Tips on Writing a Short-Short Story

The short-short story has been likened by some as being closer to writing a poem than a story. And that makes sense—every word has to be packed with power; every line has to move the story along.

Here are some tips to help you make every word count.

1. The opening paragraph is the most important one in a short story. Use it to hook your readers and draw them into the ongoing drama of your story.
   
2. In the opening lines, you have to do the following:
   • Set the scene
   • Introduce the main character
   • Reveal the main character’s mood, approximate age, his/her goal or problem
   • Show that something interesting is about to happen
     
3. Begin with a character and let this person take you where they want to go—then when the story is written, edit, shape and tighten your prose.
   
4. Decide whose story this is. Choose one viewpoint and stick to it.
   
5. Don’t force your characters to speak words that sound out of character or engage in actions that don’t suit their personality.
   
6. Avoid detailed descriptions of setting—give the reader a quick ‘snapshot’. A few powerful words or phrases can do a lot of work.
   
7. Use the same approach to describe the character’s appearance. Use words that trigger the reader’s imagination and let him/her fill in the gaps—e.g. “She had a loose-limbed, healthy outdoor look about her”.
   
8. Try to avoid plots that hinge on a coincidence or a misunderstanding that could be cleared up if the characters would just talk to each other. (You have to be a very good writer to pull this off so the reader is satisfied.)
   
9. Very short stories are a bit like jokes: they build up to a twist or a punchline. The difficult part is playing fair with the reader in having all the clues there, without making the outcome too obvious.
   
10. Show that your character has grown or changed in some way—she has a new understanding of people or of herself; she has learned a lesson; she has changed her attitude. NOTE: If your character ‘comes to realise’ something important, make sure she comes to this realization through a strong piece of action or a powerful lesson—not through a weak, “Oh, my goodness, I never thought of it that way before—silly me!”
    
11. Appeal to your reader’s emotions. We all identify with loss, sorrow, disappointment, frustration—make sure that emotions are powerful elements in your story.
    
12. Make every word of dialogue count—avoid aimless ‘how are you today?’ type exchanges; let actions take the place of words on occasions. And remember there’s no need to TELL as well as SHOW—for example, if you write “Marcia was really angry at his words. Her face grew scarlet with rage as she yelled, “I can’t believe you said that! Get out of here!’ then you’ve wasted ten words. You could simply have said: Marcia’s face grew scarlet with rage. “I can’t believe you said that! Get out of here!”
    
13. When it’s time to edit, remember that every word has to move the story forward. Yes, I know I’ve already said that—but it’s worth saying a hundred times, because one of the hardest things a writer can do is cut words. You have to be tough. Cut out whatever is unnecessary; poorly expressed; overly detailed. In a very short story, it’s more likely to be what you’ve cut out that sells your work than what you’ve left in.
    
14. STUDY YOUR MARKET. This seems painfully obvious, but so many writers just can’t be bothered. If the finalists in the competition are being judged by the editor of a magazine, thenstudy that magazine. There are other magazines that also publish short stories of around 900 words —read as many as you can!
    
15. SHORT STORY COMPETITIONS: Read entry conditions carefully!

Informational Interviweing

What is it?

It is not an interview for a position. The purpose of an informational interview is to help you define your career options. It is also useful in researching companies where you may want to work. It is a meeting of usually 15 to 30 minutes with a person who has hands-on experience in the area you want to know more about.

Objectives:

• To gain solid information that will help you evaluate how your skills and interests dovetail with a particular career or business.

• To learn what the industry or company values in its employees.

• To increase your network by leaving a positive impression with someone who could provide encouragement, support, and future access to job leads.

• To find out whether jobs are available in the field or business you want to enter.

Whom to contact:

Everyone you know. Ask, "Do you know anyone who works for General Mills?" "Do you know anyone in a nonprofit organization?" "Do you know anyone who does freelance writing?" Then once you have a name . . .

"Mrs. Smith, Brad Johnson suggested I speak with you. My name is Steven Olson and I am interested in the accounting field. I could use some advice from someone who is in this field. Do you have any time this week when I could meet with you? I only need about 15 minutes of your time. It would really help me in my decision making process."

