9 Steps to End Chronic Worrying

Useful Article (Click here)

I particularly like #3 about "Embracing Uncertainty"...identify what you need to accept in order to get over it, also #6 "Stop the Clock" - What do I need to do to in the present moment to make life more pleasant instead of focusing on problem and increasingly growing sense of urgency. And #7 "Remember that it's not as bad as you think it will be" - that is ME totally, I always think the absolute worst. Some of the other steps, I have yet to try and see their effectivenes. I wish I was the type of person who didn't worry about something until it happened...in the meantime, with practice, maybe I can become that person.

Green Cleaning

Clorox came out with a natural plant based cleaning line...not sure weather it's effective or not...but amongst all the harsh chemicals in cleaning products, I'm looking to give it a try. Although, in my experience, the best things to have on hand to clean are Ajax, Windex, and an antibacterial all purpose cleaner to wipe down surfaces. For floors, I use Pine Sol. I do not think a Swiffer (not swifter as some people pronounce it) totally replaces a mop. I think it's good for maintenance though. Clorox has a bathroom cleaner...but the description does not include removal of mildew. I have yet to find a mildew cleaner which fumes don't kill me. Method has a nice line of non-toxic products also...they just tend to be a bit pricey unless you find it on sale. You can totally tell I've been cleaning.

Misc. Post

I have a bunch of floating random thoughts that I never bothered to blog about, but now that I have a little time on my hands, I figured I'd get 'em all out now that I have the chance.

First thing, if you ever buy Listerine's Whitening Rinse, I must strongly warn you to be careful about how long you swish that stuff in your mouth. I had it before, but always rinsed for maybe 20-30 seconds and had no problems. Well, recently I had bought another one and read on the back that it instructed to swish for 60 seconds. So I did it. BAD IDEA. I lost my sense of taste for 2 days...it was dreadful, the tip of my tongue tasted nothing. It was bad.

Moving on

A few years back, there were coupons from Bath & Body Works (that we totally abused) that were circulating. It gave us a free aromatherapy product with ANY purchase. Dangerous words. We used it for all it's worth. We would buy a $1 glycerin soap and walk away with "Sleep" "Energy" "Sensual" "Stress Relief" lotions, massage oil, bubble bath, shower gel, you-name-it products. I mean, we went nuts - but it was so much fun. Well recently, a friend of mine was wearing the "Sensual" lotion, and it just gave me memories...but the scent was really really soothing. So I went back to Bath & Body Works looking for a sale or special but found none. Not long after I got my hands on some coupons, so I got the "Sleep" shower gel and lotion...Mmmm. I do believe in aromatherapy...I think it calms us down. Now before bed, I sometimes would spray a calming mist and I'm out like a light. It doesn't work with every single scent though...some scents will wake you up. But there is nothing like a warm bath with lavender and vanilla tones. I prefer a moisturizing bubble bath as opposed to bath salts...

I recently was in a wedding, so that moved me to buy MAC foundation. I really liked the coverage it gave me. I also bought some other MAC things...it's hard not to go over budget in that store! I think I'm at the beginning stages of a MAC junkie...the worst part of shopping at MAC is that it's such a guilty pleasure, you walk away with the guilt of how spending more than you wanted to. I still use my Bare Escentuals makeup. It feels really light and you don't feel like you're clogging your pores with liquid paint. I like makeup...but really really like quality makeup.

I have a lot of stuff to do at home...it's annoying when you feel like you're cleaning some area for the hundredth time! Maintenance...it never ends. If there's people over, and I spot a dust bunny in the corner, I'm embarrassed. So I constantly go NUTS cleaning before I have visitors. I'm so weird because as much as I love a clean house, I lack motivation sometimes...but when I start doing it, I get on a roll and somehow find the energy. I don't mind vacuuming, but hate mopping. UGH. I have to go to Costco today to get some stock items, like toilet tissue and paper towels and pick up the dreaded 40lb kitty litter. Those darn cats better appreciate me. Plus I scoop their poop. All they do is make a mess in my house. When they fight, they leave hair chunks. On my counters I see their paw prints...it's like they rule my house!! Can't stand it anymore.

