Posts Tagged With: blog

Imaginificationosity

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Nowan Zen

Imaginificationosity

Imagination. It’s something we all have, but not all of us choose to use it. Some are too pragmatic to enjoy their imagination, while some seem to indulge in the imagination quite a lot.

Imagination can be used for problem solving, as well as, creative outlet. The eyes take in and the mind begins to create through our imagination. In our imagination we can fly. In our imagination we can slay dragons without getting dirty. In our imagination we are the top athlete in every sport. In our imagination we are the best of the best. Our imagination is limited only by our……imagination!

Mark Twain wrote: “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” (Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court). What does this mean?

Categories: Hmmmmm........ | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Stand Out

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Nowan Zen

Stand Out

Blend in and go with the crowd or stand out and make a difference. You’re choice.

Categories: Hmmmmm........ | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WOOOO HOOOO!!! I Got An Award!

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Nowan Zen

WOW!  That’s pretty much all I can manage at this point.  Nominated for the “Interesting Blog Award” by my new friend Running Without Socks. I took the liberty of creating my own award plaque to share, so hopefully you’ll like it.

Interesting Blog Award

 

*UGH* And then there are “The Rules.”  If it’s okay, my mind shall wander about opening the odd door, window, and grating to peer into the stacks of miscellaneous thoughts socked away to see what answers can be provided.

 

The Rules are as follows (no napping yet):

  1. Thank the person who nominated you. (DING)
  2. List five random facts about yourself. (see below)
  3. Nominate a minimum of 5 blogs for the award. (TBD)
  4. Ask the nominees 5 questions of your choice. (THIS will be fun).
  5. And finally, let them know you have nominated them. (Well THAT kinda spoils the surprise).

 

First things first, you have got to sneak over and spy out Running Without Socks. Quite amusing, insightful, and fun to read.  Please refrain from leaving nose prints on the windows, putting the milk back with nothing left but backwash (I hate that), and for goodness’ sake try not to leave butt prints on the sofa.

 

Now….on to business, five random things about me:

  1. I am an Introvert and am pretty boring in person. That’s my own opinion according to the voices in my head telling me that frequently.
  2. My socks seldom match. If they do, it’s purely chance.
  3. I have far more coffee travel mugs than I should, but I use them all at some point.
  4. I collect sock monkeys, but have to keep them out of the reach of the dog who thinks they are pretty tasty.
  5. My mind is like a sponge…..it used to be very absorbent, but now just kinda mildewy. Ever put your keys in your pocket then spent half an hour trying to remember where you put your keys?  Actually found them in the freezer once.

 

Jumping ahead a bit, Answer the 5 questions.  Okay RWS, you asked, so might wish to brace yourself:

  1. What are you listening to right now (if anything)? If not, what would you like to be listening to right now?

Right now I am listening to classical music for two reasons. It’s on the “approved list for cubicle listening” and it also reminds me of the old Bugs Bunny cartoons I enjoyed so much as a kid (and an adult). Although, come to think of it, I would like to be listening to the bells ringing because I had just won the Power Ball Lottery.

 

  1. What food would you hate to be without? (not basic staples – your favorite indulgence)

Let me explain how MY food pyramid works…what I like (indulgence) gets promoted to the basic staples category.  I would be MOST unhappy to have to forego my favorite meal: Won-Ton Soup and chicken fried rice! It’s my go to meal when I need a pick me up.

 

  1. If you woke up and were transformed to the opposite sex, what would be the first thing you do?

Duh…..get coffee!  Then try to contain my excitement at finally being able to understand women.  Then more coffee.

 

  1. If you could change your job title, what would it be? (not the job, just the title).

I’m rather fond of “Your Highness” or “Oh Captain, My Captain.”  Then there’s always “Light of My World” and “Koffee King.”

 

  1. City or Beach Vacation?

Beach, definitely.  Not just the beach…..private island beach, with a hammock in the shade and lots of ice cold beer.  Hey, if you’re going to dream…..

