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My random thoughts and reactions to my everyday life. The voices like a forum. |
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Created: November 4th, 2014 at 2:58pm
Modified: May 5th, 2024 at 2:27pm
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I do not know quite what happened or when , but my hubby and I now qualify for seniors' discounts at some venues. This creates a quandary; in order to save money, but not face, we have to admit to our age. HMMMM..... We definitely do not consider ourselves to be old. In this day and age ,when people as a whole are living longer and healthier lives why are 'young seniors', those in their fifties, like moi, considered 'old'?? It's so true that age is just a perception! "Maturity" is very objective/subjective, and I object! Whew, a few years have skittered by since I composed this biography block. Those "fifties" are in the rear view mirror and they are distant, fond memories. Oh, I do not plan to stop writing any time soon.
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PROMPT March 20th
Share a time when your mouth hung open in shock/awe/surprise/wonder etc. What was it that made you feel that way? It was my second year of university. I'd already made the mistake of queuing in the wrong line for registration. Apparently a marriage and a surname change meant I should've been in the line for the 'm's'. All the classes I'd requested were available and that made me happy. One course I'd enrolled in would feature creative writing and this excited me. The rest of my classes concentrated on scholarly English. Being free to create would be fun. Ya, right... For the first session of Creative Writing the professor seemed a bit distant, but hey, we were strangers. He spoke with the other students and avoided approaching me with a greeting. He stared at me a great deal and I just shrugged it off. I didn't know him, so I didn't feel as if we should've been familiar. For the second session, this professor took offense or disliked something I said. Perhaps I sensed he was treating the class as an English-as-a-second-language course and I asked about this. When I'd registered this had not been my understanding. Let me say I have always respected educators, I loved learning, and I earned top grades. He blew up! To say I was flabbergasted is an understatement. I had not been rude. We were adults and I anticipated civil , respectful behaviour. This did not end here. As if I was a misbehaving child in elementary school and summoned to the principal's office, I was requested to attend the office of the dean of English. Puzzled, I did as asked. Without preamble, the male official explained that he'd like me to drop this class. My mouth probably fell open. What? Did I not have the right to choose my classes? Had I not paid good money for those classes? And more importantly, why? The professor had complained immediately to this dean. He felt emotionally unprepared to see me and teach me everyday. My presence caused him undue stress. He was kidding, right? How could I have affected him, burrowed under his sensitive skin in just two brief sessions? The dean asked me to be reasonable.He pointed out that I was young. I should be flexible. Again, I felt confused. It was like pulling teeth, but finally he got to the so-called reason I irked his professor. Unbelievably, the prof claimed I resembled his recently ex-wife, and it had not been an amicable separation. And this was supposed to be my problem? Anyway, I thought this over and I realized that professor had some serious issues he was projecting onto me. Did I need that grief? Because the term had already begun, registration in alternate classes proved to be of slim pickings. I had to stitch together two part-time classes to replace the full credit one I'd been asked to leave. I also resented the fact that these two part-time classes were only offered in the evenings, and it would mean I'd have to return to the campus then after day classes. Ridiculous, no? |
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PROMPT March 19th
COVID-19. It’s affecting all of us in one way or another. Never in our lifetimes have we seen something of this magnitude and severity. So today, check in with yourself and your fellow competitors - how are you? Where is your head at? What’s worrying you? Let’s gather our WDC community around us and hunker down together.
