Sims Free Play

For those of you who don't know this. Sims Free Play can be used on your Iphone, Android, and Windows phones.

I'm testing it out right now. It has been good so far, but it still isn't as fun as the real Sims. It reminds me of most phone games that are out. Even though it is "the sims" this game is more of a directed click and play game. It's something to do if your phone is available and your computer isn't.

Taboo of Womanhood

Women in today's society face many issues. One of these issue is the common debate of pro-life vs. pro-choice. The argument is much more than saving a life vs. not saving a life. There are many questions we must ask ourselves about the pro-life vs. pro-choice debate.

At this moment do you have a solid opinion of your beliefs on this topic?

What factors have shaped your opinion?

When do you consider human life to begin? (At the time an egg is fertilized, once a certain body part is formed, when the baby has a heart, when the baby has a mind, or only once the baby is out of the mothers body)

If we force women who do not want a child to have a child, who will take care of that child? (The mother, the father, a family member, the government, an adoptive parent, etc)

Pro-life or pro-choice, should we make laws regarding what a women can do with her own body?

Many people can say their opinion, but can not explain why they have formed that opinion. We can tell a women what they should do, protest against them, shame them, or support them. Regardless of which belief you have, do you know why? What is the big picture. Who is being hurt in the process of these beliefs. Should we take away women's options based on a personal belief? When a women has a baby she never wanted, would you step up to take care of that child that you fought for? Once a child is born, where does the support go? If you fight for the welfare of the fetus or baby, would you night fight for the welfare of the child after it was born? 

SamsClub Mistakes

Yesterday I had the worst shopping experience I have ever had so far. It has nothing to do with the store it was more my mistake. While checking out at SamsClub I thought I got all the items in my cart. Unfortunately, I had not got all the items. Even though the scanner beeped it did not count two of the small items when I scanned them in. Not thinking about double checking the receipt (my mistake) I went up to the front to leave. The worker looked through my cart multiple times and couldn't figure out what didn't match. She noticed that their were more items in the cart than on the receipt though. It was chips, only two of the bags I bought had rung up.

I am glad she noticed, because I definitely wouldn't want to shop lift, even if it was an accident. Going back to pay my card wouldn't work because I had already used it three times at SamsClub in a short window of time. Getting food, nutritional stuff, and my regular groceries.

By this point I was very embarrassed and I just wanted to leave. I put the items back, then went back up to the front worker to check my cart. She took my receipts aside, coming back she questioned me for a second, but realized that everything matched this time.

Did I look suspicious, heck yeah. Was I trying to steal anything from this store, heck no. I kinda feel bad for the worker who had to deal with me. Next time I go to SamsClub I am bringing people with me.

Invisible Helmets (New Invention)

We all know that helmets make riding safer. Many people don't wear them because of the look. They don't want to "need" a helmet. Some swedish students decided to create an invisible helmet. Hidden inside this stylish hoodie is a blow up helmet. If impact is detected, the helmet is suppose to blow up instantly, protecting the rider.

Opinion: I would be curious to see how well this helmet actually works. The idea behind the helmet is amazing. If people could stay protected, while looking and feeling stylish it would be a win-win situation. However, how does the helmet know when impact happens? How serious would the impact have to be to set off the helmet? I have no doubts that this is possible, but I would like more information about how it works. These students have a great idea!

Happy Mother's Day!

This mother's day I present to you........
MOMMY COUPONS!

**Enjoy your mothers day everyone.**

22 Pushups - Veteran Suicide Awareness

The 22 Pushup Challenge - Raising awareness for veteran suicide!

This challenge is going viral. The cause is to bring awareness to PTSD sufferers, ultimately aiming to save lives. As you all know by now, I love getting involved in causes. This cause is similar to the ice bucket challenge. People can get involved by taking a video of themselves doing 22 pushups. In addition to getting the word out, the organizer is asking for $10 donations to the charity 22KILL. The goal is to raise $5,000 which will be used to honor those who have served and raise awareness. 

I will be posting my video on my youtube page, feel free to check it out. If this is a cause you support, don't hesitate to get involved. 

