Taibros.net

So I was reading the news today on Yahoo, and found an interesting article. The headline was titled:

“Conservatives Happier than Liberals“

The article basically said that conservatives are happier because they are able to rationalize inequalities that they see, either in the world or things that occur in their personal lives. I thought it was pretty amusing especially with the primaries going on right now and with the election occuring again this year.

So for those that have tried everything to be happy and still aren’t, maybe it’s time to try being a conservative?

It’s been awhile since I’ve last written a how to post, so I figured I’d try to think of something new to write about. One topic that I thought would be easy for me to write about would be about how to not worry. I’m a pretty easy going type of person so I very rarely worry about things. So in an effort to help others not worry, I’m writing this post. As usual, no guarantees that it works, since some people are just naturally worriers. Anyways, here goes!

1. Have Faith! - One of the best ways to stop worrying is to have faith in something greater than yourself. While I will obviously suggest putting your faith in Jesus, simply having faith will help to reduce your worries. If you believe that someone is watching out for you, then you’ll be less likely to be distraught over things.

2. “I think I can” - Believing in yourself can be a great way to help reduce any worries you may have. If you are able to have confidence wtih the things you do, and with your abilities, then you’ll find less reason to worry about things. Some people worry because they lack confidence, so gaining confidence can greatly reduce your worries.

3. Fight Back - When we worry about things, we’re really letting fear take over our thoughts. We begin to fear that something bad will happen, or fear that something wrong will happen. One thing they always say about a person’s fears is that you need to confront your fear in order to conquer it. So if you’re finding yourself worrying about something like a test, then fight that fear by studying for it so that you’re confident in what you’ve studied.

4. Take a Deep Breathe - When someone finds themselves in the middle of worrying about something, if they simply take a moment to just step back and breathe, can really relieve some of the stress that one may have due to the worrying. If you’re all tense and worked up due to worrying, then simply slowing things down and taking a deep breath can help greatly.

5. Relax - Along with the breathing, finding a way to relax yourself will also help. The deep breathe will help you to refocus away from worrying. Relaxing will help you try to forget about worrying. By focusing on trying to relax, you’ll take your thoughts away from whatever is worrying you. So find a relaxation technique that can help you relax yourself during times of worry.

6. Find something to do - A lot of times when people find themselves worrying about something, it’s because they find themselves not doing anything. When we’re not doing anything, then our minds may begin to wander to thoughts that may cause you to unnecessarily worry. If we keep ourselves busy with things, then we won’t have the time to worry!

7. Be Happy! - Just like the song says, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy!” If you find yourself worrying about something, try to think of a memory of when you were happy. By focusing on something that brought you happiness, you’ll be taking your thoughts away from what was worrying you. Also, if you find yourself being happy, you’ll be less likely to worry. So surround yourself with what makes you happy, and hopefully it will help reduce any worrying.

Well there are 7 steps that should hopefully help someone to stop worrying. The main reason why I myself tend to not worry about things is because I have faith that God is watching out for me. Whether things are going well or poorly for me, I find no reason to worry because I know that it’s all part of God’s planning. So who am I to think that I know better than God by worrying about things which in most cases I have no control over.

So I was cleaning up around the computer tonight and found an old fortune from a fortune cookie. It said the following:

“Relax and enjoy yourself.”

I think that everyone should do what it says.

So about a month ago it was announced that the Federal government will advance a 2008 tax credit to taxpayers in the form of a rebate check. For the average person, this rebate will be $600.

While there are many things to do with $600, like save it or pay of debt, Uncle Sam would like you to spend it instead.
Here are some suggestions for squandering spending your hard-earned free check.

The main trick is to spend the money on things that don’t have a continued cost (i.e. which don’t make you spend more after the initial purchase). This eliminates purchases such as phones, pets, down payments on a car, or a new mail order spouse.

1) Electronics - Not only are these quite expensive, they bring with them a certain charm of being avant garde if you purchase the most expensive/newest thing. Acceptable purchases can range from a shiny new 80 GB PS3 to two (yes two) ipods. Flat Screen TVs are also a good idea, although only if you already have cable. For more frivolous fun, purchase a pet robot (no upkeep costs!) or a pet robot-vacuum cleaner!

2) Jewelry - Nothing says “I’m wasting my money, but I’m doing it for America” than fancy new shiny objects adorning your body. Necklaces, Rings, Earrings, (Tattoos!), anything that you can show off, to your friends and everyone else you meet in public. Remember, Diamonds last forever.

3) Fine Dining - I like this suggestion a lot. While you’re helping to feed the US economy, why not use the money to feed yourself! $600 can go a long way in terms of eating out. I would suggest spending a week eating at the fanciest restaurants in your area each night. That way you can live the high life and help the unemployed! For you married couples, you’ll have double the rebate, which translates to twice as much food!

4) Stocks - While this is not exactly encouraged by the government (as its a form of savings), buying stocks can help put money back into Wall Street. As all those i-bankers are running for their lives away from the market, you can run head-first into the fray with your free money. Heck you could even afford one stock of Google at this point!

5) Gamble - Gambling is all about taking risks. But why do you have to take a risk with your own money when you can use the government’s (albeit indirectly your) money! Just like how we all like to go “all in” for every hand when we’re not playing for real money, how much funner will it be when your playing with seed money from Bernanke’s pocket? Heck, you might even win and get even more (see 1-4). WARNING: remember to cap your gambling to $600 or you might get in trouble with some loan sharks later on!

Hopefully these suggestions will help guide you in your decision making when your rebate check comes in the mail. Remember: If you don’t spend your rebate, the terrorists have already won.

oh and you hate America and babies too .

I’ve posted the photos that I took during the 30 hour fast that took place yesterday and today. While I’m glad that I get to eat again, it’s definitely good to be able to spend time with God and to really focus on Him. Below are a couple of photos from the album.

You know you’re hanging out with the Taibros when…

- You feel neck pain from having to look up when you talk to them – they are so tall.

- You feel like you’re having a workout every time you’re walking around town with them – their legs are so much longer than yours.

- You feel like you always have wind blockers – once they stand in front of you, you’re pretty much all covered.

- You wonder if the Atkins diet is actually good for you – the Taibros eat a lot of meat.

- You wonder how other people show brotherly love – they like to hit each other around a bit when they haven’t seen each other in a while.

- You wonder if they are closet fashionistas – they are really good at picking out clothes for people.

- You feel like you should never ever (ever!!) sit between them in the back seat again – their shoulders are so wide that not even a skinny person can fit between them.