BOSTON STRONG!

A 19-year-old college student wanted in the Boston Marathon bombings was taken into custody Friday evening after a manhunt that left the city virtually paralyzed and his older brother and accomplice dead.

Police announced via Twitter that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was in custody. They later wrote, CAPTURED!!! The hunt is over. The search is done. The terror is over. And justice has won. Suspect in custody."

Photo on the left, Tsarnaev's brother, 26-year-old Tamerlan, was killed Friday in a furious attempt to escape police.  

Photo on the right, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev had been in a boat in a Watertown neighborhood. The crowd gathered near the scene let out a cheer when spectators saw officers clapping.

"Everyone wants him alive," said Kathleen Paolillo, a 27-year-old teacher who lives in Watertown. (I don't know if everyone agrees with "Kathleen Paolillo").  Why, I don't believe everyone wants him alive, as suspects never talk and tell you why they did what they did, the taxpayers are stuck with the medical bills, legal bills and room and board for this scum bag that will be held in jail if he survives!  

He killed our people!  Enough said about that.

Boston Mayor Tom Menino tweeted "We got him," along with a photo of the police commissioner speaking to him. Watertown residents poured out of their homes and lined the streets to cheer police vehicles as they rolled away from the scene.  I was watching TV and cheering along with them!

During a long night of violence Thursday into Friday, the brothers killed an MIT police officer, severely wounded another lawman and hurled explosives at police in a car chase and gun battle, authorities said.

Authorities in Boston suspended all mass transit and warned close to 1 million people in the entire city and some of its suburbs to stay indoors as the hunt for Suspect No. 2 went on. Businesses were asked not to open. People waiting at bus and subway stops were told to go home. The Red Sox and Bruins postponed their games.

From Watertown to Cambridge, police SWAT teams, sharpshooters and FBI agents surrounded various buildings as police helicopters buzzed overhead and armored vehicles rumbled through the streets. Electronic Robots and Police Dogs all searching about.  Authorities also searched trains.

"We believe this man to be a terrorist," said Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis. "We believe this to be a man who's come here to kill people."

The bombings on Monday killed three people and wounded more than 180 others, tearing off limbs in a spray of shrapnel and instantly raising the specter of another terrorist attack on U.S. soil.

I watched a mother of five from Wakefield, MA on TV saying she got a phone call telling her that two of her older sons watching the Marathon each had to have one of their legs amputated.  

I tried hard not to watch TV as I was getting so upset and nervous but at some point during each day, I had to watch the News to see whatever updates they had.

I heard on TV that thanks went out to President Obama who gave Boston everything they needed to help capture these murderers!  

Thank You, Mr. President!

BOSTON STRONG!

Live every moment in the truth!

Live the truth of who you are!

 

Truth is not something you must be told. Truth is truth because you recognize it so completely, oh yes, you definitely know the truth.

Observe your own self-talk as your emotions go up and down like a roller coaster ride. 

Analyze any judgments you might have about the way you feel. These thoughts translate into what you believe to be true about yourself. They can be accurate or inaccurate and worse  damaging to others as well as to yourself.  Only you can decide if change is in order.

The winners in life realize that life is interconnected.  

Remember that every thing that you do today will come back to you at some point and time. It's called Karma!  So even when things are going bad, remain a winner and perform with integrity.

A good reputation is worth far more than any momentary gain that taking advantage of someone might bring them.

Take pride in yourself and be a good person.

Substance and Abundance!

I was watching TV last night and channel surfing when I came across a young man speaking on the topic of "Living with Less" to be happy. He was expressing that you don't have to have the biggest house, the best car and the abundance of it all to enjoy your life.

I found this very young man a delight to listen to. His audience was young adults who are in debt with college loans and no financial future in site.  

He said he lived in a tiny one bedroom apartment and his appliances were small and he has a good job with a decent paycheck. And, he never went to college.

His theory is that he is enjoying his life with his paycheck by traveling and enjoying the things he wants to do without having the mansion home with the big mortgage, the expensive membership to the Country Club, and having the most expensive car to drive.

I think he was trying to say to his audience is that some of the world’s most miserable people have the most impressive bank balances. Despite their monetary net worth, they lack the riches of love and the gifts of joy that others gain from simple pleasures.

Never under estimate the value of all that you have. Recognize the priceless worth of the love and respect you receive from family and friends – and treasure it.

Make a mental note of the wealth of self-esteem you acquire from the work you do or the talents you are blessed with and preserve it. 

You are the substance and abundance!  

Untie the Ribbons!

No matter what you want in life, you must give up something to get it.  It is a universal law and works something like this:

The greater the value of what you want, the greater the sacrifice you will have to make. The truth is, that it is hard, constant dedication and commitment that bring results.  

