9-88 929/3/22) -- Exploring the Wilds

Wow! What a day! I'd call it productive. I fear, though, that the soreness in my back will persist into tomorrow. I cleared a large shelving unit in the guest bedroom today and found many things -- some of which I was sure I had dealt with years ago. <sigh>. I filled five bags with paper recycling and another with garbage. Those bags will head to the curb next week where they will join the other three or four bags completed in the past week. 

Much of the paper was from jobs before I retired. I knew that much of my doctoral dissertation files were part of this group of boxes. I got rid of all but a couple of sheets that I chose to keep for posterity. I was shocked when I found drafts and committee meeting notes from my masters thesis. I felt confident that I had dealt with all of that before moving east almost 24 years ago! But this one box seemed to have been missed. Now, I've spoken with and heard about other people who have kept their dissertation drafts and raw data -- some even longer than me <grin>.  I found these vignettes particularly heartening, since I felt bad that I was still hanging onto these papers. Given the immense amount of work and emotional investment involved in a doctoral degree program, I can understand why folks hang onto the physical vestiges of those triumphs and pains. I do have a bound copy of the thesis, so don't really need anything further now. So, all of that material now rests peacefully in blue bags. 

I now have plans for items from other piles that I've tackled, to move to this clearer shelving unit. It will take some getting used to finding things there instead of in a stack somewhere. I'm sure I'll get used to that, though. I do like finding floor space where a stack of papers used to be <smile>. The furry one is investigating these newly appeared areas of tile that weren't there before. It reminded me of explorers looking for new ways to get somewhere. A song by a  wonderful Canadian singer-songwriter came to mind to share here tonight. I feel like one of those explorers these days as I make my way through the wild areas of the house. <grin>  Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Northwest Passage -- Stan Rogers

9-87 (28/3/22) -- Kindness Turned Inwards

 

I had two phone chats today and made several phone calls to deal with household business. I had two good news pieces from those calls <smile> However, I didn't get to the large project I'd hope to begin today -- but I did do a couple of smaller sorting tasks. I noted in a conversation that I need to be kind to myself. It is advice I often give to others, but seem unable to apply to myself. The response noted how I respond to friends and students (when I was working) and suggested that I might apply even a tiny bit of that caring and empathy to myself. Easy to say, but not so easy to do. <sigh> I seem to expect a lot of myself and my expectations for how long it should take me to do things are not wholly realistic. Imagine! <smile> 

The difficulty in turning kindness inwards may be due to the internal dialogue that fuels the superhuman expectations. I know that physical and emotional energy is required to do cleaning and sorting activities. Yet, the emotional parts are given short shrift in plans that seem to expect an automaton to do the actual work <smile>. I'm sure I'll get through, but it will take some time. Today I decided that I could do one of the harder tasks and then do a less emotionally involved cleaning task and then move back to the difficult one again. I will wear my ear buds and play uplifting tunes. Planning for a short walk or tea break during the day might help, too. I will these ideas on for size and see what works and what might not. I hope this will help me turn around some of the negative self-talk. 

A song of self-acceptance came to mind when thinking of being kind to me. The lyrics might be seen as a overdone self help affirmations, but the main message is one that fit my thoughts today. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Just Do You -- India Arie

9-86 (27/3/22) -- Fairness

While  working in the house today, I had two movies on in the background -- The Theory of Everything and Les Miserables -- an Eddie Redmayne day, it seems. <smile>  Instead of a walk today, I played a game of pick up sticks in the yard. The past couple of wind storms brought down a number of smaller branches and twigs.  I filled the green (compost) bin that goes to the curb tomorrow. That gave me time to ponder themes that struck me when viewing these two movies for the umpteenth time. 

Much of what I was thinking,, had to do with the idea of fairness. Life often doesn't seem fair. It is so easy that an action that one person perceives as negligible can have a major impact on another person -- this may plunge a world into strife or it may improve a given situation. Either way, we don't really understand the full impact of our actions. We can guess about them, but we can't ever fully know. We also may find that dreams take longer to get what we think we want. If we journey right to the heart of things, our goals may change as we grow and move forward in life. 

There is a lot more to ponder on this subject, so I expect it will appear here in the future. The song chosen for today comes from an iconic rock band. The lyrics and title fit the thoughts of my day. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

You Can't Always Get What You Want -- The Rolling Stones

9-85 (26/3/22) -- Curmudgeon Complaints?

Clearing more papers filled parts of the day. I have another two large bags for recycling week and got more shredding done, too. These activities seemed appropriate since Earth Hour took place tonight. I'm so glad we have such a comprehensive recycling program with curbside pickup for most items. We have to take some things to depots ourselves, like electronic and hazardous waste items. Even bulky waste, like furniture, is picked up from the curb twice a year. This is a plus of living in a university town; a downside is all the loud party noise like I'm contending with tonight. A live band in a house down the street with listeners spilled into the yard and the regular gang across the street and uphill who will have music blaring until well into the wee hours. I feel curmudgeonly when I complain, but to be honest, I've dealt with this for almost 24 years and I must be getting so very tired of it all <sigh>. 

