Crisis cannot exist w/out opportunity..

Happy New Year all!

Aakii — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:39:10 GMT

Sorry I am not on much, doing other things! But love and kisses to you and know I still think of you! mmmmmmmwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!

Venus!

Aakii — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:05:15 GMT

Did anyone see the sky last night. Venus and Jupiter and the moon were in perfect alignment and this they say we shall never see again in out lifetime. What wonders of the world.

Learn to Be Nice to Your Wife, or Pay the Price...

Aakii — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:12:57 GMT

By Blaine Harden Washington Post Foreign Service Monday, November 26, 2007; Page A01 FUKUOKA, Japan -- Salarymen -- the black-suited corporate warriors who work long hours, spend long evenings drinking with cronies and stumble home late to long-suffering wives -- have danger waiting for them as they near retirement. Divorce. A change in Japanese law this year allows a wife who is filing for divorce to claim as much as half her husband's company pension. When the new law went into effect in April, divorce filings across Japan spiked 6.1 percent. Many more split-ups are in the pipeline, marriage counselors predict. They say wives -- hearts gone cold after decades of marital neglect -- are using calculators to ponder pension tables, the new law and the big D. Skittishly aware of the trouble they're in, 18 salarymen, many of them nearing retirement, gathered at a restaurant here recently for beer, boiled pork and marital triage. The evening began with a defiantly defeatist toast. Husbands reminded themselves of what their organization -- the improbably named National Chauvinistic Husbands Association -- preaches as a sound strategy for arguing with one's wife. "I can't win. I won't win. I don't want to win," they bellowed in unison, before tippling from tall schooners of draft beer. The pork was scrumptious and the mood jolly, but throughout the dinner meeting there was an undertow of not-too-distant domestic disaster. "The fact that a wife can now get 50 percent has ignited guys to think about their fragile marriages," said Shuichi Amano, 55, founder of the association and a magazine publisher in this city of 1.3 million in western Japan. The word chauvinist in the group's name, Amano says, is not intended to refer to bossy men. Instead, it invokes the original meaning of the Japanese word that today translates as chauvinist, kanpaku, a top assistant to the emperor. Men near the end of their corporate lives, he said, are especially edgy. "To be divorced is the equivalent of being declared dead -- because we can't take care of ourselves," Amano said. When his wife told him eight years ago that she was "99 percent" certain she was going to dump him, Amano said, the only things he then knew how to do in the kitchen were to fry eggs and pour boiled water over noodles. Since then, in addition to learning how to listen and talk to a wife he had ignored for two decades, Amano said, he has learned how to take out the trash, clean the house and cook. Marriage in Japan is going through an increasingly rough patch. As in the United States and most wealthy industrialized countries, the age of first marriage is being pushed back in Japan. Between 1962 and 2006, the average age at which a woman married for the first time slid from 24 to 28. But for well-educated (and presumably well-informed) young women in Japan, marriage is fast becoming a sociological rarity. In 1980, about three-quarters of Japan's college-educated women were married by age 29. Now, seven out of 10 are single at that age. In the past 20 years, the percentage of women in this elite demographic category who do not want to marry at all has almost doubled -- to about 29 percent. This wariness is a rational response to the isolation and drudgery of being a wife in Japan, according to Hiromi Ikeuchi, a family counselor with the Tokyo Family Laboratory. "I don't think it is the fault of men," she said. "It is the corporate culture that expects men to work late." Japan's divorce rate had been rising steadily for decades. Then, in 2003, the law was passed granting a divorcing wife the right to as much as half of her husband's pension. But the pension provision did not go into effect until this April. "Hundreds of thousands of women were waiting," said Ikeuchi, who added that since April about 95 percent of divorce applications have come from women who apparently were done waiting. "Unfortunately, I think the divorce rate is going to go up." She said the situation is particularly worrisome for married men nearing retirement -- men who are soon to return full time to the bosom of families they have financially supported but emotionally ignored. "This husband who comes back is an alien," Ikeuchi said. "For a wife to accept this alien is going to be very, very difficult." While many experts agree that there is a marriage crisis brewing in Japanese, the response of men has been tepid. The National Chauvinist Husbands Association has been widely covered in the Japanese news media in the past five years. But it has recruited just 4,300 members in a country of about 60 million men. Most married men in Japan are simply not paying attention, Ikeuchi said. "They think their wives will take care of them, like they took care of the children," she said. "They have no conception if their wife is happy." The husbands association ranks its members on a scale of 1 to 10. A "1" is a well-meaning but clueless guy who has done little more than show up at a group meeting. A "10" is a husband who has reached a Zen-like state of being able to show his wife through his daily behavior that he truly loves her -- and even manages to spit out the words "I love you." It is not common in Japanese culture for men or women to say those words, even in happy marriages, according to marriage counselors. So far, the husbands association has unearthed only one "10." He is Yoshimichi Itahashi, 66, president of a concrete company here in Fukuoka. He has been married for 38 years and has two daughters and a son. For almost all of that time, he behaved coldly and selfishly toward his wife and children. "I think my generation especially has grown up in a very feudalistic era," he said. "I never said I was sorry. When I came home from work, I would say I want to eat dinner, I want a bath and I want to go to bed. I had no time to talk to my wife." Before the beer and pork supper, Itahashi invited his wife, Hisano, to explain some of the details of his misbehavior. "He didn't exist in the family," she said. "It was almost like a family of mother and children, like there was no father. Not only was he not there, I couldn't get in touch with him at all." Itahashi joined the husbands association five years ago, but kept it a secret from his wife for a year, as he quietly taught himself to pay more attention to her and the now-grown children. He said the 2003 divorce law helped focus his mind and see domestic relations in Japan for what he now believes they are -- a volatile mess. "Japan is a peaceful country, but the household is at war," he said. Two years ago, Itahashi did something new -- he bought his wife a birthday present. "Up until my 60th birthday, he had not given me anything at all," she said. "But on my 60th, he sent me 60 flowers." Hisano Itahashi said that she is heartened that her husband is trying to make amends for the decades he ignored her. Still, she said, the war in her household is not over and her husband has lots of work to do. "There was only one time he said he loved me," she said. "And that time, he was standing behind me." Midway through dinner in Fukuoka, as beer flowed and men exchanged marriage-preservation tips, the newest member of the association was sworn in. Motoharu Kitajima, 30, married over the summer. He runs a local beauty college and said his work requires that he spend a lot of nights out drinking with colleagues. He joined the association as a preventive measure, he said, to help alert him to strains in his marriage. He is going to try to leave boozy dinners early and get home, he declared. Asked whether he has yet mastered the art of telling his wife that he loves her, he replied: "I can say, 'I love you,' if I am drunk." Dinner broke up before any of the husbands got noticeably drunk. As they filed out of the restaurant, Amano advised the husbands not to go to a second drinking party. He said they should go home to their wives. Boy, we women are taking over the world aren’t we? If you don’t take care of us, we will take care of ourselves!