 

 

What are the 5 questions I would like to ask my nominees….oh, this might take some brainpower.  Back in a minute, more coffee required if thinking is involved. I was never good with essay questions, preferring multiple choice instead.

 

  • If a single event in your life could be prefaced by, “That Awkward Moment When…” what would it be?
  • Using only five descriptive words, what are your pet peeves?
  • You discover that you are the victim of a practical joke, to you get angry or do you laugh….and, of course, why?
  • If we met face to face, over coffee of course, what would you like to talk about?
  • If you had the opportunity to hug one person that you don’t already know, who would it be and why?

 

My Nominees are……..go ahead and take a potty break, you’ve had a lot of coffee…we’ll wait and talk about you while you’re gone.

 

            Rachie Adventures

            Reality In Progress

            Laura Davies

            Buddha Kat

            Doc

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Hang On! There’s Going To Be Turbulence!

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Nowan Zen

Bumpy Road

*Ding* please secure your belongings and return your seats and trays to their original upright position.

 

Shift your mind into gear and follow this logic for a moment:

  1. Your vehicle (auto, motorcycle, moped, bicycle, golfcart) has tires.
  2. Tires are filled with………air.
  3. Thus, you are technically riding on………tightly packed air.
  4. Said air packages help cushion your ride.
  5. Why? Because there are no completely smooth roads.  They don’t exist.
  6. But with the cushion of air, the ride is smoother than riding on, let’s say, rims.

 

Now, what does this have to do with anything? Very simple, it’s an analogy about life.

“How so?” you might ask. GOOD QUESTION!!

 

As we saunter, sachet, cha-cha, funky chicken, mambo, walk, run, hobble, or otherwise transport ourselves through this thing called “life” it is best to remember it WILL be a bumpy ride. Thus, we have some choices to make.  We can decide that we’ve had enough, sit down, and refuse to move.  We can, go blindly along the road constantly being surprised that the road isn’t smooth and perfect (which leads to much frustration, irritation, consternation, and perhaps even constipation). OR we can open our minds and accept that there will be ruts and bumps along the way; thereby going around those we can, jumping over those we can, sidestepping those we can, and trudging through those we cannot.

 

If there were no bumps or ruts or wrinkles, life would be boring, dull, and uneventful. And as much as we may say we’d like uneventful, we both know we’d go bonkers. Life is not what happens to us.  Life is what we DO with what happens to us.

 

See? I’m not nearly as big an idiot as I might appear.  Almost, but not quite.

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

And Don’t Call Me Shirley!

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Nowan Zen

Today was one of “those” days where my mind thinks too much and my thoughts are far to scattered to make much sense, but here goes anyway.  Permit me to preface this entry by telling you that I had bloodwork done this morning which means I started my day coffee-less and can’t seem to get the caffeine to catch up with the requirements of the day.

 

Having said that, a point was proven again today that I had heard in my youth.  Youth…that time in your life when anyone over 21 was “old” and had no idea what they were talking about.  That’s when I had been told that Little Courtesies Mean A Lot. At the time, I thought the person who told me that was one brain cell away from a complete breakdown, but now I know I was wrong.

 

It’s true, little courtesies mean quite a lot.  Allow me to elaborate. Go ahead and get a beverage.  Perhaps a snack while you’re up.  I can wait.

 Waiting

 

We seem to take courtesy for granted or consider it to be antiquated (much like the code of chivalry, speaking in whole words, and surrendering our seat for a lady).  But this morning, after the vampyr took her portion (I don’t give blood, they have to take it from me), I stopped at Starbucks for a jolt of java which my blood seemed to be lacking.  Yes, I realize that Starbucks is not the best choice for coffee, but it was on my way and I was desperate.  While waiting for the barista to brew my selection, I noticed a rather well-known individual on his cellphone while attempting to put one of those cardboard sleeve thingies on his hot coffee without uttering vile things that might have offended his customer.  Since I had the time, I took one of the cardboard sleeves and slipped it on his cup.