I'm not fond of complaining, though I catch myself doing this more often than makes me comfortable. I like to find the absurdities in life -- the multiple sides of a situation that might be the source of a complaint. I use sarcasm a lot, so that might sound like a complaint when I see it as a way of dealing with situations and finding that nugget of the absurd. I do outright complain about situations, too. I'd like to find a way of managing that negativity in a more constructive way. Though, expressing one's anger and frustration is better than pushing it all down inside. So, I guess there still may be complaints in my future. Hmmm. 

The selection today includes lyrics that fit my pondering. It feels supportive. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

I Can't Complain -- Patti LaBelle

 

9-84 (25/3/22) -- Online Day

Today was an online day. I attended a late morning seminar, and afternoon symposium and an evening virtual year-end banquet. All were interesting. I did do some further clearing of magazines and such while listening to the symposium. I have another heavy pile of things to carry to the curb for upcoming recycling pickup days. 

This is the third year when the department 'banquet' has been fully online. The guest speaker, a former graduate, spoke about her career and subsequent learnings from career reflections. She spoke with a relaxed and approachable style -- very accessable. I enjoyed that speech followed by an online scavenger hunt and trivia game. The annual student awards were announced and the traditional highlight photo show ended the evening. I miss the buzz of a room full of faculty, staff and students over a meal --- the commensality of it all. The newer format continues to demonstrate flexibility and dedication of student planners. 

An intriguing little ditty came to mind when thinking of the banquets before virtual gatherings. Much work goes into such events, so in a way people do 'sing' for their meal. <smile> The musical selection sounds a bit different than the usual harmonies of the group involved.-- but sounds like what the song's lead singer gravitated towards. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Sing for you Supper -- The Mamas and Papas

9-83 (23/3/22) -- Freeing Activity

Today we had some sun with a few clouds. It became overcast by late afternoon -- a portent of things to come. The forecast includes a storm with overnight snow turning to rain by afternoon tomorrow, however there will be an extended period of freezing rain during the changeover. I really dislike freezing rain. It is so damaging. The storm takes place during the day at least, so the event will not be hidden by darkness. 

This afternoon, I completed sorting tasks of paper files. The end result was a huge bag of paper and another of shredding. Further files remain and will be tackled in the next day or two. This activity feels freeing -- like shedding a skin must feel for a snake. I'm able to get out from under the piles of files. <smile>  Why that buzz doesn't stay or encourage me to keep doing something each day is baffling. Maybe the sun played a role in my positive mood today. Who knows? I have read that people feel good after decluttering. It is difficult to understand that this might occur, but I now have my own evidence to add to the global knowledge base. <grin>  I also agree with the advice I've always given -- start with a small task and move on from there. This can assist with the overwhelming nature of a huge job.Funny how we don't take the advice that we willingly provide for others. Hmmm. My self talk will need to use this evidence-based approach to get me moving to do a clearly delineated task. If I get into a groove and choose to take on the next small task, all the better.  

While sorting and shredding, I heard the repetitive opening lines from the song shared today. I find the rhythms, vocals and instrumentation of this one to be relaxing, too. Keep safe. Enjoy!

I Feel Free -- Cream 

8-82 (23/3/22) -- Expectations

It has been another windy, cool day. I went out briefly to pick up the flyers from the front yard and get the mail. It is a spring weather pattern -- bits of snow and rain and wind with splashes of sun some days. While there are definite signs of plant growth underway, March weather can be less kind. 

To be honest, with all the things I need to do inside the house, the cooler weather outside helps me to get something done. Some day smaller parts of large tasks are completed than on other days, but something happens each day, so there is forward movement. Being kind to myself is difficult, though. I just want it all done, but it will take time. I'm not sure that fact sits well with me. For some reason I think that I should be able to do more in less time. When that becomes overwhelming, less work gets done. It seems to be a vicious circle. Some days a lot of sorting and cleaning gets done. On those days, I feel I've made a major stride forward. On other days, like today, I get very small bits done and that leaves me feeling defeated.  

A song from my childhood came to mind today. I chose a video version by a more recent artist. I like the live rehearsal aspects of this recording. It shows that work is underway to polish this song. That felt familiar to me. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Pick Yourself Up --Diana Krall

9-81 (22/3/22) -- Changing Together

We had some snow overnight that melted in the morning sun. The wind was fierce at times and made it feel much colder than it actually was out there. My afternoon was filled with online meetings. The first had platform glitches that required me to remake a meeting invitation five times! Bizarre. We did manage to get connected, though. The second was an online focus group for development of new strategic directions for an organization. It was interesting to hear the ideas of others and build upon them as a small group. 

