The computer has been acting up since I got home but I think it's partly my own fault. I get impatient when it takes too long to load and I start clicking and that often makes it freeze up. Yesterday it froze up between on and off, not going either way, so Kim set me up with a friend of Don's (Brent) who straightened the whole mess out. Whewwww!
I'm an impatient person most of the time unless I gain control of it quickly. Sitting and waiting drives me crazy because I think of all the other things I could be doing instead of waiting. And the older we get, the more valuable our time is, right? I want to do what I want to do right now, not sit like a log and wait for 10 minutes in front of a dead screen. It seems I need to practice discipline and restraint when it comes to this darned compute, though, or I'll mess it up again.
Today I'm having a new sink and taps installed in the kitchen. The owners of the building think the ones I have are just fine so they won't pay for it but it's something I want so I'm getting it. Life is too short to go without when you don't have to. The present sink and taps were probably installed when the building was built in the 60's or 70's so they're kind of crappy.
For the rest of the day, I'll work on the Swedish weaving afghan I'm making for my friend, Barb. She doesn't know she's getting one so it will be a nice surprise for her when we both get to Florida in the fall.
I like the turn my life has taken. It's peaceful.
Thursday, May 08, 2014
Monday, May 05, 2014
Non-Slip Decals
It's been a very long time since I bought those little non-slip decals you stick onto the footbed of the tub but they used to be available almost everywhere. Not now. I dislike the rubber mat that's in the tub now and decided it would be prettier and easier to clean if I stuck on those non-slip decals but couldn't find them anywhere. I went to that wonderful stand-by, Ebay, and found some but they're horribly expensive (about $10 with shipping). And most are silly little children's themes like whales and ducks. I can get plain strips at Canadian Tire but they're boring. I want flowers.
I'll probably have to settle for the strips but I know that once I stick them on (they're impossible to remove) I'll find exactly what I've been looking for in every store I enter.
Sunday, May 04, 2014
True Friendship
I don't know where I got this but I hope it was from a friend.
The way it is...or should be!
"TRUE FRIENDSHIP...SCOTTISH STYLE!!"
(none of that sissy shit)
Are ye tired of those piss weak friendship poems that always sound good but never actually come close to reality? Well, here are a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship...you will see no cute wee smiley faces on this card. Just the stone cold truth of a great friendship.
1. When ye are sad, I will help ye get drunk and plot revenge against the bastard who made ye sad.
2. When ye are blue, I will try to dislodge whatever is choking ye.
3. When ye smile, I will know ye are thinking of something that I probably want to be involved in.
4. When ye are scared, I will shake the piss out of ye every chance I get until you're NOT!
5. When ye are worried, I will tell ye stories about how much worse it could be until ye stop yer whining.
6. When ye are confused, I will try to use only wee words.
7. When ye are sick, stay the hell away from me until ye are well again. I don't want to get whatever ye've got.
8. When ye fall, I will laugh my effin head off at you, you clumsy arse...but I'll help you up.
9. This is my oath, I pledge it to the end. "Why?", ye may ask; because ye are my friend.
Friendship is like pissing in your pants. Everyone can see it but only you can feel the true warmth.
The way it is...or should be!
"TRUE FRIENDSHIP...SCOTTISH STYLE!!"
(none of that sissy shit)
Are ye tired of those piss weak friendship poems that always sound good but never actually come close to reality? Well, here are a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship...you will see no cute wee smiley faces on this card. Just the stone cold truth of a great friendship.
1. When ye are sad, I will help ye get drunk and plot revenge against the bastard who made ye sad.
2. When ye are blue, I will try to dislodge whatever is choking ye.
3. When ye smile, I will know ye are thinking of something that I probably want to be involved in.
4. When ye are scared, I will shake the piss out of ye every chance I get until you're NOT!
5. When ye are worried, I will tell ye stories about how much worse it could be until ye stop yer whining.
6. When ye are confused, I will try to use only wee words.
7. When ye are sick, stay the hell away from me until ye are well again. I don't want to get whatever ye've got.
8. When ye fall, I will laugh my effin head off at you, you clumsy arse...but I'll help you up.
9. This is my oath, I pledge it to the end. "Why?", ye may ask; because ye are my friend.
Friendship is like pissing in your pants. Everyone can see it but only you can feel the true warmth.
Loneliness in Texting
I saw an interesting video on how social media is changing lives. People with hundreds of "friends" they spend hours texting each day can't compare to the benefits of actually having friends you come into physical contact with on a regular basis. I didn't need a video to tell me this because I knew it instinctively. I've seen many, many couples or groups of people who, though together socially, are obviously ignoring each other and choosing to text someone who isn't there. The saddest sight I ever saw was a father standing in line with his young son waiting to see Santa and, instead of chatting with his little boy, he chose to spend those precious and fleeting moments talking to someone else on his cell phone. The little boy didn't look happy...but then his father didn't notice because he was too busy on the phone. Talk about wasted moments!
I wonder if the younger generation is choosing the somewhat limited communication offered by social media such as texting and Facebook because it's less intense than up close and personal. If you don't have much to say then OMG and WTF might serve your purposes. It's superficial communication at best and, at worst, the ability to excel at personal interaction suffers.
In contrast, how pleasant it is to converse with a friend who is right next to you...to see their reactions to what is spoken and to hear their laughter during the conversation. There is a depth of communication there that is totally lost with texting. LOL can't compare!
I know I'm quite prejudiced when it comes to cell phones because I can't stand the thought of being tied to one continuously. I like being out of range of everyone once in a while. Cell phones will remain popular, though, until the next unique communication device is offered for sale. I always thought that one day we'd implant newborns with receivers of some sort so they didn't need to use an actual telephone in order to contact someone. It will happen in time, I know it!
I wonder if the younger generation is choosing the somewhat limited communication offered by social media such as texting and Facebook because it's less intense than up close and personal. If you don't have much to say then OMG and WTF might serve your purposes. It's superficial communication at best and, at worst, the ability to excel at personal interaction suffers.
In contrast, how pleasant it is to converse with a friend who is right next to you...to see their reactions to what is spoken and to hear their laughter during the conversation. There is a depth of communication there that is totally lost with texting. LOL can't compare!
I know I'm quite prejudiced when it comes to cell phones because I can't stand the thought of being tied to one continuously. I like being out of range of everyone once in a while. Cell phones will remain popular, though, until the next unique communication device is offered for sale. I always thought that one day we'd implant newborns with receivers of some sort so they didn't need to use an actual telephone in order to contact someone. It will happen in time, I know it!
Saturday, May 03, 2014
Flowers in Waiting
I was going to take a photo of the gorgeous plants I just bought for the balcony that are presently waiting inside the patio door for warmer weather but my camera won't work. Yesterday the printer stopped working again. I'm okay.
The flowers are so beautiful and I couldn't resist buying them so early. Here in southern Ontario we have to wait until at least mid May (preferably late May) to start our outside gardening but I have no patience with waiting that long. Must be the reason I lose so many plants to the cold! I always buy 1 full and varied hanging planter to start out but this year I bought 2 because I couldn't choose between them. The rest of my pots will be filled with whatever catches my eye at the nursery. I've decided to use lots of trailing plants this year and, of course, begonias and geraniums because they're so hardy to all kinds of weather. One I'll definitely buy is the sweet potato vine because the color and lushness of them among the other flowers is outstanding.
