A Time for Reflection # 49
|
Posted:Jan 1, 2019 9:23 am
Last Updated:Mar 11, 2021 12:48 pm
21170 Views
|
As the page 📖 has turned from one year to the next, I like to sit back and reflect on things in terms of my time on this site and personally, out in the 'real world'.
2018 was an interesting year, filled with highs and lows.
People bickering on here about the proper use of blogs, erotic stories and the magazine section. Others complaining about being bombarded with unwelcomed 'dick pics'. Some trying to publicly shame those who couldn't accept No for an answer. The push to be #1 on the various blog lists. People 'threatening' to leave, then back-pedalling. Some who seem to thrive on drama, creating it and perpetuating it. Friendships made and lost.
Personally, I have discovered how much I enjoy the freedom to fill my 'space' the way that I am comfortable. I didn’t set out with a goal of achieving a certain number of ‘watchers’ 👀 nor do I post expecting a certain number of comments ✍️. However, whenever someone takes time 🕰 out of their day to stop by my space, it really is a bonus. 💯 never looked and felt so good.
I allowed myself to get drawn into the 'blog wars'. The pettiness of the 'she said, she said' nonsense really has no place on here. Going forward, I will not do that again. Unless something derogatory is directed at me personally, I will keep my mouth shut.
I also had the opportunity to travel 🏙 to some places I had only read about or seen on tv. I also enjoyed being a tourist in my own city and country. I am looking to do more this year.
I am an avid reader, signing out 10-12 books 📚 every 21 days. Many new authors caught my attention and have been added to my 'must-read list'.
Movies 🎥 are something else I enjoy, though some will argue otherwise. Amongst the 'gems' I saw were: 'Molly's Game'; 'The Book Club'; 'Crazy Rich Asians'; 'Sharkwater Extinction' and 'A Star Is Born'.
I lost a dear Aunt who was like a second Mother to me. She was the rock of the family and ruled with an iron fist. However I could talk to her about anything and I miss her dearly.
I also came face-to-face with my own mortality. I was told more than once, that I must have a guardian angel 👼🏻 looking out for me and that many don't survive. Seeing my specialist beaming from ear-to-ear while he told me that the reason I am still here is because I am a strong, resilient woman, is an image I will never forget. I am not totally out of the woods yet, but I can assure you, life is precious and should never be taken for granted. I will continue to get stronger and put myself first and foremost.
So why do I stay on here? Because I can. I don't have to explain myself to anyone. I do smile when I am told that I am 'way too normal' or 'far too nice' to be on here. I am me. I don't try nor pretend to be anyone else. Who you encounter on here, is the same woman who would meet 'out there'.
Today is the first day of 2019. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds!
 |
|
|
50
Comments
|
|
When You Have Had Too Much
|
Posted:Dec 30, 2018 4:46 am
Last Updated:Mar 18, 2022 10:26 am
18225 Views
|
The holiday season wasn’t made for moderation. And certainly not on December 31, the biggest event of the year, when it can be easy to overindulge in food and especially drink. In case it happens to you, here are some sure-fire, if not seemingly unusual hangover cures, from each of our provinces.
British Columbia: Kombucha
The murky-looking blend of water, tea and sugar is fermented, which means it’s great for gut health and getting your digestive system back on track after a night of debauchery. To aid your recovery, most kombuchas are loaded with additional health-boosting ingredients such as charcoal and ginger. Hmmm I have a friend who drinks Kombucha and the look of it makes me gag.
Alberta: The Caesar
Canadians consume an estimated 350-million Caesars each year. Created by a Calgary bartender in 1969 for the launch of an Italian restaurant, it is similar to a Bloody Mary, but pays homage to Italian flavours. The classic recipe calls for a shot of vodka, tomato and clam juices, a few dashes of Worcestershire, hot sauce and salt and pepper in a salt-rimmed glass. Add a stalk of celery as garnish. I enjoy a spicy, cold Caesar, anytime.
Saskatchewan: Pickle juice
Whether they’re store-bought or homemade, there’s a jar of pickles in every good Saskatchewanian’s fridge. Try guzzling down pickle juice straight from the jar. They also make locally-distilled dill pickle vodka. Never heard of dill pickle vodka before. Not sure 🤔 I would like it.
Manitoba: Sacred Boreal Wildcraft Tea
Hand-picked in northern Manitoba, Sacred Boreal Wildcraft Tea is the province’s best hangover cure. Blending white pine, sweetgrass and sage—all traditionally used by Indigenous peoples to relieve indigestion and reduce inflammation—this herbal tea is a tasty way to rid yourself of a whole host of post-party ailments. I love tea 🍵 and would try this.
