Things I see when I look out my window

It's been so foggy and damp lately, really indoor days. Oh how I long for the spring. I was standing at my kitchen sink this afternoon and looking out my window, when I saw something moving in the grass. Was it a small bunny? No. Was it a quail? No. I took a closer look and this is what I saw......I apologize for the lack of clarity...I was so excited to see it just there on the ground, I dashed to get my camera. So I was a tad shaky when I took these shots.


It is a male Northern Flicker. Part of the woodpecker family. Although consider odd for woodpeckers. According to the books the Northern Flicker spend a great deal of time on the ground eating ants. They say they can extend their tongue a good 5 centimeters(2 inches)beyond the tip of their long, curved beak. Now don't even let your minds go there......The Northern flickers let their presence be known by sending out a piercing single pee-yew as softer version of the Pileated. In the absence of a dead, hollow tree, flickers will also seek out metal stove pipes, and believe me I have heard them on my metal chimney pipe. In the winter months in order to attrack a flicker you can put out some suet in your backyard...they also like berries and fruit. I have my compost in the backyard and I think that is part of the attraction. Northern Flickers are widespread throughout the Pacific Northwest Coast area. They can be seen year-round but are rare in northern BC in winter.

The Steller's Jays, the provincial bird of British Columbia, are the western counterparts of the eastern Blue Jay. These year-round residents live on forest slopes among evergreens. These guys love to visit my bird feeder and scare away the other birds. They have a very loud call. I have had up to 14 in my yard at one time. Pretty birds but can be pesky.

How unique is your name.....

The other day I was chatting with my sister. Her daughter is expecting her first child next month. I asked my sister if she knew of the names they had chosen and she didn't but was anticipating the name of the child to reflect a traditional name.

It got me thinking about my name. I always wondered how much thought my parents had put into coming up with my name. I've never really been terribly fond of my first name, my maiden name was as difficult to say as it was to spell. Then I got married. My last name then became easy to spell but awkward for people to say. I get more jokes and teased about my married name than I ever did with my maiden name. Then I got divorced and remarried. I have not taken on my husbands last name as of yet. But boy we have fun when we combine his last name with mine. People just look at us in disbelief and say...were joking.

Anyhow, I've been hearing a lot of talk lately about "Goggling" your name to see what you find out. Well one of the things I found out is this. There are 16,498 people in the United States with my first name, and 4,710 people with my married. And when I combine my first and last this is what I get....

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 0 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Childhood memory

I was looking for a book in my library the other day and to my wonderful surprise I came across a book " A Treasury of the World's Best Loved Poems" I sat back and just started reading some of the poems. Then I came across one of my all time favorite childhood poems....this poem I read to my girls time and time again...I remember we had this beautiful book just for this Poem, the pictures were so magical...it got to the point where my girls and I would recite part of the poem in an almost musical fashion. The name of this poem.....

The Owl and the Pussy-Cat

by Edward Lear

The Owl and the Pussy-cat went sea In a beautiful pea-green boat; They took some honey, and plenty of money Wrapped up in a five-pound note. The Owl looked up to the stars above, And sang to a small guitar,

"O lovely Pussy, O Pussy, my love, What a beautiful Pussy you are,

You are, You are!

What a beautiful Pussy your are!

Pussy said to the Owl, "You elegant fowl, How charmingly sweet you sing! Oh! let us be married' too long we have tarried: But what shall we do for a ring?" They sailed away, for a year and a day, To the land where the bong-tree grows; And there in a wood a Piggy-wig stood, With a ring at the end of his nose,

His nose, His nose,

With a ring at the end of his nose.

"Dear Pig, are you willing to sell for one shilling Your ring?" Said the Piggy, "I will." So they took it away , and were married next day By the turkey who lives on the hill. They dined on mince and slices of quince, Which they ate with a runcible spoon; And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand, They danced by the light of the moon,

The moon, The moon,

They danced by the light of the moon.

I smiled the whole way through typing this poem. I started looking at the words and I could hear my mothers British accent, she would use words like this all the time. I honestly can't remember if she ever read this poem to me or my girls...but I know she plays a roll in my enjoyment of this poem.

Lear wrote many whimsical poems

The Owl and the Pussy-Cat was written in 1871. If you would like to find out a little more about Edward Lear or read a few of his poems thisis a good site.