Link to website: 22KILL.com

Childhood Depression Awareness Day

Childhood Depression Does Exist

If you think your child may be depressed, don't be afraid to talk to them and try to get them help. There is no shame in depression or having a child that is depressed. Depression is not the parents fault.

Common Signs of Depression: Irritability, anger, social withdrawal, crying, change in sleep cycle, change in eating habits, sensitivity to rejection, vocal outbursts, etc. These are just a few signs, for more help or information please speak to a professional.

There are screenings as well as detailed information available online. Some websites I find useful include:

adaa.com

aap.com

teenmentalhealth.com

psychology-tools.com

Brain Summit

Brain Summit is going on right now! This Summit is a premier online event featuring various different medical professionals as speakers. Each day there are various video's, which are free only for the day they are posted.

My favorite part of Brain Summit is the live question and answer sessions. Through youtube there are live Q&A sessions to ask experienced medical professionals your questions. There are many nutritionist, advocates, neurologists, etc.

This is great for those interested in mental health, nutrition, happiness, neurology, non-traditional therapy, and various other health related fields.

Here is the link for those of you that are interested: http://brainsummit.com/

Undercover Worker (Ideas)

This idea may be a little out there to some of you, but I want your honest opinions (please if you read this tell me what you think)! 

What if undercover workers could be used to understand businesses, promote hiring to the correct group, or let the boss/owner know the needs of the company. Often times things go on behind the scenes that bosses are not aware of. It could be useful to have someone inside the company who can tell the boss where the company is lacking and what they need to fix.

Of course you wouldn't learn everything in one day on the job, but one week or one month should be plenty of time. While working undercover the new employee would immerse themselves into the environment as much as possible. They could get a sense for what the company truly is like, not just what it looks like on the outside. Much like the show undercover boss, this would be using an outside person. Most bosses do not have the time to go undercover (Others are already well known with the employees).

(This is an idea that just popped into my head. Try not to think I am to crazy lol.)

New Ad for Detecting Breast Cancer

Ads for detecting breast cancer have gotten very creative. There are new adds showing how to detect breast cancer using men. Since women's breasts are censored in the media, they are using male boobs for this educational purpose.

This is kind of a genus idea... Showing women (and men) how to check for breast cancer in a non-threatening way. Some may think this new campaign is ridiculous or gross, but the information is important. If you think this video may offend you, there is no need to watch it. My family has a history of breast cancer, so the information is useful to me.

You can watch the ad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ais88Os_CTg

BTW the campaign is called #ManBoobs4Boobs

Goal Setting with Google

Do you have a lot of goals, but fail to find the time to do them? Google just released a new app called Goals. This app allows you to set your goals and how often you would like achieve them. Google will find time for you to work towards your goal.

For example, if you want to work out more. Set a goal saying you want to work out 5 days a week. Working with your schedule google will send you a notification 5 days a week telling you to work out.

Of course this still has some issues that need to be worked out. Often times I forget to put things on my calendar or things come up last minute. Regardless, I look forward to trying out this app.

Testing time management skills.... Testing.... Testing... Give it a few weeks lol.

Mental Health Matters

Mental health is important! Often times we over look mental health. Even if it doesn't effect you directly, it probably effects someone you know. Someone you love, care about, or grew up with. Mental health issues aren't always noticeable. It's hard to know what people are thinking, feeling, and going through. Talking about mental health opens the door. Maybe it could even save a life.

With that being said if anyone ever needs to talk I'm here. I myself struggle with anxiety. No one's journey is the same, but every journey is beautiful in it's own way!

Airport Sleep Pods

There could be a new thing coming to airports! This new technology will be tested in New York City airports. While waiting at the airport, people can take a nap in these private sleep pods. When it is time to board the flight the sleeping person will be gently awaken by lights and low music. 

This could potentially be a great addition to airports. Sometimes waiting for a flight (especially if it is a really late or early flight) is draining. People often fall asleep on the chairs while waiting. Instead they could get a nice rest in these sleep pods. I would definitely like to try it.

Muscle Testing

The other day I meet a naturalist doctor who did something called muscle testing. She had me lay down on my back with my arm pointed upwards. As I pushed against her arm she touched different pressure points on my body.