Ontario: Vitamin infusions
There are wellness clinics that specialize in intravenous detox therapies. Chock full of vitamins and minerals, the IV-administered treatments aim to restore the hydration and electrolytes that your body craves after a night of heavy drinking. If you really made a night of it, consider a “Recovery Infusion” that adds anti-nauseants, antacids and pain meds into the mix. Have spent enough time in hospitals 🏥. Sure as heck wouldn’t be doing IVs for ‘fun’.
Quebec: Poutine
Can you imagine indulging in grease, salt and carbs when you’re feeling a little green around the gills? The key ingredients are fries, fresh cheese curds and gravy—the way it was originally made in Quebec in the 1950s. Since poutine is slang for “mess” it doesn’t matter at all how it looks; it’s how this gravy-soaked snack makes you feel the morning after that’s important. This sounds like the last thing that would work but my friends in Quebec, swear it does!
New Brunswick: Samosas
The triangular-shaped Indian snacks made of spiced meat, potato and vegetables in a fried pastry shell pack just enough heat to help you sweat out toxins. I have had some Samosas that made my face turn red so can understand why this would work!
Nova Scotia: Donairs
The official food of Halifax, donairs are essentially pita sandwiches crammed with spit-roasted beef, tomato and onion, and drizzled with a sweet, garlicky sauce. Nova Scotians know that eating a donair right before you go to sleep, helps the room from spinning. Pretty much every pizza place in the province serves up this preventative hangover cure until the wee hours of the morning.
Never had one but I would try them.
Prince Edward Island: Fries (with the works)
While there’s no official definition of what constitutes “fries with the works,” the delicacy can contain anything from ground beef or pork to peas, carrots, mushrooms or onions (drenched in gravy, obviously) atop their world-famous spuds. Sounds too heavy and greasy, but apparently is effective.
Newfoundland and Labrador: Jiggs’ Dinner
The traditional meal consists of salt beef, cabbage, potato, carrot, turnip, pease pudding and usually roast turkey or pork—all boiled together in the same pot. If any one of these ingredients is absent, it’s not considered a proper Jiggs’ Dinner. For the full restorative effect, some folks even recommend downing the “pot liquor”—the water that’s left over after the boiled ingredients have been removed from the pot. With all due respect, sounds like just too much!
 |
|
|
25
Comments
|
|
100 and It Feels Good
|
Posted:Dec 29, 2018 8:04 am
Last Updated:Jan 22, 2019 8:14 pm
17706 Views
|
...Blog Watchers that is.
While this number may seem inconsequential compared to the other bloggers who have 100s, if not 1000s of watchers, it is very meaningful to me. It also has a nice look 💯 and sound 🎉 to it.
Whether you drop by occasionally or are a regular visitor who comments, I do appreciate each and everyone of you.
|
|
|
29
Comments
|
|
Merry Christmas To All
|
Posted:Dec 25, 2018 12:17 am
Last Updated:Jan 7, 2019 4:58 pm
16569 Views
|
May peace ☮️, love ❤️ and comfort 🙏 surround you now and forever.
|
|
|
21
Comments
|
|
The Best Christmas Gifts 🎁.....
|
Posted:Dec 21, 2018 7:45 am
Last Updated:Dec 3, 2020 3:09 am
16260 Views
|
....cost nothing, but are priceless and last forever in our hearts.
To Your Enemy – Forgiveness
To An Opponent – Tolerance
To A Friend – Your Heart ❤️
To Every – A Good Example
To Yourself – Respect
What gift do you want to give or receive this year?
|
|
|
26
Comments
|
|
When is it too much?
|
Posted:Dec 15, 2018 9:40 am
Last Updated:Sep 6, 2021 1:29 pm
16548 Views
|
Too much of anything can turn into an addiction . The word “addiction” suggests gambling, drinking, and drugs. But there are other habits, behaviors, and even beauty products that are surprisingly addictive. Here's a few you may not be aware of.
Lip Balm
Have you ever sat with a friend and watched as he or she applied and then reapplied lip balm repeatedly? There's actually a scientific reason for it. The ingredients in some products can end up being super drying, which prompt you to feel the need to keep reapplying in a vicious cycle. The person can also be very used to the textural feeling on his or her lips so when they don't have the product on, they feel that something is missing. I know people like this. Do you?
Teeth Whitening
It’s one thing to use whitening strips regularly to remove red wine and coffee stains. It’s quite another to be addicted to bleaching your teeth. There’s even a term for it: ‘Bleachorexia’ refers to being addicted to bleaching teeth. Overuse or misuse of whitening products such as lasers, strips, gels, rinses, or pastes can cause noticeable sensitivity, tooth pain, gum irritation, and weakened enamel, often temporary, but sometimes more permanent. At worst, teeth begin to demineralize with time, since whitening products strip tooth enamel resulting in transparent-looking teeth. Never tried it and now I never will.
Exercise
Exercise addiction is well established in the scientific literature and usually means that your day isn’t complete unless you’ve gotten in a run, hit the gym, or hopped on a bike. Exercise addicts tend use exercise as a coping strategy to control emotions. Is this what 'gym rats' are?
