Cenia's Notes

Pet Bereavement

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 03:45:00 +0000

Pets form a large part of our lives when we have them. Whether it’s a dog, cat, bird, or a rat, they become a part of our family and we develop and share special bonds with them. The passing of a pet or the decision of euthanasia for a pet can be a despairingly sad event. It can affect us differently and it can affect the same person differently with different pets. This is a normal grieving behavior. Feeling in such a way does not make a person silly, ridiculous, or crazy. Others may not understand especially if they don’t care for pets so it is important to stay away from such people and seek others who share our feelings. We should not allow a non-understanding person belittle our pet bereavement. Feeling of despondence, guilt, denial and even anger might arise.

Acknowledging the feelings through letter writing, poems or sharing with someone who understands are all methods which can help.

At times, the loss can affect a pet owner in a way where normal everyday functions become disrupted. The grief is so great that sleep, eating, and other activities almost become impossible. The grief becomes inconsolable. It is important to seek help and support for one self or for someone who is grieving the passing of a pet in such a way. There are many sources such as support groups, pet bereavement counselors, or online sites and groups. Information for pet loss support can be obtained through your veterinarian, humane society, or other pet owners.

Some online sites are:

http://www.caaainc.org/petgriefsupport.htm

http://www.petloss.com/muns.htm

http://www.pet-loss-matters.com/stages-of-grief.html

http://rainbowsbridge.com/Grief_Support_Center/Grief_Support_Home.htm

Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement

Pet Loss Chat Room:

Monday/Wed/ Friday 8:00-10:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Sunday 2:00-4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Dog Massage

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 01:59:00 +0000

Dog massage is as beneficial for it as it is for its owner. Massaging promotes circulation, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, alleviates pain, and promotes calmness especially in hyperactive and anxious dogs. It is beneficial in dogs recovering from surgery, dogs with liver, kidney, and heart problems, geriatric, working dogs and even healthy dogs. Pet massage can be performed by a passive touch, effleurage, or very lightly kneading the muscles. An added benefit is the bond and connection between dog and owner where an overall well-being condition is created. Dogs are social just like we are, so they thrive on physical contact.

Passive touch is when the hand is held on an area for a few moments with no pressure at all. The hand works its way to different muscle groups.

Effleurage is a superficial rhythmic stroking where the hand moves sway from the heart to aid in relaxation and a deep movement toward the heart to aid in circulation. It is usually started by the head moving the hand down the body to the tail and outside of leg (going with the growth of the hair). The hand moves inside the legs against the hair growth. The other hand stays on the body at all times.

Muscle kneading is done with thumb and index finger with one hand or both by gently massaging and exerting pressure on small areas at a time and continuing to move to another. The body can also be stroked by using the kneading method.

Providing a dog massage promotes calmness and lowers blood pressure. So why not sit with your dog today in a quiet spot and massage it for 10-15 minutes, it’ll do wonders for dog and human.

Underage Drinking: A Hidden Danger

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 04:38:00 +0000

Alcohol drinking among youth has decreased in the past years, but it continues to be a problem. Alcohol is the number one drug of choice and most abused among youth. It is a major cause for concern because, it not only affects the child who drinks, but also their families and society in general. Kids who drink are more likely to commit suicides, homicides, become victims of crimes, drive under the influence or drive with someone who is, engage in risky sex, become pregnant, and contract STDs. This is due to impaired judgment. Parents need to be aware of this problem so that they can prevent, recognize, and become involved.

Although the peak age to start drinking is 13-14 years old, kids have been known to drink as early as age nine. It usually starts by one child offering it to another; an older sibling or a member of a crowd where the child wants to fit in. Alcohol can also come from parent’s cabinets and unscrupulous store owners which want to make business. Some parents allow a drink thinking that it will do no harm; they reason that it is best for the child to it with them then in a crowd. Parents sometimes, also allow a toast at gatherings and even a drink with dinner.

