This explains A Lot!

Now, I don't expect everyone who reads this blog to take this test, but, if I got to choose who would, I'd pick Mr. Peabody...I'm so damned curious to know how his brain works!

You Are 25% Left Brained, 75% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

The Didn't List #4 & #8

What Ligeia didn't do was eat too much or sleep too much.

I completely changed the way I eat. To do this, I had to go see a Dietician; I knew what I was doing wasn't the best way, and needed professional help to change it. Now, I eat without feeling guilty and I eat "better". I had been afraid of fruit and carbs for much too long. Now that I know how much fruit to eat and how it helps my body and the difference between "good" and "bad" carbs, I'm doing a lot better.

For the last 2 weeks (going on 3) I've been getting up by 6am and going to bed no earlier than 10pm. I've always been a 10-hour-a-night sleeper. If I didn't get enough rest, I was napping during the day. This was really difficult when I was working and my daughter was a baby and my (then) husband was on the road 21 days a month. Anyway, I find if I get myself out of bed and don't get stuck in front of the TV with (now) husband, I sleep better and I don't need a nap in the middle of the day.

This week has been an exception the the above rule - I've been up from 6am to 10pm, but I haven't been sleeping. If you want to know why, email me.

So, I can now cross 2 more things off my list!

Oh, and as for the job that I got fired from yesterday, if things work out within the next week, I may be able to tell them, politely, to go fly a kite!

Kind of #3

Found this on Autumn's blog.

What kind of witch are you?



You are a Light Witch!

You are more powerful than witches of the Four Material Elements, but at first glance, its hard to tell. Ever calm and innocent, your soul shines bright and pure, and even the humans can see it.

Though many may mistake you as a goody goody, you know otherwise. You fight to maintain the balance of nature, that above all else. Honor and duty are your driving force, and if that means you have to kill a thousand men, well... looks like you'll be leaving a lot of lonely women in your wake.

Common Powers:
Telekinesis- the ability to move objects with ones mind.
Invisibility- the ability to be unseen.
Telepathy- the ability to read thoughts, and plant them.
Premonition- the ability to see the past or future.
Light weaving- the ability to conjure and control light creatures, objects, and spells that nothing can destroy or kill but the user.

Take this quiz!

Speaking of work...

One of the very part-time jobs I had this summer has ended. The good thing about the job - I got to work from home (mostly). The bad part - all kinds of responsibilities but very little money. I was "up for renewal" this week and the employer decided that today is my last day, but I can re-apply with the other candidates. This just seems odd to me. Or is it just me?

It isn't a job I'd pick to do, nor is it something I particularly enjoy. The modified list of responsibilities and the pay rate don't match. Well, that's a mild statement. The amount of work that needs to be done - about 30 hours a week - at the annual pay works out to $0.50 per hour. Yep, a whopping 2-quarters for every hour of work.

Yes, I have no other income. Yes, money is money. Yes, I need to work. Yes, I should go apply at BK.

Oh, Loralee, where's the bucket of frosting?

So, I'm Snow White

Well, if I were one of the Dwarves, I'd be singing "Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go". Not having a job, I'm not singing the song!

This post covers #12 and #13 of what Ligeia did do.

I have applied for every job that I'm qualified and/or able to do within a 35 mile radius of my Home. I scoured the Internet job sites, local employment office, and local "news" paper each day. Living in a smaller town, there aren't many jobs available to the general public. So, I sent out only 12 resumes in a 2 week period. I've had 3 rejection letters (one company sent me a letter stating they "appreciated my interest" but had picked a "candidate with more relevant experience" - they re-posted the job in the paper the next day!).

I had one interview last week. It is for a job I am (over) qualified for and will have no problems performing. The woman who interviewed me was very matter-of-fact during the interview. She was also quite curt with me - not rude, just, cold. At the end of the interview, she left me with the impression that I wouldn't be getting a call back. Well, I did get a call for a second interview, via phone. I'm not sure I want this job. But, I've been told, I can't be picky.

Sure, not much work in our podunk town and this has been my only interview. I'm just not very good at working in a place where I'm not using my skills, have little responsibility, and people who don't respect someone with personality*.

Yes, yes, I know - buck up!

Mini-Post - Religious Rant

Another thing I should have put on my list / stated in my last post is that I'm going to be brutally honest and forthcoming when it comes to things that make me passionate - good or bad. Here is one now.