Most of the points on my body were good, but when she put pressure on my upper stomach area my arm lost it's steady pressure. This was also true when my bladder area was hit. Though I have never heard of this technique it seemed like a real test for finding problem areas. I have another meeting with her on Thursday for a consult.

Has anyone else experienced a Muscle Test? If so what did you think and/or do you believe in it?

Happy Earth Day!

Went to an earth day event today! I really love meeting people who want to make the world a better place. Doing good in the world, trying anyway.

Interview Stories 1

Well the interview went good, I think. It was my first interview after being laid off. It has been a few days, haven't heard back yet.

Long story short, huge office buildings are confusing. First off, I had no idea where to park. There were 50 different businesses in the huge building. I found the vending machines (of course). Had to ask someone just to find the directory though. I was laughing by the time I made it up to the floor my interview was on. How was I suppose to know to ask for in building directions? LMAO.

Still had a good experience. The job might be out of my league, but fingers crossed.

Not My Fault Challenge

It's not my fault challenge: For the next month do not use the phrase it's not my fault. I'm going to try this challenge. Feel free to try it with me!

The idea behind it is that it will make me more responsible and less likely to blame others. Ultimately I control the decisions I make in life, regardless of other peoples decisions. I play the biggest role in my own life, meaning I am responsible for what happens in it.

In the Night (Poem)

Whispers in the night,
Fights of the unknown of the untold.
Crawling through your mind like a snake.
Falling into the other realm,
Falling out of consciousness.
What will it be tonight?
Dreamless,
Sleepless,
Endless wishing.
Excitement,
Pain,
or neutral.
Will my mind rest,
or will it whirl around,
not stopping until wake is near.
Multiple wakings,
a sound sleep until morning,
or no sleep at all.
Falling,
Flying,
Finding new paths,
Unwinding.

Ya Missed It BRO!

Trying to make a point today, when the other person completely missed the meaning behind the point I was making! Derp, I really tried by best to explain. Finally you think they get it, but no movement is made in the right direction. Yea, I know this is the most vague rant in the world haha.

Laid Off

Turns out today was my last day at work. Apparently there is not enough work there and I was laid off. Instead of laying me off, I was really offered a job at another company under the same ownership. Given different hours, a different work environment, etc. Truly, I loved my job but it might be time to move on. Being laid of isn't really a bad thing. It's a chance for a new start. The sad part is that I will miss everyone, plus I think it is a disservice to the company. Hopefully they are able to figure everything out. Wishing everyone and the company only the best!

Head Rubs!

Getting your head rubbed is amazing! I know this sounds odd, but it is a huge stress reliever for me. Friends: Rub my head and I'll love you forever. I probably sound crazy haha.

Running late on a Monday!

Deep Dish Stuffed Crust Pizza

For all the pizza and cheese lovers out there! Little Ceasars released it's deep dish pizza. Try it out, let me know what you think.

Free Rant Friday (Period Leave)

There is a new idea that some companies are considering called "Paid Period Leave." Meaning women would get paid time off one week out of the month while they are on their period. Some companies think this would increase productivity and help women.

Personally, I think this idea is ridiculous. Periods suck, but they are a naturally occurring process. Women have to live with this fact one week a month, just as we always have. Taking time off every time we have a period will not make a company better or more productive. It will put women further behind in the fight for equality, especially in the work place. Why hire a women and give her paid time off once a month? That is three months of paid time off a year. Men do not require this time off, meaning they would be the preferred candidate for future jobs (most of the time they already are).

There are other options available. Take medicine, consult with a doctor, go on birth control, etc. Not to sound insensitive, however this would be very detrimental to women in the business world. If you struggle with really bad periods that make you sick, take a sick day. One sick day on the worst day of your period is a lot better than taking 3 months off a year. Companies should be understanding if a women needs to take a sick day because of period issues. This does not mean we should have a "paid period leave."

Short Advice Thursday

1. What should I do if I don't get into my school/program of choice? The best thing to do in this situation is talk to an adviser. There are many options, including going to a different school then transferring in, gaining some job experience to help you get in, or  deciding on an other college that will meet your needs.