I have fewer pots to fill now that my garden will be on the apartment balcony instead of the house property but that, too, makes my life easier. It also means I can afford to pay a bit more for the plants because I won't need as many. I still have soil to buy to top up the pots and I just learned (after 73 3/4 years) that I should never have put garden soil in the pots. Apparently I should have used only potting soil which is lighter and airier. I guess I could bag the old soil up and tote it outside to get rid of it.
I love having a garden, even just a balcony garden, because it makes me smile at it's beauty every time I look at it. It always lifts my spirits.
Well, I tried the camera again and it's now working. Oh, the mysteries of the computer...I wonder if the printer has miraculously started to work again. Any way, I took a photo of the flowers and will crop it and insert it in the blog shortly.
Aren't they gorgeous!!!!
The flowers are so beautiful and I couldn't resist buying them so early. Here in southern Ontario we have to wait until at least mid May (preferably late May) to start our outside gardening but I have no patience with waiting that long. Must be the reason I lose so many plants to the cold! I always buy 1 full and varied hanging planter to start out but this year I bought 2 because I couldn't choose between them. The rest of my pots will be filled with whatever catches my eye at the nursery. I've decided to use lots of trailing plants this year and, of course, begonias and geraniums because they're so hardy to all kinds of weather. One I'll definitely buy is the sweet potato vine because the color and lushness of them among the other flowers is outstanding.
I have fewer pots to fill now that my garden will be on the apartment balcony instead of the house property but that, too, makes my life easier. It also means I can afford to pay a bit more for the plants because I won't need as many. I still have soil to buy to top up the pots and I just learned (after 73 3/4 years) that I should never have put garden soil in the pots. Apparently I should have used only potting soil which is lighter and airier. I guess I could bag the old soil up and tote it outside to get rid of it.
I love having a garden, even just a balcony garden, because it makes me smile at it's beauty every time I look at it. It always lifts my spirits.
Well, I tried the camera again and it's now working. Oh, the mysteries of the computer...I wonder if the printer has miraculously started to work again. Any way, I took a photo of the flowers and will crop it and insert it in the blog shortly.
Friday, May 02, 2014
Five Wives
This sort of show irks me beyond belief. I haven't watched it but the concept gets my back up. Any woman would have to have no self worth at all to share her husband, the man she supposedly loves and loves her, with other women. It's like pre-accepting infidelity...I know this is a practice that occurs but it's also degrading for the offended spouse.
Maybe if there was a show about "My Five Husbands", I would find that interesting enough to watch (still highly offended) but it would make more biological sense. One man cannot satisfy 5 wives but one woman could, in theory, satisfy 5 husbands.
In truth, shows and alternative lifestyles like this are an attempt to destroy traditional marriage where one man and one woman commit to each other. Traditions are what holds society together and it takes a very long time to change, delete, or add to established traditions. I'm just now accepting that a gay couple can commit to one another in the same way as a heterosexual couple. I guess it has to make sense in order for change to occur.
There are established cultures in this world where multiple wives are the norm but I'm betting that every culture such as that is always male driven, holding back their females from ever reaching equality within the culture.
I guess that's why shows about multiple wives bother me so much. It takes ages for women of most cultures to gain more equality and it hurts to see that, in a country where there has been success in that area, there are still women who value themselves so little that they'd accept an arrangement like this.
And I'm also upset with A&E for airing this kind of crap!
Maybe if there was a show about "My Five Husbands", I would find that interesting enough to watch (still highly offended) but it would make more biological sense. One man cannot satisfy 5 wives but one woman could, in theory, satisfy 5 husbands.
In truth, shows and alternative lifestyles like this are an attempt to destroy traditional marriage where one man and one woman commit to each other. Traditions are what holds society together and it takes a very long time to change, delete, or add to established traditions. I'm just now accepting that a gay couple can commit to one another in the same way as a heterosexual couple. I guess it has to make sense in order for change to occur.
There are established cultures in this world where multiple wives are the norm but I'm betting that every culture such as that is always male driven, holding back their females from ever reaching equality within the culture.
I guess that's why shows about multiple wives bother me so much. It takes ages for women of most cultures to gain more equality and it hurts to see that, in a country where there has been success in that area, there are still women who value themselves so little that they'd accept an arrangement like this.
And I'm also upset with A&E for airing this kind of crap!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Dieting With Sensa
Sylvia and I began using Sensa last November and, to date, Sylvia has lost 16 lbs. and I've lost 15 lbs. It may not sound like much but those pounds would still be molded to our bodies if we hadn't tried Sensa. We support each other all winter in Florida and by e-mail each Wednesday when we check in and state our weight loss or gain.
It's so true that not all diets work for everyone. I've tried them all at one time or another and none had the effect that Sensa has had for me. All other diets are restricted which means you start out feeling hungry all the time. Sensa is more a reminder to be careful what you choose to eat and that has given me the time to develop better eating habits, ones I don't find difficult at all. I do think twice before eating anything but when I really feel like fries I eat fries.
My weight loss goal isn't unreasonable. I'd love to lose a pound a week but if it takes a month it's still a pound loss. My true goal has always been to be more comfortable rather than slim and sexy, any way, so 15 pounds gone in 5 months is pretty darned good.
I believe my original weight gain (from 105 lbs) was all mood related. I wasn't happy so I ate. Even now, when I'm quite content, I'll turn to food if I'm stressed. Thankfully, that doesn't happen too often these days. Sensa has been a godsend for me and I don't care if some people think it's just a scam. It's helped me immensely and that's all that counts.
It's so true that not all diets work for everyone. I've tried them all at one time or another and none had the effect that Sensa has had for me. All other diets are restricted which means you start out feeling hungry all the time. Sensa is more a reminder to be careful what you choose to eat and that has given me the time to develop better eating habits, ones I don't find difficult at all. I do think twice before eating anything but when I really feel like fries I eat fries.
My weight loss goal isn't unreasonable. I'd love to lose a pound a week but if it takes a month it's still a pound loss. My true goal has always been to be more comfortable rather than slim and sexy, any way, so 15 pounds gone in 5 months is pretty darned good.
I believe my original weight gain (from 105 lbs) was all mood related. I wasn't happy so I ate. Even now, when I'm quite content, I'll turn to food if I'm stressed. Thankfully, that doesn't happen too often these days. Sensa has been a godsend for me and I don't care if some people think it's just a scam. It's helped me immensely and that's all that counts.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Racism
There's a lot of debate about racist remarks made by a mostly black basketball team's white owner and I really can't understand the naivety of the comments. Every single one of us has our own prejudice and it's really stupid for someone to believe that your boss (team's owner) loves and respects you just because you make money for him or her. Your boss does not need to love you...they only need to treat you with respect no matter how they feel about you. If you resent your boss's personal beliefs and prejudices, then get another job.
If I were a black person, I would not associate with a racist in any way at all. I would not work for him/her. I would not befriend him/her. It's simple logic. If a person has qualities you can't live with then stay away from them. But don't take away their career just because you don't agree with their prejudices.
It's funny that this particular person is being attacked because he is a racist but it's been perfectly acceptable that he is unfaithful to his wife. What the heck is wrong with our values?
If I were a black person, I would not associate with a racist in any way at all. I would not work for him/her. I would not befriend him/her. It's simple logic. If a person has qualities you can't live with then stay away from them. But don't take away their career just because you don't agree with their prejudices.
It's funny that this particular person is being attacked because he is a racist but it's been perfectly acceptable that he is unfaithful to his wife. What the heck is wrong with our values?