You may also want to explain a little about your employment background and why this area is appealing to you.

Be sure they do not get the impression you are asking them for a job! Don't misrepresent yourself either. Be honest.

Preparing for the interview:

Select questions relating to the occupation or business you are considering. Research key areas of potential discussion. Take an active role in the interview. Encourage suggestions. Ask questions that provide the information you want. Show your interest and knowledge.

What do I ask?

• What is a day on this job really like?

• How did you get into this field?

• What do you like about your job? Dislike?

• What's the best way to find out about jobs in this field?

• What kind of experience or training is required?

• What is the potential for advancement?

• May I have a copy of a job description?

• What are employers looking for? (Skills, education, experience)

• How important is the resume and what makes one impressive?

• What do you look for in employees?

• How do you stay current in your knowledge?

• What's the corporate culture like here? (Hours, salary, titles)

• Are there related fields I might want to look into if few jobs are available in my primary career goal?

• What are current job prospects like?

• Is your job typical of others in this field?

• Which firms do you think are your toughest competitors, and how do they differ from your company?

• Can you refer me to someone else in this field?

Keep in mind that you can also ask about other things. Get a sense for whether they enjoy their work. Try to decide what they actually do, how they spend their day, what their short and long term responsibilities are. Look for the answers behind the answers.

It is important to gauge just how friendly your contacts really are. If they're sympathetic, you can ask hard questions and reveal doubts about the field. If they are stand-offish or judgmental, be cautious. You should not be afraid to ask technical questions - especially if it shows what you already know about the field.

When you go:

This is an opportunity to meet a person in the profession you are hoping to enter. Dress professionally, take paper for writing notes, and an extra resume in case there is an opportunity to have it critiqued or to leave it with the employer. Avoid anything that might jeopardize your interviewer's desire to refer you to other people. One important objective is getting additional leads and referrals, one of which may eventually lead you to a job.

When it is over:

You should have names of people to contact. You should follow up on the advice the employer gives you. You should have a good idea if this is where you would want to work or could work.

Don't forget to send a thank-you note to the person for being so generous with their time.

Feature on a person

Feature on a Person

1. Describe the lead of the article. How are most readers likely to react to this introduction to the article? What, if any, curiosities will this lead help to arose?

2. A lead in a feature article of this type can help provide focus (or angle) on a particular aspect of a person's life. Does this lead accomplish this?

3. A feature on a person often serves to highlight and explain the specialness or uniqueness of a particular person's life. What special or unique aspects of the subject is featured.

4. Feature article about people generally incorporate many direct quotes from featured persons themselves. As a result, the reader has a sense of having spoken with the person him or herself. The quotes generally serve to reveal the person's specific thoughts or feelings, often kind of thoughts of feelings that people may not reveal to strangers in casual conversation. The quotes help to know person on deeper level.

5. This type of feature often includes description or concrete details to help the reader reach his own conclusion about the featured person and his or her life. For example, the writer may choose to describe the physical appearance of the person or their environment.

6. Personal profiles features are usually less objective than news stories, but more objective than opinion piece on an editorial page. Find one passage in the article (not a quote) that you think is completely objective- just facts.

7. The conclusion of this type of article may serve to leave the reader with some final impression of the person featured. Find atechnique to do that. If it doesn't have a final impression, than what does it do?

Wild Geese

You do no have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.

Tell me about your despair, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of rain

are moving across the landscapes,

over the prairies and the deep trees,

the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wildgeese, high in the clean blue air,

are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting-

over and over announcing your place

in the family of thing.

Dreamwork

By Mary Oliver

Two kids of Intelligence

There are two kinds of intelligence: One acquired,

as a child in school memorizes facts and concepts

from book sand from what the teacher says,

collection information from the traditional sciences

as well as from the new sciences.

With such intelligence you rise in the world.

You get ranked ahead or behind others

in regard to your competence in retaining

information. You stroll with this intelligence

in and ou to fields of knowledge, getting always more

marks on your preserving tablets.

There is another kind of tablet, one

already completed and preserved inside you.

