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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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September 11, 2021 at 7:34pm
September 11, 2021 at 7:34pm
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| September 11th Prompt What were you doing 20 years ago today? Of the events that transpired, what memory stays with you, almost haunts you? Twenty years ago? Wow, now that's a significant amount of time. Where was I? What was I doing? Well, I was far from the horrific destruction, snug in my home, until the glaring news' reports jolted my small, Canadian town awareness into hyper-drive. At that long ago time my youngest had just started Grade 12 and we were immersed in all things high school. In fact on that specific day she posed for memory photos. I was busy reorganizing a new year of Girl Guide activities and preparing for the local fall fair by polishing my craft entries. My two eldest were in and out working at their jobs.My career as a personal support worker hummed along. Basically, I multi-tasked as usual. Oh, and my eldest grandgiggle had just turned four months old. My mother phoned me to order that I turn on my television and see the emerging terror for myself. I remember not completely comprehending what the cameras were recording in real time. My mind preferred to believe that it was a staged bit of movie magic / manipulation. It had to be smoke and mirrors, too much smoke, special Hollywood effects, right? Tall buildings were not intended to be struck and destroyed, right? I paced and worried about strangers miles from my safe haven. How could this happen? Why? Sure, the United States bordered my country, and New York is at a physical distance, but it was still too close to home. Canada shares more than that border and some common geography with our neighbours. Americans and Canadians alike presumed they were free to prosper and cherish their families. No one could foresee such brazen brutal attacks. What still haunts me? Those images of soot-stained, stunned, vacant-eyed New Yorkers stumbling along streets of rubble and framed by billowing smoke are etched in my memory. New York resembled a war zone and it was mind-boggling. The smouldering remnants of the towers were a stark reality. I also remember with bursting pride the outpouring of love and support my fellow Canadians from Newfoundland provided to the many diverted flyers sent there because all flights were cancelled. No one had ever envisioned a mass influx of frightened American travellers, yet citizens stepped up to help. Those Newfies are my heroes. They selflessly sheltered and comforted. They made the best of an unprecedented emergency. I suppose the least any of us can do is remember. Far too many people died on 9/11 and those deaths were violent, unspeakable atrocities. That attack pales in comparison to those beloved victims. Their lives matter and they shall never be forgotten. |
September 10, 2021 at 9:24pm
September 10, 2021 at 9:24pm
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| September 10th Prompt: What qualities do you value most in yourself? List at least three of them and tell us why you have these values. This is my opportunity to claim that I am a humble, uncomplicated person. I don't put on airs, or aspire to dazzle anyone. I am a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kinda figure.Basically, I am human with flaws and occasional flights of fancy. Sometimes, my imagination is a bit quirky. I may prattle on and on. I ask questions and I don't necessarily expect am answer, I think out loud. At times, I speak to myself which startles me. I will admit I like to laugh and not always at the expense of others. Humour appeals to me. I shake my head at what befalls me. I have accepted that I'm a klutz and will never ever be remotely graceful, or athletic. I value my family. They've loved, supported, cheered,teased, counselled, argued, disagreed, and laughed at me. We are intertwined for better or worse. We share a history and there's no doubt they provide fodder for my writing. They don't always understand why I write, but they don't discourage me either. I am drawn to creativity. Sure, I play with words and shape them into stories, but I also like to sketch, craft, and needlepoint. I admire those who express themselves with their creations. I see it as something positive. I cherish the quilts and paintings my Nanny gifted me. Made with love is real. As I've mentioned, I appreciate humour and I seem to find it everywhere. There's the ludicrous, the inexplicable, the unintentional, and they all tickle my funny bone.I suppose I learned this as an impressionable child.Sharing a laugh is magical. With this philosophy I refer to my three granddaughters as 'grandgiggles.' Now they never fail to make me smile. |
September 9, 2021 at 7:55pm
September 9, 2021 at 7:55pm
