Where's my Snow?!

So, all through last night in San Francisco, it was pouring rain and the trees were swaying like CRAZY. I thought there was a good chance that I might just possibly DIE. But it was ok, because I thought it was all in preparation for SNOW. So, as you can all imagine, I was disappointed after being kept up ALL night by the pelts of rain (and possibly hail) against my window and the ANGRY roar of the wind, I woke up to bright SUNSHINE. SUN?!?! Really? Where did you come from?! How did the weather change so drastically during the last 3 hours when I finally fell asleep? But, most importantly, WHERE'S MY SNOW?

I was so soo ready to break out the rainboots (for I have no snowboots) and playing in the snow and maybe building a snowcow or two. As I'm typing this, the sun is peeping through my blinds, mocking me. Yes, the sun is MOCKING me. Why does the weather channel have to play tricks on me? Don't get my hopes up for nothing, that's like snatching candy away from a little poor innocent kid.

Where's my snow? All I wanted was to build a snowcow and perhaps kill two birds with one stone and get my daily dose of exercise. Is that too much to ask for?

Perhaps, I will be optimistic and hope that the snow is still coming. Although, I have never seen Mr. Sun gleaming as brightly and happily as he is right now. Does that mean snow's not coming?

Lesson 3: Interdependency

Question of the day: Is being too close to your partner or friend problematic? Is it better to be super independent or rely on your partner/friend all the time?
Answer: Neither. There's this term called interdependency and it's apparently the BEST type of relationship to have. So what is this interdependency?

Well...Interdependency- it sounds a little like DEPENDENCY, but also like INDEPENDENT...what??
It's exactly the combination of the two. Interdependency is the balance between dependency and independence. It allows for individuality as well as recognizing the needs of others (which is necessary to maintain close and healthy relationship).

Think about it, you wouldn't want to decide EVERYTHING for your partner or rely on them to choose EVERYTHING for you, right? It's important to have your own independent feelings and life while at the same time, remaining that intimacy with your significant other and building a relationship of trust and togetherness. This doesn't mean having separate lives; it just means having two joint lives (if that makes sense). You want to have your own friends, but also for your significant other to be a part of that life too. This concept can also be applied to a friendship.

I feel like this can perhaps be a controversial topic. Some may think that being together all the time is the BEST way to maintain intimacy, but one big problem that comes into play is jealousy. People need to balance being intimate and close, but also focus on being independent so individuals can develop, which is important for a healthy relationship.

Quick and Easy ways to Exercise and Stay Fit

If you’re lazy like me (or you just don't have the time to work out or run a mile (or two)), but still want to stay healthy and a (little bit) fit, try some of the techniques I use:

1. Laugh (I swear laughing works out my abs way more than crunches do)
2. Walk up stairs rather than ride the elevator any chance you get.
3. Dance around to music (Good way to wake yourself up, stay warm, and exercise! Dance till you break a sweat--which for me takes about 5 min  tops haha)
4. Stretch while watching T.V. (I rarely do this, but SOMETIMES when I do, it feels great)
5. Walk to as many places as you can instead of driving
6. Shopping! ( I mean, can you imagine how many miles you’re covering just by walking around the mall? And the more you buy, the more weights you’re lifting! Just kidding, but really, carrying around those shopping bags and even holding hangers up for a better look at cute clothes can work those muscles!)
7. Grocery Shopping (Not as fun as real shopping, but carrying back groceries by hand (and feet), instead of driving will definitely get the heart pumping and the muscles working!) 
8. Go for a brisk walk: If you ate too much and feel super full, going on a walk will help and it's exercise too! Plus, sometimes, it's just nice to go out on a walk-either by yourself or with a friend. Enjoy the view or the company or BOTH. It's also a good time to reflect on school, work, or life.

These are fast/quick ways to exercise a little bit and most of these can be done will multi-tasking!