PUSH!

Aakii — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:45:19 GMT

P-----pray? U----until S--something H --happens? Thanks for sending me this Reese! I needed it!

Rocky where are you!

Aakii — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:00:00 GMT

I miss you sooo much! I hope you are safe , wherever you are and that if someone has you they are taking good care of you. And I pray to one day see you again! We miss you Rock! Love, Mom

Heaven Peeking out at me!

Aakii — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:59:28 GMT

I just love driving home, i see the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

For you Trudy....

Aakii — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:05:57 GMT

:: Go With the Flow... Even If It's 'Wrong' :: Sometimes we think we're doing our kids a favor when we tell them the "right" way to do something: "No, dear... Do it *this* way." We think we're just saving them the hassle of reinventing the wheel, or preventing something from being "wasted," or saving time. But our corrections also send unintended, unspoken messages, like... * The end result is more important than the process. * Efficiency is more important than joy. * There is no value in making mistakes. * Better to go with a "sure thing" than to take risks. In other words, frequently correcting children undermines their (and our) creativity! So next time you see your child doing something the "wrong" way, ask yourself if it's really so bad that you can't go along with it. See if you can relax and enjoy witnessing his or her process of discovery. Children who are allowed to find their own way learn that they *can* find their own way. Copyright (c) 2008 by Scott Noelle "Inspiration & Coaching for Progressive Parents"