Once they are offered the first drink, the tendency is to continue; they experiment to see if they are accepted, how much they can withstand, and sometimes out of boredom or to beat stress (or so they may think). It also makes them feel cool or that they can now fit in. Usually, kids don’t like the taste of alcohol, but they develop a taste for it to the point where they actually like it and miss it when they don’t have it. The longer they drink, the more they become experts at hiding it, especially from parents who are too busy to interact with their children. Some parents look the other way; it is the easier thing to do, particularly if they drink also.

Youth surveys reported that 13% of 12 year old kids, 39% of 14 year olds, and 70% of 15-16 year olds have had a drink. Many engage in binge drinking. They usually think that drinking is harmless; about 3 million young people surveyed didn’t know that someone can die from alcohol poisoning and that alcohol is addictive. Alcohol poisoning results from binge drinking and it is the most harmful type because, of its immediate effect. Binge drinking is the drinking of more than four alcoholic drinks for females or five for males in about two hours. Alcohol poisoning results from this type of drinking, its symptoms are violent vomiting (usually the first symptom), extreme sleepiness, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, dangerously low blood sugar, seizures, and ultimately death if not given quick medical care. Kids diagnosed with alcohol abuse were four times more likely to experience major depression than those without an alcohol problem and 6% of 12-17 year olds who drank needed treatment. Alcohol can damage every organ in a child’s body including the developing brain. Those who drink by the age of 15 are five times more likely to have problems than those who started at age 21; they are also more likely to engage in the use of other drugs such as cocaine, acid, Ecstasy, crystal meth, etc.

Signs of alcohol use in kids are depression, anxiety, secrecy, and poor academic performance. Immediate signs can include slurred speech, difficulty expressing a thought clearly, lack of coordination, poor balance, inability to walk a straight line, failure to look at another person’s eyes, red eyes or flushed face, nausea, or odor of alcohol on breath or in sweat. Headaches, vomiting, weakness, thirst or sweatiness are signs of hangovers.

Risks for underage drinking includes teenage parties which usually focus on alcohol, older siblings that drink, or homes where alcohol is kept without keeping track. Kids, who suppress their feelings, are introverted and shy, who don’t perform well in school, have experienced psychological trauma, or sexual abuse are also at risk.

When there is the suspicion of underage drinking, it is important to look further into it and not ignore it. A child who drinks might have hidden bottles in their room, or empty or half empty juice bottles and cups. The child’s friends should also be looked into; do these friends have bad attitudes, are they supervised, are they rebellious…? Parents should confront the child and seek help when they suspect drinking; the child may deny it, but it is something that cannot be ignored.

Parents should know where their children are and with whom. They should expect for children to regularly check in when they are away from home and when home alone. Being involved in their activities is also essential.

Parents have a great influence on children even if they don’t think so. It is important to speak to children about the dangers of alcohol and hanging with the wrong crowd. Rules, such as not driving with anyone under the influence, are far-reaching. It is important to let children know how proud parents are of them.

Other important factors

· When alcohol is consumed, it is absorbed by the stomach, enters the bloodstream and travels to all tissues

· Alcohol affects coordination, memory and judgment

· Drinking is not affected by financial status or social class

· About 90% of drinkers seeking treatment will relapse. Proper treatment is extensive involving the family. Insurances sometimes don’t cover proper treatments

To seek help, contact:

Alateen

800-344-2666 • al-anon.alateen.org

National Youth Crisis Hotline

800-442-HOPE (4673) • 1800hithome.com

Happiness Survey

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 01:39:00 +0000

According to a happiness survey conducted recently by "Woman's Day" & AOL, the following were the results from a variety of questions asked of 12,000 women:

78% said that happiness was a choice.

56% said they hop out of bed in a good mood.

65% said that money cannot buy happiness.

22% said that having great sex for the rest of their lives would make them happiest while
56% said that winning the lottery would do it.

18% said that family was the key to happiness, while 3% said that time alone to themselves was.

67% said that they were happy enough when asked if they were happy, 22% said not very, and 11% said they were blissfully happy.

39% said optimistically, that their happiest days are ahead of them while 27% said that those days were behind them.

Now I will answer this survey (ooh, dare I?).

