Tough times ... would be nice to have a financial institution that gives back its earnings to its customers and local communities.
"It's true with a credit union you give up convenience, but in return, you get better deals," says Clark Howard, author of Get Clark Smart: The Ultimate Guide for the Savvy Consumer and host of a nationally syndicated radio talk show on finances.

Many individuals wish to transform themselves for a new year. Luckily, you're not alone, and help is everywhere you look. The new coming year is a time to change yourself to have a lifestyle that suits you, Ready to get started?
Don't be afraid to change your look! Get a cool new haircut - try layers, highlights, or funky side-bangs! Be bold and cute! Also try straightening, crimping, and curling for a great new style.
Remember no matter what people say, looks DO matter in this world. You don't always have to look like a model, and it's true that looks won't change who you are inside, but you should try and look nice. Choose what look you want this year - do you want to be the funky rebel that everyone looks up to? Try big colorful belts, bright earrings, and many vintage tops that NOBODY else has! Or are you going for the Miss Popularity look? There isn't a problem with that! Don't completely deck out in designer - that can be intimidating! Buy a few designer tops and bottoms, but pair them with your favorite Old Navy jeans and your cute Claire's hoop earrings. This sounds obvious, but no matter what look you're going for, DO NOT REPEAT OUTFITS TOO OFTEN. People do notice. You can rewear pants more often, but always pair up new tops (try layering!) and accessories.
Remember as for accessories- go big, go bold! Think big wooden necklaces, or sparkly long chains. For earrings, try out those big red apples you saw in Icing but didn't want to buy - who knows, they might look great! Another great look is chain belts, especially with cute tunics. And a key accessory is actually your nails - no dirt! French manicures are the way to go, but cute outfit-coordinated colors look great too. Fake nails can look good too, but require a lot of maintenance.
Remember: shoes, shoes, shoes! Shoes piece together an outfit. You want at least 3 pairs. One cute pair of sneakers (Adidas, DC, Etnies, or simply really cute non-brand shoes would be good), one pair of stylish ballet flats (American Eagle brand from Payless is the way to go) and of course one pair of cute comfortable boots for winter (Uggs!).
Keep in mind that you need makeup. It doesn't matter whether you're 12 or 19, makeup is essential. You need at least one mascara (Almay is great stuff), one eyeliner (Almay again- get the silver and black one), at least 3 lip glosses any kind, eyeshadow (sparkles are cute), cheek tint, and of course concealer and powder. Use makeup daily!
Be. Outgoing. Simple as that. Say hey, wave, and smile. Don't look bored whenever someone talks to you. Seriously, if somebody you want to know never waves at you - you'd think they hated you right? Other people think the same way, so don't be afraid to go for it and make some cool new friends.
Don't dump all your friends when you start out with your transformation - if the plan backfires, who will you have left?
This might cost some major $$. Have at least $100 on your own, and check with the 'rents for some extra for clothes (you can't walk around nude, can you?)
BE BOLD AND BRAVE! Seriously, what's the worst that could happen if you say HI?

Do you often find yourself wanting to do something, but never having the courage to just do it? Are you tired of feeling too weak to do even the most basic things? Does it seem that something always stops you from doing what you want, or you're always waiting for someone or something to give you a "push" before you act? Being too passive might be preventing you from taking life in the direction you'd like to see it go. Here are some ways to overcome passivity and make your own way in the world.
Understand why you tend to act passive. Passivity has various causes: lack of willpower, lack of hope, lack of encouragement from other people, negativism, laziness, lack of necessary means. Think about the way you tend to act when you're about to do something. If there's something that stops you from performing that action, think about the first thought that comes to your mind. Notice the subtle differences between these causes. Beware; sometimes these causes are combined. The more situations you find yourself in, the harder it is for you to do something.
If you think "I know I can't do it, so there's no point in trying in the first place", then you lack willpower. You just can't gather enough will to do it, even if you're actually able to do that thing.
If you think "It doesn't work. It never does; it probably won't work now either", you lack hope. You think that just because you couldn't do something in the past, you can't do it in the present either, forgetting that you've gathered more experience by now and that you can't predict whether something works or doesn't work; you're the one that makes it happen.
If you think "I can't do it by myself, and there's nobody there to support me", then you don't receive enough encouragement from other people. You feel you're not able to do something without getting help from others.
If you think "It won't end up well. I'd rather not change anything that risk to turn out that the change is for the worse.", then you are being negative. You build up scenarios in your head, convincing yourself that if something bad can happen, it surely will. You always think that no matter how good an action is in itself, the consequences are always bad.
If you think "I can't do it because doing that thing requires having something that I don't have", you lack the necessary means to do it. It can be an objective point of view... or not. Some people truly lack the means to do something, but others just aren't willing to work to achieve it. And here we go to the next reason...
If you think "It requires too much effort... and for what? It's not worth all the effort. Things will turn out well anyway", you are just too lazy to do it! You strongly believe in destiny and think that, if something is meant to happen, it will; regardless of what you do to achieve it.
Gain willpower. Willpower is that ability to control your thoughts and actions in order to achieve what you want to do; in other words, the ability to go for your dreams and do what you really want to. You can gain it by following your impulses and being spontaneous. Willpower is an ability you gain only by practicing; the more you practice it, the more you enjoy it and find reasons to practice it further.

Choose "Now or Never" as your motto from now on. Convince yourself to do something right when it occurs to you, and imagine that otherwise something bad will happen. It's very effective in gaining more courage to do things.
Start by achieving short term goals, like convincing yourself to do the laundry today and not waiting until tomorrow or studying for 15 minutes for an important test. After you'll be able to accomplish these little things, you can move on to something bigger, like moving to a place you've always dreamed to live in, or losing those 20 pounds that keep you from having the perfect body, or whatever big dreams you may have.
Gain hope. Stop convincing yourself you can't do something before trying; you can never know how things will turn out. Try some little, but very useful mental exercises: when you know there are high chances of something to happen, wish for it. When it will happen, you'll feel better just for knowing that you were right. It may sound stupid, but it's very useful in gaining more hope. Practice this often; it increases your expectations that something will happen, and therefore improves your hope.
Get motivated. You have willpower, you have hope- now all you need is a reason to do something. Think about your greatest wishes and picture having them fulfilled. Set some goals you want to achieve, and focus on achieving them. Constantly aiming somewhere sustains your motivation.
Set some reasonable goals and some rewards and auto-punishments for them too. Reward yourself if you eventually accomplish the goal, and "punish" yourself if you don't. Set a time limit if you must. For example, if you finish your homework before 18:00, you reward yourself a chocolate bar, and if you don't, no TV for you this evening. This makes you feel more motivated to achieve your goal, whether it's due to thinking about the delight of the reward or the fear of punishment.
Ask for help if you need to. Sometimes it feels better just to have somebody who understands and supports you, and you feel like you could do more. There must be someone that's close to you and you can trust; speak to them about your wishes and expectations and tell them you want them there for you. Even if the person can't do much to help you, just knowing you're not alone makes you feel better. Tell them what kind of support you need, if you have to; some people won't understand that just because you talk to them about something you want actual, not just moral support from them.
Be more positive. Stop worrying so much about everything and thinking that things won't end up well. Unless the whole Universe is conspiring against you (and it isn't), positive actions will more often than not have positive results, too. You may not be the luckiest person around, but there are ways to improve your luck.

