Friday, May 15, 2009

Secret Love

He makes me wanna listen to slow jams and read poetry...

John Clare

Song [Secret Love]

I hid my love when young while I
Couldn't bear the buzzing of a fly
I hid my love to my despite
Till I could not bear to look at light
I dare not gaze upon her face
But left her memory in each place
Where ere I saw a wild flower lie
I kissed and bade my love goodbye

I met her in the greenest dells
Where dew drops pearl the wood bluebells
The lost breeze kissed her bright blue eye
The bee kissed and went singing by
A sunbeam found a passage there
A gold chain round her neck so fair
As secret as the wild bee's song
She lay there all the summer long

I hid my love in field and town
Till e'en the breeze would knock me down
The bees seemed singing ballads l'er
The fly's buss turned a Lion's roar
And even silence found a tongue
To haunt me all the summer long
The riddle nature could not prove
Was nothing else but secret love

This is me, take it or leave it!

EXTRAVERSION:
easily expresses emotions, not drained by social interaction, smiles a lot, believes most people like or will like them, bold, likes to lead, would rather be a participant than an observer, gregarious, loves night life activities and crowds, likes to participate in group discussions, oftens assumes the role of "Entertainer" or "Performer", easy to get to know, spends more time with others than alone, competes for the spotlight, fits in most places, likes to be popular, frequently touches people, spontaneous, likes to amuse, optimistic, social chameleon, charmer, tends to be confident

HEDONISM:
willing to break the law if the monetary benefit is great enough, likes tattoos, likes strip clubs, prone to substance abuse, prone to shoplifting, thinks marijuana should be legalized, not opposed to breaking laws, promiscuous, prone to cheat in relationships, kinky, likes to dress provocatively, believes pleasure should play a central role in life, can be crude, believes religion is foolish, does not worry about consequences of actions, addictive tendencies, more a night person than a day person, erotic, more likely to have been on anti-depressants, gets attention through negative behavior, reckless with money, prone to nihilism, unpredicable, self destructive

MATERIALISM:
wealth seeking, prefers extravagence, superficial, believes the bigger the pay check the more important the person, competitive, selfish, preoccupied with money, believes they deserve to have whatever they want (sense of entitlement), seeks status and power relative to peers, believes there is nothing wrong with marrying partly for money, disdains financial insecurity, avoids losing status and control, looking good is more important than comfort, believes in success through appearances, second place is not good enough, manipulative, has a need for applause, not generous, loves to win awards, does things primarily for own benefit, gets angry when they don't get when they want, used to getting their way, prefers instant gratification

SEXUALITY:
more kinky than vanilla, erotic, feels pleasure should play a central role in life, not oppossed to strip clubs, promiscuous tendencies, likes to be naked, seductive, loves getting massages, likes to dress provocatively, merges and feels intimate oneness with others, believes love is proven through physical expression, believes they get what they want because of how they look, more sensual than intellectual, uses looks to get what they want, believes personal relationships are more important than personal privacy, would rather risk rejection than remain alone, not afraid to show their feelings when they like someone, impulsive, charmer

HISTRIONIC:
strong need for applause, gets angry and frustrated if they don't get what they want, likes to be popular, believes winning is no fun unless people know you one, desires more attention, competes for the spotlight, grew up feeling they had to stand out to be happy, gets attention through negative behavior, self absorbed, frequently feels envious, likes to manipulate others, superficial, tends to become involved with people quickly, feels best when admired, wants things done their way, used to getting their way, uses their looks to get what they want, quick tempered, impulsive, vain, loves to win awards, performer, entertainer, pleasure seeking, swayed by emotions, prefers instant gratification, self promoting, believes in success through appearances, wealth seeking

VANITY:
uses looks to get what they want, arrogant, self-absorbed, believes they can get what they want because of how they look, believes in success through appearances, cares about how they look to others, believes looking good is more important than comfort, feels best when others find them physically attractive, believes other people are envious of them, superficial, feels best when admired, attentive to appearance, spends a lot of time thinking about what is attractive, feels they are better looking than most people, competes for the spotlight, self promoting, feels both superior and defective, likes to manipulate others, seductive, likes to be popular, used to getting their way, reckless with money, wealth seeking, does things primarilly for the benefit of themself, does not like to be friends with people who are physically unattractive, tends to wear tight fitting clothing if female, desires more attention, assumes most people like them

FEMALE CLICHE:
uses their looks to get what they want, more into shopping than hiking, likes to wear tight fitting clothing, likes to wear makeup, believes looking good is more important than comfort, experiences the feeling of envy frequently, emotional, does not like to dress plainly, cares about how they look to others, physically weak, likes to dress provocatively, takes notice of people's teeth, keeps up an appearance, likely to have kept a journal, believes they get what they want because of how they look, prefers the tv show Friends to Seinfeld, feels best when others find them physically attractive, seductive, prefers attractive design over good engineering, fears being unwanted or unworthy of love, swayed by emotions

CONFLICT SEEKING:
quick-tempered, more war than peace, likes to instigate anger in others, can be hurtful, arrogant, says mean things intentionally, makes enemies, prone to verbal rants, enjoys fighting, more likely to be aggressive than form alliances, more rough than tender, competitive, can be crude, likes to antagonize people, finds it easy to manipulate others, does not treat others as they would like to be treated, reckless, impulsive, destructive, insult artist, brutally honest, all or nothing personality, gets attention through negative behavior, believes it is necessary to be ruthless to be successfull, unpredictable, thinks most people are idiots, comes on too strong, more a leader than a follower

WORK ETHIC:
desires accomplishment, determined, hard working, goal oriented, can forget to eat and sleep when focused on work, achiever, success driven, perfectionist, motivated, does things by the book, meets obligations on time, disciplinarian, planner, ambitious, responsible, purposeful, self-controlled, workaholic, over-achiever, focused, not afraid of a high stress job, likes the security of working for a company, good trouble-shooter, was mature at a young age, does not give up until the work is done, logical, wants to be capable and competent.

