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Entries categorized as ‘curiosity’

The Strong Life Test for Women

09/28/2009 · 2 Comments

As you may know, I have a book review coming on Monday, October 5th on Marcus Buckingham’s book, Find Your Strongest Life. While I’ll hold my review until then, I want to share with you this awesome tool that is a companion to the book: The Strong Life Test for Women. If you’re at all interested in finding out more about yourself, please take a couple of minutes to take this quiz …

Honestly, it was dead on for me. The nine possible roles are: Advisor, Caretaker, Creator, Equalizer, Influencer, Motivator, Pioneer, Teacher, Weaver. For those of you who know me, what do you think of my results? I was:

My Lead Role: Advisor

You begin by asking:
‘What is the best thing to do?’

Your thrill comes from knowing that you are the person others turn to for the answer. You don’t necessarily want to be the person who actually makes the changes happen. Rather, what excites you is being valued by others for your insight and your judgment.

Your best quality:
Your ability to find a solution

Always:
Search for data to support your advice

Be careful you:
Don’t get frustrated by other people’s failings

Your smartest career move:
Any job where you’re paid to be opinionated

My Supporting Role: Influencer

You begin by asking:
‘How can I move you to act?’

In virtually every situation, your eye goes to the outcome.

Your best quality:
Your ability to outwit others

Always:
Keep your eye on the specific outcome you want

Be careful you:
Don’t waste your time with people who can’t make things happen

Your smartest career move:
Any job where you’re paid to persuade others to act

As I took the quiz, I found that there were a few questions where I was 50/50 on two responses. Curious, I went back and took the quiz again with the second option, and guess what? My lead role was the same – Advisor! The only change was in my supporting role, which the second time around became …

Your Supporting Role: Caretaker

You begin by asking:
‘Is everyone okay?’

You are acutely aware of everyone else’s emotional state, particularly if you sense they are feeling hurt or slighted. You are instinctively inclusive, always looking for ways to draw others into the circle and make them feel wanted, heard, and appreciated.

Your best quality:
Your open heart

Always:
Be willing to ask people for favors in return

Be careful you:
Don’t get so consumed with other people’s feelings that you forget your own

Your smartest career move:
Any job where you’re paid either to play on a team or lead the team.

If you take the quiz (You should! Either here or there …), share your results in the comments below – I’d love to hear what you think and if your roles match your personality and lifestyle.

Don’t forget to check back on October 5th for my review of Find Your Strongest Life! Just a little sneaky heads up … I LOVE the book so far!

Categories: curiosity · life · quiz/survey
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spandex lamb tube?

08/14/2009 · Leave a Comment

Will someone please tell me why this sheep (Forgive me, or is it a lamb? Nevermind, I just learned that a lamb is just a sheep under 12 months old!) is wearing a striped spandex suit??? I know there has to be a reason, and I’d feel much better knowing.

IMG_0233e1

Okay, so I googled “why put spandex on a sheep” (My other word combinations didn’t generate any results.) and got to this … apparently it’s a lamb tube and it’s intended to keep them clean between showings? Is this correct?

And is it the same principle for the goats? Why don’t they get the cool spandex tubes? And why do some of them wear hoods?

IMG_0227e1

I’d love to know – seriously! I wonder every year as we check out the animals at the fair and would love to know the answer.

Categories: curiosity · nablopomo · pets & animals · smarts
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great search terms …

08/03/2009 · Leave a Comment

From time to time, I like to check out my blog stats, and I get great pleasure out of looking at search terms people used that led them to my blog. Seriously, some of these are fantastic! Let’s take a look at highlights from the past quarter …