Ban on Sex for Soldiers in Afghanistan Lifted ... Sort Of

Aakii — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:53:07 GMT

JALALABAD, Afghanistan -- Single soldiers and civilians working for the U.S. military in Afghanistan can now have sex legally. Sort of. A new order signed by Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, commander of Combined Joint Task Force-101, has lifted a ban on sexual relations between unmarried men and women in the combat zone. Poll: Sex in a War Zone Okay? General Order No. 1 outlines a number of prohibited activities and standards of conduct for U.S. troops and civilians working for the military in Afghanistan. Previously, under the regulation, sexual relations and "intimate behavior" between men and women not married to each other were a strict no-no. The regulation also barred members of the opposite sex from going into each other's living quarters unless they were married to each other. But the latest version of General Order No. 1 for Afghanistan, which Schloesser signed April 19, eases those restrictions. The new regulation warns that sex in a combat zone "can have an adverse impact on unit cohesion, morale, good order and discipline." But sexual relations and physical intimacy between men and women not married to each other are no longer banned outright. They're only "highly discouraged," and that's as long as they're "not otherwise prohibited" by the Uniform Code of Military Justice, according to the new order. Single men and women can now also visit each other's living quarters, as long as everyone else who lives there agrees, and as long as visitors of the opposite sex remain in the open "and not behind closed doors, partitions or other isolated or segregated areas," according to the new regulation. Unmarried men and women who are alone together in living quarters must leave the door open, according to the new policy. Men and women "will not cohabit with, reside or sleep with members of the opposite gender in living spaces of any kind," unless they are married or if it's necessary for military reasons, the new policy states. A cursory reading of the order would seem to suggest that unmarried men and women could have sex in their living quarters, as long as all other persons who live there agree, or if they left the door open, if they were otherwise alone. But that's not the case, said Lt. Col. Rumi Nielson-Green, a spokeswoman for Regional Command East and Combined Joint Task Force-101. "Sex in both scenarios … would be a chargeable offense under the UCMJ," Nielson-Green said, referring to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, in an e-mail to Stars and Stripes. Nielson-Green said the policy change was "not significant on a practical level" since it simply aligns General Order No. 1 in Afghanistan with similar policies in the region. Neither U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, nor Multi-National Forces-Iraq bar sexual relations between unmarried men and women in their version of the order, she said. "The expectation is that troops should behave professionally and responsibly at all times," Nielson-Green said, adding that while the new regulation does not condone sex, it "does recognize that such behaviors happen, and if they result in any chargeable offenses, then appropriate actions will be pursued." "The bottom line is that the troops are responsible for their own behavior," Nielson-Green said. She declined to "speculate" on the conditions under which soldiers could engage in legal sexual behavior. The UCMJ contains several provisions under which sexual relations are prohibited between men and women. For instance, married persons cannot engage legally in sex with anyone other than their spouse, or they can be prosecuted for adultery. Sexual relations between subordinates and higher-ranking personnel are prohibited within the same chain of command. Sexual relations between officers and enlisted personnel are generally prohibited as well. Homosexual relations are completely prohibited under the code. Nielson-Green said the new policy does allow commanders to make the provision on sex more restrictive, as long as they have approval from the CJTF-101 commander. In eastern Afghanistan, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, which is nearing the end of its 15-month deployment, won approval to stick with the old policy that bans sexual relations between unmarried soldiers. Maj. Will Helixon, the brigade judge advocate, said the issue was basically one of fairness. "After we've treated the soldiers this way for a year, it's not really right to change," said Helixon said. "That's the bottom line." According to Helixon's staff, 28 soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade have been punished for having sex in Afghanistan or for violating the no-entry rule in the past year. Those punishments ranged from letters of reprimand to field-grade Article 15s. At Forward Operating Base Fenty, near Jalalabad, the reaction of soldiers to the lifting of the sex ban was mixed. Some soldiers declined to comment. Others said they were married, so the change would not affect them. Some thought it simply create more problems. "I think it's a bad idea," said Pfc. Shane Inman, 30, of Fort Dodge, Iowa. "I think there's going to be a lot more pregnancies going around. Not that there already isn't. But at least they won't get in trouble for it." WHAT? (ROFLMAO)

nayeli has again blossomed and transformed....

