Bento 82: Beef & Brocoli



Too yummy and really cute.
I love my little monkey.

Whatcha Think About That



Whatcha Think About That by Pussycat Dolls featuring Missy Elliott

(Ladies)
So if your dude aint actin right,
You tell that dude he got to go,
If that dude be clamin that he broke,
You tell that dude he got to go
If he wants you to stay in the house everyday and night,
You tell that dude he got to go
If he wants to run the streets,
Then you run the streets to and you tell him he got to go

Baby, Baby somebody's gonna cry tonight,
Baby (baby), Baby (baby), but it won't be my tears tonight
(Lets go!)
So whatcha think about that,
Whatcha think about it,
So whatcha think about that, that, that (oh baby)

Verse 1:
Tonight we're gonna switch up,
I'll do you, you do me,
Tonight your gonna stay home while I run the streets

What do you, what do you, what do you, what do you think about that baby,
What do you, what do you, what do you, what do you think about that?

Baby!, Imma let you play my part,
So you can feel a broken heart,
Let me just talk, make sure that you call
So I can say it

Baby, Baby somebody's gonna cry tonight,
Baby (baby), Baby (baby), but it won't be my tears tonight
So whatcha think about that,
Whatcha think about it,
So whatcha think about that, that, that (oh baby)

Tonight your gonna call me a thousand times,
Tonight I'mma make up a thousand lies

How do you, How do you, How do you, How do you feel about that baby,
How do you, How do you, How do you, How do you feel about that?

Baby, Imma let you play my part,
So you can feel a broken heart,
Let me just talk, make sure that you call
So I can say it!

Baby, Baby somebody's gonna cry tonight (that's right),
Baby (baby), Baby (baby), but it won't be my tears tonight, oh

So whatcha think about that, (oh)
Whatcha think about it, (oh)
So whatcha think about that, that, that (oh baby)

Missy:
Okay!
Hol up, whatchu think about that,
You wear the dress and I put on your slacks,
Tonight I'm goin out and ain't comin back,
You ain't gonna get no more pussycat,
See me in the club I'm out with my girls,
Do like you do when your out with your goods,
Up in the club its just me and my girls
Play like Katy Perry kissin on girls,
Now you can't eat or sleep,
And now you in the house thinking about me,
And now I do what you do to me,
And now I love to see you weeping

Baby, Baby (baby) somebody's gonna cry tonight (somebody's gonna cry to tonight)
Baby (baby), Baby (baby), but it won't be my tears tonight, oh

So whatcha think about that, (oh)
Whatcha think about it, (tell me)
So whatcha think about that, that, that (oh baby)

(Oooooo baby, hey)

(Ladies)
So if your dude aint actin right,
You tell that dude he got to go,
If that dude be clamin that he broke,
You tell that dude he got to go
If he wants you to stay in the house everyday and night,
You tell that dude he got to go
If he wants to run the streets,
Then you run the streets to and you tell him he got to go

(baby, baby)
Oh baby, somebody gonna cry tonight, oh, somebody gonna cry tonight, baby!


**Get the feeling I'm down on boys right now?**

Me Myself & I



"Me, Myself And I"

You know he was the type that never left me alone.
Untill I really need to reach him on the telephone.
He was nowhere to be found he's hangin out with the boys.
Drivin over in the city in his pretty new toy.

Never gonna get it together (Uh huh, Uh huh)
Never gonna get any better (Uh huh, Huh)
Should I stay or should I go because I really need to know, or do I stick around and cry 'cuz now it's time to say goodbye? (please baby,
please baby. please baby)

I ain't got nobody that I can depend on, just me myself and I.
I ain't got nobody that I can depend on.

Then there was the one who couldn't make up his mind.
He's always checkin every chickie at the checkout line.
He told me baby I'm just lookin, but I never would touch.
Then I catch him with Alicia at the back of the bus.

Never gonna get any better (Uh huh, Uh huh)
Never gonna get it together (Uh huh, Uh huh)
Should I stay or should I go because I really need to know or do I stick around and cry 'cuz now it's time to say goodbye? (Please baby,
please baby. Please baby, please baby)

I ain't got nobody that I can depend on, just me myself and I.
I ain't got nobody that I can depend on, just me myself and I.
I ain't got nobody that I can depend on, I said me myself and I.
I ain't got nobody that I can depend on.