  • “$160 speeding fine mva” … Sorry about that! I hope you were as lucky as I was. Remember this?
  • “why some people faces are long and dip o” … Huh?
  • “orange flakey bumps on baby’s head” … Oh my, that does NOT sound good! I’d recommend calling your pediatrician about that one.
  • “the end of overeating” … Man, I wish I could convince myself of this one! If you figured that out, let me know what you did!
  • “nilla wafer chicken nuggets recipe” … No offense, but that sounds nasty. Then again, I eat BLT soup like it’s going out of style and that grosses most people out. Guess I shouldn’t talk.
  • “hate depression sloth quiz” … I’m confused.
  • “contractions worse when sitting” … Yes, they were, sister! But, as I later learned, those contractions were NOTHING compared to the last hour of birth … without drugs! Oh yeah, now that’s the worst, my friend! I must be crazy. Seriously.
  • “world’s most amazing birth stories” … You will not find that here; sorry.
  • “orange spots on neck area” … Too many carrots or oranges? Again, call a doctor. I can’t help ya with that one.
  • “bubble names” … Hmmm, I’m stumped.

Some of these are fantastic! Keep ‘em coming; I love trying to figure people out; it’s great fun!

Categories: blogging · curiosity · humor · nablopomo
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more on PUL …

07/29/2009 · Leave a Comment

I’m back again, and still on the subject of purchasing PUL, or polyurethane laminated fabric. I’ve found several sites for purchasing PUL and thought I’d share them with you. Here’s what I’ve got so far, and if you know of others, please let me know and I’ll post them!

Again, and as mentioned in my original PUL post, I have not ordered from any of these websites, so shop at your own risk, please!

Categories: crafts · curiosity · lily · nablopomo · parenting
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what is PUL?

07/29/2009 · Leave a Comment

PUL, or polyurethane laminated fabric, originated in the medical field. There was a need for some sort of material that would provide a waterproof surface capable of being washed and sterilized over and over and over again. PUL is still used today in the medical field, and is often used to make cloth diapers, as well. More specifically, PUL is a fabric that’s been laminated with polyurethane on one side, making the fabric waterproof. Depending on the thickness of the coating (1 mil, 2 mil, etc.), PUL can be waterproof yet still quite breathable!

So, are you asking yourself why on earth I have researched PUL? No, I do not plan on making cloth diapers. While I’d love to greatly reduce my carbon footprint by doing so, cloth diapers are not in my plan. What I do plan, however, is to reduce the number of plastic sandwich bags my family sends to the landfill each day. It may not make much of a difference, but every little bit counts.

How will I do that, you ask? With the recent growth of our family came the need to save as many nickels and dimes as possible. For us, one of the ways we can save a bit is to pack our lunches for work each day. As I settled into eating a home-prepared lunch each day, I found myself saving and reusing sandwich bags that had once been filled with Rold Gold pretzels, Cheez-Its, Fudge Stripe cookies, PF Wheat Crisps, and other tasty dry foods. I felt guilty throwing away a perfectly good bag that could certainly be reused for similar food items the next day. I’d shake out the crumbs and pack it up for the next day!

That daily behavior led me to search online for alternatives. Sure, I could use small containers, but they’re often so bulky and are terribly hard to come by at our house. My google search on “reusable sandwich bags” led me to a myriad of possibilities available through commercial websites and etsy pages. Ultimately, I decided on a plan – purchase one of these bags from an etsy seller, make sure I’m okay with the concept and materials used, and subsequently make my own.

At this point, I am waiting on the delivery of my sandwich bag. Some decisions I’ll have to make will be bag sizes most suitable for our specific food choices, closure options, and outer fabrics (Of which I have plenty!). Hopefully the bag I chose will ROCK and I’ll be able to develop my own version from its overall concept. I’ve gotten plenty of ideas from looking at various bags online, so I’ll choose what I feel is the best of each design element and go from there.

We’ll see what happens! Meanwhile, what are YOU doing to reduce your waste impact and carbon footprint?

(And yes, I realize that I’ll eventually have to throw away and replace my reusable bags, but it’s a whole lot less waste than the sandwich bags we throw away every day!)

Note: It is also possible to purchase PUL fabric from a cooperative. Cooperatives pull together PUL fabric purchasing individuals for increased purchasing power or custom fabric. Use cooperatives at your own risk – these are just a few I found through a google search; as I have yet to purchase any PUL fabric, I can’t say whether or not they’re reputable. Here are a few:

Categories: crafts · curiosity · nablopomo
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what is web 2.0?

