Friday, August 31, 2007

300 Posts

WOW - I have reached post 301. 5626 Hits.

So the question that I am asking myself is........... how have I changed, what have I changed?

Physically:
I have dyed my hair, managed to grow it longer.
I have lost 4.5 kg and about 10cm round my waist.

Physical Habits: I starting walking again, exercise more regularly and drink water. Eating slighlty healthier.

Spiritually:
I have met people who have spiritually enriched me. Encouraged me and inspired me. I have not really explored my own spiritual beliefs in my own blog but reading others have touched me.

Mentally:
That is bit scary, I do not see too much growth. I see a yoyo between positive and negative thinking.

Creatively:
I have definitely explored and grown in this area the most. I have learnt things about the internet, computers, photography, knitting (Tks to knitting bloggers).

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Mixed Messages

I have been trying to figure out what I really want to do. I know that I want to be healthy, fit and happy. But what does that really mean?
Different ideas and thoughts have been running through my head, some positive and some not so positive.
Yesterday, I made an effort to ask questions about a possible new direction. Then today I got the message that the subject that I no longer wanted to teach will be taken away from me for next year.
Now, I feel confused. I realise that I have not been patient and asked both questions/desires. Do I stay where I am and hope that things will really be changing for the better, or do take a step in a new direction (possible financial uncertainty).
My daughter starts school next year, my husband seems to be happy with where he is at the moment, its just me.
The message I keep getting from all directions is that I must just set mind at it and I will achieve it. So what is holding me back? My past experience tells me I can achieve.

I stood on Monday in front of a group of teens. I told them that life is not so hard. It is not so complicated. It is is beautiful and God wants us to have life and have it more abundantly. We can have fun. I know that I was talking to myself. I hope that they got the message. The real question is - Did I?

Racing in JHB








My Best friend Denise and below her husband (They did the 10k)


5 Km Ladies walk/Run I completed a few weeks ago. Tomorrow I will be hiking +/-9km Across Helderberg Mountain.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Completing

Yesterday, I found the courage to pick up some knitting that I abandoned because I had lost the pattern. My friend Ruth gave me some advice a while ago on how to complete it without the pattern - just reduce.
I was too scared to mess up and kept hoping that I would find the pattern.

Yesterday morning I spoke to a group of kids and I encouraged them to choose life - to choose to have fun and get high - to influence each other in a way that makes our community stronger.

I have heard the words - don't be scared to make mistakes they are a part of learning.

So I thought to myself, if it does not work out, I can rip it and do it again.

Within a few hours I completed the hat for husband [it fits his head, stretchy sock wool] - it matches the scarf I made a while ago. It looks better on my daughter (hehehehe).

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Friday, August 24, 2007

Second Chances

That's what I felt I was given at the end of day yesterday. But I caught myself unconsciously feeling like I did not deserve it and that I was already wasting it. And POW - feeling of being of the verge the of sick kicked in - now I have a headache, post nasal drip, my throat is sore - lost my voice and I feel dizzy.
Went to bed early - got up and went to school - but after 3 periods I am back home.
Got a doctors appointment.

So I am thinking what must I do from now till then.
First option is to just jump into and feel sorry for myself (the second part it not a a good option or wise choice)
Second option is to lie in bed, play some good music and focus on positives. I can burn some healing incense sticks.
Third option - make some tea, drink a headache tablet and start working on my vision boards.

Second chances. I am going to grab this chance to turn around the things that I am unhappy with and change.

First step is the healing and balancing my throat chakra.

Chakra Five - Associations
  • Color - blue
  • Physical Location - throat, neck region
  • Purposes - learning to take responsibility for one's own needs
  • Spiritual Lesson - confession, surrender personal will over to divine will, faith, truthfulness over deceit
  • Physical Dysfunctions- sore throat, mouth ulcers, scoliosis, swollen glands, thyroid dysfunctions, laryngitis, voice problems, gum or tooth problems, TMJ
  • Mental and Emotional Issues - personal expression, creativity, addiction, criticism, faith, decision making (choices), will, lack of authority
  • Information Stored Inside Throat Chakra - self-knowledge, truth, attitudes, hearing, taste, smell
  • Area of Body Governed - throat, thyroid, trachea, neck vertebrae, mouth, teeth, gums, esophagus, parathyroid, hyperchalemus
Chakracise your throat chakra by gargling with saltwater, singing, or screaming. Usually there is ease with writing, speaking, and sharing thoughts with others.


