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CT's Writer's Corner » Thinking Allowed » 3/01/2015 9:13 pm

Dream Realm
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03/01/15

I am deep in thought about human nature tonight.

I finally have something very good and very positive going on in my life right now that is bringing me a lot of happiness.

I have attempted to talk about it to a close family member and a few friends through Facebook. On all three occasions, the person has barely expressed that they are happy for me, and give me a one or two word response, and move on to talking about themselves and what's going on in their life.

This strikes me as odd.  I thought the people in question would be interested in knowing more about the situation and how things came about, and would express a general interest in what's going on in my life.  However, it just didn't happen.  I no sooner had my say, then they turned the conversation back around to what is going on with them, and expected me to listen intently, offer advice, and/or be otherwise enthused for what they are experiencing.  

Sometimes I just don't understand people.  It's okay if I'm here for everyone, care about what is going on with them, but I dare not expect the same in return from them.  The friends in question are not close friends, so maybe I'm expecting too much in thinking they would be interested when I have something positive occur in my life for a change.  

I'm always the go-to person and the person that offers support and advice.  It would just be nice to have the same interest shown to me in return sometimes.  

I'm not letting this bring me down, I'm just puzzled is all.

Just had to vent about this.

CT's Writer's Corner » Social Distortion » 2/16/2015 6:32 pm

Dream Realm
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It's entirely possible leaving the cleaning staff the heart-shaped box of candy and saying they are your "favorite valentine" may have been the wrong thing to do.  Here is my reasoning on this:

Valentine's Day is a day most people associate with romantic love.  However, it can even be a day to express gratitude toward really good friends as well, for those of us who are single.  

The cleaning staff would fall into the category of "casual acquaintance", since you have only met them one time and you don't have an established, regular, interpersonal relationship with them.   They come and provide a service to you by cleaning your house, but that is the extent of it.  

By giving them the heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and the note, they may have felt possibly that this was suggesting more of an interest or interpersonal relationship than what in actuality really exists. Specifically stating "favorite Valentine" implies you like them on a more personal level, or even romantic level.  The gift and note could have been confusing for them, since they more than likely view you as a customer they provide a service to, not someone with whom they have an interpersonal relationship.  I understand from your post you are, without a doubt, genuinely grateful for the service they provide in cleaning your house for you and helping you out, and you were just attempting to express your gratitude.  It's just that the heart-shaped box of chocolates and note are something more appropriate for a significant other, or even a very good friend, on Valentine's Day.  

Try not to feel bad or guilty about this.  If in some way you are still questioning your actions, I would recommend maybe just talking to them if you happen to see them, or just simply write a note to let them know you were just trying to express gratitude for the help they provide you, just to make your actions totally clear.

Hopefully other members will chime in with their thoughts on this.   (((Hugs)))  


Rock and or Roll (Music) » Mix Tape » 2/13/2015 5:48 am

Dream Realm
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What a cool idea for a thread topic, BYOB!  I am definitely going to be putting some thought into this one and will respond back either tonight or over the weekend with my personal mix tapes.

CT's Writer's Corner » What's In A Name » 2/12/2015 3:22 am

Dream Realm
Replies: 25

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I chose Dream Realm because I just wanted something unique and sort of "other-wordly".  Dreams and dream interpretation have always been fascinating to me; I am personally a very vivid dreamer.  

As far as my avatar is concerned, I did a Google search when I joined the New Exchange for "dream realm images".  I found my avatar embedded in a long list of images, and it stood out immediately and spoke to me.  The woman in the image has long, brown hair like I do, and I like the fact she is holding a dream catcher (I really love dream catchers).  Plus, the image contains a lot of purple, which is my favorite color.  

CT's Writer's Corner » The Random Thoughts Thread » 2/12/2015 3:03 am

Dream Realm
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BYOB,

My heart goes out to you.  I think loss of a family member/loved one is emotionally one of the most difficult things we face in life.  I am fortunate enough to still have both parents, but have lost other family members in the recent past.  Some people say things get easier with time...and maybe they do for some people, but not for all sometimes, especially when things like anniversaries come around. Try to just let yourself go through the emotions, cry if you need to, and know that you are not alone in your grief.

Hugs to you.