I do believe that happiness is a choice (some just don't know it).

I don't hop out of bed in a good mood (maybe I could fix that if I could just get enough sleep).

Money cannot buy happiness (but it sure adds to it).

Winning the lottery would make me happy just as great sex would (sorry, but it really is a
toss-up).

Close family ties is very important and makes you feel wonderful, but time alone is another is
just as important (another toss up and time alone is something I usually crave).

I am happy enough and believe that my happiest days are ahead of me.

Stress Reducing Breathing Technique

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:42:00 +0000

I found this breathing technique somewhere in my readings and I thought I'd share it with everyone. It is supposed to be a stress reducer by slowing the heart rate, relaxing the muscles, and increasing those endorphins. This is one method for handling stress.

So when you are frazzled and need a moment, take that moment to breathe.

1) Breathe in slowly, for a count to 4.

2) Hold the breath for a count to 4.

3) Exhale slowly through pursed lips, for a count to 4.

4) Rest for a count to 4 without exhaling.

5) Take 2 normal breaths and repeat the process.

6) Repeat as many times as you need to.

Learning Resiliency

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:14:00 +0000

Resilience is an ability to rise to a challenge and conquer it, or rise to a challenge with optimism without letting fear take a paralyzing hold, or the ability to bounce back from adversity. There are people who have a lot of resilience. They can depict humor on challenges, they can handle difficulties with a sense of confidence, thereby reducing anxiety levels in troublesome times.

I have to admit that my skill level on this quality hasn't been very high, but I'm learning and practicing the art because experts say that it can be learned. Although, I have a long way to go, I'm getting better at it. I'm learning to turn negatives into positives. When I lost my job at Mini-Circuits 1 1/2 year ago, a little bit of fear gripped me (even though I hated that workplace). Although, I couldn't change the situation, I could see it as an opportunity to move on to something better.

A good attitude plays a big role in resilience, it's an area where you have total control. A situation might not be changed, but the attitude towards it can be. Laughter is a good coping mechanism which reduces cortisol blood levels-a stress hormone. So, it's a good idea to seek a smile, watch a funny movie, or just spend some time in a favorite, pleasant activity when things seem to be going "south". Sometimes, facing a difficulty is easier with a smile. Venting or "complaining", (that's what it really is) is another way to cope. Whether it's a friend or through journaling, calmness usually follows because a level of clarity is reached. Complaining has a negative connotation, but I think it's ok as long as you don't squat on it.

Guilt has a role in resilience also. By blaming ourselves, we stay stuck and unable to move on. I put my 18 year old dog to sleep in March of 2009. For a whole year I told myself that I shouldn't have done it, that I did it prematurely (even though she wore diapers and had to be assisted to walk and get up on her paws). She had a good appetite and never lost her cognitive functions, so I was unsure that I had done the right thing. I know now that I did the right thing (I just should've spent more time with her). I guess that I am still in the process of letting go of that guilt, I am keeping her close to my heart by remembering her and my times with her-good and bad but concentrating the good.

Even though I need to live to 250 years to learn resiliency, I'm on the road to learning it; I'm aware and am practicing. I really can't learn it without setbacks and challenges (darn, some fear creeping up again). I guess it's one of those things that need to be practiced in order to strengthen it.

Avoiding Spinal Problems by Proper Sitting

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:26:00 +0000

It's not only important to sit in a proper chair when working at a desk but it's also important to sit in a proper form. MRI studies of students found that the best form is to sit at a 135° angle body-thigh position instead of the supposedly normal 90° position. (The knees should be lower than hips so that the spine forms a 135° angle with the thighs and the upper body leans forward slightly.) This position puts the least strain on the spinal disks and back muscles. Could it be time for an ergonomic chair.

Those of us who spend many hours sitting at a desk should take this into account, especially if working from home (chances are that you won't get an ergonomic chair at the office). This could be part of the reason why so many suffer from chronic back pain, spasms, slipped spinal disks, etc. In the meantime, taking frequent breaks from sitting down and stretching can make a difference, since the human body wasn't meant to be sitting for hours at a time. Let's start treating our spines with care.

