Is there anything worse than someone coughing and you feel a breeze pass by you? One would assume that health professionals and those in training would understand how to cough (and sneeze for that matter) when around other people. Coughing into one's shoulder or crook of the arm is accepted good form these days. Yet so many people still cough into their clenched fist, open hand or just the air around them. Classrooms are less cough laden now than when all the viruses came to town with the world travellers at the beginning of term, but those that remain involve chest issues and not the basic head cold.
This is also the time of year when flu vaccines become available. Not everyone chooses to be vaccinated for many reasons. My allergies preclude me from this annual ritual. I do thank those around me who do get the vaccine, as they reduce my risk of exposure, too (and all the others who are unable to be vaccinated for health reasons). But, while this medical intervention may not be accessible to all, covering coughs and sneezes adequately definitely is doable.
Not a really pretty topic today, but surprisingly one that does have an interesting recording to share. Enjoy!
I've been sleeping, but not well for the past few nights. A lot of disruptive behaviour from the neighbours -- barking dogs, domestic arguments in the backyard, outdoor parties (but without music, so I can't really complain <smile>) and the bongo player who practices outside. I seem to get to sleep later than I'd like, and then wake up several times during the night. Needless to say, I was very weary most of today. Not a new story, I know, but it seems a bit worse right now than it has been for a long while.
Bedtime rituals can help the brain begin to shut down and allow sleep to overtake a person. But there are times when even that doesn't help. Sleep becomes more evasive as one ages. From the age of 30 onwards, the ability to rebound from a sleepless night diminishes. At 20 the brain will recover at the next sleep period, at 65 it may take several days to recover. Sleep becomes less deep, more fragile and shorter as we age. Each of these leads to less recovery time from all the day's events. Side effects tend to be crankiness, forgetfulness, carb cravings, and weight gain -- all things associated with aging. Lack of restful sleep can explain several of these symptoms, too. So, keep in mind that sleep is important and should be protected. Speak to an MD if chronic insomnia occurs -- either not getting to sleep or not staying asleep. There are many reasons this may occur and most are easily managed with some behaviour change and short term use of a medication in more serious situations.
So -- almost finished one of the bedtime rituals -- reflecting on the day and writing this blog. It has been very useful for me to shut down the thought processes. Today's selection is one that often crosses my mind at this time of day. It is an oldie, yet fun and a bit more upbeat than a lullaby <g>. Enjoy!
Over the past two to three weeks I've been thinking a lot about a number of places I've visited, but one place seems to be in my thoughts more than others -- New Orleans. I'd say I have five favourite cities -- London, New York, New Orleans, Honolulu, Hong Kong -- going from east to west. Now, there are many cities and towns that I have visited that I've enjoyed and few that I haven't (only one comes to mind but no 'call outs' here). For some reason these few carry a special place in my head and heart. So, why am I thinking of New Orleans recently? Perhaps it was triggered by news reminding us of the anniversary of Katrina and Rita, seeing the commercials for the new NCIS New Orleans, or maybe some e-mail from the Southern Food and Beverage Museum SoFAB). I'm not sure why, but I smile when I think of the city.
I find myself talking about 'making big (or small) groceries' based on the length of my grocery list. This phrase seems more descriptive, visual and upbeat than 'I've go so much to get' <smile>. So much about the culture of the city is unique and identifiable. The food (of course!) is stellar -- a delightful blend of Caribbean, European, and American Indian cuisines. I love heat in food, so the cajun spiciness makes my day -- chicken and andouille gumbo <sigh>. Red beans and rice (Lundi beans at my house) filled with smokiness from chipotle instead of ham in my version -- something wonderful for a colder day. Then there's the music -- the jazz and zydco and blues and everything else. It is everywhere in the city, just like the food. These are two of the main factors that truly set New Orleans apart and define a way of life. In my dreams, I take on an apprenticeship at the SoFAB museum. It seems to be exciting to delve into an aspect of the culinary history of this part of the world. <smile> After all, if you haven't heard, Food is My Life [TM}. <g>
The song selected for today brings the upbeat approach to life and rebirth of the city after the natural and man-made disasters it has experienced in the last decade. Both food and music give people some grounding when everything around them seems in upheaval. If this doesn't make you move to the music, I'm not sure what will <smile>. Enjoy!
Down at the Twist and Shout -- Mary Chapin Carpenter
This was a busy day, filled with many things that other people do on weekends. The day was sunny and warm -- a glorious fall day that held that bit of summer in it. While some weekend house and work chores were completed, I spent the afternoon out and about. I went to a few stores to pick up some essentials. The highlight of the day was spent at our local fall art and craft show and sale. I managed to purchase some items for Christmas gifts. There were some great spices and sauces that I got for my kitchen, too. All were made in the region, so have that wonderful local feel to them. One item involved re-purposed silver flatware -- made by the daughter of a neighbour <smile>. I love the ability to choose things that fit my environmentalist ideals. <grin> In the evenings yesterday and today, there is an outdoor art show on Main Street. Oktoberfest celebrations are underway in a couple of communities, local pubs are having musical theme nights, and a quilt show was held just outside town. On campus there are 3 or 4 soccer games and a football game over the weekend. As well, the fall film festival begins this week. Way too many things for one person to get to, so I have to be selective.
