<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245</id><updated>2011-11-14T22:19:55.172+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Not All I Am</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><link rel='next' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default?start-index=101&amp;max-results=100'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>292</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-8642604312198760753</id><published>2011-06-26T18:50:00.003+10:00</published><updated>2011-06-26T19:16:54.300+10:00</updated><title type='text'>*SIGH*</title><content type='html'>I am sitting at the airport on my way home from meeting you in the first time in years.  I am tired but calm and feeling centred for the first time in a long time.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I'm wishing that we have more time even though I know that time would have made parting even more difficult.  I enjoyed the time.  I was surprised at how easily the comfortable silences came.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I don't know of what's to come.  I don't know what's different and I don't know what's the same.  You siad that I've changed but I'd be interested to know how you think I have.  You've changed too and I look forward to finding out the different ways.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;My lips still tingle from your kiss.  I can't wait to enjoy the taste and feel of you.  I know - slowly slowly.  I'm looking forward to that too.  I'm in no hurry to rediscover the physical aspects of learning about you again.  Okay I may be a little impatient.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;It was difficult to walk away from you today however was not torn.  It was the right and logical thing to do.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Yes, I don't know where this is going.  Yes, I have a lot of questions that I don't have answers for. I'm actually okay with this, for the moment anyway.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;This I think I know.  I think I know how I feel about you.  Part of this is based on part history, part is based on future dreams.  I think I am prepared to let you close enough to hurt me.  This may seem like a  scary responsibility, but I hope you don't see it as such.  It's a case of nothing ventured, nothing gained,&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I do need to know about our past from your perspective.  I'm confused because you seem to still have so many feelings for me.  I'm determining this based on the way you looked at me, touched me and held me.  Yes, I know that I don't remember a lot of things.  I don't know if I've blocked them out.  I do know that this is both a blessing and a curse.  Bothing things for both of us.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I will work on remembering the important things.  Today is a memory I'll keep treasured.  The promise of something is appealing and attractive and the confirmation that for me it had never been over.  It feels like I've been waiting for you to be ready again.  I am a little worried that I am the one that went looking for you.  Sometimes I feel that you are not ready to put your hand up.  I don't know if you fear rejection or are just concerned with making me uncomfortable.  Today should have shown you that I often know what you are thinking.  Trust me to stop you if I don't feel comfortable.  Trust me that if you don't risk being rejected, you also will never be accepted.  You need to roll the dice to have a chance to win.  Don't fear failure, fear the indifference that means you won't try.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;When I am with you, I fell at home.  It doesn't matter the distance that separates us as the feeling of being at home is an alluring one.  When I am with you, I feel attractive and desirable.  Feeling attractive and desirable is not something that I don't feel when I am not with you, it's more that I don't think about it.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;It feels that no time has passed, but I can see that it has.  You life's experience are shown on your face and in your eyes.  When I am with you I feel like I'm twenty and everything is possible.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-8642604312198760753?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8642604312198760753'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8642604312198760753'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2011/06/sigh.html' title='*SIGH*'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-4638233154189944166</id><published>2011-06-19T21:20:00.002+10:00</published><updated>2011-06-19T21:29:28.203+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Overthinking it</title><content type='html'>Why am I over thinking it all today?  I am waiting here, waiting for an email or for the phone to ring.  Why am I doing this?  Don't get me wrong, I've been doing a little of this and a little of that. When I take the busy back to basics, I have been waiting to talk to you.  Friday night seems so long away.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I have an impending sense of doom that something I'm not going to like is coming my way.  I dare not to email you because I feel that you may take this as a lack of trust.  Trust trust trust, how do I trust that you are not going to hurt me again.  I feel that I am leading myself into a world of hurt.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I need to see you to determine if this is going to work for me.  I have to know one way or the other and don't know what I am going to do if I want more and you don't.  I always say that I would rather regret doing something than not doing it.  If this is the case, why can't I just pick up the phone and speak to you?  I think that the smartest thing that I can do tonight is to pull the doona up to my chin, turn up the radio and go to sleep. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tomorrow is a new day, and perhaps I will have a new perspective.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-4638233154189944166?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4638233154189944166'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4638233154189944166'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2011/06/overthinking-it.html' title='Overthinking it'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-3658232242882902639</id><published>2011-06-18T23:17:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2011-06-18T23:18:05.193+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Maybe this is more like it</title><content type='html'>&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; "&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;&lt;span class="large" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 23, 69); display: inline; "&gt;&lt;b&gt;Nick Cave - The Ship Song &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Come sail your ships around me&lt;br /&gt;And burn your bridges down.&lt;br /&gt;We make a little history baby&lt;br /&gt;Every time you come around.&lt;br /&gt;Come loose your dogs upon me&lt;br /&gt;And let your hair hang down.&lt;br /&gt;You are a little mystery to me&lt;br /&gt;Every time you come around.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We talk about it all night long&lt;br /&gt;We define our moral ground.&lt;br /&gt;But when I crawl into your arms&lt;br /&gt;Everything comes tumbling down.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Come sail your ships around me&lt;br /&gt;And burn your bridges down.&lt;br /&gt;We make a little history baby&lt;br /&gt;Every time you come around.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Your face has fallen sad now&lt;br /&gt;For you know the time is nigh&lt;br /&gt;When I must remove your wings&lt;br /&gt;And you, you must try to fly.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Come sail your ships around me&lt;br /&gt;And burn your bridges down.&lt;br /&gt;We make a little history baby&lt;br /&gt;Every time you come around.&lt;br /&gt;Come loose your dogs upon me&lt;br /&gt;And let your hair hang down.&lt;br /&gt;You are a little mystery to me&lt;br /&gt;Every time you come around. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-3658232242882902639?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3658232242882902639'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3658232242882902639'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2011/06/maybe-this-is-more-like-it.html' title='Maybe this is more like it'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-4730860888812328992</id><published>2011-06-18T12:28:00.006+10:00</published><updated>2011-06-18T22:33:10.130+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Song that matches my feelings</title><content type='html'>I have found a song that matches my feelings, however all the details in the song are not the details of my feelings.  &lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I have decided that I am going to meet you.  I need to know what is going on.  I know for me what I felt for you have never ended.  I know that a lot of the images in my mind are memories from the past mixed with dreams of the future.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Who would have know how bitter-sweet this would be?  I am nervous.  I wonder if the future exists and if it does, will it turn out to be bitter or sweet or bitter-sweet?&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Who knows what will happen?  I know this - I wish nothing but the best for you.  If I can't have you or the dreams based on the memory of you, I will find someone like you.  I have to believe this.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;It's about who you are, but it's more about how I feel when I am with you.  It's about how you make me feel.  I long to talk to you about this, but how can I when you have the power to devastate me again.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I don't know if this will be the same.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt; Someone Like You - ADELE&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;i heard that you're settled down that you found the girl  and you're married now&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;i heard that your dreams came true guess she gave you things i didn't give to you&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;old friend why are you so shy ain't like you to hold back or hide from the light&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;i hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited but i couldn't stay away i couldn't fight it&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;i had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded that for me it isn't over&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;never mind i'll find someone like you i wish nothing but the best for you two &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;don't forget me i beg i remember you said&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;sometimes it last in love but sometimes it hurts instead&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;sometimes it last in love but sometimes it hurts instead&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;you know how the time flies only yesterday was the time of our lives&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;we were born and raised in a summer haze &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;bound by the surprise of our glory days&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;i hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;but i couldn't stay away i couldn't fight it&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;i had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded that for me it isn't over&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left; "&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;never mind i'll find someone like you i wish nothing but the best for you two &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left; "&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;don't forget me i beg i remember you said&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left; "&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;sometimes it last in love but sometimes it hurts instead&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;nothing compares no worries or cares &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;regrets and mistakes they are memories made&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;who would have known how bitter sweet this would taste&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left; "&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;never mind i'll find someone like you i wish nothing but the best of you&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left; "&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;don't forget me i beg i remember you said&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left; "&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;sometimes it last in love but sometimes it hurts instead&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left; "&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;never mind i'll find someone like you i wish nothing but the best of you&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left; "&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;don't forget me i beg i remember you said&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left; "&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;sometimes it last in love but sometimes it hurts instead&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left; "&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;sometimes it last in love but sometimes it hurts instead&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-4730860888812328992?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4730860888812328992'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4730860888812328992'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2011/06/song-that-matches-my-feelings.html' title='Song that matches my feelings'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-4405068061724027200</id><published>2011-06-07T19:50:00.002+10:00</published><updated>2011-06-18T22:01:51.276+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Am I really going to do this?</title><content type='html'>&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; "&gt;&lt;div&gt;Dear John&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I have written "Dear John" letters to you before, but usually after you dumped me.  Now we are talking and I'm confused.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I'm being totally painfully honest,ready commented on writing emails and deleting them before sending me another.  Anyway, here it goes... I love you and always have.  I loved you when we were together, I loved you even when I didn't like you and I loved you while we weren't in contact.   However,  I don't know if I am in love with you. I truely believe that this not knowing is a good thing.  Now I know that loving you and being in love with you are two slightly different things.  If we are to be together, I need to know that I, both love, and am in love with you.  I don't doubt that I want you.  I don't know what it will take for me to understand if I am in love with you.  I don't think it is something I can decide the answer to without meeting up with you,  If we started something more than friendship, more than friendship with benefits then I would have to fall in love with you.  It has to be 100% to make all the angst and &lt;span&gt;all the effort worthwhile.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I think that I need to have some ground rules, you may not need them but I do.  I can't afford to become obsessive about you.  This can't be like last time if it is going to be at all.  I also can't be obsessive in my usual way until we both decide what should be or what won't be. So, I propose the following (which are open for discussion):&lt;/div&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;We talk once per week until a decision is made&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;We don't make a decison until we meet face to face&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;div&gt;When I talk about making a decision, I think that there are a few.  There is the decision not to move this any further forward than friendship, meeting is not a requirement.