Tag Archives: decisions

Sep20

What To Read Next?!

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What To Read Next?!

Howdy!! I have always been a huge fan of graphic novels and have gotten deeply back into them as of late. I recently finished a crazy adventure that was the Nailbiter series and am ready to sink my teeth into something new. During one of my hauls at JC Comics, the owner gifted me with five free first issues of other horror series that he thought I might like. It was so kind of him and with nothing else to read, I read all five of them in one day to determine what I should start next. I was pretty surprised by the conclusion I came to so let’s discuss each option a bit more (with a trigger warning for violent content):

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Kill or be Killed: The first issue of Kill or be Killed was just okay. Long story short, the main character named Dylan tries to kill himself. Somehow, he survives and is visited that night by a demon with a message. Dylan’s life was spared, so a life for a life every month is the deal. If he can’t commit to it, Dylan will die instead… My main qualm with Kill or be Killed wasn’t exactly the story line and a majority of the artwork was cool. I just thought that the demon looked lame AF and I won’t stand for it lol. I also felt like the plot wasn’t capable of developing beyond the deal with the demon so it was a next for me.

Ice Cream Man: Speaking of lame, that brings us to Ice Cream Man. Yes, you guessed it – it is all about the neighborhood ice cream man who is actually a werewolf. This one was far too goofy for my liking and I am also not interested in werewolf stories either so this was a big fat NO.

Monstress: I hated Monstress almost immediately because I had literally no idea what was going on. However, I kept on reading and I am so glad as it was my favorite one from the batch. Maika Halfwolf was orphaned after her mother was killed in an ongoing war between powerful witches and the Arcanics (or monster kind). The Arcanics are now being rounded up and killed and it is up to Maika to avenge her mother’s death and save her tribe… Holy WOW did this first issue pack a punch. The story line is quite dense, but I liked that because it read like an actual story. The artwork was also magnificent and I was blown away by every panel. I was so sad after reading the last page because I wanted to know more!

Criminal: I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like Criminal and I was right because the first issue did nothing for me. Basically, a career criminal who is the best in the business is contacted to go on a major diamond heist by people who are just as seedy as him. Not my bag whatsoever so into the next pile it went.

w0rldtr33: After Monstress, w0rldtr33 came in second place. The plot goes like this – there is a corner of the dark web that can get people to commit horrible monstrosities merely by glancing at it. The original creators have kept it under wraps, but it has resurfaced once again and left terror in its wake. There are those that want to stop it and others who want to harness it to create a new and not improved world… I am a sucker for a dark web story so I was pretty interested in w0rldtr33. It didn’t catch my attention as much as Monstress but I still would like to see how this battle of good and evil plays out.

My plan is to get Volume One of both Monstress and W0rldtr33 and see what happens. Each of them had their merits but it’s too hard to tell which one to go with after only reading one issue. Either way, I’m excited about it!

What are you currently reading? Is there a local bookstore or comic shop in your neck of the woods that you love? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

Decision Making 101

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Decision Making 101

Howdy!! I don’t know about all of you, but I have a very difficult time making decisions. I stress, ruminate, and let anxiety build up until I just keep doing the same thing without making any changes. It’s understandable – any kind of change can be scary and I find a lot of comfort in the same old, same old. This past week, however, I had to make some really big work related decisions and it sucked lol. I am pleased to report that I made it through on the other side. I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t still feeling some residual stress about it, but I know that I will feel much better in time. These are some of the things that helped me as I made choices and maybe they will help you too:

Deep Breaths:

If you’re like me and simply the thought of major changes puts you into a tailspin, then first and foremost, you need to chill. Sound decisions can’t be made when you are in distress so try and relax. Take deep breaths, sip a cup of tea, or have a hot shower. Whatever you need to do to put you in a calmer state of mind. Then, you can revisit the decision that needs made when you are feeling less frazzled.

Pros & Cons:

The most common way to make choices is to weigh the pros and cons and there is a reason for it – it is always effective. Grab a pen and paper, pull up a notepad on your phone, or type on the computer and start thinking about the good and bad that could come with each option. It will be so helpful to see your thoughts right in front of you rather than let them swirl around your head. Your initial pros and cons might be subject to change so don’t make a split decision immediately. Give it a day or two, revisit it, and see if anything or nothing needs reevaluated.