You have to understand that there are no short cuts, easy streets, deviations or roundabouts.

Expect to pay a price if you want to make your life better.  But more importantly, also be prepared to pay a price for just leaving things as they are. 

So, untie those ribbons and go fly your kite and get what you want.  Be happy!

Oh the Possibilities!

Are you aware of the abundant possibilities your life holds for you?  Most likely you are and you truly want to take advantage of the possibilities, but something is holding you back. I know the feeling.

When opportunities arise, it’s common to decide not to rock the boat and hold on to stability and security.

Decide right now that you will take the risks that push you beyond your comfort zone into a area where you have refused to go until now. Open your arms to new experiences and find out what is truly possible for you.

You have to believe in yourself and set your standards high.  Next time you’re tempted to settle for something less than ideal – a job, a friend’s behavior… perhaps even a pair of shoes – stop!   You have many talents and inner strengths. You deserve and are worthy of far more than second best. So, why accept less?

Life throws us all curves that challenge us but God will always be there to help you thru the tough times.

Keep yourself healthy by eating right (mostly organic) and exercise and stay close to family and life will always be good!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Raising children in today's world!

Raising children in today’s world!

Just typing those words sends me into a frenzy of emotions. How is possible to raise well balanced, happy and healthy children today? How do the young mothers of today equip them for a life in this troubled world? When I was a child, growing up was simple; life was less complicated, I wasn't but life was.

A mother is constantly worrying about their children no matter their age.

Pesticides, Bugs And Toxins, Oh My! what's lurking in your food or the water you are drinking or the shampoo you are washing your hair with? I think the best alternative is to have your own garden if possible in a "green house". But, not everyone can do this. I grew up with a 2 acre garden that my father grew all our vegetables and we had our own fruit trees. And, a shed that housed our own chickens.

Now, everyone has to spend so much time reading labels when grocery shopping unless you are on a organic plant diet.  We have to protect ourselves and our family from pesticides.  Harsh chemicals are in everything we eat, touch............it's in our shampoo, detergents, etc.

Then we have the stress in a world filled with digital media which was nonexistent when I was growing up.

My thoughts never included such words as, 

terrorism or global warming. Life was less competitive, I grew up in a period of prosperity; I didn't worry about finding jobs, finding love, finding my future, it just happened.

Raising children today must be frightening. They grow up earlier and they are more sophisticated. They are exposed to so much influence that challenge their thoughts. The world is their oyster but it is also a land mine; a navigational nightmare of decision making.

Raising children is the most difficult, strenuous and demanding job in the world and we don't even need a professional qualification for it. Mothers fall into this role willingly and lovingly.

We mothers try to protect our children from harm and sometimes things happen that we have no control over and feel helpless such as medical issues.

I believe in the power of prayer and I ask that you all pray with me for my son, who has been diagnosed with CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia).  My son recently started treatment for this and I pray that he goes into remission real soon.

Your prayers are most appreciated!

Are we all on Digital Overload?

 What is it about our technology that is so addictive? As much as I hate to admit it, I am hooked on the digital world myself but no where as close as the younger generation of today. But, I live alone and it keeps me company. I think if my husband were still alive, I would be paying more attention to him and revert to my computer only when he would be watching sports in the other room or something.

I think we are all in digital overload. Do we need to detox from cyberspace? We all relate to technology habits and paying more attention to the Smart Phones then to people. We do have to limit time with technology.

Just walk into any restaurant and look around. I can understand the people that are sitting alone in a booth for lunch with their laptop, smart phone or Kindle but when you are sitting with another person..........no one talks to each other anymore!

Watching the News tonight, I was glad to see that a new Smart Phone will automatically shut off when a person is driving over 25 miles per hour and the phone will not allow texting in the car! Cool. That is a step in the right direction for safety. I think the phone was a Discover Smart Phone which has more features than the IPhone and the Android and cost only $49.00.  I personally think they should shut off texting while in the car period! 

Detox packages are nothing new. For decades, hotels and vacation retreats have enticed guests to "Relax," often with the help of a specialized diet plan and fitness regimens (with a massage thrown in for good measure). These days, the concept is being pushed to help us disconnect from technology. Digital detox is now one of the biggest trends to hit the hospitality industry in the coming year.

I do remember a few years back, my children took me to Vermont for a Mother's Day weekend at the Von Trapp Family Lodge which was amazing.  It was where they filmed "The Sound of Music".  The first thing my son said was NO TV, NO PHONES.  He wanted us all to just concentrate on ourselves and enjoy each other for a weekend.  It was wonderful.  I do admit, when I woke up, I had the habit of turning the TV on to listen to the News and immediately my son walked by and turned the TV off.

