#last family hike of 2024 probably!

[artichokefartichoke]

Before the snow hits.

[catty-words]

finally back home from my family's and ready to put last year to rest with the

2023 fic writing roundup

Total 2023 Word Count: 95,451 published words, but 116,360 words written for the year   Total 2023 Hits: 25,513 Other 2023 AO3 Stats: Kudos: 1,272; Comment threads: 198; Bookmarks: 252; Subscriptions: 158.

Total 2022 Word Count: 36,969 published words, but 132,549 words logged for the year Total 2022 Hits: 17,797 Other 2022 AO3 Stats: Kudos: 1,910; Comment threads: 111; Bookmarks: 259; Subscriptions: 20.

links and titles to 2023 works

[cw's nancy drew] couldn't help noticing the gold mines glistening in your skin (3,966 words) - a birthday gift for bethany! what if nancy and ace hooked up pre-canon?

[never have i ever] one more last try (4,323 words) - for the girlies* who were/are incensed that the nhie writers had the audacity to make bad benvi sex canon and then UNINTERESTING. *it's me, i'm girlies

[cw's nancy drew] first contact (849 words) - nancy and ace texting can be poetry if you hold my hand and just believe!

[never have i ever] answering machines & how your voice says it’s gonna get back to me someday (3,163 words) - devi and ben's relationship through their first year at university as told by the voicemails they leave each other

[never have i ever] a lie away from getting you into the mood (77,482 words) - i mean. how could i possibly sum this one up? d/b FWB, sure, but also so much more than that. bitty spark 'verse pt 2.

[never have i ever] to nestle deep into the safe-keeping (3,440 words) - in a now time-honored tradition, i wrote rose some smut for her birthday! d/b being soft and in love their first year of university.

[cw's nancy drew] it’ll hurt like a mother when your foot comes out (2,228 words) - drew crew hike to commemorate a real life hike! fun!

Favorite Fic: 'gold mines' is a strong contender, but. you know it's 'lie away'. how could it be anything else? i spent a year and a half writing it and i finished the fuck out of it despite the tornado that stirred up my personal life this year. i don't know that i've ever been prouder of a fic. almost certainly not.

Hardest Fic: also 'a lie away'. the amount of material that i wrote and then scrapped because it wasn't right was A Lot.

Do You Plan to Take Prompts in 2024? haven't done a prompt game in a while! think it might be time to pull out that song lyric one, i've been gifted some exceptional music that way.

that said, though, when i do have all day to sit down and write, i've found myself more interested in chipping away at something longer-form. then again, it's been a while since i exercised the prompt-filling muscle in my writer brain, and i don't want that muscle to lose definition entirely. we'll see, i suppose.

What was the best thing about 2023? I FUCKING FINISHED 'A LIE AWAY' I DID IT I DID IT I DID IT

What was the worst thing about 2022? woof. i sure did split from my partner of a decade. which has actually been incredibly good for me, but living through it was a bit fucky, as you can imagine.

which makes this a great time to nod at 'answering machines' for being perfect creative fun and getting me out of my head during the worst of the breakup. looking at the title alone can make my brain stutter, though, it's a time capsule from such a tumultuous period in my life. probably doesn't help that i used a song from my unofficial breakup album to title the fic. i love you, 'answering machines'. i cannot fathom rereading you at this time.

Any last thoughts for 2023? i am content. the year was good to me, all things considered.

Goals for 2024

fuck around with devi the vampire slayer

original fiction???

fall head over heels for another show

continue writing devi/ben even if the audience for it dissipates entirely

[iffoundreturntosea]

January 1, Day 1

1 day 2015

I've stared at that card for the past 7 months wishing the new year would get here already & it finally has. I have kind of a big resolution that will probably take all year but I want to get off all the medications I'm on, get myself healthy & back to living and enjoying life! #wishmeluck #newyears #resolution #goodbye2014 #hello2015 #project365 #day1

I started project 365 because I needed something to keep me going. I was bed ridden at the time due to medication induced vertigo. It was awful and I wanted to die. It lasted months and my doctor was no help. I was hopeless. I starred at this card that a friend of my mom had made her for months just wishing for a change. That change was me.

1 day 2016

Today was a nice chill day! (January's theme is blue!) #shadesofblue #chill #relaxed #january #hello2016 #picoftheday #project365 #day1

By the time I hit the second year I was ready to mix things up and add a theme each month. Each month in 2016 had a different color scheme, starting with blue!

1 day 2017

Happy New Year! 

#newyear #2017 #hello2017 #mayancalendar #january #circleoflife #picoftheday #project365 #day1

1 day 2018

#keyhole #cutout #klaus #dog #pup #bassethound #hound #lazyday #rest #newtheme #differentview #january #picoftheday #project365 #day1

Klaus isn't with us anymore but he was such a good boy!

1 day 2019

I remember last year like it was yesterday...Happy New Year!

This year I’m going to try a new challenge. I’m going to attempt to photograph the National Day calendar for my 5th year of #project365 Should be fun! 

#hello2019 #2019 #timeflies #justme #happynewyear #yearfive #letsdothis #create #challenge #live #experience #share #learn #january #newyearday #nationalday #nationaldaycalendar #picoftheday #project365 #day1 #hereigoagain

I did different monthly themes until 2019 and then I did the National Day Calendar. I was so excited for this year!

1 day 2020

The next year I did a weekly theme to recover from the previous year!

It is Time to start year 6! This Time I’m aiming for a weekly theme! Try to guess 

#glitter #sparkle #pocketwatch #watch #clock #timeywimey #time #year6 #week1 #january #january1 #2020 #picoftheday #project365 #day1 #herewegoagain 

1 day 2021

The 2 years after that were whatever the heck I wanted!

One day I’m not gonna do this anymore but I guess this is not the day! Year 7! No themes! No restrictions! Whatever the hell I want! This is the only picture I took today! Cheers to less stress and more fun! 

#nature #outdoors #bug #insect #grass #pecanshell #morningdew #year7 #herewego #nothemes #lessstressmorefun #whateverthehelliwant #january #january1 #2021 #picoftheday #project365 #day1

1 day 2022

The purrfect way to start the year!

#Leo #kitty #cat #furbaby #snuggles #create #artsy #color #fun #january #january1 #2022 #picoftheday #project365 #day1 #year8

This past year I was ready to try monthly themes again.

1 day 2023

A great start to the new year with an early morning hike with Dad, Dana, sister, fam & friends. Then a delicious meal made by Dana and our little christmas celebration together. Love family time so much!

#grateful #aloha2023 #litebrite #january #january1 #2023 #objectofthemonth #picoftheday #project365 #day1 #startofyear9

I got this mini lite brite as a stocking stuffer from Santa! It is so cute!

1 day 2024

It's a new year and the start of my 10th year doing a picture every day! This year I've partnered with my mom, we'll be drawing themes each day. I will continue photographing while she will be working in her mixed media journal. Today was "stones". Which one speaks to you?

#hello2024 #year10 #dailytheme #stones #color #create #art #january #january1 #2024 #picoftheday #project365 #day1

Alright! That is day one of this year. I officially can't stop now!

[holidayvisa]

14 February 2024

14 February 2024 - I got up for a video call interview for a job back in the US. The interview did NOT go well. I felt like I was rambling, and there was a moment where I thought, "am I still talking? What am I even saying right now?" It was not ideal. After the interview, I made some breakfast and packed up my gear. Elise had invited me to be a volunteer park ranger today with her and her summer intern mentee. Elise picked me up around 9 am, and Arnie and Uncle Mitch were hanging out in the front yard, and they were excited to meet Elise. I quickly introduced them to Elise, and then I hopped in Elise's car, and we headed to Pararaha (South of Piha). We met up with Josh (the summer intern), and we drove in two 4WD vehicles out to Karekare Beach, at the end of the Pararaha trail. We drove across the river, and out onto the black sand beach.

As Elise drove, she drifted in the sand around corners. I screamed with joy! We drove along the beach, with huge waves forming pipelines that would eventually crash in a big splash of whitewater and boils and foam.

As we drove, I looked out West over the ocean and South across the huge black sand beach and East towards the jungle and the Waitakere Mountain Range. It was surreal. We arrived at the bottom of the Pararaha Trail and parked both 4WD vehicles there. We loaded all the dry clothes into Josh's vehicle (which was staying at this spot at the bottom of the Pararaha Trail). We put all the gear for the day and lunches in Elise's vehicle, and Elise hopped in the back; she told Josh to drive (since it was his last day), and she told me to sit in the front seat (so I could enjoy the ride). Josh drove us to the top of the Pararaha Trail. We parked a vehicle there and got ready for our mission: baiting the poison traps. I put on a high-vis orange vest that said "PARK RANGER." We grabbed our gear and started hiking around 11 am. As we hiked down the trail, every time that we saw a pink marker on the trail, we looked around for the traps. We opened up the trap, pulled the old contents out and threw them into a garbage bag, and filled the trap with new poison bait. We did this for probably ten different traps, and each trap took probably under one minute. When we got to the confluence of Pararaha and Blue Canyon, we put on our wetsuits.

---side mission---

After we finished the side mission, we continued down the Pararaha Trail, which followed the river. Some of the trail was just off to the side of the river, but most of the trail was creek-walking through the river. As we walked down the river, there were several waterfalls, Some of the waterfalls were not very steep, and we were able to carefully hike down or scramble down the waterfall. Some of the waterfalls had big pools at the bottom, and we'd jump down the waterfalls into the deep pools at the bottom of the waterfalls (one person would down climb carrying the poison bag so that it didn't get wet).