I've often wondered why it seems that there is little happening for weeks on end and then everything is happening at the same time -- that 'it never rains but it pours' sort of thing. It makes participating rather difficult as I find that there are many things I'd like to attend but just can't get to them all due to overlapping event times and lack of energy -- and the lack of time due to work commitments. But, it is wonderful when the weather, schedule and personal interest converge allowing me to enjoy an outing.
The song for today comes from the lovely sunshine I was able to spend time walking in today. Enjoy!
This afternoon it appeared that the classroom management software had glitched again. I found one of our building 'gurus' and he sat at my machine and found that everything had worked as it was to have done. During the tour around the site, it became clear that as an instructor, inordinate levels of power exist to see exactly what activity has been occurring on the site. Some of this is quite useful to check to see who has opened various files presumably to read as per course request. <smile> However, it seems that I have become part of the 'big brother' machine a la Orwell's 1984 -- definitely something I'd rather not be party to. Knowing I can see who did what, when and from where is daunting to say the least. It is a power that must be used for good <smile>. Today, it was used in this manner, helping us to determine what exactly had happened.
This brought many questions to mind. Is there too much surveillance and data gathering? Is this data being used towards a positive end? Or are we entering (or in the midst of) the dystopia Orwell imagined? Well, it was Friday and I was very tired today -- but I have listened to the civil libertarian arguments against such information gathering and to the bureaucrat and business arguments for gathering of such information. I suspect that even those gathering all the data aren't necessarily aware of all the information that may be at their fingertips. Many are like 'keypunch operators' just doing our jobs without understanding the wealth of data behind the scenes. Of course, there are many works of fiction in book, movie or television programs that include the use of such data for purposes of tracking activities, self aggrandizement and criminal acts. It definitely plays into the ever-present conspiracy theories.
Again today, I seem to be raging against the machine <smile> I've said it before but will say it again, I am not a Luddite but I do find the power of technology somewhat sobering. The song that came to mind today did so because I felt like the character -- doing tasks for the machine rather than the other way around. It is a song that has almost reached cult status, but is still worth a listen. Enjoy!
I've thought a lot today about books that have been adapted as movies or television series. Being a fan of the book (or series of books) makes seeing a movie filled with dread. Did the video version stay true to the story and characters? If not, it can just be so frustrating to sit through a viewing. But when they have a stellar screen writer, it can be so very, very good. Some books turned into movies that have disappointed me somewhat. I would enjoy the movies more had I not had the fuller version in my head. Combined characters can alter the story considerably. On the other hand, some adaptations get things almost perfect. An example of the latter is the new Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Her books contain rich descriptive aspects that make you see, feel, hear and smell the settings used. So, when I heard there would be a series, I was sceptical. However, the filming is movie quality, the characters so like expected (except one that I had pictured with long dark hair <smile>), and the settings of Scotland in the 1740s seem much like the book. It has stayed very true to the story with few edits or deletions. Based on reactions from other friends who love this book series, I'm not alone in my enjoyment of this television series.
I love history -- real and period fiction. Even my current research project deals with historical aspects of a current situation. So, it isn't surprising that I've enjoyed these books so much. The characters feel like people that I know -- the writing has been so in depth that readers see the internal and external conversations and personalities. Truly a gifted writer <smile>. I found the rich historical explanations of politics, health care, society, and warfare truly intriguing. Being a former microbiology professor, the author understands research and that detail is key. She sought first to understand the situation and then to write about it. The books helped me to understand better the history of the Scots branch of the family tree -- as well as appreciate the local cultural base here in the Highland Heart of Nova Scotia. I've embraced this part of my heritage.
I will continue to be sceptical with other screen adaptations, but will give them the benefit of a viewing (or partial viewing <smile>). The selection for today is from the new tv series -- one of many amazing songs used in the series (there be bagpipes <grin>). The version for the series uses new words with the older melody. I've also included the original folk song written in the late 1800s with lyrics describing events after the Jacobite defeat at Culloden (1745) when Prince Charles was spirited away. Enjoy!