2. How would you come out to your parents if you were LGBTQ? If it were me, I would get comfortable with myself before coming out to my parents. Coming out is a difficult process, but the main thing is that you are happy and comfortable. This is a question that is hard to answer, you know your parents best. Just try to understand that it can be uncomfortable and hard for them to understand. You can't control their reactions, but just know you have the right to be your true self.

3. Why do parents think/act like they know everything? They have lived longer, so they have had more experiences. However, they do not know everything. Maybe they feel there age makes them wiser.

Reality Check (Tuesday Motivation)

This speaks volumes about the type of person you are, compared to how others see you. It is easy to brag about yourself, but do other people feel the same way?

It's a Monday (Let it Go)

On a typical Monday I just want to sing let it go to everyone that passes by.
-Tired: Let it go!
-Hungover: Let it go!
-Had a bad weekend: Let it go!
-Angry customers: Let it go!
-Didn't want to come to work: Let it go!
-Any of the 500 other problems you chose to complain about: LET THEM GO!

I need a stack of ice cubes to through at complaining people to add to my let it go singing.

Idea for a Friendship Finder App

This probably already exists, but I have yet to find a good app for friendship. There are millions of dating apps out there, however the idea of friendship has been completely over looked. What if we could create an app life tinder or okcupid, with the sole purpose of people finding friends.

Talk to people with similar interests, find people in your area, make friends that you can go to an event with. In this digital age there are more options. With all these options meeting friends should be easy. Instead it is extremely difficult to find people with similar goals, interests, etc who want to hang out.

Why not have a friendship app? Why does it seem that we are using amazing technology exclusively for dating, when we could use it for so much more?

Detoxing your life Challange!

The Attraction of Small Companies!

Why are people attracted to working for small companies? Probably for the same reason people are attracted to small towns. It's a completely different environment. Your coworkers become your second family. The boss is like your parent or grandparent, the managers are like aunt and uncles, and your coworkers are like brothers and sisters. It's a support system.

After graduating college I took a job at a small company. I'm close with the managers, the coworkers, and even the owner. Even though I could be doing a lot more and making a lot more, I am attracted to my work environment. It's hard to leave a place where you know you are loved and accepted.

Strong Women Unite!

Pattern test!

I got the top 4%! What did you get?

Really Customers

Many of you have probably heard the saying "The customer is always right!" As a customer service representative starting out at McDonald's I heard this said many times. It may be true for some companies, but not for all.

As a customer service person, THE CUSTOMER IS NOT ALWAYS RIGHT!!! If you don't like a companies policies, think they over charge you, think the workers are rude, etc. Then why would you continuously go back to that company. Customers that fight tooth and nail to be the exception to the way a company does business, get themselves nowhere. Besides wasting the companies time, you are really wasting your own time.

At my current job customers are not considered to be right all the time. Not that my company is perfect, but we stick to our policies for all customers. There are not major exceptions, but at least we are consistent. If you have used us before, you can come back expecting the same work and procedures to be used.

All I'm saying is don't use THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT as an excuse to be treated differently, get things for cheap, or be downright rude. You are hurting yourself in the long run. BE A GOOD PERSON
 instead!

Thinking Spot

This would be the perfect thinking spot. Humanity can be part of nature and vice versa!

Powerball Rant

First of all, yes I am about to post about the Powerball! I know I am adding to the talk about it just by posting. All I have to say is..... OH WELL! Everyone has these huge plans for winning the Powerball. A majority of these plans have "I would quit my job" at the top of the list. First of all, if you are that desperate to quit your job then you probably need a new job. I'm not saying I want to stay at my job forever, but I am not desperate to quit my job by any means.

Second of all, you are one of millions of people that has already planned to spend money that you have a very small chance of winning. Plus there are probably people out there who could win the money that would put it to a better use then you. There are people who could use that money to make this world a better place. Most of the ways I have heard people talk about using this money are ridiculously self centered. We act entitled to money that we haven't won simply because we walked in a store, spent a few dollars, and bought a ticket. How many times have you heard "I deserve this money."

You deserve it? Who owes it to you? The universe, God, society, life! Even if you get it that doesn't mean you DESERVE it. Then there is the complaint about some of this money being paid in taxes. The money no one has won yet and no one is entitled to. Are you really surprised there are taxes on it?