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery can quickly become an addiction for some. Patients seeking Botox often start out wanting to look ‘natural’ . Once they see how Botox smooths out fine lines and relaxes deep furrows, they notice small lines when they make expressions, and they want those gone too. Pretty soon, if the physician lets them, the ‘natural’ look becomes frozen. Other common “addictions” include facial fillers, especially in the lips and cheeks, and liposuction. “Procedural ‘addicts’ are usually unaware of their addiction and most often need to be turned away by their plastic surgeon. This type of patient literally skips from office to office until someone agrees to give them what they want. It is usually the surgeon or injector who makes the diagnosis of ‘addiction.’ I don't know anyone personally who are like this but there seem to be many examples of celebrities who are.
Tattoos
With 45 million Americans said to have at least one tattoo—and of that , 32 percent say they’re addicted—the question is why? Addiction is psychosomatic. If you imagine that tattoos can change people’s perception of you, you can believe that a new image on your skin will impress others, boost your self-esteem, and eliminate the need for more needlework. Several celebrities seem to fall into this category
Shopping
If you’re perpetually in need of retail therapy, take note. Turns out there are as many reasons to becoming addicted to shopping as there are shopping addicts. Some of the motivators include wanting to feel better about yourself or to feel more secure. Shopping can also be a way to soothe oneself, to feel more in control or to fill an internal void. How do you know if you’re an addict? If shopping is your equal opportunity all-purpose mood changer, if you’ve tried to stop and have been unable to, if you’re hiding purchases or bills, and/or if you’re lying about this to yourself and to others. Ever seen the hoarder shows on tv? Yikes!
Tanning
Tanning addiction is very common, particularly among young men and women between the ages of 18 and 30. More than 460,000 cases of skin cancer in the United States, Europe, and Australia each year are linked to indoor tanning. How do you know if you’re addicted? If you find you’re going to the tanning salon more often or staying in the tanning bed longer, that could be a sign of dependence. Never tried it nd never will.
Pulling your Hair
The clinical term for this is ‘trichotillomania’ and it’s when someone can’t stop twisting or pulling their hair out. It often doesn’t just stop with the hair on the head, either. Some people will pull the hair on their eyebrows or even eyelashes as a compulsive urge or mindless habit, such as when they are zoned out watching TV. I have known people who do this and it's so distracting when trying to have a conversation with them.
Extreme Sports
Those who enjoy extreme sports such as rock climbing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and more are often labeled as “adrenaline junkies” because they are addicted to the thrill and feeling of euphoria of doing such activities. A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions found that when people don’t do these activities over an extended period, they go through symptoms of withdrawal consistent with addictive behaviours. Do you know anyone like this?
Chewing Ice
Called ‘pagophagia’ chewing ice is considered a form of pica, a type of eating disorder in which someone feels the need to chew items that have no nutritional value. Ice cravings may be specific to an iron deficiency, as well as a red flag for obsessive-compulsive disorder or another developmental issue. I used to do this and cracked many fillings.
Sex
Whether you enjoy having sex (and therefore feel like you need to have a lot of it) or can’t stop looking at porn, you may have 'hypersexual disorder'. The disorder also means your brain is hardwired similar to someone who has a gambling or drug addiction, making it difficult to give up that behaviour. Is that why many people join this site?
Is there something that you simply cannot resist? Is it controlling your life?
 |
|
|
32
Comments
|
|
Choosing Him
|
Posted:Dec 13, 2018 1:10 am
Last Updated:Sep 20, 2021 5:07 pm
15597 Views
|
"I don't know about you, but as far as I concerned, the usual rules don't apply here," he said while looking directly at her.
She handed him the other glass of brandy. He took it and swallowed some.
"So?' she prompted.
He lowered the glass, his eyes smouldering. "So we get to make up the rules as we go along," he responded.
She drank a little more brandy to fortify herself and lowered the glass slowly, proud of her control. "Okay," she replied.
He closed the distance between them, stopping less than a foot away. His eyes never left her face.
"Got any?" he asked.
"Any what?" she asked.
"Any rules I should know about?"
She knew her answer would determine whatever would happen next. She really ought to think long and hard before responding but quickly decided, to hell with thinking. "No." she said. "No I can't think of any rules that apply. At least not tonight."
He set his glass down on the counter. "I want to be very sure about what's going on here."
"In all honesty, I haven't got a frickin' clue," she responded.
"Do you want me?"
She took a deep breath. "So much for the subtle approach," she giggled.
He caught her chin with the tips of his fingers. "I not good with the subtle approach. I to be sure. I a yes or a no."
"Yes," she whispered. "But only if you want me, too."
He smiled that rugged, manly, sexy smile of his that left her breathless.
"That's important to you?" he asked.
"Yes, otherwise it would be disaster, for both of us."
