%%USERNAME%%    %%ACCWORDS%% %%ONOFF%% |
 |    My random thoughts and reactions to my everyday life. The voices like a forum. |
| I do not know quite what happened or when , but my hubby and I now qualify for seniors' discounts at some venues. This creates a quandary; in order to save money, but not face, we have to admit to our age. HMMMM..... We definitely do not consider ourselves to be old. In this day and age ,when people as a whole are living longer and healthier lives why are 'young seniors', those in their fifties, like moi, considered 'old'?? It's so true that age is just a perception! "Maturity" is very objective/subjective, and I object! Whew, a few years have skittered by since I composed this biography block. Those "fifties" are in the rear view mirror and they are distant, fond memories. Oh, I do not plan to stop writing any time soon. |
| War Chest Wednesday! From a previous challenger... Someone your age but from the eighteenth century has to learn to use technology in today's world. Do they adapt well? Why or why not? Explain how you think they'd do. I've viewed some of the online documents available at genealogy research sites, and according to them, my direct ancestors claimed to be proficient in reading and writing when they emigrated to Canada. At the moment, they appear as names on a ship's boarding list from the 1800's. Did the relatives from the preceding century, the eighteenth to be precise, also read and write? Hmm, this is debatable. Some proclaimed themselves to be saddlers, farmers, blacksmiths, and the like. Their occupations did not require them to be literate. In order to use today's technology such as e-mailing , texting, instant messaging and twittering one needs to be able to read and write. Yes, I know this is debatable with all the short forms instead of real words, and the use of emoticons today. Anyway, the basic precepts of communication need to be employed. Okay, presuming this 18th-century person is literate and able to craft written messages, and then read the same, would they accept cell phones and computers? The only tools they'd be familiar and comfortable with are quill pens and a bottle of ink. They'd have been born far too early for even the invention of the telegraph and telegrams which began in the 1830's and 1840's. The concept of an instant message would be considered madness, or witchcraft. Letters were the only means of correspondence to my "old" acquaintance, and they travelled slowly to their recipients. Anything else would be inconceivable, and beyond the realm of understanding/acceptance. Tapping/typing on something known as a keyboard to draft a missive would be mind-boggling and awkward. The 18th century was a time of distrust and superstitions. Receiving an instant reply to one's message would seem strange and frightening. Using all of one's fingers to create a letter? Sending it out to an unseen force ? Speaking to someone in real time on a magical device that carries the human voice across great distances? In the eighteenth century, a few people were just coming to terms with the steam engine. Most people made things with their bare hands. They toiled along with animals. Living conditions were rudimentary. Life was simpler. Canada was a fledgling colony. Electricity and indoor plumbing did not exist. Most news was spread in person by word of mouth. Travelling was arduous and took considerable time. How could anyone from this time period comprehend instant messaging? Learning involved time and effort. Books housed data, not online, unseen servers. I believe this 18th-century person would struggle with our technology. It's so invasive and pervasive. It's too much lights and noise. They'd most likely be superstitious. They originate from a time when people met to speak face-to-face, and deals were sealed with a handshake. They trusted what they could not only see and hear, but touch. They believed in the tangible. |
| Talk Tuesday! What was your least favorite subject in school? Tell us about a teacher who made that subject even less fun for you. There was only one subject that did not agree with me when I attended school. I chose a variety of subjects to study in high school. I enjoyed learning three other languages, auto shop class, various English courses, math, science, and history. Each year, despite my mother's objections and my natural propensity for klutziness, I insisted upon signing up for Physical Education, or P.E. This was my fun class, my lark class. I harboured no illusions of becoming an athlete. If you assume this was my problem course, you'd be mistaken. Once, just once, to my eternal regret, I listened to my Mom's advice, and I enrolled in a typing class. This was as computers were appearing, and my particular educational edifice had not yet invested in them. I did not have access to one at home yet either. This typing occurred on an electric typewriter. Imagine! It's not as if I couldn't, or didn't memorize the placement