This is my rant, sorry if you don't like it. I really have nothing against the powerball, I just hope the people who win the money do something good with it. Build up society, build up yourself, your friends, your family. This is a promise to myself that if I won a large some of money at any point, I would use it to do some good in the world!

(This is not meant to offend anyone, just is a something I have been thinking about lately).

The Love List (Reflection 6)

There was a section in between about sex lives, but I decided to skip answering the questions for that one. This current section mentions sitting down once each year to go over the highlights of the past year. While going over these highlights create a list of the top 10 things that happened as a couple throughout the year. Do not reflect on negatives during this time, only the good.

1. When you think about starting this little tradition of reviewing your year, what kinds of feelings does it conjure up? What do you like and dislike about it? This idea actually excites me! I keep coming up with ways to keep track of important events. The only thing I am nervous about is getting Nate on the same page as me and making sure it is something he would be interested in doing.

2. Is there a specific time that would work best for the two of you to do this? No need to focus only on January 1 of each year. Maybe your anniversary or another date would work best. What do you think? Nate and I have been talking about making a tradition of going on a trip each year, often driving to Maryland making stops along the way. We typically stay at a bed and breakfast for a night or two and explore the city. This would probably be the perfect time to do our yearly review.

3. How would you like to go about preserving your memories together? Journal? Photos? Video? Who will be responsible for collecting and organizing the results, or will you share that task? Keeping the memories together throughout the year I have various ideas for, not sure which ones we will use yet. This task will probably be shared. The memories at the end of the year I would like to make into a video including photos and music. Deciding what we want will be a joint task, putting it together will probably be my task.

4. What will constitute a highlight for the two of you to record? Anything that we enjoyed together and made us happy.

5. How would you like to celebrate your highlights? Does your style lend itself to an informal family night looking at photos or a yearly dinner or dessert that is just for the two of you? Something that is informal and meaningful only to us. We don't need to do anything fancy as long as we find it meaningful

.

The Love List (Reflection 5)

1. Is there any unfinished business you and your partner need to talk about? Probably, I feel like everyone does to an extent.

2. Have you felt lonely lately? How can your partner help you feel less alone, less isolated in certain areas of your life? Yes, part of this stems from anxiety though, which isn't something that can really be fixed. Nate does his best to be understanding and helpful with it though.

3. Is there a money issue you and your partner need to discuss? Are you being honest with each other when it comes to your spending habits? Money is one thing we are both really good with when it comes to our relationship. We both know each others spending, but we also have access to each others stuff.

4. Have you been angry with your partner this month? If so, explore with him or her what's going on and why you sometimes feel this way. I don't know if I have this month or not. We definitely can frustrate each other, but we both understand how and why we do.

5. How can you better support one another emotionally or practically in the next 4 weeks? Nate is on travel right now, so the best thing I can think of to do is send him cute things each day and be understanding that he will be working a lot. While home I am taking care of the house, mail, kittens, and other things that need to be done.

6. To keep your marriage current, ask each other what has defined you in the past month. What has been on your mind the most? Mine has been wanting to do more volunteer work, deciding whether to go back to school, working on organizing the house, and wanting to get a dog.

The Love List (Reflection 4)

1. Almost everyone struggles with being as affirming and encouraging as they would like. Why do you think it is difficult for so many of us to build up our partner's self esteem? When in a relationship you get to see all of the good and bad in a person. Many times we focus on the good first, then are flabbergasted when we notice the bad later. Often we tend to blame our partner for this.

2. Recall a time when you felt affirmed and encouraged by your partner. What made it so meaningful and memorable? One morning Nate woke me up in the morning (which he normally does and I don't remember it). He told me how much he loves me and hopes I have a good day, then gave me a kiss. It just made me realize how much he loves me and goes out of his way to show me his love.

3. What is one specific area that you would like your partner to notice more? In other words, where could you use a little more affirmation? Most days I try to keep in contact with Nate and take time out to text him randomly or send him things that he would enjoy. He normally doesn't respond or mention it after.