The canyon got less and less steep, and some point, we were running down the low-grade waterfalls! We stopped for a few minutes to eat our lunches, and we continued hiking out. We got out of the river and onto the hike out trail that leads to Karekare Beach. On this hike out, we refilled a few more poison bait traps. We arrived at the end of the trail and hiked out onto Karekare Beach to our 4WD vehicle around 3 pm. We hopped in, and Josh drove us through the black sand, drifting and fish-tailing, back to the river, across the river, and onto the road. We drove back to the top of Pararaha Trail where the other vehicle was parked. We said goodbye to Josh, and Elise and I drove back to the Park Ranger Depot. Elise dropped me off in Henderson.

Back at the Good Vibes Flat Tribe house in Henderson, Jimmy had brought home Maori raw fish and fry bread, and we had a family dinner with all four of us: Jimmy, Arnie, Taylor, and me.

I'm grateful for Jimmy; he had me fill up Elise's tank with a jerry can of diesel fuel he had before Elise and I left for our mission this morning. I'm grateful to Elise; she thought of me and invited me to join in as a volunteer park ranger! I'm grateful to have spent the whole day with Elise at Pararaha, hiking through beautiful places, seeing gorgeous waterfalls, jumping into bright blue pools. I'm grateful for Jimmy for hosting a family dinner tonight and bringing the flatmates together.

[cryptidsurveys]

Friday, September 20th, 2024.

When’s the last time you ate bread? I had a hamburger bun with dinner last night. Also, do muffins count as bread? Because I had a bit of a walnut and pistachio muffin as well.

What’s the last movie you watched on your own? I think it was The Atticus Institute, all the way back in 2022. I rarely ever watch movies on my own.

What about the last movie you watched with another person? I went to see Inside Out 2 with my mom a few weeks ago.

How many coats do you own? Two. One maroon and one gray.

What about shoes? One basically retired pair of hiking shoes, a pair of mostly black slip-ons, and another black/laced pair that I haven't worn yet (they're for when the cheap slip-ons inevitably wear out).

One word to describe your most recent ex? Idk.

Where, in your current country, would you like to live, other than where you do now? I would really only consider moving to nearby mountain towns because I don't want to lose my connection to the animal shelter (and various city-based conveniences).

Do you like snow? I love it. I'm a little apprehensive about driving in it (my dad did most of the snow driving last winter because I was still in the beginning stages of relearning), but we'll see how it goes. It's not the daytime driving that worries me most - it's driving home in the dark when it's harder to tell how bad the roads are.

Do you like sheer clothing? No.

Have you ever seen anyone famous in the street? I haven't.

Are you hungry right now? No. I just finished eating breakfast a little bit ago.

Are you regularly tired? I am almost always some level of tired. Any errand or outing aside from the animal shelter makes me feel like a backpacker who just stumbled into town on my bloody foot nubs. ;D

What was the last thing to upset you? Family drama. I wasn't an instigator - it wasn't related to anything I said or did - but I'm inextricably involved because of the nature of the drama. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm going to be in contact with my mom anymore, which is a shame because things seemed to be going in such a positive direction. Also, sorry for being vague, it's just…a lot. I don't want to get into detail and probably never will. Just know that I have sustained Critical Emotional Damage.

How’s the weather been today? It's still early so I don't know how the rest of the day will pan out, but it's currently partly cloudy (or partly sunny according to my computer) and 49*F.

What was the first tattoo you got or what would be the first tattoo you’ll get? My first tattoo was the Eye of Horus on my left shoulder blade.

What was the last store you went into and did you buy anything? Walmart for groceries.

Have you ever been late for school or work? I've never been late for work. As for school…maybe a couple of times?

What is your favorite kind of fruit cobbler? Apple.

Is there a basement in your house? If so, what is it used for? There is. It's mainly used for junk storage and doing laundry.

Have you driven a car today? No.

Do you have a small, medium or large bedroom? It's the master bedroom, so it's fairly spacious.

Where was your first job and how old were you? I guess PDI was technically a job. I don't remember my exact age when I started, but sometime around my mid 20s.

Have you eaten soup this week? I haven't.

Are you a fan of The Office? I've never watched it.

When was the last time you started a new medication? 2018-2019. I tried a few different things within that timeframe, but I'm no longer on any prescribed medications.

What is your favorite type of nut? Cashews or pecans.

Do you know anyone who doesn’t have a middle name? Not that I'm aware of.

Have you put your phone on silent today? It's almost always on silent or vibrate…which is why it's such a wild coincidence that I caught that phone call from my mom yesterday. My dad and I were on the way home from the Mountain Park and I just happened to have it right there in my hand instead of in my bag. Things might have turned out differently if I hadn't picked up. Maybe not in the end (because all roads would have eventually led to Rome), but…lmao. Even though the situation is beyond horrible, I have to laugh or else I'll cry. My mom was apparently having an acute case of "Boomer with a Phone." :')

Can you name all 50 US state capital cities? No.

Do you read John Green novels? I read a few of them when I was younger, but I doubt they would appeal to me now.

Have you ever been to Universal Studios? No.

Can you tie balloons? Usually.

When was the last time you were at a pet store? 2022 when I was doing that work experience thing through DVR. I should go back there sometime… The owner was an absolute hoot.

[alsjeblieft-zeg]

046 of 2024

Survey Inspired by Natural Disasters 🌪️🌋🌀

by emflowers

🌀 Hurricane 🌀

Are there hurricanes where you live? 🌀

Yes, but pretty rarely.

Have you ever had to evacuate because of a hurricane?

No, thankfully.

Do you have any family living in a place that gets hurricanes?

Yeah, my parents.

Where do you live?

West Flanders, Belgium.

Have you ever been friends with a Katrina?

No, but does Katrien count? If so, then yes.

When was the last time you used a spiral-bound notebook, and what did you use it for?

Yesterday, to make a to-do list.

Do you feel like you are always in a hurry?

Yeah. Work, house, time goes fast.

Do you feel like your life is spiraling out of control?

Sometimes. But doesn't everyone feel like this at times?

If you are going through a hard time right now, what is one thing you do to cope?

Visiting my hometown.

What advice would you give to a friend if they told you their life was spiraling out of control?

I'd just be there for them.

🌋 Volcano 🌋

Have you ever climbed an active volcano? 🌋

No, I haven't climbed any volcano to be precise.

Are there any volcanos near where you live?

No. The nearest one is in Iceland, if I'm not wrong.

When was the last time you played, "The floor is lava!"

Never played it lol.

Think of five different Ashleys you've been friends with, and then list one adjective to describe each of them.

Wut, I've never been friends with any Ashley. I don't even know anyone with this name.

List three things you like that are hot.

Soup, hot chocolate and my cat lying on my back.

Do you prefer to eat cold food or hot food?

I don't like steaming hot, so I'd say warm.

Do you prefer cold drinks or hot drinks?

Depends on the season. Hot in winter, cold in summer.

Has anyone ever accused you of posting an angry status on Facebook, when you weren't angry at all when you posted it?

I don't have Facebook.

Where was the last place you hiked?

Probably a Polish forest, years ago.

Do you enjoy hiking? Why or why not?

I used to when I was younger.

🌪️ Tornado 🌪️

Do you live in a place that gets tornadoes?

No, I don't.

Have you ever taken shelter in a basement during a tornado warning?

N/A.

Has your home ever experienced any destruction from a tornado?

N/A.

Have you ever lived in a basement?

No, I haven't.

Does the current home you live in have a basement?

No, it doesn't. We don't even have a cellar.

When was the last time you spun around in circles as fast as you could just to make yourself dizzy? 😵‍💫

Probably when I was a child.

Did you enjoy spinning tops as a kid?

Well, I enjoyed spinning things, that's about it.

Do you wish time went by faster or slower?

Sometimes faster, sometimes slower. Like everyone, I guess.

How often do you vacuum?

Once a week.

Have you ever heard wind so loud it sounded like a train? 🚂

Yeah, many times. I actually like this sound at night, it's very calming.

Have you ever ridden on a train? (If so, where did you go?) 🚆

Oh my, ask such a question to the son of national railways worker. I've been using trains since I was little, and probably took a train more than 10.000 times in my life, no kidding. I had some routes in Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, France and almost the whole Flanders.

🌎 Earthquake 🫨

Have you ever been in an earthquake?

Yes, but it was relatively light.

Do you live in an area that gets earthquakes?

No, we had about two in the recent 30 years, so I wouldn't say so.

When was the last time you dug a whole in the ground, and why were you digging it?

Probably as a kid in our garden.

Do you prefer handshakes or hugs?

Depends on a person. Hugs are for friends.

What was the last thing you shook?

A deodorant spray lol. It has a nice peach scent.

Do you shake presents before opening them? 🎁

No, I don't.

List three things (if applicable) that you keep up high on a shelf.

Boxes with magazines, some books, and some binders.

What was the last thing you dropped?

A plastic cup. Thankfully plastic.

What is your favorite flavor of milkshake?

Strawberry.

Have you ever had a dream where you were falling?

Didn't almost everyone at some point in their life? I had them more than once, either falling or stumbling upon something.

🌊 Tsunami 🌊

Do you remember hearing about the tsunami in Japan on the news years ago? 🇯🇵

Yeah, probably more than once.

What are three of your favorite things to do in the water?

Walking on the sea.

Who was the last person you waved at? ���

Probably Jeanmarie, but then he came to me and gave me a hug.

Have you ever jumped waves in the ocean? 🌊

Yeah, many times. I was born and raised at the sea.