Stop living your life according to Murphy's law. If you truly believe something bad is going to happen, it may happen more often than usually. In fact, it will only seem like that, because counting every little bad thing that happens to you and ignoring the good moments will lead you to think your life is rather unfortunate. Actually, people have about the same percentage of success and lack of success in their lives. There are no people that are luckier than others; just people who are better at organizing their lives and influencing their fate. If something bad can happen, it has a chance to happen and a chance not to happen; it doesn't always happen.
Understand what you need in order to do something, and try to acquire it. Don't shoot for the stars; for example, don't dream about being the best basketball player ever if you're short or making more money than Bill Gates if you're dirt poor. Be realistic in your expectations. If you don't have the means to do something, but they're still achievable, don't hesitate and start working to acquire them.
Get off your lazy butt. That's pretty obvious; being a couch potato won't get you anywhere. Any action requires a minimum effort; even for walking you need to move your damned legs- nothing can be done without effort. Of course, it's easier to accept everything right as it comes rather than make an effort to influence it. But persisting in this mentality can lead your life in the wrong direction. Don't be surprised if after 10 years you'll end up broke, buried in debts, single/divorced, and having to sell your precious TV to pay the bills- all this because you didn't move a finger to improve your life! Don't leave your whole life in fate's hands; realize that all the people that are renowned for something they had done in their lives didn't have it all from the very beginning- any brilliant politician, for example, had to climb up to the top; they weren't born already elected, you know.
Be confident. You need to believe in yourself in order to achieve what you want. Don't think too low of yourself; every human being is good at something. Make a list with all the things you achieved in the past. They don't have to be impressive CVs; even a small activity like washing the dishes counts.
Get to know the positive side of change. Change makes our life less boring, allows us to experience new things, makes us understand different lifestyles and different points of view, gets us out of trouble and refreshes us, making us lively and energetic. Once you get to enjoy one major change in your life, you will be tempted to make other changes.
Become more disciplined. If you're disciplined, you have lower chances not to be able to do what you want/have to. If you can't convince yourself to do something, it would be useful for you to be forced to do it by external circumstances.

Sign up for something. Anything. Knowing that you just have to be somewhere at some hour forces you to become more disciplined in your schedule. Passive people often don't do things right at the time they should be doing them; they usually put them off.
Ask a member of the household to constantly remind you to do some regular activities. You have to be warned by now; it's very annoying. But that's precisely the point; you'll start doing those things just to avoid being pestered by that person.
Join the Army if you think you can handle it. It's the most disciplinary thing anyone can do.
Never think you can't do something (unless, of course, nobody has ever done it before you and there's no certainty you can do it). Be strong, bold, assertive and persistent in your tries.
Make your life less boring. If you have no life, it's understandable why you act passive; anyone who is so bored with their own life lacks enthusiasm and livelihood. Try spicing up your life a little; get a new social life, go out more often, try a new hobby.

Here I am again updating my blog. I just can't stay in one lay out can't I? I love this layout,the colors and everything. So guys,I am updating my blog roll as well. So if you don't see your blog on the list,please,please let me know so that I can add it once again.Sorry for the inconvenience.

Not much is going on today. Monday is usually slow.We having wind storm here in Seattle today. One after another storm huh! Seattle got snowed and now wind storm. Anyway, I am just EC browsing today. Since I haven't visit any of my blogger friend lately so I have decided to EC walking. Just wanted to apologized to all my blogger friend for not visiting your blog lately but I will make it up slowly. Hope you guys have a great Monday

Well guys, It's Christmas eve.You probably are so busy in your kitchen, baking pies,preparing things for tomorrow. Well, tomorrow we are going to be at my boo's house for Christmas dinner.I usually bring something. Last year I made green bean casserole and spinach salad.I make my spinach salad with special ingredients.Every Christmas,everyone wants me to make that spinach salad. Of course I will making that tomorrow. Actually I already made my dressing( take not the dressing os from scratch);) and I will be baking salmon as well to go with the turkey. here is my simple recipe for the whole bake salmon.

Whole Baked Salmon

4lb (1.8kg) fresh whole salmon
2oz butter (plus enough to butter the foil)
1 small onion, peeled and thinly sliced
3 bay leaves
few sprigs of fresh dill
4 tablespoons lemon juice
1/3 cup (80ml) dry white wine
salt and freshly milled black pepper

Preheat the oven to 130C/250F.

Wash the salmon under cold water and dry it using paper towel.

Lay a double sheet of kitchen foil on a large baking sheet. Butter the foil generously.

Place the salmon in the middle of the foil. Put half of the butter, the sliced onions, the bay leaves and dill sprigs inside the cavity of the fish and drizzle 2 tablespoons lemon juice over this.

Bend the foil up slightly around the fish to create a well and pour the white wine and remaining lemon juice all over.

Finally, smear the remaining butter over the surface of the salmon and season with salt & freshly milled black pepper.

Now bring the foil up and over the fish and seal loosely creating an airspace.

Bake the salmon in the center of the oven for 2½ hours.

Remove from the oven and open the foil to allow the salmon to cool. Once completely cold, reseal the foil and refrigerate.

This oven baked salmon recipe can be completed up to 24 hours in advance as long as it remains wrapped in the cooking foil and kept refrigerated.

TO SERVE

Remove the chilled salmon from the refrigerator and place on a flat surface. Peel back the tin foil and carefully remove the skin. Now lift the whole salmon onto a serving platter and garnish with very thinly sliced cucumber, fresh lemon wedges and sprigs of dill.

ENJOY!

The zone might have been 18 hours late, but boy, what a performance when it finally arrived!

As much as 3-8" of snow fell across the Puget Sound area, with the higher amounts on the Eastside and into the foothills.

But while the snow was the big story today, we'll shift our attention now from snow to ice and cold. Snow showers will linger through the evening, then taper off overnight. The exception is from Olympia south where snow showers will linger as late as midnight. Skies will gradually clear, allowing temperatures to drop into the upper teens and low 20s. A breezy north wind will also be blowing, adding a bit of chill to the air.

Friday will be much calmer in the skies, as it'll be mostly sunny all day. But with morning temperatures in the low 20s, icy roads will be a major factor. And temperatures won't budge much, only reaching the mid-upper 20s for highs as new arctic air moves in.

Friday night will be bitterly cold, with lows ranging from 10-18.

Saturday will be a lot like Friday -- mostly sunny but cold with highs in the 20s to low 30s. However, clouds will be increasing late in the day.

That sets up our next challenge -- a big storm heading in Saturday night and into Sunday. Now, I know we've tossed a lot at you this week, and many people have gone through a lot. But sorry to say, this storm also looks like it could have a profound impact on the region with several events -- including the potential of a major windstorm in the Cascade foothills, and a big mess of snow and freezing rain in the lowlands.

This storm is coming in from the west, and it looks pretty wet -- and warm. Second, we'll not only have some arctic air here in Western Washington, but even more in Eastern Washington. That air is very dense, and thus has higher pressure.

As the low pressure of the storm approaches, forecasting models are hinting now that we could see some very strong, gusty east winds in the passes to the usual North Bend, Enumclaw, Gold Bar east-windy places. But now forecasting models paint a much stronger wind -- perhaps sustained east winds as high as 50-60 mph with gusts reaching as high as 70-90 mph. Now, that's an initial estimate, subject to change, but we need to raise the red flag now. A HIGH WIND WATCH is in effect from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon.

Aside from strong winds, we'll be putting a lot of moisture on top of a very cold air mass. This could bring a period of widespread heavy snow to the entire region Saturday evening and night. We could see 4-8" again as a general rule across all the lowlands, but areas over along the Hood Canal and eastern Olympic Peninsula area could see 6-12" of snow.

Then as the warm air starts to mix in, we could see a large change over to sleet or freezing rain. The freezing rain could cause its own problems of icy roads and power problems. We expect it to gradually change to rain and taper off in the evening.

Yes, that's quite a bit to toss at you, and you're likely weary from this past week's events. But particularly those who live in the areas susceptible to strong east winds, you should begin preparations for potential power outages Saturday night and Sunday. Maybe take advantage of Friday and early Saturday's sunny weather to get ready.

A cool system moves in right behind that one for Monday, but this doesn't look as cold as the past systems, with rain or mix in the lowlands and snow levels around 1,000-1,500 feet. Highs will be in the mid-upper 30s.