Monday, April 28, 2014
Static Cling Window Treatment
I bought a piece 36" x 72" at Lowes for $45.99 and it was fairly easy for me to manage. My cutting wasn't perfect but it wasn't too bad and I got the computer room windows, my bedroom windows, and part of the spare bedroom windows done in an hour or so. I actually didn't have enough film for the spare bedroom but decided to cover what I could and lower the blinds to make it look as though it was complete. No-one will ever know.
I'm really pleased with the effect...for one thing, it adds color and it also provides privacy. I use horizontal blinds in every room but don't like to lower them all the way because I love lots of light. Even at night, there are dim lights on in the parking lot below my apartment so I'll always have a bit of light coming through the film. It will always be pretty!
My next project is to line the cupboards with some foamy shelf liner I bought in Florida. It's a salmon color which will brighten up the inside of the cupboards.
I am enjoying apartment living!
Sunday, April 27, 2014
What I Meant To Write About
I'm always going off on tangents...yapping or writing about something that just caught my attention...but I really meant to write a blog about my granddaughter, Aeron, today.
One of the biggest blessings in my life was the time I got to spend taking care of my grandchildren when they were young. It gave me the time to really get to know them and to have them make me laugh. Children, in all their innocence, are the funniest creatures on earth.
When Aeron was about 4 or 5, I took her shopping for Dennis' Christmas present...a gorgeous leather jacket. Aeron was the best kid in the world to keep a secret if you asked her to so I knew she wouldn't tell her Grampa what he was getting. I was so sure of her that I told him to phone her and ask her. He did...and she sweetly answered, "Maybe someone is getting you a nice jacket.". Damn!
The moral of this story is...you can't trust anyone.
One of the biggest blessings in my life was the time I got to spend taking care of my grandchildren when they were young. It gave me the time to really get to know them and to have them make me laugh. Children, in all their innocence, are the funniest creatures on earth.
When Aeron was about 4 or 5, I took her shopping for Dennis' Christmas present...a gorgeous leather jacket. Aeron was the best kid in the world to keep a secret if you asked her to so I knew she wouldn't tell her Grampa what he was getting. I was so sure of her that I told him to phone her and ask her. He did...and she sweetly answered, "Maybe someone is getting you a nice jacket.". Damn!
The moral of this story is...you can't trust anyone.
On Being an Agnostic
I question everything so it's no surprise that I have and have always had many questions about religion. Logically, it doesn't make sense but then nothing else I can think of does, either. Most of the ten commandments make sense in a socialized community...you have to have some kind of rules to live by. Being an agnostic means I question what I have been taught about religion. It doesn't mean I dismiss it entirely.
Birth and death are miracles in my eyes. The complexity of the human body is a miracle. The flora and fauna of the world can only be described as miracles. All of these things are not man-made...and the mystery of it all overwhelms me if I think on it too long. It would be so much easier on the mind to just say, "Oh, a mangod created it all!". But I'd like a little proof, please.
I have questions, and so I am an agnostic. It would be nice to think that my questions will be answered when I reach the other side.
Birth and death are miracles in my eyes. The complexity of the human body is a miracle. The flora and fauna of the world can only be described as miracles. All of these things are not man-made...and the mystery of it all overwhelms me if I think on it too long. It would be so much easier on the mind to just say, "Oh, a mangod created it all!". But I'd like a little proof, please.
I have questions, and so I am an agnostic. It would be nice to think that my questions will be answered when I reach the other side.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
More Computer Woes
When it comes to computers, I don't ask for much...just one that turns on when I want it to and one that has a relatively speedy internet. Computers tire me out, more because I can never figure out what went wrong or why it went wrong. Take tonight...the computer was working fairly normally all day so when I went to use it tonight I didn't expect a problem. Stupid me. It seems to take longer to start than it used to but at least it started. I clicked on the internet and then on Facebook. I swear that is all I did and suddenly the damned screen shifted to the right. I couldn't fix it and I couldn't scroll because that part of the screen was now hidden. I tried all sorts of things, even going online to see if there was information on how to realign it. Of course, my search was limited because, you guessed it, I couldn't scroll.
Stymied, I phoned Kim who suggested I reboot it. I did and it didn't work. A bunch of us are going out for breakfast tomorrow morning so I asked her if she'd come up after breakfast and see if she could work any magic. Of course, she would.
I stubbornly decided I'd give it one last chance to straighten out but it wouldn't. Just as I was about to log off, I noticed a little tiny part of the square you click on to enlarge or decrease the screen and I thought, what the heck, and clicked on it. I now have a full screen. There is no way I clicked on that thing in the first place so who knows what happened. What matters is that my computer is working okay.
If there is a hell, it's filled with intelligent computers that like to play with the tortured minds of the sinners.
Stymied, I phoned Kim who suggested I reboot it. I did and it didn't work. A bunch of us are going out for breakfast tomorrow morning so I asked her if she'd come up after breakfast and see if she could work any magic. Of course, she would.
I stubbornly decided I'd give it one last chance to straighten out but it wouldn't. Just as I was about to log off, I noticed a little tiny part of the square you click on to enlarge or decrease the screen and I thought, what the heck, and clicked on it. I now have a full screen. There is no way I clicked on that thing in the first place so who knows what happened. What matters is that my computer is working okay.
If there is a hell, it's filled with intelligent computers that like to play with the tortured minds of the sinners.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Blue Screen of Death
My computer has been acting wonky since I got home and yesterday the "blue screen of death" showed up. The darned computer isn't very old so this confuses me. It did start this morning but it took forever for it to do so. It's maddening.
But...I slept well last night and crawled out of bed before 6:30 A.M. rested and ready to enjoy the day. Right now the sun is shining brightly even though it isn't very warm outside. I don't much care. It's nice to be home!
I've started receiving the local newspaper and, of course, there is a lot in it to upset me. I saw where a so-called church group had their funding taken away because they used it for personal trips, etc. I always wonder how easy it is for even a tiny group to call itself a church and get funding and tax breaks as easily as they do. Who does the research on the group and who makes the decision to hand them public money?
I saw where the creatures who murdered a young man last year has now been charged with murdering two others. What causes a human being to turn into the kind of person who can so easily take the life of another? Their trials and imprisonment will go on for years and years at public expense when, in truth, they are trash that don't deserve to breathe the same air as the rest of us. Maybe my feelings about capital punishment are changing. But, then, the Americans have capital punishment and it still can take 30 years for a death penalty to be exercised.
I still hate what the newspaper considers front page news. In my opinion, front page news should be what's happening in the world and not a few pages about a local discount store that is closing. I'm going to let that pet peeve pass or I'll be cancelling the newspaper again!
Now don't think I'm in a sour frame of mind. I'm quite happy with an easy day ahead of me before picking Faye up to go to a dinner/Bingo at the senior center tonight. My own life is going well even if what makes the news isn't so good.
But...I slept well last night and crawled out of bed before 6:30 A.M. rested and ready to enjoy the day. Right now the sun is shining brightly even though it isn't very warm outside. I don't much care. It's nice to be home!
I've started receiving the local newspaper and, of course, there is a lot in it to upset me. I saw where a so-called church group had their funding taken away because they used it for personal trips, etc. I always wonder how easy it is for even a tiny group to call itself a church and get funding and tax breaks as easily as they do. Who does the research on the group and who makes the decision to hand them public money?
I saw where the creatures who murdered a young man last year has now been charged with murdering two others. What causes a human being to turn into the kind of person who can so easily take the life of another? Their trials and imprisonment will go on for years and years at public expense when, in truth, they are trash that don't deserve to breathe the same air as the rest of us. Maybe my feelings about capital punishment are changing. But, then, the Americans have capital punishment and it still can take 30 years for a death penalty to be exercised.