Throat Chakra foods
  • Liquids in general: water, fruit juices, herbal teas
  • Tart or tangy fruits: lemons, limes, grapefruit, kiwi
  • Other tree growing fruits: apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, etc.
  • Spices: salt, lemon grass




Blue Light Healing Meditation from the DailyOM

Fascinating site - on the Colour BLUE

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

WW 21














The Family Who Eats Together Stays Together

I got this really interesting article from SparksPeople, written by Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietician:

The Benefits of Eating Together


It reminded me how we sometime forget or take for granted the simple things we do and the importance they have on our lives. For some of us its a good reminder that we are doing the right thing, for others its a reminder to get back to where we actually want to be (to what is really important).

Enjoy being with yourself and with your family. Let every meal be a celebration.

Monday, August 20, 2007

I am happier

"When a negative thought pops in your let it go" this is the advice I have been hearing over and over again in the books that I have been reading. I found myself avoiding them or trying to numb myself. Now the bells are ringing and I realise that I was not following the advise. I need to hear the thought or give it recognition and then let it go.
I am feeling more positive about me and about life. And I am falling in love with my husband.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

What are you attracting into your life?

What music would you listen to in order to order your world?

One of the favourite phrases I like to right in Birthday cards and in year books and T-shirts:
The world is your canvas, you are the painter so go ahead and paint yourself a paradise.
I read it somewhere (I was about 14 or 15 years old) and it really resonated with me. It may been repeated in one of Leo Buscaglia' books. He was one the authors that helped through my teenage years.
I would listen to songs like:Don't Give up Don't give in, Keep movin on etc.....

Now I am thinking I need to give myself a little project.
1. Create vision collages for various areas in my life
2. Put together soundtracks/music CD's for each.


NEED YOUR HELP. Please share your favourite music that cheers you up, gets you moving, keeps you moving, helps you reflect, calms you down. mmmmm staring to think I should make a tag. There might be a song out there that I have not heard or don't know about that could be a great addition to my new music collection.

I have noticed that some of the songs tend to be about woman leaving relationships in order to find themselves and happiness - that's not what I want. I want to to be a happy person within my relationships. I want to able to show my husband how much I love him and be open to receiving his love.

OUR SONG by Savage Garden TRULY MADLY DEEPLY

I love the tune I just want to dance when I hear it. Also like the words.



Something you should know about Truly Madly Deeply Lyrics

Title: Savage Garden - Truly Madly Deeply lyrics

Artist: Savage Garden

Visitors: 296370 visitors have hited Truly Madly Deeply Lyrics since Feb 12, 2007.

Print: Savage Garden - Truly Madly Deeply Lyrics print version

Verse 1

I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need.
I love you more with every breath
Truly madly deeply do..
I will be strong I will be faithful
'Cos I'm counting on a new beginning.
A reason for living.
A deeper meaning.
Chorus

I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me...
Verse 2

And when the stars are shining brightly
In the velvet sky,
I'll make a wish
Send it to heaven
Then make you want to cry..
The tears of joy
For all the pleasure and the certainty.
That we're surrounded
By the comfort and protection of..
The highest power.
In lonely hours.
The tears devour you..
I want to stand with you on a mountain,
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever,
Until the sky falls down on me...
Bridge

Oh can't you see it baby?
You don't have to close your eyes
'Cos it's standing right before you.
All that you need will surely come...

I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need.
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly madly deeply do...
Chorus




Saturday, August 18, 2007

Friendship

Love In The Guise Of Friendship


Your friendship much can make me blest,
O why that bliss destroy!
Why urge the only, one request
You know I will deny!


