I saw this movie and was quite entertained. For those of you who haven't watched it yet, the storyline of the movie is about 2 terminally illed patients who in the beginning, were total strangers. One was super wealthy, the other a middle-classed person. To make a long story short, they both created a list of things they wanted to do, or places they wanted to see, before they die. This got me to thinking about what I would like to do before I leave this earth. How about you. What things would you like to do, or places you would like to visit, before you pass away? Care to share your thoughts? It can be anything you like, or anywhere on earth...you can pretend money is no object!
Have you ever formed an opinion about another person simply by observing his/her actions, or how they speak, or how they act? Have you ever formed an opinion about another person before you actually got to know them? If so, were your first impressions right on, somewhat right, or completely the opposite?
Thought you might want to read the other side of the story. Enjoy!
The male brain—explained By Laura Schaefer
Women have puzzled over it for years—why the heck do men do the things they do? Why do they profess their love for you one minute, then ignore you the next (say, when an Attila the Hun special turns up on TV)? Why can they not remember our birthdays? Let science explain some of these conundrums—and help you rev up your relationships!
Be patient with his memory The hippocampus, where initial memories are formed, occupies a smaller percent of the male brain than the female brain. If on your first date he can’t remember where you work, even though you told him all about it when you met, just remember that size matters… hippocampus size, that is. Don’t take it personally. (Oh, and don’t be surprised when, months down the line, he has no clue you’ve just changed your hair.)
Don’t expect him to get hints Have a crush on him? You may have to put it out there, because men aren’t as skilled at women at reading subtle emotional cues. As Dr. Larry Cahill of the University of California at Irvine puts it, “We have been assuming that the ways in which emotions are organized in the brain are essentially similar in men and women,” but they aren’t. Parts of the limbic cortex, which is involved in emotional responses, are smaller in men than in women. Additionally, scientists at McMaster University have found that guys have a smaller density of neurons in areas of the temporal lobe that deal with language processing. That’s why it’s probably a good idea to tell him straight-up how you’re feeling (“I’m kind of hurt that you forgot I hate sushi”). Expecting him to infer from your hints could leave both of you scratching your heads.
Don’t take conversation lulls personally Fact is, guys in general just aren’t as verbally adept as women are. Large parts of the cortex — the brain’s outer layer that does a big part of recognizing and using subtle language cues — are thinner in men than they are in women. A study led by Dr. Godfrey Pearlson of Johns Hopkins University has shown that two areas in the frontal and temporal lobes that play an important role in language processing are significantly smaller in men. Using MRIs, the Johns Hopkins scientists measured gray matter volumes in several brain regions in 17 females and 43 males. Women had 23 percent more volume than men in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and 13 percent more volume than men in the superior temporal cortex. “Women,” explains Dr. Cahill, “excel in being able to come up with appropriate words, given cues.” Men—not so much. Don’t expect him to chatter with you on dates with the skill of a girlfriend, and don’t assume he’s not interested in you if he occasionally lets the conversation lapse. Think of it this way: He’s simply basking in moments of quiet companionship.
Appreciate his naturally upbeat nature Does he seem to be “up” most of the time? It’s not your imagination: Male brains produce 52 percent more serotonin (the chemical that influences mood) than female brains, according to a study done at McGill University. And studies show that fewer men than women suffer from depression. Guys may also have an easier time rolling with life’s big stresses. If he tells you he recently lost his golden lab or suffered a job loss and doesn’t get all teary, it doesn’t mean he’s heartless; rather, he has healthy stores of serotonin.
Don’t expect his take on your relationship history to match yours He may be incapable of seeing your shared past the way you do. Brain images have started to show that men and women use their brains in vastly different ways. For example, women use the left part of the amygdala — the part of the brain that creates emotional reactions to events — to put memories in order by emotional strength, meaning that something emotionally important to them (like a great first date a couple of months ago) will be ordered in front of what they ate for breakfast yesterday. Men, however, use the right part of the amygdala to put memories in order. Traditionally, the right hemisphere of the brain is associated with the central action of an event, while the left hemisphere is associated with finer details. Translation: You’ll both remember your first date, but he might not remember the color of your sweater or the light rain that was falling that night. It doesn’t mean he was checked out; it just means he’s a guy.