Has everyone gone mad? The reactions from people re panic buying are ridiculous, inconceivable and ludicrous! This is beyond hoarding or stock-piling. Too many people are displaying a me-first attitude. We all need to wash our hands to stop the spread of this virus, but that is impossible if soap, hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, and cleaning supplies are not available for purchase because the few thought their needs super ceded anyone else's. And what is with this asinine need to stock up on toilet paper?? When did this commodity become the virus-fighting weapon of choice? Are those without adequate paper supplies expected to die off first? Why are shoppers coming to blows over toilet paper? I have not witnessed this personally. I don't believe I could just let this behaviour slide. What about other supplies? I'm well past the need for baby anythings, but how would I cope if I could not buy formula? Those with money to spare are purchasing far more than they need and those waiting for their week-to-week pay cheques cannot always react to a fresh supply of groceries in a store. There is no splurge or immediate advantage. Most people must budget and control their spending. We all have bills to pay. Price-gouging is a despicable practice. My niece, Kristen is currently self-isolating in Spain where she opted to live and work for two years. Like us, the store shelves are often bare. Fines are levied on people out and about for no reason. Schools and businesses are shuttered, so the only acceptable excuse to be out is for shopping, medical appointments, or walking your dog. Kristen reports that some people are renting dogs so they have a reason to go out and walk. Some people are resourceful, stupid, but looking for an angle. Those will most likely be the dictionary words of the year for 2020; self-isolation and social distancing. Not a great concept for extroverts to be sure. This COVID-19 has brought out the fear of the unknown in people. We cannot control illnesses. This virus is virulent and new. The worry and what-ifs cloud their judgment. My hubby is a long haul trucker with routes throughout North America. He enjoys the personal aspect of the job, meeting people and chatting. Now he's often greeted by masked personnel. Many restaurants are closed. Where is he to eat? Bathroom facilities are critical. He stopped at several truck stop stores before he found a package of wipes. They were baby wipes, but better than nothing.Many of those restrooms are closed. A few truck stops have closed their shower facilities. Their excuse: they require too much cleaning. Um, were they not cleaned before this outbreak? Truckers pay for these showers! Those still open have posted hand-lettered signs admonishing travellers not to steal the t.p. He reports smashed t.p. holders and missing t.p. His dispatcher warns him not to share pens with anyone. Warehouse staff greet him with a pair of gloves and a face mask which they ask him to wear while remaining in his truck. They ask that he attach the invoices to the rear of the trailer before he approaches a dock, so he exits his truck to do this and then returns to it. When the trailer is emptied or filled, the workers knock to indicate they are finished. He must drive away from the loading dock, exit his semi and retrieve the paperwork/invoices. How many people wore gloves handling that paperwork? Yesterday, he entered a facility and no one working there wore gloves or a mask. There is no consistent approach. In Quebec, the restaurants are still open to the public, but not here in Ontario. Anyway... to answer the prompt, I am healthy and so are my family and friends. We are weathering this. I appreciate the humour I see online. All we can do is continue to laugh. We should spread only kindness. I found this uplifting meme on Facebook: viruses are contagious. So is panic, fear, hysteria, calm, love, enthusiasm, kindness, joy. Choose wisely! |
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PROMPT March 18th
Does your communication style tend to be straightforward or subtle? Are you more likely to speak your mind or beat around the bush? Have you ever gotten into trouble because of your communication style? I think I'm a 'shoot-from-the-hip' kinda gal. Why waste time beating around the bush? I say what I need to say. Sure, there are occasions when I bite my tongue, but that's because I have an opinion that I know will only inflame a situation. It's not a life or death moment, or a time I must be correct. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, and I don't always have the desire to argue. Not everyone understands or appreciates sarcasm which is often subtle. Last Spring, my aunt phoned to ask a favour of me. Could my autistic cousin, an adult in his late forties with multiple other mental conditions, come and stay with me? This was exactly one week before my total knee replacement surgery. I was preparing for that and finishing things I couldn't do in the near future because I'd be elsewhere recovering. She knew of my surgery. She also knew her son did not always appreciate his mother making plans for him. Even consulting him was iffy. She wanted a break from him. My cousin is moody and sensitive. I told her I had no groceries stocked in my home. Why would I do that if I planned to be gone for weeks? I reminded her of my surgery. My knees were unstable and I did not venture too far from home. I was not prepared to be good company. I was in constant pain. How would I entertain her son? He never cooked for himself. He never took initiative for anything. In the past, I'd kept him busy with small construction jobs and repairs, but he required supervision. I did not have the energy to keep him from sitting in front of the television all the time. My aunt messaged me back. Just tell me, yes or no? I thought I'd spelled it out for her. Where had I agreed this was a mutually good idea? Perhaps I'd been too nice and subtle. This same cousin sometimes complained that I'm too loud and I laugh too much. I did not take offence, he is autistic, and this is true. He is blunt without knowing it. I'm told that he cannot appreciate feelings/emotions, yet he never fails to bring his up. He misunderstands situations and pouts, or raves, or whines. He changes his mind constantly. He does not acknowledge that anyone else has feelings. All of this, yet when he wants something, I'm his go-to person. Communication is not always straightforward. It can be awkward and messy. My cousin can and does go months refusing to speak with me over some perceived slight, or simply because he's focused elsewhere. When he reaches out, he expects me to carry on as if nothing happened, and I do. He has so much to deal with and all I can offer is some compassion and latitude. I can't fathom what he struggles with. |
