunch for tomorrow, I started daydreaming about the perfect spa trip: A hot tub on a warm but breezy summer day on (or near) a beach in Hawaii or somewhere equally as nice. I love sitting in the hot water, enjoying a breeze and admiring a large body of water. The heat from the hot tub combined with the cool breeze is just pure bliss. I don't have the money for a spa trip, but if I did, I would want a hand massage and a back massage - along with my hot tub!! :D

Lunch for tomorrow is a large salad with sesame and garlic dressing, 4 kiwi, a handful of blueberries and grapes mixed together, a mango, 2 bananas, and as a treat some (not-quite-raw-but-pretty-close-so-they're-allowed) flax seed crackers and salsa! Woo hoo! Looking forward to lunch tomorrow. If only I were eating it at a spa...

-lol-

The Blueberry Moon

I wrote something today. I've been wanting to write for SO long but, having no inspiration, I felt like I was constipated. Today, I was inspired to write a short something:

"Imagine that the moon were made of blueberries. Showered in that ethereal light, would all the seas become puddles of jam that we could spread on tea cakes, and, sitting on the sand in our lacy attire, nibble while talking of effervescent rains and the lives of crickets? While the moon is near, the world would be a magical midnight blue and with stars in our eyes, we'd laugh with one another, savoring the moment like sweet honey for the heart and mind. Ah, how enchanting life would be."

Please tell me what you think.

Photo credit: http://o-bluemoon-o.deviantart.com/

The angelfish is still hanging in there.

I keep having dreams that my angelfish is well again. I wake up every morning and go to the tank to check on her, completely believing that she'll be swimming around again. So far, that hasn't happened. But she is still alive and still eating. Tonight she didn't even want to eat off the tongs. She backed up, and then PUSHED herself off the gravel to swim around for a second or two and grab a few flakes. She's determined to live, and apparently she's determined to eat on her own. I love that 'ol girl. I'm so glad she's decided to stick around a little longer. There are a lot of things looming over my head right now - just things that are very likely to go wrong in my life within the next few months. Some of those are major things. But no matter how much crap piles up over my head, just interacting with that one silly little fish just gives me so much pleasure and allows me to forget about all of the negatives in my life. I owe so much to her. She's such a strong spirit. Ironically, when she was younger I named her "strength." I had a group of babies and I named them all after certain attributes or characteristics that I valued. She was strength, and man oh man has she ever earned it!

Keep on keepin' on, girly! <3

Oh, and image credit: http://isabellany.deviantart.com/

Another iguana...

I was late to my exam today because someone ran over an iguana and didn't stop for it. It was still alive, but its back legs were paralyzed. Another girl stopped and got it out of the road, and I happened to have a box in my trunk and a number of a place where she could take it. She didn't have a cell phone so I called and got her directions and she rushed it off to the lizard hospital. It's so sad that people don't have the decency to stop and take responsibility for an animal when they injure it. Yeah, ok, fine - you don't care about animals. That's terrible thinking, but for the sake of argument, fine. That does not, however, excuse you from stopping to care for something when you are responsible for hurting it or taking its life. You intervened in that animal's life, and now you have a responsibility to care for it. I saw a quote somewhere that said, "Man becomes responsible forever for what he has tamed." This maybe doesn't DIRECTLY apply here, but it certainly applies (at the very least) indirectly. Once you play a part in something, you are responsible. End of story.

At least it's still nice to see that there are other caring individuals out there. I gave the girl my e-mail and asked her to e-mail me and tell me what they say. She said she would, and I believed her - she seems like the type that would follow up. :) I hope she is.

The truly sad thing is that iguanas are not native here. I see several of them on the roads, almost daily. They get hurt all the time, and all because "once upon a time" some irresponsible morons let their pets go into the "wild" and now we have a thriving population of non-native iguanas.

I really would like to be able to have more faith in humanity. I truly would. But it is getting increasingly harder to do so...

No pretty picture today

Nope; no pretty picture today. "No cracker?" "No, no cracker." Poor Buttons...

*clears throat* Anyway, it seems the boyfriend and I may have to deal with joblessness in the near future. When I first got the call I was upset over it, but about ten minutes later I had written him an e-mail to tell him everything would be fine. I just wanted to post a small piece from that e-mail because it was surprisingly uplifting and somebody else might benefit from it. (Even though no one ever looks at my blog.)