Think About You:

There is a high chance that whatever you are struggling to decide might effect other people. This can throw a huge monkey wrench in the process because, of course, we don’t want choices to negatively impact others. This is where I have the most difficult time and often just resort to doing the same thing. However, you need to think about yourself. Sometimes, what’s best for you isn’t best for the people that it might effect and that’s okay. Yes, you read that right: It’s okay. Doing for you isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary if you want to keep moving forward in a positive trajectory.

Go With Your Gut:

Maybe you have weighed your pros and cons and are still nowhere closer to a decision. If that is the case, think about your gut, heart, and mind. This is what it ultimately boiled down to as I made my work related choice. I knew exactly what I wanted and I had a hard time working up the nerve to just do it. Listen to yourself and what your body is telling you. The answers you need are all there so don’t swamp yourself down with the “what ifs” or you might end up getting stuck. I admit that I was stuck for over a month until I was able to do what I needed to do for me. All it did was cause me more stress as the situation festered in my head and that could have been easily avoided. Changes take time, though, and if you need extra time that is totally fine but it might make making the choice even harder if you drag it out.

I feel good about the decision I made because I know it will be good for me, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now. I also feel like I have a better grasp on making choices for the next time a situation arises – hopefully!

How do you make decisions? What is something you struggle with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec6

5 Steps To Manage A Sudden Life Change

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5 Steps To Manage A Sudden Life Change

No matter who you are, there will come a point when you are faced with a sudden change in your life. It could be an opportunity to move somewhere to better your career or maybe you’re tired of the same old thing every day, and you’ve found something that could transform that. Whatever it is, you may need to take quick action to ensure you can do it, but this is never that easy. If you’re faced with a sudden change, here are some tips to manage it successfully:

Slow Down:

Sudden change brings a whirlwind of uncertainty. You may have no idea what to do, which means you could make a decision that isn’t right for you or your family. It’s vital to slow down when something unexpected occurs, as this allows you to think and re-calibrate. You can take the opportunity to consider your options from myriad angles, meaning you can find the solution that works best for you.

Speak to Your Family:

You may not want to or should not make this decision alone. When a change arrives, you must ask how any action will affect others. Speaking to your family, your partner, kids, and even your parents, will help you work through your options and consider everyone’s feelings. Your partner may not want to leave their job; your kids may miss their friends; your parents might need you to take care of them. These are all issues you could face when you encounter a sudden change.

Know Your Options:

It’s always useful to know your options, especially if you need to make a quick decision and want assurances that there is no going back. If you have an opportunity to move across the country or another part of the world, use services like sell my house fast so you can generate funds to move elsewhere and remove mortgage and other responsibilities back home.

Consider Alternatives:

There are always alternatives for you and your family to consider when faced with change. If you need to move immediately, you can do so, but your family may not need to move straight away. While it’s challenging to be apart, it helps you settle in and ensure you feel comfortable where you are. If you don’t, you may realize you can return if the opportunity wasn’t all it was made out to be.

Just Go For It:

You won’t get anywhere by deliberating over your options for too long. Sometimes, you may not even have the time to deliberate, so taking a risk might be worth it if you dive headfirst into the opportunity. You never know what life could bring and if you feel like you need a change, this could be what you’ve been searching for all this time.

You never know when a change will come, but that’s okay. You don’t need to predict everything in your life. Sometimes, the unexpected things are often the most exciting. At the very least, these tips can help you deal with change when it comes, so you know the best course of action!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

 

Mar21

6 Different Methods To Treat Your Conditions

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6 Different Methods To Treat Your Conditions

There are many different methods of treatment for conditions these days. With so much information available, it can be difficult to know which treatment is right for you. In this blog post, we will take a look at six different methods of treatment that you can discuss further with your doctor:

Traditional Medicine:

Traditional medicine has been around for centuries and is often the first line of defense against conditions. If you have a condition that can be treated with traditional methods, it is essential to discuss all of your options with your doctor before making a decision. Traditional medicine has its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it is often the most effective method of treatment available. On the other, it can be expensive and have side effects.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine:

CAM is often used in conjunction with traditional medicine. It is crucial to discuss CAM with your doctor before starting any new treatments, as some CAM therapies can interact with traditional medications. CAM is generally considered to be safe, but there are always risks involved with any type of treatment. Make sure you are fully informed about the risks and benefits of CAM before starting any new treatments.