What do you think of the name Ocean? Do you like it?

What? I don't get that American custom of naming kids after random objects.

Do you like the name Ocean better for a boy or a girl?

It's not even a name, period.

Have you ever had a terrifying experience in which you almost drowned?

No, thankfully not.

List three of the first things you think of when you hear the word "ocean" (besides what has already been mentioned).

Beach, sand, sunsets.

Is there a silent letter in your name, and if so, what is it?

No, but there's a *double letter* that only Dutch-speakers will get, I think.

Do you drink enough water every day? 💦

I hate water. I always drink other fluids.

[pooma-today]

Mother, You are beautiful and a blessing

May 12, 2024

Sunday

The National UN Volunteers-India

TIPS for the celebration

❄️ MOTHER'S DAY CELEBRATION ❄️

May 12, 2024 SUNDAY

Celebrated on the second Sunday in May, Mother's Day is one of the most special holidays of the year.

It's hard to deny that the moms in our lives do so much, and because of that, they deserve both recognition and appreciation for showing up, time and time again.

Looking for something for the whole family? You're in luck — there activities for the kids, both big and small, on the list, as well as ideas for extended family and friends.

Pick one of these suggestions or use them to inspire your own Mother's Day celebration. Either way, what likely matters most to the special woman in your life is time with you, which is truly the best gift of all.

FLOWER-ARRANGING

It's Mother's Day so, naturally, you're probably thinking of giving her a bouquet of flowers in honor of the occasion. Instead of buying a premade arrangement, grab various packages of blooms and greens, then spend the afternoon arranging them into custom arrangements together. You'll not only make memories, but you'll each have a pretty keepsake of the activity.

ATTEND AN ART EXHIBITION

Whether it's a gallery opening, museum exhibit, sculpture garden or local show, use Mother's Day as an opportunity to infuse a bit of culture into your lives. Depending on where you go, you just might come home with a new masterpiece to hang that'll remind you of the experience for years to come.

TAKE A BIKE RIDE

When was the last time you went on a bike ride with your mom or other special woman in your life? If it's been awhile, consider putting on the helmets and going for a spin. Choose a fun destination and head out, or, better yet, book a local bike tour and explore new sights.

GO ON A PICNIC

Choose a sunny or seaside spot, pack a checkered tablecloth and take your mom (and the whole family) for a picnic in honor of Mother's Day. Or stay close to home and host lunch alfresco in the backyard. Invite friends and relatives to stop by or keep it simple with just you and Mom. Either way, don't forget the potato salad and rosé.

DO YOGA

It's always nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. If both you and Mom could use a bit of a break, take time out to either take a local yoga class or freestyle at home with YouTube yoga. Elevate the experience by adding quiet music, scented candles and a special luncheon after.

BRUNCH IN BED (or anywhere else)

Delicious breakfast on a light table.

Serve her brunch in bed or take her out to eat. We all know Mom will be up and awake long before anyone else, which certainly can make breakfast in bed a bit of a challenge. Why not make it brunch in bed instead? At this point in the day, she’ll have all her chores done (not that she should be doing them on Mother’s Day anyway), so she’ll have plenty of time to indulge in a leisurely meal of her choice. If going out is more her speed, make reservations at her favorite restaurant.

ATTEND A CONCERT

Plan a musical outing. Pick up tickets to see her favorite band or attend a local concert or performance together. When you're done, create a playlist of all the tunes you listened to to ensure that the memory of your shared experience is preserved forever.

VOLUNTEER TOGETHER

Mother and daughter volunteer to serve hungry food bank clients. Spend an afternoon volunteering together with the entire family.

Spend quality time with your mom or other special person this Mother's Day by volunteering or donating your time to a worthy cause. Whether you volunteer at a food bank, animal shelter, make care packages for the military at home or other activity, you'll enjoy time together and bond over doing something meaningful for someone else.

TAKE A CLASS TOGETHER

Does your mom like to hike, box, or make pasta from scratch? Whatever her preferred pastime, consider signing up to do a class together. It can be in-person, or, if you live miles apart, you can both join online instead. It doesn't have to be a shared interest —your agreed-upon class can be doing completely new, like learning a language, painting or photography.

VISIT FRIENDS OR RELATIVES

Is there a close friend or relative you haven't seen in a while? Use Mother's Day as an excuse to arrange a drop-by or meetup. After all, there's never a bad time to get together with loved ones. Even if it's just a virtual date, talk to attendees ahead of time, then coordinate a plan for your long-overdue catch-up.

PREPARE A SPECIAL DESSERT

Woman decorating chocolate sponge cake

Whip up something sweet together for a gift she'll remember. Whether she loves ice cream or apple pie, make your mom a special dessert in honor of Mother’s Day. Not to worry, she’ll be just as happy if you take her out for ice cream.

HOST A SCAVENGER HUNT

If Mom has an adventurous spirit, plan a scavenger hunt. Print out a treasure map or clues for her to find. Have the kids or the whole family join in on the game. Hide trinkets, gifts or make it a competition to see who can find a list of household items first, and have prizes on hand for the winner.

MAKE PLANS FOR NEXT MOTHER'S DAY

Whether you're spending this Mother's Day together or are separated by miles this year, there's no time like the present to make plans for the next Mother's Day. Start planning now for a special bucket list trip or book a reservation for that restaurant she's been wanting to try.

START A NEW TRADITION

Whether it's watching a favorite movie or making a beloved family recipe, establish an annual Mother's Day tradition. Invite everyone to participate or offer suggestions on what to do. Then, carry it out each and every year. It'll be something to look forward to and help create lasting memories.

TRY A NEW HOBBY

Mom and daughter knitting. Attempting a new hobby together can boost your bond.

Whether it’s knitting, rock climbing or starting a family book club, Mother’s Day is a great time to try a new hobby together. Whatever the skill or endeavor, it’s better attempted as a team of two (or more) than alone. Even if you end up knitting a sock instead of a scarf, the memories you make will be worth it.

MAKE CUSTOM MOTHER'S DAY T-SHIRTS

Show her that you are totally Team Mom by making a special t-shirt to wear in honor of Mother's Day. Surprise her and have the family all wear matching t's with her photograph or a funny saying written on them. Or, include her in on the fun. Make tie-dye t-shirts together or other commemorative shirt that'll be a treasured keepsake after the holiday is over.

CREATE A TIME CAPSULE

Preserve the moment forever by creating a time capsule in honor of Mother's Day. Add sentimental items, handwritten letters, photos, craft projects or anything else you can think of to document this time in your life and, of course, your mom's.

MAKE A GRATITUDE JAR

You can always just tell your mom all the things you're thankful for, but putting them down on paper means that she'll have them forever. Write or print off all the reasons you appreciate your mom or other special lady in your life. Fold them up and tuck them into a jar or any other container you see fit. Have her read them all in one shot or spread it out over days or weeks.

FLY A KITE

Since Mother's Day falls in May, head outdoors and go old-school by flying a kite. If it's been awhile, you may have forgotten what a fun activity it is. Better yet, it's something everyone in the family can participate in.

HOST A MOVIE MARATHON

Get a list of your mom's favorite movies and settle in for a film festival that pays homage to whatever genre she loves best. Whether it's a line-up of thrillers, rom coms, weepers or comedies, she's bound to love a day (or evening) rewatching old movies. Don't forget the popcorn and Junior Mints.

PLAN A GETAWAY

Level up your Mother's Day plans this year by taking your mom someplace special. While a day trip is always fun, an overnight or two is even better. Pamper her at a fancy hotel, plan a family camping trip or go all out and book a cruise. Given that she works so hard every day of the year, a vacation might be just the gift she's been waiting for.

INDULGE IN AFTERNOON TEA

Shot of a young woman having coffee with her relative on the sofa at home. Head to your local tea parlor or serve scones, finger sandwiches, tiny treats and tea right at home. Or if you want to include something hot in your spread, take a note from the Scottish and opt for high tea instead.

GO TO THE ZOO OR AQUARIUM

If your mom is an animal-lover, plan an outing at the zoo, local aquarium or nature preserve. In fact, make an entire day of it. Find other local landmarks nearby or a restaurant to enjoy a meal together. Better yet, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the day.

GO SHOPPING

Enjoy the day browsing through her favorite stores and offer to pay for that one-of-a-kind item she falls in love with (if you're able to, of course). Throw in lunch or dinner and, voila, you’ve just planned the perfect day.

COOK SOMETHING TOGETHER

Pick up the ingredients necessary for a joint food venture, then spend the day working on it together. Whatever you settle on, make enough for both of you to bring some home and share with the rest of the family.

VISIT A BOTANICAL GARDEN

Remind Mom to stop and smell the roses this Mother's Day. Find serenity among the blooms by taking your mom to a botanical garden or nature conservancy.

OFFER TO DO A CHORE (or two)

One of the best things you can do for your mom on Mother’s Day is to do something she doesn’t want to do. Because there’s no greater gift than your time, which, if we’re being honest right now, is the one thing she probably wishes she had more of.

GO ON A NATURE WALK

Whether it's a stroll or meander, get outside and enjoy a day doing something in the great outdoors. It doesn't have to be high-octane. In fact, just sitting in the backyard or a local park and listening to the sound of the birds is a peaceful way to enjoy the day. If she's an adventurer, pack a picnic and take a hike.

PLAN A SURPRISE

Surprises are sweet. And while not everyone is a fan, your mom certainly won’t mind if you show up with tickets to see her favorite sport, Broadway show or an unexpected visit from a long-distance loved one.

