Keep Some Cash Under Your Mattress

When it comes to money matters, I have to admit I know very little. When I started my career I thought as long as I get my monthly pay check I will be ok. A few years down the line I'm thinking if I can pay all the bill and still stay alive… then I will be ok. Just kidding! I few undergraduate (painstaking grrrr) courses have taught me a little more than that!

Anyway, I am always on the look out to further my knowledge on finance matters. As a result I have subscribed to a few good blogs. That's how I came across an interesting post on Why I Keep Cash Under My Mattress written by Trent.
I believe what the he was trying to get through was to have a stack of money at hand. In case of an emergency this would come in handy. Use Credit card, debit card you say? That's what I thought as well.
However, Trent gives some facts you can't ignore. Hurricane Katrina, tsunami of 2004 are a few examples.

Of course the other side of the coin is interest? You will be loosing some interest on the money you keep under your mattress! So I guess at the end of the day, it is up to you decide whether it is worth having some money "under the mattress". If yes, how much.
All in all, the post was a 'tap tap' on my think tank. As a practice do you have some money "under your mattress"? Or do you think it is a waste?

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Homeschool family told to give up 5 other kids

She had fallen behind in math and Latin, and was being tutored at home. When school officials in Germany, where homeschooling has been illegal since Adolph Hitler decided he wanted to control the educating of all children, discovered that fact, she was expelled. School officials then took her to court, obtaining a court order requiring she be committed to a psychiatric ward because of her "school phobia."

Source: worldnetdaily.com

NowPublic

Tags: PSYCHIATRIC |

Dianetics® Boston: DISCOVER AND INCREASE YOUR MIND'S FULL POTENTIAL

Dianetics® Boston: DISCOVER AND INCREASE YOUR MIND'S FULL POTENTIAL

Why Do Smart People Do Stupid Things Sometimes?

In this post, I like to discuss one observation (out of the many observations!), I have made in my daily dose of life.

Even Smart People Do Stupid Things Sometimes….

Have you made this observation too?
Each one of us, have to interact with various kinds of people every day. It may be your spouse, parents, friends , relations, colleagues … the list goes on. Among these people, you may have a few who you really admire. In your opinion you might "tag" some of them as smart.
I am aware that the word "smart" is a subjective word. Smart, can be used for someone who has a degree Or someone who has good traits or [Add your list here]. So, I will let you decide the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the word smart!

Generally, when smart people around you do stupid things, it will affect. Worst still, if you have to "clean up the mess". You might get annoyed, frustrated or even loose your temper. Not to mention the mental images of straggling the person!

Can you recall a situation? Did it result in endless questions of "Why Smart People Do Stupid Things?"

I compiled a list of reasons, based on my incidental gleanings. I feel that, if we are aware of the underlying cause(s), we might be better quipped to deal with the situation.
My reasons: why do smart people do stupid things sometimes?

#1 Emotions get in the way of logical thinking
This is the battle between logic and emotion. Where, logic is derived out of smartness and emotions outshine the logic :-)

#2 They react on Impact
For example, immediate reaction to something you just heard. (this is somewhat related to #1)

#3 Ego
Some smart people like to polish their ego. Let me phrase it differently. if they feel their ego is endangered, they might say/do something stupid.
For example, not admitting you are wrong even when you know you are wrong.

#4 Assumptions, Carelessness or Over-Confidence
I find it a bit difficult to differentiate the 3, so I took the lazy way and made it one reason.

"I wish I took a back up, before PC crashed", to what does that belong?
"I know for sure that this software will work, so I didn't test it"

#5 Self centered
What I think, I want, My Needs. Aha, Needs. The root of all heartache! I am sure you can find a few examples that can be listed here.

#6 Fear
Doing something (stupid) out of fear. Again, can be related to #1.

#7 Deafness
Failing to listen falls into this category.

#9 Living in the NOW
Some decisions may be made based only on the present. Where as, it should have been made with the future in mind.

#10 Center stage with stupidity :-)
Even smart people are not perfect. We are all human. Sometimes mistakes do happen. If the person is humble, he/she will accept responsibility and apologize. Then, you really know the person is smart!