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| September 9th Prompt: What health tips have worked for you? What would you like to do to improve your health? Is this where I share my diet tips and sprout spout healthy eating regimes? Notice the strong word 'regime.' Hah, I'm not, nor have I ever been a diet devotee. My eating philosophy is more of a see food, enjoy food . Basically, I've never consumed a calorie I didn't like. Yes, I will confess that I indulge in desserts on a regular basis. If cookies, cakes and muffins were meant to be forbidden why do they taste irresistible? Are egg farmers conspiring to sell their wares by including them in baked goods, emphasize 'good.' Not that I don't eat eggs in the form of an omelette once in a while. Eggs are nothing if not versatile. Despite my kinship with sweet treats I do imbibe veggies. I actually like them and they do not always have to be disguised in those delish confections although carrot, or zucchini bread is the best. Besides eating a balanced diet which sometimes is a cookie in each hand I attempt to exercise more than once a year. Not that I am so gung-ho that I wear and follow a Fitbit. I talk myself into a daily walk, well, that's my intention. I recognize that my health needs this burst of movement. My muscles don't wish to atrophy. Use it or lose it is real. Years ago, I not only financed a gym membership I attended said gym three times a week. I swam, partook of an aerobics class, and hoisted weights.My body and I cooperated in these endeavours. I achieved a sveltness, a level of fitness in which I did not wheeze climbing stairs. I'd like to say I aspire to be that devoted, that resolute again. Perhaps I will push myself in this manner, or perhaps I'll start with faltering, hesitant baby steps . There's no time like the present, so tomorrow I will venture forth to meander at a sedate pace. I just need to forewarn my knees. They prefer a bit of cajoling. |
September 8, 2021 at 8:05pm
September 8, 2021 at 8:05pm
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| September 8th Prompt: A practice I can begin to help me let go of negative emotions and return to a state of peace is ... I suppose we're not referring to tantrums in which items are flung willy-nilly, unrepeatable words turn the air blue, feet are stomped, arms wave wildly, jaws clamp, eyes glare and a temporary meltdown ensues. This explosive behaviour seems to work for some people. A certain person once acted like this when he discovered that the cathedral ceiling he climbed up a swaying ladder to access was for some inexplicable reason not built square to the outside wall. Tools flew through the air and clattered to the floor. The ladder shook. Witnesses slunk away. After this physical and loud reaction, the homeowner returned to his dilemma with a clear mind and a solution. He realised that he could accept the limitations of an older structure. His renovations were not wasted. He had just needed to vent his frustration. What practice could I begin to achieve a sense of peace? First I would ditch any and all electronics. Going cold turkey I'd leave my cell phone at home. Nothing is that earth-shatteringly important. For a respite no one needs to communicate with me. In my youth I survived without someone tracking my every move. I would seek the solace of a woodland hike. Free of traffic noise, I'd amble along. No shrieking sirens, no blaring horns, no engine rumbles, no squealing brakes,no grumbling exhausts. I'd revel in the warm sun and a gentle breeze caressing my skin. Quite possibly I'd notice a muted chick-a-dee-dee-dee echoing around me. Leaves might rustle as they swayed in the green canopy above me. From lofty branches a chirring might mark my trek into the forest. Blues, greys and reds could flash overhead. Shimmering fingers of sunlight would beckon me. A daily retreat to hike without an end goal, or a set time frame could be revitalizing. Setting one foot in front of the other and breathing at a steady pace, sounds relaxing. What am I waiting for? |
September 7, 2021 at 8:07pm
September 7, 2021 at 8:07pm
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| September 7th Prompt: You've been chosen to speak at a zoom conference in your chosen field. Over 5oo people will attend. Each is new to your field and want to hear words of advice. What will you say to them? What did you wish to know when you started? What did I wish to know? I'd like to have some idea of what Zooming is. I've never Zoomed. I'm not a Zoomer. Why is it called Zoom? Is this anything like Skype 'cause I do not Skype either. Wait, was this invented by a Twitterer? Did someone conceive of a tweet complete with a beaming face? Should I confess that most of my life I've been content to speak with people via phone lines without staring into their eyes at the same time? Face-timing is a new concept for me and while I enjoy seeing my two-year old grandgiggle we spend the majority of our call making faces at each other for laughs. Most of my contacts of an 'older' age do not Facetime. They prefer a face-to-face next to each other in the same vicinity for a conversation. If this is not possible, they will settle for a lengthy chat via a phone link. So, Zooming is for meetings and trainings? Really? Again, this is a concept foreign to me. Wouldn't there be a great deal of "can you hear me?" , or "hey, over here, look at me, can you see me?" I know of trainings in which at least one 'student' talks incessantly during the lesson drowning out the instructor's voice. Would a Zooming be any different? Five hundred strangers would tune in, or is it Zoom in to listen to me? That's four hundred and ninety-nine too many pairs of ears. I'm perspiring and cringing at the thought. This is too much like public speaking. Poof! Just like that the hydro has disappeared. I am now typing this on my cellphone. Huh, this could make for an awkward Zoom encounter. Five hundred teeny tiny floating faces... |
September 6, 2021 at 6:54pm
September 6, 2021 at 6:54pm
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| September 6th Prompt: Do you love your job/career? Tell us why you love it, and why did you choose this career and not something else. Job? Career? For a few years, I've been my own boss. Some might say I'm semi-retired. Sure, I handle the paperwork and the accounting for 'our" transport truck, but I do not drive it. The hubby enjoys that aspect. I suppose I keep the home fires burning. Since it's believed that I have untold time on my hands, I am the one available to run errands upon request. Do I love my current job ? Meh, I don't dislike it. The tea is plentiful and hot. Sometimes, the management bakes scrumptious muffins and cookies. I enjoy unlimited internet access. I drive a company vehicle. There are no fixed hours. I have no plans to quit. |
September 5, 2021 at 7:51pm
September 5, 2021 at 7:51pm
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| September 5th Prompt: What is the best thing to come out of staying at home? Ah, there's always a silver lining to any situation. Staying home isn't all that bad. Sure, Covid forced us to forfeit most of our forays and our get-togethers. It curtailed our freedoms. It limited our interactions, the face-to-face of our meetings. It did not squelch our spirit, or our sense of humour.We are so much more than a virus. I have grown to like the grunge look, or as some would say the casual dress code. I am comfortable in my own skin and I 've never felt the need to dress to impress myself. Lately, my choice of attire does not aspire to speak to anyone. Colour matching is not a criteria. My power suit rarely features buttons, or zippers. Comfy and loose-fitting are all I need. Footwear is not a necessity, in fact I prefer barefeet. Eschewing form -fitting outfits has permitted me to grow unfortunately. Rediscovering the joy of cooking and baking has necessitated the need for taste-testing and sampling. I am human and cannot resist the tantalizing aromas my efforts create. My new motto is if I bake it I will not forsake it. Cookies and I have formed a bond. Besides satisfying my insatiable sweet tooth I've endeavoured to assuage my appetite for reading. With cinemas shuttered I amuse myself absorbing great stories. I kinda appreciate that their cost of admission is far less than the expense of theatre tickets. With the minimal effort of clutching a book and turning pages I am transported beyond the confines of my four walls. Of course, staying home increases my odds of remaining Covid-free and that's a compelling reason to do so. There's no place like home. |
September 4, 2021 at 3:55pm
September 4, 2021 at 3:55pm
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| September 4th Prompt: If the Internet disappeared tomorrow, how would you continue to share your love of food? Hmmm, another what if contemplation. As I sit and ponder I munch on a graham cracker discovered in a concealed box forgotten in the pantry. No, I did not think to check for an expiry date before I partook of a bite. I must have purchased this treat some time within the last year, or two. They taste unstale. It's an alternative to a cracker, not too salty, or too sweet. Why don't I eat these more often? I like a graham cracker even without the usual camouflage of marshmallow and chocolate, ( a s'more). Double hmmm, I am sharing this particular tidbit via the internet. How could I accomplish this earth-shattering feat without the mighty internet? This is the moment I divulge that I do not nurture a bevy of carrier pigeons basking on my roof growing rotund on a steady supply of bird seed. Really, how far could big-boned birds fly anyway on a moment's notice? I have no faith in their stamina. Oh, and don't carrier pigeons require training of some sort? Where would I have accessed such knowledge? A You Tube instructional video sourced from the internet? Not that I make this a regular practice, but if I wished to share a tantalizing pic of my food choices online and circulated amongst my Facebook compadres, what could possibly be an alternative? Facebook is somewhat immediate, isn't it? The resulting reactions are, too. Snapping and then pursuing the actual printing of a photo before I snail-mailed it to all pertinent contacts would be time-consuming. If this provoked any replies they would be received long past a time I cared. During that interval I'd have moved on to other pressing concerns and probably other foodie concerns. I suppose I could actually meet with people , right? I could host a phenomenon known as a dinner party. To that end I'd prepare a certain amount of delectables. Seeing and tasting is believing. Wait, why not share a plethora of food? Everyone could contribute their favourite dishes in the manner of a potluck meal. Now, my mouth is watering and I commiserate with Pavlov's salivating dog. The power of persuasion is strong. No matter if the Internet exists or not, this evening I plan to enjoy a raucous bbq meal with my family at our seasonal campsite. We will share ribs, laughter and non-stop conversation. A few friends may drop in, so the more the merrier. Sharing face to face will always be my preferred method. |
September 3, 2021 at 8:28pm
September 3, 2021 at 8:28pm
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| September 3rd prompt: What is the hardest part of your job? Tell us how you deal with it. Job? Full disclosure. I no longer am employed gainfully, or otherwise. I have not responded to a schedule, or a timeclock, or expectations for several years now. That's not to say I am completely idle. People find projects and errands to keep me busy. Sometimes,I'm the chauffeur for medical appointments. Sometimes, I ferry items between persons, so I act as a courier. Occasionally, I am asked to be an entertainer, a teacher, a clown, a snuggler and a play buddy for my two-year old grandgiggle. The two older granddaughters seek my assistance with homework and they utilize me as a sounding board. My services are varied. For the past forty three years I've toiled as the chief chef, bottle washer, acquisitions procurer, and accounts manager in my household. Some may refer to this as juggling, but it's all necessary, no? Yes, I did once venture forth to earn a living and contribute to society. During that period in my life I visited people in their homes and assisted them / supported them to maintain their independence. Personal dignity was key. A rapport developed between me and my clients. Everyone likes to talk and share. I never failed to marvel at the tenacity and the compassion of my mainly senior clients. Not once did I loathe our interactions. I anticipated their stories and insights. What did I dislike? There was never enough time allotted to satisfy the seniors' need for socialization. All my visits were exercises in time management.Chatting was squeezed in while bathing, cooking, cleaning and more. If shopping, or other errands were deemed necessary they ate into the scheduled visit. Did I deal ? Did I cope? As I already stated, time management was critical. I multi-tasked. I deferred the least important tasks so, I prioritized. If a client lived locally, I might take care of the errands on my own time. As with too many jobs, bureaucracy could be overbearing. After each visit, I was expected to write and submit a report. I understand this requirement, but I had issues with the fact that they were seldom read. I'd mention problems and they were ignored. Ah, well, this was all water under the bridge and I survived. I do miss hearing the varied bits of living history. |
September 2, 2021 at 7:15pm
September 2, 2021 at 7:15pm
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September 2nd Prompt: Where do you see yourself five years from now? Where will I be in five years? What will I be doing? Hmmm, short answer is I dunno. At this moment, I have no plans for that far in the future. Sometimes, I am loathe to consider five minutes into the future. Of course, I would like to still be alive and kicking in five years. Ideally, I'd like to experience life as an older version of myself. Within that all too brief span I plan to continue being the me that indulges in too many delectable cookies and sips copious cups of tea.There are thousands more conversations to enjoy. Heaven forbid that I no longer engage in chin wags with those dearest to me and those I hope to encounter. I plan to continue my enthusiastic involvement with my life partner, my children and my grandgiggles.There are joint adventures yet to be undertaken. In five years I will have rearranged, reconfigured, and reaffirmed a plethora of words.I have no plans to cease writing. Oh, and did I mention the joy of reading? For my entire existence I've been an avid reader. Everyday is a grand day to devour a story. I am certain I will never be bored. Perhaps in five years time hubby and I will be touring North America in a RV meandering along roadways that beckon us to explore them. Becoming gypsies could be fun. If I set that as my future, I should utilize the next years to downsize, purge, cull a lifetime of accumulating stuff. After all, isn't it said that we can't take it with us?
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