 

He continued his conversation and walked away, at which point, my mind was thinking “Well….that’s rather rude!” and other similar reflections.  The barista called my name, handed me my cup, and I thanked her profusely (hey, it’s the first caffeine I had been able to have since yesterday, so “profusely” was, in my mind, well deserved).  When I exited and headed for my car, someone tapped me on the shoulder.  I turned and saw the cell phone talker standing there in his expensive suit and accoutrements of status and said, “Hi. How may I help you?”  Mr. Cellphone shook my hand and thanked me for helping him with his coffee.  He didn’t have to do that, but that act of courtesy made my day.

The small acts of courtesy truly do make a difference!

What does this entry title have to do with this post? Absolutely nothing. Just keeping you on your toes.  ;)

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

I Have A Confession To Make

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Nowan Zen

I have a confession to make.  It’s not exactly something I enjoy discussing, but figured if it could be of any help to even one person, it would be worth it.  I say “confession” but it’s actually more of a “soul dumping.”

 

Most of my life, as far back as I can remember, has been a struggle.  Not from a financial perspective, although money has always been fairly tight. But more from the perspective that I never liked who I was. I was always the smallest. I was that person that tried, but could never quite get it right. Always picked last for any team event. Painfully shy and bashful. Preferred to spend my time alone. About as athletic as a rotted stump. And about as bright as a black hole. Never quite measuring up to the standard I felt was being used.

 

Before this begins to sound like a pity party for myself, remember this was my perception of events.  And because of these perceptions, I often wondered why my self esteem was non-existent.

 No One

It wasn’t until I was an adult (in age) that I was actually diagnosed with Clinical Depression.  This is different from situational depression, which is what we all get in certain situations. CD is like waking up each morning wondering why you aren’t dead, pulling yourself through your day as though you have an elephant on your back, dragging yourself through your routine always wondering “What’s the point?”.  CD is physically painful, emotionally exhausting, and spiritually debilitating. True, there are chemicals that help ease some of the symptoms, but not all of them (at least not that I have found), so one must learn to cope. 

 

And because CD is not something people who don’t have it are reluctant to be around it, because let’s face it, the least happy person is the one who is avoided, which adds to the impact of it.  And there are those who are the gung ho, pull yourself up and kick yourself in the ass types who have NO idea how difficult it is not to drop kick yourself off of a tall bridge.

 

During my years of existing with CD, I have discovered a few coping skills that have kept me a survivor for lo, these many years:

  1. Write it out. Whatever is on your mind, write it. Regardless of how frightening it is or disjointed, no one will read it, so write it.  Use writing to refocus your thoughts.
  2. Find a confidant who will walk with you.  Not a cheerleader who will annoy the crap out of you with their always perky view of their sunshine filled existence. Find someone who will help you think it through.  Someone who is willing to ask you, “Okay, you feel like ending your life, how do you want to do it? Who will you leave behind? Would it REALLY be worth the effort of all the planning, acquiring the materials, etc.?”
  3. Keep breathing, even and especially when you don’t want to.
  4. CD is a condition, not who you are!
  5. There will always be those who will treat you like you’re a nobody.  They lie! You wouldn’t be here if you were a nobody.
  6. Accept that this war is a daily battle.  Each battle you survive is a victory.
  7. Finally, understand that you are NOT alone!
Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Introversion Is NOT A Disease!

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Nowan Zen

introvert

Perhaps I have mentioned this in the past, and perhaps I only thought it was mentioned, but here it is: I am, by nature, a Contemplative Introvert.  What does that mean, you ask? How wise you are and thank you for inquiring. 