Home Remedies:

Home remedies are often passed down from generation to generation and are a great way to treat minor conditions without seeing a doctor. However, it is essential to remember that home remedies are not always effective and can sometimes cause more harm than good. If you are considering using a home remedy, make sure you do your research first and consult with your doctor if you have any questions.

Natural Treatments:

Like home remedies, natural treatments are often passed down from generation to generation. However, not all natural treatments are safe or effective. In addition, some natural treatments can interact with traditional medications, so it is vital to be aware of these potential interactions before starting any new treatment.

Holistic Approaches:

Holistic approaches can include anything from meditation to aromatherapy. These therapies are often used in conjunction with traditional medicine. It is essential to discuss holistic approaches with your doctor before starting any new treatments, as some holistic therapies can interact with traditional medications. Holistic therapies are generally considered to be safe, but there are always risks involved with any type of treatment.

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Photo by Shashi Chaturvedula on Unsplash

Clinical Trials:

Clinical trials are an important part of developing new treatments for conditions. There are many practices and doctors who specialize in clinical trials and research, like Dr. Hanid Audish. Clinical trials can be beneficial, but they also involve risks. Make sure you are fully informed about the risks and benefits of clinical trials before making a decision.

These are just a few of the many different types of treatments available for conditions. The best way to find the right treatment for you is to talk to your doctor and make an informed decision based on all of your options. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, so what works for someone else may not work for you. The most important thing is to find a treatment that works for you and that you are comfortable with.

Featured Image By: Hush Naidoo Jade Photography on Unsplash

Mar1

Buying A Horse? Consider The Following

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Buying A Horse? Consider The Following

Often, the elegance of a horse attracts horse owners: it is the most common reason people have when starting a horse farm or purchasing a horse. The excitement of owning a horse may shift your focus from being a good owner, though, and you need to consider the time, effort, and essential care items before you make any decisions.

If you are a first-time owner, be sure to research and consult the experts before committing your resources extensively. For experienced owners, it may be a walk in the park. However, do not take anything for granted as every horse is unique, and you should treat it as so.

Time Commitment:

Brace yourself – taking care of a horse is quite involving so you will need to have extra time and then some to make sure all of its needs are met. It is a time-consuming task that needs constant and quality work so that you can learn and bond with your horse. You will need to take care of its nutrition (what and how to feed the horse), grooming, stables, riding, and vet check ups. It may seem like a complex maze that will scare you off. But you only need to learn the basics of horse-owning, and you will be good to go. However, you should always be willing to learn more about your horse.

Intelligence:

Every horse has a unique character that you need to learn and create a connection with. Horses usually know how to connect with the rider and the owner by clicking with your emotions. It will be easier to take the cues from the horse if you spend time with it. You also have to know how best to take care of the horse during the different seasons as required. Similarly, the horse can also play a significant role in maintaining your happy mood through equine therapy.

Beauty and Quality:

The beauty of a horse requires a stable of equal measure. You need to design and provide the horse with adequate necessities properly. It would be best if you used your interactions with the horse to consider the designs that will be most fitting. Get in touch with your “horse personality” and choose the best stable from your pole barn builders.

You can visit several horse farms or barns to familiarize yourself with styles that you might like. Remember, your stable is a safe space for your horse and it should be treated as such. When you work with equestrian professionals like Scotts of Thrapston, they will create a stable that has everything needed as well as being aesthetically pleasing. Have a list ready of your “must haves” before consulting with builders.

Safety:

You should always ensure that you provide a safe environment for your horse. Observe hygiene and good horse nutrition to keep them healthy and happy. You might also want to include natural remedies into their routine to boost hoof health, decrease anxiety, and reduce muscle inflammation. Be sure to rid the area of unnecessary clutter like blankets that may be harmful. To keep the horses fit, be sure to include riding in the green fields or the woods.

