When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions--and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.
The sand is everything else--the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important
to you.
"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first--the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked.
It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
Please share this with someone you care about. I JUST DID
Geraldine Serina (38), a former Franciscan nun from the
This unusual “love story” started in 2004 through a SMS message of encouragement and moral support that Maurizio addressed to a friend but was accidentally sent by mistake when he misdialed the last number. Sister Geraldine, who was stationed at that time in their convent in
When Maurizio finally discovered that she was a nun, he was confused and disheartened. Nonetheless, he did all his best to convince her not to renounce her vows because he had felt a strong inner sense of guilt and remorse from the thought of taking away a bride of Christ. For him, such a transgression was neither fair nor possible. Meanwhile, the profound sentiment they have for each other had grown so strong and intense that they couldn’t overcome it anymore.
By the order of her Mother Superior, she had to leave the convent and go back to the
Source: Cristina Pace, Dopo Dio, sposo il mio Maurizio. Photos: Marco Iacobucci
La chance vous sourit. A l’intérieur comme à l’extérieur, votre volonté est extrêmement forte. Les autres acceptent et suivent vos orientations. N’abusez pas de cette influence. Ne cherchez pas à tirer profit de ceux qui la subissent. Une telle attitude serait déloyale. Mais vous pouvez également abuser de votre influence sans en être conscient. Par modestie exageré ou pour toute autre raison, n’ignorez pas votre propre pouvoir. Cela serait contraire à votre voie et malhonnête vis-à-vis de ceux qui subissent votre influence. Votre position est centrale. Dans votre sphère d’activité, chacun dépend de vous. Si vos décisions et vos actions sont justes, fermes et naturelles, vous rendrez les autres plus forts, et, en retour, ceux-ci vous soutiendront. Si au contraire, vous êtes faible, hésitant et égoïste, vous ne réussirez qu’à entraîner les autres dans le chaos de votre vie privée, provoquant désillusions, inquiétudes et conflits. ¶ 7:01 PM 0 Comments
ARIES. This period promises substantial progress in a project for which you are solely responsible coupled with some form of personal reward in recognition of all the long hours and hard work you have invested. A major change in your lifestyle is also indicated which will be necessary if you wish to build a more secure future for yourself. Some of the restrictions which you have been under in the past should now lift allowing you more personal freedom and ample time to enjoy it.
TAURUS. You are likely in for expansion and the opportunity for personal advancement. Now is the time to think a little bigger than usual, to push yourself and your ideas, and to climb a few rungs higher up the ladder of success before this fortuitous period ends. You may need to work harder than normal but the rewards should prove adequate compensation for all the extra effort required.
GEMINI. This indicates a period of ‘awakening’ when new plans and ambitions can be put into action. However, everything may not run quite so smoothly as you could wish and the odd delay or hindrance is only to be expected. You should be able to achieve a great deal during this phase of your life but your real reward will be the pleasure of accomplishing rather than a monetary one. If your health has previously been causing you some concern it should improve and you look all set to enjoy a new lease of life.
CANCER. It is a time to collect your thoughts and to become aware of yourself and inner feelings. Cooperate more with those around you and try to become one of a team working together towards a common goal. Learn to be more tactful and to think before you speak; it could save a great deal of unpleasantness and embarrassment at a later date. Remember too that if you want to keep a secret you must never tell anyone no matter how sympathetic or trustworthy their outward appearance may be.
LEO. Business opportunities and travel are well aspected under this period. Stimulating developments should take place in your career which could result in several short trips, probably abroad. These should prove to be a great success provided that you get your facts straight and always play by the rules. If not – watch out! Some form of partnership also seems likely and this could mean a new romantic attachment for you.
VIRGO. Your best advice is to keep a low profile. Keep your head well down and do nothing. If however you decide to ignore this warning, you should be prepared for disappointment, failure, interference and ruined plans. All in all, this will be a restless and unsettled period of your life when it will be difficult to know what to do for the best.
LIBRA. You could be faced with a delicate decision which will involve a moral issue – unfortunately your standards may be higher than the accepted norm and this is where your difficulty will lie – should you be true to yourself and miss a golden opportunity or should you turn a blind eye and accept the offer? Only you can decide so don’t rush to give your answer.