of the keys on that keyboard. That was not an issue. My "handicap" was the size of my hands. They are tiny, kid-sized, with short fingers. My baby fingers did not and do not still reach the top row of keys. When my digits are stretched and splayed out, my littlest finger is totally useless. Of course, most of the typing classes revolved around speed and accuracy exercises. I hated those stupid, inane sentences created to use all the different letters, and punctuation keys. It was so repetitive. My style could technically be referred to as cheating, but I prefer to call it adapting. I have other fingers perfectly willing to take over the duties of their fellow, short "sisters". It's sorta like wrestling. When there is a key to press that should be touched by the weak fingers, the others are tagged in as replacements. This works for me. That typing class also discouraged visiting, talking, socializing, etcetera. It attempted to be all business. Everyday, it was the same sounds; tappitty-tapping, a clacking, a whiz-banging, a zipping, a bell-dinging... After a speed drill, I'd hear a collective releasing of held breath. The timer, of course, buzzed shrilly. I don't recall the teacher/typist's name. I suppose I am suppressing terrible memories. She made it her habit to parade up and down the aisles between our desks. She seemed to delight in the blitzkrieg attack. No one knew when she might suddenly snatch a page from a typewriter. I am grateful that she never resorted to swatting errant fingers. Sigh, I did survive, didn't I? |
| Motivational Monday! Actress Aisha Tyler , born on this day in 1970, once said "When I get old and slow down I want to look behind me and see all the fire and the wreckage and no stone left unturned." How do you think you'll remember your work and the time you've spent writing, once you're no longer pursuing it to any serious or steady degree? What? Are you suggesting that one day, a day in the mystical future, I may no longer be writing? Gasp, this is inconceivable! At this moment, I cannot foresee such an occasion. I envision myself always writing. There is no shortage of people to portray, or scenery to describe, or situations to create. Subject matter abounds. Things happen and must be preserved. What could possibly stop, or prevent me from writing? Perhaps I'll develop some sort of dementia, but I'm not depending upon that. My maternal grandmother still tried her hand at creative writing when she was in her seventies. I see myself following in her path. The horrific, sad part is that if I lose my memory, I'm not going to remember any of my writing much less anything else. It will be as if it never existed, and I will not have an opinion of something lost/forgotten. Okay, okay, God forbid that I should cease to write, but if I did for whatever reason, I'd recall my efforts fondly and with pride. They are a part of me. I would also never regret the time I devoted to writing. It has kept me amused, and out of trouble. |
| Creation Weekend!! *CarG* For Saturday: We're going on a road trip! We're gonna need some music...what makes for a good road trip song, album, or playlist? Give us a list (5-10 or more) of songs, or a few albums (3-5 or more), and tell us why those are your "must-have" road trip favorites (you don't have to provide links or embeds; plain text is fine). *Cargr* For Sunday: Who's going with you on your trip, and where are you going? And, most importantly, why? Have fun! A road trip? Woohoo, count me in! There are so many great travelling tunes, in fact, almost all music except opera would be fine by me. But I have been asked to select some specific songs, so here is my list. When my three were younger, our favourite sing-along hits were generated by a group known as Jefferson Starship. To this day, we can sing all the tunes, word for word. So, I'd like the album 'Knee Deep in the Hoopla' to accompany me for nostalgia's sake. Surely something Mom and kids agreed on can't be all bad. Of course anything from Queen is perfectly acceptable for my road trip. The music is so dramatic and 'singable'. My voice isn't the best, but I can generate the powerful emotion and belt out the lyrics with the best of 'em. I love Supertramp, so two of their fantastic albums must be included. 'Even in the Quietest Moments', and 'Breakfast in America' contain the best sounds for fighting fatigue and boredom. If I'm taking great, theatrical music, I vote for some ELO. To stay upbeat while trapped in a moving vehicle, I will sing 'Don't Bring Me Down' and 'Strange Magic'. Okay, I'll bring one more spectacular album 'cause it is a part of my past, and it feels like an old friend. Meat Loaf's 'Bat Out of Hell' is a helluva creation. Okay, now that my play list is ready, hubby and I can begin our road trip through The British Isles. This is my dream/fantasy vacation. I am a fan of things British, plus both my partner and I share a British-family background. Perhaps if he returns to the country of his roots he will find more of that sense of humour that remains hidden away. I find English humour to be sublime, and seeing/hearing/experiencing it up close will be fantastic. Oh, I am also a bit of a genealogical detective. I would enjoy visiting the different communities that once were home to our ancestors. The kin range from southern England to Ireland and Scotland. We don't mind car travel. We prefer to explore at our leisure, without a timetable. We'd just have to adjust to driving on the wrong side of the road. Did I mention that I hope we meet some living, breathing relatives as well? Think of all the tea we'll sip, and the chin wagging we'll do! |