Saturday's Photo Scavenger Hunt

You know when I saw the theme something "Gross", I first thought what on earth could I possibly post. Working as a nurse I have seen so many gross things that I think I am a little bit immune to gross. Until today when my hubby showed me this picture....and well...to me the slimy look of this creature just oozes gross to me......

During the Tsunami in South East Asia in 2004 many deep sea creatures were washed to shore...this lovely creature was one of them it is called a Chimaera pup.

February the month of love.....or is it?

It's February 1st and if you haven't already noticed the stores have all kinds of Valentines Day stuff out. It officially starts the month of "Love".

Now I don't know about you, but Valentine's has never been one of my favourite day's. As a matter of fact I think is one of my least favorite day's of the year. It rates right up there with going to the dentist, and we all know how I feel about that. I mean really, if you have a sweetie shouldn't we be telling them everyday how much they mean to us. Do we really need Hallmark telling us to express our feelings or the flower and chocolate industries telling us we love them even more if we freshen up their day with roses and sweeten them with chocolates? Again, if that special someone is so special, why do we need a special day to tell them? Do you remember when you were a kid and we use to pass out Valentine Day cards? At the end of the day you would notice who got the most cards and who didn't get that many. How cruel was that? It's funny because I used to love making up my cards and handing them out. But I guess there must have been something wrong and finally some administrator somewhere caught on that some children were being left out. The next thing you knew you were getting a class list with every one's name on it and you made out a card for all of the students. Kinda defeats the purpose of sending a card, but then at least no one felt left out.



I remember when I was newly separated and how weird it felt and how uncomfortable I felt about being single. But just for that one day. I felt like I should go hide somewhere. This was the day for lovers. Restaurants would be packed, flower shops would be buzzing, what was a single girl to do? It was so depressing. I could hardly wait for the day to be over, so I could get on with things. I remember one time getting a bottle of wine and calling my girlfriend who was also single at the time and we sat around drank wine and had appies and bashed Valentine's day.

So what is Valentine's Day really all about? Do you know? I don't, not really. I know it is based on the story of St. Valentines. So, being who I am, I did a little research and this is what I found out. St. Valentines the martyr, was a bishop who was imprisoned by Claudius. You see Claudius felt that married men were more emotionally attached to their families , and thus would not make good soldiers. So to assure quality soldiers Claudius banned marriage. Valentine,seeing the effect this had on the young men and their mates, met them in a secret place and joined the couples in marriage. Claudius learnt of this and had Valentine arrested. Claudius was impressed by Valentine's conviction and tried to convert him to the Roman ways but Valentine refused to recognize Roman Gods and even tried to convert Claudius. On February 24, 270 Valentine was executed.

While Valentine was awaiting his fate, he came in contact with his jailor. The jailor had a blind daughter. The jailor requested Valentine to heal his daughter. The story goes that through Valentine's faith the daughters sight was restored. Just before his execution, he asked the jailor for a pen and paper and signed a farewell message to the jailors daughter "From Your Valentine" a phrase that is used to this day! If you would like to know more you can check out this Valentine site for more information.



So do I acknowledge Valentine's day? Yes. Do I make a big deal out of it? No. If hubby would like to get me flowers or something fine, but I tell him not too. I suggest we go grocery shopping buy something special for dinner that we both participate in preparing it and have a candle light dinner and just enjoy each others company.



Don't mean to be the grinch who stole Valentine's Day, but am I alone in thinking that Valentine's Day is over rated?

Once again I am humbled

I have no idea who nominated me but thank you whoever you are, I am humbled.





This just made my day!!!

Cheers!

And the Winner Is.................

First off I want to thank everyone for their great stories!!! Yuck! There have been some pretty nasty experiences out there. I had my hubby help me choose which of you had the nastiest story. What did I base nasty on....I think simply....did it make me cringe while I read the story. It was a close competion. One story actually made me wretch! But with out further adieu the winner for the "Best Dental Horror Story" goes to ............................

1st Place

Best Dental Horror Story

TomCat

Here is TomCat's story. When he was a youngster his father took him to the dentist to have a couple of teeth extracted. The dentist went and strapped dear Tom into the dental chair and without any freezing or notice proceeded to remove his teeth. After the procedure the dentist released the wrist restraints and our dear TomCat decided to give the Dentist a present I am sure the dentist will remember....I nice punch in the mouth. Needless to say, TomCat never return. Tomcat then went on to give me a little history lesson about the dental chair. Apparently, the Dental chair was the protege for the use of the "Electric chair" seems rather fitting don't you think?