I still hate what the newspaper considers front page news. In my opinion, front page news should be what's happening in the world and not a few pages about a local discount store that is closing. I'm going to let that pet peeve pass or I'll be cancelling the newspaper again!
Now don't think I'm in a sour frame of mind. I'm quite happy with an easy day ahead of me before picking Faye up to go to a dinner/Bingo at the senior center tonight. My own life is going well even if what makes the news isn't so good.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Leg Cramps
The night before last, I was awakened by the most excruciating leg cramps I'd ever experienced. Strangely, they were on the inner thigh of one leg and the calf of the other. They were honestly agonizing and I fearfully realized that the cramping was so severe that I wouldn't have been able to even stand up to get help if that became necessary. It lasted about 5 long minutes before abating and I was able to get back to sleep.
One good thing about this damned computer is that I don't need to see my doctor when I'm curious about what might be a health problem. I can just google it. And this is what I did to discover that super severe leg cramps are not uncommon, coming out of no-where and with no known cause. It could possibly be a shortage of potassium, magnesium, or hydration but that's just a guess. Some poor souls are afflicted by these cramps so often that they keep a glass of water on their nightstand to hopefully help if they happen during the night.
I've experienced childbirth and gall bladder attacks but these cramps are almost as bad. They appeared so suddenly, waking me from a sound sleep to wide awake agony in moments. I hope they never come back.
One good thing about this damned computer is that I don't need to see my doctor when I'm curious about what might be a health problem. I can just google it. And this is what I did to discover that super severe leg cramps are not uncommon, coming out of no-where and with no known cause. It could possibly be a shortage of potassium, magnesium, or hydration but that's just a guess. Some poor souls are afflicted by these cramps so often that they keep a glass of water on their nightstand to hopefully help if they happen during the night.
I've experienced childbirth and gall bladder attacks but these cramps are almost as bad. They appeared so suddenly, waking me from a sound sleep to wide awake agony in moments. I hope they never come back.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
On The Other Hand
I have a digital scale in Florida that I bought to help me keep track of weight loss or gain while using Sensa. I thought it would be a good idea to buy one here so that I could get a more accurate reading than what I was getting on my old scale which wasn't digital. So I bought one at XS Cargo (love that store) and brought it home. Too bad it only registers in kilograms!! I'd forgotten I was in Canada, eh? Oh well, I'll just have to buy another one in the States when I go back.
FRIGGIN' COMPUTERS!
My computer is only a few years old....maybe 4-5??...but I guess that's considered old. Anyway, after the miracles of yesterday when it repaired the link between the computer and the printer, I thought I was all set for a while. Wrong.
This morning I awoke to a computer that wouldn't turn on. I gave up and just let it meander around until a message came on telling me the computer wouldn't start. Gee Whiz! It asked me if I wanted it to find the problem so I clicked on "yes". It spun for a while until it told me that it just might have found the problem but I needed to allow it to fix it. Hell, yes! It spun for another lengthy time and then told me that it just might have fixed the problem but needed to restart the computer. It did, and it worked. I can't stand it! I wonder what surprised the damned computer has in store for me tomorrow.
This morning I awoke to a computer that wouldn't turn on. I gave up and just let it meander around until a message came on telling me the computer wouldn't start. Gee Whiz! It asked me if I wanted it to find the problem so I clicked on "yes". It spun for a while until it told me that it just might have found the problem but I needed to allow it to fix it. Hell, yes! It spun for another lengthy time and then told me that it just might have fixed the problem but needed to restart the computer. It did, and it worked. I can't stand it! I wonder what surprised the damned computer has in store for me tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
What I Learned Today
I bet everyone in the world knew this but I just learned it today. You know those little blips at the bottom of the computer screen that tell you to update one thing or another? I make it a point to ignore them. Well, my printer wasn't working so I'd asked Kim and Matt to come here and fix it for me but, as I was playing games today, a little message came on the screen (magically) to say that HP was ready to install updates for my printer. Really? How did they know I had a problem? Well, I stopped the game and clicked on the message which went on to ask me to insert the CD I'd used when I first got the printer and the program would perform a "critical update to correct a PC to printer communication issue". How did they know???
Another miracle occurred too. I just happened to have the CD. Apparently I'd left it at the house when I sold it and the new owners gave it to Lisa who gave it to me last night. Now, this was getting scary.
So...I did as I was told, then restarted the computer. The printer wouldn't work. Then I noticed the little warning light at the bottom of the screen telling me to update HP. Hadn't I just done that? I clicked on the warning and a new screen came up telling me the printer was now operational. I tried once more to print a form and lo, and behold, the damn thing worked.
Totally worn out from all the stress of baffling miracles, I called Kim and told her she didn't need to come over. But my next problem arrived quite quickly on the heels of the miracles. This all started from me wanting to print out a form to send to OHIP to claim a refund on the dermatologist fees and the prescription fees I'd incurred in Florida but I sadly discovered that there can be no refund of the prescription fees. I'll remit the dermatologist's fees, though, and hope for the best.
I'm wiped!!
Another miracle occurred too. I just happened to have the CD. Apparently I'd left it at the house when I sold it and the new owners gave it to Lisa who gave it to me last night. Now, this was getting scary.
So...I did as I was told, then restarted the computer. The printer wouldn't work. Then I noticed the little warning light at the bottom of the screen telling me to update HP. Hadn't I just done that? I clicked on the warning and a new screen came up telling me the printer was now operational. I tried once more to print a form and lo, and behold, the damn thing worked.
Totally worn out from all the stress of baffling miracles, I called Kim and told her she didn't need to come over. But my next problem arrived quite quickly on the heels of the miracles. This all started from me wanting to print out a form to send to OHIP to claim a refund on the dermatologist fees and the prescription fees I'd incurred in Florida but I sadly discovered that there can be no refund of the prescription fees. I'll remit the dermatologist's fees, though, and hope for the best.
I'm wiped!!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Time to Crab
Okay, so life is not always easy but my unease often starts with the damn computer. My laptop that I use in Florida stopped sending signals to the printer so I couldn't print what I wrote. Now my desktop at home seems to have lost the printer altogether. Could it be me??
Yesterday I tried printing something and discovered the printer setting wasn't my printer so I clicked on the right one but was unable to print. I have to admit I went in somewhere and changed something...don't really know what I did, then my printer disappeared altogether from the computer! I need help!
But...today it's sunny and there's the wonder of spring in the air. I only plan to wash the wood floors and then piddle around until suppertime when I'll go up to Kim's and then to Costco. I'm in desperate need of coffee pods.
Life is good, especially when there are good people around to help you with your problems.
Yesterday I tried printing something and discovered the printer setting wasn't my printer so I clicked on the right one but was unable to print. I have to admit I went in somewhere and changed something...don't really know what I did, then my printer disappeared altogether from the computer! I need help!
But...today it's sunny and there's the wonder of spring in the air. I only plan to wash the wood floors and then piddle around until suppertime when I'll go up to Kim's and then to Costco. I'm in desperate need of coffee pods.
Life is good, especially when there are good people around to help you with your problems.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Fun Cleaning?