The sun shone today with cooler temperatures, but gorgeous sun and blue sky. Much of my work occurs indoors -- well all of it happens inside a building <smile>. So, today I was intent on getting out into the great light and enjoy the outside. I did manage to do this, too! I walked to another building where I did more work, then went to the library to return one book and take out another. Then the delightful walk back to my office, during which I had a great chat with a colleague from the other side of campus. Our paths generally don't cross unless at a faculty meeting or function. So that was a treat. <smile>
Sunshine -- it seems almost infectious -- bringing with it a host of positive thoughts and feelings. It is interesting. I grew up in a city that averages 325 sunny days each year -- the third sunniest city in Canada. So, living on the Atlantic coast brings a new appreciation for sunny days, as here it is likely between 270-280 days per year with sun -- but often with cloud, rain, mist and such mixed into many of those days. I expect that the affect sunshine has on me has something to do with the weather where I spent most of my life. Although, I have noted that after a 2 week stretch of grey skies that even people from here show a sense of relief at seeing the sun again. I did know two students from Nova Scotia when I was in grad school in Winnipeg. They found all the sun oppressive and were the happiest of campers on occasional rainy days.<smile>
The selection for today may be a bit over the top in its mood elevating aspects, but it is a fun song. Enjoy!
It was a very full day at the office today. The plan was for a class, some grading, a couple student meetings and a webinar and then to head out at the end of the day to tackle the grocery store. When I checked the schedule this morning, I found there was a faculty meeting at 5:30 so that it would be almost 8 before I got home. Not a lot I could about that, so I was momentarily grumpy and then I moved on. <smile>
Got home and ate when I should have been getting ready for bed. When relaxing just before writing this and turning out the lights, I got a phone call that lasted an hour. Not a problem, but it was late at my end today. It was a good conversation and all -- some good news and some not great but overall a good chat and long overdue.
As I hung up, my mind went to three words -- then I realized this was a song title. So -- I'm feeling this now and hope that it won't be the same at work tomorrow <smile>. Enjoy!
Today was the annual eye exam, that time when I do my best impression of a black eyed alien creature. It is a bit early for Halloween, but it can be scary to see. <smile> The day was sunny by the time I walked home to hide from the light like some vampire-ish being. I think I'm finally beginning to focus well again and not be as sensitive to room lights.
In another story of clarification today, I began to understand the dreams I had last night. I dreamed that I looked out the bedroom window and saw a funnel cloud gettting ready to touch down in the front yard. Later, I dreamed that I was walking up the hill to the university and the road had turned into a river. Now, when I went to bed a storm was just beginning. Overnight there were major winds and torrential rains. The yard today was littered with twigs, branches and leaves. So, those segments of dreams must have been my brain processing the noise of the storm outside my window. I do appreciate that it chose this way to deal with the storm rather than waking me. <smile>.
So -- one song came to mind this afternoon that sums up the literal and figurative (in)sight encountered today. Enjoy!
Today is the UN Day of Peace. This year the focus is on the right to peace. This is not a new concept, but it is one that seems so far away for many people. Living in peace has been considered a determinant of health and it definitely improves one's ability to access food and pursue a chosen livelihood. Without peace in our surrounding environments, we cannot hope to achieve a state of inner peace.
To me living in peaceful environs means more than living somewhere without armed conflict. It can be living without political discord, a toxic work environment, bullying at school, or family or friendship dysfunction. Life is too short to have to endure such anxiety and divisiveness. I believe strongly that the actions of one can make a difference in the world. Smiling at someone you don't know seems small, but it may be the only smile they see that day. This can also result in them smiling in return. So, this simple action can help someone feel that there is something 'out there' worth smiling about. Sure, this won't solve the problem, but it can help people who are coping with difficulties. Even if you are the one feeling stressed, try smiling at someone as you walk by -- it can make you feel a bit better, too.
That said, I do wish peace for everyone. I don't believe this is just a Star Trek fantasy of the world living in harmony. Hey, I've visited the room where John and Yoko had their bed-in for Peace in Montreal <smile>. Like they sang -- Give peace a chance.
The song chosen for today has been a favourite of mine since I first heard it. It describes the utopia dreamed of by those in dystopian situations.. Enjoy!
We are approaching the autumnal equinox when daylight and darkness last for 12 hours each and the fall season begins. Summer's end brings mixed feelings. It seems that in the northern hemisphere -- or maybe more specifically the northern part of the northern hemisphere -- we relish the summer sun and warmth, though it seems far too short. I've often said that we try to pack 12 months of living into 3 months. Summer is when our traditional vacations have occurred -- schools close for the summer months and families schedule their annual sojourns. It seems to be portrayed as the halcyon days of youth -- no responsibilities and nothing to do but relax and play. The negative feelings experienced when summer turns to autumn may be based on somewhat unreal expectations. The 'to do' lists for summer are far too long to be completed in the 3 month season, so people feel cheated that the summer weather and vacation time won't last longer.
To be honest, while I love summer, I think my favourite season is fall. I love the cooler nights. Watching the leaves change colour is delightful. The earliest of the leaves have begun to show just a hint of colour already. <smile>. Living in a part of the world that actually experiences four seasons, I can say that fall is amazing. I love walking through ankle deep leaves in the driveway and will admit to feeling just a bit sad the day they are all raked up. The rains of fall can be depressing, but signal the transition from summer to winter. For me, the 'shoulder' seasons as the travel industry has dubbed fall and spring, truly are a period of transition. As such, fall will bring warm and cold days as well as rainy and sunny days. The fluctuations in temperature and precipitation are part of the season change. Perhaps looking for the joys of each season and noting that we can do things in each time that we can't do in every season could help us accept this annual change. Yes, it does herald the coming winter, but why stress about winter when we have gorgeous fall weather all around us today? People travel from all over the world to visit the area where I live -- just to experience the tapestry of fall colours we sometimes take for granted.
