Thank you, thank you, thank you

May 12, 2012, Leo (7/23-8/22): You should be beaming with pride today. Even if you haven't recently rescued a kitten, helped an old lady across the street or given a huge anonymous donation to your favorite charity, you are a generous and wonderful person! Knowing that deep down inside will give you a quiet confidence that will bolster you against the harshest criticisms. All that giving is going to get rewarded today when you are the recipient of a major act of generosity yourself. Say thank you!

Thank you for all the good things that are happening in my life now.

Something to think about

"On this day of your life, Cecilia, we believe God wants you to know ... that you always have a choice. No one can direct your actions but yourself. Don't give that power to anybody else. Remember, even when it seems like you're on a one-way road, you can still choose the other direction."

How accurate

Today's horoscope:

"You may have lost sight of your reasons for a current endeavor. It has taken on a life of its own, and has become quite a challenge. But you may become so caught up in the challenge of it and its problems that you have forgotten why it was so important to you in the first place - and it was important to you. Before you give in to the pressure and you think about giving up, take some time to stand still for a moment and regroup. Giving yourself a break to rest and reignite your passion will do you a world of good."

"Happiness"

From "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown"

FB Friends Sidebar

Someone asked me yesterday what determines the friends that appear in Facebook's Friends sidebar. Goodness know what. For the life of me, I've no clue. So that's what I said. Out of curiosity, I did a random search on the question. I didn't get anything definitive, of course.

Some folks suspect it's people who view your profile most often. Others suggest it's the people you view most often.

I looked at mine and I beg to disagree with the latter group. Honestly, I hardly view the profiles of the folks who appear in my sidebar. So does that mean the former group is the right one? I don't know. And I'm not about to ask them, "hey, do you check my profile often?"

It's one mystery that I'm perfectly fine not knowing the answer to.

Oh yeah!

I worked on a video project for school last week. Two classes joined forces to create entries for a CT-wide PSA contest against underage drinking. Our class contributed the "creative" team, while the other class were considered the producers. I was part of a two-person team with me being the lead creative (whatever that means). Spent two evenings shooting video. First evening, epic FAIL. Got loads of footage, but no audio. Second evening, epic WIN. :) Spent practically the entire Saturday editing and doing post-production work.

Understand, I fear video work. You can send me to do photo projects anytime, but video? Scares the heck out of me.

Sent the link of the final cut to my group mates Saturday night. Here are their replies:

William: Good job on the editing of the video.
Liz: it looks FANTASTIC!!! GREAT JOB!!!
Angie: Nice job. :)
John: Terrific! Thanks.
John T: Great job everyone - it turned out great.
Justin (professor): Very good!!! Fantastic job...You guys did really good.

Plus this text exchange with Anne:
Anne: FANTASTIC CECILIA!!!!!! You are a rock star!!!! Congratulations!!
Anne: Your talent is obvious. Because of our group, our logistics, our script...you had everything stacked against you and you created a piece that hit all the criteria of the assignment! BRAVO!!!
Me: Awww! That's nice to hear, well, read. :-) I really appreciate it! You just made my night!
Anne: Honestly, you have a talent, run with it!!
Me: Just got feedback from Justin! "Very good!!! ...Fantastic job...You guys did really good." A great night to you, Anne!
Anne: Wooohoooo!!! TOLD YOU!!! YEAH YOU!!
Me: HAHAHAHAHA!

The final version will be shown in class this coming Tuesday. But my group mates' feedback totally made my day. :)

The New Girl

Four weeks later, I'm still the New Girl in the office. Understandable given the last time they had a new girl was last year. Naturally, everything the New Girl does is news.

"OMG. New Girl drinks green tea in the morning!" Um, yeah.

"The work area near New Girl's work space is so noisy. How can she get anything done?" Do I have a choice? You guys placed me there.

"New Girl's computer is so slow." Sure, that's true.

"She's a giggly one, that New Girl." Loud and proud.

"What's up with New Girl that The Boss supports everything she suggests?" This one, I overheard.

"New Girl's attention when learning new things is like a lynx on the hunt." Thus said The Boss.