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I know that I need the following (which are not open for disucssion and are not about applying pressure for a quick understanding but about being open in regards to what I need):&lt;/div&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;I need to understand why we broke up to determine if I can change the things I need to so that I don't repeat my same mistakes&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;I need to understand your dreams and goals.  I believe that you believe that in the past I stifled your goals and your dreams.  I need to work out if I can be what you need me to be.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;div&gt;We have always been taught that one plus one equals two.  What I want is a situation where one plus one equals one.  This only happens when there is love.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Who knows what will happen?  All you have to determine is what you have to lose.  So, what have you got to lose?&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-4405068061724027200?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4405068061724027200'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4405068061724027200'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2011/06/am-i-really-going-to-do-this.html' title='Am I really going to do this?'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5591122621428362600</id><published>2011-06-05T21:07:00.002+10:00</published><updated>2011-06-05T21:12:36.571+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Wishes for my niece</title><content type='html'>&lt;b&gt;Beauty&lt;/b&gt; in all that she is and does&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;Love&lt;/b&gt; to warm her heart and yours&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;Hope&lt;/b&gt; for a bright and promising future&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;Joy&lt;/b&gt; every moment of every day&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;Peace&lt;/b&gt; and serenity now and always&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', arial, verdana; font-style: normal; "&gt;&lt;table width="350" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"&gt;&lt;tbody&gt;&lt;tr&gt;&lt;td&gt;&lt;div align="left"&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', arial, verdana; font-size: small; font-style: normal; "&gt;&lt;table width="350" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" style="display: inline !important; "&gt;&lt;tbody style="display: inline !important; "&gt;&lt;tr style="display: inline !important; "&gt;&lt;td style="display: inline !important; "&gt;&lt;div align="left" style="display: inline !important; "&gt;&lt;span  &gt;May the road rise to meet you,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/td&gt;&lt;/tr&gt;&lt;/tbody&gt;&lt;/table&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;span  &gt;May the wind be always at your back.&lt;br /&gt;May the sun shine warm upon your face,&lt;br /&gt;The rains fall soft upon your fields.&lt;br /&gt;And until we meet again,&lt;br /&gt;May God hold you in the palm of his hand.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;May God be with you and bless you:&lt;br /&gt;May you see your children's children.&lt;br /&gt;May you be poor in misfortune,&lt;br /&gt;Rich in blessings.&lt;br /&gt;May you know nothing but happiness&lt;br /&gt;From this day forward.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;May the road rise up to meet you&lt;br /&gt;May the wind be always at your back&lt;br /&gt;May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home&lt;br /&gt;And may the hand of a friend always be near.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;May green be the grass you walk on,&lt;br /&gt;May blue be the skies above you,&lt;br /&gt;May pure be the joys that surround you,&lt;br /&gt;May true be the hearts that love you&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/td&gt;&lt;/tr&gt;&lt;/tbody&gt;&lt;/table&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5591122621428362600?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5591122621428362600'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5591122621428362600'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2011/06/wishes-for-my-niece.html' title='Wishes for my niece'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-1483176966076133567</id><published>2011-06-05T18:31:00.001+10:00</published><updated>2011-06-05T18:32:28.442+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Happiness</title><content type='html'>Happiness is born of little things.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Roll your socks down and invite your friends over.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-1483176966076133567?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1483176966076133567'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1483176966076133567'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2011/06/happiness.html' title='Happiness'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-1031262865808998635</id><published>2011-06-05T18:01:00.003+10:00</published><updated>2011-06-05T18:04:29.887+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Middle age approaching</title><content type='html'>&lt;div&gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span"  &gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" &gt;&lt;span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"&gt;&lt;b&gt;I have just realised that I am soon to middle aged.  I am puzzled because the years went so fast, and the days so slowly.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-1031262865808998635?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1031262865808998635'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1031262865808998635'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2011/06/middle-age-approaching.html' title='Middle age approaching'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-3941231459453005758</id><published>2011-06-03T19:30:00.003+10:00</published><updated>2011-06-05T16:26:36.583+10:00</updated><title type='text'>What am I doing?</title><content type='html'>&lt;div&gt;Sometimes I wonder what I am doing.  I was cleaning up my computer and reading through old emails - always dangerous.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The last post was found in an old email and seemed to strike a nerve.  I couldn't stop thinking and of you and that resulted in me contacting you.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;So you replied to my email and I replied to yours.  After a few emails back and forth the phone call was made and we talked for 4 hours.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;What am I doing?  Am I prepared to be hurt again? Should I even think about this - do I dare go back?&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-3941231459453005758?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3941231459453005758'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3941231459453005758'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-am-i-doing.html' title='What am I doing?'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-7062559969976843214</id><published>2011-05-29T18:52:00.006+10:00</published><updated>2011-05-29T19:15:04.417+10:00</updated><title type='text'>I regret but I am thankful</title><content type='html'>I regret that I did not love you as you wished to be loved.&lt;br /&gt;I regret all the things that I planned and never got to share.&lt;br /&gt;I regret kissing you one moore time.&lt;br /&gt;I regret not holding on tighter.&lt;br /&gt;I regret not giving you the support that you needed.&lt;br /&gt;I regret not challenging you to be more.&lt;br /&gt;I regret that I had a negative effect on your life.&lt;br /&gt;I regret the dreams that had started to form.&lt;br /&gt;I regret not jumping in with both feet.&lt;br /&gt;I regret that I have all of these regrets and more that I cannot find words to express.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thank-you for all the things that you showed me, all the things that you taught me.&lt;br /&gt;You broadened my world and expanded my horizons.&lt;br /&gt;You helped turn me into a woman who appears to be confident and proud.&lt;br /&gt;You showed me that I am worth more than I think I am.&lt;br /&gt;You believed in more when I did not.&lt;br /&gt;You supported me when I was fragile and you let me fight when I believed that I had no other choice.&lt;br /&gt;Thank-you for sharing your family with me. They accepted me for who I was.&lt;br /&gt;Thank-you for reconfirming how lucky I am to have friends who will support me even when they doubt the decisions that I have made.&lt;br /&gt;Thank-you for loving me.&lt;br /&gt;Thank-you for making me believe that I was beautiful and desirable.&lt;br /&gt;Thank-you for all the little things that I will never be able to recount.&lt;br /&gt;Thank- you for showing me the beauty that you saw in the world. For an instant I saw me reflected in your eyes and then I understood.&lt;br /&gt;In the words of another - Thanks for the memories...&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-7062559969976843214?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7062559969976843214'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7062559969976843214'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-regret-but-i-am-thankful.html' title='I regret but I am thankful'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-4937078097220643150</id><published>2011-02-12T14:42:00.003+11:00</published><updated>2011-02-12T14:54:44.206+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Airport Travel</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;Why does it seem that when you are on your way to somewhere, there are delays and the like?  Travelling by plane is fast and easy.  The waiting in airports is more difficult than it should be.  An hour here and an hour there, it all mounts up.  However it is an excellent opportunity to people watch.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;I love to people watch.  Sit at a computer and typing is not the most subtle way to people watch.  The best way is to slip in some head phones, slip on a pair of sunglasses and watch the world go past.  Listen in on the interaction of other people.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;---&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Strangers who get into interesting and weird conversations. Conversations that rarely take place between people who know each other.  It's interesting to watch the approach.  A stranger sitting at a table, eating a lunch.  He is looking at the world around, making eye contact. She sits down and talks about her busy morning and the boyfriend she is flying to meet.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;At this time of year, conversation turns to Valentines Day... Monday - not all that far away.  She's a pretty young thing who exclaims that she has never had a boyfriend who has bought celebrated Valentine's day with her.  Do you believe it?  He picks at his lunch, while she is on the phone to her boyfriend.  Delayed flights and chance meetings, make for interesting observation.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;---&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The family man with his kids at in tow.  An uncomfortable looking situation.  The little girl is not too happy and falls to the floor screaming.  He find the bright carousel with the children's books and finds three that will keep her interested.  Fishing in his pocket for his wallet while he struggles with the girl under his arm, the young boy at his side and the books that you can see he is praying will keep their attention while they wait for the plane to leave or arrive.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;---&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The young men, looking to waste the hours of delay by drinking overpriced beer in a waiting lounge while watching each other behave in more annoying ways as the day meanders along.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;---&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;While I don't love waiting in airports, I do love watching people.  It's an interesting and amusing way to while away the hours until I get to board the plane and wing it home.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-4937078097220643150?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4937078097220643150'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4937078097220643150'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2011/02/airport-travel.html' title='Airport Travel'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5597836523643381963</id><published>2011-02-06T22:57:00.002+11:00</published><updated>2011-02-06T23:03:27.262+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Long time no post!</title><content type='html'>It's been a long time since I've blogged.  I've been thinking about this and that.  I've been meaning to post for a long while, but the thought does not equate to a reality of blogging.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;People from my past have been popping back into my life and then running back to where they have come from.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;While I understand that some friendships come and go... I miss the people of my past.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I miss the friend who I shared so much, who walked away without a goodbye.&lt;br /&gt;I miss my ex, who popped back to check that my family was okay after recent natural disaster.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;What am I meant to be doing to move on with my life.  Is there any such thing?&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5597836523643381963?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5597836523643381963'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5597836523643381963'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2011/02/long-time-no-post.html' title='Long time no post!'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-3868978655415565686</id><published>2010-01-26T13:49:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2010-01-26T14:14:36.606+11:00</updated><title type='text'>To Do List</title><content type='html'>Is it time for me to put me at the top of my to do list?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I can say that it is. It may take a couple of weeks for me to get to this point. But it is time for me to come first. It is time for me to put myself first.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This may mean many things over the coming weeks and months.  This may mean many things for the rest of my life.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This may include time for fun, time of exercise, time to create, time to relax, time to reflect.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-3868978655415565686?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3868978655415565686'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3868978655415565686'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2010/01/to-do-list.html' title='To Do List'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-7299742313647101004</id><published>2010-01-25T22:40:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2010-01-26T13:53:58.358+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Drumming Class</title><content type='html'>I went to drumming class tonight and I love it. Who would have thought that beating a drum with the palm of my hands would work up a sweat?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It's fun. It's fun. It's fun.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I can't believe that I have to miss a week because I am going away. I am okay with this. But I think that I need to keep going and I think that I need to get a drum.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-7299742313647101004?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7299742313647101004'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7299742313647101004'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2010/01/what-am-i-missing.html' title='Drumming Class'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5251871033613927085</id><published>2010-01-24T21:25:00.002+11:00</published><updated>2010-01-24T21:29:14.143+11:00</updated><title type='text'>A year of hiding</title><content type='html'>It has been over a year since I have blogged.  