Listening With Your Heart

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 01:24:00 +0000


To be a good listener, we need to practice empathy; attempt to feel  
what the other person is feeling by listening with your heart and not  
your head. There are times when we all need a shoulder to cry on (as  
the saying goes) and we would like to feel understood when we "cry in  
that shoulder."
 
To be a good listener, we need to refrain from interrupting the person  
when they speak and curb the desire to say phrases such as,  
"Everything will be okay", "There are others in worse situations", "Be  
strong, crying won't solve anything", "You have to be positive." This  
makes the person in need feel lonely and misunderstood. They might  
even feel that they are weak because they don't know how to cope.
 
If we can't offer empathy or don't know what to say, we can remain  
silent and even admit that we don't know how to handle the situation,  
but always offering ourselves to be there to lend a listening ear, or  
comforting touch.

Strengthen a Loving Relationship

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:38:00 +0000


Love relationships can be difficult at times with varying degrees. They
can keep you in a constant state of anger, make you not want to see
the person, and even the thought of that person can put knots on  your
stomach. On the other hand, there are times when things are bliss. You
have loving thoughts for the person, enjoy their company, and there is
always understanding and agreement. And of course, there are
relationships that are somewhere in the middle; the area for the
majority of relationships.
 
One thing is certain, that for a relationship to flourish, the good times
have to predominate the bad times. Good times predominate when
there is a mixture of understanding, respect, generosity, unselfishness,
trust, levelheadedness, empathy, and even creativity. Both members
need to be on the same team. In addition to having in common love,
ideas, and interests, a common space also needs to be maintained.
That is not stating that everything has to be shared, because it doesn't.
The key is to respect the differences.

Cats Social Bonds

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:24:00 +0000

Cats form strong social bonds with each other, although some may be introverted or lead solitary lives. I had 3 cats that were always together. One cat (Lubissa) was unsocial who would come to me only at feeding time. I was unable to touch her. She remained with me 13 years and in the last year would allow me to pet her on her terms; sometimes coming up to me. Although she was unsocial, she craved the togetherness of the other 2 cats. At times she would seek Tara (the dog), but Tara was never interested. There was another cat (Silo) who was also unsocial but not as bad as Lubissa. His bond with Lubissa wasn’t as strong as with Alaima (the other cat). He was always in search of her and tolerated Lubissa. Alaima, seemed to be the matriarch of the group, always on her own but tolerating Lubissa and Silo at all times. I recently lost Lubissa and Alaima so Silo is always alone. There are 2 other cats but they remain to themselves seeking only human affection.

Communication among cats consists of nose-touching, grooming each other, playful biting with purring, chirping, and meowing. They establish hierarchies, although they don’t remain permanent. They usually enjoy companionship, weather it’s another cat, human, or other animal. They do depend on humans greatly, although they practice a great deal of independence.

China’s Dog and Cat Fur Trade

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Tue, 25 May 2010 23:32:00 +0000

Millions of animals are killed every year in China for their fur. According to Swiss Animal Protection (SAP), Chinese companies will at times deliberately mislabel their fur products as “Asian jackal’, “rabbit”, or “raccoon” to fool consumers.

Animals are rounded up (many are beloved pets), thrown into crates and taken to the fur farms where they are stunned with blows to the head or swung against the ground. SAP has documented conscious animals during the skinning process. Since there is no animal welfare legislation in China regarding dogs or cats, these animals are denied any act of kindness and granted all of the atrocities of cruelty. Pain and suffering go into every piece of fur manufactured from these animals. Please boycott all fur-like products (even toys) from China and write to China’s Ambassador in the US:

The Honorable Zhou Wenzhong

The People’s Republic of China

2300 Connecticut Avenue NW

Washington DC 200081799

Watch the following video depicting the cruelty inflicted on these animals that will become fur. Warning: Contains graphic material.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Gx8qFYhdbo

I’ve Been Away Too Long

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Fri, 14 May 2010 20:48:00 +0000

I have been so busy that I haven't been able to keep up with my internet activities and I've missed it so much. Once you've been away for so long, it becomes hard to get started again; harder than when you first initialed it. You feel like you just don't know where to get started or if anyone is even interested anymore. Here I am again and I hope to not let anything come between blogging and me!