With all that said, I'm off to get some things done...I probably should pick up some "Stress Relief" products, ha.

7 Years Ago

I really don't have much to write about except for the fact that time flies and I can't believe it is 7 years ago since the 9/11 attacks. I was in NY just long enough to see the lights they put up in the ground zero site.

I remember being so fearful right after it happened...I was more cautious and suspicious. In my recent visit to NY, I traveled in the subways and around Mahattan almost with no fear. It's funny how fear, once so paralyzing and strong can weaken and disappear. We forget...it's in our nature. Although this morning I was reminded. I kept trying to call Anthony this morning, it would ring once or twice, then go busy. I thought to myself, what if there was another attack?

Our memories & past experiences can re-awaken fear...but we must not let fear take over our lives. Easier said than done. Just remember the power of positive thinking!

Back From NY...Again

I have stuff to blog...I have my trip to NY to blog about, as well as pictures to post. I have a busy work week ahead of me, but will find the time soon enough...

He Delivered Me...Literally

I needed to lookup my birth certificate for something, and I realized that I could google the MD who delivered me. I found him easilly - it seems he is still practicing in Forest Hills, NY! I'm pretty sure it's him, because he's practicing Obstetrics near the hospital I was delivered in.

I wanna meet him, is that strange?? Lol...maybe he'll welcome the visit over 20 years later of an infant he helped bring into the world. Or maybe he'll meet me with indifference. I think part of why I want to meet him, is because I actually never met my father - so being that this is someone I have a link to, it somehow seems cool...although don't get me wrong, I'm not likening this to meeting my father.

It probably won't even happen...it's just a funny thought. :)

Sunday Night Blues

My Sunday night blues has evolved into Monday morning anxiety. It fades away as I start to get ready and do things. Sometimes I just wake up feeling anxious - don't know if it's because I'm dealing with a lot...I think it's nature's way of letting you know that you just have to take a moment to breathe. I wish I had the type of anxiety that makes a person a super productive workaholic machine!

On the way home from work today I saw a car that said "Just Divorced". I had my camera on me so I got to take a picture before it drove away. Sweet. I just submitted it to Failblog.org - you can see it if you scroll down a post or two on this page. I'm going to be on the lookout for stuff to submit - now there's inspiration!

Tonight I was invited to go play basketball at the park, only two other people showed, so after an hour, we decided to go to the local spot where a huge group plays soccer. Turned out, I ended up socializing instead of doing what I was supossed to do, which was run around. I'll make up for it tomorrow, because a friend who is learning how to be a Pilates instructor is going to use me and another friend for a training session - she needs to rehearse and practice her training routine, and we're going to benefit by having free Pilates sessions. Hopefully she doesn't kick my butt!

Ooh, milestone! Today I bought for the first time, an anti-wrinkle night cream and anti-wrinkle eye cream. I figured it's time to start using those products...couldn't hurt. Anyway, I have an early day tomorrow...later!

Ridin' A Harley!

(I messed w/ the saturation of this pic in Picasa)

It was a FUN ride! :)

August Anniversary Pics

Anniversary 2008 CLICK ON PICTURE ABOVE

My Failblog.org Submission

This is why it's good to carry a camera on you at all times. You never know what you may catch!

Looking Back

Looking back at old posts, I see a major difference from today. First thing is the amount of blogging I did in the past. I had a lot more posts...and it seemed as if I had a lot to talk about. Well I did have a desk job where I had a bit of time to post here and there. Now my schedule is busier since I'm always in different places. I work at home or at the office and sometimes I'm out on presentations and enrollments. By the time I get home, I barely have time to think of things to blog about. Another thing is, I used to just talk about anything. Now I mostly post pictures and I think it's gotten a bit dry. Well, I plan to change it up. I think I just lack inspiration at times. Things have changed...sometimes we are so bogged down by everything, and if it's not our own things, it's people around us. Seems like a lot of friends are having hard times.