Poetry...

James Whitcomb Riley

The Lost Thrill

I grow so weary, someway, of all things
That love and loving have vouchsafed to me,
Since now all dreamed-of sweets of ecstasy
Am I possessed of: The caress that clings—
The lips that mix with mine with murmurings
No language may interpret, and the free,
Unfettered brood of kisses, hungrily
Feasting in swarms on honeyed blossomings
Of passion's fullest flower—For yet I miss
The essence that alone makes love divine—
The subtle flavoring no tang of this
Weak wine of melody may here define:—
A something found and lost in the first kiss
A lover ever poured through lips of mine.

William Blake

Love's Secret

Never seek to tell thy love,
Love that never told can be;
For the gentle wind doth move
Silently, invisibly.

I told my love, I told my love,
I told her all my heart,
Trembling, cold, in ghastly fears,
Ah! she did depart!

Soon after she was gone from me
A traveller came by,
Silently, invisibly,
He took her with a sigh.

Christina Georgina Rossetti

Remember

Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.

W. B. Yeats

When You Are Old

When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;

How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;

And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.

Emily Brontë

Love and Friendship

Love is like the wild rose-briar,
Friendship like the holly-tree—
The holly is dark when the rose-briar blooms
But which will bloom most constantly?

The wild-rose briar is sweet in the spring,
Its summer blossoms scent the air;
Yet wait till winter comes again
And who will call the wild-briar fair?

Then scorn the silly rose-wreath now
And deck thee with the holly's sheen,
That, when December blights thy brow,
He may still leave thy garland green.

William Morris

Love Is Enough

Love is enough: though the World be a-waning,
And the woods have no voice but the voice of complaining,
Though the sky be too dark for dim eyes to discover
The gold-cups and daisies fair blooming thereunder,
Though the hills be held shadows, and the sea a dark wonder,
And this day draw a veil over all deeds pass'd over,
Yet their hands shall not tremble, their feet shall not falter;
The void shall not weary, the fear shall not alter
These lips and these eyes of the loved and the lover.

"No, Thank You, John."
Christina Rossetti

I never said I loved you, John:
Why will you tease me day by day,
And wax a weariness to think upon
With always "do" and "pray"?

You know I never loved you, John;
No fault of mine made me your toast:
Why will you haunt me with a face as wan
As shows an hour-old ghost?

I dare say Meg or Moll would take
Pity upon you, if you'd ask:
And pray don't remain single for my sake
Who can't perform that task.

I have no heart? - Perhaps I have not;
But then you're mad to take offence
That I don't give you what I have not got:
Use your own common sense.

Let bygones be bygones:
Don't call me false, who owed not to be true:
I'd rather answer "No" to fifty Johns
Than answer "Yes" to you.

Let's mar our pleasant days no more,
Song-birds of passage, days of youth:
Catch at today, forget the days before:
I'll wink at your untruth.

Let us strike hands as hearty friends;
No more, no less; and friendship's good:
Only don't keep in view ulterior ends,
And points not understood

In open treaty. Rise above
Quibbles and shuffling off and on:
Here's friendship for you if you like; but love,
No, thank you, John.

Touching 'Never'
Christina Rossetti

Because you never yet have loved me, dear,
Think you you never can nor ever will?
Surely while life remains hope lingers still,
Hope the last blossom of life's dying year.
Because the season and mine age grow sere,
Shall never Spring bring forth her daffodil,
Shall never sweeter Summer feast her fill
Of roses with the nightingales they hear?
If you had loved me, I not loving you,
If you had urged me with the tender plea
Of what our unknown years to come might do
(Eternal years, if Time should count too few),
I would have owned the point you pressed on me,
Was possible, or probable, or true.

If a man wants you...


If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away.
If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay.

Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior. Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache.

Stop trying to change yourselves for a relationship that's not meant to be.

Slower is better. Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy.

If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no, you can't "be friends." A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend. Don't settle. If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is.

Don't stay because you think "it will get better." You'll be mad at
yourself a year later for staying when things are not better.
The only person you can control in a relationship is you.

Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women. He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant, Why would he treat you any differently?

Always have your own set of friends separate from his.

Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you. If something bothers you, speak up. Never let a man know everything.--He will use it against you later.

You cannot change a man's behavior. Change comes from within.

Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are... even if he has more education or in a better job. Do not make him into a quasi-god.

He is a man, nothing more nothing less.

Never let a man define who you are.

Never borrow someone else's man.

If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you.

A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you.

All men are NOT dogs.