| Fun Fact Friday! On this day in 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered the antibiotic penicillin in the mold Penicillium notatum. Assuming there are governments in the world not corrupted by large pharmaceutical corporations, when do you think we'll see cures and/or better ways of living with life-threatening and chronic illness, diseases, and other afflictions? I honestly don't know when, or if we'll ever see a cure for many illnesses. Then again, this may well have been what people thought in the years preceding the discovery of penicillin. Some miracle discoveries occur when least expected. They can be flukes, or coincidences. Some are found to be more useful for an entirely different disease than the one intended. Research takes time, effort, and funding. Anything drug-related is heavily controlled by government agencies.. I imagine the red tape is mind-boggling. There is a strictly sanctioned protocol for the introduction of a new drug. I believe that most of this is for consumer protection. Even with all these policies in place,a potentially dangerous/deadly drug can be manufactured and released to the public. Yes, pharmaceutical companies are expecting to make profits, but consumers sometimes push for instant relief and cures. People are often impatient and looking for expediency. They do not think of long term effects, or adverse effects. One horrific drug, thalidomide, was prescribed to pregnant women experiencing morning sickness/nausea. It was touted as a miracle breakthrough. Doctors willingly offered it. Unfortunately, this drug caused serious birth defects. I'm not convinced that each and every illness/disease can be cured solely with drugs. Humans sometimes rely on the quick fix. They want convenience, no fuss, no muss. Some do not take an active role in helping themselves. Many do not change their lifestyles, or adopt more positive habits. I've known diabetics who will not eat a healthy diet, and they ignore obvious symptoms. I've known people who eat their allergy-trigger foods. There are smokers. There are recreational drug users. There are addicts. There are alcoholics. They all engage in risky behaviour. My sister, Laurie had Multiple Sclerosis. She never dreamt she'd be battling a crippling disease, and ultimately losing. All her efforts failed. No drugs, or lifestyle changes saved her. Sure, research exists. Yes, drugs are created, and tested. The trouble is that the medical community still does not understand this disease. At the moment, individual symptoms are treated with varying success. |
| The Wildcard Round! This week's winner, chosen by the Virtual Dice from all eligible entries, will win a Computers MB (and I know...I still haven't gotten to last week's yet...I'll try to get on that soon, I promise *Blush*). What is something the internet has actually made worse for you instead of better? It probably isn't just me, but I really dislike the scam/junk mail that somehow worms its way into my private e-mail account. Am I supposed to believe and therefore support the ridiculous claims that are mailed to me via the internet? I pay for this service, yet phishing tries to bamboozle me, hook, line, and sinker. I fail to see how anybody could be conned. Why do so many of these scams claim to pay out in English Pound Sterling? Am I supposed to be impressed? Why in the world would I use my bank account to somehow liberate a fortune from a foreign country? So, I only have to pretend to be a long lost relative? Oh, I have the opportunity to share a percentage with a shady estates lawyer, or a government official? Without my assistance the funds are trapped, and inaccessible? I only need submit a small fee to accept my award/prize? All of these e-mail schemes are poorly written. They are riddled with spelling and grammar errors. That is an obvious red flag. Secondly, they attempt to implore me with a veiled personal touch. I'm instantly suspicious when an unsolicited message uses my name, and address. Another tell is that the e-mail address of the sender does not match the address in the "official document". Sure, I'll overlook such glaring mistakes. Are there actually people who believe that they can get something for nothing? If it's too good to be true... |