TRACE YOUR FAMILY TREE

Cheerful three generation family. Grandmother, mother, and daughter. Trace your family tree to learn more about your family history. It's never been easier to learn about past relatives and family members. Discover where you came from on a genealogy site or simply by looking at old photos, and asking her to share stories about her parents, siblings and other important people in her life.

GO TO A FLEA MARKET OR FARMERS MARKET

Depending on your mom’s preference, take her to a flea or farmer’s market, antiques show or art festival. Do your homework ahead of time to find out what events are being held on Mother’s Day weekend, then plan your shopping date.

SING KARAOKE

Family singing karaoke laughing and enjoying all together in the living room of his house. Pass her the mic and listen to her belt it out. Belt out show tunes. Take her to a club or rent a machine and invite the family to come along so everyone can get in on the act. Taking video of this momentous occasion is mandatory.

REDECORATE A ROOM

Is she tired of looking at the same-old, same-old? Help your mom spruce up her least favorite space. Take her shopping for new throw pillows, paint for the bathroom or, if the budget is tight, rearrange the furniture for a fresh new perspective that doesn’t cost a dime.

MAKE A COOKBOOK

Track down your family's most treasured recipes and put them all in one place.

Track down your family's most treasured recipes and put them all in one place.

Recipes are how families pass on traditions. Don't let yours get lost in the shuffle of life. Spend the day learning about your family's special meals. When you're through, preserve them all in a cookbook either through an online service or simply make one of your own.

PLAY TRIVIA

Get to know the person behind the parent by asking your mom trivia questions about her childhood, life, interests and just about everything else. Follow it up with a game of regular trivia questions and answers on everything from movies to music and get the whole family in on the fun.

POT FLOWERS OR GARDEN

Plant some flowers this Mother's Day, then watch them bloom in all the years to follow.

Plant some flowers this Mother's Day, then watch them bloom in all the years to follow.

Instead of buying Mom a bouquet or having flowers delivered, head over to the garden center and let her pick out some blooms of her choice. Grab some pots, soil, gardening gloves and anything else you might need, then pot or plant them together.

TAKE A BOAT CRUISE

No need to book a vacation to enjoy a cruise on Mother’s Day. Every state has some kind of scenic waterway, river or lake, many of which offer daily boat cruises lasting an hour or two, which is just the right amount of time to take in the sights together.

ORGANIZE A FAMILY PORTRAIT

Portrait of happy family sitting at table

Because Mom knows that a picture's worth a thousand words. Getting the entire family together is no easy feat. If you can manage it, then preserve the moment by asking a neighbor, friend or passerby to snap a few pictures of the whole crew. Share your favorites with the group or post on social media with a sweet Mother's Day caption.

ORGANIZE A VIRTUAL CELEBRATION

If everyone is scattered in different locations, coordinate a virtual Mother's Day celebration. Text or email loved ones ahead of time, then schedule a time to meet. Take this moment to catch up, share memories, play games or plan your next in-person adventure.

PICK OUT MATCHING SETS OF ANYTHING

Everything's better in two, so make it your mission to find matching necklaces, t-shirts, garden gnomes or whatever else you think of to share as a pair. No matter what you settle on, it's sure to — wait for it — double the Mother's Day fun.

TAKE A LOCAL FIELD TRIP

The more time we give the more we get back. A new adventure awaits in your own backyard. Sometimes we overlook the destinations closest to home. Head to a local spot that's yet to be discovered to see your area in a whole new way. It's a fun adventure — sans the long commute.

MAKE A PLAYLIST

You've probably listened to a thousand songs together over the years, but that doesn't mean you know which ones are her favorite. Find out which tunes she loved as a child, a teen and now. Make a playlist, then listen to it together.

PLAN A CULTURAL OUTING

Visit a museum or art gallery for Mother's Day.

Does she appreciate art? Love the theatre? Enjoy wandering through exhibits at a museum? Whatever cultural activity she enjoys doing in her free time, make a date to do it with her. The only thing better than doing something you love is doing it with someone you love.

PAINT A PICTURE OR MAKE POTTERY

Schedule a time to create an original masterpiece with your mom. Follow in the footsteps of Picasso and bring home an abstract or get your hands dirty making a lopsided coffee mug. No matter how your skills stack up, it's the time you spent together that really matters.

RECREATE A FAVORITE MEMORY

Take Mom down memory lane this Mother's Day. Nothing can take the place of a special moment or memory, but that doesn't mean you can't try. Ask your mom which of them she cherishes the most and if possible, do your best to recreate it. Whether it's the time the family watched movies in the backyard or ate ice cream sundaes for dinner, let the good times roll again.

MAKE A CRAFT

Over the shoulder view of a child painting a terracotta plant pot with bright coloured paints on a dining table in springtime.

Get your creative juices flowing on Mother's Day. Kids of all ages love making crafts and, no surprise, Mom does, too. Pick up a kit at the craft store or come up with one of your own like making handprint coasters or a one-of-a-kind flower pot.

DETAIL HER CAR

Is she driving a Messy Mom car? Don’t judge because her car is bound to be littered with snack wrappers, water bottles and other cast-offs. Even if the kids have long-since left home, there’s no way your mother will turn down an offer to detail her car and make it shine like new.

VISIT AN AMUSEMENT PARK

Just because she's a mom doesn't mean she doesn't enjoy thrill rides. If she has an adventurous spirit, plan a trip to the nearest theme park and spend the day riding the rides. With cotton candy in one hand and a giant stuffed dinosaur in the other (from winning the bean bag toss, naturally), she's bound to have a blast.

MAKE HER FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEAL

She's spent a lifetime making you all your favorite meals. Return the favor by whipping up one of her cherished childhood recipes. Not handy in the kitchen? No problem. Do some research to see if a nearby restaurant prepares something similar or enlist the help of someone who knows their way around a kitchen.

(Proceedings: Share your event's photos/short videos/films with some details at 9944313953 for further publications)

Mother, You are beautiful and a blessing

[lifewithoutmeds]

March 16, 2024

jinxed again. note: never start thinking that my life might be turning around becuase nine times out of ten, something's waiting to smack me back on my ass.

Recap: Monday, March 4: Watched Thor, worked from home. Tuesday, March 5: walked to chase in the morning to withdraw some money, worked from home, walked to trader joe's to use the last of my gift card and get things like eggs and bananas. Wednesday, March 6: in office day. Thursday, March 7: nothing calendared. probably just worked from home. helena from work kind of spoke harshly from me and it was all i could do not cry until the moment we hung up. Friday, March 8: i thought this was my massage/lunch day with lana, but i guess it was actually for two weeks from today? or it was pushed out? probably i mis-calendared it. but i did check on grace y since she had an appointment regarding some health issues. Saturday, March 9: i though i had lana's birthday dinner thing but that was miscalendared as well so instead went on a little nature walk/hike near jpl with my mom and had lunch at fish king afterward. Sunday, March 10: lana's birthday, so i texted a bit. i think i went to church. Monday, March 11: i think i started to feel a little sad. either the day prior or today i went to my mom's for lunch/dinner and just cried. i could feel myself being irrationally sad and angry and realized it was PMS so tried not to take it too personally. in part of my sadness i reached out to amir about happy hour on tuesday but he didn't really get back to me or share in my enthusiasm and just "liked" my comment and i felt bad and stupid and angry and alone. Tuesday, March 12: i felt the annoyance and anger and irritability full force. when amir texted back to say he'd be at work and i should come down i was too upset and said too bad, the moment had passed. i could just feel my emotions raging. something else had happened with lorena i think monday-tuesday, so i was peeved at her as well, just peeved at everyone and everything. in my noon walk i thought of jadai, as i often do, and i thought of how she would reach out to me, and how i should actually be the last person in the world she should reach out to. with all of her friends and family, her fiance, and now without cooper, so much extra money, that she really shouldn't have come to me for covid tests, to borrow my cooler (and never give back my yeti ice), to ask to borrow my bowflex weights. how she would be the last person in the world i'd ask, how i'd rather buy it myself or just go without, but i wouldn't reach out and drive the distance.

soon after i got home, pissy with these thoughts, jadai, almost telepathically it seemed, reached out, for the first time since she learned about xio, so about four months: "idk your feelings on it, but i feel like it's been way too long!!! i was trying not to reach out for a while, so just wanted to see if it's ok that i do. i'm always hoping you're doing more than well, and all the good things." 1:34 p.m.

this sent me into a true meltdown, full-on sobbing, and anger. it seemed like she was trying to touch base with an old pal she had fallen out of touch with, a summercamp friend, or just someone whose birthday it was and she had temporarily forgotten about them and was like now, omg how are ya? and that made me so sad and mad. she had been on the forefront of my mind for so long, been the center of so much suffering, and for her to just pop up so nonchalantly, so flippantly, and just say hey as if the lack of communication was inadvertent on my part, which of course it wasn't. i had decided not to message her back after her birthday, and was even more assured of it after xio's passing. i texted several people and came to the conclusion, some hours later, to write back "i'd prefer we not communicate," to which she responded: "ah ok. like not communicate at all, ever?" which threw me into another fit of distraughtness because it was so hard to formulate that first message, and i thought it was it, but to have to answer again with some sort of parameters? it's like the suffering just would not cease. after additional hours of tumult, i decided not to respond, because in a sense, i already had, and i didn't know if it was going to be temporary or last until the day i died, but i could not speak as to when i might be able and just didn't want to keep the dialogue going.