07/25/2009 · Leave a Comment

- This is an article I wrote last summer for our company newsletter. -

In the vast arena of the world wide web, there are ever-emerging tools and technologies.  Many of these new tools fall under the category of web 2.0.  But what exactly is web 2.0?  From the name, it may seem like an updated version of the existing internet, perhaps requiring yet another download of upgraded software or a new operating system.  In fact, web 2.0 is quite different.  While it does take place over the internet, it’s nothing that can’t be accessed via your current browser software.  In fact, you may already be using web 2.0 software technology and not even know it!  Let’s look further at what web 2.0 means, and then I’ll describe further some of the useful web 2.0 sites out there.

What do sharing, creativity, and collaboration have in common?  All are foundations of web 2.0.  Instead of a platform for retrieving information, the internet becomes the platform for interactive tool resulting from the input of its users.  Still confused?  Simply put, web 2.0 allows users to run applications using only the internet – no installation of programs, lengthy downloads, and costly upgrades.  Rather, web 2.0 promotes interactivity, supporting participation and the addition of value by its users.

Now, aren’t you curious to find out if you’re web 2.0 savvy?  Have you ever looked for a definition or description on Wikipedia?  Ever placed a bid on eBay or posted something for sale on craigslist?  How about downloading songs from iTunes, posting photos on Flickr, or looking up directions on MapQuest?  Have you watched a YouTube video or created a database of your favorite links on del.icio.us?  If you’re into networking and staying in touch with friends, you might be using MySpace, Facebook, or LinkedIn.  Like keeping up with the latest news through tools on Technorati, Digg or NewsGator?  If any of these are familiar to you, then you’ve already used web 2.0 technology!

Wikipedia: This interactive encyclopedia allows users to update entries, making information the collective effort of all of those who choose to participate.  Know something about the Civil War that isn’t posted on Wikipedia?  Feel free to submit it!  See something wrong with a posting about the lifespan of the earless monitor lizard?  Fix it!  Wikipedia is officially, “the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.”  There you have it – it’s yours!

eBay, craigslist: If you’re looking to buy or sell something unique, these two sites are for you.  craigslist is organized into local “classifieds” which you can browse, while eBay serves as an online search auction site.

Flickr: Save the time and effort of e-mailing photos back and forth by using Flickr.  Set up an online account, and you can upload your photos to this site and direct friends and family to the site to view any photos you select.  You can also flag your photos as public, sharing them with the world.  Undiscovered photographers, this one’s for you!  Other similar sites include Fotolog and SmugMug.

YouTube: This is a rapidly growing site dedicated to video sharing.  If you pay attention to politics, you may have heard about or watched one of the presidential debates in which voters asked questions of the candidates via YouTube.  Voters created videos, posted them to YouTube’s site, and videos were then selected for presentation to the candidates in the televised debate.  Perhaps you’ve watched sports or news clips on this site.  In addition to watching videos, you can also share your own captured moments with friends, family, and/or the world through YouTube.

del.icio.us: Known as a site for social bookmarking, del.icio.us not only allows you to share your favorite sites with whomever you choose (Or not!), but it’s a great way to keep your favorite links all in one handy place!  You no longer need to remember web addresses, keep a paper list, or waste time thinking about a site you visited two months ago.  With del.icio.us, you can even organize your links by keyword, referred to as “tags.”

MySpace, Facebook & LinkedIn: Is your social network stronger than your real network of colleagues, friends and family?  If so, you’re certainly subscribed to at least one of these social networking sites!  It’s networking without the face-to-face element.  FYI: LinkedIn takes a particularly professional spin as compared with MySpace and Facebook.

Technorati, Digg, NewsGator: Do you follow the latest news?  Subscribe to blogs?  If either of these topics are of interest to you, check out one of these sites.  Serving as either news or blog feeds, these sites give you a single source for all of the news to which you choose to subscribe.  A true one stop shop!