You should not be the one doing all the bending...compromise is a two way street.

You need time to heal between relationships...there is nothing cute about baggage... deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship

You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you...a relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals...look for someone complimentary...not supplementary.

Dating is fun...even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr. Right.

Make him miss you sometimes...when a man always knows where you are, and your always readily available to him- he takes it for granted.

Never move into his mother's house. Never co-sign for a man.

Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need.

Keep him in your radar but get to know others.

Share this with other ladies.....

You'll make someone SMILE, another RETHINK her choices, and another woman PREPARE.

"They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them and an entire lifetime to forget them."

R.I.P. Miles

R.I.P. Miles

Police Kill Suspect and Wound Another in Robbery Attempt

By Joshua Partlow
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 7, 2006; Page B06

An exchange of gunfire yesterday morning between Prince George's County police and a young man suspected of attempting to rob a house near the University of Maryland left the man dead and another hospitalized with a bullet wound in the buttocks, police said.

Matthew Sciannella, 21, said he was playing video games with his brother when he heard people opening the sliding glass door on the first floor of the house he shares with four other University of Maryland students and a student from Anne Arundel Community College.

When Sciannella and his brother went downstairs, they saw a masked gunman run out of the house, on 48th Avenue in Berwyn. Sciannella said he fled and was briefly followed by one of the three. "Do you want to die, [expletive]?" Sciannella recalled the man shouting.

Sciannella called authorities on his cellphone about 1:30 a.m. to report the robbery attempt. Three county police officers responded in less than 90 seconds. As they took up positions around the house, one of the masked men ran out the back door, police said.

When the man was within about five yards of police, he pulled out a handgun and fired several times, said Maj. Kevin Davis, a district commander. None of the officers was hit, and all returned fire, he said. The man stumbled a few feet and died, police said.

"It was an absolute miracle that at least one of our officers wasn't killed," Davis said.

Police shot a second man, who ran out of the house and went into woods nearby, in the buttocks. He underwent surgery at a hospital, police said. Authorities said there is a possibility that a third person was involved in the attempted robbery.

Police said they found a handgun on the ground near the man who was killed. The wounded man might have been armed, too, police said. Police did not say whether the wounded man shot at police or at what point in the case he was shot. Sciannella said he heard at least 13 shots. There were bullet holes in the drainpipe alongside the house and in a drink bar in the back yard.

Police did not immediately identify either man but said they were about 18.

A law enforcement source said marijuana was found in the house, and police are investigating the possibility that the robbery was connected to drugs. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.

Sciannella said he thought that the suspects weren't coming for the drugs. He said that a safe held rent money and that one of his brother's friends recently purchased a shotgun that the robbers demanded. "They said, 'Where's the hammer? Where's the hammer?' And by that they meant a gun," he said. "I would assume they knew at least one of the people here."

One of the men pistol-whipped one of the residents inside the house, police said. The resident was treated at a hospital and released. Sciannella confirmed a pistol-whipping and said two other roommates were kicked.

The officers involved in the shooting -- identified as having eight, five and three years of service -- will be placed on routine administrative leave pending an investigation.

Davis said he thinks the shooting was a justified use of force.

"It was a pretty scary ordeal," Sciannella said.

Staff writer Debbi Wilgoren contributed to this report.

© 2006 The Washington Post Company

I got flowers today!

I Got Flowers Today!

We had our first argument last night, and he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me. I know he is sorry and didn't mean the things he said, because he sent me flowers today. I got flowers today. It wasn't our anniversary or any other special day.

Last night he threw me into a wall and started to choke me. It seemed like a nightmare, I couldn't believe it was real. I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over. I know he must be sorry cause he sent me flowers today. I got flowers today, and it wasn't mother's day or any other special day.

Last night, he beat me up again, it was much worse than all the other times. If I leave him, what will I do? How will I take care of my kids? What about money? I'm afraid of him and scared to leave. But I know he must be sorry because he sent me flowers today. I got flowers today, and it wasn't mother's day or any other special day.


I got flowers today.***Today was a very special day. It was the day of my funeral!*** Last night, he finally killed me. He beat me to death. If only I had gathered enough courage to leave him, I would not have gotten flowers today...

The Rules of Drunk Dialing

The Rules of Drunk Dialing

1. It is okay to call someone 27 times in one night. If you don't remember it, it didn't happen.

2. Only drunk dial when you are drunk. Everything else is false advertisement.

3. If you are going to drunk dial a family member, say something nice.
Ex." Mom I'm in McDonald's and they're playing our song. I love you"

4. Dirty talk while drunk dialing is always preferred. Who doesn't want to hear your best raspy, phone sex voice at 3 in the A.M. asking to bend them over something?

5.Voicemails are always better. This way your friend can let their friends have fun at your expense for days, even weeks to come.

6.Drunk texting is alright... If you are prepared to read what you wrote the next day when you are sober.

7. It is definitely a good idea to call all of your exes and remind them that you were the best lover they've ever had and everything they know, they learned from you. This way you can sleep well at night.

8. You can also call this same ex and let him know, that you know, that he still loves you. Then explain to him that I would still love me too!