Your thought, if Love must harbour there,
Conceal it in that thought;
Nor cause me from my bosom tear
The very friend I sought.

by Robert Burns

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Pygmalion Effect

Yesterday I wondered whether believing something that is not yet true is being "real" or truthful. Whether it is really effective.

It seems to me that there is a lot evidence that believing is conceiving. If I treat myself with respect, see myself as happy and successful then is what I will be.
I have experience this myself and seems its time for me to start seeing myself like that again. I have achieved lot of what I have wanted and then I seem to lost my way.

Well I am have found my path and I am creating a new vision for my life. I am treating myself with the respect and honouring the person that I am.

I am a healthy, fit, slim, happy, successful, giving,creative, intelligent, articulate,spiritual woman. I am a good teacher, wife, daughter, sister and friend.

Self-fulfilling prophecy is also known as the Pygmalion Effect.

"An ancient myth

Magic certainly was involved in the ancient myth from which the idea of the self-fulfilling prophecy takes its other common name. As Ovid told the story in the tenth book of Metamorphoses, the sculptor Pygmalion, a prince of Cyprus, sought to create an ivory statue of the ideal woman.

The result which he named Galatea, was so beautiful that Pygmalion fell desperately in love with his own creation. He prayed to the goddess Venus to bring Galatea to life. Venus granted his prayer and the couple lived happily ever after.

A modern update

That's where the name originated but a better illustration of the "Pygmalion Effect" is George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion (ONE OF MY FAVOURITE MOVIES), in which Professor Henry Higgins insists that he can take a Cockney flower girl and, with some vigorous training, pass her off as a duchess. He succeeds. But a key point lies in a comment by the trainee, Eliza Doolittle, to Higgins' friend Pickering:

"You see, really and truly, apart from the things anyone can pick up (the dressing and the proper way of speaking and so on), the difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she's treated. I shall always be a flower girl to Professor Higgins, because he always treats me as a flower girl, and always will, but I know I can be a lady to you because you always treat me as a lady, and always will."

from: Better Management by Perception

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Exploring My Thoughts

I am sure you have heard about "the Secret". I have watched the DVD twice.A few weeks ago when I felt myself on the verge slipping into depression I went to my doctor and as part of my non-drug program he suggested that I read the book "the Secret".

It was sold out. I also felt that it was bit expensive - still figuring out how to pay the doctors bill.
Well, miracles of miracles, a friend bought the book and has lent it to me -TODAY.
I am only on page 8, so far it seems to be word for word the script of the DVD.

While reading a few thoughts came to mind.

1. If this is true then my thoughts are pretty scary and I am attracting depression and disaster
into my life.

2. To change my thought patterns - do I pretend or ignore my feeling and emotions. Or is this dishonest and counter productive. Or do i project want I really want even though I am not there yet or feel like that and as I project it will it really create an atmosphere for it to become true?

3. I really want to be happy

Comming Soon

I will be putting up the pictures of my 5km race, my daughter's first flight and .............

WATCH THIS SPACE

Monday, August 13, 2007

Gratitude

Spending time with my friends and family this past few days has helped me gain some clarity and perspective. They also just showered me with so many blessings in form of material goods and advise.
I wonder how I could have ever felt so lonely and at the point of giving up when I have people who love me and are ready and willing to support me.

I am sitting here wondering why do negative thoughts seem to have more "power" or carry more weight than positive ones.

I have been feeling unhappy for a while and constantly I am made aware that my throat chakra is unbalance (emotional balance and communication). After this weekend I finally came to a decision about work - I am sure that the profession that I am in is the right one for me - I believe its my calling. Due to various circumstance and my way of thinking about issues have brought me to a point in my career that I am not happy. Today I spoke for myself. I am not sure what is going to happen. Somehow I don't feel relieved. I have a headache and I just feel like crying.

I wish that the gratitude to those who have blessed me - gratitude for the courage to make a decision, to speak for myself will just continue to wash over me and wash away the pain and sadness.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Home Safe and Sound

It was a good trip. Jeandre' thoroughly enjoyed her first flight. It was great to see family and friends. I feel very tired but very blessed.