A few showers linger Tuesday of rain or mix with highs in the upper 30s.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will see scattered showers but we should be all rain by then. Highs will actually climb into the low-mid 40s, so a White Christmas is not looking as likely, but there's still a chance these systems could end up cooler.

I got this tags from Bonz a few days ago. I just want to apologized for not posting this tag right away.Anyway,the tag below is a Christmas tag.Christmas is just few days away.Happy Holiday everyone and hope you 'all have a great one.Everyone is welcome to grab this tag if you haven't gotten this tag. Spread the love for this Christmas.

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This award is from Bonz as well.I am going to write the rules down for this tag.This tag will be open for everyone.

Here are the rules:
1. Put the logo in your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who shared it with you.
3. Pass this award to your BLOG LOVER Friends.
4. Add your link to the list of participants below.
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.


BLOG LOVERS:
1. Soul Anchor 2. Cookie's corner 3. Life is good and beautiful 4. My Life Story 5. Memoirs of a Pinay in America 6. My So Called Life 7. Aprilheart 8. Jhanna's Lair
9. Life's All About 10.Challenges of Life 10. YOU'RE NEXT!
Add your blog to the list. Again this award/tags is open for everyone.

Getting a gifts for Christmas is a very great thing to every individual human being. Specially if that gifts is from someone special. Have you heard about CEIVA photo frames? Just in case you are wondering what CEIVA frames is, let me tell you something about this amazing product. CEIVA is a Digital Photo Frame. And it is not just an ordinary photo frame,CEIVA frames can receive up to 50 new photos daily over a traditional phone line, or deliver 50 new photos every hour over a broadband or wireless connection. Experience this amazing digital photo frame. You can organize thousands of photos in online photo albums that can be displayed on the frame anytime and shared with family and friends.This product is so much fun. CEIVA is 8" hi definition display. Automatically receive photos by phone or optional Wi-Fi.

CEIVA is a wonderful gifts you can give to a love one. With this amazing product, you will feel like you are close to a love one just by watching every photos on this amazing digital photo frame, even though they are so far away from you. With CEIVA photo digital frame you will be able to send photo directly to the frame to your family and friends located anywhere in the world. No PC or internet required .Great gifts for parents, grandparents and everyone else. Connects to an existing phone line ,just plug, play and enjoy!

I got to upload my picture at http://www.sitonsantaslap.com/?utm_source=b and I was able to used the CEIVA Digital Photo Frame. The photo that I upload was cute and simple.I had so much fun sitting on Santa's lap by using CEIVA photo frame. With CEIVA photo frame ,you do not need to wait in line at the mall just to sit on Santa's lap. Just by simply clicking the link,you will be sitting on santas lap in no time .

If you got a wish, then visit SitonSantasLap. While you are at the site, don't forget to enter the Sweepstakes,on the way out. You will never know,you might be the winner. One random entry selected for each day of the contest,cash prize of $500 per winner.So visit now.

World hunger is one of the major problems happening today, especially in third-world countries. Most don't think twice about it, but it is a very sensitive subject, and anybody can help!
Go to the local library or any nearby book store. Find all of the inspiring books you can...
* Chicken Soup for the Preteen's Soul, has a lot of great things, that kids, along with adults, can do to do different fundraisers that might inspire you yourself!
Set a goal. Start out small. Pick one area to try and fundraise. Gather other people willing to join. Make your purpose legally proven to be well.
Post a website. Don't make it too flashy but put all the important stuff in it, like dates for fundraisers, where you are, what you're supporting, contact information, etc.
Put it together. Write letters to people asking for their support in your fundraiser. Also try to get some sponsers.
Gather materials for the fundraiser (or whatever your mind takes you to, fundraisers aren't the only way.)
Pick a theme. You can do anything from a barbeque, where anyone can come and buy meals, where all costs go to feed the poor. Leftovers can be handed out to the less fortunate at a local shelter!
* Try to find a major resturant sponsor to cater and/or provide space.
* Attempt to find a popular world-wide, restaurant so they can cater to you from all over the world.
Set a date. Spread the news. Who knows? You may make it on TV!
Donate some of the profits to a foundation similiar to your beliefs. Keep it up and you may help an area reduce the number of starving dramatically, and that's just the beginning!
Create an online fundraising page. Make a web page and send the link to your family, friends, co-workers, parishioners, teammates, etc. and have them pass it on. You could collect donations via credit cards online. It's easy and simple, and eliminates spending a lot of time sending letters, calling people, and organizing big events.
Remember, a little goes a long way, so do your best to spread the word and put in your best effort.

Stick to your goal, even if it does not pull through the first time. Persevere. Remember people out there who hear about your cause will be helping out.
Keep your goal within reach. Do not start out with ending world hunger, that's about 60,000,000 goals packed into one deliciously impossible goal.

Make sure your funds are approved and legal...you don't want to end up in jail for trying to help end world hunger!
Make sure others who are sponsoring you have to pull through, and make sure other funds you participate in or donate to are also legally sound, just to stay safe and not end up increasing the tobacco industry instead of decreasing world hunger.

Have you heard about zondervan.com? If not, let me tell you something about this amazing website. This is a website where you can buy some product about the bible. From bible to software. You can as well download the free Nick Cannon clip as Adam. This clip is available at The Bible Experience website. Just simply visit the link,enter the code which is GEN3SPRK,provide your email and you can start downloading the clip.

Watching just the trailer of The bible experience was so amazing, very breathtaking and so real. Come and experience the beauty, drama, and life-changing power of the Bible like never before! Inspired by... The Bible Experience breaks new ground in the presentation of the Bible. Unique among audio Bible products, The Bible Experience is a captivating performance of the Bible presented by a stellar ensemble of almost 400 of today’s award-winning actors, musicians, clergy, directors, and producers. This historic production features an original musical underscore by the Prague Symphony Orchestra and Hollywood-style sound design created at Technicolor Studios and was awarded the 2007 Audie's Audio book of the Year for the New Testament edition.

The most ambitious, critically-acclaimed presentation of the Bible ever produced, Inspired By … The Bible Experience features a star-studded cast of almost 400 performers, including 23 Grammy winners, 8 Emmy winners, 5 Golden Globe winners, and 3 Oscar winners. Highlighting the cast is 2007 Academy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker as the voice of Moses, along with Angela Basset (Esther), Cuba Gooding, Jr. (Jonah), Denzel and Pauletta Washington (Song of Songs), LL Cool J (Samson), Eartha Kitt (Serpent), Bishop T.D. Jakes (Abraham), Blair Underwood (Jesus), Samuel Jackson (God, NT only), and Bishop Eddie L. Long (Joel) among others. The Bible Experience uses Zondervan’s most accessible and up-to-date translation, Today’s New International Version (TNIV), and includes dramatic performances set to an original musical underscore by the Prague Symphony Orchestra and Hollywood-style sound design created at Technicolor Studios. The Bible Experience has become not just the bestselling audio Bible, but also one of the all-time fastest-selling new Bibles. In addition to record-breaking sales, Inspired By … The Bible Experience has received unprecedented consumer satisfaction and national recognition including numerous five-star reviews on Amazon.com, an Audie's Audio book of the Year (the highest honor of the Audio Publisher’s Association), an Audio File Earphones Award, and a nomination for an NAACP Image Award. The complete Bible features 79 digitally mastered audio Cd's, a bonus “making of” DVD, and a convenient carrying case.

Visit the site to learn their product and experience the amazing trailer of the bible experience.