There are many songs that deal with the ending of summer with sadness. The selection I made for today, is more wistful as the lyrics recall fun activities at the end of summer. Watch for some familiar faces in this one. So, while I dig out the fall clothes and pack up the summer ones, Enjoy!
Summer Nights -- Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta with cast of Grease
Technology was supposed to help simplify our lives, right? <smile> I've spent many hours this week trying to make the classroom management software do what it claims to be able to do. Today I spent 2 hours making a 10 question quiz. When I tried to import the file into the management software, and it does list the exam software file format as importable when you check off that option, it refused to do this noting the file format was totally unfamiliar. I checked software version -- not the issue. So, I was forced to type the questions into the test bank function of the management software. Now this invariably brings increased chance of errors from a faulty typist. I was not disappointed. I made two errors that did need to be edited. So, I clicked the "edit quiz" button and it will only let me edit the quiz settings -- not content. So, I needed to delete the quiz and remake it AFTER editing the questions in the test bank. So, not functional. <sigh>
Earlier this week, I was trying to set up small group discussions on the course management site. Now this may work -- after consulting two tech gurus. To be honest, doing this sort of written discussion journal online works swimmingly with listservs or a notebook left on reserve at the library <smile>. I don't consider myself a luddite. I do many things with technology -- blogging for example <g>. It is just frustrating when a new version is rolled out without adequate cleaning of system bugs. I've encountered 6 or 7 'new' features that do not work as the tutorials suggest. It just makes tasks that should be somewhat simple and quick, grow into insurmountable peaks. Working elsewhere years ago, there would be 1/2-day workshops provided when a new software version was uploaded. We weren't forced to attend, but I found it much easier to spend that time reviewing the new features and understanding how to make things work. I have attended a session for this management software, but it outlined the new features that existed without actually having us work through each feature -- or at least those we'd use most often.
I expect some further positive outcomes will occur along with more frustrating ones. In the meantime, I'll grit my teeth and try to mutter quietly as I work in the office -- don't want anyone to hear what I'm muttering <smile>. I will say that seeing all the error messages pop up on the screen today reminded me of a song from years ago. Enjoy!
What is procrastination? What might be a cause of this behaviour? We all leave some things to do 'later'. Why? Are they boring? Are they difficult? Are the scary? How does one begin to address this behaviour in oneself?
Well -- what a lot of questions -- most not at all easy to answer. I've thought of these reasons and others when things sit for what seems an exceedingly long time. Things can be left to the point of panic to get them done before a deadline or to the point of embarrassment -- when we hope no one else finds out how long it took to clear something from that list. The longer ones seem to be items that we really intend to do, yet something else might be in the way -- some big ass emotional pile of baggage that paralyzes our forward movement. Addressing this baggage takes much energy and likely some pain, so we tend to bury it somewhere deep inside, even though on the outside we tell ourselves we are going to deal with it next week. Sometimes external assistance is needed to help us move past an issue -- a friend, confidante or professional. If we wait a long time, the fear and shame of telling someone we've not dealt with a key part of our lives becomes untenable -- and the circle continues.
I don't have the golden ticket for this problem -- if I did, I'd write it down and share it with the world <smile>. I do know that we need to take control of our lives and everything that involves -- not just the fun things but also unpacking all that baggage, sorting through things -- keeping what we need to and discarding the rest. Discarding could be more a recycling, like placing things at the curb on bulky waste pick-up week. The key is to work through and let go. Learning to do this is a huge challenge in life -- each item we deal with is different and the challenge continues -- sometimes it seems endless. Yet, without this, how would we grow and develop into the best person we can be?
So -- ending on another question it seems <smile>. The selection for today is another two-for -- interestingly each has the same title, yet deals with the topic in somewhat different ways. Enjoy!
I encountered a few questions today that asked that I make someone else's life a bit easier. The intent of the tasks in question were designed for ease of process and not for increased difficulty. Such requests, which appear more as thinly veiled complaints, indicate that not everyone understood the intent of what they are to do. After some consultation with a couple of other people, I discovered that one of the major questions of the day could not be fixed by me, but could be altered by the one asking the question -- its a software thing <smile>.
As I left the office tonight, I found a parking ticket on my car. I had parked by the "no parking beyond this point" sign and had a portion of the vehicle past the imaginary line. I had noticed this as I left the vehicle this morning, but there were many others much past the line and I just walked away. So, yes it is my fault. The irritation was that the car in front of me in the row was a full car width past me. We were both 'over the line' yet I got the ticket and they didn't. <sigh> I will pay without complaint as I was over the line, but . . . So, how was I different than the others who had 'complained' to me today. It is all about convenience. I was the one who broke a town statute and was fined; those with concerns voiced to me didn't break a rule. However, we both have the power to deal with the issues ourselves. I can park with greater care and they can read the document in question and make alterations at their end.