My husband and I received an email from his ex-sister-in-law. She considers herself a Born Again Christian*. I made it clear in an email to her - several months ago - that my husband is a Christian-Buddhist and I am Wiccan/Pagan. This only means that, should she send religious email, they may be summarily deleted or met with no response. She said she "respected" our beliefs but would continue to pray for us to "be saved". Yeah, well, OK, if you really need to, fine.

Most of her emails I just whip through, show them to husband, then delete them. The one we got over the weekend was one that really "stuck in my craw" (does anyone know where that expression came from? what is a craw anyway). I will preface this by saying that the subject is very tragic - a child she is somehow related to was diagnosed with in-operable brain cancer. The child died this past weekend. No matter what belief system you adhere to (or don't adhere to) children dying is just awful. OK, now off to the races.

So, here is the last line of the email:
But luckily they are a Christian family so we know *child* is in heaven with our Lord and someday we will see him again.

Guess what got me going? Yep the But luckily they are a Christian family.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Sorry if that was too loud.

Apparently, if you are not part of a Christian family, you are unlucky and will not go to heaven and no one will ever see you again. Yeah, I know, tolerance. I preach it and yes, believe it or not, I follow it. HOWEVER it really bites my bumm that so-called Christians do not practice what their Lord and Saviour preached - tolerace. Gee, same thing us Pagans (generally) believe in.

I suppose that means I'm unlucky and will spend my days with the Devil in Hell. Oh, wait, I don't believe in either of those so, I guess I won't be going!

*Note: The capitalization of Christian, Lord, etc. is done out of respect for other's beliefs. But, eh, what do I know - being so unlucky and all.

Returning with a Long Post

Yes, this will be a long post. For those of you with ADD, scroll to the bottom for a recap. For those of you who like to read long, disjointed, multi-comma posts, keep reading.

Even though I posted a few times last week, I was mentally away. I've debated whether to list the things I did do or the things I didn't do last week. I'm not sure which one tells more about me. So, I'll post both.

What Ligeia Didn't Do

1. Watch "news" television
2. Read on-line news
3. Read every blog on my reading list
4. Eat too much
5. Read any of my books or magazines
6. Read the "news" part of the fish wrapper, er, newspaper
7. Take photos
8. Sleep too much

What Ligeia Did Do

1. Realized I need more organization/focus in my life
2. Figured out (again) that HNN is not a real "news" program
3. Read more on Wicca / Pagan "stuff"
4. Commented on some of the blogs I read
5. Changed the way I eat - for the better
6. Cleaned my email accounts (I have 5)
7. Read the comics and Dear Abby everyday
8. Got up earlier and went to bed later
9. Rented and watched movies
10. Watched only 2 hours of TV a day
11. Re thought what I want to post on this blog
12. Applied for jobs
13. Interviewed for a job
14. Re thought what I want to do with the stuff in my house
15. Sold items on ebay

Now that it is all out, it looks like I did more than I didn't. Don't quite know how I feel about that.

Right now, I'm going to concentrate on #10 of what I did do - what I'm going to post on this blog.

Initially, I started a blog to write about those things that inspired, interested, aggravated, or empowered me in my home, school, spiritual, and work life. I did it anonymously so that people would not have a bias or feel the need to choose sides. Now, with school on extended hold and no employment, I'm 'left' with home and spiritual (yes, I realize, these subjects are all intertwined...let's not get that psychological about the thing!)

I think the best way to accomplish posting about home and spiritual is to post - for as long as it takes - is to go through the lists. No, I won't have one post each day for each line item - I'd even get bored with that! Instead, I'll take them in chuncks. I'm going to figure out how to put my lists to the sidebar and how to cross them off when accomplished.

I very much hope that all my thousands of readers (joke :) will accompany me on my journey. Your comments and prayers - of all kinds - are most appreciated and welcomed.

Peace.

Oh, for the ADD crowd, a bullet synopsis:

• Disclaimer on long post
• List of what Ligeia didn't do
• List of what Ligeia did do
• What Ligeia is going to post on her blog
• A Thank you

WARNING! Religious Post!

Tomorrow, I shall return. Consider this a Preface to such.

Soul standing, resting
being one with the Earth
Melting into her soil
becoming one with Her

The rhythm of my heart
of my breath
following what sent to Gaia
by Goddess of the West Wind

Catching sight of Horus
floating to his wing
and He, I
becoming One to soar

Feel freely
no bounds to my Spirit
Unafraid of the boundless sky
Unafraid of my fears

Dreams solidify and become
possible

Listening down I hear
Crying for the broken Spirit
Weeping for the tearing of a Soul

Opening myself I feel
Intensity from Gaia
Courage from Athena
Strength from Gaw’ain

Gently I return
Powerful
Determined
Resourceful
Ready to complete
the next journey
of this Life
on this Earth

Thank You

I am busy putting into words my spiritual "feelings" from the last week.

