A Place for Me, A Place for You, A Place for All

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"Scattered thoughts throughout the days, to piece together in my own special way."-DanniLeigh

Copywrite DanDee

Unedited Quotes from "My "Shitty" Life" by DanniLeigh DanDee Dziamski

Astounding!

Leo Astrology Information for August 18

You should avoid: Foolish risks, confrontations, irresponsibility

Leos born on August 18 have great mental and physical endurance. They have a penchant for taking chances and get a thrill out of living dangerously. Their boldness is part of their attractiveness, which is heightened by their natural charm and good looks.

Friends and Lovers

August 18 people prefer to keep their friendships on an intimate level. Because they have the ability to inspire, they make fine mentors as well as friends. The sincerity that marks the character of these people is also in evidence in their romantic relationships. They don't believe in playing a part and will always be honest in what they say to a date or mate.

Children and Family

August 18 natives are likely to maintain close ties to their family, especially to a parent or other authority figure. They take an active role in raising their children. Although indulgent, they understand that it is better to err on the side of strictness.

Health

August 18 natives have a genuine love for good food, which is surpassed only by their love of physical activity. These people like working with their hands and enjoy getting a workout by doing a lot of the household chores.

Career and Finances

August 18 people enjoy any job or career that gives them chances to engage their leadership potential. They are also extremely creative. If properly motivated, they can excel in various artistic fields. They are not at their best when handling financial matters. They are often generous to a fault and tend to make unwise decisions.

Dreams and Goals

August 18 natives believe in themselves and know that they have the grit and determination to make their mark. They will continue to work at their aims, doing everything they can to bring a dream to fruition.

Dec.31st2012

 They fuss and they shout they push and they scream. mommy needs a moment to take a break from her moment.

Scattered thoughts,throughout the days, to piece together in my own special way.

To make nothing but a wonderful day...

There are certain things we do, wheather we wish to or not. Simply because we'd rather you happy, than you not.

I wanna snack, a cup, .... a... aa...aa ..a ...a ... :D Mommy always smiles shakes her head and for some reason always finds herself becking at the wim of a child too small to do it, let alone choose it, but too big not to be heard

Alls that I ask is for you to behave I dont ask for much just for one day.....and after a moment and two deep breaths mommy looks around at all the mess...She sits down and smiles...to takes a rest for a while. When sissy asks "Mommy, you wanna color with me?" Brother demands and they both give me "Hug, Hug,Hug!" and baby just giggles, wiggles, and smiles.... How could a mother not, Just sit down for a while...??

Are your children"Just Bad" as i hear many of them say, Or are you just blind to the attention they crave?!

Their voices are so sweet, their smiles make me laugh, their giggles are contagious, their sadness makes me sad.

"We find out what were made of when we are called to help our friends in need"-Bruno Mars

123...432..."Cus thats what friends are suppose to do!"-Thinking of You! Call Us! :D

Jan.1st2013

When I wake up in the morning and I step outside I take a deep breath and i get really High.... and i scream at the top of my lungs Whats goin on?!?! ....For whatever reason....This was the first of my many thoughts as I awoke this morning....

Time is only numbers.... numbers were created for value.... Time has endless value....I dont think time has a place being messured by numbers....

Leighland has hit a new level of monkey bussiness today...He decided what better way to get around and always keep my feet with my seat... than to...Strap the chair on! Brilliant....!!!!

Step it up Mommy! Step It UP!

God my neighbors are annoying!!!

Hummm... my coffee had a sweet taste... rather than bitter....For i make it very strong, and only drink it black....And I always use my "Happy Cup".... no one else does.... Hummm..... a Sign of a Good Day, I will take It as That!! Maybe this is going to be OUR Year.......?!?!?

 I Believe...  XD  Makes a Differance!!

I think this is going to be good for me!

Stop! No! Dont Yell! What?! What?!? Tell Me!!

Not Everything has to be so serious.

Its scary to hear your own voice speak the thoughts you think in your head.....

most things should be universal-Michael...Convo about speakers....he doesnt even know he can be so inspiring.....