Needless to say, I heard a lyric in my head once I'd worked my way through these conundrums. I had forgotten who had first recorded this song. I have chosen a version by a different group of people, but with some strong links to the first singer I'd heard years ago. There is a lot of imagery in the lyrics, but the chorus line says it all for me today. Enjoy!
Today was exactly 2 weeks since term began. I'm beginning to feel behind in one course already. There is just so much to talk about and cutting back can be challenging -- I love it all and it is all interesting for students. So, this morning I added a couple extra photos to the slides for discussion in class at noon today. Then I worked on a few other items for this and the other course. On the hour, I packed up materials and walked next door to the lecture hall. As I walked in I saw several students who I knew were in the class, but saw two that I didn't recall being in the course. I got to the front of the room to set up, and saw a couple surprised looks on people's faces. I asked, "I am not supposed to be here?" Luckily one great student told me that my class was in the next time block (he is in both courses). I was sure it was noon but it was only 11 AM. <sigh>
I've often thought it might be handy to have a personal assistant, a handler of sorts <grin>. This person would help me book appointments for MD, oil changes, and such. They could also let me know when I need to be where. It would clear a lot of clutter out of the brain and allow me to focus on a task without thinking of six different things that need to be done all at the same time. Well, I think it would be worth a try. I'm sure I'd have to win the lottery to ever test that hypothesis, though.
Needless to say, a number of silly phrases ran through my head this morning. I chose this one lyric that seemed most appropriate for the situation. Enjoy!
Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is? -- Chicago
Yesterday and today, I was reminded that friendship does not have the boundaries that we find delimiting our daily lives. It is not dependent on geography, which is a great thing when I have lived in 4 provinces and 8 cities and towns. Real friendship picks up where it left off despite the intervening time between visits. These friends are part of our thoughts as if the person was just next door even if they are on the other side of the continent or in another hemisphere. This is an interesting phenomenon, for sure.
During the past two days, I've been reminded of the gift that is friendship. Receiving holiday greetings from friends, chatting about life's ups and downs, or hearing soothing and encouraging words in times of stress -- all part of friendship. It is a reciprocal relationship, so it is outgoing as much as incoming and always special.
So -- today I would like to say hello, hang in there, thinking of you, and thanks for being there for me to all my friends. I'm not sure I say it well or often enough, but it all means so much to me to know there is a bright spot in the day that will be filled with friendship.
The song today discusses the nature of friendship. Enjoy!
Today I began a project for an addendum to an art book. I was provided with e-files of two works of art -- each rather avant garde. I am to choose one and write how the work represents food and nutrition to me. I love this sort of thing -- and I do bring art into the classroom wherever possible. I've enjoyed the lateral thinking exercise and have decided which of the artworks to pursue this coming week -- deadline is next weekend. I'm hoping they find my interpretation worth publishing, but even if not, it will not have been a waste of time. Using the artistic part of my brain can be quite refreshing, when daily work often includes mostly vertical, silo style thinking. <smile>
One need not be artistic in nature to think laterally. A favourite exercise for workshops and classrooms involves asking participants to imagine as many uses for some common object within 1 minute. If you find yourself needing a short break, this is worth trying. When working through a problem and designing a solution, lateral thinking can free the brain to be more creative -- to break out of the usual thought patterns. Just pick up the first item you see and go through the listing exercise. If that doesn't appeal, try to force fit a series of items or words to the problem at hand -- either as part of the problem or solution. Each helps the brain to see the issue from a different perspective. It works with groups and committees, too.
The selection today addresses an artist and an artwork. I have seen a number of originals by this artist in various museums. I find these works amazing and often quite calming, a wonderful gift from a tortured soul. The song also has a calming tone, yet speaks both to the beauty and mental health issues of the painter's life. Enjoy!
Dreams -- precognition, jumbled random thoughts or working through anxieties of the day. Their genesis or purpose seems not to be completely understood, though much has been written on the subject. For those I recall when I wake up, there have been many types of dreams and even a few recurrent dreams. Trying to deduce the meaning of some dreams is a fool's errand -- some just don't make sense. Others can be easier to disentangle as they may often deal with our inner fears or reflect overly anxious periods in our lives.
When particularly stressed from work or life events, there is a movie marathon of anxiety dreams that plays through my head. One had to do with me being late for a math exam at school -- a subject that took extra effort to pull together, perhaps the reason that none of my degrees are in that subject area <smile>. Once I began to teach at a university, this dream morphed into me being late for invigilating a math exam for a course I had forgotten about and not instructed all term. So, the brain seems to be able to switch context to make the thing more salient. The more calming type of dream in times of heightened anxiety either has me visiting places that have always made me feel secure or have given me the chance to visit or speak with someone who I can no longer phone for a chat. Either way, these dreams seem to help me wake feeling a bit less stressed -- either laughing at the silliness of a situation or smiling from the visit with a loved one. So, they do seem to play a purpose.