2-4-6-8 Why dont you appreciate me?
Adios Amigo
Bye bye (please baby, please baby)
Me me me, that's the way it's supposed to be (please baby, please baby)
Can you believe this?

I ain't got nobody that I can depend on, just me myself and I.
I ain't got nobody that I can depend on, just me myself and I.
I ain't got nobody (uh huh) that I can depend on, just me myself and I.
I ain't got nobody that I can depend on, I said me myself and I.
I ain't got nobody that I can depend on, just me myself and I.
I ain't got nobody that I can depend on, just me myself and I.


Or you could check out Fun For Mobile to pick it up as a ring tone

Daily Rituals

Ritual is a wonderful way to connect with the elements, the Gods, and all who have ever worshipped them, and all who ever will. But there is no need to wait until the Full Moon or the next Sabbat to make this connection. Opportunities abound in our everyday lives. As magickal beings, every intentional action we take is a magickal act.

While there are no hard and fast rules, generally Pagan rituals consist of the following steps: creating sacred space, inviting the four elements into the sacred space, inviting the God and Goddess, a statement of purpose for the ritual, the body of the ritual, cakes and ale, thanking the elements and deities for joining, and then closing the circle.

The following are suggestions, based on the outline of a Pagan ritual, for creating (or rather noticing) magick at work in your daily life.

Creating Sacred Space: Every night before going to bed, tidy up your room and make sure there are pleasant things to look at as you go to sleep: a piece of art, photographs of loved ones, spiritual objects, etc. Say goodnight to the God and Goddess, thank them for what you have learned that day, and ask that solutions to problems you are working on come to you while you sleep. Center and ground as you lie in bed, releasing all tension and worry. Feel the peace spread outward filling the whole room, creating the sacred space to enjoy as you sleep.

Calling the Quarters: Get out of bed and walk outside or open a window. Face east. Raise your arms and stand with your legs apart so that you form a star. Stretch and take a deep breath, following that breath as it goes deep into your lungs and hold it. Really experience the Air. Let the breath out, and as you continue to breathe, think of those things which you associate with Air (freedom, youth, beginnings, intelligence, etc). Feel the air cleanse you and become part of you. Light some incense if you like. Thank the Spirits of Air.

Depending on the time of day and the weather either light a candle or feel the sun shining down on you. Feel the warmth. Draw the warmth into your body. Feel its healing power, feel it energize you and burn away negativity.

As you take a shower or wash your face consciously feel the Water as it flows over you and through your fingers. Let it fill you with a deep sense of calm and security. Feel the Goddess' love and nurturance.

Stand outside and feel the Earth beneath your feet, if possible feel it with your hands as well. If you can't go outdoors hold a large stone or crystal in your hands. You could also place your hands on the Earth in a large potted plant. Ground yourself, feeling your roots growing down into the Earth. Feel the solidity and silence of the Earth. Let it fill you with strength and confidence and the wisdom of the ages.

Welcoming the God and Goddess: Practice a morning devotional ritual daily and you will begin to see things in a new light. There are many different forms a morning devotional ritual can take. At the least it consists of a self-blessing, a connection with the elements or the Gods. A simple self-blessing can be done by anointing each major body area with your finger. You can anoint yourself with oil or Holy water. Here is a common self-blessing, which I believe is based on the Five-fold Kiss:

Top of head - Bless me Lord and Lady (God and Goddess, or specific names) for I am your child. Third eye - Bless my mind that I may know of your truth and wisdom. Throat - Bless my voice that I may speak with kindness. Heart - Bless my heart that I may feel your love and allow your light to shine forth. Genitals - Bless my womb (or phallus) that I may be creative and productive. Knees - Bless my knees that kneel at the sacred altar. Feet - Bless my feet that they lead me always on the path of right and reverence. Hands - Bless my hands that they be instruments of creation and healing. Top of head again - Bless me with your presence this day Lord and Lady for I am your child.

This blessing can be modified to fit particular circumstances of your daily life. If you need to make a speech one day you could say something like "Bless my voice that I may speak with eloquence and surety". If you have a test coming up you could say, "Bless my mind that I may think clearly and remember well."

