Wednesday, March 19, 2008

How Good Is Your Hearing?

norge_horelse I came across this test online that I think everyone should take.

Being able to listen, to hear, is one of our most important resources. This test on a Norwegian site tests to see how well you can hear.

I've found that my hearing occasionally misses some things, either confusing them or not hearing them at all. When we don't hear, we can really miss the important things in our life that make a difference.

The test takes approximately three minutes. For best results, use headphones, but you can use computer speakers. I used the speakers in my laptop and was able to take the test completely. Be sure to give enough time to complete the test so that the results can be fully measured.

When you are done with the test, come back to this page and re-read it. The results from the test may cause you to rethink some of the things in this post. If you find the results cause you to take action, please pass this on to friends and family so they can take the test as well. Most importantly, don't tell them how the test is conducted, as this will affect the results.

How well do you hear?

Monday, March 17, 2008

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

To all of our friends, I thought I'd send this little St. Patty's day wish.

This is the second year in a row that I have been able to get a picture of Carolyn with Brian, the guy who dresses up like a leprechaun at O'Sheas. He's a great guy, and fun to be around.

To commemorate the day, I thought I'd share a couple of Irish Blessings... and a joke or two:

May you be half an hour in Heaven
Before the Devil knows you're dead.

Jimmy-Joe finds a Genie lamp and rubs it. Out comes the Genie and asks "Master you have released me from the lamp and I grant you three wishes, what would you like"

Jimmy-Joe scratches his head, then answers "A bottle of Guinness that never gets empty. "Granted master" retorted the Genie and produced the bottle. Jimmy-Joe was delighted and got drunk on this one magic Guinness bottle for weeks then he remembered that he had two other wishes. He rubbed the lamp again and the Genie appeared. "Yes master, you have two more wishes, what would you like?" "You know that magic, never ending Guinness bottle" he asks the Genies. "Well, for my final two wishes, I'd like another two of them"

Whenever there is happiness
Hope you'll be there too,
Wherever there are friendly smiles
Hope they'll smile on you,
Whenever there is sunshine,
Hope it shine especially
For you to make each day for you
As bright as it can be.

Joey-Jim was tooling along the road one fine day when the local policeman, a friend of his, pulled him over. "What's wrong, Seamus?" Joey-Jim asked. "Well didn't ya know, Joey-Jim, that your wife fell out of the car about five miles back?" said Seamus. "Ah, praise the Almighty!" he replied with relief. "I thought I'd gone deaf!"

May your pockets be heavy-
Your heart be light
And may good luck pursue you
Each morning and night

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Make The Change That Will Improve Your Life

Image Courtesy Rowan of Ravara

From Keeping the Stress Monster in Check | Slow Down Fast Today! ~ David B. Bohl

Are you stressed? Ready for the therapist’s couch? Wondering if you should just dump your corporate job and run away to Alaska to work on a fishing boat?

In today’s world, more people are having to deal with increasing anxiety at the intersection of career, home, family and social life. Is it just me, or are a lot of us just not sure of whether we’re coming or going anymore?

The amount of stress that assaults us daily is tremendous. Work, money, relationships - they all create their own level of stress. The gadgets and tools that were supposed to make our lives easier have only served to add to the stress. Between cellphones, email, text messaging and other technological wonders, getting away from the things that stress us out has become difficult.

As David points out, there are a number of ways to reduce the amount of stress you are subjected to. Which you can use depends on your situation. But one in particular can be life-changing.

The Big Change

If you dread going to work in the morning, or come home from work feeling like you've been put through the ringer, give serious consideration to changing jobs. Yes, that makes it sound very easy. But even if you have to take a pay cut, the improvement in your quality of life can mean a world of difference. The theory that if you do what you love the money will follow holds true far more than you might think.

When you are doing something you enjoy, something you are passionate about, things seem to fall into place. Your mood is lighter, your tasks easier. You love what you do. But make no mistake - getting there may be the scariest thing you have ever done.

For many, changing a career is filled with obstacles. Money may be short. Family will be worried. And you will face self-doubt of a magnitude you may never have previously experienced. These will pass. With the lessening of stress,your thinking will become clearer, your resolve more powerful, your determination and resourcefulness will hit greater highs.

Making The Leap

If you decide to make a change, take some steps first:

  • Decide what it is you really want to do. What is it that really makes you happy?
  • Can you afford a quick switch? If money is an issue, think about how you can transition. Can you do it part-time while keeping your day gig?
  • Make a plan. What do you need to do to be successful, to really enjoy what you will be doing?
  • Be prepared to sacrifice. Achieving your dream career may require less time in front of the TV, or giving up some time on the weekends. You may have to tighten your financial belt, or give up some of your entertainment. Trust that as you get closer to your goal, your life will pull into balance.

If you're feeling overly-stressed, take a good long look at what you do to pay the bills. Changing your career to something you enjoy may just be the best thing you can do for you and your family.