If you are someone who associates with me, you might be thinking "Even Shamelle has done stupid things". I admit, I too have done a fair share of stupid things in my life time! I am far from perfect. With these reason's in mind, I will try not to do any stupid things intentionally. Of course If I do, please bare with me :-)

Having said all this, its just my point of view. I would love to hear what you have to say. Why Do you think smart people do stupid things? What are your thoughts?



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Why In The World Do I Blog

The Why I Blog meme has caught up on me. I am a regular reader of Life Optimizer.Imagine my surprise, when I saw yesterday's post mention,
"Now I’d like to asks these great people to share with us why they blog" and then a link to Enhance Life.

Initially when I started blogging, a lot of people asked me why I started blogging. As result I wrote 7 Reasons - Why I started blogging. Looking back, it has been about five months since I started blogging. My reasons for blogging, still stand grounded.

Once again, if I am to iterate a few points from my 7 Reasons - Why I started blogging post,

I Learn, therefore I blog
If you have been a reader from the birth of Enhance Life, you surely would noticed the way my writing has grown. I have learnt a lot on, how to write headlines, structure posts … etc all because I started blogging.
Apart from blogging related learning, I also learn from the background research I do on articles. And Yes, I learn from fellow bloggers as well.

I want make a difference, therefore I blog
I once read somewhere, the you don't have to be Mother Theresa or Bill Gates to change the world. Now, I understand that it is so… true. I can make a difference…. One person at a time. Your comments, email .. the words of encouragement and the site meter traffic during these five months, makes me realize that I make a difference.

Now, that I have said Why I blog, let me also say
I don't blog for money. Look around, you will not find any advertisements. I do have other means of making money :-)
I don't blog to "show-off", or to be famous.

Well, that was the honest truth.

Let me nourish the chain of Why I Blog meme and invite these wonderful individuals to share their reasons.

Matty from Running On Empty
Mark from The Naked Soul
Desiree from Let's Change The World
Janie from Colloquium
Barb from A Chelsea Morning

Enhance Life: Link Nuggets (February 19, 2007)

Do you have problems? Of course you do! I hope you find some solace in reading How to Solve All of Your Problems. The article gives an explanation to Ho’oponopono, an ancient Hawaiian mind-set on the nature of reality.

If you want to bring clarity to your work environment you need to focus on four things which is named the Four Cornerstones of Clarity.

Change your thinking and you will change your life. As the title suggests this post is about change and learning to accept
and even welcome it rather than being afraid of it.

32 Reasons Why Geeks are Severely Underpaid You don't have to be a geek to make use of this great piece of advice.

Donald Latumahina presents Examine Your Life with a Simple Life Map. To me, it seemed a methodical way to to keep track of "life milestones".

If you have a post I could feature over here, please email me at shamelle@gmail.com with a link to your post and a brief introduction of the post. Your post can be just about anything, as long as it enhances life!

I hope these Links Nuggets were helpful.

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Reaching Your Potential By Norman Vincent Peale

This book was a birthday gift by a dear friend and colleague. I know it is been a while since my birthday, however I finally got around to reading Reaching Your Potential.

It really was a very useful book. I will gladly recommend it anyone.
Here is a thought provoking excerpt from the book.

Our Thoughts Are Alive
You can build up your life by thinking constructively. You can tear down your life by destructive thinking. What you are this day is the result of what you have been thinking for many years. We become what we think. If you would like to know what you will be, let us say, five years from now, you do not need any soothsayer or fortune-teller to give you the facts. I can give them to you right this minute. Five years from now, you will be precisely hat you think over the next five years. You will be bigger person, then, if you think big; you will be a smaller person if you think small. We do not bear in mind nearly enough the creative and the destructive power of thought. The Roman Marcus Aurelius wrote, ‘Our life is what out thoughts make it.’ Emerson said that a man is what he thinks about all day.
Now, thought isn’t something that is ethereal. A thought is actually a thing. It has substance. A thought is also alive. ‘Cut a word,’ said Emerson, ‘and it will bleed.’ This is a picturesque way of saying that a thought is alive. Emerson doesn’t mean that literal drops of blood are going to come out o the word. But he is saying that, if you take a word that is vital and put it with some other vital words to make a thought, it can cause life or deterioration, according to the manner in which you use it.