9. If you are a frequent dialer, never get mad if someone dials you. Be happy they thought of you in this special time.

10. It is always a good idea to sing on someone's answering machine or voicemail. Especially a show tune.

11. Drunk dialing should be fun and light hearted. or dirty and sex crazed... Never angry.

12. Most likely you will never drunk dial your best friends. They're usually the ones taking your phone away and reminding you that "you have a problem".

13. If you deleted a number sober, it was probably for a good reason. Do not try to retrieve this number. Nothing good can come from it.

14. Always call someone you know. Finding random numbers in phone books is bad and usually leads to angry dialing.

15. If your cell phone dies, remember everything happens for a reason. Never borrow a friend's phone to do your dialing.

16. Drunk dialing to foreign country is usually too costly to be a good idea. But if you really feel like if you don't call this person you'll just die, break rule 15 and use a friend's phone.

17. Drunk dialing may lead to drunk sex. Be prepared.

18. When dialing remember that "hanging out" at 3 in the A.M. usually doesn't involve cards...it's probably going to be more like cheap lube and handcuffs. So be prepared when you really do want to play X-box when your drunk..... "you want me to do what with your box? Play with it?"

19. Don't drunk dial in the pool, tub, or rainstorm. It only ends up with you blow drying your phone when your far to drunk to be using electronics and you wont be able to drunk dial anymore that night.

20. Never, I repeat, never drunk dial your boss, preacher, grandpa, or friend's parents. If you are that hard up to call someone, there is an 800 number on Budweiser boxes. The person on the other line always sounds cute, plus I think they are used to drunk dialers!

Reason, Season, Lifetime

PEOPLE COME INTO YOUR LIFE FOR A REASON

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.

Rules of the Bar, EVERY Bar

Rules of the Bar, EVERY Bar:

There's more to it then tipping a glass and acting foolish.

1. If you owe someone money, always pay them back in a bar. Preferably during happy hour.

2. Always toast before doing a shot.

3. Whoever buys the shot gets the first chance to offer a toast.

4. Change your toast at least once a month.

5. Buying someone a drink is five times better than a handshake.

6. Buying a strange woman a drink is still cool. Buying all her drinks is dumb.

7. Never borrow more than one cigarette from the same person in one night.

8. When the bartender is slammed, resist the powerful urge to order a slightly-dirty, very-dry, in-and-out, super-chilled half-and-half martini with a lemon twist. Limit orders to beer, straight shots and two-part cocktails.

9. Get the bartender's attention with eye contact and a smile.

10. Do not make eye contact with the bartender if you do not want a drink.

11. Unacceptable things to say after doing a shot: Great, now I'm going to get drunk. I hate shots. It's coming back up.

12. Never, ever tell a bartender he made your drink too strong.

13. If he makes it too weak, order a double next time.

14. If you offer to buy a woman a drink and she refuses, she does not like you.

15. If you offer to buy a woman a drink and she accepts, she still might not like you.

16. If she buys you a drink, she likes you.

17. If someone offers to buy you a drink, do not upgrade your liquor preference.

18. Always have a corkscrew in your house.

19. If you don't have a corkscrew, push the cork down into the bottle with a pen.

20. Drink one girly drink in public and you will forever be known as the guy who drinks girly drinks.

21. Our parents were better drinkers than we are.

22. Never talk to someone in the restroom unless you're doing the same thing—urinating, waiting in line or washing your hands.

23. Girls hang out, apply make-up, and have long talks in the bathroom. Men do not.

24. After your sixth drink, do not look at yourself in the mirror. It will shake your confidence.

25. It is only permissible to shout 'woo-hoo!' if you are doing a shot with four or more people.

26. If there is a d.j., you can request a song only once per night. If he doesn't play it within half an hour, do not approach him again. If he does play it, do not approach him again.

27. Learn how to make a rose out of a bar napkin. You'll be surprised how well it works.

28. If you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to drink in a bar. Go to the liquor store.

29. If you owe someone twenty dollars or less, you may pay them back in beer.

30. Never complain about the quality or brand of a free drink, and if you get one, tip accordingly or don't expect one again.

31. If you have been roommates with someone more than six months, you may drink all their beer, even if it's hidden, as long as you leave them one.

32. You can have a shot of their hard liquor only if the cap has been cracked and the bottle goes for less than $25.

33. The only thing that tastes better than free liquor is stolen liquor.

34. If you bring Old Milwaukee to a party, you must drink at least two cans before you start drinking the imported beer in the fridge.

35. Learn to appreciate hangovers. If it was all good times every jackass would be doing it.

36. If you ever feel depressed, get out a bartender's guide and browse through all the drinks you've never tried.

37. Try one new drink each week.

38. If you are the bar's sole customer, you are obliged to make small talk with the bartender until he stops acknowledging you. Then you're off the hook. The same goes for him.

39. Never tip with coins that have touched you. If your change is $1.50, you can tell the barmaid to keep the change, but once she has handed it to you, you cannot give it back. To a bartender or cocktail waitress, small change has no value.

40. If you have ever told a bartender, "Hey, it all spends the same," then you are a cheap ass.

41. Anyone on stage or behind a bar is fifty percent better looking.

42. You can tell how hard a drinker someone is by how close they keep their drink to their mouth.

43. A bar is a college, not a nursery. If you spill a beer, clean it up. If you break a glass, wait for a staff member to clean it up, then blame it on someone else.