A spring overflowing its springbox. A freshness

in the center of the chest. This other intelligence

does not turn yellow or stagnate. Its fluid,

and it doesn't move from outside to inside

through the conduits of plumbing-learning.

This second knowing is fountainhead

from within you, moving out.

The Essential Rumi

Transalation by Coleman Banks with John Moyne

Lost (Poem)

Stand still. The trees ahead and the bushed beside you.

Are not lost. Wherever you are in called Here.

And you must treat it as a powerful stranger.

Must ask permission to know it and be known.

The forest breathes. Listen. It answers.

I have made this place around Here.

No two trees are the same to Raven.

No two branches are same to Wren.

If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,

You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows

Where you are. You must let it find you.

An old Native American elder story rendered into modern English by David Wagoner

In the Heart Aroused- Poetry and Preservation of the Soul in Corporate America

Lost

By David Whyte

A contemporary fable Upstream/Downstream

It was many years ago that villagers in Downstream recall spotting the first body in the river. Some old timers remember how spartan were the facilities and procedures for managing that sort of thing. Sometimes, they say, it would take hours to pull 10 people from the river, and even then only a few would survive.

Though the number of victims in the river has increased greatly in recent years, the good folks of Downstream have responded admirably to the challenge. Their rescue system is clearly second to none: most people discovered in the swirling waters are reached within 20 minutes -- many in less than 10. Only a small number drown each day before help arrives -- a big improvement from the way it used to be.

Talk to the people of Downstream and they'll speak with pride about the new hospital by the edge of the waters, the flotilla of rescue boats ready for service at a moment's notice, the comprehensive health plans for coordinating all the manpower involved, and the large number of highly trained and dedicated swimmers always ready to risk their lives to save victims from the raging currents. Sure it costs a lot but, say the Downstreamers, what else can decent people do except to provide whatever is necessary when human lives are at stake.

Oh, a few people in Downstream have raised the question now and again, but most folks show little interest in what's happening Upstream. It seems there's so much to do to help those in the river that nobody's got time to check how all those bodies are getting there in the first place. That's the way things are, sometimes.

By: Donald Ardell

Compliment: Eyes

Who doesn't love compliments?

Everyone loves compliments, and usually people get the same compliment throughout.

Everytime I meet someone, I introduce myself as Honey, working on M.F.A. in graphic design, got my bachelor's in communication and psychology. For some reason or another it leads to how old are you, and I say 20, which concludes in a compliment of "your intelligent." I finished my undergrad in 2 years, which always leads to that compliment. As people know me better, another compliment I always get, "your very mature" (implying that I am very mature for my age). Along with that, I always recieve, "you are very nice" (the fact that I am always helping people, being caring, etc. etc.- part of my nature, nothing I do on purpose for fame)

All my compliments are along lines of nice, caring, compassionate, intelligent, motivated, ambitious, etc...

I think all those are normal qualities that I worked hard towards or is part of my maturity, nature.

One compliment that really makes me happy and I recieve a lot is, "you have the most gorgeous eyes" I have recieved compliments about my eyes from many people. Man and woman, have noticed my beautifule eyes. For the longest time, I thought "yeah, I am Indian, have dark brown, black eyes and so people think I have beautiful, gorgeous eyes"

The last 3 people out of the 30 people who have complimented on my eyes said, "your eyes are beautiful cause your soul is beautiful; eyes are windows to your soul, your soul must be so beautiful that it shines right through your eyes; the reflection in your eyes is from the reflection of your heart" People who have said this to me are people I baerly know. One was an old lady I met at a sweing machine shop. The most random people, along with friends and acquiantances have told me such things.

Out of many compliments I have recieved, these are probably the most valuable to me. Honestly, I am falttered by these compliments.

"The eyes indicate the antiquity of the soul." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"No eyes that have seen beauty ever lose their sight." Jean Toomer

"Weak eyes are fondest of glittering objects." Thomas Carlyle

"The eyes have one language everywhere." George Herbert

"The eye is the jewel of the body." Henry David Thoreau

"The eyes are mirror of soul" Proverd

He's just not that into you- woman like challenge

I love this movie. He's just not that into you. I saw in theater in San Francisco, and then I saw it again online about 2 times.