On a better note, I'm going to be in a wedding September 6Th...Vicky's. I'm excited because I've never been a bridesmaid before and I think it will be a lot of fun. I picked up my dress today. I need to have it altered...I think I'm going to take it with me to NY this weekend and have it done there.

I've developed a really bad habit lately...falling asleep on the couch with the TV and light on and waking up in the middle of the night and having to move to my bed. I think it's making me a bit more tired...the other night I fell asleep watching Frasier - remember that show? It still cracks me up. Anyway...can't think of anything else right now. Laters...

Travel Woes

I've flown 21 flights on JetBlue since 2006. I've always been a loyal fan and with good reason. You can't beat their $69 buck specials. They also have Direct TV on their flights so you can spend your flying time flipping through channels...and since most of my flights have been weekend flights, it was a great way to have some downtime after a hectic work week. Their crew members are friendly and more than happy to give you more than one snack should you ask for one. But lately...there has been some changes in the flying industry, and they've affected my favorite airline! The prices aren't as low as they used to be, and for the first time ever, I'm researching other airlines to find better deals. First of all, they started charging for things. It started with the headsets, they used to be free, now they're $1.00. Okay, no big deal. But then they started charging for checking in a 2nd bag. I haven't needed to check in 2 bags, so I haven't been inconvenienced by that one yet, and I use my own headphones so it doesn't affect me. They've also started to charge for certain seats that have more leg room...grr. The way that affects me, is when I choose my seats, I have less choices. I usually like being closer to the front, and the majority of those seats cost $20 more, so it's back of the bus for me!

Anthony found a site that searches 33 travel sites simultaneously, (Trabber.com) and happily for me, I've been able to find the best deal for my future travels. Unfortunately, it's not with JetBlue. So no leather seats and personal televisions. Sigh. So, I'll have to bring a book for this one...but at least I'm saving some money!

Meet Me In Barcelona...

For our wedding anniversary, we decided to take a trip to Barcelona, Spain. I get a phonecall from Anthony asking me to check my e-mail because we're going to Barcelona...tomorrow. I have never taken a last-minute overseas trip before so you can imagine the excitement and panic as I run around getting things together. I left feeders for the cats since it was only a few days. I had a fantastic time...it was filled with memorable moments, especially seeing a random naked guy on the streets of Barcelona (happened twice in 3 days, lol). Don't ask, they're some sort of nudist/naturalist. Anyway, here is a photobook of my trip...I ordered it through MyPublisher.com. (FYI: If you want to see my wedding photobook, e-mail me and I'll send you the link)

If you want to make your own photobook, use these coupon codes:

TRAVEL241 or PHOTO241 or MPFREE241-Buy one get one free.
NEWSHARE- $20.00 off first book! (I used this on my second book, it still worked).

MARIE'S BARCELONA PHOTOBOOK: http://www.mypublisher.com/bookshelf/bookviewer.py?d=tq%3Ey-cppl%60je%3E3384759

Nice To See Everyone Again

It was great seeing everyone again. I had a really nice visit. Of course, visiting NY in the summer is usually pleasant, the weather is nice & breezy...those cold blistery days long gone. The last time I visited, the weather was pretty crappy. But most of all, I enjoyed the company of people I used to spend time with. I wish sometimes that NY was closer to where I am. Sometimes I wish I lived the distance of NJ or Long Island...although I don't particularly like those places.

My Flight Is On Time

I haven't heard that in quite a while when it comes to flying Jetblue on a Friday evening. The scenario is usually the same, I'm rushing home from work, doing a quick change of clothes plus a last rake of the litter before I'm off to the airport. But today it was slightly different. When I got on the highway at 5pm, there was no traffic. When I parked and walked to the bus stop, the Park & Ride bus was there...since I'm usually running late, I'm usually found sitting there for 10-15 minutes fidgeting and texting all my friends transferring my stress trying to pass the agonizing minutes.

