Oh what a tangled web we weave...

What's the deal with lying? Well, I think there are two types of lies- serious lies and jovial lies. I like the jovial lies. Not the sinister deceitful kind, but the tricking people kind. Are the jovial lies even lies or are they just tricks?

Why is it so fun to tell people things that aren't true in an effort to trick them?

I think for me, the fun thing is the reaction you get from people. The example that comes to mind is from my favorite trick of all tricks. It could be classified as the "made you look" trick.

Here's how it goes:

You and I are out to dinner and we are waiting for the third friend to arrive. I say "Oh, look, there she is!" You turn around, and she's not there! Laughter (from me) ensues. Time passes, we drink, we chat; you've forgotten about the trick. This time I say "Oh, look, ha ha, really this time, there she is!" She's not there. You hate me.*

It's too funny. Am I immature? Am I evil? I don't usually laugh at the expense of others, but...well, this makes me laugh.

More on real lying later...once I figure out why we as humans feel the need to deceive one another and ourselves.

*This trick is most effective on people with Type A personalities- it really gets them going.

I got one!

Look everyone! I got a hula hoop! Jason got it for me for our monthly gift exchange.

Our friend Angel, who lives down the street, makes them...somehow...it's amazing! Now all I have to do is get her to teach me awesome tricks.

Yay!

Look at me go.

a leopard never...

When you think about sayings and what they, well....say, you have to wonder how it came to be. How did a leopard get the reputation of never changing his spots?

Is it true? Can leopards or people change? Do they change?

There are some age old conventional wisdoms that go something like "people never change" or "you can't change someone". But, really? I mean, if it's true then why are we even here? If people never change, then what is the point of religion, music, books, art, drama, psychology, philosophy, sports, or anything...really.

Aren't we all trying to change ourselves in some way? Change our physical appearance, get better at something, elevate our minds, change our career, whatever and etc...

So, maybe we can change superficially, but not the core of our inner being? Or maybe people can't change unless they want to change?

At first thought, I want to agree- yes, of course people never change! We are faced with the cold hard reality of this everyday. Especially, if you are one who makes it their life goal to inform, educate, and essentially change people.

But, from the perspective of a person who wants to change, it seems hopeless to subscribe to the ism that people never change.

But when you think about it- can a leopard become a tiger? Can a person become another person?

stonecutters made them from stone...

So, I'm going to be a little bit musicy for a minute. In an effort not to pigeon hole myself into any blogging pigeon holes, I will write about food, music, clothes, myself and other stuff too. So, today I write about music.

My flavor of the month is Midlake. Yes, I don't really know what to say other than...it's good. You should totally listen to it. All of it. If they come to you, listen, live.

To the tune of these tunes (The album being "The Trials of Vanoccupanther") I've done amazing things! I've co-choreographed award winning contemporary dance routines with Mia Michaels, I've written a sequel to Cormac McCarthy's The Road (now a major motion picture, with soundtrack arranged by yours truly), and I've created an entire life size puppet show utilizing various forms of media.

I know, right?

Its been a long time since an album has completely and totally inspired me in some way, and this one does it. MMM...it just does it. I think this is what they mean when they talk about getting the creative juices flowing....whoever "they" is. So, thank you to Midlake and to my brain and soul for having a collective meeting of the minds. Now, if I could only get inspired to do real things.

The Best Things in Life are Free?

Today, one of my students wrote in his journal "Money makes people happy". As I was perusing the class and checking papers, I come across this student's writing and I say "Really, money makes people happy? But Sergio, you can't buy happiness." So, he says "I know that Ms. Barbee, but you can buy stuff and the stuff makes you happy. Like clothes, cars, video games, houses, and food to make you and your family have full bellies".

Touche, Sergio!

I don't know what's more troubling, the fact that tons of people would agree with Sergio, or the fact that I couldn't really think of anything to say to him.

Yes, shoulda-coulda-woulda.

I might have been fantasizing about a new pair of jeans...

Or maybe I might have said this:

Yes Sergio, money can buy you things. And yes, having these things can make you happy. But the happiness brought by those things is merely temporary. You are always going to want more clothes, cars, video games, houses and food. So, money never really permanently satisfies those wants. True happiness lies in relationships with others, contentment with oneself, and...

I'm still trying to figure out the rest...

Abs!

Yes, as in abdominal muscles.

Not only does one look great in a bikini when they have strong abs, but having strong abs actually has legitimate health benefits.

Strong abs= better posture, stronger legs, better breathing, aided digestion, excellent poos, lowered risk of heart disease and cancer, extra protection during athletic activities, back support, and general life happiness.

Yes, the general life happiness may come from having sick abs, but it still sounds good to me.

So, I have decided to add a daily ab regimen to my yoga practice! You can check out my hot bod in a few months.

Navasana (as demonstrated by teddy above)
&
bicycle style sit ups

I challenge you to do it too!

dyslexia or fruedian interpretation?

So, the other day I was at the gym and I saw this on my way out.

But, to me, it reads "Hug Sale". Before I even have time to think, I think "Wow! That's so nice, they're having a hug sale. I need some of those".

So, my question is: Can I not read?
OR
Do I need hugs?

Yes, I do mix up my right and my left, often. Very very often.

I am also accepting donations in the form of hugs at this time.