There is no excuse.  I may have been working way to many hours, I may have been spending too long sitting on the couch and watching the TV, I may just have been hiding.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My life has not moved forward.  I feel that I have been going through the motions, not changing, not growing.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I have cut off my hair and I need to make some serious decisions about what I am going to do and what I am going to do and what I am going to do.  Will what I am going to do change who I am going to be? &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I will no longer be waiting to see what is going to happen.  I will make it happen.  I am not going to wait. No longer.  No longer. No longer.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A year of hiding is over. It starts with small steps - cutting my hair off is a start, drumming class on&lt;br /&gt;Monday.  Let's see what will become.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5251871033613927085?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5251871033613927085'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5251871033613927085'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2010/01/year-of-hiding.html' title='A year of hiding'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-1336994209415188591</id><published>2008-12-31T16:55:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T16:56:15.692+11:00</updated><title type='text'>End of life</title><content type='html'>To become what we are capable of becoming is the only end of life. - &lt;em&gt;Robert Louis Stevenson&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-1336994209415188591?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1336994209415188591'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1336994209415188591'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/12/end-of-life.html' title='End of life'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5747168850329691723</id><published>2008-12-27T17:56:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T16:57:27.230+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Reality</title><content type='html'>There's nothign half so real in life as the things you've done... inexorable, unalterably done. - &lt;em&gt;Sara Teasdale&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5747168850329691723?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5747168850329691723'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5747168850329691723'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/12/reality.html' title='Reality'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-1970047741727227214</id><published>2008-12-26T12:05:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T16:59:00.622+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Good Hearts</title><content type='html'>A good heart... is the sun... for it shines bright... and never changes... - &lt;em&gt;William Shakespeare&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-1970047741727227214?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1970047741727227214'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1970047741727227214'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/12/good-hearts.html' title='Good Hearts'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-7799669348375240950</id><published>2008-12-24T19:53:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T16:57:53.192+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Less is more.</title><content type='html'>Less is more. - &lt;em&gt;Robert Browning&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-7799669348375240950?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7799669348375240950'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7799669348375240950'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2009/01/less-is-more.html' title='Less is more.'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-92454643887965179</id><published>2008-12-23T14:59:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:00:09.648+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Unbreakable</title><content type='html'>To achieve great things we must live as though we were never going to die. - &lt;em&gt;Marquis de Vauvenargues&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-92454643887965179?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/92454643887965179'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/92454643887965179'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/12/unbreakable.html' title='Unbreakable'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-9180783268757782661</id><published>2008-12-20T12:00:00.001+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:01:02.610+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Seasons</title><content type='html'>If winter comes, can spring be far behind?&lt;em&gt; - Percy Bysshe Shelley&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-9180783268757782661?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/9180783268757782661'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/9180783268757782661'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/12/seasons.html' title='Seasons'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-7529686677369985993</id><published>2008-12-17T11:03:00.001+11:00</published><updated>2010-01-24T21:24:44.622+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Beliitled ambitions</title><content type='html'>Keep away from people who try to beliitle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.&lt;em&gt; - Mark Twain&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-7529686677369985993?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7529686677369985993'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7529686677369985993'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/12/beliitled-ambitions.html' title='Beliitled ambitions'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5737439182169627255</id><published>2008-12-16T21:04:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:05:37.273+11:00</updated><title type='text'>The beauty within</title><content type='html'>Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not. &lt;em&gt;- Ralph Waldo Emerson&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5737439182169627255?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5737439182169627255'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5737439182169627255'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/12/beauty-within.html' title='The beauty within'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-8884167704166775340</id><published>2008-12-14T17:06:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:07:29.083+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Alone</title><content type='html'>Those who would see wonderful things must often be ready to travel alone. &lt;em&gt;- Henry Van Dyke&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-8884167704166775340?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8884167704166775340'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8884167704166775340'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/12/alone.html' title='Alone'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5664512486380399416</id><published>2008-12-12T21:47:00.001+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:08:34.113+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Time lost</title><content type='html'>Lost, yesterday, somwhere betweeen sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes.  No reward is offerered for they are gone forever. &lt;em&gt;- Horace Mann&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5664512486380399416?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5664512486380399416'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5664512486380399416'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/12/time-lost.html' title='Time lost'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-814489589916897058</id><published>2008-12-10T20:22:00.001+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:09:52.998+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Duty</title><content type='html'>In the time we have it is surely our duty to do all the good we can to all the people we can in all the ways we can. - &lt;em&gt;William Barclay&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-814489589916897058?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/814489589916897058'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/814489589916897058'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/12/duty.html' title='Duty'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-1314066094508153764</id><published>2008-12-06T18:09:00.001+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:11:08.618+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Stressed</title><content type='html'>When things are steep, remember to stay level-headed. &lt;em&gt;- Horace&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-1314066094508153764?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1314066094508153764'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1314066094508153764'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/12/stressed.html' title='Stressed'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-6080413217350050802</id><published>2008-12-05T23:12:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:13:47.083+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Life</title><content type='html'>In this life we get only those things... for which we are willing to sacrifice.&lt;em&gt;  - George Matthew Adams&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-6080413217350050802?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6080413217350050802'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6080413217350050802'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/12/life.html' title='Life'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5824156795281488612</id><published>2008-12-02T20:13:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:14:58.219+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Busy</title><content type='html'>In a word, I am always busy, which is perhaps the chief reason why I am always well. &lt;em&gt;- Elizabeth Cady Stanton&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5824156795281488612?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5824156795281488612'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5824156795281488612'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/12/busy.html' title='Busy'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-3470095597864456193</id><published>2008-11-29T20:42:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:15:43.748+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Easy</title><content type='html'>It is easy to be brave from a safe distance. &lt;em&gt;- Aesop&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-3470095597864456193?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3470095597864456193'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3470095597864456193'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/11/easy.html' title='Easy'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-8800614578754565745</id><published>2008-11-28T17:15:00.001+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:16:46.634+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Fate</title><content type='html'>Our grand business undoubtedly is not to see what lies dimly at a distance but to do what lies clearly at hand. &lt;em&gt;- Thomas Carlyle&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-8800614578754565745?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8800614578754565745'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8800614578754565745'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/11/fate.html' title='Fate'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5292715062903871265</id><published>2008-11-23T19:16:00.001+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:18:01.182+11:00</updated><title type='text'>To play the fool</title><content type='html'>Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans: it's lovely to be silly at the right moment. &lt;em&gt;- Horace&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5292715062903871265?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5292715062903871265'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5292715062903871265'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/11/to-play-fool.html' title='To play the fool'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-4476429436171136237</id><published>2008-11-20T19:01:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:18:56.360+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Admire</title><content type='html'>Admire those who attempt great things, even if they fail. &lt;em&gt;- Seneca&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-4476429436171136237?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4476429436171136237'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4476429436171136237'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/11/admire.html' title='Admire'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-3881032004071881110</id><published>2008-11-19T14:20:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:22:01.066+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Masterpiece</title><content type='html'>When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.&lt;em&gt; - John Ruskin&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-3881032004071881110?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3881032004071881110'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3881032004071881110'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/11/masterpiece.html' title='Masterpiece'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-4132708458112798097</id><published>2008-11-17T11:22:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:22:50.750+11:00</updated><title type='text'>The path</title><content type='html'>If the path be beautiful, let us not ask where it leads.&lt;em&gt; - Anatole France&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-4132708458112798097?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4132708458112798097'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4132708458112798097'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/11/path.html' title='The path'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-436482918046711582</id><published>2008-11-11T19:22:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:24:58.901+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Greatness</title><content type='html'>Be not afraid of greatness:&lt;br /&gt;some are born to be great,&lt;br /&gt;some achieve greatness,&lt;br /&gt;and some have greatness thrust upon them.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;- William Shakespeare&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-436482918046711582?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/436482918046711582'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/436482918046711582'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2009/02/greatness.html' title='Greatness'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-7407700813611252711</id><published>2008-11-07T15:25:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:26:35.429+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Principle v Taste</title><content type='html'>In matters of principle, stand like a rock;&lt;br /&gt;In matters of taste, swim with the current.&lt;br /&gt;- &lt;em&gt;Thomas Jefferson&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-7407700813611252711?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7407700813611252711'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7407700813611252711'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/11/principle-v-taste.html' title='Principle v Taste'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5250696396572576320</id><published>2008-09-02T17:26:00.001+10:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T17:27:51.257+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Don't turn back</title><content type='html'>From a certain point onwards there is no longer any turning back.  That is the point that must be reached. - &lt;em&gt;Franz Kafta&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5250696396572576320?