I am taking a break from studies and...

surfing the web... I am interested in goddesses, greek, roman... you name it. I just did not realize there are so many of them. Today I looked up Artemis and found an interesting site
http://www.amazonation.com/DivineArtemis.html
I was amazed and surprised that it mentioned the word bitch and not in a derogatory way. It actually mentioned sacred bitches in the same sentence! I now will have a whole new way to look at that word when I hear someone say that about someone. I know that I have been called that many times, especially by those who are upset that they cannot control me or push me around. I will now wear that name as a badge of honor!

Have you set aside time today to laugh outloud (bitches...lol)
xoxo Inge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2GAhGubfWM

When the weather is warmer I need less sleep

So I usually start my day at 7:30 am... I know to most of you this is sleeping in but for most of my adult I have been fortunate enough to work afternoon to eve hours. When I did massage I made my own hours. Luckily John and I are both "night owls" and I usually stay up to 1 am, John stays up later sometimes 3 am on his days off. Anyway I decided to use my early hours wisely and quietly because John still sleeps until at least 9 am... do quiet meditation and read some inspiring books. I do like to read but the world has become an easy distraction and I end up watching or listening to tv... mainly during the week.

I am a CNN and CNBC junkie. I became seriously interested in the news when CNN did nonstop reporting of the Tinnamon Square uprising back in the 80s. I will never forget that scene where the student stood in front of that huge tank. I was hooked at that point and it probably started my interest in politics and civil disobedience. When I lived in SF I protested a fair amount, especially when there were rumblings of starting a 2nd Iraq war.

Anyways, I am rambling and getting off point. The book I found at the library is called " The Big Bang, the Buddha, and the Baby Boom" by Wes "Scoop" Nisker. The book is entertaining but there was a quote that really stood out for me..."My mind has a mind of it's own". How true is that! It gets back to my earlier blog...how hard it is to meditate and keep the mind from idle chatter!

I am taking a break from my studies

A friend of mine gave me her old tarot cards a few months ago and I have been them a few times a week to keep myslf in check... spritually anyway. I admit it I am a novice and I have to look up the meanings of the cards via the internet and then try to figure out what they mean to me. Things seemed to be going well...the cards seemed to mirror what I was doing and my goals to move...even some issues at work. Then yesterday drew the Tower card. By what I was reading on some tarot interpretation sites, my world was about to collapse...but I would come out a better person. Definitely not something I want to hear. I think I mentioned that I do have a mild (depending on who you ask) case of OCD. I can obsess about something for hours! I get stuck like a needle on a record player (remember those?)

I knew I needed some expert advice and we have only one place where I can get that type of help... The owner of Karma Boutique, Mary. I used to get my cards read every 6 months when I lived in SF but I have not had them read for about 13 years. I think everyone should spend some time throughout their lives with a counselor, especially when going through trying times. Friends are ok but they will neverbe truly honest with you because they do not want to hurt your feelings...a shrink will tell you what you need to hear even if you don't like it. For me I also need guidance from a medium, tarot reader,etc. I sometimes need the help of a reputable reader to keep me on track...spiritually speaking.

Mary straightened me out while she did a tarot spread for me. The tower did not come up and she did not detect terrible news, but I did need to be careful with this move and do a better job with my homework this time around. I do not want to move to a sketchy neighborhood and I don't want to rent a house that is in foreclosure only to find out that I have to move in 48 hours because the owner is trying to make some fast cash off me...I heard this has happened to a few people. Mary suggested that I strike a balance between my spirit and my human self... in other words meditate and do my homework.

While I am on the subject of meditation I have been doing that lately. Do you know how many forms there are? Lots! You can find alot of them on youtube. I do like the Zen meditation but it sure is hard...ok, it is impossible for me to clear my mind of thoughts. Try it for yourself...sit in a chair and close your eyes and breathe...listen to the sounds around you but do not think about it or analize it and for heavens sake do not start thinking about your grocery list! Just BE in the silence. Go ahead try it for 5 minutes, you will be shocked what your mind starts thinking.

I also like the meditation that contains chanting. There are some nice ones also on youtube. Alot of them have background music that is nice and makes it easier to focus on the meditation. I meditate because for me I remain calmer in stressful situations. I tend to laugh things off more instead of getting sucked into the drama and there is alot of drama at work! I know some of you will think I am a nut or ask why not pray? Well, my answer is that meditation is my prayer. I feel a connection with something higher than myself. Actually meditation can be done anywhere even walking the dogs...it is just being present and living in the moment...really looking at the trees... the birds...the smell of fresh cut grass... the feeling of cold air on my skin. We really take all these experinces for granted and don't notice things because we are busy with our lives. When is the last time you laid back in the grass and watched the clouds??? That is meditation. It is taking a break from this fast paced life we have.