Much to my dismay, I could not locate my headphones - and now JetBlue will charge for headphones on their flights. I didn't have any cash on me (who does nowadays?) so after getting through security (which wasn't flawless, my necklace made me beep) I headed to one of the shops to buy a cheap pair. Grrr...there wasn't any cheap pairs. The cheapest one was Sony $12.99 so I plunked the cash, I mean handed over the card and got to my seat in the waiting area.

Ironically, when I have 2-3 hours to kill if my flight is delayed due to weather (which was the case the last 10 times I've flown) the internet is down as well. Well this time, it's not. Hence the blog. :) I haven't blogged in a while, and all of a sudden ideas are coming to mind - but I really don't have much time now. I'll try to write...most of the time my mind draws a blank and I don't really feel inspired. Not that I don't have anything to say, I just don't have any direction.

I have my ipod, books, this laptop and of course the inflight tv. I should be very entertained. I'm going to be seated at 8B. Smack in the middle between 2 people. I hate being in the middle, but I couldn't help it. It was either sit in the middle and be near the front, or be all the way in the back with the noise, the bathroom constantly opening and closing and the bumps. Yes, you feel more bumps in the back just like being in the back of a bus. And no, I'm not imagining it. I'll be fine as long as they don't know each other and are constantly talking over me.

I heard in past reports, of air carriers making it possible for us to talk on our cellphones in flight in the near future. Although I might like the fact that I can text on board, but I don't want some next to me yakking their brains out. So I hope that doesn't happen anytime soon. There are some people who also like not being reachable. I couldn't care either way. I just like a few moments of peace - it's irritating, someone talking loudly next to you...their conversations are NEVER interesting. It's almost as bad as someone eating next to you. Ha ha ha (evil laugh). I'm in the middle, and I bought a Oriental Chicken Salad (yum) that has a strong smell, but is really good. They're going to have to deal with it!

Wigs...for Cats

http://kittywigs.com/wigindex.html

"Blonde sets off your kitty’s eyes and makes your kitty look tan."

Makes your kitty look TAN???? You gotta read those descriptions. First of all, you think anyone who would consider buying the wigs may be off their rocker, but looking at descriptions written by people who chose to invest in this business...I can't decide who's crazier.

Ha, imagine this conversation:

"So what do you do?"

"I sell wigs...for cats"

Silence.

TOPOYIYO DANCE

Little Aeneas came to visit for a week and we had a great time with him...going to the beach and the pool. If we had a computer on, Aeneas would come over and say "le le le le le le" requesting this video. He would clap and dance around. It was adorable! I think this song is hilarious...especially the squeaky parts. I will forever have a smile on my face hearing this...

Last Weekend At NY/NJ

Doris, Saskia, Grandma & me.

Fun at the movies!

This pic came out blurry, but we were laughing hysterically as we were trying to do this high kick. :)

They're coming out with the Incredible Hulk - again. Are they just pretending the first one never happened?

Group picture!

Top: Me, Saskia, Bernie

Bottom: Ralph, Anabelle, Doris, Grandma, Joo Joo, Brianna, Nicky & Melvin

Haircut...again

I got a haircut yesterday. I asked for a shorter cut w/ layers and side-swept bangs. I got my cousin, Saskia. I look so much like her with this cut, it's not even funny. It takes some getting used to, but I think it will be okay. When I do it myself, I'll curl the ends so it doesn't look so blunt. At least I look 14 again, ha ha. Pics are to follow after this weekend...I'll be in NY spending time with my cousins so standby for updates.

Why Is It When...

...you're suppossed to do something that requires total focus and concentration, that you all of a sudden get distracted by sudden urges to clear up clutter, clean the bathroom...etc. ALL the things you dreaded and procrastinated about for days? It's like you procrastinate and do something else you procrastinated?!?