As I said there were some great stories. I would like to acknowledge

Josie for her "Most Embarrassing" dental story. Ladies, can you imagine. You are 12 years old sitting in the dental chair in your wonderfully white peddle pushers when the dreaded curse arrives for the first time!

And the "The Grossest" without a doubt goes to
Janet C . Janet was a dental assistance and she told me about a time when a patient came in to have dental work done on an abscess tooth. Apparently the tooth was extremely swollen and infected when the dentist used the scalpel to the spot....oh it burst and gushed and the smell would have knocked your socks off. I must admit, I think I would have had to leave the room at that point or I am sure someone would have been wearing something not pleasant. I know being a dental assistant is a job I just could not do.

So once again thanks to all for your participation. It was a lot of fun!!!

Saturday's Photo Scavenger Hunt

Today's theme is "Silver". This is a hard one! I searched my computer for a picture and this is what I came up with. The fish might be "Silver" but it was gold to my hubby!!

22 lb. Chinook Salmon (also known as King Salmon )

Laughing IS contagious

Have you ever heard the saying "If I don't laugh I will cry". I have and I use it a lot. Well I was feeling kinda of blue this morning and I was feeling just that....that if I didn't laugh I would cry. Then when I was checking my email a dear friend of mine had sent me this email. It is a comedy show and a bit long but boy it was just what the doctor ordered. It truly made me laugh and put a smile on my face and turned my frown upside down. Hope it does for you as well. Laughter is contagious Have a grand day all!!!


Oh and don't forget, tomorrow is the last day to send me your "Dental Horror" story. Winner to be announced Monday January 29th.

Another Meme

I got this from Skittle's place. Kinda of liked it. Hope you do too!

The 25 Question Meme

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be? North of Vancouver Island, Westcoast near Tofino or in the interior of BC Oysoyoos.

2.What's your favorite article of clothing? My pair of guess jeans. I have had them so long they are wearing through. But really I LOVE shoes, have way to many.

3.Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex? Oh for certain my hubbies smile and his lips...

4.What's the last CD that you bought? Bought a Johnny Cash CD for my stepson.

5.Where's your favorite place to be? Anywhere with my hubby.

6.Where is your least favorite place to be? In a line up anywhere. Hate line ups.

7.What's your favorite place to be massaged? Now, that is a hard one.....my feet

8.Strong in mind or strong in body? Another tough question....I guess it would be the mind...although I am one tough cookie!

9.What time do you wake up in the morning? The days I work I get up at 0445.

10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance? My oven

11.What makes you really angry? Arrogant and inconsiderate people.

12.If you could play any instrument, what would it be? Well I have a perfectly good piano I don't know how to play, but I would say guitar.

13. Favorite colour? Red!

14.Which do you prefer...sports car or SUV? Oh it would have to be my 2004 Mustang GT convertible.

15. Do you believe in an afterlife? I most certainly do.

16.Favorite children's book? Any Dr. Suess book.

17. What is your favorite season? No contest, FAll!

18. Your least favorite household chore? Putting the groceries away.

19.If you could have one super power, what would it be? Wisdom.

20.If you have a tattoo, what is it? I so want a tattoo, problem is I can't decide where I would like to put it. When I do get one it is going to be something Celtic incorporating my children's initials.

21.Can you juggle? I wish. Life would be so much easier if I could.

22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to? My sister Eileen.

23. What's your favorite day? My first day off.

24. What's in the trunk of your car? Something practical of course.

25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger? No contest sushi. Don't eat beef.

Tag:

Grandmocha

Josie

Sunflower

Dirk_Star

What to do with a meme: Copy the questions then answer them in your own blog. Tag some unsuspecting bloggers. Come back and let me know you've done it!

Birds

I was looking out the window and the rain is teeming down, it is dark and grey and I am questioning if I should even be out of bed. But as I sip on my latte and visit my blog friends I have noticed a trend as of late. Birds. Lots of you out there like to observe birds and have bird feeders near by. I too love to observe birds and guess I would consider myself an amateur birder.

I was visiting my friend Pea's blog today and she had a wonderful photo of a "Downy Woodpecker" at least I think that is what she said. You can go over to her blog and check it out. Anyhow, it got me thinking that I have some photos of birds that I have taken, that I thought I would like to share. These birds shown I have spotted in my surrounding area.