Now after that sermon on meditation it is time to laugh outloud
xoxo Inge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wveC1QNTNCA

I am sitting here blogging instead of...

studying my windows word and excel programs. I have to admit it...I'm just not that into it. I need to come up with a job and temp office work through an agency is the best way to go when we move, or at least I think it is the only way to go...I need a job...I figure it should be with a temp agency because I have the freedom to come and go...sort of. I have worked for agencies before and they like you to finish the assignment you started. But I need the flexibility to take off a week to move the family down after I find a permanent place to live, so I came up with the temp agency solution. I used Craigslist to get opinions from people who live in Ventura county and are familiar with the agencies down there... to get a recommendation. I got two. Craigslist has been helpful as far as getting information about places to live, work, demographics,etc. I just have to sometimes weed through the crazies and whiners that like to post and give their (usually) unresearched and always bigotted point of views.
Well, I need to get back to my homework...I still can't type faster than 38 wpm...grrrr.

Update on Austin's Health

The lab results are back and he is one healthy 17 year old cat... no thyroid problems either. He does have some signs of possible kidney issues so doc gave me some powder meds to add to his daily meals. Doc said he eats alot because he wants to and does not gain weight! I'm jealous! He paces because he is a cat and chooses to, I can give him his "mellow out" herbs if he gets to loud at night. I am glad to hear he is ok though. I really love that cat!
xoxo Inge

I really like reading the other blogs...

I have learned lots of helpful hints from the other bloggers. For example I could not add links to my blog by copy and paste method. I would have to type each letter... what a pain! and you know how much I like to add links to my blog! I found that the proble was not my computer but the new IE8 I installed, I learned via the www.comedygoddess.blogspot.com/ blog that I would do better with Firefox and it now works! Now if I could just find an easy way to get rid of these ants...yes I am still battling them... so far the population is smaller though. Today I sprinkled baby powder in the area...it works inside the house so maybe it will work outside.
Now that I have fixed the link issue here is something to laugh about...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frz7a9M41Dk

I have said it before...

ants drive me crazy but I feel so guilty killing them. I found 3 yes! 3 ant hills in my backyard! Crap! One of them was right next to my bedroom window and I know it is just a matter of time before they move inside. The weather is getting hotter and the ants are on the move taking their eggs with them. I did end up getting rid of them which really means I killed the nests. I just hate doing that. I start thinking about how they are going about their business... working away and here I come and really ruining their day.
It's the samething with snails. I can't help it, I think they are cute, but they sure do destroy my plants. I don't like killing them either, even if I use beer, somehow I try to fool myself that is ok because they are getting drunk first. I know that does not make sense. If I could only find a way to shooe them over to my neighbors house...

I just don't get what all the fuss is about!

Two people want to get married...they happen to be the same sex...what is the big deal? We live in a world where there is so much negative stuff and if someone is lucky enough to find someone to share their life with it should be celebrated. I was single for almost 8 years before I met John...I went on so many 1st dates I lost count so when I met John I was thrilled. Now don't get me wrong I was alright being single, I do not need to have a partner to feel complete but it is nice to share the ups and downs of everyday life with someone. I am not gay but if I were I would live openly, at least I hope I would. I believe if you cannot be yourself who can you be? I think it is disgraceful the way gays are treated. I thought we lived in a country where we are free. At least that is the way we portray ourselves to the rest of the world.

I really have a problem with certain groups of people who think it is ok to deny rights to another group of people because they simply do not like their lifestyle. I hear alot of this conversation where I work and I just cringe when I hear them boast about their church activities and then talk about those "gays having the nerve to want to get married". Then those same people talk about gay people being sex maniacs and having different partners every night! I wonder if they really hear themselves. Now, I will be the first to admit I like to make fun of people - everyone including myself. I think we all take ourselves too seriously and need to take ourselves down a notch. But I believe in the saying "Live and let live". We are all here on this earth for a short time why spend time denying people equal rights? If someone uses the excuse that they do not know how to explain such things to small kids... how do they explain erectile dysfunction when it comes up every 5 minutes on a commercial? Those terms come up almost daily. Gay marriage is only a big deal because certain groups have made it that way.
Now that my rant is over I shall look for something to laugh about!
xoxo Inge

I found this terrfic artist on youtube

Her chanting music is perfect for yoga and meditation...actually I am not coordinated to do real yoga poses so I improvise...it still does the same job for me...
www.mitendevapremal.com/index.php
After you meditate don't forget to laugh outloud!
xoxo Inge

Austin and I have been together

sixteen years. That is longet than any human I have had a relationship with except my son. We met at the SF Humane Society 1993. I was looking for an hour for the perfect companion who would live with me on my boat...I did not have a boat at the time but I fantasized having one someday and wanted a cat who would not be afraid of living on one. There were so many wonderful cats I could not choose. Finally a volunteer approached me and asked me if I was looking for someone in particular. I told her my plan. She immediately said "You want Austin!" She took me to his "room" and I sat down on the chair, he jumped in my lap and nipped my hand..."I'll take him" I responded.

