New research show that apparently your brain thinks money is a drug. They say money replicates the same feelings that love creates in social situations. Their experiement to test this: they had people count either currency or plain paper, then some of them were asked to stick their fingers in a bowl of 122 degree (hot tub hot) water. Those who had been counting the money did not feel as much pain from the water.
Maybe money is the new morphine.
Money=love? OR Money>love?
Perhaps it's more of a Pavlov's dog type reaction: we see money; we envision the things we can buy with the money; and that makes us feel better. Or it could be the smell of money. Money has a distinct smell and certain smells can definitely elicit strong emotional responses. As the people were counting the money, I'm sure they could also smell it and maybe that caused the decreased pain from the hot water. Hmm, interesting research.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Rainy Day
Today was one of those days.
You know the kind I'm talking about?
The one where it's raining outside and all you want to do is curl up on a couch and read a good book or watch a good movie.
Or maybe take a walk or sing in the rain?
Since the rain (and cloudy days in general) tends to make me sleepy, I had to pull myself out of bed. Yeah, it was that kind of day.
I got a second shower because I forgot my umbrella and had to walk in the rain. I like it though. Rain is refreshing and cleansing. And it makes the earth smell good.
I woke up this morning thinking I had overslept because it was so dark outside. It literally looked like it was 9 pm.
This photo was taken in downtown Lexington at 2:30 pm!
You know the kind I'm talking about?
The one where it's raining outside and all you want to do is curl up on a couch and read a good book or watch a good movie.
Or maybe take a walk or sing in the rain?
Since the rain (and cloudy days in general) tends to make me sleepy, I had to pull myself out of bed. Yeah, it was that kind of day.
I got a second shower because I forgot my umbrella and had to walk in the rain. I like it though. Rain is refreshing and cleansing. And it makes the earth smell good.
I woke up this morning thinking I had overslept because it was so dark outside. It literally looked like it was 9 pm.
This photo was taken in downtown Lexington at 2:30 pm!
(Photo taken by Caren Beatty)
See what I mean about it looking like 9 pm? Pretty dark, huh?
Also, I think walking in the rain would be much more fun (I was about to say -write - funner, but that's not a word) with these Wellingtons:
Don't you think so? They can be found here. They cost £29.99! They're British after all.
As a child, my family would sit on our big porch swing during thunderstorms and watch the rain and thunder and lightning. I miss those days. I loved the mist of cool rain on my face as I saw the lightening crash down and the boom of thunder rumble in my chest.
What do you like doing on rainy days?
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Joy Comes in the Mo(u)rning
Despite the tears at Belinda's funeral, there were also smiles and laughter. It's amazing how we can experience different emotions at the same time. I don't think Belinda would have wanted us to cry for her. She's in a better place, it is only hard for us here on earth- but we still miss her.
Belinda loved laughing and playing jokes on people. The pastor told the following story about her: Her father wore dentures. One day, (it was actually his birthday!) as he was sleeping, Belinda took the dentures and set them in a container of jello (which then became harder as it set). When her father woke up and realized his dentures were gone, he found a string that led him on a goose chase all over the house. When he came to the end of the rope, he finally found his teeth encased in the jello. He laughed about it...eventually. That was just the type of person Belinda was- she loved to laugh and help others to smile and laugh as well.
I've decided that "laughter through tears is my favorite emotion." - Name that movie. (Picture a Dolly Parton southern accent, it might help you remember).
By the way, I helped my mom start a blog, which will mainly include photos and stories from our family history. Be sure to check it out. It makes me very happy that she now has a blog!
Belinda loved laughing and playing jokes on people. The pastor told the following story about her: Her father wore dentures. One day, (it was actually his birthday!) as he was sleeping, Belinda took the dentures and set them in a container of jello (which then became harder as it set). When her father woke up and realized his dentures were gone, he found a string that led him on a goose chase all over the house. When he came to the end of the rope, he finally found his teeth encased in the jello. He laughed about it...eventually. That was just the type of person Belinda was- she loved to laugh and help others to smile and laugh as well.
I've decided that "laughter through tears is my favorite emotion." - Name that movie. (Picture a Dolly Parton southern accent, it might help you remember).
By the way, I helped my mom start a blog, which will mainly include photos and stories from our family history. Be sure to check it out. It makes me very happy that she now has a blog!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Obituary
Belinda L. Litty (nee Dray) 60, of North Olmsted, most loving wife of David; the best mom of Mike (Jamie) and Stacey Church (Jonathan); her 5 grandchildren were the light of her life; beloved daughter of Doris and the late William Dray. Passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Memorial donations to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 23297 Commerce Park Dr., Cleveland, OH 44122. Celebration of Life Service at 6:30pm Tuesday, July 28, at Bay Presbyterian Church, 24515 Lake Rd., Bay Village . Friends may call at the BUSCH FUNERAL HOME 21369 CENTER RIDGE RD., FAIRVIEW PARK, OH from 2-4and 7-9 on Sunday. VFW Auxiliary 1974 Service will be conducted at the funeral home from 7:30-7:45pm.I will remember Belinda for her laugh, her great smile, and her love of animals. (She was my second cousin, first cousin of my mother). Despite her 6 year battle with lymphoma, she was still optimistic whenever we visited.
I still can't believe she's gone. The last time I saw her, she was in relatively good health (despite the lymphoma) and now, she's gone. I miss her.
God be with you till we meet again, Belinda. Rest in Peace.
Monday, July 20, 2009
This advice column was written by Regina Brett who is 90 years old. She wrote it for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, Ohio.
She writes: "To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer recently rolled over to 90, so here is the column once more."