Human Warmth

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:44:00 +0000

Humans are social creatures which need human warmth. Children will not thrive without the caresses, love, and warmth of a parent or guardian, even when all other care is present. Studies have shown that children may not develop psychologically and may even die with the total absence of human warmth even when food and medical care are available. If parents neglect to give affection, the child will find it hard to connect with others, to give, and receive affection as they grow into adulthood. Their emotional expressions may be limited; they may avoid human contact, and might even act cold and distant. Sometimes individuals may not even be aware that they are frigid and might feel uncomfortable when touched or hugged. These individuals don’t realize that they are truly in need of human warmth.

Becoming aware and seeking companionship is the key to learning the art of human warmth; where it becomes more comfortable to be touched, hugged, or kissed. We actually feel good when hugged whether it is a greeting, or we need to be consoled, or just because. This is true whether it is a friend, family or lover. There is a form of communication transmitted when we touch each other. A hug, kiss, touch, or squeeze accompanied with respect and true amicability is seldom confused with a different, perceived message.

Non-verbally communicate with someone by gently putting a hand on their shoulder, hugging them, kissing them, etc. and be aware of the sensation.

Family Vacation Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:55:00 +0000

For those who love to travel, I found some interesting and possibly useful sites. These sites offer affordable family vacation ideas. If you start to plan now, you might be all set to go in the spring or summer.

If you would like to plan a farm stay where you will be in the action of working on a farm with animals and crops, try agrispot.com. You can milk cows, pick eggs, feed the animals, etc. Kids usually love these activities These vacations are not very expensive; an average of $600 for a 5 day stay for a family of 3.

nps.gov is the site for you, if you are planning a trip to a national park. There are over 400 in the US.

To get annual passes for adults and children over 16 (under 16 is free) where you get guided tours and more try aramarkparksanddestinations.com.

For those who want to volunteer, there are many activities and organizations which offer trips. Americanhiking.org is a nonprofit group which maintains public hiking trails. If you would like to care for orphaned animals, try greepeople.org/animalsancturay.html for a list of sanctuaries. Charityguide.org offers other volunteer vacation thoughts.

To find dates where the cheapest prices are offered by airlines, try farecast.com. Yapta.com checks airline prices and sends an email alert when prices decrease.

Breezenet.com offers rental car discounts if you need to rent one.

Consider Being a Part-Time Vegetarian?

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:00:00 +0000

The benefits of going meatless are numerous. The first one of course, is health. Meat is high in protein, fat, cholesterol, calories, and bacteria. Studies show that drastically cutting back on meat coupled with an exercise regimen, substantially lowers the risk of heart disease, cancer, digestive ailments and auto-immune diseases such as arthritis. Meat isn't easy to digest and putrefies in the intestine while it is passing. If you are not taking in an adequate amount of fiber, the putrefying meat is creating toxins which accumulate in organs and intestines. Meat also creates toxic compounds when cooked, especially at high temperatures and for prolonged periods. Some meat proteins are similar to ours, so when present the body attempts to destroy them as foreigners increasing the chances of auto-immune diseases such as lupus. After the animal is killed, it is a carcass where bacteria multiply astronomically. Refrigeration and cooking retard this growth, but nevertheless bacteria is always present, increasing the chances of food borne illnesses.

Another factor is the environmental impact. It takes more energy and water to produce meat than to grow food. Water is needed to grow food for the animals. Land has to be cleared to keep the animals. The waste that animals produce accounts for about 20% of the gases that contribute to global warming.

The health and welfare of workers in the meat industry is hardly ever mentioned, but this is yet another consideration. Workers are exploited (it is usually immigrants that do this job); they are subject to long hours without benefits, accidents, and diseases. They are unable to file any claims for injuries or take time off from work.

