Released on the Spark My Muse podcast
February marks a month of surprises. But here’s a little surprise to whet your appetite. MEEP MEEP MEEP!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hczaiM3LH0M]
Please NOTE: Beaker sings phonetically. English is not his native tongue, as you recall. More important information here.
This is the 2nd year I’ll use my birthday month to shower readers with gifts. It was fun last year, and this year, with quadruple the readership here, it should be even better!
And yes, it is a “custom” in the tradition of hobbits. (hobbits -give away gifts on their birthday)
I have a photo below of just a few things that will be up for grabs. I’ll be popping up every few days in February to offer you goodies, gadgets, books, surprises, and combo packs just for interacting here at this blog. (No strings, no money, I just enjoy mailing packages of gifts.)
Sometimes, word spreads fast when it comes to gifts, still, I thank you for passing this news along where you can. Watch for more informative posts, especially in February. If you enjoy giving more than receiving, and feel so moved, give your present away, and “pay it forward.”
Thanks, friends!
The earthquake in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, will cause the death of so many. Estimates are now calculated at over 100,000. All major government buildings are down, the schools, the hospitals, the jails–just rubble. It makes the Katrina disaster look like a picnic by the sea.
Even before this earthquake some Haitians kill hunger pains by eating mud cakes, or mixing dirt in with cornmeal to make in last longer.
BUT! Don’t feel too overwhelmed to help.
Efforts are mobilizing: Here is a link to what is being done.
Here are a few simple ways to start helping right away:
World Relief is responding immediately –Donate now to help the most vulnerable – families and children – in the immediate aftermath. Emergency kits will be distributed that will include items such as ready-to-eat food, water and a blanket. Time is critical. You can respond with any amount you are able to give.
• Doctors Without Borders is asking for donations to help the emergency response teams in Haiti. Donate with a debit or credit card at https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org.
• The Red Cross is taking donations via text messages. Text the word HAITI to the number 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts. It’ll show up on your phone bill. Or donate online atRedCross.org.
• Operation Helping Hands, a joint community project of The Miami Herald and United Way-Miami, will be collecting donations to support the relief effort in Haiti.
To make a contribution, go to www.iwant2help.org
Checking on relatives in Haiti:
• Mercy Corps established a Haiti Earthquake Fund, PO Box 2669,Portland, OR 97208,www.mercycorps.org, 1-888-256-1900
On Twitter:
Donate $5 by texting YELE to 501501 or at www.yele.org
I will update this page, as more opportunities become known.
Leave comments if you have information or news that would be helpful. Thank you.
Please pray for the people and aid workers in this decimated country.
Heebie Jeebies is similar to the British term “Screaming Habdabs,” a phrase which I am quite fond of. You got to love it! If I used it, however, not too many would understand me in the place with my greatest readership-the USA. Both are non sense rhyming phrases used to describe a feeling of anxiety or apprehension, or worse.
Lots of things can bring them on. Perhaps, later, you can contribute a few situations that give you the heebie jeebies. For now, try this self-test to see if you are highly susceptible to their onset. HAVE FUN!
DIRECTIONS:
Answer each with one of the following-
A. Rarely or Never True.
B. Sometimes True.
C. Mostly or Always True
Keep track of your answers!
1. The thought of drinking unidentified, or identified “floaters” in your beverage gives you a weird taste in your mouth, or funny feeling in your stomach (and you won’t do it.)
2. Using a stranger’s chapstick is unreasonable.
3. The licking of fingers in public drives you to distraction.
4. You can envision the horrid (potential) consequences of sending food back when you dine out.
5. Anything with more legs than you should be regarded with suspicion.
6. Smells like Patchouli, Musk, incense, and funky grandma’s basement induce a foreboding atmosphere for you.
7. You have the general belief that most bad things happen after dark.
8. You have checked under your bed, in your closet, or shower for security reasons.
9. If it weren’t for the creepy music, plenty of movies wouldn’t be so freakin’ scary.
10. Snakes are unexplainably weird or creepy.
SCORING:
A. answers = 1 point
B. answers = 3 points
C. answers = 5 points
• If you got 35-50 points, you are a heebie jeebie type, and very susceptible. Future posts written here will be of great help to you. For now, build your confidence with baby steps, venture out within groups, and work on your “control issues.” Just saying…
• 20-35 points indicates a moderate susceptibility for the heebie jeebies. The range is fairly normal, and only once in a while will you have a full blown attack of the screaming habdabs. It is quite likely that you associate with “Full-On Habdaders,” so stay informed, send them this way to educate themselves, and learn all you can to support them. Future posts will be of assistance.
• 10-20 points indicates a resistance to the heebie jeebies, which often can point toward inner strength, maturity, or a rational mind. More often however, it signals denial and a shut off emotional life were barriers have been erected to keep things out, including love. If this erection lasts more than four hours, consult your doctor, counselor or pastor. It is a sorry state indeed. There will be additional information for this part of the heebie jeebie spectrum too, so come back within the next ten days. For now, find small ways to open up, let your guard down, or not be so uptight. In the long run, the benefits will outweigh the risks and downsides.
NOW- it’s YOUR turn.
Tell us what gives you the Heebie Jeebies?
I’ll set up a poll with the most common answers, and put it to a vote for most heebie jeebyish.
Anything odd habdab you have to admit?
(fear of puppies maybe?)
If you had fun, there are several other “similar” self-tests at this site. Search the categories at the bottom of the page for “self-test,” and enjoy!
See ya soon.
-Lisa