"Good to know." He took her glass from her unresisting hand and placed it on the counter. Then he cupped her face between his palms. "Just to be clear, I want you too."
"You're sure?"
"Positive."
He leaned in close, pinning her slowly, relentlessly against the kitchen counter with the weight of his body. The kiss started out as a slow burn. His mouth moved deliberately on hers, seducing her..
But she didn't to be seduced. She was shivering with anticipation. She knew the risks and was to accept them. Tonight she was going to do what she wanted to do and let tomorrow be another day.
Her decision set her free, in ways she couldn't have imagined. For once, she was not trying to think logically, not trying to it safe. For once, she simply did not give a damn about the risks involved.
She reached up to grab his shoulders. Everything about him was hard, toned and on fire. She knew that in setting herself free, she had freed him also.
It was as if lightning struck as he grabbed her around the waist and lifted her up onto the counter. Her robe fell aside. He pushed her knees apart. She wrapped her legs around his waist and wrapped her arms around his neck.
He groaned, swept her off the counter and started towards the bedroom as she clung to him. There was something very focused about the way he carried her down the hall.
He fell with her onto the rumpled bed. She came down on top of him. He pulled the robe off her shoulders, yanked the sleeves down her arms and tossed it aside. A moment later, her hauled her nightgown up over head and flung it out of the way. His hands closed gently over her breasts.
She fought to get rid of his t-shirt and then started to work on he zipper of his jeans. He was fully aroused, his erection thrust firmly against his jeans. The zipper resisted. She took a firmer grip on it and was ready to yank hard.
He sucked in his breath and stopped her with his hand.
"I will take care of it," he said.
She rolled onto her side as he got up, stripped off his jeans and then stepped out of his boxers. He lowered himself alongside her, pulling her towards him. One of his hands moved onto her, fingers trailing up her thigh. When she touched him, she discovered his back was damp with sweat.
He found her hot, wet core with his fingers and she gave herself over to the arousing sensation. A fierce urgency tightened her lower body. She was stunned to realize that she was on the brink of climaxing. She hadn't even plugged in her vibrator.
'Now," she commanded. She clenched her fingers in his hair. "Do it now!"
He moved between her legs. She raised her knees, welcoming him. He entered her slowly, pushing deep. She had never felt so tight and yet stretched as he plunged into her over and over.
Her orgasm raced through her in waves. She wanted to scream with the sheer pleasure of it all but couldn't catch her breath. Instead, she dug her nails into his shoulders and held on for dear life.
The raw energy of his climax pulled him deep into her. The muscles of his back and shoulders were taut. His skin was damp with perspiration.
When it was over, he collapsed slowly along the length of her, crushing her into the bedding. She held him close and listened as his breathing returned to normal.
After a while, he untangled himself and stretched out beside her.
"Baby," he whispered.
"Shhhh." She pushed herself up onto one elbow and put her fingers over his lips. "Don't say anything that will ruin this moment."
He watched her through half-closed eyes. "Can I ask if it was good for you too?"
She smiled slowly. "I was very, very good. The first time I have ever been able to finish without my little pink device."
"Huh? You usually use a vibrator?"
"I keep it in the drawer beside my bed. Why?"
"Nothing. Just curious," he said.
"Whey are you so interested in my vibrator?"
"You know how it is with us guys. We like to fool around with gadgets."
She stroked a finger slowly down his chest and smiled again. "Trust me. You don't to use any gadgets."
"Doesn't mean I couldn't come up with something interesting to do with one," he replied.
"I will think about it," she giggled. "Ask me again in the morning."
 |
|
|
10
Comments
|
|
Bet You Didn’t Know This....
|
Posted:Dec 6, 2018 12:09 am
Last Updated:Sep 20, 2021 5:11 pm
11969 Views
|
If you’re only using cooking spray to prevent your baked goods from sticking to the pan, you’re missing out on many other 'non-traditional' ways it can be used around the house. Here's some I bet you never thought of or knew about:
To Prevent Sticky Rice and Pasta
Most cooks know that a little cooking oil in the boiling water will keep rice or pasta from sticking together when you drain it. A spritz of cooking oil spray will do the job just as well.
Prevent Sauce Stains
Apply a light coating of non-stick cooking spray on the inside of a plastic container before you pour in a tomato-based sauce.
Keep Car Wheels Clean
You know that fine black stuff that collects on the wheels of your car and is so hard to clean off? That’s brake dust—it’s produced every time you apply your brakes and the pads wear against the brake discs or cylinders. Spray your wheels with a light coating of cooking spray. The brake dust will wipe right off.
Cure Door Squeak
Spray a door hinge. Just make sure that you have paper towels handy to wipe up the drips.
When Shoveling Snow
Spray the shovel with non-stock cooking spray before shoveling—the snow glides right off! If you use a snow thrower, spray the discharge chute to prevent it from clogging.