Florentine's Quilting Bee » Any Craft Interests? » 2/05/2015 10:34 pm

Dream Realm
Replies: 22

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Florentine, your polymer clay beads are beautiful!  I dabbled in polymer clay a  bit and made a few pendants, but nothing quite as intricate as your beads.  Truly amazing.

It's neat being able to read about everyone's area of expertise when it comes to crafts.

As for me, I don't know if I have a particular area of specialty.  It's probably easiest for me to just list the things I have done and enjoy as far as crafts:

- Candles (soy/parafin blend in containers)
-Soaps and lip balm
- Jewelry making (pressed flower pendants, earrings, necklaces, and the occasional metal bookmark)
-Calligraphy
-Loom knitting.  I made a really cool knitted cover for my Kindle a few years ago, and I have made scarves as well.
-Cross stitch
-Tile/glass mosaics
-Wire wrapping
-Pen and ink drawing
-Acrylic painting.  Just participated in my first painting class and LOVED it!

My craft interests are very diverse.  I love creating and am easily sucked into a new craft at any given point in time.  I also enjoy walking through AC Moore and Michael's for inspiration, and also checking out Etsy or Pinterest.

Goose's Wine and Brie Party » Cilantro Cream Sauce » 2/02/2015 6:33 pm

Dream Realm
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Here is an amazing recipe for cilantro cream sauce, for those of us who love cilantro.  It is particularly wonderful on enchiladas, tacos, or even just as a dip for tortilla chips.  

Cilantro Cream Sauce

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 (7 ounce) jar tomatillo salsa (salsa verde)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

Combine all ingredient in a blender.  Blend until smooth and creamy.  Refrigerate overnight, if desired, to allow flavors to blend.  Place in serving bowl and enjoy. 
 

Personal Finance » Journey to debt freedom » 2/02/2015 6:19 pm

Dream Realm
Replies: 32

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I have been where you are Joan.  When I was married my husband and I managed to rack up $70K in credit card debt.  The debt accumulated for a variety of reasons...medical expenses not covered through insurance (particularly fertility treatments), major household repairs (hot water heater being one of them), and even daily living expenses like groceries and clothes when my then-husband went through periods of unemployment.  Little did I know my ex was also spending money on the credit cards I knew nothing about...until I saw the statements arrive in the mail, or miscellaneous receipts lying around the house.  It was a vicious cycle that only continued to worsen over time, until we got to the point in 2010 we had to file bankruptcy.  

The debt was a major contributor to my divorce in 2012.  However, like yourself, I really like having the ability to set my own priorities and goals as far as finances are concerned.  I have no one else to answer to, and the responsibility lies solely on me. If I sink or swim, I have no one to point to but myself.  

I am a cash-only purchaser and have no credit cards anymore, and it's truly a very liberating feeling.  I budget very carefully, live within my means, and cut out spending on things that are simply not a priority for me.  A little bit of sacrifice is totally worth the ability to sleep comfortably at night, knowing I am no longer facing a mountain of debt.

Azalea's Memorial Garden » Any garden plans for spring? » 2/02/2015 6:04 pm

Dream Realm
Replies: 41

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Goose wrote:

I love cilantro, but it rapidly bolts and goes to seed.
And for some reason, I can't seem to grow a decent bell pepper in a container.

I love cilantro too Goose!  I forgot to mention I did have a few cilantro plants in my garden, but encountered the same issue with them bolting and going to seed too quickly.  I couldn't use the cilantro quickly enough before it bolted.  I found Sustainable Seed Company carries a variety of slow-bolting cilantro seed, so I'm tempted to give that a try in the container garden this spring.  I have an amazing, simple recipe for cilantro cream sauce which is great on enchiladas, tacos, and even as a dip; I will post it in Wine and Brie Party.

I too have not had success with growing bell peppers in a container.  It seems the container limits the spread of the root system which stunts the growth of the peppers.  Banana peppers are extremely prolific when grown in a container, so they will definitelly be included in my plantings this year.

CT's Writer's Corner » Thinking Allowed » 2/02/2015 4:39 pm

Dream Realm
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This will be a thread will I will share thoughts on various topics, and include occasional personal writings.  Discussion and constructive feedback are most certainly welcome.

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