Satisfaction.....

Daddys playing... hes funny mommy!!

food preservation...eggs....rub in oil...eggs dip in oil...

Be Creative!

Fitness!! KickBoxing Be Bad Ass!! ;)

That thing that horrible thing! What is that thing you made from my trees?.....Sir your crazy! Crazy with greed!....-Lorax

he just wants attention... :)

This is nice...this is why we need eachother

I question some peoples motives...

Jan.2nd2013  

Be a good Soul....

Make a differance,

Karma is a very smart lady, she never lets anything get past her.

Be Inspiring to someone who needs Inspiring!

Jan.3rd2013

 He can be.... Realy Great! :)

Or annoying....;)

Jan.5th2013

I Did it! XD

And Im proud of myself....

Jan.6th2013

Some of the best experiences in life, are the ones you cant share.

Wake up in a good mood, aspire for a happy day, and never let anyONE get you down.

Jan.7th2013

 Because It Inspired Me!! That Is Why!!

Joe Pate34 minutes ago via mobile ·

• already outta work...have a whole day of nothing to look forward toLike · · Unfollow PostFollow Post
  •  Mikeand Danni Dziamski Thats not a very positive attitude!! You have a whole day of nothing you have to do, and a whole day of anything you want to do!! XD25 minutes ago · Like
  •  Joe Pate not in the winter lol....any suggestions?24 minutes ago via mobile · Like
  •  Mikeand Danni Dziamski "Get a left handed cigarette, and Dance Naked."-DanniLeigh21 minutes ago · Like
  •  Joe Pate Lol sounds good but that wouldnt kill much time�20 minutes ago viamobile · Like
  •  Mikeand Danni Dziamski LMAO!!! Sure it would....Just do it twice!! LMAO :P19 minutes ago · Like
  •  Joe Pate thats what she said18 minutes ago via mobile · Like
  •  Mikeand Danni Dziamski So get her then!!! XD16 minutes ago · Like
  •  Joe Pate she's long gone�13 minutes ago via mobile · Like
  •  Mikeand Danni Dziamski Nope, just means you hadnt found her yet. "Yesterday is Gone, Today is here for the Taking, and Tomorrow is full of Opportunities."-DanniLeigh8 minutes ago · Like
  •  Joe Pate lol u read a lot of quotes of the day?5 minutes ago via mobile · Like
  •  Mikeand Danni Dziamski Nope make them up myself as the inspiration comes! :) And thank you for this conversation, it is going in my records book! Seriously it is, you will see! :D3 minutes ago · Like
  •  Joe Pate in your what?3 minutes ago via mobile · Like
  •  Mikeand Danni Dziamski In my record book...LOL :)a few seconds ago · Like
  •  Joe Pate why is this record worthy?a few seconds ago via mobile · Like

I wonder about this not so little "Hole" in the middle of this house we currently reside and just "call" home. I say it this way because though it is nice for now, it is not our final stop...

We are renting in a duplex house, so it has been through some modifications... although I think some of them were made later than others for a specific reason, but than others covered up later for another reason... This makes no sence without seeing, but the tales that can be told before hand are rather intriguing.

The proof on the inside, blowing from "The Insideout Outside Inside" Now are you more intrigued to this Insideout Outside Inside Room?!

The Unknown is always Intriguing!

Be Inspiring, and you will find Inspiration.

Jan.8th2013

A Day That Bore Greatness!!

Capricorn Information for January 8

You should embrace: Sensuality, dynamism, stamina

You should avoid: Overindulgence, greed, self-pity

Capricorns born on January 8 seek to balance worldly concerns with an expression of their soul-needs. Although they strive for a pragmatic approach to life, they have a superstitious nature. They are gifted yet may be riddled with self-doubts. These problems are exacerbated by the fact that they have difficulty expressing their feelings through words.

Friends and Lovers

Because of their basic distrust of others' motives, it is hard for January 8 people to make friends. If trust is breached, the friendship is likely to end. They have a powerful love nature. They are romantics who demand total devotion. Even if they are not especially attractive they can cast a spell, drawing lovers to them with ease.