A virtual environment seems to work very well for small group gatherings. I used some of the early versions of software to meet with research participants as groups  and for individual interviews. Focus groups work very well with this technology, particularly since the recording feature is now built into most platforms. That means less messing around with getting the phone to record or <gasp> having to use old audio recorders. Often such recording formats failed or parts of conversations were missed when tapes had to be switched out or flipped over -- yes, I go back that far <grin>.  While not perfect, the newer virtual platforms allow individuals and groups to meet or to attend lectures, classes, conferences and live entertainment events all without travelling. It certainly has expanded the reach by shrinking the world -- making it much more accessible for people in distant remote areas to participate in events that generally have been available only to those in larger centres in the past. I believe this will expand further as we move forward. The pandemic forced the world to find ways to connect by distance and those learnings will help inform the next phases of communications technology and practice. 

The selection today was chosen due to the lyrics that speak about being together in an endeavour, much like we have been over the past two years. We've managed together and learned together and now we continue to build together. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

We're All in this Together -- High School Musical Cast

9-80 (21/3/22) -- Who's Counting?

This is the 3000th blog post! Now some are more memorable than others, but the totality has followed my days for into the ninth year. I've said before that I never though this would continue for this long. It was a challenge to do a daily musical selection rather than only doing this during December. I relished the creative outlet this provided me during a time when my professional creative writing was going slowly.

I still find the reflections for the daily blog can reduce stress. I had hoped chronicling the journey might address anxiety and the resultant negative emotions. My 'pondering' does help more often than not. Thinking through events and feelings has led me to see things from different viewpoints. I've often found the absurdities in the midst of life -- views that help me understand better and even smile. <smile>  That others read this on occasion still surprises me. 

I share a song especially for the lyrics at the beginning, though some throughout speak to why I do what I do here. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Unwritten -- Natasha Bedingfield

9-79 (20/3/22) -- Spring!

Spring has arrived -- astronomical spring arrived today (meteorological spring arrived on March 1, but that is a subject for another blog <smile>). The day remained grey with above freezing temperatures and a mid-afternoon feeling of humidity that made a lighter coat necessary. 

When out walking I saw snow drops in someone's front yard yesterday. I'm hoping these will appear in my lawn soon, along with squill and crocuses. They should appear in the next couple of seeks. My lawn faces north, so it sometimes takes things a bit longer to show up in the yard. Lily and iris shoots are up at least two inches. After thos come magnolias and rhododendrons -- not in this yard but all around town. It is these first little shoots that hold all that hope in their tiny green leaves. 

A song that describes the arrival of spring fit the pondering of the day. It has a middle-ages folky sound  that is relaxing. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

The Lullaby of Spring -- Donovan

9-78 (19/3/22) -- Sweeping Away

This has been a productive day of household chores. Outside was grey and cooler than forecasts suggested I found myself  thinking of the work involved in spring cleaning. Divesting one's self of parts of the past makes room for new things -- tangible and intangible. It helps put everything in its place -- in the house and in the mind. From a physical standpoint, sweeping out dust bunnies and 'dirt' helps to clear the mind of unpleasantness. It allows time to focus on a physical endeavour letting the mind rest a bit. For me, physical activity can quiet the anxiety and help me relax. Not only do I have something tangible to see from my efforts, but I also feel better physically and mentally. Sore muscles from cleaning can be uncomfortable, but that, too, reminds me of the physical exertion and accomplishments of the day. 

Getting several things done today left me smiling and feeling good. I like days like this one. Much of this depends on me and how I react to things around me. When we get right down to it, it is a choice -- of sorts. That brought a song to mind from the dim distant past. <smile> It speaks to the choices we can make. Keep safe. Enjoy!

If You Want to Sing Out -- Yusef/Cat Stevens

9-77 (18/3/3/22) -- Sorting Through Stuff

Today I did the final preparation of bags and boxes for donation pickup tomorrow. I have more to sort through for pickup dates in each of the next two months. Now I had planned to do some of this during the early lockdown of the pandemic. Needless to say, many of us made such plans, only to discover the overwhelming nature of a global pandemic left less emotional energy than would be needed. So, I have tried to be kind to myself for not getting to this sooner. Much of it had been done in my head in preparation for the real event, though <smile>.  

For this pickup, it is mainly fabric -- clothes and used linens -- some for reuse and some for rag trade. Looking at the clear plastic bags of clothing brings mixed feelings -- so many memories go with each item. I know many of the clothing items should be great for business attire. So, they will hold new memories for someone else. None of these items have been worn by me for a while due to retirement and pandemic changes to daily life. 

I've never done such a large sorting event. I've pulled one bag together every so often, but this is a much larger purge. Purge -- that word sounds very negative. Donating these items will help a national charity raise funds. That means that things can be useful to medical research as well as perhaps providing individuals with some fun 'new' clothing items. So, purge may be too stern for the clearing out of items I'm no longer using. Re-homing or re-purposing are gentler terms. Going through all these items again -- some had to be turfed -- has been a bit of a ride with the memories. It reminds me of clearing though my mother's closets six years ago. Wandering through a life by sorting through 'things' brings a lot of emotions. Even without the item in our hands, we will remember the events where the clothes - in this case - were worn. Letting go. It isn't easy, but then it is only the tangible items that are going, since the memories will remain with us. 