Its a love story of 9 different people. It has so much to learn about girls/guys/realtionships.

Some parts are really funny, and I think gigi is the cutest girl ever.

Here are some quotes from it.

Gigi: We are all programmed to believe that if a guy acts like a total jerk that means he likes you.

---

Beth: I just need you to stop being nice to me unless your gonna marry me.

---

Beth: Am I... will I be Al Pacino in this scenario?

---

Gigi: How stupid is it that a girl has to wait for a guy's call anyway, right?

---

Mary: I had this guy leave me a voicemail at work, so I called him at home, and then he emailed me to my BlackBerry, and so I texted to his cell, and now you just have to go around checking all these different portals just to get rejected by seven different technologies.
Mary: It's exhausting.

---

Gigi: Girls are taught a lot of stuff growing up. If a guy punches you he likes you. Never try to trim your own bangs and someday you will meet a wonderful guy and get your very own happy ending. Every movie we see, Every story we're told implores us to wait for it, the third act twist, the unexpected declaration of love, the exception to the rule. But sometimes we're so focused on finding our happy ending we don't learn how to read the signs. How to tell from the ones who want us and the ones who don't, the ones who will stay and the ones who will leave. And maybe a happy ending doesn't include a guy, maybe... it's you, on your own, picking up the pieces and starting over, freeing yourself up for something better in the future. Maybe the happy ending is... just... moving on. Or maybe the happy ending is this, knowing after all the unreturned phone calls, broken-hearts, through the blunders and misread signals, through all the pain and embarrassment you never gave up hope.

---

Gigi: I would rather be like that, then be like you.
Alex: Excuse me? What's that supposed to mean?
Gigi: I may dissect each little thing and put myself out there so much but at least that means that I still care. Oh! You've think you won because women are expendable to you. You may not get hurt or make an ass of yourself that way but you don't fall in love that way either. You have not won. You're alone. I may do a lot of stupid shit but I'm still a lot closer to love than you are.

---

Anna: You have an ass that makes me wanna dry hump!
Ben: Did you just say 'Dry hump'?
Anna: Yep.
Ben: I think I just fell in love.

---

5 yr. old Girl: Why did you do that?
6 yr. old Boy: Because you smell like dog poo.

---

Ben: You may be the best friend I've ever had.

---

Alex: He is not interested.

---

Janine: He's totally gonna call.

---

Neil: I don't wanna be with anybody else, I just wanna be with Beth.

---

Mary: What if you meet the love of your life, are you supposed to let them pass you by?

---

Alex: I really gotta go to bed.
Gigi: Is that an invitation?
Alex: What?
Gigi: Oh god, That was cheesy.

---

Mother: Connie, do you know why that little boy did those things? Because he likes you.

---

Mary: He MySpaced me.
Nathan: Ouch!
Mary: Oh.
Joshua: Oh girl I don't know about that... My trampy little sister says MySpace is the new booty call.

---

Gigi: I think I've figured it out. Remember when I went out with that notary public and he cheated on me and then Anastasia from upstairs told me about how her boyfriend cheated on her in the beginning then he totally changed and now they're married and crazy in love?
Beth: I thought that guy was a process server.
Gigi: No notary. Anyway my point is, Anastasia is the exception, not the rule. We have to stop listening to these stories because they rule is most guys who cheat on you up front don't really care about you very much.
Janine: Ok.
Gigi: Ok, Ok. Exhibit A. Chad the drummer who lived in a storage space. He only used me for rides and yet I continued to stalk him for most of 1998. Then oh, um, there was Don, that broke up with me every Friday so that he could have his weekends free. I was delusional about that relationship. I used to refer to him as my husband to random people, like my dental hygienist. Anyway, all my friends used to tell me about how things might work out with these dipsticks because they knew someone, who knew someone, who dated a dipstick just like mine. That girl ended up getting married and living happily ever after. That the exception and we're not the exception we're the rule.

---

Alex: So trust me when I say if a guy is treating you like he doesn't give a shit, he genuinely doesn't give a shit. No exceptions.