Remove Paint and Grease
Forget smelly solvents to remove paint and grease from your hands. Instead, use cooking spray to do the job. Work it in well and rinse. Wash again with soap and water.
Prevent Grass from Sticking
Prevent grass from sticking on mower blades and the underside of the housing by spraying them with cooking oil before you begin mowing.
Make Grating Cheese a Breeze
Use on your cheese grater for smoother grating. The spray also makes for easier and faster clean up.
De-Bug Your Car
Give your grille a spritz and you will be able to just wipe away the insect debris.
Lubricate Your Bicycle Chain
Is your bike chain a bit creaky and you don’t have any WD-40 handy? Give it a shot of non-stick cooking spray instead. Don’t use too much—the chain shouldn’t look wet. Wipe off the excess with a clean rag.
Dry Your Nail Polish
Need your nail polish to dry in a hurry? Spray it with a coat of non-stick cooking spray and let dry.
Use Cooking Spray When Fishing
Pack a can of cooking spray when you go fishing. Spray it on your fishing line and the line will cast easier and farther!
Do you have any inventive uses for cooking spray?
Readers Digest
|
|
|
17
Comments
|
|
Letting Go Of Her Fears
|
Posted:Dec 2, 2018 5:56 pm
Last Updated:Feb 22, 2021 11:16 am
11985 Views
|
She looked at him and knew she could no longer hold back.
"Would you mind very much if I kissed you?" she asked.
"It's OK as long as it's not one of those pity kisses", he responded.
"Nope. I just want to kiss you. But I should warn you that it's not going to go anywhere, given my intimacy issues. I don't want you to think I am some kind of world-class tease." she cautioned.
"There's no doubt that you are world-class, but you are definitely not a tease. OK, so you have a few issues. So do I."
"Perhaps, but different issues though, don’t you think? "
"Issues are issues. We are wasting time here. Are you going to kiss me or not?", he asked sounding a little exasperated.
She boldly took a step forward, gripped his shoulders and crushed her mouth against his. Geez she was out of practice.
He didn't return her kiss. Instead, he caught her face between his hands and raised his head so that his mouth was an inch away from hers. "Remember what I said," he whispered, his voice a little ragged. "It's not like a trip to the dentist."
"I know. I just don't want to screw it up again."
"Then quit trying so hard. Relax. Go with what you feel. When you stop feeling it, we'll stop whatever it is we are doing at that moment and can take a break."
"You make it all sound so simple." she murmured.
"It is simple, Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it again.”
She couldn't help but giggle. It was so inappropriate for the situation but somehow the urge to giggle was uncontrollable. She tended to do that when she was nervous.
But he didn't laugh or giggle. However, in the glow of the light, she could see him smiling that very sexy, very masculine smile of his. It was just one of the many things she liked about him.
The part of her that had been locked up tightly for so long started to relax. She leaned into him and kissed him again, taking her time, feeling his reaction. His mouth was hot, his body was hard and lean, his erection was rigid, but he made no attempt to overwhelm or overtake her. He did not try to rush her.
Encouraged by her own reaction as well as his, she pressed herself more tightly against him. A long supressed urge rose within her. She wanted to touch and be touched. She wanted to be free to release and enjoy her sensual side. The kiss grew more intense. Electric. Arousing.
She guided his hands inside her robe and onto her breast. He let his fingers rest there but did not try to force anything else. He wanted her to be comfortable and to take the lead.
She slipped her hands up under his t-shirt, her arousal growing with the touch of his skin. She did not feel guilty. She began to explore him with a growing sense of urgency.
He responded to her needs. Cautiously, he let the pad of his thumb, trail across her breast and around her nipple.
It was as if he had flipped a switch. Desire began to dictate her every movement.
She kissed his ear lobe, his throat, the curve of his shoulder.
"There's no rush." he whispered.
"Yes there is."
"We've got all night." he assured her.
"You might have all night, but I don't. I need to do this now, before something goes wrong."
She seized his hand and started to lead him towards her bedroom.
"No!" he said.
He didn't try to drop her hand nor did he follow her, Instead, he simply stood there in the doorway.
The flicker of fear coursed through her. Had she screwed up somehow?
"What's wrong?" she tearfully asked. He pulled her gently back toward him. "We don't need a bed'"
Her heart sank. Oh my God, this was worse than she thought. He had no interest in taking things further.
She couldn't have been more wrong. He led her back across the living room and stopped at the leather reclining chair. As he lowered himself, he unzipped his jeans.
"Let's try it this way instead." he said. "You did say you wanted to be in control and on top."
He drew her down slowly, giving her tie to figure out a comfortable position.
He moved one hand along the inside of her thigh, touching her, stroking her in ways that made her want more. She closed her eyes, everything inside her went tight. She sucked in her breath and dug her nails into his shoulders. His fingers touched her in ways that she had never experienced before.