SCORPIO. It is now the time to harvest the fruits of your labors. All your hard work will finally pay dividends and you should be well rewarded for your efforts. Once you have finished celebrating your success you should endeavor to relax, because this is what your body needs after all the pressure it has been under lately. Try to get away for a while if at all possible.
SAGITTARIUS. This could prove to be a particularly uncertain period of your life when you would be well advised to keep your wits about you. Friends could show themselves in their true colors during this period – their treachery and deception will be a great disappointment to you. A member of the opposite sex could also cause you some uneasiness. Provided that you keep your eyes and ears open you should emerge from this temporary period relatively unscathed.
CAPRICORN. Love and changes for the better are both indicated during this phase. This should prove to be a particularly busy social period when there is much to be done and not nearly enough time to do it. Your family will probably choose to be especially supportive during this period if you’re not too stubborn to accept their help. Change is in the air and this could be of environment, occupation or both. A new and meaningful relationship is also almost certain to flourish.
AQUARIUS. Increase is the keyword for this period. Now is the time to double your money and really make a financial killing provided that you pay attention to detail and don’t allow over-enthusiasm to get the better of your good sense – and money. Material gain through skillful manipulation of your resources is definitely on the cards at this time.
Mattia
Born on Saturday, 22 November 1980 at 12.00 in
You are a knowledgeable individual, blessed with a sense of humor and the ability to enjoy all kinds of people, no matter who or what they are. You are sufficiently detached not to become unduly impressed by those with whom you communicate. By the same token, people don’t take you seriously. You may not show it, but this does bother you. Perhaps this is why you may become interested in writing or teaching. Such a function carries credibility, so you know others will be affected by what you say and do. You need the approval people can give you.
You are extremely restless and need to be constantly on the go. You have nervous irritability when you are forced to stay in one place for very long. There is a conflict between what you know and what you feel, and an intellectual appraisal of a situation you are concerned with may really be an emotional evaluation. It is sometimes difficult for you to make a decision because of this. Logic and feeling make it difficult to find the solution to any problem you have to resolve.
Although you are well informed on many subjects, your lack of follow-through may make it difficult for you to pursue any of them long enough to benefit you. Your mind wanders here and there and everywhere. You are easily distracted by sudden, new fascinations, especially if they are novel or unique.
Your personal relationships may have greater difficulty in becoming established since you seem so disinterested in anything permanent. Perhaps you have a fear of losing your mobility when confined by emotional ties. It is probably better for you to form associations with others in the field of education or communication since they too would be as flexible as you, and good relationships without binding commitments could be established.
You eagerly ask questions of yourself and others, but you must not fail to gain answers. Hard, physical labor is not for you because you constitution, both psychological and physiological, is not geared for that kind of responsibility, and could not resist the deteriorating abuse it would cause you.
Ascendant in Aquarius. When Aquarius is the sign rising at the time of birth, the craving for independence is even more acute than for Sun-sign Aquarius, and the individual may have a distant air that makes it difficult to know him or her. The best quality of these Aquarians is their desire, even need, to help others. Properly employed, this characteristic can make it somewhat easier for them to open up and allow others to support them. Stubbornness and personal rigidity can be a considerable problem when Aquarius is the Ascendant.
Midheaven in Sagittarius. When Sagittarius is on the Midheaven in northern latitudes, Capricorn, Aquarius or Pisces is in the Ascendant. In southern latitudes, Aquarius or Pisces is ascending. This Midheaven sign brings a desire for mental stimulation and a love of philosophy. Capricorn rising can lead to a conflict between conventionality and the desire to be adventurous. The Aquarian need for independence will combine well with a freedom of spirit that is essentially Sagittarian.
