A “Mini Break”

November 14, 2009 by Marsha J. O'Brien

Stop for a moment and sit back in your chair. Take one of those deep breaths in through the nose, and exhale from the mouth. Do it a few times. Remember: when stress enters we slow our breathing down – almost stop when we are angry! As you breathe think “I am relaxing myself, slowing my heart rate, lowering my blood pressure, maintaining optimum oxygen so I can think better, and giving myself and the only place I have to live (my body) – a few moments of regeneration!”

Believe me – it will do all those things for you. After a few breaths, stretch your arms up in the air, blink your eyes several times, wiggle your toes and if you need to take a bathroom break – don’t put it off! Do it now. The walk will do you good anyway and get that oxygen moving through the body again.

NO STRESS is worth your life! It will all work out somehow. Don’t add to your problems by stressssssssssing out!

If you need some daily help managing stress check out my website: http://www.stressmanagementmagic.com

What about this?

November 10, 2009 by Marsha J. O'Brien

I vacuumed the floor for the second time today. It was necessary. It won’t turn mankind around the other way, but my floor will be clean for the next moment of my life.

My dreams of loving all mankind and making something better for some are not dashed to the ground. Perhaps in some distant moment to come some one will remember a kindness done for them, or a genuine pleasure to meet them greeting, or just a smile sincere.

The time is so brief and the challenge so immense. How can one live up to the desire God has for us to love Him? His is conditional love. The kind of conditions only God could bestow upon us.

The conditions are:
1. Love your God with all your heart and soul and mind,
2. Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Seems simple at first. To me, loving God is easy.

But one has to sacrifice self. The bounty returns even better than that which was given. But that isn’t the point.

Remembering to love YOU is also part of the deal If you don’t love yourself, you cannot fully love someone else.

Think

November 6, 2009 by Marsha J. O'Brien

You have done nothing wrong if you have love and are able to forgive.

With hands to my heart I, in the depth of my being,
I still love, and how can I not forgive, having done so much to be forgiven for in this life.

Pain is not an enemy. It is a warning system in the making of this fine tapestry of human majesty and beauty. Lessons are to be learned. You know when those times are coming on and you the intensify building..

Use innate compounds of human anatomy to prepare and strengthen response. You feel it coming. You know you will be struck soon or you will be in this moment. I was. It will happen. Be forewarned to prepare for the ultimate test in Spirit tenacity.

Pain. Breath. Pain. Pray. Pain. Dissolve that which is past.
Pain. Open your chest to breathe and your heart to accept what is to come.

Sometimes in life you will be forced to let go of everything you know in order to move on – let go and move on.

Everyone is headed somewhere. Accept the challenge. Enjoy the voyage. The expedition is the point.

Does not life feel as if it is the pages in a book you read long ago? Memories stir from within; memories of another time and place.

Lift your heart, lift your eyes, lift your spirit, lift your love and compassion. Stay soft in your deep rivers of life. Work hard not to scatter who you are to lesser expectations.

Be kind. Be at ease. If you don’t know further than a moment – you join the ranks of us all.

There is just nothing you can do about all the rest. Choose your life wisely. Love.

Knowledge is power: H1N1 information

October 22, 2009 by Marsha J. O'Brien

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOUR FAMILY. My eldest son and his wife and four children have it.
The baby is less than two and they are quite worried. It is sneaky and just when you seem a bit better, it comes back. Please protect your family and share any information here you may not have heard.
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This information is taken from the CDC website. I thought it important enough to post as many of us just don’t take the time to check these things out.
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What are “emergency warning signs” that should signal anyone to seek medical care urgently?
In children:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash
In adults:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Contamination & Cleaning

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time.

*What if soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not allowed in my facility?
If soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not allowed, other hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol may be useful.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.

What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.

Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.

Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

DON’T PANIC: Just be prepared and do things to prevent it from happening!

Waste time?

October 20, 2009 by Marsha J. O'Brien

Certainly. I know people who are “killing time” before they die. I hate wasting time.
Time is precious. LIfe is precious.

You my God, can it be happening? I read the signs and feel the poison in the air.

It is too intense. The sun lays directly on the horizon. I have forgotten to think.
I am scattered upon the earth trying to absorb the rays that penetrate me and throngs of the human kind, as long as change is time reverberates sandy nights, wind pushing my hair behind my cheeks and when the wind subsides, falling gently upon my shoulders and back. The wind filling my lungs with oxygen and need I say more. . I love you.
I love you Creator and Sacrificing Son who willing to face defilement for no other reason than love….

I will not question why. I will submit to love. How easy is this that is all that is asked?

.

H1N1

October 20, 2009 by Marsha J. O'Brien

My son and his wife and four children have H1N1 virus. If you believe in a power beyod yourself and this planet – please pray for them – as well as all those on this planet with a heart and love.

This virus lets 99% off with only a serious bout of the flu, but for some, it is life-threatening. It is more than serious. I won’t have the vaccine, but I believe infants through young adults should.

H1N1 Flu – Information You should know!

October 13, 2009 by Marsha J. O'Brien

Here are some simple things that can PERHAPS can keep you from catching it!
This information was passed on to me from someone I’ve known over the years to be trustworthy and intelligent. The following sums up to me, as well, “common sense” things we can all do to keep this problem less prevalent.

Remember too, if you have a cough, please cough into the armpit area. If you cough in your hands you may spread whatever it is that is causing it by simply touching something!