If you lose your job, trust me, we will find a way to make things work. It's ok to be upset over it. I really would be, too. But you can't let *name removed* get to you. There are going to be tons of people loosing their jobs. TONS. And they're all going to be upset but they're all going to be ok. The only difference is that they'll go through months of misery and depression and probably failed relationships because of it before they realize that everything turns out alright in the end. YOU on the other hand, are smart enough (and you have me to tell you!) to know that it will all be ok.

Just go into this transition knowing that the universe has it all under control. Whatever is meant to be, will be, and whether we like it or not we still have to go with it. We are never given anything in this life that we can't handle. Maybe part of your life's "contract" (I posted on this idea in a previous blog) is that you need to experience joblessness and learn to be thankful for the tiniest of things. Who knows? All I know is that I love you, and I support you, and I hope you will handle whatever happens with dignity and gratefulness.

"A grateful heart does not want." - Be glad for what you have; no matter how small.

We can do that. We'll be fine. <3

I dunno, I found it pretty helpful just writing it. Maybe it will help others. I hope so. I always feel like I can do no good in this world.

I have an exam tonight, for which I do not feel prepared. I never feel prepared for tests unless I've been studying for two weeks. Lately, that is just not possible.

I am on day ... what? 3 now? Of my raw diet. Technically, it's more like day 5 or 6 but those first few days I let myself have a few "cheats" so I'm not counting them. Today I have had a glass of water, some grapes and blackberries (I spilled half of them on the floor and was SO upset. What a waste.) 3 bananas, and a portion of a green smoothie. The boyfriend is already bugging me about dinner and I have NO idea what I'm making. He hasn't been very willing to help me make anything so far. Or clean up afterwards, which is making this diet VERY stressful for me since there can be a lot of prep that goes into big, raw meals. It's been the cause of a few arguments so far. I keep trying to remind myself that he's probably cranky because he's going through a detox, but it's really tough to not just fly off the handle. :( I gotta go meet a friend for lunch (salad and more green smoothie).

Ok, um, bye.

Goin' RAW, baby!!!

What does the snake in this picture have to do with me going raw, you ask? Absolutely nothing. But isn't it a pretty photo? :3

My boyfriend and I "met" with our "raw food coach" today. I say "met" because she's far away, and we had to have the "meeting" over the phone. -lol- BUT, I am totally stoked about it, and I'm hoping very much that this new diet works out for both me and my boyfriend. We took our measurements today to see any progress that we might make (either good or bad!) and I took the bunny's measurements too.

Ears: 3 in.
Feet: 4 in.
Body: 12 in. from nose to tail.

That's exactly one foot of compact cuteness! :D

For my first raw "concoction" I am going to be making what I call, "lemon chewy thingies" because I can't remember what they're actually called. It's a type of cookie recipe, but since I don't yet have a dehydrator (gotta borrow one from my boss) I'm just going to be enjoying the "dough." I'm sure there will be photos!

Also, while I was in Publix today, shopping for what little produce and raw goodies I could find, made the mistake of stopping at the lobster tank. I always make it a point to avoid the meat section and the lobster tank because it just makes my soul hurt. I get so overwhelmed with sadness just thinking about all the suffering and all of the lives that went into that pre-packaged meat. Not to mention all of the natural resources that were consumed, and the toxins put into the environment to produce it. The lobsters get me the most because they have to suffer in that tiny tank, with no food, and no room. They have their claws banded so that they cannot defend themselves, and then some uncaring or unthinking human will come along and boil them alive. Literally. My roommate works at a seafood restaraunt, and she said the lobsters actually scream when they're put in. She's told me a few stories about how the chefs torment the lobsters because they think it's funny. Terrible things, really. It's very sad... Anyway, I was so overwhelmed by all of this that I didn't know what to do for a moment. I didn't want to sit there and look at them suffer anymore, but I knew I couldn't help them. There was no one for me to talk to and nothing I could do. I just didn't know where to go. Then, all at once, something I had read in a Buddhist book came back to me, and it is this piece of wisdom that I wanted to share. I don't remember which book I got it from, and I don't remember the exact wording, but it went something like this:

When you know that something is right, but others do not feel the same way, it is best not to push your beliefs on them. Instead, quietly do what you know is right, and lead by example. They will see how happy and healthy and content you are, and will want to ask what your secret is. Then you can tell them. If you try to push your beliefs on someone who does not want to hear them, you will only hurt yourself because you will be disappointed that you could not change their mind and you will be sad that they are not doing what is right. As Buddhists, it is not our job to take care of every being on this planet. Lead by example, and hope that others are smart enough to follow. Do not torment yourself by trying to "save" everyone; it is simply impossible. Care for yourself, and others will do the same.