Remember his brain is his largest sex organ In males of several species including humans, the preoptic area of the hypothalamus is greater in volume, in cross-sectional area and in the number of cells. In men, this area is more than two times larger than in women, and it contains twice as many cells. And what, say you, does this have to do with the horizontal mambo? Plenty. This area of the hypothalamus is in charge of mating behavior. This small structure connects to the pituitary gland, which releases sex hormones. So if your bf wants to get intimate all the time and you feel like Ms. Low Desire, remember: You’re just experiencing normal, brain-based differences.
I was reading this article today and thought it was interesting. Let me know what you think.
The Female Brain, Explained By Laura Schaefer
Wouldn't it be a relief to finally understand what is happening behind her pretty eyes? Why is it, for example, that the woman in your life is serene one moment, apocalyptic the next? How can she remember details about your life you don't even recall? And what's with her taking everything so personally? Chalk it up to female brain chemistry. Here's how to tailor your courtship to her cortex, hippocampus, etc.
Pay attention to the little things She'll see shades of meaning in small gestures, because significant regions of the cortex — the outer layer of a brain that conducts much of its high-level computing — are thicker in the ladies. Therefore, an off-hand comment like, "I'd rather watch the game" might say more than you meant it to. Likewise, a small act of kindness (from a kiss on the cheek to simply calling ahead to make reservations) will blow her away because she'll consider both the gesture and the thoughtfulness behind the gesture.
To keep up with her memory, take notes It's a scientific fact: Women remember everything. The hippocampus takes up a larger percent of the female brain than the male brain, which is good to know because it's where memories are formed. So while you remember, maybe, the day you met, she's recorded your first flirtation, first phone call, first date, first kiss, etc. Bottom line? There's a reason the PDA and the Google calendar were invented: Use these electronic tools to keep up with her mighty hippocampus.
Follow her calm lead versus instigating bar fights She's much better at reining in her aggressive impulses than you are. Doctors at the University of Pennsylvania measured the size of the orbitofrontal cortex, an area of the brain involved in regulating emotions. They then compared it with the size of the amygdala, which creates emotional reactions to events. They discovered that female brains have a much larger orbitofrontal-to-amygdala ratio (OAR) than male brains do. That suggests women are better than guys at responding calmly to rudeness or aggression. "The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is the main ‘modulator' of amygdala action," explains researcher Ruben Gur. "So if you are at a party and someone insults you, the amygdala, which is a very primitive and old structure in human brains, will be yelling ‘Kill the guy!' The OFC is the part of the brain that will say: ‘Consider the context; there are people around.'" Thus, if you want to impress her, quiet your own amygdala and behave as gracefully as she does.
Write her a poem or at least a cute email "Women excel in something called verbal fluency, or being able to come up with appropriate words, given cues," says Dr. Larry Cahill of the University of California at Irvine. In general, women's brains are wired to be more language-centric than men's. Researchers at McMaster University found that female brains have a greater density of neurons in parts of the temporal lobe cortex, which is the area of the brain associated with language processing and comprehension. This could help explain why women often know the right thing to say, send great cards and love notes, and choose words with such care. In wooing a love interest, it wouldn't hurt to get the help of a trusted female friend. She'll know just what to say.
Be her serotonin Women's brains produce significantly less serotonin — the brain chemical that helps make us happy — than male brains do. So if she has a tough day at work, treat to her to a transfusion: Try a pep talk, soothing back rub or long hug.
I've often wondered why some people find it easy to compliment others, yet feel uncomfortable or a bit uneasy when they themselves get complimented. I am one of those people. I for one, am better at giving compliments. By giving sincere compliments, you may brighten someone's day by making the other person feel good about him/herself. It can be a coworker, relative, or a perfect stranger, and it could be something simple like complimenting them on how nice their hair looks. Doesn't it give you a good feeling inside when you make another person smile?