The resident " California Quail" family. As times I have seen as many as 16 of them in my backyard. The California Quail are native to Oregon and introduced to Washington and B.C. They occur year-round in the southern coastal area of Vancouver Island and Washington state.

"Dark-eyed Junco" Oregon. One of the smallest junco. This one I believe is an adult male. When in flight there is white plumage in the tail.

And we all recognize this bird. The great "Bald Eagle"

This is a tree full of eagles at a bird estuary there were at 30 of them here that day.

Red Tailed Hawk....amazing bird.

Well, I think I will leave it at that for now. Hope you enjoyed them. If any of you are birders I would love to see some of your photos.

Happy Monday to you all!!!

Thought for the Day

Unrealistic Promises

We workaholics make so many promises that no human being could possibly keep them. That is one of the ways we keep ourselves feeling bad about ourselves.

~Lynn~

Do you ever feel that way? I know I have at times. Try to be everything to everyone except myself. Trying to be super mom/parent, employee extraordinaire, wife/sex goddess, sister, friend, organizer/planner, volunteer and the list can go on. I know I have done this to myself. But I can assure you I didn't do them all well at the same time. Something had to give. And for me at times, it was my family.

If I was organizing something for work that was where my focus was. In the back of my mind I was thinking how can I be here and still cook dinner for the kids. Their father had to step up to the plate on more than one occasion.

Having a career is wonderful, being successful at what we do is even better. But what is the price we pay to get there? And at the end of the day, is that truly where we wanted to be?

I don't know, I don't have the answers, sometimes I wish I did. Finding that balance I guess is what it is all about, and not feeling guilty in saying no. No I just can't do anymore, my plate is full. How wonderful that would be!

Saturday's Photo Scavenger Hunt

The theme for today is "Wild" I am not sure if it is for things living in the wild or doing wild things. Bald Eagle Living in the wild

Great Blue Heron

People acting wild Polar Bear swim and the waves being wild. What a great combination!

Shift work

Just an update on the "Dental Horror" stories. I am getting some really good stories coming in....ouch! Keep them coming. As some of you have left some good/scary/embarrassing comments on my blog about your experiences I have decided to include those as well. You can continue to send your stories to me until January 26th.

Well, I have just finished another set. As I write this I realize I should be sleeping, but I am not. The life of a night shift worker. You know I have been thinking about the effects of working night shifts alot lately. Maybe it's just because some days I am really feeling my age, and I realize I still have a long way to retirement, and wonder if I can keep this up.

There has been a lot written on the effects working night shifts has on the individual. I am sure most of you know about our circadian rhythm. That is our bodies biological clock. In one article I was reading by Joe Twarog he says " While the human body performs at peak performance during the day, the biological clock(circadian rhythms)drops to its low point during the night~ usually a time meant for rest. But those who work the night shift have to reverse this cycle and operate at top performance as the body struggles to adjust. Rotating shifts create the most severe problems as adjustment is not possible." This truly bothers me as this is my life and the life of most night shift workers. He goes on to say that ...." shift workers generally get 1.5 hrs. less sleep than workers who word day shifts. And the sleep that night shift workers get is during the daytime, when the body rhythms are geared up for activity." He says that this sleep is less satisfying and leads to general fatigue.

Another article I was reading says that Night/Shift work may cause:

1. Biological Effects:

• cardiovascular disorder
• gastrointestinal disorder
  circadian dysrhythmia

2. Psychosocial Effects:

• sleep loss/fatigue
• lowered performance
• increased accidents
• stress

3. Individual Effects:

• disrupted family and social life, eg. isolation from friends, family, social events and celebrations, etc.

You know I hate to admit it, but I have experienced every single one of the items listed. There are lots of suggestions about how to minimize the effects of working shifts. But the bottom line is I am shortening my life every night shift I work. I am putting myself at risk for an accident every time I get behind the wheel of my car post 12 hr night shift and make the 55km trek home. I have chosen to be in a profession that requires human contact 24/7 I realize that. But I just wanted to share this with you to give you a little insight as to the effects this has on us shift workers. And sometimes I may not be little Mary sunshine, and having to boost and reposition that obese patient at 0530 in the morning might be the last thing my back wants me to do. I do it, I do my best, but I am only human.