Another reason for going meatless is the treatment of the animals to be consumed. Animals are cruelly dealt with. They are skinned or boiled alive in many instances, sometimes their limbs are cut off while still alive. They are supposed to be shot in the forhead with a compressed air gun but this isn't done skillfully in many occasions . Many are left in crowded, cramped quarters with no room to move, usually stepping in their own dung or on other fallen animals. Force-feeding, administering of antibiotics and hormones are already known factors.

There is also the factor of how eating less meat is more affordable than eating grains and vegetables.

Abstaining completely from meat eating is not the idea here but wouldn't being a part time vegetarian be an option?

Achieving Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:10:00 +0000

The results were out a few months ago regarding a survey of where the happiest people are. According to the survey, they are in Denmark. The US made 16th place (wow). Some of the things that the survey took into account were life satisfaction, unemployment rate, health care access, and basic education provision. While Denmark has a high tax rate (sometimes over 50% of income), it also has a broad range of social services. Denmark’s strength lays in its good quality public schools, low unemployment rate (about 2%), health care provision, and good retirement pensions. You might not get rich in Denmark but you can survive on a smaller salary. People seem to be more satisfied with their jobs and life overall.

While these things can contribute to life satisfaction and happiness, it is our own responsibility to actively seek to be happy. Happiness should be pursued, rather than rely on something or someone to make us happy.

Since our day to day activities puts the feeling of happiness out of minds, we need to focus on our intent to achieve it. Once we focus on it and start practicing it, it becomes a habit. Here are some ways:

 I highly believe in the saying: “Fake it until you make it”. If you tell yourself that you are happy and believe it, you will be. This goes hand in hand with smiling. If you don’t feel like smiling but make yourself smile, it will come naturally thus bringing you closer to happiness.

 Engage in activities that bring satisfaction and that are enjoyable.

 Think of how you feel when you are happy; it’s a feeling of giddiness and butterflies in your stomach. Take a moment and imagine it and try to retain the feeling.

 Concentrate on what you truly need in your life. The more we want, the more we acquire. Do material things lead to happiness, especially when you are drowning in debt and clutter?

 Seek people who are enjoyable to be around and who are optimistic. Talk happiness topics with them.

 Be aware of those negative moods and thoughts (anger, jealousy, sadness) and try to turn them around. Remember that tomorrow, whatever caused these feelings might be forgotten. Ask if it is worth to waste precious energy on these feelings?

 Maintain close friends and family relationships.

There are many ways that we can make ourselves happy and help those around us to do the same. It is our right, so let’s practice!

Preserving One of America’s Beautiful Creatures

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:45:00 +0000

The Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971 was enacted due to the public outcry in the 1950's and 1960's because of the slaughter of wild horses. These animals were considered pests and were killed in large numbers. They were usually shot and left to die. The Act called for the protection of these animals from public agencies one of them the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Throughout the years the government has done everything but protect these majestic free-spirited creatures.

These animals are rounded-up through the chase of helicopters and four wheelers and then trapped in holding pens. They are held in facilities for the purpose of adoption (with no guarantees) and to be sold to slaughter houses. Of those that are adopted, there is no proper adoption screening. In the chase, animals fall from exhaustion only to be trampled by the running herd. Others succumb to illness because of the stress or because they are too weak or old to survive the roundup. There is also the trauma of the separation from the herd, existing bonds are broken. Some foals are often left behind to fend for themselves. Some animals are kept in holding pens for years. On the good side is the action of closing down in 2007 of the 3 slaughter houses in the US (2 in Texas and 1 in Illinois).

Herd Management Areas or HMAs are areas designated for the wild horses, but they are killed by the very BLM (who is supposed to protect them) when they step out of the HMAs. Being that they not a fenced off areas, the horses have no knowledge that they are trespassing this invisible line. The government claims that they damage the environment but in reality what they mean is that the horses eat the dirt-cheap grass that cattle feed on in public lands. The BLM obviously has favored the cattle ranchers succumbing to their pressure.