I enjoy this apartment so much that it really is fun to come back after almost 6 months in Florida and clean it. I dusted (the biggest job), vacuumed, and washed the tile floors...the wood floors can wait for another day because I'll have to move furniture and my strength is not up to it today. I did a load of laundry and emptied the car (another big job because I tend to shop too much). I called Cogeco because one T.V. wasn't working and they fixed that "over the phone!!". I'm so amazed with technology.
I also weighed myself on my home scale and it looks like I've lost 3 pounds since leaving Florida. Now, I know that all the desserts I ate while travelling don't allow a 3 lb. loss but I'll accept it any way. It will be easier for me to eat properly at home than on the road so I'll try harder from here on in.
It's cool out but the sun is shining brightly and I'm nicely settled in my sweet apartment. Life is certainly good!
I also weighed myself on my home scale and it looks like I've lost 3 pounds since leaving Florida. Now, I know that all the desserts I ate while travelling don't allow a 3 lb. loss but I'll accept it any way. It will be easier for me to eat properly at home than on the road so I'll try harder from here on in.
It's cool out but the sun is shining brightly and I'm nicely settled in my sweet apartment. Life is certainly good!
Home Again
Mary and I left Florida on Wednesday, April 16th, spent 2 days in Savannah touring a couple of old homes and then the riverfront stores. Savannah is a beautifully laid out city with so much old character and charm.
We headed across country to Hwy 75 on Friday (rain!!) and spent the night in Kentucky at a gorgeous hotel we'd found last year. It's so fabulous that I'd thought then that we couldn't afford to stay there but it's actually very reasonable. I konked out early from exhaustion each night...I guess just travelling is enough stress these days to wear me out.
I dropped Mary off at her house about 5 P.M. and then travelled on to my apartment...bought groceries on the way and arrived home about 8 P.M. It was perfect timing, just getting dark, and I was able to bring 2 loads in from the car before calling it a day. The apartment looked great, just dusty. Unfortunately, one of the T.V.'s won't work but Cogeco should be able to help me with that tomorrow.
I am ever so happy that I'm living in this apartment and not having to deal with the needs of a house any more. It gives me such a feeling of freedom. Today I will dust, polish, and wash and then go to Cindy's for a homemade lasagna dinner. I get to see her new house and also my sweet Aeron. Don had a knee replacement last Monday so I'm hoping to see him getting around well, too. I love my family!
We headed across country to Hwy 75 on Friday (rain!!) and spent the night in Kentucky at a gorgeous hotel we'd found last year. It's so fabulous that I'd thought then that we couldn't afford to stay there but it's actually very reasonable. I konked out early from exhaustion each night...I guess just travelling is enough stress these days to wear me out.
I dropped Mary off at her house about 5 P.M. and then travelled on to my apartment...bought groceries on the way and arrived home about 8 P.M. It was perfect timing, just getting dark, and I was able to bring 2 loads in from the car before calling it a day. The apartment looked great, just dusty. Unfortunately, one of the T.V.'s won't work but Cogeco should be able to help me with that tomorrow.
I am ever so happy that I'm living in this apartment and not having to deal with the needs of a house any more. It gives me such a feeling of freedom. Today I will dust, polish, and wash and then go to Cindy's for a homemade lasagna dinner. I get to see her new house and also my sweet Aeron. Don had a knee replacement last Monday so I'm hoping to see him getting around well, too. I love my family!
Monday, March 31, 2014
I'm Clear
Sylvia drove over to Tampa with me this morning so I could have my final checkup with the dermatologist. He was very pleased with the outcome of the chemical peel and said I definitely didn't need another one next year. He put liquid nitrogen on a little rough spot on my forehead that he said the peel was not meant to remove (actinic keratosis), said my slightly pink face would gradually fade, and I was done! I'm so pleased. The rough spots on my nose and the side of my nose are gone...I hope for good...and I am so glad I had the chemical peel, especially since it scared me to do it at first.
We took a different route back home because there had been a huge traffic tie-up on Hwy 4 in the eastbound lanes. Sylvia bought me lunch along the way and we were home by 1 P.M.
Isn't it nice when something works well? I've put up with skin problems on my face for years and only kept them in check by having my dermatologist at home spray the spots ith liquid nitrogen. I come to Florida and discover Shelley's neighbor is a dermatologist and take the chance to see him and ask him to spray me once again. He refuses and tells me that what I need is a chemical peel. I first choose not to have it because I was afraid my whole face would break out in blisters but Shelley and John convince me that I should go ahead and have it done. I do, fearfully, and it turns out better than I ever could have hoped for. Sometimes we just have to step out of our comfort zone.
Anyway, so far so good and my hope is that it lasts for a long time.
We took a different route back home because there had been a huge traffic tie-up on Hwy 4 in the eastbound lanes. Sylvia bought me lunch along the way and we were home by 1 P.M.
Isn't it nice when something works well? I've put up with skin problems on my face for years and only kept them in check by having my dermatologist at home spray the spots ith liquid nitrogen. I come to Florida and discover Shelley's neighbor is a dermatologist and take the chance to see him and ask him to spray me once again. He refuses and tells me that what I need is a chemical peel. I first choose not to have it because I was afraid my whole face would break out in blisters but Shelley and John convince me that I should go ahead and have it done. I do, fearfully, and it turns out better than I ever could have hoped for. Sometimes we just have to step out of our comfort zone.
Anyway, so far so good and my hope is that it lasts for a long time.
Friday, March 28, 2014
What a Nice Day!
Sometimes a day just turns out so darned great that you wonder why they can't all be this perfect. Today was a final Friday coffee morning of the season and husbands were invited...as long as it didn't rain. My trailer isn't very big and a large group can only be accommodated on the patio so I kept my fingers crossed that the rain forecast would hold off until after lunch. It did and we're still waiting for rain at 4:40 P.M.
We had a nice group for coffee but just 2 husbands (1 without his wife) attended. Mark and Char performed their "patience, jackass" skit for us and caught Leslie and Patti unawares. The rest of us knew the punchline and roared with laughter.
For lunch, 8 of us went to "Nothing Fancy" cafe and ran into a gorgeous young man leaving as we were coming in the door. We joked with him and invited him to join us but he didn't, of course. But when our orders were delivered to our table, the waitress told us the man had prepaid our meals and even prepaid the tip!!!! What a pleasant surprise at how nice some people can be with total strangers.
When we finished eating we asked for a clean paper placemat and we all signed our names, hometowns, and thanks to our benefactor. We asked the waitress to give it to him when he came back to the restaurant...she said his name was Steve and he's a cop who comes into the restaurant daily. He is one very nice and generous young man and he really made our day, more so with his kindness than by saving us all some money. It's that kindness that means the most to me and I won't forget him.
Tonight is Bingo, spent again amongst a huge group of some of the nicest people in the world. How lucky I am.
We had a nice group for coffee but just 2 husbands (1 without his wife) attended. Mark and Char performed their "patience, jackass" skit for us and caught Leslie and Patti unawares. The rest of us knew the punchline and roared with laughter.
For lunch, 8 of us went to "Nothing Fancy" cafe and ran into a gorgeous young man leaving as we were coming in the door. We joked with him and invited him to join us but he didn't, of course. But when our orders were delivered to our table, the waitress told us the man had prepaid our meals and even prepaid the tip!!!! What a pleasant surprise at how nice some people can be with total strangers.
When we finished eating we asked for a clean paper placemat and we all signed our names, hometowns, and thanks to our benefactor. We asked the waitress to give it to him when he came back to the restaurant...she said his name was Steve and he's a cop who comes into the restaurant daily. He is one very nice and generous young man and he really made our day, more so with his kindness than by saving us all some money. It's that kindness that means the most to me and I won't forget him.