4. Consider how you might devise a mental jogger to help you remember to boost your partner's self-esteem. What might it be for you? Probably a notification on my phone or a reminder on my desk in my office.

The Love List (Reflection 3)

This section of the book says that you should do something active with your partner each week. Find some fun activities to do together and make it a point to do those activities. Not everyone will like the same activities, but continue to try different things until you find something you enjoy doing together.

1. How would sharing an activity together each week bring the two of you closer together? There are small activities that we enjoy doing together, but we could work on finding more activities. Often times we get frustrated when we don't both want to do the same thing, but we still want to be together. Trying new activities and finding ones we both like would really help this frustration.

2. Which activities have the potential to be shared with your spouse? Biking, camping, golfing, ice-skating, swimming, tennis, concerts, movies, sporting events, volunteering, woodworking, card playing, cooking, house renovating, photography, shopping, etc.

3. Of course the above list is just to get you started. What other activities might the two of you enjoy? Planning events, looking at businesses, finding potential rental properties, rock climbing, broom ball, laser tag, etc.

4. Once you identify a potential shared activity, what will it take for the two of you to actually follow through and do it? Will you need a baby-sitter? Equipment? Get specific. All we would really need is time to do that activities. Nate travels for work so we are not always together. Maybe we can find a way to Skype our weekly activity while he is gone.

The Love List (Reflection 2)

This chapter was all about the art of laughter, not only in relationships, also in life. Laughter really can be a good medicine. Sometimes all you can do is laugh!

1. How would you describe you and your partner's funny bones? In other words, what makes each of you laugh? Nate (fiance) is very goofy. His sense of humor ranges from innocent craziness to dirty jokes to slap stick humor. I partially have a dark sense of humor, but also love innocent craziness.

2. Have you ever found yourselves laughing at something that nobody else thinks is funny? What do those moments reveal about your shared humor? Nate and I have a lot of inside jokes, which no one else ever seems to find funny. This especially happens around my family or friends, then the fact that they don't find it funny makes me laugh more.

3. Are you more likely to laugh at Jay Leno or David Letterman? Why? I laugh at Ellen DeGenerous if that is an option lol. She has fun clean comedy and it cracks me up.

4. Recall a time when humor backfired on your marriage. What happened and what can you learn from it? Joking with my fiance when he is really mad is not a good idea. Sometimes I laugh at inappropriate things that aren't funny. Anger happens to be one of those things.

5. How can you incorporate more humor into your married life? Honestly if Nate and I used more humor we may never be serious. It seems like we joke around all the time. It was what attracted me to him in the first place. :P

The Love List (1st reflection)

The Love List by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott is the book I am currently reading. These posts about it will probably come randomly, because I will be reading a lot more some days then others.

This is my first reflection/set of questions that I will be answering. The first section was about learning to touch your spouse more and appreciating the power of touch. Studies have shown that touch makes the quality of life better in various ways.

1. How did your parents and family show affection? Do you like or dislike the kind of physical affection you grew up with? In my house it was just me and my mom. We tended to show our affection by a hug or kiss on the cheek before school and the same before bed. When I was younger I can remember cuddling up on the couch with my mom was one of my favorite things. Cuddling is definitely something I have always loved to do the most.

2. What kind of touch do you like the most? Pretty much any type of cuddling or long hugs.

3. When do you like to be touched? When do you not like to be touched? Most of the time I loved to be touched, the only time I don't like being touched is when my anxiety is really bad or I am very angry about something (the anger is pretty rare though).

4. How can you greet each other more affectionately at the end of the day? Nate (my fiance) is pretty good about giving me a hug or kiss when I first walk in the door. I'm not so good at this, tending to neglect the greeting when I get home from work. Normally I have other things on my mind. This is something I definitely need to work on!

5. I like to be kissed... Passionately, meaningfully, or playfully depending on my mood. Kisses are probably the best when I least expect them for me.

6. I like to be hugged... Pretty much anytime. Lay the hugs on me!

7. How can you incorporate more touch into your life? Sometimes I back away from being touched or am too distracted to realize when Nate wants to hug, cuddle, and kiss. We don't see each other for very long because of how busy we are, so I have a lot I want to talk about and do. Touch often gets pushed to the side.