Aakii — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 21:08:12 GMT

Just to inform you all i have again blossomed and transformed to a new inner being, that is now radiating and in the drivers seat! Thank you Nayeli it was a long road and I will see you again soon my friend! Aakii has now come about while trying to trace my roots, someone once said, 'this is the stock that we are made of...this is the blood that runs through our veins!" I thought wow that is pretty intense and powerful, where do i really come from and what is my stock and what blood runs through my veins is it a blood of strength or sedition? well it bothered me so i decided to research it. I found that i am just as much Blackfoot as i am white or black, and in researching this side of my heritage,I found that I have a rich heritage and finally my life began to make sense! I should not want to move all around and desire to be one with so many places, everywhere should not be home to me, but it is because my people were nomadic they followed the buffalo! They were skilled hunters, strong mothers and good wives, they loved deep and hard. There children unfocused and playful, but always strong and full of courage! (Wow is this, my life’s story or what!) Very smart people! Their religious practices, the natural visions, their entrance sic dances, there love for the land and the earth and the way they spoke to GOD, was exactly how I have done it for so long. This finally spoke to me! Even the way they treated people, though great warriors who would kill with malicious intent, preferred not to fight or capture but to share and love first and pray this did not fail. Always in my heart, it has been carved there since birth! In light of my new growth as a person, I feel this is part of the mystery that is me, that helps to make me a woman, I finally feel more complete! I finally feel like a woman! So onto the next step! So in honor of this I have chosen the Blackfoot word for woman and that word is Aakii, my new tattoo will be Siksika Aakii (blackfoot woman!)

Calling all friends...You gotta try this!

Aakii — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:57:54 GMT

it is free! go to: www.pandora.com become a member and create a profile and make your own radio stations! The site picks the songs and keeps on going! no commercials and you can run your computer or laptop at work and just groove to whatever you like all day or whatever you are in the mood for! There is almost nothing they don't have and your stations just grow and grow, playing all the music you love. for example if you pick Jill Scott: then you get her and then it starts throwing new artist that are in her genre, like badu and music and lucy pearl and the list goes on, even if the artist is not the song may be like some mary j stuff, or whatever. they have Latin, alternative and everything WOW its beautiful baby! Or how about that song you heard, and you know the artist but not the song then you hear clips if you need to and they are working on videos too. this is the shit! i am going old school next and lets see what happens.

Love is so fucking grand...isn't it!

Aakii — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:50:58 GMT

Cracking up!

:: Unreasonable Love ::

Aakii — Tue, 27 May 2008 19:21:37 GMT

To love *unconditionally* means you don't need a "reason" to justify loving. In other words... 1. When you have a good reason to love, then you love. 2. When you have a good reason *not* to love, you love anyway. 3. You love for no reason at all. In our conditional-loving culture, "reasonable" loving is the norm. So today let's practice the second and third types of loving... Whenever your child behaves in a way that would conventionally be seen as an excuse to love *less*, be a rebel and love *more*! That doesn't mean praising behavior you dislike, it means responding with your heart wide open. Also, draw a heart on the back of your hand (or create any easily noticeable cue), and whenever you notice it, say "I love you" or offer your child a hug, a loving gaze, or any loving gesture. How does it feel to love "just because"? Are you willing to love *yourself* "unreasonably" too? :-) These are not my words, just something I think everyone in my universe needs to hear! With love Nayeli

:: Remember Your Purpose ::

Aakii — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:04:46 GMT

Imagine... A lovely, sunny day. You're alone in a grassy field, kicking a ball around. You have no goal but to enjoy yourself -- pure fun! Some friends show up and join you in play. Someone suggests a game of soccer, so you establish boundaries, goals, and teams. This focuses and intensifies the shared excitement and fun. Soon, without even noticing, you get so involved in the game that you forget why you were playing in the first place. You become so afraid of losing that the *fun* is lost. But then you remember, "Oh, yeah... This was supposed to be FUN!" and you're back in your groove, instantly! You feel even more empowered as you realize you transformed the game entirely from within -- unconditionally. Today, let go of any worries that prevent you from being fully present with your kids, and remember that parenthood is supposed to be fun. That's what Nature intended... And so did you!

Not in a happy place right now.....

Aakii — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:16:05 GMT

I am so drained, mentally, physically, and spiritually, I am so malnourished, I could spit venom! I certainly do not like to feel this way, my light has diminished and I am back in darkness, hardening and angry. I have fulfilled all the needs of everyone around me and they want and need more, it is never ending, by the time you are done and you wake up, you realized months have gone by and no one gives a damn, they are still sitting there with their hand out. Can you believe I don't even like to give hugs, to people, it physically takes so much from me, like I am some kind of jumper box and they get a jolt and they are gone! I don't want to be like that with others so I stay at a distance. It is all I can do to keep everyone away, so I can think, so I can recharge! I don't want to talk I don't want to move, I don't want anything. I am so unhappy with myself it is disgusting. In a bad place and I cannot get out!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Aakii — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:48:17 GMT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG DADDY!