Exercise --The simplest and easiest way to take one necessary step toward being fit and fabulous is to exercise. I’m not talking about running to the gym five days a week, pumping iron or cycling until you drop. I’m talking about something simple that you can do at a moderate level every day. I’m talking about walking. Walking is easy to do and requires no equipment except a good pair of shoes, and can be done anywhere and at any time. A brisk pace for 45 – 60 minutes for 5 to 7 days a week can reduce fatigue, promote weight loss, lower blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, and prevent osteoporosis, diabetes and heart problems. Moderate exercise is also a de-stressor and muscle builder.
Quit Smoking--Smoking is the number one preventable cause of aging and illness in older adults. Excess deaths from cigarette smoking increase with age. Sixty percent of all smokers began by age 13. For them, aging begins at 13 and not at 30 as in non-smokers. Tobacco is the only product that when used as intended can and probably will kill you. You can add memory loss to the long list of health problems that come from smoking. Smokers may have twice the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease as do people who have never smoked. Stop now — it's never too late. If you quit smoking now, you can still reduce your risk of memory loss later in life.The fact that people who smoke develop wrinkles at an earlier age than their non-smoking counterparts seems to be due degrading enzymes A study from Ohio State University shows that using hypnosis to quit smoking is 30 percent effective in men and 23 effective in women. .. "Women seem more likely to smoke in response to stress or anxiety than men do.”
Manage Stress--Stress can make you sick and look older than your years. If you are under stress it shows in you face, in your attitude and in your sleep habits. Stress is the primary cause of insomnia, and without adequate sleep, you age much faster.
Self hypnosis is an excellent way to de-stress your life. Simply distressing affirmations are available at Achieve-With-Hypnosis.
Get Enough Sleep--Most people do not get enough sleep! For nearly 40% of Americans, this time is usually filled with tossing, turning, and frequent waking. These are textbook symptoms of insomnia, the most common sleep disorder in the United States. Seven to eight hours of sleep of night is optimum, and most of us don’t get that. Without adequate sleep, when the body rejuvenates, you awaken tired, with dark circles and puffy eyes. Wrinkling Is another sign of not getting enough sleep. Sleep can be enhanced by several different activities: adequate exercise, proper eating habits, weight loss,limiting alcohol and quitting smoking. Without doing these things, sleep can be a commodity that can not be bought at any price.
Make Diet Changes--Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Many of these contain antioxidants — substances that protect and nourish brain cells. And antioxidants may help prevent cholesterol from damaging the lining of your arteries and slowing blood flow to your brain. Foods high in antioxidants include colorful fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, berries, broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes and tomatoes. Supplement your diet with high quality vitamins, herbs, and minerals.

Looking for something unique gifts this Christmas?LAPoliceGear.com has something for you and for the whole entire household.It's a webiste where you can shop from Diplomat 3 Day Backpack to 5.11 Jackets,they have diffrent kind of 5.11 jackets to choose from.

LAPoliceGear is an amazing store for eneral public, military personnel, security professionals, and of course police officers,or for anybody. Their merchandise are affordable ,low prices.So, come on shop at LAPoliceGear.com today.

An auction is an exciting day out, and you might find something special to take home. It's quite a specialist method of sale though, so it's good to know the ins and outs in advance.

Get a feel for the system. Try going to a few auctions just to watch the show and get the hang of things.
Pre-register and get a bidding number. Most auctions today require that anyone intending to bid be pre-registered with the auctioneer and assigned a bidding number. If you do not register and receive a bidder number you will not be allowed to bid. The registration is on-site and insures a little anonymity for bidders, allowing a bit of privacy while being recognized as a bidder by the auctioneer. This bidding number is usually written on a card that the bidder can hold into the air, signifying to the auctioneer of the intent to bid. The auctioneer will announce the number of the winning bidder along with the winning amount.

If you are only interested in a particular item at a "roaming" auction, it might be worth your time to closely inspect that item before the auctioneer steps over to it in order to open bidding.

Make sure you understand all the payment instructions and requirements BEFORE registering for an auction... writing a personal or "travelers" check or using a credit card is NOT the "same as cash".
Do NOT sort through baskets of items attempting to create your "special" lot of goodies... the auctioneer who knows his business will know what has happened and may become irritated, or even skip over that lot until his assistants have re-sorted things back the way they were intended to be sold.
Don't get carried away with the bidding. It is easy to get so wrapped up in the spirit of things that you may find yourself wondering how or why you bought that pile of used doggie bones.

If the auction is outdoors, take along an umbrella no matter what the weather predictions may be.
A small pocket note-pad and a pen... you might meet a new friend, or want to take note of current selling prices of items. Both can be handy at future auctions.
Bring along a bottle of water, you will need it.
If you are going after that "big thing", make sure you have the tools, help, and transportation needed to get that thing home. (You could strap a piano to the roof of your friend's car, but it better be a very good friend with a lot of muscle.)
The most important thing you'll need at an auction, whether you intend to bid or not, is an upbeat attitude. Keep a good sense of humor about you and don't be discouraged.

Being classy is not about being stuck up; it is about having style and taking care to be polite to others and to reflect a genuine interest in them. It is also about being confident in yourself. This article will teach you how to move through life with class and ease.
Choose your battles; choose your friends. Few battles are truly worth fighting. Stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves (mentally disabled, animals, children, etc). Be wary of those who appear to enjoy bickering. If someone is rude to you, either ignore them completely (recommended) or, once you have completely calmed down and are thinking clearly, explain how you perceived their actions and work towards a resolution. Never stoop to their level, and do not be hasty. Surround yourself with positive, polite people who encourage and live your classy, intelligent lifestyle.
Choose your words. The classy individual listens more than he or she speaks. Having a strong vocabulary is important, but do not use a word unless you are certain of its meaning. Use words to express yourself lucidly. Importantly, do not correct others when they use improper grammar. Differences in background, family life, and education cause people to speak differently, and often people use slang for effect. More than this, it is irritating and degrading to be corrected by a know-it-all. Do not insult, gossip, or slander. When necessary, voice your opinions appropriately and constructively. This encourages your audience to listen carefully when you speak.
Do not be a doormat. You must be courteous, but do not bend over backwards to please others. If you do, you may find yourself being taken advantage of in the future. Limit your time and availability and draw boundaries with others so that they are aware of your limits.
Break the stereotype shackles. More often than not, using labels in any way, whether to identify yourself or others, shows a lack of creativity, lethargic social skills, and a lack of careful observation. Give everyone respect and the benefit of the doubt.
Be assertive. Avoid passive-aggressive thinking; this is likely to trip you up eventually. Assertiveness demonstrates maturity, thoughtfulness, and confidence. Class requires balance, and assertiveness is a prime example of this concept.
Make sure your clothes fit well and that you are well groomed. Excellent presentation is half of the battle. Wear clothing and accessories which flatter your body and never wear anything you feel uncomfortable in. It is important to remember that modesty is key in earning the respect of others. A bit of cleavage may be fashionable, but true gentlemen will appreciate modesty more than exposure.
Avoid getting caught up in trends. There is nothing wrong with enjoying fashion or buying clothing you find attractive, but it is important to stay in control. Do not become a slave to fashion, or you may be regarded as foolish, "high maintenance", and/or shallow. The clothing you wear should enhance your personality, not create or alter it. This advice can be applied to many aspects of life in which you may feel pressured to "fit in."
Avoid desperate behavior like the plague. This is the kiss of death for the classy person. Only desperate times call for desperate measures. Take a deep breath, be strong, and move through the situation with elegance and grace. You will be the victor for it, no matter the outcome.
Seek wisdom. As difficult as it can be to heed the advice of those more experienced than yourself, it is a necessary step at times. No matter your age or ability, allow yourself to learn from the mistakes and victories of those older or more experienced than you. You will win their favor and be available to pass on your own wisdom or advice.
Be open to personal development. Do not berate yourself, but be receptive to constructive change. In our world, change is inevitable. Be a positive and flexible part of it and show others the way as well. Face life rather than burying your head in the sand and others will know instinctively that you are someone whose opinion counts.
Carefully consider tattoos and piercings. Let's face it: it is easy to judge by appearance. Therefore, take careful consideration when deciding if it is a good idea for you to get visible tattoos or body piercings. Even though a person’s outward appearance does not automatically show his or her inner qualities, appearances can reflect how a person is willing to be perceived by the world. Job opportunities may be limited by such an expression. Also keep in mind that although tattoos and piercings are expressions of individuality, they can be permanent or difficult (even costly) to remove. If you are in doubt about how a tattoo or piercing will impact you in the future, find another way to express yourself.
Be knowledgeable and aware. It is wise to become politically, culturally, and religiously aware. Even the most basic knowledge can save a person from embarrassment and awkwardness. If you know in advance that you will be spending time with someone of an unfamiliar background, it is a good idea to do more in-depth research to avoid embarrassing faux pas.