My meandering through memories with clothing also brought a song to mind. Imagine that! <grin> It has a wonderful up feeling tempo. The topic fits today perfectly. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Vintage Clothes -- Paul McCartney

9-76 (17/3/22) -- Quiet Day

It has been a quiet kind of day. The weather was a mix of sun and cloud. In the afternoon, I went for a walk with a friend after which we visited over tea. I enjoy our chats; we never run out of things to talk about <smile>. It was even better to visit in person instead of through an online platform. I had an early supper and then rested. It seems I have a sinus infection creating head discomfort and fatigue. It should begin to feel better in a few days.

Today is St. Patrick's Day, so I chose a song that reflects my Irish heritage. This is one that my dad liked. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Galway Bay -- John McDermott

9-75 (16/3/22) -- Common Ground?

I read a social media post by Brene Brown, social worker, researcher, and expert on vulnerability. This post made me stop. It said exactly what I was feeling. She wrote, "Things have been so hard personally and the pain in the world is overwhelming. I can't find my footing." Wow. From someone who researches, writes and does podcasts, this statement shows that even those who lead others through the negative times can feel thrown by things beyond their control. I was amazed by was the level of vulnerability she showed by posting this statement. Again, Wow! 

I have been reading headlines less often than a year ago. I avoid online and televised newscasts. The spin is always so one sided. The reporting of hateful activities and statements does little to help people understand a situation. Instead, it polarizes people moving them to the extremes rather than the center where all sides can be presented, discussed and understood. In an online lecture today, the speaker, former Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, noted the need to return to a truly bipartisan way of governing and keeping to the high road in communications. The anger we have seen from protesters in several nations has been challenging to absorb and try to comprehend. The addition of a war has made the news even more fraught with anxiety inducing reports. One does need to know what is going on in the world around us, but the reports of the 24/7 news cycle present more supposition and opinion and less fact. <sigh> Common ground seems not so common. 

I heard a song through the ear buds while walking that fit the pondering of the day. Many artists have covered this one. I chose the version I heard while walking. Keep safe. Enjoy!

Last Night I had the Strangest Dream -- Garth Brooks 

9-74 (15/3/22) -- Beware

 

It is the Ides of March. The day was cloudy day with sunny spots occasionally and a cool wind. I made two trips to undo purchases made yesterday. The first was to return a belt since I had picked up the wrong size. When I went to get a replacement, I had to choose a different design since of the three others that were there yesterday, only an XL was left. That means that with my purchase, three belts of this one type were sold yesterday. Who knew? A run on belts? What I do know is that I've looked in the few possible stores locally and this is the only place that had belts. I had ordered one online, but the 1-inch belt advertised arrived as a 2-inch wide belt. Not at all what I needed or wanted. <sigh>   

The second return was more complicated than a straight exchange. I had received a notice of a sale on frozen fruit with specific member pricing. The limit was four packages at 50% of the shelf pricing. So, I bought four. I checked at the till to ensure the discount had been applied and there was a chunk of a rebate given. When I got home, I realized that instead of bringing the price down for all four bags (the stated limit), it did this only for three bags. I called customer service and sat on hold for over 30 minutes last evening and then gave up to make supper. Today, they answered right after all the verbal messages. I carefully explained the situation. The rep asked if I had my receipt. Yes, I do. I was then told to go back to the store and they would adjust my points. But this isn't about points; its a pricing error. The store will fix that, too. The rep told me that they could help me if I didn't have my receipt, but the store was responsible for such changes if I did have a receipt. Now this got me thinking, since that is the opposite of what has happened in the past. It has always been an easy process either in live chat or over the phone. So, I schlepped back up to the store, thinking along the way that I was likely using the $3 difference in gas <sigh>. Well, it turned out this was not the store's responsibility as I'd thought. They were wonderful, though, and did provide a refund anyway. The stores used to do the member pricing but now the loyalty program does it. I put down the weirdness of both the belts and the frozen fruit to it being the Ides of March <grin>. 

A lyric line came to mind today -- be a very wary bear -- also a play on the Ides of March <smile>. I should be careful and check the receipt before I leave the store or the very least the parking lot. I do this often, but not often enough, obviously <smile>. The song this came from is a goofy kid's tune, but I'm going to share it anyway. Keep safe. Enjoy!