Children and Family

Even when they do not feel bound to family members, people born on January 8 are generous to them. They may have had a strict upbringing from which they lapsed in adulthood, creating guilt and dishonor. They make doting parents, anxious to give their children material as well as spiritual riches.

Health

Although January 8 people love food, they are not interested in learning healthful ways to prepare it. They may have food issues dating from childhood that need to be reconciled. Exercise can be a physically as well as emotionally safe way to work out their aggressions and stress.

Career and Finances

People born on this date need to feel they are in control of their destiny. Unfortunately, they sometimes take the easy way, allowing family connections to dictate their path. Although they know the value of a dollar, they enjoy spending money lavishly. They indulge themselves and are generous with friends and loved ones.

Dreams and Goals

January 8 people may dream big, but their goal is to understand their motivations. This is not always easy because they are seldom in touch with their core self. If they manage to integrate the two sides of their nature, they can achieve any goal.

Jan12th2013

From a post of a messy playroom... some women need a real reality check

Mikeand Danni Dziamski HOLY SHIT! What is the matter with you people? The more I read I couldn't tell one "Sally" from the next!! No matter what "side of the fence" of this invisable boundry you are on, there is no reason to create such a vile scene over something so simple and innocent. This is what creates hate, this mass collaboration of people with a small group of leaders pressing in on direction or the other guiding a mass of followers who choose one side over the other with little reason or look toward their own thoughts to give them  judgement.

48 minutes ago via mobile · Like ·  2

 Tatjana Conway nope i dont ... my kids are very well raised :-)

10 minutes ago · Like

Mikeand Danni Dziamski If this was my post... I would Delete it.... Just to see the Chickens Run Around With No Heads....

10 minutes ago · Like

 Tiffany James Not to mention i make my own fucking money thank you i don't need my mans money

 10 minutes ago via mobile · Like

Lauren Salas Uh oh, you gettin a little testy there twat waffle. Your meds wearing off? I can probably overnight you some midol.

10 minutes ago via mobile · Like

Tiffany James I never once said shit about your friend nor you thank you very much

8 minutes ago via mobile · Like

 Jenessy Quevedo Oooohhhh caps locks :') . Chill out bitch.  If the shoe fits wear it.  If your dumbass wants to come to the rescue then read the rest of the comments.  She brought me into the convo.  Nobody was fucken talking to her to begin with.  She went ahead and assumed I was here to back up Tat and started disrespecting me.  So fuck off!

  8 minutes ago via mobile · Like

Sharon Harding Oh I've seen worse. In my own kids rooms. Lol

 8 minutes ago via mobile · Like ·  1 

Mikeand Danni Dziamski I wish I could be sitting with the girls who posted this... Sitting Back and Laughing with them, at the Rediculous, Usless Banter all stemed from a Rediculous Usless Photo... How Silly You Girls Are... Makeing yourselves angry over a person you dont even know... Very Silly...

 a few seconds ago · Like

JUST A CLIPIT i COULDT RESIST BUT TO COMMENT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE WHY OH WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO YOURSELF

Jan.14th2013

Its The Little Things!!

He made me a CD  Because he was tired of hearing my same ol' music... LOL XD JK JK Hes so Great!

I dont tell him enough....

XD

"A thought about something, that somebody ought."

"Once upon a time, in a far away mind, there lived a small man. Where, on the back of my hand. He danced to a fiddle, and sang to the birds. He called out to Jane who lived on the thumb. She nodded and waved with a smile and a sigh. He danced to his fiddle, he sang with his birds, she laughed a silly laugh and just covered her face."

"Diddys for adults and Diddys for kids. Diddys for all, a Diddy is THIS."

"My cat plays the banjo, your dog plays the drums. My snail likes to sacsaphone while my mother sings along."