Dental Horror Stories

My dear friend was telling me about her hubby and his dental surgery he had. He was experiencing a fare amount of pain and requiring analgesic regularly. My heart went out to him, as my own experiences of visits to the dentist flashes through my mind. I don't know about the rest of you, but I Do Not like going to the dentist. I white knuckle it every time I sit in that dental chair. It's not that the staff aren't pleasant enough, they are. It's just the different sounds of the drill makes me cringe in the chair. The polishing the grinding, the having to keep your mouth open sometimes for hours and trying to swallow. Oh I get flustered just thinking about it. I know I must go, I am behind on my check up and cleaning.

It was one of my last visits to the dentist that did me in. I was having crowns put in on my back molars. For any of you who have crown work done you know how long that procedure can take. Anyhow, I am in to the second hour of sitting in the chair. I am frozen from my chin to my forehead. I feel like I am drooling everywhere. This dentist does not use "dams" you know those plastic grey things they fit into your mouth before they start your dental work. So here we are, I am thinking not long now and I will be out of this chair. When I hear him say "Ah oh"....you know it can't be good when the dentist says that. Remember I am frozen I can't feel anything....except a sensation and the taste of blood running down the back of my throat. Then I notice there is blood spewing out of my mouth. I look at the dental assistant and then the dentist, they say nothing but have they both have this look of "Oh my god" on their face. Next thing you know they are suctioning my mouth like crazy, packing my mouth, and then used this stuff to help stop the bleeding. Then out comes the needle and thread. Yup, he was having to stitch me up. What had happened, he dropped the drill in my mouth and it cut into the bottom of my tongue. I had to get 8 stitches. I mean as if getting the crowns wasn't enough I now had a tongue with stitches in it. 3 1/2 hours I was in that chair. I didn't know what to make of the whole thing. By the time I left I was just glad to be going home. For a week I was only able to tolerate liquids or thickened anything that minimized the use of my tongue.

You know the funny thing about that story is, I went back to him, as there was work to be finished. Yes you can call me crazy.

So there's my dental horror story. What about you. I bet there are some of you out there who can top that. I would love to hear your stories.

So this is what I was thinking. I would like to have a competition for the "Best Dental Horror Story". So if you are interested send me your stories. It has to be 250 words or less. Competition closes January 26th with the winner being announced January 29th. I will post the winning entry on my blog at which time an award will be given. So if you are interested in entering send your stories to smiles4u_61@hotmail.com I think this will be fun. Please note that there is an "underscore" between the u and the 6 on the email address.

Living the Moment

Have you ever heard of that saying


"Living in the Moment" or some people say "Being in the Moment". I have heard that saying many times in my life. It's such a nice saying and easy to say. But to really sit back and take in what it truly means is not an easy task. I use to think I knew how to live in the moment. I think I paid it lip service. Sure I appreciate things, people, or a special moment. But that seems to last only briefly. I find myself rushing to find the next something to entertain me or to bring me pleasure. In this fast pace life we all lead, how many of us truly have taken the time to Live in the moment? To experience everything that moment brings us. For example, have you ever really watched a baby smile? Have you ever just sat there not cooing or playing with baby but just watched. Watching, allowing your senses to drink up the moment. Can you feel it? Can feel the warmth and energy just bursting from that little ones being it engulfs you. It's a wonderful experience if we allow ourselves to Live in the Moment.

When I lived in the city it was go go go. I worked full time, busy raising my girls, attend school meetings, volunteer activities, taking the children here and there. Then there were the family holidays. Those hurry up and have fun holidays. Rush to get ready. Rush to get your destination. Planning and scheduling. Sounds like fun doesn't . I spent many holidays this way. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed many of them but I am not sure that I was living the moment.

You have heard me speak many times about where I live and how I am still in awe of the beauty of this Island. Everyday I am blessed to see another of natures miracles. It wasn't until the other day that I think for the very first time that I lived in the moment.

My moment was a present from my daughter. One of the wonderful things about it, she doesn't even know she gave me a present. We were going for a walk. The day was cold, the smell of snow was in the air the ice crystals kissed our cheeks as we walked. We have this pond where I live and it had frozen over. My daughter wanted to test science and her ability to balance. Will the ice be able to hold her, will she fall through. The challenge and excitement beamed on her face, her eyes glistened, her cheeks rosy. She giggled, she wobbled as she was trying to keep her balance. She threw caution to the wind and pushed her personal envelope. I stood there and just watched her. Watched her enjoy the moment. I didn't have to rush anywhere, I didn't have to do anything. I was there with her, just watching. As I write this my heart is jumping I am smiling I am reliving the moment. That moment which then became a memory comes back so easily to me and I think know why. I was Living in the moment.