Remembering that really helped me to be able to move on. I told myself that I am doing my part to help the lobsters - I do not eat them, and I spread the word when I can. If I try to complain to the guy at the seafood counter, it will get me nowhere because he obviously does not care. If he did, he wouldn't work there. He will find his own way; I have found mine. The lobsters will suffer, but I can only hope that perhaps they are mean, spiteful, harmful souls reincarnated. I read once that we are not reborn until we have agreed to the events which will take place in our life. We agree to undergo events that will make us, in some way, a better being. Perhaps those poor lobsters are souls who needed to know suffering in order to better themselves. And, perhaps when they are reincarnated they will be much better off for the experience.

I can only hope. <3

Blue moon

you saw me standing alone ...

There's a full moon out tonight. Or mostly full; I can never tell a difference. I was also able to see the stars for once. But the sky didn't make me happy like it usually does. Today was another blue day.

Image credit: (That's such a GORGEOUS photo isn't it? I'm in love with it.) http://raneen.deviantart.com/

Loneliness and sadness

That is pretty much how I felt all day today. I don't quite understand why since I've been doing so well lately. But, today I was very self-deprecating. I am very upset over my relationships at work. I've been feeling extremely unwanted. Y'know that feeling you get when you can tell people aren't really listening to you, but are just kind of nodding at you to make you hurry up and finish talking? That's what it feels like when I'm at work. Like they're just waiting for me to finish talking so they can go on with their lives. I can't even go into all of the things that happened today. I spent most of the day in a state of embarrassment and wanting to cry.

I am so disappointed in myself right now. All of my recent hard work to take care of myself should be helping me out of this state, but it's not. I have decided to just go with it, and "live in the moment" and feel the sadness. I just needed to vent... I have no one that I feel like talking to right now.


Photo credit: http://sheanne.deviantart.com/ ...She has some beautiful work.

My stubborn angel

Well, my angelfish has decided she'd like to hang around a little longer. She has been fasting for 7 days now, and when I went to check on her tonight she tried very hard to swim to the top. I took this as a sign that she wanted to eat, so I dropped in a few flakes for her. She tried to eat them, but couldn't swim high enough to get at them because of the swim bladder problems she's been having. So, I cleverly decided to feed her off of my snake tongs. It worked like a charm. I was able to feed her several flakes while she laid on the bottom of the tank. She seemed to perk up a little.

I wanted to write about the experience on my blog, so I got online to find a photo of an angelfish. The above photo was one of the first results on a simple google search. It looks very, very similar to my angel so I clicked it. Wouldn't you know it, the original source of the photo was a website for a "Florida Aquatic Animal Health Program" - a veterinary school for fish! I was able to find three e-mail addresses through the site to vets that specialize in fish. I sent them each an e-mail explaining the situation and asking for help. Everything I have read or heard says that my angel should be dead right now, not trying to start eating again. It's time to talk to the pros. -lol-

I am a strong believer that







so hopefully I will get some answers back from those vets.

I am so pleased that my angel still has the will to live. I hope it's a testament to how well cared for she is. I always worry that my animals aren't happy, though everyone tells me that's the farthest thing from the truth.

A funny story to end the day:

A mother and two little girls came into where I work today (a bird store) carrying a baby bunny *insert appropriate "squee"ing here*. There was another little girl in the store at the time, who I knew had three large birds as pets. She was very curious about the bunny and came over to inspect it. The mother asked if she would like to hold the bunny. Nodding, the little girl extended her finger, expecting the bunny to perch on it like a bird! -lol- All she's ever known is birds, so she expected the bunny to behave like a bird. Everyone was laughing so hysterically. The poor girl didn't understand why we were laughing, and we had to explain to her that bunnies have to be held differently than birds. It was truly priceless.

I wish everyone a happy, healthy evening tonight and the same for tomorrow! :)

All images were found on Google. I know, how boring...

My charity ticker

Well, I was able to get one of those "tickers." It's a cute little tomato in a veggie patch -lol- I still have such a long way to go, but little by little, week by week, that debt will dwindle away and I'll be able to set aside money for charities. I should use the time to compile a list of people I want to donate to.