Considerable education is necessary (especially for the lawmakers) on the management of wild horses, in order to reach a co-existing plan for the horses and cattle-ranchers. We have already taken large amounts of their land in favor of livestock. Many sanctuaries use non-hormonal contraception in mares. The government can adopt this procedure also, in an effort to control their so-called overpopulation and stop the so-called destruction of habitat that they impose. I say so-called because there is scientific evidence that states otherwise.

Euthanasia should not be an option to control their numbers. At this rate, wild horses will be extinct only to be remembered by its close relative the domestic horse.

Choose the Company You Keep

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:16:00 +0000

'Like attracts like', is a saying that represents well how like-minded people will naturally respond to each other. It is important to scrutinize our own behavior so that we can attract those who will share our behaviors and beliefs. On the same point, it is crucial that we consider who's company we keep.

Do you want a healthy lifestyle and to attract goodness to you? Our circle of friends and family might help, improve, or hinder our efforts. Can you learn and improve your thoughts and life by the people that surround you? Do they hold you back from achieving your goals and dreams or do they color your world? Chances are that if they are the type that criticize, gossip, envy, are pessimistic, and engage in negative behaviors, they are not headed in your same direction. They will not help your soul to flourish.

This is not encouraging the behavior of superiority over others. One person is not better than the next, but some lives prosper while others' don't. Just like it is important to keep associations with those who can help us grow, it is also important that we mirror those behaviors. Are we encouraging, optimistic, loving, not faultfinding, overall helpful, and not jealous of others? We need to be conscious of our own behaviors as well. With conscious thought we can learn, guide, or keep away from people who are not good intended.

We never stop growing and learning; the idea is to continuously self-improve.

Recognize a Hero(ine)

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:51:00 +0000

A hero(ine) is an individual admired for their achievements and noble qualities. This sounds like not just anybody can become one; you must have risked your life in order to have saved someone else's or have gotten someone out of a terrible bind. While these actions constitute a hero(ine), heroic actions and qualities can also be subtle.

Just by being less self-centered and expecting less recognition on our accomplishments, yet recognizing others' feats lead to a heroic path. Actions such as sharing, inactively listening (keeping quiet even when we have some idea to verbally contribute), or not becoming offended (letting your ego get in the way). How about when we are of service to others, or when we are humble, or when we bequeath a certain possession (we shouldn't be attached to earthly possessions)?

Isn't it true that the more we give (without expecting returns), the more we receive? I passionately believe this. But, it is easy in our day-to-day living to forget all that we receive moment-by-moment, (even the hero(ine) in our lives).

Look around you and recognize that person, whether they are in direct contact in your life or not. Send warm, sincere, loving, benevolent thoughts their way. Let them know how much they are appreciated and how their actions enhance the lives of others.

The Legendary Micheal Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:06:00 +0000

Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Indiana and passed away on June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. He was one in a family of seven brothers and sisters. His music, lyrics, sense of fashion, and dance moves were unique and inspired many stars. He was inspired by legends such as Fred Astaire and Sammy Davis. He had followers across the globe. Micheal Jackson was a true legend but what stands out in my mind and heart, was his noble heart and the great humanitarian that he was.

Caring For Our Home Planet

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:37:00 +0000

Humans are 200,000 years old, living in a 4 billion year old home. In the last 50 years, we have managed to drastically change this home through development; more than in all of the years before that. The changes have been at a great cost. We have been depleting what Mother Earth has provided by destroying a natural, delicate balance.

Development is a good thing but, it must be done consciously and responsibly, otherwise what will be the cost? What will await us in the future?

What are we willing to do now to halt the inevitable, catastrophic changes that will occur if we continue our mindless living on Earth. This is a collective effort and millions have started to make a difference. Follow the link to become informed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbDmOt-vIL8

Very Personal

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 04:21:00 +0000

I have had my share of displacing events, especially in the last 6 months. Its just been occurring to me in the past few days how these events are so prominent in my brain. Yet, when these issues resolve themselves, they are easily forgotten. It seems that we hold on to the negatives or 'lacks' in our lives thus attracting more lack. So, we create a cycle of more negatives and lacks.