Everyone knows everything I do. Kind of odd since I pretty much keep to myself and talk only to my boss and the folks I have to manage.

I still have no idea what everyone's names are. I've given up trying since there's more than 30, possibly 40 folks around. Thank goodness for those handy IDs. :)

I smile. I greet them "good morning" or "good afternoon". I go my merry way.

Right into my second week, I noticed that someone kept stonewalling me when I try to get information. I'm given information that I'm not asking for. Yet I'm not given information that I'm asking for. What to do?

Started worrying everytime I'd go to work. How can I get things done if I'm not getting the information I need? Things came to a head this week. Allergies attacked me big time too. Ever heard of a severe asthma attack at work? Yeah, that'd be me. Difficulty breathing. Chest pain. Feeling faint. Blue-tinged nails. First time that ever happened to me...and I've had asthma since early 2000s. The Boss recognized the symptoms pronto. ER folks gave me a day-off. Told me to take it easy. When I returned to work, The Boss asked me what was stressing me. I actually realized during my day-off that I WAS slowly getting stressed, and told him why.

The Boss is funny. He laughed and said, "you don't know why? One word, New Girl - THREAT. You're scaring the others here. They're suddenly afraid that you'll surpass them easily."

Insert photo of me with dropped jaws here.

"What should I do? Not do my job?"

"Keep doing a good job. I'll deal with them. Just stay the way you are."

Color me baffled.

He's right though. I'm there to work, after all. Remind me again why I want to go back to full-time work? Oh yeah, the usual reason - purchasing power.

Off they go tomorrow night

Our hosting of the Archangels is nearly done by tomorrow night. It feels bittersweet somehow, but they're off to other people and places, after all.

I admit, I didn't quite know what to expect from the experience. Then I realized you bring into it what you currently have. You can interpret their presence any way. If you're seeking guidance, then you'll get it. If you want to learn how to be still, then they'll provide it.

In my case, I asked if it's possible that they send their messages in my dreams. (I read somewhere that some people were awakened late at night. Didn't really want that. I needed my sleep.) Even added that I'll take it that their message is the one that stays with me upon waking up. Or at least whatever feeling stays with me upon waking up. It's been interesting.

What's more, I went to a job interview last week. Requested them Archangels to come along with me, if ever. Even texted my sister Lani that I didn't know which Archangel can come along, so I invited all of them.

Dare I say it was one of the unusual job interviews I've ever had? Two interviews were scheduled on two separate days. Ended up getting both interviews done in one day. What's more, at certain points, each interview seemed like they were selling the job and the company to ME. Yeah, instead of me selling myself. Did the Archangels play a role in what happened? I'd like to think so.

I'd also come up with certain insights about certain things that bug me, worry me or mystify me. Some insights seem so unlike me, a bit unusual, so I attribute it to the Archangels.

Overall, it's been a quiet, insightful, even relaxed experience.

Hosting the Archangels

Hubby and I agreed to host the Archangels this week. My sister Lani just hosted them at her place (she blogged about it here). We're supposed to find three homes to send them to next, but so far, we only have one. Should I be panicking? Nah. Right now, I'm pretty confident that two more friends will open their homes to the Archangels. I'll hear from them soon enough, even though I don't know who they are yet. :)

If you're not into these things, I respect that. But I do believe in angels, which is why we'll be doing this. I'm pasting the information on Hosting the Archangels here, so curious minds out there will know what it's about.

* * * * *

Here is the official information/letter outlining all the details for hosting the Archangels. Keep in mind that by hosting the five Archangels – Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel and Metatron – you are assisting them to serve Humanity, Mother Earth and All Universes in more direct ways and they thank you for your willingness to participate. The hosting of the Archangels was started in New York in 2010 through someone's spiritual guidance. It is an honor and a gift to allow your family and home to be imprinted with their light, but it does ask for your personal participation. (See below.) 

