Working on my Bucket List and Stress Reduction

Blue Footed Booby

Dancing for the Ladies

I’m off to the Galapagos islands in search of the blue footed booby. This bird has always fascinated me and long been on my list to see. This seems like a good year to visit Galapagos because it is the 200 anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth. He has always also been of great  interest to me.

Here is some information on the Blue footed booby for those interested.

The Blue-footed Booby is strictly a marine bird. Their only need for land is to breed which they do along rocky coasts.

The Blue-footed Booby is on average 32 inches long and weighs about 3 lbs. The females are slightly larger than the males.  The Blue-footed Booby’s eyes are yellow. The male has more yellow on its iris than the female does.  The booby’s eyes are placed on either side of their bill and oriented towards the front.

The Blue-footed Booby has permanently closed nostrils specialized for diving. They breathe through the corners of their mouths. Their feet range from a pale turquoise to a deep aquamarine. Males and younger birds have lighter feet than females do.

 The Blue-footed Booby male flaunts his blue feet and dances when he wants  to impress the female. During the dance, the male will spread his wings and stamp his feet on the ground. The Blue-footed Booby is usually a one women man and reunites at the breeding grounds with his true love.

Crabapple Tree

I needed some personal spring rejuvenation this week. I spent time taking care of myself and I thought I would share these reminders with other women:

•   Reminded myself for the umpteenth time to take care of myself, it will make me more able to help others and feel less taken advantage of.
•   I said lots of “no’s” this week, actually cancelled 2 engagements (boy did that feel good).  Spent some very restful time alone. 
• I napped often

Holidays are often just the opposite of what they should be. Easter is no different.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the day.

• If you are cooking, keep it simple, plan what others will bring. Give them a choice, “can you bring a salad or dessert?”  Make dinner later in the day to reduce stress, people are usually tired and don’t stay too long.

• Put a time frame on your invitation.  Say something like “We will be having our Easter celebration from 4-7 pm, dinner is at 430″.  Start dinner at 430 regardless who is late.

I am worried my brother has some kind of paranoia disorder.  He believes people are following him, listening and watching him through radio transmissions, etc.  He is not to the point where he’s totally disfunctional but he lost her job because of it and  family relations are seriously strained.  His family and  work have tried to get him to seek psychological counseling but he refuses.  What can I do to help him when he doesn’t think there’s anything wrong with him?

Thank you,
Joe