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5250696396572576320'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5250696396572576320'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/09/dont-turn-back.html' title='Don&apos;t turn back'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-4196398450570201637</id><published>2008-08-24T20:33:00.002+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:33:48.888+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Value</title><content type='html'>To get the full value of a joy you must have someone to divide it with. - &lt;em&gt;Mark Twain&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-4196398450570201637?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4196398450570201637'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4196398450570201637'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/08/value.html' title='Value'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-6834870994132979832</id><published>2008-08-22T20:13:00.002+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-22T20:17:12.883+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Why Why Why</title><content type='html'>Just when I start getting on with my life, you pop back in.  You don't say much, but it doesn't stop my imagination rushing off to what may be or more correctly, what might have been...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I think of all the things that have not been and will never be.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Why can't you just leave me alone?&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-6834870994132979832?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6834870994132979832'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6834870994132979832'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/08/why-why-why.html' title='Why Why Why'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-2178673832286484229</id><published>2008-08-20T18:51:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:33:12.964+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Not taught</title><content type='html'>The things we know best are things we haven't been taught. &lt;em&gt;- Marquis de Vauvenargues.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-2178673832286484229?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2178673832286484229'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2178673832286484229'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/08/not-taught.html' title='Not taught'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-2299103674375238693</id><published>2008-08-17T20:54:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:56:21.206+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Eternity</title><content type='html'>To see the world in a grain of sand&lt;br /&gt;And heven in a wild flower&lt;br /&gt;Hold infinity in the palm of your hand&lt;br /&gt;And eternity in an hour. &lt;em&gt; - William Blake&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-2299103674375238693?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2299103674375238693'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2299103674375238693'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/08/eternity.html' title='Eternity'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-6774477348050632387</id><published>2008-08-16T20:57:00.001+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:58:32.360+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Breeze</title><content type='html'>It is our relation to circumstances that determines their influence over us.  The same wind that carries one vessel into port may blow another off course. &lt;em&gt;- Christian Bovee&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-6774477348050632387?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6774477348050632387'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6774477348050632387'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/08/breeze.html' title='Breeze'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5529623720721833600</id><published>2008-08-14T20:56:00.001+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:57:29.066+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Winning</title><content type='html'>If you think you can win, you can win.  Faith in necesary to victory. &lt;em&gt;- William Hazlitt&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5529623720721833600?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5529623720721833600'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5529623720721833600'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/08/winning.html' title='Winning'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-6685196342071474587</id><published>2008-08-10T20:53:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:54:19.185+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Complete</title><content type='html'>The reward of a thing well done is to have it done. &lt;em&gt;- Ralph Waldo Emerson&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-6685196342071474587?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6685196342071474587'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6685196342071474587'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/08/complete.html' title='Complete'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-669092243896564468</id><published>2008-08-07T20:52:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:53:14.983+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Beauty</title><content type='html'>Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty if only we have the eyes to see them. &lt;em&gt;- John Ruskin&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-669092243896564468?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/669092243896564468'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/669092243896564468'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/08/beauty.html' title='Beauty'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-3725895333764219365</id><published>2008-08-06T20:49:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:51:57.782+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Why? Why Not?</title><content type='html'>You see things; and you say, "Why?" But I drean things that never were; and I say "Why not?" &lt;em&gt;- George Bernard Shaw&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-3725895333764219365?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3725895333764219365'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3725895333764219365'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/08/why-why-not.html' title='Why? Why Not?'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-2412845799454912106</id><published>2008-08-04T20:48:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:49:48.345+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Life is short</title><content type='html'>The life given us by nature is short, but the memory of a well-spent life is eternal. &lt;em&gt;- Cicero&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-2412845799454912106?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2412845799454912106'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2412845799454912106'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/08/life-is-short.html' title='Life is short'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-349823198944888803</id><published>2008-08-02T20:47:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:48:48.963+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Time's Value</title><content type='html'>Know the true value of time; snatch, seize an denjoy every moment of it.  No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. &lt;em&gt;- Lord Chesterfield&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-349823198944888803?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/349823198944888803'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/349823198944888803'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/08/times-value.html' title='Time&apos;s Value'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-3894670943487500363</id><published>2008-08-01T20:46:00.002+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:46:59.647+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Useless?</title><content type='html'>No on is useless in this world who lightens the burdons of another. &lt;em&gt;- Charles Dickens&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-3894670943487500363?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3894670943487500363'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3894670943487500363'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/08/useless.html' title='Useless?'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-4228425642149006784</id><published>2008-07-31T19:21:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:40:12.676+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Busy?</title><content type='html'>It's not emough to be busy... the question is: what are we busy about? - &lt;em&gt;Henry David Thoreau&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-4228425642149006784?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4228425642149006784'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/4228425642149006784'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/07/busy.html' title='Busy?'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5451985702196050306</id><published>2008-07-24T21:27:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:29:29.951+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Enthusiasm</title><content type='html'>Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. &lt;em&gt;- Ralph Waldo Emerson&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5451985702196050306?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5451985702196050306'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5451985702196050306'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/08/enthusiasm.html' title='Enthusiasm'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-6400171251698747437</id><published>2008-07-23T19:30:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:31:33.626+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Steps</title><content type='html'>It is not enough to take steps which may some day lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-6400171251698747437?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6400171251698747437'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6400171251698747437'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/07/steps.html' title='Steps'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-2035383470899272770</id><published>2008-07-17T20:19:00.001+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:30:25.220+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Rare</title><content type='html'>All excellent things are as difficult as they are rare. &lt;em&gt;- Benedict Spinoza&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-2035383470899272770?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2035383470899272770'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2035383470899272770'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/07/rare.html' title='Rare'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-6539046656097286910</id><published>2008-07-10T22:23:00.001+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:34:50.236+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Glass half ???</title><content type='html'>The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not our circumstance. &lt;em&gt;- Martha Washington&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-6539046656097286910?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6539046656097286910'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6539046656097286910'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/07/glass-half.html' title='Glass half ???'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-8509523250570210955</id><published>2008-07-01T20:58:00.001+10:00</published><updated>2008-08-24T20:35:57.187+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Sunshine</title><content type='html'>Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. &lt;em&gt;- Sir James Barrie&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-8509523250570210955?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8509523250570210955'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8509523250570210955'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/07/sunshine.html' title='Sunshine'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-1484726841695113268</id><published>2008-06-23T21:01:00.001+10:00</published><updated>2008-06-23T21:02:39.651+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Life's Pleasures</title><content type='html'>The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do. &lt;em&gt;- Walter Bagehot&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-1484726841695113268?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1484726841695113268'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1484726841695113268'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/06/lifes-pleasures.html' title='Life&apos;s Pleasures'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-6182436409143223509</id><published>2008-06-21T20:21:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-06-23T21:00:46.176+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Need</title><content type='html'>Let your boat of life be light, packed only with what you need. - &lt;em&gt;Jerome K. Jerome&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-6182436409143223509?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6182436409143223509'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6182436409143223509'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/06/need.html' title='Need'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-6418563115213566967</id><published>2008-06-20T18:59:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-06-23T20:59:44.967+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Wrong Way</title><content type='html'>No matter how far you have gone on a wrong road, turn back. &lt;em&gt;- Turkish Proverb&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-6418563115213566967?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6418563115213566967'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6418563115213566967'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/06/wrong-way.html' title='Wrong Way'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-8794249465105078212</id><published>2008-06-19T22:27:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-06-23T20:58:32.984+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Imperfection</title><content type='html'>Were we to love non who had imperfctions, this would be a desert for our love. - &lt;em&gt;Thomas Jefferson&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-8794249465105078212?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8794249465105078212'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8794249465105078212'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/06/imperfection.html' title='Imperfection'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-3282220413538035829</id><published>2008-06-18T20:56:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-06-23T20:57:14.280+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Life's Zest</title><content type='html'>All life demands change, variety, contrast - else there is small zest to it. - &lt;em&gt;Mark Twain&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-3282220413538035829?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3282220413538035829'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3282220413538035829'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/06/lifes-zest.html' title='Life&apos;s Zest'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-6451674243620528300</id><published>2008-06-12T22:03:00.001+10:00</published><updated>2008-06-23T21:04:18.090+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Goals</title><content type='html'>Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations.  I may not reach them, but I can look up and see thier beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. - &lt;em&gt;Louise May Alcott&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-6451674243620528300?