 

A contemplative is one who ponders.  I like to think.  I can sit quietly for hours and just think, allowing my mind to saunter (and on occasion leap) from thought to thought letting the meandering take me where it will.  I also have an aversion to noise made simply for the sake of removing the quiet.  Yes, I do understand that sounds are necessary and part of life, yet not all sounds are necessary.  For example, if I am sitting quietly enjoying a ponder, and someone comes up to me and asks that age old question, “What are you doing?” my knee-jerk response is to box them up and ship them off to the Sahara.  Coming in a close second would be to look them squarely in the eye and, in all seriousness, state proudly “I have just released my best fartwork ever! Breathe deeply and enjoy!”

 

I have not been able to understand why people seem to insist on asking such questions.  Take the friend who telephones you and immediately asks, “What are you doing?” My initial response is, and has been used frequently, “Talking to you on the phone, you idiot!” However, another, less favorable, response involves the caller’s mother, sister, and perhaps the family pet.

 

Ah, and I have wandered from the primary path of explaining the Contemplative Introvert.  An Introvert is one who is energized and is recharged through introspection.  Introverts make good observers because they like to be unobtrusive and soak in what is around them.  We may look like we aren’t paying attention, but I can guarantee that I noticed when you picked your nose, adjusted your shifting undergarments, and am not too bashful to admit that I have seen, heard, and noticed those things you thought no one would.

 

Introverts do NOT like being the center of attention and strongly resent the more gregarious of the species attempting to crush our spirit by dragging us into the limelight.  Remember, we are observers and are familiar with your idiosyncrasies and weaknesses.  Introverts are, for the most part, normal creatures and enjoy good conversations over coffee.  It just takes a bit of patience to get to know us enough for us to be comfortable with you.

 

Just passing on a bit of knowledge.  File it as you wish.

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Mind At Play

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Nowan Zen

Curiosity

Once in a great while, perhaps more often than not, my mind takes a bit of a vacation to notice what’s going on around me. 

  • How does slowly creeping closer into the intersection make the traffic light change to green any faster?  Is there someone watching a traffic cam saying, “Oh I had best hurry and change the light to green because that blue Honda is impatient!”
  • Why is it women seem to think bodily noises are rude….until one of them laughs hard enough to snort, then it suddenly becomes hysterically funny?
  • Why is there no such thing a Quiet Candy?  If you’re in a meeting, or church, or at a funeral or wedding, and you try to open a piece of candy…everyone knows it.  I have seen parents who seem to thing Benadryl is a good quiet church candy for their kids.
  • Whoever says everything “tastes like chicken” has never had chicken fried in the Deep South!  Let me just say this…tofu does NOT taste like chicken.  CHICKEN tastes like chicken.
  • Speaking of food, I would like to meet the person who finds new things to deep fry for the State Fair every year.  I’ve heard of fried Kool-Aid, Oreos, Jell-O, Twinkies, Snickers, and sticks of butter.  Nothing unhealthy there.

I’ve also learned a few things over the last few weeks:

  • If you are at the beach and feed the seagulls, the other patrons will seek to have you skinned and flung to the sharks.
  • I still don’t understand how boiling green leafy things is supposed to make them tasty.  My experience has been that it just makes them soggy.
  • If you lean back in your chair and fall backwards…it will usually take several minutes before the laughter dies down enough for anyone to think to check on you.
  • It’s best to wear underwear that’s rather festive, as long as they’re clean, just in case.
  • Animals are usually a good judge of character.
  • Coffee isn’t JUST for breakfast.
  • Cops won’t take the dollar bill of your desk, but leave your favorite pen…….and poof!
  • If you can catch a speakers attention and, with a look of urgency, indicate they have something hanging from their nose, they will become distracted.
  • Painting eyes on your eyelids for a meeting doesn’t work.

Sanity At Play

And just so you know, if you have something to eat and part of it is left on your face, only a true friend will be willing to point that out.  Or maybe not, they might wait until you’re in the middle of an important meeting to bring it up.

 

 

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Alphabets and Arrogance

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Nowan Zen

I trust you will pardon me should I offend with my viewpoint.  Oh FORGET THAT! They are MY viewpoints, after all, and if they offend, feel free to move along.