I wish that for you all.

Happy Monday!

Thought for the Day

Today's thought has to do with Communincation

Some people talk simply because they think sound is more managable than silence.

~Margaret Halsey~

Saturday's Photo Scavenger Hunt

This weeks photo hunt has to do with Technology. My husband is in the granite industry and I have always been fascinated with the whole process of how they get the raw product of stone from the quarry to the end product.

These are finished products that my husband designed and made.

Thinking Meme

1. If you had to choose one vice in exclusion of all others what would it be? My homemade chocochip cookies

2. If you could change one specific thing about the world what would it be? The intolerance and lack of patience.

3. Name the cartoon character you identify with the most. A girl I used to work with used to say I reminded her of "Tigger" from Winnie the Pooh. She went as far as buying me a Tigger pen and button.

4. If you could live one day in your life over again which one would it be? There has to be three days for this one, and that would be the day I gave birth to each of my daughters. Words can't even describe how incredible I felt.

5. If you could go back in history and spend a day with one person who would it be? Mary Queen of Scots. I would like to know what she was thinking and what she did all those years being lock in Castle towers.

6. What is the one thing you lost, sold or threw away that you wish you could have back? My girls great grandmother gave me diamond earrings, I sucked one of the earrings up in the vacuum. I tore that vacuum bag apart and used a sieve to find it. I never did.

7. What is your one most important contribution to this world? Teaching my children to be honest with themselves and to others and the "Golden Rule" But I am still living so I really hope I can contribute something more.

8. What is your one hidden talent that nearly no one knows about? Does being able to recite the alphabet by burping count?

9. What is your most cherished possession? Everything I got in remembrance of my mom and my sister.

10. What one person influenced your life the most when growing up? My elementary P.E. instructor, he help me believe in myself and he saw my strength and worked with me on developing them.

11. What one word describes you better than any other? My hubby says "Wacko" and my daughter says "Amazing" I like both.

I was tagged byJeni and Janet C. , go check out their sites to see their great responses.

When is a Lie a Lie?

Have you ever had the discussion about when is a lie a lie? I have. Do you think it is as basic as just not telling the truth? Do you consider a little white lie a lie? And what is a little white lie anyhow? Would you consider it a lie if your friend asked you what you thought she looked like it a particular outfit and you told her she looked fine, when actually you think it is to revealing or to tight or not the right colour, but you don't want to give her your true opinion for fear of hurting her feelings. Would you consider that a lie? Is it a lie when you ask your child not to hang out with a certain someone and when they come home you ask who they were with...they tell you they were with all kinds of people but they neglect to tell you that certain person you don't want them to be around was there as well. Is that a lie? You find an error on receipt and it is in your favour, is it a lie not to fess up and give the funds back? A family treasure has gotten broken, you did it or you know who did it do you fess up or let be or tell them the cat did it? If a lie is a lie plain and simple, then should all lies be treated the same?

In looking on the net for a definition of a lie this is what I found:

v. lied, ly·ing (lng), lies

1. To present false information with the intention of deceiving.
2. To convey a false image or impression: Appearances often lie.
v.tr.
To cause to be in a specific condition or affect in a specific way by telling falsehoods: You have lied yourself into trouble.Idiom:
lie through one's teeth
To lie outrageously or brazenly.
lie - a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth

I for one know that I have told a lie. Something I am not proud of. In looking at the definition of a lie, I think I had a misguided idea of what a lie was. I didn't want to hurt anyone. I didn't want to tell the truth about something or someone for fear of hurting feelings and repercussions. The funny thing about that is someone always gets hurt, and usually that someone is the person telling the lie. Lies are like parasites, they eat you up inside, and they can spread like a virus causing harm to those around you.

I was terrible at commitment. I feared it. I wanted it, but I didn't know how to go about getting it. Through my lack of commitment came lies. Lies to myself and lies to those that I couldn't commit to. The reason for my lack of commitment varied, some due to childhood experiences, some due to lack of confidence in myself, some due to fear of loss, and what ifs. As a result came the lies. Personally, I never intentionally told a lie to hurt anyone. In fact that is what I was trying to avoid. Little did I know that it would backfire.

As we grow I like to think we learn. Learn from our life's experiences. If telling a lie has caused grief in the past chances are it will always cause grief. If not for the person you are telling the lie to then to yourself. It is so easy to fall into the trap of telling a lie.

So, when is a Lie a Lie?