| War Chest Wednesday! From a previous challenger... Let's talk Bucket Lists...have you ever completed anything you'd consider to be on your own "bucket list"? What was it, and how was it? If you haven't yet completed anything, tell us about the one thing you think you're most likely to accomplish and why you've chosen it. And if you're not the "bucket list" type, how come? I believe I've managed to complete a few things on my bucket list. I always wanted to see my writing printed in a newspaper, and that happened several times. It felt incredible. I received positive feedback which was gratifying. I wished to travel and explore Canada, and not just where I was born, or raised. So far, I've been able to visit many lovely areas of my home country. I've also branched out to the States for my travels. People that I meet are fascinating and friendly. I wanted a family of my own, and to that end I have three children, one husband, a daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters. I feel loved and blessed. I never saw myself residing in a big city, or at least not for an extended period of time. Huh, well this idea had to be bent and temporarily abandoned at times, but now I live in a serene, rural village. I was curious about my ancestry, so I began an online search. I discovered and connected with several of my mother's first cousins, relatives she'd known nothing about. They answer a bit more of the puzzle that is me and mine. |
| Talk Tuesday! Is there a band or artist you regret not being able to see in concert (because you once maybe had an opportunity but now they're no longer able to tour; not because they stopped touring before you were born)? If, for some reason, there isn't one, what's your favorite concert memory? Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to see a comedian perform live. It coincided with an equally recent knee surgery, so I was somewhat ambulatory with a limp and a cane. To say I moved with difficulty was an understatement. I paid good money for the expensive ticket, and I wanted/needed a few laughs. Preceding the show, I travelled four hours via car. At the venue, I was dropped outside the vicinity of the main doors. I just had to hobble across six incredibly busy lanes of a major city's traffic. Once inside, I only had to traverse a mile or so of a lobby and a corridor, ducking around scores of people. Then I faced an arduous climb up a steep flight of concrete steps with no hand railing. Luckily, I was spared the indignity of squishing awkwardly past seated patrons, but those same fans pushed their way over me ensconced in my chair. The comedy was as I anticipated. Jeff Dunham is clever and hilarious. Somehow, he combines stand-up with ventriloquism. I remember laughing at several of his stories, and seeing tears in my daughters' eyes as they guffawed along with me. It was a shared moment. Usually, we laugh at each other, but this night we found the humour elsewhere. A few years ago, I travelled that same four hours to that same major city, to treat my teenage granddaughter to a Maroon 5 concert. Who am I kidding? I like their music too, and yes, I find Adam to be attractive. There were times while I searched for a parking spot that I feared we'd miss the show. This always serves to remind me why I do not live in a city. The vehicle traffic is insane. Congested doesn't begin to describe it. At one point, I believe I'd have paid any monetary amount just to be able to leave my car some where, anywhere. After I'd finally squeezed into a slip of a spot, we raced across country to arrive breathless at the outdoor concert site. We actually made it before Adam appeared. Of course, there were no empty seats, and we were forced to stand for the entire show. This wasn't really a problem 'cause we danced and sang anyway. I recall a security guard who would patrol the section we were in, and every time he passed, he'd make a point of directing people to move back behind an imaginary line he'd drawn in the dirt. He could not abide even an errant toe over that line. This happened to be Sydney's first music concert and she seemed to have stars in her eyes. Her grin was the biggest I've ever witnessed. For that magical evening, she was a happy camper. It did not matter where she lived, or what she wore. She was an entertained fan. Adam sang to her. |
