Exercising for the "right" reasons

When I ventured on my "quest" to lose weight little did I know three years later I would have surpassed my goal--ending up losing 50 pounds. At 37 years of age I felt completely overwhelmed, weighing in a 190 pounds, all piled on a 5'7" frame. I realized I had to lose the weight. With heart disease and diabetes prevalent on both sides of my family, I had to take action....and I did.

I exercised for the right reasons...those were a.) To Lose Weight and b.) To stay healthy.

Right now my goal is to firm up this soon to be 40 year old body and greet the decade with grace and style.

There are many other advantageous reasons for staying in shape...besides looking good ;^) Exercise adds energy, motivation, and overall well-being.

If you exercise to look good for others and not for yourself how true to your goals are you really being? Sure it's a wonderful motivator but when you base your self-worth solely on what others think of you how long do you think the routine will last....and honestly...what would you be feeling in regards to your own sense of self?

Getting fit for all the right reasons explores this issue: Women need to find the intrinsic joy in exercise. Discovering this motivating tool seems to be the key in overall mental and physical well-being. The authors of the blog discuss overcoming exercise fears, and getting women to improve their outlook on life.

As they stated...it isn't an easy road to follow but one well worth the journey.

I Dreamed of Africa

Though some may find this movie "boring" I loved it. Read the book...and this woman's spiritual safari touched my heart. I always longed to visit this continent...place my mark there somehow....yearning to chase my own dreams...

The story is of Kuki, an avid conservationist and her experiences living in the African wild.

In March of 1980, (Kuki) Gallmann encountered great tragedy in her own life: her husband Paolo died in an auto accident while transporting a crib for his unborn daughter to his home. Then three years later her 17-year-old son, Emanuele, a passionate herpetologist, was killed on the eve of leaving for Stanford University while attempting to extract venom to prepare serum from a viper.

“They were both so deeply involved with the animals and the land,” says Ms. Gallmann. ”So, in their honor—in order to make their journey through life meaningful–I decided to dedicate my life and resources to saving the environment of Kenya and started the Gallmann Memorial Foundation.”

Gallmann explained that she wrote I Dream of Africa because she “wanted to tell the story as it happened. It may read like a novel but it’s all real. And the pain was overcome with positive action–this is what people need.”

Sometimes the adventure of a lifetime becomes life itself.

Women and the Democratic Convention

On Tuesday, August 26th, at the Democratic Convention, the Woman's Media Center will be repriseing their successful forum, From Soundbites to Solutions: Bias, Punditry and the Press in the 2008 Election. Video clips can be accessed at: www.womensmediacenter.com.

Beauty at 40

A mature woman at 40 is attractive in so many ways because her quality of life has been established. Her confidence in herself is surmountable and she is comfortable within her own skin.

I see a beautiful woman who takes pride in her looks as someone quite striking.

One might even view her as a butterfly emerging from her coccoon...a woman who through life's trials and tribulations found herself whether it is because of being a mother, mentor, lover, wife, partner, creator, career woman....she has encompassed everything that life was meant to stand for. She emerges from her sanctuary as a vivacious individual driven to excel life's challenges.

Beauty at 40, or at any age is more than the sum of physical perfection. Each line on her face, gray hair....speaks of countless experiences---experiences spanning 4 decades of mirth, tears, learning to dare, to dream, to overcome surmountable odds whatever they may be for her.

Beauty at 40 is a glorious wonderment of humanity.

Why men love bitches

Okay........

Why do men love bitches?

(It was interesting reading but made me wonder also)

Now that I have your attention I decided to discuss a book I came across and read out of sheer curiosity.

I always am interested in hearing the opinion of the opposite gender when it comes to relationship issues.

In college there is a class called: The Psychology of Women...I didn't take it but heard it was always full. I digress but had to mention it....men are just as hard to figure out at times also fair is fair in love and war! ;^)

I always thought men prefered the girl next door type....this author discusses how women can have their cake and eat it too (and not share any unless they want to).

Good

Bad?

Depends on your point of view and what you consider a "bitch" to be.

Is she a confident woman or a pain in the the royal ass?

The author discusses some key points regarding how men and women interact in the dating scene and how women who are too nice tend to be used as doormats while women who are more assertive attract their errr prey.

From Publishers Weekly

Contending that some women are "too nice," comedian and radio show host Sherry Argov has written Why Men Love Bitches: From Doormat to Dreamgirl-A Woman's Guide to Holding Her Own in a Relationship. "I'm not recommending that a woman have an abrasive disposition," Argov writes, "The woman I'm describing is kind yet strong. She doesn't give up her life, and she won't chase a man." Her sassy book is filled with scenarios and advice aimed at making women subtly stronger and self-empowered. Argov's principles, which range from the farfetched to the downright absurd, include "If you give him a feeling of power, he'll want to protect you and he'll want to give you the world" and "A little distance combined with the appearance of self-control makes him nervous that he may be losing you." The book, which has already been featured on The View and The O'Reilly Factor, should make waves with its controversial view of relationships. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Personally, I feel that there is no one true guide as to how to behave in a relationship...you go with your gut instinct always respect your partner as you should be respected in return...have common interests...laugh, laugh, and laugh...enjoy being together---it shouldn't be so hard.

BTW....don't miss out on reading Why Men Marry Bitches

MAMA MIA!!!

Well, the road back into the Army is going to be a long haul but I am up for it. If God determines the military is in my future I leave it in His hands.