Tonight is Bingo, spent again amongst a huge group of some of the nicest people in the world. How lucky I am.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Consequences
A little 9 year old boy took his "My Little Pony" backpack to school and was teased and harrassed by the other students. The school's response was to tell the little boy he was not to bring that backpack to school again.
This is a multi problem. The little boy did nothing wrong and his tormentors were wrong to tease him but the fact is, if a boy wears or carries something that is primarily feminine, he will be teased. It's not right or fair but that is the consequence of behaving out of the norm.
My greatgrandson, Nolan, got into a bit of trouble at home and his Gramma tried to explain to him that there are consequences in life if you misbehave. Well, there are expected consequences in life no matter whether you are good or bad or indifferent. If you choose to wander down a darkened alley in a known crime ridden area, it may not be fair or right but the consequences of that action could very well end in you being robbed, raped, or killed. If a boy shows up at school in a pink dress...well, it won't be pleasant for him. And no-one should be surprised.
Consequences are not necessarily fair. Logically we all know that to live and let live is the right way but we all have deep set prejudices and beliefs that fire us up when we see something that challenges them. My pet peeve is not a little boy with a girl's backpack but my nostrils do flare when I see a man with his pants hanging below his butt. He has every right to do so but I immediately place him as an illiterate lowlife who is probably on welfare. Now, logically I know that isn't necessarily the truth but just the sight of him hits all my no-no buttons.
Quite often, the people who go against the norm and display themselves in what we consider outrageous form are looking for attention. They don't even mind negative attention just as long as they are noticed. I know that keeping the status quo is considered behaving like sheep but it's somehow calmer on the nerves. It doesn't take much to step outside the borders of what is "normal" and those that do make us uncomfortable.
Adults handle those differences better than children do so it's the children who take the brunt of harrassment if they do anything that is out of the norm. The mother of the little 9 year old boy who did nothing more than use a packpack that was meant for a little girl chose to remove him from the school rather than give in to unfair demands. She taught her child not to crumble to a black and white society but to stand up for himself. But, by doing so, she's removed her little boy from a society he needs to live in. By making a fuss like this over such a small incident, fair or not, she's drawn more unfavorable attention to her child. The consequences might prove to draw more teasing and harrassment than ever.
I think that mother was put into a situation of what my mother used to call "hell or high water" and, no matter what she chose to do, it would have had consequences.
I hope the school officials are able to keep control of bullying if and when that little boy goes back to school. Life should be easier than this for a 9 year old child.
This is a multi problem. The little boy did nothing wrong and his tormentors were wrong to tease him but the fact is, if a boy wears or carries something that is primarily feminine, he will be teased. It's not right or fair but that is the consequence of behaving out of the norm.
My greatgrandson, Nolan, got into a bit of trouble at home and his Gramma tried to explain to him that there are consequences in life if you misbehave. Well, there are expected consequences in life no matter whether you are good or bad or indifferent. If you choose to wander down a darkened alley in a known crime ridden area, it may not be fair or right but the consequences of that action could very well end in you being robbed, raped, or killed. If a boy shows up at school in a pink dress...well, it won't be pleasant for him. And no-one should be surprised.
Consequences are not necessarily fair. Logically we all know that to live and let live is the right way but we all have deep set prejudices and beliefs that fire us up when we see something that challenges them. My pet peeve is not a little boy with a girl's backpack but my nostrils do flare when I see a man with his pants hanging below his butt. He has every right to do so but I immediately place him as an illiterate lowlife who is probably on welfare. Now, logically I know that isn't necessarily the truth but just the sight of him hits all my no-no buttons.
Quite often, the people who go against the norm and display themselves in what we consider outrageous form are looking for attention. They don't even mind negative attention just as long as they are noticed. I know that keeping the status quo is considered behaving like sheep but it's somehow calmer on the nerves. It doesn't take much to step outside the borders of what is "normal" and those that do make us uncomfortable.
Adults handle those differences better than children do so it's the children who take the brunt of harrassment if they do anything that is out of the norm. The mother of the little 9 year old boy who did nothing more than use a packpack that was meant for a little girl chose to remove him from the school rather than give in to unfair demands. She taught her child not to crumble to a black and white society but to stand up for himself. But, by doing so, she's removed her little boy from a society he needs to live in. By making a fuss like this over such a small incident, fair or not, she's drawn more unfavorable attention to her child. The consequences might prove to draw more teasing and harrassment than ever.
I think that mother was put into a situation of what my mother used to call "hell or high water" and, no matter what she chose to do, it would have had consequences.
I hope the school officials are able to keep control of bullying if and when that little boy goes back to school. Life should be easier than this for a 9 year old child.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Nice Hair Cut
So far this has been a great day. My one pound weight loss has remained for 2 days. My face continues to clear up. And I got a really nice hair cut this afternoon. I'm feeling a little euphoric!
Life is damned good!
Life is damned good!
Today's Thoughts
The missing Malaysia FLT 370 is prevalent in the news for good reason. It's devastating enough to know you've lost a loved one due to an accident but how unbelievably painful to be waiting 11 days now hoping that the passengers in that plane might still be alive. It's the not knowing that is prolonging searing grief for the friends and family of those passengers. It must be unbearable for them. We all put ourselves in their shoes and our hearts go out to them.
Why this airplane went missing is almost not an issue any more because everyone keeps a tiny hope that, no matter why it's gone, it only matters where the passengers are. It's strange that in this day and age of electronic genius no-one can detect the existence of either the plane or it's wreckage. That is what I find strangest of all in this whole story. I hope it all ends well but I doubt it will.
On another story, my face has healed very well and is mainly smooth as a baby's butt. It's still a wrinkled old 73 1/2 year old face but the damaged skin looks better than it has in more years than I can remember. It's still a little pink but I've decided to stop using the steroid gel and let it settle down on it's own. I really hate chemicals and drugs unless they're absolutely necessary. I see the dermatologist again on the 31st and will ask him if he thinks I should undergo the treatment again next fall when I come back to Florida. Now, it wasn't an easy process but the results are so darned good that I would undergo it again if necessary. But, for now, I'm a happy old gal and thankful to Shelley for talking me into doing it.
My Florida time is fast coming to a close but the final month is really full of activity. Best of all will be when Mary arrives and we get to see many of the relatives at Shelley's party on April 11th. Kim, Matt, Cindy, Don, Faye, Marilee, Val (maybe one or more of Val's girls), Tammy, Larry, and Rochelle will be there!! Those people know how to party and I love them all!!
Tonight is our card game at the clubhouse. I feel so blessed to have these wonderful people as my friends. I try not to think about the day I'll leave here for good and never see most of them again. Dee is a good friend who lives close enough to me in Canada that we can get together during the summer and we'll do that this year. We both love to gamble and can meet at Fallsview. Sylvia talks about flying from Nova Scotia to visit me one summer, too, and I hope that happens.
Now I'm off to have my hair cut and I'm traumatized already...always am before a haircut because I always worry it will look awful and I'll have to live with it for 5-6 weeks. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Oh yes, I finally broke through the plateau of my diet and lost the 13th pound. I'd been stuck on the 12 pound loss for about 6 weeks and worried that no more would drop off but I gave up fries for 6 days of the week and that seems to have done the trick. I allow myself fries just one day a week now so that I won't crave them and go off the diet altogether. Terrible how we have to twist our minds like this but, if it works, do it.