I feel like Screaming!

Aakii — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:30:10 GMT

I read this today and it is filled with such insight and wisdom that I thought I would share it with you all. I felt like screaming and after I read it , I didn't! It gave me something else to do! ::: "I Feel Like Screaming!" ::: As you embrace the idea of honoring your emotions as Inner Guidance, you may wonder, "But what about when I'm so frustrated that I *feel* like screaming at my child?" First, understand that your Emotional Guidance is meant to guide your *thoughts*, not your actions directly. As your thinking comes into alignment with your Authentic Self, you'll be inspired to better actions. Negative emotions are cues to *go within* and get centered *before* you act. Second, realize that when you're angry *at* your child, it's only because you've been culturally conditioned to believe that if you feel bad, someone must be to *blame*. And it feels better to blame someone else than to blame yourself. The key to moving beyond blame is to *allow* the blameful thoughts, but take no action against the "blamee". Take only the "inner action" of reaching for better-feeling thoughts. If you can't stop yourself, try deep breathing, taking a walk, or screaming into a pillow -- anything to redirect the energy harmlessly.

Pick a fruit personality...

Aakii — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:02:26 GMT

Pick a fruit and put your answer below then repost for yourself if you like. Don't spoil it...just do it. Which fruit will you pick if you were handed these? The results will astound you! 1. Orange 2. Apple 3. Banana 4. Coconut 5. Pineapple 6. Papaya 7. Mango 8. Cherry 9. Black Grapes 10. Peach 11. Custard Apple 12. Pear Which did you pick??? (Pick one before you scroll down...do not CHEAT!!!) Remember, you'll be surprised by the results! YOU'D BETTER NOT BE CHEATING!! KEEP SCROLLING!! ORANGE - If orange is your favorite fruit, it speaks of a person who has enduring patience and willpower. You like to do things slowly, but very thoroughly and are completely undaunted by hard work. You tend to be shy, but are reliable and trustworthy friend. You have an aesthetic bent of mind. You select your partner with care and you love with all your heart, and not in for just a fling. You avoid conflict at all costs. APPLE - If apple is your favorite fruit, you are an extravagant, impulsive and outspoken person, often with a bit of a temper. While you may not be the best organizer yourself, you make a good team leader and are good at taking things forward. You can take quick action in most situations. You enjoy travel immensely. You ooze with charm when you are with your partner. You have an enthusiasm for life, unmatched by most. BANANA - You are a softy! Loving, gentle, warm and sympathetic by nature is the banana lover. You often lack in self-confidence and are quite timid by nature. People often take advantage of your sweet temper, and sheer vulnerability to a situation. You adore your partner in every which way, both for their mental and physical beauty! Because of the way you are, your relationship is always very much in harmony! COCONUT - The coconut lover is a serious, very thoughtful and contemplative person. Though you enjoy socializing, you are particular about the company you keep. You tend to be stubborn but not necessarily foolhardy. Shrewd, quick-witted and alert, you ensure that you are right on top of any given scenario, especially at work. You need a partner with brains, and while passion is important it certainly isn't everything for you. PINEAPPLE - You are quick to decide and even quicker to act. You are brave in asking career changes, if that is what is to your advantage. You have exceptional organizing abilities and are undaunted by the size of the task at hand. You tend to be self reliant, sincere and honest in your dealings with others. Though you are not given to making friends very quickly, but once you do, it is for life. Your partner is often impressed with your sterling qualities but disappointed in your ability to show affection. PAPAYA - You are truly fearless and take much that happens in life in your stride. You give considerable thought to things you do. You have a sense of humor that, along with your generous nature, keeps you in most people's good books. You are a go-getter in your professional life, and have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. You enjoy meeting new people and seeing new sights whenever you can. Your sense of humor is what attracts members of the opposite sex to you more than anything else. It is simply charming! MANGO - A mango lover is a personality to reckoned with; quite often, you are a person who has quite fixed ideas, and influencing you is not an easy task. You tend to be an extremist with strong likes and dislikes, and at times even like to control a situation.. You enjoy getting involved in something that presents mental challenge.. Strong as you may be, you are like a kitten when you are with your partner. You accommodate the love of your life, and make up for all the strong will elsewhere! CHERRY - If cherry is your favorite fruit, life isn't always as sweet for you. You often face ups and downs, particularly professionally, and find that you make small sums of $$$, instead of a lump sum. You have a fertile imagination and are often involved in creative pursuits. You are a very sincere and loyal partner, but find that expressing your feelings is not very easy. Your home is your haven, and you love nothing more than being surrounded by close family and your beloved partner. BLACK GRAPES - You are a polite person in general, but do have quick flare-ups of temper that cool down just as quickly. You enjoy beauty in all forms, including beautiful people. You are very popular because of your warm, gregarious nature. You have a zest for life; you enjoy everything you do, right from the way you dress, to your style and your day-to-day life. Your partner must share your zeal and zing for life to enjoy all you have to offer! PEACH - Like a peach, you enjoy the juice of life and all its lush ripeness! You are the friendly sort, and are quite frank and outspoken, which adds to your charm. You are quick to forgive and forget; and value your friendships highly. You have an independent and ambitious streak in you that make you a real go-getter. You are the ideal lover, fiery and passionate but sincere and faithful in love. You don't, however, like to display all that passion in public. CUSTARD APPLE - You are a modest and conservative person who can be quite sensitive at times. You tend to be thoughtful and contemplative, and therefore are rarely rash in doing things. You are quite ambitious and are good at anything that requires much detailing or working with numbers. You are quick at finding fault with others. While looking for a partner, you value a person's intellect far above their looks or good old passion. You are quite shy and not very comfortable demonstrating affection. PEAR - If you put your mind to something you can do it successfully, but by and large you tend to be fickle and have trouble completing a task with the enthusiasm you started it with. You need to know the results of your efforts almost immediately. You enjoy mental stimulation and love to get into a good discussion! You tend to be a restless and high-strung person, and are easily excited.. Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect! It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!