Body of the Ritual: Find the magick in the "mundane". Magick is change. Take notice of changes that occur throughout the day and let them fill you with wonder.

Think of the elements while going about your normal everyday business. Consciously connect with the elements wherever and whenever you encounter them. Experience the Air as you watch the trees sway and the clouds and birds move across the sky. Even as you feel Air blowing from a fan or heating or cooling duct know that the Spirits of Air are with you. As you drive your car, think about the magick of Fire keeping the engine running. When you eat a hot meal or drink a hot beverage the Spirit of Fire touches you and you are energized. Experience the element of Water as you put a load of laundry in the washing machine, drive through the rain, pour a glass of water or fix a cup of tea. Throughout the day whenever you walk on the Earth or even on pavement feel the Earth beneath your feet. Consciously connect with Her and feel that solid strength.

Releasing tension and anger: Take a swim, let the soothing waters of Mother Earth's womb wash your troubles and anger away. Take a ritual bath - do some research into aromatherapy and use appropriate oils in the bath.

If a ritual bath or swim are not convenient, hold your hands under running water for a minute or put a bit of water in the basin and feel the tension and negativity drain from you hands into the water. Adding a pinch of salt to the water helps. Focus your anger into a spot in the air in front of you, encase it in a bubble and envision it floating away. Take time for yourself and don't feel guilty about it.

Do a grounding exercise. Touch, sit, or lie on the Earth and send your anger down into the fiery core of the Earth where it will be burned away.

Healing energies are all around us - in the Earth, the Moon, the Sun, plants and trees, rocks - everywhere. When you are feeling weak, draw these energies into yourself.

Cakes and Ale: Every meal is an opportunity to reconnect with the Gods and the elements. Before you eat, pause a moment and either think or say the following:

For the seeds that grew them, For the cows that gave the milk, for the chickens, that laid the eggs, For the lives of the animals whose bodies will nourish ours, For those who planted and tended, For the Wind, the Sun, the Rain, and the Earth that nourished them, For those who harvested, milked, gathered and slaughtered, For those who carried, prepared and delivered, I thank you Lord and Lady (or God and Goddess, or specific names)

The food blessing should be modified according to the type of food you will eat. The idea is to acknowledge all the hard work and sacrifice that went into your meal. It is thanking the seeds, animals, plants, etc. themselves as well as the Gods for all that we have. As you say the blessing aloud or in your head, envision someone sowing seeds, milking the cow, kneading the bread.

You may chose to make a libation to the Gods occasionally or even for each meal. When choosing your offering remember you are making a libation to the Gods to thank them for providing your meal and to show them you trust them to provide you with food in the future. Therefore, a libation should include the nicest pieces of each type of food. These should be carefully placed on a plate, not just heaped into a bowl. The entire plate can be set outside under a tree or in some bushes, or carefully slide the food from the plate onto the Earth. Liquid libations are poured directly onto the ground. Some people reserve a special place in their yards for leaving libations, or you could leave them in various places till you find one that feels right.

Closing the Circle: A ritual bath can be a way to prepare for ritual, a ritual by itself, or a wonderful way to unwind at the end of the day. Here is one way to prepare a ritual bath. Feel free to modify it and/or add oils of your choice.

You will need incense, a dish of salt, a white candle, and a pitcher of water (if possible, rain, ocean, stream or spring water is best). Fill the tub. Light the candle. Turn out the lights.

Wave the incense in a deosil motion above the bath while saying, "Spirits of Air, bless this Water. Help me breathe away any thoughts that cloud my mind. Blessed be."

Move the candle deosil above the bath while saying, "Spirits of Fire, bless this Water. Your inspiration is felt in all acts of creativity. Let me feel my creative energies renewed. Blessed be."

Again, moving deosil, pour the pitcher of water into the bath and say, "Spirits of Water, bless this bath. As you are the tears of the sorrow and the joy of the Mother, flowing from Her as the tides and the rain, let me feel the love of the Mother in these Waters. Blessed be."

Sprinkle the salt into the bath with a deosil motion (three pinches is good), "Spirits of Earth, bless this Water. Cleanse away fears and stress as I enter. Let me feel the warm embrace of the Mother Earth. Blessed be."