It has been hard for me to grasp the concept that there actually is an abundance in my life. So I have started tallying those moments where when one door has been shut, two have been opened. I have become more aware of how my life has been opening like a blooming flower.This reflection has helped me to deal with any setbacks that present themselves and not let fear govern. Instead of despairing on what to do next, I just have to listen and trust that I already have answers because God has provided us all with this knowledge. I actually have much to be grateful for so, I need only to continue harvesting those feelings, continue to receive my spiritual wealth, and share with all.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:26:00 +0000

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) dominates as a sweetener in many of our food products today. Derived from corn, it has been used since the 1970’s. It is added in tomato sauces, salad dressings, jams, chocolate syrups, yogurts, beverages, cereal bars, breads, cakes and snacks, etc. It is cheaper to produce because of the high corn yield by farmers. It has been a very popular additive in our foods and so has its correlation to damaging health.

HFCS has been linked to:

- Interference with the absorption of some minerals
- Playing a role in elevated cholesterol levels
- Increase in triglyceride levels (the liver produces it in order to
metabolize it)
- Interference of white blood cells
- Diabetes
- Interference of metabolism of amino acids
- Diarrhea
- Aging (through oxidative damage to cells)
- Mineral loss especially copper where HFCS effects are greater in its
decreased levels
- Obesity

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Vol. 76, glucose is metabolized in every cell in the body but all fructose must be metabolized in the liver, thus the production of triglycerides.

And to add insult to injury many brand name foods have been found to contain mercury. Mercury is present in mercury-contaminated caustic soda and hydrochloride; used to manufacture HFCS.

It is true that table sugar (sucrose) has its adverse health effects but HFCS goes through high levels of processing and uses genetically modified enzymes.

We are addicted to sugar. We have the power to influence how manufactures process foods. If more people protest having imperfect additives (HFCS for one) and less sugar added to our foods and we decide not to buy them, manufacturers will listen. I inadvertently have also been consuming enough of the product. Although I don’t purchase juices that contain HFCS, I never thought to look at the whole wheat bread, tomato sauces, and some other products that I use. So, I have switched brands and am more scrupulous on reading ingredient labels. I have also started informing manufacturers why I am no longer using their products.

Feel Superior to No One

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:06:00 +0000

Release your need to feel superior by seeing the unfolding of Spirit in everyone. Don’t assess others on the basis of their appearance, achievements, and possessions. It’s an old saw, but is nonetheless true: We are all equal in the eyes of God.

-Dr. Wayne Dyer

Gratitude Journal Entries

noreply@blogger.com (ceniamarivel) — Fri, 29 May 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Sometimes we aren't aware of all the little but great things that happen to us day by day. We expect magnificent incidents to be worthy of gratefulness. But all of the little things are just equally important and deserving of recognition.

I keep meaning to start a gratitude journal and just never get around to it. Since I haven't started one I tell myself that in the meantime I will make mental notes but then I slip. In the day to day events, I forget to take notice of all of the things that I should be grateful for. That is, until something makes me take notice again. I believe in the journal because it makes you more conscious, as it forces you to reflect.

I thought that I would make a quick entry on my blog of a few things that I am grateful about. Of course, I could have easily made a longer list but for readers' sake, I will only post some.

- had an extra charge (partial) on my internet bill because I switched to a bundle package, I called my provider, the charge was reversed.

- not having to pay my electric bill for a couple of months because I overpaid.

- made 2 phone calls and the outcome was positive, I obtained the information needed.

- both incidences above, the representatives were very pleasant and helpful

(It is always a nice experience to deal with people who are helpful and polite.)

- Cely (daughter) texting me: "luv u".

- getting a hug from Cely when I arrived home yesterday.

- Tara (dog) always being happy when I arrive home.

- getting a clean bill of health from the vet for Alaima (other cat).

- getting a discount on Linthia's (cat) medication and once again, the pharmacist was very nice.

- being able to afford Linthia's medication.

- a moment of sitting down and enjoying a warm cup of coffee.

- Dad thinking about me and making a quick visit to bring me food.

Are you grateful for the little things?