On the last day of their visit at your home, give the Archangels the names and addresses of the people you find who want to host them next. You will need to send these people the information and simple ritual below, and specify to them the date of arrival and departure of the Archangels from their home. The time (10:30 p.m.) stays the same, no matter the time difference. It is always the local time. The day is 24 hours long. The Archangels' visit is always 5 days, and then they rest for 5 days before coming back for another 5 day visit with a new host. The 5-day process of rest/visit/rest/visit continues as people pass it on.

Preparation Ritual:
You will welcome and host them for 5 days after having prepared a little altar with:

• A white flower
• A candle that will stay on the entire time they are with you. It needs to be on shortly before they arrive to show them where they are being called. If needed, it can be blown out when you go out. It is to be left burning whenever you are in your home and while you sleep in a safe container.
• Put in an envelope a letter with THREE Wishes: one for Mother Earth, one for your family, one for you. Formulate the wishes in a clear and concise way. Not too many details. Summarize as best you can. Each member of the household can write their own wishes down in an envelope.
• On the sealed envelope, you will put an apple that you will eat only after they leave. Lay the envelope near your candle and white flower. The house must be clean and tidy much like you would do if you were about to receive guests.

Welcoming the 5 Archangels:
When they arrive in front of your home at 10:30 p.m., you are to open the front door and read this greeting: 

“Hello and welcome Archangels to my home. You were sent to me from _____. (insert your name when you update the letter for your friends.) I am very grateful to each of you for purifying and bringing peace to this place and to the beings that live in it. I am very grateful to you for bringing harmony, joy and serenity to all of us. I am very grateful to you for fulfilling my wishes.” 

From that moment on, the Archangels make things happen. It is recommended to regard the five days as a special time to give room for the vibration of higher energies to re-align many things. For some, this may mean you want to meditate and to ask questions or you may only be able to find a quiet moment in your busy day, but remember, there is no limitation, TRUST. You can also ask them to go with you as you go through your day. Start to prepare the list of the names and addresses of the 3 or more people who you will ask the Archangels to visit next after you, along with a letter of instructions. (The number 3 is a recommendation only.) If you have trouble finding someone to pass them on to, let the person who sent them to you know, so they can help keep the energy moving to new people. 

At the end of the 5th day:

When it is almost time for them to leave (just before 10:30 p.m.), write the names of each person who has asked to host them next on a piece of paper, and set it near your candle for a few minutes to soak up the light. When it feels right, walk outside with your candle, the piece of paper and express your Gratitude to the Archangels for all they have brought you. Light the paper on fire in a safe way with the candle. This will pass their names into the ethers and to the Archangels along with the addresses where the Angels will be going to next after 5 days of rest. Wish them a good trip and give more thanks and good wishes, as they journey on to spread their hope, light and love to others. 

Once they leave:

• Burn the envelope with your wishes in it. This frees up the energy and allows the wishes to manifest. Take the ashes and drop them in a stream of water (not stagnant water). If you live in a cold country, the kitchen sink is acceptable as the water will be recycled to Mother Earth or out into the wind. Express your gratitude.
• Eat the apple. It will contain lots of good nutrients and more for you.
• Place the flower outside directly on Mother Earth so that it recycles in a natural way.
• Send this ritual to the people who will host them next if you haven't already. (Update these dates/names for your own letter to your friends.)

In the meantime, you will need to find the suggested three people or more to host them from the evening of March 28 – April 1, 2012. 

To review, after leaving each home, the ANGELS will REST for five days beginning immediately after leaving the hosts home. 

It has been found that people either really want to do this or don't or can't. The people who have done it before always want to do it again. It helps to call people and inquire verbally first. Remember this is not a chain letter. It is closer to a “pass it on” message.

YOU, YOUR HOME, EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING IN YOUR HOME WILL BE BLESSED BY THE ANGELS DURING THE TIME OF THEIR VISIT WITH YOU. IT HELPS OUR WORLD TO ANCHOR MORE LIGHT, PEACE AND LOVE INTO YOUR DWELLING. You can invite them to go with you as you go about your five days.

Having them here will help you experience peace and tranquility. They will assist you in calmly carrying out your tasks and keeping your space sacred, peaceful and loving.

Thank you for being interested in hosting the Archangels. 