the next day was wednesday, and i could feel the emotions just getting worse. i worked, and at some point joyce whispered me into her office and i jokingly whispered if it was a secret, and we jokingly whispered the issue about one of my forms being wrong, and right before i left, i continued the joke for just a bit longer and said, "is there anything else?" to which she responded that she had started a lunch walking group that would be 40 minutes total, 20 minutes out and 20 minutes back, and welcomed me to join. i asked if i'd have enough time for lunch and she said, "just take a longer lunch!" to which i was like oh heck yhea! and at noon she, two others, and i started walking to, through, and around little tokyo, mostly led by her, as i didn't know what path to go to and we chatted a bit, and i pointed out some of my favorite restaurants, etc. as we re-approached the office, it was noted that it had been only 35 minutes and we still had another 5 minutes to walk, so joyce recommended we take one more round around the block, down the street of the building jadai works in, and .... of all the gin joints in the world, as we walked down, me first, i saw her and a friend walking her up, her hair perfectly coiffed, her sunglasses on, smiling, talking, wearing a perfect baby blue suit with a white flowy top, looking loose on her languid figure and instantly we recognized each other, and i saw her pause in her step, and i nodded and waved, said a small "hi", and kept walking, and she smiled and waved and said hi but had that momentary stop as if to talk to me but must've kept walking when i did. almost as soon as she passed, the tears welled up, and at some point i also realized that it was 3/13, our anniversary, that 5 years ago to the day we had met at tony's and decided that that was it, and now here we were, two strangers walking down the sidewalk, almost brushing shoulders, and all i could feel was so much pain. the tears started almost immediately and i was in the office weeping, tears trickling down, and at some point, went to the bathroom to sob in the handicapped stall. how could the universe be so cruel. what were the chances of all of this happening, on that day of all days in the year.

she messaged me again: "hey such crazy timing seeing you just now! Sorry i would've stopped, but didn't know if i should cuz of your text. would you be down to meet up outside real quick or grab a coffee?"

to which i didn't reply but just cried and cried. i had last corresponded that we shouldn't communicate, and here she was, thinking we should, asking me to, in person, no less.

the cruelty was beginning to just be unimaginable and i seriously considered asking to go home for the day because i just felt so terrible and could not stop crying and i had been so proud of myself for not yet openly crying at work and yet here i was.

that was wednesday and today is saturday. i slept for 13 hours yesterday and have been crying on and off since then. it feels like regression. it feels like the first few months of her leaving. it feels so raw and new all over again, and everything has become so triggering. i'm realizing that when i take my walks, i rarely turn left at kenneth anymore and have been turning right, because left was how i walked with jadai. i still get her mail sometimes, but mostly junk mail. the mail man asked about her last week, asking if all jadai mail should be returned to sender and i said it should. whenever i walk by her building or even down that street, i wonder if she's in one of the cars, or in her office and can see me, and how stupid and fat and ugly and lonely i look, and whether she sees me with a mix of pity and regret. i think of her constantly. she has become a recurring dream, and in the last one, even there, i knew we were not together. i am not at rest, even in my sleep.

i need to go as today is lana's birthday dinner and i need to try and not cry for the first time this week. i've been trying to stay away from alcohol because it might induce more crying and then more subsequent regrettable behavior, but i don't know about tonight. i don't know how much longer this can continue. i thought i was out of the storm, but then the storm came back from me. how cruel.

[mitmama]

Whistler, Feb 2024

Vancouver Food | Whistler | Travel Tips

Just 1.5 hours north of Vancouver is the world class Whistler Ski Resort, host of 2010 Winter Olympics. This is our second winter in a row skiing at Whistler with the kids. There are actually two mountains, Whistler with more gentle green and blue trails and Blackcomb with more challenging blue and black trails, our fave.

Blackcomb

Last winter when we visited during Feb vacation week, it was record cold, -10 F, -30 F with windchill. This time the weather's a lot more comfortable, but there's less snow and the condition wasn't the best. The best place to go both times is top of Glacier Express, the view is spectacular.

On the right off the lift is Blue Line, one of the best trails with great view of the valley below. Off of that you can even find some powder on a good day.

From the left side of the lift, our kids and family hiked up to top of Spanky's Ladder, it's challenging to climb up, especially at the steep end. But the runs down Ruby or other bowls are quite exciting.

From left side you can take Crystal Traverse to Crystal Express, our second favorite lift with lots of nice blue and black trails. Our other favorite is Arthur's Choice, a black gladed trail. Next to it is Outer Limits, which is steeper and has more dense trees.

7th Heaven

One the best areas in the whole ski resort is 7th Heaven, which you can access via 7th Avenue off of the Jersey Cream Express (from Glacier Lodge) or the Blackcomb Gondola. It gets more sun and has both groomed and lots of soft powder and glades to explore. The only downside is everyone's here, and the line is often 15 minutes or more.

Peak 2 Peak

Between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains is the Peak 2 Peak Tram, which holds the world record for longest unsupported (free) span lift and longest continuous lift system.

It's fun to take the tram, whether on a partly foggy or beautiful sunny day. The view of the valley below and mountains all around is breathtaking. You can also see down in the valley the Fitzsimmons Creek power plant that produces enough power to cover the annual energy consumption of the whole ski resort.

Whistler Peak

Once you get off the Peak 2 Peak, or if you take Whistler Village Gondola all the way up, you can take Peak Express to go to top of the mountain. On a sunny day the view is spectacular.

Unfortunately, it was only sunny for maybe one out of 6 days we were there. Most of the time the peak is covered in fog, and sometimes even near white-out conditions. People would tell me to look and stay between the poles.

The condition mid mountain and up are better, lower to the village level it can be quite slushy.

Logistics

We stayed at Whistler Village the first year, closer to restaurants and shops. The second year we stayed at the Blackcomb side. Either way we found it easier to park at Parking lots #6 and 7, to avoid the 5 min walk carrying skis to our condo. From the lot you can take Excalibur Gondola at the midstation with shorter lines, then Excelerator Express to Glacial Creek Lodge, where you can then take Glacier Express up the mountain or Jersey Cream Express to Peak 2 Peak and 7th Heaven.

Food

For lunch, we mostly ate at the Glacier Creek Lodge, with a great view on a sunny day. It has the best food, pork belly ramen with tonkotsu All the lodges also offer delicious danishes, with everything from sppinach to guava to lemon filling. The best flavor is cherry and cheese cake. My kids also enjoyed the poutine there.

Whistler Village Dining

Down in the Whistler Village, getting a dinner reservation is often hard, so show up early e.g. 4:30pm if u want to make the first seating.

We'd recommend delicious Mexican seafood from Mexican Corner, probably my husband's favorite, serving an ultra-fine mango margarita.

Yummy sushi especially local albacore tuna from Sushi Village, probably the most popular restaurant in town. Both of these restaurants will have long waits, so put your name down ASAP, and the wait is often less than they tell you if u just missed the first seating at 4:30.

We found out about dinner reservation challenge the hard way, and just walked into the Indian Masala Bistro, which turned out to have delicious food. Check out especially their Malai Kofta. Just note their rice has to be ordered separately and the naan is rather small.

Vancouver Food | Whistler | Travel Tips

[dolphin-tours-virginia-beach]

Top 5 Best Things to do in Virginia Beach 2024

If you’re going on vacation in Virginia Beach in 2024 it’s good to have some insight from a local (born and raised) like myself to give you some help into the best places to go and things to do so you don’t waste precious time and money on trial and error! If you’re like me when I go on vacation or when I’m just enjoying home in Virginia Beach I want a blend of good food, relaxation and some adventure! In this list of the top 5 best things to do in Virginia Beach in 2024 I will show you how to make wonderful vacation memories and get you the most bang for your buck (and your time). Get ready to live the life in Virginia Beach!

1. Go on a Guided Kayak Dolphin Tour! There are only a couple of companies that offer this extra special experience where you paddle through the natural habitat of wild bottlenose dolphins in the calm water of the Lynnhaven Bay and Chesapeake Bay! GoKayak! Paddle with a Porpoise! is an industry leader in guided kayak dolphin tours with expert local guides that know the best routes to find wildlife and give you all of the details of the local history, ecosystem and the dolphins!

2. Eat at Watermans Surfside Grill!

This is by far the best restaurant in Virginia Beach. Locally owned and operated for multiple generations and situated right on the Atlantic ocean on 5th street. The only thing that beats the view is the extremely fresh, perfectly prepared seafood and the exceptional staff. This probably won’t be the last time you get recommended Waterman’s before you end up there and it may quickly become your go-to for great food and service while you’re in Virginia Beach. You’ll be happy you went!

3. Go to First Landing State Park!

First Landing State Park is a stone’s throw away from the action at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront but once you’re there you’ll feel like you’re miles away. With over 19 miles of trails and 3,000 acres of maritime forest it’s easy to get away from it all and truly connect to nature. There are multiple entrances to First Landing State Park and the closest one to the oceanfront is on 64th street. There are multiple bodies of water that surround First Landing which are Linkhorn Bay, The Narrows, Broad Bay, Long Creek and The Chesapeake Bay. First Landing State Park is a great way to see another side of Virginia Beach that’s just outside the action of the boardwalk.