| Motivational Monday! Musician Moby , born on this day in 1965, has said "I've worked with all sorts of random people [...] It's interesting- I work with a lot of these disparate, different people to learn what it's like to work with random people." Have you ever worked with someone else on a writing or other creative project? How'd that go? Did you learn anything in the process that you've been able to carry over into working solo? And if you've never worked with anyone else before, why not? No, I have never worked with a partner on a writing project. It's not something I've ever though of doing. A few long distance relatives suggested a joint writing effort, but it never materialized. The intention was to submit alternate chapters to each other via e-mail. The idea fizzled before it began. For creative endeavours, yes, I've collaborated with others. Most of these projects happened while I was an active Girl Guide leader. My fellow Guiders and I planned recreational activities, camps, craft sessions, hikes, and more. We had to create menus, shop for food, assign cooking and clean-up duties, initiate a theme and accompanying arts and crafts, convince others to volunteer, arrange guest experts, erect tents, consider campfire ideas, and so on. To do all this, we attended several planning sessions before an event. We made sample crafts. At the special event, we all worked as a team. Most of us had several "official" duties. Not everything went as anticipated all the time. People get ill, or face emergencies, so they cannot be present in person each and every time we planned something. Weather did not always cooperate, and we had to improvise. Supplies may be forgotten at home. Sometimes, a guest missed the date. We learned to be flexible. We abandoned the pretense of perfection. Our main expectation was to have fun. Did I learn anything at all from this experience? Maybe... Plans are not etched in stone, and irrevocable. Structure re timing and expected outcomes, can bend. Plan B is often better than the original plan. Creativity cannot always be harnessed, or directed. Usually pressure is self-inflicted. Partners are often forgiving and patient. |
| The Sunday News! I'm not even gonna bother with a link today (feel free to share your own, if you'd like)...the topic is Hurricanes, as the US has been battered by two in recent weeks (with a few more brewing underneath). How prepared are you for any kind of natural disaster? Weather-related disasters? Where I reside, it is highly unlikely that a hurricane will strike. My home area cannot be described as tropical, and it is inland, a fair distance from any ocean. Twisters, or tornados, are rare, but not inconceivable. One of those demented wind storms blew through recently, about two-hundred miles from here. Reports claimed it was a mini-twister, but it caused havoc nonetheless. The natural disasters I am familiar with involve freezing temperatures, blizzards, and ice. Every winter season, there is the possibility of an adverse storm. Locals are familiar with the everyday hardships of winter. We all prepare for it with sturdy snow tires on our vehicles and engine-block heaters. Most of us have learned to keep our cars' gas tanks topped up with fuel. Some, choose to heat with firewood, so they stockpile it. Candles, matches, flashlights, and batteries are kept nearby. Of course, we possess warm clothing, and we wear it. Shovels are next to doorways. Pantries are stocked with non-perishables. Bottled water is saved. We expect to be snowed in at least once during the long winter. Bear in mind, this would have to be quite the mega-storm to inconvenience us and force us to stay put, hunkered in our homes. We adapt. We accept, begrudgingly. For the most part, we carry on with our usual business, but we cannot be prepared for everything. Years ago, in a particularly brutal January, an ice storm knocked out our power grid. Temperatures plunged to the -40's Celsius, and froze there. For over a week, we had no electrical/hydro power. My home was heated by an oil furnace. There was just one wee, important problem.... the fan/blower for that furnace only operated via electricity. Yep, no heat. We made do. We bundled ourselves in sleeping bags that became our cocoons. Within that "skin" we wore wool, fleece, and anything remotely warm. I still remember my youngest reaching a hand out to snatch a snack, and then retreat into her sack. The gloves only came off for eating. I don't believe I saw her face that entire time. Periodically, we'd sit in our vehicle, and let the motor idle, just to experience a flash of warmth. A few times, we visited friends/family with wood stoves. We couldn't cook. Sigh, our stove was electric, too. We did not own a barbecue then, but I'm glad. Attempting to cook in sub-zero temps. would not have been pleasant. Peanut butter sandwiches, crackers, cookies, chips, fruit, whatever sustained us. Runs were made to a local restaurant that operated with a generator. We'd fill thermoses with hot coffee and tea. Our water heater was also electric. Strangely, the hot water lasted for a few days. That tank was well insulated, and we doled out the water sparingly to wash our hands. Drinking and toilet water came from the wells nearby that were not serviced by electric pumps. We amused ourselves with reading, board games, conversation, charades, and the like. In the evenings, we lit candles. I suppose this was somewhat like living in an igloo. We were reduced to roughing it in our own home. Now, winters don't seem as menacing, or daunting. |
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Happy June! May was so fun!