Sun in Sagittarius. Optimistic, good-humored, and freedom-loving, Sagittarians can be over-exuberant and occasionally tactless. Challenge is important to them, and they are forever setting new targets for themselves. Their enthusiasm is enviably forceful, but restlessness can be a difficulty. Basic Personality. Sagittarians’ enthusiasm can often lead to risk-taking and foolhardiness. They will need to govern, if not curb, their ardor. The Sagittarian tendency to move swiftly from one task to another is a useful quality, but there can be a tendency to do too many things at the same time. They have great breadth of vision but often find details boring. Relationships. Claustrophobia is the enemy of Sagittarians, and any partnership in which the lover is possessive will be difficult. Relationships need to be based on shared intellectual pursuits. Sagittarians make wonderful parents because they encourage and stimulate their children. Sagittarian children are enthusiastic and should be encouraged to concentrate their zeal in one direction. Career. Challenge is essential where a career is concerned; publishing and the law are typical Sagittarian professions. They tend to learn languages easily, and make enthusiastic teacher and lecturers. Leisure. Sagittarians enjoy physical and intellectual travel. They love food and drink, and even with strict exercise regime tend to put on weight.
Moon in Gemini. Versatility is likely to be shown by people with their Moon in Gemini. They tend to read more than one book at a time, and never perform one task without trying at the same time to cope with another. This tendency may arise in relationships, and an emotional involvement with more than one person at a time is common; it will not, however, necessarily become a physical involvement. The first reaction of these people is likely to be a verbal one—often so rapidly expressed that it is incoherent. They are logical and rational, and there may be a conflict in their personality if other areas of the horoscope encourage them to be emotional and intuitive. People with a Gemini Moon need to understand these conflicting elements and to learn that the contrasting traits can complement each other. Logic can be tempered by intuition, and vice versa. Impatience and restlessness may be felt and there will be a great deal of nervous energy that will need positive expression. Nervous strain can sometimes lead to tension and digestive problems. Asthma could perhaps be inherent, which may be another result of undue tension. Positive aspects between the Moon and other personal planets will help stabilize the personality.
Mercury in Scorpio. This is usually an excellent placing, for Mercurial logic and rationally combines well with Scorpio intensity and intuition. Mercury is not very communicative from this sign, and the subject will be more inward-looking than usual, tending to conceal problems. Determination and a passion for getting to the core of problems will be a strong feature. Sagittarians usually dislike working in detail; this placing will moderate that failing, reducing impetuosity and regulating natural enthusiasm with a little caution. Mercury will slightly dampen (but by no means extinguish) Sagittarian fire, and is likely to sharpen the sense of humor. Scorpio adds depth to someone who is basically concerned with the overall breath of problems and situations.
Venus in Libra. Venus is strong from this sign, encouraging a romantic, idealistic view of love. There is a need for a partnership, and the subject may not feel “whole” until one is established. There may be a temptation to spend money in order to buy love. Sagittarians always enjoy the chase, but in this case will have a sense of romance that gives them a more loving attitude to their prey. There will be less emotional restlessness, and creature comforts and financial security will be important.
Mars in Capricorn. Mars in Capricorn will heighten an individual’s ambition, and help spur him or her on to personal goals. This configuration also bestows great physical energy and stamina—here are natural marathon runners or long-distance swimmers, rock-climbers, and mountaineers. These people tend to natural ambition, and an intense will to win that is likely to be expressed in their career as well as in sport. Motivated towards success, they enjoy power, and once they have reached the top of their particular “mountain”, no one is going to knock them off it. Their ambition can be so pervasive that they may neglect family and loved ones, and personal relationships may suffer. This is particularly likely if Mars receives negative aspects from Uranus, when the desire—even need—for power will be rampant. The health risk springing from this kind of attitude to life is exhaustion through over-work, so these individuals must allow themselves time to relax. From Capricorn, Mars also brings a solid realism: these people are good to have around when there is danger—they rarely make rash judgments or silly mistakes. This is also true with relationships—they always consider carefully before making a first move. People with Mars in Capricorn can be plagued by chills and feverish complaints stemming from sensitivity to changes of temperature.
Jupiter in Libra. This placing reveals an easy-going, casual, sympathetic, kindly, and completely charming person who loves comfort. If Jupiter receives a negative aspect from Venus, these qualities will be exaggerated and the person can become indolent and lazy, although still utterly charming, and capable of using that charm in order to contrive a luxurious lifestyle that will be supported by the hard work of others. However, these people have good minds under normal circumstances, and are capable of using them. They may be driven to uncharacteristic hard work by their need to make money in order to enjoy the comfortable, even luxurious, lifestyle that they require it they are to be happy. The comfort and luxury they attain will be shared generously, even extravagantly, with friends, and a person with Jupiter in Libra usually has a well-deserved reputation as a genial host. The love of entertainment felt by those with Jupiter in Libra stems partially from their hatred of loneliness, and they will cultivate both business and emotional partnerships. These individuals give a great deal of love and affection to partners, but they are not very independent, and often rely heavily on others. They need encouragement to develop their own potential and to stand alone. They often dislike exercise but should endeavor to be active, not only for their health and well-being, but because they enjoy rich food and need to work off the excess calories.