---

Gigi: Maybe his grandma died or maybe he lost my number or is out of town or got hit by a cab...
Alex: Or maybe he is not interested in seeing you again.

---

Gigi: Hey sorry to bug you again! Uh quick question.
Alex: What's going on?
Gigi: Ok I'm making out with this guy, PG stuff. but he mentions he's going out of town so he's gonna be out of touch.
Alex: Run.
Gigi: But maybe he is going out of town.
Alex: To where? New Guinea? Where's he gonna be that he's gonna be out of touch?
Gigi: Opens bathroom door - Where are you going out of town to again?
Gigi: Pittsburgh
Alex: Run.
Gigi: So what now I'm just supposed to turn from every guy who doesn't like me?
Alex: Uh. Yeah!
Gigi: There's not gonna be anybody left.

---

Alex: If a guy doesn't call you, he doesn't want to call you.

---

Gigi: Hey Conor, It's GiGi, I just thought that I hadn't heard from you, and I mean how stupid is it taht a girl has to wait for a guy's call anyway, right? Cause we're all equal right? more than equal. more women are accepted into law school now then men. Call me, oh this is GiGi, call me.

---

Gigi: Girls are taught a lot of stuff growing up: if a boy punches you he likes you, never try to trim your own bangs, and someday you will meet a wonderful guy and get your very own happy ending. every movie we see, every story we're told implores us to wait for it: the third act twist, the unexpected declaration of love, the exception to the rule. but sometimes we're so focused on finding our happy ending we don't learn how to read the signs. how to tell the ones who want us from the ones who don't, the ones who will stay and the ones who will leave. and maybe a happy ending doesn't include a guy, maybe it's you, on your own, picking up the pieces and starting over, freeing yourself up for something better in the future. maybe the happy ending is just moving on. or maybe the happy ending is this: knowing after all the unreturned phone calls and broken-hearts, through the blunders and misread signals, through all the pain and embarrassment... you never gave up hope.

---

Alex: Hey, Kelli Ann. Uh, did I get any calls?
Kelli Ann: Since you asked me 11 mins ago, no, not a lot of phone traffic.
Alex: [obsessively checks phone for signal]
Kelli Ann: Oh, my God.
Alex: What?
Kelli Ann: What's her name?
Alex: Who?
Kelli Ann: The girl... Alex.
Alex: There's no girl.
Kelli Ann: You can't hide it, man. I know strung out, and YOU are strung out.
Alex: Please.
Kelli Ann: This is amazing. You can't focus. Right? Jumping every time your phone rings. Checking your e-mail a hundred times a day. Wishing you could write songs.
Alex: [laughs]
Kelli Ann: No. Feeling the need to bring up her name in random conversations. It's always the same and it has happened to you, my friend.
Alex: Shit.
Kelli Ann: Welcome to my world, asshole. Let me get the door.

---

African Woman #1: I'm sure he just forgot your hut number!
African Woman #2: Or was eaten by a lion.
African Woman #3: You guys are awesome!

---

Gigi: [opens the door, thinking it's Bill] Did you forget something?
Alex: Yeah...
Gigi: Really? What did you forget?
Alex: [pulls out a promotional pen from his pocket] This.
Gigi: So you came all the way here at 11 o' clock in the night to give me a promotional pen?
Alex: Yeah... Yeah, I did. I thought I would come up with some really great excuse to get over here. That's how it's done, right?
Gigi: [smiles] Sometimes.
Alex: Look, I can't stop thinking about you. I... It's a problem. I drive by your place; I call and hang up; I've turned into...
Gigi: Me.
Alex: Yeah.
Gigi: A wise person once told me that if a guy wants to be with a girl, he will make it happen, no matter what.
Alex: That's true.
Gigi: But when I was hurling my body onto yours, you did not seem to want to make it happen.
Alex: Okay, yeah, here's the thing about that... You were right. I'd gotten so used to keeping myself at a safe distance from all these women and having the power that, that I didn't know what it felt like when I actually fell for one of them... I didn't know.
Gigi: Look, I just went out with your friend Bill. He might be just exactly what I need. No drama, he calls; he does what he says...
Alex: [stepping closer] I can do that stuff too...
Gigi: But you didn't! And that same wise person told me that I'm the rule. That I have to stop thinking that every guy will change, that I have to stop thinking that...
Gigi: [Alex kisses her]
[smiles]
Gigi: ... I'm the exception...
Alex: [whispers] You are *my* exception.
[they kiss again]

After this I was told by a friend that woman want challenge, so they fall for assholes thinking they can change him. Well I was forwarded a blog on that:

"One of my favorite English professors, Dr. Elayan, claimed that most, if not all, women wanted men who were assholes. Why? Because they provided challenge. Because women want to overcome that challenge and change them.