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

WW# .........

I have lost 0.5kg. Down to 102.6kg.

I am in a internet Cafe at the moment. My friend has some business to do.

Arrived safely in JHB. My daughters first flight - pictures will be up after I get back home.

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Photo Scavenger Hunt (Wordless Wednesday)


Small waves


Newspaper article of outreach we did. The I CAN project. Collected food cans and then presented a program in the area.


Rainbow in the clouds. We saw this last week in the Ceres area, after playing in the snow


One of my favourite black outfits as a Teen.


Homemade Pizza Bread - Low GI recipe


Technically I don't really have a garden - live on a College Campus. This is next to our Dormitory. The Picture above and below

PS - I will be in JHB from Wednesday-Sunday 8-11 August.
Going to celebrate National Woman's Day by doing a 5km fun walk.

Monday, August 06, 2007

Inner Muse

This is actually a scary result. A few years ago I am sure it would have been different. I don't like it. Wonder how I go about changing - cause unfortunately I think its true.

Okay so I did the test again - change my answers. The two things I need to add to my life is mre music and start dancing again. DANCE! now there is something I have not done in ages and I have no idea to really include it in my life. Dancing alone at home is just appealing.

Your Inner Muse is Melpomene

You are most like this muse of tragedy.
While you aren't depressed, you don't shy away from sadness.
Although you do tend to be gloomy, you have a sensitive side.
And this sensitive side helps inspire and help others.

Saturday, August 04, 2007

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Book Review & Giveaway

I have entered.

"I was just chatting with Crystal, the owner of Two Moms in a Blog. She asked if I had read any good books lately. I said, “Sure I have, The Yada Yada Prayer Group. She replied, “No Way”. I was like, “What?” and she said, “I’m reading that right now!”

How funny! It just proves though this is an awesome book.

The Yada Yada Prayer Group members meet each other at a weekend women’s conference when they all have the same number on their packets. They come very different walks of life but they are thrown together to pray together that weekend. This forms friendships that continue even after they leave the conference.

It is a heartwarming tale of these women, their lives, their struggles and their new found friendships. I was inspired by their bond and by many of the character’s faith. This is one of the first fiction books to speak to me in such a way that God was using it to speak to my life. I especially liked how the characters used Scripture as they prayed. Something I have never done very often or very well. I felt convicted to learn to do so better in my own prayer times. I believe that God sent this book into my life at just the perfect time.

Since Crystal and I both LOVE this book we thought everyone else should have a chance to read it. Sooooo we’re giving one away! Yep! That’s right! Enter the contest by posting a comment to this blog post recommending a book that you’ve read recently and you’ll be entered into the contest! It’s that simple. The book will be given away on Monday, August 6th. So don’t miss out!"

Friday, August 03, 2007

The Name Meme

This is the What’s In A Name? Meme started by Two Moms In A Blog.


My name is: Simone Allison

It means: Origin:

1.Simone Hebrew and French

Listening

He (God) has heard


2.Allison

Noble,Kind Old German

exalted nature Revived in England in 20th century

I am tagging:

Addie, Claudelle, Whenn, Modern Goddess Online, Authentic Woman.


If you have been tagged, copy and paste all of this - from the image to the end of the instructions - into a blog post. Then, change the information to match your name and tag three other bloggers. If you don’t know what your name means, you can try looking it up on Baby’s Name World.

Okay so I added 5. You only need to tag 3 other bloggers.

Tag You're it

From MJ's World
Here's how this little exercise in randomness works: Grab the book closest to you. Turn to page 161, and type the fifth complete sentence on your blog.

Finding Your Own North Star:
"Think of three of art (songs, movies, images, poems, plays, books et.) that resonate with your current state"

I think you see this one coming -- "TAG, YOU'RE IT!"

Thursday, August 02, 2007

WW # 14



Weight maintained at 103.0kg , Centimetre loss 1cm from 113 to 112cm.