I wanted to post my thoughts/feelings on a particular subject today, though.

I have been attacked - yet again - by the same person who has spent way too much energy attacking me over the last 7 (nearly 8) years. This doesn't surprise me - she will never stop.

Bridgette says this is some sort of "test" I'm meant to go through - although neither one of us can come up with a good reason the Goddess and God would test me this way. Or, perhaps it is a test for my Daughter - there, again, why?

I moved blogs because I was afraid the attacking person may have found my other - some of her emails and postings on her blog used verbage too similar to what I had used. It was a form of running away and hiding, but I would not let it deter me from speaking my mind here.

As much as this person is a thorn in my life, I remind myself of all the gorgeous roses I have in my life as well:

• My lovely Daughter
• My brother
• My mother
• My husband (yes, he is a pain in the ass at times...)
• The Goddess and God
• My cats
• My dogs
• My friend, Bridgette
• Mr. Peabody
• My friends from school
• My blog friends

I could go on, but the list would take up too much space.

Thank you all for caring about me, understanding "I yam what I yam" and loving me despite myself.

Peace

photo from Jonathon Art

It's time to write how it feels

The Stepford

Qualifications:
Do not be yourself
Play the provided games to get along
Allow everyone to speak her mind
Sit and take it
Say nothing
You will offend if you speak
You will offend if you do not speak
You must stay through it all
Do not move
Do not be seen as rude and uncaring

Men may speak their minds, be blunt, they are considered "men", honest
and forthright

Women may not speak their minds, say what they feel, no holds-barred
else they are bitches or controlling or rude

If you cannot speak your mind, truly, and give explanations, how can you
communicate and have an honest relationship

One-sided discussions
Consideration for feelings non-existent

I mourn the loss of a wonderful person
I will miss the laughter, the witty retorts, the interesting insights, the fun,
the lightness, the ability to see both sides, the ability to say what needs
to be said, the courage, the strength, the desire to get up in the morning,
the joy in everyday things
All these things were growing, completing the person
Now, these things will not shine again

Hardening, lifeless, colorless, hiding again

I'm not here

I'm putting my thoughts into words. I will post the final product here.

I'm reading only a select few blogs. 4 to be exact.

I've gone without news for 2 days. Right now, I don't care who is bombing who.

Peace

Thinking is required

Life doesn't have to be a struggle. Some say we choose life to be a struggle or we choose to go with the flow. I don't see the choices that cut and dry. This, to some, makes me irresponsible, naive, stubborn - unyielding - weak, or even unrealistic. Everyone has a right to their opinion. If they choose to share this opinion, that is a right too. I have a right to ask that they stop speaking their opinion if I am offended or believe I cannot responsibly reply. This is my right.

Back to the struggle thing...

With decisions that have been made in my life, without my input, I have been struggling. I don't let many people know about my struggles. There are several reasons for this, which I will not detail here. I will say that it pains me that people whose perspective I would like to have on my struggles, I cannot request such - due to their personality and perception of me.

To clean my soul and get out of "struggle mode", I've decided to take a break from blogging - this includes not only a break from posting, but, from reading. I will also be taking a break from reading books and magazines...and perhaps even the newspaper. I will not be watching CNN or HNN or Fox News or C-SPAN.

To rejuvenate myself, I've decided to re-listen to my music collection - as well as selections from Bridgettes library. I will also spend time organizing my living spaces. I have pulled out my Wicca books and my journals to reconnect with my spirituality. I will still watch my afternoon soap and will rent more movies I've been wanting to see.

I wish everyone who reads (and even those who don't) Peace.

From Painting to Realization

Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.

Ah, if I only had half the powers of Albus. But, I do...I just must learn to use them.

Peace

Pictures for Words

Referring to this post

Like all other plans
made by mice, men, and women in confusion
without the interest of others
die or go awry

Feelings of confusion
known by few of the many
hinted at toward the correct person
go un-noticed

Changes of necessity
but different for all of those involved
even those who do not realize the connection
make decisions not worthy
of one.

I Love the Internet

WARNING! Religious Post!

I'm looking for help. Yeah, I know, anonymous blog with few, diverse readers. But, I've got to get this out there and hope to receive some guidance.