Saturn in Libra. Saturn is traditionally “well placed” in Libra, and indeed the qualities of the planet and the sign seem to have a strong affinity. Individuals born with this placing have a natural sense of justice, and powerful empathy with those who have been unfairly treated. They are impartial, flexible, and fair, and positively need to see justice done. Kindness is directed by common sense, and advice will always be offered tactfully and diplomatically. These people need a permanent emotional relationship, but often seem to go out of their way to avoid one, usually because they find it difficult to express their emotions freely. Occasionally there is deep-seated sexual inhibition. They may offer convincing practical excuses for not committing themselves, but one can usually be sure that the real reason lies much deeper than the excuse offered. Saturn in this position will sharpen the conscience, and when Libra prompts resentment at some supposed lack of gratitude in a friend, Saturn intervenes and does much to soften the bitterness that can be expressed. If Saturn receives any negative aspects, or makes a square or opposition to the Ascendant, intolerance may be shown towards partner or colleagues, especially if Saturn is in the seventh or tenth house. If it is in the fourth house, there may be discontent with the domestic situation, or perhaps a desire to move home frequently. Particular attention must always be shown to Saturn’s house position.
Uranus in Scorpio. The influence of Uranus is at its most intricate when working from Scorpio. The planet is exalted in this sign, so its strength will be increased dramatically. When its dynamic force is added to the emotional intensity of Scorpio, it will endow these individuals with extraordinary power. They will be brave and daring but tend to disguise this fact. They do not like to show emotion or lose control, and will always remain calm on the surface even if inwardly they are boiling with anger or disgust. It is very important for these subjects to use their emotions constructively—and for them to release them gradually so that positive achievements and inner satisfaction might be gained. Uranus was in Scorpio from 1975 to 1981, and those born during this period are still quite young. The most dramatic of this generation will have either a Sun or a Moon in Scorpio, or a Scorpio-Ascendant. They will feel a powerful need to influence the course of world events and many of them do so, sometimes by the most positive and telling arguments and actions, sometimes by behavior that is quite negative and destructive. Parents who have children with Uranus in Scorpio in their chart should try to help them recognize and avoid their tendency to feel depressed about problems such as poverty and environmental pollution, because this despair can turn to negative thinking and self destructive behavior.
Pluto in Libra. Sexual permissiveness and the relaxation of traditional moral values was a main theme during the period Pluto spent in Libra. The contraceptive pill brought freedom from the fear of pregnancy for many women, and consequently this was an era when the unfettered pursuit of erotic pleasure seemed a desirable and harmless end in itself. As far as the personal influence goes, Pluto spices up the somewhat placid temperament of Libra, but also increases the Libran tendency to cause problems just for the fun of solving them. This is particularly the case in emotional partnerships, where the pleasure of reconciliation is considered well worth a few hours of unproductive argument. This argumentative trait emerges when Libra is prominent or if Pluto is personalized, the possessiveness and jealous can be problematic in intimate relationships.
PLANETS THROUGH HOUSES
Fourth House. Moon. Security in their domestic life is extremely important to these people, and without a stable happy family background the subjects may function badly in all areas of life. In creating a secure home, the individuals must beware of creating claustrophobic conditions for loved ones. Due to the subjects’ love of home life, they may experience emotional upset when their children leave home.