Changing your behavior may feel unnatural. If it does, remind yourself that you are a work in progress. A classy person is simply one who consistently exhibits classy behavior. Focus on your behavior and attitude rather than your feelings.
If you slip up, forgive yourself, apologize to anyone who may have been hurt by your not-so-classy behavior, and continue on your way. That's classy!

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The clock is ticking. Everyone's counting on you. Which wire do you cut?

While most of us never have to deal with the life-or-death dilemmas of a bomb squad, everyday situations, such as job interviews, public speaking, and family emergencies, can be every bit as stressful if we’re not accustomed to dealing with them. Learning how to remain calm in times of stress will not only make things go more smoothly immediately, it can also, over time, help you lead a healthier, happier life. Here's how to keep your cool when the pressure mounts.

Identify the cause of your stress. Is your heart pounding because that idiot just cut you off on the freeway, or is it because of that presentation you have to give to your boss this afternoon? Think for a moment and try to figure out what’s really bothering you.
Choose your response. Even if you’re powerless to change the source of your stress, you have the power to choose how you’ll respond to it. The appropriate response to stress should depend on what’s causing it: you can either shake off your stress (ignore it and let it go immediately) or face it head-on. In order to choose your response, ask yourself some questions.

Does it matter? Yeah, it’s all small stuff, but some stuff is smaller than others. Consider how long the source of stress will affect you. That idiot driver will be gone in a moment if you just let him keep speeding down the road, but the death of a loved one may affect you for years.
How much control do you have over the situation? You can’t control the rain that’s ruining your wedding, but you can control how well you do on your algebra exam tomorrow.
Is the source of stress in the past, present, or future? You can’t change the past, but you can respond to the present and prepare for the future. Let your past troubles fade.
Shake it all off. If a situation is beyond your control, or if it just isn’t that important, stop worrying about it. Easier said than done? Just do it.

Inhale deeply through your nose. In your mind, count to five seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth, for another five seconds. Repeat this breathing pattern until you feel comfortable with it.
Think about something else. Get your mind off the stress by thinking about something that makes you happy, such as your kids or spouse (provided they’re not the cause of the current stress), or by concentrating about the things you have planned for the day.
Visualize relaxing things, such as a deserted island or a country road. Close your eyes and try to picture even minor details about the imaginary place, and you can put yourself in that situation instead of the one you’re in.
Get away from the cause of the stress. If you can physically escape the stress trigger, do so. Leave the room or pull off the road for a moment to put things in perspective.
Get some exercise. Whether you go for a run, do calisthenics, do yoga, or lift weights, 10-20 minutes of physical exercise every day can relax you even when "nothing can". Getting plenty of exercise also helps you respond better to stress in the long run.
Face your stress source head-on when you're ready. Getting stressed is not going to resolve the situation. Sitting around worrying is a good way to procrastinate, but procrastinating will only prolong or intensify the stress. Facing your stress head-on is really just a way to shake off a bad situation that you cannot or should not ignore. If you can change the outcome of a situation that matters to you, the quickest way to overcome that fear or to empower yourself is to take action as quickly as possible. Once you’ve resolved the underlying problem, you can shake off the stress because it no longer matters. The steps below will help you. If you feel paralyzed, use the steps above to relax and temporarily distance yourself from the situation just long enough to be able to see it clearly.
Make a plan. Sometimes you can resolve a stressful situation right away with one action, but often you’ll need several steps, perhaps over a long period. Write out a plan with attainable goals and a time line for reaching those goals. Additionally, many stressful situations are avoidable. If you prepare ahead of time for important events and make contingency plans, you may not have to cope with as much stress later. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Take one step at a time. A complex problem can be overwhelming, even when you’ve got your plan mapped out, but remember: the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Just focus on one small goal at a time.
Be realistic. If you continue to experience stress because no matter how hard you try you can’t take the steps quickly enough, you probably haven’t set realistic goals. In a culture that values a can-do attitude, it can be hard to accept that sometimes you can’t do something, at least not within a given period of time. If that’s the case, revise your time line or lower your expectations. If you can’t do that, the situation qualifies as one which you can’t control. Learn from your experience, but let it go.
Stress about future events is mostly caused by fear, and stress over things in the present is usually caused by a feeling of powerlessness.
Remind yourself that without negativity, stress, sadness or depression in life, there wouldn't be joy, excitement or happiness in life. It's like the yin and yang; they'd simply not exist without each other. It's true that nobody has an easy life forever. Trouble comes to everyone sooner or later. It's all a natural part, a cycle people have to go through in life.
Focus on someone else who is in the same situation as you and try to tune in to that person’s calm. Remember that if he or she isn’t nervous, you probably don't have to be.

Inappropriate reactions to stress or an inability to cope with stress can shave years off of your life. It's true that not everything is possible, but it's impossible for anything to change if it needs your attention and you just sit there and slack off. Hard work is an achievement in itself.
Getting in the habit of hitting things while angry might make you a violent or aggressive person. It's better to defuse your anger than to try to take it out on other people or things. Never hit a person or other living thing, and make sure that any inanimate object you hit won’t hurt you.
Don’t self-medicate. Alcohol and drugs may provide a temporary escape, but your problems will be waiting for you when you get back to reality. Besides, do you want an addiction problem in your life, too? You yourself may not care about it, or even be aware of it, but it will affect the people who love you.
See a health professional immediately if you experience chest pain or dizziness.
Don't blame everything on yourself. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, a problem may seem impossible to resolve. Giving up on the subject is not always a bad thing, but giving up on yourself and starting self-abuse methods is counterproductive.

Hey, take a break with that paid post you are doing. Take a chill pill and have fun with this tag. This tag is from a friend of mine name Bonz . This tag is quiet fun.She called it Alphabet tag.

A. Attached or single ? -Definitely Married.
B. Best friend? - My Hubby of course.

C. Cake or pie? - Oh my gosh! Cake of course! You wanna know what kind? Cheesecake with strawberry on the top ( Yummy).

D. Day of choice? - Weekend of course.

E. Essential item? - Well, I have a bunch. But most essential is my personal stuff. Like my debit card, ID etc,etc

F. Favorite color? - Burgundy and Brown

G. Gummy bears or worms? - Gummy bears! Love those sour one too.

H. Hometown? - San Jose,Nueva Ecija & Seattle WA

I. Favorite indulgence? - Ice Coffee at MCDonald. Curly seasoned fries at Jack & a box

J. January or July? - September, that's my birth month.

K. Kids? - Yes, two, Justin & Avory

L. Life isn’t complete without? - GOD of course, family second & food LOL

M. Marriage date ? - July 13

N. Number of magazine subscriptions? - Right! I can just buy it.

O. Orange or apple? - Both

P. Phobias? - Phobia? Like , what I am really terified with? Well, I dont like snake.

Q. Quotes? - I don't do quoates!

R. Reasons to smile? - If everyone is happy , I smile, specially my kiddies .

S. Season of choice? - Gosh! Let me see, Spring, love those tulips.Autumn , love those leafes that changed colors.

T. Tag 5 people - I would like to tag Monica ,jhoice , Chelle ,Donabel ,Marilou

U. Unknown facts about me? - Hmm, can't think of any.
V. Vegetable? - Yes love vegetable,

W. Worst habit? - Nothing really

X. X-ray or ultrasound? - Of what? It depend on what the x-ray and ultrasound for.

Y. Your favorite food(s)? - Hmm Chicken Chowmien , I can eat this everyday.

Z. Zodiac sign -Proud Virgo

Is shopping after thanksgiving really worth it. I remember, as we coming back home from my sister-in-law for Thanksgiving dinner, we passed by Circuit City, I cannot believe that there were people camping out just to be people in line for the black friday. Is it really worth it doing all that? You know that economy is worse. As I heard every shopping store cut their prices very low just to get some sale. And I know that the prices of stuff are still going to be the same , because Christmas.