I come back to work after ONE day and see this two foot high pile of cases on my desk (I kid you not) and pending cases in my computer that have to be processed.

Talk about job security....mama mia!

The road towards my goals is a rough one. But due to my pit bull perseverance I am not one to give up easily on anything I set my mind to.

WHY would I?

If I feel that strongly about something I go for it full speed ahead.

Some people think because of my age (like 39 is old) I am crazy to be even thinking of going back in.

Maybe when you reach 39 you will feel old but not me.

I hate stereotypes given to women who are reaching middle age.

Why should I fit into all that hype?

Women in their 40's are just as vibrant as the men...even more so because we have gained so much throughout our lives, built our self-confidence, are ready to take life by the horns.

And when I reach 50 I still will feel the same. ;^)

Why Women Outlive Men

I have always been curious as to why statistically world over, women outlive men normally an extra five to ten years. I see widows coming in at my work requesting military documents to file for benefits. So I decided to ck online for some articles regarding this issue:Women outlive men in almost every society.

In more developed countries, the average life expectancy at birth is 79 years for women, 72 years for men. In less developed countries, where high maternal mortality reduces the difference in longevity, women can expect to live an average of 66 years, compared with 63 years for men.“The sex difference in lifespan has been recognized since at least the mid-18th century,” says Daniel J. Kruger, a research scientist in the University of Michigan School of Public Health and the Institute for Social Research.

“Women live longer in almost every country. It originates from our deep evolutionary history.”Women's life span depends on the balance of two forces, according to Thomas Perls, a geriatrician at Harvard Medical School. One is the evolutionary drive to pass on her genes, the other is the need to stay healthy enough to rear as many children as possible. "Menopause draws the line between the two," Perls says.

It protects older women from the risks of bearing children late in life, and lets them live long enough to take care of their children and grandchildren.As for men, Perls believes "their purpose is simply to carry genes that ensure longevity and pass them on to their daughters. Thus, female longevity becomes the force that determines the natural life span of both men and women."I included a color coded map of life expectancy between men and women. Seems like in developed nations where healthcare is readidly available women will live an average of over 10 years longer than the men.

Websites:
http://www.hno.harvard.edu/gazette/1...enLiveLon.html
http://www.sph.umich.edu/news_events...search/one.htm
http://www.prb.org/Articles/2001/Aro...utliveMen.aspx

Islam, Christianity and the Veil

Never has there seemed to be such a hot topic as this since the world has become "more aware" of Muslims. And out of this population, the practicing Muslima (woman who is of Islamic faith)...stands out more than anyone else I know.

I wonder if the average world citizens knows that even Christian women wore the veil and even pre-dating Christianity? The first recorded instance of veiling for women is recorded in an Assyrian legal text from the 13th century BC which restricted its use to noble women and forbade prostitutes and common women from adopting it. Greek texts have also spoken of veiling and seclusion of women being practiced among the Persian elite and statues from Persepolis depict women both veiled and unveiled, and it seems to be regarded as an attribute of higher status. For me, veiled women have this ethereal beauty about them. A dignity found in the simplicity of the garment.

Biblical references to veils

The Tabernacle (reconstruction) showing the veils which covered the sanctuary and the courtyard Hebrew mitpahath (Ruth 3:15; marg., "sheet" or "apron;" R.V., "mantle"). In Isaiah 3:22 this word is plural, rendered "wimples;" R.V., "shawls" i.e. wraps.
Massekah (Isaiah 25:7; in Isa. 28:20 rendered "covering"). The word denotes something spread out and covering or concealing something else (comp. 2 Cor. 3:13-15).

Masveh (Exodus 34:33, 35), the veil on the face of Moses. This verse should be read, "And when Moses had done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face," as in the Revised Version. When Moses spoke to them he was without the veil; only when he ceased speaking he put on the veil (comp. 2 Cor. 3:13, etc.).

Paroheth (Ex. 26:31-35), the veil of the tabernacle and the temple, which hung between the holy place and the most holy (2 Chr. 3:14). In the temple a partition wall separated these two places. In it were two folding-doors, which are supposed to have been always open, the entrance being concealed by the veil which the high priest lifted when he entered into the sanctuary on the day of Atonement. This veil was rent when Christ died on the cross (Matt. 27:51; Gospel of Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45).

Tza'iph (Genesis 24:65). Rebekah "took a veil and covered herself." (See also 38:14, 19.) Hebrew women generally appeared in public without veils (12:14; 24:16; 29:10; 1 Sam. 1:12).
Radhidh (Cant. 5:7, R.V. "mantle;" Isaiah 3:23). The word probably denotes some kind of cloak or wrapper.

Women's headcoverings

Main article: Christian Headcovering

Traditionally, in Christianity, women were enjoined to cover their heads in church, just as it was (and still is) customary for men to remove their hat as a sign of respect. This practice is based on 1 Corinthians 11:4-16, where St. Paul writes:

Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame upon his head. But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled brings shame upon her head, for it is one and the same thing as if she had had her head shaved. For if a woman does not have her head veiled, she may as well have her hair cut off. But if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should wear a veil. A man, on the other hand, should not cover his head, because he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; nor was man created for woman, but woman for man; for this reason a woman should have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels. Woman is not independent of man or man of woman in the Lord. For just as woman came from man, so man is born of woman; but all things are from God. Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled? Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears his hair long it is a disgrace to him, whereas if a woman has long hair it is her glory, because long hair has been given (her) for a covering? But if anyone is inclined to be argumentative, we do not have such a custom, nor do the churches of God (New American Bible translation)

I understand that certain feminists and some Muslim women see the wording of women being the glory of man as being sexist. I personally feel anyone can take an interpretation of the Bible or any religious texts to make it suit his or her own needs. What needs to be done is to take this text into the context it was intended.

