A Roll in the Universe

OK, so I didn't write anything for a while here because, well, I didn't like the other layout (this being a new setup and home for my blog). Wordpress updated with a new one I felt like fiddling with, so here I am. I'm in consolidation mode. I probably should be shopping for Christmas presents, but instead, I'm writing a blog post (this one you're reading right here) and trying to understand budgeting (again) using YNAB . You're not supposed to use it as a way of tracking your bank accounts, so I'm going to try doing spending without involving bank account movements. I'm one of those people who spends what she has because it's there. For 2015, I'm going to spend because it's in the budget. We'll see if my checking account survives this shocking change.  Life in Norway currently includes cold, wet weather with lots of thunderstorms ('tis the season) and stores open from 2-7 pm on Sundays for Christmas shopping. It also includes hunti

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Looking north by northwest at 11:18 pm. We don't have midnight sun at 60 degrees north. We have midnight twilight. The pink blush moves from northwest to north to northeast. I love this time of year!

My Daily Tarot app gave me Four of Wands today. "[I]t's time to celebrate your accomplishments. You've had success in your journey. Take time to honor your hard work." Indeed it is. I have spent two weeks learning nothing but new things: All the various computer systems my company uses for back office sales support, and some of the tasks to be done with them. Today I verified "no claims" bonuses. Yes, I am finally working with insurance. After 31 years at the insurance company, I am finally learning what coverages are allowed with a leased car. I finally actually have to know that stuff. And I am having the time of my life learning it! My poor noggin was exhausted every single day for over week, being crammed with new information every single day. I'm still getting used to that. I also sit in front of a computer in a different way than with the graphic designing. Can't quite explain it. Maybe it's just all the thinking I have to do. At any

Wordless Wednesday

A struggling friend reminded me of a situation I was in the autumn after my dear grandma died. Re-reading that gave me a surprise: I'd forgotten how down I was then. I remember crying during the meeting with my bosses, but I don't remember taking sick days and waking up angry every day. But yes, it all ended up well, better than expected, and yesterday, as I told a potential boss about my strengths and weaknesses during a job interview, I could honestly say I didn't lose my cool with customers or co-workers any more. "I have no reason to be angry at work," I said. Sweet. Today, I woke up feeling pretty good, and I mused on the messages in the book I am currently re-reading (here is a description of my first read ), and my praying to the Holy Spirit yesterday, and that the interview went swimmingly—personality test and all—and it hit me: I didn't second-guess myself after it was over. I usually find some fault with how I interact with people after the fa

Ever since I discovered the ho'oponopono practice of forgiveness and healing about 3 years ago , I have used it, pursued it, and experienced healings big and small. I have taught it to a few friends. To my delight, they have embraced it and discovered for themselves the instant peace that comes with cleaning (as using ho'oponopono is called; you are cleaning your subconscious of unhelpful beliefs). My friend Alice showed me this picture she took from her hotel window in London: Every morning, I started my day by looking out that window. ILY, ILY, ILY. It was a beautiful way to start the morning. Every day, I felt the embrace of the city and I'd like to think that the city felt my ILYs. We certainly had nothing but pleasant interactions with people (and in fact, a few times, we had people offer unsolicited help!). I responded to her with this: The ho'oponopono "trick" of repeating to yourself "I love you" when in a negative situation really