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6451674243620528300'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6451674243620528300'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/06/goals.html' title='Goals'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-2117717515230762832</id><published>2008-06-08T21:18:00.001+10:00</published><updated>2008-06-08T21:18:54.837+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Mistakes</title><content type='html'>A life spent in makin gmistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent in doing nothing. - &lt;em&gt;George Bernard Shaw&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-2117717515230762832?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2117717515230762832'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2117717515230762832'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/06/mistakes.html' title='Mistakes'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5664071791337076973</id><published>2008-06-07T19:16:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-06-08T21:17:49.067+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Beauty</title><content type='html'>Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful...&lt;br /&gt;Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Ralph Waldo Emerson&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5664071791337076973?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5664071791337076973'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5664071791337076973'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/06/beauty.html' title='Beauty'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-363232250036949622</id><published>2008-06-05T18:14:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-06-08T21:15:29.673+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Laughter</title><content type='html'>The most wasted day of all is that on which we have not laughed, - &lt;em&gt;Nicolas Chamfort&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-363232250036949622?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/363232250036949622'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/363232250036949622'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/06/laughter.html' title='Laughter'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-2642368961669185080</id><published>2008-06-04T20:15:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-06-08T21:14:41.307+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Own thoughts</title><content type='html'>What you think of yourself is myuch more important than what others think of you. - &lt;em&gt;Seneca&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-2642368961669185080?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2642368961669185080'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2642368961669185080'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/06/own-thoughts.html' title='Own thoughts'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5387243624822987403</id><published>2008-06-03T23:11:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-06-08T21:13:22.521+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Great Things</title><content type='html'>To accomplish great things we must not only act but also dream, not only plan, but also believe. - &lt;em&gt;Anatole France&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5387243624822987403?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5387243624822987403'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5387243624822987403'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/06/great-things.html' title='Great Things'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-3765368449768340375</id><published>2008-06-02T20:10:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-06-08T21:11:46.832+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Missed Opportunity.</title><content type='html'>While we stop to think, we often miss our opportunity. - &lt;em&gt;Publilius Syrus&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-3765368449768340375?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3765368449768340375'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3765368449768340375'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/06/missed-opportunity.html' title='Missed Opportunity.'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-1538525203109000919</id><published>2008-06-01T21:09:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2008-06-08T21:10:54.103+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Quality</title><content type='html'>Quality is not an act.  It is a habit. - &lt;em&gt;Aristotle&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-1538525203109000919?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1538525203109000919'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1538525203109000919'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/06/quality.html' title='Quality'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-8952469000850764530</id><published>2008-01-21T21:01:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2008-01-21T21:09:40.579+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Why can't I just shut my mouth.</title><content type='html'>Why can't I just shut my mouth.  I'm always talking, talking, talking.  It's not that I tell secrets that I am meant to keep.  All I do is keep telling too many details, telling too much truth.  I am in discussions at work about turning my contract into a permanent position.  Is it wrong if I am just interested in extending my contract?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;How do I tell them this?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I can't tell them the following truths:&lt;br /&gt;* I don't fit into their business&lt;br /&gt;* There is no place for me&lt;br /&gt;* I have been given promises and they never came to fruition&lt;br /&gt;* I am bored and can't see the challenge change&lt;br /&gt;* I don't agree with the direction of the business&lt;br /&gt;* I can't wait until the project is finished so that I can move onto the next one&lt;br /&gt;* There is nothing new for me to learn&lt;br /&gt;* The business is &lt;a href="mailto:!@#$ed"&gt;!@#$ed&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I probably should I tell them:&lt;br /&gt;* That I want to see the project through to completion, but when that happens I'm not sure what I want to do.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Hmmm.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-8952469000850764530?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8952469000850764530'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8952469000850764530'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2008/01/why-cant-i-just-shut-my-mouth.html' title='Why can&apos;t I just shut my mouth.'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-8703486697198111816</id><published>2007-12-28T14:57:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2007-12-28T14:59:31.375+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Wishes...</title><content type='html'>A poetic me - I wish for...&lt;br /&gt;courage to chase my dreams,&lt;br /&gt;challenges to enrich my life,&lt;br /&gt;and knowledge to calm my soul...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;An emotional me - I wish for...&lt;br /&gt;laughter that comes easily,&lt;br /&gt;tears that dry quickly,&lt;br /&gt;and a love that is unconditional...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A materialistic me - I wish for...&lt;br /&gt;a credit card that needs no payment,&lt;br /&gt;a house that is a home,&lt;br /&gt;and a holiday that lasts a lifetime...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A beauty queen me - I wish for...&lt;br /&gt;world peace,&lt;br /&gt;ending hunger,&lt;br /&gt;and a cure to all disease...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A simplistic me - I wish for...&lt;br /&gt;a spring in my step,&lt;br /&gt;a song in my heart,&lt;br /&gt;and a dollar in my pocket...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A dishonest me - I wish for...&lt;br /&gt;nothing...&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-8703486697198111816?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8703486697198111816'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8703486697198111816'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/12/wishes.html' title='Wishes...'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-1846909315153660936</id><published>2007-12-28T10:30:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2007-12-28T11:05:38.543+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Why Do I Try... by Jann Arden</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class="Section1"&gt;&lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love broke my heart&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love washed me out&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love made me sick&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love swallowed me&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love made me weak&lt;br /&gt;Everything is bleak&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Why Do I Try&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;"&gt;Why Do I Try&lt;br /&gt;Why&lt;?xml:namespace prefix = o /&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love took my life&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love stole my pride&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love killed my dreams&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love made me mean&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love let me drown&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love led me on&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;"&gt;Love is not my friend&lt;br /&gt;Love is the end&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Why Do I Try&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;"&gt;Why Do I Try&lt;br /&gt;Why&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love blinded me&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love took my glee&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love left me less&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Made me confess&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love ended hope&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love stopped the show&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Love broke it off&lt;br /&gt;Love broke my heart&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"&gt;Why Do I Try&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;"&gt;Why Do I Try&lt;br /&gt;Why&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-1846909315153660936?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1846909315153660936'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1846909315153660936'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/12/why-do-i-try-by-jann-arden.html' title='Why Do I Try... by Jann Arden'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-1803122811807088350</id><published>2007-12-27T15:40:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2007-12-27T15:43:59.058+11:00</updated><title type='text'>Christmas</title><content type='html'>Well Christmas has now come and gone if a flurry of wrapping paper and beery cheers.  I'm glad that it's come and glad that it's gone.  I've yet to recover from the dash home, the crazy rounds of friends and relations, too much food, too little time and too much sitting around.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Each year I swear that I will act differently,a nd each year I act the same.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Today I was back to work.  The office was half staffed, so the room was quiet and the workload was easy.  Things got done but without the pressure and without the grind.  The only bnad thing is that the coffee shops are all shut, so we had to make do with what we could find.  Bring on the week after new years to return in the cafe scene around work.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Hope you all had a merry christmas. and that Santa missed me, so that he could deliver to you.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-1803122811807088350?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1803122811807088350'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/1803122811807088350'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/12/christmas.html' title='Christmas'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5485147837031394143</id><published>2007-12-20T09:47:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2007-12-20T09:50:10.551+11:00</updated><title type='text'>5 Sleeps To Christmas</title><content type='html'>Okay, there are only 5 sleeps to Christmas.  It has been a while since I have posted, but I am happy to say that I have spent the time productively.  I have all my Christmas purchases complete, I am almost packed and ready for the flight to my parents.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The sad think is that it is 5 days until Christmas, and I am simply tired.  Very very very tired.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5485147837031394143?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5485147837031394143'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5485147837031394143'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/12/5-sleeps-to-christmas.html' title='5 Sleeps To Christmas'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-2744930819464803281</id><published>2007-11-04T19:29:00.000+11:00</published><updated>2007-11-04T20:30:01.628+11:00</updated><title type='text'>WORTHY</title><content type='html'>I am worthy.&lt;br /&gt;I Am Worthy.&lt;br /&gt;I AM WORTHY.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And I deserve more&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-2744930819464803281?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2744930819464803281'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2744930819464803281'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/11/worthy.html' title='WORTHY'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-7167000646054079373</id><published>2007-09-24T09:32:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-09-24T09:35:54.292+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Monday</title><content type='html'>It's Monday and I have the day off.  My sister has flown down to visit.  She's in the shower and we are about to go out and about.  I love this town.  It's still cold, but the day is going to be fantastic.  We may find a few things to do, a few things to eat and a lot of things to see.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I have to go to work tomorrow and I really don't want to do that.  However, I know that it is this work that allows me to afford the life that I love.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Hope that you are enjoying your day.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-7167000646054079373?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7167000646054079373'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7167000646054079373'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/09/monday.html' title='Monday'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-8104464121806118047</id><published>2007-09-13T15:31:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-09-13T15:38:24.023+10:00</updated><title type='text'>I'm just over it all</title><content type='html'>Okay, so today I am over it all.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I am over working.  Over struggling on the project to bring the team up to speed.  Over worrying about the solution not meeting the business requirements.  Over the long hours and the late nights and the decreasing focus on quality to hit the date that has been requested.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I am over being something I am not.  I've been trying to be more that I am.  More patient, more honest, more open.  It's backfiring on me.  Personality faults that I have always had are coming back and haunting me.  Yes, I am judgemental.  Yes, I am stubborn.  Yes, I am too proud.  Yes, I expect too much.  Yes, I am fast to laugh.  Yes, I overthink almost every thing.  I can't help it.  I am trying to calm it all down and to turn it off.  It is not working as people still see me with old eyes.  This means that my new actions aren't seen for what they are.  Supporting someone and being encouraging can be seen as taking the piss.  Don't compare me to what I was.  I have always been painfully aware of my personality faults, and I am now activley working on them.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I am tired.  