Also, everyone has been talking about that "word for the year" thing (see here: http://christinekane.com/blog/december-is-all-about-words-whats-yours-gonna-be/). I'm a little behind, but I think it is a great idea so I'm going to meditate on it over the next few days and see what comes to me. Initially, "delight" popped out at me, but I think it was only a momentary connection. Somewhere within me there is a "deeper," more significant word just waiting to be heard. I will be listening. :)

Consumerism

I have written on the subject of consumerism before, and I find myself needing to do it again today. The subject came up twice for me today, once in the hallway at school, and once in a class discussion. When I first went through my Reiki attunements, I "received" the insight that for one day, I should not consume. So, I didn't, and it was absolutely astounding how many things I was tempted to buy over the course of a single day. Any time I had any sort of desire - a hunger pain, thirst, a want for a new notebook, the desire to fill up my gas tank, the want to listen to music or use the internet. Everything involved consuming. Hungry? Buy food - you can get it just about anywhere. Thirsty? Get a drink - thousands of bottled varieties to choose from! Need a notebook? Gasoline? Go to the store, no problem. Internet? Music? Telephone call? Television? It's neverending! And you have to realize that most of that stuff is outsourced. So, by purchasing, you're supporting harsh conditions in third world countries, low pay for US citizens, abuse, poverty, hunger ... need I go on? If you must purchase, (and we all have to some time or other) make sure you are buying items made in the USA and locally grown produce as much as possible.

Did you know that American wages have not really changed since the 1970's? They've gone up and down slightly, but overall they are not much different than the 1970's. However, our needs and our WANTS have gone way UP! So how are we handling it? Credit cards. Americans don't really have savings anymore. For the first time since the Great Depression, we have an average household savings of less than zero. We're all tied up in credit card debt, some of us for life.

I am not at all proud to say that I, too, am guilty of credit card debt. It's not much (less than $500), but I do have to devote a portion of my paycheck to the credit card every two weeks. Someone came up to me in the hallway today, and asked me if I would like to donate money to help feed hungry kids overseas. Sadly, the first thing that jumped to my mind was, "Did I pay the credit card bill yet?" Once I remembered that I had, I jumped at the chance to donate. But, I was upset that I was tied down to a bill, instead of being able to freely give to those who need. So, this has brought me to a resolution:

I am going to be frugal in my spending, and put more towards the credit card each month in order to pay it off as soon as possible. Once it is paid off, I will not use it unless there is an emergency, and will instead donate the money I was putting towards the card each month to a charity.

That will be a fair amount of money going into various charities, and I won't be spending any more than I am used to. It works out perfectly for everyone. :) I think I will see if I can get one of those "ticker" bars to count down until my card is paid off. Hmm... *goes off on a search*

Today I practiced:
humility
GREAT patience (>_<)
respect
honesty
and compassion.

I'm hoping there was more. -lol- I also discovered a love of walnuts that I never realized I possessed.

Photo credit: Google "consumerism" in the images section. ;)

Bunnies, green smoothies, and hard good-byes...

I have four cockatiels, only two of which like each other. Fortunately, my old roommate has two cockatiels, both of which like the two that I have that don't like each other! You following me? So, we decided to have "birdy sleepovers" where we exchange birds so that they can see their friends. When we lived together, they were with their friends 24/7. But, we both moved this year so they don't get to see each other very often. This past week I had one of her birds while she had one of mine. Today was the "trade back" day, and what a rough one it was. None of the birds were happy about the situation. When she brought my Angel back to me, he started biting my face in protest of being pulled from his friend, Chaucer. When my roommate took Phoenix back, Misty flew to the window, trying to follow his friend, calling to him the entire time. It was absolutely heart breaking to see them so distressed. Sometimes I feel the happy time spent with their friends isn't worth the hard good-bye afterwards. It's not a forever good-bye, and they see one another every second week or so. But it's never any easier to force them to part. They will be depressed today, and probably a little bit tomorrow as well. Hopefully they'll be back to their happy, singing selves by the weekend.

On a positive note, I also had a sleepover. :) My best friend came and spent Tuesday evening with me. We put on a Power Yoga DVD and stretched and sweated in my living room, and then did a dance workout (which was not very good). Dinner was delicious - we had tofu cooked in vegetable broth and garlic, with a really gorgeous salad. We decided to watch a movie together, so we made green smoothies to sip while watching our favorite actor, Vin Diesel in his newest film: Babylon A.D. It's kind of sci-fi, and very action-packed so if you're into that sort of thing, (or just into Vin Diesel like we are) then I definitely recommend it. :) We also had a green smoothie and some herbal tea together this morning while we studied. She has already left for class, and I need to go to the grocery store and the book store. But, to keep you all entertained while I'm away, here is photographic evidence that bunnies LOVE green smoothies!









































See the little bit of green smoothie on his chin?! How cute is my Oni-poney? Too cute! -lol- Have a great day!

Photo credit: Hmm... from somewhere in my files. I think it originated on something my Reiki teacher sent out.