What about you? Do you like giving compliments better than receiving them? Why do you suppose people get embarrassed when they get complimented? Have a Blessed Day!
For all you out there that are filled w/ stress...who feel burnt out and exhausted. This poem is for you.....
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When we are deeply disturbed with a problem And our mind is filled with doubt And we struggle to find a solution But there seems to be no way out, We futilely keep on trying To untangle our web of distress - But our own little, puny efforts Meet with very little success...
And finally exhausted and weary, Discouraged and downcast and low, With no foreseeable answer And with no other place to go, We kneel down in sheer desperation And slowly and stumblingly pray Then impatiently wait for an answer Which we fully expect right away...
And then, when God does not answer, In one, sudden instant we say, "God does not seem to be listening, So why should we bother to pray"... But God can't get through to "the anxious" Who are much too impatient to wait - You have to believe in God's promise That He comes not too soon or too late.
For, whether God answers promptly Or delays in answering your prayer, you must have faith to believe Him And to know in your heart He'll be there... So be not impatient or hasty, Just trust in the Lord and believe, For whatever you ask in faith and love In abundance you are sure to receive.
I wanted to dedicate this poem to all of you who's life might be in turmoil right now. Don't give up. You have friends that care for you, family that loves you, and God waiting for you to ask for help. Hope this poem brightens your day. Take care, and God Bless!
NOW AND FOREVER
Lord, I need your help today. Things aren't just what they ought to be. I've blundered thru and made mistakes - No end in sight that I can see. And I dread each new tomorrow, Even cling to yesterday; 'Though I'm told each new beginning Opens up a better way.
Lord, in Your all-caring wisdom, Do You have a plan for me? Will these trials and tribulations Clear my view and set me free? For I know all creatures matter In this broad and complex life. Each of us contributes something 'Though our days seem filled with strife.
Lord, I think I've found the answer With Your guidance from above. We can overcome our problems If we hold on to Your love. So, I'll face today with courage Holding tight to Faith's strong gleam. Yesterday is just a memory And tomorrow's still a dream.
I'm sure you've all been annoyed about little things thoughout the course of your day that adds to your stress level. Hopefully, this story that I'm about to share will give you a different perspective. Hope you like it. God Bless!
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I heard a story of a man on business whom I will never know, but I know God wanted me to hear his story. He was head of security at a company that had invited the remaining members of a company who had been decimated by the attack on the Twin Towers to share their office space. With his voice full of awe, he told the stories of why these people were alive and their counterparts were dead. All the stories were just little things...You might know about the head of the company who got in late that day because his son started kindergarten. Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts. The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning. He took the various means to get to work, but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band Aid. That is why he is alive. So, now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone...all the little things that annoy me...I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment.
May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things.
Kent Keith originated this poem in 1968, and Mother Teresa placed it on her children's home in Calcutta in a slightly different version. As a result, many have attributed it to Mother Teresa.
People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Be good anyway.
Honesty and frankness will make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
People need help but will attack you if you help them. Help them anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
Wanted to share with you the insights of the Gospel Readings from the past 2 weeks.
**************************************** Last week we heard the Gospel story of the miracle of the multiplication of hte loaves and fish. Peter was present as thousands were miraculously fed. This week, we hear the story of Jesus walking on water. Peter doubts that it is the Lord and challenges him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." There is so much of Peter in each of us. One moment we witness a tremendous miracle and the very next moment we doubt the Lord! Our faith, like Peter's, often falters. We become frightened just as Peter did. When he began to sink, Peter cried out, "Lord, save me!" There are times when we feel as though we are sinking. We cry out and, inevitably, are lifted up out of our troubles by the hand of God. Notice the last line of today's Gospel. The disciples in the boat, after witnessing yet another miracle, say, "Truly, you are the Son of God." Yet within a very short time they will all desert the Lord, only to be embraced by him again after his resurrection. This Gospel, in a nutshell, describes the Christian life. We believe, then we doubt, believe, and doubt again. Remember, though, that the real miracle here is that God is ready to embrace us again and again.