But is it really that simple? Is it all just a puzzle that females hope to solve? Or does the asshole guy spark women in ways nothing and no one else can?

Perhaps the asshole makes things exciting, uncertain...keeps a girl on her toes. After all, which girl doesn't enjoy that type of turbulence?

But then I wonder if it simply can be explained by evolution. Maybe the traits associated with an "asshole" are the traits that were essential to the survival of ancient man. Maybe women, as a species, are not evolved enough for the "non-asshole" man."

Inner Simplicity (100 ways to regain peace and nourish soul)

I just finished reading a book: Inner Simplicity 100 ways to regain peace and nourish your soul.

Instead of summarizing the book, I thought it would be easier to just write out the 100 ways.

They are divided in 6 different parts.

One: Things you'll want to do

1. Simplify your life

2. Spend time each day in nature

3. Connect with the sun

4. Create beauty in your life

5. Create simplicity, not austerity

6. Learn to enjoy the silence

7. Have a family meal in silence

8. Figure out what you need to do to get well

9. Get in touch with your creativity

10. Latch on to synchronocity

11. Slow down

12. Learn to receive

13. Be realistic

14. Figure out what you don't want in your life

15. Enjoy each moment

16. Take time to read

17. But don't read in bed

18. Sleep a lot

Two: Easy things to thin about doing

19. Have a weekend retreat at home

20. Consider a family retreat

21. Remember, growth isn't always a family affair

22. Don't get caught in the righterousness of your path

23. Form a support group

24. Create a positive structure for your group

25. Have some fun while your at it

26. Monitor the obvious distractions

27. Create your own sancturay

28. Use affirmations

29. Use visualizations

30. Use your right brain mode

31. Expand your journal

32. Ask for help if you need it

33. Ask for help from the universe

34. Figure out what others have to teach you

35. Use the events of the day to bring you back

36. Find a teacher

37. But don't get too attached

38. Ignore the skeptics

39. Establish a routine

40. Break your routine once in a while

41. Review your day

42. Smile a lot

Three: More difficult things to think about doing

43. Be selective about current events

44. Reduce your need to be in the known

45. Rethink the beliefs of your childhood

46. Rethink your current beliefs

47. Get some counseling

48. But don't get stuck in therapy

49. Practice detaching

50. Do the things you fear

51. Share your fear with someone else

52. Practice dying

53. Release your attachement to possesions

54. Just say no

55. Examine the cost of not saying no

56. Be honest with people

57. Choose to ignore an insult

58. Be patient

59. Laugh a lot

Four: The had stuff

60. Realize the importance of self-discipline

61. Fine a box of stars

62. Harbor no thought that you will burn

63. Try a modified version of an ancient technique

64. Get rid of your anger

65. Stop judging others

66. Stop worrying

67. Ask what's happening

68. Take responsibility of your life

69. Accept the things you can't change

70. Learn to forgive

71. Get out of relationships that don't support you

72. Keep your own counsel

73. Figure out your big issue

74. Get your finances under control

75. Get your body in shape

76. Keep your energy up

77. Let go of the addictions that hinder your progress

78. Figure out the right foods for you

79. Elinimate your old patters

80. Learn to see problems in your life as gifts

81. Develop gratitude

82. Get comfartable with change

83. Take time to think

84. Cry a lot

Five: Some fun stuff

85. Consult a psychic

86. Cast a rune

87. Check out sublimal tapes

88. Stop the world- you can get off

89. Write like mad

90. Chant

91. Dance

Six: The real stuff

92. Learn to listen to your inner voice

93. Learn to enjoy solitude

94. Do nothing

95. Do a retreat

96. Check your breathing

97. Explore your sleep consciousness

98. Explore meditation

99. Create joy your life

100. Love a lot

3 Important Virtues

Virtues according to webster dictionary is moral excellence, goodness and righteous. 