I chose a song for today that carries some of the surreal aspects of dreams both in the words and the music. It is sung by one of my favourite poet-songwriters. Sweet dreams and Enjoy!
I was thinking today of what a privilege it is to share our lives with other species. It is wonderful to come home after a day at work and have a happy being to greet you. I've lived with many wonderful cats since before I was 2 years old. I've known dogs of friends and family members. Each of these delightful creatures becomes part of the family. They provide smiles, laughs, comfort and calm -- all so necessary for a balanced life. I have found cats -- with which I am most familiar -- to be very zen and can help me re-centre after external issues have created internal turmoil.
People who have not lived with an animal seem not to be able to comprehend the close bond that develops. They look at others oddly and may even say, "It's just an animal." I feel sorry for them for not knowing the rich emotional link that so many in this world are blessed to experience. I certainly can't imagine my life without all my furry friends.
The selection for today comes from an amazing album I received as a gift years ago. It is filled with songs for and of the feline. This song is a wonderful parody. Enjoy!
Beethoven Chased by Rossini -- by Garrison Keillor featuring Federica von Stade (from Songs of the Cat)
Today things went fairly well at work with just a few bumps with technology, but nothing major. Classes went wonderfully and things on the 'to do' list got completed -- even if it was at 10 PM <smile>. I am now settling in to a nice cup of chai and a wonderful bran muffin (trans fat free from a wonderful bakery down the highway <smile>). It appears that for now the loudest of the neighbourhood parties has been shut down, so sleep may not be as elusive as it looked 15 minutes ago.
We are nearing the weekend. There will be housework and office work to complete, with hopes of a bit of time to do a couple of 'me' things, too. This doesn't mean that I am wishing my life away -- something my 98 year old friend has reminded me not to do <smile> -- but it means that I am looking forward to the change of pace that comes with the weekend. I am not in the office, but at home. That small change of venue makes a big difference. I often find this syndrome interesting -- our current economic system is build around a 5 day work week. Even though many of us work weekends, there seems to be a majority who do not. This adds a type of mythology to the weekend, a concept that not all people are able to enjoy. I've worked in health care and had two days off during the week. Believe me, it is so not the same as a Saturday and Sunday off. Interesting how society has built itself around these two days as times to kick back or celebrate surviving another week -- like we deserve something special. So many layers to this concept that unpacking it would take a book -- at least.
The song today addresses the excitement experienced by many people with the approaching weekend -- in particular Saturday night. This version is performed by two great singers with one playing a mean banjo <smile>. Enjoy!
Almost Saturday Night -- John Fogerty and Keith Urban
Today was a very full day, not without its disappointments and frustrations. I did choose to find a way to focus on the positives more often. It seemed to make sense as there were more positive aspects to the day than negative. I spent some time with friends and colleagues to enjoy the beginning of term and did look up at the blue sky several times during the day. Each of these helped me to refocus my attention and rejuvenate me somewhat for the next task on the list.
Why is it that humans tend to focus on the irritations in our days? These are often smaller than the wonderful things going well around us. Is it that we don't have control over the outcomes of everything? Is it that we find our own responses disturbing? Or is it that we dislike having to deal with bumps on the road to finishing that 'to do' list? Retraining thought patterns is challenging -- how to focus on the positive and not focus on those things outside your control - those you cannot change. I am trying <smile> but some days I fail. Thankfully today I had the support of a great friend who helped me see the beauty in the world.
When walking from one task that created a small irritation to the next one, I heard this song in my head. It was this voice and the title line that ran though my brain today. <smile> Enjoy!
Don't Bring Me Down -- The Monkees (lead sung by Micky Dolenz)
Another lovely sunny day with manageable temperatures -- I do think that the approach of autumn is one of my favourite times of year. For most of my life this has included cooler, dry days and back to school. In the Maritimes, fall is a rainy season, so the sun today was especially wonderful. Today included some classroom challenges when the technology chose to take a lunch break forcing me to pull out the chalk <gasp>. We managed to get through some major concepts and I will review next day with the pretty pictures that I had ready.
The pace of an academic term is intense -- and it is already crazy as we pass the mid-point of week 2. The viruses that people have brought with them from the far corners of the world are taking their first victims. That, too, will pass. We are a residential campus, so students live, eat and work together, making colds and such move along very quickly. I think the rest of the week will be crazy busy all around, but so far it is still going well -- just busy <smile>.
The song for today has a great tempo and a happy, fun set of lyrics that seem to match the feelings of the past couple of days. Enjoy!