For now, it helps to learn a little more about what the Angels might bring to you. Here is some information on the vibration or energies of each of these Great Rays of Creation and Reality, also known as Archangels: 

Gabriel – “My task is to guide you to fulfill your hopes and dreams, deal with your karmic issues and progress on the path towards harmony with all. This requires a balance between the active side of you and the passive side of you. I am the spiritual awakener who visits you in your dreams, bringing you fresh hope, intuition and new aspirations.” 

Raphael – “I come on a pure spiral that flows from Father Sun to manifest all life on Mother Earth. It is the glorious energy ray whose nurturing warmth brings you joy of living, banishes darkness and enlightens your life and future. I aid you in making decisions, using logic and analytical skills, and taking action accordingly.” 

Michael – “As lord of light and ruler of Mercury, my primary gift to you is communication and truth. I strengthen and protect you My Light dispels all darkness and falsehood from your life. My golden sword lights your way to truth, wisdom and freedom.” 

Uriel – “Many and mysterious are the ways I manifest on Mother Earth. I bring fire and alchemy through the cleansing fires of purification. All old programming can be burnt away and all blocks within rendered down to ash. My energy empowers you, securing the foundation on which to build your new self. Collectively, my alchemy flames bring infinite possibility.” 

Metatron – “I am the guardian of the Tree of Life. Both the base and the summit are your points of connection to the Creator and All Life. I guide you toward the sanctuary of the pure white dove of peace. Let your spirituality gradually become supremely important, for as you reach the crown, you grasp the secret wisdom of All. My twin angel, Shekinah helps you to secure your foundation in the earthly kingdom. As you reconnect with All Life through sacred geometry, you will send and receive Love and Light, magnifying it within your heart for the benefit of All Life.”

I kept giving you chances...

...but even chances run out.

We've been T-Mobile customers for the longest time. So long, I don't even remember how long. Possibly 10 years or so. We've been with them that long, every time I'd contact them with questions about our account, they refer to our family plan as a "grandfather plan" since it hasn't been offered in years.

We really don't need a whole bunch of minutes. We rarely call people using our cellphones. If there's anything we - oooops, I mean me - use so much, it's international text messaging. So hubby and I thought of revising our plan - remove my 1000 (domestic) Text Messages, his 500 (domestic) Text Messages, and his Premium Handset Protection Bundle. Then we'd avail of the $30 Unlimited Domestic & International Messaging. We're also interested in either Unlimited Plus ($20/month) or Simple ($10/month) data plan. Just to give it a try. Turns out my line was no longer under contract, only my husband's. Straightforward, right?

Upon our review of our cellphone bills, well, we've been wasteful while thinking we had a good deal. I mean, if you know you've got a $49.99 family plan that's no longer offered, it sounds like a good deal, right? Plus you add the add-ons and the costs go up. We end up with an average of $85/month. How did the $45 come about? A whole bunch of charges plus taxes, mostly. $85/month was a bit annoying already, given we didn't even have a data plan.

So I called T-Mobile. They had the phone I liked - $250 with a $250 mail-in rebate. Getting the phone I liked for free? Excellent, right? But no. There was a catch. They offered to add more minutes to our plan, upgrade us to the $59.99/month plan + other things that would result in paying $120/month. I was even told, "what's $120 per month? That shouldn't be a problem."

Instead of helping me come up with a way to stay within our budget, we'd actually spend more had I said yes. They really don't make it easy for us. And it didn't even make a difference that we've been with them for 10+ years.

The whole thing ended with me signing up with AT&T that same night. Took my business elsewhere. Ended up paying only $53. They had some special with the phone I like. Even found a discount code that knocked off $100 off the total price (including phone, activation fee, etc.). Even better, I can also use my school's discount to get $25 off that new service Web order as well, so that's $53 minus $25 = $28.

My husband's staying put until his contract's done, then he's bolting as well.

I understand they're supposed to upsell, but they should know when to upsell and when not to. In our case, it backfired on T-Mobile. Their loss is AT&T's gain. Now I'm crossing my fingers that I'll have a good experience with AT&T.