Weekend Retreat

I'm heading to the hills with a friend for 4 days of relaxation and fun! Lots of good things planned like 2 hikes (going to the teahouse even though its now closed), the upper hot springs, yoga and Qi Gong, chick flicks, presecco, and whatever else we decide. I can't wait. My cold is officially gone so I'm in ship-shape (minus my chapped lip that the kids keep pointing to and saying "ow-ee"). I'm hoping there isn't too much snow on the teahouse hike, I'm bringing a thermos full of tea just in case. We thought about horse back riding on the trails but its a bit pricey and anyone who knows me, knows it would be close to a miracle to get me on the back of a horse again! The last time I was on a horse on those same trails was with my dad, and my 'gentle' horse took off from the group running for an open area before we even got started. Feckers. All of them. But I did enjoy the ride after that because its really quite 'beginner'. I always swore I'd be a great bull rider because I've had to hang on to crazy, ornery horses like that who bolt without a second's notice! Happy week-ending everyone.

Narcissism

I am just learning that I know 2 people who fit this profile like the DSM-IV was written about them! I've known their behaviors were frustrating, annoying, and suspected this was not your average person, and I'm not the only one...I just never dove in enough to find the label or the name for it. Well I did this week and it's called narcissism! I always thought that was such a 'Hollywood' kind of term and not really 'legit'. But when I read definitions and descriptions about it, wow! Does it ever fit! It is SO real! But, and here comes the but, as I search more for info about how to 'deal' with people like this, sadly, the outlook is dim. Not surprising when the key traits of narcissism are all about 'me me me'...these people don't realize or think they have a problem. And they get rage-y and uber defensive if confronted or questioned or challenged, even if done so in the gentlest of ways. Oh, and I know THAT from previous experience! Yikes. Their lack of empathy or consideration for others, and I mean authentically, not the put-on-a-good-show kind, made me furious in the past and lose respect. But...now that I am armed with info, I understand that it's a disorder and one that they will likely not get help for, so coping becomes key. Stroke the ego and frame things in a way that will make them feel like the superior being that they believe they are. All the time knowing yourself that this is just a way to manage your interaction with them in order to survive. I can do that. I've already learned by trial and error over the years to just be quiet and listen (not like they'd stop to ask about you anyway), limit your interactions, keep your expectations LOW, and most importantly, to not share anything personal or meaningful with them. It's a shame but it also comes down to survival. And I'm a survivor. Otherwise, you'll go crazy trying to form an actual TWO-WAY relationship with them, it won't happen unless it works for them. And as you can see, that defeats the purpose. Opportunistic. Anyway, I feel a weight lifted off of me just learning about this and having some coping skills in my interpersonal tool box. Relief! If you're interested, do a google search using the key word 'narcissism'...at the very least it's interesting stuff!

Thanksgiving blessings

This year, I am so thankful for all of these great connections and reconnections with people and friends that I've been experiencing lately. And its really just been happening over the past few weeks or months. I have begun a reconnection with a long time and DEAR friend and we plan to get together and do a yoga retreat in BC sometime soon. I have reconnected with 2 old friends via Facebook and I have been soaking up all of their positive words, support, and love. Incredible! And I have started another connection with a 'life coach' that I am excited about working with. He sent the most amazing email to me and I felt so GOOD after reading it. I have been amazed at how much I have NEEDED to be supported right now. I noticed it every time I received an email from any of these people, reading their words, and realizing the impact those words had on me, some bringing me to tears (of joy). I am so appreciative. And of course, I am always, always, always thankful for ALL of my friends and family. THANK YOU!

Pink flannel pajamas & aviators

Say a cheer for retail therapy and comfort! I have to admit that pink has not been my favorite color since breast cancer, but I'm starting to ease it back into my life. And I couldn't resist these fun, cheery, cozy PJs. I've been living in them since! I am the 'Queen of Comfort' and 'Lord of Lazybone Land'. Two very well known distinctions in my household and I take both jobs seriously. As for the aviators, well those are just pure fun. Flashback to the 70s and borderline cheeseball but still within the realm of allowable style. Living on the edge of fashion. Hell yeah. That's it, just had to report on the importance of cozyness...maybe you need a new pair of PJs? In fact, I'm going to throw my weight around and take advantage of my nobility...(horns sounding), "as Queen of Cozy and Lord of Lazybone Land, I order you to fulfill your duty of cozyness and go get some great PJs!" And they all lived happily ever after. The end.