Why this airplane went missing is almost not an issue any more because everyone keeps a tiny hope that, no matter why it's gone, it only matters where the passengers are. It's strange that in this day and age of electronic genius no-one can detect the existence of either the plane or it's wreckage. That is what I find strangest of all in this whole story. I hope it all ends well but I doubt it will.
On another story, my face has healed very well and is mainly smooth as a baby's butt. It's still a wrinkled old 73 1/2 year old face but the damaged skin looks better than it has in more years than I can remember. It's still a little pink but I've decided to stop using the steroid gel and let it settle down on it's own. I really hate chemicals and drugs unless they're absolutely necessary. I see the dermatologist again on the 31st and will ask him if he thinks I should undergo the treatment again next fall when I come back to Florida. Now, it wasn't an easy process but the results are so darned good that I would undergo it again if necessary. But, for now, I'm a happy old gal and thankful to Shelley for talking me into doing it.
My Florida time is fast coming to a close but the final month is really full of activity. Best of all will be when Mary arrives and we get to see many of the relatives at Shelley's party on April 11th. Kim, Matt, Cindy, Don, Faye, Marilee, Val (maybe one or more of Val's girls), Tammy, Larry, and Rochelle will be there!! Those people know how to party and I love them all!!
Tonight is our card game at the clubhouse. I feel so blessed to have these wonderful people as my friends. I try not to think about the day I'll leave here for good and never see most of them again. Dee is a good friend who lives close enough to me in Canada that we can get together during the summer and we'll do that this year. We both love to gamble and can meet at Fallsview. Sylvia talks about flying from Nova Scotia to visit me one summer, too, and I hope that happens.
Now I'm off to have my hair cut and I'm traumatized already...always am before a haircut because I always worry it will look awful and I'll have to live with it for 5-6 weeks. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Oh yes, I finally broke through the plateau of my diet and lost the 13th pound. I'd been stuck on the 12 pound loss for about 6 weeks and worried that no more would drop off but I gave up fries for 6 days of the week and that seems to have done the trick. I allow myself fries just one day a week now so that I won't crave them and go off the diet altogether. Terrible how we have to twist our minds like this but, if it works, do it.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Healing Slowly
I started the cool down gel last Sunday to take the redness from the chemical peel away and it's working...slowly. There's definite improvement but I still look like I was in a serious accident and landed on my face. I used the internet to look up comments from other users of fluorouracil and they've all had the identical experience and are very happy they went through the process. I'm hoping I'll be a success, too.
I had an interesting experience last week but can't remember if I wrote in the blog about it so I'll do it today, anyway. Joann and I were at one of our game rooms and I was playing at a machine when a lady came up to me and quietly asked what had happened to my face (so many people have asked but always people I know). I answered her truthfully and she then asked me if she could say a prayer over me to help with the healing. She was so kind and sweet that, even though I'm not religious, I told her to go ahead. She put her hand on my shoulder and said a heartfelt prayer to heal me. I was very moved by her kindness. I'm always moved by how often strangers seem to come out of nowhere and offer a kind and helping hand. It never goes unappreciated or forgotten. In fact, it spurs me to be a better and kinder person.
I don't know if it's because of my ever advancing age but I really do come across more kind strangers than I did when I was younger. I guess chivalry and respect for elders is far from dead. Thank heavens!
I had an interesting experience last week but can't remember if I wrote in the blog about it so I'll do it today, anyway. Joann and I were at one of our game rooms and I was playing at a machine when a lady came up to me and quietly asked what had happened to my face (so many people have asked but always people I know). I answered her truthfully and she then asked me if she could say a prayer over me to help with the healing. She was so kind and sweet that, even though I'm not religious, I told her to go ahead. She put her hand on my shoulder and said a heartfelt prayer to heal me. I was very moved by her kindness. I'm always moved by how often strangers seem to come out of nowhere and offer a kind and helping hand. It never goes unappreciated or forgotten. In fact, it spurs me to be a better and kinder person.
I don't know if it's because of my ever advancing age but I really do come across more kind strangers than I did when I was younger. I guess chivalry and respect for elders is far from dead. Thank heavens!
Sunday, March 09, 2014
Anger and Depression
Something that continues to surprise and confound me is how much the anger inside me has almost disappeared. Back in the depression days, I seemed to be angry all the time or else it simmered just under the surface of my emotions. It was probably frustration that my circumstances were beyond my control or understanding but no-one is ever in complete control of these things so, who knows why I was so angry.
Any way, I'm seemingly at peace with my life these days and maybe that's why I'm not an angry lady. Each of my days begin with quiet and are stress free for the most part but I had no hand in making it this way...it's just evolved. Even with the mess on my face I don't feel too much apprehension or stress, just a little concern that the end result won't be as good as I hope.
So, how do we become at peace? I believe it's filling our hours and moments with as much happiness as we can create. If we choose to set any problems far aside and deal with them in small increments, then we have more time to lessen our stress and to promote happiness and peace in our lives. Maybe I didn't have the tools to do this in my earlier life but counseling provided me with the tools to use as I was able. Time has sharpened my skills in this area and it's easier to let the "small" things slide away into nothingness instead of dwelling on them and making them into an open sore. Oh, how I wish I'd learned these skills many moons ago!
Of course, I still get angry about the injustices in this world and can get manic when it comes to anyone doing harm to a child but those angers are relatively short lived and don't consume me. Anger solves nothing. It only makes our lives miserable unless we're able to get beyond the moment and, either do something about it or accept the inevibility of whatever disturbs us. No-one's life is perfect.
Instead of wasting precious moments on what is wrong in my life, I choose to gather in the good times. I choose to accept my place in time and let unrealistic dreams remain as dreams and not regrets. We can choose to let anger and frustration drain away because this will allow peace to settle in. It took me a very long time to learn this but better late than never.
Life is, or can be, good.
Any way, I'm seemingly at peace with my life these days and maybe that's why I'm not an angry lady. Each of my days begin with quiet and are stress free for the most part but I had no hand in making it this way...it's just evolved. Even with the mess on my face I don't feel too much apprehension or stress, just a little concern that the end result won't be as good as I hope.
So, how do we become at peace? I believe it's filling our hours and moments with as much happiness as we can create. If we choose to set any problems far aside and deal with them in small increments, then we have more time to lessen our stress and to promote happiness and peace in our lives. Maybe I didn't have the tools to do this in my earlier life but counseling provided me with the tools to use as I was able. Time has sharpened my skills in this area and it's easier to let the "small" things slide away into nothingness instead of dwelling on them and making them into an open sore. Oh, how I wish I'd learned these skills many moons ago!
Of course, I still get angry about the injustices in this world and can get manic when it comes to anyone doing harm to a child but those angers are relatively short lived and don't consume me. Anger solves nothing. It only makes our lives miserable unless we're able to get beyond the moment and, either do something about it or accept the inevibility of whatever disturbs us. No-one's life is perfect.
Instead of wasting precious moments on what is wrong in my life, I choose to gather in the good times. I choose to accept my place in time and let unrealistic dreams remain as dreams and not regrets. We can choose to let anger and frustration drain away because this will allow peace to settle in. It took me a very long time to learn this but better late than never.
Life is, or can be, good.
Saturday, March 08, 2014
Upskirting
Does anyone besides me think it's absolutely ridiculous that Massachusetts required a distinct law banning anyone from slipping a camera underneath a woman's skirt to take photos? Some pervert walked free last week because the courts decided that a woman's privacy wasn't being invaded when he put a camera underneath her skirt to take a picture of her undies. This week they made the law clearer for those judges who had felt it perfectly legal for the pervert to practice his hobby.