I thought she had some really good advice and because this is my blog and I can do what I want, I'm sharing it on here. Take it or leave it.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
She writes: "To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer recently rolled over to 90, so here is the column once more."
I thought she had some really good advice and because this is my blog and I can do what I want, I'm sharing it on here. Take it or leave it.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Addendum
I have an announcement to make...
According to a comment by an "anonymous" person (ahem, my mom, ahem) in the last blog post (right below), I neglected to tell you about Snickers Pie.
A little background information...our family had (notice past tense...for some reason I really like parentheses today...and ellipses) a favorite restaurant in Columbus named Josiah's that we frequented- may it R.I.P. (it was a very sad day when it closed). Anyway, they had this dessert there that we ordered almost every time and we would share a piece of it. It was called Snickers Pie. We tried very hard to pry the recipe from the owner, but she refused and wouldn't share her secrets (my dad even offered to work there washing dishes for her in exchange for the recipe, but it was a no go) - the restaurant was closing, but she wouldn't budge about sharing it. So we set out to find the recipe for the peanut butter part on our own. We tried one or two recipes but they just didn't cut it. The consistency or taste wasn't quite right.
Then we found this recipe. It sure tastes really close to the one that the owner used at Josiah's. Here's how you make it. First you need to buy the ingredients: you will need the ingredients that she mentions for the pie itself but you will also need peanuts (salted and roasted work just fine - really any kind but raw) and caramel apple dip.
First, you make the crust (you can follow along with The Pioneer Woman's nice pictures). After the crust has cooled you add the caramel. I don't remember if we used the whole container, just use your best judgement. Next, you add a good layer of peanuts, but the actual amount depends on how much you like peanuts. Then you add the peanut butter topping from the recipe. Lastly, you dig in and eat it! Oh, wait, first you should probably chill it, but you might not be able to wait that long.
It's enough to send anyone into a diabetic coma, but it's oh, sooooo good!! Happy eating!
According to a comment by an "anonymous" person (ahem, my mom, ahem) in the last blog post (right below), I neglected to tell you about Snickers Pie.
A little background information...our family had (notice past tense...for some reason I really like parentheses today...and ellipses) a favorite restaurant in Columbus named Josiah's that we frequented- may it R.I.P. (it was a very sad day when it closed). Anyway, they had this dessert there that we ordered almost every time and we would share a piece of it. It was called Snickers Pie. We tried very hard to pry the recipe from the owner, but she refused and wouldn't share her secrets (my dad even offered to work there washing dishes for her in exchange for the recipe, but it was a no go) - the restaurant was closing, but she wouldn't budge about sharing it. So we set out to find the recipe for the peanut butter part on our own. We tried one or two recipes but they just didn't cut it. The consistency or taste wasn't quite right.
Then we found this recipe. It sure tastes really close to the one that the owner used at Josiah's. Here's how you make it. First you need to buy the ingredients: you will need the ingredients that she mentions for the pie itself but you will also need peanuts (salted and roasted work just fine - really any kind but raw) and caramel apple dip.
First, you make the crust (you can follow along with The Pioneer Woman's nice pictures). After the crust has cooled you add the caramel. I don't remember if we used the whole container, just use your best judgement. Next, you add a good layer of peanuts, but the actual amount depends on how much you like peanuts. Then you add the peanut butter topping from the recipe. Lastly, you dig in and eat it! Oh, wait, first you should probably chill it, but you might not be able to wait that long.
It's enough to send anyone into a diabetic coma, but it's oh, sooooo good!! Happy eating!
Monday, July 6, 2009
"I'll lick the bowl" OR "How did those disappear so fast?"
Today I made Granny's rolls.
Not my Granny, but someone's granny. The recipe made 22 rolls. Yup, go ahead and count 'em.
How many do you think were left after dinner?
Yes, that's right.....
there were only three left!
Yes, we ate nineteen of them. Granted, guests did make an impromptu visit and their children ate several of them. But, believe me. They are just that good. Now you're probably thinking "but bread takes so long to make." Trust me, this recipe is easy. They do rise twice but other than that they are really easy since you can knead the dough right in the bowl. Go ahead and make them. You will be happy! (Note: the first time I made them I cooked them for 20 minutes as it says on the recipe and they were kind of burnt. This time I cooked them for 10 minutes and they turned out fine).
My mom and I also made peanut butter pie today. I took pictures, but I will just let her pictures speak for themselves. If you love (or even like) peanut butter and butter and oreos and cool whip, you need to make this pie. Really, your tongue won't regret it, even though your hips probably will. Ooops, did I just say that?
On Sunday we also made chocolate babka. We started on Saturday morning and then finished on Sunday. The recipe takes two days since you have to give the yeast time to rise, etc.
First you roll out the dough
and then add the chocolate mixture
next, you roll up the dough
and then measure it to make sure you have 12 inches...is your mouth watering yet? Mine sure was...
and then you cut them into two inch pieces
and set them in the pan to rise.
Just look at all that chocolatey goodness. Yum!
After they have risen in the pan, you toss them in the oven (just kidding on the toss part) and set the timer and out comes....wait a minute, why are there two pieces missing?
The recipe said we needed to wait one hour to eat them. Do you really think we waited that long? Noooo, as evidenced by the picture, we didn't...and they tasted just fine. Phew, that was a lot of baking.
Now, don't you wish someone had invented scratch n' sniff internet just for occasions like this? Don't deny it, I know that's what you're thinking... But, what are you waiting for? Get baking and you can have your own smells!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
America! America!
"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." Elmer Davis
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
"Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die." Dwight D. Eisenhower
Happy Independence Day!!
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
"Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die." Dwight D. Eisenhower
Happy Independence Day!!
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