Hungry for more?  Check out http://www.go2web20.net/.  This site has an insane number of links to the latest web 2.0 tools.  As of early January, there were over 1,800 tools listed on the site, and that number is sure to have grown by now!

Now that you’re armed with all of the latest internet tools, get to your computer and start clicking … just don’t forget to save your links to  del.icio.us and share your new knowledge on Wikipedia!

Categories: blogging · curiosity · nablopomo · smarts · web/html/tech · work
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vent …

05/06/2009 · 2 Comments

In advance, I’m sorry. I know this has nothing to do with anything, but I’ve got to share! Perhaps it’s pregnancy that’s made me more sensitive to these issues – I don’t know. In the grand scheme of things, they don’t matter, but for the past few months, these issues have been driving me c-r-a-z-y!

I work in an office setting with 30 or so co-workers, 11 of them women (This will become relevant.). While as a whole I can say we’re a fairly neat bunch, there are a few exceptions to the rule. I’ve successfully targeted one of our messy members, and can’t pinpoint whether or not this person is the only messy one of the bunch. Regardless, some of these things are completely ridiculous.

  • When you use a community utensil, say, a shared knife, do you wash it and put it away or leave it in the sink for the next person to clean, use, and then clean for themselves?
  • If you peel your hard boiled eggs in the kitchen sink, do you leave the shells in the sink, or do you remove them?
  • If you dump your coffee out in the kitchen sink, do you leave the splashes and residue there, or do you rinse it away? (This also applies to dumping your coffee out in the women’s restroom sink.)
  • When you use the last of the roll of toilet paper, do you leave it for the next person to replace, or do you take the initiative to replace it?

I could go on with more office specific examples (think copier, shredder, jamming, replacing paper, etc.), but I’ll spare you the pain and boring details. I don’t understand how people can be so disgusting. Seriously, do these people do this stuff at home? I know for a fact that the person I’ve pinpointed doesn’t have a maid or cleaning service. Perhaps said person’s spouse cleans up after them – oh, the life!

If this person/these people live at home like they do here, I fear for them. So sad …

Categories: blogging · curiosity · gripes · life · rant · work
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horoscopes …

12/05/2008 · Leave a Comment

BabyCenter has a parent & child compatibility report, and while I typically don’t believe in these things, I thought it would be fun to see how well matched well all be once the bubble arrives … cool! As my due date is May 16th, I’ve given profiles for both a Taurus (4/20-5/20) and Gemini (5/21-6/21) baby.

(Note to bubble: This is NOT an invitation for you to come 4 days late … only a ‘just in case’ scenario. Hint, hint!)

Here’s what’s detailed below, courtesy of BabyCenter:

  • Justin’s profile (Taurus)
  • Mindy’s profile (Aries)
  • Justin (Taurus) & Mindy (Aries) as parents
  • Justin (Taurus) & Taurus bubble
  • Mindy (Aries) & Taurus bubble
  • Justin (Taurus) & Gemini bubble
  • Mindy (Aries) & Gemini bubble

Print Justin = Taurus … Patient, Practical, and Purely Indulgent

As a Taurus parent, you provide a wonderfully grounding influence in your children’s lives. Practical and patient, you’re always ready with a smile and a hug when a child needs one. You have a good sense of what truly matters, so you rarely get worked up about nothing.

No, your main fault as a parent has more to do with indulgence! You’re a pushover when it comes to your kids’ requests for cake, ice cream, trips to the movies or the amusement park… Hey, you just want them to be happy, right?

Still, use common sense to make sure they eat good foods and get enough exercise. That shouldn’t be much of a problem, though, since you’re naturally connected with the earth. You enjoy a variety of healthy, natural foods, and you love sharing meals with your family. Taking a walk together after dinner will benefit your family’s physical and emotional health.

Your kids are likely to be quite secure in your love. You’re affectionate and enjoy cuddling with your little ones. You’ll teach your kids all about the essential Taurus values of loyalty, hard work, and endurance.

You enjoy being surrounded by the people, pets, and things you value most, so your family home is most likely a cluttered, colorful, and comfortable place. Just make sure to be flexible when your children do and say things you don’t expect. Stubbornness is one of your famous flaws, but children need open-mindedness as well as stability.