This is a case where common sense was lost on those who uphold our laws. One lady said that if she wanted her undies displayed for public view, she wouldn't have worn a skirt. I'm wondering if the current fad where young men wear their pants under their undies has made the courts falsely believe that all of us don't mind showing our undies to whoever chooses to look at them.
Personal privacy is a very important thing to preserve because there is very little of it any more. We all use credit cards that carry vital information about us. The internet is rife with theft of our information, photos, etc. so we need to protect what we have left. My undies are my business and no-one else's.
Speaking of which, when I was a little girl my grandmother used to tell me to always wear clean undies in case I was in an accident and taken to the hospital. Funny, because she really should have been telling me to wear clean undies because it's sanitary.
Anyway, it's now safe to walk the streets in Massachusetts because the powerful people who create and uphold the laws now understand that our undies are private.
This is a case where common sense was lost on those who uphold our laws. One lady said that if she wanted her undies displayed for public view, she wouldn't have worn a skirt. I'm wondering if the current fad where young men wear their pants under their undies has made the courts falsely believe that all of us don't mind showing our undies to whoever chooses to look at them.
Personal privacy is a very important thing to preserve because there is very little of it any more. We all use credit cards that carry vital information about us. The internet is rife with theft of our information, photos, etc. so we need to protect what we have left. My undies are my business and no-one else's.
Speaking of which, when I was a little girl my grandmother used to tell me to always wear clean undies in case I was in an accident and taken to the hospital. Funny, because she really should have been telling me to wear clean undies because it's sanitary.
Anyway, it's now safe to walk the streets in Massachusetts because the powerful people who create and uphold the laws now understand that our undies are private.
Friday, March 07, 2014
Me
When I saw the dermatologist on Tuesday, he was very pleased with the way it looked and said that was the way it was supposed to look. I have to trust him!
Tuesday, March 04, 2014
Music and Rhythm
Music and rhythm are an integral part of us. I don't mean as a social phenomena but really and truly a part of our soul. Some of us can't keep still when we hear a song or a beat but begin to sway our bodies or, if terribly inhibited, in our minds. Music affects us strongly. People who intensely dislike a certain type of music usually dislike the content for personal reasons, not because of it's rhythm. I can't stand rap because I don't think it's music and that goes against the grain of my personal beliefs.
I was once on a casino cruise where, when the ship is heading back to shore and the machines are shut down, everyone sits around the dance floor and either participates in dancing or just watches the participants. There was a lady there who got up to dance with her whole body enjoying the music. She was a joy to watch but a few people began to laugh at her so she left the dance floor and just stood there watching. Slowly but insistently, her body began to sway with the music and she couldn't hold back any longer and stepped back out on the dance floor. I loved her enthusiasm and recognized the call of the music she couldn't resist.
For whatever reason, music and rhythm are an important part of our psyche and it makes us happy to allow ourselves to become one with the music. There's part of a saying that tells us, "dance like no-one is watching", and I think that's most certainly a pathway to happiness in this life.
I was once on a casino cruise where, when the ship is heading back to shore and the machines are shut down, everyone sits around the dance floor and either participates in dancing or just watches the participants. There was a lady there who got up to dance with her whole body enjoying the music. She was a joy to watch but a few people began to laugh at her so she left the dance floor and just stood there watching. Slowly but insistently, her body began to sway with the music and she couldn't hold back any longer and stepped back out on the dance floor. I loved her enthusiasm and recognized the call of the music she couldn't resist.
For whatever reason, music and rhythm are an important part of our psyche and it makes us happy to allow ourselves to become one with the music. There's part of a saying that tells us, "dance like no-one is watching", and I think that's most certainly a pathway to happiness in this life.
Sunday, March 02, 2014
Another Day
Bad news seems to be coming too often these days...illness of friends and family being the most prominent. There are people in my life that I want to keep forever but fate and age sees things differently and obstinately changes my life plan. I hate it. I hate it.
Today I did laundry and washed floors. Not a huge job when you consider one person in a trailer but still nice to have accomplished. I dried sheets and throw rugs on the line, after all this is Florida! I'd judge that the weather today is about as perfect as it can get...sunny, warm, soft breeze. Then why do I feel out of sorts? It's the bad news that keeps coming out and it scares me.
When my little world changes it's as though the planet has tilted a bit and nothing is the same any more. I'm continually grateful for what is good but angry that, for some of my loved ones, it's not so good.
I talked to Mary today and we discussed quite a lot of the life changes that come to us seniors. We can laugh about them until they become serious and then it's no damned laughing matter. Wrinkles, grey hair, and the odd pain is to be expected but deep in our hearts we still believe we have many years left to play but we don't like to consider that we'll gradually be playing with fewer playmates.
Well, today is the first day of a different life. We will just have to cope.
Today I did laundry and washed floors. Not a huge job when you consider one person in a trailer but still nice to have accomplished. I dried sheets and throw rugs on the line, after all this is Florida! I'd judge that the weather today is about as perfect as it can get...sunny, warm, soft breeze. Then why do I feel out of sorts? It's the bad news that keeps coming out and it scares me.
When my little world changes it's as though the planet has tilted a bit and nothing is the same any more. I'm continually grateful for what is good but angry that, for some of my loved ones, it's not so good.
I talked to Mary today and we discussed quite a lot of the life changes that come to us seniors. We can laugh about them until they become serious and then it's no damned laughing matter. Wrinkles, grey hair, and the odd pain is to be expected but deep in our hearts we still believe we have many years left to play but we don't like to consider that we'll gradually be playing with fewer playmates.
Well, today is the first day of a different life. We will just have to cope.
Saturday, March 01, 2014
Life Today
Well, my face looks like hell, all red, blotchy, and peeling in places thanks to the chemical peel I'm doing. I better look damned good when this is all over! It's interesting, though, that the worst spots are the original bad spots on my face but a lot of dark spots seem to have risen to the surface. I'm assuming they were just under the top layer of skin and would have surfaced at some time in the future. The few places where a tiny bit of skin has peeled off look really good...I referred to it as looking like a baby's butt. I honestly look so awful right now, though, that it's kind of embarrassing to go out in public but there's still 4-6 weeks to go with the peel. I wonder what's ahead for me.
I had a houseful yesterday for coffee even though many of the regulars are on a cruise (my "cruise" is a blotchy, peeling face). No-one seems to be bothered by the tiny space we occupy in this trailer and we all have a good time so I don't worry about it. We are so blessed with the wonderful people here in the park...so many truly great people.
Sylvia, Jo, Carol, and I went off looking to have a pedicure after coffee and it took us 5 shops to find one where we wouldn't have to wait an hour or more. We finally got our pedicures, all with flowers on our big toes! I love this life!
Bingo at night where I won $12, too! Life is, indeed, good!
I had a houseful yesterday for coffee even though many of the regulars are on a cruise (my "cruise" is a blotchy, peeling face). No-one seems to be bothered by the tiny space we occupy in this trailer and we all have a good time so I don't worry about it. We are so blessed with the wonderful people here in the park...so many truly great people.
Sylvia, Jo, Carol, and I went off looking to have a pedicure after coffee and it took us 5 shops to find one where we wouldn't have to wait an hour or more. We finally got our pedicures, all with flowers on our big toes! I love this life!
Bingo at night where I won $12, too! Life is, indeed, good!
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Taking Responsibility
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.
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.
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.
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