If he can do it so can I?

Ok, Auriel, don't sound so definitely positive! I was watching the MTV show "Made" last Monday night. I think it's because I identify so strongly with high school kids. The memories are so strong.

At any rate, a 16 year-old rocker (metal? punk? Dunno) decided he wanted to be a male model. He was overweight and his hair was all over, including huge sideburns. The program provided a physical trainer and a modeling coach. A very famous modeling coach (but I don't watch the modeling reality shows, so, ... dunno).

The brave fellow lost 35 pounds, had skin treatments for acne, got rid of the facial hair, and got a wonderful stylish haircut. By the end, he is a really good looking young man, and he got that way by getting some help and changing.

That gets me to thinking... I don't want to be a model, but it wouldn't hurt to pay attention to my appearance (ouch!) at least ONCE in my lifetime. Wonder what I'll do?

The donkeys are perfectly happy with the way THEY look. Trooper told me he is very proud and a wonderful, and would I please just go over there and get him another carrot?

Good night!

-Auriel, the dumpy

How to Handle the Obnoxious

One, run away, if possible.
Two, ignore it.
Three, figure out how to make it seem smaller and smaller until it disappears.
Four, replace it with something nice.

I finally decided that instead of whacking my head against people that aren't being exactly helpful, I would find useful things to do that please me for the beautiful usefulness whilst ignoring said people as much as possible. That way, I can behave myself without getting upset.

I was all set to be upset, but I am getting tired of that sort of thing. Much, much nicer to let the rope hang itself without my presence. I can find a peaceful thing to do!

Smile, nod, depart! In peace!

- Auriel

Midnight

Find someone to hug and smile at. Ask a mentor for advice, but be careful who you allow to be your mentor. Make sure it is someone who cares about you and wants wonderful things to happen in your life.

Eat cashews. Fire the sugar. Walk the dog (or the llama, or the donkey!). Go somewhere new and interesting.

Take two hours off of work early, and go sit in the coffee house and drink tea and read. You know, the one where they have those comfy overstuffed leather easy chairs.

Play music with friends. Join Toastmasters for awhile and let them encourage you! You could be encouraged, yes you! The world is a brighter place with an encouraged you!

Buy a book from a bookstore where they know exactly the kind of book you might like, AFTER they listen to you describe your favorite books and authors.

Laugh at a typo. Read an internet joke. Tell someone near you what a good job they are doing and how much you appreciate it. Then hold that wonderful feeling inside and keep it near while you do your own work.

Feel loved like new bedsheets when you're sick or a tender hand feeling your forehead for a fever. Feel loved like when you are in a play and your folks have come to watch. Your Uncle has come to watch your softball game.

Play one, just one, round of Sudoku!

I think I can sleep now. Good night!