Heffalumps and Woozels -- from Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day

9-73 (14/3/22) -- Momentum

 

It has been a busy and productive day. I made a quick trip to pick up some items that weren't on shelves last Friday and got everything on the list today. At home, I tackled the closets to clear out clothes that I am not wearing anymore. Got two large bags and a medium box filled with some things that still have a lot of wear in them. The front porch pickup is on Saturday. That leaves another couple of days to check out other corners for other items to donate. Garbage went to the curb tonight. I had a compost bin filled with branches -- very heavy to move -- and an extra bag of rags and such from the corners I've gotten to already. 

Working on one category of things to donate -- today it was clothes -- seemed to work well for me. Standing in a room with several starting points seems to create inertia. Thinking through where the clothing items might hang, made it easier to get into different closets without worrying about going through things other than clothes.. I felt like I had accomplished something worthwhile over the past two days of sorting and packing. Now, I hope I can keep the momentum going by chipping away at small areas takes less than the whole day and creates a positive feeling. I also began this task in mid- to late-morning, a time when I don't usually have meetings booked.This might become part of a new routine for the next little while. It depends on how sore I feel tomorrow. <grin> 

The title and a couple of lines of chorus ran around my brain for a while when working on the sorting tasks. I'd like to continue with the same level of energy and enthusiasm that I managed to muster today. That would make the larger project seem less overwhelming and more doable. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Don't Stop Me Now -- Queen

9-72 (13/3/22) -- History on Screen

The wind is still present today with gust diminishing in intensity. There was even some sun into the afternoon. Snow arrived overnight as colder air came in with the more northerly winds. There isn't enough to shovel, but a broom will move it off the north-facing porch once the flurries leave today.  The big task of the day was to reset the clocks. Now I just need to adjust to the change. While doing a couple of loads of laundry, I accomplished some sorting and filling bags with linens and clothes for donation.

I took time with my afternoon tea to watch a some recorded TV programs. The latest season of Outlander began last week. I enjoy the attention to detail of the time period, characters and the books. I got the latest book of the series for myself at Christmas and will start that in the near future. The story has been a delight. From the first book, I felt I knew the characters. Gabaldon writes in detail yet hold the reader's interest -- not an easy feat. She had begun the story as a trilogy and is now working on the tenth book --much to the delight of her fans <smile>. I enjoy the historical aspect of the story. The 18th Century in Scotland, France and the US provides a rich background for the story of struggle, innovation, and perseverance. The story has given me a different perspective on my Scottish ancestors and the people who settled in the region I currently live in. 

The theme song of the television series has been the same song since the first season. The song has been presented differently for each successive season.  I share the version of  the current season. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Skye Boat Song --  Rod Stewart

9-71 (12/3/22) -- Major Wind

The morning arrived very grey and still -- an eerie feeling. It brought to mind the portent from Shakespeare, "By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes." My hands did feel a bit sore today which may have been due to the low pressure system and dampness. Who knows? I don't think of myself as one of the 'Weird Sisters' <smile>. Things remained quiet into the late afternoon. Light rain fell, but the wind didn't pick up until closer to supper time. By 8-9 PM, the gusts roared outside. It was very loud and scary. Forecasts state that this will conitnue for a few more hours when a few hours of respite will occur before the gust begin anew but from a more northerly direction. Temperatures will drop and precipitation will turn to snow -- hopefully not a lot. I hope everyone remains safe during this onslaught. 

Other than the storm, gasoline prices seem to be top of mind. I filled the tank when I was out yesterday. It was close to one-third of a tank. I did stop once it reached $60, but this seems to have gotten things closer to full. I've never paid this price for gasoline before. It was $1.82.2 per litre -- and that was after a 4 cent drop in price yesterday. Luckily, I don't have to drive too much or too far, so a tank can last quite a while. I expect that along with the increase in "fill and dash" occurrences, there may be more siphoning from tanks in drive ways. The new vehicle does not have a release lever, one simply presses on the wee door to open it -- and no cover inside either. Odd. 

The title of a song came to mind while listening to the winds tonight. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Like a Hurricane -- Neil Young 

 

9-70 (11/3/22) -- Caring Gesture

We had another sunny day that wasn't quite as warm as yesterday. I ran errands and got most things on my lists done, but had to push a couple to next Monday. In the afternoon, I listened to an annual lecture (virtual) that has been presented during March, Nutrition Month, for the past 9 years. I was named for a dietitian who was a chef. Mary Sue Waisman fave the first of these lectures named for her. Each topic brings food to the centre of nutrition practice. This year the theme dealt with food sovereignty and food justice in black communities. The speaker wove together a number of major concepts providing a black-centric viewpoint. There was a lot to digest and I'm certain there will be many conversations that come from the pondering of participants. 

I went for a walk early in the afternoon so I could enjoy the sunshine. Into early evening, I chose to go for another short walk. Temperatures were dropping just into freezing territory so some spots of water on the sidewalk were beginning to turn slick. As I was watching the ground and walking in the dark, a man coming towards me noted that I should watch the puddles up ahead. They were very deep so I walked over the snow around them. It would have been difficult to determine the depth of the puddle in the dark, so it was kind of him to give me a heads up. Little things like that renew my faith in humanity -- there are good people out there. 