The race has begun a couple days sooner than I'd expected. Over Sunday and today, a large number of students in one class did their first and second online assignments. This is wonderful, even though what I'd planned to do tonight was set aside to look through and get the grading begun. Impressive to see people do this at the beginning instead of waiting until the last week to submit these items. It makes everyone's schedule easier to manage, too. Now there will be some last minute folks, but it may not be the bulk of the crew. This class is large, so the fewer procrastinators the better. <smile>
While this did make me reschedule my evening work plans, it is a good thing. Seeing enthusiastic responses within the first week of the term gives me hope and makes me smile. The day was also sunny, so it was pleasant to see outside my window. I did work to find a few minutes to re-centre and breathe. Now this is only Monday, so we'll see how things progress. The goal is to not spin out of control, right? <smile>
I thought of a song today that addresses the frenetic aspects of the term beginning and one I need to think about as the term begins to explode, I'm sure. This selection has a great beat and some fantastic lyrics -- "so much jibber jabbers clogging up our soul" -- gotta love that poetry. Enjoy!
The cooler temperatures today were delightful and the air was much dryer than the past few days. I went out for two shorter walks to enjoy the temps and the sunshine of later afternoon. I worked around the house a bit and thought through activities of the coming week. My goal for today was to do things that helped me remain relaxed as we launch into the real classroom work of the term. For the most part, this worked, with a few intrusions from louder neighbours <sigh>.
Sundays have always felt like they should be calmer and I've worked to find a way to deal with the anxiety that begins to rise knowing that the following day is an office day. Luckily, the fall term seems to be a bit slower off the mark than the Winter term. So, I'm determined to take advantage of that. Life will be frenetic and over the top soon enough. The chorus of a song ran through my mind from the moment I woke up today -- my subconscious at work, it seems <grin>. There are some great words in the second verse that I take to heart, too. It has a slow, calming tempo and a singer with a soothing voice. Enjoy!
Today the son of a friend of mine -- and someone I call a friend -- is getting married. I have so enjoyed the posts from his parents and the couple. There is such joy in the photos of the preparations of the past couple of weeks. I do look forward to pics from the event itself. The weather where they are appears to have provided a wonderful September day.
Weddings are one of the many life events that give us time to pause to celebrate and immerse ourselves in the joy of beginnings. Each wedding I've attended has been unique, reflecting the personalities and interests of the couple. I've been a bridesmaid 4 times and twice acted as surrogate mother of the bride or maid of honour when brides were planning far from home. I've even visited the famed Kleinfeld's with a conference colleague a couple years ago. I do love the planning and gatherings before the wedding -- showers, stagettes and the more traditional trousseau teas (haven't been to one of those since I was very young). The day itself has always brought surprises and fun -- great dances, outdoor venues, wonderful dinners and receptions. The wedding breakfast the following day can be a calmer time to chat and eat -- I do enjoy food <smile>.
So -- in honour of the couple being married today and all my married friends, I have two songs. If you read this blog with any regularity, you know I have trouble sticking to the one song a day rule <g>. The first selection today is specifically for the newly weds -- a song I've always loved. The second song is for them and all others. Enjoy!
Well, a less than auspicious end to the first week of the term. Having a beverage with colleagues on the deck of our local bar only to be physically attacked -- by a bee. I was the second person stung while several others at the table have been close. It was a large bumble bee, usually very docile creatures. The thing flew out of no where, landed on my upper lip and stung me before I could even react to remove him from my face. What an intense pain! Luckily I was sitting beside a friend who had just recertified for first aid and emergencies. She took me inside and got some baking soda and ice and made a poultice for me to apply as she walked me the couple blocks home. By then, the pain had left and the swelling began. The wound is just at the margin of the upper lip. I do look like I've been punched.
I was very concerned and semi-panicked as the one and only other time I have been stung led to major swelling. The first time was not a bumble bee, though, so luckily no major allergic response to this species. Still icing it every few minutes and it seems to make if feel better -- likely numbing it <smile>. Smiling hurts as does opening my mouth wider to eat -- but that did not stop me from downing some pizza and salad once I rested and felt a bit calmer. Another 'first' for me -- a bar brawl with a bee. Luckily, I think I got the best of the deal. After I left the table, he bothered another couple of people and then one of them dispatched the insect, putting it out of its crazed misery. Not that I like to see bees die, but this one was in some type of distress, having bothered several and stung one before being shooed away across the brook, only to fly directly back and begin landing on everyone. It wasn't after the food or drinks as wasps tend to do, but was bent on attacking people.
What sort of music might begin to fit this situation? Two songs came to mind while walking home after the incident -- so a bonus day for us all. <grin> For me they each fit in slightly different ways, though the second one is off a bit in a calendar sense. Enjoy!
Last weekend, a small group from my high school graduating class met for lunch in Moose Jaw. I had been home in June, so didn't head west again for a weekend. Several people sent notes when they were unable to attend. Most attendees were from around home with a couple travelling in from a day away. There was an evening event in town to remember a dance hall that had stood for decades and has been a gravel parking lot for the past 20 years or so. I wish I had been there in person, but I was there in spirit. Thinking of all the oddness of high school -- some really fun memories and some less than wonderful ones. Being a nerdy science geek, I was hardly part of the 'in' crowd, but I did have some great companions.