Eighth House. Jupiter. A stimulating and exciting sex life is essential for these individuals. If their partner is not passionate and responsive, they may look elsewhere for sexual satisfaction. Financial gain through investment is strongly indicated by this placing of Jupiter, and if the planet is well aspected the subject will have a good head for business. If Jupiter occupies an earth sign in particular, extremely profitable investments are likely. Saturn. Those born with Saturn in the eight are disciplined thinkers, with outstanding powers of concentration. This placing also indicates an involvement in financial affairs, and these people are well suited to careers in banking or insurance. If Saturn is afflicted, there may be litigation regarding money or inheritances. Relationships may be marred by mistrust and jealousy, but in time the subjects will learn from their mistakes and should develop a more relaxed attitude to their partners. Pluto. When Pluto occupies the eighth house, intuition and logic will be happily combined. As a result, these people usually posses a shrewd business head, especially if the planet occupies Cancer or Virgo. This is the Scorpio/Pluto house, and the emotional level will be particularly high. However, the influence of Pluto may cause some repression, and sexual expression in particular may be blocked. Although these people can be very secretive, any emotional problems will only be resolved by discussion with their partner.
Ninth House. Venus. Travel is of great important to individuals born with Venus in the ninth house. These people often marry foreigners and move away from the country of their birth. A philosophical attitude to life may be apparent, along with an innate desire to make the world a better place to live in. If the subject is motivated and energetic (depending on the position of Mars), great efforts will be made to achieve this ambition, and they may work for a charity or in the peace movement. Mercury. Mercury is very sympathetically placed in the ninth house; the house concerned with the intellect, but there is likely to be a very strong desire to escape, resulting in a fascination with travel. These people are suited to work in libraries, book shops, art galleries, and universities, and those with a Sagittarian Sun sign or Ascendant will be eternal students. Uranus. People with Uranus in the ninth house tend to be original and brilliant thinkers. Their strong powers of intelligence are formidable, and they often possess scientific flair or unique literary talents. Constant mental stimulation is necessary—these people reach out to unique and exciting experiences with both hands. Travel is important to these individuals, and they will enjoy exotic and unusual experiences while broadening their horizons.
Tenth House. Sun. Ambition and a hunger for fame and recognition are typical of those born with the Sun in the tenth. One way or another, they need t make their mark, and they must feel a strong emotional commitment to the career they take up. Industrious and hardworking, these individuals will channel their formidable energy into their jobs, and will glean great satisfaction from hard work. The Sun sign is of great significance. If the Sun occupies a fire sign, these people will be full of energy and enthusiasm. From an earth sign, the Sun will bring practicality, from air, a likely intelligence, and from water, perception and intuition.
Eleventh House. Mars. Friendship is very important to these outgoing extroverts, and all the energy of Mars will be directed towards forming relationships. These individuals are lively and dynamic, bringing a sense of fun and excitement to every occasion. However, the more aggressive and argumentative side of Mars may bring a quarrelsome side to the personality. Faced with any display of suffering, they will be positive and combative, responding with action rather than sympathy. In affairs of the heart, Mars encourages detachment—independence is very important to these people.
¶ 9:41 AM 0 Comments
In
(Like THAT makes sense.)
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In
(Do they look different reversed?)
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Muslims are banned from looking at the genitals of a corpse. This also applies to undertakers. The sex organs of the deceased must be covered with a brick or piece of wood at all times.
(A brick?)
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The penalty for masturbation in
(Much worse than "going blind!")
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There are men in
And deflower young virgins, who pay
Them for the privilege of having sex
For the first time
Reason: under
(Let's just think for a minute; is there
Any job anywhere else in the world that even comes close to this?)
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In
The husband's illicit lover, on the other hand, may be killed in any manner desired.
(Ah! Justice!)
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Topless saleswomen are legal in
(But of course!)
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In Cali, Colombia, a woman may only have sex with her husband, and the first time this happens, her mother must be in the room to witness the act.
(Makes one shudder at the thought.)
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In
(I presume this was a big enough problem that they had to pass this law?)
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In
(Is this a great country or what?
Well, not as great as
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Banging your head against a wall uses
150 calories an hour.
(Who volunteers for this stuff?)
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Humans and dolphins are the only species that have sex for pleasure.
(Is that why Flipper was always smiling?)
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The ant can lift 50 times its own weight, can pull 30 times its own weight and
Always falls over on its right side
When intoxicated.
(From drinking little bottles of???)
(Did the government pay
For this research??)
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Butterflies taste with their feet.
(Ah, geez.)
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An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
(I know some people like that.)
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Starfish don't have brains.
(I know some people like that, too.)
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And, the best for last?
Turtles can breathe through their butts.
(And I thought I had bad
Breath in the morning!)
¶ 11:21 PM 0 Comments