The song that seemed to fit today best is shared here. This is a cover of the original by Glen Campbell. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Try a Little Kindness -- Brad Paisley 

9-69 (10/3/22) -- Spring in the Air

Today was a brilliant sunny day. There was a perceptible buzz around town today. People were in an upbeat mood saying this was really spring weather. There were lots of smiles present as I did errands and walked along the street. 

Now that said, the media felt the need to interject with the news of a major low pressure system headed our way for the weekend, complete with rain and wind warnings. I'm not surprised since we've had a storm every weekend for almost two months with most early to mid-week storms thrown in for good measure. With the melt and run off there is a lot of mud out there. Over an inch of rain will make it so much worse. Spring weather here tends to bring warmth but a lot of mud, so much so that friends refer to it as mud season. 

I guess knowing that there is a storm in the offing Makes us appreciate the calm sunny days more. The furry one had a nap in the sun on the kitchen floor today. I started my day just sitting in that splash of sunshine with him. Tomorrow should be a sunny day, which will help me get some other errands done without being caught in a deluge <smile>.  

A song came through my ear buds as I was out walking today. It reminded me of the positive attitudes that I encountered along the way. The song is happy and encourages people to enjoy the day. Keep safe. Enjoy!  

Let's Dance On -- The Monkees

9-68 (9/3/22) -- Avoidance

Recently, I have been struggling to find a way to re-establish the daily routine I'd had since just after the first lockdown occurred two years ago now. For the past few months, my activity has been replaced by a lot of sitting and not getting much else done. I've been trying to get to the Spring cleaning as well as some sorting and clearing of the cupboards and corners that seem to collect all manner of things <smile>. Surely there must be someone else sneaking things into the house -- not sure how I ended up with so much stuff. Well, maybe that isn't quite true. There are boxes that were shipped to me when my childhood home was sold and then the selected items from when I cleared out my mother's apartment. A small number of boxes have not been looked at in the intervening years -- too much emotional baggage there. I will attempt some of them, but know that there will be things that I can't address yet. But there are some things that I know I can manage. 

So, here I find myself in the midst of avoidance behaviour -- a key way that I deal with anxiety. Not a productive coping strategy, but it has been my 'go to' for decades now. I have spoken to friends to state my intention to put out an extra bag of garbage or recycling each week. I've thought through some of the items that can be disposed of, recycled, or donated. Some of the hard work of sorting has been done in my head, and all I have to do is get my butt into the room and just do it. It will go quickly. Someone pointed out to me that getting momentum for an unpleasant task isn't easy. I noted that the intangible benefit of clearing a space isn't enough to get one moving either. So, it was my hope that stating my goal -- a measurable, achievable goal -- would provide the accountability that I need to get this thing started. I also hope that spending time each day doing some of this work will help me re-establish a daily rhythm. As the weather improves, my afternoon walks should be more doable, too. Getting out of the house to see the changes nature provides at this time of year can help manage stress, too. I also need to be kinder to myself and realize that while there are days when less is done, they are rarely totally void of some accomplishment -- such as the laundry backlog that I got through this week and the major cleaning and vacuuming done this week, too. 

So -- after all this thinking about cleaning one song came to mind. It has a slight sarcastic tone to it --  from my perspective at least. The visual should bring a smile or at least a guffaw of some sort. It may also suggest that I get over myself and quit acting like a princess or something. <giggle> Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Happy Working Song -- Amy Adams

9-67 (8/3/22) -- Ironic Absurdities

 

I was up early again to move the car out of driveway. Lots of wind and a bit of rain occurred throughout the morning. The excavator arrived via the two neighbouring properties instead of coming down the driveway <sigh>. Digging went on for over two hours. During this time there was a jurisdictional group of onlookers -- reps from town and local KofC (since the land behind the yard is an older cemetery managed by both groups), plumbers, and me (I was inside out of the wind). After the pipes were replaced, the hole was filled in and people and equipment left the yard about noon. The excavator even left via the driveway -- go figure <smile>

When the plumbers arrived today, I said that I couldn't wait to do laundry again. One of them responded, "The things you never thought you'd hear yourself say." That made me laugh. It was the first thing I started when they had left, though. I did a couple of loads and started the third. I busied myself with some cleaning of the downstairs bathroom -- the tub and toilet to be precise since that is where things backed up a week ago. I threw out all cleaning cloths when that was done. Then as I was planning supper, we had what my neighbour noted was a brown-out. I unplugged things with motors that will be trying to go again while getting only partial power, which can kill the motors. Thank goodness for a neighbour with all the physics of electricity down pat. And that they would phone to check if I was having the same problems and what to do right away. When I called the town for an eta on the return of power, I was told it would be about 3 hours. Not a long time, but it is cold and the only heat here is electric. I have put on all my clothes and am under all the blankets and comforters in the house. <grin> Guess, I'm making more dirty laundry. <grin> Now, the irony of losing power just as I finally could do laundry has not been lost on me. <grin> I have the third load on a prolonged soak as we wait for power to return. The dryer has a load of wet towels that will need attention when things can work again. I must have tempted fate somewhat when I complained about not being able to wash clothes and then celebrated doing laundry. What was i thinking? <grin>  

The lyrics of a country song seemed to fit my thoughts today. It mentions laundry and describes situations where we might tempt fate. It made me smile in the midst of the absurdities of the day. Keep safe. Enjoy!