Yes, it's great. You got the electronic, clothes, toys you ever wanted for a long time.But you know what, they will restock that item again and i bet yah that the prices will get even more lower. So, if you ask me, shopping early after thanksgiving isn't that worth it. It gets so violent inside the store, I know that for sure, it happened here in Seattle and I bet it happened anywhere. Well! that's just my opinion anyway.

Getting ready for the Christmas holiday? We all know that economy has gotten worse.Most families are cutting down their expenses on buying gifts for the Holiday. Looking over their finances, and deciding how much they can afford to spend on Christmas.Giving a nice gift doesn't have to mean spending a lot. Kmart is having sale. Kmart have assortment products of more than 25,000 gifts under $25 from coveted brands such as Craftsman 23-inch hand tool box with comfort handle, $19.99. Martha Stewart Everyday tall nickel pillar candle holders, $14.99 each. Route 66 girls fashion with hood and embellished jeans, both just $16.99 each
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Joe Boxer Women's Googly Eyes Capri Set is one of my favorite among the 25,000 quality gifts under $25. This would be a perfect gift for me and my sister.And the Craftsman 23-inch hand tool box with comfort handle, $19.99 would be a perfect gifts for my husband. You will save a bunch, just by shopping at Kmart. Here is your chance to save. Hurry! This deal won't last forever. Shop at Kmart near you, offers is good while quantities last.

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The key to weight control is keeping energy intake (food) and energy output (physical activity) in balance. When you consume only as many calories as your body needs, your weight will usually remain constant. If you take in more calories than your body needs, you will put on excess fat. If you expend more energy than you take in you will burn excess fat.

Exercise plays an important role in weight control by increasing energy output, calling on stored calories for extra fuel. Recent studies show that not only does exercise increase metabolism during a workout, but it causes your metabolism to stay increased for a period of time after exercising, allowing you to burn more calories.

How much exercise is needed to make a difference in your weight depends on the amount and type of activity, and on how much you eat. Aerobic exercise burns body fat. A medium-sized adult would have to walk more than 30 miles to burn up 3,500 calories, the equivalent of one pound of fat. Although that may seem like a lot, you don’t have to walk the 30 miles all at once. Walking a mile a day for 30 days will achieve the same result, providing you don’t increase your food intake to negate the effects of walking.

If you consume 100 calories a day more than your body needs, you will gain approximately 10 pounds in a year. You could take that weight off, or keep it off, by doing 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. The combination of exercise and diet offers the most flexible and effective approach to weight control.

Since muscle tissue weighs more than fat tissue, and exercise develops muscle to a certain degree, your bathroom scale won’t necessarily tell you whether or not you are “fat.” Well-muscled individuals, with relatively little body fat, invariably are “overweight” according to standard weight charts. If you are doing a regular program of strength training, your muscles will increase in weight, and possibly your overall weight will increase. Body composition is a better indicator of your condition than body weight.

Lack of physical activity causes muscles to get soft, and if food intake is not decreased, added body weight is almost always fat. Once-active people, who continue to eat as they always have after settling into sedentary lifestyles, tend to suffer from “creeping obesity.”

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Thanksgiving was suppose to be something you celebrate with families and friend and be thankful to God he had given you .My thanksgiving was same old thing happened last year. You seee, we usually go to my sister-in-laws house. She got 5 kids , all grown up. Four of them acting like they are all that. Talked "shit" about someone else. Evenhough it's none of their business. My husband sister and her family think's they are the best person in their planet earth. They think they are all perfect. One of my husband's nephew is married to one filipina and she was acting like a butt last night. She and I never got close, we say hi to each other ,that's about it. Anyway, to make the story short. Thanksgiving yesterday suck! Same old, shit. Bragging and everything. That's all you can hear in their mouth.

My husband and I decided last night, that was our last thanksgiving dinner that we gonna have at his sister house. We are going to have our own thanksgiving in our own house with our family & friend . We'll see kung saan a-attend yong mga pop and mom in-laws ko.

How was your thanksgiving. I hope it was better done mine.

There are so many men and women in uniform who dedicate their lives to serve our country. It takes braveness and courage to participate in this kind of job. Some of them have passed, are injured and still serving out there , so bravely protecting our country. I can't imagine what they going through, every year when Holiday comes. So many of our heroes aren't able to spend time with their family during Christmas. But some of them are lucky enough to get the chance.

I thank God for every man and women who have given their life and have sacrifice to fulfill their duty for our country. Let's make a difference this Christmas by participating Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry . You can make someone else lives happy. Help accomplish Holiday wishes for 30,583 military family out there. Our heroes have given their life to protect our country. If they can make a difference , so can you. Let's support our military and their family. Contribute to Sears Heroes at Home wishes Registry. Let's join the others , let's give thanks to the man and women in uniform and fulfill our heroes wishes and their family come true by donating. Visit the link above and see how you can help.

Thanksgiving is an American holiday designed to remember the voyage of the Pilgrims and to cherish and reflect upon what you are thankful for. Sometimes though, finding things in your life to be truly thankful for is difficult task - and almost seems like a chore. This is why creating a personal prayer of thanks is useful. It helps you to realign your thoughts and become comfortable with yourself, your life, and your family. You don't have to be be Christian, or belong to any other religion to invent your own prayer. The true spirit of it lies in your own hopes, dreams, and love of everything around you.

Figure out what you are thankful for. Everyone has something to be thankful for, even if it is simply being alive. Begin with non-materialistic things. Do you have many friends? A tight-knit family? A loving pet? After reflecting upon that, ask yourself what material things bring happiness to you and others in your life. Do you have a warm home? Safe water and food? Clean clothing on your back? If you have the last three things, you are probably better off than over half of the world's population.
Write down the above things you are thankful for. Don't bother with correct spelling, grammar, or anything else -- you're writing for yourself, not for anyone else. Just brainstorm and make the list as long as possible. Write for at least ten minutes. If you get distracted, take two minutes to write every thought that isn't what you're thankful for. This will help you get into writing what is really important, and may even lead you right into it.
Decide how long your prayer will be. If it will be a sort of mantra repeated multiple times during the day, a short prayer of under a minute (that is still thoughtful) would probably be best. Only plan to say it once or twice? If you are only going to say it after waking up or going to bed, you may want to consider a longer prayer of about two to four minutes. Use the previous times only as guidelines, and follow what your heart and head say.
Go back and read your list, and add any other details that come to mind. Don't be overly critical of yourself. Are there any names repeated again and again? Somethings that seem overwhelmingly important, such as children or a spouse? Use the things you are most thankful for as the basis of your prayer. Begin with the most important people to you, and then begin to branch off. If you are having a difficult time remembering each and every name of your favorite cashiers, waitresses, and the like, try a general phrase targeting one establishment.
Ask yourself who you want to address the prayer to. Like an envelope in the mail, your prayer also needs an address - whether it be God, the spirit of a deceased loved one, or just the Universe. Some people are most comfortable simply reciting it and letting it be "carried away". Do what you feel is best.
Recite and remember. Your prayer doesn't have to sound like poetry, but it should flow with sincerity and love. Is remembering difficult for you? Try simplifying the prayer, or perhaps writing down a few key words to jog your memory.