44. Being drunk is feeling sophisticated without being able to say it.

45. It's okay to drink alone.

46. After three drinks, you will forget a woman's name two seconds after she tells you. The rest of the night you will call her "baby" or "darling".

47. Nothing screams 'nancy boy' louder than swirling an oversized brandy snifter.

48. Men don't drink from straws. Unless you're doing a Mind or Face Eraser.

49. If you do a shot, finish it. If you don't plan to finish it, don't accept it.

50. Never brood in a dance bar. Never dance in a dive bar.

51. Never play more than three songs by the same artist in a row.

52. Your songs will come on as you're leaving the bar.

53. Never yell out jukebox selections to someone you don't know.

54. Never lie in a bar. You may, however, grossly exaggerate and lean.

55. If you think you might be slurring a little, then you are slurring a lot. If you think you are slurring a lot, then you are not speaking English.

56. Screaming, "Someone buy me a drink!" has never worked.

57. For every drink, there is a five percent better chance you will get in a fight. There is also a three percent better chance you will lose the fight.

58. Fighting an extremely drunk person when you are sober is hilarious.

59. If you are broke and a friend is "sporting you", you must laugh at all his jokes and play wingman when he makes his move.

60. If you are broke and a friend is "making sport of you", you may steal any drink he leaves unattended.

61. Never rest your head on a table or bar top. It is the equivalent of voluntarily putting your head on a chopping block.

62. If you are trading rounds with a friend and he asks if you're ready for another, always say yes. Once you fall out of sync you will end up buying more drinks than him.

63. If you're going to hit on a member of the bar staff, make sure you tip well before and after, regardless of their response.

64. The people with the most money are rarely the best tippers.

65. Before you die, single-handedly make one decent martini.

66. Asking a bartender what beers are on tap when the handles are right in front of you is the equivalent of saying, "I'm an idiot."

67. Never ask a bartender "what's good tonight?" They do not fly in the scotch fresh from the coast every morning.

68. If there is a line for drinks, get your goddamn drink and step the hell away from the bar.

69. If there is ever any confusion, the fuller beer is yours.

70. The patrons at your local bar are your extended family, your fathers and mothers, your brothers and sisters. Except you get to sleep with these sisters. And if you're really drunk, the mothers.

71. It's acceptable, traditional in fact, to disappear during a night of hard drinking. You will appear mysterious and your friends will understand. If they even notice.

72. Never argue your tab at the end of the night. Remember, you're hammered and they're sober. It's akin to a precocious five-year-old arguing the super-string theory with a physicist. 99.9% of the time you're wrong and either way you're going to come off as a jackass.

73. If you bring booze to a party, you must drink it or leave it.

74. If you hesitate more than three seconds after the bartender looks at you, you do not deserve a drink.

75. Beer makes you mellow, champagne makes you silly, wine makes you dramatic, tequila makes you felonious.

76. The greatest thing a drunkard can do is buy a round of drinks for a packed bar.

77. Never preface a conversation with a bartender with "I know this is going to be a hassle, but . . ."

78. When you're in a bar and drunk, your boss is just another guy begging for a fat lip. Unless he's buying.

79. If you are 86'd, do not return for at least three months. To come back sooner makes it appear no other bar wants you.

80. Anyone with three or more drinks in his hands has the right of way.

81. If you're going to drink on the job, drink vodka. It's the no-tell liquor.

82. There's nothing wrong with drinking before noon. Especially if you're supposed to be at work.

83. The bar clock moves twice as fast from midnight to last call.

84. A flask engraved with a personal message is one of the best gifts you can ever give. And make sure there's something in it.

85. On the intimacy scale, sharing a quiet drink is between a handshake and a kiss.

86. 20% is the standard percentage to tip, so figure it out.

87. If the lights suddenly get really bright and the music turns off, that probably means you should head for the door.

88. You will forget every one of these rules by your fifth drink

89. If you adore your bartender(s) repost this for everyone to read :)

Things Work Out- R.I.P. Bill April 23, 1957 - March 12, 2007

Things Work Out

R.I.P. Bill April 23, 1957 - March 12, 2007

Because it rains when we wish it wouldn't,
Because men do what they often shouldn't,
Because crops fail, and plans go wrong-
Some of us grumble all day long.
But somehow, in spite of the care and doubt,
It seems at last that things work out.

Because we lose where we hoped to gain,
Because we suffer a little pain,
Because we must work when we'd like to play-
Some of us whimper along life's way.
But somehow, as day always follows the night,
Most of our troubles work out all right.

Because we cannot forever smile,
Because we must trudge in the dust awhile,
Because we think that the way is long-
Some of us whimper that life's all wrong.
But somehow we live and our sky grows bright,
And everything seems to work out all right.

So bend to your trouble and meet your care,
For the clouds must break, and the sky grow fair.
Let the rain come down, as it must and will,
But keep on working and hoping still.
For in spite of the grumblers who stand about,
Somehow, it seems, all things work out.

1881-1959, written in 2005

Tears in Heaven



Love never dies a natural death. It dies because we don't know how to replenish it's source. It dies of blindness and errors and betrayals. It dies of illness and wounds; it dies of weariness, of withering, of tarnishing...