Make sure your children are aware of the things they can do to prevent spreading any virus or flu. Even if they are young, children are oftentimes brighter,and absorb more information they we realize.
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“The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

“While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. “Hands-off-the-face” approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*

5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.”

Please share this information. It may save someone’s life!

Big brother rears his big ugly head again!

October 13, 2009 by Marsha J. O'Brien

Excerpts from this article were taken from the Record Searchlight newspaper today:

“Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed into law a bill that requires buyers of handgun ammunition to leave thumbprints and detailed personal information with registered ammo sellers, as well as put restrictions on online bullet sales.

“Assembly Bill 962 reasonably regulates access to ammunition and improves public safety without placing undue burdens on consumers,” Schwarzenegger said in a letter explaining his decision.

The new restrictions will take effect Feb. 1, 2011.

Authored by Assemblyman Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, the bill bans direct shipping to Californians who buy bullets via mail order or over the Internet.
Instead, any ammo they buy would need to be picked up at a licensed handgun ammunition dealer, similar to the way guns are currently bought and sold.
The bill doesn’t require a waiting period to pick up ammunition as there is when purchasing firearms.

All handgun ammunition must be kept behind store counters.
Ammunition that can be used in both pistols and rifles — like the popular .22 caliber round used by target shooters and small game hunters — fall under the new restrictions.

The bill also would require that those purchasing ammunition provide photo ID and a thumbprint. The information would be kept on file and made available to law enforcement agencies.

Around a dozen gang-plagued cities in California have enacted similar local ordinances, geared to keep gang members from buying ammunition or tracking them down when they do.”

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Okay, here’s a problem I see with this. It’s the same deal as trying to ban weapons or stifle the laws on purchasing them – THE BAD GUYS WILL ALWAYS HAVE GUNS AND AMMO. THEY DON’T BUY THEM (PRIMARILY) LEGALLY, ANYWAY! So the only people who will be supervised, with a few exceptions, will be the citizens who aren’t on the street using weapons for illegal purposes! We’ll be placed under the thumb of the government again. I am sure the price of ammo will go up too.

If things continue the way they are going, that thumb will be smashing us sooner than you think. Our dumbanator governor doesn’t have to worry if he has enough ammo – he has a fleet of hummers and personal guards and a stellar system of protection at his home.

What’s next? Any ideas?

Sudden thoughts that took a lifetime!

October 12, 2009 by Marsha J. O'Brien

Clearly there are some things in my past, if I had the choice, I would not do again.

Ah, but it’s all a point of learning, and opportunity to fly.
The discovery of spirit verses self, the discovery of power on high.

I love where I am and who my husband and children and grandchildren are becoming.
I love my family and friends, and to date, I truly have no rage towards anyone, not now.

The “secret” cannot become apparent until it’s almost too late.
But I say, it’s never too late.

It’s not to late to see a full moon,
or the sun dipping behind the earth as our planet moves in symphony with the solar system.

If we could just hear the symphony, of the reason for us to be,
Our worry would fly like the little bird in the tree.

Look around and see magnificence.
The bend in an old wooden fence that would fall if a breath of air moved.

The leaves turning yellow and read on the trees
Then floating softly to the ground

The old woman who walks her two dogs with her walker in hand
She is the picture of tenacity, strength and endurance.
Though some would see her and fragile and weak
She is beautiful to me.

The drudgery of the work of life, the possibilities of coming events
It’s still thrilling to me
I love being alive.
I am still a work in progress.

Huntington Beach Pier

October 10, 2009 by Marsha J. O'Brien

I did some research and what is surprising is that in the history of the Huntington Beach Pier, there is no mention of a fire.

“History of the Huntington Beach Pier. Huntington Beach Pier is one of Huntington Beach’s focal points. The first pier, a 1,000 foot. long timber structure, was built in 1904, five years before the City of Huntington Beach was incorporated. In 1912, winter storms nearly destroyed the pier, and a $70,000 bond issue was approved by the voters to build a new pier. The 1,350 ft. pier was the longest, highest, and only solid concrete pleasure pier in the United States at that time.
In 1930, the pier was lengthened by 500 ft. with a café at the end. In 1939, a storm destroyed the end of the pier and the cafe. After reconstruction, it was re-opened in 1940. In 1941, the Navy commandeered the pier for submarine watch during World War II.

Huntington-beach-
In March of 1983, storms severely damaged the end of the pier and the End of the Pier cafe, necessitating demolition and closure of the end of the pier. In September 1985, the rehabilitated pier reopened with a new two story End Cafe, only to be washed away again on January 17, 1988. The pier was declared unsafe and closed on July 12, 1988. In July 1990, the construction bid for the new pier was given to Reidel International. The new pier replicated the historic architectural style of the original 1914 concrete pier, complete with arched bents. The pier was built to withstand not only wave impact and uplift, but also earthquakes.”

I did notice that there is an interruption of history between World War II and 1983…..the fire my sister mentioned was during that time period. I also know that “history” is not always reported correctly. DUH Marsha.

Did you know when my oldest son was two and I remarried, my husband adopted him, and guess what? They changed my son’s BIRTH CERTIFICATE to show my new husband was the natural father. I thought that was just wrong – I still do.

It’s 6:45 AM and my puppy and I are headed out for our morning walk! Have a beautiful day!