Avoid focusing your prayer on materialistic things. Although they are great and you should be thankful for them, it is important that you also remember the true "Thanksgiving spirit" and think of family, friends, and the people you associate yourself with.
Try praying with a friend or with a family member. Silent prayers together will give you a sense of unity and power.
Don't do this because you feel obligated to because of religion. Sincerity is key. If your heart isn't into the prayer, it doesn't accomplish much - if anything.
Don't become discouraged if your prayer doesn't come easily. Keep brainstorming until you find something that fits you.

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Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. There are many different meditation methods.

At the core of meditation is the goal to focus and eventually quiet your mind. As you progress, you will find that you can meditate anywhere and at any time, accessing an inner calm no matter what's going on around you. But first, you have to learn to tame your mind.

Make time to meditate. Set aside enough time in your daily routine for meditating. The effects of meditation are most noticeable when you do it regularly and consistently rather than sporadically.

Some people will find a five minute meditation worthwhile, for others, the benefits of longer meditation are well worth the time.
You can meditate at any time of day; some people like to start their day off with meditation, others like to end the day by clearing their mind, and some prefer to find refuge in meditation in the middle of a busy day. Generally, however, the easiest time to meditate is in the morning, before the day's events tire your body out and give your mind more to think about.
Don't meditate immediately following a meal, or when you are likely to be hungry. The body's digestive system can be very distracting.
Find or create a quiet, relaxing environment. It's especially important, when you're starting out, to avoid any obstacles to attention. Turn off any TV sets, phone(s) or other noisy appliances. If you play music, make sure it's calm, repetitive and gentle, so as not to break your concentration. Meditating outside can be conducive, as long as you don't sit near a busy roadway or another source of loud noise.
Sit on level ground. Sit on a cushion if the ground is uncomfortable. You don't have to twist your limbs into the lotus position or adopt any unusual postures. The important thing is to keep your back straight, as this will help with breathing later on.

You can also meditate on a chair. Make sure your back is straight (whether you lean against the chair or sit free does not matter). Your feet should rest solidly on the ground.
Any position in which you're relaxed but your back is straight is permissible, even lying down - but be careful that you're not so relaxed that you fall asleep. In warm weather, consider watching the clouds.
Keep your eyes half-open without focusing on anything. If this is too distracting or difficult, close them or find something steady to focus on such as a small candle flame.
Breathe deeply and slowly from your abdomen rather than your chest. You should feel your stomach rise and fall while your chest stays relatively still. Healthy, stress relieving breathing may be done by inhaling for count of 3, exhaling for count of 6, repeat over and over for 15 to 20 minutes. This expels the used air and more completely oxygenates your blood, lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Many high blood pressure patients have dropped their blood pressure as much as 50 points, allowing them to decrease or eliminate the need for medication. This breathing exercise should be done on a regular basis.
Relax every muscle in your body. Don't rush this, as it takes time to fully relax. Do it bit by bit, starting at your toes, and working up to your head, until the tension melts away.
Focus your attention. You may notice that your mind wants to wander, bouncing from thought to thought, making observations about other things. Gently bring your attention back to a single point until it rests there naturally. The goal is to allow the "chattering" in your mind to gradually fade away. Find an "anchor" to settle your mind.

Let your attention rest on the flow of your breath. Listen to it, follow it, but make no judgments on it (such as "It sounds a little raspy...maybe I'm getting a cold?").
To overcome verbal chatter, recite a mantra (repetition of a sacred word). A single word like "aum" uttered at a steady rhythm is best. You can recite it verbally or just with the voice in your mind. Beginners may find it easier to count their breaths. Try counting your breath from 1 to 10, then simply start again at 1.

To circumvent images that keep intruding on your thoughts, visualize a place that calms you. It can be real or imaginary. Imagine you are at the top of a staircase leading to a peaceful place. Count your way down the steps until you are peaceful and relaxed.
For some people, focusing attention on a point or object does exactly the opposite of what meditation is all about. It takes you back to the life of 'focus', 'concentration', 'strain'. In this case, as an alternative to the above techniques, some meditators recommend un-focusing your attention. Instead of focusing attention on a point or an object, this type of meditation is achieved by attaining a state of zero. Take your attention above all thoughts till a point you lose all attention and all thoughts.
Silence your mind. Once you've trained your mind to focus on just one thing at a time, the next step is focus on nothing at all, essentially "clearing" your mind. This requires tremendous discipline but is the pinnacle of meditation. After focusing on a single point as described in the previous step, you can either cast it away, or observe it impartially and let it come and then go, without labeling it as "good" or "bad". Take the same approach to any thoughts which return to your mind until silence perseveres.

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Everyone will experience stress in their life, whether it is work related, school related, or just plain old depression stress. One good way to get rid of it is to work it out with exercise. Your heart must be in it though, there's no point in trying it if you are stressed into a mindless zombie.

Dance it out! Go on, get up and switch on some happy dance music and just stomp around and wave your arms in the air. Let it all go. Imagine you're stress going into your arms and out through your finger tips. This will only work if you really believe it will work, like most stress relievers.
Stand up from your computer now and do some press ups. You could do them on the floor, on the desk or in the garden. Channel your stress into rage and let it fuel the press ups.
Run around the block. Sprint it all out, just run like the wind and picture treading all over your stress as you run. Don't get hit by a car, though!
Get your skipping rope and skip. Fast pace, slow pace, double jump, it doesn't matter, just smash your feet into the ground and it will make you feel better.
If you own a punch bag, go punch it. Kick it. Hit it with the frying pan. Just wack all your stress into it.

Don't wear yourself out over it. If you find yourself becoming too tired, stop.
Stay safe. Don't break anything and stay off roads.

This isn't guaranteed. People find different stress relievers more effective than others.

Stress. We all deal with it. Whether it be our jobs, family life, drama with friends, a relationship problem, or finances, stress is there, but so are these ways of relieving it.

Take a deep breath. This is your first, most immediate defense against stress. If you can get in the habit of pausing and taking a nice, deep breath every time you feel stress beginning to take hold, you'll have won half the battle just by preventing it from taking over. The other half is won by addressing the causes of your stress.
Communicate. Whether you talk to a friend or talk to your cat, getting it off your chest will help a lot. If you don't feel like talking about it, write it down. Keep a journal and write down whatever it is that's bothering you. Writing is a therapy of its own.
Laugh. Rediscover your sense of humor by making fun of your situation. View it from your future self's perspective, telling this story to a bunch of your friends over pizza and soda. Crack some jokes. Do your goofiest impression. Tickle a child that you love. Laughter, whether it's yours or someone else's, is the best medicine--and it's contagious!
Get fit. Perhaps your health and appearance are stressing you out, but even if they're not an issue, being physically fit can directly help relieve stress, which exists on both a mental and a physical level. Sometimes there's nothing like a long run, an intense yoga session, or a fresh swim after a stressful day to help you feel relaxed and stress-free again. Also, exercise releases endorphines; a feel good hormone. Chocolate realeases endorphines aswell (just only in moderation)!
Be organized. For the most part, stress arises from feeling overwhelmed. There's just too much to do, and not enough time to do it. Being organized and getting your priorities straight can help you break responsibilities down into manageable pieces and focus on the things that really matter to you, rather than getting caught up in details and creating extra work for yourself--all of which leads to more stress.
Soothe the senses. Light a scented candle that has a calming fragrance like lavender. Listen to your favorite, most relaxing music or, better yet, go somewhere that you can listen to wind rustle through trees or waves crash on the beach. Enjoy the scenery, whether you're outdoors or viewing an art exhibit. Drink some warm tea or taste--really taste--some dark chocolate. Treat yourself by getting a massage or, if you want to be alone, take a bath (bubbles are recommended).
Do nothing. That's right, folks, do nothing at all. Close the door, open the window, have a seat, and take a little break from life. If your mind is racing, learn to meditate and just let that stress go.
Do something that you like. Rock out to music, have some fun and don't forget to be yourself.
Imagery Meditation. If you find that you are still stressing and can't seem to stop mind-racing stressful thoughts, try imagery meditation. Meditating, concentrating or just emptying your mind while viewing tranquil scenery, either real or in video clips can help your mind let go of anixety filled thoughts.