He eased her down onto his rigid manhood before she started climaxing. She was so sensitive and reactive that she could barely catch her breath.
She heard his hoarse, muffled groans. His climax shuddered through both of them. The night became very still and quiet. It was just the beginning.
Have you ever had to let go of your fears? Or helped someone else overcome theirs?
 |
|
|
19
Comments
|
|
Who Am I?
|
Posted:Nov 18, 2018 3:15 am
Last Updated:Nov 15, 2021 8:38 pm
11708 Views
|
I am an all-natural, authentic woman.
I express my feelings openly and honestly.
I care about others, animals and about the world I live in.
I love unconditionally.
I am a true friend who will support you through thick and thin.
I make a difference through volunteering and giving back to my community.
I may not be rich, but I am valuable.
I am smart because I learn from my mistakes.
I have opinions and am not afraid to express them.
I might not be everyone's first choice, but I am a great choice.
I know I am not perfect and know I don’t have to be.
I look back on my life and I can see the pain I have endured, the mistakes I have made and the hard times I have suffered.
I am a survivor.
I look in the mirror and I can see how strong I have become from all the experiences I have had and the lessons I have learned.
I am PROUD of who I am today.
Accept me as I am and if you can’t, watch me as I walk away from you.
|
|
|
28
Comments
|
|
Brain Games
|
Posted:Nov 16, 2018 12:10 pm
Last Updated:Sep 4, 2021 1:22 pm
9208 Views
|
We are often reminded to exercise our bodies but neglect exercising our brains. Studies have shown that keeping the brain active is associated with a reduced risk for Alzheimer's.
Here are some 'brain teasers' for you to try. No cheating . No calculators! You will have to scroll down to find the answers. Good luck!
1. House Numbers
My twin lives at the reverse of my house number. The difference between our house numbers ends in two. What are the lowest possible numbers of our house?
2. Egg Equation
If a hen and a half lay an egg and a half in a day and a half, how many eggs will half a dozen hens lay in half a dozen days?
3. Two By Two
You know 2 + 2 comes to the same as 2 x 2. Now find a set of three different whole numbers whose sum is equal to their total when multiplied.
4. Apple Harvest
Mrs. Jones was very proud of her apple tree. One autumn, after harvesting her apples, she called her three sons together. “Here are 150 apples,” she said. “I want you to take them to the market tomorrow and sell them for me.” She gave Paul 15 apples, Nick 50, and Ben 85. “Your job,” added Mrs. Jones, “is to sell the apples in such a way that each of you brings home the same amount of money.” How do they do it?
5. Inheritance
Granny Adams left half her money to her granddaughter and half that amount to her grandson. She left a sixth to her brother, and the remainder, $1,000, to the dogs’ home. How much did she leave altogether?
6. Brother puzzle
One brother says of his younger brother: “Two ago, I was three times as as my brother was. In three ’ time, I will be twice as as my brother.” How are they each now?
7. Rain Man
A man was walking in the rain. He was in the middle of nowhere. He had nothing and nowhere to hide. He came home all wet, but not a single hair on his head was wet. How is that possible?
8. Classroom Math
14 of the in the class are girls. 8 of the wear blue shirts. 2 of the are neither girls or wear a blue shirt. If 5 of the are girls who wear blue shirts how many are in the class?
9. The Man and His Car
A man pushes his car to a hotel and tells its owner that he is bankrupt. Why?
10. The Photograph
A man is looking at a photograph of someone. His friend asks who it is. The man replies, “Brothers and sisters, I have none. But that man’s father is my father’s .” Who was in the photograph?
How do you think you will do?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Answers
1. The lowest possible numbers for our house are 19 and 91.
2. Two dozen. If you increase both the number of hens and the amount of time available four-fold, the number of eggs increases 16 times. 16 x 1.5 = 24.
3. The three different whole numbers whose sum is equal to their total when multiplied are 1, 2 and 3.
4. The first buyer purchases 12 dozen apples at $1 per dozen. Paul sells him one dozen and has three apples left; Nick sells him four-dozen and has two apples left; and Ben sells him seven-dozen and has one apple left. Then a second buyer comes along and buys all their remaining apples for $3 apiece. The three brothers head home with $10 each.
5. She left $12,000. One half plus one quarter plus one-sixth equals eleven-twelfths. So, the remainder, $1,000, is one-twelfth of the whole, which must have been $12,000.
6. The elder is 17, the younger 7. Two ago, they were 15 and 5 respectively, and in three years time, they will be 20 and 10.
7. The man was bald.
8. 19
9. He is playing Monopoly
10. His
 |
|
|
17
Comments
|
|
In Case Of Emergency
|
Posted:Nov 11, 2018 2:28 am
Last Updated:Feb 17, 2021 11:54 am
9445 Views
|
Emergencies and natural disasters are usually unpredictable. A little preparation could mean the difference between life and death during those times. Here are some suggestions for how to be ready.