4. Go to The Shack!

The Shack is one of the most unique and fun places to hang out in the evening you’ll ever come across. Located on 7th and Atlantic The Shack is an outdoor bar with food trucks that’s like a big luxurious backyard feeling. Lush flowers and palm trees surround the property with string lights overhead and great music. Then there’s the yard games like cornhole, bocci ball and ping pong! As the evening goes on it’s gonna be party time under the stars with a famous fresh squeezed drink in your hand! The Shack is a must do for an awesome night out! https://www.theshackvb.com

5. Rent Bicycles and cruise The Boardwalk!

Live like the locals and ride bikes all around the boardwalk area of Virginia Beach. Biking is the best way to get around and see all of the different parts of the 40 block, 2 1/2 mile long boardwalk. From 1st street where Rudee inlet is to 40th street you’ll take in the people watching and cruise along with an ocean view! The best part is you can stop along the way and grab a drink and a snack to sample the different selections along the way! If you want a leisurely adventure where you can see and do a lot in a short amount of time do what the locals do and cruise a bike up and down the Virginia Beach Oceanfront!

Well that sums up my Top 5 Best Things to do in Virginia Beach 2024! Now get out there and make the most of your vacation in Virginia Beach with your family. You’ve got the inside scoop from a true local! You can thank me later 😉💪🏼!

Love, Bryan!

[bullfrogjoy]

Bullfrog Joy

January 26, 2024

Good Morning! Weather update! It is not freezing cold!!! I read a quote yesterday about Midwesterners who think that when it gets up to 30 degrees in January that it is time to get the spring jackets out. I very joyfully got out a lighter weight coat, and I did take a walk the last two days. It felt really nice!!! Yep, I like the Midwest! (I even kinda like fog!)

Does anyone out there still print pictures or are they all on the camera roll of your phone? I like to scroll through my pictures and so do the grandkids, but I also really enjoy printed pictures in albums or scrapbooks. It’s the piles of pictures that get me. One of my projects that I want to finish has to do with all my pictures. I start albums and then quit. Or I get a bunch of pictures printed and then only half fit in my album. What to do? I am working on it.

One of my joys this week was filling up my photo album titled “Susan and Jan’s trips after kids.” I remember our first trip together after the kids flew away. We were a little worried about conversation without kids being involved, but it was fun. We went to Minnesota and visited several places, including a cabin on Rainy Lake and a wild boat ride to a brothel turned restaurant. The lake was really rough, the boat was really small, and we felt like we might be lost at sea. We held on tight and our knuckles were white, but we made it. The food was good, and the memory is one that pops up in our conversations a lot! I do have pictures!

Last night we sat on the couch and just thumbed through the album, trying to remember where that picture was or what was going on. Oh my friends, this was a joyful time together, sharing the same memories. Get the family albums out!

I take lots of pictures. Sometimes several of the same thing. That’s what I love about taking digital pictures on my phone. I can delete the bad ones, print the great ones and just keep some of the others for fun. What we remembered as we looked at some really blurry and bad pictures is that we used to have film, and we didn’t know until we paid for the developing if they were good or bad. I have so many pictures of Mt McKinley in Alaska because I just kept finding a better view! It was expensive to print all of them.

It used to be kind of a pain to carry my big camera around as we hiked. Now I just stick my phone in my pocket. I don’t get quite the magnification, but it is a lot easier to hike with a phone in my pocket than a camera around my neck. One of our family jokes, and why I take so many pictures, is that when I need to stop and breathe or rest, I pull my phone out and take some pictures! It doesn’t make me look quite so out of shape. Then I can joyfully delete the pictures that are terrible or the same as the last five.

This last week I did fill up an entire album with the pictures I took of Yellowstone and Glacier this fall. So much beauty!!! And I have a couple of scrapbooks filled with pictures and commentary of our Alaska trip and our Boston trip with Jonna and Aaron. Way too many pictures. Probably something the kids will throw away some day. But sooooo many memories of trips filled with joy. And what about all those pictures of our kids growing up? Oh JOY!

“A picture is worth a thousand words,” and the memories that come with them are priceless. What about those yearbooks? Aren’t they fun to look at? Wedding pics? New babies? First day of school? One of my favorites is Jonna going off to school, giving her little brother a kiss and wearing her home-made back pack and new tennis shoes.

Take joy in the journey my friends, but if you can take pictures (and maybe even print a few), that journey lasts a little longer. Joy to you all this much warmer week end. Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea. Joy to you and me.

[nataliesnews]

Modi. Rivlin 6.4.2021

I have not written much lately. One of my friends is very ill and it sent me back all those years to the time with Oscar.  In this case she was attacked by a germ which they have not been able to identify and antibiotics are having no effect. I was learning Spanish with her for the fun of it but over the years we also became friends. It is so sad as she has just been through a few bad years and a divorce and had moved into a new flat with no furniture and everything seemed to be going for her. She is under sedation and oxygen and one can only wait.

 But the last night I heard at last some wonderful news. My girl, Esther who did reflexology on me got married at the age of 40 and yesterday had a son. I was so thrilled for her. I just hope that her mother will be able to come as she is from Hungary. Esther also had Corona so this is such a relief.

 So much has happened also in the last few days so let me do it chronologically.

 I have often written of Chan el Achmar and a group called Friends of the Jahalin did a trip on Thursday. While we are at the school I thought maybe I had wasted my time as there was nothing new nor encouraging to hear. I only hope that International organizations manage to keep the school going and also the little miserable village from being destroyed. I look around at the shacks they live in, the tents, their conditions and find it unbelievable that we want to take even that away from them. Anyhow a young man, Modi, did a trip there and then went on to Nabi Musa and Mar Saba which are places which I have not seen for years though we have often hiked there.

 Nabi Musa was built in 1269 and the Moslems believe that Moses was buried there. Just lately some idiots, Jews and Muslims held a rave party there. It is like holding a rave party at the Wall. It has caused a great furor and has put a stop of the time to the idea of building a sort of a Chan ( hotel in the desert)  there. I don’t much hold with holy places. I am always reminded of the story of the two travellers in the desert whose dog died while they were on a trip and buried in under many stones so as to remember the place and every time they passed there they would add a stone and often saw that the heap was getting bigger. Then for many years they did not go back and when in old age, decided to make a trip of memory. As they drew near the spot they saw that there was a big celebration there and were told that it was in honour of the great prophet, Caleb (Dog). But you really have to have no respect to do anything like that. As you can see  you really have to  cover yourself to go in and this was how they dressed me.

  Then we went on to Mar Saba. My memory of it is arriving there on a hot day and only the men were allowed in. According to what I remember I think no woman ever has been allowed in. But we sat there for over an hour and a half in that baking sun  while the men had the grand tour. We were furious. But this time a road is being made to a lookout point on the other side.  It was really hard going up but two men who had a four by four came back and took myself and another woman up ….but it was a wild ride and once or twice I was sure that the jeep was going to topple over. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the view was great.

 https://www.seetheholyland.net/mar-saba/

 Our demonstrations do not seem to have done much good. The shouts of Bibi is the king…if they would listen I would shout to them Shaul was also king, he also was engaged with a witch and his sons came to no good end. Last night there was a demonstration at the house of the president. One does not know what to dread more…that Netanyahu will again from the government with some of the most fascist elements Israel has ever known…. Or that he will become the president in the place of Rivlin. Then the right will make him dictator. And give Yigal Amir a pardon and a life pension. Little about our protests appear on the news to be read or seen. I was yust thinking that Netanyahu would probably make a law to make him president for life when I read this about Putin

 Putin approves bill allowing him to remain president until 2036

Russian leader gives himself option of two more terms after this one ends in 2024‎; was first elected in 2000‎, has been the de-facto head of government since

https://www.timesofisrael.com/putin-approves-bill-allowing-him-two-more-terms-as-president/

 So on the light side:

So last night we were there and I met Lulu, this great dog whom I had noticed before with three legs.

  My friend, Dalia, lives in the same street as the home of the President. I hope for her said Netanyahu does not become President……then their street will be turned into a Bastille prison as Balfour has. When we went back to her house, the Bibiastiem, were standing on the other side. Of course they were given the closest area next to the presidential residence and as we came past the one with the microphone started jeering at me saying that I would have to go on walking for the next four years……I was surprised that we were not phatically attacked because the police would certainly have turned a blind eye. All the police presence seemed to be on the side of the left…..we traitors.

 Today we will go the Knesset for the grand opening….of what. Of a government which is being founded on the same day as the leader has been in court on charges of bribery and heaven alone knows what. I noticed his wife did not come along to do hold his hand. And I suggest to read this to see how the crime family controls the media,

 Ex-CEO of top news site: Skewed coverage of Netanyahu was part of quid pro quo

Ilan Yeshua details orders to fire top editor, bury negative stories, smear rivals, all coming from PM's aides; says Walla owners made clear their business interests were at stake

https://www.timesofisrael.com/ex-walla-chief-skewed-coverage-of-netanyahus-was-part-of-quid-pro-quo/

   https://www.jahalin.org/palestinian-school-under-imminent-threat-of-demolition/

 Don't Say We Didn't Know 741

In their efforts to make Palestinians of the South Hebron Hills leave, the Israeli army and  settler-colonists block ways that serve Palestinian traffic in the area.

On March 11, 2021, the Israeli army used boulders to block a track connecting Sha'ab Al Batam, Qawawis and Al Fakhit to Al Carmil and Yatta.

On Monday, March 22, 2021, settler-colonists blocked the track connecting Bir Al Eid, Jinba, Al Fakhit, Halawa and Al Markaz to Yatta, Susya and Al Carmil. 

On Saturday, March 27, Israeli human rights activists cleared this barrier.

   Modi. Rivlin 6.4.2021

[berniesrevolution]

IN THESE TIMES

THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHED ORDER ARE CRACKING. 