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| March 17th PROMPT: Is success a result of luck, or hard work? Neither? Both? Read this article and share your thoughts... jamesclear.com/luck-vs-hard-work I read this article and I followed the premise as it was presented. I agree with the logic. I never considered the circumstances of my birth as luck. Who my parents were, where I was born, the state of my physical health, my inherited genes, the family finances, all of these are described as luck. Yes, they were and are beyond my control. They helped to shape me. What I chose to do with my 'gifts' was my free will. I could expand upon them. I could exploit them. I could learn from them and strive to learn more. We all apply varying levels of effort to our endeavours. Luck still needs blood, sweat, and tears. Some of us respond to pressure and require a nudge. Others thrive with their own initiative. Perhaps, at times, we need a little of both. If we are truly blessed, we realize our strengths and work with them. We are not content to rest on our laurels. We are never satisfied. Pursuing my passions is success. Participating in life is success. Forging relationships is success. |
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PROMPT March 16th
If you had the opportunity to compete on a television game show, which would you pick? If you won, what would you do with your winnings? I'm not a game show aficionado. I know they exist. I'm aware of a few via commercials, or news reports. I cringe as the host is bear-hugged, or lifted off their feet by overly enthusiastic participants. For some strange reason, many people choose to express their excitement with repeated jumping. Some, react as if they forgot their brains at home. Maybe it's the deer in the headlight mentality? Perhaps their brains shut down all non-essential functions such as hearing and reasoning. That oxygen still needs to reach the extremities and that wildly thumping heart. When he is home, my hubby insists upon sharing YOUTUBE clips with me, random snippets of video. He seems to like the Steve Harvey ones showcasing competitors from the Family Feud. Yes, I will admit that people say and do the strangest things in the heat of the moment. They blurt out secrets, spontaneous confessions, and mind-boggling drivel. Even the host is flabbergasted and at a loss for words at times. Okay, okay... This is a reluctant reply, but perhaps I'd choose to compete on Jeopardy. I must have a well of untapped trivia stored somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind. Of course, I'd have to practise answering questions with a question, beforehand. What is confusion, Alex. What is what am I doing here, Alex. My handicap would be the eye-hand coordination needed to strike the buzzer. That effort could potentially knock me off my feet 'cause I'm a klutz with almost no balance. Is there a game show for Pictionary? If a team event existed my hubby and I could clean up. It's not that we're the best artists in the world. We somehow have a psychic connection and we can read each other's thoughts. Hmmm, now that I'm writing this I see the absurdity. That enhanced wave length doesn't always work. For some inexplicable reason, we are often forced to use our words. Our Pictionary playing powers are awesome though. He once drew a single horizontal line and as he prepared to embellish it, I yelled out, "Silver mine." Lo and behold that was the correct answer! The couple we competed against did not possess our prowess. The poor husband drew a very detailed telephone, and still his wife had no clue as to what it could be. So, my final answer is Pictionary, I'd play that. Oh, this must be in reply to an actual television game show? Sigh, fine, I'll attempt Jeopardy. Now that I'm pumped up with the heady exhilaration of a possible win, I must consider what to do with my winnings, my bounty, my prize. Is cash awarded to the winner? Could I take home enough to pay off the credit cards? In light of this COVID 19 pandemic, could I win enough to purchase toilet paper for the unfortunate? Could I invest in toilet paper manufacturing stock? |
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| March 15th Prompt: What are some ways you reduce stress and create happiness in your everyday life? I admit I will procrastinate to avoid stress. Yes, this may seem counter productive, but it delays the inevitable for a short time. If I avoid a looming due date somewhat,meaning I don't deal with it immediately, or in an early fashion, it lessens the stress of producing. I often prepare an outline for a story or poem with bits of dialogue, snatches of descriptions, a proposed ending, and such. I may choose to leave it for a while before I write something cohesive. I have a plan in place and I don't sweat the details. When I do sit down, the writing is not forced. Just getting up and moving is a proven stress-buster. Music entices me to sing and boogie. I'm not performer-Oscar material, but I have fun. Today, I returned home after a four-hour drive alone. The radio blared and I belted out classics I don't listen to on a regular basis, but remember from various points in my life. I'm still amazed that my memory has stored lyrics for just such an occasion. The road trip passed pleasantly. My only goal was to reach home. Walking in fresh air invigorates me. I return with more focus. Chatting with my extended family via phone, text, or face-Timing reinforces feelings of togetherness. Our bond keeps us laughing and sharing. Nothing epitomizes happiness more than a video of my newest grand giggle learning to toddle with a big proud grin on her face. This marvelous technology did not exist when my kiddos were younger. Daily, I receive photos of her in all her cuteness. My older granddaughters keep in touch with texts and humorous memes. Losing myself in a book creates stress-free happiness. Dr. Seuss had the right idea. I can travel and see things from the comfort of my recliner. While reading I lose all track of time. |