Tears in Heaven
by Eric Clapton

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven
Will it be the same
If I saw you in heaven
I must be strong, and carry on
Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven
I'll find my way, through night and day
Cause I know I just can't stay
Here in heaven

Time can bring you down
Time can bend your knee
Time can break your heart
Have you begging please
Begging please

Beyond the door
There's peace I'm sure.
And I know there'll be no more...
Tears in heaven

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven
Will it be the same
If I saw you in heaven
I must be strong, and carry on
Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

I Hope You Dance


Current mood: contemplative
Category: Life

I Hope You Dance

by Mark D. Sanders and Tia Sillers

Artist: Lee Ann Womack

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance . . .
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances but they're worth taking
Loving might be a mistake but it's worth making
Don't let some helping heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance . . .
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance, I hope you dance
I hope you dance . . .

Two Critical Things That Will Determine Your Future

Two Critical Things That Will Determine Your Future
by: Daniel N. Brown

There are many things in life that clamor for our attention. Many of these things are completely useless and only eat up our valuable time. If we're not careful these things will drag us down and lessen our quality of life.

We have to be very careful what we subject ourselves to because everything has an influence. We must protect our minds by being careful what we choose to let inside.

If we have hopes of having an extraordinary future there are two critical things that we must monitor.

1. The Books We Read

In 5 years or less you will be the sum total of the books you have read. In other words, you will be the sum total of what you have put into your mind. If what you are allowing into your mind on a regular basis is not in harmony with where you want to be in the future you may want to make some serious changes. Get yourself on a good reading program.

What we focus on becomes attracted into our lives. If we put positive information into our minds we will attract positive circumstances.

2. The People You Associate With

In 5 years or less you will be the sum total of the people you have associated with.

There have been times in my past that I have had to break off some close relationships because of the negativity associated with these particular people. They did nothing but drag me down.

Relationships like that will keep you from getting to where you want to go. I'm not saying that you should stop loving and caring for those type of people, but just love and care for them from a distance. Simply quit hanging out with them.

You don't have to physically associate with negative people to experience their negative effects. Many people associate emotionally with other people via television.

I have a friend who is into a particular soap opera and he says it doesn't affect him. I disagree. I know this soap well because I was addicted to it myself! After watching it every day for about six years, I was usually left in a paralyzed state of mind. My friend is so accustomed to his state of mind that I know he doesn't even realize it.

I have another friend who is reading romance novels. She views her real world as lacking romance so she tries to compensate for it by indulging in a fantasy.

I know a lot of people who are into watching scary movies. These shows leave a person with a sense of fear. The Bible says over and over again, "Fear not!"

We absolutely have to choose our associations wisely! Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens the other." How sharp do you want to be?

Conclusion

Where will you be in in the future? Three, four, or even five years down the road? It is a fact that in five years or less you will be the sum total of the books you have read and the people you have associated with.

Are you reading good books and associating with the right kind of people? Or, do you need to get some good books and change a few relationships? The Bible says, "Keep your heart with all diligence for out of it flow the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23).

Copyright 2006 Daniel N Brown

Poems about Cancer



SLOW DANCE
Anonymous author - Possibly written by a six year old girl with terminal cancer in a New York Hospital

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask "How are you?"
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say "Hi"?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

LIFE
by Jodie Cooke auxillary nurse, Ward 3 Wolverhampton Hospital, New Cross

Life is hard,
Life is tough,
You need to be strong,
And never give up.

There may be days,
That never seem to end,
And you feel like you,
Don't have a friend.

But keep on walking
Down that road,
Your friends will follow
And bear your load.

But face each day,
And what it brings,
And you'll be ready,
To face any thing.

JUST BECAUSE...

I am known by many people
But I have no friends.
Ill bring you pain and suffering
Your happiness I'll end.
My cold embrace, my chilling breath,
My silent deadly kiss.
I'll pick you up, then throw you down
Into my dark abyss.
I'm silent, I'm invisible.
I'm a killer you can't see.
I'll touch you when you least expect,
And I'll never set you free.
I don't hate, I don't discriminate.
I don't choose who plays my game.
Fat or black. Young or old.
To me you are all the same.
There is no reason for what I do.
There is no reason why.
I chose you just because...
It's time for you to die.

Sagittarius= ME!



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The Archer
November 23-December 21

Traditional Sagittarius Traits

Optimistic and freedom-loving
Jovial and good-humored
Honest and straightforward
Intellectual and philosophical


On the dark side...

Blindly optimistic and careless
Irresponsible and superficial
Tactless and restless

Sagittarius: About Your Sign

Sagittarians have a positive outlook on life, are full of enterprise, energy, versatility, adventurousness and eagerness to extend experience beyond the physically familiar. They enjoy traveling and exploration, the more so because their minds are constantly open to new dimensions of thought. They are basically ambitious and optimistic, and continue to be so even when their hopes are dashed. Their strongly idealistic natures can also suffer many disappointments without being affected. They are honorable, honest, trustworthy, truthful, generous and sincere, with a passion for justice. They are usually on the side of the underdog in society they will fight for any cause they believe to be just, and are prepared to be rebellious. They balance loyalty with independence.