There are many virtues and everyone always wishes to posses most of the virtues they can, but recently (last 2-3 months or so) I have realized that I have few pesonal virtues that I feel very strong about. I hate compromising against them and I hold them in high regard for myself, and others. Sometimes my expectations get set too high because of these three important virtues, but they matter to me more than anything. 

1. Doing things full heartedly (Dedication, Commitment, Orgnization, Passion) 

I believe that if people don't want to do it right, do it completely, than they just shouldn't do it. Either do it or don't- don't don it half heartedly. From a complex project to simply folding clothes, cleaning. I do it and want it done properly or just do not do it. 

2. Hard Work 

This goes along with dedication, commitment, etc. I like hard working people. I am hard working person. Hard work always pays off and it just feel right and good at the end when so much hard work goes into things people do. The results are better, you are proud of your self, and work is done properly and compltely. I hate sloppy work, which is partly due to not doing it full heartedly. Hard work is a virtue. 

3. Responsibility 

I think this also has to do with dedication, commitment, hard work and doing things full heartedly. People should take responsibility for what they need to do and do it properly. 

Tomorrow may be too late!

If you're mad with someone, and nobody's there to fix the situation... You fix it .
Maybe today, that person still wants to be your friend .
And if u don't, tomorrow may be too late .

If you're in love with somebody, but that person doesn't know... tell her/him.
Maybe today, that person is also in love with you .
And if you don't say it, tomorrow may be too late .

If you really want to kiss somebody... kiss her/him.
Maybe that person wants a kiss from you, too .
And if you don't kiss her/him today, tomorrow may be too late .

If you still love a person that you think has forgotten you... tell her/him.
Maybe that person have always loved you.
And if you don't tell her/him today , tomorrow may be too late.

If you need a hug of a friend... ask her/him for it.
Maybe they need it more than you do.
And if you don't ask for it today, tomorrow may be too late.

If you really have friends who you appreciate... tell them.
Maybe they appreciate you as well.
That if you don't and they leave or go far away today, tomorrow may be too late.

If you love your parents, and never had the chance to show them... do it .
Maybe you have them there to show them how you feel.
That if you don't and they leave today, then tomorrow may be too late.

Mayonnaise Jar and Coffee

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar... and the coffee...

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.  When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.  He then asked the students if the jar was full.  They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.  He shook the jar lightly.  The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.  He then asked the students again if the jar was full.  They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.  Of course, the sand filled up everything else.  He asked once more if the jar was full.  The students responded with a unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.  The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, " I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.  The golf balls are the important things-your God, family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions-things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.  The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car.  The sand is everything else-the small stuff."

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.  The same goes for life.  If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.  Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.  Play with your children.  Take time to get medical checkups.  Take your partner out to dinner.  Play another 18.  There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.  Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter.  Set your priorities.  The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled.  "I'm glad you asked.  It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

If I knew

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.
If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.
If I knew it would be the last time
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say " I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.
If I knew it would be the last time
I would be ther to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.
For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.
There will always be another day
to say " I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our " Anything I can do?"
But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and hope we never forget.
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.
So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,
That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, hug, or a kiss
and you were to busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.
So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them you'll alway hold them dear
Take time to say " I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or " It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Dear Friends, Did you know?

Did you know that when you envy someone, its because you really like that person?

Did you know that those who appear to be very strong in heart, are really weaklings and most susceptible?

Did you know that those who spend time protecting others are the ones that really need some one to protect them?

Did you know that three most difficult things to say are: I love you,  I am sorry, and he;p me. The people who say these are those that actually need them or really feel them, and they are the ones you need to treasure, because they have said them.

Did you know that people who occupy themselves by keeping others company or helping others are the ones that actually need your company and help?

Did you know that who dress in red are more confidence in themselves?

Did you know that who dress in yellow are those that enjoy their beauty?