"Why do Muslim women wear the hijab?"

Canadian Muslimah Sumayyah Hussein explains: It's not the first time this has happened and it is certainly an issue that needs to be addressed.

One of the major misconceptions about the hijab (covering of the body except the face and hands) is that young women are forced to wear it by their parents or by male family members.

Sumayya Syed, 16, says that what parents or men want have nothing to do with it. In fact, she astounds people who ask by saying that every woman should have this form of liberation.
Syed maintains that when a woman is covered, men cannot judge her by her appearance but are forced to evaluate her by her personality, character, and morals. "I tell them that the hijab is not a responsibility, it's a right given to me by my Creator who knows us best. It's a benefit to me, so why not? It's something every woman should strive to get and should want."

Another viewpoint

According to Akim in his blog akim.blog-city, he states that: "What we need to note here is the article and possession, it says the head of every man is Christ, however, NOT that the head of every woman is man." This honestly makes more sense to a Roman Catholic like myself.

The woman’s prerogative

"For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
Now, this fouls up every authority man tries to exercise over the woman because it says it is the prerogative of the woman to decide on whether to cover her head or not. There is no duty of man to impose this on the woman.

This is usually read as the man ought to have power of the head of every woman and force them to appear in a wifely role or subservient role."

In regards to Islam, I think certain forms of of the hijab such as total cover is more of a tribal customary issue rather than religious. Within Islam women are not supposed to feel forced to cover their heads, (however in certain Islamic societies I think there is religious and societal compulsion to do so)...I think again, it is all in the interpretation:

According to Dr. Ibrahim B. Syed, Hijab (head cover) for Muslim women is not mandated in the Qur’an. If it is, it is only the subjective interpretation of an ayah (verse) on the part of the reader. Hence, many Islamic scholars say that according to hadith, a woman should cover her whole body, except her face and hands. The majority of Muslims do not know in which hadith this is mentioned. A very limited number of Muslims know that this is in Sunan Abu Dawud. The English translation of Sunan Abu Dawud is in three volumes. Again, nobody ever mentions that it is in Volume Three. Actually, it is in Volume 3, Book XXVII, Chapter 1535, and Hadith number 4092, titled: "How Much Beauty Can A Woman Display?" For the benefit of the readers, the exact hadith is reproduced below:

(4092) 'Aisha said: Asthma', daughter of Abu Bakr, entered upon the
Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) wearing thin clothes. The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) turned his attention from her. He said: O Asthma', when a woman reaches the age of menstruation, it does not suit her that she displays her parts of the body except this and this, and he pointed to her face and hands. (Note 3523).

The veil has many critics and just as many supporters. It can be seen as either a liberation for the Muslim woman, (not being the object of sexual desire and basing her self-worth on looks) or as some might see it, as a repression of her spirit. I believe that it takes a strong woman to veil, especially these days within a Western country due to generalizations about Muslims. I see Muslimas as being in the forefront of their religion because when they practice hijab they are a visible symbol of their faith. Unlike some Muslim men I have known over the years, one cannot immediately recognize if they are Muslim unless they tell you. Unlike a woman....her faith is displayed for all to see...

(still under constructive thought)

Websites:

http://akin.blog-city.com/theveilamongstchristians.htm

http://www.middleastwomen.org/html/womeninarabworld.htm

http://www.irfi.org/articles/women_in_islam/is_head_cover_for_women_mandator.htm

http://www.islamfortoday.com/hijabcanada4.htm

http://www.photographersdirect.com/stockimages/h/hijab.asp

One child's story

I had to post this because it touched me so. I read this lady's blog on a regular basis. She is married to a Saudi national. I thought it very brave and touching to post:

She was my best friend. On the warm summer days of our childhood we could be found fishing in the small creek that ran by her house, laughing and splashing and wondering why we could not catch anything. She was my enemy. We were in constant competition to see who could run the swiftest and the fastest, grunting and sweating to see who could reach the predetermined finish line first, falling at the end and trying to catch our breath together. But neither of us ever really won; we seemed to take turns each new race. We were young, we were free, and we were innocent to all the evil of the world.In elementary school we were considered tomboys, always the first outside for recess, running around the schoolyard and playing football with the boys while most of the other girls played on the merry-go-round or jumped rope. We were a team in ourselves, conspiring to outsmart any boy who dared insult us, and rarely did we fail. During the school day we were always getting into trouble for one thing or another, little mischievous deeds that amounted to nothing, and our punishment was consistently "the wall." During our precious recesses we spent a great deal of time facing the outside wall of the school building, our noses stuck in an entity of bricks, our backs facing our classmates who could be heard laughing and screaming in the still quiet of the country.We reached middle school after what seemed an eternity of elementary and were separated to different classes, however we spent a great deal of time together playing trumpet, competing - naturally - to see who could play the highest note. We walked in the halls together, giggling and snickering when a "cute" boy walked by, and we stood up for each other on the bus when trouble arose with our male rivals.On a cold, wet day in October, Kari did not get on the bus. Her house, a converted one room school, looked quiet and lonely as the bus continued on without her. I thought nothing of her absence as she often stayed home to tend to her sick mother. The bus ride was quiet and I kept to myself, watching the raindrops trickle down the window into a stream of water...I got off the bus and ran through the rain to get into school. As I opened the door a surge of sadness filled my entire body, and I curiously glanced at the teachers standing in a group, with solemn faces and regret-filled eyes. They occasionally glanced at the students, and then a classmate came to me and told me that Kari, her sister and her mother had been killed. The blood rushed to my face and I yelled at her to shut up, I did not believe it. I stood there alone and numb, searching for answers in strangers' faces. I still would not believe it.After what seemed an eternity we were told to go to our first class. I walked slowly, carefully, afraid that at any moment I might fall from the weakness in my legs.Our teacher, a kind older lady, walked into the room suddenly darkening the brightness of the yellow walls and carpet. She cautiously made her way to the desk and looked up at us, then gently, she told us that there had been a tragedy and that Kari would not be returning to school. Her father had killed her. All I could think was that it was a mistake, at any minute Kari would walk into the room and relieve us with her bright, beautiful smile and sparkling eyes. I stared at the door as I listened to the murmur of my classmates, but I did not make out what they said, I could hear nothing, I could see nothing, I could feel nothing.Everything blurred together that day, and at some point the teachers allowed us to take a break and go out into the hall. I found a group of my closest and oldest friends, and we stood in a circle and held each other, crying.I still do not believe it.

