I wanna be like Lydia

Just when I think I'm over the past, something sneaks up and lays me flat.
(Hey. That sounds like a verse for a song....nice.)

The good news is that I'm much quicker to recover now then I used to be. I attribute this to my daily devotions and time spent with God.

The message given at church this week was about Lydia. (Acts 16). That woman was amazing. She was a worshipper of God. I wonder how she initially found her faith, as the disciples didn't really need to do much convincing when it came time to baptize her and her entire household. She was gung-ho and had no reservations about the entire process.

If people like Lydia can overcome social mores, class distinctions, and gender role challenges to become a successful businesswoman and home owner, then I can handle these little jabs at my peace of mind.

While the world will no doubt throw more arrows of discord and malice, I find myself bolstered by the examples set forth in the Bible. Women who loved God. Overcame sin. Overcame Shame. Became close and intimate friends of the Christ.

I am not afraid.

The Importance of being Amiable

You can catch more flies with honey.

Just a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down.

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

It's really not hard to just be nice. At least, most of the time. Being polite and conscious of the feelings of the person you are speaking to is pretty much a given right? 

Yet, each day I come into contact with the I'm-impolite-and-I'm-not-gonna-even-pretend individual.  (Sometimes that person is me)

Aside from a temporary grumpiness that happens to everyone(RE: me), the perpetual patronizing attitude is a definite poison to any working or social environment. Not to mention the effect on the people surrounding said attitude.

This is just how I am, if you don't like it then TOO BAD.

I'm a very confident person, I make no excuses for my life, and I plan on reminding you every chance I get.

Since I'm the one in charge, I can act any way I like. Shake your hand?... Yeah right. 

Say Good Morning?....not gonna happen.

When faced with this attitude, how do you react? 

Return fire? Hang your head and slink away? Take it like a trooper, then go and gossip about the person later? Confront the rude behavior? Un-friend them? Pray for them? Let it slide, since you're only in contact with this person a few times a week/month/year?

If the cashier at Van Maur acts this way, do you call and complain to the manager?  Who is the manager of the person who treats YOU like crap-on-a-stick? Who can you complain to?

I'm not suggesting an answer to any one question.  My experiences have shown impolite people either feign ignorance of the behavior,or initiate defensive arguing. Very little positive results seem to happen when actually confronting someone on their pride and narcissism.

Pride and Narcissism are the hardest traits to get rid of. They innately don't exist to the person who is exhibiting the behavior. Hence : It's not ME it's YOU attitude.

If you have some insight or wisdom regarding this, by all mean leave a comment. I'm interested to know what the general consensus might be these days. 

In the meantime...

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. - Dalai Lama

End of the 30's: Checking In

So, turning 38 this year was by no means a life milestone, but I did seem to feel it physically. Down to the creaky bones, stiff joints, pinched face when waking up and wishing it was my day off. The weight-loss efforts I used in the past do NOT come CLOSE to working anymore. So protein shakes and salads are slowly dissolving away from my "healthy foods" list. At this point, I'm thinking the dreaded celery and cabbage diet will have to begin.

 My Mom always said that us "Adkins tend to bloom late". For the record, my maturity has blossomed slowly and through much resistance on my part. Thankfully, my heart has been changed for the better when it comes to several personality defects, and I am thankful that I actually survived the last 20 years of adulthood. If it weren't for the golden and cherished memories of my childhood, I would have considered this life of mine a great big bowl of stirred up strife and struggle. As I've heard before, and quote often, these First World Problems are insignificant in the whole world perspective.

In that view, I am blessed. I have a roof over my head, a car that works, a few jobs to earn money, health insurance, cute pets, a few loyal and loving friends, my Faith in God, cable with DVR/WiFi, moderately good health....the list could go on for a long time.

 I will never again take for granted the peace that I now have. Nothing is worth giving up this state of mind. So, if you find yourself on the receiving end of "No." from me, don't take it personally. I'm keeping the peace.

So if you find yourself in the middle of a pity poo-poo party, just remember...
  FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS.

Blood-Brain Barrier

The other day, I was wondering why I hadn't had any full-blown inspired ideas for a long while.

Usually, I come up with an "A-HA!" moment several times throughout the week.

Now I know why.

Due to the sweaty, grossness of this past summer, I decided to let my hair AIR DRY almost every day.

Ba-Hiiiiiiiiiiiggg Mistake.

Yesterday, I dried my hair with my dusty, but trusty, Hair Dryer. And guess what?



Revelation!!





So, my theory is this. When I flip my head over to dry my hair (I have fine hair, which needs to be dried straight on end to look at all reasonable), The blood RUSHES to my brain and stimulates all my "smart" brain cells to fire.

And no, I won't be telling you the big idea. Because... I kinda forgot it when my head cooled off.

BUT...I'll be adding a pad of paper and pen to the bathroom supplies, so no worries.

Watch out for Flying Fatalities.

Pumpkins, leaves, ticks, and fleas.

I know I've said this to many of my friends and family over the years...but I just have to re-state my dear LOVE of Fall.

After many years of being too busy, I took the time this year to head to Young's Dairy for the Pumpkin Festival. Aside from the parking (across the street, only 10 minutes after the place opened), the many sugar-drunk children frantically scrambling to the hayride, and the lugging of the awkward pumpkin....it was fabulous. Not the mention: The "just-out-of-the-oven-warm" pumpkin donut holes made for some very happy family members.

On the darker side of this season...I have to also re-state my abhorrence of bugs. Especially ticks. I've killed three of those suckers (Ha! Get it!?)so far. None of them on my head....I'm too hyper-bug-aware for that to happen.


And can anyone tell me where the Clouds O' Gnats come from? And why are they here?

Close your mouth next to the Foy's house and check behind your ears.


Watch out for Flying Fatalities.

Freedom From Workplace Bullies Week: A Call to Arms!

Freedom From Workplace Bullies Week: A Call to Arms!

Just thought this might be useful to some people I know.

watch out for Flying Fatalities

Wait for it....

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

That feels better.

Now on to some FUN.