Thoughts while watching the Lorax

•  
  • The sadest day will be when our children have to dream of seeing a Real Tree growing from the earth
  • Our air isnt even free anymore Peole are rechid
  • Fucking Love Betty White!!!
  • The more smog in the sky , the more people will buy.
  • Govornment Controle of evry move any person can make
  • Sad day in Hell
  • Well thats me the guy who still cares
  • Youll see i have a compleatly irrational thought of success
  • Where the fish walk on land sing you beautiful songs the bears are cute as pie We all love and trust and still you take advange and hand out candy as if we were all silly children
  • The deathly sound of the axs did hack
  • Everything starts at ONE
  • Behold the introuder and his violent ways
  • If a guy does one stupid thing, well thats because hes a guy. But if he does that same stupid thing again, thats usually for a girl.
  • Even nice guys Play Dirty
  • Dont underestimate me because Im nicw
  • i didnt mean you any harm, i just wanted to calmly float you away.
  • Sleeping is the bodies way of telling other people to go away
  • Fortunatly your not the target market, Wierdo!
  • If we aint all the same then we aint, is what they say, If are all the same then we arent what we is.
  • Im glad you clarified that because it really hurt my feeling for a really long time
  • call me a peaunt Ill go right up your nose
  • I got plans big plans
  • which way does a tree fall, a tree falls the way it leans be carefull which way you lean
  • You broke your promise, this is bad
  • Im not bad, im the good guy he just doesnt see it
  • Just doing what come naturally a place for nature its called survival of the fittest
  • Im just following my destiny
  • it started out beautiful, but the pushy greedy people will always break the positivity
  • its so gratifying how bad could it possibly be... mighty bad mighty bad is how bad it could be and worse it will get
  • fill that hole or do you still need more
  • the hole will never be full,
  • and with that we heard the sickening smack ...
  • that may stop you, the last one, there is no more,
  • People can be Useless
  • You will never get the trouble from those that were harmed the worse you will always be left inthe silence to use it to hurt your own soul, its a thing about a conscience it will always come back on the good ones
  • UNLESS
  • maybe your the reson
  • if yuou can care a whole awfull lot things may get better
  • it may seem small and insignificant but its not about what it is its about what it can become
  • iI wont let you down, I know, You can never fail if its only the thought that counts to make it happenif you can think the thoughts you know you must think
  • bad parenting example unbelieving parents in their kids spirit
  • I dont care who you are you crazy baby man
  • Everyone everyone everyone needs to start with their seed
  • They will always to to controle and over power but all we need is to have a voice and just make a big stand when you believe in what it is you want to achieve
  • Take risks even when you may look a little silly, when you risk for whay you believe you will always achieve a sence of self respect where if you faulter for un justness you fail yourself everytime
  • Break down the barriers and allow the people to SEE
  • I AM DANNILEIGH AND I SPEAK FOR THE TREES
  • You dont know me but here I am and I am Speaking to be heard for the greater things in Life
  • Im 3 and i wish i could see a tree
  • Im old with grey hair but i remember when trees were everywherL
  • Let it grow you cant reap what you dont sew
  • Let me be the start to make our lives and our babies and our babies babies babies babiesLive Free and clean in the sun and sweet air
  • Plant the trees sew the foundation for a beutiful future reap the benifits of a Beautiful life
  • beautiful life mind and spirt is all we need

Natural Medicine and Prescription Medication in Review

• Medicine- Any substance administered in the treatment of disease; a remedial agent; a medication; a medicament; a remedy; physic.

By medicine, life may be prolonged.

It is the days like these, when the pain is so bad I vomit, and even if I was able to swallow them down, I couldnt take enough pain killers to ease this pain without killing myself, that I thank the earth for its remedy to help ease even if just a little. Because this is not living, constant severe pain, All The Time... This is Not Living.

I am an artist of many forms, by eye, ear, body, and mind. But through the pain it was difficult to even form such a simple statement of a physical feeling, for my body was resisting any action or be it a nonaction, standing or sitting or the movement and thought process to get from one to the other. Not because one was better, but simply, it was a change.

It is such an incredable change, in body, mind, and truely my spirit. I feel invigorated. In comparison to simply 20- 30 minutes ago, where I was'nt able to make any movement or non-movement without pain but I had to. So I did. Because I will always do what I Have to Do. But I want to be able to enjoy the things I have to do and be able to do the things I Want to Do....And now today, I might not be on my A game persay, but I Am On My Game, NOW. Where as before...