The day after democratic socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez won her Democratic primary last June, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary reported a 1,500 percent increase in searches for the word “socialism” on its website. Overall, socialism and fascism have become its most-searched words—a telling commentary. In the midterm elections, Ocasio-Cortez and another charismatic democratic socialist, Rashid Tlaib (D-Mich.), won seats in the House, and universal healthcare emerged as a potent, unifying issue that helped deliver Democrats control of that chamber.

The cornerstone of the passing era is hostility toward taxes, regulation and public investment. The era began with the election of President Ronald Reagan in 1980, but it was a Democratic president, Bill Clinton, who expressed its motto most memorably. “The era of big government is over,” Clinton proclaimed in his 1996 State of the Union. The white flag of surrender has flown over the Democratic Party ever since, with an all-too-brief interlude during Barack Obama’s first presidential campaign.

Perversely, it was a demagogic Republican who sensed the emergence of a new era and rode its currents to the White House. He may be a liar and a charlatan, but Donald Trump’s election-turning insight was that voters don’t want smaller government. They want government that works for them—and not for corporations. In addition to xenophobia and white Christian nationalism, Trump campaigned on massive infrastructure investment, “great” healthcare for everyone, taking on the pharmaceutical industry and “draining the swamp” of political corruption. Similar (but authentic) platforms of robust public investments and checks on corporate power have turned Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders into political sensations.

At least on paper, even the Democratic Party seems to be catching on that corruption—defined as the capture of government by wealth and special interests—is the new “big government.” In May, Democratic leadership released a three-page plan for “fixing our broken political system and returning to a government of, by, and for the people,” promising to beef up ethics laws and “combat big money influence.” If these promises are to be anything more than empty gestures, though, there is a long way to go. A May analysis by OpenSecrets showed that incumbent congressional Democrats had taken an average of $29,000 apiece from lobbyists since 2017, while Republicans had taken $30,000. In August, the Democratic National Committee overturned a ban on contributions from fossil fuel companies.

Universal healthcare is a case study in how the current system saps the energy for pushing major legislation through Congress. The majority of Democrats claim to want Medicare for All, but centrist Democrats, beholden to the insurance and hospital industries, are content to tweak Obamacare; they only support universal coverage by some vague mechanism, at some uncertain point.

Progressives, meanwhile, began rallying behind specific legislation in 2015: Medicare for All bills in the House and Senate. Local chapters of organizations like Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and National Nurses United began pushing for single-payer bills in individual states, helping move the issue into the national debate.

That split within the Democratic Party, multiplied across a range of issues, is an unmistakable sign of transformation. The Left is in a phase of intense institution-building similar to that of the Right in the 1970s and ’80s, with new and newly energized think tanks—Demos, Data for Progress, the Roosevelt Institute and the Democracy Collaborative, among others—and an electoral infrastructure made up of groups like DSA, People’s Action, Justice Democrats, Our Revolution and Working Families Party.

This progressive resurgence is reflected, as well, in the landscape of the 2020 Democratic presidential primary. The five probable contenders in the Senate—Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren—have among the Senate’s most left-leaning voting records, and they’re vying to distinguish themselves by introducing progressive legislation.

Gillibrand is the most striking example, and the best measure of where the Democratic Party’s energy lies. Once a centrist, she has tacked steadily left in recent years and is now one of the party’s leading voices for the #MeToo movement and immigration reform, in addition to becoming an energetic economic populist. In April, for example, she introduced a bill to require that post offices offer basic banking services, like checking and savings accounts and low-interest loans. It’s a partial solution to the abuses of the payday loan industry that could help the estimated 9 million “unbanked” people in the United States.

The effects of all this, as with the effects of the “Reagan revolution” of 1980, will take decades to fully manifest. But they will likely radiate out and reshape our politics for a generation and beyond.

“VALUE VOTERS”

The Republican ascendancy of the past 40 years has been driven by a network of institutions bankrolled by wealthy donors and corporate interests, harnessed to the conservative movement’s passion for a few key issues, especially its hatred of abortion, same-sex marriage and public education. Over the decades, the Heritage Foundation and other quasi-scholarly institutions, in sync with popular rightwing media operations, have given conservatives a unified agenda and framed it as an apocalyptic battle between good and evil. Broadly, the goal was to radically limit the federal government’s involvement in the economy and vastly expand its power to legislate Christian Right morality.

In the 1990s, the Democratic establishment’s “third way” exposed the party’s lack of a similar set of principles. The heart of the third-way paradigm was the idea that the Democratic Party could survive the libertarian and “values voter” onslaught only by meeting the GOP halfway, tacking between right-wing interests and the common good. Bill Clinton’s most influential policy successes, like the North American Free Trade Agreement, the welfare reform bill of 1996 and deregulation of the financial services sector, tended to serve corporate interests while betraying working-class and minority voters.

The Occupy movement of 2011, which pushed economic inequality front and center, was the first sign of a tectonic shift in our politics. The Sanders campaign of 2015-16 was the second. Both cast inequality as a moral outrage, with the same urgency and fierceness that evangelicals bring to the abortion debate. Writing in the Guardian, Sanders denounced oligarchy and called income inequality “the great moral, economic and political issue of our time.”

And it isn’t only about economic inequality. The nation’s moral imagination is broadening as inequality writ large takes center stage. We know too much about the consequences of climate change, especially in the most vulnerable communities, for it not to be a moral issue. The same is true of access to quality education. The many videos of police abuse, the stories of sexual assault, and the protests and movements they spawned—#MeToo, Black Lives Matter, NFL players taking a knee— have helped to galvanize and focus the progressive resurgence, along with Trump’s demonization of racial and religious minorities and his pride in sexual assault and misogyny.

“The old perceived trade-off, between appealing to a broad middle of the electorate and having a transformative agenda, is becoming outdated as progressives coalesce around ideas that speak to the people who’ve been excluded from our system,” says Adam Lioz, political director at Demos Action. “It’s an exciting moment in progressive politics, in that candidates recognize that putting forward a bold platform is actually the pragmatic thing to do.”

This is how new political eras emerge. Just as the capture of government by special interests in the 19th century provoked the rise of the Progressive movement, the pervasive corruption of our politics is now reinvigorating it. The evangelical Right's passion hasn’t faded, but its focus on sex and reproduction no longer dominates national discussions about morality. To talk about inequality and corruption is to talk about right and wrong, fairness and justice. We are all “values voters” now.

Translating progressive values and votes into policy is the task ahead. That can seem like a nearly hopeless prospect, given the current makeup of Congress and the Supreme Court. But it starts with putting forward a strong agenda to frame the debate. That’s what the conservative movement did for the Republican Party in the 1970s and ’80s. Across a range of issues—notably economic injustice, climate change, state violence against minorities and corrupt elections—it’s what the progressive movement is doing for the Democratic Party right now.

ECONOMIC INJUSTICE

With about 28 million people still uninsured in the United States—and with medical bills the leading cause of bankruptcy—the radical inequalities of the healthcare system remain one of the nation’s great moral failures. The number of cosponsors of the single-payer Medicare for All bill in the House, HR 676, is a measure of how decisively leftward the consensus has shifted. From 2013 to 2015, the number of cosponsors fell by one, from 63 to 62. It has since nearly doubled, to 123.

The campaign for a higher minimum wage, led most prominently by Fight for $15, has, since 2014, put struggles of minimum-wage workers front and center, winning a $15 wage in at least 35 cities, states and counties. In 2017, Democrats in the House and Senate introduced the Raise the Wage Act, which would hike the federal minimum wage to $15 by 2024 and index it to the median wage after that.

Warren and Sanders are the highest-profile progressive advocates in this realm. If either runs in 2020, they will help to set the terms of the debate. Warren has already released a proposal requiring that 40 percent of a corporation’s board of directors be elected by workers, known as “codetermination.” It would also require that social interests, not just shareholder interests, be a key factor in corporations’ decision making.

Warren’s proposal has no chance of becoming law anytime soon, but it has planted a flag for a radical idea (in the U.S. context), attracted media coverage, provoked discussion and shaped the debate over how capitalism is practiced. It’s a prime example of how ideas become mainstream, legislative agendas are formed, and a party out of power remains relevant.

(Continue Reading)

[cryptidsurveys]

Wednesday, August 28th, 2024.

What type of milk do you like to drink? I don't normally drink milk by itself, but if I was going to drink plain milk, then it would be whole.

Do you have a first aid kit at home? I don't.

What’s the absolute bare minimum in terms of facilities when you’re camping? As someone who used to do a lot of backpacking, I don't require any facilities. I'm even cool with cowboy camping (in a sleeping bag right under the stars) if the weather is nice enough.

How many places have you lived in your life? As far as states go, I've lived in Louisiana and Colorado. In Colorado, I've lived in a house, an apartment, and two duplexes.

Are your parents dog or cat people? Is that different or the same as you? My dad is more of a cat person. He's somewhat fearful of dogs. I think my mom is more of a cat person as well. She lives with a roommate and they have four cats and two dogs, but I believe the dogs belong to the roommate and are not her preference.

What’s your favourite flavour of potato chip? It's so hard to choose… I like jalapeno, salt and vinegar, lime, bbq, cheese, sour cream and onion…

What’s the longest your hair has ever been? How long is it now? I think the longest it's ever been was slightly past my shoulders, possibly approaching mid-back. It's very short now because I just gave myself a buzzcut.

What video games remind you of your childhood? Rollercoaster Tycoon, Children of the Nile, Mario Kart, Starcraft, Moraff Games (they had a bunch of different games - mahjong, tetris, pinball, puzzles, etc).

What does your body wash or soap smell like? Strawberries and cream.