Hopefully the tricks I use will help you as much as it has helped me :)

P.S If anyone has other tricks and options, please comment because I need ALL the exercise I can get without ACTUALLY exercising haha :) I'm a lazy poop

Lesson 2: Communicating Effectively

Using Communication to Increase Intimacy:

1. Look for the good in ur partner and give compliments
2. Praise ur partner as much as possible
3. Take time to listen, listen, listen,
4. Listen to understand, not judge
5. Make sure u understand waht the other is saying before commenting
6. Be assertive: share feelsings by using "I" statements
7. Share personal feelings
8. When an issue arise, avoid blaming each other and talk directly about how to deal with the issue differently
9. If the issue persists, focus on creating as many new solutions as u can and then try them one at a time

The best type of communication is assertive. Which means one expresses one's feelings, emotions, and thoughts. (You have the right to say what you think and your partner has the right to understand why you're acting a certain way and just to know what's going on in your head)

Postivite Influence of Assertiveness:

-Increase in Self confidence
-Decrease in avoidance/partner dominance
-Feel better about partners/themselves
-Able to express feelings
-Increased level of intimacy
-Ask for waht they want and therefore, more likely to get it


P.S. Once again, feel free to comment/ask any questions <3

Biebcut

Sooo..Bieber got a haircut and the consensus of whether he looks younger or older are still up in the air. Personally, I've always thought his hair looked a bit like a helmet that he just plopped on his head and never takes off. However, I'm not sure I like the new do either. I've never noticed how THICK his eyebiebs (brows) were. Well, I mean I couldn't SEE his eyebrows with that helmet on!! But, Bieber is still the Biebster and it was for a good cause, so no need to mourn!! Bieb's publicist is a damn good one! I mean who really could have predicted how his fans will react to the new cut? But no one can really complain if his locks are going towards charity! I wonder if this new Biebcut will catch on? What do you guys think?

http://ll-media.tmz.com/2011/02/21/0221-justin-bieber-hair-cut-ex-launch-credit.jpg

WebSites I Visit

FML

For those of you who’ve never heard of FML, it’s a site where people post all the sucky things that has happened. As bad as this sounds, it really makes you feel better about yourself when you read about a terrible experience someone else went through. It really makes me think, “Wow, boy am I glad that’s not me”. Sometimes the posts are just soo ridiculous and probably not true, but still funny to read. I also just ignore some or skip over the posts that are like, wtf? Most posts are about 1 line or 2, so it’s just a quick way to laugh a little and never fails to make me appreciate my life.

http://www.fmylife.com

KevJumba
So, I’ve been a KevJumba fan for about 4 years now. I watch his Youtube videos whenever I’m bored or feeling down because he’s so HILARIOUS!! It makes me feel better since laughter cures all. I feel like he’s also a pretty good role model and a lot of his videos, while funny have significant meanings behind them. When I watch his videos, I literally LAUGH OUT LOUD.

 I think it’s pretty amazing how he was able to make it so big; it gives everyone else hope to achieve whatever they set their minds to.

Below is a link to one of his videos if you want to check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgV89H4jevI

CLOTHES

Forever21

Shopping never fails to make a girl happy! What can be better than online shopping? Sometimes when I have extra time in the mornings before class, I’ll just go on their website and browse for anything cute or good deals.

http://www.forever21.com/

GoJane

One of my roommates told me about this site. They sell clothes and shoes online. Some of their boots look a lot like the ones from Cathy Jean, so if you’re a fan, check GoJane out!

http://www.gojane.com

ModCloth

I see ModCloth’s link on Facebook pretty often. Many of their dresses are SOOOO cute!! Like, super cutee, but a little pricey…

http://www.modcloth.com

Lesson 1: Anger/Conflict Resolution

1. So always remember anger is a “normal” emotion, one that we all feel at times, but that is NOT a BENEFICIAL emotion—especially when we act out of anger.

2. Resolve Conflicts Early: If decision that should be made is not made, this could lead to the development of a problem, which would then need to be solved. If problem not solved, it could lead to a crisis, which is more difficult to resolve.
3. Rules for Fighting Fair:

1.      Avoid Ultimatums

2.      Say what you really mean, instead of beating around the bush or lying.

3.      Use “I” Statements

4.      Don’t try to guess what the other person is thinking or feeling, JUST ASK.

5.      Never use sex to smooth over a disagreement: the other partner will feel pressured into the decision and resent their partner later on.