High school is a proving ground of sorts. Even coming from larger elementary and junior high schools, high school is like being thrown into the deep end. It seems to value homogeneity, and any one not meeting the decreed norm can be ostracised. I went to the same high school where my parents met and most of my aunts and uncles went.(there were 3 others schools in the city). I even graduated with my dad's youngest brother. Few people believed the truth about how we were related and chose to believe were just cousins. This is a great example of the narrowness of thinking in high school when frontal cortexes are still years from fully integrating their circuitry in the brain. <smile> Others were just plain unkind. The group of us who tended to be outside that 'norm' spent time together and helped each other through the unpleasant social aspects of high school. My dates in those years were from elsewhere -- other high schools in town or even other towns. There was acceptance, I just had to search for it. All that being said, I think many of those I graduated with have come a long way and attending a reunion is not outside my idea of something that would be fun to do. However, I do think that any planners will need to consult a mathematician because I am certain that the math was wrong on how many decades it has been since we walked across that stage. <grin>
One song line came to mind when I knew this lunch was going to occur. I wrote a short note letting folks know what I've been up to over the years and that I wished I could be there visiting and reminiscing with them. Today I'll share that song with you all. Enjoy!
In early June, I slammed my finger in the door when leaving my office. Now, I do know how to close a door. However, on this day, I was using my left hand due to an injury to my right wrist and just didn't have the spacial distance clear in my brain as I closed the door behind me. At the time, I could not breathe -- not even enough to let loose with some word or phrase that might seem appropriate to the situation. The base of the nail was bleeding, so I went to hold it under the cold water tap. I wrapped it in paper towel and went to ask the admin assistant if she could put on a bandage for me. It felt sort of odd, since it was the middle finger of my left hand. I will admit I giggled many times when I looked at the bandaged hand.
So -- 3 months onward. The blackened nail is still half there. It isn't fully attached to the skin and moves oddly -- semi-nauseating to be honest. I've taken to wearing a bandage most of the time to avoid catching the nail on something and tearing away what is left. The nail will leave, but I'd rather this happen without external assistance to avoid further pain and bleeding -- go figure. <smile> New nail is growing underneath, but it isn't a full nail yet so hasn't detached the old nail completely. The blackness of the old nail has pretty much gone so it isn't too ugly to look at now.
For listening to what some might feel is an overshare, I have another treat for you. A rather obnoxious song that has run around my head for three months. It just seemed to be the appropriate song for this situation and made me giggle -- well for the first line or two and then it can become a bit much. I've heard some people say that music from the 1960s really was music -- well, this may be the exception to that thought. (dare I say it?) Enjoy!
Anticipation -- the past couple of days have been filled with various feelings about the oncoming academic term. For the most part, it is exciting -- seeing returning students, meeting new students, and catching up with colleagues. Some of the feelings aren't as filled with excitement -- worry about performing adequately as course instructor, fear of embarking on a new course, concern over the number of things that need doing this week. Luckily, the positive outweighs the negative for most of the day <smile>. As the work pace ramps up, the balance does tend to shift, though.
Several people asked me today if I was 'ready' -- not sure what that means -- or 'excited' about the new term. The latter question was answered by my colleague's next sentence. "Well, we should be excited because we'll be doing it for the next 8 months." Well said. I laughed about the anxieties we all feel at this time of year. Today, I chose not to let it all collapse in on me quite yet. Sort of a 'don't bring your negative stuff my way today' type of feeling. This thought could be directed to me as much as anyone else.
A couple of lines ran through my head from a great song that speaks to me about relaxing and not obsessing on things beyond my control -- for now. <smile> Enjoy!
Traffic in town the past few days has been wild -- so many cars, trucks and trailers filled with everything a person needs for the coming eight months. My street has many new cars parked on the street and filling driveways. I made a quick stop on campus to pick up a flash drive I'd left on my desk, and the parking lots are filling up there, too. The days of parking beside my building are gone until end of term, but that does mean that I will get some exercise by walking up hill or across campus each day <smile>. The frosh welcome events began this weekend and everyone will be on campus by tomorrow.
This time of year always reminds me of going back to school as an undergrad. My Dad would drive me up each year with everything I needed packed in the car. Each year there were a couple more boxes to pack. I remember us driving home at the end of my final year. We laughed as the headlights pointed skyward with the huge weight of books in the trunk. This was a special time. Dad and I had time for just ourselves. Once at the residence, there were all the other returning students to greet and get filled in on their summer events. The campus was pretty in September and walking and talking was easy and pleasant. I've always had 'that' feeling when I walked onto any campus. It is a comfortable and welcoming feeling. Guess it isn't a surprise that I ended up working on a university campus, eh?
In honour of the students building their school spirit and the practicing varsity teams, one song played over in my head today. It's a fun tune that speaks to loyalty to an alma mater. Enjoy!