  

I do believe we have to stay in touch with each other but not glued to technology. Go out and play and have fun!

My computer helps me through the lonely nights but even I know my limits with cypberspace. I even set my oven timer to remind me to get off the computer! And, then I go for a walk or a swim in the pool.  Sorry guys, I know the word "swim" gave you a twinge for my family and friends enduring the frigid temps up north.

Christmas is always wonderful where your heart is!

 

New England is lovely when blanketed in winter white for the holidays. I did pray for a White Christmas but not a Nor'Easter! LOL   A few days dipped into the single digits and something I'm not used to anymore.

Winter is a time to enjoy the invigorating freshness of a winter day, then sip hot chocolate in front of a fire. Rhonda had a bon fire going behind her house, I was not sipping on cocoa but wine or scotch was my preference. I didn't last long outdoors, as it was too cold for me even though I was bundled up.

I attended many holiday parties and had a blast! I especially enjoyed spending time with my children and family.

Enjoyed seeing my dear Revere classmate friends at a prearranged Italian luncheon at DeMaino's. Also, had the pleasure of being with my Everett friends for Chinese Food.

I always make sure I get in my Italian food, Chinese, and Seafood while in New England because it is not the same in South Florida.

The temps dipped as low as 9 degrees one day! Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Thank goodness my daughter has enough winter gear for me to borrow while I'm visiting.

Christmas and New Year's Day was wonderful and also my birthday!

Thommy and Lou also brightened my day with many goodies to take home!
 

I was spoiled rotten and loved every minute of it. I love my new Kindle Fire!

Oh the chatter that goes on inside my head!

 

No wonder I have severe insomnia. My brain never gets any rest because I allow things to rent space in my head. Oh, and the damn sleepwalking……..no wonder when I wake up I’m so exhausted.
 

Most times, I meditate with Deepak Chopra with a DVD before going to bed and that helps.
 

 We all have the ability to program ourselves and clear the negative things in order to program ourselves to believe in positive things. That DVD helps me do that better than trying to do it on my own.

The minute the upsetting thoughts start inside your head, you can stop it and choose to think of brighter and more pleasant thoughts. Sometimes, it can be just some upsetting News on the TV that sets me off. (Like the recent hurricane, Sandy) I was crying for all those people and some still without power.  I have been praying for them nonstop.
 

I’ve always been a compassionate person and a true friend. I feel for others especially for the ones who are insecure in their own skin.

 

Judging yourself is not the same as being honest with yourself. When it comes to living as a compassionate, non-judgmental human being, the only challenge greater than learning to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, is learning to walk a lifetime comfortably in your own.
 

 Everyone should look for the beauty within yourself where there is worth, and love. 

Smile, because you are beautiful!



Juggling!

Are you juggling trying to keep balance in your life?

Coming across this graphic today reminded me of something I read many, many years ago and it was forever embedded in my mind. It went something like this:

Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling five balls in the air.

You name them: Work, Family, Health, Friends and Spirit and you’re keeping all of these juggling in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls (family, health, friends and spirit) are made of glass.  If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same.

You must understand that and strive for balance in your life.

Don’t let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live ALL the days of your life.

Also, remember that a person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.

Most importantly take care of your health and family!

Treat yourself the way you want others to treat you!

Accept yourself! Insecurity is what’s ugly, not you! Be you, just the way you are, in the beautiful way only you know how. The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others. You must love who you are or no one else will either. And when you are truly comfortable in your own skin, not everyone will like you, but you won’t give a damn!

Your life is all yours, you own it, and what you make of it is purely up to you. Others may support you in your ambitions, but in the end, it’s your creation. You are the only one in charge and with that comes a responsibility. Once you accept this responsibility and stop waiting around for others to make you happy, you will become unstoppable. There will be no denying you. Your life will change, all because of you.

Everyone has special skills and with your skills, your words and your actions, you will change your own world. Choose to let that change be driven by what you love rather than by what you fear.

Focus on the good things, on the opportunities, and on those dreams and values that are genuine. Make yourself the living example of the best you can imagine.

Your life is continually being formed by the way you live it. Even the smallest things have an effect, and all those things combine together to build the life you experience.

Every day is a chance to express the irreplaceable beauty of who you are. Every situation is one in which you can choose to give a rich component and meaning to your world.

Let go of those who aren’t really there. There are certain people who aren’t meant to fit into your life no matter how much you want them to. And the only ones truly worthy of your love are the ones who stand with you through the hard times and laugh with you after the hard times pass.

Maybe a happy ending doesn’t include anyone else right now. Maybe it’s just you, on your own, picking up the pieces and starting over. Maybe the happy ending is simply letting go.