I am plain tired.  I need to sleep and revitalise.  I am tired of working hard.  I am tired of being alone.  I am tired of being judged.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I just want to sit in the dark and cry.  I can't do this as self pity only lasts in the light.  If you take it into the dark, it shines and can't be fulfilled.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It's okay.  I'll sleep, I'll recharge.  The need to beat all challenges will return.  It will return.  It will return...&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-8104464121806118047?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8104464121806118047'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8104464121806118047'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/09/im-just-over-it-all.html' title='I&apos;m just over it all'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-3814314415802398555</id><published>2007-09-10T22:28:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-09-10T22:29:40.679+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Facebook</title><content type='html'>I love facebook.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I want to put every person I know on facebook.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-3814314415802398555?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3814314415802398555'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/3814314415802398555'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/09/facebook.html' title='Facebook'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-6455969182843694401</id><published>2007-09-09T17:40:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-09-09T17:44:16.495+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Smile</title><content type='html'>Smile.&lt;br /&gt;You never know who is in love with it.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Smile.&lt;br /&gt;A smile can lift the way you feel.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Smile.&lt;br /&gt;Meeting a stranger's eyes in the street with a smile will often beget a returned smile.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Smile.&lt;br /&gt;Sunshine on a cloudy day is a smile on a bad day.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Smile.&lt;br /&gt;Start it small with the corner of your mouth and work up to including your eyes.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Smile.&lt;br /&gt;It will be the smallest yet best investment you'll make all day.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Smile.&lt;br /&gt;Life is too short not to smile as much as possible.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Smile.&lt;br /&gt;I am smiling right now, for no reason, I just want to.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-6455969182843694401?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6455969182843694401'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6455969182843694401'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/09/smile.html' title='Smile'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-6823649199607961123</id><published>2007-08-30T20:19:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-09-09T20:21:08.307+10:00</updated><title type='text'>the five people you meet in Heaven</title><content type='html'>This has to be one of the best books that I have ever said.  The book is by Mitch Albom. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;From the back of the book:&lt;br /&gt;"All endings are also beginnings.  We just don't know it at the time..."&lt;br /&gt;On his eighty-third birthday, Eddie, a lonely war veteran, dies in a tragic accident trying to save a little girl from a falling cart.  With his final breath, he feels two small hands in his - and then nothing.  He awakens in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a lush Garden of Eden but a plae where your earthly life is explained to you by five people who were in it.  These people may have been loved ones or distant strangers.  Yet each of them changed your path forever.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Quotes from within.&lt;br /&gt;"...there are no random acts.  That we are all interconnected.  That you can no more separate one life from another that you can separate a breeze from the wind...  Fairness," he said, "does not govern life or death.  If it did, no good person would ever die young... Look at the mourners.  Some did no even know me well, yet they come.  Why? Did you ever wonder? Why people gather when others die? Why people feel they should?  It is because the human spirit knows, deep down, that all lives intersect.  That death doesn't just take someone, it misses someone else, and in the small distance between being taken and being missed, lives are changed.  You say you should have died instead of me.  But during my timeo n earth, people died instaed of me, too.  It happens every day.  When lightning strikes a minute after you are gone, or an airplane crashes that you might have been on.  When your colleagues falls ill and you do not.  We think such things are random.  But there is a balance to it all.  One withers, another grows.  Birth and death are part of the whole..." Page 50-51&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"Sacrafice is part of life.  It's supposed to be.  It's not something to regret.  It's something to aspire to.  Little sacrafices.  Big sacrafices.  A mother works soher sone can go to school.  A daughter moves home to take care of her sick father.  A man goes to war..." Page 97&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;All parents damage their children.  It cannot be helped.  Youth, like prisine glass, absorbs the prints of its handlers.  Some parents smudge, others crack, a few shatter childhoods completely into jagged little pieces beyond repair. Page 109&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This book saw me shedding tears.  I was sitting on the train and sobbing softly.  I love this book.  Anything that makes me feel and anything that makes me think about my beliefs is a great book.  This book is so good, I may even read it again... and that really says something.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-6823649199607961123?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6823649199607961123'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6823649199607961123'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/09/five-people-you-meet-in-heaven.html' title='the five people you meet in Heaven'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5236390295273822762</id><published>2007-08-22T21:16:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-08-22T21:42:23.799+10:00</updated><title type='text'>The Final Cliches - "The Surrendered Wife" Part V</title><content type='html'>When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown-up we would no longer be vulnerable.  But to grow up is to accept vulnerability. - Madeleine L'Engle&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Children are natural mimics who act like their parents despite every effort to teach them good manners. - Anonymus&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope. - Bill Cosby&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you mind isn't open, keep your mouth shut too. - Sue Grafton&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;People need loving the most when they deserve it the least. - John Harrigan&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A man is already halfway in love with any woman who listens to him.  Brendan Frances&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Sometimes it is a great joy just to listen to someone we love talking. - Vincent McNabb&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The first duty of love is to listen. - Paul Tillich&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It's great to work with somebody who wants to do things differently. - Keith Bellows&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;That's enough, and enough is too much. - Popeye&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The definition of a beautiful woman is one who loves me. - Sloan Wilson&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Perfect love is rare indeed - for to be a lover will require that you continually have the subtlety of the very wise, the flexibility of the child, the sensitivity of the artist, the understanding of the philosopher, the acceptance of the saint, the tolerance of the scholar and the fortitude of the certain. - Leo Buscaglia&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Oh, I'm scared all the same!  I just act as if I'm not. - Katharine Hepburn&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;How unhappy is he who cannot forgi e himself. - Publilius Syrus&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There's always room for improvement, you know - it's the biggest room in the house.  - Louise Heath Leber&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts. - Arnold Bennett&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If we don't change, we don't grow.  If we don't grow, we aren't really living. - Gail Shelley&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow. - Chinese Proverb&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Rare is the personn who can weigh the faults of others without his thumb on the scal. - Byron Langfield&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.  Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. - Henry David Thoreau&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness.  God is the friend of silence.  See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls. - Mother Teresa&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We seldom attribute, common sense except to those who agree with us. - La Rochefoucauld&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Saying that men talk about baseball in order to avoid talking about their feelings is the same as saying that women talk about their feelings in order to avoid talking about baseball. - Deborah Tannen&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Politeness is the art of selecting amoung one's real thoughts. - Madame de Stael&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Sucess in life consists of going from one mistake to another without losing enthusiasm. - Winston Churchill&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face... You must do the thing you think you cannot do.  - Elenor Roosevelt&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The art of love is largely the art of persistance. - Albert Ellis&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self. - Aldous Huxley&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;To mature is in part to realise that while complete intimacy and omniscience and power cannot be had, self-transcendence, growth and closeness to others are nevertheless within one's reach. - Sissela Bok&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Until you value yourself, you won't value your time.  Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it. - M. Scott Peck&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage. - Lao-tzu&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5236390295273822762?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5236390295273822762'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5236390295273822762'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/08/final-cliches-surrendered-wife-part-v.html' title='The Final Cliches - &quot;The Surrendered Wife&quot; Part V'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-6730911462996797588</id><published>2007-08-21T22:44:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-08-21T22:53:23.504+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Wise Words from "The Surrendered Wife" - Part IV</title><content type='html'>Knowledge of the self is the mother of all knowledge.  So it is incumbent on me to know my self, to know it completely, to know it minutiae, its characteristics, its subtleties and its very atoms. - Kahlil Gibran&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I cannot say whether things will get better if we change, what I can say is they must change if they are to get better. - G. C. Lichtenberg&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;All of us at certain moments of our lives need to take advice an to receive help from other people. - Alexis Cabrell&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If a woman can only succeed by emulating men, I think it is a great loss and not a success.  The aim is not only for a woman to succeed, but to keep her womanhood and let her womanhood influence society. - Suzanne Brogger&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything its cracked up to be.   That's why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for.  And the trouble is, if you don't risk everything, you risk even more. - Erica Jong&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Intimacy requires courage because risk is inescapable.  We cannot know at the outset how the relationship will affect us. - Rollo May&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The married are tose who have taken the terrible risk of intimacy and, having taken it, know life without intimacy to be impossible. - Carolyn Heilbrun&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Silence is one of the hardest arguments to refute. - Josh Billings&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-6730911462996797588?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6730911462996797588'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6730911462996797588'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/08/wise-words-from-surrendered-wife-part.html' title='Wise Words from &quot;The Surrendered Wife&quot; - Part IV'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5335568731071895659</id><published>2007-08-20T20:42:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-08-21T22:43:53.427+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Remember This - "The Surrendered Wife" - Part III</title><content type='html'>The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions, and not on our circumstances.  We carry the seeds of the one or the other about with us in our minds wherever we go. - Martha Washington&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There can be no defence like elaborate courtesy. - E. V. Lucas&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The best care for anger is delay. - Seneca&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love. - Henry Drummond&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them become what they are capable of being. - Goethe&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Confidence is contagious.  So is a lack of confidence. - Michael O'Brien&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Become a possibilitarian.  No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights, and see possibilities - always see them, for they're always there. - Norman Vincent Peale&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It's better to have some questions that to have all the answers. - James Thurber&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Each of us has his own little private conviction of rightness and almost by definition, the Utopian condition of which we all dream is that which all people finally see the error of their ways and agree with us. - S. I. Hayakawa&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Fear is a little darkroom where negatives are developed. - Michael Pritchard&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. - Buddha&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him and let him know that you trust him. - Booker T. Washington&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nature is unfair? So much the better, inequality is the only bearable thing.  The monotony of equality can only lead us to boredom. - Frances Picabia&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We commonly confuse closeness with sameness and view intimacy as the merging of two separate "I's" into one worldview. - Harriet Lerner&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Communication is a continual balancing act, juggling the conflicting needs for intimacy and independence. - Deborah Tannen&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5335568731071895659?