Does this make sense to you?

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Humanitarian Donates 600 Way to Happiness Booklets

It was a fantastic moment when the Boston Scientology Ministers realized that they had just received this donation to continue their weekly distribution of The Way to Happiness - A Common Sense Guide to A Happier, More Successful Life Booklet. The Volunteer Ministers and local business owners distribute this booklet throughout the neighborhoods of Boston. It is just one of the many public services of the Ministry.

The Ministry is best know for it's free Reading and Study Skills program and the use of the study and educational methods developed by L. Ron Hubbard. However, it offers many other services to the community and welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and beliefs. A student original from Somali just became a Citizen of the United States of America after studying phonics and learning to read the citizenship-exam questions twice weekly. Her tutor attended her swearing in ceremony and proudly watched as her student was sworn in as an American.

If you would like to volunteer at the Ministry, find out more about the programs offered please contact:

Boston Scientology Ministry
1783 Washington Street,
Boston, MA 02118
617) 927-2247

For more information about The Way to Happiness Foundation contact:
Loralee Rechag
e-mail: lrechag@yahoo.com
Boston Representative
The Way to Happiness Foundation

Way to Happiness Contests - Schools receive free, easy-to-follow educational materials and guides for use in exciting nationwide contests

Essay and Poster Competition This highly effective and successful nationwide contest inspires children and teens with positive messages and instills strong moral values.

Set a Good Example Contest In this nationally-recognized contest (commended in the Congressional Record eleven times), students participate by creating projects based on any one, or all of the 21 precepts found in The Way to Happiness booklet.

Valentine Feature:Love Comes In All Sizes

Source:email (Thank you Eroma, for sending this my way)

Love comes in all sizes....
Your Friends will support you....
And respect your creativity
for thinking outside the box....

They'll be there when you need a
shoulder to lean on....
Or a great big hug....

A true friend takes interest in
understanding what you're all about....
They see beyond the black and white
to discover your true colors....
And accept you just the way you are...

Even when you just wake up in the morning
So make your own kind of music..
Follow your heart wherever it takes you....
And when someone reaches out to you,
Don't be afraid to love them back....
They may just be a friend for life....

Practice patience and tolerance.....
Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave....
And impossible to forget!

Share this will all your unforgettable friends today!

Wish all of you a Happy Valentine.
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Single Today? 7 Reasons Unveiled

In my last post I wrote How To Easily (and Lazily!) Make Your Loved One Feel Special. Not too many people, talk of those who are single on Valentine's day. Yet, for those who are single, Valentine's day may not be too pleasing.

So I would like to dedicate this Valentine Vanity post to all those who are single; today. Or as a friend of mine phrased it, to the people "On the shelf". The first time, I heard that I thought it was partly mean. Then the more I thought about it, the more funny it seemed! Anyway, I too have been in and out of shelf (often!). Through life experiences, I have come to terms with the fact that People Come Into Your Life For A Reason, A Season Or A LifetimeSo, this list is a collection of my Incidental Gleanings as well as observations. Moving on….

#1. Fear
Of Commitment
Of Rejection
Of Trusting someone
Of the future
The list goes on.

#2. Blindness
I have heard a saying, "Some men go through a forest and see no firewood". Not only men, but I believe it applies for women as well. Sometimes, may be the person you are looking for may be right in front of you. However, for some imbalance of destiny you might not be aware of it!

#3. Sky High Expectation
Each of us have some sort of an expectation. Personally, I don't think you should settle for less. Then on the other side of the equation there are those who dream of a "perfect partner". While in relationship reality it is a give give, and a take. (note the two gives!)

#4. Geeky
Technology, has given us so many benefits in the past decades and still continue to do so. However, it has also made people "loners". Does that make any sense? More and more people prefer to sit in front of a computer and play games, chat ,browse the net etc rather than meet people in person. The same could be said to those who enjoy the books, Television etc as well.

#5. Recovery
Some could have gone through a breakup or a loss of a loved one. You might be seeking for some recuperating time.