I happened to encounter a person or several, through the course of my life, who I would say qualified, in my humble opinion, as the Arrogant South End of a North Bound Donkey.  It’s not because of the REALLY bad comb overs (that fool NO ONE, by the way), or the fact that they chose to wear a suit and tie to places no suit and tie would want to go.  Not even because they demanded, required, and expected nothing less than complete obedience to their every utterance.  Rather what qualifies these particular persons to my list of Arrogance is their complete abuse of the alphabet and abbreviations!

One in particular not only insisted his family refer to him as “Pastor,” but he would call himself as “Pastor” when speaking with EVERYONE. And this person thoroughly enjoyed listing his degrees on everything from business cards to emails to business letters.  Please don’t get me wrong, I am not opposed to people’s professional calling nor will I begrudge their education.  It all has to do with ATTITUDE. 

I have several degrees, titles, certifications, and a few awards, but you won’t find me listing them.  Why? Because degrees don’t impress me…PEOPLE impress me!  I don’t care if you have the finest medical mind in the universe, if you have the bedside manner of a jackass, you won’t be touching me much less peeking inside me.  You knowledge of law is irrelevant to me if you wish to treat me as though I am a complete dunderhead (which in legal matters I am, but that’s another point).

Is it REALLY so impressive to have a bunch of abbreviations after your name and/or titles before your name?  Or is it the person you are that is most memorable?

Here’s how I saw one person identify herself on her business card, letterhead, and all printed and electronic materials: “The Rt. Rev. Dr. Marialyse Montague Smythenhauser, B.A., B.S., M.A., M.Min., M.Th., M.S., M.S.W., L.M.S.W., Ph.d., Th.d., P.Sc.” I was advised to change the actual name for legal reasons, but the list of titles and degrees are direct copy.  Such a list tells me one of two things: 1. This person is older than dirt.  2. They had a lot of money and a lot of time to get such an educational list.

But if you think about it, what good does it do to have such an abbreviated alphabet? Who, besides you, do you think it will impress? Just sayin’.

pompous

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Hypnotically Mesmerized

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Nowan Zen

Mesmerizing…Clouds heavy with moisture…  
image

Watching the thick grey clouds drift by the window like whipped cream across hot cocoa.   Okay, perhaps not the best analogy, but they were grey, they were clouds, and they did drift.  And there I sat almost hypnotized.  

Please stop chuckling at the fact that so many things can capture my focus.  I can sit for hours watching the flame of a candle (btw, there’s an app for that), while my mind fades into some ethereal place where time is has no meaning and meaning has no time.    

It seems to be a most rare option these days…focusing.  We live in a world of constant distractions, lots of noise, lots of visual and auditory input. Yet when was the last time you sat quietly and watched the patterns of the raindrops on a window, or quietly listened to the rhythm of the wind in the leaves, just sat quietly?  

I went to one of my favorite thinking spots the other day in order to ponder the deep thoughts of the day, okay there MAY have been a pint or two involved.  Perhaps it’s just me, and perhaps not, but my perception was this…the moment I started reading and concentrating was the moment those around me seemed to have something to discuss with me.  

Those who know me can attest to the fact that I am not a chatterer.  I have a strong dislike for small-talk (what is known in Southern Regions as “chit-chat”).  Perhaps I am socially awkward in a dysfunctional sort of way, but it doesn’t rumple my stiltskin one iota to sit in silence.  

Those who know me also will most likely confirm that I tend to get a wee bit cranky with lots of extraneous noise.   One of the joys I get out of life is people watching.  Observing people going about their every day lives and watching (and listening) to their interactions (if you talk loud enough to me to hear you, I will listen. Just like if you are brazen enough to show me, I am brazen enough to look).  

One oddity I’ve found, and I realize there are exceptions, is that chatty people tend to shut up when they enter elevators with people they don’t know.  However, the cellphone chatterers don’t stop talking for anything.  

Have we lost the gift of quiet?

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

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