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| March 14th Prompt: What is your favourite childhood memory? Does anything make you feel nostalgic? I remember childhood. Those were carefree days. I kept up a penpal relationship with my maternal grandma, Nanny. In each letter I'd describe my schoolwork and what was new in my life. I never had the greatest penmanship, it resembled a scrawl or chicken scratchings. I also neglected to write out the full address on the envelopes. I simply addressed each missive to: Nanny, Sundridge, Ont. She received all of my mailings. I still marvel at the postmaster not only knowing who she was, but where she lived as well. Sometimes, I'd include some art work, or stories I'd composed. I wish I could read those letters and early creative endeavours now. I do not know why, but I signed those bits of correspondence with Sandy B. My aunts and uncle started referring to me as Sandy B-dot. Nanny would answer with letters she wrote. She shared local news and snippets of gossip.I miss those days and my first, most loving penpal. |
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| March 13th Prompt:Are you responsible with your money? Is managing your finances easy for you, or challenging? Do you ever splurge and buy something you cannot afford? I like to believe that I'm responsible with my finances. I try to live modestly. Bills are paid in a timely manner. Some services are necessary such as hydro and a phone, but the internet is a luxury. I pay a set fee for that, so it's easy to budget. Years ago, probably ten now, I cancelled a television satellite service. I don't watch a great deal of television and I cannot control what is broadcast, or when it's aired. Too many channels offer the same programming anyway.If I choose to indulge in some t.v. viewing, I do so via my computer without network fees. Hubby and I downsized ten years ago and we're back to renting an apartment. This reduced our overall expenses and maintenance. I pay all bills via online banking. It's quick and efficient. Government filings for tax rebates are also filed online. Pay cheques are direct deposit. Nope, I'm not a splurger. I have never had a fortune to manage or play with. Perhaps this is a blessing. Nothing is complicated. Now the lines from The Barenaked Ladies' song is echoing in my brain. "If I had a million dollars," |
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| March 12th Prompt: Other than music, what sounds do you love? Ah sounds...I cannot fathom deafness. This is a sense I take for granted. I am able to hear and I expect to hear. Sounds are a part of my everyday experience. It never really is completely silent. Appliances hum, pets snore, birds squawk, traffic rumbles, anything with a touch pad chirps or tippity-taps, the wind howls or whistles, floors creak... My refrigerator sounds like an asthmatic. It wheezes and gasps and shudders. Then again, it's a senior for an appliance, over twenty years old. I find myself waiting for it to struggle to life. I know it will breathe its last soon. This background noise is a constant in my home. The sound that I love is laughter. It's a universal reaction to many things and it is a universal language easily understood. Laughter means merriment, glee, excitement, happiness, and more. The chuckles of a baby are magical. I like a cheery greeting when I'm out and about.It is friendly and caring. It is a nod of acknowledgment. I rather like the ding-ding of my oven timer. This signals something edible is ready. For that same reason, I like the bubbling and hissing of my coffee percolator. The sounds of children playing is a great pick-me-up. They are in the moment shouting, cheering, chortling, bantering,singing, whatever. They sound happy and carefree. I also like the particular, specific noise that my cell phone creates to let me know I have a text or a Messenger message. I hear a Minion chirp, "hello." This signifies a relative or a friend has something to share. We natter about current affairs, upcoming events, memories, milestones, and such. |
March 11, 2020 at 12:16pm
March 11, 2020 at 12:16pm
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| March 11th Prompt: Do you consider yourself a patient person? How easy or difficult is it for you to wait for something? Does a delayed reward feel more or less satisfying than an immediate reward? Yes, for the most part I'm a patient person. Good things come to those who wait. I suppose I've been conditioned to wait. The art of baking requires patience and the end result is so worth it! As a young girl I learned this to be true. If I wanted cookies or muffins or a cake, I had to measure and mix the ingredients. My wait was further compounded by the need for my anticipated treat to bake.Calories are burned during the preparation and baking time, too. Christmases taught me that a seemingly endless agony of waiting produced wonderful surprises. Being pregnant three times showed me the benefits of a nine-month long delay. Each of my offspring were born healthy. I never knew their genders before their births either.I repeated this process, in a sense, awaiting the arrivals of my three grand giggles.Raising children requires an eternal well of patience. I like the anticipation of a trip. The possibilities are endless.The myriad experiences during travel are a reward.Countless conversations with new people make it worthwhile. Now, fretting and aching while awaiting a surgery is not pleasant at all. The mind tends to manufacture what ifs and second thoughts.I just want it to be over so I can get on with the recovery and healing. Are all rewards created equal? Mmm, maybe not, but a reward is still a reward no matter how long its culmination. Short term and long term rewards are both welcome. |
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