Did you know that who dress in black are those who want to be unnoticed and need your help and understanding?

Did you know that when you help someone, the help it returned in two folds?

Did you know that those who need more of you are those who did not mention it?

Did you know that its easier to say what you feel in writing than saying it to someone in the face? But did you know that it has more value when you say it to face?

Did you know that what is most difficult for you to say or do is much more valuable than anything that is valuable that you can buy with money?

Did you know that when you ask something in faith, your wishes are granted?

Did you know that you can make your dreams come true, like falling in love, becoming rich, staying healthy, If you ask for it by faith, and If you really knew, you'd be surprised by what you could do. 

But don't believe everything I tell you. until you try it for yourself, if you know someone that is in need for something that I mentioned of and you know that you can help you can see that it will be returned in two folds. 

One day, we mad people will change the world or we are already changing it "The Ball is now your Court. If the world were to end in 24 hours all the phone lines, chats rooms, email will be saturated from people sending messages to others saying, I regret having made you feel bad, Pardon me, I love you, I hold you in esteem, take good care of yourself, I am sorry, Thank You, and sometimes, I have always loved you, only I never told you. 

Wisdom, Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance, Transcendence

Strengths of Wisdom and Knowledge: Cognitive strengths that entail the acquisition and use of knowledge

1. Creativity [originality, ingenuity]: Thinking of novel and productive ways to conceptualize and do things.

2. Curiosity [interest, novelty-seeking, openness to experience]: Taking an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake; exploring and discovering.

3. Open-mindedness [judgment, critical thinking]: Thinking things through and examining them from all sides; weighing all evidence fairly.

4. Love of learning: Mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge, whether on one's own or formally.

5. Perspective [wisdom]: Being able to provide wise counsel to others; having ways of looking at the world that make sense to oneself and to other people.

Strengths of Courage: Emotional strengths that involve the exercise of will to accomplish goals in the face of opposition, external and internal

6. Bravery [valor]: Not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain; acting on convictions even if unpopular.

7. Persistence [perseverance, industriousness]: Finishing what one starts; persisting in a course of action in spite of obstacles.

8. Integrity [authenticity, honesty]: Presenting oneself in a genuine way; taking responsibility for one's feeling and actions.

9. Vitality [zest, enthusiasm, vigor, energy]: Approaching life with excitement and energy; feeling alive and activated.

Strengths of Humanity: interpersonal strengths that involve tending and befriending others

10. Love: Valuing close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated.

11. Kindness [generosity, nurturance, care, compassion, altruistic love, "niceness"]: Doing favors and good deeds for others.

12. Social intelligence [emotional intelligence, personal intelligence]: Being aware of the motives and feelings of other people and oneself.

Strengths of Justice: civic strengths that underlie healthy community life

13. Citizenship [social responsibility, loyalty, teamwork]: Working well as a member of a group or team; being loyal to the group.

14. Fairness: Treating all people the same according to notions of fairness and justice; not letting personal feelings bias decisions about others.

15. Leadership: Encouraging a group of which one is a member to get things done and at the same maintain time good relations within the group.

Strengths of Temperance: strengths that protect against excess

16. Forgiveness and mercy: Forgiving those who have done wrong; accepting the shortcomings of others; giving people a second chance; not being vengeful.

17. Humility / Modesty: Letting one's accomplishments speak for themselves; not regarding oneself as more special than one is.

18. Prudence: Being careful about one's choices; not taking undue risks; not saying or doing things that might later be regretted.

19. Self-regulation [self-control]: Regulating what one feels and does; being disciplined; controlling one's appetites and emotions.

Strengths of Transcendence: strengths that forge connections to the larger universe and provide meaning

20. Appreciation of beauty and excellence [awe, wonder, elevation]: Appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in various domains of life.

21. Gratitude: Being aware of and thankful of the good things that happen; taking time to express thanks.

22. Hope [optimism, future-mindedness, future orientation]: Expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it.

23. Humor [playfulness]: Liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people; seeing the light side.

24. Spirituality [religiousness, faith, purpose]: Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose, the meaning of life, and the meaning of the universe.