I found out he had been a resident at the shelter for over three months, was abandoned by his owners and was found by the sheriff who had come to evict the tenenants. Austin was the only one left there. He is a wonderful cat but likes to nip when he gets excited so he is not a good choice for people with small kids.

Austin and I have been through many boyfriends, good times and tough times...He is likes other animals so he always welcomed new friends. He is social...definitely the alpha cat and lets anyone new know that he is the boss.

Austin turns 18 next month and this past year I have noticed the physical changes. He lost his catnip gut and is skinnier. For the past 6 months he has become senile...at least I thought he was because he would ask for wet food every hour and would clean his plate. I just found out via the internet that he probably has hyperthyroid issues... he has all the symptoms-constant eating, weight loss, fur pulling, pacing, howling, restlessness. The good news is it is treatable. The vet is closed for the holiday but first thing tomorrow I will get him in to start treatment, hopefully they will use a natural method. I do not like western medicine for me or my furbabies. In my opinion western medicine is all about money, they lost site of what they used to be about which was to help people get better. Now it is the bottom line and selling over priced drugs to people...

I know my time is limited with Austin even though I have not found an expiration date on him...I look at him and I get a pang in my heart. A few years ago we lost Joey and Sasha within 6 weeks, that is the only time I saw John cry. I will not dwell on the thought of losing Austin, instead I will enjoy him and live in the moment.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to laugh and hug your critters if you have one.

xoxo Inge

www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1RO-Uso664

I am a parrot head!

I am crazy about the Jimmy Buffet. I have not gone to one of his concerts in 8 years, but before that almost every year for 6 years. He performed at Irvine amphitheater tonight and what a party!!!! It was the largest crowd I have ever seen... all ages sharing the Buffet experience. If you have never gone to a Buffet concert you must go at least once in your lifetime. It is one HUGE all day tail gate party among a sea of motor homes. It 's a day to let your hair down and drink and boogie til the sun goes down and comes up again!

Hope you have a fantastic action packed FUN Memorial Day! and don't forget to laugh out loud!

xoxo Inge

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJVfqMf-2xk

This concert was a gift for Mother's Day from James and Anna. I am one lucky mom!

I am getting back on track

I have been distracted for the past 4 years. I have been busy with the day to day dolldrums and have neglected my spiritual self. I know I have written about this before but I had alot of time to think and meditate when I was sitting in the LA traffic. Maybe the reason John and I struggled so much in Chico is because we are living in the wrong place and not doing our what the Buddhists call "right work". I mean we were just working jobs in order to pay the bills and eek out a meager living. We were surviving not thriving. Neither of us were doing work we truly loved. John wants to work with animals, training dogs, walking them, care for them when their owners are on holiday. He especially likes caring for the difficult ones. He understands them... he too was considered difficult growing up.

I want to have my own metaphysical shoppe supplying others with the spiritiual tools to help them on their spiritual journey. I have wanted to do that for as long as I can remember. I cannot do that in Chico... spiritual matters are very black and white. Spirituality is considered part of the dark side, the devil and all that goes with that. Religion, namely Conservative Christian belief is ruler here... mixed with guns and fear of the unknown. There is no place for pagan, new age thinking here, at least not in the open.

It was so refreshing to go to Ojai where I was understood... where I could discuss such things with like minded people. I feel that I am getting back on track. I have found some great sites on the internet, namely youtube where I can watch videos and meditate to the chanting. I am coming home... of course this does not mean I have given up my enjoyment of laughter. After all, the secret to enlightenment is to lighten up!
xoxo Inge
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UGln73LzoM

Santa Paula

is a charming town, surrounded by lush farm fields and about 17 miles from Oxnard. If you are ever in Santa Paula, I recommend eating at the MuPu Grill... upscale but not too pricey and great food. The town has lots of murals that tell the story of Santa Paula and honors the migrant workers. Even though the town is nice, I do not think it is what we are looking for... for one thing it is too far from the larger cities where we will need to work. Ventura or Ojai valley is the smarter choice. Next week I will go back to Ventura and really look at the temp agencies around that area and of course a place to live. It is still scarey... the unknown always is but I am feeling better to have settled on a place to live, now I just have to work on setting things in motion.

Tomorrow I go back home...