Outlet-free Chargers
Smartphones and laptops will still work when the power is out—as long as you’re prepared. Having a juiced-up portable battery or small generator will keep you in touch with loved ones and with any emergency updates.
Cordless Radio
Gathering around the radio might seem like a thing of the past, but it could prove vital in an emergency situation. It allows you to get in touch with what’s going on locally. You won’t miss any important messages warning you not to leave—or to get out fast. Make sure you have a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio so it can work when the power is out.
Medications
Sometimes, the way medications are dispersed now, we have just a very small supply available. In a disaster, it might be hard to replenish those supplies. Talk to your doctor about writing a larger prescription so you have a couple weeks work on hand if you can’t reach the pharmacy.
Lantern
Handheld flashlights are convenient to carry and store, but their beams won’t light up a room the way your lamps do. In addition to battery-powered flashlights, pick up a lantern, which can brighten up a larger amount of space.
Batteries
If you’ve been using your phone as a flashlight and haven’t touched an actual torch in years, don’t be surprised if the batteries in your backups have worn out or corroded. A pack of extra batteries never hurts.
Non-perishable Food
Stocking up on food is a no-brainer if you know you won’t be able to get to a grocery store, but you might be surprised by just how much food to keep on hand. The Red Cross recommends keeping two weeks worth of food available in case you’re unexpectedly stuck at home, or enough to last three days if you’re evacuating. Get creative and stick with foods you actually want to eat.
Pet Food
Don’t forget your furry friends when you’re stocking up on food. Keep at least two weeks worth of dry food on hand so your pets can stay healthy and safe.
Extra Propane
If your home’s electricity or gas isn’t working, the oven and microwave would be out of the question. Keep extra propane on hand so you can fire up a BBQ or camping stove.
Water
H2O seems like a given, but if anything goes wrong with your local water system, you’ll need to have backup. As a rule of thumb, make sure you have a gallon per person per day, ideally enough to last two weeks. If you don’t want to leave jugs of water sitting around all the time, fill clean, empty soda bottles or a large water dispenser when there’s a storm coming.
Cash
Don’t assume you can rely on plastic during an emergency. Card readers might not work, and ATMs could run out of money during a natural disaster, so keeping backup bills on hand could be a lifesaver. Talk to your family about how much you can afford to keep out of the bank and where the safest place in your home for it is.
Tool Kit
Even if you’re not used to making your own repairs, a toolbox could be a vital resource during an emergency situation. A basic toolkit with items such as a wrench, screwdrivers, and a hammer can help you fight back when your home and supplies are under stress.
Copies of Important Documents
It’s always a good idea to keep original copies of important documents like home ownership papers or insurance information, but keep a backup on hand too. Leave hard copies in a safe space (away from the originals), or save them digitally in a password-protected file in the cloud.
First Aid Kit
“A well-stocked first aid kit is critically important,” says Jensen. The Red Cross recommends keeping bandages, an instant ice pack, antiseptic wipes, scissors, and more.
Just-for-fun Items
When you’re rushing to pack your bags for an evacuation, a few non-essentials can actually be some of the best things for your mental well-being. “We need to find ways of comforting ourselves,” says Jensen. “Relax and take some time to realize it’s going to be OK.” He suggests packing a book, a ’s favorite stuffed animal, or playing cards. Letting yourself relax a bit will help normalize the situation and take your mind off the stress.
Are you prepared to handle an emergency or natural disaster?
@ Reader's Digest
|
|
|
19
Comments
|
|
Medical Mysteries
|
Posted:Nov 8, 2018 11:53 am
Last Updated:Nov 15, 2021 8:38 pm
9382 Views
|
Despite the advances research has provided, there are still some rare and complex conditions that modern medicine still struggles to understand. Here are a few.
The Girl Who Never Aged
Brooke Greenberg died at the age of 20 in 2013. But she didn’t look like your average 20-year-old because her body stopped developing at the age of five. Her hair and nails were the only parts of her body that continued to grow year by year. Despite being born premature, doctors remained perplexed as to why she stopped aging. Numerous DNA studies showed no abnormalities in her genes associated with aging. Nor did her parents have a history of abnormal development. Plus, all her sisters were normal and healthy. Scientists continued to refer to her condition as Syndrome X, a metabolic syndrome. Yet, her unusual condition remains unexplained by science.
Mermaid Syndrome
Sirenomelia is a birth defect that partially or completely fuses the legs together, similar to how a mermaid looks. Most newborns born with this condition, don’t survive long. However, Shiloh Pepin lived until she was ten and Tiffany Yorks, the oldest known survivor of the condition, died at age 27 in 2016. The exact cause of
Sirenomelia is still unknown because most cases occur randomly for no reason. Due to this randomness, researchers believe a new mutation or environmental factors may play a role in the development of the disorder.
Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory
If you give Jill Price a date, she can easily tell you what day of the week it fell on and what she did that day. Price was reported as the first known case of Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM) in 2006. Since then, more adults and even have been identified as having this ability. People with HSAM can recall almost anything from their memories in minute detail from events in their life to conversations they’ve had. The true mystery is why some people have this superhuman brainpower and others don’t. Brain images of people with HSAM have shown researchers that some parts of their brain structure are different from people who have a typical memory. But it’s not yet known if these brain differences cause HSAM or if they occur because the person uses areas of the brain associated with memory more.
Water Allergies
Fewer than 100 people in the world have been diagnosed with aquagenic urticaria, a rare condition where people break out in hives or rashes every time they’re exposed to water. However, researchers have not found an underlying cause for the condition. Some scientific theories suggest that the hives are caused by an allergen in the water or an interaction between the water and a substance found in or on the skin that generates a toxic material, which causes hives. Some doctors recommend patients only bathe in or drink purified water.
Stiff Person Syndrome
This rare, progressive syndrome known as Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) can cause people to experience extreme stiffness, rigidity, and painful spasms in their muscles. Sometimes, these muscle spasms are so strong they can even fracture bones. When the central nervous system, specifically in the brain and spinal cord, has decreased inhibition, it can cause a person’s muscle activity to increase, which can result in SPS. Scientists think the syndrome may have an autoimmune component and research has indicated that it may occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain and spinal cord. Although scientists are on the cusp of discovering what could cause this disabling disorder, they still have yet to understand everything about SPS.
Disembarkment Syndrome
You know that feeling you get when you feel wobbly after you disembark a boat? You’ve probably heard someone say you’re “getting your land legs back.” For most people, this feeling of being in constant motion usually goes away after a few minutes or hours. But some people suffer from disembarkment syndrome, a condition where their bodies and brains can never shake that feeling of swaying and rocking. Unfortunately, it’s a hard condition to treat and usually goes away within a year. And it’s not just limited to being out on a boat either; riding in planes, trains, cars, even elevators can cause it too. Unfortunately, doctors still aren’t sure what really lies behind disembarkment syndrome. . People who get migraines and women ages 30 to 60 are more likely to get it, but experts are uncertain if hormones play a role or how migraines could be linked.
Morgellons Disease
People with this skin condition typically feel like something is stinging or crawling all over their skin. Morgellons Disease is an uncommon skin condition, characterized by small fibres or particles emerging from skin sores. Some doctors think the condition is all in the patient’s head and try to treat them with cognitive behavioural therapy, antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, or counselling, while others in the medical field think the fibres could be caused by an infection from the bacterium Agrobacterium, commonly found to cause tumours in plants. There’s still no official guidelines on diagnosis and treatment.
The Boy Who Doesn’t Feel Hungry
In October 2013, Landon Jones, a 12-year-old boy from Iowa, suddenly woke up without an appetite or thirst. It only took a year for the boy to go from a healthy 104 pounds to a meager 68 pounds. Doctors were baffled by his condition after countless brain scans, psychiatric evaluations, and medical evaluations for digestive problems or eating disorders showed nothing. Some doctors wonder if he suffers from a rare brain dysfunction, particularly in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls hunger and thirst. In 2014, his parents reached out to the National Institutes of Health to help evaluate Landon and possibly treat him for this rare disease. But there’s been no news to-date to say if doctors have determined a diagnosis.
Had you previously heard of any of these conditions?
Any others you are aware of?
(@Reader's Digest)
|
|
|
16
Comments
|
|
To link to this blog (sexyldy1000) use [blog sexyldy1000] in your messages.
|
|
|
| Sun |
Mon |
Tue |
Wed |
Thu |
Fri |
Sat |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
141
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
|
|
|
|
|
Most Recent Comments by Others
| I Have Moved Over To The Other Side (45) | Paulxx001
Feb 26, 2022 8:32 am |
| Smells That Take Us Back To Our Childhood (82) | effbuddy3
Feb 18, 2022 12:28 pm |
| A Different Christmas Again This Year (37) | resant78
Jan 4, 2022 8:54 pm |
| Hold Me (76) | seingalt23
Dec 26, 2021 5:56 am |
| It.s All Fun and Games Until (37) | xNewsPhotog
Dec 4, 2021 10:06 am |
| Sunday Is the Perfect Day (38) | juliabihotty
Nov 30, 2021 2:20 pm |
| Saturday Sentiments (24) | Pandoo555
Nov 28, 2021 2:49 pm |
| Lest We Forget (26) | resant78
Nov 16, 2021 10:04 pm |
| Be That One (25) | HermanG67
Oct 26, 2021 9:51 am |
| Life.s Simple Truths (27) | resant78
Oct 24, 2021 1:20 pm |
| Stepping Away Is Good For The Soul (39) | SingleInGR
Oct 17, 2021 1:56 pm |
|