Secondary Tip. If you have a friend or someone to have -contact- with, go to them and talk to them. For young eyes I can not say but, it always helps.

Be aware of your choices; you always have a choice.
Learn to say no; you cannot do everything you are asked.
Learn how to delegate.
Be thankful. It does wonders for your state of mind.
If you need to apologize to someone, and it will not make the situation worse, find a way to do so. More importantly, learn to forgive, particularly to forgive yourself. Guilt adds pain to stress.
Relieving stress in the short term is a good idea, but resolving the underlying causes of stress is even better. If the same issues keep driving you up the wall time and time again, give some serious thought as to how they can be dealt with permanently.

Be wary of escapism. Do not alleviate stress by doing something that'll only make it worse in the long run (e.g. buying a new pair of expensive shoes when what's stressing you is debt).
If stress gets really bad and you feel that you cannot cope with it, seek professional help.
Dont let people get to you, like your friends for example
Dont think about suicide, or hurting others to feel better

This contest is made for students, professional, who have the creativity of developing XML and DB2 .IDUG contest has five different tracks that the contestant can choose from. You can either choose to do one of the five tracks, or you can do all five of them.

Here the five contest you can choose from.

Is the Video contest: which is you need to create using XML,XQuery or DB2 and record yourself doing it.
Is the Gadget Contest: which is the contestant have to develop a downloadable gadget or widget using DB2.
Is the XQuery Contest: Answer a series of questions by developing queries in XQuery. All correct answers (answer and query structure) entered to win larger prizes.
Is the Port an Application:Port an existing application to use XML, XQuery or DB2. You may enter as individual or assemble a team.
Is the XML Contest: Develop a brand new application using XML and/or XQuery. You may enter as individual or assemble a team.

This Challenge is designed to recognize developers who will shape the XML landscape of the future. This could be your future, and you can gain some well-deserved recognition for your XML skills. Visit the link and get in the game.

Dealing with vision loss is challenging. For people with glaucoma, macular degeneration, or another vision problem, low-vision aids can help optimize remaining vision and improve the ability to perform daily activities.

Some examples of low-vision aids are telescopes, closed-circuit televisions (a small television camera is mounted on a movable tray; documents or other objects are moved under the camera and viewed on a small monitor), magnifying glasses, clocks and phones with large numbers, and large-print reading materials. Telescopes and closed-circuit televisions require an evaluation and prescription from an eye care professional as well as training in how to use them.

Many low-vision aids are available through low-vision clinics and low-vision rehabilitation services. Researchers are also testing implantation of a miniature telescope into damaged eyes.

Mild vision impairment has little effect on day-to-day activities, but moderate to severe vision impairment can make it difficult for people to perform common household tasks. Ophthalmologists and low-vision counselors recommend these simple, practical strategies to help patients with low vision maintain their independence.

Always leave doors completely open or completely closed. This reduces the risk of accidentally walking into the door edge if you have low vision.

Tack down loose rugs and use non-slip mats beneath them. Or you can hold down rugs with furniture to prevent slipping and tripping.

Tape a colorful piece of paper to all clear glass doors. If you have low vision, this will help you determine whether the door is open or closed and prevent collisions.

Avoid using glass-topped coffee or end tables. The edges are extremely difficult to see, making bumping injuries more likely if you have low vision.

Mark the important settings on the dials of the stove, washer, dryer, and other appliances using brightly colored tape.

Mark the outer edge of all indoor and outdoor stairs. Use a strip of paint or non-skid material in a color that contrasts with the rest of the step. The strip should extend about two inches from the edge -- both horizontally and vertically -- and should go across the full width of the step. This reduces the chances of tripping or falling on the stairs if you have low vision.

Have someone help you arrange clothing if you have color-vision problems. Separate items according to color and then use labeled dividers to identify them.

Attention shopper's Kmart Layaway for the Holidays is going on right now. Some of you are probably wondering how Layaway works. Let me tell you something about it. Usually when you shop for some stuff for any occasion or just for anything, and you couldn't pay all the items all at once, you can put them on layaway.Just follow the simple steps which is , choose all the items you wanted to purchase, bring them to the costumer service or at the layaway counter.Make some down down payment .You will get the chance to pay for the items every two week for 8 weeks period . Then when you made the full payment, you can bring all the merchandise home with you. It's that simple.

Since Christmas is just around the corner ,Kmart Layaway for the Holidays is a great place to go . So folk, come and shop at Kmart. Use Kmart layaway to get ready for the Holiday. It's the easy way to pay for item.Shop at Kmart near you or log into the web and visit Kmart.com .Get what you want with Kmart layaway , and you can pay for your merchandise in over 8 week period. Use the easy layaway for about everything and anything year around.

Friendships are probably some of the most important relationships you will have in your life. Many of your favorite memories are likely to include times you have spent with friends. Friends are possibly the people who keep you sane (although they can sometimes drive you mad as well!).

Friendships can be hard work sometimes, especially when your good friend is going through a tough time or is just feeling down. Not knowing what to do, or what to say can be hard, frustrating, and emotionally challenging. However, just by thinking about what you can do to make them feel better, shows that you are a good friend. So how can you be there for a friend in need?

• Listen - Never underestimate the importance of listening. One of the important parts of listening is trying to understand the situation from your friend's point of view. If you aim to do this you'll find you'll ask the right sort of questions and they'll appreciate having someone who truly cares about how they feel.

From that point on you will probably feel more comfortable talking through possible solutions to your friend's situation with them, if they want to. Don't assume your friend wants advice - sometimes they may simply want someone to listen to what they're going through, and to work out what they're going to do themselves.

• Get the Facts - If your friend has a medical condition or mental illness, a good way to offer support would be for you to learn about what your friend has been diagnosed with. This simple action shows that you care and that you are not going to run away because your friend's situation has changed. This will let them know that you like them for who they are.

Another good step is seeing whether there are support groups in your local areas and suggest coming along with your friend.

• Give your Friend a Hug - A simple gesture such as a hug or a smile can show your friend that they are not alone and that you are there for them.

• Be Willing to Make a Tough Call - If you think a friend is displaying a serious risk to their personal safety, you may need to act without their consent. No matter how hard it can be or if you are worried about your friend's reaction, just remember it's because you care about them and you don't want them to be hurt.

Depending on the situation, you may need to seek outside help; whether it's a teacher, counsellor, Kids Help Line (1800 55 1800) or Lifeline (13 11 14), a family member or another adult.

• Let Your Friend Know you Care - You might want to write a letter or a poem addressed to your friend, showing how special they are to you and no matter how tough things get; that you will be there for them because that's the importance of friendship.

• Keep in Touch - If you can't physically be with your friend when in need; think about sending an email, chatting on MSN or a quick phone call or sms; to show that you are there for them.

• Check out Reach Out! - You may also find it helpful to look through some other Reach Out! fact sheets and stories, and show these to your friend. Stories on the site are inspiring and reinforce that your friend is not alone and that no matter how dark that tunnel looks there is light at the other end.

• Jump onto the Reach Out! Forums - It may be helpful for you and/or your friend to jump on the Reach Out! Online Community and to chat to other young people who have had similar experiences.