To read please go to this link: http://qismah.blogspot.com/2007_01_01_archive.html

Gender roles of women in the United States

Further Reading:

The Women's Movements of the United States and Western Europe: Consciousness, Political Opportunity, and Public Policy
Book by Mary Fainsod Katzenstein, Carol McClurg Mueller; Temple University Press, 1987. 321 pgs.

Race and gender in the American economy : views from across the spectrum
by Susan Feiner

No Small Courage: A History of Women in the United States By Nancy F. Cott

Recent Social Trends in the United States: 1960-1990... By Theodore Caplow http://books.google.com/books?id=gwBvm8aF2bsC&dq=recent+social+trends+in+the+united+states+comparing+recent+social+trends+in+by+theodore+caplow&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=n0elqQfQww&sig=juTege-Usi9d1tcWJB1WtqP0yQQ

http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/CliffsReviewTopic/Sexism-in-the-Workplace.topicArticleId-26957,articleId-26899.html

Belonging to the VFW

The Veterans of Foreign Wars has a rich tradition in enhancing the lives of millions through its community service programs and special projects. From providing free phone cards to our nation's active-duty military personnel to raising money for the World War II memorial, the VFW is there, "honoring the dead by helping the living."

Because I served in Korea, I am entitled to be a member of the VFW. They also put out a monthly magazine and I shall be appearing in their December issue which I am excited about. I have to renew my membership next month and plan on doing so.

There are as many reasons to join the VFW as there are members. For some, it means enjoying the company of other veterans at a local VFW hall. For others, it is about supporting a good cause, allowing the VFW to advocate on their behalf for veterans’ rights.What would membership mean to you?

• 
  Camaraderie with others who have served
  A way to meet others concerned about your community
  Active support to programs that help deployed servicemembers
  Association with a group that has first-hand experience with the hardships of combat. A group that knows veterans come from all walks of life and have different experiences. A group where members are allowed to disagree with one another and still share the pride of having served on behalf of their country

Questions commonly asked by veteran's interested in joining:

Am I eligible to join the VFW?
Locate a VFW Post.
Must I belong to a Post?
Why isn't there uniform enforcement of the "no social member" policy?
Can a convicted felon become a member of the VFW?
Do I get extra monies from Social Security because I served in the military?
Free year's membership?
What does a Life Membership cost?
What do annual dues cost?
How do I join the Veterans of Foreign Wars?
Can I be buried in a National Cemetery?
Can you explain the free insurance?
Can members of a Post honor guard wear their military decorations on VFW uniforms?
How can I change Posts?
How long have I been a member?
Life Membership payment plan
Who can I contact for assistance with my VA benefits?
How can I receive a burial flag?
Do I pay sales tax?
How can I obtain a headstone or marker?

http://www.vfw.org/

Women and Exercise

I have to admit that when I was a child I was more active. Growing up in the country I had the world at my feet. I swam in the lake we had in our backyard, a bike to explore and I hiked in the woods. Needless to say I was in the best shape possible when I joined the Army.

Now 20 plus years later I find myself harking back to those days...wanting that energy, the stamina, the glory of being able to exercise and keep at it. I do still exercise but of course not like I previously did in the Army. The key is finding and grabbing that motivation...the internal factor which will propel you forward. Not a man, not your friends but you...do it for yourself. Envision how you will feel inside....the strength, the energy you will gain...I remember when I was stationed in S. Korea how I felt after our runs. Granted...I have to be honest here, I grumbled, especially when we did those five miles every Friday but man...I felt so alive and invigorated! If we could capture that in a bottle and sell it...ahhhhhh............

I have discovered talk is cheap...REAL cheap. The best thing is to get into a routine. Think of exercise as brushing one's teeth and having some awesome results from all the hard work and dedication which goes into keeping in shape. Not only that but the health benefits one earns from eating right and exercising on a regular basis is priceless. With 40 looming darkly around the corner (lol) I realize all too acutely that I must strive to be and do my best. To find that strength, the discipline I had mustered all those years ago...to forge ahead, to keep at it...to run, do situps, pushups, weights....whatever it takes to be healthy, look good and feel great.