To all my divine compliments....(friends!)

Aakii — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:29:59 GMT

You never know when your guardian angel will be there for you so I have to try... Here goes: People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person… When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away! Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on. Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Forest Gump at the Pearly Gates

Aakii — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:12:37 GMT

Maybe we should all remember these answers for when it is our turn. They sound logical to me. The day finally arrived. Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven. He is at he Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. However, the gates are closed, and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper. St. Peter said, "Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven." Forrest responds, "It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope that the test ain't too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was." St. Peter continued, "Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions. First: What two days of the week begin with the letter T? Second: How many seconds are there in a year? Third: "What is God's first name?" Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and sees St. Peter, who waves him up, and says, "Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers" Forest replied, Well, the first one—which two days in the week begins with the letter “T”? Shucks, that one is easy. That would be Today and Tomorrow. The Saint's eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, "Forrest, that is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point, and I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer. How about the next one?" asked St. Peter? "How many seconds in a year? Now that one is harder," replied Forrest, but I thunk and thunk about that, and I guess the only answer can be twelve." Astounded, St. Peter said, "Twelve? Twelve? Forrest, how in Heaven's name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?" Forrest replied, "Shucks, there's got to be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd... " "Hold it," interrupts St. Peter. "I see where you are going with this, and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind....but I will have to give you credit for that one, too. Let us go on with the third and final question. Can you tell me God's first name"? "Sure," Forrest replied, "it's Andy." Andy?" exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St Peter. "Ok, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up with the name Andy as the first name of God?" "Shucks, that was the easiest one of all," Forrest replied. "I learnt it from the song, "ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN." St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates, and said: "Run Forrest, run." Give me a sense of humor, Lord. Give me the ability to understand a clean joke, To get some humor out of life, And to pass it on to other folks. I love Forest! LOL!

RED MARBLES

Aakii — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:06:39 GMT

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me. "Hello Barry, how are you today?" "H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good." "They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?" "Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time." "Good. Anything I can help you with?" "No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas." "Would you like to take some home?" asked Mr. Miller. "No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with." "Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?" "All I got's my prize marble here." "Is that right? Let me see it" said Miller. "Here 'tis. She's a dandy." "I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?" the store owner asked. "Not zackley but almost." "Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble". Mr. Miller told the boy. "Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller." Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, "There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store." I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles. Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes. Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket. "Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size....they came to pay their debt." "We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, "but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho ." With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles. The Moral : We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath. Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ~ A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself...An unexpected phone call from an old friend...Green stoplights on your way to work... The fastest line at the grocery store...A good sing-along song on the radio...Your keys found right where you left them. Give this to anyone you will never forget. I just Did... Don't be in such a hurry you don't even notice the ordinary miracles when they occur. IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED

Morning sky over home!