#6. Waiting
It really makes me sad to hear stories where, girl loves boy but the boy repeatedly says he has no feelings for her (and visa versa). In such situations, one party might hold on to the other person, and hope that fate will change. Usually, these have a sad ending. So, for what ever reason, if you are waiting for somebody, make sure that it is really really(purposely repeated!) worth the trouble.

#7. Improper Personal Grooming
This one is mostly, for guys. Finger nails, mustache etc etc Basically, the hygiene factors!

Having said that, I don't think that there is anything "wrong" with being single. If you are happy with who you are, and what you are doing, the I'd just say 'Just enjoy being you'!
What do say?

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How To Easily (and Lazily!) Make Your Loved One Feel Special

Its that time of the year again. I'll be writing some related posts within the course of the week. I prefer to call it the Valentine Vanity series!)

When I was around 9 years old (I think!), we had to write an essay on What the world would be like in year 2000. This was part of our homework for English. I remember this essay because I spent a lot of time interviewing adults in order to get some facts to write. As usual though, I disregarded most of what they had to say and added my own imagination. (I was a crazy nut at that age too!)

Anyway, we are in year 2007 now and I've seen and experienced quite a change in our world and it's people! However, amidst all chaos some things still remain the same. I used to love presents when I was a kid and I still do! I bet whatever your age, you do too. Irrespective of the changing times people generally love gifts. Have you ever wondered why?

I don't know about you, but here is my reason. It is simply because someone thought of me and went out of their way to get me something. I have begun to realize that time is an important factor in anyone's life. So whenever, someone gives a gift (depending on the gift) they also dedicate an element of time as well. Most of the time it is not the content of the gift that matters (at least for me!). A gift is a way of making someone feel special.

Right, now what has this little babble got to do with Valentine? So, here is a way for you to give a gift to your loved one this Valentine. Have you forgotten to get a gift? If you have, then this will definitely get you a "quick fix" gift. However, if you did remember and went out of your way to plan something special, you still can add more value to it.

I am guessing that this song collection will warm even the stone-st of hearts! You can use these for a song dedication, a simple card …. Or some creative hand-work or more!

All My Life- Linda Rondstadt
I never thought that I could feel a love so tender
I never thought I could let those feelings show
But now my heart is on my sleeve
and this love will never leave

Forever By Your Side-Manhattans
Now we see our love has grown
And these have been the sweetest times
That I have ever known
And I know that it will never end,
'Cause every time I look at you,
I fall in love again

Everything-Brian McKnight
Yesterday, came in your eyes, I caught a glimpse of tomorrow
And that's when I realized, that dreams come true.
For you love there's nothing I would not do.
Do I love you? Baby, I do.

If You Could See What I see
And you would know you have my heart
If you could see, what I see
that a treasure's what you are
If you could see, what I see
Created to be
the only one for me
If you could see, what I see

For You I Will-Monica
I will shield your heart from the rain
I will let no harm come your way
Oh these arms will be your shelter
No these arms won't let you down
If there is a mountain to move
I will move that mountain for you
I'm here for you, I'm here forever
I will be your fortress, tall and strong
I'll keep you safe, I'll stand beside you , right or wrong

For The First Time-Kenny Loggins
Such a long time ago
I had given up on findin' this emotion..ever again
But you live with me now
Yes I've found you some how

Love of my life- Jim Brickmen
You are the love of my life
And I'm so glad you found me
You are the love of my life
Baby put your arms around me
I guess this is how it feels
When you finally find something real
My angel in the night
You are the love
The love of my life

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Nine Ways to Dwindle Productivity

We live in a world where many companies expect more with less. It's called productivity. No no, not really! I am just trying to add some creativity to Productive Strategies post on Nine Ways to Devastate Productivity. Here goes,
(If you are confined to a desk job or a cubicle farm, these might sound familiar to you!)

#1. Use email for things that should be done in person Back and forth conversations are better suited to be done in person. Yet, this day and age most people prefer to handle "difficult" conversation by email. (I am guilty on that count too!)

#2. Use face to face and phone conversations for things that should be done over email In order to have face-to-face conversation you need to meet the other person. (Unless he/she happens to be seated next to you!) I am guessing this is good for your productivity since you get a break and a nice walk! However, it might not be for the person you are visiting!