Our almost year old puppy is experiencing some illness. It isn't something that puts her down or keeps her in pain. I've asked the Goddess for guidance on dealing with this issue, how to keep it from happening. Is there a spell or meditation or ritual I can "do" to help puppy? I've found plenty on the net and in my books on Animal Shamanism, but not on helping animals.

That aside, I need insight on finding a way to get my significant other to understand this is not puppy's fault and she cannot be punished for being sick.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Peace to all.

If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the morning

The title/subject of this post has nothing to do with the content. Or, does it?

My friend, Princess, has decided to re-join the blog community. I'm happy about this as I love to read her posts. She has so much enthusiasm and passion in her writing it burns the screen. I'm also happy about this as it will give her an outlet for her drama-life. She's not a drama-queen, by any means; her life just seems to be filled with drama right now. I wish her luck and happiness.

Another friend I had to take to the ER on Friday. This was scary. Bridgette is normally so very talkative, which is one of her adoring qualities. Friday, she barely spoke, and scared the sh*t out of me. The ER doctor got her stabilized with some diabetes meds and fluids. I took her home and, as of Saturday afternoon, she was still doing well. I will call her Monday to remind her that she is going to eat better and drink more non-caffiene beverages. Or else the wrath of ME will be felt upon her!

Sunday's are one of the two days of the week I get to talk to my daughter. She decided that, to make things "easier" for me, she would call me on Sundays and I would call her on the other scheduled day. If she doesn't call me on Sunday it is either because (a) she is restricted to her room or (b) she is not home. I don't know if her father knows what days of the week we have scheduled to talk, but I know her father's wife knows the days. Today, I did not receive a phone call. We have "make up" days. Monday is the make up day for Sunday. I'll be calling her. Yes, she should be living with me.

I'm still looking for someone to hire me. If something doesn't happen soon, I'll have to put even more stuff on ebay or have one of those dreaded garage sales *shiver*

In the meantime, I've decided to dust off my Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft. I need to do some heavy reading about my Path. I'll re-read the intro chapters and delve a little deeper into some aspects of spellwork and, perhaps, some divination. Energy; more Energy.

Thank you for taking the time to read. Post a comment, if you like.

So much for today

Your Personality Is Like Acid

A bit wacky, you're very difficult to predict. One moment you're in your own little happy universe... And the next, you're on a bad trip to your own personal hell!

What Drug Is Your Personality Like?

None today

No blog entry today.

Day 3 of Migraine; meds not working.

Sincerely hope my readers are doing well and are pain free.

Be Well!

Sometimes I wonder

These are usually right on, or at least, I "get" it. Lately, my intuition has been way - WAY - off.
I know there are some people who don't put much, if any, stock into these things. But, considering how I've been feeling, my dreams, realizations from my own meditations, this one makes more sense than most.

Why am I posting this? Well, I don't think people "get" Geminis. We are usually seen as flakes or fence riders or schizophrenic. Well, we are all that, but so much more. We have more than the "Devil" on the left and "Angel" on the right - the Devil and the Angel have groupies!

I know people aren't commenting lately and, that's OK. I just need to get stuff out.

It's rather disarming when your data is aiming you in one direction while intuitive hunches suggest that you should be doing something else. Since you can be such an information geek, you tend to ultimately rely on the facts. Try to work with the situation internally until your feelings are more aligned with the circumstances. Then, when you do go into action, you'll feel much better about it.

Finding work

Bourgeois Patriarchy! {did I spell that right?}

First, I submitted my resume and cover letter. Then, I got an email requesting I fill out more info on the net. Last week, I had a nice phone interview. Then, I got an email requesting I take a "career profile" survey on line. I did that. I got the rejection letter today.

The reasons the letter gave were not specific. It was something to the effect of, "Because our previous tests proved that people who scored the same as you did not make it into the top 50% of performance or left within 12 months of employment, we suggest you look for work elsewhere."

So, I got to thinking. And, I think I figured it out: I was honest! Damn! Slap me into next week! What a stupid biatch I am!

Yes, I'll be complaining...big time! How the freak do "they" know that I will not make it into the top 50% or that I'll leave within 12 months? How do they know that all people who left within the 12 months had anything to do with their (employees) work performance?

Well, I'm sure Burger King is hiring...

Emerging from Krypton

Needles from every thought
Piercing and splicing the calmness
Ice blinding brightness crackling
Screams and cringing in the black
No escape from the falling shards
Pull together form a fragile footing
Fear of landing on the next
Frigid and untrusting
For only the next to fly down
Will add to the shrieking and terror

Just a post to say I don't think I'll be posting today.
Feeling a bit off kilter.