Print Mindy = Aries … An Inspiring Act to Follow

As an Aries parent, you’re a natural leader. You have lots of energy, and you’re passionate about your interests. Your children find you inspiring, exciting, courageous, and a wonderful example to follow — except when they find you a little bit insensitive and overbearing.

Yes, your mind is quick and your mouth is even quicker, and sometimes you say things you later regret. Also, you have a bit of a temper, so when your children frustrate you, they know exactly when and why. Well, at least you let your irritation go once you get it off your chest! And your kids always know where they stand with you.

An active lifestyle suits you and your family best. Take your kids hiking or challenge them to a game of volleyball or soccer in the park — but make sure you don’t get too competitive, especially if any of your children are the sensitive sort. Aggressive displays of energy might be a bit much for them to handle.

On the other hand, you’re their biggest supporter and they know it. You’ll be on the sidelines cheering for them whether they’re competing in a debate or a basketball championship.

Your children will always appreciate your honesty, even in its bluntness, and the youthful energy that keeps you young even as you grow older. Make it a point to show them your tender side, too. They need to know they can rely on your emotional support as well as your strength and dynamic energy.

Justin (Taurus) & Mindy (Aries) as parents

Print Print

Though equally involved with your children’s upbringing, you two are quite different in your parenting styles. This can create problems in the short run, but it challenges both of you to grow enough to overcome any difficulties. While the Aries mom or dad is spirited, fleet of foot, and highly energetic, the Taurus parent is calm, slow-paced, and patient. It’s Aries who gets everyone up and at ‘em in the morning, bolting down breakfast, and moving right on to the day’s work, but it will be gentle Taurus who tucks the little ones into bed at night after reading a bedtime story.

At least you are both warm and affectionate, so your kids always feel loved. Learning to parent together will require adjustments from you both, but between you are all the qualities necessary for raising happy, well-adjusted children.

Justin (Taurus) & Taurus bubble

Print Print

You and your Taurus child love lots of the same things, such as taking long naps at home, cooking up batches of yummy homemade cookies, snuggling on the couch, and visiting with friends. Being outdoors is a favorite, too, since you’re both innately connected with nature and the environment. Camping would be a good adventure for you two.

You both like comfort, so you won’t have any trouble cuddling with your little Taurus as much as she wants and indulging her in the good food and soft textures she adores. But you’re both so stubborn! When you two dig in your heels, you can get quite entrenched. So choose your battles carefully. Even though you’re both famous for hanging on to resentment, there’s a lot of genuine affection between you. Ground yourselves in that instead of in any passing irritation.

Mindy (Aries) & Taurus bubble

Print Print

In many ways, you and your Taurus child are fundamentally different. You’ve always been spirited, passionate, and impulsive, but your little Taurus is much more relaxed and easygoing. You’ve never been able to wait for anything, but walking a block with your young Taurus is guaranteed to develop your patience. Like you, she embodies strength and vitality, but her unhurried pace could drive you batty — or at least leave you feeling antsy and craving some stimulation.

Your child is much more grounded and practical than you are, even at an early age. Of course, you can expect some real fireworks when you get irritated and your little one’s stubborn side kicks in. Taurus people of all ages tend to hold grudges, but you can help your child learn to get things off her chest and then move on.

Justin (Taurus) & Gemini bubble

Print Print

Your little Gemini is a whirlwind of energetic curiosity: First he’s here, then he’s there, and everything he sees delights him. What a happy, bright-eyed child! And how tiring it can be to keep up with him! Yes, you’re both good-natured. But you are mellow and inclined toward simple pleasures, while your Gemini child is quick-witted and fleet of foot. Some of your favorite activities, such as long naps and leisurely meals, bore restless little Gemini. But when you’re both feeling playful, you have a wonderful time together.

Your little one loves visiting with friends and neighbors and taking short trips to interesting places like the library, the neighborhood pool, or even a nearby town. You’re a wonderful grounding influence for your child, but do let him explore life at his own quick pace. He needs the stimulation of new ideas and experiences.