Aakii — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:45:15 GMT

I took this picture on my way to work this was the reflection that I saw in the rear view mirror, so I had to stop make a u turn and pull off the road for this one! i thought it was breathtaking. I am gonna miss those sunrises!

It just one of those days....

Aakii — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:30:20 GMT

I think no matter where you live you can appreciate this one... I went into the gas station today and asked for five dollars worth of gas..... The clerk farted and gave me a receipt.

Unconditional Presence: The Oak Tree

Aakii — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:57:59 GMT

Imagine a great Oak Tree. It knows where it stands, and it holds powerfully to its position. But it doesn't defend its position -- it's simply *there*. You can drive a car into the massive trunk of the Oak Tree, and the car will be smashed while the tree remains standing. It's not standing *against* you, and it doesn't take your destructive behavior personally. It just remains rooted... focused... present. Unconditionally. Now imagine that *you* are the Oak Tree... How does it feel to be so powerfully positioned? Isn't it nice to know that no one can uproot you? Would you even bother to resist? Or would you simply relax and enjoy being right where you want to be? Next time you feel "uprooted" by the behavior of others, emotions, or any other possible condition, remember the unconditional presence of the Oak Tree. "Stand rooted in the ground of infinite Well-Being! There is nothing to resist... All is well. (Thanks Nedra for sending this today! I really needed it!)

What goes around comes around....

Aakii — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:20:17 GMT

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog. There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death. The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved. 'I want to repay you,' said the nobleman. 'You saved my son's life.' 'No, I can't accept payment for what I did,' the Scottish farmer replied waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel. 'Is that your son?' the nobleman asked. 'Yes,' the farmer replied proudly. 'I'll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of.' And that he did. Farmer Fleming's son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin. Years afterward, the same nobleman's son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia. What saved his life this time? Penicillin. The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son's name? Sir Winston Churchill. Someone once said: What goes around comes around. Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching... Sing like nobody's listening... Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

Test.... I got a 34!

Aakii — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:41:27 GMT

Dr. Phil's Test Try this.... Below is Dr. Phil's test. (Dr. Phil scored 55; he did this test on Oprah - she got a 38.) Some folks pay a lot of money to find this stuff out! Read on, this is very interesting. Don't be overly sensitive! The following is pretty accurate and it only takes 2 minutes. Take this test for yourself! Answers are for who you are now --- not who you were in the past. Have pen or pencil and paper. This is a test sometimes given by the Human Relations Dept. at many major corporations. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and prospective employees it’s only 10 simple questions, so grab a pencil and paper, keeping track of your letter answers to each question. Make Ready?? Begin… 1. When do you feel your best? a) In the morning b) during the afternoon and early evening c) Late at night 2. You usually walk... a) Fairly fast, with long steps b) Fairly fast, with little steps c) Less fast head up, looking the world in the face d) Less fast, head down e) Very slowly 3. When talking to people you. .. a) Stand with your arms folded b) Have your hands clasped c) Have one or both your hands on your hips d) Touch or push the person to whom you are talking e) Play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair 4. When relaxing, you sit with. a) Your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side b) Your legs crossed c) Your legs stretched out or straight d) One leg curled under you 5. When something really amuses you, you react with... a) Big appreciated laugh b) A laugh, but not a loud one c) a quiet chuckle d) a sheepish smile 6. When you go to a party or social gathering you... a) Make a loud entrance so everyone notices you b) Make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know c) Make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed 7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you’re interrupted… a) Welcome the break b) Feel extremely irritated c) Vary between these two extremes 8. Which of the following colors do you like most? a) Red or o range b) Black c) Yellow or light blue d) Green e) Dark blue or purple f) White g) Brown or gray 9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are... a) Stretched out on your back b) Stretched out face down on your stomach c) On your side, slightly curled d) With your head on one arm e) With your head under the covers 10. You often dream that you are... a) falling b) fighting or struggling c) searching for something or somebody d) flying or floating e) you usually have dreamless sleep f) your dreams are always pleasant POINTS: 1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c ) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1 3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6 4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1 5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2 6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2 7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4 8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1 9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1 10.(a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 ; (e) 6 (f) 1 Now add up the total number of points. OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should 'handle with care.' You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you. 51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventure some, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate. 41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly i n the center of attention, but sufficiently well balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out. 31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful &practical. They see you as c lever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken. 21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature. UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you' re boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't. Now forward this to others, and put your score in the subject