6.      Refuse to fight dirty: No verbal abuse, Pretending things are ok when they’re not, etc.

7.      Resist giving the silent treatment: Conflict doesn’t go away by itself—in fact, it may increase anger in the other person

8.      Focus on the PRESENT issue

9.      Call time-out: when arguments get too intense (remember to come back to it after both have cooled down!)

10.  Always go for closure: make sure the conflict is resolved.

        Facts about Anger: 

-Anger is a feeing
-Universal
-nonexpression lead to increased risk off coronary disease
-Venting of anger "catharsis" only value when sets stage for resolution
-aggression does not lead to resolution
-anger directed toward those close to us

Myths:

-Venting "releases" anger
-women get less angry than men
-some people never get angry
-anger always results from frustrations
-active sports/competitive work "release" anger


Ask PinkFlyingCow: If anyone has questions, feel free to comment and I will help in anyway I can!

Ask PinkFlyingCow

Hey Guys,

So I’m taking a really interesting class that teaches and prepares people to have healthy intimate relationships now and for marriage. I thought it’d be interesting to post some “Lessons” about what I’m learning so y’all can benefit from what I’m going to class and learning about! Hopefully it’ll help improve some relationships—whether it be intimate ones or friendships. All my posts will be based off of a combination of what I learned in class and through the text ( Marriage and Families-Intimacy, Diversity, and Strengths by Olson, DeFrain, and Skogrand) and of course my own insights/experiences! I’ll include a Ask PinkFlyingCow section at the end of each lesson if anyone has questions that need to be answered :)

Likes and Yikes at the Grammies

Like: Selena Gomez

I thought Selena Gomez wore a really pretty, classy, and age appropriate dress. It wasn’t over –the- top sexy like the way a lot of teen pop stars prefer to dress. The crème gown flattered her body and at the same time was elegant.

http://fabulousbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/selena-gomez-grammys-2011_prphotos.jpg

Yikes: Lady Gaga

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Lady Gaga and many of her songs are incredible, but an egg? Really..an egg?! I feel like now-a-days, she’s going over- board with the outrageous factor. I totally support individuality and believe that people should definitely not conform to the norm, but I thought arriving in an egg with people carrying you like a King was a little over-the-top—even for Lady Gaga. Besides, her exit out of said egg wasn’t as dramatic as I would’ve thought; she merely just stepped out of it! What do you guys think?

http://www.dailystab.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/lady-gaga-egg-grammys-2011-lg.jpg

Short People Pants Please

I am NOT a tall person, so inevitably I have trouble finding pants that fit me. I just don’t understand why stores make their jeans and pants soo super long. I mean, I don’t see a lot of Amazonic women running around, so why don’t they ever have jeans for short people? The model body is a minority, not the majority and you would think stores would want to cater to the majority. As one of my super duper funny roomies would say, “Do you have these jeans in human size? I’m not a giraffe.” My response? Holla girll, holla.

Caption: What I am NOT

http://ih1.redbubble.net/work.137614.15.flat,550x550,075,f.baby-giraffe.jpg

Bieliebe in What You Want

So some have been criticizing Justin Bieber about his biebliefs on abortion. So he doesn't support a woman's right to abort. Other people don't either, but just biebcause he's famous, people scrutinize his every move and every word and judge him for it. We live in America and we exercise the right to have different biebliefs. For people who so strongly bieblieve in our right to free speech, we sure don't give celeBIEBlities the right to speak their minds. Famous people, like Bieber are also average, normal, everyday humans; we don't have to agree with them, but we also don't have to right to attack them for it either. They have every right to think whatever they want, just like anyone else.

Biebernary

So right now, I'm really into Justin Bieber...or more specifically his NAME, I guess. Not going to lie, he has one of the biebest (bestest) names around! There are soooo many Biebwords that my friends and I have thought of! His name is pretty biebtacular, not to mention his songs are also biebtastic. Love him or hate you, you gotta admit that his songs are pretty damn catchy and even non-bielibers find themselves humming to his songs. 


I don't even understand why people dislike him. I mean, have y'all seen him?! Biebsides, he can dance and sing at the same time, pretty bieberific if you ask me. Sure, his Baby song sounds a little feminine, but that was BEFORE he went through puberty! Since then, his voice has deepened a little, so give the Biebster a little more time! Other than that I don't understand WHY people dislike him. I mean WHY? He's biebnificent!