Are American Women becoming more Masculine??

Now that I have seized your attention I pose this question because of the fact there are some articles out there that seem to lay blame of failing marriages in the USA solely on the feet of us women.

Now, I always thought it took two individuals to create a marriage not one and both are responsible for the demise or success of such marriage. Yes, there can be a tip in the scales in favor of one or the other for positive or negative happenstances but all in all when a person enters in the holy union of this sacrament I believe it takes two and not one.

Some might say because women who are now working in droves are becoming more competitive, aggressive etc...in order to attain status (i.e. money, reputation, stability etc.) are creating these die hard core driven women...stress albeit contributes to long work weeks, demanding bosses, and meeting deadlines. I digress, however I would like to see arguments out there that show women are fighting to keep their marriages intact...that they are not the primary instigators of our high divorce rate.

According to Boyé Lafayette De Mente, in his blog: Cultural Insights by Boyé Lafayette De Mente states All of the positive attributes that have traditionally distinguished women—their mystery, their subtlety, that indescribable essence of femininity that made them so special—not to mention their importance and prowess in nurturing—have been diminished…more by the actions of money-addicted men than by the legitimate aspirations of women themselves.Women are now far more sexually exposed and exploited than men, thanks to the over-reaction that has resulted from religious-oriented attempts to conceal and control the sexuality of women—and this is a subject I explored in detail in my novel Eros’ Revenge—Brave New World of American Sex. In Greek mythology Eros was the god of love...So as incredible as it is, men themselves have set the stage for American women to become more masculine—a phenomenon that has already changed the dynamics of male-female relations in the U.S. and will go much further before it reaches some kind of equilibrium…which could be that women will be permanently on top.They are, after all, the most sexually potent of the human species—a fact that men have feared and fought against since before our ancestors climbed down out of the trees.

In regards to Mr. Demente's argument I think the problem is complex. I agree that women are exposed to a more sexual society, that men (of course not all) are demanding more from their wives emotionally and monetarily. I believe that the demise of the American Marriage falls upon the following factors and not necessarily with women "becoming more masculine.": Families are being destroyed by a lack of communication, mental and/or physical abuse, infidelity, and selfishness. The blame can belong to either spouse. I believe that attempting to save the marriage and the values within it by keeping the wife/mother down is unfair. Marriage should be a true partnership based upon mutual respect, then you really have family values.

(still under constructive thought...)

Who is Benazir Bhutto

Say what you will about Ms. Benazir Bhutto but one thing she is not is intimidated. Some may say she is promoting instability within the region but I say she is promoting change.

On December 2, 1988 Bhutto was sworn in as Prime Minister of Pakistan, becoming the first woman to head the government of an Islamic State.
In the preceding decade of political struggle, Ms. Bhutto was arrested on numerous occasions; in all she spent nearly 6 years either in prison or under detention for her dedicated leadership of the then opposition Pakistan Peoples Party. Throughout the years in opposition, she pledged to transform Pakistani society by focusing attention on programs for health, social welfare and education for the underprivileged.

Since assuming the office of Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto has emphasized the need to heal past wounds and to put an end to the divisions in Pakistani society - including reducing discrimination between men and women. Ms. Bhutto has launched a nationwide program of health and education reform.

Benazir Bhutto was born in Karachi in 1953. After completing her early education in Pakistan, she attended Radcliffe College and Oxford University. As well as obtaining a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, she also completed a course in International Law and Diplomacy at Oxford.

Ms. Bhutto is the author of "Foreign Policy in Perspective" (1978) and her autobiography, "Daughter of Destiny" (1989). She received the Bruno Kreisky Award for Human Rights in 1988 and the Honorary Phi Beta Kappa Award from Radcliffe in 1989.

In recent news, Bhutto was involved in a standoff with security forces Friday as Pakistan suffered its first deadly attack since the declaration of emergency by President Pervez Musharraf.

A blast, possibly a suicide bomb, at the house of a federal minister in northwestern Pakistan killed four people Friday, police told CNN.

The attack happened at the home of Amir Muqam, the political affairs minister, who survived unharmed, police sources quoted by The Associated Press said

"This is what we were expecting -- that militants or the people in the tribal areas, wherever they are, would be targeting something related to the government," CNN's Mohsin Naqvi said, reporting from the field.

"We can't say how this is linked to the protests or whether it's a message to the government because militants have been targeting the government for the last two years."

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/11/09/bhutto.housearrest/index.html

Longer hair on older women

Many people think that because a woman is over 40 she should cut her hair short. I believe that if she can pull it off then: "you go girl!"

I am seriously thinking of just letting my hair grow. I need to find a way to look great and maintain my thick locks.

I decided to go ahead and let it just grow out the next few months because I feel I do not and should not be dictated to the whims of society fashion.

I went to Fantastic Sam's the other day and the man who cut my hair did not listen to what I had to say. I wanted my ends cut at an angle since I have very thick hair and I only asked for an inch to be cut.

Instead it seems he cut two and he did not do as I asked and my hair is not falling the way I want it to. Now I have to patiently let it grow out and trust me....................I shall NEVER return to that place.

Not only did he cut my hair in a way I hated....but he just HAD to relay his own political views on life and pretty much argue that mine were wrong. Here I was stranded in his chair really unable to say anything because well....he had my pride and joy in his hands.

I never liked him and he was the only one available. I should have just left and went somewhere else. It is so freaking hard to find a decent stylist.