This is the reason I advicate so much for the legalization, decriminalization, and fight againt steriotypes. I dont even feel like the same person from when I awoke. I feel...Better, thats it simply better. I am functionall now. I will proceed with my day, not without pain, but I will proceed with it in a productive way. My children deserve an involved mom not just a drone feeding them when its time.

**Side note: Total time lapse before during after: Approximately 1hour with time spared inbetween to make eggs and sausage for my two oldest, make a bottle feed my infant, start the two oldest out on an art project, make some coffee, drink some coffee, change the baby...again, excuse me  a moment...

Think marijuana laws will never change in the U.S.?

······ 81% support MEDICAL MARIJUANA

····· 72% support NO JAIL TIME for MARIJUANA

········ 50% support LEGALIZING MARIJUANA

• mar·i·jua·na noun \ˌmer-ə-ˈwä-nə, ˌma-rə- also -ˈhwä-\ 

noun    (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of MARIJUANA

1

: hemp 1

2

: the dried leaves and flowering tops of the pistillate hemp plant that yield THC and are sometimes smoked in cigarettes for their intoxicating effect—compare bhang,   cannabis,   hashish

Variants of MARIJUANA

mar·i·jua·na alsomar·i·hua·na\ˌmar-ə-ˈwän-ə also -ˈhwän-\

marijuana

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Indian hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) or the crude drug made of its dried and crushed leaves or flowers. The active ingredient is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Also called pot, grass, and weed, the drug has long been used as a sedative or analgesic; it was in use in China by the 3rd millennium BC and had reached Europe by AD 500. Today it is used worldwide, though it has been generally illegal at least since the International Opium Convention of 1925. Its psychological and physical effects, including mild euphoria and alterations in vision and judgment, vary with strength and amount consumed, the setting, and the user's experience. Chronic use is not physically habit-forming but may be mildly psychologically habit-forming. Marijuana has been shown to be medically therapeutic for patients with glaucoma, AIDS, and the side effects of chemotherapy; in 2001 Canada became the first country to legalize the use of marijuana by people with terminal illnesses and chronic conditions. Supporters of legalization claim that it is a more benign drug than alcohol; opponents contend that it is addictive and leads to use of more serious drugs. A resin from the plant is the source of hashish.

• 1nar·cot·ic

noun \när-ˈkä-tik\

a: a drug (as opium or morphine) that in moderate doses dulls the senses, relieves pain, and induces profound sleep but in excessive doses causes stupor, coma, or convulsions b: a drug (as marijuana or LSD) subject to restriction similar to that of addictive narcotics whether physiologically addictive and narcotic or not 2: something that soothes, relieves, or lulls  

 Examples of NARCOTIC

1. narcotic that inures these religious fanatics from any realization of the harm they have done>

Origin of NARCOTICMiddle English narkotik, from Middle French narcotique, from narcotique,adjective, from Medieval Latin narcoticus, from Greek narkōtikos, from narkoun to benumb, fromnarkē numbness  First Known Use: 14th century 2narcotic adjective

  Examples of NARCOTIC

1. narcotic effect on people>
2. narcotic monotone that eventually had the entire class struggling to stay awake>

First Known Use of NARCOTIC1526 narcotic noun (Concise Encyclopedia)

Drug that produces analgesia (see analgesic), narcosis (stupor or sleep), and drug addiction. In most people narcotics also produce euphoria. Those that occur naturally in the opium poppy, notably morphine, have been used since ancient Greek times. The main therapeutic use of narcotics is for pain relief. Most countries limit the production, sale, and use of narcotics because of their addictive properties and detrimental effects and the incidence of drug abuse. With the development in the 19th century of the hypodermic needle and of heroin, five to 10 times as potent as morphine, the use and abuse of narcotics increased dramatically. A narcotic overdose can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory failure, and death.