Are there are sounds that bother you on a visceral level? There are sounds that annoy me (obnoxiously loud ads, high pitched beeping, etc), but as for something visceral…the birds at the pet shop where I used to work. One day they got to screaming and squawking so badly I almost blacked out with rage.

What was the last thing you bought online? Pretty sure it was an e-book.

Name something you always have in your fridge. Almond milk, yogurt, sriracha sauce, jalapenos, cheese…

Have you ever had to hire a lawyer? Why? I haven't.

Have you taken a walk today? Did you see any dogs? My dad and I went on a short hike at the Mountain Park. I didn't see any dogs. I saw some deer, though - not on the trail itself, but on the drive in/out as well as at the picnic site.

What vegetable do you really hate? There aren't any veggies I really hate.

Does your family have any traditions or rituals? My dad and I have some corny little traditions related to hiking trips.

If you could learn any language, what would it be? Japanese.

What was the best thing that happened today? Something that seems minor can still be awesome. Visiting the Mountain Park. The faintest whisper of autumn was in the air. It might have been subtle, but the nostalgia that overcame me was quite profound. That's one of my favorite things about nature and the cycle of the seasons - the way they evoke memories and emotions I can scarcely put into words. I was just happy to be there with my dad and to have that experience with him.

Have you ever donated money to a charity? Which one? At some point.

Did you have a large circle of friends in high school? I guess I had a decently large group of friends/acquaintances.

Would you ever get a matching tattoo with someone? My mom and I have matching tattoos, but it wasn't originally planned that way. I don't remember exactly how it went, but I got one for myself, she liked it too, probably asked if it was cool if she "copied me," and then got it for herself.

What time do you usually go to sleep? Soooo early.

Do you have a job? Not a paid job, but somewhere I basically work full-time? Yes.

What colour are the plates in your kitchen? They're not all one color.

What was the last gift you received? Easter chocolates from my mom.

What is your Chinese zodiac animal? Snake.

Are you inside right now? If you’re home, what room of the house are you in? I'm in my bedroom.

Are you good at remembering faces? I'm okay at it.

What will you do after this survey? Listen to something on YouTube until it's time for dinner.

[superstarstrategies]

Interest rates guidelines for first time home buyers

"With interest rates on the rise, some first-time buyers may be grappling with whether this is still a good time to buy a property in 2022,” says Zydah Manuel, Portfolio Manager First Time Home Buyers at Absa. And her point is valid.

Further increases in each quarter of 2022 up to 2024 are expected to account for inflation and other risks. However, this gradual rise in the repo rate will be sufficient to keep inflation expectations well-anchored and moderate the future path of interest rates, says the South African Reserve Bank Governor, Lesentja Kganyago. It is, in other words, all about the future, and for first time home buyers, who either own or intend to own property in the forthcoming months, there are questions about affordability and whether the market will be conducive for property investment.

“If we look at last week’s Budget announcement, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana announced some tax relief to boost investment and consumer spending. But, this also means consumers will need to review their budget to ensure there is affordability to purchase and maintain a home, and sufficient surplus to factor in the projected interest rate hikes and other associated homeownership costs,” says Manuel.

For those first time homeowners, who may find themselves financially stretched, it is concerning, but Absa has relevant solutions to support customers. For example, short-term payment plans on home loans allow for the monthly repayment to be reduced for 3 to 6 months, or the option of a long-term payment plan that extends the loan period by reducing the monthly repayment. “Terms and conditions apply,” says Manuel, “but consumers cannot wait until they are on the brink of financial collapse to engage these options.”

This is but one of the many common mistakes some first time home buyers make, along with not ensuring their credit record with credit bureaus remain sound.

So, is 2022 still a good year for first time home buyers to purchase a property, regardless of incremental interest rate hikes?

Manuel believes so, provided one’s financial circumstances and affordability allow for additional credit. Buying a home is probably one of the single-largest purchases many of us will make in our lives. As a customer, it is essential that one is realistic and works closely with one’s financial institution to assess affordability.”

However, the residential property market has remained resilient through Covid-19 and its lockdowns and is still very active. This means that most prospective buyers are still in a situation of realising the purchase of a home, but what they can afford is not necessarily what they aimed for, says Manuel.

“It helps that Transfer Duties are still exempted for properties below R1-million, and there is also the option of the FLISP government subsidy for first time home buyers, which is really an enabler for consumers to enter the market. This is excellent news for, for example, young families looking to move out of rental scenarios.”

Manuel also makes the point that some consumers may be the first generation in their family to enter university or formal employment and wish to provide a home for their extended family. “Entering the market as a first-time homeowner means you are engaging the potential to become a repeat buyer or property investor by diversifying into growing a property portfolio,” she says.

Absa is well geared to assist with the credit loan process associated with home loans, which is not as onerous as many first time homeowners imagine. Not only is there a number of educational and enabling pre-buying tools, but there are also a variety of home loan propositions to address the specific needs of consumers, and all are available on the Absa website.

·         First-time buyers may be eligible for a 50% discount on bond registration costs, preferential interest rates, and young professionals may obtain a home loan of up to 105% (terms and conditions apply).

·         Applications are made easy by applying for a home loan online on the Absa website, where speed and simplicity are assured for single or joint applications.

“But do your homework,” advises Manuel. “Make sure you have engaged the pre-qualification tool and the bond calculator; that you have an accurate budget that accounts for future hikes in costs; have a good credit history and score; and have knowledge and understanding, which can be acquired through Absa Knowledge Hub Centre. Ultimately, we want to help first-time homeowners enter the market and secure an asset for themselves and their families’ future. Our consultants are available on propertyhub@absa.co.za to answer questions and assist with the journey to becoming a homeowner for the first time.”

SOURCE: www.privateproperty.co.za

[peacekaleandyoga1]

Losing weight is something you should take with a grain of salt. You will not be successful if you do not plan your meals and exercising.Only by doing this will you be able to get a body you truly love. If you’re ready to do something that will make you feel better mentally and physically, read on to learn some great tips.

Keep your house free of temptation. If you don’t bring home donuts, you won’t be tempted to eat them. For instance, have fruits and vegetables ready to eat so you can grab something healthy when you feel like a snack.

Rewarding yourself for good behavior is an essential part of dieting. Treat yourself to a new workout outfit, a message or a little trip to your favorite store.

TIP! When trying to lose weight, perform your cardio workouts in the morning before breakfast. Doing cardio in this way actually burns up to 3 times the calories.

Some people prefer not want to cut back on butter or replace it with a butter substitute. Some people enjoy how real butter taste. You don’t have to stop using butter from your diet if you want to lose weight. All you need to do is eat whipped butter. It only has half the calories.

Pizza is a bit healthier than many other fast food items, make sure it is not too greasy.

You can use sandwich bags and plastic containers to keep the portions fresh. Having the proper measurements that can just be grabbed from the fridge can make you less tempted to overeat.

TIP! Take a hike. This will give you a chance to exercise your legs and burn off excess calories while enjoying the sights.

Smaller Portions

You can improve your health by using smaller portions of food. Research has shown that eating smaller portions plays an important part in reaching and stay at a good body weight. You will feel and will look better. You may be more energetic and have fewer health problems.

Plan your meals in advance to make sure you can stick to your diet. Planning in advance helps you avoid the temptation of making an unhealthy food choice at the last minute. Always follow the meal plans that you don’t gain unwanted calories. You can switch the days around depending your preference, but don’t switch a healthy meal with McDonald’s. You can even burn calories when you are cooking the food.

TIP! Stay away from loose clothing when trying to lose weight. When individuals are overweight, they tend to wear baggy pants and loose fitting tops to try and hide their fat and keep their mind off the pounds on their bodies.

If you are looking to watch your diet, try planning your meals around a total of 2,000 calories per day. Be sure that each meal provides you are getting the proper amounts of vitamins and vitamins. If you find gaps, consider changing your diet or taking multivitamins.

When going to the mall, try on clothing you want to buy, regardless of whether you can afford to get them right now.

Ask for dressing to be served on the side if you order salad in a restaurant. You will probably use a lot less dressing this way than would be added by the server. You will be grateful that you skipped the unnecessary calories when you have lost a few pounds.

TIP! Try focusing on staying healthy instead of losing weight. This may sound counter-intuitive, but healthy thoughts will lead to positive thoughts.

Getting enough sleep is essential for successful weight loss.A lack of sleep increase hormones that result in overeating.

If you do not like exercise, look for fun alternatives that will keep you active and moving. Lots of enjoyable activities help you burn calories. Choose whatever energetic activity that you love and engage in them as often as possible.

Weight loss is often elusive but this need not be the case for you.

TIP! Reducing your calorie intake is one of the best ways to lose weight. Burning more calories than what you eat is going to result in weight loss.

Losing weight by changing what you eat is only one part of the puzzle. You should also need to exercise.You need to go through the day and trying to keep your heart rate when possible.

Overweight children are very likely to remain overweight adults. No responsible parent wants that kind of future for their child to go through the consequences of being overweight. The best time to teach people about healthy eating is when they are young. You should teach kids to eat healthy by showing them that they can discover what goes into their food if they learn to interpret nutrition labels. You can make family meals. Your children will appreciate it more as they grow older.

Successful plans for losing weight require that people invest time, effort, and utilize proper planning so they can achieve their goals. By using some of the advice that has been provided to you, those additional pounds can be eliminated from your life.

TIP! In the middle of every meal, take a short break. This is because your body may not be able to determine if it has had enough.

If you enjoyed this post, you should read this: Global Weight Management Market 2019-2024: Breakdown by Diet, Equipment, Service, and Region - ResearchAndMarkets.com | Business Wire

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