Anyway, I think older women like me who wish to retain their long luxurious locks should be able to do so and to hell with anyone else who thinks older women should just keep quiet and do as they are told. Not this lady!

Jane Bullock had this to say regarding older women and beauty:

Ok, we’ve all heard this saying: "Women over a certain age should never have long hair, a ‘young’ hairstyle, short skirts, blue eye shadow," and so on. If you are my age (40-something) or older, you’ve probably been haunted by these same age-Nazi comments.
Well, I’ve adopted my own saying these days: "Attitude is everything!" That goes for age, "age-appropriate" hair styles, makeup, clothing, accessories, shoes, activities, and so on. Don’t let anyone tell you that you still can’t have a lot of fun at your particular age.

http://www.whylonghair.com/long-hair-care/growing-older-with-long-hair/
http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip266.htm

THE UNIQUE DILEMMAS DATING 21ST CENTURY STYLE

SO WHAT IS 21ST CENTURY DATING???

Well...it isn't easy by any means, especially when you are dealing with some men who seem to be stuck in "my ex was a bitch and now I am mentally screwed up" mode.

Of course not all men are this way...there are also some women out there who suffer from the same mental relapse. It just seems that the older we get the more baggage we have to deal with when it comes to finding that "perfect partner".

Now who IS perfect? I am not. I know that and I know no one else out there is but still it seems by Western society definition of love can be nothing wrong with our potential mate or else we go running off screaming in the other direction. Now, I am not talking about men or women who have serious issues regarding their past. I am talking about average men and women who are good honest people and it seems that no one gives them a break.

I think it behooves any of us on the dating scene to ensure we do not end up with a psycho or with someone who feels that you are the reincarnation of his or her last love....too creepy.

Then you get the guy who thinks all you are out for is his money and he judges you and the dates you go out with based upon what some past women did to him. That leaves you hanging with your mouth open wondering what the hell happened????????????

When you take the risk of finding a date or even love through the Internet well....you ARE taking that risk and you have to be a man or woman about it and trudge forward. Not everyone you meet is going to be your ideal. Some may be losers, some may be despearate or just plain weird but if you presevere and realize that there is someone out there for you I think you will do okay.

Some interesting info I found regarding online dating:

Regardless of what they might tell others, many people are harnessing the Internet to find anything from friendship to marriage. One of the advantages of the web is that it provides access to a large number of different types of people to meet in every geographical location - particularly appealing in our increasingly cluttered lives.

The Internet also provides another crucial advantage over the two most popular methods – you don’t need help from friends. You can access a dating site seven days a week but finding friends to go out with every night could be difficult and going out alone isn’t easy - especially for women. When you factor in the cost as well – one night out in the UK could easily cost more than one month’s subscription to a dating site – it’s easy to see why the web is such a popular option for finding a date.”

WHAT MEN & WOMEN REALLY WANT (OR WHAT THEY SAY THEY WANT!)
•
Women are more likely to be looking for friendship or shared interests than men
•
Men are more likely to be looking for a long-term relationship, intimate relationship, short term relationship or
marriage than women
•
The men in our survey were four times more likely to look for a no strings fling than women
Most popular relationship-types looked for through online dating services

The different reasons why men and women use Internet dating sites highlight an interesting contradiction; whilst men are more likely to be looking for marriage they are also, as the stereotype traditionally suggests, more likely to be looking for something more ‘temporary’ – “short term relationships”, “intimate relationships” and “no strings flings”.

The fact that true love and marriage score poorly compared to the other categories might seem surprising at first but when you consider that dating sites attract a huge variety of people - from divorcees, to silver surfers, to gays and lesbians - then it is easier to understand why marriage becomes a less relevant goal. Internet dating sites are not all about Bridget Jones looking for Mark Darcy.”

HOW TO GET A DATE

Men are most likely to contact someone because they liked their photo
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Women are most likely to contact someone based on their description
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Every factor, except someone’s photo, was more important to women than men – the difference in importance particularly accentuated for job (twice as likely to be important to women than men) and income (2.5 times as likely)
•
For men the most appealing feature about Internet dating is the ability to email people they like the look of on a one-to-one basis
•
For women the most appealing feature about Internet dating is the pre-screening that provides a list of potential matches based on personal characteristics, interests etc

Top 10 factors for deciding to contact someone from a dating site

74% of respondents said they liked the way someone looked in the photo as a factor in deciding to contact them

Source: The Nielsen//NetRatings Online Dating Survey, UK MegaPanel®, July 2005

Alex Burmaster comments “Our research does seem to reinforce the stereotypical differences between the genders.

In particular, men choose their dates based on looks but women, on the other hand, put far more emphasis on personal characteristics and descriptions. Interestingly, even though 33% of our respondents admitted to lying to some degree on their profile, men are more likely to use a photograph taken in the last 12 months and to tell the 100% truth. Women, shall we say, are more likely to be creative with the truth.”

Burmaster concludes, “Internet dating and personals websites are already attracting over three and a half million people per month in the UK, and our research shows it’s growing at an enormous rate - both DatingDirect.com and Match.com have almost doubled their audience in 12 months. Our research shows that the Internet has already started to revolutionise dating in the 21stcentury - providing such a practical but enjoyable solution to finding anything from friendship to love despite the complexities and requirements of modern life. As more people start dating online there is clearly a huge opportunity - both for the dating sites themselves - and for those logged on Britons looking to find a more fulfilling life online.” 2003-2005 Nielsen//NetRatings

The Infinite Grace of Audrey Hepburn

I have always been an avid fan of Ms. Hepburn. Her style, her poise, the way she spoke...a true lady. I loved the way the clothes she wore seemed to envelop her body....becoming one with who and what was Audrey...