Mindy (Aries) & Gemini bubble

Print Print

Your naturally abundant energy is a great source of fun and inspiration for your Gemini child. Like you, he thrives on spontaneity and has a strong need for personal freedom. He sees the world as a colorful and interesting place, and he’s happy to follow your lead from one grand adventure to another. His curiosity and love of learning will fuel your many activities together.

You both have short attention spans, which shouldn’t be too much of a problem: When one of you loses interest in an endeavor, the other has no trouble switching tracks to something new. Of course, your home will be littered with projects you two have started but not completed! Let’s hope that someone in your lives can ground the two of you emotionally. Otherwise, you might simply miss some of the more heartwarming, meaningful moments of your child’s growth.

Categories: curiosity · family · life

that is the question.

10/23/2008 · 2 Comments

With my new “condition” (As some idiots like to call it.), I tend to have a bit more downtime than I’m used to, and this time, as of late, has been spent primarily on the couch. I’m just not the sitting type, but with no choice, I figured it may be time for a new hobby. I know what you’re thinking. I know. I need another hobby like I need a hole in the head. Well guess what? I’m doing it anyway!

Now, to crochet or knit; that is the question. So I’ve always wanted to learn to crochet and/or knit, but could never get myself to sit for long enough to really get into it. Now, the timing seems just right.

So which shall I choose? I started asking around and checking in with my good friend google in an attempt to discover which is better. As it turns out, people are quite defensive about which they choose and there seems to be a strong bitterness between the two communities. Whatever, I don’t really care. After sifting through tons of websites and talking to a few friends, I’ve compiled a list of several pros and cons to each. Let’s investigate further:

Crocheting …

  • Uses one hook, so for the uncoordinated, it’s easier. (+1)
  • Easier to correct mistakes. (+1)
  • Easier to start & stop. (+1)
  • Known to be more creative, visual and intuitive. (+1)
  • More mindless than knitting, which is good for an airhead like myself. (+1)
  • Faster results = instant gratification. (+1)
  • Uses more yarn = less economical. (-1)
  • Holds shape better. (+1)
  • Chunkier. (neither a plus nor a minus … depends on the project)
  • Has texture. (neither a plus nor a minus … depends on the project)

Knitting …

  • 2 needles = more complicated. (-1)
  • More difficult to correct mistakes. (-1)
  • Mount Airy has a store called “Knittin’ Chicks,” not “Crochetin’ Chicks.” (+1)
  • More structured, rhythmic, pattern-based, which just aren’t in my vocabulary. (-1)
  • Uses less yarn = more economical. (+1)
  • Smoother. (neither a plus nor a minus … depends on the project)
  • Stretchier. (neither a plus nor a minus … depends on the project)
  • Thinner. (-1)

My final conclusion is that I’d like to learn both. Maybe I’ll decide that I like one better than the other after learning them both, or maybe I’ll use each as they’re best suited. Based on the above, I think I’ll start with crocheting and go from there.

Any guesses as to where I’ll be headed for lunch today? Michael’s!

Categories: curiosity · life
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taste test #2 … chicken nuggets

09/22/2008 · Leave a Comment

IMG_6201 My latest “thing” is chicken nuggets. Don’t ask. Now I do make my own, but with limited time and energy, it’s necessary to head over to the freezer section. This evening, I was on a mission to find out which is better in the match-up between Tyson and Weaver. Here’s how they look on paper …

Tyson Weaver
serving size 5 pieces (91 g) 4 pieces (75 g)
calories 280 220
fat 18 grams 15 grams
trans fat 0 g 0 g
price per 2 lb. bag $7.99 $7.99

IMG_6205 So, how’d they do by sight and taste? The Tyson nuggets have more visible seasoning. They are also more “pressed” and not as round as their Weaver counterparts. The Weaver chicken nuggets had a saltier taste.

My vote … Tyson. Justin’s vote … Weaver. Guess we’ll be buying both in the future!

Categories: blogging · curiosity · food · yum
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