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5335568731071895659'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5335568731071895659'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/08/remember-this-surrendered-wife-part-iii.html' title='Remember This - &quot;The Surrendered Wife&quot; - Part III'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-8577854963635400546</id><published>2007-08-17T16:41:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-08-21T22:42:39.754+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Wisdom from "The Surrendered Wife" - Part II</title><content type='html'>You must be the change you wish to see in the world. - Mahatma Ghandhi&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right - Confucius&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. - Kahlil Gibran&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserves your love and affection. - Buddha&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;When nobody around you seems to measure up, it's time to check your yardstick. - Bill Lemley&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Some women work so hard to make good husbands that they never manage to make good wives. - Anonymous&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want. - Ben Stein&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girlfriends. - Orson Welles&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes. - Jonathan Swift&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There is no security in this life.  There is only opportunity. - Douglas MacArthur&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;One does not toss out the gold because the bag is dirty. - Buddha&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The art of acceptance is the art of making someone who has just done us a small favour wish that he might have done you a great one. - Russell Lynes&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Welcome anything that comes to you, but do not long for anything else. - Andre Gide&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I praise loudly, I blame softly. - Catherine II of Russia&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The supreme happiness of life is he conviction that we are loved. - Victor Hugo&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;When I find myself fading, I close my eyes and realise that my friends are my energy. - Anonymous&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same. - Elbert Hubbard&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I argue very well.  Ask any of my remaining friends.  I can win an argument on any topic, against any opponent.  People know this, and steer clear of me at parties.  Often, as a sign of their great respect, they don't even invite me. - Dave Barry&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-8577854963635400546?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8577854963635400546'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8577854963635400546'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/08/wisdom-from-surrendered-wife-part-ii.html' title='Wisdom from &quot;The Surrendered Wife&quot; - Part II'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-9160826463816649471</id><published>2007-08-16T19:49:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-08-21T22:41:15.052+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Quotes from "The Surrendered Wife" - Part I</title><content type='html'>To fall in love is easy, even to remain in it is not difficult; our human loneliness is cause enough. But it is a hard quest worth making to find a comrade through whose steady presence on becomes steadily the person one desires to be. - Anna Louise Strong&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Our thoughts, our words, and deeds are the threads of the net which we throw around ourselves. - Swami Vivekananda&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Virtue herself is her own fairest reward. - Silius Italicus&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;One's mind, one stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions. - Oliver Wendell Holmes&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. - Mum&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Some people find fault as if it were buried a treasure. -  Francis O'Walsh&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We all suffer from the preoccupation that there exists... in the loved one, perfection. - Sidney Poitier&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Men are born to succeed, not fail. - Henry David Thoreau&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You see an awful lot of smart guys with dumb women, but you hardly ever see a smart woman with a dumb man. - Erica Jong&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;When a man does not feel loved just the way he is, he will either consciously or unconsciously repeat the beaviour that is not being accepted.  He feels an inner compulsion to repeat the behaviour until he feels loved and accepted. - John Gray&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me.  I have accepted fear as part of life, specifically the fear of change, the fear of the unknown, and I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the hear that says: turn back, turn back, you'll die if you venture too far. - Erica Jong&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If a relationship is to evolve, it must go through a series of endings. - Lisa Moriyama&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Try to want what you have, instead of spending your strength trying to get what you want. - Abraham L. Feinberg&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We are most deeply asleep at the switch when we fancy we control any switches at all. - Annie Dillard&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The only thing worse than a man that you can't control is a man that you can. - Margo Kaufman&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Wisdom is divided into two parts: (a) having a great deal to say, and (b) not saying it. - Anonymous&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I often regret that I have spoken; never that I am silent. - Publilius Syrus&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-9160826463816649471?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/9160826463816649471'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/9160826463816649471'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/08/quotes-from-surrendered-wife.html' title='Quotes from &quot;The Surrendered Wife&quot; - Part I'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-8156158908903955718</id><published>2007-08-12T20:56:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-08-21T22:38:36.359+10:00</updated><title type='text'>The Surrendered Wife</title><content type='html'>In summary - an interesting book with good basic ideas for a smooth relationship.  A provocative title which is the only reason that I picked it up off of the shelf.  A decent read with messages for a decent life.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I don't know if this is the most appropriate title.  Part of me thinks that the title should be more like "The Empowered Husband".  While I don't think that I will be applying to become a surrendered wife (I am not married, not even engaged to be married), I understand the attraction of the theory. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Empowered Husband would also empower the wife.  This book is not about becoming a doormat.  This book is about reducing nagging, asking for help and letting go of control.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As a girl child, we are brought up to become independent self-succicent woman.  We are taught that we can have it all, that it is just ours for the taking.  This works well when are are alone and need to be independent.  This is the time when we need to be doing things for ourselves and making all decisions.  We have control because we must have control as there is no one to share the responsibility with.  As we continue to live, we learn to work for ourselves, to think and to decide all of the things that need deciding.  The problems come when we are no longer alone.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;When we are in a relationship things change.  We continue the way we are.  We make decisions, we take control, we drive and have issues in letting go.  This is not always a good thing.  Traditional relationships and responsibilities have taken a back seat and disempowering genders causes problems.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Surrendered Wife is about creating balance in a relationship.  It's about ensuring a base for partners is a stable and satisfying one.  By taking the chance to release control, a woman can step back from responsibilities.  This in turn provides control to the man in the relationship.  Letting go of the control puts the traditional role back with the traditional gender.  This also provides an element of freedom.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The reduction of controlling behaviour only applies within the relationship.  This enables life to continue, careers to be lifted and challenges faced.  This book admits that we can't have it all by controlling it all.  It allows us to focus and control in each element of our life except for our life-long partnership.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Realistically, this book talks about respect, taking care of oneself first, receiving gratefully, fostering friendships with women, expressing ones own desire, setting limits, admitting when hurt and listening for the message being said.  It all sounds pretty simple, but even taking these things into a day will make a difference.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-8156158908903955718?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8156158908903955718'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8156158908903955718'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/08/surrendered-wife_21.html' title='The Surrendered Wife'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-6292589173844514258</id><published>2007-08-05T11:14:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-08-05T11:17:39.694+10:00</updated><title type='text'>"The Surrendered Wife"</title><content type='html'>Well, time for a new tact.  I am reading "The Surrendered Wife".  Why?  I don't know.  Although, I think that there may be a heap of incorrect hype around this book.  It does not seem (30 pages into the book) to be about surrender.  It seems to be more about trust, and through trusting a partner.  This then inspires/encourges them to be more because they want to be more to reward that trust.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I'll report back, but as I am a bit of a control freak, I believe that I need to trust more.  Time will tell.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-6292589173844514258?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6292589173844514258'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6292589173844514258'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/08/surrendered-wife.html' title='&quot;The Surrendered Wife&quot;'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-2799018010585440634</id><published>2007-08-04T19:19:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-08-04T19:22:01.506+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Love</title><content type='html'>I believe that we get the love we think that we deserve. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I believe that this is true in all things. Things with lovers, with family and with friends.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Tonight I am going to ensure that some of those I love understand that I expect more from them, that I deserve more from them and that I am not going to settle for less.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There are some who give us more love then we expect, more love then we deserve.  These are the people that we need to cling to.  These are the people that we need to love in kind.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-2799018010585440634?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2799018010585440634'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2799018010585440634'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/08/love.html' title='Love'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-2681802990166529276</id><published>2007-07-08T16:22:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-07-08T16:57:53.528+10:00</updated><title type='text'>WOW</title><content type='html'>Wow&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It's been almost 2 months since I have made an entry.  I have often felt the need to express my thoughts and feelings, but a lot of things are better left unsaid and a lot of things have changed in the last couple of months.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I've changed jobs and I've hooked up with my Ex.  All in the last month, actually, all of this change has happened within the last 2 weeks.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Let's start on the new job... I have been bored for a little while at my old job.  I was tired with pushing people to help me advance.  I was tired with being told no or not now or later.  I was tired of being a no one who cared too much doing things that few recognised.  An old work collegue asked me for my resume, insisting that there was nothing was sure, but there was a job she knew I could do and thought that I would enjoy.  I sent the resume and then had a period of mad rushes for interviews during cancelled work holidays and then the longest moments of nothingness.  In the end after 2 interviews and 3 phone calls I was offered a new job, with a new company.  I have a lot to offer, but the things that I will learn far outway the risk.  After almost 10 years I said goodbye to the company, and a lot of the people I had worked with over this time and hello to something new.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Hooking up with the Ex... Well, between the old job and the new job I went home to visit the fam and the friends.  It was a whirlwind holiday, but I made a point of meeting up with the ex.  I needed to see him.  My feelings, even after many tormented nights and extended conversations and blogs, had not moved on.  So I decided that I needed to confront this things head on.  When life is in change, more change is less intimidating.  So we caught up for a late night coffee and then started talking about all the things that needed to be said.  Little has changed.  He is still going to need to be there and I am not prepared to move.  I still want to be down here and he is not prepared to move.  This means that we are going to try to have an exclusive relationship, long distance without being obsessive about each other.  We will visit each other every so often, talk every now and then and email occasionally.  Hopefully one day we will be able to be together.  I know, I know.  It's strange and non-conventional, but I want to be with him. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Anyway, I should go and do stuff.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Will post again soon.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-2681802990166529276?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2681802990166529276'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2681802990166529276'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/07/wow.html' title='WOW'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-7648421899452537032</id><published>2007-05-20T22:58:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-05-20T23:14:15.855+10:00</updated><title type='text'>To tell or not to tell</title><content type='html'>Sometimes to get something new, you must give up something old. Although I have known this forever, I never really admitted the truth of this. I've been holding on to the love that I have felt for you. I thought that you are the person that I was meant to be with. I thought that you were my soul mate. I have said that we would never be together again. I have said that to myself a million times and to others when they had asked. I have said this even when I did not believe that it was true. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I am now ready to give it all up. I once told you that I believed that we would be together one day when the weather was fine. I am no longer strong enough to hold on to this belief. I am tired of waiting, tired of longing and I can't do it any longer.