Audrey Hepburn Biography:Magical screen presence, fashion arbiter, shrine to good taste, and tireless crusader for children's rights, Audrey Hepburn has become one of the most enduring screen icons of the twentieth century. Best-known for her film roles in Breakfast at Tiffany's, My Fair Lady, Roman Holiday and Charade, Hepburn epitomized a waif-like glamour, combining charm, effervescence, and grace. When she died of colon cancer in 1993, the actress was the subject of endless tributes which mourned the passing of one who left an indelible imprint on the world, both on and off screen.

I truly miss old Hollywood. Where is the style, the true fashion...respect?? Granted there were hot topics going on that were so hush hush but still it seems to me Hollywood has gone a tad sour these days what with all the tabloid hoopla over such ingrates as Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan to name a few "diva" few.....

I feel that Audrey encompass the old world style of late Hollywood with her classic good looks and style. I loved her movies and in her later years she was an advocate for children's rights with UNICEF....someone to greatly admire...and cherish...

http://www.starpulse.com/Actresses/Hepburn,_Audrey/Biography/

http://www.unicef.org/

What WAS the role of Mary Magdalene in Catholic Doctrine????

The Da Vinci Code lifts Mary Magdalene from her traditional status as a repentant prostitute and regulates her to a conventional role of wife and mother. (What is wrong with that???) I see nothing wrong.

The novel tells us that she sits at the table with the other (male) apostles in Leonardo da Vinci’s famous mural, “The Last Supper”—at Jesus’ right hand as his wife, and is viewed as a chalice, a vessel. The mother of Jesus' holy children. (Again I see nothing wrong with that).

Would not Jesus have lived a life as a man yet retained the dignity of his role as the Son of God.

She is specifically named as one who travels with him and the disciples (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). She witnesses his death (Mark 15:40, Matthew 27:56) and burial (Mark 15:47, Matthew 27:61, Luke 23:55), brings spices to anoint his corpse (Mark 16:1, Matthew 28:1), and is named in three of the gospels as the first to see and recognize him after his resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:9, John 20:14-18).


According to, The Complete Gospels, by Karen King states that the theology of the Gospel of Mary is as follows:

. . . the Gospel of Mary communicates a vision that the world is passing away, not toward a new creation or a new world order, but toward the dissolution of an illusory chaos of suffering, death, and illegitimate domination. The Savior has come so that each soul might discover its own true spiritual nature, its "root" in the Good, and return to the place of eternal rest beyond the constraints of time, matter, and false morality.

The Gospel of Mary exalts Mary Magdalene over the male disciples of Jesus. (Red flag for the Church)....The Gospel of Mary provides important information about the role of women in the early church.

In her introduction in The Nag Hammadi Library, Karen King makes these observations:
The confrontation of Mary with Peter, a scenario also found in The Gospel of Thomas, Pistis Sophia, and The Gospel of the Egyptians, reflects some of the tensions in second-century Christianity. Peter and Andrew represent orthodox positions that deny the validity of esoteric revelation and reject the authority of women to teach. The Gospel of Mary attacks both of these positions head-on through its portrayal of Mary Magdalene. She is the Savior's beloved, possessed of knowledge and teaching superior to that of the public apostolic tradition. Her superiority is based on vision and private revelation and is demonstrated in her capacity to strengthen the wavering disciples and turn them toward the Good.

If one were to look at Jesus and how he was raised to live among the Jews and the culture of that day would it not also dictate he would have had a wife? Besides, what kind of sin would it be for the Saviour to have been married? Perhaps the missing years of Jesus from the bible were intentionally left out by those of the Church BECAUSE it showed he could be human. Human in terms of loving, being a father, having a wife. Could he NOT have these and yet be Divine? How would history, humanity, doctrine portray Jesus if they knew he was indeed someone who was a husband...a father????

Think about how society viewed women in these days of Jesus. Second class status. WHAT would the church have done...any church thereafter if women were given the exalted status that it appears Jesus gave to Mary Magdalene????

I realize not everyone is going to agree with me or with current literature regarding this topic of course. Everyone has their own way of worshipping the Saviour but I for one would like to check out these agnostic gospels in further depth and really learn about what is in there, what these "stories" are of the one so set high by God....about this woman Mary Magdalene...former "prostitute."

I for one think that there is more to this woman than what the church claims. Just makes sense.

http://www.uuworld.org/ideas/articles/4453.shtml

http://www.gnosis.org/library/marygosp.htm

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/gospelmary.html

CELEBRATING LIFE......

LIFE IS PRECIOUS....too bad some people cannot realize this until it is too late i.e...when they are old and bitter about past regrets.

I do have regrets but I have many more joyous occasions to be grateful for.

Sure I can feel down and out because of certain circumstances in my life but why be stuck in the doldrums all the time? If you have the power to change your circumstances DO it...for example, I have three college degrees and I am kind of bummed that I currently am not using them. I still put out resumes and search job links to see what is out there. Once my daughter graduates from college I am pretty hard put to remain in St. Louis. I am looking to move to maybe Kansas City. My kid can still receive a Missouri scholarship as long as she attends a Missouri university.