Voila!

Advocating Thinker

What's Important

I have the feeling that I am not as important to a particular person as this person led me to believe. It's my own fault, I suppose. As usual, I was/am there to help, to listen, to offer cheerfulness and needed distraction. I'm believing that the need has passed and, well, I'm now left out of this person's life - until the next "tragedy" occurs.

There is going to have to be a lot - A LOT - of explaining to be done on this person's part if they want me to hang around.

There, I've said how I feel!

Oh, it's going to be one of THOSE days...

Your feelings may be playing a more important role in your life now than they normally do, but unfortunately they may be difficult to express. Most often you tend to emphasize mind over heart, yet today your emotions are getting stirred up from the subconscious, like the stuff that gets scraped up from the bottom of a pot of soup. Don't resist this movement. You can learn from your feelings, even if they make you uncomfortable.

I can't wait!

Ever have the need....

Lately, I haven't written much...creatively, that is.

I've been keeping a typed journal (of sorts), I've been writing bits in my auto-bio, but I haven't been creative.

I think I've been too wrapped up in all the stuff going on in my life. It isn't necessarily bad stuff, it is just stuff-stuff. I haven't given myself permission to just sit and find inspiration.

I envy people who have the ability to just write. I need to have some sort of mood come over me or into me; I need the right type of surroundings; I need to be comfortable. I wonder how others manage to write without these things - who can sit in a hard classroom chair in a stark white room with glaring lights and be inspired.

I had hoped that reading Poe and some other "fluff" would help. It hasn't.
I had hoped that the gorgeous weather would help. It hasn't.

I know it is inside of me and I just need to bring it out. Have you ever had the need to be creative and it just wouldn't come out of you?

Reading and Templates

I decided to re-re-read Poe's "Ligeia" again. When I read Poe I end up in some sort of trance. No one else's writing has affected me that way before or since.

I was 10-years old when my father (of all people) gave me my first Poe book. I still have the book. I read, with fascination, "The Raven" "The Pit and the Pendulum" and "Ligeia". I didn't really "get it" at the time, but it was the first time I was truly engaged in what I was reading. Hawthorne, Twain, Hemmingway...these didn't engage me (Hemmingway still doesn't).

I haven't read all of Poe's work, but nearly all. Each time I read, I find new meaning and new understanding of the work and of the man himself. If wishes were fishes, I'd wish for a book or two about his life. As well, I'd wish to become a Professor specializing in his works. Until then, I'll read all those poems and stories I haven't read, then start all over again.

On to templates...

I received help from Ms. Looney Tunes - thank you, L. I still have the problem of some text being nearly the same color as the background. For the life of me, I cannot figure out how to fix that! So, I apologize for the difficulty in reading and any subsequent eye damage. Just don't send me the bill!

Think

Posted by Rubicon

today I mourn the loss of hope because hope is the fool's gambit.
today I mourn the loss of love because love is a fool's game.
today I accept the pain and solitude of truth.

How to

So, I tried my hand at programming a template. I've got it almost where I want it. But, as you can see, I've got some difficult to read parts and my spacing before "About Me" is way too much.

I'll be scouring the internet looking for "How To" fix these issues. In the meantime, if anyone has a quick fix, I'd appreciate the help!

Rant #1

Has anyone been to iStockPhoto? Well, I went, registered, figured I had joined but, nope, gotta pass quizzes to be able to put up photos. WTF?! I've seen some of the photos on there. They are NOT some quality picts nor do they follow all the rules requested. I figure this is just a place for people who THINK they know "good from bad" photography to rule other pretntious butts.

Just my opinion...

p.s. I will not do them the courtesy of a link.

Decisions

So, I need to find a job. Not so simple where I currently live. I may have the opportunity to continue a part-time-contract job I took earlier this year. The catch - it only pays $1.50 an hour. Well, OK, so, that is based on 40-hours a week. According to the Employer, it shouldn't be a 40-hour a week job. Hmmm...I've worked a few jobs in my lifetime and, gosh, the list of "things to do" and the idea that this position would be responsible for the actions of Employer, $1.50 an hour just ain't enough. But, considering I have to find some kind of work, should I put up with the sh*t and take a job that will pay $250 a month? If I make the commission Employer says I will, that would go up and average $330 a month.

Comments? Suggestions? Rope?