Horses are majestic and intelligent animals that need lots of love and care. Make sure you are willing to put in the time, effort, commitment, and passion for a joyful and healthy horse before going forward – they deserve it.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec8

December 2018 Funky Time Jams

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December 2018 Funky Time Jams

Hello! We are already a week into December and Christmas is literally right around the corner. So crazy! We’re blazing through this month, so it’s time to discuss some fiery jams to match. I participate in a vinyl record club at one of my local libraries and it is my turn to pick the album come January. I had great success with The Pale Emperor by Marilyn Manson so it is important to me to keep the streak going. So, this month has been about listening through some of my favorite albums on my iPod to make sure that I make the best decision. So far, I’ve been selecting through albums with some of the following songs:

(And, as always, I have no rights to these songs or videos!)

So many choices!! At first, I was really leaning towards Arcade Fire’s Funeral or Apologies To The Queen Mary by Wolf Parade. But, then I began playing around with other options and got distracted from my original choices. As of now, I am probably going to go with Decemberunderground by AFI. That album features songs that had radio success for them like Miss Murder and Love Like Winter, so some if it might be familiar to my record club friends, which is always a good thing. Plus, I had the pleasure of seeing AFI in concert for my birthday last year, which will make for good conversation. I think that I have my mind made up, but we all know that that’s subject to change within an hour!

Which album would you play for a vinyl record club? What are some of your absolute favorite albums? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun14

Are You Ready For A Pet?

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Are You Ready For A Pet?

Owning a pet is special because the animal becomes a huge part of your life. Welcoming a pet into your home is like bringing in a brand new family member. Still, pets don’t work out for everyone. Sometimes, things get in the way and stop the special bond from occurring. The good news, is that you can tell if you’re ready or not. All you have to do is ask these questions and consider your answers. If all goes well, then congratulations are in order. If not, maybe put off going to the pound for now. And, as always, lifewithlilred supports the “Adopt, don’t shop” point of view and PuppyWire has an amazing article to help prep your home for your new rescue dog!

Do You Have The Time? Firstly, there are animals which need a whole lot of love, and that means spending quality time together. Dogs are the main culprits, yet they aren’t the only ones. For those of you with busy schedules, there might be a gap that is hard to bridge. Unless you’re willing to change your lifestyle, a pet isn’t going to work for both parties. Even animals like cats, which are a lot less high maintenance, require a bit of effort. Plus, what is the point of having a pet if you only see it for a few hours in the evening? It’s a waste of time and money, and it’s unfair.

Can You Commit For The Long-Term? Figuring out whether you have the time isn’t just about the present or the near future. It’s about the long-term outlook more than anything. Most animals have a long lifespan. Turtles, for example, can even outlive humans. So, getting one today and then getting bored with it after a couple of weeks isn’t an option. It’s like the cliché saying, a pet is for life, not just for Christmas (and it’s so true). Anyone that wants a new addition has to ensure that they will be there for the long haul. Otherwise, it isn’t a savvy move for all parties involved.

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Aww :*)

Do You Have The Money? Regardless of the animal, you will need a decent sized budget. Let’s take a look at dogs for a moment. They need basics such as food and water, but they also need everything from healthcare to an inside bed and toys. And, as http://www.pawcastle.com points out, doggy beds do not come cheap. Plus, there are the extras that no one thinks out beforehand. For example, the dog will need to be warm in the winter, which means that you’ll use the central heating more. As energy prices rise, this could cost a fortune. It’s wise to cover every base that’s necessary for your new pet before committing.

Is It A Family Decision? You might be totally on board because pet lovers can be extreme. In fact, www.wired.com thinks that some of you even love animals more than humans (I know I do!)! However, the pertinent factor is whether everyone else in the house is okay with a new pet. They live there too, so their opinion is just as important. Sure, the kids will probably jump at the idea of having a dog to play with, but that doesn’t mean that your partner will feel the same.

Getting a new pet should be treated as a big deal because it is. Ask yourself all of the above questions before committing and be ready to provide the loving home that your new furry friend so deserves!

Featured Image By: Public Domain Pictures