 1phar·ma·ceu·ti·cal adjective \ˌfär-mə-ˈsü-ti-kəl\  : of, relating to, or engaged in pharmacy or the manufacture and sale of pharmaceuticals pharmaceutical company> — phar·ma·ceu·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\adverb .

Drug that produces analgesia (see analgesic), narcosis (stupor or sleep), and drug addiction. In most people narcotics also produce euphoria. Those that occur naturally in the opium poppy, notably morphine, have been used since ancient Greek times. The main therapeutic use of narcotics is for pain relief. Most countries limit the production, sale, and use of narcotics because of their addictive properties and detrimental effects and the incidence of drug abuse. With the development in the 19th century of the hypodermic needle and of heroin, five to 10 times as potent as morphine, the use and abuse of narcotics increased dramatically. A narcotic overdose can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory failure, and death.

"Diddys for Adults, Diddys for Kids. Diddys for All. A Diddy is THIS."

Copywrite DanDee 2013

The Lifted Lorax: My "Shitty" Life By DanniLeigh Dziamski

Little Pieces of my Mind:

Its a strange thing, if your not a thinker of your own thoughts, that is, they just kind of, come out...

The Thoughts you can See, when your Willing to Hear.

When do you know its ended, isnt as relivent as when it began.

I think, I think, I think a thought. See this is how I do things . This is how it is. I think the thoughts I think, you see? I think the thoughts you think, you see? I think the thoughts I want to think, I think the thoughts you think you think, you see? I think the thoughts you want to think, I think the thoughts I ought to think, you see? I think the thoughts you want to think, I think the thoughts I know I think, I think the thoughts, I think the thoughts, I think the thoughts we were made to think.

I didnt do this on a Wim, I didnt do this for no Mins. I dont need no fame, nore glory. Im only looking, to tell my story.

AND NOW REMEMBER WHAT ALICE SAID..." IN MY WORLD, EVERYTHING WOULD BE NONSENSE..."

My own Inspiring thoughts for me, you, and all of them...

Copywrite DanDee

You have to fight for what you believe. You have to fight for the beautiful things. You have to fight for what is right, you have to fight for when their wrong. You have to know your own power, you have to learn your own strengths. You have to be who you want to be and live for who you are. You have to believe in your spirit, in your mind, and in your soul. You have to aquire a sense of self, through the power of your love. You have to protect your own, your life, your dreams. You have to be who you wanna be when you are isn't who you wanna be. You have to stand up for yourself, you have know when to back down. You have to make a statement, be heard, be known. You have to rise above adversity, and yet live down on earth. You have to Live. You have to Live the Life you were destined to Live. Because You only have one You. You only have one Life. You only get One Chance, so You Better Do It Right.

I did find the one my soul loves, I did find him rather easy. I did find the one my soul loves, I did get him rather easy. I did find the one my soul loves, I can keep him rather easy. I did find the one my soul loves, I did find him rather easy. I did find the one my soul loves, now keeping us, isn't as easy. I did find the one my soul loves, I did find my one and only. I did find him, I did. Now keeping us shouldn't be easy. I did find my one and only, my souls one and only. I did find the one my soul loves, I did find my other half. 

Any one can Touch your Body, Many may Touch your Heart, But only One will Touch your Soul.

To my husband to my love, I did one day just write. I wrote you all my thoughts, compiled in a riddle. To my husband, whom I love thee. You are my back, as I am yours. You are my eyes, when I can not see. We are eachothers common sense, and I your Jiminy Cricket. I can be a rain of sunshine or a sad grey cloud. You can be a sprinkle of cool water or a muddy puddle. We can be lightning bolts or the colors after the rain. We used to live on carelessness, now have value more on caution. We are the perfect opposites yet exactly the same. We are a raging fire of spirit, love, and war . We are The perfect numbers to make one and one, the Only One.

  

 :D Love, Love, Love, Love......