The Happiest Place on Earth

After another exciting day of sitting on the Hwy 5 parking lot we went to Downtown Disney. No recession around here... no way just a sea of moms dads and strollers. If you have never been to Downtown Disney it is well, a tourist trap... a giant mall and restaurants. It is located outside the gates of Disneyland and everyone must pass through to get to the main attraction. The last time I was at Disneyland I was 10 years old and prices sure have changed! There is an adult entrance too which has bigger, faster rides and beer! That's just what I need is to get drunk and then ride the tilt-o-whirl! Whee!!!

Don't forget to laugh outloud!

xoxo Inge

Driving on the LA freeways is like an E ticket ride at Disneyland. After flying at 70 mph (ok maybe that isn't fast to you) then rounding a corner and slamming on my brakes because traffic has now slowed to 5 mph... is a real energy rush. I am definitely not bored.

Ojai is great!

After sitting in over 2 hours of traffic I made it to Ojai. What a wonderful place... just like I thought it would be. Freindly, helpful people, breathtaking views... If you have been to Sedona and/or Santa Fe you will love Ojai! I have tons of information to sift through and tomorrow I head out for Santa Paula...

I'm here!

I am in Anaheim and I leave tomorrow for Ventura county. Anna and James live in Anaheim so I will crash here tonight and get a fresh start tomorrow. Boy that 10 hour drive really takes it out of me, I still feel like I am driving. I hope I can pull this off... I mean driving back and forth every week and working for the two days... I'm no spring chicken. James and Anna will be moving closer to San Diego in a few months...Anna will be transfering because of layoffs, her office will be closing and she is transfering. I would say lucky girl which she is but she is one smart cookie and they would be crazy to let her go.

If things don't look good Ventura way I will start looking into San Diego county. It's only 10:30 and I'm pooped... wish me luck with my job, house, great neighborhood search.

Don't forget to laugh outloud!

xoxoxo Inge

My second head cold

in a month and I don't like it. I rarely get "imbalances" (I do not like to use the word sick) and I feel yucky. No class for me today, I found a textbook on half.com so I can do my lessons at home which is quite nice. I don't know if I will make it to class tomorrow. I want to save my energy and get well... next week I start my weekly trek to socal and I want to be 100%. I probably picked up this latest imbalance from the "lovely" customers who eat at the restaurant. It is amazing how many people do not wash their hands before they eat, use their napkins as kleenex, and sneeze and cough in their hands and then wipe it on their pants! I think it is amazing that there isn't more disease.

We found a car last weekend! Chrysler is having a huge sale and practically giving their cars away. We bought a 2008 PT Cruiser with 21 miles on it. The car was purchased from another dealership that went bankrupt and they had 2 - 2008 models left on the lot. The car has all the bells and whistles and cost $4,000 less than our Scion we bought in 2005! The back seats come completely out which sold me immediately...the color is charcoal grey which looks quite snazzy. I think Lady Luck seems to be looking our way these days.
Have a fun day and don't forget to laugh outloud!
xoxo Inge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IStY4-qPO5A

So much to think about

and not enough time in the day to do it! I will be working only 2 days a week the second week in May and spending the rest of the time in southern california. I checked into renting a car on a monthly basis because we have only one car. It has not been an issue since we lived in Chico... when we lived in San Francisco we did not own a car... but I think down south we will eventually need to buy a second car. I have owned used cars for most of my life, infact LuLu our Toyota Scion that we bought a week before we moved here is mu first brand new car. I am leery about buying used because of all the problems I had. It seems I rode in more tow trucks than I care to remember. Well, I checked into renting a car until we buy one-I had a friend back in the 80s who rented a car for 6 months before she finally bought one and it cost her $250 a month- so silly me thought it can't be more than $300 these days... WRONG! try $800 for an economy car. Yikes! Just renting for 5 days will cost $200 each trip down south... so I have been searching the internet and craigslist for car deals. Thank goodness for carfax! I only want to spend $10,000 for a nearly new car...(and still make payments) a Scion XB would be perfect since I own its cousin the XA and love it! I need something big enough to haul around my stuff for the flea market and has great gas mileage... that gas will eventually go back up...but so far no luck. I will have to put in a request to my fairy godmother.

I am going ahead as planned, May 13 I start my search... Ventura county is my first area of interest. I asked around the ventura craigslist for opinions and after weeding out the assortment of kooks and whiners I got some very nice emails from individuals who were very helpful. I am meeting a woman in Santa Paula one of those days and hope to get more insight. The last time we moved I did not have access to the internet and I am grateful I have such a handy tool to do all my research. There is no way to find out all the information I need to make a successful relocation without it. I can hardly believe I was able to do what I did to move to Chico. Back then I did not even own a cell phone but quickly had to buy one since the majority of people have voicemail and rarely return calls, especially long distance. And I was having a hard time finding phone booths that took coins.

Well, back to my car search....

Have a fun weekend and don't forget to laugh outloud!

xoxo Inge