Sagittarians are usually modest and are often religious, with a strong sense of morality, though they tend to overemphasize the ethical codes they follow and worship beliefs about God rather than God Himself. This means that, negatively, they regard rigid, unloving, intolerant adherence to ritual and conventional codes as more important than the truths they symbolize or embody. They sometimes pay lip service to religions and political parties in which they have ceased to believe because the outward forms satisfy them, yet they may not hesitate to switch allegiance in politics or change their system of belief if they see personal advantage to themselves in doing so.

They have both profound and widely ranging minds, equipped with foresight and good judgment, and they can be witty conversationalists. They love to initiate new projects (they make excellent researchers) and have an urge to understand conceptions that are new to them. They think rapidly, are intuitive and often original, but are better at adapting than inventing and are at their best when working with colleagues of other types of character that compliment their own. They are strong-willed and good at organizing, a combination that gives them the ability to bring any project they undertake to a successful conclusion. Their generosity can be balanced by their extreme care at handling their resources.

Sagittarians are ardent, sincere and straightforward in love, normally conventional and in control of their sexual natures. Yet if thwarted, they may easily allow their failure to embitter their whole lives or they may revenge themselves upon the opposite sex by becoming cynically promiscuous. They are more apt then the average to make an uncongenial alliance. If their marriages are successful, they will be faithful spouses and indulgent parents; but their innate restlessness will inspire them to use even the most satisfying ménage as a base from which to set out on their travels. They need to feel free and are often faced with the choice of allowing their careers to take over their lives at the expense of the love of their spouse and family. Sagittarian women are the counterparts of their men; even if they have no career to rival their love, they find it difficult to express affection and may run the risk of being thought frigid.

In other personal relationships they are reliable, seldom betraying any trust given to them. They can, however, be impulsively angry and both male and female Sagittarians know how to be outspoken and exactly what expressions will hurt their adversaries most. On the other hand they are magnanimous in forgiving offenses and are responsible when looking after the elderly in the family.

Their gifts fit Sagittarians for a number of widely differing professions. They are natural teachers and philosophers with a talent for expounding the moral principles and laws, which seem to explain the universe. This gift enables them to be successful churchmen on the one hand and scientists on the other. The law and politics also suit them, as does public service, social administration, public relations and advertising. Travel and exploration naturally appeal to such restless souls and, if their opportunities are limited, they may find something of travel and change of scene in the armed forces or through working as a traveling salesman. Others may make fine musicians and, in the days before automobiles, they were said to be successful at horse-trading and all activities, including sporting ones, concerning horses. This has been translated in modern terms into an interest in cars and aircraft - and again with emphasis on the sporting side- racing, rallying etc. They are said to make good sports coaches, but their tastes in this direction may lead them into imprudent gambling, though the gambling instinct may be sublimated by carrying it out professionally as a bookmaker.

The vices to which Sagittarians are prone are anger, they tend to flare up over trifles; impatience- they want to rush every new project through immediately and demand too much of colleagues who cannot work at the pace they require; and scorn of the inadequacies of others while expecting fulsome recognition of their own efforts. They may in one sense deserve recognition, because in completing a major project they will sacrifice their health and family relationships; in their family's eyes they may merit condemnation.

They can be exacting, domineering and inconsiderate in the work place; and boastful, vulgar and extravagant in their private lives. Their restlessness, if excessive, can jeopardize more than their own stability. Some Sagittarians risk becoming playboys, wasting their lives away in frivolous pursuits. Others can develop a moralizing, religious fanaticism or else turn into hypocrites, their inner prudishness disguised by an outward appearance of joviality. Another side of the religiosity that is a danger in Sagittarians is superstition.

Possible Health Concerns

Sagittarius governs the hips, thighs and sacral area; subjects suffer from ailments of the hips and thighs and are liable to sciatica and rheumatism. An alleged deficiency of silicon in their physiques can give them poor skin, nails and hair.

As they are often sportsmen indulging in dangerous pursuits, they are prone to accidents that arise from these. The ancient astrologers mention falls from horses and hurts from them and other four-footed beasts. The taking of risks in other sports is a danger to the modern Sagittarian, and he is also liable to accidents with fire and heat.


LIKES
Traveling
Getting to the heart of the matter
Freedom
Laws and meanings
The general 'feel' of things

DISLIKES ="" >
Being tied down domestically
Being constrained
Cooling your heels
Bothered with detail


Problems That May Arise & Solutions

As with all sun signs, we all have unique traits to our personalities. When these traits are suppressed, or unrealized, problems will arise. However, with astrology we can examine the problem and assess the proper solution based on the sun sign characteristics. As a Sagittarius you may see things below that really strike home. Try the solution; you most likely will be amazed at the results. If you find yourself on the receiving end of the negatives below, it is because you are failing to express the positive.

PROBLEM: Others have no time for you, as you are apt to have too many irons in the fire at any given time.
SOLUTION: Be sure that you have a 'product' to match all the 'advertising' you do. Is it fact or is it fiction?

PROBLEM: Others cease to confide in you or to take you seriously.
SOLUTION: Try not to exaggerate or be contentious with others as this could be embarrassing if they feel you are not trustworthy.

PROBLEM: Feeling lost and disillusioned.
SOLUTION: Focus upon one thing that will satisfy you and work toward that point.