Stay as long as you like and feel the stress drain away. The ritual bath can also be a good place to meditate.

Meditation: Meditation should be part of a daily magickal practice. Set aside minimum 15 minutes a day for meditation. It is a major component to magickal and spiritual growth. As with all magickal practices, the key is consistency, doing it on a regular basis. The more you meditate, the deeper you will become acquainted with yourself, the Gods, and the powers of the Universe which are available to you.

Journaling: Just before bed is a good time to write in your journal. Include any messages or revelations which came as a result of meditation. Also include any changes in your perception of the world. Try to write in your journal every day so that it becomes a habit, even if it is only a line or two.

Dreams: If you want to remember your dreams better, say so aloud before you go to sleep: "I will dream tonight and I will remember my dreams in detail." To increase your chance for meaningful dreams that you can remember, get enough sleep, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sleeping aids.

Write your dreams down in a separate dream journal as soon as you wake up. Keep a pen and light handy so you can record dreams when you wake up in the middle of the night without waking yourself or anyone else up too much.

Honesty: In 'The Spiral Dance', Starhawk wrote, "Those who would practice magic must be scrupulously honest in their personal lives. In one sense, magic works on the principle that 'it is so because I say it is so.' A bag of herbs acquires the power to heal because I say it does. For words to take on such force, I must be deeply and completely convinced that it is identified with truth as I know it. If I habitually lie to my lovers, steal from my boss, pilfer from supermarkets, or simply renege on my promises, I cannot have that conviction...To a person who practices honesty and keeps commitments, 'As I will, so mote it be' is not just a pretty phrase; it is a statement of fact."

Magickal Vows: All of us could use some improvement. Whether it is developing a good habit (meditating, exercising, eating better, smiling more, reading) or getting rid of a bad one (smoking, passing rumors, complaining), we do not always need an elaborate ritual to accomplish our goals.

As part of your regular Esbat ritual, start a new habit of making "Lunar Vows". A Lunar Vow is something you promise the Gods you will do for a month. Such as, "I vow, before the Gods this lunar cycle, to finish reading Drawing Down the Moon" or "I vow, before the Gods this lunar cycle, to say something nice to someone at least once a day".

Write the vow in your journal and keep track of your progress.

Samhain - Solitare Ritual

This Ritual shall be performed during the evening hours, sometime after Sunset. Sweep area, starting in the North and moving deosil, with your magickal broom to cleanse the Circle area and "sweep away" any lingering negative energies. Set up the Quarter candles (North-Green, East-Yellow, South-Red, West-Blue) and/or other items symbolizing the elements at the Four Quarters. Set up your altar as desired, and face it to the North, covering it with the orange-and-black altar cloth. Place all of the items listed below in their proper places upon it. For this ceremony, decorate the altar with photographs, obituaries and other mementos of loved ones who have passed on (Family, Friends and Pets), and whatever else feels right. In addition to your usual tools and props, upon the altar should be:
Orange and/or Black Altar Cloth Photographs, Obituaries and other Mementos from Loved Ones (Family, Friends and Pets) who have passed on... Three Candles in Holders for the Triple Goddess (1 White, 1 Red, and 1 Black - placed on the Left side of the Altar)
Three Candles in Holders for the Triple God (1 Yellow, 1 Green, and 1 Black - placed on the Right side of the Altar)
Cauldron with a Black Candle inside An Apple and a Bolline (or other Sharp Knife to cut it with) Food and Drink of your choice for sharing the Feast with the Departed Ones... Incense, Autumnal Blend using any combination of the following, or simply use one alone:
Mint, Nutmeg, Sage, Apple, and Heliotrope
When all is set up, take a shower or bath for purification and don your ritual robe or other ritual attire. Be sure to wear your magickal jewelry. Sit quietly and meditate for a little while - to ground and center before beginning the Ritual. When you feel ready to begin, play some quiet peaceful music for the ritual.