#3. Always sit down in their office no matter how short of a conversation you need to have Now how can you have a rational conversation standing!

#4. Space out visits by 10 minutes Why visit a person once and get all things clarified at once when you can interrupted the person multiple times? Of course if the person is pleasing to the eye, it’s a different story altogether!

#5. Send multiple email messages Whether its multiple emails or (all in)one email it is the same bandwidth collectively. Oh so some people seem to think!

#6. Don't ask the right person Why should you? When you ask several "wrong" people you get to know a lot of people!

#7. Never interrupt them right after lunch It would not be a good idea to ask something really important. It's because they mediate right after lunch.

#8. Send emails that require them to hunt down information and people A little bit of detective work could spice up anyone's mundane job right?

#9. Spread gossip What better way to gain credibility and trust!

Have you been subjected to more creative ways to kill productivity? Do you have more to add to this list ? Your comments are welcome.

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Enhance Life: Links Nuggets (February 6, 2007)

I wish I was inspired to write wonderful posts all the time. Sadly, this is not the case always. That's why I Liz's Why the Blank Screen Is Scary is a gem.

Secret to Wealth and Abundance (secret no more!)

We all are "running" somewhere. Some know where to run, others just go with the flow. Run Your Own Race gives you something to think about.

If you are a windows user and you fancy keyboard short-cuts, you will find No Mouse Required Mastering Windows Key Shortcuts to be resourceful.

If you have a post I could feature over here, please email me at shamelle@gmail.com with a link to your post and a brief introduction of the post. Your post can be just about anything, as long as it enhances life!

I hope these Links Nuggets were helpful.

Relax and Unwind-Without Spending Any Money!

How so, you ask. You must have guessed from the image.It is called Meditation.

Ok. I can hear you groan and I don't blame you. The first time I attempted meditation, my reaction was the same. I think I was about 15 years old then and we were taken on a life training camp from school. The training was about 5 days and part of the curriculum was meditation. At 6 a.m in the morning!

We were given strict instructions to switch off lights and go to sleep by 9.30 p.m. We did so. Little did our teachers know, we began our slumber party with candle light afterwards!. Obviously, you can imagine the state we were in, when meditating at 6 a.m.

Many many years later, a book titled The Three Minute Meditator- 30 Simple Ways To Relax And Unwind caught my eye at the library. I wanted to find out what meditation what all about. Mainly for curiosity sake, I borrowed the book.

So it began, I started reading. To my delight it didn't have anything about waking up in the wee hours of the morning! So I continued reading whilst carrying out the exercises mentioned in the book. Little did I know that I was meditating!

Indeed, meditation has helped me immensely to relax and unwind. What I love about this sort of meditation is that it can be done anywhere. You can try them out when you are traveling, waiting in a queue and even at a boring meeting!

Here are a few simple meditative exercises (excerpts from the book). Try them out and let me know whether it enhanced your life.

The Breath Counting Meditation
Begin practicing this while sitting comfortably in a quiet place.

Simply count the exhale of each breath, mentally:'Inhale… Exhale… 1 Inhale… Exhale… 2 Inhale… Exhale… 3 Inhale… Exhale… 4' Strive not to lose your count, and also try not to alter or regularize your breathing in any way.

If you find yourself thinking about anything except the fell of your breath and the number of that breath, return to focus on the sensation of breathing and on the number of that breath.

Looking And Listening Meditations

This mind clearing exercise is to watch clouds, or the flames of a fire, or the foaming waves at the ocean's shore.

Don't try to make sense of what you see. Don't try to look for patterns. Do nothing but see. As soon as you notice a thought creeping into your mind, go back to just seeing.

You can practice listening the same way. No thought, no judging, no attempts to make sense. Just listening. If thoughts intrude, then focus your attention back on the music. (Instrumental music is usually the easiest type of meditative listening)

The Thought Counting Meditation

Sit comfortably, with some type of timer or alarm clock handy. Set the timer for one minute.
Now close your eyes, and begin to count your thoughts. As soon as a thought appears in your mind, count it, but don't 'get into' the content of that thought. If you do, you may only end up with a count of one thought for your entire minute.

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