Ever Changing Dittys for Little Bugs

My three little bugs, my three little creatures.
My little Lady Bug, my little Fire Fly, my little Caterpillar,


Mix you up a batch of tea,
Curl your hand and point your pinky,
Pour some in our cups,
Take a sip and rub your belly,


They tell alot of stories,
They sing alot of songs,
They ask alot of questions,
They dance all the days long,

Dont Waste Away Our Earth, Our Children Have to Live Here

Wasted food means lost resources and unnecessary environmental fallout. Take energy, for example: Estimates show an average of seven to ten calories worth of energy input is needed to produce one calorie of food. (Beef production requires even more—an average of 35 calories per one calorie of food.) Much of that energy comes from burning fossil fuels. When food is wasted, it “potentially contributes to unnecessary global warming” says the IME.

In the U.S., wasted food contributes 33 million tons of trash to landfills, where it proceeds to decompose, producing 25 percent of U.S. methane emissions.

Additionally, 550 billion cubic meters of water are also wasted globally to irrigate crops that never reach the consumer.

There are 870 million people in the world today who are undernourished, according to the World Food Programme. That means one out of every eight people is not getting enough food—more than three times as many people as live in the United States.

It’s rather uncomfortable, in light of that daunting figure, to face the facts found in a new report released by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IME): Globally, we’re wasting four billion tons of food every year. In developed countries, we throw away as much as half of the food we buy.

The next time you find yourself reaching for the prettiest pear, stop—you’re contributing to the problem. Thanks to modern standards of produce perfection, loads of less fortunate-looking fruits and vegetables are scrapped in grocery stores. Add in a host of other hurdles—accidental damage during processing or picking, damage by insects, spillage during harvest—and it’s easy to see why fruits and vegetables have the highest wastage rates of any food. In October of 2012, Forbes.com reported that “close to 50 percent of all fruits and vegetables in the European Union go to waste.” Supermarkets know they won’t be able to sell bruised or “weird-looking” produce, so they “will often reject entire crops of perfectly edible fruit and vegetables at the farm because they do not meet exacting marketing standards for their physical characteristics,” says the IME report. Farmers, knowing that their contracts with supermarkets require near-perfect-looking fruit, overproduce in order to meet expectations, wasting what they don’t sell.

When food is wasted, we’re missing out on far more than a meal. Lost food amounts to monetary fallout as well. From wasted resources to missed sales, our decisions as consumers are contributing to the loss of billions of dollars across the food-supply chain.

In the U.S., wasted food costs $165 billion per year (more than $40 billion from household waste), reports the Natural Resources Defense Council. Of that, $750 million per year is spent just to dispose of the food we carelessly toss in the trash.

Industrialized and developing countries actually waste about the same amount of food (670 and 630 million tons, respectively), according to the FAO. The difference lies in how they waste it. In developing countries, much of the loss occurs in production, transportation, and storage. Without proper transportation infrastructure, for example, workers in developing countries transport produce in ways that end up bruising it. Inefficient irrigation systems waste water, but purchasing modernized equipment—which could improve water efficiency by as much as 33 percent in some cases—is a financial burden many farmers can’t bear.

Conversely, industrialized nations have fairly efficient means of production, but consumer practices are wasteful. “Although mature, developed societies have substantially more efficient, effective and well-engineered market logistics, 30% of what is harvested from the field never actually reaches the marketplace (primarily the supermarket) due to trimming, quality selection and failure to conform to purely cosmetic criteria,” report the IME.

Simply put, advanced countries choose to waste more food. Thirty to 50 percent of the food that makes it to supermarket shelves in advanced countries is thrown away in the homes of the people that purchase it. In the U.K., for example, seven million tons of food are tossed into the kitchen trash every year. In the U.S., a typical American throws out 40 percent of fresh fish, 23 percent of eggs, and 20 percent of milk, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report. Super deals (Buy one, get one free!) and conservative “use-by” dates encourage tremendous waste on the part of consumers.

Advanced countries also value food differently because they spend less of their overall income on it—10 percent, according to Forbes—than residents of developing nations. In India, for example, the average person spends 25 percent of their income on provisions.

How does that difference in spending affect waste? The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the U.N. offers a sobering statistic: “Every year, consumers in rich countries waste almost as much food (222 million tonnes) as the entire net food production of sub-Saharan Africa (230 million tonnes).”