Cast the Circle... Sit quietly meditating within the cast Circle for a little while... When you feel ready, begin by turning to the three candles on the left side of the altar, saying:
"I light three candles for the Triple Goddess... ...the Great Lady of Three Aspects.”
Light the White Candle, saying:
"Glorious Maiden, Goddess of youth and new beginnings, dawn, and the planted seed...
Light the Red Candle, saying:
"Great Mother, Goddess of magick and plenty, love and knowledge."
Light the Black Candle, saying:
"Dark Crone, wise Goddess of the night, death and rebirth. I welcome the Goddess in all Her forms."
Turn to the three candles on the right side of the altar, saying:
"I light three candles for the Triple God... ...Great Lord of many faces.
Light the Yellow Candle, saying:
"Bright Sun King, God of success and plenty..."
Light the Green Candle, saying:
"Horned God of the Woodlands, God of fertility and growth..."
Light the Black Candle, saying:
"Dark Lord of the Underworld, God of protection and rest... I welcome the God in all His forms."
With the Wand in your power hand, tap the Cauldron five times. Raise your arms over the altar and say:
"Dark Goddess, Lord of Death, I ask Your blessings. Lift the Veil for me so that I may greet my Loved Ones who have passed on, Friends, family and pets who have gone ahead into your realms. Let only those who wish me well enter this Circle.”
Touch the plate (or basket) of food with the Wand, saying:
"This is the night of the Feast of the Dead, the night of the wheel-turning year that brings us to the Thin Veil. The gates between the worlds stand open this night. I honor my Loved Ones whose voices come to me on the whispering wind. The Veil is lifted this night so that all may once more rejoice together in fellowship. All those who wish me well, welcome to my Circle As we eat, may we remember the eternal presence of the Gods, and may we remember that what we call death is but a fleeting existence in the cycle of birth, death and rebirth."
Place the plate (or basket) of food on the Pentacle. Light the black candle in the Cauldron, say:
"I ask all who have gathered here to join me in this feast. This is a time of remembrance of all those gone into the realm of the Dark Mother and the Dark Lord. May I always have good health, prosperity and happiness.”
Eat a little of the food and drink some of the fruit juice. Anything left after the ritual must be placed outside or buried.
Sit silently now and think of family, friends, and pets who have departed this Earth. Pick up and look at the photographs. Savor this time with them. When you feel that you are finished, say:
"The Thin Veil has been lifted. My Loved Ones have come to the Feast of the Dead. I thank them for their presences and words of comfort."
Pick up the apple and say these words:
"Beautiful Maiden, you are the dispenser of the seed of life, Life that awaits, hidden in the Sacred Cauldron. Fruitful Mother, your ripeness of power nurtures the seed Bringing it into existence and helping it grow. Dark Mother, your Magick Cauldron is the well of death and rebirth, An experience each of us undergoes again and again. Let there be no fear in me, for I know your gentleness. Here is the secret symbol of life in death and death in life, the hidden, mystical symbol of the Triple Goddess."
Cut the apple crosswise to reveal the hidden pentagram in the core. Incline your head toward the altar and say:
"My deepest thanks to the Triple Ladies, and to the Triple Lords. May I always walk in peace beside you."
Eat part of the apple. Place the remainder outside (after you have completed your ritual) as an offering to the birds and animals.
Turn back to the Goddess candles and say:
"The Wheel of the Year has turned, the harvest has come again. I have sown many thought-seeds since last Samhain. Let the good be harvested; Let those that would hinder or harm me be cast aside. The Triple Goddess has covered me with Her gentle hands, guided my steps, heard my desires. For this I give Her honor and love."
Turn to the God candles and say:
"The Wheel of the Year has turned, the harvest has come again. Once more I stand before the Thin Veil, before the gates that divide the worlds. The Triple God has protected me with His sword, guided my steps, heard my desires. For this I give Him honor and love."
Now tap the Pentacle gently with your Wand, saying:
"Give me clear knowledge of the path I am to follow. Hear my desires, O Great Ones! Guide me and protect me. Lead me to greater knowledge and fulfillment."
Sit in silence while you ask what you need of the Gods. Also listen for spirit guidance that may come from those in the Summerland. When you feel you are finished, say:
""All love and honor to the Great Goddess and the Horned God! Blessed Be!"
When you have finished, the time has now come to Release the Circle.
Now is the time for meditation and any spellworkings you may need or desire to end your Sabbat celebration... Appropriate Spellwork to consider for this turn in the Wheel of the Year is any for protection and neutralizing harm - these are particularly warranted at this time of year, because Samhain is considered to be a good time to boost your confidence and security.
If no spellwork is to be done at this time, then proceed with the Cakes and Ale Ceremony, followed by Releasing the Magick Circle.