Being a single mother is hard. However, I gained so much by having my daughter. It was tough being on welfare, holding three jobs while in college but I did it and so can any other single mom out there who has the fire within her to celebrate life and move forward. Don't wait until you are an old woman before you realize how precious life is....don't let time slip you by.

I see the beauty around me, the people, my family...and I realized how lucky I am in so many ways. My life has been unique--I have seen and accomplished so much. At 39 years I know that there are still many many wonderful opportunities and goals that are still within my reach. I just need to have a positive outlook, celebrate my life, celebrate the life of others and treasure the journey God has given me to see through.

Here is a great book to read that will help you do just that:

British Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks has an extraordinary way with words--poetical, philosophical, magical, intensely personal and exquisitely inspirational. His latest book, Celebrating Life: Finding Happiness in Unexpected Places is a joyous discovery of the power of prayer, the majesty of faith, the landscape of beauty, the meaning of happiness, the glory of God, and, above all, the gift of life--which, he says, is nothing more than "being ourselves."
Making a blessing over life, writes the Chief Rabbi, is the best way of turning life into a blessing. God often chooses circuitous routes, "but it helps to know that where we are, here, now, is where we need to be." And, quoting the 19th-century philanthropist Sir Moses Montefiore, he adds: "We are worth what we are willing to share with others... Happiness is not made by what we own: it is what we share." Shot through with humility, humour and hope, this book is itself an act of sharing. Each of the 50-odd essays--the summation of Rabbi Sacks's own tests and tribulations--provides a rich and rewarding read to anyone with five minutes or so to spare, particularly (though not exclusively) in the throes of a fraught and frustrating day. The intimate, and often courageous, reflections of one of this country's most respected religious leaders, they constitute a powerful antidote to despair and depression, a path to happiness and peace, and a recognition, in the Chief Rabbi's words, that "life is beautiful if we open our eyes." --Meir Persoff

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Celebrating-Life-Jonathan-Sacks/dp/0006281729

Eating Healthy and gaining energy

One thing I noticed as I have grown older is that my energy level is waning. Might be due to the fact I do not eat the things as I should. I also suffer from fibromyalgia and that can sap a woman's strength.

Symptoms include:

The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread musculoskeletal pain, severe fatigue, and disturbed sleep. Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons – the soft fibrous tissues in the body. (Mine tend to be in my shoulders and back).

Most patients with fibromyalgia say that they ache all over. (NO KIDDING!!!) Their muscles may feel like they were pulled or overworked. Sometimes fibromyalgia symptoms include muscle twitches and burning sensations. More women than men are afflicted with fibromyalgia, and it shows up in people of all ages. A conservative estimate of its prevalence is 2% of the general population, but it may be as high as 3-5%.

I was diagnosed a few years ago by a specialist and the doctor will ascertain whether or not you suffer from this. The symptoms I have listed below are what is analyzed and I have all of them:

Common symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome:

Pain - The pain of fibromyalgia has no boundaries. People describe the pain as deep muscular aching, throbbing, shooting, and stabbing. Intense burning may also be present. Quite often, the pain and stiffness are worse in the morning and you may hurt more in muscle groups that are used repetitively. (I do not have the burning but I do get the throbbing and aching)...sometimes it makes me want to cry just because I feel so defeated.

Fatigue - This symptom can be mild in some fibromyalgia patients and yet incapacitating in others. (Sometimes it can get this way to me where I feel so drained). The fatigue has been described as "brain fatigue" in which patients feel totally drained of energy. Many patients depict this situation by saying that they feel as though their arms and legs are tied to concrete blocks, and they have difficulty concentrating, e.g., brain fog.

Sleep disorder - Most fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder called the alpha-EEG anomaly. This condition was uncovered in a sleep lab with the aid of a machine that recorded the brain waves of patients during sleep. Researchers found that the majority of fibromyalgia patients could fall asleep without much trouble, but their deep level (or stage 4) sleep was constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity. Patients appeared to spend the night with one foot in sleep and the other one out of it. (Definitely with me)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Constipation, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, abdominal gas, and nausea represent symptoms frequently found in roughly 40 to 70% of fibromyalgia patients. Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also occurs with the same high frequency.

Chronic headaches - Recurrent migraine or tension-type headaches are seen in about 70% of fibromyalgia patients and can pose a major problem in coping for this patient group.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome - This syndrome, sometimes referred to as TMJ or TMD, causes tremendous jaw-related face and head pain in one-quarter of fibromyalgia patients. However, a 1997 published report indicated that close to 75% of fibromyalgia patients have a varying degree of jaw discomfort. Typically, the problems are related to the muscles and ligaments surrounding the jaw joint and not necessarily the joint itself.

For me, I have to take these issues one day at a time or it will overwhelm me. Yes, I get sad and frustrated then I think to myself: "Try and have a positive attitude."

I am still lucky to be alive and have my faculties about me. I am grateful for the life I have lived. I try to stick with the positive and I think I have come to the final fork in the road where I need to take better charge of my life, seize it and live like each day is just as precious as the last........I need to find the right kinds of foods that will sustain my energy and make me perky. I still have so many quality years left to enjoy, savour and live...

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079

http://www.ctds.info/fibro-food.html

http://fibromyalgia-diet.ws/favor.html

http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/id/3425/e/1/t/cfids_fm/

http://www.immunesupport.com/library/bulletinarticle.cfm?ID=4372&PROD=PH164