It all Comes Out in the Wash -- Miranda Lambert

 

 

9-66 (7/3/22) -- Grateful for Small Things

I was up way too early to move the car out of the driveway at 7 AM to make room for the work vehicles. The entire ground was covered in ice. Thankfully the road had been sanded well, but was still just ice. The walk across the street and back up the drive way was treacherous. The snow on either side of the walkway was soft enough so I walked there instead of along the pathway.  About 9 AM, I got an e-mail noting the job was postponed due to weather from the weekend and expected rain today. They have plans to arrive tomorrow morning. This means another very early day for me -- and anyone who knows me understands that I don't do mornings well. <smile>  I'm a definite night person and always have been. I returned the car to the driveway and put down salt along the walkway. The sun came out briefly then, which also may help to melt the icy parts. 

I never thought that I'd be looking forward to doing laundry <grin>. Maybe tomorrow. This got me thinking of how we tend to take advantage of daily activities and often complain about having to do them. I realized when I went down the stairs to the basement that hanging at the end was a washboard that my grandmother used. It hangs on the wall with a silk flower arrangement. I almost go to the point where that would be a workable solution. Then I realized I didn't have the wringer machine that she had either. The thought of wringing them by hand made my wrists ache. So, without being able to use the appliances in the house -- washer and dishwasher -- has helped me to see things differently. I will try to check myself when I get grumpy or start to complain <smile>. 

I stumbled across a song by an English indie band. The shared song has a new age-ish sound. I like the focus on mundane daily things -- including laundry <smile>. It just seemed to fit some of the thoughts today. 

These are the Things -- Black Box Recorder

9-65 (6/3/22) -- So Sleepy

It's been a grey day with snow turning to rain by early evening. More snow fell than I'd expected, so I spent time moving it before the rain got serious. I also cleared off the car so it is ready to move out of the driveway early tomorrow when the workers arrive to dig up the back yard and replace the sewer pipe. Hopefully, this will be a good start to the week. 

While I had a better sleep than the past few days, I was so tired during the day. Every time I sat down for a tea break, I thought I'd fall asleep. Instead, I stood in the kitchen to cook and challenge my brain to do three things at once -- turkey a la king, biscuits and fruit crisp. All turned out amazingly. <smile> 

I realized that when I sat down to watch TV or check online, that my eyes felt scratchy and my mind kept drifting away from the task at hand. Perhaps the sandman has taken up residence in the house in an attempt to keep warm and dry. Carrying wet sand around must be difficult -- dry sand would be hard enough. A goofy song from a few decades ago came to mind to describe my situation. I do like the arpeggios throughout. But, remember, I warned you it was goofy and may be attached to a possible ear worm. <yikes>   Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Mr. Sandman -- The Chordettes

9-64 (5/3/22) -- Spring Cleaning Starts

Another sunny day! I completed some heavy household cleaning activities. Lots of  'spring' cleaning is in the near future. I've also been working on decluttering. I don't plan to go the Marie Kondo route <smile>, but I do need to clear through things to keep, donate, and discard. Parts of this process require major emotional input since many things hold deep meaning. Revisiting those memories can create stress even if there is no thought of disposing of such items. I've tried to make a plan to start with some easier areas just to get some momentum started. Then I will try to alternate between contentious and less emotional areas. But first, I have to get started. I'm not sure if this is procrastination or major avoidance behaviour. Neither gets me moving forward well. It could be due to feeling overwhelmed with a number of different difficulties falling all around me. The epitome of avoidance is feeling the need to just hide from it all --not that this is possible. <smile> 

One up note for the day was news that the plumbing work should begin on Monday. This entails replacing a section of the sewer line from the house to the main. I fervently hope to be able to do laundry soon after that. Most clothing can be done by hand, but sheets and towels not so much. <smile> This is one situation that has disrupted my daily activities and routine in a major way. It is outside of my control, but seems to be moving in the right direction. 