PROBLEM: You seem anchored in one spot, unable to move forward.
SOLUTION: You should try to think more positive thoughts and set some short-term goals that you can reach, then set more. In this way you will move ahead in your endeavors.


Some More Interesting Facts About Your Sign

Your ruling planet is JUPITER


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Mean distance from the Sun (AU) 5.202
Sidereal period of orbit (years) 11.86
Equatorial radius (km) 71,492
Polar radius (km) 66,854
Body rotation period (hours) 9.92
Tilt of equator to orbit (degrees) 3.08
Number of observed satellites 16


The animal associated with your sign is the CENTAUR

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The Greek love for the horse led to the ennoblement of the centaur in myth and legend. The Centaur Chiron was known for his wisdom and healing abilities. Hercules killed Nessus for trying to rape a woman under his charge, and other centaurs were renowned for their weakness for drink. The centaur symbolizes mankind's dual nature as an intellectual creature (the human half), which was also a physical animal (the horse half).


The color of choice for Sagittarius is RICH PURPLE


Your Star stone is the TOPAZ

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Topaz, the gem comes in many different colors and is a member of the quartz group. It aids in bringing forth your leadership qualities and enables you to grasp control of any situation you confront in life. Topaz makes you feel more in control of yourself or the situations you encounter and helps you deal with them in a competent fashion. It helps you take the lead and handle things in a competent fashion. Tradition has it that Topaz helped foretell the future, enhance sexual energy, and promote harmony.


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From Wikipedia.com:

Mythology

In mythology Sagittarius is often associated with the mythological figure of Chiron, a centaur who taught and tutored various heroes in Greek myth. In Greek mythology, centaurs were adventurous, brave, and wise; they were also given to brawling and uncivilized behavior. Sagittarius is also associated with the Greco-Roman god Zeus/Jupiter and sometimes the goddess Tyche/Fortuna and the Norse god Thor.

Characteristics

Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac and is popularly associated with the keywords optimistic, wise, restless, genius, enthusiastic, adventurous, artistic, honest, outspoken, and independent.

Although generally easygoing, Sagittarius is a fire sign, so Sagittarians typically have a quick temper. Fortunately, Sagittarians are usually as quick to forget what got them angry in the first place, Sagittarians are forthright communicators, and restless, which can lead to them being reluctant to taking orders.

Sagittarians are known for spontaneous philosophical ramblings and don't seem to get bogged down in emotional complexities.

Sagittarians are usually held to have a strong love of freedom, and a disdain for routine. Often associated with frankness, Sagittarians do not hesitate to give an honest opinion, which can seem tactless at times- although rarely is their intention to be cruel. The same mind that shows tactlessness can be a beacon of light in confusing times. Leave it to a Sagittarius to step into a messy tangle and sum up the situation with blinding clarity. They'll be willing to say the truth when all others hide in confusion. This makes them invaluable friends that can guide you back to the clear path when you need honesty rather than enablers.

Sagittarians may strive for maximum enjoyment in life, but too much of a good thing can be problematic and prudence is difficult for most Sagittarians to acquire. Being overly spiritual or too philosophical, for example, can make them out of touch with the real world. They can also be kiddish and innocent. Though they are blessed with a dynamic mind of high standards they often mistake love for friendship and this is one of the most vulnerable areas of Sagittarius. They often find it hard to tell lies and its better if they tell the truth. As they are creative and innovative they may develop an attitude of degrading anything that is old and traditional. Another negative point about Sagittarius is procrastination.

In astrology Sagittarius is ruled by the planet Jupiter. The Indian equivalent of Sagittarius is Dhanus; the Chinese equivalent is the Rat.

Relationships

In personal relationships Sagittarians are reliable and devoted, but quickly shy away from situations where they consider themselves to be mistreated or misunderstood. This being said that often leaves others feeling embittered and resentful, when in reality it's better for them to just move on to healthier situations. Same being true in love, Sagittarians are ardent, sincere and straightforward.

In marriage Sagittarians are devoted and reliable, they will be faithful spouses (Sagittarius if having made a commitment is one of the few signs that will willingly and happily stay in a relationship out of loyalty alone) and indulgent loving parents. But their innate restlessness may sometimes inspire them to set out on their travels from even with in the most satisfying of marriages. The ideal partner for the Sagittarian is above all a friend, and a partner in life's great adventure, someone who understands their needs. A true free spirit.

There is an often-reported physicality to Sagittarians that gets them involved in vigorous athletics and bold travel-adventures. They bring this flexibility to the bedroom and this lusty, anything-goes attitude can cause them to take a walk on the wild side.

Generally quite easygoing, Sagittarians make friends with people from all walks of life. They love to laugh and tease, and get along well with both sexes.

Occupations

Their gifts make Sagittarians fit for a number of widely differing professions. They are natural teachers and philosophers with a talent for expounding the moral principles and laws, which seem to explain the universe. This gift enables them to be successful churchmen on the one hand and scientists on the other. The law and politics also suit them, as does public service, social administration, public relations and advertising.

Sagittarius keen insight and intellect also make them great doctors and medical professionals. Sagittarians have found great success in social administration, in public relations, as scientists, Engineers, Musicians, Writers, and Directors.

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Sagittarius People

Miscellaneous Facts

The following items are traditionally associated with Sagittarius:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagittarius_%28astrology%29