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I always prided myself on honesty, but I have been dishonest with you and with myself. I told myself that I just wanted to be friends with you. That I just wanted to see that you were doing well. The truth was I still loved you. I always had and feared that I always would. I wanted to ask you if there was any chance for us to be together. I wanted to ask and for you to tell me yes or no. But I never asked. If you had said yes, I would have been scared and lost. If you had said no, I would have be sad and lost. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I have spent a significant amount of my life deluding myself. I don't know why we broke up. I had a large amount of impact into this, but I didn't understand my part. I didn't understand what I needed to do to improve me. I didn't know what I could have done to stop it. I thought that if I did what you wanted, I would be what you wanted. I was not... &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I wanted to ask you if you ever thought about how life could have been if we had made different decisions. I had thought about us being together. I wondered if we were together still would you be down here, studying to become a teacher at Monash, living with me, loving with me, learning with me. Together. Maybe I would have moved back to Queensland. Maybe maybe maybe. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I still thought about us. I thought about the things that we did. I thought about the places we had been, the meals that we had shared and the memories we'd created. I missed you. I missed the scent of you, the feel of you and the taste of you. I missed sharing my life with you, my triumphs and tragedies. I missed curling up into you and waking up with you. I missed the way that you made me feel when we were together. I missed the excitement that you brought to my life. I missed your voice and the lectures that you'd always give. I missed kissing you, loving you and holding you. I felt that I couldn't give up on us because I didn't know if I'd given 100% of me to us. I didn't know if you'd given 100% either. I questioned if I held back because you held back. Maybe we were both concerned with being hurt and focused on protecting ourselves. Maybe this ensured that we were hurt because we could do nothing but fail. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I longed for your touch, for your taste, for you. I missed dressing for you, I missed impressing you, I missed surprising you. I have been jealous of things and of people and wished myself with you. I cannot afford to be jealous of a life and of a love that I don't have. I can't look at pictures and long myself there. Through various decisions we have both chosen to not be with each other. These decisions may have been based on pride, on protection, on fear. It doesn't matter what made them, all that matters is that they existed.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I no longer will allow myself to think about it. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I was worthy of your love. I was not deserving of the things that happened. I did not deserve to have my heart broken by you twice. I should not have let you do it. I am the person that I am today because of it. To date, I have not learnt from my mistakes. This changes now.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I was worthy of your love and I am worthy of love in my future. I deserve to have someone to spend my life with. I deserve happiness. I am not going out looking for it, but I will no longer hold myself back from it. To find something new, I must give up something old. I will never stop loving you, but I can no longer afford to hold your love in my hands. With my hands full, I cannot reach out to find new love. I can still love you but can no longer be in love with you.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I will forever be thankful for your love. I will forever remember the times we had, and the things that we did. You did not want to be my love and I will no longer hold on to a love that is not wanted. Now it is time to break my promise to love you forever. I don't want to be alone any more. I don't want to be lonely and if I can't be with you then I must be with someone else. Many years have passed since I thought of myself as free. For years I have always wanted you, even when I would not admit it. I cannot keep dreaming of something that will not come true. I cannot and it hurts to give up on something that has been my everything. I need to exist outside of all of this. I need to find someone who wants to be with me, I need to find someone who wants to build a future. One day I want to be married and to have children. I want to find my someone to grow old with, someone who will share my triumphs and my tragedies.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I hope that we will still be friends but I cannot continue to believe in the dream that you will love me as I need to be loved. I have lost too much already.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-7648421899452537032?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7648421899452537032'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7648421899452537032'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/05/to-tell-or-not-to-tell.html' title='To tell or not to tell'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5270845089629640584</id><published>2007-05-16T20:29:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-05-16T20:29:30.553+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Demand nothing and give all.</title><content type='html'>Failure is an opportunity.  If you blame others, there is no end to blame.  Fulfill your obligations, correct your mistakes.  Do what you need to do and step away.  Demand nothing and give all.  Demand nothing and give all.  &lt;br /&gt;Demand nothing and give all.  Demand nothing and give all. &lt;br /&gt;Demand nothing and give all.  Demand nothing and give all.  &lt;br /&gt;Demand nothing and give all.  Demand nothing and give all.  &lt;br /&gt;Demand nothing and give all.  Demand nothing and give all.  &lt;br /&gt;Demand nothing and give all.  Demand nothing and give all.  &lt;br /&gt;Demand nothing and give all.  Demand nothing and give all.  &lt;br /&gt;Demand nothing and give all.  Demand nothing and give all.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5270845089629640584?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5270845089629640584'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5270845089629640584'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/05/demand-nothing-and-give-all.html' title='Demand nothing and give all.'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-8259717528740328642</id><published>2007-04-29T21:59:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-04-29T21:59:09.873+10:00</updated><title type='text'>do and you won't</title><content type='html'>Stand on your toes and you won't stand firm.  Rush ahead and you won't go far.  Try to shine and you'll extinguish your light.  Try to define yourself and you won't know who you are.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-8259717528740328642?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8259717528740328642'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/8259717528740328642'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/04/do-and-you-wont.html' title='do and you won&apos;t'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-696599427359288445</id><published>2007-04-28T21:42:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-04-28T22:07:45.502+10:00</updated><title type='text'>with and without</title><content type='html'>Act without doing, work without effort, thikn of the large as small and the many as few.  Confront the difficult while it is easy, accomplish the great one step at a time.  Don't reach and you will find, if you run into trouble throw yourself toward it.  Don't cling to comfort and everything will be comfortable.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-696599427359288445?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/696599427359288445'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/696599427359288445'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/04/with-and-without.html' title='with and without'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-2786643280247229960</id><published>2007-04-27T21:03:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-04-28T22:07:21.405+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Earth, Fire, Wind and Water.</title><content type='html'>Be as careful as crossing frozen water, alert as a warrior on enemy ground.  Be as courteous as a Guest, as fluid as a stream.  BGe as shapeable as a block of wood, as receptive as a glass.  Don't seek and don't expect.  Be patient and wait until your mud settles and your water is clear.  Be patient and wait.  Your mud will settle.  Your water will clear.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-2786643280247229960?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2786643280247229960'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2786643280247229960'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/04/earth-fire-wind-and-water.html' title='Earth, Fire, Wind and Water.'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-7705794317054531737</id><published>2007-04-26T22:06:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-04-28T22:06:56.264+10:00</updated><title type='text'>If you want...</title><content type='html'>If you want to shrink something, you must first expand it.  If you wish to get rid of something, you must first allow it to flourish.  If you want to take something, you must allow it to be given.  The soft will overcome the hard.  The slow will beat the fast.  Don't tell people the way, just show them the results.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-7705794317054531737?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7705794317054531737'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7705794317054531737'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/04/if-you-want.html' title='If you want...'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-7803566598339365424</id><published>2007-04-25T18:19:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-04-25T18:29:30.374+10:00</updated><title type='text'>ANZAC Day</title><content type='html'>Some see ANZAC Day as a celebration of war.  I don't see it this way.  I see ANZAC day as way of respecting the memory of those who have been to war, of those who did not return and of the families of all involved.  It is out day, the one day that Australians take time out to remember thos who sacrificed so much for our freedom.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I want to thank those who died for what I now am able to enjoy.  This is why I get up early and go to the dawn service every year.  For the whole time that I am at the service I have goosebumps.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I spare more than a lingering thought for those who were the enemy.  I know that they also lost, so I remember their sacrifice as well.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I know that I am blessed to be Australian.  I know it, and today confirms it for I have the freedom to express my thanks as my own personal tribute.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-7803566598339365424?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7803566598339365424'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7803566598339365424'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/04/anzac-day.html' title='ANZAC Day'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-6108490345489009595</id><published>2007-04-23T22:12:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-04-23T22:13:16.683+10:00</updated><title type='text'>All knowing, all seeing...</title><content type='html'>Knowing other people is intellegence, knowing yourself is wisdom.  Mastering other people is  strength, mastering yourself is power.  If you realise that what you have is enough, you are rich truely rich.  Stay in the center and embrace peace, simplicity, patience and compassion.  Embrace the possibility of death and you will endure.  Embrace the possibility of life and you will endure.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-6108490345489009595?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6108490345489009595'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/6108490345489009595'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/04/all-knowing-all-seeing.html' title='All knowing, all seeing...'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-7700670961304005810</id><published>2007-04-22T20:56:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-04-22T21:15:15.976+10:00</updated><title type='text'>May the World belong to me soon...</title><content type='html'>What is more important, fame or integrity.  What is more valuable, money or happiness.  What is more dangerous, success or failure.  If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be fulfilled.  If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy.  Be content with what you have and take joy in the way things are.  When you realise you have all you need, the World belongs to you.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-7700670961304005810?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7700670961304005810'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/7700670961304005810'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/04/may-world-belong-to-me-soon.html' title='May the World belong to me soon...'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-5680896609476328957</id><published>2007-04-21T13:53:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-04-21T13:56:04.966+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Wise words</title><content type='html'>What is rooted will grow.  what is recent can be fixed. What is brittle will break.  Prevent trouble before it finds you, put things in order before they exist.  The giant tree grows from a single seed.  The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.  If you rush, you'll fail.  Hold on to things too tight and you'll lose them.  Take action by letting action come to you.  Rmain as calm at the start as at the finish.  If you have nothing, you have nothing to lose. Desire to not desire, learn to unlearn.  Care for nothing and you will care for everything.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-5680896609476328957?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5680896609476328957'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/5680896609476328957'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/04/wise-words.html' title='Wise words'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20031245.post-2337396521268518596</id><published>2007-04-17T21:00:00.000+10:00</published><updated>2007-04-21T13:58:41.316+10:00</updated><title type='text'>Lovor and Lovee</title><content type='html'>In a relationship there is always a lovor and a lovee.  In real relationships this changes between the two involved.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Someone always does the chasing, the other one hangs off.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The one that chases, that always gives in is addicted to the love.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The one that hangs off is the one with the power.  This power, in itself, is also addictive.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Does love or the addiction keep them together?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;What happens when the one or both of things move away?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In the end, it is all about control. This control can be gained by smiles, or silence, or sometimes violence.  Control is the mathematics of love.  The mathematics helps determine who is the lovor and lovee.  One is only part of the equation.  Both together, the lovor and lovee, may make love.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20031245-2337396521268518596?l=notalliam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2337396521268518596'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/20031245/posts/default/2337396521268518596'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://notalliam.blogspot.com/2007/04/lovor-and-lovee.html' title='Lovor and Lovee'/><author><name>Kathleen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13325079811127325287</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry></feed>