Book: Kindred in Death




JD Robb (Nora Roberts)
Mystery
Putnam Adult / 2009
Hard Back / 384 Pages
Series #30

When the newly promoted captain of the NYPSD and his wife return a day early from their vacation, they were looking forward to spending time with their bright and vivacious sixteen-year-old daughter who had stayed behind.

Not even their worst nightmares could have prepared them for the crime scene that awaited them instead. Brutally murdered in her bedroom, Deena's body showed signs of trauma that horrified even the toughest of cops; including our own Lieutenant Eve Dallas, who was specifically requested by the captain to investigate.

When the evidence starts to pile up, Dallas and her team think they are about to arrest their perpetrator; little do they know yet that someone has gone to great lengths to tease and taunt them by using a variety of identities. Overconfidence can lead to careless mistakes. But for Dallas, one mistake might be all she needs to bring justice.


I picked this book up because series

What I liked the Most? My abso favorite police woman is back - with all her massively quirky snarky behaviours. I just love the fact that Eve doesn't get the whole girl bonding thing. Friend Credits & Sex Credits.

What I liked the Least? The story line didn't hold me as tight as it normally does.

Review: You know I have to say - I am so very glad I don't stalk books. LOL. I walked into the book store this morning & bam there it was - all pretty & shiny - such a wonderful pleasant surprise. If I was a stalker, I would have already had it. Now, less than 24 hours later, my review.

I love the In Death books - consistently well written and entertaining - with the most diverse cast of characters I've ever encountered. I honestly look at each book as an opportunity to catch up on old friends and possibly make some new friends. In this installment, you get to actually catch up with the usual characters - but also the wonderfully brillant Jamie (still wanting to be an e-cop much to Roarke's disappointment), Louise makes a brief solo appearance before the wedding, and of course Mavis.

I do encourage caution with this book, however, the crime scene was extremely graphic & perhaps not exactly the easiest thing to read. I'm not certain if it was the lack of comic relief (no banter with McNab - few snark swipes to Sommerset - etc) that made it even harder to deal with or if was just the content of the story. I do know that I was extremely disappointed with the actual mystery - because there wasn't one. This book had a lot of plodding police proceduralwith a dash of lucky breaks they had, I missed the more personal interactions.

Recommended to: This far into it - Fans of the series

Best Quote: "The cop and the criminal—former—he qualified, as bloody normal as Peace Day potato salad."

Challenges: 100+

Book: Wealth From Within



Lori Culwell
Self Help
Get Creative / 2009
Quality Paper back / 159 Pages

Experts agree: we are on the verge of a huge shift in consciousness, starting with the way we perceive and use energy in our lives. If you've been practicing the law of attraction faithfully and are still not seeing the object of your desires, you might be missing a key piece of the puzzle. When you make the connection and get "in the flow," you will be surprised at how quickly things start to fall into place. Shift your own consciousness now to be the start of the much-needed economic turnaround!

With a historical and practical perspective that will increase your understanding of energy itself, "Wealth from Within" bridges the gap between consciousness and visualization/manifestation. Straightforward and simple to understand and apply, this book will help you connect with your own energy supply to get back "in the flow."


I picked this book up because Review

What I liked the Most? The writing style

What I liked the Least? Some of the comments in the book - do this because this famous person said so.
Alicia Silverstone = vegan
Oprah = Spirit channel playlist
Tiger Woods = Daily Meditation

Review:Okay I'm confused - I'm a seeker and I am constantly looking for the next level in my life. And this book was supposed to be the missing piece of the "Secret" puzzle unlocking the door to how to make your life better/fuller/richer. But that's not what I got from reading this book. Now don't get me wrong - if you want a crash course in various meditation or visualization techniques so you can try the several ones provide to find the one that works for you and some people need that. For me - it was a little less than likeable, maybe it's because I am already past the simple techniques listed here.

Recommended to: Someone needing a crash course

Best Quote: "Maybe the people who say these things don't eat enough meat to be grounded." I was absolutely beside myself when I read this.

Challenges: