It is rare to hear someone say, "I'm sorry, I'm responsible". When I do hear someone taking responsibility for their error in judgement, I feel such respect for them because it shows a purity of heart. Sometimes it's very difficult to admit you've done wrong and you'll twist everything in your mind to justify what you've done. But there comes a time when, if you're basically honest, that the truth needs to be admitted...especially to yourself.
The "stand your ground" law has been twisted beyond anything it was meant to represent and people are aggressively killing instead of taking the option of retreating. I believe that the "stand your ground" law was meant to protect someone who was being immediately attacked and not someone who deliberately put themselves into an unsafe situation or someone who was the aggressor. There will always be a lawyer who knows how to twist the obvious crime and make it appear appropriate, though.
Religious people believe there will be a judgement day but I believe that liars and cheats begin their come uppance the same moment they commit their crimes. Bad karma is not nice and somehow, some way, we all pay for our transgressions.
Everyone has skeletons in their closets, moments in their lives they'd prefer to keep hidden, but it's a mistake to think they're so far in the past that they don't matter any more. They're still inside that little cloud in the back of our minds. You are what you do...or did. OJ Simpson is a broken man who may not have been convicted of murdering his wife and her friend but he has suffered very much from it. What goes around will eventually come around to bite you in the bum! It's karma.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Whimsy
Below is a photo of the adorable planter that Shelley bought me as an early Mother's Day present and I just love it. It's in the shape of a peacock, metallic turquoise, with a trailing tail, and adorned with glass beads. How could I not love it???
When I moved from a house into an apartment, space became an issue because there was no way I could take everything. I ended up taking the necessities and therefore nothing whimsical. Now I have my whimsy...a gorgeous peacock planter! It sits at the front window of the trailer but it's going home with me in April. I have no idea where it will sit but I'll find a spot.
We need whimsy in our lives, something to smile at when we look at it. My pretty planter makes me smile a lot. Thank you, Shelley!
When I moved from a house into an apartment, space became an issue because there was no way I could take everything. I ended up taking the necessities and therefore nothing whimsical. Now I have my whimsy...a gorgeous peacock planter! It sits at the front window of the trailer but it's going home with me in April. I have no idea where it will sit but I'll find a spot.
We need whimsy in our lives, something to smile at when we look at it. My pretty planter makes me smile a lot. Thank you, Shelley!
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Canada Day at 3W
Every winter in our park we have a dinner celebration for the Americans that we all attend and then we have a dinner celebration for the Canadians that we all attend. It wasn't always like this...at one time no Canadians were allowed at the U.S. dinner and no Americans were allowed at the Canadian dinner. I always hated this and couldn't understand why it was this way. When the new owners took over our park, they insisted on an immediate change and now everyone is welcome to both dinners. This is the way it always should have been.
For the last few years our French Canadian friends have been doing the cooking for Canada Day and I hope I don't offend anyone by saying the food served has never been better than theirs. It's a huge treat to look forward to every year. Both Americans and Canadians were over at the clubhouse this morning helping with the decorating...I love this!! Dinner is at 5 P.M. and our tables are already reserved!
About the chemical peel that I'm doing...nothing out of the ordinary is happening but the skin on my face is getting redder. I expected this and have no problem with it. There's no peeling yet and that might be more unsightly than the redness but it's all worth it if it clears my skin when the process is over.
For the last few years our French Canadian friends have been doing the cooking for Canada Day and I hope I don't offend anyone by saying the food served has never been better than theirs. It's a huge treat to look forward to every year. Both Americans and Canadians were over at the clubhouse this morning helping with the decorating...I love this!! Dinner is at 5 P.M. and our tables are already reserved!
About the chemical peel that I'm doing...nothing out of the ordinary is happening but the skin on my face is getting redder. I expected this and have no problem with it. There's no peeling yet and that might be more unsightly than the redness but it's all worth it if it clears my skin when the process is over.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
3rd Day Chemical Peel
I was so nervous about putting a strong substance on the seriously sensitive skin of my face that I only decided to do this chemical peel if I could stay at Shelley's for a few days. I knew that if anything went wrong, it would happen quickly.
The cream is called Fluoroplex (fluorouracil) 1% strength. It came in a tiny 30 gram tube and cost $489!!! I hate drug companies!!
Anyway, I was told to wash me face thoroughly and then to apply the cream with my fingertips, washing my hands thoroughly afterward. I was expecting a burning sensation (saw that on the internet) but there was nothing, not even after 3 days of application twice daily. I do notice a slightly smoother look to my skin and possibly a tiny bit of redness but that's it.
I'm to continue applications for 4-6 weeks so there might be more visible signs of irritation as the time goes on. I also see the dermatologist in 2 weeks so he can assess what's happening..or not happening. I sure hope I didn't spend all this money for nothing but time will tell.
So far, so good.
The cream is called Fluoroplex (fluorouracil) 1% strength. It came in a tiny 30 gram tube and cost $489!!! I hate drug companies!!
Anyway, I was told to wash me face thoroughly and then to apply the cream with my fingertips, washing my hands thoroughly afterward. I was expecting a burning sensation (saw that on the internet) but there was nothing, not even after 3 days of application twice daily. I do notice a slightly smoother look to my skin and possibly a tiny bit of redness but that's it.
I'm to continue applications for 4-6 weeks so there might be more visible signs of irritation as the time goes on. I also see the dermatologist in 2 weeks so he can assess what's happening..or not happening. I sure hope I didn't spend all this money for nothing but time will tell.
So far, so good.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Chemical Peel
I'm going to be starting a chemical peel to help make the skin on my face healthier. I'm actually scared to death to start this but the dermatologist in Tampa, Shelley and John, have all convinced me it's the right thing to do. The dermatologist told me that I wouldn't (don't know how I changed this!) have had to have all those liquid nitrogen treatments these past many years if I'd had a chemical peel. We'll see. I'm going to start it on Monday and stay with Shelley until Thursday afternoon. I'm very worried about having an adverse reaction and will feel more comfortable having Shelley and the dermatologist nearby.
What I'm hoping to accomplish is to eliminate the rough skin caused by sun damage. I'm hoping I don't make everything worse but I'll keep a record with photos once I get back here on Thursday.
Wish me luck.
What I'm hoping to accomplish is to eliminate the rough skin caused by sun damage. I'm hoping I don't make everything worse but I'll keep a record with photos once I get back here on Thursday.
Wish me luck.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Killers
There are truly evil people in this world who believe they have the right to take the life of another person for whatever reason...they want to leave them, they talked back, they played their music too loud, they exist. It doesn't matter the reason for an evil person to kill. They will find a reason.
Michael Dunn is such a person. He murdered a young man because the music in his car was loud. It's almost impossible to understand how anyone would grab a gun and open fire on a car filled with four young men, killing one...but in Dunn's evil state of mind, he would have preferred to kill them all. They're making a big thing about Dunn being white and the young men being black but I bet that wasn't a prime concern for Dunn. He felt his space was invaded by the loud music and I'm sure the boys retorted verbally when told to turn it down. Dunn felt insulted but, darn it, he had a gun and he used it.
Don't the Americans ever ask themselves how some of these incidents...recent murder of man in theatre, also...if the assailant wasn't armed with a gun? I know some do but, sadly, most don't and that's why the United States suffers from these senseless killings. Nothing will change until the American gun laws change.
Michael Dunn is such a person. He murdered a young man because the music in his car was loud. It's almost impossible to understand how anyone would grab a gun and open fire on a car filled with four young men, killing one...but in Dunn's evil state of mind, he would have preferred to kill them all. They're making a big thing about Dunn being white and the young men being black but I bet that wasn't a prime concern for Dunn. He felt his space was invaded by the loud music and I'm sure the boys retorted verbally when told to turn it down. Dunn felt insulted but, darn it, he had a gun and he used it.
Don't the Americans ever ask themselves how some of these incidents...recent murder of man in theatre, also...if the assailant wasn't armed with a gun? I know some do but, sadly, most don't and that's why the United States suffers from these senseless killings. Nothing will change until the American gun laws change.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Locked Out
I rarely take my keys (house key and car key) out of my purse but it happens occasionally. Yesterday I checked my cash but didn't check to see if my keys were there because, after all, aren't they "almost" always? So out I went and locked the door behind me. It was when I tried to unlock the car by pushing the button that I realized I was in trouble...it didn't work. The only reason it doesn't work is when my keys are not on me. Crap!
But, fear not, Sylvia has a spare key to my trailer so I went to her place only to discover that she and Mickey weren't home. I had no idea how long they'd be gone so I traipsed back and got a book from the library (old clubhouse) and took it back to Sylvia's where I set myself up comfortably in their gazebo to read it until they returned. The worst case scenario was that they'd be staying overnight with friends so then I planned to wait until early evening and then go to Joann's to stay overnight with her. I arrived at Sylvia's before 1 P.M. and they got home at 3:30. It wasn't so bad because the book was interesting and the gazebo is a nice place to relax.
Now, I hate the thought of being locked out again so I've secreted the key in a safe place rather than giving it back to Sylvia. It was really comforting to be allowed access to my cute car and my cute trailer once again!
Retrieving the keys, I went out to Chili's for little burgers and fries...paid for with the gift card Shelley gave me. Other than giving myself a mental kick for not making sure I had my keys in the beginning, I didn't get very upset about my predicament. It wasn't the worst thing in the world, was it?
But, fear not, Sylvia has a spare key to my trailer so I went to her place only to discover that she and Mickey weren't home. I had no idea how long they'd be gone so I traipsed back and got a book from the library (old clubhouse) and took it back to Sylvia's where I set myself up comfortably in their gazebo to read it until they returned. The worst case scenario was that they'd be staying overnight with friends so then I planned to wait until early evening and then go to Joann's to stay overnight with her. I arrived at Sylvia's before 1 P.M. and they got home at 3:30. It wasn't so bad because the book was interesting and the gazebo is a nice place to relax.
Now, I hate the thought of being locked out again so I've secreted the key in a safe place rather than giving it back to Sylvia. It was really comforting to be allowed access to my cute car and my cute trailer once again!
Retrieving the keys, I went out to Chili's for little burgers and fries...paid for with the gift card Shelley gave me. Other than giving myself a mental kick for not making sure I had my keys in the beginning, I didn't get very upset about my predicament. It wasn't the worst thing in the world, was it?
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
On Being Old and Sick
I'm still getting over that awful cold/cough that started 2 weeks ago and I have to admit it sort of scared me. There were times I coughed so hard and often that I couldn't catch my breath and feared fainting. I don't think I would have lived through it if I was 10 years older. I don't get the flu shot because it made me sick the two times I got it but I will definitely get the pneumonia shot next fall.
The human body is a truly amazing thing the way it works to heal us. On the 3rd day of this cold, I sensed a strength inside me growing and slowly overcoming the germs that had invaded my body. It's that sense of inner strength that gives us hope we'll recover from whatever ails us.
Looking back, and with hindsight, I realize I should have seen a doctor at the end of the first week instead of toughing it out for another week of coughing but I didn't. If I'd been back home I would have dragged myself to my doctor but I don't like to do that down here in the States simply because it would be a stranger. A cold might last a week but after that you're fighting an infection that can be helped by taking an antibiotic.
Many of the people in this park have suffered through this recent illness and it's lasted at least 2 weeks for all of them. One lady told me she didn't realize a body could hold so much snot. Whatever strain we had, I sure hope it left antibodies against any other cold germs on the horizon.
What I learned is:
1. see a doctor at the end of week 1 if there isn't significant
improvement.
2. stay off crowded bus trips if possible.
3. don't go near anyone with a cold.
The human body is a truly amazing thing the way it works to heal us. On the 3rd day of this cold, I sensed a strength inside me growing and slowly overcoming the germs that had invaded my body. It's that sense of inner strength that gives us hope we'll recover from whatever ails us.
Looking back, and with hindsight, I realize I should have seen a doctor at the end of the first week instead of toughing it out for another week of coughing but I didn't. If I'd been back home I would have dragged myself to my doctor but I don't like to do that down here in the States simply because it would be a stranger. A cold might last a week but after that you're fighting an infection that can be helped by taking an antibiotic.
Many of the people in this park have suffered through this recent illness and it's lasted at least 2 weeks for all of them. One lady told me she didn't realize a body could hold so much snot. Whatever strain we had, I sure hope it left antibodies against any other cold germs on the horizon.
What I learned is:
1. see a doctor at the end of week 1 if there isn't significant
improvement.
2. stay off crowded bus trips if possible.
3. don't go near anyone with a cold.
The Color of Our Skin
Has anyone ever taken notice of how much air time is given to discussing the color of someone's skin? I was listening to the news this morning and it suddenly dawned on me how often skin color is mentioned and the amount of time wasted discussing it.
Criminals come in all colors. Teenagers come in all colors. Neighbors come in all colors. Politicians might be a little green with greed but their skins are varying colors, too. Why is skin color such an issue? If we put a dozen young children of varying skin tones in a room together the last thing they'd be aware of is what color their friend's skin was. We can learn a lot from children who haven't yet adopted their parents' prejudices.
On this ridiculous subject, I wonder why only brown and pink skins are always on the agenda? I'm feeling a little discriminated against since no-one is discussing freckles.
Criminals come in all colors. Teenagers come in all colors. Neighbors come in all colors. Politicians might be a little green with greed but their skins are varying colors, too. Why is skin color such an issue? If we put a dozen young children of varying skin tones in a room together the last thing they'd be aware of is what color their friend's skin was. We can learn a lot from children who haven't yet adopted their parents' prejudices.
On this ridiculous subject, I wonder why only brown and pink skins are always on the agenda? I'm feeling a little discriminated against since no-one is discussing freckles.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Steve Harvey's "Cookies"
Comedian, Steve Harvey, is a funny man but he's also a well spoken man to explain how men think. I stumbled upon today's show and heard him speak about how women give up their "cookies" way too fast and the reason they shouldn't (from a man's perspective). Interesting!
He claims that women are missing an opportunity to take time to get to know the man they will honor with their "cookies". So many women complain about how many of the men in their lives have turned out to be dogs but they carry some of the blame for not getting to know those men before giving them their "cookies".
My generation knew this intuitively. With women these days becoming stronger and grabbing the freedom they deserve, some have taken it the wrong way and undervalued themselves and what they really are. A woman is not a toy, something to be used casually and then walked away from. A woman who truly values herself should not hand herself over to someone who doesn't deserve her. And it takes a bit of time to find out if he is worthy of her.
Steve Harvey recommends the 90 day wait but that seems a little long. You could be with a man for 90 years and still not know him well so my way of thinking is to be with him long enough to witness how much he respects you, how much kindness he shows to others, and how honest he is. That might be all you ever learn about the man you choose but he could still surprise you.
One little old lady on Steve's show said she is currently on the 20 year wait but that's okay, too. Better than offering your "cookies" to a sleaze bag!
He claims that women are missing an opportunity to take time to get to know the man they will honor with their "cookies". So many women complain about how many of the men in their lives have turned out to be dogs but they carry some of the blame for not getting to know those men before giving them their "cookies".
My generation knew this intuitively. With women these days becoming stronger and grabbing the freedom they deserve, some have taken it the wrong way and undervalued themselves and what they really are. A woman is not a toy, something to be used casually and then walked away from. A woman who truly values herself should not hand herself over to someone who doesn't deserve her. And it takes a bit of time to find out if he is worthy of her.
Steve Harvey recommends the 90 day wait but that seems a little long. You could be with a man for 90 years and still not know him well so my way of thinking is to be with him long enough to witness how much he respects you, how much kindness he shows to others, and how honest he is. That might be all you ever learn about the man you choose but he could still surprise you.
One little old lady on Steve's show said she is currently on the 20 year wait but that's okay, too. Better than offering your "cookies" to a sleaze bag!
Sunday, January 26, 2014
10 Pound Loss
I am so happy! I weighed myself this morning (3 days early) and discovered I've lost a full 10 pounds in the 9 1/2 weeks I've been using Sensa. Because the weight is coming off slowly and I'm developing better eating habits, I have hope that this weight will stay off...with much more to follow. The Sensa is a tool to use but I also have to eat more sensibly, too, and I have to say it hasn't been difficult.
I'll be seeing my doctor for bloodwork when I get home in April and I'm hoping the weight loss will help in keeping diabetes at bay so that I don't need to take medication for it. Regardless, I'll continue with the Sensa diet because it has been good for me.
Something I've discovered this time around is that it's helped not to have given up both fries and potato chips at the same time. I haven't had a potato chip in the past 10 weeks and haven't missed them or craved them. I have had fries occasionally but usually find I can't eat them all. I have fruit, crackers or yogurt inbetween each meal, too, and that is what we're supposed to do...not starve ourselves. It doesn't matter how long it takes to reach a comfortable weight as long as my weight doesn't skyrocket on me. I've heard of others on Sensa that this happened to but I'll bet they also went back to their old and bad eating habits, too.
Oh yes, Shelley convinced me to have the chemical peel offered by her dermatologist neighbor. I'll stay at Shelley's house for 3-4 days while doing it just for my own peace of mind. I'm still scared to death but am putting my faith in the dermatologist who seems to know what he's doing. My own at home seems a little scatterbrained so no matter what I do, it might not be the right decision. I'll report the whole process in this blog.
Enough for now...
I'll be seeing my doctor for bloodwork when I get home in April and I'm hoping the weight loss will help in keeping diabetes at bay so that I don't need to take medication for it. Regardless, I'll continue with the Sensa diet because it has been good for me.
Something I've discovered this time around is that it's helped not to have given up both fries and potato chips at the same time. I haven't had a potato chip in the past 10 weeks and haven't missed them or craved them. I have had fries occasionally but usually find I can't eat them all. I have fruit, crackers or yogurt inbetween each meal, too, and that is what we're supposed to do...not starve ourselves. It doesn't matter how long it takes to reach a comfortable weight as long as my weight doesn't skyrocket on me. I've heard of others on Sensa that this happened to but I'll bet they also went back to their old and bad eating habits, too.
Oh yes, Shelley convinced me to have the chemical peel offered by her dermatologist neighbor. I'll stay at Shelley's house for 3-4 days while doing it just for my own peace of mind. I'm still scared to death but am putting my faith in the dermatologist who seems to know what he's doing. My own at home seems a little scatterbrained so no matter what I do, it might not be the right decision. I'll report the whole process in this blog.
Enough for now...
Friday, January 24, 2014
Toronto Mayor...Why?
I can't for the life of me understand why the great city of Toronto can't fire an inept, drunken, humiliating mayor. If he was in the employ of any other business he would have been thrown out on his ass after the first drunken episode but there are unfair laws on the books that prohibit firing this imbecile unless he is arrested for his antics. How unfair is this to the citizens of Toronto who are held hostage by this drunken sot who supposedly leads their city?
The rules and laws protecting elected officials who dishonor their post must be changed.
The rules and laws protecting elected officials who dishonor their post must be changed.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
I'm Back
Blogspot has been coming up weird on my computer for the last while so I gave up blogging until it straightened out. It has.
I've been happily busy in the last couple of weeks with a bus trip to Biloxi where I lost most of my money and, I think, caught this doozy of a cold I'm experiencing right now. I usually only get one cold a year but this one is the second in 4 months. I've stayed home since Tuesday and will cancel Friday morning coffee so I don't pass the germs on to anyone else. It might be too late for poor Sylvia because she has a sore throat now. I'm coughing myself silly but there does seem to be hope on the horizon because I'm feeling a little stronger right now than I have all week.
I hate being under the weather. It interferes with all my fun activities and the socializing I take part in here in Florida. I don't dare go out among these old folk or I might pass off germs that could kill them!
A couple of weeks ago, Jo taught us how to knit those frill scarves (easy!) so I've dropped the Swedish weaving for a while in order to make them. I have one made so far for an Alvarez and will make 6 in total for my 3 granddaughters and my 3 daughters. Jo said she can make one in an hour...well, let me tell you that it takes me about 2 days to make one. They are easy, though. I'm thinking that I enjoy making them enough to bring some yarn home to make them for my granddaughters-in-law, too.
We had fun in Biloxi...gambling, eating, and having a side trip to New Orleans. All of this cost me $185 and I got back about $25 in free play at the casinos and $49 in food vouchers. I would have gotten a bit more but I didn't have photo I.D. with me. I thought my health card was in with my out-of-country health insurance papers but it wasn't. Stupid me.
The weather is cool here these days but hasn't reached freezing at night yet. I pity the frozen north! So many of my friends have put their trailers up for sale and I really wonder how they'll be able to stand the frigid winters up north after spending many winters in Florida. Age is usually the deciding factor when snowbirds sell out and stay up north. They often can't take the long drive anymore. I still love it but my day will come.
Anyway, life is good here and I'm still having fun...or will again once my cold is gone.
I've been happily busy in the last couple of weeks with a bus trip to Biloxi where I lost most of my money and, I think, caught this doozy of a cold I'm experiencing right now. I usually only get one cold a year but this one is the second in 4 months. I've stayed home since Tuesday and will cancel Friday morning coffee so I don't pass the germs on to anyone else. It might be too late for poor Sylvia because she has a sore throat now. I'm coughing myself silly but there does seem to be hope on the horizon because I'm feeling a little stronger right now than I have all week.
I hate being under the weather. It interferes with all my fun activities and the socializing I take part in here in Florida. I don't dare go out among these old folk or I might pass off germs that could kill them!
A couple of weeks ago, Jo taught us how to knit those frill scarves (easy!) so I've dropped the Swedish weaving for a while in order to make them. I have one made so far for an Alvarez and will make 6 in total for my 3 granddaughters and my 3 daughters. Jo said she can make one in an hour...well, let me tell you that it takes me about 2 days to make one. They are easy, though. I'm thinking that I enjoy making them enough to bring some yarn home to make them for my granddaughters-in-law, too.
We had fun in Biloxi...gambling, eating, and having a side trip to New Orleans. All of this cost me $185 and I got back about $25 in free play at the casinos and $49 in food vouchers. I would have gotten a bit more but I didn't have photo I.D. with me. I thought my health card was in with my out-of-country health insurance papers but it wasn't. Stupid me.
The weather is cool here these days but hasn't reached freezing at night yet. I pity the frozen north! So many of my friends have put their trailers up for sale and I really wonder how they'll be able to stand the frigid winters up north after spending many winters in Florida. Age is usually the deciding factor when snowbirds sell out and stay up north. They often can't take the long drive anymore. I still love it but my day will come.
Anyway, life is good here and I'm still having fun...or will again once my cold is gone.
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
Sexual Harrassment
When I was a young woman, I was sexually and publicly harrassed by complete strangers, on an almost daily basis. I remember the unwanted catcalls, the unwanted gestures, the unwanted comments made as I simply walked down a public street. I remember the fear it struck in my heart as I worried the harrassers might actually touch me physically. I remember wondering why these men (or boys) believed they had the right to talk to me like this. I remember the feeling of helplessness and anger.
As an elderly woman, I sometimes breathe a sigh of relief that this doesn't happen to me any more but then I realize that those same things are still happening to young women today and I feel sympathy, disgust, worry, and sadness that not much has changed in this world.
Most parents are able to teach their sons that females deserve their respect but it apparently still fails with way too many of them. When you think of it, when a grown man howls out sexual insults to a young woman he doesn't even know, it's a form of bullying. I've never known a woman who takes catcalls as a compliment...it's too uncomfortable for that. And don't ever think the aggressor doesn't know it.
I've advised my granddaughters to ignore it unless it becomes too aggressive and then to call the police. It is much too dangerous for them to confront the harrasser, especially if a woman is alone. Confrontation probably would do no good, anyway, but just give the harrasser more time to play his games.
But we can change male attitudes like this, maybe not in a generation or two but it can be done. More males are now educated to understand that females were not put on this earth for their amusement but as human beings who deserve their respect. As these numbers grow and as these respectful males set examples for their friends, it really can change how society views women.
Females have been fighting for equality and respect since neanderthal man supposedly clubbed an unsubmissive female over the head and dragged her to his cave. It's scary to see how things haven't improved as much as we women had hoped.
As an elderly woman, I sometimes breathe a sigh of relief that this doesn't happen to me any more but then I realize that those same things are still happening to young women today and I feel sympathy, disgust, worry, and sadness that not much has changed in this world.
Most parents are able to teach their sons that females deserve their respect but it apparently still fails with way too many of them. When you think of it, when a grown man howls out sexual insults to a young woman he doesn't even know, it's a form of bullying. I've never known a woman who takes catcalls as a compliment...it's too uncomfortable for that. And don't ever think the aggressor doesn't know it.
I've advised my granddaughters to ignore it unless it becomes too aggressive and then to call the police. It is much too dangerous for them to confront the harrasser, especially if a woman is alone. Confrontation probably would do no good, anyway, but just give the harrasser more time to play his games.
But we can change male attitudes like this, maybe not in a generation or two but it can be done. More males are now educated to understand that females were not put on this earth for their amusement but as human beings who deserve their respect. As these numbers grow and as these respectful males set examples for their friends, it really can change how society views women.
Females have been fighting for equality and respect since neanderthal man supposedly clubbed an unsubmissive female over the head and dragged her to his cave. It's scary to see how things haven't improved as much as we women had hoped.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
A Senior's New Year's Plans
A lot changes as we age...our looks, our expectations, our personal likes and dislikes. When I was a young woman, New Year's eve meant parties, dancing, drinking, and raucous behaviour. Tonight I'm happily choosing to spend the early evening playing cards with friends. Being a psychology enthusiast, I'm trying to decide if this is really what I'd prefer to be doing...and I do believe it is. We do change a lot as we age but not everyone changes in the same way. There will be loads of seniors attending our park's New Year's eve party at the clubhouse tonight and I'm sure they'll enjoy themselves muchly!
It seems that I'm gravitating towards more serenity in my life as I age. Looking forward to an evening where I know we'll yak and laugh for most of it is what I truly want these days. Maybe it's a time of winding down for me, I don't know, but I live a gentler life than I used to live...as little drama and discord as possible.
I've come to understand that sometimes we do what we think we should be doing instead of what we really prefer to do. What I definitely don't want to do this 2013 New Year's eve is to sit in a darkened hall which is too noisy to converse with my friends. Thankfully, I have the option of choosing to do something else that I'll enjoy much more.
Happy New Year!
It seems that I'm gravitating towards more serenity in my life as I age. Looking forward to an evening where I know we'll yak and laugh for most of it is what I truly want these days. Maybe it's a time of winding down for me, I don't know, but I live a gentler life than I used to live...as little drama and discord as possible.
I've come to understand that sometimes we do what we think we should be doing instead of what we really prefer to do. What I definitely don't want to do this 2013 New Year's eve is to sit in a darkened hall which is too noisy to converse with my friends. Thankfully, I have the option of choosing to do something else that I'll enjoy much more.
Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Dieting...again!
How many diets have I been on in my life...it seems like thousands and none of them really worked because I didn't learn to change my bad eating habits. Right now I'm using Sensa and it seems to lessen my appetite, especially inbetween meals. I don't think it has any bad side effects but we never really know, do we?
Since I'm pre-diabetic, I can't rely on fresh fruit as much as I used to but I've been imbibing in a glass of wine every evening this week. On top of taking away any residual appetite I might have, it makes me feel pretty mellow, too. I realized how convenient it is for me to afford a glass of wine nightly while in the States but it won't be so easily affordable when I'm back home in Canada. I decided not to even think about it because I may not even want it then. Overweight people are usually flighty, too, and change their habits on a whim. That's me.
I checked online to see if wine is a deterrent to weight loss and it seems it causes no harm as long as taken in moderation. Moderation means no more than 2 glasses per day and I only have 1 so I guess I'm safe.
I don't know if this present diet will last or do any good but I'm still willing to stay on it. The Sensa honestly helps. I just hope it doesn't cause any unknown damage to my innards!
Since I'm pre-diabetic, I can't rely on fresh fruit as much as I used to but I've been imbibing in a glass of wine every evening this week. On top of taking away any residual appetite I might have, it makes me feel pretty mellow, too. I realized how convenient it is for me to afford a glass of wine nightly while in the States but it won't be so easily affordable when I'm back home in Canada. I decided not to even think about it because I may not even want it then. Overweight people are usually flighty, too, and change their habits on a whim. That's me.
I checked online to see if wine is a deterrent to weight loss and it seems it causes no harm as long as taken in moderation. Moderation means no more than 2 glasses per day and I only have 1 so I guess I'm safe.
I don't know if this present diet will last or do any good but I'm still willing to stay on it. The Sensa honestly helps. I just hope it doesn't cause any unknown damage to my innards!
Saturday, December 28, 2013
The "Knockout Game"
Honestly, can there be anything much more cowardly than a group of young men attacking an unsuspecting passer-by and flooring him...or her...with a single punch? For the life of me, I don't understand why they wouldn't be ashamed of their cowardly act.
One such young man cold cocked a 79 year old man, causing serious physical damage, and he has the nerve to brag about his disgusting and cowardly act? He's been arrested and will serve jail time so maybe someone a little stronger than him will give him some pay back. I sincerely hope so!
It's very perplexing to understand why some of our youth are participating in cruel and cowardly games like this. Have we managed to breed a disturbingly large segment of a generation with no conscience? How are their parents dealing with it? How will these young men behave as they grow older? How safe will their wives and children be around them?
I say this because I believe that if you allow yourself to commit cruel acts for any reason it changes your total perception of life and how you live it. Once an act is committed, it's easier to re-commit. If someone deems it acceptable to punch an innocent elderly man to the ground, then that person really can't be trusted to behave humanely for the rest of their lives.
I saw a video taken by a public security camera that showed a young man pass a young woman then turn quickly and cold cock her from behind. She hit the ground on her face and unconcious. He ran like a rat. Cowardly? Hell, yes! The question is, how awful must he feel about himself to do such a thing in the first place? Does he have such low self esteem that hitting a woman from behind gave him some sense of superiority? Not only are these idiots cowards, they're also pathetic.
I hope those caught playing the "knockout game" are punished well enough that it will become a thing of the past.
One such young man cold cocked a 79 year old man, causing serious physical damage, and he has the nerve to brag about his disgusting and cowardly act? He's been arrested and will serve jail time so maybe someone a little stronger than him will give him some pay back. I sincerely hope so!
It's very perplexing to understand why some of our youth are participating in cruel and cowardly games like this. Have we managed to breed a disturbingly large segment of a generation with no conscience? How are their parents dealing with it? How will these young men behave as they grow older? How safe will their wives and children be around them?
I say this because I believe that if you allow yourself to commit cruel acts for any reason it changes your total perception of life and how you live it. Once an act is committed, it's easier to re-commit. If someone deems it acceptable to punch an innocent elderly man to the ground, then that person really can't be trusted to behave humanely for the rest of their lives.
I saw a video taken by a public security camera that showed a young man pass a young woman then turn quickly and cold cock her from behind. She hit the ground on her face and unconcious. He ran like a rat. Cowardly? Hell, yes! The question is, how awful must he feel about himself to do such a thing in the first place? Does he have such low self esteem that hitting a woman from behind gave him some sense of superiority? Not only are these idiots cowards, they're also pathetic.
I hope those caught playing the "knockout game" are punished well enough that it will become a thing of the past.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Today is Coffee Day
I don't know what spurred me to start having a once a week coffee morning for the park ladies because I'm not the sort of person to push myself on people. In any case, it's become a really nice part of park life and draws more and more ladies every year. I think it's a great way for new residents to meet the rest of us, too.
I think it was last year that I changed our meeting time to 10 A.M. instead of 9 A.M. and this was so the air got a chance to warm up and allow us to have our coffee out on the patio. With so many ladies joining us, it's easier than having to crowd into my little trailer. We've had up to 24 outside and that number would never have fit into the trailer.
Some of the husbands hear our laughter and remind their wives that is "coffee morning" over here. LOL! We do have such a nice time and I know it gets pretty noisy at times...but it's all laughter!
I usually go out for lunch after everyone leaves on Fridays so I invited anyone who'd like to join me to come along. I guess this will become our new tradition because we had about 8 two weeks ago. Last week there was a luncheon in the clubhouse so only Sylvia, Barb, and I went out to a restaurant. This week we're going to "Nothing Fancy" up on HWY 27 and I'm hoping we'll have a nice crowd go with us.
We're all retired ladies with lots of free time and it's so nice that we've reached this age with few enough health problems that we can take it easy and enjoy ourselves. Lady friends are a pure joy to have...at any age!
The weather in Florida has been so extra nice that I'm not sure we've had to have coffee morning inside the trailer since I got here this year. We're expecting rain some time today but the air is warm so we probably will have a lovely morning drinking coffee, yakking, and laughing on the patio. Life is so damned good!
I think it was last year that I changed our meeting time to 10 A.M. instead of 9 A.M. and this was so the air got a chance to warm up and allow us to have our coffee out on the patio. With so many ladies joining us, it's easier than having to crowd into my little trailer. We've had up to 24 outside and that number would never have fit into the trailer.
Some of the husbands hear our laughter and remind their wives that is "coffee morning" over here. LOL! We do have such a nice time and I know it gets pretty noisy at times...but it's all laughter!
I usually go out for lunch after everyone leaves on Fridays so I invited anyone who'd like to join me to come along. I guess this will become our new tradition because we had about 8 two weeks ago. Last week there was a luncheon in the clubhouse so only Sylvia, Barb, and I went out to a restaurant. This week we're going to "Nothing Fancy" up on HWY 27 and I'm hoping we'll have a nice crowd go with us.
We're all retired ladies with lots of free time and it's so nice that we've reached this age with few enough health problems that we can take it easy and enjoy ourselves. Lady friends are a pure joy to have...at any age!
The weather in Florida has been so extra nice that I'm not sure we've had to have coffee morning inside the trailer since I got here this year. We're expecting rain some time today but the air is warm so we probably will have a lovely morning drinking coffee, yakking, and laughing on the patio. Life is so damned good!
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Xmas 2013
Christmas morning alone has become a slightly uncomfortable time for me but it gradually eases away after having Xmas dinner in the clubhouse with over a 100 near and dear friends. This morning was not so bad and I think it was because I'm taking care of Tank for a few days. He's a drop dead gorgeous yellow lab with the sweetest personality...but he is stinking up my trailer. I hope Febreze will clear out the doggy smell after he leaves.
I never heard a peep out of him all night long (I expected he might wander a bit and bump his huge body into things) and, when I got up this morning he was still lying in his bed looking questioningly at me...was I going to feed him or put him out for a pee? I chose to take him out for a pee. It was chilly out and I put a jacket on over my nightie, got him attached to the leash outside and told him to hurry up. He sat down. He surveyed the scenery. I nudged him and he strolled into the middle of the lawn and ate some grass. It was quite a while before he actually peed. It's a good thing I adore him.
All in all, it's quite understandable why people living alone like to have a pet because they are pleasant company. Knowing this, I still won't get a dog for myself because I don't want to be tied down to looking after it. And then, my life is busy enough and full enough to keep me happy without a pet.
But it has been nice having Tank around.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Beggars
I almost never see a beggar in Canada. Now, this doesn't mean we don't have any, it means in part that the climate doesn't support outdoor begging. I also like to think that no-one really needs to beg...but maybe my head is in the clouds.
I don't think I've ever seen a beggar in the northern states and that's probably for the same reason I don't see them in Canada.
It is different in Florida where street beggars are seen quite often, usually at intersections where there is lots of car traffic. Yesterday I saw my very first family of beggars and it was very disconcerting because I really do hope there can be no reason for it. We'd gone to Walmart and were returning home with a carload of mostly groceries when we spotted a man holding a sign at an intersection that said he was out of work. Next to him sat his wife and 3 children, one of whom was in a stroller. Could this really be the truth and they had no food or shelter? I don't believe it because I don't want to believe it. It's the same as learning that families are living in their cars...I can't allow myself to belief this too is happening and that they really have no resources. Are there not social programs in effect that give everyone in need food and shelter?
I've assumed that the routine of needing social services if you had no money meant that they would immediately find you somewhere to live and I know that there are food pantries (which sometimes run out of food). I also know that some beggars are not in need at all but out for easy money (street kids and at least one very well off woman from back home). It's very troubling to think that little family is sleeping out in the field somewhere without food...but I can't honestly believe that happening. Am I blind to the truth? But wouldn't the parents turn their children over to social services rather than let them starve? I've never heard of anyone in the States or Canada actually starving to death because they were broke.
Logic tells me that this is a scam but uncertainty keeps me wondering.
I don't think I've ever seen a beggar in the northern states and that's probably for the same reason I don't see them in Canada.
It is different in Florida where street beggars are seen quite often, usually at intersections where there is lots of car traffic. Yesterday I saw my very first family of beggars and it was very disconcerting because I really do hope there can be no reason for it. We'd gone to Walmart and were returning home with a carload of mostly groceries when we spotted a man holding a sign at an intersection that said he was out of work. Next to him sat his wife and 3 children, one of whom was in a stroller. Could this really be the truth and they had no food or shelter? I don't believe it because I don't want to believe it. It's the same as learning that families are living in their cars...I can't allow myself to belief this too is happening and that they really have no resources. Are there not social programs in effect that give everyone in need food and shelter?
I've assumed that the routine of needing social services if you had no money meant that they would immediately find you somewhere to live and I know that there are food pantries (which sometimes run out of food). I also know that some beggars are not in need at all but out for easy money (street kids and at least one very well off woman from back home). It's very troubling to think that little family is sleeping out in the field somewhere without food...but I can't honestly believe that happening. Am I blind to the truth? But wouldn't the parents turn their children over to social services rather than let them starve? I've never heard of anyone in the States or Canada actually starving to death because they were broke.
Logic tells me that this is a scam but uncertainty keeps me wondering.
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