While running the vacuum around today, it felt great to get all the dust bunnies of spring-shed fur. I've been picking them up daily recently -- a sure sign of spring beginning. A song from the past came to mind that fit this experience well -- even though a bit tongue in cheek. <grin> Gotta love that bass.  Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Another One Bites the Dust -- Queen

9-63 (4/3/22) -- Prisms

I moved a small bit of snow that fell overnight. The temperature was quite cold and the wind truly nipped at my cheeks and nose. After a lecture,I went for a walk to enjoy the prairie-like winter day. The bright sunshine of the day highlighted the crystal structures of the tiny snow flakes. They reflected the sunlight as colours -- mainly blue and violet shades. When shoveling, I realized that I was smiling since the day reminded me of home. When setting up for the virtual class lecture, the moderator, who is also from Saskatchewan, noted that when they were shoveling today, they thought of me, knowing the day would make me smile and remind me of home. So true. 

All of that visual input today made me think of prisms. A prism takes a shaft of light and deconstructs it to show all the colours within. Life does this with our minds and souls. Being a qualitative researcher, I disconnect the whole into its component parts and then reconstruct the information to show all the 'colours' I discovered in the process. Perhaps this metaphor fits our continual growth as humans. We or some outside force breaks us into parts that we then have to work at to make things somewhat whole again. The process is painful, but the outcome can be very rewarding. Change is part of life. Adapting requires much effort. It can be exhausting, but if we don't do that work we will feel less than whole. 

The music for today comes from an art-pop genre. I chose it for its way of describing snow -- the thing that got me thinking today. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

50 Words for Snow -- Kate Bush

9-62 (3/3/22) -- Searching

We have had light snow from afternoon into evening today. The storm tracked a bit south of us, so local accumulations were less than predicted. I did move some of the snow into the evening once snowfall was tapering off.  

I have felt overwhelmed by many things this week. Sleep and clear thinking have been disrupted. I was planning to look at lecture notes for the class I'm speaking with next week, when I realized the date was actually tomorrow! <sigh> Good that I was checking things on the calendar and noticed this one. <smile>. It feels as if the world around me has turned upside down with so many things outside my control not going in a way that would make me feel calmer. Finding the positive moments in each day can help a bit with some of this. The time outside moving snow or going to pick up bread provided great mental breaks by getting me out into nature. Supper of red beans and rice was a nice treat. I listened to some great music while working in the kitchen. Small things can mean a lot. I just need to pay attention more some days. 

While shoveling a song played through my ear buds. It fit the way I felt -- searching for something. It has been part of this blog over the years, so some of you may find it familiar. Take care. Enjoy! 

River of Dreams -- Billy Joel 

9-61 (2/3/22) -- A Transition Season

It has been a mostly grey spring-like day with some moments of sunshine and blue sky. Precipitation consisted of a  snow-rain mix -- not a lot of either. I pushed the inch of slushy snow, which was heavy work so I was pleased there was not much there. Forecasters tell us to expect another 10 cm (4 in) of snow tomorrow followed by a hard freeze, so ice may prevail. The heartening aspect of this weather is that the snow won't last long at this time of year. My other outing was a trip out to Main Street for milk and a couple of other items. The walk was pleasant. Carrying heavy items made it a shorter walk than usual but still a good workout. 

The day had me thinking of spring -- a time of hope and perhaps promise. The sun is warmer. The ground is less frozen. The furry one is shedding more this week than on the weekend. All are signs of seasonal changes. Mixed precipitation, which is common at this time of year, represents the ups and downs of this transitional season. The back and forth nature of spring days take us from winter to summer with extreme swings in temperatures and slowly eases us into the next season. Many people want 'spring' to arrive but seem to define this as summery days. Understandable. We are all pretty much over winter by this point in time. <smile> The transition is necessary. So, I try to find the hope and promise of the change. An elderly friend used to tell me not to wish my life away. Sage advice. 

I chose a classical piece to share today. I like the uplifting nature of the music. Take time to listen and relax. Keep safe. Enjoy!

Spring -- Vivaldi (from the Four Seasons) 

9-60 (1/3/22) -- Unexpected Findings

The day was filled with sunshine and blue sky. The plumbers arrived and found a larger job than expected. They need to dig to replace a collapsed pipe -- likely done with the auger used to dig post holes for the fence around the grave yard on next to this property. Permits will take a day or two for some unknown reason and the work should take a day or so. I think that means no major water use in the house until the end of the week. So, it will be like camping indoors -- not my fave but it will have to work. Doing some hand laundry and washing dishes in the sink will have to do until I can use the washer and dishwasher again. There are work-arounds for the bath or shower, too.  

Laissez les bons temps rouler! It is Mardi Gras today. While the plumbing problem wasn't the easy fix we'd expected, I did my best to look up to the blue sky and sun during my walk to look around the neighbourhood. I ate etouffee for supper tonight. I tasted spicier last night, but has mellowed during the day. I was wondering if I had put in more cayenne or perhaps the scotch bonnet sauce. I was not too hot even last night, but the flavours melded better while sitting for a day. It was very yummy.  

Looking out the window when up early this morning to greet the plumbers reminded me of a song -- well that and the lyric calendar on my wall <smile>. The lyric also fits my walk to look around this afternoon. I share the song with you all. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Dear Prudence -- The Beatles